News - Raffles Medical Group

news 

A PUBLICATION BY Registration No. 198901967K . MITA (P) 274/07/2006 . COMPLIMENTARY COPY ISSUE 4/2006

AESTHETIC 

Skin 

For 

By Dr Yeak Hwee Lee, Senior Family Physician and Aesthetics Practitioner, 

Raffles Medical Clinics 

Today’s women are amazing. Despite having to straddle 

the stresses of work and family, they somehow manage 

(and are expected) to look like a superstar. 

The most disturbing skin problem in tropical Singapore is 

probably acne and acne scarring. It causes such distress 

that many suffer from psychological issues (such as poor 

self-image) as a result of it. 

The more mature women have other grouses, primarily ageing 

skin–wrinkling, pigmentation (often aggravated by solar 

damage), sagging and loss of youthful glow and firmness 

of skin. The quest to restore skin to its youthful vitality has 

spawned the multimillion-dollar cosmetic industry. 

Pregnant ladies have their own unique set of problems. 

Though some ladies experience the rosy glow of pregnancy, 

most expectant mothers have to put up with dark blotches 

on the skin, hair growth in unusual areas, thinning hair on 

their head, rashes, acne, stretch marks, brittle or splitting 

nails, and worsening of existing skin conditions. 

As one ages, the risk of skin injury is increased as the skin 

is thinner, more fragile and the protective subcutaneous 

fat layer is lost. In addition, one’s ability to sense touch, 

pressure, vibration, heat and cold may be reduced. All 

these increase the risks of injury. Rubbing or pulling on 

the skin can cause skin tears. Fragile blood vessels are 

easily broken. Bruises, flat collections of blood, and raised 

collections of blood may form after even a minor injury. 

This is most easily seen on the outside surface of the 

forearms, but can occur anywhere on the body. Skin changes 

and loss of subcutaneous fat, combined with a tendency to 

be less active, as well as some nutritional deficiencies and 

other illnesses contribute to pressure ulcers. 

Ageing skin repairs itself more slowly than younger skin. 

Wound healing may be up to four times slower. This 

contributes to pressure ulcers and infections. Diabetes, 

blood vessel changes, lowered immunity, and similar 

factors also affect healing. 

Although it is not possible to turn back the hands of 

time, its effects can be slowed down and improved with 

the arsenal of procedures and techniques available. 

Anti-ageing creams such as retinols and alpha 

hydroxyacids and topical product like vitamin C and 

vitamin E serums are usually used to treat the milder 

symptoms of ageing such as damage to the skin’s 

uppermost layers. Sun avoidance by using sunscreens 

and other physical means such as hats and visors will 

help to prevent solar ageing. 

For more advanced signs of ageing and sun-damage, 

your dermatologist will choose the surgical method or 

combination of methods best suited to your individual 

skin condition. Here are some treatments that would 

refine your appearance and make your skin look and feel 

healthy and attractive. 

2 

Raffles HealthNews | Issue 4/2006

are 

AESTHETIC 

ll Ages 

CORRECTIVEPROCEDURES 

Chemical Peels 

Chemical peels are beneficial in the treatment of wrinkles, skin 

discoloration and age spots, as well as dull skin texture and 

mild acne scars. A customised chemical solution is applied 

to the skin to remove outer layers of aged and sun-damaged 

skin. Upon healing, generated new skin is noticeably smoother 

and fresher in appearance. A variety of peeling agents can 

be used to produce light, medium or deep chemical peels, 

depending on the amount of skin damage present. 

Facelift 

A well-known procedure, facelift removes sagging and 

redundant skin, particularly from the lower third of the face 

and under the chin. Some dermatologists now perform both 

facelifts and eyelid surgery as in-office procedures under 

local anaesthesia. 

Non-surgical face-lifts such as Thermage using radiowaves 

and Titan using infrared technology have deferred the need 

for surgical intervention till a later date. 

Dermabrasion 

Dermabrasion uses a special instrument to remove or abrade 

the upper layers of the skin and smooth out irregularities in the 

skin surface. Although usually performed to correct scarring, 

some physicians perform dermabrasion for substantial sun 

damage and pigmentation problems. 

Soft Tissue Fillers 

Soft tissue fillers involve injecting a filling substance under 

the skin. It is used to “plump up” or contour and correct 

wrinkles, furrows and hollows in the face. Filling substances 

include bovine collagen and related materials, fat removed 

from another part of the patient’s body and polymer implants. 

Botulinum Toxin (BOTOX) 

Botulinum toxin type A is a muscle blockade that is injected in 

very tiny amounts into specific muscles to treat and improve 

lines, wrinkles and furrows associated with facial expression. 

It is also used to immobilise the muscle bands sometimes 

visible on the neck. 

Laser Resurfacing 

Laser resurfacing uses the newest generation of the 

carbon dioxide and erbium YAG lasers to vaporise the 

undesired skin tissue one layer at a time, revealing fresh 

skin underneath. The laser’s highly focused beam enables 

the dermatologist to gently and precisely remove the skin’s 

surface with low risk of complications. 

Non-Ablative Resurfacing 

Non-ablative resurfacing has several of the benefits of 

traditional laser resurfacing without wounding the top layers 

of the skin, providing rapid postoperative healing. They 

rejuvenate ageing and sun-damaged facial skin through the 

use of non-ablative laser and intense pulsed light technologies 

as well as electro-surgical resurfacing using “cold” (low 

temperature) electrical energy. This latter technique allows 

rapid healing when used to treat wrinkles or scars. 

Microdermabrasion 

Microdermabrasion uses tiny particles that pass through 

a vacuum tube to gently scrape away the ageing skin 

and stimulate new cell growth. Because of the superficial 

nature of this technique, patients with mild to moderate skin 

damage and wrinkles are the best candidates, and multiple 

treatments are usually required to achieve subtle results. 

For more information or to make an appointment for the procedures above, please call 

Raffles Aesthetics Centre in Raffles Hospital: 6311 1222 (24 hour appointment hotline) 

Raffles Medical Clinic in OUB Centre: 6535 2222 or 6538 0057 

Issue 4/2006 | Raffles HealthNews 

3

WELLNESS 

Medical, Dietary & Exercise Advice For A 

SLIMMER YOU 

Hands up if you think you could do with some weight loss. You are not alone. A survey by AC Nielsen in 2004 says that 80 per 

cent of Singaporeans are attempting to shed some weight. How can this be done? Raffl es Hospital’s experts in their fi elds, 

Consultant Endocrinologist Professor Cheah Jin Seng and Dietitian Ms Michelle Funk, as well as California Fitness Regional 

Director of Fitness Development Mr Rob Devereux, sheds light on how you can be slimmer. 

Medical Problems and Weight Loss 

By Professor Cheah Jin Seng 

Calorie-packed fast food and drinks and increased portion 

sizes combined with a sedentary lifestyle have spawned 

global obesity. 

Half of Singapore’s adult population are either overweight 

or obese. Obesity is not only socially and aesthetically 

undesirable, it shortens life expectancy and it can result in 

many serious and debilitating diseases such as diabetes 

mellitus, high blood pressure and heart disease. 

Obesity can be due to an underlying 

medical problem 

While the vast majority of obese people are in the state they 

are in due to over-eating and under exercising, a small minority 

has underlying medical disorders resulting in the weight gain. 

These include hypofunction of the thyroid, hyperfunction of 

the adrenal (Cushing’s Syndrome), diminished function of the 

gonads and pituitary and rare genetic disorders. 

Before undergoing a weight management programme, 

it is important that the overweight person consult the 

endocrinologist or physician to see if there’s an underlying 

cause or if he is suffering from any co-mobidities. 

Weight management in the overweight with 

co-morbid states 

In general, overweight patients with co-morbid disorders have 

a greater urgency to lose weight than those without as weight 

loss leads to the improvement of the co-morbidites and 

medication reduction. An overweight non insulin-dependent 

diabetic that loses fi ve to 10 kg may even be cured of the 

diabetes! Joint pains (osteoarthritis) are common in the obese; 

these subjects can only do limited exercise such as swimming, 

walking and cycling. In these patients, reduced caloric intake 

and anti-obesity drugs are helpful. 

Even modest weight loss is signifi cant in improving the wellbeing 

and co-morbidity in the obese. In the morbidly obese 

(BMI 37 and above), laparoscopic gastric banding is an 

effective and safe option. 

Team management is the key to successful 

weight management 

Together with the help of the physician, dietitian, exercise 

therapist, behavioural therapist and surgeon, the overweight 

can shed the extra pounds easily. 

You are what you eat – 

Tips for a successful weight loss! 

By Ms Michelle Funk 

To lose weight, you need to use up more calories than the 

calories consumed. An effective way to do so is to eat less fat 

as every gram of fat is double the calories contributed by other 

macronutrients like protein and carbohydrate. 

1g fat = 9 calories 

1g carbohydrate = 4 calories 

1g protein = 4 calories 

Less fat for a more satisfying and healthier meal 

Compare the difference: 

1 bowl of prawn noodle, soup 293 calories, 2g fat 

1 bowl of prawn noodle, dry 409 calories, 12g fat 

1 bowl plain rice 260 calories 0g fat 

1 bowl chicken rice 434 calories 9g fat 

2 chapati 180 calories, 6g fat 

1 prata 317 calories 11g fat 

In each set, the amount of food is similarly fi lling. The difference 

in calories is due to the different fat content. To make the 

higher fat item the same calories as the lower fat item, you’ll 

have to eat less of the higher fat item, thus reducing the size 

of your meal and your satisfaction level. 

Fad diets work... only temporarily 

Most people on diets such as low carbohydrate diets or fruit 

only diets inevitably put the weight back on. Currently, there is 

still insuffi cient data to support the many variation of diets that 

are high in protein, high in fat and low in carbohydrate. 

Set long-term goals 

Set your goal for permanent weight loss by slowly changing 

your eating and lifestyle habits. A healthy rate of weight loss is 

about half to one kilogramme per week. Do not rush 

yourself as rapid and excessive 

weight loss is unhealthy. 

Take the time to make 

changes that you will be 

able to continue for a 

very long time. 

4 


Sweat it out! 

By Mr Rob Devereux 

A good exercise programme should be balanced. It should 

comprise cardiovascular exercise, resistance training and 

stretching. However, this does not mean that all of these 

components need to be incorporated into every training session. 

The amount of exercise done in each session is largely 

determined by your goals, current fi tness level, and time 

available. Everyone who has the physical capacity to do 

so should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate intensity 

exercise (eg: brisk walk or slow jog) on as many days of the 

week as possible. 

During exercise, the heart rate should be elevated and 

breathing laboured. After exercise the individual should feel 

that he has exerted himself but not to the extent that he 

feels exhausted. 

The main activity focus in weight loss programmes is 

cardiovascular exercise because this type of exercise is ideal 

for calorie burning. A cardiovascular exercise is any activity 

that raises the heart rate through the use of large muscle 

groups in a rhythmic nature and that can be maintained for a 

relatively long period of time. Brisk walking, jogging, cycling, 

swimming and rowing are all examples of cardiovascular 

exercises that help burn off the extra calories. 

Resistance training should also be incorporated into a 

weight loss programme because well trained and toned 

muscles have a higher metabolic rate which means that 

even at rest they burn more calories than untrained poorly 

toned muscles. 

A suggested half an hour exercise programme 

Here’s a good combination for a weight loss programme. 

1. Start off with 20 minutes of your preferred cardiovascular 

exercise (eg: swimming, jogging or aerobics). 

2. Follow that up with 10 minutes of callisthenics. The 

calisthenics could include a circuit of the following 

three exercises: 

a. Squat down to touch the ground 

then standing back up again 15 times 

b. Push ups, 15 times 

c. Crunches, 15 times 

Weight Management Services 

Sign up for a Raffles Hospital Weight Loss package 

which includes four consultations with a Consultant 

Endocrinologist, four sessions with a dietitian and 

laboratory tests. 

Mothers, get back in shape through the Postnatal 

Back-to-Shape Package. The package includes a 

gynaecologist check-up, a back to shape aesthetic 

treatment and dietetic advice. 

Special Price of 

S$220 

Find out what is the appropriate treatment you should 

go for to reduce excessive weight quickly and effectively 

through the Raffles 32 Screening. The package consists 

of a specialist consultation, blood tests, electrocardiogram 

and an ultrasound of the liver. 

Treatments for severe obesity: 


S$420 until 31 Dec 06. 


S$350 until 31 Dec 06 

Intragastric balloon (non-surgical 

treatment) is a quick and non-invasive. 

treatment to lose weight 6kg to 20kg). 

Laparoscopic banding (surgical 

treatment) is a reversible keyhole procedure 

with minimal scars that will lead to a weight 

loss of 20 to 100kg permanently. 

In conjunction with California Fitness Jackie Chan Sport, 

you can also get a special training package at: 

WELLNESS 

This circuit of three exercises could be repeated three times to 

complete a 10-minute workout for some of the major muscles 

of the body. 

S$892 for 12 personal training 

sessions (to be completed in 6 weeks). 

S$848 for 8 personal training 

sessions with 3-month gym membership. 

or 

Email: specialist@raffleshospital.com 


5

FITNESS & NUTRITION 

Strategies to prevent aches, 

pains and injuries 

By Mr Lim Hun Teck, Senior Physiotherapist 

The back is a well-designed structure made up of 

bones, muscles, nerves and other soft tissues. It takes 

on the stress of the work and play we do 24 hours a 

day. For this reason, the back is particularly vulnerable 

to injury. The good news is that back pain and injuries 

are avoidable. 

Be fit 

Regular exercise is one of the best methods to maintain a healthy 

spine. Keep your weight in check as being overweight strains 

your back muscles. Regular low-impact aerobic activities that 

don’t strain your back can increase the strength and endurance 

of your back and allow your muscles to function better. Walking 

and swimming are good choices. 

Abdominal and back muscle exercises help condition these 

muscles so that they work together like a natural corset for your 

back. 

Pay attention to posture 

A healthy spine has three natural curves. When these curves 

are in their proper position, we have good posture. Poor posture 

stresses your back. When you slouch or stand with a swayback, 

you exaggerate your back’s natural curves. This can lead to 

muscle fatigue and injury. In contrast, good posture relaxes your 

muscles and requires minimal effort to balance your body. 

Correct standing posture 

When standing, imagine that someone is making you taller 

by pulling a string attached to the top and back of your head. 

Tighten your pelvic fl oor muscles and your tummy muscles to 

support your back in this posture. If you view from the side, a 

good standing posture is where your ear, shoulder and knee fall 

along a straight line. If you stand for long periods, rest one foot 

on a stool or small box from time to time. 

Correct sitting posture 

To promote comfort and good posture while sitting, choose 

a chair that supports your back. Adjust the chair so that your 

back and upper back is supported by the backrest. If the chair 

doesn’t support your lower back’s curve, place a rolled towel or 

small pillow behind your lower back. Place the feet on a stool 

if they are not resting on the fl oor. Hold reading material at eye 

level and don’t bend forward when reading or working. 

Correct sleeping posture 

The best lying or sleeping posture may vary, depending on your 

symptoms. Try to sleep in a position which helps to maintain the 

curve in the back. Eg, lying on your back with a pillow under the 

knees or on the side with the knees slightly bent. 

People with back pain have commonly been told to use a fi rm 

mattress. Recent studies, though, indicate that a medium-fi rm 

mattress might be better. However, the type of mattress to be 

used still depends on the condition of the back. Do use pillows 

for support but do not use a pillow that is either too thin or too 

thick that forces your neck into a severe angle. 

6 


Lift smart 

If you have to carry anything, hold it close to your body, bend 

your knees rather than your back (as if squatting) and try not 

to twist. When shopping, divide your purchases into two equal 

loads and carry one bag in each hand. Do recruit help if the 

load is too heavy. 

Reduce stress 

Stress causes you to tense your muscles, and this can make you 

more prone to injury. Try to minimise your sources of stress both on 

the job and at home. Develop coping mechanisms for times when 

you feel especially stressed. For instance, perform deep-breathing 

exercises or talk out your frustrations with a trusted friend. 

Tips to manage back pain 

Keep moving 

Prolonged bed rest may result in wasting of the back muscles 

and hinder the healing process. Light activity speeds healing 

and recovery. If the back hurts, stop the aggravating activities 

but try to keep activities that aren’t painful. 

Apply cold or heat 

Hot bath and hot or cold compresses, can soothe sore and 

infl amed muscles. Use cold treatment immediately after injuring 

your back; apply ice pack or cold compress several times a day, 

for up to 20 minutes at a time. Wrap the cold compress with 

a cloth or towel to keep a thin barrier between the equipment 

and the skin. Use for as long as spasms persist. After spasms 

and acute pain subside, you can apply heat from a heating 

pad or heat lamp to help loosen tight muscles. Limit each heat 

application to 20 minutes. 

Use pain relievers 

Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-infl ammatory 

drugs or in some cases, a muscle relaxant, to relieve mild to 

moderate back pain that doesn’t get better with overthe-counter 

pain relievers 

When to seek medical advice 

Most back pain gradually improves with home treatment 

and self-care. Although it may take several weeks 

before it completely disappears, you should notice some 

improvement within the fi rst 72 hours of self-care. If not, 

see your doctor or physiotherapist 

In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical 

problem. See a doctor or physiotherapist 

immediately if your back pain: 

Is constant or intense, especially when lying down or 

at night 

Spreads down one or both legs 

Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or 

both legs 

Causes new bowel or bladder problems 

Is associated with abdominal pain or pulsation 

(throbbing), or fever 

Follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury 

Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss 

Also, see your doctor if the pain is new and you’re 

older than age 50 or have a history of cancer, 

osteoporosis, steroid use, or drug or alcohol abuse. 

Raffles Physiotherapy Centre 

can help you with: 

Back and neck pain or stiffness 

Muscle strains/contusions 

Joint sprains/stiffness/instability 

Arthritis 

Muscle imbalances/weakness 

Muscle spasm 

Tendonitis/bursitis 

Rehabilitation following occupational injury, 

surgery, sporting injuries. 

FITNESS & NUTRITION 

Using brace or corset 

They can provide warmth, comfort and a degree of support to 

your back. But it’s best to use a brace or corset only for short 

periods or during back-straining activities. Prolonged usage of 

the brace or support may weaken the muscles of the back, if at 

all. The best brace or corset you can give yourself is your own 

“muscle corset.” You can build up your muscle corset through 

back strengthening and stability exercises. 

For more information or to make an appointment with our physiotherapist, please call our 

Appointments Hotline: 6311 1222 

or 



7

CORPORATETSCENE 

Dinner guests were each given a copy of the Raffles Medical commemorative book. Guest of Honour DPM Wong Kan Seng received the first copy. 

Raffl es Medical Group celebrated its 30th anniversary on 

29 July this year with a gala dinner, a charity drive and the 

launch of a commemorative book. 

The dinner was held at Raffl es City Convention Centre, and 

is also meant as an opportunity to thank the Group’s more 

than 1 million patients as well as corporate clients from 

5,000 companies for their unwavering support over the past 

30 years. 

their patients. This vision is translated into a private group 

practice model of integrated care which is unique in a setting 

in Singapore where solo private practice is the norm, extends 

from the Group’s GP services to its specialist services, and 

to its practices overseas. 

The Group currently manages a network of 60 family medicine 

and dental clinics covering the island and providing care for 

our patients where they work and live. 

8 

A special commemorative book titled “A Journey of Faith – 

the Raffl es Medical Story” was launched during the dinner. 

The book chronicles the history and development of Raffl es 

Medical Group that started in 1976 as a two-clinic GP 

practice to become one of the largest integrated healthcare 

organisations in Singapore and the region. 

Raffl es Medical Group was founded by partners Dr Loo 

Choon Yong and Dr Alfred Loh with the simple vision of 

working as a team to provide the best personalised care for 

Raffles HealthNews | Issue 4/2006 

Its fl agship tertiary hospital – the 380-bed Raffl es Hospital 

- offers a wide range of specialist medical and diagnostic 

services that span across more than 40 specialties.Five years 

since its opening, Raffl es Hospital has already garnered a 

reputation of being able to perform some of the most 

complex surgeries, as well as a destination of choice among 

international patients who comprise 36% of the hospital’s 

patients. 

Over the years, the Group has expanded regionally, with clinic 

operations in Hong Kong and representation in a number of 

cities in the region.

CORPORATESCENE 

The AMF had sent medical teams to Aceh and Nias in 2004 and 2005 respectively. 

The Group has also evolved along the healthcare value 

chain to include health insurance through International 

Medical Insurers, its specialist healthcare insurance unit, 

and consumer healthcare through Raffles Health Pte 

Ltd–a subsidiary set up to develop and distribute quality 

vitamins, supplements and medical diagnostic equipment 

in Singapore and the region. 

As Raffles Medical Group grows, it aims not only to bring its 

brand of healthcare to more people in more communities 

but to harness its professional expertise and resources to 

serve the sick and underprivileged in the region. 

The AMF also despatched medical teams and supplies to 

the Nias Earthquake of 28 March 2005. 

Looking ahead, the AMF plans to send missions overseas 

to provide assistance with and training in organising or 

provision of specifi c health care services. These could range 

from primary care services (such as vaccinations and care 

of sick children) to specialised services to planning and 

management of hospitals or healthcare systems. 

This commitment to serving the community is undertaken 

by The Asian Medical Foundation (AMF), the Group’s 

humanitarian arm. 

Incorporated as an Institute of Public Character in 

November 2003, the AMF will leverage on its core 

competencies – medical expertise, skills in emergency 

medicine and health education – to meet specific needs. 

The first activity of the AMF was in 2004 when it adopted 

the Ling Kwang Home for Senior Citizens, and raised 

funds to support its residents with medical equipment and 

daily necessities. 

During the Asian Tsunami Disaster of 2005, the AMF sent 

humanitarian and fi nancial aid to disaster victims in Aceh, 

Indonesia. In collaboration with Munich Reinsurance 

Singapore, it despatched a medical team of two doctors and 

two nurses to Aceh to treat 1,000 survivors. 

The AMF raised $200,000 through the charity Golf event in April. 

As part of the programmes of its 30th Anniversary 

celebrations, the Group raised $200,000 for the Foundation 

earlier this year through a charity golf donation drive. The 

cheque was presented to the Board Of Trustees of the AMF 

at the Anniversary Celebration Dinner. The money raised will 

be used to meet the needs of the underprivileged, particularly 

those requiring urgent medical treatment. 


9

NEWSERVICES 

Do your staff dread work? Have you noticed that certain 

persons in office are under-performing due to issues in 

their personal life or work? 

Companies invest significant amounts of time and money on 

their workforce. It only makes sense to support employees 

to protect this investment and demonstrate commitment 

to them. 

The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is one such 

programme. A workplace-focused programme, the EAP 

assists to identify and resolve employee concerns such as 

work stress, issues in working relationships, family problems 

and bereavement which may affect one’s work performance. 

The programme provides professional assistance such as 

counselling to help employees cope with their work-related 

or personal problems. Through a systematic approach, the 

programme identifi es the employee’s problem and sets out to 

fi nd a solution while maintaining the strictest of confi dentiality. 

The provision of an EAP is a practical way of demonstrating 

that the organisation has a sincere interest in the well being 

of its employees. 

10 


EAP 

programme components 

NEWSERVICES 

Lifestyle and Health Survey 

This online survey may be done as a mental health survey, or as 

a lifestyle and health survey which provides a physical and mental 

health status inventory of the employees of the company. 

Telephone counselling 

This is a telephone hotline service manned by qualifi ed and 

experienced counsellors, whom employees can call for 

assistance when they need to. 

Face to face consultations 

The service provides your employees the advantage of faceto-face 

consultation sessions with a counsellor, psychologist 

or psychiatrist. Face-to-face consultations or counselling 

sessions are useful to help employees discover their own 

strengths, skills and resources to move towards a solution. 

Talks / Workshops 

Talks or workshops conducted by our specialists may be 

organised for your management staff and/or employees. 

These talks and workshops are always workplace focused 

and will advise what the employer and employee needs to 

do to move on. Some examples include Anger Management, 

Anxiety Management, Counselling and Support Skills, and 

Success Over Stress. 

Quarterly reports to companies 

Companies will also be provided with a quarterly report 

comprising aggregated data on utilisation and problems raised 

by employees. The reports will not include any information that 

will infringe on the privacy of the individual using the services. 

Some examples of the reports include number of calls received 

by counsellors for telephone counselling, number of staff who 

require individual counselling sessions and the main problems 

presented by staff. 

Benefits of the 

Companies who have participated in the EAP 

have found that many benefits can be gained 

by implementing an EAP. These include: 

Enhanced Performance And Productivity 

Optimum Levels Of Workforce Efficiency 

Reduced Healthcare Costs 

Reduced Absenteeism 

Improves Attraction And Retention Of Talent 

Improved Health And Well Being Of Employees 

Improved Customer Satisfaction 

Assistance For Organisational Change 

Promotes A Positive Company Image 

Raffl es Counselling Centre provides a comprehensive programme to suit the individual needs of your organisation. 

To fi nd out more about the Employee Assistance Programme, call our Hospital Marketing hotline at 


or 



11

REGIONALOFFICE 

Raffles Hospital 

expands to more 

overseas locations 

Our Representative Offices 

will assist you with: 

Information and answer to queries 

Booking of medical appointments 

Travel documents & VISA application 

Counselling on medical procedures 

and more... 

For more information on our overseas 

Representative Offi ces, call our International 

Marketing department at 6311 1111 

Indonesia 

PT Raffles Medika Indonesia 

Address: Jl. Wolter Monginsidi 3, 

Jakarta 12110, Indonesia 

Phone: 62-21-7251 656 

Fax: 62-21-7204 916 

Email: rhindo@cbn.net.id 

To serve an ever-increasing number of overseas patients from regional countries, 

Raffl es Hospital plans to set up new Representative Offi ces in Myanmar, Sri 

Lanka and India – in addition to existing markets in Indonesia, Bangladesh and 

more recently, Vietnam. 

The hospital has been appointing more Associates who will assist all potential 

clients with enquiries, appointments and travel arrangements. Currently, the 

hospital has associates in 12 countries and representation in fi ve. 

Explaining the rationale behind this move, Dr Saw Chit Aung, Deputy Director 

of International Marketing said: “The standard of living in the regional countries 

have improved substantially over the last few years. These foreign patients have 

grown affl uent, can afford quality medical care and are willing to pay for better 

standards of service. Their search for quality healthcare brings them to Raffl es 

Hospital in Singapore.” 

Representative offi ces and associates act as medical referral centres to help 

patients gain access to specialist and hospital services quickly and effi ciently. 

Patients can expect a high level of quality care no matter which country they 

are from. 

Bangladesh 

Dhaka Representative Office 

Address: City Heart (9th fl oor), 

67 Naya Paltan, Dhaka 1000, 

Bangladesh 

Phone: 9334963, 9330676, 

9362624, 9353046 

Fax: 880-2-8314 306 

Email: rhbdesh@bdcom.net 

Vietnam 

Raffles Hospital Liaison Centre, 

Family Care International Clinic 

Address: 35 Pham Ngoc Thach St, 

Ward 6 District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, 

Vietnam 

Phone: 84-8-8222 713 

Mobile: 0903 934 717 

Fax: 84-8-8296 205 

Email: rh_hcmc@healthsolutionsvn.com 

12 


Managing Screen Time 

By Dr Rosebeth R. Marcou 

HEALTHTIPS 

Andrew’s parents are concerned. Their 9-year-old son has lost 

interest in everything but Runescape and the latest Nintendo DS 

game. Lately, he does not seem to have energy even for legos 

or his soccer practices. 

The root of the problem may lie in his bedroom. 

Like typical doting parents, Andrew’s parents 

want him to have the best of everything. So 

Andrew’s room is equipped with a fl at screen 

TV, Game Cube, PS II and laptop. 

But bogged down with homework 

in the day, Andrew can hardly fi nd 

any time for computer games, to 

squeeze in some playing time, 

Andrew sneaks up at 4am – plays 

an hour of Runescape – and 

then quickly goes back to bed 

so that his parents think he 

has slept through the night. 

While there are confl icting studies as to the mid term impacts 

of excessive screen time. It is clear many forms of electronic 

entertainment are essentially ‘passive’. Players have to add 

very little from their own imagination to play, and the possibilities 

are highly scripted. 

There may also be an association with the increased rates of 

childhood obesity. 

As is true for many aspects of childhood, learning to do things 

in moderation is achievable. 

Children need to understand that if they are doing their 

school work well, playing successfully with their peers and 

demonstrating other interests – then some screen time each 

day can be relaxing and diverting, but that their parents will 

not permit it as a sole pre-occupation. 

Know you are serving your child’s needs best; in spite of the 

protests you might hear at fi rst! 

Andrew is not alone in 

his problem. For many 

children, electronic 

entertainment holds an 

extreme and sometimes 

inexplicable allure. It even 

shapes the way they 

interact with others. 11- 

year-old boys for example, 

often select their friends 

based on gaming systems. 

Though not always approving of this video 

game addiction, parents sometimes give in, 

believing that there is some value to small-motor 

coordination of gaming activities. 

Unfortunately, the truth is that there is very little carryover value 

in these highly repetitive movements. Furthermore, the young 

child who is simultaneously listening to music, talking on the 

phone, using Messenger and doing homework is not learning 

to multitask so much as they are not devoting enough focused 

attention to any of the given tasks. A child who needs a high level 

of instant stimulation is vulnerable when it comes to a range of 

more ‘tedious’ academic tasks. 

So what is a parent to do? 

First, do not feel guilty about applying limits. The intense 

stimulation is not an ‘entitlement’ of childhood. Children will 

protest initially, but after a few weeks, they will fi nd themselves 

rediscovering other pleasures and interests long left aside. 

Help your child to develop a healthy balance with regards 

to ‘screen time.’ If they have electronic entertainment in their 

bedroom, consider removing it as a fi rst step. If the TV/gaming or 

computer systems are centralised they can become part of family 

weekend fun and you can monitor content more consistently. 

DR ROSEBETH R. MARCOU – M.D., F.A.A.P. 

Qualification and Experiences 

American Board Certifi ed Developmental -Behavioral Pediatrician. 

MIT (BS), University of Pennsylvania (MD), Stanford University 

Hospitals (Residency) and Boston Children’s Hospital 

Worked in Alaska, Texas, and Jakarta. 

Worked extensively with educators and schools, regularly conducting 

training for teachers and parents throughout Asia. 

Area of Specialisation 

Evaluates and manages patients with concerns including: Attention 

Defi cits, Learning Differences / Disabilities, Developmental Delays, 

Autism Spectrum Disorders and general behavioral issues. 

Identifying and enhancing children’s strengths to help meet their 

challenges, always mindful of neurological and medical factors. 

Interest 

Children/adolescents with incompletely understood diffi culties with 

learning or with challenging temperaments. 

Focus on describing what is unique about the child- and helping 

the child to understand himself or herself. 

Dr Marcou will begin seeing patients in the Raffl es Children’s 

Centre at Raffl es Hospital on 14 August 2006. 


13

SERVICES 

New 

Satellite Japanese Clinic 

The new Japanese satellite clinic at Liang Court opened this year on 27 May to 

offer Japanese patients residing around the River Valley area greater convenience 

and more choices. 

Opens 

Skin 

In Liang Court 

Located at Liang Court Shopping Centre and on the same level as the popular Meidiya 

Supermarket, the Clinic provides GP services to the growing Japanese population 

in Singapore. Its choice location allows for the Japanese expatriates living in the area 

to see the doctor and run other errands within the same building. 

For 

Presently, the family physicians serving in the Clinic are Dr Onishi Yoichi and Dr 

Nagayama Kenichi. For patients looking for quality healthcare and shopping, Liang 

Court’s Raffl es Japanese Clinic is the ideal place to go to. 

Raffles Japanese Clinic – Liang Court 

177C River Valley Road 

#B1-09 Liang Court Shopping Centre Singapore 179036 

To make an appointment, please contact us at our 

Liang Court Clinic: 6334 1175 

Raffles Hospital : 6311 2290 

or 

Email: j-clinic@rafflesmedical.com 

Raffles Japanese Clinic – Raffles Hospital 

585 North Bridge Road 

Level 12, Singapore 188770 

Raffles Japanese Clinic 

Operating hours: 

Mon – Fri 9.45am – 1.00pm 

2.45pm – 6.00pm 

Sat 

9.45am – 12.30pm 

64 Slice CT Coronary Angiogram 

PROMOTION 

S$882.00U.P. 

S$980.00 

Extended to 30 Sept 2006 

Benefits: 

Non-invasive Fast (45 & females aged >55 

Hypertension 

High cholesterol 

Family history of heart disease 

Smoker 

Diabetic 

Peripheral vascular diseases 

Previous coronary stenting 

Symptomatic Factors 

Chest pain upon physical exertion 

Previous open heart surgery 

Previous coronary stent insertion 

64 Slice CT Scanner 

For more information or to make an appointment, please call 


or 


14 


Vaccination 

are Packages for baby’s 

ll 

first 

Ages 

2 years 

Immunisation protects your baby against infectious diseases, 

which can cause serious damage to his/her health. 

PROMOTIONS 

Sign up for a Vaccination Package now to give your 

baby the needed protection. 

Our packages comprise a course of vaccinations and 

paediatrician consultation and developmental assessment 

(including checking of vision, hearing, refl exes and gross 

motor development). 

1st to 6th Months 

1mth 

3mth 

4mth 

6mth 

Hep B 

5-in-1 

5-in-1 

6-in-1 

OR 

2nd to 6th Months 

2mth 

4mth 

6mth 

6-in-1 

5-in-1 

6-in-1 

13th to 18th Months 

13mth Chickenpox 

15mth Measles, Mumps & Rubella 

18mth 5-in-1 Booster 

Enjoy greater savings if you take up the 13–18 Months Package 

with any of the first 6 Months Package! 

5-in-1 consists of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Poliomyelitis & Haemophilus Infl uenzae B 

6-in-1 consists of 5-in-1 and Hepatitis B 

Optional Vaccination Available 

– Measles, Mumps and Rubella in 3 separate vaccines 

– Rotarix 

– Prevenar for Streptococcus Pneumoniae 

– Hepatitis A 

To contact our clinic staff for more details on the 

vaccination packages, please call: 

Raffles Children’s Centre Tel: (65) 6311 1270 

Opening hours convenient for working parents 

Mon – Fri 8.30am – 10.00pm 

Sat 

8.30am – 1.00pm 

Sun/PH 9.00am – 12.30pm 


15

RCMPACKAGES 

Raffles Chinese Medicine Packages 

WELLNESS PROGRAMME 

Insomnia Management 

Weekly acupuncture treatment for shallow sleep, inability to fall asleep 

and failure to restore mental and physical vigour with sleep. 

Migraine Relief 

Weekly acupuncture treatment for relief of migraine condition. 

General Well Being 

Weekly acupuncture treatment for fatigue, loss of appetite, low 

immunity and digestive problem. 

Weight Management Packages 

Weight Loss Programme 

Weight Maintenance Programme 

PAIN MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME 

Acupuncture treatment package for tennis elbow, arthritis, frozen 

shoulder, muscle tension and pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in 

the neck, back, arm, wrist or feet. 

WOMEN’S HEALTH PROGRAMME 

Menopause Management 

3 month programme for management of conditions arising due to premenopausal 

hormonal changes. 

RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS RELIEF PROGAMME 

Asthma Relief Package A 

Choice of two acupuncture weekly treatment packages for treatment of 

asthma conditions. 

Sinus Relief 

Choice of two acupuncture weekly treatment packages for treatment of 

sinus conditions. 

HEALTHY HEART AND MICROCIRCULATION 

Cholesterol Control 

Weekly acupuncture treatment for cholesterol level management. 

Diabetes Management 

Weekly acupuncture for management of diabetes. 

The above offers are valid till 31 October 2006. 

RCM reserves the right to withdraw the packages without prior notice. 

S$200 (U.P. S$230) 

S$230 (U.P. S$270) 

S$200 (U.P. S$230) 

S$600 (U.P. S$668) 

S$360 (U.P. S$400) 

S$600 (U.P. S$668) 

S$380 (U.P. S$440) 

Premenstrual Tension Management 

3 month programme for treatment of painful or irregular menstruation. S$250 (U.P. S$330) 

S$190 (U.P. S$240) 

S$190 (U.P. S$240) 

S$200 (U.P. S$230) 

S$230 (U.P. S$280) 

For an appointment, please contact us at 

Appointments Hotline: 6311 2388 or Email: specialist@raffleshospital.com 

DIRECTORY 

Raffles Hospital 

585 North Bridge Road Singapore 188770 

www.raffl eshospital.com 

General Enquiries 6311 1111 

Call Centre Fax No. 6311 2136 

International Patients Centre Fax No. 6311 2333 

24 Hour Emergency 6311 5555 

Admissions / Business Offi ce 6311 1888 

Family Medicine Centre 6311 2233 

Raffl es International Patients Centre 6311 1666 

Physiotherapy Centre 6311 2350 

Radiology 6311 1290 

Raffles Specialist Centre 

24 Hour Appointments Hotline 6311 1222 

Fax No. 6311 2136 

Email 

specialist@raffl eshospital.com 

Raffl es Aesthetics Centre 

Raffl es Cancer Centre 

Raffl es Children’s Centre 

Raffl es Chinese Medicine 

Raffl es Counselling Centre 

Raffl es Dental 

Raffl es Eye & ENT Centre 

Raffl es HealthScreeners 

Raffl es Heart Centre 

Raffl es Internal Medicine Centre 

Raffl es Japanese Clinic 

Raffl es Orthopaedic Centre 

Raffl es Surgery Centre 

Raffl es Women’s Centre 

Raffles Medical Group 

www.raffl esmedical.com 

Corporate Accounts Enquiries 6311 1333 

Fax No. 6311 2383 

Singapore Clinics 6311 1111 

Fax No. 6311 2392 

• Anchorpoint 6479 3818 

• Ang Mo Kio 6453 2288 

• Anson 6225 2188 

• Bedok 6441 1736 

• Bishan 6456 7122 

• Capital Tower 6323 5212 

• Causeway Point 6894 0777 

• Clementi 6872 9043 

• Compass Point 6881 7337 

• Grand Plaza 6333 0551 

• Harbour Front 6273 3078 

• Hougang Central 6386 7896 

• JTC Summit 6563 2622 

• Jurong East 6899 6688 

• Jurong West - Family Doctors 6565 7969 

• Lot 1 6765 3363 

• Loyang Point 6585 3333 

• Marina Square 6339 6644 

• Millenia Walk 6337 6000 

• Ngee Ann City 6734 7355 

• Ogilvy Centre 6223 1188 

• OUB Centre* 6535 2222 

• Raffl es Airport Medical Centre 

Passsenger Terminal Two* 6543 1118 

Airport Transit One 6543 1113 

Airport Transit Two 6543 1118 

Changi Cargo Complex 6543 1038 

• Raffl es City 6339 6911 

• Raffl es Hospital 

24 Hour Emergency 6311 1555 

Family Medicine Centre 6311 2233 

• Siglap 6442 0488 

• Tampines DBS 6788 6833 

• Tampines Junction* 6788 2222 

• Toa Payoh 6254 7667 

• Yishun 6755 0049 

* Clinics with X-ray Facilities 

Hong Kong Clinics (852) 2525 1730 

Regional Representative Offices/ 

Liaison Centres 

Indonesia 

PT Raffl es Medika Indonesia 62 21 7251 656 

Fax No. 62 21 7204 916 

Bangladesh 

Dhaka Representative Offi ce 933 4963/933 0676/ 

9362 624/935 3046 

Fax No. 880 2 8314 306 

Vietnam 

Raffl es Hospital Liaison Centre 84 8 8222 713 

Fax No. 84 8 8296 205 

Editorial Board 

Lawrence Lim, Liang Hwee Ting, 

Jason Lim & Magdalene Lee. 

The information contained in this publication should not be regarded 

as a substitute for detailed medical advice in individual cases. 

Please address all correspondence to 

The Editor, Raffl es Healthnews, 

Fax no. 6311 2383. 

Raffl es Healthnews is published by 

Raffl es Medical Group Ltd, 

585 North Bridge Road, Raffl es Hospital 

#11-00, Singapore 188770. 

Design and Production by Creative Essence • Aug 2006

News - Raffles Medical Group

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