samudra

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Seacare Medical Scheme Gets The Seacare Medical Scheme (SMS) for local members kicked into effect on 1 May 2005 and within two weeks, more than 50 members have called up to make their appointments. Some have even gone as far as scheduling their appointments at least a month ahead in time! Said Dr Peh Keng Chuen, one of the resident doctors of Seacare Maritime Medical Centre (SMMC): “The SMS is a very useful scheme that will benefit our SOS members tremendously. Many older seamen are at a higher risk of having a host of medical conditions which they may not be aware of. By offering free health screening, we hope that they will be motivated to get a snapshot of their physical state. Singaporeans commonly face problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and we want to make sure we are able to detect, prevent or even begin treatment if necessary.” Samudra catches up with three SOS members, all of whom were getting their health screened for the first time, at the SMMC. The moment of truth… CASE FILES Name Age Profession Past Screenings* Dr Peh says… Mr Atan says… : Atan B Haji Hashim : 71 years old : Ex-Cleaner on board ships : Nil : “Generally, Mr Atan does not face any major problems. At 71 years old, it is certainly a plus point that he does not smoke or drink. His main problem is asthma, and he should use his inhaler on a frequent basis. Many asthmatic patients worry that the contents of the inhaler is addictive. This is certainly not true! Whether young or old, the inhaler is suitable for use in minimising or even preventing attacks.” : “This is my very first proper check-up. As a grandfather of 10, I want to live a long, healthy life. However at my age, I face many ailments and this gets me worried at times. Some common illnesses that I face include asthma and a nagging pain in the leg. When my wife heard that SOS is offering its members free health check-ups, she was very glad and grateful. I want to make full use of the opportunity to find out if there’s any health issue that I need to watch out for. I’m glad that I came for the check-up because I learn more in-depth about my condition and what I need to watch out for. Asthma is a big problem especially when the vessel I’m on takes us to different countries during the various seasons. I will certainly take the doctor’s advice and do what I can to lead a healthier life.” 10 Samudra April + May 2005
Overwhelming Response Dr Peh showed Mr Atan a picture of himself guiding his son in using the inhaler. Such assuring words put Mr Atan’s worries at ease. Dr Peh also noticed Mr Atan limping, and he dished out additional health advice. Name Age Profession Past Screenings Dr Peh says… Mr Selamat says… : Selamat B Kuntum : 52 years old : Seaman : Nil : “Mr Selamat is in good health though he should watch the food he takes. As we get on in age, it is prudent to watch our diet. We are more likely to have weaker immunity systems or more prone to problematic illnesses like high cholesterol or blood pressure. Mr Selamat has a slight higher blood pressure which he should be mindful of.” : “I’m so relieved to be given a clean bill of health...well, almost. On a serious note, I came for the check-up because I was concerned about my health status. Even though I don’t smoke or drink, I don’t want to be caught by surprise at a later stage and prevention is better than cure. I usually don’t bother about check-ups, but this time, my wife encouraged me to come for the check-up, since it’s free!” Name Age Profession Past Screenings Dr Peh says… Mr Lee says… : Lee Yong Teck : 41 years old : Seaman : Nil : “Mr Lee does not have any major problems. He probably should watch his intake of food and drinks.” : “I used to have gastric problems, and I used to drink in the past. I’m concern about illnesses such as hepatitis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, which seemed to strike Singaporeans rather commonly. I will take the doctor’s advice regarding diet and exercise. Since I am not getting young anymore, cannot play play.” * Consent have been sought for the interviews and for the limited disclosure of medical report. April + May 2005 Samudra 11
Page 1 and 2: Mita(P) No. 151/03/2005 A Bi-Monthl
Page 3 and 4: Challenges can Make or Break Us “
Page 5 and 6: Thank You, Mr Goh Chok Tong Senior
Page 7 and 8: Tripartite Consensus at ILO Interse
Page 9: Conveying Our Concern Representativ
Page 13 and 14: Goes Up and Up For the SOS efforts
Page 15 and 16: Inclusion of N-ETF Scheme Into SOS
Page 17 and 18: They are the old folks of Ang Mo Ki
Page 19 and 20: of (T)issues Learning the facts abo
Page 21 and 22: Seacare Focus Seacare Focus Seacare
Page 23 and 24: Two New Directors Mr Shankar Alan,
Page 25 and 26: Bilingualism A country of 10 millio
Page 27 and 28: Reaping the Most Out of NTUC’s Tr
Page 29 and 30: Goes On Board Ships The cleaning te
Page 31 and 32: Seacare Manpower foresees that to c
Page 33 and 34: NTUC Co-operatives Return $81m in S
Page 35 and 36: seAcAre e-Place Walking Down Memory

samudra

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?