Latest news with #NUH
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Muscles, fats and simple blood test can predict menopausal women's health
SINGAPORE – A simple blood test can predict which woman will have less muscle and will be walking more slowly later in life. It is also practical and cheaper than current methods of measuring muscle, such as the current gold standard magnetic resonance imaging scans or strength tests, which are also more time-consuming. This new insight from a longitudinal cohort study of midlife women in Singapore shone light on how muscle strength, visceral fat and their association with physical decline after menopause can potentially lead to downstream health impacts among women here. Researchers from the National University Hospital (NUH) and National University of Singapore (NUS) found that women with a lower creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (CCR) – a marker derived from blood tests – had less muscle and walked more slowly as they age. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle function and energy use, and a higher level indicates higher skeletal muscle mass or poor kidney function. Cystatin C is a protein produced by the body's cells that is filtered out by the kidneys. A normal cystatin C level rules out poor kidney function. A low CCR of under 8.16 was associated with a lower muscle volume of 0.35 litres in the thigh, and a slower gait of 0.049m a second. This suggested that CCR could be a useful early warning sign for age-related muscle loss, which may lead to falls, frailty and reduced quality of life. The findings were published in Menopause, a monthly peer-reviewed journal, in March. The scientists involved in the study are from the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The IWHP was initiated to identify and address the healthcare needs of midlife Singaporean women. It recruited a cohort of 1,200 Chinese, Malay and Indian women aged 45 to 69 between 2014 and 2016 – about 70 per cent of whom were post-menopausal. Their health metrics were then tracked over time. In the first study based on this cohort, published in international journal Maturitas in October 2023, the researchers shared a ranking of menopausal symptoms – with joint and muscular discomfort found to be the most reported symptom among women in Singapore. Called arthralgia, it had moderate or severe impact on a third of the midlife women of the cohort. A subsequent study, published in the Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism journal in October 2024, found that women with both weak muscle strength and high levels of visceral fat – the deep belly fat around the internal organs – had the highest risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Their risk was 2.63 times higher than that of women who had normal muscle strength and lower fat levels. Having just one of these conditions also increased their risk, though to a lesser degree. The risk from having high visceral fat alone is 1.78 times higher. Among those with weak muscle strength, women with high visceral fat faced 2.84 times as much risk compared with those with low visceral fat. Explaining the impetus for the study, IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong said: 'Muscle... burns up fat. What about those who have weak muscles? Does it affect the risk for diabetes in the future?' The cohort's initial muscle and visceral fat measurements served as a baseline for researchers to track changes over the years. Researchers then analysed how changes in fat and muscle measurements taken about six years later – by then, about 90 per cent of the women were post-menopausal – related to whether women had developed diabetes. Professor Yong, who also heads the division of benign gynaecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NUH, noted that a large proportion of women in Singapore are 'skinny fat', where their body mass index is within the normal range, but that they have high levels of visceral fat and low muscle mass. 'One way (to know what your risks are) is to measure your walk and the speed at which you walk. If you cannot walk fast and straight, then your health is not so good. We wanted to see if we can develop a test that can predict gait speed. We wanted to look at molecules that actually measure muscle functions,' he said. 'These findings validated our previous (IWHP) research that showed that women should not just focus on weight loss, but on building muscle strength through exercise for diabetes prevention,' Prof Yong said. One participant of the IWHP, administrative assistant Sabarina Jumarudin, is living proof of the findings. The 59-year-old grandmother used to weigh 93kg and suffered from sleep apnoea. Since undergoing bariatric surgery at NUH in 2018, a procedure that modifies the digestive system to help people with obesity lose weight, she has lost more than 30kg. Mindful of keeping her weight down, Madam Sabarina walks to the MRT station every day instead of taking the shuttle service, and takes the stairs instead of the escalator to catch the train. 'On my way home, I usually take a longer route to ensure I clock at least 10,000 steps a day, and practise stretching and breathing exercises to strengthen my core,' she said. 'I realised that small but consistent changes do make a big impact on my health, so I do what I can on a daily basis, and it gives me confidence to not only stay healthy physically and mentally but also stave off diabetes,' she added. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
CNA
5 hours ago
- Health
- CNA
Weak muscles may increase risk of diabetes among midlife women: NUH study
Weak muscles and high levels of internal fats can significantly raise the risk of diabetes among middle-aged Singapore women, even if they are slim. This is according to a long-term study by NUH, which also recommends a simple blood test to gauge muscle strength. The study hopes the findings can eventually be accepted as a form of muscle strength management for midlife women. Professor Yong Eu Leong, Head and Emeritus Consultant of the Division of Benign Gynaecology at NUH's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and lead of the Integrated Women's Health Programme, discusses women's health. He talks about how muscle strength, visceral fat, diabetes and menopause all correlate with one another.
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Muscles, fats and simple blood test can predict menopausal women's health
Madam Sabarina Jumarudin, a participant of the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, with IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong. PHOTO: NUHS SINGAPORE – A simple blood test can predict which woman will have less muscle and will be walking more slowly later in life. It is also practical and cheaper than current methods of measuring muscle, such as the current gold standard magnetic resonance imaging scans or strength tests, which are also more time-consuming. This new insight from a longitudinal cohort study of midlife women in Singapore shone light on how muscle strength, visceral fat and their association with the physical decline after menopause can potentially lead to downstream health impacts among women here. Researchers from the National University Hospital (NUH) and National University of Singapore (NUS) found that women with a lower creatinine-to-cystatin C ratio (CCR) – a marker derived from blood tests – had less muscle and walked more slowly as they age. Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle function and energy use, and a higher level indicates higher skeletal muscle mass or poor kidney function. Cystatin C is a protein produced by the body's cells that is filtered out by the kidneys. A normal cystatin C level rules out poor kidney function. A low CCR of under 8.16 was associated with a lower muscle volume of 0.350 litres in the thigh, and a slower gait of 0.049 metres per second. This suggested that CCR could be a useful early warning sign for age-related muscle loss, which may lead to falls, frailty and reduced quality of life. The findings were published in Menopause, a monthly peer-reviewed journal, in March 2025. The scientists are from the Integrated Women's Health Programme (IWHP) at NUH and the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The IWHP was initiated to identify and address the health care needs of midlife Singaporean women. It recruited a cohort of 1,200 Chinese, Malay, and Indian women aged 45 to 69 years between 2014 and 2016 – about 70 per cent of whom were postmenopausal . Their health metrics were then tracked over time. In the first study based on this cohort, published in international journal Maturitas in October 2023, the researchers shared a ranking of menopausal symptoms – with joint and muscular discomfort found to be the most reported symptom among women in Singapore. Called arthralgia, it had moderate or severe impact on a third of the midlife women of the cohort. A subsequent study, published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism in October 2024, found that women with both weak muscle strength and high levels of visceral fat – the deep belly fat around the internal organs – had the highest risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Their risk was 2.63 times higher than that of women who had normal muscle strength and lower fat levels. Having just one of these conditions also increased risk, though to a lesser degree. The risk from having high visceral fat alone is 1.78 times higher. Among those with weak muscle strength, women with high visceral fat had a 2.84 times higher risk compared to those with low visceral fat. Explaining the impetus for the study, IWHP lead Yong Eu Leong said: 'Muscle... burns up fat. What about those who have weak muscles? Does it affect the risk for diabetes in the future?' The cohort's initial muscle and visceral fat measurements served as a baseline for researchers to track changes over the years. Researchers then analysed how changes in fat and muscle measurements taken about six years later – by then, about 90 per cent of the women were postmenopausal – related to whether women had developed diabetes. Professor Yong, who also heads the division of benign gynaecology in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at NUH, noted that a large proportion of women in Singapore are 'skinny fat', where their body mass index is in the normal range, but they have high levels of visceral fat and low muscle mass. ' One way (to know what your risks are) is to measure your walk and the speed at which you walk. If you cannot walk fast and straight, then your health is not so good. We wanted to see if we can develop a test that can predict gait speed. We wanted to look at molecules that actually measure muscle functions,' he said. 'These findings validated our previous (IWHP) research that showed that women should not just focus on weight loss, but on building muscle strength through exercise for diabetes prevention,' Prof Yong said. One participant of the IWHP, administrative assistant Sabarina Jumarudin, is living proof of the findings. The 59-year-old grandmother used to weigh 93kg and suffered from sleep apnoea. Since she underwent the bariatric surgery at NUH in 2018, a procedure that modifies the digestive system to help people with obesity lose weight, she lost more than 30kg. Mindful of keeping her weight down, Madam Sabarina walks to the MRT station every day instead of taking the shuttle service, and takes the stairs instead of the escalator to catch the train. 'On my way home, I usually take a longer route to ensure I clock at least 10,000 steps a day, and practising stretching and breathing exercises to strengthen my core,' she said. 'I realised that small but consistent changes do make a big impact on my health, so I do what I can on a daily basis, and it gives me confidence to not only stay healthy physically and mentally but also stave off diabetes,' she added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Malay Mail
19 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Shot cyclist may have hidden route through Singapore military live-firing zone, say sources
SINGAPORE, June 20 — The cyclist who was shot while riding in a live-firing zone in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve is being investigated for wilful trespass — and now faces fresh scrutiny over possible efforts to hide the route he and his friends took. Sources told The Straits Times (ST) that the 42-year-old man, identified only as L, did not immediately inform police or hospital staff that he had been in the vicinity of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Nee Soon Range when he was struck by a bullet slug on June 15. Although L was taken to the National University Hospital (NUH) at about 1pm, police were not notified until 11.55pm — over 12 hours later. The projectile, which lodged in his lower left back, narrowly missed his kidney. NUH said he underwent surgery at 10pm, when the foreign object was removed and identified as a bullet slug. 'During triage and initial clinical assessment, the patient did not report that he had been shot. There were no overt signs to indicate a firearm-related injury... 'Once the cause of the external wound was definitively determined, we notified the police immediately,' a hospital spokesman said. Both NUH and the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said they are cooperating with police, who are now investigating whether L deliberately withheld key information. Meanwhile, checks by ST showed that L, a regular user of the Strava cycling app, had entered the Woodcutter's Trail — an unofficial and restricted track — from Chestnut Nature Park at about 11am with a group of roughly 10 riders. Another cyclist, W, a frequent riding partner, has since deleted his June 15 data from Strava. However, the route was still visible on his public Garmin profile. Mindef said the incident occurred around 11.40am, during an SAF live-firing exercise. L initially denied being in a restricted zone but admitted it the following day. The Gurkha Contingent was deployed to sweep the area that night. Strava logs reviewed by ST show L had used the trail regularly since 2014, with at least 10 rides logged there in 2025 alone. After ST visited a Pasir Panjang-area bike shop frequented by L and W, W made his tracking data private and L deleted his social media accounts. Other cyclists also began removing photos and videos of their rides in the area. Mindef reiterated that SAF training zones are off-limits under the Military Manoeuvres Act to protect public safety. Investigations are ongoing.
CNA
4 days ago
- Health
- CNA
Think hernias are for wrestlers and old folks? What you need to know about that pain or lump in your belly
When my then-70-year-old mother was diagnosed with a hernia some years back, my first thought was: Has Mum been wrestling? It wasn't that farfetched for my mind to jump there when Dwayne Johnson's triple hernia surgery after wrestling John Cena made the news then. If that doesn't sound painful enough, the actor and WWE star also tweeted that his doctor 'had to push my intestines back thru the tear in my abdomen'. Ouch. Outside the wrestling ring and in real life, hernias are not as uncommon as you think. National University Hospital's (NUH) Hernia Centre, for instance, treats over 500 new cases each year, said Professor Davide Lomanto, the centre's director as well as the head and senior consultant with NUH's Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre. Doctors in private practice, such as general surgeon Dr Lee Chin Li from Gleneagles Hospital, also see 'a relatively high incidence rate'. 'Hernias affect approximately 15 per cent of the population in Singapore,' he said. 'In my private practice, I typically see about five or six cases per month.' Dr Reyaz Singaporewalla, another general surgeon in private practice as well as the senior consultant in endocrine and medical director of ACE Specialist Surgery & Endoscopy, has the same observation. 'Hernias are relatively common in Singapore. At our centre, we typically see 15 to 20 new hernia patients a month.' But if you're thinking you're off the hook because you don't wrestle or aren't that old yet, you might want to brace yourself – especially when you cough. WHY DOES A HERNIA FORM? A hernia occurs when tissue or organ bulges through a weak area in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall. 'To understand the contributory factors for hernia formation, we need to understand the two main mechanisms,' said Dr Lee. 'Firstly, weakened abdominal wall muscles; and secondly, increased intra-abdominal pressure.' Your abdominal wall is made of muscles and tissues to hold your bowels and other organs in the abdominal cavity. But this wall isn't impenetrable; there are natural openings such as the belly button, and in men, the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis, explained a JAMA Network report. Some of these natural openings don't lead outside the body but within, such as the blood vessels that travel from inside the abdomen to the legs. 'Hernias generally begin with an increase in abdominal pressure, causing an organ like the small intestine, to protrude through a weakened muscle or tissue,' explained Dr Lomanto. This can be caused by genetics, weakened muscles through ageing or a collagen deficiency. If you have a certain amount of weakness in your abdominal wall, you don't have to wrestle like a WWE star or do very heavy lifting to develop a hernia. Any activity that creates pressure in the abdomen can push an organ through the weakened area like Play Doh through an extruder. 'Chronic coughing, smoking (which affects the production of collagen, increases collagen breakdown and causes chronic coughing), heavy weightlifting and being overweight are risk factors for developing a hernia,' said Dr Lomanto. WHO CAN BE PRONE TO HERNIAS? In Singapore, 'most hernia patients tend to be middle-aged to older males,' said Dr Singaporewalla. 'However, we also see younger adults, especially those engaged in manual labour or weight training, and women with a history of pregnancy or abdominal surgery.' Dr Lee explained that 'elderly patients may have a weaker abdominal wall due to ageing', while 'pregnancy will stretch the abdominal wall and thin it, in addition to increased abdominal pressure'. WHERE ARE HERNIAS USUALLY FOUND? Even if you skipped Biology in school, the Black Adam star's description ought to clue you in: The abdomen. However, hernias can also occur between your chest and tummy area, according to Health Direct. Depending on its location, a hernia can be classified as: In Singapore, the more common types of hernias seen are inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia and incisional hernia, according to the doctors CNA Lifestyle spoke to. As for the typical patient profile, 'it really depends on which type of hernia', said Dr Lee. 'Inguinal hernia tends to occur in more male children or infants within six months of birth,' he said. 'In adults, it is typically seen in patients older than 50 years old and more commonly in males.' Women who have had multiple pregnancies may develop umbilical hernia, said Dr Lomanto. 'Umbilical hernia occurs when part of the intestine bulges through the opening of the abdominal muscles near the belly button.' WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT YOU MAY HAVE A HERNIA? 'Many patients ignore early signs like a bulge in the abdomen or groin that comes and goes, especially if it is painless,' said Dr Singaporewalla. 'Some dismiss it as a muscle strain or a fat lump.' He added that in young athletes and weightlifters, the earliest symptom is often a pulling pain in the groin fold before swelling appears. In some cases, a hernia 'can be uncomfortable and may cause pain in certain situations, such as when standing for a long time, during long walks, and carrying heavy weights', said Dr Lomanto. WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HERNIA? It depends on the type of hernia, according to Dr Lee. 'The more common inguinal hernia usually requires surgery.' Doctors may not call for urgent surgery for umbilical hernia (unless the surrounding skin is thinned out or the hernia increases in size) as well as hernias without any symptoms and instead, 'opt for watchful waiting', he said. But don't make the call yourself by not seeing a doctor at all. 'Untreated hernias can become painful and may lead to serious complications like bowel obstruction or strangulation, which are surgical emergencies,' said Dr Singaporewalla. Signs of a bowel obstruction or strangulation can include nausea and vomiting, explained Dr Lomanto. Minimally invasive keyhole surgery is usually performed to patch you up. 'The goal is to return the protruding tissue to its original position and reinforce the weakened area, often with the use of a mesh,' said Dr Singaporewalla. Dr Lomanto said that surgery can be performed, in most cases, with day surgery or a short stay of one to two days. But for hernia patients with diabetes, obesity or heart disease, or those with large or recurrent hernias, spending a few nights at the hospital may be needed, he said.
