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DTAP x Talk Your Heart Out: Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection

9th October 2023 /0 Comments/in /by

By: Dr Glenn Low of DTAP Clinics This piece is produced in collaboration with Talk Your Heart Out (TYHO), an end-to-end platform offering therapy in Singapore. William Shakespeare once wrote, our bodies are our gardens to which our wills are our gardeners. This timeless quote, along with others like it, underscores the enduring human perception of the mind and body as two distinct yet inseparable facets of our being. In this article, we delve into the intricate relationship between physical health and mental wellbeing. Physical Health’s Impact on Mental Wellbeing Let’s start by examining how physical health profoundly influences mental wellbeing. It’s a simple concept: when we’re in good health, our stress levels decrease, and our anxiety diminishes. Conversely, poor health can cast a shadow over our lives, leading to worry and fear about aging, illness, and diminished mobility. There are two essential aspects to consider when exploring how physical health affects mental wellbeing. Firstly, individuals already grappling with health issues must receive proper care and management. As our society ages, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension continues to rise. Neglecting these conditions can lead to complications that further exacerbate life’s challenges. For instance, untreated diabetes can result in numbness in the feet and slow-healing wounds, causing significant stress, especially when these problems persist. Therefore, anyone diagnosed with such health conditions must maintain regular contact with a healthcare professional for effective treatment. Secondly, even those in peak physical condition eventually face the uncertainties of aging. Uncertainty is a potent source of anxiety, especially concerning one’s health. A proactive approach to mitigating this anxiety involves regular health screenings, as recommended by your healthcare provider, to detect and address medical issues early on. The Reciprocal Relationship: Mental Wellbeing’s Impact on Physical Health Conversely, mental wellbeing can profoundly affect physical health. Firstly, a positive mental state is a prerequisite for effective self-care. When burdened by constant stress and worries, it becomes increasingly challenging to plan for and make sound decisions regarding one’s health. Secondly, scientific studies have consistently demonstrated that chronic stress takes a toll on the body’s physiology. The fight-or-flight response, activated during periods of heightened stress, leads to an increase in stress hormones like cortisol. While this response is useful for immediate survival, sustained high levels of cortisol are associated with elevated blood pressure, glucose levels, and weight gain, which can have long-term health repercussions. Stress is also known to trigger inflammation in the body, exacerbating chronic diseases and posing a significant risk for heart attacks and strokes in the future. Nurturing Mental Wellbeing So, how can one foster mental wellbeing? The first step is adopting an active lifestyle with regular exercise. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, those feel good hormones associated with happiness and overall wellbeing. These endorphins counteract the negative impact of stress hormones on our bodies. Moreover, prioritizing adequate sleep—ideally, 6-7 hours per night—plays a pivotal role in maintaining mental clarity and reducing stress. During sleep, the brain efficiently consolidates and eliminates metabolic toxins accumulated during the day. Neglecting sleep allows these toxins to build up, leading to symptoms like brain fog, confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of mental clarity—all of which contribute to heightened stress levels. In conclusion, the profound interplay between physical health and mental wellbeing underscores the importance of nurturing both aspects of our lives. By acknowledging this connection and taking proactive steps to maintain balance, we can ensure a happier and healthier future for ourselves. Also See: PEP HIV HPV Test HIV Test HPV Vaccine @ DTAP Express Singapore

Making Sexual Health Inclusive for the LGBT+ Community

7th June 2023 /0 Comments/in /by

In the advent of Pride this June, we look at the unique sexual health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the steps we can take to alleviate it. After all, sexual health is for everyone, regardless of what your gender preference or biological sex is.  What are the unique challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face on sexual health? Sexual health hasn’t always been easy to discuss – but the challenge is even tougher for LGBTQ+ individuals. In Singapore, misconceptions and prejudices have manifested into troubling issues for the LGBTQ+ community seeking sexual health, such as: Delayed consultation and treatment due to stigma and discrimination The stigma against LGBTQ+ patients can discourage them from seeking medical advice and treatment. The fear of judgment, mistreatment, or the breach of confidentiality can be daunting and dishearten them from consulting a doctor regarding their sexual health concerns. At times, they might even be hesitant to disclose their sexual and gender identity, which can lead to doctors missing crucial information for appropriate care. In addition, stigma and phobia against STDs can dissuade patients from seeking medical assistance. According to the Infectious Disease Act, all new diagnoses of HIV need to be notified. For many non-citizen LGBTQ+ individuals, this instills a rational fear of having their student pass or work permit canceled because of a positive HIV test. This can thus cause delays in testing and lead to end-stage HIV without proper treatment for these patients.  For older LGBTQ+ individuals, they may even already see themselves as outcasts and have accepted the fact that they are not going to receive help. This can lead to them stopping care for their chronic medical conditions entirely.  Lack of training and awareness for healthcare providers As Singapore is a heteronormative society, health issues for LGBTQ+ individuals are not included during medical school as part of the syllabus. There is a dearth of training in managing healthcare needs for these patients. As a result, not all healthcare providers have the expertise in managing the specific healthcare needs for LGBTQ+ patients, and this can cause inappropriate or inadequate care and advice. Healthcare providers with stigma against LGBTQ+ patients can also lead to biased assumptions and misdiagnoses for patients. Lack of access to inclusive healthcare In Singapore, there is a disparity in access to healthcare for LGBTQ+ patients. Not all doctors or healthcare providers are deemed LGBTQ+ friendly—there might only be a few physicians trusted by LGBTQ+ patients to deal with their specific healthcare needs. A lot of healthcare providers also do not affirm LGBTQ+ support publicly for fear of persecution. Due to societal norms, lack of advertisement, and laws regulating medical advertisement, access to these doctors are mostly limited and passed on through word of mouth.  In addition to that, socio-economic and lingual differences may limit patients in accessing healthcare providers sensitive to their needs.  How can healthcare providers ensure that their services are inclusive and welcoming for LGBTQ+ individuals? There are many ways healthcare providers can be more inclusive and welcoming of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Here are some examples: Use inclusive language Communication can make or break the doctor-patient relationship, even more so for LGBTQ+ patients. Inclusive language that can acknowledge and respect diverse sexual orientations and gender identities should be encouraged.  This includes using the preferred gender pronouns and/or names, and respecting how patients prefer to be addressed.  Avoid assumptions Healthcare providers should avoid making assumptions about a patient’s gender and sexual orientation. Open-ended questions should be utilized to allow patients to share their health issues and concerns.  Ensure competency Healthcare providers who are looking to work with LGBTQ+ patients should look to understand and address their specific health concerns and needs. Issues such as sexual health, mental health, hormonal therapy, gender affirming care and preventive treatment may be relevant to the LGBTQ+ patients. Establish networks  It can sometimes be difficult for healthcare providers to manage the diverse healthcare needs of their LGBTQ+ patients. However, there are many other specialists and organizations out there that care for and support the LGBTQ+ community. For example, Oogachaga is a community-based, non profit organization that works with LGBTQ+ individuals. By establishing the network of support, LGBTQ+ patients can be assured that even if the healthcare provider is unable to address their concerns, they can be referred to someone else that does.  What steps can healthcare providers take to improve cultural competency and sensitivity when providing sexual health services to LGBT individuals? Nowadays, healthcare providers can actively work toward creating a more open, welcoming environment for the LGBTQ+ community. Some of the ways they can do so include: Education and training on LGBTQ+ Providers should seek education and training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency, which includes understanding the unique health needs, experiences, and disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. This can involve attending workshops, conferences, or online courses that focus on LGBTQ+ inclusivity Develop inclusive policies and practices for LGBT+ individuals Providers should review and update their policies and practices to ensure they are inclusive and affirming for LGBTQ+ individuals. This includes implementing nondiscrimination policies and using inclusive language on forms and documentation. Create an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ Healthcare providers should strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. This can be achieved by training staff on providing respectful and affirming care, addressing any biases or prejudices, and ensuring confidentiality and privacy for LGBTQ+ patients. Seek feedback and engage with the LGBTQ+ community Providers should actively seek feedback from LGBTQ+ patients and engage with the local LGBTQ+ community to understand their unique needs and concerns. This can involve forming advisory groups, conducting surveys, or participating in community events. Between the effects of stigma and the lack of medical training and awareness of healthcare providers, LGBTQ+ individuals tend to face tougher challenges in consulting and treating their sexual health concerns. Nonetheless, they are just as deserving of good health and life, and there are many ways we can help them achieve that. At DTAP Clinics, we aim to

DTAP @ Holland Village’s Operating Hours Will Change on 03 January 2023

1st January 2023 /0 Comments/in /by

Dear All, This notification is to make you aware that we will be changing the operating hours starting 03 Jan 2023 for one of our clinics – DTAP @ Holland Village.  The clinic’s new operating hours are as follows: Monday and Tuesday: 8.30am – 7.30pm Wednesday – Friday: 9.30am – 6.30pm Saturday: 9am – 2pm Sunday and PH: closed If there are any changes, we will keep you posted. Thank you and see you in our clinics! Best Regards, DTAP Team Also See: Cervical Cancer Screening Wart Removal Aesthetic Clinic Singapore: S Aesthetics Clinic

DTAP @ Robertson Closed For Renovation Between 27 Aug To 20 Sep 2022.

2nd August 2022 /0 Comments/in /by

Dear All, To better the appearance and feel of our clinics, and to make them more in tune with our brand, we are pleased to announce that we will be giving our clinic a new look. This notification is to make you aware that we will be undergoing a renovation project for one of our clinics – DTAP @ Robertson.  The clinic will be closed from 27th Aug 6pm to 20th Sept 2022. The clinic is expected to resume operation on 21st Sept 2022 (Wednesday). If there are any changes, we will keep you posted. During the time of renovation, existing patients of our Robertson branch may contact any of our other branches if you need to see our doctors. It is important to note that anonymous HIV testing will not be available during the renovation of DTAP @ Robertson Clinic. Best Regards, DTAP Team

The Importance of HPV Testing

31st August 2021 /0 Comments/in /by

What is HPV infection? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a type of virus most frequently transmitted through sexual contact. HPV can affect anyone who is sexually active, both women and men. It is estimated that 80% of sexually active individuals will get HPV infection at some point in their lifetime. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms. They can transmit the virus to others without knowing it. What type of diseases does HPV cause? There are many types of HPV virus strains. Those considered as ‘High risk group’ include strain 16,18,31,33,45,52,58. They are responsible for causing >75% of cervical cancer and >50% of vaginal and vulvar cancer in women. In men, they can also cause anal and penile cancers. These high risk HPV strains do not cause genital warts. Those in ‘Low risk group’ such as strain 6,11 cause >90% of anogenital warts in both genders. Anogenital warts can look like bumps. Sometimes, they’re shaped like cauliflower. These warts may not be visible immediately; they can show up weeks or months after someone has been infected. These low risk HPV strains are not responsible for causing cancers in the genitalia. In some infected cases, the infection will clear on its own; but when it does not, genital warts, precancerous lesions or cancers can develop and progress. It is not known who will and who will not clear the HPV infection. Who will need HPV test? – HPV Testing Singapore Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test is a screening test done for detection of the DNA (genetic materials) of the high risk HPV virus strains (e.g. 16 and 18) in one’s body. With the presence of high risk HPV strains, the risk of cervical cells turning abnormal in the future is higher, which means the patient should then be followed up at a closer interval. According to MOH guidelines, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing is recommended as the primary screening test for women aged 30 years and above who have ever had sex, at a screening interval of 5 years. For women aged 25-69 years, who have ever had sex, pap smear can be used as the primary screening test once every 3 years. How is HPV test conducted? – HPV Test Singapore Sample collection of HPV test is similar to the pap smear screening, where a speculum is inserted to the vagina then samples of the cervical cells will be taken using a soft brush. It can be done in the clinic under an outpatient setting without any special preparation. It is important to try not to schedule the test during the menstrual period. After the test, one can proceed with normal daily activities. Depending on the test result, the screening interval for future tests will be decided. If the test result comes back positive, patients will either be advised to go for a more regular follow up or referred for a colposcopy procedure if deemed necessary. Benefits of early detection Having a HPV test will allow for early detection of abnormal cervical cells and any early changes of precancerous or cancerous lesions can be picked up at earlier stages before they start progressing. Early detection saves lives because treatment rendered at earlier stages for abnormal cells is more effective and has a better prognosis as compared to late stages. Treatment methods for diseases caused by HPV infection For genital warts, treatment can be either by application of topical imiquimod cream or by cryotherapy applied directly to the lesions. For precancerous cervical lesions, removal of abnormal parts of the cervix can usually be done through laser excisional surgery (LEEP). Surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be needed for more advanced stages of cervical cancer. Prevention of HPV infection Barrier methods of contraception such as condoms lowers the risk of HPV transmission. Other than early detection through HPV testing, the recommended way for HPV prevention is to go for HPV vaccination, which is usually given through injection in the muscle and can be completed in a 6 month interval. In Singapore, there are various types of HPV vaccines available. Examples include Cervarix, Gardasil-4 and Gardasil-9 vaccines. Cervarix vaccine offers protection against high risk cancer-causing HPV strains 16 and 18. It does not have protection against anogenital warts. Gardasil offers protection against both high and low risk strains. Gardasil-4 protects against HPV strain 6,11,16,18 and Gardasil-9 offers additional protection of 5 extra strains 31,33,45,52,58 on top of the usual 4 strains. Both Gardasil vaccines are effective for prevention against both anogenital warts and cancers. HPV vaccine works best when given before a person has any contact with the HPV strains. Gardasil-9 vaccine can be given to both males and females as young as aged 9, up to 45 year old. Even after being vaccinated, regular screening intervals as per MOH guidelines is still advisable. Since 2005, our women’s clinics have been treating both local and foreign patients with women’s sexual health and reproductive health-related issues. Our women’s health doctors are experienced in diagnosing, treating and managing a wide array of women’s health-related issue like contraception, emergency contraception, oral contraceptive pills, contraceptive patch, contraceptive implants, Intra Uterine Device (IUD), vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis, vaginal odour, vaginal itch, vaginal lumps & bumps, Dyspareunia (Pain during sex), bleeding after sex, Vaginismus, Uriniary Tract Infections (UTI), Pap Smear, Premarital screening, fertility screening, preconception screening, breast screening, cervical cancer vaccination, period & menstrual issues and weight loss treatment. Article by Dr Goh Lit Ching – anchor doctor at DTAP@DUO Reach out to us at hello@dtapclinic.com.sg or visit us at www.dtapclinic.com See Also:  STD Test Singapore HIV Test Singapore STD Test Malaysia: Comprehensive STD testing is also available at DTAP Malaysia

Explainer: What you need to know about HIV and AIDS

25th August 2021 /0 Comments/in , , , /by

What is HIV? HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks and damages the human immune system. When left untreated, HIV kills a type of immune cell called a T-Cell. As the condition progresses more T-Cells get attacked. This makes the body become increasingly susceptible to a range of illnesses and cancers. HIV is not airborne, neither does it spread through water or casual, physical contact. Instead, HIV is transmitted via the following bodily fluids: ● Semen ● Blood ● Vaginal secretions ● Rectal fluids ● Breast milk The virus does its work by inserting itself into the DNA of cells. Therefore, there is no known drug capable of removing it from the body, even as medical science strives for a cure. At the moment, a treatment called antiretroviral therapy makes it possible for a person with HIV to live with the virus for many years. Without such therapy, a person infected with HIV is likely to develop the condition known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. What is AIDS? AIDS is when the immune system is weakened to the point where it is unable to properly and sufficiently counteract infections. If left untreated, people with end-stage AIDS have about 3 years to live. This is why antiretroviral therapy is important for people who have HIV, as it enables them to live as long as people who do not have HIV. A person can also be diagnosed with AIDS if they have HIV and develop an opportunistic infection or cancer. When AIDS develops, a person is seriously susceptible to illnesses like: Tuberculosis Cytomegalovirus Toxoplasmosis Cryptosporidiosis Various cancers These illnesses can become severe, and shorten the lifespan of a person. How does HIV progress to AIDS? While related, HIV and AIDS are different things. It takes a period of time for HIV to progress to AIDS, which means that when action is taken, there is a possibility of preventing HIV’s progress to AIDS. HIV cases progress through 3 distinct stages: First Stage: Acute stage – First few weeks after infection Second Stage: Chronic Stage Third Stage: Progress to AIDS As HIV progresses, the CD4 cell count slowly goes down. While an uninfected adult’s CD4 cell count runs between 500 to 1500 per cubic millimeter, a person with AIDS has a CD4 cell count that is sub-200 count per cubic millimeter. The speed of HIV progression from stage 2 to stage 3 depends on the person. Some people can stay in stage 2 for a decade without treatment. However, with treatment, they can stay in stage 2 indefinitely. As mentioned above, there is no cure for HIV. However, antiretroviral therapy can give a near-normal life expectancy. Similarly, there is no way to cure AIDS. However, treatment that can increase the CD4 count above 200 per cubic millimeter of blood exists. This means that they can be considered to no longer have AIDS. The facts of HIV transmission No one is immune to HIV, and anyone can contract the virus. Here are some ways that HIV can be transmitted between people: ● Unprotected vaginal or anal sex — This is the most common route of transmission ● Sharing drug paraphernalia ● Unsterilized tattoo equipment ● Pregnancy, labor, or delivery from a pregnant person to their baby ● Breastfeeding ● Premastication – the act of chewing a baby’s food before feeding it to them Very rarely, HIV is transmitted via blood transfusion or organ donation. It is extremely rare for HIV to be transmitted through: ● Oral sex ● Being bitten by a person with HIV ● Contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and the blood of someone living with HIV HIV does NOT transmit through: ● Unbroken skin-to-skin contact ● Casual contact like shaking hands ● Air or water ● Sharing food or drinks, including drinking fountains ● Saliva, tears, or sweat (unless mixed with the blood of a person with HIV) ● Insect bites It’s important to note that if a person living with HIV is being treated and has a persistently undetectable viral load, it’s virtually impossible to transmit the virus to another person. Early symptoms of HIV In the acute infection stage, there can be symptoms. At this stage, the virus is reproducing rapidly. The person’s immune system responds by producing HIV antibodies, which are proteins that take measures to respond against infection. During this acute infection stage, some people have no symptoms, while others might have the following symptoms: ● fever ● chills ● swollen lymph nodes ● general aches and pains ● skin rash ● sore throat ● headache ● nausea ● upset stomach These symptoms are similar to the common flu. This is why infected people might not think that they need to see a doctor. During this acute infection stage, the HIV viral load in the person is high, and this means that the virus can be easily passed on to another person during this period. The acute stage symptoms resolve themselves within a few months as the person enters the chronic stage of HIV, which can last for decades with the appropriate treatment. How can we diagnose HIV? There are a few tests that can be used to diagnose HIV. Antibody/antigen tests Antibody/antigen tests are the most commonly used tests. They can show positive results typically within 2 to 4 weeks after someone initially contracts HIV. These tests check the blood for both HIV antibodies and antigens. An antibody is a type of protein the body makes to respond to an infection. An antigen, on the other hand, is the part of the virus that activates the immune system. Antibody tests These tests check the blood solely for HIV antibodies. 3 weeks to 3 months after transmission, most people will develop detectable HIV antibodies, which can be found in the blood or saliva. These tests are done using blood tests or mouth swabs, and there’s no preparation necessary. Some tests provide results in 30 minutes or less and can be performed in a clinic.