Dec 2014/Jan 2015

MEDICINE
ON THE GO
Your free handy
checklist for travel
emergencies
NEW YEAR,
NEW YOU
ISSUE 13
| DEC 2014 – JAN 2015
Our
Birthday
Gift to You
We celebrate SG50 with special
goodies for every new baby
Follow these three
Es for good health
in 2015!
CONTENTS
ISSUE 13 DEC 2014 – JAN 2015
13
WOMEN WELLNESS
4
CELEBRATE
Follow three Es for
SG50 Jubilee Joy Pack
Celebrate SG50 with
Thomson Medical
15 ORAL HEALTH
6 NEW
ADVANCES
Have a pain-free delivery Brighten your teeth
THERE’S PLENTY OF REASON
for all Thomson babies
good health in 2015
with HypnoBirthing®
for a brand new you
tips for mums-to-be
get you down
pro with MamyPoko
Dr Low Hwee Hiang
and Dr Lim Tse Chiun
16
MEN’S HEALTH
8 BUMP
AHEAD
Don’t let andropause
Travel safe with these
17
WE WELCOME
9 PARENTCRAFT
Meet our new dentists
Change nappies like a
10 TRAVEL MEDICINE
18
HAPPENINGS
Your handy checklist
Fun seminars, new
for travel emergencies
12
PERIMENOPAUSE
How TCM can help you
restore balance
ambulances, moving
of Thomson Women’s
Clinic and more!
FOR ENQUIRIES ON ADVERTISING AND CORPORATE TALKS, PLEASE EMAIL
[email protected]
CELEBRATING LIFE IS PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY FOR THOMSON MEDICAL BY PUBLICITAS PUBLISHING (EMAIL: [email protected])
THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED IN CELEBRATING LIFE DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THOSE OF THOMSON MEDICAL
OR PUBLICITAS PUBLISHING. NO RESPONSIBILITY IS ACCEPTED FOR THE CLAIMS MADE IN ADVERTISEMENTS, ARTICLES, PHOTOGRAPHS
OR ILLUSTRATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE WRITTEN
PERMISSION OF THOMSON MEDICAL AND PUBLICITAS PUBLISHING. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYRIGHT © 2014 BY THOMSON MEDICAL.
ALL INFORMATION CORRECT AT TIME OF PRINTING. PRINTED IN SINGAPORE BY KHL PRINTING CO PTE LTD. MCI (P) 194/12/2013
for cheer in
2015! This year, we celebrate Singapore’s
50th birthday with a Jubilee Joy Pack for all
Thomson babies born in 2015.
It’s packed with goodies and everything
you need to give your little bundle of joy a
great start in life. Mums-to-be will enjoy SG50
rates for our single and two-bedded rooms.
So there’s never been a better time to have
a baby!
Back in 1979, Thomson Medical Centre
was founded by renowned obstetrician Dr
Cheng Wei Chen, whose aim was to “make
delivery an enjoyable experience for women”.
Now you can do just that with us! At the
Thomson ParentCraft Centre, you can learn
HypnoBirthing® techniques to help you give
birth naturally and without pain.
The start of a new year is always a good
time to get yourself back on track in life. Here
we show three simple ways how ladies can
stay in the pink of health, and how you can
get a makeover for your pearly whites right
here at the Thomson Dental Centre.
With our comprehensive range of services
across the Thomson Medical umbrella, you
can be sure we’ve got you covered.
Happy reading!
Best Regards,
The Editorial Team
CORD
BLOOD
i
celebrate
A YEAR OF
JUBILATION
With Thomson Medical’s SG50 Special, there’s never been
a better time to have a baby!
IF YOU’RE EXPECTING a baby in 2015, congratulations! As a leading provider of healthcare
services for women and children in Singapore, Thomson Medical supports our nation’s efforts to
get Singaporeans to make more babies. So we’re launching something exclusive for all Thomson
mothers and babies!
The TMC SG50 Special for our obstetrics patients will be effective from 1 January to 31
December 2015. All new Thomson babies will receive a Jubilee Joy Pack with an exciting
collection of goodies (see next page) from TMC and our partners! This is in addition to the
SG50 Jubilee Baby Gift for Singapore citizens by the Singapore government.
Thomson mummies can also enjoy SG50 rates for our single and two-bedded rooms. For
more information, visit www.thomsonmedical.com/thomsonsg50 or call Annie at 8111 6104. 
4
5
new advances
PLEASURE
OVER PAIN
Have a stress-free and natural delivery with HypnoBirthing® –
The Mongan Method
| COURSE OVERVIEW
The TMC HypnoBirthing® is a five-week
course that comprises five classes
of 2.5 hours each.
UNIT 1: BUILDING A POSITIVE
EXPECTANCY
Introducing the HypnoBirthing®
philosophy, how to have a
comfortable and safe birth, and
how to assist (rather than resist)
your natural birthing instinct
UNIT 2: PREPARING YOUR MIND
AND BODY
Prenatal bonding techniques, breathing
and hypnotic relaxation techniques for
labour, daddy’s role, and techniques for
toning your body for birth
UNIT 3: GETTING READY TO
WELCOME YOUR BABY
Preparing your body for birth, light
touch labour massage, achieving a
natural start to labour, and releasing
negative emotions and limiting thoughts
UNIT 4: AN OVERVIEW OF BIRTHING
DO YOU KNOW THAT it’s possible to
give birth without pain?
We have all been conditioned
by TV and movies that labour is a
painful affair. But it need not be so.
Now available at Thomson ParentCraft
Centre, HypnoBirthing® is a childbirth
education programme that teaches
you techniques you can use during
pregnancy and birth to achieve a
relaxed and comfortable birth, as
nature intended.
HypnoBirthing® is based on the
work of English obstetrician Dr Grantly
Dick-Read, a leading advocate of natural
childbirth in the 1920s, and the founder,
Marie Mongan. There are two certified
HypnoBirthing® practitioners who teach
at Thomson ParentCraft Centre.
So what are the benefits of a stressfree delivery? It can greatly shorten the
first phase of labour and reduce the
“HypnoBirthing® made me
feel positive about my birth.
My birth was a calm
experience and I actually
enjoyed having contractions!”
— May-Lyn and Li Wei
need for painkillers, drugs, episiotomy
and other interventions. The breathing
techniques help reduce fatigue for you
during birth, leaving you alert and full
of energy during the labour process
without the need for difficult pushing.
With hypnosis involved, it is really
nothing more than an altered state
of consciousness, like how one can
be engrossed in daydreaming, or a
good book. There is no magic wand
or pendulum swinging in front of your
eyes. Rather, it uses practical selfhypnosis techniques that you can use to
cope with stress in other aspects of life.
HypnoBirthing® is not just for mums.
Dads (or another birth companion) play
an important role, as they are equipped
with techniques they can use to help
mum stay relaxed during birth. Both
parents work together as a team to
welcome their baby to the world. 
“My midwife was surprised how
calm I was during my son’s birth.
She said she was actually bored,
as my husband took over her role
and looked after me!”
— Alexandra and Johan
6
Onset of labour (thinning and opening),
the basics of birth, preparing for birth at
home or hospital, hallmarks of labour,
and birthing with your baby
UNIT 5: BIRTH, BREATHING LOVE,
BRINGING LIFE
Moving into birthing, positions for
descent and birthing, breathing baby
down to birth, preparing to breastfeed,
and family bonding with your baby
MIRANDA FUNNELL
practises at
Thomson ParentCraft Centre
Blk 2 Balestier Road #01-671
Balestier Hill Shopping Centre
(Opposite Thomson Medical Centre)
Singapore 320002
T: 6251 4090
E: [email protected]
www.thomsonmedical.com/
hypnobirthing-classes
AXA Mum’s Advantage
Awarded “Best in Insurance Coverage for Mothers and
Babies” in 2012 & 2013
2012
2013
VOTED BY PARENTS
P R E G NANC Y
PR
S
O DU
CE
C TS / S E R VI
VOTED BY PARENTS
PR
P R E G NANCY
S
O D UC
IC E
TS / S E R V
AXA Mum’s Advantage is for an
expectant mother from as early as
18 weeks pregnancy as well as for
the baby while still in the womb.
It is a combination of two plans:
1. Prenatal plan – Mum’s Care
• It helps to ease the cost of
treatment arising from possible
pregnancy complications.
• The baby is also ensured guaranteed
protection against the 18 listed
congenital illnesses up to the age of
6 years old.
• Both mother and child also enjoy
hospital care BENEFITS.
2. Savings plan – INSPIRETM
FlexiProtector and INSPIRETM
FlexiSaver
• It provides a valuable head start in
building up savings for your child’s
future.
• The mother can transfer this plan to
the child upon birth. It provides
guaranteed life protection up to
$200,000 including 30 critical
illnesses, without any further health
check.
* Terms & Conditions apply.
Contact Us Today
6100 6543
AXA Life Insurance Singapore Private Limited
8 Shenton Way #27-02 AXA Tower Singapore 068811
Website: www.axa.com.sg
“With Mum’s Advantage we can be confident that our child
will be well protected both before and after birth.”
travel
BUMP AHEAD
Travel safe with these tips for mums-to-be!
WHICH TRIMESTER(S) ARE SAFE
WHAT MEDICATION SHOULD I BRING
FOR TRAVEL?
WITH ME?
According to the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the
safest period to travel is the second
trimester from the 14th to 28th week
of pregnancy.
In general, obstetric emergencies
happen more often in the first and
third trimesters.
Your obstetrician will be able to
advise you if it is safe to travel during
your pregnancy term and provide details
on the viability of your pregnancy.
You’ll need to be assessed for
any medical problems or pregnancy
complications that might put you at a
high risk for travel. These include:
• Anaemia
• Recent bleeding in pregnancy
• Conditions that put you at high risk of
deep vein thrombosis
Depending on where you’re going, it
would be prudent to prepare a small
bag of medicines and supplements.
Do include:
• Your usual vitamins and supplements
• Paracetamol (if you have no known
allergies to it) for pain or fever
• Anti-histamines such as
chlorpheniramine in the event of
nasal congestion or allergies
• Medication for morning sickness and
motion sickness in the event of long
or bumpy journeys
• Medication for diarrhea
WHAT FOODS SHOULD I AVOID?
Pregnant women are more prone to
being infected with listeria, which can
lead to miscarriages and stillbirths or
severe illness in the newborn. Avoid
8
soft cheeses, blue cheese and those
with a white rind, such as brie and
camembert. However, if they have
been properly cooked, these cheeses
are safe to eat.
Raw or undercooked meat can
harbour Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite
that can lead to complications during
pregnancy. Although the risk of
infection is low, it is best to avoid raw
or undercooked food. 
DR CLAUDINE TAN
practises at
Thomson Women’s Clinic
Blk 254 Serangoon Central Drive #01-219
Singapore 550254
T: 6382 3313
E: [email protected]
www.thomsonmedical.com
parentcraft
CHANGE NAPPIES LIKE A PRO!
Get maximum care and comfort with MamyPoko, the diaper partner for Thomson Medical
USE DISTRACTIONS
Changing a
squirming baby can
be a real struggle.
It’s also less likely
to be sanitary – if
you’re wrestling
with your toddler
and rushing to pull
off the dirty diaper,
you’re more likely
to be spreading
germs. So if your
baby is a changing
table squirmer, have
distractions ready. Keep a couple of
toys up on the changing table that
you can use to divert her attention.
Just a couple of extra seconds may
be enough. Once the diaper change
is over, make sure to wash or disinfect
the toys afterward.
should always put a cloth or tissue over
his penis to avoid getting sprayed.
Remember!
Wipe boys UP
Wipe girls DOWN
Do you know that all babies born in Thomson
Medical Centre receive a pack of MamyPoko
NewBorn diapers upon discharge?* Here’s why!
WASH YOUR
BABY’S HANDS
Whether or not you’ve actually seen
your baby touch anything nasty during
the diaper change, it’s still a good idea
to wash her hands once you’re done.
SUPER ABSORBENT
Provides longer
usage and leakage
protection
BREATHABLE COVER
Releases heat and
moisture to reduce
rashes
CONTOURED
WAISTLINE
Protects your baby’s
unhealed navel
WETNESS SIGN
Lines turn from yellow
to green = Time to
change!
WASH YOUR OWN HANDS
RIGHT AWAY
If you’re not near a
sink, you can use
alcohol-based gel
instead – just make
sure to keep the bottle
out of your baby’s reach.
Superior
Absorbency
WIPE
CLEAN AND DISINFECT
CAREFULLY
THE CHANGING AREA
With a girl, always wipe from front to
back to prevent infection. Although
that’s not an issue with a boy, you
LOVES
| MAMYPOKO
THOMSON BABIES!
Regularly wipe down the changing
table with soap and water or a
disinfectant. 
9
TIP: For extra peace of mind, use
MamyPoko Soft Baby Wipes to keep
your baby clean and healthy. These
wipes kill 99% of bacteria that
cause skin infections, respiratory
diseases and food poisoning. With
no alcohol content, they are gentle
enough to be used on your newborn!
*For a limited period only
Gentleto S
kin
travel
MEDICINE ON THE GO
Be prepared for minor travel emergencies with this handy checklist!
FEVER, BODY ACHE AND
CUTS AND SMALL WOUNDS
Alcohol wipes or Chlorhexidine
antiseptic solution
Band-aid
Gauze
JOINT PAIN
Paracetamol or Ibuprofen
ANTIHISTAMINES FOR COLD
hlorpheniramine or
C
Promethazine (to suppress
runny nose, watery eyes and
sneezing, and to aid in sleeping)
MOTION SICKNESS,
GIDDINESS AND
VOMITING
Dimenhydrinate BP
STOMACH UPSET
eragel (or similar
V
antacid tablets to
relieve gastric pain,
stomach cramps
and bloatedness)
Directions: First clean the wound with alcohol wipes or
Chlorhexidine. Then place a band-aid or gauze on the
wound. This prevents infection and speeds up the healing
process. Gauze fabric, unlike cotton pads, is woven to
prevent threads from sticking to the wound.
MOSQUITO REPELLANT
SUN PROTECTION
unscreen or
S
sunblock (SPF 30
or higher)
epellant cream or spray
R
containing DEET
Directions: Apply only to exposed
skin and clothing and not under
clothing. Do not apply on eyes,
mouth, cuts, wounds and irritated
skin. Children should use repellents
with lower concentrations of DEET.
Avoid use on infants two months
or younger.
Directions: Apply
sunscreen/sunblock
liberally half an hour
before going out in
the sun and re-apply at
least every two hours
when outdoors and after
swimming, bathing and
profuse sweating. Babies
six months and younger
should not have sunscreen
applied to their skin, and
should stay indoors.
INSECT BITES
ydrocortisone cream
H
(with/without antibiotics to
suppress itchy bites)
COUGH AND
• Vaccinate yourself. Consult your
doctor at least six weeks before
travelling to malaria-infested areas
or places that require compulsory
vaccinations. Some vaccinations may
require two or three doses and take
around one month to be fully effective.
Recommended travel vaccinations
(not exhaustive) include seasonal
influenza, hepatitis A, typhoid,
tetanus, meningococcal meningitis
and anti-malarial prophylaxis.
• If you have a medical condition or
chronic disease, consult your doctor
early. Bring a few more days’ supply
of your regular medication. Keep a
note in your wallet and inform your
travel companions on your medical
conditions and daily medications.
Check with your health insurance
provider on what is covered.
• Children should be kept up-to-date
on routine childhood vaccinations.
Newborns and infants are at special
risk because they can get very sick
quickly, and many vaccines and
medications are not recommended
for them. There are also limited
options for malarial prevention in
infants. Make sure you check with
your paediatrician before you travel.
• If you’re pregnant, consult your
obstetrician before you travel.
SORE THROAT
rachisan (or similar
T
lozenges to soothe
sore throat)
Dextromethorphan
(lozenges, syrup or
tablets to relieve
cough)
| BEFORE YOU TRAVEL…
DIARRHOEA
operamide or charcoal pills
L
(to relieve loose stools and
abdominal cramps)
Get your travel
vaccinations from the
Thomson 24-Hour Family
Clinic today!
Get your travel
medicines and supplies
from the Thomson Retail
Pharmacy today!
DR ABDUL BASHIR
Senior Resident Doctor
Thomson 24-Hour Family Clinic
339 Thomson Road
Singapore 307677
T: 6350 8812
E: [email protected]
www.thomsonmedical.com
10
Caution: If your medical conditions do not
improve or are serious, consult a doctor or
go to a hospital immediately. Please consult
your doctor if you have any drug allergy, am
pregnant or breastfeeding.
tcm
BODY IN TRANSITION
How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help you cope with perimenopause
to the
period during which a woman’s
body makes its natural transition to
permanent infertility (menopause).
During this period, many women
experience hot flushes, migraine, night
sweats, skin and vaginal dryness, mood
swings, depression, anxiety, irregular
menstruation cycles and reduced
volume of menstruation flow.
Menopause is a normal phase.
Most women start perimenopause
in their 40s. However, some women
may experience symptoms as early as
their mid-30s. This may be due to poor
lifestyle habits such as smoking and
an unhealthy diet, a medical history of
cancer treatment or hysterectomy, and
family genetics.
Perimenopausal symptoms can be
disturbing, but they will usually lessen
in severity gradually and eventually
disappear. However, if symptoms
progressively worsen, such as profuse
menstruation that last for more than a
week or excessive mood swings, you
should seek medical attention.
According to TCM, women’s
physiology and gynaecological
systems are influenced by the kidney
system. The Yin and Yang energy in
the kidney system controls growth,
development and the ageing process.
It is the deficiency of these energies
that leads to perimenopausal
symptoms (see sidebar to the right).
TCM treats perimenopause with
a combination of herbal medicine
and acupuncture, moxibustion and
cupping. The goal is to restore the Yin
and Yang in the kidney system while
taking into account the individual’s
body constitution and existing
medical condition.
PERIMENOPAUSE REFERS
Thomson Chinese Medicine
(Thomson Medical Centre)
www.thomsontcm.com
In addition to TCM remedies,
the physician also advocates living
in harmony with nature, such as a
balanced diet rich in vitamins and
minerals, and choosing fruits and
vegetables that are grown locally or
are in season. Regular exercise and
cutting down on caffeine, alcohol and
smoking will also help in restoring
balance to the body. 
PERIMENOPAUSE IN TCM:
KIDNEY SYSTEM LACKING IN YIN OR YANG
Lacking in Yin
• Symptoms: Hot sensation on palms and soles
(especially in the evening), night sweats
• Causes: Excessive blood loss (menses, multiple
births or surgery), excessive sexual activity
Thomson Chinese Medicine
(TMC)
Thomson Medical Centre
#03-01
339 Thomson Road
Singapore 307677
T: 6350 8850
F: 6258 1476
E: [email protected]
Thomson Chinese Medicine
(112 Katong)
112 Katong #B1-10A
112 East Coast Road
Singapore 428802
T: 6636 3836
F: 6636 3835
E: tcm_katong@
thomsonmedical.com
12
Lacking in Yang
• Symptoms: Fatigue, cold limbs, cold sensation
in knees and lower back
• Causes: Ageing, excessive cooling food in diet
(such as bitter gourd, star fruit, excessive tea)
Thomson Chinese Medicine
(United Square)
United Square #02-08A
101 Thomson Road
Singapore 307591
T: 6354 3981
F: 6258 0917
E: tcm_us@
thomsonmedical.com
Thomson Chinese Medicine
(NUH Medical Centre)
NUH Medical Centre #04-08/09
1 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119082
T: 6694 5565
F: 6694 5567
E: tcm_kr@
thomsonmedical.com
women wellness
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU
Follow these three Es for good health in 2015!
1
EAT RIGHT
Women need adequate
calcium and vitamin D to
keep osteoporosis at bay. Make
sure you get enough through
your diet or supplements.
• Calcium: If you’re 50 years or older,
you need 1,000–1,200mg of
calcium daily, which you can
get from dairy products
(such as milk, cheese and
yogurt), spinach, kale,
soybean and calciumfortified orange juice.
• Vitamin D: If you’re 50 years
or older, you need 400–1,000 IU of
vitamin D daily, which you can get from
fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna and
mackerel), liver, egg yolk and vitamin
D-fortified dairy products and orange
juice, as well as exposure to sunlight.
2
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Aim for 150 minutes of
physical activity every
week. You need a combination of
aerobic and muscle strengthening
activity. Aerobic activity, or cardio,
strengthens your heart and improves
your cardiovascular system. Muscle
strengthening activity helps you
develop stronger muscles and bones,
increase bone density
and reduces risk of
osteoporosis.
• Aerobic activity:
150 minutes of
moderate activity three
or more days a week
(such as brisk walking, leisure
swimming or cycling, line dancing),
or 20 minutes of vigorous activity,
three or more times a week (such as
jogging, running, tennis, rollerblading,
swimming continuous laps).
• If you’re in your 20s: Check for
hypertension.
• If you’re in your 40s: Check
for diabetes, high cholesterol,
hypertension, heart disease, and go
for breast screening and cervical
cancer screening with pap smear.
• If you’re in your 50s: Continue
all the checks you’ve been doing
in your 40s, and include colorectal
screening as well as a bone mass density
test to check for osteoporosis. 
• Muscle strengthening activity:
Push-ups, leg squats, resistance bands,
lifting weights.
3
EVALUATE YOURSELF
Prevention is better than cure.
Detect any conditions early
with regular checkups. Not only will
this give you and your loved ones
peace of mind, it’ll also cost a lot less
to treat any illness before it gets worse.
13
DR LAU PIK ONN
practises at
Thomson Well Women Clinic
9 Scotts Road #10-02 to 06
Scotts Medical Center at Pacific Plaza
Singapore 228210
T: 6735 0300
E: [email protected]
www.thomsonwellwomen.com
WEIGHT LOSS PACKAGE @ $250
READY FOR
A SLIMMER
YOU?
Treat yourself to a makeover this new year!
At Thomson Well Women Clinic, we know women best. We have 35 years
of experience in caring for you at our women-only clinic. Start your year
right with a slimming package that suits your needs!
Thomson Well Women Clinic
9 Scotts Road #10-02 to 06
Scotts Medical Center at Pacific Plaza
Singapore 228210
T: 6735 0300
F: 6735 0605
E: [email protected]
www.thomsonwellwomen.com
For the busy professional who is highly motivated to
lose weight effectively and safely. This programme
will focus on changing your food choices and
portions to kickstart the first month of your diet
journey. It includes one month’s supply of meal
replacement and weight loss supplements.
• Doctor consultation and physical assessment
• Skin analysis with machine
• BIA and fat analysis, blood pressure
• One month’s supply of meal replacements
• One month’s supply of in-house weight
management replacements
• Free two-week gym trial with True Yoga (terms
and conditions apply)
WEIGHT LOSS AND BODY
SHAPING TREATMENT
PACKAGE @ $1,400
For those who wish to pamper themselves with a
tummy firming and lifting regime, while also getting
a headstart on their diet journey to lose weight. This
programme will ensure a trim and firm tummy for
a more confident you as you work on achieving your
weight loss goal.
• Doctor consultation and physical assessment
• BMI, BIA with fat analysis, blood pressure, waist
circumference
• Skin analysis test
• One month’s supply of meal replacements
• One month’s supply of weight management
supplements
• Exilis radiofrequency and ultrasound body
slimming sessions (four sessions)
• Free two-week gym trial with True Yoga (terms
and conditions apply)
oral health
OUT YOUR
| BRING
MEGAWATT SMILE!
Thomson Dental Centre offers two
advanced teeth whitening options:
1. Take-home whitening
You can whiten your teeth at home
with a whitening gel held in place by
thin plastic trays, which are custommade by making an impression of
your teeth. These gel-filled trays are
worn for one hour a day over one to
two weeks. This process takes longer
than clinic-based teeth whitening,
but the investment is lower.
2. Laser in-office whitening
Zoom whitening is the latest whitening
system that offers impressive results in
one sitting. The procedure takes place in
the clinic and involves the application
of a concentrated whitening gel to your
teeth, which is then activated with a
laser light. The investment is higher,
but results are immediate.
REGAIN YOUR
PEARLY WHITES
Lighten up your teeth for a brand new you
DAZZLE WITH CONFIDENCE with
whiter teeth. Find out why our teeth
tend to darken with age, and how
Thomson Dental Centre can help you
get the smile you’ve always wanted.
WHY DOES MY TEETH TURN YELLOW?
The colour of your teeth is determined
by the colour of dentine, the bony
tissue inside your teeth. Dentine can
darken over time due to ageing and
intensely coloured foods and drinks
in our diet. While dental scaling
and polishing can help your teeth
look brighter by removing surface
stains, it does not change the internal
colour of your teeth. In contrast, teeth
whitening brightens teeth from within
by removing stains and discolouration
from deep inside your teeth.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
Teeth sensitivity is normal after teeth
whitening. The degree of sensitivity
varies between individuals, and usually
subsides quickly. Thomson Dental
Centre uses only professional teethfriendly products to ensure safety
throughout the whitening process.
SHOULD I USE A WHITENING
TOOTHPASTE?
A whitening toothpaste does not
change the internal colour of your
teeth. However, they do help to
maintain the whiteness of your
teeth after professional whitening.
Make sure you use a toothpaste
recommended by your dentist, as
some teeth whitening toothpastes
contain acids or abrasives that can
permanently damage your teeth. 
WHAT ABOUT MY FILLINGS
OR CROWNS?
Because fillings or crowns stay the same
colour during the whitening process,
they may need to be replaced to match
the lighter colour of your teeth after
completion of the treatment.
15
Thomson Dental Centre
8 Sinaran Drive #07-08/16-19,
Novena Specialist Center
Singapore 307470
T: 6255 0770
E: [email protected]
www.thomsondentalcentre.com
men’s health
ARE YOU LOSING IT?
The truth behind andropause – and how you can get back on top of your game
MYTH
1
THERE IS NO MALE
EQUIVALENT OF MENOPAUSE
IN WOMEN.
Andropause is the male equivalent
of menopause. Like menopause, its
onset usually happens after the age
of 40. However, unlike menopause,
andropause does not happen to all
men (30% of men above the age of
60) and the onset is usually gradual.
MYTH
2
EVEN IF MY TESTOSTERONE
LEVELS ARE LOW, IT IS A
NATURAL PART OF AGEING.
Although a declining testosterone
level is a natural part of ageing,
the extent of decline is dependent
on genetics and lifestyle. Low
testosterone is the main reason
behind the physical and sexual decline
associated with ageing. It is also the
main cause for male osteoporosis and
is associated with increased mortality
from cardiovascular events.
MYTH
3
IF I WANT TO PERFORM
BETTER IN BED, VIAGRA OR
CIALIS IS ALL I NEED.
Your sexual performance is
dependent on blood flow as well as
testosterone levels. Taking drugs such
as Viagra and Cialis only addresses
the issue of blood flow. Testosterone
replacement may still be required to
address the testosterone deficiency.
MYTH
4
MEN DO NOT SUFFER
FROM OSTEOPOROSIS
LIKE WOMEN DO.
Not true. One in five osteoporosis
patients are men. However, it is true
that since men are generally more
physically active, they are less prone
to bone mass loss, since exercise has
been shown to protect bone density.
MYTH
5
EVEN IF I HAVE ANDROPAUSE,
THERE’S NOTHING I CAN DO
ABOUT IT.
First get yourself checked.
At Thomson Lifestyle Centre,
testosterone screening is done as
part of the Men’s Vitality Screening
Package, where you’ll also be checked
for hyperlipidaemia and diabetes as
well as prostate cancer. Treatment
includes testosterone replacement
therapy (TRT), the male equivalent
of hormone replacement therapy in
women, along with lifestyle changes
such as quitting smoking, resistance
exercises, a high-protein diet and
taking specific supplements. 
DR DEREK KOH
practises at
Thomson Lifestyle Centre
Novena Medical Center
10 Sinaran Drive #10-14/15,
Novena Square 2
Singapore 307506
T: 6352 6550/6559
E: [email protected]
www.thomsonlifestylecentre.com
16
we welcome
MEET OUR NEW DENTISTS
Dr Low Hwee Hiang
Dentist
Thomson Specialist Dentistry
DR LOW HWEE HIANG received her basic
dental and specialist dental training from
the National University of Singapore. She
graduated with a Bachelor degree in Dental
Surgery (BDS) in 2004 and was conferred
her Master degree in Dental Surgery
(Orthodontics) and fellowship in the Royal
College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) in 2009.
Dr Low is adept in enhancing the
smiles of her patients, while ensuring
their continued comfort during their
journey under her expert care. She also
provides interceptive treatment and growth
modification for growing children and
combined orthodontic-orthognathic
(teeth, jaw and face) surgery management
for adults.
THOMSON SPECIALIST DENTISTRY
Novena Specialist Center
8 Sinaran Drive #06-05/06/07
Singapore 307470
T: 6255 1771
E: [email protected]
www.thomsonspecialistdentistry.com
Dr Lim Tse Chiun
Dentist
Thomson Dental Centre
DR LIM TSE CHIUN graduated with a
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree
from the National University of Singapore
in 2005. During her undergraduate
training, she was placed twice on the
Dean’s List and received awards from
NTUC and the International Federation of
Dental Educators and Associations.
Dr Lim strongly believes that
armed with proper knowledge, most
people can avoid uncomfortable
and complicated dental procedures.
Therefore, she places great importance
on patient education and preventive
treatment, and practises with a focus on
individualised comprehensive care. 
THOMSON DENTAL CENTRE
Novena Specialist Center
8 Sinaran Drive #07-08/16-19
Singapore 307470
T: 6255 0770
E: [email protected]
www.thomsondentalcentre.com
17
happenings
Thomson Women’s
Clinic: We have moved
from Tiong Bahru
to Jalan Membina
With effect from December 2014,
Thomson Women’s Clinic at Tiong
Bahru Central Plaza has moved
opposite to Block 18, Jalan Membina,
#02-06 Singapore 164018, a fiveminute walk from the previous
venue. Our contact numbers remain
unchanged at (Tel) 6276 1525 and
(Fax) 6276 7515.
Dumex Parenting from the Heart Seminar
Organised by Dumex Danone and Thomson
Medical Centre, this fun seminar held at NTUC
Centre on 26 October had parents learning pro
tips from our experts – “Nutrition for Toddlers:
Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits” by Dr Ang
Poon Liat of Thomson Paediatric Centre,
“Breaking the Cycle of Poor Oral Health” by Dr
Ashley Thien of Thomson Dental Centre, and
“Slumbering for Babies” by Ms Fonnie Lo of
Thomson ParentCraft Centre. All participants
took home a goodie bag worth $180.
New Ambulances!
With the addition of two new
ambulance vehicles, Thomson
Medical’s upgraded ambulance
service is ready for better, swifter
and smoother service round the
clock islandwide for patients.
The ambulance service* can
be reached at 6350 8812.
*Ambulance services are for TMC booked cases only
Great Eastern Life Parenting Seminar
Parents and members of Great Eastern Life
had a fun afternoon at this seminar on 1
November at The Star Vista. While the kids
were kept entertained with a movie screening
of Disney’s Frozen, Dr Tan Kuan Yang from
Thomson Paediatric Centre shared how
parents can treat common childhood illnesses
and injuries at home.
Abbott Gain Little
Masterminds Event
Our experts shared parenting tips at
this event held at the National Library
on 22 October. Dr Janice Wong from
Thomson Paediatric Centre gave
a talk on “Enhancing Your Child’s
Development”, and Dr Yang Xiao
from Thomson Dental Centre spoke
on “Breaking the Cycle of Poor Oral
Health”. There was also a kids’ tuina
(massage) demonstration by Physician
Huan Chew Ting from Thomson
Chinese Medicine.
18
Confinement Food
Home Delivery
“
I need not worry about marketing for ingredients & racking
my brains on what to cook, and no washing up of pots and
pans. I’ve never felt so spoilt, and I really enjoyed my time &
rested well during this confinement period. Makes me want
to be preggie again.
“
-Tasmin, Patient of Thomson Medical Centre
Order online at:
Thomsonbaby.com
Backed by Thomson Medical’s in-house team of experts in nutrition,
together with rich influence of Traditional Chinese Medicine, our 28-day
confinement food recipes are deftly crafted to aid mothers in their journey to
recovery during their confinement.
For information and orders, please drop by
Thomson Medical Centre, 339 Thomson Road, Level 1, ParentCraft Retail Shop/
Call 6350 8848 or email: [email protected]