Latest Updates and Trends
CONFERENCE
IN BOSTON
During the recent annual American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) conference in Boston, Dr Ng Chung Sien (EIMS Education Director) and Dr Ben Tan (EIMS Chairman) presented on “Exercise Prescription Training: Medical Students versus Postgraduate” on 29 May 2024. The presentation expanded on the Exercise Prescription for Physicians courses conducted in collaboration with the medical schools Duke-NUS and NTU Lee Kong Chian. Many interesting observations were shared including personal feedback from the medical students and postgraduate students who attended the courses. Most of the feedback was in favour of the shortened half-day duration of the course, and course participants benefited from case study discussions but also desired more practicum time.
There are pros and cons of introducing Exercise Prescription into Undergraduate versus Postgraduate education. There is more focus on imparting the basic principles of exercise science and physiology for the undergraduate group, while the adult learning group are more invested on patient outcomes.
The key takeaway is that the most systematic way to train the doctors is to introduce exercise prescription into the undergraduate curriculum. EIMS continues to work on various education initiatives to weave Exercise Prescription into the curriculum of medical schools or continuing education for the doctors through various touchpoints.
We are also proud to share that Dr Ben Tan was presented with the EIM Global Leadership Award at this conference. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding leadership, dedication and passion in the service of Exercise Is Medicine® globally. Congratulations to Dr Ben for his well-deserved award and exemplary leadership!
Healthier SG Roadshows
Dr Fadzil Hamzah, EIMS Director of Community Programmes, took to the stage at the launch of the Healthier SG initiative at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, followed by two additional roadshows at Heartbeat @ Bedok and Sengkang Community Club. These events, aimed at getting Singaporeans to embrace the national Healthier SG vision, inspired participants to take charge of their health with a fresh, proactive approach.
At each of these roadshows, Dr. Fadzil Hamzah was joined by Active Health experts from Active SG. Together, they engaged with the audience in interactive sessions; shattering myths about physical activity and exercise, and shared actionable tips to keep people motivated and moving. The message was clear: Regular exercise is key to preventing and managing chronic conditions, and it is easier than you think.
The roadshows saw a fantastic turnout, with participants eagerly diving into hands-on learning at educational talks, interactive booths, and demo stations. The buzz in the air was palpable as attendees peppered the speakers with questions, hungry for knowledge. Dr Fadzil also shone a spotlight on Exercise Is Medicine Singapore, highlighting its crucial role in making Healthier SG a reality by integrating physical activity into everyday healthcare.
Launch of 2nd Edition EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION GUIDEBOOK
In June 2023, we proudly introduced the 2nd Edition of the Exercise is Medicine Singapore (EIMS) Exercise Prescription Guidebook. Following the debut of the first edition in June 2015, this new edition marks a substantial advancement in exercise prescription practices.
The launch was prominently featured during the EIM Global Deeper Dive Webinar on October 12, 2023. Dr. Ng Chung Sien, EIMS Education Director, highlighted the value of educational publications as essential tools for course participants. He also shared the inspiration behind EIMS’s decision to publish a companion textbook. Additionally, the webinar offered attendees a 'publication checklist' to help them create their own EIM textbooks.
EIM Japan VISIT
Professional Knowledge
EIMS warmly welcomed EIM Japan (EIMJ) delegates who visited Singapore on 25th March 2023 for the SingHealth Duke-NUS Sport and Exercise Medicine Conference and to discuss the potential signing of an MOU between EIMJ and Sport SG. The Singapore entourage welcoming the Japanese delegation included Dr. Michael Wong (Group Director, Regional Health System, SingHealth) and Miss Adeline Kwan (Senior Manager, RHS, Community Engagement and Partnership).
On 24th March 2023, Dr. Wong and Miss Kwan presented on topics titled "Wellbeing Coordinators for Social Prescription Systems in Singapore" and "Healthier SG - The SingHealth Approach," respectively. Additionally, representatives from Iwatsuki Minami Hospital shared insights on Japan's cardiac rehabilitation system, while Nozaki Hospital discussed research conducted at their medical fitness facility. Both nations agreed that empowering citizens to take control of their lifestyle habits is essential for fostering a healthy population.
Following these discussions, the Japanese delegates toured the Active Health facility at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) and observed various community programs. Ms. Mizuki Koike was particularly impressed by the connection between a healthy lifestyle and exercise and the relevance of wellbeing coordinators in developing personalized health plans. She expressed her enthusiasm to work with Professor Shinji Sato, Manager of EIMJ, on exploring similar initiatives in Japan and extended her gratitude to Dr. Ben Tan and Dr. Fadzil Hamzah for leading this fruitful exchange.
DR KOTCHAKORN JUMROENKETPRATHEEP'S VISIT
I am Dr. Kotchakorn Jumroenketpratheep, an emergency physician with a deep interest in sports such as basketball, triathlons, and marathons. Currently, I work as a lecturer at the College of Sports Science and Technology, Mahidol University in Thailand. In April 2024, I visited the EIMS team at Changi General Hospital. I would like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Benedict Tan, Chairman of EIMS, Dr. Ivy Lim, and the team for providing an overview of the Singapore Sports and Exercise Medicine Centre and workflows. I noticed that the clinical pathways are very strong because the doctors work with a network of allied healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, sport scientists and lab technicians. I admire Dr. Ben for the multiple roles he has served over the years whether as Chairman of EIMS or World Sailing Medical Commission, and in addition he actively carries on his work as a clinician. He has inspired me and the EIM team in Thailand is looking forward to revitalizing our activities as well.
27TH ASIAN PACIFIC SOCIETY OF CARDIOLOGY CONGRESS
An EIMS workshop was conducted on 12th July 2023 as a pre-congress event for the 27th Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) Congress. The workshop primarily attracted cardiologists from Singapore and the surrounding region. The content covered important topics such as pre-participation screening, exercise prescription for patients with cardiac conditions and risk factors, as well as Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation for athletes. The workshop was led by EIMS Management Board Directors and Sports Physicians Dr. Ng Chung Sien and Dr. Victor Tan, along with Cardiologist Dr. Benji Lim.
On 14th July 2023, Dr. Victor Tan, EIMS Director of Research, co-moderated a sports cardiology session titled "Recommendations on Exercise Prescription and Return to Play – Yes, No or Let’s Share?" The session featured several local experts, including Dr. Tong Khim Leng, Dr. Benji Lim, Dr. Tan Jian Jing, Dr. Yeo Tee Joo as well as Dr. Lucky Cuenza from the Philippines. Dr. Cuenza discussed his approach to returning athletes with acute myocardial infarction to training using a combination of exercise prescription and medications. Dr. Benji Lim presented Singapore's ECG criteria for identifying athletes with ECG anomalies, while Dr. Tong shared her experience interpreting coronary calcifications in athletes. Dr. Yeo contributed insights on the differences in aortic dimensions
EIMS AMBASSADOR: MOHANADAS KANDIAH WORLD PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
To be diagnosed with high blood pressure and related issues at the age of 28 is not fun at all; it is a spoiler to life. Luckily for me, I had the presence of mind to evaluate my situation and make important changes.
From someone who used to be active in all sports up to the age of 23, life cannot, logically, take a turn in five years. I knew my faults, my weaknesses – the cigarettes and lack of exercise.
Giving up the cigarette was difficult. I tried all known tricks, from switching to cigars, to Nicorette, to acupuncture and to other ideas – none worked, until I made a promise to give up smoking. I could not break a promise.
Doctors recommended jogging as part of the exercise prescription given, and I started to go back to slow jogging and keeping a log of all my runs. In the logbook, I used to record my daily runs, recording the timings and how I felt during and after the runs (recovery). This became a basis for me to compare today’s run with yesterday’s, and last week’s, and even last month’s. I used to go to the East Coast Parkway for my daily 10 km runs and 21 km runs on weekends. Seeing improved results was in itself an instrument of motivation. I started looking for variations to my exercise programme. Instead of taking the lift to my office on the 12th floor, I would walk up the stairs, sometimes with dead weights attached to my ankle. I also ventured into the world of Kango-aerobics – doing cardio aerobics in shoes that are made for jumping.
(WPAD) at KKH
With the enthusiastic support of Republic Polytechnic students, Exercise is Medicine Singapore energized the 2023 World Day for Physical Activity at KK Women's and Children's Hospital with a vibrant booth! The event was filled with excitement as we made exercise education both fun and engaging. Our booth drew attendees of all ages with interactive games and energetic demonstrations, all aimed at highlighting the crucial role of exercise in maintaining good health. Through informative displays and lively discussions, we infused the event with our dedication to promoting an active lifestyle.
ActiveAgeingeventat
Each day got better, and seeing improved results was such a positive motivation. If I had been on the conventional course of treatment, I would quite possibly have become a ‘drug-dependent junkie’. Luckily for me, daily exercises have helped me overcome my medical conditions and brought me to a different playing field – a world of marathons and ultramarathons – a phase of my life which otherwise may not have been possible.
Dr Fadzil Hamzah, alongside two EIMS Advisory Board members, Dr Hamid Rahmatullah Razak (an Orthopaedic surgeon) and Mr Joel Chia (a sports dietician), took center stage at the vibrant Active Ageing event at Taman Jurong Community Club. This grassroots gathering, dedicated to holistic wellness and healthy ageing, offered participants a dynamic, hands-on seminar focused on bone and muscle health.
The event themed "Stronger, Longer: Taking Charge of Your Bone and Muscle Health as You Age," captivated attendees with engaging talks on the power of physical activity, exercise and nutrition in maintaining vitality as we age. Fitness professionals from one of EIMS community partners, Gympod, showcased easy-to-do exercises that can be performed at home, empowering participants to take control of their health.
With interactive booths, live demonstrations, and actionable tips, the event was a hub of learning and inspiration. The seniors of Taman Jurong proved that no matter your age or fitness level, it's never too late to start moving, boost your health, and improve your outlook on life. Whether through simple movements or more structured activities, the benefits of staying active are within everyone's reach—one step at a time.
Education
SIGNING OF MOU WITH ITE WEST
On October 25, 2023, the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) hosted the Think Health Seminar 2023 at ITE College West, themed "Participate–Prevent–Progress." The event aimed to drive a proactive approach to healthcare, in line with the Ministry of Health’s Healthier SG and Age Well SG initiatives. Ms. Rahayu Mahzam, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health, attended as Guest-of-Honour.
During the seminar, ITE signed two significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). The first MOU, with Exercise is Medicine Singapore (EIMS), led by ITE's CEO Ms. Low Khah Gek and Changi General Hospital's then CEO, Prof. Ng Wai Hoe, establishes a five-year partnership focused on exercise science and preventive health. The second MOU, with KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), also led by Ms. Low and KKH's CEO Prof. Alex Sia, emphasizes similar objectives. Both agreements will foster community outreach, development opportunities, knowledge sharing, and collaborative research, enhancing educational and professional opportunities for ITE staff and students.
The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Dr Benedict Tan, Dr Fadzil Hamzah, and Dr Ng Chung Sien, who underscored the importance of this collaboration in advancing professional development in exercise science and preventive health.
These initiatives are set to strengthen the ties between educational institutions and healthcare providers, supporting the development of new competency frameworks and industry standards. Through these collaborations, ITE graduates will have expanded opportunities to pursue careers in community-based healthcare and health promotion roles, aligning with the broader goals of the Healthier SG Framework.
This landmark event not only marks a significant step forward in advancing healthcare education but also underscores the importance of partnerships in shaping a healthier future for Singapore.
On Campus
- Tik Tok Challenge by Republic Polytechnic
August 2023. Out of 20 submissions from the School of Sports and Health at Republic Polytechnic (RP), 7 were shortlisted and put up for audience voting on EIMS Facebook page.
This Dance Challenge was designed for the RP students to move along with the rhythm of music, showcasing ways to easily incorporate Physical Activity into daily life. This was also in-tandem with National Day and students were readily participating in this dance challenge to bring out their Singapore Spirit.
Each team selected a National Day theme song and choreographed simple movements matching the rhythm and beats. They danced in total harmony alongside their classmates appealing to viewers on EIMS Facebook page for votes on best coordination with brownie points for their winsome smiles. Three winning teams received Decathlon vouchers for their sporting efforts. Thank you, all participating students, for showing us fun ways to keep fit! You got the beat indeed.
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For more information and enquiries, please email: sportsmedicine@cgh.com.sg
For more information on EIMS, visit our website: https://exerciseismedicine.org/singapore/
