EIM Singapore Newsletter Issue 14

Latest Updates and Trends

EIM ASIA MEETING 2022

The 6th EIM Asia Meeting was held in Tokyo, Japan, on September 2 - 3, 2022. A hybrid meeting was held by EIM Japan and EIM Singapore as the first of its kind, with over 40 attendees. Representatives from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand attending in person, presenting their latest developments within their country, while China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and USA were online.

The meeting included local guests who shared their expertise in physical activity. Mr Tohru Kokubo from Minnano-kakaritsuke home-visit station presented on the importance of continuing cardiac rehabilitation from the acute phase to a non-critical living phase. Dr Susumu Sawada from the Faculty of Sports Science in Waseda University shared on the new Japan Physical Activity Guidelines, while Dr Yuko Oguma from Keio University shared on the Physical Activity Standard for Chronic Diseases in Japan.

The meeting was also graced by overseas guests. Dr Chiang Hock Woon and Dr Shannon Chia from Active Health, Sport Singapore, discussed the role community stakeholders play in the Healthier Singapore initiative, while Dr Ayman Al Bedri from EIM Malaysia share on the Physical Activity Guidelines and plans ahead for his country.

Before the 2-day meeting came to a close, all participating countries took time to discuss possible ways of implementing Physical Acivity as a Vital Sign (PAVS) within their countries during the break out discussion, with ideas shared across both online and on-site attendees.

RENEWAL OF MOU BETWEEN EIMS AND SPORT SINGAPORE

Back in 2017, SingHealth and EIMS had signed a MOU with Sport Singapore to foster possible plans of improving partnerships between the three insitutions. Fast forward to 2022, a renewed MOU between the three institutions was signed, looking into activating and enhancing the adoption of active and healthy lifestyles by the population in Singapore to promote their health and well-being, aligning to the Healthier SG Initiative.

This important milestone event is also attended by representatives from Health Promotion Board (HPB), MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation (MOHT), National Healthcare Group (NHG) , National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP), National University Healthcare System (NUHS). Indeed another milestone for EIMS!

MAKE EVERY MOVE COUNT - ACTIVE HEALTH DOCUSERIES AND RADIO

In the webinar, Mr Lim Teck Yin, CEO of Sport Singapore (SportSG), and Dr Benedict Tan, Chairman of Exercise is Medicine Singapore and the Lead Advisor for the Singapore Physical Activity Guidelines (SPAG) Expert Advisory Committee tackled wide-ranging issues, from how agility training for senior citizens can help in fall prevention to the importance of exercise in injury recovery. At the heart of the discussion was the need to look at health and well-being as an enabler, and to understand that keeping fit and active improves the quality of life.

*Article adapted from Sport Singapore's website

With the launched of the updated Singapore Physical Activity Guidelines on 12 June 2022, Sport Singapore had invited four of our EIMS' Management Board members to share insights and views on the impacts of exercising in this specially curated series - Make Every Move Count, which aired on Mediacorp's English and Mandarin TV channels respectively.

Dr Ben Tan and Dr Fadzil Hamzah had the privillege of sharing on the importance of daily exercise and impacts on chronic diseases, while Dr Ivy Lim and Dr Leonard Lim shared their thoughts on the dangers of sedentary behavior and sarcopenia in the Mandarin episodes. If you have missed the episodes, pls scan the QR code found on the last page to watch them on our website.

Shortly after the television stint, Dr Ivy Lim was invited again to our local mandarin radio stationCapital 958 to share on the benefits of splitting up physical activity sessions into smaller bite sizes for senior residents as well as the different types of sports and physical activities that are suitable for this population. The radio interview segment which was also shared live via their social media platforms was very well received as many seniors had wrote in on their questions pertaining to this topic.

EIMS ENDORSED FITNESS CORNERS IN MENG SUAN AND SPRINGLEAF ESTATE

Are you looking to improve your fitness routine? Want to enjoy outdoor exercise with a touch of style? Look no further! We are excited to announce the launch of two brand new fitness corners in Meng Suan and Springleaf estate in the northern part of Singapore. These state-of-the-art outdoor fitness spaces are designed to provide residents with a unique and enjoyable workout experience while soaking in the beauty of the outdoors.

The new fitness corners have been meticulously designed with modern fitness enthusiasts in mind. They offer a wide range of exercise options, catering to different fitness levels and preferences. From cardio to strength training, flexibility to balance exercises, you will find a variety of equipment that will help you achieve fitness goals in scenic outdoor spaces.

The fitness corners are endorsed by EIMS and are specially designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you are a seasoned fitness enthusiast or just starting your fitness journey, these fitness corners are perfect for you. The equipment is designed to be safe and easy to use. Unique QR codes are also made available for users to view the proper usages and safety features in place. Plus, exercising in a public space encourages social interaction, making it a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and build a fitness community in your neighborhood.

3rd Medical Fair Asia Medicine + Sports Conference 2022

Jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf Asia and local liaison Dr Joshua Li, the 3rd Medical Fair Asia Medicine + Sports Conference was held on 1 September 2022 at Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

EIMS, together with SSMC@CGH and Sports Medicine Association Singapore (SMAS), supported two of the four conference sessions. It was a multi-disciplinary event, which brought together doctors and allied health professionals from different specialties covering topics like Exercise & COVID-19, Exercise and Return to Play after COVID-19, Bridging the Doctor-Dancer Relationship in Medical Consult and Healthy Hands for Musicians: Principles and Practice.

EXPRO FITNESS CONFERENCEFROM CRADLE TO GRAVE: EXERCISE AND WOMEN'S HEALTHEXERCISE IN THE ELDERLY

Exercise Is Medicine Singapore (EIMS) featured its line-up of speakers who are experts in their respective fields, at ExPro Fitness Convention 2022. Organised by Fit Asia, which is also one of EIMS’s corporate partners, the conference is Singapore’s only and largest fitness event platform featuring fitness educational seminars and workshops, delivered by world-class international and local educators, leaders as well as exercise, fitness and health professionals. The two-day conference on 17-18 September 2022 was a well-attended event that featured a variety of experts in the health and fitness field. The conference was designed to help individuals learn more about how to live a healthy and active lifestyle, and featured sessions focused on everything from nutritional supplements to health coaching to women's health.

EIMS kicked off the conference with a session conducted by a clinical psychologist who conducted a mini-workshop on health coaching. The workshop was designed to help individuals learn how to work with clients who are seeking assistance with weight loss, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. The psychologist taught practical skills like motivational interviewing, goal-setting, and behaviour change techniques. Participants were also invited to role-play various scenarios, putting their newly developed skills into practice.

The forum that followed featured our EIMS Advisory Board member, Dr Huang Zhongwei, who is a clinician scientist from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at National University Hospital; our EIMS Director of Community Programmes, Dr Fadzil Hamzah who is a physician from the Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine in Changi General Hospital; as well as our EIMS Education Faculty member, Ms Joanne Gao, who is an exercise physiologist from KK Women's and Children's Hospital. The 2-hour forum discussed women’s health across all age groups. Participants learned about how exercise can impact the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. The panelists spoke about the unique health needs of women at different stages of life, and provided practical tips for women to stay healthy and active at any age.

The second day featured a sports dietitian who spoke on the topic of nutritional supplements for athletic performance. The dietitian discussed the various supplements that are available on the market, their benefits, and their potential risks. He also spoke about the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and how it can impact athletic performance.

Hind foot pain is one of the most common types of foot pain, and it can cause discomfort and discomfort in many individuals, ranging from athletes to office workers. However, many healthcare professionals are unsure about how to identify and manage hind foot pain.

A virtual webinar was held on January 31, 2023 which aimed to provide attendees with useful insights into identifying the causes of hind foot pain and managing it through physical activity and exercise.

The webinar was hosted by The Pain Association of Singapore (PAS) and featured Dr Fadzil Hamzah, EIMS Director of Community Programmes, who is also a physician in the Department of Sport and Exercise Medicine at Changi General Hospital, and Ms Poonam Pal, a renowned physiotherapist with vast experience in musculoskeletal medicine and pain rehabilitation.

During the webinar, Dr Fadzil and Ms Poonam focused on the various causes of hind foot pain, which can range from simple factors like improper footwear to underlying medical conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. The duo stressed the importance of early detection in managing the pain effectively and minimizing the risk of further complications.

The webinar also addressed the role of physical activity and exercise in managing hind foot pain. Both speakers shared their experiences in using exercise and rehabilitation to heal the body naturally and explained the importance of proper form and technique to prevent reinjury.

Training and Education

SOFT LAUNCH OF EIMS EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION GUIDE

2ND EDITION

We are thrilled to announce the soft launch of the second edition of our Exercise Prescription Guidebook! This guidebook comprises up-to-date knowledge, including the latest Singapore Physical Activity Guidelines, for aspiring and practicing healthcare professionals alike.

New chapters like Physical activity guidelines and Exercise promotion for children and adolescents, Exercise for chronic kidney disease, cancer and viral respiratory conditions are the key highlights of this book.

One of the hallmarks of this guidebook is its accessibility and reader-friendly format. We understand that medical education can be challenging, and we have designed our textbook to make the learning process as smooth and engaging as possible. The content is presented in a clear, concise, and organized manner, with helpful diagrams, illustrations, and clinical case studies to facilitate understanding. Additionally, the text is written in plain language, avoiding jargon and technical terminology, making it accessible to learners of all levels.

EIMS has 3 newly appointed Ambassadors devoted to promoting physical activity to individuals and communities alike. Mr. Dexter Jemuel Tay and Ms May Phua are fitness trainers, and Mr Loh Ching Soo is an avid mountain biker.

Ching Soo prioritizes exercise to reap benefits of not just physical health but also mental strength and perseverance. May's greatest joy and satisfaction is helping weakened seniors gradually regain their functional mobility to travel the world with their loved ones. Dexter was recently in-action at a community outreach event at Taman Jurong Community Centre, where he shared his personal story and strong belief in maintaining an exercise routine to ward off the onset of chronic diseases. Whether in the public or personal domain, EIMS Ambassadors are certainly great role models to demonstrate the benefits of exercise. A warm welcome to the three of them into the big EIM family!

For more information and enquiries, please email: sportsmedicine@cgh.com.sg

For more information on EIMS, visit our website: https://exerciseismedicine.org/singapore/

HEEL MY PAIN WEBINAR WITH THE PAIN ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

Mr Loh Ching Soo