Does Intermittent Fasting work?

We’ve probably heard or complained of gaining weight during this pandemic. At least one third of Singaporeans have reported this. Many as a result have recognized this, and have looked for various ways to lose weight - including intermittent fasting.

There has been a surge in popularity with these timing focused dietary approaches. These involve eating patterns that restrict intake by various degrees for a pre-defined period of time.

Some variations include

• Complete alternate day fasting

• Consumption of 20-25% energy needs on fasting days (eg. alternate days, 2 days out of 7)

• Time restricted feeding

What does the evidence show?

Almost any intermittent fasting regimen can result in

• Some weight loss

• Improvements in multiple health indicators including insulin resistance and reduction in risk factors for heart disease

• No significant harm demonstrated

HOWEVER, these studies have been limited to observational studies of limited durations. There is still a need for large scale randomized studies of longer duration (>1 year) to evaluate for efficacy and harm before sound recommendations can be made.

What does it mean?

Intermittent fasting could be a treatment option in conditions like obesity but it is unlikely to be the ‘silver bullet’. A multi-pronged and individualized approach is still needed.

If you are 40 years and above, you should go for regular health screening for chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and hyperlipidemia.

Screen-for-life (SFL) is a government-led initiative to help eligible Singaporeans undergo regular basic health screening through subsidies so they would be less focused on the financial aspect when making the decision to look after their health. The aim is to catch diseases and cancers earlier, which leads to better prognosis and outcome during treatment. This programme only runs in CHAS-approved General Practitioner (GP) clinics, like Intemedical, and does not run in the polyclinics. Permanent Residents do not enjoy the same subsidies that citizens do, but are also eligible to enjoy separate Health Promotion Board (HPB) screening test rates at CHAS-approved clinics such as ours.

How to make an appointment with Intemedical?

Appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

(click and book with instant confirmation!)

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

(available during clinic opening hours, 8am to 12am)

Mobile: 8879 9404

(messaging preferred)

Landline: +65 3165 9251

(please be aware that the phone might be engaged due to high call volume)

Source:

https://cfps.org.sg/publications/the-singapore-family-physician/article/1596

What to know about the Mu COVID-19 strain?

The World Health Organization (WHO) designated another COVID-19 variant this month - the “mu” or “B.1.621.”

Here's a quick idea of what we know so far.

Where has it been detected?

The first variant was detected in Columbia in January 2021 where cases continue to rise. It has been since identified in more than 39 countries, not including Singapore at the time of writing.

Is it a concern right now?

The mu is not an immediate threat right now but authorities are keeping a close eye on it. Currently, Mu variant accounts for less than 1 percent of the variants, Delta strand accounts for more than 90%.

Its potential to escape immune protection is what people are concerned about as laboratory data has shown that this variant can evade certain antibodies, among those who have been vaccinated. However, there is still a lack of clinical data in real people to demonstrate this.

What’s next?

Viruses change all the time and some mutations may or may not have an impact to how it spreads or its properties.

Mu continues to be monitored by WHO and our local authorities, while mores studies are underway to evaluate it.

If you have not been vaccinated or have a family member or friend who has not been, please book an appointment for your COVID-19 Pfizer BioNTech vaccination at our clinic.

From 18 August 2021, all eligible Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders aged 12 years old and above can walk in to Intemedical Clinic for first dose vaccination. Vaccination is free for these groups.

Getting your Pfizer BioNTech Vaccine at Intemedical Clinic

Before your visit - Book your appointment through https://www.vaccine.gov.sg/ and select Intemedical Clinic (Kovan) - Both doses must be taken at the same centre - Appointment times are between 1pm - 9.30pm

At your visit - Bring proof of your identification (Eg. NIRC/Passport) - Patients <18 years of age will require parental consent - Patients between 12-13 years of age will need parent/legal guardian to come along - Set aside about 1 hour for the visit including 30 minutes of observation time

After your vaccination - Remember to book your appointment for your 2nd vaccination - Rest and hydrate. Take medications for symptomatic relief for common side effects such as pain over the injection site or fever. If your fever lasts more than 2 days, consult a doctor. - Avoid alcohol for 2 days. Avoid vigorous exercise for 1 week.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/03/mu-coronavirus-variant-explained/ https://www.straitstimes.com/world/the-mu-covid-19-variant-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-of-interest-now

How to get a Pre-Departure Swab Test done within 6 hours?

With borders and travel opening up, the need for pre departure swabs has increased as well. The last minute business trip or even recreational travel to Germany may require you to get a swab test and plane booking done in a short time span.

Introducing the Express PCR Swab test that has a shorter turnaround time of 6 hours!

With our clinic open from 8am to midnight daily, we are committed to offering these test to ensure our patients are able to catch their flights on time.

How much does the test cost and how long will it take?

Updated 1/1/22

PCR $105 nett Results out by next day midnight if sample collected by 9pm PCR (Express) $321 nett For urgent, last minute requests. Results out 6-8 hours upon sample reaching the lab ART (Travel, Non travel) $37.45 nett Notarized .oa file provided for Malaysia Land VTL travellers (No additional cost) Blood Serology for Travel $55 nett Applicable for travelling to China

Additional surcharges for children less than 13 years old ($10 for swab tests, $50 for blood serology tests)

*Prices are inclusive of GST with no additional consultation charges For full details with FAQ, click here

How do I get my Express PCR Swab test done?

You can walk in during our opening hours or give us a call beforehand preferably so we can expedite the arrangements for you.

How to make an appointment with Intemedical?

Appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

(click and book with instant confirmation!)

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

(available during clinic opening hours, 8am to 12am)

Mobile: 8879 9404

(messaging preferred)

Landline: +65 3165 9251

(please be aware that the phone might be engaged due to high call volume)