Category: Health

Having a headache, a stomach ache or a flu may be easily cured after visiting the GP.

At our age, what does it mean when we are striked with a major sickness. We turn to our hospitals. There is excitement. Will we ever be cured? How do we overcome the costs of medication, doctor visits and hospital stays. What medication or treatment do we go through?

I am a diabetic for 20 plus years. I thought medication, diet and exercise would help or cure. But recently, my TTSH doctor told me I have to undergo dialysis. So, I am looking forward.

Unfortunately I didnt have the experience to slow kidney failure. I felt I should have started a diabetic support group for members who are diabetic. This group is not for advisors.

I have allocated every 1st Thur 2100 – 2200 hrs for diabetics to gather together. Join us from your home on Zoom. If u are diabetic, rsvp “Diabetic”.

Fyi,
2nd wk Thur 2100 hr High BP, Stroke, hypertension.

3rd wk Thur 2100 hr Cancer.

4th wk Dementia and Parkinson.

Closing date for RSVP 10 May 2021. Zoom link will be sent after.

EO Jean Lim. Recording is for the benefit of members unable to attend or who have sick relatives.

Terence Seah

The Ministry of Health has announced a new long term care insurance to be launched in 2020.

SilverHairsClub has a discussion group starting 26 Feb 2018 for members on CPF life, Medishield and Eldershield. The group discussion is now closed.

The new Whatsapp Careshield discussion starts 15 June 2018. This topic will end 15 Aug 2018. To participate, please register with whatsapp +65 9489 4360 with the msg “Careshield”. Registration closes 12 June 2018.

1. Strictly for SilverHairsClub members only. Participants are required to introduce your name and interest.
2. No URL, video clips, pictures.
3. No copy and paste.
4. Screenshots allowed.
5. No unrelated topic, except eldershield, medishield. A star * will be given for unrelated topic. A second star * means automatic exit.

Some of you have called me, i shall share a fun story with you.

I went to Hougang polyclinic yesterday morning for a routine blood test. Staff was efficient and I got out within 1 hour.  Have to wait one week to follow up with doc for results. Sometime in the afternoon, I received many calls from a number I was unfamiliar.  Late yesterday, I returned the call, and it was from the critical results doc. She asked me to repeat my blood test at any A&E as my potassium level was critically high at 6.5.

So, I went to TTSH, my favourite hotel.  Even though I did not make an appointment with TTSH, the hospital already knew of my coming. I just showed them the hospital SMS, to make sure it is me.

Dracula took some blood and I was put on an ECG. To wait for the results, the nurse put me on a trolley and wheeled me to a waiting room.  An hour late, the doc explained that my potassium was still high and need to repeat. Test repeated and an hour later, it was confirmed potassium at 6.5.

The doc welcome me to stay at TTSH hotel for the night for further review.  Two giant tubes of medication injected into my blood stream. Gosh, it was painful, size of a large colgate toothpaste.

And the staff wheeled me to my room. Two hours later, I was sweaty and faintish. I pressed the button and my blood test now showed sugar level at 2.5. The hospital gave me some biscuits and my black coffee opium. Plus a cup of glucose water to bring up the sugar level which went back to normal at 6.5.

Had a good sleep, and now I have bread and coffee for breakfast.  Morning doc saw me and just told me I can stay one or two nights more at a discount. Good value, I couldn’t say no.

I shall update u on this post. My WhatsApp is 9489-4360.  No need to visit me, as technology is just as good.  I welcome you to communicate with me on this post.

Have a nice Sunday.

Terence Seah

About the previous post …

Once a year we meet
Not too much we ask from you
Hope to see you soon

Friendship is what we after
In this Christmas Walk we come
Hope one will last forever

Event needs no cash
Only find and pay with time
As simple as that

If I have more than five interested in haiku poems, I can start a chat line to share. This chat line has rules to keep focus – no video uploads and unnecessary “alarm” postings just to circulate around the world and coming back to you time and again.

NB: Haiku is a type of poetry that can be written on many themes, from love to nature to life experiences.

Resources can be found from the Internet and the library.
We can share our findings and at the same time exercise our brains besides playing mahjong or sudoku.
hew lee (EC)

Those interested:
1) Registered
2) Registered
3) Gabriella Chua
4) Tan Li Li
5) Joy Chuang
6) Jassmine Teo
7) Maureen Lee
8) Registered
9) Daisy Tan
10)

     I like to share an accidental experience with a hearing problem.

Most of us carry a mobile phone.  Inside the mobile phone, there is a microphone and an external jack for a headphone.

1.  Look for an apps with the name “hearing aid”.  Install it.
2. Plug a headset to the external jack.

When you have a chat with your friends, put the mobile phone on the table.  Start the app.  Hear the conversation clearly and loudly with the headset.

Share your experience.  Which app works well.

Terence Seah

Dear fellow members,

Dancercise together for a healthy lifestyle with me as a SilverHairs trainer with 23 years’ of training experience :

1)  Dancercise 50plus – program designed for both ladies and men of age 50 and over, to maintain their physical and mental fitness. Participants will be taken through a series of warm-up movements, dance steps and a variety of rhythms during each session. These moves help to develop good posture, stamina, coordination and alertness.

Attire: Sportswear and exercise shoes (suitable for dance moves)

Program Fee
* $85 (Passion card member); $90 (non-member)
* Thursday, 2 July to 27 August (no class on 6 August)
* 9.30am-10.30am (8 sessions)
* Course code: C23082900
* Venue:  Queenstown CC (sign up online at www.one.pa.gov.sg or at any ccs)

2)  Zumba Gold – Dance Fitness program for seniors

Program Fee
* $45 (member); $50 (non-member)
* Friday, 3 July to 31 July (4 sessions)
* 9.30am-10.30am
* Course code:  C23132381
* Venue:  Queenstown CC (sign up online at www.one.pa.gov.sg or at any ccs)

Attire: Sportswear and exercise shoes

EC and trainer, Shirleen Cheong.

Registration list:

“MediShield Life” is a much talked about topic among Singaporeans and PRs today. It is the new national health insurance scheme, providing wider protection than MediShield.  And, it affects all of us.

Please do not treat this Post as a discussion of right or wrong. This discussion is for sharing and understanding. Do not use URLs.  Copy and paste text may be deleted from comments.  Let’s share based on our knowledge and understanding of MediShield Life.

What is MediShield Life, how different it is compared to MediShield, What it covers, What it costs, When is it effective, and How to register for MediShield Life?

How does it affects private insurance premiums?  Etc …

If you are stating a point of fact, and you are sharing information from an insurance organisation, hospital, CPF or govt-related organisation, please indicate the organisation you work for.  We should minimise rumours and inaccuracies in this discussion.

Members, please feel free to ask the floor; and please feel free to share your understanding too.

Terence Seah (Moderator)

     I was with a few friends in Petaling Jaya last night.  My Malaysian friends have retired; and we discussed life during retirement, and getting old. Many of my friends were fit; they play golf, and travel extensively. Two weeks ago, I attended the wake of a long time friend of mine who has been with me in the newspaper industry for almost 30 years.  He was only 55, and he suffered a stroke, I understood no one knew about it, until it was too late.

Many of us are alone at some times of the day.  As for me, I travel a lot, staying in hotel rooms most days in a year.  Well, I sleep alone most nights.  How I wish I had company every night; unfortunately it is not the case.  Guys, I swear by what I say.

Seriously, dont meant to joke about being alone.  But, many of us are alone at times, at home, in the office, while travelling or at an unknown or familiar place. Husbands, wives, girlfriends are not around to help or may have switched off their phones.  We may have a fall; we may sleep through and not wake up.  We could have locked the room door.  The chest was getting breathless and the pain was spreading.  We may have only 10 minutes; and we dont know what to do.  The only thing we have is our phone or smartphone.

Really, guys and gals, what would you do?

Terence Seah

Dear all

Anyone here have experience purchasing a pair of hearing aids?

Yes I am looking for one for myself as I beginning to have hearing difficulties with High pitch frequencies.  I was told its better to start using it now as it will be harder to get use to it as years goes by.

I have tried the middle range by Simens and Banform both The Receiver in Cannal and Behind The Ear type.  I m looking for a pair which give less static and not too expensive to discard in case its like the pair of bifocal glasses which I have made but did not like using it.

Appreciate your comments or share with me via my email limfreda@gmail.com

Thank you

Hi Fellow SHCians,

The following Post is composed and written by Lau Eng Seng (Leon). I hope the SHC committee and Terence wouldn’t mind if I re-post for Eng Seng as suggested. Excuse me, if it is.

“Hi every one,? I am trying to create a new post to share about aging gracefully but don’t know how. So I post it in this reply. Perhaps some one can re post it in a forum where it can reach all members. Also teach me how to create new post.

7 Important Ways to Age Gracefully?:

1. Accept it, but don’t give in to it.
2. Realise that it’s never too late. As John Barrymore said, “A man is not old until regrets replace dreams.
3. Being moderate and regulated with how we treat our body is one of the smartest steps we can take.
4. Realise what you have and be grateful for it.
5. Laugh often. In George Bernard Shaw’s words, “You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.”
6. Do what you can to look your best, and then forget about it. There’s a lot more to life than how you look.
7. Find meaningful activities. Follow where your passions lie.

I hope each day finds you growing old gracefully, with health, happiness, and fulfilment.
And may all of you live long, live strong, and live happy.

I have seen how this club grown and happy for all new and old members to have now wider scope of activities. Wish I have more time myself to participate.

Will want to get to know more of all of you one day

Leon”

Over a cup of coffee/tea, drink or with snack, we have two solid hours of networking and getting to know each other better. All SHC members or non-members are welcomed.

The details:
Date: 21-11-2013 (Thursday)
Time: 3.00PM to 5.00PM
Venue: Swissbake Cafe @ Marina Bay Link Mall
Meeting Place: After coming out of Raffles Place MRT Station, turn left, up escalator and wait nearby Jollibean Stall.
(We will start walking to the cafe at 3.05PM)
[For those who missed us, you can meet us at the cafe itself at 8A, Marina Boulevard,
#B2-47].For those who still have time to spare, we can have our dinner at Marina Bay Sands Food Court and continue to chat and/or to experience the nightlife there.

hewlee (EC)

Those registered coming:
1) hewlee
2) non-member
3) Alice Seah
4) Jassmine Teo
5) Paul Kong
6) Johnny Pow
7) Anne
8) Gingko Tay

Registration now closed.

I borrowed Douglas Chan threats in the cycling post and upon consideration perhaps should share the experience with my senior friends, when and if having to warded in a rehabilitation community hospital. This experience also taught me to have better knowledge of rehabilitation community hospital rather than just naively listened to doctors’ ardent recommendation. I sincerely urge everyone please reconsider seriously in choosing rehab community hospital as we had very bad experience

As a result of a fall, my mum had internal bleeding in the head and was warded in SGH on September 29 and upon discharged was transferred to Bright Vision Hospital for rehab on Friday Oct 11 and was admitted at about 1030 hr. The standard of patient care was atrocious beyond words. In fact, the neighboring patients too had loads of grievances.

On Saturday Oct 12 at about 1500 hr she had high temperature and was gasping for breath…..momentarily she appeared on the journey GOING HOME. The On-Call Doctor attended and IMMEDIATELY recommended she be transferred back to SGH. As usual we went through the A & E procedure and was warded for infection in the chest now this is in additional to the neuro situation ……….. please pray for her and the wisdom of the doctors to administer care for her recovery. Thanks

Anyway, at an appropriate time I am considering to share the experience in Bright Vision Hospital in greater details in the social media. Meantime, perhaps you may also like to contribute your comments and suggestion.

Dear All, this is my last call for help with my project. I have so far received 3 responses (via personal email) from members who shared their experiences and completion of the questionnaire (not-so-professionally designed). If you have previous experience or is currently a care-giver, I’d really appreciate your help to complete the questionnaire. Please email me at inez@wsinnovate.net for me to send you a copy of the questionnaire. (We need about 10 responses from each group member to make up the sample size of 50).Thanking you in advance..inez

There is a meeting up with all practitioners of the YiXue and will be transmitting the traditional Lotus-Hand from the Lotus Great System.

I believe that most of us have read about the rising incidence of dementia.

Dementia is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment,
and behavior. Most types of dementia are nonreversible (degenerative). Dementia
symptoms include difficulty with many areas of mental function, including:

• Language
• Memory
• Perception
• Emotional
  behavior or personality
• Cognitive skills
  (such as calculation, abstract thinking, or judgment)

Dementia usually first appears as
forgetfulness.

There is growing evidence that some kinds of mental exercises can help slow down dementia. To this end, I
am contemplating developing a series of mental exercises which may be used
hopefully to help slow the effect of dementia.

I have a series of mental
exercises which help children improve their learning abilities , you may want
to visit www.mindmax.com.sg to know a little more. I intend to modify certain portions of the training protocol to
suit senior citizens who may worry about the onset of dementia. 

What I have in mind is not something commercial, but a social outreach—with trainers (SHC members) going
down to centres or elderly groups to train the centre helpers to run these programs.
So, it remains for me to size up how many SHCian are interested to do such
social outreach programs.

James

The doctor give me six weeks to improve my diet and bring down my glucose level from 13 to 7 otherwise I will go on the needle. This is a challenge to myself whether I can avoid it.

Last night I dream of the dread needle and break out in cold sweat and this morning I pull myself out of bed and headed for Safra Mount Faber for 10 laps of freestyle and breast stroke. I reckon I will need to do it every morning from 8:00am to 8:30am. No more late nights as I normally sleep at about 2:00am, have to hit the sack before midnight. 

I need moral support here, anyone with similar concern would like to join me? We will have it here at Safra and if there is any other venue convenience do let me know. We may consider any other day of the week or other timing.

Swimmingly yours,

Dan

They say TEENAGE is the time when we are curious about our body and there are many first experences. We were curious, inquisitive and experimental. The romantics  say we must treasure our first experience. Practical people like me just try to get more experience and be good at it.  At that age, we often talk about it, speculate about it and mostly the boys boast about it.

Of course not everyone is dirty like me. I am aware that there are  ‘respectable ladies ‘ here in this forum who do not even want to read about IT. I think they are still waiting to savour it.

I believe this saying is wrong. When we are past 45 years old you would find that there are more  first time experiences that will happen to your bodies then you had when you were  a teenager. And we should talk and learn more about them, less we are lead astray.  For example, the first time your hairs starts to turn silver, the first time your hair disappears, the first time we waited till the bus stops completely before we ambark, the first time you walk up the overhead bridge instead of running across the road, the first time you notice you cannot run . Than comes your first heart attack, your first stroke, your first catarac, the first time you make sure to stand very close to the urinal or your feet will get wet.

I am therefore intrigued that there are so few people here willing to share their first experences here.  Are they just waiting for them to happen again than get better at it the next time. Or maybe they want to savour it because it will be their first time. 

I hope, like Jacqualine, Kenneth and others you will be more willing to come forward to share your experiences. There is nothing to be shy about your first time experiences. We are not a teenager anymore and we should learn as much as possible and early. Then perhaps we will not turn frigid  when the next  ‘First Experience’ comes. 

I wonder how Sinigapore has become one of the fastest elderly
growing population in the world.  Either our medical system has
enabled the elderly to live longer or we just eat good food, and live longer
than our grand-parents.  The baby boomers are reported to be
richer and will be better financially than future generations.  Our
age group is believed to be better prepared for old age and retirement.

Many of us have some form of personal life and
health insurances.  I like to raise this topic for discussion, so
that all of us get a chance to share what we know or dont know about the
insurance policies we have kept somewhere under our pillows.

Let’s focus on personal, health and accident policies. 
Keep out corporate insurance. 

This topic can be sensitive, especially those policies
paid out of our CPF.  But, please stay cool.  I
hope we can benefit from better understanding of our insurance
policies.  Let’s talk about choices, differences of the different type
of policies.  Please do not copy wholesale from the web. 
Keep your comments short, and in easy understandable English or
Chinese. 

There may be some insurance experts around us, your
contribution is invited.  We share.

Terence Seah