Healthy women, healthier society

Chee Siok Chin

The Women Democrats are concerned that women in Singapore are not taking enough care of ourselves. This is especially so when we are living in a rather patriarchal society, no thanks to the Asian-Values indoctrination by former prime minister Lee Kuan Yew.

Women tend to put the need of their spouses, parents, children, siblings ahead of our own. $CUT$This is not only detrimental to ourselves but also to those who are close to us.

It is only when we take care of our mind, body and spirit that we are able to contribute to and make a difference to our society. We need to take time off to rejuvenate ourselves, and exercise is the best and surest way to recharge our batteries.

Exercising regularly helps ward off those thigh dimples. The simplest and most convenient activity is running. No special gear is needed and there is no need to book any facilities.

Running is great. It takes some discipline to do it regularly, for sure, but the the body feels taut after a workout. And better yet, after awhile, it will start to look like Brangelina’s.

Ok, maybe not. But no matter, the important thing is that we are keeping healthy and thus better able to do what we want with more energy.

Nutrition is the other vital factor in keeping healthy. Unfortunately, the older we get, the more difficult it is to get rid of those extra calories, especially when you have a sweet tooth. So perhaps listening to our dietary expert at the upcoming health talk will help us cultivate better dietary habits.

So join the Women Democrats in attending the workshop on Holistic Health for Women. Dr Tan Lip Hong, a member of the SDP healthcare panel, will speak on common ailments that afflict women; Dr Ang Yong Guan, our GE candidate, will talk about women’s mental health; dietician Ms Joyce Tan will be on hand to advise us on our nutrition; and Mr Melvin Fu, a physical fitness coach, will talk to us about getting ourselves trim and fit.  

What’s more, the first 50 participants will be given great door gifts!

(By the way, Brangelina is the Brad Pitt and and Angelina Jolie merged.)

Chee Siok Chin is a member of the SDP’s Central Executive Committee and Head of the Training and Development Unit.

 

Public Forum: Holistic Health for Women

Date: 1 July 2012, Sunday
Time: 2 to 5pm
Venue: The Seminar Room #02-08 Heritage Place
            21 Tan Quee Lan St, S(188108)
Admission: Free. All are welcome

Synopsis

Women’s health from a GP’s perspective
by Dr. Tan Lip Hong, general practioner

What are some of the common health problems that afflict women?  When should we go to a doctor for medical advice? Come and hear what your GP has to say about women’s health.

Women and Emotional Health
by Dr. Ang Yong Guan, psychiatrist

Research has shown that women are more prone than men to have mental conditions such as generalized anxiety disorders, major depressive disorders, panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and borderline personality disorders. We also know that women have their own unique set of problems such as pre-menstrual tension, peri-natal depression and menopause. My talk on Women and Emotional Health will focus on common emotional health issues affecting women emphasizing on their clinical presentation and management.

Eat Well & Feel Good on a Healthy Diet
by Ms Joyce Tan, dietician

You know the old saying, ‘You are what you eat’? If your body could talk, what will it tell you? Join us as we learn more on what constitutes a healthy and balanced diet and how to make healthier food choices.

Exercise and fitness
by Mr. Melvin Fu, fitness instructor

Have you felt winded running after the bus despite completing a half-marathon recently? Or find it difficult to get off the floor after playing with your kids? With a hectic schedule, going out for a 30mins run 5 times a week may not be the best use of your time, although it meets the requirements for physical activity as recommended by the Health Promotion Board. Learn what fitness really means, and how it functional exercises make it easier for us to do things that we take for granted.