Health & Living

Three-time Olympian and former Malaysian track cyclist Josiah Ng shares how he’s picked himself up from the failures in his career - from losses to life-threatening crashes and financial crises. 

Every mental health struggle has a story behind it. ‘Because Feelings Matter’ is a series that brings you the stories of people and their mental health issues. These stories aim to normalise conversations about mental health, and to show that it’s okay to struggle emotionally and psychologically, but more importantly, to reach out for help. This series is produced in collaboration with Thrive Well.

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Earlier this month, the Nobel Prize laureates were announced and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to a trio of scientists – Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel – “for their discovery of a molecular switch for nerve cells” or optogenetics. Putting it simply, some news outlets have described it as “being able to control brain cells with light”. On this episode of Brain Waves, neurogeneticist Dr Azlina Ahmad Annuar helps us break down why this was groundbreaking and how it can further research into better treatments for diseases like neurologic and psychiatric disorders. 

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In August, leading cardiovascular groups released a new definition of heart attacks, reclassifying overlooked causes of heart attacks that are more common among women. Consultant urologist Dr George Lee is joined by consultant cardiologist Dr Effarezan Abdul Rahman to break down why these changes are seen as a move towards better care for women. This conversation also discusses how women tend to experience heart attacks differently from men, the unique risk factors they have, and why seeking early treatment is key to survival.

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It feels like the world is becoming increasingly unsafe for children, even among their own peers, with more reports of school and peer violence among children and teenagers. Are children’s relationships today breaking down? We ask consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan and consultant child psychiatrist Dr Anita Codati what social-emotional skills children are lacking today, and what are subtle signs parents and teachers often miss before negative behaviours escalate.

This conversation will touch on topics of violence and self-harm. If you or your child is struggling with these issues and need emotional support, reach out for help from your community, or helplines like Befrienders KL (03 7627 2929), Talian HEAL (15 555) and Buddy Bear (1800-18-BEAR/2327), which is specifically for children. You can report bullying to the Anti-Bullying Tribunal here.

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Who cares for a baby in the first critical minutes if the baby is born too soon or has a serious condition no one expected? On this episode of Humans of Healthcare, we speak to Associate Professor Dr Azanna Ahmad Kamar, Consultant Neonatologist at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre, about the demanding, highly technical world of neonatology. She traces her path from wanting to be an astronaut to becoming a neonatologist, describes the "organised chaos" in the neonatal ICU, and talks candidly about why Malaysia needs more doctors in this subspecialty.

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The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is moving to make mental health protection a statutory requirement for employers. What does it mean for employers and employees now that psychosocial risk assessment and management is now an employer’s legal duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act? Why should companies invest in this, and how should they go about it?

This discussion mentions suicide. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support, reach out for help within your community or contact the Befrienders KL (03-76272929 or [email protected]), Talian HEAL (15 555), MIASA (1-800-1800-66) or AWAS Malaysia (Whatsapp 010-234 4808)

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If you’re a woman in your 40s and 50s, and have some form of chronic pain, you may have learned to just suffer in silence. These could include long-term migraines, joint and muscular pain, or vaginal pain, which can’t seem to be traced to other causes. The theme of World Menopause Day 2026, ‘Chronic Pain At Midlife’, recognises this pain as part of a syndrome that should be identified and managed, and not an invisible burden that women have to bear. Dr Premitha Damodaran, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, pulls back the curtain on this neglected aspect of women’s midlife.

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A recent report in The Star revealed that unregistered home insemination kits are being sold through online platforms, allegedly providing convenient and cheaper alternatives to intrauterine insemination, or simply pressure-free alternatives to sexual intercourse. Fertility specialist Dr Sumithra Devi Valiapan, joins us to explain what couples need to know about using these DIY insemination kits for fertility problems.

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Here’s a number you might not have heard of: 6020. It’s a campaign to encourage Malaysians aged 60 and above to retain at least 20 functional natural teeth. Now, many of us think that it’s quite normal to lose your teeth as you age, so what can actually be done to keep your teeth instead? On this episode of Healthy Ageing, we’ll be discussing that and more with prosthodontist Assoc Prof Dr Yew Hsu Zenn from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

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A hit-and-run after work hours left Sutrisno bin Saimin with severe hand injury that would impair his daily routines, both at home and at work. But with access to rehabilitation through PERKESO’s Lindung 24 Jam scheme, Sutris shares what his recovery journey was like, how he’s adapting to life with impaired mobility, and why having a round-the-clock social safety net matters. We also hear from occupational therapist Ahmad Yazid bin Jus about the role of occupational therapy in recovery from hand injuries. 

Beyond The Diagnosis is a series that goes beyond a medical diagnosis to explore people’s personal experiences, their challenges, as well as the impact of their health condition on their loved ones. 

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