Halloween is our chance to role play, misbehave and scare each other silly. We swap our regular clothes for colourful spandex, capes, wigs and elaborate makeup, exposing ourselves to disgust, horror and fantasy. Of course the costumes and props of Halloween are symbolic and don’t pose any real threat; they provide safe thrills. But what is it about this custom of candies and costumes that makes it so exciting? Psychologist Dr Chua Sook Ning explores the psychology of Halloween.

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We bring the latest in health news. Choking hazards, a killer soba meal and deadly furniture - just three of the many things that could harm your child. Juliet Jacobs and Tina Carmillia discuss these news headlines and hear from the experts - including Consultant Allergist and Immunologist Dr Kent Woo Chee Keen, Consultant ENT Surgeon Dr Rahmat Omar, and Consultant Paediatrician Prof Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail - about making childhood safer in this big, scary, dangerous world.

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0:00 - Intro

1:21 - Toy tumour (Source: CNN)

10:10 - Fatal soba (Source: Straits Times)

22:49 - Killer furniture (Source: Washington Post)

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Diseases caused by pollution were responsible for an estimated 9 million premature deaths in 2015. That’s 16 per cent of all deaths worldwide, according to a report published on The Lancet last week. Air pollution had the biggest impact, accounting for two-thirds of deaths from pollution. Consultant Paediatrician and Respiratory Physician Assoc Prof Dr Jessie Anne de Bruyne explains the findings and what we can do to minimise our risk of pollutant-related respiratory problems.

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Malaysia’s healthcare system ensures every Malaysian has access to highly subsidised healthcare in any government clinic or hospital. However, the ever-rising cost of medications is a major factor that contributes to the healthcare budget, where difficult decisions have to be made to balance limited resources against increasing demands. Professor Craig Mitton, Senior Scientist at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Evaluation, University of British Columbia, shares his expertise on health economics in the context of liberalising access to costly medications.

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Brain diseases manifest in retina of the eye. Fake Halloween contact lens pose a danger to your eye health. Can gene editing correct retinal disease mutation? Find out the latest news in eye health from Consultant Ophthalmologist and Retinal Specialist Dr Tara George. 

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The concept of time can be tricky even for adults, so how much can we expect from the kids? Do they appreciate birthdays and weekends the way we do? Consultant Developmental Paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan explains how children typically develop a sense of time.

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This breast cancer awareness month, we explore game changers in the field of breast cancer treatment, education, care and support. Dr Matin Mellor Abdullah, Consultant Clinical Oncologist from Subang Jaya Medical Centre and Dr Saunthari Somasundaram, President of the National Cancer Society Malaysia, join us.

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Although laparoscopic surgery in the ob-gyn practice has been in existence for over 30 years, many women are still unaware of its benefits, and it is frequently perceived as a dangerous and risky procedure. Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Dr S Selva addresses the many myths surrounding the procedure.

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We bring the latest in health news. This week, we discuss fake dentist, botched gold thread skin rejuvenation, and an elaborate cancer cure hoax. Dr Law Yao Hua (not a medical doctor) joins Health & Living producer Tina Carmillia in breaking down these stories with expert opinions from Dr Ruban Nathan, Chairman of the Cosmetic Board of the National Dermatology Society; Dr Noraini Alwi, President of the Malaysian Association of Orthodontists; and Dr Philip George, Consultant Psychiatrist.

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0:00 - Intro

2:09 - Gold thread skin rejuvenation (Source: The Star)

12:20 - Fake dentist (Source: The Star)

28:12 - Belle Gibson's cancer hoax (Source: The Guardian)

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Dr George Lee returns to discuss the latest medical news. Expect deep insights delivered with generous humour. World Sight Day is on October 12th, and we speak to Dr Muiz Mahyuddin about what the Malaysian Society of Ophthalmology is doing to address eye health.

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