The Vital Sign Podcast

Ep 7 - Gout: A toe-talpain ft. Dr. Tan Sing Yee

After uncovering the mysteries of gout in the previous episode, this episode explores the essential strategies patients can use to manage gout attacks and flares, both in the short and long term. For starters, finding the right medication for pain relief is a critical step in addressing flare-ups. And equally important is making long-term lifestyle adjustments—whether through therapy, education, or raising awareness—to better manage the condition and improve quality of life. Tune in now to discover strategies and equip yourself with the tools to triumph over this joint-jerking adversary!

Ep 6 - Gout: Gout, What’s It All About? ft. Dr. Tan Sing Yee

We've all heard about someone with gout. But do we actually know what it is? In this episode, Dr Tan takes us on a journey through the evolution of gout. From Ancient Egypt to present times, gout continues to be prevalent due to a whole host of factors - some of which, may surprise you. Listen in as we unravel the mysteries of high uric acid, acutely painful gout episodes, and the things that make us prone to developing gout!  Episode Overview: * The long history of gout  * Nature or nurture? Various causes of gout * How gout develops in the body, including the significance of hyperuricemia   * Spotting the signs: What gout episodes look and feel like * The persistence of gout and its relationship to other long-term diseases Credits  The Vital Sign podcast is a production of Renegade Radio with support from Abbott Laboratories in Malaysia. It was produced by Senior Producer Kelvin Tay and Producer Raghinie Ravi, hosted by Afiq Kamarudin, written by Alyssa Pong Le Ann and Arnaldan Bryan Henry, and edited by Dickson Cheah.  The content was fact-checked by the Abbott Medical Affairs Team.

Ep 5 - The Flu: Living with the Flu. ft. Dr. Thinesh

In this episode, we draw chilling parallels between the COVID-19 pandemic and the 1918 influenza outbreak in Malaya, reminding us that history often repeats itself. The core message is clear: despite the challenges of today, those in the past faced unimaginable trials with fewer resources and limited knowledge. It’s a sobering reflection on resilience and survival in times of global crises. Episode Overview: * Introduction to pandemic parallels (COVID-19 vs. 1918 influenza) * Historical overview of the 1918 flu in Malaya * Key statistics and comparisons with modern pandemics * The societal impact of pandemics on daily life * Reflections on how far we've come in medical knowledge * Closing thoughts on resilience and health crises Credits  The Vital Sign podcast is a production of Renegade Radio with support from Abbott Laboratories in Malaysia. It was produced by Senior Producer Kelvin Tay and Producer Raghinie Ravi, hosted by Afiq Kamarudin, written by Alyssa Pong Le Ann and Arnaldan Bryan Henry, and edited by Dickson Cheah.  The content was fact-checked by the Abbott Medical Affairs Team.

Ep 4 - The Flu: Is Anyone Safe? ft. Dr. Thinesh

In this episode, listeners discover the fascinating and complex workings of the immune system as it combats infections and pathogens. The episode takes a deeper look into how vaccines — specifically the flu shot — help strengthen our immune defenses, not just for children and the elderly, but for everyone. It emphasizes the critical role vaccines play in preventing severe illness and high healthcare costs. Episode Overview: * The immune system’s response to pathogens: macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. * How Helper T cells and B cells defend the body and create long-lasting immunity. * Flu vaccines: How they work, who needs them, and why they’re crucial for public health. * Debunking myths around the flu vaccine and explaining its safety for children, the elderly, and pregnant women. * Financial implications of flu treatment vs. preventive vaccination. Credits  The Vital Sign podcast is a production of Renegade Radio with support from Abbott Laboratories in Malaysia. It was produced by Senior Producer Kelvin Tay and Producer Raghinie Ravi, hosted by Afiq Kamarudin, written by Alyssa Pong Le Ann and Arnaldan Bryan Henry, and edited by Dickson Cheah.  The content was fact-checked by the Abbott Medical Affairs Team.

Ep 3 - The Flu: Why Now? ft. Dr. Thinesh

This episode focuses on the resilience of the human immune system and how understanding it is key to staying ahead of health threats. Whether it's COVID-19, influenza, or other challenges, building immunity is essential for long-term wellness. The conversation emphasizes how preparation, much like having a fire extinguisher ready, is crucial in safeguarding our health. Episode Overview: * Post-2024 pandemic world: The new normal and societal shifts. * Traffic woes and the benefits of remote work. * The immune system: How it works and why preparation matters. * Differences in immunity strength and recovery times. * Vaccines as a preventive tool. * Practical tips for boosting immunity. * Fun discussion on common health myths like sleeping with wet hair and the use of Vicks. Credits  The Vital Sign podcast is a production of Renegade Radio with support from Abbott Laboratories in Malaysia. It was produced by Senior Producer Kelvin Tay and Producer Raghinie Ravi, hosted by Afiq Kamarudin, written by Alyssa Pong Le Ann and Arnaldan Bryan Henry, and edited by Dickson Cheah.  The content was fact-checked by the Abbott Medical Affairs Team.