Although the condition of dry eyes is not usually sight-threatening, it can severely affect the quality of life. Senior consultant ophthalmologist James Pan, medical director at Nobel Eye and Vision Centre said that patients may complain of symptoms such as eye redness, blurred vision and the sensation of a foreign object in the eye, which can make it difficult for them to go about their daily activities.

In severe cases, dry eye may lead to ocular surface inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal infection or scarring. In Singapore, environmental factors from modern lifestyle habits play a large role in the rising number of dry eye cases. Dr Pan explained that the act of using phones in the dark or staring at a screen for prolonged periods, continuous use of contact lens, and not having proper nutrition or sleep can affect our eyes. Other factors that can contribute to dry eye include old age, hormones, systemic conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as medications such as anti‐histamines and decongestants.

While there is no cure for most types of dry eyes currently, most cases are mild and can be treated with over-the-counter eye lubricants. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, one should consider seeing a doctor or an ophthalmologist, as advised by Dr Pan.

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Polyclinic visits grew by one million between 2015 and last year, with chronic conditions such as diabetes topping the list of commonly seen ailments. The top three chronic medical conditions which accounted for more than a third of diagnoses are high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure-related ailments.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced at the National Day Rally that the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) will be extended to all Singaporeans with chronic conditions, regardless of income. Dr John Cheng, Head of Primary Care and Family Physician at Healthway Medical, said that the number of Chas cardholders seeking treatment for both acute and chronic conditions at the clinics has seen a steady increase since 2015 and that Chas subsidies have certainly helped patients to ease the burden of healthcare costs.

With the World Cup matches going on till the wee hours of the morning, Dr Wee reminded that ample amount of sleep and rest is important for the body to recharge and function properly. To avoid being sick, he advised against having oily food for supper. When asked about the ideal relationship between GP and patient, Dr Wee said it would be beneficial for patients to stay in a long-term relationship with the same primary doctor so that a more accurate medical diagnosis can be achieved. Dr Wee also addressed few misconceptions that members of public may have on the role of a general practitioner. Dr Wee explained that GPs do not only deal with common cough and colds. They can also monitor the progress of patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol through their health status as well as advise on how to better control their current conditions from their regular check-ups.

Apart from acute illnesses and chronic diseases, Dr Wee advice the public to visit GPs for various health screenings and vaccinations.

In conjunction with World Hepatitis Day on 28 July, Dr Chong spoke generally on the various types of hepatitis viruses (types A, B, C, D, E), before focusing on Hepatitis B. He said Hepatitis B virus can be transmitted from one person to another via blood or other body fluids. To limit the spread of the Hepatitis B virus, one should take preventive measures such as taking the full course of vaccinations and going for regular check-ups to check for immunity. To avoid spreading of Hepatitis B virus, one should also avoid sharing personal items such as toothbrushes and razors, covering open wounds and to ensure that sterile needles are used where necessary. Symptoms of Hepatitis B virus include pain in the joints, severe lethargy, tea-coloured urine and upper abdominal pain. In some chronic cases, complications can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and early death. Dr Chong also mentioned that it is important to eat in moderation and at regular timings, to refrain from excessive or binge drinking of alcohol and to engage in regular exercise.

The Samaritans of Singapore flagged this year that the number of elderly aged 60 and above who took their own lives in 2017 was the highest since it started tracking suicides in 1991.

Addressing this issue, experts said that one suicide is a suicide too many. Dr Seng Kok Han, Psychiatrist from Nobel Psychological Wellness Clinic (A member of Healthway Medical), shared his opinion that one should not take the words of an elderly who speaks about suicides lightly, as studies have shown that people who committed suicide tend to have mentioned suicide to someone before. He encourages family members to recognise and acknowledge any fear or anxiety experienced by elderly family members facing depression.

Dr Seng added that geriatric depression is often under-recognised and undertreated, in part because the elderly frequently have multiple medical disorders and depression often present as possible causes of symptoms. Health care providers, on the other hand, are often more focused on medical problems and may have missed the signs.

Dr Seng said to prevent suicides, there should be more public education on depression and one should partner with family physicians to early detect elderly who may have depression.