Recent health news highlighted the over-use of antibiotics in developed countries. Patients often insist that they "need" antibiotics to get over that simple cold.

However, multi resistant bacterial strains are becoming ever more common worldwide. Worryingly, an increasing number of bugs are resistant to our last line of defense treatments and medical science is struggling to keep up.

For those of you who feel the rise of the multi-resistant super bacterium is a myth, a story used by Doctors to frighten (naughty) patients; or something that won't happen until far into the future; let us highlight that this is happening - right now!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/…/us-woman-killed-superbug-resi…/

​Contrary to what some may believe, antibiotic resistance is a problem in the here and now and we all have a duty to try to prevent this looming crisis. Without effective antibiotics, medicine could return to the dark ages with simple operations and infections that could previously be cured with antibiotics becoming a major health risk.

As medical professionals we can do our part to slow this process down by careful and appropriate prescribing of antibiotics and educating our patients on when they are and are not indicated. Engage your Doctors and openly discuss if your condition warrants the use of antibiotics. Do not push for antibiotics when Doctors advise against their use; equally, please ensure you complete your course of antibiotics when prescribed to avoid the development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacterium.

For patients who are thinking of coming down for a consultation over at Katong Family Clinic, we have two dedicated Doctors (Dr Sarah Packer & Dr Jack Lee) here to help, advise and treat you. Call us on 6203 4192 to make an appointment!

Hands up, who likes to 'clean' their ears? Using those Q-tips or other instruments to try to remove wax and dirt can actually do more harm than good and is not recommended.

See why here: https://www.statnews.com/…/06/earwax-doctors-advice-ignored/

Ear wax may seem like a benign problem, but it can really reduce quality of life for sufferers, especially if it is causing poor hearing. This can be a problem in all ages but is often especially so in the elderly who may miss out in social interactions due to the associated hearing loss. The good news is that in many cases simple remedies can help to unclog the ear.
​
Dr Jack Lee at Katong Family Clinic has a special interest in Ear, Nose & Throat problems (amongst other services). He is trained and has experience in providing ear wax micro-suction. If simple measures (such as ear drops) fail to help, this is the safest way to remove a build up of wax or blockage in the ear under direct vision to restore a person's hearing.

Are you looking for a New Year's Resolution to improve your health? How about considering to stop smoking? This article from the Health Promotion Board shares some sensible and helpful information on this tricky task!!!

Stopping smoking is one of the best decisions you can make - smoking increases the risk of artherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The health benefits of quitting start within hours and continue to become apparent for years, especially if you have been a smoker for a while.

Let our experienced Doctors (Dr Sarah Packer & Dr Jack Lee) at Katong Family Clinic assist and support you through this difficult time.

We can do it together!!!

Contraception: are you aware of all your options?

A discussion with your friendly and knowledgeable family doctor can help with family planning and avoiding unplanned pregnancies. Our Doctors (Dr Sarah Packer & Dr Jack Lee) at Katong Family Clinic are well versed in the various options available as no one type is suitable for everyone. So come on down to learn more, to answer your queries and also to recognise which is the most suitable option for your lifestyle and you!

This local study (click to go to link) has suggested that awareness and knowledge of contraception among ladies in Singapore is lacking!

This article by the Health Promotion Board gives a helpful overview of your contraceptive options. If you have questions or want to discuss the most suitable option for you,  do pop down for a chat!

Thinking of going for health screening but don’t know what tests you should do?

The article below from the Health Promotion Board highlights the ABCs of Health Screening. Have a read and find out what screening is advised for you and your loved ones by the Ministry of Health.

Come down to Katong Family Clinic where our friendly and knowledgeable Doctors (Dr Sarah Packer & Dr Jack Lee) can answer your queries, and also advise on your screening needs and requirements after a detailed assessment!

Over prescribing of antibiotics has accelerated Darwin's natural selection of super bugs.

We, as the medically trained professionals (prescribers), need to be judicious in the use of antibiotics. Part of the consultation should include the evaluation of the requirement of antibiotics with our patients with regard to their illnesses.

Only by working together with patients can we combat the rise of multi resistant bacterial strains which is becoming ever more common in this day and age.

Have a read of this Straits Times article and engage us in friendly and educational discussions!