MIT

A (

P) N

O. 2

01/1

1/20

03

Doctors’*

Radiofrequency surgery, also known as modern electrosurgery isnow available in Mount Alvernia Hospital with the addition ofthe Surgitron from Ellman.

A P R - J U N 2 0 0 4

New equipment in Operating Theatre

BulletinRadiofrequency Surgery

A versatile tool in the area of

dermatological, surgical and

gynecological applications, it is both

time and cost effective and is an

efficacious treatment for a multitude of

both benign and malignant lesions or

biopsies. With four distinct waveforms

to choose from for optimum results,

appropriate selection of waveform and

current intensity allows for excision,

ablation, coagulation or fulguration.

The lesions that can be removed are

myriad, depending on the surgeon’s

scope of practice and versatility. Tissue

can either be delicately removed with

excellent cosmetic results or be totally

ablated.

High frequency electrosurgery is now

replacing many laser applications

because of the minimal tissue damage,

low cost of equipment, minimal

maintenance, ease of treatment and

excellent long-term results. It has mostly

replaced laser in the gynecologic

treatment of dysplasia (conization) and

condyloma.

Incisions

Excisions

Shave removals

Electroepilation

Cauterization of “bleeders”

Nail plate ablation

Skin tags

Verruca

Cervical conizations

Curettement and cautery (egwarts)

Telangiectasias (spider veins): face,not recommended for legs

Pyogenic granulomas

Haemorrhoid tags

Mucosal lesions

Xanthelasma

Table 1 shows some of the common uses and lesions treated with

Radiofrequency Surgery

Hermangiomas

Blepharoplasties

Basal cell cancers

Squamous cell carcinomas

Actinic keratoses

Sebaceous gland hyperplasia

Syringomas

Cervical biopsies

Chalazions

Condyloma

Varicosities

Nevi (benign)

Rhinophyma

Seborrheic keratoses

Hair transplants

Radio-assisted uvulopalatoplasties(RAUP) for snoring

Before After

Before After

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Midas Rex SystemUpgrade

Mount Alvernia Hospital recently upgraded our

surgical high-speed Midas Rex System to the latest

version of the Midas Rex Legend, which is the first

of this range here in Singapore.

Some features of the new Legend Gold system (used

for neuro surgery and major orthopaedic surgery

such as knee and hip revision cases) are:

- 76,000 rpm at 120 psi / 8 bar

- Smaller than Midas Rex Classic

Features of the Legend Platinum system (used for

orthopaedic surgery such as lumbar and cervical

cases and ENT surgery) are:

- more powerful than Midas Rex III

- 77,000 rpm at 120 psi / 8 bar

- Comparable power to Med

Compared to its predecessor, the new Midas Rex

Legend features an enhanced ergonomic design

which offers improved surgical visibility and greater

flexibility that is able to run 2 cases consecutively.

New equipment in Operating Theatre

Topic Differential Diagnoses of Granulomas &Granulomatous Inflammation

Speaker Dr Elizabeth Cheah, Pathologist

Date 5 Jul 2004

Time 0730 Registration0800 Talk

Venue Lecture Room, Level OneAdmin BlockMount Alvernia Hospital

RSVP Celestine/Puay ChengTel: 6347 6649/ 6650

Advantages of using radiofrequency technique include rapidity of

treatment, a nearly bloodless field, minimal post-operative pain and

rapid healing. Residual damage is usually very little. Patients

occasionally report a hot feeling, which is usually relieved with two

tablets of ibuprofen 200mg taken 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days.

Patients on cardiac pacemakers may not be suitable for the

procedure.

For more information, please call our Operating Theatre at:

Tel: 6347 6357.

Comparison of uses and effects of various electrical frequencies. (Courtesy EllmanInternational, Inc., Hewlett, NY.)

Breakfast withSurgical Pathology

CME Accreditation• Core points for pathologists • Non-core points for specialists

Continued from cover page

talksCME

M O U N T A L V E R N I A H O S P I T A L D O C T O R S ’ B U L L E T I N

Magnetic Resonance Imaging has an obvious

advantage of producing cross-sectional images

in any plane without exposing patients to

ionizing radiation, radioactive substances or

iodine contrast dye with its attendant risks. It

is a non-invasive and painless procedure.

MR images are obtained by the interaction

of hydrogen nuclei or protons, high magnetic

fields and radiofrequency pulses. With MR,

images in any plane can be obtained by

changing the orientation of the magnetic

field gradients without moving the patient.

Different tissues in the human body contain

different amounts of free protons and

therefore emit different intensity of MR

signals, which are then displayed as areas of

different brightness on the images obtained.

MRI provides excellent soft tissue contrast

with high resolution, and thus shows

excellent anatomic details. Pathologic

processes are recognizable when the signals

from the abnormal tissue differ from those

of normal tissue.

MRI imaging is used for virtually all parts

of the body. It provides high-resolution

imaging of joints and interarticular spaces

and is the method of choice for imaging

of the musculoskeletal system.

Functional imaging such as perfusion/

diffusion imaging enables diagnosis of

acute stroke immediately, and this is

crucial for starting early thrombolytic

therapy, as well as differentiating between

chronic and acute strokes and white

matter lesions.

MRI has wide applications in various

systems of the body, including MR

Angiography, MRCP (the MR version of

ERCP), breast imaging such as detection

of implant rupture, and whole body MRI

in oncology, just to name a few.

The addition of the MRI services will allow

us to add on future medical capabilities,

as Mount Alvernia Hospital develops our

specialty centres.

Magnetic Resonance Imagingservice in Mount Alvernia Hospital

Article by Dr Ng Luan Sing,Consultant Radiologist

Diagnostic Imaging DepartmentMount Alvernia Hospital

In line with the hospital’s mission to keep up with advances intechnology and our on-going effort to provide state-of-the-artfacilities for physicians of the various specialties, our DiagnosticImaging Department has acquired a Siemens 1.5 Tesla MRI unit.

Example of gadolinium-enhancedMR angiography as part of thewhole-body screening examination.Note the excellent visualization ofvessel segments down to the pedalarch. No stenoses are present.

Patients are instructed to arrive halfan hour in advance.

WELCOME ON BOARDA Warm Welcome to the following doctors who recently joined us at the Mount Alvernia Medical Centre

Doctor Name Unit Block Clinic Name TELEPHONE

Dr Chew Tec Huan Stephen #B1-02 Blk A Stephen Chew Centre For Tel 63538806Kidney Disease & Hypertension

Dr Fong Poh Him #02-21 Blk A Cosmetic Specialist Centre (Alvernia) Tel 63529512

Dr Hong Soo Wan #02-21 Blk A Cosmetic Specialist Centre (Alvernia) Tel 63529512

Dr Kenneth Edward Lee #B1-01 Blk A Maternity & Gynaecological Clinic Tel 62525778

Dr Low Chee Kwang #02-24 Blk A United Orthopaedic Centre Pte Ltd Tel 62582998

Dr Victor Keng #03-12 Blk B DHA Colorectal and Digestive Surgery Centre Tel 62500593

Dr Wong Soong Kuan #03-12 Blk B DHA Colorectal and Digestive Surgery Centre Tel 62500593

M O U N T A L V E R N I A H O S P I T A L D O C T O R S ’ B U L L E T I N

Corporate Development DirectorThe FMDM Sisters and Board of

Directors of Mount Alvernia Hospital

are pleased to announce the

appointment of Ms Alice Pang as

Corporate Development Director

with effect from February 18, 2004.

Ms Pang will be responsible for

Corporate Development and its

respective functions such as image

A) Objectives:To provide a seamless service,

catering to the needs of our

international patients, their family

members and referring physicians.

B) Services provided byMount Alvernia ServiceAssistance Hotline : -

1) Appointments and Referrals

To assist the patient/referring

doctor with making appointments

and referrals to any service, clinical

discipline and specialist clinic.

2) Admission Services

To provide assistance with

arrangements for hospitalisation

and advice on the estimated

hospitalisation fees.

Upon arrival at the hospital, our

staff will receive the patient and

accompany the patient through

the registration and admission

process.

management and public relations,

corporate market development,

medical staff development and

foreign market developments.

Ms Pang is an experienced

healthcare executive with more

than 20 years in the healthcare

industry. During her career, Ms

Pang has held various senior

positions such as group marketing,

business development and

management appointments

including Parkway Group Senior

Marketing Manager, General

Manager for VISTA Health Care Plan,

Senior Business Office Manager for

Healthway Medical Group and

Operations Manager for Raffles

Surgi Centre.

Mount AlverniaService Assistance Hotline

Tel: 65-6347-6666

With effect from Monday 3 May2004 all vehicles entering andleaving Mount Alvernia Hospitalcompound from 10.00pm to8.00am will enjoy free parkingduring this time.

Whole day parking for in-patient will still be

at $5.10 per day, limited to 1 car per patient.

For more information on the above, pleasecontact Mr Woo Yong Chuan, OperationsManager at Tel: 6347 6229.

Free Parking atMount Alvernia

Hospital

3) Accommodation

To help find a hotel, service

apartment or lodging house that

best suits the patient and/or

family’s needs and budget.

4) Transportation

To help in arranging transfer to

the hospital from the airport or

hotel/accommodation.

5) Coordination of Evacuation

and Discharge Planning

To coordinate with various

international medical assistance

agencies to arrange for the

patient’s trip to Singapore and to

assist with return-to-home

country arrangements.

6) Travel arrangement

To assist patient and family in air

ticketing and visa extension.

7) Local tourist information

To assist family members with

local tourist information.

A GENTLE REMINDER :

MEDICAL INSURANCECERTIFICATES UP-DATE

All registered doctors are requested

to furnish an updated copy of their

medical insurance certificates

to the CEO’s office

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n ,

p l e a s e c a l l G r a c e o r Va l e r i e a t

Te l : 6 3 4 7 - 6 6 1 2 o r 6 3 4 7 - 6 6 1 3

Fax: 6255-6303

Bed booking after-office hoursDoctors and clinic staff booking beds at Mount Alvernia Hospital afteroffice hours can contact our Nursing Officer on-call at mobile: 91773678.........................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................

M O U N T A L V E R N I A H O S P I T A L D O C T O R S ’ B U L L E T I N

NO SPECIALITY DOCTOR NAME UNIT BLOCK CLINIC TELEPHONE FAX

1 Anaesthesiology Dr Wong Kahoe #01-05 Blk A JL Anaesthesia Associates 6258 6070 6356 2609

2 Anaesthesiology Dr Chong Jin Long #01-05 Blk A JL Anaesthesia Associates 6258 6070 6356 2609

3 Anaesthesiology Dr Liam Beng Ling #01-05 Blk A JL Anaesthesia Associates 6258 6070 6356 2609

4 Anaesthesiology Dr Lo Wai Kit #01-05 Blk A JL Anaesthesia Associates 6258 6070 6356 2609

5 Anaesthesiology Dr Seow Lay Tin #01-11/12 Blk B ST Anaesthesiology 6356 6435 6356 7635

6 Cardiology Dr Baldev Singh #02-08 Blk A Medical And Cardiac Clinic 6354 1121 6356 4266

7 Cardiology Dr Lau Yung Sang #03-15 Blk B YS Lau Cardiology Clinic Pte Ltd 6251 2500 6251 2522

8 Dentistry Dr Chong Kim Cheong #03-10 Blk B Progressive Dental Specialists Pte Ltd 6251 1189 6251 5394

9 Dentistry Dr Goh Sze Chern Anthony #03-10 Blk B Progressive Dental Specialists Pte Ltd 6251 1189 6251 5394

10 Dentistry Dr Intarasoot Potjanart #03-10 Blk B Progressive Dental Specialists Pte Ltd 6251 1189 6251 5394

11 Dentistry Dr Poh Yu-Jin #03-10 Blk B Progressive Dental Specialists Pte Ltd 6251 1189 6251 5394

12 Dermatology Dr Ang Chee Beng #01-10 Blk B Ang Skin & Hair Clinic 6353 3851 6354 7864

13 Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery Dr Sim Song Teck Roland #02-10 Blk B Sim Ear Nose And Throat Surgery 6256 3297 6256 8273

14 Ear, Nose & Throat Surgery Dr Foo Toon Hiong #B1-03 Blk A Muswell ENT Specialist Centre 6356 6726 6356 6725

15 Endocrinology Dr Tan Yeang Tin #03-11 Blk B Diabetes & Endocrine Consultants Pte Ltd 6252 6620 6252 6152

16 Gastroenterology Dr Chew Chay Noi #01-05 Blk A CN Chew Internal Medicine & Gastro-Enterology Clinic 6356 2607 6356 2609

17 Gastroenterology Dr Chia Siew Cheng #02-05 Blk A L P Surgery 6356 3260 6356 3261

18 General Surgery Dr Chua Wan Hoi #01-06 Blk A Thomson Specialist Clinic 6356 6696 NIL

19 General Surgery Dr Lee Siew Yang Joy #01-16/17 Blk B Joy Lee Surgery Pte Ltd 6258 5893 6258 7170

20 General Surgery Dr Wong Sen Chow #02-03 Blk A S C Wong Surgery Pte Ltd 6356 4088 6356 1255

21 General Surgery Dr Yong Chee Kong #02-04 Blk A C K Yong Surgery & Breast Clinic 6356 3250 6353 7719

22 General Surgery Dr Pang Ah San #02-05 Blk A LP Surgery 6356 3260 6356 3261

23 General Surgery Dr Victor Keng #03-12 Blk B DHA Colorectal and Disgestive Surgery Centre 6250 0593 6250 0537

24 General Surgery Dr Wong Soong Kuan #03-12 Blk B DHA Colorectal and Disgestive Surgery Centre 6250 0593 6250 0537

25 Medical Oncology Dr Teo Cheng Peng Freddy #01-03 Blk A Haematology And Cancer Centre 6254 4774 6358 4647

26 Neurology Dr Yeow Yew Kim #01-06 Blk A Thomson Specialist Clinic 6356 6696 NIL

27 Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr Ching Kwok Choy #02-01 Blk A K C Ching Clinic & Surgery For Women 6354 6238 6354 1409

28 Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr Lui Pao Shun #02-01 Blk A P S Lui Clinic & Surgery For Women 6356 2766 6736 1100

29 Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr Ho Hon Kwok #02-06/07 Blk A H K Ho Women & Fertility Clinic Pte Ltd 6353 8833 6353 1480

30 Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr Lim Yuin Wen #03-16/17 Blk B Wen Lim Clinic For Women Pte Ltd 6252 5009 6252 4992

31 Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr Kenneth Edward Lee #B1-01 Blk A Maternity & Gynaecological Clinic 6252 5778 6256 8410

32 Obstetrics & Gynaecology Dr Winnie Wun #B1-04 Blk A Winnie Wun Clinic For Women 6356 9928 6356 9927

33 Ophthalmology Dr Wong Chor Chon #01-06 Blk A Eye Clinic & Surgery 6356 6696 NIL

34 Ophthalmology Dr Julian Theng #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

35 Ophthalmology Dr Hoh Sek Tien #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

36 Ophthalmology Dr Peter Tseng #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

Mount AlverniaMedical Centre Specialists Listing

✃

M O U N T A L V E R N I A H O S P I T A L D O C T O R S ’ B U L L E T I N

NO SPECIALITY DOCTOR NAME UNIT BLOCK CLINIC TELEPHONE FAX

37 Ophthalmology Dr Chia Swee Cheong #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

38 Ophthalmology Dr Chan Tat Keong #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

39 Ophthalmology Dr Fong Kee Siew #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

40 Ophthalmology Dr Jon Goh #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

41 Ophthalmology Dr Sharifah Zainah #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

42 Ophthalmology Dr Ti Seng Ei #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

43 Ophthalmology Dr Ian Yeo #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

44 Ophthalmology Dr Lee Shu Yen #02-11/12/15/16/17 Blk B Singapore National Eye Centre (Mt Alvernia Branch) 6258 5866 6258 4877

45 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Liang Te Shan #01-04 Blk A Island Orthopaedic Consultants 6356 0588 6354 6315

46 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Ngian Kite Seng #01-04 Blk A Island Orthopaedic Consultants 6356 0588 6354 6315

47 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Tho Kam San #01-04 Blk A Island Orthopaedic Consultants 6356 0588 6354 6315

48 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Wong Yoke Hae Francis #01-04 Blk A Island Orthopaedic Consultants 6356 0588 6354 6315

49 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Liew Yow Ming #01-15 Blk B Y M Liew Orthopaedic Surgery 6256 8742 6256 8737

50 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Lee Pheng Hui Brian #01-16/17 Blk B Orthopaedic Associates 6253 5228 6734 9727

51 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Toh Choon Lai #01-16/17 Blk B Orthopaedic Associates 6253 5228 6734 9727

52 Orthopaedic Surgery Dr Low Chee Kwang #02-24 Blk A United Orthopaedic Centre Pte Ltd 62582998 6259 9208

53 Paediatric Surgery Dr Sim Chiang Khi #02-08 Blk A C K Sim Paediatric Urology & Surgery 6356 4166 6356 4266

54 Paediatric Medicine Dr Chan Kit Yee #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

55 Paediatric Medicine Dr Koh Poh Kian #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

56 Paediatric Medicine Dr Lim Shu Lee Sharon #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

57 Paediatric Medicine Dr Ngiam Thye Eng #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

58 Paediatric Medicine Dr Ong Eng Keow #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

59 Paediatric Medicine Dr Vellayappan K. #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

60 Paediatric Medicine Dr Yip Chin Ling William #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

61 Paediatric Medicine Dr Yip Yeng Yoong #01-01/02 Blk A Singapore Baby & Child Clinic 6354 1922 6354 2755

62 Paediatric Medicine Dr Simon Ng Pau Ling #01-06 Blk A Babies & Children Specialist Clinic 63566696 NIL

63 Paediatric Medicine Dr Tan Kay Soon #02-02 Blk A Wonderland Children’s Clinic 6356 3133 6356 3033

64 Paediatric Medicine Dr Lee Chien Yee #02-22 Blk A Kinder Clinic Pte Ltd 64785925 6253 2953

65 Paediatric Medicine Dr Tan Hwa Min Terence #02-22 Blk A Kinder Clinic Pte Ltd 64785925 6253 2953

66 Plastic Surgery Dr Fong Poh Him #02-21 Blk A Cosmetic Specialist Centre (Alvernia) 63529512 6352 9419

67 Plastic Surgery Dr Hong Soo Wan #02-21 Blk A Cosmetic Specialist Centre (Alvernia) 63529512 6352 9419

68 Renal Medicine Dr Stephen Chew #B1-02 Blk A Stephen Chew Centre for Kidney Disease & Hypertension 6353 8806 6356 2065

69 Respiratory Medicine Dr Yap Cheng Hoon Jane #B1-04 Blk A Jane Yap Chest And Medical Clinic 6356 9928 6356 9927

70 Rheumatology Dr Lim Ui Chong Eugene #01-06 Blk A Thomson Specialist Clinic 6356 6696 NIL

71 Urology Dr Tan Hun Hoe #02-25 Blk A H H Tan Urology Centre 6254 0103 6254 7106

72 Urology Dr Tan Peng Kok #01-11/12 Blk B Tan Peng Kok Urology 6356 6439 6356 7635

Mount AlverniaMedical Centre Specialists Listing

✃

M O U N T A L V E R N I A H O S P I T A L D O C T O R S ’ B U L L E T I N

Although capillary and suitably

anticoagulated venous blood specimens

can be used for platelet count, a venous

specimen is preferable.

In order to ensure an accurate platelet

count, we would manage all requests for

platelet count with the following blood-

sampling process.

Accuracy of

Collection Time:Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.00pm

For more information, please call our Laboratory Department at Tel: 6347 6341 during office hours.

Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm

1. Venous blood is to be collected for

all platelet count requests, including

paediatric cases.

2. Should the vein be difficult to locate

and/or the phlebotomist is not

confident in the venepuncture, then

capillary blood sampling is the next

choice.

3. In the case of a capillary blood

sampling, should the flow be less

than ideal, patient would be asked

to wait while the laboratory does a

quick count of the platelets.

4. If the count was low, then a repeat

of the blood sampling would be

carried out again.

Revision of Histo Pathology Chargeswith effect from 1st February 2004.

Despatch service for Laboratory is nowavailable with effect from 17 May 2004.

Despatch Service

The technique used for blood sampling critically affects the results ofplatelet count since platelets are very fragile, are easily activated andreadily adhere to foreign surfaces.

Platelet Counts & Collection MethodsLaboratory

SERVICE DESCRIPTION REMARKS PRICE ($)Routine HistologySmall Specimen (1 container) Eg. Small biopsies of skin, breast, cervix, nasopharynx and 100

(2 containers) cholecystectomy specimens 130(3 containers) 180

Large Specimen Cone biopsies, hysterectomies, thyroidectomies and 200specimens generally larger than 2 cm.

Complex Specimen Eg. Mastectomies, colectomies 320Wertheim’s hysterectomies 420

Specialised Biopsy Specimen (1 container) Eg. Endoscopic biopsies, renal, bone marrow, 140(2 containers) lung and liver biopsies 215(3 containers) 275

CytologyCervical Smear (PAP) 16Fine Needle Aspiration (with technician in attendance) 110

(without technician) 95Fluid 73Smear 73

Frozen SectionFrozen Section Biopsy (1-3 specimens) 250 (4 specimens) 300 (5 specimens) 350 (6 or more) 400

Frozen Section SurchargeServices during extended office hours Mon. to Fri. 0730hrs - 0830hrs 130

1701hrs - 1900hrsSaturdays 0730hrs - 0830hrs

1230hrs - 1500hrsAfter extended office hours 300

* Prices exclude CST

M O U N T A L V E R N I A H O S P I T A L D O C T O R S ’ B U L L E T I N

Updates

During the past century, medical science has

added wondrous treatments and

technologies to its disease-fighting efforts.

For all these innovations, however, the most

amazing and effective tools for fighting

disease may be growing in our own

backyard gardens or nestled in the fresh

produce section of the supermarkets or

vegetable and fruit stalls in the wet market.

FRUITS and VEGETABLES! Countless

generations of children have been prodded

and bribed by their mothers to eat them

and for good reasons too. Edible plants, full

of nutrients, vitamins and fibre are essential

for good health. However, there’s more to

these groups of “Eat Most” in the Singapore

Food Pyramid than just basic nutrition.

Folk wisdom has long regarded plants for

their medicinal and protective qualities. Only

recently, though has science established that

plants play a more comprehensive role in

the human health. Phytochemicals may help

prevent diseases that are responsible for the

top three causes of death in Singapore1.

There is increasing evidence that the death

rates from heart disease, cancer and stroke

are preventable and can be lowered with

changes in dietary lifestyle.

What are Phytochemicals?Phytochemicals are nonnutritive plant

chemicals that contain protective, disease-

preventing compounds2. Many of these

compounds are showing great promise as

disease fighters in the body, boosting

production or activities of enzymes, which

then act by blocking carcinogens,

suppressing malignant cells or interfering

with the processes that can cause heart

disease and stroke.

The Phytochemical Aggregation:Garlic

Italian ‘mamas’ are not wrong. Eat your

Article by Ms Lee Hee HoonClinical Dietitian, Mount Alvernia Hospital

The Phytochemical Aggregation

garlic, it’s good for you. Ajoene is a naturally

occurring nutraceutical in garlic that might

reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Celery

Buthl Phthalide is the distinctive taste and

smell of celery, which also offers protection

against cancer, high blood pressure and

high cholesterol levels.

Green Tea

Thanks to their cancer-fighting properties,

catechin hydrate in tea leaves could give

everyone a great future.

Soy Beans

Coumesterol and Genestein are isoflavone

derivatives found in soy products. They

appear promising as cancer preventative

agents.

Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage,

Cauliflower, Turnips

The vegetables everybody loves to hate,

broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage,

cauliflower ... The aromatic nitrogen

heterocycle, Indole in these vegetables

assume the form of a potent cancer fighter.

Tomatoes

We are dependent upon plants for this

reddish phytochemical natural pigment.

Deposited in a number of body tissues,

lycopene in tomatoes protects against heart

disease and certain cancers.

Oats and Barley

Saponin in oats and barley is the plant

biochemicals that produce suds in root beer

and are also effective anti-microbial,

cholesterol-lowering and anticancer

phytochemicals.

Green leafy vegetables

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale,

romaine lettuce, leeks, peas, bak choy

contain sulforaphane which is a naturally

occurring sulfur containing isothiocyanate

derivative that helps to mobilize the human

body’s natural cancer-fighting resources and

reduces the risk of developing cancer.

In addition, Lutein is one of 600 naturally

occurring fat-soluble antioxidant that are

found in green leafy vegetables. Lutein acts

to filter and shield harmful blue light from

the eye and protect against age-related

macular degeneration.

Popeye, the popular cartoon character known

for his timely consumption of spinach was

correct in his portrayal that this vegetable is

healthy eating. Ounce for ounce, spinach

contains more than twice as much zeaxanthin

and more than 60 times as much lutein as

yellow corn3.

Conclusion:As phytochemicals occur naturally in plant

foods, they promise to create an entirely new

philosophy of functional foods, eating not just

to sustain basic health but also to prevent

disease.

Phytochemical use comes with a caution sign.

These compounds are not always beneficial

under all circumstances or in high doses,

particularly in those provided in supplements.

The importance of medical therapy and

treatment must not be undermined or

terminated in those who require them.

References:1. Ministry of Health. 2001. MOH Health

Facts. Health Info management.InfoComm Division.

2. Polk, Melanie. 1996. Feast onPhytochemicals. AICR newsletter. Issue 51

3. Davidson MW. 1995-2004. MolecularExpressions: The Phytochemical Collection.h t t p : / / m i c r o . m a g n e t . f s u . e d u /phytochemicals/

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Contents are not to be reproduced without permission from Mount Alvernia Hospital. 820 Thomson Road, Singapore 574623• Tel : 6347-6688 • Fax : 6255-6303 • Website : mtalvernia-hospital.org

“Prescribers’ Therapeutics”

M O U N T A L V E R N I A H O S P I T A L D O C T O R S ’ B U L L E T I N