Hypertension and diabetes are among the most common cardiovascular risk factors worldwide, and their frequency increases with increasing age1. Last week, we had a wonderful Sunday at Nee Soon South, joining SG Assist for a community health event- Know Your Number, aimed to support healthy ageing and preventive care by offering engaging health talks and quick screenings for HbA1c (diabetes) and blood pressure (hypertension).
Silent Conditions, Hidden Risks: Understanding Diabetes and High Blood Pressure before It’s too late.
The opening sessions start with 1st health talk, presented by Dr Lum Zheng Kang, the Founder and CEO of COLLABRING, as well as a pharmacist and health services researcher focused on translating clinical evidence into practical healthcare programmes that improve population health. He had shared about diabetes and high blood pressure, which often develop silently yet can be effectively managed with the right understanding and actions. From his session, participants have learned how to interpret key screening results in simple terms and how medications and lifestyle changes work together to reduce risk.
Living Well Together: Health, Ageing, and Caring for Each Other
The second talk was delivered by Adrian Tan, Co-Founder of SG Assist- a social enterprise dedicated to supporting caregivers, seniors, and persons with disabilities through community-driven care, was shared what healthy ageing really looks like beyond your health numbers: staying active, staying connected, having purpose, and being supported when life gets harder.
Both sessions were engaging and informative, with awareness comes the last session: knowing your health numbers.
Interactive and Health-checks booth
To wrap up the event, we supported on-the-spot health checks for diabetes and hypertension, giving participants immediate access to their results. We also extend this to conversations and guidance on next steps, including follow-ups at GP clinics and initiatives like Healthier SG. This reinforces the importance of making such checks more accessible within the community.
Healthy ageing begins with awareness and actions. We hope these sessions help residents understand the importance of early detection and preventive care to reduce further health complications. We are proud to have this opportunity to support this initiative with SG Assist through accessible point-of-care solutions that encourage early detection, continuous care and healthy ageing.
References:
1Singapore Heart Foundation. https://www.myheart.org.sg/heart-news/diabetes-and-high-blood-pressure/
