June 2015

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HEALTH&FITNESS
June15
Everything you need to feel good WHAT’S NEW
CANCER-FIGHTING FISH
Good news for fish lovers (but not so good news for hard-core
carnivores): according to a new study published in the Journal
of the American Medical Association, avoiding red meat and
sticking to a plant-based diet that incorporates fish may be the
key to preventing colorectal cancers. And, while evidence shows
the health benefits of reducing red meat consumption (lower
blood pressure and weight loss, for instance), the recent study,
which followed nearly 78,000 people over the course of seven
years, also highlights the differences between a fully vegetarian
diet and a pescatarian diet. Within the sample group, there was
a 27 percent drop in the risk of contracting colorectal cancer if
a diet was switched from being fully vegetarian to including fish,
the authors of the study suggesting the omega-3 acids found
in fish act as extra protection against the cancers. And, though
there’s still more research to be done, it’s exciting to know that,
in addition to regular screenings, a diet rich in fish may play an
important role in thwarting colorectal cancer. For more details
on the study, visit
SWEAT FOR A CAUSE
Returning this year with two
competitive race categories (5K
and 10K), the Pocari Sweat Run
aims to raise funds for financially
disadvantaged medical students
and for students from the
Singapore Sports School. Over
10,000 runners are expected
to take part this year, including
a good number of doctors and
other healthcare staff. Flag-off is
at 6.30am on 12 July at Kallang
Practice Track, 52 Stadium
Road. Register by 21 June at
.
TEAM SPIRIT
Grab your running buddies and form a
team of four to compete in Singapore’s
very first Mizuno Ekiden relay race, an
experience that focuses on Japanese
values such as teamwork, performance
and perseverance. Participants have the
option of signing up for either the full
marathon (42.2K) or the half marathon
(21.1K), with each member running a
different section of the same course
before finishing at a Japanese-themed
matsuri (or festival) race village. Flag off
at 7am on 18 July at The Meadow at
Gardens by the Bay. Register by 15 June
at
GIVE IT A TRI
If you’re looking for your next, or even
your very first, run, the Tri-Factor Run is
a great bet, no matter your age or fitness
level. Taking place on 26 July, it offers
four different distances: 1K, 5K, 12K and
24K. Even children aged six to 12 can
participate in the 1K non-competitive run,
while teens
aged 13 and
above can
compete in
the 5K race.
Register by
5 July at
OFF-ROAD EXCURSION
This month, MSIG presents a brand new addition to its
established ultramarathon series – the MSIG Singapore
Action Asia 50 , a flat, urban trail race through the Green
Corridor and historic railway stations along the way. In addition
to the 50K category, the event, which takes place on 25 July,
also offers 10K and 21K distances, making it ideal for both
experienced runners and those just starting out in trail running;
90 percent of the course is off-road. To register, and for more
information, visit .
PREPARING FOR CHANGE
A diagnosis of cancer is a life-
changing event that arouses
feelings of shock, fear, anger,
anxiety and sadness – which is why
Parkway Cancer Centre is offering
a special “Adjusting to Changes”
session to help patients and their
caregivers understand what they
may experience during cancer treatment, the physical and
psychological changes, and how to prepare for their treatment
journey. The session features talks from nurses, dieticians and
counsellors offering insight on what to expect from chemotherapy
(including the management of symptoms and side effects),
the importance of food safety in relation to chemotherapy and
radiation, how to deal with loss of appetite and nausea, and plenty
of other helpful information. The complimentary session is offered
on the last Saturday of each month, at either Mount Elizabeth
Hospital or Gleneagles Hospital. To register, contact CanHOPE at
6738 9333 or