June 2015

270 286

HEALTH&FITNESS
270 June15
#4 ON THE JOB
Part of the medical team at International
Medical Clinic (IMC), British GP DR
MICHAEL RODGER sees a lot of
stressed expatriate men who work in
demanding roles.
It’s not just a matter of writing
prescriptions for anti-depressants,
blood pressure control medications,
antacids or sleeping tablets, he
believes. A good GP has a wider
approach that encompasses the whole
person, so an important part of his role
is to listen to his patients’ health-related
issues and to offer appropriate advice
and support.
A man who is simultaneously wound
up and at the end of his tether may
possibly not be in the best frame of
mind to talk health problems through
with his wife or partner. Sometimes,
a neutral party like your doctor or a
professional counsellor is a better bet.
They won’t be just as stressed as you,
and you’re more likely to take advice
from someone who has other agendas
than your medical health.
Though by no means always, in the
majority of expat families it’s the man
who is the breadwinner, sometimes the
sole breadwinner, and that role brings its
own special pressures to bear.
What’s more, he may be in a new
country, and in a new job with new
responsibilities. They say that all change
is inherently stressful (with the possible
exception of jetting off on a Maldives
holiday), and our man probably had to
adjust to different working conditions,
different management style and
reporting systems. Working hours
may be longer than he’s been used to,
leaving little time for family and leisure;
and he may be doing more business
travel, with all its attendant woes.
Along with Singapore no longer
being seen as a hardship posting,
reimbursement packages are lower and
conditions are seldom the sinecure they
might once have been. “I see men who
are facing job insecurity and financial
worries,” confirms Dr Rodger, “and
it’s no wonder they have difficulty in
maintaining a good work-life balance.
“What’s more, the executive is usually
not alone; he comes with a family that
includes his wife and possibly children,
each of whom has his or her needs,
wants and problems. So, when he gets
home from a frustrating day at the office
or jet-lagged after a horrible transatlantic
flight, he has to deal with each of their
expectations, too. It can all become too
much.”
Though some families find moving to
a different country easier after the first
time, multiple relocations – especially
if they happen every year or two – can
be terribly hard on them, threatening the
stability of relationships. “That is a fact
that needs to be properly taken account
of and acknowledged,” he tells me.
What Goes Wrong
Apart from stress-related disorders –
headaches, depression, high blood
pressure, gastro-intestinal problems,
poor sleep patterns and more – Dr
Rodger sees a lot of men with respiratory
infections that can linger for weeks or
even months.
Musculoskeletal aches and pains are
another common complaint, especially
back pain related to poor posture. Doing
less sitting behind your computer is
easier said than done; so is avoiding
aeroplane seats when your job demands
frequent long-haul flights.
Pre-emptive Tactics
Screening for the so-called dread
diseases is an important part of
preventive medicine in general and
IMC’s Executive Health Programme in
particular.
“Cholesterol, blood pressure and
blood sugar checks to pick up cardiac
risk factors should be carried out annually
from the age of 40,” Dr Rodger advises.
Unfortunately, the screening tests
for most cancers are controversial, as
he confirms. “Only screening for colon
cancer by colonoscopy is truly effective.
We advise everyone aged 50 and above
to undergo it, or as early as the age of 40
if one of your family relatives has been
affected by the disease.”
Dr Ben Ng
#09-45/46 Arden Endocrinology
Specialist Clinic
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist
Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road
6334 2301 |
Dr Foo Joo Pin
Specialist Endocrine Clinic
1 Orchard Boulevard
#04-03 Camden Medical Centre
6735 4066 |
Dr Simon Chong
Dr Cheng Shin Chuen
Pacific Healthcare Medical Centre
#19-01 Paragon
290 Orchard Road
6883 6966 |
Dr Michael Rodger
#14-06 Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard
6733 4440 |
When it comes to preventing disease
in the first place, lifestyle factors such
as exercise are tremendously important.
“All exercise is good,” says Dr Rodger. “I
tell my patients that even brisk walking
three times per week is far better
than nothing.” Finally, he adds, never
underestimate the benefits of getting
eight hours’ sleep. “Studies show that
a good night’s rest even reduces the
long-term risk of conditions such as
diabetes.” Hear, hear!