Lai Cheng

Despite various health awareness campaigns conducted every year, the use of nicotine or tobacco products such as vapes, electronic cigarettes and conventional cigarettes among children and teenagers continues to raise concerns. Devices regarded as alternatives to cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular to young people through various appealing flavours and modern designs, raising concerns...

GEORGE TOWN: An intense “high”, glassy eyes and a loss of awareness of surroundings may follow with just a few puffs of drug-laced vape pods, which can now be found at entertainment outlets and even in some schools. Authorities are raising concerns over fentanyl being detec¬ted in vape products, commonly referred to as “zombie drugs” or “piao piao” (meaning floating or drifting in...

The tobacco industry has survived despite more than seven decades of tobacco control efforts because of its aggressive marketing and product innovation. Central to the industry's business model is a statement contained in a 1963 Brown & Williamson internal document: "Nicotine is addictive. We are, then, in the business of selling nicotine, an addictive drug." Nevertheless, during the 1994...

A coalition of campaigning groups represented by the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat (IBAS), the Asian Ban Asbestos Network (ABAN), the Asian Citizens’ Center for Environmental Health(Eco-Health), the Indonesian Ban Asbestos Network (INA-BAN), the Local Initiative for OSH Network – Indonesia (LION), the Consumers’ Association of Penang, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and Ban Asbestos...

Walking is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to stay fit, but taking a few steps in reverse could unlock even greater benefits. This seemingly unconventional movement, known as retro walking, is gaining attention for improving balance, strengthening underused muscles, and even sharpening cognitive function. The practice isn’t new – records suggest that backward walking has been...

New research shows that children who miss out on outdoor play are at a 90% higher risk of experiencing reading delays by age 7. Experts say that simply keeping kids indoors for safety or convenience can unintentionally hinder early brain development, particularly the skills needed to focus and process language. Outdoor play offers a rich environment for learning. Moving, exploring, and...