Education Corner

Skincare Products May Contain Harmful Ingredients — Learn How to Read Labels! News about skincare products containing harmful ingredients has become increasingly common.Since most people apply skincare products at least twice a day, that adds up to around 730 applications a year.If your products contain unsafe ingredients, imagine the burden that places on your skin.It’s time to learn how to read ingredient lists and choose the right products for yourself.   With So Many Ingredients, Which Ones Should I Pay Attention To? When selecting skincare products, look out for common irritants and allergens, especially: MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) CMIT (Methylchloroisothiazolinone) These are widely used preservatives but are known to be highly allergenic and may trigger skin reactions.Even people without particularly sensitive skin may develop skin sensitivity or irritation after prolonged use of such ingredients.   What’s the Worst That Can Happen If I Use Products Containing Allergenic Preservatives Long-Term? People with chronic skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or rosacea—and those prone to contact allergies (for example, allergies worsened by weather changes or exposure to irritants)—should avoid using products containing MIT or CMIT. Severe allergic reactions may cause blistering, skin breaks, redness, or swelling, which can easily lead to bacterial infection if not treated properly.Recovery can take a long time and be difficult to manage.   Do These Harmful Ingredients Affect the Body? Yes.There is now medical evidence that preservatives like MIT and CMIT can negatively impact human health.To avoid potential risks, it is essential to read product ingredient labels carefully and avoid using items that contain allergenic substances or unclear formulations.   Doctor’s Professional Tips Learn how to read ingredient order:Ingredients are listed in descending order by concentration. If a preservative appears near the top of the list, be cautious—it means the product contains more of that ingredient. Understand your skin type:Choose skincare products suitable for your skin type—whether oily, dry, or combination.If you’re trying a new product, test it first on your neck, behind the ears, or on your arm to ensure no allergic reaction occurs before full use. Be cautious with multifunctional products:Skincare products today often claim to moisturize, whiten, and provide anti-aging benefits at the same time.The more functions a product claims to have, the more complex its composition is likely to be.Many women use multiple skincare products daily, which can cause ingredient overlap—so it’s especially important to check and understand what’s inside each one.

Protect Your Skin While Enjoying the Sun As spring and summer approach, don’t forget to protect your skin while having fun under the sun.According to figures from Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, the incidence of skin cancer in Hong Kong has been steadily increasing.Because early skin cancer causes no pain or itching, it can easily go unnoticed.   If a Mole Suddenly Appears, Is It a Sign of Skin Cancer? Changes in moles or the skin’s surface may indicate early signs of skin cancer.Whether a mole is new or long‑standing, if it grows larger, changes color, or becomes damaged, it may have become malignant. You should monitor it closely and consult a doctor promptly. Also, pay attention to reddish patches that persist and don’t fade, or pearly‑looking bumps or tumors on sun‑exposed areas like the face, ears, or back of the hands. These may also suggest skin abnormalities that require medical evaluation.   What Is the ABCDE Rule? Doctor’s Tip: Follow the ABCDE guideline for self‑examination.   A (Asymmetry)： Does the mole look asymmetrical when viewed from all angles? B (Border)： Are the edges irregular or blurred? Most benign moles have smooth, round borders. C (Color) : Is the color uneven or inconsistent? Watch for multiple shades of brown or black. D (Diameter) : Is it larger than 6 mm or growing in size? E (Evolution) : Are there changes in size, color, surface, or symptoms such as pain, itching, or bleeding?   Are People with Fair Skin More Prone to Skin Cancer? One of the major causes of skin cancer is DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation.Since fair‑skinned individuals have less melanin, their skin absorbs UV rays more easily, increasing cancer risk.People with a family history of skin cancer should also be particularly careful.   Is Sun Protection Unnecessary on Cloudy Days? Ultraviolet radiation includes two main types: UVA and UVB.Both can penetrate clouds and damage skin tissue, leading to DNA damage and skin cancer.UVA rays, in particular, have strong penetrating power—so even when it seems cloudy or overcast, your skin is still being exposed to UV rays. Doctor’s Tip: Always Apply Sun Protection Regular use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer. When outdoors, wear long‑sleeved clothing to protect uncovered skin. Those who work outdoors for long periods should routinely check their skin for new changes, and consult a doctor immediately if they notice discomfort or suspicious lesions.

How to Tell the Difference Between “Forgetfulness” and “Cognitive Impairment” Ordinary forgetfulness may result from emotional stress, anxiety, or even past brain injury, leading to occasional absent-mindedness or clumsiness. However, cognitive impairment affects daily life more broadly. People may: Struggle to express themselves clearly. Lose control of bodily functions such as urination or defecation. Fail to complete familiar tasks. Forget family members, home addresses, or daily routines.   Quick Self-Check for Cognitive Impairment If you often answer “frequently” to two or more of the following items, you may be showing early warning signs of cognitive impairment.   Never  Occasionally Frequently 1. Unable to recall or mix up names of family and friends       2. Difficulty expressing yourself verbally or finding the right words       3. Forget appointments or follow-up consultations       4. Get lost in familiar places or forget where you are       5. Suddenly unable to handle familiar tasks (e.g., mixing up steps when cooking)       6. Unable to deal with unexpected situations (e.g., leaking water pipes)       7. Forget to turn off the stove, appliances, or tap       8. Confuse the date, forgetting the correct year or month         Note: This self-assessment is for reference only. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice and request professional evaluation as early as possible.   Do Only Older People Get Cognitive Impairment? Not necessarily.While age increases the risk, younger individuals can also develop cognitive impairment.Causes may include: Stroke or reduced blood supply to the brain. Head injuries. Brain vessel blockage or other vascular conditions. Such problems can damage critical cognitive functions like speech and memory. If a family history of early-onset cognitive impairment exists, the risk may be inherited.Genetic abnormalities can cause toxic substances to accumulate in brain cells, leading to cognitive decline.   How to Reduce the Impact of Cognitive Impairment? Prevent cerebrovascular diseaseMaintain good control of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and heart health. Managing these “three highs” reduces stroke risk and helps protect brain function. Quit smoking and alcoholBoth can damage brain tissues and raise the likelihood of developing cognitive disorders. Keep your brain activeLearn new skills, play strategic games like chess or mahjong, or read regularly to stimulate brain function and slow cognitive decline. Get early assessmentIf family members under 65 have had cognitive impairment, consult a doctor about genetic testing. Early detection allows better management through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is one type of sleep disorder, affecting approximately one in every 20 adults.Patients experience repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, lasting from a few seconds to over a minute.Breathing resumes automatically after waking momentarily, and these interruptions can occur dozens to hundreds of times each night—often without the person being aware of it. According to research, among those diagnosed with sleep apnea in Hong Kong: 40% are men 20% are women   Sleep apnea is generally classified into three main types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – the most common type, accounting for about 90% of all cases.It occurs when soft tissues around the throat block the airway, narrowing the upper respiratory passage.Most OSA patients are men aged 30 to 60, and the condition often relates to obesity, which causes fat to accumulate around the upper airway and restrict airflow.However, slim individuals can also be affected due to congenital factors such as: Short or recessed lower jaw Elongated uvula Narrow airway Enlarged tongue or tonsils Central Sleep Apnea – caused by a dysfunction in the brain’s control of breathing. Mixed Sleep Apnea – a combination of both obstructive and central types.   What Causes Sleep Apnea? Common contributing factors include: Enlarged tonsils or adenoids Obesity (excess soft tissue growth) Small or recessed jaw Large tongue or vocal fold web Nasal polyps or deviated nasal septum Sleep apnea can affect people of any age or gender, even children. The risk of obstructive sleep apnea increases with: Overweight and obesity Thick neck circumference High blood pressure Narrow airway Male gender Older age Family history of OSA Use of alcohol, sleeping pills, or sedatives Smoking   What Problems Can Obstructive Sleep Apnea Cause?  Long-term obstruction can result in: Headaches Fatigue or daytime sleepiness Poor concentration Insomnia Depression High blood pressure Diabetes Stroke Other cardiovascular diseases   How to Diagnose Sleep Apnea?  i) Epworth Sleepiness ScaleThis self-assessment measures your tendency to doze off during daily activities to determine your level of daytime sleepiness.Self-test link: Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Human Health) ii) Sleep Study (Polysomnography)A comprehensive test usually conducted in a hospital.It records and analyzes breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and sleep stages to diagnose sleep apnea and guide appropriate treatment. iii) Belun Ring – At‑Home Sleep Apnea Screening and MonitoringThe Belun Ring is the world’s first medical‑grade wearable sleep monitoring ring, designed and developed in Hong Kong. Features: Medical‑grade reliability Comfortable to wear during sleep Simple and user‑friendly design Developed and patented in Hong Kong (over 15 global patents) Certified under ISO13485 medical quality management system FDA‑approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Winner of the Hong Kong ICT Award (5 categories) and the Red Dot Design Award (Germany)   For enquiries or appointments: Call 2117‑0838

Sleep Apnea Do you often fall asleep while watching TV, reading, attending meetings, or even driving?Has your family ever complained about your loud snoring keeping them awake?If you frequently feel sleepy during the day and have serious snoring problems, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Snoring occurs when the soft tissues in the upper airway relax during sleep, narrowing the passage and causing vibration as air flows through—producing the snoring sound.The louder the snore, the greater the obstruction.When the airway becomes completely blocked, breathing stops temporarily—this is sleep apnea.Although most people with sleep apnea snore heavily, not all people who snore have sleep apnea.   Why Does Sleep Apnea Occur? Sleep apnea has become increasingly common in Hong Kong.It is estimated that about 4% of men and 2% of women are affected. Patients experience repeated pauses in breathing lasting 10 seconds or more while asleep.Mild cases may have several pauses per hour, while severe cases may experience 20–30 pauses per hour, sometimes over 100 episodes per night. There are three main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – the most common form. Usually affects middle-aged men aged 30–60. Caused mainly by obesity, which leads to fat accumulation around the upper airway, narrowing it and obstructing airflow. Slim individuals can also develop OSA due to congenital factors, such as: Small or recessed jaw Elongated uvula Narrow airway Enlarged tongue Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – less common and caused by the brain’s failure to send proper breathing signals.It can result from a stroke, heart disease, or certain medications. Mixed Sleep Apnea – a combination of both obstructive and central apnea.   What Are the Risks of Sleep Apnea? Loud snoring can disturb family members’ sleep. Patients often wake up unknowingly many times during the night, preventing deep restorative sleep. This causes daytime sleepiness, fatigue, poor concentration, and a higher risk of accidents—especially when operating machinery or driving. Repeated oxygen deprivation during sleep can cause long-term heart and lung damage, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease, and in severe cases, may even lead to sudden death during sleep. Sleep Self-Test – Epworth Sleepiness Scale   What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?  Loud, intermittent snoring that pauses briefly, followed by louder snoring. Repeated breathing interruptions during sleep (from several times to dozens of times per hour). Breathing through the mouth while sleeping. Waking suddenly with shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat. Morning headaches. Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, poor concentration, and slower reactions. Memory decline. Irritability or mood swings. Decreased sexual function.   How to Diagnosis Sleep Apnea?  A sleep study (polysomnography) can be arranged at a hospital to record and analyze your sleep patterns.Medical professionals use specialized instruments to determine whether you have sleep apnea and recommend suitable treatment.   How to Cure Obstructive Sleep Apnea?  Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)Currently the safest and most effective treatment for mild to severe cases (prescribed by a doctor).The CPAP machine sends pressurized air through a nasal mask to keep the airway open during sleep.While it does not cure sleep apnea, long-term use significantly reduces episodes and improves sleep quality. Oral Appliance (Mouth Guard)Suitable for mild cases.A custom-made dental device worn during sleep pulls the lower jaw forward to reduce airway obstruction.Works best for patients with healthy teeth and jawbone. SurgeryOptions include jaw correction surgery or radiofrequency ablation, suitable for patients who cannot tolerate CPAP.However, the average success rate is about 50%, as some patients have multiple blockage points that surgery cannot fully remove. Weight ReductionLosing excess body fat can significantly improve symptoms. Sleeping on One’s SideMay help in mild cases. Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol or Sedative UseTobacco causes swelling in the oral mucosa, while alcohol and sedatives relax muscles, worsening airway blockage.   This content is for informational reference only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.If you experience symptoms of sleep apnea, please consult a doctor for evaluation and advice.

Family trips abroad have become increasingly common in today’s society, and many children even go overseas for short-term study tours or long-term education.Parents often worry about how well their children will adapt to a new lifestyle abroad—but far fewer understand the risk of infectious diseases during travel. Children can easily become ill while traveling.Common illnesses such as colds or gastroenteritis are usually mild and resolve on their own.However, some infections—like meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria or mosquito-borne diseases such as Japanese Encephalitis—can have serious or life-threatening consequences.   Should Travelers Also Guard Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases? Many parents assume mosquito-borne diseases only occur in remote or developing regions.In fact, such diseases are found in subtropical destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. One of the most common is dengue fever.With the popularity of farm-stay and outdoor family activities, the risk of mosquito bites—and thus infection—has increased significantly.Another illness that often goes unnoticed by parents is Japanese Encephalitis (JE). This disease transmits when a mosquito bites an infected animal and then bites a human. JE carries a fatality rate of up to 35%. The virus causes brain inflammation and swelling, damaging brain cells.Early symptoms may appear as high fever, followed by neck stiffness, confusion, coma, or seizures. Even survivors may suffer long-term neurological damage and irreversible cognitive impairment. Countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and Mainland China have already included the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine in their national immunization programs, though Hong Kong has not yet implemented it.   What Is Meningococcal Disease? Meningococcal meningitis is another serious infection that targets the brain. It spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with nasal or throat secretions from an infected person. Early symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and light sensitivity. Patients may also develop purplish skin rashes and, in severe cases, bacterial infection in the bloodstream, leading to shock and death—sometimes within 24 hours. This rapid progression makes meningococcal disease especially dangerous, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with overseas medical systems, where diagnosis and treatment may be delayed. Even with treatment, patients may still suffer long-term complications such as hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, or muscle weakness. Like Japanese Encephalitis, meningococcal disease is vaccine-preventable. Although the vaccine is not part of Hong Kong’s government immunization program, it is included in national programs in Europe, the United States, and Mainland China. Parents are encouraged to speak to their doctor and consider arranging vaccination for their children before traveling.