
Why Your Late Nights May Be Exacerbating Your Hypertension
Everyone knows that getting seven to nine hours of sleep is recommended for our health. Still, like most other health advice, increasing responsibilities make that easier said than done. Sleep deprivation is increasingly becoming common these days, with more and more people working overtime or staying up late due to personal responsibilities. But apart from the fatigue from low sleep quality and quantity, it can also impact blood pressure levels.
How sleep correlates to blood pressure
Getting enough rest is not just essential to our survival and well-being; it is also vital to heart health. This is backed by the American Heart Association recently adding healthy sleep to their Life’s Essential 8, a checklist for maintaining and improving cardiovascular health.
There is also a body of literature that ties the relationship between poor sleep quantity and quality and poor blood pressure management. However, it is less clear whether this link is causative or not. In short, sleep deprivation is among the many risk factors contributing to high blood pressure, alongside others, such as one’s family history, age, exercise frequency, smoking habits, and diet.
Nocturnal dipping
A phenomenon known as nocturnal dipping occurs when we slumber. It is when blood pressure lowers overnight, around a 10% drop. Researchers believe this is related to our body’s circadian rhythm, which makes sense given that we demand more from our heart when we are active while out and about during the day. Not getting good sleep prevents this drop in blood pressure since nocturnal non-dipping is linked to an increased cardiovascular and hypertensive risk.
How much sleep deprivation can impact the heart varies from person to person and depends on various factors, including the cause of the lack of good sleep. Physicians typically look at the sleep quality of patients with blood pressure that seems difficult to control and check whether they experience sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, in cases where sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep problems worsen hypertension, treating them can directly help reduce blood pressure.
Tips for getting better sleep
Not everyone with high blood pressure also has a sleep disorder. For many people, sleeplessness is simply a given due to our busy lives, which we sometimes have little control over. But still, since our health should always come first, optimising your sleep hygiene and making small changes that gradually lead to meaningful progress is recommended. Some ways to battle insomnia are:
- Regularly exercise, preferably early in the day
- Follow a consistent sleep-wake schedule, even during days off
- Minimise light exposure by removing lights and other distractions from the bedroom
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, as well as eating three hours before going to sleep
- Limit screen time on devices that emit blue light or switch to night mode during the evenings
- Keep unnecessary stressors at bay by unplugging from social media and the news before bed
- Learn about revenge sleep procrastination and the steps to prevent it
Conclusion
Not getting enough sleep can cause more than just fatigue but potentially more serious conditions, such as high blood pressure. Therefore, despite having a busy schedule, it pays to make time for good quality rest to ensure your well-being is in tip-top shape. If your higher blood pressure causes other concerns, reach out to a certified medical professional today via the MCLNQ app, which lets you schedule an online medical consultation anywhere, anytime. Contact us today to learn more details!

Dehydration: Its Potential Causes And How To Prevent It
The average human body contains 75% water. As such, it won’t be able to survive without it. Our water levels are balanced by a complex water management system with a thirst mechanism that alerts us when more fluid intake is necessary.
Although we continuously lose water through breathing, sweating, urinating, and defecating throughout the day, we can replenish the water in our bodies by consuming fluids. If dehydration sets in, the body can also move water to the places where it is most required. Most cases of dehydration can be easily treated by consuming more liquids, but severe cases necessitate urgent medical attention.
What is dehydration?
Dehydration refers to your body not holding sufficient water, especially in your cells and blood vessels. If you expend or lose more fluid than you consume, you will likely be dehydrated because your body lacks the water and other fluids it needs to operate normally. In essence, dehydration will occur if wasted fluids are not replaced.
Even a tiny amount of water loss, as little as 1.5%, can result in symptoms. These symptoms can range from a mild headache to a potentially fatal condition called heatstroke (hyperthermia). Thirst is your body’s normal reaction to dehydration. When you feel thirsty, you should immediately drink fluids, ideally water.
Symptoms of dehydration
Thirst, dark urine, and reduced urine output are some of the first signs of dehydration. Urine colour is one of the most significant indicators of hydration status; clear urine indicates adequate hydration, while darker urine indicates dehydration.
It’s essential to remember that dehydration can develop without thirst, especially in older adults. This is why it’s crucial to increase your water intake when you’re sick or when the temperature is hotter.
Symptoms of moderate dehydration as the situation worsens include:
- Feelings of lethargy
- Muscle weakness
- Giddiness
- Dry mouth
- Migraines/headaches
Symptoms of more severe cases of dehydration (loss of 10-15% of water in the body) include:
- Inability to perspire
- Dried/shrivelled skin
- Sunken eyes
- Heart palpitations
- Lowered blood pressure
- Fever
- Delirium
- Passing out
Symptoms of dehydration in children include:
- Soft spot on the top of the head (for babies)
- Dry mouth and tongue
- Irritability
- Inability to shed tears when crying
- Sunken eyes or cheeks
- Diaper doesn’t get wet after three or four hours
Common causes of dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you don’t consume enough water or lose a lot of water quickly – For instance, when you sweat, throw up, or have diarrhoea. Sometimes it’s difficult to drink enough water because we’re too occupied, don’t have the resources or energy to do so, or are in an area without safe drinking water (camping or hiking, for example). Dehydration and increased urination are also possible side effects of some medicines, including diuretics (water pills).
Who’s most at risk?
If they don’t take better care of themselves and consume water, anyone can become dehydrated. Infants and young children, particularly those who are ill, are at a greater risk because they might be unable to express their thirst. It’s this important for parents to monitor their children’s water intake.
Additionally, older people are more vulnerable. Their body’s ability to inform them they are thirsty is less effective, and their body’s fluid reserves decrease. As a result, they have less water in their systems and have a harder time recognising when they are thirsty. Offer them drinks frequently if you are a caregiver for an elderly person, particularly someone with memory issues. They still need to drink fluids, even when dealing with an uncomfortable illness like a UTI.
How to prevent dehydration
Your required water intake would depend on your age, weight, level of exercise, age, the climate where you live, and other variables. Individuals with heart disease, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and other conditions should also exercise caution. Even the temperature and the clothing you wear can affect how much water you need. The standard recommendation is eight glasses of water daily (approximately 2.2 litres or 2.3 quarts daily for an adult female and 3 litres or 3.2 quarts daily for an adult male). Consult with a medical practitioner for further information.
Conclusion
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of dehydration (diarrhoea, irritability, inability to hold down fluids) for more than a week or so, you should see a doctor as quickly as possible. Remember that the most crucial treatment for dehydration is prevention. Most people should be able to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of liquids and eating foods with high water content, like fruits and veggies.
If you’re looking to have an online medical consultation, MYCLNQ is an app that enables services such as telemedicine, ambulance booking, and more. Contact us today to learn more!

Is It Chronic Fatigue Or Fibromyalgia? How To Tell Them Apart
For many people, getting out of bed can prove to be a struggle, especially if they are experiencing disruptive sleep, anxiety, fatigue, and chronic pain. Moreover, there could be several reasons for those symptoms, some of which are debilitating and complex health conditions such as chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. Those with either condition experience many similar symptoms, and it can be difficult to pinpoint which one they have accurately. And despite what others may advertise, no widely accepted blood test can provide a definite diagnosis.
Doctors tend to use the process of elimination method to diagnose these two health conditions and generally look for the patient’s dominant symptom, either pain for fibromyalgia or fatigue for chronic fatigue syndrome.
An Overview of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia is among the most misunderstood conditions, as most people are unaware of what it entails. Most patients are diagnosed with it by the ages 20 to 50, with the incidence increasing with age, and 75%-90% of patients with the condition commonly being women. What causes fibromyalgia is unknown at present, but infections, trauma, or genetics are believed to play a role. Those with fibromyalgia explain that it is similar to constantly having the flu. The symptoms of fibromyalgia include:
- Swelling joints
- Sleep issues
- Morning stiffness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Widespread pain
On the other hand, people with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) report fatigue that worsens with activity and does not get any better with rest. Other reported symptoms that come and go include muscle or joint pain, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty with standing, sitting, and concentrating. A physician may suggest getting a blood and urine test after reviewing the patient’s symptoms and medical history to diagnose the condition.
How Are Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Treated?
A proper diagnosis is essential to relieve chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia via medications and various therapies. Medicines are just the tip of the iceberg, as the best treatments do not always come in the form of pills. When using medication, it is vital to ensure that they target the pain without causing excess sedation. For non-pharmacological aid, doctors recommend a variety of tools, such as support groups and counselling.
Physical activity is also essential in treating both health conditions and staying healthy overall, but keep in mind to pace yourself. Follow a structured program that does not risk overexertion and consult a virtual doctor in Singapore for help in putting together an exercise program.
How Your Loved Ones Can Help
Patients with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia should always remember that they are not alone and that their family and loved ones can help make things easier. Since the doctors have a typically small role in treating either disease, they recommend making your family members partners in your treatment. They are akin to a coach that helps you with the first 10%-15% of your improvement while the remaining 85%-90% is up to you. Take, for instance, certain days when you do not feel like getting up from bed due to pain or fatigue. Your family members can then encourage you to get moving, even for just a bit.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from chronic pain and fatigue, talk to a doctor today and get diagnosed to manage your symptoms better, regardless of the mysteries surrounding your condition. With the MYCLNQ app, enjoy the benefits of telemedicine and get an online medical consultation is made hassle-free and can be done in the comfort of your home. Contact us today to learn more!

Is Hypertension Becoming More Common In Young Adults Today?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is one of the most common health concerns among adults around the world. It is a condition that adversely affects the arteries in your body. If you have hypertension, a consistently high force of blood pushes against your artery walls, requiring your heart to work harder to pump blood. Generally, the blood pressure reading of hypertension is 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Hypertension is a major health issue that is usually found in older adults. However, did you know that high blood pressure can also occur in young adults and teens? More and more young adults between the ages of 20 to 40 are now seeking help for high blood pressure. To learn more about this issue, here is everything you need to know about the occurrence of hypertension in young adults.
How Common Hypertension is in Young Adults
Although hypertension in young individuals is nothing new, the number of young adults suffering from the condition has been increasing over the last recent years. Nowadays, hypertension among young adults has already become common, affecting about 1 in 8 individuals in that age range. In Singapore, around 15.7% of residents starting from the age of 18 years reported that they had hypertension and were prescribed medication in 2021.
The number of young adults in Singapore affected by high blood pressure sharply increased from 12.7% of patients in 2017. According to health experts, this number is likely to increase with the lowering of high blood pressure diagnostic thresholds and poor lifestyle behaviours.
Among the lifestyle factors that lead to hypertension in young adults and teens include the following:
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Smoking
- Eating too much salt.
- Being obese or overweight
- Undergoing too much stress
- Not getting adequate exercise
Furthermore, unlike in older individuals, hypertension in young adults is more frequently associated with an underlying health issue, such as a blockage in the blood vessels to the kidney and hormonal conditions.
The Meaning Behind Your Blood Pressure Numbers
Blood pressure refers to the force that your blood applies to your artery walls as it is pumped throughout your body. Naturally, your arteries have the ability to withstand some pressure. However, there is a limit to what they can handle. This is why blood pressure is being measured and classified based on how it impacts your health. The four classifications of blood pressure are as follows:
- Normal Blood Pressure: Anything lower than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Anything between 120 to 129/80 mmHg
- Stage 1 of High Blood Pressure: Anything between 130 to 139/80 to 90 mmHg
- Stage 2 of High Blood Pressure: 140/90 mmHg or higher
How Blood Pressure Affects Your Overall Health
Take note that of the four classifications of blood pressure, only normal blood pressure is deemed healthy. If you have high or elevated blood pressure, it can damage your arteries by narrowing and hardening them, which may then limit the normal flow of your blood. It can also cause damage to your heart as it is forced to pump harder. Over time, this can cause your heart muscle to thicken, making it more difficult for your heart to fill with and pump blood.
Moreover, long-term research studies show that even if you are only in your 20s or 30s, having high or elevated blood pressure substantially increases your risk of developing severe health conditions later in life. Uncontrolled hypertension, specifically, is a significant risk factor for heart conditions in middle age. It is one of the leading causes of death in Singapore, which is why hypertension is sometimes called a “silent killer.”
Hypertension affects more than just your physical health; it can also hurt your financial well-being. An individual with hypertension usually spends around $2,000 per year on health costs and associated medications. These costs may even skyrocket if the hypertension is uncontrolled and severe medical problems result. Hence, even if you are still young, it is crucial to consult a doctor the moment you experience symptoms of high blood pressure.
Conclusion
An unhealthy lifestyle is one of the main risk factors for hypertension. In today’s fast-paced world, where people resort to poor lifestyle habits to keep up with their careers, it is no surprise that high blood pressure is becoming increasingly common among young adults. And if left uncontrolled, this condition can result in even more serious health problems that can significantly impact both your physical and financial health.
Therefore, if you suspect that you have hypertension, it is best to always consult a medical professional right away! The MyCLNQ app is here to assist you in finding reliable medical experts for your high blood pressure. The MyCLNQ app provides a variety of healthcare services that you can easily access with just a few button clicks.
The services you can avail of using the MyCLNQ app include virtual medical consultation, a health screening package, private ambulance services in Singapore, and more. If you find yourself experiencing lesser-known symptoms of COVID-19, MyCLNQ also offers tele ART tests. Feel free to contact us today to learn more.

5 Lesser-Known Symptoms That Can Indicate Covid-19
During this point of the long, drawn-out period of the pandemic, most of us are well aware of the more common symptoms of the Covid-19 infection. We know to get tested if we have throat pain, persistent cough, fever, fatigue, and even an inability to taste.
However, those aren’t the only symptoms. A small amount of the population can also be beset by some of the more unusual symptoms when developing the infection. While strange symptoms in some capacity accompany most kinds of flu, we are still a long way to discovering why this is so for the novel coronavirus. Still, it can only help to be aware of them – just in case.
1. Covid toes
Children are more likely to acquire COVID toes – which occurs when one or more fingers or toes may swell or become discoloured. Additionally, the hands, wrists, or ankles may be impacted. There may be pimples, itching, rough skin, or blisters, and a tiny amount of pus could form under the skin. The symptoms may linger for months or just 10 to 14 days.
Chilblains, an inflammatory skin disorder, could be the cause of the swelling and discoloured fingers or toes. Prolonged exposure to cold air can result in the development of chilblains.
2. Confusion
In elderly individuals, severe confusion (delirium) may be the single or primary sign of COVID-19. The probability of adverse outcomes, including fatality, is highly associated with this COVID-19 symptom.
Brain fog is thought to be brought on by the body’s immune reaction to a virus or by inflammation in the blood vessels and nerves that supply the brain, though the exact cause is yet unknown to science. The body’s response to the infection is also the cause of hallucinations and delirium.
3. Vocal cord neuropathy
You may have vocal cord neuropathy if your vocal cord nerves are not functioning properly. This is frequently a side effect of upper respiratory infections, resulting in hoarseness or speech difficulties, shortness of breath or difficulties swallowing. This is primarily caused by an inflamed vagus nerve that isn’t functioning correctly. The vagus nerve controls reflex behaviours like coughing, sneezing, and swallowing as well as heart rate, respiratory, and respiratory rate, and breathing. Vocal cord neuropathy symptoms are sometimes mistaken for asthmatic symptoms at first, particularly after infection, but they frequently don’t get better with inhalers.
4. Hairy tongue
Before the development of Covid-19, doctors observed that people with hairy tongues reached this stage because of smoking, poor oral hygiene, viral infections, or antibiotic use. In fact, it occurs more frequently than people realise.
Fortunately, people with hairy tongues can use a toothbrush or tongue scraper to remove those tongue cells. They should also be sure to maintain appropriate dental hygiene to avoid further build-up.
5. Eye problems
Conjunctivitis or pink eye might be a sign of COVID-19. According to research, COVID-19 is most frequently associated with light sensitivity, aching eyes, and itchy eyes. Hence, those with the virus are much more likely to feel the effects in their eyes.
Conclusion
COVID-19 symptoms and signs may start to manifest 2-14 days after exposure, the seriousness of these symptoms ranging from modest to severe. While it’s not necessary to panic if you have one of these strange COVID symptoms, you should let your doctor know as soon as possible if it interferes with your ability to carry out everyday tasks.
This is made a lot easier through the MYCLNQ app, which allows you to consult a doctor online and take a tele ART test in Singapore at your convenience. Contact us today to learn more.

Signs and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
Many people believe that forgetfulness or chatter in everyday life is a natural sign of aging, yet it may be an early sign of dementia. Not everyone will develop the disease at a certain age, but there are several groups of people who are susceptible to Alzheimer’s and need to pay special attention to it.
After middle age, age and prevalence are positively correlated, with approximately 7 out of every 100 people over 65 years of age having the disease, and the prevalence increasing by a factor of 1 for every 5 years of age. In people with a family history of the disease, Alzheimer’s disease is hereditary, especially the younger the age of onset, the more likely it is to be inherited. A patient’s siblings and children are at greater risk of developing the disease or other neurological conditions than those without a family history of the disease. Finally, there are underlying diseases that predispose to Alzheimer’s disease, such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and depression. Mild Alzheimer’s disease is not easily detected by the elderly, but when a series of symptoms appear that cause the patient and family members to notice, the disease has generally progressed to moderate to severe, and if treatment is started only then, it is not effective. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease when members of the family are within the range of susceptible to the disease.
Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease
- Mental decline.
The main manifestation is inattention and sloppy work. The patient soon develops malignant amnesia, which progresses from occasional to frequent amnesia, from near to distant amnesia, from forgetting details of the event to involving the event itself. Immediate recall is also severely impaired, with no recollection of events that occurred hours or even minutes before. Eventually, it can progress to forgetting names, birthdays, and family members as if they were living in childhood.
- Decreased calculation power.
The patient’s calculation power becomes slower in the early stage, and gradually makes calculation errors, can’t even do simple calculations, and can’t count the money for buying things.
- Language disorder.
Some patients have difficulty using words in conversation and suddenly break off, gradually developing into words that others cannot understand. Eventually, the patient can only make unintelligible sounds and eventually becomes silent.
- Orientation disorder.
Patients often reach for objects and miss them, or reach too far and knock them over, or fail to place a pot or kettle accurately on the fire of the stove. They often get lost in the street when they go home, or even do not know which bed is theirs in their own home.
- Behavioral disorders.
Often manifested as performing purposeless tasks. Such as rummaging through boxes, putting things in a mess, hustling or collecting waste, picking up garbage from the street and taking it home and treating it as a treasure for fear of theft. They do not rinse their mouths and brush their teeth in the morning and do not wash their dirty clothes. Some of them have less movement and sit all day. In severe cases, they are bedridden, incontinent and unable to take care of themselves.
- Emotional disorders.
Patients are fidgety, suspicious, childish or cheerful, easily agitated or with dull expressions, slow reactions or hallucinations and delusions.
Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease
- Prevents atherosclerosis.
Cerebral atherosclerosis is the main enemy of dementia. People should adjust their diet to “three fixed, three high, three low, two quit”, that is, fixed time, fixed quantity, fixed quality; high protein, high unsaturated fatty acid, high vitamin; low fat, low calorie, low salt; quit smoking, quit alcohol.
- Reduce aluminum intake.
People in daily life as far as possible without aluminum frying pan, cooking, and not to use aluminum utensils to hold acidic food (lime juice, yogurt) to avoid chemical reactions to dissolve aluminum. In addition, some foods or drinks containing aluminum should be used sparingly, such as doughnuts, vermicelli, poor quality tea, fluffy cakes made by baking powder treatment.
- Internal and external cultivation, focusing on spiritual conditioning.
A study once published in the United States showed that depression in early life may be the cause of dementia in some people’s old age. Older people should enhance their personal qualities and develop a wide range of interests. People should enrich their daily life, insist on learning new knowledge and keep extensive contact with society. We should pay attention to intellectual training, such as playing with toys, listening to their favorite music, playing cards moderately, etc.
- Caring for the elderly.
Family harmony can keep the elderly in a happy mood and enhance their resistance to disease. Children should live with the elderly or visit them often, give them patient and careful care in life and spirit, and try their best to understand them.
Conclusion
Some people describe Alzheimer’s as an eraser in the mind, gradually erasing all kinds of content stored in the brain, including memory, various behavioral abilities and feelings. As the disease progresses, Alzheimer’s patients become unable to care for themselves and become bedridden, requiring long-term care. Alzheimer’s disease is not only a serious threat to the health of human beings in their old age, but also a heavy burden to the society and families. Therefore, the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease is a long-term and difficult task that requires the joint efforts of the whole society.
If you are looking for medical aid or for a private ambulance service in Singapore to take patients where they need to go, download the MYCLNQ app today. Or you can get in touch with us and we’ll answer any queries you may have.

Why do we procrastinate, and how can we overcome it?
Knowing that there are still a bunch of things that should be done: spread out papers, scattered closet, or an email that should be sent, a book that should be read …… and our anxious and disturbed little heart, but we still inwardly imply to ourselves that: do it later, do it tomorrow……
As long as there is no deadline, we can drag it out until the earth explodes.
Procrastination, there is really no way to overcome it?
So how do we break the “spell of procrastination”? In fact, it can be done in five minutes.
1. How does procrastination happen in the brain?
Normal human brain looks like this:
But whenever you want to be quiet and do something meaningful, a “monkey” comes out and takes the wheel and messes with your plans, so you start to let yourself go endlessly.
Ever notice anything different? It seems to be that inside the procrastinator’s head, in addition to Mr. Rational Decision-Maker, there is a pet – the “Instant Gratification Monkey”.
In fact, it would be a cute pet if Mr. Rational Decision-Maker knew how to raise a monkey . Unfortunately, Mr. Rational Decision-Maker is not trained to raise monkeys, so sometimes they start to interfere with him doing what he is supposed to be doing.
Apparently the “Instant Gratification Monkey” only cares about what can bring it satisfaction in the present, completely ignoring future plans. And what about Mr. Rational Decision-Maker? He only knows how to make rational decisions, not how to control the monkey. The result of the struggle with the monkey is that Mr. Rational Decision-Maker becomes increasingly frustrated, and the more he fails, the more we procrastinate. And the more we procrastinate, the more we rebuke our Rational Decision-Maker for not doing his job well.
Inside your brain lives a patron saint who helps you get rid of the monkey, called the “panic monster”, who sleeps most of the time and only appears when you encounter deadline, workplace crisis or some other dilemmas. Also, it is the only thing that monkey is afraid of.
But the “panic monster” tends to appear only when we are in a great crisis, and we cannot hope that it will help us get rid of the “Instant Gratification Monkey”. In this case, we need to take the initiative to find ways to solve the problem of procrastination.
Although common, procrastination should not be underestimated. Severe procrastination can have negative effects on an individual’s physical and mental health, such as strong feelings of self-blame, guilt, constant self-denial and depreciation, and even bring about anxiety and depression. Learning is not good when learning, and playing is not at ease when having fun.
So, how do we change our procrastination? It’s simple: the Five-Minute Rule.
2. Five minutes to overcome procrastination
This method is also called the “5 minute countdown to change” method. This method is simple: you just need to prepare a cell phone or a timer, set a 5-minute countdown, and then tell yourself: from now on, seriously contribute 5 minutes to one thing that you need to complete.
The principle of this method is to lower your own expectations, so that we do not come up to face a huge goal, and the fear of retreat. Five minutes is short enough, you can easily reach the goal, so your motivation will come up.
Let’s take the example of cleaning up a messy room and see how the brain works under the “Five-Minute to save the room” method.
Original inner thoughts: you want to clean up your room? Oh my God, it’s so messy, the bed, the table, the closet all need to be tidied up, too much! This will take at least half a day, forget it, I’ll do it next time when I’m free.
However, inner thoughts under the five-minute rule are like: I only need to finish 5 minutes anyway, it’s too easy, I can’t finish organizing though, it’s okay, I’ve organized anyway, I’ve finished today’s goal, now let’s start!
Then let’s see what happens after 5 minutes, after 5 minutes the room is not completely clean, but it becomes much better than before. And this change stimulates your emotions and your brain immediately thinks: Wow, only 5 minutes to clean a lot, look more comfortable, it does not seem to take a long time to finish tidying up, so why not continue to work hard and tidy up a good deal.
Usually, such a short time of giving will motivate you to keep doing it and get you into that state quickly to get that task done, and the results will often surprise you.
In fact, anything that seems hard, once you get started, the hardest part is already behind you. It’s like my yoga teacher once said: the hardest part of practicing yoga is not the asana, but that moment when you keep standing on the mat daily.
3. Three things need to keep in mind when implementing “Five-Minute Rule”
We have learned this method, so what else needs to be noted? In order to revitalize your brain for immediate action and change, here are 3 things to keep in mind when implementing the “Five-Minute Rule to Change” method.
① Acting now without thinking
To think is to procrastinate, and the more you think, the more your brain imagines the difficulty. Therefore, when you think of something to do, immediately set a countdown and start the task at hand immediately.
② Selecting the most fulfilling part to complete
The secret to the “Five-Minute Rule” is to set goals that are the easiest to accomplish or the most fulfilling part of your overall goal. That is, a high rate of return for a short time of effort. The greater the sense of accomplishment, the more motivated you will be.
③ Five minutes is just a beginning, more efforts are needed
It will take more effort and persistence on your part to complete the entire task in its entirety.
When you use the MYCLNQ app, a professional is just a few clicks away. For online medical consultation, just download our app, speak to a qualified doctor about your problems, and receive the help you need. Contact us today for more information.

Shortness of Breath: 3 Signs You Need to See a Doctor
Oftentimes, experiencing shortness of breath from time to time is not something that you should be worried about. If you’ve been exercising or maintaining an active lifestyle, it’s common to experience some changes in your breathing. Shortness of breath can be a normal result of being physically active or a sign of needing more exercise.
However, when you develop shortness of breath all of a sudden without reason, it’s always a good idea to arrange an online medical consultation with a professional doctor.
Shortness of breath can be a symptom or warning sign of a more serious underlying health condition. To help you determine whether or not it’s time to see a doctor, below are some indications that your difficulty in breathing requires medical attention.
1. When you are hyperventilating
As mentioned earlier, experiencing temporary difficulty in breathing isn’t usually serious. It can be caused by a change in the weather, the use of certain household cleaning products or common cold that typically goes away in a few days. However, if your breathing problem makes you hyperventilate, consulting a doctor is strongly advised.
Commonly, acute shortness of breath can be caused by respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia. These infections can be dangerous and fatal if left untreated.
When you’re always finding it hard to breathe, especially while lying down, it’s an indication that your breathing problem is severe enough to require medical attention.
2. When it is starting to interfere with your life or work
Excessive exercising or engaging in physical activities can cause you to have difficulty in breathing, albeit only for a short while. This is usually temporary and should not affect your daily activities.
However, if your breathing problem is a result of something more serious, there’s a possibility that it can interfere with your life and work, especially if left neglected.
If you’ve been diagnosed with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you may experience severe shortness of breath that can hinder you from going about your everyday routine. In this case, it’s a good idea to seek professional help right away, so your condition can be accessed and treated as soon as possible.
3. When it is accompanied by other serious symptoms
Your breathing problem can just be one of the several symptoms you are experiencing due to a serious health condition. There are various conditions you may have if your shortness of breath is accompanied by other significant symptoms.
For example, if your difficulty in breathing is accompanied by a tightening pain in your chest (angina), this could be a sign of coronary artery disease.
On the other hand, if you are experiencing difficulty breathing with a persistent cough, chest discomfort or pain, and other heavy sensations around the upper body, you may be at risk of having lung cancer.
Shortness of breath is a common symptom in lung cancer patients who are in the advanced stages of the disease. To be sure, be aware of changes in your body and other accompanying symptoms you are experiencing aside from breathing difficulty.
Conclusion
For most people, shortness of breath isn’t usually a cause for alarm. Breathing problems may just be temporary and a normal effect of lifestyle changes. However, if it has already become severe to the point of keeping you from performing your daily activities, or if it comes with other symptoms, it’s highly recommended that you consult a doctor online in Singapore.
MyCLNQ is a telehealth app in Singapore that addresses all your telehealth needs in one place – from booking a private ambulance to seeing a doctor and purchasing your medications online, MyCLNQ provides you with the medical assistance you need in an instant!

Asia Healthcare Week – MyCLNQ will be there!
MyCLNQ will be participating alongside with other Distinguished Healthcare Leaders
4 Signs of Underlying Health Issues That You Mustn’t Ignore
Long before we get professionally diagnosed with an illness, our body actually gives us warning signs! As they may be rather subtle, it can be quite natural for us to overlook them and move on with our daily routine.
However, some minor symptoms can be indicators of severe medical conditions. Hence, it’s imperative for you to know what exactly to look out for so you can notice the early signs before the sickness further develops. In some cases, such as a stroke, it can be a matter of life and death.
Here are some signs of underlying health issues that you definitely shouldn’t ignore.
1. Heartburn
Anytime you experience a burning sensation in your chest after a meal or at night, your mother would probably be the first to tell you that your body is feeling “heaty”. This is also known as heartburn. If you’re lying down on the bed, then the pain can be so intense that you’d have to sit up in an attempt for it to subside.
On an occasional basis, there’s no need to get worried over heartburn. The pain can typically be relieved with over-the-counter medications and changes in your lifestyle. But when it occurs for up to twice a week, despite taking medication, then it can be a sign for you to seek medical care.
2. Numbness
Numbness, mainly if it only occurs exclusively on one side of the body, can be a severe indicator of stroke. Alternatively, it can also be associated with other diseases like diabetes. No matter what, you should always get it investigated every time you experience a numbing sensation.
3. Bad breath
Many factors lead to bad breath. It could be the food you eat, poor oral health habits or smoking cigarettes. But did you know that it can also be a sign of other health issues?
When your bad breath is persistent, or if there’s always a bad taste in your mouth, then it could be a red flag signalling gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. If gum disease is left untreated, it could lead to damage in both the gums and jawbone. Bad breath can also be due to cavities, bronchitis and many other diseases and illnesses.
4. Chapped lips
In our sunny Singapore, dry lips may seem like a norm, but it’s nothing that can’t be solved with lip balm. But when your lips continue to appear all dried up and cracked despite taking preventive measures, then you can consider a visit to the dermatologist.
Sometimes, it can be because of dehydration or malnutrition, which requires serious attention from a doctor. Notably, it signals the lack of B vitamins in your system, which puts you at risk of anaemia.
Conclusion
If you urgently require medic services, you can quickly request for a private ambulance in Singapore through MyCLNQ, a mobile application with an array of digital telehealth services for your healthcare needs!
Even though we’ve transitioned to Phase 2 of post-Circuit Breaker, some people are still wary of leaving their house to stay safe. Instead of scheduling an in-person appointment, you now have the option of seeing a doctor online, directly through your mobile phone! While it is important to keep vigilant on any COVID-19 symptoms, it is also crucial to pay attention to your overall health and check for other worrying signs that may indicate a health concern.