Health Geeks

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.In this episode, Jessica Lu joins me to review the WHOOP MG device after both of us tried it for a month.YouTube Timestamps0:00 Coming up in this episode0:28 Introduction 1:00 Jessica's initial thoughts using WHOOP for the first time 4:03 Jessica's WHOOP journal experience 7:52 Jessica's thoughts on WHOOP age 10:00 WHOOP's VO2 max accuracy 12:20 What Jessica like and doesn't like 15:45 Jing's blood pressure findings 18:44 Jing's thoughts on WHOOP age 22:00 WHOOP's hiccups during the testing experience 25:37 Overall thoughts on WHOOP MG Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.In this episode, I speak to Teo Wei Peng, PhD, about how to improve brain health.Show notes coming up in next week’s newsletter.YouTube Timestamps0:00 Preview 0:28 Near-infrared spectroscopy 1:47 Advantages and disadvantages of NIRS 3:17 How NIRS is used in research 4:28 Hyperscanning 5:18 Results from hyperscanning study 6:16 Inter-brain synchrony 7:01 How collaboration performance was measured 7:59 Findings of study on exercising for brain health 10:27 Exercises beneficial to brain health 11:39 Key finding from exercise and cognition meta-analysis 12:28 How to test our own cognition 14:09 Do we experience cognitive decline in our thirties? 15:14 Can we do dual-tasking tests ourselves? 16:48 Do dual-tasking exercises prevent cognitive decline? 17:37 Preventative brain health 18:09 Key learning from all the research done 19:54 Parting message Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.In this episode, I discuss the VO2 Max questions I frequently receive as a provider of VO2 Max tests in Singapore. Shownotes can be found in this article.YouTube Timestamps0:00 Introduction 0:11 Questions on the purpose of the test 2:29 Questions on what the test is like 3:54 Questions on how long the test takes 4:39 Question on pre-test preparations and training 5:49 Questions on equipment accuracy 7:37 Podcast rebranding announcement 7:48 Get better content and services at early-bird rates Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.In this episode, I share my favourite experiences at Beyond Activ World 2025.My key takeaways:* Favourite hardware: seca mBCA Ultra* Favourite software: Rezerv* Favourite experience: (re)connecting with everyoneBrief shownotes: ALLSET Gazette #28YouTube Timestamps0:00 Introduction 0:23 Disclaimer 0:50 Favourite booth experience 1:42 Other event highlights 2:44 Favourite software 6:28 Special message Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.Dr Koh Choong Hou is a cardiologist who specialises in cardiac imaging, specifically in echocardiography. He also possesses expertise in the conduct and interpretation of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing, a gold-standard investigation for assessing cardiorespiratory fitness.In our conversation, we discussed:* gender differences * most-searched technical terms* endurance event fatalitiesAnd much more.My three favourite takeaways:* heart conditions are harder to reverse when you are old; start young* start tracking your blood pressure when you are young (e.g. 18 years old), at least twice a week* if you have experienced chest pain, breathelessness, and have a family history of cardiac events, get yourself screenedWhere to Find Dr Koh Choong Hou* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koh-choong-hou-01175818b/YouTube Timestamps0:00 Episode preview0:08 ALLSET update1:08 Explaining VO2 Max2:16 Why VO2 Max is a great health indicator5:12 How safe is the VO2 Max test?6:17 Is hypertension inevitable as you age?9:40 Does it matter to start preventing hypertension young?12:03 Does it get harder to reverse hypertension as you get older?12:40 When to consider medication12:56 Can you stop medication after you start?13:53 Gender disparity in hypertension and cardiac deaths15:57 At what age should you start checking your blood pressure?17:36 How often should you check your blood pressure?18:29 Statins21:54 Calcium score23:40 PCSK9 inhibitors24:29 Marathon fatalities30:10 Healthy lifestyle recommendations Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.Jessica Lu is a Singapore-based biomedical researcher with a passion for health, wellness, and helping people live longer, healthier lives to achieve their goals and dreams.In our conversation, we discussed:* Four questions to help you decide if/what wearable you should get* How to review wearables* The future of health wearablesAnd much more.My three favourite takeaways:* The most sophisticated or expensive device may not be the best for you* Think about how long you need the device for before you make the purchase* A research found 50% participants found benefits from using wearables and 50% did not; remember that devices are supposed to help you live betterWhere to Find Jessica LuWebsite: https://www.drjessicalu.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjessicalu/YouTube Timestamps0:00 Episode preview0:25 ALLSET update 1:24 Why research on wearables? 3:32 Is the research mainly for researchers? 4:46 Steps to selecting a wearable 7:40 Cost of wearables 8:57 How to review against gold standard instruments 11:37 Prior personal wearable misconceptions 12:06 How to select a trustworthy device 14:19 How to read research studies on wearables 15:13 Does the number of people in validation studies matter? 15:47 How to choose between brands? 17:46 Does wearing a wearable help with health? 19:28 Exciting things in the wearables space 20:22 Wearables for medical use 22:27 One thing you should know about wearables 24:04 Where to find Jessica Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.Danny Lum, PhD is the head of strength and conditioning at Singapore Sports Institute. He started his research on isometric training in 2018 and has since gone on to publish more than 15 papers on the topic.In our conversation, we discuss:* The two types of isometric training* The greatest benefits of isometric training* How Danny adjusts isometric training programme for different sports And much more.My three favourite takeaways: * You don’t only improve strength at the isometric joint angle you train at* Isometric is more effective than other training methods in training tendon stiffness* Both isometric and plyometric was found to improve running performance, but only isometric improved running economySee complete show notes here.Where to find Danny Lum, PhD:Website: https://www.dperformanceconcept.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannylum82/ X: https://twitter.com/dannylum82 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-lum-phd-cscs-asca-l2-14958544/In this episode, we cover:0:00 Trailer0:17 Isometric workshop announcement0:47 Who is Danny Lum?2:38 Life before discovering isometric training3:13 Discovering isometric training5:14 Sports Danny took for strength and conditioning5:47 The two types of isometric training6:53 Benefits of isometric training8:16 Is isometric relevant for all sports?9:29 Isometrics for people who don’t gym10:15 Times when isometric are not in training plan10:50 Is isometric boring?11:38 Exercise progression for isometric exercises11:58 Danny’s bench pull study15:30 Isometric exercises at home16:15 Isometric progression for rehab17:21 What joint angle to train at18:50 Does isometric training only improve strength at an angle?20:22 Relation between isometric-tested strength and running21:46 Sustain isometric vs rapid non-sustained contractions23:27 Isometric and plyometric contrast training24:59 DSI vs IMTP peak force during early epoch30:12 Determining 1RM squat using isometric squats33:38 Upcoming studies34:21 Surprising benefits of isometric contraction for sedentary35:18 Is isometric training suitable for kids?36:19 How isometric and plyometric improves running differently39:38 Ways to contact Danny Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

In this video, our founder Jing Zhi talks to prof Andrea Maier about her takeaways from the recently concluded conference 'Unlock Healthy Longevity: Supplements.'➡️ Featured Guest: Prof Andrea MaierLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreamaierprofProfile: https://discovery.nus.edu.sg/19564-andrea-britta-maier➡️ Host/Founder: JingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jing-zhi-chua/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingzhi.chua/➡️ Centre for Healthy LongevityWebsite: https://coe.nuhs.edu.sg/Centre-for-Healthy-Longevity/Pages/default.aspx➡️ 'Unlock Healthy Longevity: Supplements' ConferenceWebsite: https://chl-summit.com/➡️ Academy for Healthy LongevityWebsite: https://longevityacademy.sg/➡️ Affiliate linksMito Health: https://bit.ly/3UBEt3GAthletic Greens: drinkag1.com/ALLWIN➡️ ALLSET (Healthy Ageing Consultancy) Website: https://allset.sg​Newsletter: https://allset.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allset.sgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allset-singaporeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/allset.sg➡️ ALLWIN (Our Platform/Startup)Website: https://allwin.coNewsletter: https://allwinbulletin.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allwin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allwin-services-pte-ltd/0:00 Trailer0:46 Introduction0:59 Channel updates 2:01 Main conference takeaways3:58 How much evidence is there for longevity supplement in humans?6:24 How should consumers interpret supplement research?8:51 Things to know about measuring our own NAD levels10:38 How can the supplement industry be better regulated? 12:49 What supplements should I take?13:08 Will a large supplement study showing positive benefit be game-changing and how far are we away from that? 16:50 Are decentralised trials next?17:20 Upcoming projects19:44 Why we should consider a precision medicine approach22:09 Will longevity supplements impact public health?25:13 Efforts to grow the longevity medicine community of professionals26:36 What are some stones unturned at the conference? 29:06 What's next for the conference? Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, our founder Jing Zhi reviews Dr Peter Attia's supplement list with Naras Lapsys, PhD, dietitian at Chi Longevity and Chi Tree Health.➡️ Transcript: https://allwin.co/content/naras-lapsys-phd-dietitian-reviews-peter-attia-s-supplement-list-health-geeks-ep-15➡️ Try Athletic Greens: drinkag1.com/ALLWIN➡️ ALLWIN (Our Platform/Startup)Website: https://allwin.coNewsletter: https://allwinbulletin.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allwin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allwin-services-pte-ltd/➡️ ALLSET (Healthy Ageing Consultancy) Website: https://allset.sg​Newsletter: https://allset.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allset.sgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allset-singaporeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/allset.sg0:00 Trailer 0:49 Introduction 1:02 Guest profile1:13 Sports and Healthy Ageing Lab2:16 EPA and DHA9:44 Vitamin D17:15 Magnesium20:42 Methyl folate and B1225:30 Vitamin B629:14 Baby aspirin33:23 Daytime vs nighttime supplement42:35 Changes, Athletic Greens, Pendulum Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, our founder Jing Zhi talks to sleep psychologist Julian Lim, PhD, co-founder of Somnus Sleep Wellness to chat about the impactful of mindful practices on sleep.Topics covered include therapy options like Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness Based Treatment for Insomnia, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. 🤗 Transcript and exclusive partnership deal: https://allwin.co/content/mindfulness-based-therapies-for-better-sleep-health-geeks-ep-13😴 Somnus Sleep WellnessWebsite: https://www.somnuswellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somnussleepwellnessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/somnussleepwellness🏆 ALLWIN (Our Platform/Startup)Website: https://allwin.coNewsletter: https://allwinbulletin.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allwin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allwin-services-pte-ltd/✅ ALLSET (Healthy Ageing Consultancy) Website: https://allset.sg​Newsletter: https://allset.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allset.sgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allset-singaporeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/allset.sgWhatsApp: +6581011060​0:00 Trailer2:01 Introduction2:15 Latest ALLSET updates2:34 Julian Lim, PhD's research background4:49 Results of sleep studies done in Singapore6:51 Mindfulness led to counter-intuitive EEG findings (electrical data) 8:51 Does 'good sleep' require rethinking? 9:10 Results of studies on monks 10:23 Do monks sleep faster? 11:03 Challenge and limitations of research on monks11:39 What happens during your first session with Julian? 12:23 What are the treatment options for insomnia? 13:32 How sleep hygiene can backfire and what can you do?15:34 Is sleep a skill? 16:11 How is mindfulness as an intervention for better sleep? 18:31 For mindfulness practice, is frequency or duration more important?19:34 What should you do post mindfulness intervention program? 20:37 What is the state of research on mindfulness apps? 21:14 What are some insights from local studies done on mindfulness?23:05 Does staying mindful get easier? 23:43 How are sleep questionnaires and trackers utilised for mindfulness programs? 24:51 Is your sleep considered 'good' if you're satisfied with it? 25:54 What are the implications of not sleeping enough?26:48 How do we prioritise sleep routine vs duration vs catching up on weekend?28:31 Are there different mindfulness exercises for different sleep conditions?29:52 Which mindfulness exercise make you more alert before bed? 30:37 Should you try mindfulness exercises if you're skeptical? 31:22 Can you opt for other sleep therapies first then try mindfulness later? 32:05 How do Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness-based treatments compare as interventions for better sleep?33:53 Will your insomnia come back after you stop practicing mindfulness?34:48 Julian's parting message 36:08 What's a useful checklist for you to analyse your own sleep? Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, our founder Jing Zhi talks to Dr Foo Gen Lin, an orthopaedic and endurance athlete, to chat about running, ageing, and arthritis. Transcript: https://allwin.co/content/running-old-age-arthritis-health-geeks-ep-12➡️ Dr Foo Gen LinWebsite: https://apexsportsclinics.com/Clinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apexsportsclinics/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gen.foo/➡️ ALLWIN (Our Platform/Startup)Website: https://allwin.coNewsletter: https://allwinbulletin.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allwin.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allwin-services-pte-ltd/➡️ ALLSET (Healthy Ageing Consultancy) Website: https://allset.sg​Newsletter: https://allset.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allset.sgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allset-singaporeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/allset.sg0:00 Preview1:33 Introduction1:47 Latest ALLSET updates2:06 How to determine if you are fit to run4:24 Using PAR-Q as an assessment tool for running criteria4:54 How previous injuries affect your running5:44 Are we more injury prone as we age?6:46 General advice for shoe selection 9:46 Common running injuries12:50 How to differentiate between soreness and injury13:28 Is it safe to run with knee pain?14:39 Can excessive running cause osteoarthritis?17:26 Causes of osteoarthritis19:40 Solutions for primary and secondary osteoarthritis22:47 Considerations for treatment options25:05 Comparison of surgical options28:33 Post-surgery concerns30:00 Supplements for arthritis 31:32 Parting message Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, our founder Jing Zhi talks to Dr Alfredo Franco-Obregon to find out the science behind QuantumTX's BIXEPS machine as well as its benefits. ➡️ Transcript: https://allwin.co/content/tech-for-age-defying-muscles-quantumtx-health-geeks-ep-11➡️ ALLWIN (Our Platform/Startup)Website: ⁠https://allwin.co⁠Newsletter: ⁠https://allwinbulletin.substack.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allwin.co/⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/allwin-services-pte-ltd/⁠➡️ ALLSET (Healthy Ageing Consultancy) Website: ⁠https://allset.sg​⁠Newsletter: ⁠https://allset.substack.com/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/allset.sg⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/allset-singapore⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/allset.sg Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, our founder Jing Zhi talks to Anna Milani, founder of SPARKD, a brain fitness gym, about insights on cognitive motor training she learned through the years.➡️ Transcript and exclusive partnership deal: ⁠https://allwin.co/content/how-does-cognitive-motor-training-work-health-geeks-ep-14➡️ ALLWIN (Our Platform/Startup)Website: ⁠⁠https://allwin.co⁠⁠Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://allwinbulletin.substack.com/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/allwin.co/⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/allwin-services-pte-ltd/⁠⁠➡️ ALLSET (Healthy Ageing Consultancy) Website: ⁠⁠https://allset.sg​⁠⁠Newsletter: ⁠⁠https://allset.substack.com/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/allset.sg⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/allset-singapore⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/allset.sg Get full access to ALLSET Gazette at allset.substack.com/subscribe