RESULTS from two recent surveys, which were made known yesterday, revealed interesting - and possibly distressing - insights into Singaporeans' attitude towards health.
The first survey, by media firm Nielsen, showed that a staggering 67 per cent of 500 respondents here would wait to see if symptoms went away of their own accord before seeing a doctor or reaching for non-prescription medicines.
And while 31 per cent are quick to self-medicate at the first sign of illness, and would see a doctor only when self-medication did not work - the remainder candidly said they would rather "let nature take its course".
Doctors here generally recommend a doctor's visit to obtain a proper diagnosis. However, a general practitioner my paper spoke to said that there are some instances where self-medicating is acceptable.
Said Dr Clarence Yeo, 35: "For things like a slight fever, it is common sense to administer paracetemol."
In the second survey, an alarming number of Singaporeans were found to be negligent when it comes to getting their eyes checked yearly.
A global sight survey in August by American lens company Transitions Optical revealed that about 48 per cent of over 500 Singaporeans polled did not have annual eye checks. Also, only 4 per cent knew that diabetes and related eye diseases can lead to vision loss and blindness.
Eye specialists my paper spoke to were concerned.
Said Dr Bobby Cheng, 39: "Singaporeans are not as familiar with eye diseases and diabetes as, say, heart conditions.
"Yearly eye checks are important as some diabetes-related eye diseases show no obvious symptoms in early stages."
