BY JOY FANG

CHINESE-LITERATE Singaporeans now have a new Chinese resource for health-related issues.

Health No. 1, a new Chinese magazine published by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), is a collection of old and new health-related articles written by journalists from SPH's Chinese Newspapers Division.

The old articles were first published in its Chinese newspapers Lianhe Zaobao, Lianhe Wanbao and Shin Min Daily News.

Readers can expect regular features such as special reports on health and wellness, a question-and-answer column with a panel of Western and Chinese doctors, common ailments and their relevant therapies, as well as recipes of healthy dishes.

Its editor, Ms Pauline Hon, said: "With more and more aged people in Singapore, there is increasing awareness about lifestyle and health issues. Also, most health magazines in the market are in English, so there is a demand from Chinese readers for such a magazine.

"Many of our readers say they have a habit of collecting our articles, but they have difficulty referring back to them because they can't find them. That is how the idea for this magazine came about."

Its first issue comes with 20 selected articles written between last year and this year, which were repackaged with new information, and 10 new articles.

The 184-page issue boasts 10 double-boiled soup recipes, a special report on back pain and some myths and truths about one's diet.

The magazine, launched yesterday, costs $5 and is on sale at major bookstores, leading newsstands and Buzz pods.

New issues will be available every three months.

Speaking at its launch, guest of honour Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports, said that the magazine amasses a collection of essential information into a convenient read, and is definitely worth supporting.

Singaporeans work too hard and place more focus on earning money, but they should change their mindset and place health as their top priority, said Mr Teo in Mandarin.

The magazine can also encourage a "culture of speaking Mandarin" and create more interest in reading Chinese, he added.

Homemaker Cecilia Fong, said that she cuts out health-related news articles because she finds them useful, but keeping the articles can be a messy affair.

"Now this magazine is more convenient because it has everything in one issue," said Madam Fong, who is in her 60s.

But she finds it a bit expensive, especially since she is living alone and has to take care of her daily needs herself.

"I will buy an issue only if the content is relevant to me," she said.

Madam Lai Soh Hwa, 62, a preschool Chinese-language teacher, likes the soup recipes in the magazine.

"Normally if we eat out, we don't get to drink much soup, or it tends to be unhealthy. Now I can refer to the recipes and cook healthy soups for my family," she said.

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