TheHEALTH July/August 2024 | Page 3

July-August . 2024 | The HEALTH

P23 A slap in the face Understanding shoulder SLAP lesions

P24 Dealing with OCD Sufferers think if they don ’ t do what their brain tells them , something adverse will happen

P25 Parkinson ’ s peekaboo Why wait for symptoms when AI can send you a postcard from the future ?

P26 4 simple things you need to know about TCM This ancient tradition uses an entirely different approach from Western medicine and has different strengths and principles

P27 Go green ( tea ) Our bad eating and drinking habits are the leading causes of non-communicable diseases among our population

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P23

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The HEALTH says ...

THE narrative around athletes has often been binary - celebrate them when they win and criticise them when they falter . This simplistic view is not only unfair but also quite harmful .

Athletes are under constant pressure to give their best , primarily when they are representing their nation . Yet , when they stumble , the very same people who once cheered for them become their harshest critics .

This dichotomy is not only a disservice to the athletes but also a reflection of a culture that fails to understand the profound mental strain our sports heroes endure .

As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games unfold , we see our national athletes giving their all in the pursuit of glory . Before the Olympics began , Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh made a poignant plea to the public - to refrain from circulating unofficial posters and articles about our athletes .

Her concern for their mental well-being served as an important reminder that , behind the medals and the podiums , our athletes are human beings who need focus , peace , and support .

Consider the case of Lee Zii Jia , Malaysia ’ s badminton star , who settled for a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics . Although his accomplishment is admirable , the road leading up to it was far from easy .

Zii Jia endured unrelenting media scrutiny and online humiliation for three years . Headlines questioned his abilities , and netizens were quick to insult him when his performance dipped .

Yet , Zii Jia decided to remain silent and persistent in the face of negativity . His tears after winning the bronze were not just for the medal but for the years of quiet suffering , the daily struggle to push through the noise and focus on his game .

Zii Jia ’ s story is not unique . Many athletes face similar struggles , and media and netizens alike must recognise the weight of the expectations placed on them .

The pressure of representing one ’ s country is already monumental without the added burden of public criticism . When athletes step onto the field , court , or track , they carry the hopes of an entire nation on their shoulders .

It takes a tremendous amount of mental fortitude to handle such pressure , and criticism in general , especially unconstructive criticism , can be devastating .

This brings us to a critical point : if your comments are not constructive or well-intentioned , it ’ s better not to voice them at all . Criticism for the sake of criticism helps no one .

Instead , we should aim to support our athletes , even when they falter . Constructive feedback , delivered with empathy and understanding , can help athletes improve . In contrast , baseless attacks can undermine their confidence and harm their mental health .

As fans , our role should be to uplift , not to tear down . Athletes are human beings first ; they have fears , doubts , and vulnerabilities just like the rest of us .

The next time an athlete falls short of our expectations , instead of rushing to judgment , we should remember the immense pressure they are under and offer our support . After all , their journey is as much about their mental resilience as it is about their physical prowess .

Let us pledge to be more mindful of the impact our words and actions have on our athletes . Let us celebrate their successes and offer support during their struggles .

By doing so , we not only contribute to their well-being but also cultivate a culture of compassion and respect in sports , values that are just as important as the medals they strive to win .