Natural health May 2018

Advertorial 

Mum’s Mighty 

We all want the best for our mothers, the person who has given 

and taken considerable care in ensuring we become the best we 

can. So, it only comes naturally for us to care for them in every 

possible way. But, what if the very air your mum breathes is 

making her sick or preventing her from staying healthy? 

Why is it called 

millionair? 

In this highly-developed and concrete 

world, you would need to be a 

millionaire to enjoy and breathe natural 

and alkalised air since you most probably 

would have to build a house in a forest 

for such environments. However, with 

millionair, bring this technology into 

your homes and keep your family 

healthy for generations 

to come! 

We are often advised to eat three 

balanced meals, drink at least eight 

glasses of water and to perform 

30 minutes of exercise in a day to 

stay healthy. 

But, how do we control the air we 

breathe? The average adult at rest inhales 

and exhales around 7 or 8 litres of air per 

minute. That totals to around 11,000 

litres of air in a day. 

If there is pollution in the air, it is often 

not visible to the naked eye. Smoke, 

radiation emitted from digital devices 

and kitchen equipments such as the 

microwave, as well as dust mites and 

bacteria present in the air are 

hazardous pollutants that will take a 

toll on your health and wellbeing if it 

is continuously ignored. 

This is where we know, if there is one 

gift your mum will greatly benefit on this 

Mother's Day, it will be the millionair. 

millionair is an air purifier and air vitaliser 

that revitalises and nourishes skin, 

eliminates microorganisms, bacteria, 

moulds and neutralises ionising radiation 

present in the air we breathe, apart from 

purifying it. 

Through a patented, trademarked and 

Health Ministry-approved formula known 

as Air Vitamin ® , millionair also enhances 

immune systems, promotes blood 

circulation, balances body pH levels and 

improves sleep quality. 

Get Glowing Skin 

The Air Vitamin ® formula present within 

millionair is based on a combination of 

quantum field theory and hybrid 

molecules. These molecules are able to 

neutralise, purify and vitalise air pollutants 

which include ionising radiation present 

in the air. 

Does your mum often complain she's 

feeling tired, suffers from constipation 

problems, has a weak immune system or 

even has joint pain and inflammation? 

This may conclude that your mum has 

been exposed to ionising radiation and 

has an acidic body. 

Acidosis occurs when your kidneys and 

lungs can't keep your body's pH in 

balance. However, having millionair next 

to you allows the hybrid molecules the 

device emits to turn one's body pH into 

slight alkaline, allowing both mind and 

body to perform at optimum level. This 

also contributes to healthier and improved 

skin growth and nourishment as the air 

is clean and pure. 

Sleep Better Tonight 

The 24-hour device is crucial during your 

mother's sleeping time as it will greatly 

help in building a strong immune system 

as well as allow her to have quality sleep. 

When asleep, our bodies are resting but 

our immune system works around the 

clock fighting bacteria, moulds and other 

air pollutants which weakens and proves 

exhaustive to one's immune system. The 

presence of millionair eliminates this 

grave concern as it does the job for you, 

allowing the body to rest! 

Forget flowers and chocolates this 

time around for mum, treat her to 

something far more reaching and 

beneficial to her and the family, think 

millionair! 

millionair Specifications 

• 300 sq ft recommended 

Coverage Area 

• DC 12V 

• Global Voltage supported 

• AC 100 - 240V 

Contact +6017 436 8091 to enquire or place an order and visit millionair.com.my for more details.

Published by: 

Editor’s Message 

Shine Bright, Look Fine! 

HAPPY 

MOTHER’S 

DAY 

Do you remember what takes place on the second Sunday this month in many parts 

of the world? Mother's Day, of course! 

Those with mothers or if you happen to be a mother yourself, we wish you plenty 

of joy and happiness on the day and the days ahead. Those without said parent, 

there's no harm in celebrating the occasion with your dad, friends or families, because 

after all, it is about sharing love and spreading kindness. 

In conjunction with Mother's Day, we bring you fitness and lifestyle tips from Malaysian 

fitness icon, Linora Low who also happens to grace our cover this issue! 

Hitting above the age of 30 and wondering if you would ever lose your pregnancy 

weight? Read what Linora has to say on why you should never give up! 

Apart from that, we speak to mummies and receive the lowdown on best parenting 

tips you should have and speak to a breast and oncoplastic surgeon on debunking 

myths surrounding breast cancer! 

On an equally important note, do you vape or do you know someone who does? 

Despite various health articles and experts weighing in against the matter, we still 

see a rise in the number of people choosing to vape thinking it is a healthier alternative 

to smoking cigarettes. But, is it really a healthier option? 

A consultant respiratory and general physician weighs in on the issue in conjunction 

with World No Tobacco Day which falls on May 31. If you're looking to kick the 

smoking habit, we list places where you can seek help and if you need further 

convincing, read what two individuals who attended the National Cancer Society 

Malaysia's Quit Smoking Clinic went through while they were attending the clinic 

and how they finally stopped smoking! 

To saluting parents and cheering on smokers who wish to quit, 

Punitha Kumar 

Join our Facebook Fan page 

Natural Health 

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Editor 

Punitha Kumar 

Editorial Team 

John Lim 

Thiagarajan 

Punitha Kumar 

Marketing & Sales 

Fiona Lim 

Adeline Chin 

Theresa Pok 

Creative Team 

Aina Mardia 

Advisory Panel 

Dr Abdul Jamal B. Mohd Thalha 

Orthopaedic Surgeon 

Sentosa Medical Centre 

Dr Koh Chuan Keng 

Consultant Dermatologist 

President 

Dermalogical Society of Malaysia 

Dr Rajbans Singh 

Consultant Physician and Geriatrician 

Healthy Ageing Specialist 

Pantai Medical Centre and 

President, Malaysian Wellness Society 

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Disclaimer 

Editorial material herein is provided for information only. Reader 

are cautioned not to use this information as a substitute for 

regular professional health care and consultation. Although 

great care has been taken in compiling and checking the 

information given in this publication, the publisher, authors, 

advisors and agents shall not be responsible or in any way 

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Available at

Advertorial 

Ditch 

Dry Skin! 

Cleanse, moisturise and 

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skin with Eubos ® via a 

simple 2 + 1 routine 

As we leave behind the monsoon months and embrace the rays of the shining sun, things may not end up on the brighter side in particularly for 

those with dry and sensitive skin. If you are suffering from skin dryness, redness, irritation and itchiness, mild to severe forms of atopic dermatitis 

(eczema), the warmer months are sure to dampen your mood and overall skin wellbeing. 

We do not want you to stay indoors nor to travel, fully covered, for fear of your dry and sensitive skin under warm and humid weather conditions. 

Like a knight in shining armour or to make it seem more relevant in today's world, like someone who would share their Netflix subscription with 

you, the Eubos ® Sensitive Skin range will have your skin clean, protected, hydrated and moisturised. 

All you need to do is follow a basic 2 + 1 skincare routine and dry, flaky skin will be a thing in the past! 

Step 1 

Eubos ® Sensitive Shower Oil F 

A mild cleanser, it contains natural oils 

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mild cleansing and care for sensitive, 

very dry skin and even for those 

suffering from eczema. It works by 

mildly cleansing while intensively 

replenishing lipids to protect 

the natural biosphere of the 

skin from head to toe, thus 

cleansing and moisturising 

at the same time. Using the 

Eubos ® Sensitive Shower 

Oil F allows you to have 

a well-balanced skin pH 

free from alkali, soap, 

dyes and preservatives, 

making it more 

suitable for daily use. 

Step 2 

Eubos ® Sensitive Lotion 

Dermo-Protective 

Once you’re out of the shower, 

use the body lotion that 

moisturises, protects and repairs 

skin. Infused with natural oils, 

avocado, shea fruits, 

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lotion enhances skin 

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We use our hands for pretty much 

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NATURAL & Beauty 

8 Tips 

for Cracked 

Heels 

All of us probably know how cracked heels 

came about. The cold chilly weather or 

indoor heat and dry or dehydrated skin is 

the most common cause. So, you should 

always make it a point to moisturise your 

feet and ensure that they have enough 

moisture to sustain the load - which is you 

- they are carrying around everyday. 

Hot baths, showers and prolonged soaking 

of feet in hot water is also harmful for your 

heels. Moreover, you should also be aware 

of the soaps you use and avoid harsh and 

dry soaps. People also tend to scrub their 

feet until they are raw - which is actually 

doing more bad than good. 

These cracks, called fissures, are a real 

nuisance to deal with. Although they may 

seem like a small problem at first, it will 

develop into something more serious if 

left untreated - such as bleeding, infection 

and pain when standing or walking. It is 

also easier to watch out for any symptoms 

of cracked heels and take action before it 

gets any worse; flaky, patches on the heels, 

cracked skin, itchy heels and sometimes 

bleeding from the cracks. 

4 Natural Health * May 2018 VOL 91


Here are a few tips for your cracked heels: 

1 

Lemon, Salt, Glycerin and Rose Water 

Foot Mask 

This foot mask is a very suitable home remedy if your cracked heels are 

just in its first stage. It is also excellent if you want to prevent cracked 

heels. You just need some raw salt, lemon juice, glycerin and rose water. 

Put all these ingredients into warm water and soak your cracked heel into 

the mixture for approximately 15 minutes. After soaking, the dry skin on 

your heels should be loose enough for you to scrub it off with pumice 

stone, foot file or scrubber. 

You should also prepare a thick paste with 1 teaspoon of raw glycerin 

(thick), 1 teaspoon of rose water and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Make 

sure to mix them well and apply this sticky mixture to your cracked heels. 

Leave it overnight, you can wear a pair of socks if you want, and wash it 

off in the morning. You will need to use this treatment for 2 to 3 days up 

to 7 to 10 days to cure cracked heels. 

2Feet Oil Massage 

If you don’t really like sticky treatments, you can 

try oil massage. It is also suitable for sensitive 

feet that get cracked easily. Choose any of 

these oils according to your liking - sesame 

oil, coconut oil or any other hydrogenated 

vegetable oil - and massage them to your 

cracked heels before heading off to bed. Wear 

a pair of old socks - better if old ones as you 

might be able to use them later - and go to 

bed. This treatment should be continuing for 3 

to 5 days or until your cracked heels are healed. 

3Natural Exfoliation and Oil 

As mentioned before, dry skin on your heels causes cracked heels. 

Exfoliating your feet regularly is a good idea to have healthy heels. 

However, instead of using harsh cosmetics, maybe you can try 

making your own natural exfoliating scrub. To make this scrub, you 

should have honey, apple cider vinegar and rice flour. Grind 2 to 3 

tablespoon of rice to get coarse flour. Don’t grind it too fine as it will 

be needed to scrub off the dry skin. 

Then, add a few spoons of honey and apple cider vinegar to the rice 

flour. You should get a thick paste. For deeper heel cracks, add in a 

spoon of olive oil or sweet almond oil to the paste. Gently massage 

your feet with this paste after soaking your feet in warm water for 20 

minutes. This treatment is very good in preventing further cracking 

and can be said as the best natural cracked heel treatment. 

4 

Mashed 

Fruits Massage 

The mashed fruits massage is good for people with 

a more serious case of cracked heels. Apply mashed 

ripe banana to the cracks of your heels. Allow it to 

stay for approximately 15 minutes before washing 

it off. This can be your daily basis treatment as it is 

simple and dry. Other than ripe banana, you can add 

in half an avocado or coconut flesh if you have a 

more serious case of cracks. These ingredients should 

be blended together to form a paste. Essential oils, 

minerals and vitamins are contained in avocado and 

coconut which can then nourish your dry feet while 

preventing cracked heels. You can also change ripe 

banana to ripe papaya if you wish. 

Natural Health * May 2018 VOL 91 

5


5 Fitting Shoes 

The shoes you wear are also important when it comes 

to taking care of your cracked heels. Make sure that 

the shoe you are wearing fits you. When the shoes and 

boots are too big, your heels will move around which 

will cause friction. The friction will lead to dry calluses 

around the ridges and surface of the heels. You should 

also avoid shoes that are too tight to ensure that your 

toes have enough room to wiggle. So, get a shoe that is 

properly sized. You can also apply some powder on your 

shoes and socks. 

8Night care 

Try to make it a habit of wearing a pair of 

socks when you are off to bed to keep the 

moisture of your feet - better if cotton socks. 

It is also a good idea to massage some oil 

or honey - natural moisturiser - on your feet, 

concentrating on the heels. When morning 

comes, just wash it off, exfoliate, dry and 

moisturise again. 

6 Wax and Mustard Oil 

This method is for the worst case of cracked heels 

which cannot be cured by any of the listed methods 

here. You will need paraffin wax for this and you can 

use wax melted from a regular candle. Make pieces of 

candle after removing the wick. Then, heat up both 

the mustard oil and candle to make a paste. Then, 

apply this wax-mustard mixture to your heel crack 

after soaking your feet in warm water and scrubbing 

the dry skin off. Make sure to fill your deep cracks with 

this mixture. The treatment will be more effective if 

you do this treatment before going to bed and wear 

a pair of socks. Continue this for about one week and 

you will be amazed with the results. Any unused paste 

can be kept in a bottle. The next time you need it, just 

heat it up or leave it in the sun for a while and it is 

ready to serve your cracked heel again. 

7 Leg Hygiene 

Always keep your feet clean. 

Wash them well when you 

reach home. It is also good 

to scrub and exfoliate them 

regularly to get rid of the 

dead skin. Use warm, soapy 

water to wash your feet 

daily and not hot water as 

it could dry out your skin. 

Other than that, hot water 

is harmful to diabetics or 

anyone else with impaired 

circulation to the feet. While 

washing, exfoliate at the 

same time - focusing on the 

heels. After you are done, 

make sure that your feet are 

dried thoroughly especially 

between the toes since it is 

a favourite spot for fungus 

and bacteria. 


HEALTH & Tech 

South Koreans are App-ier! 

Municipal governments engaging public to lead healthier lifestyles via smartphone health app 

South Korea's Gimhae is one of the many cities in the country that is taking healthcare 

to a digital level. 

The city's local government is among the 70 local governing bodies that have 

adopted a mobile health centre system as part of a joint initiative with the Ministry 

of Health and the Korea Health Promotion Foundation. 

Local residents have been receptive to the new service, which consists of a smartphone 

app offering health checkups, medical analysis and counseling to anyone in the 

community aged between 20 and 50. 

Participants can keep a close eye on their health with a pedometer watch, which 

is provided free of charge by the local government to encourage residents to 

exercise regularly. 

Korea Bizwire 

Dubai is keen to lead the way 

in gene scanning as it has 

recently announced plans for 

a Human Genome Project 

Doctors without borders 

Pakistani health-tech startup brings women 

doctors to rural areas without ever leaving 

their homes 

A Karachi-based health-tech startup, Sehat Kahani, is 

bringing work to the doctors and medical advice to villagers 

through Skype conferencing. 

Since it is a long and arduous journey for rural villagers to 

visit clinics in larger cities and a rewarding career for stayat-home 

mothers who are also doctors, the remote doctorpatient 

solution is a win-win. 

The rural clinic in Bhosa Mansehra operates simply: a 

nurse examines the patient and sends all the information 

to the doctor, who then consults with the patient via 

Skype before making a diagnosis. 

The local government is also tuning in to the trend, 

setting up an e-ilaj, or e-treatment, centre in a village 

called Bilahi, with plans to expand in other remote areas 

of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. 

The Express Tribune 

The project seeks to detect changes in genes, chromosomes and 

proteins that can lead to genetic diseases, allowing researchers 

to prevent and eradicate chronic diseases and cancer, in addition 

to slowing down the ageing process. 

The project is under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and part 

of the Dubai 10X Initiative which seeks to place Dubai and its 

Government entities 10 years ahead of the rest of the world in 

all sectors. 

DHA said it is dedicating ample resources, capacities and efforts 

to implement the ambitious Genome project, mandating a 

number of its affiliate organisations to carry out its execution, 

such as the Department of Pathology & Genetics, and the Dubai 

Cord Blood and Research Centre (DCRC). 

Arabian Business 


7


Can High Heels and 

Crossing Legs cause 

Varicose Veins? 

Some say that ladies would kill for beauty. While most of them are not 

as extreme, they do go to great lengths to look beautiful. Whenever 

you catch a glimpse of the high heels a lady struts in, one can’t help but 

to wonder at the amount of torture she might be going through. Little 

do they know - or maybe they do - that in their later years, complications 

will start appearing - varicose veins. 



So, what’s the big deal about varicose veins? Our bodies are 

full of veins anyway. Sadly, varicose veins are not normal veins 

as they are twisted and enlarged, often found near the surface 

of the skin in the legs and ankles. Although they usually aren’t 

serious, they sometimes lead to other problems. Moreover, they 

are not a pretty sight to behold, scarring your otherwise perfect 

legs with lumpy purplish veins. 

of high heels after wearing lower heels. You will notice that 

you are using less calf muscle in higher heels. 

How do I get varicose veins? 

To understand how wearing high heels cause varicose veins, 

you will need to know the underlying cause of it - weakened 

valves and veins. Usually, one-way valves in your veins are 

responsible to keep the blood flowing from your legs toward 

your heart. So, when these valves are not doing what they 

should, blood accumulates and pressure builds up in your legs, 

leading to weak, large and twisted veins. 

Using that concept, that is why high heels increase your risk 

of developing varicose veins. Although there is no scientific 

explanation to come to that conclusion, doctors believe that 

high heels do contribute to varicose veins. In high heels or 

more than 1.5 inches high every day, less calf muscles, which 

are responsible for emptying and pumping blood, will be used. 

You can actually experiment this at home by switching to a pair 

And then, there is the ladylike pose of sitting crosslegged. 

Some say that doing this affects the blood 

circulation in your legs but fortunately, crossing 

your legs do not cause varicose veins as there is no 

scientific evidence to prove that. 

There are a few things that you should do to prevent or slow 

down the progression of varicose veins. 

Don’ts 

1. Don’t wear constricting clothing and shoes on a 

day-to-day basis as these tight-fitting clothing 

could block the movement of blood up the leg. 

2. Don’t stand or sit for a long period of time. It is 

advisable to walk for a bit after every two hours to 

promote blood circulation in your legs. 

3. Don’t take in excess salt in your diet to prevent 

retaining body fluid. 

Do’s 

1. Maintain an ideal body weight as most studies 

report obesity as a factor leading to the 

development of varicose veins. 

2. Elevate legs above your heart level for 10 to 15 

minutes, 2 to 3 times a day to allow a smoother 

blood flow. You can do this by lying down with 

your legs propped up higher on a pillow. 

3. Walk as much as you can to keep the blood 

circulating in your legs. If you cannot walk as much, 

exercise the calf muscles with repetitive ankle 

flexion, which is as simple as tapping to music. 

4. Wear graded compression support stockings 

when you are awake and remove it when you 

are off to bed. These stockings work by applying 

pressure to the leg, from the foot upwards, to 

decrease the expansion of the vein wall. 

5. Eat a high fibre diet to prevent constipation 

as the extra straining you do will add pressure 

on the veins. 


9

WHAT’S New 

Cleanse away with ageLOC LumiSpa 

The Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc's ageLOC LumiSpa device is a 

waterproof, handheld personal skincare device that uses a 

patent-pending oscillating, pore-purifying action, to cleanse 

away dirt, oil, makeup, pollutants and toxins from your skin. 

Comparable to a facial massager, choose between three 

treatment cleansers to use with the device for renewed smooth 

skin. The treatment cleansers contain Japanese knotweed to 

help reduce oil production, extracts from pomegranate and 

rhododendron for antioxidant protection, milk thistle and 

nannochloropsis oculata extract (an algae extract) to help 

maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The device comes 

with a charging base. 

Stay fit with Fitbit! 

A smartwatch that is all about versatility, the 

Fitbit Versa is Fitbit's lightest smartwatch 

with longer battery life, a new personalised 

on-device health dashboard, quick replies for 

Android users, an app for new parents from 

Fitbit Labs and Deezer global offline music. 

The smartwatch also comes with female 

health tracking to help women understand 

connections between their period, estimated 

fertile window, and overall health and 

wellness. Female health tracking will be 

available on-device for Fitbit Versa and Fitbit 

Ionic users, and to all Fitbit ® app users 

starting in May. 

Angelic Synthesis Foundation Serum Airlift Smoothing Wand Ultimate Diaphanous Loose Powder 

Radiate with THREE's base makeup products 

Do your base makeup with THREE's brand new offerings. Envelope your skin with THREE Angelic Synthesis Foundation 

Serum, blended with clear crystal powder to amp up the complexion’s lustrous glow. Next up, THREE Airlift Smoothing 

Wand glides effortlessly over skin, camouflaging visible lines and pores for a soft-focus, gently-diffused finish. Complete 

the look with THREE Ultimate Diaphanous Loose Powder, which brings an entirely new meaning to lucent-matte skin. 

Dust over skin with the velvety puff to leave behind nothing but subtle radiance! 


WHAT’S New 

Take care of your feet with Crocs 

Guys, slip on the Crocs LiteRide Clog which is 

ideal for our sunny weather, the LiteRide Clog goes 

great with jeans or shorts. The ultra-lightweight 

Matlite outer material feels great and provides 

sufficient ventilation thanks to the small openings in 

the toe area. Ladies, try the Isabella Cut Graphic 

Strappy Sandal which is feminine, fun and refined. 

The cut and graphic strap makes the sandal stylish and 

comfortable to wear all day long. Incredibly light and 

easy to wear, these styles are great for fun casual 

occasions like poolside parties, lunch dates and leisure 

shopping. 

Balm Me Up with L'OCCITANE 

Looking for a Mother's Day gift? The L’OCCITANE’s 

Delightful Body Balm glides onto skin like a dream. 

The L’OCCITANE spa has developed a quick, five-step 

routine that will take you from 0 to bliss in just five 

minutes. Start by massaging the Delightful Body Balm 

in rings around your thigh. Use slow, deep massage 

movements to help soothing tired muscles. Next, 

make large circles around your navel. Follow with 

long 8 up and down your arm. Use the palm of your 

hand to press into your chest, and end by massaging 

the cream into the sides of your neck, which is often 

tense from stress. 

Think clean air with millionair! 

Are you a heavy digital user? Do you have trouble 

sleeping at night as well as constantly feeling lethargic? 

If you answered 'yes' to any or all of the questions, 

you may be exposed to radioactive particles not visible 

to the naked eye at home or within confined 

environments. Health Ministry-approved with a patent 

for an Air Vitamin ® formula, millionair is an air purifier 

and air vitaliser that neutralises ionising radiation 

present in the air apart from purifying the air, promoting 

blood circulation, improving sleep quality and ultimately 

enhancing your body's immune system. 


11


I Spy With 

my eyes 

Read why it’s important to 

keep the windows to your 

soul alluringly attractive! 



The eye is the jewel of the body said Henry David Thoreau. Eyes 

have held a special place for poets who sung praises of them 

since time immemorial. A recent survey showed that the eyes 

are the most frequently mentioned part of the human body in 

songs. 

Like it or not, your eyes have it. Meaning, what you want to say 

in words, your eyes can say in seconds without you opening 

your mouth. Your eyes can easily mirror your moods; joy, love, 

sadness, anger, frustration and a multitude of other emotions. 

It’s not an over claim then to conclude that your eyes are truly 

the window to your soul. 

If that’s true, how proud are you of your eyes? Do they 

sparkle your inner radiance or reflect hidden dullness? 

The skin around the eyes is more delicate and fragile than 

any other part of the body as it has few sebaceous glands to 

produce oil and keep the skin supple. So, if there is damage or 

ageing, our eye area is the first to show the signs. Read on to 

know more on how the skin around your eyes can spoil your 

looks, and some simple quick ways to correct them. 

Fine Lines 

Women will lose sleep over fine lines appearing under their 

eyes. These lines indicate the on set of intrinsic or chronological 

ageing which is not entirely avoidable. It shows easily under 

our eyes because as we grow older, our skin becomes thinner 

and drier because it loses the moisture content and the ability 

to renew itself like before. This leads to breaking down of the 

elastin fibres and collagen present in the skin around the eyes. 

Weakened collagen makes the skin less elastic leading to drier 

skin that creates wrinkles and fine lines. 

But the good news is that, although ageing cannot be stopped 

or reversed as it is a natural process, you can however control 

extrinsic ageing or ageing due to external factors, resulted 

from our exposure to the environment. Over-exposure to 

sun is deemed to cause the highest damage or photoageing 

where damage is done to skin from prolonged exposure to UV 

radiation over a person’s lifetime. 

You can however control extrinsic 

ageing or ageing due to external 

factors 

Over time, the fine lines and wrinkles can become deep wrinkles 

and furrows. Other damaging factors include pollution. 

For instance, someone living in rural hilltop area may have 

a smoother skin compared to someone living in city centre. 

Lifestyle also plays a large part in extrinsic ageing. Smoking, 

excessive drinking, even continued squinting, laughing or 

smiling can contribute to fine lines under eyes. 


13


Quick fix it tips 

• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sun glasses. 

If you don’t, the sun will make you squint which can 

lead to fine lines under your eyes. 

• Stop smoking. Besides harming your health, smoke 

will make you squint too. Your entire complexion 

can become clearer too if you stop smoking. 

• Apply lemon juice on skin three times a day. 

• Apply castor oil or coconut oil on the affected 

area before going to bed. Wash off in the morning. 

• Use the core of a green pineapple and rub it on 

your skin. Keep it for 10 minutes and rinse with 

cold water. 

• Cut a grape in half and rub it on fine lines and 

wrinkles. Keep it for 20 minutes and rinse with 

warm water. 

• Apply egg whites around the eyes. Keep it for 

20-30 minutes. 

Dark Circles 

Dark circles or rings under eyes are a common beauty 

problem which can give an appearance of lack of sleep, 

tiredness or even illness. They can instantaneously ‘increase’ 

your age and lower your self esteem by making you look 

much older than you really are. There are various reasons for 

the skin under the eyes to become thin and dry which gives 

the area a dark appearance. 

Some experts have pointed the cause to drinking lots of 

caffeine, lack of sleep, fatigue or even anemia. Others include 

working long ours, sinus infections, hormone imbalances 

during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause - making 

your skin look pale and the blood vessels to appear 

prominent. Besides these, some types of medication can also 

lead to dilation of blood vessels that allow more blood to rush 

to parts under your eyes. 

You can easily control some of the causes though. Are you 

one who parties all night? Often working late? If so, find 

ways to cut down the hours. Are you always under the sun? 

If so, remember exposing yourself to much sunlight which will 

increase the pigmentation level on your skin causing tanning. 

Even poor diet and lack of essential nutrients can lead to 

discolouration under your eye skin. 

Some factors are beyond your control however, for instance, 

heredity. If your elders have thin skin and dark circles 

underneath the eyes, or even prone to allergic reactions 

causing itching, then in all probability you could too. Also 

understand that age plays an influential role. As you grow 

older, the skin under your eyes becomes dry and wrinkled. 

Even poor diet and lack of essential 

nutrients can lead to discolouration 

under your eye skin 


• Sleep well at least for 7-8 hours daily and sleep at 

the same time each day to regulate bodily functions 

and improve general health. 

• Place slices of raw potatoes or apples on the eye 

area for 15 minutes every other day. This relaxes 

eyes and relieves tiredness of eyes. 

• Using hot or cold tea bags under your eyes for 10 

minutes regularly. 

• Dip cotton pads into chill cucumber juice and place 

on your eyes for 15 minutes to relax the eyes. 

• Lightly massage with almond oil before sleep. 

• Apply natural vitamin E and K oil on skin area. 



Saggy Eye Area 

The skin layers on the lower eye have very soft, thin and 

delicate dermis and begin to lose firmness and elasticity as 

we age due to the decreased production of collagen and the 

reduction of elasticity. Small, fatty pouches can accumulate 

below and above the eyes, resulting in droopy upper eyelids 

and bags beneath the lower lid. Since the skin below the eyes 

is so thin, it is the first to lose its natural strength. If nothing 

is done, drooping layers of skin become obvious to give you 

an ‘aged’ look, leaving your eyes appearing tired, wrinkled or 

puffy. Gravity pull exacerbates the situation further. 

The technical term for sagging eye lids is blepharochalasis, and 

blepharoplasty is the surgical modification done to improve the 

appearance of sagging eyelids. And according to the American 

Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, cosmetic surgery for the 

removal of sagging eyelids ranked as the third most popular 

cosmetic surgical procedure between 2006 and 2007. 

Among the many causes of sagging eyelids are, fatigue, 

insufficient sleep, fluid retention, toxins, smoking and even 

thyroid dysfunction. Dragging when applying makeup or 

rubbing generally do not help either. 

As the skin below the eyes is 

so thin, it is the first to lose its 

natural strength 


• Avoid alcohol as it can cause water retention, 

leading to saggy eyes. 

• Avoid watching TV too much which can keep you 

awake and cause eyestrain. 

• Splash cold water on the face and eyes in the 

morning to improve circulation. 

• Take fish oil supplements as Omega-3 is beneficial 

for your skin and overall health. 

• Get oxygen to the dermis where collagen and elastin 

are produced with acupressure facial massage 

which is also excellent to drain lymph nodes. 

• But don’t massage your eye area too vigorously as 

the skin around the eyes can be stretched easily. 

• Apply topical creams to the eye area that are rich 

in vitamins and anti-oxidants like natural vitamin E 

and vitamin B5. 

• Saggy Eyes could also mean an underlying health 

problem. Go on a detoxifying diet after consulting 

your doctor. 


15


Puffiness 

The sagging eyelids create mild swelling or puffiness under 

the eyes or ‘bags’, and thus the name. The puffiness or bags 

are created due to weakening of the tissues around the 

eyes, including some of the muscles supporting your eyelids. 

Normal fat that once helped to support the eyes migrate into 

the lower eyelids, making the lids to appear puffy giving a 

swollen appearance. 

Bags under eyes are usually a 

cosmetic concern and rarely a 

sign of a serious underlying 

medical condition 

Although bags under eyes are usually a cosmetic concern 

and rarely a sign of a serious underlying medical condition, 

puffiness can also be due to mild facial edema, a term for 

the excess fluid accumulation in soft tissue manifested 

by swelling. Morning puffiness (mild facial edema that 

occasionally occurs in the morning and goes away during 

the day) is usually caused by lifestyle factors rather than 

health condition such as lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, 

etc. Other factors that can lead to puffiness include fluid 

retention due to changes in weather, allergies, changes in 

hormone levels, or eating too much salt. 


• Apply vitamin E or olive oil on affected area. 

• Reduce your salt intake, because salt can cause water 

retention, which ultimately leads to puffy eyes. 

• Sleep in a slightly elevated position by adding an 

extra pillow. This helps prevent fluid from building 

up around the eyes overnight. 

• Take a cucumber and cut it into slices. Place the 

sliced cucumber on your eyelids, to get relief from 

the puffiness. Cucumbers contain an astringent 

that may help to constrict blood vessels around 

the eye. It also has a cooling effect on inflamed, 

irritated skin. 

• Lie down, close your eyes and place a tea bag over 

each eye moistened with cold water. Leave in place 

for 5-15 minutes. The tannin in the tea may help 

pull the skin taut and reduce puffiness. 

• Apply equal mixture of cucumber juice and lemon 

juice for 10-15 minutes on affected area (avoid 

getting into the eyes). 

• Massaging around your eyes can assist in draining 

of fluids around your eyes thus reducing puffiness 

(Try the exercises on next page). 

• Watch out for allergens as allergic reactions can 

cause eye puffiness. Seek your doctor’s advice. 



Exercises To Ease 

Puffy Eyes 

Exercises work in two ways. One, 

it improves blood circulation to 

the muscles around the eyes 

and two, certain exercises work 

directly on your eye muscles. 

These simple exercises can help 

you lessen the symptoms of 

puffy eyes. 

Eye Massage 

Eye massage helps stimulate the 

eye muscles. Place your middle 

or ring finger (as it exerts less 

pressure) on the outer edge 

of the eye socket bone, and 

pressing very lightly, work your 

way round the socket using 

small circular movements. 

Repeat for one minute. 

Temple Massage 

Use your index or middle 

finger to massage the side 

of your head in line with the 

eye socket, where it is slightly 

indented (Temple). Massage for 

one minute. 

Blinking 

When you sleep deeply, you 

tend not to blink. You are 

most likely to wake up with 

puffy eyes due to fluid build 

up around the eyes. Next time, 

blink rapidly for 30 seconds 

upon waking up, to dissipate 

the fluid. 

Palming 

Once you are through with 

these exercises, rub your palms 

vigorously and keep them 

on your eyes for about thirty 

seconds. You can do these 

exercises any time you want 

but doing them often every day 

brings better result. 


17

HEALTH Scoop 

Clap Along 

if you feel Happy 

Fins lead the way in World Happiness 

Report 2018 

Planning a trip or thinking of migrating in the foreseeable 

future? How does Finland sound to you? The country did 

emerge as the number one happiest country across 156 

countries surveyed under the World Happiness Report 2018. 

Finland also topped in being the country with the happiest 

immigrants, beating 117 countries. 

Norway and Denmark took second and third place in the 

Happiness Index while Iceland and Switzerland were in fourth 

and fifth places, respectively. Malaysia stood at number 35, 

one rung lower than Singapore. 

All top countries had high values for all six key variables 

which supported wellbeing namely, income, healthy life 

expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity. 

World Happiness Report 2018 

What's your Sex Toy? 

Study ranks top toys in each American state and 

it's an eye opener 

The number one sex toy preferred by most Americans? Dildos. 

A new study conducted by Bespoke Surgical surveyed America's 

sex toy preference via Google Shopping search interests and 

categorised them into eight broad products which include butt 

plugs, vibrators, handcuffs, bondage gear, cock rings, male sex 

toys, strap-ons and dildos. 

Fifteen states showed interest mostly on dildos while vibrators 

came in second with 11 states. Bondage gear and butt plugs 

were at third place while strap-ons were fourth. Cock rings took 

the fifth place. 

The study also focused on the number one toy in individual states 

and major cities. Strap-ons were the most-searched sex toy in 

Rhode Island, Delaware, California and New York. People in the 

Big Apple were most interested in adding cock rings to their cart, 

while Los Angelenos were on the hunt for bondage gear. 

Health.com 

Do you inhale 

Secondhand 

Marijuana 

Smoke? 

Early science has shown exposure to secondhand marijuana 

smoke may have similar or even worse health consequences as 

opposed to being exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke. 

University of California, San Francisco, Cardiology division 

Professor and Biologist, Matthew Springer has published research 

demonstrating that secondhand smoke makes it harder for a 

rat's arteries to expand and allow a healthy flow of blood. 

He said, the effect on rats lasted 30 minutes with tobacco 

products. But if it happens over and over — as when a person 

is smoking cigarette after cigarette, for example — the arterial 

walls can become permanently damaged, and that damage can 

cause blood clots, heart attack or stroke. 

Springer also demonstrated that, at least in rats, the same 

physiological effect occurs after inhaling secondhand smoke 

from marijuana. The arteries took 90 minutes to recover 

compared to the 30 minutes with cigarette smoke. 

NationalPublicRadio.org 


HEALTH & Wellness 

Diabetic Living 

Take Control Now! 

Type 2 diabetics should go on structured meal plans as study reveals 

people achieved significant weight loss and better sugar control 

Almost one in five Malaysian adults has diabetes. 

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015, 

the numbers equate to some 3.5 million or 17.5 percent of 

Malaysians aged 18 years old and older. 

The picture only gets darker as the National Diabetes Registry 

lists 80 percent of adults with Type 2 diabetes as obese. 

However, a recent study led by International Medical University 

(IMU) and supported by Abbott revealed that Malaysians with 

Type 2 diabetes achieved significant weight loss and better 

sugar control with medical nutrition therapy under structured 

meal plans. 

Hence why a group of physicians and dieticians around the 

world, and supported by Abbott, created an algorithm – known 

in the medical community as tDNA, or trans-cultural diabetesspecific 

nutrition algorithm. The tDNA includes a structured 

low-calorie meal plan, diabetes-specific meal replacements, 

and enhanced physical activity. 

For the study, 230 people with Type 2 diabetes were observed 

to understand the impact of the nutrition algorithm on their 

health outcomes: 

One group received a structured diet and lifestyle plan based 

on the tDNA, which provided meal plans (including diabetesspecific 

nutrition formula as meal replacements), motivation 

counselling and increased activity. 

One group received a similar low-calorie meal plan using 

usual foods and the same amount of exercise and conventional 

diet consultation. 

The researchers found that the group who received a structured 

diet and lifestyle plan had a larger amount of body weight loss 

(5.8kg on average), a drop in their BMI (by 3%), as well as less 

body fat and reduced waist circumference over six months. 

During a media briefing held recently, lead researcher and 

International Medical University (IMU) Dietician, Professor 

Winnie Chee said, “The trans-cultural care plan adapted for 

the Malaysian setting takes into account cultural differences 

in lifestyle and food availability, providing patients a carefully 

tailored care plan. As a result, patients were able to simplify 

their decision-making process, identify how to make changes 

and use meal replacements to adhere better to recommended 

lower calorie diets to help with weight loss." 

Left to right: International Medical University (IMU) Dietician, 

Professor Winnie Chee and Hospital Putrajaya General Medicine 

Department Head, Dr Zanariah Hussein 

“In Malaysia, 80% of patients do not adhere to dietary 

regiments provided by dieticians making it difficult to achieve 

a targeted weight loss of 5% to 10% in a period of six months 

and reduce total calorie intake by incorporating meal 

replacements, among other interventions." 

Hospital Putrajaya General Medicine Department Head, Dr 

Zanariah Hussein said, “Managing diabetes can be tricky as it 

involves a carefully planned diet, physical activities and regular 

monitoring of sugar levels. Being overweight/obese further 

confounds the situation as this increases resistance to insulin 

action in the tissues resulting in hyperglycaemia, thus making 

it more difficult to treat this group of patients. Uncontrolled 

diabetes can lead to a number of short and long-term health 

complications, such as eye, nerve, kidney and heart complications 

. However, with the implementation of structured diet and 

lifestyle to manage diabetes, we could increase patients’ 

adherence to their dietary changes and circumvent diabetesrelated 

complications.” 

Sources 

• Chee WSS, Gilcharan Singh HK, Hamdy O, et al. Structured lifestyle 

intervention based on a trans-cultural diabetes specific nutrition algorithm 

(tDNA) in individuals with Type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. BMJ 

Open Diab Res Care 2017;5:e000384. doi:10.1136/ bmjdrc-2016-000384' 

• National Health and Morbidity Survey 2015 

• The study was recently published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care: 

• http://drc.bmj.com/content/5/1/e000384. 


19


World 

No Tobacco Day 

May 31 

To Vape 

or Not To Vape? 

So most, if not all of us, know that smoking tobacco is bad for your health. 

But, what about vaping and the growing popularity of e-cigarettes? In conjunction 

with World No Tobacco Day that falls on May 31 each year, Tropicana Medical 

Centre Consultant Respiratory & General Physician, Dr Justin Lim Chor Shen 

tells us why we should be wary of this worrying trend 



Electronic cigarettes, often called e-cigarettes are 

battery-operated devices designed to look like regular 

tobacco cigarettes. They provide inhaled doses of a 

vapourised solution of either propylene glycol or 

vegetable glycerin along with liquid nicotine. An 

atomiser heats the solution into a vapour that can be 

inhaled. The process, referred to as "vaping", creates 

a vapour cloud that resembles cigarette smoke. Some 

liquids contain flavouring, making them more appealing 

to users. 

E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular and 

widely available as the use of regular cigarettes drops. 

A recent online survey polled 404 legal-age smokers in 

Malaysia gauge consumers’ views on safer alternatives 

to conventional cigarettes. According to the survey, 

100% of those surveyed know about e-cigarettes and 

69% have either used it or are using it. Recently, the 

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

reported that e-cigarette use by children doubled from 

2011 and 2012. 

The health effects of e-cigarettes have not been 

effectively studied and the ingredients have little or 

no regulation. Manufacturers claim that electronic 

cigarettes are a safe alternative to conventional 

cigarettes. However, the US Food and Drug 

Administration (FDA) has questioned the safety of 

these products. 

When the FDA analysed samples of two popular brands, 

a variable amount of nicotine and traces of toxic 

chemicals, including known cancer-causing substances 

(carcinogens) were found. This prompted the FDA to 

issue a warning about potential health risks associated 

with electronic cigarettes. As of right now, there is no 

long-term safety data showing the impact of repeated 

inhalation of propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin on 

lung tissue. 

There is some short-term data suggesting that 

e-cigarettes may cause airway irritation. A study 

published in the journal Thorax revealed that 

benzaldehyde were found in 108 out of 150 e-cigarette 

products purchased online. The same study further 

warned that evidences showing occupational inhalation 

of this chemical may be linked to irritation of the eyes 

and respiratory passages. The study found that cherryflavoured 

products produced the most benzaldehyde 

and doses of this chemical in general often exceeded 

those from conventional cigarettes. 

It is astounding to see how a new product is produced 

without much quality control. Many of them are 

manufactured under uncontrolled conditions so the 

complete story is yet to be told. Until more research is 

done on its potential risks, it is safer to say no to 

electronic cigarettes. If you are looking for help to stop 

smoking, we offer Malaysia's Health Ministry-approved 

medications and evidence-based care that is safe and 

effective in helping people to quit smoking. 

Below are a few pointers to know before trying 

out e-cigarettes: 

• Manufacturers claim that electronic cigarettes is a safe 

alternative to conventional cigarettes 

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has questioned 

the safety of these products 

• FDA analysis of two popular brands found variable amounts 

of nicotine and traces of toxic chemicals, including known 

cancer-causing substances (carcinogens) 

• The FDA has issued a warning about potential health risks 

associated with electronic cigarettes, but is not yet regulating 

their use or standards of manufacture 

When should you call an Ambulance? 

Experience heart attack/severe chest pain, experience 

breathing difficulty, paediatric & neonatal cases, experience 

severe abdominal pain, experience severe bleeding, loss 

of consciousness, strokes, fainting, convulsions/fits/seizure, 

trauma (injury)/ road or motor vehicle accident, fractures 

/ dislocation / serious sprain, require emergency evacuations, 

require medical transportation services 

This article was written by Tropicana 

Medical Centre Consultant Respiratory & 

General Physician, Dr Justin Lim Chor Shen. 


21


Seek Help 

MQuit Tobacco Quitline 

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 

The USM Tobacco Quitline is a telephone service offering 

comprehensive smoking cessation service. It provides 

continuous assistance and advice to quitters. 

Callers will be attended on a one-to-one basis and will 

receive materials tailored to individual needs. All services 

are provided by trained and experienced officers. 

Office Hours are between Monday and Friday, 8.10am till 

5.10pm. Call +604 657 2924 for more details. 

Quit Smoking Clinic 

National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) 

LCCH Therapy Centre 

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur 

Quit Smoking with Clinical Hypnotherapy 

Clinical Hypnotherapy is a combination of psychotherapy 

and clinical hypnosis in a powerful and evidence-based 

interventions. It provides benefits to a wide range of 

medical conditions, psychological health and learning new 

habits and behaviours. Clinical hypnotherapy can help 

patients cope with difficult emotional situations, work 

place stress and provide support for patients who fail to 

respond to other treatments. 

Generally, in a Quit Smoking therapy session, a smoker is 

regressed into a trance to recall their first physical experience 

with smoking. This will lead them to understand that their 

body is able to feel the negative effect of smoking and 

that the body tried to reject it in the initial stages of smoking. 

Smokers are then assisted to find an alternative to smoking 

which is acceptable by the subconscious mind. With this, 

an expert will give suggestions to the subconscious mind 

to execute a 'stop smoking command' by covering these 

areas too: 

• To minimise withdrawal symptoms 

• To forget about smoking in the past 

• To manage desire to pick up smoking again 

• To strengthen benefits of quitting smoking at a 

subconscious level 

• To instill good feelings of a non-smoker and let the 

subconscious mind to remember it 

Call +603 2280 0804 or +6019 328 5928 to enquire and 

make an appointment. 

The Quit Smoking Clinic is a centre that supports you 

through your journey to better health. Run by NCSM's 

highly experienced Smoking Cessation Specialist, who 

provide expert help, support, and advice along with 

smoking cessation therapies to people who want to quit 

smoking, at subsidised rates. 

For advice, help and support from the Quit Smoking Clinic, 

call +603 2630 6670 or email swinder@cancer.org.my. 

No referral is required. 

The Quit Smoking Clinic is located on the First Floor of 

The National Cancer Society building. 

Open on Tuesdays and Fridays, 8.30am to 3.30pm. 

Quit Smoking Clinic 

Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) 

Clinics are conducted by experienced senior nursing 

professionals from the Patient Counselling Department 

and Heart Failure Unit of the Cardiology Department. 

Clients include those referred by doctors or those who 

themselves are keen to quit smoking and needed assistance 

to do so. 

The aim of the Clinic is to create awareness on the negative 

effects of smoking and helping smokers deal with all 

aspects of their addiction to nicotine. 

The Quit Smoking Clinic is conducted every Tuesday to 

Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm 

to 4.30pm. Call +603 2617 8200 for more information. 



Are you still unconvinced 

about quitting? 

Read how two of National Cancer Society 

Malaysia's (NCSM) Quit Smoking Clinic 

participants finally stopped lighting up! 

Andy Phoon (AP) 

Marta Azavedo (MA) 

How did your smoking habit kick off? And how old were you 

when you started smoking? 

AP: I started smoking during my clubbing days. I was 23 

years old. 

MA: I was 13 years old when I started smoking with friends 

in school. The habit followed me through university and 

for a couple of professional years. In total, I smoked for 

12 years. 

How often did you smoke in a day? How many cigarettes did 

you finish in a week/month? 

AP: 12 to 13 sticks per day, two large packs over 3 days or 

two cartons a month. 

MA: After two to three years, I was smoking one pack a day. 

During the weekends, I would smoke less. But, if there 

was a university party or a late night study session, 

I would easily smoke two packs a day, meaning 40 

cigarettes on special occasions and 20 cigarettes on 

regular days. 

Why did you continue smoking throughout the months/years? 

AP: It was a force of habit, I was addicted and there was no 

reason to quit. 

MA: It became a habit. Everyone around me smoked. I knew 

it was bad for my body but I never wanted to quit. My 

mother tried to convince me to quit, always bringing 

flyers from the hospital with nasty images and information 

on how bad it was for every organ. I tried to quit for her 

but it didn't work out. 

When did you realise you had to do something about your 

smoking habit and why did you choose to act upon it? 

AP: I tried quitting a few times but it was unsuccessful. 

Finally, a cousin had to undergo bypass surgery due to 

his smoking and that was when I realised I had to do 

something about mine. 

MA: I started having trouble sleeping and couldn't do any 

physical activities as I was always out of breath. My hair 

was damaged and my skin looked dull. My ability to 

smell and taste food was affected. I managed to quit 

and stayed clean for 13 years after undergoing treatments 

at an acupuncture clinic but I was lighting it up again. 

I tried to reduce the sticks but it was pointless. 

How did you know and be a part of NCSM's Quit Smoking 

initiative? 

AP: I decided to go 'cold turkey' and was searching on the 

Internet for nicotine patches. That was when I chanced 

upon the Quit Smoking Clinic. 

MA: On a magazine on the aeroplane to Bali. There was a 

small article about NCSM and I realised the address was 

near my home. After my holidays, I made an appointment. 

How long did it take you to kick your smoking habit and how 

has NCSM's Quit Smoking initiative helped? 

AP: It took me three to four months and NCSM's Quit 

Smoking Clinic gave me plenty of advice on why I should 

not go back to my habit. 

MA: My first attempt took me three months and I stayed 

clean for weeks but I failed soon after. My sister made 

a second appointment with NCSM. During this time, I 

also found out that I was pregnant. The news came at 

the right time because I always got nauseated when I 

smelled smoke. 

You're smoke free now. How does that make you feel? What 

does your friends, family and loved ones has to say about this? 

AP: 

My family and friends were of course happy for me and 

my complexion is much better. I have also become the 

envy of friends who are still smoking. 

MA: I am happier, my health is better and my sense of taste 

is back! 

What would you like to say to those who are also trying to 

quit smoking? 

AP: I am going to be smoke free for two years now. It was 

a difficult journey, but once you have decided to quit, 

don't give up. Inform people around you that you are 

quitting. They will be your reminder. Throw any ash 

trays, leftover cigarettes, lighters and anything that 

reminds you of smoking. Friends who are still smoking 

will not offer you cigarettes if they truly want to see you 

lead a healthier life. Stay away from those who do not 

wish to support you on your journey. Best of luck. 

MA: Don´t give up, ask for help when you find the urge to 

smoke (choose to instead eat fruits, chocolate, drink 

water or stay active). And remember that it is never only 

that one stick, so don´t light it up. 


23


Are Your Kidneys 

Giving Up On You? 

As studies reveals women may be more at risk compared to men, the National 

Kidney Foundation Malaysia shares stories of five brave women undergoing 

dialysis treatment at its centres with Serdang Hospital Head and Senior Consultant 

Nephrologist, Prof Dr Goh Bak Leong sharing his thoughts on the matter 

Women may be more likely to develop Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) than men. Studies by the 

Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has revealed that the average prevalence of CKD in 

women is 14% as opposed to 12% in men. 

Interestingly, researchers also found that men were likely to go on dialysis earlier in the course of 

their illness compared to women, for reasons that aren’t fully known. 

Serdang Hospital Head and Senior Consultant Nephrologist, Prof Dr Goh Bak Leong said there could 

be a variety of reasons for this including uneven access to healthcare for women in some countries. 

Serdang Hospital Head and 

Senior Consultant Nephrologist, 

Prof Dr Goh Bak Leong 

“While the reason is unclear why this illness affects men and women differently, it is something 

that has consistently been observed across the world, in both the developed and developing 

countries," Dr Goh, who is also the president of the Malaysian Society of Nephrology, said. 

Such gaps in treatment and care are part of what organisations like the National Kidney Foundation 

(NKF) hope to address as part of its ongoing mission. 



Former factory worker Zaedah 

Jali, 57, has been undergoing 

dialysis treatments at NKF for 

the past 20 years now. 

Having been diagnosed with 

two failed kidneys at just 37, 

she was thus forced to turn to 

NKF after being rejected as a 

potential candidate for a kidney 

transplant. She now spends her 

days resting at home and 

thanking God for a fairly blissful 

life, as her children are all 

grown up and independent. 

Former assistant nurse, 

Zaliha Sis, who has 

been undergoing 

dialysis since 1978 is 

grateful for the 

assistance provided by 

NKF to enable her to 

enjoy a better quality 

of life since her 

diagnosis. 

“I had the opportunity to receive a kidney from my mum in 

1979, but after the surgery my body rejected it. So I went 

back to dialysis and am not looking for another donor kidney,” 

she said, adding that her family and her husband’s family 

have always taken good care of her and supported her 

throughout her treatments. 

Malini Ismail’s story is slightly different. Having completed 

her professional ACCA in the UK, Malini landed a job in 

a German firm and later at local television channel TV3 

as an accountant. Then in 2012, a blood test revealed 

that her kidneys were not functioning the way they should. 

By then she already knew she had diabetes and 

hypertension but was unable to proceed with the dialysis 

due to her work commitments. 

Despite being someone who loves to travel and enjoys 

food, Malini has been forced to cut back on these activities 

since being diagnosed with CKD and commencing dialysis 

treatments with NKF. 

“I once had a scare when I indulged in some nasi dagang 

and was admitted to the hospital for two days! I have 

since started making more effort to cook and eat healthier 

foods,” shared Malini. 

“The only issue I face is that when I travel I need to find 

areas which have dialysis centres and book my sessions 

in advance, and this can be cumbersome especially 

overseas. So I have cut back on traveling tremendously, 

with the exception of traveling back to my hometown in 

Kota Bahru, which has an NKF branch,” she said. 

Chuy Oi Lan, 63, was diagnosed with kidney failure in year 

1993 and have been undergoing dialysis treatment with 

NKF since 2012. She has also received funding from the 

Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) for her dialysis cost 

at the hospital. 

Aside from being an end stage renal disease (ESRD) patient, 

Chuy Oi Lan is also a survivor of breast cancer. “You should 

never give hope no matter how hard life is, because your 

family and friends will always have your back,” she said. 

Patients like 40-year-old 

Shela Devi continue to 

benefit from 

haemodialysis treatments 

at NKF, as her family is 

not well-off. Although 

she has registered as a 

recipient for a donor 

kidney she has not yet 

heard any good news. 

With no transplant in 

sight, she is thankful to NKF for prolonging her health 

and life so she can eventually see all her children grow 

up and have their own families. 

“I am glad that I am receiving the best possible care 

from NKF, whose staff members treat all patients with 

professionalism and take the trouble to lend their ears 

for us to confide in. Many of our concerns have been 

eased, and I have also benefitted from a friendly and 

family-like atmosphere at the centre,” said Shela. 


25


These women are proof that while CKD is a debilitating disease 

and dialysis treatments are physically and financially draining, 

a decent quality of life is still possible with the right treatment. 

According to Dr Goh, there are a number of steps that can 

be taken to prevent the advancement or onset of kidney 

disease. These include consistent screening for kidney disease 

and adequately controlling blood pressure and blood sugar. 

“Perhaps women need to take better care of themselves and 

be more proactive in seeking out treatments once they are 

diagnosed with the illness. I think often times women may 

tend to delay their treatment due to commitments to the 

family and their role as caregiver, or fear that their lifestyle 

could be affected as a result of the treatment. But this is far 

from the truth. If anything, the countless women who are 

being treated at NKF prove that it is possible to lead a good 

life and enjoy better quality of life once you seek the relevant 

treatment,” advised Dr Goh. 

Risk factors for age-related kidney 

disease 

Some conditions that affect the kidneys are more 

common as people get older. You are more at 

risk of developing kidney disease if you: 

• are over 60 years of age 

• have diabetes 

• are obese 

• have high blood pressure 

• have established heart problems (heart 

failure or past heart attack) or have had a 

stroke 

• are a smoker 

• have a family history of kidney failure 

• have a history of acute kidney injury. 

Keeping your kidneys healthy 

There are a number of things you can do to keep your kidneys 

healthy, including: 

• If you have diabetes, make sure that your blood sugar 

control is excellent. Follow your doctor’s advice about insulin 

injections, medicines, diet, physical activity and monitoring 

your blood sugar. 

• Control high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure 

checked regularly. Drugs used to lower blood pressure 

(anti-hypertensive drugs), such as ACE inhibitors or 

angiotensin blockers, can slow the development of 

kidney disease. 

• If you have one of the risk factors for kidney disease, have 

a kidney health check (blood test, urine test and blood 

pressure check) at least every year (more frequent if you 

have diabetes or high blood pressure). 

• Treat urinary tract infections immediately. 

• Control blood cholesterol levels with diet and medications 

if necessary. 

• Drink adequate water and choose foods 

that are low in sugar, fat and salt, but high 

in fibre. Stick to moderate serving sizes. 

• Do not smoke. 

• Drink alcohol in moderation. 

• Stay at a healthy weight for your height 

and age. 

• Try to exercise moderately for at least 30 

minutes a day. 

• For more information, please visit 

www.nkf.org.my or call 03 7954 9048. 


HEALTH Scoop 

Mind over Matter 

Australian report found women in their 30s more stressful than their male counterparts 

If you're above the age of 30, in a high-paying job and a 

female to boot, you are more likely to have mental health 

issues than men in similar positions. 

The Executive Health Solutions (EHS) analysed 30,000 

Australian executives between 2013 and last year and found 

female executives in their 30s are three times more likely to 

show symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. 

In the 30 to 40 age group, about 7 percent of women, 

compared to 3 percent of men, had 'significant' mental 

health issues. The findings are important because while other 

reports rely on surveys or data generated in clinics and 

hospitals, these were obtained via objective health assessments 

of executives across a wide spectrum of industries. 

EHS board member and Organisational Psychologist, Paul 

Flanagan said women were more stressed and anxious in 

their 30s – and 40s – because of gender roles and the pressure 

to excel in their careers while raising children. 

The data showed female executives in manufacturing and 

engineering were significantly more stressed than their 

counterparts in other industries, but age groups had a greater 

impact on the outcome. 

The Sydney Morning Herald 

Bad Knees 

may not end 

in Surgeries 

New Male Birth 

Control Pills 

There is ongoing development on a new male birth control 

pill and early results have shown that the pill does not 

have any major side effects. 

The pill, however, did cause mild weight gain and changes 

in cholesterol levels among 100 male volunteers. The drug, 

known as dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU), is being 

tested by the University of Washington School of Medicine 

with funding from America's National Institutes of Health. 

The next step in this research is to see if the pills decrease 

sperm production. The team is starting that trial now that 

they’ve shown the drug is safe in the short term. 

A researcher on the team said DMAU worked by 

interrupting the signal between the brain and the testicles 

as testosterone production is blocked and therefore sperm 

will not be able to finish their last stages of maturation. 

NBC News 

Decrease in pain and improvement in physical function were 

among the results found from a new treatment to treat arthritic 

knee pain. 

A study led by Vascular Institute of Virginia in Woodbridge 

and funded by Boston Scientific, makers of the product used 

in the treatment saw knee pain improvements from early 

clinical trial results. 

Possibly delaying the need for knee replacement surgery, the 

treatment involves microparticles inserted into small blood vessels 

around the knee. 

Knee arthritis pain often stems from inflammation in the lining 

of the knee joint, also called the synovium. One of the study's 

researcher said, "In fact, small blood vessels created by 

degenerative arthritis feed this inflammation by increasing blood 

flow to the lining." 

To treat this, the treatment blocked those tiny blood vessels 

using microparticles ̶ spheres about a tenth of a millimeter in 

size made from a synthetic gel-like material. The microparticles 

were inserted using a catheter run through a pinhole-sized 

incision, in a procedure that lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. 

WebMD.com 


27

FOOD & Nutrition 

BANANA 

A remarkable fruit. The fruit of wise men. A perfect food. 

These are few claims that have been made with regards to 

the humble banana. The banana is mentioned for the first 

time in history in Buddhist texts 600 years B.C. There 

are over 100 banana varieties and it is the most 

unique of all fruit because unlike any 

fruit it does not come from trees 

at all but from large plants that 

are giant herbs and are related 

to lily and orchid family. 

World 

Digestive Health Day 


C It consists mainly of sugars 

(glucose, fructose and sucrose) 

which makes them ideal for an 

immediate and slightly prolonged 

source of energy 

C 

Tryptophan, an amino acid 

in banana can be converted to 

serotonin, leading to improved 

mood, that can reduce depression 

C 

High in fibre and act as a 

natural light laxative, allowing the 

body to deal with constipation 

C Its high content of fibre helps 

restore a normal bowel function 

with the help of pectin, a soluble 

fiber (hydrocolloid) that can 

normalise movement through the 

digestive tract 

C 

The iron in bananas helps 

stimulate the growth of 

hemoglobin in the body, which can 

help with anemia 

C 

Adults consuming at least 

3 servings of banana daily have 

a reduced risk (by 36%) of 

developing age-related macular 

degeneration (ARMD), the primary 

cause of vision loss in older adults 

C Extremely high in potassium yet 

very low in sodium - a perfect ratio 

for preventing high blood pressure 

C 

Exceptionally rich source of 

fructooligosaccharide, a compound 

that nourishes probiotic (friendly) 

bacteria in the colon 

C 

Offers soothing relief for 

heartburn sufferers since bananas 

have a natural antacid effect in the 

body 

C Daily consumption of bananas 

helps promote kidney health 

through regular and moderated 

intake. May reduce risk of kidney 

cancer as bananas contain high 

amounts of antioxidant phenolic 

compounds 

C The combination of vitamins 

B6 and B12, potassium and 

magnesium helps one trying to 

quit smoking to recover from the 

effects of nicotine withdrawal 

Eating bananas as 

part of a regular diet 

can reduce the risk of 

stroke deaths by as much 

as 40% according to a 

study in The New 

England Journal of 

Medicine 


FOOD & Nutrition 

World 

Digestive Health Day 


Broccoli 

When it comes to basic nutrients, broccoli is a mother lode. However, for some children, it is one 

of the most dreaded vegetables on their plate. There are many delicious ways to prepare it (without 

overcooking of course). Besides satisfying your daily requirements of fruits and vegetables, broccoli 

is power-packed with so many health benefits. 

Contains powerful 

phytochemical antioxidants 

called lutein and zeaxanthin 

- beneficial for healthy eyes. 

Along with spinach, helps to 

minimise risk of cataracts 

Large amount of 

calcium in broccoli helps 

combat osteoporosis 

and build bone mass 

Could undo the damage 

caused by diabetes to 

heart blood vessels 

Ounce for ounce, boiled 

broccoli has more vitamin C 

than an orange and as much 

calcium as a glass of milk 

One medium-sized spear has 

three times more fibre than a 

slice of wheat bran bread. So 

fibre-rich that it can enhance the 

gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and 

reduce blood cholesterol levels 

The folic acid in broccoli helps 

women sustain normal tissue 

growth and is often used as 

a supplement when taking 

birth control pills and during 

pregnancies 

May protect against heart 

disease. The potassium in 

broccoli aids those battling 

high blood pressure 

Isothiocyanates 

- a powerful 

biochemical found in 

broccoli has shown to 

neutralise potential 

cancer-causing substances 

before they have a 

chance to damage the 

DNA of healthy 

cells 

A word of caution 

Extremely strong in anticancer 

activity, particularly against 

lung, colon, prostate, bladder 

and breast cancers 

Broccoli is one of the leading intestinal gas producers and contains goitrogens, a 

naturally-occurring substance in certain foods that can interfere with the functioning 

of the thyroid gland. Individuals with already existing and untreated thyroid problems 

may want to avoid broccoli for this reason. 


29

FITNESS & Weight Loss 

10 Weight-Loss Secrets 

From Around the World 

Diet has become such an obsession nowadays. What happened to the joy of good 

eating without all the guilt? Eating in moderation, that is. In case you’re wondering 

how others around the world are taking care of the pounds, here is a quick look, and 

also ideas, you can use to keep yourself in shape. 

Sip tea often 

SOUTH AFRICA & BRITAIN 

BRITAIN 

Countries where tea drinking is big tend to 

have lower rates of obesity like in South Africa 

and Britain, for instance. Tea contains antioxidants 

that can help prevent against cancer and other 

diseases. Drinking tea often also helps one to stay 

more hydrated, make you fuller and eat less. 

Another plus point is, drinking hot tea will let 

you slow down and appreciate the moment 

when you’re at the table – which can 

help with your weight loss. 

BRAZIL 

Savour rice and beans 

BRAZIL 

Want to get lots of fibre in your meal? 

The Brazilians eat rice and beans at almost 

every meal. Fibre helps you fill up more 

quickly and feel full longer too. Research has 

shown that a consistent diet of rice and beans 

lowers the risk of becoming overweight by 

as much as 15 percent. Anything fried 

doesn’t count because the Brazilians’ 

rice and beans aren’t fried. 

SOUTH AFRICA 



Tend the Garden 

RUSSIA 

Aim for quality, not quantity 

FRANCE 

Opt for small portions and high quality 

meats, fish, produce, dairy, even 

desserts. The reason is simple. When 

food is fresh and flavourful, you can 

be satisfied with smaller portions 

as opposed to processed, 

fast foods. 

RUSSIA 

Due to their economic circumstances, most 

Russians grow their own fruits and vegetables. 

This bounty from the garden tends to be lower 

in calories and higher in nutrients without all 

the chemical residues like that of commercial 

ones. When you concentrate on what 

you eat, you eat less, and eating less 

with a healthy diet can result in 

weight loss. 

HUNGARY 

FRANCE 

CHINA 

Pick up the Pickles 

HUNGARY 

Hungarians eat lots of pickled foods, 

such as cucumbers and various types of 

peppers. Pickled vegetables tend to be low 

in calories and can be part of a healthy diet. 

Because pickled foods are tart (sharp tasting), 

you tend to eat less. Pickled foods contain 

vinegar and studies have shown that when 

consumed regularly, vinegar helps 

maintain body weight. 

Colour your food 

CHINA 

A study on 6,500 adults by Cornell 

University in rural China found that while 

the Chinese ate about 30 percent more than 

the average American male, they weighed 

about 25 percent less, largely because they 

ate a lot of plant-based foods. Aim for at 

least five colours at each meal: red, bluegreen, 

yellow, white and black, from 

food items like red peppers, squash, 

broccoli, onions, black beans or 

black olives. 


31


Make lunch your main meal 

INDIA 

Indians generally eat big meals at 

midday. Jennifer Workman, a Boulder, 

Colorado-based ayurveda specialist, registered 

dietitian and author of Stop Your Cravings explains 

that, “according to ayurveda, India’s 5,000-year-old 

approach to wellness, we’re actually designed to eat 

the larger meal at lunch because our digestive ‘fire,’ is 

strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is the time 

when we digest more efficiently. “I’ve seen people in 

my practice lose 5 to 10 pounds just by doing this,” 

she says. 

Eat until you are 80% full 

JAPAN 

Eat only until you are 80% full is a cultural habit of the 

Okinawans which plays a role in portion control. Bradley 

Willcox, MD, co-author of The Okinawa Diet Plan suggests 

that you should put your fork down ‘when you feel that first 

twinge of fullness’ because the stomach’s stretch receptors 

take about 20 minutes to tell the body that it is full. The 

traditional Okinawa diet, with its emphasis on vegetables, 

whole grains, fruits, legumes (soy foods) and fish with 

limited amounts of lean meats serves as a model for 

healthy eating too. 

JAPAN 

INDIA 

THAILAND 

Spice up your diet 

THAILAND 

MALAYSIA 

INDONESIA 

Thai cuisine can be some of the 

spiciest in the world, and that can add 

to weight loss. Moreover, because it is 

spicy, you tend to drink more water with 

your meal and fill up quicker. 

Pause eating 

INDONESIA & MALAYSIA 

Sometimes the best remedy for overeating 

is not eating! Muslims all over the world (like 

in Malaysia and Indonesia) observe fasting from 

dawn to dusk in the month of Ramadan (the ninth 

month in the Islamic Calendar). Besides offering 

many spiritual benefits, fasting can help to break 

patterns of mindless eating and one to be in 

control of the body’s hunger and appetite. 

Being more mindful of your food can help 

one to choose more nutritious foods 

and achieve weight loss. 

Reference: 

• www.everydayhealth.com 

• www.rd.com 


COVER Story 

Mothers' 

Take A Bow! 

The second Sunday in May is exceptionally 

special as it pays due credit to mothers in 

some parts of the world. Although the date 

varies across the world, the message and love 

remains the same. We celebrate mothers because 

they not only gave birth to us, they took care 

of us and made sure we turned out to be 

individuals that would care for generations to 

come. Mothers are not necessarily people who 

gave birth to you, because if you took in a 

foster dog and cared for it, we're pretty sure 

you qualify as a mum, too! But, hey, let's not 

digress. In this issue of Natural Health, we bring 

you a wholesome 'mum' package. We speak to 

Malaysian fitness icon, Linora Low on how you 

should stay healthy and fit, to mothers who are 

riding on the parenthood journey and keeping you 

informed with an expert piece on breast cancer. 

Read on and a Happy Mother's Day from us to you! 

Celebrity fitness guru, 

Linora Low 


33

COVER Story 

She's a lean but not mean machine that holds several titles 

to her name. Among others, Linora is known as a fitness 

celebrity, emcee, radio host and a brand ambassador for 

Under Armour and Optimum Nutrition. 

Speaking on air every Tuesdays between 2-4pm on www. 

aforadio.com, her health and wellness show 'LiveLoveLift 

with Linora' encourages listeners to pursue fitness through 

a positive outlook by listening to the body, understanding 

the mind and nourishing the soul. 

You're 34 years old this year! What do you want to say to 

those who wish to get fit or stay fit? 

There are a few things that you should always keep in mind: 

• It’s never too late to start a fitness journey. 

• Be on the quest for self improvement, for your body 

to function better in the long run, for the sake of your 

family, kids and most importantly for yourself. 

• Don’t chase aesthetics for fitness, cause you’ll never 

be satisfied. 

• Remember your body is different from everyone else 

and what works for others may not necessarily work 

for you. 

• Fitness should be a fun journey, never think of it as a 

punishment for one bad meal. 

As for mummies out there who wants to start exercising, 

be creative with your kids. I’ve seen a number of mums do 

a workout with their baby or their kids, provided they 

behave. Carrying your kid is a real workout, make use of 

the baby weight and carry them like dumbbells. 


COVER Story 

Is there a specific time period for your 

workouts? 

My workouts are usually in the afternoon because that’s when I 

have the most energy and my body is awake but it depends on what 

the day looks like. 

5 Easy Workouts with Linora 

Duration: 15-30 minutes 

A rep (or repetition) is a single movement of any exercise 

A set is a series of reps of an exercise done in sequence 

(usually without rest) 

At Work 

Chair Dips (12 reps X 2 sets) 

Chair Reverse Crunch (12 reps X 2 sets) 

Chair Squats (12 reps X 2 sets) 

Chair or Table Leg Lifts (12 reps X 2 sets) 

Table Push up (12 reps X 2 sets) 

At Home 

• Without weights or 

dumbbells 

• Do 4-5 sets 

• Each exercise takes 

around 30 seconds 

• After each exercise, 

rest 20 seconds 

Elbow Plank Taps 

Jump Squats 

Push Ups 

Bear Crawls 

Supermans 

At the Gym 

Dead lifts (12 reps X 4 sets) 

Squats (12 reps X 4 sets) 

Seated Rows(12 reps X 4 sets) 

Narrow Lat Pull Downs 

(12 reps X 4 sets) 

Arnold Press (12 reps X 4 sets) 

What does the rest of 2018 have in store for 

you? 

My radio show - Live Love Lift on AFORadio, my shared business 

Kapowballs and my YouTube channel: Linora Low are my main 

priorities for the year. 

If time and finances permit, I’m looking to expand my capabilities 

beyond emceeing and hosting to possibly workshops such as 

life coaching. 

I have yet to decide whether I want to compete again for 

bodybuilding, I would love to take on the stage again. This 

time in a harder line up! 


35

COVER Story 

See What Mummy Says 

We speak to several mothers on what went down when they realised they were pregnant 

and also to share what's the best parenting tip all parents should know! 

Sidra Naim Taraq Naemzia 

and Maira Usman Khalid 

What were your initial pregnancy thoughts? 

Wow, it was a mixed feeling kind of situation. I 

was delighted to know that I was pregnant, at 

the same time it made me nervous not knowing 

what to expect in the nine months ahead. It didn’t 

help that I had previously prematurely declared 

to my husband “I think I’m pregnant” (when I 

was not), he didn’t believe me until we actually 

went to the doctor and got a confirmation! After 

that of course, I began reading up on the dos' 

and don’ts' and started to take care of my diet to 

ensure the best for the baby. 

Your best parenting tip? 

Learn to trust yourself and avoid second 

guessing your decisions based on the influence 

of others. There will be people (even your own 

parents!) who will nit-pick and advice against 

you. During these times remember that you’re 

the person who spends the most time with your 

child and you know what’s best for them. It’s 

very easy for someone on the outside to 

comment and judge, but at the end of the day 

you need to trust yourself and hang in there. 

Also, most importantly, always be proud of 

what you have accomplished as a parent. 

Syaz Aziz and Ahmad Zafran 

Ahmad Zulkarnain 

Vinodhini Gangadara 

Vadivel and Kaashinipriya 

Shanmugaraja 

Nurbaiti Hamdan 

Update: Nurbaiti gave birth 

to a healthy baby girl, 

Hannah Dahlia, shortly 

after our interview! 


Honestly, I was scared. I wasn't sure if I was ready 

to be a mother emotionally and financially. But, 

somehow things just worked out. 


Well, I was actually very much in disbelief and had 

mixed feelings. I got married when I was 34 and 

had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). I was told 

that it would be difficult conceiving given that I 

had PCOS and I was in my mid-30s. Fortunately, 

I got pregnant three months after I got married 

and hence I was in disbelief. I was pleased and at 

the same time overwhelmed that I was going to 

be a mother. It was a feeling one cannot explain. 

Absolute joy and at the same time I was paranoid 

of how the whole pregnancy was going to take 

place. Having said that I had never been happier 

in life knowing I was pregnant. 


I think for the first two seconds when I saw the 

two lines on the test kit, I was stunned because 

I wasn't expecting it. Being a person with 

polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), I've always 

known my chances to conceive are lower so I 

thought we would take some time and effort to 

have a baby. I had to ask my husband to take a 

look at the pee stick! A scan at the doctor's later 

confirmed our pregnancy and I thought "Oh 

wow this is really happening". 


"The nights are long but the years are short." 

Take one day at a time and trust your instinct. 

You’ll be really tired but really happy. 


My personal tip to any parent would be to enjoy 

parenthood. Just like marriage isn't a bed of 

roses, parenting can be a roller coaster ride. 

Instead of being all paranoid about it, go with 

the flow, enjoy every moment and don't worry 

what's to come. You will cross the bridge when 

you get there. Do not miss out on parenthood 

by fretting on the unnecessary. It is a unique and 

different experience with every child you have. I 

feel that parenthood for me has taught me how 

to become more patient, compassionate and 

knowledgeable. A part and parcel of life I have 

been truly blessed with. 


"Don't expose children to gadgets too much 

too soon". I must've heard this from at least 

five people or read it numerous times on articles 

online. It resonates with me because as a child, 

I love reading books so I would want my child 

to pick up reading instead of being glued to a 

device. But at the same time, I know today's 

children are born in the age of the internet so 

depriving them entirely of technology would 

be going backwards so I have to find a balance 

and control my child's access to gadgets and 

the internet. 

36 

Natural Health * May 2018 VOL 91

COVER Story 

Top 8 Myths of Breast Cancer 

Studies show one in 19 women will develop breast cancer and it also happens 

to be the leading cancer affecting Malaysian women. Although medical 

technology is continuously improving and early detection is on the rise, we 

bring you Tropicana Medical Centre Consultant Breast & Oncoplastic Surgeon, 

Dr Tan Gie Hooi, who debunks the myths of this dreaded disease. 

Only women with family history will get 

breast cancer - FALSE! 

More than 75% of women with breast cancer have no family 

history of breast cancer. 

The risk for developing breast cancer does increase with 

increasing numbers of affected first-degree relatives (such as 

a mother, sister or daughter)compared with women who have 

no affected relatives. 

BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations are found in about 5-10 percent 

of all breast cancer cases. Having the mutation puts the women 

at higher risk of breast cancer but not mandatory. 

A family history is one risk factor. But a risk factor doesn't 

cause cancer, it just affects your chance of getting cancer. 

Other risk factors for breast cancer include getting older, benign 

breast diseases with atypia, high breast density and previous 

exposure to ionising radiation, having children late in life or 

not at all, longer exposure to estrogen and progesterone, lack 

of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption. 

Men don't get breast cancer - FALSE! 

While less than 1% of new breast cancer diagnoses occur 

among men, it is still a possibility for men to develop the 

disease. For males, the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer 

is about 1 in 1,000. 

Removing the entire breast is safer than 

just removing the cancerous lump - FALSE! 

Mastectomy (complete breast removal) is usually not more 

effective than just removing the cancerous 

lump (breast conserving surgery). There are 

issues with both treatments and patients 

need to be informed to make the right 

decision for them. 

Clinical trials have shown that mastectomy 

and breast conserving surgery with radiation 

offer the same survival. 

The bigger the breast, the bigger the risk 

of getting breast cancer - FALSE! 

Breast cancer develops in the cells that line the ducts or 

lobules—the parts that make milk and carry it to the nipple— 

and all women have the same number of these, regardless of 

breast size. What makes breasts bigger or smaller is generally 

the amount of fat and stroma (fibrous tissue), which research 

shows have little impact on cancer odds. 

Wearing a bra increases the risk of breast 

cancer - FALSE! 

This myth appears to have started after a book called Dressed 

to Kill suggested that bras obstruct toxin-laden lymph fluid 

from flowing out of the breast. However, this was speculation 

based on a survey with no scientific evidence. If non-bra wearers 

do get breast cancer less often, it's probably because they tend 

to be thinner as obesity is a known risk factor for breast cancer. 

Breast cancer occurs only among older 

women - FALSE! 

Breast cancer can occur at any age. The risk of breast cancer 

increases as we grow older. In Malaysia, the overall lifetime 

risk of getting breast cancer is 1 in 19 women. 

Radiation by mammography causes breast 

cancer - FALSE! 

The risk of harm from radiation exposure by having a 

mammogram is very low. The benefits of the earlier diagnosis 

and treatment of breast cancer in reducing mortality far 

outweigh the risk of the small dose of radiation received during 

a mammogram. 

Eating soy foods causes breast cancer - 

FALSE! 

Studies have not linked eating soy foods (such as tofu, tempeh, 

miso) to increased breast cancer risk. In fact, evidence suggests 

it may even lower the risk for developing breast cancer. Soy 

foods can be eaten as part of a healthy, balanced diet, both 

for the general population and people who have breast cancer. 


37

Itchy 

Vulva, 

Check Your 

Symptoms 

and Signs 

It’s not easy being female – 

puberty brought along half a 

lifetime of monthly menses, 

punctuated with the pain of 

childbirth before the effects 

of menopause kick-in in the 

twilight years. Womanhood is 

also plagued by infections to the 

reproductive system, particularly 

the vagina, due to its delicate 

and vulnerable nature. The 

most common discomforts that 

women face are itch, infection 

and discharge, all of which we 

will enlighten you on this issue. 


PREVENTION & Remedies 

Itch and infections 

You know how crazy an itch can drive 

you and even worse so when you can’t 

reach that itch in public. Many causes of 

itch in the vaginal region are also 

accompanied by a burning sensation and 

irritation, to make things worse. The most 

common causes of vaginal itch, burning 

and irritation are: 

Yeast infection 

As many as 3 out of every 4 women will 

encounter a yeast infection at some 

point of their lives, indicating that it is 

quite a common problem among 

females. Also known as vaginal 

candidiasis, a yeast infection occurs 

when the candida (yeast) starts 

multiplying excessively in the vagina and 

vulva. The yeast infection not only causes 

an itch but also the presence of a thick, 

white and cheesy discharge. 

Sexual intercourse, pregnancy, 

consumption of antibiotics 

and the use of an estrogenreleasing 

contraceptive are all 

factors contributing to a yeast 

infection. Being ill with a 

weakened immune system 

and stress also causes one to 

be more susceptible to a yeast 

infection. The infection can 

be treated with an over-thecounter 

antifungal cream or 

tablets, both to be inserted 

into the vagina. There are also 

oral antifungal medications 

that would require a 

prescription to purchase. 

Bacterial vaginosis 

If you experience an itch, burning 

sensation or a greyish or yellowish 

discharge accompanied by a fishy odour, 

you probably have a case of bacterial 

vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis accounts 

for 50% of all vaginitis cases and occurs 

when the amount of bad bacteria in the 

vagina exceeds the good ones. The cause 

of the bacterial imbalance has yet to be 

ascertained but doctors believe that 

intrauterine device (IUD), smoking, 

douching and having multiple sexual 

partners increase one’s risk of developing 

the condition. Bacterial vaginosis is 

diagnosed by taking a sample of the 

vaginal discharge and is treated with a 

course of antibiotics. 

Sexually transmitted diseases 

(STDs) 

Many sexually transmitted diseases 

(STD) cause itching and irritation in the 

vaginal region. Chlamydia, which 

affects men too, can be identified 

through other symptoms such as an 

abnormal strong-smelling discharge 

and painful periods, intercourse and 

urination. In some instances, there is 

even pain in the abdomen accompanied 

by a bout of fever. 

Trichomoniasis is an STD that displays 

symptoms to similar chlamydia. It is 

caused by a parasite transmitted during 

sexual intercourse from one person to 

another. There is pain during intercourse 

and urination too with an occasional pain 

in the abdomen but it is the greenishyellow 

vaginal discharge that differentiates 

trichomoniasis from chlamydia. 

Gonorrhea is one of the more familiarsounding 

STD. Caused by bacteria that 

can grow and multiply in the mucus 

membranes of the body, gonorrhea is 

prevalent due to the ability of the bacteria 

to survive in many areas of the body, 

including the cervix, uterus, fallopian 

tubes and urethra. The bacteria can even 

grow in the mouth, throat and anus, 

therefore making it even possible for a 

mother to transmit the infection to her 


39


child during childbirth. The most easily 

recognised symptom of gonorrhea is a 

greenish or yellowish vaginal discharge, 

conjunctivitis (red and itchy eyes) and 

swelling of the vulva. If the STD was 

transmitted via oral sex, there will be 

swollen glands in the throat as well as a 

burning sensation. 

Most STDs are treated with a course of 

oral antibiotics after the diagnosis has 

been done. Patients must refrain from 

all sexual activity during treatment of a 

sexually transmitted infection. 

Menopause 

This cause of vaginal itch is the least 

to worry about because it is a natural 

occurrence due to changes in the 

menopausal body. The lower levels of 

oestrogen in the body as a woman 

approaches menopause causes the 

vaginal walls to become drier and 

EAT THE INFECTIONS AWAY 

Your health is determined by what 

goes into your mouth. The right food 

can keep infections at bay while the 

wrong ones can destroy your health 

and body. Many wouldn’t have 

thought that a good diet can actually 

protect you from contracting a 

bothersome vaginal infection. Some 

food are probably already present in 

your daily diet, all you have to do is 

to make a little change in increasing 

your amount of consumption of the 

following: 

Garlic 

Garlic has a reputation for being 

a fighter of coughs and cold. It 

is a natural antibiotic that wards 

off bacterial growth in the vagina 

and intestinal tract too, keeping 

the yeast bacteria away. 

Vitamin C 

thinner, leading to irritation and itching. 

As the itch is not transmittable, the itch 

is known as non-infectious vaginitis. 

Those who breastfeed are also prone 

to vaginal itching as a result of thinner 

vaginal walls. 

Chemical reaction 

The cause of vaginal irritation may 

not be any infection or physiological 

changes after all, hence another form 

of non-infectious vaginitis. The genitalia 

are exposed to a myriad of chemicals 

present in the daily products used, such 

as condoms, soap, creams and douches. 

Even contact with clothing that bears 

some remnants of detergent and fabric 

softener can causes one’s genitalia to 

feel extremely irritated and sore. 

Yoghurt 

A favourite among weightwatchers, 

yoghurt does your 

v-zone good too. You can probably 

recall advertisements promoting a 

live culture drink that introduces 

good bacteria into your stomach. 

Yoghurt works the same way too 

by containing the good bacteria 

essential for vaginal health. These 

good bacteria are also responsible 

to combat the candida bacteria that 

cause yeast infections. 

Besides being a powerful 

ingredient for the immune system, 

vitamin C has a role in preventing 

yeast infections by creating an 

acidic environment in the vagina 

and intestines. Candida bacteria 

require an alkaline environment 

to grow and survive, therefore 

the acidic environment created 

is not conducive for the bacteria 

which will die soon after. 

There are also food to be reduced 

in consumption especially if you 

have had a vaginal infection 

before. Food high in sugar can 

potentially increase the amount 

of bacteria in the intestinal tract 

which can lead to irritation and 

infection in the vaginal canal 

and outer vagina. It isn’t just 

sweet and sugary food to stay 

away from; bread, caffeine 

and vinegars have also been 

known to trigger an influx of 

candida bacteria. 



15 

Steps to Have 

A Healthy Vulva 

In many instances, we have heard about the steps and tips on healthy skin, healthy 

hair, healthy weight loss, among others but have you heard about healthy vulva? 

Many women have been taught on how to do daily cleansing using strong soaps 

or even feminine hygienic sprays which in reality may cause more harm than 

good. It is important that every woman gets to know how to keep the vulva 

clean, exercise it, adopt healthy habits and even what to do in case it is infected. 

Below are some of the steps that can help you have a healthy vulva. 


41


Keeping the vulva clean 

There are many ways in which you can 

keep your vulva clean and they include; 

good hygiene during your periods, 

washing only with hot water, wiping 

from front to back and avoiding use of 

sprays. Below is a brief discussion of 

each of these steps. 

1. Good hygiene during 

periods 

During menstruation, an increased rate 

of vaginal infection is often experienced 

by many women. This is due to the 

changes in the vaginal pH that result 

from the blood in the vagina throwing 

things out of balance. Some of the 

healthy habits that every woman should 

practice during their periods include; 

• Avoid wearing panty liners or 

pads longer than it is necessary. 

This is because use of pads for 

a longer time (e.g. for a whole 

month) after the period is over 

may result in skin irritation. 

• Changing your tampons 

frequently. Note that tampons 

absorb the menstrual blood and 

if unchanged for a long time, 

they will keep the blood in the 

vagina and that may result in 

changes of vaginal pH. To avoid 

this, you need to change your 

tampons frequently. 

• Get a menstrual cup (especially 

if you tend to get irritated by 

pads and tampons).This is 

because they are free from 

chemicals and they are simply 

inserted to the vagina to catch 

the blood and then rinsed after 

every few hours with hot water. 

2. Washing with hot water 

The best way to clean your vulva is by 

using hot water and not soaps (whether 

liquid or solid). Note that, in its own, 

the vulva actually stays clean without 

the help of outside cleaning agents and 

most importantly, its pH levels should 

be maintained within a specific range 

i.e. 3.5 & 4.5. This helps to facilitate the 

growth of good bacteria as well as 

prevent the growth unhealthy bacteria 

from growing. Harsh cleansing materials 

may upset the balance and this may 

result in irritation, infection or even bad 

odours. You can clean the vulva (the skin 

outside the vagina) with soap unless it 

Note that 

scented creams or even 

scented tampons and pads or 

even wipes may cause the same 

problems. Thus, always avoid 

them. If it is really necessary for 

you to use a scent on your vulva, 

it is advisable to only go for a 

natural, chemical free product 

that will not cause you 

any harm. 

irritates your skin. In case you end up 

cleaning the vulva with soaps, thoroughly 

rinse it with warm water to make sure 

that no traces of soaps are left inside so 

as to avoid causing irritation. 

3. Wiping from front to back 

Wiping from front to back is important 

as it ensures that no faecal matter that 

could otherwise cause an infection 

enters the vagina. Avoid using wet wipes 

or any other perfumed product or those 

with chemicals. Instead, use an 

unscented, plain tissue paper to be safe. 

4. Avoid using feminine sprays 

or douches 

Some women often douche their vaginas 

with chemicals with the idea of having 

it smell like a flower but this always has 

an opposite effect. Washing out all the 

necessary bacteria (that which helps the 

vagina stay clean and free from infection) 

and leaving the chemicals behind (from 

the douches or the feminine sprays) may 

only result in burning and irritation. There 

is no need to try to make the vagina 

smell differently if you keep it healthy. 

Adopt healthy lifestyle 

habits 

1. Wearing cotton underwear 

Cotton underwears not only dry quickly 

but they also allow free flow of air 

through the fabric thus preventing the 

development of damp conditions that 

could otherwise promote growth of 

unhealthy bacteria and yeast that may 

cause infection. Unlike cotton 

underwears, those made from lace, silk, 

synthetic fabrics or other materials does 

not breathe as well. 

If you do not like wearing cotton 

underwears, make sure that the part of 

the underwear touching your vagina has 

a cotton liner. If you are prone to vaginal 

infections, pick the underwears made 

from undyed, organic cotton that has 

no chemical treatment. 



2. Wearing loose fitting clothes 

Always try to wear loose, light fabrics that 

are free and especially dresses and skirts 

and instead of those that pull up around 

the waist go for the thigh highs tights. 

For shorts, opt for those that are looser. 

Remember that, skinny jeans, stretch pants 

and other tight clothes trap most of the 

moisture against your skin preventing 

airflow and this may lead to yeast 

infections. 

3. Changing out of wet clothes 

Avoid wearing wet workout clothes or 

even a wet bathing suit for a long time as 

this makes you prone to yeast infection. 

Always change into clean, dry underwears 

immediately after taking a shower or after 

workout or swimming. It is advisable to 

keep an extra pair with you just in case 

you unexpectedly need a fresh pair. 

4. Washing after sex 

During an intercourse, you may expose 

yourself to bacteria or other microscopic 

substances that may irritate your vagina 

or even cause an infection. To avoid this, 

wash your vagina after sex with hot water 

as this will help to minimise any chances 

of infection. It is also advisable to ask your 

partner to wash before sex especially if 

you are having unprotected sex. If you are 

prone to getting infections, you can wash 

other body parts or even take a shower 

before sex with your partner. 

5. Peeing after sex 

Peeing after sex even if you are going to 

wash your vagina is essential as this can 

help prevent any unwanted bacteria from 

travelling up the urethra connected to the 

bladder. Doing this will help in flushing 

out bacteria thus enhancing the general 

health of your vagina. 

6. Good grooming habits 

Long pubic hair enhances the growth of 

bacteria by creating the warm, moist 

environment for them thus increasing the 

chances of an infection. To avoid this, 

always keep your pubic hair short (not 

necessarily bare - unless you want to) by 

trimming it carefully with small scissors to 

a shorter length and this will also make it 

easier to clean and dry. 

When shaving the area around the vagina, 

do it cautiously to avoid cutting yourself 

and if using shaving creams, do not 

let any of it get inside your vagina. If 

you choose to wax, choose a reputable 

waxing salon that use clean wax and 

products to avoid bacterial infections. 

Exercising 

1. Kegel exercises 

Doing kegel exercises helps to 

strengthen not only the pelvic floor 

muscles but also the pubococcygeus 

muscles which often get looser and 

weaker after giving birth and also with 

age. With this type of exercise, you 

will strengthen them and as a result 

avoid issues such as urinary 

incontinence aside from increasing 

your sexual pleasure. This type of 

exercise is done by; 

• Locating the pelvic floor 

muscle which is achieved by 

pretending that you stop to 

urinate in midstream. The 

muscles that you use to stop 

are the same muscles you are 

targeting. 

• This is followed by tightening 

your muscles and holding it 

for 3 seconds and then 

releasing it (this should be 

repeated 15 times). 

• Do this exercises daily and 

with time, you can hold for 

longer time and at the same 

time repeat it more times 

because you have gained 

control. 

2. Exploring other ways of 

exercising the vagina 

The vagina can also be strengthened 

with sexual activity and pleasure because 

the sexual activity helps to keep it toned 

and elastic. Regular intercourse will help 

keep your vagina in good shape and 

during the activity, concentrate on 

tightening and releasing the vagina as 

much as possible and this will help 

exercise it. 

Concentrate 

on tightening 

and releasing the 

vagina as much 

as possible and 

this will help 

exercise it 


43


Infections and other ailments 

TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS 

• Take a bath on a regular basis 

with a lot of water and most 

especially during your periods 

(At least twice i.e. when you 

wake up and also before 

going to bed). 

• Drink plenty of water to keep 

your body dehydrated and 

this also helps to flush out 

toxins. 

• It is advisable that both you 

and your partner get tested 

for STDs so that if you are 

infected, you both get the 

treatment to avoid being 

infected again if one partner 

is not treated. 

• In case your vagina is not 

healthy, avoid having sex. 

• Follow the above steps with 

a mature mind knowing that 

having a healthy vagina is 

part of the general hygienic 

regime. 

1. Over the counter remedies 

(for yeast infection) 

Yeast infection is often experienced by 

many women every now and then and 

with the help of over the counter 

suppositories and antifungal creams, 

this can easily be solved. Such 

treatments are always in doses 

and are always taken for a period 

of time (1, 3, 5, or even 7 days) 

depending on the severity of 

the infection. Others also come 

with anti-itch creams that 

are used to help with the 

itching or burning around the 

vulva region. 

It is however advisable that you 

see a doctor if you are not sure 

that what you are suffering 

from is yeast infection. 

Symptoms of yeast infection 

include itching & burning in 

the vaginal area, curd-like yellowish 

discharge with bad smell, soreness or 

burning or even any rash on the vulva. 

If the infection does not go away after 

one week, it is advisable to have an 

appointment with the doctor to get the 

correct medication for the problem. 

2. Seeking a doctor’s help for 

treatment of vaginitis 

Yeast infections, parasites, or even 

bacterial infection may cause vaginitis. 

This is often characterised by itching & 

burning, discharge with fish-like odour 

as well as a rash around the vulva. 

Although over the counter creams are 

available for this condition, it is important 

to see a doctor so as to check its cause 

and as a result get the correct prescription. 

In case you experience any irregular 

vaginal bleeding (small amount of blood) 

especially between periods, or you are 

bleeding for a long time (weeks) or even 

soaking a pad in less than an hour, it 

could be a serious issue and that is why 

it is very essential that you see a doctor. 

3. Regular STDs tests 

HPV, genital warts, Chlamydia, etc are 

some of the sexually transmitted diseases 

and if left untreated, they may cause long 

term damage. When you have 

unprotected sex and have a feeling that 

you may be infected with STD, have an 

appointment with a doctor so as to 

confirm and if that is the case start the 

treatment immediately. 

4. Consult a doctor in case of 

anything unusual 

It is important that every woman becomes 

familiar with the way her vagina looks 

and feel as this will help you notice in 

case anything changes. Knowing how 

your vagina looks, feels or even smells 

(everyone is different) will help you notice 

anything unusual (e.g. any change of 

colour, any bumps or warts, smelly 

discharge or even any pain) and if this 

happens, see a doctor immediately. The 

doctor will examine you and give you the 

necessary treatment and this helps to 

make sure the health of your vagina. 


Recipes of the Month 

Catch of the Day 

Uncle Ali The Fishmonger 

At a recent event hosted by the seafood restaurant Uncle Ali, famed local celebrity 

Datuk Chef Wan imparted some tips on selecting, cooking and enjoying fresh seafood. 

Chef Wan also demonstrated the preparation of two seafood dishes. The first dish 

was the Portuguese Baked Fish which was made using fresh pomfret wrapped with 

spice paste in banana leaf. As for the second dish, Chef Wan prepared Prawns with 

Pineapple in Spicy Gravy, a local favourite which is best enjoyed with rice.

Recipes of the Month 

A regular diet of fish helps lower the risk of heart disease and stroke as fish and seafood provide protein, selenium, zinc, iodine, 

Vitamin A, Vitamin D as well as omega-3 fats. When it comes to the choice of seafood, the quality makes a huge difference. Fresh 

or frozen? Imported or domestic? You may think that all seafood is equal but that is not the case; fresh seafood cooks better, and 

definitely taste better. Being fresh, the seafood does not require thawing hence reducing the risk of bacterial contamination, eliminates 

moisture and nutrient loss. Here are two recipes made by Chef Wan using fresh fish and prawns from Uncle Ali The Fishmonger. 

PORTUGUESE BAKED FISH 

PRAWNS WITH PINEAPPLE 

IN SPICY GRAVY 

Ingredients 

• Cooking oil 4 Tbsp 

• Lime ½, juice extracted 

• Dark soy sauce ½ Tbsp 

• Salt to taste 

• Sugar to taste 

• Pomfret 1, about 600g 

• Banana leaf 1 piece 

Spice paste 

• Red chillies 4, seeded 

• Candlenuts 4 

• Shallots 8, peeled 

• Lemongrass 1 stalk, finely sliced 

• Dried shrimp paste ½ Tbsp 

• Chilli powder 1 Tbsp 

• Kaffir Lime leaves 2 

Method 

1. Combine ingredients for spice paste in a food processor and blend 

until smooth. 

a. Heat oil in a work and sauté the spice paste over low heat until fragrant. 

b. Add lime juice, soy sauce, salt and sugar. 

2. Spread cooked paste over fish and wrap fish in a piece of 

banana leaf. 

3. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or grill 

over glowing charcoal. 

a. Garnish as desired and serve warm with rice. 

Ingredients 

• Vegetable oil 85 ml 

• Store-bought cream 800 ml 

• Palm sugar (gula Melaka) 4 Tbsp, grated 

• Pineapple ½, peeled and diced 

• Fresh prawns (shrimps)500 g 

cleaned and feelers trimmed 

• 40 Thai basil leaves 

• Lime 1, juice extracted 

• Salt to taste 

• Sugar 4 Tsp 

Spice paste 

• Red chillies 8, seeded 

• Turmeric 1-cm (½ -in) knob, peeled 

• Candlenuts 4 

• Garlic 2 cloves, peeled 

• Shallots 8, peeled 

• Coriander root 4 

• Dried shrimp paste 1 Tsp 

• Coriander powder 2 Tsp 

• Galangal 2-cm (1-in) knob, peeled 

• Lemongrass 3 stalks, bruised 

Method 

1. Combine ingredients for spice paste in a food processor and blend 

until smooth. 

2. Heat oil in wok and fry the spice paste over low heat until the 

oil surfaces. 

3. Add coconut cream, palm sugar and pineapple. 

a. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. 

4. Put in the prawns, basil leaves, lime juice, salt and sugar to taste. 

a. Cook for a further 5 minutes. 

b. Serve warm with rice. 


ORGANIC & Wholesome 

A Smarter 

Salad 

Make one simple change 

to your diet – add a salad 

almost every day – and let it 

stockpile loads of nutrients 

to fight disease, ward off 

pounds, up your immunity 

and your energy. 


47


What are 

Phytonutrients? 

Phyto- means “plant”, and 

phytonutrients, also called 

phytochemicals, come from 

plants. Besides the rich vitamins 

and minerals found in 

vegetables and fruits, recent 

research have found hundreds, 

and perhaps even thousands 

of other substances that are 

beneficial to humans that are 

produced by plants. 

Why should you eat a salad? 

Salads are not only easy to prepare, they are also loaded 

with a lot of health benefits. Just cut and mix some 

vegetables and fruits and your green salad is ready. You 

can also help yourself with a side salad with fat-free salad 

dressing. Salads are also alluring both to the eyes and your 

taste buds. Here are some major health benefits of salads: 

High in fibre 

Above all, salads contain high amount of fibre and hence 

prevent constipation and reduce cholesterol level in the 

body. The high amount of fibre also gives the feeling of a 

full stomach and helps in weight loss. 

Provides nutrition benefits of fruits and 

vegetables 

Green salads with raw vegetables contain essential antioxidants 

like folic acid, alpha and beta-carotene, lycopene 

and vitamins E & C. Anti-oxidants help to free the body 

from the damaging effects of the free radicals. Having 

high intake of fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of a 

host of diseases including cancer. 

Prevents obesity 

Researches suggest that salads not only contain 

fewer calories, it also enhances satiety (feelings of 

fullness) and reduces the total number of calories 

eaten during the meal. Hence, you end up eating 

less calorie-rich foods - as long as salads are free 

of high calories, that is, they should be devoid of 

fatty dressings. 

Helps you live longer 

Eating a little good fat (like the monounsaturated 

fat found in olive oil, avocado and nuts) with 

your vegetables appears to help your body absorb 

protective phytochemicals, like lycopene from 

tomatoes and lutein from dark green vegetables. 

If you dress your salad with a little olive oil, there may even 

be some additional years in it for you. Italian research on 

people aged 60 and older has suggested that a diet that 

includes plenty of olive oil and raw vegetables is linked to 

reduced mortality. 



Eat Your Colours! 

Interestingly, a lot of the phytochemicals that are good for 

us also produce bright colours in vegetables and fruits. This 

is where the saying “Eat Your Colours” comes from. It’s also 

important to understand that each of these foods contains 

many different phytochemicals that can take care of different 

oxidation reactions in our cells. Each of them probably has 

a slightly different effect in our bodies. This is why it is 

important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. 

The Cabbage Family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. 

These contain chemicals (sulforaphane, isothiocyanate and 

idoles, to be exact) that help breakdown cancer-causing 

compounds. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, 

cauliflower, bok choy, and watercress are in this group. 

The Allium Family Vegetables contain compounds that protect 

DNA. Onions (all kinds, including green onions), garlic, leeks, 

shallots, and chives are part of this group. 

The Purple/Red Familys some of the most powerful 

antioxidant foods are in this family. Most of the berries (especially 

blueberries), plums (and prunes), red grapes (including raisins, 

grape juice, and red wine), cranberries, and pomegranates are 

in this family. The colour in these fruits comes from a groups 

of chemicals called anthocyanins, which reduce inflammation, 

protect against cancer, and recent studies show good effects in 

eyes, arteries, and brains. 

The Red Family tomatoes and tomato products, watermelon, 

pink grapefruit. These foods contain lycopene, which studies 

have shown reduce the risk of several types of cancer. Apricots 

and pink guavas are also sources of lycopene. 

The Deep Orange Family contain fruits and veggies rich in the 

carotenes. Carrots pumpkins, mangos, apricots, cantaloupe, 

and sweet potatoes are some of the foods in this group. 

Carotenes help improve communication between cells as well 

as doing many of the same functions as other antioxidants. 

The Yellow-Orange Family contain the citrus fruits as well 

as peaches, pineapple, and papaya. These fruits are rich in 

vitamin C and flavanoids, another group of antioxidants which 

help our immune systems. 

The Green Family vary in which family they belong to. 

The dark green leafy vegetables are rich in lutein, among 

other phytochemicals. Others belonging to this family are 

green beans, avocados, kiwi fruit, green peppers, and 

honeydew melon. 


49


5 Ingredients to Avoid 

Salads can be a friend or enemy. The key to making a good 

healthy salad is to be aware of the ingredients you put in your 

salad. Here are ingredients you should be conscious of: 

Salad Dressings 

Many salad dressing (especially the creamy ones) have high 

contents of bad fats. Not only that, they also contain many 

unhealthy ingredients such as MSG, artificial flavourings, lots of 

sugars and hydrogenated oils, which are considered dangerous 

trans fat. The biggest problem when using processed salad 

dressings is that most people use more than one serving, which 

makes them consume a lot more of the bad fat contents. 

You can prepare your own salad dressings so that unhealthy 

preservatives and artificial flavourings are avoided. For a simple 

salad dressing, you can combine some olive oil, garlic and 

lemon juice. On the other hand, you may find bottled salad 

dressings from your local health food stores that contain only 

whole ingredients and less fats and oils. 

Croutons 

Don’t we all love to add 

croutons to our salads for the 

crunch and flavour that they 

add? However, croutons are 

made from processed white 

bread, which equivalents 

to empty carbohydrates 

and high calories. They 

also contain many artificial 

ingredients such as 

preservatives, hydrogenated 

oils and flavourings. 

“Breaded” Meats 

Crispy breaded meats are definitely unhealthy ingredients for 

your salad because they contain a lot of harmful fats. Breaded 

is just another term for fried, and therefore you should avoid 

putting any in your salad. 

You can always find a 

healthier alternative. For that extra crunch, try adding a couple 

of tablespoons of raw nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts and 

pistachios. They may have high contents of fat, but the fats are 

the healthy kind. 

Cheese 

Over 100 calories is what you will consume if you add a 1/4 

cup of shredded cheese to your salad. Including cheese in 

your salad is really not that bad as long as you choose natural 

cheeses like parmesan, blue cheese and feta, and you use 

it sparingly. Avoid using processed cheeses; they are full of 

artificial flavours, colourings and salt. 

Bacon Bits, Salami & Ham 

We know that bacon bits, salami and ham give salad that extra 

flavour. However, flavour is not the only thing you consume 

when you add these ingredients in your salad. Real bacon bits 

and processed meats contain harmful preservatives like sodium 

nitrites along with high doses of bad fats. 


NEWS & Events 

Going Skin Deep with 

Hada Labo 

Do you incorporate hydration as part of your skincare 

routine? Well, Taiwanese skincare guru, Liu Yen held a 

talk recently to discuss skincare routine featuring local 

celebrities and the Malaysian public. 

The talk was a collaboration between Japanese skincare 

brand Hada Labo and Liu Yen. She led the discussion with 

local celebrities Jojo Goh, Emily Chan, Carol Ong and 

Jeffrey Cheng. 

(from left to right) Celebrities, Jeffrey Cheng, Carol Ong, Emily Chan and 

Jojo Goh listening to Taiwanese skincare and beauty gauru, Liu Yen 

Jardiance ® isn't just for 

blood sugar control 

The prescription oral medicine 

shows data on reducing established 

cardiovascular diseases among 

Type 2 diabetics 

Primarily used to regulate blood sugar levels in adults 

with Type 2 diabetes on top of their diet and exercise 

routines, Jardiance ® (empagliflozin) can now be used 

for those with established heart diseases too. 

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency in 

Malaysia has approved the update to the Jardiance ® 

(empagliflozin) label to include a change in the 

indication statement. 

The approved product information now includes data 

on the reduction of risks of cardiovascular death in 

patients with Type 2 diabetes and established 

cardiovascular disease in addition to data on the 

improvement of blood sugar control. The new data 

emerged after a clinical trial showed the drug reduced 

the risk of cardiovascular death. 

One Step towards Health 

Nutrition Month Malaysia stresses to the public the importance of healthy 

eating and lifestyle 

The Nutrition Month Malaysia's (NMM) annual family carnival, 

Food-Fit-Fun Fair ended with a bang on March 25 at Sunway 

Velocity Mall after running for five consecutive days. 

Themed “Your Only Choice: Eat Healthy & Be Active”, this year’s 

event focused on eating a healthy diet and being physically active 

every day as the keys to healthy lifestyle and for reducing risks of 

getting non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 

The Food-Fit-Fun Fair attracted over 5,000 visitors with its fun, 

entertaining and educational activities. Targeting family as its main 

audience, the fair was well-received by the public, especially young 

parents for them to spend the school holidays with their children. 

There were various exciting stage activities, which were held 

throughout the event, including cooking workshops and 

demonstrations, nutrition talks, and colouring contest for children. 

The visitors were also entertained with numerous interactive booths 

by participating sponsors such as Dutch Lady Malaysia that featured 

fun-educational activities for the public such as lucky draw, 

crossword challenge, free product sampling and goodies. 

Visitors took part in the hip-hop cardio fitness dance during the 

Nutrition Month Malaysia Food-Fit-Fun Fair 


51

NEWS & Events 

Herbal remedy for Arthritis 

Lanconone ® joint pain formula now available here 

If you suffer from severe joint pain and consume painkillers 

regularly to ease the pain, there may just be an effective and 

safer alternative solution to your medical condition. 

Lanconone ® is a clinically researched herbal joint pain formula 

which has been tested against the NSAID painkiller ibuprofen. 

It was found that this herbal remedy worked as quickly and 

as effectively as the NSAID to relieve joint pain whilst 

supporting joint recovery at the same time. Comprised of 

seven authenticated Ayurvedic herbs in one patented formula, 

Lanconone ® is now available in Malaysia. 

The media launch took place in March with key information 

on arthritis joint pain and groundbreaking herbal research 

remedies hosted by NuvaLanconone. 

(from left to right) Enovate Biolife Clinical Development Associate Director, 

Dr Shalini Srivastava, Nuvanta Nuvaceuticals Business Unit Manager, 

Datin Swanee Teh and Enovate Biolife Associate Director, Amol Pathak 

Lanconone ® 's primary researcher, Dr Shalini Srivastava was 

present at the launch to share alternatives to chronic joint 

pain sufferers. 

DEMC is Out, Avisena is In! 

Shah Alam's Specialist hospital 

unveils new name and plans 

The DEMC Specialist Hospital has a new name and 

its Avisena. 

Having been around for more than 20 years, the 

Avisena Specialist Hospital at Section 14 got its name 

from the famous Persian polymath Avicenna (Ibn 

Sina) who was one of the most significant physicians, 

astronomers, thinkers and writers of the Islamic 

Golden Age. 

The hospital has also revealed plans to open a women 

and children's hospital by the end of this year. 

A well-hydrated face upon removing Dr. Morita’s facial mask 

The Doctor is in Session! 

Mask your face with Dr. Morita's line 

of products 

“Ladies, if you want to look like you’re in your twenties even 

when you are in your late thirties, you had better start your 

youth preservation today!” 

That was the beauty tip given by Dr. Jou Biotech Co., Ltd 

CEO, Chunhsu Jou at a beauty workshop held recently to 

launch and promote Taiwan’s top selling facial sheet mask 

brand, Dr. Morita. 

The one day workshop titled ‘A Dr. Morita facial mask a 

day, keeps your ageing away’ saw Dr Jou introducing Dr. 

Morita’s latest line up of products as well as identifying the 

best suited masks based on current skin condition with 

participants at the workshop. 

(from left to right) Avisena Specialist Hospital Corporate Sevices & 

Talent Management Vice President, Haslina Zainuddin, Chief 

Executive Officer, Dato' Dr Omar Abd Hamid and Senior Manager 

(Acting Director) of Marketing and Corporate Communications, 

Nor Hafidah Mustapha 

In support of HPV Awareness Day, Cancer Research Malaysia 

and the University Malaya Medical Centre have come on board 

as global supporters to raise awareness about the availability 

of prevention tools, promote education about HPV and 

encourage people to take action against HPV. 


Gifts for 8 Early 

Subscribers! 

Abellie Tresor de Purete 

Micellar Water and Tresor de 

Purete Foaming Gel 

Arise Face Scrub 

and Gel Mask 

Nohem Nourishing 

Face & Body Oil 

FREE! 

8 early subscribers will receive either a facial voucher or 

product(s) from one of the following brands: Organique 

Essentielle facial vouchers worth RM450, skincare products 

from anti aging Swiss brand Arise, French bee cosmetics 

expert Abellie, or French spa and moisturiser brand Nohem 

worth up to RM300! 

Want to know more about the gifts*? 

Pamper yourself or treat a partner as early subscribers will walk 

away with an Organique Essentielle Intensive Oxy Meso Facial valid 

between 1 May and 31 December 2018. 

Apart from the vouchers, use the best for your skin with Arise's 

Face Scrub and Gel Mask which contains ingredients from the Swiss 

Alps. The Face Scrub and Gel Mask makes use of Alpine water and 

herbs to provide long lasting moisture, suppleness and a lifting 

effect that refines the skin's texture, giving it a velvety touch. 

Utilising honey, propolis, royal jelly and aloe vera as its main 

ingredients, Abellie's Tresor de Purete Micellar Water and the Tresor 

de Purete Foaming Gel will ensure skin stays soft and hydrated at 

all times. 

Meanwhile, known for creating products suitable even for those 

with atopic dermatitis, the Nohem Nourishing Face & Body Oil is 

ideal for sensitive skin and perfect for pregnant women looking 

to get rid of stretch marks! 

So, what are you waiting for? Subscribe NOW! 

*While stocks last 

Subscribe to Natural Health + FREE Gift 

YES, I WANT TO SUBSCRIBE TO NATURAL HEALTH 

□ 12 issues (1 year) of Natural Health at RM72 (FREE delivery) 

□ 24 issues (2 years) of Natural Health at RM144 (FREE delivery) 

PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS IN CAPITAL LETTERS 

Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms)_________________________________NRIC_________________ 

Address________________________________________________________________ 

_______________________________________________________________________ 

______________________________________________Postal Code_______________ 

Occupation__________________________________________Sex_______Age_____ 

Tel______________________Email_________________________________________ 

Subscription beginning from______________________ to_____________________ 

Fill in the form above with cheque enclosed and mail to: 

Natural Health, N-2-6, Plaza Damas, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Tel: +603-6203 2522 Fax: +603-6203 4522 Email: info@acepremier.com 

Subscriptions are non-refundable. Gifts are available while stocks last. 

MODE OF PAYMENT 

1. Cheque/Bank Draft no. ________________ 

RM _________________________________ 

(Payable to AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd) 

OR 

2. Online Transfer 

Maybank 5144-8611-2071 

(AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd) 

________________________________________________ 

Signature 

Date 

GIFT SUBSCRIPTION 

□ I will personally pick up my subscription gift 

□ I would like my subscription gift to be couriered to me. 

Enclosed is RM10 as postage fee. 

□ I am sending someone on my behalf. 

Name 

NRIC 

________________________________________________________

Healthier, 

more Radiant Skin 

All Day Long

Natural health May 2018

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