09_NH_Sept 2022

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Give your body the love, care & respect

it truly deserves

Our bodies are extraordinary creations, functioning tirelessly non-stop like

magnificent well-oiled machines with one sole purpose – to keep us breathing and

living. Think about it. You breathe (without even giving it a thought, mind you), hence

you’re alive, which makes every single thing you do, enjoy and appreciate in life

possible. The sad reality is that, though, a lot of us tend to take our bodies for

granted until we’re unexpectedly incapacitated in some way or our health begins to

decline, affecting quality of life.

The time is NOW to start paying attention to your body, and give it the love, care and

respect it truly deserves. Eat right, stay physically active, get enough shut-eye, stress

less, be mindful. As the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’, so don’t forget to

get your annual health screenings done so you can prevent the development of certain

diseases or keep medical conditions from deteriorating through early detection.

Speaking of which, screenings are certainly a key point in detecting breast cancer

much earlier, before symptoms are even felt, says Dr Ahmad Muhsin Mohammad Nor,

Consultant General Surgeon – Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre. Join him in this

edition of Natural Health as he delves into the prevalent disease’s risk factors,

symptoms and treatment, in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Readers will also benefit from a wealth of invaluable insight on heart disease,

Malaysia’s No 1 killer, as Dr Azani Mohamed Daud, Cardiologist – Gleneagles Hospital

Kuala Lumpur explains, with hopes of magnifying the gravity of the disease, its risk

factors and prevention.

Also, if you’re looking to adopt a healthy diet – whether to re-invent yourself through

a trimmer fitter you or determined to improve your overall health – well, we’ve got

you covered! Check out our Top 5 Diet Plans That Work! Remember, it’s all about

determination, being consistent and coming to terms with the fact that your weight

loss journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

Till next time, Happy Reading! Stay safe and stay well, folks!

Syama

Graphic Designer

Nur Hazwani

Advisory Panel

Dr Ahmad Muhsin Mohammad Nor

Consultant General Surgeon

Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre

Dr Tan Jin Poi

Eye Surgeon Consultant

Pantai Hospital Penang

Dr Azani Mohamed Daud

Cardiologist

Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur

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HEALTH & Wellness

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE,

HAPPY HEART

In 2019 alone, heart (cardiovascular) disease claimed an estimated 18.6 million lives

(a staggering figure you can’t wrap your head around!) across the world, according to

the World Heart Federation, with Malaysia accounting for 18,267 in total.

As we celebrate World Heart Day on 29 September, Dr Azani Mohamed Daud,

Cardiologist – Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur imparts a wealth of invaluable insight

on heart disease, Malaysia’s No 1 killer, with hopes of magnifying the gravity of the disease,

its risk factors and prevention.

4 Natural Health * September 2022 VOL 129

HEALTH & Wellness

Dr Azani Mohamed Daud

Cardiologist

Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Living a long, healthy, happy, contented

life is what dreams are made of for

every single one of us – the haves, the

have-nots, regardless of social status,

creed, religion. Chances are, though,

the majority of us have experienced,

at some point in our lives, the anguish

and pain of losing a loved one, or at

least know of someone who has. And it

wouldn’t be a stretch at all to point the

finger in the direction of ‘heart disease’

as the damning culprit.

According to the ‘Statistics on Causes

of Death, Malaysia’ report issued last

November by Department of Statistics

Malaysia, the deviously stealthy heart

disease remains Malaysia’s No 1 killer,

increasing from 13.2% of all medically

certified deaths in 2016 to 17% in

2020, which translates to a total of

18,515 deaths.

Heart (cardiovascular) disease is

still the No 1 killer in Malaysia.

What are your thoughts on this?

Yes, cardiovascular (CV) disease has

been the No 1 killer in Malaysia for

many years. At the height of the

Covid-19 pandemic, death rates from

Covid-19 were extremely high too and

it is possible that Covid-19 deaths may

have superseded documented CV

deaths, but we need to wait for the

statistics for those years to be released.

Whatever the case may be, CV death

rates remain far too high in Malaysia.

What are the risk factors of

heart disease?

Essentially there are two types of risk

factors – modifiable and non-modifiable.

The non-modifiable risk factors are

family history (where genetics strongly

influences CV risk), age (the risk of a CV

event increases with age), and gender;

everything else being equal, males have

a higher risk compared to females.

Some of the modifiable risk factors

are smoking, hypertension (most

people with high blood pressure do

not experience any symptoms, hence

hypertension is known as the ‘Silent

Killer’), diabetes and elevated levels

of LDL-cholesterol (‘bad cholesterol’).

Obesity is another risk factor.

Unfortunately, a very high proportion

of the Malaysian population is

overweight or obese; in fact, Malaysia

ranks as the worst amongst ASEAN

countries. Obesity is associated with CV

diseases, pre-diabetes and diabetes,

hypertension, certain cancers and joint

problems, among others.

Natural Health * September 2022 VOL 129

5

HEALTH & Wellness

Sedentary lifestyles also contribute to

obesity, so it’s recommended that we

exercise about 150 minutes a week.

Regular exercise also reduces risk of

pre-diabetes and diabetes, and lowers

blood pressure. A lot of my patients cite

a lack of time as the main reason for not

exercising and I usually advise them to

incorporate physical activity into their

daily routine. For example, instead of

using the elevator, walk up the stairs…

instead of driving to nearby shops or

places of worship, walk there instead.

Stress is also another modifiable risk

factor. Levels of stress hormones may

increase during periods of stress;

amongst these are adrenaline which

causes an increase in heart rate and

blood pressure as well as cortisol which

increases blood sugar levels.

What are the common causes

of heart problems among

Malaysians?

It would be wrong to pin the reason

down on just one factor. I believe

that overall lifestyle plays a significant

role including all the modifiable risk

factors listed above. Late-night eating

at warungs is just an example of a less

healthy lifestyle. Raiding the fridge late

at night to snack on leftovers or icecream

is probably not much different!

What are the signs and

symptoms to look out for?

To understand possible signs and

symptoms of coronary heart disease,

it’s perhaps better to first understand

the underlying disease process.

The fundamental problem is the

formation of cholesterol deposits

(plaques) within blood vessels. This

process takes place in all the blood

vessels of the body including those

supplying the heart, brain, kidneys and

limbs, to name a few. There are two

important effects that can arise from

this process; the first is the narrowing

of the blood vessel resulting in a

reduction in blood flow to the organ

supplied by the said vessel, also

known as stenosis of the blood vessel.

This process is slow and takes place

over many years but is accelerated

by the risk factors discussed above,

especially diabetes and high LDL-C

levels. If we look at the heart, should

the blood vessels become significantly

narrowed, the flow of blood may be

impeded enough to affect the supply

of oxygen to the heart especially when

the heart is beating fast and oxygen

demand increases. This imbalance in

oxygen supply and demand to the

heart tissue can result in symptoms

such as chest discomfort. Typically

the chest discomfort occurs in the

centre of the chest although it may

be anywhere in the chest and may

extend into the neck, jaw and arms.

The discomfort occurs when the heart

rate increases, for example during

physical activity, and subsides as the

heart rate slows down with rest. It

may also be associated with sweating

and shortness of breath. Typically,

symptoms occur when there is a

narrowing of at least 60-70%. It is

possible to have more than one area

of narrowing in a blood vessel.

The second effect is rupture of a

cholesterol plaque, which occurs

after a plaque becomes inflamed.

This rupture causes the immediate

formation of a blood clot within the

blood vessel at the site of the rupture,

leading to an absolute cessation of

blood flow. The tissues supplied by the

affected blood vessel downstream to

the clot will receive no blood supply

and the tissue dies. If this occurs in a

vessel supplying the heart, it will result

in a HEART ATTACK.

The symptoms of a heart attack

typically include severe chest pains,

profuse sweating, vomiting and

shortness of breath. The damage to

the heart tissues can also trigger off

an abnormal heart rhythm which can

lead to a cardiac arrest and death.

Unfortunately for some people, the first

symptom they experience is a heart

attack leading to cardiac arrest and

death immediately.


HEALTH & Wellness

What are the tests/screenings

available to check for heart

disease?

There are a number of tests available

mostly to look for narrowings of the

coronary arteries, less so for the risk

of rupture. The types of test depend

on the CV risk of an individual patient.

There really is no ‘one size fits all’.

Amongst the list of available tests for

the heart are electrocardiogram (ECG),

echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan

of the heart), treadmill exercise stress

test, coronary calcium score, cardiac

MRI scan (including perfusion studies),

CT angiogram of the coronary arteries,

and coronary angiogram.

What are the treatment options?

The treatment options generally

depend on the extent of the disease.

If there are significant narrowings

in the coronary arteries detected

following investigations, the options

for treatment include Optimal Medical

Therapy (OMT), the use of drugs in

optimal, maximally tolerated doses

to offset the effects of narrowings on

blood flow in the vessels supplying

the heart; Percutaneous Coronary

Intervention (PCI), a non-surgical

procedure using balloons with or

without the use of stents to re-open

the narrowings in the blood vessels;

and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

(CABG) surgery, an open-heart surgery

where blood vessels in the chest or

legs are harvested and used to create

a diversion bypassing the narrowings

and implanted into the non-narrowed

segments of the heart blood vessels to

improve flow.

In the event of a heart attack, time is of

the essence. The best way of treating a

heart attack is to perform emergency

PCI and re-open the affected blood

vessel and restore blood flow. Results

are best if PCI is performed within an

hour of the heart attack occurring, the

sooner the better. In hospitals where

such facilities are not available, clotbuster

drugs can be given to dissolve

the blood clot and restore flow.

What steps should we take to

prevent heart disease?

The most important step is to

optimally control all the modifiable risk

factors and lead an all-encompassing

healthy lifestyle. Quit smoking, eat

moderately and exercise regularly. It’s

important to see your doctor to have

your blood pressure and cholesterol

levels checked, as well as glucose

levels to detect not only diabetes but

also pre-diabetes.

Remember, it’s very possible to have

elevated blood pressure, glucose and

cholesterol levels as well as cholesterol

deposits in the blood vessels, and

yet display absolutely no symptoms.

All it takes is for one of the deposits

to rupture, induce a heart attack and

cause a cardiac arrest and death.

Source of Statistics:

• Department of Statistics Malaysia

www.dosm.gov.my

• World Heart Federation

www.world-heart-federation.org


7

BRAND Story

OATGRAIN 35:

HEART-HEALTHY

GOODNESS EVERY DAY

If your daily routine includes a sedentary desk job, hectic schedules and unhealthy foods, it’s time to

improve your lifestyle before these habits take a toll on your health. The best way to start is to ensure

you have healthy and well-balanced meals every day. Made with healthy diets in mind, OatGrain 35

Premium Oat Bran Powder combines a variety of nutritious ingredients into an easy-to-consume and

delicious daily beverage.


BRAND Story

A multi-award-winning product imported

from Sweden, OatGrain 35 combines 32

types of grains, including brown rice, oat,

barley, and quinoa, with a few selected

herbs that work in synergy to ensure

better heart health and in maintaining a

healthy weight too.

Apart from offering a more satiating

taste, brown rice comes with a host of

benefits. Not only does it improve

cardiovascular system functions, the

digestive system as well as the brain and

nervous systems, it is also loaded with

powerful antioxidants that offer relief

from hypertension, unhealthy cholesterol

levels, stress, mental depression and skin

disorder. Quinoa, on the other hand,

takes the nutritious goodness of OatGrain

35 to another level. High in amino acids,

enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fibre,

antioxidants and phytonutrients, this

grain-like seed has superior health

benefits. It is also packed with highquality

proteins, potassium, magnesium,

iron, vitamin B and fibre.

One of the most remarkable things about

this tasty daily beverage is that it’s rich

in beta-glucan. This soluble fibre helps

improve the body’s metabolism and

lowers cholesterol while also aiding in

digestion. Beta-glucan’s proven properties

form a gel that binds cholesterol in the

intestines and prevents it from being

absorbed, therefore, reducing the risk of

coronary heart disease.

There are also B vitamins (thiamine,

riboflavin, niacin) for healthy metabolism

and to help the body form red blood cells

(folic acid). Moreover, Omega 3 fatty

acids prevent heart disease and arthritis.

For those looking to manage their blood

sugar better, OatGrain is a healthy

alternative to artificially sweetened food

products, making OatGrain 35 an ideal

complement to a healthy diet and healthy

lifestyle.

Apart from all the healthy ingredients

above, OatGrain 35 also incorporates

the “magic 6” herbs: Pearl Powder,

Tangsheng Root, White Atractylodes

Rhizome, Poria, Chinese Yam and

Fructus Amomi. Together they protect

against chronic conditions such as heart

disease, diabetes, and cancer, while

promoting digestion and metabolism,

strengthening the immune system,

stimulating the nervous system, dilating

peripheral blood vessels and inhibiting

adrenal cortex activity, thereby lowering

blood pressure.

To ensure a healthy digestive system, the

addition of Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

helps with promoting the growth of

beneficial bacteria. This increases overall

gastrointestinal tract health and treats

digestive disorders such as irritable bowel

syndrome, constipation and flatulence.

OatGrain 35 is brought to you by

BioConnexion Sdn Bhd, a company

dedicated to providing the best health

food to enhance people’s lives. As the

company believes good health is vital to

all of us, BioConnexion’s strict criteria

ensure that all products are safe, effective

and of high quality, fulfilling all aspects

and stages of life.

“We strive to help people achieve their

best health so that they feel better and

live longer. Therefore, we have something

for all health goals, formulated with the

highest quality ingredients accompanied

by comprehensive nutrition and exercise

guidance on social media for customers

to feel better than ever!” BioConnexion

states.

For more information, log on to www.oatgrain35.com or follow their FB page at

www.facebook.com/oatgrain35


11

NATURAL & Beauty

FREEZE TIME!

7 Best Anti-Ageing Superfoods

To Keep You Looking Young &

Feeling Fabulous!

“I dream of losing my youth and

beauty… I can’t wait to grow old, frail

and wrinkly,” said no one ever.

Ahh yes, as much as we learn to

embrace ageing and all that it entails

(albeit a tad grudgingly), every one

of us loves to secretly indulge in

far-fetched fantasies of stumbling

upon the fabled “fountain of youth”.

Wouldn’t it be absolutely glorious if

we could just freeze the 25-year-old

us – for life.

Well, unfortunately life isn’t exactly a

genie that sprouts out of an ancient

lamp and goes, “Your wish is my

command.” Good news is, though,

thanks to Mother Nature there is a

host of superfoods out there that can

help you hang on to your youthful

appearance longer – and promote

overall health to boot. Here are our Top

7 Best Anti-Ageing ‘Secrets’ to keep

you looking and feeling young and

fabulous, with an all-new zest for life!


13

NATURAL & Beauty

BLUEBERRIES

Whether folded into muffins, cereals or salads, blueberries

make for delicious treats. They are practically the “poster

child” of superfoods – packed with a type of flavonoid called

anthocyanin which lends them its characteristic intense blue

hue, along with a string of benefits. It decreases the risk of

heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and helps promote hair

health, bone strength, mental health – even fight cancer

thanks to its powerful antioxidant properties that prevent

the effects of free radicals, which in turn could delay ageing.

Blueberries are loaded with Vitamin C, which improves

collagen’s ability to smooth wrinkles and enhance the

overall texture of the skin. Did you know that one cup of

blueberries provides 24% of a person’s recommended daily

allowance of Vitamin C? Well, now you do!

GREEN TEA

Unless you’ve been living under a gigantic rock for the past

few decades, you’d have come across some form of news

or articles that sing the praises of the all-mighty green tea

and its “magical effects”. That’s because the green tea really

is the undefeated king of teas, with matcha rising up the

popularity scale in leaps and bounds the past few years.

What makes green tea one of the healthiest beverages

is its content of natural compounds such as antioxidants

and phytochemicals; these decrease inflammations in

the body (inflammation is commonly associated with

accelerated ageing).

Polyphenols and a catechin (antioxidant) commonly

referred to as EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) work to

reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage and help fight

off cancer by minimising the formation of free radicals in

the body; free radicals play a role in ageing and many types

of diseases as well. A cup of green tea daily can potentially

help your complexion stay free of wrinkles and fine lines,

and keep your skin supple.


NATURAL & Beauty

PINEAPPLE

The prickly tropical fruit, which has its origins dating

back to 15th-century South America, is essentially a

precious vault harbouring a wealth of health benefits,

from managing diabetes and weight to heart and

skin health. Pineapple is loaded with vitamins and

minerals (eg Vitamins C, A, B-5, B-6, manganese,

potassium, etc), enzymes and antioxidants that help

boost the immune system, build strong bones and

aid indigestion. Pineapple is also the only natural

source of bromelain, an enzyme that helps to cleanse

the colon and relieve constipation. Just one cup of

pineapple gives you your full daily dose of Vitamin

C, a powerful antioxidant necessary to manufacture

collagen, a protein which supports skin structure.

This is where its anti-ageing powers kick in, with the

help of alpha-hydroxy acids that fight skin-damaging

free radicals.

COCONUT

The humble yet incredibly versatile coconut has been one

of the key ingredients in cooking and home remedies in

countries like India, Indonesia, Philippines, even Malaysia,

since time immemorial. Every aspect of the nut possesses

its own sets of benefits, be it coconut water, milk, oil, shell,

even the husk. The coconut is packed with highly nutritious

fibre, vitamins and minerals that promote heart health,

digestion, oral hygiene as well as immunity,

and helps manage diabetes.

Coconut is also rich in manganese which promotes bone

health, and selenium, an antioxidant that protects your

cells. Vitamin E, lauric acid and linoleic acid in coconut

oil meanwhile work to hydrate and protect skin and hair;

Vitamin E also helps counter ageing and inflammatory

effects of UV rays. Plus, coconut oil is also known to

encourage the production of collagen, essential in

maintaining the skin’s suppleness.


NATURAL & Beauty

MANUKA HONEY

The medicinal use of honey goes back thousands of years, all the

way to ancient Egyptians, Indians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans who

used honey to treat wounds and diseases. And modern science has

indeed proven honey’s therapeutic benefits – thanks to its antiinflammatory,

antioxidant and antibacterial properties. And there’s a

good reason Manuka honey is often touted as

the ‘queen bee’ of honeys (pun unintended).

Native to parts of Australia and New Zealand, Manuka honey is

produced by bees that pollinate the flowers on a Manuka bush, a

variant of tea tree. Its antibacterial effects come from methylglyoxal

(MGO), a result of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) conversion, a compound

found in high concentration in Manuka flowers. In fact, the

antibacterial effects of Manuka honey are about 100 times higher

than regular honey. Studies have shown that Manuka honey can

promote tissue regeneration, curb dental plaque build-up and prevent

gingivitis, and relieve sore throats and ulcers. Honey aids in antiageing

by reducing inflammatory cytokine formation, thus helping to

reduce signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.

BROCCOLI

Love it or hate it, these green cruciferous queens are

one of the healthiest foods, playing an important role in

reducing the risk of cancer and several chronic diseases –

making it a truly anti-ageing powerhouse. Compared to

other vegetables in the cruciferous family (eg cauliflower,

Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, etc), the broccoli has the

most concentrated content of Vitamin C, which helps the

body produce collagen; collagen is a main protein in the

skin which keeps your complexion firm, smooth and bouncy,

and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.

Apart from being loaded with vitamins, multiple

antioxidants, fibre, folate, lutein and minerals (eg calcium,

manganese, copper, zinc, etc), broccoli also contains

sulforaphane, a sulfur-rich compound that can boost the

natural production of antioxidant enzymes which decrease

oxidative stress. The best way to eat broccoli is by steaming

it (one to three minutes) to optimise levels of sulforaphane.

SALMON

Does the mere thought of balsamic glazed salmon get your

tummy doing cartwheels of joy? How about pan-seared

salmon with a generous serving of garlic lemon butter

sauce? Well, you’re not alone (and wipe away that drool

already). These silver-coloured fish of the Pacific and Atlantic

oceans aren’t just delicious, they’re a rich source of Omega-3

known as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) which are particularly

beneficial in protecting the brain, heart and eyes from

ageing. Omega-3 helps calm inflammation, which can result

in collagen loss and a breakdown in elastin (both of which

give skin its youthful appearance). Omega-3 also retains

moisture in the skin to help preserve the skin’s elasticity.

Vitamin D in salmon also helps protect the skin against

harmful effects of UV rays and free radicals, and promote

skin cell growth and repair. And there’s more! Its content

of Astaxanthin (a chemical compound known as a ketocarotenoid,

which the salmon’s pink hue comes from) creates

more collagen and calms inflammation,

which helps reduce wrinkles and age spots.


BRAND Story

REINVENTING THE

ART OF COOKING

A firm believer of the phrase, ‘A family that eats together, stays together’, La gourmet

continues its steadfast mission to offer consumers innovative cooking tools and solutions that

are not just green and cutting-edge but time-saving as well, underlining their core principles of

‘Conserving Energy’ and ‘Healthy Cooking’

Mention the words ‘innovation’ and

‘essential cookware’ and one brand

instantly springs to mind of food

enthusiasts – La gourmet, a name that

has been passionately championing its

core beliefs of ‘Conserving Energy’ and

‘Healthy Cooking’ for the past 27 years.

A firm believer of the phrase, ‘A family

that eats together, stays together’,

the brand continuously produces

cooking tools that are not just green

and cutting-edge but time-saving as

well to accommodate busy moms and

home-chefs so they can spend more

quality time with their family, instead

of slogging away endless hours in the

kitchen every day.

“We always listen to our customers.

What cooking results are they looking

for? What kind of food are they

cooking, and what is their style of

cooking?” says La gourmet. “Based on

what our customers share with us, we

will introduce elements most suitable

for their cooking style. For example,

if they want wok hei (fragrant aroma)

in their dishes, we will introduce our

Nitrigan Light Cast Iron wok to them.

For us, our priority is not so much about

what we sell but what we can provide

to meet the needs of our customers.”

Over the years La gourmet has produced

a host of award-winning cookware,

such as La gourmet Sakura Thermal

Cooker and Shogun Granite Plus.

Beefing up the brand’s impressive lineup

further are La gourmet Thermalware

and 3R PAC2GO, both winners of the

2021 Natural Health Readers’ Choice

Awards, a true testament to the

products’ exceptional quality, reliability

and benefits.


BRAND Story

La gourmet Thermalware

Nothing perks up one’s mood better

than a nice, steaming cup of joe. Or

perhaps your go-to pick-me-up is a

sweet iced lemon tea, perfect to ease

the day’s stresses away. You can count

on La gourmet Thermalware to keep

both just the way you like it – whenever,

wherever – as they retain heat or cold

up to 30% longer than regular thermal

flasks, thanks to the La gourmet Special

Reflective Lining. In fact the doublewalled

and vacuum-pumped La gourmet

Thermalware can retain the temperature

of hot contents up to 12 hours and cold

contents for up to 24 hours!

Made using food-safe 18/8 stainless

steel, each product is absolutely free

from BPA, Phthalates, lead and other

toxins, meaning it is non-leaching and

safe for food and drinks, regardless of

temperature, so you can confidently say

goodbye to leached toxins from plastic

ware and aluminum bottles which can

potentially contaminate your food and

drinks. Plus La gourmet Thermalware

is leak-proof, spill-proof, condensationproof

and always cool to the touch –

suitably complemented by sleek, timeless

aesthetics, simply icing on the cake!

Each product is backed by a 5-year

warranty (on manufacturing defect) as

well as a dedicated customer service

team to render any assistance to ensure

customer satisfaction and peace of mind.


21

BRAND Story

La gourmet Thermalware Care

CLEAN BEFORE FIRST USE

Before first use, clean your La gourmet Thermalware

with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Using a

cleaning brush with soft foam head will make the task

easier. Do not use metal or hard plastic cleaning brushes.

STUBBORN STAINS

Remove stains by adding a mixture of hot water and

vinegar or lemon juice into the flask/mug and soak for

several hours, empty and rinse thoroughly. For stubborn

stains, try a mixture of bicarbonate soda (baking soda)

and hot water. Soak for several hours before rinsing.

DRYING

Dry with lid removed from the La gourmet Thermalware.

MAXIMUM HEAT/COLD RETENTION

For best results, pre-rinse La gourmet Thermalware with

hot water for hot drinks, and cold water for cold drinks.

OVERFILLING

Do not overfill the La gourmet Thermalware. The ideal

liquid level should be 2 to 3cm below the rim to avoid

spilling when re-opening and to prolong the life span

of the silicon ring by preventing it from soaking in hot

liquid.

CLOSE COVERS TIGHTLY

Ensure both the outside cover and the inner stopper are

always tightly closed.

La gourmet 3R PAC2GO

Echoing the time’s pressing call for

environmental conservation, La gourmet

has come up with a series of innovative

products, and that includes La gourmet

3R PAC2GO, keeping with the brand’s

3R initiative: Refill and rehydrate,

Re-use to cut down on plastic waste,

and Reduce carbon footprint by cutting

back on resources used.

Each product in the 3R PAC2GO range

comes with a SUS304 stainless steel

insert that is non-reactive and nonporous,

while its plastic components

are BPA-free, non-leaching, sturdy and


23

BRAND Story

hygienic. 3R PAC2GO is perfect for

takeaways be it dry or with gravy as

its easy locking system keeps it airtight

while the silicone seal ring makes it

leak resistant (no more messy spillovers!),

ensuring food is fresh and

contamination-free. The best part is,

you can be proud of doing your part in

helping to save the environment by not

contributing to landfills.

To top it all off, La gourmet 3R PAC2GO

products are beautifully designed,

featuring pleasing colour palettes,

which makes packing your favourite

meal a pleasure – be it for school, work,

or bungkus at your favourite kopitiam

or mamak stall!

HEALTHY MEALS ANYTIME ANYWHERE!

SCHOOL WORK BUNGKUS

Every award La gourmet has garnered only amplifies the

brand’s unwavering passion to deliver only the best cookware

solutions as well as eco-friendly products.

Moving forward, La gourmet shares that they believe in

providing “newness” and what is “trending”, whilst ensuring

product innovation to suit market needs.

“We are very conscious about how we impact the environment,

so we will introduce new products that are even more ecofriendly

(in its manufacturing process) and yet meet the

demands of Millennials and Gen-Xers looking to upgrade their

cooking utensils and cookware in an effort to reduce their

carbon footprint,” says La gourmet, adding that safety and

quality are always at the forefront of each product design as

these values cannot be compromised when it comes to the

health and wellbeing of our family.

“We have beautiful, eco-friendly, and innovative collections to

be unveiled soon, so stay tuned to La gourmet launches both

offline and online!”

BE IN THE KNOW! Keep yourself updated with La gourmet’s latest products

via their social pages: Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok (@ lagourmetmy).

To know more, log on to www.lagourmet.com.my or call (603) 8023 3939.


HEALTH & Wellness

TAKE CHARGE OF

YOUR BREAST

HEALTH:

From Awareness

To Prevention

A total of 21,634 Malaysian

women were diagnosed with

breast cancer between 2012

and 2016 (according to Malaysia

National Cancer Registry Report

2012-2016), making it the

most common form of cancer,

accounting for 34.1% of all

cancers among females in the

country.

In conjunction with Breast Cancer

Awareness Month, observed

throughout October annually,

join Dr Ahmad Muhsin

Mohammad Nor, Consultant

General Surgeon – Sri Kota

Specialist Medical Centre as

he delves into the prevalent

disease’s risk factors, symptoms

and treatment, reminding us the

irrefutable importance of early

detection and screening.


HEALTH & Wellness

Dr Ahmad Muhsin Mohammad Nor

Consultant General Surgeon

Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre

When it comes to breast cancer, early

detection and screening are words that

often dominate conversations, primarily

among women. After all the disease

afflicts an estimated figure of over ONE

MILLION women around the world

each year, and is the second leading

cause of cancer deaths among women

worldwide, second to lung cancer.

In Malaysia, breast cancer is the

most common form of cancer

affecting women; according to the

Breast Cancer Foundation (www.

breastcancerfoundation.org.my), 1 in 19

women are at risk of developing breast

cancer at some stage in their lives.

Contrary to popular belief, however,

a breast cancer diagnosis does not

automatically equate to an existence of

doom and gloom. The key lies in early

detection and screening, followed by

sound diagnosis and the most suitable

treatments. Furthermore continuous

cancer research globally and everevolving

technological advances in

detection and treatment harbour much

promise of a long, happy, quality life

for patients, at-risk individuals, as well

as champion survivors.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that

originates from the breast. The cancer

cells, when left untreated, continue to

grow and can spread to other parts of

the body such as the liver, lungs, bones

and brain. It is one of the most common

causes of cancer deaths in Malaysia.

What are the symptoms of

breast cancer?

Patients with breast cancer may exhibit

symptoms such as a breast lump with

or without breast pain. Some patients

may notice some blood-stained

discharge coming out of the nipple.

The nipple may also turn inwards.

Others have symptoms such as skin

dimpling, or skin changes on the

breast, and lumps felt at the underarm.

Patients with advanced breast cancer

may have bone pain such as at the

spine, a distended abdomen due to

accumulation of abdominal fluid, and

yellowish discolouration of the eyes

and skin.

What are the risk factors?

A risk factor is anything that raises

your chance of getting a disease.

There are many risk factors for breast

cancer. Some risk factors cannot

be controlled while others can be

changed. A person who has a family

member with breast cancer such as

her sibling or mother is at risk of

developing breast cancer as well. Age

is a risk factor. An older woman is

more at risk than a younger person.

Other risk factors include women

who reached puberty early as well

as menopause at a much later age


27

HEALTH & Wellness

than normal, women who have never

birthed a child and women who

do not breastfeed their children.

Oral contraceptive pills or hormone

replacement therapy for a prolonged

period may also increase one’s risk of

breast cancer. Other factors are related

to lifestyles such as regular alcohol

intake and being overweight after

menopause.

How is breast cancer

diagnosed?

There are three things that doctors

need to do in general to diagnose

breast cancer. This is called the

triple assessment. The first is to do a

thorough physical examination of both

breasts and the armpits to look for

breast lumps and lumps in the armpit.

Then, the patient will need to undergo

an imaging either a mammogram

or an ultrasound (or both) to further

visualise the breast lumps and look

at the characters of the lumps via the

imaging. Finally, a sample of the lump

will be taken (biopsy) and sent to the

laboratory for definitive diagnosis.

This is achieved by pricking the breast

lump with a small needle to take the

sample. A local anaesthesia may be

given to alleviate the pain before

sampling is done.

Can early detection and

screening really prevent

breast cancer?

Yes. Screening means performing

tests or examinations in people who

show no symptoms. Early detection

means detecting the disease much

earlier, before symptoms are even

felt. It is recommended that women

do regular breast self-examination

at least once a month in front of the

mirror to check for breast lumps. Do

seek an appointment with the doctor

whenever there is a breast lump

or changes to the breast noted

during the examination. Once you

reach 40 years of age, a screening

mammogram is highly recommended,

which is a form of x-ray done at the

breasts to detect any abnormalities.

Early detection and removal of the

lump can prevent breast cancer.

How can I lower my

chances of getting

breast cancer?

Some risk factors for breast

cancer are not modifiable

such as age, a family

history of breast cancer, age

of puberty and menopause, and the

number of children you have.


HEALTH & Wellness

However, certain factors like

prolonged use of oral contraceptive

pills or hormone replacement

therapy needs to be discussed

with your doctor especially if you

already have other unmodifiable risk

factors. It’s important to maintain a

healthy lifestyle – exercise regularly

to maintain a healthy body weight

and keep away from alcohol as it can

increase levels of estrogen and other

hormones associated with breast

cancer.

Can menstruation cause

breast cancer?

Menstruation itself does not cause

breast cancer. However, studies have

shown that the higher number of

menstrual cycles a woman has over

time will increase the risk of breast

cancer. Hence, the earlier the puberty,

the higher the risk. Women who have

never birthed would also experience

more menstrual cycles and will be at

a higher risk. Women who have not

reached menopause at a late age or

those taking hormone replacement

therapy are at a higher risk due to a

prolonged exposure to the hormones

oestrogen and progesterone.

Will breast cancer affect

fertility?

Breast cancer itself does not affect

fertility. However, during the treatment

of breast cancer, a patient may need

further therapy such as radiotherapy,

chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.

These therapies are not to be given

while a woman is pregnant, thus

those with breast cancer may need to

postpone their plans to bear a child

during the duration of treatment.

Certain types of chemotherapy are

known to cause infertility as well.

Hence, it is crucial for those who plan

to get pregnant after breast surgery to

consult with their doctors first.

How is breast cancer

treated?

The mainstay of treatment for breast

cancer is surgery to remove the cancer.

This can either be by removing part of

the breast that is affected or removal of

one side of the breast altogether. This

depends on several factors such as the

location and size of the breast lump,

as well as the willingness to undergo

radiotherapy if only part of the breast

is removed. An imaging such as a

computed tomography (CT) scan will

further show if the breast cancer has

metastasised elsewhere such as the

liver, lung, bone or brain. Based on the

stage and types of the cancer, some

patients may need chemotherapy,

radiotherapy with or without hormonal

therapy after the surgery.

How often should I do a

breast self-exam?

It is recommended that all women

do a breast self-examination at least

once a month to check for any breast

lumps. This should preferably be done

in front of the mirror so you can easily

spot any asymmetry of the breast or

skin changes that weren’t previously

present or seen. If you feel or notice

any changes, stay calm, and consult

your health provider soonest possible

so they can recommend appropriate

tests and procedures to investigate

those changes.

Sources

Breast Cancer Foundation (www.

breastcancerfoundation.org.my)

Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report

2012-2016 (https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/

resources/Penerbitan/Laporan/Umum/2012-

2016%20(MNCRR)/MNCR_2012-2016_FINAL_

(PUBLISHED_2019).pdf)


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HEALTH Buzz

FATTY FOODS may be playing

HAVOC with your BRAIN

According to new research, fatty

foods may not only be adding to

your waistline but also aggravate

Alzheimer's disease, and cause

depression and anxiety.

An international study led by UniSA

neuroscientists Professor Xin-Fu

Zhou and Associate Professor Larisa

Bobrovskaya has established a clear

link between mice fed a high-fat diet

for 30 weeks, resulting in diabetes, and

a subsequent deterioration in their

cognitive abilities, including developing

anxiety, depression and worsening

Alzheimer’s disease. The study also

found that mice with impaired cognitive

function were also more likely to gain

excessive weight due to poor metabolism

caused by brain changes. The research

"adds to the growing body of evidence

linking chronic obesity and diabetes with

Alzheimer's disease, predicted to reach

100 million cases by 2050”.

“Obesity and diabetes impair the

central nervous system, exacerbating

psychiatric disorders and cognitive

decline. We demonstrated this in our

study with mice,” said Bobrovskaya.

In the study, mice were randomly

allocated to a standard diet or a

high-fat diet for 30 weeks, starting

at eight weeks of age. Food intake,

body weight and glucose levels were

monitored at different intervals, along

with glucose and insulin tolerance

tests and cognitive dysfunction. The

mice on the high-fat diet gained

a lot of weight, developed insulin

resistance and started behaving

abnormally compared to those fed a

standard diet. Genetically modified

Alzheimer's disease mice showed a

significant deterioration of cognition

and pathological changes in the brain

while fed the high fat diet.

“Obese individuals have about a 55

per cent increased risk of developing

depression, and diabetes will double

that risk,” added Bobrovskaya. “A

combination of obesity, age and

diabetes is very likely to lead to

a decline in cognitive abilities,

Alzheimer’s disease and other mental

health disorders.”

Source: www.sciencedaily.com

SOUND plus ELECTRICAL BODY STIMULATION

could provide RELIEF from CHRONIC PAIN

A University of Minnesota Twin Cities-led team has found

that electrical stimulation of the body combined with sound

activates the brain’s somatosensory cortex, increasing the

potential for using the technique to treat chronic pain and

other sensory disorders.

During the experiments, the researchers played broadband

sound while electrically stimulating different parts of the

body in guinea pigs. They found that the combination of the

two activated neurons in the brain’s somatosensory cortex,

responsible for touch and pain sensations throughout the body.

While the researchers used needle stimulation in their

experiments, one could achieve similar results using electrical

stimulation devices, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve

stimulation (TENS) units, which are widely available at

pharmacies and stores.

“Right now, one of the ways that we try to treat pain is opioids,

and we all know that doesn’t work out well for many people.

This, on the other hand, is a non-invasive, simple application.

It’s not some expensive medical device that you have to buy

in order to treat your pain,” said Cory Gloeckner, lead author

on the paper, published in Journal of Neural Engineering.

Gloeckner is a 2017 PhD alumnus of the University of

Minnesota Twin Cities Department of Biomedical Engineering

and an assistant professor at John Carroll University.

The researchers plan to continue investigating this

“multimodal” approach to treating different neurological

conditions, potentially integrating music therapy in the future

to see how they can further modify the somatosensory cortex.

“A lot of people have been using acupuncture

or electrical stimulation – non-invasive or

invasive – to try to alter brain activity for

pain,” said Hubert Lim, senior author

on the paper and a professor in the

University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Department of Biomedical Engineering

and Department of Otolaryngology.

“This research gives us a new,

structured framework

for doing that moving

forward.”

Source: www.sciencedaily.com


FOOD & Nutrition

EAT UP Trim Down

Top 5 Diet Plans that Work

Whether your goal is to re-invent yourself through a trimmer you or simply looking

to adopt healthier eating habits and improve overall health, choosing the right

diet that works for your lifestyle and nutritional needs, and most of all, ENJOY,

is what’s going to yield results.


33

FOOD & Nutrition

Hands down the most horrid, inhumane thing you can do

to someone (especially a hardcore foodie) on a mission to

shed pesky kilos is drop them in the middle of any random

Malaysian food court. The clanking sounds of fiery woks in

action … the smokey aroma of stir-fried char kuey teow and

mamak mee goreng … umami-oozing chicken rice … roti

canai drowned in mouthwatering fish curry, wafting from

every corner – it’s enough to wheedle and annihilate the

strongest of will powers, bringing gung-ho dieters and best

laid plans to their knees.

Indeed, Malaysia is easily an epicurean’s idea of ‘heaven’,

proudly home to a smorgasbord of sublime, unique

delicacies steeped in storied historical past and cultures,

perfected over centuries – which makes sticking to a diet

an excruciating uphill battle.

But, as the old adage goes, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way’.

Determination, focus and dogged discipline are indispensable

ingredients for success in one’s weight loss journey. While

there’s no shortage of new fad diets, “miracle pills” and elixirs

popping up ever so often, supposedly proven by celebrities

and the who’s who of Hollywood, the simple yet brutal truth is

there really are no short cuts to effective, healthy weight loss,

especially if you plan on keeping the kilos off for the long term.

Whether your goal is to re-invent yourself through a trimmer

fitter you – beaming with all-new self-confidence – or flaunt your

figure in that itsy bitsy bikini on your next vacation, or simply

looking to adopt healthier eating habits and improve overall

health, choosing the right diet that works for your lifestyle and

nutritional needs, and most of all, ENJOY – which you’d be more

than happy to keep up with in the long run – is what’s going to

yield results. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Mediterranean Diet

Touted as one of the best, healthiest diet plans for weight

loss and maintaining overall heath, the Mediterranean diet

is inspired by traditional Greek and Italian cuisines, and

regions that border the Mediterranean Sea. The low-carb,

high-protein diet, rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals, largely

comprises whole grains (eg buckwheat, barley, millet, spelt),

legumes (eg lentils, chickpeas), vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds,

herbs and spices. The primary source of added fat is the

heart-healthy olive oil, which lowers total cholesterol and

low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol levels.

Salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardine and other fatty fish rich in

Omega-3 are included; these polyunsaturated fats help fight

inflammation in the body, and help decrease triglycerides,

reduce blood clotting, and lower the risk of stroke and heart

failure. The diet does not recommend processed foods, red

meat, and sugar (excessive use) as these can contribute to

chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.


FOOD & Nutrition

DASH Diet

It may sound like a zippy godsend of an answer to all

your weight woes, but nope (sorry to burst your bubble!).

The DASH diet (stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop

Hypertension) was originally designed in the 1990s to help

treat or prevent high blood pressure (hypertension). It

comprises foods that are loaded with potassium, calcium

and magnesium, which collectively help regulate blood

pressure. A clear distinction that separates the DASH diet

from others is that it strongly limits your salt intake per

day to just one teaspoon or less, which can help control

hypertension. Saturated fat and added sugars are also

discouraged. Studies have in fact shown that the DASH diet

can bring down blood pressure in a matter of two weeks,

and also lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”)

cholesterol levels – the two leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains,

the diet promotes fat-free or low-fat dairy products (rather than full-fat), poultry, fish, beans and nuts. As low-fat dairy and

lean protein are less dense calorically, this may contribute to an overall calorie deficit, translating to weight loss.

Plant-Based Diet

Not to be confused with a vegetarian or vegan diet (which

shuns any form of animal product, including eggs, dairy

and honey), the plant-based diet is pretty flexible; while it

predominantly comprises food made of plants (eg fruits,

vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes), it allows

the freedom to include poultry, beef, eggs, fish and dairy

products, so long as most of your nutrient intake – at least

two-thirds of each plate of food you consume – comes

from plant-based food.

Since plant-based foods tend to be nutrient-dense and

crammed with fibre, it keeps you feeling satiated longer,

thus prevent mindless snacking and curb cravings. In fact,

according to a mass study, overweight/obese individuals

who followed a plant-based diet for a period of six months

lost about 11kg on average.

If you’re wondering if a plant-based diet will provide

sufficient protein for the day, yes – foods like tofu, lentils,

nuts, beans, quinoa and seeds are rich sources of protein.

Also, keep in mind that you can always add eggs, chicken,

fish, beef or dairy to your diet, as long as plant-based

foods remain the stars of the show.


FOOD & Nutrition

Whole Food Diet

A whole food diet isn’t really a ‘diet’ per se with restrictive rules, it is more to do with how you perceive food in general. It

promotes clean, healthy eating, meaning the goal is to eat whole foods (unprocessed foods) such as fresh vegetables and

fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes; or minimally processed foods, eg grains that have been turned into flour, cut vegetables

and roasted nuts packed for convenience.

While the whole food diet focuses primarily on plant-based ingredients, it allows limited fresh animal products such as

poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy. Its defining characteristic is that it excludes refined (processed) foods like added sugars,

flour, bottled sauces and processed oils. By staying away from highly processed foods that have higher calorie counts

due to added sugar and fats (eg fast food, junk food, fizzy drinks, candy bars, etc), your body benefits from nutrients of

fresh whole foods like vitamins and minerals, enzymes and antioxidants (to neutralise free radicals in the body). The diet’s

high fibre content, plus the exclusion of processed foods, is a winning formula to rid inches off your waistline. Not only

that, it can also lower and reduce risk of developing heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline and diabetes. It is

highly recommended that you cook your meals from scratch as this gives you more control over the type and quality of

ingredients used.

Pescatarian Diet

If dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, succulent pan-seared

scallop, Gambas al Ajillo (Spanish garlic prawn shrimp)

make your heart flutter with inexplicable excitement, then

a pescatarian diet could be the best fit for you. While

being mostly vegetarian, the pescatarian diet emphasises

on seafood as the main source of protein. Seafood in

general (particularly salmon, mackerel, herring, sardine,

tuna, oysters, black cod) contains higher levels of Omega-3

(compared to white or red meat), which reduce plaque

build-up in the arteries that could lead to cardiovascular

disease and strokes. The diet can also potentially help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, improve kidney function,

and combat depression, dementia and arthritis.

Along with seafood, the pescatarian diet comprises fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains, which are high in fibre;

this helps prolong the feeling of satiety, thus keeping you from reaching for that “harmless” cookie jar or bag of potato

chips. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2007 found that eating three servings of fish per week

for four weeks on a low-calorie diet actually led to around 1kg more weight loss than a similar diet without fish.

Regardless of which diet you eventually settle on, bear in

mind that these foods are only as healthy as how they’re

prepared; steaming, poaching, baking and grilling are

your best bets for optimal results. And make sure you

include some form of physical activity as exercise increases

metabolism and lean body mass, even helps increase calorieburn.

Plus, nothing beats that sense of “euphoria”, the burst

of happiness that follows a workout sesh, thanks to a cocktail

of ‘feel-good’ chemicals like endorphins, serotonin and

dopamine. Not only that, exercise does wonders for brain

health, helping to relieve anxiety and depression, preserve

brain function and prevent cognitive decline.

(Note: Consult your health practitioner before starting

any new diet plans.)


HEALTH & Wellness

COMPUTER VISION

SYNDROME:

What You Need To Know

Ever noticed tears rolling down

freely from the corner of your

eyes after staring into your device

for too long? How about blurred

vision, or burning sensation?

These, according to Dr Tan Jin Poi

– Eye Surgeon Consultant,

Pantai Hospital Penang, are just

a few symptoms of computer vision

syndrome, also known as digital

eye strain/fatigue.


39

HEALTH & Wellness

Dr Tan Jin Poi

Eye Surgeon Consultant

Pantai Hospital Penang

tablets, desktops, laptops, e-readers)

could lead to computer vision

syndrome (CVS), also known as digital

eye strain/fatigue.

The human body is a miraculous

creation, an incredible self-maintaining

machine that works non-stop to keep

you alive. Every single thing you do

and seek pleasure and comfort in –

breathing, walking, running, eating,

drinking, travelling, listening to music,

giving and receiving hugs, family,

friends – none of it would be possible

without the marvel that is our body

and our five senses, adding layers of

enriching depth and true meaning

to our very existence. Thus it’s our

responsibility and, not to mention,

privilege to ensure we do everything in

our power to protect and care for the

body, and that includes our eyes.

Since the introduction of smartphones,

our eyes have had to work doubly,

triply hard what with social media

such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok

and YouTube vying for attention, not

forgetting losing track of time shopping

online. Like it or not, we’ve all become

slaves to our devices to some extent.

Even tiny tykes take to smartphones

like fish to water, as though they’ve

had a ton of practice while growing in

mama’s belly!

Technology is definitely here to stay,

that’s for sure – which is wonderful in

that there are countless ways humans

have and will continue to benefit from

them. However, prolonged use of these

life-changing devices (eg smartphones,

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

OF COMPUTER VISION

SYNDROME (CVS)?

One may experience asthenopia,

defined as non-specific symptoms such

as tired eyes, eye strain, fatigue, pain

in or around the eyes, headaches and

blurring of vision.

Then there are dry eye symptoms such

as tearing, irritated eyes and foreign

body sensation in the eyes. Other

symptoms include neck and shoulder

pain, double vision, difficulty refocusing

the eyes, dizziness, as well as reflex

symptoms like nausea, twitching of

facial muscles and migraine.

These symptoms are usually

aggravated by long duration of digital

device usage, seated too close to

your computer or device screen, poor

lighting conditions, glare on digital

screen, or direct air exposure to the

eye, for example overhead vents and

direct air blowing from a fan or an airconditioning

unit.

WHAT CAUSES CVS?

CVS, also known as digital eye strain/

fatigue, is caused by prolonged use

of digital devices, eg computer, tablet,

e-reader and smartphone. Viewing a

digital screen is different from reading

a printed page. Most of the time the

letters on digital devices are not sharply

defined, there is also reduced contrast

of the letters to the background,

while glaring and reflections on the

screen may make viewing difficult and

uncomfortable.


HEALTH & Wellness

In addition, when we are engrossed

on the screens of these devices, be it

during work or leisure, we tend to blink

less, about one-third less, which leads

to the overexposure of the eyes to the

air and causing them to dry out faster.

Research has found that around 75 to

90 percent of the population working

in front of a screen for three to nine

hours daily complain of some ocular

discomfort.

Other contributing factors include

improper viewing distances, poor

sitting posture, unsuitable spectacles

and contact lens prescription for

specific viewing distances, and

prolonged and fixed bending or tilting

postures causing muscle spasms or

pain in the neck, shoulder or back.

If one is unaware of existing and

thus uncorrected vision problems

(eg farsightedness, astigmatism,

presbyopia, reduced eye focusing or

eye coordination abilities), this may

also lead to eye strain.

WILL ANTI-GLARE SCREENS

PREVENT CVS?

Glare from light reflecting off walls and

reflections on your computer screen

can cause eye strain. So yes, it’s a good

idea to install an anti-glare screen

on your device display, and consider

working in an environment with darker

colour and matte finish walls. If you

wear spectacles, consider lenses with

anti-reflective (AR) coating as this can

reduce glare.

IS CVS PERMANENT?

No, many of the symptoms related to

CVS are temporary, and will improve

after a period of rest without any use of

digital devices.

HOW IS COMPUTER VISION

SYNDROME DIAGNOSED?

CVS is diagnosed through a

comprehensive eye examination.

The patient will be asked about

the symptoms experienced, the

presence of general health problems,

medications taken, or environmental

factors that may be contributing to the

symptoms related to computer use.

Vision and refraction (an eye exam

that measures a person's prescription

for eyeglasses or contact lenses) will

be checked in order to determine the

appropriate lens power needed to

overcome any refractive errors such

as nearsightedness, farsightedness or

astigmatism.

The doctor will test how the eyes focus

and how both eyes move together

while focusing on seeing conditions.

Medicated eye drops might be used to

dilate the pupils in order to examine

the inner structures of the eyes.

WILL ERGONOMICS

REMEDY CVS?

Proper ergonomics can relieve some of

the symptoms, however it must involve

other kinds of management, such as

placing your computer screen 20 to

30 inches (around an arm’s length)

from your eyes. The top of the screen

should be slightly below horizontal eye

level. Most prefer to slightly view the

computer with the eyes looking down.

Tilt the top of the screen away from

you at a 15 to 20-degree angle below

eye level. Also, you need to ensure

proper body positioning for computer


41

HEALTH & Wellness

use and a comfortable chair. Chair height should be adjusted

so your feet are able to rest flat on the floor. Avoid resting

your wrists on the keyboard when typing.

HOW CAN WE MANAGE CVS?

Adequate rest for the eye and its muscles is recommended to

relieve eye strain.

Take frequent breaks and look at distant objects away from

the computer screen. These steps allow the muscles in charge

of focusing or accommodating (the ciliary muscles) to rest.

During these breaks, stand up, move about and stretch your

arms, legs, back, neck and shoulders to reduce tension and

muscle fatigue.

Remember to consciously blink your eyes every now and

then to help replenish the evaporated tear film. Artificial tears

(in the form of eye drops) applied three to four times a day

can help replenish the tear film when spending long hours in

front of a digital screen. Change display settings to adjust the

brightness, reduce flickering, select highest resolution, larger

display and font size, and contrast.

It’s best to avoid direct airflow from overhead vents or airconditioner

as it can cause dry eye symptoms to worsen. It

may be beneficial to consider using air humidifiers.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule, which means every 20 minutes,

shift the eye focus on an object 20 feet (six metres) away for

20 seconds.

You should also have your eyes examined regularly so that

any eye problems are checked and treated, ensuring even

minor vision problems are properly corrected.

Finally, if CVS symptoms persist, consult an optometrist or

ophthalmologist right away.


NEWS & Events

SUNWAY MEDICAL CENTRE MAKES HISTORY

WITH MALAYSIA’S FIRST ROBOT-ASSISTED JOINT

REPLACEMENT SURGERY

With age comes wisdom – and potentially arthritis, which can severely limit

one’s ability to use their joints and move comfortably.

Sunway Medical Centre (SMC) made history recently by successfully carrying

out the country’s first robot-assisted joint replacement procedure, a milestone

achievement that comes as part of the hospital’s diligent investment into

state-of-the-art smart hospital technology to improve patient care and precision

medicine. By using two advanced robotic systems, which enhance the process of

joint replacement by providing a CT-derived, patient-specific 3D model,

surgeons were able to pre-plan the procedure, thus enabling accurate planning

of implant size and alignment.

SMC Consultant Orthopaedic and Arthroplasty Surgeon Dr Chua Hwa Sen

explained that the new system is revolutionary in its unique ability to provide

the patient with a personalised surgical experience that is specifically tailored to

their individual needs and anatomy. “With this technology, we are able to

facilitate a higher accuracy of implant placement and conduct a successful

operation with minimal invasiveness," he said.

According to SMC Consultant Orthopaedic, Arthroplasty and Trauma Surgeon

Dr Suhail Suresh Abdullah, “the highly-intelligent and adaptive technology has

allowed us to demonstrate an elevated level of accuracy and less alignment

outliers in total knee arthroplasties compared to its conventional procedure.”

Among the many benefits seen in patients in recovery from robot-assisted

surgery include less scarring, minimal blood loss, and a quicker return to their

normal daily activities.

www.sunwaymedicalcentre.com

LEGOLAND ® MALAYSIA REVEALS UPCOMING

EXPANSION PLANS

Expansion plans and a line-up of exciting activities were announced by

LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort in August in support of the government’s

tourism revitalising efforts.

“We will continue to build on our fundamentals and focus on our strategic

priorities by investing in enhancing, expanding and establishing new

activities to provide our guests with a truly unique experience that is only

available in LEGOLAND,” said CS Lim, Divisional Director of LEGOLAND

Malaysia Resort during the announcement, in line with the resort's 10th

anniversary celebrations.

In the coming years, guests can look forward to a series of enhancements such as the shaded MINILAND, refurbished

LEGOLAND hotel rooms with new themes, first ever Splash Carnival (water park festival featuring special shows and

activities at LEGOLAND Water Park) and 4D Movie at LEGO Studio – all to be rolled out in stages in 2023.

“The investments and enhancements align with our strategic priorities to draw new and repeat visitations from domestic

and international tourists to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. We are optimistic about the industry’s recovery and look

forward to supporting the tourism revitalising plans developed by the government,” said CS.

In the meantime, guests can immerse themselves in the new world of mythical creatures with LEGO MYTHICA 4D movie,

Brick-or-Treat Monster Party featuring a brand new 4D movie and the Brick-Tacular Holidays to end the year with a bang.

www.legoland.com.my


09_NH_Sept 2022

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