Take charge of your liver health before it’s too late
In today’s fast-paced world, we are unfortunately forced to live a hectic life, juggling our career with family and social life. For many of us, career seems to be demanding more attention than others. This comes at the expense of our work-life balance. Making a bad situation worse, we just can’t be bothered to eat healthily and exercise regularly. When our health takes a back seat in career pursuit, one of our hardest working organs – liver, is at constant risk of malfunctioning due to our prolonged ignorance. Not to mention the health problems that come with age.
Why is the liver so vital?
The liver performs more than 500 vital functions to shield our body from lifestyle-induced onslaughts. It removes harmful toxins, distributes and stores essential nutrients at the same time. From digestion to nutrients absorption, metabolism and immunity, liver has a role in it. Your liver simply cares for you. If you don’t take good care of it, you risk developing liver diseases. 1
Recent study showed that Liver diseases has become A major, neglected global public health problem requiring urgent actions. Statistics show that about 844 million people had chronic liver diseases (CLDs) worldwide, with a mortality rate of two million deaths per year. If CLDs are left unchecked, it will lead to cirrhosis, a late stage of deadly liver scarring due to long-term damage. This puts 633,000 people at risk each year.2
You are what you eat. Everything you eat or drink passes through the liver. Frankly speaking, we either eat the harmful foods or miss out on certain essential nutrients. For optimal liver health, we need to plug such dietary gaps. Consuming health supplements is a good practice, which helps restore balance and prevent health issues.
Where does Essentiale fit in?
Essentiale contains essential phospholipids (EPLs) derived from soya beans to act as the building blocks of cell membranes in the liver. They repair, protect and regenerate your liver.3 A healthy liver is able to boost your energy levels, keeping fatigue at bay. The end products of nutrients metabolism are stored in the liver for use at a later stage. Essentiale also provides nutritional support in the management of damaged liver due to Chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver & intoxication by hepatotoxic substances.4
Take responsibility for your own liver health as nobody else will. Keep your liver healthy to make it happy. Learn more about the goodness of Essentiale.
Marcellin P, Kutala BK (2017). Liver diseases: A major, neglected global public health problem requiring urgent actions and large-scale screening. Liver Int. 2018;38 (Suppl. 1):2-6. https:// oi.org/10.1111/liv.13682
Gundermann et al. Activity of EPL from Soybean in Liver Disease. Pharmacological reports. 2011;63:643-659
Essentiale – Malaysia Product Information.
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In a study conducted in JAMA Dermatology, researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine discovered that even though 93% of their clinic attendee purchased a sunscreen, most of the people have a lack of understanding on the terminology used in a sunscreen label. Fewer than half of the participants were able to identify correctly the terminology used on the label. UVA, UVB, SPF, broad-spectrum, and PA, they may all seem confusing to consumers. Are you as confused? Worry not, as this article will explain all the commonly used term for this essential product.
Is it a sunscreen or a sunblock?
Today, many brands are actually a blend of sunscreen and sunblock. The words are also frequently used interchangeably. Sunscreen or sunblock helps to shield you from the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun in different ways:
Sunscreen: Sunscreen filters or screens the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Also called chemical sunscreen, it keeps most of the rays out but lets some in. It is more commonly used than sunblock. It utilises a variety of chemicals that work to absorb harmful UV rays before they penetrate your skin.
Sunblock: Sunblock or physical sunscreen reflects the sun’s rays from the skin. It blocks the rays from penetrating the skin. Most sunblocks utilise titanium oxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient.
What is UVA and UVB rays
There are many different types of rays present in sunlight. The rays that are most damaging to our skin are called ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVB and UVA are the two basic types of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth’s surface.
UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn. It’s easier to remember UVB cause burning. The UVB rays also play the greatest role in causing skin cancers.
UVA rays also play a role in skin cancer formation. It also penetrates more deeply into the skin and plays a greater role in premature skin aging changes including wrinkle formation. Hence, remember UVA cause aging. There are approximately 500 times more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays. UVA is around every day and it can penetrate through window glass and the cloud.
How much SPF do you need?
SPF stands for the sun protection factor. It measures a sunscreen’s ability to filter UVB rays. SPF of 30 means that technically, you could be out in the sun 30 times longer before you get sunburned than you would be able to if you went out without sunscreen, as long as you keep reapplying it appropriately.
An SPF of 30 is not double as effective as an SPF 15. Rather, the effectiveness in filtering UVB rays are as follows:
SPF 15 filters about 93% of UV-B rays
SPF 30 filters about 97% of UV-B rays
SPF 50 filters about 98% of UV-B rays
Hence, the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is only a 1% filtering improvement. If the sunscreen is reapplied every two hours and use in the right amount, using SPF 30 sunscreen is enough for typical adults.
What does a broad spectrum mean
Since SPF only measures protection against UVB rays, UVA coverage is indicated by the word ‘broad spectrum’. Most active ingredients in sunscreen shield against UVB, but far fewer have UVA coverage, and only a handful offer both. A sunscreen that combines both physical and chemical sunscreen usually have a broad spectrum property.
What about PPD and PPA?
Any sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays qualifies as broad spectrum. There’s some criticism from consumer advocates that the standard allows any sunscreen that provides any measurable protection from UVA rays as broad spectrum, even if that protection is very low.
Meanwhile, around the globe, the standardized indicator for UVA protection may not be the same. Other test and labels are used unlike the universal SPF indicator for UVB protection. So many sunscreens from Europe and Asia show more specific rankings for UVA protection and can be seen on their label as:
PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening): Used in Asia and Europe, a PPD of 10 means that it’ll take around 10 times longer for your skin to tan, compared to if it was unprotected.
PA (Protection Grade of UVA): used in Asian countries like Japan and South Korea, the PA system simplifies and groups the ratings from a PPD test. It ranges from PA+ to PA+++
This article contributed by Hello Doktor and republished by Voiz Asia upon permission.
By: Helma Hassan
It is estimated that around 350 million individuals worldwide have been diagnosed with diabetes. While millions of others may be walking around undiagnosed as one in every two diabetic adults are usually unaware of their diagnosis.
As diabetes is usually linked to those with excess weight, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits; many who have been diagnosed worry that they would have to make drastic changes in order to lead a normal life. The word ‘diabetes’ to them may invoke the image of restrictions, lifestyle changes, excessive control, loss of freedom, deprivation, medication, sadness, and many more. However, that is not the case. Many individuals who have diabetes need only to start with some tiny changes in order to see vast differences in their blood sugar level.
Why should you change?
Although having diabetes may necessitate certain lifestyle adjustments to control blood sugar levels, it is more important for a person with diabetes to open up to changes before diving into changes. It would be a good preparatory act to ask yourself ‘Why’ should I change my habits and what would happen if I did change them?
1. Better organ health
Having a good blood sugar level can help to protect your organs and lower the risks of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems.
2. Better physical health
Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) can cause more hunger or thirst than usual, excessive urination, tiredness and lethargy, frequent infections and blurred vision. While hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause sweating, hunger, shaking, dry mouth, dizziness, a feeling of weakness and headache. With good blood sugar control, these symptoms can be alleviated and prevented from occurring.
3. Better emotional health
Excessive low blood sugar reading can cause anxiety and confusion in some individuals while the excessively high level of blood sugar can sometimes worsen depressive symptoms. A healthy eating plan that helps to control your blood sugar levels will help in fostering positive emotions and thus, fostering a healthier and happier you.
How do I keep a positive outlook?
Diabetes has undoubtedly affected a person’s emotional well-being. It was found that persons with diabetes were susceptible to negative emotions due to the frustration of managing their condition. But the truth is nothing can take away your happiness unless you allow it to. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ‘None can make you feel inferior without your consent’. If you look at diabetes as something that is going to debilitate your life and steal your joy, your whole outlook on life will be of frustration.
However if instead, you chose to view your condition as a motivation for you to be healthier and reach an even better version of yourself, you will discover parts of yourself that you never knew existed. You will also start taking control of your emotions and learn to view this condition as a blessing rather than a curse.
It might help to ponder upon the following after being diagnosed:
now you have a bigger reason to start taking control of your health
now you are more careful of what you eat for which your waistline will also thank you
now you can start taking exercising even more seriously and you will also reap the benefits everytime you look in the mirror and see a healthier you
you are more mindful of your lifestyle habits which starts to not only improve your blood sugar levels but also helps your overall health
you appreciate every moment and every person in your life even more as you start to value your health and life more
There are also various myths running in the minds of persons with diabetes that should be addressed:
It’s time to make the change
Now that you have explored some of the Whys, the Myths and the Facts involved in changing your habits, we have now arrived at the Magical question of, “Are you willing and ready to change?”- If you have answered ‘Yes’ to this, think about a few things in your lifestyle that you are willing to change and slowly change this thought into action.
Being diagnosed with diabetes may seem like a world of never-ending restrictions. However, the good news is making even a tiny step of change will cause a huge impact on your health. And remember the food you eat and the physical activity you choose to do is just as important as how you feel. If you’re not happy with a certain eating plan or fitness routine, seek help on getting new ideas to tailor them to your health status and most importantly, satisfied yourself physically and emotionally. Are you ready to turn your situation into a blessing and have the intention to take action?
This article contributed by Hello Doktor and republished by Voiz Asia upon permission. This article was published in collaboration with Naluri. By Pamilia Lourdunathan
Research has shown that individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of depression than the normal population. Comorbid diabetes and emotional issues are found to be simultaneously associated, with one condition exacerbated by the other and vice versa. Traditional management of diabetes aims at diet, medication, and exercise while the psychological aspect of this disease is often overlooked. Due to negative perceptions and stigma on emotional/mental issues, diabetes patients may even feel reluctant to seek counselling or treatment.
The emotional turmoil of diabetic patients
Studies indicate that individuals with diabetes were more likely to have a strong emotional response to negative experiences. Research also indicates that individuals with prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes had more activity on the right side of their brains, which is associated with depression and negative emotions.
Those with prediabetes and diabetes also recorded lower cortisol levels which shows a lower resistance to stress. It was also found that the occurrence of anxiety in the diabetic patient has been reported as high as 40%.
People with diabetes normally go through several emotional stages as they come to grips with having a chronic disease.
Psychological support for diabetes
As diabetic patients become more fixated on negative thoughts, losing weight and managing other health issues can become more challenging. Negative emotions and anxiety affect diabetes self-care management, which is manifested through poorer diet and medication adherence, lesser physical activity, and ultimately higher health care costs.
For healthcare providers, giving the psychological support needed by their patients can make a huge difference in diabetes management. Recent research has shown that when support and care have been given by health care providers, it has resulted in higher perceived self-efficacy and lesser emotional issues with the diabetic patient. With the right support, positive emotional health will facilitate self-management and improved health outcomes. This can be done through:
Providing awareness and skills development to diabetic patient
Being more emphatic and improve communication skills
Personalisation of patients’ management and care according to their needs
Assess diabetes impact on patients daily routine and how to overcome it
Worries and concerns about diabetes management have caused several patients to impose various restrictions upon themselves. They may isolate themselves, which may precipitate or exacerbate negative emotions. By using an approach that promotes an open discussion about the difficulties in following a diabetes regimen, health care providers can help them gain a sense of freedom through safe self-management skills.
Managing your emotions in facing diabetes
“if you don’t manage your emotions, then your emotions will manage you,” – Deborah Rozman.
Moreover, addressing your emotion should be your priority in diabetic management. Below are some of the steps you can take to manage your emotions:
Acceptance and acknowledgement
Acceptance and acknowledgement of your condition will help you to focus on strategies to manage this disease. You should also learn to accept and acknowledge the negative emotions that may be surfaced. Overcome them by reframing your thoughts by looking at the situation in a positive way.
For example, a person with diabetes may say to himself, “It’s a good thing I was diagnosed early because it’s not too late for me to start living healthier and to try to reduce my blood sugar levels till they become stable”
Forgive yourself and grow from this experience
It is easy for one to fall into a trap of guilt, regret and self-blame of their lifestyle consequence. But it is important for us to know that there is no one who is perfect and we should learn to forgive ourselves. Let go and move on to the next step and become healthier.
Have an action plan
After going through the initial phase of acceptance and awareness, it’s good to move on to the next phase of knowing how to manage diabetes. It would be helpful to go through an action plan involving food and fitness with a friend or a family member.
Stay connected
Being alone makes diabetes management worse as isolation can make you feel more anxious. Talk to your friends and family for support. Close family members who live with those suffering from diabetes can help by practising similar healthy eating patterns. This can be one of the most powerful ways to support your loved ones by making them feel like they’re not alone in their management plan.
Relaxation techniques
Try to make time for some peaceful ‘me time’ sessions where you connect with nature in a recluse setting to help you unwind and get away from it all.
Managing diabetes may seem difficult at first but if we stop for a moment and reframe our thoughts and realize that diabetes management actually involves healthy thoughts, healthy emotions and healthy behaviour patterns comprising healthy eating and healthy fitness activities in order to ultimately attain a healthy lifestyle. Shouldn’t everyone be doing the same too? You’re not alone on this journey to becoming a healthier you. We’re all in this together.
This article contributed by Hello Doktor and republished by Voiz Asia upon permission. This article was published in collaboration with Naluri. By Pamilia Lourdunathan
May 9 was a significant day for all Malaysians. It heralded a new landscape – economic, social and political – for the citizens.
This book is a fascinating read that is retold through the inner stirrings of a young boy, an unfortunate victim of a sick and corrupt system on the brink of economic collapse. In the face of rising costs and unemployment, the boy yearned for a change. Will tomorrow ever come?
By sharing glimpses from the innocent lenses of a child, the author has painted a stark contrast of childlike simplicity with the world of grown-ups that is consumed by greed and glittering gems. It captures the journey of a nation that has witnessed the most dramatic trajectories of greed and power.
As the journey unfolds through the pages, we blush at the shameful erosion of a political system and the painful departure of leaders entrenched in corrupt practices. We applaud the triumphant ushering of a new team who would pick up the pieces and lead the people to new beginnings. This is a heartwarming narrative where Malaysians came together as one, and with a singular voice, they ignited the historic shift.
Through a compelling compilation of observations from journalists, commentators and political activists, veteran journalist and academician Krishnamoorthy sheds penetrating insights into the events leading to the iconic moment when the country’s once longest ruling Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, saw it as a call of duty to restore the nation’s glory. At age 93, he saved the country from the pits of kleptocracy.
May 9 People Power Saves Malaysia – Mahathir Leads the Way is a story of hurt and healing, abuse and forgiveness, of gloom and glory, and of tears and triumph. It is a tribute to Malaysians and Tun Dr Mahathir. Indeed, it celebrates the courage, hope and dignity of Malaysians — to create a brave, new Malaysia.
Surely, tomorrow will come, and it will be better than today.
About the Author
Krishnamoorthy Muthaly is a journalist who lives by his convictions. A veteran in media relations, Krishnamoorthy is passionate about providing readers with fast-paced stories, and adopts a decidedly different view to storytelling. His penchant for nothing but the truth has honed his investigative journalistic skills throughout his career, as he seeks to untangle the truth from a complex web of spins.
Self-motivated, resourceful and versatile, Krishnamoothy is one who goes beyond the superficial façade of life. One contributing factor that lends depth to his writing is his humble background. He started work as a junior officer in Tenaga Nasional from 1989 to 1979, and saved his earnings to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Whilst at the university, he played a prominent role in the Knoxville festivals. Unprecedented in the history of the university, Krishnamoorthy organised a meeting for student leaders with former President Jimmy Carter in 1982.
As a senior reporter with The Straits Times and The Star for more than two decades, he has highlighted society’s concerns. He has gone undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, a physically challenged passenger, a salesman and a Member of Parliament. His exclusive scoops have not only brought timeless insights to readers but have also provoked our conscience, while unveiling the good and the bad about human nature.
With his crisp writing style and inquiring mind, he bagged several awards, including the Journalist of the Year 1987 from the Malaysian Press Institute and Consumer Journalist of the Year. Apart from writing, Krishnamoorthy is a media coach specialising in media writing and crisis management. He has also served as an academic with various universities, imparting his journalism knowledge to students. He is currently an Associate Professor at an internationally acclaimed university.
At almost 70 when most people would gladly retire, the author is not one to pause for the twilight. He continues to freelance with CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Time magazine, New York Times, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, as well as German, American and Australian TV stations, where he conducts interviews with world leaders. Krishnamoothy’s stories and coaching embody his approach to life. Embracing the belief that people are uniquely different and are miracles in progress, Krishnamoorthy strives to add value to the lives of young people, and is committed to training and empowering the next generation for organisations. Essentially, he lives by the maxim of loving all and hurting none.
WHY THIS BOOK?
WHO
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad played a key role campaigning at 93 and brought Malaysians of all races together through the Pakatan Harapan Manifesto. GE14 is a historic event of how Mahathir saved Malaysia from corruption. This book is a reminder to act against those who stole people’s money.
WHAT
The Malaysian Tsunami of voters wanted the change. Everything that happens to us is the result of what we ourselves have thought, said and done. Malaysians are determined to be resilient, resourceful, and open minded to face the challenges and realities of the 21st century. Malaysia was engulfed in darkness and we finally saw the light on May 9.
WHEN
May 9 was a significant date. Malaysia made history when opposition coalition Pakatan Harapan ousted the 61-year-old ruling Barisan Nasional through its campaign against kleptocracy.
WHERE
Nationwide, the Malaysian psyche changed. In Malaysia, we took the responsibility to vote for a brighter future for our children and a better tomorrow.
WHY
My passion for writing. Why gossip? It is better to put my thoughts in writing. Journalists are known for writing the first draft of history. Not me alone, but others too have a chance to express their thoughts in this book. News, views, comments and statements by leaders are often forgotten. I am just documenting as events unfold for the record.
HOW
People Power defeated an unfair, unjust and authoritarian government. Everything that happened was the reflection of our thoughts and can be changed by our thinking process. I tried my best to chronicle this book as a story from darkness to light in Dr Mahathir’s last battle to rule Malaysia.
AMBIGA TELLS IT LIKE IT IS
(Foreword — extract)
Love Malaysia, End Kleptocracy
Together, we can create a wave of change for a better future for Malaysians. We succeeded in ousting a kleptocratic government. In most of my public talks, I said Malaysia could have been branded as the “Switzerland of the East” if not for corruption that plagued the Barisan Nasional government. Enough is enough. Barisan has ruled the country for 61 years and how could RM2.6 billion be deposited into Prime Minister Najib Razak’s personal accounts?
Malaysia was blessed with a wealth of natural resources and talent, but corruption had become part and parcel of daily life. As the saying goes, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Fortunately, Malaysians have voted out a kleptocratic government. Before GE14, Malaysia faced a bleak prospect of the collapse of the rule of law, the creation of an absolute dictator and the establishing of kleptocracy as a norm. The leaders then infringed the law and continued to hold the reins of power, consolidating their positions.
You are in the market for either a residential or commercial property. Normally, this would mean looking at either new launches, or the sub-sale / secondary market. Each has its pros and cons, so which one is best suited for you?
Imagine walking into a brand new property and taking immediate possession just like that. You can see exactly what you’re getting, evaluate its quality, check out your neighbours, and you can literally move in straight away.
While this may sound ideal, taking immediate possession of a property also means your full monthly repayments start straight away. With an under construction project, you can at least buy yourself some time in order to better shape your finances while waiting for it to complete.
Before you make up your mind, let us evaluate the pros and cons of each. What really suits you may not be a preferred choice for others. To help you get a clearer picture, let’s make a comparison between a ready-to-move-in property of today and a new launch property due a few years later.
Instant Possession vs Under Construction
Ready-Move-In (Completed)
New Launch (Under Construction)
Pros
Can move in instantly, immediate possession,
no waiting period
What you see is what you get. You can see the actual unit before buying
Easier to plan your fit-outs and ID
Able to directly negotiate with the owner to get a better price
If you’re an investor, you can immediately begin generating yield by renting the unit out
Get to see who your neighbours are
Attractive financing packages from the developer, minimize cash outlay
Potential for price appreciation upon completion
You get to enjoy the latest designs and concepts
Benefit from the customer service of the developer
Developer provides defects liability period, so all defects are taken care of
Cons
No warranty on defects. You may have to fork out quite a bit of money to repair and refurbish the unit to your liking
High cash-outlay. As you have to pay for all legal fees, stamp duties and loan differential sums
Can only move it after a certain period of time. E.g. 2 – 4 years later
You have to bear the interest cost during construction
Unsure about the quality of construction – may be compromised upon delivery
Finished product may not be to your expectation
One size fits all? Not really.
As mentioned earlier, each approach has its benefits and disadvantages. You just have to choose which is best suited for you, disadvantages and all.
For after all, we can’t have the best of both worlds right?
Best of Both Worlds?
Well, we have good news for you, Mah Sing has a solution which offers all the advantages, with none of the disadvantages!
Introducing Mah Sing’s DESIRE campaign, which covers a total of 19 move-in-ready residential and commercial projects nationwide located in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Johor & Sabah. Some of the projects include Lakeville Residence, Icon City, D’Sara Sentral, Ferringhi Residence 2 and Meridin Medini, among others.
Beautifully designed, and bundled with an attractive range of financing & furnishing packages as well as free move-in services, the properties under the DESIRE campaign are perfect for those of you who want to occupy your unit straight away, while still enjoying all the financing packages and perks that buying from a reputable developer such as Mah Sing can bring.
Click here for the complete list of the DESIRE campaign, including project names and locations.
