THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018

YOUR HEALTH

Encouraging
family fitness
Pursuing a healthy lifestyle with your loved
ones is a lot more fun than going it alone.
2 Your Health
Towards
positive
development
By IAN JEROME LEONG
IN most instances, the sight of a
few scratches, bruises or cuts on
children is nothing to worry
about as they may have had a
tumble while playing with
friends and exploring the
outdoors.
However, what if in addition to
the small physical injuries, you
realise your child is starting to
behave differently, showing
sudden mood swings or greater
aggression towards people,
places or objects?
It would not be unreasonable
for any parent to downplay the
event, finding such instances
amusing or dismissing such
behavioural changes as a mere
phase of growing up.
However, this is where the
danger lies as the child may in
fact be showing signs of
depression or abuse.
Early warning signs may start
from something subtle such as a
dull or glum mood to something
more obvious such as blood or
discharge in bed or on clothes.
Noting that as many as 4,652
child abuse cases were reported
in Malaysia between 2015 and
2016 as highlighted by Deputy
Women, Family and Community
Development Minister Datuk
Azizah Mohd Dun in an article
published in The Star last month,
the threat of child abuse is
indeed real and everyone,
especially parents and teachers,
needs to be vigilant enough to
spot the signs.
However, while it is important
to recognise and help children
who have been abused or living
with depression, parents and
guardians too must reassess their
disciplining methods and
understand how their actions can
affect the growth of a child.
The cane becomes a bane
The notion often associated
with child abuse is that of a
sexual nature but this is only
partly true as a child may also be
affected by physical and
emotional abuse.
People fail to realise that any
physical action towards the child
that causes injury, even if done as
a form of discipline, is deemed
physical abuse.
This includes striking, kicking,
burning, biting, choking and
whipping the child.
Many Malaysians who grew up
between the 50s and 90s will
remember the time when public
caning in schools or getting hit
with household items such as a
clothes hanger, feather duster,
slipper or belt were cultural
norms that were widely accepted
as effective ways to discipline a
child.
New education techniques,
however, have since been
developed globally and more
People fail
to realise that
any physical
action towards the
child that causes
injury, even if done as
a form of discipline,
is deemed physical
abuse. This includes
striking, kicking,
burning, biting,
choking and whipping
the child.
Malaysian parents are now aware
of the negative effects these actions
can have on children.
Unfortunately, news reports of
child abuse continue to arise from
time to time, proving that there are
still many parents and caregivers
who habitually cross the line and
react insensitively towards
children.
Besides showing visible injuries
on various parts of the body, there
are stories of victims who have, in
more extreme cases, developed
internal injuries such as brain
damage, broken bones, sprains,
dislocated joints or worse,
succumbed to their injuries.
Last month, the death of 46-day-
old Nurul Ain Umairah
Muhammad Firdaus from Bukit
Mertajam, Penang, was one such
example. She was found to have
sustained injuries and bruises on
her head, neck and legs.
Just a few days prior, nine-year-
old Aina Nabihah from Port
Dickson was also pronounced dead
and initial examination revealed
the child had injured kidneys, torn
intestines and broken ribs that
were believed to have fractured
due to blunt trauma.
The fact that these two deaths
were caused by the children’s own
parents brings to question the
readiness and willingness of adults
in being responsible parents.
A harsh word can hurt
Telling a child that he is unloved,
unwanted or a failure can be
extremely detrimental on a mental,
emotional, social and behavioural
level – particularly during the first
five years of the child’s life when
he is the most receptive to all the
goings-on around him.
Due to factors such as financial
difficulty and work commitments,
it is understandable for parents to
undergo high levels of stress, but
great caution has to be observed so
as not to take out any anger on
their children.
Parents may be unaware that by
showing little interest, not listening
to the child, invalidating his
feelings, breaking promises and
cutting a child off in a conversation
can leave lasting emotional scars.
So does shaming, blaming,
criticising, mocking and yelling at a
child when something goes wrong.
The most concerning factor of
emotional abuse is that the child
may be living with constant abuse
for a long time before it is
eventually noticed, if not ever.
The responsibility thus falls on
the parent and guardian to ensure
they always have their emotions in
check.
If children do not have a strong
emotional relationship with their
parents nor are they able to
confide in them, who else can they
turn to for emotional support and
how will they be able to cope with
daily struggles such as in school
where there can be cases of
bullying?
Disregarding good
parenting
Perhaps what is more disturbing
than physical and emotional abuse
is when irresponsible parents or
caregivers fail to provide the
necessary attention to children, be
it in terms of physical care,
supervision, education, medical
needs and moral support.
Children need to grow up with
their basic necessities met such as
access to warm clothing, proper
nutrition and safe shelter in
addition to an environment where
they can feel secure.
Despite the initiatives
undertaken by various action
groups, non-government
organisations and subsequent
media coverage, Malaysians still
hear stories of children who are
malnourished, obese, do not
practice adequate personal
hygiene, are left to roam freely in
the streets or are left in the care of
irresponsible guardians who have
no interest in maintaining the well-
being of the children.
This lack of parental supervision
leads to children exploring the
outside world on their own. Who is
to stop them from wandering into
dangerous neighbourhoods,
skipping school, mixing with the
wrong crowd, engaging in crime or
being addicted to drugs and
alcohol from an early age?
The other extreme is when
children live in an environment
that is marred by domestic
violence or become victims of a
messy divorce settlement whereby
they are not only traumatised by
having to choose one parent over
the other but for a considerable
period, bear witness to a bitter
feud between their loved ones and
are thrown into a limbo of not
knowing which parent they will
eventually end up with.
Calling for action
It is easy to ask human rights
and children welfare NGOs such as
the Malaysian Association for the
Protection of Children, Yayasan
Generasi Gemilang, Agape Vision
and Tenaganita to do more for
abused children and be more
proactive in identifying new cases
of abuse and neglect.
However, NGOs need a
continuous source of funding and
the support of local councils, not to
mention a great deal of manpower
to conduct aggressive awareness
and outreach programmes –
resources that are hard to come by
when there is still a social stigma
surrounding the issue of child
abuse and neglect.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018
While the spotlight will
definitely be on the father and
stepmother of Aina as they
undergo trial, some thought
should be given to what the
neighbours and community
surrounding that family were
doing.
Aina’s bruises and injuries
would have been clearly visible
to her teachers and her abuse
would have definitely been heard
by neighbours. Why then were
there no police reports made
prior to the ill-fated event?
It is possible that many people
do not stand up against such acts
of violence because they do not
see themselves as being
responsible or having the right to
intervene in other people’s
domestic affairs.
Another possible reason is that
such cases are easily brushed off
by people, including the
authorities, due to the general
perception that parents know
best when it comes to disciplining
their children.
Humanium, an international
child sponsorship NGO that
works to stop the violation of
children’s rights throughout the
world may have ranked Malaysia
61 out of 196 countries for the
respect of children’s rights but
the alarming number of abuse
and neglect cases in Malaysia is
evidence that there is much
ground to catch up on and
matters are far from ideal.
Malaysians need to stop
passing the buck to the Health
Ministry and NGOs for the
eradication of child abuse cases.
Instead, this problem calls for
citizens from all walks of life to
take it upon themselves to not
only have a deeper
understanding of the issue but
start acting, starting from their
very homes and community.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018 Your Health 3

KRILL are one of the fastest
growing, most valuable Omega-3
sources in recent years. They exist
in huge swarms in every ocean
around the globe, representing the
largest biomass on earth.
Because krill feed on marine
algae that produce Omega-3 fatty
acids – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) –
they accumulate these fatty acids
in their body.
Although there are different
species of krill, the most common
type, Euphausia superba, is found
only in the Antarctic where the
ocean is one of the cleanest in the
world. It is this type of krill that is
used to make most krill oil
supplements.
How is krill oil different
from fish oil?
Both krill and fish oil contain
two key Omega-3 fats, EPA and
DHA. However, the two types of
oil deliver these fats in different
ways.
In fish oil, Omega-3 is attached to
fat that can be burned for energy
Next-generation Omega-3
or stored as a fuel reserve
(triglycerides) in fat cells. In krill
oil, Omega-3 is attached to waxy
substances that make up each cell
membrane in the body
(phospholipids).
Human clinical studies have
shown that the EPA and DHA from
krill oil is more effectively
incorporated into human cells and
tissues compared to fish oil.
This means that for the same
amount of krill oil, more of it is
absorbed and utilised by the body
as compared to the same amount
of fish oil.
Triglycerides and phospholipids
are digested and absorbed in
different ways in the small
intestine.
Triglycerides are insoluble in
water and tend to float on top of
stomach fluids, which can result in
fishy burps often associated with
fish oil supplement intake.
On the other hand, phospholipid-
bound Omega-3 is water-
dispersible, making it gentler on
the stomach and more readily
absorbed by the body. With krill oil
Omega-3, the smaller capsules are
easy to swallow, easy to digest and
easily used by the body with no
more fishy burps.
Naturally occurring
goodness
Astaxanthin is the antioxidant
carotenoid that gives krill oil its
deep red colour. It is a potent
antioxidant with anti-inflammatory
properties and the ability to cross
the blood-brain barrier.
Antioxidants are important for
reducing damage caused by
oxidative stress and can lower an
individual's risk of developing
chronic diseases such as
cardiovascular disease.
Astaxanthin also keeps krill oil
fresh, protecting the Omega-3 fatty
acids.
No additives are necessary to
maintain the long-term stability of
krill oil.
Supplementation with krill oil is
generally well-tolerated and safe
when taken as per the
recommended dosage. Krill oil
supplementation can assist in:
l Supporting healthy
functioning of bodily processes
l Improving quality of life
l Providing antioxidant
properties
l Keeping cells healthy
While krill oil may offer health
benefits, you should not take krill
oil if you are allergic to shellfish or
on blood-thinning medications.
Check with your doctor before
taking any supplements, including
krill oil.
This article is brought to you by
Vitamode.
n For more information, call
1300 800 228.

Relief for dry skin

CHAPPED, itchy skin wins no
favours. Arid and cold weather,
contact with harsh chemicals,
frequent washing and dermatitis
are just some of the many
factors that can lead to
uncomfortable, irritated skin.
Sometimes, normally supple
skin can become dry due to
medication, genetic conditions
and job requirements. If your
job involves frequent
handwashing, it may cause the
skin on your hands to dry out
from time to time.
Some soaps strip away oil
and moisture needed for soft,
supple skin, leading to flaky,
peeling dry hands. After a while,
dry skin can crack and become
painful.
Dermal Therapy Hand Balm
contains a carefully curated
formula of moisturising
ingredients, as listed below:
l 10% urea in a synergistic
blend of emollients and skin-
conditioning agents
l 2% dimethicone that acts as
a barrier on the skin
l Shea butter that contains
skin-friendly vitamins and fatty
acids
l Aloe vera, which is widely
used on skin to soothe conditions
such as dryness, burns and
blisters
l Pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol),
an efficient moisturiser
The hand balm formula is
non-greasy and concentrated.
Hands are not the only parts of
the body that are susceptible to
dryness. Skin on other areas can
also dry out and crack or turn
scaly.
Taking long, frequent and too-
hot baths or showers can disrupt
moisture balance in the skin by
stripping away natural oils.
Dermal Therapy Soap Free
Wash’s clinically proven formula
is free from parabens and
sulphates, and acts gently on
skin.
It contains a coconut oil-based
cleansing agent that is soothing
to the skin and is enriched with
a high percentage of
moisturising agents to keep the
skin hydrated and conditioned.
For after-bath care, Dermal
Therapy Dry Skin Lotion can
help restore moisture to the skin
and is gentle enough to be used
as an everyday moisturiser,
which is free from sulphates,
parabens, artificial colours and
fragrances.
As with the Dermal Therapy
Soap Free Wash, this lotion
contains Xeradin, cultivated
from clary sage, which has high
moisturising ability and is used
to combat high moisture loss in
extremely dry conditions.
Reducing transepidermal
water loss by acting as a
moisture barrier, Xeradin
retains moisture immediately
and in the long term. This gentle
lotion is non-greasy and, thanks
to its light formula, is quick-
absorbing. It has no artificial
colouring or fragrances.
Dermal Therapy products are
distributed by Delfi Marketing
Sdn. Bhd.
n For more information,
call 03-5123 3300, e-mail
enquiry.kl@delfimarketing.com.
my or visit www.dermaltherapy.
com.my
4 Your Health
Massage your way
to better health
SCIENCE and technology
permeates every aspect of human
life and healthcare is no exception.
Following the unprecedented
technological advancement of this
era, demands for hi-tech products
such as more advanced mobile
phones, automobiles, homes and
even massage chairs are on the
rise.
In line with Gintell’s brand value
of health, love and life, all its
products are designed with you
and your family's health in mind.
Since its inception, Gintell has
been dedicated to promoting a
healthier lifestyle for everyone.
Sub-health condition is a state
between health and disease. Our
organs are highly dependent on
one another to conduct various
physiological activities.
These processes will not flow
smoothly if blood circulation is
poor.
Obstructed drainage can cause
discomfort and pain in the
corresponding body parts,
sometimes leading to numbness,
swelling, aches and rheumatism.
When we are in sub-health
condition, we tend to feel tired,
suffer from back and shoulder
pain, and become easily emotional.
Model Amber Chia enjoys a Massage can help alleviate these
massage on the Gintell conditions and deliver a slew of
DéSpace Moon. other benefits to the human body.
The Gintell DéSpace Moon, or
When we are in
sub-health condition,
we tend to feel tired,
suffer from back
and shoulder pain,
and become easily
emotional. Massage
can help alleviate
these conditions
and deliver a slew of
other benefits to the
human body.
the Moon-hand Massage Chair, is
the trendiest addition to the Gintell
UFO massage chair series.
A compressed version of
DéSpace UFO, DéSpace Moon offers
many advantages to healthcare
seekers and sports enthusiasts
alike.
Equipped with an array of
massage functions, the platinum-
purple Gintell DéSpace Moon is
one of the best choices for the
entire family.
The massage chair pampers you
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018
with three highlighted features.
l Moon-hand Roller Balls –
Measuring 15cm, the roller balls
feature is 2cm longer than
ordinary massage balls, giving 20%
more protrusion and hence more
powerful massages.
They can reach into the curves
of your neck, shoulders, waist and
buttocks more effectively to give an
intensive and delightful massage.
l 210° Moon-Stretch – In this
massage mode, the whole body is
stretched while the massage chair
gives a moon-hand massage with
the objective of toning and firming
the body’s muscles. This provides
complete body and mind
relaxation.
l XV-Track – This is an
extended version of V-Track,
measuring as long as 135cm to
cover the neck all the way to the
thighs. The extra-long track system
offers 48% more body coverage for
effective massages.
You can bring home a Gintell
DéSpace Moon massage chair at
only RM388.56 per month. Check
out the Gintell DéSpace Moon
promotion at a showroom near
you. Terms and conditions apply.
n For more information, call
the Gintell customer careline
at 1800 886 332 or visit
www.GINTELL.com
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018 Your Health 5

Pain reduction alternative

OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA) is a result
of age-related wear and tear.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), on the
other hand, is caused by an
autoimmune attack on the joints.
In 2011, a group of researchers
from Stanford University
discovered the autoimmune link
between OA and RA.
They found that the
development of OA triggers the
autoimmune system to attack the
joint lining and cartilage as it
mistakes the exposed collagen in
the cartilage for a foreign invasive
agent.
Therefore, the immune system
needs to be retrained to treat
exposed collagen as a harmless
substance.
The study revealed that by
targeting this autoimmune
derangement that occurs early in
the development of OA, arthritis
might be preventable.
This finding coincided with the
development of a natural
intervention shown to protect
tissue in ageing joints, called
undenatured type II collagen (UC
II).
Using medication to treat
arthritis only helps alleviate pain
and inflammation. It does not
prevent or cure the problem. Drugs
such as painkillers (analgesics),
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs and steroid come with side
effects that can be life threatening.
UC II from chicken sternum has
been shown to desensitise the
immune system and prevent pro-
inflammatory autoimmune attacks
on ageing joints.
Clinical studies carried out by
Harvard University scientists on
the effect of UC II Flaxical on RA
patients showed a significant
decrease in the number of swollen
and painful joints. Fourteen per
cent of patients achieved remission
and no side effect was found.
In another study on the effect of
UC II Flaxical on OA patients,
Harvard scientists recorded
significant enhancement in daily
activity, suggesting an
improvement in the quality of life.
In the 90-day trial, they found
that taking 40mg of UC II Flaxical a
day was more than twice as
effective in reducing arthritic
symptoms than taking a
combination of 1,500mg
glucosamine and 1,200mg
chondroitin sulphate daily.
Calcium is one of the most
popular supplements in the market
today as it is essential in building
and maintaining healthy bones,
thereby preventing bone fractures
associated with osteoporosis.
However, not all calcium is
created equal. Taking the wrong
type of calcium supplement can
result in calcium building up in
coronary arteries, causing a heart
attack or stroke.
Many leading
calcium brands are
made from
pulverised limestone.
Quality calcium
supplements are
those extracted from
natural whole food.
Flaxical Triple Action uses
patented wholefood calcium and
wholefood magnesium from
seaweed imported from Ireland.
Its patented UC II has been
shown in numerous studies and
clinical trials to help the body
repair and rebuild joint cartilage
and prevent autoimmune attacks
on ageing joints, thus promoting
long-term joint health.
While UC II is effective in
reducing joint pain and
inflammation, Flaxical enhances
this with the addition of ginger
extract and ginger juice powder in
its formulation. For a long time,
ginger has been used by Indian
health practitioners to reduce joint
pain and inflammation.
Consumers who are taking a
supplement for their joint problem
in addition to calcium and
magnesium supplements can
benefit from all three in Flaxical
Triple Action.
Only premium and patented
ingredients are used and in clinical
dosages to maximise the efficacy of
products.
Flaxical Triple Action is available
in selected pharmacies.
n For more information, call
03-7772 7133/012-238 0133
(Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm).

With Pureen
Antibacterial
Wipes, you can

Keep clean
conveniently
stay clean when
out and about.

effectively
GERMS are invisible and
harmful. As some types can live
on our hands for up to 24 hours,
it is important to establish good
personal hygiene in the house,
workplace and school to prevent
germs from making you and
your loved ones ill.
Germs thrive on the surfaces
of objects such as mobile
phones, remote controls,
switches, door knobs, computer/
laptop keyboards and shopping
trolleys. Therefore, exposure to
germs is unavoidable.
Our hands are germ
transmitters and it is easy for a
germ on your hand to end up in
your body. To reduce the risk of
germs transferring between
individuals, make sure you
sanitise your hands with Pureen
Antibacterial Wipes to stay
protected.
Pureen Antibacterial Wipes is
effective against harmful germs.
The wipes are formulated with
proven antibacterial ingredients
to kill 99.9% of germs.
They can be used before
preparing food, before and after
eating, and after using the toilet,
changing a diaper, handling
animals or touching any dirty
surface.
Young children’s immature
immune system makes them
more susceptible to diseases
than adults. Colds, the flu,
hand-foot-and-mouth disease
and diarrhoea are common
contagious infections among
children.
Unseen germs are easily
spread through unsanitised
hands. Therefore, educate your
children to cover their mouth
and nose with a tissue when
they cough or sneeze and
sanitise their hands using
Pureen Antibacterial Wipes to
reduce the risk of spreading
germs to others.
When your children go to the
playground, play sports or do
other outdoor activities, they can
bring along the wipes to keep
their hands clean.
Pureen Antibacterial Wipes is
made of soft, thick and
moisturised cottony material
that cleans your skin gently and
effectively.
The wipes are formulated
with mild ingredients and free
of alcohol, paraben and
fragrance. They are gentle on
skin.
In addition, the wipes are
hypoallergenic and
dermatologically tested. They
have been proven to not induce
skin irritation and allergic
reaction when used on allergy-
prone skin.
Pureen Antibacterial Wipes is
enriched with soothing aloe vera
and moisturising vitamin E that
protect and care for your skin.
The product leaves the skin
smooth, moisturised and fresh
after each use.
With Pureen Antibacterial
Wipes’ reliable protection, you
can keep your loved ones clean
and healthy.
Pureen Antibacterial Wipes is
available in leading
hypermarkets, supermarkets,
departmental stores, medical
halls and pharmacies.
n For more information, visit
www.pureen.com.my
6 Your Health THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018

Nature’s
Appeton Wellness 60+
contains a range of essential
nutrients to nourish seniors
who have difficulty

liquid gold
swallowing food.

EUCALYPTUS marginata, commonly hydrogen peroxide

known as jarrah, is a magnificently activity.
tall timber tree that can grow up to Its medicinal
40 meters in height. and antimicrobial
Jarrah generally flowers every properties rival
two years between December and that of New
January in the early summer. The Zealand’s Manuka
nectar produced has low moisture honey.
content and is collected by Jarrah honey
honeybees. can be used
Jarrah produces a dark, thick internally and
and tasty honey with a caramel externally for
aftertaste. It is not as sweet as other treating wounds,

Nourishment
types of honey due to its low glucose burns, sunburn
and high fructose levels. For this and skin infections
reason, pure Jarrah honey does because of its high antimicrobial honey from Tasmania, with
not crystallise easily. properties. antioxidant concentrations that are

for the elderly

Jarrah honey has naturally
occurring antibacterial and
antimicrobial properties that can be
measured on the Total Activity (TA)
scale.
The TA rating of active honey
denotes its antibacterial potency,
measured by the standard (phenol)
bacteria-killing scale.
Jarrah honey is considered
a healing honey because it
has unusually high levels
of antimicrobial properties
of TA 10+ or higher thanks
to its naturally occurring
The West Australian Jarrah
Honey Committee announced that
Western Australia’s unique Jarrah
honey has been proven through
recent research to have high
antioxidant levels.
Undertaken by Dr Charles Dragar,
the independent research project
involved antimicrobial activity
testing of honey in addition to other
forms of honey testing.
Jarrah honey was found to have
significantly higher levels of
antioxidants than Manuka honey of
New Zealand or Leatherwood
two to three times higher.
Additionally, its antimicrobial
activity level can be up to 50%
greater than that of Manuka honey.
Each Opceden Jarrah Honey is
laboratory-tested and a certificate
issued for its TA, which is as high
as TA 35+.
This honey boosts immunity
naturally and is free from varroa
mites, harmful chemicals and
preservatives.
n For more information, call Asia
Healthcare at 03-6156 2836/2936.
ALONG with a range of health
concerns affecting older people
such as poor dental health,
arthritis, heart disease and
dementia, many seniors are
susceptible to experiencing
some degree of swallowing
difficulty.
Also known as dysphagia,
difficulty swallowing food is
a common consequence of
various medical conditions or
surgeries that affect the head
and neck.
Medical conditions due to
ageing such as gum disease or
losing one’s teeth can be a
contributing factor. It can also
be a sign of a problem in the
areas of the throat and
oesophagus (part of the canal
that connects the throat to the
stomach).
Among the symptoms of
dysphagia are coughing or
choking while swallowing
food, pocketing of food on
one side of the mouth, a
change in voice and the
sensation of food getting “stuck”
after a swallow.
Even though not all seniors
suffer from serious dysphagia,
people in the advanced stages
of life go through various
physiological and biological
changes that may cause
malnutrition.
The loss of teeth, receding
gum and dry mouth can affect
the choices of food while the
body may be unable to break
down the food or absorb
nutrients as effectively as when
people are in their younger
years.
As a result, seniors are likely
to suffer from dehydration,
fatigue and illnesses as well as
experience weight loss. The lack
of proper nutrition can also lead
to chronic diseases such as
diabetes, coronary heart disease
and hypertension.
Useful solution
Fortunately, in addition to
seeking expert medical advice
on the best ways to swallow
safely and effectively, there are
products in the market that
provide the necessary daily
nutrition for the elderly.
For seniors with difficulty
swallowing, Appeton Wellness
60+ is formulated to be a
nutritional dietary supplement
to take on top of their daily diet.
For seniors under medical
supervision or during a
convalescent period (period
when one is recovering from
illnesses), Appeton Wellness 60+
can be consumed as a meal
replacement either orally or
through tube-feeding when one
is hospitalised.
A product of Belgium, its slow
and gradual release of protein is
kind to ageing kidneys and
allows for easier digestion.
Furthermore, the product is
halal and safe to be consumed
by seniors who are on a gluten-
and lactose-free or vegetarian
diet.
Source of nutrition
In a clinical study conducted
by a team from the Department
of Nutrition and Dietetics at the
National University of Malaysia,
Appeton Wellness 60+ was
found to be beneficial when
used as a dietary supplement
among participants above the
age of 60.
Respondents were reported to
have better general well-being
after consuming the product
two times daily on top of
their daily meals for three
consecutive months.
In addition to meeting the
healthy fat profile guidelines
set by the American Heart
Association, this supplement is
free from cholesterol and trans
fat, making it suitable for
seniors who intend to maintain
heart health.
Appeton Wellness 60+ is
packed with a range of
beneficial nutrients such as
carbohydrate, minerals and
antioxidants.
It also contains protein that
helps maintain muscle mass and
prebiotic inulin that promotes
growth of good bacteria and
improves gastrointestinal
health.
Besides that, coenzyme Q10,
Vitamin B complex and
chromium are ingredients that
are known to increase a person’s
energy levels.
Available in vanilla flavour,
the supplement comes in two
sizes – 450g and 900g.
Appeton Wellness 60+ is sold
at pharmacies, Chinese medical
halls and designated medical
channels selected by healthcare
professionals.
n For more information, call
1800 188 811.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018 Your Health 7

Exercise with others

THERE is no doubt that physical
activity is one of the keys to a
healthy life. Doing them by
yourself may seem lonely and
boring, so looking for company will
be a great option, not to mention
motivation.
An even better idea would be to
do this with your close family as
you can bond while spending time
together! How’s that for a great
idea?
Here are some activities that you
can do together with your family to
boost both family time and your
physical health at the same time.
l Joining a marathon or a walk
for charity
Some of the trends these days
are marathons or walks
highlighting various themes,
usually organised by companies
with charity in mind as part of
their corporate social
responsibility.
There are also smaller scaled
ones with distances as short as
2km. If you or your family are
relatively new to these walks, it is
better to start off small before
gradually tackling longer
distances.
Through these walks, families
can spend more time together
while striving to be healthier.
Furthermore, having companions
to do these physical activities will
distract the brain from feeling
tired quickly.
Not only that, you may meet
new people with similar interests,
who will become your
community.
l Pre- or post-dinner walks
Taking a walk together with
your family before or after
dinner can be something quite
fun, to catch up with your day.
Just a simple walk around the
neighbourhood is sufficient or
if you have a dog, you can walk
Just a simple
walk around the
neighbourhood
is sufficient or if you
have a dog, you can
walk it as well.
it as well.
Making this a daily habit will be
able to boost your physical health
with your family significantly even
if it is just a short walk.
Perhaps you can even do some
window shopping if you are
dining in a mall. These little walks
will strengthen communication
and connection for sure!
> TURN TO PAGE 8

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A COMPLETE and balanced
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digestive process, which involves
food ingestion, food digestion,
nutrient absorption and
utilisation.
Even the most complete diet
will not benefit the body if it is
not properly broken down into
nutrients that are readily
absorbed and used.
Poorly digested food may lead
to occasional abdominal
discomfort, bloating and other
undesirable symptoms.
Enzymes are specifically
produced by our body to assist
in the breakdown of food and
“unlocking” of nutrients,
allowing them to be effectively
absorbed and used by the body.
However, ageing, unhealthy
lifestyles and poor eating habits
can interfere with the body’s
ability to produce an adequate
supply of enzymes for the above
process.
In addition, certain cooking
methods and processing
technology can destroy the
natural enzymes in raw foods.
For these reasons, obtaining
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Biogrow Mixed Berries with
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n For more information,
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8 Your Health
A woman’s
best friend
IN line with International
Women’s Day, March is the month
to celebrate the women around
us.
Most women tend to be
occupied with taking care of their
family, career and house chores.
Overwhelmed by a busy schedule,
they forget about staying fit and
keeping themselves healthy.
If you are looking for a gift to
appreciate the beloved woman in
your life, look no further as the
Sole F80 treadmill is here to save
the day.
The Sole F80 has earned Best
Buy awards every year since its
debut, and the newest version of
this treadmill is sure to keep the
tradition alive.
The F80 treadmill is user-
friendly and comes with many
handy features. With the best
folding treadmill design on the
market, F80 occupies minimal
space in your house.
Its easy-assist folding deck
design and safety lock deck design
allow the deck to unfold itself
effortlessly when released. The
deck can also be locked in place
when the treadmill is in an
upright position.
This is the best gift for women
because it gives them easy access
to exercise at home or even
the office without sacrificing
space.
The cushion flex whisper deck
on F80 is a unique design that
provides users with a comfortable
and quiet workout. It reduces
impact by up to 40% compared to
running on asphalt, thus
decreasing risk of injuries to
joints and muscles.
With a large LCD display, F80
makes workouts easier and
Doing things together
> FROM PAGE 7
l Team up for gardening
If you have a backyard or
empty spaces on your verandah,
you might want to consider
getting some nice decorative
plants.
Gardening, whether it is pulling
the weeds or raking the leaves
may not be very demanding but
these activities use a range of
different muscle groups and that
helps you exercise more muscles
in your body.
Doing this together with your
family will be physically and
mentally rewarding. On top
of it, your house will get extra
points in terms of charm
and ambience, so why not?
With numerous workout settings to
choose from, you can maintain good
health with ease on the Sole F80.
effective. The information displayed
at all times includes speed, incline,
time, distance travelled, calories,
pulse and pace. There is also a
quarter-mile track feature and a
peak-and-valley graph.
Users can adjust speed and incline
using the buttons at the arm rest,
making it convenient and easy to
maintain a workout during
transitions.
Inclusive of six preset modes, two
customisable workouts and two
heart rate programmes, you and
your loved ones can monitor each
other’s performance.
Cooling fans are included to keep
workout sessions breezy. As music
can boost one’s energy and
motivation while working out, the
treadmill is equipped with built-in
speakers, allowing you to connect it
to an MP3 player or iPod so you can
enjoy your favourite song while
sweating it out.
The Sole F80 also includes an
industrial-quality 3.5-horsepower
continuous-duty motor and all-steel
zinc-coated balanced flywheel,
l Organising family outdoor
trips
Hiking, visiting a waterfall or
going to the beach are all physically
taxing activities with a sweet bonus
at the end – the breathtaking view.
Getting to enjoy such beautiful
views with your family is definitely
a blessing. Just like gardening, these
activities will require you to use a
range of muscles and keep your
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018
creating a secure, quiet and
vibration-free running/walking
surface.
New for this year, the Sole F80
now includes Bluetooth capability,
giving users the freedom to transfer
workout data from their fitness
equipment to their smart device.
They can track their fitness
information on the Sole app or
transfer the data to other compatible
fitness apps.
The Big Angpao sale promotion is
still up for grabs with cashback of up
to RM488, while stocks last. Terms
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Fitness Concept is Malaysia’s
largest fitness specialist chain as
certified by The Malaysia Book of
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shopping malls nationwide.
Consult your physician before
beginning any exercise programme.
n For more information, call 03-7726
7787 (IPC Shopping Centre store)/03-
2282 3200 (Mid Valley store), e-mail
enquiries@fitnessconcept.com.my or
visit www.fitnessconcept.com.my
heart pumping which in turn
makes you a healthier person.
Exercising alone can be boring
and your friends may not always
be free. However, you can allocate
some time to plan out these
activities with your family and
spend some quality time while
boosting the family's physical
health.
Always remember that
good health and family
are of utmost importance
and irreplaceable.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018
Knowing when and
who to call for help
NO parent would want their
children involved in a situation
that is emergent or in any way
dangerous.
Parents are duty-bound to
educate their children from as
young as possible on how they
should react or what to do if they
ever find themselves in a less than
ideal situation. If you are lost on
where to start, here are some
basics.
l Scream for help
Emergencies come in many
forms and you should give children
scenarios that they can quickly
recognise and take action. Do they
need to run and hide from an
assailant? Scream and call for
help? Tell them the most
appropriate thing to do in a
particular situation.
Educate them about the
importance of fire assembly points
or fire exits so that they know what
to do in a fire before the flame
spreads. Teaching them to use a
basic emergency kit will be
beneficial hence if you have one at
home, put it at an easily accessible
spot.
If you think you are not capable
of teaching them, you might want
to leave it to the professionals and
get the family into first aid
training.
l Emergency numbers
It is crucial to teach your children
on what to say and do in an
emergency situation.
It is crucial to educate your
children on how to dial for help,
keeping in mind in what scenarios
these numbers are to be used.
Teach them how to explain their
situation or what to say when they
get on line with the emergency
service operator.
Besides that, practise
remembering details with them
such as your full name, address
of the house, your workplace,
your phone number or the
number of a relative in case if
you are unreachable.
This information will be
helpful and come in handy if
your child ever gets lost or is
involved in an accident.
Children may forget or blank
out during emergency situations
due to their fears. You can help to
amend the situation by simply
buying a bag tag and writing all
necessary information on it.
l Knowing their medical
information
If you or your child has any
medical conditions including
Your Health 9
allergies, make sure your child is
aware of the condition and how
to recognise the symptoms.
You may also want to consider
a medical bracelet. Encourage
your child to talk about his
condition and teach him the
correct phrases and terms.
He should also be able to
explain to his peers why he can’t
eat certain foods or why he can’t
participate in certain activities.
The more his friends understand
his condition, the safer he will
be.
l Role-play and practice
When it comes to children,
their attention span is quite
short and just talking to them
may not get the message across.
One of the best ways for them
to be interested and remember
what you are saying is to role
play.
You can act out a scenario and
guide them along the way on
what to do in each scenario. This
method will also help them
remember the appropriate
actions faster.
Taking all these steps will go a
long way in helping your
children be prepared and take
necessary action if and when
they are involved in an accident
or urgent situation.
10 Your Health
FOR James (not his real name), finding his
wife May (not her real name) on the floor
one day upon coming home was the start of
an unexpected journey.
May had a ruptured aneurysm that led to
a severe haemorrhagic stroke and was in a
coma. All signs pointed to a poor prognosis.
“I found her drenched in cold sweat and
recognised the signs of a stroke. It was pretty
bad. I called for an ambulance and she was
brought to the hospital. Within short notice,
she was in the operating theatre,” shares
James.
She was in a coma for two weeks, only
regaining consciousness in the eighth week
of her hospital stay.
According to Ara Damansara Specialist
Centre consultant neurosurgeon Dr Ramesh
Narenthiranathan, May’s condition
presented him with a complicated case, but
she has now recovered enough brain
function to be mobile with assistance.
“As this patient came in with a ruptured
aneurysm, our main priority was to secure
the aneurysm before anything else.
Preventing rebleeding was the most
important thing, because a second
haemorrhage could lead to a major stroke or
death,” says Dr Ramesh.
May had a grade 5 brain haemorrhage, the
most severe score to grade bleeding in the
brain.
Grade 5 haemorrhages were treated with
little to no hope in the past, but Dr Ramesh
says that now with advancements in modern
medicine, he sees more and more people
who come in with a severe grade brain
haemorrhage recover well enough to go
home walking.
Bouncing back
Neuroplasticity is the unique mechanism
that the brain uses to heal from damage and
rewire itself. It involves the process of
reorganising neurons in the brain.
To achieve the benefit of neuroplasticity
and achieve maximal recovery, stroke
survivors must repeatedly train and practice
task-specific exercises. It is ideal to extend
The long trek to recovery
training beyond formal therapy time so it
may be performed as part of the daily
routine.
There are different rehabilitative
techniques involved in helping the brain
relearn movement.
Recovery of stroke patients are typically
tracked through improvements to mobility,
hand function, balance, cognition,
communication, mood, dexterity and overall
independence level.
For patients in a coma after a stroke,
therapy is still applied. Stimulating function
in a comatose patient encourages muscle
memory, another component of
neuroplasticity. Usual practices include
sitting the patients up, strapping them to a
standing bed and manipulating their limbs.
These exercises also help avoid muscle
atrophy from lying prone for prolonged
periods.
“Even activities such as baths are
stimulation for comatose patients. We give
them showers in bathrooms instead of
spongeing them down in bed. This all gives
the patient a sense of normalcy and is part of
rehabilitative therapy,” says Dr Ramesh.
Caregivers are encouraged to perform
activities patients are familiar with. James
made sure to continue speaking to May
throughout the time she was unconscious.
“I had read enough about rehabilitation to
know that we needed to stimulate her brain,
even if she was unconscious, so I started to
play her music on my guitar, plucking a
repertoire of songs I knew she would be
familiar with to help stimulate her brain
activity,” says James.
In it for the long run
Rehabilitation is not a speedy process. Like
May, patients who have had a haemorrhagic
stroke could take weeks to come to and even
longer to recover mobility.
“Patience is the key word. Recovery is very
slow. I could not give James a progress
report every day like he wanted, simply
because changes don’t happen every day.
The brain needs time to recover, in its own
capacity, and every patient is different,” says
Dr Ramesh.
According to James, encouraging his
wife to give her all in therapy gives him
strength to continue supporting
What abuse
does to a child
CHILD abuse and neglect cases in Malaysia
have risen dramatically within the last few
years and what is more disheartening is that
there may be a large number of cases that go
unreported.
According to unicef.org, a website set up
by the United Nations Children’s Fund to
highlight humanitarian and developmental
assistance needed for children and mothers
of developing countries, only cases of
extreme abuse and neglect are reported
in Malaysia – often times only when there
is a significant or tragic element involved
such as disturbing injuries, sexual abuse
or death.
The organisation suggests that reported
cases only represent 10% of total perpetrated
cases and the main reason for this alarming
statistic is because perpetrators are usually
within the same family as the victim.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia seems to
support this claim as it has also previously
published a report by the Kuala Lumpur
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018
Despite
experiencing a
ruptured
aneurysm, the
patient's
neuroplasticity
rendered her
capable of
recovering from
the brain
injuries she
sustained from
the stroke.
her in her recovery.
“This entire journey for me as her
husband has been frightening and at times,
depressing, yet I look forward to every day
with an element of hope.
“My wife had the worst kind of stroke but
16 weeks later she is up. I want people to
know that the word ‘stroke’ should not elicit
despair, and that there is always light at the
end of the tunnel.”
n For more information, call 03-5639 1212.
Hospital which states that 70% of
perpetrators are known to the child victims.
Families are thus ashamed and aim to
avoid the social stigma and ridicule that
would arise should the news break out to
neighbours and the community.
Unfortunately, even years after the abuse,
victims can live with negative long-term
effects that contribute to their overall
behaviour, decision-making and thought
processes throughout adulthood.
Lasting effects
According to The National Health and
Morbidity Survey 2015, 4.2 million
Malaysians aged 16 and above suffer from
mental health problems, while also noting
that there has been an increase in the
number of youth depression and suicide
cases in recent years.
> SEE NEXT PAGE
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018 Your Health 11

Friendly bacteria
HOW much do you know about your
intestines? You will be surprised to learn
that, at any one time, you have about one
hundred trillion bacteria inside your

and the amazing gut

digestive tract, particularly in your
intestines.
These trillions of bacteria are made up of
about 500 different species, which began
settling into your body from the very first
day you were born.
About 85% of these bacteria perform
beneficial functions, such as digesting food,
protecting against infection and influencing
a few physiological processes in the body.
The remainder of the bacteria may either
Your digestive and
not provide any benefits or could be immune systems are
potentially harmful, which are sometimes
referred to as “bad” bacteria. counting on you. The good
At the same time, most of the body’s
immune system lives in your digestive tract,
and bad bacteria in the gut
home to about 70% to 80% of immune cells. have to be maintained in a
fragile balance.
So any changes that occur in the gut have a

MAL08091452X
strong impact, not only on your digestive
health but also on your overall health.

Good vs bad maintain a healthy intestinal microflora.

Your digestive and immune systems are
counting on you. The good and bad bacteria
in the gut have to be maintained in a fragile
balance.
This ratio between the “good” and other
bacteria becomes one of the critical factors
determining your optimal health. The ideal
balance between them is 85% good and 15%
other bacteria.
Our environment greatly influences this
balance, and a poor diet, stress, medications
and an unhealthy lifestyle can disrupt it,
causing bad bacteria to flourish.
When that happens, a person is likely to
experience digestive health problems such
as bloating, intestinal pains, constipation or
diarrhoea.
On the other hand, a healthy, balanced
environment in the gut can protect the
immune system from pathogenic bacteria,
toxins, allergens, chemicals and pollutants.
For instance, research suggests that a
particular strain of bacteria may help to
One way to boost our good bacteria count
is by taking probiotics with our food or as
supplements.
Probiotics are live bacteria that help to
re-establish a healthy bacterial balance in
the intestines.
As more probiotic products appear on the
market today, it is important to ensure that
you are choosing a product that provides the
best benefits.
Choose wisely
Are your probiotics getting through? The
first criterion of a good probiotic product is
the strain of bacteria used.
It should be clinically documented in
published clinical studies, safe to be
consumed, able to withstand stomach acids
and bile during the digestive process, and
able to attach to the intestinal lining.
L. acidophilus and bifidobacterium are
two groups of bacteria commonly used in
probiotic products, of which a few strains
have been scientifically tested to be
beneficial.
The bacteria must be alive or viable,
gastric acid- and bile salt-resistant, and have
a better survival rate in order to perform
their beneficial functions after they have
been consumed.
Probiotics that contain highly stable
microencapsulated strains with the right
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Remember, only live bacteria confer
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This article is brought to you by Legosan
(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
This is a supplement product advertisement.
n For more information, call 03-7956 2220
or visit www.biogrow.com.my
KKLIU No.0085/2017

Recognising
detrimental effects
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
It is not too far-fetched to presume that
many of these cases were due to childhood
abuse as there are countless international
research linking the effects of physical,
emotional and sexual abuse with
behavioural and mental health problems
among adults.
Reports suggest a long list of symptoms
associated with child abuse, including
aggression towards peers and older people,
an intense feeling of fear, depression
and anxiety, nightmares or insomnia,
unpredictable mood swings and behavioural
extremes.
It is also not uncommon for such
individuals to live with eating disorders or
have suicidal tendencies. Chronic abuse can
make victims vulnerable to problems such as
post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct
disorder or have learning and memory
difficulties.
In an article titled Understanding the
Effects of Maltreatment on Brain Development
published by the Children’s Bureau of the
United States, abuse and neglect during
infancy can stunt the natural development
of the brain, affecting cognitive and
language abilities, socio-emotional
development and mental health.
The National Centre on Shaken Baby
Syndrome in US also suggests that children
who experience severe head trauma as a
result of abuse may develop varying
degrees of visual impairment, motor
impairment and cognitive impairment.
In addition to emotional and physical
effects, it is highly likely that victims of
abuse are more susceptible to problems
such as delinquency, teen pregnancy and
low academic achievement, which boil
down to not having great role models to
look up to or have trustworthy adults that
they could depend on.
With no proper guidance on
differentiating right from wrong and
having to grow up with the mentality that
they are facing the world alone, the
decisions they make throughout life are
likely to be selfish or individualistic in
nature.
There are no hard and fast rules
on what people will experience
if they were abused or
neglected as children, and
the symptoms will vary
from case to case.
Hence, society should
never downplay the
effects of child abuse
and neglect, but
instead be alert of
such cases and
recommend
continuous therapy
and psychological
help to people who are
identified as abuse
victims.
12 Your Health
Soften
your stools
ACCORDING to the American
Journal of Gastroentology, irregular
bowel movement or constipation
affects nearly a quarter of the
world population.
Constipation is difficulty
emptying one’s bowels, usually
associated with hard faeces. It is
generally described as having three
or fewer bowel movements per
week.
A diet low in fibre but high in
red meat, colon inflammation
triggered by bacterial infection,
physical inactivity, alcohol abuse
and chronic laxative use are
common causes of poor gut health.
Most individuals resort to
laxatives as a quick fix for
constipation.
However, long-term use of
laxatives often results in decreased
bowel function or lazy bowel
syndrome and may lead to laxative
dependency.
Therefore, prolonged laxative
use is discouraged and should be
replaced by natural food remedies
that combine dietary fibres and
probiotics for the restoration of
good gut health.
In a 2009 study published in The
Journal of Nutrition, Health &
Aging, the use of oat bran fibre
among seniors in a 12-week
intervention treatment in a
geriatric hospital was shown to
allow discontinuation of laxatives
A diet low in fibre
but high in red meat,
colon inflammation
triggered by bacterial
infection, physical
inactivity, alcohol
abuse and chronic
laxative use are
common causes of
poor gut health.
by 59% while improving their body
weight and well-being.
Another study published in the
Microorganisms journal in 2014
shows that Bifidobacterium lactis
BB-12 probiotic strain increases
bowel movement and softens hard
faeces in healthy adults.
On the other hand, according to the
World Applied Sciences Journal,
people with constipation have
lower levels of Bifidobacteria in the
large intestine.
The level of good bacteria in the
gut also decreases with ageing,
making dietary supplementation of
probiotics essential to ensure
optimal gut function.
Manage bowel movement
naturally
Biogrow ProGut is made from
all-natural Swedish oat fibre
formulated with dual action from
the well-researched Oat BG22 fibre
powder and Bifidobacterium lactis
BB-12 probiotic strain from
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Bifidobacterium with more than
300 scientific publications and over
130 clinical studies carried out on
it.
One sachet daily provides a
synergistic effect for improved
intestinal function and a balanced
gut microbiota.
To consume, mix one sachet
(≈ 7g) with cold water, fruit juice,
cereal or yoghurt. One or two
sachets a day after meal or
whenever convenient is
recommended.
Each sachet contains 2.4g soluble
and insoluble fibres with one
billion colony-forming units (CFU)
of live probiotic cultures.
The dose of one billion CFU of
BB-12 has been clinically tested
and shown to have benefits on
defaecation and bowel frequency,
according to a study published in
the British Journal of Nutrition in
2015.
Real-time stability report shows
that the Bifidobacterium lactis
BB-12 probiotic strain in Oat BG22
THE STAR, TUESDAY 13 MARCH 2018
fibre powder is stable throughout
the 24-month shelf life under
normal room storage conditions.
Biogrow ProGut is suitable for
individuals who wish to maintain
or improve gut health as it offers a
natural way to manage bowel
movement with fibre and
probiotics.
It contains no added sugar or
artificial ingredients and is high in
protein, iron, magnesium and zinc.
It is available in all pharmacies
nationwide.
This article is brought to you by
Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
03-7956 2220 (9am-5pm) or e-mail
info@biogrow.com.my