YOUR HEALTH
THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023
The ideal gift for parents
AS Parents’ Day approaches, we’re
reminded of the irreplaceable role
parents play in shaping the lives
of their children and society.
Parents often sacrifice their
dreams, aspirations and desires to
give their children a better life.
They dedicate their time, energy
and resources to ensure their
children receive the best possible
education, healthcare and
opportunities for growth and
success.
Parents’ Day is a reminder of
the importance of parental love,
sacrifice and devotion. It’s time to
thank and appreciate the selfless
love parents have for their
children. That is why the Gintell
S6 Wellness SuperChAiR is the
best gift for your parents on this
special occasion. This massage
chair provides a relaxing and
rejuvenating experience to help
your parents unwind and
de-stress from their daily routines.
The newly released Gintell S6
Wellness SuperChAiR is the latest
model of the SuperChAiR series. It
is the first massage chair on the
market that emphasises wellness.
It features a body scanning
system that allows the chair to
scan and measure your physique
before starting the programme.
The Gintell S6 offers a
combination of six unique
humanised massage techniques
and 20 automatic wellness
programmes.
The Gintell S6 is the first
massage chair on the market with
AI Fatigue Bio-Scan technology.
With just a 30-second touch of the
‘thumb panel’, the Bio-Senses
system scans and evaluates your
heart rate, blood oxygen
saturation and fatigue index to
provide a massage programme
tailored to your current index. Its
new AiR-3D roller balls can now
protrude up to 13cm, allowing for
a smarter, humanised and
focused massage.
The massage chair also comes
with 360° Heat Spa Therapy
technology that warms areas of helps increase joint flexibility selected products while stocks
your back, waist and calves and range of motion, relaxes the last.
through the chair’s airbags. In muscles and joints and relieves
addition, the chair includes cloak- pain and muscle spasms n For further enquiry, call 012-
like straps made of graphene throughout the body. 661 2148, visit www.gintell.com
which is an excellent heat Gintell is currently running a or visit your nearest Gintell
conductor. This strap crosses over buy 1 free 3 massage chair showroom.
the abdomen to provide 360° combo from as low as RM4,988
full-body heat therapy which and up to 55% discounts for
relieves overall muscle tension
and relaxes abdominal muscles to The Gintell S6
alleviate pain caused by muscle SuperChAiR provides
spasms or menstrual cramps. the ultimate massage
Renowned tit-tar master (bone experience.
setting specialist) Datuk Seri
master Chris Leong fully endorses
the Stretch 230° programme,
which is also included in the
Gintell S6. This programme
resembles a light stretching
exercise to loosen up joint
stiffness, improve body alignment
and flexibility.
Knee massage is now possible
with Gintell S6’s new and
improved heat and calf therapy.
This therapy is highly beneficial
for the elderly and athletes as it
2 Your Health
A healthy diet for the colon
THE colon is a crucial part of the
digestive system, and many different
conditions can cause it to work
improperly. These conditions include
inflammatory bowel diseases such as
ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease,
diverticular disease, irritable bowel
syndrome and colorectal cancer.
Treatment for these conditions
includes diet and lifestyle
modifications, medications and
surgery.
According to the Malaysia National
Cancer Registry Report 2012-2016,
colorectal cancer is the second most
common form of cancer diagnosed in
both men and women in Malaysia. In
most cases, it arises from small
polyps that become cancerous over
time. These polyps have few, if any,
symptoms especially if they are less
than 2cm in size. Therefore, doctors
recommend screening tests to help
prevent colon cancer.
Researchers overseas report that
Dr Mohd Zailani Mat Hassan.
the links between diet, body weight,
exercise and colorectal cancer risk
are some of the strongest among the
various forms of cancer. An
estimated 50% to 75% of colorectal
cancers cases can be prevented
through lifestyle changes like
healthy eating, regular physical
activity and maintaining an ideal
body weight, according to the Colon
Cancer Foundation. Good nutrition
is thus an important aspect for good
colon health.
According to consultant general
and colorectal surgeon Dr Mohd
Zailani Mat Hassan at MSU Medical
Centre, “If you care for your colon
and seek ways to keep it healthy,
consume colon-friendly foods that
are proven to reduce the chances of
diseases like diverticulosis, irritable
bowel syndrome, and colon cancer.”
Here is what you should eat to
maintain good colon health:
1. Eat your veggies and
healthy fats
There is research that correlates
the Western diet to higher colon
cancer rates. People who eat
high-fibre diets are less likely to
develop the disease. Limit the
amount of meat you eat,
especially processed meats.
A high-fibre diet is a daily
intake of approximately 25-30g
of whole, unprocessed, plant-
based foods such as fruits,
vegetables and grains that
contain dietary fibre. High
dietary fibre is good for weight
loss and maintaining an ideal
body weight, avoiding
constipation as well as supplying
prebiotics (food for good
bacteria). Furthermore, dietary
fibre can help slow down the
absorption of sugar in the body,
helping to better regulate blood
sugar levels. A high-fibre diet
can also help lower both ‘bad’
LDL and total cholesterol, reduce
blood pressure and your risk of
cardiovascular disease and
stroke.
A plant-based diet means at
least half of your plate should be
plant-based foods, which
provide many beneficial
vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants. It is important to
eat a variety of different
coloured fruits and vegetables
such as raspberries, bananas,
oranges, peas, cooked artichoke,
broccoli, pears, apples and corn.
Each plant pigment provides
different nutrients or
phytochemicals that offer a
variety of different health
benefits such as strengthened
immune systems and reduced
inflammation.
Consume healthy fats found in
olive oil, salmon rich in omega-3,
avocados and nuts. Omega-3 fats
of fish alter the colon function
and reduce the risk of colon
cancer. Clinical studies suggest
that its sufficient intake can
reduce inflammation in the
colon and improve gut health.
2. Limit red meat
consumption
According to the American
Cancer Society, the risk of colon
cancer increases by 15% to 20%
if you consume 100g of red meat
(the equivalent of a small
burger) or 50g of processed
meats like sausage, bacon or hot
dogs per day. Prioritise chicken,
turkey and fish over beef, pork
and lamb.
If you choose to eat red meat,
consume no more than 350 to
500g of red meat per week.
Limit cooking red meats at very
high temperatures that cause
charring. This causes the meat to
form chemicals called
heterocyclic amines and
polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, which are linked
to an increased cancer risk.
3. Hold the sugar
Studies have found that
people with ulcerative colitis
and Crohn’s disease often have
diets high in sugar and low in
fibre. While sugar has not been
directly associated with the
progression of colon cancer,
foods high in sugar are often
high in calories and can lead to
weight gain and obesity. Limit
added sugar to less than 25g a
THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023
day. Naturally occurring sugars
in fruit and dairy are acceptable
and can provide beneficial
vitamins and minerals. Look for
sugar-free alternatives like
sparkling water and
unsweetened teas or coffees.
4. Choose grains wisely
The Dietary Guidelines for
Americans recommend all adults
eat at least half of their daily
grains as whole grains, about
three to five servings. Some
readily available whole grains
include barley, quinoa, whole
wheat flour, wild and brown rice
and oatmeal. These foods
contain more colon-friendly
vitamins, minerals, fibre,
essential fatty acids, antioxidants
and phytochemicals (natural
compounds that have a
beneficial effect on the body)
than their refined grain
counterparts, such as white flour
and white rice. An easy way to
determine if the food is a whole
grain is to check the label. If the
first ingredient on a grain
product says “enriched,” it is not
a whole grain.
5. Diversify your gut
microbiome
A healthy colon contains
billions or even trillions of
beneficial bacteria per millilitre.
A diet containing a variety of
nutrient-dense food types, fibre-
containing foods and probiotic
food sources helps to shape a
colon’s microbiota. A plant-based
or Mediterranean-style eating
pattern has been shown to
diversify the gut microbiota as
well as reduce the risk of
developing colorectal cancer.
Foods containing probiotics can
also help to foster growth of the
gut flora in the colon. Those
looking to increase their intake
of probiotics may try foods such
as yoghurt, kimchi, kombucha,
tempeh, kefir, miso and
sauerkraut.
6. Limit alcohol and don’t
smoke
If you choose to drink alcohol,
do so moderately. That means no
more than one drink a day for
women or two drinks a day for
men. And if you smoke, quit.
Your doctors can offer tips or
refer you to a programme to
help you stop.
Dr Zailani explains while
eating right can help keep your
colon happy, the most powerful
way to prevent colon cancer is
through cancer screening. Most
authorities recommend
undergoing cancer screening at
the age of 50 years for patients of
average risk. However, those in
the high-risk group such as
people with a family history of
colon cancer, Crohn’s disease or
Ulcerative colitis, a colonoscopy
should be done much earlier. A
colonoscopy is a structural
examination of the colon that
allows doctors to both screen for
and prevent colorectal cancer. A
colonoscopy reduces the risk of
developing colon cancer because
precancerous polyps detected
during the test can be removed.
THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023 Your Health 3

Protection for your skin

WELL-GROOMED, healthy skin
contributes to our well-being. If it is dry
to very dry, prone to eczema or itchy, we
quickly feel unwell.
The medical skincare products from
Linola make you feel comfortable in
your skin again.
Linoleic acid comes into play as the
main active ingredient. The history of
“Linoleic acid is one
Linola dates back to 1938 when chemist
Dr Kurt Wolff developed the first oil-in-
of the longest, chain
water emulsion containing essential essential fatty acids
linoleic acid for oily skin.
Since then, continuous effort has been available for the skin.
placed to intensify research on this
special ingredient and develop products The longer the chain,
with unique formulations that will
provide a solution for a broad range of
the better it is for
skincare issues. Dermatological studies
regularly confirm the effectiveness and
your skin’s natural
tolerability of Linola products. barrier. Linoleic acid
What makes linoleic acid so
naturally occurs in
special? sunflower, thistle or
Linoleic acid is one of the longest,
chain essential fatty acids available for A damaged skin barrier will lead to dry, flaky and brittle skin that is now even more prone to
wheatgerm oil. It has
the skin. The longer the chain, the better
it is for your skin’s natural barrier.
inflammation. anti-inflammatory
Linoleic acid naturally occurs in be imagined as a brick-and-mortar flaky and brittle skin that is now even properties and is also
sunflower, thistle or wheatgerm oil. It
has anti-inflammatory properties and is
model. It consists of horny cells (bricks)
in the top layer of the skin which are
more prone to inflammation – the
beginning of a downward spiral. an essential component
also an essential component of the skin
barrier. It thus supports the skin’s
surrounded by structural lipids (mortar)
rich in linoleic acid that are bonded to What to do?
of the skin barrier.”
natural regeneration process and each other. The structure ensures the
protects against moisture loss. skin maintains sufficient moisture and Attentive skincare with the regular
pollutants cannot penetrate. use of a suitable cream can help to keep
How does it work? If the structural lipids are damaged or the skin supple and improve the skin Fortunately, Linola offers a broad range
not sufficiently formed, for example in condition. Skincare containing essential of creams, lotions and washes containing
The skin represents a natural barrier the cases of frequent washing, caused by linoleic acid is of particular importance valuable linoleic acid. The unique
to the environment and takes on the pollutants, diseases such as eczema or here. formulations provide relief for different
important tasks of preventing excessive the ageing process, the horny cells detach In order to repair the skin barrier and kinds of skincare needs. Building on 85
moisture loss and the penetration of from each other which leads to defects in protect the skin from fat and moisture years of research, the products are
substances from the environment. the film of structural lipids. loss, a continuous supply of lipids is developed to be specifically gentle to the
However, the skin can only perform The cells are no longer completely essential to stabilise the skin barrier. skin yet have proven themselves effective.
these functions if the protective barrier connected, and the protective barrier While the body cannot produce linoleic Try it now.
of the uppermost skin layer is intact. breaks. The skin increasingly loses acid on its own, topical application has
The structure of the skin barrier can moisture and dries out. The result is dry, proven effective. n For more information, visit www.linola.my.
4 Your Health THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023

To shave or not to shave?

A COMMON question among patients with
issues relating to lumps, bumps and pain
at their private area as a result of
frequent shaving, waxing or laser
treatment is: Do I need to shave down
there?
Is it necessary to go through all that
trouble?
In a study titled Complications related to
pubic hair removal published in the 2014
edition of the American Journal of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, 87% of
respondents admitted to removing at least
some pubic hair at the time of the study,
with the remaining having removed hair
in the past. The majority 60% reported
experiencing at least one health
complication due to the removal of their
pubic hair. Dr Haliza Kamarudin.
Pubic hair is there for a reason. It starts
when both boys and girls reach puberty our genital area. Pubic hair absorbs sweat
at the mean age of 12 to 13 years old. and moisture and as such regulates Should shaving be the desired option, it is best to use a clean shaver at all times.
There is no medical benefit of removing vaginal temperature.
pubic or vaginal area hair. Contrary to There are some cases that require a minor gentle moisturiser at the mons pubis area
public belief, pubic hair is not unhygienic. Problems associated with removing procedure to remove localised abscess at post-procedure. This is to avoid excessive
The pubic area and the vagina are the the mons pubis area or labia mojora or skin irritation and reduce the incidence of
most sensitive areas. It is more prone to pubic hair minora. In the event there is scar ingrown hair. It is important to avoid
infection, redness, swelling, itching, rash 1. Ingrown hair hyperpigmentation or keloid on the mons scratching the area. Seek immediate help
and bumps. 2. Epidermal abrasion pubis or vagina that requires an aesthetic if you experience excessive redness,
3. Severe itching approach, such cases are usually referred burning or irritation post-waxing or laser
4. Post-inflammatory to a plastic surgeon. treatment.
The purposes of pubic hair hyperpigmentation It is not necessary to remove one’s pubic Choosing whether or not to remove
5. Keloid scar at the pubic or vaginal hair. However, this area remains a pubic hair is entirely up to the patient.
1. Reduces friction during intercourse area personal choice of the selected individual. However, if you choose to do so, do it
and causes less skin irritation 6. Folliculitis, valvulitis or contact To prevent the problems above, several safely and use clean shavers. When it
2. Protects against infections such as dermatitis precautionary measures can be taken. If comes to waxing and laser treatment for
yeast and bacterial infection. Pubic hair you choose to shave, do not opt for a clean hair removal, obtain the services of a
follicle produces sebum, which prevents In most cases, patients who present shave at the pubic area or vagina but trim professional and seek help immediately if
bacteria from reproducing. with symptoms and signs of infection such the long hair instead using a clean shaver you develop any issues.
3. Protects the sensitive skin around the as ingrown hair, folliculitis, valvulitis or at all times. – By Dr Haliza Kamarudin, consultant
vagina rash post-waxing, shaving or laser For patients who are used to waxing obstetrician and gynaecologist at KPJ
4. Maintains optimal temperature for treatment would require oral antibiotics. and laser treatment, it is advised to use a Damansara Specialist Hospital 2
THE STAR, WEDNESDAY 17 MAY 2023
For stronger
immunity
ON a daily basis, we are constantly
exposed to potentially harmful pathogens
such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and
fungi from the environment. A healthy
immune system protects our body
against infections. However, if our
immune system is weakened, we are
vulnerable to all types of infections that
can make us sick and sometimes lead to
major health risks.
Our immune system can be weakened
by multiple factors including ageing, a
poor diet, stress, the lack of sleep,
smoking, excessive alcohol consumption,
obesity or other underlying health
conditions. Some of the common
symptoms that indicate a weakened
immune system include:
l Common colds including cough, sore
throat, runny nose, headache, and mild
fever
l Stomach issues such as diarrhoea,
bloating and constipation
l Fatigue
l Delayed wound healing
l Frequent or repeated infections such
as skin, sinus, and urinary tract
infections
All in all, a healthy body is dependent
on a strong immune system. Fortunately,
there are many natural ways to
strengthen our immune system.
Benefitting from yeast beta-glucan
Proper nutrition accompanied by a
healthy lifestyle is one of the best natural
ways to strengthen our immune system.
For many years, vitamin C has been a
popular household remedy for immune
support. However, yeast beta-glucan is
another type of emerging immune health
ingredient that works differently and
acts synergistically with vitamin C to
improve immune health.
Beta-glucan is a type of soluble fibre
that can be found in certain foods such
as yeast, oat and mushroom. Different
types of beta-glucans provide different
health benefits due to the distinctive
molecular structure of each source.
Among the many types of beta-glucans,
yeast beta-glucan is better known for its
ability to enhance the immune system by
improving the responsiveness of our
immune cells to strengthen our ability to
defend against pathogens.
Yeast beta-glucan acts as a training
agent by binding to the surface of
immune cells and activating them to
respond more readily to fight off
infections, resulting in trained immune
cells with an enhanced immune response
that can act better and faster against
pathogens. In addition, yeast beta-glucan
has been shown through emerging
studies to have well-substantiated
immune-supporting properties by
reducing the incidence, severity, and
duration of common colds.
Biogrow Immuno-3 contains yeast beta-glucan which helps fight off infections.
Your Health 5
Biogrow Immuno-3 for triple
protection
Biogrow Immuno-3 contains three main
ingredients – yeast beta-glucan, vitamin C
and vitamin D3. Yeast beta-glucan helps to
support the immune system associated
with colds(1) by enhancing the
responsiveness of immune cells. On the
other hand, vitamin C helps to stimulate
white blood cell activity and reduce
inflammation by neutralising free
radicals(2) whereas vitamin D3 enhances
the function of immune cells and
modulates the immune response from
being overreacted(3). While each
ingredient has its significant functions in
immune health, when combined, Biogrow
Immuno-3 provides a triple action that
works synergistically to strengthen the
immune system, making it stronger and
better.
Biogrow Immuno-3 is available in
natural, great-tasting orange-flavoured
chewable tablet form and with no added
sugar, making it suitable for kids, adults
and the elderly. Each chewable tablet
provides 50mg of yeast beta-glucan, 60mg
of vitamin C and 5µg of vitamin D3 which
helps:
l Support the immune system
associated with colds
l Enhance immune response to act
faster and better against pathogens
l Reduce inflammation in the body
l Speed up recovery time
Who should take Biogrow Immuno-3?
l Individuals with symptoms related to
colds such as cough, runny nose, sore
throat, headache and mild fever
l Individuals who get sick easily
l Individuals with high-stress levels
l Individuals aiming to strengthen and
maintain a strong immunity
l Individuals practising an unhealthy
lifestyle or diet
Children are recommended to take one
to two Biogrow Immuno-3 chewable
tablets daily and adults to take 3 to 4
chewable tablets daily. Start gearing up
your way to a stronger and better immune
system today.
Biogrow Immuno-3 is available in major
leading pharmacies nationwide and the
Biogrow Official Store at Shopee Mall.
This article is provided by Legosan
(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 03-7956 2220
(Mondays to Fridays 9am to 5pm) or email
info@biogrow.com.my.
References
(1)
Food Amendment (No.4) Regulations,
2020.
(2)
Harvard, The Nutrition Source, 2020
(3)
EFSA Journal 2015;13(7):4182