THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019

YOUR HEALTH

Shielding our loved ones

With a myriad of viruses in the air, it is crucial to pull out all the stops
when it comes to protecting the family.
2 Your Health
Omega-3 for
heart health
MARINE omega-3 fatty acids offer a series of
health benefits. Omega-3 fish oil is
important to support general health and
well-being. Because Omega-3 fatty acids
have the chemical structure of
polyunsaturated fatty acids and cannot be
synthesised by the human body, these
essential fatty acids must be obtained from
food and via supplementation.
Opeceden has responded to the rapidly
growing demand for pure and highly
concentrated Omega-3 by providing a
nutritional formulation for healthy ageing.
Opceden Omega-3 Fish Oil TG500/200, which
is a high-strength fish oil, consists of 70%
marine essential omega-3 fatty acids:
eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexanoic acid (DHA), which have
been clinically tested for heart health.
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids are
essential nutrients that help promote health.
Most fish oil supplements in the market are
available in ethyl ester form, while only a
small number of fish oil supplements are
found in triglyceride form. Opceden Omega-
3 Fish Oil TG500/200 is sourced from
Norway and comes in triglyceride form.
Triglyceride, the natural form of dietary
lipids, is a safe form of fish oil. The human
digestive system can easily absorb
triglyceride-form fish oil. Typically, fats in
most food sources are found in natural
triglyceride form. Triglycerides are
generally associated with standard fish body
or fish liver oil.
These fats comprise three fatty acids, such
as omega-3 EPA and DHA, and are each
linked to a molecule of glycerol. Without
glycerol, free fatty acids can oxidise rapidly.
Omega-3 fish oil is
important to support general
health and well-being.
Because Omega-3 fatty
acids have the chemical
structure of polyunsaturated
fatty acids.
The glycerol helps naturally stabilise the fat
molecules and prevent breakdown and
oxidation.
To digest fatty acids, we need the enzyme
known as pancreatic lipase. Studies have
found that pancreatic lipase hydrolyses
triglyceride-form fish oil 10 to 50 times faster
than it hydrolyses ethyl ester-form fish oil.
The hydrolysation process needs to be
carried out in order to ensure optimal
absorption of the fish oil.
Opceden Omega-3 Fish Oil TG500/200
contains omega-3 EPA and DHA in
triglyceride form, which have been clinically
proven to support heart health.
Pharmaceutical triglyceride-grade fish oil
provides you with a better outcome in
reducing triglyceride levels. Therefore, it
brings numerous health benefits, especially
to your heart.
n Look out for the advertisement in this
StarSpecial.
KKLIU No.0498/2019
Is just brushing your
teeth good enough?
WE learn how to brush our teeth as soon as
we are able to grip a toothbrush. It is such a
routine part of our lives that it’s practically
second nature – a task we perform on auto-
pilot. Yet, many of us fail to engage in proper
dental care. Case in point: do you take at
least two minutes to brush your pearly
whites?
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the
plethora of products available in the dental
care aisle at your local supermarket – soft-
bristle toothbrushes, fluoride-free
toothpaste, copper tongue scrapers,
unwaxed floss, alcohol-free mouthwash.
This list goes on. But, how to choose the
correct one?
Guidelines issued by different bodies
concerning oral health practices also differ.
This information overload can lead to
confusion.
Choose your equipment
At the essence, tooth brushing is done to
remove bacteria accumulated in the mouth
and prevent the formation of plaque and
tartar.
Experts tend to recommend soft-bristle
toothbrushes as the gentle bristles are less
damaging to the enamel and gums. Smaller
brushes allow for greater malleability and
hence, a more thorough brushing in nooks
and crannies, while larger ones cover
greater surface area per brush. Hence, the
appropriate toothbrush will vary according
to personal needs.
It is recommended to replace your
toothbrush at least once every four months
or sooner if the bristles start to fray.
It’s hard to resist the promise of a blinding
white smile and icy fresh breath from a dab
of toothpaste that ads sell us. But, before
being enthralled by colourful striped
toothpaste, its necessity should be
questioned.
Contrary to popular belief, toothpaste is
not a treatment on its own. Rather, it is a
complement to one’s cleaning routine. As for
whitening claims, it implies that more
abrasive elements are involved and
consequently, if used incorrectly, can do
more harm than good.
So, is toothpaste the scam of the century?
While the paste may not live up to its
advertised super powers, it is still important.
It provides a pleasant smell to the mouth
and gives a feeling of squeaky cleanness. A
simple dollop of toothpaste the size of a 10
sen coin is all you need per brushing session.
On the other side of the spectrum, there is
such a thing as overbrushing. Brushing
multiple times a day is not harmful so long
as proper technique is applied. The issue is
with heavy-handed brushing.
Frayed, flat bristles on a fairly new
toothbrush can be a sign of excessive
pressure. The brushing motion should be
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
circular, not linear. On top of being
counterproductive, the linear sawing
motion can create grooves in the enamel,
creating breeding grounds for bacteria.
One of the most neglected advice from
dentists, yet arguably one of the most
known, is to floss routinely. Too many
people view it as a non-essential step, but
not flossing will ruin all the effort you put
into caring for your pearly whites.
It can be compared to meticulously
painting the front and back of a wooden
fence but leaving the sides unfinished and
vulnerable to the elements. Similarly, not
flossing will leave the sides of your teeth
exposed to bacteria attacks.
Choose your timing
You reach home tired from a long day of
work and are looking forward to just
flopping on your bed. As you sink into your
pillows, it hits you – you forgot to brush
your teeth! You start to wonder whether
brushing your teeth before going to bed is
really that important. You are going to do
that in the morning anyway. If this is an all
too familiar scenario, you might want to
reconsider.
Bacteria present in the mouth break
down food eaten throughout the day,
producing an acidic substance which gnaws
at teeth enamel, weakening it and creating
crevices where food particles might get
stuck.
This creates the perfect surface for plaque
to adhere to your teeth. When plaque
remains undisturbed for 24 hours, it
converts into tartar, a solid yellowish
deposit that can only be extracted with
professional help. With the expenses dental
care entails, this negligence could cost you
in more ways than one.
To brush teeth or eat breakfast first may
be a dilemma you consider on the daily.
While brushing teeth after breakfast may
seem like a win as you are both removing
the plaque buildup and the newly
accumulated food particles, it is the not the
best sequence.
Saliva acts as a protective coating on teeth
and gums. At night, saliva production slows
down, leaving the mouth more vulnerable
to bacteria.
Furthermore, dentists recommend
waiting at least 30 minutes after eating to
brush teeth. This ensures that you are not
damaging your enamel in its weakened
state: a feat not possible for many rushing
to get out the door. Hence, brushing before
breakfast might be the better option.
Lastly, one should schedule regular
dental check-ups. Routine examinations
are important to detect and subsequently
prevent any possible diseases, an essential
part of maintaining a healthy mouth and
teeth.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019 3
4 Your Health
Myths
about adult
vaccinations
THE old adage “prevention is
better than cure” comes to mind
when talking about vaccinations.
Yet, why are adults so averse to
getting vaccinated, even though
they themselves are proponents
of getting children vaccinated?
They may be victims of
preconceived notions
surrounding adult vaccination.
Let’s debunk the myths.
Myth Vaccines are only
1 intended for children
Doctors advise adults to Contrary to common belief,
get booster shots of some
vaccines that they were
vaccinations are not reserved for
children. The purpose of
administered as children vaccinations is to produce and
to ensure the vaccines are strengthen the body’s defence
still effective. against illnesses. In fact, some
vaccines are strongly
recommended for adults, such as
the flu vaccine, as it can help an
adult suffering from existing
conditions, for instance diabetes,
avoid any health complications
that might otherwise arise if they
were to contract the flu.
In some cases, your dream
vacation may be a few shots
away. Indeed, to travel to certain
regions of the world, you may
find yourself subjected to
vaccination requirements,
children and adults alike.
Without the proper vaccinations,
you risk bringing home more
than just souvenirs, or worse,
reintroducing a disease that had
been wiped out to the locals.
Myth Vaccines only require
2 one shot to be effective
For some vaccines, doctors
would advise you to get booster
shots as an adult, even though
you have already received those
shots as a child. Studies show
that on average, more than a
single dose is necessary to
develop an optimum immune
response. The booster shot
ensures that when needed, your
body can produce enough
antibodies to fight off infections.
The flu, a common illness, is
triggered by viruses that evolve
over time. Hence, vaccines are
routinely adjusted to tackle flu
and its many variants. As an
adult, the shot you received in
your childhood won’t cover you
from the risk of catching the flu.
Getting a flu shot seasonally is a
good rule to live by.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
You owe it to your
community to
ensure you are not
spreading diseases.
Ultimately, getting
vaccinated is not an
individual decision. It
carries far too many
repercussions on
your community.
Myth Vaccines are
3 scary
As childish as it may seem,
some adults are scared of
getting vaccinations. It may be
because of the fear of needles,
bad memories or succumbing to
the pressures of growing anti-
vaccine lobbying.
The key to combating those
concerns is to inform yourself as
best as possible using the tools
at your disposal, and express
your fears to an expert who will
allay those fears.
Myth Naturally acquired
4 immunity is better
than immunity provided
by vaccines
A fact that is often brought up
is the baseless argument that
self-developed immunity is
better than one provided by
vaccines. Firstly, in order to
build immunity to diseases, you
will have to be exposed to the
disease, which can seriously
harm you.
Furthermore, by being a
carrier for the disease, you are
putting other people at risk,
some more frail than you.
Immunocompromised people,
very young children and the
elderly are often at risk as their
immunities are often not yet
built up or have atrophied.
You owe it to your community
to ensure you are not spreading
diseases. Ultimately, getting
vaccinated is not an individual
decision as it carries far too
many repercussions on your
community.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019 Your Health 5

Reduce uric acid naturally

HAVE you ever been woken up
in the middle of the night from a
sore, red, warm, painful and
swollen toe? You may have
experienced a gout attack.

How do we get high uric form sharp uric crystals and

acid levels?
Uric acid is a waste product
which is broken down from high
purine foods, such as internal
organs, seafood, alcohol and red
meat. This process is catalysed
by the enzyme known as
xanthine oxidase. Normally, the
kidneys process and excrete it
out of our body.
However, when uric acid
builds up faster than the kidneys
can get rid of it, excess uric acid
present in the bloodstream will
deposit it at joint areas, causing
inflammation, swelling and pain,
particularly in the big toe. This
type of inflammation is also
known as a gout attack.
With advancements in health
supplements, there is an
alternative treatment for gout
which can be used alongside
medications or solely on its own
for those who do not wish to
start on medication.
Vitamode Luric Capsule is
among the first health
supplements in Malaysia with a
combination of Ayuric
Terminalia bellerica, a natural
xanthine oxidase inhibitor
which reduces uric acid
naturally, and Boswellia serrata,
a natural anti-inflammatory
herb which reduces
inflammation, swelling and
pain. It is a traditional remedy
for joint health in combination.
Ayuric, a natural xanthine
oxidase inbihitor that is derived
from the edible fruit known as
Terminalia bellerica, a famous
Ayurvedic plant traditionally used
for the treatment of high uric acid
levels. It possesses superoxide radical
scavenging activity and inhibits uric
acid formation due to its xanthine
oxidase enzyme inhibitory activity.
Boswellia serrata trees, commonly
known as frankincense, produce
gum exudate that contains 3-Acetyl-
11-Keto-Beta-Boswellic Acid (AKBA).
AKBA is an anti-inflammatory
constituent which is beneficial for
joint inflammatory diseases such as
arthritis and knee pain. Boswellia
serrata gum extract in Vitamode
Luric Capsule is standardised to alternative ways to reduce uric acid, This article is brought to you by
contain as high as 30% AKBA. It is inflammation and pain, especially Vitamode and Medispec (M) Sdn
used traditionally for joint pain and around the joint areas. Drinking Bhd.
related inflammatory conditions. plenty of water and avoiding high
Vitamode Luric Capsule provides purine foods also help prevent the n For more information, call
double benefits by eliminating problem from worsening or 1300 800 228 or email enquiry@
excessive uric acid levels in the blood recurrent gout attacks. medispec.com.my
while, at the same time, relieves pain Vitamode Luric Capsule is This is a traditional product
in a natural way. It is recommended available in selected pharmacies advertisement.
for those who are looking for nationwide. KKLIU No.1185/2018

Unlock nutrients
in food with
multi enzymes
A COMPLETE and balanced
nutritional intake may help
achieve healthy bodily functions
but is also very much associated
with the whole digestive process,
which involves food ingestion
and digestion, nutrient
absorption and utilisation.
Even the most complete diet
will not benefit your body if it is
not properly broken down into
nutrients to be readily absorbed
and utilised. Poorly digested
food may lead to occasional
abdominal discomfort, bloating
and other undesirable
symptoms.
Enzymes break down
nutrients in food
Enzymes are specifically
produced by our body to assist
in the breakdown of food and
“unlocking” its nutrients,
allowing them to be effectively
absorbed and used by the body.
However, age, an unhealthy
lifestyle and poor eating habits
can interfere with the body’s
ability to produce an adequate
supply of enzymes for the
process.
In addition, extreme cooking
methods and processing can also
destroy the enzymes naturally
found in raw foods.
For these reasons, obtaining
an alternative source of enzymes
is important to maintain
optimum health.
A comprehensive
enzyme blend tailored
for your daily diet
Biogrow Mixed Berries with
Multi Enzymes contains a broad
spectrum of 10 natural plant-
and microbial-derived enzymes,
which can work in a broad pH
range of between pH3 and pH9
throughout the body. This
enzyme combination includes
amylase, protease, lipase,
cellulase, lactase, maltase,
invertase, bromelain and two
proprietary enzymes –
peptizyme SP and HemiSeb –
which possess broad specificity
for various types of food such as
cereal grains, legumes, dairy
products and meat.
Biogrow Mixed Berries with
Multi Enzymes is formulated
with a blend of mixed berries
and a tooth-friendly sweetener,
xylitol. It is available in
chewable tablet form. Just chew
one or two tablets after every
meal to supply the body with
natural enzymes to complement
a balanced daily diet.
Biogrow Mixed Berries with
Multi Enzymes is available at all
leading pharmacies nationwide.
This article is contributed by
Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
03-7956 2220 or email info@
biogrow.com.my
6 Your Health
Where work
meets workout
THE “sitting disease” is becoming a global
concern as our hectic lifestyles become more
and more inundated with the latest tools
and gadgets that bring convenience in our
daily tasks. “Sitting disease” is a term used to
describe the lifestyle of an individual who
does not engage in enough physical activity
to be healthy. Research has linked sitting for
long periods of time with a number of
health risks including obesity, diabetes, high
blood pressure, cancer and cardiovascular
diseases such as coronary heart disease,
stroke and heart attack.
Most health professionals recommend
walking 10,000 steps a day to improve health
and reduce the health risks caused by
inactivity. According to the World Health
Organization, between 60% and 85% of the
global population does not engage in enough
activity, making physical inactivity the
fourth leading risk factor for global
mortality.
If you want to reduce the risk of a
sedentary lifestyle, especially in the office
and at home, the NordicTrack Deskmill will
let you work while still working out,
increasing your productivity and improving
your health and fitness levels gradually.
The NordicTrack Deskmill incorporates a
working desk and treadmill, making it a
versatile and innovative fitness equipment
that allows individuals to walk or jog in
comfort on its cushioned deck while still
getting work done. It can even be folded and
turned into a standing desk or a sitting desk.
Other innovative features include:
l Smart and versatile design
Easy transition from sitting to running. Its
revolutionary SpaceSaver design allows the
NordicTrack Deskmill to fold up vertically
when you want to sit or stand, and fold
down when you are ready to run.
l Power-adjustable incline
Deskmill’s 10% incline can be adjusted
digitally with the touch of a button. Raise the
incline to activate specific muscle groups and
burn more calories.
l Adjustable desk height
Find the perfect desktop height for you.
The desktop is adjustable to between 26 and
With the new
NordicTrack
Deskmill, you do
not have to sacrifice
work to exercise,
and vice versa.
42 inches to accommodate multiple user
heights for sitting, standing, walking, or
running.
l Easy-to-reach desktop controls
An easy-to-read LCD console display is
built right into the desktop. Three readouts
display your time, distance, calories, calories
per hour, incline and speed. Simple controls
adjust your speed and incline on a clear,
concise display so you can easily monitor
your progress.
l Mahogany wood grain desktop
Durability and aesthetics live on in the
40-inch by 18-inch work surface. A one-inch
flat, solid composite desktop is protected
with attractive mahogany wood grain
laminate for a surface that looks great and
performs beautifully.
The NordicTrack Deskmill is now
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
available exclusively at Fitness Concept
outlets nationwide. Fitness Concept
is Malaysia’s largest fitness specialist chain
store with 45 outlets, as certified by the
Malaysia Book of Records, and retails home
fitness equipment and accessories by world-
renowned brands.
Fitness Concept is running a nationwide
promotion with exciting savings on branded
treadmills, crosstrainers, exercise bikes,
gym stations, fitness accessories and many
more. Be the first to enjoy the NordicTrack
Deskmill bundle with the NordicTrack
Premium Set. Terms and conditions apply.
Visit your nearest Fitness Concept Outlet or
roadshow to try the NordicTrack Deskmill.
Start a healthy lifestyle for you and your
loved ones today.
n For more information, call 03-8026 2222,
email enquiries@fitnessconcept.com.my
or visit www.fitnessconcept.com.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Important mineral
for muscle health
THE muscular system is made
up of more than 600 muscles;
each a discrete organ
constructed of skeletal muscle
tissue, blood vessels, tendons
and nerves. It consists of
various types of muscle, each of
which play a part in all bodily
functions. These muscles help
us to move, lift things, pump
blood throughout your body
and even help you breathe.
There are three muscle types:
l Skeletal muscles – Skeletal
muscles are the only voluntary
muscle tissues in the human
body, which means they are
controlled consciously.
l Cardiac muscles – The
heart is a specialised
involuntary muscle. It pumps
blood throughout your body,
changing speed to keep up with
the demands put on it.
l Smooth muscles – Smooth
muscles work in the digestive
system to move food along and
push waste out of the body, as
well as keep our eyes focused
without us having to
consciously do so.
Magnesium, an abundant
mineral in the body, is
responsible for the regulation
and proper functioning of more
than 300 enzyme processes
in our body, including
neuromuscular transmission
and muscle contraction. A
magnesium deficiency may lead
to many negative health
outcomes, including muscle
weakness, insomnia, high blood
pressure and heart disease.
Magnesium deficiency
symptoms
When magnesium deficiency
happens, there is excessive
calcium in the muscle, leading
the muscles to no longer be able
to fully relax, which can cause
painful cramps. This is why
those who have active lifestyles
need to replenish themselves
with electrolyte replacement
drinks.
This also applies to women
and the elderly. For the elderly,
magnesium intake tends to be
low and intestinal absorption is
frequently diminished. As a
result, they are at high risk of
magnesium deficiency and
often experience muscle
cramps. For women,
Women, the elderly and people with active lifestyles are at higher
risks of magnesium deficiency.
A magnesium
deficiency may
lead to many
negative health
outcomes, including
muscle weakness,
insomnia, high blood
pressure and heart
disease.
magnesium deficiency can
intensify menstrual pain and
may lead to premature
contractions during pregnancy.
As mentioned, magnesium
deficiency can affect heart
health and lead to conditions
such as arrhythmia (irregular
heartbeat), palpitations and high
blood pressure. The deficiency
has also been associated with
severe asthma. Researchers
believe a lack of magnesium
causes the airways to constrict,
causing breathing difficulties.
Magnesium amino acid
chelate
To obtain the many benefits
of magnesium without
experiencing side effects, one
can consider taking a
magnesium amino acid chelate
such as magnesium glycinate.
“Chelate” means that the
magnesium is bound to amino
acid, a protein naturally found
in the body.
Moreover, magnesium amino
acid chelate is one of the most
gut-friendly magnesium
supplements. Hence, those who
experience diarrhoea when on
magnesium supplementation
can consider switching to
magnesium amino acid chelate
instead.
The current recommended
intake of magnesium is 400mg to
420mg for men and 310mg to
320mg for women.
This article is brought to you
by Cambert (M) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
03-5638 3660 (Monday to Friday,
9am to 5pm) or email enquiry@
cambert.com.my
Your Health 7
Healthy gut,
THE father of modern medicine,
Hippocrates, once said, “All disease
begins in the gut” – a quote that still
holds true today. The gut plays a
healthy you
vital role in our health, especially
in bowel function, digestion and
immunity. Unfortunately, many
people tend to neglect their gut
health until they repeatedly
experience gastrointestinal
problems such as constipation.
According to the American
Journal of Gastroentology, irregular
bowel movement or constipation
affects nearly a quarter of the
world population. Most individuals
resort to laxatives as a quick fix for
bowel irregularity. However, long-
term use of laxatives often results
in decreased bowel function (also
known as lazy gut syndrome) and
Gut health can
may lead to laxative dependency.
Therefore, prolonged laxative be improved
use is highly discouraged and with natural
should be replaced with natural ingredients such
food remedies that combine dietary as oat fibre and
fibre with probiotics to maintain probiotics.
good gut health.
Natural way to manage One sachet daily provides a maintain or improve gut health
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Biogrow ProGut is made from gut microbiota. To consume, mix of fibre and probiotics.
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the well-researched Oat BG22 fibre or two sachets a day after meals major pharmacies.
powder and Bifidobacterium lactis or whenever convenient is
BB-12 probiotic strain from recommended. This article is brought to you
Denmark – a strain of Each sachet contains 2.4g soluble by Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
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8 Your Health
The overlooked workhorses
WHEN it comes to awareness of diseases, the
kidneys are rarely a topic of discussion. Dr
Tan Li Ping, consultant nephrologist at Ara
Damansara Medical Centre, opines that this
is because symptoms of kidneys problems
are generally not apparent until it is too late.
“When people have early kidney
problems, they often aren’t aware of it. The
kidney is silent when mild damage is
present, and by the time symptoms are
noticeable, the condition could have already
become severe. Unfortunately, treatment is
often delayed,” says Dr Tan.
Because symptoms of kidney problems are
not apparent, Dr Tan advises all Malaysians
to go for regular check-ups, be it at public or
private clinics. This factor is extra important
as Asians are known to be more genetically
susceptible to kidney disease caused by
diabetes.
He says, “According to the US Renal Data
System 2013 Annual Data Report, 64% of
Malaysian patients on dialysis have kidney
failure thought to be a complication from
diabetes. This figure is much higher than the
44% rate reported in the United States. Given
that Malaysia is considered a hotspot for
high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
diabetes and obesity, it stands to reason that
this percentage will only go up.
“If you have diabetes, you should get a
urine and blood test at least every three to
six months. If you are physically healthy,
once a year should suffice.”
Passing health on
Giving advice about preventing kidney
disease, Dr Tan shares that losing weight,
practising a healthy diet, exercising
regularly, making sure your blood pressure
and sugar levels are normal, and avoiding or
quitting smoking are important to mitigate
your risk of kidney disease.
Kidney health is often overlooked, so attend regular check-ups to detect kidney disease
early, especially if you have diabetes.
He asserts, “The golden time for you to
protect your kidney is right now, when your
kidney is still functioning optimally.”
While Dr Tan notes that there is still room
for improvement in terms of public
education on kidney disease, he prefers to
focus on behavioural changes of Malaysians.
He says, “While most people today are
aware of how lifestyle diseases such as
diabetes cause illness, that knowledge hasn’t
Caring for your joints
IF you suffer from joint pain in areas of the
body such as the knees, ankles and
shoulders, you’re definitely not alone. In
fact, joint pain is such a widespread
problem that it is a common complaint
among the older generation.
Joints are connections between two
bones. Often, the pain is caused by wear and
tear of the cartilage, the tough bone-like
material that cushions joints, leading to
inflammation, pain and stiffness. The
disease is medically known as osteoarthritis.
Risk factors vary from obesity to hereditary
conditions, with age being one of the most
common risk factors.
Risk factors are often out of our control,
which is why it’s important to learn how to
care for our joints before osteoarthritis
develops and the pain sets in.
Glucosamine is a natural compound
found in the cartilage. It is often prescribed
as a health supplement for the treatment of
osteoarthritis. In its supplemental form of
glucosamine sulphate, studies have
demonstrated that 1,500mg a day helps
reduce knee pain. Glucosamine encourages
the regrowth of cartilage and helps prevent
further breakdown of these substances.
Osteoarthritic Joint
translated into any real changes in
behaviour.
The medical community has noticed that
the public has not been making effective
lifestyle modifications despite being
repeatedly informed about the dangers of
habits such as inadequate physical activity
and unhealthy diets.”
> SEE NEXT PAGE
Other to-dos to preserve joint health:
Getting the right nutrients – The
bones are constantly being regenerated
so they require a steady supply of the
right raw materials. Besides
glucosamine and chondroitin, the body
also needs calcium and plenty of
vitamins D and K2 for strong and
healthy bones.
Remember that the joints are always
by the bones and keeping both healthy is
key to healthy joints.
Chondroitin sulphate is also commonly
found in the cartilages of the body. It has
anti-inflammatory benefits which helps
reduce pain and slows down the wear and
tear of cartilage. Not lacking in clinical
studies, 1,200mg of chondroitin sulphate is
commonly recommended together with
1,500mg glucosamine sulphate, which is
clinically proven to help in pain reduction
and recovery of knee function. The benefits
of taking them together are much better
compared with taking them separately.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Dr Tan Li Ping.
See something, do something
Every hardship is more difficult
when experienced alone, and chronic
illnesses can have a heavy
psychological effect on patients. Family
and friends of patients must check with
the patients on how they are feeling or
coping when changes in behaviour are
noticeable, such as:
l Avoiding social interactions
l Isolating themselves
l Changes in appetite
l Changes in sleeping pattern
l Changes in weight
l Heightened sensitivity to offhand
comments
l Depressed mood
l Crying spells
l Irritability
Youth is no excuse – Osteoarthritis can
happen even at a young age, especially if
weight is a persistent problem. Stay active
and exercise regularly, according to your
ability. Light exercises and stretches help
exercise the joints and prevent stiffness.
Ensure that you breathe regularly while
exercising and move at your own pace.
No matter the age, take care of our joints.
Treat joint pain and regain flexibility.
The combination of 1,500mg glucosamine
and 1,200mg chondroitin helps reduce joint
pain and swelling, rebuild cartilage, slows
down progression of osteoarthritis and helps
improve quality of life for those with
osteoarthritis.
This article is brought to you by Vitamode
Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 1300 800 228 or
email enquiry@medispec.com.my
Healthy Joint
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019 Your Health 9

Face the realities of diagnosis head on

> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Nevertheless, Dr Tan shares that there is
hope for those who experience kidney
failure – renal replacement therapy.
“The most common form of renal
replacement therapy for kidney failure is
dialysis, where toxins and excess fluids are
filtered out of the bloodstream. Another
option for patients with kidney failure is a
kidney transplant. Ask your nephrologist
which option is the better one for you.”
A common misconception is that diabetes
medications cause kidney damage. This
belief often guides patients to avoid taking
their medications regularly, or at all,
contributing directly to health deterioration.
Dr Tan says, “Most medications pose only a
small risk of causing kidney damage; a risk
that is further reduced when the medication
is prescribed under expert guidance. The
likelihood of uncontrolled diabetes causing
kidney problems far outweighs the small
risk of medications harming your kidneys.”
It is important for Malaysians to pay
attention to all parts of their health, from the
brain to the kidneys, as the body acts as a
unit and no organ is more important than
another in ensuring that we lead happy,
healthy lives.
Protection of the mind
When one is diagnosed with a chronic
illness such as diabetes, high cholesterol or
kidney problems, it is understandable when
he or she goes on a roller coaster of
emotions. This can be the same for the
patient’s loved ones, who go through their
own respective grieving processes.
Michelle Ho Sueh Yeng, clinical
psychologist at ParkCity Medical Centre, says,
“Coping with an illness is never easy, even
more so with chronic illnesses that are long-
lasting and can potentially stay with the
patient for life. On top of having to cope with
the initial shock of the diagnosis, patients
must adjust to physical weakness, lifestyle
changes and probable financial burdens
because of treatment.
“World Health Organization statistics
show that one in four individuals develop a
common mental disorder such as depression
or anxiety every year. People with chronic
diseases are at a higher risk of developing
mental health disorders because of
unexpected life changes. As a result, they can
become less active, avoid social contact, and
be irritable, moody and anxious.”
Be the helping hand
During difficult times, it is especially
important for a patient to receive adequate
support to enhance her mental state and
quality of life. Ho lists four types of social
support, which are:
l Emotional – Expressions of empathy,
love, trust and care
l Instrumental – Tangible aid and service
l Informational – Advice, suggestions
and information
l Appraisal – Expressions of confidence
or encouragement
While Ho recognises the difficulty of
facing the reality of diagnosis head on, she
opines that it is the best way for a patient to
cope with her situation.
She shares that people who actively
confront their diagnoses, seek social support
and use active coping strategies could
experience better adjustment, inner peace
and life satisfaction compared with those
who feel resigned to their fates and deny or
avoid their diagnoses, citing findings from
studies such as a 2004 one titled Coping
responses following breast cancer diagnosis
predict psychological adjustment three years
later published in Psycho-oncology.
Ho advises loved ones and guardians to
accompany the patient in her journey.
Better late than never
It is crucial to attend regular check-ups the body. When they do not work
and find out the condition of your properly, the toxins stay in the body,
kidneys. Seek treatment as soon as you causing itching.
encounter any of these symptoms: l Back pain
l Foamy urine – This is a sign that the l Weakness or tiredness
kidney is breaking down and protein from l Nausea
the kidneys are in the urine. l Lack of appetite
l Itching – Kidneys filter toxins from l Breathing problems
“Empowering the patient with accurate and the optimism of “this will never happen
knowledge of the disease and treatment and
helping her develop coping strategies may
to me or my loved ones” tend to dominate
societal mindsets, thus deterring much-
also be beneficial.” needed care. Therefore, more impactful
Besides that, she asserts how important it awareness programmes are needed to
is for patients to surround themselves with educate the public on the existence and
positive, supportive people. “Try to find debilitating effects of chronic diseases on
small things that you enjoy every day and set patients and their families and communities.
realistic goals for yourself. Small goals such
as a visit to the park or phoning a close n For more information, call 03-5639 1212.
friend can help you make the most of each
day.”
Creating a safe place
While Ho acknowledges the increased
awareness about mental health in Malaysia,
it is not proportionate to the growing
number of people facing mental health
issues, and she recognises the ingrained
stigma these people still face.
“Despite experiencing overwhelming
emotions from being diagnosed with a
chronic illness, patients may have an
underlying fear that getting mental health
treatment equals being ‘crazy’. This stigma
causes them to avoid seeking help for fear
that their family members will be shamed.”
Although many initiatives have been
implemented by the Government, public and
private healthcare providers and non-
governmental organisations, Ho suggests
that the stigma surrounding mental health

Slowing joint degeneration

ABOUT 60% of the world population suffers
from a degenerative joint disease called
osteoarthritis (OA). OA is the primary cause
of 90% and 99% of primary hip and knee
replacements, respectively.
While most people would assume that
joint problems are a natural part of ageing,
people with OA actually have joints that
break down faster than those of the average
person. This is why some people in their 70s
are still mobile and have trouble-free joints
while some 40-somethings are already
experiencing joint aches and pains.
Ageing is not the only contributing factor
to joint problems. Scientific research has
uncovered joint-ageing enzymes that exist in
our joints, which are scientifically known as
matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Genetic
factors, coupled with joint trauma or
injuries, will determine whether MMPs are
overexpressed in certain individuals.
When MMP levels are high, joints tend to
break down faster than they can rebuild,
leading to inflammation, swelling and pain.
Natural answer to joint problems
Biolane, an extract from New Zealand
green-lipped mussels, was found to be a
natural joint-ageing enzyme inhibitor.
Coupled with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
and marine mineral healing properties,
Biolane was found to be able to slow joint
degeneration, offering new hope to arthritis
patients.
Joint formulas such as glucosamine and
collagen supply nutrients to the damaged
joints, but don’t address the underlying
degenerative process driven by MMPs.
Biolane’s capacity to counter the
damaging effects of MMPs can slow the
progression of OA. It also complements
other joint therapies at various stages.
because it involves tackling the root of the
problem.
A 2000 study titled New research and a
Clinical Report on the Use of Perna
Canaliculus in the Management of Arthritis
published in Townsend Letter for Doctors
and Patients showed that Biolane has a 70%
success rate. Patients with moderate to
severe arthritis who took two Biolane
capsules twice daily for at least three months
experienced significant improvements to the
condition of their joints.
It has to be noted that Biolane is not a
painkiller. Patients who are on long-term
painkillers for joint problems may still need
to continue with their pills initially.
Backed by 40 years of extensive research,
Biolane is an enduring joint-repairing
formula, testament of its quality, safety and
effectiveness. In 2005, the Australian Centre
for Complementary Research and Education
awarded the Ideal Anti-Arthritic Agent
accolade to Biolane. This green-lipped
mussel extract is used by medical
practitioners in more than 25 countries.
This article is brought to you by Nuvanta
Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 03-5636
3758/1300 881 712 or email pharmacist@
nuvanta.com

Slow but effective

As arthritis doesn’t just happen overnight,
the restorative process will also take time
10 Your Health THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019

Should you give it a shot?

By SRIMAYEE SEN SARMA

IMMUNISATION is a word that has recently

popped up in the news again. An alarming
number of parents worldwide are choosing
not to vaccinate their children. These
numbers are increasing and is a cause of
grave concern among healthcare providers.
The rise and spread of the anti-vaccination
movement can be blamed for this drop in
the immunisation rate among children.
While medical professionals still believe that
vaccination is essential to keeping society
safe from various diseases, the anti-vax
community believes vaccines cause more
harm than good.
The fact remains that parents will always
want what is best for their children, and if
word spread that vaccines may potentially
harm their precious babies, many would
choose not to go for it. However, these
individual decisions can affect the greater
community, contributing to the likelihood of
a disease epidemic.

Saying no to immunisation
The question of whether to vaccinate a
child, a decision which was a given even a
few years back, is proving to be a daunting
one for many parents nowadays. The anti-
vax movement is believed to have been
sparked by a controversial article by British
surgeon Andrew Wakefield, which was
published in The Lancet in 1998. The article
linked the mumps, measles and rubella
(MMR) vaccine to autism in children.
While most anti-vaxxers still believe in
Wakefield’s theory, numerous studies have
since refuted the claims. The Lancet also
later retracted the article, stating that the
findings in Wakefield’s article were
insufficient to establish a link between the
MMR vaccine and autism.
Herd immunity is the best defence for vulnerable members of the community, such as immunocompromised people, very young children and
the elderly.
Although autism remains the biggest
reason cited by parents to keep their
children away from vaccination, there are
other reasons, too, such as the pain caused
by the procedure, distrust towards
pharmaceutical companies and fear of
possible side effects.
Consultant paediatrician and paediatric
cardiologist Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail believes
the issues related to the side-effects or
adverse events following immunisation
(AEFI) have been over-emphasised. Serious
adverse events are extremely rare and, when
weighing the benefits against the risks, it is
still much better to vaccinate.
“Vaccination has already removed
smallpox from the face of this earth, and we
are so very close to eradicating poliomyelitis
and approaching the elimination of measles.
Where we used to treat babies with neonatal
tetanus and congenital rubella, these are
now rarities, because of vaccination,” he
stresses.
Another question raised by anti-vaxxers is
the effectiveness of injecting germs, dead or
otherwise, into the bloodstream of infants,
whose immune system is still vulnerable.
But, according to doctors, this is precisely the
reason why vaccines should be administered
during this stage, which is to help the
growing immune system of babies create
anti-bodies that would be useful in thwarting
the diseases later on in life.
In addition to these fears, Dr Zulkifli cites
another struggle that healthcare
professionals face when administering
vaccine to the Malaysian population. “The
influence of anti-vaxxers and fear of pain are
not very high on the list of reason why
parents won’t vaccinate their child. This is in
contrast with Western countries, where the
fear of side effects and pain during injection
The rise and spread of the
anti-vaccination movement
can be blamed for this
drop in the immunisation
rate among children. While
medical professionals still
believe that vaccination is
essential to keeping society
safe from various diseases,
the anti-vax community
believes vaccines cause more
harm than good.
was prominent,” says Dr Zulkifli.
“One oft-cited reason is religious beliefs –
whether the vaccine ingredients are halal.
The issue is quite disconcerting, especially
because there are already religious edicts
(fatwa) that support vaccination.
“The promotion of traditional,
homeopathic and naturopathic medicine
also ranks very high among locals who
refuse vaccinations. Many people promote
> SEE NEXT PAGE

The experience of getting your child vaccinated can be hard, but it is nothing compared to
the ordeal if she gets infected with a preventable, previously eradicated disease.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Friendly gut
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 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 day you were born.
About 85% of these bacteria
perform beneficial functions,
such as digesting food,
protecting against infections and
influencing a few physiological
processes in the body. The
remainder may either not
provide any benefits or could be
potentially harmful and are
sometimes referred to as “bad”
bacteria.
Most of the body’s immune
system also lives in your
digestive tract, home to about
70% to 80% of immune cells. So,
any changes that occur in the
gut have a strong impact on
your health.
The balance of good and bad
bacteria in the gut must be
maintained in a fragile balance.
The ratio between “good”
bacteria and other bacteria
becomes one of the critical
factors determining your
optimal health. The ideal
balance is 85% good, 15%
“other”. 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,.
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 maintain healthy intestinal
microflora.
One way to boost our good
bacteria count is by taking
probiotics with food or as
supplements. Probiotics are live
bacteria that help 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.
The first criterion of a good
probiotic product is the strain of
Your Health 11
A dangerous compromise
Are we jumping on the
> FROM PREVIOUS PAGE before people decide to wake up.
After the diphtheria outbreak
the idea that there are ‘homeopathic claimed two victims, we suddenly bandwagon?
vaccines’ or traditional practises and had a surge of parents who were The good news, according to Dr
food eaten by the Prophet initially hesitant about vaccinations Zulkifli, is the vaccination rate in
Muhammad are enough protection coming forward requesting for the Malaysia is at more than 95%,
for their children. It is hard to tell DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and except for MMR and Hepatitis B.
them how absurd this sounds acellular pertussis) vaccine.” Malaysia led the region in HPV
without saying we don’t respect According to him, the vaccination vaccinations and was the first in
their religious beliefs,” he adds. programme is a victim of its own the region to introduce Hepatitis B
success. into its neonatal and childhood
Our environment The future horrors in store “With the decrease in these immunisation schedule in 1989. It
vaccine-preventable diseases, many was also the first in the region to
greatly influences The fact is by choosing not to parents do not see the need to introduce the Hemophilus
this balance, and vaccinate, parents are not only vaccinate their kids, and when there influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine.
risking the lives of their own is a drop in the number of vaccine- However, more needs to be
a poor diet, stress, children, but also society as a whole, preventable diseases, people done. Dr Zulkifli suggests the
medications and an as people depend on herd immunity become complacent and forget how government make it mandatory for
unhealthy lifestyle for protection. Herd immunity only
works when a sufficient number of
they got to where they are.”
The worst case scenario if more
children to be vaccinated against at
least diphtheria and measles
can disrupt it, people are immunised, thus offering people became anti-vax is outbreaks before being allowed to enrol in
causing bad bacteria protection to people who cannot be
vaccinated for various reasons.
of diseases that was thought to have
disappeared.
school.
“Education campaigns should
to flourish. The consequences of anti-vax “We could have measles continue, too. We need to have
campaigns are becoming more outbreaks in kindergartens, continuous vaccine-related
apparent as vaccine-preventable nurseries, schools and play areas, information as well. For example,
bacteria used. It should be diseases are making a comeback which could lead to deaths,” warns the Health Ministry should give
clinically documented in with a vengeance. Dr Zulkifli. data related to the vaccination rate,
published clinical studies, safe For instance, a measles outbreak Dr Zulkifli opines, “The worst incidences of vaccine-preventable
for consumption, able to in the United States at the start of possible scenario is when people diseases (VPDs) and hotspot areas
withstand stomach acids and this year is blamed on low promote this pro-choice, anti- of vaccination non-compliance.
bile during the digestive process, vaccination rates. Malaysia, too, has vaccine phenomenon, they are Awareness can come from
and able to attach to the had some cases of infant deaths undermining the efforts of people different media, even social media.
intestinal lining. caused by diphtheria in the recent who have worked to develop, The loud anti-vaccine lobby goes
L. acidophilus and past. promote and administer these unchecked because the vacuum to
bifidobacterium are two groups Dr Zulkifli, who is also chairman vaccines for all these years. The counter their rhetoric is not filled.
of bacteria commonly used in of the Immunise4Life programme truth is, we can move on to more Hence, there should be more
probiotic products, of which a and Asia Pacific Pediatric complex treatments if we don’t have social media penetration by
few strains have been Association secretary-general, says, to keep going back to treating credible health bodies, if we are to
scientifically tested to be “As usual, it takes a catastrophe vaccine-preventable diseases.” fight the anti-vax tide.
beneficial. The bacteria must be
alive, 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 stabilisation
processes during packaging and
transportation will protect the
bacteria against light, heat,
humidity and moisture
breakdown.
Biogrow Probiotics provides
highly stable microencapsulated
strains made from patented
microencapsulation technology
from Institute Rosell-Lallemand,
Canada, which ensures the
probiotics are resistant to heat
shock up to 50°C, gastric acid
and bile salts and have a better
survival rate.
Remember, only live bacteria
confer benefits to their host, not
dead ones.
This article is contributed by
Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
03-7956 2220 or visit www.
biogrow.com.my
This is a supplement product
advertisement.
KKLIU No.0085/2017
12 Your Health
DHA for
better brain
development
AS a parent, have you ever wished you could
do more for your child’s future? You can
start by helping them in their education and
stay ahead in their studies.
A 2012 study in the UK titled
Docosahexaenoic acid for reading, cognition
and behavior in children aged 7-9 years: a
randomized, controlled trial (the DOLAB
Study) published in Plos One showed that
supplementation with omega-3 DHA helped
improve the reading and behaviour of
underperforming children in mainstream
primary schools.
The study involved a group of
schoolchildren between seven and 10 years
old. These children were physically healthy
but underperforming in school. They were
split into two groups, where one was given
daily supplementation of omega-3
DHA and the other a placebo for
16 weeks.
After 16 weeks, the children
underwent practical measures
of reading, working memory
and behaviour. The study found
that the group that received
supplementation improved in
all measures, with the highest
improvement observed in
reading capabilities.
These capabilities are
important for children’s future
Recommended daily intake of omega-3 for
different age groups
Age group Recommended omega-3 EPA +
DHA intake (mg)
2 to 4 100 to 150
4 to 6 150 to 200
6 to 10 200 to 250
Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations
educational and occupational prowess. The
fact is, omega-3 DHA for growth is important
not only for babies and toddlers, but
schoolchildren as well. However,
schoolchildren can be really picky with
foods, as are babies and toddlers.
There are easy solutions available
to this problem. Suitable omega-3
supplements for children should be:
l Attractive
l Delicious
l Do not look like capsules or
tablets
l Without fishy odours
This article is brought to you by
Nature’s Way.
n For more information, call
03-7932 2128.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Effectively maintain
bone and muscle mass
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