Your Health - 22 July 2014

StarSpecial
THE STAR Tuesday 22 July 2014

Natural, healing and antibacterial properties > 14 Have yourself checked > 28
YOUR HEALTH
Facing up
What you should know about mens wellness.
2 YOUR HEALTH StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 July 2014
By ANUSHIA KANDASIVAM
W
HEN people think about
the concept of health,
they usually think about
eating healthy and nutritious
food, staying active and exercising
to stave off heart disease, high
cholesterol, hypertension and
obesity, and to ensure that they
age gracefully.
What most people do not
think about is mental health.
In Malaysia, mental health still
suffers from a stigma. To put it
bluntly, to many Malaysians the
term mental health is equivalent
to crazy.
In reality, mental health is
just another aspect of a persons
overall well-being, just like heart
health or joint health. The mind
is, after all, what makes a man, so
why should he not take care of it?
More than you think
Mental health disorders do
not discriminate; they can strike
anyone at any time of their lives,
regardless of socio-economic
background, race or gender.
However, according to worldwide
statistics, women seem to suffer
more from certain types of mental
disorders than men.
Statistics for depression, for
example, illustrate this clearly. In
the United States, research has
shown that in a one-year period,
depressive illnesses affect 12% of
women (more than 12 million) but
only about 7% of men (more than
six million).
In the United Kingdom,
statistics show that one in four
women will require treatment
for depression at some time,
compared to one in 10 men.
In Malaysia, the numbers are
not dissimilar. Dr Ng Chong Guan,
vice president of the Malaysian
Mental Health Association and a
practising psychiatrist, illustrates
this point with an example from
his own experience in his
everyday practice he sees more
than twice the number of female
patients than male.
Logically, the number of men
and women who suffer from
depression or any other mental
disorder should be equal, but
the numbers show otherwise.
This may be because men do not
realise they have a disorder, or if
Lifting the veil off
mens mental health
Depression in men
There are some behaviours that may be signs of depression in
men but because they are not common, may go unrecognised:
l Escapist behaviour, such as spending a lot more time at work
or at sports
l Alcohol or substance abuse
l Violent, abusive or controlling behaviour
l Irritability or inappropriate anger
l Risky behaviour, such as taking risks while driving.
What are PE and ED?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when men cannot have an erection
or maintain it. Premature ejaculation (PE) is when men have no
diculty having an erection but are unable to control ejaculation.
Some mental health causes of PE and ED:
l Depression
l Anxiety
l Post traumatic stress
l Neuroticism
Some drugs used to treat depression can also cause ED.
they do realise it, they do not want
to admit they have a problem and
seek help, he says.
He goes on to observe that the
most common issue observed in
men is addiction, be it to drugs
or alcohol. But the latent reason
for this is usually a mental health
disorder.
In the 21st century, there has
been a large amount of research
and study on addictions and their
consequences, especially those
relating to drugs and alcohol.
In Malaysia, the huge anti-
drug campaign started in the
1980s by the government led to
studies on these topics that were
specic to the Malaysian context
and thus imminently helpful to
policymakers and mental health
practitioners.
However, most of the decades
of research did not touch on the
reasons people turn to drugs and
alcohol in the rst place, says
Dr Ng.
The effects of addictions on
the person, family and community
are not unimportant, but we
must look beyond that and
ask why people keep abusing
these substances what are the
underlying issues?
In many instances, the
addiction problem is triggered by
an underlying mental disorder
such as depression and anxiety,
he says.
So men are affected by mental
health disorders more than people
about it, says Dr George Lee, a
consultant urological surgeon.
These disorders cause anxiety
and depression in men because
they intrinsically affect mens
idea of their manliness and their
worth as men.
Further complicating the issue
is the fact that PE and ED cause
anxiety leading to depression,
and depression causes PE and ED.
The only way to break out of the
cycle is to report both cause and
effect in order to seek help and
treatment, which is a step that
most men do not take.
This boils down not only to
the male ego, but also to cultural
stereotypes that men believe
they must adhere to. In the Asian
culture, there is still a solid belief
that the man is the breadwinner
and the leader of the family, so if
he shows any sign of weakness
or helplessness it will lead to the
collapse of the family unit.
This makes it incredibly
dicult for men to acknowledge
that they have a mental disorder.
Men will be able to report other
medical conditions such as heart
attacks or diabetes, but a mental
condition is the last thing they
want to admit to, observes Dr Ng.
In some cases, the fact that
they have to conceal what they
are going through drives men to
outlets such as drugs and alcohol,
which compound the problem.
On the other end of the
spectrum of men with mental
disorders are those that develop
the disorders because of these
stereotypes of gender roles and
what a man should be in the
context of family and community,
and because of social stigma
people living with HIV (PLHIV)
and men who have sex with men
(MSM).
PLHIV and MSM also feel
the need to conform to gender
rules such as being stoic and not
showing weakness, and so they
also nd it dicult to seek help
for their mental disorders, says
Raymond Tai, PT Foundations
marketing and communications
director.
This double-edged sword is
another compounding effect on
mental disorders in men.
Opening the doors
It seems then that the solution
to the problem of unreported
and untreated mental disorders
in men is removing the stigma
associated with mental health in
Malaysia and to re-evaluate the
gender stereotypes that prevent
men from seeking help. The
only way to do this is through
education.
Proper education and
knowledge will mean that people
know exactly what mental health
involves so they will understand
it and no longer believe these
conditions are dangerous.
Malaysia has successfully done
this with cancer, and has had
results when it comes to HIV/
AIDS. We need to start working on
mental health, says Dr Ng.
Men must also understand that
there are several avenues of help
and support available to them
if only they take that rst step
and break the silence. The rst
step towards recovery, especially
in instances where ED and PE
are involved, is to seek partner
support.
Open and honest lines of
communication go a long way
towards relieving some of the
stress and anxiety related to these
problems and getting to the next
step of seeking professional help.
We encourage understanding.
Help is available and there are
health care providers equipped
and prepared to counsel and treat
men with premature ejaculation.
There are therapies such as
oral treatment that are safe to
consume, says Cheah Chor Eng,
general manager of Menarini
Malaysia, a biopharmaceutical
company.
We urge all couples to
understand and be aware of the
situation and encourage them
to take control and speak to
their physician to know more.
Premature ejaculation can be
successfully treated, adds Dr Lee.
Mental disorders can be
effectively treated. Just like a
cough or u, if you take care
of the problem, it will become
controllable or eventually go
away, says Dr Ng.
Once the stigma is lifted and
mental health literacy in Malaysia
is widespread, there will no
longer be reason to endure mental
disorders in silence.
think, and certainly more men
than is ocially reported are
affected. But why do men refuse
to seek help?
Uncharted, unrecognised
One of the main reasons men
do not seek treatment is that the
signs of mental disorders often
go unrecognised. While quite a
large percentage of Malaysians
are able to recognise the signs of
heart disease, arthritis, stroke and
dengue fever (according to the
National Health and Morbidity
Survey 2011), many do not know
the signs of depression or anxiety.
Common signs of depression
are feelings of hopelessness, loss
of interest in everyday activities,
feelings of self-loathing and loss
of energy. But sometimes the
symptoms differ from one person
to another, and they are also
different for men and women.
Another major reason men do
not seek treatment is that they
are less likely to acknowledge
the signs of depression such
as feelings of self-loathing and
hopelessness, and even if they do,
they will not share these feelings
because of a belief that they must
not be seen to be weak.
This can also be seen in cases
where men suffer from erectile
dysfunction (ED) or premature
ejaculation (PE). * Many people
may not know enough about PE to
recognise the issue, let alone talk
> SEE ALSO PAGE 15
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We lay down the options for your first set of wheels.
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THE STAR Tuesday 21 January 2014
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StarSpecial
THE STAR Tuesday 4 February 2014
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BRIGHT KIDS
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MOTORING
StarSpecial
THE STAR Sunday 12 January 2014
Chinese NewYear
motoring guide
The best offers in town and the hottest cars available this year.
SOUTHERN
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Rise of
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Supplement Team Email: supp@thestar.com.my
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StarSpecial 3
Tuesday 22 July 2014
Taking good care of your heart
M
OST people think that non-
communicable diseases like
diabetes or hypertension
are the most common health
problems that people in Malaysia
face. However, the reality is that
heart disease is the number one
killer in Malaysia. For women, it
has even overtaken breast cancer
in this respect.
To combat this growing
problem, the National Heart
Institute, known by its Bahasa
Malaysia acronym IJN, offers
heart screening packages at its
Executive Screening Programme
(ESP) centre.
As a heart centre, it is only
natural that we place great
emphasis on the importance of
a healthy heart. Regular heart
screening is an important step
towards early detection and
treatment of cardiovascular
disease or early detection of
risk factors so that you can take
prompt precautionary measures.
Our ESP Centre is a one-stop
facility for a full heart screening
and check-up, says Tay Giat Sing,
manager of the ESP Centre.
She explains that all the tests
are conducted at the centre in
a structured manner so that
participants do not have to walk to
different departments around the
hospital.
The ESP centre is accredited by
the Malaysian Society for Quality
in Health, the Joint Commission
International (an international
organisation that accredits health
care providers), and has obtained
the ISO 9001-2008.
What it involves
The rst thing is, obviously, to
make an appointment. This can be
done online or by calling up the
ESP Centre.
The centre does take walk-in
participants but they may not get
to choose a time slot.
If a participant makes an
appointment, the ESP Centre will
even send him reminders about it
one reminder three days before
the date, and one the day before
so that the appointment is not
missed.
We do prefer people to
make an appointment so that
we can slot them into a time
of their choice and we can tell
them what to expect from the
screening process so that they
come mentally and physically
prepared. We want to have good
communication between us and
the participant so that they get
most out of our services, says Tay.
The centre is equipped to take
16 to 18 participants every day,
and they are scheduled depending
on the screening package selected.
The whole procedure will take
between three and ve hours to
complete.
At each step of the process,
trained staff will attend to the
participant, so each person gets
the best that IJN has to offer, says
Tay.
The screening involves several
tests designed to gauge a persons
heart health. This means that
there will be blood and urine tests,
a lung function test carried out
by the centres physiotherapist,
and a chest X-ray carried out by
a cardiac angiographer, among
others, as well as exercise stress
tests or stress echocardiography
carried out by the cardiovascular
technologist.
The stress test involves
walking and running on an
exercise treadmill. During this,
the ESP Centres cardiovascular
technologist will monitor
the participants heart rate,
blood pressure response and
changes indicated by the
electrocardiogram as well as
assess the participants general
well-being and progress.
After the tests, an overall
consultation with the participant
will be conducted by the centres
cardiologist who will diagnose any
problem (or give the participant
a clean bill of health) and
recommend necessary treatment.
In some cases, the centre will also
provide nutritional counselling or
recommend the participant join
a programme to quit smoking
to assist participants in making
essential lifestyle changes.
Something for everyone
IJN offers three different
screening packages through the
ESP Centre that range from basic
to comprehensive screenings
to meet the varying needs of
participants. The Standard Heart
Screening package costs RM555
for Malaysians and RM615 for
foreigners, the Executive Heart
Screening package is RM999
for Malaysians and RM1,100 for
foreigners and the Elite Heart
Screening package is RM1,499 and
RM1,650.
The Standard package is a basic
screening package that checks the
participants general heart health,
and includes blood and urine tests
for early detection of risk factors
for heart disease. This is suitable
for participants who are in good
health and are at the centre for a
routine check-up.
The Executive package offers
the same procedures as the
Standard package but has more
detailed blood tests. The Elite
package has the same range of
investigation as the Executive
package, but it also includes an
echocardiogram of the heart
structure as well as a comparison
of heart muscle contractility
before and after an exercise stress
test or a pharmacological stress.
The ESP Centre is also able to
tailor a package to suit the specic
needs for IJNs corporate partners
or a particular participant.
For example, if a young person
of 18 years who is active and
otherwise t comes in wanting a
screening because he feels there
may be a problem, the cardiologist
at the ESP Centre may convert
the exercise stress test to an
echocardiogram depending on
the pre-assessment nding. We
have the exibility to do this as
we have the resources in terms
of equipment and manpower,
explains Tay.

Who the screening is for
The recommended age for
getting a screening is 35 years and
above for men and 40 years and
above for women, but bearing in
mind that heart disease can affect
anyone, if a person feels like there
is a problem with their heart, they
should get it checked immediately
no matter their age.
It is not just people with a
family history of heart disease
that should be aware of their
risk of developing it. A person
who leads a sedentary lifestyle
with little or no exercise and
an unhealthy diet is more
susceptible to heart disease.
This is compounded by non-
communicable diseases such
as diabetes and hypertension.
Smoking is also a major cause of
heart disease.
Even those who feel they
are completely healthy should
come in for a check-up at least
once a year, especially if you are
over a certain age. You may be
able to function normally every
day, but how sure can you be
that there isnt an underlying
problem with your heart? Only
a proper screening can tell you if
everything is OK or if you need to
make changes to your lifestyle to
improve your health, says Tay.
If you do have a heart disease,
early detection is the key to
effective treatment. You could still
lead a long and fullling life if you
take the right steps. This is why
screening is so important.
n For more information, call
03-2600 6421 or visit
www.ijn.com.my
Here are some things you have
to do prior and during a heart
screening:
Fast from midnight the night
before your appointment. Drink
only plain water from midnight
onwards.
If you are on any prescription
medication, bring it along with
you to the appointment.
Wear suitable attire to the
appointment, such as a track
suit and jogging or rubber
shoes. Part of the stress test
involves running on a treadmill.
How to prepare for a
heart screening
Coronary heart disease is the
number one killer in Malaysia.
According to the World Health
Organization, 22,701 Malaysian
deaths in 2010 were caused by
coronary heart disease (about
22% of total deaths in the
country).
Asians are more likely to
develop heart disease 10 years
earlier than people in the West
or Australia.
Men 35 years old and above
and women 40 years old and
above should go for regular
heart screenings to rule out any
disease.
Quick facts about
heart disease
Tay Giat Sing, manager of the Executive
Screening Programme at IJN.
Regular heart screening is an important step towards early detection and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Even people who feel they are completely healthy should have a heart screening
at least once a year, especially if you are over 35 years old.
A person who
leads a sedentary
lifestyle with little
or no exercise
and an unhealthy
diet is more
susceptible to
heart disease. This
is compounded by
non-communicable
diseases such
as diabetes and
hypertension.
Smoking is also
a major cause of
heart disease.
StarSpecial 5
The NordicTrack E7 Pro crosstrainer allows
you to personalise your workout and gain
optimum health benefits from your exercise.
Exercise to stay in good health
B
ESIDES healthy
eating, regular
exercise
is important in
staying healthy too.
Simple exercises such
as walking,cycling or
swimming for 30
minutes daily or
150 minutes
weekly can
improve
ones health
tremendously.
Regular
exercise
is one of
the best
ways to
combat
daily
stress
and reduce
risk of getting sick.
There are a myriad of exercise
equipment available in the market
that cater to peoples exercise
needs.
However, back and knee pains
are common problems among the
elderly and working individuals.
Doing unsuitable and non-
recommended exercises while
being ignorant of the pain can
worsen injuries or cause new ones.
One of the best ways to exercise
without worsening knee pain is to
use an elliptical, also known as a
crosstrainer.
It enables a cardio workout,
reduces the impact on the knees
and provides a similar type of
workout as jogging without the
wear and tear on your joints.
The NordicTrack E7 Pro
crosstrainer is one of the best
cardio equipment that provides a
total body workout with minimal
impact to the knees.
An in-built heart rate monitor
helps you stay within your target
heart rate zone to maximise
weight loss.
Features of the NordicTrack E7
Pro crosstrainer include:
l Stride Adjust Incline Ramp
The new Stride Adjust Incline
Ramp features a ve-position
incline up to 20
o
. This ramp adjusts
your incline while activating
different muscle groups.
Setting the crosstrainer at
higher inclines targets your
hamstrings and gluteal muscles
while lower inclines engages your
calves and quadriceps.
Individuals can also personalise
their workouts, which can come in
handy if the equipment is shared
between family members.
l 20 workout apps
Target specic muscle groups
with built-in workouts designed
by a certied personal trainer.
Individuals can choose from
20 workouts that target calorie
and performance goals.
Your speed, time, distance,
resistance and ramp incline/
decline are preset so all you have
to do is press start.
l 20 digital resistance levels
Adjustable resistance controls
allow you to add intensity to your
workout and personalise your
workout to get desired results.
l iFit Live Technology
compatible
The iFit Live Technology
gives you workouts powered by
Google Maps, which allows you to
recreate routes anywhere in the
world and automatically adjust the
resistance of the E7 Pro elliptical
to match the intensity of the
chosen terrain.
Competing with your friends
and family will also keep you
motivated. The NordicTrack E7
Pro crosstrainer is now available
exclusively at all Fitness Concept
outlets nationwide.
Fitness Concept is Malaysias
largest tness specialist chain as
certied by The Malaysia Book of
Records. There are 45 outlets in
major shopping malls nationwide.
n For more information,
call 03-8026 2222 or e-mail
enquiries@tnessconcept.com.my
or visit
www.tnessconcept.com.my
More to hydration
than just drinking water
STAYING hydrated is important
because every living cell in
the human body needs water
to function optimally. Water
is necessary to regulate
temperature, assist digestion
and metabolism, as well as
become shock absorbers to our
joints and organs.
Depending on how much
daily physical activity you
engage in as well as your
size, age, metabolism and the
climate you live in, you may
need different quantities of
water. You will know that you
have enough water in your body
if your urine is a translucent
yellow. Any shade darker than
that means you need to drink
more water.
While water is the simplest
and most accessible way to get
enough liquid into our bodies,
the good news is that plain
water is not the only option for
you to be properly hydrated.
So how can you stay
hydrated if you do not like
water?
l Eat food with high water
content
Consider including fruits
and vegetables that contain
more water to contribute to
your hydration. You should
avoid dried fruit or pickles and
instead opt for fresh produce.
This means that it is better
to pick up a handful of grapes
rather than raisins. The added
benet is you will also be
getting your dose of vitamins
and bre that plain water
cannot offer.
l Flavour your liquid
The old adage is to not drink
your calories. However, there
are still plenty of options to
avour your drinks without
loading them with excess sugar
and fewer or no calories.
For example, you can slice
cucumbers, lemons or any of
your favourite fruits and add
them to your water.
You can also add a dash
of vanilla essence, cinnamon
powder or a sprig of mint. This
will give enough avour to your
drink to make it more palatable.
If you do not mind the
calories and prefer the added
nutritional values, then milk
and smoothies are also great
options.
l Have some soup
Soup is another alternative to
drinking water. Having a bowl
of hot soup with your meals is a
great way to add more uid into
your body. Broth-based soup is
more hydrating and less calorie
than creamy soup.
l What you might want to
avoid
Alcohol is a dehydrator so
you should limit your intake. If
you are drinking alcohol, ensure
that you have a one-to-one
ratio of alcohol to water to avoid
dehydration. You should also
avoid soft drinks or juices that
are high in sugar.
StarSpecial 7
Osteoarthritis can be managed by strengthening the knees through mobilisation
exercises.
Viartril-S is fully packed with beta needle crystals.
Down to the bone
K
NEE pain is a very common
symptom that brings you to
seek treatment from your
doctors. It is caused by some
activities of daily living that are
carried out repeatedly, such as
prolonged squatting, kneeling,
sitting on a low stool, climbing
stairs and slopes and others.
This is due to degenerative
arthritis of your knee joint
because of repeated loading and
friction of your knee joint surface.
The repeated friction causes
the cartilage lining of the joint
surfaces to wear out, exposing the
underlying bone.
The joint surface becomes
rough, bone grinds on bone and
leads to pain. Pain becomes more
severe when the knee joint moves
and bears weight.
Knee pain can also occur
spontaneously in those who have
primary osteoarthritis, a disease
associated with degenerative
changes or wear and tear of the
cartilage lining of your knee joint.
It is also associated with some
inammatory changes in your
knees leading to tender swelling
and warmness of your knees.
Degeneration of the articular
cartilage ultimately occurs with
brillation, ssures, ulceration
and loss of the full thickness
of the joint surface. Primary
osteoarthritis affects women
around 40 to 50 years of age.
This can affect your ngers,
causing stiffness and painful
swelling of your nger joints. You
might also develop deformities,
lumps and knobs on the nger
joints, called Heberdons nodes
and Bouchards nodes.
As the disease progresses, it can
involve the entire joint, including
the subchondral bone (bone
underneath the cartilage lining)
and soft tissues around your knee
joint such as ligaments, capsules,
synovial membrane and muscles
around your knee joints.
Treatments
Osteoarthritis is a complex
disease where its onset, pattern
of joint involvement and severity
are highly variable from person to
person.
Treatments for patients with
osteoarthritis of knees should be
individualised.
This depends on your age, the
severity of the arthritic changes
of your knee joints as well as the
functional disability that you are
facing. More commonly, you need
to combine a few modalities in
order to have the best result from
your treatments.
Treatments for osteoarthritis
should ideally aim to:
l Reduce pain and stiffness
l Allow for greater movement of
the affected joint
l Slow the progression of the
disease
l Weight loss Weight loss is
usually the rst recommendation
for the management of
osteoarthritis. It is hoped that
reducing your weight will reduce
the load placed on the weight-
bearing osteoarthritic joint, such
as the knees, hips, back and feet.
l Modication of activities
and lifestyle Very often you
will complain of more pain after
certain daily activities such as
squatting, kneeling, sitting on a
low stool, lotus sitting, climbing
stairs or slopes. These activities
involve extreme exion (bending)
of your knees leading to increased
squeezing and rubbing forces on
the cartilage lining of your knee
joints. This leads to wear and
tear of the cartilage lining in your
joints.
l Strengthening and
mobilisation exercises for your
knees You might notice
wasting or shrinking of the
thigh muscles after a prolonged
episode of knee pain, especially
the front part of your thigh
(quadriceps muscles) and
the back part of your thigh
(hamstring muscles).
Signicant deformity in your
knees may mean inability to
perform daily activities, which
will lead to disuse atrophy of
the quadriceps and hamstring
muscles.
Protected strengthening and
mobilisation exercises are meant
to mobilise your knee joint and
strengthen your thigh muscles.
This will help to maintain
and improve exibility as well
as stabilise your knees, relieving
pain and improving your
mobility and function.
Medicines for
osteoarthritis
Medicines are usually offered
to reduce inammation and
therefore reduce joint pain
and tenderness. Treatments
commonly used include:
l Topical pain relievers (anti-
inammatory plasters or gel)
l Analgesics
l Non steroidal anti-
inammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
l COX-2 inhibitors
l Chondroprotective agents
such as glucosamine sulfate and
chondroitin
l Visco-supplementation
(hyaluronic acid)
l Anti-inammatory
medicines - Common anti-
inammatory medicines include
NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors,
which relieve acute attacks of
knee pain or chronic recurrent
pain, stiffness, sound on
movement of your joints and
deformity of your knee joints.
These reduce the
inammatory process in your
joints, therefore reducing your
pain and further damage of your
joints.
The common side effects of
anti-inammatory medicines
include allergic reactions,
gastric irritation and kidney
impairment. Your doctor
will choose the right anti-
inammatory medicines for
you based on your medical
background to minimise
possible side effects.
l Glucosamine sulphate
Glucosamine sulfate can be
used alone or in combination
with standard NSAIDs. The
usual recommended dose for
glucosamine is 1,500mg daily for
a period of at least three months.
Your doctor may also decide
to prescribe a combination
of glucosamine sulphate and
chondroitin sulphate for your
knee pain. This is indicated for
individuals who do not respond
well enough to glucosamine
alone.
l Visco-supplementation
treatment An injection of
sodium hyaluronate plays a
signicant role in modulating
the physical and mechanical
interaction between adjacent
tissues (knee or shoulder
cartilages), functions as a
viscoilastic tissue lubricant and
acts as a support for knee joint.
Sodium hyaluronate injections are
administered through the joint
as single or multiple injections by
your family doctor, orthopaedic
surgeon or your rheumatologist.
Surgery
l Correction of deformity
(osteotomy) A person with early
or moderate uni-compartmental
arthritis of the tibio-femoral joint
(the joint between thigh bone,
femur and leg bone tibia) may be
too young to undergo knee joint
replacement surgery.
Your surgeon may recommend
you have corrective surgery to
realign your knee joint. This will
realign the stress on the joint to
minimise further damage on the
cartilage lining of your knees.
You should also continue taking
glucosamine and chondroitin even
after you have your corrective
surgery.
l Knee joint arthroscopy
washout and debridement If
your knees often swell up, are
painful and do not respond to
the treatment of glucosamine,
chondroitin or even hyaluronic
acid injection, you may need an
arthroscopic wash out for your
knees.
During surgery, your surgeon
will wash out the abnormal joint
uid, debride (remove dead or
damaged elements) the knees
joint by removing sediments and
bone spurs.
Following surgery, your
surgeon may also suggest an
injection of hyaluronic acid into
your knee joint at the same
time or few weeks after that.
Some patients may benet from
injecting platelet rich plasma
(PRP) or even stem cells after the
arthroscopic washout of your
knees.
l Knee joint replacement
surgery If you present to your
surgeon with severe osteoarthritis
in which all compartments in your
knee joint are badly damaged, you
might need to replace your knee
joint with an implant.
This is the most commonly
performed and most successful
joint replacement surgery.
The purpose of surgery is
to remove the damaged joint
surfaces and replace them with a
set of implants made of metal and
plastic. This allows you to resume
the activities of daily living and to
improve your quality of life.
During an acute attack, the
knee feels warm, swollen and
tender.
You might also feel and hear
sounds when you are moving
your knees, a phenomenon
called crepitus.
In chronic arthritis of knee
joint, your knees become stiff
and deformed.
There is pain when you bear
weight on your knees.
Your pain becomes more
obvious when you squat, kneel,
climb stairs and slopes.
Prolonged standing and
walking might also aggravate
your pain.
Signs and symptoms of
osteoarthritis
Quality equals results
THERE are many different types
or brands of glucosamine in the
market.
A recent study conducted
on the various glucosamine
brands available in Malaysia
and Singapore showed that the
concentration of glucosamine
in a capsule or sachet differs
tremendously depending on the
brand.
Quality glucosamine should
contain beta needle crystals,
which is the active form of
glucosamine properties.
Viartril-S is a glucosamine that
allows for 90% absorption into the
body. It is fully packed with beta
needle crystals that work on joints
with osteoarthritis to improve
your quality of life.
In combination with the high
quality grade of glucosamine
(pharmaceutical grade), rate of
absorption of the glucosamine
into the body and its consistency
has been increased through a
patented manufacturing process.
Instead of taking chances on
various types of glucosamine,
nothing is more important than
results to maintain an active
lifestyle. While there is a small
difference in price, there is a big
difference in quality.
Viartril-S ensures high-quality
glucosamine and it can be used
as a prescriptive medicine for
osteoarthritis. In addition to
the quality of glucosamine, the
minimum daily dose of 1500mg
is preferred for glucosamine to be
absorbed into the body.
Whether you are experiencing
a slight joint pain or consistent
joint pain, 1,500mg is
recommended.
call Eva at 03-7956 7677.
(KKLIU 0571/2014)
StarSpecial 9
The wholesome
way to a mans heart
Things you may not know
about mens heart health
1. Younger men suffer from
heart attacks due to undetected
high cholesterol levels
According to the National
Health and Morbidity Survey
(NHMS) 2011, high cholesterol
levels was one of the main risk
factors that led to a rise in the
number of people suffering from
cardiovascular disease from 20.7%
in 2006 to 35.1% in 2010.
A large number of men below
the age of 40 have
high cholesterol
levels, which, if
left untreated,
can lead to their
untimely deaths.
Many of these men
are fathers and their
children will unfortunately grow
up without experiencing their
fathers love.
2. High cholesterol levels may be
worse for middle-aged men than
women
A Norwegian study consisting
of more than 40,000 men and
women under the age of 60
revealed that men with high
cholesterol levels had more than
three times the risk of having a
heart attack compared to women
with high cholesterol levels.
Prevention and treatment of high
cholesterol levels in middle-aged
men can signicantly reduce the
occurrence of heart attacks among
them.
3. A Portfolio Diet can lower
your cholesterol levels
The National Cholesterol
Education Program (NCEP) Adult
Treatment Panel III and the
American Heart Association
recommend the use of functional
foods or foods that are high in
cholesterol-reducing components
as dietary strategy options. The
Portfolio Diet consists of nuts,
plant sterols and soy protein.
Another functional ingredient
in the Portfolio Diet is viscous
bres (beta-glucan) from oat bran.
After a four-week intervention,
there was a signicant reduction
in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol level of 29.6% for those
who consumed the Portfolio
Diet versus 33.3% who
consumed a statin
diet.
This nding
may be helpful in
reducing the need
for high doses of
statin drugs to meet
target lipid goals, especially in
patients with impaired liver and
muscle functions.
4. A diet high in bre keeps
cholesterol levels healthy
As recommended by Yayasan
Jantung Malaysia (Heart
Foundation of Malaysia), one of
the ways to lower cholesterol
levels is to consume a daily diet
that is low in cholesterol and
Cultivate heart-healthy eating habits
ACCORDING to the European
Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
the habit of skipping breakfast
among children and adolescents
is associated with a number
of poor health outcomes and
health-compromising behaviours,
including higher blood cholesterol
and insulin levels, smoking,
alcohol use, physical inactivity,
disordered eating and unhealthy
weight management practices.
Research suggests that
breakfast consumption,
specically ready-to-eat cereal,
has a positive relationship
with healthy body weights
and improved diet quality in
adolescents.
However, most breakfast
choices in Malaysia tend to be
decient in bre and high in
calories due to their high starch
and fat content.
For example, one plate of nasi
lemak with a cup of teh tarik
contains between 500 and 600
calories (kcal), which is highly-
packed with energy but contains
very little bre.
Therefore, choosing a healthy
breakfast cereal or snack food rich
in cereal bre (oat beta-glucan)
with a reduced sugar and fat
content (less calories) is key to
reducing your risk of developing
chronic diseases such as obesity,
heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Consumption of cereal fibre
is good for the heart
According to a nine-year
US-based research project, higher
cereal bre intake was most
strongly associated with positive
survival outcomes compared to
fruit and vegetable bre.
The results also suggested that
for every daily 10g increase in
bre intake, the risk of dying over
the nine-year follow-up period
decreased by 15%.
One of the most abundant
types of soluble bre found in
cereals, for instance oats, is beta-
glucan. Many years of research
have revealed that three grammes
of oat beta-glucan from cereal
products actively reduce blood
cholesterol levels when consumed
on a daily basis.
In order to live up to its claim
to help reduce cholesterol levels,
a food product should provide
at least one gramme of oat beta-
glucan in a single serving.
In addition to being available
in the form of oat bran powder,
three grammes of oat beta-glucan
is now available in the form of
ready-to-eat crispy cereals.
Biogrow Oat BG22 Crispy Cereal
are delicious, crunchy heart-
shaped crisps made from Swedish
oat bran and are made in Germany
with sophisticated processing
technology. A single 30g packet
provides three grammes of oat
beta-glucan.
Unlike conventional breakfast
cereals, just one packet delivers
three grammes of oat beta-glucan
in a much smaller daily serving
size. It is also rich in total dietary
bre (6.6g each packet) and high in
protein, iron and magnesium.
In order to achieve better
weight management, calorie
restriction in a daily diet and
regular exercise is crucial.
In terms of energy, one packet
provides only 102 calories, which
constitutes only 4% to 5% of the
average adults daily energy
requirement (2,000-2,500 calories
per day).
Biogrow Oat BG22 Crispy Cereal
can be eaten straight from the
packet as a healthy, convenient
snack whenever you need
something to munch on.
It also tastes great with cold
beverages such as low-fat milk,
soy milk, chocolate milk and
yoghurt.
High bre consumption
requires you to drink plenty of
water as this will improve gel
formation in the stomach and
intestines for better cholesterol-
lowering effect.
Just add two scoops of Biogrow
Oat BG22 oat bran powder or one
packet of Oat BG22 Crispy Cereal
to your daily dietary routine and
enjoy the heart-healthy goodness.
Coronary heart disease is
caused by cholesterol and fat
deposits, also known as plaque,
in the walls of the heart arteries,
which obstruct blood ow.
Sometimes the plaque may
crack and this causes blood clots
to form completely obstructing
the blood ow in the blood vessel.
When this occurs in the coronary
arteries, a heart attack ensues.
Heart disease can be a silent killer,
and it is a ticking time bomb in
both men and women.
03-7956 2220 or e-mail
info@biogrow.com.my
saturated fat, and high in bre,
particularly soluble or viscous
ber called beta-glucan from oat
bran.
Consuming at least three
grammes of oat beta-glucan a
day has been clinically proven
to help reduce blood cholesterol
levels. The Malaysian Ministry of
Health (MOH) has permitted foods
containing a signicant amount of
oat beta-glucan to carry a health
claim on their ability to reduce
blood cholesterol levels.
Biogrow Oat BG22 Oat Bran
Powder contains ve times more
oat beta-glucan than regular
oatmeal. All you need is two
scoops (equivalent to 18g) to get
more than three grammes of
oat beta-gucan, a much higher
amount than recommended by
MOH, which is three grammes for
cholesterol-lowering effects. All
you need to do is mix one scoop
with 200ml of cold or lukewarm
water and drink twice a day
before meals.
StarSpecial 11
Oftentimes gambling addicts are unable to control their urge to gamble.
Many people resort to gambling as a
coping mechanism.
Overcoming gambling addiction
G
AMBLING on sports results,
lotteries or card games can
be fun. However, gambling
becomes a problem when it
disrupts ones personal life, social
life and causes nancial and
relationship problems.
Noel (not his real name) is a
professional who has a stable
job. He began betting on football
matches at the age of 17 with his
friends. Ever since then, he has
placed bets in every World Cup
game and the amount of money he
placed on these bets has increased
dramatically over the years.
At one point, Noel was in debt
for RM300,000 as he lost a bet in
a football match. It was then that
he realised that his compulsive
gambling had put his nances
and loved ones at risk. However,
he could not stop thinking about
placing bets.
Noel is very lucky to have
had his familys support both
nancially and psychologically.
His parents knew that paying off
Noels debt was only a short-term
solution to his addiction and this is
why they decided to get him some
help from a psychologist and a
rehabilitation centre to overcome
his addiction.
A gambling addiction is known
as a type of impulse-control
disorder. Gambling addicts cannot
control their urge to gamble even
though they realise gambling
is harmful to both themselves
and the people they care for.
Unfortunately, they are so caught
up with it that it consumes them.
Noel nally learned to stop
gambling after going through a
number of rehabilitation sessions
but realised that undergoing
rehabilitation would not be helpful
for his long-term recovery.
This is because the
rehabilitation centre was not
utilising updated addiction
therapy methods that were
necessary to prevent relapses
permanently.
So Noel went to International
Psychology Centre (IPC) in Kuala
Lumpur to seek help to overcome
his gambling addiction.
Psychological studies have
revealed that there are a number
of factors that can trigger a
gambling addiction. Many people
resort to gambling because it
is a way to suppress stressful
problems, trigger excitement, deal
with boredom, avoid isolation and
prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Noel revealed that every time
he had a hard time with work, his
family or when he broke up with
his girlfriend, he would resort to
gambling to cope with his misery.
The good news is that gambling
addicts can be treated with
psychotherapy and psycho-
nutritional treatment.
Noel has undergone 12
sessions of individual addiction
therapy and six sessions of
family addiction therapy with
therapists and psychologists who
specialise in treating addiction at
the Freelife, Centre for Addiction
Therapy at IPC.
Throughout the sessions,
the psychologists helped Noel
overcome his urge to gamble. They
also provided him with tools to
help him manage his stress and
alternative specialised techniques
to deal with his emotions.
Noel admits being tempted
to bet on this years World Cup
with a smaller amount of money
but with the continuous support
of his family and with constant
psychotherapy and psycho-
nutritional therapy from IPC,
he was able to overcome the
temptation.
Noel now spends a lot of time
on sports, which has improved his
self-condence. He also spends
more time with his family and is
involved in many church events
to keep himself busy. With the
support of the addiction therapists
and psycho-nutritional therapists,
Noel is now able to live a happy
lifestyle while being physically
healthy and spiritually motivated.
And, for the rst time in
25 years, Noel and his family were
able to enjoy the recent World Cup
together without any stress.
call 03-2727 7434, e-mail
info@psychology.com.my or visit
www.malaysiapsychology.com,
malaysiapsychology.wordpress.
com or www.malaysianpsychology.
wordpress.com
Your haze solution
A HAZY skyline and the smoky smell that
permeates the air are occurrences that
Malaysians have to often endure. For most
of us, the haze can potentially lead to teary
eyes, headaches, coughs, asthma attacks,
dry throats and other respiratory ailments.
The trans-border haze pollution
currently affecting a large part of Malaysia
is the result of the south-west monsoon
season that is expected to last until
September.
Experts have also said that the El Nino
phenomenon is expected to occur later this
year, which can potentially spark forest res
as conditions become drier than normal.
During this time, it is advisable for
people, especially children and the elderly,
to stay indoors and drink lots of water.
With the danger of the haze made
apparent, do you nd yourself hoping for
fresh air and a healthy environment again?
MedKlinn Air Sterilisers allow you to
easily transform your home into a clean air
haven.
MedKlinn Air Sterilisers use cutting-
edge eco-friendly Cerafusion Technology,
designed to emulate natures healing
powers by emitting large amounts of
negative ions and controlled levels of ozone,
both of which are natures air cleaners.
It is akin to having a natural indoor
garden.
MedKlinn Air Sterilisers are highly
effective in eliminating both surface-
bound and airborne ne particles found in
haze, microorganisms as well as dust mite
allergens that trigger health problems.
They are also effective in removing the
unpleasant smell brought about by the haze
as well as chemicals and volatile organic
compounds.
A two-year study conducted by a
renowned Australian university revealed
that MedKlinn Air Sterilisers have benecial
effects on individuals suffering from
symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis
and sinusitis.
n For more information, visit
www.medklinn.com
MedKlinn Air Sterilisers are highly
effective in eliminating both
surface-bound and airborne fine
particles found in haze.
StarSpecial, Tuesday 22 July 2014 YOUR HEALTH 13
An average 20% of men above the age of 40 experience testosterone deficiency.
Is andropause threatening
your relationship?
H
AS your strong, easy-going
and good-tempered partner
not been his usual self
lately? Does he often get irritated
for no apparent reason, suffer
from mood swings, complain
of fatigue, and seem weak and
depressed? Has he appeared to
have lost interest in sex? He may
be experiencing symptoms of
a testosterone deciency, often
referred to as andropause.
What is andropause?
Andropause, also known as
Low T, is dened as a gradual
decline of testosterone levels in
men.
Testosterone is the male sex
hormone that is responsible for
typical male characteristics such
as facial, pubic and body hair as
well as muscle development.
This hormone also helps
maintain the sex drive, sperm
production and bone health. As a
man gets older, his testosterone
levels will slowly start to decline.
In Malaysia, two studies have
found that an average 20% of men
above the age of 40 experience
testosterone deciency.
Even in otherwise healthy
men, testosterone levels decrease
with age, typically about 1% to
1.5% per year after the age of 40.
That may not sound like much,
but over time, the decline can
have unpleasant consequences in
some men. Results from scientic
research shows that:
l One in every ve men lack
sexual desire
l One in every nine men do
not experience pleasure during
sexual intercourse
l One in every four men have
low testosterone levels and low
libido
l A mans sexual activity declines
with age
If your man has a low libido,
less energy and seems depressed
or bored with your relationship, it
could be due to low testosterone
levels. Symptoms of low
testosterone levels can be both
physical and mental. Many men
start to experience a decline in
their physical performance upon
reaching middle age.
This will affect their ego and
condence and they might begin
to feel less macho and capable as
it dawns on them that they are not
as young as they used to be.
This can further lead to
frustration, depression and
irritability, which can interfere
with their daily lives.
Testosterone deciency is
linked to metabolic syndrome and
conditions such as hypertension,
hyperlipidaemia, diabetes and
obesity.
If you have any of these medical
conditions, you may be at risk
of low testosterone levels. You
can nd out more about your
testosterone levels by using
standard screening tools such
as the St Louis University ADAM
Questionnaire or the Aging Male
Symptoms (AMS) Questionnaire
(self-rating scale).
Natural health remedies
Testofen is a unique fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum)
extract, standardised to 50%
fenuside and patented and owned
by Gencor Pacic Group Inc from
the United States.
Testofen has the ability to
enhance the libido and improve
muscle mass, properties that
are not available in any other
currently available non-
standardised fenugreek extract.
Research shows that Testofen
demonstrates both androgenic
(increase of male functions) and
anabolic (increase in muscle tone
and strength) properties.
In 2009, a double-blind,
randomised, placebo-controlled
clinical study was conducted in
Australia on 60 healthy men aged
between 25 and 52.
Using a standardised
formulation (containing Testofen
as a major ingredient) for six
weeks, results of this study
showed that 85.2% of the Testofen
group experienced an overall
positive effect on the physiological
aspects of libido.
The active group also
experienced a statistically
signicant increase in sexual
function and performance. In
addition, the participants reported
an increase in muscle strength,
energy levels and well-being,
though the formulation had no
impact on mood or sleep.
There are several types of
ginseng commonly used for their
health benets in traditional
Chinese medicine. Each type has
unique healing properties. For
example, Panax ginseng (Asian
or Korean ginseng) possesses
heating properties, which help
improve blood circulation.
Panax ginseng is often used to
improve cognitive performance,
for example concentration,
memory and work eciency, and
is effective in the treatment of
erectile dysfunction.
n For details, call 03-5638 3660,
e-mail ask-Prime@cambert.com.
my or visit www.myprime.com.my
Low libido (sex drive)
Decreased erectile quality
Decreased lean body mass
Lack of muscle bulk and
strength
Increased abdominal fat
Diminished physical or work
performance
Bone loss and osteoporosis
Hair loss or decreased body
hair
Changes in mood (irritability,
depression, anger, mood
swings)
Enlarged breasts
Low or zero sperm count
Signs and symptoms
of andropause:
Manuka honey has a wide range of therapeutic and healing properties.
Cambert (M) Sdn. Bhd. (134845-P)
ATTENTION: Men Above 40!
ask-prime@cambert.com.my
1300-88-1712
Ask your
pharmacist about: MakingAgeingIrrelevant For Men
Are You
MAN
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Men Above 40 are at Risk of Midlife Crisis!
Research has shown that at middle age, mens health reduces rapidly, leading
to a slowdown of the bodys metabolism and energy production. You start to
gain weight, are easily exhausted and feel less energetic.
The Prime
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combination of natural herbal extracts that provide
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Benefits of AndroGuard
ENERGY FITNESS WELL-BEING RELATIONSHIP
Natural, healing and
antibacterial properties
I
N 2006, German scientist
Prof Thomas Henle from the
Technical University of Dresden,
discovered that nutritional
methylglyoxal was the active
compound responsible for the
reliable antibacterial activity in
New Zealand manuka honey.
As a result of the discovery
of this active ingredient, the
certied MGO (methylglyoxal)
manuka honey system has
become the new standard
for measuring the nutritional
methylglyoxal content of the
manuka honey.
The worlds two leading
manuka honey scientists, Prof
Peter Molan of the University
of Waikato in New Zealand and
Prof Henle, agree that showing
methylglyoxal content is the
only reliable measurement in
determining the antibacterial
activity of manuka honey.
What is MGO?
MGO is a trademarked
system that tests the level of
methylglyoxal.
The MGO certication is
the independent testing and
certication of the methylglyoxal
level in an antibacterial product
based on manuka honey.
The higher the MGO, the
greater the antibacterial activity
in the honey.
Manuka Health NZ was the
rst company in the world
to produce manuka honey
of varying potency, graded
according to its MGO.
Manuka Health measures
MGO using standards developed
by the Technical University of
Dresden.
For example, MGO 100+
manuka honey has been tested
and certied to contain at
least 100mg/kg of nutritional
methylglyoxal, the minimum
level required for health benets.
Manuka Health guarantees
the quality of its products. Each
batch of honey is subjected to
in-house laboratory tests that
measure various parameters.
Great care is taken to ensure
that the level of bioactive
compounds is maintained from
the beehives to the nished
product.
The temperature of Manuka
Healths modern processing
plant never exceeds the natural
temperature of the beehives.
MGO Manuka Honey is
raw honey, which retains the
compounds required to deliver
the health and nutritional
benets attributed to manuka
honey.
External companies are
engaged to complete a further
set of comprehensive tests on
each batch of honey.
After each batch has been
checked against a set of
rigorous standards and its
quality assured, only then is it
cleared for distribution as MGO
Manuka Honey.
Manuka Health MGO
medicinal-grade Manuka
Honey has an amazing range
of therapeutic and healing
properties:
l Digestive care Oral dosages
of manuka honey has been
successfully used to treat
gastrointestinal dyspepsia,
including stomach ulcers,
mouth ulcers, gastritis and
duodenitis.
It is found to prevent the
growth of the helicobacter
pylori bacteria. Manuka honey
is also effective in relieving
heartburn and acid reux.
lWound care Manuka honey
has been successfully used as a
wound dressing for many types
of wounds, including diabetic
ulcers, infected wounds,
surgical wounds, sutured
wounds, bed sores, cuts and
burns.
The rapid healing effect is
due to its antibacterial activity
that rapidly clears infection
and protects the wound from
becoming infected.
Its anti-inammatory activity
reduces edema and exudate and
stimulates the growth of tissues
speeding up the healing process.
Manuka Health also has a
series of MGO manuka wound
dressings, wound gels and
breast pads.
l Gastroenteritis treatment
Clinical study has shown that
administering manuka honey
halved the duration of diarrhoea
caused by bacteria infection.
It is the antibacterial activity
and the rapid rehydration of the
body that causes the clearing of
diarrhoea.
l Treatment for sore throats
Manuka honey is effective
in combating the bacteria
streptococcus pyogenes that
causes sore and itchy throats.
l Immune system booster
Manuka honey stimulates the
bodys immune system to ght
infection. It also has been found
to have signicant antioxidant
properties to destroy free
radicals and prevent the
formation of free radicals.
In December 2007, Crop and
Food Research Institute, a New
Zealand government research
agency, reported that manuka
honey with a high level of
antibacterial activity not only
supports the bodys defences
in the gut, but also acts as a
prebiotic by encouraging the
growth of good gut bacteria.
Manuka Health MGO
Manuka Honey has proven
effective in supporting good
digestive health, wound healing
and healthy skin. At the same
time consumers can enjoy its
delicious taste.
1800 880 2273, 03-7785 6288 or
visit www.caremark.com.my
Lack of mental health
literacy causes stigma
ACCORDING to the World Health
Organization (WHO), mental health is the
state of well-being in which a person can
cope with the normal stresses of life, work
productively and fruitfully, is able to make a
contribution to their community, and is able
to realise their full potential.
Mental health disorders can range
from depression, anxiety and phobias to
addictions, eating disorders and personality
disorders. The causes of these mental
disorders are varied and sometimes unclear,
but suce to say they have something to do
with how the brain works, or in these cases,
fails to work at full eciency.
The 4th National Health and Morbidity
Survey (NHMS) 2011 states that 12% of
Malaysians aged between 18 and 60 suffer
from some form of mental illness. This
number of course precludes unreported
cases.
Mental illness tends to go unreported
in Malaysia for various reasons, but one of
the main reasons could be boiled down to
the social and cultural unacceptability of
mental disorders. A study conducted by
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and
published in April this year revealed that
certain concepts of mental health held by
Malaysians are still based on mythology.
For example, the study stated that some
Malaysians of Chinese and Indian descent,
especially those who are Buddhist, Taoist
or Hindu, tend to view mental disorders as
an imbalance of the spirit or in the persons
yin and yang. In the Malay culture, spiritual
and religious determinants are considered
inuencing factors on mental health.
These beliefs can lead to some interesting
and even bizarre ideas of the causes of
depression, anxiety and other common
mental health disorders. Besides possession
by spirits, moral weakness or even eating
the wrong foods, the UKM study found
that in Eastern culture, families have been
implicitly or explicitly blamed for causing
their relatives illness.
The reason many Malaysians hold on
to these beliefs is not just devotion to
tradition and multiculturalism, but also lack
of knowledge and proper mental health
education.
This is not to say that health care
providers in Malaysia do not have the
expertise to treat mental health.
On the contrary, Malaysian hospitals
have been providing mental health care
since before independence, and this
industry has evolved and developed with
the times so that current psychology and
psychiatric practice is as modern and
up-to-date as possible.
The National Health Policy implemented
in 1997 introduced a Community Mental
Health Programme that decentralised and
integrated mental health care in Malaysia
and focused on prevention and promotion.
The National Mental Health Act
introduced by the Ministry of Health in
2001 brought about positive reform to the
countrys mental health system and meets
certain WHO recommendations about
dealing with mental health.
The latest National Health Policy, dated
2011 to 2015, acknowledges that the health
sector needs to diversify and strengthen
services in several areas, including mental
health. It makes mention of formulating
policies to strengthen promotion of
accurate health information in mental
health, among others.
However, extrapolating from the UKM
study and judging from the statistics, it
seems that information and knowledge
about common mental health disorders
have not yet been disseminated effectively
to the public, leaving the people ignorant
for the most part.
This oft-ignored area of health care
should receive more attention; it is only
when all areas of health care are equally
covered can the nations health care
industry be considered truly developed.
Where to go for
mental health
services
There are several organisations in
Malaysia that offer free and anonymous
mental health care services such as
counselling and therapy to the public:
Community Counselling Clinic, UPM
Department of Counsellor Education
and Counselling Psychology
Universiti Putra Malaysia
43400 Serdang
Tel: 03-8946 8118
The Befrienders (Kuala Lumpur)
95, Jalan Templer,
46000 Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-7957 1306
24-hour hotline: 03-7956 8144/ 45
Website: www.befrienders.org.my
PT Foundation
Community Healthcare Centre
No.7C/1, Jalan Ipoh Kecil,
Off Jalan Raja Laut,
50350 Kuala Lumpur
Telephone counselling: 03-4044 5455
Face-to-face counselling: 03-4044 4611
Website: www.ptfmalaysia.org
A healthier way to cook rice
RICE has been a staple and an important
part of the Asian diet for centuries. In fact,
white rice today accounts for 36% of daily
energy intake in calories for four billion
people around the world.
However, modern medical research has
clinically linked white rice to a slew
of lifestyle-related ailments such as
Type 2 diabetes and obesity. This is because
rice contains very high levels of RDS (rapidly
digested starch) that break down quickly
into simple sugars resulting in the rapid rise
of blood sugar levels.
Carbohydrates with a lot of RDS tend to
have a high glycemic index, which causes
blood glucose levels to rise quickly and stay
high longer.
The revelation of these startling facts
through modern research has led many
informed people to give up eating white
rice because it makes them gain weight,
complicates their diabetic condition or
causes other health issues.
Could eating less rice or not eating it at
all be a viable solution? This has been the
focus of research at Grayns Labs USA Inc
and Ascenteus Research of Malaysia for
more than eight years.
What they discovered could lead to a
major breakthrough in how rice is cooked
and consumed in the years to come. It is not
the rice itself that is the cause of modern-
day ailments such as diabetes and obesity,
but the way it is cooked.
Traditionally rice is cooked with plenty of
water, removing the starch that is dissolved
in the water during the cooking process.
During the cooking process, the RDS
molecules leave the rice grain and dissolve
in water at a certain temperature, which
is called the gelatinisation temperature of
rice. This gelatinisation temperature varies
according to the variety of rice.
Grayns Labs USA and Ascenteus Research
have developed the Grayns Rice Cooker,
which is the rst and only rice cooker in the
world that removes a large portion of RDS
from rice when cooked.
The cooker uses an ingenious technology
known as RevoCook - developed and
patented by Grayns - that cooks rice in a
healthier way.
The RevoCook technology enables the
rice to be cooked via a four-stage cooking
process.
Rice cooked in the Grayns Rice Cooker is
cooked to an ideal texture, and its grains are
well separated and fully cooked with the
right moisture content.
Rice cooked in Grayns Rice Cooked has
a glycemic index that is lower by almost
40% when compared to rice cooked in
conventional rice cookers.
This means that rice cooked by the
Grayns Rice Cooker will not impact
the human body the same way that
conventional rice cookers do when
consumed. The result is a lower glycemic
load on bodies.
www.grayns.com
Rice cooked in
the Grayns Rice
Cooker is cooked
to an ideal texture,
its grains are well
separated and
fully cooked with
the right moisture
content.
Do away with nail infections
F
OR many years, Loceryl from
France has been a well-known
and trusted prescriptive
treatment in combating fungal
nail infection (onychomycosis).
Today, due to lifestyle changes,
fungal nail infections have become
more prevalent.
The rise in fungal nail infections
led Galderma, the manufacturer of
Loceryl, to make the nail lacquer
treatment an over-the-counter
product.
What is fungal nail
infection?
A fungal nail infection is a
fungal infection of the ngernails
or toenails that does not go away
without treatment. The infected
nail may turn a yellowish brown
colour, become thick, brittle and
may be separated from the nail
bed.
The fungal infection to the nail
can be caused by injury to the nail,
tight footwear or a pre-existing
medical condition. Contrary to
popular belief, the condition is not
due to the lack of hygiene.
However, the infection is not
something that should be viewed
lightly as it can spread easily
between nails and may also cause
permanent damage to the nail.
Loceryl nail
lacquer is
easy and
convenient
to use with
application
once every
week.
What is Loceryl?
Loceryl nail lacquer is a topical
treatment for fungal nail infection.
The active ingredient, Amorolne
5%, kills infections caused by three
types of fungi dermatophytes,
yeasts and moulds. The anti-
fungal effect is sustained for a
minimum of seven days within
the nail.
Loceryl nail lacquer is easy and
convenient to use with application
once every week.
Fungal nail infections on the
ngernail normally take six
months to treat whereas fungal
infections on the toenail take
between nine and 12 months to
heal as patients need to wait for
the nail to grow out.
At Galderma, we understand
that fungal nail infections are a
tough topic to breach, especially
when it comes with undesirable
public misconceptions.
This is why, due to its safety
and minimal side effects, Loceryl
can now be easily obtained over
the counter, says Jean-Sebastien
Ricard, general manager of
Galderma South-East Asia at the
recent Loceryl media launch.
Loceryl is now available at
major pharmacies nationwide at
RM99.80 a pack.
We hope that more people will
get themselves treated promptly
to avoid prolonged infection,
further complications and more
importantly, stop person-to-
person transmission via nail
polishers and other personal
hygiene products.
About Galderma
Galderma is a global company,
that produces dermatological
products that are distributed in
more than 80 countries.
Since its inception in 1981,
Galderma has been committed
to delivering innovative
medical solutions to meet the
dermatological needs of people
from various age groups while
serving health care professionals
around the world.
With approximately 19% of
global revenues invested each
year to discover and develop
new products, Galderma is one
of the worlds leading investors
in dermatological research and
development.
call 03-7955 1568 or e-mail
jaymee@everquest.com.my
(KKLIU No: 1301/2014)
Isogai Dynamic Therapy is a self-managed therapy
that eases neck and back pains.
No more neck and back pains
ISOGAI Dynamic Therapy (IDT), also known
as the binding legs technique, emphasises
the use of the Isogai Alignment Belts to
bind both legs for a balanced posture. Using
these belts will reveal if your spine is in its
correct position in the spinal column.
This technique was discovered by
renowned Japanese osteopath, Dr Kimiyoshi
Isogai in the 1950s.
As part of the central nervous system,
the spinal cord passes vertically through the
spine together with major nerves supplies.
The spine and its surrounding nerves serve
as a super highway to all activities and
functions of a humans organs, feelings and
movements through the natural pathway in
the spinal column.
The spine will only be able to function
normally if its position in the spinal column
is in an optimum position. A change in the
position of the spine in the spinal column
will impede nerve supplies and affect the
bodys natural mechanism.
The spine also serves as a pillar and
it controls the bodys intrinsic balancing
ability and ghts against gravity. If this
pillar is distorted, the centre of balance for
the body will be affected.
There are various reasons, including
injuries, birth trauma and congenital
reasons, which can cause spinal distortion,
but consistencies in bad posture, physical
movements and habits remain the major
causes of abnormal spines.
Many common habits such as crossing
legs, slouching and slumping while sitting,
hunching and rounding the shoulders can
lead to leg length discrepancies and cause
an uneven pelvis. This will eventually result
in a distorted spine.
When there is a leg length discrepancy,
the longer leg will force the pelvis to lift
higher in order to accommodate the leg and
this will result in the spine tilting to the
unlevelled pelvis.
The spine is able to support the structure
because it has the pelvis as a rm base to
hold it upright. The spine sits vertically in
the centre of the pelvis with the support
from its surrounding muscle, ligaments,
tendons and bones.
The pelvis also allows full exibility for
the spine to move according to its centre of
balance. If the pelvis is uneven, the spine
will tilt in a certain direction. This will
result in the bending of the spine from
its natural curvature and cause uneven
compression surrounding the spine,
which causes soreness, pain, stiffness and
numbness.
As the muscles, ligaments and tendons
are stressed, they are prone to muscular
skeletal disorder (MSD), commonly
presented as neck and back discomfort.
IDT is a self-managed therapy for neck
and back pains. Patients will be guided to
practise a series of physical movements
by binding their legs with the use of
Isogais tools such as the MOB Back Healer,
which works with the Isogai Alignment
Belts for back and leg problems; the MOB
Neck Healer, which works with the Isogai
Alignment Belts for neck and shoulder
problems; and the MOB Knees and Legs
Therapeutic Bench for knee and leg
problems.
IDT has been a well-known and
respectable brand in Japan and Taiwan for
the last 60 years. IDTs success due to its
practical, effective and safe technique that
can be practised by everyone on a daily
basis. The ultimate purpose of IDT is to
encourage people to protect their natural
posture through discipline and awareness.
n For more information, call 016-947 3065
or visit www.neckandbackpain.my
Finding the right balance
M
ild acidosis can lead to
problems such as:
l Weight gain, obesity and
diabetes
l Joint inammation, arthritis
l Bladder conditions, kidney
stones
l Cardiovascular diseases
l Immune deciency
l Cancer
l Osteoporosis
l Hormone concerns
l Premature aging
l Acceleration of free radical
damage
What makes our body acidic?
l What we eat: meat, sh,
poultry, dairy, processed foods,
fast food
l What we drink: coffee, soft
drinks, alcohol, types of water
l What we think: stress, worry,
anxiety
l Pollution and toxin
l Intense physical exercise that
produces lactic acid
l Dehydration
l Tobacco and drug use
Alkaline neutralises acid
Drinking alkaline ionised-water
on a daily basis helps neutralise
acid to maintain or restore the
bodys optimal pH balance.
This allows the body to
eciently deliver nutrients to our
cells and eliminate waste products
through the bodys natural
elimination channels.
Understanding pH balance
When blood plasma and
interstitial uids surrounding
the cells are maintained within
a pH range of 7.35 to 7.45, our
bodys immune system operates
in optimal conditions to ght
off illness and disease. Over-
acidication weakens the bodys
systems, making it vulnerable.
While the body has a
pH-control mechanism, the buffer
system to stabilise pH in aqueous
solution, our modern diet and
sedentary lifestyle puts a heavy
acidic burden on the body.
This leads to gradual
acidication of the blood and
causes the body to turn to
alternate mechanisms to control
pH, which can lead to weight gain
and other diseases.
Cells burn nutrients with oxygen
Nutrients are burned with
oxygen by cells to provide our
body with energy. The process
produces waste products, which
are mostly acidic and discharged
through various elimination
channels.
Without a good pH balance,
our bodys ability to eliminate the
waste products slows down and
protects itself by converting acidic
waste into solid waste.
Accumulation of this leads to
health problems, including excess
weight, clogged arteries and
arthritis.
Calcium depletion
Calcium is important for bone
strength, blood pressure control,
nerve function and blood clotting.
When blood becomes too acidic
and the supply of alkaline buffers
are insucient to neutralise
this, the blood turns to alternate
methods to reach pH balance such
as drawing the alkalising-calcium
from bones and teeth, which leads
to loss of bone density.
A solution to pH restoration
The easiest way to restore
the bodys pH balance is to
drink alkaline-ionised water.
The most important properties
from alkaline-ionised water is
the negative oxidation reduction
potential. The globally renowned
VWA Cellular Functional Water
System is rated the No.1 water
ioniser in the United States by
three major research companies.
It is equipped with a hybrid
solid/mesh plate ionisation
technology. The system is able
to convert tap water into an
antioxidant 10,000 times stronger
than vitamin C.
It also has dual lters made by
Total-Microorganism Pi Ceramic,
which provide micro-cluster size
of 57Hz and is perfect in reversing
degenerative water to provide
optimum cellular health benets.
call VWA at 1300 222 123
VWA Cellular Functional Water
System can convert tap water
into an antioxidant 10,000
times stronger than vitamin C.
The Gintell DVas redefines
comfort and takes massage
to a whole new level.
Finding a
relief for fatigue
T
HE everyday modern
lifestyle is very
stressful. We do almost
everything on our handheld
devices and computers
while we are sitting down.
Many of us sit with poor
posture for long hours,
which can cause many
problems.
Many of us lead
sedentary lifestyles. This
includes the time we get
stuck in trac jams and
when we are slouching at
our oce desks for more
than 12 hours, which can
lead to muscle soreness,
mild numbness and
discomfort.
If we continue to
disregard these symptoms,
eventually we will be highly
susceptible to chronic back
pain due to the prolonged
pressure from our poor
posture.
The Gintell DVas is an
ergonomically designed
device that provides an
unparalleled full body
massage experience that
redenes comfort and takes
massage to a whole new
level.
The state-of-the-art HD
massage technology is the
rst of its kind in the world.
It provides a thorough
massage experience that
works along the spine
and extends to the hips,
buttocks and thighs.
Equipped with ve
selections of exclusive
humanised massage
techniques, Gintell DVas
does not just alleviate
tension, numbness
and weakness but also
effectively improves blood
circulation, digestive health
and encourages muscle
recovery for complete
restoration.
More coverage,
precision and intensity
Gintell DVas has
introduced its latest
breakthrough of HD
massage technology, the
SV-Chiro Track.
It offers coverage of
more than 110cm with an
extended massage track
that reaches the buttocks
and thighs.
The Gintell DVas, with
its HD massage technology,
is capable of targeting
zones that are unreachable
by other massage chairs,
providing the user with 38%
more massage coverage.
The Gintell DVas boasts
the impressive SV-Chiro
Track, which is the third
generation of technological
innovation. It surpasses the
rst and second generation
of straight and body contour
tracks with lesser massage
exibility.
In addition, the highly
intensive and humanised
massage is enhanced with
yo-yo knuckle rollers that
consist of a exible dual-
roller mechanism that
provide a rejuvenating
massage therapy.
The specialised Foot
Guasa feature simulates the
motion of a human hand
and provides a massage
that will denitely soothe
your tired feet after a long
day while the Yoga Stretch
feature relieves stress and
boosts energy.
State-of-the-art
extended features
Equipped with the most
up-to-date functions, the
Gintell DVas HD massage
technology is uniquely
tailored to men who lead
hectic lifestyle as it provides
relief for fatigued muscles
while restoring wellness.
Female users are not
exempted as this stylish
massage chair has a
customised programme for
ladies as well.
The Gintell DVas Zero
Gap Recliner with advanced
forward-sliding technology
offers the user a full recline
for absolute comfort while
enabling space-saving
optimisation.
In conjunction with
the upcoming Hari Raya
celebration, customers
who purchase any Gintell
massage chairs are entitled
to a free i-So 3D EZY.
This workout equipment
comes with a 3D wave
feature for a fun-lled
workout. This promotion is
valid for a limited time only.
call 1800 886 332 or visit
www.gintell.com
Sculpting your body
NOT everyone exercises for
the same reason. Some do it
to lose weight and others to
sculpt their body. Different
physiques require different
types of training regimes.
Physique (aesthetic)
training focuses on training
one muscle group per day,
sculpting your body to look
as lean and symmetrical as
possible.
To shape and mould your
body, you would need to hit
the gym every day to train
specic muscle groups.
Maximum muscle
growth and minimum fat
gain need to be considered
at the same time.
Here are some workouts
you could try if you wish to
attempt physique training
although be sure to check
with a personal trainer at
the gym to ensure correct
technique.
l Alternating hammer
curl Standing straight and
holding a dumbbell in each
hand, alternate your bicep
curls towards your shoulder
height. Building bicep and
forearm muscles with this
low-risk workout is great
for beginners because of its
simplicity and effectiveness.
l Barbell bench press
Lying on a bench, lift the
barbell by stretching your
hands to its full length and
coming down to just a st
above your chest. Build
chest and shoulder muscles
with this workout.
Having a spotter by your
side is advisable as this
exercise can be dangerous
for many beginners if the
bar is too heavy.
l Tricep extension
Standing straight and
holding a dumbbell with
both hands, lift it overhead
towards the back of your
neck and then stretch to
full length above your head.
The workout targets only
triceps and will allow you
to specically strengthen
these muscles.
l Side raise Standing
straight with a dumbbell
in each arm and palms
facing in, lift the dumbbells
sideways until your elbows
are at shoulder height.
Slowly lower them and
repeat for another rep. This
move mainly targets your
lateral deltoids.
l Ab crunch Lying
down on your back with
your hands just touching
your temples and feet
on the oor, crunch up
while squeezing your core
muscles and slowly lower
yourself back down before
repeating.
This move targets your
midsection and helps you
build better abs. - By Victor
Ng
Playing sports safely
W
HEN it comes to mens
health, the main issues are
concerns with the prostate
gland, erectile dysfunction,
premature ejaculation and
andropause.
According to Dr Kulendran
Sivapragasam, consultant urologist
at Columbia Asia Hospital Bukit
Rimau, though these are common
health issues among men, most do
not want to talk about them.
People feel embarrassed about
seeing a doctor or even talking to
their partner about these issues.
But what they must keep in mind
is that as with everything, these
problems can be effectively treated
if caught early, he says.
Know your gland
The prostate gland is found
just below the bladder in the male
body. Many people mistake the
prostate for the testicles. In fact,
while they are both part of the
male reproductive system, they
do different jobs. The prostate
produces the uid that sperm oats
in while the testicles produce the
sperm.
Problems with the prostate
usually develop with age when
a man is 50 to 55 years old and
are generally caused by the cells in
the gland multiplying, leading to
enlargement. This is called benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The urethra runs through the
middle of the prostate, so when
the gland becomes enlarged the
urinary tract is compressed. Men
who have problems urinating
should see a doctor. The doctor will
take the patients history and carry
out a physical examination.
Dr Kulendran explains that
this examination includes a
general physical and abdominal
examination so that the doctor can
pick up any secondary problems,
such as an enlarged bladder and a
digital rectal examination where
the doctor will feel the prostate to
see if it is soft or rm or if there is
any tenderness.
Treatment depends on whether
the symptoms are mild, moderate
or severe. If they are very mild
and do not bother the patient too
much, a wait-and-watch method is
applied. If it is moderate or severe,
appropriate medication may be
prescribed, says Dr Kulendran.
If medication doesnt work
or the symptoms are severe, we
may recommend surgery. The
latest surgery technologies are
endoscopic, which means the
surgeon inserts a scope attached to
a camera through the urinary tract
and uses either a laser or a cautery
to cut away or vaporise the prostate
gland to relieve the obstruction of
the urinary tract, he explains.
There may be complications
from surgery. Ninety to 95% of
men who undergo surgery will
experience retrograde ejaculation,
which is where semen goes
backwards into the bladder instead
of forwards during ejaculation. This
does not do any harm to the body
(the semen will ejected the next
time the man urinates) but it may
mean that the man cannot have
children anymore.
Trouble in paradise
Erectile dysfunction where a
man is unable to develop or keep
an erection is a more common
problem than people think. About
25% of men have some form of
erectile dysfunction (ED). This
percentage increases with age
30% to 40% of men in their 80s have
ED.
ED usually affects men in their
mid-40s and above, but it can
happen at a younger age, says Dr
Kulendran. ED may be caused
by the persons health, drugs or
medication, or psychogenic factors
such as stress or problems with the
partner.
Non-communicable diseases
such as diabetes or hypertension
can cause narrowing of the arteries.
The arteries leading to the penis
are narrow, so they are usually
affected rst, leading to ED. Other
major causes are smoking, obesity,
a sedentary lifestyle, metabolic
ANYONE who watched the
recent World Cup would have
seen that even the ttest
professional athletes can get
injured while playing sports, so
ordinary people are certainly
susceptible to injury, too.
According to Dr Harjeet
Singh, consultant orthopaedic
surgeon at Columbia Asia
Hospital Bukit Rimau, the two
most common types of sport
injuries are acute injuries caused
by abnormal external force on
the body such as a knee in the
back resulting in a fractured
vertebrae or injuries resulting
from overuse.
Both types of injury give
you problems, but an acute
injury is more devastating and
requires you to go to the hospital
immediately, says Dr Harjeet.
But it is quite easy to
prevent these injuries from
happening you need to
be informed and aware, he
continues, explaining that the
person should know their level
of tness, warm up and stretch
suciently, wear the proper
gear and ensure they cool down
slowly after the activity.
He adds that when the injury
or the pain is not too severe,
people tend to ignore it, which
causes a knock-on effect where
the original injury affects other
parts of the joint and in the end
there is a bigger problem to deal
with.
Treatment and
rehabilitation
Ideally, once a person gets
injured, he should do something
about it immediately. This can
include seeing a doctor if it is
acute or taking steps to treat it at
home if it is a minor injury.
In cases of an acute injury,
some people require specic
physiotherapy. It usually takes
about six to eight weeks for such
an injury to heal, and another six
months or so before the person
can get back into sports. Minor
injuries usually take about two
weeks to heal.
It is only in severe cases
that surgery is recommended.
Nowadays, surgery is minimally
invasive and usually done
endoscopically (by inserting
a exible tube that has a
camera at the end of it), which
also means that recovery
time is much faster. This
is why we see footballers
returning to the game within
three or four weeks of surgery,
explains Dr Harjeet.
How to treat a sports
injury at home
Rest the injured joint.
Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling every
two to three hours for 20 minutes each time.
Elevate the injured area. For example, if the
ankle is injured, raise it above the knee while
resting.
Apply a compression bandage.
The pain and swelling should reduce in two
to three hours and almost completely vanish
within 24 hours.
If you think you have an acute injury
such as a torn ligament or tendon, do not
massage the area as this will worsen
the pain. You should see a doctor
immediately.
Dr Harjeet
Singh,
consultant
orthopaedic
surgeon at
Columbia
Asia
Hospital.
Understanding
mens health
Dr Kulendran
Sivapragasam,
consultant
urologist at
Columbia Asia
Hospital Bukit
Rimau.
syndrome and following surgery or
radiotherapy for prostate cancer,
he explains.
There are oral and injectable
or insertable medications to treat
ED. Surgical implants are also an
option, he says.
The best way to prevent ED
in midlife is regular exercise; an
active lifestyle and healthy diet will
ensure good general health.
Ageing gracefully
Andropause or late onset
hypogonadism, the male version of
menopause, is a recently recognised
condition that affects men.
Basically, it is when production
levels of testosterone and other
hormones become lower as a man
ages.
Men going through andropause
can experience hot ushes, muscle
weakness, low bone mass, loss of
libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of
muscle tone, depression, fatigue
and may be unable to get a good
nights sleep.
A common treatment for
andropause is testosterone
replacement through oral
supplementations, topical
application or injections. But this
is not to be taken lightly and the
person must be properly assessed
to rule out existing diseases
such as prostate cancer, male
breast cancer and other diseases
that contraindicate testosterone
supplementation and he must be
monitored during testosterone
replacement therapy so that the
right levels can be achieved, says
Dr Kulendran.
Again, the best way to combat
the effects of andropause is with
regular exercise, which will
maintain bone density and muscle
tone, and a healthy diet.
Quick facts
about prostate
problems
Though the causes of
benign prostate hyperplasia
(enlargement of the prostate
gland) or the reason the
symptoms of BPH manifest
in some and not in others are
still unknown, it is a prevalent
and normal condition among
men. About 50% of men in
their 50s, 70% of men in their
60s and 90% of men 80 years
old and above have BPH.
Sports and age
Once you cross 40 years,
any injury you sustain might be
a little more painful and take a
little longer to heal. However, all
depends on your overall health,
says Dr Harjeet.
This does not mean an
older person cannot still play
sports. Staying active helps
one maintain bone and muscle
mass, exibility, strength and
balance, which are certainly
good for an older person.
You may be more prone to
injuries from overuse, so you
must remember to take it a little
easier and know your limits, he
advises.
Acute injuries should be treated
immediately.
The onset and progress of arthritis
can be controlled by restoring
the biochemical balance of joint-
ageing enzymes.
Loosening
the arthritis grip
ARTHRITIS is a condition that
results from a biochemical
imbalance caused mainly by
the presence of joint-ageing
enzymes within our joints
(scientically known as
matrix metalloproteinases
or MMPs). When the levels
of these enzymes rise above
normal, joints break down
faster than they can re-build.
This further provokes the
immune system to trigger
inammatory responses,
leading to inamed, swollen
and painful joints. Prolonged
inammation leads to the
formation of bone spurs,
causing limited joint
movement and pain.
Joint ageing enzymes
Although drug companies
are eager to formulate drugs
capable of inhibiting joint-
aging enzymes, serious side
effects have deterred efforts.
In the 1970s, Biolane, a New
Zealand green lipped mussel
joint product, was produced
and has been providing
arthritic relief across the
world since then.
Biolane is a natural joint-
ageing enzyme inhibitor, thus
capable of restoring joint-
ageing enzymes to a balanced
state and allowing joint repair
and clean-up of damaged
joint surfaces, including bone
spurs.
Biolane also has
antioxidant properties and
demonstrates signicant anti-
inammatory actions, including
preventing immune cells from
indiscriminately attacking our
joints.
In effect, Biolane contributes to
delaying the onset and progress of
arthritis.
A different mechanism
Biolane works differently from
glucosamine in aiding joint repair.
Glucosamine is likened to being
the raw ingredients for joint cells
to utilise in repairing damaged
cartilage but does not have any
effect on joint-ageing enzymes.
Biolane works differently, being
a natural ingredient alternative to
slow arthritis disease progression.
Proven results
A landmark study led by
Kendall, Lawson and Hurley in
2000 showed that Biolane has a
70% success rate.
However, patients need to
undergo a treatment course of at
least three months before effects
are seen.
Patients may still be required
to take painkillers before the
full effect of Biolane can be felt.
Biolane has stomach-protecting
properties and can reduce gastric
lesions by more than 50% when
taken together with painkillers.
With a research history of 40
years, Biolane is one of the most
enduring joint products in the
world today, testament of its
quality, safety and effectiveness.
In 2005, the Australian Centre
for Complementary Research and
Education (ACCMER) awarded
Biolane the Ideal Anti-Arthritic
Agent accolade.
Biolane is used by medical
prescribers in more than
25 countries worldwide and is
available in Malaysia.
03-5636 3758 or 1300 881 712 or
e-mail pharmacist@nuvanta.com
Tackling constipation problems
A
NAL ssures, haemorrhoids,
prolapsed pelvic organs,
urinary incontinence, sexual
dysfunction and colorectal cancer
are just some manifestations of
health problems caused by chronic
constipation.
The general perception is that
these are individual diseases and
are treated as such. However,
the root cause of these diseases
is constipation, as excessive
straining during bowel movement
accumulatively damages the
pelvic oor muscle.
The weakening or descent of
the pelvic oor contributes to
a host of problems to the anus,
urinary and reproductive system.
It leads to obstructed defecation
that accounts for about 50% of
total constipation problems.
For women, the condition is
further worsened by pregnancy
followed by birth trauma (both
vaginal delivery and caesarean
section) as well as ageing and
menopause.
Anal ssures and haemorrhoids
are the two most common
manifestations of chronic
Colorec Bowel
Aid is designed
to provide
optimum
support to the
anococcygeal
region.
constipation. Medication only
offers short term and temporary
relief while surgery may remove
the diseased haemorrhoid but
does not play a preventive role.
Constipation is a very
common condition but one that
can complicate our life in many
ways. Excessive straining may
even cause a stroke or heart
attack during bowel movement.
A recently published clinical
paper involving more than
100,000 subjects showed that
one in four who was diagnosed
with chronic constipation had a
growth in their colon, with 2.7%
of the subjects suffering from
colorectal cancer.
To effectively manage the
situation, the researchers had
to target the cause and not the
manifestations.
Following years of research,
anatomically designed to
provide optimum support to the
anococcygeal region (back portion
of the pelvic oor). The clinically
proven device helps to ease bowel
movements as it minimises
straining, enhances the reex of
defecation and prevents backward
stretching of the anus.
Colorec is ideal for those
suffering from constipation, the
elderly, pregnant women and
women who have just given
birth, as it helps to protect the
episiotomy wound.
Internationally patented, this
mechanical bowel aid has proven
to be signicantly effective in
correcting obstructed defecation.
Colorec Bowel Aid has been
used for more than ve years in
Malaysia, South Korea, the United
Kingdom, Singapore, Germany and
the United Arab Emirates without
Penang-based Mecha-Medic
Solution Sdn Bhd, under its
research and development
director Dr Chew Heng Hai,
invented the Colorec Bowel Aid to
tackle constipation problems.
This special toilet seat is
any reported complications.
The non-invasive Colorec
Bowel Aid corrects the
mechanism of the disease
and symptoms formation
simultaneously without any
reported or predictable side
effects, making it a promising
long-term holistic perineal
solution.
With medication and surgery
being practised widely, this
conservative, safe and cost-
effective approach should also
be recommended to supplement
and optimise the outcome of the
management of related chronic
disorders, says Dr Chew.
Colorec is available in
clinics and major pharmacies
nationwide.
04-508 0070 (during oce hours).
A healthy indulgence
A
CCORDING to the Obesity
Prevention Council of
Malaysia, 3.6 million
Malaysian adults are estimated to
be affected by diabetes, making
Malaysia to have the highest
number of diabetics among Asean
countries.
Findings by The Lancet, a British
medical journal, showed that 49%
of women and 44% of men in this
country are obese.
Diabetes is a chronic disease
that can be prevented and delayed
through maintaining a healthy
lifestyle and making better diet
choices such as reducing sugar
intake.
Daily Right Friends for Life is
a product line created to provide
healthy, alternative beverages in
place of sugar-lled beverages.
The secret to these guilt-free
tasty treats is sweetening it with
stevia, a South American plant
that offers a tastier and low-
calorie alternative to high-sugar
products.
The product is uniquely
blended using freeze-dried coffee
beans or cocoa with pea and soya
protein as well as cholesterol-
lowering bres.
Daily Right stresses that
all products must be low in
calorie, natural, have no articial
additives, no preservatives and no
colouring.
Daily Right Friends for
Life comes in three different
beverages:
l Daily Right Friends for Life
Stevia White Coffee
The Stevia White Coffee
product is created from two
unique types of coffee beans, the
Santos Brazilian Beans and the
Toraja Sulawesi Beans.
The mix combines a humble
oral sweetness with a full-bodied
aromatic texture.
It is then infused with a
creamer consisting of pea, soy and
palm oil and lightly sweetened
by the stevia leaf, resulting in a
smooth texture.
Stevia Hazelnut White Coffee
This combination roast has a
generous spreading of hazelnut
oil over the Santos Arabica Coffee
Beans.
With combined pea, palm
and soy creamer and slightly
sweetened with Stevia, the
beverage offers a wholesome
texture.
Stevia Cocoa Drink
The cocoa is infused with pea,
palm, soy creamer, giving it a
smooth texture, and is sweetened
with the low-calorie stevia.
The end result is a robust
caramel fruitiness and a perfect
mix of stevia and chocolate.
Daily Right Friends for Life
is supported by Diabetic Nutri-
Food Specialist London, United
Kingdom, and Koperasi Diabetes
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Daily Right is also a supporter
of OKUFairWorks, a movement
that creates job opportunities,
provides stability and fair work
support for disabled Malaysians
who have been economically
disadvantaged or marginalised
by the conventional working
environment.
n For more product information,
call 1800 880 2273 or
03-7785 6288 or visit
www.caremark.com.my
Daily Right Friends for Life is a product line created to provide healthy,
alternative beverages in place of sugar-filled beverages.
Doing yoga
can relieve
stress.
Getting men to do yoga
AN ancient spiritual and
ascetic discipline that focuses
on exercise, breathing and
meditation, yoga has become
the workout of choice for many
people in recent years.
Yoga has many variations,
including bikram yoga, hatha
yoga, yoga therapy, ashtanga
yoga, kundalini yoga and
iyengar yoga. Each variation has
a different focus and you are
free to choose the one that best
suits your tness level.
While participants in yoga
classes are mostly women, yoga
offers many benets to men as
well. In this article we explore
some of the many advantages
that taking up yoga classes can
offer to men.
l A complete workout
The free-weight areas
in most gyms are largely
dominated by men and while
it might seem like a great
workout, you are in fact only
working out a small percentage
of your body.
However, with yoga, you
work out every part of your
body, giving you a leaner shape
and muscles that are stronger
and more limber.
When you do yoga, you
stretch and build your
muscles and because yoga
is a non-impact workout, it
does not affect your bones
and joints. When yoga is
done with the pranayama
(a breathing exercise), more
oxygen is pumped through
your blood, promoting better
cardiovascular health.
l Stress buster
Hatha yoga centres on
movements that are slow
and meditative, which help
promote relaxation. This can be
particularly benecial to those
who are extremely stressed. As
men have higher stress levels
compared to women, the stress-
relieving effects of yoga will be
especially benecial.
l Better posture
If you are constantly
slumped over a desk at the
oce from sitting on the
wrong type of chair, chances
are your posture would have
suffered. Many of us also have
bad postures because of our
habit of slouching. With regular
yoga practice, your posture
will improve greatly as it helps
stretch and tone muscles all
over your body.
l Sleep well
A study carried out by
the Brigham and Womens
Hospital of the Harvard Medical
School revealed that chronic
insomniacs were able to sleep
better with regular yoga. Their
sleep patterns improved, they
were able to stay awake during
the day and they felt more
energetic.
l Increased strength
Some yoga poses require you
to bear the entire weight of your
body on your arms and hold
it for a few seconds. By doing
these poses, you increase the
strength of the muscles in your
arms and legs considerably.
These poses will also help you
improve on your balance.
l Feel great
If you are constantly
frazzled, stressed or unhappy,
yoga is a great tool to help you
balance your mind. As a major
component of yoga centres on
staying calm and being relaxed,
yoga helps curb the hormones
that produce any negative
feelings. Yoga can also give a
boost to your serotonin levels or
happy hormones, ensuring that
you leave the class feeling like a
champion.
Hearing right
A
CCORDING to the World
Health Organizations 2012
estimates, 360 million
people in the world suffer from
disabling hearing loss. This is 5.3%
of the worlds population. Of this
number, 328 million (91%) are
adults 183 million men and 145
million women.
The human ear is made up
of three parts the outer ear
(mostly made up of the part you
can see), the middle ear (where
the eardrum is) and the inner
ear (which is lled with uid
and where the cochlea, the part
that receives sound vibrations, is
located).
Hearing loss occurs when there
is a problem in any part of the ear.
There are three types of hearing
loss:
l Conductive when sound is not
conducted eciently through the
ear canal, eardrum or tiny bones
of the middle ear. It may result
from wax build-up, uid in the
middle ear, middle ear infection,
obstructions in the ear canal,
perforations in the eardrum
membrane or disease of any of
the three middle ear bones.
l Sensorineural when the
inner ear or the nerve pathways
from the inner ear to the brain
are damaged. This can be caused
by diseases, injury, particularly
drugs, ageing, noise exposure or
genetic syndromes. This loss is
permanent.
l Mixed a combination of
conductive and sensorineural loss.
This occurs when auditory centres
of the brain are affected by injury,
disease, tumour, hereditary or
unknown causes.
When testing for hearing loss,
the person will listen to sounds
played at different volumes and
identify which can be heard and
which are inaudible. Based on
this, the doctor or audiologist will
diagnose if there is any hearing
loss.
There are various forms of
treatment depending on the type
of hearing loss. Conductive and
sensorineural hearing loss may
be treated with medication or
surgery.
However, in cases where
hearing cannot be fully restored,
the person may opt to use a
hearing aid.
A hearing aid is a small
electronic device that amplies
and alters sounds to make up for
damaged or non-working parts of
the ear. The type of amplication
system that a person requires
will be recommended by an
audiologist after testing and
diagnosis.
There are a several types of
hearing aids, including:
l Behind the ear (BTE) worn
behind the ear connected to a
custom ear mould (worn in the
outer ear) by a tube, for people
of all ages with mild to profound
hearing loss.
l In the ear full shell (ITE)
small and tted completely in
the outer ear, for people with mild
to severe hearing loss but not
usually for children.
l In the canal half shell (ITC)
barely visible and tted in the
ear canal, for people with mild to
moderate hearing loss.
l Completely in the canal (CIC)
mostly concealed and tted in
the ear canal, for people with mild
to moderate hearing loss but not
usually for children.
l Receiver in the canal (RIC)
comfortable open-t design,
for people with mild to severe
hearing loss, typically for adults.
Most people nd wearing
a hearing aid for the rst time
feel strange physically as well as
in terms of hearing things and
listening to voices.
But after a period of
adjustment, the person will get
used to wearing the hearing aid
and gain experience in hearing in
different situations.
call 1800 882 032 or visit
www.20dbhearing.com
20dB Hearing, a group of
companies that owns a large
network of hearing care
outlets in Malaysia, is offering
customers a free take-home
trial of their hearing aids at
their clinics. You can try the
hearing aids with no cost or
commitment.
20dBs qualified audiologists
will administer hearing tests
to determine what system of
hearing aid you require, after
which they will fit you with the
device.
You will have 20 days to test
out the hearing aid at home for
free. If you find the device does
not suit you, you can return it to
the clinic with no cost.
This offer is available at all
18 20dB outlets nationwide.
Free hearing aid
take-home trial
About 5.3% of the worlds
population suffer from
hearing loss.
When testing for hearing loss,
the person will listen to sounds
played at different volumes and
identify which can be heard and
which are inaudible.
A functional workout
FUNCTIONAL training focuses on
mimicking everyday movements or
movements that are often used in a
particular sport.
To maximise your muscle
potential in daily activities
(squatting, walking or running) or
specic sports activities (jumping,
sprinting), focus on functional
training to get you to your peak
condition.
Functional training improves
mobility, balance and strengthens
your core muscles, which are
essential for every movement your
body makes.
These are some workouts you
could try to kick off your functional
training.
Types of workouts
l Barbell lunge Holding a
barbell in each hand, take one lunge
step forward with your right foot
followed by another one with your
left foot. Go eight steps forward
then repeat the same in the other
direction. The lunge mainly works
your legs muscles, including the
quadriceps, calves, gluteus and
hamstrings.
l Push-ups Placing your hands
and toes on the oor, lift your body
with your core and bring it down to
just about a st width off the oor,
bending your elbows. Straighten
your hands out as you bring your
body up again.
This exercise works your chest,
shoulders and core muscles.
l Seated cable rows Seated
cable rows mimic the action of
rowing a boat.
It works your middle back,
shoulders, latissimus dorsi muscles
and biceps.
l Dumbbell front squat With
a dumbbell in each hand, stand
with your feet hip-width apart
and perform a full squat, keeping
your back straight and squeezing
your core as you move.
This simple exercise targets
your quadriceps, gluteus, calves,
hamstrings while also working
your core muscles.
l Planking Support your
body by placing your elbows and
toes on the oor.
Lift your body up and squeeze
your core muscles, holding it for
30 seconds to one minute.
This exercise works your core
muscles and pretty much every
muscle in your body, a great
functional training for an overall
body workout.
Functional training
helps strengthen
your core muscles.
Milk is a healthy beverage that contains
minerals important for maintaining
bone health, a good immune system
and healthy cholesterol levels.
Building strong bones and muscles
M
OST of us grew up knowing
milk is a healthy and
wholesome beverage that is
central to a balanced diet.
Milk is rich in calcium and
protein, forming a valuable part
of an adults diet with some
surprising benets for men.
Milks protein power
Your body requires protein and
other nutrients to rebuild what it
has broken down during exercise.
Bodybuilders and men who
engage regularly in high-intensity
workouts have higher protein
requirements than most people.
Protein helps the body regenerate
and build muscles after exercise.
Milk contains protein that
is rich in essential amino acids,
which means the components can
be readily used by your body for
repair and growth.
Sports nutritionists believe
that low fat milk is a good choice
for men who are looking to gain
muscle mass. It is convenient,
inexpensive, high in protein, full of
vitamins and minerals and tastes
good.
Marigold HL Low Fat Milk is
a good post-workout drink for
muscle recovery and rehydration.
It contains 56% more protein
than regular milk, which is
essential to help build and repair
body tissues. It is also low in
fat, containing 74% less fat than
regular milk.
A sports beverage
Milk also contains other
nutrients such as calcium,
minerals and vitamins.
Physical activity conducted in
a hot and humid environment can
cause men to perspire heavily.
Sweating causes a reduction in the
bodys supply of minerals such as
calcium, sodium and potassium,
which are electrolytes that
regulate body functions.
Milk contains signicant levels
of these minerals and can provide
your body with a resupply after a
workout.
For men particularly, calcium
is one of the most important
minerals they can harness from
milk. Calcium is important
for bone and teeth health as
well as for regulating normal
body functions. A study in the
American Journal of Medicine
showed that men on the average
tend to consume less than the
recommended 1,200mg a day.
Marigold HL Low Fat Milk
contains a good balance of
minerals. It is high in calcium and
protein with 25% more calcium
and 56% more protein compared
to other regular milk, which builds
stronger bones and healthier
muscles.
Besides that, it is low in fat and
lactose with 74% less fat and 75%
less lactose than regular milk,
which keeps you healthy and
makes it easily digestible.
Nine essential vitamins
Marigold HL Low Fat Milk
is fortied with nine essential
vitamins: A, B1, B3, B6, B12, C, D, E
and folic acid.
l Vitamin A Helps maintain the
immune system, normal vision
and good skin.
l B vitamins Aids the body in
converting food (carbohydrates)
into fuel (glucose), which is
used to produce energy. These
B vitamins, often referred to as
B-complex vitamins, also help the
body metabolise fat and protein.
B-complex vitamins are needed
for good skin, hair, eyes and liver.
They are also essential in ensuring
the nervous system functions
properly, which is important for
good brain function.
l Vitamin C Signals the
production of white blood cells
to guard the body against foreign
bacteria or viruses. It is also
crucial for collagen production in
the skin.
l Vitamin D Promotes the
proper absorption and use of
calcium by the body to maintain
bone health.
l Vitamin E Provides
antioxidant protection, promotes
healthy skin and eyes, protects the
body from the damaging effects
of free radicals and boosts the
immune system.
l Folic acid Important
component in tissue growth, cells
development and healthy brain
development.
Healthy cholesterol level
Plant sterols in Marigold HL
Low Fat Milk with plant sterols
have been shown to lower blood
cholesterol. Plant sterols work by
blocking cholesterol absorption
by the body and are also found in
nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits and
vegetables.
Having it as part of your
balanced diet coupled with
regular consumption of fruits and
vegetables and regular exercise
will help maintain cholesterol
levels at a healthy range. Getting
your daily dosage of plant sterols
is as easy as having two glasses
of Marigold HL Low Fat Milk with
plant sterols.
visit www.marigold.com.my
Boost your
testosterone levels
DO you experience hair loss,
mood swings, increased body
fat and lack of energy? Is your
low libido, less-pleasurable
erection or erectile dysfunction
causing you grief in the
bedroom?
These are sexual and
non-sexual symptoms that
are associated with low
testosterone levels.
Life in these modern times
can be very demanding and
stressful. Stress is so common
that it has become a way of life
for many people.
However, due to stress and
ageing, many men begin to
experience a gradual decline in
their testosterone levels at a rate
of 1% every year after the age
of 30.
When your body experiences
a stressor, all its resources
are poured into surviving the
immediate threat, resulting in
a drop in testosterone levels as
reproduction comes in second
to survival.
Research shows that
psychological stress is
associated with a drop in
testosterone levels and
elevation in the major stress
hormone cortisol.
Testosterone is a vital
male hormone that produces
male characteristics. It helps
maintain healthy bones and
muscles, a feeling of well-being,
and maintains a good sex drive,
increases sperm count and
fertility.
Various drugs and chemicals
can be used to increase the male
hormone level but they might
cause side effects. A better way
is to consume natural herbal
supplements that can help to
boost the hormone levels and
improve blood circulation.
Tongkat Ali, Maca roots, black
seeds and ginger are herbs that
increase testosterone levels as
proven by various studies.
Native to Malaysia and
Indonesia, the tongkat ali plant
is traditionally used to help
men combat stress, boost their
sex drive, enhance their sexual
performance, increase muscle
mass and strength, and improve
energy and vitality.
Native to Peru, the maca root
is popularly used to increase
strength, energy and stamina,
and boost libido in both men
and women. It is also effective
in improving sexual function
and fertility.
Black seeds, prized for
their healing properties in
the Mediterranean region,
possess powerful antioxidant
properties and are commonly
used to maintain the health of
the circulatory, respiratory and
immune system. These seeds
are also known to increase the
sexual drive.
Ginger helps to increase the
dilation of blood vessels and
improves circulation.
The synergistic blend of
tongkat ali, maca root, black
seeds and ginger may help
to raise testosterone levels,
improve blood circulation,
and enhance energy and
endurance. These natural herbal
supplements also give better
support to a mans sexual health
and vitality and improve his
overall wellness and quality of
life.
n For more information, contact
VitaHealth at 03-7729 3873
The secret to
a healthy heart
D
IET plays a key role in reducing your
risk of developing heart disease.
Wholegrains such as oat bran and
brown rice can be helpful as consuming
whole grains may reduce your cholesterol
levels, while the bre content may help
with weight loss.
Oat bran and brown rice both retain
the outer layers of the grain, improving
their cholesterol-lowering effects and
nutritional value. In fact, the consumption
of wholegrain products and dietary bre
has been shown to reduce the risk of high
blood pressure and heart attacks.
Oat beta-glucan and
LDL cholesterol
Oats contain a form of soluble bre
called oat beta-glucan, which is particularly
concentrated in the outer layers of the grain
(oat bran).
As a soluble bre, oat beta-glucan
dissolves in water and forms a thick gel in
the digestive tract.
This gel is able to bind to excess
cholesterol and cholesterol-like substances
within the gut and helps prevent these from
being absorbed by the body. The gel and
cholesterol are then excreted as part of the
bodys waste.
To maximise its cholesterol-lowering
effects, oat beta-glucan must be structurally
intact and in its natural form. Therefore, the
extraction method and source of oats are
important to preserve oat beta-glucan for
optimum health benets.
Brown rice and angiotensin II
Angiotensin II is an endocrine protein
and a known culprit in the development
of high blood pressure and atherosclerosis
(hardening and narrowing or the arteries).
According to research carried out by Assoc
Prof Satoru Eguchi, a professor of physiology
at Temple University in Philadelphia, a
component in a layer of tissue surrounding
grains of brown rice may work against
angiotensin II.
The subaleurone layer of rice offers
protection against high blood pressure and
atherosclerosis.
The benefits of two powerful
ingredients
Oat beta-glucan has been proven to
reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol).
Tate & Lyle, a United Kingdom-based
multinational agribusiness, uses a patented
process in the preparation of PromOat beta-
glucan without the addition of chemicals,
which helps maintain its benecial
properties.
The best source of oat beta-glucan is
the aleurone layer of the oat bran, which
contains the highest concentration of
protein-rich beta-glucan.
PromOat derives its beta-glucan from
only the aleurone layer, which is free from
insoluble bre.
As a result, PromOat is a natural
ingredient that is free from the colour, taste
and graininess often associated with oats,
and commonly found in other oat beta-
glucan products. The versatility of PromOat
beta-glucan enables it to be paired with
different ingredients for greater health
benets.
The addition of brown rice to Kordels
Active Oat 35 increases the health benets
of the entire formula.
Brown rice improves the solubility of the
end product. As it is easily dissolved, brown
rice does not affect the viscosity of PromOat
beta-glucan or its cholesterol-lowering
properties.
Delicious wholegrains for a
healthy heart
Despite the heart health benets of both
oat beta-glucan and brown rice, it is still
quite a challenge to combine these two
ingredients without interfering with their
taste and texture.
Adding brown rice to Kordels Active
Oat 35 presents a new way of enjoying this
healthy beverage.
The perfect blend of PromOat beta-
glucan and brown rice powder is light
brown in colour with a distinctive
fragrance. When mixed with warm water,
it has a smooth texture and a delicious,
nutty avour.
The highly bioactive PromOat beta-
glucan content in this new formula is
maintained at 20% to comply with the
Malaysian Ministry of Healths Food
Regulations.
Kordels Active Oat 35 provides
three grams of oat beta-glucan, the
recommended requirement for cholesterol-
lowering effects.
1300 881 712, e-mail
ask-kordels@cambert.com.my or visit
www.kordels.com.my/activeoat35
Kordels Active Oat 35 provides three grams of oat beta-glucan, the recommended requirement for
cholesterol-lowering effects.
Rolling to muscular recovery
DO you frequently experience muscle
soreness or suffer from muscular injuries?
Instead of only relying on massages and
treatment, learn how using a foam roller
can mimic a sports massage, give you better
mobility, exibility and aid muscle recovery
to prevent muscular injuries.
Using a foam roller helps break down
brous tissues and boosts circulation, thus
relieving any tension or pain in the muscles.
l What is a foam roller?
A foam roller is basically a cylindrical
foam log that comes in high- or low-density
foam or dense foam wrapped around a
plastic pipe (called a grid). It comes in
various sizes and lengths that cater to
different levels of intensity. You can also
substitute a foam roller with a PVC pipe to
achieve a similar effect.
l When to use a foam roller
Foam rolling can be done before or after
your workout. By concentrating on tender
spots, rolling can break down knots and
improve blood circulation, giving your
muscles a good pre-warm up and cool
down.
Here are some exercises to try:
l Iliotibial band (ITB)
The ITB is the muscle that runs along the
outside of your leg from hip to knee. Having
a tight ITB is commonly associated with
runners knee so it is important to loosen
up your ITB to prevent injuries, especially if
you usually feel sore after leg workout.
Start by lying on your right side with the
foam roller placed beneath the outside of
your right thigh, right foot lifted. Cross your
left leg over your right and plant your left
foot on the ground. Then roll back and forth
from the bottom of your hip to just above
your knee for 30 seconds. Repeat the same
motion with your left ITB.
l Calf muscles
Your calf muscles are located at the back
of your leg and run from the knee to just
above your heel bone where it is connected
to the Achilles tendon.
Tight calf muscles can result from
frequently performing high-impact
exercises, including running and jumping.
It may indirectly cause lower back pain and
lead to calf muscle strain, pulls or tears.
In a seated position on the ground, place
the foam roller beneath your knees. Lift
your hips up and start rolling back and
forth for 30 seconds with your legs straight,
stopping at your Achilles tendon.
Use your hands to support your body
weight and squeeze your core muscles as
you go back and forth.
l Glutes
Gluteus (buttocks) muscles are important
in supporting full-body movements,
especially in exercises such as squats
and lunges. Tight glutes are commonly
associated with lower back pain and should
be rolled out to release any tension.
Seat yourself on the foam roller, shifting
your weight to the back of your right thigh,
just below your glutes. Cross your right leg
over the front of your left thigh.
You can lean back and have your hand(s)
on the oor for support. Roll your body back
and forth, stopping at your hip. Repeat with
your left glute.
l Upper-back
Upper-back mobility is often
compromised with tight chest muscles,
weak back muscles and being in a sitting
position all day, causing pain from the neck
to the lumbar region.
Lie on your back with the foam roller
placed under your upper back where your
shoulder blades are. Place your feet and
buttocks on the ground and put your hands
behind your head. Brace your core muscles
and slowly roll your upper back (from your
shoulder blades to your middle back) back
and forth for 30 seconds. Avoid foam rolling
on your lower back to prevent risk of injury.
There are some of the most common:
Doctors do not consider PE a valid medical condition False. PE is
recognised as a medical condition by leading health organisations, including
the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society for
Sexual Medicine (ISSM). Doctors are used to dealing with all kinds of
embarrassing conditions and, as with any medical condition, it is their duty
to help people who suffer from it.
Only teenagers or sexually inexperienced men have PE False. Men of any
age can get PE.
PE is all in the mind False. PE is a real medical condition involving the
central nervous system (CNS). Ejaculation is a very complex mechanism and
serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is present in the CNS, plays an important
role in it.
PE is caused by oversensitivity of the penis or from being too aroused
False. Although sensitivity plays a part, experts now know that PE is
primarily associated with the levels of serotonin in different parts of the
body that control ejaculation.
Exposing the myths
I
M tired of not being able to
satisfy my partner. It troubles
me that I have had to struggle
with this problem for years, says
Brian (not his real name). Brian is
not alone.
Many like him, in loving
relationships, struggle with
this under-detected and under-
reported sexual dysfunction.
From time to time most of
us suffer from problems in the
bedroom.
Some of these problems can be
temporary and resolve themselves
without too much trouble. Others
can be more serious and can have
a long-term, damaging effect on
relationships.
While male impotence (or
erectile dysfunction, ED) is the
more discussed topic, the other
problem, premature ejaculation
(PE), is actually more common,
affecting up to one in three men
across the Asia Pacic region.
PE is often confused with
ED but the two conditions are
very different. ED is when men
cannot achieve or maintain an
erection. Men with PE have a
normal erection but are unable
to voluntarily control when he
wishes to ejaculate.
Having good ejaculatory
control means a man is able to
decide and exercise a certain
degree of control while enjoying
intercourse.
Premature ejaculation is when
a man ejaculates with little sexual
stimulation and before he wishes.
This can lead to a decrease in
sexual satisfaction and quality of
life for men and their partners.
Men can have PE from the rst
time they have sexual intercourse,
or it can develop later in a mans
life after many years without
problems.
The experience of PE is likened
to a sneeze men say that they
can feel that it is going to happen
but they cannot do anything to
stop it.
Until now, it has not been
a condition that has been
straightforward to treat, with
many people either suffering
in silence, avoiding sex, relying
on less than ideal treatments or
buying unregulated products on
the Internet.
What are the causes of PE?
Ejaculation problems are
complex and can be caused
by multiple psychological and
biological factors.
on solving the problem. Think
about what happens during sex
(for example, how quickly you
ejaculate, whether you feel like
you are in control, the negative
feelings you might be having) as
well as what effect PE has on your
life.
l Write notes take notes
with you to the appointment
this will help you to remember all
the issues that are worrying you.
l Straight talk the best
approach is to just tell your
doctor right at the start of the
appointment that you have a
sexual issue you would like
to discuss, and be honest. For
example, you could say: Doctor,
Id like to discuss my sexual health
with you or Ive been hearing a
lot about premature ejaculation
recently and Id like to talk to you
about it.
Once you have raised the
issues of PE, the most dicult
part is over. What should follow
is an open discussion about your
experience, how you feel and what
you will need to overcome your
concerns.
The doctor will probably ask
you a series of questions about
your sexual life, your general
health and some specic questions
that might not even seem related
to PE.
Be honest with your responses,
so that your doctor has all of the
information needed to help you.
The PEDT is a short five-question, psychometrically validated measure to help
diagnose premature ejaculation. Even if you do not have difficulties with
ejaculating too soon during sexual intercourse, please answer all the
questions. There are no right or wrong answers. Check one question for each
question that best shows your general experience with sexual intercourse.
Scoring:
After you have completed the questionnaire, add up your total score.
0 - 8 No premature ejaculation
9 - 10 Probable premature ejaculation
11 - 20 Premature ejaculation
If your score is 9 or higher, you may have premature ejaculation. Please
consult your doctor to confirm diagnosis and discuss treatment options. Even
if your score does not indicate that you have premature ejaculation, if you are
not satisfied with your sex life, consider speaking to your doctor as well.
Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT)
1. How difficult is it for you to delay ejaculation?
Not difficult
at all
0
Somewhat
difficult
1
Moderately
difficult
2
Very
difficult
3
Extremely
difficult
4
2. Do you ejaculate before you want to?
Almost never
or never
0%
0
Less than half
the time
25%
1
About
half the time
50%
2
More than half
the time
75%
3
Almost always
or always
100%
4
3. Do you ejaculate with very little stimulation?
Almost never
or never
0%
0
Less than half
the time
25%
1
About
half the time
50%
2
More than half
the time
75%
3
Almost always
or always
100%
4
4. Do you feel frustrated because of ejaculating before you want to?
Not at all
0
Slightly
1
Moderately
2
Very
3
Extremely
4
5. How concerned are you that your time to ejaculate leaves your
partner sexually unfulfilled?
Not at all
0
Slightly
1
Moderately
2
Very
3
Extremely
4
Psychologically, PE can be a
result of stress, anxiety about
physical appearance, previous
traumatic sexual experiences or
relationship problems, among
others.
The biological factors that
may play a role in PE include
anatomical anomalies and the lack
of serotonin in the brain.
The impact of PE is both
emotional and physical.
A survey of more than 12,000
men showed that those with
PE experienced less sexual
satisfaction. PE can also cause low
self-condence, anxiety, feelings
of shame and avoidance of sexual
intimacy.
Similarly, PE also affects
partners, impacting the overall
sexual satisfaction and quality of
relationship for couples.
The good news is PE is
treatable. However, the rst
step, which is for men with PE to
speak up about their condition, is
critical.
The role of their partners is
also vital as up to 40% of women
reportedly do not discuss PE
because they are afraid of hurting
their partners feelings. Yet, 62%
of men said that they would
likely see a physician about their
condition if their partner advises
them to.
Why dont men seek help?
Men with PE often feel a
whole range of negative feelings
that stops them from speaking
to anyone about the problem
depression, embarrassment and
even fear of having sex.
Menarini, a biopharmaceutical
company, recognises the scale
of the challenge to address PE
and its misconceptions and is
on a mission to encourage open
conversation between men and
their partners here in Malaysia.
This inability to talk about PE
means many men will often try
to live with it, possibly avoiding
relationships altogether rather
than talking about it with their
partner or their doctor. More than
half of the men surveyed listed
a lack of understanding as the
main barrier to seeing a doctor,
says Cheah Chor Eng, Menarini
Malaysias general manager.
Youve got PE, what do
you do?
While PE can be successfully
treated it is also crucial for men
and their partners to understand
that PE is a couples affair and
that they are not alone. Accepting
this fact is the rst step that will
drive them to seek the necessary
medically approved treatment,
says Cheah.
After doing some of your own
research, you should speak to your
doctor.
Do not suffer in silence. Your
doctor would have dealt with the
problem before, so do not feel
embarrassed.
If your doctor has diagnosed
you with PE, then the next step
will be to discuss solutions. Your
doctor is best placed to work with
you to suggest an appropriate
approach to t with your lifestyle
and situation.
Rather than relying on
treatments for PE advertised on
the Internet, it is far better to
speak to your doctor and your
pharmacist and make sure you get
effective, licensed treatment and
proper monitoring.
But how?
l Time out take some time
to think about what you want to
talk about. Having a clear agenda
will make it easier to get started
Safe and
proven
treatment
IF you suspect that you
have PE, the best course
of action is to consult
your doctor for a proper
diagnosis. If you do have
PE, understand that you
are not alone and the
condition is treatable. The
next step is to discuss
effective treatment for
your condition with your
doctor. There are different
ways to treat PE, including
behavioural techniques
and psychological
counselling. Additionally,
PE can be treated with safe
and effective on-demand
oral treatment.
n For more information on
premature ejaculation or
the PEDT, visit
www.controlpe.com.my
To be in control
Preventing and treating haemorrhoids
I
T is the fasting month and
many of us look forward to the
Ramadan bazaars where a wide
variety of mouth-watering food
is available. Unfortunately, if you
are predisposed to haemorrhoids,
you may want to choose your food
options carefully to avoid suffering
from the consequences later.
Consuming plenty of unhealthy
foods when breaking fast will not
only affect your blood cholesterol
and sugar levels, it will also
increase your risk of painful
haemorrhoids.
Here are some tips to help you
avoid foods that can negatively
impact your health.
l Sugary foods
Consuming foods that are
high in sugar will increase your
risk of constipation. Constipation
causes straining on the rectal
and anal veins during bowel
movements, which will cause
your haemorrhoids to are up
again, resulting in pain during
defecation.
l Fatty foods
According to Phyllis Balch,
author of the book Prescription for
Nutritional Healing, ingesting large
quantities of fatty foods causes
the hardening of stools, exerts
pressure on bowel movements,
irritates anal veins and eventually
leads to the occurrence of
haemorrhoids. High-fat foods
also take longer to be digested.
Slower digestion leads to slower
elimination of the intestinal
tracks, increasing your chances of
constipation.
l Spicy foods
Spicy foods are considered
taboo for people who are
predisposed to haemorrhoids
as they produce substances that
irritate the anal area and trigger
swelling of the veins once they
are digested. Spicy foods can also
cause diarrhoea, which aggravates
the severity of haemorrhoids
causing more pain, especially
if the affected area is already
bleeding or sore.
l Salty foods
When consumed in excess,
salty foods can raise blood
pressure levels. This puts pressure
on the rectal vein around the anus,
which will aggravate the severity
of haemorrhoids.
Maintain good health
during Ramadan
Always drink plenty of water
before and after fasting (at
least eight to 12 cups) to avoid
dehydration. Consume plenty of
high-bre foods such as fruits,
vegetables and grains in the
morning before fasting and in
the evening after breaking fast to
stimulate bowel movements and
prevent constipation.
Make sure you drink sucient
amounts of water if you are eating
bre-rich foods as lack of uids
can contribute to constipation.
Engage in moderate exercise (at
least 45 minutes of walking a day)
either before breaking fast or at
night.
This will help your digestive
system stay active and healthy.
Also, try to reduce or avoid foods
that are high in fat, sugar and salt
and spicy foods as they can lead to
haemorrhoids.
Solution to painful
haemorrhoids
If you overindulge in foods,
be on the alert for symptoms of
haemorrhoids such as itching,
inammation, irritation and
burning of the anal area. Thanks to
Hemoclin, you can now deal with
these symptoms easily.
HemoClin relieves the
uncomfortable symptoms of
haemorrhoids through several
ways. The cooling gel reduces
the inammation and cuts down
the intensity of all irritating
symptoms.
This was proven in a
consumer study conducted in
the Netherlands in 2006. The
study also showed that 96% of
patients saw an improvement in
haemorrhoids within nine days of
using HemoClin.
HemoClin also reduces the
instances of painful bowel
movements by forming a
protective layer of lubrication
on the skin and mucosa. This
minimises abrasion and irritation
during bowel movements,
reducing anal discomfort.
HemoClin is different from
other products as it contains a
unique patented 2QR complex
that is derived from the Aloe
barbadensis plant.
The 2QR complex prevents
bacterial infection, which is the
culprit behind the delayed natural
healing process of haemorrhoids.
This bioactive bacterial blocker
prevents harmful bacteria
from attacking the inamed
haemorrhoids.
Compared with other topical
treatments, HemoClin does not
cause antibiotic resistance as
it is made up of natural active
ingredients making it safe for
use during pregnancy and
breastfeeding.
The innovative water-based
gel ensures clean application by
not leaving any stain on your
undergarments. It also remains
longer on the affected area after
application as compared to
suppositories or other treatment
creams.
Its modern applicator is four
centimetres long and contains
tiny holes while the cooling gel
lubricates and protects the skin
and mucosa during application,
ensuring the active ingredients
reach and cover the entire affected
area.
www.hemoclin.com
HemoClin
relieves the
uncomfortable
symptoms of
haemorrhoids
through several
unique ways.
Football: The fitness factor
AS the excitement of the World Cup
reached a close at the Maracana stadium,
many would remember the outstanding
performances of Germany and Argentina.
However, few realise how much demand
the sport places on athletes to be in peak
condition on the eld with a capacity to
play for long durations at high intensity.
Footballers are arguably the ttest
athletes in the world and their skills rely on
factors such as muscle endurance, muscle
strength and recovery. Health is an integral
part to the success of these matches and
there is more than meets the eye in building
World Cup champions.
What denes an elite footballer? Is it
his endurance, speed, agility or strength?
Sprinting and jumping in short bursts may
seem simple, but doing them routinely
for 90 minutes and repeating them with
only several days rest in between games is
taxing. The two major contributing factors
to endurance are cardiovascular strength
and physical conditioning.
Speed, agility and strength have one
thing in common they require explosive
muscle movements. Our muscles can be
broken down into two categories slow-
twitch and fast-twitch muscles.
Slow-twitch muscles advocate
endurance and resilience while fast-twitch
muscles attribute to fast and explosive
movements. Depending on what sport
you play, the ratio of slow- and fast-twitch
muscles may be highly relevant.
In football, a goalkeeper requires agility
and strength to react to point blank shots
and to deal with clusters of players during
a corner-kick. Therefore, a physique
composed of more fast-twitch muscles
serves the task more effectively and he has
to devise a training regime that promotes
the desired muscle type.
A box-to-box midelder, however,
is tasked with tracking back and forth
between his penalty area and the
opponents. His presence on either end of
the pitch is pivotal and possessing high
endurance levels allows him to dictate plays
like a metronome with his positioning. This
type of player will seek to build up his slow-
twitch muscles.
The 2014 World Cup also introduced
cooling breaks when temperatures
exceeded 32
o
C. Such intense heat could
be detrimental and cause heat cramps,
exhaustion and heat stroke. While cramps
and exhaustion cause discomfort and
slow down performance, heat stroke is
dangerous. It is characterised by a rise
in internal body temperature, cessation
of sweating, rapid pulse and respiration,
high blood pressure, confusion and
unconsciousness. That is why it is
imperative that athletes get sucient
cooling and hydration.
Water is insucient in providing
rehydration. Perspiration eliminates
electrolytes that are best replaced by
consuming food rich in sodium, potassium,
calcium, magnesium and chloride.
Therefore, exercises can be tailor-
made to build muscles that affect sports
performance but hydration and staying
cool in a heated environment are important
things to note.
A look behind the scenes of World
Cup 2014 may see players having to
endure highly intense training and being
disciplined for their profession, but most
would agree that the excitement and
adrenaline that took them to centre stage
was well worth it. By Jeffrey Tan
Marigold 100% Juice is rich in nutrients,
vitamins and minerals.
Juice up for a healthy diet
T
HE colours in fruits and
vegetables have unique
nutritional benets. One
third of our daily diet should
consist of fruits and vegetables.
Fruit juices like Marigold 100%
Juice complement our daily diet as
they are rich in nutrients, vitamins
and minerals.
l Red Red apples, cranberries,
red grapes, raspberries,
strawberries, beets, red capsicum
Red-coloured fruits and
vegetables are believed to
help ght prostate cancer,
cardiovascular disease, diabetes
and male infertility. Antioxidants
are powerful molecules in our
body, bonding to and safely
defusing other less stable
molecules (called free radicals),
which can cause some serious
cellular damage if left unchecked.
l Orange and yellow
Oranges, carrots, apricots,
mangoes, pumpkin, papayas,
sweet corn
A 250ml glass of 100%
orange juice provides us with
our daily dose of vitamin C. It
boosts our immune system,
aids in the healing of wounds
and the synthesis of collagen.
Beta-carotene is a precursor to
vitamin A; our body converts this
compound into vitamin A, which
in turn promotes healthy vision,
strong bones and toned skin.
l Green Spinach, broccoli,
kale, brussel sprouts, avocados
Green foods are packed with
higher and more absorbable
concentrations of calcium. They
also contain phytochemicals
lutein and zeaxanthin, which
are important for vision. Kelp, a
type of seaweed, is particularly
high in magnesium, which is an
important nutrient for our body.
As a rule of thumb, the darker the
green colour, the more nutritious
the food is.
l White - Pears, bananas,
cauliower, potatoes, mushrooms
Pears are rich in water-soluble
bre that helps regulate bowel
movement. They also contain
vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, folate
and niacin to boost our immune
system. Pears have a high level of
boron that helps retain calcium
to prevent osteoporosis while
bananas and potatoes are high in
heart-healthy potassium.
l Blue and purple
Blueberries, blackberries, purple
cabbage, eggplant
Blueberries are high in
anthocyanins, which can reduce
the risk of high blood pressure
and improve heart health. Blue
fruits and vegetables are also
high in bre and packed with
antioxidants and have been shown
to reduce the risk of some male
cancers.
100% juice fact:
l Unless otherwise stated on
the label, 100% fruit juices have
no added sugars or sweeteners.
The only sugar source in the juice
comes naturally from the fruit.
l Fruit juices are a valuable source
of vitamins, minerals and a unique
nutritional compound called
phytonutrients. They complement
whole fruits as part of a healthy
diet and contribute to our daily
uid intake.
Marigold 100% Juice does not
have added sugar, preservatives
and articial colouring. Marigold
100% Juice carrot and mixed fruit
contain a balance of both fruits
and vegetables.
The beta-carotene that is found
in carrots helps reduce sunburn
and increases the skins resistance
to sun damage.
It also contains other vitamins
and potassium, which boost
immunity and reduce cholesterol.
Carrots are also an excellent
source of dietary bre.
Drinking fruit juices before
dinner will help induce your
appetite and aid your digestive
system after the meal.
We should drink fruit juices
before our meal for better
absorption.
Fruit juices also help detoxify
our body system, provide energy
and promote weight loss.
Marigold 100% Juice is a
convenient way to obtain our
daily requirement of vitamin C
and antioxidants as it comes in
250ml and one-litre packs to suit
both children and adults.
Marigold 100% Juice is available
in 100% orange juice, 100% apple
juice, 100% carrot and mixed
fruits juice, 100% mixed apple
grape juice, 100% mixed apple
cranberry juice, 100% mixed
tropical fruit Juice and 100% pear
and mixed berries juice.
Marigold 100% Juice is available
at all nationwide hypermarkets,
supermarkets, mini markets and
convenience stores.
www.marigold.com.my
A 250ml glass
of 100% orange
juice provides
us with our daily
dose of vitamin C.
It boosts our
immune system,
aids in the healing
of wounds and
the synthesis of
collagen.
Have yourself checked
I
T is advisable for men to go for
regular check-ups once they hit
their mid-20s. These days, an
alarming amount of young men
have succumbed to heart disease,
which could have been avoided
if they had visited their doctors
sooner.
A host of other diseases and
complications can also be avoided
by going for a routine check up
and blood test. Here are some
important health tests that every
man should perform:
Blood pressure
If you are under 40 years old,
have no family history of blood
pressure and your blood pressure
level is normal since your last
reading, then you can have your
pressure checked every two years.
However, if you are over 40, have
a family history of high blood
pressure and your blood pressure
is higher than the regular rate,
then it is advisable for you to get it
checked on a yearly basis.
Cholesterol levels
We Malaysians love our food.
It is little wonder then that we are
the most obese nation in South-
East Asia.
This love of food can sometimes
lead to a host of diseases,
including cardiovascular diseases.
A good indication of your hearts
health is by administering a blood
test to determine your cholesterol
levels. A high cholesterol reading
is an indication that your heart
is not in a healthy condition. It is
advisable to take a cholesterol test
every year, especially if you love
food, smoke regularly or do not
work out.
Diabetes
A diabetes test will determine
the glucose levels in your blood.
If you are over 45 years old,
overweight, a smoker, have a
family history of diabetes or lead a
sedentary lifestyle, then you have
a high risk of developing diabetes
and should get your sugar levels
tested annually.
Cancer markers
A simple blood test will
determine if there are any
abnormalities or signs of
cancerous cells in your body.
Just ask your doctor to do a
cancer marker test during your
annual blood test and discuss the
results with him.
Prostate
Many men try to avoid getting
their prostate examined as much
as possible because of what it
entails a doctor inserting a
lubricated gloved nger into the
anus to feel the prostate.
Most doctors recommend an
annual prostate exam for men
who are more than 40 years old.
If you have a family history of
prostate cancer or any other type
of cancer, then it is best to discuss
the frequency of your prostate
examination with your doctor.
HIV/Sexually transmitted
infections
If you are a sexually active
person or if you engage in
intercourse with multiple
partners, it is best for you to
undergo a HIV test and also get
tested for any other STIs such as
chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis
on a yearly basis.
Give your best performance
IF you have not been performing at your
best in the bedroom, maybe you should
make a change in your diet and include
more of the following foods:
Nuts
Nuts are high in amino acid arginine.
Amino acid arginine helps produce a
compound known as nitric oxide, which
helps generate erections.
So the next time you are at the
supermarket, be sure to load your
cart with plenty of almonds, walnuts,
cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias and
pistachios.
Fatty fish
Fatty sh like salmon, mackerel and
sardines are high in Omega-3 fatty acids
DHA and EPA. These fatty acids can
raise the dopamine levels in your brain,
triggering arousal.
Oats
Eating oats is not only benecial
for your cardiovascular health, it can
also improve your sexual health. Oats
naturally boost the testosterone levels in
your bloodstream and having high levels
of testosterone can increase your sex
drive and your orgasm strength.
Oysters
Famously known as the ultimate
aphrodisiac, oysters contain the most
amount of zinc than any other foods. Zinc
is important in the production of healthy
sperm and increases testosterone levels,
giving your libido a massive boost.
Dark chocolate
It is no coincidence that chocolate has
always been associated with sex. Dark
chocolate contains a chemical called
phenylethylamine, which produces the
feeling of being loved.
Watermelon
Few people know that this humble
fruit is rich in L-citruline, which is a type
of amino acid that improves blood ow to
the sexual organs.
Garlic
Known as a strong aphrodisiac, garlic
contains allicin, which improves blood
circulation and sexual performance
by increasing blood ow to the sexual
organs.
Spinach
This readily available green vegetable
is rich in magnesium, which helps dilate
blood vessels. Dilated blood vessels allow
better blood ow to the sexual organs,
leading to more impressive arousal for
both partners.
Get your swimmers in shape
INFERTILITY is not one of the many topics men discuss while
having drinks with their friends. In fact, infertility is almost
a taboo subject among many men as they feel revealing it
emasculates them. The truth is, infertility is a very important
subject and can be addressed in a many simple ways.
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet consisting of plenty of proteins and vitamins
will keep your body healthy and your hormones balanced. Ensure
that you also drink plenty of water as water helps ush out
excessive toxins in your body.
Exercise regularly
Regular moderate exercise combined with the right eating
habits can help you maintain a healthy body weight. When
you have excess fat in your body, it can increase the amount of
oestrogen in your body, which will interfere with your partners
fertility cycle.
Cut down on caffeine and alcohol
Alcohol reduces your sperm count and can cut your chances
of impregnating your partner by 50%. Similarly, coffee, tea and
carbonated drinks can also signicantly reduce your fertility level.
Reduce stress levels
More often than not, the pressure of getting pregnant can be
very stressful. Get intimate with your partner and forget about
getting pregnant. When the both of you are more relaxed, you
increased your chances of conceiving quite considerably. Engaging
in yoga and meditation are also great ways to relax.
Change your underwear
If you only wear briefs, it may be time for a change. The
testicles should always be cool to function optimally and tight
briefs disable this. Switch to boxer shorts as they allow your
little fellows more breathing space and keep them at the right
temperature.
A few minor lifestyle
changes can improve
your fertility.
A blood test can reveal
if you have any health
complications.
A regular check-up can help
you avoid a host of diseases.
Certain foods
can improve
your sexual
performance.
Stay young and healthy
AS your body ages, the amount
of live enzymes within it start
to decrease, resulting in the
accumulation of toxins and
acids within your system. This
speeds up the ageing process
and makes you more prone to
illnesses and diseases.
Since it was established in
2003, Wellness Concept (M)
Sdn Bhd has actively improved
the lives of many in keeping
with its motto Good Health,
True Wealth. Wellness Concept
derived its inspiration from
Dr Yoshihide Hagiwara, creator
of Barleygreen Premium and a
pioneer of the Green Revolution
movement.
As the founder of one of
Japans largest pharmaceutical
companies, Dr Hagiwaras busy
lifestyle allowed him to only
have three hours of sleep and
rely on fast food on a daily basis.
He supplemented his poor
nutrition and lack of sleep with
over-the-counter medication.
At the age of 38, Dr Hagiwara
nally took note of his health
after his teeth began decaying
and his hair began turning
white. This experience led him
to re-examine the relationship
between human health and
modern medical science and
technology.
After more than a decade of
research and experimenting, Dr
Hagiwara concluded that the
juices of young barley leaves
contained abundant nutrients
that the human body could
easily absorb and digest.
BarleyGreen Premium is an
organic powder derived from
the juice of organically grown
young barley leaves. A small
amount of brown rice and kelp
is incorporated into the mixture
for added mineral benets.
BarleyGreen Premium
provides one of the widest
spectrums of naturally
occurring nutrients available in
a single source today.
BarleyGreen Premium is a
whole food containing a natural
balance of vitamins, minerals,
proteins (amino acid), enzymes,
and chlorophyll, with an
alkaline pH that the body needs
to help strengthen our immune
system.
l Cleansing Barley grass
is able to detoxify our body
at a cellular level. In 1999,
Dr Hagiwaras studies in
environmental toxicology
revealed that toxins such
as malathion, parathion,
chilorpyrios and diazion were
neutralised by the chlorophyll
and live enzymes found
in barley three hours after
consumption.
l Balance BarleyGreen
Premium is rich in alkaline
minerals and is good in
keeping the ratio between
alkalinity and acidity of the
body uids balanced, resulting
in more energy and a younger
appearance. Mix one tablespoon
(6g) of BarleyGreen with 6oz
(170ml) of water, honey or your
favourite juice. Do not mix hot
liquids with your BarleyGreen
as the heat will destroy active
enzymes. You should take your
BarleyGreen 20 minutes before
a meal or two hours after a
meal. Drinking two glasses of
BarleyGreen Premium a day
will help your body to naturally
detoxify, balance acid build up
and leave you feeling nourished.
call 03-7727 9999,
04-646 4506, e-mail nutrition@
wellnessconcept.com.my or visit
www.wellnessconcept.net
Dr Yoshihide
Hagiwara is
the creator
of the
Barleygreen
Premium.
The omega-3 health boost
O
MEGA-3 fatty acids are
essential nutrients for our
bodies because they assist in
basic cell functioning, cell repair
and growth, as well as other body
functions. However, omega-3
fatty acids cannot be produced
in the human body and must be
obtained through outside sources.
To keep your heart healthy,
nutrition experts have been
recommending krill a new
generation of omega-3 that is
phospholipid-based.
What is krill oil?
Krill oil is extracted from a
tiny, shrimp-like crustacean that
lives in the ocean and feeds on
microscopic algae. Krill oil is rich
in omega-3 fatty acids EPA and
DHA. Due to the algae in the krills
diet, krill oil is also a source of the
powerful antioxidant astaxanthin.
This may be benecial
in cardiovascular, immune,
inammatory and
neurodegenerative diseases.
What makes krill oil
unique?
The omega-3 in krill oil is
thought to assimilate into the
bodys cells better than other
sources of omega-3 because it is
attached to phospholipids EPA and
DHA, which are more bio-ecient
than other marine oils.
The bodys cell membranes are
composed of omega-3 fatty acids
and phospholipids. The omega-3
combination with phospholipids
makes krill oils fatty acids more
readily absorbed and diffused
throughout the cell. In contrast,
omega-3 in sh oils must be
converted rst by the liver for
cellular absorption to happen.
In essence, krill oil omega-3 is:
l water dispersible, making it
gentler on the stomach
l more readily absorbed by the
body
l readily available as smaller
softgels that are easy to swallow
l free from reux and other
unpleasant digestive issues
A powerful antioxidant
Krill oil contains a potent
antioxidant called astaxanthin.
Antioxidants function to protect
your cells from being damaged
by free radicals. Free radicals
form when the body oxidises air
breathed in, breaks down foods
or encounters environmental
hazards such as smoke and
radiation.
Antioxidants typically ght
only one free radical at a time but
astaxanthin may be able to handle
multiple free radicals at one time.
The benefits of krill oil
Vitamode Superba Krill Oil
is extracted from the Antarctic
krill species Euphausia superba
by sustainable eco-harvesting
techniques, making it the most
environmentally sustainable krill
oil available.
It contains Superba Krill, which
is sourced from the pristine
waters of the Southern Ocean in
the Antarctica.
This krill type is low in the
food chain and lives in the
cleanest waters on Earth, making
it virtually free of contaminants.
This makes Astaxanthin, the
antioxidant inherent to krill oil,
naturally preserving its omega-3
fatty acid content.
Superba Krill omega-3 targets
several areas of health such as
heart, brain and joint health as
well as healthy inammation and
specically, womens health.
Taking krill oil supplements
is generally well-tolerated and
safe to use when taken in the
prescribed dosage range of one to
three softgels up to twice daily.
Krill oil supplementation will
assist in:
l helping to keep both the heart
and arteries healthy
l promoting a healthy response to
inammation
l supporting brain and joint
health
l reducing the physical and
emotional symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome in
women
While krill oil may offer health
benets, you should not take it if
you are allergic to shellsh or if
you take blood thinners. Check
with your doctor before taking
any supplement.
1300 800 228 or visit
www.medispec.com.my
Krill oil is
extracted from a
tiny, shrimp-like
crustacean that
lives in the ocean
and feeds on
microscopic algae.
Power up!
Latest food trends
Buzzword
l Clean eating is the new buzzword for healthy
eating, the craze is for anything clean.
l Refers to eating more vegetables, less meat, less
sodium, choosing wholegrains, limiting alcohol and
processed foods.
l Basically means basic, common-sense, good
and healthy eating, which is related to making the
right food choices and knowing your diet.
Children matter
l Parents are becoming increasingly aware of the
health dangers posed by obesity.
l Healthier childrens meals are now expected
from restaurants and schools, with sides of apples,
yoghurt and baked fries in place of French fries being
some of the many changes being made.
Gluten-free
l According to the Whats Hot in 2014 survey
by the National Restaurant Association in the US,
gluten-free cuisine is one of the top-ve trends
identied by many chefs as something they planned
to work on next year.
l Gluten-free products go beyond packaged
goods and gluten-free alternatives. Healthy
individuals are opting for gluten-free choices such
as pasta made from buckwheat and other grains,
grains such as quinoa and amaranth and wheat our
alternatives such as almond meal and coconut our.
Coconut oil
l Conventionally thought to contain unhealthy
fats that contributed to heart disease, health experts
now identify coconut oil as heart-healthy food.
l Coconut oil boosts thyroid function to
increase metabolism, energy and endurance while
also boosting good HDL cholesterol to improve
cholesterol ratio levels.
l It is now widely used and recommended
by health experts and more and more people
are exploring the use of coconut oil as a healthy
alternative to oil and butter.
L
OOKING to give your health a boost? Instead of taking a host of
supplements, why not turn to your diet to harness the health benets
that superfoods have to offer? Superfoods are a category of foods packed
with antioxidants and nutrients that help prevent disease and promote good
health. They are also easily found in most local supermarkets.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are packed with
chlorophyll, nutrients, fat-burning
compounds and vitamins and
minerals such as vitamins A, C, K,
folate, potassium, calcium and iron,
all of which support better body
functioning and promote good
health.
Benets of leafy greens superfood
include:
l Lowers risk of heart disease and
cancer and maintains bone health
l Helps build leaner muscles
l Aids digestive system
Examples:
Broccoli contains vitamin
C and K and possibly anti-cancer
ghting properties
Spinach packed with 13
different avonoid compounds that
have antioxidant and anti-cancer
properties
Romaine lettuce contains
vitamin C and beta-carotene that
helps lowers risk of heart attack or
stroke
Eat it:
Have it raw in a salad or a
sandwich, the more variety the
better. Alternatively, stir fry, steam
or boil, making it a main meal or as
a side dish.
Nuts
Nuts contain heart-healthy
omega-9 monounsaturated fatty
acids and omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids, and cancer-preventing
antioxidant polyphenols and proteins
as well as vitamin E, magnesium and
calcium.
Benets of nuts superfood include:
l Prevent obesity and promote
weight loss
l Reduce risk of developing type 2
diabetes by keeping blood sugar and
insulin levels more even
l Reduce visible signs of ageing
such as wrinkles and sagging skin
Examples:
Walnuts Contains ellagic acid, a
cancer-ghting antioxidant agent
Almonds Rich in antioxidant
vitamin E, usually associated with
maintaining a healthy heart
Pistachios Has good combination
of protein, unsaturated soluble bres
and phytosterols, which help lower
total and LDL (bad) cholesterol
levels.
Eat it:
Have it raw as snacks or mixed in
with a salad or baked item. You can
also roast it or make nut butter out of
raw nuts, which you can use as bread
spread.
Fruits
Fruits also contain antioxidants
that ght harmful free radicals and
boost the bodys immune system, as
well as other minerals and nutrients
that benet your health.
Benets of fruit superfoods
include:
l Slow down ageing process
l Decrease the risk of cancer,
osteoporosis and heart disease
l Promote weight loss
Examples:
Blueberries Its high content of
phytoavonoids promotes better
brain functioning and memory. Also
contains antioxidants, potassium
and vitamin C, which lowers risk
of heart disease, cancer and is anti-
inammatory.
Goji berries Packed with
vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B6 and E and
comes with 18 amino acids and 21
trace minerals, which are antioxidant
agents effective in slowing down
ageing and ghting against diseases.
Bananas Loaded with potassium,
which can lower blood pressure. Its
also a source of healthy carbohydrate
that helps boost your metabolism to
promote weight loss.
Eat it:
Fruits can be taken raw as snacks,
or be included in a baked item or
blended into a smoothie. As fruits are
often seasonal, check which fruits are
in season to get the best avours from
them.
Fruits can
provide
health
benefits.
Giving nutrition a tech edge
Food makeover
HAVE you ever found yourself
wondering what to do with
ordinary food items? It is one
thing to know what healthy
ingredients to pick out, but it
is another to turn them into
interesting dishes. Here is a
breakdown to approaching
two popular foods oats and
avocado.
Oats
Oats can come as steel-cut
or rolled, with about 5g of
bre per serving, while instant
oats contain up to 3g to 4g
per serving. For a more lling
choice, choose steel-cut or
rolled oats.
Make it interesting:
l Breakfast: Bircher muesli
or toasted muesli served with
yoghurt. Make bircher muesli by
mixing oats, yoghurt and fruit
juice together and leave to stand
overnight.
l Main meal: Make meatloaf
using blended oats instead of
breadcrumbs or make crusted
sh llets using a mixture
of blended oats with either
chopped almonds, pesto,
wholegrain mustard or parsley.
l Snack: The oat and raisin/
cranberry combination goes
well in cookies, muns and
cakes. For aesthetic appearance,
coat your cookie dough in rolled
oats instead of mixing it in.
Avocado
Avocado contains heart-
healthy monounsaturated fat
that increases satiety. It also
contains oleic acid, lutein, folate,
vitamin E that help protect
your body from heart diseases,
cancer, and degenerative eye
and brain diseases.
Make it interesting:
l Breakfast: Blend half an
avocado with banana, Greek
yoghurt and honey to make a
breakfast smoothie. You can
replace the fruit juice with milk
(substitute with soy milk or
almond milk if preferred).
l Main meal: Eat raw either
sliced or mashed in a sandwich
or wrap (chicken and tuna goes
well with avocado). You can also
slice it to include in a salad and
be sure to sprinkle a bit of salt to
boost its avour.
l Snack: Make a simple
avocado dip with sour cream
and a squeeze of lemon juice or
turn it into guacamole. Serve
the dip with nachos or crackers
at a party or have it as an
afternoon snack.
Apps
Chemical cuisine
(By EchoDitto)
l Launched by the Center for
Science in the Public Interest in
the US, (CSPI)
l Mobile app that provides
CSPIs database of food additives
safety ratings directly to mobile
devices
l It ags additives that people
should avoid or cut back on,
providing explanation of and
updated information on food
additives and any related health
reactions
l Use it to make informed,
healthy decisions about your food
choices on the go
www.cspinet.org
Healthy Recipes
(By SparkRecipes)
l Access more than 500,000
recipes from Spark Recipes
website, which are tried and
tested healthy and nutritious
meals
l Search recipes according to
meal categories and dietary needs
l Provides video
demonstrations, cooking tips and
measuring utility
l Share recipes with friends via
social media
l Use it to plan your meals
ahead and stick to having simple,
healthy and budget meals
recipes.sparkpeople.com
Gadgets
Salters digital nutritional
kitchen scale
l A dietary scale
that weighs food
and determines
its nutritional
value, capable of
informing you
of the weight,
calories, fat,
cholesterol,
bre, proteins,
carbohydrates
and sodium
content of your
food
l Track your
food intake to
moderate the
number of calories you consume
for each meal
l Allows you to produce and
eat consistent meal portions
l The scale also serves as a
conventional scale for cooking
www.salterhousewares.com
Skulpt Aim
l A handheld gadget that
measures muscle strength and
denition, calculated by analysing
current ows through muscle
tissue with multi-frequency
signals
l Complements eating and
exercise habits in keeping with
your weight loss and maintenance
l Unlike a weighing scale or
BMI metrics that only tell you
how much weight you have lost,
Skulpt Aim measures
body fat percentage
and muscle quality,
informing the user
of fat loss
l Users can
review results on
a personal online
dashboard or
mobile app to
track their
progress and
get tness
advice
n For more
information,
visit
www.skulpt.me
MANLINESS
The phrase man up is commonly uttered when men try to get in touch with
their inner tough guy. But what does it take to be a man? Manliness in todays
context is a fine art of creating a balance between tradition and modernity
to retain the skills and virtues that men in the past embody while keeping up
with the cultural progress and technology of the present day. From grooming
and manly skills to managing career and relationships, there are many
aspects to what it really takes to master the art of manliness.
SOME people are adrenaline junkies, and
men typically enjoy living life on the edge,
especially with fast cars. What is it about this
rush that excites men?
l A study shows that men crave their time
behind the wheel because of the appeal of
asserting control through machinery. And
driving a car at a high speed makes men feel
ultimately in control of life and death.
l When travelling at speeds of more than
100kph, making simple mistakes in changing
gears, braking, or turning corners too early
or too sharply can lead to serious injury and
possibly death.
l When we take high risks, we know that
there is a big pay-off at the end. The brain
releases chemicals like dopamine that makes
us feel good to reward us.
l However, as with any high-stakes
endeavour, being overly daring can have its
drawbacks it can lead to self-destructive
behaviour such as addiction. The trick is to
know when and where to take risks and when
to play it safe.
l It is understandable then that racers in
sports like Formula 1 are often monitored by
sport psychologists to ensure that they are in
the right frame of mind leading up to a race
since they are engaged in constant mental
turmoil of anxiety, fear and anger, among
others.
l Extreme response to fear makes us
almost superhuman, unleashing energy
reserves to give us strength that we
would normally not have under normal
circumstances.
l Under acute stress, the sympathetic
nervous systems prepares the body for
vigorous action.
l The adrenal gland produces cortisol and
adrenaline into the blood stream.
l Blood pressure increases, causing the
heart to start beating fast, which in turn
delivers more oxygen and energy to the
muscles.
BEARDS have fallen in and out
of fashion throughout modern
history. While it was popular
among European nobility in
the 14th and 15th centuries,
it was taxed in England and
banned in France in the early
16th century before becoming
popular again in the 17th century.
It then became a social norm to
be completely beardless in the 18th
century. Fast-forward to today, facial
hair (and chest hair) has made a trendy
comeback.
l Some beard historians (yes, they
exist) study the past to demonstrate
that beards were associated with
power, virility and wisdom. In fact,
Abraham Lincoln purposely grew a
beard during his 1860 presidential
campaign.
l Beards also play a role in some
religions. Male Sikhs, for example,
maintain unshorn hair and the beard
is considered to be part of the dignity of
their manhood.
l In some cultures, facial hair is associated with the
savage life and poor hygiene.
l However, a recent study showed that the full beard
actually comes with hidden health benets such as sun
protection. It also prevents shaving-related irritation
and acne.
l Similarly, another study showed that both
mens and womens judgement of attractiveness and
parenting abilities correlates with heavy or full beards.
l Perhaps the ability to grow hair out is a marker of
good health, but what happens if you are balding? Hair
loss is a psychological blow to men a subtle reminder
that their youth is slipping away.
l Balding affects the majority of men but it is
possible to bald gracefully.
l First, you need to nd the cause of your balding,
especially if it is premature. While some may be
genetically linked, some balding can possibly be
instigated by lifestyle changes.
l If it is not heredity, stress is one of the biggest
causes for hair loss in men. Getting massages and
avoiding stress can benet in this case.
l Another likely cause for hair loss is calcium
deposits on your scalp that shut the pores and prevent
hair from coming through. Massaging the scalp with
hot vinegar may be helpful.
l If it is genetics, there are a few techniques to try,
including topical medication, hair transplant or wearing
a toupee.
l Nevertheless, if your hairline is receding
dramatically do not worry, just go for the completely-
shaved look. Full hair may trump bald but clean-shaven
bald trumps partial bald. Bald men of any age for that
matter can be sexy too. Just think of Patrick Stewart,
The Rock and Bruce Willis.
GETTING even the slightest visible abs through
exercise and good nutrition is not an easy feat for
anyone. However, with the V-line and six-pack
abs on male models featured on billboards and
advertisements, men are compelled to feel like that
is what they should look like. Sometimes this belief
takes its toll on their bodies.
l The V-line and abs will only be visible with a
low body fat percentage, which is about 6% to 13%
for men. Decreasing your body fat involves two
steps eating well and specically targeting your
abdominal muscles during your workouts.
l Getting V-line and abs involves serious
commitment especially with the way you eat.
Without cutting out junk food and excessive carbs
as well as unhealthy fats, it is virtually impossible
to achieve this look unless you have a genetically
predisposition.
l You should also build your abdominal muscles,
and for the V-line segment specically the lower
ab muscles. Try sets of hanging leg raises, reverse
crunches and decline Russian twists.
l High-intensity interval training will also help
to decrease fat as you alternate between high and
medium intensity during your workout to push your
metabolism into higher gear and burn more calories.
l However, you should be careful with your
pursuit for the perfect physique and not resort to
unhealthy ways. While eating disorders have always
been stereotypically represented by females, it
exists within the male population too.
l An Australian study showed that 41% of their
male participants had some form of eating disorder.
l Muscle dysmorphia, also known as bigorexia
(from big and anorexia), is a condition where an
individual gains more and more muscle mass yet
believes he is still too small.
l Sometimes, this may lead to substance abuse
and the harmful use of steroids. Uncontrolled use
of anabolic steroids may lead to infertility, stroke,
tumours, premature baldness and heavy acne.
l The healthy male should be neither too fat nor
too skinny. More importantly, it is not the exterior
looks that matter but rather the body fat percentage,
bone density, blood pressure, cholesterol ratio and
blood sugar level, among others, that men should
truly care for.
Fast cars, superhuman strength
and the adrenaline rush
Beard boom
its hip to be hairy
V-line abs
-6
The art of
By TINA CARMILLIA

Your Health - 22 July 2014

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