heartline

Official Publication of the Singapore Heart Foundation

Mar 2009 - May 2009

03 06 16 18
MICA (P) 222/12/2008

Hold Your Hearts, Mums-to-be

Heart to Heart with Dee Dee

Dari Hati ke Hati Bersama Dee Dee

www.myheart.org.sg

EDITORS NOTE
PATRON
President S R Nathan

FEATURE

Dear readers,
I love to read. Nothing is more relaxing than snuggling on the sofa or swinging in a hammock and reading a good book; hair raising thrillers, nail biting suspense novels, thought-provoking poetry or enriching business books. One of the 2008 business books worth picking up is Outliers. In the book, Malcolm Gladwell writes about the research done by Steward Wolf in the 1950s. Wolf and Bruhn had to convince the medical establishment to think about health and heart attacks in an entire new way. They had to look beyond the individual. They had to understand the culture he or she was part of, and who their friends and family were, and what town their family came from. They had to appreciate the idea that the values of the world we inhabit and the people we surround our self with have a profound effect on who we are.* Isnt this what the Singapore Heart Foundation believes in from its inception? What has changed over the last half century? Not much. Over the years, we proclaimed the message that heart-healthy living is a personal responsibility, but that as individuals, we cannot live in isolation. We influence our surroundings and our surroundings influence us. Therefore, it is critical that we keep pushing the message that in order for a healthy living campaign to be successful, to impact lives, it must target the entire family, the entire community. Although men and women are equal as human beings, the impact on heart health by the mother of the family is probably bigger. Mothers are nurturing the future of the nation. We have to ensure that women in our society understand the causes of coronary artery disease, recognise their own risk profile, acknowledge symptoms and are well-equipped to deal with coronary artery disease emergencies. We also have to recognise their uniqueness in body, in psyche, in social interaction and thus target research in gender specific terms. This basic research will result in practical applications for diagnostics and treatment that meet womens unique needs. This issue of heartline is dedicated to heart healthy living for women. Enjoy it. As part of our efforts to reach out to the community, I appreciate your feedback. Write to me, share your thoughts. Patrick Deroose
*Outliers. The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, published by Little, Brown and Company, New York (2008) pg 10-11

NATIONAL HEART COUNCIL

President Dr Richard Hu Vice-Presidents Mr Sat Pal Khattar Mr Lee Khoon Choy Mr Shaw Vee Meng Mr Arthur Tay Chairman Emeritus Dr Low Lip Ping

HOLD YOUR HEARTS, MUMS-TO-BE!

Pregnancy in heart disease is a rare condition but can carry with it significant risks to the mother and foetus. The prevalence of this condition is found in approximately one to five percent of pregnant women. The most common cardiac conditions range from congenital heart defects like mitral valve prolapse (a disorder in which the hearts mitral valve billows out and does not close properly) to rheumatic heart disease.
With advances in surgical techniques for congenital heart defects correction as well as the common heart valve replacement procedures, more females survive their condition. Increasingly, the incidences of women of childbearing age with cardiac concerns are on the rise. Problems like pulmonary hypertension, Marfan syndrome (an inheritable disorder of connective tissue affecting the cardiovascular system) and cyanotic congenital heart disease (congenital heart defects resulting in low oxygen levels in the blood) form the highest risk group. Due to the low prevalence and complicated nature of

By Dr James Yip, Senior Consultant and Cardiac Nurse Margaret Choong, National Uinversity Heart Centre Singapore, National University Hospital

their cardiac conditions, it is therefore necessary that these patients receive specialised care in pregnancy.

38th BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman A/Prof Terrance Chua Vice-Chairmen Dr Tan Yong Seng Ms Tan Lee Chew Honorary Secretary A/Prof Tan Huay Cheem Assistant Secretary Mr Goh Chiew Seng Honorary Treasurer Mr Chong Chou Yen Members Dr Chee Tek Siong Dr Goh Ping Ping Mdm Koh Teck Siew Dr May Lwin Dr C Sivathasan Mr N Sreenivasan Mrs Tan-Wee Beng Yan Dr Tham Kwang Wei Dr Wu Dar Ching Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr Vernon Kang Special Advisor Mr Tan Boon Chiang Honorary Advisors A/Prof Koh Tian Hai Mr Liak Teng Lit Mr Lim Soon Hock A/Prof Lim Yean Teng Dr Lily Neo Mr Tan Kin Lian Mr Wong Yew Meng

Cardiac Defects in Pregnancy

In pregnancy, there are increased demands created by the foetus as well as the hormonal changes brought about by the pregnancy. This causes a significant increase in the amount of blood pumped out of the heart (cardiac output). At rest, cardiac output will increase by 50% from 4 L/minute to 6 L /minute in early pregnancy. During labour, the cardiac output may rise further due to pain and exertion and decreases by within two weeks after delivery. As such, problems like palpitations (sensation of fast beating heart) and high blood pressure are common during pregnancy. These problems, if untreated, may lead to maternal and foetal complications. Up to eight percent of normal gestations may be affected by hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Some patients with congenital heart defects may be diagnosed for the first time due to the hemodynamic stresses of pregnancy.

EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor Mr Patrick Deroose Assistant Editor Dr K Gunasegaran Members Dr Chee Tek Siong Dr C Sivathasan Secretariat Mr Vernon Kang Ms Brenda Maderazo Ms Woo May Yin

heartline is a quarterly publication of the Singapore Heart Foundation 9 Bishan Place, #07-01 Junction 8 (Office Tower), Singapore 579837 Tel: 6354 9340 Fax: 6258 5240 Email: info@heart.org.sg
The information provided in heartline is for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnosing or treating a heart problem or a disease and should not be substituted for professional health care. Opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect those of the SHF. The SHF does not endorse any products or services in heartline advertisements. All rights reserved. Copyright is held by SHF. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without the permission of SHF. The SHF-Isetan Foundation Heart Wellness Centre is located at 9 Bishan Place, #07-01 Singapore 579837. To find out more details about the cardiac rehabilitation programme, please call 6354 9348 or 6354 9370. To get your copy of heartline delivered to your doorstep, call 6354 9340 for a copy of the subscription form.

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Mar 09 - May 09

FEATURE

FEATURE

WOMENS HEARTS THAN MENS

Monitoring the Heart Condition
Pregnant women may be at increased risk of thromboembolism (complications caused by the formation of blood clots) due to hormonal effects, enlarging uterus and reduced mobility. Thus, the issues of anticoagulation for pregnant women with mechanical heart valves are of a concern to the cardiologist. The drugs used for thinning of the drugs must be carefully selected and kept at optimal levels during pregnancy, as different drugs carry different risks. Other issues like abnormal heart rhythms or high risks of having infection in the heart (endocarditis) need to be watched closely as well. Female patients with a congenital heart defect carry a 2.5% to 18% risk of having a child with congenital heart disease, ranging from a simple lesion to a very complicated heart abnormality. Some rare genetic abnormalities have a 50% risk of transmission to the next generation (Marfan Syndrome and the 22Q11 deletion syndrome a syndrome that affects the heart as well as other bodily systems). Thus genetic counselling of the patient and spouse should take place before conception. due to risk to their and their offsprings well-being. The care and management of each patient is catered according to the condition of the patient and will differ from patient to patient. In conclusion, pregnancy in heart disease is rare and needs special attention when it occurs. It needs to be managed by a team of dedicated specialists, consisting of the obstetricians, cardiologist, anaesthetist as well as the neonatologist, who are familiar with its care.

SMOKING RISKIER TO

Generally, women get heart disease much later than men, but not if they smoke, a new study by Dr Morten Grundtvig from Innlandet Hospital Trust in Lilehammer, Norway revealed. The study was conducted on 1,784 patients who were admitted for a first heart attack. Women in the study had the first heart attack at the age of 81 if they did not smoke and at the age of 66 if they did a difference of 15 years. Men in the study on average had the first heart attack at the age of 72 if they did not smoke and at the age of 64 if they did a difference of eight years. After adjusting for other heart risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, the researchers found that difference for women is about 14 years and for men about six years. According to Dr Silvia Priori, a cardiologist at the Scientific Institute in Pavia, Italy, the difference was not minor and that women should realise that they are losing much more than men when they smoke. Dr Robert Harrington, a professor of medicine and spokesman for the American College of Cardiology points out that the difference in how smoking affects women and men is profound. Unless women do not smoke or quit, they risk ending up with the same terrible diseases as men, only at a much earlier age. Dr Ruth Kam, the Research Committee Chairperson

of the Singapore Heart Foundation, says that the findings of the study were significant and highlighted the importance of smoking as a risk factor, especially for women, as smoking negates all the protective effects that female hormones have on the heart. Dr Kam further explains that smoking affects the coronary arteries in a number of ways. The harmful chemicals like nicotine cause vessel spasm and toxic gases in cigarette smoke also impair endothelial function, which are the cells lining the arteries. Smoking increases the clotting tendency of the heart, oxidises the cholesterol in the plaques and releases hormones that cause platelets to clump together and initiate the clotting process. All these are events leading to complete obstruction of a vessel which leads to heart attack. Women tend to have smaller vessels than men and so perhaps these negative effects have a greater impact on them, she says. In Singapore, there has been an increase in the number of smokers among women in the younger age group. This is a cause of great concern as it is expected to result in higher incidence of heart disease among women. The National Health Survey revealed that the proportion of young females aged 18-29 years who are daily smokers rose from 5.2% in 1998 to 6.6% in

Who should seek advice

1. All women with pre-existing cardiac conditions or congenital heart disease. (Male spouses with congenital heart defects can be referred for genetic counselling) 2. Women with cardiac symptoms during pregnancy (like palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness) 3. Women with hypertension during pregnancy

Specialised Care for Individual Patients

Some doctors are not familiar with the changes that a patient undergoes during pregnancy and the drug therapies that can be employed. Even fewer are familiar with congenital heart disease. Many patients may have been falsely led to believe that they should never conceive

This article was first published in Lifeline, a quarterly newsletter publication by National University Hospital (NUH). Lifeline provides useful information, ranging from medical information to new patient services at NUH.

Mar 09 - May 09

Mar 09 - May 09

FEATURE
2004. Among these young women, smoking was most prevalent among Malays (17%), compared to their Chinese (5.1%) and Indian (2.4%) counterparts. Dr Goh Ping Ping, Chairperson of SHFs Go Red For Women (GRFW) campaign says: Cigarette smoking has always been a key risk factor our Go Red for Women Campaign wants women to be aware of. It is alarming that even locally, the proportion of female smokers is on the rise, especially young women in the 18 to 29 age group. Women start to smoke as young as a mean age of 15 years old. Given the many harmful effects of cigarettes on the cardiovascular system, this latest study also tells us that cigarette smoking is even riskier to women than to men. Our GRFW campaign will continue to urge women who are non-smokers never to start smoking; and for smokers to quit immediately.

FEATURE
These fad diets also caused a yo-yo effect to my body, leaving me with more fat and less protein than I started off with and feeling even more out of shape than before. Then, I realised all these while that I had taken the wrong path. I eventually found the right solution to my weight problem. I began to adopt a balanced diet and a proper exercise regime. classes, seminars, workshops and talks to educate others on the benefits of staying healthy in a safe and effective manner through proper exercise and nutrition. I really empathise with people with weight problems, as I was once in their shoes. Their determination to actively follow the exercise and nutrition plan motivates me even further in my quest to reach out to more people, to spread the message of the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.

Heart to Heart with Dee Dee

During my school days, I was never active in sports. Then, when I was working as a secretary with Banque Nationale de Paris, I led a sedentary lifestyle. My time spent back then consisted mainly of working in the office and when I met up with friends, we would normally spend much of the time getting together for food. I have always been a food lover. My physically inactive lifestyle together with the accumulation of calories intake from food led to an increase in my weight.

As a firm advocate of healthy lifestyle through proper exercise and nutrition, the opportunity to represent and be the ambassador to one of the recognised bodies such as SHF will open more windows of opportunity for me to reach out to the community so that my experiences can be shared and the noble goal of a better and healthier community can be achieved.
What motivated you to stay on track?
When I started with my exercise regime and eating a balanced diet, it was not plain sailing. With my obesity and other health problems, it was initially difficult to follow even simple aerobic steps. There was even a time during my gym session that one of the guys mockingly told me to tuck my shirt in, in front of all the gym attendees. In fact, what I was wearing then was a tight body-suit and he actually meant for me to tuck my bulging tummy in. I was dejected and severely humiliated when everyone started laughing. This made me even more determined to prove to myself and to those people that I could succeed. As I progressed into my exercise regime, I saw a marked improvement in my weight and health. All these positive results kept me more determined to press on. Due to sheer determination, I managed to overcome the hurdle. Subsequently, as I managed to achieve my desired goal, I began to influence my peers who shared the same predicament and I became an ardent advocate of a healthy lifestyle. With all the experiences that I had undergone, I became so interested in helping others so I decided to further my knowledge in fitness and nutrition overseas. When I returned to Singapore, I started conducting

You have a family history of heart disease. Who in the family had/has it and how has this affected you?
My dad died of heart disease in 2006 and my brother, at 49 years old, died from stroke last year. My mother is wheelchair-bound due to stroke, which is largely attributed to obesity. My sister and brother, meanwhile, have gout and hypertension. The death and suffering of my family traumatised me. It made me even more determined to adopt and pursue a healthier lifestyle to minimise my risk of developing heart disease and stroke.

What encouraged you to be the Go Red for Women Ambassador for SHF?
As a firm advocate of healthy lifestyle through proper exercise and nutrition, the opportunity to represent and be the ambassador to one of the recognised bodies such as SHF will open more windows of opportunity for me to reach out to the community so that my experiences can be shared and the noble goal of a better and healthier community can be achieved. A specially designed fitness video by Dee Dee is available at SHF for $15 per copy. The Dee Unravelled Fitness DVD contains a complete fitness regime including cardiovascular, strengthening and relaxation routines plus a music video single SATU. To get your copy, please call 6354 9348 / 9370.

The death and suffering of my family traumatised me. It made me even more determined to adopt and pursue a healthier lifestyle to minimise my risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
Dee Dee (Abidah Mahmood), the cheerful and charming Go Red for Women (GRFW) Ambassador for 2008/2009 of the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF), shares her familys close encounters with heart disease and stroke, her own emotional and physical battle against her unhealthy weight, and her victorious journey to a healthy and confident her today as a credentialed exercise physiologist cum nutritionist and 24/7 health advocate.

What prompted you to have a healthy lifestyle makeover?

My weight problem really affected me psychologically and physically when my weight ballooned to a hefty 80 kg. With my height of only 1.55 metres, I was grossly obese and I could not fit into my clothes. Each time I looked at myself in the mirror, I felt depressed and could not bear to see my own reflection. It became very embarrassing shopping for clothes because just trying to fit into a skirt at XXL size was very traumatic. To add to my list of health problems, my knees could not support my excessive weight and I had a knee replacement. My confidence was abysmal that there were times when I refused to go out and avoided meeting people. In desperation, I took a shortcut to losing weight, expecting for easy solution and instant gratification by popping slimming pills and pursuing fad diets. As a result, I suffered from health problems such as gastric pain and I was always feeling lethargic, irritable and prone to sickness.

How would you describe your lifestyle previously?

Mar 09 - May 09

Mar 09 - May 09

Go Red for Women

PUT ON THE LITTLE RED DRESS ,

Moreover, the symptoms of heart disease may manifest differently in women, which is why they are often underdiagnosed. Heart disease is mostly preventable so an understanding of this serious health threat can make a life-saving difference. To raise public awareness about heart disease and stroke, the Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) - taking advantage of various special occasions such as Valentines Day in February, International Womens Day in March and all the way to Mothers Day in May - will be urging everyone to Go Red For Women.

GO R ED

Go Red For Women (GRFW) is an international

movement started by the American Heart Association and later adopted by other World Heart Federation member countries. The Singapore Heart Foundation launched the Go Red For Women campaign in Singapore in 2005 to bring home heart health messages to women. The campaign aims to empower women who are the gatekeepers to the familys health with the right knowledge and tools so that they can take better care of their hearts and their families. Since the inaugural GRFW campaign, SHF has organised various public events and awareness programmes, including the symbolic lighting up of iconic buildings, scientific and public forums, fashion shows, community roadshows and supermarket tours, to educate women on the risk factors of heart disease and encourage them to go for regular health screenings. For GRFW 2009, exciting activities have been lined up, with the little red dress taking the centre stage. The little red dress is the international symbol of the Go Red for Women campaign. It is a call for women to band together and take action against heart disease and stroke. Like the little black dress considered by many women to be a wardrobe staple SHF hopes that the little red dress will become a fashion and social statement and serve as a constant reminder to all women of the importance of taking care of their hearts. So maybe its time to trade your classic little black dress for a more daring and empowering little red dress?

FOR WOMEN!
From February to May, red will be the new black.
Red is the colour of passion. It is love and anger, courage and sacrifice. It is also a warning. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is projected to remain so. According to the World Health Organisation, heart disease and stroke combined causes 17.5 million deaths each year as many deaths as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, diabetes, plus all forms of cancer and chronic respiratory diseases combined. Of these deaths, 7.6 million were due to heart attack and 5.7 million were due to stroke. Together, heart disease and stroke represents 30% of all global deaths and occurring almost equally in men and women. In Singapore, heart disease and stroke accounts for one in three female deaths taking the lives of eight times more women than breast cancer. However, only 8% of Singaporean women are aware of this. Cardiovascular disease has no geographic, gender or socio-economic boundaries. This means that no one is safe from heart disease. Women are equally at risk of suffering from a heart attack or stroke as men. This risk increases dramatically when women reach menopause. Thus, it is important for women to be aware of the risk factors and look out for warning signs of heart disease, which has traditionally been regarded as a mans illness. This is especially so because most women are not aware that heart disease and stroke is their number one killer. Women are the natural caregivers of the family and yet are the least aware of their own risks for heart disease.

Red Dress pins are available at SHFs office and Go Red For Women events at $2 each.

Dec 08 - Feb 09

Mar 09 - May 09

Go Red for Women

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for Women!
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SHF Celebrates Womanhood

The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) welcomes the month of February with the Go Red For Women campaign. Seeking to promote awareness that heart disease and stroke is the No.1 killer of women in Singapore, women from all ages are invited to participate in activities to celebrate good health and femininity.
*Events are subject to changes. For updates, please visit www.myheart.org.sg or call 6354 9349 / 69.

Heart Disease and Stroke is the No.1 Singapore and worldwide

Women in Singapore are more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than men

Women are more likely to suffer from an unrecognised heart than men

attack

Womens risk of having a heart

attack increases after menopause

Little Red Dress Fashion Photography Competition

Date: 10 February 2009

Women are less likely to seek corrective treatments for heart-related diseases compared to men

Students and fashion photography enthusiasts compete with shots taken of women in red dresses in a bid to portray the healthy image of a Go Red Women.

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the tl er d FA lit d H Oe PHS N ress OTI OG COM RAPH PET ITION Y

THE JUD GES
www.my DETAILS: VISIT 2008 heart.or g.sg/the littleredd ress
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Geoff Ang

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Lance Lee

DEC

Ivanho Harlim

The little red dress is the international symbol of the Go Red for Women campaign. Like the little black dress considered by many women to be a wardrobe staple SHF hopes that the little red dress will become a fashion and social statement and serve as a constant reminder to all women of the importance of taking care of their hearts.

Singapore Flyer Dressed in Red

Date: 10 February 2009 Go Red For Women 2009 is officially launched at the Singapore Flyer with a spectacular display of red lights and decorations. The winners of the fashion phorography competition are announced and guests are invited to enjoy a fantastic view of the city scape aboard the Singapore Flyer.

Mary is a young working women in her late 20s. She plays a dual role of being a career women and a mother of 2 children. Mary often finds that she has little time for exercise due to her work and family. She claims that her walk to the MRT is enough exercise for her. Although Marys father suffers from heart disease and stroke, she never goes for medical check-ups as she feels that she is still young and healthy. She thinks that heart disease is a mans illness. Does this sound familiar? These are some of the common misconceptions about women and heart disease that the Go Red For Women campaign aims to address. Visit www.myheart.org.sg for more information. Put on the little red dress. Go Red For Women!

Wear Red Day @ Raffles Place

Date: 13 February 2009

Working women are encouraged to wear red to work to pledge their support for heart health and to head to the SHF booth during their lunch break to learn more about heart disease and stroke.

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Go Red for Women

EVENT REVIEWS

Go Red Concert @ the Singapore Flyer

Date: 28 February 2009

Singaporean youth will gather to hold a concert for a cause and prove that heart health starts from young. The concert will feature live bands and performances showcasing the vibancy and energy of young Singaporean artistes.

Volunteers reconnect with their hearts

Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) celebrated its Volunteers Appreciation event with the public forum Reconnect with your HEART on 13 December 2008 at The Singapore Scouts Association auditorium. Annual gatherings and events are organised to express SHFs heartfelt gratitude to its volunteers. Without their dedicated efforts and contributions, SHF will not be able to successfully run its programmes and achieve its goals. The forum provided the volunteers and their family members with helpful and practical information on heart health matters, diet, different types of exercises and stress management. The forum was well-received by the attendees.

Date: March - May 2009

Go Red Health Screening Roadshows

Catch our Go Red team at major supermarkets, heartlands and workplaces as we conduct free health screenings for women. Participate and learn about your risk factors for heart disease!

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Only by working together can we reduce the threat of heart disease and stroke. Put on the little red dress. Go Red For Women!

Students Jump for Joy

This year, the Jump for Joy event took on the form of a challenge for amateur teams to showcase their skills.

Know u o Y d i D

According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health, Heart Disease and Stroke is the No.1 killer, killing 2,535 women and causing 33.4% of all deaths.
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The Singapore Heart Foundation, in line with its Jump Rope For Heart programme, invited schools island-wide to participate in the annual Jump for Joy event on 6 November 2008 at Republic Polytechnic. This year, the Jump for Joy event took on the form of a challenge for amateur teams to showcase their skills. Eight schools with a myriad of interesting team names like Red Hot Rulang and Tampines Titans came to take part. The competition, which was an open category, saw both secondary and primary students demonstrating their skipping prowess. The champions of the event were Rulang Primary School students with skippers from West Grove Primary and Paya Lebar Methodist Girls School (Secondary) coming in as the first and second runner-up respectively.

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Go Red For Women

Go Red for Women campaign runs from February to May. So keep a lookout for a list of fun and healthy activities in which you and your family can participate. Remember, heart disease is not just a mans illness. Women are at risk too. Luckily for us, heart disease is often preventable. To learn how to do so, visit www.myheart.org.sg now!

Mar 09 - May 09

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EVENT REVIEWS

SHF raises $88,000 on Flag Day, thanks to volunteers and donors

With the help of student and adult volunteers and generous donations from corporations and individuals, SHF managed to raise about $88,000 on its Heart Flag Day held on 3 December 2008. The funds raised will go towards funding SHFs meaningful and worthwhile programmes such as cardiac rehabilitation, Heart Support Fund for needy patients, community-based research, healthy lifestyle and physical education programmes in schools as well as public education initiatives in the community.

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From ART to HEART

The Save A Childs Heart Photo Exhibition was launched on the evening of 18 December 2008. Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) was glad to collaborate with the Embassy of Israel to bring the Save A Childs Heart Photo Exhibition to Singapore. His Excellency Ilan Ben-Dov, Ambassador of Israel, A/Prof Terrance Chua, Chairman of SHF and many distinguished guests attended the opening. A video was presented documenting the hope and victorious moments of children around the world affected by heart diseases and their families, as well as the sacrifice and determination shown by the Israeli doctors who persevered to save these young lives. The photo exhibition was open to the public and held at the National Library, Victoria Street from 19 to 29 December 2008.

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Reborne partners SHF to tackle obesity and promote heart health

Leading proactive health care company The Reborne Group (www.rebornehealth.com) and Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF) have come together to tackle obesity and promote heart health in Singapore. Mr Lars Brittsjo, CEO of Reborne and Mr Vernon Kang, CEO of SHF view lifelong ideal weight management as a key strategy to preventing or reducing the risks of weight-related chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus and some forms of cancer. Mr Brittsjo observes: Obesity is a serious and complex physical condition that can lead to multi-factorial and multi-faceted risks of chronic diseases. Many of these diseases are preventable through responsible lifestyle choices and science-based proactive health care, such as our Xndo Tri-phasic Lifestyle Regimen (TLRTM) for Ideal Weight Management (www.xndo.net). Were excited about the partnership weve established with SHF. Mr Kang adds: With the increasing incidence of obesity, its no wonder that heart disease and stroke continues to be the number one killer in Singapore and worldwide. We are encouraged by this partnership with Reborne and together, we hope to be able to urge more people to take a proactive role in maintaining a healthy weight to safeguard themselves against heart disease. 14

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Lifeline, Lifeline

Mr Lars Brittsjo, CEO of Reborne

~ Quek Kem Lian

Mar 09 - May 09

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Dee Dee
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Dee Dee (Abidah Mahmood), 2008/2009 24/7

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Dee Dee 15Dee DeeDVD DVD, 6354 9348 / 9370.

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ISTIMEWA

Sebagai penggalak kuat gaya hidup sihat melalui senaman dan nutrisi, peluang mewakili dan menjadi duta sebuah badan yang ternama seperti SHF akan membuka laluan bagi saya membantu masyarakat agar pengalaman saya dapat dikongsi, dan cita-cita mulia untuk menjadi masyarakat sihat dapat dicapai.
Dee Dee (Abidah Mahmood), Duta kempen Go Red for Women (GRFW) untuk tahun 2008/2009 yang dilaksanakan oleh Yayasan Jantung Singapura (SHF) berkongsi pengalaman keluarganya ketika berhadapan dengan penyakit jantung dan angin ahmar, serta pergolakkan emosi dan fizikal beliau ketika berat badannya yang berlebihan, serta kejayaan beliau dalam mengukir namanya sebagai seorang pakar senaman dan pemakanan yang sentiasa menggalak gaya hidup sihat.

Dari Hati ke Hati Bersama Dee Dee

Kerana terdesak, saya mula mengambil jalan mudah menurunkan berat badan secara mendadak. Saya mula mengambil ubat pelangsing dan mencuba diet fad. Akibatnya, saya menghadapi masalah kesihatan seperti sakit gastrik, lesu tidak berdaya, cepat marah dan mudah jatuh sakit. Diet fadpula menyebabkan kesan yoyo ke atas badan saya. Kandungan lemak di badan semakin bertambah dan protin pula berkurangan jika dibandingkan dengan keadaan sebelumnya,menyebabkan saya berasa semakin gemuk. Saya mula sedar bahawa selama ini, saya telah mengambil jalan yang salah. Akhirnya saya menemui penyelesaian bagi masalah berat badan saya. Saya mula menggamalkan tabiat makan yang seimbang dibantu dengan pelan senaman yang betul.

menjadi penggalak kuat gaya hidup sihat. Dengan pengalaman ini, saya begitu berminat menolong orang lain, lantas saya memutuskan untuk memperluas pengetahuan dalam bidang kesihatan dan nutrisi di luar negeri. Apabila pulang ke Singapura, saya menjalankan kelas, seminar, bengkel dan ceramah untuk menerap pengetahuan tentang kebaikan mengamalkan gaya hidup sihat secara berkesan melalui senaman dan pemakanan yang betul. Saya dapat memahami perasan mereka yang menghadapi masalah berat badan kerana saya pernah mengalami situasi yang sama. Kecekalan dan kegigihan mereka mengikuti pelan senaman dan pemakanan menjadi motivasi kepada saya untuk menjadi pendorong kepada lebih ramai orang, dan menularkan mesej tentang kepentingan mengamalkan gaya hidup sihat.

Kakak dan abang saya juga menghadapi gout dan hypertension. Kematian bapa dan penderitaan keluarga saya meninggalkan kesan negatif pada perasaan saya. Tetapi, inilah yang membuat saya lebih berazam untuk mengamalkan gaya hidup yang sihat agar mengurangkan risiko saya ditimpa penyakit jantung dan strok.

Apakah yang memangkin anda untuk menjadi Duta Go Red for Women bagi SHF?
Sebagai penggalak kuat gaya hidup sihat melalui senaman dan nutrisi, peluang mewakili dan menjadi duta sebuah badan yang ternama seperti SHF akan membuka laluan bagi saya membantu masyarakat agar pengalaman saya dapat dikongsi, dan citacita mulia untuk menjadi masyarakat sihat dapat dicapai.
~ Diterjemahkan oleh Rafidah Abdul Razak dan Iman Nabila Ashik

Bagaimanakah gaya hidup anda sebelumnya?

Ketika zaman persekolahan, saya tidak aktif dalam sukan. Selepas itu, sewaktu saya bekerja sebagai seorang setiausaha di Banque Nationale de Paris, kehidupan harian saya amat santai. Masa saya dihabiskan untuk bekerja di pejabat atau keluar bersama kawan-kawan untuk makan. Semenjak dahulu, saya memang suka makan. Oleh kerana gaya hidup saya yang kurang aktif, ditambah pula dengan tabiat yang kuat makan, berat badan saya bertambah.

Kematian bapa dan penderitaan keluarga saya meninggalkan kesan negatif pada perasaan saya. Tetapi, inilah yang membuat saya lebih berazam untuk mengamalkan gaya hidup yang sihat agar mengurangkan risiko saya ditimpa penyakit jantung dan strok.
Apakah motivasi anda untuk meneruskan perjalanan ini?
Di peringkat awal mengamalkan senaman dan makanan seimbang, saya menghadapi perbagai dugaan. Bukan senang. Dalam keadaan gemok dan juga berhadapan dengan masalah kesihatan yang lain, memang susah untuk mengikuti langkahlangkah aerobik yang mudah. Pernah suatu ketika di sesi senaman di gimnasium, seorang lelaki disitu menyuruh saya masukkan kemeja saya ke dalam seluar dengan nada memperli. Sebenarnya, saya memakai baju senaman yang ketat dan maksud di sebalik kata-katanya ialah agar saya mengempiskan perut saya yang besar ketika itu. Saya berasa sedih dan bertambah malu apabila semua orang ketawakan saya. Namun, kejadian ini membuatkan saya lebih berazam untuk membuktikan kebolehan saya mengecapi kejayaan. Ketekunan dan kegigihan ketika di sesi senaman, menghasilkan pencapaian yang begitu baik dari segi penurunan berat badan dan pemulihan kesihatan saya. Kesan positif ini menjadi dorongan kuat bagi saya. Berpegang pada kecekalan, saya berjaya mengharungi dan mengatasi cabaran ini. Justeru, dalam mencapai cita-cita, saya berjaya pula mempengaruhi rakan-rakan seperjuangan dan

Anda mempunyai sejarah penyakit jantung dalam keluarga anda. Siapa yang pernah menghadapi penyakit ini dan apakah kesan yang menimpa diri anda?
Bapa saya meninggal dunia pada tahun 2006 akibat penyakit jantung. Abang saya, ketika berusia 49 tahun, meninggal dunia akibat angina ahmar pada tahun 2008. Ibu saya menggunakan kerusi roda akibat angina ahmar, yang kemungkinan besar disebabkan keadaannya yang gemuk.

Video keluaran khas oleh Dee Dee boleh didapati di SHF pada harga $15. DVD Dee Unravelled Fitness mengandungi pelan kesihatan menyeluruh termasuk cardiovascular, rutin kekuatan dan relaksi, dan juga video muzik SATU. Untuk mendapatkan video anda, sila hubungi 6354 9348 / 9370.

Apakah yang mengakibatkan anda bertukar kegaya hidup sihat?

Kegemukkan mula menghantui fikiran dan fizikal ketika berat badan saya mencapai 80 kg. Dengan ketinggian yang hanya 1.55 meter, saya tergolong di dalam kategori gemok. Setiap kali melihat cermin, kemuraman menyelubungi saya. Perasaan malu untuk memilih dan mencuba pakaian walaupun bersaiz XXL, ketika membeli-belah, amat memilukan. Masalah bertambah apabila kedua lutut saya pula tidak dapat menampung berat badan yang berlebihan, sehinggakan saya terpaksa menjalani operasi untuk menggantikan lutut. Keyakinan diri mula merosot, sehingga saya sering berperap di rumah dan mula menjauhkan diri dari bergaul dengan orang ramai. 18
Mar 09 - May 09

Heart Disease & Stroke is the

Women in Singapore and worldwide
Singaporean women are more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than men Women are more likely to suffer from an unrecognised heart attack than men Womens risk of having a heart attack increases after menopause Women are less likely to seek corrective treatments for heart-related diseases compared to men

No.1 Killer of

Go Red For Women! Join the Fight Against Heart Disease!

Visit www.myheart.org.sg
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2009

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