The Star, tuesday 8 december 2015

special

Family health

Pursue wellness together

THE STAR, TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2015

2 family health

By THERESA BELLE

Get moving

LIVING healthy may seem

daunting without support, and
what better support can one have
than ones family?
Family Health considers three
vital aspects of healthy living and
how they can be carried out within
the family unit:

An active lifestyle involves more

than sporadic exercise sessions.
It means taking an energetic
approach to everyday activities
such as using the staircase instead
of the lift or walking short
distances instead of driving.
Children learn from example, so
they easily pick up on these sorts of
choices. Since childhood obesity is
linked to inactivity, it is essential
that the latter be avoided.
When it comes to his children,
Randy Rozario, 42, says the best
approach is to let them find and
practise what they enjoy.
My son loves football, so we
found a club where he can play
regularly and now we are trying to
find an activity my daughter likes
so she can be involved in sports
too, he says.
Rozario and his family also got
into running, having recently
completed their first marathon
together. He hopes to pursue this
as a fun family activity.
If you have a dog, taking it for
walks with the family can be a
good start.
Around the home itself, parents
can encourage physical activity by
getting children involved in
gardening or even washing the
porch or car.
For healthy living to happen,
every member of the family must
dedicate time and effort. Easing
young children into healthy living
becomes simple with early
exposure and practice.

Beyond meals
Fostering good eating habits
begins at home. Young children
only eat what is available, so
parents should stock up on healthy
snacks and fruits as well as
prepare packed lunches for school.
It is important that children do
not feel forced to eat certain foods
and learn the value of nutrition
instead. Parents can do this by
discussing meal plans and
involving young ones in grocery
shopping and cooking.
Nitha Nathan, 32, prefers to cook
at home because it allows her to
ensure meals are made from
quality ingredients. It is also more
affordable for her family of six.
She attests that maintaining
cleanliness and balance of meals
positively affects their overall wellbeing, especially that of her
toddler.
He learns to not readily turn to
junk food or sweets. Marketing
together, learning the colours and
names of various foods, deciding
what to eat and helping each other
cook have also become activities
we do as a family, she says.

Sitting down for a meal together at home nourishes both the body and soul.

The healthy home

Having a meal together at least
once a day will allow parents to
introduce their children to
different ways of preparing and
enjoying good food. Sharing the
dinner table also encourages
communication and builds
stronger relationships.

Well-being is learnt
Staying physically fit is
important, but preserving mental
health should also be given
attention in the family unit.
Communication is essential

for the family to grow in a loving

and supportive environment.
Children derive their earliest
lessons on human interaction from
adults in their life and research has
shown that children model several
aspects of their parents behaviour.
According to an American
Psychological Association research,
learnt behaviours can include
stress-coping mechanisms.
A 2010 study found that while
more than two thirds of parents
thought their stress levels had
slight to no impact on their childs
stress levels, only 14% of

adolescents reported they were not

bothered when their parents were
stressed.
This means that parents should
be aware of the environment they
are creating for their children and
the stressors they expose the
family to.
Beyond that, children need to
learn healthy ways to cope with the
negativity they face.
Since exercise has been proven
to be a good avenue for stress
relief, parents can advocate stress
management through family
activity sessions.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2015

family health 3

Kick-start your day

IN your fast-paced lifestyle,
remember that breakfast is the
most important meal of the day
and you should endeavour to have
it every morning.
Cereals are highly recommended
to kick-start your day with energy.
Oats are high in fibre,
particularly a specific type of
fibre known as beta-glucan,
which is beneficial to help
lower cholesterol by removing
cholesterol from the digestive
system that would otherwise end
up in the bloodstream.
Oats are also a very good source
of selenium. It has excellent
antioxidant properties, thus having
the ability to reduce the damaging

effects of free radicals and help

reduce risks of cancer especially
colon cancer.
When choosing breakfast
cereals, avoid toasted, refined
sugar-coated puffs and milled
grains. Instead, choose
unprocessed and untoasted cereals.
Radiant Wholefood recommends
a range of wholesome organic
breakfast cereals made up of
untoasted and unprocessed oats
and which keeps its nutrients
intact.
Radiant Wholefood cereals
provide natural sweetness from
organic sundried and unsulphured
fruits. There are no additives,
added sugar or salt.

Caring for
your baby
PARENTS usually clean their
babies accessories such as
feeding bottles, teats, pacifiers
and other products using normal
dishwashing liquid detergent.
However, if these accessories
are not thoroughly rinsed with
clean water, babies can end up
ingesting the lingering residue of
dishwashing liquid detergent,
which is harmful and can affect
their health.
Pureen Liquid Cleanser has
been carefully formulated with
plant-based surfactants that are
safe, mild and gentle. Parents
can rest assured that Pureen
Liquid Cleanser is effective in
cleaning and removing milk fats
and stains on feeding bottles,
teats, pacifiers and toys.
It can be rinsed off easily
without leaving harmful residue
on baby accessories. The gentle
formulation protects parents
hands against dryness and
chapping, which may happen if
they use normal dishwashing
liquid detergents.
Just add half a teaspoon of
Pureen Liquid Cleanser into one
litre of water and immerse the
accessories in the solution. Then
clean and rinse thoroughly with
clean water.
The pesticides found in fresh
vegetables and fruits can cause
adverse health effects on
humans. Consumers can use
Pureen Liquid Cleanser to
remove the chemical residue on

Pureen Liquid Cleanser is a safe

cleaning agent for baby products,
fruits and vegetables.

fruits and vegetables as it is

effective in removing more than
99% pesticides commonly used
on fruits and vegetables.
Just follow simple steps by
mixing quarter of a teaspoon of
Pureen Liquid Cleanser to five
litres of water, immerse for
about five minutes, then clean
and rinse with clean water.
Pureen Liquid Cleanser with
mild and gentle formulation is
ideal for cleaning baby
accessories, fruits and
vegetables.
The product comes in three
variants no fragrance, orange
and mint. It is also available in
refill packs of 600ml.
Look out for Pureen Liquid
Cleanser to clean feeding bottles,
vegetables and fruits in leading
hypermarkets, supermarkets,
departmental stores, medical
halls and pharmacies.

n For more information,

visit www.pureen.com.my

Save the bottles and refill with Pureen Liquid Cleanser 600ml
packs.

You can lightly sweeten the

cereal mix with Radiant raw honey,
Radiant black strap molasses or
Radiant agave nectar.
Here is a list of cereals for you
to choose from:
l Hearty Breakfast
A great starter for the day, this
breakfast cereal contains oats, oat
bran, raisins, sunflower kernels,
flaxseed and sesame seeds, all of
which keep you going throughout
the day.
l Fruity Breakfast
Great for those who love fruits,
this cereal contains whole rolled
oats and oat bran. The added
sunflower kernels give a nutty
flavour while dried fruits add

Give your
health and
energy level a
boost with a
hearty cereal
breakfast.

natural sweetness.
l Berries Breakfast
This cereal contains cranberries,
blueberries, mulberries, goji
berries, flaxseed, sunflower kernels
and oats.
l Nutty Breakfast
Enjoy a crunchy, delicious
breakfast with this mix of
wholesome organic oats, sesame
seeds, organic sunflower kernels
and nuts such as cashew nuts,
almonds and hazelnuts.
l Cornflakes
This is a good source of fibre,
is fat free, gluten free, wheat free
and low in sodium. A hearty and

flavourful cereal, it is made from

non-GMO (non-genetically
modified organism) and certified
organic corn.
l Choco Shells
This is a delicious, crunchy
cereal shell coated with cocoa.
Made from organic rice, wheat
and corn, chocolate lovers will find
this a great choice for breakfast.
This article is brought to you by
Radiant Code Sdn Bhd.

n For more information,

call 03-8066 6226 or visit
www.radiantwholefood.com.my

THE STAR, TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2015

4 family health

YOU can achieve greater health

with your loved ones this
Christmas by following a few
simple steps.
Have plenty of vegetables with
each Christmas meal. A diet rich in
vegetables and fruits can lower
blood pressure, reduce the risk of
heart diseases and stroke, prevent
some types of cancer and lower the
risk of eye and digestive problems.
Do not let your guard down this
festive season. Many people stop
exercising completely during the
festive season. However, once you
stop exercising, it is difficult to get
the motivation to start again.
Continue to keep active by
planning activities that the whole
family can enjoy such as dancing to
Christmas music or heading
outdoors to see the Christmas
lights. Aim to be active for at least
30 minutes a day.
As it is important to end the year

The gift of health

on a healthy note by keeping tab
on your health, you can head over
to Owell with your family for a
non-invasive three-step health
check.
The health check is a great way
to get a clearer understanding of
your present health status as
health problems may develop
without warning signs or
symptoms.
The health check uses Owell
health diagnostic tools for fast,
accurate results and helps to
detect your:
l Body oxygen level and pulse
rate Oxygen is vital for the
optimal functioning of body
organs. A lack of oxygen plays a

major role in causing cells to

become cancerous.
Low body oxygen levels will also
result in common health conditions
such as poor immune system,
migraine, lack of concentration,
insomnia and poor memory.

l Vascular age Heart attack

and stroke occur when there is a
blockage that stops blood from
flowing to the heart or certain
parts of the brain.
Blockages happen due to
vascular ageing caused by natural
ageing, an unhealthy diet or lack
of physical activity. A person with
high vascular age has high levels
of fat deposits, which reduces

Owell
provides a
non-invasive
three-step
health check
with its
diagnostic
tools.

blood circulation.

l Capillary shape and blood

circulation Blood transports
oxygen and vital nutrients
throughout our body though a
system of blood vessels and
capillaries.
Prolonged slow blood circulation
causes health problems such as
increased risk of heart attack and
brain diseases, decreased
immunity and muscle aches.
Health and happiness are the
best gifts of all. Give yourself and
your loved ones the gift of health
with Owell BIO-Ge Titanium Health
Accessories.

Available in necklace, bracelet

and timepiece designs, the
accessories are embedded with
natural germanium (BIO-Ge) health
minerals to promote faster blood
circulation and higher body
oxygen levels that lead to greater
health.
To celebrate Christmas, Owell is
giving away a BIO-Ge Titanium
Health Pendant with any purchase.

n For more information, visit

Owell at Pavilion KL or call its
careline at 012-785 1368.

Fighting anxiety
SAMANTHA was encouraged by
her family to see a psychologist
at PsyCare, Centre for Personal
Psychology a division of the
International Psychology Centre
for mood concerns.
During a clinical interview,
her parents expressed that
Samantha started behaving
unlike her usual self after
moving to a different
department at her workplace.
She constantly went to bed
worrying about work and could
not sleep properly. She was
nervous, unable to relax,
demotivated and had difficulty
concentrating at work.
Although it is normal to
experience anxiety at times,
anxiety affects our daily life if it
persists for a prolonged period
of time. It becomes threatening
when one constantly worries
about things and loses interest in
previous sources of pleasure.
Anxiety causes feelings of
unsteadiness, restlessness,
dizziness and apathy, which lead
to disturbances of sleep and
appetite. Other symptoms of
anxiety are weeping, heart
racing, trembling hands and
wobbly legs.
Studies have shown that
psychological treatment such as
anti-anxiety psychotherapy is an
effective way to overcome
anxiety.
As anxiety is related to
negative thoughts specifically
negative predictions of the
future psychotherapy
treatment teaches patients to
challenge irrational and harmful
thoughts in their mind.
Anxiety can be caused by both
biochemical and psychological
factors. Psycho laboratory tests

such as neurotransmitter testing

were prescribed to Samantha to
identify any biochemical cause
of her anxiety disorder.
With the help of a
psychologist, Samantha soon
learnt that the source of her
anxiety was her destructive and
negative ways of thinking a
tendency she probably picked up
from her mothers responses to
situations when she was young.
Through psychotherapy,
Samantha learnt to identify
negative thoughts, which trigger
negative emotions and
behavioural responses, and
challenge those dysfunctional
thoughts by coming up with
alternative, rational ways of
thinking.
By learning these skills,
Samantha is now able to take
control of her life again, alleviate
herself from anxiety and cope
with future life stressors.
The psychotherapy skills
taught will be with the person
forever and can be used in the
future whenever needed. This is
the advantage of getting help
from psychotherapy compared
to medications, which may not
be able to prevent anxiety
relapse from occurring, says
Dr Edward Chan, principal
consultant psychologist of
PsyCare.
This article is brought to
you by PsyCare, Centre for
Psychotherapy of International
Psychology Centres team
of psychologists and
psychonutritional therapists.

n For more information, contact

International Psychology Center
Sdn Bhd.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2015

THERE are more than 10,000

known types of mushrooms. They
come in different colours, tastes,
shapes and with different
properties.
With the exception of some
poisonous wild species,
mushrooms are generally
nutritious and make sumptuous
dishes.
More than just a nutrient-dense
food, some mushrooms are used
for medicinal purposes to treat a
myriad of ailments.
Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum)
is one of the highly-revered
medicinal mushrooms with
astonishing therapeutic benefits.
Other recognised medicinal
mushrooms include cordyceps,
shiitake and yunzhi.
Lingzhi, also known as reishi, is
a large, dark mushroom with a
shiny exterior and woody texture.
It is an oriental fungus that has

family health 5

Boost your immunity

Lingzhi has an extensive
history of providing
health benefits.

been used for more than 2,000

years in Asian countries,
particularly in China and Japan, to
promote health and longevity.
Lingzhi is also known to

Reduce body odour

PERSPIREX has taken a new
step in changing its underarm
roll-on and lotion look by
emphasising reliable protection
against excessive perspiration
and odour in its international
packaging.
Available in Singapore and
Malaysia, Perspirex provides
safe, unequalled protection for
excessive sweating for up to five
days.
The unpleasant smell that
occurs when you sweat is caused
by bacteria on the skins surface
breaking down components of
perspiration.
Perspirex is a proven and
reliable anti-perspirant. Its
unique, patented formulation is
fragrance- and stain-free, kind to
sensitive areas of the skin and
effectively prevents you from
having body odour, smelly feet,
sweaty palms and underams.
The combination of active
ingredients such as ethanol,
aluminum chloride, aluminum
lactate and other cosmetic
ingredients helps to plug sweat
glands to cease sweat production
temporarily while minimising
irritation, discomfort on sensitive
areas and boosting the antiperspirant effect.
Anti-perspirants work by
decreasing or completely
stopping the production of
perspiration in the sweat glands
temporarily.
By altering the environment in
which bacterial overgrowth
takes place, there is a temporary
prevention of the development
of odours and wetness.
On the other hand,
deodorants are
primarily designed to
disguise or minimise
the development of
odours using
antibacterial agents

and fragrances.
It does not stop the
production of perspiration and
its mild disinfecting effect
merely counteracts the
malodorous production of waste
(cause of odours) by the bacteria
on skin.
When the disinfectant no
longer works, the perfume in
the product may help cover the
smell of the waste products of
bacteria.
Hence, a combination of antiperspirant and deodorant is
useful when it comes to treating
excessive sweating.
Unlike the frequent use of
other kinds of anti-perspirants
and deodorants, Perspirex only
requires two to three
applications a week.
There is no need to re-apply
as it enables you to remain
protected even when you come
in contact with water.
Perspirex should be used at
night before going to bed as
your sweat glands are less active
at night. For optimal results,
apply on completely dry and
unbroken skin and let the skin
dry after application before
putting on clothes.
The formula is fragrance- and
stain-free and works while you
sleep. You can wash the area the
following morning with soap
and water without the need to
reapply.
Perspirex is currently
available as a roll-on for
excessive underarm sweating
and hand and foot lotion for
sweaty palms and smelly feet.

n For more information,

visit www.
Perspirex.com

Apply
Perspirex
two to three
times a
week to
effectively
reduce body
odour.

beneficially modulate
the immune system.
It helps boost
immunity for
optimal health
maintenance, not
only to keep
weariness away
but also to ward
off diseases.
This is particularly
useful for cancer patients
undergoing treatments that will
most likely weaken their immune
system.
Lingzhi can also suppress an
overactive immune response
particularly in allergies, asthma
and autoimmune diseases.

Besides improving immunity,

lingzhi provides a host of other
health benefits too. It is
antibacterial, antiviral and antiinflammatory.
It also helps boost energy, reduce
tiredness, relieve stress and
improve the bodys recovery from
illnesses all of which are helpful
in improving chronic fatigue
syndrome.
It is used as a tonic to nourish
and strengthen the heart, liver,
lungs and kidney.
The most precious healthenhancing components of lingzhi
are contained within its spores.
The spores have a rigid outer
shell that cannot be digested by

the human body.

Thanks to advancements in
technology, the essence of lingzhi
can be harvested by cracking the
spores at a disruption rate of more
than 96%, making it more readily
absorbed by the body.
You can consider taking lingzhi
products for well-rounded health
protection. For maximum curative
efficacy, remember to look for
lingzhi products that are made
from cracked-spores powder.
This article is brought to you by
VitaHealth.

n For more information,

call 03-7729 3873.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2015

6 family health

THE well-known saying goes An apple a day

keeps the doctor away. So what makes
apples so good for us?
Apples are high in antioxidants, which can
help prevent and repair oxidation damage
that happens during normal cell activities.
These antioxidants can help prevent LDL
(bad) cholesterol from oxidising and inhibit
inflammation, thus contributing to heart
health.
Apples also contain a soluble fibre called
pectin, which can help lower cholesterol
levels when consumed.
Hence, a combination of antioxidants and
pectin offers you a long list of health
benefits.
The current recommended dietary
allowance for healthy adults is 60mg per day
of vitamin C.
Take Marigold 100% Apple Juice together
with meals to meet your daily requirement
of vitamin C to maintain and strengthen

Marigold 100% Juice facts:

l Unless otherwise stated on the
label, Marigold 100% fruit juices have
no added sugar or sweetener,
preservatives or colouring. The only
sugar it contains comes naturally from
the fruits.
l Fruit juices are a valuable source
of vitamins and minerals as well as a
unique nutritional compound called
phytonutrients. The juices complement
whole fruits as part of a healthy diet and
contribute to our daily fluid intake.

IN Malaysias rapid development of

economy and society, certain aspects of
cultural and societal development seem to
be lagging behind.
One of the most critical aspects of this
development that requires more
investment in terms of education, political
will and social evolution is sexual and
reproductive health.
As with most modern Asian cultures,
Malaysias culture is a vibrant and
sometimes volatile mix of liberal and
conservative.
Most forward-thinking people do,
however, agree that more knowledge and
education about sexual and reproductive
health is required for the overall health and
well-being of individuals and society.
This was illustrated in a recent public
Twitter poll conducted by local radio station
BFM. The question was Does having an
honest conversation with your child about
sex do more good than harm?
An overwhelming majority of the people
who took part in the poll (89%) said it did
more good.
The United Nations Population Funds
The State of the World Population 2014
report states that every individual has the
right to make their own choices about
sexual and reproductive health.
To do this and maintain sexual and
reproductive health, people need access to
accurate information and the safe, effective,
affordable and acceptable contraception
method of their choice, and they must be
informed and empowered to protect
themselves from sexually transmitted
infections.
According to the report, more than half
of all women in Asia of reproductive age
want to avoid pregnancy but only 22%
141 million last year have access to
effective contraceptive methods or
information about them.
So how do you ensure that you have
enough accurate information to make the
right choices, and how do you ensure that
your child does too?
There are numerous resources available
on the Internet, but it is essential that you
ensure this information is from reliable
and/or official sources.

Marigold 100% Juice offers three delicious variants of apple juice to provide you health benefits.

An apple a day
your immunity.
Marigold 100% Juice comes in three
different apple juice variants Marigold
100% Apple Juice, Marigold 100% Apple
Grape Juice and Marigold 100% Apple
Cranberries Juice.
The varieties provide you with different
choices to suit your taste.
Other variants of Marigold 100% Juice are
Marigold 100% Orange Juice, Marigold 100%
Carrot & Mixed Fruits Juice, Marigold 100%
Mixed Tropical Fruits Juice and Marigold
100% Pear & Mixed Berries Juice.
Marigold 100% Juice provides a

convenient way of getting your daily

requirement of vitamin C and antioxidants
as it comes in 250ml and one-litre packs
to suit your familys various lifestyles,
whether they need to consume it on the
go or at home.
Marigold 100% Juice is available
nationwide in hypermarkets, supermarkets,
mini markets and convenience stores.
Choose Marigold 100% Juice for a healthy
diet for yourself and your family today.

n For more information,

visit www.marigold.com.my

Talking about sex

Ensuring that your children are equipped with knowledge about relationships and sex helps
them make informed decisions in the future.

Parents should really be the ones to

provide the first elements of sex and sexual
health education to their children.
This can start at any age from teaching
them the proper names of organs when they
are in preschool to where babies come from
when they are slightly older.
Here are some tips about talking to your
child about sex:
l Ensure there is no embarrassment or
prejudice in your tone that will influence the
childs perception of sex, sexuality and
reproduction.
l Make clear through your words and
actions that these topics can be openly
discussed.
l Answer questions truthfully.
l Take advantage of teachable moments
such as when meeting a pregnant woman
(you can talk about how the baby came
about).
l Check the childs understanding. If the
child is unclear about words or concepts, try
to explain in a different way.
Studies in the United States have shown
that teenagers who talk to their parents
about relationships and sex are more
likely to wait longer to engage in sexual
activity and use contraception when they

eventually do.
Here are some tips on how to talk to
your teenager about relationships and sex:
l Create a comfortable and relaxed
environment so there is little or no
embarrassment about broaching such topics.
l Do not just talk, listen to the teens
opinions and questions.
l Be respectful and treat the teen like an
emerging adult. The teen will reciprocate by
behaving like one.
l Make it clear that you can always be
approached for open discussion and advice.
l Do not forget to discuss the topics of
consent, coercion and respect (both for the
self and the partner).

Useful resources
n For information about sexual and
reproductive health and rights in general
around the world: www.unfpa.org and
www.who.int
n For official Health Ministry
information: www.myhealth.gov.my
n For comprehensive sexual health
education and discussion in a Malaysian
context: www.goodsexed.info

THE STAR, TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2015

AFTER experiencing various forms

of physical discomfort leading up
to childbirth such as morning
sickness, backaches, bladder and
bowel problems, cramps, swelling
and vaginal discharge, it is no
surprise then that a large number
of expecting mothers begin to have
anxieties or fears in regards to the
pain they may experience during
labour.
Stories of long or difficult labour
retold by relatives only exacerbate
the problem.
However, it is this anticipation of
pain, fear and the overall anxiety
that causes women to tense up,
tightening their muscles and
making them more susceptible to
discomfort.
Fortunately, clinical
hypnotherapy in obstetrics, also
known as hypnobirthing, is a
natural and complementary
treatment that helps expecting
mothers relax while also
removing their fears, negative
self-suggestions and physical
suggestions to create a comfortable
experience during childbirth.

Growing acceptance
The use of clinical hypnosis in
obstetrics dates back to the 19th
century and its methodologies and
techniques have since been further
developed and popularised by
international medical practitioners
and childbirth experts.
In Malaysia, clinical
hypnotherapy has been used since

family health 7

Comfort during childbirth

through her body. This builds
confidence and a positive
mindset for the delivery.
Menon adds that clinical
hypnotherapists do not need to
be present in the delivery rooms
as mothers who have prepared
themselves will have full control
of their mental capabilities and
are able to allow their minds to
drift into a comfortable and
relaxing state.

Physical and emotional

benefits

Clinical hypnotherapy can help women prepare for childbirth.

the 1960s but it is only now that

interest in the industry has
gained traction from both
pregnant women and doctors.
The level of interest has also
risen after it was reported that
Kate Middleton used clinical
hypnotherapy to help with her
morning sickness and delivery.
Three weeks ago, local
celebrity Diana Danielle was also
reported to have used clinical
hypnotherapy during the birth
of her child.

Self-awareness
Clinical hypnotherapy works
hand-in-hand with obstetrics and
it helps mothers prepare for
the pregnancy emotionally,
psychologically and physically.
According to Sheila Menon,
principal of the London College of
Clinical Hypnosis Malaysia,
sessions in clinical hypnotherapy
teach mothers methods to relax
their muscles and respond to the
rhythm of their bodies to push and

assist in the delivery the best

way they can.
Clinical hypnotherapy in
childbirth is a body-mind
technique, which allows mothers
to work in harmony with their
bodies and experience the most
positive experience possible. The
technique is entirely natural and
so there is no harm for the mother
or the baby, she says.
The mother will also learn to
connect and bond with the baby
through her unconscious mind and

Besides creating a special bond

with the child, other benefits of
hypnotherapy during childbirth
include pain alleviation, reduced
use of pain relief medication,
shorter labour stages and
increased birth satisfaction.
There is a significantly
reduced incidence of postpartum
depression, and mothers who
use clinical hypnotherapy heal
faster, experience less fatigue
and are able to use hypnosis to
help with their lactation and
experience of breast soreness,
says Menon.
It can also be used to help
with morning sickness, feelings
of bloating and indigestion, and
other related symptoms.

THE STAR, TUESDAY 8 DECEMBER 2015

8 family health

Keyhole into precision surgery

IN laparoscopy, also known as
keyhole surgery, a thin
tube(telescope)is inserted through
a small incision in the abdomen.
A tiny camera at the end of the
tube transmits images to a
television and the surgeon uses this
two-dimensional (2D) video to see
what he is doing.
He then makes two or three
more small incisions through
which instruments are inserted to
perform the surgery.
Laparoscopy has been around
for decades and its technology has
seen steady improvement, moving
from standard-definition images to
high-definition (HD) and, more
recently, to three-dimensional (3D)
imaging.
Laparoscopy that uses 3D
imaging allows the surgeon to see
the organs inside the abdomen in
their actual 3D form in HD.
This is made possible by two
optical lensesthat transmit two
images onto a 3D monitor. When
thesurgeon and his team wear 3D
glasses toview these twoimages,
theywill merge into one3D image.
The depth perception provided
by the 3DHDimage makes a lot of
difference to the speed, efficiency
and safety of the surgical
procedure, says Dr S. Selva,
resident consultant

Laparoscopy that uses 3D imaging allows surgeons to view organs in the

abdomen in their 3D form, making surgery faster and safer.

inobstetricsandgynaecology
reproductivemedicine/in vitro
fertilisation at Mahkota Medical
Centre.
Dr Selva explains that
laparoscopy in gynaecologycan be
performed for diagnosis as well as
treatmentof many gynaecological
diseases. With 3Dlaparoscopy, the
doctorcan visualise and investigate
the pelvic organs in 3D,making
surgery easier and safer.
Many procedures can be
performed via the laparoscopic
route. The most popular
procedures in gynaecologyare

laparoscopic tubal ligation (sealing

of the fallopian tubes),removal of
fibroids fromthe uterusor cysts
fromovaries, and using an
electric current or laser to treat
endometriotic lesions in thepelvis.
Laparoscopycan also be used for
the removal of cancerous tumours.

Safety and efficacy

Laparoscopy provides several
advantages over traditional open
surgery, the most obvious of which
is that the procedure is minimally
invasive.

Instead of a large incision in the

abdomen through which the
surgeon uses his hands to
perform surgery,
laparoscopic surgery
involves small incisions Dr S.
through which surgery Selva.
is performed.
Besides the fact that
there will be less
scarring of the abdomen
after surgery, laparoscopy
also significantly reduces the
risk of post-operative adhesions.
This is where fibrous bands form
between organs, causing the
organs to stick together.
The reduced risk of adhesion is
especially important to patients
who want to conceive because
adhesions in the area of fallopian
tubes and ovaries may lead to
difficulty in conceiving.
Recovery time is also greatly
reduced with smaller incisions and
less manipulation of the internal
organs, allowing patients to go
back to work within a week or so.
Although laparoscopy may be
slightly more expensive than open
surgery, the cost can be balanced
by its great benefits, says Dr Selva.
Laparoscopy can be performed
on patients of any age. Mahkota
Medical Centre, for example, sees
patients from as young as 10 years

old (for cyst removal)to those as

old as 85 (for removal of
cancerous growths).

Skill and
knowledge
Precision comes
with practice the
more yearsa
surgeon practises
performing
laparoscopic surgery,the
more he hones his skills.
Dr Selva opines that many
surgeons find it difficult to perform
laparoscopic surgery with 2D
laparoscopy. With 3Dlaparoscopy,
it will be easier for surgeons to
acquire the surgical skills and
techniques required to perform
laparoscopic surgery due to better
in-depth images.
He encourages the public to
learn more about this efficient and
relatively safe type of procedure so
that they will be able to make
informed decisions, with the
advice of their doctors, when
choosing laparoscopy.
He hopes that 3D laparoscopy
will assist in making laparoscopic
surgery more popular in Malaysia.

n For more information, contact

Mahkota Medical Centre.