THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018

YOUR HEALTH
Female health and
the changing times
By IRINA MYRIAM
THE lives of Malaysian women, as active
members of a constantly evolving society,
are swayed by waves and shifts in human
development.
Although positive changes such as
increased participation in the workforce and
greater economic independence are areas to
be celebrated and continuously fought for,
women are also feeling some of the negative
health effects that can come with the less
merry side of modern living.
Busy schedules and high-stress work
environments, part and parcel of many an
urban professional’s life, can influence the
day-to-day choices that ultimately affect the
diseases one develops.
Being physically different to men, women
should be aware of specific medical
conditions that they are susceptible to –
conditions that could possibly be avoided if
some thought were given to one’s lifestyle
choices.
Unhealthy routines
Dr Chua Peng Teng, consultant
obstetrician and gynaecologist, and member
of Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society of
Malaysia, shares, “Diseases tend to evolve in
tandem with society’s progress. In the fast-
paced modern world, women are working
overtime more often, staying up late, and
relying more on fast food in their daily
lives.”
These seemingly common and trivial
habits may not sound scary, but they can
contribute to a range of gynaecological
issues. For example, obesity – which may
be a result of unhealthy lifestyle choices
– has been linked to increased risk of
postmenopausal breast cancer.
The positive association between this
cancer type and high body mass index has
been highlighted in a 2016 report titled Body
Fatness and Cancer – Viewpoint of the IARC
Working Group published in The New
England Journal of Medicine.
Dr Chua puts forth that endometrial or
uterine cancer can be attributed to obesity as
well, since excess weight may cause an
increase in oestrogenic stimulation of the
endometrium – resulting in hyperplasia (an
abnormal increase in the number of cells in
an organ or tissue).
“A lot of women who are obese also
experience menstrual irregularities
and unpredictable menstrual bleeding,
which can be very distressing,” says Dr
Chua, adding that a number of these
patients eventually experience difficulty
conceiving.
A doctor may consider lifestyle factors as
potential causes for this, after taking into
account conditions such as polycystic
ovarian syndrome, endometriosis,
adenomyosis and pelvic inflammatory
diseases.
Often, the determinant that affects a
person’s unhealthy choices goes beyond the
stress of work or the availability of time. The
immediate environment itself can play a
definite role in whether someone exercises.
Dr Chua explains that urban areas that
lack exercise facilities, jogging tracks and
playgrounds have persistently led to lack of
physical activity among women. Not
everyone can afford membership at a
luxurious gym, where the best in exercise
equipment are laid out invitingly in front
of you.
Besides this, a change in lifestyle
regarding sexual choices is also
contributing to the increase in
infectious diseases. For instance,
human papillomavirus (HPV) – a cause
of cervical cancer – has gained
attention in recent years.
“Lifestyle habits such as having
multiple sexual partners and early
engagement in sexual intercourse may
predispose women to such diseases.
“The good news is that many
countries have now adopted
national immunisation strategies in
an attempt to eradicate these diseases,
but strong commitment is needed to
succeed in this venture,” says Dr Chua.
In Malaysia, public schools provide free
HPV vaccinations for teenage girls. A
current government programme also
offers single Malaysian women (born
between 1991 and 1996) free HPV shots –
although this is subject to a quota of 27,000
women.
> TURN TO PAGE 4

Nutritious option for stronger bones and muscles

NUTRITIONAL status plays an important role
in maintaining healthy skin and bones.
Macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein and
fat) work hand in hand with micronutrients
(vitamins and minerals) to maintain the
structural and mechanical functions of the
body.
Changes in nutritional status, especially
low protein intake, can alter the skin’s
structure and function and directly affect its
appearance.
Tissue degeneration as a result of low
protein stores in the body leads to premature
ageing. Some of the early signs of this
include:
l Wrinkled and dull skin
l Thinning hair or hair loss
l Brittle nails
l Puffy bags under the eyes
l Swollen ankles, face and fingers
l Lack of body strength
To maintain healthy and youthful skin,
hair, nails and good body strength, it is
important to ensure sufficient protein intake
from one’s diet.
Essential amino acids
Protein is made from building blocks
called amino acids. Good-quality protein
contains all 20 amino acids, including the
nine essential amino acids that our body
cannot produce and must obtain from
dietary sources.
When protein is consumed and
digested, our body selects the required
amino acids to construct new
structural proteins such as collagen
and elastin, which are found
predominantly
in the skin,
bones and
muscles.
Amino acids
are also used to
generate new
skin cells to replace dead ones.
A dynamic quad
A woman’s bone mass is at its peak
around the age of 30 and will gradually
decrease thereafter.
Most women experience rapid bone
mass loss during menopause as a result
of declining oestrogen levels, which greatly
increases the risk of osteoporosis.
Although bone loss is inevitable with age,
women can delay the process by taking
sufficient nutrients for bone health such as
calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3 and
vitamin K2.
Several studies, such as a 2017 study
titled The Synergistic Interplay between
Vitamins D and K for Bone and
Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review
published in the International Journal of
Endocrinology, have shown that a
combination of calcium with magnesium,
vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 significantly
improved bone health.
Magnesium and vitamin D3 facilitate
the absorption and utilisation of calcium
while vitamin K2 helps improve
bone density by effectively depositing
calcium to bones and teeth for proper
storage.
Hence, these nutrients work
synergistically for effective calcium
utilisation and metabolism.
According to the European Food Safety
Authority, vitamin K2 (menaquinone, MK-7)
is a highly bioavailable form of vitamin K
that helps maintain healthy bones.
According to the
European Food Safety
Authority, vitamin K2
(menaquinone, MK-7) is a
highly bioavailable form
of vitamin K that helps
maintain healthy bones.
Providing more than just protein
Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS is a new and
improved formula with a blend of plant
protein and digestive fibre. It is enhanced
with nutrients for bone and muscle health
such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3 and
vitamin K2.
It is low in fat and contains no added
sugar, cholesterol or lactose. Biogrow HPF-5
PLUS is suitable for all ages and vegetarians.
One scoop (≈ 16g) of the drink contains
more than 61% plant protein (non-GMO soy
and pea proteins) and all nine essential
amino acids for protein synthesis. It also
provides digestive fibre to regulate bowel
movement.
This article is provided by Legosan
(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 03-7956 2220 or
e-mail info@biogrow.com.my
2 Your Health THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018

Minimal scarring and faster recovery

BENIGN lumps in the breasts are a
frequent occurrence for many
women. Although not a dangerous
issue, many women are bothered
by these noncancerous lesions and
may wish to remove them.
Those who wish to go down this
route may opt for an approach that
is not only safe but will leave their
breasts looking almost unharmed
aesthetically.
Dr Tan Gie Hooi, consultant
breast and oncoplastic surgeon at
ParkCity Medical Centre, shares,
“Many young girls have a common
condition called fibroadenoma.
They find a lump in their breasts
and, upon seeing a doctor, are told
that the lump is not cancerous.
“This condition usually affects
girls and women between 15 and
40 years old. They do not need to
worry, as the lumps are harmless
and can be left alone.”
She explains that lumps
generally shrink over time in 30%
of all fibroadenoma cases, 30%
remain the same size and 30%
grow bigger over time.
Through a combination of
clinical examination, imaging and
either fine-needle aspiration or
core-needle biopsy – a triple
assessment is conducted. It has a
99% sensitivity rate where women
can receive accurate diagnosis of
their breast lumps that let them
know if the growths are cancerous
or not.
Although patients with
fibroadenomas are not confronted
with cancerous growths, doctors
are usually faced with women who
are anxious about their benign
lumps.
“Some women are
uncomfortable feeling the lump
every day. They feel like they
have a ticking time bomb in their Girls and women have the option to remove benign breast lumps through minimally invasive surgery.
breasts, even though the possibility
of the lump turning cancerous is starts cutting the lump into tiny a better understanding of the stage

extremely small,” says Dr Tan.
For cosmetic reasons, doctors
may offer to remove lumps that
are getting bigger to avoid breast
shape distortion.
Small cut, small scar
pieces. After the cutting process,
the shreds are sucked into an
external container, removing it
from the body.
The surgeon can observe if
the lump has been completely
removed through the ultrasound.
Fibroadenoma
the cancer is at.
“It is easier to perform this type
of minimally invasive surgery,
especially on candidates whose
usually affects
lesions are not palpable. girls and women
between 15 and 40
This is because the doctor can
visualise the lump through

Vacuum-assisted excision biopsy

is a minimally invasive surgical
option for benign breast lumps.
This technique involves making a
tiny incision that leaves only the
slightest scar.
“This type of minimally invasive
surgery has been available for
about 10 to 20 years overseas
including in South Korea, Japan
and Singapore. However, it is less
common in Malaysia and does not
seem to be a major trend,” shares
Dr Tan.
The procedure is commonly
advised for patients who have
benign breast lumps smaller than
2.5cm and wish to have them
removed without large incisions,
which are the case with traditional
open surgery.
A vacuum-assisted excisional
biopsy makes use of a special
needle (10 or 12 gauge) attached to
a suction device. The surgeon
makes an incision in the breast
that is only a few millimetres in
size and then inserts the needle
through it, straight into the area
where the lump is.
This is all performed
under ultrasound
guidance, which
allows the surgeon
to visualise the
lump. Once the
tumour location is
identified, a
vacuum needle
Once complete extraction is
confirmed, the needle is taken
out and momentary pressure is
applied to stop the bleeding.
This procedure is not
recommended for excision of
cancerous tumours because those
tumours need to be kept intact to
be measured. The size of the
tumour will give the medical team
ultrasound while performing the
procedure. This ensures the entire
lesion is removed accordingly,”
says Dr Tan.
The perks of technology
This procedure comes with a
slew of benefits, including the
highly desirable minimal scarring
factor.
“The surgery only takes about
five to 10 minutes if you have a
small lump (about 1cm to 2cm)
and can be done as a daycare
procedure with no overnight stay
at the hospital.
“The procedure can be done
under general or local anaesthesia.
Local anaesthesia involves
injecting the patient with a local
anaesthetic to numb the area
where the lump will be removed.
Of course, the suitability of local
anaesthesia is dependent on the
number and size of the lumps,”
says Dr Tan.
Multiple lumps may be
excised in a single procedure
with minimal incisions,
thus reducing the
number of times a
patient needs to
undergo surgery.
Furthermore, the
recovery time for
vacuum-assisted
excision biopsy is brief.
Dr Tan shares that
most patients are back
to normal within three to five days.
“Most patients experience
mild to moderate pain after the
procedure, which can be taken
care of by oral painkillers.
“There is also a possibility of
bruising or mild hematoma (blood-
filled swelling) forming at the site
of the removed lump, but it usually
resolves on its own,” she says.
Other uncommon risks of this
surgery include infections and
feeling faint when undergoing the
procedure with local anaesthesia.
An open surgical procedure
called an excisional biopsy remains
an option for women who wish
to remove their benign lumps, but
this is only possible if the tumour
is palpable – meaning that it can
|be felt when the breast is
examined.
If it is not palpable, the patient
may opt for something known as
the hook-wire guided surgery. This
approach makes use of a wire
hooked to the impalpable lump
years old. They do
not need to worry,
as the lumps are
harmless and can
be left alone.
Dr Tan Gie Hooi
prior to making the incision, which
the surgeon uses as a guide during
the procedure.
The hook marks the location of
the lump, allowing the surgeon to
find it during open surgery. The
entire lesion can be removed this
way.
Know your options
If you find yourself or someone
you love with benign breast lumps,
simply know that there is a way to
remove the lesions whilst still
maintaining aesthetic appearances.
There is nothing wrong with
wanting to preserve visual
attractiveness as long as it is not
costing you your health.
Get an assessment and seek
advice from a medical professional
to decide on a treatment plan that
is best suited to you.
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018 3
4 Your Health
Banishing body odour
PERSPIREX now comes in a new
look with a note of assurance that
reads “Seriously reliable protection
against excessive perspiration and
odour” on its revamped packaging.
Perspirex has been known for
more than 30 years as an effective
antiperspirant for people suffering
from excessive sweating in the
armpits, hands and feet. With its
patented formulation against
excessive sweat and odour,
Perspirex is the only antiperspirant
that is clinically proven to provide
safe, unequalled protection for up to
five days.
The hot and humid climate in
Malaysia presents its inhabitants
with a constant challenge to keep
dry and odour-free as excessive
sweating
and body
odour
can affect one’s
professional and
social life.
Perspirex’s unique
formulation is
fragrance- and
preservative-free,
non-staining and
gentle on sensitive
areas of the skin.
Antiperspirants
are the most
common form of
treatment for
people who sweat
excessively. It
decreases or
completely stops perspiration,
leading to temporary prevention of
body odour. Perspirex works by
temporarily blocking the sweat
glands in the armpit area.
It differentiates itself from other
antiperspirants in the market by
providing long-lasting protection
from excessive perspiration and
odour. Tests performed in
Germany showed an average of
65% to 70% sweat reduction for a
minimum of 72 hours after one
application of Perspirex.
The first formulation of
antiperspirants used 25%
aluminium chloride hexahydrate
in alcohol in roll-ons and lotions.
However, this formulation
creates a chemical reaction
between aluminium chloride
and water, forming
hydrochloric acid on the skin
that irritates vulnerable areas
such as the armpits.
Perspirex solved this
problem by adding
micronised aluminium
lactate to its roll-on. The
chemical works as a buffer
that transforms discharged
hydrochloric acid in sweat
into aluminium chloride and
lactic acid, reducing the risk
of skin irritation.
To use, apply Perspirex
every night before bed. Wash
off any residue the following
morning with soap and water.
There is no need to reapply.
When the desired effect has been
achieved (usually within a week),
start applying Perspirex only two to
three times a week. Do not use
Perspirex within 48 hours of hair
removal.
Perspirex is available as a roll-on
antiperspirant (20ml) for underarm
sweating and odour, and hand and
foot lotion (100ml) for sweaty palms
and smelly feet.
Each product retails at RM65
(zero GST) and is available at
Guardian Malaysia, Caring
Pharmacy and other leading
pharmacies.
n For more information, visit
www.perspirex.com
Living wisely
> FROM PAGE 1
Other than a shift in sexual
behaviour, there are many other
lifestyle habits that modern
women have picked up, leading
to some detrimental health
outcomes:
l Smoking – Results in upper
respiratory tract infections and
lung cancer
l Alcohol consumption –
Results in gastric issues
l Lack of dietary fibre –
Predisposes one to constipation
and colonic diseases
l Avoidance of breast
feeding – Benefit of lowering
breast cancer risk is not utilised
l Exposure to solar
radiation – Increases risk of skin
cancer
Making the right choices
Knowing the behaviours that
contribute to the development of
gynaecological problems will
help you consciously navigate
through your day-to-day choices,
allowing you to reap the best of
positive health outcomes.
Putting in effort to exercise
regularly and avoiding sedentary
habits is highly important. Find
the time, even if it is just for five
minutes a day, to engage in a
physical workout. These little
choices, accumulated in the long
run, will be some of the best
decisions you can make for your
physical and mental health.
On top of exercise, diet plays
an essential role in your
gynaecological health. A
balanced diet with good dietary
fibre such as fruits and
vegetables should take
precedence over carbohydrates
and sugar.
Maintaining a healthy sexual
life is also critical. Sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) or
diseases can be easily incurred
when one is not careful.
According to the World Health
Organization, more than one
million STIs are acquired every
day worldwide. STIs such as
gonorrhoea and chlamydia are
major causes of pelvic
inflammatory disease and
infertility in women.
“It is especially important to
consider barrier contraceptives.
Although not a foolproof method
for avoiding sexually transmitted
diseases, it may reduce the risk
of contraction,” offers Dr Chua.
It is also recommended for
women to have regular
gynaecological check-ups, with
emphasis on cancer screening.
Cervical screening, which aims
to detect cervical cancer in its
early stages, can be done using a
smear test or liquid-based
cytology.
“There has been a recent
emphasis on shifting from
cervical smear screening to HPV
THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018
DNA detection. Such tests are
common in some countries, for
example in Australia, where
detection rates are good.
“It has been found to be
superior to the conventional pap
smear and liquid-based cytology.
The only drawback is the cost,
hence it is not yet widely
accepted,” he discloses.
Dr Chua points out that most
women seek help from
gynaecologists when it is too late.
This could be due to a lack of
time to access healthcare
(because of a hectic work or
home schedule), personal or
cultural reasons, the stigma from
society that one experiences
when a sexually transmitted
disease is diagnosed, or the fear
of finding out that one has
cancer.
“Many women are concerned
that if they find out they have
cancer, they will experience a
loss of hope and dignity. There
should be a change in mindset as
early diagnosis and treatment
can often yield good results.
“These days, there is
increasing focus on diagnosing
stage zero and preinvasive
diseases. Many diseases can now
be prevented instead of finding a
cure, hence women should be
more proactive in seeking early
help,” says Dr Chua.
Last but not least, it is essential
that you visit a licensed medical
professional for advice before
taking any medication. This is
because unlicensed medications
or supplements may contain
steroids or hormonal
components that are difficult
to verify.
Dr Chua shares that these
dubious components could
possibly lead to a higher risk of
developing diseases such as
diabetes or cancer.
Give it a second thought
The old adage of “prevention
is better than cure” could not
ring truer. With the current
technologies in place to help
detect diseases in early stages
and knowledge of lifestyle
factors that lead to
gynaecological conditions,
women can now take the
necessary steps towards better
physical and mental wellness.
Highlighting the significance
of this, Dr Chua recommends
that women see their
gynaecologists regularly for
health screenings and
preventative measures for
certain medical problems.
Although it may sometimes
appear difficult to make healthy
choices with a busy or hectic
lifestyle, it is not impossible.
Save yourself from further
troubles down the line by
making the essential changes
today.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018
Targeting the source
MOST people believe that their joints will
automatically start losing function as they
age. However, this belief does not explain
why there are many people in their 60s and
70s who are still mobile and flexible, walking
as well as any 30-year-old would.
Certain individuals are at higher risk of
developing joint problems. Factors include
being a female, having a family history of
arthritis or having previously sustained a
joint injury.
Ever wondered why exercise brings about
joint aches and pain when it is supposed to
be a healthy activity?
Scientists have found that joint problems
are brought about by a biochemical
imbalance in the body caused by enzymes
that exist in our joints. These joint-degrading
enzymes are known as matrix
metalloproteinases (MMPs).
When MMPs are triggered by high-impact
sports, an injury or genetics, joint problems
develop faster than average, bringing about
inflammation, pain and swelling.
MMPs normally exist in our joints in a
balanced state. However, when the body
Your Health 5
starts producing too much of these enzymes, against self-inflicted damage.
the joints break down faster than they can Besides having MMP-inhibition properties,
be rebuilt. Biolane has anti-inflammatory and
Joint damage and inflammation ensue, antioxidant properties to help address the
leading to joint pain. Over time, the damage various pathologies indicated in joint
drives the formation of bone spurs, which problems.
result in limited joint movement. Successfully formulated into a capsule
The discovery of MMPs was an important dosage form, Biolane helps to restore
step in finding a solution to joint problems. troubled joints of the knees, shoulders, neck,
Although drug prototypes against these back and fingers.
enzymes have been developed, they produce Biolane works differently from
serious side effects that deter further drug glucosamine and other joint supplements in
development efforts. the market. Glucosamine acts as a supply of
With recent advancements in raw ingredients for joint cells to utilise in
biotechnology, however, scientists have repairing damaged cartilage. It does not
uncovered a natural substance that is active have any effect on MMPs.
against MMPs.
Although this product has been around for
more than 30 years, its effects could not be
Taking time to heal
verified until recently. Just as joint problems do not develop
A New Zealand overnight, the process of joint repair and
green-lipped restoration will take time, especially if the
mussel extract process involves a metabolic rebalancing of
called joint-ageing enzymes.
Biolane is Biolane has been clinically tested on
an MMP patients with 70% success rate. However,
inhibitor patients need to understand that Biolane is
that has not a painkiller and they will need to
been undergo a treatment course of at least three
proven to months at the right dose before seeing any
be able to result.
safeguard In 2005, the Australian Centre for
joints Complementary Research and Education
awarded the Ideal Anti-Arthritic Agent
accolade to Biolane. The green-lipped mussel
extract is used by medical prescribers in
more than 25 countries.
This article is brought to you by the
Nuvaceuticals Division of Nuvanta Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 03-5636
3758/1300 881 712 or e-mail pharmacist@
nuvanta.com
6 Your Health
Keeping people active
A healthy, active lifestyle is the goal of many
modern consumers. Essential to achieving
this are strong bones and joints.
As you grow older, age-related stiffness
and discomfort in the joints become a fact of
life. Activities once routine become a
challenge as limited mobility hampers your
every move. To protect your joints, practise
healthy lifestyle habits. Use your joints the
right way.
These tips can help you have healthier
joints now and for years to come.
l Lose weight (if you need) – One of the
kindest things you can do for your joints is
not to carry too much body weight.
l Stay active – Regular exercise helps
your joints work like they should, eases
stiffness and relieves fatigue. It strengthens
the muscles that support your joints.
l Practise good posture – Proper posture
protects your shoulder, hip and knee joints.
l Eat for joint health – Choose a diet
with calcium content, omega-3, type 2
collagen peptides or hyaluronic acid to
protect your joints.
Opceden Fortigen is formulated with type
II collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and
vitamin C to keep people physically active
and mobile.
What is type II collagen? Cartilage is
composed of a variety of biomolecules
including proteins, water and small
molecules that help reduce friction and keep
joints healthy. One of those proteins is
collagen, which makes up the
bulk of the cartilage in your
joints.
Type II
collagen
is the
basis for
cartilage.
Type II
collagen
MAL15065001NC does form
fibrils. This fibrillary network of collagen
allows cartilage to entrap the proteoglycan
aggregate as well as provide tensile strength
to the tissue.
Opceden Fortigen uses German bioactive
patented type II collagen peptides. It has
small molecular size.
In a healthy joint, a thick substance called
synovial fluid provides lubrication, allowing
bones to glide across one another. The
critical substance in synovial fluid known as
hyaluronic acid breaks down.
Loss of hyaluronic acid appears to
contribute to joint pain and stiffness. It is a
substance that is naturally present in the
human body. It is found in the highest
concentrations in fluids in the eyes and
joints.
Hyaluronic acid works by acting as a
cushion and lubricant in the joints and other
tissues. In addition, it might affect the way
the body responds to injury.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin,
meaning it is not stored in your body and
you must consume adequate amount from
your diet throughout the day. Vitamin C is
required as a cofactor in a number of
biochemical reactions and is also an
important antioxidant.
Vitamin C is required for the proper
development and functions of many parts of
the body such as helping to boost the
immune system and may also help in
building collagen.
Opceden Fortigen is specially formulated
in a flavourless powder to dissolve instantly
in water. You can add it to your favourite
drinks for a collagen-boosting treat.
Opceden Fortigen does not contain
preservatives, artificial colouring, additives,
sugar and dairy products.
n For more information, call Asia Healthcare
at 03-6156 2836.
This is a supplement product advertisement.
KKLIU No.0320/2017
THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018
Formulated for
healthy living
RABENHORST, a leading German
manufacturer of healthy premium
juices, combines the goodness of
natural ingredients with great
flavours.
Maintaining family tradition
since 1805, Rabenhorst has been
producing pure, healthy juices and
nectars made from the best
natural ingredients that are
carefully selected and processed.
Rabenhorst pioneered the
controlled, organic cultivation of
fruits in 1969 by initiating a
research contract with the Institute
of Organic Agricultural Sciences at l Natural 11 Plus 11 Juice –
University of Kassel, Germany. This pure juice made from 11
It also received the Environmental Prize complementary fruits (pear, apple, orange,
from the German state of Rhineland- passion fruit, banana, mango, apricot,
Palatinate in 2010. pineapple, acerola, guava and grapefruit)
All Rabenhorst juices and nectars are has a mild aromatic flavour that will delight
high in fructose (without concentrate) and your taste buds. This drink contains
fortified with minerals and essential vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E.
vitamins.
The benefits of Rabenhorst fruit l Organic Antiox Juice – According to
juices are: European Union regulations, 200ml of
l Natural Cranberry Juice – Organic Antiox, which is made from nine
Specially selected cranberries from fruits (red grape, apple, blackcurrant, aronia,
North America are used to produce this acerola, elderberry, blueberry, pomegranate
premium juice. and cowberry), contains the recommended
The cranberries are processed through daily intake of vitamin C, which can aid in
in-house pressing to retain their natural iron absorption and improve immunity.
goodness.
Many believe that drinking cranberry is This article is brought to you by Health
good for the urinary tract, heart, memory Paradise Sdn Bhd.
and coordination.
In addition, cranberry juice is richer in n For more information, visit www.facebook.
antioxidants compared to vegetables such as com/HealthParadise or www.healthparadise-
broccoli, spinach and apples. organic.com
THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018
HAVE you ever been awakened in the middle
of the night by a sore, red, warm, painful
and swollen toe? You may have experienced
a gout attack.
How do we get high uric acid levels?
Uric acid is a waste product that is broken
down from high-purine foods such as
internal organs, seafood, alcohol and red
meats. This process is catalysed by an
enzyme known as xanthine oxidase. In a
normal condition, the kidneys process and
excrete it out of our body.
However, when uric acid builds up faster
than the kidneys can get rid of it, excess uric
acid present in the bloodstream will form
sharp uric crystal deposits at joint areas,
causing inflammation, swelling and pain,
particularly in the big toe. This inflammation
is known as a gout attack.
With the advancement of health
supplements, there is an alternative
treatment for gout that can be used
alongside medications or solely on its own
for those who do not wish to start on
medication.
Vitamode Luric Capsule is among the first
health supplements in Malaysia with a
combination of Ayuric Terminalia bellerica,
a natural xanthine oxidase inhibitor that
reduces uric acid naturally, and Boswellia
serrata, a natural anti-inflammatory herb
that reduces inflammation, swelling and
pain. It is a traditional remedy for joint
health in combination.
Ayuric is a natural xanthine oxidase
inhibitor that is derived from an
edible fruit known as
Terminalia bellerica, an
ancient, famous Ayurvedic
plant traditionally used
for the treatment of high
uric acid levels.
It possesses superoxide
radical scavenging
activity and inhibits uric
acid formation due to its
xanthine oxidase enzyme
inhibitory activity.
Boswellia serrata
trees, commonly
MAL16100052TC
Your Health 7
Natural way to reduce uric
acid and prevent gout attack
known as Frankincense, produce gum
exudate that contains 3-Acetyl-11-Keto-Beta-
Boswellic Acid (AKBA).
AKBA is an anti-inflammatory
constituent that is beneficial for joint
inflammatory diseases such as arthritis
and knee pain.
Boswellia serrata gum extract in
Vitamode Luric Capsule is standardised
to contain as high as 30% AKBA. It is
used traditionally for joint pain and
related inflammatory conditions.
Vitamode Luric Capsule provides
double benefits by eliminating excessive
uric acid in the blood and at the same time
relieving pain in a natural way.
It is recommended for those who are
looking for alternative ways to reduce uric
acid, inflammation and pain especially
around the joint areas.
Drinking plenty of water and avoiding
high-purine foods also help prevent the
problem from worsening or recurrent gout
attacks.
Vitamode Luric Capsule is
available in selected A gout attack caused by sharp uric crystal deposits at joint areas.
pharmacies nationwide.
This article is brought to
you by Vitamode and
Medispec (M) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
1300 800 228 or e-mail
enquiry@medispec.com.my
This is a traditional product
advertisement.
KKLIU No.1185/2018
8 Your Health
Advanced traditional meds Understanding PCOS
JIN Bin Group produces traditional
Chinese medicine using scientific
methods. The group has 40 years of
experience in the manufacturing of
herbal medicines under the brand
Hurix’s.
It is committed to using
premium-quality herbs, innovative
and advanced technologies for
production lines, and a team of
qualified research and
development personnel to ensure
the safety and quality of its
products.
Jin Bin Group manufactures the
formulae for its products at its
facility in Malaysia that surpasses
rigorous Good Manufacturing
Practice standards.
The group controls all phases of
the production process, which
includes the procurement and
testing of raw ingredients, mixing
formulations (done by its qualified
masters of traditional Chinese
medicine) according to
exceptionally strict standards,
and using modern equipment
and methodologies for the
manufacturing and packaging
of its products.
Jin Bin Group stands apart
as a quality leader in the
manufacturing of herbal products.
The group employs advanced
technology in herbal extraction
and concentration processes.
To ensure product quality and
safety, the group applies testing for
accuracy and precision to assure its
products are safe and conform to
the required quality parameters.
Jin Bin Group’s bestseller,
Hurix’s 600 Fluaway capsule
(MAL04125620TC), is traditionally
used for relief of flu.
It does not cause
drowsiness or
sluggishness upon
consumption.
Hurix’s 600 Fluaway
capsule won the best
over-the-counter
remedy for flu in
the Watsons Health,
Wellness and Beauty
Awards for seven
consecutive years
from 2010 to 2016.
Hurix’s Cool Inhaler
(MAL05092475TC) is
another best-selling product.
Gently inhale whenever necessary,
it helps ease nasal congestion and
colds.
Another bestseller is Hurix’s
Sirap Ubat Batuk Gamat & Madu
Plus (MAL05041895TC), which is
used for reducing phlegm and
relieving cough, sore throat,
hoarseness, body heatiness and
cold.
Another product for children,
Hurix’s Gamat & Madu Plus Syrup
for Children (MAL16090049TC) has
been produced by Jin Bin Group.
It is used to relieve cough, fever,
colds and body heatiness, and
reduce phlegm.
Gamat is one of the main
ingredients. It is used to treat
respiratory problems such as
cough and sore throats.
Unexpected turns in the
weather, polluted air and hazy
conditions can affect our health.
Hurix’s 600 Flucough
(MAL09032014TC) is traditionally
used to relieve colds, fever, cough
and sore throats, and reduce
phlegm and body heatiness. It is
produced with natural herbs using
modern technology and does not
cause drowsiness and sluggishness
after consumption.
In the process of cough syrup
production, fully automated
production lines are used to speed
up production, eliminate errors
and reduce the amount of human
contact, resulting in no
contamination of the finished
goods and to undercut production
costs.
The group has started to grow its
business beyond local shores to
new markets overseas such as
Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei,
Vietnam and Macau.
Jin Bin Group is committed to
manufacturing quality, healthy,
natural and value-for-money
medicines.
n Look out for the advertisement
in this StarSpecial.
This is a traditional product
advertisement.
KKLIU No.1495/2018
POLYCYSTIC ovary syndrome
(PCOS) is a common
gynaecological disorder that,
according to New Scientist,
affects one in five women
worldwide.
Symptoms include infrequent
menstrual cycles, hair loss,
excessive body hair, weight
gain, depression, acne and
hyperpigmentation.
Due to its myriad symptoms,
many often turn to Google for
answers. However, advice found
online may often lead to more
harm than good.
Here to separate fact from
fiction is Datuk Dr Zamri Abdul
Rahim, a consultant at Avisena
Specialist Hospital (formerly
known as DEMC Specialist
Hospital).
He weighs in on the common
misconceptions tied to the
syndrome.
Misconception 1: Only
overweight women have
PCOS
All patients, regardless of size,
are diagnosed according to the
Rotterdam criteria:
l Hyperandrogenism –
Excessive levels of male sex
hormones such as testosterone
l Ovulatory dysfunction –
Irregular menstrual cycle and not
ovulating
l Polycystic ovary – Excessive
follicles
If two of the above criteria are
found, diagnosis is made
accordingly.
Misconception 2: Weight loss
THE STAR, TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2018
Datuk Dr Zamri Abdul Rahim.
is the cure to PCOS
Excessive weight gain is
caused by high level of
testosterone from the ovaries,
resulting in a spike in insulin
levels.
Even though PCOS cannot be
cured, regular exercise and a
balanced diet can control the
symptoms.
Misconception 3: You
cannot get pregnant if you
have PCOS
While PCOS may lead to
infertility, those trying to conceive
can still seek treatment.
This includes birth control
pills to regulate your period,
inositol, lipid acid and
metformin.
According to Dr Zamri, it is
advisable to treat PCOS at an
early stage to decrease the risk
of developing metabolic
syndrome as you get older,
which could result in diabetes,
hypertension and cancer.