THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
YOUR HEALTH
Treating chronic constipation
CONSTIPATION is a benign and
common condition that can
significantly affect quality of life.
Almost everyone gets constipated at
some point in his or her life. Most of
the time, it lasts a short while and is
not serious.
Constipation is generally
described as having less than three
bowel movements a week. Doctors
diagnose constipation when
patients experience at least two of
the following symptoms during
more than 25% of defaecations:
straining, lumpy or hard stools,
feeling that not all the stool has
come out even after straining,
feeling as though there is a blockage
in the rectum that prevents bowel
movements, needing help to empty
the rectum, such as using one’s
finger to remove stool, and having
less than three bowel movements
per week.
A person can be said to have
chronic constipation if these
symptoms have persisted for more
than three months.
Because the process of passing
motion requires many parts of the
body to function in a coordinated
manner, problems with nerves,
muscles, hormones and the bowels
themselves can all give rise to
constipation.
The possible causes of chronic
constipation include blockage of the
bowels by colon or rectal cancer,
narrowing of the bowels (stricture),
Take care of your prostate
AS men age, their prostate glands
can become enlarged, obstructing
urine flow.
Dr Peter Ng Eng Pin, consultant
urologist at Subang Jaya Medical
Centre, says, “The enlargement of
the prostate gland is common,
occurring in about 20% of men
between the ages of 40 and 64 and
40% of men aged 65 and above.
“A survey done in Subang Jaya
among men above the age of 50
showed that many men may be
suffering from prostate disease, as
evidenced by the presence of lower
urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
among them.
“The International Prostate
Symptom Score was distributed
and results showed that only 15%
of those surveyed had normal
scores. The other 85% had some
LUTS, indicating a substantial
number of people who may have
prostate disease.”
To identify the possibility of
prostate disease or other issues, Dr
Ng classifies LUTS into two types –
painful and painless.
Painful LUTS Painless LUTS
• Urinary tract • Benign
infections prostatic
• Ureteric or hyperplasia
bladder stones • Prostate
• Prostate cancer
gland infection
Dr Ng cautions, “If painless LUTS
are experienced, it is usually an
pelvic floor disorders where the
pelvic floor muscles do not contract
and relax at the right times,
hormonal problems or even taking
certain medications.
With so many possible causes, it
is important to see a doctor who
can provide an individualised
approach to evaluation and
treatment.
Ignoring the problem can lead to
other complications over time, such
as haemorrhoids, anal fissures (tiny
tears in the skin around the anus
due to hard stools) or even
intestines that protrude from the
anus during straining (rectal
prolapse).
During evaluation, the doctor will
take a detailed history, examine the
patient and perform the necessary
tests. These may include:
l Blood tests – The aim is to look
for conditions such as diabetes or
hypothyroidism.
l Endoscopic examinations
such as colonoscopy – In this
procedure, the doctor uses a small,
flexible tube with a camera
attached at the end to inspect the
entire length of the colon and
rectum for any abnormalities or
tumours.
l Radiological investigations –
Colonic transit studies can tell how
long it takes for stool to pass
through the colon.
Dr Peter Ng Eng Pin.
indication of a prostate disease.
However, there is a possibility
that it could be cancer, as cancer
displays no symptoms most of
the time and growths can be
painless. Cancerous lumps grow
in the gland and are not usually
large enough to block the flow of
urine in earlier stages of the
disease.”
One of the most important
symptoms that can signify prostate
disease is nocturia, which is
waking up at night to urinate.
“If you wake up more than once
at night to urinate, you need to see
a urologist as it is not normal. It is
a sign that something might be
going on.”
Symptoms to look out for
include:
l Having to urinate constantly
Defaecography studies show
movement of contrast material
through the rectum while the
patient strains. MRI defaecography
can evaluate pelvic floor anatomy,
sphincter morphology and dynamic
motion without radiation.
l Anorectal manometry –
This test evaluates rectal sensation,
pressures generated in the
abdomen during straining, and
pressures in the anal sphincter. This
helps to diagnose problems such as
dyssynergic defaecation and pelvic
floor dysfunction. Manometry can
also track patients’ response to
biofeedback therapy.
Once the cause is found,
constipation can be treated
accordingly. Once malignant causes
such as colorectal cancer have been
ruled out, treatment can start with
simple measures such as diet and
lifestyle modifications.
Patients should try to defaecate
after meals, especially after the
morning meal when colonic motor
activity is naturally at its highest.
Suppressing the urge repeatedly
can lead to a diminished urge over
time.
Increasing physical activity will
help to increase muscle activity in
the intestines as well. Even brisk
walking several times a day may
help improve constipation.
The recommended daily fibre
l Waking up at night to urinate
l Difficulty controlling your
bladder
l Low urine pressure and slow
flow
l Intermittent urine stream
Get yourself checked
Dr Ng urges all men above the
age of 50 to undergo prostate
examinations as it is rare for
prostate cancer to occur in younger
men. Besides that, a prostate-
specific antigen (PSA) test should
be performed to detect cancer.
“Prostate cancer is generally an
old man’s disease. If it occurs in
someone below the age of 50, it
will be more aggressive. However,
the likelihood of someone below
the age of 50 getting prostate
cancer is rare in Malaysia. The
highest incidence of prostate
cancer globally is in Caucasian-
majority countries.”
He also mentions that according
to the US Preventive Services Task
Force guidelines, men above 75
years old are discouraged from
undergoing the PSA test. “Because
it is a slow disease, the mortality
rate from prostate cancer for this
age group is low.”
The average lifespan for a
Malaysian male is 76 years, and
prostate cancer advances so slowly
that it will only become life-
threatening if a man is expected to
live for another 10 to 15 years.
Dr Ng stresses the importance
intake is 20g to 35g, which can be
achieved by eating more fruits,
vegetables, wholegrain cereals and
bran. Drinking six to eight glasses
of water a day will prevent the
stools from becoming hard.
In some patients, laxatives may
be suitable as the next step of
treatment. Different types of
laxatives act differently.
Bulk-forming laxatives such as
psyllium absorb water and
increase faecal mass. Osmotic
laxatives increase intestinal water
secretion and are not suitable for
patients with kidney or heart
conditions. Stimulant laxatives
increase intestinal motor activity
and alter electrolyte transport.
In patients with constipation due
to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction,
biofeedback therapy is the first-line
of having older men undergo
prostate examinations and
follow-ups because a one-time
examination is not sufficient to
provide an accurate diagnosis.
“Even if your PSA level is on the
lower side, it does not mean that
you do not have prostate cancer.
Therefore, prostate examinations
must be done with PSA tests.
“In Malaysia, if your PSA level is
above 4.0, a biopsy may be
performed regardless of
whether there is a lump, but
Regain control of your life
According to Dr Peter Ng
Eng Pin, consultant urologist
at Subang Jaya Medical Centre,
it is best to see a urologist
should you experience
symptoms of prostate disease.
“The most important thing
is to ask men if they wake up
at night to urinate. If they
wake up more than once to
do so, they may have a
problem.”
While symptoms of
prostate disease may be
painless, it can lower your
quality of life. Fortunately,
there are ways to treat or ease
those symptoms, as detailed
below.
l Avoidance of bladder
stimulants such as water,
Constipation is
generally described
as having less
than three bowel
movements a
week.
Dr Law Chee Wei
treatment and is more effective
than laxatives.
Biofeedback is a behavioural
approach to correct dyssynergic
contraction of the pelvic floor
muscles and external anal
sphincter during defaecation. The
patient works with a therapist who
uses devices to help him learn to
relax and tighten muscles in the
pelvic floor at the right times.
Constipation is a common
problem that should not be ignored
as it may have a serious underlying
cause such as cancer. A detailed
evaluation is important to diagnose
the cause. Many treatment options
are available and should be
tailored to the individual cause.
– By Dr Law Chee Wei, consultant
colorectal and general surgeon
at ParkCity Medical Centre
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
this will be determined by the
urologist. However, all lumps
that are discovered through a
digital rectal examination
should be biopsied.
“That said, even a negative
biopsy does not mean that you
don’t have cancer. Follow-ups
are still needed to determine if
lumps are concealed within an
enlarged prostate.”
n For more information, call
03-5639 1212.
coffee and tea.
l Five-alpha-reductase
inhibitor drug, which is aimed
at shrinking the prostate
gland.
l Alpha blocker drug to
relax the prostate gland.
l A transurethral resection
of the prostate gland (TURP) to
create a wide channel through
the gland to re-establish good
flow.
l A laser prostatectomy is a
good alternative to a TURP as
it is safer and less likely to
cause bleeding.
l Stent procedure in the
gland to facilitate urine flow
in very sick patients who are
probably too ill to even get
out of bed.
2 Your Health THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018

Get a grip on lower back pain

LIVING in a fast-paced environment such as
today’s where people tend to juggle multiple
roles presents its share of excitement, but
can also be stressful.
Working professionals with desk-bound
Watch out for these signs if you’re
jobs tend to forget the importance of keeping
health a priority. There are times when they
neglect seemingly non-serious issues such as
suffering from lower back pain
a cough, a cold and aches and pains.
Thus, one should be cautious and not
overlook crucial signs and symptoms of It could be more serious than you think!
health problems.
According to a 2012 article titled Pain in
the back published in The Star, lower back
pain has become one of the most common
health complaints in Malaysia, second only
to the common cold.
The article states that in Malaysia, about
80% of the population experience at least
one episode of lower back pain at some kg
point in their lives. Of these cases, about
23% evolve into a long-term issue.
For many years, this condition has been
recognised as one of the most talked-about Unexplained Chronic lower Pain bad enough Weakness Severe pain
causes of work disability and, subsequently,
weight loss back pain to wake you in your legs in your abdomen
sick leave.
Back pain can be caused by several body + from sleep
parts such as spinal joints, muscles, spinal Sustained
discs and nerves, which all work together to fever and chills
facilitate movement.
While most of us may be able to tolerate back pain and decrease muscle and nerve for up to three months and can cost patients Do not let a back-related issue ruin your
lower back pain, it can become chronic and stiffness. up to RM5,000 per session. dreams. Securing an insurance plan while
affect your daily routine. Take note of signs Though lower back pain usually resolves Prudential Malaysia understands that such you are still relatively young and healthy is a
that may be factors of back pain as it could itself, it can often be a symptom of predicaments require extensive financial wise move.
be more serious than you think. conditions such as cancer, infection and protection. Whatever your needs, Prudential
severe spinal nerve compression. Malaysia has the right medical solution for Check with your doctor or healthcare
Before it turns chronic If your back pain is a symptom of a more
serious condition, invasive procedures
you with PRUmy medical plus.
Under PRUmy medical plus, extensive
professional before pursuing any medical
treatment. The information provided in this
There are three common types of lower involving the spine and neck may be coverage for back pain treatments is article is not a substitute for professional
back pain, which are mostly caused by nerve necessary. These include treatments such as available to provide you with peace of mind. medical advice.
problems or strained muscles. facet joint injection procedures (using PRUmy medical plus allows patients to
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Axial lower back pain

Common • Most common type of back pain
• Pain in a fixed location
types of •
•
Can be sharp or dull pain
Can be severe enough to limit movement
Pinched nerves
(sciatica)
Narrowing of
nerve openings
Overuse or
stretching of muscles

lower Caused by a herniated Can cause back and leg

pain, reducing your Could also be
• Can be worse with activity or changes in position or slipped disc
walking distance strain or injury

back pain Lumbar radiculopathy

Main causes of
• Second most common type of back pain
• Caused by compressed roots of the sciatic nerve
(sciatica)
• Can be more severe in the leg than the lower back lower back pain
• Pain that shifts around
• Can be a deep, steady pain
Lumbar spinal
Back arthritis stenosis
Lower back pain with referred pain that affects Caused by narrowing Osteoporosis Stress
• Back pain that occurs alongside pain in the groin, joints within the spinal
column
upper thigh and leg, but rarely below the knee
• Can be dull and achy
• Severity of pain varies
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018 3
4 Your Health
OSTEOARTHRITIS is the most
common joint disorder in countries
with ageing populations. Common
arthritis symptoms include swelling,
pain, stiffness and decreased range
of motion.
Severe arthritis can result in
chronic pain, inability to do daily
activities and difficulty walking or
climbing stairs.
The most common types of
arthritis are:
l Degenerative arthritis – Also
known as osteoarthritis, it is the
most common type of arthritis. It
causes pain and loss of movement
due to deterioration of cartilage
covering the ends of bones in the
joints.
When cartilage wears away, bone
rubs against bone, causing pain,
swelling and stiffness. Over time,
joints can lose strength and pain
may become chronic.
Risk factors include excess
weight, family history, age and
previous injury (an anterior
cruciate ligament tear, for example).
l Inflammatory arthritis – An
immune system that has gone awry
may mistakenly attack the joints
with uncontrolled inflammation,
potentially causing joint erosion and
damaging internal organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis and
psoriatic arthritis are examples of
inflammatory arthritis. Researchers
believe that a combination of
genetics and environmental factors
can trigger autoimmunity. For
example, smoking can trigger
rheumatoid arthritis in people with
certain genes.
Collagen for healthy joints
Collagen can help prevent cartilage degeneration.
As with most processes in the
body, the production of collagen
slows down as we age. When this
happens, our skin becomes less
supple and more fragile. You may
also notice that your hair begins
to lose its colour and your joints
are not as flexible.
There are at least 16 types of
collagen within the human body,
with types 1 and 2 making up
around 85% to 90% of it.
Collagen type 1 is the most
abundant and strongest, helping
to form bones and support the
gastrointestinal tract. It is
important for healing and gives
skin its supple quality and
integrity. Collagen type 2 is found
primarily in cartilage in connective
tissues to support joint health.
One of the cheapest and easiest
ways to boost collagen in your
joints is to make your own bone
broth using animal bones and
crustacean or egg shells, which
are some of the best sources of
glucosamine, chondroitin, various
amino acids and hyaluronic acid
– which acts as a joint cushion
and lubricant.
An alternative to bone broth is
a supplement called undenatured
type II collagen (UC-II), which is
derived from chicken sternum. A
solid body of research reveals
that it can rebuild cartilage,
relieve arthritic pain, improve
mobility and extension, and
enhance quality of life.
Stop inflammation and
repair joints
UC-II is a patented form of
collagen for joint health support.
A small amount (40mg) daily is
proven to work by inducing oral
tolerance, which prevents the
immune system from damaging
its own cartilage, ultimately
stopping inflammatory damage,
repairing joint cartilage and
improving joint functions.
UC-II works to modulate the
body’s abnormal immune
responses that cause
inflammation and damage to
joint tissues and cartilage.
Results from a 2017 study
titled Oral administration of
undenatured native chicken type
II collagen (UC-II) diminished
deterioration of articular cartilage
in a rat model of osteoarthritis
Men get it too
IT is known that women in their
late 40s or early 50s undergo
menopause: a condition where
menstruation ceases and
oestrogen levels decrease.
However, a lesser-known
occurrence occurs in ageing men
– andropause.
Andropause does not present
clear signs as it happens
gradually, in tandem with one’s
declining testosterone level.
Andropause occurs in men
between 40 and 60 years old.
Testosterone is a hormone
produced in the testes. It helps
the male reproductive organs
develop, encourages growth of
body hair and is a factor behind
male pattern baldness. It is also
necessary for inciting sexual
desire, erection and ejaculation
in men.
Identify the symptoms
Men going through
andropause may experience
more or fewer symptoms than
women going through
menopause or none at all.
Nevertheless, they should seek
medical help if they encounter
the symptoms detailed below.
l Erectile dysfunction
l Low sex drive
l Mood changes such as
feeling tired, irritated, depressed
and angry
l Difficulty sleeping
l Decrease in body hair
l Loss of muscle size and
strength
l Increased body fat
l Memory loss
l Osteoporosis
l Difficulty concentrating
Replacing what was lost
There are several ways to
manage andropause, one of
which is hormone replacement
therapy (HRT).
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
(OA) published in Osteoarthritis
and Cartilage indicate that a UC-II
ingredient supplied by Lonza from
Basel, Switzerland, helps to
attenuate symptoms associated
with osteoarthritis, including joint
pain and diminished joint mobility.
Another study, titled Efficacy and
tolerability of an undenatured type
II collagen supplement in
modulating knee osteoarthritis
symptoms: a multicenter
randomized, double-blind, placebo-
controlled study and published in
Nutrition Journal in 2016, finds
that UC-II is more effective in
improving symptoms of
osteoarthritis than a placebo or
glucosamine hydrochloride plus
chondroitin sulphate.
Taken once a day, UC-II works
faster and better than the
conventional glucosamine and
chondroitin in reducing joint pain
as well as improving joint health,
flexibility and mobility.
It is derived from a natural
source – chicken sternum cartilage.
As it does not contain shellfish, it is
safe for those allergic to seafood. It
is also suitable for diabetics.
This information is brought to
you by an in-house pharmacist at
Cambert (M) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
1300 881 712.
HRT is aimed at relieving
andropause symptoms by
improving depleted testosterone
levels. Once started, it should be
maintained for life. HRT can be
administered through:
l Oral tablets
l Injections
l Long-acting, slow-release
pellets
l Patches
l Gels
Like any other treatment,
patients may experience side
effects. The Health Ministry
discourages men who have
breast or prostate cancer from
undergoing HRT as testosterone
can worsen their condition.
Some side effects of HRT
include:
l Swelling in the legs
l Exacerbation of high blood
pressure
l Liver problems
l Fertility problems because
sperm production is shut down
l Sleep apnoea (breathing
irregularities when sleeping)
l Increase in breast size
l Increase in red blood cell
count
l Increase in prostate size
If you experience symptoms of
andropause, it is recommended
that you seek advice and be
assessed by healthcare
professionals.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
HOW do you know if you have diabetes or
are at risk of getting it? You can do a simple
pre-screening by answering two questions.
Have you experienced any of the following
symptoms?
l Tiredness or lethargy
l Weight loss
l Frequent passage of large volumes of
urine
l Extreme thirst
l Excessive hunger or increased appetite
Are you overweight or obese and have one
or more of the following risk factors for
diabetes?
l An immediate family member with
diabetes
l History of cardiovascular disease
l High blood pressure
l High-density lipoprotein level below
0.9mmol/L or triglyceride level above
2.8mmol/L
l Physical inactivity
l For women, having delivered a baby
weighing 4kg or more or been diagnosed
with gestational diabetes mellitus
If you answered yes, it is best to undergo
diabetes screening. Diabetes screening
should begin as early as at 30 years old and
be repeated yearly if the test results are
normal.
You may test your blood glucose using a
glucometer or undergo a haemoglobin A1c
(HbA1c) test at your nearest pharmacy, clinic
or laboratory.
Blood glucose test
Sugar in the body is stored as glucose. A
blood glucose test can test fasting blood
glucose or random blood glucose. If you are
planning to do a fasting blood glucose test,
eight hours of fasting is required.
For a non-diabetic, a normal fasting blood
glucose level should range between
4.0mmol/L and 5.9mmol/L or be under
7.8mmol/L two hours after eating.
It is important to note that the blood
glucose target for a diabetes patient should
Test your blood glucose level
Monitoring your blood glucose regularly with a glucometer can help you better manage diabetes.
be individualised and discussed with one’s
healthcare provider.
What is HbA1c?
Found in red blood cells, haemoglobin
is a protein that carries oxygen throughout
the body. Glucose builds up in our body
and binds to the haemoglobin in our red
blood cells.
An HbA1c test measures how much
glucose is bound. As the shelf life of red
blood cells is about three months, an
HbA1c test determines your average level
of blood sugar over the past three months.
HbA1c results can be reported in mmol
(A1c)/mol (Hb) and National
Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program
(NGSP-A1c) units (%).
A normal HbA1c test result should be
less than 5.6% (38mmol/mol). Individuals
with results between 5.6% and 6.2%
(38mmol/mol to 44mmol/mol) are considered
to have pre-diabetes. Those with results
equal to or higher than 6.3% (45mmol/mol)
are considered to have diabetes.
Understanding the differences
What you eat determines how quickly
your blood glucose level changes after
eating. To get the most accurate results, it is
Your Health 5
For a non-diabetic,
a normal fasting blood
glucose level should range
between 4.0mmol/L and
5.9mmol/L or be under
7.8mmol/L two hours
after eating.
advisable to do a blood glucose test after an
overnight fast.
Blood glucose test is useful especially for
diabetics who are using insulin injections.
With frequent blood glucose monitoring,
doctors can advise adjustment of the insulin
dose wisely.
Unlike blood glucose tests, an HbA1c test
is not affected by the meal taken. You can
do an HbA1c test anytime.
HbA1c tests provide an overall picture
of a person’s blood glucose levels over a
period of months. They allow doctors to
check if diabetes patients are compliant
with their medications. Both tests
complement each other to provide better
diabetes management.
Apex Pharmacy Marketing Sdn Bhd is
offering a series of AvoMeter products and
the Aveo HbA1c Analyzer.
The AvoMeter series is available at
leading pharmacies and clinics in Malaysia.
The Aveo HbA1c Analyzer is only for
healthcare professional use. You may visit
your nearest pharmacy or clinic for the
HbA1c test.
n For more information, call 03-5629 3688
or visit apexpharmacy.com
6 Your Health
Help for people with allergic rhinitis
WHAT most Malaysians
recognise as “sinus” is a long-
term allergic condition known
as allergic rhinitis.
A 2007 study titled The
burden of allergic rhinitis
published in Allergy and
Asthma Proceedings reported
that children suffering from
allergic rhinitis experience
disturbances in their sleep,
learning performance,
behaviour and attention.
Managing allergic rhinitis
can be expensive in the
long run as patients may
incur additional costs
for the treatment of
diseases related to
the condition
such as
respiratory
infections
and asthma.
This condition is a chronic
affliction caused by the immune
system’s tendency towards allergic,
inflammatory responses every
time it encounters cold conditions
or allergens such as dust, pollen
and pet dander, which are
normally not problematic for the
average person.
The most common medicines
used to manage an itchy,
runny and blocked nose are
antihistamines, decongestants
and steroidal nasal sprays.
Antihistamines work by
inhibiting histamines, which give
rise to itchy, irritating allergy
symptoms. Steroidal nasal sprays,
on the other hand, inhibit the
immune system from causing
allergy symptoms in the nose.
While these medicines help
inhibit symptoms, they are not able
to influence the nature of a
hypersensitive immune system.
Lectranal is a natural, activated
astragalus root extract that was
formulated by scientists at the
Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb,
Croatia.
Using the latest gene research
technology, scientists were able to
establish that Lectranal works by
modulating a hypersensitive
immune system back to normal
functionality.
Lectranal helps the immune
system differentiate between
harmful and harmless substances
present in the environment and
prevents it from being easily
provoked into a hypersensitive
state.
The recommended dose is two
capsules of Lectranal twice a day
for the first month and one capsule
twice a day thereafter.
Dr Silva Pecanic, one of the
lead researchers of a 2009 study
titled Efficacy and safety of
Astragalus membranaceus in the
treatment of patients with seasonal
The new gold rush
WESTERN Australia is
experiencing a gold rush that
has nothing to do with the
precious metal. It is liquid gold –
honey sourced from the state’s
jarrah and other forests, which
is antimicrobial and has health-
giving properties.
ChemCentre, Western
Australia’s government
laboratory, has found that
honey sourced from these
forests is high in antioxidants,
has anti-inflammatory
properties and can promote
gut health.
Red gum marri (Corymbia
calophylla) is a bloodwood tree
native to Western Australia’s
south-west region. Red gum
honey is a darker, premium
variety of honey that has a thick
consistency, bold taste and
distinctive aroma.
Opceden Red Gum
Honeycomb is a product that is
untouched by human hands due
to the nature of the hives it is
harvested from. The harvesting
process is conducted in a clean
environment that is free of
chemicals or pesticides.
There are indications that
some Australian floral tree
species may yield honey with
valuable dietary attributes such
as low glycaemic indices and
prebiotic properties (Conway et
al, 2010), and therapeutic
attributes such as antifungal
and antibacterial properties
(Carter et al, 2010).
Some other benefits of
Opceden Red Gum Honeycomb
are:
l High antimicrobial quality
(TA30+)
l Promotes wound healing
l Is an effective oral cleaner
and disinfectant (cleans gums
Opceden Red Gum Honeycomb
can help to prevent colds.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
allergic rhinitis published in
Phytotherapy Research, explains,
“A hypersensitive immune system
tends to produce great quantities
of the allergy-inciting
immunoglobulin called IgE.
“A higher dose of Lectranal
is required in the beginning to
balance out this tendency and
propel the body towards normal
response as well as influence it
to produce more of the
immunoglobulin IgG instead.
Patients should be aware that
the benefits will not be
immediately apparent as the action
of modulating the immune system
will take time.
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
Opceden Red Gum Honey can be
used to soothe mouth ulcers and
sore throats.
and teeth and removes plaque)
l Can prevent colds
l Supports the immune
system
l Promotes healthy glucose
metabolism
l Repairs damaged skin cells
For daily consumption, roll
one or two teaspoons of
Opceden Red Gum Honeycomb
around in your mouth for five
minutes, then chew it and the
leftover wax. Alternatively, mix
the honeycomb with dessert,
plain yoghurt or tea as a sugar
substitute.
Opceden Red Gum Honey,
on the other hand, can be used
to soothe mouth ulcers and sore
throats.
To use, roll a teaspoon of it
around in your mouth for as
long as possible (for mouth
ulcers) or swallow (for sore
throats). The honey can also
help fight bacteria that cause
ulcers and bad breath.
Besides that, it can be applied
directly to wounds to aid healing
and is useful in relieving the
pain from burns.
Both jarrah and red gum
honey can be mixed with
warm water and consumed
after meals.
n For more information,
call Asia Healthcare at
03-6156 2836/2936.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
BASED on the National Health
and Morbidity Survey 2015
conducted by the Health
Ministry, the prevalence of
mental health issues among
adults aged 16 and above is
29.2%, or 4.2 million
Malaysians. Out of this number,
almost half are men.
Although the statistics show
that mental illness does not
discriminate, there exists a
gender bias and stereotype
when it comes to providing
males with mental health
diagnosis and treatment.
According to a World Health
Organization (WHO) article
titled Gender and women’s
mental health, even if men
presented similar scores as
women in standardised tests to
determine depression or
showcased similar symptoms,
they were less likely to be
diagnosed.
The article states, “Gender
stereotypes regarding proneness
to emotional problems in
women and alcohol problems in
men appear to reinforce social
stigma and constrain help
seeking along stereotypical
lines. They are a barrier to the
accurate identification and
treatment of psychological
disorder.”
The data suggest the need to
address the global issue of
mental health among men, a
problem that surpasses the
mere availability of treatment
options to include sociological
aspects and general perceptions.
The crisis gap
In More Than Movember: The
Critical State of Men’s Mental
Health, a Forbes article
published earlier this month,
author Nick Bennett notes that
there is a global male mental
health crisis gap. This crisis gap
is defined by the high number
of males not talking about their
problems and the limited
number of professionals
available to address the issue.
He writes, “WHO estimates
that 800,000 people take their
own lives every year. Suicide
occurs throughout the lifespan
and is the second leading cause
of death among 15- to 29-year-
olds globally. And, of those
committing suicide in the
Western world, 75% are male.
“This enormous disparity
between males and females is
starkly highlighted when you
look at the surrounding factors.
Forty per cent of men in crisis
admit that they won’t talk to
anyone, citing reasons of
embarrassment, not wanting to
be a burden, or because they
feel like they have no one to
turn to.”
These reasons are propagated
by societal expectations of how
men should feel, act and
behave, deterring them from
seeking help. The common call
for males to “man up” – an
expression that in itself implies
bravery to be a natural trait of
males – is an attitude that also
permeates mental health
services, indirectly shaping the
amount of help men receive for
mental issues.
Zac Seidler, a psychologist
and researcher at the University
of Sydney, delves into this issue
of masculinity in an article titled
Why we need to stop telling men
to “man up” published on news.
com.au, an Australian news
portal.
He says, “The (mental
healthcare) system is still
stuck in the idea of traditional
masculinity and seeing men as
Your Health 7
Courage to speak out
one-dimensional beings, rather
than being diverse and complex
and sensitive.
“Men are more likely to seek
help than ever before but it
seems the system is not really
ready for them. There’s still this
archaic view that men don’t
show up, and when they do the
system isn’t ready for them.”
Seidler reveals that, as a
result, men have bad
experiences with and drop out
of counselling before they get
better. His research has found
that after overcoming barriers
to accessing care, about one in
four men prematurely drop out
of treatment.
According to him, counsellors
should reshape the way they
respond to men who seek help
and leverage it to their
advantage.
“The idea of manning up
should move away from silence The support of loved ones is crucial to the recovery of people struggling with mental health.
to bravery conceptualised as
talking up – it means getting out
and being open and honest and
finding the right people to help
you towards being a better
man,” he says.
However, before there can be
any effort to close this crisis gap,
society first needs to recognise
when people are living with a
mental disorder.
The healing initiative
To start helping men who
struggle with mental health
issues, it is crucial to identify the
signs early, before the illness
surfaces fully.
It is especially important to
notice signs of bipolar disorder
or schizophrenia at an early
stage, so as to provide the
person with adequate treatment
before the condition disrupts his
ability to carry out daily
activities or jeopardises his life.
According to an article titled
Looking for the light published
in The Star in July, between 2012
and 2016, an average of 56
deaths in Malaysia annually
were due to “intentional self-
harm”. Men are reported to
outnumber women in these
cases by three times.
In the article, Malaysian
Mental Health Association
president Datuk Dr Andrew
Mohanraj expressed his belief
that many people remain
undiagnosed because they do
not recognise symptoms of
mental illness in themselves.
He added, “Others may be
familiar with the symptoms but
are in denial. Meanwhile, some
may be afraid to seek help
because of the stigma and
discrimination associated with
mental illness.”
Dr Andrew, who is also a
Mental Health Promotion
Advisory Council member,
described some symptoms of
a person struggling with mental
illness.
“In most cases, friends, family
or the individual concerned
will begin to realise that
something is not normal about
the individual’s thoughts,
behaviour or feelings. Being
withdrawn from friends and
family should be of concern.
“In many cases, what draws
the most attention may be a
significant drop in functioning,
be it at school, work or socially,”
he said.
> TURN TO PAGE 9
8 Your Health
For improved blood circulation
DO you experience cold hands and
feet after sitting in the office all day
long? This happens often to
women, especially desk-bound
executives or those leading
sedentary lifestyles.
Cold hands and feet are related
to blood circulation and a molecule
known as nitric oxide (NO).
In 1998, Dr Louis Ignarro won a
Nobel Prize in Physiology or
Medicine for discovering the role of
NO – a key messenger molecule
involved in protein production,
wound healing, erectile function
and fertility – in the cardiovascular
system.
L-arginine and L-citrulline are
amino acids. L-arginine is involved
in the production of NO while
L-citrulline plays a role in NO
metabolism and regulation.
L-citrulline is converted to
L-arginine in the body to maintain
L-arginine and NO levels. The
L-arginine level in the body
influences the production of NO.
Hence, a combination of L-arginine
and L-citrulline can be beneficial to
increase NO levels in the body.
The single layer of cells that lines
the interior of blood vessels (also
known as endothelium) uses NO to
signal relaxation of surrounding
smooth muscles. This results in the
dilatation of blood vessels and,
subsequently, increased blood flow.
As such, an appropriate NO level
in the body can lead to proper
vasodilation, improving circulation
and benefiting those who suffer
from poor blood circulation such as
diabetes patients, overweight
individuals and those who lead
sedentary lifestyles.
If you fall under one or more of
the aforementioned categories,
these are some signs and
symptoms that you may already be
experiencing because of poor blood
circulation.
l Cold hands and feet – Blood
flows to keep the body temperature
at a healthy, comfortable level. If
blood circulation is poor, it causes
chilly sensations in areas with a lot
of nerve endings such as the hands
and feet.
l Tingling and numbness in
the hands and feet – It is common
to experience tingling and
numbness when our limbs are
inactive for too long, but those with
poor circulation will experience
these sensations more frequently,
with symptoms usually lasting a
few minutes.
l Slow healing of wounds
among diabetes patients – Good
circulation that brings about a good
flow of nutrients and oxygen plays
an important role in the healing of
wounds. Diabetes patients usually
have poorer circulation, leading to
delayed wound healing.
l Erectile dysfunction – Men
with poor circulation may
experience insufficient blood flow
to the reproductive organs.
The increase of NO production
may not only improve blood
circulation and vascular health but
assist in promoting collagen
synthesis and wound healing as
well.
This article is brought to you by
Medispec (M) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
1300 800 228 or e-mail enquiry@
medispec.com.my
Poor circulation can lead to cold hands and feet, which can be uncomfortable
and signify deeper problems.
Causes of depression
FINDING the reason behind poor
mental health is like exploring
the Mariana Trench. Much of it
remains a mystery, and most
people who struggle with mental
illness experience a combination
of triggers that contribute to
mental health issues. It is thus
unfair to pinpoint a single factor
as the cause of depression.
An article titled What causes
depression? by Harvard Medical
School explores how a person’s
mental health can be shaped by
several determinants.
l Brain region that affects
mood – Nerve cell connections,
nerve cell growth and the
functioning of nerve circuits are
believed to have a major impact
on depression.
l Genetic effects on mood –
Depression is known to run in
families. As genes turn on and
off through life, certain genes
can make a person more
vulnerable to depression.
l Temperament – Genetic
inheritance and previous
experiences can shape a person’s
reaction to real-time events. A
person’s viewpoint or
assumptions of the world
can determine his choices
when dealing with loss,
disappointment or rejection.
l Stressful life events –
Stress can have harmful effects
on the body, and genetic makeup
determines how sensitive a
person is to stressful events in
life. Therefore, genetics, biology
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
and stressful life situations can
come together to increase the
risk of depression.
l Early loss and trauma –
Traumatic physical and
emotional events may leave
certain individuals more
vulnerable to depression.
l Medical problems –
Certain medical conditions such
as hormonal imbalance can
trigger depression. Individuals
who have chronic illnesses are
also more likely to develop
mood disorders because of their
plight.
l Medication – Certain
medication for other illnesses
can have a side effect on moods
or cause depression.
The articles state, “Chemicals
are involved in this process, but
it is not a simple matter of one
chemical being too low and
another too high.
“Rather, many chemicals are
involved, working both inside
and outside nerve cells. There
are millions, even billions, of
chemical reactions that make up
the dynamic system that is
responsible for your mood,
perceptions, and how you
experience life.
“With this level of complexity,
you can see how two people
might have similar symptoms of
depression, but the problem on
the inside, and therefore what
treatments will work best, may
be entirely different.”
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
Many men do not seek help because of societal expectations for them to be brave and strong.
Emerging from the dark
> FROM PAGE 7
The responsibility of treating mental
health problems does not rest solely on the
person living with the condition. Mental
illness is an issue that the government and
society must band together to eradicate.
While there are general symptoms of
poor mental health in both genders, there
are certain symptoms that are more
specific to men such as physical pain,
angry outbursts and reckless behaviour.
Families and loved ones who recognise
these issues should step up to provide care
and support while encouraging the afflicted
person to seek help.
Those affected can also recognise the
symptoms themselves, such as feeling
hopeless, losing interest in friendships
and family relationships, a decline in
work productivity, an increase in unhealthy
habits and difficulty controlling negative
thoughts.
Assembling helping hands
While it is important for people to step
forward for psychiatric help, it is equally
important for people to receive appropriate
help.
Compared to developed countries,
Malaysia is behind in the race to improve
national mental health, including the
provision of adequate training and
treatment.
In August, a Southeast Asia Globe report
titled The whole mental healthcare system in
Malaysia seems to be behind the times claims
there is a shortage of mental healthcare
workforce, particularly clinical psychologists,
in Malaysia.
“In many cases, clinical psychologists help
treatments stick – but there were only 14
clinical psychologists employed in Malaysian
government healthcare facilities as of
Your Health 9
Those affected can also
recognise the symptoms
themselves, such as feeling
hopeless, losing interest
in friendships and family
relationships, a decline
in work productivity, an
increase in unhealthy
habits and difficulty
controlling negative
thoughts.
January 2017, compared with 114
psychiatrists. In contrast, there were 188
counsellors, who deal with less severe
emotional distress compared with clinical
psychologists within a non-psychiatric
setting,” says the report.
The report indicates that while there
are systems in place by the Government
and non-governmental organisations,
much has to be improved in providing
adequate support.
People living with mental illness can
seek help at public and private hospitals or
organisations such as the Malaysian
Mental Health Organisation and the
Befrienders suicide hotline. However, this
is not enough.
Only when society at large rethinks and
works toward destroying the stigma
surrounding mental health among males
will we begin to see more fervent efforts in
establishing a comprehensive and
inclusive mental health support structure.
10 Your Health
Your gut’s friendly little helper
IF you experience diarrhoea, stomach
bloating, flatulence or even constipation, you
may be suffering from an imbalance of
intestinal bacteria.
These symptoms are often seen in people
leading unhealthy lifestyles, which include
smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, an
unbalanced diet, long-term stress and
anxiety, and going to bed late.
An enormous number of microorganisms
and bacteria reside in our gastrointestinal
tract. Probiotics are live bacteria that are
often called “good” or friendly bacteria
because they benefit the digestive system.
They are thought to help restore the
natural balance of bacteria in one’s gut
(including stomach and intestines) as they
decrease the number of “bad” bacteria in the
gut, especially when it has been disrupted by
an illness or treatment.
A healthy gut is crucial in having a normal
bowel movement. Some food and dietary
supplements contain probiotics like the ones
that exist naturally in the gut.
Probiotic species such as L. acidophilus
NCFM, L. bulgaricus, L. casei, L. rhamnosus,
B. bifidum, B. infantis and B. longum are
well-researched probiotics that provide
several health benefits to humans when
consumed, such as restoring intestinal
microflora balance and improving digestion.
If you have a sensitive stomach, also
known as irritable bowel syndrome, the
Lactobacillus plantarum (LP299V) probiotic
strain is suitable for you.
Clinical studies such as a 2012 study
titled Clinical trial: Lactobacillus plantarum
299v (DMS 9843) improves symptoms of
irritable bowel syndrome published in World
Journal of Gastroenterology show that
Lactobacillus plantarum (LP299V) helps
sensitive stomachs as it reduces the growth
of bad bacteria and supports and strengthen
intestinal cells.
Depending on the strains, probiotics offer benefits to various parts of your body.
Twenty years of Swedish research has
been carried out on Lactobacillus plantarum
(LP299V), with 60 published scientific papers
to support it.
Health benefits of other probiotics
A healthy gut correlates with a healthy
immune system. Probiotics in the body
play a vital role in preventing attacks of
pathogens, reducing inflammation,
improving resistance to allergies and
producing vitamins.
The benefits of probiotics go beyond
maintaining a healthy gut. Scientists have
discovered specific probiotics that are
useful in improving other aspects such as
oral and urogenital health.
For oral health, Streptococcus salivaris
K12 is the first probiotic strain targeted at
oral and throat infections.
Understanding
colorectal cancer
“ONLY men can get it”, “I’m too young to
get it” – these are among the common
misconceptions regarding colorectal cancer
that could not be further from the truth,
which is that colorectal cancer is one of the
most common forms of cancer affecting
males and females in Malaysia.
A global issue
When asked why this form of cancer is
prevalent among Malaysians, Dr Ragu
Ramasamy (pic), consultant general and
colorectal surgeon at Avisena Specialist
Hospital, shares that it is difficult to pinpoint
a cause, but diet and lifestyle are
contributing factors.
“Lifestyle-related factors such as high
intake of red meat and excessive smoking
and drinking have been linked to colorectal
cancer,” Dr Ragu shares, adding that these
factors are causing a global increase in
colorectal cancer cases.
Early detection saves lives
While diet and lifestyle are risk factors
that you can change, there are irreversible
factors that you should be cautious about.
“Male or female, everyone above 50 years
old falls under the average-risk category.
Those who have a family history of
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
A healthy gut correlates
with a healthy immune
system. Probiotics in
the body play a vital role
in preventing attacks
of pathogens, reducing
inflammation, improving
resistance to allergies and
producing vitamins.
This probiotic strain is clinically proven to
improve halitosis (bad breath) and reduce
episodes of sore throat and ear infection by
producing antimicrobial substances and
competing with harmful bacteria for
nutrients.
For improving women’s urogenital health
from the inside, Lactobacillus rhamnosus
GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 are
well-researched probiotic strains that can
help prevent urogenital problems such
bacterial vaginosis, yeast vaginitis and
urinary tract infection.
These infections are commonly treated
with antibiotics. The two probiotic strains
help to reduce the reoccurrence of these
problems, thus reducing the risk of
antibiotic resistance.
Not the same
Different strains of bacteria have different
effects. For example, the Streptococcus
salivaris K12 probiotic strain that may fight
against cavity-causing organisms in our
mouth does not need to survive through our
gut. Thus, it is good to understand your needs
and find the right strain of probiotic products.
Read the storage instructions of your
probiotics to ensure that the product’s quality
is preserved throughout its shelf life.
This article is brought to you by BiO-LiFE
Marketing Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 03-7499 7999
or e-mail health@biolife.com.my
colorectal cancer fall under the moderate- to
high-risk categories.
“I cannot emphasise enough the
importance of scheduling screenings. Many
people wait for symptoms to appear before
they get checked, but even the earliest
symptom never appears early enough.
Abdominal pain, bloody stools and excessive
weight are presenting symptoms of
colorectal cancer,” warns Dr Ragu.
There are two types of screenings that you
can undergo – an immunochemical faecal
occult blood test (for those above 50 years
old), which identifies bloody stools, and
colonoscopy (for patients who fall under the
high-risk category).
KKLIU No.2636/2018
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018
HIGH-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a
popular type of exercise designed to improve
your cardiovascular fitness in a short
amount of time.
It involves working out at high intensities
for short periods of time (for example, 10
seconds) followed by rest periods. This can
be repeated a number of times throughout
the workout.
Believed to improve fitness more quickly
than standard “steady state” exercise, HIIT
has a number of other physical benefits such
as keeping your heart rate up, burning more
calories and building strength throughout
your workout.
The United States’ No.1 fitness brand,
ProForm, introduces its latest piece of HIIT
home fitness equipment, the Cardio HIIT
Trainer – a hybrid that combines the benefits
of a stepper and elliptical that works the
upper and lower body simultaneously with
less impact on the joints.
The ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer is the
right step towards reaching your fitness
goals in the comfort of your home.
With 24 digital resistance levels, the
Cardio HIIT Trainer allows you to start
out easy and progress in intensity. The
transition between levels is smooth,
frictionless and silent with the patented
Silent Magnetic Resistance. This allows you
to work out without disturbing others in
your home.
When you step on the pedals of the
Cardio HIIT Trainer, you get instant access
to professional training programs. The 32
preset workout apps allow you to enjoy a
challenging workout that aligns with your
goals.
Natural and comfortable
Unlike other stepper machines, the Cardio
HIIT Trainer is designed with a 10-inch
vertical and five-inch horizontal elliptical
path that makes each step feel natural and
comfortable.
The 10-inch vertical elliptical path puts
your joints at ease while giving your legs a
challenging workout.
Cancer of an area
often overlooked
ACCORDING to Cancer Research Malaysia,
nasopharyngeal cancer, which is among the
five most common cancers in Malaysia, is
40 times more likely to affect Asians than
Caucasians.
Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs when
cancer cells form in the tissues of the
nasopharynx – the upper part of the throat
that is located right behind the nose. The
American Cancer Society states that there
are different types of growths and cancers
that can occur in the nasopharynx.
l Carcinoma – This is the most common
form of cancer to occur in the nasopharynx.
Carcinoma is cancer that starts in cells that
line the internal and external surfaces of the
body (epithelial cells).
l Lymphoma – Lymphocytes, which are
cancerous cells of the immune system, can
start to grow in the nasopharynx and cause
lymphoma.
l Adenocarcinoma and adenoid cystic
carcinoma – These forms of cancer more
commonly occur in the oral and nasal
cavities, but can also start in the minor
salivary glands of the nasopharynx.
l Benign tumours – These are non-
cancerous growths that can occur in the
nasopharynx.
Not a cold, but something more
serious
Nasopharyngeal cancer rarely presents
symptoms in early stages. It is usually
diagnosed when a patient consults a doctor
because of a lump in the neck or stuffy nose
without signs of a cold. Other symptoms
include:
l Hearing loss
l Ringing in the ears
l Pain or feeling of fullness in the ear
(especially on only one side)
Your Health 11
Ultimate cardio workout
The exercise machine also features
a EKG (electrocardiogram) hand-
grip heart rate monitor for heart
rate training.
Build your strength
The Cardio HIIT Trainer comes
equipped with precise Quick
Touch controls, which allow you to
instantly change your resistance level
at the touch of a single button.
The workout arms take your fitness
from the straightforward lower-body
workout of the treadmill to the total-
body elliptical experience.
By adding resistance and
movement to the upper body with
multifunction handlebars, you
challenge your arms, shoulders,
back and core with each step.
Compact size
One of the biggest concerns people have
about an in-home fitness machine is the
amount of space it takes up. The Cardio The ProForm Cardio HIIT Trainer combines the benefits of a stepper and elliptical trainer to
HIIT Trainer resolves this concern with its simultaneously work the upper and lower body.
compact footprint, taking up half the space
of a normal elliptical exercise machine. n For more information, visit any Fitness Valley store), e-mail enquiries@
The Proform Cardio HIIT Trainer is Concept store, call 03-7726 7787 (IPC fitnessconcept.com.my or log on to
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where you can enjoy additional one-year
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Fitness Concept is Malaysia’s largest
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in leading shopping malls nationwide.
Cancer cells form in the tissues of the
nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the
throat behind the nasal cavity.
l Ear infections that keep recurring
l Nosebleeds
l Headaches
l Facial pain or numbness
l Trouble opening the mouth
l Blurred or double vision
l Trouble breathing or talking
Because there are no distinct symptoms
for nasopharyngeal cancer, it is best to see a
doctor when you experience the
aforementioned symptoms so that he may
detect the cause and prescribe treatment.
Should the doctor detect any anomaly,
tests can be performed to screen for
nasopharyngeal cancer, such as
examinations of the nasopharynx, biopsies,
imaging tests and blood tests.
> TURN TO PAGE 12
12 Your Health THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 2018

For strong muscles and bones

AFTER water, protein is the second most
abundant type of organic molecules in the
body. An average human body comprises
15% to 18% protein.
Protein is found throughout the body – in
muscles, skin, hair, antibodies, hormones,
enzymes and body tissue.
Protein is important for life and is
involved in most biological processes within
the body. Therefore, inadequate protein
intake may lead to several health
complications such as:
l Muscle wasting (muscle atrophy) –
Protein is essential for muscle growth,
strength and repair. Insufficient intake of it
can reduce lean body mass, muscle strength
and functions.
When protein level is low, the body
“withdraws” protein from muscle tissues
and uses it as energy to support other vital
bodily functions. Eventually, this causes
muscle wasting.
l Impaired wound healing – Good
nutrition, including sufficient protein intake,
is essential for optimal wound healing.
Protein deficiency has shown to lower the
rate of wound healing.
l Premature ageing – Low protein intake
can cause adverse physical changes in the
body such as wrinkled and flaky skin, hair
loss and brittle nails.
For optimal muscle growth, body strength
and physical wellness, it is crucial to ensure
sufficient protein intake from one’s diet.
Key driver of good health
Protein is made up of building blocks
called amino acids. Quality protein contains
all 20 amino acids, including the nine
essential amino acids that must be obtained
from dietary sources. protein and digestive fibre, fortified with all nine essential amino acids for protein
Protein can be found in animal and plant nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, synthesis. It can also provide 18% or more of
sources. Several studies have shown that vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 for stronger the recommended digestive fibre intake to
high consumption of animal proteins such as muscles and bones. regulate bowel movement.
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Additionally, animal protein contains
higher amounts of acid-based amino acids
that can cause greater loss of calcium
through urine and the weakening of bones.
Unconventional protein
formulation
To build and maintain healthy muscle and
bone masses, consuming a combination of
protein, calcium and other nutrients such as
magnesium, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2
would produce higher integrity and density
to your muscles and skeleton than taking
protein or calcium supplementation alone.
Magnesium, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2
can significantly improve bone health as
magnesium and vitamin D3 enhance the
absorption and utilisation of calcium while
vitamin K2 aids in bone mineralisation by
effectively depositing calcium to bones and
teeth for proper storage. Vitamin K also
helps prevent calcium loss from bones.
Known as the dynamic quad, these
nutrients work synergistically to build and
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Protecting the nasopharynx

> FROM PAGE 11
Protect the areas involved
Because the nose is an organ that is often
taken for granted, little is done to take care
of it and its surrounding areas. People of all
ages should take note of ways they can avoid
the risk factors of developing
nasopharyngeal cancer.
Cancer Research UK lists several risk
factors that can cause nasopharyngeal
cancer:
l Infection – The Epstein-Barr virus is a
common virus that can increase one’s risk of
developing nasopharyngeal cancer.
l Smoking – Smokers face a higher risk of
developing nasopharyngeal cancer.
l Diet – High intake of certain foods such
as salted and cured meat and fish or pickles
is thought to increase one’s risk of
developing cancer.
l Inherited factors – People who
have close relatives that have
nasopharyngeal cancer face an increased
risk of developing it. This can be attributed
to genetic inheritance, in addition to
shared environmental and lifestyle factors.
l Occupational hazards – People who
work in areas where they are exposed to
wood dust or formaldehyde face an
increased risk of developing nasopharyngeal
cancer.
l Ear, nose and throat conditions –
Chronic ear, nose and throat conditions may
indicate an increased risk of nasopharyngeal
cancer. Such conditions include chronic
blocked and runny nose, middle ear
infections and polyps.

Nosebleeds or stuffy nose can be symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer.