Breaking News

Wednesday 7 December 2016

ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS AT HYATT REGENCY KINABALU



Sunday 27 November 2016

Labuan International School 1st Swimming Championship

Thursday 17 November 2016

A Family-Oriented Event with Borneo Surf Festival 2016

From left: Ronny Rizal (BSF's head judge), Mohd Yunus (Rip Curl representative), Charles Mawan (Vice president of Sabah Surfing Association), Ivan Tan (President of Sabah Surfing Association), Rizal Ikhwan (BSF organizing chairperson) 


Sabah Surfing Association is proud to announce the third installment of Borneo Surf Festival. This yearly anticipated event is slated to be held on it's home ground venue at Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai Kota Kinabalu for 2-days from Dec 17th through Dec 18th 2016 and is open to the public to attend. As with the previous years, this year the event promises an exhilarating surf competition open to local and international surfers alike.

This year Borneo Surf Festival is presented by main sponsor Rip Curl alongside Happy Plugs and supported by The Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Tourism Malaysia and Sabah Tourism Board.

“We are extremely excited to partner with Rip Curl again this year and getting strong support from tourism agencies like MOTAC, Tourism Malaysia and Sabah Tourism Board. We are also delighted to have Happy Plugs to be a part of Borneo Surf Festival”, says Ivan Tan, the president of Sabah Surfing Association.

This year will see the event being graced yet again by Rip Curl's PRO surfers from Bali after the success and overwhelming response from the previous event. They will be having a demonstration to impress the crowd with their surfing techniques and skills over Sabah's very own local waves.

Apart from the competition, the public can expect many fun and family oriented activities to be enjoyed with their family and friends at The Borneo Surf Festival. Among others is Tamu Pantai bazaar that offers varieties of local sourced products and services ranging from clothing, arts and crafts, food and drinks, self-pampering and family fun activities.

There will also be chill beach music performances by local talents throughout the 2 days event. Sabah Surfing Association is looking forward to a larger crowd this year seeing that there has been a healthy growth and awareness towards the local Sabah surfing scene locally and internationally fuelled by the recent acknowledgement and inclusion of surfing as part of the upcoming Olympic 2020 in Tokyo.

The Association also hope to be the catalyst to the potential of surfing a as a sustainable tourism product and growing Sabah as a surf touristic destination.


Borneo Surf Festival coordinates the following surf categories:
- Men's Open 
- Local Men's Closed
- Women's Open 
- Grom's Open (below 16 years old) 

This festival is a family-oriented event concept to the community with varieties of family activity you can enjoy such as horse riding, surf lessons, games, and even go on a picnic and many more. It would be a fun family weekend getaway - if the weather permits of course and preparing your family with the dry-and-wet-event essentials are necessary.

This event is supported by Kementerian Belia Dan Sukan (KBS) 

Do follow them on Facebook for more updates. Click HERE to view their Facebook Page.



Tuesday 15 November 2016

SUGAR & AGEING

























BY DR. CHARLES LEE
CONSULTANT PLASTIC, COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON
KPJ SABAH SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

IT’S ALL ABOUT FOOD
Before and After Treatment
Anyone who is familiar with the wrinkle-free, blemish-free, perfect even complexions of Japanese women will be unsurprised that the key to redefining beauty in Japanese skin care is what you put inside the body. Traditionally, in Japan, beauty is natural, simple, and edible! The theory is that appearance reflects the food you eat and women should not apply anything on their skin that is toxic to the body because skin is porous.

Hence natural, plant-based skin care is of utmost priority in redefining beautiful skin. The secret to natural Japanese beauty is all in the ingredients of a well-balanced Japanese diet which is full of vitamin-rich vegetables like broccoli and lots of fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids and extremely low in meat and sugary foods. This helps to reduce the body’s production of the inflammatory chemicals involved in the ageing process.

ADVANCED GLYCATION END PRODUCTS (AGEs)
Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are a complex group of compounds formed when sugar reacts with amino acids, proteins or lipids. This occurs in everyone’s body and skin cells. Along with oxidation, glycation is one of the major causes of cell death and ageing because it affects the molecular and cellular mechanisms that promote and restore cell growth and development. Restriction of dietary intake of AGE’s and exercise safely reduces circulating AGEs with further reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory markers thereby delaying the ageing process.


TOXIC SUGAR AND THE SKIN AGEING PHENOMENON
Of all the molecules capable of inflicting damage in our body and speeding up the ageing process, sugar molecules are probably the most damaging of all. The older we get, and the more sugars we consume, the more glycation damages our skin.

One of the most damaging AGE’s as a result of this metabolic process is the creation of 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG) which is responsible for much of the skin damage seen in ageing. Most of the 3DG gets sweated out of the skin during exercise but the residual product causes:

• Inflammation
• Decreased collagen production
• Collagen and elastin cross-linking
• Formation of further Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs)
• Oxidative stress and free radicals

























IT’S ALL ABOUT SKINCARE
The most important beauty secret of Japanese women is a multistep skin care ritual that is as important to beautiful skin as the product themselves. The ritual of applying each product, from cleansing to face and neck massage allows the skin to detox the toxic effects of AGEs and de-stress the damage caused by free radicles. This helps you to beautify your skin from the inside out and at the same time allowing the body to restore and heal from the damage caused by the external environment.

A customized Anti-Glycation Therapy (AGT) will include: deep cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, toner, lymphatic detox, antioxidant mesotherapy, sheet mask, serums, moisturizer, and finally sunscreen.

The relationship between sugar and fine lines can be life changing. Esthe Twin’s Anti-Glycation Therapy harnesses the antioxidant and collagen-restoring powers of plant stem cells which activates the enzyme processes in the skin that restore flexibility and suppleness to glycated collagen fibers.



For more information, please contact KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital at 088-322 000. 
Find them at Lorong Bersatu, Off Jalan Damai, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 
Website: www.kpjsabah.com


For the complete article about this subject can be read on this October to December 2016 issue of Parents Avenue Magazine. 
*Disclaimer: All information is for your general reference only. We (Parents Avenue) do not accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of such information. 


FAQ About VACCINATIONS


INTRODUCTIONS
Immunization is one of the most effective preventative health measures and has saved countless children from death or serious disability. However, misinformation may lead parents to hesitate or refuse to immunize their children. 

In the early stages of life, your child may be susceptible to various bacterial & viral infections which could affect their vital organs and bodily functions. Some of these pathogens cause mild complications while others may be terminal if left untreated.

WHAT IS VACCINES?
Vaccines provide pre-emptive immunity; while vaccination is the process of administering the vaccines into the body which can be done via injection, consumed orally, or through aerosol inhalation.

HOW IT IS WORKS?
Immunity is the body’s way of preventing disease. The immune system recognizes germs that enter the body (called antigens) and produces proteins called antibodies to fight them. Most of the time, the immune system isn’t able to work fast enough to prevent the antigen from causing disease, so the child still gets sick.

Nevertheless, the immune system “remembers” that particular antigen and if it reappears, the body will be ready and respond much faster next time round to prevent any infections. This protection is called IMMUNITY. Vaccination, on the other hand, helps your child develop immunity WITHOUT him/her getting sick in the process. Here’s how:

1. A weakened form of the disease germ is injected into the body
2. The body makes antibodies to fight these invaders
3. If the actual disease germs ever attack the body, the antibodies will return to destroy them.

TYPES OF VACCINES AVAILABLE IN MALAYSIA (LATEST IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE 2016)
























ARE VACCINES SAFE?
YES. In fact, experts agree that vaccines are even safer than Vitamins.
The most common minor side effects from vaccines are: swelling or tenderness at the injection site and fever; in which will resolve spontaneously within 48 hours post vaccinations.

IS IT SAFE TO HAVE MULTIPLE SHOTS?
YES. Getting vaccines is no extra burden to the immune system; even for babies. Scientific data shows that vaccination with multiple vaccines at the same time has no harmful effects on the normal childhood immune system.

WHAT ABOUT AUTISM?
Scientific studies have concluded that there is no link between vaccines and autism.
While the rates of autism continue to rise around the world, autism rates are no different in vaccinated and unvaccinated children.

Recent studies on autism suggest that children with autism have too many cells in a key area of the brain needed for communication, social and emotional development. This type of brain development occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy; LONG before a child gets any vaccinations.

WHAT ABOUT HOLISTIC MEDICINE AND BREAST-FEEDING? IS IT ENOUGH TO PROTECT YOUR BABIES?
Holistic medicines may be helpful for some conditions, but only vaccines provide specific immunity to diseases. Only vaccines have been scientifically proven to protect against whooping cough, measles, mumps, and other diseases. 

Breastfeeding is very healthy for your baby, but breastfeeding alone cannot fully protect babies from diseases like whooping cough or measles. Also, antibodies passed on from moms to babies during pregnancy do not last beyond infancy.

WHAT ABOUT “NATURAL IMMUNITY?
Some people think getting a disease is the “natural” way to trigger the body’s immune response, but this comes at a risk; many vaccine-preventable diseases can have dangerous complications, like pneumonia, blindness, brain damage, and even death. 

Vaccines safely trigger a natural immune response; but not the disease. Most vaccines are over 99% effective in preventing illness.

CONCLUSION
Having your child immunised; helps to protect them from many serious childhood infections, some of which may be life threatening. There’s no doubt that vaccines are the best option for both your child and the population at large. Com-pared to the risks of vaccinations, the complications of actually suffering vaccine-preventable diseases are much worse. 

Don’t wait, make the right decision and see your doctor to have your child immunised today. Don’t neglect booster shots, as they must be completed in order to effectively protect your child.



For more information, please contact Jesselton Medical Centre at 088-366 333 or 
for Emergency at 088-366 399. Find them at Metro Town, Off Jalan Lintas. 
Website: www.jmc.my




For the complete article about this subject can be read on this October to December 2016 issue of Parents Avenue Magazine. 
*Disclaimer: All information is for your general reference only. We (Parents Avenue) do not accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of such information. 


What Is Cord Blood and Why Is It So Special?

CORD BLOOD BANKING

You have decisions to make, should saving Cord Blood be ONE of them?


What is cord blood and why is it so special?
The term "cord blood" is used to describe the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and the placenta usually discarded as medical waste after the birth of the body. It was not until the 80's that is was discovered the baby's umbilical cord is a rich source of potentially life-saving stem cells. The stem cells available in the umbilical cord are in the purest form and thus inherently superior.

Some of the diseases that can be treated.
Stem cells can develop into blood cells that fight infections, carry oxygen around the body and help with blood clotting. Currently, stem cells can be used in the treatment of some cancer, blood disorders and immune deficiencies. Among these are leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, thalassaemia, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

What can the best gift for your baby? Should saving cord stem cells be one of them?
The decision to save your baby's stem cells is an important one. Why? They are genetically unique to your baby and other family members. Banking them is one-of-a-kind opportunity that can open up new treatment possibilities.

Today, cord blood stem cells have been used in the treatment of more than 80 diseases, most of these diseases are genetic disorders and typically require a transplant. A sibling's cord blood is often the best match for a transplant.

Can your baby use his or her own cord blood?
Your baby can be treated using his or her own cord blood for a small number of non-genetic diseases like anaemias, bone marrow failure disorders and cancers. Leukaemias and lymphomas that develop later in life may also be treated with his or her own cord blood stem cells.

Currently, there are a number of clinical trials to study treatments for diseases like cerebral palsy, type 1 diabetes and autism, which require the use of a child's own cord blood.

Just like organ and bone marrow transplant, cord blood stem cells must "match" a patient before they can be used for treatment. Cord blood banking can greatly improve your family's chance of finding a match.

 Your baby is a perfect genetic match to his or her own stem cells

 Siblings have potential chance of being a match for each other

• Studies show that using matched cord blood from a relative will double the chance of transplant success

Best gift for the baby
If you are pregnant, your family and friends are probably wondering what to give you for a baby shower gift. Why not let your wishes be known? Your loved ones can contribute the cost of cord blood banking - help you take advantage of a truly amazing gift.

How cord blood can be collected
Umbilical cord blood is collected after your baby is delivered and the cord has been clamped and cut. The collection process involves stringent cleansing of the cord prior to collection of the cord blood. The blood is then drawn out of the umbilical cord via a closed, gravity bag system, which is the preferred method of collection in order to minimize contamination.

Easy, safe and painless

















Why Stemlife?

Stemlife is the first and largest stem cell bank in Malaysia; Pioneering Malaysia’s stem cell banking industry since 2001. Over 50,000 families have trusted their precious baby’s cord blood with us. Internationally recognized establishment; Largest network in Asia with affiliation to Cordlife Group – in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Philippines, China and Thailand. Licence granted by Malaysia Ministry of Health, under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services (PHFS) Act, to process and cryopreserve all cord blood stem cell units. 

They are the only public listed stem cell bank in Malaysia. Rest assured the stem cells stored with them are safe and secured should the need arises for therapeutic usage/s.

Get your FREE info pack HERE
Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StemLifeBerhad



Call 03-2166 3636 to speak to StemLife Customer Care Specialist or speak to your local Consultant at 016-832 9392 to learn more about the benefits and value of cord stem cell banking.

Their website: www.stemlife.com