Allen Solomon on spending priceless time with his daughter Alana

MIMMA Mixed Martial Arts Lightweight Champion 2013 Allen Solomon on spending priceless time with his daughter Alana.

Interview by Stella Matilda | Photo by Vosper Photography 


Allen Solomon, 33, Degree in Architecture but followed his passion in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for the past 3 years.

It all started when his dad enrolled him for a Taek Kwan-Do training when he was only 6 years old. Soon he diversified his skills into Karate at 12, then Fencing at 15, and then Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (BJJ) at 23.

His wife, Caroline Anthony whom he met at a martial arts tournament share the same interest as him. She has a black belt in Taek Kwan-Do and blue belt in BJJ. “At home, she is my red belt”, says Allen.

He plans to continue fighting for another 3 yrs, but not sure if he wants Alana to see him fight in cage.  “They say your subconscious is a product of your surroundings, but my earliest memories in life is about 2-3 yrs old. So our job as parents is to build memories for our kids. i take that job seriously”, says Allen 



How does it feel to be a daddy for the first time?

My mindset went from thinking about what I’m going do in the next 5 minutes to what I’m going do in the next 10 years. I had a hair cut (because of Alana). Now, I am now looking for places to buy a shotgun! (giggles)

What is the best thing about being a dad?

I find that I have better focus now, and that time is very very limited. So I learn to maximize everything I do so I can spend more time with those chipmunk cheeks on my daughter. Time spent with her is priceless. She is very sharing. Always giving me a bite of her food. I melt everytime.

What is the hardest?

I think I worry too much for no good reason. I’m devolving into a very traditional dad. I plan to change that and try to be that cool dad that all my friends had growing up.

What is the funniest thing ever happened to you as a dad?

My daughter seems to be a natural at trolling me. Everytime she sees a photo of a monkey, she goes “papa”- its her first words. I think I’m making her spend too much time with me in the dojo.

Do you think your daughter loves MMA or are you trying to get her into MMA?

I’m am definitely NOT letting her do MMA. Her mom seems to have other ideas. I don't wanna get anxiety attacks. I dont know, I love her, she can do whatever she wants. But I’m gonna have the last say :P

Would you like more children?

I’m looking at my wife right now, raising my eyebrows and coyly saying yessssss.

Tell us a little bit about your childhood.

(Laughs out loud) I was born in Scotland, raised in Sabah, and studied in Australia. I’m very confused and lost as a kid.

What are your hopes and dreams for your daughter?

Like every other parent, I wish her to find success and elevate herself higher that what her predecessors have achieved. The next generation will always do better. I plan to compound that effect.


Featured Daddy | Issue No.2 | Page 62

Paediatric Forum at Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital

In collaboration with JCI Tanjung Aru, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu will be having the first Paediatric Forum on the 20th of February 2016 at ‪#‎GleneaglesKK‬ starting from 1PM.

Come and join us for a day of educational and informative talks given by our experienced speakers. You could learn something new and valuable for your child, granchild, nieces or nephews. Entrance is free and refreshments will be provided.

Date: 20th February 2016

Time: 1pm

Venue: Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital

For more info about this program, call us at 088-518880, 088-518882 or 088-518888!

Sex and Pregnancy

By Dr. Alagammai Ramanathan | Consultant Obstetric & Gynaecologist
Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital (Tel: 088-518 888)

Sex is considered a taboo subject especially for Asian community. Both women and men are just too shy to bring the subject up for discussion and hence do not get accurate information on this subject be it.

Most women wait at least six to eight weeks after giving birth to have sex again, according to a new study published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. It may also be the absolute last thing in your mind especially while you are dealing with nausea and vomiting and later on with the baby, breast feeding and diaper changings through the night.

Most women avoid sex during pregnancy for the fear of losing the baby. It is good to take time and
discuss it with your partner as intimacy is an important part in life. Other women, however, may crave sex in pregnancy. And men, too, are split into different groups regarding sex during pregnancy. Some men may find nothing sexier than a pregnant woman, but other men may be too afraid of hurting the baby. But desire aside, is sex during pregnancy even safe?

Can I have sex during pregnancy?

A lot of times the male partners are more frightened to have sex than the women. In most cases, sex is 100% safe for mom and baby. During the first trimester most women needs to deal with nausea, vomiting and hormonal changes to the body so sex may be the last thing in your mind. During the second trimester women most feel better, there is more lubrication, and have engorgement in the genital area and the tummy is not so rounded yet. This is usually the best time.

As for third trimester the stomach grows and it becomes more tiring, sex may seem less attractive- not to mention physically difficult during the final weeks of pregnancy. There are some exceptions, which your gyny doctor will warn you about. Among other issues is, if you have an incompetent (or weakened) cervix, unexplained bleeding, diagnosed with placenta previa, frequent premature contractions with no known cause or rupture of the amniotic membranes. The best will be to discuss with your gyny doctor along with your partner. It is important for both partners to be there during this session.

Sex can hurt the baby?

Babies are well cushioned. Below the skin is our fat layer, followed by muscles, thick uterine muscles, amniotic fluid only then the baby. As there is water surrounding the baby, it is well cushioned and most movements do not harm the baby. So go ahead! babies are very safe inside the womb and the jolt will not affect the baby.

Can infection occur due to sex?

Well from below the cervix is closed and it has a mucous plug to seal and hence infection does not enter into the cavity. So it is safe. Same goes for swimming, it is ok to swim during pregnancy, the water does not enter the vagina and into the uterus and harm the baby, so there is no need to change your lifestyle. In fact swimming is a good form for exercise during pregnancy.

Can I develop contractions during sex and will that lead to delivery prematurely?

If you start cramping after sex, don’t jump. An hour or two of mild cramps isn’t unusual because both orgasm and the prostaglandins in semen can cause uterine contractions. Increased blood flow and congestion makes blood vessels more fragile on the cervix surface, and they may bleed a bit if
your partner’s penis rubs against the cervix.

However, heavy bleeding warrants call to your gyny because the placenta could be breaking away from the uterus and other causes needs to be looked into for example a cervical growth. But don’t worry - it’s all unlikely to happen. Having an orgasm causes the release of prostaglandins, which can theoretically cause contractions, unfortunately never been completely validated in scientific studies. Does it work? Well...if you’re ready to deliver, a little sex might jump-start the process.

Sexual positions during pregnancy.

This is by far the most difficult question to answer. Well usually what is good and comfortable for the baby is good and comfortable for you. The traditional man-on-top position is more uncomfortable for pregnant women and in the 3rd trimester it is not advisable for women to be flat on the back as the pregnancy can compress the blood vessels and cause a little fall in the blood pressure.

If possible avoid oral sex as bowing air into the vagina may predispose to air embolism though it is very rare.

You can have satisfying sex when pregnancy. You will need to find the most comfortable position, it is the time to explore and experiment together. Communication and openness are the keys to maintaining or improving sexual satisfaction during your pregnancy.

Riverson@Sembulan Block A-1, 
Lorong Riverson@Sembulan, 
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Tel: 088-518 888 
Website: www.gleneagleskk.com.my
Facebook: Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu
EMERGENCY 088-518 911

Pregnant Women Should Not Travel to These Countries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued an alert for travel to countries and regions experiencing Zika virus outbreaks.

Some of these countries include Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Thailand and the Philippines. (View the full list here.)

Recent reports from Brazil indicate that the virus, which is spread to humans through mosquito bites, is responsible for a birth defect that causes babies to have abnormally small heads. Expectant mothers infected with Zika virus while pregnant have given birth to infants with microcephaly, a condition defined by abnormal cerebrums and improperly developed brains, WSBTV reports.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC advises  all travelers to countries where the virus is ongoing to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites: wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent, and sleeping under mosquito nets. The organization also recommends the following precautions specifically for pregnant women:

Consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Women trying to become pregnant, or who are thinking about becoming pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas.

The Zika virus has been linked to one U.S. case of the birth defect, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. At this time, there is no medication to prevent or treat Zika.

Areas with Zika, click HERE.

For more information regarding this topic, please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website HERE.