PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

BY JASMINE LEONG | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IEC

FACT: Kindergarteners will grow up to have careers that have not yet been created.

FACT: 50% of what is taught in the 1st year of university degree will be obsolete by the 3rd year.

FACT: Children being born today do not know a time without the internet.

So, how do we prepare for a future that is so vastly different from when we were growing up? As IEC Executive Director for the past 13 years, I have seen changes in the way our students are learning and digesting information. My father, Casey Leong started IEC in 1981 back when English tuition was seen as a compulsory addition to normal school hours and when school only lasted half a day. It was a natural progression to add the Further Studies Consultancy and application services to study overseas and soon enough IEC English Centre and IEC Further Studies became a household name in Kota Kinabalu.

Now in 2016, in order to remain relevant in a growing Gen Z (those born after 2001) market, IEC has also adapted with the times. Yes, the English Language is still, if not more important today than ever! With our wealth of 15 native English speaking teachers from all over the world, we are fortunate to be able to cater to our 400 odd students ranging from 4yrs to Adulthood.

Since 2011, our range of courses have also expanded to include Speech and Drama, IELTS and PTE Academic preparation courses, Intensive University Preparation Course and Adult Conversational Courses.

Located in Sunny Garden, Mile 1.5 Tuaran Road. for the past 35 years, we now also have a branch in Alamesra which opens on Saturdays for English courses. Apart from this, IEC has a Dance Studio at our Sunny Garden campus for rent and is currently home to Ballet by Nora which accepts students as young as 3yrs of age for baby ballet right through to Intermediate level. In 2016, IEC has expanded to include Pre-School with a difference as well as IGCSE and A-level subjects to meet the needs and demands of today’s community.

WHAT IEC OFFERS

Young Learners (4-6yrs old)
• Pre-School (3hrs Mon-Fri) Subjects: English, Maths, Drama, Dance & Social Studies
• Academic English (3hrs weekly)
• Speech & Drama (2hrs weekly

Primary (7-12yrs)
• Academic English (3hrs weekly)
• Speech & Drama (2hrs weekly)
• UPSR Exam Preparation

Secondary-Pre University (13-17yrs)
• Academic English (3hrs weekly)
• IGCSEs & A-levels Subjects: English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Business Studies, Accounting, Music, Drama.
• IELTS & PTE Academic Exam Preparation
• PT3 & SPM Exam Preparation
• Speech & Drama (2hrs weekly)

Pre-University – Adults (16yrs & above)
• IELTS & PTE Academic Exam Preparation
• Intensive University Preparation Course (10 weeks @ 3hrs Mon-Fri)
• Adult Conversational Course (2 ½ hrs weekly)

IEC Further Studies
FREE Services to Study in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Singapore & Malaysia include:
• University Application & Enrolment
• Visa Application
• Accommodation, Pre-Departure & Arrival
• Progress Reports
• IELTS & PTE Exam Registration

It is the aim and hope of IEC to continue providing top quality English Education and Further Studies services to our community well into the next millenium!

For more information logon to www.iec.com.my or
call088-212 939. Find them on Facebook.

VARICOSE VEINS & LEG PAIN

Bulging Veins in The Leg: A new solution to Leg Pain and Varicose Veins

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

Introduction
For years, people who experienced painful swelling and bulging varicose veins in their legs had one of two options: learn to live with the pain or undergo vein stripping, a surgical intervention that requires the diseased vein to be literally stripped out. Pain and prolonged hospitalization was a disadvantage.

Now, a new laser procedure, first introduced in Sabah in 2010, has revolutionized the treatment of varicose veins in patients with Chronic Venous Disease. This exciting new high-tech, minimally-invasive option to better looking, less painful and healthy legs for life has improved the lifestyle of many patients.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?
Varicose veins occur secondary to abnormal vein walls or abnormal valves in the veins, which act as one-way valves preventing blood from pooling backwards, causing the veins to dilate (swell/enlarge) and become varicose. This is called venous reflux and often begins in the great or small saphenous veins situated in the leg. These veins are usually not visible and run along the front and back of the leg. When the valves in these veins get damaged, the branches enlarge and prominent varicose veins develop.

The relationship between varicose veins and spider leg veins (telangiectasias) is intimate. Increased pressure in the veins (venous hypertension) as a result of venous reflux is transmitted to the superficial epidermal vessels causing them to elongate and dilate and become visible to the human eye.

How do you diagnose venous reflux or malfunction of the valves in veins?
Venous reflux or insufficiency can be easily diagnosed with a simple non-invasive test called venous ultrasound or duplex examination. This will determine the severity of the abnormal veins and valves and plan of treatment.

What are the symptoms and causes of varicose veins and how can we prevent it?
Venous reflux disease results in symptoms such as painful, aching legs, heaviness, tiredness, night cramps, skin changes and ultimately skin ulceration. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen over time.

Causes include increasing age, strong family history, obesity, multiple pregnancies or working in a profession that requires a lot of time on your feet, for example nurses, hotel workers and even housewives. Other causes can include sitting for prolonged hours for example clerks, managers and executives. Women are 4 times more likely to be affected. Conservative prevention will include leg elevation, compression stockings, weight loss and exercise.

What makes the new laser procedure different?
The new EndoVenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) uses heat from the laser light to seal off the diseased varicose vein under ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia. The sealed vein is gradually reabsorbed by the body and the remaining healthy veins then take over the task of moving blood through the patient’s legs. Painless, no scar, quick recovery with no hospitalization required, this new laser therapy is a step into the future for patients with chronic venous disease.

What are the 5 most popular/common treatments for varicose veins and spider veins?
Each patient is unique and treatment should be tailored based on the underlying problem. For some, varicose veins and spider veins are a cosmetic issue. For many, the symptoms are significant and affect their lifestyle.

The most popular treatment for spider leg veins is microsclerotherapy. The superficial dilated veins are treated with an injection of a chemical solution and compression stockings are applied.

Other treatment options include laser and pulsed light sources for spider veins. The current most popular non-surgical treatment for varicose veins is the Endo-Venous Laser Ablation (EVLA) using heat from the laser light to seal off the varicose vein under ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia. The procedure is painless and recovery is quick.

Foam sclerotherapy, the second most common form of treatment, to the tributaries (branches) is usually done at the same time and patient can return to work within a few days. Here, the chemical solution injected causes the vein walls to swell, stick together, and seal shut.

The collateral branches and tributaries can also be surgically removed by what is called ambulatory phlebectomy. All treatment modalities require post-treatment compression stockings to enhance early recovery and good results and strong patient compliance is required.

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 July to September issue of Parents Avenue Magazine. *Disclaimer: All information is for your general reference only. We do not accept any responsibility whatsoever in respect of such information. 

HAND FOOT MOUTH DISEASE

What Parents Must Know About Hand Foot Mouth Disease (HFMD)

DR. ANG SIANG CHIE | CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN | JESSELTON MEDICAL CENTRE

“My Kid’s school was recently instructed to close temporarily for 2 weeks as there is currently an outbreak of HFMD. He has had fever for the last 2 days and now is drooling saliva and refuses orally. I have just noticed a few red dots on his palms… May I know whether my kid has HFMD?”

Often parents get worried about kids contracting hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), unfortunately basic hygienic care in our community is still largely neglected hence leading to the spread of bugs.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease? 

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease of infants and children. It is a very contagious illness caused by viruses from the enterovirus family, most commonly caused by Coxsackie virus A16 which usually results in a mild self-limiting disease with few complications. However, HFMD can also be caused by Enteroviruses, including Enterovirus 71 (EV71) which has been associated with serious complications, and may be fatal.

How does it spread? 

These viruses live in the patient’s digestive tract and spread from person to person usually through unwashed hands and surfaces contaminated by stool of the infected person. Transmission also occurs by direct contact with nose and throat discharges, saliva or fluid from blisters.

How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? 

The usual period from exposure to onset of symptoms (Incubation period) is about 3–7 days. During this period, a child can remain well and asymptomatic.

Who is at risk for HFMD? 

EVERYONE who has not already been infected is at risk of infection, but not everyone who is infected becomes ill. HFMD occurs most commonly in children younger than 5 -6 years of age. Younger children tend to have worse symptoms. Children who attend daycare centers, schools, shopping centers or even playgrounds are at risk of contracting HFMD. Intra-family spread is also another means of transmission.

Can you be infected with HFMD more than once? 

Yes, infection only results in immunity to one specific virus, another infection may occur with another different virus type.

WHAT are the classical signs and symptoms and HOW serious is HFMD?

Fever : Lasting 24- 48 hours, is often the first symptom of HFMD. Children also experience malaise, poor appetite, and frequently have a sore throat.

Oral Ulcers : One or two days after fever onset, painful sores develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. They are usually located on the gums, tongue, and inside of the cheeks. That leads to drooling of saliva and often, children will have very poor oral intake, especially solids and semisolids.

Vesicle/Rashes : A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 days with flat or raised red spots, some with vesicles typically with a red halo. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks.

A child with HFMD may not have symptoms, or some may have only the rash or only mouth ulcers which is also known as HERPANGINA.

How is HFMD treated? 

Presently, there is no proven treatment available for HFMD. It usually goes away on its own within a few days to a week. Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) can be given to help a child who is achy or irritable, or to ease painful mouth ulcers or discomfort from fever. 

A child who refuses solid food can be offered milk or even cold foods like ice cream and popsicles which help by numbing the area, and will be a welcome treat for kids who have trouble swallowing.

Besides, make sure children drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated ( e.g: coconut water, barley water e.t.c). Discourage sour drinks as they contain mild acid which can cause more pain to the ulcers. Seek help if your child continues to be irritable, can’t be comforted, or seems to be getting worse or even looks dehydrated, with signs like a dry tongue, sunken eyes, or decreased urine output.

Children with blisters on their hands or feet should keep the areas clean and uncovered. Wash the skin with lukewarm soap and water, and pat dry.

Can HFMD be prevented? 

There are no specific antiviral drugs or vaccines available against HFMD. Fortunately, the risk of infection can be lowered by good, hygiene practices and prompt medical attention for children showing severe symptoms.

Hand washing is the best protection. Remind everyone in your family to wash their hands often. Frequent handwashing with soap and water especially after touching any blister or sore, before preparing food and eating, before feeding young infants, after using the toilet and after changing diapers is very important.

Regular cleaning of contaminated surfaces and soiled items, including toys, first with soap and water, and then disinfecting them using a dilute solution of chlorine-containing bleach would help.

Avoiding close contact (kissing, hugging, sharing utensils) with children with HFMD may also help to reduce of the risk of transmission.

Keep infants and sick children away from kindergarten, nursery, school or gatherings until they are well (at least 1-2 weeks). Maintain good cough etiquette (covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing) disposing properly of used tissues and nappies into waste bins that close properly; maintaining cleanliness of the home, child care center, kindergartens or schools are steps to reduce the spread of HFMD

Even after kids recover, they can pass the virus in their stool for several weeks, so the infection still can spread to others.

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

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

SCOLIOSIS: Early Detection in Adolescents

BY DR. CHAN YIN KEEN, DC | B.HSci (Chiro), M.Clin.Chiro | ONE SPINE CHIROPRACTIC

Scoliosis (pronounced SkoleeOHsis), is a condition where in the spine curves side to side. On an xray radiograph the spine may look like it’s shaped like the letter S or C, rather than in a straight line. We will find there are several causes for scoliosis such as congenital spine deformities (where it is present at birth), neuromuscular conditions or even genetic conditions which could cause it. By far the most common form to walk through a doctor’s office though is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).

AIS is a form of scoliosis that tends to start in and around the ages of 10 to 18 years of age. The word idiopathic, aside from being quite a mouthful, means that the cause is unknown. The literature out there will tell you that anywhere from 65% to 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic in nature and that AIS affects anywhere from 0.475.2% of all adolescents. The curves themselves are measured using a method called the Cobb angle, and any curves to the left or right that are over 10° would be classified as scoliosis.

That is all fine and well, but what does it all mean practically for us parents and what are we supposed to look for in our kids? Generally speaking, you’re looking for things like a shoulder sitting higher than the other, or an arm hanging a little lower than the other, the hips not sitting evenly, a bit more muscle bulk on one side of the spine, or even ribs being more 
prominent on one side. There’s also the more general signs and symptoms like back and shoulder pain and/or decreased 
amount of mobility like difficulty flexing or bending their bodies. A more serious case would be say if the child has breathing difficulties due to the rib cage impeding normal lung function.







There are several questions that will likely go through your mind when your primary care practitioner tells you your son or daughter has scoliosis. Questions like;
~ Will it get better?
~ Will it get worse??
~ Can we do something about it?
~ What happens if we do nothing?

To better answer these questions, one needs to understand that progression of a curve is dictated by several factors, such as bone maturity (age), how big the curve is, gender and even familial history. The ratio for girls and boys needing treatment for AIS is skewed to girls 10:1, thus you will almost always see it in girls rather than boys. The size of the curve and age of the child are inversely related when it comes to progression of the condition. That is to say, the older the child, the less likely for the curve to increase in size, while the smaller the curve the less likely of it progressing too.

So for instance if a girl in the age range of 13 to 15 years old were to have a curve of less than 20° when first diagnosed, there’s a 10% chance of progression of the scoliotic curve. If we have another girl in the same 13 to 15 age range but her curve is sitting at around 50° then the chance of progression jumps from 10% to 70%. Whereas a girl in the age range of 10 to 12 with a Cobb angle of under 20° would have a risk of progression at around 25%. If another girl of the same age had a curve of over 40° she would have a 90% risk of progression.

In short, if a child has a scoliotic curve early on they do have a risk of it worsening over time, and if the curve is greater the poorer the prognosis. Thus early detection is key to ensuring a favourable prognosis as you are in a better position to apply early intervention before the scoliosis curve has progressed.

Pertinently, early detection allows us more options in terms of what kind of intervention can be done compared to a later discovery with a more serious curve where surgery to install steel rods and perform spinal fusion might be the only option left.

Which brings us to what kinds of interventions are out there. As mentioned briefly, if the scoliotic curve is progressing rapidly and other factors such as degenerative instability are present, surgery may be the recommended procedure of correction. Preference should always be to less invasive methods of correction if possible. The traditional approach to a scoliosis curve when it’s under 20° is observation, or to “wait and see”. Your doctor will periodically monitor the progression and make a decision as to whether intervention is required or not.

Should they recommend that intervention is required but not to the point of surgery, you will find that noninvasive methods available include bracing, physical therapy or even chiropractic care. These methods of intervention are easy to incorporate into a child’s lifestyle, allowing a measure of care that can help stem the progression of their curve without resorting to surgery.

In conclusion, treating scoliosis, in particular Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, is a matter of detecting it early to be able to make an informed decision as as to how to proceed. That way the child has the best chance of maintaining a low level of curvature without resorting to surgery. If you notice any changes about your child’s back, or something does not seem quite right about it, consider having your child assessed by your doctor or chiropractor.

One Spine Chiropractic offers chiropractic solutions for people with musculoskeletal problems. For more information about Scoliosis: Early Detection in Adolescents, please contact One Spine Chiropractic at 088-210 373. Find them at Centre Point Sabah on the 3rd Floor.






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

Top 6 Diaper Brands You Should Consider

DIAPER REVIEW

By Deiseree Estelle Daniel | Mommy & Lifestyle Blogger

Even before my daughter was born, my husband and I were already scouting around for diapers –
obviously trying to get the biggest bang for our buck. If your infant is fully breastfed, then diaper
expenditure will probably constitute the largest chunk of your infant expenses. So, choosing the
right diaper is clearly very important. I hope this helps you in your purchasing decisions!

1) MAMYPOKO EXTRA DRY
Mamypoko diapers are perhaps the staple for every child in Malaysia. The brand value is exceptionally strong and the trust factor amongst mothers is unparalleled. Honestly, there’s nothing much to review on Mamypoko as they work great. The fit is good, the load-taking ability is fantastic and the nighttime reliability is also great. But I guess the most important thing to take note on Mamypoko is the price. During regular non-promotional/ sales times, Mamypoko can be quite pricey. However, during promotional periods, Mamypoko can be bought at a cheaper price if you’re buying two or three packs at once. The only tiny annoyance I have though is the bulkiness. If you’re planning to doll-up your daughter with close-fitting outfits, then the area between the legs will tend to look a bit puffy.

Affordability: Slightly Expensive
Overall satisfaction : 5/5

2) HUGGIES ULTRA

Huggies Ultra were the first diapers my daughter used. Firstly, the absorbency and the fit are both great. Although my daughter was born at a petite size of 2.87kg, the S-size diaper was still able to wrap around her waist and thighs pretty well. This is partly due to the stretchable garters at the waist that would work great on both large and small infants. However, I realized that Huggies Ultra diapers are pretty bulky as the length is a bit long – this explains the ability to take on heavier loads. This elongated design however also restricts the infant’s leg movements a bit. Despite that, Huggies would still be a good choice.

Affordability: Affordable
Overall satisfaction : 4/5

3) DRYPERS WEE WEE DRY

Another value-for-money brand that I like is Drypers. The material feels very dense albeit a tad bit stiff at the back. However, the noticeably large side guards are great for night time use when your infant is tossing around in bed. The absorbency is very good and the fit is great. The plus point about Drypers is the price. It is actually quite affordable, especially the jumbo pack where one piece could cost less than 45sen (M size). If you’re getting it at an online shop with discounts, the price could even be lower.

Affordability: Affordable
Overall satisfaction : 4/5

4. PAMPERS BABY DRY

Pampers is perhaps just as pricey as Merries – both are made in Japan. However, I happened to stumble across it on an online shop for about half the usual price! The built quality is superior and the material is very sturdy. The absorbency is also great although it looks thin due to the honeycomb-like material used inside. Also, because of the special high absorbency material, Pampers are not as bulky as Mamypokos, which looks pretty nice with pants. All in, Pampers would be a great choice but the only downside is the price.

Affordability: Expensive
Overall satisfaction : 5/5

5. WHOOPEE

This locally manufactured brand is probably one of the most poorly constructed diaper by design. At first glance and first touch, the material feels rather promising and the side leak guards look pretty familiar. However, the double-fold design (instead of opening into a V-shape like most diapers, Whoopees opens into a U-shape) offers very limited height – Most diapers cover up to the infant’s tummy but Whoopees are far below that. This limitation in height causes Whoopees to be more susceptible to leakages from the back as poo is being excreted. Moreover, because of this short U shape folding design, I do not see how S-size will be able to fit babies larger than 5.5kg although it is supposed to fit up to 7kg. To be fair, I think that Whoopees will be more suitable for newborns below 5kg. The cheap price will be most suitable for newborns using 8-10 diapers a day.

Affordability: Very Affordable
Overall satisfaction : 2/5


6. PETPET

Petpet is also another affordable locally-made diaper which is value-for-money. Because of its price, one could expect that it will have the familiar shortcomings. The absorbency and load bearing ability is just moderate – This can be seen from the thickness of the diaper. Perhaps not suitable for nighttime use as the infant’s tossing and turning could cause leakages. However, just like Whoopee, I would encourage mothers to use Petpet on newborns as the price is more palatable when you’re changing up to 10 diapers a day!

Affordability: Quite Affordable
Overall satisfaction : 3/5

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

Can You Choose To Have A Boy or A Girl?

By Dr. Alagammai Ramanathan | Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital

For as long as we’ve been MAKING BABIES people have been exchanging ideas about how to increase their chances of having either a boy or a girl. Unfortunately there’s no medical evidence that any of them actually work. Having said that, there’ll always be a mum who tells you an old wives’ tale that worked for her. So if you fancy defying the experts and trying to tip the balance towards one sex yourself, why not try some of the suggestions below. People talk about positions, days, methods, massages and the list goes on and on.

Q1) Is there any proven method for me to choose to have a boy or a girl?

YES! There is a scientific way to get a particular sex. Fertility specialists have the ability to create and identify embryos of either sex. It is called PGD (part of IVF or the test tube babies). Only pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been approved as a technique which does this gender pre selection.

Q2) What are my chances of pregnancy with this method?

Well it is the same as having test tube or IVF babies. Most centers quote a success rate of about 30 to 40%.

Q3) How is it done?

Just like IVF. The fertility specialist will have to induce ovulation (by medication) and take the eggs out once matured and insert the sperm into the egg to await fertilization. Once it is at a certain stage transplant it back into the womb.

Q4) Is it done in Malaysia?

YES, at fertility centers with IVF facilities

Q5) Is it legal? Can anyone walk in and ask for it?

Legally you only allowed to choose your baby’s gender if you have a serious genetic condition that you risk passing on to your children. In other words you can’t medically intervene with conception

just to balance your family, or for social or cultural reasons.

FACTS OF LIFE

While it is very difficult to choose a boy or a girl, knowing some facts of life and conception may help. Men produce two types of sperm — X being female and Y being male (only men determine the sex of the baby).

Male sperm is smaller, weaker and faster than the female sperm which is bigger, stronger and slower. Sex of the baby depends on which sperm reaches the egg first, once a sperm penetrates the egg it forms a hard coat around the egg so that the other sperms cannot enter after that. So even though the Y chromosome is faster they are weak, if they do not penetrate in time the X will reach and as females are stronger they tend to fertilize the egg much easier.

1) Timing of intercourse (this is only if you can predetermine your ovulation time)

As the male sperms are faster,if you want to have a boy then it is advisable to have sex on the day of ovulation. For a girl baby, start early before ovulation. Ovulation is the time the egg is ready for penetration of sperm, so whichever sperm is there it will penetrate. For female, sex before ovulation will ensure adequate time for the sperm to travel up to the egg and once the sperms are around the egg, even if there are male sperms around the egg, the female sperm which is much stronger will be able to get in.

2) Vaginal pH

Usually the vaginal pH is acidic, on the day of ovulation it is alkaline. An acidic environment is more favourable for the conception of a girl. It’s apparently not as welcoming for male sperm. The acidic environment kills the weaker male sperm first. So if you want a boy then sex during ovulation may help.

3) Abstinence

For a boy- do not have intercourse for four to five days prior to ovulation. You should use a condom if you wish to have sex during this time. Sex during ovulation is important. For a girl- try daily intercourse from the end of your period until 2-4 days prior to ovulation, then no intercourse until 2-3 days after ovulation.

4) Sexual Position

Sexual position is said to help your chances of gender selection due to both depth of penetration and pH levels. The closer to the opening of the vagina, the more acidic the woman’s reproductive tract (vagina) is. Hence with deeper penetration (e.g. doggy-style)your chances of a boy go up. This will apparently place the male sperm closer to the egg, giving them a head start. Missionary position could be used when trying to conceive a girl.

5) Orgasm

To conceive a boy, the woman should try to achieve orgasm either before or at the same time as her partner. Multiple female orgasms can help! It is believed that the waves of the orgasm will help to draw up the sperm quicker to the egg, again giving the boys getting a head start on the girls. For a girl, it is recommended for women to avoid orgasm.

Here’s one for the men: if you’d like to try for a boy, the shettles method suggests that men try to keep their scrotal temperature cool. This means no hot spas or baths and no tight clothing or underwear. Boxer shorts are a good alternative. Avoid scuba diving and heated vehicles for extended durations (or other areas of high heat).

How about sex selection kits?

DIY kits which claim to help with sex selection are based on the Shettles theory. Separate girl and boy kits are available (overseas). They include instructions, a basal thermometer, ovulation predictor test sticks, supplement tablets, and douches that are supposedly gender specific.

In Malaysia we don’t have DIY kit but we do have ovulation kits and you will need to visit your gynecologist for the supplement medications. If you do have difficulty in conceiving both husband and wife will need to undergo some tests to ensure both partners are healthy and ready for a good pregnancy journey ahead.

For more information, please contact Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital at 088-518 888.Address: Riverson@Sembulan, Block A-1, Lorong Riverson@Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For Emergency, please call 088-518 911

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

This Issue of Editor's Pick!

1.) PERSONALISED ADVENTURE STORYBOOK.

The UK’s best-loved book! Take a child on a glorious, personalised adventure like no other. Jam packed with beautiful illustrations and wonderful stories, every book is specially created for every child, for a magical learning experience. Here you can personalise, preview and order a book for any child’s name.

The books are A4 sized, landscape. They are digitally printed on thick, uncoated, environmentally-friendly paper. Each book is personalised and printed just for you. A beautifully illustrated, wonderfully written and created especially for every child, this is bespoke storytelling like never before. www.lostmy.name  Win this book in this issue of Parents Avenue Magazine!




2.) EDUCATIONAL TOYS: FUN WAY TO LEARN ABOUT COLOURS, SHAPES AND MORE.
IKEA MULA Bead roller coaster helps develop fine motor skills and logical thinking! Moving wooden beads on a track is a fun way to learn about colours and shapes. Contains small parts hazardous to children under 3 years in its unassembled stage.

Bead frames are really popular toys with kids. This is a nice toy to look at, has the advantage of being attractive and interesting to kids without the need for batteries or loud sounds, and is a good value entertainment as it really will last years. Recommended for ages from 18 months. www.ikea.com

3.) CERTIFIED ORGANIC LOTION REPELS MOSQUITOES AND INSECTS EFFECTIVELY
Mozzie Clear Lotion by Buds Everday Organic let your little adventurer enjoy the great outdoors, or the playground without feeding the local insects. Citronella oil repels insects effectively and naturally while Aloe Vera soothes and hydrates. Shea Butter and Jojoba and Sunflower oils offer extra moisturisation while antioxidant rich Olive Leaf extract protects against harmful free radical damage. www.budsbaby.com

4.) CERTIFIED ORGANIC
NATURAL FLAVOURS
TOOTHPASTE.
Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste
is made with Certified Organic
Natural Flavors and Certified
Organic/Biodynamic Calendula
Officinalis Extract. It is Fluoride
& SLS Free! Suitable from 6
months old babies. It is 100% safe for young children - especially because they have a tendency to swallow it, rather than spit it out!

www.jackandjillkids.com

5.) NON CONTACT INFRARED THERMOMETER.
The Joylife Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer is a convenient and useful medical tool to have for the parents at home and also for medical professionals who want a reliable and accurate thermometer. It is easy to use and yet delivers accurate measurements that you can trust to make an early diagnosis. It is able to capture highly precise reading of temperatures ranging from 32.0 °C - 42.9°C with an accuracy of +/-
0.2°C /0.4°F. The Joylife Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer adopts reliable sensors to produce accurate results so that you can diagnose an early fever in your child. It also saves the last reading automatically. www.lazada.com.my



Parents Avenue Magazine | Issue No.4 | July to September 2016
Available throughout Sabah, Labuan and Sarawak.