Medical Expert: Zika & Pregnancy

By Dr Vijayan V MD (USM) MRCOG (London)

Consultant | Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Jesselton Medical Centre

What is Zika Virus Syndrome?
The Zika Virus Syndrome outbreak in Brazil has caught the eye of the world. It gained publicity not because it is causes serious infections or kills people but because of what it does to unborn babies. The virus is spread by mosquitos. The mosquito predominantly involved in the spread is the aedes mosquito, the same one that spreads the dengue virus that kills so many every day.

In adults, four of five infected people will not even know they got infected – a silent infection that came and went without any symptoms leaving the individual perfectly normal. In the remaining 20% there could a range of symptoms – fever, joint and body aches, headaches, red eyes and weakness of the limbs.

Should I in Sabah be worried about Zika?
We all should be concerned but there is no reason to panic. Zika was first identified in Malaysian mosquitos by WHO back in the 70’s. So infections have happened. What is still not known is if the Zika virus that caused Brasilian microcephaly outbreak is a strain that hurts the baby more.

Malaysia also has its own rate of babies born with microcephaly. It is simply that these have not been linked to Zika in the past. The general published rates internationally for the incidence of microcephaly is approximately 5 in 1000 babies. We do not have Malaysian figures yet but I am sure this is in the pipeline now.

How Zika causes microcephaly?
Microcephaly (head smaller than normal population by age) has many causes. The most common include Down syndrome and a whole list of other genetic and structural malformations much more common than Zika Virus Syndrome.

Infections other than Zika virus can also cause microcephaly – examples include cytomegalovirus – one of the more common infections causing problems for the baby. Zika virus is transmitted by its vector the aedes mosquito. Once the mosquito bites an infected victim, it becomes a reservoir. Upon biting its next victim it inoculates the individual who now can develop Zika infection symptoms. As mentioned, 4 of 5 inoculated victims will not develop symptoms at all in spite of being infected.

Once the pregnant woman is inoculated, the virus rapidly localizes in the placenta and penetrates through the blood placenta barrier. Once in the baby it rapidly attacks the organs that it is prone to – namely the brain. The brain of a baby, especially an unborn baby, has not fully developed. Its resistance mechanism – the blood brain barrier – is immature and this makes it vulnerable to viruses that particularly like to infect the brain.

Up to 25% of infected babies show brain changes. Once in brain cells, the cells degenerate and die, leaving less brain cells and more scarring. As the baby grows inside of the womb, the infected brain does not grow to its potential, appearing to be smaller than it should, hence the term microcephaly.

If I am pregnant and have fever what should I do?
You should seek medical attention. There are many causes of fever. The common cold is... common. However, there are some causes of fever that may harm the pregnant woman more than others. Viral flu is more severe in the pregnant women (the reason flu jabs are recommended in pregnancy). Urinary tract infections may cause preterm labour. So it is important to leave this basic preliminary issues to the doctors Once the doctor thinks it’s a viral fever – more worrying causes like chicken pox, dengue need to be considered as this may be life threatening. At the end of the list, once others have been excluded, Zika SHOULD be considered. Testing for Zika is available.

What should I do if I am confirmed to have the Zika virus syndrome during my pregnancy?
The risk of the baby getting infected ranges up to 25%. Not all infected babies get microcephaly. An amniocentesis can be considered to confirm if the baby is infected or otherwise. If this is confirmed, serial detailed neurosonograms (detailed ultrasound study of the fetal brain) are advised up to delivery and confirmed with postnatal ultrasound, or if necessary, ct scan of the brain.

If there is no microcephaly there is little chance of the baby being affected. If microcephaly is eventually seen – the parents must be warned of the possibility of mental retardation and to be prepared for it. Looking after a mentally retarded child is a life changing event for the parents and the whole family. The services that support these affected children are still rudimentary but available.

The problem with Zika infection is, once confirmed, does a mother wait for microcephaly to occur? There may be heightened anxiety to the issues that this may bring up. The short answer to the question – an expert consultation with the fetal medicine consultant becomes necessary.

Travel advice?
As with most outbreaks the Zika virus outbreak will also faze out. Until that point, all pregnant women are advised to avoid travelling to Zika hotspots. These hotspots are mainly in the Latin American countries and detailed listings are widely available on the WHO website. Thanks to cheap flights these days infections are getting global faster than we can imagine. Within 6 months of the Brazilian outbreak, Zika infections have been confirmed in the USA and Europe. We should worry if the Brazilian Zika arrives here. But I have a hunch it has.

I am planning a pregnancy. Should we test for Zika?
Zika virus infection is silent in the majority. Men can have Zika in their sperm fluids up to 6 months after an infection. We live in an aedes infested country. Putting the facts together, one can never be sure if they carry Zika or not.

There is a very low risk of microcephaly of 5 in 1000. If resources are strained – there is no need for routine testing unless there was a possible infection/fever that went undiagnosed in the past 6 months. To be certain test before pregnancy especially if either of the couple have had a viral fever in the past 6 months.

This needs to be confirmed with appropriate examinations. Most of the risks mentioned can be prevented, modified and reduced by proper pre-pregnancy consultations in the dedicated clinics at our fetal medicine clinic.

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. 

PASSION vs CAREER

PASSION VS CAREER

By Jasmine Leong, Executive Director of IEC

Inter Education Consult Sdn. Bhd.

Emaill: jasmine@iec.com.my

Website: www.iec.com.my

Parents Avenue Magazine's Panel of Education Expert

Can these two ever be the same? 

I pondered this as I watched good friend Nora, showing a little ballerina how to point her toes. Originally from West Malaysia but living in Sabah since she was 16 years of age, Nora is a Pharmacist by profession but recently took the step to get certified as an RAD (Royal Academy of Dance, UK) Ballet Teacher.

Only 1 of 2 certified RAD Ballet teachers in Sabah, she is now living her passion. A dancer herself who had always known that dance was her life, Nora teaches at IEC Dance Studio and since opening in April 2014, currently has 16 classes on-going which consist of Baby Ballet, RAD syllabus based Primary and Grades, Adult Ballet and private classes.

Then there is the famous and beautiful Hong Yi, our very own Sabahan who studied Architecture but has now taken the world by storm with her unique artwork; which started with a fun painting of Yao Ming using a basketball – what else?! – as a paint brush and had it posted on Youtube. She was discovered and since then, has used her Architectural skills learnt at University of Melbourne and her natural artistic talent to paint portraits of famous people with anything but a traditional paintbrush.

Her portrait of Jackie Chan using chopsticks, including acting with him in a short skit for her video, has catapulted her into super stardom status. She has since been invited to speak at Oxford University, TEDxKL, offered advertising contracts with HP and Nespray, Google, to mention a few.

There is also my childhood friend and competitive swimming compatriot Alex Lim Keng Liat, who received a sports scholarship to study Business at UC Berkeley, California. Though his time was spent mainly in the pool competing for the University and Malaysia (he is still a national record holder), he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Management.

Upon returning he returned to the pool not as a swimmer but a state coach for a number of years, giving back to the community that had opened so many doors for him; even successfully coaching another Sabahan to the Beijing Olympics 2008, Leung Chii Lin. Now he is a successful entrepreneur, involved in multi-level marketing and property investment. He still goes to the pool at times but is now a family man in his own right.

What do all of the above have in common? 

Their university degrees have almost little or nothing to do with their current career. While they are all only in their current late 20s – early 30s, they have managed to find and match their passion with their current career. None of them regretted studying their chosen course at university and all said that they have gained skills which have led to their careers today. Pharmacist to ballet teacher; Architecture to Artist and Professional athlete to Property investor.

What am I trying to prove? That your degree does not equal your career. 

Your interests and passions develop over time and what is more important when choosing your degree, is that you study something of your interest, whilst at the same time develop social and academic skills that will be transferable to whatever career you choose in the future.

So, how do you choose? 

Here is a simple formula – Interest, Environment, Cost (IEC):

INTEREST

Choose a course that interest you. If you are still not sure what or where your interest lies, you can choose by process of elimination. There are typically 10 areas of study you can choose from:

1. HEALTH SCIENCES

(Medicine, Dentistry, Vet Science, Pharmacy, Medical Biosciences, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy etc.)

2. PHYSICAL SCIENCES

(Engineering, Geology, Archaeology, Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science etc.)

3. BUILT ENVIRONMENT

(Architecture, Interior Design, Quantity Surveying, Landscape architecture, Urban planning etc.)

4. HUMANITIES

(Law, Education, Psychology, History, Literature, Linguistics, Sociology, Philosophy, Cultural Anthropology etc.)

5. BUSINESS

(Accounting, Marketing, Management, Forensic Accounting, Finance, Banking, Investment Risk Management, International Business, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Tourism & Hotel Management etc.)

6. MASS COMMUNICATION

(Media, TV & Film Production, Public Relations, Advertising etc.)

7. ART & DESIGN

(Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Fashion, Interior, Animation, Fine Arts, Fashion Marketing etc.)

8. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(Computer Software, Programming, Nanotechnology, Games Technology, Mobile Technology, Forensic Computing, etc.) Yes, IT now has a faculty of its own and is one of the fastest growing schools as technology advances.

9. PERFORMING ARTS

(Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual Communication, Acting, Musical Theatre etc.)

10. PRACTICAL SKILLS COURSES

There are also courses which are more focused on practical skills and which are equally as important and professional. For example, Culinary Arts (Commercial Cookery or Patisserie), Hairdressing, Automotive Engineering, Aged Care, Dental Assistant to name a few.

ENVIRONMENT

This is something not a lot of students consider as they enter into tertiary education. The environment in which you are studying in is as much a part of the education you are receiving as the academic part.

Choose a university which will enable you to develop your people skills, social skills and life skills. Take a look at the student societies and support system that the university offers.

Employers in the 21st century are looking for well-rounded graduates, ones that do not just have his or her head in the books and achieved ‘A’s in their assignments, but one who can communicate, is self-disciplined, has a great attitude and a great outlook on life.

COST

Finally, base your choice on your financial situation. Every student comes from a different background so before you decide which top league university you wish to study in, consider your finances. Who will be paying for your fees? Parents? Siblings? Will you be applying for a scholarship? And if that does not work out, what is your plan B?

What is important to remember is that a degree from a top university does not automatically guarantee success. Many factors come into play when seeking a job. A degree is merely a stepping stone towards the rest of your life. And like the examples at the beginning of this article, life can take some very intriguing turns as it unfolds. Is a degree essential for a head start? Maybe and maybe not.

We all know of success stories like Bill Gates and Michael Jackson who never finished a degree but achieved great ‘success’. I also have good friends who have not completed university degrees but started their own businesses by the time they were 19 years of age and are still successful now!

However, a university degree does offer you this: A time to play life whilst still in a safe and confined environment. It allows you the opportunity to grow in maturity, explore what your strengths are and practice ‘life’ before ‘real’ life begins after University!

So, Passion vs. Career? Definitely passion. For if you study something which you are passionate about, the career will emerge out of your passion. We at IEC can promise you that we will do all we can to guide you towards your desired goal. So explore the options, discover your passions and decide confidently!

IEC Holiday Courses: Creative English and Speech & Drama. 

Should you need further assistance or help for your child's education or even just a friendly chat to know what is the best options of classes for your kids - call 088-212939 or 019-585 5997. You can also visit their HQ located at Sunny Garden.

Yolanda, the ballet instructor with a heart and a mission.

Yolanda, the ballet instructor with a heart and a mission.

Interview by Stella Matilda | Photograph by Donny Lai

1.TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
A ballet instructor who has a vision that can bring Sabahan ballerinas towards the International level such as to perform professionally as a Ballet Artist on world stage. Being a Managing Director of Yolanda Dance Studio, for myself, working alone can only bring me a short distance but working as a team, such as I am building now can go far beyond what we expected.

2. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE AS A BALLET TEACHER?
Holding some big responsibilities on educating all of my students and building their passion for dancing is not as easy as learning ABC. It is quite a challenge to be nonstop encouraging my students and, at the same time, motivating myself.

3. WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?
Beth James is always my role model. She is the Director of The Conservatoire of Classical Ballet in Perth, Western Australia. During my stay in Australia, she has been continuously supporting my everyday training, building up my confidence and stimulating my dancing skills.

Once she told me “If you have the flexibility but with no strength, you are imperfect”, “If you have strength but with no flexibility, you are also imperfect” “So you must have both”.

4. WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE YOUR DREAM?
My beloved parents. They have encouraged me since I was very young. They not only supported me financially but also physically and spiritually. On December 2015, I received Yolanda Dance Studio as my Christmas present from my dad. My dearest mom has tailored made all of my ballet costumes. I appreciate every gift from my parents.

5. THEY ARE MANY YOUNG CHILDREN WHO DESIRE TO BE A BALLERINA, WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THESE CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS?
To become a ballerina, you must show your commitment towards your training, be well prepared before the class starts, always wear a positive attitude at every correction and enjoy the very moment in class. “Dare to dream, then you’ll achieve”.





6. WHAT DO YOU WISH TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS SOCIETY IN THE FUTURE?
I wish to give opportunities to all the children who have always wanted to learn ballet but are facing poverty. For example, conducting ballet lessons to single parents’ families and in orphanages. Also, I wish to support the needy in terms of a Scholarship to further their Ballet Dream to a higher level.

Yolanda Dance Studio is located at Plaza 333 and currently offering a wide range of classes for ages from 3 years old and above. They also have just launched Ballet Boys for their January 2017 in-take.

Should you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Yolanda at 016-831 1570 or simply visit her studio.

Don't forget to follow her on Facebook for more updates and information!

www.facebook.com/yolandadancestudiokk

Breast Cancer: Risk, Diagnosis and Treatment.

BY DATO DR. JASWANT SINGH

CONSULTANT CLINICAL ONCOLOGIST
KPJ SABAH SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

WHAT IS CANCER?
“A large group of disease characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal
cell which is not checked results in death.”


RISK FACTORS OF BREAST CANCER
1) Getting older
The older a woman gets, the higher is her risk of developing breast cancer; age is a risk factor. Over 80% of all female breast cancers occur among women aged 50+ years (after the menopause).

2) Genetics
Women who have a close relative who has/had breast or ovarian cancer are more likely to develop breast cancer. If two close family members develop the disease, it does not necessarily mean they shared the genes that make them more vulnerable, because breast cancer is a relatively common cancer. The majority of breast cancers are not hereditary.

Women who carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a considerably higher risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. These genes can be inherited. TP53, another gene, is also linked to greater breast cancer risk.

3) A history of breast cancer
Women who have had breast cancer, even non-invasive cancer, are more likely to develop the disease again, compared to women who have no history of the disease.

4) Having had certain types of breast lumps
Women who have had some types of benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps are more likely to develop cancer later on. Examples include a typical ductal hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ.

5) Dense breast tissue
Women with denser breast tissue have a greater chance of developing breast cancer.

6) Estrogen exposure
Women who started having periods earlier or entered menopause later than usual have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because their bodies have been exposed to estrogen for longer. Estrogen exposure begins when periods start, and drops dramatically during the menopause.

7) Obesity
Post-menopausal obese and overweight women may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Experts say that there are higher levels of estrogen in obese menopausal women, which may be the cause of the higher risk.

8) Height
Taller-than-average women have a slightly greater likelihood of developing breast cancer than shorter-than-average women. Experts are not sure why.

9) Alcohol consumption
The more alcohol a woman regularly drinks, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer is. The Mayo Clinic says that if a woman wants to drink, she should not exceed one alcoholic beverage per day.

10) Radiation exposure
Undergoing X-rays and CT scans may raise a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer slightly. Scientists at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center found that women who had been treated with radiation to the chest for a childhood cancer have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

11) HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
Both forms, combined and estrogen-only HRT therapies may increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer slightly. Combined HRT causes a higher risk.

DIAGNOSIS
1) Breast examination
The physician will check both the patient’s breasts, looking out for lumps and other possible abnormalities, such as inverted nipples, nipple discharge, or change in breast shape. The patient will be asked to sit/stand with her arms in different positions, such as above her head and by her sides.

2) X-ray (mammogram)
Commonly used for breast cancer screening. If anything unusual is found, the doctor may order a mammogram. High risk ladies should have first mammogram at the age of 45 years old. For normal population, suggested after the age of 50 years old.

3) Breast ultrasound

This type of scan may help doctors decide whether a lump or abnormality is a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst.

TREATMENT
1) Lumpectomy 
Surgically removing the tumor and a small margin of healthy tissue around it. In breast cancer, this is often called breast-sparing surgery. This type of surgery may be recommended if the tumor is small and the surgeon believes it will be easy to separate from the tissue around it.

2) Mastectomy 
Surgically removing the breast. Simple mastectomy involves removing the lobules, ducts, fatty
tissue, nipple, areola, and some skin. Radical mastectomy means also removing muscle of the chest wall and the lymph nodes in the armpit.

3) Breast reconstruction surgery 
A series of surgical procedures aimed at recreating a breast so that it looks as much as possible like the other breast. This procedure may be carried out at the same time as a mastectomy. The surgeon may use a breast implant, or tissue from another part of the patient’s body.

4) Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
Controlled doses of radiation are targeted at the tumor to destroy the cancer cells. Usually, radiotherapy is used after surgery, as well as chemotherapy to kill off any cancer cells that may still be around. Typically, radiation therapy occurs about one month after surgery or chemotherapy. Each session lasts a few minutes; the patient may require three to five sessions per week for three to six weeks.

The oncologist will decide the radiation treatment that she may have to undergo based of the stage of breast cancer the woman has. In some cases, radiotherapy is not needed

5) Chemotherapy
Medications are used to kill the cancer cells - these are called cytotoxic drugs. The oncologist may recommend chemotherapy depending on the stage of the cancer.

Neo adjuvant is chemotherapy given before surgery to downstage the tumor.
Adjuvant is chemotherapy given after surgery.

PREVENTION & REDUCING RISK

• Reducing risk is WITHIN OUR CONTROL

• Take initiative to control your life style with:

• Regular EXERCISE

• Avoiding excessive SUN exposure; Use sun barrier cream

• STOP smoking

• REDUCE food fat content

• REDUCE red meat

• Eat MORE vegetables & fruit

• REDUCE alcohol consumption

• Regular SCREENING for colorectal, breast, cervical & prostate cancer

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. 

What is IVF?

BY DR GAVIN YONG KOK WENG
CONSULTANT | OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
GLENEAGLES KOTA KINABALU HOSPITAL


WHAT IS IVF?
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is a process by which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside of the body. The process involves monitoring a women’s ovulatory process, removing ovum or ova (egg or eggs) from the woman’s ovaries and letting sperm fertilise them in a fluid medium in a laboratory, and then transferring it to the patient’s uterus with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

Let us look at the problem of infertility as a whole. It is common and you are not alone. One in 6 couples in the UK has this problem. In Malaysia it occurs in 15% per cent of the population. If we take a school class room of 30 students, 5 of us in the class will face this problem. It is common and you are not alone. The good news is that half of this group will conceived using simple advice or treatment. The other 50% will require advanced techniques like IUI and IVF.

So, how does IVF increase your chance of having a baby more than the natural success rate? During IVF, we will increase the number of mature eggs. (In IVF we will increase your number of eggs from 5 to 15 eggs). IVF increases your chance to fertilize using ICSI technique. Therefore, we will have more embryos and a wider choice to select the better quality embryos. Thereafter we will transfer the embryos and place them at the most suitable spot… at the upper third of uterus. Lastly we will increase the endometrium receptivity for the embryos to settle and implant.

How do we increase the number of mature eggs? It is by controlled Ovarian Stimulation. In IVF we do not want a dominant follicle. Instead we will stimulate all the follicles to maturity so that we will have 5 to 15 eggs. When the follicle matures to 18- 20mm size, an ovulation injection is given. After the ovulation injection, the eggs will be picked up 34 to 36 hours later.

In IVF cycles all the eggs will be fertilized using ICSI technique. This is to ensure that all the eggs will be fertilized instead of leaving fertilization to chance.

Two days later, 2 or 3 embryos will be transferred into the uterine cavity. This transfer will be done under ultrasound guidance so that the embryos will be placed at the best suitable position.

After the embryo transfer, progesterone is needed to make the endometrium receptive. IVF patients will require progesterone support until 12 weeks by injection and vaginal pessary. The vaginal pessary is most important.

And if everything goes well, after 8 weeks of embryo transfer ET, you will see your fetus moving on ultrasound.

In summary, how does IUI and IVF affect your fertility rate? A normal women at age 25 has a fertility rate of approximately 30%. If you do not get pregnant after one year of trying, your chances of conceiving is a mere 1%. IUI increases the fertility rate to 15%. If you opt for IVF your success rate will rise to 40% - 65%.

For more information about this topic, kindly get in touch with Dr. Gavin from Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu Hospital. Tel: 088-518 888. Visit their website: http://gleneagleskk.com.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. 

We Are Hiring! Business Development Executive.

Job Position: 
Business 
Development Executive


We are a young, dynamic and fast-moving company; the ideal fit would be a candidate who is ambitious and keen to have genuine influence – helping to shape the growth of the business’s future.

The successful candidate will be responsible for seeking out and developing new business with a consultative approach to selling. They should be commercially astute and have excellent communication skills, with a proven record in generating revenue.

Business Development Executive Key Responsibilities will include:

• Generating leads and efficiently keeping in regular contact with existing prospects
• Presenting to senior decision makers of clients and prospects (NBD’s, MD’s and CEO’s)
• Understanding and keeping up-to-date with constant developments in the communications industry and agency market
• Identifying areas for expansion and development
• Developing a targeted long-term new business strategy
• Create weekly/monthly forecasts on revenue/target management and end of month reports on revenue and market performance
• Delivering against these targets to ensure revenue expectations are met
• Inputting into sales and marketing collateral – how the business positions itself for various audiences
• Maximising networking opportunities and regularly using conferences, events and trade shows to increase awareness and develop a further network of contacts

Requirements:

• With experience between 1-2 years in Sales & Marketing would be a bonus.
• Own a valid driving licence, can drive and own a vehicle.
• Fluent in English both written and spoken.
• Ability to build rapport immediately.
• Reliable, trustworthy and honest.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Pleasant looking and polite.
• A tenacious 'can do’ approach.
• Ability to work independently with excellent time management skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail -takes pride in their work.

Work Hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Work Days: Monday to Friday (Weekends only when required)

Salary: > RM1200 + Commision 

Our office is located at Inanam Capital, Inanam Kolombong. Interested candidate can email resume to parentsavenue@gmail.com or call 088-394709. 

Fitness Mom: 5 Minutes 30 Days Challenge

The 5 Minutes 30 Days Challenge.

By Ira Rasmadin












Take 5 minutes of your time to get fit in 30 days! This challenge is designed to put your body under tension to maximize fat burn. With 40 seconds work and 20 seconds recovery time, your body will compensate the oxygen used during your workout up to 48 hours after each session.

That means, you will continue to burn fat for the whole 30 days just as long as you continue to workout according to the exercises specified in the next table. You do not have to worry about muscle damage as all of the exercises are simple and are spaced apart. It will give your body plenty enough amount of time to recover before you hit the same body parts again.

To participate in the challenge is simple.

All you need to do is put hashtag #the5minutechallenge Hashtag to participate on every photo or video you post on Instagram. I’ll be browsing all posts from time to time and announce one winner on my page.

Gorgeous Planner to be won!

One lucky person will be selected randomly each month to receive gorgeous planner I created as well as fitness and nutrition program, altered specifically to her goal.



I hope more women, regardless of age would feel more empowered to take a step forward towards her fitter self with this challenge.

So hurry up and make your first hashtag! I’ll be looking forward to your posts!

The 5 Minutes 30 Days Challenge - SAVE THIS PHOTO, PRINT IT & HASHTAG! 

Follow Ira Rasmadin on Facebook  and on Instagram @ira_fitnessmom for more inspirational updates. You can also get in touch with her if you need advice or information about certain movements.

Exclusive Interview: Daphne Iking - Career, Baby No.3 and Managing Priorities

KEEPING IT REAL
Daphne Iking opens up about why she kept her pregnancy a secret, the challenges of motherhood and how she manages her priorities.

Award winning actress and TV personality Daphne Iking leads a hectic life. Besides hosting, producing and emceeing, the co-founder of both Lebosi Sdn Bhd and BigIDIA is also an advocate for solar powered products and consults corporate leaders in Media Handling and Public Speaking. Often seen on and off screen, either walking the red carpet or hosting high profiled events and shows, one would think her life is full of glitz and glam.

But this mother of three says it is far from that and her daily vlogs on her YouTube channel are testament to this. Daphne Iking opens up to Parent Avenue about the challenges of pregnancy number three, how she copes with her career and demands while staying true to herself.

Photographs by Joe Lebosi | Interview by Stella Matilda

We’re thrilled to find out about your newborn baby! Congratulations! How did your daughters react when they first meet their little baby brother?

Thank you! They’ve been looking forward in meeting him. We sort of guessed his gender as my gynae (who was more excited upon knowing I was carrying a son!) hinted strongly to us (when we asked her to keep the sex a secret). So the girls placed bets on what his gender was going to be. Isobel guessed correctly.

When Azmi took them to see us that very same day, they were excited and curious at the same time, especially Iman — who has been the baby of the family for awhile. I prepared them for the baby — we read my pregnancy books, watched birthing videos, got them involved in our antenatal visits with the doctor … so seeing the baby for the first time was as equally exciting for them as it was for us.

What do you love most about your pregnancy journey?

I kept this pregnancy a secret upon finding out. He was a little surprise for us as we thought we’d stop at Iman, so when I found out I was pregnant, I had confirmed shoots and emcee gigs lined up so we kept it off social media etc as I did not want to “frighten” our clients away. (I think you read my article about me being discriminated during my previous pregnancy right? If you haven’t, here’s the link: http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/views/2016/03/25/why-i-kept-my-pregnancy-a-secret-allofus-are-entitled-to-protect-our-privacy-for-fear-of-rejection/

Photograph by Joe Lebosi

So, I suppose what I loved (and hated) about the pregnancy was the challenge of keeping it hush. Only family and close friends knew. Being the third pregnancy, I started showing prominently upon month 5. My designer friends helped me get clothes that disguised my bump but eventually, upon my 8 month, there is only so much “disguising” one can do. So when the cat was out of the bag, it was nice that most of my clients and producers were ok with me being pregnant (only concerned that I would be exhausted). And so, the day before my surgery, we published my eldest daughter’s pregnancy vlog announcement on my Youtube channel. The day I was wheeled in for surgery, we uploaded a picture of me pregnant so many of my social media followers were shocked. A few hours later, my husband uploaded my son’s picture.

It was interesting to see the reaction of acquaintances and strangers alike upon the news of our new addition. There were strangers who follow me on my social media pages and when they saw me on the streets pregnant, they’d ‘scold’ me for not sharing the news over social media. That compelled me to keep the pregnancy off social media even more - their ‘scoldings’ made me realise that I don’t owe anyone an explanation for everything I do in my life. Some things are nice to be kept a secret. A special moment for those who truly matter.

Photograph by Joe Lebosi

What’s been your hardest mom moment so far?

Being fair to all three of my children AND making sure daddy is not left behind too. I had problems with my domestic helper and we had to finally let her go and do without any help. So juggling quality time with all three children (and you would know how demanding being a fully breastfeeding mother to a newborn can be!), looking after the household and managing my career PLUS making sure hubby does not feel neglected, does put a toll on you.

With baby number three, losing weight has been quite challenging and because I’m in an industry where one has certain expectations in losing those post pregnancy pounds fast (thanks to all those hot Hollywood stars who make it look so easy!), it’s been depressing to say the least that the extra weight is just not budging! So that DOES get to me too.

What is the best part of your day?

I wake up at 5am to get the first housechores done and to prepare the children’s meals and to send them to school while pumping, so Isidore has enough supply when I’m out and about and daddy has to look after him. Then by 8am, I’ve sent both children to school and it’s time for the little ones bath and feed. In and out of the day is more housechores, preparation of meals, feeding and work. So by midnight, my energy is truly spent.

But that would be the BEST part of the day - having had a warm bath once all kids are asleep and knowing I’ve done the best for everyone. There’s a clean house, prepared meals for everyone (and everyone has different meal requirements!) and another day has come and gone and the kids and husband are happy. THAT is the best part of the day. Knowing I’ve done my best for the family when I watch them all sound asleep.

Photograph by Joe Lebosi

Up to 80% of new mothers’ experience the baby blues, what are your advice?

I did. During my second pregnancy, only I didn’t know it then till I confided in a friend. Iman was a colicky child and was crying day in day out. My mother was not able to be with me throughout my confinement as she was still working then (mum lives in Sabah), so I was pretty much alone then and I didn’t think I should ‘bother’ my husband with my concerns. I was just so exhausted but felt I needed to keep up and when I could not manage my expectations, I was feeling very, very depressed. I recall throwing a wailing Iman on the bed when she refused to stop crying, and that was when I knew I had gone too far and that I needed to talk to someone soon.

For Isidore, because my gynae knew about my symptoms, she reminded me about the changes my body and emotions would be going through and that it was extremely okay to get other people to help me out with the older siblings and housework. I think because my mother (who actually took a confinement course so she would be able to look after both my sister and I during our confinement) was with me and my husband was extremely caring and supportive during recovery, it helped a LOT! My advice is to allow those who offer to help, to help. Take up the offers and sleep as much as you can.

It would be extremely helpful if you actually have the luxury of a helper or a confinement lady to assist you and the baby. Your body has gone through quite a deal and you need to recuperate. I love my two older girls, but I knew I could not be a superhero and try being there for them too.

Thank God they understood and I spend short but quality time with them. Their father took them off my hands so I could rest as much as I could in between feeding and looking after Isidore. Finally, post partum blues does happen. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone. Don’t be shy. You are not alone.

How do you feel about being a working mom?

Because I enjoy what I do most of the time, it does not feel like work per se. But days when thing get a bit hectic, and everything and everyone is suddenly a priority, it does get to me — especially now without a helper, so my husband and I need to sort our schedules so we are able to take turns looking after the kids.

The children and he have chipped in with house chores, so that helps A LOT. But I love working although there are days when I wished I didn’t have to work because I’d rather just be home with the children and keeping the house in order.

Photograph by Joe Lebosi

You’ve been diligent in your vlogs (video logs) and you portray not just your life, but the family too. Why daily vlogs? and aren’t you worried about over sharing with cyber crime on the rise?

My first intention on producing YouTube videos was to make sure my production skills in camerawork and editing were not going to waste. Why daily vlogs? I was inspired by other well-known Youtubers and just like how I post pictures of the family and I on my social media , the vlog is also now my gallery of memorable family videos which I can view online anytime, anywhere.

My husband and I want to keep our vlogs as real as possible, but we are aware of the dangers of over sharing. So, just like how we take precautions in posting pictures, we do the same with our videos. We don’t reveal certain details like our home address and where the kids school are etc. And because there are sick people out there, we don’t show the kids in the shower or naked. Otherwise, it’s pixelated. The girls are aware of being filmed – I know some who say it is unfair for us parents to post our kids photos and videos as it invades their privacy since they are too young to object ; so I have that in mind too and must be thoughtful – if that was me in their shoes, am I going to appreciate my parents showing that to the world 20 years down the road?

Are there specific types of women you’re drawn to?

I like the strong, kind silent types. Like my mother. She’s gone through quite a journey but she’s always so calm and kind. Strong and patient. She’s also a go-getter and does not give up easily. Extremely independent and passionate about what she believes in.

What is your advice for moms who are striving to do it all?

I always get asked, how do you juggle work and motherhood. I think you don’t have a choice. You just DO. So when you ask me advice on women who want it all - you CAN have it all but not necessarily DO it all. Most have help in some form or another - be it a part time cleaner or nanny, to a personal aide or secretary to assist you.

I entrust those near and dear to help me. My husband manages me. As soon as the kids are able to understand instructions, they assist with house chores and have a routine that is flexible, but somewhat still a schedule that they adhere too. Since being helper-less, I have a schedule and I make sure everyone keeps to their own chores and if they take something, they must return it to its original place. Or wash up after using a utensil, plate or glass. When it comes to work, have a to-do list and stick to it.

It is so fulfilling ticking off your priorities. Of course, there are days when you can’t keep up, so that’s where prioritising comes in. I don’t tackle emails first. I do what’s glaring at me first. If I open my emails, I will spend an hour or so replying or deleting. I try not to have meetings. I think anything that can be relayed over emails or whatsapp chats is more productive.

Unless I chair the meeting so I have an agenda and stick to it and keep it as short as possible. Most productivity drops due to long meetings that don’t stick to an original agenda. I hate wasting work time. If I want to talk ‘nonsense’, that would be when I’m with my friends just chilling out. But this is my way. Some folks have different ways to manage their time and priorities. To each and their own.

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