MIASA Launches Young Advocates for Mental Health Programme on International Women’s Day

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

In conjunction with International Women’s Day, the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (MIASA) hosted a half-day event at Royale Chulan, The Curve (Kuala Lumpur) on March 11, 2023.

TRANSCENDING ALL BOUNDARIES: BE REVOLUTIONARY

The theme of International Women’s Day this year, ‘Transcending All Boundaries: Be Revolutionary’,  calls for the championing of efforts that will empower women in spite of continuing challenges faced across many sectors of society.

The Founder and President of MIASA, Puan Anita Abu Bakar, outlines the different barriers faced by women due to various cultural and societal norms, which are further compounded and exacerbated for those who have a particular disability or struggles with their mental health.

“When women find it hard to talk about difficult feelings, they tend to internalize them,” she says. “This can lead to depression, eating disorders, and self-harm.”

She shares that past statistics indicated that around 1 in 5 women faces a mental health challenge such as depression and anxiety.

“So, today, we want to let every woman know that there is help, there is support, there is recovery when facing mental health issues. No one has to struggle alone. You don’t have to struggle alone,” she asserts.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS ACROSS ALL GENDERS, BECAUSE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES DON’T DISCRIMINATE 

While MIASA champions and supports the efforts to empower women across various social and political sectors of life in Malaysia, the association also is well aware that mental health issues do not discriminate based on one’s gender.

Hence, to achieve the goals and objectives of the association, Puan Anita highlights that broad discussions of gender stereotypes and gender equity should not be restricted to only barriers faced by women.

“In our work within the mental health field in particular, we have a front-row seat to witness the harmful effects gender stereotypes can have not only on women but men too, namely when it comes to expressing one’s feelings. For example, we know that many young boys are implicitly taught to believe that they need to ‘man up’ and that crying is a sign of weakness for example,” she explains.

“So let’s take this opportunity to acknowledge those barriers and boundaries as well, and ensure that all of us, man and woman alike, work harmoniously together to ensure gender equity from all sides,” she concludes.

LAUNCH OF YOUNG ADVOCATES FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME TO ACHIEVE GENDER EQUITY THROUGH A ZERO-STIGMA GENERATION 

This inaugural programme from MIASA will build on the importance of building a generation free of stigma and discrimination—the zero stigma generation.

The MIASA Young Advocates for Mental Health programme is a 6-month programme that provides a platform for young people to:

  • Learn about mental health and mental health conditions
  • Understand the stigma and discrimination around mental health
  • Acquire qualities and skills of an effective advocate
  • Receive access to the different resources that support people struggling with mental health issues.

“It is a programme that also goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it provides participants hands-on experience with mental health peers through the shadowing sessions,” Puan Anita further elaborates.

For more information on MIASA and its mental health services as well as programmes, you can visit their website by clicking here (link opens in a new tab).

3 Tips to Work From Home Without Hurting Your Posture

WORDS DR LIM SZE WEI


While working from home does come with benefits but it also limits physical movements and takes a toll on our postures.

We started seeing a rapidly rising number of young Malaysian adults that are suffering with neck and back pain, especially those working from home and who work for long hours on their devices.

Consciously, we must remind ourselves to pay attention to the signs our back and neck is giving us, so that we can lower the risk of developing serious spinal conditions down the road.

TIP 1
CREATE AN OPTIMAL WORK AREA
  • Invest in a proper desk and office chair.
  • Ensure that the chair and desk you’re going to be working on is comfortable, supportive, adjustable, and ergonomically sound.
  • Pick a work desk with an optimal height so that the neck, shoulders, and arms remain at a neutral position.
  • Sett up your workstation perpendicular to the window and away from direct light, to minimize the strain on your eyes.
TIP 2
WORK ON YOUR POSTURE
  • Good standing or sitting posture involves having the body be symmetrical, weight evenly distributed and well aligned so it does not strain the neck and back muscles.
  • Use a monitor as a primary working computer instead of a laptop to help improve your posture. If that is not possible, use a book or laptop stand to raise the laptop, so it is at eye level.
  • While being seated, place a small pillow behind your lower back to maintain an arch to lean back in and relieve your back muscles.
  • Keep your forearms and hands leveled and straight by having the keyboard and mouse close to the laptop.
TIP 3
RELAX YOUR MUSCLES
  • The issue isn’t sitting or remaining still while working; It’s being stuck in one place for too long. The body accumulates stress between managing tight deadlines, budget demands, performance reviews, and even the everyday challenges of the day.
  • To keep the mind and, by extension, body healthy, you can combine basic stretches with breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques while you work.
  • Stretches, short walks, or even small bursts of exercise are a great way to get the muscles active and engaged throughout the day.
  • Set alarms or reminders throughout the day to get up and stretch. A 30-second “microbreak” is just enough to change your posture briefly and helps take the pressure off and relax.

NKF Offers Kidney Transplant Subsidy to Needy Organ Donors & Patients

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

GOOD NEWS FOR MALAYSIANS THAT REQUIRE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO UNDERGO KIDNEY TRANSPLANT

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Malaysia has launched its Kidney Transplant Subsidy.

This subsidy aims to help underprivileged patients and organ donors with their financial burden of kidney transplantation.

The subsidy will cover various costs from pre- to post-kidney transplantation, including income loss replacement for the workup and recuperating period.

“The subsidy accounts for the many costs that are prevalent in the process of transplantation, which can discourage organ donors and patients from following through especially for those that are underprivileged. With over 8,000 Malaysians being diagnosed with kidney disease annually, it’s imperative that we help facilitate transplantation to the best of our ability,” says Khor Xin Yun, the Chief Executive Officer of NKF Malaysia.

WHAT THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SUBSIDY COVERS
BEFORE THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
  • Blood tests
  • Traveling expenses for out-of-town patients
  • Lodging expenses for out-of-town patients
  • Income loss replacement during organ donor’s workup
  • Other pre-kidney transplant workups, should services/facilities are not available at government hospitals and are needed in private settings
  • Other areas, where the need for kidney transplant screening is not available in government hospitals or being referred by government hospitals to private medical centres
DURING THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
  • Traveling expenses
  • Lodging expenses for the patient, organ donor, and carer
  • Subsistence for the poor, from pre to post-kidney transplant, as needed
  • Income loss for the organ donor during the recuperating stage
AFTER THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT
  • Traveling expenses for follow-up
  • Lodging
  • Subsistence
  • Income loss
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SUBSIDY
Government or university hospitals

To apply for the kidney transplant subsidy, the consultant nephrologist from a government hospital refers and recommends a patient along with a detailed medical summary and a list of items required for the subsidy.

If a government or university hospital does not have the capacity to tend to the patient

The nephrologist can refer the patient to a private hospital for pre-transplant screening and workups under the subsidy. However, the subsidy does not include the cost of surgical fees, as government hospitals have the capacity to perform kidney transplant surgery and provide immunosuppression therapy.

For more information about the NKF Kidney Transplant Subsidy, visit their website (link opens in a new tab) call 03-7954 9048 ext 208. 

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone & Here’s an Article About Rabbits

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
PHOTO RAHIM SOFRI

UNDERSTANDING THE RABBIT
  • Rabbits are pack animals that have many predators, so they are conditioned to always be alert and wary. Therefore, when you adopt a pet rabbit, it may take a while for the rabbit to become familiar with its new home and to feel safe.
  • Wild rabbits live in warrens—underground homes interconnected by tunnels. Therefore, even tame rabbits have this urge to dig with their paws. Therefore, line your rabbit’s new home with something that it can dig on.
  • Rabbits answer the call of nature in the same spot as much as possible, so minimize the risk of predators tracking them down. Therefore, tame rabbits can be trained to do their business in the same place every day.
  • A rabbit’s tooth never stops growing throughout its life, and a wild rabbit keeps its teeth to manageable length by chewing down on rough parts of plants. Therefore, give your pet rabbit things that it can always chew on, so that its teeth won’t become overgrown.
  • A rabbit tells you that it is not happy with you by thumping its rear feet. It may also bite, although fortunately rabbits are usually not aggressive to humans.
YOUR RABBIT’S IDEAL HOME
  • Keep your rabbit in a well-ventilated cage—such cages are sold in pet shops. Avoid putting rabbits in closed “houses” or glass cases, as these often lack ventilation.
  • Rabbits may develop sore hocks, with its feet becoming raw and inflamed, when they spend too much time on wire flooring, so make sure that the wire flooring has a mesh size that is as small as possible (1 x 2.5 cm should be good).
  • Have a solid and smooth area for the rabbit to rest on, such a wood or Plexiglas surface, so that it can take a break from moving around on the wire flooring.
  • Grass hay makes good bedding for the rabbit, as it is comfy and also provides a nice snack for a hungry rabbit!
HEALTHY RABBIT MUNCHIES
  • A rabbit needs plenty of dietary fibre to keep its digestive system healthy. Unfortunately, most commercial-available pelleted diets sold in stores do not provide enough fibre for the needs of an older, non-breeding, and physically inactive house rabbit.
  • Usually, such rabbits will need to their pellets supplemented with grass hay, leafy green vegetables, and a small amount of treat foods (rolled oats, stale bread, fruits, etc). Therefore, discuss with a veterinarian (that’s an animal doctor) on how to best meet your rabbit family member’s nutritional needs.
  • Make sure that your rabbit always has clean and fresh water to drink. If you have an inverted sipper bottle for your rabbit, check often to make sure that the drinking or ‘straw’ part of the bottle is not blocked.
TRIPS TO THE VET
  • Ideally, have the vet examine your rabbit once a year to check for lice, parasites, and tooth problems as well as signs of diseases.
  • Pet rabbits can be neutered when they are 3 or 4 months old to keep them from being aggressive.
IF YOU NEED TO LIFT & CARRY THE RABBIT AROUND IN YOUR ARMS
  • Grasp your rabbit family member gently by the scruff of its neck to keep it docile.
  • Cup its hindquarters with your other hand to keep it from kicking you with its rear legs.
  • Then gently pick the rabbit up, keeping it in a vertical position.
  • Alternatively, once you have grasp the rabbit’s scruff gently, you can place its head under your other arm (be gentle, don’t squeeze!) and use that arm to support its hindquarters.

References:

  1. Jenkins J. R. (2001). Rabbit behavior. The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice, 4(3), 669–679. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1094-9194(17)30030-0
  2. Crowell-Davis S. (2021). Rabbit Behavior. The veterinary clinics of North America. Exotic animal practice, 24(1), 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2020.09.002

Highlights of the Safe Medication Disposal Practices Roundtable

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

Alpro Pharmacy hosted an industry roundtable, called Safe Medication Disposal Practices in Malaysia–Past, Present & Future, on 15th December 2022 at Monash University Malaysia.

HIGHLIGHT #1
THE NEED FOR PROPER DISPOSAL OF MEDICINES
  • According to Foon Hwei Foong from Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild, unwanted medications disposed into landfills are reabsorbed by water streams. This means that these medications eventually leads back to the water that we drink.
  • Dr Saw Pui San, a lecturer from Monash University Malaysia’s School of Pharmacy, cited how irresponsibly discarded contraceptive medicines ended up in our waterways and caused the sterilization of fishes.
  • Antibiotics are strictly regulated prescription medication, and many efforts were made to prevent antibiotic resistance. However, another often overlooked possible cause of antibiotic resistance is the leakage of improperly discarded antibiotics into our water systems.
HIGHLIGHT #2
THE POLICY IS THERE, BUT THE AWARENESS AMONG THE PUBLIC IS LACKING
  • Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists Society, stated that laws and policies are in place across all access points of medication distribution in this country, with the Malaysian National Medicines Policy (MNPP) clearly stating the measurements and governance in place for medication safety.
  • He opined that health and medication literacy is still lacking within the Malaysia public, hence the need for an pharmaceutical industry medium to act as an education platform for the public.
  • Furthermore, he stated that pharmacists are strongly encouraged to start working collaboratively with their colleagues as well as other key players in the pharmaceutical industry to educate on, implement, and practice safe medication disposal.
  • Ostwin Paw, the CEO of Alpro Foundation, called for leaders in the industry to kickstart the conversation on the impact and risks of unsafe medication disposal methods on the environment.
HIGHLIGHT #3
ALPRO PHARMACY HELPS TO LEAD THE WAY 
  • Lim En Ni, the Chief Pharmacist of Alpro Pharmacy, shared that Alpro Pharmacy launched the Safe Medication Disposal campaign in 2021 in a joint effort with several key pharmaceutical companies in the country.
  • To date, the initiative has safely disposed more than 1,000 kg of medication waste as well as garnered more than 100,000 signatures from the community pledging their support within 3 months since July 2022.
One of the key initiatives of the Safe Medication Disposal campaign is the placement of dedicated medication disposal bins at all Alpro Pharmacy outlets nationwide to collect excess medicines for proper and ethical disposal. For more information on this as well as on proper medical disposal, click here to visit the Safe Medical Disposal Campaign webpage (link opens in a new tab).

A Call to Pledge Your Organs to a Noble Cause

WORDS DR MOHAMAD ZAIMI ABDUL WAHAB

DR MOHAMAD ZAIMI ABDUL WAHAB
Vice President
Malaysian Society of Transplantation
THE URGENT NEED FOR KIDNEY DONORS
  • Malaysia has an estimated number of 48,000 patients on dialysis and awaiting kidney transplant.
  • Each patient has an average waiting period of 13 years to get a transplant done due to the low donation rate.
  • A scoring system is put in place because of this and with it, only about 10,000 patients are eligible to receive a kidney from a deceased donor.

The current statistics of organ donation and organ transplant could be even better if many stepped forward to help advocate this cause.

Although a 2% rise was seen since 2020 with 77 transplants conducted from 16 deceased donors this year, the numbers could certainly get better.

WILL ORGAN DONATION LEAD TO MUTILATION OF THE DECEASED’S BODY?

The permissibility of organ transplant has been a cause for concern and a challenge in changing mindsets.

While most religions in Malaysia encourage organ donation, some beliefs like Jehovah’s Witness and Shinto do not permit organ donation.

Based on the statistics provided by the National Transplant Resource Centre (NTRC), bodily mutilation and the lack of knowledge as to what the deceased would have wanted are two of the most common reasons why families refused to give consent for organ donations from a deceased.

Mutilation of the deceased body is a misconception.

In order to successfully conduct a transplant, the deceased would also have to undergo a surgery similar to that of the living.

This procedure is done in the very best of manner to preserve the anatomy of the deceased so that no obvious disfigurement is seen after the retrieval process.

HAVE YOU PLEDGED TO BE AN ORGAN DONOR? HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD
  • The self-satisfaction you can get in stepping forward to do an altruistic act through this pledge either for their loved ones, or any recipient in need.
  • Discovery of your risk of developing certain diseases or any undiagnosed diseases during the process of being a potential donor. You have the benefit of getting diagnosis and management earlier depending on their case if they are found to have something concerning.

So, have you asked yourself if you have the courage to pledge your kidney for the support of another and to give a fuller life to a patient with kidney failure? If you have done so, kudos to you, but if you have not, ask yourself what is stopping you and address those doubts scientifically.

Have the courage; make a pledge to be an organ donor now via your MySejahtera app.

Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan Receives Honorary Degree

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

We would like to express our heartiest congratulations to  Her Royal Highness Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan binti Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shahwas.

On November 17, she was conferred an Honorary Degree, ‘Doctor of the University’, by Heriot-Watt University Malaysia at the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel today.

A PRINCESS FOR THE PEOPLE

HRH Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan is the eldest daughter of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah.

She is a well-known and well-respected mental health activist and advocate in Malaysia as well as the international stage.

Just a few of her recent accomplishments and advocacy milestones are:

  • Appointed as World Federation for Mental Health Representative to the United Nations in New York in 2021
  • Appointed by WHO as the International Patron of World Mental Health Day for 2020-2021
  • Co-founder of the mental health awareness and advocacy platform Green Ribbon Group (link opens in a new tab)

Heriot-Watt University presented the Honorary Degree to HRH Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan in recognition of Her Royal Highness’role as an inspirational, purpose-driven leader committed to championing mental health in Malaysia and globally.

A WIN FOR THE CAUSE OF CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH

“The Honorary Degree from Heriot-Watt University is a win for my noble cause of championing mental health,” Her Royal Highness Tengku Puteri Raja Tengku Puteri Iman Afzan said during the ceremony. “I am pleased to be recognised for the positive impact of my efforts, and this momentous occasion has reminded me once again of why I decided to champion the mental health agenda. I am dedicated to continuing my efforts to have a positive impact on mental health and to create an environment that is filled with compassion, love, and encouragement, especially for those who feel alone in their battles.”

She reiterated that pushing the mental health agenda forward will set in motion actionable steps towards breaking negative cycles and habits, and their transmission between the current generation and future ones.

“I would like to build a world where our youth are supported to become the very best version of themselves, so they are able to contribute to society and become even better parents to their children. This is my hope for my children, Zayn and Aleya, too,” she said.

Important Advice to Stay Prepared During the Monsoon Season

WORDS LIM EN NI

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) recently announced that Malaysia will experience continuous heavy rainfall from mid-November, leading to probable major flash floods in several states, and the monsoon season will last until early next year.

We would like to outline several precautionary measures for residents in flood-prone areas, from a community pharmacist’s point of view, to proactively mitigate flood damages ahead of the period and in the aftermath.

BEFORE A FLOOD
  • Closely monitor your surroundings and stay up to date on weather forecasts and warnings
  • Assemble disaster supplies, including long-term medications and first aid kits in water-proof bags in case of evacuation.
  • People, especially the elderly, with chronic diseases, are advised to visit their nearest pharmacy and bring along with their chronic medications, in order to keep a record in the pharmacy and have an up-to-date medication list; this will be useful should one lose the hard-copy of their prescription and face difficulties in retrieving their medication
AFTER A FLOOD
  • Due to poor sanitation and hygiene in flood areas, there is a high risk of flood-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, cholera, and dengue fever. Keep an eye out for general symptoms such as fever, headache, diarrhoea, muscle aches, and vomiting. In the case of any such symptoms, please visit the nearest healthcare centres immediately.
  • Alpro Pharmacy and DOC2US have launched the Life-saving Medication Care Programme, which provides a one-time supply of medications for up to 7 days for free. Those with contaminated or lost chronic disease medications can visit an Alpro Pharmacy outlet and speak to the pharmacist for more details. Note that a police report copy of the flooding is required for verification purposes.

Stay dry, stay safe!

How Breast Ultrasound & Mammogram May Save Your Life

WORDS LIM TECK CHOON

DR WINNIE NG NYEK PING
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Subang Jaya Medical Centre
NO FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER = NO PROBLEM? WELL, THINK AGAIN!

“Even if one has no known family history of cancer, external factors such as environmental exposures, prolonged exposure to female hormones and lifestyle features may contribute to an increased relative risk of breast cancer,” says Dr Winnie Ng, a consultant clinical oncologist.

“Aside from genetics, there are numerous underlying possible causes of breast cancer,” says Dr Ng
  • Alcohol intake
  • Smoking
  • Prolonged exposure to female reproductive hormones such as oestrogen, such as in women that reach menstruation at early age, women that have never been pregnant, women on oral contraceptive pills, women that experience menopause late, and woman that have their first full-term pregnancy at a later age
  • Postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy
  • Obesity

Theerfore, even if you have no family history of breast cancer, Dr Ng recommends that still going for breast cancer screening.

“The easiest method of screening is by self-examination of the breast,” she adds.

How to perform a breast self-examination. Click on this image to view a larger version.
AS WE STILL DON’T HAVE A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER, SCREENING REMAINS THE MOST PRACTICAL SOLUTION TO DETECT BREAST CANCER EARLY

Dr Ng recommends that

  • Women below 40 should undergo a breast ultrasound
  • Women above 40 are advised to go for a mammogram

You should consult your doctor about your risk factors and how often you should go for breast cancer screening.

 “A breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence. Self-tests and regular screenings can save lives,” says Dr Winnie Ng.

A Health-Centric Wishlist for the Malaysian GE15

WORDS ANWAR ANIS

ANWAR ANIS
Executive Director
ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital
FORMATION OF A LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PUBLIC & PRIVATE HEALTHCARE

Building upon the successful collaboration between public and private healthcare during the pandemic, a long-term policy on greater partnership will benefit both the government and the private sector, with all Malaysians being the key beneficiary.

There still are waiting lists for procedures in the public hospitals, and these can certainly be reduced if there is a structure long term arrangement for the private hospitals and centres to assist in reducing and maintaining a short wait time, especially for elective procedures which can greatly enhance an individual’s productivity, although it may not be life threatening.

GREATER FOCUS ON AN AGEING SOCIETY

These include the necessary social safety nets, proper care facilities and also post hospitalization care and support.

Here, the government should consider partnering the many physio and home care organisations to ensure patients have good compliance to post hospital care, including physio, wound care and others.

An aging population also typically means reduced mobility due to various issue—for example orthopaedic-related issues, where it can be address with proper intervention, and where needed surgery.

Government subsidy for implants, such as knee and hip implants can reduce the burden for the uninsured (which is a large majority of those who need such care) – and thus ensuring they have good mobility and thus independence even as they age.

INNOVATION IN HEALTHCARE WITH ROBOTICS, 3D PRINTING & OTHER NEW TECHNOLOGIES

The government should consider encouraging the adoption of such technologies especially in healthcare.

Grants or even personal subsidies to access such health technologies where appropriate can propel the adoption and perhaps even development of such tech.

For example, 3D printed casts or prosthesis will improve recovery and long-term quality of life. The regulatory framework also needs to support the faster adoption of such health technologies, to ensure Malaysia is able to maintain its advantage as a healthcare travel destination.

COMPETITIVE & FACILITATIVE IMMIGRATION POLICIES

Competitive and facilitative immigration policies, for healthcare travellers especially, will allow Malaysia to be serve a greater no of patients, which in turn lowers the cost of investment in health-related technologies and equipment, thus enabling more Malaysians to access it as well.

Some of our neighbouring countries continue to attract patients from a number of different countries, despite being less competitive overall than Malaysia, primarily due to the ease of arriving into the country.

Thus, they are able to invest in technology such as proton beam, as fee-paying foreign patients ensure there is a sufficient volume of patients for these advanced and latest modalities.