My Blood Test Update

Last Saturday, I went for a routine blood test at AA Pharmacy, eager to see if the statin I started back in April had effectively lowered my cholesterol. The test package from Accura Healthcare was reasonably priced at RM38 and included a lipid profile, blood glucose test, and a full blood count. On Sunday, the results arrived via WhatsApp, and I was both relieved and surprised by the findings.

Positive News on Cholesterol

The good news: my total cholesterol level has dropped significantly from 7.98 in March to 4.93 now. Clearly, the statin is working! This improvement is reassuring, and it shows that my efforts to monitor and manage my cholesterol are paying off. Despite having genetically high cholesterol (it runs in the family), statins managed to bring the level down.

Blood Glucose Check: FBS vs HbA1c

My blood glucose level was also well within range at 4.98, which is consistent with my usual Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) readings, which have always been below 5.2. This result initially made me feel at ease, but then I noticed a new marker on my report: HbA1c. For the first time, I saw an HbA1c reading, and to my surprise, it had an asterisk next to it, indicating a high result.

Curious about HbA1c, I did a quick Google search and learned some important insights. HbA1c, also called glycated hemoglobin, reflects your average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. Essentially, it measures how much glucose has attached to your red blood cells, which is why it’s often used to assess long-term glucose control.

According to health guidelines:

  • An ideal HbA1c level for those with diabetes should be 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or below.
  • For those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, the target HbA1c level should be below 42 mmol/mol (6%).

My HbA1c reading was 6.08%, just above the threshold, which flagged me as at risk of pre-diabetes.

Getting Advice from My Cardiologist

I immediately shared my report with my cardiologist, hoping for his guidance. He confirmed that despite my good FBS reading, my HbA1c indicated that I’m at risk for pre-diabetes. He emphasized the need to cut back on sweet foods, as sugar is likely a factor driving up this average blood sugar level.

Rethinking My Diet

I’ve always followed a low-carb diet, avoiding rice, noodles, and most starchy foods, but I do indulge in cakes, biscuits, and my favorite probiotic drink, Vitagen. With this new information, I realize it’s time to take a closer look at my diet and be more mindful of sweet stuff and fruits. In fact, the memory of when I was pregnant with Alycia came to mind—my blood sugar levels had spiked due to my love for grapes. Cutting down on them and reducing sweet foods quickly brought my glucose levels back to normal, so I’m optimistic this approach will help again.

My Plan for Healthier Blood Sugar Levels

Armed with my cardiologist’s advice and a clear goal, I’m ready to cut down on sugary treats and even moderate my intake of fruits to keep my blood sugar stable. In six months, I’ll do another blood test to check my HbA1c level, hoping to see a drop back to normal levels.

This experience has reminded me of the importance of regular blood tests. Our health markers tell us more than we might assume, and even small changes, like cutting down on sugar, can make a huge difference in the long run. If you’re putting off your blood test or feel that you’ve “checked everything before,” remember that there’s always more to learn. It’s never too late to start making healthier changes!

Total cholesterol has gone down from 7.89 in March 2024 to 4.93 in November 2024.

HbA1c of 6.08. My goal is to bring it down to below 6 within 6 months.

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Improving Gut Health to Support Neurological Function: The Functional Medicine Approach

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the connection between gut health and brain function.
  • Discover functional medicine strategies to enhance gut health.
  • Learn practical tips to support neurological well-being through diet and lifestyle changes.

Table of Contents:

  • Introduction
  • The Gut-Brain Connection
  • Functional Medicine Approach
  • Dietary Strategies for Gut Health
  • Lifestyle Changes to Improve Gut Health
  • Supplements to Support Gut Health
  • Conclusion

Introduction

Have you ever experienced a “gut feeling” that something wasn’t right? That’s more than just a saying; it’s a glimpse into the intricate relationship between your gut and brain. Emerging research has highlighted the critical link between gut health and neurological function. The gut-brain axis is a complex communication network that links your gut and brain, impacting overall health and wellness. This article explores how improving gut health through functional medicine principles can support neurological function, offering practical tips to enhance well-being.

The Gut-Brain Connection

The gut-brain connection is a bidirectional communication network that links the central nervous system with the enteric nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract. The vagus nerve, hormonal pathways, and the immune system facilitate this connection. A healthy gut can positively influence brain function, while an unhealthy gut can contribute to neurological issues. Many neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, are produced in the gut, highlighting the importance of gut health in maintaining emotional and cognitive well-being.

Functional Medicine Approach

Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues rather than merely treating symptoms. By adopting a personalized approach, functional medicine practitioners aim to restore balance to the body’s systems, including the gut-brain axis. For those interested in functional medicine Denver, this approach can provide a comprehensive plan to enhance gut health and support neurological function. Key strategies include dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements to optimize gut health.

Dietary Strategies for Gut Health

Dietary modifications are one of the most effective ways to improve gut health. Here are some key strategies to incorporate into your daily routine:

  • Eat a Diverse Range of Foods: A varied diet rich in different fiber types can promote a diverse microbiome, which is crucial for gut health.
  • Consume Fermented Foods: Foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics that can help balance gut bacteria.
  • Include Prebiotic-Rich Foods: Prebiotics such as garlic, onions, and bananas feed beneficial bacteria in your gut.
  • Avoid Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain additives and preservatives that can harm gut health. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods.
  • Hydrate Well: Drinking plenty of water supports digestion and overall gut function.

Nourishing probiotic foods a vibrant collection of fermented delights for gut health and wellness

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Gut Health

In addition to dietary strategies, specific lifestyle changes can significantly enhance gut health:

  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt gut health by altering the microbiome and increasing inflammation. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress levels.
  • Exercise Regularly: Physical activity has been shown to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for overall gut health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and establish a regular sleep routine.
  • Avoid Antibiotic Overuse: While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, they can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. Use them only when prescribed and necessary.

Supplements to Support Gut Health

Supplements can also play a role in enhancing gut health. Some of the most beneficial supplements include:

  • Probiotics: Probiotic supplements can introduce helpful bacteria into the gut, helping to maintain a balanced microbiome.
  • Prebiotics: Prebiotic supplements can feed beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthy microbiome environment.
  • Digestive Enzymes: These supplements can aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, supporting overall digestive health.
  • Fiber Supplements: If you struggle to consume enough fiber through diet alone, fiber supplements can help promote gut health.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These anti-inflammatory supplements can help reduce gut inflammation and support overall health.

Conclusion

Incorporating functional medicine principles to improve gut health can profoundly impact neurological function and overall wellness. You can support a healthy gut-brain axis by focusing on dietary strategies, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements. Remember, the journey to better health is multifaceted and personalized. Start by making small, sustainable changes and observe how your body responds. Enhancing your gut health is an investment in your overall well-being and can lead to a brighter, healthier future.

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Kaleidoscope Vision : My Frightening Experience

Some time ago, I experienced a terrifying episode of kaleidoscope vision, something that had never happened to me before. For about 15 minutes, my vision was filled with what looked like shattered glass, shifting and moving like the fragments inside a kaleidoscope. The fear and uncertainty that came with this experience were overwhelming, especially since, as age creeps up on me, I’ve been encountering minor health issues that I never had before.

It all started when someone slammed the door after I had told her to do something. She can be quite the little devil at times, and the stress of that moment triggered something strange within me. As I stepped outside to throw out the garbage, my vision suddenly transformed—bright, jagged shapes, like pieces of broken glass, filled my sight. I could still see and felt normal, but everything was distorted. I started to panic.

When I got back inside, the vision still hadn’t cleared. I was scared. I thought about all the things that could be wrong—maybe my retina had torn or detached, or worse, I could be experiencing a stroke. I began praying, trying to calm myself and distract my mind from the frightening images. Thankfully, after a while, the kaleidoscope vision stopped. But the fear lingered.

I quickly turned to Google for answers and learned that what I had experienced was known as “kaleidoscope vision.” The information I found eased my mind a little, but I knew it was important to understand more about this condition. Here’s what I learned.

What Is Kaleidoscope Vision?
Kaleidoscope vision is a type of visual disturbance where people see fractured, multicolored shapes and patterns, much like the view inside a kaleidoscope. The vision can be blurry, and you might see shifting shapes that resemble jagged, glass-like pieces. It can affect one or both eyes and typically lasts between 10 to 30 minutes.

This kind of visual disturbance is often linked to migraines, but in some cases, it can also be a result of other underlying conditions like stress, panic attacks, or even eye problems.

Symptoms of Kaleidoscope Vision
The main symptom of kaleidoscope vision is distorted vision, where objects appear fragmented, colorful, or shimmering. Other symptoms that may accompany kaleidoscope vision include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache, which may come before or after the visual episode
Sensitivity to light
Nausea or disorientation
Tingling or numbness in different parts of the body (if linked to a migraine aura)

In my case, the kaleidoscope vision was accompanied by a feeling of anxiety and panic, which led me to believe that stress was a contributing factor. I didn’t experience any headache, dizziness, numbness or nausea.

Causes of Kaleidoscope Vision
There are several potential causes for kaleidoscope vision, including:

Migraines: Kaleidoscope vision is often part of a migraine aura that occurs before the onset of a migraine headache. However, not all migraine auras lead to a headache.

Panic Attacks and Stress: Intense emotional stress or panic attacks can trigger visual disturbances like kaleidoscope vision. When your body is in a state of panic, blood pressure and heart rate can spike, which may affect your eyesight.

Ocular or Retinal Problems: In rare cases, kaleidoscope vision could be related to issues with the retina or blood vessels in the eye. Conditions like retinal detachment, retinal migraine, or ocular migraine can lead to visual distortions.

Other Causes: Less commonly, kaleidoscope vision could be a sign of more serious conditions like stroke, brain injury, or a neurological disorder. However, these cases are typically accompanied by other severe symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, numbness, or muscle weakness.

Treatment and Prevention
If you experience kaleidoscope vision, it’s important to stay calm and try to focus on relaxing your body. If the vision disturbance is related to stress or a panic attack, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or grounding exercises may help stop the episode sooner.

If your kaleidoscope vision is related to migraines, avoiding known migraine triggers, such as bright lights, stress, and certain foods, can help prevent future episodes. Over-the-counter pain relief or prescribed medication may be necessary to manage the headache that often follows the visual disturbance.

In any case, if you experience kaleidoscope vision, especially if it’s new or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, it’s essential to consult a doctor. They may refer you to an eye specialist or neurologist to rule out any serious underlying conditions.

Note to self – It’s time to schedule an appointment with my ophthalmologist at ISEC soon!

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Update on the Wart on My Left Foot

I finally decided to address the stubborn wart on my left foot and went to Sunway Medical Centre on Wednesday to see the Foot and Ankle doctor. The consultation was brief, lasting less than five minutes, and cost RM80. The doctor took one look at the corn on my foot and quickly diagnosed it as a viral wart. He then referred me to a dermatologist, mentioning that if he were to treat it, I would need minor surgery in the operating theater to have the wart removed. A surgery in the OT would cost a minimum of RM10k onwards.

The Dermatologist Consultation

After waiting for an hour to see the podiatrist, I had to wait another hour to see the dermatologist. The consultation with the dermatologist was a bit longer, around ten minutes. The doctor gave me two options for removing the wart:

Frozen Liquid Nitrogen: This method would be painful and could be a lengthy process. Blisters might form on the wart’s site, and I might need to return for additional treatments if the wart doesn’t wither away. It could take weeks before the wart dies and peels off.

Laser Surgery: This is the recommended option as the process is relatively quicker. However, the local anesthetic injections required for the procedure are painful, which worries me because I have a low pain threshold.

Insurance Hurdles

Currently, I am facing a problem with my insurance. The claims officer does not approve the laser procedure, stating that it is for cosmetic purposes. I find this very absurd because the wart is causing significant pain when I walk. I spoke to the dermatologist’s nurse, asking the doctor to write another pre-admission form to the insurance company to clarify the medical necessity of the procedure.

Whether the insurance approves it or not, I have decided to go ahead with the laser surgery next Wednesday. The pain when I walk, especially when my foot lands on its side, is unbearable. If money can buy me a better quality of life, I am willing to spend a few thousand bucks to be pain-free again.

Moving Forward

I look forward to walking without pain and being able to run again. Every step I take now is painful and it’s making me feel miserable. I have not exercised for over a month. I pray that the insurance will approve my request for the laser procedure and that the surgery will not be as painful as I fear. My goal is to regain my mobility and live without the constant pain caused by this persistent wart. Here’s to hoping for a smooth procedure and a swift recovery!

I used to chuckle to myself whenever I see people wear socks with slippers. Who’s laughing at me now? I am laughing at myself.😂 But at least I wore a pair of nice and comfy original Vans La Costa slides 🤭

No. of times viewed = 26

Why I Swear by Beacon Seaweed Chicken Essence

Lately, I have found Beacon Seaweed Chicken Essence to be an indispensable part of my routine. This incredible supplement helps combat fatigue, improve memory, and strengthen the immune system. Made from pure Beacon Chicken Essence, it is free of antibiotics, hormones, heavy metals, and comes from chickens with Halal certification. Here’s why I’m a firm believer in its benefits.

Two weeks ago, Alycia had to be admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery on her finger following a freakish kitchen mishap. During her three-night stay in the hospital, I almost didn’t sleep for three days. Knowing that my body requires ample sleep to function effectively, I quickly realized I needed something to help me stay healthy and alert.  Sherilyn was also unwell during that period and was on antibiotics. I was pretty sure that I was going to fall sick too and I couldn’t let it happen as I had to take care of so many things at home with a daughter who was in the hospital and would not be able to use the injured hand for at least six weeks.

That’s when I turned to Beacon Chicken Essence. I headed to the Beacon Mart in my neighborhood and bought a box. I drank a sachet every day throughout Alycia’s hospital stay and continued the routine after her discharge. Despite getting only 3-4 hours of sleep per night and no daytime naps, I felt surprisingly energetic and alert.

Each morning before heading to the hospital, I made sure to have a solid breakfast: two eggs, a slice of toast with my papa’s homemade pandan kaya, fruits, and a sachet of Beacon Chicken Essence. I stayed away from junk food. This combination helped me maintain my energy levels and stave off sickness during those exhausting days.

Thank God, I managed to avoid falling ill. Instead, I felt very alert and energetic throughout Alycia’s ordeal. After finishing the first box of chicken essence, I didn’t hesitate to buy two more boxes, especially with the promotional offer of “buy 2 boxes, get 2 free sachets.” At RM118 a box for 6 sachets of 80ml pure chicken essence, it was a worthwhile investment in my health.

Benefits of Beacon Chicken Essence

  • Combats Fatigue: Helps fight tiredness and keeps you energetic throughout the day.
  • Improves Memory: Enhances cognitive functions, which is crucial during stressful times.
  • Strengthens Immune System: Fortifies your body’s defense mechanisms to prevent illness.

Beacon Chicken Essence is made with the highest standards. It’s free from antibiotics, hormones, and heavy metals, ensuring that you consume only the purest essence. Additionally, it’s Halal-certified, making it suitable for everyone.

I don’t usually believe in off-the-shelf chicken essence, but Beacon Chicken Essence has proven its worth to me. It provides vitality, energy, and strengthens the immune system when you need it the most.

This is not a sponsored post, though I hope that Beacon Mart Management reads this and generously sends me two free boxes of chicken essence!

This is one of the most popular items in Beacon Mart. It is always sold out and I often see customers buying many boxes of it at one go. I had to pre-order the chicken essence and pay in full before the stock was delivered to me a week later.
When lightly heated up, the taste is 100% similar to homemade double-boiled chicken essence.

Beacon Mart is owned by Beacon Hospital, a hospital that specializes in oncology. Thus, the chickens from Beacon Mart are suitable for cancer patients. You can read more about Beacon Mart here.

No. of times viewed = 527

Fruit and Veggie Lovers

Our girls have been trained to eat lots of vegetables and fruits since young. As such, they have no problem eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits every day. These are important to us, just as how water is to us. They’ve also been trained to eat raw greens and funnily though, they prefer their raw greens without any salad dressing, which is healthier.

Of the three girls, Cass is the most health conscious. She’s a fruit and veggie monster and can really scarf down a LOT of veggies and fruits every day, which hurts my wallet *ouch*.

Alycia is grazing on her plate of raw Mizuna leaves here. This semester (short semester), most of her classes are in the evening, so she joins us for lunch at home on most days.

Alycia chomping down her plate of Mizuna leaves sans any dressing. She loves it this way.

I get at least two punnets of Mizuna salad from the supermarket each week, on top of the regular veggies like cabbage, broccoli, spinach, cucumber, beans, etc.

This superstar green is high in nutrients yet low in calories and boasts a long list of benefits to your health. Mizuna provides a megadose of nutrients, including antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that work by neutralizing harmful free radicals, preventing damage to cells and reducing the risk of chronic disease.

Credit: Dr Axe

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No-Pierce Ear-Cuffs (Earrings) For Those With Sensitive Skin

I’ve always loved wearing earrings but have not been able to wear any earrings (both pierce and clip-ons) since the pandemic started.

Ever since Covid entered our lives, anti-bacterial and anti-virus hand sanitizers had been a crucial part of our lives. At the start of the pandemic, everyone was so terrified of getting Covid that we all started applying hand sanitizers on our hands each time we went out. The sticky liquid became a steady fixture of our daily lives. And then the unimaginable happened. Our skin’s microbes were all destroyed by the hand sanitizer. Unfortunately, anti-bacterial hand sanitizers don’t discriminate bad from good and as a result, the good bacteria on our skin are killed too.

The human skin is home to about a thousand species of bacteria and other microbes, collectively called the skin microbiome. Many of these are important for health.

As a result, I was prone to various skin disorders from head to toe. Minor cuts and grazes on my hands didn’t heal well. Even my most trusted Melagel (tea tree oil balm) didn’t work in healing my wounds. Only antibiotic topical creams managed to treat the wounds.

When I told my gynae my issue with skin disorders, the first question that she asked me was “Did you use Dettol to bathe?”

When I said yes, she said “get rid of all the anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers in your house”.

Long story short, my ear lobes were easily inflamed whenever I slept on my sides. My ears were so badly inflamed with pus that I had to get steroid creams from the pharmacy to treat them. As a result, I could no longer wear any type of earrings – pure gold or not, pierce or clip-ons, anything that touched my ears irritated and inflamed my poor ear lobes.

Besides having a sudden super sensitive ears, I also developed ring worm on my waist area caused by excessive sweat after exercise and the elastic waist band on my shorts. It’s as if my skin was depleted of all the good bacteria and was easily attacked by bad bacteria. Ever since I stopped using anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers, so did my skin condition improve.

I was excited when I discovered ear cuffs/ ear wraps on the Lazada shopping platform. I quickly ordered a pair a week ago and they arrived yesterday. I am so in love with these ear cuffs!

An ear cuff is a piece of jewellery that is worn around the outer edge of your ear. It simply slips over the cartilage and gives a similar look to that of a helix or snug piercing.

Very pretty ear cuffs with dangling tassels and bedazzled ‘diamonds’ and they only cost less than RM15 a pair. They’re comfy on my ears too with no piercing and painful clips on my ear lobes. The only snag is that the tassels on the ear cuffs get entangled easily, so you have to keep them in a specific way to prevent them from entangling.

If you want to buy these ear cuffs, please remind the seller to send the correct sides to you. The China seller sent 2 pieces of left ear cuffs to me. Though I can still wear the left ear cuff on my right ear, the diamond is on the back of my ear. But it’s not very noticeable as my hair can cover the diamond part.

I can’t wait to wear these ear cuffs during CNY. It’s been aeons since I last wore earrings. All my pure gold earrings and diamond earrings are now sitting inside the bank’s safe deposit box and I can only pray that my ears can wear them again one day without turning red, itchy and inflamed.

No. of times viewed = 18

Proactive vs. Reactive On Matters Pertaining To Health: Which One Are You?


In the intricate dance of life, our approach to health often falls into two distinct categories: proactive and reactive. Some individuals, like myself, lean towards the proactive side, diligently attending yearly check-ups and routine medical scans. However, there exists a minority who, feeling healthy and in tune with their bodies, dismiss the idea of regular medical examinations. In this exploration of perspectives, there’s been an ongoing debate: Is it necessary to undergo annual medical check-ups, routine scans, and blood tests?

The Proactive Path: As a self-proclaimed health enthusiast or, as some might playfully call me, a hypochondriac, my journey towards proactive health began two decades ago after the birth of my first child. Annual pap smears, ultrasound scans of reproductive organs, and in recent years, mammograms have become steadfast rituals. Any inkling that something wasn’t quite right prompted a swift visit to the doctor. For many, this approach is seen as a vital means of early detection—a proactive stance aimed at safeguarding well-being. After all, any malignancy, when detected at an early stage, gives you a good chance of full recovery and a higher survival rate.

The Minority Opinion: Contrary to the proactive crowd, there are individuals who resist the annual ritual of medical check-ups. They argue that as long as they feel good, there’s no necessity for scans, blood tests, or routine check-ups. My older brother, approaching 53, and my insurance agent, in her mid-50s, both fall into this minority. Their stance hinges on the belief that an attuned awareness of one’s body can obviate the need for regular medical examinations.

The Dilemma: To Test or Not to Test? The question of whether to undergo annual medical check-ups and blood tests sparks varied opinions. The belief in early detection as a lifesaving measure propels many toward the examination table. However, some argue that our bodies often signal distress through symptoms, rendering routine check-ups redundant.

My Conversation with the Skeptics: Yesterday, I engaged in a conversation with my insurance agent about the advisability of a colonoscopy, given that I’m now 50 years old. Her response was a resolute refusal. Feeling good about her body, she dismissed the necessity for any medical tests or check-ups. She has never done any sort of medical check-ups before. I wish that I could be as healthy, assured, and optimistic as her.

Your Opinion: So, where do you stand on the spectrum of proactive vs. reactive health? Do you believe in the power of early detection through routine medical examinations, or do you align with those who prefer to rely on their body’s signals? The debate is open, and perspectives are as diverse as the individuals navigating the labyrinth of health and wellness.

The question lingers: Is the annual medical check-up a necessary ritual, or can a keen awareness of one’s body suffice? As the debate continues, the choice remains deeply personal, guided by individual beliefs, experiences, and a quest for holistic well-being.

My kind of meal – colorful, rich in fiber and high in protein. So yummy. I could eat this everyday.

A simple fruit and veggie salad for Cass’ lunner.

Cass’ request for Fridays – sandwich and salad as she wants something that’s easy and quick to eat. After she comes home from school at around 3.30pm, she has a quick lunner, then rushes to the skating rink for figure skating practice followed by class. She comes home at around 10.45pm on Fridays. Such a hectic and exhausting day but she has no complaints.

No. of times viewed = 31

Help Is Now Available For Passing Ishihara Test in JPJ Theory Test and Pre-Employment Medical Exam

USJ Optometrist in Taipan, Subang Jaya has color vision deficiency or ‘colorblind’ lenses to help people with red-green color deficiency to pass JPJ’s color vision test.  Also known as the Ishihara test, the color vision test is a compulsory test in JPJ’s driving license theory test and in most pre-employment medical exams in Malaysia.

The color vision lenses are available in contact lens and ophthalmic / glasses lens options, in which case many people who need to sit for an exam will choose the contact lens option. They are made to last for years if the lens hygiene is taken good care of as they are not like the normal disposable contact lenses which are easily damaged and run out of shape. This color vision deficiency contact lenses are “hidden” on the dark iris, and no one can easily notice it on the eyes even at close distance.

The contact lenses are medically proven effective & FDA approved.  Color vision deficiency lenses that are FDA-approved have a moon crescent laser engraving mark on the contact lens to show its authenticity as there are many imitation products in the market, especially on online platforms.  

Color vision deficiency lenses that are FDA-approved have a moon crescent laser engraving mark on the contact lens.

The color vision deficiency lenses are used to help people pass the Ishihara test and can be worn to help people carry out most daily activities. The lenses will help produce almost similar color perception as perceived by normal people. It will not affect the wearer’s visual acuity, yet it improves the contrast of their vision.

Color vision deficiency glasses.

USJ Optometrist has ready stock for the color vision deficiency lenses for all levels of color vision deficiency. Interested parties will need to undergo eye tests and trial fitting with the color vision lenses at the shop to ensure that they can pass the Ishihara color plates test. They achieve 100% success rate in helping many color vision deficiency people to pass the Ishihara test, in both the Malaysian JPJ driving license test and in regular medical exams.

For those of you who are interested to know more about the color vision deficiency lenses, please contact USJ Optometrist via the following means:

Whatsapp : https://wa.me/60146665348

Tel direct line : 03-80119038

Facebook message : USJ Optometrist

Email : usjoptometrist@yahoo.com

Address : 28, Ground Floor, Jalan USJ 10/1E, Taipan, Subang Jaya, Selangor

USJ Optometrist operation hours:

Monday to Saturday : 10.30am to 8.00pm

Sunday : 10.30am to 7.00pm

Closed on major public holidays (we accept appointments on public holidays but with prepaid non-refundable deposit to avoid last minute cancellation)

No. of times viewed = 111

Is It Safe To Consume Expired Vitamins?

Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts to function properly. They are found in a variety of foods and can also be taken in supplement form. However, it’s not uncommon for these supplements to expire before they are used up. This raises the question: is it safe to consume expired vitamins?

I recently encountered a situation where the seller (a pharmacy) on an online platform inadvertently sent me two bottles of vitamins with an expiration date of July 2023 and it’s already May 2023 now. On the shopping platform, the seller had wrongly written the expiration date of November 2023. I think it was a mistake on the seller’s side as this is a trusted seller whom I have been buying from for over a year now.

The seller offered me two options : to raise a return and refund or accept a small discount voucher from them. As I hate the hassle of sending the products back and wait for a refund, I chose the latter.

Is It Safe To Consume Expired Supplements?

The expiration date on a vitamin bottle is usually an indication of the manufacturer’s guarantee of the vitamin’s potency up to that date. After the expiration date, the manufacturer cannot guarantee the vitamin’s potency, purity, and safety, which means that it may not be as effective as it was before the expiration date. The expiration date on vitamins is usually set at 2-3 years after the manufacturing date, depending on the type of vitamin.

The supplements that I received with only two months left before the expiration date.

But does that mean that consuming expired vitamins is unsafe? The answer is not entirely clear-cut, as it depends on the type of vitamin, how long it has been expired, and how it has been stored. In general, vitamins that are expired by a few months or less are likely to be safe to consume, but their potency may have decreased, making them less effective. On the other hand, vitamins that are expired by a year or more should be avoided, as they may have lost most of their potency and could potentially cause harm if consumed.

It is worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not require supplement manufacturers to provide expiry dates on vitamin or mineral supplements. The companies may choose to include this information, but only when valid data support the date, and when it is not false or misleading. As a result, a person may prefer to only purchase supplements that contain expiration dates.

The safety of consuming expired vitamins also depends on how they have been stored. Vitamins should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat. If vitamins have been exposed to these elements or have been stored improperly, their potency may have degraded faster than their expiration date suggests, making them less effective or even harmful.

Consuming expired vitamins that have degraded in potency may not necessarily cause harm, but it also may not provide the health benefits that the vitamins are intended for. In some cases, however, consuming expired vitamins could be harmful. For example, some vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D, can accumulate in the body and become toxic if consumed in large amounts, and their potency may increase after expiration.

In conclusion, while it may be tempting to consume expired vitamins to avoid wasting them, it is generally not recommended. If the vitamins are expired by a few months or less, and have been stored properly, they are likely safe to consume but may not be as effective. Vitamins that are expired by a year or more, or have been stored improperly, should be avoided altogether. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and dispose of expired vitamins appropriately.

No. of times viewed = 60

Minor Accident At Home

Last week I had a fall while wiping the floor. I was wiping the nooks and corners of the floor and where all the computer wires are, that the Roborock robot can’t reach. I was wiping the floor with a piece of wet cloth and wearing slippers when I fell backwards, landing on my butt and back of head. For a moment, I thought that’s it. I’m finished.

The fall resulted in bruises on both my elbows, a painful butt, and spine, which resulted in pain when I walked. The next day, I had a bad crick in my neck. I could not turn my head and felt horrible.

Cass forced me to put ice pack on my right elbow, which had a bigger patch of bruise and more painful. As a result, the right elbow healed faster than the left. So yeah, it’s tested and proven that ice packs and cold compress works like a charm in reducing swell and pain.

A day later, hubs booked an appointment for me to see a physiotherapist, despite me protesting because of the cost. The first session costs RM225 and subsequent sessions cost RM180, for an hour session. My go-to remedy has always been Salon Pas patches and time, of course, will heal. But hubs forced me to attend the physio session. He believes strongly in physiotherapy and has been attending regular physio sessions for aches and pains caused by sports (basketball) and work.

Physiotherapy at Precise Rehab, Bangsar. The physiotherapist who attended to me was very gentle and patient. After just an hour of physio, the pain subsided by 50% by evening.
After the session, my physiotherapist Whatsapped me photos and instructions on some simple exercises that I should do at home.

As of today, 5 days after the first physio session, the pain in my neck and shoulders is 90% gone. I told hubs that I don’t need another session but he’s forcing me to go for another session 🙄 

After our physio sessions (hubs had a session too), we went to a food court in Brickfields to tuck into my favorite Vietnamese fare. The stall in the food court is run by a man who previously worked for a well-known Vietnamese restaurant at Mid Valley Megamall. We love the beef pho and fried spring rolls. I’ve yet to try his Bánh mì and plan to try it this week after my 2nd physio session. The pork noodles at this food court is also superb.
Sorry I can’t remember the name of the food court but I’ll make a mental note to snap a photo of it the next time we go there.

No. of times viewed = 71

KEEPTO Motivational Water Bottle with Time Marker, Straw & Handle, Leakproof and BPA Free

Importance of water to our health

Our body is composed of about 60% water. It is therefore essential to keep our body well hydrated so that our body can function optimally. The function of water is more than just to quench our thirst. Water is needed to regulate our body temperature, protects all our organs and tissues, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells and to moisten tissues in the eyes, nose and mouth. Water can even help with weight loss. When you drink a lot of water, it helps you feel full longer, thus you eat lesser. And the best thing is water is zero in calories!

As our body loses water through sweating, breathing, bodily excretions and digestion, it is therefore important to rehydrate by drinking fluids regularly and eating foods that contain water. This is the reason why it is so important to drink sufficient water so that we remain healthy.

How much water do we need?
The current IOM (Institute of Medicine) recommendation for people ages 19 and older is around 131 ounces for men and 95 ounces for women.
This refers to your overall fluid intake per day, which includes anything you eat or drink that contains water, like fruits or vegetables. Of this total, men should get around 13 cups from beverages. For women, it’s 9 cups.

Girls and boys between 4 and 8 years old should drink 40 ounces per day, or 5 cups.
This amount increases to 56–64 ounces, or 7–8 cups, by ages 9 to 13 years.
For ages 14 to 18, the recommended water intake is 64–88 ounces, or 8–11 cups.

How to get motivated to drink enough water

Many people find it a chore to drink the recommended daily water intake. The reasons are varied from dislike to drink water to being too busy with life’s daily activities and work and simply forgetting to drink.

Staying well hydrated and healthy requires a little effort on our part.  One way of reminding ourselves to drink is to have a water bottle by our side.  You can be working in an office, a student or always on the go.  Get yourself a Keepto 64 oz water bottle with time marker and you’ll most likely feel motivated to keep chugging every two hourly.

 

Keepto 1 gallon motivational water bottle

Keepto water bottles have unique inspirational quote and time marker printed on the bottles. This makes it even easier than ever to drink the perfect amount of water each day. The inspirational quote is great motivation for any fitness goal including weight loss, muscle gain, and tracking water intake during a detox or pregnancy.

Keepto comes in 20 fun colors in a variety of color gradients. Choose one in your favorite colors and you’ll be happy to lug the water bottle everywhere you go to keep yourself well hydrated. You have the option to choose the lid – straw lid or spout lid.

KEEPTO Half Gallon/64oz Leakproof BPA Free Water Bottle with Motivational Time Marker, Straw & Handle

KEEPTO 32oz Water Bottle with Straw – Motivational Water Jugs with Time Marker & Removable Strainer, Fast Flow BPA Free Water Bottle for Fitness, Gym, etc.

Keeping ourselves well hydrated is a conscious effort. You have to remind yourself to drink throughout the day so that you get the recommended daily water intake everyday to stay healthy. Having a cool water bottle with motivational quotes in your favorite colors next to you makes drinking water just so much more rewarding! I’m a sucker for water tumblers and am now itching to get a Keepto water bottle with time marker 😁

No. of times viewed = 195

Yearly Pap Smear and Screening

The time of the year is here again. Today is my yearly pap smear and screening at my gynae’s clinic. I’m feeling extra anxious this year. I know I’ve not been too kind to my body with all the stress, anxiety and other negative emotions that I’ve been feeding my mind the past one year. I’ve also been snacking on junk food!! My favorites are fried tapioca chips and muruku *shake head*.   I don’t need a blood cholesterol test to tell me that my cholesterol level is high. But maybe miracles do happen, yeah?

Praying that all will be well today. Wish me luck!

I’ll update everyone on the outcome of the check up soon.

Here’s Haru saying Happy Meowday all and sundry!

Haru in her ‘sakai’ mode switched on – ‘lovingly’ biting me and just being super playful.

No. of times viewed = 45

How to Avoid Getting Sick

It’s safe to say that no one likes being sick. Being under the weather usually involves missing work or school and having to cancel plans with friends, not to mention all of the nasty symptoms and potential long-term health consequences that accompany various illnesses. Contracting an illness is unavoidable in many cases, but adhering to the following guidelines will increase your chances of staying healthy.

Get Enough Sleep
Studies have shown that the vast majority of adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night in order to keep our immune systems in optimal condition. Skimping on sleep weakens the body’s natural defense system and makes it more susceptible to infection. Warding off sickness isn’t the only reason to get a healthy amount of sleep: sleep-deprived people have difficulty with concentration and memory, and lack of sleep has been linked to weight gain.

Man sleeping

Stay Away from Sick People
Since many diseases are contagious, a good way to avoid contracting one is to stay away from anyone who admits to feeling sick or shows symptoms. In addition to catching an illness from the respiratory droplets of an infected person, it is also very easy to get sick by touching something that an infected person recently touched. Avoid germ-covered objects for a fighting chance at staying sickness-free.

Eat a Healthy Diet
Food is fuel, and giving your body high-quality fuel is one of the best ways to make sure that it operates efficiently and is unlikely to succumb to any particular sickness. Fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains are important parts of a well-balanced diet. When in doubt, try to include as many different colors on your plate during any given meal as possible. There is nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional sweet treat, but it is best to keep highly processed and sugary desserts to a minimum.

Fresh & Colorful Fruits and Vegetables Free Stock Photo

Keep Yourself Hydrated
The human body is composed of up to 60% water, and drinking several glasses a day keeps all of the body’s internal processes running smoothly. If you do manage to come into contact with an illness-causing virus or bacteria, you will be able to fight it off much more effectively if your body is well-hydrated. Try carrying a water bottle with you or keeping a full glass of water by your side to make it easy and convenient to drink throughout the day.

Getting sick is never fun, but there are many ways to be proactive and stave off illness. Try to take steps each day to improve both your physical and mental health, and both your body and your mind will thank you in the long run.

No. of times viewed = 30

2020 Medical Check-Up

It’s the dreaded time of the year again and I am feeling antsy waiting for my health report card as I’m not sure what to expect.  All the “what if”s have been playing in my mind since a couple of weeks ago. Yup, I’m that high-strung.

HFM’s Annual Medical Checklist:

Blood work for blood sugar and cholesterol – ✅
Pap smear ✅
Breasts ultrasound scan ✅
Pelvic ultrasound scan ✅
Total blood count test  ❎– will do it at AA Pharmacy this Saturday
Colonoscopy 🔜 — to be done in 3 years and am already starting to prep myself mentally for it.

Today I went to the gynae’s clinic to have my pap smear, breasts ultrasound scan and pelvic ultrasound scan done.

Blood pressure is normal, albeit a little low but still A-OK. If only the same can be said for my cholesterol level. It’s still a tad high at 6.3 and that’s after so much refrainment from eating red meat and processed foods. I envy people who shove junk and tons of meat into their mouths yet their cholesterol readings are below 5! Life is just too unfair 🤦‍♀️

For those who are new to my blog, I have Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH).  People with FH are essentially born with high LDL cholesterol. Everyone’s cholesterol levels tend to rise with age. But those with FH have LDL levels that start high and go even higher over time. Diet and exercise alone cannot bring down the level much 😫.

The only time my cholesterol level was below 5 was when my red meat consumption was almost zilch. But the downside was my red blood cells numbers were so low that I was almost a goner with severe anemia. But thank God I manage to evade a blood transfusion before my Myomectomy surgery (for removal of uterine fibroid) 3 years ago after binging on red meat and popped Sangobion (iron tabs) twice a day for several months to increase my red blood cells.

The National Cancer Institute recommends Pap tests every one to two years. If women over the age of 30 have had normal tests for three consecutive years, they can talk to their doctors about spacing out the exam to every three years.  My gynae is of the opinion that I should have a pap smear done annually and I can’t agree more with her. In the event any malignancy is detected, it would likely be in the very early stage and there’s a higher chance of being treated and cured.

The annual appointment with your doctor itself is still a very important preventative health measure. The physical exam combined with the detailed health history obtained at the annual visit allows the doctor to more accurately determine a woman’s risk for certain diseases. This could lead the doctor to recommend that she begin earlier or more frequent screening.

Pap smears typically continue throughout a woman’s life, until she reaches the age of 65, unless she has had a hysterectomy. If so, she no longer needs Pap smears unless it is done to test for cervical or endometrial cancer. At that point, if a patient has had two normal Pap smears in the past 10 years and she has not had any seriously precancerous cells in the past 20 years, she can stop screening altogether.

I have a customer whose 60 something mom skipped her check up for more than a year and when she finally went to her gynae for a screening, a malignant lump was detected in her breast. Sadly she passed on a year later. This is just so sad.   It could have been detected earlier and treatment administered earlier and a life could have been saved.

I know I’m going to get hung up for the next 9-10 days until the Pap smear report is out. I’ll just have to deal with it as part and parcel of my life.   Ladies, if you’ve not done your Pap smear and ultrasound scan of your breasts and pelvic for years, it’s time to call your doctor’s office to fix an appointment. The package at my gynae’s office only costs RM350.  This could safe your life. Trust me.



No. of times viewed = 30

Keto Coconut Bread

I love bread but have for the past few months started to consume bread sparingly, as part of my low-carb diet for better health and for a trimmer bod.  I only choose whole grain breads made with wholemeal flour and occasionally buy flour-free sprouted wheat bread.

I was really excited when I found out that my friend, Cynthia is selling keto coconut bread at her kopitiam. I sent in an order immediately and collected the delish bread the following week. The keto bread is pre-order and will only be made by the baker when there are orders.

To get the record straight, I am not on a keto diet. I don’t think I am disciplined enough to stick to a 100% keto-compliant diet nor can I stomach a 100% keto diet.  Too much fats and meat make me feel sick. Rather, I am more towards adopting the Mediterranean Diet and I think that this flexible diet suits me rather well. I eat healthy carbs and still indulge in the occasional sinful fast carbs.

OK, back to the keto coconut bread!  It’s made with coconut butter (Mana), eggs, Madagascar vanilla beans and Himalayan pink salt.

Price is RM20 a loaf (8 inch)


Texture of the coconut bread is like cake and best eaten when toasted.

I like to pair the toasted coconut bread with homemade pandan kaya or homemade peanut butter (salt, sugar and oil-free) with a small wedge of Whittaker’s almond chocolate toasted together. So lip-smacking good!

If you’re  keen to order this keto coconut bread, do Whatsapp Cynthia at 016-229 1429 or drop by at her kopitiam at Kedai Makanan Kuen You.  She makes keto pandan kaya and serves keto-compliant meals at her kopitiam too.

No. of times viewed = 67

HEALTH FREAK MOMMY