- Al-Quran
- Telekung (Wanita)
- Kain pelikat (Lelaki)
- Tikar
- Makanan Iftar (potluck)
- Flyers (sebarkan Islam, kesedaran umat e.g. palestin, syria etc.)
Showing posts with label Healthy Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthy Living. Show all posts
Mini RaSE: Duduk2 Baca Quran KLCC
Penang to stand taller and greener
Hundreds of saplings planted for future generation
POCKETS of lush greenery will stud the island under the local authority's Greener Penang initiative.
Hundreds of tree saplings will be planted in areas earmarked "for growth".
For a start, 101 trees will line a 550-metre stretch near the ferry and cruise terminals between Lebuh Downing and Lebuh Chulia in Weld Quay.
A site visit showed the RM127,470 project to be about 90 per cent in progress. It is expected to be completed by early next month. About 280 saplings will be planted at a 1.4km stretch in Jalan Datuk Keramat.
Next year, the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) will add more places to be planted with trees as part of its ongoing project to make the environment of George Town more pleasant for living.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the initiative was taken for the benefit of future generation.
"The trees will offer shade and add to the greenery in the inner city. It is high time that the lack of greenery is addressed," he said after launching the tree-planting ceremony in Weld Quay, yesterday.
MPPP president Patahiyah Ismail said the council also planned to plant more trees within the heritage core and buffer zones.
"We will add more trees along the road dividers at selected venues to improve the city's landscape," she said.
She said the road curbs were modified to accommodate the planting of four species of trees comprising the Bucida molineti, Gardenia carinata, Jacaranda obtusifolia and Syzygium campanulatum.
A MPPP spokesman said the species originated from the Bahamas.
Source: PHUAH KEN LIN
POCKETS of lush greenery will stud the island under the local authority's Greener Penang initiative.
Hundreds of tree saplings will be planted in areas earmarked "for growth".
For a start, 101 trees will line a 550-metre stretch near the ferry and cruise terminals between Lebuh Downing and Lebuh Chulia in Weld Quay.
A site visit showed the RM127,470 project to be about 90 per cent in progress. It is expected to be completed by early next month. About 280 saplings will be planted at a 1.4km stretch in Jalan Datuk Keramat.
Next year, the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) will add more places to be planted with trees as part of its ongoing project to make the environment of George Town more pleasant for living.
State Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the initiative was taken for the benefit of future generation.
"The trees will offer shade and add to the greenery in the inner city. It is high time that the lack of greenery is addressed," he said after launching the tree-planting ceremony in Weld Quay, yesterday.
MPPP president Patahiyah Ismail said the council also planned to plant more trees within the heritage core and buffer zones.
"We will add more trees along the road dividers at selected venues to improve the city's landscape," she said.
She said the road curbs were modified to accommodate the planting of four species of trees comprising the Bucida molineti, Gardenia carinata, Jacaranda obtusifolia and Syzygium campanulatum.
A MPPP spokesman said the species originated from the Bahamas.
Source: PHUAH KEN LIN
Lynas installs RM1.5mil air quality monitoring system
KUANTAN: Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd has installed an Airborne Monitoring System (AMS) at its site in Gebeng while a second unit will be placed in Kuantan town next month.
Its managing director Datuk Mashal Ahmad said the units, which would provide updates on air quality every 10 minutes, cost RM1.5mil and were operated by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB).
“With the AMS, people will know that whatever radiation emitted is very low, negligible and harmless to humans and the environment.
“The readings are also accessible online,” he said during a briefing on the rare earth plant's progress here yesterday.
Also present were general manager (plant) Khairul Salleh Jais, engineering services senior manager Wee Tait Eng and Lynas Malaysia's radiological safety adviser Prof Dr Ismail Bahari.
Mashal also commented on the 11 recommendations imposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review team, including three that need to be fulfilled before the pre-operation licence, which is for a two-year period before actual production could begin.
“We have given all the facts and data, and a permit to operate will make it possible to prove that the statistics are right,” he said, adding that the plant would be completed in January.
Mashal also denied that Lynas would start shipping rare earth from Australia.
He added that an empty container was brought in to map out the logistics involved.
On the ongoing protests against the plant, Mashal said Lynas welcomed any form of dialogue.
“They need to understand the processes involved and listen to the right people with the right expertise.
“Also, they must not impose conditions such as bringing along their lawyers or wanting to take photos and video recordings in the plant,” he added.
Source: ROSLINA MOHAMAD
roslina@thestar.com.my
Its managing director Datuk Mashal Ahmad said the units, which would provide updates on air quality every 10 minutes, cost RM1.5mil and were operated by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB).
“With the AMS, people will know that whatever radiation emitted is very low, negligible and harmless to humans and the environment.
“The readings are also accessible online,” he said during a briefing on the rare earth plant's progress here yesterday.
Also present were general manager (plant) Khairul Salleh Jais, engineering services senior manager Wee Tait Eng and Lynas Malaysia's radiological safety adviser Prof Dr Ismail Bahari.
Mashal also commented on the 11 recommendations imposed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review team, including three that need to be fulfilled before the pre-operation licence, which is for a two-year period before actual production could begin.
“We have given all the facts and data, and a permit to operate will make it possible to prove that the statistics are right,” he said, adding that the plant would be completed in January.
Mashal also denied that Lynas would start shipping rare earth from Australia.
He added that an empty container was brought in to map out the logistics involved.
On the ongoing protests against the plant, Mashal said Lynas welcomed any form of dialogue.
“They need to understand the processes involved and listen to the right people with the right expertise.
“Also, they must not impose conditions such as bringing along their lawyers or wanting to take photos and video recordings in the plant,” he added.
Source: ROSLINA MOHAMAD
roslina@thestar.com.my
Labels:
Alam sekitar,
Environment,
Healthy Living,
Keselamatan,
Kesihatan,
Safety,
Teknologi
No comments:
Free breast cancer check-up
SOFTLAN is offering free breast check-ups through its Breast Cancer Charity Campaign. Consultations for early breast cancer detection is through its charity partners — Majlis Kanser Nasional (Makna), Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) and National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) — at selected venues and dates from 11am to 8.30pm.
This weekend, catch the campaign at Giant hypermarkets (Bandar Kinrara, Batu Caves, Cheras, Kelana Jaya, Klang, Plentong Johor Baru, Senawang, Taman Connaught and Tampoi) and Jusco supermarkets (Bandaraya Melaka, Bandar Utama, Bukit Tinggi and Queensbay). Next weekend, the campaign will be at Jusco supermarket Tebrau City.
You can also help the brand achieve its RM75,000 target for breast cancer charities. For every purchase of specially–marked Softlan charity packs, 10 sen will be donated to charity.
Forum on immune system
LEARN more about the importance of a good immune system and the best way to improve your child’s immune system at these free public forums:
• Friday: Columbia Asia Medical Centre Miri (2.30pm to 3.30pm), by consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist Dr Philip Raja.
• Saturday: DEMC Specialist Shah Alam (11am to 2pm), by consultant paediatrician Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Mohamed Akup
• Sunday: Hospital Wanita Metro, Klang (12.30pm to 1.30pm) by medical director Dr Tee Swi Peng
• Columbia Asia Puchong (2pm to 5pm) by consultant paediatrician Dr Priya Sathish Chandran and
• Rejang Medical Centre, Sibu (1pm to 3pm). Forum will be at Wong Mee Sing Hall, Association for Children with Special Needs, Agape Centre, Jalan Alan by paediatrician Dr Herman Loi Deck Kiong and paediatrician medical officer Dr Herbert Loi Deck Siong.
Details at www.weaning.com.my or call 03-6201 1858.
Source: NST
This weekend, catch the campaign at Giant hypermarkets (Bandar Kinrara, Batu Caves, Cheras, Kelana Jaya, Klang, Plentong Johor Baru, Senawang, Taman Connaught and Tampoi) and Jusco supermarkets (Bandaraya Melaka, Bandar Utama, Bukit Tinggi and Queensbay). Next weekend, the campaign will be at Jusco supermarket Tebrau City.
You can also help the brand achieve its RM75,000 target for breast cancer charities. For every purchase of specially–marked Softlan charity packs, 10 sen will be donated to charity.
Forum on immune system
LEARN more about the importance of a good immune system and the best way to improve your child’s immune system at these free public forums:
• Friday: Columbia Asia Medical Centre Miri (2.30pm to 3.30pm), by consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist Dr Philip Raja.
• Saturday: DEMC Specialist Shah Alam (11am to 2pm), by consultant paediatrician Dr Iftikhar Ahmad Mohamed Akup
• Sunday: Hospital Wanita Metro, Klang (12.30pm to 1.30pm) by medical director Dr Tee Swi Peng
• Columbia Asia Puchong (2pm to 5pm) by consultant paediatrician Dr Priya Sathish Chandran and
• Rejang Medical Centre, Sibu (1pm to 3pm). Forum will be at Wong Mee Sing Hall, Association for Children with Special Needs, Agape Centre, Jalan Alan by paediatrician Dr Herman Loi Deck Kiong and paediatrician medical officer Dr Herbert Loi Deck Siong.
Details at www.weaning.com.my or call 03-6201 1858.
Source: NST
Health: How’s your rhythm?
If your circadian rhythm is disturbed, you will suffer from sleep disorders which can lead to depression
SLEEP sets in like a dance. The biological rhythm called circadian must first come into play and this is best when the light is dim. The rhythm produces a hormone called melatonin which slowly and surely, leads a person in a dance into the sleep wonderland.
The trigger point of the circadian rhythm is above the optic nerves, which relays information from the eye to the brain. However, for some people, the rhythm is impaired because of stress, anxiety, bad sleep hygiene, irregular working hours or depression, resulting in insomnia.
The inability to initiate sleep is usually due to a disrupted circadian rhythm, said the past president of the Asean Federation for Psychiatry and Mental Health, Prof Dr Mohamad Hussain Habil, one of the three doctors who spoke at the Servier Malaysia workshop on Circadian Rhythm And Depression in conjunction with the Mental Health Month, last month.
The inability to sleep can lead to depression though it can also be the other way around, said the doctor who added that depression is the fourth most serious ailment in the country, affecting some 10 per cent of the population, most of them over the age of 40. Among women, it is the most prevalent health problem. However, only 10 per cent of those depressed undergo treatment because of the stigma attached, he added.
“Most depressed persons are seen by primary care doctors rather than psychiatrists, and a majority are not diagnosed.”
Eighty two per cent of the depressed, he said, are never properly treated. The rest are merely given standard antidepressant medications, some of which do not help their condition. There are indications that many more young people are also affected.
The circadian rhythm is a biological clock that controls the physical, mental and behavioural patterns in a 24-hour cycle. When the rhythm does not work properly, brain waves, hormone production, cell regeneration and other biological activities are weakened and, over a period of time, can cause health problems especially depression, said Dr. Mohamad Hussain.
Between 10 and 35 per cent of the population suffer from some form of sleep disorder but few seek treatment, said Dr Ting Joe Hang, a consultant psychiatrist. Apart from insomnia, sleep disorders include sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy, a disorder that causes severe daytime sleepiness.
Dr Ting said circadian rhythm sleep disorders are not always related to depression and are often misdiagnosed as insomnia or a psychiatric condition.
Regular transmeridian travel, working a shift job for prolonged period and delayed sleep phase syndrome can alter circadian rhythm and lead to depression.
Dr Ting said: “Most depressed patients have sleep problems but not everyone with a sleep problem is depressed.” The majority of those who suffer from depression are singles and divorced people, members of the lower income group, women and older people above the age of 60, he added.
Professor Dr Azhar Mohd Zain, consultant psychiatrist at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, said the symptoms of circadian rhythm disturbance include waking up early, feeling low in the morning, changes in sleep patterns, changes in temperature and hormonal activity.
Sleep is important as it has a restorative effect on both the physical and the mental processes and is an essential component of good mental and physical health as well as for optimal cognitive functioning.
Azhar said that in modern life, stress is a major contributor to depression and insomnia. It can be caused by a wide range of events ranging from traumatic life events like personal bereavement, marital conflict, major illnesses and financial failure.
Source: JOHN TIONG
chunghoo@nst.com.my
SLEEP sets in like a dance. The biological rhythm called circadian must first come into play and this is best when the light is dim. The rhythm produces a hormone called melatonin which slowly and surely, leads a person in a dance into the sleep wonderland.
The trigger point of the circadian rhythm is above the optic nerves, which relays information from the eye to the brain. However, for some people, the rhythm is impaired because of stress, anxiety, bad sleep hygiene, irregular working hours or depression, resulting in insomnia.
The inability to initiate sleep is usually due to a disrupted circadian rhythm, said the past president of the Asean Federation for Psychiatry and Mental Health, Prof Dr Mohamad Hussain Habil, one of the three doctors who spoke at the Servier Malaysia workshop on Circadian Rhythm And Depression in conjunction with the Mental Health Month, last month.
The inability to sleep can lead to depression though it can also be the other way around, said the doctor who added that depression is the fourth most serious ailment in the country, affecting some 10 per cent of the population, most of them over the age of 40. Among women, it is the most prevalent health problem. However, only 10 per cent of those depressed undergo treatment because of the stigma attached, he added.
“Most depressed persons are seen by primary care doctors rather than psychiatrists, and a majority are not diagnosed.”
Eighty two per cent of the depressed, he said, are never properly treated. The rest are merely given standard antidepressant medications, some of which do not help their condition. There are indications that many more young people are also affected.
The circadian rhythm is a biological clock that controls the physical, mental and behavioural patterns in a 24-hour cycle. When the rhythm does not work properly, brain waves, hormone production, cell regeneration and other biological activities are weakened and, over a period of time, can cause health problems especially depression, said Dr. Mohamad Hussain.
Between 10 and 35 per cent of the population suffer from some form of sleep disorder but few seek treatment, said Dr Ting Joe Hang, a consultant psychiatrist. Apart from insomnia, sleep disorders include sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy, a disorder that causes severe daytime sleepiness.
Dr Ting said circadian rhythm sleep disorders are not always related to depression and are often misdiagnosed as insomnia or a psychiatric condition.
Regular transmeridian travel, working a shift job for prolonged period and delayed sleep phase syndrome can alter circadian rhythm and lead to depression.
Dr Ting said: “Most depressed patients have sleep problems but not everyone with a sleep problem is depressed.” The majority of those who suffer from depression are singles and divorced people, members of the lower income group, women and older people above the age of 60, he added.
Professor Dr Azhar Mohd Zain, consultant psychiatrist at the Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, said the symptoms of circadian rhythm disturbance include waking up early, feeling low in the morning, changes in sleep patterns, changes in temperature and hormonal activity.
Sleep is important as it has a restorative effect on both the physical and the mental processes and is an essential component of good mental and physical health as well as for optimal cognitive functioning.
Azhar said that in modern life, stress is a major contributor to depression and insomnia. It can be caused by a wide range of events ranging from traumatic life events like personal bereavement, marital conflict, major illnesses and financial failure.
Source: JOHN TIONG
chunghoo@nst.com.my
‘Beware: You are being watched’
KUALA LUMPUR To curb the problem of illegal dumping, Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) Zone 23 councillor Lee Khai Loon has enlisted the help of the community.
Under the citizen watch programme, residents monitor their neighbourhoods for those trying to offload their rubbish there. With a mobile phone or digital camera, residents can take photographic evidence of the culprit in the act and email the photographs to mpszon23@gmail.
“The residents will act as our eyes and ears to help us to put a stop to illegal dumping,” he said.
A number of volunteers have already pledged to be on the lookout. A resident, who declined to be named, has sent pictures showing a man dumping construction debris in Desa Aman Puri.
The site has since been cleared.
“So be careful the next time you dump your rubbish at the roadside. The cameras may be clicking,” Lee warned.
Lee swung into action after he received a complaint via email. The complaint was first lodged with e-Aduan, but had resulted in no action from the MPS after a week.
Lee had the culprit clean up the site at the end of Jalan E2/9, Taman Ehsan.
A banner is hung there to remind folk not to repeat the offence.
“Our objective is not to publicly shame anyone, but to raise the awareness that one should not dump one’s rubbish anywhere one pleases. We may consider publishing the pictures online or distributing them to the press,” he said.
“We have to make cleanliness a way of life. The target should be zero dumping.”
Lee said the council would collect bulky and garden wastes from residential homes every week.
“The rubbish collection schedule will be helpful for residents to know so that they can place their waste outside their homes for collection.”
Zone 23 covers Bukit Desa, Desa Aman Puri, Sri Ehsan, Puncak Desa and Desa Jaya.
Meanwhile, Selangor state exco Elizabeth Wong said next year, the focus would be on recycling.
“A lot of rubbish — plastic bottles, containers, paper, cardboard, aluminium — can be sold to recycling companies,” she said.
Source: Stephen Ng
Under the citizen watch programme, residents monitor their neighbourhoods for those trying to offload their rubbish there. With a mobile phone or digital camera, residents can take photographic evidence of the culprit in the act and email the photographs to mpszon23@gmail.
“The residents will act as our eyes and ears to help us to put a stop to illegal dumping,” he said.
A number of volunteers have already pledged to be on the lookout. A resident, who declined to be named, has sent pictures showing a man dumping construction debris in Desa Aman Puri.
The site has since been cleared.
“So be careful the next time you dump your rubbish at the roadside. The cameras may be clicking,” Lee warned.
Lee swung into action after he received a complaint via email. The complaint was first lodged with e-Aduan, but had resulted in no action from the MPS after a week.
Lee had the culprit clean up the site at the end of Jalan E2/9, Taman Ehsan.
A banner is hung there to remind folk not to repeat the offence.
“Our objective is not to publicly shame anyone, but to raise the awareness that one should not dump one’s rubbish anywhere one pleases. We may consider publishing the pictures online or distributing them to the press,” he said.
“We have to make cleanliness a way of life. The target should be zero dumping.”
Lee said the council would collect bulky and garden wastes from residential homes every week.
“The rubbish collection schedule will be helpful for residents to know so that they can place their waste outside their homes for collection.”
Zone 23 covers Bukit Desa, Desa Aman Puri, Sri Ehsan, Puncak Desa and Desa Jaya.
Meanwhile, Selangor state exco Elizabeth Wong said next year, the focus would be on recycling.
“A lot of rubbish — plastic bottles, containers, paper, cardboard, aluminium — can be sold to recycling companies,” she said.
Source: Stephen Ng
Group aims to plant one million trees
Green society encourages residents to plant and care for trees
Taman Bukit Segar Jaya Residents’ Association will be adopting a stretch of road in the neighbourhood as its green zone.
Its Phase 2 chairman Datuk Dr Eadon Ching said the residents will plant more trees along the main road from Bukit Segar Jaya leading to Cheras Hartamas under the programme.
“The initiative, which is expected to be launched on Nov 27, is part of our effort under Ampang Jaya Municipal Council’s zone 24 residents’ committee.
More often than not, people do not give much attention to planting trees and leave it to local authorities after roads are handed over from the developer.
“Our aim is to promote green culture among residents. It will not only help the environment, but also improve the value of our property.
“Maintaining trees is as important as planting them. ting them.
“We are planning to plant about 600 trees on the stretch. We have already planted 100,” he said.
Ching, who was also Pertubuhan Amal Seri Sinar founder and president, was met after planting trees at SJK(C) Taman Connaught 2, Bandar Damai Perdana in Cheras.
He said it was an ongoing effort by the society to plant one million trees by 2020.
“We have planted about 500 trees at more than 20 schools in KL and Selangor. We selected the Bucida tree for this school. is low maintenance and suitable for decorative purposes.
“We also welcome anyone who is interested in adopting trees.
We will provide the saplings, fertiliser and plant the saplings.
“The young trees will be labelled to commemorate special occasions like birthdays or wedding anniversaries,” said Ching.
One of the pupils, Leong Yong Xuan, 11, from Balakong, was eager to help care for the trees.
“I love to be part of this campaign as I get to learn how to care for trees ,” he said.
The society can be contacted at 03-9021 1888.
Source: NURADZIMMAH DAIM
streets@nstp.com.my
Taman Bukit Segar Jaya Residents’ Association will be adopting a stretch of road in the neighbourhood as its green zone.
Its Phase 2 chairman Datuk Dr Eadon Ching said the residents will plant more trees along the main road from Bukit Segar Jaya leading to Cheras Hartamas under the programme.
“The initiative, which is expected to be launched on Nov 27, is part of our effort under Ampang Jaya Municipal Council’s zone 24 residents’ committee.
More often than not, people do not give much attention to planting trees and leave it to local authorities after roads are handed over from the developer.
“Our aim is to promote green culture among residents. It will not only help the environment, but also improve the value of our property.
“Maintaining trees is as important as planting them. ting them.
“We are planning to plant about 600 trees on the stretch. We have already planted 100,” he said.
Ching, who was also Pertubuhan Amal Seri Sinar founder and president, was met after planting trees at SJK(C) Taman Connaught 2, Bandar Damai Perdana in Cheras.
He said it was an ongoing effort by the society to plant one million trees by 2020.
“We have planted about 500 trees at more than 20 schools in KL and Selangor. We selected the Bucida tree for this school. is low maintenance and suitable for decorative purposes.
“We also welcome anyone who is interested in adopting trees.
We will provide the saplings, fertiliser and plant the saplings.
“The young trees will be labelled to commemorate special occasions like birthdays or wedding anniversaries,” said Ching.
One of the pupils, Leong Yong Xuan, 11, from Balakong, was eager to help care for the trees.
“I love to be part of this campaign as I get to learn how to care for trees ,” he said.
The society can be contacted at 03-9021 1888.
Source: NURADZIMMAH DAIM
streets@nstp.com.my
Foot for thought
IT’S the usual story of a diabetes patient, one that starts with pain in the foot. Then, it’s the cramp in the calves. A little walking and the thighs begin to ache. Soon there is constant need to rest. As time goes by, little scratches on the feet turn into wounds that never heal.
Finally, the doctor warns: “If this continues we may need to amputate your foot.”
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. With a new procedure that involves the use of stents, Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahya, consultant cardiologist at National Heart Institute says the doctor’s warning will remain a warning: You won’t necessarily have to lose a limb.
As he explains, arteries and veins transport blood to all parts of your body.
When there is an extensive build-up of fatty deposits on the inside of your artery walls, plaque and blood clots can form, obstructing blood flow.
If you feel pain after walking a short distance, your limbs are probably not receiving enough blood. This can be a sign that you’re suffering from a progressive systemic disorder called peripheral vascular disease’ (PVD).
PVD can appear in any major artery but is most common in the arteries of the lower limbs. Although the disease progresses slowly, the problem is that it is often under-diagnosed. This is particularly grave for diabetics as PVD can progress directly to a situation where there is a critical lack of blood supply to the legs.
When this happens, patients often experience pain, even during rest, suffer tissue loss or gangrene. If left untreated, it can result in amputation of limbs. Dr Shaiful estimates that 30 to 50 per cent of patients with diabetes have PVD. Indeed, the rate of major limb amputation is four times higher for them.
Whenever dead tissue is removed from the body, some healthy tissue surrounding the affected area must also be removed. With early diagnosis and treatment of PVD, the removal of such healthy tissue can be minimised.
“Our job is to enhance affected areas by getting more blood supplied to them.
Even if we have to amputate, we might just remove a few toes instead of removing the whole ankle,” he says.
The most noticeable symptom of PVD is pain, cramps or aches in the calves, thighs or buttocks that appear repeatedly when walking. This pain is relieved when the patient rests. Another symptom is that the colour of the feet takes over 40 seconds to return to normal after the feet have been elevated at 60 degrees for one minute.
Wounds on the feet will not heal and the patient suffers hair loss on his lower limbs, poor nail growth (brittle nails), dry and scaly skin. Dr Shaiful adds: “Any ulcer he develops is punched-out, painful and with little bleeding.”
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will first conduct a physical examination of the patient, paying special attention to the feet. Then, he will use a Doppler device to accurately calculate what’s called, ankle brachial index (ABI) — he will divide the highest systolic ankle pressure by the highest systolic arm pressure. If the ratio is between 0.50 and 0.90, the patient probably has mild to moderate PVD. If the ABI is less than 0.50, the patient probably has severe PVD.
Then, a range of diagnostic and imaging tests (such as magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography) will be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine exactly where the artery is blocked.
Those diagnosed with PVD are usually advised to change their lifestyles (stop smoking, maintain an ideal body weight and exercise), prescribed medication or asked to consider surgery.
Dr Shaiful’s preferred treatment option is a minimally invasive procedure which includes angioplasty and stent implantation — a catheter with a deflated balloon on its tip is passed into the narrow part of the artery. Then the balloon is inflated to open the blood vessel. The stent is permanently implanted to hold the diseased artery open and to restore blood flow. The balloon is deflated and removed.
The stent is a tiny cylindrical wire mesh tube made from a material called nitinol, a combination of nickel and titanium. It is malleable and, therefore, particularly useful for vessels in the lower limbs that need to flex, extend, compress and rotate.
Angioplasty and stent implantation certainly causes less scarring than surgery and has been effective in reducing disability in cases of PVD. The patient avoids the trauma and risks of surgery such as anaesthesia. Recovery is so fast that some patients return home the same day or the day after the procedure is completed.
The cost of angioplasty and stent implantation in cases of PVD can be anywhere between RM15,000 and RM20,000. Nevertheless, Dr Shaiful sees major benefits in diagnosing and treating those suffering from PVD.
In his words: “Diabetics already suffer from so many complications of the disease. With this procedure, we can help make their quality of life a little better and reduce the risk of amputation.”
THE risk factors for PVD are similar to those for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease. Modifiable risk factors for PVD are:
RISK FACTORS
-Hypertension
-High cholesterol
-Smoking
-Obesity
-Sedentary lifestyle
Non-modifiable risk factors for PVD are:
-Age
-Male gender
-Diabetic
Family history
Source: ANEETA SUNDARARAJ
Finally, the doctor warns: “If this continues we may need to amputate your foot.”
If this sounds familiar, don’t panic. With a new procedure that involves the use of stents, Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahya, consultant cardiologist at National Heart Institute says the doctor’s warning will remain a warning: You won’t necessarily have to lose a limb.
As he explains, arteries and veins transport blood to all parts of your body.
When there is an extensive build-up of fatty deposits on the inside of your artery walls, plaque and blood clots can form, obstructing blood flow.
If you feel pain after walking a short distance, your limbs are probably not receiving enough blood. This can be a sign that you’re suffering from a progressive systemic disorder called peripheral vascular disease’ (PVD).
PVD can appear in any major artery but is most common in the arteries of the lower limbs. Although the disease progresses slowly, the problem is that it is often under-diagnosed. This is particularly grave for diabetics as PVD can progress directly to a situation where there is a critical lack of blood supply to the legs.
When this happens, patients often experience pain, even during rest, suffer tissue loss or gangrene. If left untreated, it can result in amputation of limbs. Dr Shaiful estimates that 30 to 50 per cent of patients with diabetes have PVD. Indeed, the rate of major limb amputation is four times higher for them.
Whenever dead tissue is removed from the body, some healthy tissue surrounding the affected area must also be removed. With early diagnosis and treatment of PVD, the removal of such healthy tissue can be minimised.
“Our job is to enhance affected areas by getting more blood supplied to them.
Even if we have to amputate, we might just remove a few toes instead of removing the whole ankle,” he says.
The most noticeable symptom of PVD is pain, cramps or aches in the calves, thighs or buttocks that appear repeatedly when walking. This pain is relieved when the patient rests. Another symptom is that the colour of the feet takes over 40 seconds to return to normal after the feet have been elevated at 60 degrees for one minute.
Wounds on the feet will not heal and the patient suffers hair loss on his lower limbs, poor nail growth (brittle nails), dry and scaly skin. Dr Shaiful adds: “Any ulcer he develops is punched-out, painful and with little bleeding.”
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will first conduct a physical examination of the patient, paying special attention to the feet. Then, he will use a Doppler device to accurately calculate what’s called, ankle brachial index (ABI) — he will divide the highest systolic ankle pressure by the highest systolic arm pressure. If the ratio is between 0.50 and 0.90, the patient probably has mild to moderate PVD. If the ABI is less than 0.50, the patient probably has severe PVD.
Then, a range of diagnostic and imaging tests (such as magnetic resonance angiography and CT angiography) will be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine exactly where the artery is blocked.
Those diagnosed with PVD are usually advised to change their lifestyles (stop smoking, maintain an ideal body weight and exercise), prescribed medication or asked to consider surgery.
Dr Shaiful’s preferred treatment option is a minimally invasive procedure which includes angioplasty and stent implantation — a catheter with a deflated balloon on its tip is passed into the narrow part of the artery. Then the balloon is inflated to open the blood vessel. The stent is permanently implanted to hold the diseased artery open and to restore blood flow. The balloon is deflated and removed.
The stent is a tiny cylindrical wire mesh tube made from a material called nitinol, a combination of nickel and titanium. It is malleable and, therefore, particularly useful for vessels in the lower limbs that need to flex, extend, compress and rotate.
Angioplasty and stent implantation certainly causes less scarring than surgery and has been effective in reducing disability in cases of PVD. The patient avoids the trauma and risks of surgery such as anaesthesia. Recovery is so fast that some patients return home the same day or the day after the procedure is completed.
The cost of angioplasty and stent implantation in cases of PVD can be anywhere between RM15,000 and RM20,000. Nevertheless, Dr Shaiful sees major benefits in diagnosing and treating those suffering from PVD.
In his words: “Diabetics already suffer from so many complications of the disease. With this procedure, we can help make their quality of life a little better and reduce the risk of amputation.”
THE risk factors for PVD are similar to those for coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease. Modifiable risk factors for PVD are:
RISK FACTORS
-Hypertension
-High cholesterol
-Smoking
-Obesity
-Sedentary lifestyle
Non-modifiable risk factors for PVD are:
-Age
-Male gender
-Diabetic
Family history
Source: ANEETA SUNDARARAJ
Putrajaya a model green city
In a world where the weather is wreaking havoc and animals such as the Western Black Rhinoceros/West African Black Rhinoceros have recently been declared extinct, sustainable development has become imperative.
Putrajaya is a shining example of a modern Malaysian city that has embraced sustainable development and green technology, said Putrajaya Holdings chief executive officer Datuk Azlan Abdul Karim at a symposium at the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel recently.
He said the township was intended to be an eco-friendly, modern city from its inception and would continue to adhere to the principles of sustainable development.
"We look forward to developing green buildings in the coming development phases as well as equipping the premises with renewable energy. We hope to be recognised as Malaysia's first green city," he said.
"Sustainable development is not limited to concerns about direct and obvious negative impacts on the environment but also the creation of sustainable, connected communities.
"It is in this spirit that Putrajaya develops its residential, commercial and recreational spaces."
Azlan said this at the symposium on "Experiential Learning For Sustainable Development" organised by Putrajaya Holdings and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
He said Putrajaya was already gearing up to achieve its 30:70 target ratio for traffic and parking facilities.
He said there were about 80,000 residents in Putrajaya.
Azlan said the city would maintain a 30 per cent designated space for parks and landscape even when its population density reached the maximum target of 350,000 residents and 500,000 working population.
"The jewel in the crown of the city's greenery is the 170ha Putrajaya Wetlands.
"It is deemed to be the world's largest man-made freshwater wetlands in the tropics.
"It helps to promote nature conservation, especially of endangered flora and fauna," he said.
Azlan said it was Putrajaya Holdings' strong belief in the values and importance of sustainable development that made it collaborate with UiTM to host the event.
"We see no better way than to invest our resources in thought-provoking programmes such as this, that allow an exchange of ideas between industry professionals and innovators," he added.
More than 160 participants took part in the symposium.
It was launched by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib, who represented the Minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.
Associate Professor Dr Masran Saruwono, the dean of UiTM's faculty of architecture, planning and surveying, spoke on behalf of UiTm vice-chancellor Datuk Professor Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar.
He said he hoped that Putrajaya Holdings' efforts to revitalise the green agenda in the realm of the built environment in Malaysia would provide the impetus to drive the national green agenda through the exchange of ideas and the sharing of experiences at the symposium.
Source: NAVEEN MATHEW MENON
streets@nstp.com.my
Putrajaya is a shining example of a modern Malaysian city that has embraced sustainable development and green technology, said Putrajaya Holdings chief executive officer Datuk Azlan Abdul Karim at a symposium at the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel recently.
He said the township was intended to be an eco-friendly, modern city from its inception and would continue to adhere to the principles of sustainable development.
"We look forward to developing green buildings in the coming development phases as well as equipping the premises with renewable energy. We hope to be recognised as Malaysia's first green city," he said.
"Sustainable development is not limited to concerns about direct and obvious negative impacts on the environment but also the creation of sustainable, connected communities.
"It is in this spirit that Putrajaya develops its residential, commercial and recreational spaces."
Azlan said this at the symposium on "Experiential Learning For Sustainable Development" organised by Putrajaya Holdings and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
He said Putrajaya was already gearing up to achieve its 30:70 target ratio for traffic and parking facilities.
He said there were about 80,000 residents in Putrajaya.
Azlan said the city would maintain a 30 per cent designated space for parks and landscape even when its population density reached the maximum target of 350,000 residents and 500,000 working population.
"The jewel in the crown of the city's greenery is the 170ha Putrajaya Wetlands.
"It is deemed to be the world's largest man-made freshwater wetlands in the tropics.
"It helps to promote nature conservation, especially of endangered flora and fauna," he said.
Azlan said it was Putrajaya Holdings' strong belief in the values and importance of sustainable development that made it collaborate with UiTM to host the event.
"We see no better way than to invest our resources in thought-provoking programmes such as this, that allow an exchange of ideas between industry professionals and innovators," he added.
More than 160 participants took part in the symposium.
It was launched by Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Phesal Talib, who represented the Minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.
Associate Professor Dr Masran Saruwono, the dean of UiTM's faculty of architecture, planning and surveying, spoke on behalf of UiTm vice-chancellor Datuk Professor Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar.
He said he hoped that Putrajaya Holdings' efforts to revitalise the green agenda in the realm of the built environment in Malaysia would provide the impetus to drive the national green agenda through the exchange of ideas and the sharing of experiences at the symposium.
Source: NAVEEN MATHEW MENON
streets@nstp.com.my
Trip for public to learn about organic farming
KUALA LUMPUR Centre for Environment, Technology & Development Malaysia (Cetdem) is organising a study visit for the public to an organic farm.
The objective is to raise public awareness on how vegetables are grown organically and what it takes for a farm to be considered organic.
The trip to Titi Eco/Organic Farm Resort in Negri Sembilan is scheduled to take place on Nov 27.
The farm is about 300m above sea level. It is surrounded by green hills and located about 9km from Kuala Kelawang.
It takes about one-and-a-half hours to drive to the farm from KL.
The 11.3ha farm has a 2.4ha area with vegetables, three fishponds, various types of fruit trees, and livestock which include ostriches, chicken and turkey. There is also a food-processing factory.
Cetdem is an independent non-profit organisation which promotes sustainable development.
For details, call Tan at 016-219 5826 or 03-7875 7767.
The objective is to raise public awareness on how vegetables are grown organically and what it takes for a farm to be considered organic.
The trip to Titi Eco/Organic Farm Resort in Negri Sembilan is scheduled to take place on Nov 27.
The farm is about 300m above sea level. It is surrounded by green hills and located about 9km from Kuala Kelawang.
It takes about one-and-a-half hours to drive to the farm from KL.
The 11.3ha farm has a 2.4ha area with vegetables, three fishponds, various types of fruit trees, and livestock which include ostriches, chicken and turkey. There is also a food-processing factory.
Cetdem is an independent non-profit organisation which promotes sustainable development.
For details, call Tan at 016-219 5826 or 03-7875 7767.
It’s house owners’ responsibility
National Water Services Commission (SPAN) representatives met Petaling Jaya residents on Saturday to address their concerns over the state of communal septic tanks.
The dialogue session was organised by SPAN with the support of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK).
The issues raised included the maintenance and repair of the tanks, clogged pipes and the closing off of sewer lines which cause blockages.
SPAN sewerage regulatory department executive director Ridhuan Ismail explained that the tanks, which were usually situated at the end of the last house, was the containment unit for a networks of sewer pipes that ran underneath a residential area.
He said the maintenance of the CSTs was the responsibility of house owners in the neighbourhood.
Ridhuan explained that since the beginning of 2008, the Water Services Industry Act 2006, under section 62, the onus of taking care of CSTs had been handed over to house owners.
“Before 2008, the tanks were maintained by IWK.
“But, now, the responsibility for the maintenance lies with the residents.
“This also covers repairs and replacement of parts,” Ridhuan said.
There are 2,459 houses in Sections 1 to 12, Section 16, Jalan Templar and other areas in Petaling Jaya which are connected to more than 118 septic tanks.
SPAN chief executive officer Datuk Teo Yen Hua said the the tanks were build more than three decades ago. He said there were no sewerage treatment plants at the time.
“Now, we have sewerage treatment plants all over the place to cater to the growing population.
“We can’t do much about the existing septic tanks, which were built 30 years ago,” he added.
Teo said problems faced by the residents were due to the lack of maintenance.
“No maintenance work was carried out in the last two years. That is why they are facing problems.
“By law, it is the responsibility of the house owners to maintain the septic tanks,” he said.
Teo advised residents to engage IWK or a private contractor which has a permit from SPAN to carry out desludging work.
“We don’t want unscrupulous contractors to desludge the septic tanks and then dump the contents into the rivers,” he said.
He said IWK would charge householders RM8 per month to maintain the septic tanks.
Residents can opt for IWK services at www.iwk.com.my or private contractors at www.span.gov.my.
Source: NOEL ACHARIAM
PETALING JAYA
streets@nstp.com.my
The dialogue session was organised by SPAN with the support of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK).
The issues raised included the maintenance and repair of the tanks, clogged pipes and the closing off of sewer lines which cause blockages.
SPAN sewerage regulatory department executive director Ridhuan Ismail explained that the tanks, which were usually situated at the end of the last house, was the containment unit for a networks of sewer pipes that ran underneath a residential area.
He said the maintenance of the CSTs was the responsibility of house owners in the neighbourhood.
Ridhuan explained that since the beginning of 2008, the Water Services Industry Act 2006, under section 62, the onus of taking care of CSTs had been handed over to house owners.
“Before 2008, the tanks were maintained by IWK.
“But, now, the responsibility for the maintenance lies with the residents.
“This also covers repairs and replacement of parts,” Ridhuan said.
There are 2,459 houses in Sections 1 to 12, Section 16, Jalan Templar and other areas in Petaling Jaya which are connected to more than 118 septic tanks.
SPAN chief executive officer Datuk Teo Yen Hua said the the tanks were build more than three decades ago. He said there were no sewerage treatment plants at the time.
“Now, we have sewerage treatment plants all over the place to cater to the growing population.
“We can’t do much about the existing septic tanks, which were built 30 years ago,” he added.
Teo said problems faced by the residents were due to the lack of maintenance.
“No maintenance work was carried out in the last two years. That is why they are facing problems.
“By law, it is the responsibility of the house owners to maintain the septic tanks,” he said.
Teo advised residents to engage IWK or a private contractor which has a permit from SPAN to carry out desludging work.
“We don’t want unscrupulous contractors to desludge the septic tanks and then dump the contents into the rivers,” he said.
He said IWK would charge householders RM8 per month to maintain the septic tanks.
Residents can opt for IWK services at www.iwk.com.my or private contractors at www.span.gov.my.
Source: NOEL ACHARIAM
PETALING JAYA
streets@nstp.com.my
Selayang council acts on hawkers outside school compound
KUALA LUMPUR: Six unlicensed street vendors paid a hefty price recently as the goods they were trading outside a primary school compound here were confiscated by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS). The operation was carried out by 13 enforcement personnel with three officers from the council’s licensing department. They targeted vendors outside the SK Taman Selasih school gate.
In the one-hour operation carried out during the last period of the school morning session four ice-cream vendors’ motorcycles were hauled away in two council trucks, while two basketful of snacks and canned soft drinks were also confiscated from two traders who were selling them from their car boots.
The council’s licensing department (hawkers management) head Mohd Zikry Zulkifle said the council would not let the traders off with a warning, as they had been notified of the regulation against the selling of snacks and canned beverages to schoolchildren outside the school compound.
“We have been keeping tabs on their activities for the past four months. We have even issued them several warning notices not to sell snacks outside the school gate.
“We have also issued fines to those caught committing the offence. This time around, we decided to confiscate their goods as the notices didn’ t serve as a deterrent,” he said.
Under the Hawkers bylaw (MPS) 2007, those who are caught selling snacks outside school premises will be fined up to RM1,000 and their goods confiscated.
Zikry added the council can also seize vehicles used for the illegal business, as the vendors are operating without a business permit from the council.
He also said the council has requested for budget allocation to erect a warning signboard outside every school in the municipality, prohibiting vendors and petty traders from conducting their business.
KUALA LUMPUR: Six unlicensed street vendors paid a hefty price recently as the goods they were trading outside a primary school compound here were confiscated by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS). The operation was carried out by 13 enforcement personnel with three officers from the council’s licensing department. They targeted vendors outside the SK Taman Selasih school gate.
In the one-hour operation carried out during the last period of the school morning session four ice-cream vendors’ motorcycles were hauled away in two council trucks, while two basketful of snacks and canned soft drinks were also confiscated from two traders who were selling them from their car boots.
The council’s licensing department (hawkers management) head Mohd Zikry Zulkifle said the council would not let the traders off with a warning, as they had been notified of the regulation against the selling of snacks and canned beverages to schoolchildren outside the school compound.
“We have been keeping tabs on their activities for the past four months. We have even issued them several warning notices not to sell snacks outside the school gate.
“We have also issued fines to those caught committing the offence. This time around, we decided to confiscate their goods as the notices didn’ t serve as a deterrent,” he said.Under the Hawkers bylaw (MPS) 2007, those who are caught selling snacks outside school premises will be fined up to RM1,000 and their goods confiscated.
Zikry added the council can also seize vehicles used for the illegal business, as the vendors are operating without a business permit from the council.
He also said the council has requested for budget allocation to erect a warning signboard outside every school in the municipality, prohibiting vendors and petty traders from conducting their business.
Source: HALIM SAID
streets@nstp.com.my
In the one-hour operation carried out during the last period of the school morning session four ice-cream vendors’ motorcycles were hauled away in two council trucks, while two basketful of snacks and canned soft drinks were also confiscated from two traders who were selling them from their car boots.
The council’s licensing department (hawkers management) head Mohd Zikry Zulkifle said the council would not let the traders off with a warning, as they had been notified of the regulation against the selling of snacks and canned beverages to schoolchildren outside the school compound.
“We have been keeping tabs on their activities for the past four months. We have even issued them several warning notices not to sell snacks outside the school gate.
“We have also issued fines to those caught committing the offence. This time around, we decided to confiscate their goods as the notices didn’ t serve as a deterrent,” he said.
Under the Hawkers bylaw (MPS) 2007, those who are caught selling snacks outside school premises will be fined up to RM1,000 and their goods confiscated.
Zikry added the council can also seize vehicles used for the illegal business, as the vendors are operating without a business permit from the council.
He also said the council has requested for budget allocation to erect a warning signboard outside every school in the municipality, prohibiting vendors and petty traders from conducting their business.
KUALA LUMPUR: Six unlicensed street vendors paid a hefty price recently as the goods they were trading outside a primary school compound here were confiscated by the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS). The operation was carried out by 13 enforcement personnel with three officers from the council’s licensing department. They targeted vendors outside the SK Taman Selasih school gate.
In the one-hour operation carried out during the last period of the school morning session four ice-cream vendors’ motorcycles were hauled away in two council trucks, while two basketful of snacks and canned soft drinks were also confiscated from two traders who were selling them from their car boots.
The council’s licensing department (hawkers management) head Mohd Zikry Zulkifle said the council would not let the traders off with a warning, as they had been notified of the regulation against the selling of snacks and canned beverages to schoolchildren outside the school compound.
“We have been keeping tabs on their activities for the past four months. We have even issued them several warning notices not to sell snacks outside the school gate.
“We have also issued fines to those caught committing the offence. This time around, we decided to confiscate their goods as the notices didn’ t serve as a deterrent,” he said.Under the Hawkers bylaw (MPS) 2007, those who are caught selling snacks outside school premises will be fined up to RM1,000 and their goods confiscated.
Zikry added the council can also seize vehicles used for the illegal business, as the vendors are operating without a business permit from the council.
He also said the council has requested for budget allocation to erect a warning signboard outside every school in the municipality, prohibiting vendors and petty traders from conducting their business.
Source: HALIM SAID
streets@nstp.com.my
Anti-dengue awareness
The Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Ministry has embarked on several programmes aimed at educating students on the deadly dengue menace.
Launching the Anti-Dengue campaign under its Blog for FT Cares (ADB) programme last Thursday, its Minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, said the campaign against the dengue threat was also targeted at social network users.
According to the latest statistics from the Health Ministry, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur recorded 1,571 dengue cases up to this month which is the second-highest number in the country. Last year 4,124 cases were reported over a similar period.
Raja Nong Chik said the three-day ADB which began last Wednesday involved 3,000 pupils and 150 canteen operators from 10 schools here.
They were taught through lectures and interactive sessions how to prevent the breeding of the Aedes mosquito and how to detect symptoms of dengue fever. The sessions were conducted by Rentokil Initial (M) Sdn Bhd (Rentokil).
Raja Nong Chik hoped the students would now understand the importance of keeping their surroundings clean and free from becoming breeding areas.
“We hope the parents can also play a role by conducting regular gotong-royong programmes in their neighbourhood to reduce the dengue threat,” he said.
Rentokil managing director Carol Lam said that canteen operators were also educated on how to keep their area clean and rodent-free.
Source: NOEL ACHARIAM
Launching the Anti-Dengue campaign under its Blog for FT Cares (ADB) programme last Thursday, its Minister, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin, said the campaign against the dengue threat was also targeted at social network users.
According to the latest statistics from the Health Ministry, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur recorded 1,571 dengue cases up to this month which is the second-highest number in the country. Last year 4,124 cases were reported over a similar period.
Raja Nong Chik said the three-day ADB which began last Wednesday involved 3,000 pupils and 150 canteen operators from 10 schools here.
They were taught through lectures and interactive sessions how to prevent the breeding of the Aedes mosquito and how to detect symptoms of dengue fever. The sessions were conducted by Rentokil Initial (M) Sdn Bhd (Rentokil).
Raja Nong Chik hoped the students would now understand the importance of keeping their surroundings clean and free from becoming breeding areas.
“We hope the parents can also play a role by conducting regular gotong-royong programmes in their neighbourhood to reduce the dengue threat,” he said.
Rentokil managing director Carol Lam said that canteen operators were also educated on how to keep their area clean and rodent-free.
Source: NOEL ACHARIAM
They were 'minor errors'- Huh?
KUALA LUMPUR: Those responsible for incidents of several kindergartens found storing food in unhygienic places, as mentioned in the Auditor-General's Report, have been reprimanded.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said there was no malpractice involved, only minor errors.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the 50th Community Development Department (Kemas) anniversary celebrations, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Putra World Trade Centre.
Source: NST
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said there was no malpractice involved, only minor errors.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating at the 50th Community Development Department (Kemas) anniversary celebrations, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at the Putra World Trade Centre.
Source: NST
Vaccination the 'best prevention method'
JOHOR BARU: The resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) in the last 10 years has prompted the authorities to be on a constant watch for the contagious disease.
Symptoms of tuberculosis
In Johor, there has been a steady increase of cases: there were 44.3 per 100,000 people in 2000 and 58.7 per 100,000 people last year who had symptoms related to TB or pulmonary tuberculosis.
The spike in TB cases was enough for the authorities to push the alert button, said Johor deputy health director Dr Fatimah Othman.
She said despite the advent of medical technology, it was difficult to effectively contain TB since it might take months or years for the disease to manifest itself once a person was infected.
Dr Fatimah said the awareness campaign was mostly carried out among the relatives of the patient.
"It is a concern and most cases involved adults aged 20 and above. In Johor, 90 per cent of the patients are locals."
Arresting the disease was not easy as the initial symptoms, such as prolonged fever, coughing, loss of appetite and lethargy, could be mistaken for other ailments.
"At one time, the superstitious would blame the black magic practice of santau for the bloody sputum," said Dr Fatimah.
Vaccination through BCG injections at birth and at 12 years old was currently the best prevention method, she said.
"The injection is given free of charge and the government has covered everyone in the target group," she added.
Source: NST
Tuberculosis situation 'under control'
TREATMENT IMPORTANT: Those with HIV and AIDS also contribute to the rising number of TB cases
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry attributes the increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases in the last three years to the influx of illegal migrant workers.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the department had taken steps to monitor illegal workers.
However, he said, the situation was not alarming and was under control.
TB cases had risen from 18,102 in 2009 to 19,337 last year. As of September this year, the figure stood at 14,791.
"The disease is still under control," he said, adding that TB was a communicable disease that could be brought under control.
TB is caused by various strains of mycobacteria. TB usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
Liow said the ministry had been working closely with TB associations to bring down the number of cases.
He said patients must undergo a six-month treatment to completely recover from the disease.
This, he said, was to ensure that TB patients did not infect others as the disease was transmitted via vapour and airborne particles.
He said patients were treated under the World Health Organisation's treatment for TB known as DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short) course.
"We do not have a drug-resistant problem here, so we are not worried about TB being untreatable.
"But we are worried about those who think they have already recovered and do not complete the six-month treatment."
Besides the influx of illegal migrant workers, another factor is the increase in the number of AIDS patients, because when the body's immune system is low, TB could creep in easily.
Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB) president Datuk Seri Yeop Jr Yeop Adlan agreed that those with AIDS had contributed to the increase in TB cases.
He said foreign workers who were confirmed with TB should be treated or sent back to their countries of origin. Yeop said the most common TB symptom was continuous coughing for more than two weeks.
He said other symptoms were bloody phlegm, night sweats, fever for three weeks, poor appetite, weight loss and chest pain.
He added that it was important for a patient to undergo the DOTS course for at least six months until he was totally cured. He also said MAPTB regularly organised seminars on TB prevention at its 15 branches nationwide.
According to an officer with the Foreign Workers Medical Screening Expert or Fomema, employers whose foreign workers were diagnosed with TB were advised to send their workers back to their home countries as soon as possible.
Source: KASMIAH MUSTAPHA, SYED UMAR ARIFF, CARISMA KAPOOR AND PUNITHA KUMAR
news@nst.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry attributes the increase in tuberculosis (TB) cases in the last three years to the influx of illegal migrant workers.
Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the department had taken steps to monitor illegal workers.
However, he said, the situation was not alarming and was under control.
TB cases had risen from 18,102 in 2009 to 19,337 last year. As of September this year, the figure stood at 14,791.
"The disease is still under control," he said, adding that TB was a communicable disease that could be brought under control.
TB is caused by various strains of mycobacteria. TB usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.
Liow said the ministry had been working closely with TB associations to bring down the number of cases.
He said patients must undergo a six-month treatment to completely recover from the disease.
This, he said, was to ensure that TB patients did not infect others as the disease was transmitted via vapour and airborne particles.
He said patients were treated under the World Health Organisation's treatment for TB known as DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment Short) course.
"We do not have a drug-resistant problem here, so we are not worried about TB being untreatable.
"But we are worried about those who think they have already recovered and do not complete the six-month treatment."
Besides the influx of illegal migrant workers, another factor is the increase in the number of AIDS patients, because when the body's immune system is low, TB could creep in easily.
Malaysian Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis (MAPTB) president Datuk Seri Yeop Jr Yeop Adlan agreed that those with AIDS had contributed to the increase in TB cases.
He said foreign workers who were confirmed with TB should be treated or sent back to their countries of origin. Yeop said the most common TB symptom was continuous coughing for more than two weeks.
He said other symptoms were bloody phlegm, night sweats, fever for three weeks, poor appetite, weight loss and chest pain.
He added that it was important for a patient to undergo the DOTS course for at least six months until he was totally cured. He also said MAPTB regularly organised seminars on TB prevention at its 15 branches nationwide.
According to an officer with the Foreign Workers Medical Screening Expert or Fomema, employers whose foreign workers were diagnosed with TB were advised to send their workers back to their home countries as soon as possible.
Source: KASMIAH MUSTAPHA, SYED UMAR ARIFF, CARISMA KAPOOR AND PUNITHA KUMAR
news@nst.com.my
Villagers hit by Hepatitis A
KUALA BERANG: The illness affecting people in three villages here has been identified as Hepatitis A or the infectious jaundice.
The state Health Department believed that it was caused by the people in Kampung Basong, Kampung Pasir Dula and Kampung Setebu drinking contaminated water from Sungai Kecur through a gravity feed pipe system.
State Health, Unity and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Dr Abdul Rahman Mokhtar said it was the second outbreak of Hepatitis A in Hulu Terengganu with 42 cases recorded between Nov 2 and 13.
The first outbreak was in Kampung Sungai Berua in September.
"Rumours of about 35 cases of leptospirosis in Kampung Sungai Berua in September were inaccurate. Actually only six were diagnosed with leptospirosis while the rest had Hepatitis A," he said after visiting the victims at Hulu Terengganu Hospital (HHT) yesterday.
He said the current outbreak was detected by health officers who visited the villages after 10 people were admitted to HHT this month.
"The officers also got another 32 people found to have the same symptoms during their rounds in the villages, admitted to the hospital."
The disease has reached epidemic level in Kampung Basong and Kampung Pasir Dula, but only one case was detected in Kampung Setebu.
"We have placed a mobile clinic in Kampung Pasir Dula to monitor the situation and have treated the water from Sungai Kecur with chlorine to get rid of any water-borne pathogens."
Kampung Basong is the biggest village with a population of 617, while Kampung Pasir Dula has 391 and Kampung Setebu 95.
"A 24-hour operation centre has been set up at HHT and another one at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu to coordinate efforts to stamp out the epidemic."
He said the source of contamination was believed to be a hut near the river.
Source: NSTs
The state Health Department believed that it was caused by the people in Kampung Basong, Kampung Pasir Dula and Kampung Setebu drinking contaminated water from Sungai Kecur through a gravity feed pipe system.
State Health, Unity and Consumer Affairs committee chairman Dr Abdul Rahman Mokhtar said it was the second outbreak of Hepatitis A in Hulu Terengganu with 42 cases recorded between Nov 2 and 13.
The first outbreak was in Kampung Sungai Berua in September.
"Rumours of about 35 cases of leptospirosis in Kampung Sungai Berua in September were inaccurate. Actually only six were diagnosed with leptospirosis while the rest had Hepatitis A," he said after visiting the victims at Hulu Terengganu Hospital (HHT) yesterday.
He said the current outbreak was detected by health officers who visited the villages after 10 people were admitted to HHT this month.
"The officers also got another 32 people found to have the same symptoms during their rounds in the villages, admitted to the hospital."
The disease has reached epidemic level in Kampung Basong and Kampung Pasir Dula, but only one case was detected in Kampung Setebu.
"We have placed a mobile clinic in Kampung Pasir Dula to monitor the situation and have treated the water from Sungai Kecur with chlorine to get rid of any water-borne pathogens."
Kampung Basong is the biggest village with a population of 617, while Kampung Pasir Dula has 391 and Kampung Setebu 95.
"A 24-hour operation centre has been set up at HHT and another one at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu to coordinate efforts to stamp out the epidemic."
He said the source of contamination was believed to be a hut near the river.
Source: NSTs
New law on tree-cutting not logical
IT is illogical of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to pass a law on the cutting of trees by the roadside. The new law is that no tree is to be "made bald". At least one branch must be retained on the tree irrespective if it is safe or not.
They must realise there are a hundred species of trees. There are some with firm and strong branches while others have huge and fragile branches that break easily during a thunderstorm. If a fragile branch is left behind, it may fall in the midst of wind and lightning.
For example, rainforest trees have huge trunks. As they grow older the branches develop into trunks up on the tree and cannot hold on to the main trunk when accosted by a heavy thunderstorm.
This was what happened to the rainforest tree on the roadside in front of my house. The branches become more brittle as it grows older. During a recent thunderstorm many branches with a huge trunk collapsed on to my garden. Fortunately the tail end of the branch was just one foot away from my window.
MBPJ workers took three days to clear and trim the branches as it is a huge tree and were told by the authorities to spare one branch for environmental reasons? The branch was so fragile and tall and many people predicted it could fall on to the roadside in the nest thunderstorm. Just because MBPJ wants to preserve the environment the branch has to be retained posing a danger to residents. I got a private contractor to cut it off.
MBPJ should eliminate its new law on cutting trees. Decisions should be made according to the condition of a tree.
Source: Loh Siew Eem
They must realise there are a hundred species of trees. There are some with firm and strong branches while others have huge and fragile branches that break easily during a thunderstorm. If a fragile branch is left behind, it may fall in the midst of wind and lightning.
For example, rainforest trees have huge trunks. As they grow older the branches develop into trunks up on the tree and cannot hold on to the main trunk when accosted by a heavy thunderstorm.
This was what happened to the rainforest tree on the roadside in front of my house. The branches become more brittle as it grows older. During a recent thunderstorm many branches with a huge trunk collapsed on to my garden. Fortunately the tail end of the branch was just one foot away from my window.
MBPJ workers took three days to clear and trim the branches as it is a huge tree and were told by the authorities to spare one branch for environmental reasons? The branch was so fragile and tall and many people predicted it could fall on to the roadside in the nest thunderstorm. Just because MBPJ wants to preserve the environment the branch has to be retained posing a danger to residents. I got a private contractor to cut it off.
MBPJ should eliminate its new law on cutting trees. Decisions should be made according to the condition of a tree.
Source: Loh Siew Eem
Getting to zero — the way forward
After nine years of perseverance for the vulnerable communities in Malaysia, Red Carnival, one of the largest initiatives for World AIDS Day in Malaysia returns with a bigger purpose.
hemed "Getting to Zero", Red Carnival 2011 mirrors UNAIDS' (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS) vision of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination.
Spearheaded by PT Foundation and supported by Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC), the event aims to elevate knowledge and understanding, change perceptions and create opportunity for greater public involvement in HIV prevention.
PT Foundation chairman Hisham Hussein, said "Globally 33.3 million people have HIV. In Malaysia, nine people get infected with HIV every day. There has also been a noteworthy shift in the main mode of HIV transmission from injecting drug user, which has predominantly been the driver of the Malaysian epidemic, to sexual transmission. New HIV infections among women are also on the rise. It is currently accounting for about 20 percent of the total new HIV infections in 2010 as compared to only five per cent 10 years ago."
World AIDS Day is an important reminder for people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. HIV is spreading at an alarming rate, people are losing lives because of AIDS and more people are losing their careers, friends and families due to discrimination attached to HIV.
"Though many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, laws to protect people living with HIV and information about the condition, Malaysians are still largely unaware about the disease, resulting in high-risk behaviour, stigma and discrimination.
Through Red Carnival 2011, we hope to improve education, fight prejudice and mobilise community support in ending the epidemic," said Hussein.
Containing the HIV epidemic would need urgent outreach and attention from all -- the government, policy makers, law enforcers, health practitioners, social workers and, most importantly, the public.
"This year we want to extend our outreach and mobilise efforts from all parties to prevent new HIV infections, stop AIDS related deaths and eliminate discrimination. We are extremely delighted to have two great partners extend their meaningful support," said Hussein.
Sungei Wang Plaza pledged its continuous commitment by being the venue sponsor of the carnival for the 10th consecutive year.
This carnival will also see a new partnership with Durex embarking its commitment to the local HIV response for Red Carnival and PT Foundation's community-based programmes. Durex will also be releasing its annual Sexual Well-being Survey at Red Carnival 2011 to provide findings and insights for an effective HIV prevention framework.
"We are committed to working with PT Foundation to reduce the number of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections among Malaysians," said Nikhilesh Kalra, marketing director at Reckitt Benckiser, Malaysia.
Red Carnival 2011 will be held on Nov 26 and 27 at Fiesta Street, ground and lower ground floor of Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang, from 2pm to 9pm.
The two-day event will offer many exciting and educational activities. Booths will be set up to present HIV and AIDS information and services such as risk assessment exercise and HIV testing.
Apart from corporate partnerships, PT Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist in the activities. For more information, log on to www.prfmalaysia.org.
Source: NSTs
hemed "Getting to Zero", Red Carnival 2011 mirrors UNAIDS' (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS) vision of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero discrimination.
Spearheaded by PT Foundation and supported by Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC), the event aims to elevate knowledge and understanding, change perceptions and create opportunity for greater public involvement in HIV prevention.
PT Foundation chairman Hisham Hussein, said "Globally 33.3 million people have HIV. In Malaysia, nine people get infected with HIV every day. There has also been a noteworthy shift in the main mode of HIV transmission from injecting drug user, which has predominantly been the driver of the Malaysian epidemic, to sexual transmission. New HIV infections among women are also on the rise. It is currently accounting for about 20 percent of the total new HIV infections in 2010 as compared to only five per cent 10 years ago."
World AIDS Day is an important reminder for people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done. HIV is spreading at an alarming rate, people are losing lives because of AIDS and more people are losing their careers, friends and families due to discrimination attached to HIV.
"Though many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, laws to protect people living with HIV and information about the condition, Malaysians are still largely unaware about the disease, resulting in high-risk behaviour, stigma and discrimination.
Through Red Carnival 2011, we hope to improve education, fight prejudice and mobilise community support in ending the epidemic," said Hussein.
Containing the HIV epidemic would need urgent outreach and attention from all -- the government, policy makers, law enforcers, health practitioners, social workers and, most importantly, the public.
"This year we want to extend our outreach and mobilise efforts from all parties to prevent new HIV infections, stop AIDS related deaths and eliminate discrimination. We are extremely delighted to have two great partners extend their meaningful support," said Hussein.
Sungei Wang Plaza pledged its continuous commitment by being the venue sponsor of the carnival for the 10th consecutive year.
This carnival will also see a new partnership with Durex embarking its commitment to the local HIV response for Red Carnival and PT Foundation's community-based programmes. Durex will also be releasing its annual Sexual Well-being Survey at Red Carnival 2011 to provide findings and insights for an effective HIV prevention framework.
"We are committed to working with PT Foundation to reduce the number of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections among Malaysians," said Nikhilesh Kalra, marketing director at Reckitt Benckiser, Malaysia.
Red Carnival 2011 will be held on Nov 26 and 27 at Fiesta Street, ground and lower ground floor of Sungei Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang, from 2pm to 9pm.
The two-day event will offer many exciting and educational activities. Booths will be set up to present HIV and AIDS information and services such as risk assessment exercise and HIV testing.
Apart from corporate partnerships, PT Foundation is looking for volunteers to assist in the activities. For more information, log on to www.prfmalaysia.org.
Source: NSTs
Going green with green fingers
The writer reminisces about her childhood when her parents were already practising a green lifestyle by growing veggies for the dinner table
cabbage
um at the cabbage patch. Notice the huge (and edible) leaves which farmers remove before selling them.
brinjals
I was in a mall shopping for a camera when the shop assistant, who happened to know my parents, enquired after them.
His admiring remarks about the cabbages that my dad used to grow jolted memories of the vegetable garden surrounding the government quarters where we once lived.
So, when I got home, I wasted no time digging out the old photos that are living proof of dad’s green fingers.
In the early 1970s, dad expanded his hobby of flower gardening to planting vegetables.I remember how thrilled I was watching vegetables grow and trees fruiting. However, I also recall the strong smell of cow dung. Dad used it liberally as a fertili ser for his cabbages, brinjals and lady’s fingers.It was a familiar pong in our house.
Dad collected the fresh dung from the local cowherd (who supplied us with fresh cow’s milk). Cabbages were planted in the flower bed in front of our house, and in several plots between our government quarters and the health centre clinic.
Some cabbage plants were grown in large flower pots. They made great gifts for admirers who probably sweet-talked dad into parting with them.
It was fascinating to find out that those plants sprouted from tiny seeds.
I remember seedlings being tenderly nurtured in a damp nursery tray before they were transplanted into earth that was thoroughly mixed with cow dung.
I can still picture how dad used to till the earth with a cangkul (hoe) to carve neat rows before using his hands to break up the soil as he mixed it with dung. On hot days, dad would carry his watering-can and go round the garden to water the plants at least twice a day.
If the weather was wet, work began after the rain stopped.
Mum and dad would be in the garden searching under every leaf and frond to expose pesky snails that usually abound in such damp conditions.
These snails can cause significant damage to plants if they are not killed off. So, it was like a treasure hunt for them to push aside leaves to extract a variety of large and tiny snails.
I can still remember the crushed snails being fed to a flock of ducks that we reared in a pen at the back of our house.
Besides the cabbage plants in the front and side garden, and brinjal bushes outside the kitchen window, there was also a herb garden behind our house.
Here, fragrant pandan (screwpine) leaves, lemongrass, lengkuas (galangal) and the common ginger grew in abundance.
Whenever mum needed to use these ingredients in her cooking, she just needed to step out and harvest them.
There was also a climbing plant we call sim lor choy (a Thai vegetable) growing on a trellis. Mum uses its leaves to make a delicious, lemak vegetable dish.
I later discovered that our backyard garden was watered by water that was used to wash fish in, because I used to see bits of dried fish gills “growing” on some of the plants.
Today, there is no vegetable patch in our garden, but we still have the ubiquitous pandan leaves and lemongrass, along with a few species of shrubs that are grown for medicinal purposes.
Looking back, it’s interesting to note that mum and dad were already practicing a form of green living way back when it was not yet the “in thing”
Mum is familiar with farming because when Ah Kong or grandfather was based in Muar after World War 2, the family grew their own fruits and vegetables in a plot of land close to their government quarters home near the hospital.
Mum said the children were instructed to set aside their chamber pot every morning for Ah Kong to dilute the contents with water and use it as plant fertiliser.
This natural fertiliser, commonly used by farmers in those days, produced a healthy yield for the family’s consumption.
The family had to grow their own vegetables out of necessity because there were many mouths to feed and Ah Kong worked hard to ensure that everyone had a well-balanced diet.
Mum said their plot, planted with a variety of leafy vegetables as well as brinjals and chillies, was bordered by a fence of sayur manis.
She said their chilli yield was so good that they could trade them for goat’s milk from a neighbour.
This was very handy because Aunty Polly, who was then a baby, was fed this milk.
After a visit to the market the other day, mum told me that her regular market lady was aggressively promoting her stock of organic vegetables.
The lady was probably not English-educated, but mum said the word “organic” was rolling off her tongue effortlessly.
Mum wondered if she truly understood this hackneyed word, but I hope discerning customers will ask about farming methods to find out if the vegetables are truly organic.
I’ve learnt that not all plump, leafy vegetables are the best because their “perfect” condition may mean that a great deal of chemicals have been pumped into them to ensure that they are free from “blemishes”.
Maybe less-than-perfect fruits and vegetables are best because they grown the natural way.
While growing our own food would be ideal, the next best thing is to buy from local farmers who use responsible farming methods.
We end up paying less for fresher products because of lower energy costs for transport from nearby farms.
Source: Peggy Loh
cabbage
um at the cabbage patch. Notice the huge (and edible) leaves which farmers remove before selling them.
brinjals
I was in a mall shopping for a camera when the shop assistant, who happened to know my parents, enquired after them.
His admiring remarks about the cabbages that my dad used to grow jolted memories of the vegetable garden surrounding the government quarters where we once lived.
So, when I got home, I wasted no time digging out the old photos that are living proof of dad’s green fingers.
In the early 1970s, dad expanded his hobby of flower gardening to planting vegetables.I remember how thrilled I was watching vegetables grow and trees fruiting. However, I also recall the strong smell of cow dung. Dad used it liberally as a fertili ser for his cabbages, brinjals and lady’s fingers.It was a familiar pong in our house.
Dad collected the fresh dung from the local cowherd (who supplied us with fresh cow’s milk). Cabbages were planted in the flower bed in front of our house, and in several plots between our government quarters and the health centre clinic.
Some cabbage plants were grown in large flower pots. They made great gifts for admirers who probably sweet-talked dad into parting with them.
It was fascinating to find out that those plants sprouted from tiny seeds.
I remember seedlings being tenderly nurtured in a damp nursery tray before they were transplanted into earth that was thoroughly mixed with cow dung.
I can still picture how dad used to till the earth with a cangkul (hoe) to carve neat rows before using his hands to break up the soil as he mixed it with dung. On hot days, dad would carry his watering-can and go round the garden to water the plants at least twice a day.
If the weather was wet, work began after the rain stopped.
Mum and dad would be in the garden searching under every leaf and frond to expose pesky snails that usually abound in such damp conditions.
These snails can cause significant damage to plants if they are not killed off. So, it was like a treasure hunt for them to push aside leaves to extract a variety of large and tiny snails.
I can still remember the crushed snails being fed to a flock of ducks that we reared in a pen at the back of our house.
Besides the cabbage plants in the front and side garden, and brinjal bushes outside the kitchen window, there was also a herb garden behind our house.
Here, fragrant pandan (screwpine) leaves, lemongrass, lengkuas (galangal) and the common ginger grew in abundance.
Whenever mum needed to use these ingredients in her cooking, she just needed to step out and harvest them.
There was also a climbing plant we call sim lor choy (a Thai vegetable) growing on a trellis. Mum uses its leaves to make a delicious, lemak vegetable dish.
I later discovered that our backyard garden was watered by water that was used to wash fish in, because I used to see bits of dried fish gills “growing” on some of the plants.
Today, there is no vegetable patch in our garden, but we still have the ubiquitous pandan leaves and lemongrass, along with a few species of shrubs that are grown for medicinal purposes.
Looking back, it’s interesting to note that mum and dad were already practicing a form of green living way back when it was not yet the “in thing”
Mum is familiar with farming because when Ah Kong or grandfather was based in Muar after World War 2, the family grew their own fruits and vegetables in a plot of land close to their government quarters home near the hospital.
Mum said the children were instructed to set aside their chamber pot every morning for Ah Kong to dilute the contents with water and use it as plant fertiliser.
This natural fertiliser, commonly used by farmers in those days, produced a healthy yield for the family’s consumption.
The family had to grow their own vegetables out of necessity because there were many mouths to feed and Ah Kong worked hard to ensure that everyone had a well-balanced diet.
Mum said their plot, planted with a variety of leafy vegetables as well as brinjals and chillies, was bordered by a fence of sayur manis.
She said their chilli yield was so good that they could trade them for goat’s milk from a neighbour.
This was very handy because Aunty Polly, who was then a baby, was fed this milk.
After a visit to the market the other day, mum told me that her regular market lady was aggressively promoting her stock of organic vegetables.
The lady was probably not English-educated, but mum said the word “organic” was rolling off her tongue effortlessly.
Mum wondered if she truly understood this hackneyed word, but I hope discerning customers will ask about farming methods to find out if the vegetables are truly organic.
I’ve learnt that not all plump, leafy vegetables are the best because their “perfect” condition may mean that a great deal of chemicals have been pumped into them to ensure that they are free from “blemishes”.
Maybe less-than-perfect fruits and vegetables are best because they grown the natural way.
While growing our own food would be ideal, the next best thing is to buy from local farmers who use responsible farming methods.
We end up paying less for fresher products because of lower energy costs for transport from nearby farms.
Source: Peggy Loh