# data[].attributes.body
The elements provided in the picture are kitchenware, fresh fruits and vegetables.  The content I observed in the provided picture delivered the messages of promoting a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet or shaping audience perception about a product that related kitchenware use and healthy supplements.

# data[].attributes.body
The content that I have observed from this picture is that it try to promote a healthy lifestyle and also the important of balance diet. From the picture, it shows vegetables ,fruit, bean which is good for our health.

# data[].attributes.body
The person in this commercial photo is a sportsgirl that holdings a Elemental's water bottle and walking on the street.

This commercial picture represented the image of the bottle is also suitable for for the people that sporting instead of daily use.

# data[].attributes.headline
WEEK 02 DISCUSSION: ICE BREAKING (12/10/2023)

# data[].attributes.subject
WEEK 02 DISCUSSION: ICE BREAKING (12/10/2023)

# data[].attributes.body
Please describe the content or elements you observe in the provided picture.

Sila terangkan kandungan atau elemen yang anda perhatikan dalam gambar yang disediakan.
Sila ke url ini untuk melakukan aktiviti.

https://padlet.com/norhudasalleh/ice-breaking-zc1m4m9x5eqfy9d1

# data[].attributes.body
HEALTHY DIET

There are fruits, vegetables, and beans in the picture such as avocados,  asparagus, tomatoes,  apples and etc. It gives a healthy lifestyle vibes from the picture.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Vegetables & Fruit
2. Healthy
3. Advertisement (Healthy content)
4. Colorful
5. Fresh

# data[].attributes.body
Healthy eating habits
Vegetables and fruits are good for health
There are broccoli,  tomato, cucumber, pumpkin,  carrot, orange,  apple, avocado etc

# data[].attributes.headline
Isu Sosial: Masalah Ketagihan Vape dalam Kalangan Kanak-Kanak dan Remaja di dalam Malaysia

# data[].attributes.subject
Isu Sosial: Masalah Ketagihan Vape dalam Kalangan Kanak-Kanak dan Remaja di dalam Malaysia

# data[].attributes.body
POO KOK WEI

BA22110587

# data[].attributes.headline
WEEK 03 DISCUSSION: FUNCTIONS OF FEATURE WRITTING (19/10/2023)

# data[].attributes.subject
WEEK 03 DISCUSSION: FUNCTIONS OF FEATURE WRITTING (19/10/2023)

# data[].attributes.body
Describe about what of your opinion about this Elemental water bottle commercial picture based on 5W ways in feature writing ways

Elemental bottle official website:
https://elementalbottles.com/

1. WHO (POO)
2. WHY (QUINTA)
3. WHEN (HUAN SIN)
4. WHAT (GILLIAN)
5. WHERE (SOO)

# data[].attributes.body
It is a navy blue stainless steel water bottle with the logo of the brand which named "elemental". The design of the bottle is in cylinder and it complete with a functional handle as well as a signature bamboo lid cover.

# data[].attributes.body
This water bottle can use at anytime and anywhere when we need it to fill and drink the water.

# data[].attributes.body
Most of us bring a water bottle wherever we go to ensure we stay hydrated throughout the day

# data[].attributes.body
This reusable water bottle able to reduce plastic bottles waste and the value of the products is long lasting and functional.

# data[].attributes.body
GILLIAN YAP KAI ENN

BA22110583

# data[].attributes.body
SOO TING YI BA22110149

# data[].attributes.body
TAN HUAN SIN BA22110048

# data[].attributes.headline
ISU SOSIAL: PENYALAHGUNAAN DADAH DI MALAYSIA

# data[].attributes.subject
ISU SOSIAL: PENYALAHGUNAAN DADAH DI MALAYSIA

# data[].attributes.body
QUINTA HII LU SHYAN BA22110168

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Covid-19 stigma: Former patient opens up on trauma after abuse on social media

# data[].attributes.headline
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 01: Covid-19 stigma: Former patient opens up on trauma after abuse on social media

# data[].attributes.subject
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 01: Covid-19 stigma: Former patient opens up on trauma after abuse on social media

# data[].attributes.body
After reading this article, I am deeply concerned about the suffering and social media stigma that Covid-19 patients endure. Ching's story, like many others, highlights the double burden of physical and psychological suffering they experience. His experience highlights the stigma and discrimination that Covid-19 patients face, adding to their already significant challenges and potentially leading to PTSD. The psychologist quoted in the article points out that when COVID-19 patients are discriminated against and abused online, they have to deal not only with the disease but also with psychological and emotional stress. This stigma has a severe negative impact on their mental health and can even lead to suicidal thoughts or retaliatory behavior.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Covid-19 stigma: Former patient opens up on trauma after abuse on social media

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 ― Each time Ching (not his real name) comes across a Covid-19 positive patient whose identity is exposed on social media, his heart goes out to the...

# data[].attributes.headline
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 01: Prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: findings from a nationally representative survey

# data[].attributes.subject
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 01: Prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: findings from a nationally representative survey

# data[].attributes.body
The present study findings indicate that a high prevalence of overweight exists among adults in Malaysia, affecting approximately half of the population.

The likelihood of being overweight and obese was associated with various factors, such as female gender, aged 30 to 59 years, being of Malay, Indian or other Bumiputera ethnicity, being married, and having adequate health literacy.

(Current demography data that show more details the obesity problems existing among Malaysians)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among Malaysian adults: findings from a nationally representative survey

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The World Health Organization has reported that the prevalence of overweight is a growing problem in many countries, including middle- and lower-income countries like Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and its associated factors among Malaysian adults. A total of 97…

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Covid-19 trauma can cause mental problems, experts warn

# data[].attributes.headline
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 02: Covid-19 trauma can cause mental problems, experts warn

# data[].attributes.subject
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 02: Covid-19 trauma can cause mental problems, experts warn

# data[].attributes.body
This article highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by various groups affected by Covid-19. Frontline healthcare workers, who are constantly exposed to the suffering and death of patients, are at risk of developing PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. Patients who have received intensive care can experience a range of physical and mental impairments that make it difficult to return to everyday life. It's essential to address the mental health needs of these individuals, and the provision of psychological support and counselling should be a priority. Public awareness campaigns and the dissemination of accurate information can help reduce the stigma associated with the virus and protect the mental well-being of healthcare workers and patients. As the fight against COVID-19 continues, we must recognise and address the mental health aspect of the pandemic as a vital part of the overall response.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Flood victims at risk of developing PTSD, say experts

# data[].attributes.headline
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 03: Flood victims at risk of developing PTSD, say experts

# data[].attributes.subject
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 03: Flood victims at risk of developing PTSD, say experts

# data[].attributes.body
The article highlights that the recent floods have the potential to cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in victims who are struggling to cope with the physical, psychological, and financial challenges that result from such disasters. Mercy Malaysia is actively providing psychological first aid (PFA) to survivors, addressing their basic needs, linking them to social support, and protecting them from harm. Different groups, including children, youth, and the elderly, have different concerns, and tailored interventions are provided. Warning signs are monitored and people in distress are referred to mental health counselors. PFA can be provided by trained individuals from a variety of backgrounds.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Bella suffered trauma, nightmares, says witness

# data[].attributes.headline
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 04: Bella suffered trauma, nightmares, says witness

# data[].attributes.subject
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 04: Bella suffered trauma, nightmares, says witness

# data[].attributes.body
The trial of the neglect and abuse of Bella, a teenage girl with Down syndrome, is deeply disturbing. The testimony of the community nurse highlights the emotional trauma Bella experienced after being returned to the care home. The case highlights the importance of safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable people, particularly those with disabilities, and ensuring that their rights are protected.

# data[].attributes.headline
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 05: Switching babies incident can leave traumatic effect 

# data[].attributes.subject
PTSD ISSUE ARTICLE 05: Switching babies incident can leave traumatic effect 

# data[].attributes.body
This article shows how a baby-switching incident 20 years ago in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, believed to be the result of negligence by hospital staff, has caused emotional trauma and disruptive behavior for all three victims and both families involved. This deeply emotional and complicated situation illustrates the long-lasting effects of an unfortunate event. Families and individuals affected by such incidents often face profound emotional challenges and require support and counseling to cope with the trauma. Expert advice focuses on acceptance, support, and the importance of positive thinking to help those involved through this difficult time.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
USM's Dr Syed Mohamad believed both families were still struggling with shock, grief and confusion in accepting the incident. Image via Unsplash

KUALA LUMPUR: The incident of switching babies 20 years ago, believed due to the negligence of a hospital staff in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, can leave the effects of emotional trauma as well as disruptive behaviour, not only on all three victims but also to both families involved.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Registrar's Office senior counselor, Siti Fatimah Abdul Ghani said all parties involved would need a long time to accept the fact of the incident.

"If the three victims and their families are ready to accept and think positively of what happened, the effects of trauma could be dealt within a shorter time.

"However, I am advising them to seek certified counseling services to ease their emotions more practically," she told Bernama when contacted here today.

She was commenting on an earlier Bernama report on two families who have to go through the painful episode when three babies girls including a pair of twins born 20 years ago were switched.

The incident was discovered after the three victims, Adryani Iwani, 'twin' Adryana Irwani, and the real twin Noratirah Husin, all 20 years old, went for a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test in September last year.

Commenting further on the incident, Siti Fatimah said what is most important in the situation now is for the families involved ensure the orientation of the functional roles of victims involved such as eating, drinking and communicating proceeded as usual.

According to her, at the same time, the victims or members of the families should avoid comparing one with another, criticising or disputing things that have been understood from the start.

"What happened was a test of God, there is a reason it happened either for us to emulate or to avoid. It may also be a great lesson to those involved, both in terms of sensitivity and integrity, "she said.

Meanwhile, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), School of Education Studies (Guidance and Counseling) senior lecturer Dr Syed Mohamad Syed Abdullah believed both families were still struggling with shock, grief and confusion in accepting the incident.

"These are normal signs which are expected of those who are facing a certain trauma. They will feel angry, sad with a sense of forgiveness so that they can accept the outcome fully.

"In this regard, strong moral support from the surrounding people is necessary to assist they to be strong in weathering this stormy period," he said

Syed Mohamad also advised the victims involved to manage their feelings well including managing their pent-up feelings by speaking up with their siblings who can be good listeners.

At the same time, he said Adryani Iwani, Adryana Irwani, and twin Noratirah should avoid questioning their own thoughts as it can affect their health.

"Some people could not accept the fact, would continue to cry and feel depressed, while some were too shocked to accept what had happened but deep in their hearts they accept the situation due to their resilience.

Therefore, instead of thinking negatively such as why this happened or who is at fault, it should be balanced with positive thinking which is accepting it as a test in life even though it is not easy," he said.

UAE hantar 5 lagi pesawat sokong pembinaan hospital medan di Gaza

Secara keseluruhan, UAE telah menghantar 16 pesawat bagi menjayakan operasi kemanusiaan 'Gallant Knight 3' di wilayah itu.

"Saya akan beri sokongan kepada Datuk Seri dan Kerajaan MADANI," - YB Bukit Gantang

"Saya dengan ikhlas menyampaikan suara pengundi dan penduduk Bukit Gantang kepada Menteri Kemajuan Desa dan Wilayah. Saya juga ingin melihat sejauh mana Kerajaan MADANI ini adil dalam memberikan peruntukan.

"Dalam Dewan yang mulia ini sekiranya saya mendapat peruntukan untuk membangunkan kawasan saya, saya akan beri sokongan kepada Datuk Seri dan Kerajaan MADANI," kata YB Bukit Gantang, Datuk Syed Abu Hussin.

Proton sasar jual model S70 2,000 unit sebulan - Timbalan Ketua Eksekutif

Proton Holdings Bhd (Proton) menyasar menjual model sedan terbaharunya, S70, sebanyak kira-kira 2,000 unit sebulan.

Paraguay dilanda banjir teruk

Ratusan orang telah dipindahkan ke pusat perlindungan di bandar Ayolas pada Rabu susulan banjir yang melanda negara itu.

[TERKINI] Ibu terlupa, bayi maut lebih tujuh jam dalam kereta

Seorang bayi perempuan berusia dua tahun ditemukan meninggal dunia selepas dipercayai tertinggal di dalam kereta di Ara Damansara, di Petaling Jaya pada Rabu.
Menurut Ketua Polis Daerah Petaling Jaya, Asisten Komisioner Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid, pihaknya menerima panggilan ibu mangsa yang berusia 30an menyatakan anaknya tidak sedarkan diri di rumah, pada 3.49 petang.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Switching babies incident can leave traumatic effect - Experts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
UPM's Siti Fatimah said all parties involved would need a long time to accept the fact of the incident.

# data[].attributes.headline
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 02: THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC - CHANGE IS NOT AN OPTION

# data[].attributes.subject
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 02: THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC - CHANGE IS NOT AN OPTION

# data[].attributes.body
The increasing availability of fast food, convenience stores in urban areas that led to higher consumption of calorie-dense and nutritionally-poor foods, sedentary lifestyle

segative attitudes, discrimination harmfulerious was the few most factors that led to obesity health problems.

(Some main courses that cause obesity problem increasing)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Obesity is on the rise globally and efforts to address it are challenging due to misconceptions about obesity and the role it plays in a person's health. The theme of this year's World Obesity Day, 'Changing Perspectives: Let's Talk about Obesity', highlights the need to shift the conversation surrounding obesity. Obesity is often stigmatised and seen as a personal failure, but it is a complex issue that requires a more nuanced approach.

Obesity and overweight issues have been at the centre of Malaysia's health agenda for many years. The latest National Health and Morbidity Survey (2019) revealed that 50.1 per cent of Malaysians are overweight and obese. More alarming is the rising childhood obesity - 29.8 per cent of children aged 5 to 17 are overweight or obese1. The World Obesity Federation predicts that 41 per cent of the country's adults will be obese by 2035 if this disease is not addressed2. Other than being the root cause to more than 200 life-altering diseases, overweight and obesity are expected to impact Malaysia's GDP as much as RM3.2 trillion (2.8 per cent) by 20352.

As the first point of contact for many individuals, primary care providers have a unique opportunity to screen for obesity and provide early intervention and support. By routinely measuring and monitoring weight, providing counselling on healthy lifestyle behaviours, and referring to appropriate resources, primary care providers can help to prevent and manage obesity in their patients.

One of the leading contributing factors for obesity is urbanisation. Malaysia is one of the most urbanised countries in Southeast Asia, with a majority of its population living in urban areas. This rapid urbanisation has led to significant changes in lifestyle, dietary habits, and physical activity levels, contributing to the rise in obesity rates in the country.

The increasing availability of fast food and convenience stores in urban areas has led to higher consumption of calorie-dense and nutritionally-poor foods.
Sedentary lifestyle
Combined with the decrease in physical activity levels, the increasing reliance on private vehicles and the lack of safe walking and cycling infrastructure in urban areas, people are less likely to engage in physical activities like walking, cycling, or jogging.

This sedentary lifestyle, coupled with poor food habits has led to a significant rise in obesity rates in Malaysia.

We need to change the way we see obesity. People generally think that if a person is obese then it is their responsibility to lose weight.

However, that is a misconception. It is a societal issue that impacts everyone. Obesity is a result of the complex interplay between individual behaviours, environmental factors, and social determinants of health.

Therefore, combating obesity requires a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach that involves individuals, families, communities, schools, workplaces, and policymakers at all levels.

The first step towards managing this is to destigmatise obesity which will encourage a positive environment for self-acceptance creating a safe space for people to speak up about being obese."

Childhood and adolescent obesity are also a growing concern in Malaysia and urgent action is of paramount importance to safeguard the health of the new generation.

According to data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey conducted in 2019, the prevalence of obesity among children in Malaysia was 14.8 per cent, up from 3.9 per cent in 2011 - a three-fold increase in less than 10 years.

Parents and extended family members in the same household play a major role in ensuring obesity in children is not normalised.

While it may be tempting to view overweight children as adorable and cuddly, this can be harmful to their health. Obese children tend to become obese adults, and there are many medical issues associated with obesity that can have a significant impact on the quality of life.
Serious health problems
Children who are obese are susceptible to developing serious health problems in early adulthood such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease and sleep apnea. They have an increased risk of psychological comorbidities, including poor self-esteem, increased risk of depression and anxiety and in some cases may be victims of bullying.

One of the most important steps in dealing with childhood obesity is promoting a healthy lifestyle that encourages regular physical activity, healthy eating habits, good sleeping habits and structured use of screen time.

By eating healthy meals together and engaging in physical activities as a family, children are more likely to adopt and practice healthy habits and maintain them over time. Healthcare providers and nutritionists can be helpful in developing a personalised plan for managing childhood obesity providing guidance on healthy food choices, portion sizes, and physical activities appropriate for the child's age and fitness level.

It's important to remember that addressing childhood obesity is a journey that requires patience and dedication. However, by involving the family, school, and the community in the process and seeking professional help when needed, children can achieve a healthy weight and reduce their risk of health problems later in life.

In Malaysia, the lack of recognition of obesity as a chronic disease has significant implications on the way obesity is treated and managed in the country. Changing perspectives on obesity involves recognising that obesity is not simply a matter of willpower or personal responsibility. Rather, it is a multifactorial issue influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors.

When we think of or talk about obesity, we often think about appearance, public conception and its effect on the individual's confidence. While that is true, the impact of this disease goes way beyond that. Obesity can have significant economic implications, including increased healthcare costs and lost productivity.

In addition, individuals with obesity may face discrimination and stigma, which can have negative impacts on their social and emotional wellbeing.

There needs to be a clear awareness when it comes to differentiating between body shaming and being able to talk about obesity. It is an important conversation to have when it comes to addressing public health concerns and promoting healthy lifestyles. Obesity is a serious disease that needs to be addressed urgently. However, it is important to do so in a way that is respectful and non-judgmental, and that considers the complex social, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to obesity.
Negative attitudes, discrimination harmful
We must move beyond blaming individuals and instead focus on creating supportive environments that promote healthy behaviours and sustainable lifestyles. Negative attitudes and discrimination towards people living with obesity can have harmful effects on their mental and physical health, making it harder for them to access healthcare and seek support.

It is time to challenge harmful stereotypes and promote empathy and understanding towards those living with obesity.

As a nation, there's an urgent need to prioritise the prevention and management of obesity by promoting healthy eating habits, increasing physical activity, and creating supportive environments that make the healthy choice the easy choice. This requires a multi-sectoral and multi-level approach that involves collaborations between government, healthcare providers, educators, and the private sector to address the root causes of obesity and create sustainable solutions for a healthier Malaysia.

To this end, professional associations such as the Malaysian Obesity Society (MYOS) have a key role to play.

Our aim is to increase the share of voice for obesity awareness and management in Malaysia.

By creating a platform to share knowledge and expertise, MYOS and its members are seeking more effective collaborations with other medical societies, policy makers, and patient-advocacy groups with similar objectives relevant to obesity awareness and management, towards making a change for a healthier nation.
-- BERNAMA
Dr Wong Ping Foo is Family Medicine Specialist, Malaysian Obesity Society exco member

Dr Nalini M Selveindran is Paediatric Endocrinologist, Malaysian Obesity Society exco member

Professor Dr Rohana Abdul Ghani is Professor of Medicine and Consultant Endocrinologist, Universiti Teknologi Mara and President, Malaysian Obesity Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
- THE OBESITY EPIDEMIC - CHANGE IS NOT AN OPTION

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Obesity is on the rise globally and efforts to address it are challenging due to misconceptions about obesity and the role it plays in a person's health. The theme of this year's World Obesity Day, 'Changing Perspectives: Let's Talk about Obesity', highlights the need to shift the conversation surrounding obesity.

# data[].attributes.headline
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 03: Four out of five teenagers in Malaysia not physically active, says Dr Zaliha

# data[].attributes.subject
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 03: Four out of five teenagers in Malaysia not physically active, says Dr Zaliha

# data[].attributes.body
Four out of five teenagers in Malaysia are not physically active, says Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa. She adds that two out of three teenagers practice fitness activities, but do so at a sedentary level only.

In addition, she says that at a young age an individual needs to be active to build endurance and character and the hot weather is not an excuse not to do exercise as it can be done indoors and in closed areas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
PUTRAJAYA: Four out of five teenagers in the country are physically inactive, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

In addition, two out of three teenagers practise fitness activities at a sedentary level, she said in the Suara Menteri slot broadcast in conjunction with the Health Promotion in Learning Institutions (Hepili) Programme 2023 virtual assembly on Thursday (July 6).

ALSO READ: Poor report card for adolescent health

"More and more of our teenagers are not active. So, why wait, let's start now. Exercise every day. Only 30 minutes, five times a week. Easy isn't it?," she said.

Dr Zaliha, in the virtual assembly themed 'We want to live healthy', said that despite being a busy person, it did not stop her from doing daily exercise to take care of her health.

Also giving speeches were Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

In his speech, Fahmi encouraged the public to do stretching known as X-break, which is a physical activity performed within three to five minutes after sitting for a long time, which is more than two hours.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said that at a young age an individual needs to be active to build endurance and character, while Fadhlina said the hot weather is not an excuse not to do exercise as it can be done indoors and in closed areas.

The virtual assembly was attended by approximately 548,000 participants from all over the country. - Bernama

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Four out of five teenagers in Malaysia not physically active, says Dr Zaliha

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
PUTRAJAYA: Four out of five teenagers in the country are physically inactive, said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.

# data[].attributes.headline
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 04: #HEALTH: Large and living dangerously

# data[].attributes.subject
OBESITY ISSUE ARTICLE 04: #HEALTH: Large and living dangerously

# data[].attributes.body
The responden in this article, Dr Rohana was provide a new angle in viewing obesity epidemic issues.

She pointed out that obesity issue can cause significant economic implications, including increased healthcare costs and loss of productivity.

In addition, she also urge that we need to change the way we view obesity. It is a misconception that people assume that is their responsibility to lose weight if someone is obese. Obesity is a societal issue that impacts everyone.

(Another view that posibble minimize stigma problems among societies towards someone that facing obesity problem)

# data[].attributes.headline
ISSUE DIABETES 01: Health experts predict diabetes will heavily burden Malaysia's healthcare system in future                                                           

# data[].attributes.subject
ISSUE DIABETES 01: Health experts predict diabetes will heavily burden Malaysia's healthcare system in future                                                           

# data[].attributes.body
The National Kidney Foundation chief executive officer Khor Xin Yun told CNA that diabetes has been identified as the primary cause of kidney failure in Malaysia. Khor highlighted the significance of early detection, medication adherence, and management of diabetes to prevent the onset of kidney disease. She pointed out that 52 per cent of new dialysis patients in Malaysia last year were diagnosed with diabetes and this trend has persisted over the past decade. Diabetes Malaysia president Ikram Ismail told CNA that Type Two diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, accounts for 95 per cent of diabetes cases in the country.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 - The increasing number of young people in Malaysia who are diagnosed with diabetes will be a heavy strain on the country's public healthcare system in the near future, Channel News Asia (CNA) has reported.

That's because diabetes could lead to further health problems like kidney and heart diseases, stroke, blindness, and nerve damage. In worse cases, limbs may be amputated or a person might have to undergo dialysis for life.

The National Kidney Foundation chief executive officer Khor Xin Yun told CNA that diabetes has been identified as the primary cause of kidney failure in Malaysia.

"There has been an increase in those below age 45 requiring dialysis, making up 21.3 per cent of patients last year, up from 19 per cent in 2012," she was quoted as saying.

Khor highlighted the significance of early detection, medication adherence, and management of diabetes to prevent the onset of kidney disease.

She pointed out that 52 per cent of new dialysis patients in Malaysia last year were diagnosed with diabetes and this trend has persisted over the past decade.

Khor also emphasised that private dialysis treatment can be costly, with expenses potentially reaching up to RM50,000 annually for patients, adding that, the number of new individuals requiring dialysis has increased from 6,700 in 2012 to 9,600 last year.

The Singapore-based news outlet reported several Malaysian diabetes experts calling for a massive national education and awareness campaign and stricter laws and policies to dial back this trend, starting with reducing the consumption of sugar drinks.

Diabetes Malaysia president Ikram Ismail told CNA that Type Two diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, accounts for 95 per cent of diabetes cases in the country.

"With people getting diabetes at a much younger age - during their late teens and early 20s - it means they must live with the disease for a much longer period of their life, resulting in more complications and a lower quality of life," he was quoted as saying.

He said lifestyle changes must be made if Malaysia is to see the cases going down, and advocated changes to the kinds of food and drinks locals take and increased physical activity.

"People were more active before. They worked in the fields, and they didn't use the car so often. They were more active, and their diet was healthier.

"They didn't eat so much fast food and because of that the diabetes appeared much later. We had people getting diabetes only when they are 60 while some might not even develop it during their lifetime," Ikram was quoted as saying.

He said the number of diabetes cases in Malaysia are rising at a faster rate now, surpassing earlier expectations.

"Unfortunately, diabetes has become very common in Malaysia these days," he was quoted as saying.

One in five people aged 18 and above have the disease, CNA reported yesterday, citing data from Malaysia's 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey.

That was roughly 3.9 million people four years ago.

The survey, which is conducted every four years, showed the prevalence of diabetes has steadily increased from 11.2 per cent in 2011 to 13.4 per cent in 2015 and further spiked to 18.3 per cent in 2019.

Public health expert Professor Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia told CNA that diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular conditions among younger individuals will increasingly strain the healthcare system in the future.

"Before, the recommended health screening was for those aged 40. But there might be a need to move this to the age of 30 because people are getting diabetic and hypertension at a much younger age," she was quoted as saying.

She also emphasised that the allocation for diabetes treatment, accounting for about 13 per cent of the Health Ministry's budget, could potentially be utilised more effectively on other healthcare priorities.

She added that this expenditure only covers diabetes treatment and does not encompass the additional costs associated with complications like kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke, further straining government resources.

Sharifa also expressed scepticism about the impact of Malaysia's increased tax on sugary drinks, suggesting it may not be sufficient to discourage consumption.

Noting the surge in sweetened beverages on the market which is contributing to the rise of diabetes, she stressed the importance of government initiatives to promote healthy eating habits and exercise among young people in schools.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a 10 sen increase in the excise duty on sugary premix drinks, from 40 sen to 50 sen per litre for Budget 2024.

He said on October 13 while tabling next year's budget that the increased revenue will be directed towards diabetes treatment and support for dialysis centres.

The Consumers Association of Penang, like Sharifa, said the 10 sen increase in tax is insufficient to cut down Malaysia's increasing diabetes rate.

Its president Mohideen Abdul Kadeer wants the government to remove the price ceiling on domestically sold sugar, currently capped at RM2.85, which is said to be one of the lowest in South-east Asia.

"People will not feel the pinch with a 10 cent increase and they will just keep on paying for these drinks. The duty could have been increased by at least 50 cents.

"There are many factors that cause diabetes but sugar plays a main role," he was quoted as saying.

Mohideen also hoped Malaysia would follow Singapore's lead in mandating nutrition labels on sugary drinks.

Singapore's Health Ministry implemented a grading system based on sugar and saturated fat content in pre-packaged beverages in December last year.

The Singapore government also requires food and beverage outlets in the republic to display nutrition labels on their menus by the end of this year.

CNA cited a report from August 2022, jointly conducted by the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation, highlighted that the healthcare and economic burden associated with NCDs is projected to escalate in the future.

The report underscored that NCDs will progressively consume a larger portion of the national health budget.

It stated that the direct healthcare expenses for three major NCD categories - diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer - amounted to approximately RM9.65 billion in 2017.

Kuala Lumpur Diabetes Malaysia chairman Dr S. Inthirani told CNA that for every known case of diabetes, there is likely another undiagnosed.

Dr Inthirani said that diabetes is not solely tied to sugar consumption, but also influenced by carbohydrate intake.

"People must realise that it is beyond just sugar but the amount of carbs one consumes.

"Many youngsters are more exposed because many eat out late after midnight while watching football matches in 24-hour mamak shops. They come back and then sleep. That is an issue," the former government clinician was quoted as saying.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Health experts predict diabetes will heavily burden Malaysia's healthcare system in future

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 - The increasing number of young people in Malaysia who are diagnosed with diabetes will be a heavy strain on the country's public healthcare system in the...

# data[].attributes.body
Food inflation may cause in imbalance in energy intake and expenditure among societies, especially for children.

The lower-income groups will choose to consume the energy-dense food with high fat and sugar content because these are easier to obtain, affordable and also able to satiate their hunger faster.

The parents in the B40 group are bound to focus on their survival rather than the nutritional quality of the food they consume. Their main source of carbohydrates is rice and they get their protein from chicken.

(One of the cause that lead someone/ some particular community into obesity problems)

https://www.todayonline.com/world/plump-malnourished-health-urban-poor-malaysian-children-ticking-time-bomb

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KUALA LUMPUR: The prevailing rise in food prices or food inflation, as well as supply chain issues, may disrupt access to balanced diets, according to experts who fear that this may have repercussions on people's health.

The B40 group, who are most impacted by food inflation and forced to tighten their belts, may be compelled to make unhealthy food choices and the experts fear that this may expose their children, in particular, to the risk of developing conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

There is already existing data pointing to the rather high prevalence of obesity among children from B40 households.

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, the obesity and overweight prevalence rates among children from B40 families stood at 15.6 percent and 15.4 percent respectively. In comparison, the obesity and overweight prevalence rates among urban children stood at 15.3 percent and 15.4 percent respectively.

A person is considered obese if their body mass index (BMI) exceeds 30, and overweight if their BMI ranges between 25 and 29.9. The BMI is calculated by dividing the person's weight in kilogrammes by their height in metres squared.
FOOD INSECURITY
Prof Dr Ruzita Abd Talib, a lecturer in the Nutritional Sciences Programme at the Centre for Community Health Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said in the past, obesity was linked to high-income families who lived in cities and were exposed to an environment that contributed to the intake of high-calorie food.

However, the situation has now changed and even those living in rural areas and B40 families are facing obesity issues.

"The prevalence of obesity is also high in states with high levels of urbanisation such as Putrajaya due to supply guarantee factors in terms of food quality and quantity as well as environmental factors," she told Bernama.

She said obesity, which normally occurs when there is an imbalance in energy intake and expenditure, can also be caused by food insecurity when the lower-income groups choose to eat energy-dense food with high fat and sugar content because these are not only easier to obtain but are also cheaper and satiate their hunger faster.

Food insecurity refers to disruptions in a person's food intake or eating pattern due to a lack of money or access or other barriers to obtaining food packed with all the required nutrients. People experiencing food insecurity are more likely to choose less nutritious food items due to cost, availability and convenience factors.

"Whether they live in cities or rural areas, parents in the B40 group are bound to focus on their survival rather than the nutritional quality of the food they eat. Their main source of carbohydrates is rice while they get their protein from chicken.

"Consuming vegetables and fruits, the prices of which have gone up, is not a priority for them," Ruzita said.

This was reflected in a 2015 study in Malaysia which found a very low intake of fruits and vegetables among children aged between four and six in low-income households compared to their peers in high-income households.

"The government should focus on efforts to improve the quality of life of the B40 families not only in rural areas but also in urban areas because Malaysia has a poverty rate of 5.6 percent which is worrying," she added.
FINANCIAL BURDEN
Ruzita said besides obesity, unhealthy food choices can also expose children to the risk of developing other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially diabetes, at an early age.

In the event of a rise in the prevalence of NCDs, the government will have to fork out more money to bear the cost of treating the diseases concerned, as acknowledged by Associate Prof Dr Norsham Juliana Nordin, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia.

She said that based on the Ministry of Health's 2020 report on the 'Impact of Non-communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors on Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product', the cost of treating three NCDs linked to obesity - namely heart diseases, diabetes and cancer - was estimated at RM12.88bil. The cost also included productivity losses due to absenteeism as well as the death of patients who were still in their productive years.

"In 2014, NCDs like diabetes were the highest contributors to premature death, at 67 percent; they also accounted for 70 percent of the disease burden. Other studies reported that 73 percent of deaths at government hospitals were caused by diseases linked to obesity," she said.

In view of the grim statistics, efforts must be made to raise awareness of the importance of consuming balanced diets. Campaigns must also be implemented more aggressively to prevent Malaysia from being "crowned" Asia's "sweetest nation", said Norsham Juliana.

A study done by the Institute of Public Health and Ministry of Health showed an increase in the daily intake of sugar among Malaysian adolescents from seven teaspoons in 2012 to 10 teaspoons in 2017, which even exceeded the recommended daily sugar intake for adults.

"A strategic plan needs to be put in place to check this unhealthy situation," she added.- Bernama

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Food inflation may expose children to obesity risk, say experts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KUALA LUMPUR: The prevailing rise in food prices or food inflation, as well as supply chain issues, may disrupt access to balanced diets, according to experts who fear that this may have repercussions on people's health.

# data[].attributes.headline
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 01: SMOKING IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER IN MALAYSIA

# data[].attributes.subject
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 01: SMOKING IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF CANCER IN MALAYSIA

# data[].attributes.body
Smoking causes a lot of cancer in Malaysia nowadays, especially in men. It costs about RM132.7 million to treat lung cancer caused by smoking. More and more people are getting sick. There was an 11% (115,238) increase in cases from 2012 to 2016 compared to 103,507 cases from 2007 to 2011. Cancer is the main reason for deaths in private hospitals (34.95%) and is the fourth main reason in government hospitals (11.56%). It’s also one of the top reasons why people go to hospitals. For men, the most common cancers are colorectal or colon cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Women usually get breast cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer.

# data[].attributes.headline
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 02: LUNG CANCER BECOMING MORE COMMON AMONG NON-SMOKERS

# data[].attributes.subject
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 02: LUNG CANCER BECOMING MORE COMMON AMONG NON-SMOKERS

# data[].attributes.body
Kuala Lumpur- Suzana Othman, a non-smoker who lives with a heavy smoker was diagnosed with lung cancer. Although cigarette smoking is still the biggest contributor to lung cancer. Environmental risk factors, such as passive smoking, are known to cause cancer among never or non-smokers. "Traditionally, it’s always been a man’s disease. When I was in medical school we equated lung cancer with men and smokers, Now, we’re starting to see high incidence of lung cancer among non-smokers. (It’s) very alarming.” said Dr Anand Sachithanandan, president of the Malaysian Lung Cancer Network.

Lung cancer becoming more common among non-smokers - Sinar Daily

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Lung cancer becoming more common among non-smokers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In 2019, Suzana Othman started coughing and did not stop.It punctuates her life and words. When she speaks, coughs break up her flow of words. She often has to stop…

# data[].attributes.headline
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 03: SMOKING MAIN CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER IN MALAYSIA

# data[].attributes.subject
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 03: SMOKING MAIN CAUSE OF LUNG CANCER IN MALAYSIA

# data[].attributes.body
This article shows that there were more than 4000 deaths in Malaysia due to lung cancer in 2012 involving smoker and passive smokers. There were about six million deaths recorded worldwide because of smoking. 10 % of them are passive smokers also known as a second- hand smoker. This article is to encourage people to quit smoking. Although smokers present admitted it was difficult to quit the habit but the price of cigarettes could be one of a factors to quit smoking.

https://www.oncolifecentre.com/post/82/Onco-Life-Centre-Media-Article-15

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Onco Life Article 15: Smoking main cause of lung cancer... | Onco Life Centre

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Onco Life Centre Media Article 15 - Smoking main cause of lung cancer in Malaysia| Oncology, Cancer Screening, Chemotherapy |Cancer Treatment Malaysia | Onco Life Center

# data[].attributes.headline
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 04: ASTHMA AND SMOKING

# data[].attributes.subject
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 04: ASTHMA AND SMOKING

# data[].attributes.body
Tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. If the patient has asthma, an asthmatic attack can happen if something irritates the airways and triggers an attack. Tobacco smoke including secondhand smoke, is one of the most common asthma triggers. Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker. It is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. Exposing to secondhand smoke/ passive smoke/ environmental tobacco smoke, may be more harmful than actual smoking. This is because the smoke that burns off the end of a cigarette contains much more harmful substances (such as tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine and others) than the smoke inhaled by the smoker. Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to people who already have asthma.

Asthma and Smoking - PENDIDIKAN PESAKIT (myhealth.gov.my)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes episodes of difficulty in breathing.

Asthma symptoms are caused primarily by chronic inflammation of the airways. This makes the airways of the patient with asthma highly sensitive to various trigger factors.

When the airways inflammation is triggered by any type of external or internal trigger factors, the airways swell and fill with mucus.

Muscles within the airways will contract which can lead to further narrowing of the airways. The airways narrowing makes it difficult for the air to be breathed in and out from the lungs and it lead to various symptoms of asthma.
How is Smoking Related to Asthma?
Tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. If the patient has asthma, an asthmatic attack can happen if something irritates the airways and triggers an attack.

Tobacco smoke including secondhand smoke, is one of the most common asthma triggers. Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from a burning cigarette and smoke exhaled by a smoker.
How Does Tobacco Smoke Trigger Asthma?
Tobacco smoke (and chemicals in cigarette smoke) has four main effects on the airways:

1. When a person inhales tobacco smoke, irritating substances deposit in the lining of the airways and can cause an attack in a person who has asthma.

2. Tobacco smoke also damages the tiny hair-like structures in the airways (cilia), so that they are unable to work and allowing the dust and mucus to accumulate in the airways.

3. Smoke also causes the lungs to make more mucus than normal and trigger an asthma attack

4. Smoke can damage the airways by destroying the lung tissue and make the airways less elastic and narrower by causing more inflammation in the airways

What are the Effect of Tobacco Smoking on Patient with Asthma?
As tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms, it can trigger an asthma attack and further worsen the asthma symptoms.

Patient with asthma who smoke will have more frequent asthmatic attacks

They will have more severe asthmatic attack, and are more likely to be admitted to hospital

They might need to use higher doses of preventer medication to control their asthma

Is Secondhand Smoke harmful to a Person with Asthma?
Tobacco smoke is a powerful trigger of asthma symptoms. Exposing to secondhand smoke/ passive smoke/ environmental tobacco smoke, may be more harmful than actual smoking.

This is because the smoke that burns off the end of a cigarette contains much more harmful substances (such as tar, carbon monoxide, nicotine and others) than the smoke inhaled by the smoker.

Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to people who already have asthma.

When a person with asthma is exposed to secondhand smoke, he/ she is likely to experience more frequent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath associated with asthma.

Children with asthma who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have poorer asthma control and more likely to be admitted for severe asthma attack

Children of parents who smoke are also more likely to develop lung and sinus infections and these can worsen the asthma symptoms and control.

What is the Effect of Smoking on Asthma During Pregnancy?

If a woman smokes when she is pregnant, the chemicals in the smoke will be passed to the developing baby through the umbilical cord and this will increase the baby's risk of developing wheezing symptoms early in life.

Smoking during pregnancy also causes many other problems, such as low-birth weight babies, premature births and increases the risk of fetal death and stillbirth.

Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of secondhand smoke because their lungs are still developing.

Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have lung problems and are ten times more likely to develop asthma.

Young child who is exposed to smoke is at a much higher risk of developing asthma-like symptoms in early childhood.

Children who inhale secondhand smoke are also at increased risk for a variety of problems including ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergic diseases.

Even if the parents go outdoor to smoke, particles can still be present on them when you return indoors, so although it is better than smoking nearby their children, it still might have long term affect on them.
What other health issues are related to smoking?
People who smoke can develop many other health issues such as permanent lung disease (Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease), stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung cancer and many more.
In summary
Tobacco smoke is a powerful asthma trigger that can worsen asthma symptoms. People who smoke and who have asthma will have worse asthma control, more airway damage and faster loss of lung function. Second-hand smoke or passive smoking, is also a trigger for people with asthma. Therefore, it is important for asthma patient to quit smoking or to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke to prevent further attack of severe asthma.
References

1. Asthma Foundation. Smoking and asthma. http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Smoking. [accessed 2014 August 28]

2. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: No Butts About It: Smoking Makes Asthma Worse. Updated May 15, 2013 Worse." http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/nicotinepatch/a/asthma.htm. [accessed 2014 August 28]

3. British Thoracic Society. British Guideline on the Management of Asthma-a national guideline 2008.

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Asthma: Common Asthma Triggers [last updated 2012 Aug 20; accessed 2014 August 28].

5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Secondhand smoke and asthma. http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/secondhand-smoke-asthma.html [accessed 2014 August 28].

6. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention: Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) (Updated 2014)

7. Ministry Of Health Malaysia. Clinical Practice Guidelines For Management Of Adult Asthma 2002.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is Asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes episodes of difficulty in breathing. Asthma symptoms are caused primarily by chronic inflammation of the airways. This makes the airways of the patient with asthma highly sensitive to various trigger factors. When the airways inflammation is triggered by any type of external or internal ...

# data[].attributes.headline
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 05: ORAL AND THROAT CANCER CAUSED BY SMOKING

# data[].attributes.subject
SMOKING RELATED ISSUE ARTICLE 05: ORAL AND THROAT CANCER CAUSED BY SMOKING

# data[].attributes.body
Tobacco smoke can cause cancer at different site of our human body, including lungs, oral cavity (mouth), throat, nose etc. Smokers are not the only one who can get cancer from tobacco smoke. People around them—their kids, partners, friends, co-workers, and others—breathe in that smoke known as second hand smoke, are at high risk of becoming cancer victims too. Tobacco itself has released more than 5000 chemicals and at least 70 chemicals that can cause cancer, they are also known as carcinogens. Oral/Mouth cancer was one of the least heard of cancers by the public with only 56% of the participants being aware, out of these, there was a 76% awareness of the link between smoking and oral cancer.

Oral & Throat Cancer Caused by Smoking - Penang Adventist Hospital | People Centered Healthcare Services (pah.com.my)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Tobacco smoke can cause cancer at different site of our human body, including lungs, oral cavity (mouth), throat, nose etc. Commonly we know that tobacco smoking causes lung cancer (lower respiratory tract), but do you know that nose, mouth and throat which form upper airway (known as upper respiratory tract and digestive tract) are equally affected by tobacco smoke also. Mouth and Throat Cancer had contributed 30% and 35% of total cancer-related death in developed countries and developing countries respectively. Smokers are not the only one who can get cancer from tobacco smoke. People around them-their kids, partners, friends, co-workers, and others-breathe in that smoke known as second hand smoke, are at high risk of becoming cancer victims too.

Tobacco itself has released more than 5000 chemicals and at least 70 chemicals that can cause cancer, they are also known as carcinogens.

Each time we breathe in cigarette smoke, these chemicals get into our bloodstream and travelled to all parts of our body. These chemicals can damage our DNA (which controls our body new cells generation) and also damage DNA parts that protect against cancer.
ORAL/MOUTH CANCER
The worst part is the devastating link between tobacco products and human cancers result from a powerful alliance of two components--nicotine and carcinogens. Without either one of these, tobacco would be just another commodity, instead of being the single greatest cause of cancer death. In fact, Nicotine is addictive and toxic, but it is not a carcinogen. This addictive behavior of continuous smoking of tobacco products use (contain numerous carcinogens) lead to constant exposure of our body parts to carcinogens which resulting in mouth and throat cancer, next to lung cancer.

Oral/Mouth cancer was one of the least heard of cancers by the public with only 56% of the participants being aware, out of these, there was a 76% awareness of the link between smoking and oral cancer.

Survey shows lack of public awareness that cigarette smoking and/or tobacco consumption (chewing tobacco or 'dip') contributed to Mouth/Oral Cancer.

Oral/Mouth cancer occurs when the cells in the mouth begin to grow and divide at an abnormal rate. DNA is the information house in a cell that commands the functioning of a cell. When DNA starts to malfunction, the cells grow and divide irrationally.

Symptoms of Oral/Mouth Cancer:

1. Lump(s) in mouth/oral cavity

2. Non-healing oral ulcer or tongue ulcer

3. Sore mouth or throat

4. Repetitive mild to high-grade fever

5. Difficulties and pain in swallowing food

6. Mouth or gum bleed

7. Tremendous weight loss (at least 5kg loss within 2 months)

8. Jaw stiffness

9. Ear pain

10. Visible white or red patches in the mouth

With the above mentioned clinical presentations and detailed history of sickness from the patient, thorough medical examinations, blood tests, endoscopic assessment and series of CT Scans or PET Scans are carried out to confirm the diagnosis and the staging of cancer (Stage 1, 2, 3, 4 or Advance stage)

Early detection is the key to survival from oral/mouth cancer. Early stages of mouth/oral cancer (stage 1 to 3) can be completely removed by surgery with or without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Most of the time, the prognosis is good and the survival rate is high.

Oral/mouth ulcer by nature spreading fast through the lymphatic system, when cancer spread to lymph nodes or neck region and distant organ, especially cancer of the floor of the mouth, or oral cancer reached the later stages (stage 4 and advanced stage), the prognosis will be very poor. For all these advanced stages of oral cancer, palliative treatment with surgery most often results in significant facial disfigurement and seriously compromised oral function.
THROAT CANCER
Hence, poor survival rates are mostly linked to diagnosis at late stages of the cancer due to delay in seeking advice from a doctor.

Tongue cancer with surgical removal and repair.

The throat consists of 2 parts - Pharynx (a tube that starts behind our nose and ends in our neck) and Larynx (voice box). Throat (pharynx and larynx) cancer is strongly associated with tobacco smoking.

Doctors identify cancer by the location mentioned above:

1. Pharynx:

Nasopharynx - upper part of throat behind the nose. It is one of the most common cancer in Malaysia.

Oropharynx - located behind mouth. Cancer is most likely to grow in the tonsils (located at the back of the tongue) or the soft palate.

Hypopharynx - the narrow area behind our voice box.

2. Larynx:

Glottis - It holds our vocal cords.

Supraglottis - above the glottis.

Subglottis - area below our vocal cords and above our windpipe.

Symptoms of throat cancer:

1. Hoarseness

2. Shortness of breath

3. Trouble swallowing (foreign body stuck sensation presence of foreign body sensation?)

4. Sore throat, cough, or earache that won't go away

5. Headache

6. Neck lump

7. Unexplained weight loss.

Again, throat cancer is diagnosed and staged accordingly to stage 1, 2, 3, 4 or advanced stage based on clinical presentations as above mentioned, detailed of sickness history, thorough medical examinations, blood tests, endoscopic assessment and series of CT Scans or PET Scan.

Throat cancer is a common type of head and neck cancer due to cigarette smoking. Cancer tends to grow and spread quickly, therefore, early detection and treatment provide the best chance to beat them and to have a good quality of life.

The 5-year survival rate means the percentage of people who live at least 5 years after the cancer is diagnosed.

In Penang Adventist Hospital, there are a total of 113 cases of throat cancers being diagnosed over the past 10 years, which is equivalent to 20.9% of total head and neck cancers (540 cases) diagnosed. Out of 113 throat cancers, 67 (60%) were classified as early-stage (stage 1 to stage 3) throat cancer. All of the 67 cases were treated with radiotherapy with/without chemotherapy, the 5-year survival rate is as high as 90%.

39 out of 113 cases (34.5%) were diagnosed as stage-4 throat cancer. Despite the 2 defaulted-treatment cases, all of them received the treatment by undergoing major surgery known as laryngeal removal (partial or total laryngectomy, neck dissection, thyroid removal and pharyngeal repair, with permanent stoma at the front neck), the data shown 100% 5-year survival rate.
Throat cancer patient Post-op Day 1 (in ICU), one month and 3 months after surgery.
7 out of 113 (5.5%) cases that being diagnosed as advanced stage, normally presented clinically very ill condition like huge neck lump, hoarseness with difficulty in breathing and dramatic weight loss, cancer had spread to distant organs involving the lung and liver, the patient ceased few months after being diagnosed.

In conclusion, in early stages of throat cancer (stage 1, 2, and 3) and even stage 4, as long as no spreading to distant organs like liver, lung, brain or bone, the prognosis will be good with a high survival rate and restore back to normal life span.

This brings out a very clear message that public education in risk factors associated with Mouth and throat cancer is very important. Early detection of cancer and the necessity for fast track referral play the utmost important role. Recognition of oral and throat cancers in local strategies for oral, throat and neck health should be encouraged.

The final and most important message to avoid/prevent health risks from the mouth and/or throat cancer is:

If you don't smoke or use tobacco-don't start!

If you do smoke or use tobacco- do quit!

Based on WHO cancer data, it is evident that cancer is a critical global issue and all the countries must augment the key components of cancer control; cancer prevention, early detection, early diagnosis, adequate treatment and palliation. However, most of the increase in cancer incidence is not preventable, but many cancers cases can be effectively treated upon early diagnosis with very good outcome or prognosis.

FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA

KKLIU 1329/2020.
Copyright © 2020 Penang Adventist Hospital.
All rights reserved.

Get In Touch

GENERAL LINE

AMBULANCE

Registration Hours

Register for your appointment with the doctor

Monday to Thursday
8:00am ~ 4:30pm

Friday and Sunday
8:00am ~ 12:30pm

Paediatric Night Clinic

Monday to Thursday (Closed on Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
7.00 pm ~ 8.30 pm (Registration closed at 8.30 pm)

Visiting Hours

Official Hours for Visiting Patients

Monday to Sunday
12:00pm ~ 2:00pm
6:00pm ~ 8:00pm

Malaysia Website Design, Lightflex.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
penang adventist hospital | people centered healthcare services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Penang Adventist Hospital - Accredited private hospital & health care centre located in Penang, Malaysia, offering tertiary healthcare service & technologies for outpatient & inpatient.

# data[].attributes.headline
ISSUE DIABETES 02: #HEALTH: The not so sweet truth about childhood diabetes.

# data[].attributes.subject
ISSUE DIABETES 02: #HEALTH: The not so sweet truth about childhood diabetes.

# data[].attributes.body
In 2019, the International Diabetes Federation Atlas reported 977 cases of diabetes in children below 18 in Malaysia. This was more than double the number of cases registered in 2008 under the Diabetes in Children and Adolescents Registry Malaysia. Excessive thirst, excessive urination, waking at night to pass urine or wetting the bed at night, are important symptoms to be aware of in children, as it may indicate a diagnosis of diabetes says IMU Healthcare consultant paediatric endocrinologist and senior lecturer in paediatrics at the International Medical University, Dr Meenal Mavinkurve.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#HEALTH: The not so sweet truth about childhood diabetes | New Straits Times

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
IN 2019, the International Diabetes Federation Atlas reported 977 cases of diabetes in children below 18 in Malaysia. This was more than double the number of cases registered in 2008 under the Diabetes in Children and Adolescents Registry Malaysia.

# data[].attributes.body
The issue of stunting among children in Malaysia has shown worrying trends, especially in urban poor areas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
THE issue of stunting among children in Malaysia has shown worrying trends, especially in urban poor areas.

# data[].attributes.headline
ISSUE DIABETES 03: Health experts: Malaysia has a full-blown sugar-fueled diabetes crisis

# data[].attributes.subject
ISSUE DIABETES 03: Health experts: Malaysia has a full-blown sugar-fueled diabetes crisis

# data[].attributes.body
The number of patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and heart disease was increasing like wildfire, so much so that even public hospitals were running out of wards for them. Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang director Dr Zulkarnain Mohd Rawi said it was so common these days for people to come in with all kinds of issues related to diabetes, including heart disease. Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang director Dr Zulkarnain Mohd Rawi said it was so common these days for people to come in with all kinds of issues related to diabetes, including heart disease.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KLANG: Diabetes is no longer a disease of the elderly as even teenagers are being afflicted with it.

Consultant endocrinologist Dr Malathi Karupiah said a survey conducted by the National Health Institute indicated that one in every five Malaysians was diabetic.

She said Type 2 diabetes, which is due to insulin resistance, was the most common in the country.

"In addition to this, there are also those who are pre-diabetic, as well as people who are unaware that they have diabetes," said Dr Malathi.
ALSO READ: Low sugar levels likely
She added that diabetes is a very serious condition that can adversely affect the kidneys, heart and eyes, as well as shorten one's lifespan by a decade.

Dr Malathi explained that diabetes occurs when the body becomes insulin-resistant because the insulin produced by the body is insufficient.

Insulin is a type of hormone that controls blood sugar levels and helps the body turn food into energy.
ALSO READ: Go for sugar substitutes such as stevia, says fitness expert
"As prevention is better than cure, it is important for us to be mindful of what we eat. Lifestyle management with diet and exercise are the most important components in curbing the disease," she said.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced recently when tabling Budget 2024 that the excise duty on sugary premix drinks will be increased from 40sen to 50sen per litre.
ALSO READ: Business as usual despite new tax
He added that the revenue from the tax hike will be used for the treatment of diabetes and other conditions related to the disease.

The number of patients with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and heart disease was increasing like wildfire, so much so that even public hospitals were running out of wards for them.

Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah Klang director Dr Zulkarnain Mohd Rawi said it was so common these days for people to come in with all kinds of issues related to diabetes, including heart disease.

"This is resulting in the public health sector spending big amounts of money on treatments such as angioplasties and bypass surgery (both to unblock clogged arteries), which are very expensive in private hospitals," he said.

Because of this, Dr Zulkarnain said he regards the government's move to increase the tax on premixed sugary drinks as a move towards strengthening preventative medicine.

"Hospitals are conduits for curative medicine, but we need to strengthen preventative medicine so that we can counter the increase in NCDs such as diabetes, which is very debilitating," he added.

Senior consultant cardiologist Dr Onn Akbar Ali said sugar is the major contributor of metabolic syndrome, which is the cause of the persistent increase in insulin, obesity, elevated uric acid as well as diabetes and hypertension.

He said people must either completely stop or "severely minimise" the consumption of sweetened drinks as well as reduce the consumption of processed food derived from simple carbohydrates as these contain high proportions of sugar and salt.

"People must also reduce their frequency of food intake or adhere to time-restricted eating such as intermittent fasting," he added.

Dr Onn recommended that the additional funds from the sugar tax increase be used to improve public education on taking care of one's health at schools and even workplaces.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Health experts: Malaysia has a full-blown sugar-fuelled diabetes crisis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KLANG: Diabetes is no longer a disease of the elderly as even teenagers are being afflicted with it.

# data[].attributes.headline
ISSUE DIABETES 04: Govt spends RM4.9b a year to deal with diabetes, says Dr Zaliha.

# data[].attributes.subject
ISSUE DIABETES 04: Govt spends RM4.9b a year to deal with diabetes, says Dr Zaliha.

# data[].attributes.body
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey also found that the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 18 and above showed an increase from 11.2 per cent in 2011 to 13.4 per cent in 2015, and then rose to 18.3 per cent in 2019. The government has to spend RM4.9 billion a year to implement efforts to deal with problems related to diabetes in the country, which is seen as worrying, and it is estimated that 3.9 million adults currently suffer from the disease.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
SEREMBAN, July 8 - The government has to spend RM4.9 billion a year to implement efforts to deal with problems related to diabetes in the country, which is seen as worrying, and it is estimated that 3.9 million adults currently suffer from the disease.

Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the 2019 National Health and Morbidity Survey also found that the prevalence of diabetes among adults aged 18 and above showed an increase from 11.2 per cent in 2011 to 13.4 per cent in 2015, and then rose to 18.3 per cent in 2019.

Therefore, she said that continuous efforts, involving all relevant parties, are crucial in dealing with this disease, including through the organisation of the SeDia Cohort, which is the collection of long-term data to understand the complex interaction between lifestyle, environment, genetics and socio-economic development.

She said this to reporters after officiating the Seremban Diabetes Cohort (SeDia) programme, a collaboration between the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the International Medical University (IMU), which is the first large-scale cohort study focusing on diabetes patients, here today.

Meanwhile, Dr Zaliha said that the MOH is reviewing efforts to promote research and development (R&D), to increase the production of medicines in the country, including by involving various ministries.

She said that this will enable a reduced dependence on imported medicines. - Bernama

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Govt spends RM4.9b a year to deal with diabetes, says Dr Zaliha

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
SEREMBAN, July 8 - The government has to spend RM4.9 billion a year to implement efforts to deal with problems related to diabetes in the country, which is seen as worrying, and...

# data[].attributes.body
Health ministry launches initiative to tackle national malnutrition issue.

One in five children have been identified with stunted growth, notes health director-general Dr Radzi Abu Hassan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Nearly 30% of kids in M'sia have stunted growth due to unhealthy diet, says Health Ministry

# data[].attributes.body
Almost 30% of young children in Malaysia suffer from stunted growth caused by "unhealthy diets" from both ends of the financial spectrum, says the Health Ministry.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said 29.7% of children within daycare age (zero to four years old) had or are currently suffering from stunted growth, according to ministry's data from the last five years.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KUALA LUMPUR: Almost 30% of young children in Malaysia suffer from stunted growth caused by "unhealthy diets" from both ends of the financial spectrum, says the Health Ministry.

Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said 29.7% of children within daycare age (zero to four years old) had or are currently suffering from stunted growth, according to ministry's data from the last five years.

He said that Kelantan and Putrajaya had among the highest ratio of children suffering from stunted growth, adding that this shows that the issue was not limited to any income groups such as those in the B40 or T20 groups.

"Those with lower incomes tend to go for cheaper and less nutritional food due to their limited financial resources, which has been made worse by the rising cost of living over the past few years.

"Whereas many with higher incomes are more career focused, which leaves them little time to cook at home and go for fast and less nutritional meal options, like fast food, to feed their families," he said during Ministers' Question Time in Parliament on Wednesday (Nov 1).

He added that tackling the issue of stunted growth in children was among the ministry's top priorities due to its possible negative effects on the lives of the next generation.

"Children suffering from stunted growth are more at risk of developing non-communicable diseases like obesity which will affect their productivity capability as they reach adulthood that will in turn hurt the future productivity of the country," he added.

He was responding to questions from Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor) and Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) who inquired about the ministry's effort in tackling stunted growth among Malaysian kids.

On this, Lukanisman said his ministry would take a holistic approach to tackle the issue which includes further cooperation between the Health Ministry with other ministries and key stakeholders.

This will include further discussions within ministries through the Special Committee to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children that is chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"We are looking into close cooperation with many local institutions, experts, associations and international bodies like the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) to address the issue before it gets worse.

"Together, we hope to develop comprehensive plans and activities that will increase the nutritional quality of food for kids and increase awarness among parents on this issue," he said.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nearly 30% of kids in M'sia have stunted growth due to unhealthy diet, says Health Ministry

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KUALA LUMPUR: Almost 30% of young children in Malaysia suffer from stunted growth caused by "unhealthy diets" from both ends of the financial spectrum, says the Health Ministry.

# data[].attributes.body
Malaysia still has malnourished young children and may only achieve one of 10 global nutrition targets by 2025, according to a report.

The 2020 Global Nutrition Report, which independently assesses the state of nutrition worldwide, found that Malaysia is on course to meet the global target for overweight children below five years of age, but is off course to meet the targets for stunting (low height-for-age) and wasting (low weight-for-height) among under-five children.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Strategic plan to combat child malnutrition in Malaysia via focus on five cores, says DPM Zahid

# data[].attributes.body
The 2022 -2030 National Strategic Plan to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children in Malaysia will focus on strengthening the governance of nutritional well-being through legislation, political commitment and stakeholders.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was among the five cores under the plan which were discussed and refined in the meeting of the Special Committee to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children, he chaired today.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 - The 2022 -2030 National Strategic Plan to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children in Malaysia will focus on strengthening the governance of nutritional well-being through legislation, political commitment and stakeholders.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said this was among the five cores under the plan which were discussed and refined in the meeting of the Special Committee to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children, he chaired today.

The meeting was held to focus on the aspect of balanced nutrition for the young and youth who will be the driver of the country's development in the future.

"Another strategy is improving the quality and access of nutrition services to combat the problem of the double burden of child malnutrition, strengthening the environment and society conducive to improve the well-being of children's nutrition.

"Another core is empowering the development of capacity and human capital towards the well-being of children's nutrition as well as the synergy of child nutrition advocacy," he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Zahid said the plan targeted the impact on children under 18 involving individuals, families and communities including vulnerable groups as an effort to prevent and control the problem from continuing to worsen thus reducing the government's burden of bearing the cost of treatment.

It includes awareness campaigns, including in houses of worship and involving more volunteers in the health agenda.

Meanwhile, he said the committee will meet twice a year to ensure that the allocations provided have a positive impact on children's nutritional status (stunting and obesity) and will emphasise five areas.

These include communication strategies through large-scale campaigns as well as a change in thinking towards prevention rather than treatment (channelling of allocations should be focused on prevention programmes and activities rather than treatment).

In addition, the committee will also emphasise the involvement of volunteers in the implementation of programmes and activities to prevent malnutrition, the preparation of menus in nurseries and children's educational institutions through Public Health Programme as well as the involvement of houses of worship to carry out activities to increase community awareness and knowledge.

"I'm sure the success of this plan shows the government's commitment and concern to combat the problem of malnutrition among children in order to produce a healthy and productive generation," he said.

Ahmad Zahid hopes that all ministries and agencies involved, including non-governmental organisations and the community, will continue to join hands to fight the double burden of malnutrition among children to build a healthy and 'Madani' generation of Malaysians.

He said the changing tide of globalisation has had a significant impact on eating practices and resulted in the country facing the double burden problem of malnutrition among children.

He said, children who suffer from nutritional problems will grow up to be adults who are at high risk of suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that require very high treatment funding throughout their lives.

Ahmad Zahid said the results of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) among children under five found that the prevalence of stunting increased to 21.8 per cent in 2019 compared to 17.7 per cent in 2015.

"This data is categorised as high under the Public Health Significance index and Malaysia is the only Asean country that does not reach a satisfactory level for growth standards according to the World Health Organization (WHO)," he said.

In addition, a survey of the probable causes of the double burden problem of malnutrition found that children do not eat enough vegetables a day (92 per cent), do not eat enough fruit a day (67 per cent) and do not eat breakfast (70 per cent) which increases the potential for health problems related to being underweight and stunted. - Bernama

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Strategic plan to combat child malnutrition in Malaysia via focus on five cores, says DPM Zahid

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
KUALA LUMPUR, April 4 - The 2022 -2030 National Strategic Plan to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Children in Malaysia will focus on strengthening the...