Mixed berries cheesecake

Ingredients 

 1 prepared 9-inch (6 ounces) graham cracker crumb crust

2/3 cup (5 fluid-ounce can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Fat Free Milk

1 package (8 ounces) fat free cream cheese, at room temperature

1 large egg

100ml strawberry cordial (got ours from Cameron Highlands!)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel (optional)

1 1/2 to 2 cups dried cranberries 

Method

Simply crush half a packet of digestive biscuits using food processor.

Melt 50g butter to help pressing the biscuit base onto the glassware. To make it quick, I froze the base for 30mins.

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature.

Preheat oven 180C 

Mix all the other ingredients using food processor until smooth.

Pour the batter into glassware. Sprinkle some chopped cranberries on top.

Bake for 30mins or until center of chopstick becomes clean.

Refrigerate overnight- you can also freeze it for ice cream like consistency!

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set.

Tips To Support Children Development

I am a proud mother of 2 really active boys. It is not easy juggling between work as a busy doctor and responsibilities as a mother. My youngest Yi has just started preschool end of last year. He is the bubbliest person in our family. But he hasn’t started writing at home. We were quite relaxed about it because we thought this was normal.

After a month at school, feedback from his teachers hit us into realization that he seems to have difficulty following teachers’ instruction as he gets distracted easily by other things such as toys and noises. We try teaching him using games and apps which trains his writing skills, concentration and thinking speed. After consulting our pediatrician, she has also advised us to look into improving his nutrition by reducing excessive sugar intake and ensure he eats a well balance diet including nutrients like DHA, Gangliosides, iron and etc. 

On certain days, Yi will come home acting up and refusing to sleep at night, still very energetic even at 11pm! Only to wake up next morning almost too late for school. After a few weeks, he has started to become attracted to the confectionery section in the supermarket, wanting to grab sweet things from the shelf. This leads us to suspect excessive sugar intake as the culprit. We have not previously introduced him to added sugars yet. 

True enough, Yi has been exposed to confectionery recently during birthday celebrations at school. Now we are very conscious of the amount of sugar he takes— he promises to only take 1 candy every 2-3 days (even in school! If he doesn’t ask for it, we will just omit it) and we have also tried to omit added sugar in his daily diet. Since he still drinks about 3 cups of milk a day, we have started to research about sugar content in formulated milk powder for children too.

Excessive sugar intake may affect cognitive development such as learning. I have also read from a clinical paper that sweetened beverages consumption may reduce verbal intelligence score by 2.4 points per serving/day. Few other studies also highlighted that high sugar intake level in a child’s diet may also cause obesity, impact on sleep, cavities and sweet tooth too.

After some research, we have realized that a well-balanced diet plays an essential role in Yi's ability to learn, focus and develop as well. Children needs to follow the food pyramid as well. We call it eating the rainbow at home to make it more fun and exciting so the children are more enticed to try food from various categories.

What preschool children needs in a day:

• 2 servings of fruits 

• 2 servings of  vegetables

• 3 servings of grains, tubers, cereals and cereal products 

• 2- 3 servings of milk and dairy products

• 1/2 servings of meat/poultry

• 1 serving of fish

• ½ serving of legumes

• 0 added sugar if possible!

• for Yi at least 5 cups of water

Since he is still taking a fair amount of milk, we have started to research about formulated milk powder for children -- we come across Anmum Essential – and requested samples from Anmum Essential website. Our boy can be choosy at times, so it is important to provide him with nutritional drinks like Anmum Essential which contains key nutrients. Especially when nutritious food is not always available when we are out and about. 

These are what we discovered:

Anmum Essential is backed up by over 90 years of research from Fonterra New Zealand R&D Center. 

Anmum Essential contains MFGM Gangliosides DHA and has NO ADDED SUGARS. It has 

15 Key Nutrients. It is important to support your child’s overall growth and development. Sharing with you what I have read recently, did you know that studies showed…

• DHA helps to build brain cells but Gangliosides helps to form brain cells connections. Both DHA & Gangliosides are equally important and form a complete jigsaw puzzle for optimal brain development. 

• MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) helps to support emotional & behavioural development.

• DHA helps to support brain development.

• Prebiotic supports a good gut environment.  Good gut environment is important for nutrients absorption, digestion and body defence system.

My boy enjoys Anmum Essential. He loves the taste and has been asking for more milk in between meals. Sometimes we even add the milk powder into his overnight oat or use it to make kids-friendly milkshake. We have now started to purchase Anmum Essential regularly too.

Parents you can get your Anmum Essential free sample from https://www.anmum.com/my/en/sample-request 

Continence Issues are Real!

 Incontinence and continence problems are common even for the younger generation!

Do you know that:

One in three women who have had a baby experience loss of bladder control.

One in 100 adults never achieve bladder control at night.

One in 20 adults experience bladder and bowel control problems.

Continence issues are not inevitable. In this article, I would like to discuss about stress incontinence. In particular, stress incontinence is mainly caused by weak pelvic floor muscles. Stress incontinence happens when physical movement or activity — for example coughing, laughing, sneezing, running, having sex or heavy lifting — puts pressure on the bladder, causing urine to leak unintentionally.

Other risk factors include:

Older Age causing weaker pelvic floor muscles.

Previous vaginal delivery, forceps delivery and pelvic surgery may damage pelvic floor muscles.

Excessive body weight putting pressure onto the bladder which overcomes the strength of pelvic floor muscles.

Therefore, toning up pelvic floor muscles is essential for good bladder and bowel control. It is also important for a more satisfying sex life too.

Firstly, start with good toilet habits:

• Head to the washroom only when there in an urge and don’t go ‘just in case’

• Take time to completely empty the bladder and bowel

• Not delaying toilet trip when the urge comes

• Use the correct posture on the toilet to pass motion (place your elbows on your knees, bulge out your stomach, straighten your spine and put your feet on a footstool if possible

Other tips include:

• Shed the extra weight.

• Add fiber to the diet.

• Avoid foods and beverages that can irritate the  bladder such as chocolate, coffee, tea or carbonated beverages

• Stop smoking

Traditionally, we refer our patients with continence issues to learn Kegel exercises which trains and strengthens pelvic floor muscles. However, it is not easy to teach and learn the correct technique as it involves contracting muscles in the private parts.

With the advent of technology, it is now possible to use Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to perform Kegel exercise!

TensCare is a trusted brand which produces Kegel trainers using EMS. TensCare received one of the most prestigious awards in the UK last year- Queen’s Award. TensCare is a British brand with nearly 3 decades experience in electrotherapy, including pain relief treatment and muscle rehabilitation. Good news to share that TensCare Alivia Kegel Trainer has been awarded ‘Parent’s choice award 2022’ as the best kegel exerciser in Malaysia.

   

TensCare Kegel Trainers are safe and more effective than traditional kegel exercises. Many hospitals and pharmacies in the UK have adopted TensCare Kegel Trainers for postpartum recovery as well. Rest assured the devices are MDR (Medical Device Regulation May 2021) Certified.

There are two main types of TensCare Kegel exercisers— Alivia and Kegel Toner. Despite both using the same EMS technology, Kegel Toner is an entry-level kegel trainer with 2 simple yet effective programmes for beginners. It is suitable for women who want to strengthen their pelvic floor muscles and improve sensation. For those who are already experiencing continence issues, Alivia is the treatment of choice as it is specifically  designed for postpartum recovery.

Kegel Toner trains the pelvic floor muscles by using electrical stimulation to squeeze and relax them. The incontinence treatment it provides consists of two programs – the workout (Exercise) and the aftercare (Tone), both of which send gentle yet effective stimulation via a vaginal probe, making the inner muscles contract.

The machine has fine-tune adjustment settings for different levels of intensity to ensure the exercise is comfortable. It also comes with safety duration override. The unit will turn off after 20 minutes to ensure the pelvic floor muscle is not overworked. 20 minutes a day for 6 days a week for the duration of 12 weeks is the recommended period to achieve the optimal result.

This is what I personally think about TensCare Kegel Toner. Pelvic floor exercises should begin early even for young women, particularly those who are of child bearing age and 6 weeks after delivery. Kegel toner provides an easy and effective way to strengthen pelvic floor muscles-- there is no more worries about performing the exercise wrongly. Kegel Toner is safe to use -- of course always read the manual and avoid using it if you have active infections, pregnancy, pelvic cancer and no sensation in the pelvic area. Always consult your friendly gynecologist before use. Many women are simply too ashamed to seek medical advice for continence issues, let alone learning how to perform Kegel exercise properly and adequately. Many healthcare professionals often dismiss continence issues too -- as they are not life-threatening. Lack of the knowledge too may result in these healthcare practitioners unable to educate their patients too.

Many with stress incontinence may not perform Kegel exercises. They may then resort to wearing continence pads or adult diapers which may erode self confidence and impair quality of life, even leading to depression and anxiety issues. Patients may feel embarrassed, isolate oneself, or limit work and social life. One may also avoid physical and leisure activities. Therefore, stress incontinence should not be dismissed and should be taken seriously.

In severe cases of stress incontinence not responding to the above measures, pessary, urethral inserts and even pelvic surgery may be necessary.

However with treatment, many will be able to manage stress incontinence and improve their overall well-being. If you experience continence issues, speak to your doctor today!

TensCare Kegel Toner is available on Lazada store with a 2-year warranty from the brand: https://www.lazada.com.my/shop/tenscare-official-store

More about stress incontinence:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/incontinence-and-continence-problems

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stress-incontinence/

The Latest Malaysia Travelling SOP must know!

 Do you know that latest SOPs of traveling in and out of Malaysia? Now that the borders are open, many are excited to go on vacation. But you really need to research about the latest SOPs to avoid turning a fun trip into a letdown. Confused? Let me explain what to do.

Firstly determine your vaccination status before traveling. I hope those who are reading are already fully vaccinated because covid is here to stay. Protect yourself and your loved ones against severe disease or complications such as long covid by vaccination.

Please make sure your passport and visa are valid for at least 6 months. You may obtain the latest entry requirements via the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. All relevant documents must be the original. Copies are not accepted.

Pre-departure requirements in Malaysia

Travellers must undergo a COVID-19 RT-PCR test 2 days prior to arrival. 

However, a fully vaccinated person who had contracted the virus 6 to 60 days prior to arrival in the country are exempted from the pre-departure PCR. They have to undergo a professionally administered RTK-Ag test to produce the “Fit to Travel” document. 

Children below 6 years old are not required to test.

Foreign travellers are required to purchase health insurance covering COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of USD20,000.

Download MySejahtera app before departure. Complete the pre-departure information in the “Traveller” form, including health declarations and the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result. Fully vaccinated travellers will then be issued with the traveller’s card on their MySejahtera, while non-vaccinated travellers will be issued with Home Surveillance Order for 5 days. Travellers must be able to produce either document before being allowed to board the aircraft.

Scan the QR codes before you enter the terminal or upon arrival at the gate for contact tracing purpose. 

Upon arrival in Malaysia

You will pass through a thermal scanner. If unwell, there are health care officers on-site to offer further check-up. If well, you can then proceed to the immigration counter for passport clearance and then reclaim your baggage.

Within 24 hours of arrival in Malaysia

You are required to do a professionally administered RTK-Ag test and upload the result in MySejahtera. Besides the airport, there are also many clinics available for testing nearby.

If tested positive:

If fully vaccinated with category 1 & 2 infections, you are subject to Home Surveillance Order for 7 days. If you unfortunately are category 3 & 4, seek treatment at the nearest healthcare facility.

If you are not vaccinated or partially vaccinated, Home Surveillance Order is 10 days.

If tested negative:

If fully vaccinated, no quarantine and you are free to roam! 

If you are  not vaccinated or partially vaccinated,  Home Surveillance Order for 5 days and repeat the RT-PCR test on the 4th day or professionally administered RTK-Ag test on the 5th day.

Now there is also Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia to allow fully vaccinated travellers from one country to enter into another without quarantine subject to COVID-19 testing and further requirements determined by the destination. For other countries, check their embassy for the latest requirements.

Feeling lost at the SOP? Don’t fret, now there is a traveling platform to facilitate the swab arrangements. eMedAsia is my preferred one-stop health, Covid & travel assistant. eMedAsia offers services through approximately 2,500 MOH recognised GPs nationwide.

For inbound travelers:

You can skip the Airport Test Queue and the crowd with Online Pre-Booking for your On-Arrival RTK Tests through MySafeTravel.gov.my at approximately 2,500 eMedAsia’s GPs nationwide. Afterall, physical distancing still minimizes the risk of COVID-19 exposure while queuing. eMedAsia allows RTK or PCR Swabbing at your accommodation (hotel) or nearest clinic. The service is convenient and affordable. The test result will then be directly updated on MySejahtera by the medical doctors/clinics .

Professional RTK-Ag performed at clinics: 

RM90 for foreigners

RM70 for Malaysian

Virtual RTK-Ag in compliance with the Ministry of Health’s requirement @ CLEADOC 

RM25.00 result 1 hour

RT-PCR Test at your home or any location within Malaysia 

RM300.00 result - 24 hours

They can also offer other blood tests and health assessments as well! There’s no need to worry about healthcare matters while traveling to Malaysia now being an eMedAsia user.

Now everyone can fly!

These are my references. Please refer to the following websites for more information:

Emedasia.com - for booking the RTK tests at clinics.

Travellers.emedasia.com - for booking the RTK tests at clinics 

MySafeTravel.gov.my - checklist for travelers from outside coming in and COVID 19 insurance

WARNA WARNI RAMADAN: AUTHENTIC MALAY DELICACIES FOR RAMADAN

  Premiere Hotel, Klang has prepared a sumptuous feast to usher in the month of Ramadan. The theme of the Ramadan buffet, “Warna Warni Ramadan” draws inspiration from the endless spread of colourful local Malay food and perfect ambience.

 

The Buzz Café is ideal and absolutely the best place in Klang to berbuka puasa.  Their Executive Chef Noor Hisham and his culinary team are introducing an iftar spread that features local and international specialties presented in kampung-style, live cooking stations and old-time favourite goreng-goreng stalls such as Kway Teow Goreng, Roti Canai, Pisang Goreng, Popia Basah, Apam Balik and Satay that leave everyone salivating for more.

 

You will surely find something that will satisfy your Ramadan cravings this year as the buffet highlights include the authentic Malay dishes, Arabian Marinated whole Lamb with the finest herbs and spices to entice the appetite, Chef’s new item for 2022, Ayam Pasu and the evergreen favourites such as traditional Gulai Kawah Pak Long, Daging Salai Percik, Ayam Masak Merah, Ikan Bakar Premiere Special, Sotong Lemak Cili Api and many more. 

In addition to the savoury items, there is a whole range of delectable cakes, kuih-muih, Western pastries, as well as fruits, crackers, kuih-muih and many more items. Don’t miss out on the mouth-watering Première Special Assorted Milkshakes – our favourite being the unique Coconut, Pineapple, Mango, Asam Boi Longan, Banana& etc – which is passionately made in house. Refreshing highlights will be Durian Buffet which is subject to seasonal availability. 

The Asimilasi Band will be performing nightly to entertain guests during the buffet. The Warna Warni Ramadan buffet dinner is priced at RM118 nett per person for adults and RM78 nett per person for children and senior citizen and is available daily from 4th April 2022 till 30th April 2022 between 7.00 pm till 10.00 pm at The Buzz. The early bird priced at RM98 nett per personand is available from 16th March 2022 till 3rd April 2022.Last but not least is the Lucky Draw session which will be held on 13th April, 20th & 27th April 2022. You are entitled to one (1) lucky draw entry for every purchase of 10 Ramadan Buffet Vouchers.

 

For enquiries or reservations, please call +603 33256828 / 03-3325 6800 or email to fnb@premiere-hotels.wct.my or WhatsApp to 012 449 6258 (Mazlina Manaf).