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).

Living with COVID 19-- Home Surveillance Order (HSO) Survival Tips

We are in 2022 now and COVID 19 still has not left us for good. By now, most people would have had been infected/come into close contact with someone who has been infected. Now that most of us are also vaccinated and boosted (you should be boosted asap if you have not!), we should not be so coronaphobic-- take all precautions to follow SOP given that Malaysia is already in the endemic phase.

Everyone should know how to handle in case you are under a HSO or caring for one.

1. Follow this guide if you are a close contact.

2. Don't panic and if you are a healthcare worker (HCW), always refer to your hospital's Public Health Unit (Unit Kesihatan Awam- UKA) for guidance.

3. Make sure you stock up on COVID self test kits. I personally find the nasal swabs more accurate. (Many anecdotal examples tested negative on saliva but positive on nasal swab)

4. Isolate yourself and mask up immediately at home-- even though some said natural immunity after infection is stronger, but imagine the possible complications if one passes the virus to older adults or younger kids who have not been vaccinated. 

5. Once tested positive, update on MySejahtera and also inform UKA for HCWs. If one has turned positively (unfortunately),  I find the official MOH website offers easy-to-understand graphics to guide HSO including disinfection, waste disposal and laundry. Whenever possible, the sick person should disinfect and launder on their own (in the room with attached bathroom). Clorox offers a good range of disinfecting products for COVID. 

6. Perform MySejahtera self assessment and breathing exercise everyday. There is no longer a need to attend to the nearest Covid Assessment Center for category 1-2 patients. This is where to report your positive test result on MySejahtera.

7. Make sure one stays positive, try to exerise whenever possible. I do highly recommend to get your own thermometer, blood pressure machine and oximeter. Seek treatment if positive or if symptoms worsen.

8. Stay strong and you can do it! 

MySejahtera will tell you when to end your HSO.

9. Watch out for long covid syndrome (I hope you will recover without complications though).

Take care and get well soon! 

For those who are healthy, remember vaccination is still your best defence against COVID Infection.

Disinfect Surfaces Like A Professional with Clorox Start Clean to Stay Safe and Hygienic

 The Covid-19 pandemic has made all of us hyper-aware of viruses and germs. The fourth wave of the pandemic is happening globally, fuelled by the highly transmissible Omicron variant. In Malaysia, the Omicron variant is now dominant. 

How can we keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from viruses and germs while reclaiming our home, work or study space, as a clean zone? 

First, know what you’re dealing with. Covid-19 is a respiratory virus that can spread via droplets, when someone who has the virus coughs, sneezes or touches their face and then touches a surface. Use a disinfectant and make sure you always follow the product label’s instructions for proper usage and contact time.

Introducing the Clorox Expert Disinfecting range that helps you disinfect your home, workplace, school or university like a professional. Developed with components used in Clorox’ professional lines that are intended for hospitals and medical services, it is EPA-approved to kills 99.9% of both viruses and bacteria in 1 minute, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. It works professionally and thoroughly, making it a good choice to keep your space safe from germs and viruses including the COVID-19 virus*.

Clorox has been in the business of cleaning and disinfection solutions since 1913. Clorox is the #1 Bleach brand in the World and has been trusted for generations to kill 99.9% of germs. Its claims are backed by data and its products have been tried and tested even before the pandemic by professionals and home users. 

“The Omicron variant is highly transmissible making it vital to disinfect hard surfaces, more often.  Aim to disinfect frequently touched surfaces like keys, door knobs and handles, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, keys, the interior of your vehicle and even parcels and deliveries. It is better to be extra vigilant to stay safe,” said Paulo Lao, Sales and Marketing Director for Clorox Southeast Asia. “The transmissibility of the Omicron variant means that we can be the ones who bring the virus into our homes and pass it to our loved ones.  It is important to disinfect the items we come in contact with for safety, hygiene and peace-of-mind.”

Clorox would like to share some tips on how you can reclaim your space and protect yourself and your loved ones in the face of rising Omicron cases. 

Work, School and College Space Safety 

Collaboration is a large part of in-office and in-person school or college sessions. While we aim to maintain social distancing, we might come in contact with items that have been touched by others. It is okay to be a ‘clean freak’ by disinfecting your work or study area when you arrive and again after lunch. 

Create a Prevention Pack

Keep illness prevention items (such as face masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, disinfecting wipes and disinfecting spray) in a centralised spot in your home, the centre console of your car, at your work or study station, or inside your purse/backpack for when you’re on the go. 

Disinfect all your devices and ‘carry-ons’ daily

Your carry-ons such as your handbag, backpack, laptop, and mobile phone may come in contact with droplets – from yourself or from those around you. Always give these items a good wipe down. Be sure to bring along the Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes flowpack when you are out and about to ensure that your personal items are safe and not inadvertently spreading the virus. 

Disinfect your vehicle

We spend so much time in our vehicles, often with our masks off. Keep Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes within reach, to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces in your vehicles. Remember to wipe the air conditioner vents and the door handles both inside and out. 

Spray the germs away  

Before bringing groceries or parcels into your home, spray them down. Keep Clorox Expert Disinfecting Spray at the entryway to quickly disinfect items to keep you safe from viruses and bacteria.

Disinfect high-touch hot spot surfaces in your homes

Handrails, light switches, handles and doorknobs are all notoriously germy, as are high-touch items like phones, computer keyboards and TV remotes. We recommend Clorox Disinfecting Wipes for in home usage as they kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria including the Covid-19 virus in just 15 seconds. Give them a good once-over daily. 

Don’t let your guard down. Following these simple tips can help us stay safe and healthy, better able to cope with the challenges posed by the Omicron variant. 

The Clorox Expert range includes Clorox Expert Disinfecting Wipes Flowpack of 15s and 30s and Clorox Expert Disinfecting Spray. Clorox products are available nationwide at leading retailers and online retail partners, LazMall and Shopee Supermarket. Get more information on clean matters, activities and more from Clorox Malaysia’s website at https://www.cloroxmalaysia.com or follow Clorox Malaysia’s social media pages at https://www.facebook.com/CloroxMalaysia/ and https://www.instagram.com/cloroxmalaysia/.