THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019
SENIOR CITIZENʼS DAY
Old but gold
By SRIMAYEE SEN SARMA
TUN Dr Mahathir Mohamad has proven
again that age is just a number, because at
the age of 93, he is not only leading a
nation, but doing so with elan.
“Consider, too, the many other leaders
who are well over 65, some of whom are in
their 70s or 80s, who are the driving force
behind governments or business and civil
service organisations,” says J. Solomon,
secretary-general of Malaysian Trades
Union Congress.
However, our society has failed to value
the knowledge, experience and skills of the
aged population and, instead of treating
them as assets, they are mostly seen as a
burden on society.
Senior Citizen’s Day, celebrated every
year on August 21, reminds everyone that
seniors are an integral part of the
community, and, by including them into
mainstream society instead of sidelining
them, the country can benefit immensely.
A community sidelined
At first glance, there are various
socioeconomic issues that arise when it
comes to the nation’s ageing community.
According to an estimate given by
Healthy gut, healthy you
AS the father of modern medicine,
Hippocrates, said, “All disease begins in the
gut” – a quote that still holds true today. The
gut plays a vital role in our health,
especially in bowel function, digestion and
immunity. Unfortunately, many people tend
to neglect their gut health until they
repeatedly experience gastrointestinal
problems such as constipation.
According to the American Journal of
Gastroentology, irregular bowel movement
or constipation affects nearly a quarter of
the world population. Most individuals
resort to laxatives as a quick fix for bowel
irregularity. However, long-term use of
laxatives often results in decreased bowel
function (also known as lazy gut syndrome)
and may lead to laxative dependency.
Therefore, prolonged laxative use is
highly discouraged and should be replaced
with natural food remedies that combine
dietary fibre with probiotics to maintain
good gut health.
Research has also shown that people with
constipation reported lower levels of
Senior Citizen’s Day,
celebrated every year on
August 21, reminds everyone
that seniors are an integral
part of the community,
and, by including them into
mainstream society instead of
sidelining them, the country
can benefit immensely.
Malaysia’s National Key Economic Area for
health, the country will reach ageing nation
status in just 10 years, with more than 15%
of the population being above 60 years old.
This raises the question – is enough being
done for this group of people? Is the
country excluding the elderly from fully
engaging with society?
One topic of discussion is whether our
infrastructure caters to the elderly. Our
public transport system cannot exactly be
called elderly friendly. It is not unusual
to see train stations without a fully healthcare, which is still an area that would be home by 6pm. Nowadays, when
functioning elevator or easy access to requires much development. parents have to stay with the children after
wheelchair ramps. The idea of retirement homes that their spouses pass on, it is more difficult for
Then there is the issue of elderly provides everything from activities to them to adapt as they are no longer
healthcare for the elderly is just gaining independent. Without someone to talk to,
traction here but many such homes at they can suffer from loneliness.”
present are only within the means of the According to the same report, loneliness
affluent. With most Malaysians not being among the elderly is identified as a major
able to even afford retirement, how can the public health issue. It can increase the risk
aged enjoy such luxuries or find their place of high blood pressure, lead to a weakened
in a constantly changing world? immune system, depression, increased risk
It was different even a couple of decades of heart disease, stroke and dementia.
back when large families were the norm Those who suffer from loneliness are also
and grown children took care of their at risk of premature death.
elderly parents. Now, even if the seniors The situation intensifies especially after
stay with their children, their children’s retirement as seniors believe they are no
busy schedules means they spend most of longer needed.
their time alone at home or in the company While the primary responsibility of
of a caregiver. caring for the elderly still lies with the
In a report titled Battling Loneliness by family in Asian cultures, society cannot
Malaysian Healthy Aging Society, KPJ entirely shirk off its obligation in assisting
Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital senior in providing this care.
consultant psychiatrist Dr Azhar Zain says,
“Years ago, children had more time as they > TURN TO PAGE 3
Bifidobacteria in the large intestine. These
good bacteria in our gut decrease as we age.
Therefore, dietary supplementation of
probiotics is essential to ensure optimal gut
function.
Natural way to manage bowel
movement
Biogrow ProGut is made from all-natural
Swedish oat fibre formulated with dual
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fibre powder and Bifidobacterium lactis
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than 300 scientific publications and with
over 130 clinical studies carried out on it.
One sachet daily provides a synergistic Each sachet contains 2.4g of soluble and probiotics.
effect for improved intestinal function and and insoluble fibres with one billion
balanced gut microbiota. To consume, mix colony-forming units of live probiotic This article is brought to you by Legosan
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2 Senior Citizenʼs Day
Relief from the misery of dry eyes
THE tear film is an important
layer on the eye surface that
maintains the smoothness of the
surface for good vision and
comfort. It is made up of three
layers: mucin, water and lipid. A
disturbance in the balance of all
three components may lead to
symptomatic dry eyes.
Dry eye disease is a common
pathology affecting more than
20% of the population, with
symptoms increasing with age.
Conditions of a modern lifestyle
(including working on computer
screens, driving cars, exposure
to artificial light and air
pollution and wearing of contact
lenses) make dry eye syndrome
a more prevalent nuisance.
Generally speaking, it is
because of an issue with the tear
film, either caused by
insufficient tears or excessive
evaporation. It is recognised that
a large majority of cases are
caused by evaporation, mainly
because of an insufficiency in the
external lipid layer of the tear
film secreted by glands in the
eyelids, which are known as the
Meibomian glands.
Dry eye disease is an
unpleasant sensory and
emotional experience for
patients. Burdened with
discomfort and fear, patients
often feel miserable, not knowing
how to precisely describe what
they are feeling, and most will
end up feeling exasperated
because no one understands their
condition.
Mild conditions can lead to
frequent visits to eye care
practitioners, whereas moderate
to severe cases are often
associated with significant pain,
limitations in performing daily
activities, reduced vitality, poor
general health and, in some cases,
depression.
The treatment is particularly
frustrating to patients and
practitioners, as it often interferes
with the overall management and
perceived satisfaction of patients.
There are significant symptoms,
which are either not treated
effectively or ignored by the eye
care practitioner. Usually, this
happens when there is not much
time or it is perceived that the
complaint is insignificant or
untreatable.
Although lubricating eyedrops
may provide some relief, it is
often not enough in more severe
conditions. Depending on the
cause, treatment will include
other types of eye drops such as
cyclosporine, steroidal and lipid-
based. Manual expression,
Meibomian gland probing and a
procedure called Blephex may
also need to be done.
The latest addition to the
armamentarium of treatment
modalities is intense pulsed
light (IPL) therapy. It involves
applying perfectly calibrated,
homogenously sequenced and
sculpted light pulses. The
energy, spectrum and time
period are precisely set to
stimulate the Meibomian glands
to restore their normal function.
Each treatment session
takes only a few minutes,
during which the patient is
seated comfortably. The
ophthalmologist will put
protective eyewear on the
patient to protect the eyes from
the light. A hydrogel will be
applied onto the skin beneath
the eyes for protection. A series
of five flashes is applied under
the lower eyelid. The same
procedure is then repeated
under the lower eyelid of the
other eye.
IPL doesn’t affect the
Meibomian glands directly but
through the stimulation of the
nerves that supply the glands
via a series of chemical
reactions after the procedure,
stimulating the secretion and
contraction of the glands and
improving microcirculation.
The treatment effect is
cumulative. It generally lasts
one week after the first
session, two to three
weeks after the
second session, and
six months to two
years after the
third and fourth
sessions – a
promising mode
of treatment to
help alleviate or
negate all those
miseries of dry eyes.
Time – the
greatest gift
IT has been suggested that the
retirement age in Malaysia be
increased to better include the
elderly in society.
Indeed, increasing the
retirement age is one way of
getting the elderly to be more
involved in society, but it should
not and cannot be the only
solution, as some seniors might
not receive the full benefit
because of health issues.
However, one concept that can
be adopted is time banking,
which is essentially a reciprocity
system that works against the
exchange of time instead of
money. Time banked can be
exchanged for various services,
which can include elderly care,
childcare, assistance with
household chores and
companionship.
This concept, known as fureai
kippu in Japan, was started in
1995 to promote community
bonding and encourage social
inclusion of the elderly,
unemployed, poor and the
disabled.
Joanna (name changed) who
was travelling in Japan a couple
years back, had a unique
experience to share. While
speaking to the retired owner of
the homestay she was staying in,
she learnt that the owner wished
to spend his retirement by
saving as much time as possible.
He went out every day to
provide companionship to a
fellow senior who was living
with dementia. According to
him, the time he spent with her
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019
– By Dr Norazlina Bachik Ng,
cataract, refractive and
anterior segment surgeon at
KPJ Pusat Pakar Mata Centre
for Sight
n For details, visit www.kpjcfs.
com or call KPJ Pusat Pakar
Mata Centre for Sight at 03-4022
6222 (Kuala Lumpur), 03-7880
8222 (Petaling Jaya) or 03-6093
1051 (Rawang).
KKLIU No.2720/2018
was getting deposited into an
account and he can use his
accumulated time credits to
request various services as and
when he requires.
This idea of service exchange
is nothing new and has been
around in different forms for
more than a hundred years, but
it resurfaced as “time banking”
when distinguished American
law professor Edgar S. Cahn
gave the practice structure and
brought it into the limelight in
1980.
Apart from Japan, this concept
has been successfully
implemented in around 34
countries, including the United
States, the United Kingdom,
South Korea, Argentina, Taiwan
and Greece.
There is a catch, however.
The concept of time banking is
entirely dependent on a reliance
on other people, since its
foundation rests on voluntary
service. If people cannot buy
into the concept, it becomes
essentially unworkable.
It would only be successful if
the sense of responsibility
among the people participating
is strong and there is genuine
care for the well-being of others,
in the sense that people give
back against what they receive.
Seeing how this concept will
not only include the elderly in
mainstream society by utilising
their time, but can teach the
value of voluntary service to
youths, Malaysia should consider
implementing this concept.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019
Should the retirement age be raised?
> FROM PAGE 1
The greater benefit
A way to include seniors in mainstream
society and keep them engaged is by keeping
them in the workforce. However, many
people are against having seniors in the
workforce, claiming that if older people do
not retire, the younger generation will not
get the opportunity for growth in their
professional careers.
Solomon refutes the claim and says, “Older
people can play a dual role by continuing to
do their normal work while also helping
mentor and train younger workers. Their
wealth of knowledge and experience is a
valuable asset that can be used to
contribute to the development of younger
workers through the transfer of
knowledge.”
Speaking on the talent shortage in
Malaysia, Solomon says, “A simple and less
costly solution to this issue is to increase
the retirement age and make use of the
many senior workers who have ample
experience and developed skills but are
forced to leave the workforce early.”
Take, for example, the 2012 appointment
of Tun Zaki Azmi to pay television service
Astro’s board of directors as independent
non-executive chairman. His years of
experience in the judicial and legal services
made him the ideal person for this
position. Tun Zaki is also the chairman
of Astro’s Nomination and Corporate
Governance Committee and chancellor
at Multimedia University and Mahsa
University, as well as pro-chancellor at
University Science Islam Malaysia.
Keeping seniors in the workforce for
longer would also benefit the country far
more than it would senior citizens. With
better access to healthcare, advances in
preventive medicine and the adoption of
active and healthier lifestyles, Malaysians
are generally living better and longer. In
fact, according to the Statistics Department,
a baby born in 2018 is expected to live to
be 75, up from 72.2 in 2000.
These statistics do not spell good news
for the economy of the country, as
Solomon elaborates, “With the
proportion of seniors in the
population increasing, it is not viable
for people who can still be
economically active to retire and
allow the decreasing number of
younger people to support them
and be the main providers of
economic growth. It will put
a strain on government
revenue.”
By working longer,
workers will be paying
taxes and adding to
government revenue.
Moreover,
employees in the
public sector
Senior Citizenʼs Day 3
who work longer would also enable the
Government to delay paying out pensions.
By continuing to work, seniors would
also receive mandatory medical coverage
as well as Social Security Organisation
(Socso) coverage when they are in the
private sector. This means employees are
entitled to partial injury and invalidity
coverage from their company, therefore
reducing Government spending when
treating retirees, who pay only a minimal
fee for healthcare at public hospitals.
Some people contest senior citizens
working after the age of 60, saying that
physical strength declines with age and
hence it is the duty of society to ensure
seniors get the retirement they so deserve.
“Physical strength clearly declines with
age, but it is not crucial for most jobs,
particularly in a service-based economy.
What matters in today’s workplace is the
mix of skills, experience and character that
seniors bring to the table,” says Solomon.
Not the only solution
Even though Solomon supports
increasing the retirement age, he also
agrees that it cannot be the only solution
because there are people whose health
would not permit them to work.
Hence, it is important that the
Government takes note and focus on
developing more elderly-friendly
infrastructure. From developing affordable
senior care homes to bringing in more
versatile manpower to care for the elderly,
as well as making healthcare more widely
available and cost-effective for the senior
population, there is a lot yet to be done.
Seniors are, after all, an integral part of
our society and played crucial roles in
developing our communities. Not to
mention that this is a matter that
concerns all of us as we will all be in
their shoes one day.
4 Senior Citizenʼs Day
Krill oil for health
OUR health becomes ever more important
as we grow older. It is influenced by many
behavioral and dietary factors. However,
some health concerns can be alleviated
through regular doses of eicosapentaenoic
acid (EPA) and docasahexaenoic acid
(DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids can help
develop and maintain cellular health.
One source of omega-3 fatty acids is krill
oil extracted from Euphausia superba, an
Antartic krill species. Because krill feed on
marine algae that can produce omega-3
fatty acids, they accumulate these fatty
acids in their eggs and body. The omega-3
fatty acids can be harvested from krill in
the form of krill oil.
Since the algae the krill feed on can
synthesise the powerful antioxidant
astaxanthin, this carotenoid is also equally
taken up by krill and protects the omega-3
fatty acids from oxidation. The latter is
also the reason for the characteristic deep-
red colour of krill oil.
Most importantly, in krill oil the majority
of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA
are bound to a particular type of fat, called
a phospholipid, whereas in other marine
oils, omega-3 fatty acids are bound to other
forms of fat, usually either triglycerides or
Nature’s Way
Red Krill Oil
contains 100%
krill oil harvested
from Antartic
ocean krill
biomass.
ethyl esters. This difference impacts the way
these fats are incorporated in our tissues and
used by the body.
Triglycerides are mainly used as either
energy or as energy storage in fat tissues.
When omega-3 fatty acids are delivered in
triglyceride form, some of the omega-3 fatty
acids are burned as energy or stored in the
body’s fat reserves and, as a result, the dosage
of triglyceride omega-3 oils must be large
enough to compensate for that loss to ensure
that sufficient omega-3 fatty acids are
available at the cellular level.
Recent studies have shown that
phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids may be more
desirable compared with triglyceride omega-3
fatty acids as less phospholipid omega-3
fatty acids are required to reach equal
accumulation in the body’s cells and organs.
Nature’s Way Red Krill Oil contains 100%
krill oil harvested from Antartic ocean krill
biomass. It is available in leading pharmacies
nationwide.
This article is bought to you by Nature’s
Way.
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visit www.mynaturesway.com.my
Combat muscle and bone loss
THE musculoskeletal system includes all
muscles, bones and joints in the body.
In addition to supporting your body
weight, bones work together with muscles to
support body movement and maintain body
position. However, as we age, our body’s
composition changes and we experience a
decrease in muscle and bone mass, thus
lessening our strength and mobility. This
may result in a higher risk of falls and
fractures.
Therefore, keeping your muscles and
bones strong during early adulthood is
crucial to protecting your mobility and
independence.
Protein is an essential nutrient and helps
preserve muscle and bone strength by
stimulating muscle protein synthesis and
calcium metabolism.
Apart from protein, calcium also serves a
vital role in maintaining bone structure and
providing integrity and density to our
skeleton. Along with nutrients such as
magnesium, vitamins D3 and K2 can
improve bone health as magnesium and
vitamin D3 both
facilitate the
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019
absorption and utilisation of calcium, while
vitamin K2 aids in bone mineralisation by
effectively depositing calcium to bones and
teeth for proper storage and helps to prevent
calcium loss from the bones.
According to journals published by the
European Food Safety Authority, vitamin K2
(menaquinone, MK-7) is a highly bioavailable
form of vitamin K that helps maintain
healthy bones.
Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS is a new-and-
improved formula with a blend of plant
protein and digestive fibre and fortified with
calcium, magnesium, vitamin D3 and
vitamin K2 for stronger muscles, bones and
body. It contains no added sugar and is low-
fat, cholesterol-free and lactose-free.
Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS is suitable for all ages
and vegetarians. One scoop of Biogrow
HPF-5 PLUS (≈16g) daily can provide:
l ≥ 61% of plant protein (non-GMO soy
and pea protein) complete with all nine
essential amino acids for protein synthesis.
l Synergistic effect with magnesium,
vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 for better
absorption, retention, utilisation and
deposition of calcium.
l ≥ 18% of digestive fibre to
regulate bowel movement.
This article is brought to you by
Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call
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9am to 5pm) or email info@
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Calcium needs to work in
synergy with other essential
vitamins and amino acids to
benefit your bones.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019 Senior Citizenʼs Day 5

Low-impact,
total body workout
PHYSICAL activity is the top contributor to
longevity and can add extra years to your
life. This holds true even if you only began
exercising in your senior years.
Regular exercise can boost your
energy level, help you maintain your
independence in your senior years, protect
your heart and help you manage your
weight.
If you’re an older adult looking to
establish an exercise routine, you should,
ideally, be able to incorporate 150 minutes
of moderate endurance activity into your
week. One way this can be done is by
doing a total body workout on an air bike,
which is a great way for older adults to get
started with strength training as the
exercises focus on building total body
strength and emphasises improving
balance, stability and flexibility.
Air bike-based exercise is a great
alternative for those who are unable to do
other forms of cardio such as running on
a treadmill or using an elliptical. For
example, if you have a rolled ankle or a
quad or hip flexor strain, an air bike
provides a good option for exercising
safely and can be a great tool for
rehabilitation as it provides safe
movement with virtually no impact. It also
allows the injured area to move, aiding in
recovery.
Pedal your injuries away
The Schwinn Airdyne AD2i harnesses all
the benefits of wind-resistance technology
for an intense upper-and-lower-body
workout right at home. Built with the
unmatched quality and durability you
expect from Schwinn, the streamlined
AD2i features comfort, control and
incredible results.
The Schwinn Airdyne AD2i delivers a
total body workout. Its BioFit Comfort
feature cools down your workouts and
keeps you going, as the air flow from the
unique fan provides a comfortable, cooling
effect. Its BioDyne Performance allows you
to perform synchronised arm and leg
motions, which simulates natural human
movement, while its patent-pending fan
design displaces air effectively for an
infinite number of resistance levels.
Its BioConnect Feedback features a
simple-to-use LCD computer that
displays speed, RPM, distance, time and
calories, while transport wheels enable
quick and easy storage between rides.
In conjunction with World Heart Day
on Sept 29, Fitness Concept is going all out
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Get your fitness fix with “Fitness Must
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Terms and conditions apply for prices
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n For more information, drop by any of
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Safe and easy cleansing

PARENTS usually use a normal dishwashing
liquid to clean their baby’s accessories,
including drinking cups, feeding bowls,
spoons and toys. However, if these
accessories are not thoroughly rinsed, the
baby may end up ingesting the dishwashing
liquid residue, which can be harmful to his
health.
Pureen Liquid Cleanser is carefully
formulated with plant-based surfactants
that are safe, mild and gentle. Parents can
rest assured that Pureen Liquid Cleanser
effectively washes away milk fat and stains
on baby accessories. It can be rinsed off
easily without any leaving harmful residue
on baby accessories.
The formulation is gentle so the parents’
hands will be protected against dryness and
chapping, which may happen with the use
of normal dishwashing liquid. Just add half
a teaspoon Pureen Liquid Cleanser to one
litre of water, immerse the accessories in
the solution then rinse thoroughly with Pureen Liquid Cleanser is a mild and
clean water. gentle formulation that is ideal for cleaning
Another use for Pureen Liquid Cleanser is baby accessories, fruits and vegetables. The
washing off certain pesticides found on product comes in three variants – No
fresh vegetables and fruits, which can cause Flavour, Orange Flavour and Mint Flavour.
adverse health effects in humans, especially It is also available in refill packs of 600ml.
babies. To use Pureen Liquid Cleanser to Look out for Pureen Liquid Cleanser in
remove the chemical residue on fruits and leading hypermarkets, supermarkets,
vegetables, simply mix a quarter of a departmental stores, medical halls and
teaspoon of Pureen Liquid Cleanser to five pharmacies.
litres of water, immerse fruits and
vegetables for about five minutes, then n For more information, visit www.pureen.
rinse with clean water. com.my

Pureen Liquid Cleanser is carefully formulated with plant-based surfactants that are safe,
mild and gentle.
6 Senior Citizenʼs Day
Natural way to maintain heart
health in your golden years
AGE is often correlated with an increased
risk of developing cardiac and other
metabolic disorders. Before the age of 50,
men’s total cholesterol levels tend to be
higher than women of the same age, but
after the age of 50, the opposite happens.
That’s because with menopause, women’s
low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or “bad”
cholesterol levels often rise.
Keeping cholesterol levels in check
ensures a healthy heart, but good heart
health also requires a stable blood glucose
level. According to a 2013 finding by the
International Diabetes Foundation,
people with elevated blood glucose levels
are two to six times more likely to
develop cardiovascular disease than
normal people. Regular exercise and a diet
rich in oat beta-glucans can go a long way
to staving off the worst symptoms of
ageing.
Though there are many types of soluble
fibres, beta-glucan from oats is the most
extensively studied, with a large body of
documented human trials. A Health
Ministry study shows that consuming 3g of
oat beta-glucans a day can significantly
reduce total cholesterol and LDLs in the
bloodstream, improving stamina, mental
acuity and physical function.
However, not all oat beta-glucans are
produced equally. According to the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in
a 2011 guide by its Panel on Dietetic
Products, Nutrition and Allergies, it is the
increased viscosity produced in the gut
by bioactive oat beta-glucans that can
confer cholesterol-lowering and blood
glucose stabilising benefits. Therefore, it is
imperative for general consumers to find out
whether their choice of oat product provides
high-quality and clinically tested oat beta-
glucans.
Other health claims for oat beta-glucans,
approved by EFSA and the Health Ministry,
include its ability to lower blood glucose
absorption levels, provided it is not
consumed together with other foods, and its
ability to contribute to the reduction of
glucose absorption after meals.
Individuals concerned with living a
healthier life, especially during their golden
years, can look to Biogrow Oat BG22, which
is sourced from quality Swedish oat bran
and subjected to a sophisticated processing
technology that ensures the integrity of the
product while retaining the beta-glucans’
high molecular weight, for enhanced
viscosity and absorption upon consumption.
Providing health benefits in a small and
easy-to-consume serving size, Biogrow Oat
BG22 offers:
l Clinically-tested bioactive oat beta-
glucans with more than 20 published human
studies for cholesterol-lowering and
blood glucose-regulating effect,
including Physicochemical properties
of oat β-glucan influence its ability to
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019
reduce serum LDL cholesterol in humans: a
randomized clinical trial, published by The
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in
2010.
l Two scoops daily provide the
recommended 3g of bioactive oat beta-
glucan for optimal health benefits.
l Laboratory-tested to be low on the
Glycaemic Index (<55), suitable for pre-
diabetic and diabetic patients.
l High in fibre, protein, magnesium, iron
and zinc.
Biogrow Oat BG22 contains no added
sugar, artificial additives or preservatives. It
provides an effective and natural way of
managing cholesterol and blood glucose
levels. Remember, healthy cholesterol and
blood glucose levels are key to
healthy ageing.
This article is brought to
you by Legosan (Malaysia).
n For more information, call
03-7956 2220 (Monday to
Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email
info@biogrow.com.my
According to EFSA and the
Health Ministry, oat beta-
glucans can lower blood
glucose levels, provided it is
not consumed together with
other foods, and contribute
to the reduction of glucose
absorption after meals.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019
MR Arumugam is 73. His knees started
acting up a few years ago. A former football
coach, he enjoyed coaching a team even in
his retirement, but had to stop as he found
himself increasingly unable to stand or
walk for long.
His daughter Santhi has tried to help her
father by searching for joint supplements,
heat rubs and knee guards to ease his
condition. Even though these helped for a
while, Arumugam’s knee problems would
always come back. Feeling increasingly
burdensome to the family because of his
restricted mobility, he wonders whether he
should resort to a joint replacement surgery.
An old age problem?
More and more people are experiencing
joint problems as they age. However, what
most people do not realise is that joint
problems are not a natural part of ageing.
The answer to joint degeneration is
biochemical.
In certain people, joint degeneration
happens at an express rate, which leads to
joint problems manifesting earlier. All this
points to the level of a certain enzyme
called joint-ageing enzymes (known
scientifically as matrix metalloproteinases,
or MMPs). The reason these enzymes
increase in certain individuals leading to
joint problems is unknown. What is known
is that an abundance of these MMPs causes
joints to break down faster than they can
rebuild, leading to inflamed, swollen and
painful joints.
Natural joint healing formula
First introduced in the 1970s, Biolane is
an active New Zealand green-lipped mussel
extract with more than 40 years of research
history. It is a natural MMP inhibitor that
specifically targets the destructive MMPs in
joints. Through its ability to counter the
damaging effects of MMPs, Biolane can
complement other joint therapies at various
stages.
Biolane also has anti-inflammatory,
Easing joint pain woes
Arumugam, like many older Malaysians, experiences restricted mobility because of joint
problems, but does not realise that joint problems are not a natural part of ageing.
antioxidant and marine mineral healing
actions, making it a multifunctional joint
formula that can address the various
pathologies involved in joint degeneration.
It should be noted that joint recovery
takes time since this restorative process
involves tackling the root of the problem.
Seventy per cent of patients with moderate
to severe arthritis experienced
improvements in their joint condition after
taking two Biolane capsules twice daily for
at least three months, according to findings
published in the July 2000 issue of
Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients.
Biolane is not a painkiller substitute.
Patients who are on long-term painkillers
Senior Citizenʼs Day 7
First introduced in the
1970s, Biolane is an active
New Zealand green-lipped
mussel extract with more
than 40 years of research
history.
for their joint problems may still need to
continue with their pills before the benefits
of Biolane kick in. Once patients experience
recovery in their joint capabilities, they may
find themselves able to be less reliant on
painkillers.
Sustained results
Santhi managed to persuade her father to
take Biolane. Although he did not feel any
change after a month, Arumugam
continued to take it diligently, accepting that
the process would take time.
One morning, a little more than three
months later, Santhi was surprised to see
her father walking down the stairs unaided.
Over the months, Arumugam found that he
was gaining the capacity to walk further
and further each day and has called the
school to ask whether he could begin
coaching once more, much to his daughter’s
delight.
This article is brought to you by the
Nuvaceuticals Division of Nuvanta Sdn Bhd.
n For more information, call 03-5636
3758/1300 881 712 or e-mail pharmacist@
nuvanta.com
8 Senior Citizenʼs Day
Suffering in
silence no more
By NGEH CHEE YEN
“I STARTED getting chronic pelvic pain
during my periods when I was in my late
teens. At times, I would vomit and have
uncomfortable bowel movements. The pain
was excruciating, to the point I fainted many
times. The worst part of my ordeal was
convincing people around me that I was in
pain. Many of them believed I was
exaggerating my pain and trying to seek
attention.”
For Surita Morgan, Persatuan
Endometriosis Malaysia (MyEndosis)
president, these experiences have
encompassed her life for more than two
decades and her experience is only one of
many.
There is no known statistical information
about Malaysian women with endometriosis.
Nevertheless, according to Endometriosis
UK, worldwide statistics show that
endometriosis affects approximately 176
million or 10% of women globally.
Endometriosis is a condition where the
endometrial tissue normally found only
within the uterus is also found on the
ovaries, uterine tubes or around the uterus,
depending on severity.
Dr Eeson Sinthamoney, Obstetrical and
Gynaecology Society of Malaysia (OGSM)
president explains that one consequence of
this occurrence is that when a woman
undergoes her usual menstrual cycle of
shedding endometrial tissue, the abnormally
situated endometrial tissue will also bleed.
He says, “This then causes cysts to form in
or near the ovaries. As these cysts enlarge
over time, these women start to feel pain.”
The continuance of this occurrence leads
to inflammation. An “adhesion” is formed in
the area, and structures in the vicinity such
as the uterine tubes, bowel, uterus and
sometimes bladder get stuck to each other
and the ovary. This leads to not only pain but
tubal damage, blockage and affected fertility.
Attacked on all sides
The pain of endometriosis can often be
debilitating depending on the extent of the
disease. Dr Eeson explains that as it becomes
progressively more severe, a woman’s
professional and social life can be affected.
He says, “Frequent medical leave or
absenteeism can become the norm. This is
hardly a preferred way of building a career.”
Cysts, inflammations, adhesions and pelvic
pains may cause painful sexual intercourse,
which puts a strain on many marriages.
Infertility is also common in women with
endometriosis and the possible amount of
time spent in fertility clinics can put a
damper on professional life.
These women must also live with the
stigma and misconceptions society has on
endometriosis, which Surita attributes to the
fact that it is still a taboo to discuss
menstrual health in Malaysia. Little is said
about endometriosis in the general public,
making awareness of the condition little to
none.
“The problem here is that the pain is often
misinterpreted as period pain. Young
women, the general population and primary
care providers need to be educated about
MyEndosis president Surita Morgan (centre) says lack of awareness and the taboo against
speaking up about menstrual health in Malaysia means many women with endometriosis
suffer in silence.
what is and isn’t normal when it comes to
menstrual health. If pain prevents a girl
from going to school or university, or a
woman being productive at work, it is not
normal. She needs treatment,” she says.
Breaking through the
barriers with community
Endometriosis can be debilitating and
discouraging. However, it does not mean
the end of the world for its sufferers. Dr
Eeson says knowledge is the key. The public
needs to be aware that both the pain and
fertility factor of endometriosis can be
treated. Women must be educated on
treatment options, the safety of these
options and the need for compliance to
treatment.”
THE STAR, TUESDAY 27 AUGUST 2019
He encourages early treatment, “If there is
an element of infertility, then time is of the
essence. Natural ageing coupled with
endometriosis-related issues can all add up
to a very large fertility problem.”
Surita sees a need to educate women in
schools and universities on endometriosis.
Access to treatment should also be made
available to those who need it.
MyEndosis seeks to end the silence
surrounding this debilitating disease and
unite women with endometriosis and their
supporters to take a stand against
endometriosis.
Surita shares, “We want to end the silence
and we want this to not only be a women’s
issue. Women with endometriosis are wives,
mothers, sisters, employees and employers.
This is definitely a community issue that
must be addressed.”