The Star Online: Lifestyle: Health
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Health |
| Posted: 13 Mar 2013 11:11 PM PDT  The Journey of Sight art exhibition where visitors could check out some 20 artworks across different mediums, and participate in the Cafe in the Dark event that is part of the programme. During world glaucoma week, one should never lose sight of the condition that affects 70 million people worldwide. ITS menacing nickname, 'silent thief of sight' should be an indication of its devastating potential. Yet, glaucoma remains a disease that many may have only heard of, but ignorant on the extent of damage it can cause. Glaucoma earned its ominous nickname because it can cause permanent blindness without any early warning signs or obvious symptoms in its victims. It is the world's second-largest cause of blindness, and affects more than 70 million people worldwide – a figure that is expected to rise to a shuddering 88 million by year 2020, according to the World Health Organisation. In Malaysia alone, it is estimated that over 100,000 people have glaucoma. Non-profit organisation Save Ones Sight Missions (SOSM) founder Stevens Chan, is himself a victim. He was diagnosed with glaucoma in 2002 –then aged 45 – and lost his eyesight five years later in 2007. He wasn't wearing any glasses back then, but recalled having terrible headaches and even painkillers prescribed by a doctor did not help. "It was only later that another doctor told me I had contracted glaucoma. I was asked to undergo surgery immediately or I would become blind," said Chan. "The condition caught me completely unaware. Both my wife and I didn't know what glaucoma was, and I found myself going through nine surgeries over a five-year period to control my increased eye pressure." Despite the surgeries to regulate the pressure, Chan became blind in both eyes. "The fact that I could no longer see wasn't a reality I was ready to accept. I sunk into depression for a long time. After coming out of it I decided to do something to raise greater awareness for this disease," says Chan. SOSM was founded in 2009 together with his wife, with the hope of reaching out to as many people – with or without visual disabilities – on the prevention of eye disorders. Chan says his initial plan to establish a foundation was not possible as there was a requirement for a RM1mil bank balance. "In the end though, I managed to register (SOSM) as an NGO, with the primary aim of stopping unnecessary blindness in which 80% of it is preventable." He cites that every year since 2009, seven million people have become visually impaired worldwide, which translates to one person every five seconds. If nothing is being done by 2020, one person will become visually impaired every second. SOSM provides at least 50 eye health screenings annually, in addition to the 50 cataract surgeries and 250 pair of spectacles for the marginalised and needy. SOSM also has an extension in the form of the Malaysia Glaucoma Society, which specifically addresses glaucoma. Mar 10 to Mar 17 is also World Glaucoma Week, and the society has put together a series of events to mark it. The first was the Run for Sight 2.0, a 5km blindfold run where participants ran in pairs. Held for the second year running at Central Park, 1 Utama on Mar 10, it was a roaring success, with overwhelming turnout of some 800 people. The highlight of the event was an attempt to set a new Guinness World Record. 118 students from SMK Subang Utama were tied together and walked blindfolded for 50 meters, surpassing the previous record of 100 people set in China. However, the record has to be verified before it becomes official. If you happen to be in 1 Utama shopping mall this weekend, make your way to the Café in the Dark programme that will take place at the old wing concourse area from Mar 15 to 17. To allow the public to experience what complete darkness is, participants will be led into a specially constructed black box by a blind guide, where they will have a cup of coffee. Chan says that the experience will be limited to just 150 participants per day and entrance fees charged will be channelled to SOSM. "This will allow them (the public) to capture the blind's perceived view of an object, colour or scenery. We hope this encounter will move people to never take their eyesight for granted," Chan says softly. For the second year running, a Journey of Sight art exhibition will be organised at the same venue, featuring over 20 pieces of artwork. The exhibition's theme this year is 'How the glaucoma patient sees this world?'. Art pieces were contributed by renowned local and foreign artists, as well as students from One Academy. A special full eye health check will also be conducted in collaboration with the Singapore Eye Research Institute. "There will be a nominal charge of RM50 for every screening, which will be wholly donated to our society," adds Chan. He says his organisation also carries out an 'adoption programme' for babies. Just this week, it raised funds for a 14-month-old baby to undergo surgery for glaucoma. It is shocking to know that even toddlers could be born with, and children affected by glaucoma. "Glaucoma has no cure and has no symptoms during the initial stages. Most people would have lost 40% of their peripheral vision when they finally diagnosed with (glaucoma). "It damages one's side vision before the central part, and fighting it is a lifelong battle," says Chan, who now moves about with a cane. He stresses the importance of annual eye health checks by professional doctors who can detect abnormalities – especially among higher-risk groups. This include those aged 40 and above, have a family history of the disease, are frequent steroid users, have short- or long-sightedness, and are diabetics. SOSM also organises forums, support group meetings and screenings, while selling workshops and exhibitions conducted by the visually disabled. Asked how he is coping now – six years on – Chan admits very much that he is still "trying to get used to darkness". "My hope is that there's an attitude change on people's part, so that they show as much concern for their eyes as they would for other bodily organs," says Chan. For more info about Cafe in the Dark, visit www.facebook.com/cafeinthedark. They can be reached by email at info@saveonesight.org > An enhanced version of this story appears in the Star's tablet edition, The Star Editor's Choice, March 13 issue which is available on free download from your app store or google play. |
| Energize Your Day with the Essentials of Protein Posted: 13 Mar 2013 05:51 PM PDT What did you have for breakfast today - a hearty dose of Nasi Lemak with fried chicken, completed with Teh Tarik? Or perhaps a much-needed steaming cup of coffee to go with the morning paper? For some people, it is a norm to skip breakfast in the morning for an extra 10 minutes of snooze time or to beat the traffic jam. For those who do have breakfast, you'll have to admit that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection of food we can have to start our day. The question is, are you eating right for the right start to your day? While bread or cereal may seem to be a convenient option, they are high in carbohydrate and may lead to elevated blood sugar levels which drop quickly and leave you feeling hungry and drained. Research have showed that a breakfast high in protein helps with stabilising blood sugar and prevents hunger for a number of hours. According to the Malaysian Food Guide, Food Pyramid and Food Composition, breakfast should account for 30% of our protein intake – which translates to approximately 21 grams. While there are many types of food we can consume to meet the 21 grams of protein intake for breakfast, we have to also be mindful not to take in too much calories and fats, which may lead to obesity. Each person's protein needs depend on several factors such as age, size, physical condition, and the level of physical activity. Nutritionists use a standard method to estimate a person's minimum protein requirement daily, which is to multiply a person's body weight (kg) with 0.8, as the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) in the US for protein is 0.8 grams per kilograms of body weight of adults. Take a typical Malaysian breakfast for instance. According to Nutriweb Malaysia 2000-2012 Database of Nutrient Composition of Malaysia Food, three pieces of Roti Canai can provide you with 21 grams of protein for your first meal of the day, but that also comes with 31 grams of fat, and 136.5 grams of carbohydrate. Likewise, in order to have 21 grams of protein, you will need to have 2.2 packets of Nasi Lemak, but provides you with 28.8 grams of fat and 128 grams of carbohydrate. Understanding the importance of a high-protein breakfast, leading direct selling company Amway have introduced its NUTRILITE™ All Plant Protein Powder to help you boost your protein intake and get a right start for the day. With 2.5 scoops of NUTRILITE All Plant Protein that can be mixed with any of your favourite beverages or food, it is an easy and convenient breakfast option that can help you achieve the needed 21 grams of protein, with only 1.3 grams of fat and 0.8 grams of carbohydrate. "Certified Halal, lactose-free and safe for vegetarians, the NUTRILITE All Plant Protein Powder caters to many people as it has no cholesterol and contains only minimal fat content and nine essential amino acids to aid the body's digestion," said Dr. Gene Maly, Senior NUTRILITE Research Scientist. "This complete, nutritious alternative to meat and dairy products is suitable for those seeking a lean source of protein in their diets, with its naturally sourced with a unique tri-blend of soy, wheat and pea," Maly added. "It is a boost to your diet to load up your day's essentials, giving you an energized start in the morning." Energize your day and start it right with NUTRILITE All Plant Protein Powder, available through Amway Distributors nationwide and at the 20 Amway Shops located in Petaling Jaya, Seremban, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu, Batu Pahat, Bintulu, Penang, Klang, Wangsa Maju, Mentakab, Taiping, Malacca, Segamat, Brunei, Alor Setar, Kuantan, Nusa Bestari, Seberang Perai, Sibu, and Ipoh. For more information on NUTRILITE All Plant Protein Powder, log on to http://www.amway.my/nutrition/nutrilite/energise-your-day or call Amway at (03) 7946 2800. *Source: Nutriweb Malaysia 2000-2012 Database of Nutrient Composition of Malaysia Food This article is brought to you by Amway. |
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