Danone Brings 'One Planet. One Health' to Life Through a Healthy and Engaged Workforce in Malaysia

Danone is cementing the ‘One Person,
One Voice
,
One Share
‘ programme in
Malaysia
 to empower Danoners in shaping its 2030 Business & Sustainability Goals roadmaps

To support inclusive diversity in the organisation, Danone is investing heavily in employee development programmes, including the Agile Organisation pilot initiative

Danone is introducing a progressive parental policy to support Danoners in
Malaysia
 during the first six months of parenthood, in line with the ‘One Planet. One Health’ vision

Danone, parent company of iconic brands such as Dumex, Dugro, Nutricia AptaGro and Evian water, today announced an enhanced focus on employee well-being and engagement as part of its ‘One Planet. One Health’ vision in
Malaysia
.

In line with Danone’s belief that people are its biggest asset in achieving its mission and addressing new challenges facing the world, Danone is committed to create and maintain an inclusive, diverse and participative workplace environment. Building a healthy and engaged workforce through an innovative talent management model is integral to realising Danone’s ‘One Planet. One Health’ vision, starting with its own employees.

“I am a proud Danoner”campaign in Southeast Asia: celebrating Danoners’ diversity and uniqueness

Danone has launched ‘One Person,
One Voice
,
One Share
‘, an innovative employee engagement programme to further foster company-wide engagement and increase the sense of ownership among Danoners in
Malaysia
.

The ‘One Voice’ programme is driven by the belief that all employees should co-own the company’s agenda, including by helping to define the roadmaps to implement Danone’s 2030 Goals, which are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

To equip Danoners in participating in these conversations, the ‘One Voice’ programme has developed an internal platform with learning resources related to the company vision and goals, including content derived from collaborations with like-minded partners such as the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) as well as internal initiatives such as the annual ‘Campus for All’ event, a week-long series of learning activities to nurture local talent and help them co-lead the food revolution.

Through the ‘One Voice’ consultations with employees in
Malaysia
, Danoners identified strongly with wanting to impact people’s health locally and this has been integrated into our strategic plans for
Malaysia
 through the focus on addressing iron deficiency.[1]

Complementing ‘One Voice’ is the ‘One Share’ programme, which gives every employee a share in the company combined with a global annual dividend-based incentive scheme, thereby deepening a symbolic ownership mindset among Danoners.

Danone, as a company that believes in inclusive diversity, recognises the uniqueness of each Danoner and invests in enhancing the added value that these differences bring to the organisation. Developing local talent and providing career growth opportunities are key components of this strategy.

All Danoners have the chance to experience other markets and cultures through short-term assignments in other offices across
Southeast Asia
 and beyond. In line with the digitalisation of the global economy, Danone is also piloting Agile Organisation, an initiative that focuses on competency development and adopting digital means of working.

To demonstrate Danone’s commitment to supporting employees in the workplace of the future, Danone is introducing an extensive parental policy covering pre-natal support, gender-neutral parental leave as well as post-natal support.

This policy includes adapted working conditions for expecting mothers, extended parental leave of up to 18 weeks of paid leave and unpaid leave of up to six months for parents, job protection policies and flexible working schedules for parents as well as lactation rooms in all its corporate and manufacturing sites across
Southeast Asia
.

These practices reflect Danone’s support for employees during the important early days of parenthood and is with a view to encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s recommendations.

“At Danone, we prioritise the well-being of our employees. Danone’s dual commitment to business success and social progress is guided by the 1972 landmark speech by our former CEO
Antoine Riboud
 outlining a new vision of corporate social responsibility. The ‘One Person,
One Voice
,
One Share
‘ programme is our way of inviting our employees to actively participate in co-creating and co-owning our collective future. In
Malaysia
, we recently launched the ‘I’m a Proud Danoner’ campaign, which engages employees to share what they are passionate about as a Danone employee. We have also invested heavily in employee development through programmes such as short-term overseas assignments and the Agile Organisation initiative.

As a sign of our commitment to support our employees into the future, our new parental policy includes flexible work-life options to help parents keep families at the centre of their life and guidance on the importance of optimal nutrition during the first six months of a baby’s life. We want to be the most parent-friendly company in
Malaysia
.

I am happy that our efforts have been reflected in Danone’s excellent retention rates. Danone Dumex Malaysia’s turnover rate of 6 percent is well below the market average of 20 percent,” said Normalis Mohd Sharif, Director of Human Resources, Danone Southeast Asia.

Azuin, Digital Manager, Danone Dumex Malaysia, said: “I am proud to be working for a supportive company like Danone, which values my opinion and has allowed me to have a say in the company’s agenda through initiatives such as ‘One Person,
One Voice
,
One Share
‘. There are many opportunities for me to grow as an employee and the digitalisation of our operations will give us the chance to experience other regional markets even if we are based in our home country. I am also thankful that the company actually cares about giving me sufficient rest and more time to spend with my little one. Danone also provides a comfortable lactation room in the office to support
breastfeeding mums
 like me.”

[1] Iron deficiency is the top cause of anaemia, a form of malnutrition affecting a third of children below five years old in Southeast Asia and whose symptoms may range from extreme fatigue to effects on cognitive development and productivity, according to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition.

About Danone (
www.danone.com
)

Dedicated to bringing health through food to as many people as possible, Danone is a leading global food & beverage company building on health-focused and fast-growing categories in three businesses: Essential Dairy & Plant-Based Products, Waters and Specialized Nutrition. Danone aims to inspire healthier and more sustainable eating and drinking practices, in line with its ‘One Planet. One Health’ vision which reflects a strong belief that the health of people and that of the planet are interconnected. To bring this vision to life and create superior, sustainable, profitable value for all its stakeholders, Danone has defined its 2030 Goals: a set of nine integrated goals aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. Danone commits to operating in an efficient, responsible and inclusive manner; it holds itself to the highest standards in doing business, as reflected by its ambition to become one of the first multinationals certified as B CorpTM. With more than 100,000 employees, and products sold in over 120 markets, Danone generated €24.7 billion in sales in 2018. Danone’s portfolio includes leading international brands (Actimel, Activia, Alpro, Aptamil, Danette, Danio, Danonino, evian, Nutricia, Nutrilon, Volvic, among others) as well as strong local and regional brands (including Dumex, AQUA, Blédina, Cow & Gate, Horizon, Mizone, Oikos, Prostokvashino, Silk, Vega).

Listed on Euronext Paris and on the OTCQX market via an ADR (American Depositary Receipt) program, Danone is a component stock of leading social responsibility indexes including the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, Vigeo Eiris, the Ethibel Sustainability Index, MSCI Global Sustainability, MSCI Global SRI Indexes and the FTSE4Good Index.

Photo –
https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20191011/2602357-1?lang=0

Related Links:
www.danone.com/

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Diaper Cream Should Be Applied Every Diaper Change & Here’s Why

Diaper rash is a nightmare. They turn up as inflamed skin, all over your little one’s buttocks, thighs and genitals. The most heartbreaking part of it all is that your baby becomes uncomfortable and possibly distressed – it’s truly a situation we would all like to avoid.

This is why we are myth-busting the fact that many think diaper rash creams are to be applied when flare-ups come, but in actuality, they should be applied in every diaper change to avoid just that. Here’s why.

The cause of the nasty diaper rash

Before we dive in further, let’s explore the cause of these nasties – diaper rashes happen when your baby’s skin comes in contact with their urine or stool, which then irritates their skin
.

Newborns are more prone to diaper rashes because they poop and pee up to 10 times a day
. This means the longer babies sit and stew in their diapers, the more susceptible they are to rashes which is why parents often rush to change their diapers the moment their baby has done a number one or two.

It’s a fact: always use diaper rash cream with every change

The old adage “prevention is better than cure” applies in this situation. Many diaper rash advice comes only after the rash has shown up – this includes (as we mentioned above) applying rash cream only when a rash forms. But that acts as a cure. What about preventing the situation?

Well, this brings us to our point; apply diaper rash with every change. This is especially important for babies with sensitive skin as they are more prone to such skin issues.

Using diaper rash with every change creates a barrier between the baby’s skin and the urine, as well as stool
. This reduces the chance of irritation between their skin and the wet diaper contents or material.

However, in terms of application, when a rash occurs you will need to apply a thick layer of cream (think of frosting a cake) to create a thicker barrier. But for prevention purposes and use with every change, you only need a thin layer
.

Nevertheless, some mum and dads may argue the fact that rash cream with every change is simply too much product which can irritate their skin as well. Well, this depends on the products you are using.

This brings us to our second point – make sure to use a clinically-proven, dermatologist tested and soothing diaper rash, such as Cetaphil’s Diaper Cream with Organic Calendula, in a routine for the best protection.

Use Cetaphil’s Diaper Cream with Organic Calendula in a three-step routine

Cetaphil’s Diaper Cream with Organic Calendula is an easy-to-apply cream that gently moisturises and protects your baby’s bottom from wetness that causes diaper rash. Formulated with organic calendula extract, it works quickly to soothe delicate baby skin, together with zinc oxide, vitamin B5 and vitamin E.

Cetaphil’s Baby Diaper Cream is a gentle everyday formula that protects babies from chapped  skin.  The non-sticky, non-greasy formulation keeps babies’ skin hydrated and provides a long lasting breathable barrier that protects your baby’s bottom from wetness that causes diaper rash. Formulated with organic calendula extract, it works quickly to soothe and moisturize delicate baby skin, together with zinc oxide, vitamin B5 and vitamin E.

It also has 5-fold protection that is:

gentle;

soothing;

hypoallergenic

seals moisture; and

protects the skin barrier.

Cetaphil Baby’s Diaper Cream with Organic Calendula is also clinically-proven and dermatologist-tested for babies’ delicate skin with no added fragrance, as well as being non-irritating and paraben free.

While it works great on its own, it works better in a routine with Cetaphil Baby’s 5 Fold Protection product range. Remember, skin protection should not only be for their buttocks. Instead, having a well-rounded skin care routine goes a long way, especially for babies with sensitive skin.

Just like adults, we all have a skin care routine that works for us in preventing skin issues. The same goes for your baby too. So, here’s a recommended
four
-step routine to give your baby’s skin the best care.

Step one:
Gently cleanse from head to toe without drying
with tear-free
Cetaphil Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo.

Step two:
 Moisturise baby’s skin
from dryness with the Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion that’s enriched with shea butter.

Step three:
Apply Cetaphil Baby Advanced Protection Cream with Organic Calendula on extra sensitive or drying areas ie elbow, knees etc

Step four:
Apply
NEW!
Cetaphil Baby Diaper Cream with Organic Calendula
to moisturise & protect
your baby’s bottom from wetness that causes diaper rash.

The NEW Cetaphil Baby Diaper Cream & Cetaphil Baby range is available in pharmacies nationwide and stores online! Grab yours at:
https://bit.ly/3SAvMmy

To find out more on Cetaphil Baby’s 5 Fold Protection product range product and the new Cetaphil Baby Diaper Cream with Organic Calendula, visit
Complete Care with Cetaphil
 now.

With that, we hope you start applying diaper cream with every change – trust us, it does help!

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How To Teach Kids To Communicate About Their Digestive Health

Parents are always worrying about their child’s digestive tract and they have every right to –  a child’s gut health must be at its best to support vital bodily functions such as nutrient absorption. Furthermore, a leaky gut can hamper their development, especially if they experience symptoms such as stomach discomfort, diarrhoea or mood swings
1
.

But, at some point, you will have to educate them on your obsession with their poop because teaching them the importance of taking care of their gut health will essentially benefit their future selves and habits. But, how do we explain this to a child?

We know that children may not have the attention span or patience to listen to your ramblings about their gut health. You might just end up frustrated trying to explain and give up altogether – yes, the topic is not exactly the easiest to convey.

But, it is not an impossible task. There are certain teaching methods children respond better to.

Here are four that you can use to educate them on gut health:

1. Turn it into an activity

Children learn best through play including activities and it also benefits your child’s cognitive development. To do this, you can source various worksheets online but try to find one that your child is more inclined to do.

Some children may love colouring more, so you can opt to make your own colouring activity sheet or get a pre-made free printable online. The trick is to educate them as they go through their worksheets by asking questions and providing answers with an easy story-like dialogue.

For example, when your child is colouring the intestinal tract, you can educate them on what lives within such as the good bacteria (probiotics), and how we need to “feed” them with indigestible fibre known as prebiotics – you can even encourage them to use their imagination to draw what they perceive as the “friendly” bacteria on their worksheets and turn it into gut-health story!

Additionally, games can also be an educational activity where the whole family can participate. Here are two game ideas:

The gut game show:
 Educate them briefly on gut health with use of child-friendly terms such as “good and evil bacteria”. Let them know that they will be playing a game afterwards where they can win a special prize. After the short session, you can ask them simple questions and for every five answers they get right, you can reward them with a sweet treat or even star stickers.

The food experiment:
 Lay out some bad and good foods that affect the gut health. Then, ask them to pick out which foods they think are the best for their gut. With every food item they pick up, make sure you educate them on why it is beneficial or bad for their gut. Reward them for every good gut food they pick out.

Teach them about food groups:
Through food groups, you can point out the foods that impact their gut flora positively and some that do not – you can label the ones that have a great amount of prebiotic fibre as the “friendly foods”.

One way to teach your kids about food groups is through the pen and paper method. Instead of printable charts, this time your child has to doodle it out. First, draw out an empty circle and split it into five empty sections. Then, explain to your child each food group and get them to draw the food items in the empty circle.

The five main food groups are:

fruits and vegetables;

meat, fish and other alternatives

food with fats and food with sugar;

milk and dairy products;

bread, cereals and potatoes.

After drawing these out, you can go through each food to explain to them if they are good or bad for their gut and why – emphasise on foods that contain prebiotic fibres and foods that contain probiotics. You can circle it out and place this chart in your kitchen to serve as a reminder the next time they reach for the cookie jar.

2. Lead by example

Children often love to mimic adults – this includes what they eat. Many times, children reach out for a taste so, why not eat what you want your kids to eat? When eating gut-healthy foods, your child will likely ask “what are you eating”? or gesture that they want a piece. Before you hand it over, explain why you are eating these foods and how it can affect your health, including the importance of health upkeep.

You can even term these foods within your household and turn it into a daily phrase such as “do you want to eat a gut-healthy food?”.

Sometimes, the easiest and smallest gestures can have the best impact on your child.

3. Talk about communicating

Checking your child’s poop is effective to a certain limit – we can only tell so much by colour. Essentially, you will need your child to communicate if they are feeling any stomach discomfort or are starting to feel ill – children with a leaky gut tend to have recurrent colds or ear infections.

If they are able to communicate this to you, you have a better chance of understanding their digestive health.

We understand that getting your child to communicate about their gut health or health issues in general might be difficult because a leaky gut can include mood fluctuations, a symptom they may not necessarily be able to “feel” – this includes random outbursts or demotivated moods.

Although some children may not respond to your questions during a temper tantrum, take some time to talk to them once they have calmed down and get them to communicate the reasons for their behaviour.

These are some common symptoms you should watch out for that may indicate weak gut health
: constipation, diarrhoea, asthma, food intolerances, food allergies, food sensitivities, regular colds, ear infections, anxiety and constant mood swings.

To get them to communicate, you will need to give them the lowdown on gut health using methods as we have listed above. Once they have the basic grasp of that, you can talk to them about why they should communicate their feelings to you – you can also be specific such as asking them to talk about if they are having trouble during their toilet time and describing the types of pains associated with a leaky gut.

Improve your child’s gut health with Mamil D-GestPro+

Now that we have given ideas on how to get your child to understand the importance of gut health, it is time to get their nutrients in. At times, it can be a struggle to get the right amount of nutrients they need into their systems – especially with fussy children.

Acting immediately is important as soon as you spot a leaky gut symptom – if it is overly severe, please contact your doctor for further advice.

Nevertheless, there are formulas made specifically focused on improving a child’s gut health and this includes Mamil® D-GestPro+.

Mamil® D-GestPro+ is an affordable, yet beneficial choice for parents- it is sucrose-free and contains a  prebiotic mix that supports gut health for children aged up to nine-years-old.

Mamil® D-GestPro+’s formulation contains:

A unique prebiotic mixture:
 It is formulated with a unique Oligosaccharide mixture GOS/lcFOS (9:1) that increases good bacteria and helps maintain a healthy gut flora.

Milk from grass-fed cows:
 It is sourced from cows that are predominantly grass fed, which means it is high in protein, calcium and vitamin D.

DHA*: This is a key component that is essential for your child’s growth and brain development.

*
*Mamil® Step 3 contains 96mg DHA content based 3 servings per day

Remember, without good gut health, it could lead to poor nutrient absorption which means the nutrients you feed your child may go to waste. If your child understands the importance of this, he or she will be more likely to respond when you introduce gut-related nutrition to their diets!

Need more information on Mamil® D-GestPro+?
 Visit
Dumex Mamil’s website
!

References

1
 (n.d.). Gut-Microbiota-Brain Axis and Its Effect on Neuropsychiatric …. Retrieved October 1, 2020, from
https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(15)00226-X/pdf

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Want to Give Birth in Malaysia? This is The True Cost of Delivery According to Malaysian Mums

With the economic downturn, businesses are churning out frequent, or perpetual sales, in order to improve sales. From retail to electronics, F&B to air tickets, consumers are hoping to maximize their value per dollar, while enterprises are aiming to maximize their dollar for value. However, there is one thing which remains unaffected in this gloomy weather, and that is hospital charges and the cost of delivery.

When it comes to delivering babies, hospital charges can be said to be anything but cheap, taking into consideration the type of room Mum-to-be stays and the duration of the stay.

To be exact, the total cost of ‘baby delivery’, typically consists of the services of the obstetrician/gynaecologist and paediatrician; services of the anesthesiologist and epidural, if used; the cost of the stay in the hospital room and board; a nursery fee; laboratory fees; and any medications or medical supplies.

How Much is the Cost of Delivery in Malaysia?

theAsianparent spoke to some new mothers about their hospital bills that greeted them after they delivered their babies.

Ms Carol Liew delivered at the Pantai Ayer Keroh, Melaka, and her bill was RM2,000. She stayed in a normal ward for one night, and the fees included the use of forceps, painkillers and gas.

As for Ms Aishah Marican, who chose the University Malaya Specialist Centre, Klang Valley and stayed there for 3 Days 2 Nights, and delivered naturally; she paid approximately RM2,500 to RM3,000.

At the Island Hospital in Penang, prices were RM3,100 and RM4, 100 respectively for two new mothers, Ms Aini Shariff and Ms Nadia Ismail.

Ms Aini Shariff paid RM3, 100 for her 3 Day 2 Night stay at the hospital, including an epidural for a normal delivery; whereas Ms Nadia Ismail paid a higher price of RM4,100 for her caesarian.

Another new mother, Ms Natasha Mehta, stayed at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre, PJ. She underwent a natural birth and took medication to induce the birth, together with other processes which included vacuum and buttock injections. Her total bill was RM3,600.

If you think RM3,600 is expensive, think again!

In another hospital, in Petaling Jaya (PJ), Ms Nurul Mohid paid RM6,000 for her caesarian and 4 days, 4 nights stay at Assunta, PJ. Higher prices were generally found in Kuala Lumpur (KL), where the new mothers we spoke to paid RM4,000 and above for their delivery.

For instance, Ms Susan Ooi stayed in a single room for one night at the Sunway hospital in KL, she paid RM4,300. This included her natural delivery, epidural, induced birth as well as vacuum. Ms Elaine Ong had an induced, caesarian birth at the Tawakai Hospital, KL and she stayed there for 3 days and 2 nights, which totalled her bill to RM6,300.

Last but not least, and also the most expensive, Ms Noni Fatimah paid RM6,494 for 4 days and 3 nights after her caesarian which included a spinal epidural. She stayed at the Perdana Specialist Hospital, Kota Bharu.

All in all, nobody said that delivering is easy on the pockets. But it is worth every penny when the delivery process is both safe and immaculate for both, mother and child. With that said, government hospitals might be slightly cheaper compared to private institutions.

At the end of the day, only you and your partner can decide on the perfect birthing plan. We always suggest to all new mums, to take their time and seek out what is best for you. What could be best for your friends, may not work for you so take in all the information you need to get through this.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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Understand the Changes in Your Body During the First Trimester

Is it getting harder to wake up each morning? Do you feel like throwing up at pungent smells? Do you easily get tired? Do you feel dizzy at times? Do you salivate more? Yes, you get it right – you are pregnant and welcome to your first trimester!

Actually, these are the
early symptoms of pregnancy.
 I experienced all of these and more. I still experience some of these symptoms, and some even escalated to higher levels of salivating, dizziness, and laziness among others.

What you might not know is that, along with these symptoms, are changes in your body that you never thought could happen to you. These changes also progress as you move along with your pregnancy month by month.

This article, nevertheless, will focus on the first trimester changes in the body. During this period, your body will work hard informing what is considered to be one of the most intricate works of nature.

What Your Body Goes Through During the First Trimester

Month 1

Credit: iStock

At the end of your first month of pregnancy, your baby will be about the size of a grain of rice, which means he or she is less than an inch long.

By this time, you might have already taken notice of the changes in your body in terms of size and shape.
You might feel bloated since the baby feels like ‘feeling up your tummy’.

Your breast may also start to feel ‘heavy’ because the mammary gland is gradually becoming active. Not to mention, you may notice that the areolas are getting bigger and darker.

Ultimately, your breast will start to become more tender and sensitive. You will also notice more frequent vaginal secretions like those you experience pre-menstrually. Finally, you will feel tired and dizzy.

Month 2

By the end of this month, your baby will be about the size of a grape, about 1 inch long. At this stage, you will feel ‘more pregnant’ now than you did in the first month. Your body will keep on changing.

Other than the ones mentioned in Month 1, you will experience more changes including frequent urination, mild to severe headaches, recurrent nasal congestion, increased salivation, and increased ingestion.

Of course, your
mood swings and stress levels will definitely increase
.

Month 3

Congratulations! This is a milestone month marking the end of the first trimester. By the end of this month, your baby had already grown into the size of a medium shrimp, which is about 3 to 4 inches long.

You may already hear your baby’s heartbeat by this month through a Doppler. One of the most notable changes is your protruding belly.

For some women,
 vomiting and nausea are over by this month
, but for some, this month will be just the start of the agony of morning sickness.

Other than the other symptoms mentioned in months 1 and 2, you will also experience fatigue. No one knows exactly what the cause of fatigue is although some experts blame the increased amount of progesterone in the body.

Since other changes in the body like frequent trips to the restroom consume your energy, you may feel all run down at the end of the day.

By the end of the third month of pregnancy, all of your baby’s functions have begun to form – major organs and nervous system, heartbeat, arms, fingers, legs, toes, hair, and buds for future teeth.

Since your baby’s most critical development has taken place, your chance of miscarrying drops considerably after the first trimester.

In the second trimester, the changes will be more profound than in the first trimester. Read more about the changes your body goes through during the second trimester of your pregnancy in the next article in our series.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
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What Are the 3 Trimesters of Pregnancy? A Guide for Pregnant Women

What is a trimester? First-time mums, this guide is for you.

Table of Contents

What is a trimester?

First trimester

Second trimester

The third trimester

Most critical weeks of pregnancy

When is your due date?

What is a trimester?

A “typical” full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, but it can last anywhere from 37 and 42 weeks. It is split into three trimesters. Each trimester is 12 to 14 weeks long, or around three months.

As you are probably aware, each trimester brings with it its unique set of hormonal and physiological changes.

Understanding how your
growing baby affects your body
 may assist you in preparing for these changes when they occur. It’s also useful to understand the different risk factors (and related medical testing) for each trimester.

What are the 3 trimesters of pregnancy?

Trimesters are the three stages of pregnancy: the first, second, and third trimesters. A trimester lasts 12 to 14 weeks, while a full-term pregnancy lasts 40 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last period. Each trimester, the fetus will attain key developmental milestones.

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

First trimester

Photo by PNW Production from Pexels

Pregnancy dates begin on the first day of your most recent normal
menstrual cycle,
 and conception occurs in week 2.

Pregnancy’s first trimester lasts from the first to the 12th week. During this time, your baby’s body structure and organs develop.

Although you may not appear pregnant during the first trimester, your body is undergoing significant changes to support your growing baby.

During the first few weeks following fertilisation, your hormone levels change drastically. Your uterus starts to help the placenta and fetus grow, your blood supply grows to carry oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby, and your heart rate increases.

These changes are linked to a number of early pregnancy symptoms, including:

fatigue

nausea in the early morning

headaches

constipation

The first trimester is essential for the growth of your kid.

The baby will have formed all of its organs by the end of the third month, so this is an essential time. It is vital to maintain a balanced diet that includes an adequate level of folic acid to help prevent neural tube abnormalities.

Second trimester

The second trimester (weeks 13 to 27) is the most comfortable for the majority of pregnant women.

Some people refer to it as the “honeymoon period,” when many of the unpleasant symptoms of early pregnancy fade. The bulk of early
pregnancy symptoms
 will go away with time. You’ll probably have more energy during the day and get a better night’s sleep.

Your abdomen will appear pregnant as the uterus swells dramatically in size. It’s a great time to buy maternity clothes, avoid constraining apparel, and, if you’re feeling courageous, notify your friends and family about your pregnancy.

While the discomforts of early pregnancy should subside, there are a few new symptoms to be mindful of.

Leg cramps and heartburn are both typical problems. You may have increased hunger and your weight gain may accelerate. Backaches, varicose veins, and nasal congestion are all possibilities.

Most pregnant women feel their baby move for the first time around 20 weeks into their pregnancy. The baby can hear and recognise your voice throughout the second trimester.

Some screening tests may be performed throughout the second trimester.
An ultrasound can reveal the gender of a baby as early as 14 weeks, while some doctors may schedule your first ultrasound between 18 and 20 weeks. An ultrasound technician takes measurements of the baby during the anatomy ultrasound.

You may notice your baby’s first movements between 16 and 20 weeks, which is known as “quickening.”

Discuss with your doctor any medical history, family history, or genetic issues that could endanger you or your child.

These bodily components are as follows:

heart

lungs

kidney

brain

You may be able to learn the gender of your baby during the anatomy scan. Let your doctor know whether you want to know or not.

Doctors typically test for
gestational diabetes
 during the second trimester. Between weeks 26 and 28, gestational diabetes can be detected.

The third trimester

You’re nearing the conclusion of your pregnancy and are undoubtedly excited and worried about your child’s arrival.
The third trimester happens from the 27th to the 40th week. From the 28th week, until your baby is born, you are in the third trimester.
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 Some of the physical symptoms you may have at this time include shortness of breath, haemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, varicose veins, and sleeping difficulties. Many of these symptoms are caused by your uterus expanding from 2 ounces before pregnancy to 2.5 pounds at the time of birth.

During the third trimester, the baby’s bones will be totally grown, its touch receptors will be fully matured, and the baby’s organs will be capable of working on their own. The baby’s body may move southwards into a head-down position for birth as your due date approaches.

Your doctor will usually:

Check your urine for protein.

Check your blood pressure.

Keep an eye on the foetal heart rate.

Ascertain your fundamental height (the approximate length of your uterus)

Check for oedema in your hands and legs.

Your doctor will also establish your baby’s position and check your cervix to track how your body is preparing for childbirth.

Labour and delivery can be learned during the third trimester. Make time to attend a birthing education class. Childbirth programs are designed to prepare you and your partner for labour and delivery.

It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the many phases of labour and delivery options, as well as to ask questions and express concerns to a qualified birthing educator.

Most critical weeks of pregnancy

The
foetus is most vulnerable during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
. At this stage, the fetus’s major organs and body systems are developing and can be injured by drugs, infectious agents, radiation, some medications, tobacco, and toxic substances.

The foetus’ organs and body systems are fully established by the end of 12 weeks, yet it cannot survive on its own.

The first trimester is crucial for the growth of your kid. During this time, your baby’s body structure and organ systems develop. The bulk of miscarriages and birth defects occur during this time.

Your body also undergoes considerable changes throughout the first trimester. These changes typically cause symptoms like nausea, tiredness, breast discomfort, and frequent urination.

Despite the fact that these are common pregnancy symptoms, each woman’s experience is unique. While some people may feel more energized during this time, others may feel exhausted and emotional.

When is your due date?

A full-term pregnancy might last anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks.

Your due date is only an estimated delivery date (EDD). Even when you conceive roughly two weeks later, it’s dated from the first day of your last menstruation.

The dating technique works effectively for women who have fairly regular menstrual cycles. However, the dating system may not work for people who have irregular periods.

If the day of your last menstrual period is unknown, you may need to determine your EDD using another method.

Due to the consistency of early foetal development across pregnancies, an ultrasound in the first trimester is the next most accurate method of determining the due date.

Check out
our pregnancy section for a week-by-week guide on your pregnancy
, what to expect and how to prepare for your baby’s arrival.

This article was written by Margaux Dolores and republished with permission from theAsianparent
Philippines
.

Healthline
,
Jackson Health System
,
Johns Hopkins Medicine
,
UCSF Health

Here at theAsianparent Malaysia, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Malaysia is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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Birthday balloon kills 8-year-old girl

This is a story that starts with the celebration of life and ends with the mourning of death. Mike McGloghlon from Ontario celebrated his birthday with his friends and family at his home.

After the guests left, the table cleared, and the plates cleaned, he went into his eight-year-old daughter Jaina’s room to check on her. He found her feet sticking out from the blankets and a Mylar balloon over her head.

She was not breathing.

READ: 8 harmless things that can harm your children

While waiting for the medical personnel to arrive, Mike cut the balloon off and performed CPR until. They spent almost an hour trying to revive the girl, but it was too late.

“Right now, it’s too raw with everybody,” Jaina’s grandmother told reporters. “What can you say? We all want to turn back yesterday and start over again.”

Now the devastated family wants to help raise awareness about the dangers of balloons.

“It was a big Mylar balloon,” the grandmother, who was the the house when it happened, said, “the number three, and it had different size fill-holes. The only thing we can think is that she would have opened it to suck the helium out, and put it over her head.”

Balloons are the leading cause of suffocation death to children,
reports say
.

Killer balloons

Accidents involving balloons tend to occur in two ways.

Some children have sucked uninflated balloons into their mouths, often while attempting to inflate them.

This occurs when a child blowing up the balloon inhales or takes a breath to prepare for the next blow, drawing the balloon back into the mouth and throat.

The second kind of accident involves balloon pieces.

If a balloon breaks, some children continue to play with it, chewing on pieces of the balloon or attempting to stretch it across their mouths and suck or blow bubbles in it.

These elastic pieces stick to the throat and lungs, completely blocking the breathing.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises parents and guardians not to allow children under eight years play with un-inflated balloons.
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If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below.

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Counselling and Psychotherapy for Children with Mental Health Disorders

Many more children are currently struggling with some sort of psychosocial problem or diagnosed with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Life events like family dysfunction, school stress, online bullying, being the victim of a sexual assault and many other possible reasons could be the cause for blame. It is becoming an issue of real concern as there are many who need help are still left untreated.

If untreated, these conditions can adversely affect children’s development and potential to live productively, and can even lead to suicide. In the long run, these can pose problems to society with a surge of troubled youngsters.

When to Seek Help?

While a child may grow out of certain symptoms, there are times when it is wise to seek professional diagnosis and treatment.

For instance, when the following warning signs persist for a long time and start impacting a child’s functioning and affecting other people:

Physical Signs

Refuses to eat or throws up after eating.

Tries to self-harm.

Becomes hyperactive and very fidgety.

Tenses muscles regularly.

Emotional Signs

Unusually anxious, depressed or moody for a long period of time.

Becomes angry, extremely sensitive and cries often for no apparent reason.

Has compulsive behaviours or obsessive thoughts.

Behavioural Signs

Aggressive behaviour can possibly cause hurt to others.

Refuses to go to school and does not want to participate in activities.

Stays alone during recess time and avoids social interactions with peers.

What Can You Do as a Parent?

As parents caring for children with mental health conditions, it is important to let them know that they can confide in you at all times. Encourage them to discuss their feelings with you or talk over the things that are bothering them. Be open and available, and let them know that you have all the support for them without judging them.

You do not have to do this alone. To the untrained eye, it is confusing to tell the difference between actual symptoms of mental disorders and normal challenges that children experience as part of the growing up process. Arrange to discuss your concerns and access help from a trained professional.

Without question, it is going to be a very challenging time for the ones giving care. So, connecting with support groups will benefit parents enormously.

Therapy to Help the Struggling Child

Mental health disorders come in all types and forms, and there is no one-size-fits-all therapy that solves everything.

The most common form of treatment emphasizes therapeutic conversations, exploring feelings and behaviour, then finding the best ways to tackle them from there. The range of approaches may include the following:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
 works by teaching children to understand that the way they think and feel will affect the way they act and behave. The goal is to find strategies to help them change their destructive thought patterns and be able to control the way they deal with their inner struggles and conflicts.

Play Therapy
uses games and activities to assess and resolve the troubling problems facing the child such as temper tantrums, aggressive behaviour and having difficulties sleeping.

Family Therapy
works on improving relationship patterns and communication between family members. An important component of this therapy includes helping the parents in child management and problem-solving skills.

In some cases, the treatment plan may include medication to make it more effective.

Counselling and Psychotherapy Services in Klang Valley

Early identification and intervention are critical to distinguish possible mental health disorders from developmental delays. Listed below are organizations that can help:

SI World

No. 10, Jalan SS 2/52, Petaling Jaya, Selangor 47300 Malaysia

016-225 9828

https://www.siworld.com.my

WELL Rehabilitation Centre

ZV-1-3A & 5, Zeva Residence, Persiaran Pinggiran Putra, Bandar Putra Permai, Seri Kembangan, Selangor 43300 Malaysia

013-488 3191

https://www.wellrehab.com.my

The Energy Source

No. 204, Jalan Limau Manis, Bangsar Park, Bangsar Kuala Lumpur 59000 Malaysia

016-260 8895

https://www.theenergysource.com.my

Think Enrichment Centre
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Block E-1-5, Plaza Arkadia, 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana, Desa ParkCity, Kepong, Kuala Lumpur 52200 Malaysia

03-27710799/012-2677990/016-6606843

https://www.thinkenrichmentcentre.com

Autism Behavioral Center

45E, Bangunan Bangsaria, Level 3, Jalan Maarof, Bangsar Kuala Lumpur 59100 Malaysia

03-22011107/012-2852007

www.abcautism.com.my

Sri Rafelsia

65 Persiaran Zaaba, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur 60000 Malaysia

03-77100372/012-3710372

www.srirafelsia.com/

NASOM

No. 29, Jalan Sanggul 1D, Bandar Puteri, Klang, Selangor 42000 Malaysia

03-51625336

www.nasom.org.my

SPICES Early Intervention Centre

B-0-6 Vista Wira 2, Jalan 4/27A, Section 2 Wangsa Maju, Setapak, Kuala Lumpur 53300 Malaysia

03-41498032

www.spices.org.my/eip/

Enrich Counselling & Therapy Centre

17-3, Jalan Puteri 1/6, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor

017-6683702 (Yvonne)

https://www.jm-enrich.my

Ding Psychology Centre

19-B, 2nd Floor, Jalan SS21/56B, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

019-2020 318

https://www.dingpsychology.com/

InPsych Psychological & Counselling Services

41-3, (3
rd
 floor), Jalan 1/137B, Resource Industrial Centre, Jln Klang Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur

017-331 1216

https://www.inpsych.com.my

Pantai Therapy Centre

A804, Level 8, Block A, LCCH Therapy Centre @ Pantai Hospital 59100 Kuala Lumpur

019-328 5928

https://www.pantaitherapy.com.my

Kin & Kids Marriage, Family and Child Therapy Center

10-8, Binjai 8 Premium Soho, No. 2, Lorong Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur.

or

5-05-03, Block 5,
[email protected]
 City Centre, Jalan Utara, 46200 Petaling Jaya.

019-380 0902

https://www.kinandkids.com

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website
.

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Feasible Ways of Promoting Nursery Children's Emergent Literacy Skills

Flewitt, Messer & Kucirkova (2014) discussed in their paper how visual literacy offers innovative opportunities for early literacy learning to nursery children, primary school reception children and special school children.

They found variability but commonality was that visual literacy activities stimulated children’s motivation and concentration. They also offered opportunities for communication, collaborative interaction, and independent learning.

Credit: Shutterstock

Children
learn to recognise and distinguish how sounds are represented alphabetically and discover some letter sounds, symbols, characters, and signs. And children use information in context from pictures and other sources to support in making meaning (Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, 2016).

Parents and teachers must always be very positive on the issue of promoting language and literacy skills at home or in school. Making meaning is the ultimate to children’s emergent literacy development.
Educators and parents can achieve this by scaffolding children’s emergent reading comprehension (making meaning from texts) and emergent written expression (expressing ideas through texts).
Some feasible ways are through the use of symbols and labels.

Visual Literacy: Through Symbols and Labels

Symbols

Credit: Shutterstock

Children are surrounded by signs or symbols. Learning how to extract meaning is vital particularly on how to read and write.

Llyod & Bishak (1992) defined symbols as a representation of a referent. Some symbols are created to serve communication purposes while others are created to serve literacy purposes and therefore can be used as reading materials. Abbot & Lucey (2002) claimed that in the UK, most special children use symbols to support their literacy.

Some other teachers in the UK believe that signs or symbols are powerful things. Symbols not only facilitate special children but also commonly promotes literacy amongst young children. They can be used to help the children picking up words without having to teach the children the words. You just need to look around the school or the streets.

Read more
:
Teach junior to read and write

Parents and teachers in Malaysia can also do the same thing too. Symbols are all over, the symbols or signs help the children to pick up words. Without having to teach the children the words they know the road signs say ‘STOP’ or ‘NO ENTRY’ and other symbols that say ‘LEGO’, ‘My Little Pony’ and that say ‘M&M’.

To illustrate,
when a circle with a red line through it accompanied by the images of a person dropping litter is posted in the hallways, what message is being sent? This symbol is a great way to encourage children to tell them that it is forbidden to throw garbage, we cannot throw garbage or no debris. This symbol also conveys a message to the children that they need to play their part to keep the property clean.

During the pandemic, there is a need to adhere to precautions, for instance, practising social distancing. In order to convey this message, a poster portraying a symbol is pasted almost everywhere. The images of two persons with an arrow in the middle of them communicate a message that there is a need for social distancing to help limit opportunities to come in contact with infected people outside the home.

When young children see these symbols, they will be able to get the messages without having them to be taught the printed words. Symbols can support the development and building of vocabulary. Symbols can also be a transition tool to be used towards printed texts.

Labels

Credit: Shutterstock

Labels are useful in promoting children’s language and literacy skills. Teaching literacy happens in how you set up the room or wall. Create a print-rich environment!

In the school context, labelling is used in many developments of nursery classrooms or perhaps in the lower primary classrooms to support non-readers connect the orthography and the meaning of the printed word by placing a label to the actual object. Labelling the classroom is a wonderful way to bring print awareness into a child’s life.

Labels are presented in a form of a piece of writing which described children’s work on displays in the classroom. When teachers put up displays in the classroom to display children’s work, we always have a piece of writing beside it. Sometimes teachers will write that out when the children are in class. For instance, the teacher may want to ask “what are we going to write beside our picture?” or “what will we write to tell people to come to look at our picture?”

Credit: Shutterstock

Some teachers put on labels on the sink or hand soap with the children. A child automatically knows how to “read” the word since it is attached to a known object. This process increases a young child’s confidence and makes print come alive in an incredibly authentic way.

Encouragement must be given to the children to write a label for their picture before putting up their picture on the classroom wall. However, handwritten labels are recommended. The children could copy the teacher’s handwriting. While the teacher is writing the label, the children could see the teacher writing it. The teacher and the children could initially decide what to write too. Then, the teacher may continue encouraging the children to copy the label and they put it up together.

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In the family context, mums and dads can help your child to choose items in the grocery store by letting your child read the labels on the containers. For examples, “Find full-fat milk” or “Find apple juice”. Labels also contain a list of ingredients. Say something like “This has too much sugar. Let’s find the one with less sugar in it”. Let him/her try it and let them
read once you are at the store.
 You may be surprised.

Other than that, parents can also place a visual daily schedule at your child’s eye level. You child would be able to read, or to play the piano, or to play outdoor by looking at the schedule which activity is coming next.

Also, parents can put on labels in your child’s space like the bedroom or playroom. This is such an authentic way to practice letter sounds and handwriting. Say something like “
Oh, Rida.  Look at this word.  It has a
d
 at the beginning of the word.  The
d
 makes the /d/ sound.  I wonder which room of the house we’ll put this word in?” Your child may then suggest you put up the word that begins with
d
at her doll or at the door.

Literacy skills (i.e. reading and writing) can easily be embedded in daily routines as children see labels and symbols around them and practice literacy activities (reading or writing) for a purpose based on parent, teacher and peer models. Promoting the development of emergent language and literacy by implementing purposeful strategies that encourage reading and writing in the classroom and at home can be valuable. Parents who provide young children with a diverse array of early reading and writing experiences lay the foundation for nursery readiness.

This article is written by Dr. Rahimah Saimin

About the Author:

Dr. Rahimah Saimin is a Senior Lecturer at Faculty of Major Language Studies (FPBU), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). She completed her PhD in Education from the University of Dundee, Scotland and presented her research and works in SERA (Scottish Educational Research Association) and BERA (British Educational Research Association).

During her stay in Scotland, Dr Rahimah worked closely with nursery and primary school children as a researcher, as a parent, and as a volunteer. She also actively participated in playgroups and bilingual group activities at nursery schools and community centers while she was there. Upon her return to Malaysia, she aims to continue exploring her real passion further.

Dr. Rahimah is also a writer of a local newspaper and an article contributor to national parenting magazines. She’s a mother and has three amazing kids aged 15, 12 and 7 years old.

Peringatan: Anda tidak dibenarkan menyiar artikel ini di mana-mana laman web atau status Facebook yang lain, tanpa pemberian kredit dan pautan yang tepat lagi berfungsi pada artikel asal di laman
theAsianparent Malaysia

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How Babies Benefit From Sensory Experiences

Discovering The World Through Senses

Babies love to explore; eager to be a part of the world. Between the ages of 0-3, their brain is developing at an exponential rate as they learn to receive and respond to sensory stimuli. Research suggests that babies are more likely to recognise familiar sounds; from their mother’s voice to perhaps their father’s favourite music and they prefer to hear them again after birth. The same is true of sights, smells, tastes and textures
(1)
.

Infants use their senses to familiarise themselves with the environment in which s/he lives, and, above all, to achieve comfort. In other words, they’re constantly learning from every bonding experience and stimulus that the parents expose them to from birth. Apart from unintentional series of exposures, playing helps stimulate all these senses. Babies who are constantly stimulated are likely to reach developmental milestones faster
(2)
.

Screen Time And Sensory Play Activities

There are many reasons why WHO went to issue its first ever guidelines on screen time. One of which is when a child spends so much time sitting in front of a screen, s/he is being deprived of the essential sensory experiences in which his/her brain really needs
(3)
. Apart from sensory overload, uncontrolled screen time over an extended period of time can affect one’s ability to concentrate.

Sensory play encourages scientific processes; play activities stimulate their senses and help them learn and develop, creatively, socially, emotionally, cognitively, linguistically and physically
(4)
. Stimulation is crucial and parents must strive to provide continuous appropriate stimulation.

“Developmental delay is common in children deprived of normal sensory stimulation – for example, in premature neonates and some institutionalized children. Touch has emerged as an important modality for the facilitation of growth and development; positive effects of supplemental mechanosensory stimulation have been demonstrated in a wide range of organisms, from worm larvae to rat pups to human infants
.” – The Importance Of Touch In Development by Evan L Ardiel, MSc & Catharine H Rankin, PhD.

Furthermore, sensory play activities are not only fun, but they also encourage kids to investigate and ask questions. There is much more going on than meets the eye. Sensory play is any activities that stimulate a baby’s senses of touch, smell, taste, sight and hearing. Babies are continuously exploring these 5 senses as they try to make sense of the world they were brought into and sensory play helps heighten their senses and enrich their learning. Here are some of the key benefits of sensory play.

It encourages the development of fine and gross motor skills

It facilitates language development.

It helps helps strengthen their brain development for learning.

It helps children interact and work well with others.

It helps children develop a better sense of space around them.

Promoting Sensory Development

The following are activities you can try with your baby to promote their sensory development. For a more comprehensive list of sensory activities, you may visit this page; click
HERE
.

1) 0-3 months

Play with your baby, tickle them, make them giggle to help enhance their sense of touch.

Sing songs to help enhance their listening skills.

Hang colourful toys above their crib to help provide visual stimulation.

2) 4-6 Months

Encourage your baby to touch fabric with different textures.

Lift your baby, move her up and down to help her develop their sense of movement and balance.

Get soft, colourful fluffy toy balls, teach her how to roll, drop, and bounce them.

3) 10-12 Months

Play peek-a-boo with your baby.

Encourage your baby to crawl.

Begin introducing new textures through food, toys, clothes and so on to your baby

Conclusion

Babies learn by using multiple senses simultaneously. What parents can do is, allocate an area in one’s home that’s quiet; filled with all sort of sensory materials of varying shapes and colours. Play dough is a must. Sensory materials like play dough and sand provide hands-on, active learning experiences for babies. Any material that’s able to stimulate their senses is considered a sensory material. Any activity that engages their senses is considered a sensory activity. Bear in mind that, babies who have no access to sensory materials and activities, are likely not to have their sensory development optimally facilitated.

References

(1) Babies and Their Senses By Lois Barclay Murphy, Ph.D., with Rachel Moon, M.D., Washington, D.C. Edited from the Zero to Three Journal

(2) The Importance Of Touch In Development By Evan L Ardiel, MSc and Catharine H Rankin, PhD

(3) Guidelines On Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour And Sleep For Children Under 5 Years Of Age By World Health Organization

(4) Cognitive Development And Sensory Play By Michigan State University Extension

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123.

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One mum’s journey to find a solution to her child’s eczema

This is one good eczema cure stories for all mommies out there. Clara* was a new mum to Maria*, a three-month old baby, when she started noticing redness in her girl’s cheeks, neck, and in the folds of her skin, around the elbows and knees. She had read about cradle cap in babies, so she didn’t think anything of it. She also thought that her child’s chubbiness had something to do with the redness, since the folds in her skin was natural due to her weight.

It was only when her baby started to whimper during bath time and water would hit the redness that Clara started to wonder if there was anything more to it than she thought, if it was actually itchy skin, or skin rashes that itch.

Clara had sleepless nights observing her child and how she would wiggle and move around, seemingly trying to self-soothe. She was filled with anxiety so she sought a doctor’s help.

Eczema Cure Stories

En route to a paediatric dermatologist, Clara started researching online on what it could be. Eczema cure stories, or atopic dermatitis problems, were some of the results that came up. And these best depicted the symptoms of Clara’s baby.

Sure enough, when the doctor checked Maria,
the baby indeed had a severe case of eczema
. The folds in her body kept the sweat trapped inside her skin, making the redness and itchiness worse — the doctor likened it to the feeling of having second-degree burns. It was, of course, a shock to Clara to hear about what her baby was going through.

“The doctor said that Maria was so brave, considering that she was so young to go through such an ordeal,” Clara says, “After that, we were prescribed eczema cream, eczema lotion and specific sensitive skin products for bath time, one that we still follow up to now that she’s almost six years old. Even if she has bouts of eczema every so often, the regime has greatly helped keep it at bay, and it never got as bad as it was before.”

Eczema Can Happen to Anyone

Before anything, mum, it’s not your fault. Put the blame aside because eczema can happen to anyone, and is a common condition in young children.

One out of five children below the age of five in Malaysia suffer from atopic eczema. According to Dr. Rachael Teo, a dermatologist and consultant at The Dermatology Practice @ Gleneagles, atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema in children.

“The hallmark of eczema is itchy, scaly, red patches on skin. This usually starts in childhood before age two,” she says, “but the distribution of the rash tends to change as the child gets older. In infancy, you’ll find eczema on face or neck, in later childhood or adulthood, it will be in the skinfold areas like the neck, back of knees or elbows, but any part of the skin can be involved.”

Why Does Eczema Happen?

Dr. Teo states that eczema happens due to a “disrupted skin barrier due to mutations in the FLG gene, which encodes a key protein in the skin called filaggrin.”

This protein is crucial in healthy skin. When Filaggrin is lacking in the body, bacteria and allergens get inside the skin easier, and leads to the redness.

“So the key factor in effective management of eczema will be restoration of the normal skin barrier function,” Dr. Teo adds, “Moisturization is the cornerstone of eczema treatment, and has been shown in clinical studies to reduce the need for topical steroid in eczema.”

Relieve Eczema with Daily Hygiene Habits

It can be heartbreaking to see your child suffering from the discomfort and itching eczema causes. But there are things you can do to provide relief. You have the power to help your child.

While eczema is often something that will be with your child up to adulthood, it’s in the small habits that you do on a daily basis that will help relieve your child’s eczema.

Figuring out and avoiding your child’s triggers, like changes in weather, dust, or allergens, can help. The products that your child uses also help.

Dr. Teo suggests, “Non-soap based cleansers that are neutral or low pH, free of fragrances, and hypoallergenic are the best. An ideal cleanser or moisturizer should be free of additives, fragrances, and other potentially sensitizing agents. Moisturizers containing ceramides and filaggrin are also effective, and lessen the signs and symptoms of inflammation on the skin.”

Cetaphil Restoraderm, with Filaggrin Technology

With Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Wash and Skin Restoring Body Lotion, moms and dads won’t need to worry if the product that they’re using on their child is safe or not. You can put your trust in Cetaphil Restoraderm because it is a brand recommended by dermatologists.

The Cetaphil Restoraderm line is the only clinically proven two-step skincare range that contains Filaggrin technology™. This locks in and retains the moisture in the skin to relieve itchiness. And it helps restore the Natural Moisturizing Factor in your child’s skin.

Cetaphil Restoraderm is also paraben-free, steroid-free, and hypoallergenic — making it safe for babies as young as three months old. With frequent use, it will help rebuild and strengthen your child’s skin barrier.

Finding a way to relieve your child’s eczema will not only help your child greatly, but your family as well. Cetaphil Restoraderm is available in leading drugstores nationwide. For more information about Cetaphil and where to find products near you, log on to
https://cetaphil.com.my/en/restoraderm/
.

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Understanding Down Syndrome: What Causes It and Can We Check During Pregnancy?

What is Down syndrome?

Each cell in our body has 46 chromosomes, which are arranged in 23 pairs. One chromosome from each pair is inherited from our father and another from our mother. Chromosomes contain genetic materials that control our body functions.

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans. Down syndrome occurs when there are three copies of Chromosome 21, instead of the normal two. It is not inherited from one generation to another generation (except in rare conditions a mother is a carrier of abnormal Chromosome 21).

What causes Down syndrome?

Down syndrome generally occurs in about 1 in 700 pregnancies. The incidence is higher in mothers who conceived beyond 35 years of age. The chance of having a child with Down syndrome is 1 in 350 at 35 years old and 1 in 100 if the mother conceived at 40 years old.

What are the features of Down syndrome?

A person with Down syndrome has a distinctive physical appearance; small and low set ears, up slanting eyes, prominent eyelid folds, thickening of the skin on the back of the neck, bigger than normal space between the big toe and second toe (sandal gap), short fingers with a little finger that curve inwards and protruding tongue.

They have some degree of learning disabilities and growth delay.  The severity may vary from person to person. The average intellectual quotient (IQ) of an adult with Down syndrome is about 50. Delayed speech and motor development (floppy muscle) are also seen frequently.

Up to 30 per cent of children with Down syndrome have heart defects requiring heart surgery. They are also at risk of developing eye problems, ear and lung infections, dental caries, leukaemia, thyroid diseases and bowel problems.

How can we check for Down syndrome in pregnancy?

It can be detected during pregnancy or after delivery.

There are few screening tests that can be performed during pregnancy. Ultrasound scans at 13 weeks of pregnancy to examine the presence of nose bone and thickness of the fluid at the back of the fetal neck (Nuchal Translucency) have a 70 per cent detection rate.

Checking the mother’s blood for fetal DNA (Noninvasive Prenatal Testing, NIPT) is 99 per cent accurate in screening for Down syndrome.

Detailed ultrasound scans in the second trimester can also identify some of the features of the syndrome.

Diagnostics are confirmatory tests and have a detection rate of 99.9%.

Two commonly performed diagnostic tests are Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and Amniocentesis. CVS involves a biopsy of placenta tissue. Amniocentesis, on the other hand, involves taking samples of amniotic fluid for Chromosomal study. Both tests carry about a 1 per cent risk of miscarriage.

Long term care

There is no cure for Down syndrome. Some children with Down syndrome have low thyroid hormones requiring thyroid medications. They may also have feeding problems and poor muscle tone that make them unable to hold their head up and sit and therefore require physiotherapy and extra assistance care.

Special education and proper supportive care have been shown to improve the quality of life in these children. Their average life expectancy is around 50 to 60 years.

The Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation has various branches around the country to provide interventional programs for children with Down syndrome. Patients who have a child with Down syndrome have a slightly increased risk of having another child with Down syndrome in their future pregnancies.

Do seek your Obstetrician for further counselling regarding available options.

This article is written by
Dr Lim Wan Teng,
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist
MBBS (IMU), MObGyn (UM), Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine (Malaysia/Hong Kong) of
Pantai Hospital Cheras.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia
 website

Read more:

 Home Remedies for Flu: 5 Foods That Will Boost Your Child’s Immunity

Read more:
The Importance Of Folic Acid During Pregnancy & Why You SHOULD Take It

Read more:
Identifying Children With High IQ: An Age-By-Age Guide For Parents

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The extraordinary greatness of resilient children: Here’s why – and how – you should make nurturing a resilient child your parenting focus

In a recent survey by theAsianparent (tAp), 90% of mums agreed it was crucial to raise resilient children. In an ever evolving world, our children will face new opportunities as well as challenges. To ensure a bright future, children must be raised to be independent problem-solvers, determined to resolve tough situations by themselves through resourcefulness and determination. Therefore, our children must embody the Five Pillars Of Resilience – Perseverance, Daringness, Resourcefulness, Self-Reliance, and Adaptability.

Merely being smart is no longer sufficient to guarantee your children’s place in the world. Instead, you’ll learn how resilience will be the most important key to your child’s future success, and how it will continuously offer benefits throughout their whole lives.

What mums want: Lessons from the TAP-Aptagro survey

The world is changing and today’s children will grow up to face new challenges that we have never experienced before. It’s becoming increasingly clear to be successful is to prepare them for anything – by giving them the gift of resilience.

In a survey conducted by tAp and AptaGro, 90% of mothers want their children to be resilient; who do not give up easily when faced with difficulties. And 87% found it vital to expose their children to experiences that built perseverance.

What is resilience?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from any challenges. However, there are many other supporting traits that can help build resilience in children. Here are the 5 pillars of resilience and how to achieve them.

1. Self-Reliance

This quality is defined as making one’s own decisions independently, yet being connected to family and friends. For instance, when setting off on a nature walk, why not allow your children to decide which trail to take? When queried about parenting styles, 70% of mums thought it was beneficial to have their children participate in activities on their own decision.

2. Adaptability

Described here as the ability to respond quickly and thrive in challenging environments or when something changes suddenly. This characteristic may be learned from arranging playdates for your children. Learning to play satisfactorily with one or several other children means learning to adapt to the games or “play” style of others. This will teach your children to take into account the reactions of their friends and adapt one’s own choices so that everyone involved enjoys a rewarding playdate. 71% of mums said it is important to teach their children to adapt to new environments quickly.

3. Resourcefulness

Explained as the ability to find quick and clever solutions to thrive in challenging environments. An important aspect of raising a resilient child is ensuring that they are able to solve problems. By teaching them the correct use of technology and surrounding them with multiple positive role models,  as well as encouraging both independent and collaborative activities with their peers and adults to solve difficulties, you are modelling resourcefulness and nurturing your child’s creativity and out-of-the-box thinking. 59% of mums want their children to solve problems on their own.

4. Perseverance

This is the ability to continue despite failures, turning a weakness into a strength as a result of persistence. Offer your child age-appropriate challenges to build grit, which is often more important than a high IQ. Teach your children to prioritise major goals and to accept frustration as part of the learning process.  As they learn from mistakes and improve, they have already started to build perseverance. According to AptaGro survey, 90% of mothers agreed their children must have perseverance and determination and not give up easily.

5. Daringness

This important quality is defined as the bravery and courage to try something new and experiment with the unknown. Accepting and overcoming fear is the last of the Five Pillars of Resilience. Show your children that unfamiliar situations might seem daunting but with a positive can-do attitude, each foreign environment is full of opportunities to learn and experience new things. And remember to praise your child’s efforts in trying to accomplish a difficult task instead of the final result. 69% of mums wanted to raise children that are not afraid of the unknown.

What science says about resilience

In a previous
 article
, Malaysian psychologist Dr Valerie Jaques pointed out that a child is able to meet every developmental milestone because of their five senses and intuitive survival mechanism. This natural drive to survive can be enhanced when children apply the  Five Pillars of Resilience in their everyday lives. From picking themselves up after a tumble in the playground, to handling school bullies and making new friends, children will need to be Self-Reliant, Adaptable, and Resourceful. All while Persevering despite difficulties and Daring to change their circumstances.

Dr Valerie went on to say that how your child turns out in the future depends heavily on the type of environment he or she is in. So how we shape our children from childhood is essential to determine how resilient they will be in the future.

Nutrition, immunity, and resilience

Good nutrition also plays a fundamental part in developing resilient children. When children absorb sufficient pre- and probiotic, this helps their growing bodies build immunity. With a healthy body comes a strong mind, which in turn allows them to experience the world’s challenges to build pillars of resilience. It’s no wonder the tAp survey reflected 91% of mums are searching for high quality formula milk brands that are able to support the development of their child’s immunity.

Raise them resilient: a parent’s toolbox

What can parents do to nurture resilience in their children? Here are some tips to help parents get started.
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There are plenty of practical solutions. Just read ‘
6 Tips on How to Build Resilience in Children’
 to be inspired. And if you’re unsure of where to go, here’s a list of ‘
Resilience Locations
’ filled with activities to encourage traits like Adaptability, Perseverance, Daringness, Resourcefulness, and Daringness.

When a child is resilient, parents can rest assured that their children will be ready for life’s curveballs.

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Does a Balanced Diet Affect My Child Mentally?

The early years of a child is one of the most important stages of life because it is vital for cognitive, physical and behavioural growth. As a parent, you would obviously want the best for your child, and giving them a nutritious, well-balanced diet is of utmost importance. Many parents might think that a nutritious meal is only important for their child’s physical development, but do you know that a well-balanced diet is also crucial to your child’s mental and emotional growth? Yes, that glass of milk does not only strengthen your child’s bones, but it also assists in nerve stimulations and regulates your child’s blood pressure!

Brain development can be highly affected by the quality and adequacy of your child’s diet. Even during pregnancy and early life, poor nutrition can lower IQ scores and even lead to learning disorders, according to Dr. Reynaldo Martorell, a renowned International Nutrition professor at Emory University.

Attentional issues, as well as behavioural and societal issues could also occur. Providing adequate energy, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are necessary to provide enough nutrition for brain development, while also allowing for your child’s body to grow and mature healthily.

Studies have shown that iron deficiency, even in children, can lead to a decrease in the transmission of dopamine, a naturally produced chemical which sends signals to the brain to initiate movements.

Dopamine deficiency is closely related to Attention Deficiency Hyperactivity Disorder or more commonly known as ADHD. ADHD may cause your child to be inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive. Some of the best sources of iron include tofu, red meat, and lentils (yes, that
dhal
 curry that goes with your
roti canai
!). The best way to make sure your child has enough iron in his diet is to ensure he eats according to a balanced diet.

Other than the how a well-balanced diet can affect your child’s learning behaviours, surprisingly a good diet can also affect your child’s societal behaviours. With participation in family meals, your child will start to mimic eating choices, behaviour and patterns of family members. For example, when a family member shares about his or her day it will show your child how important communication is within family members in order to form a strong family bond.

Key Factors for Meal Planning

Now that we have learnt how a balanced diet can have positive effects on your child, it is super important to consider these 3 things when planning a meal for your child:

1. Balance

A balanced diet means incorporating all the food groups (carbohydrates, greens, protein, and fat) from the Malaysian Food Pyramid into each and every single meal. Parents should make an effort to prepare meals containing more foods from the lower part of the food pyramid and less foods from the higher parts of the food pyramid.

2.
Moderation

Too much or too little can be unhealthy for you and your child, especially when it comes to food and nutrients. As parents, you might think that forcing your child to scoff down bowls of kale salad and cutting down on the carbohydrates would be a good idea, but in fact, it is not. Practicing portion planning is essentially necessary to ensure that your child eats according to the recommended serving size for each food group in the food pyramid. Parents can practice the
suku-suku-separuh
 (quarter-quarter-half) rule propagated by the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

For a properly balanced plate, one
suku
 (quarter) should consist of protein and another quarter should consist of carbohydrates such as rice, noodles or grains while the rest of the plate should be filled with vegetables and fruits.

3.
Variation

Eating a varied, well-balanced diet means eating a variety of foods from each food group daily, in recommended amounts. It is super important to choose a variety of foods within each food group because different foods provide different types and amounts of key nutrients important for your child’s growth and wellbeing, both mentally and physically. Added to that, kids get bored really easily, so preparing different variations of a meal each time will make it more interesting, so that your child would not get bored and refuse to eat.
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Finally, child nutrition is not just about keeping your child’s tummy full. It is about planning a balanced meal that is as nutritious and fun as possible for them, because in the long run, the meal you crafted determines how your child grows and develops.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123

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Hibiscus Tea: 9 Reasons You Should Be Drinking This Antioxidant Powerhouse

Hibiscus tea has been taking the health world by storm recently, but the striking crimson tea made from the calyces of the roselle flower, a type of hibiscus, is nothing new to Asians.

With hibiscus being the national flower of Malaysia, we are sharing some of the incredible benefits of this vibrant flower tea.

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

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