How to Prepare Your Child for Transition to Year 1 From Kindergarten

Do you have a 6-year-old who is currently in kindergarten? Then you probably know what’s coming soon—primary school!

The days of small classes, loads of teacher attention and patient hand-holding might soon be a thing of the past for your child. Don’t fret though, primary school is an important and exciting step towards independence and a brighter future.

Since schools are currently closed due to coronavirus, parents are getting more involved in their kids’ education, and naturally, their preparation for Year 1. Kindergartens normally play a role in prepping 6-year-olds for that next stage (with parental involvement), but now we’ll just have to do the best we can from home.

Let’s go through 4 things you can do to make your child’s transition to primary school as smooth as possible:

1. Talk About the Change That Will Happen

Call up the primary school your child will join (or is interested in joining) and arrange a visit with your child, if possible. During the visit you could show your child the school buildings, facilities and point out teachers and students.

This should give your child a clearer idea of what school will be like, so his first day in Year 1 won’t be too much of a shock.

If your school of choice isn’t open for visits, show your child photographs of the school. Try getting these images through school websites, social media, or brochures.

Sabrina Malar, a school headmistress, says it’s important that parents begin preparing children mentally by telling them how school life is different to preschool. Explain to your child that he will be in a new place, see new faces, and that there will be changes in his daily routine (including the longer school hours).

Possible separation anxiety during the transition is also something that parents should be aware of. Although it’s normal for young children to experience this when entering Year 1, your child will feel more secure if he knows what to anticipate.

2. Work on Independent Living Skills

“Since it (transitioning to Year 1) involves rapid and unanticipated change, kids will find it difficult to manage themselves in school because they have been getting help most of the time in kindergarten,” says primary school teacher, Azureen Syed.

Primary school typically involves a lot more rule-following and discipline than in kindergarten life. Kids will not only have to get accustomed to this, but will have to learn other new habits, such as going to the toilet on their own (yup, some kids in Year 1 still want to be accompanied to the toilet) and handling cash to buy things (like in the cafeteria or bookshop).

3. Check That Your Child Has Reached Basic Academic Expectations

Did you know many kids enter Year 1 not knowing how to write? Writing is a basic skill expected of students. If your child is falling behind on academic standards, he might struggle once school starts, as there is much less one-to-one assistance. This is especially true for classes with big numbers of children.

Some schools might offer remedial classes, but it’s always a good idea to be prepared with all the necessary prerequisite skills like reading, writing and counting for Year 1.

4. Teach Healthy Social and Emotional Skills

Other than academic abilities, social and emotional skills are also highly important. When facing a new environment, kids will have to build fresh relationships, communicate their needs or wants, and practice self-regulation.

Teach your children how to ask for help, give them tips on how to make friends, and go through some coping strategies (like breathing techniques or asking to take a break) for when they are afraid or frustrated.

Sabrina adds, “Teach children it’s ok to make mistakes as mistakes are our best teacher. Encourage them to keep trying. Do not focus on grades only but ensure children are understanding concepts and how to apply them in daily life.”

At the end of the day, try not to worry too much about your child’s transition, as most schools do have an orientation period for those who join Year 1. These periods can go up to a whole month

As Agnes Yeoh, a kindergarten teacher and owner says, “Just be there emotionally. We cannot replicate what a teacher does at school but we can create our own learning journey.”

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123.

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The LEGO® Group Unveils New Video Celebrating the Importance of Family & Keeping Traditions Alive

Ahead of the Chinese New Year, The LEGO® Group has unveiled a heartwarming video to celebrate and keep the cultural heritage behind the festive occasion alive, while reminding viewers the importance of spending quality time with families and loved ones.

Produced in collaboration with Malaysia TV show host and YouTube creator,
Danny Ah Boy
,
 the
video
 titled “Abundant Joy” spotlights some of the traditions behind the Chinese New Year celebrations that have been passed on from generation to generation.

Through the eyes of the protagonist, Danny, on a visit back home for the festivities, the video takes viewers through a nostalgic journey as he reflects on his father’s quest to continue the legacy of Chinese culture through his calligraphy work, as well as the importance of family ties despite the physical distance.

The video also sees Danny and his family giving the gift of play during Chinese New Year as they build the new 80108 LEGO® Lunar New Year Traditions set together while learning about the customs and practices.

Rohan Mathur, Marketing Director of LEGO Southeast Asia, said, “As families near and far celebrate the festive season, we hope that this video will inspire people to relook at the heritage practices that bind us together, give the gift of play to each other, and rise to new heights in this new chapter in their lives.”

The video was introduced as part of The LEGO® Group’s Chinese New Year campaign, which also features the launch of two new Chinese Traditional Festival LEGO® sets,
80108 LEGO® Lunar New Year Traditions
 and
80109 LEGO® Lunar New Year Ice Festival
, as well as the
31129 LEGO® Majestic Tiger
.

80108 LEGO® Lunar New Year Traditions (RM 299.90)
celebrates six different activities of the festive occasion with six brick-built scenes packed with authentic details. These include Spring Festival Shopping, making auspicious decorations, visiting family and exchanging red packets. Each module corresponds to a set of Chinese New Year pictures to help children learn Chinese customs through play.

80109 LEGO® Lunar New Year Ice Festival (RM 449.90)
shows the joyful scene of a Spring Festival Ice Skating Park where children celebrate the Chinese New Year with various winter activities in a beautiful ice and snow scene, such as skating on the lake, playing hockey, sledding with penguins and taking photos in a pavilion. As an added surprise, a tiger minifigure is also included in the set to mark the Year of the Tiger in 2022.

To celebrate the Year of the Tiger, the 3-in-1
31129 LEGO® Majestic Tiger (RM 219.90)
offers versatile play experiences for families. It can be rebuilt into a cute red panda that sleeps in trees and munches on bamboo, a koi fish swimming through lakes, or can be left up to one’s imagination to create a new animal. Family members can enjoy building together, making for a fun, intergenerational role-playing activity during house visits.

Families can also tune in to a special Chinese New Year edition of
LEGO® Playdate
, a YouTube Live series that aims to bring fun and joy with quality content that ignites imagination and creativity. Learn how to create new year accessories to complete the outfit with LEGO® DOTS, enjoy multiple product giveaways, and participate in contests.

Watch the latest video by The LEGO Group for the Chinese New Year on
The LEGO Group YouTube Channel
,
Danny Ah Boy’s YouTube channel

and
The LEGO Group Facebook page
. For more information, please visit the
LEGO Malaysia website
 and
LEGO Malaysia Facebook page
.

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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Ketogenic Diet — Here’s What This Obesity Trainer Really Thinks About It

The Ketogenic or Keto diet has become quite a trend recently and is popular for weight (specifically fat) loss. But, what does actually entail and should you be on it?

Keto stands for ketogenic and describes the process when ketones (type of chemical) are produced from stored fat when no other form of energy is available in your body. In order to achieve this state, you have to deprive your body of glucose (sugar) and eat just enough protein to maintain lean mass, as protein can also be converted to glucose. To put it simply, this is a low-carb diet with a little protein and high amounts of fat.

By depriving your body of glucose by abstaining from all carbs including fruit and vegetables, it first uses what is stored in the liver, then the muscles to break down amino acids to produce glucose. After a few days, the body begins using fat as fuel, which shifts to the liver where ketones are produced as an alternate source of energy. This diet has been prescribed for certain medical conditions like diabetes and to help reduce epileptic seizures. But does this mean it’s safe for you?

The obvious benefits are that it does lead to weight loss and improves issues related to being overweight as you feel fuller and less hungry; but there are challenges involved. As with all restricted diets, it’s difficult to maintain. To achieve ketosis, carbs are very restricted and this is difficult for many of us, and leads to side-effects like moodiness and brain fog.

Depending on what you eat, digestive issues like constipation can arise due to having less fibre. If you go on this diet long term, nutrient deficiencies can also be a problem; and ‘bad’ cholesterol due to consuming more saturated animals fats will increase.

Quite a few organs are involved in the process and have work hard to shift to this alternate energy source. Our body can use this as a last resort backup for a short period of time to survive, not as a main energy supply. This means that our liver and kidneys could suffer over time.

There have been limited studies conducted, but it’s highly recommended to consult a dietitian / nutritionist before starting to get advice on how to ensure you get the necessary nutrients, whether it’s safe for your specific health requirements and for how long you should practise it.

Reference
:
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https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/ketogenic-diet/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-try-the-keto-diet

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

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Water births – what you need to know about planning one

Are you planning for a water birth?

If you have decided that a water birth sounds like the right thing for you, read on for more information about what goes into planning for a water birth.

The first step is to discuss the option of giving birth in water with your doula or doctor, and decide whether you want to have a water birth in hospital or in the comfort of your own home.

Selected hospitals may have birthing rooms with tubs and even inflatable birth pools you can use. However some expecting mummies prefer to birthing in the familiar surroundings of home.

Steps in planning a water birth

Here’s a checklist of things to consider if you are planning for a water birth.

Once you have established if you are having a waterbirth in a hospital or at home, you need to ensure that you have all the equipments needed. For waterbirths at home, you need to ensure that the floor of your house can actually support the width of what will be a decent size paddling pool. What is to become the birthing room should also be spacious enough to allow free movement for the midwife and all her equipment.

The tub should be deep enough to sit comfortably with the water level reaching your armpits. Do a test run beforehand to find out how long it takes to fill up the pool with water and also to get everything set up for the birth. Make sure all the pool accessories like the pump, filters and heater is working properly. Also make sure that you can get in and out of the tub with ease.

An often overlooked step in planning a water birth is experimenting with different labour positions. Try sitting, kneeling and lying down, and feel what is most comfortable to you.

Decide on your obstetrician, a registered midwife and your doula. If you are giving birth outside the hospital, it is essential to have an experienced physician and registered midwife to deliver the baby and monitor you closely, just in case of complications. A doula is responsible for taking great care of the mummy.

Once you have everything planned and ready, don’t forget about a few essential items that will see you through your water birth.

Items you will need for a water birth

Find out what you’ll need to prepare to welcome your bundle of joy into the world.

Even if the birth tub is an essential part of the process, it is not the only item that you’ll need to get. When you are planning a water birth, you need to have all your bases covered to ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible. Some of the additional items you may need include:
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A couple of clean old towels

A clean bucket to place the placenta

Bin liners – The tub is actually lined before it is filled with water

A fishing net to filter and remove debris

A thermometer to check the water temperature. Your midwife will have to monitor this.

A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine

Maternity pads

A warm robe for when you get out of the tub

Adapters to fit your taps

Light snack and drinks which will keep your glucose and energy levels up as you prepare for birth

A birth ball is optional, but will be a useful distraction between contractions.

All the essentials your baby will need once he greets the world. Think clothing, pre-warmed towels, a diaper and immediate access to a clean washing up bowl.

Your midwife should also have and underwater Doppler to monitor your baby’s heartbeat.

Do note that this list is just a guide, and is not a comprehensive list of things you need for a water birth. It is absolutely essential to discuss your ideas with your Doula. When it comes to planning a water birth, they offer invaluable advice and pointers and will ensure that you receive the one-on-one care you’ll need. A woman in labour cannot be left unattended even if there are no complications. Planning ahead can only go towards ensuring a better birthing experience for you.

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7-year-old girl 'gang-raped' on Roblox highlights need for increased parental scrutiny

A US mum has taken to Facebook demanding answers after her child’s avatar was gang raped on popular online game creation platform, Roblox.

According to mum Amber Petersen, her seven-year-old daughter was playing the game on her tablet at home. She explained that they decided to allow their daughter to play the game
after adjusting the settings to maximum security.

Roblox
 has security settings that allow parents to block outside conversations and invitations. There are also 24-hour moderators who block any potentially inappropriate content, so they thought it would be alright.

If you are new to the game, Roblox is not just a shoot-everything-in-sight kind of game. There are actually many different segments and genres within the popular online game.

Amber’s daughter was playing an age-appropriate game apparently designed especially for children. Nothing prepared Amber for what she was about to see when her daughter came over to ask her what was happening on the screen.

Gang Raped on Roblox

Screenshots from
Amber Peterson

Traumatised and feeling violated on so many levels, the mum shared screenshots, which showed two male avatars attacking her daughter’s female character – one from behind and one under her.

Screenshots from
Amber Peterson

Imagine the mum’s horror seeing her innocent seven-year-old daughter getting virtually gang raped on Roblox while another avatar watched. For all we know, it could have been another child!

Think for a second about the side effects of introducing sex to a child at that age. The mental trauma?

The screenshots she shared in
Facebook
, clearly showed a representation of the male genitalia, but we’re blurring it here to save parents from disgust.

And just as quickly, the two perpetrators left the game after it was over.

Screenshots from
Amber Peterson

Extremely upset, Amber posted this message on Facebook: “Parents/Caregivers… not only do I urge you to delete this app. I hope you will take another
look at all of your devices and their security settings
.”

How Can They Allow a Child to be Gang Raped on Roblox?

Despite countless occasions
of sexual abuse involving children
 on Roblox, we’re shocked to find that it is still around!

When asked about the incident, a spokesperson said that they have banned the players who have violated its community policies and rules of conduct. They also emphasised that they have zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour and are working to ensure a safe platform for all users.

However, with 64 million players per month, suffice to say, Roblox is here to stay. So it is up to us parents to make a stand and stop our children from playing this game.

Yes, it is addictive. Yes, you can build anything on Roblox. Children can create their own games and also join in games created by others. There’s even role-playing, dressing up and meeting other people in virtual space. We can see why Roblox is so popular among children.

However, if despite maximum security settings, a child can still be gang raped in Roblox in a child-appropriate game, then I’m sorry: It is not safe.

Source:
BBC

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Experience the Best of Malaysian Ramadan Cuisine: Marriott Bonvoy Chefs Unveil Their Signature Dishes

As Ramadan approaches, Malaysians are eagerly preparing to celebrate with loved ones by sharing delicious food. In order to help whet your appetite and ensure you can savour the best dishes of the upcoming festive season, we’ve convinced the top chefs at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels & Resorts in Malaysia to share their signature dishes!

Klang Valley’s Finest Ramadan Delights

Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur

Chef Budiman shares his favourite Ramadan picks

With 150 traditional and modern dishes to try at Latest Recipe @ Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur’s Ramadan buffet, it’s a challenge to sample everything – but these are Chef Budiman’s top picks you simply can’t afford to miss!

Beef marinated with Asian spices and slowly braised in a tandoori oven for nine hours, the
Signature Daging Tempayan
 is absolutely a must-try dish. Served with traditional Biskut Lutut and a wide variety of freshly baked bread, it’s a show-stopper of a meal!

Another dish to order is the
Racikan Ayam
, which is cooked in a sous vide machine at 63 degrees Celsius, and topped with chicken and free range eggs. It’s also created using the same sauce as the Daging Tempayan, and it makes for a great meal to dip your bread into and devour.

(from left) Signature Daging Tempayan, Racikan Ayam, Mee Lob Dang Tam, Laksa Lemak Kuning Ikan Tongkol

Seafood lovers can’t miss the
Mee Lob Dang Tam
, a fusion-style noodle dish with lobster, prawns, and crab, served hot with prawn bisque and garnished with dried chilli paste, hard-boiled eggs, lime powder, and curry powder.

If that’s not enough, the
Laksa Lemak Kuning Ikan Tongkol
 – a traditional dish made with local tuna – is the chef’s personal favourite, made just like
nenek
 (grandmother) makes it! This favourite is served with yellow curry fish broth and tuna flakes, pounded with chilli paste and local green herbs, paired with your choice of noodles.

Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel

(From left) Ayam Masak Lemak Rebung Tok Mizi, Sup Merah Temasik Bengkulu, and Gulai Daging dan Nangka Ala Canggung

Experience the best of Malay cuisine during Ramadan at Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel with two thematic buffets – Sajian Warisan at Feast, and Iftar Nusantara at the Grand Ballroom.

Enjoy a diverse selection of traditional flavours curated by Sous Chef Firdaus, featuring his heirloom recipes, such as
Sup Merah Temasik Bengkulu
 – a spicy and tangy soup made with bone marrow, oxtail, beef lung, beef tongue, beef tendon, and mutton, and
Ayam Masak Lemak Rebung Tok Mizi
, a family favourite of Chef Firdaus made with chicken, coconut milk, turmeric, chilies, and bamboo shoots.

Be sure to also get a taste of the savoury Malay curry of
Gulai Daging dan Nangka Ala Canggung
, made with tender beef cubes and jackfruit, inspired by Chef Firdaus’ traditional Malaysian heritage.

Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

Sous Chef Meor with his signature dish Ketam Bunga Masak Lemak Nenas Cili Api

Seafood lovers should run, not walk, to Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown and savour the signature
Ketam Bunga Masak Lemak Nenas Cili Api
 dish by Sous Chef Meor Muhammad Syahir Meor Sahaid.

This dish is a reflection of Chef Meor’s childhood and Minang heritage, tapping into his love for spicy food and seafood. Growing up without the luxury of eating seafood often, he aims to cook with the freshest seafood to create hearty and flavourful dishes that ensure the ingredients shine through with every bite.

His signature crab dish features high-quality Josapine pineapples cooked using traditional Nyonya techniques and inspired by Chinatown, creating a rich and flavourful dish that tells a wonderful culinary story.

Flavours of East Malaysia

Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu

Lemongrass and Honey Roasted Mutton

This Ramadan, check out Executive Chef Abraham bin Lingkorn, assisted by Sous Chef Kelvin Kilin and Sous Chef Gari Gidioen, for an epic buffet spread that reflects their combined experience, with a unique fusion of Eastern and Western Malaysian cuisines.

(from left) Northern Style Herbs and Spices Meat Bone Soup and Prawn Curry

Highlights include a unique
Lemongrass and Honey Roasted Mutton
, a creative approach to the traditional Kambing Golek. Other signatures include their
Northern Style Herbs and Spices Meat Bone Soup,
 which is a take on the Minang delicacy;
Spicy-Sour Oxtail with Torch Ginger
;
Prawn Curry
cooked with bird’s eye chilli and coconut milk;
Clay-Pot Grilled Chicken
;
Three-Flavoured Fish
; and
Beef Cooked with Bambangan (Wild Mangoes),
 which is a dish unique to East Malaysia.
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Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Junior Sous Chef Wilson introduces his Borneon spin on Roti Canai named, Eyes of Borneo

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel is offering a ‘Taste of Borneo’ dinner buffet, where Junior Sous Chef Wilson brings hometown flavours to traditional dishes. Try his version of the timeless Malaysian classic Roti Canai with a Borneon twist – the aptly named
Eyes of Borneo
 – that features a runny yolk to add depth and flavour to the iconic dish.

Diners can also check out 10 stalls and live cooking displays while being served a gastronomic spread of home cooked, traditional specialties amidst a panoramic backdrop of the South China Sea.

Fairfield by Marriott Bintulu Paragon

Head Chef Justin and Sous Chef Muna will delight taste buds with their Ramadan spread

Delight in a myriad of local Malay and Sarawakian cuisine at KAVA this Ramadan, prepared by Head Chef Justin and Sous Chef Muna. Don’t miss their Signature Grilled Fish with Sambal and Stink Bean (
Ikan Bakar Sambal Petai),
 where the fish is marinated with a sweet, sour and spicy sauce and wrapped in banana leaves before it is grilled, creating a moist and flavourful dish with the distinct herby and smoky aroma.

(from left) Ikan Bakar Sambal Petai, Te’ong Udang Ikan, and Kuih Takir Berlemak

Another must-try is the traditional native dish of the Melanau people in Sarawak –
Te’ong Udang Ikan
 – also known as Suman Lemantak. The dish consists of prawns and fish cooked with grated coconut, spices and sago flour before it is wrapped with the
daun nipah
 (palas leaf) and grilled on hot charcoal. This popular dish is prepared during special occasions in Sarawak, so make sure to try this limited-time signature dish this Ramadan!

Top off your
iftar
 with Sarawak’s traditional
Kuih Takir Berlemak,
 which is made of
gula apong
 (palm sugar), rice flour and coconut milk. This concoction is poured into small bowls made from banana leaves, which are then steamed to create a soft, creamy and sweet dessert.

Desaru Coast Delights

The Westin Desaru

Executive Chef Jaffery with the incredible spread featuring local favourites and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine

Embark on a mouth-watering food journey and indulge in nostalgic local favourites and Mediterranean-inspired dishes at The Westin Desaru’s Seasonal Tastes Restaurant. The buffet features Middle Eastern delights, including
hot and cold
meze
 (appetisers) and main courses such as
Lamb Moussaka
 and
Chicken Shish Tawook
. Make sure to also try the freshly carved
Marinated Harissa Whole Lamb
 at the outdoor carvery stall!

Malaysian options are also abundant, with popular Malaysian favourites like
Lemang
,
Satay, Daging Rendang Minang
,
Ayam Masak Ponteh
,
Laksa Johor
 and more! And not forgetting the dessert spread that offers a wide variety of sweet treats, including
Baklavas
 and
Turkish Ice Cream
.

Four Points by Sheraton Desaru

Chef Yati Zainol (right) and Sous Chef Zulkifli Sulong pictured with delicious Ramadan favourites

In collaboration with celebrity chef Yati Zainol (
@yatiekitchen
), The Mesh Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton Desaru offers a delectable spread of traditional local favourites this Ramadan. Savour Chef Yati’s signature dishes featuring
Sambal Tempoyak with Ikan Goreng Garing
,
Varuval Chicken
,
Daging Dendeng
, and
Pais Tempoyak Cili Padi Ikan Siakap Bakar
.

Diners will also be able to meet Chef Yati in person and catch her live cooking session on 1 and 8 April 2023. Inquire more to find out about early bird discounts, card promotions and group discounts.

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Mum confesses: "I was attracted to another man"

When it comes to matters of the heart, it’s not always as clear as black and white. A lot of what happens remains in the elusive grey area. Here is one such story of a mum.

Until today, I don’t know if what I did was right. It doesn’t seem explicitly wrong, but it seems to have crossed the line of what’s acceptable.

Ben is my colleague, I’ve known him from the day I first started work. I was already married to Kevin then.

About three years into my job, I started getting close to Ben. I cannot for the life of me remember how and when it started.
What started as breakfast eventually led to us having breakfast, lunch and random coffee sessions between our otherwise busy days.

We talked. A lot. We talked about everything under the sun. Politics, feminism, economics, sex, sports, you name it. I was fascinated by Ben’s intellect. He seemed so knowledgeable.

I loved how Ben challenged my opinions and ignited the spark of knowledge in me. I never realised how 15-minute-breakfast breaks became hour-long sessions. I never realised how even when Ben and I were surrounded by other colleagues, we were lost in our own world of conversation.

Somewhere along the way, the conversations became more personal. Ben told me many things about himself. Over time, I knew everything about Ben – his food preferences, his special way of holding a fork and so on. And Ben knew all my little idiosyncrasies.

I never realised when we started completing each other’s sentences. I never realised when I started knowing what Ben was doing at any time of the day. I never realised when we progressed from communicating in the office to sending each other messages over Whatsapp.

I never realised when Ben’s messages were the last thing I saw before I fell asleep and the first thing I saw when I woke up.

Kevin? He was there. We had a daughter who was mostly taken care of by his parents. We lived together albeit in our own worlds.

We did fight every now and then but I wouldn’t exactly describe our marriage as turbulent. He spent most of his time watching tv or using his handphone. I spent most of my time trying to get him to spend time with me.

Probably the only thing that was still going strong was our sex life. Sometimes I felt like we were housemates, or friends with benefits. I felt as if we were merely using each other to fulfil our needs.

Our conversations, were never deep and exciting. It was a lot of him talking about himself, his job and his accomplishments. It was a lot of him telling me that there was a pile of laundry that I had yet to fold.

Not that I was losing it for him though. I loved him, more than anything in the world. But it takes two to tango and while I had no doubts that he loved me, he made close to no effort to showing me his love.

And there was Ben. Ben would notice when I was wearing a new dress, when I did my eyebrows, when I trimmed my hair – none of which Kevin ever noticed.

I started spending time with Ben outside the office. We would go for dinner or drinks occasionally. It started with us going out as a group. But everyone ceased to exist, for we were always lost in our own world filled with us teasing each other and making inside jokes.

I never realised when group outings became just him and me.

There were subtle signs that things were heading elsewhere. Like how comfortably his arm would be around my chair and how I was always seated next to him. And how we turned up as a pair for every party or dinner that our common friends invited us to.

Kevin was never free to accompany me. Kevin never noticed that my attention was elsewhere. Maybe I was out of his hair and that was all he ever wanted. Maybe he was too busy working. Or maybe, just maybe, he trusted me too much to even think my attention was with another man.

Then one night everything hit me so hard. Kevin told me he had to co-host a company dinner and dance with a female colleague.

“I know how angry this will make you but I’m telling you because I love you and I don’t want to hide anything from you. But I promise you that you’re the best thing that ever happened to me, and you have nothing to worry about.”

Just the thought of it made me so angry and jealous. I sulked about it for the next two days. Then suddenly I woke up.
Tears of guilt and anger streamed down my face. I was mad at myself.

It hit me hard that the reason Kevin was in the dark about all the time I had been spending with Ben was because he never checked on me. Not because he didn’t care, but because he trusted me.

And what had I been doing? Spending all my time with another man. It struck me that if Kevin had done the same, I would be nothing short of devastated. I was ashamed of myself. I decided to set things right.

I started avoiding outings with Ben. Even in the office, I avoided eating alone with him.
Eventually, Ben got the message. Maybe my distance made him realise that we had gotten too close.
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Ben and I are still friends today. We do go out at times, but only in the company of other friends. We don’t text each other unnecessarily. I think it was a silent and mutual understanding.

I came clean with Kevin. It almost tore our marriage apart but he found it within himself to forgive me.

I am sharing this story to tell you that cheating isn’t always what we think it is. It’s not only about wine and candlelight dinners. It doesn’t always involve sex.

My relationship with Ben was purely platonic. It was innocent and there was absolutely nothing physical about it. However, that deep emotional and intellectual connection that we shared – it’s more dangerous than anything else. It could have torn my family apart.

Even it if didn’t, it’s not right. Even if no one knows, I know, deep within me, that it isn’t acceptable. In a marriage, there is no place for this much of interaction with someone of the opposite sex.

It’s easy for me to justify my actions by blaming Kevin. Yes, Kevin isn’t perfect. Marriages are never perfect. But filling the void with another man’s presence is not the right solution.

I’ve learnt to accept Kevin’s flaws. I’ve worked on understanding him better and managing my expectations. I thought about it long and hard and decided that although he was withdrawn, he was a good person and I loved him with all my heart.

After working around his flaws, I find that our relationship has improved tremendously. So maybe while I was busy keeping track of all that he didn’t do, I overlooked what I could do better.

I am currently expecting our second child. He still spends most of his time watching tv and with his phone. I still spend most of my time trying to get his attention.

But I lay my head on his chest as he watches tv. While I listen to the rhythm of his heart beating, somehow he puts his phone away, or switches off the television, runs his fingers through my hair and reminds my of why I fell head over heels for him in the first place.

I wish to remind women who are in a similar situation that it’s easy for sparks to fly with someone outside the home. Marriages can get stagnant and boring at times and it’s the couple’s responsibility to change that.

Someone who doesn’t smell your morning breath, who sees you only when you dress up, who doesn’t have to pay the bills and co-parent with you, will always seem a little more exciting. Don’t confuse these fleeting thrills with the stability of marriage. It’s never worth it.

Instead of
 letting your heart go astray, try with every bit of what you have to save your marriage. Most of the time it’s well worth the effort.

** Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mum in this story.

If you are in a similar situation and feel like you need counselling, please click this link:

7 reasons Singaporean women have affairs: An insight from the expert

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Woman becomes pregnant twice in 10 days because of a rare medical phenomenon

In 2006, Kate Hill was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that prevented her from ovulating,
BBC
 reports. After hormone treatments, Kate and her husband Peter were delighted to find out that she was pregnant. 10 days later, they found out that she had conceived again!

Kate initially conceived twins, but one baby didn’t develop. Almost two weeks later, while pregnant, she became pregnant again. Even though Kate was pregnant, she had ovulated again, causing her to become pregnant one more time.

Photo: donnierayjones/Flickr

What makes the Hills’ case even more exceptional is the fact that they only had unprotected sex once. “My husband and I only had intercourse one time,” Kate said in an interview with
Today Tonight
. “His sperm stayed alive for 10 days to fertilise the second egg released.”

“Hole in one, maybe,” Peter quips.

Her doctor had to Google it. “I’ve never ever seen it before,” Dr. Brad Armstrong said. “[Her condition was] so rare that I could not find any literature in the medical review websites at all.”

The twins, named Olivia and Charlotte, arrived 2 days before Kate’s planned C-section date. The Hills are now planning their daughters’ first birthday party.

What is superfetation?

This phenomenon is called superfetation. Superfetation occurs when an already-pregnant woman ovulates weeks into her pregnancy. The second egg gets fertilised, causing the pregnant to be pregnant with twins.

Superfetation is very rare because it isn’t supposed to happen. “Pregnancy hormones usually shut down a woman’s system, making it impossible for her to ovulate during her pregnancy,” obstetrician Connie Hedmark explains to
BabyCenter
. “This is why superfetation is so remarkable.”
(This is totally different from superfecundation, which is when two eggs are released simultaneously and fertilized at separate times.)

Photo: Pixabay

According to Pregnancy Corner, only around 10 cases of superfetation have been documented in medical literature, and experts are suspicious even of some of these. But many experts also say that superfetation may be more common than we think, as some cases may be mistaken for ordinary twin pregnancies.
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The haze in Malaysia is getting worse, find out how Traditional Chinese Medication can help fight off the effects of the haze here

Malaysian air is no longer healthy, with the Air Pollutant Index (API) creeping up to the “very unhealthy” levels and “hazardous” levels in Muar and Ledang districts. It is likely that the haze will be hanging around for the next couple of days.

At the current rate the haze situation is escalating, these nasty pollutants are seeping into our body and irritating our skin. Therefore, it is important that we keep our bodies safe and prevent further health risks with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

RELATED:
Do you really need the N95 mask?

Health risks involved

1.     Eye inflammation (or Conjunctivitis).

2.     Nasal irritation; you may experience sneezing, excess mucous production such as a runny nose and difficulty breathing.

3.     Throat irritation; you may experience dry or sore throat and coughing.

4.     Lung tissue inflammation; you may experience asthmatic problems and difficulty breathing.

On top of that, people who are suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, sinusitis and skin allergy, just to name a few, may be worsened by the haze pollutants.

Fight the haze with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Mypaper that Malaysians should take Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to boost their health. These herbal brews, soups and teas may help to alleviate some of your breathing discomfort in times of Malaysia’s poor air quality. After all, prevention is better than cure!

TCM is widely known for its qualities for strengthening health – therefore making these medicinal brews and cooling teas highly recommended by TCM physicians to prepare Malaysians for the next few days of haze.

Ms Tjoe Yan Yin told Mypaper, “The haze is very drying for the lungs; there are certain soups and drinks that can help to moisturize and nourish them.”

Physician’s recommendation

Mypaper suggests the following brews to fight the haze:

 For overall heatiness:

1. Green bean soup – Helps to clear the respiratory system, and remove heatiness.

2. Chrysanthemum – The ingredient can be boiled in water to make tea, which clears heatiness.

3. Liquorice root – This ingredient can be boiled together with honeysuckle flower so as to reduce heatiness.

4. Watermelon juice – This drink reduces heatiness from the body.

Watch this video to find out how to brew Chrysanthemum tea:

For lungs, clearing respiratory system:

1. Chinese pear with lean pork and almond soup – This soup nourishes the lungs.

2. White fungus – Boil this ingredient with almond and gingko nuts. This dessert dish nourishes the lungs.

3. Raw-liquorice – Make a tea for lung infections by boiling the ingredient in warm water.

4. Green bean soup – Helps to clear the respiratory system, and remove heatiness.

5. Snakegourd fruit – This ingredient dissolves phlegm, and can be eaten alone, or boiled as soup.

6. Lily bulbs with snow fungus– Make the drink by first boiling the snow fungus for two hours, and then adding lily bulbs and rock sugar. This drink clears heatiness and nourishes the lungs.

For cough and throat inflammation:

1. Raw liquorice – Boil the ingredient in water. The drink alleviates cough, soothes throat and reduces inflammation.
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However, if you are suffering from chronic illnesses, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before taking these herbal remedies.

Additional tips to fight the haze

1. Stay indoors! Try to switch on the air-conditioning and close all doors and windows.

2. However, if you have to go outside,
wear a mask
.

3. Drink lots of water. The haze makes the air very dry.

4. If you wear contact lenses, remove them if your eyes start to become irritated or inflamed.

5. Take green food supplements such as chlorella to reduce harmful effects of toxins.

6. Use an air purifier to cleanse the air at home or in the office.

7. Parents, make sure that you keep your children at home.
Make sure that your kids do not run or jump around too much
 because the more they heave when they are breathless, the more pollutants get into their lungs!

8. Lastly, if you are feeling extreme discomfort from the haze, do not hesitate to consult your doctor immediately.

RELATED:
N95 masks not suitable for children and pregnant women

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How haze the affects pregnant women and other FAQ

Are you experiencing health issues from the Malaysian haze? Share your experiences in the comment section below.

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How to get pregnant with pictures: 15 hot tips & sex positions to get pregnant

Wondering about the best sex positions in bed to get
pregnant?

The dispute over whether certain positions can help you get pregnant has been ongoing for centuries. Some proven, some not. The position you need to use really depends on you and your body. Some women have a hard time getting pregnant while others have baby dust sprinkled all over them.

8 sex positions in bed to get pregnant:

Are you trying to get pregnant for the first time or again? Try these for sure!

1. Missionary style – Aka Guy on top

Missionary style = man on top. This is arguably the ultimate sex position in bed to get pregnant.

Why? With the woman on her back, and vagina tilted downwards, the sperm have an easier time getting to where it needs to go. Let’s not forget that the missionary position allows for a deeper penetration.

To increase your chances of conception, the woman should remain horizontal for 20-30 mins after her partner ejaculates, with her pelvis tilted slightly upwards.

2. Lying side by side – Aka spooning

The spooning position allows for the man’s penis to reach further into you, allowing the semen to be closer to your uterus. Which in turn will give them a better chance to reach your eggs. One of the best sex positions to get pregnant.

3. Hands and knees – Aka Doggy style

Doggy style is a great way to get deeper penetration and deposit the sperm closer to your cervix. Just remember to lie down for at least 15 minutes after ejaculation. Gravity is what helps the sperm to get to its destination.

These ideas work good for women who have a hard time getting pregnant. Now for women who find it pretty easy to get pregnant, you may want to try and concentrate on some of the theories that can determine if you have a girl or boy baby.

4. Woman On Top – Aka cowgirl style

While you may be working against gravity here, experts say it does not matter. The “woman on top” position is generally the most pleasurable position for a woman and that’s the most important thing!

The position can also help you conceive a baby girl. XX chromosomes will live longer in vaginal climates than the XY chromosomes. Therefore they do not have to be placed closer to the cervix.

5. Using A Chair As A Prop – The Hot Seat

Sitting on top of your man in a chair is a great way to get his penis deeper inside you and many women find that having an orgasm is achieved easier this way.

Just remember to not to dismount right after your man orgasms. Even though the sperm may not spill out completely, just be cautious.

6. In Between His Legs

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Here’s another position that has proven success. The woman’s pelvis should be on the edge of the bed with the man in between her legs and he enters that way. This will allow for the man to go deeper into the vaginal area and place the sperm closer to your cervix.

You can also stay in that position afterwards for a few minutes to help the sperm on it’s way.

7. Standing Up With The Man Behind You

Standing up with the man behind you is another pleasurable position that can help produce a girl.

8. Getting floored

Now if you’re flexible enough, the position with you on the floor, legs up in the air and your man between your legs is a great position to make a boy.

The XY chromosomes need to be placed deeper because they do not survive as long as the XX ones do.

9. Avoid Bath Tub And Shower Positions

Bath tub and shower positions should be avoided if you are trying to get pregnant. Any of these will wash the semen out before it has a chance to connect.

10. Conception tip – Raise your hips

After intercourse, experts recommend that you place a pillow under your hips to allow for your cervix and uterus to be aligned better. This gives the semen a straighter shot for fertilizing an egg. They recommend staying there for at least 20-30 minutes.

11. Conception tip – female orgasms

While the female
orgasm
 is not essential to get pregnant, some believe that uterine contractions from an orgasm may actually help the sperm move deeper toward the fallopian tubes, in order to fertilise your egg.

12. Conception tip – don’t overdo it!

Overdoing it may result in you losing the enjoyment and spontaneity of lovemaking. It is also better to have sex every alternate day so his sperm count can recover and recharge.

13. Conception tip – Boy or girl?

In general, sex positions in bed to get pregnant that will allow the sperm to be deposited shallower in the vagina will help to produce baby girls while positions that provide deeper penetration will aid in conceiving a baby boy. Girl (XX) chromosomes live and last longer that boy (XY) chromosomes.

14. Conception tip – Timing

To increase your chances of conception, ideally have sex one or two days before you expect ovulation to occur, and then again on the day of ovulation.

15. Take time in between

A man’s sperm count will decrease each time he has sex. So go easy on the frequency. Spread it out — have a day in between to allow for a better sperm count.

Tell us what you think of these sex positions in bed to get pregnant!

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The Therapeutic Side of Art | Helping Kids Cope with Stressful Times

Kids can experience emotional and mental hardship, just like adults during difficult times. With children, unmanaged stress and anxiety can negatively affect their development—if they don’t discover ways to cope.

This is why activities like art, that encourage emotional growth and expression, are important.

Art as Therapeutic Aid

Art therapy is the application of visual arts for a therapeutic purpose. There are professionals who are licensed art therapists, using art as a way to achieve socioemotional and developmental targets, for example.

But you don’t
have
 to see a therapist to get therapeutic benefits from art. Your kid can experience some healing and nurturing advantages at home too.

Here are 5 areas in which your child can grow, through art:

1. Self-regulation

Self-regulation is the ability to manage one’s feelings. It’s an important life skill that everyone needs.

Art develops this skill as it can be used to express or release one’s emotions, in a non-destructive way. Creative activities allow for an immersive experience where the maker gets absorbed into a state of ‘flow’—also known as ‘being in the zone’’.

This is why you often see young children, wide-eyed and intensely focused while drawing, colouring or sculpting.

This full involvement in the present moment also teaches children to take time to explore their feelings, instead of immediately reacting to something.

Once the MCO is over, try checking out these art jamming
venues
 or art classes in
Eduwis Elite
 with your kid.

2. Resilience

Sometimes kids go through hard times. Although this is an expected part of life, what really matters is how they react to these challenges.

Do they remain dispirited for long, or do they bounce back quickly, with determination to keep doing their best?

Children who engage in art can build resilience that pours onto other parts of life. Finishing an art project and developing art-related skills give children the experience of seeing themselves push through difficult things, and coming out of it with something positive.

3. Self-awareness

Art sharpens your child’s ability to recognize her emotions, correctly identify her strengths and understand her limitations.

It does this through the process of shining a light on her life experiences and inner world.

To help this process, you can ask your kid questions that prompt self-discovery. Here are a few examples:

“What did you feel when you were drawing?”

“What do you realize about your art?”

“What would you name this drawing you made?”

“What is happening in this part of the picture?”

Besides questions, parents can also give children ideas on what to ‘explore’ while still leaving a lot of room for expression and creativity.

 Examples of prompts:

“Why don’t you draw how you feel when you’re angry?”

“Let’s paint ourselves as superheroes”

“Draw something that makes you really happy!”

4. Communication

Making art is a form of non-verbal communication.

Since children often find it harder than adults to express their feelings and thoughts in a way that is fluid or coherent, they could try using art to ‘speak’.

There may be instances when drawing a picture is easier and safer than describing something with words. This is especially true if a child has gone through or witnessed a stressful or traumatic event.

Have gentle and encouraging talks with your child about her art pieces if possible. This may help you understand her better.

5. Self-esteem

When children have high self-esteem, they see themselves as being valuable. They also tend to have a brighter general outlook.

Research
 suggests that kids who frequently participate in art activities like painting and drawing are more likely to have higher self-esteem than those who don’t. This happens even without parental involvement.

But, how does art foster self-esteem in our little ones?
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Below are several possible ways, related to the other points we’ve mentioned:

Develops a skill or creative output that they can be proud of

Provides emotional release and fun, allowing for a more relaxed attitude

Opens up doors for sharing an interest with others, thus building more social bonds

Gives kids an insight into their inner worlds, allowing them to appreciate their uniqueness

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123.

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Maintaining Strong Immunity for Positive Ageing

The worldwide population is now living longer, thanks to modern medicine and better living conditions. However, some people may have fear of ageing due to the misconception that growing older will make you unproductive and have health issues.

But, having a positive ageing experience is not as elusive as people think. After all, age is not the sole factor of a person’s ability to achieve their dreams or prevent individuals from being independent.

 This can be achieved by simply breaking out of the usual stereotypes of ageing and taking charge of our own lives, especially our health.

The role of nutrition in healthy ageing

Despite the belief that there is a growing risk of illnesses due to old age, studies show that the negative ageing qualities are usually caused by lifestyle and other factors that are avoidable and modifiable.

Healthy eating is important as nutrient deficiencies become increasingly common among the elderly. According to the Institute for Public Health, 30.8% of Malaysian adults aged 60 and above are malnourished.
1

Ageing, nutrition and immune health are closely related. As our age advances, the immune functions declines making older adults at a higher risk of infections.
2

Many different types of nutrients are necessary for healthy immune functions and deficiency in any of the nutrients will lead to compromised immune functions.
3

Successful Ageing, More Than Just Maintaining Good Health

Research shows that it is not the age of an individual that determine how ‘old’ one would feel; nor is it an indication of a person’s wellbeing, albeit it does offer certain guidance on what to expect. Positive ageing experiences are linked to the activities that one does, as well as the physical and social environment they are exposed to.
4

Joy, personal contentment, and a sense of independence are also essential attributes to the wellbeing that contributes to ageing positively in the older population.
5

Hence, immersing oneself in environments with good support systems is crucial to improve the long stretches of “successful ageing”.
6

An example of an individual experiencing successful ageing is 69-year-old Albinus Gimbang, who is a former medical assistant with the Malaysian Red Crescent Society who still provides first aid training to Keningau folks in Sabah to this day.

 The passion and determination of individuals like him go beyond the familiar stereotypes or societal expectations of the senior population – and to complement the positive ageing experience, strengthening immunity is key.

Feed your immune system with good nutrition for a healthier ageing process

There is strong evidence that indicates wholesome nutritional intervention can optimise the immune and inflammatory responses in older adults. This will prompt further developed protection from infectious and chronic illnesses.

Balanced nutrition among older adults has not only proven to correlate with increased physical and emotional scores but also life fulfilment.
7

Older adults who have activated their immunity by including nutritious milk in their daily nutrition have a higher likelihood in experiencing positive ageing and are more confident with their health status.

On this front, incorporating nutritional milk like PROVITAL Immuna Plus in our diet is a convenient way to boost up our immunity. You get the essential nutrients of yeast beta-glucan, selenium and vitamin C for immunity and mobility all in a glass of this nutritional milk.

Many studies have shown that yeast beta-glucan is effective in supporting the immune system. Beta-glucan from different sources provides different health functions, while yeast beta-glucan is the type of beta-glucan that supports the immune system.

A study by Talbott et al. showed that 9 out of 10 adults reported no cold and sore throat symptoms after 12 weeks supplemented with 250mg yeast beta-glucan per day compared to 7 out of 10 adults in the placebo group.
8

Such conditions are common signs of a weaker immune system and yeast beta-glucan’s ability to activate the body’s immune cells to react more rapidly when detecting a pathogen, help to support and strengthen the immune system.
9

Begin taking charge of your health status

A good nutritional status is important to maintain optimum immune health. Do not take health for granted, it is a privilege denied to many.

 Older adults who have activated their immunity by including nutritious milk in their daily nutrition have a higher likelihood in experiencing positive ageing and are more confident with their health status.

References:
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National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018: Elderly Health.

Simon AK et.al.  Biological Sciences, 2015.

Alam et al. Nutrition and Healthy Aging 2019

The experience of ageing is a complex one that is only loosely associated with number of years lived. Retrieved from:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/Documents/research/policycommission/healthy-ageing/1-The-experience-of-ageing-is-complex-updated.pdf

Perspectives of Older Adults on Aging Well: A Focus Group Study. Retrieved from:
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/2018/9858252/

Healthy ageing: Evidence that improvement is possible at every age. Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878764916300699

Healthy ageing: the natural consequences of good nutrition—a conference report. Retrieved from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5984649/

Talbott SM et. Al. 2012. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol 31, No 4

E. De Marco Castro et al. Mol Nutr Food Res 2021.

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
:
Study: Motherhood ages you by 11 years

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The Surprising Benefits of Grounding Yourself—And How

When was the last time you connected with nature—like, really connected and not just admired from a distance?

If you’re based in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, or in the heart of any city, then your answer may surprise you, as the hustle and bustle of city life can be unknowingly consuming. Luckily, a simple practice such as “grounding” can ensure that you remain connected with nature, with some added health benefits—regardless of your housing situation!

What Is Grounding

Credit: Pexels

Grounding, simultaneously known as earthing, is a practice that you have likely participated in—it just means to be in direct physical contact with the Earth.

While it’s as simple as walking barefoot on grass or lying on the sand, the term grounding actually extends to swimming in the ocean, a river, or a lake.

How to Practice Grounding

In this article, the focus is specific to walking barefoot on grass. Even if you live in a condominium, there is bound to be a patch of greenery nearby that you can use to your advantage!

Walking barefoot on grass is also the most effective form of grounding, as the sole of the foot has more nerve endings than any other area of the body. Why does this matter?

Basically, the surface of the earth is charged with negative electrical frequencies, commonly referred to as free electrons, which can remove the presence of excess disease-inducing free radicals—caused by chronic stress of city life—within the human body as the free electrons bind with the free radicals.

This simple, yet beneficial practice is thought to be so effective that a trainer for Tour De France athletes recommended and implemented it as part of his training module!

So what’s the science behind his unconventional approach of using grounding for optimal performance

The Science Behind Grounding

Credit: Pexels

As of 2017, more than 20 scientific studies have been conducted on grounding, peer-reviewed, and then published within the medical literature. Based on a myriad of data, the most common benefit of grounding is the reduction of inflammation within the body.

It may sound unimpressive, but it’s actually rather groundbreaking! Why? Well, here is a list of well-known health problems caused by inflammation within the body:

Allergies

Diabetes (Type 1 & 2)

Multiple Sclerosis

Cardiovascular Disease (e.g.: Heart Disease)

Cancer

Alzheimers

In short, not grounding may be a major cause of inflammation within the body—but reversing the side effects of inflammation in the body has never been easier!

Of course, as with any change in lifestyle, grounding has to be practised for a prolonged period for maximum benefits, although many people report instantaneous improvements after connecting with the free electrons of the Earth.

Other benefits of grounding include

Credit: Pexels

Improves sleep

Supports and balances bodily functions

Accelerates recovery, particularly for athletes

Reduces chronic pain, particularly menstrual pain and headaches

So, a gentle reminder to end with, in the words of Dr Gaetan Chevalier: “… We need grounding just as we need air and we need sunshine.”
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References:

https://www.earthingmovie.com/

https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/715d48_21c8d4aad9844f1fab8f0a713bdf2bb2.pdf

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB
.

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:
What it Means to Be an Empath?

Read more:
 7 Ways To Take Control Of Your Physical & Spiritual Health

Read more:
These health problems may be linked to your blood type

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Ambitions To Grow Taller and Healthier for Your Children

Do you know that height is one of the critical growth indicators amongst children? That’s right, your children’s height can tell you a lot of things, one of them is the state of their health.

The study of heights has a long-standing in genetics, which only determines 20%¹ of the children’s height.

However, parents should not discount the fact that the environmental factors — such as proper nutrition and exercise, can play a pivotal role to ensure children can grow taller and healthier, especially during their critical development period.

The Ministry of Health Malaysia has launched awareness campaigns to prevent help stunting amongst Malaysian children.

The campaigns promote the importance of proper nutrition, as well as the effects of stunting on children. Be it health, education, and productivity; the stunting phenomenon can consequently harm Malaysia’s social and economic development.

Stunting in Malaysian: The Case Study

Credit: todaysparents.com

According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019, the r
ate of stunting in Malaysian has increased as the study found that
 1 in 5 Malaysian children under the age of five is stunted
2
; the stunting prevalence in Thailand and Ghana is at 10.5% and 18.8%
3
 respectively, which is a stark contrast to the condition of stunting in Malaysia, which is at 21.9%.

Stunting is worse in lower-income households; however, it is still broadly prevalent across all income levels in Malaysia.

The prevalence of stunting in families with income higher than RM6,000 is 15.1%
, which is considerably higher than the
 6.9% benchmark of upper-middle-income countries
4
.

Conclusively, Malaysia has a stunting problem, and parents should take the necessary steps to help their children to be able to grow taller and healthier.

Read more
:
Identifying children with high IQ: An age-by-age guide for parents

Aside from genetics, nutrition plays a vital role in assisting children’s growth and development, as balanced and sufficient nutrition can influence one’s height a lot. As parents, it is crucial to keep tabs on the required nutrients to ensure your children can grow optimally.

Complete Nutrients Is The Key

Credit: uws.edu

Some of the key nutrients are the
9 Essential Amino Acids (9 EAAs)
, which consist of taurine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, and L-valine; and they are the building blocks in protein for bones and muscle growth
5
.

Additionally, these essential amino acids cannot be produced naturally by our body; hence, we need to get them from dietary sources.

Apart from the 9 Essential Amino Acids,
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
 — an omega-3 fatty acid that can be found naturally in oily fish and some seaweed, is also crucial for your children’s brain and eye development
6
.

Ensuring your children get the required
macromineral
 — calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, and
micromineral
 — iron, zinc, iodine, selenium and copper, is necessary as well
7
.

Alongside these minerals, your children should also consume sufficient amounts of
Vitamins
 — fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamin A, D3, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, and folic acid), to ensure proper body functions and development, especially during the early childhood period
8
.

Based on the findings by the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS), the study revealed that
 1 out of 2 Malaysian children did not achieve the Recommended Nutrients Intakes (RNI)
 for Calcium and Vitamin D
9
.

An easy way to address sufficient nutritional intake is through dairy consumption, as the study found that
the percentage of stunted and underweight children who consume dairy daily is lower compared to the children who did not drink milk every day
10
.

Though there may be a large variety of milk that are currently available in the market, it’s best to choose nutrient-dense milk to ensure your children get the much-needed nutrients for optimum growth.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyle

Credit: Shutterstock

Growing taller and healthier is not just about what the child eats; an
active lifestyle
 is important too. Sedentary lifestyle amongst children has been an alarming concern in Malaysia, especially with the rising use of mobile devices.
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According to Active Healthy Kids 2016 report card, on a scale of A for excellent to F for failing,
Malaysia scored D for overall physical activity, active transportation and sedentary behaviour
11
. Keeping your children active will not just start a good habit but will also help prevent sedentary-lifestyle-related health risks.

Ultimately, the best way to be sure if your children are growing on track is to
 measure their height consistently
. Tracking their growth progress will help parents to identify problems before they become permanent.

Try to make it into a fun activity for you and your children; this will encourage them to aim high for their wellness sake. As parents, we should help our children reach for their ambitions to grow taller and healthier through proper nutrition, active lifestyle and growth measuring.

This article was written by Dr Azam Mohd Nor
 and has been published with permission

References:

¹ Jelenkovic, A. et al. Genetic and environmental influences on height from infancy to early adulthood: An individual-based pooled analysis of 45 twin cohorts. Sci. Rep. 6, 28496; doi: 10. 1038/srep28496 (2016)

2
National Morbidity Survey 2019
https://www.iku.gov.my/nhms-2019

3
 The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
www.fao.org/3/ca5162en/ca5162en.pdf

4
 Stunting in Malaysia:  Costs, Causes & Courses for Action
https://jci.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/JCI-JSC-WP-2019-01-Stunting-in-Malaysia.pdf

5
Amino acids: metabolism, functions, and nutrition
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19301095/

6
The Relationship of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) with Learning and Behavior in Healthy Children: A Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738999/

7
Minerals
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/minerals.html

8
Vitamins
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/vitamin.html

9
 Nutritional status and dietary intakes of children aged 6 months to 12 years: findings of the Nutrition Survey of Malaysian Children (SEANUTS Malaysia)
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/05bb/4de1e68096ef84fcac60083a57b5ad6867cb.pdf?_ga=2.115456070.1595186782.1606355175-1976471054.1606355175

10

The Consumption of Dairy and Its Association with Nutritional Status in the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS)

www.researchgate.net/publication/325749202_The_Consumption_of_Dairy_and_Its_Association_with_Nutritional_Status_in_the_South_East_Asian_Nutrition_Surveys_SEANUTS

11
A
ctive Healthy Kids 2016 report card
https://activehealthykids.org.my/content/MAHK%20Short%20Form%202016%20-%20English%20version.pdf

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Covid-19 Punca Kelahiran Mati Meningkat, Ibu Hamil Berisiko Tinggi Jika Dijangkiti!

Jika janin tidak bernyawa sebelum usia kandungan mencapai 20 minggu, biasanya ia dipanggil sebagai keguguran. Manakala jika bayi meninggal pada usia kehamilan melebihi 20 minggu, ia dikenali punca kelahiran mati atau
stillbirth.

Banyak orang menganggap bahawa keguguran adalah melibatkan kematian bayi sebelum ia dilahirkan ke dunia, namun hakikatnya ia berbeza.

Baca juga:
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Punca kelahiran mati dan kaitannya dengan risiko pandemik Covid-19

credit to sources

Kematian janin dalam kandungan atau lahir mati adalah mimpi buruk dan sukar untuk diterima oleh kebanyakan ibu. Mana tidaknya kegembiraan dan harapan untuk memiliki cahaya mata hilang dalam sekelip mata.

Sebenarnya kejadian bayi lahir mati disebabkan oleh pelbagai faktor seperti keadaan kesihatan ibu, janin dan plasenta.

Manakala menurut Organisasi Kesihatan Dunia (WHO) dan UNICEF, telah mencatat hampir 2 juta bayi meninggal di dalam kandungan atau kelahiran mati. Mereka mengatakan bahawa pandemik Covid-19 telah menambah jumlah kes sebanyak 200,00 kematian.

”Setiap 16 saat, seorang ibu dari sesuatu tempat berdepan dengan tragedi stillbirth,” jelas Direktor Eksekutif UNICEF, Henrietta Fore. Dia mengatakan bahawa sebahagian besar punca kelahiran mati dapat dicegah melalui proses pemantauan yang teliti, rawatan antenatal terbaik dan bidan yang mahir.

Hasil beberapa kajain terbesar melaporkan peningkatan angka lahir mati diterbitkan dalam
Jurnal The Lancet.
 Penelitian ini berdasarkan data 20,000 ibu mengandung yang melahirkan anak di 9 buah hospital di negara Nepal.

Mereka mendapati berlaku peningkatan
 kelahiran mati
 dari 14 kes kepada 21 kes daripada 1,000 kelahiran ketika pandemik Covid-19 akhir bulan Mei tahun lalu.

Kadar kelahiran mati mencatatkan peningkatan di beberapa buah negara

credit to sources

Paling membimbangkan, kenaikan kes ini terjadi dalam tempoh empat minggu pertama
lockdown,
 di mana seluruh masyarakat perlu duduk di rumah dan hanya ketua keluarga sahaja keluar membeli barangan keperluan atau ubat-ubatan.

”Nepal merupakan negara yang mencapai kemajuan dalam 20 tahun terakhir bagi bidang kesihatan wanita dan bayi, namun beberapa bulan ini telah menunjukkan peningkatan kes kematian,” jelas ketua kajian dari Universiti Uppsala, Ashish KC.

Manakala kumpulan doktor di negara India turut melaporkan berlakunya peningkatan kadar kelahiran mati serta penurunan rawatan kehamilan kecemasan sebanyak dua pertiga. Ini menunjukkan bahawa lebih banyak
kelahiran bayi
 telah berlaku di luar hospital, di rumah atau kemudahan lain.

Trend yang sama juga berlaku di hospital United Kingdom. Hospital University of London, para petugas kesihatan mendapati kadar kelahiran mati turut mengalami peningkatan sebanyak empat kali ganda antara bulan Oktober 2019 dan Jun 2020 dari 2.38 hingga 9.31 bagi setiap 1,000 kelahiran.

Pandemik Coronavirus telah memberikan tekanan dalam setiap aspek kehidupan manusia di dunia terutamanya bidang kesihatan. Selain itu kes kematian disebabkan oleh penyakit jantung dan kencing manis turut mengalami peningkatan.

Ibu mengandung yang dijangkiti Covid-19 berisiko berdepan komplikasi serius

Wanita hamil yang dijangkiti Covid-19 dan dimasukkan ke hospital kerana berisiko berupaya mengalami komplikasi yang lebih serius. Menurut Pusat Kawalan dan Pencegahan Penyakit (CDC), kelahiran bayi pramatang serta risiko besar yang lain iaitu anda dalam kandungan mati sebelum bersalin.

Kajian terdahulu menunjukkan risiko kelahiran
 bayi pramatang
 lebih tinggi dan kajian di Britain turut mencatatkan peningkatan kes kelahiran mati ketika wabak.

credit to sources

Bagaimanapun beberapa pakar mengeluarkan amaran bahawa penelitian ini hanya dijalan terhadap sebilangan kecil pesakit, termasuklah ramai dimasukkan ke hospital kerana Covid-19, sekaligus memungkinkan ia tidak mewakili kesemua ibu hamil yang dijangkiti.

Kajian mendapati bahawa ramai ibu mengandung yang dijangkiti virus ini tidak mengalami sebarang gejala, namun ada juga antara mereka memiliki gejala.

Ketika mengandung, rata-rata wanita akan mengalami perubahan fisiologi yang dapat meningkatkan bahaya. Organ paru-paru mungkin terkesan akibat rahim yang mengembang dan sistem kardiovaskular terpaksa bekerja keras.

Coronavirus turut meningkatkan risiko darah beku dan memberi kesan terhadap plasenta yang membekalkan makanan kepada janin dalam kandungan.

Meskipun pakar menegaskan perlu lebih banyak penyelidikan untuk menjelaskan perkaara ini secara lanjut, mereka menggesa wanita hamil agar sentiasa berhati-hati, memakai pelitup muka dan menjaga penjarakan sosial agar dapat mengurangkan risiko jangkitan.

Sumber:
Nypost,

Berita Harian

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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This Mum Died Before She Could Even Hold Her Baby!

A mother, known as Azian, died in Seberang Jaya Hospital, Penang, Malaysia, after giving birth to her beautiful daughter – due to excessive bleeding.

Her beautiful daughter.

According to
Penang Kini
, the l
ate Azian died after suffering from a postpartum haemorrhage. By sharing this story, I hope we (especially being children of our own mothers) could all appreciate and give more respect to this superhuman we call “mothers” as they have fought a long and hard journey just to deliver us on Earth and because of that, we owe it all to them.

I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. May Mr Nashif (husband) and his beautiful children stay strong during these tough times. My condolences.

What is postpartum haemorrhage?

According to
Dr Muhammad Izzat Abdul Razak
, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, heavy bleeding after delivery or postpartum haemorrhage is excessive bleeding that occurs before, during or after giving birth.

Usually, bleeding
does occur during and after giving birth
. This happens because of cervical lacerations and deep tears in vagina or perineum.

There are 2 types postpartum haemorrhage:

Primary postpartum haemorrhage –
occurred within the first 24 hours after delivery (Usually while you still in hospital)

Secondary postpartum haemorrhage –
occurred between 24 hours up to 6 weeks after delivery. (Usually when you’re already at home)

However, a major postpartum haemorrhage might happen when blood loss is up to 500 ml for normal delivery and 1 litre for caesarian operation.

Why does this terrible experience happen?

Pregnant women are susceptible to this experience if they don’t get much attention from the medical team. This might lead to extreme fatigue after giving birth too.

There are some reasons that might cause this terrible experience, such as:

         Retained placenta or membranes left behind in your womb,

         Uterine atony,

         Large injury or wound in the cervix, vagina or perineum,

         Pregnant at age 40 or above,

         Bleeding before giving birth (antepartum haemorrhage),

         Have low-lying placenta,

         Giving birth via caesarian,

         Induction of labour,

         Injury during assisted birth – such as forceps or vacuums,

         Big baby with more than 4kg,

         Bleeding before (from previous delivery),

         Anemia,

         Give birth more than 5 times

Be aware of these symptoms

The complication of postpartum haemorrhage might call for a removal of your uterus or it could cost your life! Till 2005, data collection has concluded that almost 14% of deaths after delivery were caused by postpartum haemorrhage.

Most women who experience this tragic incident are unaware and oblivious to the symptoms, which can be fatal.

Seek immediate medical help and attention if you have any of these symptoms, especially after 24 hours of delivery:

         A drop in blood pressure

         A rise in pulse rate

         Feeling dizzy, headache and want to faint

         Shivering and sweating

         Heavy bleeding

         Heavy bleeding with blood in form of lumps

         The need to frequently change your maternal pad (every hour)

         Stench and smell from bleeding (due to infection)

         Extremely tired

Advice from doctors

What would the doctors do to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage during giving birth? Usually, your medical team will seek action right away if you start to bleed excessively.

They will give you an injection that contains Syntocinon (oxytocin) to reduce the blood loss. During your dosage, your doctor will start massaging your uterus to help it contract.

However, doctors have advised all women to constantly undergo antenatal checkups. If your family history suggests a connection to postpartum haemorrhage, you are advised to deliver your baby in a hospital that is fully equipped with a blood bank.

In fact, seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms of heavy bleeding. Do not give birth without a doctor! Start eating foods that contain high iron such as shellfish, liver, green vegetables and pink guava.

I hope everything goes well on you!

Share this article to educate all women out there about this risk of “heavy bleeding after delivery”. Hopefully all you pregnant mummies are getting stronger by the day.  And please take care of your health!

Photo Credit: Penang Kini
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Sources:
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,
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,
Post Partum Hemorrhage
, and
The Malaysian Medical Gazette

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Effective Ways to Help & Motivate Slow Learners to Excel in Studies Without Shaming Them

Personally, I despise the term slow learner. To label children as anything at all is deplorable, but to label them as ‘slow’ is demeaning and degrading–not to mention telling them they are not as good as others.

But nevertheless, there are children who do need extra help and who do need specialised teaching to allow them to learn and grow. Does this make them slow learners? Maybe, but remember, if you tell someone they are something long enough and loud enough they will become just that.

Sometimes parents just ask themselves how to motivate slow learners and how to encourage their children to be better. We have just the answers for you.

Telltale signs that your child might need extra motivation

One of the most difficult tasks of parents and educators is to determine if their child is a slow learner because they cannot keep up with others or because they choose not to keep up with others.

A child who is labeled a ‘slow learner’ is one who:

Reaches normal infant and toddler milestones later than the average child on a consistent basis

 These milestones include crawling, walking, speech and vocabulary and motor skills such as clapping, hopping, skipping, recognising eyes, ears, etc.

Has trouble concentrating

All children have limited attention spans. but those who have trouble concentrating for more than two or three minutes at a time and are unable to recall what they did in that time and/or repeat what they did without instruction or prompting later on, will likely be in need of specialised attention and be labeled ‘slow learners’.

Struggle with the simplest of concepts and has difficulty retaining what they learn.

This is a true indicator of a child with a learning disability. But rather than focusing on the disability, focus on finding how to work with the disability to make it less of an issue.

The child is socially immature or reclusive.

Children who are labelled ‘slow learners’ will a) notice the fact that they are ‘slow’ or learning at a different pace or b) be singled out by the teacher and/or their peers as being ‘slow’.

This is embarrassing, humiliating and demeaning to a child. Their self-esteem and confidence levels suffer tremendously and they withdraw in an effort to shield themselves from the pain–holding it inside themselves.

A parent’s responsibility on how to motivate slow learners

If your child is labelled a ‘slow learner’, then slow things down for them. Give them the grace and time they need and deserve to reach their potential. Provide for them the environment and tools necessary to excel.

Think about it, if your child was a gifted musician, wouldn’t you do whatever you could to make sure they were able to develop that talent to the fullest? No child deserves any less of a chance.

What you can do to help your child

Provide a quiet work/study area
. Distractions are detrimental.

Keep assignments and homework sessions short.
 Again, it’s the attention span thing.

Be accessible.
 Help your child. Help doesn’t mean do the work for them, but help them work through the assignment giving clues, having them repeat the process or concept with similar questions and problems, etc.

Ask questions
 such as ‘what does that word mean?’ ‘do you see how that works?’ ‘why did you choose that answer?’.

Read
 to your child.

Be patient
 and consistent.

Do not allow them to give up
 on their work or themselves. If necessary, take a break, but always come back to the task and see it through to completion.

Don’t be overprotective.
 Labelling your child as a ‘slow learner’ only makes them feel slower. Don’t ever tell them they can’t accomplish something. Instead, help them find a way to get it done–in their own time.

Be their advocate.
 Stay connected with their teachers and make sure your child doesn’t fall through the cracks of the system.

Every child has potential. Every child also needs their parents to always be there by their side. It is up to us to learn how to motivate slow learners. It is also up to us to always encourage them and never let them give up.

Not every child will be a doctor, nuclear scientist or college professor. But who cares! If they were, we’d be hungry, naked and wouldn’t have a cell phone to chat on, now would we?

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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Read more:
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Read more:
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Why You Should Get Regular Massages If You Workout

Did you know, getting massaged regularly helps to boost your performance, workouts and results? According to Kimberly Dawn Neuman, fitness instructor at Equinox gyms in New York City, “you don’t need to destroy your body to have the body you want. Taking care of it and being kind (to yourself) has its own benefits.” Massage is one way to do just that.

Body Massage to Help with Your Fitness

If we’ve piqued your interest and you’re now wondering about how workout and massage correlated, we’re here to break down this interesting relationship for you. So, how does getting regular massages actually help with your fitness?

Here Are Four Major Ways Massage Helps Your Body

1. Post-workout recovery

Therapeutic massages help loosen your muscles after an intense workout, which allows repair to be easier. It encourages blood and oxygen to flow which assist with recovery and pliability.

Credit: pixabay

2. Pain of sore muscles

When your muscles ache from an intense workout, massaging and stretching helps flush out the toxins, ease the knots, get the blood flowing. Not to mention that “sweet pain” of pressure and release. In fact, studies have also shown that massages help reduce inflammation and assist with the rebuilding of new cells.

Credit: needpix.com

3. Performance & flexibility

Regular exercise especially if rigorous strains your muscles, ligaments and tendons and also tightens the fibers under your skin. Massaging your body can help loosen up these fibers so that once you’re back at your workout, your muscles can do what they’re supposed to without much effort because they’ve had a good chance at replenishing. Without massaging and with regular workouts and age, our muscles get stiff. Massaging however is a way to provide lubrication so that you can reverse some of that flexibility. It is a nice counterbalance.

4. Helps you feel better – mentally

Especially if your workout is rigorous – HIIT, CrossFit, intense strength training, running, etc. – you’ll need to balance that out with moments of happy hormones or endorphins. Intense workouts release cortisol as a result of the stress, while massages help to counter this by helping with the release of endorphins.

Credit: pxfuel.com

So instead of pushing your body to the brink like a drill sergeant would take the self-care approach by mixing up the intensity and routines. The combination between gentle and intense will not only be appreciated by your body and mind but will also be better received by it. You’ll see better, more sustainable results and quicker!

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

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What Is Cortisol-Conscious Fitness?

A micromanaging boss. Traffic jams. Too many bills and too little paycheck. More people today live with unhealthy levels of stress that can lead to all sorts of unpleasant consequences to both their physical and mental well-being. Multiple studies have confirmed the positive effects of regular exercise on anxiety levels, but not all workouts equally reduce tension levels. Some people feel invigorated by a challenging workout while others stumble from their workout class, utterly drained. Why? It has to do with the stress hormone cortisol. Now, a new exercise phenomenon known as cortisol-conscious fitness unites mind and body in innovative ways to promote more substantial stress-busting benefits.

What Is Cortisol?

Credit: shape.com

Cortisol is one of the two hormones responsible for the stress response in human beings. While adrenaline controls the immediate fight-or-flight response you feel when you see a bear, for instance, cortisol takes over during the long term.

As your levels of adrenaline drop, your hypothalamus signals your sympathetic nervous system to keep the gas pedal to the metal. It
releases hormones to the adrenal glands
 that tell them to step up cortisol production. Your body remains revved up and on high alert.

Read more
:
Yoga Postures To Help You Calm Down

Long, vigorous workouts can aggravate your body and prompt it to release cortisol to maintain the intensity level. Over the short term, stress hormones reduce appetite and digestive processes, which benefit you if you’re running a marathon. However, cortisol has a much longer arc than adrenaline. It remains in the body to help you recover from the traumatic event.

The problem arises when you already have chronically high levels of this hormone in your blood due to continual stressors like your job or finances. When you do, it’s like leaving a car running on idle perpetually. Your body signals you to eat more to recover, frustrating your weight loss efforts. Worse, you can develop issues like high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes. If you already have chronic stress, the elevated cortisol levels from intense or lengthy workouts can make matters worse, not better.

Marrying Cortisol-Consciousness with Fitness

Experts have long recommended exercise as a means of controlling stress. Should people now feel concerned about too much of a beneficial thing? You don’t have to hang up your tennis shoes. The right workout program will ease tension and
serve as preventive care
 for weight management, blood pressure control and more.

However, you may want to dial back the intensity level or the duration of your workout to minimize cortisol production. For example, if you subscribe
to many popular fitness apps
, you’ll notice they feature multiple exercise sessions in 30-minute increments or less. Some, like DailyBurn, possess mini-workouts as short as five minutes. While many gym-goers still anticipate a 60-minute class, several venues have begun experimenting with more concise class formats, too.

Additionally, you’ll find classes that lower your intensity levels or that incorporate more of an interval training protocol. Many instructors will include
 breathwork
 as part of the cooldown to help bring your hormones back into balance. For example, practicing two-to-one breathing, where you
 exhale twice as long as you inhale
, activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This reaction tells the body to halt the flow of cortisol.

Of course, you could always go with the original cortisol conscious fitness —
yoga.
 Recently, researchers discovered that individuals with periodontal disease who adopted the practice had better oral health than those who did not. They also
 had lower serum cortisol levels
 than those who did not engage in this form of mind-body fitness. If managing your hormonal levels can impact your dental health, imagine what benefits you could see in other areas of the body.

Getting Started with Cortisol-Conscious Fitness

Credit: healthline.com

If you want to incorporate cortisol-consciousness into your fitness regimen, skip the overly demanding workouts or those that last longer than an hour, at least on days when you feel considerably stressed already. Add more mind-body practices to your routine and reap the benefits.
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