Apple TV+ Announces a Dynamic Kids & Family Fall Slate Packed with All New Animated Series

Apple TV+ today announced a vibrant fall slate for kids and families, featuring an array of fresh, original series, new on-screen imaginings of beloved properties, as well as returning fan-favorite and critically acclaimed series.

New original series coming to the platform this autumn include “Sago Mini Friends,” an animated series based on characters from the award-winning Sago Mini World app; “Slumberkins,” a mixed media puppet / 2D animation program from the beloved children’s emotional learning brand empowering children to be caring, confident and resilient, and produced by The Jim Henson Company; “Circuit Breakers” a futuristic anthology series that tackles kid-relatable issues through a sci-fi lens; and “Interrupting Chicken,” an animated preschool series which illuminates for children the joy of reading, writing, and storytelling, and stars the voice talents three-time Emmy Award winner Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us,” “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul”).

The acclaimed series returning this fall include the Emmy Award-winning series “Ghostwriter” with an entirely new cast, animated adventure epic “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory,” charming friendship and farming tale “Get Rolling with Otis,” and Jack McBrayer’s sweet, music-forward “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show.” Additionally, even more classic Peanuts titles will be made available to fans, many for the first time in decades.

Peanuts Anthology II – New to Platform – September 9

Fans of the beloved Peanuts gang will have more classics available to watch from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide including “He’s A Bully, Charlie Brown,” “He’s Your Dog, Charlie Brown,” “It Was A Short Summer, Charlie Brown,” “It’s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown,” “There’s No Time For Love, Charlie Brown,” “Why, Charlie Brown, Why?,” “You’re In Love, Charlie Brown,” and “You’re The Greatest, Charlie Brown.”

“Sago Mini Friends” – New Series – September 16

“Sago Mini Friends” is a new preschool animated series produced by Daytime Emmy Award-nominated Spin Master Entertainment and animated by 9 Story Media Group’s Emmy Award-winning studio Brown Bag Films – Toronto, based on the charming characters and artful designs featured in the award-winning Sago Mini World app, developed by Sago Mini.

The “Sago Mini Friends” series is an adorable nod to gratitude, featuring Harvey the floppy-eared dog and his best friends, Jinja the cat, Jack the rabbit, and Robin the bird. Along with a unique cast of residents as colorful as their own whimsical world, the four friends play, explore, imagine and celebrate daily in their joyful town of Sagoville.

In each episode, Harvey and all his friends express their true thankfulness for all things, big and small, through optimism, kindness, preschool-friendly humor and unforgettable original songs! “Sago Mini Friends” is executive produced by Daytime Emmy Award nominees Jennifer Dodge (“PAW Patrol”), Ronnen Harary (“PAW Patrol”), Tone Thyne (“Wonder Pets!”), and Dustin Ferrer (“Esme & Roy”). Daytime Emmy Award nominees Laura Clunie (“PAW Patrol”), and Toni Stevens (“PAW Patrol”) serve as executive producers, with Chad Hicks (“Kingdom Force”) as series director.

Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, distinguished professor of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside and expert in the science of happiness, serves as the gratitude expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.

“Wolfboy and the Everything Factory” – Season Two – September 30

Inspired by the work of visual artist Toff Mazery, co-created by Emmy Award winner Edward Jesse (HITRECORD’s “Create Together”), developed by Emmy winner Michael Ryan (“All Hail King Julien,” “Kung Fu Panda”), and executive produced by Emmy winner Joseph Gordon-Levitt (“Mr. Corman”), HITRECORD and FOX Entertainment’s Bento Box Entertainment, the second season of the animated epic “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory” takes Wolfboy (voiced by Kassian Akhtar), to a new realm underneath the Everything Factory that is responsible for all of the destruction in the universe.

With his Spryte friends and new allies, Wolfboy engages in a quest to unite the forces of creation and destruction, and realizes that being different is what makes him special – and ultimately, it’s the oddballs and dreamers who change the world.

“Get Rolling with Otis” – Season Two – September 30

Based on the Penguin Random House book series by Loren Long, “Get Rolling With Otis,” is an animated adventure series from 9 Story Media Group and Brown Bag Films welcoming young viewers to Long Hill Dairy Farm, home to Otis the tractor and all his friends. Otis may be little, but he has a big heart. Whenever he sees a friend in need, he hits the brakes, asks how they’re feeling, and rolls into action to help! Get rolling with new adventures, new friends, and a little tractor who’s big on helping others.

The series is executive produced by Vince Commisso, Wendy Harris, author Long, Darragh O’Connell, Jane Startz and Angela C. Santomero. Dr. Michele Borba, internationally renowned educational psychologist, best-selling author, frequent media contributor on TODAY show, and an expert in parenting, bullying, and character development serves as the compassionate action expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.

“Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” – Season Two – October 7

Jack is one of Clover Grove’s most thoughtful and caring residents, greeting everyone with kindness and humor. His ability to spread compassion, creativity, and imagination inspires everyone in town to do the same.

A new season of kindness creates more incredible change. “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” is co-created and executive produced by Jack McBrayer (“30 Rock,” “Phineas and Ferb,” “Wreck-It Ralph” franchise) and Angela C. Santomero (“Blue’s Clues,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”).

The series is produced by Emmy Award-winning 9 Story Media Group (“Karma’s World,” “Blue’s Clues & You!,”) with animation by its Oscar-nominated studio Brown Bag Films (“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Doc McStuffins,” “Vampirina”). Jax Media also produces. Wendy Harris and Vince Commisso from 9 Story Media Group and Tony Hernandez and John Skidmore from Jax Media serve as executive producers, alongside showrunner and Emmy Award nominee Guy Toubes.

Dr. Junlei Li, the Saul Zaentz senior lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, serves as the kindness and human connection expert on the series through Apple TV+’s changemakers initiative.

“Ghostwriter” – Season Three – October 21

Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” returns for a third season with an entirely new cast and a new adventure! When a ghost haunts a bookstore and releases fictional characters into the real world, a group of friends works to solve a mystery surrounding the ghost’s unfinished business. A reimagining of the 1992 hit series from Sesame Workshop, the modern-day “Ghostwriter” maintains a city-based, multicultural cast, inviting children ages 6-11 to see themselves on screen as they learn to appreciate a range of new and classic literature.

Starring Princess Mapp (“Sydney to the Max,” “The Unicorn”), Nour Assaf (“The Casagrandes”), and Daire McLeod (“Danger Force”), the series was developed for television by J.J. Johnson and Andrew Orenstein with Academy Award winning and DGA Award-nominated Luke Matheny directing the first episode. Matheny and Orenstein executive produce alongside Johnson, Christin
Simms
, and Blair Powers for Sinking Ship Entertainment and Kay Wilson Stallings for Sesame Workshop.

“Slumberkins” – New Series – November 4

Embark on adventures with Bigfoot, Unicorn, Sloth, Yak, and Fox as they explore a world of feelings in this Jim Henson Company mixed media puppet / 2D animation series that empowers the emotional wellness of children through supportive storytelling.

Based on the leading children’s emotional learning brand Slumberkins, the series brings to life some of the beloved characters from the Slumberkins books as they explore new stories of friendship, confidence and connection to model healthy relationships. “Slumberkins” was created for television by Alex Rockwell (“Word Party,” “Pajanimals”).

The Jim Henson Company’s Halle Stanford is executive producer along with Rockwell. Callie Christensen, MIT in Elementary Education and Special Education and Kelly Oriard, M.S. in Counseling and Marriage Therapy & School Counseling, creators of the Slumberkins education brand, are co-executive producers.

Dr. Dan Siegel, executive director of the Mindsight Institute and clinical professor of Psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA, and author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, serves as an expert in understanding how attachment experiences affect behavior through the Apple TV+ changemaker initiative.
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“Circuit Breakers” – New Series – November 11

“Circuit Breakers” is a half-hour futuristic anthology series that tackles kid-relatable issues through a sci-fi lens. But not everything is as it seems, and their curiosity leads to chaos. The series was created by Melody Fox with executive producer Matt Hastings directing the pilot episode.

“Circuit Breakers” is executive produced by Andrew Orenstein, Cottonwood Media’s
Sarah
 Haasz, David Michel and Cécile Lauritano, Aircraft Pictures’ Anthony Leo and Andrew Rosen, and Todd Berger.

“Interrupting Chicken” – New Series – November 18

This animated preschool series based upon the 2011 Caldecott Honor-winning book series written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein “Interrupting Chicken” introduces children to the joy of creative writing – starting with a young little chicken named Piper who has a habit of interrupting storytime! Every time Piper hears a story, she can’t help but jump in, ask questions and let her imagination run wild as she tries to fill in details, guess what happens next or insert herself in the middle of the action to help save the day.

“Interrupting Chicken” was developed by Emmy Award winner Ron Holsey who serves as executive producer. In partnership with Mercury Filmworks, the series stars the voice talents of three time Emmy Award winner Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us,” “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul”) and is executive produced by Holsey, Stein, Loris Kramer Lunsford, Clint Eland and Chantal Ling.

Dr. Lucy Calkins, Founding Director of the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project and the Richard Robinson Professor of Children’s Literature at Teachers College, Columbia University, serves as our reading and writing expert through the Apple TV+ changemaker initiative.

The award-winning slate of original series and film for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes the recently premiered critically-acclaimed “El Deafo,” “Amber Brown,” “Best Foot Forward,” “Lovely Little Farm,” “Duck & Goose,” “Pinecone & Pony,” “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company, and the star-studded animated adventure film “Luck” from Apple Original Films and Skydance Animation;  Peabody Award-winning series “Stillwater”; Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop; Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers”; “Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show” from Jack McBrayer and Angela C. Santomero; “Wolfboy and the Everything Factory” from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, HITRECORD and Bento Box Entertainment; “Get Rolling with Otis” and “Puppy Place”; new series and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including “Snoopy in Space” season two, “It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown,” and “For Auld Lang Syne”; and “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers.

Apple TV+ will also soon expand its slate with stories from some of today’s biggest storytellers in kids and family programming, including the soon to premiere  “Jane,” a new mission-driven series from J.J. Johnson, Sinking Ship Entertainment and the Jane Goodall Institute.

The award-winning slate of original series and film for kids and families on Apple TV+ includes the recently premiered groundbreaking series “El Deafo,” critically-acclaimed “Amber Brown” created by Bonnie Hunt, and Common Sense Media Selections “Best Foot Forward” and “Duck & Goose.” The impressive all-ages offerings also include  “Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock” and “Harriet the Spy” from The Jim Henson Company, the Peabody Award-winning series “Stillwater,” Daytime Emmy Award-winning “Ghostwriter” and “Helpsters” from Sesame Workshop, Academy Award-nominated animated film “Wolfwalkers,” new series and specials from Peanuts and WildBrain including “The Snoopy Show,” as well as “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth,” the Daytime Emmy Award-winning television event based on the New York Times best-selling book and TIME Best Book of the Year by Oliver Jeffers.

Apple TV+ continues to present young viewers and their caregivers with first-rate options including the upcoming series  “Jane,” a new mission-driven series from J.J. Johnson, Sinking Ship Entertainment and the Jane Goodall Institute.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favorite screens.

After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries, and series have earned 250 wins and 1,123 award nominations and counting, including this year’s Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL, and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at
tv.apple.com
, for RM19.90 per month with a seven-day free trial.

For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.* For more information, visit
 apple.com/tvpr
 and see the full list of supported devices.

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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Habbatus Sauda: The Tiny Seed That Delivers Big Health Benefits

Habbatus Sauda —more commonly known as black cumin, but also referred to as nigella sativa, black seed or kalonji—comes from the fennel plants of Southeast Asia.

And while this seed has been used medicinally for centuries throughout Asia and other parts of the world, it’s just beginning to pick up steam in the wellness community for its healing powers.

What is Habbatus Sauda?

Habbatus Sauda or nigella sativa is the scientific name for black cumin seed, which comes from fennel flowers native to Asia. Archaeological evidence shows nigella sativa was used for both culinary purposes—especially in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines—as well as medicinally. In fact, the medicinal benefits of habbatus sauda were recorded as early as the year 980 by the Persian Muslim physician, Avicenna, who stated that ingesting the seeds of the habbatus sauda plant was a treatment for dyspnea—shortness of breath.

Today, habbatus sauda seeds are used as an alternative healing method for a variety of ailments, including headaches, arthritis, congestion, digestive problems and more.

Habbatus Sauda Benefits

Over the last few decades, the scientific community has developed a particular interest in studying this plant because of its ability to adapt itself into biological pathways—one of the reasons the seeds are thought to be so incredibly curative.

Anti-inflammatory benefits of habbatus sauda seed

Perhaps the most notable benefit of habbatus sauda is its anti-inflammatory properties. Considering a number of diseases and conditions develop from chronic inflammation in the system—ulcerative colitis, asthma, ulcers, diabetes, heart disease, and in some cases even cancer—it’s important to take steps to reduce chronic inflammation when possible.

While human studies are limited to participants with specific conditions, several institutions have found that kalonji (habbatus sauda) oil is effective at reducing inflammation within the body. One study comprised of 42 participants suffering from rheumatoid arthritis showed that taking 1,000mg of kalonji oil a day for eight weeks reduced inflammation and oxidative stress (the imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals within the body).

Additionally, habbatus sauda seeds are high in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which reduce inflammation in the body by neutralising free radicals and cell damage and protect against chronic diseases and obesity.

Brain boosting benefits of habbatus sauda seeds

Due to habbatus sauda’s anti-inflammatory properties and rich antioxidants, research has seen some major brain benefits from this seed, including improved memory and cognitive function.

Habbatus sauda is also an incredibly promising herb for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease as it’s been shown to help protect neuron degeneration in several parts of the brain.

Antimicrobial benefits of habbatus sauda seed

Habbatus sauda has been found to have antimicrobial properties for fighting off bacteria and certain infections, from ear infections to pneumonia to staph.

Research studies in Pakistan have shown habbatus sauda to be effective at curbing the growth of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a fatal and notoriously difficult-to-treat staph infection, as well as other bacteria strains.

And while more research is needed, the existing data on antimicrobial and antibiotic properties of habbatus sauda seeds is promising!

Beauty benefits of habbatus sauda seeds

Problematic skin? habbatus sauda oil can also be used for a variety of skin conditions to improve skin health.

A study by the Journal of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery found that adding black seed oil to participants’ skin routines helped to reduce acne within eight weeks. It’s also been shown to reduce psoriasis flare ups and support accelerated wound healing due to its antibacterial properties.

How to take habbatus sauda

These seeds can be eaten raw, toasted, ground and added to dishes, applied as topical oil treatment, or taken as a supplement in powdered form (like in
Pegaga by PurelyB
!) or soft gel capsule.

References

https://www.digitalwelt.org/en/lifestyle/herbs/habbatus-sauda-benefits

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884216/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614697/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19610522

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352241015000286

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4428475/

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB.

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How your body makes space for the growing baby: A visual guide

The human body never fails to amaze us, and what it does during pregnancy is no exception. One of the most interesting things about being pregnant is that our organs move during pregnancy!

We are surrounded by information on how the baby grows from week to week. We all hear of the infamous pregnancy hormones. We can see our skin stretching. We pay attention to every detail of our baby’s growth.

But we often overlook what’s going on with our own bodies. To make space for the little bun, our organs move during pregnancy and they move again after birth.

It all starts with the uterus which enlarges and pushes out of the pelvic cavity. This gets the whole process going. Eventually, the body rearranges vital organs such as the stomach, liver, and intestines.

Somewhere in the second trimester, the uterus gets close to the rib cage. Does this explain the growing discomfort? The all too familiar heartburns, indigestion, and difficulty sleeping?

Have you ever wondered how it looks when our organs move during pregnancy? The ultrasound gives us a nice picture of how our baby is developing every week but wouldn’t it be interesting to see what’s going on inside our bodies as well?

If the sound of organs shifting and rearranging has piqued your curiosity, then you should explore this really interesting
interactive tool
by the
Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago
. It gives you a week by week visual guide to how your organs move during pregnancy.

It may sound a little terrifying to think of organs shifting around but do bear in mind that this occurs gradually and over the course of nine months. So let’s have a look at what’s going on inside.

By the end of the first trimester, the uterus pushes the intestines together to make more space!

This interactive gif image shows how somewhere between the fifth to the eighth week, your bladder is already compressed to a much smaller size than at the point of conception. Depending on how your organs move during pregnancy, you might find yourself rushing to the ladies every now and then!

By the end of the
first trimester
, your baby bump might start showing up. You are likely to have gained anywhere between 1.5 to 5 pounds.

Your uterus is pushing your intestines together to make more room for the growing baby. This continues to happen throughout the pregnancy. This is exactly why by the end of your pregnancy, eating a full meal becomes so difficult.

Not only do your organs move during pregnancy, your heart rate and blood volume also increase. The lungs do not function as they usually do either. The constriction explains why you find yourself constantly out of breath during pregnancy.

The kidneys too are working on overdrive. From processing just the mother’s waste, they now have to handle the fetus’ waste as well.

Your uterus would have expanded until your navel by week 21!

It’s incredibly interesting how your organs move during pregnancy as shown by this creative diagram. By the time you hit the halfway mark, your uterus would have extended above your navel.

The uterus continues expanding upwards. This causes your stomach to move upward, on the same level of your intestines.

Again, does this explain the much-dreaded heartburn that almost every pregnant woman is plagued with?

By
week 25
, the sides of your abdomen appear bigger. All thanks to how organs move during pregnancy. Additionally, you may have hemorrhoids caused by the increased blood flow. All the changes happening inside your body can also cause constipation, indigestion, and heartburn.

Don’t forget the skin. All the stretching causes your skin to change. You may discover the appearance of stretch marks or those infamous varicose veins.

The third trimester is when things get really uncomfortable!

Third trimester
, here’s where all the fun starts. Aches, pain, and discomfort hit the peak. Organs move during pregnancy, and they move the most at this stage as illustrated by this interactive diagram. By the beginning of the third trimester, your baby is pushing upward on your rib cage.

By
week 30
, your uterus is approximately four inches above your navel. By
week 34
, your uterus hardens and pushes against your lower ribs. Your rib cage feels so sore it probably ‘burns’.

The abdomen stretches and causes your navel to push out. All the pressure causes existing indigestion and heartburn to worsen. Stretching of the uterine muscle might cause you to feel pains down the sides of your abdomen, almost like stitches.

Your stomach and intestines move up a couple of inches. This causes your liver and lungs to squeeze and this explains why you are almost
always
 out of breath!

This interactive tool also tracks the growth of your placenta. Your body creates this organ solely for the pregnancy. An interesting fact is that the placenta is bigger than your baby in the first trimester. Things settle down by the second trimester, and the placenta’s growth is highly similar to your baby’s growth.

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Things start to revert after you’ve given birth.

Not only do organs move during pregnancy, but they also continue moving after you give birth. Things have to go back to normal. Gradually, organs take on their original shapes and sizes. They continue to shift to their original position. This diagram also tracks your uterus shrinking to its original size.

Although you don’t see any of it, there’s a tremendous amount of change taking place right within you. This interactive tool gives you a thorough visual guide to understanding all of these changes.

Now that you’ve seen it all, you finally get the picture, in every sense of the word. All the discomfort of pregnancy results from your growing baby and how your organs move during pregnancy to accommodate your baby. Hopefully, that makes you a little more forgiving to those vile pregnancy symptoms.

The wonders of nature never cease to amaze us, do they?

Image’s credit: The Bump

References:
What To Expect
,
WebMD

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10 Ways To Recharge When You Hit The Midday Slump

You’re having a productive start to the day, when suddenly that midday slump hits and you can’t help but find yourself wanting to face-plant onto your desk. Does this sound familiar?

How do you typically boost your energy when feeling tired?

The common answer:
caffeine
.

That doesn’t have to be the only answer, though. You can refresh your body and mind without coffee or anything related to caffeine. Keeping your energy up is essential to your productivity and ability to meet daily demands.

10 Ways to Overcome Midday Slump

Here are ten ways you can overcome that lunchtime sluggishness and perform at your best.

1# Understand Why Your Energy Drops

A healthy metabolism allows you to function at your best and ensures that you achieve the recovery you need at night – such as through good sleep. When your blood sugar is poorly regulated, you will experience a drop in energy over time.

This can be due to a poor diet, skipping meals, or just generally not meeting your body’s demands. By regulating your blood sugar, you regulate your energy production.

2# Omit Processed Carbs

The right food can be a
powerful source of energy
 that can fuel your body throughout the day. That’s why you should opt for food with a wide range of nutrients and healthy enzymes, rather than processed food stripped of its benefits. For example, avoid white rice during lunch and have quinoa instead.

If you feel like snacking, pick fruits over items filled with refined sugar. Switching your diet to exclude processed carbs will not only help your energy levels but your overall health, too!

3# Choose Dark Chocolate Over Other Chocolates

Another snack to add to your list to help with midday slump would be dark chocolate, preferably the type with more than 70% cocoa.

Dark chocolate stimulates endorphins and serotonin, which are known as feel-good chemicals. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and fibre, too – all the more reason to have some on hand!

4# Prioritise Important Tasks

As your energy level is at its highest, prioritise the tasks that will require the most amount of attention. Once you’ve completed urgent or complicated tasks, you’ll be able to breeze through the rest of your agenda even if your energy levels have changed.

5# Move Your Body

When you feel the midday slump creeping up on you, start moving your body to release tension and to feel revived. If you were unknowingly hunching over your desk, focus on stretches centered around the neck, shoulders, and upper back to clear potential tightness. Why not start with easy stretches, or try some desk yoga?

You can also just go for a walk. From
reducing blood sugar levels
and
elevating your mood
 to helping you
think more creatively
, and more, walking has certainly proven its various benefits!

Once everyone can safely return to the office, you could incorporate more walking into your at-work routine, too. Take the stairs over the elevator, walk to your colleague’s desk instead of emailing, and have walking meetings over seated meetings.

6# Listen to Music

Music has the power to
lessen anxiety
 and reduce stress by boosting happiness and
regulating emotions
. Favorite songs especially can work as a natural mood and
 energy enhancer
so create a playlist of your favorite songs and let the music play while you work.

If you’re still working from home, you could even have a little boogie in between completing tasks and work calls – you’ll definitely be smiling, and feeling less sluggish, by the end of your party-for-one!

7# Stock Up On Essential Oils

When it comes to choosing an essential oil to use to improve your mood, you will be spoilt for choice.
Peppermint
, lemon, and/ or sweet orange are a few of my favourites. You can either rub a drop or two along your wrists, neck and/or temple – just remember to avoid the eyes.

Alternatively, you can invest in a diffuser and keep your home-office area scented with essential oils throughout your working day for your energy levels to remain balanced.

8# Absorb Some Positive Rays

If you have the privilege of living by a balcony or garden, then utilise the space to your advantage. Make sure to get your dose of vitamin D as sunlight can trigger the parts of your brain that are connected to
 feeling alert
.

Sunlight has a positive effect on your melatonin production too, which means that your energy levels will increase – bye-bye constant yawning! The ideal amount of time under the sun would be 15 minutes at least, so the next time you have lunch, why not take it outdoors?

Researchers have proven how incorporating the sun into your work schedule can
improve the mental health of employees.

9# Ice, Ice Baby

This solution to dealing with the midday slump is the total opposite of absorbing sunlight. In lieu of sweating under the sun, a cold shower could be what works best for your body.

Despite the differences in temperature, a cold shower has similar benefits: it helps you concentrate and can increase focus. Despite how a cold shower can feel like an attack when you’re not used to it, it actually
helps reduce stress levels
and is ideal for those without access to a balcony or garden.

10# Get Visualising

Visualisation has long been used for personal development as it can better cognitive performance and in turn, support goal achievement. Moreover, visualisation techniques can enhance your energy throughout the day and
prevent fatigue
. If you’re new to visualisation, you could start by self-inducing certain states of being, such as being energised or relaxed, for example at your favorite holiday destination. If you prefer some guidance, use an app like
HeadSpace
.

Have A Laugh

Kredit: Freepik

If everything else fails, remember that you always can rely on friends and family to help uplift your mood and energy levels. Instead of just messaging, call them! Chit-chatting away with a loved one will almost instantly have you giggling and put your mind at ease.

Plus, during times like these, staying connected with family and friends is more important than ever – you’d be surprised at how much a phone call can mean to someone going through a tough time!
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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
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Bye Bye, Caffeine! 5 Caffeine-Free Energy Boosters

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8 Telltale Signs That You’re Stressed

In 2011, The Patron of the Malaysian Psychiatric Association (MPA) found that 11% of Malaysians struggled with depression and anxiety. In 2017, that number spiked to 29%. Since the pandemic started in 2020, numerous studies have been conducted to assess the impact on Malaysian citizens.

University Pendidikan Sultan Idris revealed how 70% of its respondents agreed that since the outbreak, their anxiety levels have increased – common physical symptoms include fatigue, headaches, mood swings, and even shortness of breath

Anxiety and stress are closely connected, except that stress is the body’s reaction to an external trigger, whereas anxiety is the body’s reaction to the stress. Typically, symptoms of anxiety and stress overlap.

A common cause of anxiety and stress is work. In Japan, there’s even a term for anxiety and stress resulting from work: karoshi. It means death caused by overwork and stress. Yes, it’s true: chronic stress can lead to heart disease, stress-induced seizures, strokes, and more.

In order to avoid karoshi, here are 8 telltale signs that you’re stressed.

1# Acne (Even If You’re Not Prone To Acne)

If you wake up one day with your face covered in pimples and you’re pretty sure it’s not triggered by any allergens, the blame falls on stress.

This is often due to a hormone called cortisol that’s secreted to combat stress. Unfortunately, it causes overproduction of oil in the hair follicles.

So, don’t be surprised if you wake up with acne in your 30s! If you’re currently battling acne, then here are
4 Ways To Help Clear Your Acne Naturally
.

2# Uncharacteristic Digestive Problems

Considering how stress affects your physiological system, it’s unsurprising that stress can lead to gastrointestinal or digestive problems such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and the likes.

By making small and gradual changes in your lifestyle, you can alleviate all stress-related digestive problems.

Our top three tips would be: eat balanced meals in smaller portions at regular intervals, don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water daily and try to exercise regularly.

3# Sudden Weight Gain

While you’d assume that digestive problems lead to weight loss, the opposite is also true. That pesky hormone cortisol can actually make you feel hungrier during times of stress.

These increased levels of stress will, in turn, increase your insulin levels and cause a drop in blood sugar levels.

As a result, you will crave more junk food or just any type of food that’s fatty and/ or sugary. You can learn how to curb sugar cravings and snack healthy through our other articles – phew!

4# Random (& Chronic) Body Aches & Pain

According to Jay Winner, author of Stress Management Made Simple, “When you are stressed, your body produces hormones that increase muscle tension and pain sensitivity”.

In fact, a
study
 found that the participants involved who were experiencing chronic pain had higher levels of cortisol. If you’re feeling tight within your body then try loosening up those tight muscles with these easy full-body stretches or these simple seated yoga stretches.

You could even make yourself this homemade pain relief balm.

5# Frequent Headaches & Migraines

Have you ever experienced a tension headache? Usually, a tension headache is accompanied by sharp and/ or dull pain, pressure at the back of the head, and/ or pressure at the neck.

This study
 proves how stressful events preceded the development of chronic headaches.

6# Sleep Deprivation
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It’s a given that stress can affect sleep. A lesser-known fact is that insufficient sleep will weaken your immunity. The consequence of tossing & turning in bed is that you become more susceptible to colds. You can try sleeping in early. Alternatively, try doing Yoga or keep your immunity high with lots of fruits and vegetables.

7# Freaky Hair Loss

The reason you start losing hair when stressed is due to most of the aforementioned signs, particularly poor dietary habits and lack of sleep. It’s not uncommon for people to start losing hair weeks or, sometimes, months after a stressful event.

This is known as ‘telogen effluvium’ which occurs when a lot of hair is in the resting phase for 3 to 4 months before it falls out and gets replaced by new strands of hair.

The good news? If you are able to address the stressful event, your hair growth cycle will resume as normal. Eating healthy food will help your hair stay healthy and strong as well.

8# Feeling Nothing But Blue

Serotonin is the much-loved hormone that can elevate your mood and turn around imbalanced chemical activity in the brain. Stress, however, tends to deplete these happy hormones, which can then lead to depression. If nothing changes, suicidal thoughts may ensue at a later stage.

Remember:
 You Are In Control

Stress is inevitable in this day and age and yes, its side effects can be tough. There will always be one way or another that you can combat stress, you are in control!

So the next time you’re feeling anxious or nervous, use that energy to your advantage and calm your nerves with this yoga.

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:

10 Ways To Manage Your Stress For Peace Of Mind

Read more:
Working mums are up to 40% more stressed out than other people

Read more:
New research proves stress causes obesity

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Mum shares importance of car seat safety on long drives

When 28-year-old Kirsti Clark strapped her three-week-old daughter into her car seat, she wasn’t expecting to put her child’s life in danger. But the mum soon learned about car seat dangers in the most frightening way possible.

Mum shares warning about car seat dangers after newborn daughter almost dies

The frightening incident happened on their drive home, which took longer than normal because of bad traffic.

Once they got home, the mum-of-two recounts how she and her husband Christopher got their eldest daughter Malena into bed first. Their baby Harper stayed in the car seat, until they took her out of it because she was getting fussy.

To their horror, Harper, who by then had spent three hours in the car seat, turned blue and started foaming at the nose and mouth; she also suffered a seizure.

The terrified parents rushed their little one to the hospital, where doctors managed to resuscitate her.

“Seeing her like that was the worst feeling. It was horrid. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone…”

While there, they were also warned about the dangers of leaving babies in car seats for more than an hour. Because beyond 60 minutes, a baby’s oxygen level can crash.

“Seeing her like that was the worst feeling. It was horrid. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone,” Clark tells
news.com.au.

Because of what happened, the mum and dad are now committed to letting other parents know about one of the most overlooked car seat dangers.

“We knew we had to share what happened to Harper because parents need to know. Just two hours in a car seat and we could have lost her, it’s terrifying,” says Clark.

Car seat dangers parents should know about

Car seat dangers can happen even in the “safest car seats.”

As this story shows, oxygen deprivation can happen even in the safest of car seats. A
study
 has also stressed the dangers of putting babies in car seats for too long.

Another study also compared how 200 newborns’ breathing patterns changed when placed in a car seat, car bed, or crib.

The researchers of both studies, along with other similar ones, agreed that babies’ oxygen levels fall and their breathing and heart rates can go alarmingly up.

What’s more, sitting upright for prolonged periods can cause chest wall compression. This, in turn, can affect the size of their still-developing airway.

Here’s what to remember to protect your child from car seat dangers.

1. Watch your baby

Even if you’ve been keeping them in a car seat without incident, don’t be too complacent. Always be extra observant and vigilant about their safety.

Look at them through the rear view mirror, or better yet, have someone sit beside them, as rear-facing car seats are still recommended for babies under the age of two years old. In fact,
SafetyBeltSafe USA
 says this is
five times safer
 in the event of an accident.

2. Know your baby’s cues

Are they extra fussy or kicking around? You know your baby best, so you know when something’s wrong. Trust your instincts; don’t overlook any strange sounds or movements. Or silence.

Just like the case of the Clarks, they noticed something was wrong when their baby was more restless than usual. Take them out of the car seat immediately or seek medical help as needed.

3. Invest in protective accessories

Getting breathing or movement monitors
 can help give you peace of mind. You can even download
baby monitoring apps
 that can help you keep an eye on your baby.

Though driving long distances with babies isn’t always dangerous, it’s best to avoid bringing young babies on long car rides too often, especially if they were born prematurely.

Of course, car seats are important. Just recently, a
baby was flung from her dad’s arms and died
 because she wasn’t in a car seat.  But with the time and effort spent trying to
find the best car seat,
 there should also be a commitment to making it safer for kids.

Though parents can purchase car seats and other safety equipment, nothing beats the watchful eye of a loving parent for a worry-free  journey ahead.
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Sources:
news.com.au,

Insider,

WebMD
,
American Academy of Pediatrics

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10 Things Mummies Do To Have Calm And Happy Babies

Mummies, does this scenario sound familiar? Your baby is crying for the umpteenth time in a day. Your household chores are piling up. Your baby is growing increasingly frustrated and so are you!

This is a common situation among new parents. But experienced parents will tell you, this doesn’t ALWAYS have to be the case.

There are little “hacks” and “secrets” that mummies do to have a calm and happy baby.

So how to calm baby down when he or she is wailing and griping?

Here are some tips on how to calm baby down from experienced mummies:

1. Breastfeed

Many mummies will swear by this – breastfeeding is the best way to bond with your baby. The healthy relationship you cultivate between the both of you will help them be happier and calmer in the long run.

2. Hold them tight

In the first few weeks to months of the baby’s life, he or she is acclimatising to the new environment and world around them. If your child is fussing and crying, he or she might just need a hug from you.

3. Make them laugh

A happy parent = a happy baby. Laugh a lot with your baby and they will feed off your good mood. Plus, isn’t it a nice bonus to hear them laugh too?

4. Give your child your undivided attention

This might be a little tough – attending to children all day all night can be tiring. But your child doesn’t always demand for attention. He or she might only want a fraction of time during the day. During this time, you should give your child your undivided attention. No playing with your phone or getting distracted with chores!

5. Address their emotions

Babies cry because they are trying to express something. Are they frustrated because they are having a nappy rash? If yes, they have a perfectly valid reason to get upset. Acknowledge your child’s emotions by making sure that you check for every reason they might be upset before writing it off as an unreasonable tantrum. Watch for signs like wet diapers or uncomfortable diapers, for example.

6. Respond to their cries, don’t ignore them

The “cry it out” method is not something you should practice if it isn’t working for your child. Some babies don’t respond well to this method, while others can really sleep through the night with 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep. If your baby falls under this category, it is essential that you ensure their comfort for the long duration.

This is where finding the right overnight diaper, like PetPet Tape, for your little one comes into the equation.  When a baby sleeps well throughout the night, they tend to be happier and calmer throughout the day. PetPet Tape boasts up to 10 hours of freshness and dryness for your baby.

7. Co-parent

As much as you can, try to involve your partner in the parenting process. Don’t let yourself or your partner take on too much of a heavy burden when you should be helping each other co-parent. Co-parenting also helps to raise a happy and calm child as they know that the family structure is well balanced.

8. Try a white noise machine

Besides getting a good overnight diaper, what can help a cranky baby sleep better is a white noise machine. The white noise machine can act as a way to get the baby to fall asleep, or simply calm the baby down during a tantrum episode.

9. Use a calm and soothing tone with your child

Children always instinctively take over their parents, so the best way to raise a happy, healthy baby is to adopt the behaviour you want them to mimic.

10. Distract your child with activities that hone their skills

If all else fails,
 use distraction as a tool for a fussy child. A happy and calm child is one that is distracted doing the things they like! When a child is distracted doing something they like, it’s best not to interrupt them. Using
PetPet Pants
, which are easy to wear, can keep your active baby happy and calm during the daytime.

Choosing the right diaper is so important in helping you raise a happy and calm child. Use the perfect combination of PetPet Tape and PetPet Pants to keep your child happy and calm all the time.

Purchase PetPet Tape and Pants twin pack today
 and get a free bamboo fibre bowl or plate!

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This mum found love again after a really painful past

We first came across Suanne’s story on
zula.sg
, the story of a woman whose dream of getting married to the love of her life was shattered, when her fiance died in a car crash, leaving her three months pregnant.

Today, Suanne works as an insurance agent, and handles accounts work for her dad’s business. She is also proud mummy to 5-year-old Danson. She tells us how she survived the ordeal, made peace with her past and found love again.

Love, Hope and Loss

“I met my late fiance when I was 12. He was 4 years older than me. We started dating when I was 16. After 8 years of courtship, he proposed to me in 2011; I instantly agreed. There was no doubt about it, we shared a strong and loving relationship.

The accident happened on 2nd May 2011, around 4.45am. It was one month before the wedding day (3rd June 2011). I was 3 months pregnant then.

I feel lost for words to describe how I felt back then. Everything fell apart on that fateful day. I became very quiet and didn’t want to talk to anyone at all.

I cried through many sleepless nights.

Life as a single mum

Some of my friends suggested that I go for an abortion and start life anew. In my heart,  I knew that if I did that, I would never be able to face myself for the rest of my life.

 Deciding to bring my child to this world was the greatest and firmest decision I have ever made.

Sure, life was tough being a single mum, and at times society could get cruel. But I’m grateful that I had a handful of good friends who cared for me genuinely.

 My parents and my ever-supportive family, have been my pillars of strength.

My dad once said this to me, “You have been through the darkest moment (Daniel’s passing) and the most painful moment (giving birth to Danson), is there anything you cannot conquer?” His sentence shook me up instantly.

How this mum found love again

And then, after 3 years, fate sprang up a surprise, and his name was Daniel too!

Says Suanne, “We are colleagues and I first met him in July 2014, at a company event.

We realised that we could talk to each other about anything and everything. It was only by November 2015 that we got closer. I felt comfortable being with him, he gave me a sense of assurance. We get along very well, and I guess, we shared a deep level of understanding.”

We asked Daniel Chia, Relationship Manager at an insurance company on what attracted him to Suanne. He reveals, “She came across as someone who was strong and independent; opinionated, but soft spoken. Even though we were colleagues, it took time for us to know each other really well, more than a year, in fact. I realised what a wonderful human being she was, and that the one meant for me was right beside me all along. Life is strange indeed!”

Suanne and Daniel got married in September 2016.

Knowing about the past

Was he ever intimidated by her past, we wonder? Says Daniel, “Being colleagues, I was well aware of her past. In fact,
seeing her for who she was and what she stood for in life drew me closer to her. I really can’t think of anyone more kind, gentle and mindful.

It’s human to love and what does loving someone have to do with her past, especially when she’s such a wonderful person! I guess most people are just afraid of judgement and rumours and insignificant chatter.

 Suanne wouldn’t be who she is without her past, and I love and cherish her and our son Danson for it.

When you fall in love, just love hard and embrace the past, present and future of the one you love.”

Father-son bonding

Suanne recalls that Danson took to Daniel almost instantly, “As Daniel and I grew closer, he made the effort to get to know Danson better by spending more quality time with him.”

Daniel reveals, “I am not an experienced father so it’s pretty much on-the-job training, much like whatever you do in life that’s worthwhile, non-scripted, and non-conforming, I guess. But it has been a great journey and every single day that I spend with little Danson teaches me more about life than any form of media or entertainment that’s available these days.”

Advice from experience

Suanne is now in a happy space but it wasn’t always this way. Any advice she would like to share with our readers?

“I wouldn’t say life ahead is going to be blooming. There are many chapters in life, I have been through one of my darkest chapters.
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 I have learnt to banish self-pity along the way, to deal with pain one step at a time. Life is never a shortcut, it’s a beautiful journey. Embrace it.

It is never easy to deal with the loss of a loved one, but what matters most is how you turn your pain to strength, and use that strength to love and care for your loved ones who matter the most to you. It was my son and my beloved family who stood by me and cried with me in my darkest hours; they are the true heroes of my life.

 I’m grateful and blessed for all the things I have, and the beautiful people I have met along the way.”

Daniel has this to share, “Love hard and have no regrets, make peace with your past, because there’s a brave new world out there. Life is better spent forging ahead then wasted looking back, because there’s nothing you can change about your past.

There are always pros and cons to whatever you do in life, and not just in love and relationships. You just have to make peace with them and get really honest with yourself.”

Daniel sums up with a quote by Kahlil Gibran, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

Suanne and Daniel are expecting their second son in Feb 2017. We wish them peace, good luck and lots of happiness.

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Children’s Eye Care: What You Need to Know

Paediatric ophthalmologists at Ara Damansara Medical Centre (ADMC) and International Specialist Eye Centre (ISEC), Dr. Norazah Binti Abdul Rahman, Dr. Choong Yee Fong and Dr. Tsiang Ung shares the importance of children eyecare at an early age.

80% of learning in children happens visually. More often than not, a vision-related problem is the culprit to children falling behind in school. And at such young ages, they lack the ability to tell parents what they are experiencing. Furthermore, they may not realize what they are seeing (or not seeing) raises a red flag or two. This is why eye exams are so critical for young children.

First Eye Exam: When?

Paediatric ophthalmologists, Dr. Norazah, Dr. Choong and Dr. Tsiang, unanimously stress the importance of early eye exams to rule out any undiagnosed conditions that could potentially lead to irreversible blindness, as well as impact children socially, emotionally and academically.

“Even if there are no obvious symptoms, children should have their first comprehensive eye exam between 3-4 years of age,” recommends all.

Read more:

6 Alarming Eye Problems in Kids with Long-term Effects Parents Should Know About

Most parents handle their children eyecare until their children start primary school before bringing them for a vision test, and while most schools do have routine eye screenings in place, the problem is that this can be quite late to reverse certain eye conditions, such as lazy eye (amblyopia).

Also, once children reach 7-8 years of age, their brains become less malleable to adapt and reverse vision-related problems. It is even more important for early screening if there is a family history of vision problems.

“Despite what many people think, children do not need to be able to talk or know the alphabet in order to have an eye exam,” Dr. Choong dispels a common misconception.

Did You Know?
 The ideal time for your child to have a comprehensive eye exam from an eye care professional is between the ages of 3 and 4 years. Remember, the earlier we catch a disease, the easier it is to beat it!

“When a child gets the first in-depth eye test, parents should expect a visual acuity test with refraction assessment to determine if the child needs glasses, 3D vision screening, squint assessment and an overall examination of the eyes.”
– Dr. Tsiang Ung, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, ISEC Penang

What to Expect at Your Child’s Eye Exam?

Eye care professionals check for many different things during a child’s eye exam. Dr. Tsiang points out that it can include several eye tests, such as a vision (visual acuity) test that looks at how well a child sees at different distances; a pupil test that checks how a child’s eyes respond to light; an eye movement test that checks a child’s side (peripheral) vision.

A comprehensive eye exam can detect many refractive and non-refractive errors. Some of the common eye problems in children are nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism, squint (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia) and chalazion. A full eye test can even save lives by revealing underlying life-threatening diseases.

“What’s more concerning is that eye problems can be warning signs and symptoms of an underlying life-threatening disease, such as brain tumour and cancer. Therefore, a comprehensive eye exam is probably one of the most important things you can do for your child’s overall health. If it’s early enough to initiate treatment, it can save vision and occasionally even save lives!”
– Dr. Choong Yee Fong, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, ISEC Mid Valley City

Protecting Children’s Eyecare

Though a childhood cancer diagnosis is scary and rather rare, with approximately 100 cases a year in Malaysia, most can live long lives if it is diagnosed and treated early. What about other more “common” eye conditions? You must be wondering if there is a cure or at least something that can be done to slow its progression. Good news is yes there are numerous ways to prevent eye problems by changing lifestyle habits, genetics aside.

“Decreasing time on technology is always a good place to start,” suggests Dr. Norazah. To reduce the strain, try using the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes spent on a near vision activity, take a break and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

What else it to blame for the current “epidemic” of myopia, more commonly known as short-sightedness, affecting children in Malaysia? Spending too much time cooped up indoors. This condition now affects approximately 50-60% of the East Asian population, and the numbers are expected to rise to an alarming 90%, meaning 9 out of 10 children will become short-sighted. This is twice as prevalent as the global obesity crisis.

“It is important to balance activities that involve prolonged near concentration to those that take place outside. Participating in more outdoor activities reduces the risk of myopia in children,” agrees all three paediatric ophthalmologists.

New Treatment for Progressive Myopia

In recent years, there are newer advancements in treatment for progressive myopia – short-sightedness that continues to worsen year after year and usually occurs during childhood. The types of treatment include orthokeratology (“ortho-k”), MiSight multifocal contact lenses, and the most promising therapy – low-dose atropine (0.01%) eye drops.

Atropine eye drops are shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of short-sightedness in children by as much as 70%. The trials were conducted at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. ISEC, ADMC, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, ParkCity Medical Centre are a handful of places where parents with children who are suffering from rapidly deteriorating short-sightedness can turn to for atropine eye drops therapy.

“It’s amazing if a child whose myopia could have reached -8.00 dioptres (800 degrees) is kept at -3.00 dioptres (300 degrees) with atropine eye drops therapy. This not only reduces the child’s final degree of myopia but also significantly reduces the risks of blinding eye conditions associated with high myopia such as retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration and glaucoma,” added Dr. Choong.

Offer More Insurance Coverage for Eye Patients

There may be some important advancements in eye treatments but Dr. Norazah hopes that the government can make changes to Bank Negara Malaysia’s provisions on medical insurance coverage for eye patients.
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“If a child has a squint and needs surgery to correct it, it is not for cosmetic purposes, but it is for the child to see properly again and to prevent further permanent problems from occurring. We really hope the government will look into these insurance guidelines and make the needed changes.”
– Dr. Norazah Binti Abdul Rahman, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Ara Damansara Medical Centre

Don’t Wait for School Eye Checks

While there are common telltale signs of eye problems, many parents might still miss the mark on eye conditions and diseases. Moreover, the national vision screening programme is only conducted on children aged 7, 12 and 15 years in government schools, and there is currently no formal national eye assessment programme for preschool children.

For these reasons, it is important for parents to schedule the first full eye test for their children at approximately 3-4 years of age. If there are other risk factors, such as premature birth, family history, developmental delays or previous injuries, earlier and more frequent tests are recommended. Bear in mind that most eye problems are treatable but early detection is key!

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123

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"The UPT Might Be Tainted, Let Me Try" - My Husband Said This!

My pregnancy journey is a little bit funny. We weren’t expecting another child when we found out that I was pregnant with another baby.

We think one child is just ENOUGH for now.

But I Keep on Dreaming of Being Pregnant

I kept on dreaming about touching and holding a baby in my arm. I kept dreaming of being pregnant, and it felt real every time I wake up in the middle of the night.

Read more
:
12 things that pregnant women in Asia secretly fear

So I asked my husband to get me some pregnancy test, and he did. He was not familiar with it as all these while, I usually buy some cheap UPT.

It was during Movement Control Order (MCO) at that time, so I had to ask my husband to buy it for me since all of us have to stay home for lockdown. He purchased two (2) Clearblue pregnancy tests for me and asked me to try them.

Everything Changed

The result came in just like this picture.

We were stunned. I remembered my husband said he thought the UPT had some problem or maybe broken.

And guess what, he decided to test his urine with another Clearblue pregnancy test he bought, and of course the result came in and showed that he was not pregnant 😂🤣.

“
Emmmm… Betullah UPT ni tak rosak
 (So the UPT is not broken),” he said at that time.

I looked at him and laughed over his action. And we celebrated the news with our parent through video call that night. 😊😊❤❤❤❤❤ #vipparents #TAPWriter

Written by: Atirah Hasli

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What you need to know about late talkers and speech delay

When we have kids, many of our precious memories of them are coloured by milestones — their first smile, their first steps, their first words and so on.

What do you do though, when one of those milestones is delayed or doesn’t happen?

I’m talking in particular about speech as this is something I can relate to with my older son.

While he was saying single words such as ‘Mum’, ‘give’, and ‘come’ a little over the age of one, most of his ‘talk’ for a very long time was ‘baby-talk’.

We all wait eagerly to hear our child’s first words

I was worried when by almost 2 years old, he still wasn’t speaking properly.

Some of my friends/relatives told me there was absolutely nothing to worry about, that boys are notoriously late in speaking. Others told me to seek the opinion of a doctor, or even show him to a speech pathologist.

I’m glad to say that he really didn’t have any other issues besides the fact that he just took his own time to talk.

Now he is 5 and doesn’t stop talking! But I do remember the time when I was very worried about his speech, and in retrospect, perhaps I could have stopped worrying had I got the opinion of a speech pathologist.

Like in the case of my son, a speech delay can sometimes be simple and unexplained and will resolve itself over time. Other times, the delay can be an indicator of a more serious issue, according to experts.

Because different children develop their speech at different paces and at different times, it’s hard for parents to judge if their child really has a delay.

This is when a professional such as a speech pathologist can help.

A delay in talking is often no cause for worry. But since it can possibly be a red flag for problems such as ear infection, autism etc, it’s best to check with your pediatrician or a speech therapist if you are worried.

So we talked to the lovely
Joan Lim
 and
Sheryl Lau
— both qualified speech pathologists –about late talkers and speech delay. What you need to know is on the
next page
.

Joan and Sheryl work for
Therapy Inc.
, a Singaporean company that provides multidisciplinary services to families and individuals seeking speech therapy, occupational therapy and educational support.

We asked them a few questions about speech delay and late talkers and the following (which has been edited for clarity and brevity) includes the information they provided.

When should a child start talking?

A child will usually say his first word around his first birthday.

Common first words include, “mummy'”, “daddy”, and “milk”, although “NO!” and “uh oh” may be included in this list too!

A child’s expressive vocabulary quickly grows to around 50 single words by 18 months of age.

Encourage your child to talk by talking to him often and asking plenty of questions

Is there a difference between a late talker and a child who has problems with speech?

While late talkers and children with language disorders both start speaking late, a child without a language disorder (late talker) will usually “catch up” with their peers without any intervention.

A child with a language problem, might always be behind his peers in language development and will definitely require intervention to prevent the gap from getting larger as he grows.

Speech disorders (issues with pronunciation) can become apparent at any age and parents should consult a speech therapist to ascertain if the speech sound errors are age-appropriate.
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What are the characteristics of a late talker?

Late talkers may say their first word after 18 months of age.

Also, they may start using phrases (speech and language development experts expect 2-word phrases, e.g., “no juice” at 2 years, 3-word phrases, e.g., “mummy take car” at 3 and so on) much later than expected, and they may appear to understand more than they say.

They could also present with unintelligible or “baby-like” speech.

It is important with all late talkers to make sure that they do acquire the expected developmental milestones after they start talking.

Is it true that boys start talking later than girls?

Yes it is true that in general, boys start talking later than girls.

However, everyone is different and there are boys who start talking earlier than their sisters. Developmental disorders like speech and language disorders, autism and stuttering do tend to be more prevalent in boys.

When should you be worried about your child’s speech delay?

You should seek help if your child:

is not talking by 18 months;

has difficulty following simple routine instructions;

is not making eye contact or does not appear interested in people;

is not pointing or using gestures to communicate his needs and wants;

is only speaking in vowel sounds e.g. ah, ooh etc.

If you are worried about your child’s speech delay, it’s best to seek a professional’s opinion.

What can you do at home to encourage your child to talk?

Give your child a reason to communicate

You could do things like giving your child his favourite treats or toys one at a time, so he has a chance to “ask for more”, practise turn-talking and other important communication skills.

You could also pretend at times that you do not know what your child likes and dislikes (e.g., offering something your child does not like so he gets a chance to say “no”).

Encourage your child to talk by handing over her favourite toys one at a time, encouraging her to ask for more.

Talk to your child a lot but keep utterances short so your child is more able to imitate you

For example, you could show and say the name of a favourite toy, describe what you are doing (“Mummy is washing, WASH!”), ask a question (“Want up? up?”) and use fun words (“uh oh!”, “wow” etc.).

Use gestures and signs to add meaning to what you are saying

There are great baby sign books and DVDs that you can purchase to learn more about this.

Is speech delay a sign of other developmental disorders?

Speech delay
could be
 a red flag for developmental problems disorders such as autism.

However, do keep in mind that while almost all children with autism have a speech delay, not all children with a speech delay have autism.

With autism affecting 1 in 88 children now, again it’s best not to wait if you have a concern about your child’s speech delay.

If you are worried about your child’s speech delay, consult a professional like a speech therapist.

Who can help your child if you think he has a problem with speech?

If you think your child has a speech delay, contact your pediatrician or you could
contact
 a speech therapist such as Joan or Sheryl directly.

If there is nothing to worry about, these professionals can put your mind at ease, and if there is an issue, they can provide the best possible course of treatment.

Another tip is to check with your child’s teacher (if they go to preschool/daycare) if they have noticed anything unusual about your child’s speech.

Do you have a late talker, or was your child a late talker? Share you experiences with us by leaving a comment.

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5 Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Kids

Mental illness in children has been steadily increasing, and among children aged 13-18, 1 in 5 will have a serious mental illness. The most common childhood mental disorders are anxiety disorders, depression, and
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
.

Source: Huffingtonpost.com

Any potential sign of
mental illness
 should immediately be addressed through the help of a physician in order to ensure that the illness won’t escalate further to adulthood. However,
developmental
disorders and psychotic disorders in children can have a lifelong impact on the child and his or her family

Here are some of the warning signs of mental illness in children:

Childhood mental disorders  can be hard for parents to identify. It is crucial for family members to be aware of any changes in their children at all times to find out for any sign of mental illness.

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Who Says Aprons Are Just for Cooking

Although aprons are typically associated with the kitchen, they can be used for various other tasks asides from the preparation of food. They actually make quite versatile items to own as you can use them for various situations. From home wear to work wear to hobby wear; it can be used practically anywhere and for any occasion. Have we piqued your curiosity yet? Then satisfy your curious mind by taking a look at the many uses of aprons we have listed below.

1. Cooking

The most basic use of an apron is for cooking. It’s an undeniable and commonly known fact shared by many if not all. Why do we need it? To protect our clothes of course for the splashing of oil or sauce related condiments is certainly not something to look forward to. And let’s be real, no matter how good of a cook you are you certainly can’t avoid from the occasional spillage here and there during the cooking process.

2. Baking

Baking and cooking are quite similar to one another though one typically uses more flour than the other. If you’re wearing a white coloured outfit then the flour stain won’t be as obvious but what about the other baking related stains such as egg, food colouring, etc.? This is why it’s important to wear an apron for you’ll be able to avoid any unwanted marks on your clothes.

3. Gardening

Dealing with plants on a daily basis? For work or pleasure? Whether it’s one or the other, it’d be a good idea to wear an apron when you’re dealing with dirt, pollen, fertilizer and other gardening related items. Even though dirt may be good for the plant, it definitely isn’t good for your laundry bill.

4. Painting

Enjoy painting as a hobby or is it your main source of income? For a person with such a creative mind not to mention touch, you must not want anything to get in the way of your magnificent creation. What’s more, when you’re in the zone you can’t afford to be thinking of the paint splatters getting on your clothes. So avoid such disruptions by wearing an apron.

5. Woodworking

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To create something with your own hands is certainly a joy for you feel a sense of accomplishment when your creation is completed. For those working with wood related materials, it’ll certainly be a good idea to protect your clothes from splinters, wood shavings paint residues, etc. by wearing an apron on top.

Even though we’ve only listed 5 uses of aprons, they can actually be used and are used for a large number of things. We can’t possibly list them all or this article will never end. Now that we’ve covered some practical uses of the apron, why don’t you
design your own apron
online with us? Visit our personalised gift store today!

This article has been republished with permission from
Printcious.

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Weird But True: Odd Pregnancy Cravings!

Unsurprisingly, chocolate was found to be the most common food craving, followed by ice cream, sweets, spicy food, pickled onions, tropical fruit, curry, doughnuts, marmite, peanut butter, potatoes and nuts.

This is followed by an array of odd craving combinations such as pickles with peanut butter or marmite with ice cream.

However, some studies found that a third of these cravings were for non-food items! We bring you some of the odd pregnancy cravings women around the world want to have during their pregnancy period.

5 Odd Pregnancy Cravings

1# Dirt/clay

It is not uncommon for women in some cultures to consume clay or dirt during pregnancy.  In the Deep South of the United States, some people believed that eating dirt and clay would help relieve morning sickness.

Meanwhile, in Kenya and Uganda, earth-eating has ceremonial or religious purposes.  Even in urban times, there have been cases of women who hanker after dirt and clay during and after their pregnancy.

The most popular dirt craver would be none other than pop sensation Britney Spears.  She supposedly pined for earth badly during the last trimester of her pregnancy!

2# Ice

Apparently, the princess of pop, Britney Spears, leads the pack in terms of weird cravings.  The desire to chew on ice is also one of her pregnancy desires.

Scientists believe that the innate hunger for ice is due to an iron deficiency, often present in pregnant women.

Women who hanker for ice often prefer ice cubes that they can chew on, compared to ice shavings which do not serve the same pleasure or satisfaction.

3# Furniture polish

And you thought your milo on toast craving was weird?!

26-year-old British mum-to-be, has to eat the spray furniture polish at least three times a day!  Seven months pregnant, Emma Veness, has gone through three cans so far- despite her fears of harming her unborn baby girl.

In an interview with the Sun UK, she said: ‘I can’t explain why I like it so much.  I think it has a lot to do with the texture.  I normally spray a bit on my fingers and lick it off or spray it on the duster and suck.’

Although she would like to give up her unusual obsession, she cannot seem to do so.

4# Laundry detergent

Yes, you saw it right.  Mums-to-be have admitted salivating after a laundry detergent.  Nibbling on powdered soap is another common, yet bizarre craving.

American mom blogger, Denene Millner, spoke of her weird obsession in her blog, mybrownbaby.com.  She wrote: ‘when I was pregnant, I couldn’t walk past a laundry room without wanting to crunch on powdered Tide, liquid Downy and all manner of cleaning products, especially Mr Clean.’

However, she continued to say that she ‘never actually ate or sipped any’ but admitted to inhaling the products deeply.

Similar to ice craving, the obsession to eat or inhale detergent is believed to be due to an iron deficiency that can be treated using iron tablets.

5# Cigarettes ash and butts

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This sounds really out of nowhere, however there are women that tend to crave cigarette ash and butts. The American Pregnancy Association carried out a survey and revealed that some women who have this odd craving admit that not only sniffed, but they also actually ingested cigarette ashes during their pregnancy.

This happens to some women whether they were smokers before their pregnancy or not.

According to a research, pregnant women that crave cigarettes ash and butts tend to have low potassium in their diet.

Good news is, if you tend to crave this, try treat yourself with supplementation of the deficient vitamins or minerals. At the same time, you can always consume food with high potassium such as avocado, bananas, sweet potatoes, leafy greens such as kale, beans or pumpkin.

Bizarre cravings are in fact an eating disorder!

While unusual pregnancy cravings might be a norm and expected, such hankering for non-food items is highly abnormal and can be harmful.

If an expectant mum is experiencing such symptoms, she is possibly suffering from an eating disorder called Pica.  People affected by this disorder are compelled to eat things that are not generally intended for consumption.

Women who are in their first pregnancy, under the age of 20 or have suffered from Pica as a child, are more likely to crave these non-food products.

Symptoms of Pica usually appear in the first or second trimester of pregnancy and persist for more than one month. Though symptoms tend to disappear after pregnancy, there is a chance that your Pica cravings could continue after labour and delivery.

Pica is likely caused by nutritional deficiency, cultural factors or psychological reasons.

If not treated, Pica can result in health complications for both mum and unborn child.  Among the possible problems would be, lead poisoning, bowel obstruction, parasite infection, dental injury, low birth weight, preterm labour and in extreme cases, stillbirth.

The best way to treat and control Pica is to consult your health care professional for treatment options and further actions.

Do you have your own odd pregnancy cravings you would like to share with us? Comment on our Facebook page or download theAsianparent Malaysia app. We would love to hear from you!

Source:
BBC
,
The Sun UK

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 Your Cravings are Telling You

Read more:

 Pregnancy myths debunked

Read more:

7 tips for busy pregnant mums to meet nutritional requirements – every pregnant mum’s every day nutrition guide

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 on
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 now!


Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby's Movements in Pregnancy: Trimester by Trimester

Among one of the more common questions every pregnant mother asks and wants to know from the moment she receives a big fat positive on her pregnancy test is: When will I feel baby movements during pregnancy?

For indeed, fetal movement is an exciting milestone worth documenting and looking forward to. In addition to it letting you know that your baby is thriving and alive and in relatively good health, observing baby movements during pregnancy and counting kicks is an
 important practise that has been linked to lowered risks of experiencing a devastating stillbirth
.

While every baby is different with some being more active than others and patterns varying from pregnancy to pregnancy, we at
theAsianparent
 have compiled a list of what to expect based on each trimester of your pregnancy, in order to help you decode your baby’s movements and give you a sneak preview of what you will experience in the months ahead.

A baby’s kicks are an important and endearing milestone in your pregnancy. Photo: iStock

Baby movements during pregnancy: First trimester

When Will I Feel My Baby Kicking?

Although your baby will start to move as early as 12 weeks, you will probably not feel anything because the foetus is still so small and it is still very early on in the pregnancy to feel any movement. In addition, your baby is also burrowed comfortably deep within the protective cushioning of your womb, and any movement will not make it to the surface through all the protective uterine layers.

When it is time to experience them
, however, many pregnant women describe their baby’s first movements as the sensation of feeling butterflies in their tummies. Early movements may also feel like a nervous twitching or swishing sensation, or a rolling or tumbling sensation, in your belly. For a first-time mum it may be especially difficult to tell if it was your baby’s first movements that you just felt. Mums who have been pregnant before will be more adept at identifying those first movements, and not confuse them with gas or even hunger pangs!

As you progress into your second and third trimesters, and your skin is stretched tighter over your womb, you should feel more distinct movements and will experience a full range of activity including kicks, jabbing, and even elbowing, with the movements sometimes being powerful enough to hurt!

While your baby will have active and sleeping phases, in the coming months ahead you will soon find that your baby is more active in these instances:

When you turn in for a nap – this is usually because you are more aware of your baby’s movements and more in tune with them when you are relaxed.

When you are in a quiet position, either sitting or lying down.

After you have had something to eat – the spike in your blood sugar may give your baby a rush of energy.

When you are nervous and excited about something – adrenaline surges have the same effect as blood sugar spikes.

Babies are also responsive to sounds or touch, and may even kick in response to a hand stroking your tummy, or gentle nudging motions.

While your baby has begun to move in the first trimester, you will not be able to feel it yet. Photo: iStock

Baby movements during pregnancy: Second trimester

Your baby’s first movements known as “quickening,” will usually be experienced between weeks 16 and 25 of your pregnancy, during your second trimester. This varies widely among pregnant mums.
Some second-time mums feel
 those little flutters of life as early as 16 weeks, while some first-time mums may not feel movement until closer to the 24-week mark. However, if you do not feel any movement even after your 24th week of pregnancy, take it up with your doctor who will perform some tests including an ultrasound scan and measurement of your belly, to check if your baby is developing on schedule.

Many factors affect experiencing those first kicks, including the position of the placenta; if it is positioned facing front, called an anterior placenta, it can buffer movements and make it longer for you to feel those first kicks.

However, once you regularly feel your baby’s movements, which are around weeks 20 to 24, you will start to notice them more often. It will go from feeling a few flutters every now and then, to experiencing stronger, more purposeful, and more frequent kicks towards the end of your second trimester.

By the end of your second trimester, you would generally begin to be more aware of your baby’s movements as they become more defined. At this point in your pregnancy, your baby is big enough with gradually developing motor skills, and there is still space in your womb to perform wild acrobatic stunts, despite not being able to always feel them!

Baby movements during pregnancy: Third trimester

Your baby will be kicking up a fully-blown storm in your belly now, and you will feel each bunched up fist, scraping elbow and rounded knee. You will even feel faint but rhythmic tics within your belly, indicating that your baby has a case of the hiccups! This is normal and does not cause your baby discomfort.

By now, your baby is moving often, with well-defined patterns of activity. Doctors often advise that you
count your baby’s kicks
 and/or be very aware of your baby’s movement pattern during the third trimester. This will help you know straight away if something is not normal in your little one’s movements.

Contrary to popular belief, babies do not kick less in the third trimester. While it is starting to get cramped up in your womb for your baby, you will experience a different range of motion as opposed to reduced movement, with many pregnant mums reporting more forceful rolling, squirming and pressing movements. You should still feel movements consistent with patterns you have been recording so far when counting your baby’s kicks.
According to studies conducted on baby movements during pregnancy
, reports show that by the third trimester a foetus moves about 30 times an hour, on average. In fact, a healthy baby will keep moving even when you are in labour.
Decreased fetal movement
 warrants further evaluation by your healthcare provider, and should always be taken seriously.

Your baby’s movements are well-established and will even be felt by your partner and other siblings in the third trimester of your pregnancy. Photo: iStock

At this point in your pregnancy, you may even be able to interact with your baby! Try giving a protruding limb a gentle push and if you’re lucky you may be able to feel the little limb retract and push back on your palm!

If your baby’s movements start getting a little too much for you to take, however, try changing your positions – sit down if you’re standing, or lie down on your side. Your baby will take cues from you and will likely change positions too. You may also try giving your baby a gentle nudge, and carry out a set of pelvic tilts.

Before delivery (usually two to three weeks before delivery for first-time mums, and closer to the date of delivery for women who have had previous pregnancies), your baby will engage and drop head-first down into your pelvis. This will signal another change in range of motion in activity patterns, and you will experience every turn of your baby’s head that may feel a little like sharp electric twinges close to your cervix.

While pregnancy is oftentimes stressful and filled with conditions such as morning sickness that somehow extends well into the rest of the day, sleeping troubles, eating troubles and difficulty with just about any other activity that you previously took for granted, your baby’s kicks will be hopefully be something to look forward to and cherish through the trials of being pregnant.

This article has been republished with permission from
theAsianparent Singapore
.

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