Plan your baby's full month party like a pro!

Celebrate the birth of your new baby with a full month celebration, thrown for both mummy and baby.

Throwing a full month party for your new baby is a celebration for the new mother too!

In Asia, families usually
celebrate the baby’s full month
 or full moon (满月) when the baby is about to, or, is turning one month old. It is loosely referred to as the ‘baby shower’, but it is different from that of our Western counterpart’s party, which is an event thrown during the third trimester before the baby is born, to celebrate the mother’s soon-to-be new life.

New parents are excited to
share the birth of their child
, but how can they pull off a baby full month party without going into a frenzy while struggling with a new baby?

If you’re planning to organise a full month party, then rest easy — we’ve done the legwork to make things easier for clueless parents.

Here are 7 steps to guide you through you baby full month party planning just like a pro:

#1: Set a date and time for the full month party

Most families usually pick a weekend to accommodate schedules. The ideal date would be on the actual day—or before—as traditional Asian families don’t believe in celebrating after the actual date.

When to start:
 2 to 3 weeks before the date of party, pin down dates you’d like to hold the event. That would help you let your guests to block their calendar too.

#2: Decide on who to invite to the full month party

Take time to plan your guest list. Consider how big or small a baby full month celebration you are hoping to have and will be able to manage. Don’t forget, planning for a party requires logistical arrangements and coordination with various people involved. The larger the scale, the more complex things become.

Tip:
 Get your husband to list down the people he’d like to invite, you do the same too, then combine the lists. If the group gets too large to handle, consider scaling down. Remember, the more guests you have, the bigger the venue will need to be and that might affect your budget if you are cost-conscious.

When to start:
 2 to 3 weeks before the date of party; done concurrently when deciding the date and time.

Baby full month party is a time when your family will come together to celebrate the new arrival.

#3: Look for an accessible venue and plan your budget

Once you have an estimated number of guests, start looking at venue options.

Will it be a simple baby full month celebration at your own home or at your in-law’s condominium function room? Or will you be going all out to throw a classy party at the hotel—fit for your little princess?

Shortlist a few locations, so you have options in case the top choice is taken or way out of budget. Some
favourite party places
require a minimum number of guests in order to book the venue and may include various packages, so you might need to check and confirm with your guests on their availability prior to booking.

Indoor venues are usually favoured due to the unexpected weather conditions. Plus, you wouldn’t want to deal with a sticky, cranky, little baby on this special day.

At the same time, start costing out how much you will need to set aside. Don’t forget the nitty gritty details such as party decor, party favours, and
cakes
 too!

Here are some party venues which offer Full Month/Full Moon party packages for your newborn’s first party:

Polliwogs
 (prices start from $688),
Giggles
 (prices start from $688),
Singapore Polytechnic Graduates’ Guild
 (prices start from $48/pax)

When to start:
 2 to 3 weeks before the date of party, especially for popular locations such as a cafe. They are booked on a first-come-first-served basis, so ideally, site reservations should be done early too.

#4: Send out invites to guests

There are several ways to send out invitations these days: through text messages, Facebook event invites, email invitations, etc. Find a method which works best for you and your guests. Remember to leave your contact numbers so that guests can call if they have any questions and to RSVP to confirm their attendance for your baby’s full month celebration.

Traditional full month food to prepare: Red eggs, ang ku kueh, and glutinous rice.

Some traditional families send red eggs (
you can DIY them easily
!) and cakes personally to the seniors in the family out of respect. These folks may or may not be invited or might not be attending the actual full month celebration, but this gesture is passed down from generations to announce the birth of a new family member.

When to start:
 After the date, time, and venue have been set, send out the invites to your guests to tell them about the party!

#5: Decide on a theme and plan the menu

How you wish to beautify the space will depend on your concept. Decor can be entirely minimal with just standard balloons. Or you may go all out and splurge on a printed backdrop, with a customised dessert table and made-to-order themed birthday cake, coupled with activities and games!

Some venues such a cafe, restaurant, or hotel function room, come catered with food options, which makes things easier for the busy new parents when it comes to deciding the food.

If the full month party is going to be held at a condominium function room, someone’s house, or at the common pavilion at your estate, be sure to cater enough food for all your guests.

When to start:
 1 to 2 weeks before the party, as some guests might not respond promptly to the RSVP deadline. Some caterers or F&B places allow an estimated heads-up on the expected guests but will need the final figure a week before. Be sure to get your numbers right, because if the guests don’t turn up, you will most likely be charged for that agreed number any way.

For party decor, you may hunt for them as soon as you have decided on the party theme. Online purchases may take several days to reach, and you may wish to factor waiting time for any unexpected delays. Getting the party frills from retail stores is more straightforward, unless, of course, you prefer to shop around, and that would take some time too.
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Enjoy the sweet moments of your baby’s full month party with the lovely company of families and friends that matter to you.

#6: Plan the full month party agenda

Now, the fun is getting started!

New parents may be too caught up with their newborn and might prefer an easier full month party with just food, catching up with guests, cake-cutting, and, perhaps, a goodie bag for the kids.

A simple 4-hr party agenda can look like this:

12pm: Guests arrive; lunch and mingle

2.30pm: Cake-cutting and photo taking

3-4pm: More mingling and party ends; goodie bags for kids to take home

Some excited mums and dads may actually go all out with the full works: with clowns, storytellers, magicians, or a bouncy castle for their kiddie guests.

Others may tone down by preparing a simple activity booklet to keep kids entertained while the adults mingle and coo over the star of the party.

When to start:
 If external vendors will be engaged, it might be good to book them at least 2 weeks prior. Regardless of the complexity of agenda, it’s good to start preparing early especially if you foresee plenty of DIY needed – well, that is if you actually have time for that!

#7: Have fun and enjoy this special day!

All the planning is half the glory of an awesome event.

But take heart if some things don’t turn out the way you had planned. The purpose of a full month party is to celebrate the birth of your child and share the joy of becoming new parents.

This date most likely marks the end of your confinement too, so rejoice and bid farewell to those Sesame Oil Meat and Pork Trotters in Vinegar!

Now that the preparation work is over and your family is all ready to enjoy the party, have you forgotten about your newborn?

She may not know that she is the star of the party, but that doesn’t mean that she can’t have a good time too!

Preparing your newborn for his full month party

Your little bundle of joy is much too young to know that he’s the star of the party, but that doesn’t mean your baby should not have a good time too. Afterall, snapshots of that day will be lingering on the internet, your computer, and printed ones in albums!

Go about the day like any other day. Your newborn will most likely still be in a sleepy state at this point and spend his special day, well, dozing. But that’s perfectly normal.

In the busyness of entertaining guests, remember to check on him every other moment. Just in case he might be cold, hot, hungry, or needing a cuddle. If the husband or yourself will be caught up chatting away with friends, remember to designate a trusted person who is able to prepare baby’s milk and feed promptly.

Most importantly, ensure your little one is taken care of during the event. This might be one of the first few times that your new baby is seeing so many new faces, with excited uncles and aunties pawing over him or wanting to steal a cuddle. Should your baby start showing signs of distress or is overstimulated,
WebMD recommends some ways to calm your little one
.

Host etiquette during the full month party

Now that your baby’s full month party is happening, have you thought about how you and your partner will be hosting your guests on that day?

Don’t arrive later than your guests (or at least try not to!)

Ensure there’s enough food to go round – better to be over-prepared than under!

Don’t stay glued to your mobile, and other digital devices

If the party is at home, ensure the bathroom is well-stocked with necessities such as toilet paper and hand soap

Be gracious and remain calm if spills happen – accidents are, well, accidents!

Remember to mingle and chat with each guest – they’ve taken time off to celebrate your newborn, it’s rude to have them feel like they have been invited to be seat fillers

If your partner has invited his/her own group of friends, do thank them for their presence of sharing your joy even if you’ve not met them before.

Don’t forget to thank all your guests at the end of the party. Afterall, they have made special arrangements and effort to share your joy, so don’t forget your P’s and Q’s too!

Are you planning for your baby’s full month party? Share with us how you intend to celebrate!

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Schoolgirl jumps from building due to school pressure

Motivating kids to pursue academic excellence is admirable, but how much pressure is too much? After a schoolgirl jumps from a building in China, questions are being raised whether the education system can be overwhelming for kids.

This is especially so because, barely a year before this incident, a Chinese student
took his own life
 on the day of his college entrance exam. The same holds true back home here in Singapore, where
cases
 of student suicide are not rare.

Schoolgirl jumps from a building: Can school pressure drive kids to suicide?

The schoolgirl jumps from a building in an attempt to take her own life because of intense academic pressure | Screenshots:
Sohu video

According to a report by
Medium
, the girl’s mum blames her daughter’s school for putting too much pressure on their students.

The 12-year-old girl jumped out of a 15th floor window after being unable to finish her homework over the Winter break.

Thankfully, the 6th grade student landed on an air cushion and only suffered an injury to her ear.

The stressed-out schoolgirl jumps from a building but miraculously lands on an air cushion! | Screenshot:
Sohu Video

How to help children deal with academic stress

There’s a fine line between motivating kids to study hard and demanding that they get high grades.

How can you tell if your child is overwhelmed by school? Though depression and hurting themselves are obvious red flags, some are less obvious. Even joking about having too much to deal with should be taken seriously by parents.

Even young kids can suffer hopelessness because of intense pressure. So observe them closely! | Image source: Shutterstock

Here are important reminders for mums and dads to help kids cope with school pressure:

1. Teach them to value the process, not just the results

Assure them that it is okay to make mistakes. Learning is a continuous process. It’s not just about getting high marks – though those are important. It should be about growing and learning.

This way, they will learn to love learning and not merely go about it for the grades.

2. Assess if they are over-scheduled

According to Denise Clark Pope
, PhD of Stanford University, overscheduling is one of the major sources of stress for students.

Even young students can get caught up with trying to keep up with a “hurried lifestyle” involving studies and extracurriculars.

Is your child stressed by their schedule? Try to check what you can give up.

3. Observe if you are pressuring them, too

Be objective, mums and dads! Kids take to heart even stray comments about, for instance, how they need to keep their grades up.

Pushing them to be excellent isn’t wrong, but it should be coupled with the right tools, motivation, and most importantly, support.

4. Empower them with time-management skills

Teach them how to manage their tasks efficiently. Discourage cramming or procrastination because it leads to poor habits as an adult.

Delores Curry, a California high school counselor
recommends to
WebMD
 that parents help kids do “something every night instead of cramming at the last moment.”

5. Encourage self-care

Teach them to prioritise rest and caring for their needs, too! This goes beyond the physical; it concerns their emotional and mental health as well.

Parenting expert Susan Stiffelman
tells the
Huffington Post
 that it’s important for students to establish “means to cope with stress, and that includes healthy food, non-harmful substances, sleep and, down time.”

School counselor Joy Holt and Dr. Pope both agree that frequent family bonding can
help ease school stress
. So make time for good conversations over good meals, mums and dads! It can make all the difference.

6. Let them be kids!

Above all, remind them not to take things too seriously. Childhood and even their teen years should be a fun time of making memories and establishing friendships.

Encourage them to take breaks, to bond with family more, and not to be too hard on themselves.

There is a way to be firm but loving, mums and dads! By giving them guidance and love, your kids will be all the more motivated to reach for excellence.

Sources:

Medium
,
Shanghai List,

WebMD
,
The Huffington Post

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New Mums Must-Have: Tommee Tippee Milk Modulator for Feed Prep

24 hours readiness for preparation of formula milk instantly at anytime; without reboiling water, Tommee Tippee Milk Modulator prepares the best water temperature for formula milk preparation in hygienic condition and allows your baby to enjoy it at any time instantly.

Getting enough sleep
 can be a challenge for any parent. Hungry babies don’t like waiting for a feed and will make their feelings known in the only way they can.

 That early morning feeds where you’re trying to keep quiet as you juggle baby and get the bottle to the perfect temperature can be a real stress test.

Why Tommee Tippee Milk Modulator Is Our Ultimate Choice?

Our Milk Modulator makes bottle feeding a dream, right around the clock. Not only does it prep the bottle in two minutes, but it’s also sleep-friendly with dimed standby indicators to make your night feeding so much easier.

No more waiting for the kettle to boil or water to cool, the water is ready at the right temperature for your baby.

Using boiling water for preparing
formula milk
 can keep your babies away from gems and bacteria in tap water. Reboiling water is a concern for some parents, as increasing the concentration of toxic substances may be harmful to the baby’s health.

The AUTO/FAN function of our Milk Modulator can make sure to boil the water to 100C and keep it at your preferred temperature. No reboiling of water! The water is set at your pre-set temperature and kept warm for 24 hours.

The automatic switch-off function is also helping to remind you to change clean water every day if you haven’t used the water for over 24 hours. To keep your water hygiene and at the right temperature ready to prep, you can feed your baby anytime instantly!

Product Feature:

Instant  formula milk preparation & Convenience for parents

One touch boiling to 100C & keep warm to pre-set temperatures with speedy cooling feature

Fast cooling to the desired temperature for formula milk preparation

Bright, easy-to-read LED display & key operation

24 hours keep warm function

Trouble-Free Memory setting of water temperature

Food grade durable stainless-steel container (need to fact check)

Realtime temperature display

Wide range of temperature settings from 38C to 85C

Convenient:

Readiness/On-demand boiled water at the desired temperature for formula milk preparation  around the clock

Smart:

One touch to boil water to 100C and fast cooling to the desired temperature for formula milk preparation.

Keep warm for 24 hours to assure water freshness

After each boiling set water temperature to enjoy instant formula milk making at anytime

Features:

Smart and easy to use

Feed ready in a minute to your babies

Fast boiling and cooling to a desirable temperature

24 hours keep warm to preferred temperature

Compact in size

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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Naturally Nurtured Australia Introduces a Tasty Range of Healthy Fresh Foods Direct from Aussie Farms to Malaysia

Naturally Nurtured Australia (NNA), a new category of great quality fresh food that’s both tasty and tested for safety, will be flown in fresh from the Aussie farms and arrive directly to Mercator Gurney Penang.

Flown fresh directly from Western Australia, NNA accesses the most advanced food testing to ensure optimum safety. Produce is grown without the use of dangerous chemicals or heavy metals, and its vitamin and mineral levels are regularly checked to ensure optimum nutrition,  guaranteeing the best nature has to offer.

A leading lifestyle food category

With an increasing consciousness, demand for authenticity and sustainability in consumer food intake, NNA has spotted an opportunity in the global market for a leading well-defined lifestyle food category that is tasty and safer for all consumers.

From 25 May 2022, produce will be available at Mercato Penang, including a range of vegetables and fruits with new varieties added weekly. The brand will expand its reach further into Malaysia from July 2022. The range will include fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, salads, heirloom pumpkin and winter pumpkins, fresh and leafy Tuscan kale, white and purple cauliflowers, ripe and buttery avocados, and juicy persimmon fruits.

“We are thrilled to expand Naturally Nurtured’s product range into the Malaysian market.
 Health and food authenticity have become increasingly important globally, and we are excited to grow and foster this important trend,” says Mark Baker, Naturally Nurtured Australia’s CEO.

“Naturally Nurtured’s mission is to provide tastier, safer and nutritiously richer food and to  ensure easy accessibility to all homes.”

Regenerative farming

Naturally Nurtured
Australia accredits the superior tasting produce to the sustainable
regenerative farming methods
, whereby the farmer naturally nurtures the soils, resulting in the optimum nutritious produce cultivated in the pristine landscape of Western Australia.

In addition to its nutritional value, Naturally Nurtured Australia produce is characterised by several highly sought factors, including longer shelf life, superior taste, and texture alongside vibrancy in colour, indicating quality and freshness.
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All produce includes QR scans, informing about nutritional value, and a controlled supply chain from farm to consumer with no intermediaries able to substitute.

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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A Parent's Toolkit: 40 Online Resources for FREE Printables, Virtual Tours, Audio Storybooks & More

Dear parents, as the Movement Control Order (MCO) continues, you might find yourself out of ideas to do with your little ones. So, we’ve taken the liberty of gathering a few free resources you might want to look into (if you haven’t already) for ideas to fill up this time and use it as an opportunity to educate your kids, as well as have some fun together!

1. Virtual Tours

Since travelling is out of the picture for the foreseeable future, virtual tours are the next best thing. Not only can you immerse yourself into another culture and view the magnificent displays, it can also serve as a platform to learn with your kids – just pick a tour, pull up a few facts and learn as you explore.

The Louvre Museum
: Explore the world’s largest art museum in Paris, France. Did you know, it was the Royale palace for French kings in the 16th and 17th century?

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
: Take a self-guided trip that goes room-by-room with tours of selected exhibits and areas within the museum.

National Women’s History Museum
: Venture into a remarkable journey of research, collections, exhibit and contribution of women in the context of world history.

San Diego Zoo
: Watch live feeds of the zoo’s beautiful animals including its adorable baboons, panda and koalas.

The Great Wall of China
: Tour China’s greatest attraction and gaze at the gorgeous scenery from this over 2,000-year old structure.

Easter Island
: Explore this breath-taking island and learn about its many statues.

Grand Canyon
: Journey to the deepest canyon in the world with this super-cool 360 video.

Mars
: Head to outer space and tour the actual surface of Mars!

The White House
: Enjoy a guided tour of one of the most prestigious world landmarks.

Central Park
: Take a virtual walk in one of the most famous parks.

Red Square, Russia
: Head to Moscow, Russia and tour the city square which separates the former royal citadel and current official residence of the President of Russia.

Buckingham Palace
: Visit the Queen’s residence with tours that showcase areas from the drawing room to the throne room.

Vatican
: The headquarters of the Roma Catholic Church, view the Vatican’s ancient roman sculptures.

British Museum
: Dive into history with this interactive tour that allows you to explore different decades.

Van Gogh Museum
: Marvel at his famous artworks and take a virtual tour of the museum in Amsterdam.

Cincinnati Zoo USA
: Meet the zoo animals through daily live videos and check out their past lives to see what their magnificent animals have been up to!

2. Free printable worksheets

Worksheets are great learning tool for child development, especially in their earlier years. This can be a daily exercise and you can choose from varying subjects or activities to keep their brain juices flowing.

HP Print & Play
: Select from fun mazes, book reviews, drawing, colouring and even, crafting templates.

Education.com
: Choose from various printable worksheets including dot-to-dots, spelling and other lesson-based activities based on your child’s learning stages.

K5 Learning
: Download worksheets for grammar lessons, vocabulary, flashcards and more.

Great Schools
: With over 1,000 worksheets, select from a library of reading pictures and timetables, among other education materials.

Kidzone
: Choose from worksheets that help your kids learn their letters, numbers, shapes and colours.

Worksheet Fun
: Teach you kids math with various printable worksheets according to their learning level.

Jumpstart
: You’ll find worksheets that cover various subjects including math and science.

Scholastic
: Find adorable worksheets that your kids can colour and learn with here.

All Kids Network
: Pick from worksheets that go according to seasons, as well as other materials.

Super Easy Storytelling
: Let your kids’ imaginations go wild with creative writing and storytelling. There are various worksheets and lesson plans that focus on teaching your kids just that.

3. E-learning

With school closures and the wonders of technology, e-learning has come forth as a saviour for parents – children can now have their classes fro the comfort of their own homes and according tot their own time. Here are a few websites you can get well-curated lessons for kids of all ages.

e-learningforkids.org
: A great website for free childhood learning.

Khan Academy
: A non-profit organisation that offers free education for all ages with daily schedules on math, science, history and more.

gonoodle.com
: Your kids will love this with fun movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts.

Brain POP
: Covering various subjects including English, Art, Music and more, they host daily topics with challenges too.

Dreambox
: Find lessons for various subjects with fun, interactive videos.

Teach Your Monster to Read
: Get your kids acquainted with everything from letters and sounds to full sentences with their phonics programmes.

4. Online Storybooks

Story time is a good way to instil values or teach your kids about morals, while diving into another magical world. You can encourage them to act out the stories and engage them with some questions at the end of every tale.

American Literature
: Pick from a library of fairy-tales, fables, and nursery rhymes.

Freechildrenstories.com
: Read original stories according to their ages, with rhyming or non-rhyming stories.

Kids World Fun
: Read these entertaining English stories that can teach children about several things in life.

Storynory
: Enjoy the cutest free audio stories, including cultural-related tales!

Stories to Grow by
: Choose audio books of classic tales including Snow White, Pocahontas, Robin Hood and more.

Light up Your Brain
: This website offers downloadable mp3 and streamable content of original stories made just for children.

agendaweb
: Enjoy short audio stories on fun tales that also promote educational learning.

magickeys
: Listen to various stories including old classics reimagined.

Well, we hope this list helps you out and keeps your household entertained!

For more information from the theAsianparent Malaysia, you can download our #1 parenting app in Southeast Asia.

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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Cerebral Palsy | How Does It Affect Children?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a condition that affects a child’s movement and muscle tone. It is the most common motor disability in childhood, and is identified in about 1 in 323 kids.

The signs of CP can vary from person to person, but typically involves features such as poor coordination, muscle stiffness and delayed development.

It is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are 4 main types of CP:

1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic CP is the most common type, affecting about 80% of people with the condition. Those who have this type of CP have increased muscle tone and stiffness, which can lead to awkward body movements.

2. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Dyskinetic CP causes trouble with muscle control. Kids with this type of CP can have unpredictable, involuntary movements.

3. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxic CP is the least diagnosed form, manifesting in problems with balance and coordination.

4. Mixed Cerebral Palsy

When symptoms from different types of CP are present, kids can be diagnosed with mixed CP.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Kids with CP often exhibit developmental delays, meaning that they don’t reach milestones expected of their age group. Below are some of the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy.

When the child is below 6 months old:

The child feels floppy

The child feels stiff

When picked up while lying on his back, he can’t hold his head up

When held, he might overextend his back or neck (as if pulling away)

The child’s legs become stiff and may cross or scissor when picked up

When the child is above 6 months old:

He doesn’t roll over

He has trouble bringing his hands together

He can’t bring his hands to his mouth

He reaches out with one hand while the other stays fisted

When the child is above 10 months old:

He doesn’t crawl on all fours, but may scoot around on his buttocks

He crawls in an ‘off-balanced’ way, pushing off with one arm and leg while the opposite side drags behind him

He can’t stand independently, even if he’s holding on to something

Other symptoms of CP in young kids

Inability to walk by 12-18 months

Inability to say simple sentences by 24 months

How do you know if your child has special educational needs? Here are some
early warning signs
 to look out for.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage or abnormal development in the brain that can occur before, during, or after birth. About 70% of CP cases result from prenatal factors.

The severity of the condition is dependent on when the damage or disruption happened, and the extent to which the brain was impacted.

There are several ways a child’s brain can be damaged, including:

Prenatal infection

Abnormal bleeding of the brain before birth

Asphyxiation (lack of oxygen reaching the brain)

Brain injury during or after birth

Infections after birth, such as bacterial meningitis or untreated jaundice

CP is not considered a hereditary condition, but some research has shown genetic influences may predispose a person to cerebral palsy.
Treatments for Cerebral Palsy
 As with other developmental disabilities, treatment for CP should begin as early as possible. There is no cure, but medicine and surgical options do exist for some. There are also a number of interventions to seek out, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.
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Do visit a medical professional for diagnosis and advice if you think your child may have cerebral palsy.

If you’re looking for a list of top special needs centres in Malaysia, check out our selected picks
here
.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123
.

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Teenage parents force toddler to drink beer, smoke marijuana

The teenage parents of a toddler thought it would be funny to make their daughter smoke marijuana and force her to drink beer. Even though it is a form of abuse, they did all this so that they could capture it on video. It is unclear who shared the video on social media, but since then, it has gone viral.

The video

According to the reports, the parents 18 and 17 hail from Formosa in Argentina. They have a daughter, who features in the video. She appears either intoxicated or terribly tired, as she keeps on swaying throughout the video. Loud music is playing in the background as the man, most probably her father feeds her something.

The father puts some white powder on a piece of paper and takes it near the toddler’s mouth. And within the next 15 seconds, he puts a bottle of beer followed by a live cigarette to her lips. We can hear laughter in the background, most probably the mother and a friend. And as the father puts a cigarette to the little girl’s lips, the mother is heard saying, “no, Raquel…” a bit half-heartedly.

The girl is safe now

As soon as the video was shared, people started pointing out the cruelty against the poor angel. The parents tried to defend themselves, claiming that they never gave the child anything. It was just a ruse to capture a funny video. However, like the rest of the world, even I fail to see the humour in the video.

According to reports, the Staff from the Police Investigation Brigade, the Secretariat of the Ministry of Childhood and authorities of the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office rescued the girl. The parents are also suspected of giving the girl cannabis to smoke. Thankfully, she is now safe with her grandmother while the parents face the law.

As the mother is just 17, she is not yet an adult. And so, she is going to be tried by the juvenile court. Not much is known about the father, other than his detention by the law enforcement authorities.

Child abuse

Negligence is also a form of child abuse recognised by the Ministry of Social and Family Development, Singapore. According to the MSF,

Child abuse is defined as any act of commission or ommission by a parent or guardian which would endanger or impair the child’s physical or emotional well-being or that are judged by a mixture of community values and professionals to be inappropriate.

So, in addition to physical and sexual abuse, neglect and emotional abuse also fall under the purview of child abuse. Sadly, the incident of child abuse has spiked in the recent past.

According to a
report
, the MSF probed 873 child abuse cases in 2016, almost 60 per cent more than the 551 cases in 2015. The news about the
little boy who died
after being repeatedly beaten and forced to eat chilli is still fresh on our minds. While the teenage parents from Argentina were not this cruel, they definitely endangered the life of their little one.

The key to a successful rescue of a child who undergoes abuse is actively spotting signs of abuse. Here are the signs that a child is being abused.

Behaviour changes
 in children when they suddenly stop being their cheerful self.

Display of rage
, aggressive and antisocial behaviour

Loneliness
 and lack of friends

Fear
 of going to sleep

Cuts and bruises
 that may not be logically associated with a fall

Frequent falls
 and hospital visits

Fear of meeting
 a particular person or temperament changes at a certain time of the day.

What can an ordinary citizen do?

If you spot a kid displaying one or more of these signals, it may just be a silent cry for help. If you know the parents, you can judge if the ‘disciplining’ is going too far. Grandmas and grandpas, it is OKAY to interfere in your children’s affairs if you see your grandchildren displaying these signs.

As a responsible citizen, get in touch with the proper authorities. You can always contact the police on 999 if you hear an abuse happening in your neighbourhood. The other option is to contact organisations like
Children’s Society
 and
Touch Community services

Mums and dads, think carefully before you do something as moronic as these parents did. Ultimately, it is our future you would be toying with.

(Image:
screen grab
)

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Experts: No Cure For Myopia in Children, But You Can Slow Down Its Progression

Myopia, or more commonly known as short-sightedness, is a vision condition where people are able to clearly view objects that are near, but are unable to see objects that are far.

The onset of myopia usually occurs before the ages of 12 and stabilises into adulthood. Sadly, there is no cure for myopia but there are measures you can take to slow down its progression.

To better understand this condition we spoke to eye care experts HOYA Consultant Optometrist Darren Toh, HOYA Professional Affair Assistant Manager Chris Toh and HOYA Professional Affair Executive Chong Ching Wei.

Here is a rundown on myopia 101.

How is myopia caused?

Myopia is a condition that occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is overly curved. Because of this factor, light is unable to enter the eye which results to blurry objects in the distance.

Darren states that the causes of myopia are also multifactorial, stating that the three main risks factors are associated with the gene pool, hereditary and excessive amount of near tasks.

“People with myopia have difficulty in seeing things like blackboards, when driving, or TV screens,” he said.

Who is more likely to be myopic?

Myopia generally begins at a young age. Due to this, children are more prone to myopia and it progresses as they grow – it is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under the ages of 40.

According to Chris, research revealed that half of the world could potentially be myopic by 2050 with an estimated 4.758billion people globally, while 938million people will have high myopia.

“Normally people who wear spectacles are people who study a lot – kids, usually. Nowadays all the kids are wearing specs. This is due to lifestyle changes such as exposure to digital devices such as parents letting their kids play with phones, and mobile games,” he said.

Take the right steps in preventing rapid progression of myopia.

What are the preventive measures can parents take?

The prevalence of Myopia in children is growing at an alarming rate. However, while myopia cannot be cured, it can be corrected or slowed down. Note that, there is a difference between correcting it and slowing down its progression. Correcting is using immediate measures such as fitting spectacles, or contact lenses to clear the vision – this does not mean your child’s myopia will not progress.

“Myopia can’t really be treated or cured, but we are merely correcting it. Myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, Ortho-K or refractive surgery. With the alarming rate of increased prevalence of Myopia in children, we are focusing on how to control and slow down the progression of Myopia,” said Darren.

He noted currently, there is no 100 percent effective way to prevent myopia but the onset can be slowed down or delayed by controlling the amount of time conducting near tasks. To control this, it is advised to take regular breaks in between when looking at devices or television screens.

How can you slow down the progression of myopia?

Depending on the individual, the progression of Myopia may be more aggressive in some, while others have a slower progression. To slow down its progression, there are specialised technology that have been curated for this. Furthermore, effectively reducing the rate of myopia progression by 50% could reduce the prevalence of high myopia by up to 90%.

HOYA has launched their MiyoSmart Lens which is made especially for those with myopia. These lenses uses a natural homeostatic mechanism known as “emmetropization”, where the eyeball adapts and shapes to receive focused images as it does for normal vision.

With the special D.I.M.S technology, these lenses provide light and thin UV protection for the eyes and are made with highly impact-resistant polycarbonate material, made ideal for active kids from 6 to 18 years. Hence, it will not break easily, especially with active kids.

HOYA had conducted a two-year randomised double-blind clinical trial involving 160 myopic children aged between 8 to 13, where 60 per cent of the cases reduced their myopia while 21.5 per cent experienced a halt in their Myopia progression!

How can you detect Myopia?

The main way to do this is through a proper eye test. Parents, especially, should take their kids to eye appointments at least once a year. This way, if they have signs of Myopia, parents can take measures to make sure it does not worsen.

Send your child for regular eye checkups.

“Myopia always shows onset among children. There is no specific age that it happen, but generally, it starts occurring before the age of 12 and it will stabilises into adulthood, “ said Darren.

He noted that parents should act immediately if their child complains of blurred vision, as catching it early can reduce the risk of catching high myopia.

What is the worst case scenario?

According to Darren, the worst case is that Myopia progresses to a prescription of more than -6.00. This is known as high myopia, which is a more serious form of the condition where the eyeball grows more than it is supposed to and becomes very long from front to back.
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Myopia can also raise risks of having other conditions like a retinal detachment and glaucoma. Another concern is degenerative myopia, also known as pathological myopia, which is when it is inherited from their parents – this is when the eyeball gets longer quicker and causes severe myopia during the teenage or early adult years.

This is worrying as it makes it harder to view things at a distance and those affected are at higher risk of a detached retina, as well as abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye.

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Can Lifting Weights Make Your Brain Stronger?

Physical exercise can have many benefits to our body and brain. Heavier exercises such as weight lifting improves blood circulation, cardiac health and reduces fat mass. Interestingly, weight lifting could also have benefits to our brain health.

Our brain is one unique organ. Not only does it work intelligently like a computer, but it can heal and reboot itself exactly like a computer. Exercise helps to improve the blood flow throughout the body, thus allowing the oxygen flow smoothly including to the brain. Current studies found that exercise, especially strength based exercise like weight lifting, promotes brain health.

Lifting weights not only help in muscle building, but promotes brain health as well

We are all well aware of how physical exercise has many benefits to our body and health. Little do we know that physical exercise too can provide benefits to our brain. Often we hear about lifting weights helping to strengthen muscle and increase strength. But isn’t it surprising that when you lift weights, it actually helps to improve brain health too. A recent study published in the
Journal of Applied Physiology
 has found that weight lifting could help with cognitive impairment, as seen with lab rats. In fact, weight lifting could promote the generation of new neurons and increase memory function. This suggests that lifting weights can have a neuroprotective effect on the brain.

In a lab test involving rats, it was found that rats that had weights tied to their feet as they climbed ladders experienced changes in the brain cells that increased their thinking abilities. This can be an important finding on how weight-training can help to reverse memory loss. Though the study was only done on rats, researchers believe that strenuous exercise such as weight lifting may have beneficial benefits to humans. Especially for the elderly, weight-training exercise may prevent dementia and improve cognition.

Nevertheless, studies did not focus on rats only. In 2016, a study published by
Journal of The American Geriatrics Society
 conducted in Australia, had a test done on men and women aged 55 to 86 who had problems with cognition, then were grouped into two groups. First group was assigned to lift weights while the second group was assigned with stretching. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the cognition status of the first group was significantly higher than the second group.

But how can weight-training exercises help with cognition? One study published in 2016 explained that when a person lifts weight, gray matter in the brain thickens. This prevents it from shrinkage which is a common sign when an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Wait no more, go lift weights

If you have never tried weight-training exercises before, well maybe you should consult with a doctor & start looking into this as many studies support its benefits to our brain health as we age.

Though many studies are still needed to confirm this, lifting weights as a method to prevent dementia and to improve cognitive functions especially in elderly is something that is worth a try.

If you’d like to know of other ways you can support brain function, it is important to also understand inflammation. Inflammation can be reduced through proper diet for starters. But if you don’t know where to  begin, let the
 7-Day Wellness Starter Kit
help you – it’s a program you can do anywhere that gives you easy to follow steps – on ingredients to eat & omit, what to shop for, how to prepare meals, superfoods to include & much more

Reference:

1.Harvard Health Publishing. (2017). Weight training may boost brain power. Retrieved from
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/weight-training-may-boost-brain-power

2 AARP. (2019). Strength Training’s Surprising Health Benefits. Retrieved from
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/strength-training-health-benefits.html

3 MDLinx. (2019). Research shows a surprising link between weightlifting and cognition. Retrieved from
https://www.mdlinx.com/article/research-shows-surprising-link-between-weightlifting-and-cognition/lfc-4190

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB.

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Help! My baby’s on milk strike

Mummies, HELP ME! My 3-month-old boy cries for milk, and then when I give him he will struggle and scream then suck for a while then struggle and scream again continuously. He doesn’t always finish up his milk anymore. He’s hungry, but why is he acting like this? Is he on nursing strike?

It has been 2 weeks + already. The milk temperature is just nice. I need advice.

When baby is on nursing strike!

Serene Chew:
 Hmmm…Try burping him before and during a feed. Maybe there’s gas in
his tummy
. Or maybe he scream n cry swallowed gas. And did u recently change his milk bottle/teat?

Jasline Khor:
 You can try
gripe water
… may help

Agatha Ayden:
 Serene- No leh, I didn’t change anything. He not only struggles, he keeps turning his head left and right. Then when I force the milk in his mouth, he will drink. Then after drinking halfway he will again go on a nursing strike. It’s a headache. Jasline, I used to feed him gripe water because he didn’t like to drink plain water.

Jasmine Lee:
 Maybe he has Colic, feeling very unwell in he tummy, like my gal also like this too. Maybe u can apply some yu yee oil.

Alice Tan:
 My almost 3mth old son also behaves this way, he used to finish till the end. Now every time halfway or almost finishing, he will start refuse to drink…

Agatha Ayden:
 What’s colic?? I always apply ruyi oil morning and night after
his bath.

Ang YiMin:
 Check the bottle teats. Maybe too small.

Agatha Ayden:
 Nope it’s big. When I put the milk on his lips he like to test machine first, then struggle & kick to throw himself backwards.  Must force then he will drink. Why why why?? Going crazy…

Boo Soo Fern:
 Colic usually starts in the evening and has a repeated pattern. I advise to record bb daily schedule n show pd for advise. Oh ya, check bb tongue. If hv thick white layer than may be time to clean. Baby cant taste the milk and may cause infection I think. Check it out.

Agatha Ayden:
 I always use a wet handkerchief and rub his tongue every morning. Don’t think it is this. He does his stunts the whole day. Sighs.

Serene Chew:
 So sorry I’ve never encountered anything like this. Maybe you can try to feed him in another position see if it helps? Maybe that’s how he will stop his nursing strike!

Joanne Lam:
 I bought my baby went check up n the doc told me after three months, baby will start to refuse milk and the milk intake might go down.

Ang Yimin:
 Try to google “baby on milk strike,” or “nursing strike.” There may be some
answer for you.

Jasmine Lee:
 I think doc say is true, I read from book also say about it but not all babies are the same.

Agatha Ayden
: Hey mummies, thanks for all your concern. I’ve solved the mystery by changing a new teat for him!

Jasmine Lee:
 He cannot wait, Milk flow too slow. Same as my daughter cannot wait too.

Mary Yee:
 I encounter this before too. But I try to spoon feed her with the milk. She doesn’t want to be bottle fed. This lasted me for 2 weeks and back to normal.
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Was this baby born skinless because his mum took potent drugs in pregnancy?

Whenever a woman finds out she is pregnant, she immediately starts changing her habits to ensure her body and baby are well taken care of. But sometimes, it’s difficult to avoid taking medication if you are ill while pregnant. Unfortunately, for one mum, that medication she took could have affected her baby, as her little one was born without skin.

A case study published in the
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
 previously examined the reasons why a baby without skin was born. The scientists suspect that maybe one of the medicines the mum took called
azathioprine
 was to blame for her baby’s condition. Later, we also answer other questions on what
medications are not safe
 to take during pregnancy, too.

What medications are not safe to take during pregnancy: Mum gives birth to baby without skin

Unlike other healthy newborns, over 90% of this baby’s body was not covered with skin at birth. In addition, the baby was born with no nails, not even a single strand of hair, eyelashes or eyebrows.

A screenshot of a baby affected by Aplasia cutis congenita. A warning to mums on what medications are not safe to take during pregnancy. | Image Source: JPMA

Not only that, this baby boy also lacks nipples; his ears have not fully developed, and all the blood vessels in his body can be seen visibly.

At birth, the baby boy only weighed 1.02 kg, with a head circumference of only 26.5 cm. Generally, the head circumference of a newborn ranges between 33 cm to 38 cm.

With such a severe condition, the baby boy received intensive care in an incubator. Even so, the baby still passed away after four days of receiving treatment.

The baby was affected by Aplasia cutis congenita: A rare condition

Dermatitis Aplasia cutis congenita is a condition where a person lacks skin from birth. Up until today, babies born with this condition are quite rare.

Most of the time, this condition affects areas around the head.  It can also happen in either gender —  boys and girls.

Exactly what caused this abnormality?

Apparently, the baby’s mum had given birth to two healthy babies previously.

During delivery, the mum admitted that she had not been previously affected by chickenpox or rashes while pregnant. However, she suffers from a condition called pemphigus vulgaris.

Most parts of the baby were not covered by skin at all. | Image Source: JPMA

What is pemphigus vulgaris?

Pemphigus vulgaris is a rare autoimmune disease. This condition leads to blisters on the skin or mouth, which gradually grow and burst, leaving a scar.

The disease is actually caused by a dysfunctional immune system. One of its symptoms are flaking or skin peeling off from the mouth. The condition can also lead to diphtheria and dermatitis. Pemphigus vulgaris affects people off all ages, including children,whether male or female.

The main symptoms that 50% of patients will experience are vesicles or boils in their mouth. Generally, blisters can also be found on the gums, cheeks or palate. Abrasions can also be seen in several areas or can spread throughout the mouth. Patients can experience excruciating pain from this condition.

Clearly, the illness leads to patients feeling discomfort. Furthermore, patients also drastically lose their appetite so much that they risk malnutrition and a hoarse voice.

This is the main reason why the mum admitted to taking medication while pregnant. Unfortunately, the medication she took may have put the foetus’s health at risk.

The mother said she had initially bought prednisolone, which she took at a dose of 60 mg daily during the first two months of pregnancy. Then the dosage gradually decreased until 30 mg / day.

In addition, she also took 150 mg of azathioprine each day from her sixth till 20th week of pregnancy. Afterwards, doctors gradually reduced her dosage to about 15 mg each day.

What are the health risks of taking Azathioprine while pregnant?

Mums, please note that taking azathioprine during pregnancy is
not
 recommended by the FDA
.

According to the
source study
, it’s known that taking azathioprine while pregnant may lead to a rise in congenital abnormalities.

For instance, in the study, the researchers point out that taking azathioprine could lead to:

slower development in the womb

a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight

a variety of different conditions affecting the head, spinal cord,  thymus, kidney, blood, lungs, urinary bladder, eyes, urethra, and hands.

However, there are conflicting results. Some studies suggesting that taking azathioprine can lead to
heart defects
, low-birth weight, premature birth and
small size for gestational age
.
Other studies
, on the other hand, claim that it’s safe.

It’s important to note that perhaps the mum’s disease, pemphigus vulgaris, could have also contributed to her baby being born skinless.

What medications are not safe to take during pregnancy? One of them might just be azathioprine, which could lead to delayed foetal growth. The scientists in the this study hypothesised that azathioprine might also be responsible for Aplasia cutis congenita. | Image Source: JPMA

Of course, no mum or doctor wants a baby in the womb to be at risk of incomplete development. Therefore, all expecting women should ensure that the drugs they take are safe and will not affect foetal growth.
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What medications are not safe to take during pregnancy?

So azathioprine may not be safe to take during pregnancy. Are there any other medications that could have risky side effects too?

Well, we’ve answered the question “What medications are not safe to take during pregnancy?” before in
previous articles
. Here’s a short list of those that you
shouldn’t
 take during pregnancy:

Ibuprofen

Aspirin

Naproxen Sodium (Aleve)

Acne medicines

Ribavirin

Anti-fungal medication

Anti-anxiety medication and anti-depressants

Antibiotics (unless prescribed by your doctor)

Antihistamines (unless prescribed by your doctor)

Migraine medications (unless prescribed by your doctor)

Sleeping aids

Bismuth Subsalicylate

Read more on about why these medications aren’t suitable for you and your little ones
here
, mums! At the same time, if you need to take any medication while pregnant, only take those prescribed by your doctor.

What to consider before you consume Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Consult with your doctor. Before you take any medication make sure to consult with your doctor. You should know most of these popular OTC medications have serious long-term affects. Ask yourself, are you willing to put your baby’s life in danger to get rid of that headache?

Avoid combination drugs. Do not take two different kinds of medications together. Only do this if your doctor recommends it. For instance, an anti-allergy drug and a pain reliever can be a deadly combination. So discuss this with your doctor as well.

Read labels. Always make sure to read the labels before you buy or consume an OTC medication. Many times, ingredients like alcohol and caffeine show unannounced. So be careful with what you purchase and share the information with your doctor, as always.

One final reminder: mums, if you’re pregnant and expecting a little one soon, please be sure to
ALWAYS
 check with your doctors about drugs and drug safety. You should never self medicate without professional advice. That way, you can get the best outcome from your pregnancy each step along the way.

This article about what medications are not safe to take during pregnancy was originally written in Bahasa Indonesia by Adisty Titania. It was translated and further edited by Kevin Wijaya Oey, later republished with the permission of
theAsianparent Indonesia
.

References:
JPMA
, NCBI (
1
,
2
,
3
)

Also Read:

Medications to avoid during pregnancy: Why these pills are no good

Safe meds during pregnancy: safe and unsafe medications

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 theAsianparent Community
 on
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 or
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 now!


Parents, Did You Know There Is A Last Chance For Your Teen To Grow Taller?

Parenting is an interesting journey. You’re a parent from the day you discover your pregnancy to the rest of your life. It’s ever-changing and at each stage of your child’s life, you focus on different things. Parents often think a lot more about growth and development more when their children are younger. But did you know that your child’s adolescent growth spurt
is the final window of growth and the last chance for your teen to grow taller.

Growth and Development Amongst Malaysian Teens

If you’re wondering why this is a significant concern, did you know that Malaysian teens are up to 6cm shorter than teens around the world
1
?

This is in comparison to World Health Organization (WHO) average height, so there is an opportunity
 to help our Malaysian teens grow taller
.
Why is this happening? Nutrition plays a huge role – Teens require 2x or more
2
 key growth nutrients for growth.

However, unhealthy food choices and skipping meals can lead to an unbalanced diet and reduced intake of essential nutrients causing them to be at risk of stunting
3
.

But don’t fret, thankfully, teens go through a 2
nd
 growth spurt between the ages of 10 and 15 years, where they have a last chance to achieve their full growth potential,
with the support of complete and balanced nutrition
. By following some of these tips,
you can help
your teen
catch up on the last chance for growth!

Tips to Help Your Teen’s Growth and Development and Catch-Up Growth

1. There’s More to Sleep than Beauty

Teens often forget that at their age, they still require a good 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night. Some of our mum readers lament about their teens staying up late at night finishing their many assignments. Others complain about, well, you know – the late-night phone calls, using devices
to stay up late
.

But you see, sleep helps to regulate their hormones, which in turns impacts their growth and development. Insufficient sleep can adversely affect their physical development and even their metabolic development
4
.

Remember, this is a period of tremendous physical changes for your child. In fact,
up to 20% of adult height can be achieved during this period
5
.
As this sets the stage for adulthood, it is the final window of opportunity to influence growth and development.

So, parents, talk to your teens about the importance of sleep and work with them to set a realistic
sleep schedule.

2. Healthy Mind, Healthy Body

We all know that mental health and wellness has a huge impact on our physical health. This is especially so for teenagers who are dealing with huge emotional changes during their adolescent years. It’s tough business being a teen, really – tasting independence, finding their identity and friends, puberty, and so
much more.

Parents, it’s just as difficult for you too. Suddenly, your lovely, adorable child
is now
 a hot and cold, unexplainably grumpy teen who disappears into his or her cocoon and then there’s radio silence for hours. We feel you. There’s only one way around this problem – building a positive relationship with your teen.

To achieve this, you need to spend a lot of time talking, the resilience of a warrior and the patience of a saint. Show interest in his or life apart from school and ask questions without coming across as interrogating. If your teen doesn’t fear judgment from you, it’s more likely that you will have open communication.

Remember, they can get sensitive at this stage so respect their opinions and continue to show affection even when it gets
hard
6
. This will go a long way in helping your teen’s mental health and wellness.

Having said that, don’t forget about physical health as well. Encourage your teen to sleep sufficiently and get at least an hour of daily physical activity. Remember to set healthy boundaries and limit screen time for your teen. Impossible as it may sound, with a lot of consistency and determination, it
can
 be achieved!

3. You are What you Eat

One of the leading causes for teens’ growth stunting is unhealthy eating habits. Did you know that 7 in 10 teens skip breakfast regularly
7
? In addition, general unhealthy food choices such as choosing processed food over fresh food and skipping meals lead to an unbalanced diet and reduced intake of essential nutrients.

Parents, we know that it’s hard to control your teen’s diet. It’s not like the good old days when they were young, and you could pack lunchboxes and have full control over their diets. But remember, this is the last window of opportunity for your teen to catch up on growth, so nutrition is of paramount importance.

Eating a well-balanced diet comprising of carbohydrates, proteins, dairy, fruits and vegetables will help your child to achieve his or her full potential in developing healthy bones and muscles, and to stay in the healthy weight range
8
.

But sometimes, try as you might, it’s next to impossible to get your teen to eat a fully balanced diet. They may miss out on certain important nutrients that could hinder them from getting the most of this last window of growth. So, what
do
 you do to help your teen?

PediaSure
® 10+ for teens

Available in both vanilla and chocolate flavours, PediaSure® 10+ for teens is your delicious and nutritious solution. It may be difficult to get your teen to eat some or all of what you want them to. But it isn’t that hard to offer them a drink they are likely to love.

It’s easy to incorporate PediaSure® 10+ into your teen’s daily diet. Use it to fuel them either before or after sports or even as a quick post-school snack! It’s tasty, nutritious, and your teen is sure to love it!

PediaSure® 10+ is the first complete, balanced nutrition in Malaysia that is scientifically designed for teens aged 10 years and above to catch up on growth. Formulated with a Triple Growth System and 2 times or more growth nutrients (as compared to Pediasure for 1-10 years old) for height, energy and support for the immune function, it’s a great way to fuel your teen’s final growth spurt. It also contains Arginine, Vitamin K2 and calcium for long and strong bone growth
9
. Don’t miss out on the last chance to help your teen catch up on growth!

Mums and Dads, we hope that you find these tips useful. Remember, adolescent growth spurt is the final window of opportunity for growth development and catch-up growth for your teen. Forming healthy lifestyle habits, addressing undernutrition and ensuring that your teen gets adequate nutrition intake will help him or her to reach their full growth potential before this golden window closes!

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References:

NCD-RisC(2020), Lancet 396: 1511-24

RNI Malaysia, 2017.

NHMS Adolescent Nutrition Survey, 2017.

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/teens-and-sleep

Campisi et al, 2018.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/adolescence2.html

https://headtopics.com/my/poor-dietary-habits-lack-of-physical-activities-among-teens-study-finds-24483572

https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1147/dont-let-baby-fat-follow-you-to-adulthood

Jiang MY et al, 2011 & Schurgers LJ et al, 2007.

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Haenim NexusFit™ 7V Breast Pump Review

Working mums will know this struggle: trying to get a sleek, light yet effective breast pump for their daily pumping needs away from their kids.

One of the main things I look for in a pump is usually the size, weight and noise level of the pump. We recently tried the Haenim NexusFit™ 7V Breast Pump in white and rose gold and this is how we feel about it.

Haenim NexusFit™ 7V Breast Pump Review

1. It is super sleek and stylish

There are not many pumps that are as sleek and stylish as this one, especially in the white and rose gold colour. Usually, pumps come in pastel colours, but the metallic finish on this pump makes it a very classy one to be carrying around. So if aesthetics is what you’re going after, then this pump is a good choice.

2. It has a built-in LED night light with adjustable brightness

This is particularly useful for when you’re travelling or if you happen to be sharing a room with your little one and you don’t want to wake them from the bright light.

Many other pumps come with external lights which, might be a little glaring or bright. But the built-in LED night light is gentle on the eyes and surely won’t wake baby up.

Not to mention, the easy interactive LED display indicates the timer, suction level and battery level.

3. It is incredibly light

At only 385g, this is one of the lightest breast pumps I’ve used of this calibre. This is not to say it is the lightest one in the market – but it is incredibly light for something so quiet and powerful.

4. It is gentle on the breasts

Powerful is not always good, especially if you’re using the wrong parts. It could end up in cracked nipple problems, clogged ducts and more issues. But when you have a design for the breast shield that is comfortable for the breast, it can be advantageous. The Haenim NexusFit™ 7V shields come with grooves, which gentle massage and press down on the breast, easing the milk to come out.

The one-size-fits-all silicone breast shield is also convenient for mums as it fits nipple sizes from 20mm onwards.

5. It comes with a smart memory function

If you’re like me and you like to work while pumping, sometimes, you lose track of time and you forget to switch fro massage mode to pumping mode. For me, I like to run my massage mode for 3-5 minutes before switching to pumping mode.

All it took was doing this once and saving it as my favourite setting using the memory mode and it was automatic after that. I didn’t have to pay much attention as the pump effectively drew out my supply.

Overall, I am quite happy with the results of the pump. Usually it would take me 30 minutes (15 minutes on each side, single pumping mode) to yield about 7 ounces, but with this pump, it cut short my time to only 25 minutes to achieve the same yield.

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8 Skincare Habits Every Woman Should Endorse

You don’t need luxurious facials or expensive facial products to achieve dewy and glowing skin. Sometimes, all it takes is just going back to basics and practicing what your mother has taught you! Incorporate these skincare habits and your skin will be the better for it!

Keeps your hands off your face

As reported by the US National Institutes of Health, we touch our faces an average 3.6 times an hour. This means millions of germs that our fingertips encounter by touching everyday objects are transferred to our skin.

This is made worse if we pick at our skin as it can get infected and inflamed, leading to breakouts and maybe even scarring. You don’t want to spend an eternity trying to heal those scars now, do you?

Less is more

One of the biggest trends in skin care is the 10-step Korean skin care routine, but are all those products really necessary to achieve youthful and glowing skin? Not necessarily.

Applying multiple products on the skin may increase the chances of irritation and clogged pores. For an everyday routine, many dermatologists recommend sticking to only 3 skin care items; a low-foaming cleanser, a hydrating serum and a moisturizer to seal it all in!

Shield your skin from sunlight

While you need your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun, that does not mean putting your health at risk! The most common cause of skin cancer is exposure to the sun. This is because ultraviolet light from the sun damages the skin.

Applying sunscreen would prevent premature ageing, as essential skin proteins such as collagen, keratin and elastin would be protected. You should also avoid staying out in the sun for too long.

Moisturise regularly

Moisturising your skin will benefit you in the long run as it promotes younger-looking, softer and hydrated skin. Use a moisturiser that is compatible with your skin type.

In order to get into the habit of moisturising, make a routine of it – do it at the same time every day. Your skin repairs itself at night so going to bed with clean moisturised skin will do it a world of good.

Sweat it out

Get moving for that fresh-faced glow! By increasing blood flow, working out helps to nourish skin cells and keep them healthy. Sweating is necessary for your body to release toxins so helping it out by having a good workout session will be helping it along.

Your skin will be brighter and healthier from that detox! Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of activity at least five days a week.

Wash your face every night

Mama always says to cleanse and remove your makeup before bed. And you should practice it wholeheartedly! Washing your face removes not only makeup, but also the grime that has accumulated on your face throughout the day.

Not washing your face will cause clogged pores, which will eventually lead to enlarged pores, acne and irritated skin. And just splashing it with water won’t do – make sure you cleanse, tone and moisturise.

Eat your fruits and veggies

“You are what you eat”. The saying is also true when it comes to skin health. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which help to nourish the skin from within.

These nutrients help to minimise signs of ageing and keep the skin looking supple and hydrated. Smoothies and salads are some of the most delicious ways to incorporate fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.

Get your 7-hour snooze

Beauty sleep is real. Your body needs rest to go through the natural repair processes of recovery. This process includes making new collagen, improving circulation, and reducing under-eye puffiness.

Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, and stick to a consistent bedtime routine.
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theAsianparent Malaysia website

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3 Ancient Herbs to Strengthen Your Immunity

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How to Exercise the Left and Right Side of the Brain | Brain Training

You might have heard the term ‘brain training’ before.

Brain training involves a series of activities aimed at strengthening your child’s cognitive abilities; i.e. help your kid be better at learning.

Think of it like putting your brain through a workout so it can be sharper and faster, just like how you’d train your body for fitness.

Ready to check out a few activity suggestions for exercising your child’s brain?

Let’s begin!

Left Brain Exercises

The left side of the brain is associated with science and mathematics, logic, linear thinking and language. It also controls the right side of the body.

Below are some ways for your kids to boost their left brain:

1. Read

This actually develops both sides of the brain (left and right). Bring out those story books and read together.

2. Practice Writing

Get your kid to practice her writing, on any topic she wants! It could be fictional or non-fictional. How about a diary entry?

Writing forces an individual to be organized in their thinking, as it requires structure and planning. (She also has to pay attention to spelling and grammar!)

3. Solve Math Problems

Math is a fantastic way to build up the left brain. Your child can start really small, through early math concepts like counting, comparing and patterning (noticing a pattern of colours, for example).

4. Figure Out Puzzles

There are a multitude of puzzles to choose from, depending on your child’s interests. Sudoku, solving mysteries and picking apart riddles are a few options. Surf the net to find a treasure of riddles.

5. Play Chess

Chess seems to be the godfather of logic games. You have to plan several steps ahead and use a great amount of analytical thinking in chess. Perhaps you could teach your child and pick up a new hobby for yourself too.

6. Learn a New Language

We’ve mentioned that reading and writing are great left-brain exercises. Now imagine doing it in a new language! Learning languages is not only healthy for the brain, but is also really useful in real life.

Right Brain Exercises

If the left brain is considered the ‘logical’ side, then the right side is seen as the ‘creative’ side. The right brain is linked with intuition, auditory and visual processes, the arts, and holistic thinking. It also manages the left side of the body.

Here are some activities for a right-brain workout:

1. Play a Musical Instrument

Learn the violin, piano, or even singing! Learning rhythm, using your ear, and trying out composition are good right brain exercises.

Did you know that damage to particular areas of the right brain can affect one’s music perception? Well, now you do.

2. Make Art

Draw! Pick up any medium of choice, such as a pencil, a paintbrush, or even some playdough. Using visualization for art projects are a right brain activity.

3. Practice Meditation

Your right brain functions best when it is relaxed, allowing for intuition and creativity. Meditation or mindfulness practices are ways to achieve this. There are schools out there that are teaching these practices as part of a daily routine with their kids—and seeing great results.

Brain Training with Professionals

Both sides of the brain work together to achieve a well-rounded learning experience. There are programs such as
BrainCarve’s
 whole brain development curriculum that works on this with your child.

You&Me Right Brain Learning Specialist
, Putra Heights, also has a programme designed to train both sides of the brain, by not just focusing on the left side (which is traditionally given more attention to in mainstream education).

If you have a child with special needs, you could try exploring neurofeedback, a type of brain training. It’s a therapeutic intervention that uses a computer programme to provide feedback on brainwave activity. Do contact
NeuroScience Program Specialist
, TTDI, or
HappyLand Psychology & Therapy Sdn Bhd
, Johor Bahru, to find out more.

Want to know more about brain training programmes in Malaysia? Read this
article
.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123
.

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Life Hack: What Can You Cook on a Low Budget?

If your daily activity consists of you excessively scrolling your social media account drooling over the sight of food, you are not alone.

Have you ever felt this way? The moment you start to see the food that you like, your mind starts plotting to ensure that you will get what you want at the end of the day.

Imagine if this is your situation. Your options are kind of limited as you can either choose to dine in at the restaurant or to cook them. But since you are trying to save up some money, you choose the latter.

Anyone can cook this,
you said to yourself. Fuelled with determination, you hit by the nearest supermarket to buy the ingredients. But, a wave of disappointments washes over you. The prices of the ingredients are too expensive and in the end, you have to settle with the less appetising options.

Aww, honey. It is okay. It happens to the best of us.

Money can be a concern here but who’s to say that you can’t enjoy cooking a scrumptious meal under a low budget?

Whether you are a student or a man in love who wants to save up some money for your wedding, can we get an awwh here, we have prepared a list of cheap fail-proof recipes for you to try today. So, you can enjoy eating the food that are not only delicious but taste better too.

1. Murtabak Maggi

This recipe combines the two of Malaysian’s all-time favourite foods; murtabak and Maggi. A perfect combo which will have you drooling the moment its smell hits you. It is super easy to do and it costs me less than
RM 10
to buy the Maggi and the eggs. Tried and tested, it doesn’t require you to be a master chef. But make sure that you don’t overcook them. A few of this and your stomach will be full in no time.

Check the recipe here from none other, Hi, What’s up, guys, the
Khairul Aming
.

 View this post on Instagram

Dapur Fancy Ep 3 : Murtabak Maggi

A post shared by
 Khairul Amin Kamarulzaman
 (@khairulaming) on
Dec 3, 2019 at 8:33pm PST

2.
Roti Poket Doraemon (Pocket Bread)

Another all-time favourite. This is a hit for me personally when I want to eat some fried chicken but had enough of KFC and I want a simple meal. So, hot dog it is! The best part of this is that you don’t have to break a bank to make this. With less than RM 20 for a budget, *depending on your preference, you can cook this bite-size meal for 3 people! Seriously, tak tipu.

Read the full recipe
here
 in Bahasa.

3.
Planta Fried Rice

Ah, planta. It evokes lots of sweet memory when I was a child where I used to eat a slice of bread with planta spread.

Planta fried rice is easy to cook and if you have to host a family at the last minute and they are expecting a meal, I have to tell you that this is your ultimate salvation meal. Pair them up with a fried egg. Oh my god. Need us to say more?

You have to give it a try, we assure you that you won’t ever fail.

Make your Planta fried rice from
Azie Kitchen
.

4.
 Easy Spaghetti Recipe

The name says it all and they are cheap too. You don’t have to pull off any tricks to make this a success. All you need are some spaghetti, some love and channel your inner Salt Bae persona when you pour the red chili flakes onto the spaghetti. The meal will come in handy whenever you wake up in the middle of the night upon hearing your stomach’s growling. You wish to eat something heavy because your stomach desperately needs it but are way too lazy to make an effort. Trust me, I have been there. We have our moment of laziness or in my case, they occur too much lately :p

Thanks
RasaMalaysia
 for a brilliant spaghetti recipe.

5.
 Cheesy Egg Fried Bread

Behold the power of the bread! Surprisingly, this runs out fast during the MCO (Movement Control Order) period and we have heard from some people that the bread can be hard to find sometimes. But fret not, for those who have gotten hold over this staple food, they are so good to be eaten just like that or you can pair them with a tin of canned Tuna. And if you wish to fry them, do so with eggs and a slice of cheese. It’s finger-licking good.

Get the recipe
here
.

There you go. We hope that this list is able to fill your appetite.

Whether you are on a budget or just way lazy, these recipes do not take much of your time to make them and you get to eat them with someone you love.

This article has been republished with permission from
Printcious

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Mongolian spots in babies: Need-to-know information

Newborn babies do not always have flawless skin.
Dry skin, peeling skin
and
acne
 are just a few of the “problems” these little ones may face. Mongolian spots (or Mongolian blue spots) a bluish discolouration of the skin, may also cause worry among parents.

Birthmarks are  common among newborns. But sometimes, they may raise  concern among parents, especially if the birthmark has an unusual appearance or colour.

This article will tell you about one type of common birthmark  among newborns —
Mongolian spots
.

What are Mongolian spots?

Also known as slate gray nevi and formally known as dermal melanocytosis, Mongolian spots are a type of pigmented birthmark. They are bluish-gray in colour, varying from a very dark blue to a lighter gray. The colour is usually uniform over the whole birthmark.

Mongolian spots come in various sizes, but most are a few centimetres across without clearly demarcated edges. They are flat, not raised.

Typically, these birthmarks are present on the buttocks and/or lower back. Occasionally, they are found on a baby’s arms or legs.

They are usually present at birth, or develop soon after.

The spots commonly appear on a baby’s lower back and/or buttocks. | Image:
Pinterest

What causes Mongolian blue spots?

When the baby is still in the womb, the cells that eventually form the skin move to the surface.

According to
medical experts
:

“A particular type of cell called a dermal melanocyte moves to the top layer of the skin between the 11th and 14th week of pregnancy.

“These dermal cells usually disappear by the 20th week of pregnancy. Doctors believe that Mongolian blue spots are the result of these cells not moving to the top layer of skin and not disappearing.”

And because these cells are trapped deep within the skin, the area takes on a blue-grey hue.

How common are Mongolian spots?

These birthmarks are common in children of Asian, Middle Eastern, African and Mediterranean background. It occurs in as many as three-quarters of children from these groups,
say
 medical professionals. However, Mongolian spots are rare in children of European background.

This condition occurs in both genders. It is slightly more common in boys, although the reasons for this are not known.

Mythology around Mongolian spots

According
 to a Korean myth, Mongolian blue spots occur when a shaman spirit of childbirth — Samshin halmi — slaps the baby’s bottom so that he exits mummy’s womb!

In
China
 meanwhile, these blue spots are known as “mark” (taiji). The story here is that when a baby is born, he gets a “spank” from God as a start to life.

And
Japanese mythology
 has it that a Mongolian spot (known in Japanese as “asshirigaaoi” or “blue bottom”), is believed to be the result of mummy and daddy having sex during pregnancy.

Should you be worried about your baby’s Mongolian blue spots?

Seeing these birthmarks on a newborn might be  alarming for parents especially since they resemble bruises. But rest assured that they are non-cancerous, not painful and present no health danger to your child.

Occasionally, the spots may be mistaken for the symptoms of a spinal condition known as spina bifida occulta. But, according to the
Spina Bifida Association
, these spots are reddish in colour and not the distinctive blue-grey colour of Mongolian blue spots.

Almost always, the spots fade away by the time your child is around five. Some take longer, generally disappearing during the teenage years. Speak to a doctor about possible options if they linger and your child is disturbed by them.

Sometimes, Mongolian spots may be associated with extremely rare ( fewer than one in every 100,000 newborns) metabolic problems such as
mucopolysaccharidosis
 or
gangliosidosis
.

If your child appears to have bluish marks at birth, get a doctor to confirm that they are indeed blue spots. Also, if you notice that the spots change colour or appearance, you should consult a doctor without delay.

Why parents should take pictures of these spots at birth

As mentioned earlier, Mongolian spots may look like bruises or “spank marks.” Concerned teachers or daycare providers may mistake these birthmarks as signs of abuse.

For this reason, parents should take pictures of these spots while their baby is a newborn. If he still has his Mongolian spots when he is older, it’s important to mention the presence of these birthmarks. If necessary, show the pictures too, to avoid any misunderstandings.

Sources:
Indian
 Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
,
MedlinePlus,
Healthline
,
gosh.nhs.uk

Featured image from
Stanford Medicine
 (Janelle Aby)

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Woman jailed for punching maid, nearly caused her to go blind

Maid abuse cases have skyrocketed. Take a look at this recent case where a woman expressed her emotions a little too strongly and punched her maid in the face. Her repeated abuse almost made the maid go blind.

Maid Abuse Cases: Woman Jailed for Abusing Myanmar Maid

“Bong denied abusing the maid. She said the maid was ‘very slow in her work’, and claimed she had treated her as a daughter and that she was ‘part of the family’.” | Source: Screengrab from
The Straits Times

According to
The Straits Times
, Suzanna Bong Sim Swana was jailed for 20 months and was ordered to pay over $38,000 in compensation for repeatedly abusing and exploiting her Myanmarese maid, Ms Than Than Soe.

It all started in a Yishun flat that belonged to Bong’s parents in May 2013 where the maid was not given any days off.

Initially, Bong would just scold her maid. But after four months, Bong started finding fault with her work and it escalated into physical abuse.

The 46-year-old would generally inflict physical abuse concentrated on Ms Than Than Soe’s face about two or three times a week, often punching her in the eyes.

Around January 2014, Ms Than Than Soe started to experience blurred vision — she’d always had perfect eyesight — and she complained to Bong about it. But Bong refused to take her to a doctor.

The abuse worsened when Ms Than Than Soe was moved to Bong’s Sengkang flat in early 2015.

Bong deprived her of dinner about three times a week, and occasionally lunch, too. She was even forced to sleep on her sarong on the floor because Bong did not give her a mattress.

Apart from physical abuse, Bong exploited her maid as well by refusing to
pay her salary and denying her any days off during the two years of employment.

When It All Becomes Too Much to Bear

The last straw for Ms Than Than Soe was on May 17, 2015, where she was hit three times on her left cheek by Bong. Ms Than Than Soe was having a headache so she used some medicated oil. Bong was upset about it as
her family dog did not like the smell
.

She seized the glass bottle containing the oil in her hand, made a fist with it and hit her maid yet again.

Unable to take it any longer, Ms Than Than Soe called the police the following day to tell them of her ordeal, and officers brought her to a hospital.

Ms Than Than Soe apparently suffered injuries including retinal detachment that caused her blindness in her left eye, while her right eye was severely injured.

She has since had operations performed on her eyes and fortunately, regained some of her sight. Afterwards, she was taken to a shelter for victims of violence.

Maid Abuse Cases Reflect Inhumanity

This is truly an unfortunate incident that Ms Than Than Soe had to bear. It speaks volumes about how some of us are treating our maids in Singapore. Perhaps for Bong it is because her maid was “very slow in her work” or did things that annoyed her. Even so, we have to treat them right. Besides, if we have children at home, how would that reflect on us as parents?

If we have maids, this leads us to ponder our actions towards them. Could anything have been done to prevent such situations from arising? How do we ensure that they carry out their work well in our home without us having to become the “bad person”?

Tips for Parents with Maids at Home

1. Never act on impulse

It is easy to get riled up by the little things that are presented to you after a long day of work. Duties assigned to your maid are not done properly, the dishes are not entirely clean… You see them working at a snail’s pace and assume that they are taking their own sweet time. Or you might even find your kids getting hurt at home while you’re away and hold your maid accountable right away.

Before you do anything, always observe and clarify. It may be difficult to control yourself at first but you will thank yourself for doing so later. Set a good example for your kids.

2. Find a common ground

How much can your maid do within a day? There is a limit to what she can do. Is her workload overwhelming her, causing inefficiency? What does she need in order to perform her duties well?

Lay out the rules and expectations clearly, and make sure that she understands and agrees to them. Most importantly, practice open communication between each other.

Our maids are humans too and a little affirmation and positivity go a long way!

3. Don’t assume!

Ever heard of the quote
‘Assume’ makes an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’
? Don’t expect your maids to know everything you tell them to do.

Some of them may even question why they should do this or that — don’t take that as an act of defiance just yet.
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Give them the chance to express any concerns they may have. You can decide later if it is just being “lazy”. Sometimes, being a little more forgiving may work in your favour.

Conflicts may arise, but you can always deal with them amicably.

Source:
The Straits Times

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