Table of contents for October 2024 in 1twenty80

A conversation about contraception is shaped by cultural beliefs, religion, and gender, but how much do we really know about the choices available—and who should be making them? In this chat with pharmacist Sofiah Junaidi, who has 6 years of experience, particularly as a community pharmacist where she works closely with patients and gained firsthand insight into their contraceptive concerns, we explore available options, societal pressures, and the roles both partners play. From cultural influences to the future of male contraceptives, contraceptives, we take an inside look at how attitudes are shifting—and what still needs to change. 1Twenty80: CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE MOST COMMON CONTRACEPTIVE OPTIONS FOR MEN AND WOMEN TODAY? MS. SOFIAH JUNAIDI: → WOMEN: The most common contraceptive methods for women include oral contraceptives…

Today’s fast-paced academic environment demands that students balance challenging courses, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities while also managing increasing pressure to perform well. While students may experience stress, some develop more serious, underlying issues, such as depression and burnout. They may appear similar at first glance – both include fatigue, sadness, and decreased motivation – but they are distinct medical conditions with different causes. Understanding the difference is critical, as mistaking one for the other can delay the right type of treatment, putting students at risk for more serious mental health issues. READ ON TO LEARN THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BURNOUT AND DEPRESSION. BURNOUT WHAT IS BURNOUT? The American Psychological Association (APA) considers burnout an experience. Burnout tends to be ‘situation-specific’, hence why the World Health Organisation (WHO) describes it as…

Malaysians just adore their paw friends. What else can explain our fascination with ginger cats or Oyen? Therefore, it isn’t a complete family vacation when your pets are left behind. Luckily, pet-friendly travel is a thing. The trend is growing steadily, and businesses are making it possible for you to explore the world with your best friend by your side. With that being said, here are five pet-friendly travelling tips to check out right here in Malaysia! 1 CONSIDER TRANSPORTATION METHODS. There are many transportation modes that can get you to your holiday destinations. Depending on your preferred choice, make sure your pets can cope en route: CAR: » Ensure there are special seat belts and comfortable seats. » Make pit stops at RnRs (Rest & Relaxation) for toilet breaks and…

Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. The disorder is passed down through genes, and the severity of the condition depends on the number and type of abnormal genes inherited from parents. There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia. Did you know that about 4.5% of Malays and Chinese in Malaysia are beta thalassemia carriers? How does this affect our society? Read below to have a better understanding of this medical condition. Types of Thalassemia Alpha Thalassemia Alpha thalassemia occurs when there is a deficiency in the alpha-globin chain of hemoglobin. The condition is categorised based on how many of the four alpha-globin genes (two from…

Importance of Having Healthy Hair Healthy hair is more than just an aesthetic feature; it signifies overall health through your hair’s strength, lustre, and elasticity. Each element is crucial to your hair health, and health as a whole. Vibrant hair indicates adequate nutrients and vitamins. It’s crucial for physical and emotional health and requires regular maintenance and care. How To Have Healthy Hair While genetics can have a huge influence on your hair, external factors like the weather, your diet, and the way you care for your hair play an equally big part in your hair health. Here are a few tips and nutrients that may help with your hair health. TIP #1: KNOW YOUR HAIR The products you use should be influenced by personal preference, your hair type and…

Dodol is a common sight during the Hari Raya season. It is sweet, sticky and a Malaysian favourite. What else do you know about dodols? If your answer is “That’s all”, we say ‘There’s more’. Without further ado, let’s get reacquainted with this confectionery. WHERE DOES DODOL ORIGINATE FROM? Dodol is a sweet toffee with a palm sugar base that many believe was born in Indonesia during the 16th century. Its name is of Sudanese origin while in Javanese, it’s called jenang. The Portuguese were also said to have influenced the sweet treat. As the Indonesians migrated, so did their culture. Despite a somewhat vague birth story, dodol has since made a name in Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Hence, the genesis of remarkable variations like…

Healthy eating is crucial for overall well-being, especially for women, as it supports hormonal balance, energy levels, bone health, and general vitality. Here are a few nutritious and delicious recipes tailored to women’s health needs, focusing on a balanced mix of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Feeling bloated, experiencing constipation and other causes of discomfort can affect your day. Here are two simple recipes that use a variety of nutritious ingredients to support your health. SWEET POTATO & BLACK BEAN TACOS INGREDIENTS 2 Medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced1 tbsp Olive oil1 tsp Smoked paprika½ tsp CuminSalt and pepper, to taste1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed8 Small corn tortillas½ cup Avocado, mashed¼ cup Red onion, dicedFresh cilantro, choppedLime wedges, for serving METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to…

Have you noticed ‘hormone-free’ or ‘free from hormones’ on food labels lately? It might make you feel like you're getting unsolicited hormone treatments from your food, but don’t worry! Here’s the deal Your your concerns are valid, and we’re here to clear things up! Hormones are indeed used in farming, but it’s not as simple and daunting as it sounds. The FDA permits additional hormones (like estrogens or androgens) in the form of pellets, known as ‘implants,’ placed under the skin in the animal’s ear. These implants boost the effects of naturally occurring hormones, helping the animals grow faster and bigger, which makes farming more efficient. However, these hormones are prohibited for pork and poultry. In dairy farming, recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is a hormone used to boost milk production.…

In Malaysia, about 13.6% of women are diagnosed with breast cancer before they reach 40 years of age. Malaysia is a relatively smaller country compared to larger countries like America, who deal with roughly 5% of breast cancer diagnoses in women of the same age group. This should put the severity of awareness and action into perspective. 1 in 19 women in Malaysia will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. However, the likelihood of survival diminishes the longer you wait and delay treatment. There have been many technological advancements that have improved treatments and screenings for breast cancer. The main challenge left to change is women’s diligence to keep up with their check-ups and to offer mammogram screenings to those who need it. THE SEVERITY OF BREAST…

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