Category Archives: health

I Finally Got To Have My Keto Chinese New Year Cookies

I used to look forward to chomping down my favourite beehive cookies, kuih kapit (love letters), pineapple cookies and many more during Chinese New Year.   Ever since I started the keto way of eating, I have not been eating these Chinese New Year staples.

So every year, I would just look at the jars and jars of cookies and trying to remember how they used to taste.   Though I miss them, I would never go back to eating these sugar-laden cookies.

After I have discovered that my favourite patisserie – Su Chan makes keto cakes and keto cookies, I bought a tub to indulge.

Here is my tub of yummy keto coconut cookies from Su Chan.  It is RM18 a tub of about 30 pieces.  So precious that I eat maybe 2 a day.

I can’t wait to try its other keto cookies.  I have eaten the Keto Almond Crackers before and they were so delicious!   If you are craving for some keto cakes or keto cookies, visit them at :

Address : 20, Jalan Perisa 1, Kuala Lumpur, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours : Monday to Sunday (10am to 6pm)
Tel: 603 79819328

Or order online from their website here – https://www.suchan.my/

Where To Buy Hand Sanitizers In Kuala Lumpur

Many people are on a buying frenzy these days for masks and hand sanitizers in the wake of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak.   Of course, masks are sold out everywhere but if you are lucky, you can still buy some if you happen to go to a pharmacy that has just re-stock its masks.

I managed to buy some masks from a seller in one of the online groups.  As for sanitizers, I also managed to grab right after we came back from Ipoh on Day 4 of the Chinese New Year.  I was at Carings Pharmacy in PJ Old Town and there were many sanitizers left because the situation wasn’t that bad then. I don’t think they have stock now.

Bought the Dettol and Betadine from Carings.  The Marvel one is from Guardian Pharmacy in my neighbourhood.

It is Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer which of course, costs more because of the Marvel holder.

Two days ago I managed to grab 2 Antabax hand sanitizer from BIG Pharmacy.  They only allow 2 bottles per customer.

The health authorities have informed that washing your hands with soap and water is good enough to kill germs and viruses.  Hand sanitizers can be used when soap and water are not available.   Have you bought them too?

How To Make Delicious Keto Matcha Tea

Matcha tea has a host of health benefits including boosting your mood, mind and immune system. You don’t have to shell out your hard-earned cash at a specialty café to enjoy this beneficial drink. Making keto matcha tea at home is simple and can become a fun part of your daily routine.

Choose Your Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is a traditional Japanese green tea made from finely ground leaves that are then blended into hot water. While it has been around for centuries, the recent increase in popularity has made quality matcha tea easier to purchase. You can easily buy matcha tea powder online and have it shipped to your home. If you’ve never had matcha tea before, the taste can be described as a stronger version of green tea. If you don’t like the flavor of plain matcha tea, you can find flavored varieties as well.

Choose Your Fats

The keto part of a keto matcha tea comes from adding healthy fats to either prolong or induce ketosis. Ketosis comes with many health benefits including increased energy, decreased hunger, and weight loss. Coconut oil is a great option for adding to matcha tea since the flavors are complementary. Other great options are MCT oil or grass-fed butter.

Make Your Matcha Tea

Traditional matcha tea is blended by hand with a fine whisk made of bamboo. You can eliminate some of the work by using a blender instead, which also helps to create more uniform consistency with the fats. Simply put a cup of hot water, one serving of tea powder, and a tablespoon of your chosen fat in a blender and blend until smooth. If you want a more latte-like tea, simply replace half of the water with hot full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream.

Keto matcha tea is not only a tasty beverage but also an incredibly healthy one. Making keto matcha tea at home is your chance to have fun and experiment with an ancient power drink!

Mammogram Screening Package from KPJ Hospitals

On 31 December 2019, the last day of the decade, I went to have a mammogram.  I have not done this in years so it is way overdue.  A week before that, I called a few hospitals in KL to enquire about their mammogram screening services.  The cheapest was at Taman Desa Hospital (RM160) and a referral letter from a doctor is needed before patients can go for the screening.  I am not sure what type of screening that they are offering though.

Last week, my sister showed me this advertisement from KPJ’s facebook page.

KPJ offers an affordable screening package for those who want to go for a mammogram screening.  I chose the 3D Mammogram without the ultrasound and it is priced at RM99.  If you want to have 3D with ultrasound, the price is RM190.  This is the most affordable package that I found after calling a few hospitals.

I went to the KPJ Damansara Hospital (Damansara Specialist Hospital) in Taman Tun.  The imaging department opens at 8.30am.  After registration, you have to wait for your name to be called starting at 9.00am.  The screening process takes about 15 minutes.  Then there is another 20 to 30 minutes wait for the result.  I was done by 9.30am.

Thank God everything is ok.  The doctor who looked at my scan wrote in the report that there is a sebeceous cyst on the upper left breast.  The cyst is benign.  The nurse who handed me the report told me to come back in 2 year’s time for another screening.   All is well and I just need to monitor it myself.

This package has been extended to the end of February 2020.  So if you want to do a mammogram screening, do check out the nearest KPJ hospital.  You may also contact them at Tel: 03-2681 6222.

An excerpt from KPJ’s Facebook page:

Breast cancer is among the top causes of death for women, globally. Statistics of Cancer Research Malaysia show that out of 20 Malaysian women randomly picked, it is highly likely that one of them will eventually develop breast cancer.

Effective Way To Lower Blood Sugar With Just One Drink A Day

Having high blood sugar is incredibly common these days.   When our body cannot effectively transport sugar from blood into the cells, high blood sugar will occur.  When this problem is left unchecked,  this can lead to diabetes.   According to the Health Ministry of Malaysia, some 3.6 million Malaysians are suffering from diabetes, the highest rate of incidence in Asia and one of the highest in the world.   This is definitely a major health concern in our country.

My mother is one of the people in the statistics.   She became a diabetic about 20 years ago.  She has to inject insulin into her body using a syringe every day.   Recently, Joymix has sent over a box of Insourin to help her manage her blood sugar level.   Insourin is a drink which consists of the following superior food extract:-

1. Citron Juice Powder / YUJA/ 유자

2. Patented Momordica Charantia Polypeptide ( bitter melon) 고야

3. Erythritol- Zero Calorie Sugar (sugar replacement)

The packaging consists of 3 small boxes that have 10 sachets in each box.

The Patented Momordica Charantia Polypeptide, an extract from bitter melon which is digestion-resistant, effectively activates inactive insulin receptors and allows more glucose channels to bind into the membrane. Hence, more blood glucose can be utilized.

The Patented Momordica Charantia also has excellent effects on body-fat reduction and can prevent muscle atrophy that is common in diabetes.

My mother was very excited to give it a try because she really wants to reduce the blood sugar level which fluctuates eventhough she is on insulin.   After consuming it daily for a week, she has seen effective results.

How To Consume

  1.   Pour 1 sachet of Insourin into a small cup and fill it with room temperature water.
  2.   Drink it with meal.

 

My mom drinking pleasantly flavored Insourin.

Here are the readings after taking Insourin

High reading after consuming noodles, bread and kuih for a day.

Blood sugar level reading after taking Insourin for over a week.    My mother is very happy with the result.  Thank you very much Joymix.

Benefits of Insourin

1. Immediate Reduce Blood Glucose  (diabetic) after meal

2. Reduce Glycated Hemoglobin ( HbA1c)

3. Reduce Body Fat

4.Reduce Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride

5. Prevention of Fatty Liver and Liver Disease

Can Insourin be taken while on medication? 

According to their website, you can drink Insourin even when you are on insulin or any diabetes medicine.  But if your blood sugar with medicine or insulin on that day has dropped to <5.6 mmol/L,  you do not have to drink Insourin.

If you find that your blood sugar reading is high, it is recommended that you drink Insourin during or after a meal.  Your blood sugar will go down within 2 hours.  After consuming it for 1 month,  you may go for the HbA1c test.

Important Note

Insourin is only suitable for pre-diabetic and diabetic patients.

It is not advisable to take  Insourin as a slimming supplement.

If you want help to manage your blood sugar level,  give Insourin a try.   Together with exercise and a healthy diet,  you can reduce your blood glucose level more effectively.

FREE TRIAL 5 SACHETS X 10g 

Joymix is offering 5 sachets of FREE Insourin samples for those who want to try it.  Here are the instructions:-

Only for diabetic patients.  Must write your current blood sugar result in the remark column when you click Buy Now.  Use voucher code FREE.

Look 10 Pounds Slimmer Instantly With Shapewear

Lately, I have developed an interest in dresses.  I like shift dresses which are straight cut because they are easy to wear and I do not have to think about any matching tops or bottoms to go with the outfit.  Do you get what I mean?  My only gripe when wearing dresses is my flabby tummy which shows up more in a dress.  It is difficult to hide my tummy.

Looking shapely is every woman’s dream.  The truth is that not all of us are blessed with the perfect shape to wear all types of clothing.  This is where shapewear comes in.  With the help of shapewear, women can enjoy wearing the clothes we love with confidence.   I am glad that I discovered shaper shorts by Cosmolle.  This well-known online retailer has the largest collection of shapewear that is perfectly suited for every desired target area and occasion.  Its range of shapewear is constructed using cutting edge technologies and advanced weaving techniques to offer various levels of shaping as well as perfect targeted solutions.  At Cosmolle, you can find shapewear such as panties shapers, bodysuit shapers, waist shapers, shaper shorts, camis, tanks and leggings.

Its high-waist shaping shorts compress the entire mid-section including the butt and thighs.  It tightens and flattens the stomach and legs. This short is comfortable, soft and anti-friction which makes it suitable for all-day wear. It is also specially designed to give hips a better lift.

The panty shapewear is a 360 compression shapewear that targets the tummy. It offers an instant slimming effect.  The soft & lightweight fabric of this panty helps to keep us fresh all day.

This shaping bodysuit firms tummy, thigh, and hips.  It features an open bust which is perfect for low-cut necklines and wearing your own bra.  Made from cling-free fabric, its lightweight design offers all-day comfort.

The Cosmolle Zipper & Hooks Latex Waist Trainer slims and shapes the waistline.  It is uniquely designed to wear for enhanced workout results.  With the compression and the latex material, it increases sweat production and expedites waist training results.

Body shapers are an excellent way of getting the figure you want. They can give a better fitting when you wear your favorite dresses and attires.  Always remember to choose body shapers that fits you well, as being comfortable and relaxed is equally important as achieving that gorgeous look.

The Cosmolle’s range of shapewear is a fashion staple which every woman needs to fulfill her wardrobe needs.  You can enjoy effortless confidence and achieve the perfect body shape with Cosmolle’s range of highly comfortable and affordable shapewear.  I cannot wait to order my shaper shorts to hide my jelly belly when I wear my dress.

Start Getting Happier With Online Therapy

Just a few days ago, I read the news about a famous Korean actress who took her own life.  Well-known South Korean actress, Jeon Mi-seon, 48 years old, was found hanged in the bathroom of a hotel in Jeonju around midday local time on Saturday.  According to her manager who raised the alarm after the actress went missing for 2 days, Jeon had been suffering from depression.   She had been receiving treatment for her depression.

This just got me thinking.  In recent years, many successful people and famous celebrities such as Anthony Bourdain, Kate Spade and Robin Williams have taken their own lives.  Are successful people more likely to suffer from mental problems than the rest of us?  Are they more prone to depression and bipolar disorder because of incessant media and public scrutiny?

People with illustrious careers have made a lot of sacrifices such as family and romantic relationships to be able to rise to the top.  Hence, their support network is weaker than that of ordinary folks like us.  The constant exposure to the public and the media also develop a tendency towards perfection and social missteps.

For most people, it is hard to open up and ask for help when they need it the most. Harmful stereotyping about mental illness is the thing that prevents people from seeking treatment or speaking out.

However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the way people view and talk about mental health. Conversations about depression, anxiety, addiction, and more have moved from the private to the public.  This is an important and effective step according to mental health experts.   It is especially so when public figures open up about their own mental health struggles. This can help break down stigma and even inspire people to seek treatment.

If you or anyone you know would like to seek treatment but feel uncomfortable sitting in an office face-to-face with a therapist, then you may want to check out Betterhelp, the world’s largest e-counseling platform.  Online therapy can be very beneficial to many people.  Those who live in rural areas or in inaccessible locations can receive the care they need at any time of the day.  Patients who do not feel comfortable attending a face-to-face support group can have the chance to receive services online in the comfort and privacy of their own home.

Decluttering the Marie Kondo Way

Once in a while, when I feel edgy and just looking at my wardrobe or cupboards in the bedroom, living room and kitchen, makes me mad, I would start decluttering.  I do not like looking at the mess especially when things are not organized.  Clothes are not folded properly and kept orderly, too many things piling on top of one another and etc.  Yes, I do have OCD but I have mellowed down over the years.  Still, I do not like to see clutter everywhere. 

Decluttering does not only mean that we are cleaning out the home for more space. It could also mean that we are creating more space for our mind. The act of decluttering is a way of generating fresh energy, creating mental and physical space for more clarity. We can also release some of those negative vibes that we have been holding on.

People often hang on to material belongings for security or comfort. Letting go of this emotional baggage would allow people to enjoy more quality of life. In my case, I usually keep things and not give away or throw them away because I am afraid that I may need them later on. Organizing gives me peace of mind and it makes me feel lighter. Decluttering is important for our mental health and for our soul. I did a round of decluttering Konmari style 2 months ago.

The above is my wardrobe and below is the chair where I pile keep all my bags. I think I need to #KonMari this weekend.

I always ask myself these questions when I am decluttering. “Do I need this? Do I want this? Do I use this?.” Then I would put them in 2 bags, one to giveaway and another to throw.

You can try this if you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed. If clearing brings up uncomfortable feeling for you, please understand that you do not need to deal with them alone. You can also reach out for help. Talk to family, friends, or https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/counseling/councilor-vs-counselor-there-is-a-difference/. Do remember that you are never alone.

How To Survive When Life Gets Overwhelming

I am sure some of us struggle with some challenges on certain days.   We feel stressed out by the daily life that cannot seem to unwind.  When that happens to me, I would do a few things to de-stress myself and they are:-

1)  Watch The Ellen Show on Youtube.  I love watching how Ellen surprises her audience with acts of kindness.  It is so touching and inspiring.  Watching her shows put a smile on my face.

ellen2

2)  Go for a run.  Nothing beats giving my heart a pump.  Running allows me to spend some time with myself.

run

3)  Deep breathing.  I try to do some deep breathing to relax.  I would inhale, hold, exhale and hold.  I repeat this process about 6 times and it helps me to feel relax.

So, if you are feeling stress and need to calm your mind, you can indulge in a little me time by going for a walk or on a bike ride.  I used to crave for cakes when I feel stressful but not anymore because I do not eat cakes unless I bake them myself because I am following the keto way of life.  But hey, if you think that eating something sweet would make you feel better, then go ahead.

Being stressful and anxious can take a toll on our health.  Just remember that things will change and this feeling will pass.  If you need some extra support or wish to talk to someone, just check out here.

Affordable Premarital Counseling Therapy

Once the big question has been popped, the following days will be a whirlwind.  The engagement phase of a relationship is a happy time and couples will be planning for the wedding.  Besides being caught up with all the planning for the big day and thinking about the future,  it is even more important to plan for the rest of the married life together.  It is important for couples to also consider pre-marriage counseling.

Most often after the blissful honeymoon, couples may often realize that they are not as compatible as they thought.  Marriage is hard work and requires commitment.  Even the healthiest marriage go through road bumps sometimes.  If you and your partner want to have a strong, stable and happy marriage, then premarital counseling is what you need to prepare for a healthy marriage.

Premarital counseling is a kind of therapy which helps couples prepare for the lifelong journey together.  This kind of therapy can take place in person and also be done online.  The goal is to make communication between you and your partner more effective, especially when it comes to topics that both of you may avoid.  Counseling offers a chance to get everything out in the open so that when you enter into a marriage there is less chance of conflict or marital stress.   It also can help couples to identify weaknesses in their relationship which could potentially lead to problems or even a failed marriage.

counseling

It can be very productive to learn how to prevent or, at least, minimize those road bumps when they occur. Marriage is about sharing the ups and downs of life together. Premarital counseling not only brings two people closer together but it strengthens the love and the bond which sets the foundation for a healthy and stable marriage.

Trained professionals can help discuss over a few short sessions on how to communicate with your partner when disagreements occur. They will have the experience to know which topics are common among married couples that create strains and the pitfalls to avoid.

There are a wide variety of online premarital counseling options that you and your partner can choose from.  Selecting the right type of professional counseling for you and your partner can greatly increase its effectiveness and the benefit.

The most traditional method is the one to one professional counseling where you can meet your counselor to ensure that it is specifically tailored to your relationship.   Then there is online premarital counseling course which is good for busy people and those who prefer a more private session. You can make an appointment that is convenient for you via video, phone or online chat. The counseling will take place in the comfort of your own home.  It can also be a more affordable option.

It is time to invest in your future.  Check out online premarital counseling here.