We often hear the word probiotic but do we know what is probiotic, and why it is important to us? Not to mention that we often hear claims that probiotics can help to reduce weight or even aid in digestion. Is probiotics that powerful? First of all, let’s learn more about probiotics and how they can help our body!

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms in our gut that have health benefits when consumed. Our gut contains bad and good bacteria; thus probiotics are the good bacteria that give us benefits mainly to Improve immune function, protect against bad bacteria to prevent infections, and improve digestion and absorption of food and nutrients.

The common strains of bacteria widely used as supplements belong to a group called Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. One thing that people do not know is different types of probiotics may have different effects. For example, Lactobacillus may help prevent an illness, but maybe another kind of Lactobacillus strain or Bifidobacterium will not give the same effects.

Health benefits of probiotics

Balanced good bacteria in the digestive system

As we all know our gut is made of good and bad bacteria when too many bad bacteria can cause an imbalance in our gut and can lead to digestive issues, allergies, obesity, or even mental health problems. Sometimes, more bad bacteria in the gut are due to illness, medication such as antibiotics, and many more, the solution is to use probiotics to make it balanced and avoid those side effects! 

Support nutrient absorption

Probiotics can improve gut lining, decrease inflammation in our gut as well as increase the production of certain digestive enzymes to facilitate nutrient absorption. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus found in yogurt are popular for enhancing nutrient absorption so look at the label carefully when choosing your probiotics in pharmacy!

Promotes good mental health! Please go away sadness~

Few people know the fact that our gut is actually connected to our brains through millions of nerves. That is why we often hear that a healthy gut leads to a healthy mind! Some species of good bacteria can help in the production of neurotransmitters, a chemical in the brain such as serotonin which is an antidepressant neurotransmitter that is mostly produced in the gut.

Promotes heart health

There is a study that found gut microbiome promotes good cholesterol - HDL cholesterol which is important for our body. Other than that, some bad bacteria also can produce chemicals that block our arteries and cause heart disease, thus producing more HDL cholesterol will help to absorb excessive cholesterol in the blood and carry it to the level then removed from the body. In short, prevention of cholesterol deposited in the blood vessels!

Promotes better blood sugar control

It was found out that probiotics can improve insulin sensitivity and regulate gut microbiota and this will help to control blood sugar levels. Probiotics increase GLP (glucagon-like peptide) in the intestines. GLP-1 has the function of stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. Thus, probiotics are proven to help regulate blood sugar levels in our body.

Probiotic sources

We already know about the definition and what are the health benefits. Now, let’s take a look at the sources of probiotics that you can consume on a daily basis.

  1. Yogurt
  1. Tempeh
  1. Kimchi
  1. Cultured/fermented Milk
  1. Tapai

Probiotics are a simple, effective way to support your gut health, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or tempe that are easily found in Malaysia  in your diet, or try supplements to experience their benefits. 

Start today—your health will thank you!

Exercise Daily

Men and women need to stay active daily. Physical activity and aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day needs to part of your every day routine.

This may include exercising at the gym, brisk walking, bicycling, or swimming. Find an exercise activity that you love and do it daily.

Eat Healthy

Making healthy nutritional choices daily is vital for your health. A diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, and water, should be part of a daily heart healthy diet.

Everyone should avoid foods with excessive fat, sugar, and salt. Also, limit soft drinks and fast food consumption.

Avoid Tobacco Smoke

Smoking tobacco leads to heart disease. Cigarette smoke narrows and damages the arteries of the body. It is important that you do not smoke or stop smoking.

Also, everyone needs to reduce their exposure to second-hand smoke, which research shows is associated with coronary artery calcification, a build-up of calcium in the heart's arteries which indicates heart disease.

High Functioning Depression is a word that is used to describe people who are able to continue with their daily tasks and appear to be functional on the outside, despite the fact that they are experiencing symptoms of depression on the inside.

These people may be successful in their professional or personal lives, but still struggle with feelings of sadness, hopelessness and emptiness. In addition, they might suffer depressive symptoms such as weariness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, which are all symptoms that are typically associated with depression.

- Constantly feeling low and thinking that they will never get well, the enjoyment that they experience will not continue for a very long time.

- Never stop having the feeling that you do not deserve to be happy like other people.

- Always be sure to complete the tasks that are required, such as going to school, going to work, or making sure that the house is always clean. However, in order to complete all of these tasks, will usually need a lot of time and significant amounts of energy.

- Unintentionally lose or gain weight because there may be an appetite and it may be overeating

- Often seen as a cheerful person, likes to joke, makes friends, and is always busy in the eyes of the people around.

In spite of the fact that it appears to be a normal part of life, people who suffer from high-functioning depression frequently have significant difficulties managing their mental health.

Even if they are coping with the emotional load of depression, they may feel pressure to continue performing at a high level in various aspects of their lives when they are experiencing depression.

They may believe that they will be able to overcome their own difficulties, which can lead to feelings of isolation, guilt, and humiliation. This can be a stressful situation for them.

Did you know? Getting a good sleep is important for improving your mood and your health.

Yes, it is true, getting not enough sleep will affect our next day's activities. Many of us will feel grumpy and irritable, and find it hard to focus on doing a task.

We easily feel tired and overreact when things are not getting our way. Also if something good happens to us on that day we feel less excitement.

1/3 of our 24-hour day is going to sleep.

Hence getting a good sleep is important, one of the factors to having a better sleep is to make sure your bed is comfortable.

Joey Mattress

Sleep is something that we all do, every day. We know what it feels like to start your day after having a rough night. That’s why Joey makes sleep gear so good that they can make your good days, and hopefully even the bad days, better.

And whether it’s snuggling with a loved one, relaxing after a long day of work, waking up to a sweet breakfast-in-bed, or needing a safe space to cry at night, your sturdy Joey is ready to be there for all of life’s moments.

We hope you’ll find a new comfort zone in Joey.

Website: https://joeymattress.com/

Sonno Mattress

Helping you sleep better

When we started Sonno in 2017, we had one mission in mind - to help people sleep well and live better. We know that quality sleep plays an important role in our mental and physical health, and it all starts with a good mattress. After all, we spend 1/3 of our lives on our bed.

We offer one perfect mattress for everyone's sleeping needs without the added cost of middle men commissions or retail store mark ups. We also make your mattress buying experience a breeze with easy online purchase, free nationwide delivery, and 100 nights trial.

Website: https://www.sleepsonno.com/

Origin Mattress

Making a Higher Quality Mattress

We all know how finding a mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, and affordable can be a challenge. That’s where Origin Mattress comes in. We’re a Malaysian team dedicated to making a high quality mattress at great value.

Made in Malaysia, for Malaysians

Our founders, Aiden and Gee, came together to turn their vision into reality — to give Malaysians the best sleep at affordable prices.

Website: https://originmattress.com.my/

Do you know that?

It is common to experience #bruising or #soreness after a blood test. Bruising can occur when the needle punctures a blood vessel, causing a small amount of blood to leak out and collect under the skin.

..and usually,

This is not a cause for concern and the bruising should go away on its own within a few days.

Yes, you hear it right, it will go away on its own!

What are the causes of bruising?

Puncturing a small blood vessel

Sometimes, the needle may puncture a small blood vessel in the skin, causing blood to leak out and collect under the skin.

Fragile blood vessels

Some people may have fragile or easily damaged blood vessels that are more likely to leak after a needle stick.

Medications

Certain medications such as blood thinners can make it easier for blood to leak out of the puncture site and result in a bruise.

Technique

The way the blood is drawn can also affect the likelihood of br

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing in 2013 found that the incidence of bruising after phlebotomy (the practice of drawing blood) was approximately 17% among patients in a hospital setting.

However, the incidence varied depending on the location of the blood draw, with the highest incidence of bruising occurring in the antecubital fossa (the bend of the elbow) at 23%.

What to do if you have bruising after blood test?

If you have bruising at the site where blood was drawn, there are a few things you can do to help reduce the discomfort and speed up the healing process:

Apply a cold compress: Use an ice pack or a cold, damp cloth to apply gentle pressure to the bruised area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Elevate your arm: Keeping your arm elevated above your heart can also help to reduce swelling and promote blood flow to the area, which can help speed up the healing process.

Take pain relief medication if needed: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to alleviate any discomfort or pain associated with the bruising.

Give it time: In most cases, bruising after a blood test should resolve on its own within a week or two. Be patient and allow your body time to heal.

If you notice any signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or pus around the bruised area, or if you develop a fever, it's important to contact your healthcare provider as this may require further medical attention.

We hope that this explanation has clarified that bruising after a blood test is not a cause for significant concern or fear, and it should not cause you to feel traumatized about future blood tests.

#bloodtest #brusing

A Health and Wellness Webinar is an online seminar that provides information, advice, and practical tips on various health and wellness topics, such as nutrition, fitness, mental health, and stress management. These webinars are usually led by subject matter experts, such as doctors, nutritionists, fitness trainers, and psychologists. 

In addition,the webinar may include interactive elements, such as quizzes, polls, and Q&A sessions, to engage employees and encourage participation. They can also share their own experiences and learn from others in the audience. 

Corporate health and wellness webinars can be delivered live or on-demand, and can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. They are often recorded and archived for future reference, allowing employees to revisit the content and continue to learn and apply the information presented.

Some companies may offer corporate health and wellness webinars as part of their overall wellness program, which may also include resources such as health coaching, gym memberships, healthy food options, and mental health support.

To conduct a health and wellness webinar for corporate staff, here are some steps to follow:

  1. Choose a health and wellness topic that is relevant to your employees' needs and interests. Consider conducting a corporate wellness survey to gather input from your employees on what topics they would like to learn more about.
  2. Find a subject matter expert who can provide valuable insights and practical tips on the chosen topic. You can consider partnering with a health and wellness coach, nutritionist, or fitness instructor to lead the webinar.
  3. Choose a date and time that works best for your employees. Consider their work schedules and time zones, and schedule the webinar during a time when employees are most likely to attend. Most webinars can be conducted through a video conferencing platform, such as Zoom or WebEx.
  4. Create a promotional campaign to inform your employees about the webinar. Send out emails, post on your company's social media pages, and put up posters in common areas to promote the event.
  5. Develop an engaging and interactive presentation that incorporates multimedia content, such as videos, images, and infographics. Prepare handouts and resources that participants can refer to after the webinar.
  6. Send a follow-up email to participants after the webinar, thanking them for attending and providing them with additional resources and materials related to the topic. 

Health and Wellness Webinars are a convenient and cost-effective way to learn about different health and wellness topics from the comfort of your own home. They are also a great way to connect with like-minded individuals who are interested in improving their health and well-being. By investing in the health and wellbeing of their employees, companies can create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.

According to official PDRM data, Malaysia had 1,142 suicide cases in 2021, an 81% increase from 631 cases in 2020. The causes are chronic stress, loss of income, domestic violence, a financial crisis, and unanticipated deaths due to the pandemic.

These figures are very crucial because mental health is often being ignored and treated like a taboo. Eventually, it will have a major impact on their job. 

Hence, whenever mental health issues are being overlooked, the negative impact to employers are: 

Now, as an employer, you must provide a safe space for your employees to communicate openly about their mental wellbeing. Here are some of the things employers can do to tackle this issue:

Conduct a corporate wellness program at the workplace

Conduct a corporate wellness program at the workplace because it is proven by the CDC that the workplace is the most ideal setting to create a culture of health. Corporate wellness programs that are not only focusing on mental health but also physical health can help employees to boost their mood and resilience, improve their communication, manage their stress, cope with changing roles and responsibility, and reach their highest potential. 

Conduct an employee wellness survey

Conduct an employee wellness survey to assess their mental wellbeing. In the same corporate wellness programs, you may start a survey in order to determine whether additional assessment or resources would be required to the employees

Provide a clinical screening for mental health

Provide a clinical screening for mental health. Corporate wellness programs that can provide clinical examinations by experts in mental health, would be a good advantage for the employees to seek their treatment and referrals, if necessary. 

The first step in promoting good mental health in the workplace is raising awareness of the full spectrum of employee mental health experiences. Companies that support and advocate for mental health can be the best practices for corporate wellness programs and eye opener for other employers. 

If you would like to promote mental wellness in your company and don’t know where to start, do contact us for more details as we provide customized mental wellness programs according to your needs!

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises eating 1-2 portions of fish each week. This is due to the fact that fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have a variety of health advantages, including the ability to prevent several diseases.

Not to mention that many people, especially those with a corporate background, take fish oil as a supplement in daily life. Other than that, many companies also started to incorporate fish oil supplements in their corporate wellness program ideas to teach the employees on taking the correct amount of supplements on a daily basis.

Now, let’s see what fish oil is!

Fish oil typically can be found in oily fish like mackerel (kembong), anchovies, and sardines.

Fish oil supplements, on the other hand, can help you get enough omega-3s if you don't eat 1-2 servings of fish each week.

Fish oil contains about 30% omega-3 fatty acids and the remaining 70% is made up of other fats. Fish oil typically contains some vitamins D and A as well.

Here’s the benefit of omega-3 fish oils:

✔ Fights inflammation

EPA and DHA omega-3s, which are found in fatty fish, are capable of partially blocking many aspects of inflammation4.

✔ Slow muscle loss in elderly

Fish oil helps slow the typical age-related decline in muscle mass and function in men and women between the ages of 60 and 85.

✔ Improve brain function

Higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline

✔ Reduce blood pressure

Daily EPA and DHA doses of as little as 0.7 grams in adults with systolic blood pressure show reductions in their blood pressure and are most likely to lower the risk of heart disease.

✔ Protect bone density

A study discovered that fish oils were linked to a decreased risk of bone fractures, particularly in those with a higher genetic propensity for this kind of injury.

Little consumption of supplements might not give a good effect on the body and over-consumption of supplements might be dangerous to your body. Then, how much do we need to take? Let’s find out this with our Dietitian on the WELL-Tamin program- consume supplements according to your body's needs! Do contact us on WhatsApp to get your personalized supplement needs value.

Do you know that promoting healthy eating in the workplace is one of the corporate wellness trends in 2023?  Yes, it is!

Nowadays, many employers become aware of the benefits of implementing corporate wellness programs in the office. They realized that employees are the company's greatest asset and employees’ health is their priority. Healthy employees are happy employees! This also increased employees' work productivity as well as reduced absenteeism in the workplace!

employees

How can we help these employees to achieve healthier lifestyles? First of all, let’s try to reshape their diet! Now it has become a corporate wellness trend for employers to help and educate employees on healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. But why?

Research has shown that an unhealthy diet is related to an increased risk for a range of chronic diseases which includes heart disease, diabetes, and cancers. However, many people neglect this fact and keep on eating unhealthy diets. To change this lifestyle, the workplace must be a good environment to spark healthy eating habits and hop in this 2023 corporate wellness trend.

Let us share 3 secrets to promote healthy eating habits at the workplace which are easy and simple!

healthy food

Secret 1: Create a supportive environment for healthy eating.

A company doesn't have to have a company canteen to catalyze healthy eating habits, all we need is the employee's motivation and enthusiasm to make things happen. Changing eating habits and taking part should be voluntary for employees. In the workplace, management, and employees should work together to ensure that:

Secret 2: Offering healthier food options helps employees to make healthier choices.

Instead of providing snacks such as potato chips or other food that is considered junk food, a company should provide a wide choice of fruit, vegetables, and bread for snacks. Make sure that fresh fruits are prominent in the serving area and more visible than chips! 

Secret 3: Promoting healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

A company can organize a themed healthy eating week or days, for example, no fried food themed for one week and employees must consume non-fried food to complete this themed mission. Other than that, a company can organize workshops for employees on healthy eating and nutrition!

There you go with 3 simple secrets to creating healthy eating habits in the workplace. Sounds simple and inexpensive right? It may look simple but believe it, it will motivate the employee to eat better!

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