Haze and forest fire – do we care?

Every year in Malaysia without fail we are familiar the haze episode and we always talking about this issue when haze coming, but after that we will forget about it.

However, we never focus on what is the solution to resolve it, but we focus on about the mask, which brand mask is the best for us.

Impact of fire and haze:
• The total economic losses for the 1997/98 fire episode was estimated to be US$10.3billion
- Indonesia – total losses in forestry, health, tourism and others estimated to be US$9.3billion (CIFOR)
- Other countries (Malaysia and Singapore) – total losses in forestry, health, tourism and others estimated to be US$1billion.

• This does not take into account the estimates US$5billion lost through emission of carbon into the atmosphere

• 1997/98 fire episodes
- School in Sarawak closed for 3 weeks
- Agriculture sector recorded an estimated yield reduction by 30%
- Malacca strait experienced several cargo ships related accidents
- 90% reduction of tourist arrivals and cancellation of flight recorded

• 2005 – Malaysia declared state of emergency on 12th Aug

• 2006 – Malaysia and Singapore badly affected where Ministers of Environmenthad to convene emergency meetings in Pakanbaru, Indonesia (Oct) and Cebu, Philippines (Nov)

Can we provide solutions to ensure reduction in forest fires and haze emission? Answer is yes, the solutions are as below(more info at Global Environment Centre):

• Stop destructive practices
• Prevent or control fires
• Stop further drainage and restore hydrology
• Develop alternate livelihoods for local communities
• Stop illegal/uncontrolled logging and encourage rehabilitation
• Introduce sustainable management options
• Block or control existing drains
• Encourage re-growth of vegetation
• Integrated management for multiple use
• Prediction and monitoring

 

Pre-schooling Education System in Malaysia

Parents: What do you think about pre-schooling education system in Malaysia?

The Malaysia pre-schooling education system started to develop since 1986. Under section 22 of the Education Act 1996 – Programmes and activities of every kindergarten shall follow the curriculum guidelines for kindergartens approved by the Minister. In 2003, the Ministry of Education officially directed every kindergarten to comply with the standard syllabus.

Comparing the pre-schooling education system in Malaysia with other countries in Asia, Japan and China,we can see that these two countries have used the similar syllabus like us for example but they have gave different priority to each syllabus;

(i)  Japan emphasis on: Health, Society, Language, Natural and Music;
(ii) China emphasis on: Health, Language, Society, Science and Art;
(iii)Malaysia emphasis on: Language & Communication, Cognitive Development, Moral, Social & Emotion, Physical Development, Creativity & Esthetic

Japan and China respectively concerned more on the health’s issue and therefore have allocated plenty of outdoor activities, group discussion and music in their syllabus. As a result, we can observe that the children in Japan and China have grown up healthily and less pressure as compared to the children in Malaysia.

Challenges of pre-schooling in Malaysia
1.    Most of the parents pre-decided what they want teachers to teach to their children;
2.    Parents lacking of knowledge and awareness on pre-schooling education system. Hence they are unaware that some of the teaching method does not comply with the curriculum of Malaysia and the standard of pre-schooling system.

 

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide and in Malaysia. In 2003, this decease constituted 12.9% of all female cancers in Malaysia. About half of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer between 35 and 55 years old and these women were most likely exposed to cancer-causing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types during their teens and 20s. A study started from last year shows that 1:5000 women will have cervical cancer due to HPV.

Cervical cancer begins when a women becomes infected with certain types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus affected both females and males. There are more than 100 types of the virus, and about 30 types of HPV known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that could turn into cancer. Other types can cause genital warts and benign (noncancerous) change in the cervix.

In fact, most of the women who get cervical cancer may have never had a Pap test (also known as Pap smear). Pap smear, with 97% accuracy, is part of a gynecological exam and helps detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancers or cervical cancer. It is one of the best ways to help prevent cervical cancer, which recommended to be done yearly, however, virgin and those without sexual intercourse are not courage to do Pap smear.

Methods commonly used to treat abnormal cervical cells include freezing, removing them using an electrical instrument, and conventional surgery. The treatment may have to be repeated if the abnormal cells reappear.  In addition, the three main methods for treating cervical cancer are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The most recent prevention against cervical cancer, as well as genital warts and cervical dysplasia – 3 doses of MSD Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine over a period of 6 months, was recommended during the briefing. The best period of time to have the vaccination is between the ages of 9 to 26, and the best is before sexual intercourse, for female as well as male. The male are also encourage to be vaccinated in order to prevent from genital warts and reduce the risk of transmission during sexual intercourse. The cost of vaccination approximately RM1,200 for 3 doses in Malaysia.

Nevertheless, the vaccination carry 70% prevention, those who had their vaccination are still advice to do the Pap smear yearly, as regular practice for the most accuracy & self preventive action. At last, all women should have self awareness; eliminate the destructive and conservative mindset, not to feel embarrass and keep our own self in a healthy and fruitful life.

 

Power Of The Subconscious

Most of the time, the change in our mind is not possible because very often, we try to overcome negative beliefs embedded in our Subconscious mind with conscious means!

There are substantial differences between the conscious mind & subconcious mind. The concious mind sets goals & judges results, as well as likes to try new things, in the other hand, subconscious mind monitors operations of the body, e.g., motor functions, heart rate, digestion, etc. Subconcious mind also prefers the familiars.

The conscious mind is about learning new things/skills and setting of life’s goals while the subconscious mind is about changing self beliefs and changing of habits.

The power of the sbconscious that the mind & body function are inseparable because of the powerful feedback that the one has on the other. Indeed, virtually every body component is or can be controlled by the mind, down to and including cellular function and response, and it can be done more powerfully and directly by the subconscious than by conscious effort.

Therefore, to change our perception, we have to change the negative belief in our subconciouness, change our behavior and eventually our destinies. In addition, spend more time to subsconcious mind that will empower our self motivation, impart the subconcious positive value into our mind, that will drive us to our destinies.

 

Active or Healthy Aging

We men are two to three times less likely than women to seek help for their health. This puts men at a disadvantage because they may not know that they have health problems like diabetes, heart disease or prostate problems.

According to my doctor, the attitudes of men in the Asian culture are a stumbling block and men do not seek help as often as women do and spend less time with doctors. Unfortunately, this means that men bear a heavy health burden in the later part of their lives. Studies have shown that 90% of medical care costs are spent on the last 10 years of a man’s life.

Men’s health problems are an increasing concern among healthcare professionals. There is still very little known about the kinds of health problems that are more prevalent among Malaysian men. In comparison, women’s health issues like breast cancer, cervical cancer and menopause have been the focus of healthcare professionals and governments, and as a result, the standards of management of such conditions have generally improved.

We need to be able to bring men’s health standards up to par, with a landmark study looking at Malaysian men’s disease burden and their health concerns. There is a rapidly increasing need for health professionals to address the medical concerns of men in an integrated, comprehensive and preventative manner. They need to reverse the prevalent trend towards men suffering suboptimal quality of life and dying early and often unnecessarily from largely preventable causes.