Have you noticed acne popping up under your mask? Wearing a face mask can reduce the spread of the deadly virus. At the same time, it also creates a humid environment that traps sweat, oil, and bacteria on the skin which may lead to skin breakouts. The term maskne, or mask acne, has taken off on social media as more people experience skin flare-ups especially in the nose and mouth area brought on by prolonged wear of a face mask. Prevention is always your best bet. While you cannot ditch the mask, there are steps you can take to avoid maskne. Let’s go through the ways to protect your skin so you do not have to deal with the pesky blemishes until we can go mask-free! Pick the right mask Be mindful of the type of mask you wear to prevent skin issues. Go for a face mask that is composed of natural, soft fabric which fits snugly but not too tight. Masks made of synthetic fibres should be avoided because these materials can potentially irritate your skin. Change your mask regularly One of the best ways to prevent breakouts is to ensure that the mask you are using is clean. It is advisable to change your mask every 3-4 hours to reduce dirt and oil that may build up on your face. If you are out for a long time, make sure you change the used face mask with a fresh one. Skip makeup Skip wearing heavy makeup under your mask as it can clog your pores which can lead to more breakouts. If you must wear makeup, look for products that are labelled “non-comedogenic” indicating they will not clog pores, according to recommendations. Avoid touching your face Touching your face transfers oil from your hands to your face, which can block pores and result in acne. Also, remember not to pick at, or squeeze the acne as this may worsen the inflammation and lead to scarring. Take acne-fighting remedy Despite how frustrating maskne can be, it is important to continue using face mask as your daily routine. You may consider taking a herbal remedy made with natural, acne-fighting herbs to clear your skin from the inside out. Managing maskne is not going to be a one-time deal. It requires ongoing prevention habits to keep your skin clear. So, mask up the smart way!
Growing up in the digital age, today’s kids are spending more time in front of digital devices – smartphones, tablets and computers – whether for entertainment or education purposes. With increased reliance on digital devices, your children’s growing eyes are exposed to blue light more than ever. How much screen time is too much? Blue light has become a rising concern as children’s screen time increases. How many hours do your kids spend staring at screens a day? The World Health Organization (WHO) calls for no screen time at all for children under 2, and less than an hour a day for kids 2 to 5. Less is better. It’s best to keep children’s screen time to a minimum. How is blue light bad? Screens of electronic devices emit high-intensity blue light, which has been shown to have adverse health implications, especially for young children whose eyes and brains are still developing. Blue light is the part of the visible light spectrum that contains the highest energy. Excessive exposure to blue light can lead to digital eye strain. Some symptoms to look out for include eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches. Blue light disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. It suppresses the production of sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, making it challenging for children to get a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep quality may mean your kids’ concentration levels are lower during the day. This can negatively affect their learning. Why macular pigment optical density (MPOD) matters MPOD is a measure of the levels of macular pigment in the retina. The macular pigment, composed of lutein and zeaxanthin, acts as natural sunglasses to shield the eyes from blue light. Interestingly, it has been found that the levels of MPOD correlate with the concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin in the brain and is associated with superior academic performance. Shield against harmful blue light Shield your kids against the harmful effects of blue light with VitaHealth Kids Blu-Lite Shield. It is made with XanMax® marigold extract. These yummy, orange-flavoured gummies provide a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, to enhance their visual and cognitive performance during their key learning years. Filters harmful blue light Protects the eyes from free radicals Enhances cognitive performance
Have you ever had one of those days where you feel sluggish and sleepy once the afternoon rolls around? You are not alone. It can be a killer for your drive and productivity, especially when you have important things to be done. What can you do to stay on track, even when you do not feel like it? Let’s take a closer look at some ways to power through mid-day slump and regain your focus. Stretch it out Moving your body around and having some fresh air can help you to stay awake. Even a few minutes of stretching or light exercise will help increase your blood flow, while also loosening any tense muscles. Listen to music Listening to music can enhance alertness and help you feel more energised. Consider songs without lyrics for minimised distraction. If you are working in an office environment, you can use headphones to avoid disturbing your co-workers. Drink water Dehydration can make it difficult for you to concentrate at work. Keep sipping. Caffeine may provide a short boost in energy. Drinking water, on the other hand, is much healthier and, of course, more effective at boosting alertness. Take a break Sitting at your desk for too long can make you inclined to snooze. Take five to do something else besides work. Taking a brisk walk can stretch your legs, and give your eyes a break from staring at the screen. Eat wisely Having healthy meals during the day can maintain your blood sugar level all day long which gives you the right natural energy. For a better choice, consume foods that have a healthy combination of protein and complex carbohydrates. Get a B vitamin boost B vitamins are a group of nutrients that play many important roles in your body. As the building blocks of a healthy body, these fat-soluble vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism.
Stress is a natural physical, mental and emotional reaction to life’s events. Everyone experience stress throughout some point in their life in response to the encounters and challenges in today’s fast-paced world. Prolonged stress is exhausting. If it is not appropriately managed, it can mess with your body in so many ways. Brain When you are stressed, you are likely to experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness, panic depression and anger. This happens when your body suddenly shifts its energy resources to fighting off the perceived threats, which is known as the “fight-or-flight” response. Heart Experiencing too much stress, for too long, is bad for your heart. Over time, stress can increase blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. These factors can cause damage to the artery walls and subsequent plaque buildup, resulting in heart attack and stroke. Joints and muscles Stress can cause your muscles to tense up, leading to stiffness and pain. Your body releases chemicals which trigger inflammation. The inflammatory response can cause pain and swelling in your joints, affecting your everyday movements. Immune system You need a strong immune system to fight disease, but long-term stress can weaken your body’s natural defences. When you are stressed, the ability of your immune system to fight off infections is reduced. That is why you are more susceptible to illnesses. Skin Stress makes your skin battle harder. When you are feeling stressed, your nervous system releases more cortisol. This stress hormone increases oil production in your skin glands, resulting in clogged pores and acne breakouts. Gut High cortisol levels from stress can make you crave for sugary or fatty foods. Stress also affects your body’s digestive system, which can lead to an upset stomach, acid reflux and pain ulcers. During times of stress, some individuals may experience loss of appetite.
Your eyes are one of the most important sensory organs. You rely on your eye every day to see and navigate your way through the world. Almost everything you do involves the use of your eyes. However, many people tend to take their eyesight for granted until it starts to slip away. How do you safeguard your vision? Follow these simple measures to keep your eyes healthy. Get enough sleep Studies have shown that the eye needs at least five hours of sleep each night to replenish themselves and function well during the day. If you go too long without getting enough sleep, you may have twitching eyelids, eye discomfort and even dry eye. Eat well The food you eat has a big impact on your eye health. Lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins C and E may help protect against macular degeneration and cataracts as people get older. Fill your plate with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and complement your diet with health supplements. Protect from the sun Protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays by wearing the correct sunglasses, especially while outdoors or even on cloudy days! Excessive UV exposure increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Be sure to look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation. Quit smoking Smoking is not just bad for your lungs, but it can hurt your eyes too! Smoking increases your risk of diseases like cataracts, visual nerve damage and macular degeneration. If you have tried to stop the habit before just to go back into it, do not give up. Consult your doctor for assistance. Rest your eyes Looking at a computer screen or gadget for too long can cause your eyes to become tired. Rest your eyes every 15-20 minutes by looking at green objects or at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Get regular eye screenings Do not undermine the significance of a regular eye exam. Eye screenings should be done on a regular basis, especially if you experience changes in your eyesight or have a family history of eye disease, high blood pressure or diabetes.
Your gut is home to a diverse community of microorganisms called the gut microbiota, which includes both good and bad bacteria. Bifidobacteria naturally inhabits the gastrointestinal tract, primarily the colon. These good bacteria are important for maintaining a population of healthy colonic intestinal bacteria while reducing those that can be harmful or pathogenic. Boost your defence with Probio-Dfenz Bolster the good bacteria in your gut for optimal defence with VitaHealth Probio-Dfenz, a premium probiotic formula featuring 2 billion CFU of live probiotic Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and vitamin D3. In convenient, single-serve sachets Refreshing yogurt flavour No refrigeration required Can be consumed directly Suitable for adults & kids No flavouring, colouring & preservatives What’s in Probio-Dfenz? Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Commercially available in Japan since 1976, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V is supported by over 40 published studies. As one of the pioneering colonisers of the gut microbiota, Bifidobacterium breve resides within the gastrointestinal tract from birth and throughout the life course, conferring a myriad of health benefits. Recognised for its safety and effectiveness, this proprietary strain is used in more than 100 neonatal intensive care units in hospitals throughout Japan. It has been granted FDA GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe) status for food applications and infant formulas. Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) GOS is a type of prebiotic, a non-digestible dietary fiber which stimulate the growth and activity of the good bacteria and simultaneously inhibits the potentially deleterious bacteria in the gut. It is the fuel probiotics need to flourish and thrive. The synergetic combination of M-16V and GOS, known as synbiotic, offers greater health benefits than what probiotic or prebiotic could achieve alone. Vitamin D3 Vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, is the preferred form of vitamin D, identical to the type naturally made by the body. It assists in the absorption and utilisation of calcium and phosphorus, beneficial for the formation of healthy bones and teeth. In addition, vitamin D3 helps strengthen the immune system. How can Probio-Dfenz help? Allergy relief Mounting evidence shows that probiotics are useful in supporting the body’s natural defence. M-16V has been proven to prevent or reduce the severity of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. Characterised by severe itching, redness and scaly rashes, this inflammatory skin condition usually starts during infancy or childhood. Moreover, it helps reduce the risk of developing asthma and prevents asthma-like symptoms in infants with atopic dermatitis. Immune defence Your gut and your immune system are closely linked. Housing 80% of your body’s immune cells, your gut plays a vital role as the first line of defence against infections. Probiotics reinforce the integrity of the gut barrier, providing an extra level of defence against infectious bacteria and other triggers from entering the bloodstream. By establishing colonies of good bacteria in the gut, probiotics help discourage the less friendly bugs which otherwise the immune system would have to deal with. Gastrointestinal health The synbiotic combination of M-16V and GOS helps maintain healthy intestinal microflora for digestive and colon health improvement. A Bifidobacterium-dominant intestinal flora is especially important to reduce the adverse effects of antibiotics on the microbiota. educes the adverse effects of antibiotics on intestinal microflora. In addition, M-16V has been demonstrated to offer protection from developing the devastating digestive disease such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), a condition where a portion of the bowel dies.
Low testosterone levels, or “low T” usually occur in men as they get older. The older men get, the lower their testosterone levels and it is normal. Low T can sometimes cause serious long-term implications to men’s health and well-being. If you experience low T, you may notice some of the following symptoms. Low energy Men with low T have reported a decrease in energy levels and extreme lethargy. Getting enough sleep can help you feel more energised. It is best to get at least 7 to 8 hours each night. You might have trouble with insomnia and restlessness at night when your testosterone levels are low. Muscle changes Testosterone is a hormone that is necessary for muscular development and masculinity. With low T, you may lose your muscle mass and strength, and oftentimes, self-esteem. Increased body fat Low T can lead to an increase in body fat in men. If you are not building muscle with the calories you take in and the physical activity you do, your body will convert the calories to fat. Low libido Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. Declining levels can affect your sex drive as it plays a crucial role in libido in men. As you get older, you may notice that your desire for sex also decreases. Mood changes Men with low T may experience changes in mood. Nothing seems to make you happy anymore and you are no longer interested in doing things you used to enjoy. Men often say they feel like themselves again when testosterone levels are back to normal. Increased risk of osteoporosis Osteoporosis has been linked to low testosterone levels. Testosterone aids in the formation and strengthening of bone. As a result, men with low T, particularly older men, have less bone volume and are more prone to fractures. Thinning body hair Testosterone plays an important role in hair growth. Low T can cause you to lose some facial hair, pubic hair, and hair on your arms and lower legs. You may notice that your body hair does not grow as much as it used to.
Heart disease: top killer in Malaysia The most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by plaque build-up in the wall of the arteries that supply blood to your heart. Plaque is made up of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances. Over time, it narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing blood flow to your heart. In severe cases, it may cause a heart attack, stroke or even death. How do vitamins K2 & D3 help? Emerging research highlights the synergistic link between vitamins K2 and D3 in regulating calcium deposition in the bones and out of the arteries, for lifelong bone and heart health. Bone health Vitamin D3 enhances the intestinal absorption of calcium and maintains healthy levels of calcium in your blood. Vitamin K2 is crucial for the calcification of bone. It activates osteocalcin, a protein which promotes the accumulation of calcium into your bones, while reducing its accumulation in soft tissues. It works in synergy with vitamin D3 to ensure calcium reaches your bone to maintain optimal bone density and lessen fracture risk. Heart health Vitamins D3 and K2 and work together to promote the production and activation of matrix GLA protein (MGP), to bind with excess calcium in your blood, preventing it from being deposited in arteries. This helps reduce the risk for arterial calcification and stiffening, therefore protecting against cardiovascular disease. Why choose vitamins K2 & D3? For optimal health benefits, look out for a formulation made with a combination of high-strength vitamins K2 and D3. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) Synthesised by gut flora and found in fermented foods Found in green leafy vegetables, dairy products and vegetable oils. Vitamin K2 in the form of MK-7 has been shown to be a bioactive compound in regulating osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases. Primarily involved in the process of blood coagulation in the liver. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) Made by the skin upon sun exposure; found in fatty fish, liver, egg yolks, etc. Made from mushrooms and fortified foods. Effectively raises vitamin D levels in the blood for a longer period Inferior in raising vitamin D levels in the blood.
Kids are growing, learning and developing rapidly. A healthy diet with proper nutrition is essential to support their rapidly growing bodies and brains. It sets a strong foundation to grow up healthy and strong. Besides, proper nutrition can also improve your little ones’ cognitive performance during their key learning years. It fuels their brain, helping them to stay focused, sharp, more alert and perform better while learning. Take a look at the essential nutrients that your children need in their rapid-growth stage. Protein Protein is crucial for your kids’ growth and development, as it is the building block of body tissues. It helps to build, repair and maintain muscles and other tissues. Food source: Poultry, fish, eggs, milk, etc. Vitamin A Vitamin A is the key vitamin for good eyesight, preventing myopia. Sufficient vitamin A intake allows your little ones to see well at night, as it helps their eyes to adjust to light changes. Food source: Carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, etc. Vitamin C Vitamin C is well-known of its ability to strengthen immune defence, leaving less sick days. It is important to help your little ones replenish their vitamin C every day as this water-soluble vitamin will not be stored in their body. Food source: citrus fruits, mangos, tomatoes, etc. Calcium Calcium is essential in building healthy bones and teeth for your kids as they grow. It helps build a strong foundation for their lifelong skeletal health, which helps guard against osteoporosis in the future. Food source: Milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli, etc. DHA As the building block of brain cell membranes, DHA supports brain growth and development. It empowers your children’s journey of discovery by boosting their brain power and enhancing memory. Food source: Fish, nuts, vegetable oils, etc. Dietary fibre Other than keeping your kids full, dietary fibre helps promote healthy bowel functions. It keeps the food moving in their digestive tract, which helps in preventing constipation. Food source: Oats, wholegrains, vegetables, fruits, etc. Start providing your kids with healthy balanced meals to ensure that they are getting all the essential nutrients that they need in their peak developmental years.
