Showing posts with label medical. Show all posts

STOP THAT DOT :HOMESOY Empowers Malaysian Women to Take Charge of Breast Cancer Prevention


HOMESOY, a leading soya milk brand under Ace Canning Corporation Sdn Bhd, has officially launched its HOMESOY 3.0 “STOP THAT DOT” campaign to encourage early breast cancer detection and raise awareness among Malaysian women. 



In addition to showcasing the versatility of soya, the campaign emphasises the vital importance of early detection and the need to take early action, which is a key agenda for the brand, in reducing breast cancer risks, particularly among women in the country.



A symbolic highlight of this campaign launch is the unveiling of the “STOP THAT DOT” Pink Ball (or dot), which represents cancer cells that, if left undetected, can grow and disrupt health.



However, when caught early—even at the size of a dot—lives can be saved, and the chances of full recovery significantly increases. 



This HOMESOY 3.0 campaign features a heartfelt brand film and a dedicated microsite, providing consumers with essential information about the initiative. Through this microsite, individuals can easily pledge their support with a simple click, demonstrating their commitment to advocating for early detection and breast cancer prevention.



At the launch event held at Le Meridien Petaling Jaya, Ms. Chang Wan Ping, Marketing Director at Ace Canning Corporation Sdn Bhd, emphasised the brand’s commitment to supporting Malaysian women in their fight against breast cancer. 


“At Ace Canning, we are honoured to stand shoulder to shoulder with women in this crucial battle. Breast cancer is not just an individual struggle; it resonates throughout families and communities. Through the 'STOP THAT DOT' campaign and our #ScanNowSpotEarly initiative, we want to remind every woman that she is not alone. Early detection is a powerful tool that can save lives, and we hope this initiative encourages women to take proactive steps to protect their health.”



Wan Ping also highlighted HOMESOY 3.0’s role as more than just a wholesome soya milk, stating, “All our HOMESOY products, including HOMESOY 3.0, are designed to cater to Malaysian taste buds while serving as partners in women’s health. 



Additionally, through our collaboration with Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY), we are dedicated to dispelling the myths surrounding soya and breast cancer. By providing accurate nutritional information, we aim to empower women to make informed decisions that support cancer prevention. Together, we are committed to making a meaningful and positive impact in this fight!”



Inspiring Survivor Stories: Real Lives, Real Lessons


At the heart of this campaign is a powerful brand film, brought to life through visual storytelling in collaboration with HOMESOY’s agency partner, Asterisk Advisory. Together, they transformed “STOP THAT DOT” into a vibrant and impactful initiative, embodying the shared mission of advocating for breast cancer awareness. The film features six Malaysian breast cancer survivors from diverse backgrounds and ages, who share their personal journeys and emphasise the life-saving importance of early detection.


Among these inspiring women is Tan Chieu Mei, whose story underscores the crucial role of early screening. In a touching scene from the film, she celebrates a birthday with her daughter, a poignant reminder to cherish every moment and never lose hope. "For me, the real victory is having another birthday to look forward to and watching my child grow up," Chieu Mei shared.



"Breast cancer came as a shock, but early detection gave me the chance to fight. The screening allowed me to act swiftly, and for that, I am deeply grateful. I urge every woman to prioritise their health and get screened. Join the 'STOP THAT DOT' movement—it could save your life."


According to Wan Ping, “Like these incredible women, we want to share their stories of resilience and the belief that early detection through a mammogram is the way forward. Every woman who has faced cancer is a hero in so many ways, and their journeys serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to take proactive steps toward their health.”



The Role of Soya Nutrition


Through collaborative efforts with CRMY, Ace Canning continues its commitment to breast cancer prevention with its annual donation of RM50,000 to CRMY to support their research initiatives in combating breast cancer. “With 1 in 20 Malaysian women at risk1 Raising awareness while promoting prevention and early detection is important,” said Wan Ping.



According to the Malaysian Study on Cancer Survival, only two out of three Malaysian women diagnosed with breast cancer survive beyond five years. This is much lower as compared to other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and Singapore. While factors like age, gender and genetics cannot be modified, there are modifiable lifestyle choices that may reduce the risk of breast cancer such as having one or more children before 30, longer breastfeeding duration, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and eating a balanced diet. 

 

Professor Dr. Cheong Sok Ching, Chief Scientific Officer of Cancer Research Of Malaysia (CRMY) explained during her talk on Bridging the Gaps in Breast Cancer Care, "There have been various studies evaluating the protective effect of soya products or soya isoflavone on breast cancer risk and some of these have demonstrated a protective effect.”


Ms Soo Sek Yow, Head of Soya Nutrition Unit of Ace Canning added, “Soya contains isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogens that are found in plants. These isoflavones compete with natural oestrogen, potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer. We aim to support research to establish a link between soya consumption and the reduced risk of developing breast cancer.”


During Soo’s talk on Soya Nutrition and Breast Cancer: What the Evidence Shows, she shared evidence-based information to dispel common misconceptions about soya and breast cancer.


“Research, particularly in Asian populations, have shown promising associations between high soya intake and lower breast cancer risk. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, these findings suggest that incorporating soya into a healthy diet may offer benefits in lowering the risk of developing breast cancer," explained Soo.

 

“In addition, we need to determine the ideal time in women’s lives to consume soya and to establish the recommended amount needed to achieve its desired protective effect. This is where Cancer Research Malaysia’s work becomes essential”, Prof. Cheong added.



Soo noted, “Importantly, the higher the soya protein, the more soya isoflavones there are.

HOMESOY 3.0 Soya Milk is formulated with higher soya protein and fortified with dietary fibre, calcium, and vitamins A and D, while offering superior-tasting soya milk without any added sugar.”

 

Scan Now, Spot Early: Partnerships and Roadshow for Mass Awareness 


While the presence of the dot may escape you, it won’t be missed when you #ScanNowSpotEarly through a mammogram. 



To maximise the reach and impact of the campaign, HOMESOY has partnered with more than 20 private hospitals - Columbia Asia Hospital, Damansara Specialist Hospital 2, Hospital Lam Wah Ee. Hospital Picaso, KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity, Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara to offer a complimentary pack of HOMESOY 3.0 Soya Milk for every breast screening sign-up during its campaign period.


From 7th October until the end of the month, HOMESOY 3.0 will be amplifying its “STOP THE DOT” campaign with the support of a diverse range of partners, including both retail and non-retail brands- Jaya Grocer, Village Grocer, The Food Purveyor, Aeon, 6ixty8ight, Fitness First, Celebrity Fitness and Curves.


Together with HOMESOY, these partners are helping to drive the message of health and empowerment to a wider audience, reinforcing the importance of proactive health measures.



Don’t wait, Join the Movement Now!


At this launch, HOMESOY 3.0 calls on all Malaysians to join the "STOP THAT DOT" movement. Whether it’s encouraging a loved one to get screened, sharing the message with your community, or pledging support online, every action matters in the fight against breast cancer.


"Early detection is not just important—it saves lives. And as research shows, incorporating soya milk into your diet may help reduce the risk of breast cancer," says Soo.



"At HOMESOY, we’re committed to empowering women to take control of their health through informed, proactive decisions that can lead to a healthier future. We hope all of you today will join the movement, pledge to share, and help all our loved ones to #ScanNowSpotEarly", added Wan Ping.



For more information about HOMESOY’s "STOP THAT DOT" campaign, please visit https://stopthatdot.homesoy.my


To learn more about HOMESOY, HOMESOY 3.0 and Ace Canning Corporation, please visit http://www.homesoy.my


1 World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Cancer Today. Malaysia Cancer Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheet.pdf (Accessed April 22, 2022)

 

For more about Mouse Mommy Treats, 

do follow us*

Website  | Facebook | 


Elevate Your Wellbeing With Sun Life Malaysia’s First-Ever Wellness Festival – Sun In The City This Sunday!

  


Sun Life Malaysia, a life insurance and family takaful company, is thrilled to announce its first-ever wellness festival, Sun In The City Wellness Fest, taking place on 18 August 2024 at The Agam from 12pm to 8pm. This wellness event features a curated lineup of immersive activities designed to invigorate your body, enrich your mind, uplift your spirit and help unlock your financial confidence.


Aligning with the company's purpose to build a financially resilient nation by promoting lifetime financial security and healthier living, the festival promises a day filled with dynamic fitness classes, enlightening workshops, insightful financial talks, and so much more. 

For an entry fee of RM80 per person, attendees will receive over RM300 worth of wellness experiences, food, and goodies, ensuring a rewarding and enriching day for all. Register with a friend or more to enjoy additional perks.


 

Event Details: 
Admission: RM80 per person 
Venue: The Agam (Lot 2827, Jalan Sungai Penchala, Kampung Sungai Penchala, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur)
Date: 18 August 2024 (Sunday)
Time: 12pm-8pm

 

What to Expect:
Sun In The City revolves around three core pillars: Financial Bliss, Physical Prowess, and Mental Care. To ensure a holistic wellness experience, each participant will have the opportunity to select and participate in one activity from each pillar. This includes the following:


 

1.Mental Care

· Learn how to blend your own designer-inspired perfume at the Fragrance Lab by 8to8

· Discover your colour palette through a Colour Analysis with Color Me Beautiful

· Seek a deeper understanding of coffee at the Coffee Appreciation Workshop by Kenny Hills Coffee


 

2. Physical Prowess 

· Dance Your Heart Out with cardio style dance class at FLYJAM led by MimiFly

 

3. Financial Bliss 

· Engage in a 45-minute panel discussion that tackles financial literacy, insurance and protection with Dr. Adam Zubir and Aznah Abas, moderated by Rizal Kamal

 

Beyond the main activities, participants enjoy a variety of fringe offerings designed to enhance your overall festival experience. Receive personalised health consultations from Sun Life Malaysia and BookDoc, unleash your creativity with DIY bracelet making with Twilly Beads by Twilly Treats, or engage in fun lawn games with your loved ones. 

For a complete self-care experience, refresh your look with a quick blow dry hair bar by COCOdry while Lumi Beauty offers a collection of natural products designed to revitalize your skin. Plus, animal lovers you can find something for your furry pets as Fatto Catto will delight cat enthusiasts with a showcase of premium cat products, a luxurious cat hotel, and an adoption drive.

Don’t worry if you get peckish throughout the festival! Satisfy your cravings at the Food Bazaar, offering a delectable array of artisanal sweet and savoury treats from Kenny Hill Bakers, Hello Frozen Yogurt, Yatai KL, Taffy Gelato, andLoca Lorie Low Calorie Snacks. 

Don’t miss out on this incredible day of wellness and fun! Gather your family and friends and secure your slot over here: https://sunlife.co/SunInTheCityWellnessFest-Day2 

 


Check out more information about Sun In The City Wellness Festival, visit: https://sunlife.co/SunInTheCityWellnessFest-Day2


#SunLifeMalaysia

#LifeIsBrighterUnderTheSun

#InsureLit


For more about Mouse Mommy Treats, 

do follow us*

Website  | Facebook | 


A.MENARINI, CARiNG PHARMACY AND ACT4HEALTH JOIN FORCES TO DRIVE MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT EARLY DETECTION WITH A FREE VISUAL COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT TEST

 


A. Menarini, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Menarini Group − an Italian pharmaceutical company with more than 135 years of history is embarking on a campaign with CARiNG Pharmacy Malaysia and ACT4Health Sdn Bhd, a social enterprise spin-off of University of Malaya to launch the “Catch Mild Cognitive Impairment Early: Act Now, Remember More” campaign in driving awareness and early detection of mild cognitive impairment.



Cognitive health is related to the well-being of our brain, while mental health focuses on our emotional and psychological state. A healthy brain can learn, recall, and make decisions that allow us to conduct daily activities. However, when cognition starts declining, it can significantly affect an individual’s overall health and well-being, known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).  People who live with MCI tend to have difficulty forming words, often losing things or forgetting to show up at important events. Unlike dementia and other severe cognitive impairment conditions, individuals with MCI can generally maintain their self-care abilities and continue with their daily activities. In contrast, dementia patients often struggle with self-care and may exhibit severe symptoms such as hallucinations and paranoia. This means that MCI is seen as a stage where the condition can be somewhat enhanced or slow down the progression by following healthy habits and diets. 



According to Malaysian research published in 2023, patients with chronic disease have an elevated risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study with 207 participants also found that only 8% of the patients had some discussion about the risk of cognitive impairment with their physicians, while 8.2% needed clarification. Most of the participants (93.2%) did not initiate or share their concerns regarding dementia with their physicians, with 2.4% unsure if they had ever discussed this topic. There is a low level of awareness of basic knowledge on dementia among the elderly, especially those at risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and its associated factors.


“Launching this campaign is extremely important and meaningful for us at A. Menarini as we also have like-minded partners like CARiNG Pharmacy and ACT4Health to tackle this pressing cognitive issue identified through research and community feedback. There are risk factors that could contribute to the development of MCI. Factors not under our control, such as age and family medical history are fixed and unavoidable but modifiable measures can be altered or avoided to reduce MCI. Making positive changes to any modifiable risk factors may have a chance to decrease susceptibility. While we can make changes in our daily activity to live a healthy lifestyle, it is also crucial to do a proper screening with the right healthcare professionals to spot any early symptoms and receive appropriate medical support,” said Josie Ong, Commercial Director of A. Menarini Singapore Pte Ltd (Malaysia branch) 



Reaching out to more Malaysians for early detection to slow down the development of MCI

A. Menarini, CARiNG Pharmacy and ACT4Health have joined forces to offer the Visual Cognitive Assessment Test (VCAT) at selected CARiNG Pharmacy outlets in Malaysia. The test's purpose is to raise awareness of MCI among Malaysians and help people evaluate their risk of MCI. This enables early diagnosis and intervention if necessary.


VCAT involves a series of visual and cognitive tasks to measure aspects of cognition function, such as memory and attention. The tasks involve pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, memory recall, and decision-making. Once the test is completed, the results will be analysed to provide a status of the individual’s cognitive health and determine whether healthcare professional involvement is necessary. 


Commenting on the campaign, Bu Min Yee, Senior Training Executive/Pharmacist, CARiNG Pharmacy, shared, “This exclusive partnership with A. Menarini is a way to advance our commitment to increasing awareness of MCI and promoting early detection. At CARiNG Pharmacy, we are community-driven and here to drive early detection and empower our consumers to take the next steps. We want to ensure that if the VCAT shows early signs of MCI, they are guided to healthcare providers like ACT4Health for more specific diagnoses. The main goal of this tri-partnership is to enable the community and educate them about MCI and prevention strategies. We hope more Malaysians will take this opportunity to take the VCAT test for free at our selected CARiNG Pharmacy outlets. We invite them and their family to drop by these selected outlets for this 15-minute cognitive test.”



Empowering ourselves with health literacy for early detection

While there is no curative treatment for severe cognitive impairment, it is crucial to establish a comprehensive management strategy to prepare patients and their caregivers for the challenges ahead, with a primary focus on improving quality of life.   


 


“Statistics from the AGELESS  research project show that up to one in five individuals aged 60 years and over experience memory loss whereas four out of ten are socially vulnerable. For many, the memory deficits can be transient, while for others, this can be considered an early sign of dementia. Statistics published by the Institute of Public Health through their ‘National Health and Morbidity Survey — The Elderly’ five years ago found that one in 12 Malaysians aged 60 years and over have dementia. The AGELESS project has enhanced our ability to recognise cognitive frailty early by defining groups that are more likely to develop cognitive frailty but, more importantly, groups that can recover,” Professor Dr Tan Maw Pin, Geriatric Medicine Consultant, Founder and Managing Director of ACT4Health Sdn Bhd shared.


Professor Dr Tan added, “Everyone needs to understand that their health is also their responsibility, and as caregivers to older family members, we must also remember to empower them to seek help early. This also means that besides going in for regular eye and dental check-ups or blood tests, cognitive health can benefit from regular medical check-ups, especially if we notice early signs or have relatives with MCI. As we all know, early detection can help us plan for long-term care and take health actions before the condition worsens, such as changing our diet and exercising more. Caregivers should also be prepared for patients’ behavioural changes to offer the most suitable care.” 


Through the “Catch Mild Cognitive Impairment Early: Act Now, Remember More” campaign, A. Menarini, CARiNG Pharmacy and ACT4Health hope to emphasise the importance of understanding and addressing MCI. The VCAT is now available free of charge at selected CARiNG Pharmacy outlets. For more details on test availability and locations, please visit the CARiNG Pharmacy official Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/caring2u?mibextid=ZbWKwL]. 


For more about Mouse Mommy Treats, 

do follow us*

Website  | Facebook |