Practice Personal Care and Hand Hygiene With Antabax

In view of the increasing number of influenza cases in Malaysia, Antabax and KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital are working together on the Always Be Clean (ABC) for Health hygiene campaign, with the goal of raising awareness among Malaysians on hand hygiene. Right now, there is public health emergency of international concern - Wuhan coronavirus.

Hand hygiene and personal hygiene is important in order to take care ourselves and minimize the possibilities of cross-infection.

The Ministry of Health Malaysia advises the public to practice high levels of personal hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, or with hand sanitiser, observing correct sneezing and coughing etiquette, and following a healthy lifestyle^[1]. 

According to Ms Vivian Lee, Senior Brand Manager of Antabax,  keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps to avoid falling ill, and reducing the spread of communicable diseases to others. 

“Antabax swung into action upon receiving alerts on the increase in influenza cases. We have been working with the relevant authorities to promote better hygiene habits for over a decade, and are glad to collaborate with KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital to educate the public on steps to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading communicable diseases such as influenza.”

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention^[2] show not washing hands harms children around the world.  Handwashing with soap could protect almost 1 out of 5 young children with respiratory infections like pneumonia^[3] . Although people around the world clean their hands with water, very few use soap to wash their hands. Washing hands with soap removes germs much more effectively ^[4].

About Influenza

Influenza is transmitted mainly by droplets disseminated by unprotected coughs and sneezes. Short-distance airborne transmission of influenza viruses may occur, particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination is another possible source of transmission^[5].

Signs and Symptoms of Influenza

Signs and symptoms of influenza include temperatures higher than 38 degrees Celsius, prolonged lethargy or tiredness of up to two to three weeks, pronounced joint and muscle ache, dry cough, frequent sneezing, sore throat and headache^[6]. Those showing these signs and symptoms should seek prompt medical treatment. High-risk groups include those above 65 years, pregnant mothers, those with chronic illnesses, respiratory illnesses and young children. 

The Ministry of Health Malaysia also recommends the public, especially those from high risk groups to get seasonal flu vaccination. 

According to Dr Muhamad Yazli Yuhana, Consultant Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases of KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, the hospital is treating more than 50 cases of influenza this week and feels that it is crucial to increase awareness on the disease and reduce the spread. 

“The hospital is recording more cases as compared to the years before. We hope that through joint initiatives such as the Antabax ABC for Health, our community will learn to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their families. We need to be more proactive when it comes to taking vaccinations, ensuring hand hygiene, cough etiquette and getting prompt medical treatment, to reduce the spread of influenza,” said Dr Yazli who gave a public talk on ‘Influenza Outbreak: Reduce the Spread!”

The catchy Antabax hand hygiene song lifted the spirits of the children from the KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital who joined the education and awareness program and helped them remember the correct steps for hand washing as demonstrated by nurses from the hospital’s infection control unit.

“The spread of communicable diseases such as influenza can be reduced when we work together. It is as important to keep from spreading the disease, as it is to keep from catching it. The key takeaway for everyone is that we should Always Be Clean at all times,” Ms Lee added. 

The ABC for Health Campaign was developed by Antabax in 2018 to raise awareness among preschoolers and primary students. It has been rolled out to more than 6,000 students nationwide. 

Info from World Health Organization.

All of us got to stay healthy with strong immune system with adequate rest, practice good hand hygiene and personal care hygiene, hydrated, light exercise and good air circulation at house, school and workplace.

Info from Ministry of Health Malaysia (Info Updated on 01 Feb 2020, 2:30pm).

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) cases update by Ministry of Health Malaysia: 
http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/pages/view/2019-ncov-wuhan

Dengue Cases by Ministry of Health Malaysia : http://idengue.arsm.gov.my/

The Wuhan Virus Live Updates : https://thewuhanvirus.com/

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California Raisins | A Healthy and Tasty Evening with World Class Chefs, Chef Emmanuel Stroobant !

Mouse mommy has a nice dining experience with the goodness of California Raisins. As we know, California Raisins are all naturally sweet without added sugar, a good source of fibre, potassium, cholesterol-free and low in sodium. 

Great as healthy snacks and as well as sugar replacement for many recipes in cooking and baking.

The Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC) ushered in the auspicious new year with a sweet repertoire of specially-crafted delicious recipes using California Raisins at the Samplings On the Fourteen Restaurant at Berjaya University College.

All of the KOLs were pleasantly thrilled as we “eat close and personal with the chefs” - watching them demonstrate on the versatile California Raisins in a four-course dinner. 

The culinary gourmet recipes as prepared by the respective chefs:

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant (3 recipes)

1.    California Raisins, Crab & Cauliflower

2.    California Raisin Pasta With Fennel & Prawns

3.    California Raisins With Beef Short Ribs & Winter Fruits

Chef Erich Anton Roos (Dessert)

4.    Symphony of California Raisins consisting of :

·      California Raisin muffin with cream

·      California Raisin cinnamon ice cream

·      Apple puff

Mouse mommy was enjoying the dining moments with California Raisins. Creative recipes with nice combination of food served.

The California Raisins, Crab and Cauliflower is delicious and suits my tastebuds. Each bite of it was feeling satisfied. Well-blend and rich in food ingredients.

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant needs no introduction as the Belgian’s 2-star Michelin celebrity chef had his first brush with culinary business when he started working as a kitchen help as young as 16 years and worked his way in the culinary world within a span of a decade, notably hosting the AFC channel for many years and opening his first restaurant in Singapore called Saint Pierre.

Chef Erich Anton Roos, a Swiss national with 40 years of culinary and international  working experience which covers many Western and Asian countries. Currently based in Bangkok, his role are focused in consultancy and strategic planning for kitchen training needs in international hotel chains.

RAC’s Trade Promotions Director for Malaysia, Mr Richard Lieu says for most consumers, especially children, California Raisins are a healthy snack compared with other snack foods, as they are naturally sweet and do not contain any added sugar. California Raisins are also a very versatile ingredient and can inspire a wide repertoire of dishes—from appetisers and main dishes to desserts and beverages—especially as consumers are becoming more health conscious and more adventurous in their culinary endeavours. “We are very honoured and delighted to work with Chef Emmanuel and Chef Erich to create scrumptious recipes and amazing tastes using California Raisins this time to celebrate the start of 2020 with Malaysian influencers,” enthused Richard. 

More than just an appetising delight, raisins are a great source of nutrition which is  suitable to incorporate into meals amidst rising health issues due to unhealthy diets.

Richard adds that raisins are ideal for any occasion, as they are ready-to-eat, tasty and healthy. A package of California Raisins fits perfectly in a purse or briefcase They also conveniently fit in lunch boxes, gym bags, and in your desk drawer. California Raisins are also economical, do not bruise and are easy to use straight out of the box— no washing, peeling or chopping required—so one can create a simple meal.

Ms Tan Yen Sing, a certified clinical dietitian also was present to share on the goodness and benefits of California Raisins.

Ms Tan said studies have shown that increased consumption of fruits & vegetables more than 5 servings a day is related to a 17% reduction in coronary heart disease.

“Good nutrition is the best approach for preventing diseases and being healthy. Raisins, high level of polyphenol antioxidants containing about 3,037 ORAC units (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity – a method in measuring antioxidants in food) in about 2/3 cup. This essential substance are vital for protection against oxidative stress which is related to aging and disease,” said Tan.  

Raisins, though small, must not be underestimated for their health benefits. Tan explained raisins containing 35% fructose and 35% glucose are natural fruit sugar which is a good source of energy and has no fat & no cholesterol.  It is a healthy snack and is also a sugar replacement for many recipes in cooking and baking.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that adults consume 1½ to 2 cups of fruit per day. A portable, readily available fruit, such as California Raisins, is ideal to help fulfill this quota. In fact, it only takes ½ cup of raisins to equal a whole fruit serving vs 1 full cup of fresh fruit.

There are many benefits of California Raisins. Naturally sweet, do not contain added sugar and great source of fibre. 

It is also a source of potassium (an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function), cholesterol-free and naturally low in sodium. Suitable to eat as snacks or for cooking purpose.

California Raisins also known to contain phytonutrients that suppress the growth of oral bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease. Good for children and adults.

Interested to get more information and recipes on California Raisins,

Website : www.calraisins.org and www.caraisins.com

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/RACASEAN/

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