Obesity Among Malaysian

Suddenly I was called to give an opinion about obesity among Malaysian, and perhaps last month news in major local newspapers can be the kick start for my series of writing about obesity and weight management.

Lets have a look and understand the major contribution factor which drive most Malaysian to obesity and unhealthy life style. So what can you contribute to overcome this phenomena? Could we just keep saying obesity is a genetic factor, obesity occur from our traditional food, obesity is normal for modern life style?

Rakyat Malaysia paling ramai ada masalah obesiti di ASEAN

14/11/2011 2:00pm

KUALA LUMPUR 14 Nov. - Malaysia menduduki tempat pertama di kalangan negara ASEAN dari segi paling ramai rakyatnya memiliki obesiti dan tempat keenam di kalangan negara Asia Pasifik, Dewan Rakyat diberitahu hari ini.

Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin berkata, perkara ini perlu diberi perhatian semua pihak.

"Kita serius diancam dengan pengambilan gula berlebihan yang menyebabkan pelbagai penyakit termasuklah diabetes,” katanya semasa menjawab soalan Dr. Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong). - Bernama

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Obesiti: Malaysia nombor satu

KUALA LUMPUR 14 Nov. – Dewan Rakyat hari ini diberitahu Malaysia berada pada kedudukan pertama di kalangan negara-negara ASEAN dan keenam di rantau Asia Pasifik yang berhadapan masalah obesiti di kalangan penduduk.

Timbalan Menteri Kesihatan, Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin berkata, antara punca masalah itu adalah kerana pengambilan gula berlebihan di kalangan rakyat.

“Justeru, semua pihak perlu mengambil perhatian serius tentang isu ini,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika menjawab soalan tambahan Dr. Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong) dalam sesi soal jawab di Dewan Rakyat, hari ini.

Menyentuh isu sama Rosnah berkata, Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO) sendiri menyarankan pengambilan gula tambahan tidak melebihi 10 peratus atau bersamaan dengan 200 kalori daripada jumlah tenaga harian.

Sehubungan itu katanya, pengambilan gula tambahan yang disarankan untuk orang dewasa adalah tidak melebihi 10 sudu teh sehari yang bersamaan dengan 50 gram.

“Berdasarkan kajian pengambilan gula di kalangan orang dewasa pada tahun 2002 dan 2003, didapati jumlah pengambilannya mencecah 51 gram iaitu 21 gram gula pasir dan 30 gram susu pekat manis di dalam minuman.

“Jumlah minuman ini sahaja telah melebihi saranan WHO dan panduan diet Malaysia. Untuk itu Kementerian Kesihatan telah menjalankan inisiatif mengurangkan pengambilan gula melalui kempen cara hidup sihat yang dimulakan sejak 1991,” katanya.

Menjawab soalan asal yang dikemukakan oleh Datuk Md. Sirat Abu (BN-Bukit Katil) Rosnah berkata, berdasarkan Akta Makanan 1983 dan Peraturan-Peraturan Makanan 1985 selain daripada gula pasir, terdapat 12 bahan pemanis lain dibenar digunakan dalam makanan.

Beliau berkata, bahan pemanis itu terdiri daripada bahan pemanis semula jadi dan tiruan.

“Bahan pemanis semula jadi yang dibenarkan ialah seperti stevia, sorbitol, malitol dan mannitol manakala bahan pemanis tiruan yang boleh digunakan di dalam makanan ialah aspartame, sucralose, saccharin dan acesulfame potassium,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, semua bahan pemanis tiruan yang dihasilkan secara kimia itu telah menjalani penilaian keselamatan dan disahkan selamat berdasarkan piawaian antarabangsa.

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The Gift

It is a 'rahmat' (gift) from Allah when I went through this journey of my life currently. After being thrown like a rubbish and flushed like a human waste by my ex-employer after four and half years giving my loyalty and commitment (also plus plus values, contribution, craving employers name inside Malaysia Book of Records, bring money in into employers account-even my employer core business is not making money organization). There are no values to keeping me inside their organization.

Furthermore, there is no last statement or even a word from my ex-employer on my last day of services. What a shame on them especially my superiors. To add some spice into this chapter, I was not getting paid since July till October without any verbal or even black and white notice. But alhamdulillah I got my payment on October after I wrote a letter to the parties in-charge and made a cc to 'very top man' and to minister right before they 'celebrate Hari Raya Holiday last August.

I fulfill my ‘unemployed period’ with an activities that I think impossible to accomplished during my service under my ex-superior who’re lead sporting related department but not support any of my sporting activities especially at national level. WTF. As a result, I accomplish my Suunto Orienteering Technical Course (Asia Pacific Certified as Technical Expertise) and most valuable Level 3 National Outdoor Recreation Leadership Course. These courses surely need a mutual understanding between employer and employee like me. Level 3 National Outdoor Recreation Leadership Course itself require a commitment to complete the course for 14 days. There is no such employer will be allowed their man to 'holiday' (as they thought) nearly half of month. Alhamdulillah finally I was acquired a valuable knowledge as national level outdoor recreation coach and of course can teach & train the courses nation wide.

My chapter as 'loser' ended when I received a phone call by my previous superior which now a notable person nationwide in sports science area. He offered me to throw my commitment & 'under valued' expertise inside his new center of excellence in sports invention and technology. As a loyal ex-wingman for him since I was completing my undergraduate study till I employed by my ex-employer organization under his strong need to put me in, until I called 'loser' by 'them', I accept his offer (but still reluctant at the beginning) and deep inside my heart I was thank him very much. May Allah bless him and his family.

As a bottom line, previous chapter of my life really test my maturity in handling a situation and of course I see the situation as a gift from Allah for selected and have an abilities to accept 'the gift'.

Road to Powerman 2011: The Unusual

This year Powerman Malaysia is the 10th edition organized by Quick Release Adventure since inaugural edition back in 2002. The celebration of 10th anniversary was 'hot' and can feel by more than 1000 participants competing in various categories this year.

I as a prominent face in this race has became 9th times Powerman Malaysia Finisher since 2003. The organizer awarded 24 peoples they considered as 'most loyal racer' and received a limited edition of 10th anniversary Powerman Malaysia Jersey.

My objective this year was to completed the race with the slowest time ever since 2003. As a bonus to myself this year I crossed finish tape together with my girlfriend an clocked 4 hours 56 minutes 14 seconds. I have waited my girlfriend 100 meters from the finish line for more than 20 minutes just to crossed the line together with her and of course that moment maybe happen once.

My New Zoot Overall Trisuit and 'the things' inside the goodies

My race number (nice ha?) and Timing Chip (ChampionChip by MyLaps)

As I was lack of training as my preparation towards the race day, but I'm quite pleased with my performance during the race and once again ice cube saves my legs and my race time! This year I raced with 'no legs' for 50% of race course as my legs fatigued as early as of my second laps of bike segment. Thanks to energy drinks sponsor Gatorade, the drinks I drank more than 5 liters during the race, the drinks & electrolytes really helps me and make me able to put another foot in front of my foot.

The prize giving ceremony were held by Perak Chief Minister Dato' Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir and also International Powerman Association President, John Raadschelders.

The winners takes the prizes and the 'lucky draw' prize 'throwing' session I like the most. I'm the guy with not depended on luck and this year the method that the organizer used to give the prizes for the winner got my hat off for them. I won a full set of 10th Anniversary Edition of Powerman Malaysia Limited Edition Trisuit! Adele Cheah as the MC gave the members of the floor this question "What is the name of International Powerman Association President?", and the "AAAAaaahhhh.." came from the audience. As a thunder, I ran to Mr President sitting at the VIPs table and asked him his full name. Then I jumped to the stage and told Adele, "His name is John..", later I received the M size of that limited edition trisuit.

Pose after suffered for nearly 5 hours and lunch buffet to replenish drained energy!

Ong & Chau, Powerman (Sprint version), I on the stage received a prize for being 'Powerman Malaysia Most Loyal Racer'

Finisher T-Shirt by Brooks & My 9th Finisher Medal and huaaaaa, my 10th Anniversary Powerman Malaysia jersey and trisuit plus a gift from Perak State Government.

Other Kakithoners Jiha, Ong and Chau also participated in this year race. Ong achieved his objective after failure last year with 3rd position in Men's Sprint Category behind the guys from UK and Thailand. So he need to compete for long distance next 2012 edition. Chau got 8th places for his first time ever competing in sprint category, he suppose to race in full distance category to get better result & satisfaction. Jiha ranked 11th for her Women's 20-29 years old Category and also her slowest finish since her competing in long distance category since 2009.

As a bottom line, Powerman Malaysia 2011 and previous 9 edition was never let me down. The organizer, the sponsors, the state government always gave the participants and 'sport tourist' a satisfaction to the limit. Perhaps, Mr President will consider to give another 10 years opportunity to our lovely race director Melody Tan and her crew to organized the most electrifying event of the year in Malaysia's Multisport Race Calendar.

Road to Powerman 2011: The Journey Towards the D-Day

Today is 11.11.11 (11th November 2011).
Many events happen today..
Many people talk about the date, the numbers and beyond..

As myself today is another history happen in my life. Sweet but still can feel the heat & sour from the past. It is matter of your rice pot (periuk nasi in Malay) & your journey as 'normal people do their routine to live'. I really thanks to certain people that really appreciate my existence & believe in my capabilities. Thanks Allah, may these people got your bless forever. So from this date, number one equal to my first day of my come back.

long way up..

Tonight my journey to Manjung in Perak will be begin in believing to finished another episode of Powerman Malaysia. Two of us will drive all night long to reach the location in safe condition (it is two of us??). This year, I'm lack of preparation physically & logistically. Not more room left when I made a call one to other one accommodation provider nearby race site.

My physical really under supposed to be. My emotion really disturbed with the past happen to me & I lack of motivation to kick start my gung-ho training regime. But for it is better do slowly & at least have a training hours than sitting with the hand on the head do nothing. I really depended on my last Saturday brick workout & my two weeks Adventure Therapy outing in Borneo to maintain my minimum fitness level.

Me with Jason Spong (RSA) and Joerie Vansteelant (BEL) during Powerman Malaysia 2010

Last year strong finisher sub 4 hours

I'm the person who're really ambitious but considering the realistic in setting the objective. As I mention before, this year Powerman Malaysia will be my slowest Powerman race I ever finished since 2003. In adding some peppers & salt to my raceday this Sunday, I have received the email from the organizer that I was chosen to be on the stage during price giving ceremony. Even I maybe finishing with 4 hours 50 minutes and above.

See you when I see you!

Cardiovascular Responses to Fluid Replacement During Endurance Race

Many of endurance endeavors especially inexperience athlete, lack of knowledge and practice about hydration status during their race. As a result, many 'young athletes' suffered a dehydration and the worst is heat stroke when the race goes beyond 4 hours. A great knowledge and good practice of this input can change many endurance athletes performance and their days!

The fundamental purpose of the cardiovascular system is the efficient circulation of blood. When the blood is transported to the body's organs and muscles efficiently, the body is equipped to utilize its energy stores and nutrients in an optimal fashion. As plasma, the fluid component of blood, is itself over 90% water, the proper replacement of fluids into the body during exercise is a essential.

All athletic activities have a common feature that, in varying degrees, places an additional stress upon the body: the requirement of the additional generation of energy. Energy to power the movement of the body and its structures is demanded, either in a freestanding mode, in such sports as such as running, gymnastics, or wrestling, or when the athlete is propelling an object, as in bobsledding, canoeing, or cycling.

The body possesses two main energy systems, the aerobic and the anaerobic systems. The anaerobic system comprises two separate mechanisms, the alactic and the lactic processes. Both processes rely on the ultimate production of the compound adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is produced through the metabolism of the body's stores of glucose. The nature of the activity will determine whether the aerobic energy system, or one of the two anaerobic systems will produce ATP from the available glucose reserves.

Seventy-five percent of the energy generated through the metabolism of glucose is released from the body as heat. The remaining 25% of the energy is directed to muscular contraction and the other aspects of human function and movement. The heat produced through metabolism is very dangerous to the body, and it must not be allowed to build up. The mass of the athlete is also a significant factor in determining the impact of the generation of heat. As a general rule, the larger the athlete, the greater the amount of heat that will be produced, and the greater the prospective impact on the cardiovascular system.

Heat dissipates from the body through the evaporation of sweat from the surface of the skin. In endurance sports, the replacement of these fluids is essential to performance. In sports such as marathon running, long distance cycling, and cross-country skiing, a rule of thumb regarding fluid replacement suggests that the athlete, in the course of the activity, consume between 6.7 oz and 27 oz (200-800 ml) of fluid per hour of competition.

Like most human systems, optimal function of the cardiovascular system will follow optimal fluid levels within the vascular network. The thirst sensation is a very poor indicator that the athlete has a lower-than-optimum level of hydration; an athlete may have a deficiency of 1 qt (1.0 l) or more before actually feeling thirsty. Where the system begins to become dehydrated, the blood plasma will correspondingly become reduced in volume, creating two important consequences: reduced ability of the blood to transport oxygen and nutrients and reduced ability of the blood to dissipate heat.

The result of dehydration to the cardiovascular system may have three progressive consequences for the athlete: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Heat cramps are a condition in which the body becomes dehydrated and the blood system is not able to efficiently deliver electrolytes (salts, such as sodium and potassium), essential to muscle function. Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition, in which the athlete becomes disabled due to the inability to dissipate heat, often resulting in elevated heart rate and lethargy. Heat stroke is an incapacitating heat illness, in which the body begins to shut down some of its process; body temperature frequently exceeds 105°F (40°C), and the athlete is often not coherent. Heat stroke is fatal unless the athlete receives immediate medical attention.

Proper hydration is not the only factor that will impact upon the proper function of the cardiovascular system during exercise. Related to fluid intake are environmental issues such as heat, humidity, and presence of wind, as well as the rate or intensity of energy expenditure. When an athlete becomes dehydrated, the ingestion of fluids to correct the shortage will not have an instantaneous effect on blood fluid. The water or similar liquid must be digested and passed through to the small intestine, a process that usually takes a number of minutes to achieve a physiological result. For this reason, athletes in endurance events will consume fluids well before they expect to feel a thirst sensation.

Just as too little fluid replacement will cause significant circulatory problems, an athlete cannot guarantee proper cardiovascular function simply through constant fluid intake. When an athlete is exposed to high temperature conditions, and excessive amounts of fluids are consumed, the athlete may be subjected to a condition known as hyponatrania. Too much fluid will dilute the proportion of important salts such as sodium in the bloodstream. When coupled with the natural loss of sodium through sweat, the loss of this important electrolyte may interfere with the functions of the brain, heart, and muscles, leading to apathy, confusion, and nausea.

As the bottom line, as we put our cardio at optimum pace, the replacement of quality fluid must be take seriously. As we need to achieve the race objective, but at the same time our cardiovascular must be pampered nicely and wisely.