The last days of a cancer patient from the lenses

Ahmad Yusni with his late brother, Mohammad Sani on Dec 13, 2013.

PETALING JAYA: It is natural for photojournalist Ahmad Yusni Said to always carry around his pocket camera to document important events in his life.

Then came the day he decided to snap a daily photo of his younger brother, who was diagnosed with cancer, thinking that it would have a happy ending.

“In my mind, I expected the last photo of this diary to be him getting back on his motorbike and leading a healthy life,” the 45-year-old told The Star Online.

However, little did he know his younger brother Mohammad Sani was slowly succumbing to terminal ‘germ cell’ cancer, a medical term that even sounded alien to him.

“I wasn’t really worried about his condition at first. We did some research and found that this cancer, even at the last stage, has an 80 per cent chance to be cured,” he said.

He said he started to feel something amiss when his brother showed no sign of recovery as days went by and he lost a lot of weight in a short period of time.

Mohammad Sani sitting in a wheelchair at a hospital in Georgetown, Penang, Dec 12, 2013. 
“Then it hit me, that my brother may not survive as his deteriorating condition could no longer handle chemotherapy,” said Ahmad Yusni, who travelled back and forth from Kuala Lumpur to a hospital in Georgetown, Penang where his brother was warded to take care of him.

Ahmad Yusni, who is currently attached to the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA), first submitted the photo diary for the news agency as a personal encounter as he believed this could help spread awareness about cancer.

And this was quickly picked up by British daily The Daily Mail’s news portal Mail Online and was published on Jan 24 and went viral since. 

The photo diary emcompassed 11 heartbreaking pictures of Mohammad Sani’s battle with cancer and how it stole his life just 39 days after diagnosis.

He died at the age of 33 on Dec 28, 2013 in the Penang hospital.

Mohammad Sani lying on a bed with an oxygen support mask at the hospital. 
He was later buried in their hometown in Parit Buntar, Perak alongside their father and brother, who both lost their lives in 2011 and 2012 consecutively. 

Ahmad Yusni said the main purpose of the photo diary was to alert the people how deadly the illness can be if not detected early.

“My only regret is that we did not treat him much earlier as he had been sick for almost a year, but none of the doctors said it was cancer.

“Some said it was hernia, haemorrhoids or gallbladder. So, we put in effort to cure those instead,” he added.

Ahmad Yusni, who is the eldest in the family, added that his brother was the mother’s only hope after the passing of his other younger brother and his father.

“He was very close to our mum and always helped her with her business. He also intended to take care of our mother as he was still single, unlike the rest of us,” he said.

However, he conceded that he felt awkward taking the photos as his brother was battling the illness.

A view of the graveyard where cancer victim Mohammad Sani was laid to rest. 

He also revealed he was criticised by some quarters for allowing the photos, deemed to be personal and intimate, to be published. 

“But if I keep the photos to myself, no one will learn from this lesson. My brother would have died in vain,” he said.

Based on his observation, Ahmad Yusni said the awareness among people on cancer is still considered low.

“I don’t think many people are aware how to make early detection for cancer, especially if it’s as rare as this. 

“Most cancer research organisations usually ask for donations instead of spreading knowledge on what we can do to fight cancer,” Ahmad Yusni added.

By: pipspiper On 4:48 PM

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Coconut oil for weight loss

 

Coconuts have been a staple for people from tropical regions for centuries. This large seed has recently grabbed the attention of scientists and health-conscious people, keen to reap the health benefits this superfood has to offer.

The common myth that coconut oil is bad for you has been widely dispelled by current research, giving us good reason to include this healthy oil back into our diets.

Weight loss

Coconut oil (made from the meat of mature coconuts) contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are a type of fat that behaves differently from other fats. MCFA fats can be absorbed straight into the cell, where they can be immediately burned up as energy, making them less likely to be stored as fat.

Researchers from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have recently found that a diet rich in coconut oil will keep fat off and also protect you from insulin resistance. This makes coconut oil ideal for increasing weight loss and reducing the risk of type-2 diabetes.

Coconut oil also contains high levels of lauric acid, which helps to strengthen the immune system and has the ability to attack viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.

Healthy cooking

Coconut oil is one of the best and safest oils to use in cooking, as MCFAs are resistant to heat and don't turn into harmful hydrogenated fat. You can incorporate coconut oil into your diet by using it instead of unhealthy vegetable oils, butter or margarine, or for baking or stir-frying.

By: pipspiper On 11:23 PM

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10 facts about coconut oil

This tropical trooper comes with a host of health benefits. Here's 10 reasons to pick up some coconut oil today.

 

From beating sugar cravings to aiding weight loss, there are more benefits of coconut oil than most of us may realise.

1

All fats are not created equal

Coconut oil contains short term medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs), which is a "healthy" form saturated fat compared to trans fat. Trans fatty acid consumption is linked with heart problems, depression and increased cholesterol levels. What does consuming MCFA fats in coconut oil mean for your body? Our body metabolises these fats in the liver, immediately coverting this into energy (fuel for the brain and muscle function) rather than it being stored as fat.

2

Controls weight

One 2009 study looked at the weight loss link between women's consumption of coconut oil and found that it reduces abdominal obesity. Researchers discovered coconut oil is easy to digest and also protects the body from insulin resistance. To try coconut oil for weight loss start by adding one teaspoon to your diet and gradually work your way up to four teaspoons per day.

3

Eases digestion

If you suffer from poor digestion or tummy bloating try adding coconut oil to your diet. Coconut oil has been found to benefit digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome and microbial related tummy bugs. Fatty acids in coconut oil contain anti microbial properties, which have a soothing affect on bacteria, candida, or parasites that cause poor digestion.

4

Manage type 2 diabetes

A recent study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that coconut oil protects against insulin resistance, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. MCFA fats are small enough to be absorbed into the cells where they're quickly converted to energy. It is this process that not only reduces the amount of fat we pack into storage, but improves insulin sensitivity.

5

Supports immunity

Coconut oil is made up of healthy fats lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which contain antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral prosperities to boost the immune system. Lauric acid contains the highest concentration of MCFA fatty acids, approximately 75 per cent. The body turn this fat into monolaurin which is claimed to help heal viruses such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, helicobacter pylori and candida.

6

Boost metabolism

A study reported in the Journal of Nutrition found that coconut oil boosts metabolism. Researchers found that participants who consumed two tablespoons of coconut oil per day burned more kilojoules than those who consumed less. A speedy metabolism helps boost the body's immune system and keep weight off. 

7

Slows fine lines

Coconut is not just for your cooking – it's a wonderfully hydrating treat for skin too. It keeps the skin's connective tissues strong, which prevents sagging and wrinkles. Apply coconut oil directly to your skin to soften the appearance of fine lines or use it daily on your face and body for a healthy glow. Be sure you use virgin coconut oil with no additives.

8

Cooks in high temperatures

Because coconut oil is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, it gives it a higher smoking temperature than most polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oils. If you're preparing recipes that require high temperatures you should consider coconut oil for this type of cooking. Unlike olive oil which will oxidise at high temperatures, creating free radicals.

9

Stops sugar cravings

Instead of reaching for the lollie jar for an afternoon sweet hit, try eating a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil to beat sugar cravings. This is because good quality fat is more satiating than carbs, so if you cut down on sugar you will feel less 'ravenous'. Most of us do not realize but constant hunger is a major clue that your body is not being fed correctly.  With the proper amounts of fats and protein, you can fuel your energy reserves properly, and come off the sugar roller coaster that many of us are on.

10

Coconut oil is simple to cook with

Try this recipe for a nutritious high protein, gluten and dairy free coconut treat.

1 teaspoon of Niugini Organics Coconut Oil (available from health food stores)

1 cup of almonds or walnuts

1 cup of organic dates

3-4 tablespoons of raw cocoa powder

Shredded coconut (check it contains no preservatives)

Place all ingredients in a food processor. Roll into small bite size balls and roll into shredded coconut. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set. 

Michele Chevalley Hedge is an accredited nutritionist, author and presenter. Visit her websitewww.ahealthyview.com.au

By: pipspiper On 11:03 PM

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10 HOMEMADE HAIR TREATMENTS FOR DRY, DULL OR FRIZZY HAIR

NEED TO MOISTURIZE?

1. AVOCADO

Avocado has a well-deserved reputation for one of nature’s perfect foods. Its oils and proteins will smooth and moisturize your locks without weighing down fine hair. Mash up half an avocado and add a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil. Shampoo hair, squeeze out water and apply mask. Let it sit for 15 minutes and then rinse. My hair came out super soft – not flat or greasy. And the added scent made sitting around with green goop on your head much more pleasant. If you’re not worried about weighing down your hair you can amp up the moisture by adding 1-2 tablespoons of oil, egg yolk or yogurt.

2. COCONUT OIL

The wonders of coconut oil never cease! This oil is heavy, which is great for penetrating deep into the hair shaft, but use it sparingly, especially if you have fine or thin hair. Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and apply to the ends of damp hair. If the oil is solid just warm in the microwave until liquid before applying. Got really dry hair? Keep the oil on overnight and shampoo out in the morning.

3. BANANA + OLIVE OIL

Not only can bananas work their magic on your feet, but they are awesome for your hair! Mix a banana with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mash thoroughly until the banana is pureed. (You want a smoothie like texture so you don’t end up with banana chunks in your hair.) Then massage into your hair and scalp. Leave treatment on for 30 minutes then rinse thoroughly and shampoo.

4. PUMPKIN + HONEY

The perfect use for canned pumpkin leftovers (because there are always leftovers). Pumpkins have lots of amazing benefits – they’re rich in vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, potassium, and zinc. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey, a natural humectant, to one cup of pumpkin puree and pack as much as you can onto your hair and scalp. You’ll need to either wrap your hair in saran wrap or wear a shower cap to keep the mask in place. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes and then rinse. Feel free to apply to your face as well!

NEED A COLOR BOOST?

5. COCOA POWDER

Give brown hair a boost with cocoa powder. According to Whole Living, a combination of cocoa powder, plain yogurt, honey and apple cider vinegar will give you a deeper, richer brown. I couldn’t test this one personally but if you can make bronzer lotion with cocoa powder why not try it in your hair?

6. LEMON + CHAMOMILE

To warm up ashy blonde hair, try lemon and chamomile tea. Both have long been used as whitening agents for blonde hair. You can do a simple rinse by tilting your head back over the sink and pouring a cup of cooled tea combined with the juice of a lemon over clean, wet hair. Let sit for a couple of minutes and rinse. I also tried this brightening mask that combines tea and lemon with a grated potato. Yes, potato! Shampoo, apply to hair and blow dry hair on low for 2-3 minutes. Then rinse and style. This ended up being more work than I’d want to do on a regular basis but I loved how bright and shiny my hair ended up.

7. PURPLE KOOLAID

Got some brassiness in your blonde locks? Do a rinse with grape-flavored Kool-Aid to get rid of the dreaded orange. Dude, this totally works. I have never had a problem with my hair turning purple (I have heavy blonde highlights not all over color) but if you do see a hint of color, just shampoo again.

GOT DULL, FRIZZY HAIR?

8. SUGAR WATER

If your hair is frizzy, try mixing a packet of sugar (about a teaspoon or so) with a cup of water. Pour a bit into your palms then run hands over dry hair. Your hair will get a slight bit of “crunch” and hold because you basically just made homemade hair spray!

9. ASPIRIN

Residue and product buildup will also dull your hair. The cure is as simple as crushing an aspirin into shampoo! Just add the aspirin powder to a small amount of shampoo and lather up. The salicylic acid in aspirin helps remove buildup and restore shine. You can do this every two weeks. Another remedy: baking soda. Combine a handful of shampoo with one to two tablespoons of baking soda and massage into hair. Warning: I have used baking soda to intentionally strip out hair color (because the color was too dark) so don’t use baking soda on recently colored hair.

10. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

An apple cider vinegar rinse helps clarify and smooth hair cuticles – the secret to shiny hair! Combine a tablespoon of vinegar with a 1/2 cup of water and pour over damp hair. Add a couple of drops of essential oil is the smell is too much. Comb through hair, let it sit for five minutes and then rinse. The acidity in the vinegar helps seal the outermost layer of your hair, the cuticles, making it lie flat.

Have you tried any of these hair masks? What’s your favorite homemade hair remedy?

By: pipspiper On 9:26 AM

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Five foods to boost your libido

What you eat can impact on your sex drive.

 

Eat a diet rich in zinc, B vitamins and essential fatty acids, the nutrients required for sex hormone production and reproductive function.

Almonds

An excellent source of omega-3 fats, which are essential for the production of testosterone, fertility and a healthy sex drive.

Bananas

High in B vitamins and potassium, which are needed for the production of the sex hormones necessary for a healthy libido in men and women.

Oysters

A rich source of zinc, which is one of the key nutrients involved in testosterone, sperm production and reproductive health.

Avocados

Contain folic acid, B6 and potassium, all necessary to increase male hormone production and enhance libido.

Pumpkin seeds

Rich in zinc and omega-3 fats, two vital nutrients necessary for testosterone production and reproductive health.

Discover more from our nutrition expert Lisa Guy here.

By: pipspiper On 9:58 AM

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How to treat erectile dysfunction

It strikes terror, guilt and shame into the hearts of men, but impotence is relatively common and there are some excellent fixes

 

Few words are as guaranteed to strike terror, guilt and shame into the hearts of men as “impotence”. Perhaps that explains the recent name change to erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction affects more than one million men in Australia and is more prevalent with age. An Australian study found 13 per cent of men in their 40s reported erectile dysfunction, but this jumped to 33 per cent for men in their 50s. So it is a relatively common condition, but very few men feel comfortable talking about it.

Erectile dysfunction means the inability to develop or sustain an erection. It is not the same as infertility, and is not to be confused with lack of sexual desire or libido. It is generally viewed as a male complaint, however women may also experience impotence, where there is no feeling of stimulation to the clitoris or vagina. Many of the recommendations below will help both men and women.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction include smoking, being overweight and having diabetes or high blood pressure. Drugs, including some heart medications and antidepressants, can contribute, as can stress and depression.

Diet and supplements: Avoid processed food with lots of preservatives. Eat as much raw food as possible: fruit, sprouts, vegetables, seeds and nuts. Avoid alcohol, coffee, sugar and white flour products.

Herbal aphrodisiacs work to restore testosterone (which is just as important for women’s libido as men’s), assist the adrenal glands and improve circulation to the areas concerned. These herbs include panax ginseng, horny goat weed, tribulus, withania, damiana, muira puama, maca and saw palmetto.

Erectile dysfunction in men and lack of stimulation in women is a side effect of some antidepressants. The herb ginkgo biloba works very well to combat this problem and is safe to be taken with antidepressant medication.

Pump iron: Exercise increases energy and improves circulation and any exercise that builds muscle tissue and improves muscle tone, such as lifting weights, can increase testosterone levels.

By: pipspiper On 9:54 AM

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