{"content":"Seasonal influenza is a respiratory infection that is caused by viruses that spread from person to person directly via coughing and/or sneezing or indirectly from respiratory secretions on hands, tissues, etc. It attacks the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs.\n\nPeople with influenza will have a sudden onset of fever, dry cough, body aches, headache, feeling unwell, sore throat and runny nose. Anyone can get the flu, but young children, elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses and people with poor immune health are especially vulnerable.\n\nAlthough most people recover from fever and the other symptoms within a week without seeking medical attention, influenza can still cause severe illness. Worldwide, there’s an annual estimation of about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, which caused about 290 000 to 650 000 respiratory deaths.\n\nAlthough seasonal influenza occurs mainly during the winter, influenza may occur throughout the year in tropical regions, such as Malaysia and causing outbreaks more irregularly.\n\nVaccination is an option for preventing influenza especially for people that are most at risk such as:\n\n*   Pregnant women\n*   People older than 65 years\n*   Children younger than 5 years\n*   People with chronic medical condition\n\nPersonal protective measures can also be carried out to prevent the disease:\n\n*   Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing\n*   Avoid close contact with sick people\n*   Regular hand washing with proper drying of the hands\n*   Avoid crowds during the flu season\n*   Eat [a balanced diet](https://eurobio.com.my/healthy-guide-to-eating-a-balanced-diet/), get enough sleep, reduce smoking and drinking, exercise regularly [to boost up immunity](https://eurobio.com.my/practical-ways-to-boost-your-immunity/)\n\nEverybody knows that keeping our blood pressure in control is an important task to keep our body healthy, but how to do it is another challenge faced by most people.\n\nNormal adult has a blood pressure of 120mm Hg when the heart beats (systolic pressure) and a blood pressure of 80mm Hg when the heart relaxes (diastolic pressure). Blood pressure is considered high when the systolic pressure is above 140mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is above 90mm Hg.\n\nWith an uncontrolled raised blood pressure, it can lead to heart attack, [stroke](https://eurobio.com.my/how-to-prevent-risk-of-getting-stroke/), kidney failure, brain damage and other long term complications. More than 1 in 5 adults have raised blood pressure, and this condition causes around 50% of all death from stroke and heart diseases.\n\nHaving a healthy heart and blood circulation helps in blood pressure control. A few lifestyle changes can be done to maintain your blood pressure at a healthier range and reduce your risk of heart diseases:\n\n*   Keep an eye on your weight. Weight loss is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for controlling blood pressure.\n*   Get regular exercise, at least 150 minutes a week.\n*   Eat [a healthy diet](https://eurobio.com.my/healthy-guide-to-eating-a-balanced-diet/) consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.\n*   Eat fatty fish, which is a good source of [Omega-3 fatty acids](/product/natural-omega-plus-advanced-formula/) at least twice a week.\n*   Avoid [processed foods](https://eurobio.com.my/processed-food-and-health-know-the-facts/) as they are high in salt content, which is bad for your blood pressure.\n*   Drop the cigarette. Quit smoking can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart diseases.\n*   [Stress management and relaxation](https://eurobio.com.my/learn-how-to-manage-stressful-situations/).\n*   Visit your doctor regularly and get regular medical checkups.\n\nCardiovascular disease is a broad term used to describe a range of diseases that affect our heart or blood vessels. The term “cardiovascular disease” is often used interchangeably with heart disease because both terms refer to diseases of the heart or arteries. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in Malaysia. It is also a major cause of disability.\n\nThere are many different forms of heart disease, which include coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias) and structural heart disease. The most common cause of heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply blood to the heart itself. This is called coronary artery disease and happens slowly over time. The gradual build-up of fatty deposits in coronary arteries slowly narrows the coronary arteries. The heart receives less blood, and eventually, diminished blood flow may cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath or other symptoms. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack. Coronary artery disease is the major reason people have heart attacks.\n\nWe can help reduce the risk of heart disease by taking steps to control factors that put us at greater risk:\n\n*   [Control of blood pressure](https://eurobio.com.my/are-you-managing-your-blood-pressure-well/)\n*   Lower the cholesterol level\n*   Maintain a healthy weight\n*   Don’t smoke\n*   Get enough exercise\n*   Eat fatty fish, which is a good source of [Omega-3 fatty acids](/product/natural-omega-plus-advanced-formula/) at least twice a week\n\nHeart disease is often avoidable. Following a heart-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t mean we need to live a life of self-deprivation. Instead, find ways to incorporate healthy habits into our lifestyle and we will well enjoy a healthier life for years to come.\n\nDid you know that a simple thing such as tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change your life? Falls are a major public health problem around the world. People who fall might suffer a disability, especially older people. This will affect their quality of life, not to mention the financial burden that comes with the long-term care and hospitalization.\n\nAnyone is at risk of falling, but older people have the highest risk of serious fractures or even death arising from a fall. Even though a fall does not necessary means breaking a bone, people who experienced it will become fearful of falling again. Most are unaware of the link between a fall or broken bone and [osteoporosis](https://eurobio.com.my/what-is-osteoporosis-symptoms-and-management/).\n\nThere are a few ways that we can do to prevent falls especially at home, such as:\n\n*   Repair or remove tripping hazards\n*   Install grab bars or handrails\n*   Install brighter light bulbs around the house\n*   Install non-slip mats in the bathroom\n*   Improve balance by practicing muscle-strengthening exercises and balance exercises daily\n*   Get enough [Calcium, Vitamin D and other nutrients](/product/biocal-d-complex/) to keep your bones strong\n*   Increase physical activity especially weight bearing exercises to strengthen your bones\n\nThe goal of prevention should be not only to reduce the number of falls, but to reduce the injuries that follow as well.\n\nIf we are suffering from osteoarthritis (OA), knee pain may be an everyday reality. The most common form of arthritis, OA occurs when cartilage in our joints wears down over time. Joint pain could be experienced as early as 25, but the estimated prevalence of OA increases to 33.6% for those 65 years and above.\n\nAbout 80% of persons with OA have some degree of movement limitation and 25% cannot perform major activities of daily living. OA accounts for 55% of all arthritis related hospitalisations.\n\n*   OA of the knee is 1 of 5 leading causes of disability among adults\n*   The number of people with OA disability is expected to double by year 2020\n*   The costs of OA are substantial, mainly due to indirect cost\n*   Costs attributable to caregivers forms 40% of indirect cost\n\nOA can affect any joint in our body, though it most commonly affects joints in our hands, hips, knees and spine. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:\n\n*   **Pain**. Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.\n*   **Stiffness**. Joint stiffness is most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.\n*   **Crackling**. You might feel a grating sensation when you use the joint, and you might hear a popping or crackling sound.\n*   **Inflammation**. This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation or swelling around the joint.\n*   **Loss of flexibility**. You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.\n*   **Bone spurs**. These extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.\n\nSelf-care techniques include:\n\n*   [Maintain a good posture](https://eurobio.com.my/benefits-of-good-posture-and-risks-of-bad-posture/)\n*   Avoiding grasping actions that strain our finger joints\n*   Use assistive devices and the strongest muscles\n*   Favour large joints, and spread the weight of an object over several joints\n*   Control and maintain a healthy weight\n\nSupplement with [Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondroitin Sulphate](/product/joinflex/) can help to slow down the OA progression. Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. It can help to reduce joint inflammation and swelling, increase joint mobility and provide relief from osteoarthritic pain.\n\nChondroitin Sulphate is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure, holding water and nutrients, and allowing other molecules to move through cartilage. Together they can improve the symptoms of OA.\n\nBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is commonly known as the enlarged prostate gland, is a common condition when men get older. As it grows, the prostate can compress the urethra (the tube that drains urine from bladder) and can cause the muscles around the urethra to contract. Either problem impedes urine flow and causes the bladder to not empty completely during urination.\n\nMost men eventually develop some prostate enlargement as they age. Common signs and symptoms include:\n\n*   Weak urine stream\n*   Difficulty starting urination\n*   Stopping and starting again while urinating\n*   Dribbling at the end of urination\n*   Frequent need to urinate\n*   Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)\n*   Urgent need to urinate\n*   Not being able to completely empty the bladder\n*   Blood in the urine (hematuria)\n*   Urinary tract infection\n\nAge seems to be the primary risk factor. A family history of BPH slightly increases the chances for the condition.\n\nSome lifestyle changes may ease BPH symptoms:\n\n*   Reduce intake of liquids, particularly before going out in public or before periods of sleep, avoid fluids in the evening to reduce night time urination.\n*   Avoid or reduce intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol.\n*   Do bladder training to hold more urine for longer periods.\n*   Exercise the pelvic floor muscles.\n*   Cut down on red meat and increase vegetable consumption.\n\nPeople with BPH can also benefit from [Saw Palmetto and Pygeum](/product/saw-palmetto-plus-cranberry/). Saw Palmetto works similarly to a medication that is used to help with BPH symptoms. Pygeum helps to improve the urinary symptoms experienced by people with BPH such as urinary hesitance, urinary frequency and night time urination.\n\nPremenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is a group of symptoms linked to the menstrual cycle. PMS symptoms occur in the week or two weeks before period (menstruation). The symptoms usually go away after the period starts. PMS can affect menstruating women of any age. It is also different for each woman. It is estimated that up to 80% of menstruating women suffer from symptoms of PMS on a monthly cycle. Cyclic changes in hormones seem to be an important cause. Fluctuations in one of a brain chemical signal may affect the mood and body.\n\nPMS is a cluster of recurrent symptoms that occur prior to menstruation, which is a complex combination of:\n\n1.  Mood disturbance eg. Irritability, mood swing, anger, anxiety and depression\n2.  Physical symptoms eg. Breast swelling and tenderness, cramp, backache, headache, acne, fatigue, feeling of bloating and weight gain\n\nWe can manage or sometimes reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by making changes in the way we eat, exercise and approach daily life:\n\n*   Exercise regularly\n*   Eat [healthy foods](https://eurobio.com.my/healthy-guide-to-eating-a-balanced-diet/) including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains\n*   Limit salt and salty foods to reduce bloating and fluid retention\n*   Avoid caffeine and alcohol\n*   Get enough sleep\n*   Try yoga or massage to relax\n*   Quit smoking\n*   Include [Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)](/product/evening-primrose-oil-1000mg/) in your diet. EPO helps to relieve PMS symptoms\n\nIn this digital age, people rely heavily on computers, laptops, tablets or even smart phones to complete their daily task, it is not too much to say that most people spend almost 6-8 hours in front of a screen. All these digital devices transmit light that may cause damages to our retina and lead to many other more visual impairments.\n\nAccording to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 2.2 billion people have vision impairment and nearly half of them could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed. Globally, the leading causes of vision impairment are uncorrected [refractive errors](https://eurobio.com.my/refractive-errors-types-causes-and-treatment/), cataracts, glaucoma, [diabetic retinopathy](https://eurobio.com.my/impact-of-diabetic-condition-on-vision-health/) and [age-related macular degeneration (AMD)](https://eurobio.com.my/age-related-macular-degeneration-symptoms-treatment/).\n\nSome vision problems have no warning signs and can cause permanent vision loss if left uncorrected. Warning signs of vision problems includes:\n\n*   [Dry and tired eyes](https://eurobio.com.my/common-causes-signs-symptoms-dry-eye-syndrome/)\n*   Blurred or double vision\n*   Impaired close-up, side or night vision\n*   Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription\n*   Problems with glare from lamps or the sun\n*   White spot or cloudy spot in the lens of the eye\n\nThere are a few steps we could take to delay the onset and severity of the impairment:\n\n1.  Eat a balance diet that includes [](https://eurobio.com.my/product/bio-vizmax-lutein-plus-active-formula/)[Omega-3 fatty acids,](https://eurobio.com.my/product/natural-omega-plus-advanced-formula/) [Lutein, Zeaxanthin,](https://eurobio.com.my/product/bio-vizmax-lutein-plus-active-formula/) [Vitamin C and Vitamin E](https://eurobio.com.my/product/bio-vizmax-lutein-plus-active-formula/)\n2.  Quit smoking\n3.  Take care of other health problems e.g. diabetes or other medical conditions\n4.  Protect our eyes from injury by wearing eye protections during hazardous work\n5.  Wear sunglasses to protect our eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays\n6.  Practice eye exercises and taking breaks during prolong use of digital devices\n7.  Go for regular eye exams\n\nResearch shows that good nutrition can help to lower people’s risk for many chronic diseases, including [heart disease](https://eurobio.com.my/how-to-prevent-the-risks-of-heart-diseases/), [stroke](https://eurobio.com.my/how-to-prevent-risk-of-getting-stroke/), some cancers, diabetes, and osteoporosis. However, a large gap remains between healthy dietary patterns and what we actually eat, and this is what we call a nutritional gap.\n\nNutritional gap occurs because we consume too many foods that are high in certain nutrients but not eating enough food that contain certain other important nutrients. In addition, there are times throughout our life cycle, such as childhood, pregnancy and elderly, when our body requires more nutrients than a typical diet may provide.\n\nMalnutrition will have several impacts on health, such as:\n\n*   Feeling tired all the time and lack of energy\n*   Getting sick often and taking a longer time to recover\n*   Slow healing wounds\n*   Feeling weaker\n*   Lacking of interest in food and drinks\n\n[Vitamins and minerals](/product/bio-energee/) have a unique role to play in maintaining our health. They are needed in adequate amounts for our body to develop and function normally. They can be obtained from a variety of foods and also [health supplements](https://eurobio.com.my/our-products/).\n\n[Kids nutrition](https://eurobio.com.my/product/kids-q-lysine-plus-active-formula/) is based on the same principles as per adults, they need all types of nutrients – such as carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water.\n\nGood foods are vital for kids’ performance. However, most foods available to kids today are actually affecting their abilities to learn.\n\nMany foods are low in nutritional values and are loaded with sugars, fats, salts and additives, leaving kids feeling tired, unfocused, and get sick easily. These will not only impact their performance, but also influence their emotion and behaviour.\n\nFood that contains high fats and sugars will cause kids lack of energy and focus. Studies reveal that diets with high levels of saturated fats and sugars will impair learning and memory ability. Fried foods such as nuggets, burgers and sugary desserts such as sweets, refined breads, ice creams and soda drinks and sweets can lower brain power.\n\nChildhood malnutrition is another factor that affects kids learning ability. Kids may be getting a great deal of calories, but lacking sufficient essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy growth. This will lead to detrimental effects on growth, maturation and cognitive development.\n\nKids with malnutrition are reported to have more problems with health, academic learning, and psychosocial behaviour. [Malnutrition](https://eurobio.com.my/helping-kids-with-low-appetite/) can result in long-term issues in the brain, which can impact their emotional responses, reaction to stress, learning abilities and other health issues.","original_url":"https://eurobio.com.my/2020/05/","word_count":2622,"key_claims":["Seasonal influenza caused by viruses spread through coughing, sneezing, or respiratory secretions","Global annual estimates: 3-5 million severe cases and 290,000-650,000 respiratory deaths","In tropical regions like Malaysia, influenza may occur throughout the year","Vaccination recommended for pregnant women, people over 65, children under 5, and those with chronic conditions"],"content_summary":"Eurobio blog post provides factual information about seasonal influenza transmission, symptoms, global epidemiology, and vaccination recommendations specific to Malaysia's tropical climate.","expertise_signals":["Influenza epidemiology and transmission","Vaccination recommendations Malaysia","Respiratory disease prevention"]}