Helping Malaysians Breathe
Health Today Malaysia|September 2017

Now we can get correct facts and useful tips about asthma with just a few clicks, thanks to the good people of Asthma Malaysia.

Lim Teck Choon
Helping Malaysians Breathe

Ask any Malaysian whether he or she has heard of asthma, and chances are, the answer will be yes. But how much do we really know about it? Probably not enough, as according to Dr Helmy Haja Mydin and Dr Sundari Ampikaipakan, the co-founders of the non-profit organization Asthma Malaysia, there are still many people with asthma who are not managing their condition adequately due to lack of knowledge, wrong information or both.

“I’ve had patients who come to me, who have had asthma for years, but still do not know how to use their inhaler properly,” Dr Sundari shares.

Dr Helmy nods, adding that there are a considerable number of patients who have doubts and uncertainties, but are reluctant to voice their concerns to their doctor due to reasons such as embarrassment. One of the missions of Asthma Malaysia is to break down such communication barriers between doctors and people with asthma.

“There are no stupid questions where we doctors are concerned,” Dr Sundari says. “In fact, we want to help you, and we’d love to take time to explain things to you. But you have to let us know what you are unsure of first.”

What we are sure of, though, is that we could use more information on asthma to improve our management of the condition. Dr Sundari and Dr Helmy are more than happy to share some advice on this matter.

The Importance of Knowing

Asthma Most of us have heard of the 6th century philosopher Sun Tzu’s famous quote, “Know your enemy”. But do you know that the full quote is: “Know your enemy, and know yourself, find naught in fear for 100 battles.”?

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Health Today Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2017 edition of Health Today Malaysia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HEALTH TODAY MALAYSIAView All
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
Health Today Malaysia

When Depression Strikes Teenagers

It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2018
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
Health Today Malaysia

5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics

If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2019
Internet Safety For Children
Health Today Malaysia

Internet Safety For Children

There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2019
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Health Today Malaysia

A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Health Today Malaysia

Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities

Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2019
The Fertility Revolution
Health Today Malaysia

The Fertility Revolution

A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.

time-read
3 mins  |
June 2017
6 Skin Myths Debunked
Health Today Malaysia

6 Skin Myths Debunked

A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2017
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Health Today Malaysia

Addiction: What You Don't Know

Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2017
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
Health Today Malaysia

Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!

With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017
Battling Two Cancers
Health Today Malaysia

Battling Two Cancers

Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2017