Hobbies, Lifestyle, My Personal

5 Books that Changed My Life

During the COVID-19 pandemic Movement Control Order (MCO) where everyone has to be quarantined and is forbidden from getting out from home, I’ve find myself starting to immerse in the world of books. Spending more time at home has left me with more free time than I’m used to, so I’ve turned to reading. I began by picking up some books that was recommended by friends awhile ago, I was hooked. It’s been a welcome distraction from the world’s chaos, and I’ve learned so much along the way. It appears that I am not alone in my newfound love of reading; book sales are up, and virtual book clubs are springing up all over the place. Here are some books that has ultimately changed the way I view the world now.

“The Things You Can See When You Slow Down” by Haemin Sunim
This book is about mindfulness and finding inner peace. With insights drawn from Zen Buddhist philosophy, it offers simple yet profound teachings on how to slow down and live in the present moment. The author encourages readers to embrace the beauty of simplicity, cultivate gratitude, and let go of negative thoughts and emotions in a series of short and accessible chapters. He also emphazises the value of self-care and compassion, both for oneself and for others. This book serves as a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the present moment, as well as to find joy and meaning in the little things in life.

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
This book serves as a spiritual guide to living in the moment. Tolle provides readers with practical tools for overcoming negative thought patterns and finding inner peace by focusing on the present rather than the past or the future. He explains how the mind creates a false sense of identity, which can lead to suffering, and he offers techniques for breaking free from these limiting beliefs. Tolle also emphasises the importance of accepting the present moment without judgement in order to reach a higher level of consciousness and experience true joy and fulfilment. This book takes the reader on a transformative journey to enlightenment and self-realization.

“Conversations with God” series by Neale Donald Walsch
A book series that documents Walsch’s conversations with God. The book is set up as a conversation between Walsch and a divine presence who answers his questions about life, the universe, and spirituality. Walsch explores a variety of topics in these conversations, including love, forgiveness, relationships, and the nature of reality. The book takes a non-dogmatic approach to spirituality, encouraging readers to tap into their inner wisdom and intuition. It presents God as a loving and compassionate presence that exists within each of us, presenting religion in a new light. This book is a stimulating look at the nature of existence and the human experience.

“Think Like a Monk” by Jay Shetty
This self-help book provides practical tools for cultivating a monk mindset in daily life. The author’s experiences as a former monk are drawn upon in the book, which combines ancient wisdom with modern science to help readers reduce stress, improve focus, and increase happiness. Shetty shares his thoughts on gratitude, purpose, and relationships, as well as exercises and techniques to help readers implement these practises in their own lives. He emphasises the value of mindfulness, meditation, and self-reflection as personal growth and transformational tools. This book is a how-to manual for living a more peaceful, purposeful, and fulfilling life.

“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson
It is a self-help book that encourages readers to reconsider their priorities and values. The book contends that the key to a happy life is not to avoid problems, but to learn how to choose which problems to care about. Manson encourages readers to accept their limitations, take responsibility for their lives, and focus on what truly matters to them. He offers practical strategies for overcoming negative thought patterns, letting go of expectations, and establishing healthy boundaries. This book is a no-nonsense guide to living a more fulfilling life by letting go of what doesn’t matter and focusing on what truly matters.

Mind to share a book that changed yours? Comment below.

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Health & Wellness, My Personal

Top 5 Workouts Suitable for Men Over 40

At my age, my health comes first. To maintain my health, stamina, and fitness level, I exercise in addition to eating the right things and maintaining a balanced diet. Recently, I’ve become more aware of some physical differences between my body and that of my younger self. I now need to take even better care of my health because of this. If you’re also a man over 40, here are the top 5 exercises I prefer to do and believe fit my lifestyle.

  1. Strength Training

For men over 40, strength training is one of the most crucial exercises. This is due to the fact that men lose muscle mass as they age, which can result in decreased strength and functionality. Exercises for building and maintaining muscle mass, which are crucial for general health and longevity, include bodyweight exercises, resistance band exercises, and weightlifting.

Strength training can also aid in boosting bone density, which is essential to fend off age-related bone deterioration and lower the risk of osteoporosis. Strength training can also aid in enhancing balance and coordination, which can lower the risk of accidents and falls.

  1. Cardiovascular Exercise

Exercise your cardiovascular system regularly, especially if you’re a man over 40. Running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking are examples of moderate- to high-intensity cardio exercises that can improve cardiovascular health, lower the risk of developing chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, and increase endurance.

Cardiovascular exercise can additionally assist with weight management, which can be difficult for men over 40 due to changes in hormone and metabolism levels. Retaining a healthy weight lowers the risk of developing chronic illnesses and enhances general quality of life.

  1. Yoga

For men over 40, yoga is a great form of exercise because it can help with flexibility, balance, and overall body awareness. Men’s bodies tend to become stiffer and less flexible as they age, which can limit their mobility and increase their risk of injury. Stretching, breathing, and other yoga practises can help increase flexibility and lower the risk of injuries.

Additionally, yoga can support mindfulness and stress reduction, which can be advantageous for general health and wellbeing. Chronic stress can cause a number of health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression. Yoga can help you manage stress and enhance your mental health.

  1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Short bursts of intense exercise, followed by rest or low-intensity activity periods, make up high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Because it can increase metabolic rate, improve cardiovascular fitness, and promote weight loss, HIIT can be a good workout option for men over 40.

For men over 40 who are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, HIIT can also help improve insulin sensitivity. Exercises like burpees, jumping jacks, and sprinting are examples of HIIT activities that can help you lose weight and build muscle.

  1. Stretching and Mobility Exercises

For men over 40, stretching and mobility exercises are crucial because they can increase flexibility and lower the risk of injuries. Improve flexibility and lower your risk of injury by incorporating mobility exercises like foam rolling, dynamic stretching, and static stretching.

Stretching and mobility exercises can also speed up recovery time and lessen muscle soreness, which is important for men over 40 who might need more time to recover from workouts.

In conclusion, the exercises mentioned above can be very beneficial for men over 40. Before beginning any new exercise programme, it’s crucial to speak with a qualified fitness expert or healthcare provider, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

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Giveaway, Lifestyle, My Personal

AmLife Promotes “Regenerative Sleep – The Secrets of Agelessness” in Conjunction of World Sleep Day 2023

From left: Dr. Lim, Mr. Lew and Dr. Ariel

AmLife International Sdn. Bhd. relaunched its World Sleep Day (WSD) campaign on 6th March 2023 at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel, where it presented its regional sleep health showcase to the media.

Life during the post-covid period takes on new meaning and challenges, particularly in terms of one’s sleep quality. According to the National Library of Medical & Biotech Information, COVID-19 has both short and long-term side effects. 40% of people reported having difficulties sleeping during the pandemic, and 31% of people reported having disrupted sleep after COVID.

According to a report from Asian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 9 out of 10 Malaysians experience some level of insomnia and have one or more types of sleeping problems. 35% of Malaysians have some sort of sleeping disorders with more than 53% of Malaysia’s workforce sleeps less than the recommended minimum of 7 hours each night, while at least 51% of Malaysians suffer from work-related stress.

Meanwhile, a combined cross sectional online health & work survey done by Centre for Community Health Services, Faculty of Health Science and some of our main local universities such as UKM & UM found that in 2021, 54% out of 11,356 working adults are getting insufficient sleep. Some of the factors linked to sleep duration of fewer than 7 hours each night included having kids, lifestyle factors, poor sleeping conditions, and mental health issues.

Product demo with guests

In keeping with its tagline, “Life, Redefined,” AmLife initiated the WSD movement, which aims to help Malaysians get better sleep, improve their health, and enjoy life to the fullest. The World Sleep Day sleep health showcase, with the theme “Sleep is Essential for Health,” is being organised by AmLife for the 8th year with long-time collaborator World Sleep Society and three-year partner, Taiwan Sleep Care Association (TSCA). This regional initiative on sleep education covers Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Mr. Lew with World Sleep Day ambassador, Hui Mei

This year’s World Sleep Day ambassador for AmLife is celebrity and TV host, Hui Mei.

Mr. Lew Mun Yee, the Founder & President of AmLife, asserts that the importance of sleep education is becoming increasingly important as sleep disorders may lead to a number of chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, depression and immunity-related illnesses.

Mr. Lew Mun Yee

“Over time, lack of good sleep can lead to degenerative diseases. Scientific studies pointed out that sleep is the best way to boost your immune system and reduce your risk from virus infection! Sleep and aging are inter-connected as sleep disorders impact the body and immunity and overall functions and immunity, and accelerates aging,” 

said Mr. Lew Mun Yee, the Founder & President of AmLife.

Therefore AmLife also expounded on “The Secrets of Agelessness” today through regenerative sleep. According to news reports, Malaysia will become a country of the elderly by 2030, which indicates that in only eight years, the population of those aged 60 and above would reach 15.3%, or one in every six people.

The nation’s health care industry and our society as a whole are significantly threatened by the aging of the Malaysian population. Alzheimer’s disease is a serious health problem in the elderly country. There are 7 million people with Alzheimer’s disease in Japan alone, and there are about 50 million people with Alzheimer’s disease globally.

At the media event, a number of sleep experts shared their insights. Facts relating to age-related regeneration and anti-aging were shared by Dr. Ariel B. Neikrug, PhD, Health Clinical Psychologist and Sleep Medicine Specialist and a Registered Assistant Clinical Professor, Psychiatry & Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine. On top of that, he also discussed about mental health issues affecting people post covid.

Dr. Ariel B. Neikrug, PhD.

“Sleep plays an important and vital role in the process of aging, our mental health and general well-being. Primarily sleep is involved in the regeneration and repair processes of our bodies and brains,”

said Dr. Ariel B. Neikrug, PhD.

Dr. Lim Geng Yan, Aged Care Entrepreneur, Innovator and Doctor of Medicine, spoke about stem cell treatment and how it might enhance immune levels by preventing cell degradation.

Dr. Lim Geng Yan

“While current covid treatment strategies cannot help damaged organ cells to regenerate, many medical studies shows that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) has the ability to regenerate damaged organ due to covid and that MSC can potentially help to reverse long covid side effects,”

shared Dr. Lim Geng Yan.
From left: Mr. KS Chan, Ms. Jessica (emcee) and Dr. Choo Hao Jian

Food and exercise are key in promoting better sleep. Mr. KS Chan, a certified Nutritionist, and Dr. Choo Hao Jian, a doctor who specialises in geriatrics and regenerative medicine, discussed how to achieve quality sleep by following a healthy dietary nutrition and home care activities to help ease the body and mind into restful sleep, respectively.

“Quality sleep can be achieved by practicing circadian cycle, where we train our body to get used to a routine that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. A way to practice this is to turn off the lights when we get home after work, and to put down every electronic device so our body will automatically know that it is time to wind down,”

said Dr. Choo Hao Jian.

“One way to improve our diet is to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, and at the same time consume more lean meat. People should also avoid processed food at all costs,”

said KS Chan.

The “Sleep Better with AmLife” CSR campaign, which aims to capture Malaysians’ most common sleeping problems, was introduced during the event by AmLife. Many lifestyle influencers will invite “sleep stories” from their readers, and winning submissions will be eligible for an epigenetic test and professional medical consultation.

AmLife DeepZleep – AmSonic

AmLife also unveiled its cutting-edge AmLife DeepZleep – AmSonic during the event, a unique regenerative sleep technology from Japan. Electric Potential Therapy, AmSonic Frequency Therapy, and Thermal Therapy are the three types of revolutionary therapy concepts offered by this device. This combination of therapies provide the world’s first regenerative sleep for all-rounded physical and spiritual wellbeing which allow you to recharge your health while you sleep.

Product introduction

Through its electric potential therapy technology from Japan, AmLife has been educating and helping individuals for the past 20 years to improve their health and quality of sleep. The company established a foothold in the sleep industry and is now making headways into regenerative medicine through stem cell therapy.

“This breakthrough treatment helps more people to delay aging and reduces diseases to enable all to enjoy a quality life. With stem cell therapy, one can grow older but still remain strong as the human body is  fundamentally made up of cells; hence the consistent regeneration of new cells help with the anti-aging process,”

said Mr Lew Mun Yee.

AmLife’s latest endeavour – its newly-opened AlphaCelle, is touted as the first clinic to integrate stem cells, high electric potential, and exosomes for a comprehensive regenerative treatment to help more people delay aging, reduce diseases, and live a good quality life in old age.

“Our mission is to popularize stem cell therapy for all and allowing more and more people to have stem cell therapy and move towards a new and happy life,“

enthused Mr Lew Mun Yee.

About AmLife
AmLife commenced its sleep healthcare business in 2014. The company has pioneered the combination of a bedding equipment with Japan’s state-of-the-art technology to tap and expand the unlimited potential of the sleep healthcare market by providing a brand-new health solution for the daily use of a modern-day community.

AmLife committed in promoting sleep health activities in the past few years, in order to create awareness to the public; sleep plays an integral part of health. World Sleep Day is a major event held by AmLife every year.

Congratulations to AmLife for winning the World Sleep Day 2022 – Distinguished Activity Award at the World Sleep Congress to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in October 20 – 25, 2023!

I am so lucky to walk away with the 3rd prize in the lucky draw at the media conference event.

This world event brought together 352 official representatives from 53 countries, and they hosted more than 200 World Sleep Day events around the world. Among these country representatives, AmLife was the only one to promote World Sleep Day in multiple countries.

For more information, please visit www.amlife.com.my.

🛌GIVEAWAY🛌

Good news, guys!
AmLife is giving away 1 Epigenetic test + Professional medical consultation worth RM1,500 to you who share about your sleep issues and how you overcome or plan to overcome it.

The best 3 stories win. So head over to my Instagram post and start sharing your stories now!

Contest ends: 22 March 2023.

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Health & Wellness, Lifestyle, My Personal

Amway Launches A Nationwide Weight-loss Programme that Emphasises Gut Health to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases

Mr Michael Jonathan Duong, AMWAY Malaysia’s Managing Director

‘BIG HEALTH’ and Sustainable Entrepreneurship as 2 Key Thrusts for the Group in 2023
By launching the “Gut Reset-Weight Management” educational and awareness campaign across the country, Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad (“AMWAY Malaysia”) is dedicated to further bolstering its efforts to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a particular focus on weight management.

This is consistent with AMWAY Malaysia’s efforts to assist the country’s emphasis on preventative healthcare, since the rising incidence of NCDs is putting more burden on the country’s health system and costing more than RM9.65 billion annually in healthcare.

Common Diseases Among Malaysians
Alarming data show that obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues are becoming more common among Malaysians. A projected 1.7 million Malaysians have three significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, while 3.4 million have two major risk factors, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019 data. The NHMS also discovered that over half of adult Malaysians are either overweight or obese, one in five have diabetes, one in three have hypertension, and two in five have high cholesterol.

“In response to our government’s strategy to support the fight against non-communicable diseases, AMWAY, as a leading health and wellness company, recognizes the critical role of the private sector in addressing our national health concerns. With this in mind, AMWAY Malaysia is stepping up efforts to provide healthier lifestyle products and solutions through the “Gut Reset-Weight Management” educational and awareness campaign, with the aim of encouraging Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle to avoid the risks of non-communicable diseases.”

quoted Mr Michael Jonathan Duong, Managing Director Of AMWAY Malaysia

Gut Reset-Weight Management with Nutrilite™
Nutrilite™, the flagship brand of AMWAY, provides a variety of dietary and nutritional supplements that enhance general wellbeing. A healthy gut is the main emphasis of the “Gut Reset-Weight Management” campaign since it is a necessary prerequisite for long-term healthy weight. A customised programme for managing nutritional and weight needs will be part of the campaign and include a balanced diet, supplements, exercise, and a change in overall lifestyle.

The program’s objective is to provide the daily nutrients and fibre one needs for effective weight management. Moreover, the programme provides a personal health assessment thanks to a special alliance with Innoquest Pathology, a renowned diagnostic business in Malaysia for more than 30 years. This year, AMWAY Malaysia achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of the “Gut Reset-Weight Management” campaign, further solidifying Nutrilite™’s position in the worldwide market after nearly 90 years.

“BIG HEALTH” Campaign Aims to Combat NCDs
One of AMWAY Malaysia’s primary goals for its “BIG HEALTH” campaign, which consists of 6 Pillars of Emphasis until 2023, is to combat NCDs. Moreover, AMWAY Malaysia will continue to provide product solutions that are integrated with technology and depend on reliable research to encourage a healthy lifestyle for Malaysians as customers’ attention turns more and more to health and wellness.

Sustainable Entrepreneurship to Help ABOs
Building a more sustainable entrepreneurial model to help Amway Business Owners (ABOs), who will fuel the Group’s business development, is AMWAY Malaysia’s second priority for 2023.

“One of the most important aspects of our business is to sustain and grow our AMWAY entrepreneurs. We strive to support our Amway Business Owners in their entrepreneurial journey towards generating sustainable income and creating value through mutually beneficial partnerships by helping them discover their full potential and achieve their goals. With over 400,000 ABOs within our network, we continuously focus on ABO-centric programmes and incentives, as we journey together towards AMWAY Malaysia’s 50th anniversary vision to be one of the leading health and wellness companies in Malaysia by 2026,”

quoted Mr Michael Jonathan Duong, Managing Director Of AMWAY Malaysia

New Record Set in FY2022
In the fiscal year that concluded on December 31, 2022 (FY2022), AMWAY Malaysia reported new record revenue of RM1,514.8 million, an increase of 1.9% from RM1,485.9 million in the prior fiscal year. Sales increased mostly as a result of the Lead with Nutrition initiative’s high demand for personal care and health items. In contrast, its net profit soared by a stunning 109% to RM76.88 million from RM36.78 million in FY2021.

Duong concluded that AMWAY Malaysia has never been stronger, and they are certainly looking forward to building a profitable, sustainable future.

About Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad
Amway (Malaysia) Holdings Berhad (“AMWAY Malaysia”) has been listed on the Bursa Malaysia Main Market since 1996. AMWAY Malaysia is a leading Health & Wellness company in Malaysia with a core force of more than 400,000 AMWAY Business Owners (ABOs). Over its 47 years in Malaysia, the company has offered an attractive business opportunity and supplemental income to Malaysians from all walks of life, selling differentiated, high-quality and value-for-money products. To buy our products, sign-up to be an ABO or an AMWAY Privileged Customer (APC), or simply to learn more about our broad range of products, please visit website www.amway.my or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amwaymalaysia.

About AMWAY Global
Amway is a family-owned, consumer goods manufacturer and direct selling company based in Ada, Michigan, USA that is committed to helping people live better, healthier lives. Top-selling brands for AMWAY are Nutrilite™ vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, Artistry™ skincare and color cosmetics, eSpring™ water treatment systems and XS™ energy drinks – all sold exclusively by independent Amway Business Owners. The company’s annual sales figure includes revenue from direct selling operations and other business holdings. For company news, visit amwayglobal.com/newsroom.

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Lifestyle, My Personal

Stand A Chance to Win Up to RM2 Million Worth of Prizes with ‘Wheel-Yoo-Win’

Spin for A Guaranteed Win of Great Prizes and A Chance to Win an iPhone 14 Plus with Yoodo’s Year End Campaign.

The ‘Wheel-Yoo-Win’ campaign is up and running, specially designed to reward loyal Yoodoers by Yoodo, Malaysia’s first truly customisable and 100% digital mobile service. Some cool and exciting prizes are up for grab, just in time for the year-end celebrations.

“Wheel-Yoo-Win is a token of appreciation from us to our Yoodoers, who have constantly supported us throughout the years. With more than RM2 million worth of prizes up for grabs, we hope to be able to spread cheer and help our users end the year on a fantastic high note!”

said Chow Tuck Mun, Head of Yoodo

Exciting Prizes Up for Grab
In collaboration with SEA Gamer Mall (SEAGM), the Wheel-Yoo-Win campaign runs until 21 December and offers eligible users to spin the wheel of prizes valued from RM5 to RM200 which includes PUBG MOBILE in-game items and UC Codes, a 1-year subscription to Majoriti with a 2D1N Staycation, Grab e-vouchers, Starbucks e-gift cards, Petronas e-vouchers, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang diamonds, Lazada shopping e-vouchers and many more. In addition, participants also stand a chance to win cool grand prizes such as the brand-new iPhone 14 Plus (worth RM5,000), Samsung gadgets (worth RM800), and gaming gears (worth RM600), through a special virtual monthly lucky draw.

Guaranteed Win and How to Join?
All you need to do is to spend a minimum of RM32 when renewing or customising their Yoodo plan, and you are guaranteed to take home a prize! You will receive a unique code to spin the Wheel-Yoo-Win and instantly receive your prize. Extra perks for you who share your guaranteed win from the wheel via social media [Facebook and Twitter]. You are qualified for the monthly lucky draw that offers the grand prize lucky draw happening on the 31 October, 23 November, and 22 December. 

“We are delighted to once again partner with Yoodo, and this time for such a fun and exciting campaign. Customer satisfaction and loyalty are always top of mind for us and being able to reward Malaysians with some incredible prizes truly brings us happiness.” SEAGM customers can also participate by making an eligible transaction on the SEAGM website, and the first 150 eligible customers daily will receive a unique code to spin the Wheel-Yoo-Win”.

said Tommy Chieng, SEAGM CEO and Co-Founder

For more information about the Wheel-Yoo-Win campaign, check out this page: https://www.yoodo.com.my/wheelyoowin

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