KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, December 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) celebrates 50 years of excellence in patient care, it’s a time to reflect on how small, proactive measures can make a significant difference for your health. The holiday season is a time of joy, but it also brings its share of unique challenges, from indulgent meals to increased stress and busy schedules. To help you stay on top of your health, PHKL medical experts share practical tips for a healthy, vibrant and worry-free start to 2025.
Enjoy the holiday season without digestive discomfort
The holidays bring an irresistible array of rich foods, from buttery cookies to indulgent feasts. But for people with conditions like GERD, IBS, or a sensitive stomach, these treats can be uncomfortable. Doctor Gew Lai TeakConsultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologistshares practical tips to help you navigate the holiday table with confidence and comfort:
Take your pace: With so many delicious options, it’s tempting to dive in, but eating slowly allows your body to register its fullness and avoid overeating. Small portions can also help you savor every bite.
Avoid trigger foods: Dishes high in refined sugar, dairy, or wheat can irritate your digestive system. Be aware of your limits and consume these foods in moderation.
Stay hydrated: Hydration plays a vital role in digestive health. Drinking plenty of water can help manage symptoms while minimizing consumption of soda and alcohol, which can irritate the digestive tract or trigger GERD.
Pro tip: Remember, the holidays are about joy and connection. Dr. Gew advises: “Treat yourself mindfully, prioritize balance, and enjoy the festivities with your loved ones.”
Celebrate the Season with a Healthy Heart
The holidays can put a strain on even the healthiest hearts, with sodium-rich feasts, stressful schedules, and disrupted routines. For those with heart conditions, the season may pose additional risks. Doctor Faizal KhanConsultant cardiologistrecommends these smart strategies:
Moderation is key: Festive meals and drinks are a big part of the holidays, but moderation is key. Opt for small, healthy exchanges to enjoy your favorites without overdoing them. Pay attention to your salt intake, as excess sodium can increase blood pressure and strain your heart.
Stay active: Incorporate at least 150 minutes of movement per week. A family walk, a friendly dance, or even light stretching can do wonders for your heart.
Take your medication: With the busy season, it’s easy to forget medications or miss refills. Make a plan to stay on track, whether that’s setting reminders, keeping your medications with you while you travel, or ensuring prescriptions are filled in advance.
Know the warning signs: Symptoms of a heart attack can differ between men and women, so it’s essential to know the warning signs. Early detection and calling 9-9-9 can save lives and reduce heart damage.
Protect your joints during holiday preparations
Holiday activities like decorating, shopping, and cooking are all part of the fun, but they can take a toll on your joints. Doctor Mohamed AchraffConsultant orthopedic surgeonshares practical advice to avoid suffering:
Prevent tripping hazards: Holiday celebrations often involve additional clutter (gifts, decorations and extension cords) that can create tripping hazards. Keep walkways clear, especially if you have elderly visitors or young children. Keep extension cords away from high-traffic areas and remove covers which can be surprisingly dangerous. Remember that falls can have serious consequences, especially in older people, and therefore their prevention should be everyone’s responsibility.
Protect your joints during long tasks: Standing for hours while cooking, shopping or decorating can take a toll on your lower back, knees and feet. Doctor Mohamed Achraff recommends incorporating ergonomic practices to reduce strain:
- Alternate between sitting and standing during tasks.
- Wear supportive shoes to cushion your joints.
- Use anti-fatigue mats when standing for long periods of time.
- Incorporate stretching or yoga regularly to relieve stiffness and improve circulation.
If chronic joint pain persists, consider seeing a specialist for effective management strategies, such as physical therapy or joint care supplements.
Stay Healthy During Holiday Travel
Long trips and vacation fun can take a toll on urinary health, especially in people with conditions such as kidney stones or bladder infections. Dr Poongkodi Nagappan, consultant urologistoffers these tips:
Managing your sodium intake: Festive meals can be high in salt, which can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of kidney stones. Balance indulgent foods with water-rich options like fruits and vegetables.
Don’t skimp on bathroom breaks: During long trips, resist the urge to “hold it in,” as this can strain your bladder and increase the risk of infections. Plan stops in your route or prioritize breaks during the trip.
BPH Awareness for Men: For men with an enlarged prostate, diuretics like caffeine or alcohol may make symptoms worse. Stay attentive and pace your consumption to avoid any discomfort.
Stay hydrated but balanced: Drink water regularly, but avoid overloading your bladder before long car or plane rides. Keep fluids constant and moderate.
As PHKL celebrates five decades of service, its experts remain committed to empowering Malaysians to take charge of their well-being. Whether it’s spending the holidays or starting the year with a health check, PHKL’s centers of excellence and industry-leading specialists are here to guide you every step of the way.
Make your health a priority this holiday season and head into 2025 feeling better. Discover more expert health tips and facts about PHKL YouTube channel or visit www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur to find out more about our wellness packages, consultations and events.
Together, let’s stay informed and make 2025 your healthiest year!
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About Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
For five decades, Pantai Hospital in Kuala Lumpur has been the heart of Kuala Lumpurtirelessly providing exceptional care to patients from all walks of life. Since its establishment in 1974 with just 68 beds and 20 specialist doctors, the hospital has today become a healthcare icon with 499 beds, over 200 consultants and counting. Our pursuit of quality health care, clinical excellence and cutting-edge technology is underscored by the quality of our services and our dedication to clinical research.
This has earned us accreditations from the Malaysian Society for Health Quality (MSQH) and the Joint Commission International (JCI). Additionally, we hold baby-friendly hospital certification and are a preferred hospital in Malaysia by the World Health Organization (WHO). As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur looks to the future, steadfastly committed to continuing its legacy of excellence with world-class healthcare services and innovative treatments for generations to come. Learn more about www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur.
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