Kuala Lumpur Sports Medical Centre visit

by Shilpa a/p Suresh Kumar, M4 2011 Intake

When Mr.Soovendran announced that a trip to the Kuala Lumpur Sports Medical Centre was going to be held and he wanted 5 volunteers from our class to attend the trip, it was almost an instinct to raise my hand.  Honestly I was not keen on the idea of going to a sports medical centre because I thought everything there would be related to sports injuries being mainly bone related issues/cases which had nothing similar to my field of interest, which would be Obstetrics and Gynecology .  Nevertheless, I did not want to lose the opportunity to learn something new, so I decided to just go with the flow. 

 We traveled from our college to KLSMC via a hired van and throughout the time we were heading to our destination, everyone had a set of questions to ask or certain expectations of the trip entirely mapped out in our heads. When we reached, I expected to be greeted with the familiar smell of Dettol or antiseptic detergent used to mop the floors with but it was quite the contrary, we were welcomed with warm smiles and laughter. We were escorted to a conference room where we sat through a presentation on Physiotherapy. I honestly think it was an eye opener to many of us there including myself.

I thought I knew what Physiotherapy was but after the detailed explanation given by the jovial physiotherapist, I understood that Physiotherapy itself is an incredibly wide topic to talk about.  Who knew that a Physiotherapist could help a person’s brain that has forgotten how to move certain parts of the body for example: the right hand, by re-teaching different parts of that individual’s brain to carry out the similar function (to move the right hand).  A Physiotherapist works very closely with the doctor who treated the patient to enable the patient  to return to as close to normal as he/she could ever get in order to experience the quality of life.  

We were given a tour of the entire building and at the same time the Physiotherapist was bombarded with questions. . Among the questions asked were:

1) Q) If a person were to lose a ligament in the Knee how much would it cost to replace it? 
    A) Around RM30,000 because the ligament would either have to be cultured or ordered.

2) Q) How much would it cost for a person to be admitted into one of the wards here?
    A) Usually our patients do not stay here for more than a few days. 
         One night in a single suite costs RM1000.

3) Q) How many years have you been a Physiotherapist?

    A) Fifteen years.

4) Q) How is a patient to know whether the exercises he/she is doing for recovery is correct 

          when he/she is exercising alone?

    A) We have rooms with mirrors where the Physiotherapist teaches the patient 

          what is right and wrong so that the patient is able to see and feel the differences.

5) Q) How does Hydrotherapy help a patient? Is it more efficient? 

A) It isn’t necessarily more efficient, it helps the patient by lessening the forces acting on him/her. 
     We use buoyancy to help the patient who is undergoing post-surgical care so that he/she 
         is able to exercise.

 
We were shown the wards which are called suites in KLSMC because they really do look like 7-star labeled hotel suites. KLSMC is the most dazzling medical centre I have ever been to, literally. The wards have parquet floors, soft sofas, full Wifi coverage, flat screen plasma televisions and a huge bathroom. These may seem luxurious and I’m sure it is but it is to ensure that the patient and his/her family has full comfort. The services in KLSMC include Orthopedic surgery, Physiotherapy, MRI imaging and Hydrotherapy. Operations such as arthroscopic surgery and knee replacements are routinely performed.

They have two amazing MRI machines which costs millions. Apparently the old MRI imaging machine weighs 16 tonnes and they had to reinforce the floor multiple times to make sure it would be able to stand the weight of that one machine. 

There are so many things about the services this medical centre provides which really thought us to expand our knowledge and not just stick to the things we know. This entire trip was the definition of amazing as it helped all of us gain knowledge in the field that we have a common passion about.  The abundance of information given also thought us that we need to be more receptive to the situations/cases around us and we need to appreciate the quality of life for us to be able to treat a patient and restore the patient to as normal as possible. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my lecturers and President College itself for organizing this trip and for giving us the opportunity to learn as much as we can. We really appreciate it.

Selamat Hari Raya Haji & Aidiladha, Not Just A Festival!

By Samia, Student of President College

There are numerous religions around the world, each controls its followers`s judgments, customs and even manual festivals. Who does not know Islam, it`s a worldwide religion. This religion which has 1.5 billion followers around the world, celebrates twice a year.

After RAMADAN (August) there is a festival named (EID ALFETER), beside another one during HAJ season (November) called (EID ALADHA). Eid aladha is a very unique festival, where Muslims slaughter sheeps with an intention to please god and have a closer relationship with him.

In Islam it is not compulsory for poor or unable to afford individuals to slaughter a sheep. During EID ALADHA each person in the community has a great feeling of communication and linkage with family, friends and neighbors, not just because it is a celebration and a vibrant festival, it is also because the family who slaughter a sheep separate a specific part for themselves and the rest goes to who are in need,not only Muslims.

That is why Islam took care of individuals but never forget about the society as a whole. It seems to be all about food but it is sufficient to reduce selfishness and guarantee that each person is happy and heard. May god keep smiles and festivals for ever.

"Kesepaduan Dalam Kepelbagaian" Lecture, by Profesor Ulung Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin

By Dhanesh s/o Sukumar Nair, M2 Intake

True to his saying "KESEPADUAN DALAM KEPELBAGAIAN" meaning that we as Malaysians should embrace the multitude of opportunities given to us as an independent country. Dr. Shamsul Amir states that the integration of the Malaysian society is as a work in progress. 

He also states that Malaysians should not just talk or discuss their problems, but should take the initiative to do something about it. As he compared us to Sri Lanka, a country that has gone through many hardships yet have been able to bring themselves back up, and capable to cope up with the economic conditions today.

There were many interesting and educational points as well as ideas given by the professor. The point that i agree most to is that we as a nation should band together in the effort to build a better future for ourselves, instead of gossiping about it at the "mamak shop" in the professor's own words. The talk enlightened me on many of the current issues faced by the community as well as the ways and methods of overcoming these problems by working together.

  

After the talk, my friends and i were in the privilege of meeting the professor himself. Although there were a few questions on our minds, we saw that professor was very busy and as we didn't want to delay him, Adrian, a friend of mine asked professor for his signature :) and we were on our way.

Once we have left the meeting room, there was a buffet in the DoubleTree by Hilton KL hotel where many people could refresh themselves after an interesting talk. We enjoyed the buffet and as we were eating, a discussion started about the things introduced by the professor. Once we were done, it was time to leave. Everyone as content and had learnt some valuable lessons during the talk, and we all had fun:)

10-Steps to Prevent Breast Cancer

By Yeam Pik Wah, Marketing Executive, President College 

1. Maintain a healthy body weight (BMI less than 25) throughout your life.

Weight gain in midlife, independent of BMI, has been shown to significantly increase breast cancer risk. Additionally, and elevated BMI has been conclusively shown to increase the risk of post-menopausal breast cancer. 

2. Minimize or avoid alcohol.

Alcohol use is the most well established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. The Harvard Nurses' Health study, along with several others, has shown consuming more than one alcoholic beverage a day can increase breast cancer risk by as much as 20-25 percent. 

3. Consume as many fruits and vegetables as possible. 

Eat seven or more servings daily. The superstars for breast cancer protection include all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower) ; dark leafy greens (collards, kale, spinach) ; carrots and tomatoes. The superstar fruits include citrus, berries and cherries. Note: it is best to eat cruciferous vegetables raw or lightly cooked, as some of the phytochemicals believed to offer protection against breast cancer are destroyed by heat. 

4. Exercise regularly the rest of your life. 

Many studies have shown that regular exercise provides powerful protection against breast cancer. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity (brisk walking) five or more days a week. Consistency and duration, not intensity, are key!  

5. Do your fats right! 

The type of fat in your diet can affect your breast cancer risk. Minimize consumption of omega-6 fats (sunflower, safflower, corn and cottonseed oils), saturated fats and trans fats. Maximize your intake of omega-3 fats, especially from oily fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, lake trout and herring). Consume monounsaturated oils (canola, olive oil, nuts/seeds, avocados) as your primary fat source, as these foods have potential anticancer properties. Specifically, canola oil is a good source of omega-3 fats; extra virgin olive oil is a potent source of antioxidant polyphenols, including squalene; and nuts and seeds provide you with the cancer protective mineral, selenium. 

6. Do your carbs right!

Minimize consumption of the high glycemic index, "Great White Hazards" - white flour, white rice, white potatoes, sugar and products containing them. These foods trigger hormonal changes that promote cellular growth in breast tissue. Replace these "wrong" carbs with whole grains and beans/legumes. Beans/legumes because of their high fiber and lignan content are especially special. 

7. Consume whole food soy products regularly, such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, roasted soy nuts, soy milk and miso.

Only consume organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) soy. Epidemiologic studies have shown a positive association between soy consumption and reduced breast cancer risk. 

8. Minimize exposure to pharmacologic estrogens and xeno-estrogens. 

Do not take prescription estrogens unless medically indicated. Lifetime exposure to estrogen plays a fundamental role in the development of breast cancer. Also avoid estrogen-like compounds found in environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and industrial chemicals. Buy organic produce if you can afford it; otherwise, thoroughly wash all non-organic produce. Minimize exposure to residual hormones found in non-organic dairy products, meat and poultry. 

9. Take your supplements daily.

A multivitamin, 500-1,000 mg of vitamin C in divided doses, 200-400 IUs of vitamin E as mixed tocopherols, and pharmaceutical grade fish oil. Also take 200 mcg of the mineral selenium or eat one to two Brazil nuts as an alternative. If you have a chronic medical condition or take prescription drugs, consult your physician first. 

10. Maintain a positive mental outlook.

Engage in self-nurturing behaviors regularly. Develop rich, warm and mutually beneficial relationships with family and friends. Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night). The mind-body associations with breast cancer are significant.

UKM Hospital KL Campus Visit

By Adrian Chong Jin Yao, M4 Intake

The trip to UKM KL Campus was…. well to say it was normal or just ‘ok’ would be an understatement. I mean unless you are a pathologist, doctor, mortician or ....you get how I’m grouping all these, you don’t see parts of real human bodies all around you, do you? Ok, maybe not only see (the internet…) but touch, smell, feel and I really hope not taste or hear. It is generally no doubt an interesting trip. 

Well, the trip to the place itself was unexpected. We were joking around before the trip on how or going to get there. Bus? Monorail? LRT? Someone even told me walking there. In the end all of us guess wrongly, we get a free ride on the President College staff’s car! Who cares if we guess wrongly, who’s complaining? Thank you for the ride anyway.

So, the wait to enter the anatomy museum was not that long. The only downturn was probably the typical KL heat plus our all black shirts only gets worse as time lingers. I can say now that it is worth the wait.

In the anatomy museum the first question I heard was ‘is it real?’.  Is it really real? Really? Of course it is really real or it won’t really be called the anatomy museum and President College would not really bring us here. Really real! Thus, we all found out that it is real. That’s where the fun part begins.

Personally, I have been to that place before 4 years ago and most of the exhibits are the same except of the plastinated cadaver. But I don’t mind ‘enjoying’ the exhibits again and especially for the first timers, it was shockingly interesting. Everyone spread out around the mini anatomy museum as soon as they enter. I could hear gasps, whispers (yes, from a living breathing human being) and chatting – the excitement and passion.

The staffs gave a short briefing in the anatomy museum. I manage to throw some question in return for some valuable information. I mainly ask about the plastinated cadaver (the new family member!). It seems that the people there have sent their people to Germany, which is the first country to produce plastinated cadaver through plastination. This process has been in this world for some time, however, not many countries know about it. Among the country which has made its name on this are Germany, of course and China. Malaysia had just inherited this about 3 years ago and UKM are the first in Malaysia.

Plastination is a very complicated process and it yields complicated money. One plastinated body could cost at least 110 thousand ringgit. I have seen a plastinated body a few months before this in Management & Science University and the staff there did explain the plastination process. Although they did not tell me where this specimen was obtain, when I proposed this to the staff in UKM, it seems that UKM sold it to MSU and a few others under some company name I forgotten. (Can’t think of company name that sells stuff like that! The Body Shop? Body glove?) Intriguing isn’t it?

We went below the anatomy museum, where they store wet specimen of cadavers. The staffs of UKM did brought us a male body (don’t ask how I know if it is a male) to mingle with. It was a hands-on (more like fingers-on for most of us) on a real cadaver.  There was a lot of Q&A session between the students and the staff in charged.

Among the questions I clearly remembered are:

Q: How long can you keep a wet specimen?

A: Between 5-10 years.

Q: Do you import bodies?

A: Nope. Bodies are donated and are obtained from unclaimed bodies. Things like that cannot be imported or exported. It is not market material except for the black market. (What happen to the selling of plastinated cadaver?)

Q: We treat all these cadavers with respect, right?

A: Of course, once the body can’t be used anymore, we will send them to the memorial centre to be burned every single piece of flesh and bones.

Q: Do you like your job?

A: (Laughs) Yeah, I do. (Ok……)

Q: Aren’t you scared? Are there any supernatural occurrence?

A: Nope, if I’m scared I wouldn’t be working here. (Duh, good answer). This place must be closed by 5.30pm . So, I never really heard it around here from anyone.

Q: How much does the wet specimen cadaver cost?

A: We don’t sell the wet specimen. Even if we do, it will only cost less than then ten thousand and the process of making one is quite costly itself. (Who wants to buy it? Don’t buy one for me please.)

 So , that’s basically some of it.

That wraps up the trip and we all departed away from there. For once in my life I’m seeing my friends washing their hand like some killer pandemic was among us. We waited for the ride back for some moment at a bus stop. (Buses were actually stopping for us, too bad we saw signs stated ‘UTAR’, ‘UM’ etc…..oops no ‘President College’) We finally got back to Putra mall safely, home sweet home.

We really enjoy the trip. We could really see how it is like studying medicine with cadavers. I hope none of us would change our mind on taking medicine line and etc after this trip. I could see the satisfying look on everyone although some even looked hungry after the examining the cadavers (yikes!). To conclude things, although I have a dilemma now (whether to sleep in my room or my parents room tonight), it was a really real awesome trip.

Thanks, President College!

Blood Donation Drive @ President College, KL

By Farah Amin Siru, Marketing Executive, President College

Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only be given as a gift from people.

It was this simple realization that got me on the bandwagon of donating blood as often as possible. Personally I believe it is probably one of the most unselfish acts a person could perform for another.

On the 8th of September 2011, President College Kuala Lumpur hosted a blood donation drive on our campus premises on the 28th Floor at The Mall, Jalan Putra here in the heart of the city as an effort to raise awareness of this noble practice as well as to encourage others to make their own contribution for society.  

There was a good turnout; mostly our own students but there were a few outsiders sharing the  building who came by and donated as well.

People need to realize that this activity lives and learn to shun any fears or misconceptions associated with needles and pain. There is only a brief sting like a pin-prick for a second and then its over. Bring a friend along to donate with you, thus you'll be able to share the experience and it won't seem so frightening; the whole process usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour and the medical staff are always very friendly and kind. They even provide refreshment and snacks after wards to keep up your energy for the rest of the day and to stimulate the body to replenish the loss.

World Blood Donor Day

June 14 is celebrated around the world as World Blood Donor Day. Its the birthday of Karl Landsteiner; the creator of the 'ABO blood group system'. The World Health Organization (WHO) chose this day to recognize millions of brave hearts who make a conscious effort in saving lives and improving the health of others by donating blood. 


Why should one donate blood?

Blood is called the gift of life, there is a constant need for  consistent supply of safe blood in all health units worldwide because blood can be stored for only a limited period time before use. This can only be ensured if a sufficient number of healthy people donate blood on a regular basis. 

Safe, germ-free blood not only saves lives but also improves health. Blood transfusion, or for that matter blood donation is needed for: 

• Accident patients 

• Many surgical and terminally ill patients 

• Women with pregnancy related complications, such as haemorrhage before,  

   during or after  childbirth 

• Children with severe anemia

• People with conditions such as thalassaemia, haemophilia, and sickle cell anemia. 

Health Benefits of Donating Blood:
  

Apart from the exalted feeling of saving someone's life, blood donation has other health benefits as well:

• Donating blood one can get rid of excess iron accumulated in the body due to its over consumption. Excess iron residues can stimulate formation of free radicals in the body, which are responsible for 

causing damage to various body cells and tissues. Free radicals are also associated with many ailments such as cardiac diseases and cancer

• Blood donation also helps to burn extra calories and reduces cholesterol level in the body. The count of blood cells decreases in the body after donating blood, which stimulates the bone marrow cells to produce new red blood corpuscles in order to replenish. As a result, the entire circulatory   system gets refreshed.

• There are no major disadvantages of donating blood, except that sometimes one may experience mild nausea or dizziness for a short while, or may experience a temporary drop in blood pressure. But given the amazing mental satisfaction and health benefits, one should never stop from donating blood. It is one of the noblest of all human acts, and a healthy individual should volunteer for it at least 4 to 5 times a year.

Greetings – Introducing you to Malaysian International Education

By Claire Tan, Head of International Marketing, President College

For 30 years now Malaysia has built and learned from its experiences with international students. Thus now, most private higher educational institutions, language schools and public universities have the expertise in providing international students with a conducive learning environment that has affordable quality and most importantly the experience of studying in Malaysia. This is facilitated by International Student Offices that are accustomed to working with foreign students of various ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds. They provide a sense of support for international students studying here as well as the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable and an enriching stay in Malaysia.

To date, there are more than 80,000 international students from over 100 countries studying in Malaysia pursuing courses ranging from diplomas, English language course, degree to PhDs at many higher educational institutions, be it in the public or private sector.

One of they key reasons for which Malaysia has blossomed into a preferred destination for foreign students is that students are given the option of choosing from various US, UK, Australian or Malaysian academic qualifications designed with flexibility and affordability in mind. The qualification from these programmes will be awarded by the local or partner universities upon graduation. Unique bachelor's degree programmes such as "2+1" twinning degrees and "3+0" degrees offer international students an extensive range of study options that meet their budget and academic needs while offering a globally recognized qualification.

At President College Kuala Lumpur, many of our students opt to undergo one of our foundation programmes and then go on to our many partner universities for either Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Business and Accounting bachelor's degree programmes conducted in Malaysia or abroad.

The students will also benefit from having not one but two experiences studying abroad if they choose to. As an example, an international student may choose to study in Malaysia for the initial two to three years and complete their degree or masters abroad. This allows the student to gain experience and build networks while pursuing a globalized education. This is accomplished with our widely recognized qualifications and custom tailored guaranteed progression via our student placement division edu360. Students are assisted in securing the right education and the best education they can afford for their individual goals and aspirations.

While in Malaysia, international students will also have access to its neighboring countries making Malaysian education a truly Asian education. The experience of dealing and of building networks and most importantly the privilege to learn about the many races and religions are things that enrich and strengthen an international students education. Malaysia’s diversity as a nation is it's strength and good governance allows Malaysia to remain a politically safe and stable country.

As for living, international students will be spoilt for choice in terms of food and accommodations. Cost of living may be as low as RM13,000 per annum depending on the area of accommodation and individual expenditure. Most institutions will provide international students accommodation however there are off campus availabilities as well. Should a student be looking for other options off campus, we suggest students to send their enquires to edu360.my@gmail.com for a free consultation.

We will also assist in providing students information such as visa applying advice, locating living accommodations off campus in advance and educational institutions that are within their budgets along with educational pathway information.

As for student visas, individual institutions are responsible for the applications to the Immigration Department of Malaysia. The process has been made simple and hassle free providing a student has submitted the required documentation. Students with families may also apply to bring along their spouse or family members while they are studying here.

For more information you may contact: claire@president.edu.my

Happy Mooncake Festival - Mid-Autumn Festival

By Yeam Pik Wah, Marketing Executive, President College

The Mooncake Festival (also called the Mid-Autumn festival) falls on September 12th in the year 2011. What is the Mooncake festival? Every year on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year, the Chinese celebrate "中秋节zhong qiu jie."

Children are told the story of the moon fairy living in a crystal palace, who comes out to dance on the moon's shadowed surface. The legend surrounding the "lady living in the moon" dates back to ancient times, to a day when ten suns appeared at once in the sky. The Emperor ordered a famous archer to shoot down the nine extra suns. Once the task was accomplished, Goddess of Western Heaven rewarded the archer with a pill that would make him immortal. However, his wife found the pill, took it, and was banished to the moon as a result. Legend says that her beauty is greatest on the day of the Moon festival.

How to Celebrate the Mooncake Festival

Chinese moon cake festival is a popular and traditional East Asian holiday. It is a 3000 year tradition and many people in Asia today still celebrate it like their ancestors did. It is one of the best holidays because traditionally you will get to eat the very delicious moon cake that comes in many different varieties.

During the festival, people would eat moon cakes and drink tea while looking at the moon. Moon cakes has many flavors and one of the most popular version is the lotus seed paste with egg yoke, and it symbolize togetherness in a family and not to mention it is very delicious.

Accompanying the celebration, Chinese will hanging lanterns on the bamboo pole and putting them on a high point, such as roofs, trees, terraces, etc. It is a custom in Guangzhou, Hong Kong, etc.

Traditionally, this holiday signifies togetherness for a family. For those that cannot be with family members because of work or other reasons, they look at the moon and think about their loved ones :)

Selamat Hari Raya

By Farah Amin Siru, Marketing Executive, President College

Muslims all over the world celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri after 30 days of fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan. Hari Raya to me is a very special time filled with good food, good times and loved ones. On the first day of Syawal, relatives gather at my grandparent's house; where the agenda is to feast on the scrumptious spectacle laid out waiting for us and to enjoy each other's company while doing so. Raya favorites such as rendang (chicken and beef both!), the customary sticky lemang, ravishing mutton dalcha and a colourful selection of cookies and sweets are ever-present and consumed amongst smiling faces all around. 

Travelling and visiting are also a big part  of the Raya celebrations. Many excitedly await the day that they may “balik kampung” for the holidays; getting back to their respective hometowns away from the hustling bustling city to enjoy some quiet time with Mama and Papa at home. The festivities are not exclusive only to Muslims. Friends and acquaintances hailing from different backgrounds and creeds all come together to partake in the joyous occasion, kindly sharing food, laughter and warm wishes. It is a time for happiness and to remind ourselves to love and respect our fellow man no matter what. This year's Hari Raya celebrations was extra special because it came coupled with Malaysia's Merdeka Day. This further fostered the close relations that bind us together as Malaysians.

Although the public holidays are done, the glorification of Syawal carries on for a month so there is still ample time to meet up with family and friends, to beg forgiveness for any wrong doings and to strengthen bonds of love and comradeship. The feasting doesn't have to end either... =p But remember don't overdo it or you'll make yourself sick!                                  

Selamat Hari Raya. Maaf Zahir & Batin. Peace & Love.

Introducing our social media: Facebook Page | Foursquare Page | Blogspot | Twitter

A few years back, who could have predicted that adult conversation would be laced with words such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogspot etc. Nowadays, social me­dia is an in­cred­i­bly ex­cit­ing newish way of com­mu­ni­cat­ing. At the heart of social networking is a desire to interact with people you know or who are introduced to you by people you know, take ad­van­tage of it and explore with it, have FUN!

We have created several social networks for our students to keep in touch with each other’s and get the information up to date from our social media. We are planning to expand our social networking by feeding as much as useful information for our students in the future. 

We will upload the useful information such as: education, festival, college events, student’s progression, studying method, exam guideline and any relevant issue on students’ lifestyle.   

Check out our Facebook Page, Foursquare Business Page, Blogspot and Twitter, most of the applications are pretty basic and easy to navigate, simply click a “like” / “follow” button, you can get many information and get to know what’s going on in college.

Welcome to the network and Stay In touch!