PRE-PREGNANCY HEALTH FORUM BY PARENTHOOD MEDIA AND PANTAI HOSPITAL KL

Fertility, hormonal health and pregnancy preparation issues were front and centre at the ‘What Women Want – Before We Bloom’ Forum recently.

Hosted jointly by Parenthood Media and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur at MyToday, Atria Shopping Gallery, the informative session was insightful for couples trying to conceive; opening up conversations on reproductive health, common fertility concerns and the importance of seeking medical guidance early.

Dr Raymond Lim, Obstetrics & Gynaecology (pic above) and Dr Lim Sue Wen, Endocrinologist (pic below) from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur shared their knowledge on fertility, hormonal health, age-related considerations, underlying medical conditions and different factors that can affect conception.

Early Start for Pregnancy Preparation

 
Both Dr Raymond Lim and Dr Lim Sue Wen urged couples to begin pre-pregnancy care early instead of waiting until their attempt at conceiving. They reasoned it's better to look into one's overall and reproductive health earlier as this could help identify potential concerns and better support pre-pregnancy preparation.

Among the issues highlighted by the specialists included the impact of age on fertility and certain health conditions that may pose challenges to conception such as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), endometriosis, thyroid disorders and diabetes. As such, seeking medical advice early can help to identify possible health warning signs and enable women to better understand their reproductive health and the appropriate steps to take.

 

Fertility: A Shared Journey

 
Difficulty in conceiving should not be viewed solely as a women’s issue. When conception is taking longer than expected, both partners may need to undergo evaluation as infertility may be due to male factors.

The forum also emphasized the role of hormonal health, body weight, nutrition, physical activity, stress and underlying medical conditions in reproductive health and pregnancy outcome. Such open discussions on these topics make trying to conceive conversations more informative, practical and less intimidating.
 

Seeking Help Doesn’t Automatically Mean IVF

 
Both panelist speakers opined that consulting a fertility specialist doesn’t automatically mean underdoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

A fertility consultation is to understand the possible cause of a fertility concern and to explore suitable options for the individual or couple. Depending on situation, recommendations may range from lifestyle adjustments and medication to managing underlying medical conditions or where appropriate, consider assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.

Through the interactive What Women Want: Before We Bloom Forum, Parenthood Media and Pantai Hospital KL aimed to spur more open conversations on trying to conceive and pre-pregnancy health issues, helping women to better understand influencing factors on fertility and viable options available.

After the forum concluded, we went for a whirlwind tour of MyToday. The spacious family and child-friendly space integrates multiple areas designated for children's activities such as reading, cooking, painting, etc. 

Also included is a well-equipped playarea, a cafe and private function rooms catering to birthday parties, workshops and special events.

If you or someone you know is facing difficulties conceiving or is considering pre-pregnancy consultation, visit www.pantai.com.my/kuala-lumpur to learn more about its specialist services and to seek professional medical advice.

NEW READY-TO-EAT RANGE MARKS MALAYAN FLOUR MILLS BERHAD’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

 

The debut of ready-to-eat (RTE) Sate Ayam, Ayam Masak Merah, Ayam Kicap and Ayam Kam Heong mark the 60th anniversary of Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM).

 
Established in 1966, MFM began as Malaysia’s first modern flour mill in Lumut, Perak. Today, MFM’s vast business interests span flour milling, poultry integration and aquaculture. Its foray into the RTE product segment is part of the company’s focus on innovation, sustainability and maintenance of product quality.

 
Executive Deputy Chairman and Managing Director Teh Wee Chye said MFM’s forward-looking venture is in sync with its commitment in supporting the country’s food security through resilient, safe and dependable food production.

At the recent 60^th Anniversary and RTE launch event, chef Fikree Aznan demonstrated the ease and convenience of MFM’s RTE product range.
Designed for modern, time-constrained consumers, the RTE products are protein-rich, and can be prepared within minutes using oven, microwave or airfryer.

The charcoal-grilled Sate Ayam (chicken satay) tastes delicious; richly marinated with turmeric, lemongrass and spices leaving the chicken pieces tender and juicy. Each RTE pack contains 20 skewers and includes the quintessential peanut gravy.

 
We also like the Malay-inspired Ayam Masak Merah and Ayam Kicap. Both boast bright, punchy flavours and should emerge as surefire crowd-pleasers. Likewise, the Chinese-inspired Ayam Kam Heong flaunts big, bold and tantalising accents. All the RTE offerings are also Halal-compliant.

THE FIRST PARIS BAGUETTE BAKERY CAFÉ OPENS IN MALAYSIA

Paris Baguette – South Korea’s famous bakery café has finally landed in Malaysia, at Pavilion KL.

       (Left-Right): Dato’ Sri Robin Tan, Deputy Chairman, Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO, Berjaya Food Berhad, Duli Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Shazuddin Ariff Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, Tunku Mahkota Kedah and Chairman of Berjaya Food Berhad, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan, Chairman, Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Azman Bin Mohd Yusof, Chief Secretary, Minister Domestic Trade and Living Cost, His Excellency Mr. Yeo Seung-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia, Mr Hur Jin Su, President of SPC and Ms. Hana Lee, CEO of Paris Baguette, Southeast Asia.

The partnership between Berjaya Food Berhad and Paris Baguette Singapore PLC saw the maiden Paris Baguette store opened by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, together with His Excellency Mr. Yeo Seung-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia and Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Vincent Tan, Chairman, Berjaya Corporation Berhad.

Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Food Berhad said more stores will be opened in cities across the country, bringing the world-famous Paris Baguette offerings to the Malaysian market.

Paris Baguette is distinctive by its urban bakery café concept with contrasting palettes of blues, soft white textures, and dark accents. Formed in 1945, in the heart of a small bakery in South Korea named Sangmidang, Paris Baguette still embraces the original Sangmidang spirit – which is not to leave a single piece of bread unchecked – a testament of its uncompromising product and service quality.

Ms Hana Lee, CEO of Paris Baguette, Southeast Asia said: “We are pleased to partner with Berjaya Food to bring Paris Baguette to Malaysians. We aim to serve best quality products like my favourite strawberry yoghurt cake and Korean jumbo crispy twist donut, coupled with the best-in-class service and deliver happiness in every bite to our customers. This partnership allows us to further increase our presence in the Southeast Asia market.”

The newly opened Paris Baguette has been a hit with Malaysians thus far as they sample the wide selection of European-inspired pastries, breads, cakes, hot foods, and desserts.

Eye-catching showcases filled with Paris Baguette temptations include Signature Mushroom Soup in Bread Bowl, Signature Natural Yeast Bread, Fresh Yogurt Cream Cake, Mr & Ms Bear Madelaine, No. 1 Cheese Tart, Macarons, and Cranberry Chicken Pastry Wrap Sandwich among others.

Visit Paris Baguette, C3.03.00, Level 3, Connection, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

SELANGOR HOSTS STATE LEVEL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Seri Amirudin bin Shari, the Chief Minister of Selangor handed over a mock cheque amounting to RM 593,460.00 as donation to the Selangor Christian House of Worship, the Executive Body of the religious section in the LIMAS group (Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh & Taoist) and 55 Christian NGOs during the 2022 Selangor State Christmas Celebration and Open House.

Held at the Civic Hall, Petaling Jaya City Council, the annual initiative is one of the Selangor State Government’s efforts to accommodate the various religions and races in the State of Selangor; to increase harmony between races and religions.

Violinist Dr Joanne Yeoh, FGT Church Choir, GA611 Church, Roman Catholic Church and Kaya Band performed at the community event as invitees were treated to complimentary buffet.

Honourable Mr. Hee Loy Sian, Tourism and Environment Exco said "the uniqueness of this Open House celebration in the State of Selangor symbolises our multi-racial identity and culture. Such events can also attract tourists to come and visit Selangor, and highlight Selangor as a harmonious state with close cooperation from various races and religions.”