03/11/2025

MONDAY | NOV 3, 2025

26

HEALTH

Health Ministry to roll out new generation drug to treat diabetes, obesity THE Health Ministry (MOH) will roll out a new generation drug to support diabetes and obesity patients among vulnerable groups under Budget 2026, as part of efforts to enhance treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “In the budget, we are also introducing new treatments such as GLP-1, which have been proven effective in helping patients manage diabetes and lose weight. These treatments will be prioritised for vulnerable groups facing health challenges related to diabetes and obesity,” he said during a recent question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat. National Formulary, ensuring that essential medicines for chronic diseases such as diabetes are subsidised, thus making quality treatment accessible to all, regardless of financial means. Dzulkefly stated that generic medicines approved by the ministry are on par in terms of efficacy and safety, having undergone rigorous bioequivalence testing and pharmacoeconomic assessments. burden of NCDs through an integrated approach, he said that over 1.36 million adults aged 18 and above nationwide have undergone health screenings under the National Health Screening Initiative and the PeKa B40 Health Care Scheme as of September, as an early detection measure for NCDs.

Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the move comes after continuous evaluations of the MOH Medicines Formulary, which is regularly updated by a panel of experts to ensure that all medicines are safe, effective and cost-efficient.

Dzulkefly said the MOH is also enhancing primary care services, including virtual consultations, with 163,975 sessions recorded as of July. – Bernama TAIPING NAMED MALAYSIA’S FIRST ANGELS REGION FOR EXCELLENCE IN STROKE CARE Taiping has been recognised as Malaysia’s first Angels Region, marking a milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to improve stroke care and patient outcomes. The Angels Region Award, presented by the Angels Initiative in collaboration with the World Stroke Organisation, celebrates the outstanding partnerships of hospitals, emergency services, local authorities and educators within the region for one mission: delivering better outcomes for stroke patients. The Angels Region certification was awarded to the Perak Health Department, in recognition of the coordination between Hospital Taiping, Larut Matang and Selama District Health Office, LMS District Education Office and Taiping Community Advancement Office. FIRMS COLLABORATE IN NATIONWIDE INFLUENZA AWARENESS PROGRAMME Abbott and Big Caring Group are in a three-year collaboration to promote influenza awareness across Malaysia. The Influenza Awareness Programme, running from this year to 2027, is designed to elevate public understanding of influenza and encourage proactive health management. This nationwide initiative improves community health outcomes through education, engagement and accessible healthcare information. Through a phased roll-out across urban and rural areas, the initiative will include Health Day influenza awareness sessions, corporate health outreach, travel fairs, school and university health awareness days. Influenza remains a pressing public health issue in Malaysia, often under-reported due to its similarity to common respiratory infections and often mistaken for the common cold. 0 Eat nutrient-dense meals Whole foods rich in calcium, protein, fibre and antioxidants support hormonal and gut health. Gut health is often overlooked but a balanced gut supports hormone regulation and nutrient absorption. 0 Reach for targeted support Supplements should not replace healthy habits but complement them. For women needing extra support, consider targeted options. 0 Stay connected and informed Join women’s health communities, talk to healthcare providers and normalise conversations about menopause. Knowledge reduces stigma and increases support. New chapter of confidence Menopause is not something to fear but a phase to understand and embrace. With the right knowledge, healthy habits and support, women can navigate this stage with strength and serenity. Menopause should be reframed as a stage of empowerment. With care and intention, women can thrive well into the next chapter of life. This article is contributed by MyGP Clinic general practitioner Dr Yvonne Guan and LAC Malaysia consultant nutritionist Cynthia Jetan.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (Kuala Pilah-BN) on the ministry’s efforts to review the

In response to Adnan’s original question regarding the ministry’s initiatives to reduce the

BR I E F S

Menopause should be reframed as a stage of empowerment. – 123RFPIC

Five myths about menopause that need to go Y OU notice your sleep changing, moods shifting or even your energy dipping – yet few talk about why. In Malaysia, menopause often remains surrounded by silence and stigma, leaving many women unsure of what to expect. check-ups help identify what is really happening. o Natural transition can be managed with lifestyle changes

balance and may even delay menopause by up to three years. As estrogen levels drop, metabolism shifts, but with balanced nutrition and regular movement, stability can be restored. Myth 5: Menopause marks end of womanhood Far from an ending, menopause can be the start of a new chapter, free from premenstrual syndrome, monthly discomforts and pregnancy. Menopause is not the end of femininity. It is a milestone that allows women to focus on health, self-care and renewed confidence. No woman should go through menopause in silence. Support is available through medical guidance, lifestyle changes and nutrition that helps the body adapt more smoothly. Five ways to ease menopause transition Women do not have to face menopause unprepared. Simple, consistent steps can make a difference. 0 Prioritise regular movement Exercise strengthens bones, improves mood and helps counter weight changes. Brisk walking, yoga or simple strength work are especially effective. 0 Create a sleep-friendly routine Limit caffeine and screens before bed. Good quality sleep helps balance hormones and regulate stress. Even simple steps such as dimming lights or herbal tea can help.

Menopause is not an illness but a natural transition every woman will go through. Each woman’s experience is unique. Some face hot flushes, others joint pain, digestive issues or disrupted sleep. Recognising these changes early makes it easier to manage them with confidence. Despite being a universal milestone, menopause remains widely misunderstood. Many women struggle in silence, believing discomfort is inevitable. This lack of open conversation allows myths and half-truths to spread, creating unnecessary fear around what can, with the right support, be a healthy and empowering stage of life. Many women do not realise how much lifestyle influences their menopause journey. Simple habits such as eating well, moving regularly and managing stress can make the body more resilient to hormonal changes. Here are five menopause myths Malaysian women can finally stop believing: Myth 1: Menopause happens overnight Menopause does not begin with a single missed period. It is a gradual process called perimenopause that can last for years before periods stop completely. During this time, hormonal fluctuations may cause irregular cycles, sleep changes or even digestive shifts. If your period suddenly stops, do not assume it is menopause. It could also be thyroid or other hormonal changes. Regular

Myth 2: Symptoms are same for everyone Hot flushes often take the spotlight, but local research tells a different story. A study of 1,800 working Malaysian women found joint pain was the most common, followed by sleep and digestive issues. No two women experience menopause the same way. That is why one-size-fits-all advice does not work. Lifestyle makes a big difference. If you have been active, eating well and managing stress, your body tends to adjust more smoothly. Myth 3: Hot flushes only happen during day Night sweats are just as common – sometimes even more disruptive. Poor sleep worsens fatigue, stress and mood changes. Stress plays a big role in how severe symptoms feel. When cortisol, the stress hormone, stays high, it can intensify hot flushes and disturb sleep. Simple habits such as journalling, evening walks or breathing exercises can make a real difference. Myth 4: Weight gain is inevitable Hormonal changes can slow metabolism, but weight gain is not guaranteed. Diets high in refined carbs such as white rice, noodles and pastries can worsen hormonal fluctuations. Meanwhile, meals rich in fish, beans and legumes, which are similar to a Mediterranean-style diet, support hormonal