HEALTHY BONES
THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 JULY 2022
Enjoy personalised massages at home
IF you are trying to find the best way to
show your parents your appreciation and
gratitude, Gintell is here with the answer.
Introducing the new Gintell S5
SuperChAiR, a massage chair that can be the
best companion to your parents while giving
them the greatest comfort at home.
Built with an Ai-R 3D Virtual Hand
Massage Technology with its adjustable
12cm protrusion feature, Gintell S5
SuperChAiR provides your parents with the
most comfortable massages. Gintell S5
SuperChAiR has state-of-the-art built-in AI-Vi
Tec Massage Hands that can be utilised with
seven auto massage programmes, including
“Kneading”, “Push Tapping” and “Grasp”.
Personalise your parents’ massage with the
voice control feature and feel the S5 change
its massage pattern at each command.
The Gintell S5 SuperChAiR can help
strengthen bone density too. A massage
chair provides a form of mechanical
stimulation that can help strengthen bones.
This is thought to be due to the fact that
massage chairs help stimulate the
production of osteoblast, cells that play a key
role in bone formation.
The Gintell S5 SuperChAiR also has the
most advanced ‘Shiatsu Stretching’ feature
that can provide full body and knee traction,
which can in turn improve your joint
flexibility. It can also relieve knee tension
and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
Check out the latest S5 SuperChAiR at your nearest Gintell showroom now.
Other than that, the Gintell S5 SuperChAiR
has an inbuilt 4D Foot Guasa feature that
guarantees a reflexology massage coverage
that enhances your metabolism rates
while providing good blood circulation
to your body.
If your parents often complain about
frequent joint pain problems, then the
Gintell S5 SuperChAiR may just be the right
solution for them.
With the Gintell S5 SuperChAiR, your
parents get to enjoy up to 15 different health
and massage programmes that have been
pre-set in the massage chair. This includes
a heat therapy programme that is
especially beneficial for the back and calf
areas, allowing for a whole new level of
enjoyment. It helps enhance blood
circulation as well as promote better
body metabolism.
Together with 3D Bluetooth surround
sound, you can play your parents’ favourite
tunes while they enjoy their massage.
You can always count on the Gintell S5
SuperChAiR massage chair to bring the
magic of wellness to your parents and into
your own home.
Gintell was established in 1996 and it
has expanded its business and distribution
network with more than 100 outlets
throughout the country. Gintell was
awarded by The Malaysia Book of Records
for The Largest Healthcare Products Chain.
Recently, Gintell was also recognised for
selling the most massage chairs and
treadmills last year despite the pandemic.
Gintell continues to promote Health, Love,
Life to everyone, with continuous
improvement and upgrades in its products
and services. All electronic products
under the Gintell brand are Sirim certified.
n For more information, call customer
service at 03-6277 9333, visit the nearest
Gintell showroom or visit www.gintell.com.
2 Healthy Bones THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 JULY 2022

Providing quality protein and

nutrients for the whole family
BESIDES water, protein is the
second most abundant organic
molecule in the body as an
average human body comprises
15-18% of protein.(1)
Protein is found throughout the
body – in muscle, skin, hair,
antibodies, hormones, enzymes
and virtually every other part of
body tissue.(2) Protein is made up of
amino acids which are the initial
materials for protein synthesis and
constituents of tissue. As protein
can’t be stored in the body, it is
crucial to replenish the protein
supply daily to keep the body
functioning normally and maintain
good health.
Why is protein
important for all ages?
l Children – Promotes growth
and development of muscles,
height and brain cells.
l Adults – Builds body strength
as well as physical and mental
health.(3),(4)
l Elderly – Maintains muscle
mass for optimal body strength
and mobility.(5),(6)
Combining nutrients
works better
According to several studies,
people who meet daily protein
requirements maintain better
bone health than those who do
not achieve recommended daily
protein intake.
Protein not only stimulates
muscle protein synthesis but also
enhances calcium metabolism.
A combination of protein with
calcium and other bone nutrients,
such as magnesium, vitamin D3
and vitamin K2 helps provide
higher integrity and density to
your muscles and bones when
compared with taking protein or
calcium supplementation alone.(7)
Magnesium, vitamins D3 and K2
can significantly improve bone
health as magnesium and vitamin
D3 enhance the absorption and
utilisation of calcium while vitamin
K2 helps to improve bone density,
prevent heart disease and arterial
calcification by directing calcium
to the bones and teeth and keeping
the calcium away from the
arteries.(8),(9)
Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS is an
improved formula with a unique
blend of plant protein and
digestive fibre, fortified with bone
health nutrients such as calcium,
magnesium and vitamins D3 and
K2. It contains no added sugar and
is low in fat, cholesterol-free and
lactose-free. It is suitable for all
ages as well as vegans as the
ingredients in Biogrow HPF-5 PLUS
Did you know?
Arterial calcification is the
gradual and progressive
process of hardening of
arteries due to calcium
deposits over time. This
results in a reduction of
arterial elasticity and an
increased risk of developing
cardiovascular disease.
are not derived from animal
sources. One scoop of Biogrow
HPF-5 PLUS (≈16g) daily can
provide:
l ≥61% of plant protein (non-
genetically modified organism soy
and pea proteins) complete with all
nine essential amino acids for
protein synthesis
l A synergistic effe.ct with
magnesium and vitamins D3 and
K2 for better absorption, retention,
utilisation and deposition of
calcium.
l ≥18% of digestive fibre
(wheat resistant dextrin) to
regulate bowel movement,
especially for people with a
tendency of constipation.
References:
Di Pasquale M.G., 2008. Amino
(1)
Acids and Proteins for the Athlete:
Biogrow HPF-5
PLUS is an
improved formula
with a unique
blend of plant
protein and
digestive fibre,
fortified with
bone health
nutrients.
The Anabolic Edge.p.3 (6)
Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 May;
(2)
Havard T.H.Chan, 2018. The 87(5): 1567S-1570S
Nutrition Source – Protein. (7)
Lister et al., 2007. Current
(3)
Anne et. al., 2017. Amount, topics in nutraceutical research, 5,
Distribution, and Quality of Protein 67-82.
Intake Are Not Associated with (8)
Ballegooijen AJV, et al. Int J
Muscle Mass, Strength, Powder in Endocrinol. 2017. Volume 2017.
Healthy Old Adults without 1-12. doi: 10. 1155/2017/7454376
Functional Limitations – An enable (9)
Alternative Medicine Review,
Study. 2010; Volume 15, (3): 199-222
(4)
Agnieszka et al., 2016.
Inappropriate nutrients intake is This article is provided by
associated with lower functional Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
status and inferior quality of life in
older adults with depression. 11: n For more information, call
1505-1517. 03-7956 2220 (Mondays to Fridays,
(5)
J Am Coll Nutr. 2005 Dec; 24(6 9am to 5pm) or email info@
Suppl): 526S-36S biogrow.com.my.

Maintaining control
of your bone health
OLD age brings with it a mountain of
problems, and you’ll find osteoporosis a
common one shared by many seniors.
Meaning “porous bone”, osteoporosis is a
silent disease that weakens bone density and
quality. Osteoporosis is characterised by an
unusually porous bone structure and
commonly affects the elderly, increasing the
risk of fractures. If your elderly relatives (or if
you are 50 or older) suffer from a fracture, it’s
best to get it checked by a doctor at the
soonest as osteoporosis may exacerbate the
fracture’s severity and impede its recovery.
If you or your loved one has been
diagnosed with osteoporosis, fret not. There
are ways to slow its progress and retain your
bone mass, such as a healthy diet and plenty
of exercises.
Before you begin any exercise regime, it’s
advisable to discuss with your doctor or
healthcare provider the types of exercises you
can and cannot do and consult them on ways
to avoid injuries such as sprains or bone
fractures. There are certain factors that need
to be considered during this process, such as:
l The severity of your osteoporosis
l Your age and physical ability
l Other medical conditions you may have
There are two main types of exercises that
people with osteoporosis can benefit from,
weight-bearing exercises and
muscle-strengthening exercises.
Weight-bearing exercises help strengthen
bones. Some examples include:
l Walking
l Hiking
l Running
l Stair-climbing
These types of exercises strengthen bones
and muscles, in addition to boosting
metabolism and aiding in weight loss. A
> TURN TO PAGE 4

In addition to
reducing bone
loss and
conserving the
remaining bone
tissue, exercise
improves your
mood, muscle
strength and
balance.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 JULY 2022
Keeping your bones strong as you age
BONES are an important organ
in our body with many
functions. Their role includes
providing structure, protecting
internal organs, anchoring
muscles and storing calcium.
They also facilitate movement
and are important for blood cell
formation. Therefore,
maintaining bone health is
important for everyone.
Normal bone metabolism is
the complex sequence of bone
turnover and bone formation.
The bones are continuously
changing where the old bones
are broken down and replaced
by new bones.
Dr Ruzaimi Md Yusoff,
consultant orthopaedic surgeon
at MSU Medical Centre, says,
“Most people reach their peak
bone mass around the age of 30.
After that, bone remodelling
continues, but you lose slightly
more bone mass than you gain
because of a decrease in
osteoblast (bone formation)
activity.
“That is why it is important to
have as much bone mass as
possible by the age of 30. The
higher the peak of bone mass,
the less likely for us to develop
osteoporosis at a younger age.”
The following are the risk
factors that can affect bone
health, divided into modifiable
and non-modifiable factors.
Modifiable risk factors are:
l Diet – A low calcium intake
will cause low bone density and
will lead to early bone loss,
causing a higher risk of
fractures.
l Physical activity – Not
exercising and not being active
for long periods of time can
increase the chances of getting
osteoporosis.
l Body weight – Maintaining
ideal body weight is important
for bone health as extremely
thin and underweight
individuals usually have lesser
bone mass, making it easy to
break.
l Smoking – Research
suggests that tobacco will
increase the risk of osteoporosis.
l Alcohol – People who
consume a lot of alcohol are
more likely to get osteoporosis.
l Medicine – Prolonged
usage of corticosteroid
medications such as cortisone,
prednisolone and
dexamethasone can be
damaging to the bone.
Non-modifiable risk factors
are:
l Age – Advanced age causes
Differences between a normal bone and a bone with osteoporosis.
Healthy Bones 3
loss. Last but not least, avoidance It can also tell you your risks of
of smoking and limiting alcohol breaking a bone. Bone density tests
“It’s important intake will help to delay the
occurrence of osteoporosis.
are quick, safe and painless.
There are medicines to help
to seek medical Despite not having many
outward symptoms of having
prevent and treat osteoporosis.
These include bisphosphonates,
attention for any unhealthy bones, there are some oestrogen agonists/antagonists,
type of bone pain,
signs of osteoporosis that we calcitonin, parathyroid hormone,
should look out for: oestrogen therapy and hormone
especially if the l Receding gums
l Chipped or brittle nails
therapy.
Doctors may prescribe
pain is severe, or l Weakened grip
l Fractured bones
medication if your bone density
test shows that your bones are
persistent.” It’s important to seek medical
weak and have a higher risk of
osteoporotic fracture in the future.
attention for any type of bone pain, Strategies to optimise your bone
especially if the pain is severe or health and strength:
and cereals, are good sources of persistent. Since osteoporosis does l Consume a diet rich in calcium
Dr Ruzaimi Md Yusoff. vitamin D. Sunlight also contributes not have any symptoms until a l Ensure proper vitamin D
to the body’s production of vitamin bone breaks, it is important to talk intake (a supplement may be
thinning and weakening of the D. Vitamin D supplements may also to your doctor about your bone required)
bone. be prescribed if indicated. health. If your doctor feels that you l Engage in 30 minutes of daily
l Gender – Women have a Physical activities, especially are at risk for osteoporosis, he may weight-bearing exercises (e.g.,
greater risk of osteoporosis as weight-bearing exercises, such as order a bone density test. A bone power walking, dancing or lifting
they have less bone tissue than walking, jogging and climbing density test measures the density weights)
men. Women also lose bone stairs, can help to build strong of your bones and assesses l Avoid smoking
faster than men because of bones and slow the process of bone whether you have osteoporosis. l Limit alcohol intake
hormonal changes that occur
after menopause.
l Ethnicity – Caucasian and
Asian women are more prone to
osteoporosis.
l Family history – A strong
family history of osteoporosis
predisposes an individual to
develop osteoporosis at an earlier
age.
Maintaining bone health is
important to prevent or slow
down the process of bone loss.
Dietary calcium intake is
extremely important.
The recommended dietary
allowance (RDA) of calcium for
females aged 19 to 50 and males
aged 51 to 70 is 1,000mg per day.
The recommendation increases
to 1,200mg a day for women aged
51 and older and for men aged 71
and older.
Good sources of calcium
include dairy products, almonds,
broccoli, kale, canned salmon
with bones, sardines and soy
products such as tofu. Calcium
supplements may also be
prescribed by a doctor if dietary
calcium intake is less than the
requirement.
Gintell
Adequate vitamin D intake
is important for calcium
absorption. For adults aged 19 to
70, the RDA of vitamin D is 600
24cm x 5col
international units (IUs) a day.
The recommendation increases
to 800 IUs a day for adults aged
71 and older.
Good sources of vitamin D
include oily fish such as salmon,
trout, whitefish and tuna.
Additionally, mushrooms, eggs
and fortified foods, such as milk
4 Healthy Bones THE STAR, TUESDAY 12 JULY 2022

Relief for backache

SINCE young, we were taught
the basic skills to take care of
our health. We have learnt the
importance of brushing our teeth,
Jujubae). These ingredients have
been traditionally used for many
years to relieve pain as well as to “We have learnt
the importance
strengthen our body’s health.

exercising and consuming our
daily fruits and vegetables. Poor
lifestyle habits such as improper
body posture, lack of exercise
and smoking can lead to backache
problems.
Shine Elgucare is a natural
supplement formulated with
traditional Chinese medicine
ingredients such as Red Sage (Radix
Saliva Miltiorrhizae), Chinese
Liquorice (Radix Glycyrrhiza) and
Chinese Date (Fructus Ziziphi
Shine Elgucare combines these
essential Chinese medicine
ingredients to traditionally relieve
backache and improve overall
health.
Recommended for senior
citizens and individuals with sports
injury, Shine Elgucare offers an
alternative for everyone suffering
from backache to have better
improvement. For better results,
complement your intake with daily
exercise that is good for health
Weight-bearing exercises
of brushing our
teeth, exercising
can help to strengthen bones
and consuming
our daily fruits > FROM PAGE 2 category, swimming may be
preferable for some osteoporosis
and vegetables. metabolism and aiding in weight
loss. A short jog through the park
patients, as they are at less risk of
bone fractures in the pool.
Poor lifestyle or a weekly session of tai chi
(which is a weight-bearing exercise
Just as important is to take note
of the types of exercise you should
habits such as too) can help keep you spry and
your bones strengthened.
not do. Refrain from doing
exercises that:
improper body However, if you’ve broken a l Require sharp or forceful

posture, lack
bone before or are at risk of twisting motions
breaking one, you can try safer l Pose the risk of falling

of exercise and alternatives, such as:

l Fast walking on a treadmill
l Require flexing the spine too
much (such as sit-ups)

smoking can l Using stair-step machines

l Doing low-impact aerobics
l Include jumping

lead to backache Muscle-strengthening exercises,

problems.”
such as swimming.
This article is brought to you by
Y.S.P Industries (M) Sdn Bhd.
n For more product information,
call the customer hotline at 1800
883 679 (Mondays to Fridays).
MAL18066021TC This is a traditional product
advertisement.
Recommended for senior citizens and individuals with sports injuries, Shine
Elgucare offers an alternative to everyone suffering from backache to have KKLIU No.0007/2021
better improvement. KKLIU EXP: 31/12/2023
also known as resistance exercises,
include:
l Lifting weights
l Lifting your own body weight
l Yoga
l Pilates
It’s worth noting that some
positions of yoga and Pilates may
be unsafe for people with
osteoporosis, so do consult a
physical therapist or healthcare
provider for additional advice.
Additional exercises you’d
benefit from would be swimming
and water exercises. While they
don’t strictly fall into either
These exercises increase the
strain on your weakened bones
and spine, making them more
prone to fracturing and spinal
injury. For additional information
and advice, do seek your doctor,
physiologist or other healthcare
providers.
In addition to reducing bone loss
and conserving the remaining
bone tissue, exercise improves
your mood, muscle strength,
physical fitness and balance.
Once you and your doctor have
chosen the best exercise plan for
you, go ahead and begin but keep
in mind to remain safe while
exercising and listen to your body
if it gets too worn out.