The HEALTH : Jan/Feb 2020 | Page 5

jan/Feb, 2020 | The HealTH News Focus Point launches launhces new concept store, i-Focus at Midvalley F oCuS point Vision Care Group Sdn Bhd launched i-Focus, a new concept store in mid Valley megamall. i-Focus has collaborated with Johnson & Johnson Vision to introduce the first aCuVuE® Experience Centre in malaysia. This setup enhances the conventional contact lens industry with interactive tools to help consumer identify the contact lens that is most suited for them. “i-Focus, the first ever optical centre in malaysia that you can be sure you’re getting the most comprehensive eye examination at no cost. We invite people to adopt easy steps to check and correct vision early and throughout life, and to adopt good habits in better managing their own eye health,” said Dato’ Liaw Choon Liang, president and CEo of Focus point holdings Berhad. In addition, the myLook application by aCuVuE® DEFINE® allows customers to try on different beauty lenses virtually. Custom- ers can also set personalised makeups to experiment with the different variants of aCuVuE® DEFINE® lenses. Since 2016, Johnson & Johnson Vision has partnered with the association of malaysian optometrists (amo) to develop and implement guidelines according to national standards on eye health with the intention of raising overall eye health standards in malaysia. “We have always prioritised eye health and consumer awareness for many years. With this first ever aCuVuE® Experience Centre in malaysia, we are able to connect and engage with our consumers even better. With new technology like aCuVuE® DEFINE® Virtual mirror, consumers are able to understand what lens suits best for their lifestyle. They will also be educated on eye health through this program,” explains Zoey Lam, the National Sales manager of Johnson & John- son Vision Care. “It is an honour and privilege for Johnson & Johnson’s aCuVuE® to be the official part- ner for the very first i-Focus concept store,” stated Chin Keat Chyuan, managing Director one J&J malaysia. Focus point is recognised by malaysia Book of records as the largest optical retail chain store in malaysia and also the first and only optical retail chain store to be listed in Bursa malaysia. — The Health From left: aCUVUe team, Dato’ liaw Choon liang, President and CeO of Focus Point Holdings Berhad and Chin Keat Chyuan, Managing Director One J&J Malaysia at the newly launched i-Focus concept store in Mid Valley. Go for smoke-free nation THE public has been urged to voice out their rights to have a smoke-free environment by reprimanding the smokers politely. health minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly ahmad said the move would help the gov- ernment create a healthy community and a harmonious environment. “In malaysia, about 80 per cent of the pop- ulation are non-smokers but they are exposed to secondhand smoke. So the voices of those from this group is important because they can help reduce the harmful effects of cigarette smoke, which has caused an estimated 20,000 deaths a year,” he said after launching the ‘Speak out: Express Your right’ campaign. The campaign will run for five years. Dzulkefly also called on the people to culti- vate the culture of reprimanding smokers in a polite and respectful manner, so the right message goes across and accepted by smokers. as of yesterday, a total of 2,617 compound Briefs Influenza a outbreak under control THE Influenza A outbreak in Butterworth that affected 19 students has been contained, said Penang health executive councillor Dr Afif Bahardin. He also explained that the Influenza A virus was endemic in Penang so infections were not abnormal in the state and should not be cause for alarm. “Only that there is a flare up where a total 19 students were infected and the state health department had advised the school to close the premises for disinfection to contain the spread of the disease,” he said in a press conference. He advised the public to get vaccinated for influenza and urged parents to be more alert as children are more susceptible to health complications resulting from the virus. On Dec 7, SJK (C) Li Hwa closed two Year Two classes after 19 students from the classes were found to have been infected with Influenza A. Penang Education Department director Abdul Rashid Abdul Samad said the classes will be closed until January 18. “Disinfection of the classes will be conducted from today until January 11. All teachers and students with flu and cough symptoms have been advised to wear masks,” he expressed. Separately, the Education Ministry said it was monitoring all schools for other possible outbreaks in cooperation with the Health Ministry. lifting the spirits of dialysis patients Datuk seri Dr Dzulkefly ahmad calls for the public to voice out their rights to have a smoke-free environment at the ‘speak Out: express Your Right’ campaign at Kl sentral recently. notices have been issued at 35,979 eateries inspected since the smoking ban was enforced on Jan 1. of the total, 1,911 notices were issued for smoking offences, 466 for premises that failed to display the no-smoking sign, 104 for premises that provided smoking facilities to their patrons and 136 for under-age persons caught smoking or possessing the substance. — The Health conceptions as well as improve the awareness of clinical trials among malaysians. Through its corporatised entity, Clinical research malay- sia (Crm), the I am aWarE photography Series collections were developed to raise the profile of clinical trials among patients and the general public in the country. The photography Series launched by the Secretary Gen- eral of the ministry of health, Dato Seri Dr Chen Chaw min, on behalf of the hea lth minister, features a photo collection of real-life patients that have participated in a clinical trial. It portrays the different stages of a clinical trial patient’s life, sharing their experience before and after participation. “malaysia is an ideal clinical trial site because it has an adequate and efficient healthcare system with a strong pool of highly qualified medical professionals, consistent start- up timeline, competitive trial cost and strong commitment 05 from the moh that maintains the quality and integrity of clinical trials in our country. “I hope that with this initiative, more malaysians will understand the innovative treatments brought about by clinical trials and can make better informed decisions”, said Dr Chen during the launching of the ceremony. In order to reach wider audiences at the national level, mobile exhibition roadshows as well as instilling awareness through this photography series collection will be touring the country at major public and private hospitals from next year onwards to engage with patients. The photography series, comprising of stand-alone panels and booklets, showcases the core part of clinical trial which is the unsung heroes that have contributed to research that may improve medical treatments and advance medical science. — The Health I IN conjunction with the festival of giving, financially- challenged dialysis patients were greeted by the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) team in a heart-warming Christmas celebration to spread the joy of the festive season at NKF’s Charis Dialysis Centre recently. It was attended by 130 people including patients, volunteers, church members and NKF’s staff. Patients were entertained throughout the event with a myriad of fun activities by the NKF team and church members. The event started off with a jolly Christmas carol session by the Chinese Teen Force of Charis Christian Centre where everyone chanted and hummed along during the session. A dance performance presented by the senior church members was also one of the event highlights. “As a non-profit charitable organisation, the wellbeing of patients is of paramount importance to us. It has been a rewarding event for NKF as every smile made is something that fuels us to strive further to improve the lives of these patients,” said Chua Hong Wee, CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia. A light-hearted skit was presented by the church members followed by a short motivational talk by Mr. S. Oliver Subindran from the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) who happened to be a dialysis patient himself for the past 23 years. He casually enlightened patients and their caregivers on eating right for chronic kidney disease (CKD). To further add to the merriment, patients were given goodie bags consisting of a limited edition thermal tumbler, hand sanitiser, soap and wet wipes specially prepared by the NKF team. To culminate the event, a token was presented by Mr Chua to Pastor Lawrence, Senior Pastor of Charis Christian Centre as an appreciation for the long standing partnership since 1997. — The Health