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Many people do not realise that the hepatitis virus can cause chronic liver disease and even lead to liver cancer. This World Hepatitis Day, Dr Chua Siew Houy highlights what Malaysians need to know to break the chain of infection. When it comes to one’s health and prevention of disease, few people think of protecting their liver because – let’s face it – many people do not even know what this essential organ does. Dr Chua Siew Houy It may therefore come as a surprise to learn that the liver is both an organ and a gland, performing a wide range of functions to keep the body healthy. For example, it helps to clean toxins from blood and stores glycogen for energy. It also produces bile, which helps to break down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. [1] However, these important functions can be threatened by the hepatitis virus, of which there are five – hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Any of these can cause the liver to become inflamed. “Hepatitis A and E are usually spread when people consu...

With autism rates rising in Malaysia, more understanding is important to educate, understand and support these individuals so that they can lead fulfilling lives. In conjunction with World Autism Awareness Day, Dr Chow Suet Yin, Family Medicine Specialist, explains. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or simply autism, is often misunderstood and mistaken as a learning disorder. Instead, it is a neurodevelopmental disability which can range from mild to severe, and this year, World Autism Awareness Day shines a spotlight on this condition, with the theme “Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Awareness, Acceptance, Appreciation".[1] This theme is particularly moving as children with ASD often face stigma and are easily marginalised. As local data indicates a significant increase, with 589 children diagnosed in 2021 compared to only 99 in 2010[2], it is important that Malaysians learn more about this condition. ‘Autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months and parents’ first concern is of...