The ISAW journal
Practical reads for everyday wellbeing, home monitoring and life in Malaysia.
Latest from ISAW
Health & wellbeingHaemoglobin is an iron-rich protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to body cells. It is like a delivery system, but oxygen delivery also needs the...
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Health & wellbeingCholesterol is found in every cell and helps the body make hormones, vitamin D and substances that help digest food. Too much cholesterol in the blood can form plaque that...
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Health & wellbeingUric acid is a normal waste product made when the body breaks down purines from old cells and some foods and drinks. It travels in the blood and usually leaves...
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Health & wellbeingThe pancreas sends digestive juice to the small intestine to help break down food. It also makes insulin and glucagon, hormones with opposite effects on blood sugar.
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Health & wellbeingFibre is a natural part of plant foods such as beans, vegetables and whole grains. Most fibre is not fully broken down, so it adds bulk and can help you...
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Health & wellbeingKidneys filter blood and remove wastes and extra water, which become urine. They return most of the water and useful substances the body still needs. They also make hormones that...
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Health & wellbeingFood starts its journey in the mouth, where chewing begins to break it down. The stomach mixes food with digestive juices, but the small intestine absorbs most nutrients and water.
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Health & wellbeingA haemoglobin result can flag useful information, but it cannot by itself confirm whether someone carries thalassaemia trait.
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Health & wellbeingBuild a balanced shared dinner with lower-purine choices, moderate protein portions and unsweetened drinks.
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Health & wellbeingA blood glucose result is useful, but a quick daily foot check helps you notice changes that a meter cannot show.
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Health & wellbeingEnjoy tea or coffee, but keep them separate from iron-focused meals where practical.
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Health & wellbeingA total cholesterol number is useful, but a full lipid profile and your wider cardiovascular risk provide more context.
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Health & wellbeingPractical everyday habits for using headphones and personal audio devices more safely.
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Health & wellbeingMake this straightforward vegetable soup for a warming weeknight meal, with ideas for serving and storing leftovers.
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Health & wellbeingA practical checklist for creating a more workable home or hybrid setup, with routines and boundaries that may support focus.
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Health & wellbeingSodium can come from more than table salt, so small everyday choices can help you notice where it appears in your meals and snacks.
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Health & wellbeingA practical five-step checklist for handling, cooking and storing food more safely at home.
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Health & wellbeingFruit juice can contribute to 5 A Day, but whole fruit remains a useful everyday choice.
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Health & wellbeingPractical ways to combine sunscreen, shade and clothing during everyday time outdoors in Malaysia.
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Health & wellbeingMake an approachable vegetable jalfrezi with brown rice, chickpeas and a simple yoghurt topping.
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