Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken by Hao Yi Kang

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A very common question that many people like to ask me, “How do you juggle working full-time and being a mother of two young children?” Truth be told, there are days when I get super lethargic and moody. I am no superwoman after all. Over the past month, I have been consuming Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken which Hao Yi Kang is an exclusive distributor of, and I am able to feel the positive effects it has on me.

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I may not be an expert at tasting chicken essence but having consumed a particular brand’s dark colored essence of chicken in glass bottles over the years, my first taste of Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken immediately won me over. The delicious flavor is derived from using 2nd generation hens that are at least 12 months old and boiled together with premium pork ribs for 8 hours. Premium pork ribs enhance the collagen content and add different layers of taste.

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Traditional slow-boiling method incorporating advanced hydration technology is used, while small amount of water is added as a medium to help to fully extract the micro molecular and macro molecular nutrients from the ingredients during the extraction process. Nutritional tests have found that the level of protein is higher in chicken essence prepared by the slow-boiling method.

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I like that Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken is packaged in a 4-layered opaque sachet exclusively imported from Japan. Similar to baby bottles, the inner packaging material is tested with no plasticizer and heavy metal residue thus making it very safe for our consumption. I choose the most convenient way of consuming Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken, which is by submerging the sachet in a bowl of hot water for a couple of minutes, and then drinking it straight from the sachet after tearing it open. The sachets are also flat, making it very easy for me to carry one to work every morning.

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Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken is rich in protein, amino acids & collagen, contains 18 types of amino acids and is 100% natural (No preservative, no additives, no antibiotics, no plasticizer, no heavy metal residue, zero fats & cholesterol). The taste is also very natural, in fact, it tastes like very delicious and rich chicken soup! I can also feel the sticky texture on my lips, which is proof that there is collagen in Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken. The best time to consume this is in the morning, before breakfast. I feel alert throughout the day, and also don’t seem to keep forgetting things.

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Voted 2018 Best Chicken Essence by Mummys Market Singapore, Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken is best for pregnant women as it helps in the growth of the baby, repair cells and tissues in the body and provides fetal support. Post-natal, it aids in wound healing and also boost milk supply. As Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken has a very high protein content, it is suitable for daily nourishment and also supplementation during recuperation. I would highly recommend it to students, working adults and the elderly for boosting immune system and combating fatigue. With a shelf life of 18 months after manufacturing without preservatives, Lao Xie Zhen Premium Boiled Essence of Chicken makes a very meaningful gift for the people you truly care for.

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In proud partnership with Taipei’s 55th Golden Horse Award Ceremony, limited sets of Golden Horse Chicken Essence gift sets (7 packs) are available here at a discount! Be sure to grab some!

Why Parents Need to Take a Break Every Once in a While

It’s called self-care, and a lot of parents either don’t know what it is, or believe they don’t need it. There are a lot of ways to define self-care but basically, this is the act of simply caring for one’s health and well-being. Many people see self-care as a selfish act, but taking a few minutes or hours off from parenting can do a lot for mothers and fathers. You will be amazed at how just a few minutes of “logging off” from parent duties can give you much-needed energy to do your chores at home with less stress and a better attitude.

Aimee Danielson of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is director of the Women’s Mental Health Program. She says that there is indeed very little time for parents to have fun and relax given their day-to-day responsibilities, and this can cause burnout. While one would think that not taking a day off makes him or her a better parent, this apparently is quite the opposite. Without allocating time off from work and chores at home, you will likely be unable to appreciate the joys of parenthood. You will be so tired and stressed all the time that everything will just seem to be about completing tasks.

You might be thinking, “What do I do?” Well, many of us are asking the same question! Since we are used to only taking care of our kids and spouse, we eventually forget the things that we actually want for ourselves. If you have no idea what you can do during your time off, here are a few suggestions.

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Sleep!

When was the last time you had a full eight hours of sleep? It has probably been quite a while, huh? Well, this is your chance to get recharged! Whether you have an hour, two, or the whole day for yourself or your spouse, sleeping is a great way to spend it. You’ve earned it and you need it. If you have the whole day off, go to a nice hotel nearby and get a massage before you sleep. That will make you sleep much better and feel more relaxed when you wake up.

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Start a New Hobby

Do something you love for a change! Even adults can have fun, too. Go get a gym membership, enrol in a dance class, or sign up for an art workshop. If your schedule is too hectic and you can only spare an hour or less a few days every week, you can start a new hobby you can easily do at home like sketching, gardening, playing online games, or doing yoga. With the internet, you can learn to do almost anything from online references and YouTube. A quick online search will reveal that you can play online games without having to pay for them. There are a lot of activities that you can also do virtually, like slot machines, and not only do these online options offer convenience and time efficiency, they also offer a lot of incentives.

Go Out and Get Some Sunshine

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Sometimes all we need is a little bit of sunshine. Try allocating at least 15 minutes of alone time outside every day to just walk, or jog. If you have the time, go out to the park or go camping over the weekend, getting out there under the sun will do your body and soul a hell of a lot of good. You will notice that your mood will improve and you will even be able to sleep more soundly. Just be sure to go out before ten in the morning or after four in the afternoon as the hours in between are when the ultraviolet rays are at their highest level.

It is essential for parents to make time for themselves if they want to be able to spend better quality time with their family. You can ask a family member, close friend, or hire a babysitter to look after your kids for a few hours or a day so that you can unwind and do the things you want. If this is not possible, you can take turns with your spouse on getting an hour or two to simply rest and do something to make you feel good and get back to your role with a smile. You will be surprised at how just a couple of hours can completely change the way you handle things at home.

5 Common Excuses for Not Getting a Mammogram

Breast Cancer Awareness

Growing up, I was blessed to be raised in an environment filled with strong women. My mom, sister, aunts, and cousins – they give meaning to the phrase ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’.

But the unfortunate truth remains that breast cancer continues to take the lives of many women here in Singapore. And the number increases with each year.

These women were someone’s mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and niece, and so on. They probably meant the world to someone.

We hear about breast cancer so much – in the news, on TV, even in Korean dramas! – but how many of us are actually concerned about it?

You know the answer.

Many of us take it for granted that we will never be that ‘unlucky’ one. In fact, we don’t even think for a minute that there might be a minute chance we’d end up with breast cancer. So we take it lightly, even as it goes around claiming the lives of our fellowmen.

Breast cancer is a real concern and we can do something about it.

As with most medical conditions, early diagnosis and treatment can allow infected women to lead normal, healthy lives. So it is with good reason that we should encourage our loved female family and friends. Women above the age of 40 are advised to go for screenings regularly. And by regularly, I mean once a year for those aged 40 and above, and twice a year for those aged 50 and above.

The most effective detection method of breast cancer is mammograms – an X-ray examination of the breasts. Courtesy of my mom, I now know that mammogram is a painful and uncomfortable process for most women but it is one worth the awkwardness! Because when cancer is detected early enough, chances are it is smaller and confined to one area.

This means there is a higher chance of cure and more available treatment options to choose from (if required). There is also lesser chance for the need to undergo chemotherapy (no hair loss!) and removal of the breast(s).

But the harsh truth is many of us are guilty of delaying detection. Correction: Many of us don’t even schedule an appointment with a gynaecologist! We make up excuses all the time!

I am way too busy

No, you are never too busy for your own health! A mammogram only takes about 3 to 5 minutes and the entire session can be over in an hour. Besides, the service is highly available islandwide so enquire at the nearest clinic.

Mammograms are too painful

Do you avoid a flu vaccination just because injections sting like a bee? Nope!

Not many women find mammograms painful, though some may experience some sort of discomfort. Even if you do feel some pain, be rest assured that it is temporary.

Look at the bigger picture: That momentary discomfort or pain will eventually benefit you in the long run!

I feel good and healthy

No one expects themselves to be infected by cancer but breast cancer is known to befall women who lead seemingly healthy lives. So you think you’re healthy? Well, think again.

I don’t have any symptoms

Breast cancer often occurs with no obvious symptoms at all. If you wait till symptoms start showing before going for screening, you are sabotaging your opportunities of detecting cancer early.

I am afraid. What if I do have breast cancer?

I can’t tell you not to be afraid because finding out you have cancer is surely scary, but take heart that you’re discovering it early and securing your chances for recovery! Don’t let cancer tear down your life.

Late detection and treatment of breast cancer would give the cancer cells time to spread to other parts of the body. By that stage, treatment becomes more difficult and there are also lesser treatment options available. (You should also know that by this point, the chances of surviving the next 5 years become significantly lower.)

Now, that definitely doesn’t sound like good news.

If you know of someone who should go for a mammogram, encourage her to go for it. Go with her if possible. The support she gets during a mammogram scan works magic to comfort her during the entire process.

Or if you fit the bill yourself, you already know what to do.

For a first-timer, to ease your anxieties, find out what you can expect during a mammogram.

Combat Hair Loss with Plantur 21 Plus Giveaway!

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Have you wondered why hair is so important to women? Our hair is like an extension of ourselves which gives us our identities, and I would even like to go as far to say that our hair can also give away our age! I’m sure everyone has uttered the words ‘bad hair day’ at some point in their lives, and on a day like this, everything just seem to go downhill.

Yes! Our hair is that important to us! In the “Hair Does Matter” survey conducted in May 2015 initiated by Dr Wolff and carried out by Nielsen in Singapore, the results showed that as many as 90% of Singaporean women agreed that their self-confidence is affected by hair loss, and among those suffering from hair loss, 1 in 2 felt depressed because of it.

I didn’t take part in this survey but the results totally resonate with me. I know because I suffered from slight postpartum depression after giving birth, due to a myriad of reasons such as having to adapt to new additions in the family, and of course hair loss! Imagine having to scoop up a ton of hair after stepping out of the shower! Depressing much?! In fact, most women suffer from hair loss after giving birth due to stress and hormonal changes. From my point of view, it is also a vicious cycle! Stress causes hair loss, and hair loss causes stress! Even though this is a normal phase that most mothers go through, weak hair roots can also prolong or worsen the problem, which can ultimately prove to be a challenge. If you think that hair loss only affects older women, you are so wrong! Hair loss can affect younger women too! Premature hair loss can be triggered by mental or physical stress, and nutrient deficit due to poor diet.

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Of course, I did a simple research online and a few articles suggest that scalp massage and other home remedies such as making a hair mask using eggs and olive oil are some of the methods that can be used to combat hair loss. However, are they really as effective as they claim to be or are these just old wives’ tales? I want something that has been proven to be effective because at the rate that my hair is falling, I’m going to turn bald in no time! *GASP*

It is often overlooked that hair loss problems must be directly tackled at the hair root. Interestingly, Dr Wolff Research found that CAFFEINE is effective in preventing hair loss! I’m not asking you to go grab a cup of coffee right now, watch this short video and you will know why!

Caffeine is a key ingredient that helps to combat poor hair growth and premature hair loss when it is directly applied to the hair roots! Dr Wolff have since developed their own Nutri-Caffeine complex which protects the hair roots from premature exhaustion and providing the hair roots with sufficient energy to grow.

The Plantur 21 series is highly suitable for young women with hair loss problems as the activating Nutri-Caffeine complex penetrates and stimulates the hair roots during hair wash, and helps to recharge the roots by supplying energy to promote hair growth.

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Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine Shampoo is made using a unique galenic formula which allows the powerful Nutri-Caffeine complex to penetrate the hair follicles during hair washing, after just 120 seconds of residence time.

The Nutri-Caffeine Shampoo is suitable for all hair types, and is especially for color-treated and stressed hair. The shampoo also contains conditioning agents that repair the externally stressed hair!

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If your hair is frequently subjected to harsh conditions such as bleaching, colourations and heat treatments, you definitely need to treat your hair with the Plantur 21 Nutri Conditioner after shampooing! It is a must for me to use conditioner as it gives a nice silky shine and brilliance to my otherwise dull hair, and brushing is also much easier. The Nutri Conditioner contains fruit acid and active avocado ingredients that strengthen the hair structure and smooth hair surface, apart from micronutrients and caffeine that help combat hair loss.

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I have tried a few types of hair tonic previously but they are all either very greasy or requires thorough blow-drying of the hair before application, which in a way causes stress to the hair. In comparison, I really like Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine Elixir for its non-greasy texture and sweet fragrance. It does not make my scalp feel oily or make me look like I didn’t wash my hair for days.

The active ingredient complex in the Nutri-Caffeine Elixir travels along the hair shaft and forms a 24-hour ingredient depot in the scalp thereby providing protection from an energy deficit in the hair roots.

It is important to note that the elixir is a leave-on treatment which should not be rinsed out once it is massaged into the scalp once a day.

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My scalp definitely feels healthier after two weeks of using Plantur 21 products on a daily basis! Of course, I’m not going to stop using them just because my hair loss problem has seen an improvement. It has to be used continuously so that energy can be supplied to the hair roots to prevent hair loss!

The retail prices of the following Plantur 21 products are as follows:

Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine Shampoo: $18.90
Plantur 21 Nutri-Caffeine-Elixir $19.90
Plantur 21 Nutri-Conditioner $12.90

Plantur 21 is available in Guardian, selected Watsons, Unity, NTUC FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, NHG and independent pharmacies.

Thanks to Plantur 21, we are giving away THREE sets of Plantur 21 Shampoo and Conditioner! Simply share my Plantur post via my Facebook page www.facebook.com/missuschewy and leave a comment to stand a chance to win. Contest ends on 7th December 2016 and is only open to participants Singapore. Good luck! 🙂

Kirei Kirei: Anti-bacterial protection that keeps your family safe and healthy!

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I might not be the tidiest person to all who know me, but I’m definitely very particular when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness. I wash my hands so many times in a day that all my good friends call me “OCD queen”. Ever since I became a mum, grubby little hands got on my nerves but we all know that children are curious little creatures who just want to touch everything in sight and sometimes explore new objects by putting them into their mouths. There’s no stopping them!

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When Little misschewy was younger, I got very paranoid each time I caught her sucking her fingers and would drag her to the bathroom to wash her hands and rinse her mouth, for fear that she would catch some germs and fall ill. I soon learned about anti-bacterial soaps, which contain certain active ingredients to prevent bacterial infection. Our family’s trusted brand of anti-bacterial hand and body soap? It’s Kirei Kirei, the No. 1 Hand Soap in Japan! Kirei means “clean” in Japanese and with Lion Japan’s advanced and safe anti-bacterial formulation containing Isopropyl Methylphenol (IPMP), I can rest assured that my family stays healthy by keeping those nasty germs at bay! Kirei Kirei is also the trusted brand of Vivian Lai, Mediacorp artiste and proud mother of two. I have to say that mothers know best!

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Kirei Kirei Foaming Hand Soap dispenses soft, creamy foam which cleanses more effectively and thoroughly than ordinary liquid hand soap. The 100% cleansing ingredients from plants formulation is gentle on our skin and I have no qualms about Little misschewy using it as her regular hand wash.

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The soap dispenser is wide enough, making it easy for young kids to dispense an appropriate amount of soap.

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Hand washing made easy with Kirei Kirei Foaming Hand Soap as the soap is dispensed in a ready-to-lather form! Mummy approves!

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Protecting our hands is simply not enough. We need to protect our bodies too! It’s not easy to find an anti-bacterial body soap that effectively cleanses the body, and yet is gentle enough on our skin so that it does not make our skin feel overly dry. Kirei Kirei Body Foam contains 100% cleansing ingredients from plants so it’s really gentle on the skin and makes our skin feel pampered and soft after every shower! It also has deodorizing ingredients that help maintain freshness all day by preventing body odour and acne!

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Choose among FOUR refreshing fruity fragrances for the Kirei Kirei Anti-bacterial Foaming Hand Soap and Body Foam – Natural Citrus, Moisturizing Peach, Refreshing Grape and Caring Berries! Foaming Hand Wash is available in 250ml bottles, 450ml bottles and 200ml refill packs, while the Body Foam comes in 900ml bottles and 600ml refill packs. My favorite is the Refreshing Grape!

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Kirei Kirei Hand Sanitizer has found its way into our diaper bag and these days, we never leave home without it! It is especially useful in icky situations where hand soap is not available, thus the hand sanitizer is the perfect alternative to hand washing! Having tried various brands of hand sanitizer, I really like the Kirei Kirei Hand Sanitizer for its more watery-gel consistency and it dries instantly, leaving a non-sticky feel. A bonus is that it smells very pleasant and is moisturizing for the hands! It comes in a small 50ml tube which is easy to carry around and doesn’t take up much space in our diaper bag.

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Kirei Kirei is having a promotion of up to 35% off for selected products for a limited time only. Protect yourself and your family with Kirei Kirei’s safe anti-bacterial formulation today! Visit www.lioncorp.com.sg for more information.

Mummamia Confinement Review

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With the arrival of Mini misschewy, I went through confinement once again. At the end of my confinement period, the hubs and I agreed that having a confinement nanny this time round felt more like a luxury, probably due to the fact that we are no longer first-time parents. If we were ever to have a third child (hehehe), we are pretty confident that we can actually go for DIY confinement because there is Mummamia Confinement which has been around for a few years now! Mummamia Confinement aims to provide hassle-free confinement through all products and services to new mummies who are busy and lack the appropriate knowledge on how to confine traditionally. With references from 皇帝内经 and TCM Physician advisors, all products and services by Mummamia Confinement are designed to help mummies recuperate, strengthen, support breastfeeding, and also promote healthy body and diet care.

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After 9 months of pregnancy and giving birth, post-partum women experience deficiency in blood and Qi, weakening uterus that leads to “coldness” in body, back ache, appetite disorders, discomfort from bloated stomach due to excessive wind, discharge of lochia/ heavy discharge, unable to produce breast milk due to blocked breast duct, fatigue-ness, constipation problem, as well as heavy water retention in body. Besides proper confinement care, it is important that mothers consume herbal tonics to strengthen their bodies. Professionally prescribed by TCM Physicians, Mummamia’s Pre-packed Confinement Herbs focus on 5 main confinement recovery stages, namely: Expel, Remove, Rejuvenate, Recuperate, Tonify. Each box of pre-packed herbs contains 10 packs of herbs for Days 1 to 5, for 2 weeks. Each pack of herbs is enough to yield two servings of soup, hence I had it everyday for lunch and dinner during my confinement period.

Day 1: Nourish “Qi” & Tonify Yin
Day 2: Strengthening Spleen & Kidney
Day 3: Boosting Milk Supply and dissipate stasis
Day 4: Rejuvenate “Qi” & Blood
Day 5: Invigorate kidney and Reduce Water Retention
Day 6: continues as the Day 1

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Preparation of the confinement herbs is hassle-free. Meat is optional but I prefer to add meat for taste. All the different soups tasted bitter of course, but were full-bodied. I like the fact that instead of having to get my own herbs from Chinese medicinal halls, everything is packed nicely and all I need to do is simply tear open the packet and pour the contents into the slow cooker. Very convenient!

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It is recommended that mothers consume red dates during their confinenemt to avoid excessive water retention or getting “cold” during this period. Red Dates are rich in Iron and Vitamin C. Every pack of Mummamia’s Pre-packed Red Dates Tea consists of Red Dates, Black Dates, Dang Shen, etc. For a day’s worth of red date tea, I just need to boil one packet with about 1.5 to 2 litres of water every morning. I drank this every single day of my confinement and did not touch even a sip of plain water!

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Credit: Mummamia

I find it very amusing whenever my friends ask, “You not going to shower during your confinement?” And I will always reply, “AIYO! Can shower la! Use those herbal bath la!” In fact, Ban Kah Chai Mom Confinement Herbal Bath contains ingredients like Man Jin Zi, Balsamiferou Blumea Herb (Da Feng Ai) and Lemongrass which help mothers to expel wind, dispel cold, improve blood circulation and reduce after birth pain. Instead of having to boil the herbs and water in a large pot like what my previous confinement nanny did, with the Ban Kah Chai Mom Confinement Herbal Bath, my nanny added boiling water into a large pail and soaked the herbal bath sachet in it for at least 3 minutes. Then, she added more warm water to make sure that I have enough water to bathe with! I didn’t wash my hair everyday since I didn’t perspire much at home and I hated having to spend so much time drying my long hair. On days when I washed my hair, my nanny would use two herbal bath sachets. Because the herbal bath water is black in color, most people think it’s dirty or sticky which is obviously not true! For mummies who want to stay clean during their confinement period, please do not shower with normal water. Get the Ban Kah Chai Mom Confinement Herbal Bath!

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I had a very bad start to my breastfeeding journey for my first child. Hence, this time round, I was determined to make things right. I must say that Mummamia’s Nursing Herbal Soup is super amazing! Before I delivered, I passed a pack to my MIL so that she could have it on standby and boil the soup for me once I had delivered. I only consumed one pack which was rich enough for 3 servings of soup. The next day, my milk supply kicked in! Even the lactation consultant looked amazed when she came by to check on my progress! Each box contains 5 packets and I have only consumed 2 packets so far because I’m quite happy with my current supply. I even have excess frozen breastmilk to feed my firstborn when she stays with us on weekends! Besides promoting milk supply, the Nursing Herbal Soup also helps to reduce engorgement discomfort and reduce the risk of breast related inflammation.

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Mummamia’s products are halal-certified and are also suitable for vegetarians! Here is a list of retailers where you can purchase Mummamia’s products from:

Mount Alvernia Hospital Retail Pharmacy
Thomson Medical Centre (Parentcraft Shop)
Time Enterprise, Aperia Mall, 12 Kallang Ave #03-16
Mom Essentials, KK Hospital Retail Mall #01-22
Mom Essentials, Square 2 #02-74
1010 Mother & Child, The Seletar Mall #B1-02/03
1010 Mother & Child, City Square Mall #B2-45/46
1010 Mother & Child, Waterway Point #02-28
Isetan Scotts, Level 4 Children Dept
Spring Maternity Suntec City Mall Tower 4 #02-721
Takashimaya Dept Store #B2 Food Hall (Lo Hong Ka)

Alternatively, you can also choose to shop online at Mummamia’s website and have the products delivered right to your doorstep! DIY confinement is made possible with Mummamia!

Dulcolax: Providing Effective Relief for Constipation!

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Ask any new mother what are some of the challenges that she faces after child birth and rarely will you hear constipation being listed as one of them. Constipation is a widespread and common problem but most people are embarrassed to talk about it and instead, choose to brush this issue aside. In most cases, it is difficult to pinpoint a single cause as constipation is caused by a combination of things that have a negative impact on the digestive system.

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Some of the symptoms of constipation include:

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Our bodies are creatures of habit, and so a change in your normal daily routine can affect your toilet habits. Sometimes even going to unfamiliar toilets might have effect on your bowel movement. Or, if you’ve been worrying about using the loos on a plane, or a long car journey, it can have an effect. New places, eating different types of food or getting dehydrated when you’re abroad can leave you constipated too.

Stress
Feeling a bit stressed out lately? It might be affecting your gut. If you’re struggling with work datelines, money worries, relationship dramas or going through a big change in your life, it can have a knock on effect on your digestive system, as can long term stress.

Hormones
A lot of women say they get a bit constipated just before their period every month. Is that you?

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I’m sure many of you have had your fair share of experience with constipation at some point in your life and wondered what is the best or most effective way of treating this seemingly embarrassing problem. The best news is.. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Also, there is nothing to be embarrassed about as it is a common problem that can happen to anyone and everyone, babies included especially if they are formula fed.

Apart from babies, constipation can also occur to their mothers, which explains the whole objective of my blog post today, that is to share about my experience with postpartum constipation when I was a new mum myself last year. Actually, some mothers might experience constipation during pregnancy as the pregnancy hormones relaxes and slows down the movement of food through the intestines. As pregnancy progresses, the baby gets bigger and increased downward pressure on the pelvic area makes constipation more likely to occur.

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Towards the end of my third trimester, I began to feel a little constipated and things didn’t improve even after I delivered. I guess it was also because of all the pain and stitching after a natural vaginal birth that made me extra apprehensive about trying to move my bowels in the hospital. I mean, wouldn’t it be scary if your stitches rip apart?! The thought of it is enough to turn my legs into jelly. I remember confiding in my gynae that I was worried about not being able to empty my bowels before I was being discharged and she readily got a nurse to administer a rectal suppository for me.

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Despite having a confinement nanny, my first two weeks being a new mother was a stressful period and I was in great pain most of the time. Instead of light exercises like walking or swimming which I used to do when I was pregnant, I was in bed all the time, except when I had to eat or visit the bathroom. As for my diet, confinement foods are known to be slightly on the heaty side as mothers are supposed to avoid cooling foods during confinement. In addition to this, I was also taking iron supplements. I believe all these factors contributed to my postpartum constipation in one way or another, and when a fellow mummy told me to give Dulcolax Laxative Tablets a try, I thought why not?

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Upon hearing the brand “Dulcolax”, I thought it rings a bell and later found out that Dulcolax is the World’s number 1 laxative being around in the market for more than 60 years, providing effective relief for constipation in more than 50 countries worldwide. Also, it is readily available in all leading pharmacies such as Watsons, Guardian and Unity, which probably explains why Dulcolax sounded so familiar to me. The brand must have been registered in my mind subconsciously when I was browsing shelves upon shelves in the pharmacies!

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When I first got my hands on a box of Dulcolax Laxative Tablets, I was a little doubtful that these tablets would get the job done. They are sooo tiny! But really, do not judge the effectiveness of a laxative tablet by its size. I later found out for myself that these tablets are minuscule but powerful! Dulcolax is a gentle laxative and is gentle on the stomach because it acts only when it is needed, at the bowel. Dulcolax laxative tablets must be swallowed whole with water and must not be chewed or crushed because these tablets have a special ‘enteric coating’ which prevents the active ingredient from being released until it reaches the part of the intestines where it is needed to work.

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Whenever I feel constipated, I use Dulcolax Laxative Tablets about 30 minutes to an hour before my bedtime as it takes about 8 to 12 hours to work. This laxative is safe, providing gentle yet effective overnight relief. Although constipation is a common problem, most people tend to delay seeking relief with laxatives because of the many myths and misconceptions surrounding constipation and laxatives which are not evidence based. Having tried and tested these Dulcolax Laxative Tablets myself, I find it really work for me! As a breastfeeding mother, I know most mums would be concerned if the active or derivative components of the laxatives get passed into mother’s milk and the answer is NO for Dulcolax! They have a proven study to support this.

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I’m glad to have found an effective solution for my constipation! In the past, I was not comfortable of taking laxative because I thought it would be addictive and harsh. Thanks to Dulcolax Tablets for solving my constipation problem, improving my quality of life!

If you are not entirely sure if you are suffering from constipation, feel free to take a simple quiz or share your own experience with constipation here http://www.myconstipationrelief.com/get_your_solution/symptom_checker.html
Lastly, let’s remember to treat constipation during its early stages before things turn complicated! Dulcolax Laxative Tablets can be found in all leading pharmacies.

Power Our Dads’ Smiles with Oral B Power Toothbrush this Father’s Day!

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Yoohoo! Father’s Day is just around the corner! I’m so excited to share what I’m giving my father this year that I can hardly contain my excitement! But first things first, how many of you are actually getting a gift for your fathers? Do you know that 12% of children in Singapore would get their mum a present but not their dad because dads are harder to shop for? I admit that thinking of what to get for my dad as his Father’s Day present is getting more challenging each year because I’m running out of gift ideas! It’s always the same few things – shirt, tie, belt or wallet! This year, I thought long and hard. Ever since I was in secondary school, I have had female friends and colleagues telling me that my dad is very youthful and suave for his age. Of course, I’m secretly happy to hear such compliments about my old man and it has also helped me decide what to get him for Father’s Day! My dad is a typical man who loves gadgets so why not give him the perfect gadget to power his smile? Certainly, he’s gonna look more charming than ever! Hehe.

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Since young, my dad had been emphasizing to my brother and I, the importance of brushing and flossing our teeth. When it comes to oral health and hygiene, the one brand which I can trust is Oral-B because it is the worldwide leader in the brushing market. Part of the Procter & Gamble Company, the Oral-B brand includes manual and power toothbrushes for children and adults, oral irrigators and also interdental products, such as dental floss. In fact, Oral-B manual toothbrushes are used by more dentists than any other brand in the U.S. and many international markets.

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As our fathers age, there is an even greater need for them to take care of their oral health and hygiene as the natural aging process takes a toll on their teeth. As children, we should educate them on the need to make the switch to power toothbrushes! I’m sure most of our fathers are quite stubborn resistant to change as they are very comfortable with manual toothbrushes which they have been using all their lives.

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Lately, my dad has been complaining that his gums bleed even though he had tried a few different types of manual brushes but none seem to work for him. It was also because of this which prompted me to get my dad a set of Oral B Power Toothbrush – Professional Care 3000 (D20 3 Mode), in addition to the good reviews that I had read online!

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Here’s taking a quick glance at the unique and outstanding features of the Oral B Power Toothbrush – Professional Care 3000:
– 3D Technology: Oscillating / Rotating + Pulsating
– 8,800 Oscillations Per Minute
– 40,000 Pulsations Per Minute
– Visual Pressure Sensor help reduce brushing force
– 3 Brushing Modes – Daily Clean, Sensitive, Polish

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With up to 48,800 unique oscillating / Rotating + Pulsating movements per minute compared to merely 600 for regular manual brushing, it is no surprise that the Oral B Power Brush cleans FIVE times better along the gum lines compared to manual brushes! That’s very impressive considering the fact that people usually neglect brushing along the gum lines which is extremely important too.

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Also, the Oral B Professional Care 3000 allows you to set a timer so that you can be sure that brushing takes place for at least 2 minutes. By incorporating 3D-technology which is supported by numerous internal and external studies both clinical and laboratory, the 2 motions – oscillation and pulsation provide a thorough cleanse tooth-by-tooth. The Oral B Professional Care 3000 also features a pressure sensor that helps reduce unnecessary brushing force that is exerted on your teeth and gums!

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I have done my part to protect my dad’s smile with the Oral B Professional Care 3000! You should do so too this Father’s Day!

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From 8 to 21 June 2015, there is an Oral B Power Brush Father’s Day Giveaway Instagram contest. Simply post a photo of or with your father in his best smile on Instagram (set to Public) and tell us why you would like to win an Oral B Power Brush for your dad! Remember to hashtag #oralbsg AND #powerofdadsg

3 winners will be selected to win a set of Oral B Power Brush for their dads.
Terms & conditions apply.

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This Father’s day, save up to 50% on selected models of Oral B Power Brush on Qoo10!
Shop here http://bit.ly/oralb_dad and power your dad’s smile!

OSIM uMagic: The World’s First Magic Hands Technology

Advertorial

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I’m not afraid to admit that I cannot live without my iPhone. It’s the first thing I greet every morning and the last before I go to bed at night. It has to be with me 24/7 (except when I’m taking a shower of course) and I find myself constantly texting friends and loved ones, replying tons of emails and also checking out social media updates on Facebook and Instagram. Alarm bells started to ring when I realized my fingers becoming numb after excessive usage of my phone! It was then that I knew I had to give my fingers a break. It was quite worrying, so I decided to find out more about it online.

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Apparently, I was suffering from ‘Text Neck’, a global epidemic resulting from widespread overuse of handheld devices, causing repeated stress on your neck while looking down at the screens! I was shocked that the strain on my neck actually travelled all the way down to my fingers! Not only that, I face the computer for hours on end at work. I know that instead of adopting a good sitting posture, I’m so used to hunching over, which further strains the muscles on my neck and shoulders. At times, I go home with a bad headache, or neck and back pain. To further aggravate my problem, I have to take care of Chanelle when I reach home from work and she weighs about 10kg now! She’s not even learning how to walk yet, so I have to carry her in my arms and boy, I can really feel the additional strain on my back and shoulders! Sometimes I find myself lamenting to misterchewy that I seriously need to sign up for a massage package and beat myself back into shape but who am I kidding? I cannot stand some stranger touching me, let alone give me a massage for 60 minutes. I tried getting misterchewy to massage my shoulders but obviously, he’s not trained to do good job (hehe.. sorry hubby!).

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After years of innovative massage technology, OSIM’s latest massage chair, uMagic, is the perfect solution to ease the tight and tense muscles around our head and shoulders. OSIM uMagic offers massage movements similar to a masseur’s hands with finger pressure and grip to relieve aching neck and shoulders.

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I put uMagic’s signature ‘Magic Moments’ program to the test and viola! If I’m not allowed to use the word SHIOK, I would say that it feels MAGICAL. Why magical? I was treated to a powerful, deep-tissue massage with life-like hand movements by OSIM uMagic! The patented hand-grip massage is the world’s first Magic Hands massage technology, designed to extract and relieve deep-seated muscle aches and tension especially around the neck and shoulders with its 7 levels of protrusion.

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I also tried another uMagic’s signature program, ‘Shoulder Delight’, which is specially designed for quick relief of neck and shoulder ache by devoting 80% of uMagic’s unique hand-grip massage technique attending to the neck and shoulders and 20% for loosening tension and stiffness on the lower back. Unlike the conventional massage chairs that massages the bones of the shoulder blades without providing much relief, which is pretty much superficial, I could really feel the uMagic easing the tension of the muscles of my neck and shoulders. After 15 minutes on the uMagic, I walked away feeling liberated!

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Besides the above mentioned signature programs, the OSIM uMagic also has an extensive suite of Lifestyle Massage Programs that are tailored to satisfy the diverse needs and well-being of the family. For instance, ‘Chill Out’ provides head-to-toe pampering to unwind and relax the body and mind, ‘Lumbar Care’ maintains a healthy back by loosening lower back tension, while ‘Sports Recovery’ promotes relaxation and recovery of muscles used in sports, and many more. As you can see, the types of massages provided are very diverse and there is something for everyone!

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I was deeply impressed upon learning that users can even download new massage programs into the OSIM Massage Chair App on their devices and transfer them into the OSIM uMagic! This is certainly very value for money!

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One other thing which struck me was how elegant and sophisticated the OSIM uMagic is. Prior to this, I was under the impression that massage chairs were bulky, dull and boring; something which I would never want to have in my house. The uMagic exudes classiness and is incredibly sexy, with its streamlined design and polished chrome plated curvatures. Gotta love the quilted and modern weave inspired leatherette. I would say that the uMagic is certainly a beautiful piece of art! Apart from that, the foot massager can be fully retracted under the seat to provide more living space. When extended completely, it can be used as a calves-ankles-feet massager for a more holistic massage. Impressive!

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If you are like me, who suffer from neck and back aches all the time, I urge you to experience OSIM’s Magic Hands massage technology at any OSIM outlet! Your muscles will thank me, or rather the OSIM uMagic after that 😉
The OSIM uMagic retails at a special introductory price of $4988 (UP $5288). It is available at all OSIM outlets, road shows and online at www.OSIM.com