2nd Most Common Cancer in Women

Jab of Life

I took this picture of myself with a jab a few months ago after being persuaded by my gynae for the longest time.  What sort of jab is this?  Its none other than the HPV (Human Papillomavirus).  Its a vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.   

Some facts ** :

- Cervical cancer is the world's 2nd most common cancer in women.

- In Malaysia, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer affecting women.

- In 2002, cervical cancer accounted for 12.9% of all female cancer in Malaysia.

- Every minute, one woman is diagnosed with the disease somewhere in the world.

- Virtually every woman is at risk of cervical cancer, regardless of their age or lifestyle.

- Vaccination against the causes of cervical cancer and regular screening could help you prevent it.

Information leaflets available in all clinics

Probably, one of the most famous super star succumbed to cervical cancer and passed away is Hong Kong diva, Anita Mui.  She was only 40 years old then.  That year was 2003, the year I sealed a lifetime commitment to Beary.  I remembered very well during her passing, how I realised I need to take charge of my health, especially since I have a family history of my dear ones battling cancer, some of them survived, while others were dearly missed.

The good news is, in Malaysia, HPV vaccination is in the National Immunisation Programme and is provided by the government to 13 year old girls.  Women like me could obtain the same by paying a visit to the gynae, nevertheless at an affordable price.   

4 years ago, when it was first introduced to me, my immediate reaction was how expensive it was.  I could not recall the price mentioned at that time, but with such pricing, I have procrastinated.  4 years later, I am glad that besides myself improving my financial capability, the price has since reduced.  I got mine at RM199 per jab.  A total of 3 jabs are needed to complete the entire course.

I've recently completed the entire course *successkid.jpg 

Life is priceless.  I saw the pain when my loved ones were battling cancer and I experienced the pain when I was helpless to lighten their burden with the sufferings.  On top of those physical and emotional pain, it had also put a dent in my family's finances.  Needless to say, I felt this price is a small sum to pay in exchange for a healthier body condition and minimizing the potential of inflicting emotional pain towards my family.   

Consult your doctor on immunizing yourself from cervical cancer.  Prevention is better than cure.   Love your life, you've only got one.  Protect yourself, protect your loved ones. 

Just me & my jab

** All facts were extracted from the leaflets made available in all gynaecologists' clinics.

Life's Pleasures @ Flames, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Life at times presents itself with surprises, and just 2 weeks ago, I had one of the most pleasant evening which I truly enjoyed.  I have been saying again and again of my hectic life, and often is blinded in slowing down my pace to enjoy the simple and finer things life presents.  That evening, my life was splendidly spent in both ways.

Sabah is truly a blessed land.  She is showered with beautiful scenery, breathtaking most of the time.  Unfortunately, my hectic life has made me forgotten.  I have constantly immerse myself in a sea of infinite work.  But that evening, I thank Le Meridien Hotel Kota Kinabalu for reminding me, that work and pleasure can be balanced.  And indeed it is possible, as I view with awe how marvelously Sabah is from the hotel's 12th floor Club Lounge.

That day, I witnessed  the sunset :

From this...

.... to this 

Panoramic view from the 12th Floor Club Lounge, Le Meridien Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Sourced : http://www.lemeridien.com/kotakinabalu

All splendid things come to an end, and soon, the sun set beyond the horizon.  I look forward to experience it again as I aim high to elevate myself over and above my current state. (The Le Meridien Club Lounge is for the exclusive use of guests staying on the Le Meridien Club floors).

Me and my fellow friends were then led to their lobby floor, specifically a cozy corner away from its reception area to one of their flagship outlet, FLAMES Steak Restaurant.  

Flames Steak Restaurant is one of the hotel's latest addition to its many dining options.  A casual yet stylish steak restaurant that showcases the best quality, prime steaks for Kota Kinabalu diners.  This intimate corner of 24 seats caters to please lovers of luscious, prime steaks and most things non-vegetarian.  Acclaimed as the only international steak restaurant in Kota Kinabalu with a serious effort to truly please the palates of KK city's steak aficionados.

We were presented with the following menu:

Behold herewith images of the array of dishes in sampling sizes presented before us:

Our opening dish (not in the menu)

Jasmine Tea Infused Duck Breast Confit with shaved fennel, caramelized fruit, 

cress and peach dressing

Cappuccino of Jerusalem Artichoke and Macadamia Nut, 

Truffle Oil and fresh herbs

Avocado tapenade, Japanese tofu, garnished with mandarin orange and miso dressing

Baked Fillet of Cod, Porcini mushroom, asparagus, strawberry and red wine reduction

Maltagliati Pasta, Chicken Fillet with cherry tomato and basil pesto

Passion Fruit Sorbet

Slow Cooked Black Angus Beef Fillet, braised red cabbage, 

baby vegetables and shallot reduction

Swiss Milk Chocolate Mousse, Crispy Rice and Raspberry puree

The night ended with the selection of either Illy coffee or Ronnefeldt tea.  My choice is of course the aromatic tea:

Served in a pot

This experience had been rare and overwhelming.  The servings, though in sampling sizes, were enough to capture the attention of us ladies that Flames offers more than just meeting of the eyes.  On top of its cozy restaurant ambience and food presentation, the price itself came as a surprise.  Gentle on the pockets, a good main course may surprise you with its very affordable pricing starting from RM48 (≈ USD17).  Flames uses the freshest of ingredients which instead of frozen meat, they defy the norm by setting a prominent standard using  flown in chilled meat. 

I found myself enjoying that night's dishes especially the soup (RM25 ≈ USD9) which was delightful to my taste and as a seafood lover, the carefully prepared baked cod fillet (RM78 ≈ USD26) was splendid.  The other dishes were just as pleasant and enjoyable.  I was afterall, in a place accompanied by food loving friends, prime steaks, great wines and great times. ♥♥♥

FLAMES, Kota Kinabalu's only international steak restaurant, is located at:

FLAMES Steak Restaurant
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens,
Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu,
88000  Sabah, Malaysia

Telephone: +60-88-322 222
Website: http://www.lemeridien.com/kotakinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is a five star hotel and a part of the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. loyalty programs, allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates.  For more information, please visit their website : Starwood Hotels.

Credit to Social Media East Malaysia for the evening's great arrangement.