Exercise and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy affecting both the metabolism and reproductive system of women of reproductive age. Prevalence ranges from 6.1-19.9% depending on the criteria used to give a diagnosis. PCOS accounts for approximately 80% of women with anovulatory infer-tility, and causes disruption at various stages of the reproductive axis. Evidence suggests lifestyle modification should be the first line of therapy for women with PCOS. Several studies have examined the impact of exercise interventions on reproductive function, with results indicating improvements in menstrual and/or ovulation frequency following exercise. Enhanced insulin sensitivity underpins the mechanisms of how exercise restores reproductive function. Women with PCOS typically have a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that are risk factors for CVD. There is irrefutable evidence that exercise mitigates CVD risk factors in women with PCOS. The mechanism by which exercise improves many CVD risk factors is again associated with improved insulin sensitivity and decreased hyperinsulinemia. In addition to cardiometabolic and reproductive complications, PCOS has been associated with an increased prevalence of mental health disorders. Exercise improves psychological well-being in women with PCOS, dependent on certain physiological factors. An optimal dose-response relationship to exercise in PCOS may not be feasible because of the highly individualised characteristics of the disorder. Guidelines for PCOS suggest at least 150 min of physical activity per week. Evidence confirms that this should form the basis of any clinician or healthcare professional prescription

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) Regarding Halal Pharmaceuticals Among General Public in Penang State of Malaysia

This was a cross-sectional study using a structured, self-administered questionnaires to evaluate the knowledge, attitude & perception (KAP) regarding Halal pharmaceuticals, among general public of Penang state of Malaysia, from September 2012 to November 2012. Study was conducted on a sample of 458. Any Muslim having age 18 years or above and able to read and understand Malay language was included. Study settings included different shopping malls, bus stations, food courts and markets of Penang state. Data was collected through trained data collectors. Results revealed that public have a good knowledge and positive attitude & perception about Halal pharmaceuticals. Mean knowledge score out of maximum possible 9 score was 6.41 ± 1.35, while mean attitude and perception score out of maximum possible score of 35 each were 25.86±4.03 and 30.71±4.47 respectively. Mean overall KAP score out of maximum possible score of 79 was found to be 62.74±7.65. There was a significant positive but weak (0-0.25) correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0.099, p=0.035) & attitude and perception (r=0.156, p=0.001). But a positive, significant and fair (0.25-0.5) correlation was found between knowledge and perception (r=.440, p=.036).This shows that better knowledge the respondents have on Halal pharmaceuticals, better their perception is towards Halal pharmaceuticals. P value of .05 or less was taken as statistically significant

Halal Certification of Food, Nutraceuticals, and Pharmaceuticals in the Arab World

Food is an organic need and essential to our survival, whereas nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals play an important role in disease prevention and cure. The food processing and healthcare industries are often linked together for economic growth and health promotion. However, the complexity of the ingredients and processes led communities to question their motivation, accuracy, and imposed standards. Different standards are often applied to ensure high quality, reproducibility, and traceability. Many processed products contain ingredients derived from animals, where the consumption of such products is prohibited by several religions and lifestyles. Patients who want to avoid certain medications derived from animal need to know the source of origin and detailed ingredients contained in their medicines. Recently many Muslim and non-Muslim countries have realized the value of Halal products and led to an increase in Halal awareness. This chapter aims to provide more insight into the issue of Halal status of food and medications in the context of healthcare and describe the process of certification and the list of ingredients and drugs with potential non-Halal sources. Traceability procedure and identification of a long list of ingredients is a challenge but also key for verifying the Halal status of the end product. Implementation of Halal-Tayyib concept is essential to determine the Halalness of food and pharmaceuticals. To increase confidence, eliminate suspicion, and improve trust with producers, Halal certification is required. However, exerting 100% effort is possible, whereas achieving products that are 100% clean and pure and comply with Shari’ah is debatable