The Sunshine Hour for March 2025 was attended by 17 participants and 10 volunteers from PPCS. Led by a group of ladies from Yemaya Life Ipoh, the participants enjoyed a yoga exercise session. With enthusiastic encouragement from the exercise leaders, accompanied by upbeat music, the Sunshine Hour participants worked up a real sweat as they followed the demonstrated actions in both seated and standing positions. A happy mood was evident from the smiles on their faces.
After half an hour of physical activity, the group cooled down gradually with gentle stretching and slower movements. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the representatives of Yemaya Life Ipoh, expressing gratitude for their time and energy.
This session was concluded with the sharing of light refreshments prepared by some volunteers. It was wonderful to see the participants chatting and spending time together before they returned to their respective homes.
Perak Palliative Care Society has available positions for nurses to join our Home Care Team. If you are seeking a nursing role which will allow you to serve patients in their homes at a time when professional and sensitive care is of the utmost priority, then this job could be for you!
Responsibilities include visiting cancer patients in their homes, administering pain-relieving drugs, managing of symptoms, assisting with basic forms of nursing care and giving support to their family members & loved ones at critical times.
For more information or to apply, do get in touch via phone (05-546 4732) or email (admin@ppcs.org.my). We look forward to welcoming you!
The monthly Sunshine Hour Program is a cherished initiative organized by PPCS to provide patients with opportunities for recreation and socialization outside the confines of their homes. This month, they embarked on a special outing to the Lost World of Tambun (LWOT), a renowned theme park in Ipoh, offering a blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. The excursion which took place on 19th February presented our patients with a memorable and enriching experience.
The day began with a short briefing at PPCS, where the Medical Director addressed the group. He ensured that all patients were medically fit for the trip and emphasized the importance of safety throughout the outing. This precautionary measure set the tone for a smooth and incident-free day. The group departed PPCS at 10:30 AM and arrived at LWOT by 11:00 AM. Upon arrival, the LWOT staff gave them a warm welcome and assisted with the ticketing process, ensuring a hassle-free entry. Their hospitality and support were greatly appreciated.
After entering the venue, the group explored the water theme park, marvelling at its lush landscapes and serene ambiance. The patients enjoyed the tranquil environment, which provided a refreshing escape from their daily routines. Many photos were taken for keepsakes. A delicious lunch was generously sponsored by LWOT management and served by the poolside. The meal was not only satisfying but also provided an opportunity for the group to relax and bond in a picturesque setting.
Post-lunch, the group embarked on a tram ride that took them around the park. The ride resembled a safari, with wild animals such as tigers, deer, and exotic birds visible on both sides of the route. This unique experience brought excitement and wonder to the patients. The tram stopped at the petting zoo, which turned out to be the highlight of the day for many patients. There were opportunities for hands-on interactions with tame animals and birds, including capybaras, goats, and parrots. This activity provided therapeutic benefits, fostering joy and emotional connection.
By 3:00 PM, the group concluded the outing and returned to PPCS without any unforeseen incidents. The day was marked by laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of enjoyment.
Acknowledgments:
PPCS would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the management of the Lost World of Tambun for their generous sponsorship of the entrance fees and lunch. Their support played a pivotal role in making this event a success. We also convey our thanks to the volunteers and staff who ensured the safety and well-being of the patients throughout the day.
Reflection:
This outing to LWOT was more than just a recreational activity; it was a therapeutic experience that allowed our patients to connect with nature, engage in meaningful interactions, and create lasting memories. Such initiatives are integral to their holistic well-being, and we look forward to organizing more enriching events in the future.
Write-up contributed by Dato Dr Ziaudin Ahamed, Medical Director of PPCS | Photos by Judith Laifor Sunshine Hour
On January 21, 2025, Dr. Jasdeep Singh Gill, a Consultant Psychiatrist subspecializing in Psychiatry of Old Age from Hospital Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, delivered an insightful lunchtime talk at the PPCS Multipurpose Hall. The event attracted a diverse audience, including palliative care practitioners from the Manjung Palliative Care Society, general practitioners, PPCS doctors, nurses, volunteers, and committee members.
Dr. Gill’s presentation focused on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare providers in palliative care. Drawing on both research findings and his personal experiences, he highlighted the prevalence of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, among palliative care patients. Notably, nearly a quarter of all palliative care patients and half of those with serious illnesses experience these conditions.
He emphasized that mood disorders often manifest as physical symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, anorexia, and drowsiness, which can lead to underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Dr. Gill advocated for routine screening for mood disorders in patients presenting with multiple physical symptoms, stressing that early intervention is crucial. Untreated mood disorders can amplify bodily sensations, hinder effective symptom management, and potentially lead to secondary psychiatric conditions, such as major depression.
Dr. Gill also discussed evidence-based approaches to managing these challenges. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in addressing mood disorders in palliative care settings. He recommended a combination of antidepressant medication, supportive psychotherapy, and patient and family education as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Additionally, he highlighted the potential benefits of complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy massage, which have been found useful in some centres, though further research is needed to fully evaluate their efficacy.
The talk underscored the importance of addressing emotional and psychological well-being alongside physical symptoms in palliative care. By doing so, healthcare providers can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families while also safeguarding their own emotional resilience in this demanding field.
Dr. Gill’s presentation was a timely reminder of the holistic approach required in palliative care, emphasizing the need for compassion, early intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration to navigate the complex emotional and psychological landscape of end-of-life care.
Article contributed by Dr. Ziaudin Ahamed, Medical Director of PPCS.
Hey Guys, Welcome to “Join The Fght, One Step At A Time” We, Leo Club Of AMC’s having a fundraising project for the Perak Palliative Care Society (PPCS)Well, you may ask “Who Is PPCS ?” The PPCS is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation providing palliative care services to cancer patients in Ipoh, and our purpose in doing this is to help out the Cancer Patients !! If you wish to donate, please fill in the form:https://forms.gle/ctoxWNMSRPSCTn9P6
𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗠𝟯𝟱,𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗴𝗲 The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us !! Your donation is greatly appreciated !! Thank you !! Leo Club Of AMC ROAR ROAR ROAR
ght, One Step At A Time”
