BENEFITS OF 1 HOUR WALKING EVERYDAY

 

Walking is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. Just about 60 minutes every day can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance!

Walking is the best exercise for all ages and every health-conditioned people. Walking for 1 hour every day can have numerous health benefits, especially when you walk in greenery places or parks or beside the beach it reduces stress and makes you feel happy:

Well, let me tell you, it’s not magic, it’s science.

When you walk, your body releases a protein called cathepsin B, which helps to stimulate the immune system.

This protein has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

But wait, there’s more.

Walking can also increase the production of a molecule called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF for short.

BDNF is like a fertilizer for your brain cells, helping them grow and thrive.

This can lead to improved cognitive function, reduced risk of dementia, and even help alleviate symptoms of depression.

And if that’s not enough, walking can also increase the release of endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

But what’s really interesting is how walking can affect our gut microbiome.

You see, our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, and when we walk, we stimulate the growth of certain beneficial bacteria that help to break down nutrients and regulate our immune system.

This can lead to improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and even weight loss.

And let’s not forget about the simple fact that walking can increase our energy levels and reduce fatigue, which can have a profound impact on our overall quality of life.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – how can just 20 minutes of walking a day have such a profound impact on our health?

Well, it all comes down to the concept of neuroplasticity.

When we walk, our brain is constantly adapting and changing, forming new connections and strengthening existing ones.

This can lead to improved cognitive function, reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and even improved mood.

So, the next time you’re feeling sluggish or stressed, just lace up those walking shoes and get moving – your body (and brain) will thank you.

Basically the benefits one derives from walking for an hour everyday :

1. Walking will improve your mood.

2. It will help you burn calories and lose weight.

3. Walking can reduce your risk of chronic disease.

4. It can even delay the onset of varicose veins.

5. Your digestion will improve by walking more.

6. And your other goals will start to seem more reachable.

7. Walking can help you feel more creative.

8. And it can help alleviate joint pain.

9. Walking more can boost your immunity.

10. It can even help you live longer!

11. And last but not least, you’ll sleep better at night.

On the overall, walking for 1 hour every day can provide significant physical and mental health benefits, and is a simple and accessible form of exercise for most people. – CK

As usual, we remind you to take your Memo Plus Gold daily. It will help to keep you alert and mentally sharp. For more information or to order for Memo Plus Gold, please visit : https://oze.my

Digital dominance grows while legacy media loses ground in Malaysia

 TRADITIONAL media companies are still behind the trend with digital advertising. These channels are highly attractive to advertisers as they harness technology to optimise campaign reach and effectiveness.

Based on Nielsen data, traditional advertising expenses (adex) in Malaysia contracted at a 6-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% in 2019-25, largely due to sustained market share losses to digital channels. 

Advertisers are steadily shifting their focus toward social media and search platforms, drawn by their ability to deliver interactive, tailored content and reach consumers when purchase intent is highest.

These digital channels are further enhanced by programmatic buying, data-led strategies, and AI-driven analytics, allowing for sharper audience targeting, real-time campaign adjustments, and clear performance tracking.

By comparison, traditional outlets such as television, radio, and print depend on mass, passive reach, which often translates into lower engagement and weaker conversion outcomes.

In Malaysia, many traditional media companies still have a relatively modest digital footprint, with advertising largely limited to standard banner formats and basic video placements on their own sites.

Meanwhile, digital-first brands like FOODIE are pushing ahead with more advanced and dynamic advertising solutions across their social media platforms.

Moreover, Nielsen data revealed a sharp decline in adex on Malaysian websites, falling 33% year-on-year in 2024 and a further 38% in 2025. 

With this former growth area now hamstrung, Malaysian media companies face an urgent need to adapt more quickly to shifting digital trends.

While ASTRO recently invested in KULT, a digital marketing venture, it remains in its early startup phase and has yet to gain meaningful revenue traction. 

KULT allows advertisers and brands to tailor campaigns across ASTRO’s content ecosystem, including both proprietary and external digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Meta. 

However, at this stage, digital adex remains immaterial, accounting for just 2% of ASTRO’s total adex in financial year 26.

Looking ahead, Malaysian media companies would benefit from prioritizing the development of intellectual property (IP) as a core strategic pillar.

A strong IP portfolio can provide more stable and diversified revenue streams, helping to offset the decline in traditional adex. 

Additionally, it will also strengthen brand equity and audience loyalty, while enabling ancillary monetization opportunities. 

“In an evolving and challenging media landscape, we believe players that successfully scale their IP will be better positioned to remain relevant and achieve long-term growth,” said Kenanga.

Kenanga maintains Underweight on the sector, underpinned by sustained earnings headwinds as a result of loss of adex share to digital-native players.

Not to forget, the escalated costs from legacy infrastructure (broadcast towers, satellite transponder leases, printing facilities, and physical distribution networks). 

Meanwhile, diversification into IP monetisation remains limited at this early juncture, as media companies require time to build, scale and strengthen their IP portfolios. “We do not have any stock picks for the sector,” said Kenanga. — Focus Malaysia

Ramasamy to PMX: “Nobody forced you to accept the premiership, you can always leave as you wish”

 

MY SIMPLE advice to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is that if he cannot govern the country, he should let go of his position.

Nobody forced him to accept the role, knowing very well the challenges, particularly during trying times.

It is not necessary to label his detractors buta huruf (illiterate/ignorant) for not understanding the economic situation of the country.

Anwar cannot take credit for fighting corruption when those linked to him are left without being investigated.

He has yet to give the green light for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (ROI) on the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) head honcho Tan Sri Azam Baki nor on the nefarious phenomenon of the presence of a “corporate mafia” or the alleged links between certain departments in the MACC and the shady corporate world.

Anwar has also yet to investigate the alleged links between politicians in PKR and the corporate world.

So what is the bravado Anwar talking about when going after those who have amassed wealth through corruption?

If Anwar cannot put up with criticisms of his management of the country, then he should not have criticised former premiers such as Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Whatever one might say about these leaders, they were certainly not as vindictive as Anwar.

Taking criticism in stride

If Anwar thinks that his detractors are ignorant, he should have provided a step-by-step logical explanation of the oil crisis rather than hiding behind the Gulf War and the choking of the Strait of Hormuz.

Rather than denying that fuel was shipped to the Philippines, he should have provided a clear explanation.

It must be remembered that Anwar is both the Prime Minister and Finance Minister.

Isn’t it about time that he passed the baton of the finance portfolio to someone else with the required qualifications rather than holding on to the post?

Anwar’s detractors might be ignorant but they are certainly not less qualified than those who have not gone beyond their basic degree.

Anwar himself has a basic degree in Malay Studies yet he presents himself as being equipped with knowledge in the realms of philosophy, religion and other fields.

A good leader will accept criticisms of the government in a good and healthy spirit rather than lashing out at critics.

The rise in fuel prices is affecting the lives of ordinary Malaysians who depend on fuel for going to work and to conduct their businesses.

They are not as fortunate as the PM and ministers who receive various allowances.

I want to reiterate once again that if the PM’s seat is becoming exceedingly hot, Anwar should – with one stroke of the pen – tender his resignation.

Is Anwar prepared to do this? 

Former DAP stalwart and Penang deputy chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

-  Focus Malaysia.

CENTCOM: No breaches of Iran blockade in its first 24 hours

 

THE US military claimed Tuesday that there had been no breaches of its naval blockade of Iran in its first 24 hours, with American forces turning back six merchant vessels attempting to leave one of the country’s Gulf of Oman ports, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

“No ships made it past the US blockade, and 6 merchant vessels complied with direction from US forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

CENTCOM said that over 10,000 US “Sailors, Marines, and Airmen” were part of the mission, along with more than 12 warships and “dozens of aircraft”.

It said the measure was being enforced “impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman”.

After US-Iran talks in Islamabad seeking to end the conflict in West Asia hit an impasse on Saturday, US President Donald Trump vowed to blockade Iranian ports to force Tehran back to the negotiating table.

Trump announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which took effect at 2pm GMT Monday.

Citing two US officials, The Wall Street Journal reported later Tuesday that as of roughly 11 pm GMT, a total of 20 commercial ships had passed through the Strait of Hormuz over a span of 24 hours, including cargo, container and tanker vessels. ‒  Focus Malaysia