The purpose of Data

"The purpose of models is not to fit the data but to sharpen the questions"

-Samuel Karlin

Some insight from 2023 Insurance Barometer Study

    Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to have minor dependent children and worry more than older generations about:

• Leaving dependents in a difficult financial situation should they die prematurely
• Paying for children’s schooling/college
• Paying mortgage or rent
• Supporting self/family should they become disabled
• Paying off/reducing their own student loan debt

Results from the 2023 Insurance Barometer Study, by LIMRA and Life Happens, can help the industry understand their financial priorities and purchase preferences to ensure these consumers have the life insurance they need to protect their financial security.

你是三国里的：

 

你是三国里的：关羽

美髯公；关公；武圣

三国演义中的关羽是一员不可多得的猛将，同时也是一个非常忠诚的人。出场时与刘备张飞桃园结义，打造兵器后参加镇压黄巾起义

的战争中，而后虽然与刘备东奔西走，颠沛流离，但仍能斩将杀敌，大显神威。《三国演义》中以旁白视角叙事时，通常称关羽为“云长”或“关公”，

极少直呼其名，而整部《三国演义》中除了对皇帝称帝号外，亦只有关羽、刘备、诸葛亮有此待遇。

你身上有着“云长”的影子，一身正气凌然，厌恶不公与暗箱操作，对待朋友仗义，集智慧、勇气、毅力、大志于一身，有胆有识有为，

终会成就一番事业。

原来我在三国人物里是 关羽 ，快来看看你的！

分享你的测验

Advanced Medical Treatments

Advanced Medical Treatments
covered under the Great Eastern Medical Card

Introduction:

The realm of medicine is ever-advancing, offering a multitude of innovative solutions to combat illnesses and enhance patient well-being. However, navigating through this maze of options can be daunting, especially for those seeking clarity on their health journey. In this blog post, we'll explore a selection of cutting-edge medical treatments covered under the Great Eastern Medical Card, shedding light on advancements in cancer care, surgical procedures, and specialized therapies.

Battling Cancer:

Cancer treatment has evolved significantly, presenting a range of advanced techniques to target tumors and combat the disease. Great Eastern's Medical Card encompasses several of these innovative approaches:

Precision Warfare:

Technologies like Brachytherapy and Proton Beam Radiotherapy provide precise methods to attack cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Brachytherapy involves placing radiation sources near tumors, while Proton Beam Therapy utilizes charged particles for targeted treatment.

Freezing the Enemy:

Cryoablation employs extreme cold to destroy cancer cells with minimal invasiveness, offering a promising avenue for treatment.

Harnessing the Body's Defenses:

Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells, offering a promising avenue for treatment.

Hormonal Control:

Hormone therapy disrupts cancer growth reliant on specific hormones, providing targeted treatment options.

Targeted Therapies:

Medications targeting specific proteins involved in cancer cell growth offer personalized treatment approaches.

Surgical Innovations:

Minimally invasive procedures, such as Robotic Prostatectomy, facilitate faster recovery times and minimal scarring, enhancing patient outcomes.

Beyond the Scalpel:

Deep Brain Stimulation and Vagus Nerve Stimulation utilize electrical impulses to manage symptoms of Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and aid stroke recovery.

Regenerative Potential:

Hematopoietic Cell Transplants utilize healthy stem cells to replace diseased blood cells, offering hope for treating blood cancers and other conditions. 

Restoring Cartilage:

JointRep, a cartilage scaffold for the knee, presents a promising solution for knee pain and improved joint function.

Other Specialized Treatments:

Gamma Knife, a non-invasive radiation therapy, focuses gamma rays precisely to treat brain tumors.

Conclusion:

These advanced medical treatments covered under the Great Eastern Medical Card represent the forefront of modern healthcare. However, it's essential to consult with medical professionals to determine the most suitable treatment plan for individual needs. With Great Eastern's coverage, patients can access these innovative therapies, offering hope and improved outcomes in the battle against illness. Remember, your health journey is unique, and seeking expert guidance is crucial in navigating through the complexities of medical care.

Assisted retirement living could cost approximately 60,000 a year in 2024.

     In Asian culture, the idea of placing an elderly loved one in a nursing home may not be well-received. However, caring for an aging individual is a full-time commitment, and not everyone can stay at home and provide full-time care.

This is where the concept of assisted living comes into play, ensuring that the elderly person is comfortably cared for.

The average monthly cost for a semi-private room with basic care services is RM2000. A private room with professional and specialized healthcare provided by trained nurses and in-house doctors can cost up to RM8000 a month. Additional services like diapers may incur separate charges.

Monthly Costs:

Shared Room:

Walking, assistance with ADLs: RM2500 - RM 3500

Bed-ridden: RM2300 - RM 3300

Single Room:

Shared bathroom: RM3000 - RM 4000

Attached bathroom: RM3500 - RM 4500

Couple: RM4000 - RM 5000

Glove+Pad+Diapers: RM400

Lifestyle enrichment: RM200 -RM500

    The prices cover 24-hour care, assistance and nursing, health check-ups, 5 meals a day,  Astro TV, and laundry. All rooms are fully air-conditioned. Reflexology/massage or physiotherapy usually charges separately. Medical-related fees are charged separately and prices vary according to care and treatment.

On average, here’s how much you’ll spend in a year in a nursing home:

Multiple-sharing room: RM3000 x 12 = RM36000

Diapers: RM400 x 12 = RM4800

Medical check-up at a private hospital: RM1500

Medication & supplements: RM200 x 12 months = RM2400

Annual premium for medical insurance: RM6000

Lifestyle enrichment: RM500x12 months = RM6000

Total: RM56700

Please note that these costs are estimates and the actual costs may vary. 

Do comment and help find out the extra cost which I might missed out.

How Much Does It Cost to Retire in Malaysia in 2024? 40k? 50k?

    Suppose you’re aging gracefully with no significant health issues, but you might need some help with household chores, which would require hiring a maid. You’ve settled your mortgage and car loan and have no outstanding debts, and you wish to lead a simple lifestyle.

Here’s an estimate of your average yearly expenses in today’s value:

• English-speaking maid: RM1,600 X 12 months = RM19200
• Private hospital medical check-up: RM1500
• Medication & supplements: RM200 x 12 months = RM2400
• Annual medical insurance premium: RM6000
• Groceries: RM900 x 12 months = RM10800
• Transport (fuel & toll): RM250 x 12 months = RM3000
• Annual 3-day vacation within Malaysia: RM1200
• Utilities (water, electricity, etc.): RM200 x 12 months = RM2400
• Total: RM46500

However, this is a very cautious estimate and overlooks many of the complications associated with aging.

It simply presumes that the elderly individual can live semi-independently with minimal assistance. But that’s not always the case.

As we get older, our mental and physical health declines, and there may come a time when living alone is no longer feasible. That’s when assisted living becomes necessary.

 

Embracing the Journey: Raising an Autistic Child in Malaysia

Raising a child is a journey of love, joy, and learning. When the child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the journey takes on a unique path filled with both challenges and triumphs. In Malaysia, one of the most significant concerns for families is often the financial aspect. However, amidst the challenges, there is hope, support, and a community ready to lend a helping hand.

Understanding the Journey

Every child’s needs are unique, and so are the costs associated with their care. From therapy sessions and special education to medical care and assistive technology, the expenses can add up. But remember, this journey is not just about numbers. It’s about ensuring your child receives the love, care, and opportunities they deserve.

Reaching Out for Support

You are not alone on this journey. Malaysia is home to numerous resources and support systems ready to assist you. Government assistance programs, non-profit organizations, and community support groups offer invaluable help. These resources can lighten the financial burden and provide emotional support, guidance, and a sense of community.

Numerous resources and support systems are available in Malaysia to lighten the financial burden and provide invaluable assistance:

• Government Assistance: Programs like NASOM's Financial Assistance and the Social Security Organization's disability benefits offer crucial financial aid.
• Non-profit Organizations: Yayasan Bank Rakyat (YBR) provides subsidized therapy sessions, and workshops, worth RM3500, and a long list of support groups is in this blog.
• Community and Religious Support: NASOM Family Support Groups, Facebook communities, and regional support groups offer peer support and resource sharing. Additionally, Christian organizations like MEF and Agape Society provide education, training, and social services for families with autistic children.

Beyond the Numbers

While managing the financial aspects is crucial, the journey of raising an autistic child extends far beyond numbers. It’s about weaving a network of support, both online and offline. It’s about connecting with experienced parents, autism advocates, and professionals who can offer guidance, share their experiences, and provide emotional support.

Pinpointing an exact cost is challenging, as every child's needs and the chosen support options differ. However, here's a glimpse into the potential expenses:

• Therapy: ABA therapy, a crucial intervention for many children, can range from RM100 to RM300 per session, with several sessions recommended weekly. Speech and occupational therapy costs fall within a similar range.
• Education: While public schools are free, for some children, specialized autism schools come into play, costing anywhere from RM10,000 to RM30,000 per year or more.
• Medical care: Medication and consultations with specialized doctors can add up, with medication alone potentially costing hundreds of Ringgit annually.
• Assistive technology: Communication aids and sensory tools can significantly improve a child's life, but prices can range from RM500 to several thousand Ringgit.

Embracing the Journey

Raising an autistic child in Malaysia can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, utilizing available resources, and embracing a supportive network, you can navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs. This journey, though filled with obstacles, can also be incredibly enriching, bringing immense joy and a sense of purpose.

Remember, every child with ASD, regardless of financial constraints, deserves to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. Let us walk this path together, hand in hand, heart to heart. Because at the end of the day, this journey is about love, understanding, and acceptance. And together, we can make a difference.