Thought provoking Quotations of Epictetus, Greek philosopher

The essence of Epictetus's psychology is revealed by two of his most frequently quoted statements:

We are disturbed not by events, but by the views which we take of them.

I must die. Must I then die lamenting? I must be put in chains. Must I then also lament? I must go into exile. Does any man then hinder me from going with smiles and cheerfulness and contentment?

NO CURE FOR ECZEMA? Can ECZEMA be cured? -- eczema-natural-healing.com

Some doctors say "NO CURE FOR ECZEMA". But is it true? I came across the wesbsite http://www.eczema-natural-healing.com/ which may be useful for people suffering from eczema. Based on my own experience, eczema can be cured by healthy and mainly vegetarian diet and dietary supplements like multivitamins, Vitamin C, etc.

The following is the welcome message at the site by Donia:

Welcome to my (Donia's) Eczema Natural Healing website! If you are looking for a natural healing approach for eczema, you've come to the right website. The pictures you are looking at are my photos. I suffered from eczema ever since I was a child and today I'm eczema free.

My goal in setting up this website is to inspire, empower and support every single individual suffering from eczema to have the kind of success and healing results that I experienced by using a natural and holistic approach. Suffering from eczema is not your inescapable destiny. This website will teach you how to use a natural superfood diet and a supplement program to heal your body from eczema for good. So, let the journey begin and I sincerely hope that the information provided in this website will lead you to an eczema free life.

Information Source: http://eczema-natural-healing.com/

NaturalRemedyReports.com

On 2009-05-31, Sunday, I came across this site www.NaturalRemedyReports.com

The following is the “About” (NaturalRemedyReports.com) at http://www.naturalremedyreports.com/about/

Ever wonder what’s in all of those medications that you take?

Ever worried about the side effects and the horror stories that you hear?

We did.

Not long ago we thought, what would it be like to have a resource on the internet where people could come and find natural remedies to their problems.

Not only would they be able to find solutions, they would also learn about the problem that they’re facing and actually understand the cause of the issue and then feel good about how to cure it! That kind of site could change the world!

That is NaturalRemedyReports.com. We’re not here to replace your doctor. We’re here to educate you on the health issues that you face and offer you alternative solutions to the expensive drugs that doctors often prescribe for some of the simplest problems.

So dig in, learn something new and go away a better, healthier individual.

Sincerely,

The Staff of NaturalRemedyReports.com

Medical terms related to Food Allergies And Intolerance (by ehealthmd.com)

Here are definitions of medical terms related to Food Allergies And Intolerance.

Additive: A substance, such as an artificial color or preservative, added to food.

Allergen: A substance that produces an allergic reaction.

Allergy: The body's exaggerated reaction to a foreign substance that is harmless to most people. For a reaction to be considered an allergic reaction, it must involve the immune system. The foreign substance may be eaten, inhaled or injected.

Anaphylaxis: A severe allergic reaction that involves much of the body-the respiratory system, skin, digestive tract and, sometimes, blood circulation. Symptoms include cough, wheezing, closing of the throat, runny nose, hives and swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and a drop in blood pressure that may cause loss of consciousness and even death. However it is important to know that a life-threatening or fatal reaction may occur without skin symptoms.

Antibody: A protein made by the body's immune system to combat foreign substance, most often a foreign protein.

Antihistamine: A medicine used to counteract histamine, a chemical released by the body in an allergic reaction, which contributes to the inflammation.

Atopic dermatitis: See eczema.

Biopsy: Removal of tissue for examination.

Cross contamination: When a small amount of food accidentally gets into another food.

Double-blind study: A trial in which neither the patient nor physician can distinguish between the real thing (for example a pill) and the inactive substance(the dummy pill).

Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A non-scarring skin rash that usually begins in childhood. Allergy may be involved in less than half of all children with eczema.

Enzyme: A protein that helps other chemical reactions occur, but isn't itself affected in the reaction.

Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline): A hormone, also used as a drug used to treat anaphylactic shock.

Histamine: A chemical in certain body cells, which contributes to inflammation and causes itching, swelling, sneezing and other allergic symptoms.

Hives: An allergic condition characterized by red, slightly swollen eruptions or itchy lumps on the skin.

Hypersensitivity: Another word for allergy.

IgE (Immunoglobulin E): One type of antibody that defends the body against outside invaders. When certain proteins interact with specidic IgE antibodies the resulting reaction is an allergic reaction.

Immune system: The body's defense system, which fights disease and infections.

Immunoglobulin: A group of proteins known as antibodies that are involved in defending the body against outside invaders.

Inflammation: A protective reaction to an injury that may cause severe discomfort.

Mast cells: Cells present close to body surfaces (such as the skin and intestines), which produce and release chemicals-for instance, histamine-which then produce allergic symptoms.

Metabolism: The building and breaking that occurs continually in the body.

Placebo: A substance used in testing that has no known physical effect on the body. It may have a powerful psychological effect, however.

Toxin: A poison.

Vaccine: An injection given to induce immunity and protect against a certain germ.

Information Source: http://www.ehealthmd.com/library/foodallergies/FA_glossary.html

Mum’s 90th birthday dinner on 2009-05-30

Last night we celebrated mum’s 90th birthday as usual with a dinner at a restaurant.

Although the foods served were mostly unhealthy for me (only!), the dinner was alright for me because I eat healthy and mainly vegetarian food on most days.

2009-05-31 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-30, Sunday

At 0830 hour, my weight = 55.5 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.140.

Based on my weight of 55.5 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1586.25 Kcal (Sedentary).

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

7 + 1 = 8 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x small to medium at about 9.00 pm

( A few Smaller pieces floating probably because of oily food eaten last night but not smelly. Dark brown)

2009-05-30 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-30, Sat

At 730 hour, my weight = 55.2 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.031

Based on my weight of 55.2 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1581.25 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):
6 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 X BIG( SOFT well-formed Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

My new pair of track shoes (Checker brand) bought on 2009-05-27

On 2009-05-27, Wednesday, I bought a new pair Checker brand track shoes at $39.90 from NTUC Fairprice Xtra at AMK Hub.

Before this, my last pair of sports shoes was thrown away at least 10 year ago because I hardly used them so much so that they were not more wearable.

My last serious exercise in the form of running was more than 20 years ago.

I hope this is the beginning of my regular physical exercise!

2009-05-29 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-29, Friday.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.4 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.104.

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 55.4 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1583.75 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):
4.5 + 1 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement toady: 1 x small, 1 x big (well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

Types of cough: Are there different kinds of cough? (by bisolvon.com)

Basically, there are two kinds of cough: productive and non-productive.

Productive cough
A productive cough, also known as chesty cough, is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. This type of cough expels the phlegm which has formed in our respiratory passages, so that abnormal mucus and germs are eliminated from the respiratory tract and breathing becomes easier.

Non-productive cough (Dry cough)
A non-productive cough is dry, tickling and irritating. This cough can for example be caused by phlegm that is so viscous that it is not loosened and expectorated. It can also have an allergic or neurotic origin or can be caused by other perhaps more severe diseases.

Cough in common cold
In the case of a common cold or flu, there are often two phases: first a non-productive or less productive cough, followed by a productive cough.

When viruses invade the lung, the lining of the respiratory tract is attacked and impaired. The normal secretion of mucus changes: mucus becomes stickier and adheres in the lungs. It cannot be expelled yet, and coughing is experienced as very troublesome and exhausting. As the cold progresses, more mucus is usually produced and the cough becomes productive. It is then possible to expel the phlegm by coughing.

Information Source: http://www.bisolvon.com/com/Main/bisolvon/index.htm

How can I give my immune system a boost?

HL123 ways to boost human immune system

1. Have a healthy and balanced diet.

2. Have Sufficient Sleep.

3. Take Dietary/Health Supplements.

4. Have a Healthy Mind.

5. Do physical exercise at latest 30 minutes a day.

Note: Items (1) to (4) are the most important things to do to make your immune system stronger, if you do not have time to do exercise. Why? I have come to this conclusion based on my personal experiences.

Defensive action (to boost your body immune system) by POON CHIAN HUI

A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise and health supplements keep your immune system strong. POON CHIAN HUI reports in the Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 20 May 2009, Wednesday.

Keeping your body's natural defences in tip-top shape can go some way to shield you from viruses like Influenza A (H1N1).

Experts have said that a vaccine for this flu strain could take around six months to develop.

In the meantime, a robust immune system is needed to battle infection, said Dr Asok Kurup, a senior consultant at the department of infectious diseases at Singapore General Hospital.

'A good immune system will fight all types of infection, including all sorts of flu strains,' he said.

To grasp how important the immune system is, Dr Kurup said that one must understand that pathogens are everywhere. This can clearly be seen in the case of a decomposing body where pathogens consume the flesh from outside in and inside out.

Hence, the immune system goes well beyond the common image of white blood cells clamping down on foreign cells; it is, in fact, a complex, multi-layered defence mechanism.

Physical barriers are the first line of defence. The skin keeps germs out of our bodies. Hair in the nose and the respiratory tract dispels dust and foreign particles. Mucus lining the digestive tract and other areas like the vagina prevents bacteria and viruses from settling in and entering the bloodstream.

If this first barrier is breached, a second group of protectors goes into action. A variety of white blood cells search for and destroy the foreign invaders by swallowing and breaking them down.
This immediate response is called the innate immune system function.

If pathogens manage to escape annihilation and start to reproduce in our bodies, the adaptive immune system kicks in.

Unlike the innate system, the adaptive system can recognise and remember foreign cells, thus enabling the body to develop resistance to diseases.

'Cells in the adaptive immune system have an immunological memory,' said Dr Kurup. 'Antibodies are also produced, so that a second infection will be prevented when the same bacteria or virus comes along.'

This is how vaccination works: a dead virus (in some vaccines, the virus can be alive, but weakened so as not to cause disease) is injected into the bloodstream to stimulate this response in the future.

However, this adaptive immune system is not 100 per cent foolproof. Even if we have been vaccinated or have had a particular type of infection before, we may get infected by the same bacteria or virus again.

Hence, we need to keep ourselves in the pink of health in order to give our immune system more bite.

Dr Kurup said: 'We should do the utmost to keep ourselves healthy, which ensures a strong immune system. Someone with a weak immune system may not be able to mount some of the responses needed to fight infections.'

A balanced diet

At the centre of a healthy immune system is a balanced diet.

"A balanced diet that includes a wide variety of foods will ensure an adequate intake of nutrients that may enhance the immune system,? said Ms Ong Fangyi, a dietitian at National University Hospital.

For starters, it pays to have adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables.

A recent study in the American Dietetic Society found that people who eat salads have higher levels of vitamins C, E, B6 and folic acid in their bloodstream - all contributing to a healthy immune system.

Fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants, which get rid of unstable molecules called free radicals that can damage cells that drive the immune system.

One should eat different coloured fruits and vegetables to get a variety of antioxidants, said Ms Ong.

Also, add fermented milk products to the list - they contain beneficial bacteria that may help to promote a healthy immune system. Yogurt, for instance, contains live cultures.

Water is also important as it aids efficient removal of toxins from the body, Ms Ong added.

Regular exercise

Exercising regularly can strengthen immunity.

It helps to boost the production and circulation of immune cells, which are the frontline soldiers against bacteria and viruses, said Dr Ben Tan, head and senior consultant sports physician at Changi Sports Medicine Centre.

However, going overboard will drag your immune system down.

"Excessive exercise stresses the body and taxes the immune system," said Dr Tan. "Cortisol - a stress hormone that is released following prolonged, high-intensity exercise - suppresses the immune system."

Plus, the immune system will be made to channel its resources to repairing tissue damaged from excessive exercise at the expense of its defence function, he added.

The key here is to do regular, not sporadic, exercise. This is because the benefits which the immune system gains are not permanent, said Dr Tan.

"The immune system is enhanced immediately after exercise, but returns to its baseline within a few hours," he said. "Regular exercise, therefore, prolongs the positive changes."

Enough sleep

One must try to get enough sleep, said sleep specialist Kenny Pang, a ear, nose and throat consultant at Pacific Sleep Centre.

Sleep is essential for the body to recharge and repair tissues. It also reduces production of stress hormones, which otherwise will weaken the immune system.

Lack of sleep has been shown to weaken not only the immune system in general, but also the effects of flu vaccines.

A 2002 study on healthy young adults published in the Journal Of The American Medical Association, found that sleep-deprived individuals had less than half of the flu antibodies 10 days after the jab, compared to those who had sufficient rest.

Supplements (Dietary Supplements)

These are useful for people who are unable to have a balanced diet, said Dr Asok Kurup, a senior consultant at the department of infectious diseases at Singapore General Hospital.

Vegetarians, for example, may lack vitamin B12, which occurs naturally only in meat.

Supplements which people commonly take are multivitamins and specific nutrients like vitamin C and folic acid.

Those who opt for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can consider tonic herbs like cordyceps and wild ginseng.

'Cordyceps strengthen kidney and lung functions,' said TCM physician James Koh, owner of Pinnacle Acupuncture And Chinese Physician Clinic. 'In TCM theory, the kidney is the basis of our health as it removes toxins, while the respiratory system is often prone to virus attacks, like the flu.'

Wild ginseng - or pao shen in Mandarin - elevates chi, a natural energy that promotes proper bodily functions, said

Mr Koh, who added that tonics are best taken on a daily basis and not only when one is ill.
A sick person should take herbs like banlangen (Indigowoad root) and honeysuckle flower, which have anti-bacterial effects, he said.

However, it is important to exercise precaution when it comes to taking supplements, said Ms Ong Fangyi, a dietitian at National University Hospital.

'Certain nutrients can depress the immune system when taken in excessive amounts as a supplement,' said Ms Ong, citing zinc as an example. Hence, it is best to seek medical advice first, she added.

As for popular products like chicken essence, they do contain substances that may help in immune system function, she said. However, more studies are needed to verify their effectiveness.

Mr Sam Yap, an entrepreneur and founder of Cherie Hearts International, which has over 40 childcare centres here, believes in the benefits of supplements.

Children enrolled at the centres get a health supplement daily. 'Our kids take one tablespoon of cod liver oil every morning,' said Mr Yap. The measure is also timely as Singapore is currently into one of the two peak periods for the hand-foot-mouth disease.

Links Between Weight and Cancer (by by World Cancer Research Fund, WCRF UK)

WCRF UK recommends being as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of cancer. Aim to be at the lower end of the healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) range.

Maintaining a healthy weight brings a range of health benefits. As well as making us feel better, it also means that we are less likely to develop not only cancer, but also other chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

What is a healthy weight?

One of the easiest ways to check if you’re a healthy weight is by measuring your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a useful guide for most adults.

A healthy BMI for both men and women is between 18.5-24.9. For cancer prevention, we should aim for the lower end of this range.

We also know that where we store extra weight affects cancer risk. Scientists have discovered that carrying excess fat around our waists can be particularly harmful – it acts like a ‘hormone pump’ releasing oestrogen into the bloodstream, as well as raising levels of other hormones in the body.

This is strongly linked to bowel cancer and probably linked to cancers of the pancreas and endometrium (womb), as well as to breast cancer (in postmenopausal women).

Find out about our other Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

How can you help WCRF UK?

Information source:http://www.wcrf-uk.org/preventing_cancer/recommendations/weight_and_cancer.php

Body fat and cancer – the evidence ( by World Cancer Research Fund, WCRF UK)

The evidence that being overweight increases risk of cancer is stronger now than ever before.

In fact, scientists now believe that, after not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing you can do for cancer prevention.

There is convincing evidence that excess body fat increases risk of cancers of the

Bowel
Oesophagus
Pancreas
Kidney
Endometrium (womb)
Breast (in postmenopausal women).

Being overweight also probably increases the risk of gallbladder cancer.

Scientists believe there are several reasons for the link between body fat and cancer.

One example is the relationship between excess fat and the hormonal balance in the body.

Research has shown that fat cells release hormones such as oestrogen, which increases the risk of cancers such as breast cancer.

Information Source:

http://www.wcrf-uk.org/preventing_cancer/recommendations/weight_and_cancer.php

My Weight (Loss) Management from 2007-05-28 to 2009-05-28 (weight loss by Calories Restriction With Optimal Nutrition - CRON)

2007-05-28 morning, my weight = 65.0 kg, BMI = 23.588
2007-06-28 morning, my weight = 61.0 kg, BMI = 22.136
2007-07-28 morning, my weight = 59.0 kg, BMI = 21.410
2007-08-28 morning, my weight = 58.7 kg, BMI = 21.302
2007-09-28 morning, my weight = 57.5 kg, BMI = 20.866
2007-10-28 morning, my weight = 57.5 kg, BMI = 20.866
2007-11-28 morning, my weight = 56.2 kg, BMI = 20.394
2007-12-28 morning, my weight = 55.5 kg, BMI = 20.140
2008-01-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2008-02-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2008-03-28 morning, my weight = 54.5 kg, BMI = 19.777
2008-04-28 morning, my weight = 54.4 kg, BMI = 19.741
2008-05-28 morning, my weight = 54.1 kg, BMI = 19.632
2008-06-28 morning, my weight = 54.6 kg, BMI = 19.814
2008-07-28 morning, my weight = 54.5 kg, BMI = 19.777
2008-08-28 morning, my weight = 54.3 kg, BMI = 19.705
2008-09-28 morning, my weight = 54.9 kg, BMI = 19.923
2008-10-28 morning, my weight = 55.3 kg, BMI = 20.068
2008-11-28 morning, my weight = 54.5 kg, BMI = 19.777
2008-12-28 morning, my weight = 55.6 kg, BMI = 20.177
2009-01-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2009-02-28 morning, my weight = 55.9 kg, BMI = 20.285
2009-03-28 morning, my weight = 54.8 kg, BMI = 19.886
2009-04-28 morning, my weight = 55.3 kg, BMI = 20.068
2009-05-28 morning, my weight = 55.4 kg, BMI = 20.104.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

For me, the range of healthy weight is 50.9786 kg (BMI = 18.5) to 63.10324 kg (BMI = 22.9).

People with BMI values of 23 kg/m2 (or 25 kg/m2 according to some sources) and above have been found to be at risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

To be healthy, I must have healthy weight.

Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.

2009-05-28 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-28, THu.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.4 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.104.

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.Based on my weight of 55.4 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1583.75 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101): 4.5 + 1 + 1 = 6.5 hours

Bowel Movement toady: 1 x very small, 1 x medium to big (well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

2009-05-27 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-27, Wed

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.9 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.285

Based on my weight of 55.9 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1583.75 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

Total sleep = 4 + 1.5 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x small, 1 x big , 1 x medium( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

Boost Your Immune System - Watch WebMD Video

Your immune system attacks foreign invaders with specialized white blood cells. Find out how to use diet and exercise to help.

Please visit http://www.webmd.com/video/boost-your-immune-system

2009-05-26 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-26, Wed

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.7 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.213.

Based on my weight of 55.7 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1588.75 Kcal (Sedentary).

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

4 + 2 = 6 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 small, 1 big (Soft Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

What Should I Do If I Am Constipated? (by WebMd.com)

If you are constipated, try the following:

· Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day (unless fluid restricted).
· Try warm liquids, especially in the morning.
· Add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
· Eat prunes and/or bran cereal.
· If needed, use a very mild stool softener or laxative (such as Peri-colace or Milk of Magnesia). Do not use laxatives for more than two weeks without calling your doctor, as laxative overuse can aggravate your symptoms.

Information source: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation?page=2

How Can I Prevent Constipation? (by webmd.com)

There are several things you can do to prevent constipation. Among them:

1. Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fiber. Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain bread and cereal (especially bran). Fiber and water help the colon pass stool.

2. Drink 1 1/2 to 2 quarts of water and other fluids a day (unless fluid restricted for another medical condition).

Liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and soft drinks, seem to have a dehydrating effect and may need to be avoided until your bowel habits return to normal.

Some people may need to avoid milk, as dairy products may be constipating for them.

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Move your bowels when you feel the urge.

Information Source: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation?page=2

What Is Constipation? (by webmd.com)

Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult or less frequent.

The normal length of time between bowel movements ranges widely from person to person.

Some people have bowel movements three times a day; others, only one or two times a week.

Going longer than three days without a bowel movement is too long.

After three days, the stool or feces become harder and more difficult to pass.

You are considered constipated if you have two or more of the following for at least 3 months:

Straining during a bowel movement more than 25% of the time.

Hard stools more than 25% of the time.

Incomplete evacuation more than 25% of the time.

Two or fewer bowel movements in a week.

Information Source: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation

What Causes Constipation? (by webmd.com)

Constipation is usually caused by a disorder of bowel function rather than a structural problem. Common causes of constipation include:

Inadequate water intake.

Inadequate fiber in the diet.

A disruption of regular diet or routine; traveling.

Inadequate activity or exercise or immobility.

Eating large amounts of dairy products.

Stress.

Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement, which is sometimes the result of pain from hemorrhoids.

Overuse of laxatives (stool softeners) which, over time, weaken the bowel muscles.
Hypothyroidism.

Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum.

Medicines (especially strong pain medicines, such as narcotics, antidepressants, or iron pills).

Depression.

Eating disorders.

Irritable bowel syndrome.

Pregnancy.

Colon cancer.

In some cases, lack of good nerve and muscle function in the bowel may also be a cause of constipation.

Information Source: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-constipation

2009-05-25 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-5-25, Mon

At 05300 hour, my weight = 56.2 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.394.
(Note: Watson Scale = 55.8kg)

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.2 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1597.50 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

4 + 1.5 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x very small, 1 x big (Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-24 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-5-24, Sun

At 0700 hour, my weight = 56.2 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.394.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.2 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1597.50 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

6 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x big, 1 x medium ( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-23 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-5-23, Sat

At 0700 hour, my weight = 56.2 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.394.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.2 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1597.50 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 2 x medium , 1 x verry small ( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-22 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-22, Fri

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.0 kg (Camry), BMI = 20.322.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.0 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1595.00 Kcal (Sedentary). (1909.5 kcal for moderate activity level.).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101): 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x big, 2 x medium ( well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

2009-05-21 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-21, Thu.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.0 kg (Camry), BMI = 20.322.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.0 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1595.00 Kcal (Sedentary). (1909.5 kcal for moderate activity level.).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101): 6 hours

Bowel Movement today: 2 x big ( well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

2009-05-20 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-20, Wed

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.0 kg (Camry), BMI = 20.322.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.0 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1595.00 Kcal (Sedentary). (1909.5 kcal for moderate activity level.).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101): 2 hours (Reason: Attending funeral wake)

Bowel Movement today: NIL

2009-05-19 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-19, Tue

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.5 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.140.

Based on my weight of 55.5 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1586.25 Kcal (Sedentary).

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):
4.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x medium ( well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

2009-05-18 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-18, Mon

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.4 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.467.

Based on my weight of 56.4 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1601.25 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x big( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-17 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-17, Sun

At 0830 hour, my weight = 55.6 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.177.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 55.6 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1587.5 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x medium, 1 x big (Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

Demaveen Moisturising Lotion 250 ml for relief of dry itchy or sensitive skin

On 2009-05-14, Thursday, I bought a bottle of Demaveen Moisturising Lotion 250 ml at $18.10 for relief of dry itchy or sensitive skin because my existing old bottle is running out of lotion from the pharmacy (at AMK Polyclinic) of National Healthcare Group when I brought mum there for regular medical check up.

My palms (mainly right palm) still have dry and itchy skins on and off probably due to the dish washing liquid I use.

2009-05-16 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-16, Sat

At 730 hour, my weight = 55.2 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.031

Based on my weight of 55.2 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1581.25 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

6 hours

Bowel Movement today: 2 x medium, 2 x small (well-formed Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

Smoothie: Ripe Banana + Orange + Ginger + ice cubes for the first time Ref: i09e15

At about 10.50 am am on 2009-05-15 (Friday), I made smoothie for the first time with the following recipe:

(a) 150g orange without skion and seeds (3.60 g of fibre, 70.5 kcal energy)
(b) 100g banana without skin of (2.60g fibre, 89 kcal energy)
(c) 20g ginger peeled (0.40g fibre, 16 kcal energy)
(d) ice cubes = 150g

Method: Use Smoothie Function of Philips Blender HR 2094 3 times for about 30 seconds each time with a 5-second break in between

Total Estimated Dietary Fiber = 6.60g.
Total Estimated Energy = 175.5 kcal

Smoothie produced with Philips Blender HR 2094 = About 490 ml

No. of Serves = 2

Tasters: Myself

Verdict: 20g Ginger taste was very strong. Not So tasty.

My comments: Ginger smell very strong. Next time should use only 10g of ginger. Not too bad!

2009-05-15 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-15, Fri.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.5 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.140.

Based on my weight of 55.5 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1586.25 Kcal (Sedentary).

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

3.5 + 1.5 = 5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x small , 1 x big, 1 x medium, 1 x very small ( well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.) The big one was very good. About 15 cm long! 1 x medium

CR (Calorie Restriction) Diet Advocates

On 2009-05-14 at 2211 hours, I saw the following links at http://cron-ic.blogspot.com/ :

CR Diet Advocate - Bob Phillips

CR Diet Advocate - Dean Pomerleau

CR Diet Advocate - Josh Mitteldorf

CR Diet Advocate - Khurram Hashmi

CR Diet Advocates - Meredith Averill and Paul McGlothin

Add happy years to life and healthy life to years

I have just changed the header of this blog at 2129 hours of 2009-05-14 (Thu)

from "Add years to life and healthy life to years. This blog serves as a platform for exchange of ideas for healthy eating and healthy living."

to "Add happy years to lifeand healthy life to years. This blog serves as a platform for exchange of ideas for healthy eating and healthy living."

The reason: It is only worthwhile to live longer if one's life is happy and healthy.

2009-05-14 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-14, Thu.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.7 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.213.

Based on my weight of 55.7 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1588.75 Kcal (Sedentary).

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

4 + 1.5 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x small, 1 x medium, 2 medium to big (Soft Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-13 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-13, Wed

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.4 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.104.

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 55.4 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1583.75 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):
4 + 1.5 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement toady: 1 x small to medium, 1 x big ( well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

Book: “Fantastic Voyage - Live Long Enough to Live Forever” by Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman, M.D.

Book: “Fantastic Voyage - Live Long Enough to Live Forever” by Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman, M.D.

ISBN#1-57954-954-3

Immortality is within our grasp . . .In Fantastic Voyage, high-tech visionary Ray Kurzweil teams up with life-extension expert Terry Grossman, M.D., to consider the awesome benefits to human health and longevity promised by the leading edge of medical science--and what you can do today to take full advantage of these startling advances.

Citing extensive research findings that sound as radical as the most speculative science fiction, Kurzweil and Grossman offer a program designed to slow aging and disease processes to such a degree that you should be in good health and good spirits when the more extreme life-extending and life-enhancing technologies--now in development--become available.

This bridge to the future will enable those who dare to make the journey from this century to the next . . . and beyond.

Information Source: http://www.fantastic-voyage.net/index.html

My day of unhealthy food on 2009-05-09, Saturday.

The elder son of my good friend GL held his wedding at a church at about 11.00 am of 2009-05-09, Sunday.

At about 1230 pm., I had some unhealthy food at the buffet reception after the wedding ceremony.

In the evening, I had another round of unhealthy food at the customary wedding dinner at a hotel.

2009-05-12 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-12, Tue.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.7 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.213.

Based on my weight of 55.7 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1588.75 Kcal (Sedentary).

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

4 + 1 = 5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 2 x medium (Soft Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-11 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-11, Mon

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.1 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.358

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.1 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1587.5 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5 hours

Bowel Movement toady: 1 x small

2009-05-10 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-10, Sun

At 0930 hour, my weight = 56.5 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.503.

Based on my weight of 56.5 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1602.5 Kcalories (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5.5 hours

Bowel Movement toady: 1 x big at 1710 hours ( well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

2009-05-09 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-09, Sat

At 0830 hour, my weight = 55.5 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.140.

Based on my weight of 55.5 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1586.25 Kcal (Sedentary).

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):
6 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x big , 1 x small ( well formed Banana-shaped stool. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly.)

Calorie restriction (or CRON) for good health -- a healthy and perhaps longer life

“Calorie restriction appeals to people who want healthier -- and perhaps longer – lives” article dated 24th April 2009 was written by JAN JARVIS of star-telegram.com.

This article describes the experiences of Mr. Gary Fagg’s Calorie restriction and how he has benefited from it.

If you are new to calorie restriction or you want to learn more about calorie restriction, the article is very good, worth reading and will be very useful to you.

Please visit http://www.star-telegram.com/living/story/1338341.html

Or http://www.dfw.com/172/story/122221.html

Or http://news.tradingcharts.com/futures/1/7/123761371.html

Video on “LIVE TO BE 150 CAN YOU DO IT? By CRON (Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) and other methods”

This Video is the part 3 of 6 of the special, "Live to Be 150 ... Can You Do It?" By BARBARA WALTERS in 2008.

Please visit

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/live-to-be-150-can-you-do-it-part-3-of-6/2682606166

My lean and healthy body fat percentage and hydration % (body water percentage) as at 2009-05-08

On 2009-05-08 at 11.00 am, I used Camry Body Fat & Hydration Monitor Scale - Model EF551BW.

The following were the measurements:

(a) Weight = 55.9 kg
(b) Body Fat % = 15.3%
(c) Body Hydration or Water %= 58.2%

Based on the Instructional Manual of the Camry Model EF551BW, I am in the “lean” category (above 30 years) of fat % = 15.1 % to 19.5 % and hydration % = 58.3% to 55.3%.

2009-05-08 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-08, Fri.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.8 kg (Camry) BMI = 20.249.

Based on my weight of 55.8 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1591.25 Kcal (Sedentary). (1909.5 kcal for moderate activity level.)

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

4 + 2 = 6 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x Big ( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-07 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-07, Thu

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.1 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.358.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.1 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1587.5 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 medium , 1 x Big ( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-06 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-06, Wed

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.7 kg (Camry), BMI = 20.322.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.0 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1603.75 Kcal (Sedentary). (1924.5kcal for moderate activity level.).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101): 4 + 1.5 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 medium x big (Banana-shaped stools. Dark Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-05 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-5-05, Tue.

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.1 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.358.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

3 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 2 = 6 hours

Bowel Movement toady: 1 x Big (After midnight) , 3 x medium (Well formed Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. )

2009-05-04 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-4, Mon

At 0530 hour, my weight = 56.5 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.503.

Based on my weight of 56.5 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1602.5 Kcalories (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

4 + 1 = 4 hours

Bowel Movement toady: NIL

Blog "Nutrition A to Z" [Ref: i09e03-2316]

I came across this blog "Nutrition A to Z" on 2009-05-03 at 2315 hours.

The blog states," Nutrition A to Z is a blog that can give you great information to let you understand your body better.

Knowing about the modern illness such like heart attack, hypertension, etc and how you can use nutrition supplement or alternate medicine and natural methods to recover or prevent it."

Please visit http://nutritiona2z.blogspot.com/ to find out more.

2009-05-03 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-03, SUN

At 0900 hour, my weight = 56.0 kg (Camry), BMI = 20.322.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 56.0 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1595.00 Kcal (Sedentary). (1909.5 kcal for moderate activity level.).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101): 6 +1 = 7 hours

Bowel Movement today: 2 x big, 1 medium to big (Banana-shaped stools. Dark Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

2009-05-02 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-02, Sat

At 0730 hour, my weight = 55.0 kg (Camry) and BMI = 19.959.

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 55.0 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1577.5 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5 + 0.5 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x big at about 2.30 pm and 1 x medium to big at about 9.20 pm (Good well-formed Brown Banana-shaped stools. Not smelly)

Hair Loss in Kids (Children)

By Dr Jean Ho

(This article was published in Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 16 April 2009)

I recall a hair-raising moment many years ago on the popular variety show, Smile! You're On Candid Camera. A woman, while getting her hair shampooed, was horrified to find fistfuls of it coming right off her scalp.

However, those watching the programme were spared further agony when the canned laughter that was played gave a broad hint that it was just a joke.

The hair that came off was fake and I had a good laugh.

However, for M, a seven-year-old patient of mine, hair loss was no laughing matter.

One day, her mother noticed a bald patch the size of a 50-cent coin on top of her head. Over the next few days, it got bigger and new bald spots began to appear.

The child's hair was falling out in clumps and it was everywhere - on the comb, on the pillow and in the bathroom sink. Within two weeks, she had lost nearly half her crowning glory.

M had a condition called alopecia areata (AA). I started treating her and further hair loss was stopped. Gradually, her hair began to grow back.

Alopecia areata means 'patchy areas of baldness". Clusters of hair fall out in a matter of days for reasons which are not fully understood. The condition affects one in 100 people. It can strike at any age.

However, the good news with this kind of hair loss is that the hair almost always grows back within a year.

The natural pattern of AA is one of spontaneous healing. In fact, these dramatic events of near baldness, followed by complete re-growth of hair, may be seen in the 'amazing" before and after pictures that some companies use to market hair-loss remedies.

Sometimes, the disease lasts longer and gets much worse. A single spot will re-grow hair but new bald spots will appear elsewhere. In severe cases, almost all the hair is gone from the head.

With some children, even their eyebrows, eyelashes and body hair will fall out.

As the condition is neither itchy nor painful, young children often remain oblivious to their problem. Indeed, the bald spots tend to bother the parents more than they do the child.

On the other hand, older kids and teenagers are more sensitive about their appearance and affected by comments from their friends. Hence, focusing on the child's hair loss may cause him to feel more self-conscious and embarrassed.

Although the disease is often attributed to a case of nerves or emotional stress, there is very little evidence to support this.

Studies indicate that it may be a type of autoimmune reaction, that is, the body's immune system reacting defensively to its own skin and hair follicles.

Quite often, there may be a family member with the same condition. Despite the sometimes catastrophic hair loss, the patients are almost always healthy. Blood tests are rarely necessary.

Even without treatment, most patients with small patches of hair loss will eventually recover.

For those who seek treatment, therapy is varied depending on the severity of the condition.

With isolated spots, it may be easy to get hair to regrow by injecting them with small amounts of steroid solution. This medicine stays inside the skin, working to restore the hair for three to four weeks. Sometimes, the condition is cured. At other times, the hair re-grows only to fall out again. New bald spots may also appear.

This form of treatment is painful and can be daunting for children. Children who are squeamish about injections can opt for medications such as steroid creams or minoxidil which are applied topically. These have been found to be effective in children and adults with AA.

Other treatment options work by inducing irritation on the scalp. One such treatment makes use of anthralin, a tar-like substance. This causes a controlled irritation on the scalp, which can induce hair re-growth.

In a similar way, a chemical called diphencyprone is applied on the scalp to simulate an allergic reaction. This method is referred to as immunotherapy. This is a miserably itchy and tedious method but it sometimes works to re-grow hair in stubborn cases.

The skin irritation works like a decoy, detracting the body's immune system from the hair roots, hence, allowing normal hair growth to resume.

Finally, bald spots can be camouflaged with hats or headbands. For some patients, the use of a hair piece or a wig can help them lead a normal life.

Even with treatment, the disease is unpredictable. Hair falls out, then re-grows, only to fall out again.

The emotional roller coaster of euphoric anticipation followed by crashing disappointment can take its toll on the patient and his family.

Families can be helped to cope with the condition through counselling and support groups. Meeting other children with AA also makes young patients realise they are not alone in their struggle.

drjeanho@singnet.com.sg

Dr Jean Ho is a consultant dermatologist at Joyce Lim Skin and Laser Clinic.

2009-05-01 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-05-01, Fri

At 0900 hour, my weight = 55.3 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.068

This BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 55.3 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1582.5 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

5 + 2 = 7 hours

Bowel Movement today: 2 x big (Big Brown Banana-shaped stools. Not smelly. Sunk. Both movements very GOOD)

2009-04-30 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-04-30, Thu

At 0530 hour, my weight = 55.6 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.177.

My current BMI is within the healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9.

Based on my weight of 55.6 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1587.5 Kcal (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

4 + 1.5 = 5.5 hours

Bowel Movement today: 1 x big (Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)