Saturday, February 28, 2009

2009-02-28 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-2-28, Sat.

At 0730 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 = 6 +1 = 7 hours

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

Body Fat Calculator (U.S. Navy Circumference Method) using only a measuring tape.

You can calculate your percentage of body fat, daily requirement of protein, Body Mass Index and your Waist-to-Height ratio using the U.S. Navy Circumference Method by visiting

http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/diet.html

Why your hair turns gray?

Going gray is caused by a massive build up of hydrogen peroxide due to wear and tear of our hair follicles.

The peroxide winds up blocking the normal synthesis of melanin, our hair's natural pigment.

For more information, please visit
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223131123.htm

Friday, February 27, 2009

2009-02-27 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-2-27, Fri.

At 0440 hour, my weight = 56.3 kg (Camry) and BMI = 20.431.

Based on my weight of 56.3 kg and STI calorie need calculator, my calorie required today is 1600.00 K-calories (Sedentary).

My Sleep Monitor for today (starting on 071101):

Total sleep = 4 +1 + 1.5 = 6.5 hours

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

Thursday, February 26, 2009

40 ways to relax

By Wong Mei Ling and Margaret Lee (Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 26 Feb 2009.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now that you know that constant stress will do you no good - perhaps even aggravate the situation and make you feel physically sick and depressed - your only option is to hang loose.

If you are too preoccupied with your current situation to figure out how to do this, take these 40 tips from medical professionals Mind Your Body consulted.

They give advice on how to unwind, lessen physical strain and mental stress and tell you how you can relax.

Ms Sanveen Kang, a clinical psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health, said: 'Never dismiss stress; instead, learn to cope and tackle the problems one by one.'

Her other tips:

1 Seek help. Talk to a friend, family member, co-worker, counsellor, psychologist or someone you trust.

2 Focus on what you have accomplished and derive a sense of satisfaction from it.

3 Do not dwell on work that is incomplete as it will only demoralise you.

4 Do stretches in the office to relieve tension accumulated from sitting down for a long time.

5 Exercise regularly.

It helps with sleep problems and improves blood circulation and detoxification through perspiration.

Exercise has been shown to release a chemical in the brain which induces the feeling of well-being and relaxation.

6 Enrol in stress management talks, workshops and programmes.

7 Go travelling with your loved ones as it can help you return with a fresh perspective on life.

Dr Gregory Chan, a senior occupational health physician at the National University of Singapore, said: 'Relaxing in the workplace is not only about things you can do but also an attitude with which you approach work.'

His other tips:

8 Draw up a list of items that you need to finish at work at the beginning of the day.

9 You can choose to be happy and positive at work. For example, smile more and respond positively to new assignments.

10 Focus on the job at hand.Cut the gossip and keep positive at work.

11 Do not keep checking your e-mail every few minutes; it will distract you.

12 Make sure your work station is comfortable and adjusted to your personal needs. The screen should be at eye level.Adjust the chair so that your elbows rest comfortably on the chair and your feet are flat on the ground. Do not sit on the edge of your chair. Get some back support.

13 Keep your desk free of clutter and tidy up after work.

14 Avoid gossiping about others.

15 Be friendly to everyone (but do not overdo it).

16 Listen to some soothing music without disturbing your colleagues.

17 Take short breaks after continuous work; you should not do more than one hour of continuous work.

18 Tell your body to relax while working; it is about mind over body.

Check if you are tense because you tend to use muscles that are not necessary in the course of work.

19 Learn to say 'no' if you have far too much to do already.

20 Have regular meals to avoid gastric problems and squeeze in some exercise no matter how short.For example, take the stairs instead of the lift.

21 Try not to bring work home.

22 Ensure that you drink enough fluids - water is best but not fizzy or alcoholic drinks.

23 Do not be overly preoccupied with promotion or competition.

24 Even if your work seems boring, look for positive aspects and enjoy working.

25 Give your best effort at work.

Psychologist Daniel Koh of Insights-Tse counselling clinic said: 'Find more sedentary and easy going things to do as exercise may vent frustration but may not mean you will be more relaxed.'

His other tips:

26 Breathing exercises. These can be done with your eyes open or closed and either sitting or lying down.

Begin by placing your hand on your diaphragm and breathe in slowly and deeply.

When exhaling, imagine that you are breathing out all your tension and troubles.

Repeat until you feel calm and relaxed.

27 Imagery or visualisation.

Start with the above breathing exercise but add on visualisation.

Imagine that you are walking in a forest or along a beach. Think about how you would feel and what you would see or hear. When you begin to feel relaxed, start focusing on your breathing.

28 Muscle relaxation. Again start with your breathing, then focus on the major muscle groups from head to toe.

For example, clench your jaw and hold it for a few seconds then relax.

Repeat this a few times, then move on to your mouth (tense it up and relax), neck (tilt it upwards and backwards, hold and relax), shoulder (lift it up towards your neck), then arms, chest, abdomen, thighs, calves, toes and end with breathing.

Breathing and muscle exercises slow down the pace of breathing which helps regulate the heart beat and relaxes the body.

They also take the mind off thoughts that are causing stress.

Psychiatrist Brian Yeo of Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre said: 'Some people relax better in a group while others are more comfortable relaxing alone.'

His other tips:

29 Take long walks or laze on a beach.

30 Join a line dancing class or start running. Both do not require a partner so they are easier to pick up.

31 If you are a spiritual person, go to an empty church or temple and have some quiet time for reflection.

Meditate regularly; it enables you to calm down faster when it becomes a routine for your body.
It also increases the flow of pleasure hormones and raises the threshold of stress a person can cope with.

32 Vegetate on the couch; the concept of relaxation seems to entail an activity but sometimes being a couch potato for a short time is not a bad thing.

33 Join a yoga or pilates class or do yoga at home with videos.

34 Go for a massage or facial.

Mr Stephen Lew, a psychotherapist from the Positive Psychology Centre, said: 'Do what you love daily. If you have yet to develop an interest, this could be the time of self-discovery to cultivate a new hobby which you get pleasure from.'

His other tips:

35 Sift through old photographs - an occasion that was full of fun could trigger joyous emotions locked in your memory.

36 Walk alongside trees in the Botanical Gardens or get yourself close to nature; this helps to soothe frazzled nerves.

37 Pick up a dusty phone book to touch base with old friends and chuckle away at the foolish things you used to do.

38 Take a siesta, or as they say, a power nap (20 minutes) to recharge.

39 Sit on a chair with your feet touching the floor and your back upright. Focus on anything or any sound for three minutes.

40 As you step into your home after a long day at work, just sit for 10 to15 minutes doing nothing. Do some deep breathing and reflect on the day's challenges.


By Wong Mei Ling and Margaret Lee

Source: Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 26 Feb 2009.

2009-02-26 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-2-26, Thu

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 +2 = 6 hours

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

Life Expectancy Calculator by Dr. Thomas Perls

According to Dr. Perls' website, The Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator uses the most current and carefully researched medical and scientific data in order to estimate how old you will live to be.

Most people score in their late eighties... how about you?

The calculator asks you 40 quick questions related to your health and family history, and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

The Life Expectancy Calculator may be another usedful tool to give you feedback on your health.

For detailed information, please visit http://www.livingto100.com/

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Eczema – Useful Information Resources on Causes, Remedies, Treatments, Natural Healings and Pictures (Photos/Images) [Ref: i09b25-1918]


Allergy Natural Treatment - Natural Treatment For Allergy Attacks

Attraction Mind Map - Attracting Abundance and Releasing Negative Emotions Linked to Eczema

Skin Disease Image Directory - Skin Disease Image Directory

http://www.eczemadietsecrets.com/

http://www.allergybegone.com/

http://www.eczemaskintreatment.com/

Source of information: http://www.eczemaskintreatment.com/

2009-02-25 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-2-25, 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 hours

Bowel Movement today: NIL

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

What is Nutrition literacy?

Nutrition literacy may be defined as "the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic nutrition information needed to make appropriate dietary decisions."

In simple terms, a person’s nutrition literacy is his or her ability to obtain, process, and understand nutrition information of different foods in order to make appropriate decisions as to the types and quantities of foods to eat.

You are what you eat. Everything you eat will affect your body and your mind. Every mouthful of food you take has a beneficial or detrimental effect on your health, both for the short and/or long terms.

It's therefore important that you maintain a high nutrition literacy and give a thought to what you put into our mouth.

Hair Loss site http://hairloss.ygoy.com/

http://hairloss.ygoy.com/

is a hair loss site established in 2005 by YgoY.com.

I find this website very informative and may be useful to those who are troubled by hair loss problems.

Natural Hair Loss Treatments Website

Find a hair loss solution that works.

Are you tired of hair loss treatments that don't work? Prescription hair loss drug side effects? Treatments that interact negatively with your prescription drugs?

Are you just plain old tired of Hair Loss?

Well this is the place for you. http://www.hairlosshaven.com/

I find this website is very informative and may be useful to those who are troubled by hair loss problems.

How I get nutrients that may be deficient in a vegetarian (plant-based) diet


Nutrients that may be deficient in a vegetarian diet and how you can get these nutrients from non-meat sources:

Protein. Your body needs protein to maintain healthy skin, bones, muscles and organs. Vegetarians who eat eggs or dairy products have convenient sources of protein. Other sources of protein include soy products, meat substitutes, legumes, lentils, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Calcium. This mineral helps build and maintain strong teeth and bones. Low-fat dairy foods and dark green vegetables, such as spinach, turnip and collard greens, kale, and broccoli, are good sources of calcium. Tofu enriched with calcium and fortified soy milk and fruit juices are other options.

Vitamin B-12. Your body needs vitamin B-12 to produce red blood cells and prevent anemia. This vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal products, including milk, eggs and cheese. Vegans can get vitamin B-12 from some enriched cereals, fortified soy products or by taking a supplement that contains this vitamin.

Iron. Like vitamin B-12, iron is a crucial component of red blood cells. Dried beans and peas, lentils, enriched cereals, whole-grain products, dark leafy green vegetables, and dried fruit are good sources of iron. To help your body absorb nonanimal sources of iron, eat foods rich in vitamin C — such as strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cabbage and broccoli — at the same time you consume iron-containing foods.

Zinc. This mineral is an essential component of many enzymes and plays a role in cell division and in the formation of proteins. Good sources of zinc include whole grains, soy products, nuts and wheat germ.

The key to a healthy vegetarian diet — or any diet for that matter — is to enjoy a wide variety of foods. Since no single food provides all of the nutrients that your body needs, eating a wide variety helps ensure that you get the necessary nutrients and other substances that promote good health.

( Note: The above information is from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vegetarian-diet/HQ01596 )

My Solution: Take a multivitamin tablet and other health supplements daily.

2009-02-24 My Living Diary

Today is 2009-2-24, Tue

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 hours

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

Monday, February 23, 2009

10 ways to stay Healthy

(1) Have a healthy diet. As the saying goes, you are what you eat.
(2) Exercise regularly.
(3) Drinks 1.5 to 2 liters plain water daily.
(4) Take at least three different fruits and vegetables daily.
(5) Take at least one multi-grain meal daily.
(6) Take multivitamins daily.
(7) Everyday spend at least one hour on your hobby or on doing something to relax.
(8) Have at least 7 to eight hours of sleep daily.
(9) Do not smoke and do not drink alcohol.
(10) Enjoy whatever you do.

My Living Diary for 2009-2-23

Today is 2009-2-23, Mon.

At 0530 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):

4 hours

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

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Videos about calorie-restriction (CR) or (CRON)

Please visit http://technorati.com/videos/tag/calorie-restriction


==============================================

My Living Diary for 2009-2-22

Today is 2009-2-22, Sun.

At 0950 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: 1 x Big , 1 x medium ( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

List of CRON (Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition) Related Blogs, web pages, websites first posted 2009-2-22 with last update 2011-03-06

Note: The last update was on 2011-03-06
Calorie restriction (Calorie restriction - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Anti-Aging Diet & Calorie Restriction [Ref: i09c29-1242]

Calorie Restriction Best for Weight Loss by Jason [Ref: i09F20-1851]

Calorie Restriction Calculator [Ref: i09c29-1230]

Calorie Restriction Diet by Scientific Psychic [Ref: i09c29-1228]

Calorie restriction diet: is it just another fad diet? By Debbie Gisonni [Ref: i09F20-1851]

Calorie Restriction by endlesshumanpotential.com [Ref: added 2010-08-21]

Calorie Restriction - by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Ref: k2010-03-05-2235g]

Caloric restriction may prevent disease, increase life span (Dr. Walt's Health Blog) [Ref: i09g19-0946]

Calorie Restriction For Life Extension: Dr. Oz on Oprah [Ref: Added 2010-07-11, Sunday]

Calorie Restriction for Life Extension - in Primates [Ref: i09g19-0946]

Calorie Restriction For Life Extension What They Didn't Tell You On Oprah [Ref: Added 2011-03-06, Sunday]

Calorie restriction news, articles and information by naturalnews.com [Ref: added 2011-01-21, Fri.]

Caloric Restriction News - The New York Times [Ref: added 2011-01-21, Fri.]

Calorie Restriction Recipes - a comprehensive view by Wellsphere [Ref: i09c29-1222]

Calorie Restriction Web Portal by Joseph Cordell [Ref: i09L31-2215]

Calorie Restriction Weight Loss Program For Longevity (formerfatguy.com) [Ref: i09g19-0946]

Calorie Restriction Without Malnutrition: Undernutrition Without Starvation (by male-sexual-health.com) [Ref: i09f03-2240]

Count Calories lose weight, get healthy, maintain weight loss

CRON (Anti-Aging) Lifestyle Blog [Ref: i09d15-2117]

CRON-diet - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


CRON-I-licious [Ref: i09d25-0034]

CRON-IC (http://cron-ic.blogspot.com/) [Ref: i09e14-2147]]

CRON-ological by DawnRose [Ref: i09d25-0034]

DJHinVA -- a CRON Blog for Health & Longevity [Ref: i09d08-2350]

How do you start Calorie Restriction? [Ref: i09d04-0048]

Matthew Lake’s CR Blog [ Ref: K2020B13-1848h]

My Take on Calorie Restriction – by Lovelyn [Ref: k2010-03-05-2235g]


Quest for Life: Adventures in Calorie Restriction

One persons weight loss doing Calorie Restriction with Optimal Nutrition
(
http://comarell.net/ ) [Ref: i09b29]

The Book :: Living the CR Way :: Using the Secrets of Calorie Restriction for a Longer, Healthier Life. ( http://livingthecrway.com/ ) [Ref: i09b29]

The Fast Supper - The Ultra-Extreme Calorie Restriction Diet Test -- New York Magazine [Ref: Added 2011-01-31]

The following CRON related Blogs and Websites are from

http://cronyogitect.blogspot.com/ (CRON yogitect)

.========================================

Other CRONies




Amy

April

Deborah

Erin

Illiah

Jake --- Blog was found not accessible on 2011-01-31

JD

Jeff

Johan

Mary

Matt

Mizzi -- Cancelled on 2009-07-19

Nennette

Robin --- Blog not found on 2011-01-31

Sara

Tim

Tony







Saturday, February 21, 2009

My Living Diary for 2009-2-21

Today is 2009-2-21, Sat.

At 0630 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: Morning. 1 x Big ( Banana-shaped stools. Brown. Sunk. Not smelly)

Friday, February 20, 2009

How I healed myself of stuffed nose and excessive mucous (chronic sinusitis)

I had stuffed nose and excessive mucous (chronic sinusitis) since my childhood until 2 to 3 years ago.

I healed myself of this irritating health problem without the help of a medical doctor (i.e. physician) after going CRON for about one year and eat mainly low fat, low salt, low sugar, low protein and high-dietary-fibre plant-based food. I also drink about 1.5 litres of water and take health supplements daily. I keep my BMI (Body Mass Index) below 23.

Now I seldom have stuffed nose or excessive mucous or other nose problems.

This experience of mine may be useful to you.

Keeping sinuses clear

Chronic sinusitis can be a serious annoyance in a person's life. Experts tell MYB what can be done about it

By Dhany Osman

If you sniffled endlessly and blew your nose several times while reading this article, you may be one of the many people here with chronic sinusitis.


Medically defined, sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses that can be due to bacteria, viruses or fungi.

About 3 to 5% of Singaporeans suffer from some degree of sinusitis

While acute cases are normally accompanied by a fever or flu and last only a few weeks, those with the chronic variety may have less severe but more prolonged symptoms.

These include a constantly blocked or runny nose, headaches, sore throats and coughs, all of which can severely inconvenience one's daily life.

'Sinusitis is very common in children, teenagers and young adults, who generally spend more time outdoors and are exposed to the environment,' said DrStephen Lee, a consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon at Raffles Hospital.

Pollution and allergies, he added, may be contributory factors in the development of sinusitis.
While he does not know of the actual numbers, Dr Lee estimated that about 3 to 5 per cent of Singaporeans suffer from some degree of the condition.


Mind Your Body spoke to Dr Lee and other ENT experts on what sinusitis is and how it can be treated.

Where are the sinuses?

There are four sets of sinuses: the frontal (above the eyes), ethmoidal (between the eyes), maxillary (cheek) and sphenoid (back of the nose).

When in a healthy state, these sinus cavities are filled with air, and mucous produced by our sinuses should drain through openings into our nasal passages, said Dr Lau Chee Chong, an ENT doctor in private practice.

Why we have sinuses is still under debate but one notion is that they help to ease the relative weight of the front of our skulls.

Sinus cavities also affect how our voices resonate, which may explain why people sound nasal when their sinuses are blocked, Dr Lee said.

'Some patients feel that they sound very different after treatment and have to get used to the sound of their new voice,' he added.

What causes it?

Dr Lee described the insides of our sinuses as having a mucous membrane, or 'internal skin', that can get inflamed when infected and which may end up blocking a person's sinus passages.

Typically, a viral infection such as a flu or cold may block the sinus and the accumulated mucous becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, he added.

While acute sinusitis usually clears within a few weeks, poor sinus drainage can lead to the condition becoming chronic if the symptoms last for more than three months.

Structural problems - like naturally narrow sinus passages, deviated nasal septums - or if there are nasal polypses, can contribute to poor sinus drainage, said Dr Lau.

Such people are hence more prone to developing sinusitis, he added.

People with allergies, too, may often find their sinuses easily aggravated and blocked when exposed to their specific allergens.

Smoke or pollution can also be irrititants and block one's sinuses.

Dr Lau added that poor dental hygiene may lead to the infection of the cheek sinus, when bacteria pass through the roots of the upper teeth.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms are a stuffed nose, swelling of the nasal passages and excessive mucous production.

In more serious infections, the mucuous discharged can often be yellowish, greenish or brownish.
There may also be pain in the sinus regions, commonly known as a 'sinus headache'. This is often felt around the eyes and cheeks.


'The pain can hit you quite suddenly and can get quite severe, leaving you uncomfortable for the whole day,' said Dr Y. T. Pang, a private practice ENT doctor.

Sinusitis can also cause a post-nasal drip, as excess mucous accumulates in the throat.
This can lead to bad breath, sore or dry throats and even coughs.


'Many people may not realise that a long-standing cough may stem from sinusitis and they end up seeing the wrong doctors,' DrPang added.

'The prevention of sinusitis is very much like that for the common cold,' said Dr Lau.

Simple steps to take include staying in well-ventilated rooms and avoiding smoky and dusty places. He added that staying well-hydrated can help keep one's mucous thin and easier to drain.
'People with allergy-related sinusitis should also avoid allergens which they're susceptible to, such as inhalants or food,' he said.


Treatment

Acute sinusitis is commonly treated with antibiotics, decongestants and mucolytics (to thin the mucous).

Pain-relief medicines may also be prescribed, along with antihistamines for those with allergies.
Dr Lee added that simple home remedies like inhaling steam and flushing the nasal passages with salt water can help ease the symptoms. The latter technique can be applied by carefully using a small pump.


A more thorough version of this treatment can also be performed in clinics. Called an entral wash, it involves inserting a tube into a patient's sinus cavity to flush it out with saline solution, he said.

Dr Lau said for more serious cases of chronic or recurrent sinusitis, there may be a more permanent solution: a functional endoscopic sinus surgery (Fess) procedure.

A minimally-invasive operation, it involves the removal of inflamed and infected tissue, or the expansion of the sinus passages, to allow for better drainage.

'The surgery is done completely through the nostrils, without any external incisions,' said Dr Lau.
Another procedure that has emerged more recently is balloon sinusplasty. This makes use of a surgical balloon to expand narrow sinus passages.


Using a guide wire, the balloon is inserted through the nose and inflated when in the right position.

'With this procedure, there is no longer a need to remove tissue and the recovery rate is remarkable,' said Dr Pang.

'One other advantage is that I'm inclined to perform it on children, who may be more concerned about surgery.'

Source: The Mind Your body of The Straits Times dated 19 Feb 2009.



I became a blog follower for the first time!

I just became the follower of THE RED BARON

I mention this here because I became a blog follower for the first time!

This new feature will definitely promote the interactions between bloggers.

Following gadget has just been installed in this blog

I have just added the Following gadget to my blog about 10 minutes ago (at about 0010 hr 2009-2-20, Friday).

It will be very interesting to see how many following I am going to have!

My First Follower THE RED BARON (a new feature by blogger.com)

About 15 minutes ago, I was surprised to find that I have a blog follower THE RED BARON.

This gives me a motivation to work hard on my blog as I have not updated my blog as regularly as last year 2008.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Exercise on Stationary Exercise Bikes

This evening (2009-2-19) at about 6.30 pm, I used a stationary Recumbent Exercise Bike (30 minutes) and a stationary Upright Exercise Bike (30 minutes) for the first time. The venue was Gym near my home. I piad only $2.00 for the one-time visit (maximum 1.5 hoours).

Total time spent = 1 hour
Total energy expended = 143 k-calories (based on the data given by the bikes)

More information will be added.

Join a Gym or buy a stationary exercise bike for home ?

Last evening (18 Feb 2009, Tuesday) I visited a gym near my home. The fee is reasonable. I need to decide to buy a stationary exercise bike for home or join the gym.

I can use the gym during off peak hours to avoid the crowd.

Friday, February 6, 2009

What is Lymph? Regular exercise will help maintain the flow of lymph.

Lymph is a clear fluid that circulates throughout the body, cleaning away all the dead cells, bacteria and toxins.

The Lymphatic System is like a team of garbage collectors, filtering out, gathering up and taking all the unnecessary waste we accumulate in our bodies in everyday life. It is the key to a healthy immume system.

The lymph moves around the body in an extensive network of capillaries and this pathway must be kept clean and free flowing to work efficiently. As a sluggish river accumulates pools of stagnant water that act as a breeding ground for bacteria and disease, likewise, if the Lymphatic System becomes sluggish, Lymph can remain stagnant in problem areas, causing inflamation and pain.

The Lymphatic System mirrors the blood circulatory system but is twice the size and has more than 600 nodes situated throughout the body. However, unlike the blood system, the Lymphatic System has no pump and therefore needs help to keep the Lymph fluid moving.

Regular exercise will help maintain the flow, but congestion can occur in areas as a result of toxic overload, lack of exercise, improper diet, infection or injury. When this happens, the build up will cause inflammation and pain.

Skipping, trampoline and body brushing are all good ways of stimulating flow of Lymph but sometimes it is necessary to use additional cleansing techniques

Source:
http://www.nutri-cleanse.com/id16.html

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Macro manage (macrobiotic food and cooking)

By Huang Lijie, Singapore Cooks, Sunday Times dated 1 Feb 2009
.------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cancer survivor Simone Vaz uses wheat gluten product seitan to spice up the meals in her macrobiotic diet

Ms Vaz shows that macrobiotic food need not be bland with her seitan stew. -- ST PHOTOS: ASHLEIGH SIM

Deprivation is usually the main course on the menu of most diets.

So it is a surprise to hear freelance public relations consultant Simone Vaz, who is in her 40s, say that she is eating more luxuriously after switching to a macrobiotic diet.

The high-fibre, low-fat diet, popularised by Japanese philosopher George Ohsawa in the early 1900s, focuses on simply cooked organic food and favours ingredients such as whole grains and vegetables.

The diet is popular among celebrities who want to stay slim, and among cancer patients who find it beneficial to their health.

Before she ate macrobiotically, Ms Vaz, who is Eurasian, used to pile her plate with roast lamb, steaks and sausages.

Since the breast cancer survivor started on the macrobiotic diet in 2006, however, her understanding of eating luxuriously has changed.

She says: 'Previously, my meals had very little colour and texture. For example, when I had steak for a meal, it'd just be a huge piece of meat, some mashed potatoes and probably a small portion of greens on the side.

'Now, every day I eat about 10 different types of vegetables cooked in a variety of ways, so even the simplest dish has more texture, sensation and colour than what I used to consume. This is what I call eating luxuriously.'

Indeed, based on her description of how she jazzes up vegetable dishes - with toppings such as organic cranberries and pine nuts, and seasoning such as lemon zest and sea salt - the macrobiotic diet does not seem ascetic.

Yet Ms Vaz, who is single, is able to empathise with those who shy away from the diet because they perceive it as restrictive and bland.

After all, when she first tried macrobiotic food 11 years ago at a friend's home, it did not leave her singing its praises.

She says: 'It was ghastly and unappetising and I thought to myself that I couldn't do the diet if I had to.'

The about-turn came in 2006, when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.

She read up as much as she could about the illness and, in the process, came across anecdotes from cancer patients who attributed their recovery to eating macrobiotically.

Determined not to succumb to cancer like her grandfather and father did, she decided to go on the diet.

Her grandfather died of lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) in the 1970s and her father, of lung cancer, in the late 1990s.

Her mother, a retired teacher, is a healthy septuagenarian. Vaz has two younger brothers, both in their 30s.

For guidance on eating macrobiotically, she turned to books such as The Cancer Prevention Diet (1993) by Michio Kushi, a famous advocate of the macrobiotic diet.

Eager to deepen her practice, she started a 12-month distance-learning certification course to become a macrobiotics counsellor last year. The course is conducted by Macrobiotics America, a macrobiotics institute in California.

A macrobiotics counsellor helps people understand how macrobiotics can support them in the healing of illnesses.

The course included a two-week hands-on cooking class in California. There, she learnt how to make simple macrobiotic meals tasty.

For example, a meal comprising steamed vegetables and brown rice could be enhanced by adding lemon juice and soya sauce to the vegetables, and topping it off with some julienned apple.

She also learnt how to make yummy macrobiotic desserts by substituting processed baking products such as bleached flour and white sugar with wholesome ingredients such as wholegrain flour and natural brown rice syrup. Also, butter was replaced with avocado.

She was also introduced to seitan, a wheat gluten product that is similar in texture to meat. It is a versatile ingredient in macrobiotic cooking.

It can be used, for example, in an Asian-style stew, such as in the recipe she shares below. It can also be minced and used as a filling for lasagne or shaped into a burger patty.

Spurred by the positive changes to her life since she adopted a macrobiotic diet - her cancer is in remission following treatment - she started Lusher Than Life, a macrobiotics service centre last year.

It offers a range of classes on macrobiotic living, including cooking classes. She says: 'The macrobiotic diet changed my life. I'm physically healthier and emotionally more stable, and I want to encourage others with my experience.'