My Weight (Loss) Management from 2007-05-28 to 2009-11-28 (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.
2009-06-28 morning, my weight = 55.2 kg, BMI = 20.031
2009-07-28 morning, my weight = 55.1 kg, BMI = 19.995
2009-08-28 morning, my weight = 55.2 kg, BMI = 20.031
2009-09-28 morning, my weight = 56.3 kg, BMI = 20.431
2009-10-28 morning, my weight = 55.8 kg, BMI = 20.249
2009-11-28 morning, my weight = 56.2 kg, BMI = 20.394

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 to 63.10324 kg.


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 a healthy weight.

Be as lean as possible without being underweight, as recommended by World Cancer Prevention Foundation, United Kingdom.

My weight on 2009-11-28 morning

My weight on 2009-11-28 morning at about 7.00 am was 56.2 kg.

Say ‘thank you’— it’s for your health (by The Associated Press)

Academics have long theorized that expressions of thanks promote health and happiness and give optimism and energy to the downtrodden.

Now, the study of gratitude has become a surprisingly burgeoning field, and research indicates being thankful might help people actually feel better.

There’s a catch, however: You have to say thanks more than just once a year.

“If you don’t do it regularly you’re not going to get the benefits,” said Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside.

“It’s kind of like if you went to the gym once a year. What would be the good of that?”

For more details, please visit
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34131527/ns/health-behavior/

Meaning of Mental Health (as defined by World Health Organization)

Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness.

It influences how we feel about ourselves, our relationships and our ability to cope with changes, transitions and life events.

The World Health Organization defines mental health positively as "…a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community".

Having positive mental health is crucial for the well-being and effective functioning of an individual.

Positive mental health also serves as a protective factor against mental illness.

Info source: http://www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb/default.asp?pg_id=978

Mental Health Meter (by www.cmha.ab.ca)

Assessing our mental health is not as simple to do as measuring our physical health.
There are no scales or endurance tests that rate mental fitness.

But with the help of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Meter, you can reflect on your unique strengths and identify areas where your level of mental fitness could be improved to help you cope with all of life’s up and downs.

Please visit http://www.cmha.ab.ca/bins/meter_page.asp?cid=2-267-1304 to try theMental Health Meter

Meaning of Mental Health (by www.cmha.ab.ca)

Definitions of mental health are changing. It used to be that a person was considered to have good mental health simply if they showed no signs or symptoms of a mental illness. But in recent years, there has been a shift towards a more holistic approach to mental health.

Today, we recognize that good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. Nor is it absolute – some people are more mentally healthy than others, whether you are mentally ill or not. These realizations are prompting a new kind of focus on mental health that identifies components of mental wellness and mental fitness and explore ways to encourage them.

Positive Approach to Psychology

A group of psychologists, led by Martin E.P. Seligman, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania and past-president of the American Psychological Association, wants to shift the emphasis in their discipline from a disease model to a health model, called “positive psychology.”

Instead of looking at how society’s negative aspects affect us, their aim is to investigate the positive qualities that help people flourish. These include courage, optimism, hope, honesty, interpersonal skills, work ethic and perseverance.

Consider these key characteristics when assessing your own mental health:

Ability to enjoy life – Can you live in the moment and appreciate the “now”? Are you able to learn from the past and plan for the future without dwelling on things you can’t change or predict?

Resilience – Are you able to bounce back from hard times? Can you manage the stress of a serious life event without losing your optimism and a sense of perspective?

Balance – Are you able to juggle the many aspects of your life? Can you recognize when you might be devoting too much time to one aspect, at the expense of others? Are you able to make changes to restore balance when necessary?

Self-actualization – Do you recognize and develop your strengths so that you can reach your full potential?

Flexibility – Do you feel, and express, a range of emotions? When problems arise, can you change your expectations – of life, others, yourself – to solve the problem and feel better?

You can gauge your mental health by thinking about how you coped with a recent difficulty. Did you feel there was no way out of the problem and that life would never be normal again? Were you unable to carry on with work or school? With time, were you able to enjoy your life, family and friendships? Were you able to regain your balance and look forward to the future?

Taking the pulse of mental health brings different results for everyone; it’s unique to the individual. By reflecting on these characteristics, you can recognize your strengths, and identify areas where your level of mental fitness could be improved.

Try the new Mental Health Meter!


Info Source: http://www.cmha.ab.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=2-267-1319&lang=1

Factors Responsible for Hair Loss (by skincaretreatment.sosblog.com)

Info Source: http://skincaretreatment.sosblog.com/The-first-blog-b1/Factors-Responsible-for-Hair-Loss-b1-p14.htm


Hair loss is a common problem faced by millions of people all over the world. Even though every one loses about a 50-100 hairs per day as a part of body’s renewal process, it becomes a problem when more hairs are shed than scalp can renew.

There are several causes which give way to hair loss. Majority of people suffer from hair loss problems on account of a common cause which is hereditary, which often result in balding. In some certain medication, illness, diet and hair care practices also give way to hair loss problems.The hair loss problem resulting in baldness is mainly because of excess amount of a hormonal by product of testosterone called DHT.

DHT can obstruct the hair follicles and result in thinning of hair which finally ends in hair loss. It is not possible to have hair growth from these follicles and hence person suffers from baldness. Women face this problem after menopause as level of estrogen drops resulting in excess production of DHT.

There is strong genetic factor which decides the balding in you. This sort of hair loss is called as androgenetic alopacea. If your parents had this problem it is likely that you too have the problem.There are several factors which result in temporary hair loss. It may occur on account of underlying medical condition like thyroid diseases, anemia etc. It can also occur because of a contagious fungal infection generally called as ringworm of scalp.

Cancer treatments involving radiation therapy and chemotheraupeutic medication also result in hair loss. There are possibilities for hair loss owing to high fever, major surgery or due to severe infection etc.

Women face hair loss problems during the period of menstruation or after child birth because of the fluctuations in the hormonal levels. Sudden weight loss, excess of vitamin A intake and low intake of protein can also result in hair loss.

You hair care practices may also lead to hair loss. Improper use of dyes, gel etc can outcome in hair breakage.

Using too much chemical based shampoos, excess of shampooing and combing and vigorously rubbing wet hair can also lead to hair loss. Excess of dandruff, lack of cleaning, excess of demodex parasite in the scalp are also accountable. It is always useful to try a natural based shampoo for washing your hair.

There is an efficient type of a natural shampoo from a brand named Facedoctor. The shampoo named hair and scalp doctor antibacterial shampoo is prepared with sea buckthorn oil as key constituent and is found to be every much effective in preventing hair loss problems.

Taiyo Brand pressure cooker model TH-PC50M for my multi-grain rice

Last update on 6 December 2012: I bought one Taiyo Pressure Cooker Model PC51M on 9 November 2012 at S$188.00 (Usual price S$199.00) at NTUC Fairprice Supermarket (AMK Hub) to replace the faulty Taiyo Pressure Cooker Model PC50M bought on 7 November 2009.

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

I bought a Taiyo Brand pressure cooker model TH-PC50M (by T.H. International Pte Ltd) on 7 November 2009 (Saturday) from Courts Megastore mainly for cooking my multi-grain rice because it takes too long (about 10 hours) to cook multi-grain rice by my slow cooker.

FEATURES

(1) Easy-to-use digital control panel with timer selections for cooking seafood, meat, rice, soup, porridge and etc.

(2) Automatic pressure control for a safe and convenient cooking experience

(3) Retention of nutrient and enjoy original taste of food

(4) Automatic cooking and keep warm function

(5) Cook fast, thus, energy and cost saving

(6) First in the market, electric operated Pressure Cooker

Specifications:

(a) Rated Power: 900W
(b) Capacity: 5 Litres

Info Source: http://www.taiyoasia.com.sg/index.aspx?uc=products_proddetail&ID=79

Obesity causes 100,000 US cancers every year: study

Posted: 07 November 2009 0914 hrs in channelnewsasia.com

WASHINGTON- Obesity causes more than 100,000 incidents of cancer in the US every year, the American Institute for Cancer Research said in estimates published Friday.

The group, which funds research on the link between diet and the disease, said 49 percent of endrometrial cancers, which originate in the womb, and 35 percent of esophageal cancers are linked to excess body fat. "It's clearer than ever that obesity's impact is felt before, during and after cancer, it increases risk, makes treatment more difficult and shortens survival," said Laurence Kolonel of the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii.

Scientists have long seen a link between obesity and certain types of cancer, but the study -- extrapolated from US cancer incidence data -- is among the first to conclude the link exists on such a scale.

Researchers have yet to pin down the exact link between obesity and cancer, but some have suggested that fat tissue may produce heightened levels of sex hormones that spur cancer growth or that fat lowers immune function.

If the link is proven to be true, cancers could be expected to expected to balloon in tandem with US body sizes. According to the government-backed Centers for Disease Control, 34 percent of American adults aged 20 and over are obese. - AFP/vm

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/health/view/1016584/1/.html

Stroke -- Heed the warning signs (by June Cheong)

By June Cheong (in Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 5 November 2009)

A stroke is a medical emergency and early detection and treatment will improve the chances of recovery

Not all stroke survivors end up severely disabled. Many have recovered well when medical attention is timely and treatment is sustained.

Anastasia Heng, 13, can attest to this. The Secondary 2 student suffered a stroke last December and lost the ability to perform daily activities like dressing herself as well as her language skills.
However, in less than a year, she has bounced back and can walk unaided and speak in full sentences again.

She said: 'I couldn't speak fluently at first.

'I found it difficult to understand what the teachers were saying when I went back to school in March. I had remedial lessons to help me adjust to school work.' (See 13-year-old stroke victim.)
A stroke is nevertheless a serious condition, being the fourth leading cause of death here and striking about 4 per cent of adults aged 50 years and above.

It is also the biggest cause of long-term disability in Singapore.

The risk of getting a stroke doubles for each decade of life after the age of 55. The risk is also greater if one's parent, grandparent or sibling has had a stroke.

A stroke occurs when blood fails to reach one or more parts of the brain, causing cells in the affected areas to die.

This in turn results in disability in that part of the body controlled by the affected part of the brain. Functions like motor skills, sensation, balance, and speech and language are susceptible.

Two kinds of strokes

There are ischemic as well as haemorrhagic strokes.

The former, accounting for 75 per cent of strokes here, is when arteries are blocked by blood clots or the gradual build-up of plaque and other fatty deposits.

The latter occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leaking blood into the brain.
Blood circulation is vital for brain function because it supplies the organ with oxygen. Brain tissue stops functioning if deprived of oxygen for longer than 60 to 90 seconds.

'If the lack of oxygen persists, the brain cells suffer irreversible injury, leading to death of the brain tissue,' said clinical Associate Professor Ong Hian Tat, a senior consultant of paediatric neurology at University Children's Medical Institute in National University Hospital.

But not all the cells in the affected part of the brain will die because some blood will still reach it through secondary channels.

This means part of the affected brain tissue may only be injured and can potentially recover.
But time is of the essence.

Dr Rajinder Singh, a consultant neurologist at the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), said the warning signs of a stroke include sudden onset of weakness or numbness, dizziness and having difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking.

Associate Professor Lee Kim En, a senior consultant and head of the department of neurology at NNI, said that while strokes are more common in men, more than half of the total stroke deaths occur in women.

He added that women above the age of 30 who smoked or took high-oestrogen oral contraceptives are 22 times more at risk of getting a stroke than the average person.
Pregnant women also have a slightly increased risk of stroke.

Other risk factors include being overweight, a diet high in salt and saturated fat, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking and stress.

A study published online last month by the British Medical Journal found that people who suffer from severe migraines are twice as likely to have a stroke.

The commonest causes of stroke in adults are atherosclerosis (a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries), hypertension and complications of diabetes mellitus.

Causes of stroke in children

Most childhood strokes are caused by impaired blood flow in the arteries as a result of thrombosis or embolism. These are frequently associated with other conditions, many of which are genetic.

Prof Ong said that causes of stroke in children include vascular malformation (abnormal blood vessels in the brain), blood disorders, auto-immune disorders, infections within the brain like meningitis and encephalitis and trauma.

But he added that strokes in children are relatively uncommon.

Treatment for strokes include medication or surgery and rehabilitation.
In an ischemic stroke, drugs like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) - which dissolve blood clots - may be given.

Prof Lee said: 'tPA dissolves the clot and restores blood flow to the brain. It is effective only if given promptly. For maximum benefit, the therapy must start within three hours of the onset of stroke symptoms.

'It is thus critical that medical professionals and the public recognise stroke as a medical emergency and respond immediately.'

In a haemorrhagic stroke, surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding in the brain.
After a stroke patient's condition has stabilised, rehabilitation is paramount to his recovery.

Prof Ong said that neuronal reconnections in the brain occur with recovery. This means that the physical disability a patient suffers often improves because of the reconnections. He added that regular physiotherapy prevents the immobile limbs from becoming too stiff, helping a patient regain their function.

Asked if a stroke patient can regain full function, Ms Victoria Lai, a speech therapist at the department of rehabilitation medicine at National University Hospital, said: 'The majority of patients do not regain full function but this does not mean that they cannot learn to compensate for impairments or use strategies to overcome difficulties that remain.

'Many can return to a good quality of life and live successfully.'

Prof Ong added that rehabilitation is essential but it takes time.

Prevention tips include refraining from smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, sticking to a diet low in fat, salt and sugar and high in fibre, and going for regular check-ups.

Prof Lee reiterated the need to get medical help should signs of a stroke appear. He said: 'Stroke is a medical emergency. Every second counts.'

My lowest pulse rate of 52 beats per minute as at 2009-11-01

This morning my pulse rate was 52 bpm (using OSIM Blood Pressure Monitor, model OS-5000) at about 6.40 am just after waking up.

The lowest so far!