How Ginger Helps To Treat Cold - updated

Ginger is a natural antiviral which helps to fight against illness and bacteria that causes cold.

• It helps to stimulate perspiration that cleanses the system and brings down body temperature.
• It contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help to boost up the immune system.
• It acts as an antihistamine and decongestant that helps to ease colds symptoms.
• It contains chemicals called sesquiterpenes which are specifically used to target rhinoviruses (the most common family of cold viruses).
• It is a natural pain and fever reducer and also a mild sedative.
• The anti-inflammatory gingerols and shaogals in ginger root will help to relieve a sore throat quickly.

During this period of festivals, many of you may have overeaten while celebrating, causing problems to your stomach. Ginger is also an effective digestive aid and natural remedy for nausea.


How to make ginger tea

You may use half teaspoon of powdered ginger or cut 2 to 3 slices of fresh ginger root and steep in hot water. A cup a day of ginger tea will keep the cold away.

Other way of taking ginger is by eating sliced/shredded ginger.

image for illustration only

Ref: 
http://homeremediesforlife.com/ginger-for-cold/
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/12/29/natural-remedies-cure-cold.html
https://draxe.com/10-medicinal-ginger-health-benefits/

Health tip: When is the correct time to eat fruits?

Fruits should be eaten on an empty stomach.

If you eat fruits on empty stomach, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss, fighting chronic diseases and other life activities.

This is just an illustration:

• Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit.
• The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so due to the bread taken before the fruit.
• In the meantime the whole meal of bread & fruit rots and ferments and turns to acid.
• The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals!


5 Myths About the Best Time to Eat Fruit

There is an article called 5 Myths About the Best Time to Eat Fruit (and the Truth). This article claims that the above suggestion of eating fruits on an empty stomach has no scientific proof.

Let us ponder this question. Why is it that certain medicine or tonic has to be taken before meal. The answer is that the stomach can extract the contents of the medicine or tonic fast as time is of the essence. Morever, scientifc proof cannot explain everything.

[Ref: https://authoritynutrition.com/best-time-eat-fruit/]


Ayurvedic Rules For Eating Fruits

1) Eat fresh fruit separately from other foods, especially heavy foods like dairy foods and grains.
Wait for at least half an hour before eating some other food.

2) Some fruits can be eaten as a snack all day long, but some shouldn’t be eaten in the evening.

3) However, the most suitable time to have a fruit is morning: it should be the first food of the day and eaten on an empty stomach. All fruits except for citrus ones can be eaten in the morning (bananas, apples, pears, apricots, peaches, kiwi, and mango).

4) Watermelon should be eaten strictly on its own. Melon is a separate snack too.

5) All berries (cherries, grapes, blueberries, and raspberries) except for strawberries are good for breakfast, but they should not be eaten in the evening with an exception of grapes.

[Ref: http://www.curejoy.com/content/eating-fruits-meals-ayurveda-discourages/]


Cancer survivor Dr Tom Wu's recipe for good health

At the age of 30, Chinese doctor Tom Wu was diagnosed with advanced stages of lung cancer, and was told he had only a few months to live. Not only has he survived, but the doctor has maintained a healthy life. The cancer is all gone, and he said he's never caught a cold or other illness for 40 years. He has stopped going for blood tests.

His secret lies in the power of natural healing. Among the guidelines, he suggested:

Drink at least three glasses of fruit or vegetable smoothies each day, if possible, six glasses of smoothies each day.

Two in the morning, one before lunch, two more in the afternoon, and one more before dinner.

[Ref: http://www.seniorsaloud.com/2009/06/cancer-survivor-dr-tom-wus-recipes-for.html]

Walk around Singapore: Istana open house (29-01-17)

Main entrance from Orchard Road

Large open field

Japanese style garden pond 

Golf course

Flowers, trees and animals form part of the Istana large nature garden

Istana main building, now open to public whenever there is open house

Old gates part of the history of the Istana

Lonely swan

Lake

Istana guard, popular for the special day

Istana guard, popular for the special day

Chinese Zodiac ‘fan Tai Sui’ in year 2017 - in Chinese

If your zodiac happened to conflict with Tai Sui in a particular year, it will bring you misfortunes and bad luck. In year 2017, the afflicted zodiac signs are:

1. Rooster
2. Rabbit
3. Rat 
4. Dog

Please go here to find what you should do and should not do if your zodiac is in conflict with Tai Sui.

Exceptional people: Helpful motorcyclist stopped to clear barricades in the rain

Netizens were full of praise for a motorcyclist who pushed safety barricades away from the path of other motorists during a downpour on Monday.

The motorcyclist turned out to be Ms Nur Liyana Mohamad Sazali.

Motorcycle apparel company Hodaka Motoworld presented the biker with a new raincoat as a token of appreciation for setting a good example.

Ref: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/shes-the-biker-bro-who-stopped-to-clear-barricades-in-the-rain

Singapore is the 7th least corrupt country in the world

Singapore has moved up a rank to become the 7th least corrupt country in the world, according to a global index. It is the only Asian country that is consistently in the top 10 ranking.

The Republic scored 84 points in the 2016 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, which measures the perceived levels of public sector corruption globally. A total of 176 countries and territories were surveyed in the 2016 index.

Benefits of chrysanthemum tea

The chrysanthemum, Japan's national flower, is an important herb in both Japanese and Chinese traditional medicine.

It is now cultivated in Europe, the United States and many other countries because of the great demand for its flowers.


Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of Chrysanthemum

• The traditional Chinese have used the tea to treat influenza, fevers and inflammations due to its cooling effect. 
• It is caffeine free.
• Chrysanthemum tea is good for the detoxification of the liver and kidneys and for lowering cholesterol levels.
• Chrysanthemum can help the body fight off a range of infections.
• There is a significant amount of beta carotene in chrysanthemum tea, which helps to clear up skin irritation, redness and chronic conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It also helps to generally reduce the signs of aging, wrinkles and blemishes, thanks to the antioxidant content of the flowers.
• Chrysanthemum tea is a great aid to digestion.
• The tea is also helpful in calming the nerves and easing giddiness.
• Because of its zero calorie content, it is often used to treat obesity and as an aid to lose weight.
• It is also said to improve vision and hearing and blurred vision and spots in front of the eyes. It may also be helpful in cases of night blindness and to treat conjunctivitis, itchiness and dryness of eyes.
• Chrysanthemum tea has high mineral content and can help to improve the conditions of bone mineral density loss.
• New research has shown that the flavonoid acacetin that is present in chrysanthemum has the ability to inhibit malignant cell growth in the prostate region. This may make it a useful weapon in the battle against prostate and other forms of cancer.
• It is believed to be good for the heart and has been known to lower blood pressure levels. Traditional Chinese medicine has used these properties of the flower to treat cases of hypertension and angina.

Side-effects

• Physical handling of the flower may result in skin irritation and consumption can cause stomach upset. People with known allergies to daisies and asters should avoid chrysanthemum as should people with diarrhea.
• Old people should not drink too much of this tea as its cooling effect will make your arthritis, rheumatism worse.

Ref:
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/herbs/chrysanthemum-flower.html
http://www.bewellbuzz.com/wellness-buzz/10-health-benefits-chrysanthemum-tea/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/beverage/benefits-chrysanthemum-tea.html

Natural Ways to Build Healthy Bones

Minerals are incorporated into your bones during childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. Once you reach 30 years of age, you have achieved peak bone mass.

If not enough bone mass is created during this time or bone loss occurs later in life, you have an increased risk of developing fragile bones that break easily.

Here are 10 natural ways to build healthy bones.

• Eat Lots of Vegetables
• Perform Strength Training and Weight-Bearing Exercises
• Consume Enough Protein
• Eat High-Calcium Foods Throughout the Day
• Get Plenty of Vitamin D and Vitamin K
• Avoid Very Low-Calorie Diets
• Consider Taking a Collagen Supplement
• Maintain a Stable, Healthy Weight
• Include Foods High in Magnesium and Zinc
• Consume Foods High in Omega-3 Fats

Ref: https://authoritynutrition.com/build-healthy-bones/

Fridges stocked with food in Tampines block to help boost kampung spirit

Mr Baey talking to a resident

Placed in the lift lobby of a block of flats, the fridges have been placed there for residents in the area to donate food to their needy neighbours.

The initiative by the Tampines North Citizens' Consultative Committee was launched at Block 441 on Saturday (Jan 21) by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and Grassroots Adviser to Tampines Grassroots Organisations.

"They are welcome to copy and steal this idea," Mr Baey quipped.

Forum: Equip students with basic labour law know-how for part-time jobs

Every year, many teenagers take up part-time jobs as they wait for their O- and N-level results.

Such experiences are important for the personal growth of these youngsters, many of whom have led a more sheltered life, compared to the older generation.

However, they may not know their rights under the Employment Act, and they may be too intimidated to question companies' human resource staff when presented with unfair contractual terms.

I hope that our schools can provide these students with some basic labour law know-how.

For instance, secondary schools can hold workshops with National Trades Union Congress representatives to brief students on their rights, such as entitlement to overtime pay and Central Provident Fund contributions.

This can be combined with some education in soft skills, such as negotiation and people management.

Chiam Sheng Shi

Ref: http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/equip-students-with-basic-labour-law-know-how-for-part-time-jobs

How chewing for longer helps you eat 30% less and improves your mouth's immune system

For the key to staying trim – even while enjoying your favourite meals – could be as simple as chewing your food more.

In an experiment, women who chewed every forkful of their pasta dish 35 times ate nearly 30 percent less than those who chewed just 15 times.

Dr Xand van Tulleken, who carried out the study, believes the chewing process could play a far more important role in weight loss than previously thought.

**********************************

In another report, chewing food can improve the mouth's immune system and protect you against illness.

Ref: 
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4089522/How-chewing-longer-helps-eat-30-Fascinating-TV-experiment-diet-expert-shows-process-play-bigger-role-weight-loss-previously-thought.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/chewing-food-can-protect-you-from-illness

The Whole30 Diet

The Whole30 diet is a month-long clean-eating program that promises a variety of health and emotional benefits.

It was developed in 2009 by two certified sports nutritionists who promoted it as a way to reset your metabolism and reshape your relationship with food.

The diet focuses on the idea that certain food groups may negatively affect your health and fitness. Therefore, eliminating these foods from your diet is supposed to help your body recover from the negative effects and promote long-term health.

The diet has a strict set of rules. After the initial 30 days, slowly reintroduce the foods you miss, while monitoring the effects they have on your body.

Unlike other diets, there is no need to track calories, measure portions or count points. Weighing yourself is strictly reserved for days 1 and 30 of the program.


What you can eat

• Meat and poultry: Beef, veal, pork, horse, lamb, chicken, turkey, duck, etc.
• Fish and seafood: Fish, anchovies, shrimp, calamari, scallops, crab, lobster, etc.
• Eggs: All types, as well as foods made from them, such as homemade mayo.
• Fruits: Fresh and dried fruits, although fresh is preferred.
• Vegetables: All types of vegetables.
• Nuts and seeds: All types of nuts and seeds besides peanuts, which are technically a legume. Nut milks, nut butters and nut flours are also allowed.
• Some fats: Healthy plant oils, coconut oil, duck fat, clarified butter and ghee.

Pros:

1. Minimum processes foods consumption.
2. Fresh veggies and fruits are encouraged.
3. Short 30 days to clean-eat. You may find the 'bad' food for your body, which can be eliminated for your better future health.
4. Sort of a detox programme.

Cons:

1. Avoiding foods like soy and dairy may make it difficult to meet all your daily nutrient recommendations.
2. Very strict diet. Needs strong determination and discipline or else the diet may not be sustainable as there is no cheat day.
3. If rice, wheat and soy are your stable food, then you may find it difficult to follow.
4. May be an expensive diet.

Ref: https://authoritynutrition.com/whole-30/

Health tip: Dr Mahathir Mohamad shares his secret to looking young

Photos of Dr Mahathir taken in 2005, 2010 and 2017

He has been maintaining his weight at between 62kg and 64kg for the last three decades.

His secret? Not overeating.

He tells The Sunday Times about a recent study which found feeding monkeys a low-calorie diet led to a longer lifespan.

The former premier points out: "I don't smoke, I don't drink, I don't overeat. I eat just enough food to keep me going."

Statins could prevent venous thrombosis

Venous thrombosis (VTE), where clots form in the vein in the legs or lungs, is believed responsible for 25,000 hospital-based deaths across the globe.

Statins could prevent a leading cause of hospital deaths worldwide, new research suggests.

The cheap daily pills reduce the risk of potentially fatal blood clots forming in the veins by up to 25%, scientists claim.

Ref: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4132862/Statins-prevent-leading-cause-hospital-deaths.html

Blood clots (venous thrombosis) in veins can be fatal

You may want to read Statins could prevent venous thrombosis

Humorous pictures from the net

Source: boardgamegeek.com

Jin Ji Du Li - Golden Rooster Stance 金鸡独立

Golden cock stand on one leg, a simple and effective health exercise.

Its a foundation movement that trains our balance and focus, especially helps your ankles, thigh muscles,calve muscle and Focus. For more challenging task, close your eyes for 1 minute.

Read the benefits of golden rooster stance here.

How to have more babies in Singapore: Expert

Why are women in Sweden and the US having more babies than women in South Korea and Japan?

Visiting Harvard sociologist Mary Brinton identified three reasons Singapore can take note of in a public lecture yesterday.

First, shorter working hours make it easier for couples to have more children. Long work hours are not necessarily required for economic efficiency.

Second, more flexible labour markets means mothers are not locked out of good jobs when they return to the workforce after giving birth.

Third, fathers are expected to be more involved in raising their children and looking after the household, which lessens the burden on working women.

Ref: http://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/family-friendly-workplaces-key-growing-singapore-birth-rate

Exceptional people: 98-year-old yoga instructor and dancer

Tao Porchon-Lynch is the world's oldest Yoga teacher, at 98-years-old, a title she was given in 2012 by the Guinness World Records.

When Tao was only eight years-old she saw some boys doing Yoga poses in her birth country of India and they eventually let her join in.

She has since become a world renowned Yoga teacher and to this day, she teaches up to eight yoga classes a week in New York.

Tao also competes in Ballroom Dancing competitions, she even entered America's Got Talent - but that's just a hobby.

'Weekend warrior' workouts tied to longer life

When it comes to workouts, exercising only on the weekends is still better than doing nothing at all, a study suggests.

Compared with inactive adults, people who get any amount of exercise may live longer, according to the study of middle-aged adults in the UK and Scotland.

With some activity, but less than the minimum weekly recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of intense workouts, people were 34 percent less likely to die during the study period compared to people who didn’t exercise at all.

Weekend warriors who crammed the minimum amount of weekly exercise into one or two workouts were 30 percent less likely to die during the study.

Ref: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/health/weekend-warrior-workouts-tied-to-longer-life/3426018.html

Forum: Main job of bus driver is to drive safely, not aid in directions

There are big display boards at almost every bus stop, depicting the route and roads taken by each and every bus service serving the stop.

Why should anyone who understands English need to ask the bus driver ("Bus drivers must know the road names along their route" by Mr Chen Tze-Hui; Jan 19)?

There have been occasions when a commuter "challenges" a bus driver in English by asking about road names and places.

The person seems to revel in his or her command of English to belittle and embarrass the driver.

It is not uncommon to see people standing at the door asking for directions.

There are also times when a passenger is seen bickering with the driver while the bus is moving.

Once, I heard a middle-aged woman screaming at a driver in Mandarin, saying: "This is Singapore. If you don't know English, go back to where you came from."

The primary and most important task of a driver is to drive people safely from one place to another.

Good driving skills, knowledge of the Highway Code and a good attitude towards people are qualities the bus company should look for when hiring.

It is not easy to hire drivers nowadays, let alone good ones.

People should find out the routes to their destinations before boarding. There are many ways of doing this. Drivers should not be obliged to answer questions.

The convenience and safety of the people in the entire bus should not be compromised by individuals seeking information to satisfy themselves.

Daniel Chan Wai Piew

Ref: http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/main-job-of-bus-driver-is-to-drive-safely-not-aid-in-directions

Exceptional people: UOB volunteers give back in time and money

Sixteen families had their homes painted and new furniture set up yesterday with the help of  more than 100 volunteers from United Overseas Bank (UOB).

UOB also gave more than 370 goodie bags containing groceries and CNY goodies to residents living in rental flats in Bukit Batok, as well as 70 students from Fei Yue Community Services receiving new school bags and stationery.

Video: Proof that cold drink after a hot meal will solidify oils that were just eaten

Solidified fats are dangerous as it will prevent proper movement of liquids in our body. Learn from the mainland Chinese and HongKongers. They drink hot tea or other beverages after a meal.

12 signs of breast cancer

Forum: Don't write off students' interest in a subject

I was saddened to read that schools in Singapore still decide whether students are good enough to take up any subject based solely on their marks, disregarding their interest in the subject ("'How can 97 marks be not good enough?'"; Jan 14).

This practice would have a lasting effect on the student's future.

Many years ago, my friend's son was interested in studying medicine.

He had to study biology in order to do this, but his secondary school refused to let him take the subject, saying he was not academically good enough.

It looked like his dream would be crushed.

Thankfully, his parents had the means to send him overseas, where he continued his secondary school studies.

He made it to medical school and is now a medical specialist.

My own school wrote me off when I told them I was going overseas to study, yet I came back with a postgraduate qualification.

I sincerely hope that schools today will be more accommodating and allow students to take any subject of their interest, and encourage them to do so.

Scoring good marks in exams should not be the focus in education; expanding interest is.

Lee Woon Kwang (Dr)

Ref: http://www.straitstimes.com/forum/letters-in-print/dont-write-off-students-interest-in-a-subject

Take care of your feet

After on our feet for so many hours a day, they must be taken care of so that they are strong and do not change shape.

1. Massage your feet

The exercise will relax the muscles and improve circulation. You may use a tennis ball, a wooden roller or a plastic bottle. Either seated or standing, use your feet to roll any one of the above items.

2. Pick a towel

Your feet need exercises so that the bones can be strong. Use your toes to pick a towel for a few minutes a day.

image from https://www.angieslist.com/articles/beware-shoes-cause-foot-deformities.htm

3. Trim your toenails

Cut your toenails as long toenails will crack or break which may cause fungus or bacteria to attack your feet causing athlete's feet or warts. More ever, less toenails will leave more space in your shoes for you feet.


4. Walk barefoot

Walk barefooted on soft or grass surfaces will help your bones to realign naturally.

Note: Diabetics should not walk barefooted in case of cutting your feet.

Ref:
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-cold-feet.html

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/beware-shoes-cause-foot-deformities.htm