28 Weeks Later
As scary and unimaginable as it may seem, "28 Weeks Later" should be celebrated for how believably thought-out and conceived the story and human figures are.
March 15, 2008
7eventy 5ive
What can I say it had Rutger Hauer in it so it had to be good, overall it was well worth watching. I would recommend this movie, ill give it 7 out of 10. 
A Cure For Hypochondria
You get a headache, you take a painkiller and you feel better. For a hypochondriac, that’s just the beginning. Doctors can treat headaches, but they’ve had less success with hypochondria - until now.
Doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital recruited 187 hypochondriacs. One group got six counselling sessions to calm their reactions to their symptoms; the rest saw their doctors as usual. A year later, 57 per cent of those who got therapy had fewer symptoms and anxiety; just 32 per cent of others did.
March 13, 2008
Easing Arthritis
Cod Liver on probably brings back memories of Mum force-feeding you the foul-tasting stuff to keep you healthy. Now, it turns out the oil may have some benefit - for adults with osteoarthritis. Researchers at Cardiff University in Wales gave cod liver oil supplements to arthritic people awaiting knee-joint replacement surgery. After ten to 14 weeks, 86 per cent had significantly reduced levels of aggrecanase and collagenase, enzymes known to cause cartilage damage.
While the researchers don’t know exactly how it works, they suspect the omega-3 fatty slow down the damaging effects of arthritis, but until further research confirms this, eating foods rich in omega-3s (fatty fish such as salmon) or taking cod liver oil capsules won’t hurt you, and may help ease the condition.
Shade Advantage
Cataracts are a major cause of blindness with an estimated 20 million people worldwide blinded by the disease. Cortical cataracts, a clouding of the outer layer of the lens, are known to be associated with sun damage in adulthood. But the more common form, nuclear cataracts - which account for about 80 per cent of all cases - affect the centre of the lens. They were thought to be a part of natural ageing but now researchers in Australia think they may be preventable. A study led by Professor Adele Green at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research compared the lifetime sun exposure of 195 nuclear cataract sufferers with a control group of 159 patients. The results, published in the journal Epidemiology, suggest that the risk of developing nuclear cataracts was greatest among patients who had high exposure to sun before the age of 30.
Kids in the Kitchen
Children are experts at smushing, banging and ripping - so why not turn them into mini chefs? Cooking actually helps bosst kids’ cognitive and physical development. Here is what young chefs can do and when:
Two-year -olds
They’re learning to use the large muscles in their arms, so let them scrub produce and tear greens.
Three-year-olds
These kids are learning more refined hand and finger control. Introduce them to manual equipment like juicers and egg beaters, and teach them how to use measuring cups.
Six-to ten-year-olds
Cracking eggs, decorating a cake. Children can do most intricate tasks that do not include dangerous equipment, like sharp knives.
March 12, 2008
Mushroom Magic
Noticed those pale fungi in the shops that resemble hat pins? They’re enoki mushrooms, prized throughout Asia for their health-giving qualities.Enoki contain a compound called flammulin, which is reported to inhibit tumour growth. A Japanese study found that farmers who regularly ate them had 40 per cent lower death rate from cancer than those who ate few mushrooms. Enoki ae thought to help prevent liver disease and stomach ulcers , and stimulate the immune system.
Look for firm, cream-coloured fungi that are dry at the stem end. Store in a paper bag or puncture the plastic wrap. Raw, they make a crunchy addition to salads and sandwiches. Try them in soups or Japanese dishes such as sukiyaki and shabu shabu. Don’t overcook, though, or they will become tough and fibrous.
A Fresh Look at Bad Breath
Everyone has bad breath now and again. But there are many misconceptions about its causes and treat ments, according to the Singapore Health Promotion Bord.
Myth 1: It’s easy to tell if your breath smells. Actually, we can’t smell our own breath because we become accustomed to it.
Myth 2: Bad breath comes from the stomach. In fact, it usually comes from the back of the mouth.
Myth 3: Brushing your teeth will eliminate bad breath. The problem often comes from bacteria deep within crevices on the back of the tongue that can’t be reached with a toothbrush.
Myth 4: Mouthwash can eliminate bad breath. Usually, mouthwash provides only temporary relief.
So how do you deal with bad breath? See a dentist and have your teeth cleaned. Also, drink plenty of liquids and don’t let your mouth go dry. When you brush, clean your tongue, particularly at the back.
Nail That Problem
Did you know your fingernails can alert you to a health problem? Here, says dermatologist Janis Campbell, are some signs and remedies:
Horizontal ridges. You could have a zinc deficiency. Take a multivitamin.
Splits or chips. You may not be getting enough calcium.
Curled up. You lack iron. Talk to your doctor about a blood test.
Yellowish green. It could be a fungus. Keep your nails out of water and see your doctor.
Also…Large blood vessels around the cuticle, and flat or two- toned nails , could be signs of conditions such as lupus or ki dney disease.
March 8, 2008
Classified Caution
When buying second-hand products, either from the classifieds or at a yard sale, don’t just look for bargains. New products oft en have legally mandated safety features, but with used items it is a case of buyer beware. A few things the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry says you should consider:
- Be particularly careful when buying used electrical appliances. Wiring problems can lead to house fires. Plug in the appliance for several minutes before buying it to make sure it works safely. Avoid metal products showing signs of corrosion.
- When buying used items for children, look for parts that could fall off and cause choking or suffocation.
- Don’t assume second-hand items are cheaper. New products may be competitively priced and offer greater safety features.
