Haze: What You Need to Know

Anyone who’s stepped outside the past few days can tell you, “the Haze” is back. We’ve got all you need to know about what is happening and how to protect you and your family.

According to the Straits Time article "Air Quality May Turn 'Unheathly' as Haze Returns," the National Environmental Agency reports 120 hot spots detected in Sumatra, Indonesia (this week) with visible smoke plumes from some of the areas. “[The NEA] added that the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI), which indicates the air quality, is expected to be in the high end of the moderate range of 51 to 100, and may even enter the low end of the unhealthy range.” Feng Zengkun, 21 August 2014.

Even if you have no understanding of PSI readings, you only have to look outside to know this is not good.

What is going on?

Logging and burning of forests to clear land for cultivation is a practice as old as farming. Deforestation in Indonesia began to take off in the 1970s as they saw a dramatic economic benefit in developing industries and they haven’t looked back. Since that time, deforestation of Indonesia has steadily increased.

Open Burning in Sumatera, Indonesia

Known as “slash and burn,” this agricultural technique is cheap, effective, quick and disastrous for the environment. While slash and burn clearance is illegal, many blame corruption and bribery between the Indonesian government and large corporations who operate there for this persistent problem. The fires and consequent haze only seem to be increasing in both frequency and intensity.

The fires can be particularly bad during the dry season and when winds blow from the South-West.

What is being done about it?

In September 2014, Indonesia’s parliament ratified the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (which had been signed in 2002!). Under the agreement, companies are liable to pay hefty fines if they are found causing unhealthy levels of haze. For example, for each day of unhealthy haze, a company can be fined 80,000 USD. The maximum penalty is capped at 1.6 million USD.

A heavy fine has been introduce to stop open burning

However as with any multi-national agreement, implementing and enforcing the fines can be difficult and complicated. Indonesia ratified the agreement with the express understanding there sovereignty would remain unchallenged. Therefore, it is difficult for Malaysia (or any other ASEAN nation) to step in and “police” the affairs of corporations and the Indonesian government. Because Malaysia such a large economic powerhouse in the region, some companies may be responsive to pressure from Malaysia to curb haze pollution especially if the corporations also operate in Malaysia. In order for to investigate, it must have cooperation from the Indonesia government. As the issue of haze only worsens, hopefully the two nations will see the mutual benefits of increased cooperation.

Couple in Muar wearing mask during wedding

Malaysia has also been working closely with the Indonesian government to try to control and monitor the haze. Additionally, Singapore has recognized the need to move beyond “monitoring” and has been working with farmers to help them develop more sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

Even the guest have to wear mask

Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency “has deployed three aircraft to do cloud seedings and six helicopters for water bombing in Riau. Cloud seeding in Riau has also been carried out since June 22 and more than 100,000kg of chemicals have been used to induce rain” (Feng Zengkun, The Straits Times).

Cloud seeding, a controversial practice with both critiques and supporters, only adds another layer of complexity to the haze issue. While it does provide a short term fix for the haze, as all governments continue to seek ways to combat, control and contain, environmental problems, cloud seeding practices are likely (hopefully) going to be monitored and adjusted carefully.

Cloud seeding to make rain

What can I do?

• Don’t panic but be smart. Limit your time outdoors.
• Keep windows shut and if you have an air purifier, keep it on and check to make sure your filters are new and working properly.
• If you don’t have an air purifier, keep the air con on. It can help filter some dust (though not as well as an air purifier). And, if you are particularly worried about long term air pollution and environmental hazards, you may be opposed to keeping it running.
• Do not exercise outdoors.
• Haze can be particularly irritating for elderly, children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
• Drink more water. Water is the best way to rid your body of toxins.
• Build up your immunity with foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
• If you cannot avoid long term exposure outdoors, wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth.
• Educate yourself. These issues can’t be left to corporations and governments alone to tackle. The more informed you are, the better you can contribute to creating a healthier planet.

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How Diabetes Affects Your Sex Life?

It is estimated that 75% of men and 35% of women with diabetes experience some sexual problems due to diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage) to the nerves that stimulate normal sexual response.

Almost as soon as men get diagnosed with diabetes, they begin hearing dire warnings about their high risk of erectile dysfunction (ED)- the inability to achieve or maintain a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse. Diabetes may, indeed, impair erection but ED is by no means inevitable. 

There are two causes of erection impairment in diabetic men: cardiovascular complications (atherosclerosis) and nerve damage (neuropathy). 

Diabetes accelerates arterial clogging, which reduces erection-producing blood flow into the penis. And neuropathy damages the nerves involved in erection.

Despite the sexual problems you may be experiencing, keep communicating with your partner about your concerns or meet with a relationship counselor to learn how to communicate more effectively and resolve any issues that may be standing in the way of enjoying a healthy sexual relationship.

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11 Surprising Health Benefits of Sleep

Sleep makes you feel better, but its importance goes way beyond just boosting your mood or banishing under-eye circles. Adequate sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more.

Go ahead, Get Some Sleep!

"Sleep used to be kind of ignored, like parking our car in a garage and picking it up in the morning," says David Rapoport, MD, director of the NYU Sleep Disorders Program.

Why we need to have adequate sleep?

Not anymore. Here are some health benefits researchers have discovered about a good night’s sleep.

Improve Your Memory

Your mind is surprisingly busy while you snooze. During sleep you can strengthen memories or "practice" skills learned while you were awake (it’s a process called consolidation).

"If you are trying to learn something, whether it’s physical or mental, you learn it to a certain point with practice," says Dr. Rapoport, who is an associate professor at NYU Langone Medical Center. "But something happens while you sleep that makes you learn it better."

Baby learning in their sleeps

In other words if you’re trying to learn something new—whether it’s Spanish or a new tennis swing—you’ll perform better after sleeping.

Live longer?

Too much or too little sleep is associated with a shorter lifespan—although it’s not clear if it’s a cause or effect. (Illnesses may affect sleep patterns too.)

In a 2010 study of women ages 50 to 79, more deaths occurred in women who got less than five hours or more than six and a half hours of sleep per night.

Sleep also affects quality of life.

"Many things that we take for granted are affected by sleep," says Raymonde Jean, MD, director of sleep medicine and associate director of critical care at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City. "If you sleep better, you can certainly live better. It’s pretty clear."

Curb inflammation

Inflammation is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and premature aging. Research indicates that people who get less sleep—six or fewer hours a night—have higher blood levels of inflammatory proteins than those who get more.

When you are sick, you need a good rest

A 2010 study found that C-reactive protein, which is associated with heart attack risk, was higher in people who got six or fewer hours of sleep a night.

People who have sleep apnea or insomnia can have an improvement in blood pressure and inflammation with treatment of the sleep disorders, Dr. Rapoport says.

Spur Creativity

Get a good night’s sleep before getting out the easel and paintbrushes or the pen and paper.

In addition to consolidating memories, or making them stronger, your brain appears to reorganize and restructure them, which may result in more creativity as well.

Cant find an idea?

Researchers at Harvard University and Boston College found that people seem to strengthen the emotional components of a memory during sleep, which may help spur the creative process.

Improve Your Grades

Children between the ages of 10 and 16 who have sleep disordered breathing, which includes snoring, sleep apnea, and other types of interrupted breathing during sleep, are more likely to have problems with attention and learning, according to a 2010 study in the journal Sleep. This could lead to "significant functional impairment at school," the study authors wrote.

In another study, college students who didn’t get enough sleep had worse grades than those who did.

"If you’re trying to meet a deadline, you’re willing to sacrifice sleep," Dr. Rapoport says, "but it’s severe and reoccurring sleep deprivation that clearly impairs learning."

Have a Healthy Weight

If you are thinking about going on a diet, you might want to plan an earlier bedtime too.

Researchers at the University of Chicago found that dieters who were well rested lost more fat—56% of their weight loss—than those who were sleep deprived, who lost more muscle mass. (They shed similar amounts of total weight regardless of sleep.)

Want to Loose Weight? Sleep Well!

Dieters in the study also felt more hungry when they got less sleep.

"Sleep and metabolism are controlled by the same sectors of the brain," Dr. Rapoport says. "When you are sleepy, certain hormones go up in your blood, and those same hormones drive appetite."

Lower Stress and Depression

When it comes to our health stress and sleep are nearly one and the same—and both can affect cardiovascular health.

"Sleep can definitely reduce levels of stress, and with that people can have better control of their blood pressure," Dr. Jean says. "It’s also believed that sleep effects cholesterol levels, which plays a significant role in heart disease."

Relax, get some sleep

"A lack of sleep can contribute to depression," Dr. Jean says. "A good night’s sleep can really help a moody person decrease their anxiety. You get more emotional stability with good sleep."

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Natural Remedy for Joint Pain, Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Back Pain

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This natural remedy helps in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain and all that is associated with the joints, bones and muscles. When modern medicine does not help, it is best to turn to old natural remedies. Probably if you ask your grandmothers what to do if you feel pain in your joints, they will give you a prescription for this “magic” mix. They say that this folk remedy rejuvenates the bones and sets them back 20 years ago. So, if you feel heaviness in the legs, pain in the joints, if you struggle with back pain and have consequences of some old injury, you do not need expensive gels and ointments, it is enough to mix these simple ingredients.

Recipe:

• 300 ml of alcohol (70%, which can be purchased in pharmacies)
• 100 ml of povidone iodine
• 10 tablets Aspirin (300 mg)

Preparation: 

1. Mix the alcohol with iodine and add the crushed aspirin tablets. 
2. Shake and leave in a dark place for 21 days. 

After this the drug is ready for use. Use in the form of compresses or directly massaging the painful area.

This drug helps in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain and all that is associated with the joints, bones and muscles.

Try it out and leave your comments so that we know how well it control your pain.

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Open up Your Mind to Be a Fast Learner

When you're young, learning is easy. You're open to new ideas, and get excited about challenging yourself. You also have more time, and everyone around you is encouraging you to take on new skills.

But something happens as people start getting older. For some reason, you begin to believe you know most things. Many think that the subjects they studied in school are what they must limit themselves to. In reality, you should never stop learning.

When you get older, you begin to believe you know most things

The brain is like any other muscle; you must work it out for it to get strong. The problem I see occurring with most people trying to learn is that they give up too fast. Lack of efficiency leads to a lack of results, which leads to demotivation. But it doesn't have to be this way; you can learn how to learn better. There are a variety of ways to do this, and I'll go through three of the easiest, which you can apply right away. Start learning smarter, and you'll achieve much more.

Brain is like a muscle: you must work it out for it to get strong

1. Understand that your mind is Inherently Lazy.

Our bodies and minds do not like working. Until it becomes a habit, most of us do not love going to the gym. We'd rather be sitting on the couch eating Oreos. Your brain is no different. It doesn't like being forced to think through problems and learn new skills at first. But once you've learn the fundamentals, the brain doesn't need to do as much work, so it becomes easier.

Your mind is stuck and cant think of anything else

Lets go back to the gym example. The first time you lifted weights, you probably were exhausted and somewhat awkward. But after going enough times, you most likely noticed a change. You had to think less, your body showed results, and all a sudden going to the gym became fun. The same lesson applies to your brain. So when you're learning a new skill and it's hard at first, don't let that discourage you. It's supposed to be hard. Keep fighting through, and eventually you'll start to love it.

Sometime you just need a piece of advise 

2. Switch back and forth Less Often.

Switching back and forth between tasks causes your brain to do a lot of work. You have to come back, refocus, and get in the correct mindset. Psychologists have discovered that people's pupils dilate when they are pushing their mind to learn. This is evidence of the concentration required to take on new skills. To learn effectively, it requires someone's complete attention. Any kind of distraction ruins your mind's ability to absorb information.

Any kind of distraction ruins your mind's ability to absorb informatio

Because of this, cut out all the distractions you can when you're learning. A great way to do this is through time blocks, where you don't do anything but one task for a period of time. Put the phone away, turn off the TV, and go into a room by yourself. Once you have your mind in learning mode, you want to switch out of it as few times as possible. Every time you make your brain refocus, you drain its energy.

3. Lie to yourself about the skill.

When your mind tries to not get into learning mode, you'll feel it. You'll feel tired, and start thinking of excuses to not do the task. Pushing it off until tomorrow starts becoming an option, and it seems like it's impossible to concentrate.

Idea can be from any people, any situation

In these cases, you've got to lie to yourself to focus. One of the easiest ways to do this is to force yourself to smile as you learn the material. Stick a pencil between your teeth and make yourself grin. Study after study has shown that faking a smile can affect our emotions in a positive way. Trick yourself until what you've learned becomes fun. Learning new skills isn't easy, but it's one of the things that make life so enjoyable.

Sometimes you just need a cup of nice coffee

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5 Surprising Foods That Will Help You Sleep Better

Can't sleep? The solution may be in your kitchen. Check out these 5 clean picks that promote sounder, more satisfying sleep:

1. Mozzerella Cheese

You know that turkey is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that prompts your body to produce more of the feel-good chemical serotonin, which ultimately helps you chill out and doze off. But ounce for ounce, mozzarella cheese packs nearly twice as much tryptophan as the lean protein. Who knew, right?

One more reason to add mozzarella cheese to your snack

2. Salmon

Are you even surprised? One recent study found that getting 600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per day helped people sleep nearly an hour longer and wake up 7 fewer times throughout the night. Have some wild salmon for dinner, or if you don't do fish, pop an omega-3 supplement.

Eat more fish especially Salmon can also increase your Omega-3

3. Almonds

A handful delivers almost 20% of your daily magnesium, which can relax your muscles and help you feel calmer, so your mind isn't racing when your head hits the pillow. They're a decent source of tryptophan, too. So you know, double whammy!

Almond can be a nice snack

4. Oatmeal

Have you heard that cherries are a good source of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin? But oatmeal's got the stuff, too. And since it's loaded with carbs that'll make you feel sleepy anyway, you might be conked out before you even finish eating a bowlful.

A nice oat meal can make up your day

5. Bananas

These starchy fruits are rich in magnesium as well as potassium, another potent muscle relaxer. Plus, like mozzarella and almonds, they deliver plenty of grog-promoting tryptophan. Best of all, they satisfy that near-universal urge to eat something sweet before bed.

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Health Is the Greatest Wealth

Nowadays, people's thinking has change. We start to think health is priceless, we ought to do things to maintain our health, we try to eat expensive "organic" vegetables; we try to use hygienic product to keep out from harmful germs; We spent a lot on gyms to do exercises, then we assume we are healthy. How we know we are actually as healthy as we think? Health Screening is the answer, but most people do not think so. Check it out below: 

You can spent RM 2 mil on a house

You can spent RM 200 k on a car

You want to spent RM 5000 on a bag

You willing to spent RM 3000 on a cell phone

You even spent RM 500 for a Shirt

But when you come to Medical Check up for less than RM 500,
you say NO, It is TOO EXPENSIVE 

What Happen?

My Dear

What is the use of Wealth if you don't have Health?

What is the value of Wealth?

Men without wealth, is poor
Men without health, is dead
Wealth without men, is nothing
Men with Health, gain something

What is the use of wealth when you sacrifice your health for it, 

Eventually you will need pay more than you gain just to get back your health

Think for your loves one, Stay Healthy

For all the people we concern out there, let them know the importance of being healthy.
Only when you are healthy, then you can gain wealth for you and your family.

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