Bill Clinton's love for hamburgers, steaks, and french fries has become legendary.
Former President Clinton now considers himself a vegan. He's dropped more than 20 pounds, and he says he's healthier than ever. His dramatic dietary transformation took almost two decades and came about only after he underwent two separate heart procedures and with some advice from a trusted doctor.
Clinton then decided to make profound changes in the way he eats.
"I essentially concluded that I had played Russian roulette," Clinton said, "because even though I had changed my diet some and cut down on the caloric total of my ingestion and cut back on much of the cholesterol in the food I was eating, I still -- without any scientific basis to support what I did -- was taking in a lot of extra cholesterol without knowing if my body would produce enough of the enzyme to support it, and clearly it didn't or I wouldn't have had that blockage. So that's when I made a decision to really change."
The former president now says he consumes no meat, no dairy, no eggs, almost no oil.
"I like the vegetables, the fruits, the beans, the stuff I eat now," Clinton told CNN's Dr.Gupta.
The former president's goal is to avoid any food that could damage his blood vessels. His dietary guides are Ornish and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn Jr., who directs the cardiovascular prevention and reversal program at The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. Both doctors have concluded that a plant-based diet can prevent and, in some cases, actually reverse heart disease.
The full report from CNN
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Friday, August 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Back to basics: Going on Naked Foot
What a better way to celebrate the barefoot walking and running of our ancestors than by going barefoot?
Is this barefooting another fitness craze?
Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman has done the research. He suggests that the bare human foot is better able to withstand the impact of running than fancy cushioned sneakers can. He has already converted to barefoot running. Listen to him on the video.
Another study which appeared in the journal Nature, describes the mechanics of running barefoot, or with minimal footwear, and how it can actually help prevent injury.
Many people think modern running shoes are necessary in order to run safely and comfortably, but they were invented only in the 1970s. Before then, running shoes were just simple running flats that had little cushioning, no arch support, and no built-up heel. Humans were running for millions of years, apparently safely, in thin sandals, or in no shoes at all. The research indicates that they may have been able to do so by forefoot or midfoot striking.
There was a time when barefoot walking was considered to be immodest and was frowned upon by people. Not any longer. In the ultra modern age we live in, this situation has changed. Although barefoot walking is still more commonly seen in the poorer countries, the barefoot craze has hit the developed countries too. Today, there is a complete society, called 'Society of Barefoot', dedicated to the cause of walking barefoot.
In Singapore, Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Barclays has organised a 5 km Barefoot Charity Walk, "Bare Your Sole 2010 on 5 June 2010" to build lives, homes and fight poverty.
Barefoot walking has come full circle. What goes around comes around and the human beings seem to be turning to its roots.
Link Home Barefoot Walking
Is this barefooting another fitness craze?
Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman has done the research. He suggests that the bare human foot is better able to withstand the impact of running than fancy cushioned sneakers can. He has already converted to barefoot running. Listen to him on the video.
Another study which appeared in the journal Nature, describes the mechanics of running barefoot, or with minimal footwear, and how it can actually help prevent injury.
Many people think modern running shoes are necessary in order to run safely and comfortably, but they were invented only in the 1970s. Before then, running shoes were just simple running flats that had little cushioning, no arch support, and no built-up heel. Humans were running for millions of years, apparently safely, in thin sandals, or in no shoes at all. The research indicates that they may have been able to do so by forefoot or midfoot striking.
There was a time when barefoot walking was considered to be immodest and was frowned upon by people. Not any longer. In the ultra modern age we live in, this situation has changed. Although barefoot walking is still more commonly seen in the poorer countries, the barefoot craze has hit the developed countries too. Today, there is a complete society, called 'Society of Barefoot', dedicated to the cause of walking barefoot.
In Singapore, Habitat for Humanity in partnership with Barclays has organised a 5 km Barefoot Charity Walk, "Bare Your Sole 2010 on 5 June 2010" to build lives, homes and fight poverty.
Barefoot walking has come full circle. What goes around comes around and the human beings seem to be turning to its roots.
Link Home Barefoot Walking
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pushing the Religious Envelope
A day after the Ministry of Economic Development lifted the ban on sale of alcohol in the inhabited islands, the President's Office has weighed in under public pressure. President's Office says it will not be implemented until it is published in the government gazette. Critics see this as a cynical move fearing a public uproar as they say that the Economic Development Ministry's position is the government's stand on this highly sensitive and polarising issue.
This is the government's way of pushing the envelope to test the limits of public acceptance of a 100 per cent Muslim society. Until now alcohol is freely available in all the tourist resorts. It is a perverse logic for the Economic Ministry to say that lifting the ban to allow sale of alcohol in authorised hotels of inhabited islands will bring an end to the black market created by the permits given to foreigners to buy and consume alcohol in their homes. We already have an epidemic of substance abuse and drug addiction affecting more than one-third of our youth. With such weak laws and even weaker implementation and enforcement of them, lifting the ban will only lead to another complicated phenomenon- alcoholism, another devastating social problem.
This is the government's way of pushing the envelope to test the limits of public acceptance of a 100 per cent Muslim society. Until now alcohol is freely available in all the tourist resorts. It is a perverse logic for the Economic Ministry to say that lifting the ban to allow sale of alcohol in authorised hotels of inhabited islands will bring an end to the black market created by the permits given to foreigners to buy and consume alcohol in their homes. We already have an epidemic of substance abuse and drug addiction affecting more than one-third of our youth. With such weak laws and even weaker implementation and enforcement of them, lifting the ban will only lead to another complicated phenomenon- alcoholism, another devastating social problem.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Ignorance is not always a Bliss
Following article is from the Jakarta Times, marking the World Cancer Day on 4 February 2010.
"The public needs to realize that cancer is often preventable and treatable, including through changes in lifestyle, activists say.
“Many people still believe that when you have cancer you will die, and that’s it,” Melissa Luwia from the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) said during a rally to mark World Cancer Day, in Jakarta, on Thursday.
The general public also wasn’t fully benefiting from early detection and early treatment of cancer, she said.
“Some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, if detected early, can be treated effectively,” Melissa said.
She added that many people were unaware that healthy habits, such as giving up smoking, avoiding overexposure to direct sunlight, maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical examinations, could help prevent cancer.
“People should realize that they have, and must make, choices. They can choose to eat food without preservatives, for example,” she said.
According to the International Union Against Cancer, each year more than 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million die as a result of the disease.
However, 40 percent of cancers are preventable, YKI said. During the rally, YKI members and university students distributed leaflets promoting healthier lifestyles.
They also displayed a banner denouncing smoking, attracting passers-by in the busy area.
“Today we are trying to increase public awareness of the dangers of smoking, because it is one of the known causes of lung cancer,” Melissa said.
Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Foundation (YLKI) estimates that last year there were around 60 million smokers in Indonesia, and that 427,000 citizens died from smoking-related diseases."
The title of this article refers to an old English proverb- where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise. The phrase is used to mean what you do not know cannot hurt you. It is a quotation from the English poet Thomas Gray born December 26 1716 and died 30 June 1771 taken from the poem:
Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College
"To each his sufferings: all are men,
Condemn'd alike to groan—
The tender for another's pain,
Th' unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more;—where ignorance is bliss,
'Tis folly to be wise."
"The public needs to realize that cancer is often preventable and treatable, including through changes in lifestyle, activists say.
“Many people still believe that when you have cancer you will die, and that’s it,” Melissa Luwia from the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI) said during a rally to mark World Cancer Day, in Jakarta, on Thursday.
The general public also wasn’t fully benefiting from early detection and early treatment of cancer, she said.
“Some types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, if detected early, can be treated effectively,” Melissa said.
She added that many people were unaware that healthy habits, such as giving up smoking, avoiding overexposure to direct sunlight, maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical examinations, could help prevent cancer.
“People should realize that they have, and must make, choices. They can choose to eat food without preservatives, for example,” she said.
According to the International Union Against Cancer, each year more than 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer and 7.6 million die as a result of the disease.
However, 40 percent of cancers are preventable, YKI said. During the rally, YKI members and university students distributed leaflets promoting healthier lifestyles.
They also displayed a banner denouncing smoking, attracting passers-by in the busy area.
“Today we are trying to increase public awareness of the dangers of smoking, because it is one of the known causes of lung cancer,” Melissa said.
Indonesia’s Consumer Protection Foundation (YLKI) estimates that last year there were around 60 million smokers in Indonesia, and that 427,000 citizens died from smoking-related diseases."
The title of this article refers to an old English proverb- where ignorance is bliss, 'Tis folly to be wise. The phrase is used to mean what you do not know cannot hurt you. It is a quotation from the English poet Thomas Gray born December 26 1716 and died 30 June 1771 taken from the poem:
Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College
"To each his sufferings: all are men,
Condemn'd alike to groan—
The tender for another's pain,
Th' unfeeling for his own.
Yet, ah! why should they know their fate,
Since sorrow never comes too late,
And happiness too swiftly flies?
Thought would destroy their Paradise.
No more;—where ignorance is bliss,
'Tis folly to be wise."
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
UN Chief Warns of Increasing Global Hunger
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon opened the three-day UN World Food Security summit in Rome Monday, warning the international community that the world cannot achieve food security without first tackling global warming.
Mr. Ban said the human cost of the food crisis has been enormous. Millions of families have been pushed into poverty and hunger. In the past year, food insecurity has affected about 30 countries.
The U.N. secretary general said there can be no food security without climate security.
"The food crisis is a wake-up call for tomorrow. By 2050 our planet may be the home of 9.1 billion people, over two billion more than today," he said. "At a time when the global population is growing, our global climate is changing. By 2050 we will need to grow 70 percent more food, yet weather is becoming more extreme and unpredictable," he said.
Mr. Ban said a comprehensive agreement is needed at a climate change summit next month in Copenhagen. Such an accord, he said, must provide a firm foundation for a legally binding treaty on climate change.
FAO Director General Jacques Diouf gave a clear picture of the numbers involved.
"One billion hungry people, that is one of every group of six persons in the world, 105 million more than in 2008, five children dying every 30 seconds. Beyond numbers this means suffering for each of these human beings," he said (Link)
As the world's top leaders including the US President Barack Obama have not turned up for this summit, there are fears that the new commitments to deal with the food crisis may not materialise. The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is the only leader of a G8 country attending the summit. Italy of course is hosting the summit.
Mr. Ban said the human cost of the food crisis has been enormous. Millions of families have been pushed into poverty and hunger. In the past year, food insecurity has affected about 30 countries.
The U.N. secretary general said there can be no food security without climate security.
"The food crisis is a wake-up call for tomorrow. By 2050 our planet may be the home of 9.1 billion people, over two billion more than today," he said. "At a time when the global population is growing, our global climate is changing. By 2050 we will need to grow 70 percent more food, yet weather is becoming more extreme and unpredictable," he said.
Mr. Ban said a comprehensive agreement is needed at a climate change summit next month in Copenhagen. Such an accord, he said, must provide a firm foundation for a legally binding treaty on climate change.
FAO Director General Jacques Diouf gave a clear picture of the numbers involved.
"One billion hungry people, that is one of every group of six persons in the world, 105 million more than in 2008, five children dying every 30 seconds. Beyond numbers this means suffering for each of these human beings," he said (Link)
As the world's top leaders including the US President Barack Obama have not turned up for this summit, there are fears that the new commitments to deal with the food crisis may not materialise. The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is the only leader of a G8 country attending the summit. Italy of course is hosting the summit.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
This, Too, Will Pass
In chapter 8 of 'A New Earth', Eckhart Tolle writes a thought provoking story about the discovery of inner space.
"According to an ancient Sufi story, there lived a king in some Middle Eastern land who was continuously torn between happiness and despondency. The slightest thing would cause him great upset or provoke an intense reaction, and his happiness would quickly turn into disappointment and despair. A time came when the king finally got tired of himself and of life, and he began to seek a way out. He sent for a wise man who lived in his kingdom and who was reputed to be enlightened. When the wise man came, the king said to him, ‘I want to be like you. Can you give me something that will bring balance, serenity, and wisdom into my life? I will pay any price you ask.’
The wise man said, ‘I may be able to help you. But the price is so great that your entire kingdom would not be sufficient payment for it. Therefore it will be a gift to you if you will honour it.’ The king gave his assurances, and the wise man left.
Be at peace
A few weeks later, he returned and handed the king an ornate box carved in jade. The king opened the box and found a simple gold ring inside. Some letters were inscribed on the ring. The inscription read: This, too, will pass. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ asked the king. The wise man said, ‘Wear this ring always. Whatever happens, before you call it good or bad, touch this ring and read the inscription. That way, you will always be at peace.’
This, too, will pass. What is it about these simple words that makes them so powerful? Looking at it superficially, it would seem while those words may provide some comfort in a bad situation, they would also diminish the enjoyment of the good things in life. ‘Don’t be too happy, because it won’t last.’ This seems to be what they are saying when applied in a situation that is perceived as good.
The full import of these words becomes clear when we consider them in the context of two other stories. The story of a Zen master whose response is always ‘Is that so?’ shows the good that comes through inner nonresistance to events, that is to say, being at one with what happens. The story of a man whose comment is invariably a laconic ‘Maybe’ illustrates the wisdom of nonjudgment, and the story of the ring points to the fact of impermanence which, when recognized, leads to nonattachment. Nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living."
Link
"According to an ancient Sufi story, there lived a king in some Middle Eastern land who was continuously torn between happiness and despondency. The slightest thing would cause him great upset or provoke an intense reaction, and his happiness would quickly turn into disappointment and despair. A time came when the king finally got tired of himself and of life, and he began to seek a way out. He sent for a wise man who lived in his kingdom and who was reputed to be enlightened. When the wise man came, the king said to him, ‘I want to be like you. Can you give me something that will bring balance, serenity, and wisdom into my life? I will pay any price you ask.’
The wise man said, ‘I may be able to help you. But the price is so great that your entire kingdom would not be sufficient payment for it. Therefore it will be a gift to you if you will honour it.’ The king gave his assurances, and the wise man left.
Be at peace
A few weeks later, he returned and handed the king an ornate box carved in jade. The king opened the box and found a simple gold ring inside. Some letters were inscribed on the ring. The inscription read: This, too, will pass. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ asked the king. The wise man said, ‘Wear this ring always. Whatever happens, before you call it good or bad, touch this ring and read the inscription. That way, you will always be at peace.’
This, too, will pass. What is it about these simple words that makes them so powerful? Looking at it superficially, it would seem while those words may provide some comfort in a bad situation, they would also diminish the enjoyment of the good things in life. ‘Don’t be too happy, because it won’t last.’ This seems to be what they are saying when applied in a situation that is perceived as good.
The full import of these words becomes clear when we consider them in the context of two other stories. The story of a Zen master whose response is always ‘Is that so?’ shows the good that comes through inner nonresistance to events, that is to say, being at one with what happens. The story of a man whose comment is invariably a laconic ‘Maybe’ illustrates the wisdom of nonjudgment, and the story of the ring points to the fact of impermanence which, when recognized, leads to nonattachment. Nonresistance, nonjudgment, and nonattachment are the three aspects of true freedom and enlightened living."
Link
Monday, October 19, 2009
The furore over disclosing uderage pregnancy tests
The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) is investigating into reports of underage concubines in Maldives. Using confidential information obtained from the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), the HRCM has revealed that 85 girls under 18 years of age took pregnancy tests at the IGMH between January and September this year.
How these pregnancy tests are linked to the alleged concubines has not been made clear by the HRCM.
Now the IGMH is hitting back in order to show that they have not violated the strict medical code of ethics- i.e.,the releasing of patient confidential information without the consent of the patient.
IGMH has said that in matters of national importance the hospital would provide information to the relevant authorities, as it has done by informing HRCM of the underage pregnancy tests.
The IGMH has, however, not clarified about what was the specific national importance to these underage pregnancy tests.
Clouding any real issues that may be behind the underage pregnancy tests, the HRCM and the IGMH have engaged in a squabble of who is right and wrong, the sort of chaotic process that is typically used by our esteemed organisations in order to resolve complex social and health problems considered to be of national interest.
Link.
How these pregnancy tests are linked to the alleged concubines has not been made clear by the HRCM.
Now the IGMH is hitting back in order to show that they have not violated the strict medical code of ethics- i.e.,the releasing of patient confidential information without the consent of the patient.
IGMH has said that in matters of national importance the hospital would provide information to the relevant authorities, as it has done by informing HRCM of the underage pregnancy tests.
The IGMH has, however, not clarified about what was the specific national importance to these underage pregnancy tests.
Clouding any real issues that may be behind the underage pregnancy tests, the HRCM and the IGMH have engaged in a squabble of who is right and wrong, the sort of chaotic process that is typically used by our esteemed organisations in order to resolve complex social and health problems considered to be of national interest.
Link.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Is it time to pass legislation for children to look after aged parents?
Until recently, elderly people in Maldives enjoyed considerable status, respect, care, and support from their families and the community. But due to migration, changes in values and life styles, and the breakdown of the traditional family system, it is now reported that more elderly people are turning to the state for assistance and care.
Maldives is a 100 per cent Muslim country. In Islam children are obliged to take care and be kind to their parents.
What would be the reasons why some children forsake their parents?
Is it because of a financial burden, lack of filial piety or a complete disregard of children's responsibility to parents?
Our government has the responsibility to find non-legal ways to help people who need assistance to take care of their aged parents. Since we are seeing a growing neglect of the elderly, is it also time to enact legislation mandating care for the elderly with punitive measures for those who fail to do so?
Maldives is a 100 per cent Muslim country. In Islam children are obliged to take care and be kind to their parents.
What would be the reasons why some children forsake their parents?
Is it because of a financial burden, lack of filial piety or a complete disregard of children's responsibility to parents?
Our government has the responsibility to find non-legal ways to help people who need assistance to take care of their aged parents. Since we are seeing a growing neglect of the elderly, is it also time to enact legislation mandating care for the elderly with punitive measures for those who fail to do so?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Why Our Health Matters by Dr. Andrew Weil
Dr. Andrew Weil, the world's leading proponent of "Integrative Medicine" describes it as a healing-oriented medicine that takes account of the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and makes use of all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.
In the clip below Dr Weil talks about his latest book "Why Our Health Matters."
In the clip below Dr Weil talks about his latest book "Why Our Health Matters."
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
We need to re-integrate ex-addicts into society
A halfway house of sort organised by some former addicts has been working for recovering drug addicts to help them on their path towards a drug-free life style. The community-based NGO program 'Journey' started in 2005 is being supported by UNICEF, their main funder.(Link)
'Journey' can play a useful role to complement the work of the government's Detox Centres (one opened in Vilimale' recently and others to follow in the islands) which will provide proper treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts. As the relapse rate for hardcore addicts is high, it requires a multifaceted approach to re-integrate the recovered addicts back into society and allow them to become productive citizens. The addicts who recover should not be stigmatised. They should be encouraged to take up meaningful work so that they can keep away from drug abuse, violence and crimes.
The government should introduce programs and incentives to provide former drug addicts life skills and training to enable them find employment. The government should also introduce policies to offer them employment in the public sector and convince the private sector to employ them as long long they live a drug-free life.
Heroin addiction has become an epidemic in Maldives affecting some 40 per cent of our youth. This is a very serious social problem for our future generation and our country. Rigorous action needs to be taken to control drug trafficking and tough enforcement action has to be taken against those who do to sell drugs and addict our young people.
To stop the plague of drugs, our government and civil society will have to rise up and meet this vicious challenge. Awareness programs should be run in schools, homes and work places.
In treating the addicts, medical and health professionals need to monitor individual cases to make sure that they don't get over the addiction to one drug by getting addicted to another in the process as has happened in some other countries. We need to keep in mind that anyone in our society can become a victim to this epidemic of drugs and a concerted effort has to be made to bring an end to this unfortunate tragedy. Our people should be able to live a life free of drugs and crime due to drugs.
'Journey' can play a useful role to complement the work of the government's Detox Centres (one opened in Vilimale' recently and others to follow in the islands) which will provide proper treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts. As the relapse rate for hardcore addicts is high, it requires a multifaceted approach to re-integrate the recovered addicts back into society and allow them to become productive citizens. The addicts who recover should not be stigmatised. They should be encouraged to take up meaningful work so that they can keep away from drug abuse, violence and crimes.
The government should introduce programs and incentives to provide former drug addicts life skills and training to enable them find employment. The government should also introduce policies to offer them employment in the public sector and convince the private sector to employ them as long long they live a drug-free life.
Heroin addiction has become an epidemic in Maldives affecting some 40 per cent of our youth. This is a very serious social problem for our future generation and our country. Rigorous action needs to be taken to control drug trafficking and tough enforcement action has to be taken against those who do to sell drugs and addict our young people.
To stop the plague of drugs, our government and civil society will have to rise up and meet this vicious challenge. Awareness programs should be run in schools, homes and work places.
In treating the addicts, medical and health professionals need to monitor individual cases to make sure that they don't get over the addiction to one drug by getting addicted to another in the process as has happened in some other countries. We need to keep in mind that anyone in our society can become a victim to this epidemic of drugs and a concerted effort has to be made to bring an end to this unfortunate tragedy. Our people should be able to live a life free of drugs and crime due to drugs.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Vitamin B9 treats allergy, asthma
Folic acid, or vitamin B9, essential for the health of red blood cells and known to reduce the risk of spinal birth defects, may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms.
Johns Hopkins scientists, who conducted the first ever study examining the link between blood levels of folate, the naturally occurring form of folic acid and allergies, said results add to mounting evidence that folate can help regulate inflammation.
Recent studies, including research from Hopkins, have found a link between folate levels and inflammation-mediated diseases, including heart disease.
Cautioning that its far too soon to recommend folic acid supplements to prevent or treat people with asthma and allergies, researchers emphasise that more research needs to be done to confirm their results, and to establish safe doses and risks.
Reviewing the medical records of more than 8,000 people aged between two and 85 years, investigators tracked the effect of folate levels on respiratory and allergic symptoms and on levels of IgE antibodies, immune system markers that rise in response to an allergen.
People with higher blood levels of folate had fewer IgE antibodies, fewer reported allergies, less wheezing and a lower likelihood of asthma, researchers report.
"Our findings are a clear indication that folic acid may indeed help regulate immune response to allergens, and may reduce allergy and asthma symptoms," said lead investigator Elizabeth Matsui.
"But we still need to figure out the exact mechanism behind it, and to do so we need studies that follow people receiving treatment with folic acid, before we even consider supplementation with folic acid to treat or prevent allergies and asthma."
The current recommendation for daily dietary intake of folic acid is 400 micrograms for healthy men and non-pregnant women. Many cereals and grain products are already fortified with folate. Folate is also found naturally in green, leafy vegetables, beans and nuts, said a Hopkins release.
The study appeared online in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.
Source: The Times of India
Johns Hopkins scientists, who conducted the first ever study examining the link between blood levels of folate, the naturally occurring form of folic acid and allergies, said results add to mounting evidence that folate can help regulate inflammation.
Recent studies, including research from Hopkins, have found a link between folate levels and inflammation-mediated diseases, including heart disease.
Cautioning that its far too soon to recommend folic acid supplements to prevent or treat people with asthma and allergies, researchers emphasise that more research needs to be done to confirm their results, and to establish safe doses and risks.
Reviewing the medical records of more than 8,000 people aged between two and 85 years, investigators tracked the effect of folate levels on respiratory and allergic symptoms and on levels of IgE antibodies, immune system markers that rise in response to an allergen.
People with higher blood levels of folate had fewer IgE antibodies, fewer reported allergies, less wheezing and a lower likelihood of asthma, researchers report.
"Our findings are a clear indication that folic acid may indeed help regulate immune response to allergens, and may reduce allergy and asthma symptoms," said lead investigator Elizabeth Matsui.
"But we still need to figure out the exact mechanism behind it, and to do so we need studies that follow people receiving treatment with folic acid, before we even consider supplementation with folic acid to treat or prevent allergies and asthma."
The current recommendation for daily dietary intake of folic acid is 400 micrograms for healthy men and non-pregnant women. Many cereals and grain products are already fortified with folate. Folate is also found naturally in green, leafy vegetables, beans and nuts, said a Hopkins release.
The study appeared online in the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology.
Source: The Times of India
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
"Zero Tolerance" against illegal drugs
During the campaign for the presidential election, candidate Nasheed now president has said that some of the people will not be in all of their senses all the time. His view is that some of the people will take some kind of drug seeking the high once a day or once a week. He believes that 'zero tolerance' of drugs does not work and it is better to control the hard drugs and determine which soft drugs can be allowed under the law. The conservative party of the United Kingdom, who advises Nasheed takes a lenient view of soft drug offences in the UK.
For thirty years we were governed by the Gayoom government and some of their most powerful people had no conscience. These people were sociopaths driven also by their narcissistic feelings- the deadly combination of traits that was found on people who committed history's most horrendous crimes against humanity. The Gayoom government did not allow fire arms into the country because such arms could have been used to bring down their government. This same government kept their eyes closed to the illegal drug trade. By not allocating the manpower and resources to stop the illegal drug trade, they allowed their henchman and officials to make tons of money while addicting our youth. The Nasheed government should not play this hypocritical game.
If president Nasheed feels that some soft drugs are OK, he should get the Islamic ministry to determine what soft drugs are allowed in Islam, even on medical grounds. The public should be informed very clearly on what is allowed, how it is allowed and what is not allowed.
If all intoxicants are prohibited in Islam, then president Nasheed needs to get his act together and exercise the political will to stop the illegal drug trade. The price of inaction is too great for our country and our future generations.
For thirty years we were governed by the Gayoom government and some of their most powerful people had no conscience. These people were sociopaths driven also by their narcissistic feelings- the deadly combination of traits that was found on people who committed history's most horrendous crimes against humanity. The Gayoom government did not allow fire arms into the country because such arms could have been used to bring down their government. This same government kept their eyes closed to the illegal drug trade. By not allocating the manpower and resources to stop the illegal drug trade, they allowed their henchman and officials to make tons of money while addicting our youth. The Nasheed government should not play this hypocritical game.
If president Nasheed feels that some soft drugs are OK, he should get the Islamic ministry to determine what soft drugs are allowed in Islam, even on medical grounds. The public should be informed very clearly on what is allowed, how it is allowed and what is not allowed.
If all intoxicants are prohibited in Islam, then president Nasheed needs to get his act together and exercise the political will to stop the illegal drug trade. The price of inaction is too great for our country and our future generations.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
To forgive and to forget, but about the accountability?
When President Ibrahim Nasir resigned in 1978 for health reasons, he had modernized the isolated islands of Maldives and opened the country to the rest of the world. He started the tourism industry. He is the hero of our independence. Despite the fact that this was a smooth transfer of power, everything that could go wrong went wrong.
Nasir was demonised, caricatures were drawn and the national hero was disgraced and humiliated in a festival of parades shouting abuse on loud speakers. Nasir's ministers like Abdul Hannan Haleem and Moomina Haleem were abused when ever they stepped out of their home. Even their children were not spared the indignity of this barbaric behaviour. This was the biginning of the 30 years of the Gayoom presidency that included Azhar scholars in top positions of our government.
President Nasheed says that in order for us to progress and move forward, we must forgive and forget. These are noble objectives that we can agree to. But what about the case for accountability?
By the time the Gayoom presidency ended, one-third of our youth were addicted to illegal drugs.
Of of all the social problems that our country has, the abuse of illegal drugs by our youth is the most severe problem.
Drug addiction is an illness. The addiction affects the brain. Although initial drug use might be voluntary, once addiction develops, the brain changes interfere with an individual’s ability to make voluntary decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving, seeking and use.
The impact of addiction can be far reaching. Among the deadly diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease can all be affected by drug abuse. Some of these effects occur when drugs are used at high doses or after prolonged use, however, some may occur after just one use. Heroin, one of the most highly addictive and destructive drugs in the world is the most frequently abused drug in the Maldives, and there are increasing reports of injection drug use.
Maldivian government has criminalised this addiction and the drug addicts are locked up without giving them the necessary treatment. This addiction needs to be addressed as a health issue. Urgent action is needed to provide rehabilitation to the addicts. The Maldivian government has failed to prosecute those who violate the drug laws of the country. According to a report in Haveeru yesterday, a court in Male' ordered to release six individuals who were involved in trafficking drugs because the State has not prosecuted them while they were locked up for six months. This kind of lax attitude will never stop the import of drugs into our country.
This painful addiction would never have reached this stage, if our government had the wherewithal to take serious action to stop the trafficking. It is time for the Maldivian Government to wake up to the reality and help to save our youth.
Nasir was demonised, caricatures were drawn and the national hero was disgraced and humiliated in a festival of parades shouting abuse on loud speakers. Nasir's ministers like Abdul Hannan Haleem and Moomina Haleem were abused when ever they stepped out of their home. Even their children were not spared the indignity of this barbaric behaviour. This was the biginning of the 30 years of the Gayoom presidency that included Azhar scholars in top positions of our government.
President Nasheed says that in order for us to progress and move forward, we must forgive and forget. These are noble objectives that we can agree to. But what about the case for accountability?
By the time the Gayoom presidency ended, one-third of our youth were addicted to illegal drugs.
Of of all the social problems that our country has, the abuse of illegal drugs by our youth is the most severe problem.
Drug addiction is an illness. The addiction affects the brain. Although initial drug use might be voluntary, once addiction develops, the brain changes interfere with an individual’s ability to make voluntary decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving, seeking and use.
The impact of addiction can be far reaching. Among the deadly diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease can all be affected by drug abuse. Some of these effects occur when drugs are used at high doses or after prolonged use, however, some may occur after just one use. Heroin, one of the most highly addictive and destructive drugs in the world is the most frequently abused drug in the Maldives, and there are increasing reports of injection drug use.
Maldivian government has criminalised this addiction and the drug addicts are locked up without giving them the necessary treatment. This addiction needs to be addressed as a health issue. Urgent action is needed to provide rehabilitation to the addicts. The Maldivian government has failed to prosecute those who violate the drug laws of the country. According to a report in Haveeru yesterday, a court in Male' ordered to release six individuals who were involved in trafficking drugs because the State has not prosecuted them while they were locked up for six months. This kind of lax attitude will never stop the import of drugs into our country.
This painful addiction would never have reached this stage, if our government had the wherewithal to take serious action to stop the trafficking. It is time for the Maldivian Government to wake up to the reality and help to save our youth.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Happiness is contagious!
In a study that looked at the happiness of nearly 5,000 individuals over a period of 20 years, researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of California, San Diego, found that one person’s happiness triggers a chain reaction that benefits not only their friends, but their friends’ friends, and their friends’ friends’ friends. The effect lasts for up to one year.
The flip side, interestingly, is not the case: Sadness does not spread through social networks as robustly as happiness. Happiness appears to love company more so than misery.
Read more about this research on Harvard.
The flip side, interestingly, is not the case: Sadness does not spread through social networks as robustly as happiness. Happiness appears to love company more so than misery.
Read more about this research on Harvard.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
A father deals with meth-addiction. "My Addicted Son"
Nick now claims that he was searching for methamphetamine for his entire life, and when he tried it for the first time, as he says, ''That was that.'' It would have been no easier to see him strung out on heroin or cocaine, but as every parent of a methamphetamine addict comes to learn, this drug has a unique, horrific quality. In an interview, Stephan Jenkins, the singer in the band Third Eye Blind, said that methamphetamine makes you feel ''bright and shiny.'' It also makes you paranoid, incoherent and both destructive and pathetically and relentlessly self-destructive. Then you will do unconscionable things in order to feel bright and shiny again. Nick had always been a sensitive, sagacious, joyful and exceptionally bright child, but on meth he became unrecognizable.
So writes David Sheff in a gut-wrenching article posted on The New York Times.
Through Nick's drug addiction, I learned that parents can bear almost anything. Every time we reach a point where we feel as if we can't bear any more, we do. Things had descended in a way that I never could have imagined, and I shocked myself with my ability to rationalize and tolerate things that were once unthinkable. He's just experimenting. Going through a stage. It's only marijuana. He gets high only on weekends. At least he's not using heroin. He would never resort to needles. At least he's alive.
A fortnight later, Nick wrote an e-mail message to his mother and asked for help. After they talked, he agreed to meet with a friend of our family who took him to her home in upstate New York, where he could detox. He slept for 20 or more hours a day for a week and began to work with a therapist who specialized in drug addiction. After six or so weeks, he seemed stronger and somewhat less desolate. His mother helped him move into an apartment in Brooklyn, and he got a job. When he finally called, he told me that he would never again use methamphetamine, though he made no such vows about marijuana and alcohol. With this news, I braced myself for the next disaster. A new U.C.L.A. study confirms that I had reason to expect one: recovering meth addicts who stay off alcohol and marijuana are significantly less likely to relapse.
Two or so months later, the phone rang at 5 on a Sunday morning. Every parent of a drug-addicted child recoils at a ringing telephone at that hour. I was informed that Nick was in a hospital emergency room in Brooklyn after an overdose. He was in critical condition and on life support.
After two hours, the doctor called to tell me that his vital signs had leveled off. Still later, he called to say that Nick was no longer on the critical list. From his hospital bed, when he was coherent enough to talk, Nick sounded desperate. He asked to go into another program, said it was his only chance.
So without reluctance this time, Nick returned to rehab. After six or so months, he moved to Santa Monica near his mother. He lived in a sober-living home, attended meetings regularly and began working with a sponsor. He had several jobs, including one at a drug-and-alcohol rehabilitation program in Malibu. Last April, after celebrating his second year sober, he relapsed again, disappearing for two weeks. His sponsor, who had become a close friend of Nick's, assured me: ''Nick won't stay out long. He's not having any fun.'' Of course I hoped that he was right, but I was no less worried than I was other times he had disappeared -- worried that he could overdose or otherwise cause irreparable damage.
But he didn't. He returned and withdrew on his own, helped by his sponsor and other friends. He was ashamed -- mortified -- that he slipped. He redoubled his efforts. Ten months later, of course, I am relieved (once again) and hopeful (once again). Nick is working and writing a children's book and articles and movie reviews for an online magazine. He is biking and swimming. He seems emphatically committed to his sobriety, but I have learned to check my optimism.
So writes David Sheff in a gut-wrenching article posted on The New York Times.
Through Nick's drug addiction, I learned that parents can bear almost anything. Every time we reach a point where we feel as if we can't bear any more, we do. Things had descended in a way that I never could have imagined, and I shocked myself with my ability to rationalize and tolerate things that were once unthinkable. He's just experimenting. Going through a stage. It's only marijuana. He gets high only on weekends. At least he's not using heroin. He would never resort to needles. At least he's alive.
A fortnight later, Nick wrote an e-mail message to his mother and asked for help. After they talked, he agreed to meet with a friend of our family who took him to her home in upstate New York, where he could detox. He slept for 20 or more hours a day for a week and began to work with a therapist who specialized in drug addiction. After six or so weeks, he seemed stronger and somewhat less desolate. His mother helped him move into an apartment in Brooklyn, and he got a job. When he finally called, he told me that he would never again use methamphetamine, though he made no such vows about marijuana and alcohol. With this news, I braced myself for the next disaster. A new U.C.L.A. study confirms that I had reason to expect one: recovering meth addicts who stay off alcohol and marijuana are significantly less likely to relapse.
Two or so months later, the phone rang at 5 on a Sunday morning. Every parent of a drug-addicted child recoils at a ringing telephone at that hour. I was informed that Nick was in a hospital emergency room in Brooklyn after an overdose. He was in critical condition and on life support.
After two hours, the doctor called to tell me that his vital signs had leveled off. Still later, he called to say that Nick was no longer on the critical list. From his hospital bed, when he was coherent enough to talk, Nick sounded desperate. He asked to go into another program, said it was his only chance.
So without reluctance this time, Nick returned to rehab. After six or so months, he moved to Santa Monica near his mother. He lived in a sober-living home, attended meetings regularly and began working with a sponsor. He had several jobs, including one at a drug-and-alcohol rehabilitation program in Malibu. Last April, after celebrating his second year sober, he relapsed again, disappearing for two weeks. His sponsor, who had become a close friend of Nick's, assured me: ''Nick won't stay out long. He's not having any fun.'' Of course I hoped that he was right, but I was no less worried than I was other times he had disappeared -- worried that he could overdose or otherwise cause irreparable damage.
But he didn't. He returned and withdrew on his own, helped by his sponsor and other friends. He was ashamed -- mortified -- that he slipped. He redoubled his efforts. Ten months later, of course, I am relieved (once again) and hopeful (once again). Nick is working and writing a children's book and articles and movie reviews for an online magazine. He is biking and swimming. He seems emphatically committed to his sobriety, but I have learned to check my optimism.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A rewarding and inspirational weight loss
Mazliwati Md Shah, 32, who weighed 208kg last year, now tips the scale at just 88kg.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Rehashing failed policies
The Maldivian government launched its ever first drug control masterplan on Thursday, aiming to tackle all dimensions of the narcotics problem, in coordination with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The situation of drug addiction and lack of adequate treatment for addicts is what it is in Maldives because the Maldivian Government has failed to take appropriate action to deal with these issues. The UNODC cannot be ignorant of this problem and its root causes if they wish to help Maldives. Every one in Maldives knows what the problems are and so we don't need four years for another window dressing by the UNODC and the Maldivian Government.
All the facets of this problem begin with the influx of these drugs into Maldives and the greed of those who sell drugs to our youth. . The UNODC should demand the Maldivian Government to stop this influx by vigorous checking at all entry points and enforce the death penalty on traffickers who bring in and sell drugs that kill our youth.
Medical treatment should be provided to members of our community who need help to get over the drug addiction without stigmatizing them.
The situation of drug addiction and lack of adequate treatment for addicts is what it is in Maldives because the Maldivian Government has failed to take appropriate action to deal with these issues. The UNODC cannot be ignorant of this problem and its root causes if they wish to help Maldives. Every one in Maldives knows what the problems are and so we don't need four years for another window dressing by the UNODC and the Maldivian Government.
All the facets of this problem begin with the influx of these drugs into Maldives and the greed of those who sell drugs to our youth. . The UNODC should demand the Maldivian Government to stop this influx by vigorous checking at all entry points and enforce the death penalty on traffickers who bring in and sell drugs that kill our youth.
Medical treatment should be provided to members of our community who need help to get over the drug addiction without stigmatizing them.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Lifestyle changes need to start at the top
Mr. Ahmed Abdullah, Environment Minister who is a former health minister has said there is growing concern about the high cost of unhealthy behaviors and lifestyles incurred on the health of Maldivian people.
He referred to irregular and late meals irregular sleep and lack of exercises as prime factors for the worsening health of people and rapid increase of lifestyle diseases or non communicable diseases.
In Maldives, many government offices including the President's Office work into late night and this attitude is followed by the private sector. Public sector and private sector bosses will have to set the standards to allow staff and workers to have more family time and cultivate the type of positive habits that the minister alluded to. Unfortunately in Maldives, the negative traits in society are moving much faster than the positive traits. If we are to believe the Gender Ministry, the age old profession- prostitution is thriving well in our 100 per cent Muslim Maldives. This is in addition to rampant child abuse, gang violence in Male' and the relentless drug addiction in Maldives.
The minister and the government need to do more than just give lip service to turn this situation around.
He referred to irregular and late meals irregular sleep and lack of exercises as prime factors for the worsening health of people and rapid increase of lifestyle diseases or non communicable diseases.
In Maldives, many government offices including the President's Office work into late night and this attitude is followed by the private sector. Public sector and private sector bosses will have to set the standards to allow staff and workers to have more family time and cultivate the type of positive habits that the minister alluded to. Unfortunately in Maldives, the negative traits in society are moving much faster than the positive traits. If we are to believe the Gender Ministry, the age old profession- prostitution is thriving well in our 100 per cent Muslim Maldives. This is in addition to rampant child abuse, gang violence in Male' and the relentless drug addiction in Maldives.
The minister and the government need to do more than just give lip service to turn this situation around.
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