REDUCE SALT!

What is SALT?

Salt is a substance that gives a salty taste to food. It is available in fine or coarse form, and is added to food or is a hidden ingredient in soy sauce, ketchup, preserved soya beans, mayonnaise, cheese, salted fish or in seasoning powder and stock cubes.

Do we need SALT?

Salt is needed to:

i.   control the balance of body fluids.
ii.  maintain proper muscle and nerve control.
iii. help maintain normal blood pressure.

REMEMBER!  Excessive salt intake can increase the blood pressure of certain individuals at risk.

How much SALT is needed?

We need less than 6 grams (1 teaspoon per day), including hidden salt.

Tips for Reducing Salt Intake:

i.   Use natural ingredients such as lime juice and spices.

ii.  Reduce the use of salt, aritifical flavouring, soya sauce and preserved soya beans in cooking.

iii. Reduce the consumption of processed foods such as canned food, sausages, burgers and instant noodles.

iv.  Reduce the use of mayonnaise and cheese in food preparation.

v.   Reduce salty snacks such as crisps and salted nuts.

vi.  Reduce preserved food such as salted fishm salted eggs, shrimp paste, fermented shrimp sauce, fermented anchovy sauce, pickled fruits and pickled vegetables.

vii. Read food labels and avoid buying food that are rich in codium chloride and monosodium glutamate (MSG)

viii.Limit salt intake to 1 teaspoon (6 grams) per day.

Guideline in choosing food with less salt when eating out

> Ask for less salt or MSG in your food.

> Avoid soupy food such as instant noodles and mee bandung.

> Avoid fried food containing salted fish, fried vegetables with salted fish and canned food.

> Choose white rice over beriyani rice, tomato rice or fried rice.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING

> PRACTISE THE 5Ms !!! <

1. Minimise Sugar
2. Minimise SALT
3. Minimise Oil
4. More Fruits
5. More Vegetables

APAKAH FAKTA PALSU DALAM MAKANAN?

Ramai antara kita inginkan badan yang sihat dan ideal. Namun tahukah anda amalan pemakanan yang kita sangka 'sihat' selama ini tidak semestinya membantu kita dalam mencapai misi kesihatan yang optimun. Mari sama-sama kita teliti info berikut :

PALSU - COKLAT TIDAK MEMBANTU MASALAH KITAR HAID
SEBENARNYA - Coklat memang membantu wanita yang mempunyai simptom PMS kerana kajian membuktikan perasaan marah, sedih dan emosi terganggu dapat dikurangkan dengan coklat kerana kandungan serotonin yang berupaya mengubahmood seseorang. Selain itu coklat juga mengandungi mineral iaitu magnesium di mana ia penting sewaktu haid.

PALSU - MANUSIA MEMERLUKAN 8 GELAS AIR SEHARI
SEBENARNYA - Manusia hanya memerlukan satu liter air dalam badan untuk kekal segar. Apa yang perlu kita tekankan ialah bagaimana memastikan diri kita sentiasa cukup dengan air dan bukannya menjadikan 8 gelas sebagai perkara yang wajib. Cecair dalam badan akan berkurang mengikut rutin dan cara hidup kita. Jika anda rajin bersukan maka anda haruslah menggantikan cecair yang terkumuh dengan minum air yang lebih.

PALSU - MAKANAN MANIS BUAT KANAK-KANAK HYPER ACTIVE
SEBENARNYA - Fenomena yang sering dilihat oleh ibu-bapa adalah setelah memberi manisan kepada anaknya, 15 minit kemudian si kecil tadi menjadi sangat aktif. Ia sememangnya nampak seperti masuk akal. Namun kajian oleh Warner, seorang pakar pemakanan membuktikan bahawa manisan tidak langsung mempunyai kaitan biologi dengan kelakuan kanak-kanak. Kelakuan kanak-kanak dipengaruhi oleh persekitaran sekeliling ataupun suasana dan perasaannya. Bukannya kerana manisan tetapi kerana mendapat manisan.

PALSU - MAKANAN ORGANIK LEBIH BERKHASIAT
SEBENARNYA - Telur organik, kacang organik dan ayam organik sememangnya menjadi pilihan sesetengah masyarakat yang prihatin dengan khasiat. Namun makanan organik adalah sangat mahal di pasaran. Satu kajian yang dibuat oleh Stanford University, tidak kira bagaimana caranya binatang atau tumbuhan itu dibesarkan, kandungan mineral dan vitaminnya adalah tetap sama. Yang berubah hanya sebilangan kecil produk tenusu seperti yogurt dan keju itupun hanya peningkatan daripada omega 3. Hanya satu kelebihannya iaitu kita tidak akan menghadam racun serangga dan anti bakteria yang digunakan.

PALSU - MAKAN TENGAH MALAM MENGGEMUKKAN
SEBENARNYA - Kajian daripada Arkansas University membuktikan bahawa obesiti bukan berpunca daripada tenaga yang tidak digunakan kemudian bertukar menjadi lemak. Proses pencernaan mengambil masa yang lama dan ia mengikut aktiviti harian kita. Ramai yang berpendapat sewaktu kita tidur kita akan menyebabkan makanan bertukar menjadi lemak. Sebenarnya metabolisma badan kita tidak pernah berhenti. Ia hanya menjadi perlahan sewaktu tidur untuk mengelakkan tenaga yang berlebihan. Kita menjadi gemuk bukan kerana waktu makan tetapi kuantiti kalori yang kita ambil tidak kira ianya pada waktu siang ataupun malam.

PALSU - TELUR SEBABKAN SAKIT JANTUNG
SEBENARNYA - Ramai yang berpendapat kolestrol dalam telur menyebabkan saluran jantung tersumbat dan punca kepada sakit jantung. Tahukah anda 75% kolestrol adalah dihasilkan oleh hati sendiri untuk memproses makanan lemak tepu dan bukannya makanan yang ada kolestrol? Mengikut kajian pakar kolestol dalam telur tiada kaitan dengan penyakit jantung malah pesakit yang tinggi kolestrol juga diberikan telur beberapa biji seminggu kerana khasiat telur adalah menguatkan sel dan juga penyumbang vitamin D.

Memang benar, zaman sekarang pelbagai tips pemakananan dan keadah diet yang 'betul' memenuhi dada akhbar, majalah dan media elektronik. Persoalannya adakah ia berguna kepada kita? Ataupun tips tersebut hanya sekadar diguna-pakai oleh sesetengah pihak?

sumber: Facebook

FOOD THAT DRAINS YOUR BRAINS

JUST SHARING :-)

Sugar
In case you missed it:  It's no secret excess sugar isn't exactly sweet where your health is concerned,  but now new research indicates it may take a toll on your brain as well as your  waistline. In a recent animal study, UCLA researchers found that rats fed a  solution of fructose had a harder time navigating a maze, a sign of slowed  learning and memory loss, compared to a second group of rats who were given the  fructose solution as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to have a  brain-boosting effect. The researchers suspect that the fructose-only diet  decreased brain activity because it affected insulin's ability to help brain  cells use sugar to process thoughts and emotions. Certain omega-3 fatty acids  may buffer the brain from the harmful effects of fructose.


Use the news: While this research is  preliminary, it's just general good health advice to minimize your intake of  added sugar (see some shockingly sneaky sources here) and up your consumption of  foods rich in omega-3s, including walnuts, salmon, flax seeds and soybeans to  your meals. You've probably heard of smart foods that boost your IQ, but did you  know that some less-healthy options can actually drain your brain? 

Red Meat and Butter
A  diet high in "bad" saturated fat may hurt brain function, according to new  Harvard research published in the Annals of Neurology. When researchers studied  the eating habits and tested the brain function of 6,000 women for an average of  four years, they found the women who ate the most saturated fat scored lower on  tests of brain function and memory. On the other hand, women who ate the most  monounsaturated fats (found in foods like olive oil and avocado) had higher  scores.


Use the news: You  don't need to shun saturated fat sources entirely, but choose low or non-fat  versions of animal products, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk. Avoid processed  meat, like bacon, and stick to lean cuts. Get more protein from vegetable  sources, like soy and legumes.

Chips,  pizza, and other junk food
Will junk food rot kids' brains? A  2011 British study of nearly 4,000 children found that those who ate primarily  junk food (lots of processed and fast food) at age three had a small drop in IQ  five years later compared with children who ate healthier diets. (And the link  remained after researchers accounted for confounding variables, such as  socioeconomic status and parents' education.) Early diet choices especially  seemed to affect kids' verbal abilities, according to Time.com. The study  suggests that smart diet choices may be particularly crucial during early years  of rapid brain development.


Use the  news: It can be tricky to get young picky eaters to eat healthy  foods, but remember that kids need repeated exposure (sometimes a dozen or more  times) to "like" a new food. So don't give up so easily! And many classic kid  favorites, like string cheese and yogurt, make for healthy snacks instead of  processed cookies and chips.

Low-Carb  Diets
Ditching carbs can sap brainpower (along with energy and  mood). A small Tufts University study of 19 women between the ages of 22 and 55  found that when dieters eliminated carbohydrates, they showed a gradual dip in  cognitive skills (particularly on memory-related tests) compared to a group who  stayed on a low-calorie diet that included carbs.


Use the news: Carbs aren't evil-your body  needs them for many important functions, including fueling your brain. So avoid  diets that eliminate or severely restrict them, and choose healthy options, like  whole grain pastas and breads, brown rice, and quinoa.

Gum
Does blowing that bubble boost or  bust your brainpower? Here, the research is mixed. A recent British study  published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology found that chewing  gum during a memorization exercise impaired participants' short-term memories.  The researchers believe the act of chewing may get in the way of concentrating  on memory tasks (In this case, participants were asked to learn the order of  items in a list) The finding contradicts previous research, which found a  positive association between chewing gum and mental tasks.


Use the news: Because of mixed study  results, you might not want to spit just yet. But be sure to include other  brain-boosting habits in your daily routine, such as drinking water (dehydration  can affect focus and acuity), getting plenty of sleep, and playing brain games. 

{ BPA-FREE BOTTLES FOR BABIES & KIDS }

What is BPA?

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a hormone-disrupting chemical considered to be potentially harmful to human health and the environment. It has been known that scratched and worn polycarbonate feeding bottles will leach this chemical into liquids.

(NaturalNews) Drinking water from plastic bottles made with the toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) increases urinary levels of the chemical by nearly 70 percent, according to a study conducted by researchers from Harvard University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

BPA, an industrial chemical that makes plastics hard and transparent, is widely used in plastic drinking bottles, infant bottles and other consumer products, and also in resins that line cans of food and infant formula. The chemical has been shown to disrupt the hormonal system, potentially leading to reproductive defects as well as brain damage, cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes.

"These astonishing results should be a clarion call to lawmakers and public health officials that babies are being exposed to BPA, and at levels that could likely have an impact on their development," said Renee Sharp, of the Environmental Working Group. "The adults in this study were willing participants who understood the risk of exposure, but babies are unwitting victims of the silent but serious threat this hormone-disrupting chemical poses to their health."

The study, conducted on 77 student volunteers, was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.

A number of major retailers, including Toys R' Us, Wal-Mart, Nalgene, Gerber, Playtex and others, have agreed to phase out the chemical in some countries. The Environmental Working Group has published a guide to BPA-free baby bottles and formulas, which can be found at www.ewg.org/babysafe.

The state of Minnesota has banned the use of BPA in food containers intended for children three and younger, as have Chicago and New York's Suffolk County. California and Connecticut are also considering banning the substance.

"If the legislation to protect California's youngest from further exposure to BPA is defeated, those elected officials responsible for its demise should be held to account for protecting the profits of the chemical industry instead of children's health," Sharp said.

Sources for this story include: www.ewg.org.

{ CARE FOR CHILDREN WITH DIABETES }

By PHIL Riley, KERRITA McClaughlyn in Ailments

The discovery of insulin 87 years ago was hailed as a miracle. It was arguably the first example of a medicine that was both life-saving and life-sustaining. Overnight lives were transformed and a new era of optimism was hailed for all people living with diabetes. The impact of the discovery was electric and in less than two years the 1923 Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology was awarded to Researcher Frederick Banting and his supervisor Professor John MacLeod.

The legacy of the former continues to this day. World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on 14 November to mark the birthday of Banting who, along with his research assistant Charles Best, is widely credited with the discovery of insulin.

Over the years, this miracle drug has saved countless lives. Today, the added benefits brought by modern types of insulin, delivery systems, glucose monitoring and diabetes education, mean that the prospects for children with Type-1 diabetes in the developed world have never been brighter. Regretfully for many, this is where the good news ends. The outlook for children with Type-1 diabetes in the developing world remains poor. Many die without being diagnosed or suffer severe complications leading to an early but avoidable death.

What is diabetes?

• Type-1 diabetes occurs when the body produces no or insufficient insulin. This form of diabetes cannot be prevented and daily insulin shots are required to survive. Worldwide over 500,000 children under age 15 live with Type-1 diabetes. India alone has over 92,000 of these children.
  
• Type-2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to use the insulin it produces effectively. In many cases [not all], it is possible to prevent Type-2 diabetes through diet and exercise. Type-2 diabetes is increasing among children because of sedentary lifestyles.

The most common long-term complications of diabetes are:

• Diabetic nephropathy [kidney disease], which may result in total kidney failure and in the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.
• Diabetic eye disease [retinopathy and macular oedema], damage to the retina of the eye which can lead to vision loss.
• Diabetic neuropathy [nerve disease], which can ultimately lead to ulceration and amputation of the feet and lower limbs.
• Cardiovascular disease, which affects the heart and blood vessels and may cause fatal complications such as coronary heart disease [leading to a heart attack] and stroke.

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death by disease globally. Every year, more than three million people die from diabetes-related causes.

A time for change
Almost a century has passed since the discovery of insulin and almost 80 years have passed since Banting, serving as wartime liaison officer between the British and North American medical services, was killed in an air disaster. With so much time having passed, it seems unthinkable that such an essential medicine is unavailable or unaffordable for our most vulnerable citizens. It is not that solutions don't exist, they do. Answers are now available to address the issues of affordability and accessibility. The means exist to strengthen healthcare systems and provide the necessary diabetes education of both the healthcare professionals and the families of those affected by diabetes.

It is time for the organisations that can provide the interim humanitarian solutions to get on board and for key diabetes stakeholders to lay the groundwork for sustainable solutions that will benefit people with diabetes. The solutions, of course, will be more complex than simply ensuring accessibility to affordable diabetes medicines, syringes and monitoring. Country-specific solutions will be needed to address supply-chain systems, the coordination of corporate social responsibility programmes, the training of local healthcare professionals and the integration of diabetes support programmes into existing healthcare systems.

The International Diabetes Federation [IDF] is leading the way by highlighting the plight of children with diabetes in the developing world, driving awareness campaigns to educate public and bringing together those in a position to make a difference.

According to IDF figures, there are about 75,000 children worldwide living with Type-1 diabetes in desperate circumstances. The IDF supports a tiny number - 1000 children and young adults in 17 countries - through its "Life for a Child Program". The Federation is hoping to increase this number to 10,000 in a relatively short time frame.

Become an agent of change
Every parent, school teacher, school nurse, doctor and anyone involved in the care of children should be familiar with the warning signs and alert to the diabetes threat. Children who are not diagnosed or misdiagnosed can die from DKA [diabetic coma].

Access to medicine is particularly critical to children already living with diabetes in countries like India. You can help by supporting charities like the "Life for a Child Program" that support children with diabetes. While donations to charity are well needed, an even greater need is for governments to take responsibility in providing sustainable care for children with diabetes.

The United Nations Resolution on diabetes asks all governments to "develop national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes in line with the sustainable development of their health-care systems, taking into account the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals."

We need to make sure that governments take action. You can lobby your government by writing letters and contacting politicians and government officials to find out how they are implementing the Resolution and developing programmes to care for people with diabetes. You can participate in activities to raise awareness of diabetes-issues and become an agent of change. With the help of committed organisations and individuals worldwide, the IDF wants to make access to appropriate medication and care the right of every child with diabetes and a privilege resulting from the geographic accident of birth.

History owes a debt to the pioneers of diabetes research. Surely it is time for the results of their ground-breaking research, carried out so long ago, to benefit every child with diabetes.

Warning signs

Know the diabetes warning signs*:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Lack of interest and concentration
• Blurred vision
• Vomiting and stomach pain [often mistaken as flu]
  *In Type-2 diabetes these symptoms may be mild or absent.

{ CAT ALLERGIES }

Life with cat allergies -- whether they're yours or a family member's -- can raise a lot of questions. Could a cat allergy explain your son's never-ending cold symptoms? Will you regret giving in to your daughter's demands for a kitten, despite your allergies? Will a so-called hypoallergenic cat allow you to have the pet you've always wanted without making you a sneezing, sniffling mess?

Here are some answers -- what you need to know about cat allergies, from causes to treatments.
What causes cat allergies?
About 10% of the U.S. population has pet allergies, and cats are among the most common culprits. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies. But contrary to what you might think, it's not the fur or hair that's the real problem. People with cat allergies are really allergic to proteins in the cat's saliva, urine, and dander (dried flakes of skin).

How do these tiny proteins cause such a big allergic reaction in your body? People with allergies have oversensitive immune systems. Their bodies mistake harmless things -- like cat dander -- for dangerous invaders, and attack them as they would bacteria or viruses. The symptoms of the allergy are the side effects of your body's assault on the allergen, or trigger.

Keep in mind that even if you don't have an actual cat allergy, your cat can still indirectly cause your allergies to flare up. Outside cats can bring in pollen, mold, and other allergens on their fur.

And what about so-called "hypoallergenic" cats? While some breeds -- like the "hairless" sphinx -- are said to be less likely to trigger symptoms of cat allergies than others, any cat has the potential to cause problems. This is true regardless of its breed, hair length, or how much it sheds. So if you know that you or another family member is allergic to cats, getting one -- no matter what the breed -- is not a good idea.

What are the symptoms of cat allergies?
Symptoms of cat allergies can include:

coughing and wheezing
hives or a rash on the chest and face
red, itchy eyes
redness of the skin where a cat has scratched, bitten, or licked you
runny, itchy, stuffy nose
sneezing
Symptoms of a cat allergy might develop in just a few minutes or take hours to appear. About 20% to 30% of people with allergic asthma have severe flare-ups after coming in contact with a cat.

How would I know if I have a cat allergy?
Although the symptoms of a cat allergy may seem fairly obvious, it's not always the cat that causes them. So it's a good idea to get confirmation from your doctor. After all, you wouldn't want to blame Mr. Whiskers unjustly.

Your doctor can do a skin or blood test to see if you're allergic. However, allergy tests aren't always correct. So the doctor may also want you to try living without a cat for a few months to see how it affects your allergy symptoms

How are cat allergies treated?
Cat allergies can usually be controlled with standard allergy drugs. Your doctor might recommend:

Antihistamines, which are available over-the-counter -- like Claritin or Benadryl -- or by prescription -- like Allegra or Zyrtec. Some antihistamines come as nasal sprays -- for instance, Astelin.
Decongestants, like over-the-counter Sudafed or prescription Allegra-D.
Other medicines, which affect allergy or asthma symptoms in various ways. Prescription steroids -- like Flonase or Nasonex sprays -- are a common treatment for allergies.

Allergy shots are another option. Allergy shots are not always effective, and completing treatment can take years. They're also not safe for children under 5. But they can be a huge help to some people. Ask your doctor if they make sense for you.

Unfortunately, there's no way to prevent an allergy. Some studies have shown that exposure to pets as a young child seems to reduce the risk of developing pet allergies later. On the other hand, a child who already has allergic tendencies may get worse with exposure to a pet.

Reducing your exposure to cats
While medical treatment can help control cat allergies, the best approach to is simple: avoid cats and their dander. Here are some tips.

*Don't touch, hug, or kiss cats. It should be obvious, but some people think a little cat contact is OK. It isn't.
*Beware of visitors who own cats. Even if your house guests leave their cats at home, they can bring the dander with them on their clothing and luggage. This indirect exposure can cause serious cat allergy symptoms in some people.
*Plan. If you have to stay in a house with cats, ask that the cat be kept out of the room in which you will sleep for a few weeks before you arrive. Also, start taking your medicine a few weeks beforehand. Once an allergic reaction gets started, it can be tough to control. But taking medicine can prevent it from happening in the first place.

But what if you already own a cat? Here's the most sensible advice: if you or a family member has cat allergies, you shouldn't have a cat in your home.

Of course, such harsh advice may not be easy to follow. What if your kids have already fallen in love with a kitten? What if your fiancee will never, ever part with her cat? If the cat has to stay, there are other things you can try.

Keep your distance. Limit your exposure to the cat. Certainly, another family member should take responsibility for the cat's care and do things like cleaning the litter box.
Restrict the cat to certain sections of the house. Don't allow your cat to roam free. Keep the cat out of your bedroom at all times.

Keep the cat outdoors as much as possible. That's how some people get around their cat allergies.

Clean rigorously and often. Cat dander gets everywhere. So you need to sweep and mop the floors, vacuum the rugs, and clean furniture regularly. Make sure to get a vacuum with a HEPA filter, because regular filters may not be fine enough to catch allergens. Get rid of carpets and drapes that can trap dander.

Clear the air. A central air cleaner -- as well as filters on the vents themselves -- can help prevent cat dander from circulating through the house.
Consider bathing your cat on a regular basis. Experts aren't certain if bathing really helps reduce the amount of allergen. But if it doesn't traumatize the cat too badly, you could try it and see if it reduces yours or someone else's symptoms.

While these techniques might help, they may not be enough. As hard as it might be, if keeping your cat is putting your health -- or a family member's health -- at risk, you have to consider giving it up.

Whatever you do, don't assume that you can just wait it out, that cat allergies will naturally get better over time. They might very well get worse. Out-of-control allergies can do more than make life miserable -- they can increase the risk of asthma, which is a serious disease.

So don't ignore the signs of cat allergies. Instead, see a doctor. Together, you can figure out the best way to tackle the problem.

{ GESTATIONAL DIABETES: SUGAR MUMMY }

From: CompleteWellbeing.com

By Nadeem Rais, Bhavisha Bafna in Ailments

Lara was pregnant. Routine blood tests revealed that she had gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM]. Totally clueless about this condition, her major concerns were whether she will have a normal delivery, and how it will impact her child during and after delivery.

These are not just Lara's concerns, but of all the women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. There is nothing alarming about GDM.

It can be managed by taking good care of yourself, eating healthy food, exercising regularly and if necessary, taking medication [insulin].

What is gestational diabetes?

When a pregnant woman is diagnosed with diabetes, it is termed as gestational diabetes. She may be diabetic even before she is pregnant or develop it during pregnancy. About 3–6 per cent of pregnant women have GDM.

What causes gestational diabetes?

During pregnancy, the body needs more insulin to meet the growing energy needs of the child. But the hormones produced inside the placenta during pregnancy [progesterone, oestrogen, cortisol, prolactin and human placental lactogen], block the effect of insulin, causing GDM.

GDM usually affects women who:

• Are overweight
• Are over 35 years of age
• Have family history with a first degree [nearest] relative with Type-2 diabetes
• Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes earlier
• Have previously given birth to a large baby
• Have gained excessive weight during pregnancy
• Have had recurrent abortions
• Have had a bad obstetric history.

Women at risk must get themselves tested for diabetes every trimester. Those who are at a higher risk may also have to undergo an oral glucose tolerance test.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?
Unfortunately, often, women do not show any symptoms. And their diabetes gets detected on routine screening around the 24 – 28 week of pregnancy. Usually, such diabetes disappears after delivery.

How does GDM affect the mother?
GDM could lead to excessive weight gain, oedema [swelling of feet], hypertension, pre-eclampsia [high blood pressure], eclampsia, premature labour, intrauterine foetal death, urinary tract infections, and ketoacidosis [high concentrations of ketone bodies].

Moreover, women with GDM are prone to developing type-2 diabetes mellitus, post delivery. In fact, more than 40 – 50 per cent women with GDM go on to develop type-2 diabetes later, if they do not modify their lifestyle.

In what way does GDM affect the child?
The uncontrolled sugar levels could lead to congenital anomalies and neural birth defects.

Further, high blood sugar can also cause macrosomia [babies to become large], increasing the chances of a difficult delivery, caesarean [C-section] or birth trauma.

Complications that could arise in the baby after birth include: breathing difficulties due to non-expansion of the lungs at birth, abnormally low levels of glucose, calcium and magnesium in the blood, increased bilirubin levels and infections.

HOW TO MANAGE GESTATIONAL DIABETES?

Women who manage to control their diabetes well often carry their baby to term without any problems. If you develop diabetes during pregnancy, you may be able to control your blood sugar level with—diet, exercise, insulin and monitoring.

Diet
The meal plan should provide enough calories to meet the nutritional needs and maintain optimal body weight. Instead of three large meals a day, split your daily food intake into six smaller ones—regularly spaced and carefully planned. Snacks are important, and should include a complex carbohydrate [such as whole-grain bread], protein [such as sprouts and paneer], fruits, and raw vegetables. It is best to restrict fat intake [oil/ghee/butter] and prefer roasted/grilled and baked foods in place of fried food. Eat at regular intervals; skipping meals can lower blood glucose to dangerous levels.

Exercise
Exercise benefits both the mother and the baby. If you aren't exercising regularly, now is a good time to start. Check with your doctor about your planned activity and start slowly. You'll need to plan your periods of activity along with your food intake and insulin injections. Exercise improves the efficiency of your own insulin to manage both, weight and blood sugar. Exercise 4 – 5 days a week, as it keeps your blood sugar in control. Do not exercise if your doctor does not approve of it or has asked you take complete rest.

Walking after meals improves post-meal blood sugar. Other exercises you may perform during pregnancy are low-impact aerobics and swimming. Exercise reduces your sugar levels. Hence, check your blood sugar for hypoglycaemia [abnormally low sugar].

Insulin
If diet and exercise fail to control your blood sugar or when your blood sugar is abnormally high, you may need to take insulin, since tablets that control sugar levels may affect the unborn foetus. You will require 2 – 4 doses of insulin every day; your dose could increase as your pregnancy progresses to keep things in check. If you are on insulin, you may have to undergo additional ultrasound scans and electronic foetal monitoring to check the health of the baby.

Monitoring
Pregnant women are advised to monitor blood sugar levels at least four times a day [Fasting Blood Sugar <90>

{ THE ENEMY - FREE RADICALS }

by Ray D Strand, M.D. Specialist in Nutritional Medicine

In the process of creating energy within the furnace or fireplace of a cell, occasionally a charged oxygen molecule is created called a free radical. A free radical is an oxygen molecule that has at least one unpaired electron in its outer orbit. This literally gives the molecule an electrical charge, which creates very rapid movement as it tries to find an electron from the tissue around it. If it is not readily neutralized by an antioxidant, it can go on to damage the cell wall, vessel wall, proteins, fats, and even the DNA nucleus of the cell.

The medical and scientific literature has shown us beyond a shadow of a doubt that the root cause of over 70 chronic degenerative diseases is the result of oxidative stress from excessive free radicals. These are diseases like heart disease, diabetes, strokes, cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and the list goes on and on. These diseases concern us, and we would certainly like to avoid them. You will learn in future emails why taking nutritional supplements gives you the best opportunity to prevent or delay these diseases.

{ FIBROMYALGIA: SORE FROM HEAD TO TOE }

Did you know that fibromyalgia is more common than rheumatoid arthritis? Read on to know what causes it and how to deal with it - BY KIM LAWSON

We all experience sore muscles or pains and aches at some point or the other. But when the pain is consistent, severe enough to stop you from living a normal life, you may suffer from what is called the Fibromyalgia Syndrome [fibromyalgia for short]. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. ‘Fibro’ stands for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; ‘my’ indicates muscles; and ‘algia’ means pain. So, fibromyalgia is pain and fatigue in the muscles and fibrous tissues of our body.

Since fibromyalgia is recognised as a collection of symptoms rather than by one specific symptom or malfunction, it is a syndrome.

Key characteristics

The most prominent feature of fibromyalgia is pain—a diffused aching or burning, often from head to toe. It may worsen at times and change location, usually becoming more severe in the most used parts of the body.

The fatigue ranges from simply feeling tired to feeling exhausted like in flu. The fatigue is not always constant; it may come and go and suddenly you feel drained of all energy—as if someone has just “pulled the plug”.

You will be surprised to know that fibromyalgia is a common illness. In fact, it is as common as rheumatoid arthritis and can even be more painful. With appropriate treatment, however, those with mild to moderate fibromyalgia can lead a normal life.

Fibromyalgia predominantly seems to affect women between the age 30 and 50. Although, increasing experience indicates that it can even affect males and individuals of all age groups.

Collection of symptoms

Besides pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia symptoms often include:

-Un-refreshing sleep—waking up tired and stiff
-Headaches—ranging from ordinary types to migraine
-Irritable bowel—frequent diarrhoea or constipation, sometimes accompanied by gas in the abdomen or nausea
-Cognitive disturbances including lack of concentration and word mix up
-Clumsiness and dizziness
-Sensitivity to changes in the weather and noise, bright lights, smoke and other environmental factors
-Allergies.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia often develops after some sort of a trauma, which seems to act as a trigger, such as a fall or a car accident, a viral infection, childbirth, an operation or an emotional event. Sometimes the condition begins without any obvious trigger. The actual cause of fibromyalgia is yet unknown, but over the last few years, research has produced some insights into this puzzling condition. For instance, we now know that most people with fibromyalgia are deprived of deep restorative sleep.

Research has identified a deficiency in serotonin in the central nervous system and a resulting imbalance of substance P, a spinal fluid that transmits pain signals. It is hoped that more research will help discover the exact cause for more effective treatment.

Making a diagnosis

Although fibromyalgia is not a new condition, for most of the last century, it was difficult to diagnose because of the difficulty in identifying it through standard laboratory tests or X-rays. Moreover, many of its signs and symptoms are common to other conditions—especially chronic fatigue syndrome [CFS].

The breakthrough came only in 1970, when two Canadian doctors developed a way of diagnosing fibromyalgia, a way that is now widely accepted. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed once other medical conditions are ruled out through tests and the patient’s history.

The patient also displays two main symptoms:
-Widespread pain for more than three months and
-Pain in at least 11 out of 18 tender point sites when they are pressed.

‘Widespread pain’ means pain above and below the waist and on both sides of the body. The ‘tender points’, or spots of extreme tenderness, are rarely noticed by the patient until they are pressed.

Course of treatment

At present, treatment for fibromyalgia is symptomatic: it aims at reducing pain and improving sleep. In other words, the symptoms are treated rather than the condition itself. Medications most often prescribed for fibromyalgia are tricyclic drugs also used to treat depression—although doses for fibromyalgia are much lower than they are for depression. In some cases, these drugs ease pain as well as help the patient sleep.

Over-the-counter medications help relieve pain to some extent. Severe pain may require the expertise of a pain clinic. It is best to discuss any form of pain relief with your specialist or GP [general practioner]. Some people may require professional counselling to cope and take an active part in their own treatment.

Managing fibromyalgia

Learning to manage the condition seems, so far, the most successful way of dealing with fibromyalgia. A combination of heat therapy, rest, exercise and reducing stress can enable some people with fibromyalgia to maintain a productive life.

A number of alternative techniques are helpful in easing pain.

*Relaxation is a technique that works well for almost everybody with fibromyalgia. It reduces tension in the mind and body. The results are calming for all the symptoms, particularly, the pain.
*A hot water bottle and hot baths or showers, ease the pain and morning stiffness. Soaking hands and feet in hot water can diminish the ache.
*No particular diet directly helps patients with fibromyalgia. It is best, however, to avoid or at least cut down on your coffee, tea and alcohol intake. Some sufferers have a tendency to gain weight and this can be distressing in itself. Following a diet with protein, vitamins and minerals helps to control your weight and build strength.
*Family and friends can help the person deal with fibromyalgia by learning as much as possible about the condition. Discussing problems and working together can make big a difference.

The life of a person with fibromyalgia is a combination of good days and bad days. On a good day, it is important to pace yourself and rest; overdoing may simply make matters worse. Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down.

{ ASPARTAME - THE SILENT KILLER }

For those who take Ricola & Fisherman's Friend, please note that they both
contain Aspartame - the silent killer.

Fisherman Sweets
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO EAT FISHERMAN SWEETS BE CAREFUL: Sugar free products contain ASPARTAME .. So don't consume Sugar free product esp. 'fisherman
sweets' ASPARTAME - THE SILENT KILLER (by Ron Harder)

To those who prefer to consume artificial flavouring:
There is an epidemic across North America today of Multiple Sclerosis and
Lupus. Most people do not understand why this epidemic is happening, and
they do not know why these diseases are so rampant. I would like to share
with you the main reason we are having this very serious problem. Many
people today use artificial sweeteners in their tea or coffee.

They do this because the ads they see on TV tell them that sugar is bad for
their health. This is absolutely true. Sugar is toxic to us , but what most
people use as a replacement for sugar is much more deadly. I am talking
about ASPARTAME. It is the cause of the epidemic that was mentioned above.
ASPARTAME is an extremely toxic chemical that is produced by a chemical
company called Monsanto.

ASPARTAME is being marketed around the world as a sugar substitute and is
found in all diet soft drinks, such as Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi. It is also
found in artificial sweeteners such as NutraSweet, Equal, and Spoonful; and
it is used in many other products as a sugar replacement.

ASPARTAME is marketed as a diet product, but it is not a diet product at
all. In fact, it will cause you to GAIN weight because it makes you crave
carbohydrates. Causing you to gain weight is only a very small part of what
ASPARTAME does. It is a toxic chemical that changes the brain's chemistry
It can and does cause severe seizures.

This chemical changes the dopamine level in the brain, and it is
particularly deadly for anyone suffering from Parkinson's disease.

ASPARTAME is extremely poisonous, and here is why one of the toxic
ingredients of it is wood alcohol. When the temperature of ASPARTAME exceeds 86 degrees F, the wood alcohol in it is converted to Formaldehyde, and then to formic acid, which in turn causes folic acidosis.

FORMALDEHYDE is grouped in the same class of poisons as Cyanide and Arsenic
which are very deadly toxins. The only difference is, Formaldehyde kills
quietly, and it takes a little longer. And, in the process of killing
people, it causes all kinds of neurological problems. There are 92
documented symptoms of Aspartame Poisoning leading to coma and death.

The majority of these symptoms are neurological, because the ASPARTAME
attacks and destroys the nervous system. One of these symptoms is Lupus,
which has become almost as rampant as Multiple Sclerosis, especially with
Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers.

{ BLOOD CLOTS - STROKE }

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Letters.... S.T.R.

My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree.
If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
Seriously..

STROKE IDENTIFICATION
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ....she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 pm Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die.... they end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke... totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
T * Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently) ( i.e. It is sunny out today)
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher..

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue..If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other , that is also an indication of a stroke.

A cardiologist says if everyone tell this to 10 people, you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

{ WHY WE ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO REBOIL WATER }

(article @ Sin Chew Daily)


THIS IS NOT A NEW DISCOVERY BUT MANY OF US JUST IGNORE IT ALL THE WHILE!

A pharmacist report from Singapore that warning people NEVER keep boiling your drinking water!!

Report Summary: TOP harmful chemical named Toxic Nitrate was produced in water when keep boiling it!! This harmful substance had been proved will increase the chances of intestines cancer and stomach cancer.

If currently you like to use "WATER DISPENSER with WARM / HOT WATER Functions" or "Electric AUTO keep warm Thermos" for your convenience, STOP IT NOW or otherwise you would suicide yourself slowly as well as your love done!!

NOWADAY,there are so many drinking water company that OFFER FREE WATER DISPENSER when you order drinking water from them!THINK WISELY before you order!
YOU might get FREE water dispenser but in fact would be paidout your OWN HEALTH!!

BE ALERT!

{ WORST CANCER CAUSING FOODS }

There are some foods that people who are at high risk for developing cancer should definitely avoid. Generally, says natural health researcher Mike Adams, they should avoid foods that contain ingredients known to cause cancer, such as refined sugars and grains , hydrogenated oils, and nitrates. But which foods are the absolute worst?

The top five cancer-causing foods are:

1. Hot dogs

Because they are high in nitrates, the Cancer Prevention Coalition advises that children eat no more than 12 hot dogs a month. If you can't live without hot dogs, buy those made without sodium nitrate.

2. Processed meats and bacon

Also high in the same sodium nitrates found in hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats raise the risk of heart disease. The saturated fat in bacon also contributes to cancer.

3. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are cancer-causing double trouble. First, they are made with white flour, sugar, and hydrogenated oils, then fried at high temperatures. Doughnuts, says Adams , may be the worst food you can possibly eat to raise your risk of cancer.

4. French fries

Like doughnuts, French fries are made with hydrogenated oils and then fried at high temperatures. They also contain cancer- causing acrylamides which occur during the frying process. They should be called cancer fries, not French fries, said Adams .

5. Chips, crackers, and cookies

All are usually made with white flour and sugar. Even the ones whose labels claim to be free of trans-fats generally contain small amounts of trans-fats.

{ LIVER DAMAGE... DON'T ALWAYS SLEEP LATE ! }

The main causes of liver damage are:

• Sleeping too late and waking up too late are the main cause.


• Not urinating in the morning.


• Too much eating.


• Skipping breakfast.


• Consuming too much medication.


• Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.


• Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.


• Consuming overly done foods also add to the burden of liver. Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.

We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our body to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to 'schedule.'

Because:
Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/ toxic chemicals (de-toxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on her health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am : The de-toxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state. Early morning 1 - 3am : de-toxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 3 - 5am : de-toxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the de-toxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am : de-toxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am : Absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 -10am rather than no meal at all. Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood.

Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.