An international medical aid group's decision to quit Thailand will increase the burden on the nation's health system, a Thai border physician says.
Sangkhla Buri District Health chief Supakorn Suprasit said the plan by Medicins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) to close down two medical centres for unregistered migrants in Thailand will lead to an unwieldy burden that the country must shoulder.
MSF, one of the world's most respected medical and humanitarian aid groups, said on Monday it planned to close down the centres at the Three Pagodas Pass in Kanchanaburi's Sangkhla Buri district and Samut Sakhon province after 36 years because of "government interference". It did not say when that would happen.
Dr Supakorn said thousands of stateless migrants and ethnic minority people would be forced to try to get treatment under the Thai health system and this could affect health staff and hospitals that were already overloaded with work.
Dr Supakorn said MSF had sent a letter to the Kanchanaburi provincial health office and the Sangkhla Buri Health District to inform them of the planned closures.
He said with the MSF clinic at Three Pagodas Pass closed, healthcare services would struggle to provide polio, measles, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenza meningitis vaccines under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) for children and prenatal visits once a month.
Health staff from neighbouring districts such as Thong Pha Phum might be temporarily rotated to help reduce the workload at border hospitals and community clinics, he said.
Kanchanaburi provincial public health chief Paisan Dankum said he was optimistic border hospitals and community clinics would manage without the MSF clinic.
Dr Paisan said the financial situation of border hospitals was much better after the government last year approved 472 million baht to provide stateless people with healthcare.
MSF has been working in Thailand since 1975 when it set up the two clinics.
About 500,000 stateless people live in Thailand _ about 22,000 of them in Sangkhla Buri district. They have no healthcare coverage and depend on international health assistance.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259735/departure-of-msf-will-hit-hospitals
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Myths and misconceptions about weight loss
Maintaining a healthy body weight is a worthy goal that can prove
elusive for even the most committed among us. Many people turn to the
latest fad diet, only to have little or nothing to show for the money
and effort. Others exercise vigorously but end up eating more. Still
others lose some weight but feel worse. Understanding the key to healthy
weight control should start by dispelling the most common weight loss
myths and misconceptions.
In the past, the medical community tended to view weight loss as a "carry in, carry out" concept, meaning if you balance your diet with exercise, your weight should remain stable. To lose weight, exercise more and eat less. Unfortunately, the reality is more complex, and other factors bear consideration before you embark on a weight loss mission, especially when it comes to your health.
Weight loss is tied to the body's metabolism, a complex network of hormones and enzymes responsible not only for converting food into energy but also for controlling how efficiently you burn that energy. People with a high metabolic rate tend not to gain weight no matter how much they eat, while those with a low rate have a hard time taking off one or two kilogrammes. Studies have shown that about 30% of an individual's health problems stem from epigenetic factors, ie factors related to one's DNA. In simple terms, many health problems result from genetics; genes controls hormones, and hormones control metabolism.
Research has also shown that losing weight in an unhealthy way can cause long-term damage to the body's metabolic system. Many trendy diets pose a threat to the thyroid hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland which regulates metabolism.
MYTH #1:
Eating less will make you thin
It is a common misconception that simply eating less or even fasting is the sure way to lose unwanted weight. This misconception is fuelled by the fact that the approach appears to work at the outset. However, the slimming effects soon stop as the body automatically adjusts to the reduced calorie intake by slowing the metabolism to conserve energy. Reducing calories or fasting on a long-term basis is not only an ineffective weight loss strategy; it's also deleterious to the health and an easy way to create a hormone imbalance. For successful weight control, it's critical to follow a healthier diet, with sufficient calories and nutrients, and in some cases eating more frequent, smaller-portion meals.
MYTH #2:
If you lose weight you will feel better
Many people look at losing weight as a "magic bullet" that offers a new lease on life and an abundance of rewards. This can be the case when done properly. But if not, health problems are the more likely outcome.
Along with hormone imbalances, frequent, improper dieting is a leading cause of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Researchers recently demonstrated a connection between dieting and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is fat soluble, and the deficiency is a common result of trendy diets focused on avoiding fats.
Lack of variety in our diets is another cause of vitamin deficiencies. Food technology has expanded food choice and affordability, allowing us to eat our favourite foods more often. This has made it far easier to load our diets with too much of some foods and too little of others, making it easy to miss out on essential vitamins and nutrients.
It also puts us at greater risk of toxin accumulation. For example, a person who loves salmon risks consuming an excessive amount of toxins if the fish were raised in a toxic environment. Our bodies store the toxins in areas with less circulation, namely in body fat. Dieting triggers fat burning, which can cause the toxins to be released; this can trigger health problems and quickly dispel the myth that dieting makes you feel better.
MYTH #3:
Exercise = weight loss
It seems logical that the more you exercise, the more weight you'll lose. Many people take this to the extreme _ a dangerous decision that won't produce the desired weight-loss effect. Too much physical exertion causes the body to compensate for the heavy stress by storing energy, a process that entails accumulating fat and retaining water.
Extreme exercise also makes the body more prone to inflammation, causes hair to become dry, and promotes wrinkles and other ageing effects. Exercising too much can cause insomnia and lingering aches and pains instead of the normal refreshed feeling.
To lose weight the healthy way, avoid fad diets, eat a variety of foods, and don't overdo the exercise.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/258479/myths-and-misconceptions-about-weight-loss
Weight loss is tied to the body's metabolism, a complex network of hormones and enzymes responsible not only for converting food into energy but also for controlling how efficiently you burn that energy. People with a high metabolic rate tend not to gain weight no matter how much they eat, while those with a low rate have a hard time taking off one or two kilogrammes. Studies have shown that about 30% of an individual's health problems stem from epigenetic factors, ie factors related to one's DNA. In simple terms, many health problems result from genetics; genes controls hormones, and hormones control metabolism.
Research has also shown that losing weight in an unhealthy way can cause long-term damage to the body's metabolic system. Many trendy diets pose a threat to the thyroid hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland which regulates metabolism.
MYTH #1:
Eating less will make you thin
It is a common misconception that simply eating less or even fasting is the sure way to lose unwanted weight. This misconception is fuelled by the fact that the approach appears to work at the outset. However, the slimming effects soon stop as the body automatically adjusts to the reduced calorie intake by slowing the metabolism to conserve energy. Reducing calories or fasting on a long-term basis is not only an ineffective weight loss strategy; it's also deleterious to the health and an easy way to create a hormone imbalance. For successful weight control, it's critical to follow a healthier diet, with sufficient calories and nutrients, and in some cases eating more frequent, smaller-portion meals.
MYTH #2:
If you lose weight you will feel better
Many people look at losing weight as a "magic bullet" that offers a new lease on life and an abundance of rewards. This can be the case when done properly. But if not, health problems are the more likely outcome.
Along with hormone imbalances, frequent, improper dieting is a leading cause of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Researchers recently demonstrated a connection between dieting and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is fat soluble, and the deficiency is a common result of trendy diets focused on avoiding fats.
Lack of variety in our diets is another cause of vitamin deficiencies. Food technology has expanded food choice and affordability, allowing us to eat our favourite foods more often. This has made it far easier to load our diets with too much of some foods and too little of others, making it easy to miss out on essential vitamins and nutrients.
It also puts us at greater risk of toxin accumulation. For example, a person who loves salmon risks consuming an excessive amount of toxins if the fish were raised in a toxic environment. Our bodies store the toxins in areas with less circulation, namely in body fat. Dieting triggers fat burning, which can cause the toxins to be released; this can trigger health problems and quickly dispel the myth that dieting makes you feel better.
MYTH #3:
Exercise = weight loss
It seems logical that the more you exercise, the more weight you'll lose. Many people take this to the extreme _ a dangerous decision that won't produce the desired weight-loss effect. Too much physical exertion causes the body to compensate for the heavy stress by storing energy, a process that entails accumulating fat and retaining water.
Extreme exercise also makes the body more prone to inflammation, causes hair to become dry, and promotes wrinkles and other ageing effects. Exercising too much can cause insomnia and lingering aches and pains instead of the normal refreshed feeling.
To lose weight the healthy way, avoid fad diets, eat a variety of foods, and don't overdo the exercise.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/258479/myths-and-misconceptions-about-weight-loss
Thursday, October 13, 2011
How implants can affect breastfeeding
There is consensus in the medical and public-health communities that
breast milk provides essential nutrition for babies in addition to
improving their immune responses to various infections. Moreover,
breastfeeding is beneficial to the mother as well, helping to create a
psychological bond between her and the infant and aiding postpartum
recovery.
Nowadays, breast implants have become a lot more common, especially among younger women. When these individuals become pregnant, some of them immediately get anxious about whether they will be able to breastfeed their infants or if the implants will interfere with the production of milk.
IS BREASTFEEDING POSSIBLE?
According to the Institute of Medicine, a woman who undergoes any kind of breast surgery, including the insertion of implants, is at least three times more likely that a woman will have an inadequate supply of breast milk. The possibility of her successfully breastfeeding her infant will depend on a number of surgery-related factors, most of which have to do with the type of surgery she had. Usually, incisions made under the fold of the breast or through the armpit shouldn't cause any trouble. However, the more popular method of making a "smile" incision around the areola _ the coloured skin surrounding the nipples _ puts the women at greater risk of encountering difficulties in breastfeeding. Mothers who have had this kind of operation are five times more likely to have an insufficient supply of milk than women who have never had breast surgery.
WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEMS?
It is not yet entirely clear whether the cause is the implants, the surgery, or a combination of both factors.
One possibility is that the surgery may damage the milk-producing and transferring ducts. That is especially likely if the implants are inserted by means of an areolar incision. Another possibility is that the breast implant may be putting pressure on the breast tissue, which could damage the tissue and thereby diminish the rate of milk production.
Nerves can also be damaged during surgery and this could decrease feeling in the nipple area. These nerve endings are vital for breastfeeding because they trigger a reaction that tells the brain to release prolactin and oxytocin, the hormones that affect milk production. The chances of successful breastfeeding improve if no nerves were cut or damaged during surgery.
WILL MY IMPLANTS LEAK?
Another common concern among expecting mothers is the spectre of silicon or saline solution leaking from breast implants into the milk and possible poisoning the baby. There is no evidence that silicone or saline has ever leaked from implants and contaminated breast milk. But even if there was some leakage, it would not harm the baby.
One important thing to be aware of is that you will never know the full extent of the damage, if any, caused by breast surgery until such time as you try to nurse your newborn child. So, let the doctor supervising your pregnancy know that you've had breast surgery. And if you do have trouble breastfeeding later on, your physician will be able to advise on how best to supplement your breast milk with baby formula, if that should prove necessary.
So, if you're thinking about getting breast implants, it might be a good idea to postpone the surgery until after you've given birth to and breastfed the last child you intend to have.
IS BREASTFEEDING POSSIBLE?
According to the Institute of Medicine, a woman who undergoes any kind of breast surgery, including the insertion of implants, is at least three times more likely that a woman will have an inadequate supply of breast milk. The possibility of her successfully breastfeeding her infant will depend on a number of surgery-related factors, most of which have to do with the type of surgery she had. Usually, incisions made under the fold of the breast or through the armpit shouldn't cause any trouble. However, the more popular method of making a "smile" incision around the areola _ the coloured skin surrounding the nipples _ puts the women at greater risk of encountering difficulties in breastfeeding. Mothers who have had this kind of operation are five times more likely to have an insufficient supply of milk than women who have never had breast surgery.
WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEMS?
It is not yet entirely clear whether the cause is the implants, the surgery, or a combination of both factors.
One possibility is that the surgery may damage the milk-producing and transferring ducts. That is especially likely if the implants are inserted by means of an areolar incision. Another possibility is that the breast implant may be putting pressure on the breast tissue, which could damage the tissue and thereby diminish the rate of milk production.
Nerves can also be damaged during surgery and this could decrease feeling in the nipple area. These nerve endings are vital for breastfeeding because they trigger a reaction that tells the brain to release prolactin and oxytocin, the hormones that affect milk production. The chances of successful breastfeeding improve if no nerves were cut or damaged during surgery.
WILL MY IMPLANTS LEAK?
Another common concern among expecting mothers is the spectre of silicon or saline solution leaking from breast implants into the milk and possible poisoning the baby. There is no evidence that silicone or saline has ever leaked from implants and contaminated breast milk. But even if there was some leakage, it would not harm the baby.
One important thing to be aware of is that you will never know the full extent of the damage, if any, caused by breast surgery until such time as you try to nurse your newborn child. So, let the doctor supervising your pregnancy know that you've had breast surgery. And if you do have trouble breastfeeding later on, your physician will be able to advise on how best to supplement your breast milk with baby formula, if that should prove necessary.
So, if you're thinking about getting breast implants, it might be a good idea to postpone the surgery until after you've given birth to and breastfed the last child you intend to have.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Raise your child, not race them
Hungarian composer and pianist Bela Bartok once said that competitions
are for horses, not artists. I agree, and I would like to say that
competitions are also not for little children, especially if the
competition is about trying to be someone they are not.
A few months ago, I turned on the TV and saw a little girl, perhaps about 8 years old, dressed in a very flamboyant dress, with heavy make-up. She was singing a song about love in a very flirtatious way, and the way she danced was no less inviting. It would have been acceptable had she been 10 years older (or 20 years older if she were my daughter). But for an 8-year-old, I found the act quite disturbing and not age-appropriate.
It was a "talent show" searching for little stars, and all the kids were dressed up like they were old enough to vote although their age was a single digit. Should these children be judged based on how well they imitate adults? I don't think that's fair or even necessary at all.
One time I went to a department store and there was a dance competition for children. A group of small children got on stage and danced to Britney Spears' Do Somethin' which goes, "I see you lookin' at me like I got what you need. Get up out of your seat. Why don't you do somethin'?"
I was shocked not only by the song they had chosen but also the way these little girls danced, shaking their recently-nappies-free bottoms and batting their fake lashes. The crowds cheered. The parents were applauding proudly. Competing with other groups of children who were dancing meekly to kiddy songs, this group took home the prize.
There are two things I don't like about this kind of competition. First and foremost, these kids are awarded for not being themselves or being their age. They are praised because they act like adults, and they will be further encouraged to be older than they are ready to be. Yes, songs are just songs, and just because these kids hear them it might not mean they will do what the songs say. I grew up listening to many PG18 songs but I didn't behave that way. Still, is it really a healthy habit for a young girl to play pint-sized version of Britney Spears, and more worryingly, do it rather well? The concept may sound "cute" but it gives the kids the wrong idea of what "talent" really mean. (To be honest, I don't think the adult contestants in many talent shows get it either. It's all about the appearance now.)
Secondly, teaching children to be competitive is not good. Yes, there are advantages, as the real world is full of competitions. Dr Sylvia Rimm, a parenting expert, said that in her research on the childhoods of successful women, winning in competition was the most frequently mentioned positive experience.
However, children are too small to understand competing and other things that come with it, such as success, failure, criticism and judgment. Before the parents or teachers decide to let their child enter a competition, they should be sure that they can cope with these things. Most of the times, the parents of the winner gloat, teaching the child to be a sore winner, while the parents of those who do not win sometimes shower them with sympathy, making the loss feel like a bigger deal than it is. These habits are unhealthy for the children, as they will not learn how to accept victory and defeat properly.
I would say, do not expose your child to competition if you, as a parent, are not sure how to explain what it means to win or lose. If you know that you will be disappointed when your kid loses, do not do it. Nothing hurts children's little hearts more than knowing they have let their dearest mummy and daddy down. When you are disappointed, it will show, and your kid will certainly feel it. For most children, losing a competition is not as painful as disappointing the parents. For many parents, sadly, losing face is more devastating than their child's feeling.
I have once seen a mother berating her child for losing. "I've told you to practice more! You never listened to me! See? You didn't win anything. What a waste of time!" The mother was yelling and the poor little thing was just crying. It was a heartbreaking scene for me. And that was just a very small competition with a few silly prizes.
Let children be children. They have sweet, adorable charms and innocence that make them so lovely. Don't encourage them to be someone they are not, just to please the adults. After all, we all only get a few years to be children, so we might as well let them enjoy their time. If there's anything more unpleasant than a child posing as an adult, it is an adult posing as a child to make up for the lost chance. Let them be children when their appearance still suits them.
reference
 |
| Hungarian composer and pianist Bela Bartok |
It was a "talent show" searching for little stars, and all the kids were dressed up like they were old enough to vote although their age was a single digit. Should these children be judged based on how well they imitate adults? I don't think that's fair or even necessary at all.
One time I went to a department store and there was a dance competition for children. A group of small children got on stage and danced to Britney Spears' Do Somethin' which goes, "I see you lookin' at me like I got what you need. Get up out of your seat. Why don't you do somethin'?"
I was shocked not only by the song they had chosen but also the way these little girls danced, shaking their recently-nappies-free bottoms and batting their fake lashes. The crowds cheered. The parents were applauding proudly. Competing with other groups of children who were dancing meekly to kiddy songs, this group took home the prize.
There are two things I don't like about this kind of competition. First and foremost, these kids are awarded for not being themselves or being their age. They are praised because they act like adults, and they will be further encouraged to be older than they are ready to be. Yes, songs are just songs, and just because these kids hear them it might not mean they will do what the songs say. I grew up listening to many PG18 songs but I didn't behave that way. Still, is it really a healthy habit for a young girl to play pint-sized version of Britney Spears, and more worryingly, do it rather well? The concept may sound "cute" but it gives the kids the wrong idea of what "talent" really mean. (To be honest, I don't think the adult contestants in many talent shows get it either. It's all about the appearance now.)
Secondly, teaching children to be competitive is not good. Yes, there are advantages, as the real world is full of competitions. Dr Sylvia Rimm, a parenting expert, said that in her research on the childhoods of successful women, winning in competition was the most frequently mentioned positive experience.
However, children are too small to understand competing and other things that come with it, such as success, failure, criticism and judgment. Before the parents or teachers decide to let their child enter a competition, they should be sure that they can cope with these things. Most of the times, the parents of the winner gloat, teaching the child to be a sore winner, while the parents of those who do not win sometimes shower them with sympathy, making the loss feel like a bigger deal than it is. These habits are unhealthy for the children, as they will not learn how to accept victory and defeat properly.
I would say, do not expose your child to competition if you, as a parent, are not sure how to explain what it means to win or lose. If you know that you will be disappointed when your kid loses, do not do it. Nothing hurts children's little hearts more than knowing they have let their dearest mummy and daddy down. When you are disappointed, it will show, and your kid will certainly feel it. For most children, losing a competition is not as painful as disappointing the parents. For many parents, sadly, losing face is more devastating than their child's feeling.
I have once seen a mother berating her child for losing. "I've told you to practice more! You never listened to me! See? You didn't win anything. What a waste of time!" The mother was yelling and the poor little thing was just crying. It was a heartbreaking scene for me. And that was just a very small competition with a few silly prizes.
Let children be children. They have sweet, adorable charms and innocence that make them so lovely. Don't encourage them to be someone they are not, just to please the adults. After all, we all only get a few years to be children, so we might as well let them enjoy their time. If there's anything more unpleasant than a child posing as an adult, it is an adult posing as a child to make up for the lost chance. Let them be children when their appearance still suits them.
reference
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Kin Jay: genesis and evolution
Jitra Kornantakiat, a local expert in Chinese culture and traditions,
said that while the origins of the festival in Thailand are unclear,
records show that it has been celebrated here for at least two
centuries.
"The oldest shrine built for the purpose of marking the vegetarian festival is Siu Hok Tua in Amphawa, Samut Songkhram," she said. "It is now 202 years old. The oldest in Bangkok proper is the Sin Heng Tua shrine in Yaowarat, which is about 130 years old."
The Kin Jay festival in the central region differs in several ways from that celebrated in the South. In Bangkok, where most Thai-Chinese residents are descended from Taechew-speaking immigrants, the festival comes from a belief that at this time of year nine deities, the so-called Emperor Gods, descend from the heavens. "To show that we are doing good, such as by not harming animals, it is believed that we will earn extra merit points [by abstaining from meat]."
Down south, where most Thai-Chinese are of Hokkien ancestry, it's a different story altogether, Jittra said. There, people eat vegetarian food to honour a constellation of nine stars that resembles the shape of a ladle _ which Westerners know variously as the Great Bear or Big Dipper _ believing that by doing so they they will prolong their lives. In ancient times the Chinese apparently worshipped the North Star, believing it was the mother of that constellation of nine stars.
The two separate traditions have become intermingled with the passage of time, however. Jitra noted that the Hokkien custom of putting on fire-walking displays during the festival can now be witnessed in Bangkok, too, while a bowl-floating ritual, once the sole preserve of Taechew speakers in the Central Plains, can be seen in southern towns like Phuket or Trang. Nowadays, there are several Hokkien shrines to be found in Bangkok as well as a few Taechew shrines down south.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/258475/kin-jay-genesis-and-evolution
 |
| Jitra Kornantakiat. |
The Kin Jay festival in the central region differs in several ways from that celebrated in the South. In Bangkok, where most Thai-Chinese residents are descended from Taechew-speaking immigrants, the festival comes from a belief that at this time of year nine deities, the so-called Emperor Gods, descend from the heavens. "To show that we are doing good, such as by not harming animals, it is believed that we will earn extra merit points [by abstaining from meat]."
Down south, where most Thai-Chinese are of Hokkien ancestry, it's a different story altogether, Jittra said. There, people eat vegetarian food to honour a constellation of nine stars that resembles the shape of a ladle _ which Westerners know variously as the Great Bear or Big Dipper _ believing that by doing so they they will prolong their lives. In ancient times the Chinese apparently worshipped the North Star, believing it was the mother of that constellation of nine stars.
The two separate traditions have become intermingled with the passage of time, however. Jitra noted that the Hokkien custom of putting on fire-walking displays during the festival can now be witnessed in Bangkok, too, while a bowl-floating ritual, once the sole preserve of Taechew speakers in the Central Plains, can be seen in southern towns like Phuket or Trang. Nowadays, there are several Hokkien shrines to be found in Bangkok as well as a few Taechew shrines down south.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/258475/kin-jay-genesis-and-evolution
Monday, October 10, 2011
Go veggie but stay healthy
Just because something is labelled 'jay' doesn't mean it's necessarily good for you
Today is the official start of the annual Kin Jay (vegetarian) festival when many Thais, especially those of Chinese ancestry, embark on a 10-day purification ritual, abstaining from all animal products, alcohol and substances thought to over-stimulate the senses like onions, garlic, celery and certain spices.
For people who generally give up meat only at this time of year, vegetarianism, and especially the strict jay variety adhered to during the festival, is unknown territory. How do I make it taste good without adding fish sauce? So what can I put in? But isn't garlic a vegetable? So why isn't this jay, then?
The dietary restrictions give rise to a seemingly never-ending series of questions. Doubts about which ingredients have to be avoided coupled with the ready availability of tempting vegetarian treats from stalls that pop up along practically every street, cause many people to buy food rather than cook for themselves over this 10-day period.
Dr Anadi Nitithamyong, an assistant professor at Mahidol University's Institute of Nutrition, thinks it is fine to buy takeaway jay food as long as you know what's in it. And because they taste so much like the real thing, one of the biggest traps, she says, is the range of ersatz meats _ "vegetarian pork", "vegetarian chicken", etc _ which are prepared especially for the festival.
"Mock meat is not unhealthy per se. It can be a good source of protein. However, there are some kinds, such as imitation meatballs or imitation sausages, which are made of konjac [aka glucomannan, a bland, rubbery substance made from the tuber of a perennial plant called Amorphophallus konjac]. This type of product does not contain much protein and can only replace real meat in terms of taste, but not nutritional value. So before you choose mock meat, make sure you know what it's made from," Dr Anadi said. This is a red flag for those of you who are allergic to soya beans, as many imitation meats are made from soya-bean protein.
Two other types of mock meats are generally available. One is made from TVP, a textured vegetable protein usually derived from soya beans. The other is composed of wheat gluten (aka seitan), better known here as mi kueng. Wheat gluten, Dr Anadi explained, is made by rinsing a ball of wheat-flour dough under running water for a while. The starch in the dough dissolves in the water and is washed away, leaving a lump of sticky, protein-rich gluten. Soya beans, by-products such as soya milk and tofu, and wheat gluten are all important sources of protein in a vegetarian diet.
As for TVP, Dr Anadi is of the opinion that eating properly cooked soya beans, the source of this processed convenience food, is a much healthier choice. She went on to make the point that plant-based protein can replace animal-based protein only in terms of quantity, not quality. The variety of essential amino acids in plant-based protein is not as great as in animal-based protein, she noted. Protein is composed of chains of different amino acids. Nine of these (some authorities put the figure at eight) are termed "essential amino acids" because they cannot be created from other compounds by the human body and so must be taken in as food.
Plant-based proteins may not have all nine. However, soya protein is regarded as a so-called "complete protein" because it contains adequate quantities of all nine essential amino acids.
"Soya has all the essential amino acids, in almost the same amounts as meat, making soya protein the nearest plant-based protein in terms of quality to animal-based protein. Wheat is also a good source of protein but it is low in lysine," she said. Lysine is an amino acid that is required for growth and bone development in children and which assists in calcium absorption as well as in the repair of tissue.
Of the nine essential amino acids, lysine is one of four "limiting amino acids" _ the other three are methionone, threonine and tryptophan. The term "limiting" is used because a deficiency in any one of the four will limit the usefulness of the others. Apart from in meat and dairy products, lysine is also found in nuts, seeds and oats.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/258474/go-veggie-but-stay-healthy
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Denmark levies fat tax
Denmark on Saturday became the first country in the world to impose a
fat tax after a week in which consumers hoarded butter, pizza, meat and
milk to avoid the immediate effects.
"We have had to stock up with tonnes of butter and margarine in order to be able to supply outlets," Soeren Joergensen of Arla Distribution told AFP.
The new tax, designed by Denmark?s outgoing government as a health issue to limit the population?s intake of fatty foods, will add 16 kroner ($2.87, 2.15 euros) per kilo (2.2 pounds) of saturated fats in a product.
This means an increase in the price of a pack of 250 grammes of butter, for example, by 2.20 kroner to more than 18 kroner.
"It has been a chaotic week with a lot of empty shelves. People have been filling their freezers," Christian Jensen of an independent local Copenhagen supermarket told AFP.
"But actually I don?t think the tax will make that much difference. If people want to buy a cake, they will buy it. But right now they?re saving money," he added.
The new tax will be levied on all products including saturated fats -- from butter and milk to pizzas, oils, meats and pre-cooked foods -- in a costing system that Denmark?s Confederation of Industries (DI) says is a bureaucratic nightmare for producers and outlets.
"The way that this has been put together is an administrative nightmare, and I doubt whether it will give better health. It?s more just a tax," DI foodstuffs spokeswoman Gitte Hestehave told AFP, adding that the costs of levying the tax would be passed on to consumers.
Hestehave said that setting prices on domestically produced or imported goods was complicated, as it required declarations from producers both as to how much saturated fat was in the product itself, and used in its preparation.
Computer systems all had to be adjusted, adding many man-hours to administrative tasks for producers and sellers.
"Products that include other products that include saturated fats also have to have new prices worked out. Imported goods require a declaration from the producers abroad on exactly how much saturated fat has been used in production," Hestehave said.
"As far as we have been able to determine, Denmark is the first country in the world to introduce a fat tax" but we know that other countries are following us closely and have their own plans, she said.
The new Danish tax, however, may not last long.
EU legal expert Jeppe Rosenmejer of the Danish Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises says the European Union is currently studying the tax as there may be a competition issue.
While producers in Denmark have to pay the tax at source, for imported goods it is calculated by the distributor.
"This can mean that imported goods will be cheaper than domestically produced items," Rosenmejer told the national Jyllands-Posten daily.
A Danish producer will have to pay the tax on all of the saturated fat used, including for example what a product is fried in, he said. An importer may only be paying according to what is actually in the finished product.
"Hopefully the tax will be short-lived," Rosenmejer said.
The right-wing government that decided on the tax was superceded by a centre-left administration in elections last month.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259219/denmark-levies-world-first-fat-tax
 | ||
| An obese woman stands outside a sandwich shop. Denmark has become the first country in the world to impose a fat tax after a week in which consumers hoarded butter, pizza, meat and milk to avoid the immediate effects. |
"We have had to stock up with tonnes of butter and margarine in order to be able to supply outlets," Soeren Joergensen of Arla Distribution told AFP.
The new tax, designed by Denmark?s outgoing government as a health issue to limit the population?s intake of fatty foods, will add 16 kroner ($2.87, 2.15 euros) per kilo (2.2 pounds) of saturated fats in a product.
This means an increase in the price of a pack of 250 grammes of butter, for example, by 2.20 kroner to more than 18 kroner.
"It has been a chaotic week with a lot of empty shelves. People have been filling their freezers," Christian Jensen of an independent local Copenhagen supermarket told AFP.
"But actually I don?t think the tax will make that much difference. If people want to buy a cake, they will buy it. But right now they?re saving money," he added.
The new tax will be levied on all products including saturated fats -- from butter and milk to pizzas, oils, meats and pre-cooked foods -- in a costing system that Denmark?s Confederation of Industries (DI) says is a bureaucratic nightmare for producers and outlets.
"The way that this has been put together is an administrative nightmare, and I doubt whether it will give better health. It?s more just a tax," DI foodstuffs spokeswoman Gitte Hestehave told AFP, adding that the costs of levying the tax would be passed on to consumers.
Hestehave said that setting prices on domestically produced or imported goods was complicated, as it required declarations from producers both as to how much saturated fat was in the product itself, and used in its preparation.
Computer systems all had to be adjusted, adding many man-hours to administrative tasks for producers and sellers.
"Products that include other products that include saturated fats also have to have new prices worked out. Imported goods require a declaration from the producers abroad on exactly how much saturated fat has been used in production," Hestehave said.
"As far as we have been able to determine, Denmark is the first country in the world to introduce a fat tax" but we know that other countries are following us closely and have their own plans, she said.
The new Danish tax, however, may not last long.
EU legal expert Jeppe Rosenmejer of the Danish Federation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises says the European Union is currently studying the tax as there may be a competition issue.
While producers in Denmark have to pay the tax at source, for imported goods it is calculated by the distributor.
"This can mean that imported goods will be cheaper than domestically produced items," Rosenmejer told the national Jyllands-Posten daily.
A Danish producer will have to pay the tax on all of the saturated fat used, including for example what a product is fried in, he said. An importer may only be paying according to what is actually in the finished product.
"Hopefully the tax will be short-lived," Rosenmejer said.
The right-wing government that decided on the tax was superceded by a centre-left administration in elections last month.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259219/denmark-levies-world-first-fat-tax
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Be proactive in tackling cancer
Cervical cancer used to be the most common cancer among Thai women. But
today, the incidence of breast cancer is outpacing cervical cancer
cases, according to Assoc Prof Thitiya Sirisinha of the Oncology Unit,
Department of Medicine, at Ramathibodi Hospital.
"Although breast cancer is now the most frequent, it's not the most
common cause of death among Thai women," said the doctor. "The
increasing rate may be linked to a change in lifestyle and diet."
The doctor also noted that women are now more aware of breast cancer than ever before and many of them develop help-seeking behaviour. More advanced technology for detection and treatment of breast cancer ensures greater effective treatment for the disease. This, in turn, helps to improve the patient's chance of survival and a better quality of life.
Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and other drugs. Sometimes a combination of treatments is recommended. It depends on many factors, such as cancer stage, the type of cancer and the patient's age, like whether the patient has reached menopause.
Most women with the disease are primarily treated with surgery to remove tumours. And to increase the chances of being cured, some might be advised to receive other treatments after surgery. Indeed, chemotherapy is one of the most important treatment options.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells left behind or stop them from dividing. A doctor may sometimes use the procedure before surgery to shrink cancer cells so that it provides better convenience for a surgeon to perform the operation.
Although chemotherapy is a powerful treatment, it can be an awful experience. This is because the procedure may be associated with several unpleasant side effects that upset patients who may opt to give up the treatment. Possible reactions include nausea and vomiting, tiredness, sore mouth, hair loss, muscle aches and increased risk of infection. Each breast cancer patient reacts differently to chemotherapy treatment. Some people may have very few side effects while others may have a lot.
"Hair loss worries most patients, as it affects their looks and personalities. But you know, it's the least dangerous complication," the doctor said. "It's just short-term. It's certain that the hair will grow again after the treatment has stopped."
Meanwhile, the worst complications may be the low level of white blood cells, which increases the risk of infection.
"During the chemotherapy stage, patients should avoid crowded public places like department stores and cinemas. Always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating and always eat cooked food. And keep away from eating raw vegetables, in particular," Dr Thitiya warned.
Chemotherapy is not complicated. Drugs are generally given to patients as an outpatient, either by injection or as tablets. Injections into the veins are given in sessions of treatment usually lasting just a few hours, followed by a few weeks of rest. A complete course of treatment ranges anywhere from four to six months.
"A rest period allows patients to recover from the side-effects associated with the procedure," the oncology specialist explained.
There are many different anti-cancer drugs used in chemotherapy and each formula is tailored to suit each patient individually. Many types of high-quality anti-nausea and vomiting medicines are also available, Dr Thitiya added.
"During this period patients can keep on working if they want to, but they must avoid laborious work or hard work outdoors. For some specific occupations, like nurses, for example, they are advised to stop working during the time of therapy as they will frequently come into contact with other patients," the doctor said.
"We encourage breast cancer patients to receive continuous treatment to make the most of it," Dr Thitiya said. "They should thoroughly discuss this with their doctors about the treatment plans, therapy benefits and possible side-effects."
Dr Thitiya also noted that when breast cancer is discovered early, patients have a better prognosis and therefore their treatment can be more successful. To help with early detection of the disease, regular self-examination is the easy first step.
"The exam should be done monthly for women aged 25 and up, when having period, for four to five days. If you feel a lump in your breast, immediately seek professional advice from a specialist. And make a breast exam a part of your regular check-up. Women may ask for a gynaecologist to exam their breasts when having their annual pap smear test as well," the doctor advised.
For precise detection, a mammogram (breast cancer X-ray) is an option. The procedure can help detect lumps that people can't feel themselves.
Guidelines for when to start screening for breast cancer differ from national cancer bodies. Dr Thitaya recommends that women over 45 should have a mammogram and a clinical exam every year.
"A mammogram should be done until a woman is 70 years old. People with a hereditary risk may start screening earlier," the doctor said.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259460/be-proactive-in-tackling-cancer
The doctor also noted that women are now more aware of breast cancer than ever before and many of them develop help-seeking behaviour. More advanced technology for detection and treatment of breast cancer ensures greater effective treatment for the disease. This, in turn, helps to improve the patient's chance of survival and a better quality of life.
Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapies, and other drugs. Sometimes a combination of treatments is recommended. It depends on many factors, such as cancer stage, the type of cancer and the patient's age, like whether the patient has reached menopause.
Most women with the disease are primarily treated with surgery to remove tumours. And to increase the chances of being cured, some might be advised to receive other treatments after surgery. Indeed, chemotherapy is one of the most important treatment options.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells left behind or stop them from dividing. A doctor may sometimes use the procedure before surgery to shrink cancer cells so that it provides better convenience for a surgeon to perform the operation.
Although chemotherapy is a powerful treatment, it can be an awful experience. This is because the procedure may be associated with several unpleasant side effects that upset patients who may opt to give up the treatment. Possible reactions include nausea and vomiting, tiredness, sore mouth, hair loss, muscle aches and increased risk of infection. Each breast cancer patient reacts differently to chemotherapy treatment. Some people may have very few side effects while others may have a lot.
"Hair loss worries most patients, as it affects their looks and personalities. But you know, it's the least dangerous complication," the doctor said. "It's just short-term. It's certain that the hair will grow again after the treatment has stopped."
Meanwhile, the worst complications may be the low level of white blood cells, which increases the risk of infection.
"During the chemotherapy stage, patients should avoid crowded public places like department stores and cinemas. Always wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating and always eat cooked food. And keep away from eating raw vegetables, in particular," Dr Thitiya warned.
Chemotherapy is not complicated. Drugs are generally given to patients as an outpatient, either by injection or as tablets. Injections into the veins are given in sessions of treatment usually lasting just a few hours, followed by a few weeks of rest. A complete course of treatment ranges anywhere from four to six months.
"A rest period allows patients to recover from the side-effects associated with the procedure," the oncology specialist explained.
There are many different anti-cancer drugs used in chemotherapy and each formula is tailored to suit each patient individually. Many types of high-quality anti-nausea and vomiting medicines are also available, Dr Thitiya added.
"During this period patients can keep on working if they want to, but they must avoid laborious work or hard work outdoors. For some specific occupations, like nurses, for example, they are advised to stop working during the time of therapy as they will frequently come into contact with other patients," the doctor said.
"We encourage breast cancer patients to receive continuous treatment to make the most of it," Dr Thitiya said. "They should thoroughly discuss this with their doctors about the treatment plans, therapy benefits and possible side-effects."
Dr Thitiya also noted that when breast cancer is discovered early, patients have a better prognosis and therefore their treatment can be more successful. To help with early detection of the disease, regular self-examination is the easy first step.
"The exam should be done monthly for women aged 25 and up, when having period, for four to five days. If you feel a lump in your breast, immediately seek professional advice from a specialist. And make a breast exam a part of your regular check-up. Women may ask for a gynaecologist to exam their breasts when having their annual pap smear test as well," the doctor advised.
For precise detection, a mammogram (breast cancer X-ray) is an option. The procedure can help detect lumps that people can't feel themselves.
Guidelines for when to start screening for breast cancer differ from national cancer bodies. Dr Thitaya recommends that women over 45 should have a mammogram and a clinical exam every year.
"A mammogram should be done until a woman is 70 years old. People with a hereditary risk may start screening earlier," the doctor said.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259460/be-proactive-in-tackling-cancer
Friday, October 7, 2011
Living in the age of cohabitation before marriage
Separating myth from fact brings needed clarity to the issue of living together before marriage.
Just a couple decades ago, the idea that their daughter might sleep
with a man before marriage was a source of nightmare for many parents.
Nowadays, premarital sex raises far fewer eyebrows, as the influence of
Western culture is boosting the popularity of premarital cohabitation in
many Asian societies. "It helps us learn about each other before we get
married" is the often-heard justification, but is this really the way
things work between men and women? Having spent much of my career
counselling married couples, I must respectfully beg to differ.
FROM THE WEST
While the West can take credit for the idea of living together before marriage, it has been embraced by many segments of Asian cultures in recent years in surprisingly large numbers, thanks to the globalisation push of recent decades. Cohabitation is typically justified as a "practice run" for couples planning to marry; they can experience what it's like to live together, thus pre-emptying any unpleasant post-wedding surprises.
However, a number of research studies have shed light on the subject by comparing couples who live together before marriage and couples who don't. The results show the latter group generally has a higher probability of enjoying a stronger marriage in both quality and longevity.
The relationships of those who don't live together prior to marriage are typically more mature and more disciplined, as the couple tends to exercise more patience and care while the relationship progresses. As a result, couples treasure their mutual bond, and each partner shows a greater willingness to adapt him or herself for the good of the marriage.
Research on cohabiting couples shows they view living together as a "tryout" which, should it end in failure, simply brings them to the next instance of finding a new partner. This attitude leads them to take marriage less seriously, and they make less of an effort to make adjustments for the good of the marriage. Their married lives are, in a word, fragile.
Realising this reality, a growing number of Western couples are opting to wait until marriage before living together, while in Asia, cohabitation before marriage is still growing in popularity.
Generations of living under much stricter moral codes has fostered a pent-up desire for greater freedom among today's young Asian adults. As the influence of the west continues to grow, men and women in Asian cultures show a growing eagerness to scrap the old moral code to make room for the age of the fleeting relationship.
WOMEN'S THINKING
Motherhood is a natural desire for most women. A man is still central to achieving this goal, and marriage is still critical to gain society's approval. That helps explain why, when a woman meets her man-of-choice, she will often take aggressive action to propel the relationship toward marriage _ and being open to premarital cohabitation is an added option that increases her chances. Most women believe that, by moving in together, the relationship will become more serious and their male partner will become more likely to accept them as their life partner.
This is also the thinking behind some women's willingness to engage in unprotected sex with their male partner, as a demonstration of trust that he will take responsibility in the event of a pregnancy.
However, while women tend to see premarital sex as a way to nurture the bond with their partner, men's more frivolous nature compels them to view cohabitation as an opportunity to expand their selection of women without having to make a commitment to marriage.
The risks inherent in premarital cohabitation therefore rest entirely on the female side. I urge women having premarital sex to exercise more caution vis-a-vis birth control. Hanging on to the fantasy that having a child will keep her man committed has a highly predictable outcome _ a single mother raising her child without a father.
JUST SAY NO
In today's society, where sex before marriage continues to gain popularity, men think nothing of inviting their lovers to have sex. Women who prefer to wait until marriage have to take a strong stand to decline a man's invitation. They must make the "no" very clear and leave no room for negotiation.
But "just say no" carries the risk of bringing more harm than good, as some men find a woman's firm rejection of sex a serious blow to their pride and ego, and many simply move on to searching for another, more willing, partner. I advise women to include expressions of love and genuine caring so that the man understands her refusal is done with the interests of both partners at heart.
Women who want to wait until marriage should be mindful of situations that may lead to unintended intimacy; the most important rule is to not put yourself in a situation where you are alone with a man in a private space. I'm not trying to imply that men are wild animals that can't be trusted, but along with having faith in your partner you should have a healthy sense of caution. Keeping a proper distance helps a couple to move their relationship forward with rational, level-headed adults who are well on their way to a positive outcome.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259613/living-in-the-age-of-cohabitation-before-marriage
FROM THE WEST
While the West can take credit for the idea of living together before marriage, it has been embraced by many segments of Asian cultures in recent years in surprisingly large numbers, thanks to the globalisation push of recent decades. Cohabitation is typically justified as a "practice run" for couples planning to marry; they can experience what it's like to live together, thus pre-emptying any unpleasant post-wedding surprises.
However, a number of research studies have shed light on the subject by comparing couples who live together before marriage and couples who don't. The results show the latter group generally has a higher probability of enjoying a stronger marriage in both quality and longevity.
The relationships of those who don't live together prior to marriage are typically more mature and more disciplined, as the couple tends to exercise more patience and care while the relationship progresses. As a result, couples treasure their mutual bond, and each partner shows a greater willingness to adapt him or herself for the good of the marriage.
Research on cohabiting couples shows they view living together as a "tryout" which, should it end in failure, simply brings them to the next instance of finding a new partner. This attitude leads them to take marriage less seriously, and they make less of an effort to make adjustments for the good of the marriage. Their married lives are, in a word, fragile.
Realising this reality, a growing number of Western couples are opting to wait until marriage before living together, while in Asia, cohabitation before marriage is still growing in popularity.
Generations of living under much stricter moral codes has fostered a pent-up desire for greater freedom among today's young Asian adults. As the influence of the west continues to grow, men and women in Asian cultures show a growing eagerness to scrap the old moral code to make room for the age of the fleeting relationship.
WOMEN'S THINKING
Motherhood is a natural desire for most women. A man is still central to achieving this goal, and marriage is still critical to gain society's approval. That helps explain why, when a woman meets her man-of-choice, she will often take aggressive action to propel the relationship toward marriage _ and being open to premarital cohabitation is an added option that increases her chances. Most women believe that, by moving in together, the relationship will become more serious and their male partner will become more likely to accept them as their life partner.
This is also the thinking behind some women's willingness to engage in unprotected sex with their male partner, as a demonstration of trust that he will take responsibility in the event of a pregnancy.
However, while women tend to see premarital sex as a way to nurture the bond with their partner, men's more frivolous nature compels them to view cohabitation as an opportunity to expand their selection of women without having to make a commitment to marriage.
The risks inherent in premarital cohabitation therefore rest entirely on the female side. I urge women having premarital sex to exercise more caution vis-a-vis birth control. Hanging on to the fantasy that having a child will keep her man committed has a highly predictable outcome _ a single mother raising her child without a father.
JUST SAY NO
In today's society, where sex before marriage continues to gain popularity, men think nothing of inviting their lovers to have sex. Women who prefer to wait until marriage have to take a strong stand to decline a man's invitation. They must make the "no" very clear and leave no room for negotiation.
But "just say no" carries the risk of bringing more harm than good, as some men find a woman's firm rejection of sex a serious blow to their pride and ego, and many simply move on to searching for another, more willing, partner. I advise women to include expressions of love and genuine caring so that the man understands her refusal is done with the interests of both partners at heart.
Women who want to wait until marriage should be mindful of situations that may lead to unintended intimacy; the most important rule is to not put yourself in a situation where you are alone with a man in a private space. I'm not trying to imply that men are wild animals that can't be trusted, but along with having faith in your partner you should have a healthy sense of caution. Keeping a proper distance helps a couple to move their relationship forward with rational, level-headed adults who are well on their way to a positive outcome.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259613/living-in-the-age-of-cohabitation-before-marriage
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Stopping the swings
Understanding the causes of premenstrual syndrome is the first step to coping with the consequences
Passengers requesting glasses of water is a pretty common occurrence during Pasana Yimyaem's working day. But at least once a month this seasoned flight attendant finds herself regarding such people as right pains in the neck and wishing that they could be tossed off the aircraft immediately like so much unwanted baggage.
"Sometimes I get unreasonably grumpy about things," she conceded. "A passenger asking for something as simple as water will get me so annoyed and inside I'll be screaming, 'not again!'."
Actress and model Panwad Hemmanee is often overcome with similar feelings of unaccountable, uncontrollable resentment.
"There's a certain period every month when I'm prone to get unnecessarily irritable about things or people around me," she said. "My older sister once casually asked whether I'd had dinner yet. 'Can't you see that I haven't?' I snapped back at her."
Pasana and Panwad are not in the minority, unfortunately; many women are easily angered, flying into irrational fits of rage, by insignificant matters in their everyday lives. In fact, 90% of women around the world suffer from what used to be called PMT (premenstrual tension) but is now more correctly referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) because it encompasses a whole range of uncomfortable changes that affect a woman not just physically but also emotionally in the run-up to her monthly period.
According to the dean of Chulalongkorn University's College of Public Health Sciences, Prof Surasak Taneepanichskul, PMS is a very common condition, which usually strikes a woman five to seven days prior to the beginning of her next menstrual cycle.
"Basically, women experience different levels of stress and anxiety," Dr Surasak explained. "Before the onset of the period, the level of sex hormones inside the body drastically drops so as to allow the shedding of the uterine lining. The lowering hormonal level affects the part of the central nervous system which controls emotions, resulting in a number of premenstrual conditions, both physical and emotional."
According to Dr Surasak, who is also a gynaecologist, the physical effects of PMS include abdominal cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, pimples, swollen hands and feet, headaches and difficulty in sleeping. The emotional aspects involve unusual mood shifts, excessive stress, depression and anxiety.
Many of these symptoms are similar to those found in women who have reached menopause and who are trying to cope with rapidly fluctuating levels of natural sex hormones. This drastic physical change explains why women are easily irritated or become enraged for little or no reason.
"More than 50% of women worldwide develop more than one symptom of PMS prior to the onset of their monthly bleeding," Dr Surasak noted.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of PMS. While the symptoms of PMDD are similar to those of PMS, they are generally more intense and debilitating. PMDD can cause extreme mood shifts which are, in many cases, very hard to control. The psychological effects can be so severe as to force sufferers to seek treatment from an experienced psychologist. Fortunately, PMDD is not that common.
"In the United States about 12% of women suffer from PMDD, but it Thailand it only seems to occur in about five per cent of females," the gynaecologist remarked.
Whether caused by PMS or PMDD, the unpredictable mood swings and emotional frenzy that result affect not only the sufferer herself but also those with whom she comes into contact; they can have a tremendously negative effect on people around her and damage relationships she has with co-workers, friends and even family members.
A fair number of people believe that taking vitamin B supplements or consuming lots of leafy green vegetables and low-fat foods or having regular workouts can alleviate the worst symptoms of PMS, but Dr Surasak points out that these claims have not yet been scientifically proven so women should not rely on them as a protective shield.
For those who regularly exhibit severe symptoms attributed to PMS, he recommends a course of hormones to replace the natural sex hormones that run low prior to the start of the monthly menstruation cycle. Women afflicted with PMDD may need to get a prescription for tranquillisers, he added.
"Hormone treatments usually prove very effective as a remedy for PMS in Thai patients" he noted.
To those men who claim that women are difficult to understand, Dr Surasak has a suggestion: he says that to understand women one must first comprehend female biology and bodily function. To clarify the picture regarding male and female sex hormones, he makes an analogy with a switch for an electric light bulb.
"Men and women are completely different in terms of physical and emotional changes in their bodies when the level of natural sex hormones decreases," the specialist remarked. "Let's imagine hormones as being like electricity. As she approaches the age of 50 and certainly as she heads towards 60, a women's switch is in the 'off' position _ by which I mean that after menopause the female sex hormone is totally depleted. But men of a similar age still have the switch in the 'dimmer' position, by which I mean that their supply of male hormone is reduced but not totally dried up.
"And this menopause analogy works equally well for PMS. So when it comes to a woman's mood swings, what those directly impacted have to do is to understand the situation and try to put up with it as best they can."
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259611/stopping-the-swings
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Healthy expansion for Watsons
Central Watson Co has announced plans to open 100 new stores in Thailand, including 43 this year.
The openings will see 400 new jobs created in each of the two years, with the same number hired by the company's business partners.
This year's 43 openings, a record for the company, represent an increase from an earlier projection of 24.
Mr Anderson said the higher number of openings is due to greater confidence after better-than-expected performance data.
In the past 12 months, sales in Watsons' core product categories grew by 9.3%, while the overall health and beauty market grew by only 5.9%.
More importantly, Watsons has commanded the highest sales of any retail health and beauty business for the past seven years.
The company has earmarked 250 million baht to open 15-20 new Watsons in the fourth quarter.
Part of the money will go towards sales promotions and research into customer behaviours.
Mr Anderson said Central Watson has made preparations to protect its Lop Buri branch from the heavy flooding that is now plaguing that province.
He said the twin economic crises in Europe and the US are having both negative and positive effects on the Thai economy.
"But we're confident of higher profitability. Health and beauty products will continue to see healthy growth in Thailand due to the increasingly ageing population," Mr Anderson added.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259591/healthy-expansion-for-watsons
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Are garlic's benefits over-rated?
Garlic has been widely used in Thailand for centuries both as food and
as medicine. Other cultures have also made use of garlic, especially
those in Asia as well as the Mediterranean region. Garlic in the form of
supplementary pills is widely popular now due to its well-known health
benefits.
Garlic contains over 200 substances, some of which are thought to be
beneficial to the health such as allicin, which gives garlic its
distinct smell and flavour. Many people do not regard allicin as
garlic's best medicinal property because it can be easily destroyed by
heat and the body gets rid of it quickly after digestion.
There are many kinds of garlic pills, depending on how old the garlic is and how it is processed. So far, there is no evidence whether garlic powder, garlic oil, garlic pills or odourless garlic work better or differently from each other.
The variety of garlic products is due to the belief that garlic can lower cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, treat high blood pressure, heal diabetes and alleviate many illnesses, even the common cold.
Scientific studies, which do not necessarily agree with what people have believed for hundreds of years, have found that garlic can slow down platelet formation _ which explains why it can help treat acute clogged arteries.
Studies involved animals show that garlic can cure cancer and can lower cholesterol levels. Studies involving humans showed less obvious results because each study used different kinds of garlic so it is difficult to compare them.
The effect of garlic on cholesterol levels has been proved by many studies. It can lower cholesterol levels by 10%, but many other studies counter this claim. An article that archived all garlic-related studies reveals that 60% concluded that garlic can help reduce LDL cholesterol.
There was a carefully structured and well-planned study published many years ago. It performed a test on 192 people and found that regardless of whether a person had been eating a bulb of garlic, garlic powder or a placebo, after six months, their cholesterol levels did not differ.
As for its cancer prevention claim, a population-based study found that people who frequently eat garlic have a lower chance of developing cancer. However, a study in China found that seven years of consuming garlic cannot help cut the risks of developing stomach cancer.
Garlic's beneficial effects on other diseases have received less attention. Only small scale studies have found that garlic can slightly lower blood pressure and prevent platelet formation, but there is no evidence that garlic can treat common colds or diabetes, as people have been led to believe.
However, these studies are based on modern statistics and modern medicine. It might not be the same as herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Do not believe with your ears or your eyes or be impressed by numbers. It is best to judge with your head.
Garlic is reported to have side effects, too. You can bleed more easily if you eat garlic pills containing anti-platelet agents such as warfarin, aspirin or fish oil. Garlic also reacts to some medicines such as those used for high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, cancer and high cholesterol. In some cases, garlic can cause nausea and gas.
To sum up, garlic as supplementary health food is not strongly supported based on modern studies. Although it can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, the results are minimal, especially compared to other healthy foods such as low-fat food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
It is still debatable which form of garlic is best. If you do not suffer from undesirable side effects, adding garlic to your diet would not be so bad. Don't forget that garlic should not be exposed to heat for too long or it will lose some of its beneficial nutrients. The tasty flavour and aroma, however, still remain.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259612/are-garlic-benefits-over-rated
There are many kinds of garlic pills, depending on how old the garlic is and how it is processed. So far, there is no evidence whether garlic powder, garlic oil, garlic pills or odourless garlic work better or differently from each other.
The variety of garlic products is due to the belief that garlic can lower cholesterol levels, prevent cancer, treat high blood pressure, heal diabetes and alleviate many illnesses, even the common cold.
Scientific studies, which do not necessarily agree with what people have believed for hundreds of years, have found that garlic can slow down platelet formation _ which explains why it can help treat acute clogged arteries.
Studies involved animals show that garlic can cure cancer and can lower cholesterol levels. Studies involving humans showed less obvious results because each study used different kinds of garlic so it is difficult to compare them.
The effect of garlic on cholesterol levels has been proved by many studies. It can lower cholesterol levels by 10%, but many other studies counter this claim. An article that archived all garlic-related studies reveals that 60% concluded that garlic can help reduce LDL cholesterol.
There was a carefully structured and well-planned study published many years ago. It performed a test on 192 people and found that regardless of whether a person had been eating a bulb of garlic, garlic powder or a placebo, after six months, their cholesterol levels did not differ.
As for its cancer prevention claim, a population-based study found that people who frequently eat garlic have a lower chance of developing cancer. However, a study in China found that seven years of consuming garlic cannot help cut the risks of developing stomach cancer.
Garlic's beneficial effects on other diseases have received less attention. Only small scale studies have found that garlic can slightly lower blood pressure and prevent platelet formation, but there is no evidence that garlic can treat common colds or diabetes, as people have been led to believe.
However, these studies are based on modern statistics and modern medicine. It might not be the same as herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years. Do not believe with your ears or your eyes or be impressed by numbers. It is best to judge with your head.
Garlic is reported to have side effects, too. You can bleed more easily if you eat garlic pills containing anti-platelet agents such as warfarin, aspirin or fish oil. Garlic also reacts to some medicines such as those used for high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, cancer and high cholesterol. In some cases, garlic can cause nausea and gas.
To sum up, garlic as supplementary health food is not strongly supported based on modern studies. Although it can help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, the results are minimal, especially compared to other healthy foods such as low-fat food, fresh fruits and vegetables.
It is still debatable which form of garlic is best. If you do not suffer from undesirable side effects, adding garlic to your diet would not be so bad. Don't forget that garlic should not be exposed to heat for too long or it will lose some of its beneficial nutrients. The tasty flavour and aroma, however, still remain.
reference http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/health/259612/are-garlic-benefits-over-rated
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