Showing posts with label health benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health benefits. Show all posts

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Circuit breaker saw positive effects or health benefits for some

Source Website: https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/circuit-breaker-saw-positive-effects-or-health-benefits-some
By Janice Tai, The Straits Times, Asiaone, 08 June 2020 at 08:48 am


People exercise at the Promontory @ Marina Bay on June 6, 2020.
PHOTO: People exercise at the Promontory @ Marina Bay on June 6, 2020.
Photo: The Straits Times
Picture posted by Janice Tai, The Straits Times, Asiaone on 08 June 2020 at 08:48 am
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The girl had not finished revising her schoolwork, so her mother cancelled their planned movie outing.

This prompted the 14-year-old, who was already struggling with self-esteem issues, to go online in March and express suicidal thoughts.

A friend saw the post and alerted her school. The student, who declined to be named, then began receiving counselling from both her school counsellor and a private practitioner.

She had exhibited self-harming behaviour before, scratching and cutting herself with her fingernails.

But when the circuit breaker period started in early April, the situation suddenly improved.


The girl had not finished revising her schoolwork, so her mother cancelled their planned movie outing.
PHOTO: The girl had not finished revising her schoolwork, so her mother cancelled their planned movie outing. This prompted the 14-year-old, who was already struggling with self-esteem issues, to go online in March and express suicidal thoughts.
She had exhibited self-harming behaviour before, scratching and cutting herself with her fingernails. But when the circuit breaker period started in early April, the situation suddenly improved.
Picture posted by Hayley Robert Photography
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"We were all at home so I could talk to her at night from 10pm all the way to 1am or 2am to try to understand her better. She now calls me her BFF," said her mother, who wanted to be known only as Madam Chan. BFF is teenage slang for "best friends forever".

"Being away from school also meant that she was less exposed to certain friends who were confiding in her their self-harm or suicidal thoughts," said Madam Chan, 40, a businesswoman.

While the United Nations has recently warned of a global mental health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic and local surveys have measured the mental health fallout, charities here say the circuit breaker period has also produced positive effects or health benefits for some Singaporeans.


The United Nations has recently warned of a global mental health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic and local surveys have measured the mental health fallout.
PHOTO: The United Nations has recently warned of a global mental health crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic and local surveys have measured the mental health fallout.
Picture posted by Hayley Robert Photography 
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They now have the time and space to pause, reflect and recharge, allowing them to better care for themselves and their family members.

"I used to think that we have to do something big, like go on a holiday or do something memorable, for me and my family members to get to know each other better," said Madam Chan's daughter.

"But now I realise that nothing extraordinary needs to happen. Even in quieter times, we can learn how to talk and communicate," added the teenager, who no longer feels suicidal though she is still being monitored for self-harming behaviour.


They now have the time and space to pause, reflect and recharge, allowing them to better care for themselves and their family members.
PHOTO: They now have the time and space to pause, reflect and recharge, allowing them to better care for themselves and their family members.
". . . now I realise that nothing extraordinary needs to happen. Even in quieter times, we can learn how to talk and communicate," added the teenager, who no longer feels suicidal though she is still being monitored for self-harming behaviour.
Picture posted by Dreamies
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Ms Theresa Pong, principal counsellor at the charity Focus on the Family Singapore (FOTF), said: "With the circuit breaker, many have experienced intensified emotions, but some have developed better coping mechanisms and greater resilience in managing these emotions moving forward."

A secondary school administrator in her 50s, known only as Madam Lim, had been displaying signs of near burnout late last year.


Social worker Evangeline Yeh, founder of non-profit organisation Unity Movement, doing a simulated video conferencing and counselling session with a client.
PHOTO: Social worker Evangeline Yeh, founder of non-profit organisation Unity Movement, doing a simulated video conferencing and counselling session with a client.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF EVANGELINE YEH
Picture posted by Janice Tai, The Straits Times, Asiaone on 08 June 2020 at 08:48 am
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https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/circuit-breaker-saw-positive-effects-or-health-benefits-some


She was bringing home work to finish, and some nights she was able to sleep for only two to three hours. She found herself feeling tired all the time and became forgetful.

Burnout was formally recognised as a medical condition last year.

If Madam Lim had continued down that path, she would have become unable to function well in her job before long and might have suffered from mental health issues, said Mr Ng Yong Hao, a social worker from Whispering Hearts Family Centre, where Madam Lim sought help in March.

Then, with the start of the circuit breaker period in early April, she was able to work from home two days a week.

That meant she could get seven hours of sleep every night and eat regular meals. After finishing work, she had time to go for a jog, read and watch movies.

During the weekends, she would do personal reflection exercises by writing in a journal.

Such routines helped to regulate her sleeping patterns and she began feeling more energised and less tense and agitated. Having gone back to work in the school, she now intends to continue with these practices.


Burnout was formally recognised as a medical condition last year.
PHOTO: Burnout was formally recognised as a medical condition last year.
Madam Lim  with the start of the circuit breaker period in early April, she was able to work from home two days a week. That meant she could get seven hours of sleep every night and eat regular meals. After finishing work, she had time to go for a jog, read and watch movies. During the weekends, she would do personal reflection exercises by writing in a journal.
Such routines helped to regulate her sleeping patterns and she began feeling more energised and less tense and agitated. Having gone back to work in the school, she now intends to continue with these practices.
Picture posted by Ivana Stibůrková on 11 September 2019 - The great importance of dreams
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Social worker Evangeline Yeh, founder of non-profit organisation Unity Movement, who counselled Madam Chan's daughter, said it is crucial for individuals to think about what routines or aspects of their lives helped them during the circuit breaker period and keep them for good. These lifestyle changes are beneficial for both mental and physical health.

Dr Yeo Wee Ming, 48, started an environmental hygiene company in 2015. He already knew back then that viruses and bacteria could easily spread on various surfaces.

So he tried to educate his family on using their palms or knuckles - instead of their fingertips - to press lift buttons or to turn doorknobs, as people often touch their own faces or bodies with their fingertips.


Dr Yeo Wee Ming, 48, started an environmental hygiene company in 2015. He already knew back then that viruses and bacteria could easily spread on various surfaces.
PHOTO: Dr Yeo Wee Ming, 48, started an environmental hygiene company in 2015. He already knew back then that viruses and bacteria could easily spread on various surfaces.
So he tried to educate his family on using their palms or knuckles - instead of their fingertips - to press lift buttons or to turn doorknobs, as people often touch their own faces or bodies with their fingertips.
Picture saved by Sarah to Aesthetic in D&D 5e: Lerissa Lee
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"I have been nagging them about it since 2015 but it fell on deaf ears. But now, finally, I see them faithfully doing it these few months and I believe they will continue with these habits for the rest of their lives."

Ms Pong said one's mental and emotional well-being is often linked to relationships at home.

FOTF's recent survey of more than 1,000 mothers found that mums who indicated their spouses as their main source of support reported significantly lower stress.


Recent survey of more than 1,000 mothers found that mums who indicated their spouses as their main source of support reported significantly lower stress.
PHOTO: Recent survey of more than 1,000 mothers found that mums who indicated their spouses as their main source of support reported significantly lower stress.
Photo:  Studio Pierrot
Picture posted by sullу nanache@sasukehba on 22 July 2017 at 2:14 AM - The World Is Still Beautiful
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Said Ms Pong: "Families who are better able to cope and navigate relationships at home and have used the circuit breaker as an opportunity to nurture stronger relationships have emerged with better mental and emotional well-being."

Mr Ng agreed that it is about one's ability to adjust to a new normal.

"People will learn a greater level of adaptability in an ever-changing environment... That is an even more important life skill to have now."


Families who are better able to cope and navigate relationships at home and have used the circuit breaker as an opportunity to nurture stronger relationships have emerged with better mental and emotional well-being.
PHOTO: "Families who are better able to cope and navigate relationships at home and have used the circuit breaker as an opportunity to nurture stronger relationships have emerged with better mental and emotional well-being." It is about one's ability to adjust to a new normal.

"People will learn a greater level of adaptability in an ever-changing environment... That is an even more important life skill to have now."
Picture posted by Hayley Robert Photography
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SINGAPORE HELPLINES
National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868

Mental well-being
Fei Yue's Online Counselling Service: eC2.sg
Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222
Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444
Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788
Silver Ribbon: 6386-3714

Marital and parenting issues
Community Psychology Hub's Online Counselling platform: CPHOnlineCounselling.sg

Counselling
TOUCHline (Counselling): 1800-377-2252
Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800


In some types of vaccines the virus is killed and then injected into our bodies so that our bodies can produce the necessary antibodies.
In some types of vaccines the virus is killed and then injected into our bodies so that our bodies can produce the necessary antibodies.
PHOTO: In some types of vaccines the virus is killed and then injected into our bodies so that our bodies can produce the necessary antibodies.  Our immune system can thus defend our bodies from the virus.  In a similar way the death of Jesus for us all enables that seed to now indwell us so we can develop an immune defence against that spiritual virus – sin.

Without an adequate vaccine our only option (as with COVID-19 since no vaccine has yet been developed) is quarantine.  This is also true in the spiritual realm.  That quarantine is more commonly known as Hell.

When the serpents infected the Israelites they were told to look at the bronze serpent held up on a pole to be cured.  You might visualize this as some bitten person rolling out of his bed to look at the nearby bronze serpent and then being healed.  But there were about 3 million people in the Israelite camp (they counted over 600 000 men of military age) – the size of a large modern city.  Chances were high that those bitten were several kilometers away, and out of sight from, the bronze serpent pole.  So those bitten by the snakes had to make a choice.  They could take standard precautions involving binding the wound tightly and resting to restrict blood flow and spread of the venom.  Or they would have to trust the remedy announced by Moses and walk several kilometers, raising the blood flow and spread of the venom, to look at the bronze serpent on the pole.  It would be the trust or lack of trust in the word of Moses that would determine each person’s course of action.

"However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness." (Romans 4:5).

We do not trust our ability to fight off the infection, but trust God who made the vaccine in the Seed.  We trust him with the details of the vaccine.  This is why ‘Gospel’ means ‘Good news’.  Anyone who has been infected with a deadly disease but now hears that a vaccine is available and given for free – that is good news. The Gospel invites us to come and see, to examine that Seed. [2]
Picture posted by Iván Herranz, Artstation - Jörmungand God Of War
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By Janice Tai, The Straits Times, Asiaone, 08 June 2020 at 08:48 am
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.



Other stories
Reference
[1] Janice Tai, The Straits Times, Asiaone, Circuit breaker saw positive effects or health benefits for some, posted on 08 June 2020 at 08:48 am, https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/circuit-breaker-saw-positive-effects-or-health-benefits-some

[2] Good News of the Gospel Way, The Gospel thru the lens of COVID-19, Quarantine & Vaccines, https://theway.i-am.site/the-gospel-through-the-lens-of-quarantine/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIltD8nMr56QIVih0rCh2ONgW0EAAYASAAEgJTMPD_BwE


Links


New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Saturday, July 3, 2010

In the green of health

WEEKEND TODAY, JULY 3 - 4, 2010, FOOD, PAGE T4
From: http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20100703/0307FDW004.pdf
From Website: http://www.todayonline.com/Food/EDC100703-0000036/In-the-green-of-health
By Tan Jun-Lei, junlei@mediacorp.com.sg, 05:55 AM Jul 03, 2010



PHOTO: Kiwi is big business in New Zealand.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd
http://www.todayonline.com/Food/EDC100703-0000036/In-the-green-of-health



PHOTO: Tan Jun-Lei (Center)
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Beneath the skin of the kiwi fruit is a bunch of surprises, as a trip to New Zealand reveals

The kiwi fruit is one of those fruits that might still be a novelty to some. Certainly its health benefits are not as well-known, some people, myself included, do not realise the kiwi fruit is incredibly rich in nutrients and antioxidants.

So when I was invited to check out Zespri kiwi fruit, the brand synonymous with quality kiwi fruit, in New Zealand, it was a chance to get up close and personal with this intriguing fruit.



PHOTO: Kiwi is big business in New Zealand.
Copyright © MediaCorp Press Ltd


Growing kiwi fruit, be it green, gold or organic, in New Zealand is big business. Introduced to the country in 1904 by Isabel Fraser, it is now marketed by Zespri International and has dug its roots far and deep both globally and within New Zealand.

One example of that is the Maori connection, best witnessed on Rangiwaea Island. A 20-minute ferry ride from Tauranga's Sebel Trinity Wharf in New Zealand's North Island, Rangiwaea consists largely of horticultural and agricultural blocks run by Maori owners, with the residents engaging in various activities such as forestry, arable farming, and of course, growing of kiwi fruit.

The fruit-growing system on Rangiwaea has a unique ownership structure - it is part of the Tauwhao Te Ngare Trust, which is responsible for ensuring the land is passed down from generation to generation and providing financial support to the island. Being an inter-generational business, the trustees and shareholders are connected to Rangiwaea via genealogy.





We had a field day picking green kiwi fruit at Western Orchards in Katikati, which is part of Zespri's supply community. As it was harvesting season, we got right down to work.

If you're looking for a good workout, picking kiwi fruit beats sweating it out in the gym, it's fast and furious from the get-go, and as many as 200 bins of kiwi fruit can be plucked daily.

It was more kiwi fruit at the dinner table as we feasted on the variety of dishes that could be made with kiwi fruit. It was amazing how versatile the kiwi fruit could be, be it appetiser, main course or dessert, the fruit made its presence felt. It was like killing two birds with one stone: You could satisfy your hunger and get your daily dose of Vitamin C.



PHOTO: Creative use of kiwi fruit: With oysters in a half shell, snapper and tortilla crisps and smoked salmon crepes.
http://www.todayonline.com/Food/EDC100703-0000036/In-the-green-of-health
http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20100703/0307FDW004.pdf


One of my favourites was the smoked salmon crepes at the Mount Bistro restaurant in Mt Maunganui, the green kiwi fruit's tangy flavour blended perfectly with the freshness of the salmon.

Another favourite was the grilled loin of Hawke's Bay Lamb with chimichurri, sweet corn puree and kiwi fruit chutney that I had at the Cable Bay restaurant on Waiheke Island. Apart from being a natural meat tenderiser, the kiwi fruit really helped to bring out the flavours of the lamb.

For those with a sweet tooth, the gold kiwi fruit crème brulee of Mount Bistro is a must-try. Kiwi fruit mint dressing - which I tried at the Matahui Lodge in Katikati, was also the perfect complement for pasta and avocado cream rice salad.



PHOTO: Creative use of kiwi fruit: Kiwi fruit creme brulee and kiwi fruit and pavlova ice cream.
http://www.todayonline.com/Food/EDC100703-0000036/In-the-green-of-health
http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20100703/0307FDW004.pdf


It's hard not to view the kiwi fruit in a new light after all this. Tasty, versatile and nutritionally dense, it has made me rethink my approach to healthy living. For a fruit that's barely the size of your palm, that's no mean feat.







A Kiwi a day

About the size of a large hen's egg, the kiwi fruit is a tiny bundle of surprises. Here's what you'll be getting when you bite into the fruit.



  • Vitamins C, E and a small amount of A. The kiwi fruit outstrips the orange in terms of Vitamin C content. Recent studies have shown that Zespri's gold kiwi fruit packs in a 105.4mg of Vitamin C per 100g of edible flesh, with its green counterpart coming in a close second at 92.7mg (the orange is fifth at 53.2g). Vitamin C is essential for the healthy functioning of the immune system, and an adequate intake may help reduce the severity of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and diabetic heart disease. Vitamin E also helps lower cholesterol, boost immunity and keep the skin supple.

  • The fruit's antioxidant properties also protect the body's cells from oxidative damage, thereby preventing the mutation of genes. Kiwi fruit has also been found to improve the body's uptake of iron from iron-fortified food, which is especially important for people suffering from iron deficiency. It also contains potassium, magnesium and folate, which are important for good health.

  • If you've ever had that bloated feeling after a high-protein meal or have digestive problems, eating kiwi fruit could help ease the discomfort, as kiwi fruit is rich in actinidin, a protein-dissolving enzyme. Kiwi fruit also serves as a natural blood thinner, and studies have shown that eating two or three a day significantly reduces the risk of blood clots.

  • Kiwi skin is edible and is a rich source of dietary fibre. Much of the vitamin content is stored under the skin, so don't peel the kiwi fruit when you eat it or you'll lose some of those precious nutrients. Fibre is good for lowering the risk of colon cancer and keeping blood sugar levels under control. Kiwi fruit seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
By Tan Jun-Lei, junlei@mediacorp.com.sg


PHOTO: http://www.todayonline.com/Food/EDC100703-0000036/In-the-green-of-health
http://imcms2.mediacorp.sg/CMSFileserver/documents/006/PDF/20100703/0307FDW004.pdf



Reference
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Saturday, September 20, 2008

Prunes & My health


Tropical Fruits


Prunes - common varieties are French, Imperial, Italian, and Green Gage


Giant Prunes - sweet with a deep taste and a sticky chewy texture


Prunes - oval shape and a removable pit


Prunes - dried fruit is wrinkly in texture, and chewy on the inside


Giant Prunes - highest antioxidant of any fruit


Whole tree loaded with unripe prunes during the month of june


Facts about Prunes
Prunes are sweet with a deep taste and a sticky chewy texture, prunes are not only fun to eat but they are also highly nutritious. They are available all year round.
Fresh prunes have an oval shape and a easily removed pit. The dried fruit is wrinkly in texture, and chewy on the inside.

Four of the most common varieties are French, Imperial, Italian, and Green Gage.

Prunes also have the highest antioxidant of any fruit and its juice is fiber-rich.


Health benefits
(Adapted from http://jeenaskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/11/health-benefits-of-prunes.html)



They contain an antioxidant 'Phenols' which prevent damages cause by a dangerous oxygen radical called superoxide anion radical. Also they have proved to help prevent damage to our body fats.



Prunes has high content of Beta Carotene which is neccessary in cancer fighting and can help prevent conditions like heart disease, therosclerosis, colon cancer and diabetes.

Also this vitamin is known to reduce severe inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.


Prunes help lower cholesterol through binding bile acids and carrying them out of the body through the feces. Bile acids come from the liver to digest fats, when prunes carry out this bile, the liver has to produce more, thus using up more cholesterol which means lesser cholesterol in our circulation.



Prunes prevent constipation. It provide bulk and decrease the transit time of fecal matter. This also decreases the risk of colon cancer.



When prunes are in the large intestine they provide 'food' for the friendly bacteria. When the prunes are fermented by this friendly bacteria they produce a short chain fatty acid called butyric acid which helps keep the colon healthy.



Also 2 other short chain fatty acids are created, propionic acid and acetic acid which the liver and muscles use as a fuel.



The soluble fiber in prunes can help normalize blood sugar levels. It delays the absorption of glucose into the blood by slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach. This soluble fiber increases insulin sensitivity which is useful in preventing and treating type 2 diabetes. Also prunes give a sense of 'fullness' after eating a meal which can prevent over eating in obese people.



Prunes are high in potassium which is essential for heart function and normal blood pressure.One quarter of a cup of prunes contains a 316.6 mg of potassium but only 1.7 mg of sodium. This help to prevent atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.



The high amount of potassium in prunes may also help in bone conditions. High salt diets lead to urinary calcium loss which causes thinning of the bones. The high potassium levels in prunes may counteract this.



Prunes contain amino acids and vitamins that help the body to absorb iron.



Prunes can be used as a natural sweetener. They are very sweet in taste and are a great alternative to sugar.





Prunes Nutrition Facts
From http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=103

Prunes - 0.25 cup - 42.50 grams - 101.58 calories
NutrientAmountDV
(%)		Nutrient
Density		World's Healthiest
Foods Rating
vitamin A844.48 IU16.93.0good
dietary fiber3.02 g12.12.1good
potassium316.63 mg9.01.6good
copper0.18 mg9.01.6good
World's Healthiest
Foods Rating		Rule

excellentDV>=75%ORDensity>=7.6ANDDV>=10%
very goodDV>=50%ORDensity>=3.4ANDDV>=5%
goodDV>=25%ORDensity>=1.5ANDDV>=2.5%

In-Depth Nutritional Profile for Prunes



Prunes - Both fresh and dried are valuable


From: http://picasaweb.google.com/jon88888jon/jDKJJF30#5194454919401176354
Two plums The plum is a stone-fruit tree in the genus Prunus. Its fruit is sweet, juicy and edible, and it can be eaten fresh, or dried, in which case they are known as prunes. The plum blossom, along with the peony, are considered traditional floral emblems of China.


Adapted From:
www.rarefruit-sa.org.au/Espalier/Fruit/Fruit.htm
www.prunes.net/
www.woodbridgefruittrees.com.au/html/plums.html
www.alibaba.com/.../Preserved_Prune.html
www.grandpasorchard.com/.../14/index.htm
ths.gardenweb.com/.../msg0902084120997.html
http://culinaryfool.spaces.live.com
www.organic-planet.com/products/b_Prunes.html
www.davidlebovitz.com/.../prune_blogging_2.html
http://jeenaskitchen.blogspot.com/2007/11/health-benefits-of-prunes.html
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=103
http://www.candidablog.com/prune-juice-to-help-constipation.php
http://picasaweb.google.com/aritheeagle/STAYGREENFRESH#5044427185844145890

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