Sunny Health

The best way of living healthily, as most doctors will tell you, is through leading a happy lifestyle. It can be hard to live a healthy lifestyle when it

Take time to enjoy life. In the morning, take a jog near your place. Wake up early enough so that you do not rush. By managing your time thoroughly, you will be able to enjoy life to the fullest.

Do not be afraid to indulge in a good plate of char kway teow occasionally.

Here are some healthy tips that can be practiced on a day to day basis

1. Learn to relax.
In the busy world we live in, it is important to let the world slow down for a little. Listen to slow music and take in deep breaths. Take time off your gadgets or the computer before you sleep. Take long walks and stop to look at flowers, admire the sky or even to look in awe at tall buildings.

2. Eat balanced meals
You are what you eat. Eating healthily can help you feel good about yourself. There is no need to count your calories. Yet, you can follow simple guidelines such as ensuring that your lots of vegetables for most of your meals as well as ensuring there is some kind of meat or fibre in your daily diet. Make eating fun by learning how to cook and making delicious food.

3. Think Positive
It can be irrational to think positive all the time. However, there are certain times when you should try to look on the bright side of life. It is good think realistically. Every story has a good and a bad. If you are willing to turn 180degrees around, you would be able to see the more beautiful world. A way of thinking positive is by spreading your positivity to others. Share a smile with a stranger, say hello to your neighbours, open the doors for others. Do well to others, and you too will gain a sense of happiness. Think about it this way: its impossible to be unhappy when you are singing or smiling.

4. Exercise
Exercising allows you to get the opportunity to inhale fresh air outside. If you’re having a bad day, this is a great way of releasing wonderful chemicals like endorphins to ensure a great day.

5. Allow time for yourself
In a typical Singaporean’s busy lifestyle, it can be hard to find time for yourself. It is important to make time to get reacquainted with yourself. Find time for yourself, do things you like. Re-energize yourself and learn to allow time for your favourite things. Live life to the fullest.

6. Have a sense of control
Knowing that you are in control of your life can allow you to lead a better life. Know that no one is control of you or your destiny, only you can make decisions that will affect your life.

Source: Straits Times , October 28, 2009

Curry kills cancer

LONDON - A MOLECULE found in a curry ingredient can kill oesophageal cancer cells in the laboratory, suggesting it might be developed as an anti-cancer treatment, scientists said on Wednesday.

Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Centre in Ireland treated oesophageal cancer cells with curcumin - a chemical found in the spice turmeric, which gives curries a distinctive yellow colour - and found it started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours. The cells also began to digest themselves, they said in a study published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Previous scientific studies have suggested curcumin can suppress tumours and that people who eat lots of curry may be less prone to the disease, although curcumin loses its anti-cancer attributes quickly when ingested. But Sharon McKenna, lead author of the Irish study, said her study suggested a potential for scientists to develop curcumin as an anti-cancer drug to treat oesophageal cancer.
Cancers of the oesophagus kill more than 500,000 people across the world each year. The tumours are especially deadly, with five-year survival rates of just 12 to 31 per cent. Ms McKenna said the study showed curcumin caused the cancer cells to die 'using an unexpected system of cell messages'.

Normally, faulty cells die by committing programmed suicide, or apoptosis, which occurs when proteins called caspases are 'switched on' in cells, the researchers said.

But these cells showed no evidence of suicide, and the addition of a molecule that inhibits caspases and stops this 'switch being flicked' made no difference to the number of cells that died, suggesting curcumin attacked the cancer cells using an alternative cell signalling system. – REUTERS

Yet another reason to indulge in a bowl of delicious curry ,(as if we don’t have enough already). However, do keep in mind that many curries involve large usage of coconut milk. As we all know coconut milk is high in cholesterol and large consumptions of it can increase risk in diabetes and high cholesterol.
The key hero ingredient to note here is Turmeric.

Turmeric contains up to 5% essential oils and up to 3% curcumin, a polyphenol. It is the active substance of turmeric and it is also known as C.I. 75300, or Natural Yellow 3.

Turmeric has been used in South Asia for ages as an antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It has antibacterial properties. In countries such as Japan it can be taken as dietary supplement, as it allegedly helps the stomach and other ailments. Pakistanis use it as an anti inflammatory agent to aid gastrointestinal discomfort. Turmeric is also a suspect in curing Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and other biological disorders.

Turmeric can be used not just in curries but can also be used for spicing up seafood or meats. Turmeric is the powdery spice that gives your food a yellowy colour and brightens up your taste palate and plate.

You can easily incorporate turmeric in your cooking. Using the simple ingredients of Turmeric, salt and pepper you can bring to live any of fish or meat. You can even use it on meaty vegetables such as Brinjal (eggplant) to make it vegetarian friendly. That alone, with some wholemeal rice can make a satisfying lunch

Source: Straits Times , October 28, 2009

Curry kills cancer

LONDON - A MOLECULE found in a curry ingredient can kill oesophageal cancer cells in the laboratory, suggesting it might be developed as an anti-cancer treatment, scientists said on Wednesday.

Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Centre in Ireland treated oesophageal cancer cells with curcumin - a chemical found in the spice turmeric, which gives curries a distinctive yellow colour - and found it started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours. The cells also began to digest themselves, they said in a study published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Previous scientific studies have suggested curcumin can suppress tumours and that people who eat lots of curry may be less prone to the disease, although curcumin loses its anti-cancer attributes quickly when ingested. But Sharon McKenna, lead author of the Irish study, said her study suggested a potential for scientists to develop curcumin as an anti-cancer drug to treat oesophageal cancer.
Cancers of the oesophagus kill more than 500,000 people across the world each year. The tumours are especially deadly, with five-year survival rates of just 12 to 31 per cent. Ms McKenna said the study showed curcumin caused the cancer cells to die 'using an unexpected system of cell messages'.

Normally, faulty cells die by committing programmed suicide, or apoptosis, which occurs when proteins called caspases are 'switched on' in cells, the researchers said.

But these cells showed no evidence of suicide, and the addition of a molecule that inhibits caspases and stops this 'switch being flicked' made no difference to the number of cells that died, suggesting curcumin attacked the cancer cells using an alternative cell signalling system. – REUTERS

Yet another reason to indulge in a bowl of delicious curry ,(as if we don’t have enough already). However, do keep in mind that many curries involve large usage of coconut milk. As we all know coconut milk is high in cholesterol and large consumptions of it can increase risk in diabetes and high cholesterol.

The key hero ingredient to note here is Turmeric.

Turmeric contains up to 5% essential oils and up to 3% curcumin, a polyphenol. It is the active substance of turmeric and it is also known as C.I. 75300, or Natural Yellow 3.

Due to it's medicinal properties, Turmeric has been used in South Asia for ages as an antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It has antibacterial properties. In countries such as Japan it can be taken as dietary supplement, as it allegedly helps the stomach and other ailments. Pakistanis use it as an anti inflammatory agent to aid gastrointestinal discomfort. Turmeric is also a suspect in curing Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and other biological disorders.

Turmeric can be used not just in curries but can also be used for spicing up seafood or meats. Turmeric is also the powdery spice that gives your food a yellowy colour and brightens up your taste palate and plate.

You can easily incorporate turmeric in your cooking. Using the simple ingredients of Turmeric, salt and pepper you can bring to live any of fish or meat. You can even use it on meaty vegetables such as Brinjal (eggplant) to make it vegetarian friendly. That alone, with some wholemeal rice can make a satisfying lunch

Prevention is better than cure, they say. What should women do to stop a dangerous monster like Cervical cancer. Cervical cancer has held the number one place in gynaecological cancers in Singapore in the last 30 years. It has declined steadily since, however the rates here remain higher then those in Europe and USA.

In Singapore, Malays have an average of 10 -20 % higher rate then Chinese Singaporeans. CervicalScreen Singapore was launched by the Health Promotion Board in 2004. Its goal was to screen all women aged 25-65 years every 3 years. It is the 5th most cancer in Singapore.

This could be due largely to the lack of prevention such as doing a Pap smear test. Cervical Cancer can be easily prevented, but one should get tested as early as possible.

Prevention
The key to preventing invasive cervical cancer is to detect any cell changes early, before they become cancerous. Regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears are the best way to do this. How often you should have a pelvic exam and Pap smear depends on your individual situation.
1. You should have your first Pap smear when you become sexually active, no matter how old you are.
2. If you are not sexually active, you should have your first Pap smear at age 18 years or earlier.
3. In both cases, you should have a Pap smear every year for at least 3 years.
4. If these Pap smears reveal no abnormal cells and you have few risk factors for cervical cancer, the US Guide to Clinical Preventive Services recommends a repeat Pap smear at least every 3 years.
5. Because a woman's risk factors may change with her lifestyle, many medical professionals prefer that you have a Pap smear yearly through age 65 years and older, regardless of the number of negative tests you have had in the past.
6. If you have had precancerous changes or cancer of the cervix, your gynecologist will recommend a schedule of follow-up examinations and tests.
Avoidance of human papillomavirus infection is becoming increasingly important in the prevention of precancerous and cancerous changes of the cervix.
Early age at first intercourse is associated with increased risk. Abstinence is recommended as one way to prevent the transmission of HPV.
Likewise, barrier protection, such as condom use, may prevent HPV infection, although this has not yet been fully studied.
A vaccine to protect women from cervical cancer may be available in 5 years. Early tests found an experimental vaccine to be effective against the virus responsible for half of all cases of cervical cancer. The vaccine targets a strain of HPV. The vaccine would not be effective for women who already have HPV.
Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for cervical cancer that can be prevented. Quitting smoking may decrease your chances of developing cervical cancer.

Food doesn’t need to be bland for the diabetic. If

Adriatic Fish Stew over Angel Hair Pasta
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
1 small onion, 4 ounces (120 g), chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound (4880 g) firm fleshed fish such as sea bass or red snapper, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces
1 14 1/2-ounce (415 g) no salt added diced tomatoes
1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine
1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium canned vegetable broth
3/4 pound (360 g) fresh mussels in the shell, well scrubbed and debearded
1/4 pound (120 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar
8 ounces (240 g) dried or fresh angel hair pasta, cooked al dente according to package directions and drained
freshly ground pepper
1. Heat the olive oil in a nonstick stock pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic; saute for 4 minutes, until onion is limp, taking care to not let the garlic burn.
2. Add the fish and saute for 2 minutes on each side, turning once. Transfer fish to a plate.
3. Add the tomatoes, wine, and vegetable broth to the pot. Cook, stirring, over high heat until reduced by 1/3. Lower the heat to maintain a lively simmer. Place the mussels and shrimp on top of the tomato mixture. Cover and cook until mussels open and the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Return the fish to the stew to reheat.
4. Divide the pasta between 4 pasta bowls. Stir the vinegar into the stew and ladle the fish stew on top of the pasta. Serve at once, passing the pepper grinder for each person to add according to taste.
Per serving: 448 calories (16% calories from fat), 39 g protein, 8 g total fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 51 g carbohydrate, 3 g dietary fiber, 99 mg cholesterol, 232 mg sodium
Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 3 carbohydrate (3 bread/starch), 1 vegetable
Note: When cooking live mussels, some quickly open wide while others barely crack open. The latter can be fully opened using a clam opener, spoon, or tongs. But a mussel that refuses to open even a little may have been dead before cooking so it's safest to discard those.

Growing up in an Asian Community often means having a nagging mother who will nag at you to consume beneficial foods that might enhance your brain.

Scientifically speaking, there are no magic foods out there that will immediately enhance your brain. However, there are foods out there that could really help aid your brain in functioning right.

Have you ever wondered how it is that one piece of information can travel through your brain? What is really doing the job are Neurotransmitters. These Neurotransmitters are the ones that help your body communicate information easily. These are the so called ‘Brain foods’.

Protein

Protein is found in meat, fish, milk and cheese. Protein provides the building blocks for most of the body's tissues, nerves, internal organs (including brain and heart). Proteins are used to make neurotransmitters and are essential to improve mental performance.
Without proteins, your brain would not be even able to function properly.

Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates enhance the absorption of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain. Within about thirty minutes of eating a carbohydrate meal,, you will feel more calm and relaxed. The effects will last several hours.
Grains, fruits and vegetables are key sources of carbohydrates. Vegetables such as potatoes are good sources of carbohydrates

Digestion causes the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose (sugar) which is the brains primary source of energy. If your glucose levels fluctuate too much, you may experience mental confusion, dizziness and if severe, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Carbohydrates can also modify serotonin, the relaxing brain chemical,



Fats
Fats refer to good fats and should refer to fats like omega 3 which are beneficial to the brain.
The brain is more than 60% fat. This is because the brain cells are covered by the myelin sheath which is composed of approximately 75% fat. Fats also play a crucial role as messengers. They regulate key aspects of the immune system, blood circulation, inflammation, memory and mood.
Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to the optimum performance of your brain. Lack of omega-3 fats in your diet can lead to depression, poor memory, low IQ, learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADD and many more mental disorders.
To ensure that your diet is rich in omega-3 fats, ensure that you eat plenty of oily fish like salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, herring, mackerel and anchovies.

Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the growth and functioning of the brain.
The 'B' complex vitamins are particularly important for the brain and play a vital role in producing energy. Vitamins A, C and E are powerful antioxidants and promote and preserve memory in the elderly.
Minerals are also critical to mental functioning and performance. Magnesium and manganese are needed for brain energy. Sodium, potassium and calcium are important in the thinking process and they facilitate the transmission of messages.

It seems like another reason why you should start on healthy dieting.

Other ways of having a healthier brain include:
1. Balance your glucose - it provides fuel for your brain. Try to eat carbohydrate foods in the evening as it promotes relaxation and sleep.
2. Eat essential fats - ensure your diet is rich in omega-3 fats found in oily fish.
3. Include plenty of protein rich foods in your diet. Proteins are essential to make neurotransmitters which are vital for the thinking process. Try to eat a protein based lunch to optimise your mental performance and alertness throughout the day.
4. Eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals to 'fine tune' your mind.
5. Drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day to keep your brain well hydrated.
6. Oxygenate your brain by exercising and eating little and often. Eat your main meal before 7pm.

The Swine Flu frenzy has gone down, but this does not mean it as any less dangerous. Swine Flu can, and will kill.

In the world of technology, many children today are educated by the Internet. Thankfully for many parents, there is a site online available for children to visit: http://kidshealth.org/kid/h1n1_center/h1n1_school.html

Kids health a website filled with cute pictures and easy language that is kid friendly. The website is easy to browse with interesting information and



There is interesting info on this website including the latest about SWINE FLU. And if you don’t know how to say certain words, not to fear, they even teach you how to say it right. Difficult words such as etiquette are broken down into syllabus to teach you how to say it. It tells you what to do if you suspect you have the flu. Also, it tells you how to get protected.

It also give tips to children about Flu shots. Advising the kids, the blog says to 'loosen your hand like spaghetti' so that you won't feel pain.

There’s even an interesting rap video by a ‘Dr John Clarke’ who does the ‘Health Hop’ to educate your kids about SWINE FLU.



An interesting site with loads of info and interesting insights to spur your child's interest,this is one website your child should spend his or her time on.

The Skinny: How to Fit into your Little Black Dress Forever
Bikini Bootcamp: Two weeks to your ultimate body

Why are these books your famously popular? Well, you want to skinny and fit into that bikini don’t you? Skeptics will sniff at these cheesy headlines, however when it comes down to the real deal, these tips that the books give actually can be really practical, take a look:

1. Cut Calories: Eat What you wantAuthors of The Skinny recommend you eat what you want and enjoy it. Just eat less of it. Or eat salads to satiate you hunger.
2. Keep your portions smallMeasure your food, make sure they can satisfy you but not overload you with food. Pour out your food, start out with one handful first, that way you will know what you’ve been eating.
3. Eat when you’re hungry
Be honest with yourself and eat only when you are really hungry. Don’t cheat yourself or starve yourself. Be good to your body, and your body will return the flavour. If you starve yourself now, you will only overeat later.
4. Eat Fresh, Real Food Instead of Processed Junk It’s a well known fact that Processed junk will lead you to pack on more calories.
5. Eat mindfullyDon’t eat meals in front of your television, understand what you are eating. Truly enjoy your meal.
6. Low fat, non fat
Feed yourself well, be sure that you are getting the right nutrients. Eat nuts or flax seeds to keep you satisfied till your next meal.
7. Focus on FibreFibre, as this blog has before mentioned, has many benefits. Besides filling you up, it also aids digestion.
8. Start with Soup to suppress appetiteDrink soup to fill you up help you to not overeat.
9. Spice things upSpices are free of calories so remember to add them generously to your next meal. They add lots of flavour, so you have nothing to lose, but everything to gain! Add spices to a simple vegetable ragout, and there you have it, a hearty yet low calorie meal
10. Remember your Next and Last MealThink of what you had for Breakfast and think about what you are going to eat for dinner. If the other meals you are going to have are going to be high calorie ones, ensure that the current meal you are going to have is low calorie. This way you can match up the meals. You are therefore indulging yourself yet not over spoiling yourself. Keeping yourself in check.
11. Reduce your calories by keeping track of drinks
Everybody knows that soft drinks can pack on lots of sugars. But did you know fruit drinks can pack in lots of calories as well? Yes, fruit sugars can and will harm you. Beware..
12. Burn Calories with exerciseFor many, exercising can be a pain. But for many, they cannot deny the joys of exercising. The great release after a workout is something many go for.

So you see, these books really recommend what we’ve known but not put to good use. These are easy to follow rules.

Here are recipes from the Books:

The SkinnyChicken Curry with Veggies on Whole-Grain Couscous

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon peeled and chopped ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 (5- to 6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 floret broccoli, chopped
• 1 small floret of cauliflower, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 cup whole-grain couscous, prepared according to instructions on the box
1. Combine the oil, onion, ginger, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, and brown sugar in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until onions turn clear and smell sweet, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until the meat is done, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup of water along with the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrot. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add water as needed to maintain a saucy consistency.
4. Serve over hot, freshly cooked couscous.

Bikini Bootcamp
Chicken Salad with Roasted Red Peppers

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon white wine or sherry vinegar
• 1/2 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra, if desired
• 1/2 roasted chicken, skinned, meat removed from the bone, and roughly chopped (about 1 1/2 cups meat)
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 tablespoons chopped roasted red bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• Coarse sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Whole wheat bread or crusty white bread, for serving, optional
• Mixed salad greens, for serving, optional
1. To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and garlic. Whisking constantly, slowly add the olive oil until fully incorporated.
2. In a medium bowl combine the chicken, celery, red peppers, and chives. Fold in the vinaigrette. Season with salt and black pepper and serve, either made into a sandwich or over salad greens tossed with a little more olive oil and sprinkled with salt.
Brown-bag it with: grapes

Running is one of the easiest forms of exercises around. You can do it anywhere and its definitely cheap. All you really need is a good pair of jogging shoes, a planned route of where to run and you’re ready to go.

In recent years however, running or jogging for women has received a bad rap.

I even read online, some months back of a woman whose menstrual cycle stopped completely after continuous running for 23 weeks, every day. The truth is any sort of exercise when performed too rigorously can cause a change in a woman’s menstrual cycle. A woman’s menstrual cycle can be affected by both physical activities and psychological effects. Jogging can cause both since it is both tiring and can be slightly stressful if you’re hoping to reach a target.

Jogging can also hurt your joints. When your feet hit the ground with every step, there is an impact that can cause harm to your joints. Therefore, joggers/runners who do not invest in a good pair of running shoes are subjecting themselves to more risk than those who do have a good pair.

In older people, it can also be difficult to jog or run since they their joints are not as strong as those of younger people. People aged 60 and above are advised not to over exercise. Jogging may not be a suitable activity in some cases.

The debate however, continues. Jogging/running loyalists swear by the benefits of running. Exercises such as jogging/running help you release happy hormones (Endorphins) into your system. Taking a jog early in the morning can mean a difference in your mood for the rest of the day. Jogging/Running also has helps a person burn unwanted calories in huge amounts.

As I always say to my friends, ‘balance is key’. Jogging is a great exercise and the benefits can be seen by everyone. However, we should never over estimate ourselves and jog more than we really should. I think a 3-5 times of jogging weekly is sufficient for each person. Jog in the mornings from Monday till Friday. Let your body recuperate over the weekends. Jogging can be a strenuous exercise and the body needs time to recover and repair the muscles used during jogging. You will find that the weekend rest will do you good.

Here are some tips to help you ease into your running regiment:

1. Wear a good pair of shoes (and tie them up!)Jogging can be a pain if your laces keep falling out because you did not tie them properly. Your momentum would then be interrupted and this can have an effect on how well you perform.

2. Eat/ Drink something before jogging
Eat something light before going jogging. Make sure you are well hydrated before your run. Having a dry throat while you run can be annoying. You want to have enough energy so that you can perform better during your run.

3. Progress slowly
Injuries are sometimes the result of people taking things too fast. When you are jogging, set a realistic goal. If you are tired, don’t be afraid to stop. Even if you did not reach your goal this time round, you can aim to do better the next time

4. Jog on the spotBefore you run, it is important to warm up your body system so that it can prepare itself for this gruelling activity. Jog on the spot for about a few minutes or so and you will be ready to go.

5. Choose softer surfaces
When jogging, choose dirt paths instead of concrete paths. Concrete paths can be harsh to our joints. Concrete and asphalt reflect landing forces back up your leg. However, when jogging off the beaten path watch out for twigs or holes that you could trip over.

You can reap the benefits of jogging if you perform it the right way.

If jogging is not your thing, perhaps consider walking, which can give the same results.

In cities such as Singapore, we are often too busy to have the time to work out. A typical morning can start as early as 5.30am. We wake our kids up, send them to school. After which, we rush down to work gulping down our breakfasts. This is then followed by a hectic schedule of meeting after meeting. We barely even have time to have lunch. Many nights, we spend time in the office, working over our limits just to finish our project. When we finally reach home, we are just happy that we can sleep in our beds. Day after day passes, we can barely have time for ourselves, let alone go to a gym?

Fret not, now you can exercise the comfort of your office space. These exercises take up minimal time and are easy to do:



lick on the pictures for closer look
Five Key Stretches
(do stretches for 15-30 seconds)

1) Neck Stretches - Slowly tilt your head toward your shoulder and hold for ten seconds each side. Keep this one slow and easy, the neck is very easy to injure.

2) Arm Shoulders - Pull your arm across your chest, hook your other arm around it to pull the tension out of your upperback and rear shoulders.

3) Back / Legs - Lean forward at the waist either from the standing position or sitting and bring your chest toward your thighs. Slowly try to straighten your legs - stretching your hamstrings.

4) Thigh Stretch - Sit on left edge of your chair or stand. Grab your left ankle and pull it upward toward your buttocks. Switch sides.

5) Calves Stretch - Stand and lean into your desk with your heels on the floor. Bend your knees slightly to stretch your achilles tendons.

Five Key Exercises

1) Legs - Squats - Stand in front of your chair and repeat sitting down and standing up 10 times three times a day.

2) Shoulder Shrugs - Just pull your shoulders as high as you can and roll them forward ten times and backward ten times throughout the day.

3) Dumbbell Curls - While on the phone, you can grab a dumbbell and do bicep curls for 20 repetitions three times a day. Straighten your arms by your side and bring your hand (dumbbell) to your shoulder. Keep your palms up. Do one at a time if on the phone.

4) Bench Dips - Using your chair or sturdy table, place your hands on the edge of the object and bend your arms to slowly lower yourself about six inches lower than the seat. Raise yourself by straightening your arms. Repeat this three times a day for 10 repetitions.

5) Assisted Push-up - In the office, lean up against your desk and push yourself away from the desk while in a leaning position. Repeat this three times a day for 10 repetitions

Sometimes simply taking in deep breaths and holding your stomach in is a good exercise. It also helps revive you mentally so that you are more alert when you start working.

LONDON : Children who eat sweets every day are more likely to be violent as adults, possibly because they want instant gratification, a British psychological study suggested Thursday.

The research, by researchers at Cardiff University in Wales, took around 17,000 babies born in 1970 and monitored them at age five, 10, and 34 years old to see if there was a correlation.

It found that 69 per cent of those who had been found guilty of offences involving violence reported they had eaten confectionery nearly every day during childhood, compared to 42 per cent of those who were non-violent.

"Our favoured explanation is that giving children sweets and chocolate regularly may stop them learning how to wait to obtain something they want," lead researcher Simon Moore said.

"Not being able to defer gratification may push them towards more impulsive behaviour, which is strongly associated with delinquency," he added in the study, published in the October issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry.

But the study was condemned as "utter nonsense" by the Food and Drink Federation, which represents Britain's food and drink industry.

"Anti-social behaviour stems from deep-rooted social and environmental factors such as poor parenting and a deprived upbringing and is not linked to whether or not you ate sweeties as a kid," said its director of communications Julian Hunt.

"How anyone could leap to such a conclusion is beyond me."
I think the key in this article is that we learn to ration the amount of sweets we give to our children. It’s all about balance. Balance helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
We also learn to train children’s tolerance levels by restricting some of their habits.

In recent years there have been countless researches on the effect of sugar and children, that itself should be a cause for worry.

Healthy dieting should begin when one is a child. If your child is on an unhealthy diet, start weaning him or her on healthier foods. However, this does not mean you should restrict your child completely off unhealthy foods. Try to instil in your child the values of healthy living.

Start off by introducing a large amount of fibre into your child’s diet. Include lots of colours to keep him or her interested.