A shocking demise from Lymphoma Cancer
Friday, April 26, 2013 - Posted by SunnyHealth - 0 comments

The death of veteran Mediacorp actor Huang Wenyong from Lymphoma Cancer on Saturday comes as a shock to many. Not only because his illness has been kept low-key, but in comparison to many veteran and senior actors in Mediacorp, his acting career has been positively vibrant. When not in character, he appeared in the pink of health and maintained a suave image that gave the impression that he was at least a decade younger than his true age.

Of course, all this was probably before the symptoms of the cancer got to him. In short, he was one of the last few people one would expect to be fatally. Even as we mourn the death of this talented actor whose shows many young Singaporeans have practically grown up watching, let us be reminded not to take health for granted, and to always be prepared for the unpredictability of sicknesses.

What is Lymphoma Cancer?

Lymphoma Cancer is not a high profile cancer unlike cancers such as lung cancer and breast cancer. However, according to Singapore Cancer Registry 2005-2009, Lymphoma is the 8th most common male cancer and 9th most common cancer for females in Singapore.

The cancer begins in the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells transported by vessels that constitute the lymphatic system, which is part of our immune system. When the lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably, they become abnormal lymphocytes. These abnormal lymphocytes collect in lymph nodes or lymph tissues such as the spleen and tonsils, and become tumours. The cancer can spread to other organs if not kept under control.

Causes of Lymphoma Cancer

No specific causes are identified as yet, but the typical risk factors for various cancers apply. They include:

- Genetics; the genetic mutation either being inherited from family members or is present at birth
- Exposure to carcinogens i.e. from smoking, working in highly toxic environments etc
- Age; more common between ages 16 and 34, and then 55 and old
- Medical conditions, especially those that suppress the immune system, such as HIV

Symptoms

Lymphoma is usually present as a painless lump that persists or grows bigger. Its location varies depending on where the cancer is and how much it has spread, which may lead to additional swelling. Common places include the neck, armpits or groin.

As enlarged lymph nodes take up space on blood vessels, nerves and /or the stomach, it leads to other symptoms like swollen limbs, tingly feelings and numbness, and constantly feeling full.

Other symptoms include fevers, chills, unexplained weight loss, perspiring at night, itching and constantly feeling tired.

Treatment

Common treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and biological therapy. The treatments are targeted at complete remission, whereby the lymphoma cells may still be present after treatment but cause no symptoms. As with all cancers, outcomes are determined by a variety of factors including stage of the cancer, health condition and age. However, according to the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), with prompt and appropriate treatment, the outlook for a person with Lymphoma is good.

Cancer is often unpredictable, but at least one thing is predictable, and that is, early discovery and treatment often leads to positive outcomes. Do go for regular medical check-ups, monitor your health condition and seek medical help when you’re unwell, and keep yourself up to date with health news. It isn’t only doctors and medical personnel who should be concerned with medical news. Get yourself equipped with medical knowledge through the many free or lowly-priced talks and workshops held by medical experts on cancer at the NCCS. A regularly updated list of educational events can be found here: http://www.nccs.com.sg/events/Pages/PatientPublicEvents.aspx

Sources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146136.php
http://www.nccs.com.sg/PatientCare/WhatisCancer/TypesofCancer/Pages/lymphoma-cancer.aspx?p=/PatientCare


Snap a pic to calm your nerves
Friday, April 12, 2013 - Posted by SunnyHealth - 0 comments
Source: redcloudphoto

Once associated only with amateur photography or camwhoring, camera phone photography has grown to become more established and appreciated even by professional photographers! In the USA, there are even classes dedicated to teaching photography via this medium for a pretty penny. Looking at the works of the masters, it’s not surprising that people would pay to attend their classes.

While in photography, premium equipment can make a difference to the results, ultimately, it is a photographer’s creativity, imagination and observation of the world around him or her that shapes a good composition. Each time you stop to take a photo, you are looking at your environment through a new perspective. These moments of temporary distraction and calm make photography a therapeutic activity that is good for mental well-being. While not exactly a vigorous activity, it encourages one to get out and about to explore the environment, thus repelling a sedentary lifestyle. And all you need is your camera phone.

Here are some tips to get some good compositions as well as the best out of photography.

First of all, don’t worry about the result. Pressure to conform to a certain standard can backfire and restrict your creative juices. Furthermore, instead of relieving stress, you’re probably adding more stress. If you’re afraid that your works will be picked on, simply don’t share them. But do share the hot messes with your loved ones who will undoubtedly take delight in the humour they evoke rather than laugh at your lack of skill. Learn to enjoy the process, rather than fret over the end-result. In fact, this principle should be applied to our daily life.

Observe your environment for something to shoot. Anything can make a meaningful composition, as long as it has a story. As such, as you pick out things and people within your visibility, try matching it with a description. For example, instead of “a book”, you might be mentally describing your favourite book as “the book that inspired me to start reading.” Instead of a random person, your mind might be describing the person as “someone I always see on my way to work but never got to know”. Singaporeans love taking food pictures, but instead of snapping the dish and forgetting all about it later, think about the things that make it so snap-worthy. Is it the colours? The unique appearance? Raving reviews that make you certain that you’re going to enjoy it? When you start attaching meaning to random things and people around you, you start seeing art and stories in the ordinary.

Get out and about. There are events happening in Singapore every day. Check out event listings and attractions. Websites like yoursingapore.com and tripadvisor.com.sg may lead you to places you never thought were interesting. Ask your friends for recommendations too. You’re bound to find somewhere to get nice pictures while having a good time chilling out.

Choose your favourite colour. Find objects of that colour scheme and snap away. You can even print out these photos and display them in your room, your house or your workplace. Surrounding yourself with your favourite colours can be therapeutic. Furthermore, decorating your living and work spaces with your own creations can be motivating and gives you a sense of pride.

Work around your favourite object. Have a lucky item that you always bring around with you? A favourite stuffed toy that you hug when you’re down? Something that simply calms you or cheers you up with its presence? Try photographing it in different locations, angles, lightings and ways. Fun and unique photos have been composed as a result. Use your works for display in your living and work spaces, and you can be surrounded by your favourite object all day long, even if you can’t bring it around with you.

Take a break, breathe and close your eyes. Out of ideas? It’s normal. Relax and enjoy the freedom of doing nothing, and head to a new point or position. You may find a different perspective that you missed earlier.


7 less talked about swim habits to have
Friday, April 05, 2013 - Posted by SunnyHealth - 0 comments

Believe it or not, some people have a habit of swallowing pool water, intentionally or by accident, an unhealthy habit that should be kicked.


The weather’s been so hot and humid that taking a dip in the pool or letting the sea waves lap over you sound like great ideas to cool off and have fun, regardless of age! Meanwhile, it is also a form of exercise that helps you to keep fit and get those muscles toned.

But swimming can have some flip points, ranging from chemical reactions with chlorine in water to a spread of illnesses in a well-populated pool. Before you change out and head for the tempting blue waters, keep in mind some healthy habits that will prevent your swimming excursion from turning awry.

Using sunblock and bathing before and after swimming are good advice that most sensible people would rank on the top of their to-do list, but there’s more to take note of!

Drink lots of water

Being submerged in water the whole time, we don’t often feel dehydrated enough to be inclined to get out and drink water. In truth, if you’re swimming in the afternoon, the sun can be damaging on the skin, and you’re also perspiring from the heat and the exercise, although you may not feel it. Furthermore, swimming pools contain chlorine, which dries out your skin. Be sure to get out of the water for regular water breaks. To keep your skin moisturised and prevent dryness and flaking from sunburns, apply moisturiser after you shower.


Don’t swim when you’re ill

For some people, working up a sweat makes them feel better when they’re ill. To each his own, but when it comes to swimming, some infections can be spread through water, especially gastroenteritis symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Not only do you put other swimmers’ health at risk, when your immune system is in a weaker state, you may get even more ill after your swim from exposure to germs and bacteria from other swimmers.


Don’t swim if you have an open wound or infection

Your wound may become infected, and existing infections may become more serious. It doesn’t matter if you have a band-aid over your wound. Few band-aids are truly waterproof and it is common to have to change your band-aid after a bath, which is why you can’t rely on it too much to keep possibly polluted water away from your injury. If you have acne and lesions on your face, the pool water can worsen your acne.


Avoid the sea after heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall collects pollutants from the streets into the canals and is eventually flushed into the surrounding sea waters. The increase in bacterial levels in the water makes the water unhealthy for swimming. Give up to one day’s allowance after the rain stops before you take your dip.  


Don’t swallow

Most people probably don’t do this, but children may be susceptible to this habit, either by accident or because they think it is fun. Pool water contains chlorine and other chemicals, while sea water may contain pollution and algae. Be sure to educate your child against doing it. Keep an eye on him/her if you must.

 
Refrain from a large meal just before swimming

Just like you’re likely to get a stitch from running or any form of vigorous exercise after eating, the same applies with swimming. Generally, you should wait at least one hour before exercising after a full meal. Even then, that does not make you immune to a stitch. People who have eaten a large meal between one and two hours before a race have reportedly complained about stitches in any case.

BBC News offers a scientific outlook on the nauseous feeling one may get from vigorous activity on a full stomach. “Vigorous exercise directs blood flow away from the digestive area to the skin and to the muscles in your arms, legs and skin. So, if your food is still half-digested this could make you nauseous. It’s the same reason that extreme fear makes you feel sick. The fight-or-flight response abandons less-urgent processes like digestion, diverting blood flow to the muscles so that you can defend yourself physically, or run faster than you ever have before.”

But of course, if you simply intend to indulge in a leisurely soak, there’s no evidence that a full meal can cause any harm.


Take the children on regular bathroom breaks

Kids, when they’re having too much fun, they often dislike stopping what they are doing for other more essential activities, and that includes going to the bathroom. Some children only announce that they need to go at the last moment, and that is often too later. Be considerate to other pool users; do your part in keeping the pool sanitary by ensuring that your dependents go to the toilet instead of relieving themselves in the very waters you’re swimming in.

Other sources: 
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-09/beauty/31224715_1_skin-care-chlorine-exercise
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/3/1288/2/tips_to_healthy_swimming.pm
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/six-steps-healthy-swimming.html