Sickness and birthday

As I had mentioned in the post before this one, the weather's been bad and this week is no different. Caitlin had high fever (40 deg C)on Monday but by Wednesday, the fever broke. We celebrated her ninth birthday a day earlier on Wednesday which coincided with the Deepavali public holiday. Family came over, we had lunch and did the customary song and cake at home.

She felt tired by evening and took a late nap, woke for a later-than-usual dinner.

Yesterday (Thursday 27th) was her birthday. We had planned for her to go to school and at lunch break, I'd bring a cake to celebrate with her classmates. But since she didn't seem fully recovered on Wednesday evening, we decided to let her skip school and luckily we did as her fever, although mild, returned when she woke in the morning (37.5 - 38 deg C). Her usual morning sneezes and stuffy nose due to her allergic rhinitis condition was more pronounced and her stuffy nose seemed worse than usual. I took her to the paediatrician who said she has mild flu and her nose allergy needs to be managed again with a nasal spray. She seemed a bit better by afternoon but went back to lethargy by late evening but fever appeared under control without paracetamol.

This morning she seemed fine when we went to the hair salon to get a trim (she asked for temporary curls too, and the stylist was kind enough to use her curling iron for free since she found out her birthday was yesterday). But by lunchtime, she felt tired again, with a slight temp, and is now asleep.

Sigh, I hope this viral fever will come to pass soon and I hope it's nothing else. She's not attended school or any other extra classes this whole week. I hope she'll be able to go to school next Monday. I'm glad exams are over and they're not doing much in school other than going through their exam papers and practising their performances for the Speech Day in two weeks' time.

I hear a number of kids in her class have also been absent due to fever or sickness...

Too much toilet time

C loves to read. When she is doing something she considers boring like eating or when she's on the 'throne', she has to read. When she gets her hands on a book, she'll not put it down until she's read the last page. We have difficulty getting her to stop reading during such times. While reading is a good habit, I feel, like in everything we do, there's a time and place for it.

Reading during mealtimes takes your attention away from enjoying your food and the company of the people you are eating with. You miss out on bonding time, sharing and talking with your family members.

Many people read while sitting on the 'throne'. I think that there's nothing too wrong with that except that when most people do that, they tend to spend a longer time in the toilet. It's alright if you are self-disiciplined and stop reading once you're done. With C, she can spend between half to an hour in there, even if she's done what she's supposed to do within 15 minutes. My main concern is that it is not a physcially healthy habit. Sitting too long on the toilet can cause hemorrhoids. As it is, she is sometimes constipated and has to strain.

Pressure to the anal veins, due to improper diet and straining causes the veins to become irritated and swollen, resulting in hemorrhoids. Sitting for too long on the toilet, like when you read in the toilet, also causes strain to the anal veins.

Here are some links for further information:
Mayo Clinic info
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Hemorrhoid - Understanding Its Causes and Symptoms
 
And here's an excerpt from an article in Esquire dotcom:

Explains Dr. David Gutman, founder and lead physician of Advanced Hemorrhoid Specialists, "Hemorrhoids are derived from anatomical structures called anal cushions — like small balloons — embedded within the wall of the anal canal. When abdominal pressure is increased, these cushions instantly fill with blood to form a hydraulic seal to help prevent leakage.

"If the anal cushions become stretched out or get irritated, they are called hemorrhoids and can cause bleeding, itching, pain, and the protrusion of tissue through the rectum," the last condition also known as Jimmyfallonitis. "Sitting on the toilet too long can increase pressure on these anal cushions, which may eventually cause them to become hemorrhoids."

But doc, how long is too long?

"Well, you shouldn't be reading on the toilet. Bowel movements should be quick. I know people like to read in the bathroom, and what I would recommend is once they are done with the movement — if they insist on wanting to stay and read — they should wipe, flush, put the toilet-seat cover down, and sit on that. It's almost like sitting on a chair."

Organic Farming > Conventional Agriculture

This is an article I found in Scientific American.

Ten years ago, Certified Organic didn’t exist in the United States. Yet in 2010, a mere eight years after USDA’s regulations officially went into effect, organic foods and beverages made $26.7 billion. In the past year or two, certified organic sales have jumped to about $52 billion worldwide despite the fact that organic foods cost up to three times as much as those produced by conventional methods. More and more, people are shelling out their hard-earned cash for what they believe are the best foods available. Imagine, people say: you can improve your nutrition while helping save the planet from the evils of conventional agriculture – a complete win-win. And who wouldn’t buy organic, when it just sounds so good?



Here’s the thing: there are a lot of myths out there about organic foods, and a lot of propaganda supporting methods that are rarely understood.

Read the rest of this article here.

Why am I so tired?

This is an article that answers the question.

Why Am I So Tired? 7 Causes of Fatigue

Getting plenty of sleep but still exhausted? Before you blame your multi-tasking, super-woman lifestyle, learn more about what might be at the root of your unexplained fatigue.
By Colette Bouchez
WebMD Feature
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

We are in the midst of a global energy crisis but it has nothing to do with oil. The problem is unexplained fatigue.

"I'm so tired; I just can't do what I used to do."

"I'd love to go but honestly, I just don't have the energy."

"Sex? You mean right now?"

If you're like most women, these phrases have become mantras, the echo of our collective yawn growing louder every day.

"The single biggest complaint I hear from my patients, day in and day out, is fatigue," says cardiologist Nieca Goldberg, MD, Director of the NYU Medical Center Women's Heart Program and associate professor at the NYU School of Medicine.

Of course, for some of us the problem is simply multi-tasking to the max and not getting enough sleep, or good quality sleep. "If you're continually logging in just 5 or 6 hours a night, it's going to catch up with you, no matter your age," says Rebecca Amaru, MD, clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

But if you are getting a healthy 7 to 8 hours a night and you're still tired, Goldberg says it's time for a check-up to uncover the causes for fatigue.

"If your fatigue goes on for more than a week and there is no explanation for feeling tired, then yes, see your doctor," says Goldberg.

While occasionally fatigue may be a sign of a serious illness, experts say most often it's caused by a minor problem, with a relatively easy fix.

To help you zero in on why you can't stop yawning, here are 7 hidden causes of fatigue -- potential health problems you should discuss with your doctor.

Fatigue Cause # 1: Anemia

"If you are in your reproductive years, and particularly if you experience heavy menstrual cycles, have fibroid tumors or uterine polyps, or if you've recently given birth, the blood loss may have caused you to develop anemia -- a leading cause of fatigue in women," says Amaru.

Problems occur, she says, when the bleeding leads to a deficiency of hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to other parts of your body. When your tissues and organs don't get enough oxygen, she says, the result is fatigue.

Other causes of anemia include internal bleeding, or a deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. Anemia may also be caused by chronic diseases like kidney disease, for example. Symptoms can include dizziness, feeling cold, and irritability.

To confirm a diagnosis of anemia, your physician will give you a blood test. Treatment, she says, usually consists of iron supplements if iron deficiency is the cause, and adding iron-rich foods -- such as spinach, broccoli, and red meat -- to your diet.

Fatigue Cause # 2: Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)

If you are generally sluggish, run down, and even a little depressed, Goldberg says the problem may be a slow thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck and controls your metabolism, the speed at which your body operates.

"I believe that undiagnosed thyroid disorder is one of the major female health problems in this country. I think it is even more widespread than anyone realizes," says Goldberg.

According to the American Thyroid Foundation, by age 60 approximately 17% of all women will have a thyroid disorder and most won't know it. The most common cause, they say, is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This condition causes the body to destroy the cells responsible for producing thyroxin and other hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The result is hypothyroidism, or a slow metabolism.

Blood tests known as T3 and T4 will detect thyroid hormones. If these hormones are low, Goldberg says synthetic hormones can bring you up to speed and you should begin to feel better fairly rapidly.

Fatigue Cause # 3: Undiagnosed Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Although most women associate a urinary tract infection with symptoms such as burning or urgency, Goldberg says in some instances fatigue may be your only clue.

"Not every woman has obvious symptoms of a UTI. Some have no symptoms or mild symptoms that go unnoticed, except for the fatigue," she says.

In most instances, a UTI is caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, often the result of improper bathroom hygiene (wiping back to front, for example). Sexual intercourse can increase the risk because it can push bacteria from the vagina into the urethra.

If your physician suspects that you have a UTI, your urine will be tested. Treatment is quick and easy, and usually involves an oral antibiotic medication. Goldberg says the fatigue will lift within a week or less.

If your symptoms return, get tested again, she says, because in some women, UTI's are chronic. If this is the case, talk to your doctor about preventive care, including low dose antibiotics.

Fatigue Cause # 4: Caffeine Overload

Many of us grab a coffee or cola for a quick burst of energy, but for some women, caffeine can have the opposite effect.

In an article published in the journal US Pharmacist, author W. Stephen Pray, PhD, RPh, reports that caffeine is a stimulant, but if you take too much, the tables can turn.

"In some patients, continued abuse results in fatigue," according to Pray. And if you think this means you simply require more caffeine to get the kick, this isn't the case. "Any attempts to solve the problem by increasing caffeine intake causes the fatigue to worsen," he says.

The solution: Eliminate as much caffeine from your diet as possible. This means not only cutting out coffee. Chocolate, tea, soda and even some medications also contain caffeine and could be causing unexplained fatigue.

Fatigue Cause # 5: Food Intolerances

While food is supposed to give us energy, some doctors believe hidden food intolerances can do the opposite. According to Rudy Rivera, MD, author of Your Hidden Food Allergies Are Making You Fat, even mild food intolerance can leave you feeling sleepy. Eat the offending food long enough and you could find yourself feeling continually exhausted.

"Evidence indicates food intolerance as a cause of fatigue, and even suggests that fatigue may be an early warning sign of food intolerance," he says.

If you suspect that food may be behind all that yawning, Rivera says to start with an elimination diet, cutting out foods that cause you to feel sleepy within 10 to 30 minutes of eating them.

Fatigue Cause # 6: Sleep Apnea

If you're not getting enough sleep, it stands to reason you'll be tired. But what if you don't know that you aren't getting sufficient sleep? This is often the case with a condition called sleep apnea -- a sleep disorder that causes you to momentarily stop breathing, often many times during the night. Each time you stop breathing, you awaken just long enough to disrupt your sleep cycle, usually without being aware of it. Your only clue, says Goldberg, is that you experience constant fatigue no matter how many hours you sleep each night.

According to Goldberg, sleep apnea, which is caused by an upper airway obstruction, often occurs in women who are overweight or obese. Snoring is often a sign of sleep apnea. Diagnosis requires a visit to a sleep lab, or to a doctor specializing in sleep apnea.

If you have sleep apnea, your physician will recommend lifestyle changes, including losing weight and quitting smoking. Medical treatment includes devices that keep airway passages open while you sleep. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary to ensure proper airway flow. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase your risk of stroke or heart attack.

Fatigue Cause # 7: Undiagnosed Heart Disease

If you find yourself becoming exhausted after activity that used to be easy, it may be time to talk to your doctor about the possibility of heart disease.

According to Goldberg, when overwhelming fatigue sets in after ordinary tasks -- such as vacuuming the house, doing yard work, or commuting from work each day -- your heart may be sending out an SOS that it needs medical attention.

"This doesn't mean that you should panic every time you yawn," says Goldberg. "Most of the time, fatigue is not the first sign of heart disease, and it's usually linked to something far less serious."

At the same time, Goldberg points out that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. "If fatigue following activity is significant, and no other possible reason comes to mind, see your doctor for a check-up," she advises. If your fatigue is related to your heart, medication or treatment procedures can usually help correct the problem, reduce the fatigue, and restore your energy.

Rheumatoid arthritis

I first became aware of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when a friend of mine told me she was diagnosed with it about 10 years ago. We always hear people say they have arthritis but there are various forms of it.

According WebMD, "rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that typically occurs in joints on both sides of the body (such as hands, wrists, or knees). This symmetry helps distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis".



What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?



The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. With rheumatoid arthritis, something seems to trigger the immune system to attack the joints and sometimes other organs. Some theories suggest that a virus or bacteria may alter the immune system, causing it to attack the joints. Other theories suggest that smoking may lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.


Research hasn't completely determined exactly what role genetics plays in rheumatoid arthritis. However, some people do seem to have a genetic or inherited factor that increases their chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?



The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on a combination of factors, including:


The specific location and symmetry of painful joints, especially the hand joints.


The presence of joint stiffness in the morning.


Presence of bumps and nodules under the skin (rheumatoid nodules).


Results of X-ray tests that suggest rheumatoid arthritis.


Positive results of a blood test called the rheumatoid factor.


Most, but not all, people with rheumatoid arthritis have the rheumatoid-factor antibody in their blood. (Rheumatoid factors are actually antibodies that bind other antibodies.) Rheumatoid factor may sometimes be present in people who do not have rheumatoid arthritis. Other diseases can also cause the rheumatoid factor to be produced in the blood. Therefore, the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on a combination of joint abnormalities as well as laboratory information and not just the presence of the rheumatoid factor in the blood.


A newer, more specific blood test for rheumatoid arthritis is the cylic citrulline antibody test, also called anti-CCP. When positive, it is highly suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of anti-CCP antibodies implies a tendency toward a more aggressive form of rheumatoid arthritis.

People with rheumatoid arthritis may have a mild anemia. Blood tests may also reveal an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, which are markers of inflammation.

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may also have a positive antinuclear antibody test (ANA). This test is indicative of the fact that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and sometimes overlaps with other autoimmune disorders.

Man trapped in 23-year 'coma' reveals horror of being unable to tell doctors he was conscious

When I read this, I didn't know what to feel...or think.
Here's a commentary about the case.

The field of medicine has come so far in this day and age and yet, there are still cases beyond help, cures that have yet to be found, and mysteries to uncover when it comes to the 'less than perfect' conditions of our human body -- the condition referred to as 'sickness', 'illness', 'disease', 'suffering', 'pain', 'epidemic', 'pandemic'....

Vaccines

I'm of two minds about vaccines. My biological science background taught me that they are good as they make your body increase or build immunity against diseases. But of late, with all the information available around us, I've been wondering if vaccines really help. Maybe they do, if these vaccines have been thoroughly researched and tested till no end before they are pushed out to the market. The testing, however, is another area of concern - testing on animals i.e. cruelty to animals, testing on humans i.e. people used as guinea pigs and getting paid to participate in drug trials, but otherwise, how to test?

Vaccines may have side effects. Some could be mild and tolerable but some could be serious or fatal. Till today, vaccines administered during the toddler years, have been debated about as to whether they cause conditions like autism. And recently, the cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine has been reported to be the cause of serious and even fatal incidents among teens and young women. With the influenza A(H1N1) virus attack not letting up, and even a second wave expected during the coming winter spell, pharmaceutical companies and scientists had rushed to develop a vaccine. It is now available and there's much debate about that too, as to whether in the rush, testing was done sufficiently or not since viruses can develop resistance or mutate (like the avian flu virus), and if governments have the right to 'force' people to be vaccinated, and penalise those who refuse it.

An 'alternative' health and medicine website, that promotes health through natural means that I subscribe to online, often bashes drug companies and their government links for their push to medicate and vaccinate for financial and economic reasons. Some of what is written makes sense.

Here are some samples of their articles:

Top researcher who worked on cervical cancer vaccine warns about its dangers

Teen girl suffers permanent brain damage after cervical cancer vaccine

Historical facts about the dangers (and failures) of vaccines

Diseased African Monkeys Used to Make Swine Flu Vaccines; Private Military Contractor Holds Key Patents

Some other links I found on my own:

HPV Vaccine Researcher Blasts Mandatory Marketing

'Dangers' of the fast-track swine flu vaccine



The public should be made aware of the possible side effects of any vaccine, and any durg/medication. Most times, especially here where I live, clinics do not explain or highlight these possible side effects to the patients. Some general practitioners dispense generic medicine in bulk packaging types of bottles or their clinic's personalised bottles and plastic envelopes. These carry labels informing the patient about the dosage only. Patients don't even know the names of the pills/medicine they are taking, let alone the possible side effects. There are only some doctors/clinics who are conscientious and responsible enough to take that extra step to explain thoroughly to the patient about the drugs he/she is given. Is there no guideline by the healthcare authorities in ensuring all healthcare providers conduct themselves in the rightful manner?

Ask the person dispensing you your medicine the next time what you are taking and if they cause any side effects. Or if the medicine is in its original packaging, it should have a pamphlet inside detailing it's drug content, recommended dosage and possible side effects. Some sections may contain pharmaceutical jargon but the recommended dosage and side effects should be easily understood by the man in the street.

So while we ponder about whether drugs/vaccines do more harm than good or vice versa, it's still best to stay healthy by natural means, i.e. eat well and exercise and be mindful of our general health. Prevention is better than cure, as the old saying goes.

Chicken pox

It's a three-day weekend with tomorrow being Malaysia's 52nd year of independence. This weekend also marks the end of the one-week school holiday. For ACE, the one-week holiday felt longer since Caitlin was already out of school for about 10 days before school closed due to the suspension of the Year 1 classes two weeks ago because of widespread viral fever among the kids. Then last week, one case of H1N1 flu was confirmed and we decided to keep her out of school as the school did not get the green light from the Ministry of Education to close.

Last Thursday, we went to Port Dickson for a night and a day, then we proceeded to my parents place in Seremban for the weekend to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday together with mum, younger brother and his family.

This Thursday, I noticed a small red spot on C's neck and a few on her arm and back when she complained of itchiness. My first thought was "either mosquito bite or chicken pox". The chicken pox virus has been going around these few weeks so that's what made me suspicious. I checked for fever but none. I made an 'unsure' conclusion it could be mosquito bites since our place has quite a lot of mosquitoes. I continued to monitor the next day to see if more spots developed. A few more appeared, still no fever and thoughts about chicken pox resurfaced. We decided to take her to the doctor for confirmation.

Based on my personal experience of chicken pox, the rashes spread rather rapidly, you'd feel pretty sick with fever, itchiness and even sore throat when the rashes form inside your mouth and throat. But for Caitlin, except for relatively few rashes, she was still very much her usual self. When I was 16 and had chicken pox, my entire body, face, scalp, everywhere was covered with those itchy, unsightly weeping bumps. I felt like it was the end of the world and I'd be scarred for life, depressed for being quarantined in my room for an entire week because I got it on Chinese New Year's eve. What a bummer then, missing out on all the visiting (less angpow!), CNY food and goodies.

The doctor confirmed chicken pox and said that it's because she had already been vaccinated for the disease that the rashes are not proliferating and fever is not present. He prescribed calamine lotion and anti-itch oral medication and suggested we feed her coconut water. He mentioned anti-viral meds but since they only act to suppress the condition, we (him and us) concurred to best let the condition run its course and manage it.

So, C has been like 'normal' apart from the occasional itchiness. Currently in the contagious stage, we're keeping her away from others as much as we can. A playdate and visit from two of my old classmates tomorrow has been cancelled much to her and her playdate and the three of us mamas' disappointment. And to avoid infecting her cousins, we won't be able to join family for dinner in Klang tonight.

She'll probably have to skip school for a few days when school reopens on Tuesday i.e. further extending her 'holiday'.

Caitlin not in school

Just after I said yesterday that Caitlin is back in school after a week's closure of her Year 1 class, she's now back at home today. Late evening yesterday, word got passed around via her teacher that a kid in school has been confirmed with the H1N1 flu. Apparently the MOE has not allowed the school to be closed/quarantined. I wonder why. So those who did not get the news yesterday would probably have sent their kids to school this morning. A circular will be sent out to all parents today I heard. I hope to get the full story later when I call the school or get it online through the PTA group....

Fever outbreak

Our environment is totally polluted - with chemical and biological contaminants. Currently, the more evidently threatening ones in Malaysia are the haze and the H1N1 flu virus. There is also some other non-H1N1 flu virus going around that is causing many people to fall sick. Fever is the symptom of the body's way of fighting infection.

Last week, more than half of one Year 6 class in Caitlin's school did not turn up on Monday due to fever. The school suspended lessons for that affected class for the entire week as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of whatever viral/bacterial infection among the children pending confirmation from the affected children's parents on whether they contracted the H1N1 virus or not. We kept Caitlin out of school for two days after hearing the news, just in case. The school later said that the Year 6 children reported viral and bacterial infection, including two with chicken pox. That class resumed lessons today.

Since Thursday, the school has been screening the temperature of all children as they enter the gates in the morning. Those detected with fever were sent home. Today, 43% of Year 1 students were absent. Nine were absent from Caitlin's Year 1class while 13 were absent from the other class, because of fever. At dismissal this afternoon, the school declared lessons suspended for the entire week for both Year 1 classes. I happened to be outside the class talking to a teacher when the vice principal stepped into Caitlin's class to make the announcement. Immediately I heard cheers of happiness from the kids. Caitlin came out happy and excited that she's getting a holiday the next four days.

As for me, I've to start wondering how to get her to do some things she should be doing while at home, like catch up on practising on her drums and piano, and polishing up her Malay language skills.

Hopefully, no kids in her class or the other class has contracted H1N1 flu.

Pain can mask depression, say experts

Read this in the news today:

Medical experts believe that one reason why most cases of depression are untreated is because the illness may be masked as pain in the body.

Malaysian Psychiatric Association president Dr Yen Teck Hoe said many patients and medical practitioners fail to recognise physical pain as a common symptom of depression.

“Doctors often dispense painkillers to relieve the pain as it is presumed that the root of the problem is from the area that hurts.

“However, people forget that it is the brain and mind which controls the body,” he said at the first Malaysian Pain and Depression Day Media Workshop at the PJ Hilton here yesterday.

Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) psychological medicine department senior lecturer Dr Jesjeet Singh Gill said depression may be manifested as pain because the illness would disrupt serotonin activity in the body. Serotonin is the bodily chemical which regulates pain.

“When this happens, depressed people are unable to control the painful sensation compared to someone who is not depressed,” he said.

The department’s consultant psychiatrist Prof Dr Nor Zuraida Zainal said depression also weakens the body’s immunity and increases a person’s chances of getting an infection.

She revealed that 59% of lower back pain patients were diagnosed with depression while previous case studies showed that pain also occurred in other areas such as the chest and jaw.

Asean Federation for Psychiatry and Mental Health president Prof Dr Mohamad Hussain Habil said the current economic crisis, including risk of unemployment were factors leading to depression today.

“It is projected that depression will be the second most disabling disease by 2020,” he said.

Another department senior lecturer Dr Ting Joe Hang said doctors should interact more with their patients to pick up hints on depression during diagnosis.

“Depressed patients should not stop medication prematurely because there is a 60% to 70% chance of a relapse,” he added.

Garbage enzyme

The garbage enzyme Caitlin made at her holiday camp is now ready to use after its three-month fermentation period.

What is garbage enzyme? You can get all the info you need from this site.

According to the site, "Garbage enzyme is a complex solution produced by fermentation of fresh kitchen waste (fruits and vegetables dregs), sugar (brown sugar, jaggery or molasses sugar) and water. It is dark brown and has a strong sweet sour fermented scent. Garbage enzyme is a multipurpose liquid and its applications covers household, agriculture, animal husbandry etc. Garbage enzyme is the solution to recover our ozone layer and lower the global temperature.

From day one you start making garbage enzyme, its catalyses process will release ozone gas (O3). O3 can reduce carbon dioxide (C02) in the atmosphere and heavy metal that traps heat in the cloud. Hence heat can be released from the Earth,reducing greenhouse and global warming effects. Enzyme convert ammonia to nitrate (NO3), a natural hormone and nutrient for plants. Meanwhile it converts carbon dioxide to carbonate (C03) which is beneficial to sea plants and marine life."

This is a good way to save the earth and also save money. Your kitchen waste will not be wasted, you do your part in preventing global warming, and you are not at risk from exposing yourself to the harmful chemicals in the daily cleaning products you usually use.

Garbage enzyme can be used as natural household cleaner; air purifier; deodoriser; insecticide; detergent; body care; car care: organic fertiliser, etc

It removes odour, dissolves toxic air released from smoking, car exhaust, chemical residues from household products, etc.

It aslo purifies underground water: enzyme that flows underground will eventually purify the river and the sea.

Natural pesticides: Reduce mosquitoes, flies, rats or cockroaches etc.

Anti-bacterial and virus: Natural antiseptic for your home.

Prevent drainpipe blockage: Release residues accumulated in the pipe of basins or toilet bowls.

I've just used it to mop my sticky floor. I think it's a good substitute for floor cleaning detergents. Helps me save money, save the environment, prevent my skin from getting rashes and long-term bad effects of using and inhaling chemical-based cleaning agents.

Next,I will use the enzyme to wash toilets, dishes, clean vegetables, and bathe Rusty with it.

You should give it a try. Chemical and soap-based solutions should be out of our homes if possible.

Other links for info are here, here and here.

Milk teeth

I do not remember having to go to the dentist, ever.., to have my milk teeth extracted. I remember shaking them in and out until they became very loose and even tied thread around it to yank them out. Looking back, I think I was a rather brave and daring girl.... ha ha.

As for Caitlin, her first loose tooth had to be extracted by a dentist. That happened two days ago when it was rather loose and the permanent tooth was already sprouting. She asked me to pull it out for her (it was causing some discomfort/pain and also because she wants to experience the 'tooth fairy' leaving something for her when she puts the tooth under her pillow!). I tried but it wasn't loose enough. It was hurting her gums when she chewed food so she asked to go to the dentist (she likes visiting the dentist).

Her dentist commented lightheartedly, "Wow, she's gone through all the various treatments already - filling, root canal (although it was just a two-visit treatment) and now extraction...and she's only six years old!"

That's our dear Caitlin. Very good at getting 'treatments' and making us spend money, at the paediatrician, dentist, shopping mall, book shop,.....

Anyway, the money spent was/is necessary for our peace of mind for a healthy and growing child....

She 'knows' we are the tooth fairy so when going to bed, she said she was going to put the tooth under her pillow and hinted to Eugene that instead of shiny coins, she hopes the 'tooth fairy' will leave a sweet (candy) instead! Talk about being cunning!

Before

After

Nonstick Cookware Chemicals Found in Human Breast Milk

While there are contamination risks in formula milk powder as reported recently, breast milk is also not spared:

(NaturalNews) Toxic chemicals used in nonstick coatings and stain-resistant fabrics were found in the breast milk of every woman tested in a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Researchers tested the milk from 45 different nursing mothers for two different varieties of perflourinated compounds (PFCs): perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), also known as C8. PFOA is used in nonstick coatings such as Teflon, while PFOS is an ingredient in stain-resistant fabric.

PFCs were found in the milk of every woman tested, at an average concentration of 131 billionths of a gram of PFOS and 44 billionths of a gram of PFOA per liter.

The researchers said that this concentration would expose infants to PFC levels below the maximum set by the British Food Standards Agency Committee, but noted that infants may also be exposed to PFCs from other sources.

"Breast milk should be considered as an additional source of PFCs when determining a child's [total] exposure," researcher Kathleen Arcaro said.

She urged parents to keep in mind that breastfeeding still provides important nutritional and immune system benefits to infants.

The researchers also found that concentrations of PFCs in the milk of women who were nursing for the first time actually increased during the first six months of nursing.

"This may be related to increased food intake to meet the energy demands of nursing, and changes in food consumption patterns," said Arcaro. "In a Canadian study, diet was shown to contribute 61 percent of a person's total daily [PFC] intake."

PFCs are persistent organic pollutants that resist environmental breakdown and instead accumulate in the bodies of living beings, including humans. Research has linked them to cancers, birth and developmental defects and disruptions of the hormonal system. They have been found in the blood of most adults tested around the world. Prior studies have also found that unborn children may absorb PFCs through their mother's blood.

The United States has not set any regulations for exposure to PFCs.

Sources for this story include: wvgazette.com.

Babies in danger

SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China said on Saturday that it believed 432 babies across the country had been made ill by contaminated milk powder which caused them to develop kidney stones.... baby formula had been contaminated with melamine, a toxin linked to the deaths and illness of thousands of pets in the United States last year.

Authorities believe suppliers of milk to Sanlu may have diluted the milk with water and then added melamine, a substance used in plastics, fertilisers and cleaning products, to make the milk's protein levels appear higher than they were.

For full report, see here.

This is a major public relations disaster for the milk manufacturer and another black mark on China's food safety (or rather food scare) record. The manufacturer is partly owned by Fonterra, New Zealand's dairy company which also makes the Fernleaf brand of milk powder if I'm not mistaken. However, I doubt that Fonterra is directly at fault since the milk is manufactured locally in China by the Sanlu Group.

But what's more worrying is the affected babies' health condition. Breast milk is best (but mother's must eat healthily too!).

Sleep remedies

What do you do when you can't sleep at night? Right now I'm bothered by an aching knee, itchy fingers (dermatitis problem), slight hunger and an overactive mind. I was tossing and turning in bed and decided it wasn't worth the torture.

I was contemplating reading or watching TV but the computer's little voice started calling out. Chatting, checking email, and blogging has managed to distract me slightly from the knee ache and itchy hands. The hunger is stifled slightly by a cup of warm chocolate. The overactive mind however is still, well, active.

So, how to sleep better? WebMD says:

A good mattress firmly supports the back, neck, and legs, and also offers cushion and recoil for comfort. (Okay, time to go mattress shopping)

Talk Yourself to Sleep. Try talk therapy to fight insomnia. It gets better results than sleeping pills. (Umm, talk to myself and the wall? My talking partner cannot talk while he is snoring away...)

Nix Late Naps. No matter how tired, don't nap after 3 p.m. Late naps make it harder to fall asleep at night. (What nap? I'd be lucky if I can just lie down for 3 minutes in the afternoon!)

Regular exercise deepens sleep in young adults. Be sure to exercise no later than three hours before bed. (Exercise? What is that? Am I a young or old adult?)

To read more, see here.

I think I shall move on to something else on the computer now....

Take care of your hands

If you are one whose hands are constantly exposed to detergents, chemicals and water due to your work, you might want to take better care of your hands. Hair stylists, dental/medical workers like nurses and surgeons, housewives for example, are susceptible to what is called hand dermatitis, especially if their skin is the 'sensitive' type.

It could be due to internal factors such as your genes (allergy) or external factors (contact with chemicals or repetitive wetting and drying of hands which could strip off your skin's natural protective layer). The result is dry, chapped hands, redness, itchy rashes, tiny liquid-filled blisters, scaling, peeling and possible infection.

Some care tips from DermNet NZ:

Where possible, avoid wet-work and contact with irritants. Protect your hands using vinyl gloves, which are less likely than rubber to cause allergic reactions. Don't wear these for long periods, as sweating will also aggravate dermatitis. Always make sure the gloves are scrupulously clean inside.

Use emollients frequently. A thin smear of a thick barrier cream should be applied to all affected areas before work, and reapplied after washing and whenever the skin dries out.

Your doctor will prescribe topical steroids to reduce inflammation. These come in various strengths and should only be applied to areas of active dermatitis once or twice daily. Generally a potent topical steroid is used for several weeks.

If your dermatitis is infected, your doctor will prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic such as flucloxacillin for about a week. See a dermatologist if your dermatitis persists more than a few months or is severe. You may be treated with a course of oral steroids (prednisone) or other immunosuppressive medication. A form of ultraviolet radiation treatment called (PUVA) may be recommended.

Are you stressed?

Stress can affect your health. I have heard that excessive stress could lead to illnesses such as heart problems and cancer. I was checking out some information and came across this.

Some excerpts from it:

Signs and symptoms of excessive stress can show in our health, our thoughts, our feelings, and our behavior. Excessive and chronic stress can create disease and discomfort physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and socially.

More frequent "hot" stress responses can result in an inability to concentrate, obsessive thinking, chronic tension and anxiety, chronic depression or boredom, broken relationships, and aggressive outbursts. Our behavior can be reflective of our stress levels when we act impulsively, increase consumption of food, tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs; are easily startled, grind our teeth, or cry inappropriately.

Physically, we can respond to excessive stress by sweating, increased heart rate, increased breathing, headaches, backaches, tight muscles, changes in appetite, or even nausea. Over time, chronic excessive stress has shown to be linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, cancers, and increased incidents of cold or flu virus infections. The major causes of death in the United States are lifestyle related, and be reduced with the help of stress management.

So, if you're feeling stressed and your body is confirming it, it's time for a time-out before it's too late.

As for me, I'm back to drinking coffee, feeling tight and aching muscles, tired and bored, sleepy, lazy. I need a time-out. The question now is "When and how?"

Meat and you

This week, I came across two items that once again draws attention to why we should cut down or totally stop eating meat, especially red meat.

First, a friend sent me an excerpt of a video narrated by Joaquin Phoenix titled "Earthlings".

The synopsis from Google video:
EARTHLINGS is a feature length documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals (for pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and scientific research) but also illustrates our complete disrespect for these so-called "non-human providers." The film is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix (GLADIATOR) and features music by the critically acclaimed platinum artist Moby. With an in-depth study into pet stores, puppy mills and animals shelters, as well as factory farms, the leather and fur trades, sports and entertainment industries, and finally the medical and scientific profession, EARTHLINGS uses hidden cameras and never before seen footage to chronicle the day-to-day practices of some of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit. Powerful, informative and thought-provoking, EARTHLINGS is by far the most comprehensive documentary ever produced on the correlation between nature, animals, and human economic interests. There are many worthy animal rights films available, but this one transcends the setting. EARTHLINGS cries to be seen.

Click here to watch it. I would like to warn that this video contains disturbing scenes but it is important that we watch it.

Secondly, today I received an article, "Red Meat Consumption Linked Yet Again to Increased Cancer Risk" that details some research findings.

How do you feel now that you have watched the video and read the article?

Back to coffee

I tried going back to my non-coffee days after 1 1/2 months of one or two cups a day, and lasted three days. I just made a cup of coffee and am halfway through it right now...the mind-body struggle....

I read recently that Caffeine Consumption Hikes Blood Sugar Levels by 8 Percent for Diabetics .

It's from a study conducted by researchers from Duke University Medical School and published in the journal Diabetes Care. The article says that "Prior studies have shown that caffeine could increase the body's insulin resistance, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. In people without diabetes, however, this effect is fairly minor. In diabetics, any increase in insulin resistance can have serious consequences."

It is however not fully understood yet how or why caffeine causes a spike in blood sugar. According to the article, "caffeine might interfere with the mechanisms that remove glucose from the blood. Alternately, caffeine consumption might cause the body to release adrenaline, which is known to cause a rise in blood sugar levels."

Time now to gulp down the rest of it and rush Caitlin to her dental appointment. I need the adrenaline...