Laughter Yoga

Laughter yoga is a unique exercise routine which is fast sweeping the world. It is based on the belief that voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. Laughter yoga is practised in groups, with eye contact and playfulness between participants. 

This unique form of yoga uses a combination of laughter exercises and yoga breathing to train the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to breathe deeply. This increases the supply of oxygen to body cells and can play a significant role in preventing cancer. Besides, laughter yoga's ability to strengthen the immune system is also believed to help keep cancer at bay.

In Malaysia, laughter yoga was started by a group who called themselves JB Laughters in September 2008. The group is led by Lee-Jean Fung, a practising pharmacist for over 30 years trained by Dr Madan Kataria as a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher in August 2008. Free lessons were conducted in various places around Muar and Johor Bahru. To date, there are more than 120 Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders around Malaysia.

To fully reap the health benefits of laughter, it has to be loud. deep and coming from the diaphragm. Joining a laughter yoga group provides a safe environment where one can laugh loudly and heartily without any social implications.

(www.laughteryoga.com.my)

Senyum Sokmo readers! Happy Monday!

Extracted from Urbanhealth

Shouting At Teenagers As Bad As Hitting Them

A published American Study finds that verbally punishing 13-14 year old teenagers increases bad behaviour, similar to what would happen if the teenagers are physically punished. The research led by the team at University of Pittsburgh, Pensylvannia said harsh discipline, such as shouting, cursing or insulting, would also aggravate bad behaviour. 

"Teenagers who were disciplined in a harsh verbal manner suffered from increased levels of depressive symptoms, and were more likely to engage in vandalism, or behave in antisocial or aggressive ways" 

In addition to this, the authors of this study found that the effects of harsh verbal discipline is bi-directional; when children were punished because of problems behaviours, the punishment itself caused a repeat of the problem. 

Subjects of the study group: Teenagers from the 'middle class' demographics. Families of subjects were of an 'okay' relationship between parents and kids. Parents whom cared about their kids and did not want them to engage in problem behaviours. 

The Nutritional Benefits of Jicama

Happy New Year 2014 readers!

         

Jicama might sound a little foreign, not until you have seen what this is (see pictures above).

Better known as 'sengkwang' or 'bengkoang' in Malaysia, in other parts of the world, this tuber is also known as yam bean, Mexican water chestnut or Mexican turnip.

This is a perennial (a plant that lives longer than 2 years) vine plant that grows vigorously under semitropical and tropical climates. Unlike other starch roots like potatoes or sweet potatoes where the peel (skin) may be eaten, Jicama features a thick, brown inedible skin which reveals a white, starchy flesh that has a crisp texture and fruit-like succulent, sweet-starchy taste.

The many nutritional values of Jicama makes it a perfect tuber to be included in your everyday meal. 

1. Rich source of Prebiotics
An excellent source of oligofructose inulin, a prebiotic that can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics are the 'food' that the probiotics (beneficial bacteria) thrive on. Other rich food sources of prebiotics include onions, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, asparagus and garlic. Probiotics on the other hand, have been show clinically to help with antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, Crohn's dieases, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and urogenital health in women.

2. Rich in Vitamin C
One cup of raw Jicama slices provides more than 24mg of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful water-soluble anti-oxidant that helps body scavenge harmful body radicals, offering protection against viral cough and colds, inflammation and cancer. Eating vitamin C-rich foods can increase collagen production, which can help improve skin texture, speed wound healing, and give a healthy glowing skin. 

*SAFETY CONCERNS*
Jicama contains a water-soluble organic toxin known as rotenone, highly concentrated especially in the leaf tops, stems and seed pods, and at much lower levels in the roots. Several studies found that this is linked to the development of Parkinson's disease. However, peeled roots are safe for human consumption, including in children. 

Pine Extract to Treat Infections

Pine Conifer Needles

  

Merry Christmas readers! In this joyous festive season, we will look into a natural wonder of mother earth today. 

The extracts of PINE CONIFER NEEDLES has been shown to contain many medicinal properties. In the 1930s, Russian forest biochemists were observing pine trees for their ability to thrive and remain evergreen through severe weather conditions. They found certain 'live elements' in pine conifer needles which was the key to the pine tree's good health and longevity, and when these 'live elements' were given to humans, they recovered from their illnesses.

This nutritional supplement contains a whole load of goodness, known as Bioeffective A (Brand: Nuvapine A). Bioeffective A comprises of chlorophyll derivatives, beta-carotene and other carotenoids, vitamin E, phytosterols, polyprenols, squalene, and many more other minerals. Below is a summary of all the nutritional benefits of Bioeffective A.

1. Antioxidant - This nutritional supplement helps to prevent premature aging in cells, helping with cholesterol and triglyceride lowering, protects cell from malfunction and disease, better heart and nerve health, improved immune functions.   

2. Anti-microbial - Bioeffective A has all antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity. This extracts help to protect one from infectious respiratory infections, helps with the recovery of respiratory infections as well. Besides, it provides protection from gastric ulceration (H. Pylori infections).

3. Gastrointestinal - This extract has shown to help improve stomach and gut health, providing better digestive health with improved immune health..

4. Detoxification - Bioeffective A has been shown to prevent toxin overload in the body by its detoxifying actions in the blood and liver. It helps with hepatitis, and has also been shown to reduce the severity of chemotherapy side effects.

Almonds Are Good For You!

Did you know the almond tree is a cousin of the peach, cherry and apricot tree?

Did you know that the almond tree bears fruits with very fragrant beautiful flowers, but we enjoy mostly the seed of the fruit, which we go nuts about; ALMONDS.

It will surprise you how this tiny little tear-shaped seed can bring so much health benefits for you.

1. Improving Heart Health

Research has shown that snacking on a handful of almonds everyday will bring you a long way towards protecting and strengthening your heart. The nutrients contained in this powerful seed have been found to help decrease blood sugar spikes after a high carbohydrate meal, hence a reduction in incidences of heart disease over time.


2. Almonds Take All Your Stress Away

Almonds are rich in stress-busting nutrients (particularly vitamin B and vitamin E). These vitamins help you relieve tension in your nerves. All you will need is to munch on a quarter cup of almonds, which is definitely enough to chase all the anxieties away! Next time your boss screams at you, chew on some almonds, take a few deep breaths, and you'll do just fine.


3. Rich in Calcium

We know dairy products are the way to get calcium into our body. But do you also know that besides the former, ALMONDS are one of the richest sources of calcium around too!. Just about 14 grams of almonds give you about 37 grams of calcium (Harvard University Health Services)


4. Beauty Care

Almonds are as good for you when applied topically on your skin. They're a great moisturising agent that can heal scars. Almonds have also been found to be able to relieve muscle aches. Have a read on the labels of your beauty products today. Don't be surprise to see almonds there.


5. Weight Maintenance

Everybody wants to lose weight. Fat is always an issue. Now, here's the way to go. Chewing on almonds have been scientifically proven to increased the feeling of fullness in oneself (Journal of Clinical Nutrition). However, there is a trick here. Chew 25-40 times before swallowing each mouthful of almonds. The feeling of satiety will stop you from reaching that bag of chips, and its definitely an effective way to tackle overeating which can quickly lead to obesity. 

Now that you know, go on and start munching on your almonds today!

Dietary Change is a MUST in Gout Patients

Gout is a terrible, painful condition that is now affecting almost 1% of the world's population.

It is a medical condition that can be prevented, if not well-controlled if proper education and awareness is present among this group.

Gout & Uric Acid

Gout is closely linked with the levels of uric acid in our body. Uric acid is a by-product of the metabolism of foods rich  in purines, and is also made by the body. Excess uric acid is transferred by the kidneys to urine and removed by the body. People with gout either produce too much uric acid or their kidneys are unable to dispose of it sufficiently. As a result, uric acid accumulates and forms tiny needle-shaped crystals in the joints, causing excruciating pain and inflammation.

A gout attack can occur overnight, followed by severe pain and joint inflammation that can last between 5-10 days. The big toe where it joins the ball of the foot, the instep, ankle, knee, kneecap, wrist, tip of the elbow, and fingers can all be affected. 

        

Medications

Medical advice should be sought early; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be a group of very effective pain killers to relieve gout pain. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN to relieve pain from an episode of gout attack. Colchicine is usually used together with NSAIDs for a short period.

The mainstay treatment of gout is to ensure that drugs used to control uric acid levels (such as Allopurinol/Probencid) must be taken EVERY DAY, even when there is NO ACUTE PAIN!

Dietary Changes

Gout patients MUST avoid all foods containing high levels of purines. 

IF DIET IS NOT CHANGED, THERE IS NO CURE TO GOUT.

1. Avoid/Restrict foods high in purines such as sardines, anchovies, shell fish, fish roe, peas, lentils, beans, Marmite and Vegemite.

2. Avoid large amounts of red meat.

3. Drink alcohol in moderation.

4. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, as dehydration can trigger an attack!

Aggressive Behaviour in Children Today - Soft Drinks

This is a very interesting study that is worth a read.



A study in the United States (US) has found a link between soft drink consumption and aggressive behaviour among young children. Data was collected among 3,000 5-year old children all across 20 large US cities, in the Fragile Families and Wellbeing Study. The results were shocking.

Those who drank more than 4 drinks a day were more than twice likely to destroy things belonging to others, get into fights and physically attack people.

 They also had increased attention problems, and withdrawal behaviour as compared to those who did not consume these beverages.

"We found that child's aggressive behaviour score increased with every increase in soft drinks servings per day."

 - Dr Shakira Suglia (Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, US)

Although the study was unable to identify the exact reasons on why soft drinks cause aggressive behaviour in children, it is recommended to limit or totally eliminate soft drinks consumption among children today to reduce behavioural problems.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Children

Omega 3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids that your own body cannot produce, and that is why supplementing it from our diet is crucial. There are 3 different omega-3 fatty acids;

ALA-Alpha Lenoleic Acid
EPA-Eicosapentaenoic Acid
DHA-Docosahexanoic Acid


What is considered the most essential for children is the component DHA.
How is DHA beneficial in children?

In a published Journal PLOS One, 

'Higher levels of Omega-3, particularly DHA were associated with better reading and memory with fewer behavioural problems among the children examined.'

'Lower levels of DHA was linked to poorer behaviour and learning in children.'

Sources of DHA would include fatty fishes such as tuna, salmon, mackarel, and sardines.
The recommended weekly intake is a minimum of two fish portions a week.

When you come across difficult children who refuse to eat any fish/ do not eat the recommended portion, it is strongly advised to start giving supplementation in the form of fish oil. Buy it at Farmasi Alpha USJ1 Subang today.

Hair Loss

Hair loss also known by its medical term alopecia, occurs due to a variety of reasons.

It is perfectly normal for one to lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair daily.However, when you start seeing lots of lost hair in your bathroom, or loads of it on your bed/floor, that is when you start worrying and thinking that you are gonna be bald soon enough.

There can be many reasons to hair loss. Stress, aging, medication and hormonal changes are some of the more common causes. Besides, practices like dyeing your hair in different chemicals and poor nutrition can further worsen this condition.

More importantly, how do you slow down hair loss or rather, restore what is left on your head?

1. Obviously, you got to EAT RIGHT. A healthy proper diet will provide your hair and scalp with the nutrition it needs.

2. KEEP IT LOOSE. For ladies out there, pulling your hair too hard to tie a tight ponytail or braid can hurt your scalp immensely, causing it to weep in agony.

3. BE GENTLE. Rubbing your hair scalp roughly will not help in this situation. Refrain from pulling your hair if this is part of that bad habit you have.

Depending on the severity of your hair loss, you might want to seek professional medical help if you lose quite a bit of hair in a short period of time. There is a medication that your doctor would recommend to you.
Read more below.

MINOXIDIL 
It comes in a solution, and its used to treat hair loss.
It dilates the scalp's blood vessels, allowing more blood and nutrients to flow through.
It comes as a spray. You are to spray 7 sprays each time to areas of hair loss, then gently massage into your scalp using your fingertips and leave it on for at least 4 hours, before washing it off. Administration is repeated, twice daily.


There you go. All the help you will need to save your hair today. Now, go on and speak to your pharmacist to know more about it!

Protect Your Liver Today

The Liver is the most humble organ in our body, yet one of the most important ones that we cannot live without. It cleans up all the oily and fatty stuffs that we eat after each meal. It helps to detoxify all toxins that hang around in our circulation, and aids in the process of digestion, to keep us nice and clean inside out. 

Yet, having said that, how much have we done for our Liver today?

The 'rule of the thumb' to ensure you have a healthy liver today? Diet and Exercise. We have heard that over and over again from our beloved doctors, read them in newspapers, and just know them by hard. But, do we practice what we hear and what we read today?..

The natural way to protecting your liver

Phyllanthus Nuri

This is a long-studied herb that have been shown to contain many medicinal properties, and one of them worth noting is its effect in liver protection. Researchers have discovered the main backbone behind this miracle plant is a compound called Corilagin. 

A year 2007 study conducted in liver-induced damage mice showed that proteins isolated from this herb brought the liver back to almost normal conditions. This suggests an ability of this herb to protect our liver tissues, and if liver is damage, this herb can stimulate the liver to repair itself.

There are other studies involving this herb as an alternative treatment to Hepatitis B, a viral liver infection. Although the evidences are not conclusive, the findings suggest augmented results when extracts of this plant are taken in combination with medicinal treatment.

In Malaysia, extracts of this plant can be found in the form of a tablet called Hepar-P. This is a product manufactured by Nova Laboratories Sdn Bhd. Make sure to grab a bottle the next time you stop by Farmasi Alpha USJ1 Mydin Mall.