Clapping may be hazardous to your health

Here in Taiwan, the elderly like to gather at dawn in parks around the island for early morning exercise. A favorite is to clap hands loudly which they believe energizes the body's chi.

However, hand-clapping also wakes up groggy and humorless gangsters. According to a recent news report the night owls posted signs in some of the parks in the southern city of Kaohsiung warning the elderly exercisers to not clap so loudly when doing their early morning exercises...or else.

Fast food and obesity

A friend recently emailed me this photo of an obese "David," and since I don't know the source, I can't provide a photo credit.

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This image seems to sum up the current body condition for the developed world.

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Luckily, people are getting fed up with a lack of healthy food options. The Associated Press reported on July 31 that the City Council of South Los Angeles voted for a year-long halt to opening any new fast food restaurants in the poor sections of town where obesity levels are highest.

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South Los Angeles restaurants are 73 percent fast-food, while upscale West Los Angeles only has 42 percent fast-food joints. For the poor it's hard to make healthy choices when fast food is so cheap and readily available.

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In addition, California was the first state to stop trans fats being used in restaurants.

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Let's hope this is the beginning of global awareness to getting trim and fit.

Prevention Magazine

My passion for art is seconded by my interests in healthy living.
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I'm happy to be a contributing blogger at Prevention Magazine's website community. Check out my link:
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Since I just started it may take some time for it to go online.
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http://buzz.prevention.com/community/category/artist-in-asia

Probiotics can save your life

Feeling sluggish? Constipated? Grouchy? Are you easily prone to catching colds?

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How would you rate your immune system: Unflappable or sinkable?

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Perhaps the culprit to your weakened immunity is that you don’t have enough healthy bacteria in your intestines, what is called probiotics. A stressful life style, an imbalanced diet, too many fast foods and sweets, and a reliance on antibiotics may have destroyed those healthy fighters that inhabit the crevices of your beloved colon.

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So your immediate assignment to improve your overall health is to put down that soft drink and pick up the yogurt that is rich in acidophilus. It’s best to make your own at home; besides it is easy and convenient. Treat yourself to a serving of this friendly bacteria daily as it will help boost your immune system while improving your digestion.

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And start chomping on anything with chlorophyll, except your neighbor’s lawn. Green leafy vegetables and sprouts help to restore the healthy bacteria to your intestines. In addition to the yogurt, miso and soy sauce are your friends as these fermented foods are extremely restorative. m
However, if your condition is more severe due to long-term illness and treatments, you will need to consult with a professional for the appropriate course of action.

shower curtains are unhealthy

Brand-new shower curtains, which are usually made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), release over a hundred toxins that are damaging to our lungs and nervous system.

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According to a recent study, it is recommended to air such curtains out first before hanging them in the shower.

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/Shower+Curtains+May+Affect+Health%3A+Study.html

A Mother's Interaction Determines Child's Behavior

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623102530.htm

A recent study shows a not-so-surprising result. The way a mother interacts with her baby determines the later behavior of the child. Infants who were more intellectually stimulated were at low risk of childhood behavioral problems.

The study shows how the first year of an infant's life is crucial and can predict the next 13 years.

How to prevent a stroke

A stroke is when blood stops flowing to the brain from a blood clot or a narrowing of an artery, thus resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain and dying brain cells. Such an attack on the brain can have dire consequences.


If you have sudden numbness, confusion, dizziness or an intensely severe headache, you may be having a mini-stroke, and you need to see a Dr. immediately.
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Some preventable things you can do:

• maintain normal blood pressure
• quit smoking
• treat heart disease if needed
• treat diabetes if needed

For further info: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/stroke/preventing_stroke.htm