We all know bananas are good. I use to purchase babanas for FRIM’s table tennis players during competition.
But, be careful.
Bananas available in the market are forced ripe by dipping in water mixed with carbide which may cause cancer.
How do you know if the bananas are ripened naturally or with the help of carbide?
First, just ask the seller. Look into his/her eyes and you will get the answer. He or she normally dares not cheat us.
Second, observe the look of bananas. Bananas which are ripened naturally are dark yellow with small black spots here and there and the stalks are black. Bananas that are forced ripen with carbide are lemon yellow without any black spots and their stalks are green.
Be a wise consumer.
Ask for naturally ripened bananas the next time you are purchasing them. Normally, the sellers have no choice but to tell the truth.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Diary 281: About radiotherapy
The following information by Dr YLM entitled “Radiation Treatment” (Fit4Life, The Star, 16 January 2011) are useful.
Radioterapy has nothing to do with radio waves.
The “radio” means “radiation”.
Radiotherapy is short of radiation therapy.
It uses high-energy radiation targeted at the area where the cancer is.
Radiotherapy is also used when the cancer is incurable. Here, it is to relieve the symptoms and suffering at he final stages, as in allowing the patient to breathe properly, eat and drink, or to relieve pain.
The waves used are x-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles.
These are delivered by a machine which can be placed outside your body (called external-beam radiation therapy), or through radioactive material placed inside your body (called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy) near the cancer cells.
There is also systemic radiation therapy where radioactive substances such as radioactive iodine is injected in your blood or given orally, where they travel to the organ where the the cancer is to kill the cancer cells. An example of this treatment involves thyroid cancer.
Radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells, or creates charged particles called free radicals within them, which in turn damages the DNA of the cancer cells.
Radiation can kill a whole lot more living cells other than cancer cells!
Of our normal issues that are most easily damaged by radiation, our reproduction organs (ovaries, testicles) are the foremost.
Radioterapy has nothing to do with radio waves.
The “radio” means “radiation”.
Radiotherapy is short of radiation therapy.
It uses high-energy radiation targeted at the area where the cancer is.
Radiotherapy is also used when the cancer is incurable. Here, it is to relieve the symptoms and suffering at he final stages, as in allowing the patient to breathe properly, eat and drink, or to relieve pain.
The waves used are x-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles.
These are delivered by a machine which can be placed outside your body (called external-beam radiation therapy), or through radioactive material placed inside your body (called internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy) near the cancer cells.
There is also systemic radiation therapy where radioactive substances such as radioactive iodine is injected in your blood or given orally, where they travel to the organ where the the cancer is to kill the cancer cells. An example of this treatment involves thyroid cancer.
Radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells, or creates charged particles called free radicals within them, which in turn damages the DNA of the cancer cells.
Radiation can kill a whole lot more living cells other than cancer cells!
Of our normal issues that are most easily damaged by radiation, our reproduction organs (ovaries, testicles) are the foremost.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Diary 280: Malaysian Organic Certification Scheme
In Malaysia, the Agricultue and Agro-based Industries Ministry introduced the Skim Organik Malaysia (SOM) or the Malaysian Organic Certification Scheme in 2003.
SOM is based on Malaysian Standard MS1529:2001 --- The Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Plant Based Organically Produced Foods.
SOM is now (2011) finally mandatory, after years of consultation and deliberation.
The new labeling requirements demand that only Government-approved organic farms get to label their produce as “organic”.
The labeling rule comes under Food Regulations 1985 and those found guilty under it can be fined up to RM5,000 per case.
The enforcement of the regulation would be done in collaboration between the Agriculture Department (DOA) and Health Ministry.
It means that consumers can now differentiate organic and non-organic vegetables in the market now.
SOM is based on Malaysian Standard MS1529:2001 --- The Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Plant Based Organically Produced Foods.
SOM is now (2011) finally mandatory, after years of consultation and deliberation.
The new labeling requirements demand that only Government-approved organic farms get to label their produce as “organic”.
The labeling rule comes under Food Regulations 1985 and those found guilty under it can be fined up to RM5,000 per case.
The enforcement of the regulation would be done in collaboration between the Agriculture Department (DOA) and Health Ministry.
It means that consumers can now differentiate organic and non-organic vegetables in the market now.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Diary 279: What is organic farming?
The international Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) defines it as “a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote their relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.”
What does it mean?
It is a holistic production taking care of the health of plants, soils, the ecosystems, the farmers and the consumers.
It avoids the use of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers in the production process.
The production is based on tradition and science.
Most important, it is good for your health and the environment.
Choose organic food to lead a healthier and happier life!
What does it mean?
It is a holistic production taking care of the health of plants, soils, the ecosystems, the farmers and the consumers.
It avoids the use of chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers in the production process.
The production is based on tradition and science.
Most important, it is good for your health and the environment.
Choose organic food to lead a healthier and happier life!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Diary 278: Losing weight by detoxification
Over weight and obesity has become a nightmare to many.
There are many weight losing programs in the market.
One of my colleagues pay a monthly fee of about RM120 to ensure that she visits the gym at least 3 times a week.
The other method is to exercise regularly.
Perhaps, you may want to start losing weight by detoxification.
Detoxification of the body remove the stubborn fats and toxins.
How to detox?
You may start by taking just fruits during lunch, probably thrice a week.
You may start by reducing the quantity of your meat consumption.
There are many weight losing programs in the market.
One of my colleagues pay a monthly fee of about RM120 to ensure that she visits the gym at least 3 times a week.
The other method is to exercise regularly.
Perhaps, you may want to start losing weight by detoxification.
Detoxification of the body remove the stubborn fats and toxins.
How to detox?
You may start by taking just fruits during lunch, probably thrice a week.
You may start by reducing the quantity of your meat consumption.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Diary 276: Olive Oil
Forest Ong sent me the below information obtained from his internet search.
Olive for cooking has been known as good for health.
But be careful! There are different levels of quality. Just look the labels on the bottles.
If the bottle is labeled "Extra Virgin", the product is super! It was made with the first time oil squeezed out from olives and is good for all ways of cooking and salad mixture.
If it is labeled "pure", that was the second or third time squeezed out oil and is good for all cooking but not for mixing salad.
If it is labeled "olive oil' or "macro olive oil", it is the 4th or 5th time using heat to squeeze out oil. These are cheaper but can cause cancers. They can only be used in industry.
Olive for cooking has been known as good for health.
But be careful! There are different levels of quality. Just look the labels on the bottles.
If the bottle is labeled "Extra Virgin", the product is super! It was made with the first time oil squeezed out from olives and is good for all ways of cooking and salad mixture.
If it is labeled "pure", that was the second or third time squeezed out oil and is good for all cooking but not for mixing salad.
If it is labeled "olive oil' or "macro olive oil", it is the 4th or 5th time using heat to squeeze out oil. These are cheaper but can cause cancers. They can only be used in industry.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Diary 275: Lifestyle diseases in Malaysia
The most common lifestyle diseases in Malaysia are hypertension, diabetes, obesity as shown the 2006 National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) III.
2 out of 5 adults (43%) in Malaysia are either overweight or obese.
About 38% of teenagers were overweight.
Cases of hypertension among those aged above 30 had increased from 30% in 1996 to 43% in 2006, while diabetes patients had gone from 8% to 15%.
If you do not want to belong to the above categories, just take care of your lifestyle.
It simply means taking care of food that cause the above as well as exercise daily.
You do have to associate with lifestyle diseases.
2 out of 5 adults (43%) in Malaysia are either overweight or obese.
About 38% of teenagers were overweight.
Cases of hypertension among those aged above 30 had increased from 30% in 1996 to 43% in 2006, while diabetes patients had gone from 8% to 15%.
If you do not want to belong to the above categories, just take care of your lifestyle.
It simply means taking care of food that cause the above as well as exercise daily.
You do have to associate with lifestyle diseases.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Diary 274: Deadly asbestos
Diary 274: Deadly asbestos
Asbestos was once heralded as the greatest building materials.
Why is asbestos so deadly?
There is increasing concern over asbesto poisoning in the western developed world.
It is a naturally occuring fibrous mineral, with fire- and heat-resistant properties.
Asbestos becomes a danger when it is disturbed, causing the fibres to become airborne, commonly refered to as friable abestos.
Airborne friable asbestos us sucked into the lungs of peoples exposed to it.
Long term exposure may lead to asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and asbestosis.
In Malaysia, to date, only crocidolite (bles asbestos) has been prohibited, but the use of chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite are allowed (Utusan Konsumer Nov-Dec 2010, page 15).
What is of great concern to consumers is the supply of water through asbestos cement pipes. Malaysia does not have any program to specifically replace asbestos cement pipes.
Asbestos was once heralded as the greatest building materials.
Why is asbestos so deadly?
There is increasing concern over asbesto poisoning in the western developed world.
It is a naturally occuring fibrous mineral, with fire- and heat-resistant properties.
Asbestos becomes a danger when it is disturbed, causing the fibres to become airborne, commonly refered to as friable abestos.
Airborne friable asbestos us sucked into the lungs of peoples exposed to it.
Long term exposure may lead to asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and asbestosis.
In Malaysia, to date, only crocidolite (bles asbestos) has been prohibited, but the use of chrysotile (white asbestos), amosite (brown asbestos), tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite are allowed (Utusan Konsumer Nov-Dec 2010, page 15).
What is of great concern to consumers is the supply of water through asbestos cement pipes. Malaysia does not have any program to specifically replace asbestos cement pipes.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Diary 273: Medicines from nature and natives
Diary 273: Medicines from nature and natives
I read with keen interest the article entitled “medicines from nature and natives’ by Joanna Eede, Utusan Konsumer Nov-Dec 2010, page 21.
First of all, there is no doubt that medicines from nature and traditional knowledge of the natives still provide the best chemical leads for biologically active compounds that have a medicinal value for humans.
Second, WHO estimates that up to 80% of the world population still relies on plants for primary health.
Third, will these medicines really helpful in maintaining and reclaiming good health?
This is a big question many do not want to talk about.
Both modern and traditional medicines certainly are helpful to certain extent.
However, there modern and traditional medicines have their limitations.
The ultimate health comes from prevention where there is no diseases to be treated.
It is the outcome of a holistic healthy lifestyle, body, mind and spiritual development.
I read with keen interest the article entitled “medicines from nature and natives’ by Joanna Eede, Utusan Konsumer Nov-Dec 2010, page 21.
First of all, there is no doubt that medicines from nature and traditional knowledge of the natives still provide the best chemical leads for biologically active compounds that have a medicinal value for humans.
Second, WHO estimates that up to 80% of the world population still relies on plants for primary health.
Third, will these medicines really helpful in maintaining and reclaiming good health?
This is a big question many do not want to talk about.
Both modern and traditional medicines certainly are helpful to certain extent.
However, there modern and traditional medicines have their limitations.
The ultimate health comes from prevention where there is no diseases to be treated.
It is the outcome of a holistic healthy lifestyle, body, mind and spiritual development.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Diary 272: Use of bioplastics
Diary 272: Use of bioplastics
Now, those in business have come up with this product called “bioplastics”.
What are they?
Bioplastics, just like the normal plastics, are made of synthetic polymers.
It is just that plant materials are used instead of oil to obtain the carbon and hydrogen needed for polymerisation.
As consumers, we need to know that bioplastics may or may not be biodegradable, may or may not be toxic.
For example, a plastic such as high-density polythylene (HDPE) can be 100% bio-based (e.g. 100% organic hemp), and yet still be non-biodegradable.
Some bioplastics are indeed biodegradable. The problem is that there is no agreement on what this really means, and under what circumstances.
(Source: Manuel Maqueda (2010), The bioplastic labyrinth, Utusan Konsumer Nov-dec 2010.)
My view: Avoid doing something we are not sure. Hence, avoid using plastics and bioplastics.
Now, those in business have come up with this product called “bioplastics”.
What are they?
Bioplastics, just like the normal plastics, are made of synthetic polymers.
It is just that plant materials are used instead of oil to obtain the carbon and hydrogen needed for polymerisation.
As consumers, we need to know that bioplastics may or may not be biodegradable, may or may not be toxic.
For example, a plastic such as high-density polythylene (HDPE) can be 100% bio-based (e.g. 100% organic hemp), and yet still be non-biodegradable.
Some bioplastics are indeed biodegradable. The problem is that there is no agreement on what this really means, and under what circumstances.
(Source: Manuel Maqueda (2010), The bioplastic labyrinth, Utusan Konsumer Nov-dec 2010.)
My view: Avoid doing something we are not sure. Hence, avoid using plastics and bioplastics.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Diary 271: Use of plastics affects human health
Diary 271: Use of plastics affects human health
You have heard of “No plastic day” successfully implemented in Penang and Selangor.
More and more responded to using less or not using plastic in daily life.
Plastic is a material that the earth cannot digest. It will be there for hundreds of years.
Once in the environment (on or below soil or in water), plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller particles that attract toxic chemicals, are ingested by wildlife on land and in the ocean, and finally contaminate our food chain.
It simply means that the plastic you use and throw away will ultimately affect human health.
If it is disposed on cultivated land, the vegetables we consume will be contaminated.
If it is disposed in the river and sea, the river and sea food you consume will be contaminated.
If the rivers and lakes are contaminated, the water that goes to our homes will be contaminated.
Support “no plastic” lifestyle.
You have heard of “No plastic day” successfully implemented in Penang and Selangor.
More and more responded to using less or not using plastic in daily life.
Plastic is a material that the earth cannot digest. It will be there for hundreds of years.
Once in the environment (on or below soil or in water), plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller particles that attract toxic chemicals, are ingested by wildlife on land and in the ocean, and finally contaminate our food chain.
It simply means that the plastic you use and throw away will ultimately affect human health.
If it is disposed on cultivated land, the vegetables we consume will be contaminated.
If it is disposed in the river and sea, the river and sea food you consume will be contaminated.
If the rivers and lakes are contaminated, the water that goes to our homes will be contaminated.
Support “no plastic” lifestyle.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Diary 270: Overbuying vegetables
Diary 270: Overbuying vegetables
Many urbanites buy vegetable in one run and store them for a week.
What is the impact?
According to Geri Brewster, “the vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables begin to diminish from the moment they are harvested”.
In other words, the longer we store our vegetables and fruits, the lesser nutrients they will contain.
Suggestion: it is best to buy vegetables and fruits daily or 3 to 4 times a week.
Many urbanites buy vegetable in one run and store them for a week.
What is the impact?
According to Geri Brewster, “the vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables begin to diminish from the moment they are harvested”.
In other words, the longer we store our vegetables and fruits, the lesser nutrients they will contain.
Suggestion: it is best to buy vegetables and fruits daily or 3 to 4 times a week.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Diary 269: Natural mineral makeup products
Diary 269: Natural mineral makeup products
More and more people are turning to natural mineral makeup products.
Minerals are natural substances. They are found in the earth’s crust and lava that have been transformed by heat and pressure over millions of years.
The main ingredients of natural mineral makeup products are listed below.
Titanium dioxide: has whitening effect when used as makeup and strong ability to protect against UVA and UVB.
Zinc oxide: has natural anti-inflammatory property that calms and soothes the skin. it protects against UVA and UVB.
Iron oxide: gives a range of colors, from red to brown, black to yellow.
Mica: used as basic coloring agent, color matching and for adding color.
High quality natural minerals based makeup products are safer for your skin compared to chemical makeup products.
More and more people are turning to natural mineral makeup products.
Minerals are natural substances. They are found in the earth’s crust and lava that have been transformed by heat and pressure over millions of years.
The main ingredients of natural mineral makeup products are listed below.
Titanium dioxide: has whitening effect when used as makeup and strong ability to protect against UVA and UVB.
Zinc oxide: has natural anti-inflammatory property that calms and soothes the skin. it protects against UVA and UVB.
Iron oxide: gives a range of colors, from red to brown, black to yellow.
Mica: used as basic coloring agent, color matching and for adding color.
High quality natural minerals based makeup products are safer for your skin compared to chemical makeup products.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Diary 268: Chemical makeup products
Diary 268: Chemical makeup products
Many ladies use chemical makeup products. They have become an important part of their life.
How much do you know about these products?
In brief, they are produced from various synthetic coloring, fragrances, preservatives, antiseptic and others materials.
Some of the common ingredients used may cause skin problems and even diseases.
Mercury: fades the pigment, cause skin allergies and central nervous system disorder such as tiredness, insomnia, poor memory and emotion change.
Lead: may cause neurasthenia, constipation, poor appetite.
Arsenic: may cause potential damage in the nervous system, weakens limbs, causes numbness and pain.
Mineral oils, petrolatum: clog pores easily and cause the formation of black heads and acmes and lead to skin dryness and cracks.
Aromatic chemicals: may cause headaches, dizziness, flushed skin, skin allergic, pigmentation, serious cough and nausea.
Alcohol: may reduce skin’s natural moisture retaining ability and weakens our immune system; may cause dry skin, rough skin, large pores, early ageing and wrinkly skin.
Any alternatife for chemical makeup products?
Yes, use natural mineral makeup products.
Many ladies use chemical makeup products. They have become an important part of their life.
How much do you know about these products?
In brief, they are produced from various synthetic coloring, fragrances, preservatives, antiseptic and others materials.
Some of the common ingredients used may cause skin problems and even diseases.
Mercury: fades the pigment, cause skin allergies and central nervous system disorder such as tiredness, insomnia, poor memory and emotion change.
Lead: may cause neurasthenia, constipation, poor appetite.
Arsenic: may cause potential damage in the nervous system, weakens limbs, causes numbness and pain.
Mineral oils, petrolatum: clog pores easily and cause the formation of black heads and acmes and lead to skin dryness and cracks.
Aromatic chemicals: may cause headaches, dizziness, flushed skin, skin allergic, pigmentation, serious cough and nausea.
Alcohol: may reduce skin’s natural moisture retaining ability and weakens our immune system; may cause dry skin, rough skin, large pores, early ageing and wrinkly skin.
Any alternatife for chemical makeup products?
Yes, use natural mineral makeup products.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Diary 267: Taking care of sick father
Diary 267: Taking care of sick father
He is from a new village in Perak. I know the family for 26 years.
His father had a stroke a few years ago and the health does not seem to improve much.
I met him, his father and brother in mid-December 2010 in Malim Nawar, another new village in Perak.
When I came to know that he gave up his job a year and a half ago to take care of his father, it touched my heart.
I share my views on taking care of his father in a holistic manner. Actually, these views are useful to improve their own health too.
His father dropped tears when I told him their children are excellent in many ways, especially taking care of his health.
He is from a new village in Perak. I know the family for 26 years.
His father had a stroke a few years ago and the health does not seem to improve much.
I met him, his father and brother in mid-December 2010 in Malim Nawar, another new village in Perak.
When I came to know that he gave up his job a year and a half ago to take care of his father, it touched my heart.
I share my views on taking care of his father in a holistic manner. Actually, these views are useful to improve their own health too.
His father dropped tears when I told him their children are excellent in many ways, especially taking care of his health.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Diary 266: A sick generation and a sick nation
It was reported in the December 2010 issue of the Journal of Gerontology (See Fit4Life, The Star, 19 December 2010) that increased life expectancy has not been accompanied by more years of perfect health.
Yes, we are not talking about how long a person lives.
The issue is about how many healthy years a person enjoys.
It was reported that the growing problem of life-long obesity and increases in hypertension and high cholesterol are a sign that health may not be improving with each generation.
If you observe the adults around, you may find that many are not in good health.
Many nations are spending increasing health budget over the years.
Many countries may become sick nations in the years to come.
What can we do?
Keep diseases at bay by doing 2 things: exercising daily and practise a healthy eating habit (20% acidic food and 80% alkaline food).
We do not have to become part of a sick generation and a sick nation.
Yes, we are not talking about how long a person lives.
The issue is about how many healthy years a person enjoys.
It was reported that the growing problem of life-long obesity and increases in hypertension and high cholesterol are a sign that health may not be improving with each generation.
If you observe the adults around, you may find that many are not in good health.
Many nations are spending increasing health budget over the years.
Many countries may become sick nations in the years to come.
What can we do?
Keep diseases at bay by doing 2 things: exercising daily and practise a healthy eating habit (20% acidic food and 80% alkaline food).
We do not have to become part of a sick generation and a sick nation.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Diary 265: The Urinary System
Diary 265: The Urinary System
The urinary system plays a vital role in keeping us well and healthy.
Most of the excess water, chemicals and waste products in our body is excreted by our urinary system.
The important task is performed by the following body parts.
2 kidneys: produce the urine; acts as a filtration system by eliminating waste materials from the blood in the body through the one million nephrons in the kidneys.
2 ureters: narrow tubes made of muscles through which the urine passes to the bladder
Bladder: a sac that holds the urine
Uretha: a tube that passes the urine from the bladder out of the body.
This intricate system may be disturbed as we age.
The problem is known as urinary disorders.
What can we do?
Let’s take care of our urinary system by reducing the amount of acidic foods and drinks consumed daily.
The urinary system plays a vital role in keeping us well and healthy.
Most of the excess water, chemicals and waste products in our body is excreted by our urinary system.
The important task is performed by the following body parts.
2 kidneys: produce the urine; acts as a filtration system by eliminating waste materials from the blood in the body through the one million nephrons in the kidneys.
2 ureters: narrow tubes made of muscles through which the urine passes to the bladder
Bladder: a sac that holds the urine
Uretha: a tube that passes the urine from the bladder out of the body.
This intricate system may be disturbed as we age.
The problem is known as urinary disorders.
What can we do?
Let’s take care of our urinary system by reducing the amount of acidic foods and drinks consumed daily.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Diary 264: Lung cancer and you
Diary 264: Lung cancer and you
The Malaysia Ministry of Health provides the following message in the mass media.
9 in 10 lung cancer cases are attributed to smoking.
More than 85% of lung cancer patients die within 5 years because of late diagnosis.
Act now before it is too late.
Practise the following healthy lifestyle.
1. Be physically active.
2. Practise healthy eating (more vegetables and fruits)
3. Do not smoke.
A few of my colleagues are smokers. We are worrying over their long term health. My wife even told to me to remind them not to smoke too much.
The problem is difficulty in reducing or quiting smoking.
I hope they get the message from the media and our kind reminders.
The Malaysia Ministry of Health provides the following message in the mass media.
9 in 10 lung cancer cases are attributed to smoking.
More than 85% of lung cancer patients die within 5 years because of late diagnosis.
Act now before it is too late.
Practise the following healthy lifestyle.
1. Be physically active.
2. Practise healthy eating (more vegetables and fruits)
3. Do not smoke.
A few of my colleagues are smokers. We are worrying over their long term health. My wife even told to me to remind them not to smoke too much.
The problem is difficulty in reducing or quiting smoking.
I hope they get the message from the media and our kind reminders.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Diary 263: Are you practising polypharmacy
Diary 263: Are you practising polypharmacy
Many elders are associated with polypharmacy.
Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications by a patient.
There may be a tendency for doctors to prescribe more medications for the elders than thay have in the past as more drugs are available.
This may led to both overuse and inappropriate use of prescription medications.
More over, many elders also purchase medicines over the counters and from different pharmacies.
I have a 70-year old friend taking 5 types of medicines in the morning, afternoon and night.
He told me he has little choice as he has heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
Do you have a choice?
Yes, you do.
Take health food to keep diseases at bay.
You do not have to practice polypharmacy.
Many elders are associated with polypharmacy.
Polypharmacy is the use of multiple medications by a patient.
There may be a tendency for doctors to prescribe more medications for the elders than thay have in the past as more drugs are available.
This may led to both overuse and inappropriate use of prescription medications.
More over, many elders also purchase medicines over the counters and from different pharmacies.
I have a 70-year old friend taking 5 types of medicines in the morning, afternoon and night.
He told me he has little choice as he has heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.
Do you have a choice?
Yes, you do.
Take health food to keep diseases at bay.
You do not have to practice polypharmacy.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Diary 262: Diseases and medicines
Many people aged 30 and above are taking various types of medicines daily.
Perhaps it is good to learn what types of medicines and their purposes.
Hypertension: metoprolol
Heart disease: dioxin, warfarin, furosemide, simvastatin, asprin
Osteoporosis: celecoxib
Sleep: diazepam
Blood thinner: warfarin
Body ache: ibuprofen
Stomach up set: liquid antacid
Beware of the side impact of taking medicine.
For example: bleeding gastric ulcer is likely due to the use of ibuprofen, celecoxib, aspirin and warfarin.
Remember: Medicines are generally toxic.
Also remember: long term taking medicine may cause a huge burden to the kidneys.
Perhaps it is good to learn what types of medicines and their purposes.
Hypertension: metoprolol
Heart disease: dioxin, warfarin, furosemide, simvastatin, asprin
Osteoporosis: celecoxib
Sleep: diazepam
Blood thinner: warfarin
Body ache: ibuprofen
Stomach up set: liquid antacid
Beware of the side impact of taking medicine.
For example: bleeding gastric ulcer is likely due to the use of ibuprofen, celecoxib, aspirin and warfarin.
Remember: Medicines are generally toxic.
Also remember: long term taking medicine may cause a huge burden to the kidneys.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Diary 262: Diseases and medicines
Many people aged 30 and above are taking various types of medicines daily.
Perhaps it is good to learn what types of medicines and their purposes.
Hypertension: metoprolol
Heart disease: dioxin, warfarin, furosemide, simvastatin, asprin
Osteoporosis: celecoxib
Sleep: diazepam
Blood thinner: warfarin
Body ache: ibuprofen
Stomach up set: liquid antacid
Beware of the side impact of taking medicine.
For example: bleeding gastric ulcer is likely due to the use of ibuprofen, celecoxib, aspirin and warfarin.
Also remember: long term taking medicine may cause a huge burden to the kidneys.
Perhaps it is good to learn what types of medicines and their purposes.
Hypertension: metoprolol
Heart disease: dioxin, warfarin, furosemide, simvastatin, asprin
Osteoporosis: celecoxib
Sleep: diazepam
Blood thinner: warfarin
Body ache: ibuprofen
Stomach up set: liquid antacid
Beware of the side impact of taking medicine.
For example: bleeding gastric ulcer is likely due to the use of ibuprofen, celecoxib, aspirin and warfarin.
Also remember: long term taking medicine may cause a huge burden to the kidneys.
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