Know What You Are Eating (4)

Know What You Are Eating (3)

Know What You Are Eating (2)

Know What You Are Eating (1)

Treatment for Alzheimer's?

Scientists have designed an enzyme inhibitor that could 'trick' the brain and treat Alzheimer's. One of the causes of neurodegeneration is modification of the 'tau' protein by phosphate. Usually the protein helps maintain the stability of neurones and causes them to form aggregates. However, this changes when the protein is modified.

The enzyme inhibitor, created by research teams in York (UK) and British Columbia (Canada), prevents the phosphorylation of tau in animal models by tricking the brain's own enzymes into installing a sugar on the tau in place of the detrimental phosphates. It is not yet a drug, but the scientists involved in the work believe that it is a major breakthrough in locating compounds that can cross the blood?brain barrier to elicit beneficial effects that prevent the onset of tauopathies. Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases are becoming a growing problem in western countries and there is an urgent need for new forms of treatment.

"We hope that this work will evolve into new drugs to treat Alzheimer's disease, although that is still many years off," says Professor Gideon Davies, who led the team at the University of York. "The work highlights the synergy of studying the chemistry of enzymes in living cells."

Don't know whether true or not?

KIDS who sleep with the light on could risk leukaemia, parents were
warned yesterday.

Scientists have found the body needs darkness to produce a chemical
that fights cancer.

Even switching the light on for the toilet, staying up late, travelling
across time zones, or the light from street lamps can stop enough
melatonin being made, they say.

The body needs the chemical to prevent damage to DNA and its absence
stops fatty acids reaching tumours and preventing them growing. Texas
University Prof Russell Reiter, who led the research, said: 'Once you
go to bed you should not even switch the light on for a minute.

'Your brain immediately recognises the light as day and melatonin
levels drop.'

Rates of childhood leukaemia have doubled in the past 40 years.

About 500 youngsters under 15 are diagnosed with the disease each year and around 100 die. A conference on childhood leukaemia in London yesterday
heard that people were being subjected to more light at night than
ever..

This suppressed the production of melatonin which normally happens between 9pm and 8am.

Past research has shown those most affected, like shift workers, had
higher levels of breast cancer.

Blind people, who are not vulnerable to fluctuations of melatonin, have
lower rates of cancer, it was found.

Parents are advised to use dim red or yellow bulbs if their youngsters are scared of the dark.

Some Health Mistakes

All of us make little health mistakes that cause damage to our bodies in the long run - simply because we are unaware we are doing something wrong. Here are some of the most common mistakes made by many of us.

Crossing our legs

Do you cross your legs at your knees when sitting? Although we may believe that this is the lady-like elegant way to sit, sitting this way cuts down circulation to your legs. If you don't want varicose veins to mar the beauty of your legs and compromise your health, uncross your legs every time you realise you have one knee on top of the other. The best way to sit is to simply place both legs together on the floor, balancing your weight equally. If you feel like changing position, instead of crossing your legs, simply move both legs together to one side. As an alternative, you could also consider crossing your legs loosely at the ankles. This is a classically elegant way to sit, and is far better for your legs and your health than sitting with your legs crossed at your knees.

Not changing our toothbrush

How often do you change your toothbrush? Most of us wait until most of the bristles have either fallen off, or are in such bad shape that we'd be embarrassed to pull out our brush in public. However, since not many of us need to pull out our brush in public, we carry on with our frayed one until we lose it. Replace your toothbrush often. Damaged bristles can harm the enamel, and don't massage your gums well. If you find brushing your teeth a pain like I do, but know you must do it, you might as well be doing it right. Imagine going through the annoyance of brushing your teeth twice a day only to find out that you're damaging your enamel every time you clean your teeth. Also, use a brush with soft bristles unless your dentist has advised otherwise.

Eating out often

There are oils that are high in cholesterol, and oils that cause little harm and are better for your heart. However, no matter how light
the oil is, it is never a good idea to eat too much of it. Avoid fried foods.Remember that in all probability your favorite Indian food
restaurant throws a huge, HUGE chunk of butter in a tiny bowl of dal. Rita, who worked in the kitchen of a 5 star hotel, was shocked when she saw the cook chop a 500gm butter slab in half, and throw half into a Paneer Makhani dish. No wonder the customers left licking their fingers. And no wonder they felt so stuffed and heavy afterwards. Limit outdoor eating unless you know that you're getting served light and healthy food.

Skipping breakfast

Never, ever skip breakfast. Remember, when you wake up in the morning it's been around 10-12 hours since your last meal. Your body needs food now, more than at any other time. Eat a heavy breakfast. You will then be busy through the day, and the calories will get expended quickly. If you are trying to diet, eat a light dinner. Here are some more common health mistakes we make. Being informed and making a few changes can help make us feel a whole lot better.

High heels

High heels sure look great, but they're murder for your back. This however doesn't mean you should steer clear of stilettos. Wear them, but not when you know you will be walking around a lot. Wear them when going out for lunch or dinner - when the only walking you will be doing is to your car, to the table, and back. Avoid high heels when you are going somewhere on foot. If you are constantly tempted to wear your heels, take a good look at your flats. Is there something about them you dislike? Invest in a new pair of beautiful flats or shoes with a low heel. Buy something you love, that you will enjoy wearing. If possible, get a matching bag. You will then enjoy your flats as much as you do your heels.

Sleeping on a soft bed

You don't have to sleep on the floor be kind to your back, but do make sure you have a firm mattress. Although a mattress on springs is soft and lovely to sink into, it's bad for your back. If you already have an old bed with springs, you don't need to invest in a new one - simply get a thick wooden plank put over the springs, and place the mattress on the plank. Similarly, if your mattress is old and lumpy, throw it out and get a new one. Your neck and your back will thank you. The same rule applies to sofas. If you will be spending hours on a sofa, get a firm yet comfortable one. Sofas you completely sink into are not the best idea.

Pillows

No matter how comfortable sleeping with ten cushions is, have pity on your neck and resist. Sleep with one pillow, and make sure it is not too thick. If your pillow gets lumpy, discard it and go for a new one. Get a thin pillow if you sleep on your stomach, and something a little thicker if you sleep on your back, to give your neck adequate support.

Not exercising

So all of us know we should exercise more, but many of us don't. This is a health mistake we consciously make! And why is that? Simply because we refuse to admit the damage we are causing to our bodies by not working out. A number of people only start working out once they've experienced a warning signal. Don't wait for a heart attack to strike before you decide to opt for a lifestyle change. Make the change now. You don't need to train for the marathon to be in top shape. Half an hour of brisk walking three to four times a week will make a world of difference to your health. You could then increase this to forty minutes, four times a week - and you're all set. If you haven't exercised for a week, you're making a mistake

Chinese decor in Mandarin Oriental KL

I really like Chinese decor in hotels. This is taken in Mandarin Oriental KL.

Shoe box

There is a reality show called "Who wants to Marry a Millionaire?"

A high end Canadian ladies shoe shop interestingly had that printed on the shoe box.

Sorry that I took the picture upside down!

Corn juice

I ordered a "yi mi" drink. In Malaysia, they will give you a glass of barley, but in China it is actually corn juice.

This corn juice is now my favourite drink. Try it hot/warm, and it is really nice!

Oink! Oink!

Dessert buns I had in TianLun International Hotel, Guangzhou.

Porridge with padi field sparrow meat

As you travel from Guangzhou to Wuzhou (Guangxi) by car you will notice a lot of rice padi farms. It took 4.5 hours by car each way.

This is a picture of what I had for supper - porridge with padi field sparrow meat, It was really nice!

Auditing our contract manufacturer - Shennong Pharmaceuticals, Wuzhou, Guangxi

David, myself and Prof Wei.

Inside the biochem lab

The microniser machine.

Raw materials (raw herbs).

Jin Mao Tower- Shanghai

I had a drink at the world's highest bar called CLOUD 9 (86th floor) at the Jin Mao Tower which is 438 meters tall.

Health Examination in Guangzhou

All workers in health and food businesses must get a health cert.

As the main director of my company I had to get a health cert.

The place was packed as you can imagine the amount of people applying for jobs (food related) in Guangzhou and there is only one center for this.

I first had my photo taken, blood taken and then had a physical examination. I wished I could have taken a photo of this, but part of the test included an "anal swab". We had to line up and then when your turn came, you had to pull down your pants and show your backside to a guy that just sits there and keep taking swabs from peoples' asshole.

Confirming my Guangzhou office in Citic Plaza, Tianhe

Budweisser beer can depicting various Olympics Sports

? sport

Tennis
?Volleyball
Weightlifting
Hockey
?sport
Swimming
Judo
?sport
Boxing
Cycling
Badminton
?sport
?boxing
?rowing

Will be active again soon - been extremely busy

Fish Therapy

These fishes in the pond are meant to eat all the dead skin etc off your feet.

It originated in Taiwan and has spread all over Asia.

I first saw this in Beijing but saw it in Giant Kelana Jaya tonight.