I am pleased to publish this article with the permission of Terry Laughlin, swimming coach and founder of Total Immersion.

I’m searching for information on stretching with focus on freestyle swimming.

I’ve found in Total Immersion, the Revolutionary Way to Swim better, Faster, and Easier some exercises and two stretches for the front of the shoulder and two stretches for the back of the shoulder.

I’m definitely interested in shoulder stretches but also back and leg stretches that are appropriate. I’ve noticed with TI swimming a definite change to the muscles in my upper back, and I would like to be sure that lack of correct stretching does not cause a physical problem.
The effects or benefits of stretching are commonly thought to be relief of tightness in muscles and increase of range of motion in joints.  Over time I’ve come to view the question of stretching and its effects differently, and my view today is colored by my age – 59, a time when my muscles seem a bit more susceptible to injury or the occurrence of “hot spots” or knots.

My stretching activities now are more geared to overall health and feeling good at all times, while also–as an athlete–trying to keep my muscles ‘tuned for action.’

I rarely do the kind of swim-specific stretching I did from my teens to my 30s that was illustrated in the original TI book. This focused on muscles like the pectorals, triceps, lats. When I was younger I regularly experienced post-swim soreness in those muscles but that was because my swimming relied on higher arm-forces. By using the drag-evading and whole-body-propelling techniques of Perpetual Motion Freestyle, I no longer experience that kind of soreness.

I deal with more general tension–not uncommon in middle-aged-athletes–by warming up more gently and thoroughly before a practice. Also by having one or two practices a week done entirely at ‘recovery pace’ and devoted to higher levels of technique.

I often get knots, particularly in the muscles around my left scapula, because I tore the rotator cuff in that shoulder in an auto accident in 1996 so those muscles compensate to keep my shoulder stable. I need occasional massage, adjustments and acupuncture to break open those knots and relieve tension.

But virtually all of my prior active stretching has been replaced by yoga, which feels both holistic and integrative in a way those stretches were not. Yoga not only keeps me feeling more supple–in my spine and joints as well as in muscles. It also keeps me strong in an integrative way. That is, rather than working on isolated muscles, it strengthens them as they work–in combination and by using them as I do outside of yoga.

Finally, it brings the calming and centering effects of meditation. I’m certain the combination of yoga and swimming is among the most healthful things I will do for the rest of my life.

I was involved in the planning of the Yoga for Swimming and More DVD with Susan Jacque who is one of my teachers, and can strongly recommend it both to complement swimming and as a way to become acquainted with yoga.

For more information on Total Immersion and Terry Laughlin, visit:

http://www.totalimmersion.net/ and

http://www.swimwellblog.com/

According to the World Health Organization, every year 17 million people  globally die from cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart attacks and strokes. It has been projected that by the year 2025, about 1.56 billion people worldwide will suffer from high blood pressure or hypertension. One in four persons will be afflicted by hypertension and that is alarming.

Hypertension is a common and serious medical condition that can lead to many health problems such as stroke, coronary heart disease, kidney and heart failures. More disturbing than the figures is the fact that these lethal medical problems sometimes show no symptoms.

Normal blood pressure pushes our heart to our body so it can receive the oxygen and nutrients required. The pressure rises and falls during the day, but when it stays elevated over time, it is called high blood pressure or hypertension. The common approach in managing hypertension is by using clinical blood pressure readings, but this is not always accurate and can lead to a false sense of security. A seemingly healthy person can suffer from arrhythmia, a condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm and an ECG may not pick it up.

The devices and systems that physicians used in laboratories and hospitals to manage hypertension do not provide accurate readings of the blood pressure and may not detect any form of arrhythmia. They are also expensive (US$30K to US$40K) and beyond the reach of general practitioners.

A doctor from Singapore, who was frustrated with the limitations of the existing clinical measuring equipment, decided to conduct intensive research and came up with an innovative watch-like device, BPro, that can be used in a clinical setting.

Dr TING Choon Meng, CEO of HealthSTATS International, invented this device that monitors blood pressure and can predict and prevent sudden heart attack and stroke. This has caught the interest of doctors and researchers worldwide.

BPro is a revolutionary device that provides the medical practitioners and researchers alike with unprecedented capabilities in acquiring highly reproducible & accurate real time arterial pulse wave data and 24-hr Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring [ABPM]. These breakthroughs are achieved both by innovative hardware design and an application software, A-Pulse Casp, also developed by Dr. Ting.

The software was tested and validated in three separate clinical trials involving 12,000 patients. The only other way to get such measurements is by inserting a catheter into the groin.

With its ease of use and integrated application software packages it has the potential to become the standard for medical care for hypertension and related illnesses.

Unlike other methods available in the market, the BPro does not restrict movement or disrupt sleep. It is the only device in the world that takes a person’s blood pressure without the wearer being aware of its presence.

BPro has won numerous international awards and received accreditations from European CE-MDD Mark, FDA, China, Australia and New Zealand agencies.

Major healthcare establishments in many countries are either testing or  using the BPro.  High profile patients, including celebrities, politicians and royalties who prefer to remain anonymous are also using this device.

Dr Ting has developed two scaled-down models, the US$2,700 A-Pulse CasPro, meant for GP clinics, and the US$350 A-Pulse CasPal, for patients to use at home. These two devices have just been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

The A-Pulse Casp is being used in a study of 1,200 pregnant women at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore.

The trial aims to track the health of both mothers and babies – from the time they are in the womb, and as they develop and grow.

The objectives of the study are to uncover better ways to prevent and treat metabolic diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes and to establish the normal central blood pressure ranges during pregnancy.

In another large-scale trial in USA, 50,000 Americans will use these devices, to track how the measurements are associated with diabetes.

The American company, Save 1 Heart, will buy 100 of the machines for use in the diabetes trial, as well as others on thyroid and heart disease.

‘We ran various trials and found it was a world-leading device recommended by top doctors,’ said Mr Isaac Casados, founder of Save 1 Heart.

New Discoveries in Cancer Treatments offer more options

According to the World Health Organisation the number of cancer deaths worldwide could double by 2030 to reach 13 million.

Patients who are suffering from lethal types of cancers, like brain, lung, liver, ovarian and pancreas, do not respond well to existing therapies. This is bad news.

However there is good news too. Recent discoveries in cancer treatments are raising more hope for researchers as well as patients.

Cancer experts who met at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology last month were encouraged by the recent victories in treating cancer. Instead of the conventional way of standard chemotherapy, new therapies are taking a bigger role in targeting key tumour functions and destroying the cancer cells by boosting the immune system.

Patients with advanced or metastasized cancers, with limited treatment options, have shown increased rates of survival.

Researchers have discovered that an experimental drug, ipilimumab, can extend the lives of patients suffering from advanced melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer that is increasing at a faster rate than other types of cancer.

Crizotinib, another experimental drug, was also shown to shrink tumours in advanced lung cancer patients.

Patients of advanced ovarian cancer have shown good progress in clinical trials of Avastin, a drug that cuts off supply of nutrient-rich blood to the tumours.

The life expectancy of men suffering from advanced prostate cancer can be significantly improved by adding radiation to hormone deprivation therapy.

Researchers are able to produce cancer vaccines that are more effective by using a common diabetic’s drug known as Metformin. They discovered that this anti-diabetic drug works better by boosting the number of cancer fighting T-cells.

These T-cells have immunological memory and can fight off a tumour that might occur later.

This discovery could revolutionise current strategies for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Therapeutic vaccines are meant to treat illnesses that have already occurred and can be developed to treat many types of cancer including breast, prostate and lung.

Prophylactic vaccines are designed to prevent diseases from developing in healthy people, and can be developed to treat liver and cervical cancers.

In Singapore, scientists have discovered a way to halve chemotherapy costs for advanced breast cancer patients by using a $9 anti-fungal drug meant for dandruff and athlete’s foot infections.

Scientists at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore found that Ketoconazole, the anti-fungal drug, complements chemotherapy treatment as it impedes an enzyme in the body from breaking down a drug used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy treatment uses a drug known as Docetaxel to treat breast, stomach, lung and prostate cancers. Patients undergo a total of  four cycles, each cycle once every three weeks and this cost between US$1300 to $1800. Using Docetaxel together with Ketoconazole, the concentration level of the chemotherapy was reduced by 40 per cent and in turn halving the cost while maintaining the desired results.

In a separate trial done recently involving 2000 women from nine countries, it was found that a single dose of radiation during surgery was just as effective for breast cancer patients as receiving weeks of radiation.

This new technique, called Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy, could save patients many weeks of post-operation radiotherapy that can include 20 or 30 visits to hospital. It also reduces damage to organs such as the heart, lung and oesophagus from radiation exposure. Although this new technique was applied to women with a similar type of breast cancer, researchers were excited by the findings.

Hopefully before the end of 2010, there will be more great news for cancer patients. Stay tuned.

I have always felt that our great grandparents and people of their generation were more robust and had healthier lifestyles. They ate simple food, worked longer hours and hardly complained.

Fast forward to the 21^st century, where we are faced with modern day conveniences and high tech devices such as smart mobile phones, online shopping, microwave oven, speedy transportation and fast food.

But with all these technological advances and conveniences are we healthier, happier and live longer than our ancestors?

One thing is certain; we are now exposed to an environment which our forefathers were not. The air that we breathe, the earth where we grow our vegetables and fruits and our water resources are now polluted with chemicals.

Our foods are added with harmful synthetic hormones, antibiotics and addictives. When our bodies break down and we become sick, we are fed with drugs and more chemicals.

This modern day stress, unhealthy lifestyles, poor eating habits and a hostile environment have created illnesses that were uncommon in the past.

Cancer, diabetes, asthma, anxiety and depressive disorders, and deep vein thrombosis are just some of the so-called “New Age Diseases” in our modern world.

As we become more affluent, we adopt a Western diet that is high in fat,  carbohydrates, red meat, processed foods and low in fibre. This eating habit has contributed to a rise in colorectal cancer.

Our colon is designed to collect toxic waste and then discharge it. When it is clogged with too much of harmful chemicals and acidic content and insufficient fibre, many things can happen. This includes irregular bowel movements, irritable bowel syndrome, appendicitis, and even colon cancer. In serious cases, it may affect the liver and kidneys.

An unhealthy diet and a stressful lifestyle with little time to exercise are a perfect formula for obesity, diabetes and other health problems.

Obese people are also prone to fatty liver disease which is growing at an alarming rate. This happens when the liver accumulate fat causing inflammation and other liver diseases, such as cancer.

Office workers are spending long hours in front of computers and other digital devices which are getting smaller in footprint. This has led to an increase in aches, pains and sprains of the neck, back, knee and hand joints. In some cases varicose veins may develop. Women who wear high heel shoes or are pregnant and spend long periods of time sitting still or standing are more likely to develop varicose veins.

People who suffer from varicose veins are also at risk of getting deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein and stays there. Several cases of people on long-haul flights have been reported to have died from DVT. With more people travelling by air for work and leisure, DVT is becoming a new age disease.

As our world become more urbanised, our air quality deteriorates and respiratory diseases become more common. In some Asian countries, farmers regularly burn large tract of land to clear them for vegetation. The air pollutants resulted from the burning spread to neighbouring countries, and increasing incidents of respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

With our hectic and pressurised lifestyle, we neglect our physical and mental health. The recent financial crash has also created a feeling of powerlessness. These have contributed to more people having depressive disorders. People suffering from these disorders have low mood and energy levels, cannot sleep well, no appetite, cannot focus and unable to enjoy life.

So how do we get out of this predicament and start to enjoy healthy living?

Find out in my next article.

Hypnosis for Weight Loss: Does It Work?

Yes, research demonstrates a significant effect when using hypnosis for weight loss.

In a 9-week study of two weight management groups (one using hypnosis and one not using hypnosis), the hypnosis group continued to get results in the two-year follow-up, while the non-hypnosis group showed no further results (Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1985).

In a study of 60 women separated into hypnosis versus non-hypnosis groups, the groups using hypnosis lost an average of 17 pounds, while the non-hypnosis group lost an average of only .5 pounds (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1986).

In a meta-analysis, comparing the results of adding hypnosis to weight loss treatment across multiple studies showed that adding hypnosis increased weight loss by an average of 97% during treatment, and even more importantly increased the effectiveness POST TREATMENT by over 146%. This shows that hypnosis works even better over time (Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 1996).

Definition of Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. It is like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to use more of their potential, learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control.

Everyone has experienced a trance many times, but we don’t usually call it hypnosis. All of us have been so absorbed in thought – while reading a book, or riding the bus to work – that we fail to notice what is happening around us. While we were zoned out, another level of consciousness which we refer to as our unconscious mind, took over. These are very focused states of attention similar to hypnosis.

Ruth Dart, assistant to Dr. Eric Greenleaf who founded the Milton H. Erickson Insitute of the Bay Area, has this to say about what hypnosis feels like:

At the end of my first hypnosis session, my hypnotherapist said, “When we’re through here you’ll be . . . you’ll be yourself!” This was prophetic. I would describe all of my subsequent experiences with hypnosis as remembering or discovering parts of myself that were characteristic, and following their lead.

Therapeutic hypnosis has not involved suppressing or discarding any part of me. It has not meant using will power to force behavior changes. Rather, it is a way to allow change to arise inevitably, even joyfully, out of the unique person who has always been present. It is a tool for utilizing what is already there.

Clinical hypnotists do essentially three things with hypnosis. They encourage the use of imagination. Mental imagery is very powerful, especially in a focused state of attention. The mind seems capable of using imagery, even if it is only symbolic, to assist us in bringing about the things we are imagining. For example, a patient with ulcerative colitis may be asked to imagine what her distressed colon looks like. If she imagines it as being like a tunnel, with very red, inflamed walls that are rough in texture, the patient may be encouraged in hypnosis (and in self-hypnosis) to imagine this image changing to a healthy one.

Another basic hypnotic method is to present ideas or suggestions to the patient. In a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions that are compatible with what the patient wants seem to have a more powerful impact on the mind.

Finally, hypnosis may be used for unconscious exploration, to better understand underlying motivations or identify whether past events or experiences are associated with causing a problem. Hypnosis avoids the critical censor of the conscious mind, which often defeats what we know to be in our best interests.

Some individuals seem to have higher native hypnotic talent and capacity that may allow them to benefit more readily from hypnosis. It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality: it is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, and it is helpful with many other patients, but individual responses vary.

Myths About Hypnosis

People often fear that being hypnotized will make them lose control, surrender their will, and result in their being dominated, but a hypnotic state is not the same thing as gullibility or weakness. Many people base their assumptions about hypnotism on stage acts but fail to take into account that stage hypnotists screen their volunteers to select those who are cooperative, with possible exhibitionist tendencies, as well as responsive to hypnosis. Stage acts help create a myth about hypnosis which discourages people from seeking legitimate hypnotherapy.

Another myth about hypnosis is that people lose consciousness and have amnesia. A small percentage of subjects, who go into very deep levels of trance will fit this stereotype and have spontaneous amnesia. The majority of people remember everything that occurs in hypnosis. This is beneficial, because most of what we want to accomplish in hypnosis may be done in a medium-depth trance, where people tend to remember everything.

In hypnosis, the patient is not under the control of the hypnotist. Hypnosis is not something imposed on people, but something they do for themselves. A hypnotist simply serves as a facilitator to guide them.

When Will Hypnosis Be Beneficial?

We believe that hypnosis will be optimally effective when the patient is highly motivated to overcome a problem and when the hypnotherapist is well trained in both hypnosis and in general considerations relating to the treatment of the particular problem. Some individuals seem to have higher native hypnotic talent and capacity that may allow them to benefit more readily from hypnosis.

It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality: It can offer major benefits to some patients with some problems, and it is helpful with many other patients. But it can fail, just like any other clinical method. For this reason, we emphasize that we are not “hypnotists,” but health-care professionals who use hypnosis along with other tools of our professions.

Selecting a Qualified Hypnotherapist

As in choosing any health care professional, care should be exercised in selecting a hypnotherapist. Hypnosis and the use of hypnotic therapies are not regulated in most states, and hypnotherapists are, in most cases, not state licensed in hypnosis. Lay hypnotists are people who are trained in hypnosis but lack medical, psychological, dental or other professional health care training. A lay hypnotist may be certified and claim to have received 200 or more hours of training, but licensed health care professionals typically have seven to nine years of university coursework, plus additional supervised training in internship and residency programs. Their hypnosis training is in addition to their medical, psychological, dental or social work training. Careful questioning can help you avoid a lay hypnotist who may engage in fraudulent or unethical practices.

Ask if the person is licensed (not certified) in their field by the state. If they are not legitimately licensed, they probably lack the education required for licensure. Find out what their degree is in. If it is in hypnosis or hypnotherapy, rather than a state-recognized health care profession, the person is a lay hypnotist. Check for membership in the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis or the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (which are the only nationally recognized organizations for licensed health care professionals using hypnosis) as well as membership in the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Psychological Association (APA), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), etc. Contact a state or local component section of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis to see if the person is a reputable member. If you have doubts about their qualifications, keep looking.

Uses of Hypnosis

LEGITIMATE USES OF HYPNOSIS
Below is a list of legitimate uses of hypnosis as defined by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH):

Allergies
Anxiety & stress management
Asthma
Bed-wetting
Bowel syndrome
Burns
Colitis
Concentration difficulties
Crohn’s disease
Dentistry (relaxation, fear elimination, prevention of gagging and nausea, control of saliva and bleeding, behavior modification)
Depression
Dermatologic disorders (eczema, herpes, neurodermatitis, pruritus [itching], psoriasis, warts)
Hemophilia
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Learning disorders
Nausea & vomiting
Obesity & weight control
Pain (back pain, cancer pain, dental anesthesia, headaches and migraines, arthritis or rheumatism)
Raynaud’s disease
Sexual dysfunctions
Sleep disorders
Smoking cessation
Sports & athletic performance
Surgery/anesthesiology
Test anxiety
Ulcers

SOME NON-LEGITIMATE USES
Alcoholism
Drug addiction
Growing taller
Getting lucky
Magical seduction powers
Penis growth
Psychic powers
Remote influence

QUESTIONABLE USES
Breast growth (There have been instances where hypnosis has worked with breast growth, but we are not confident in the research.)

Source : ASCH

Tai chi may relieve knee pain

Tai chi, a martial art originated from China, is a mind and body practice in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Practitioners move their bodies slowly and artistically, while breathing deeply which is why it is sometimes referred to as “moving meditation”.

People practice tai chi for various health-related reasons including:

• improve physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility
• benefits associated with low-impact, weight-bearing, aerobic exercise
• improve balance and decrease the risk of falls, especially in elderly people
• ease pain and stiffness—for example, from osteoarthritis
• improve sleep
• overall wellness.

A recent study suggests that practising tai chi regularly reduce osteoarthritis pain and also improve joint functions.

Researchers from the Tufts University School of Medicine carried out a study on 40 people with knee osteoarthritis, who had an average age of 65.

Twenty people were randomly placed in hour-long twice-weekly tai chi classes for three months. Besides tai chi movements, the classes included self-massage, breathing and relaxation techniques. They were also asked to practice tai chi for at least 20 minutes a day at home while maintaining their usual physical routine.

The other half was placed in the control group, attending twice-weekly hour-long sessions on osteoarthritis that included information on diet and nutrition, plus ways to treat the condition and how to handle stress. They also took part in full-body stretching exercises and were encouraged to stretch for 20 minutes a day at home and follow their regular physical regimen.

The Los Angeles Times reported that after the three months trial, those in the tai chi group saw a substantial drop in knee pain compared to the control group. The tai chi group also saw more improvements in function, depression and health status.

A second study by Australian researchers also found encouraging results. This study included 152 older adults with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: tai chi classes, water exercise classes, or a waiting list. After 12 weeks, those in both the tai chi and water exercise groups reported moderate improvements in physical function, although only water exercise led to slightly decreased pain. The benefits were still evident three months after the classes ended.

Although tai chi is quite safe to practice, practitioners should observe the following:

• do not overdo, as it may result in sore muscles or sprains
• do not practice tai chi right after a meal, or when you are very tired, or if you have an infection
• do not practice if you are pregnant, or if you have a hernia, joint problems, back pain, fractures, or severe osteoporosis.

The bottom line

Many people practice tai chi to improve their health. It is such a gentle form of exercise that tai chi is suitable to those with arthritis. Studies suggest that it may help reduce joint pain, stiffness, and disability for people with OA.

Tai chi requires strict attention to body posture and breathing, so it’s best learned from a qualified instructor rather than a book or video

FACTS OR FICTION

The claim:

Sugar in the diet can lead to acne

The facts:

The correlation between acne and sugar has long been discussed, disputed and dismissed. The food and drinks that we consume everyday contain different levels of sugar. Consuming sugar in large amount can reduce your immunity and increase your insulin production leading to hormonal imbalance. This imbalance increase the production of sebum and cause acne.

Recent studies have indicated that what really matter may not be the sugar but a food’s glycemic index, which is the speed and extent it raises blood glucose levels.
When we consume food with high glycemic index, it raises glucose levels rapidly and forcing the body to release a large amount of insulin and other hormones. Scientists believe that this occurrence stimulate oil production and cause inflammation of the skin.

To test this theory, scientists recruited 50 men and boys aged 15 to 25, all of them with acne, and monitored their progress for 12 weeks.
Some subjects were given only diet that included high-glycemic foods like sweetened cereals, muffins, pasta and white bread. The rest were given food with low glycemic index and high in protein, like fish, wholegrain breads and fruits.

At the end of the study, which was published in 2007, the subjects on the low-glycemic diet had far greater reductions in skin lesions and other symptoms of acne than the control group. They also showed a decrease in their levels of free, circulating androgens, the male hormones known to cause acne, suggesting that hormones played a role.

Though more studies and research are needed to confirm this,
Other researches have found similar correlation between high-glycemic food and acne, but scientists generally agree that more studies are needed.

The bottom line:

There is some evidence that foods high in sugar can worsen acne.

Kiwifruit is one of my favourite fruits. It tastes good and has a long shelf life. Of all the popular fruits consumed in the world today, Kiwifruit is the most nutrient-rich. It is an excellent source of Vitamins C , E and A and high in dietary fibre. Kiwifruit has twice the amount of vitamin C than orange, 3 times that of mango, 11 times that of banana and 16 times that of apple.

It is low in fat and sugar and contains no cholesterol. Most fruits have one or two nutrients but kiwifruit has a broad complement of nutrients. Among the fruits with low-sodium and high-potassium, kiwifruit ranks number one, having more potassium than a banana or citrus fruit. It also contain phosphorous, magnesium and copper.

Health Benefits of Kiwifruit

Cancer

Kiwifruit contains an anti-mutagenic component which helps to prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process.
Kiwifruit has been shown to aid the prevention of nitrosation, a process when carcinogenic nitrates, created during smoking or barbecuing of food, is ingested.

In laboratories tests, kiwifruit extract was found to inhibit melanoma, a type of skin cancer.Arginine, an amino acid found in kiwifruit, improve post angioplasty blood flow and actually prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries.

Kiwifruit contains an important phytochemical known as Lutein which is linked to the prevention of prostate and lung cancer.
Studies have indicated that kiwifruit contains a not-yet-isolated compound that accelerates digestive transit time which help to prevent colorectal cancer. This laxative action decreases the build-up of cancer-promoting metabolites.

Kiwifruit is one of the few fruits that are green when ripe, and chlorophyllin, a derivative of chlorophyll, is believed to be an inhibitor of liver carcinogenesis.

Eye Health

Kiwifruit contains Carotenoids lutein, the natural compounds that give various fruits, vegetable and flowers their rich red, orange and yellow colors.

Carotenoids lutein promotes clear vision by absorbing the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and neutralizing free radicals in the retina (the light-sensitive portion of the eye). This may help to reduce the risk of macular degeneration, an age-related vision disorder that is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Some studies have revealed that people who consumed a high quantity of carotenoid lutein have a 20 – 50% lower risk of getting a cataract.

Heart Health

Kiwifruit is particularly high in two amino acids: arginine and glutamate. Arginine dilates the arterioles and improve the blood flow which is important for heart health.

Kiwifruit a good source of vitamin E and Magnesium which are crucial for a healthy heart. It also contain pectin which has been shown to lower cholesterol.
Kiwifruit has a good sodium/potassium ratio which is critical for a healthy heart.

Impotence

Arginine is known to be effective in the widening of blood vessels and relaxation of muscles and may be helpful in treating impotence in men.

Depression

Inositol is found in kiwifruit. Recent studies have shown that inositol functions as a precursor of an intracellular second messenger system and is beneficial in the treatment of depression.

Diabetes

The presence of Inositol in the kiwifruit makes it great for diabetes patients, as it helps regulate the body hormones and neurotransmitters.

Stress Reduction

Kiwifruit contains a relatively high level of serotonin which provide a calming effect in most individuals.
Physical Fitness
Kiwifruit contains a wide range of electrolytes that is essential for replenishing those lost during rigorous exercises.

Indigestion

Kiwifruit is highly effective in easing indigestion. It contains an enzyme called actinidin that may make an excellent meat tenderizer. It is also a rich source of potassium, which is needed to stimulate the flow of digestive juices.

Joints Pain

The enzymes found in Kiwifruit could benefit people who suffer from arthritis or fibromyalgia. These enzymes are also beneficial for anyone with low back pain, hip pain and sciatica. If you suffer from inflammation of the joints and muscles you should consume kiwi fruit regularly.
Pregnancy
Kiwifruit contains close to 10% of the recommended daily value of folic acid (vitamin B9) which is vital for the health of mother and child during pregnancy, and for the prevention of birth defects.

Testosterone

Kiwifruit contains Zinc which is important for boys and men because it helps produce testosterone. In addition, Zinc is essential in for healthy hair, skin, teeth and nails
Kiwifruit is an ideal fruit to have for breakfast, or simply as a desert or snack. It is easy to eat and digest which is important for lazy people. It is good to eat a kiwifruit if you have a heavy meal to help digest the protein rich meal.

There is hope for people who suffer from constipation. A specially designed toilet seat that can ease this problem is now available in the market. It looks like an ordinary toilet seat, with a protrusion that fits between the tailbone and the anus.

The protrusion or knob contains nano silver which will prevent infection and also the back part of the rectum from overstretching.

The toilet seat known as Colerec, was developed by using Posterior HPS. This is the latest technology for the treatment of perinal disorders including anal fissure, haemorrhoids and constipation. HPS (Hai’s Perinal Support) is named after the Malaysian doctor who invented it.

An anal fissure is very common disorder and often is perpetuated because patients are frequently misdiagnosed with haemorrhoids.

An anal fissure is a tear at the distal part of the anal canal and mostly located at the posterior midline position. It may be present together with haemorrhoids. Typical symptoms are bleeding and pain both during and after a bowel movement. Conservative treatments like sitz baths, and increased water intake are normally ineffective. Medical treat­ments including the use of anal sphincter relaxants and drugs are popular alternatives. However these options are not ideal and may cause side effects.

Surgical lateral anal sphincterotomy that involves cutting the lowest portion of the internal anal sphincter, is often recommended for treating chronic anal fis­sures. This procedure should always be kept as the last option because it is invasive and may cause permanent. fecal incontinence.

In clinical trials HPS was found to have many medical usages and benefits. These were attributed to the mechanical support of the perineum. Various medical institutions are now conducting systematic researches and are yielding very positive results. Scientific papers are been consolidated for publication in medical journals.

The Colerec toilet seat is non-invasive and is anatomically designed to provide optimum support and comfort for the users.

Private colorectal surgeon Francis Seow, previously head of colorectal surgery at Singapore General Hospital, is convinced that it offers patients a good, practical solution to conventional treatment, which could involve surgery in serious cases.

More than 150 of his patients have tried the Colerec toilet seat since it became available in 2008, and most of them have experienced significant improvement in their conditions.

The Colerec toilet seat is not suitable for small-sized people and children who are unable to sit on the knob, and those who travel frequently and are unable to use the seat regularly.

The cost of the Colorec seat is around US$200, a small price for a messy problem.