As the number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases keeps climbing up, education and information are crucial factors in the management of this novel virus that causes pneumonia. As of February 15th, there are 67,100 confirmed cases and 1,526 deaths globally, the majority of which are reported in Mainland China (66,492 confirmed cases). In Hong Kong, panicContinue reading “Coronavirus COVID-19: dealing with the epidemic and practical tips to protect your health”
Category Archives: Emotional/ Psychological Health
Loneliness: how it impacts your health and how to overcome it
Have you ever felt lonely? Nearly everyone feels lonely at some point in their life, perhaps due to a life change such as starting a new school or job, or moving to a new city. But for some people, loneliness is a way of life. For the younger generation, it may stem from a lackContinue reading “Loneliness: how it impacts your health and how to overcome it”
Is your child depressed? Recognise the signs.
An increasing number of children are suffering from depression, but they are often too young to articulate how they feel. Research shows that the number of kids who have gone to the ER for suicidal behaviour has doubled in less than a decade in the United States. Suicide is the second leading cause of deathContinue reading “Is your child depressed? Recognise the signs.”
Stressed? Anxious? Spend time in nature.
More and more research is showing a strong connection between time spent in nature and reduced stress, anxiety and depression. Not only that, but individuals who are more connected to nature tend to be happier in general. Interacting with nature offers a variety of therapeutic benefits. For instance, calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence canContinue reading “Stressed? Anxious? Spend time in nature.”
Does gut bacteria affect your happiness?
The gut microbiome (i.e. the bacteria in our gut) has been getting lots of attention recently. Scientists are becoming increasingly aware of the key role these trillions of microbes play in health and disease. Not only do these gut microbes within us help us digest food and metabolize drugs but over the past decade, researchContinue reading “Does gut bacteria affect your happiness?”
Health benefits of a daytime nap
Need a nap? It turns out that taking an occasional nap is favourable to your health. Before you take one, read on to learn its benefits! A recent study has found that a daytime nap once or twice a week can lower the risk of heart attacks or strokes. This observational study, published in theContinue reading “Health benefits of a daytime nap”
Thyroid illness: can we decrease thyroid antibodies naturally?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease are autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy and mood. In these autoimmune conditions, the immune system creates anti-thyroid autoantibodies (aka thyroid antibodies) that damage the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (click here if youContinue reading “Thyroid illness: can we decrease thyroid antibodies naturally?”
Reduce anxiety, naturally
Government statistics show that over 13% of people in Hong Kong aged 16 to 75 have common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. According to a 2015 study, 27.8% of Hong Kong’s primary school children have anxiety symptoms so severe that professional help is warranted (Click here to read more on stress and anxiety inContinue reading “Reduce anxiety, naturally”
What you should know about alcohol bloating and weight gain
You drink a few glasses of wine and there it is- your stomach or abdomen expands to a point where it’s uncomfortable, noticeable and embarrassing. Why does this happen? It turns out that drinking alcohol may lead to irritation and inflammation in the stomach (i.e. gastritis) which leads to bloating. Alcohol can also cause weightContinue reading “What you should know about alcohol bloating and weight gain”
10 signs your thyroid isn’t functioning properly
Researchers say that 10% of the general population have thyroid disorders. If you’re a woman over the age of 35, take heed- Experts estimate that 1 in 3 women over 35 develop thyroid illness at one point in their lifetime. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, produces thyroid hormones which regulate your body’sContinue reading “10 signs your thyroid isn’t functioning properly”
Dr. Ardyce Yik ND 