Though extremely rare, a 4-year-old boy died of drowning days after he went swimming in the USA last month. The suspected cause of death was reported to be “dry drowning” at the time. “Dry drowning” and “secondary drowning” aren’t actual medical terms, but they are used to describe the complications which result from submersion ofContinue reading “Dry drowning or delayed drowning: know the signs”
Category Archives: General
Travelling soon? Beware of bed bugs!
With bed bugs becoming resistant to common insecticides used against them, it’s no wonder we have seen a resurgence of bed bug infestations in the last 5 to 10 years. Bed bugs, known scientifically as Cimex lectularius (Cimicidae), are oval-shaped wingless insects that feed on blood from people or animals. No more than 0.5 centimeresContinue reading “Travelling soon? Beware of bed bugs!”
Which is more important for weight loss- diet or exercise?
A healthful diet and regular exercise regime are essential when it comes to weight loss but which one is more important in achieving the results you want? If you want to drop the weight, it turns out that reducing calorie intake from your diet is more effective than exercise. “People expect exercise to be aContinue reading “Which is more important for weight loss- diet or exercise?”
Hidden sugars in your (child’s) food
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published new guidelines in 2017 in the journal Pediatrics, stating that children under the age of one should not be given fruit juice, unless advised by their doctor. The AAP cites increasing obesity rates and risk for dental caries in children for the updated guidelines. Besides sugary juices, where elseContinue reading “Hidden sugars in your (child’s) food”
A curious case of bleeding through skin pores
I had a peculiar case, recently. A patient, Mr. X, suddenly experienced bleeding through the skin pores on his back- much like sweating, but sweating out blood. He had previously seen me for allergies and food intolerances, but never mentioned anything of this sort. I asked Mr. X about any dietary changes and if heContinue reading “A curious case of bleeding through skin pores”
2017’s “Dirty Dozen”: Strawberries, spinach most contaminated with pesticides
Yesterday, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) released 2017’s Dirty Dozen™ list, which is comprised of fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides. Strawberries are at the top of the list, with spinach at second place in the annual ranking of conventionally grown produce with the most pesticide residues. In the analysis, a single sample of strawberries showedContinue reading “2017’s “Dirty Dozen”: Strawberries, spinach most contaminated with pesticides”
How to get rid of cold sores (and prevent them from returning)
Do you get cold sores? Want to get rid of them naturally- and prevent them from returning? Read on to get the lowdown on this unsightly but common viral infection. WHAT CAUSES COLD SORES? Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are small, fluid-filled blisters found on or around the lips. These are caused by theContinue reading “How to get rid of cold sores (and prevent them from returning)”
Study: eat 10 portions of fruit and veg per day to cut risk for early death
According to researchers at Imperial College London, the greatest benefit comes from eating 10 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, which is double the current guidelines of 5 fruit and vegetable servings daily, for adults. It turns out that eating 5 a day is good, but having 10 a day is better and showsContinue reading “Study: eat 10 portions of fruit and veg per day to cut risk for early death”
Anti-aging solutions: prevent premature aging and slow the aging process, naturally
What if it is possible to turn back the internal clock? What if we do have some control on how quickly we age? Nobel Laureate and molecular biologist, Elizabeth Blackburn, claims that the key to slowing the aging process lies within our cells- specifically in telomeres, which are cap-like regions at the ends of our chromosomes. HOWContinue reading “Anti-aging solutions: prevent premature aging and slow the aging process, naturally”
Help- I can’t fall asleep!
Hong Kong, one of the world’s most densely populated and busiest metropolises, is often dubbed “a city that never sleeps”. And rightly so. Nearly 40% of Hong Kong Chinese adults suffer from insomnia, according to a study by the European Sleep Research Society. Not being able to fall asleep every evening is not only frustrating butContinue reading “Help- I can’t fall asleep!”