2020’s “Dirty Dozen”: What are the most pesticide-laden foods?

The 2020 Dirty Dozen™ List is out! Here is the list of foods that contain the most pesticide residues: Strawberries Spinach Kale Nectarines Apples Grapes Peaches Cherries Pears Tomatoes Celery Potatoes The list is released each year by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization which uses more than 40,000 produce samples testedContinue reading “2020’s “Dirty Dozen”: What are the most pesticide-laden foods?”

Coronavirus COVID-19: Scottish government advises people to take vitamin D

As part of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic guidance, the Scottish government has recommended that people start getting a daily dose of vitamin D. The government statement published last week says: “Since it’s difficult for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including children and pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplementContinue reading “Coronavirus COVID-19: Scottish government advises people to take vitamin D”

Staying home during COVID-19 pandemic: how to avoid overeating

Are you among the millions staying at home during this pandemic? You may have seen the “COVID-19” memes about gaining 19 pounds during self-isolation at home. It’s easy for some people to overeat on a normal day, not to mention now, as we face unprecedented and unpredictable times. Have you been craving high-calorie and high-sugarContinue reading “Staying home during COVID-19 pandemic: how to avoid overeating”

Coronavirus COVID-19: how to support your immune system

COVID-19 has taken center stage as countries across the world scramble to implement social restrictions in an attempt to curb the spread of the potentially deadly coronavirus. According to Harvard scientist Marc Lipsitch, 40 to 70% of the global population could become infected with the coronavirus. Though the majority of infected people experience symptoms similarContinue reading “Coronavirus COVID-19: how to support your immune system”

Coronavirus COVID-19: dealing with the epidemic and practical tips to protect your health

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”

Novel coronavirus outbreak: practical tips to protect your health during Lunar New Year

Chinese New Year is fast approaching, and according to Hong Kong experts, the novel coronavirus has already spread to 20 other cities in China, just ahead of the country’s biggest festival. China has confirmed that this respiratory virus can be spread from human to human. Although the majority of the cases have been in Wuhan, theContinue reading “Novel coronavirus outbreak: practical tips to protect your health during Lunar New Year”

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.”

Got a stuffy nose? Tips for a better sleep.

Whether you’ve got a stuffy nose from a cold, flu or allergies, sleeping through the night can be a challenge with all that congestion. Read on for tips on how to sleep better when you are congested. Elevate your head. Congestion tends to be worse when you lie down because it is harder for the noseContinue reading “Got a stuffy nose? Tips for a better sleep.”

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”