The ‘immunity’ secret to exceptional longevity

In a new study that came out this month, researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Tufts Medical Center have found that centenarians possess unique immune cell type composition and highly functional immune systems that have successfully adapted to a history of sickness, allowing for exceptional longevity. There are approximately 30Continue reading “The ‘immunity’ secret to exceptional longevity”

Chronic hives: what is going on inside the body?

If you’ve had hives before, you will know how annoying they can be. It’s even more annoying when they keep coming back, or get worse instead of going away. Hives (also known as urticaria) are red, itchy welts or wheals brought about by the immune system releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation andContinue reading “Chronic hives: what is going on inside the body?”

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”

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”

How to support your immune system to prevent the flu

In an effort to curb seasonal influenza, the Hong Kong government has announced that all kindergartens and childcare centres will close starting tomorrow, one week ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday. Besides getting the flu vaccine, what else can we do to protect our health? Your immune system protects you from infectious bacteria, viruses,Continue reading “How to support your immune system to prevent the flu”

Protect your health and strengthen your immune system, naturally

Between May and July 2017, more than 300 severe flu cases were reported by Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection, compared with 50 in the same period last year. Experts say mutations in the influenza virus were to blame, meaning that that those who were vaccinated were not getting the protection they hoped for. Besides gettingContinue reading “Protect your health and strengthen your immune system, naturally”

Healthy children, naturally

Did you know, a recent study showed that children given vitamin D daily were less likely to catch the flu (influenza A)? And that children taking probiotics were half as likely to develop eczema (atopic dermatitis) than those who didn’t? How can parents empower their child to stay healthy into their adolescent years (and beyond!) andContinue reading “Healthy children, naturally”

Three simple back-to-school reminders to boost immunity

As children return to school, parents want to ensure that they are healthy and energized. Following these three simple reminders will help you and your child get started on a great school year! 1) Having three main meals (plus one to two snacks) a day, including protein and colourful vegetables, helps prevent nutrient deficiencies andContinue reading “Three simple back-to-school reminders to boost immunity”