Unwise if drink-driving pub goers turns to sugar-free drinks

It would be most unwise if people especially those in government services who might contravene the drink-driving stipulations and instead turn to sugar-free drinks that are laden with Aspartame. Imagine them drinking glasses after glasses, day in day out. I really wonder how the next generation would be like and that is only if there is a next generation. Maybe pub goers could have fruit juice instead.

Do read up on the danger of aspartame in my earlier postings

• Aspartame - killing us sweetly?

• Aspartame, Methanol and Public Health

• Metabolic newborn screening program for Phenylketonuria compulsory in Singapore?

Regards

Mikey

US Army Preventive Medicine Chief Warned of Water Intoxication in 2007

The US Commander of the US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM), Brigadier General Michael B. Cates had on 20 Apr 2007 sounded out a warning in his memorandum on “Heat Injury Prevention Policy” for military commanders to be on the alert for water intoxication or hyponatremia:

This was stated in paragraph 5 of the “Information Sheet: Heat Injury Prevention Program”

” 5. A number of deaths occurred in the Army due to water intoxication or hyponatremia. Proper water consumption guidelines4 should be followed in order to prevent overhydration. Fluid needs can vary based on individual differences (± ¼ qt/hr) and exposure to full sun or full shade (± ¼ qt/hr). Hourly fluid intake should not exceed 1 ½ quarts and daily intake should not exceed 12 quarts.” (link)

Comments: Water intoxication does not simply implies drinking alot of water at one go but also continuously  without adequate replacement of electrolytes.

Of interest would be paragraph six:

“3. Newly mobilized personnel, especially those from cool climates, are more at risk of becoming a heat casualty when exposed to hot weather and not properly heat acclimatized. Training in a compressed timeframe before deployments increases the risk. The 2003 Ranger and Airborne School Students Heat Acclimatization Guide2 provides practical guidance for optimal heat acclimatization to both maximize
performance while minimizing the risk of becoming a heat casualty.”

Comments: I would extrapolate the “cool climate” in the paragraph 3 to students here who been studying in air-conditioned classroom for umpteen years before suddenly thrust onto a regime of intense physical training and weigh loss program, both totally antagonistic to each other. Why antagonistic? Well, for one intense physical training needs to constant isotonic replenishment to prevent the heart from beating erratically or even stopping. On the other hand, to suddenly attain an ideal weight could lead to desperate measure on the student to take slimming pills or diuretics compound to could exacerbate loss of water and thus further loss of precious electrolytes that are sorely needed to maintain proper heart beat. Thus if the weight loss program would include reduction of salt intake from their diet, then it could lead to further reduction in the availability of electrolytes when they also have to embark on intense physical activities. This antagonistic combination may have a disastrous impact for our over-eager students to attain both ideal standards; a good physical test result and ideal height-body weight ratio. Given the intense competitive nature of over achievement in today’s society, it would be wise to reconsider the fully understand the importance of proper electrolyte balance at all times for not only peak performance but to substain life at the very least. This would augur well towards a healthy workforce with our utmost care and considerations.

Take Care

Mikey

Note: For those who would like to read more about heat intoxication in earlier postings:

a. How to spot a potential “heat stroke” or “sudden death” victim. (link)

b. Changes in running speed in a 100km ultramarathon race (link)

c. Too much water can burst your brains out and constant severe headaches (link)

d. Cut Salt to keep children thin? (Not for our tropical climate) - (link)

e. By the way, I wonder why when athlete collapsed and had their heart stopped during marathons and likes, and whether if Defibrillator works in such instance given that the poor athlete, probably highly deficient in potassium, sodium and other essential electrolytes could really have their heart “jump start” again. It is just like trying to jump start a depleted battery. I am not sure if giving a quick injectio n with the proper electrolyte to the heart region might help (maybe someone could comment on this). - link

f. Defibrillator for marathoners to include electrolyte jabs (link)

g. Magnesium Sulphate to prevent brain edema (swelling) injuries and childbirth deaths - link

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OMRON Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator to prevent muscle atrophy and incontinence?

I have brought an OMRON Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) sometime ago but only started using it recently. Basically the OMRON F128 TENS was to relieve my neck pain (at the cervical neck vertebrae region) arising from a motorcycle skidding accident back in 2001. The TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy uses an electrical stimulation to diminish pain. During the procedure, low-voltage electrical current is delivered through electrodes that are placed on the skin near the source of pain. The electricity from the electrodes stimulate the nerves in an affected area and sends signals to the brain that shuffle normal pain signals, minimizing your pain. However, I had not tried in on my neck thus far fearing that it could affect my brain.

But I did find it very good for muscle contraction and relaxation like those advertised for the stomach muscle contraction and toning exercise belt as shown on the commercial advertising TV channels.

Anyway, I think the OMRON TENS or for that many any other popular brands could be applicable for the followings:

a. Prevent Sarcopenia: This is useful for aged or elderly who may be bedridden due to inactivity. Maybe through time, it the muscle are exercised enough by the “contraction” and “relaxation” processes, they may be able to walk. (see my earlier postings on Sarcopenia)

b. Prevent Muscle Atrophy for hospitalised: I think this is especially useful for those who may be hospitalised or bedridden due to certain illness or fractures etc. This allow their muscle to train and also prevent muscle atrophy or wastings. Could be useful for those in comatose and it may help to prevent muscle wastings so when they do wake up later they would need less rehabilitative time to walk again.

c. For those who could not find time to train: This is a useful tool in the office for those too busy or may want to have this to relax their tensed muscle etc. I swim and run very frequently so I hardly use the OMRON for this purpose.

d. For those on long haul flight: Imagine sitting in a difficult posture like an air plane economy class for 12 hours at a stretch (I mean no stretch). You could even get deep vein thrombosis (dvt) due to sluggish movement of blood flow result in blood clot that when reaches your heart. Poop! you’re a goner. Maybe if I should bring my own TENS on board long haul flight (though I hardly travel or probably would in future given the exorbitant fuel prices) so that I can keep my calve muscle moving while I leisurely read the world news and magazine to feed my brain instead. I need not worry about having sluggish blood circulation. Maybe those who have to sit appropriately or be immobile for long period like judges, parliamentarians, snipers etc etc should have one too.

e. For urinary incontinence: I think it should works, and as such have been putting the nerve pads at my navel region to test if muscle contractions around the region, could indirectly also strengthen the bladder muscle and other related muscles. Anyway today (24 May) as I write and checking with the internet, there is actually a TENS (called Neurotrac Continence) available for incontinence curative treatment. Maybe someone should kindly try to comment on my blog too. I cannot try every single product you see. I need volunteers and feedbacks too.

Cheers

Mikey

PS: I am not advertising for OMRON, but using this as reference instead. Of course there are other brands like OSIM etc etc. You have to find one that suits your needs and pocket too.

Why dishwashing detergent do not carry ingredients labels on its packagings?

As I was also looking for possible introduction of the neurotoxin “Methylisothiazolinone” that is increasingly found in almost all shampoos except for some old trusted brands, I browsed through the shelves at the supermarket.

What really surprises me was that there were not ingredients labels on all the dishwashing detergent products sold at the supermarket. This is REALLY STRANGE indeed! I scratched my head a few times.

So how are we to know if new additives like the neurotoxin “Methylisothiazolinone” were added to new dishwashing detergents especially when nowadays, competing manufacturers would like to add additional stuff like to stave off competitors and to extend their product self lives. Hence, it would be at the health expense of the consumers. But how can the consumers be discerning if those dishwashing liquids do not carry the ingredient labels.

One popular brand even touted “SPECIALLY FORMULATED FOR SINGAPORE”. I became afraid instead. So what is the special formula!? Do they have extra Methylisothiazolinone especially those that touted “anti-bacteria” formula since Methylisothiazolinone is also a biocide.

I hope the relevant health authorities and agencies could look into this possible loopholes since apparently formaldehyde and possible Methylisothiazolinone need not conform to regulations as compared to those added to edible foodstuff. But imagine these compound coating your utensils for drinking and eating, it is almost tantamount to eating those stuff on a long-term basis. Not to mention that our waters are recycle via reverse osmosis, and if not render harmless or neutered, these neurotoxin could return into the food chain in accumulative amount.

Do read my previous postings and this internet health article too.

Take Care

Mikey

Just bought my Methylisothiazolinone-Free Shampoo!

Yeah, I have just reverted and bought a popular brand of shampoo and body wash used mostly for infant. I think that brand is reputable and trusted for ages for body and infant care products. It is free from Methylisothiazolinone and Formaldehyde. Of course adults could use those products too.

I am so rest assured now for both my growing kids and wife . Earlier, I was more concerned about increasing formaldehyde found in shampoos since it is not regulated as compared to being put into edible stuff. So manufacturers are at liberty to infuse massive dosages to preserve their added milk and fruit additives to improve their new marketing products to the dumb masses.

Do read about the neuro toxicity of Methylisothiazolinone in my earlier posting. For Formaldehyde, my concern was the carcinogen nature since “Formaldehyde is a very reactive substance, but dissolved in water it becomes a monster (formalin) with the propensity to attach to any protein molecule that it touches. Formaldehyde in the air causes cancers in human nasal passages, because it is so reactive, it attaches to the first moist protein with which it makes contact. ” (link) (my earlier posting on Formaldehyde).

I think those with skin problems particularly eczema should refrain from using body foam or shampoo with Methylisothiazolinone since it affects the nerve and neurons.

Take Care

Mikey

If you had read my earlier article on Methylisothiazolinone that is increasing found in shampoos and dishwashing detergents,

Escalator and Common Sense!

Whenever, I am with my kids moving up any escalator, I would be particular mindful if the hand railing is flushed against or very close to the adjoining escalator or wall. This is because I do not want their heads to be hit against or worst still, be “chopped” by the adjacent escalator or wall. I wonder why so many escalators must be flushed adjacent to another escalator or wall. To me this is very bad design. I have written to Housing Board and was inform that they conform to certain standard European Union code for older buildings. I understand if it is used in old buildings when there are little room for modifications. In such instances, then placing a hanging placard appear to be stop gap measure to inform someone to be mindful of the danger by allowing him to be hit against the placard in the first place. Strange nonetheless. However, for new buildings, it sure flabbergasting. You can find these at so many new public shopping centres. Even for those with ample spaces, both adjoining escalators are flushed against each other. It is particularly dangerous in such places since the escalator could be jammed packed with people and those would got caught in that dangerous crevice would have little or enough room to duck away.

What I find most refreshing is that there is actually a simple solution.

For those escalator moving upwards and flushed against the wall, the building management could simply change the directional flow to let it become a “downward escalator”. The adjacent escalator, presumably not flushed against any wall could become the “upward escalator”. This simple but effective solution could be seen at the Woodland Library that was probably using the opposite direction previously. Maybe the Depot Road Shopping Centre which is now still employing this brainless and dangerous escalator directional placement could take a leaf from the Woodland Library re-direct both adjoining escalators in reverse directions. I hope those who read this could take a look at directional placement of escalators in their buildings and make palateable suggestions to the building management who could react very strongly to any suggestions especially if it concerns safety. They would probably cite security concerns to parry off safety concerns.

Hee Hee!

Good Grief!

Take Care

Mikey

Marathon, muscle atrophy and sarcopenia

I applaud Straits Times article (24 May 208, page 2 entitled “Don’t Outlive your Muscle, How to keep muscle healthy”. It provided good information about muscle atrophy by getting a 60-year old marathoner who happens to be also a chief cardiologist to espouse the importance of having muscle to lift your frail skeletal frame at old age. However there is another important consideration. Sarcopenia

Anti-bacteria dishwashing detergent, soap, shampoo contains a compound akin to “Agent Orange” ?

Because of this formaldehyde thing or rather the increasing use of formaldehyde in Shampoos especially in our tropical environment to “preserve” the additive milk, tomato, avocado additives that somehow allow for overly extended shelf lives, I began to have a more discerning look at other compounds added to our shampoos and even dish-washing liquids.  Anyway there is no standard impose on how much to add to non-edible items like shampoo.  But they do drip into your eyes, nasal cavities etc.

Well today, I was wondering what is this “Methylisothiazolinone” compound in my brand new shampoo without any formaldehyde. But alas, when I check the internet, it wasn’t so good either. 

Hemi Sync: For brain wellbeing, brain healing or simply mind-control.

I came across this book at a library near my home about three weeks ago out of curiosity as I wander along the bookshelves. I do not subscribe to the age-old belief that “curiosity kills the cat” as I thought it was a really bad idiom that was a sure fire to stifle our thoughts. But having said that we should not be too overly intrusive on the other extreme too.

Anyway, I borrowed the book, flipped through the pages rather haphazardly, read certain excerpts here and there; stopped and re-read certain interesting points and when reaching the last page, realised that hey! there is an accompanying CD with the book. Basically the book tells about the use of sound vibrating at different frequencies at both ears (using a stereo mode) would generate a third frequency known as the “binaural beat” that allows the brain to resonate in perfect unison (which they explained as “coherent brain wave pattern). I went back to borrow the CD and decided to play it. Though it looked badly scratched on the surface, but nevertheless was perfectly audible.

Will Beijing succumb to Geothermal Quake too?

I just want to write a few lines today. I was just wondering if Beijing would be the next victim of untenable exploitation of geothermal energy. This so-called green energy is in fact fraught with danger since it heats up the upper earth crust when the vents are not managed properly. So is geothermal energy really tenable in the first place. Just like oil extraction the vicinity should not be habitable since the land would be devastated in time. The effect on farming would surface in time since the rising hydrogen chloride and reinjection of waste water would change the acidity of the fast depleting arable lands. The water table or underground reservoir had to be continually replenished to prevent overheating. Some smart ass would then resort to “Dry Heat Geothermal” energy which is basically splashing water onto hot rocks (like onto hot charcoal) to generate steam that would also rupture the upper crust.
Importantly, oil and the water table serve to act like a buffering absorbent to cushion the earth tectonic movement. This especially true for the underground water table and any vacuum from over-exploitation for geothermal plant (without adequate reinjection) would suck up massive water from nearby farming regions. This perhaps explain why vast land would “suddenly” become desert like especially in summer when both farming and geothermal energy could be competing for the same underground water table.