Sensitive teeth? Pick the right brush for pain-free brushing
For those with sensitive teeth and bleeding gum, brushing and cleaning interdental spaces can create pain and discomfort. Tooth sensitivity occurs as a result of receding gum and exposed dentin. Many factors lead to sensitivity. Brushing too hard, over time, can damage enamel and cause recession of gum. The build-up of plaque, may cause gum disease, leading to bleeding gum and sensitivity. Pick a soft brush with fine bristles to reduce abrasive on tooth structure and to cleanse the gum line better. A toothbrush with compact brush head allows you to brush hard-to-reach areas, like back teeth, which can be easily missed while brushing with normal-sized brush head. |
Right practice for shampooing!
Daily hair wash is essential for the hot and humid weather in Singapore. But, do you practice the right way in shampooing? The first step should be gently brushing your hair to improve blood circulation in scalp and avoid entangled hair. Rinse hair with warm water to remove the dirt. Do not apply your shampoo directly onto scalp. Make it into foam by using your palms before applying. Massage scalp gently with fingers, not nails. Spend longer time while rinsing to ensure no shampoo residue remains. Tapping your hair by towel and let it dry with cool air. |
SLS-free shampoo!
Check your shampoo label and look for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – a common foaming agent that present in 90% commercially available shampoos. SLS is able to permeate the skin effectively and concentrate in some organs such as eyes, brain and heart. It washes away the hair moisture and may lead to premature shedding of hair, clogged hair follicle and finally, and hair loss. Avoid products containing SLS. Seek natural alternatives! AFC Shokaigan Shampoo with zero content of SLS and natural blend of 10 amino acids to gently deep cleanse, unclog hair follicles and regulate hair scalp pH. |
High Heels & Foot Pain!
Research shows that women who wore high heels have shorter muscle fibers with thicker and stiffer Achilles’ tendons. In the long run, it limits the motion of ankle and heels-wearer will find it painful to walk in flat shoes. Occasional swabbing between lower heels and high heels keep your tendons stretched and prevent aching feet. Regular stretching relieves the tensed muscle fibers. It may not be good for you but you need not give up the killer heels once and for all. Choose your shoes wisely. Platform shoes are often better than stilettos, and always opt for shoes with a snug fit. |
Hormone pills and breast cancer?
Research findings from the California Teachers Study point the decline in breast cancer to the reduced use of Hormone Therapy (HT) at peri-menopausal stage. Prolonged use of HT may be a link to the increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, ovarian cancer, and endometrial cancer. As your body undergoes the transition, try to rely on natural plant-based alternatives instead. Try Maca (Lepidium peruvianum), clinically proven to support hormonal imbalances, to improve mood and regulates stress. Many women find this a boon to improving menopausal symptoms. |
Boost immune health with Agaricus mushroom.
The Agaricus Blazei Murill (or commonly known as Brazilian mushrooms) contains the highest level of beta-glucans. Beta-glucans stimulate various aspects of the immune system by increasing activity levels of immune cells like macrophages and T-cells that are first to fight bad bacteria and viruses. Lifestream ABM Immuno Advance contains 10 times concentrated extract with other medicinal mushroom extracts for potent immunity protection and support general health. |
Healthy travelling!
Nothing spoils the excitement of discovering a foreign place like falling sick. The most common conditions are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps and bloating. It pays to take extra precautions, particularly if you are travelling to developing countries: always stick to bottled water, avoid eating raw or undercooked food. Wash your hands with soap, and use a hand sanitizer when washing facilities are unavailable. |
Red wine for a healthy heart.
Red wines contain antioxidants that can help to increase your ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL) and protect against artery damage by the ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL). Red wines also contain a substance called resverastrol which help to prevent blood clots, reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, the recommended intake is 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women (1 drink = 4 ounce/118ml of red wine). Taken in moderation, a glass of red wine help provide many health benefits towards a healthy heart. |
Feed your eyes.
In various studies and clinical trials, antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E can help maintain healthy cells and tissues in the eyes. These vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tomatoes, kale and spinach. Two key protective antioxidants are lutein and zeaxanthin, which also help to protect against macular degeneration and protect eyes from free radical damage. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for nerve conduction in the retina. For healthy eyes, eat a good and balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, with oily fish like salmon, sardine or mackerel. |
Watch the caffeine.
A moderate caffeine intake boosts metabolism and elevates moods. Long term effects of caffeine however, can cause heart palpitations, hypertension and insomnia. It is best to keep your daily caffeine intake to less than 400mg. One serving of espresso (1 oz.) has 40mg of caffeine. A cup of brewed coffee (8 oz.) contains up to 133mg of caffeine. Decaf coffee has less than 5mg of caffeine. Energy drinks and soft drinks are high in caffeine too - Red Bull (12 oz) has about 80mg of caffeine while a diet Pepsi has 36mg! |
Take 5 from the computer.
Computers have become necessities in our daily lives. It’s important to maintain good eye habits and good posture, as long term repeated usage can lead to repetitive strain injury. Ideally, the computer screen should be 18-30 inches away from you. Take short, frequent breaks of at least 30 seconds after every 20 minutes of computer use to rest your muscles and eyes. Bilberry is naturally rich in anthocyanins that alleviate fatigue and guard your eyes against the glaring damage. |
For makeup that stays:
Start with a clean, moisturized face. It is important to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, to minimize a blotchy or flaky appearance. For naturally radiant, healthy looking skin, ensure a sufficient intake of collagen in your diet. Collagen is an important protein that is an important building block for healthy skin. A quality collagen formula like Collagen Beauty helps skin regeneration and improves skin clarity for a more youthful appearance. |
Minimize sunlight exposure.
Overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause up to 20% more collagen loss in skin. Always ensure you have sun protection and stay out of the sun from 11am to 3pm, when the rays are the most intense. According to Environmental Working Group in UK, there are currently no sunscreens that meet their safety levels. Common sunscreen contains Vitamin A (retinol/ retinyl palmitate) which may increase the risk of cancer or disrupt hormonal balance. Choose sunscreen without these harmful chemicals. For added protection, wear a hat and cover up. |
Walk the mall!
Nothing is more exciting than doing your exercise and shopping at the same time. A research on shopping pattern shows that shoppers spent up to 86 minutes in shopping mall per visit. An 86 minutes of brisk walking can use up 500kcal! That is ¼ of the daily calorie intake of a normal weight adult! Incorporate brisk walking during your shopping spree for the extra calories burnt. A weekly shopping trip can help you lose 1kg in 4 months time, simple by walking faster in the mall! |
Walk your way health!
No time for gym? According to World Health Organization, physical activity does not necessarily means running a marathon or playing competitive sports. It can be walking children to school or taking a brisk stroll in the park. Studies show that increasing daily walking steps is associated with a decline in the body fats, reduced waist girth and improved resting heart rate. Keep your daily steps no fewer than 7,500, as it helps avoid tummy fat accumulation. Use stairs but not elevator, alight two bus stops early, it all adds up to the steps taken per day. |
Is memory decline due to aging is preventable?
Some parts of brain essential for memory are highly vulnerable to aging. With increasing age, brain losses its nerve cells and becomes less efficient. Brain aging can be accelerated with exposure to poisons, tobacco, alcohol. Studies have shown that memory problems among older people can be lessened with physical and mental stimulations to improve mental performance. DHA is highly researched as an important fatty acids that support brain function and reduce aging decline. |
How to use DHA for brain development
During the last trimester of pregnancy and first two years of life, the brain undergoes rapid growth - 'brain growth spurt'. At this stage, brain requires sufficient nutrients especially DHA for the development of sensory, perceptual, cognitive, and motor development. Fetuses and infants receive DHA from mothers through placenta and breast milk. Mothers should ensure sufficient DHA level through rich DHA fishes free from heavy metals and pollutants, and high DHA supplements. Infant fed with formula is highly recommended to have DHA oil added to milk to aid brain development. |
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