We really need to exercise our brain to keep it healthy. We are never too young or too old to begin the exercise regime.
Among the benefits of brain's exercise are to improve the brain function and help to avoid other related diseases such as Alzheimer or dementia.
The 5 ways are as follows :
1. Start walking
Research suggests that the brain function ca be improved up to 15% if consistently walking for 6 months.
2 Do opposites
Keep stimulate brain and mind fresh by doing things opposite hand from your nornal practice. Example, if you normally use your right hand,try using your left. It will create new challenges for your brain.
3. Play games
Excercise brain can be fun and rewarding as playing games help to keep your btain stimulating be it computer games or board games.
4. Get mental
Doing things that challenge your thinking is a good way to excercise your brain. Reading is a good habit.
5. Travel
While travelling, you take in new images, sites, sounds and smells and get out from your regular routine. This is a great way to get those synapses firing.
_HealthNewsDigest.com
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Teenagers
I notice that my eldest girl who has gone into her teenager era is acting rather strangely lately. She is unfocused in class and her academic performance drops since early of this year.
She spends most of her time doing 'unproductive activities' and very obsess of certain artists and the 'idiot box'. She will spend her time watching the same shows over and over and still enjoying herself.
I also notice that most of classmates also acting rather similarly. The similarity polar of 'weird' behaviour is really worrying me as she is going to sit for her UPSR in three months time...
I was thinking, may be the hormonal imbalance plays part in her development until today when I read in the Star 'Why teenagers can't concentrate' helps answer my query.
It is reported that the changes are not because the children are lazy or careless but they are hapless victims of neurobiology.
New research found that teenagers' brains continue developing far longer into adulthood than previous thought.
MRI scans of the brains also show that their mental processes are like those of younger children.
The chaotic thought patterns are a result of teenagers' brains containing too much grey matter - the cell bodies and connections which carry messages within the brain.
As we age, the amount of grey matter in our brains decreases.
She spends most of her time doing 'unproductive activities' and very obsess of certain artists and the 'idiot box'. She will spend her time watching the same shows over and over and still enjoying herself.
I also notice that most of classmates also acting rather similarly. The similarity polar of 'weird' behaviour is really worrying me as she is going to sit for her UPSR in three months time...
I was thinking, may be the hormonal imbalance plays part in her development until today when I read in the Star 'Why teenagers can't concentrate' helps answer my query.
It is reported that the changes are not because the children are lazy or careless but they are hapless victims of neurobiology.
New research found that teenagers' brains continue developing far longer into adulthood than previous thought.
MRI scans of the brains also show that their mental processes are like those of younger children.
The chaotic thought patterns are a result of teenagers' brains containing too much grey matter - the cell bodies and connections which carry messages within the brain.
As we age, the amount of grey matter in our brains decreases.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Motherhood
I read a report on Orphancare which was set up by NGO to accomodate for the unwanted babies...it was a noble idea that gave chance for unwanted babies to be placed or rather dumped?? but it was sad as the condition was getting from worse to worst...
Infact, the lady who was incharged of the center admitted that 30 years ago, during her pregnancies period, she prayed not to have girls as she said the world would not benefit this gender anymore...
Infact it was quite common that older generations would put such statement as 'It is better to take care of 10 tigers compared to a daughter'...
Viewing the current scenarios, we are no better than the Jahillyah (era before Islam) as Jahillyah period only deny the rights of the female but in this modern days, we ignored both genders...as to cover up the sins...which is much regretted.
As those parents, who feel that female is at the disadvantages, please relook on the issues and thankful for the Gifts from Allah...neither genders are at the disadvantages provided that we educate and provide equal opportunities...they need our loves and guidances...
There is a story in the Star today on 'Motherhood comes naturally for nanny goat' which has a very good moral behind it.
The nanny goat had given birth to two kids recently and had a big heart by nursing a month old puppy...the puppy would take the opportunity to suckle the goat whenever its two kids were being fed...
I hope the set up of such center is not a flush gate to welcome the 'immmoral' behaviour...but rather an eye opener...'Think deeply before you commit the sinful act and you have to be responsible for your action...'
To those who have crossed the border, please repent and get back on the right track...as nobody is perfect...
Infact, the lady who was incharged of the center admitted that 30 years ago, during her pregnancies period, she prayed not to have girls as she said the world would not benefit this gender anymore...
Infact it was quite common that older generations would put such statement as 'It is better to take care of 10 tigers compared to a daughter'...
Viewing the current scenarios, we are no better than the Jahillyah (era before Islam) as Jahillyah period only deny the rights of the female but in this modern days, we ignored both genders...as to cover up the sins...which is much regretted.
As those parents, who feel that female is at the disadvantages, please relook on the issues and thankful for the Gifts from Allah...neither genders are at the disadvantages provided that we educate and provide equal opportunities...they need our loves and guidances...
There is a story in the Star today on 'Motherhood comes naturally for nanny goat' which has a very good moral behind it.
The nanny goat had given birth to two kids recently and had a big heart by nursing a month old puppy...the puppy would take the opportunity to suckle the goat whenever its two kids were being fed...
I hope the set up of such center is not a flush gate to welcome the 'immmoral' behaviour...but rather an eye opener...'Think deeply before you commit the sinful act and you have to be responsible for your action...'
To those who have crossed the border, please repent and get back on the right track...as nobody is perfect...
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
My vacation
Just had a three day break at the Pulai Springs Resort, Johor Baharu. It was really refreshing and sort of rekindle the relationship...
It was a nice place for retreat and very ideal location to be out of the busy and hectic town lifestyles.
I guessed it was famous among the golfers...as the golf range covered extensively most of the area.
The club house was uniquely designed and maximise the usage of timber. I love every bit of the design and the compound was well landscaped...
The kids enjoyed the time at the pools very much as they had opportunities to dipped themselves at level 2 of the hotel or much wider pool at the club house...
The one at the club house was equipped with water slide and were divided into three separate sections...the kids wadding pool, rocks pool and adult pool.
For me, I would love to dipped myself in the jacuzzi but got no chance as I had to look after the kids as there was no standby lifeguard...
It would be better to have a lifeguard...anyway, not many people chose to swim as the pools were vacant most of the time...
Sometimes, I had this creepy and strange idea...maybe it was a motherly instinct??? The pool seemed to belong to us as nobody cared to swim as early as 8:30 a.m....So the kids really had fun, after a few times of sliding down, the kids spent time at the wadding pool except my eldest...
She loved to swim at the rock pool which was really isolated and not within my eyesight...I felt scary and started to look after her as the place was extremely quiet...only to find her enjoying herself...
I wonder was it the wrong feeling?... I warned her to be careful and not to go to far ... as any maniac could easily grabbed and pulled her to any hidden area...
She might not totally understand of my reaction, but to me better be extra cautious rather then regret later...this reminded me the case of a man in Terengganu, who admitted of stealing women undergarments and a lot of rape cases out there...
It was a nice place for retreat and very ideal location to be out of the busy and hectic town lifestyles.
I guessed it was famous among the golfers...as the golf range covered extensively most of the area.
The club house was uniquely designed and maximise the usage of timber. I love every bit of the design and the compound was well landscaped...
The kids enjoyed the time at the pools very much as they had opportunities to dipped themselves at level 2 of the hotel or much wider pool at the club house...
The one at the club house was equipped with water slide and were divided into three separate sections...the kids wadding pool, rocks pool and adult pool.
For me, I would love to dipped myself in the jacuzzi but got no chance as I had to look after the kids as there was no standby lifeguard...
It would be better to have a lifeguard...anyway, not many people chose to swim as the pools were vacant most of the time...
Sometimes, I had this creepy and strange idea...maybe it was a motherly instinct??? The pool seemed to belong to us as nobody cared to swim as early as 8:30 a.m....So the kids really had fun, after a few times of sliding down, the kids spent time at the wadding pool except my eldest...
She loved to swim at the rock pool which was really isolated and not within my eyesight...I felt scary and started to look after her as the place was extremely quiet...only to find her enjoying herself...
I wonder was it the wrong feeling?... I warned her to be careful and not to go to far ... as any maniac could easily grabbed and pulled her to any hidden area...
She might not totally understand of my reaction, but to me better be extra cautious rather then regret later...this reminded me the case of a man in Terengganu, who admitted of stealing women undergarments and a lot of rape cases out there...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Cholesterol
This is the first time, I come across an article on how certain food help to boost up your HDL (good cholesterol).
Here are the recommendations.
Dark Chocolate
In a recent study, volunteers who ate 100mg of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) every day for a week raised their HDL by 9%. That's a load of chocolate (about 2300kJ).
However, according to the study's coauthor, eating smaller daily (15g) over an extended period should also help.
(I wonder whether consumption of Milo is considered as dark chocolate?)
Salmon
HDL rose 4% in adults who ate two 115g servings a week for four weeks. Other fatty fish like mackerel, herring and sardines should deliver similar benefits.
Berries
HDL level rose 5% when adults ate a cup of frozen berries every day for eight weeks.
Eggs
Healthy adults who ate an egg every day for 12 weeks increased HDL as much as 48%.
Good Luck! At least there are options in food intake to counter attack the bad cholesterol rather than the plain oat:)
Here are the recommendations.
Dark Chocolate
In a recent study, volunteers who ate 100mg of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) every day for a week raised their HDL by 9%. That's a load of chocolate (about 2300kJ).
However, according to the study's coauthor, eating smaller daily (15g) over an extended period should also help.
(I wonder whether consumption of Milo is considered as dark chocolate?)
Salmon
HDL rose 4% in adults who ate two 115g servings a week for four weeks. Other fatty fish like mackerel, herring and sardines should deliver similar benefits.
Berries
HDL level rose 5% when adults ate a cup of frozen berries every day for eight weeks.
Eggs
Healthy adults who ate an egg every day for 12 weeks increased HDL as much as 48%.
Good Luck! At least there are options in food intake to counter attack the bad cholesterol rather than the plain oat:)
Friday, June 4, 2010
Teacher
Today is the last school day and school will resume after two weeks break. Anyway, the kids have to bid farewell to their dear Ustaz Sabaruddin, who has been posted to another state.
It was a heart breaking for my son as he adores the Ustaz very much...and within five months with the Ustaz guidance, he has improved tremendously in his Quran reciting...from alif, ba, ta ... he had moved to Surah Al-Baqarah (only few pages)...
From zero basic of solat, now he is able to memorize a few doas...
Thank you Ustaz...we don't have to express our gratitude particularly on Teacher's Day only, right...
Anyway, it was reported that a schoolgirl prank turned tragically fatal when a 9 year old collapsed and died after eating glue which she thought was jelly.
Her panicked classmates then alerted a teacher, who rushed the girl to a nearby clinic but she was pronounced dead.
So, to all teachers, this tragedy reminds that your responsibilities not only bound to classrooms, academics and exams only...as the kids (out of their parents' eyesights) rely on the teachers' guidance and supervisions...
May be, the least to do is highlight the incident during assemblies and remind the kids that at the end of the day besides getting good results, they also must be well verse with the environment and have good surviving skills...
Teaching is a very respectable profession and 'Happy Belated Teacher's Day"...
Dedicated to all my former teachers....
It was a heart breaking for my son as he adores the Ustaz very much...and within five months with the Ustaz guidance, he has improved tremendously in his Quran reciting...from alif, ba, ta ... he had moved to Surah Al-Baqarah (only few pages)...
From zero basic of solat, now he is able to memorize a few doas...
Thank you Ustaz...we don't have to express our gratitude particularly on Teacher's Day only, right...
Anyway, it was reported that a schoolgirl prank turned tragically fatal when a 9 year old collapsed and died after eating glue which she thought was jelly.
Her panicked classmates then alerted a teacher, who rushed the girl to a nearby clinic but she was pronounced dead.
So, to all teachers, this tragedy reminds that your responsibilities not only bound to classrooms, academics and exams only...as the kids (out of their parents' eyesights) rely on the teachers' guidance and supervisions...
May be, the least to do is highlight the incident during assemblies and remind the kids that at the end of the day besides getting good results, they also must be well verse with the environment and have good surviving skills...
Teaching is a very respectable profession and 'Happy Belated Teacher's Day"...
Dedicated to all my former teachers....
Thursday, June 3, 2010
June's Joke
A young man asks for directions at a set of traffic lights.
"Ex-xx-cc-c-uuse mm-e mm-m-madam, ccc-coooould yy-yy-ou tell m-me wh-eeere th-th-the Cc-clllif-fordd sst-st-st tuut-terrr-ing ss-school i-ii-is?
The lady looks at the young man and says,
"Why? You stutter so well!"
Reader's Digest June 2010
"Ex-xx-cc-c-uuse mm-e mm-m-madam, ccc-coooould yy-yy-ou tell m-me wh-eeere th-th-the Cc-clllif-fordd sst-st-st tuut-terrr-ing ss-school i-ii-is?
The lady looks at the young man and says,
"Why? You stutter so well!"
Reader's Digest June 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Subsidies
Uncertainties on the subsidies are back to haunt us... hate to think about it when the Government claimed that our country will be bankrupt in few years time if the policies are to be carried out...
Very irritating and annoying...
Anyway, I love what Dr. A. Soorian wrote to the Star on 1 June 2010. Here are some of his interesting views.
1. The cost of medicine have skyrocketed and subsidies for healthcare should be retained in the interest of the public. So should subsidies for essential foodstuff and education.
2. Subsidies are from tax revenue and what harm is there in giving back the money to the people?
3. There are many hidden risks in drastically removing subsidies. Inflation will definitely be hard to manage and can easily spin out of control.
4. The Government must control unnecessary spending. Ministers must welcome pay cuts.
It reminded me a story of Umar Al-Khattab once being asked why did he just had a normal meal where as he could afford a better one. The answer was very simple, definitely he could enjoy a much better meal but he preferred to keep his normal meal as it is better to give the extras to the people.
So, isn't this about subsidies?
Very irritating and annoying...
Anyway, I love what Dr. A. Soorian wrote to the Star on 1 June 2010. Here are some of his interesting views.
1. The cost of medicine have skyrocketed and subsidies for healthcare should be retained in the interest of the public. So should subsidies for essential foodstuff and education.
2. Subsidies are from tax revenue and what harm is there in giving back the money to the people?
3. There are many hidden risks in drastically removing subsidies. Inflation will definitely be hard to manage and can easily spin out of control.
4. The Government must control unnecessary spending. Ministers must welcome pay cuts.
It reminded me a story of Umar Al-Khattab once being asked why did he just had a normal meal where as he could afford a better one. The answer was very simple, definitely he could enjoy a much better meal but he preferred to keep his normal meal as it is better to give the extras to the people.
So, isn't this about subsidies?
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