CPR First Aid

In a case of emergency, it's far better to do something than to do nothing at all even if you're fearful that your knowledge or abilities aren't 100 percent complete. Remember, the difference between your doing something and doing nothing could be someone's life.

CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.

Here's tips to ensure your readiness to conducting CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation): [For Adults]

Golden Letters: D.R. A.B.C

1. Danger: Check for hazards/ your safety.

2. Response: Is casualty Conscious/ Unconscious. For Unconscious, call for help/activate ambulance

3. Airway: Check by asking casualty to speak a sentence/cough. If he is unable to do so, tilt the head back by putting your palm on the forehead, and lift up the chin to open his airway. Remember: Head-tilt, Chin-lift.

4. Breathing: Check for breathing--hear closely, and see (chest movements) closely and feel closely. For 5 to 10 seconds only.

If casualty is gasping or breathing slowly or deeply, With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.

Then, give two blows into his mouth and check if the chest rises. If the first blow sees the chest rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath.

Thirdly, perform 30 chest compressions with one hand on top of the other, elbows straightened. The compressions should be done about 5cm deep between the nipples (centre of chest).

Repeat giving two blows and then 30 chest compressions over 5 cycles or until paramedics arrive.

5. Circulation:

Check for the victim's skin colour (pale? = shock/heart attack. flushed? = heat stroke) and condition (cold? sweaty? = Shock/heart attack OR hot and dry? = heat stroke). Check also for visible injuries.

Disclaimer: This article/post does not give any guarantee to saving a life. This article/post is aimed to provide some information and knowledge on CPR. The methods/procedures may vary according to different countries' practices. In certain places, compression begins first, followed by airway and finally breathing.

Dental Fillings and Mercury

Many people may be unaware of the mercury in dental fillings due to the lack of informed consent. Dental Fillings termed as amalgam are composed of mercury bound to other metals. Although scientific studies have indicated that mercury can be lethal, the mixture of metals is still widely used in dentistry for filling holes in the tooth because it is able to adhere well to the cavity in the tooth. Currently, dental amalgams are composed of 43% to 54% by weight of mercury and the remaining powder is made up of mainly silver (~20-35%)[2] and some tin, copper (~10%), and zinc (~2%). [1]

HEALTH ISSUE

In 2004, the Life Sciences Research Office analyzed studies related to dental amalgam published after 1996. It concluded that mean urinary mercury concentration (μg of Hg/L in urine, HgU) was the most reliable estimate of mercury exposure. The estimation found people with dental amalgam were unlikely to reach the levels where adverse effects are seen from occupational exposure (35 μg HgU). 95% of study participants had μg HgU below 4-5. An exception goes to people who are chewing gum, particularly for nicotine, along with more amalgam, seemed to pose the greatest risk of increasing exposure; one gum-chewer had 24.8 μg HgU.However, from reviewing medical literature, the World Health Organization states mercury levels in biomarkers such as urine, blood, or hair do not represent levels in critical organs and tissues. [2]

Scientists agree that mercury amalgam fillings expose the bearers to a daily dose of mercury, but the level and effects of the chronic exposure are disputed. In the 1990s, several governments evaluated the effects of dental amalgam and concluded that the most likely health effects would be due to hypersensitivity or allergy. Certain studies from for instance, American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs, has stated that amalgam fillings pose no personal health risk. [3]

However, there has been ongoing debate for almost a century over safety of mercury in the amalgam fillings. In a book titled The Brainpower Plan, it warns of the danger to brain health. It stated, "The toxic fillings in your mouth break down into a mercurious vapour that is absorbed instantaneously by the brain. If you have silver fillings, any of the following activities will release toxic levels of mercury into your brain:

• Brushing your teeth
• Chewing food or gum
• Drinking hot liquids
• Using plaque removal systems and products

When these actions release mercury into your system, the high fat content of your brain accepts that mercury instantly, interfering with the brain and create groundwork for long-term brain dysfunction and disease." Some of the negative effects of amalgam mentioned include cognitive problem, headaches, lack of concentration, poor memory, abdominal pain, anaemia and gait disturbance--walking and balance.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE

The WHO reports that mercury from amalgam accounts for 5% of total mercury emissions and that when combined with waste mercury from laboratory and medical devices, represents 53% of total mercury emissions.[4] On the other hand, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) informs that a single amalgam placed in a ten acre lake contains enough mercury to contaminate the water and all fish in it, with predictable harmful results.

These are some questions for thought by me:

1. For a person who has more/ alot of amalgam fillings inside his/her mouth, does this mean he/she will experience a significant increase in the risk of toxic interaction in the body?

2. If amalgam fillings are really proven to be harmful to the human body and system, and yet is the only way to fill holes in the cavity of your tooth (to protect your tooth), what will be the decision the government or you will make? Choice 1: Continue to use the amalgam fillings containing mercury so that you can prevent your tooth from decaying and spoiling the whole oral health. Choice 2: Ban the use of these amalgam fillings containing mercury as you feel that the health effects it pose is even more significant than your oral health.

References

[1] Ferracane, Jack L. (2001). Materials in Dentistry: Principles and Applications. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 3. ISBN 0-7817-2733-2.

[2] Life Sciences Research Office. (2005). Review and analysis of the health effects of dental amalgam Toxicological Reviews PMID 16042501

[3] Clifton JC 2nd (2007). "Mercury exposure and public health". Pediatr Clin North Am 54 (2): 237–69, viii. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2007.02.005. PMID 17448359

[4] WHO. (2005). Mercury in Health Care [PDF]

EarthHour 2011

The annual Earth Hour will occur today, 26 March 2011 at 8.30 p.m, all over the globe. Themed "It's time to go beyond the hour", it encourages everyone to switch of your lights even after the so-called "Earth Hour".

Earth Hour is a term to emphasize on the initiative for every individual or household to show their concern for our earth, where various pollution and global warming have constantly do much harm to its environment. The key of Earth Hour has always to encourage us to switch off our lights together from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. It is the power of everyone and everywhere doing this act that can make a significant difference to helping our earth get a much-needed "rest".

This year Earth Hour's Theme also go for the extra mileage to encourage us not to take it for granted. We should continue this practice beyond the Earth Hour, meaning

1. We shall exercise switching off lights every time we do not need it;
2. Cultivate a good habit of switching off lights (and other switches) when necessary,
3. Use of energy-saving lamps/light bulbs to cut down electricity
4. Be alert and always check your premises to ensure switches are off when they are not in use/ when you are away.

I have show cause for the Earth Hour almost every year, hoping that anyone who happens to enter and read my blog would be supporting the cause together with me and others globally.

My last say is, there is only 365 days per year. Earth Hour is that only 1 Hour out of the appx. 8760 hours you will probably hear, see and sense people around you talking about the Earth Hour and doing the same act of switching off lights altogether. Why not we take an extra step in creating a more sustainable living in our daily lives? I believe this can be done.

Carbohydrates, Protein and their Myths

All along, carbohydrates are a main source of energy supplier, alongside with many micronutrients including Vitamin Bs, which are coenzymes, that helps to metabolise the carbohydrates, protein, and fats to provide energy. From many studies, this has been well-attested.

However, there are serveral studies which opposes the consumption of carbohydrates, in an attempt to lose weight, or for weight control management. Instead, they actually promote the consumption of more protein and no carbohydrates in the diet. Well, if you are a believer of this, you are highly in danger.

Protein generally is obtained from meat products, grain products, legumes, nuts, etc, dairy products, eggs, etc. The consumption of protein in large quantities are generally harmful. However, consumption at moderate to low amounts will help to help to satisfy your appetite as they normally contain substantial amounts of fats in addition to protein. Studies have shown that protein diet may help to reduce weight, but only for a short period and does not outperform in the long run. Restriction to only consume protein may also affect the body adversely and could be equally bad as with eating a diet rich in fat.

Carbohydrates comes from various sources including rice, noodles, bread, starch/wheat-based products, most fruits and vegetables and grains. There are some misunderstanding about carbohydrates that apparently caused people to associate it with obesity.

Carbohydrates can be refined or unrefined. Due to meeting the expectations and desires of consumers nowadays, many food products are actually refined. Refined carbohydrates can be easily found in white flour and products made from white or refined flour, white rice, etc. Noticed that refined carbohydrates usually are "white" in colour?? This is because of the processes which lead the bran and germ of the grains to be removed--for two main reasons, better flavour/taste, more desirable texture (softer and fluffier).

Unrefined carbohydrates on the other hand is beneficial and advantageous. Example of unrefined carbohydrates can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (comes with the bran, germ and endosperm components). Whole grain is indeed a very nutritious food which contain many nutrients. Unlike refined grain which contain only protein and starch mainly, refined grain contain phytochemicals, protein, high vitamin Bs, vitamin E, and trace minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium. Whole grains also contain good source of dietary fibre for good bowel function and makes you full/ satiate with fewer calories! A healthy diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruits, that contains dietary fibre, may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart diseases, stroke and certain cancers.

Studies have shown extended periods of carbohydrates deprivation could shorten lives, one reason being overproduction of methylglyoxal in the body casuing damage to blood vessels and tissues. Excessive fats is equally bad. As for excess protein, there is a higher risk of kidney stones and bone loss.

Sum up some important points and also giving some tips to healthy eating and weight management:

1. Eat a variety of foods from all food groups. Standard ratio between carbohydrates: fat: protein is 60: 30: 10. No one food group supplies all the nutrients your body need to stay healthy.

2. Eat a balanced diet. Eat the recommended number of servings for each food group.
Eat in moderation. Foods high in sugar, salt and fat should be consumed in small amounts at all times.

3. To satisfy your appetite, or become full without overeating, choose more unrefined carbohydrates found in vegetables, fruits and especially whole grains such as brown rice. Substitute and Restrict eating too much refined carbohydrates with unrefined carbohydrates.

4. In addition, choose healthier cooking methods. Restrict eating deep-fried foods in the diet to the minimum.

5. Choose more lean cuts of meat rather than red meats, which is high in saturated fats and cholesterol.

6. Exercise such as swimming and outdoor sports like running is great.

Last but not least:

Consume the amount of calories that suits your physical activity level, and do not overeat food especially high in fats as fats releases 9 kcal/g of energy! To attain a good body weight, maintain your calorie intake lower or best, balance it with calorie use by the body.

Disclaimer: This is written by zyon, who has gathered information and knowledge from many sources, including well established Health Promotion Board, Sg. This does not guarantee you of any weight loss effectiveness. This is aimed to provide a clearer picture of certain nutrition issues.

World Water Day 2010

(Courtesy of http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/flashindex.html)

The World Water Day falls on 22 March 2010!

UN-Water is dedicating the World Water Day 2010, which sees activities that aim to communicate messages on water quality, ecosystems and human well-being.

As noted currently the quality of water worldwide is declining, due to human activities of two levels--industrial and individual. Industries' chemical and waste discharge into the dams have greatly affected badly on the water quality, and individuals' carelessness for example littering is major cause for concern. Of course there are many other potent factors such as climate change and pollution which lowers the water quality.

Water quality takes on a broad definition as the ‘‘physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water necessary to sustain desired water uses’’ (UN/ECE 1995). Not only is water used for human consumption, but it is also a valuable source of hyropower. Ensuring good water quality is crucial and worthwhile for long-term fit consumption. We should altogether work towards a good water quality to help sustain healthy ecosystems or else these systems may be altered and cause abrupt changes. For instance, excessive nutrient loading in freshwater increases realm of possibilities of algae bloom and oxygen depletion in the marine waters.

It is important that we human beings not be selfish by not polluting waters. Treatments and restoration of water quality could be done, but it is also the responsibility of us to prevent recontamination of the water, as both processes are usually expensive. Adequate good water quality promotes the water purification provided by the healthy ecosystems itself.

Talking of water quality, distillation and reverse osmosis used in an attempt to purify water may render certain health risk. They both remove or deionise the ions or impurities in the water, and as a result some minerals especially magnesium is lacking in them. When magnesium is not fortified, it can link to higher risk of cardiac death, weakness and illness based on studies. (The Straits Times, March 20, 2010) As of this study, it is recommended to reduce consumption of distilled water especially from unreliable sources.

In summary, World Water Day 2010 themed water quality and ecosystem requires everyone's support.

http://ecostarox.blogspot.com/ supports this cause.

The Earth Hour 2010

http://ecostarox.blogspot.com supports:



27 March 2010, 8.30 pm

Let's reserve the natural source this Earth hour for future use.

You can:

1. Shut down electrical appliances not in use;
2. Switch off lights during this hour; (of course practice this when you can)
3. Go down to participating shopping centres or areas to join the iniative;
4. Sleep in the dark;
5. Outdoor activities, i.e. jogging; night cycling
6. Support the Earth Hour.

Gasp for fresh air

The air these days haven't been getting any better. Cloudy sky which seems to be covered by clouds apparently is a thick layer of gas or smoke resulting from burning. It just gets worst in the night time. The layer of smoke will stay pretty stagnant on the skies while the wind would sweep them down onto the earth where we the human beings can smell soot or burnt, woody odour of perhaps the trees, grasses, woods and even carcasses of living things.

The quality of air in southeast asia, particularly here, has not been good. It is somehow not healthy to breathe in this air which can be cancerous-causing. At night, maybe it would be good if the windows were shut. Air con should be restricted for these periods as they are also recycled air which could contain the harmful toxic gases.

Poor air quality has of course increase the number of illness such as coughs and heatiness in the body. Sore throats are common too. One should take care of their ownself and take precautionary actions if the need arise for each individual.