30/11/2020

Post-Stroke Depression

How to Cope

When a person has a stroke, blood supply is interrupted and lost to an area of the brain. This can lead to a range of challenges that can persist well after the initial crisis has passed. While some of the symptoms can be more readily apparent to the outside observer (i.e. slurred speech, weakness or walking difficulties), others are often invisible (i.e. depression, anxiety or cognitive problems), and can lead to great deal of distress. The invisible symptoms can be even more distressing because they're often not well understood nor easy to explain, and they can have an enormous impact on recovery and quality of life.

Depressive symptoms, often referred to as post-stroke depression, are a common issue that arise in the aftermath of the stroke. Approximately one-third of all stroke survivors will at some point experience significant depressive symptoms that interfere with functioning. In comparison, it's estimated that between 5% and 13% of adults without stroke experience significant depressive symptoms.

There are factors that put a person in a higher risk category when it comes to developing symptoms of post-stroke depression. These include:

  • Physical disability.
  • Severity of stroke.
  • Preexisting depressive symptoms.
  • Severity of cognitive impairment

read more

29/11/2020

Teochew Muay 糜 (蘪) porridge

Teochew Muay (蘪) porridge stalls have distinctly different types of dishes
Kiam Hum, see hum soaked overnight in dark soya sauce, chopped garlic & chilli is always a favourite for all "See Hum Lovers"

Teochew porridge (Chinese: 潮州糜)

A Teochew rice porridge dish is often accompanied with various small plates of side dishes. Teochew porridge is served as a banquet of meats, fish egg, and vegetables that is eaten with plain rice porridge. It may be simply prepared plain (i.e. without toppings), or include sweet potatoes. The rice grains, while softened from cooking, are still whole and not in an overly starchy state. Because the porridge is served plain, it is suitable to accompany salty side dishes. The recipe originated in Chaozhou and was later modified by early immigrants prepared in Malaysia and Singapore over the generations to suit local tastes.

In Singapore, Teochew-style porridge is usually consumed with a selection of Singaporean Chinese side dishes like nasi Padang. There is no fixed list of side dishes, but in Singapore, accompaniments typically include lor bak (braised pork), steamed fish, stir-fried water spinach (kangkong goreng), salted egg, fish cake, tofu, omelet, minced meat, braised tau kway, Hei Bee Hiang (fried chili shrimp paste), and vegetables. Teochew porridge dishes emphasize simplicity and originality, and every dish is cooked with minimum seasoning to retain its original taste. Teochew is famous for steamed fish, which is usually only seasoned with light sauce, spring onion, slices of ginger and a sprinkle of freshly crushed red pepper, so that the freshness and sweetness of the seafood can be fully appreciated.

Teochew porridge is considered a comfort food that can be eaten for both breakfast as well as supper. Singapore Airlines has since 2016 introduced Teochew cuisine on board its flights, which includes Teochew porridge.

Side dishes:
  • Lor bak, minced pork and/or seafood marinated with five-spice powder, rolled in thin beancurd sheets and deep fried
  • Steamed fish, a fish dish seasoned with soy sauce, spring onion, slices of ginger and freshly crushed red pepper
  • Salted egg, a Chinese preserved food product made by soaking duck eggs in brine, or packing each egg in damp, salted charcoal
  • Fishcake, minced fish meat which has been pounded. In Singapore, ikan parang or sai tor her (wolf herring) are considered suitable for making fishcake.
  • Omelet, a dish made from beaten eggs quickly cooked with butter or oil in a frying pan
  • Hae Bee Hiam - 蝦米香, a popular spicy, savory condiment in Singapore consisting of shrimp paste stir fried with chopped dried shrimp, shallot and garlic
  • Stir-fried water spinach, a vegetable dish, sometimes with anchovy
  • Lor ark, a Teochew-style braised duck with soy sauce
  • Braised pig's skin, a pork dish braised with soy sauce

Teochew Congee rice Porridge
Authentic Teochew Porridge That Even Grandma Would Approve of

The humble bowl of porridge Teochew Muay 糜 (蘪) and its accoutrements sit unassumingly on the table, akin to an earnest, honest everyday salary man that usually blends into the background and goes unnoticed. However, at “ChaoZhou Porridge”, porridge takes on a new life. It assumes a starring role. It is the pièce de résistance, perfected over 10 years of dedicated study.

ChaoZhou Porriage’s head chef devoted a decade of his life to teasing out every secret and nuance of its preparation. He pursued this consuming passion to the very source itself, seeking out various Teochew chefs in Chaoshan, China to learn from. On his travels, he picked up authentic recipes and honed his technique. Preparing the large spread of dishes requires consummate skill in all styles of cooking, from braising to steaming to deep frying.  Now, back to Singapore, one can join him and discover the simple pleasure of tucking into a bowl of porridge and its accompanying assortment of tasty dishes.

The main course items are:
  • Steamed Minced Meat with Salted Fish Set
  • Fragrant Minced Meat Set
  • Braised Delights Set
  • Braided Duck Set
The side dishes are:
  • Preserved Radish Omelette
  • Stir Fried Broccoli
  • Stir Fried Pumpkin with Preserved Radish
  • Stir Fried Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable
  • Fried Vermicelli with Cabbage and Golden Mushroom
  • Braised Tau Pok
  • Beancurd Fried Garlic
  • Stir Fried Long Bean with Preserved Radish

Teochew Muay 潮 州 糜 in 1950s
Loved by locals, Teochew Porridge is a wonderful comfort food for both breakfast and dinner time

Teochew Porridge is a popular rice dish in Singapore. It is usually served with various side dishes, such as meats, fish, and vegetables. One of the most popular sides in probably braised pork (lor bak). However, salted egg, braised tofu, and omelette are typical side dishes as well.

What makes Teochew Porridge dishes special is the emphasis on the original and natural taste of the ingredients. Hence, the dishes are only seasoned sparingly. The Teochew Porridge itself is usually rather plain and unsweetened, as the side dishes tend to be salty. Some versions of the porridge might include sweet potatoes.

Where is the best Teochew Porridge:
  • Soon Soon Teochew Porridge Restaurant
  • Joo Chiat Teochew Porridge
  • Joo Seng Teochew Porridge & Rice
  • Ye Shang Hai Teochew Porridge

28/11/2020

A tribute to Diego Maradona (1960 - 2020)



Diego Maradona: reaction to his death

Former Real Madrid player and Agentina team mate to Maradona, Jorge Valdano, has written an moving and eloquent piece for the Guardian. Valdano was a member of the Argentina team that lifted the World Cup in 1986 thanks to the mesmorizing exploits of the number 10.

"Those who screw up their faces sneering as they contemplate the latest incarnation of Maradona, the one who had difficulties walking, struggled to talk, embraced [the Venezuela president Nicolás] Maduro and did whatever he felt like, would be better off abandoning this farewell which embraces the genius and absolves the man. They will not find a single reproach here because the footballer had no flaws and the man was a victim. Of whom? Of me or of you, for example, who at some moment must have eulogised him pitilessly.

"There is something perverse about a life that fulfils all your dreams and Diego suffered the generosity of fate like no other. The terrible, terminal journey from human to myth divided him in two: on the one side Diego; on the other Maradona. Fernando Signorini, his fitness coach, a sensitive, intelligent man who may well have known him better than anyone else, used to say: “I would follow Diego to the end of the earth; I wouldn’t follow Maradona to the corner.”


Argentine soccer player Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona, in full Diego Armando Maradona, (born October 30, 1960, Lanus, Buenos Aires, Argentina—died November 25, 2020, Tigre, Buenos Aires), Argentine football (soccer) player who is generally regarded as the top footballer of the 1980s and one of the greatest of all time. Renowned for his ability to control the ball and create scoring opportunities for himself and others, he led club teams to championships in Argentina, Italy, and Spain, and he starred on the Argentine national team that won the 1986 World Cup.

Maradona displayed football talent early, and at age eight he joined Las Cebollitas (“The Little Onions”), a boys’ team that went on to win 136 consecutive games and a national championship. He signed with Argentinos Juniors at age 14 and made his first-division debut in 1976, 10 days before his 16th birthday. Only four months later he made his debut with the national team, becoming the youngest Argentine ever to do so. Although he was excluded from the 1978 World Cup-winning squad because it was felt that he was still too young, the next year he led the national under-20 team to a Junior World Cup championship.

Maradona moved to Boca Juniors in 1981 and immediately helped them gain the championship. He then moved to Europe, playing with FC Barcelona in 1982 (and winning the Spanish Cup in 1983) and then SSC Napoli (1984–91), where he enjoyed great success, raising the traditionally weak Naples side to the heights of Italian football. With Maradona the team won the league title and cup in 1987 and the league title again in 1990. Maradona’s stint with Napoli came to an end when he was arrested in Argentina for cocaine possession and received a 15-month suspension from playing football. Next he played for Sevilla in Spain and Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina. In 1995 he returned to Boca Juniors and played his last match on October 25, 1997.


Madonna trends online after people thought she died instead of Maradona
A case of mistaken identity for the non-footballing world

Parts of the non-footballing world prematurely mourned the death of Madonna after mistaking news of Maradona's passing as the death of the queen of pop.

Madonna started trending on Twitter on Nov. 26, 2020, after news broke that the Argentine great Diego Armando Maradona had died at age 60. Social media users thought the Like A Prayer singer had died -- mistakenly or purposely, no one can tell in this day and age of epic trolling -- when in fact it was football superstar Maradona who had passed away.

Maradona died of a heart attack, having undergone brain surgery earlier this month. He will be accorded a state funeral after the Argentina president declared three days of official mourning. Twitter was filled with RIP messages for the singer, 62, before there was a surge of tweets pointing out it was the sports star who had died.

27/11/2020

The link between getting old and chilli

Can't eat too much spicy food these days?

t wasn’t so long ago when slurping up spicy ramyeon (the spicier, the better) on a weekly basis and digging into the cheeses of a charcuterie platter did not faze you – or your digestive system – even a little bit.

But as more candles appear on your ice cream birthday cake, well, you may even have to reconsider eating said cake if you don't want to make a beeline for the bathroom after a slice.

Eating is one of the greatest pleasures in life, and you might feel like your body has let you down when your gastrointestinal system starts to turn in a less-than-stellar performance as you age. So, what is happening to you?

read more

26/11/2020

Outercourse Is The New Sex

Here Are Fun Ways To Try It
Getting it on with your guy doesn’t always mean getting it in

So you’ve been dating someone for some time now and a discussion about sex has come up. While you’re in love with your guy and feel like the time is right to take your relationship to the next level, you’re not sure if you’re ready to have sex with him just yet.

There’s nothing unusual about wanting to delay intercourse. In fact, an increasing number of men and women are putting sex on the backburner for a variety of reasons – some say they don’t feel comfortable having casual sex and would rather wait for the right partner to come along, while others believe that sex is a major commitment that’s best saved for marriage. Many young people also don’t want to deal with sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy – two of the many consequences of having sex with someone.

There are no statistics for Singapore, but in the US, experts have found that sexual activity among young Americans is on the decline. One study, out of Indiana University and Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, and published this June in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, found that the percentage of sexually inactive 18- to 24 year-old men increased, from 18.9% between 2000 and 2002 to 30.9% between 2016 and 2018. Women were affected too, with the percentage of sexual inactivity most pronounced among those aged 25 to 34.

read more

25/11/2020

The Ultimate Arthritis Diet

Mediterranean Diet Benefits

One of the most common questions people with arthritis ask is, “Is there a special arthritis diet?” While there’s no miracle diet for arthritis, fortunately, many foods can help fight inflammation and improve joint symptoms.

For starters, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans but low processed foods and saturated fat, is not only great for overall health, but can also help manage disease activity. If this advice sounds familiar, it’s because these are the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which is frequently touted for its anti-aging and disease-fighting powers.

Studies confirm that eating foods commonly part of the Mediterranean diet can do the following:
Lower blood pressure
Protect against chronic conditions, ranging from cancer to stroke
Help arthritis by curbing inflammation
Benefit your joints as well as your heart
Lead to weight loss, which can lessen joint pain
read more

24/11/2020

Wax On Apples & Fruit waxing

The Myths And Facts About Wax On Apples

We've all heard that saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."

Apples are supposed to be one of the healthiest fruits on the market but are they also dangerous for you?

Certain videos popping up online would have you believing they are not only dangerous, they could cause cancer.

All you have to do is type "apple" and "wax" into the YouTube search bar and hundreds of search results will load.

The people in the video pour boiling hot water on apples, wait a few minutes and you'll see the apple appears covered in wax. The narrators then go on to make claims about the dangers of eating the wax-covered apples.

What’s true is that apples are in fact covered in wax.

But there isn’t enough research to conclude the wax on the fruit is dangerous.

“There’s a natural wax that apples produce, really to protect the apple itself from moisture-loss,” said Ben Chapman, an associate professor and food safety specialist at North Carolina State University.

According to Chapman and agriculture experts at the Food and Drug Administration, the wax is the apple's natural way of protecting itself from mold, germs and bruises.

The natural wax also makes the apple shiny and keeps germs from getting inside.

“If you're seeing some wax on many fruits and vegetables, it may be naturally occurring or it may be something that's added,” Chapman said.

It’s no secret Apple growers might even add more wax to the apple’s natural wax depending on the variety of the apples, how old the apple is before harvest and storage conditions.

“It’s a fully regulated food additive,” Chapman explains.

And it’s also perfectly safe according to the Food and Drug administration.

The food-grade wax is made from several products including vegetable-, petroleum-, beeswax-, or shellac wax or resin.

And it usually takes a drop or two on the apple to do the job.

“Like with anything, too much of something can become a problem that's why we have regulations in place,” Chapman said.

And part of that FDA regulation means produce shippers and supermarkets are required by law to let you know if your apple has been coated in food-grade wax.

If you're concerned, you can watch for the labels, or just stop by a local farm and pick one right from the tree without the added wax.

Again, food specialists, researchers, as well as the FDA all say the added wax on apples is perfectly safe.

Many other fruits like plums and pears produce a natural wax, too.
Fruit waxing

Fruit waxing is the process of covering fruits (and, in some cases, vegetables) with artificial waxing material. Natural wax is removed first, usually by washing, followed by a coating of a biological or petroleum derived wax. Potentially allergenic proteins (peanut, soy, dairy, wheat) may be combined with shellac.

The primary reasons for waxing are to prevent water loss (making up for the removal in washing of the natural waxes in fruits that have them, particularly citrus but also, for example, apples) and thus retard shrinkage and spoilage, and to improve appearance. Dyes may be added to further enhance appearance, and sometimes fungicides. Fruits were waxed to cause fermentation as early as the 12th or the 13th century; commercial producers began waxing citrus to extend shelf life in the 1920s and 1930s. Aesthetics (consumer preference for shiny fruit) has since become the main reason. In addition to fruit, some vegetables can usefully be waxed, such as cassava. A distinction may be made between storage wax, pack-out wax (for immediate sale), and high-shine wax

A number of sources list the following as produce which may be waxed before shipping to stores:
  • apples
  • avocados
  • bell and hot peppers
  • cantaloupes
  • cucumbers
  • eggplant
  • grapefruit
  • lemons
  • limes
  • mangoes
  • melons
  • nectarines
  • oranges
  • papayas
  • parsnips
  • passion fruit
  • peaches
  • pears
  • pineapple
  • plums
  • pumpkins
  • rutabaga
  • squash
  • sweet potatoes
  • tangarines
  • tomatoes
  • turnips
  • yucca
The materials used to wax produce depend to some extent on regulations in the country of production and/or export. Both natural waxes (carnauba, shellac, or resin) and petroleum-based waxes (usually proprietary formulae) are used, and often more than one wax is combined to create the desired properties for the fruit or vegetable being treated. Wax may be applied in a volatile petroleum-based solvent but is now more commonly applied via a water-based emulsion. Blended paraffin waxes applied as an oil or paste are often used on vegetables


Artificial ripening of fruits

Food safety and health security should be top concerns of any Government for its citizens. But still, most of the fruit sellers use Chemicals like Calcium carbide for ripening the fruits. This Chemical is extremely hazardous to the human body as it contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus. Although it is banned in many countries of the world, it is freely used in Indian Subcontinent. Thus, we are at a greater risk of short-term as well as long-term health effects simply by eating fruits that are artificially ripened. Artificial ripening of fruits is done to achieve faster and more uniform ripening characteristics at the cost of its Nutritional Values.

So, what is the basic difference between the Natural and Artificial ripening of the Fruits?

Natural ripening is a physiological process which makes the fruit edible, palatable and nutritious. In nature, fruits ripen after attainment of proper maturity by a sequence of complex physical and biochemical events. Whether fruits ripen on the plant or after harvest, the general ripening changes associated with the process are easily recognisable. During ripening fruits soften, changes colour, and characteristic aroma and flavours develop. During the process of ripening several factors like temperature, humidity etc. acts as a catalyst. Whereas in the case of artificial ripening, fruit ripening agents promote ripening and induce colour changes. Although the appearance of such artificially ripened fruits has been found to be improved, the taste and smell are found to be impaired especially when harvested fruits were subjected to treatment without considering their maturity status. Besides, the quantity required of the ripening agent to induce ripening will be much more than the conventional dose, when the fruits are not mature enough.

read more

23/11/2020

Going to the bathroom at night?

Avoid going with these tips
Stay cozy in your warm bed at night

Nothing is more annoying than having to get out of bed to pee at night. We’ve all experienced it: you’re sleeping beautifully in your warm bed, but you wake up because you have to go to the bathroom. It’s extremely annoying, but you can do something about it! There are a few things that cause this problem. You might already be trying out everything you can to avoid peeing at night, like not drinking much in the evening. Not working for you? Then you can try using some of the following tips.

Overactive bladder - You normally produce around 1 to 2 liters of urine per day, and only 25% of that being during the night. So you should be able to make it through the whole night without having to pee. Do you find yourself getting up multiple times a night to go to the bathroom? Then you probably have an overactive bladder, also referred to as nocturia. This means you have an increased urine production at night. This disorder is seen more often in women than men, and age also plays a role.

If you’ve noticed you experience this as well, you’re probably curious to find out what the cause could be. An increased urine production could have numerous causes, and some are less harmless than others. Possible causes are:
  • Eating or drinking too much before bed
  • Disruption of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), the hormone that ensures you produce less urine at night
  • Impaired kidney function
  • Bladder disorders
  • For men: prostate problems
  • Edema formation, better known as fluid accumulation
  • Certain medication
  • Underlying illness
To the doctor’s office or not? When exactly should you go to the doctor? You should go if the issue of peeing at night is disrupting your sleep and night’s rest. If you only occasionally have to go to the restroom at night, you shouldn’t get too worried. Only a visit to the doctor can shed light on the problem at hand. He or she can therefore do something about it. Your doctor can examine: eating and drinking habits, hormone disorders, bladder- or prostate problems, urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and heart issues.

Before heading off to the doctor, there are few things you can try to keep from having to pee at night. Try out the following tips:
  • Don’t drink anything after 8pm. If you’ve had a liter and a half of water throughout the day, this shouldn’t be an issue.
  • Limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption. These drinks have a moisture-repelling effect.
  • Do you suffer from swollen legs during the day? Sleep with a pillow under your legs to keep them elevated or use compression stockings.
  • Watch what you eat before bed. Digestion stimulates urine production.
  • And finally (with your doctor’s approval) you can take a diuretic (water-expeller) or a desmopressin in the late afternoon.

How Normal Is Peeing In The Middle Of The Night?
If you are peeing more than once during the night, it might be because of one of these reasons

If your bladder acts as a middle-of-the-night alarm clock, you might be curious whether it’s a cause for concern. Turns out you’re in good company if you’re wondering. “Is it normal to pee in the middle of the night?” is one of the most common questions that Marcelino Rivera, a urologist with Indiana University Health, said he gets asked in his practice.

In general, if you are waking up to pee once during the night, it’s likely that is normal for you, Rivera said. The kidneys’ main function is to filter out toxins from the bloodstream and concentrate those toxins into urine. According to Rivera, this is done continuously ― “during the day we are typically [going] every two to four hours depending on hydration status and fluid consumption” ― but at night, the body releases hormones to concentrate the urine more than during the daytime. Hence why we don’t typically wake up as much at night to urinate.

But if you are peeing more than once during the night or running to the bathroom is disrupting your sleep, you might need to examine other areas of your waking life. Here are a few of the most common reasons you may be getting up to pee, whether they’re considered normal and expert advice on what to do about them:
You’re drinking too much H2O, especially close to bedtime
  • It could be your medication
  • You’ve had some alcohol or caffeine
  • You’re dealing with a sleep disorder
  • You’re pregnant
  • Aging could be a factor
  • You have swollen legs
  • You have a UTI or prostate issue
  • You have another medical disorder

Why you keep waking up in the middle of the night

The importance of sleep has been proven time and time again by the scientific community. There is no substitute for a good night's sleep, so if our sleep is disturbed, we should look into it and try to fix it. One common occurrence is waking up in the middle of the night. This can happen for a number of reasons, including an urge to pee or feeling restless, among others.

In this gallery, we look at the many possibilities as to why you keep waking up in the middle of the night:
  • You’re stressed out or feeling anxious
  • It might be your gut bacteria
  • Your blood sugar levels might be to blame
  • Drinking
  • Smoking
  • Good ol’ caffeine
  • It might be due to a nutrient deficiency
  • Your hormones might be to blame
  • You might suffer from sleep apnea
  • The reason might be nocturia
  • Prediabetes might be to blame
  • Your liver function might be off
  • Your thyroid might be the culprit
  • A change to your circadian rhythm

Hematuria: Blood in urine

Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. If there are enough red cells, the urine can become bright red, pink or cola colored. Often, however, the urine appears completely normal because there is not enough blood to cause a color change. In this case, the condition is called "microscopic" hematuria. There are many possible causes of hematuria, including:
  • Urinary tract infection — Hematuria can be caused by an infection in any part of the urinary tract, most commonly the bladder (cystitis) or the kidney (pyelonephritis).
  • Kidney stones
  • Tumors in the kidney or bladder
  • Exercise — Exercise hematuria is a harmless condition that produces blood in the urine after strenuous exercise. It is more common in males than females.
  • Trauma — Traumatic injury to any part of the urinary tract — from the kidneys to the urethral opening (the connection between the bladder and the outside world) — can cause hematuria.
  • Drugs — Hematuria can be caused by medications, such as blood thinners, including heparin, warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin-type medications, penicillins, sulfa-containing drugs and cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
  • Glomerulonephritis — Glomerulonephritis is a family of illnesses that are characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis is a rare complication of certain viral and bacterial infections (including strep throat). It can also occur in people with certain auto-immune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus or SLE) and vasculitis. Sometimes there is no identifiable cause.
  • Bleeding disorders — This includes conditions such as hemophilia and von Willebrand's disease.

read more

Nocturia: Excessive Urination at Night

Nocturia is a condition that causes you to wake up during the night to pee. This condition is also called nocturnal urinary frequency — having to pee more often at night. Nocturia becomes more common as people age (usually older than 60) and occurs in all genders and sexes, sometimes for different reasons. It can be common for people to wake up once during the night to pee, but peeing more frequently may be a sign of an underlying condition or problem.

When a person pees too much during the daytime, but can limit the amount of trips to the bathroom at night, it’s referred to as frequent urination. Nocturia is strictly using the bathroom multiple times after bedtime and before you wake up in the morning. Whether it’s happening due to an underlying medical condition or something else, it can leave you feeling tired because your regular sleep cycle is disrupted.

How common is nocturia? Nocturia is a common condition affecting more than 50% of adults after age 50. It’s more common in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) after age 50. Before 50, nocturia is more common in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It affects up to 1 in 3 people over the age of 30.


Pneumaturia: Gas in urine

What Is Pneumaturia? Having small bubbles in your urine is called pneumaturia. It isn’t a diagnosis on its own but can be a symptom of certain health conditions. Common source causes for pneumaturia include urinary tract infections (UTIs) and passageways between the colon and the bladder (called fistula) that don’t belong.

If you have pneumaturia, you’ll feel gas or a bubbling sensation interrupting your urine stream. Your urine may appear to be full of small air bubbles. This is different than urine that looks foamy, which is usually an indicator of too much protein in your urine. Since pneumaturia is a symptom of other conditions and not a condition all by itself, you may want to look out for other symptoms that sometimes come along with it, such as:
  • burning sensation while urinating
  • difficulty urinating
  • feeling the need to “go” all the time
  • discolored urine
All of these symptoms could indicate an infection in your urinary tract. Common causes:
  • One common cause of pneumaturia is infectious bacteria. Pneumaturia can indicate a UTI, as the bacteria create bubbles in your urine stream.
  • Another common cause is a fistula. This is a passage between organs in your body that doesn’t belong there. A fistula between your bowel and your bladder can bring bubbles into your urine stream. This fistula can be an outcome of diverticulitis.
  • Less often, deep sea divers will have pneumaturia after a period of time underwater.
  • Sometimes pneumaturia is a symptom of Crohn’s disease.


Diabetes: Early Signs & Symptoms

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.

Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potentially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But the blood sugar levels aren't high enough to be called diabetes. And prediabetes can lead to diabetes unless steps are taken to prevent it. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy. But it may go away after the baby is born. Diabetes symptoms depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially if they have prediabetes, gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes, may not have symptoms. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to come on quickly and be more severe.

Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:
  • Feeling more thirsty than usual.
  • Urinating often.
  • Losing weight without trying.
  • Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there's not enough available insulin.
  • Feeling tired and weak.
  • Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
  • Having blurry vision.
  • Having slow-healing sores.
  • Getting a lot of infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.


Hematochezia: Blood in Stool

Blood is supposed to stay in your body. Seeing blood in your bowel movement is very frightening. It is an indication that something is not working right, but it is not always a herald of colon cancer. Rectal bleeding has many causes, but only one of them is colon cancer.

When You Note Blood in the Stool - The best action you can take now, to advocate for yourself, is to pay attention to this symptom and be prepared to discuss it with your doctor. Ask yourself these questions:

  • Was the blood in the stool, toilet bowl or on the toilet paper?
  • Was the blood bright red or dark red?
  • Approximately how much blood did you see? (Keep in mind, a drop of blood in a toilet bowl will turn all of the water red.)
  • Did you have to strain to pass the bowel movement?
  • How frequently do you have bowel movements?
  • Do you have other symptoms?
  • When was your last colon screening exam or colonoscopy?
  • Do you have a history of polyps or a family history of polyps?

Causes of Blood in the Stool:
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Inflammatory Conditions
  • Colon Polyps
  • Constipation
  • Bowel Infections
  • Colon Cancer

read more

Constipation and Urinary Incontinence
Bloating and cramps are two common symptoms of constipation

Being constipated means your bowel movements are tough or happen less often than normal. You might be constipated if you have less than three bowel movements per week.

Constipation is very common. Around 2.5 million people visit their doctor each year in the U.S. because they are constipated. It's usually not serious, and home remedies can get you back on track. How often should you poop? The normal length of time between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have them three times a day. Others have them just a few times a week.

But going longer than 3 days without one is usually too long. After 3 days, your stool gets harder and more difficult to pass. Constipation Symptoms You may have:
  • Few or no bowel movements
  • Trouble having a bowel movement (straining to go)
  • Hard or small stools
  • A feeling that everything didn’t come out
  • Belly bloating
  • A feeling like your rectum is blocked
  • A stomachache or cramps


Acupressure Points for Constipation

Acupressure can help in relieving constipation symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas by applying pressure to specific points on the body. The following are the commonly used acupressure points to relieve constipation that you can do on your own. Instead of pressing with your fingers, you can also use acupressure stick:
  • Tianshu (ST25) - Tianshu can improve digestion. You can place three fingers parallel and alongside the centre of the belly button. Tianshu is located at the edge of the last finger, away from the belly button. Use your thumb or forefinger and apply pressure or you can do circular motion with finger.
  • Guanyuan (CV4) - Guanyuan is used for relieving abdominal pain and diarrhea. It is located at 3 inches below your belly button. Use your thumb or forefinger and apply pressure or you can do circular motion with finger.
  • Zhigou (TE6) - Zhigou is an effective pressure point for relieving chronic constipation. It is located at 3 inches up the back of your arm from the crease of your wrist. Use your thumb and apply pressure or you can do circular motion with thumb. This procedure should have been repeated for the other wrist.
  • Zusanli (ST36) - Zusanli can strengthen the digestive system. It is located on the outer calf, about four finger widths under the knee bone. Use your thumb or forefinger and apply pressure. This procedure should have been repeated for the other foot.


15 signs your stomach is functioning badly




A queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach, dreading even the idea of food, and having to constantly run to the washroom; these are all unpleasant symptoms of stomach issues. There are all sorts of reasons why you may have a poorly functioning stomach. Sometimes, it’s from food poisoning or a gastro bug going around; however, if your stomach is chronically upset, it might be a sign of a bigger problem. If you are experiencing any of these 15 signs that your stomach is functioning badly, be sure to make an appointment with your healthcare provider:
  • Frequent and chronic diarrhea
  • Blood in your stool
  • Severe cramps after eating
  • Chronic constipation
  • Frequent heartburn
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Sudden intense abdominal pain
  • Feeling full after eating a small portion
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Anemia
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Skin issues


What your poop tells you about your health
5 Things Your Poop Can Tell You About Your Health

Having a bowel movement is a critical part of digesting the food we eat. Stool formed by the large intestine is the body's way of getting rid of waste.

While you should talk to your doctor about any concerns, changes in poop color and consistency could show what is happening inside your digestive system:
  • Rocks and Pebbles - Poop that is hard and shaped like tiny rocks or pebbles is likely just a sign of constipation. You can still be considered constipated even if you are able to pass a small amount of stool. The large intestine helps to concentrate waste by absorbing water. If muscle contractions in the large intestine are not working properly, waste left in the colon becomes even more concentrated, resulting in harder stool.
  • Color Changes - A change in stool color is one of the most common concerns patients ask about. The foods you eat and the kind of bacteria living in your colon can both cause such changes and added food colorings are frequent culprits. This is one reason why patients preparing for a colonoscopy are instructed to avoid food and beverages with certain added colors the day before. Doctors note that when they perform a colonoscopy, they can actually tell what color the beverage was that the patient drank during their preparation for the procedure. Most changes in the color of stool are not cause for concern. The exception is poop that appears black or bloody, which could signal other problems with the digestive system.
  • Black and Tarry - The most common cause of black and tarry poop is taking iron supplements or a medication containing bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol. However, it could mean you're losing blood somewhere in your gastrointestinal tract, such as in the stomach or small intestine.
  • Oily or Greasy Stools - If you have poop that appears oily, has a greasy consistency and is difficult to flush, it could be a signal that your body is not able to properly digest fat. The consistency changes could be caused by an infection, nutrients not being digested due to celiac disease or a problem with the pancreas, such as pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis.
  • Pencil Thin - Stool that is only occasionally very thin is not a cause for concern. It is likely due to muscle contractions in the large intestine as it helps to concentrate waste. If there is a sudden and consistent change in your stool always being thin, it could mean there is a blockage in your colon, and you should see your doctor.

22/11/2020

7 health benefits of including turmeric in your diet

Known to be one of the healthiest spices out there, turmeric can boost your wellbeing as well as your energy levels

With anti-inflammatory properties and natural pick-me-ups, adding this spice to your diet can have huge positive impacts on your overall wellbeing.

Not only does it help overall, but it can change how you live your life in a variety of ways.

The best way to add it to your diet is to sprinkle some on savoury dishes like curry and soup or take it as a supplement.

read more

21/11/2020

The 15 cities with the most billionaires


If you’re searching for a city full of billionaires, look no further than New York City.

The Big Apple is where you will find the most billionaires, according to Wealth-X’s 2019 Billionaire Census. In 2018, there were 105 living in the city. And, the census states, New York City is “home to more billionaires than in almost every country in the world, with the exception of China and Germany.”

Undoubtedly the city’s status as a global financial capital attracted many of the billionaires who now call it home.

read more

20/11/2020

Tantrump: 2020 Word of the Year


Over 60% of Americans Say Trump Administration's Transition Delay is a Threat to National Security
Republicans Are Calling On Trump To Concede To Biden

More than 60% of Americans say that the Trump administration's transition delay is a threat to national security, according to a new poll. The poll, which was conducted by Monmouth University, found 61 percent of Americans saying that President Donald Trump delaying the transition process following Joe Biden's projected win in the 2020 presidential election is a threat to national security.

Among the 61 percent, 35 percent said it is a major threat and 26 percent said it is a minor threat, while 36 percent said it's not a threat and 3 percent said they didn't know. Additionally, the poll found 61 percent of respondents saying they disapprove of the way Trump is handling the transition process, with 46 percent saying they strongly disapprove and 15 percent saying they somewhat disapprove.

In comparison, 31 percent said they approve of Trump's transition process, with 20 percent saying they strongly approve and 11 percent saying they somewhat approve. Monmouth University surveyed 810 U.S. adults from November 12 to November 16 and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.


Full Coverage:

Half of Republicans say Biden won because of a 'rigged' election
Wisconsin to hold partial vote recount as fuming Trump denies defeat
What’s happening in the US presidential transition standoff?
'Pathetic' Trump denounced over Krebs firing, campaign presses for recounts
Biden gets emotional hearing nurse's story
Republicans need to decide whether they believe in democracy
Official holding back transition to Joe Biden gets 'death threats'
Trump’s coup might not work. But pave the way for the next failed candidate
It's Donald Trump vs. democracy. Which side are you on?
Emily Murphy, do your job
Why the GOP is sticking with Trump’s election deceit
Trump wasn’t just rural phenomenon. Most of his supporters from cities & suburbs
Trump achieved 1 of his post-election goals:Sowing doubt about outcome his base
Biden says Trump refusal to help transition hurts COVID-19 plans
First Thing: Pennsylvania pours cold water on Trump’s voter fraud claims
US states’ rush to certify election results in 500 words
Biden hopes for post-Trump progress on COVID-19 stimulus
Ex-Pres. Trump On Trial? Why It's Not Biden's Call | The Beat With Ari Melber
Why Donald Trump's Legal Strategy Is Dangerous Even If It's Likely to Fail
Election polls are more accurate if they ask participants how others will vote
Trump pays $3 million for recount of 2 Wisconsin counties
Biden trying to achieve 'maximum unity' from the 'angry centre-left'
Biden promises to prioritize state virus funding
Former Treasury Secretary on Trump blocking Joe Biden transition
GOP increasingly accepts Trump's defeat — but not in public
Michelle Obama hits out Trump's 'racist lies' & 'conspiracy theories' voter fraud
Biden’s campaign floats ‘pardon for Trump’ idea to disarm opposition
Biden's Covid Advisers Warn Stalled Transition,Trump Push Legal Challenges
Trump’s Gambit to Overturn States’ Election Results Is Running Out of Time
President Donald Trump's Attorney Admits Joe Biden's Election Win
The World Is Never Going Back to Normal
Trump targets vote certification in late bid to block Biden
Why Biden's Approach To Venezuela Is So Important For Oil Markets
Forecasts Predicting Landslide for Biden&'Blue Wave' for Dems Underrate Trump
Trump again refuses to acknowledge his defeat to Biden; claims he 'won' election
Paul de Sousa: Fiat Currencies Don't Succeed; Gold Will Protect You
Count Every Legal Vote — Then Certify Them, Too
Emily Murphy, the GSA Worker Holding up Presidential Transition of Power
To prevent a future transition mess, Congress should fix the law
Emergency workers plead equipment, testing 'skyrocketing' coronavirus cases
Current and former Trump officials quietly reach out to Biden team
Biden warns of another 200K dead from COVID by inauguration
Biden, Harris receiving national security briefings from outside experts
Biden says U.S. agency is blocking transition, slowing coronavirus efforts
Dr. Anthony Fauci on why he thinks he hasn't heard from Joe Biden's team
Biden's team works on COVID-19 safety plan for taking over West Wing
Biden holds virtual health roundtable to meet frontline workers
How Trump could complicate federal government funding
Trump's Behavior Is 'What We've Seen In Many Authoritarian Countries'
Biden, Harris briefed by national security experts amid transition obstacles
Fauci Hasn't Spoken With Biden's Team Yet Due His 'Compromised Position'
Barack Obama’s A Promised Land is an elegant, thoughtful memoir
The Unpardonable Sins of Lindsey Graham
Terrible situation:Inside a gov bureaucrat's pressure-filled decision delay transition
US vaccination plan could lose ‘weeks or months’: Biden on transition delay
Why did they vote for Trump?
Trump Campaign Spends $3 Million On Recount In Two Wisconsin Counties
When Applying ‘Normal’ Scrutiny, Rudy Giuliani’s Court Appearance Total Flop
Pa. Supreme Court to hear Giuliani's fraud arguments
Trump’s Effort To Steal Election Is Comically Stupid & Extremely Dangerous
How the 2020 election results compare to 2016, in 9 maps and charts
When Will the 2020 Election Finally Be Over? Here Are Key Dates to Watch
Trump Campaign Requests Recount In Dane, Milwaukee Counties
Minnesota ICU nurse brings Biden to tears during COVID-19 conference call
For Trump 2020, a key deadline means Wednesday is put up or shut up day
61% of Americans say Trump's Transition Delay is National Security Threat
Trump is still roaring ‘RIGGED ELECTION’ & 52% of Republicans believe him
Rudy Giuliani rusty in bad sign for Trump legal fight
Twitter Has Flagged More than 90 Trump Tweets as Misleading since Election
The People Who Lie to Family and Friends About Whom They Voted For
Obama-Trump swing counties largely stuck with the president | TheHill
Georgia, Wisconsin recounts likely will not change Trump election defeat
Donald Trump just canceled his Thanksgiving. Here's why
Louisiana senators should stand up to Trump, confirm election results
Trump Sowing Chaos in His Wild Bid to Cling to Unsalvageable Presidency
Trump Pursues Recount of 2 Liberal Wisconsin Counties
Biden acknowledges 'real brick walls' he'll face in Senate during video call
Biden warns that ‘tough guy’ approach to the coronavirus leads to deaths
US medical leaders urge Trump to share COVID-19 data with Biden
Trump pays $3 million for 2 Wisconsin county vote recounts
Obama's GSA administrator: Presidential transition is too important to politicize
Trump campaign requests partial recount in Wisconsin
Why the Trump campaign continues to fight election results despite court losses
Trump digs in White House, denying Biden transition help on pandemic
Biden:We'll be 'wks/mths' behind COVID response w/o cooperation from Trump
Biden says Trump's transition delay will put new government behind with vaccine
More than Quarter of Republicans Don't Think Trump Should Ever Concede
Trump claims WON election blasts ‘fraud’ Georgia finds 3,000 more uncounted
Many Republican governors still won’t state plainly that Biden won
Election Results: Tracking Viral Disinformation
Toomey doesn’t think much of Trump’s efforts to throw out around 700K votes
Trump, Called 2016 Wisconsin Recount ‘Scam’Seeks Partial Recount Wisconsin
Biden names top White House aides
Biden: Trump Stalling Transition Will Put COVID Vaccine 'Behind By Wks/Mths'
Federal official in GSA firestorm over Biden transition decision is from St. Louis
Trump's transition sabo:What lame duck president could do b4 exits White House
Trump set on election-fraud claims, thinks it'll help in 2024: report
Biden taps close campaign aides, U.S. congressman for White House roles
What's happening in the US presidential transition standoff
White House tells agencies not to cooperate with the Biden
What's taking place within the US presidential transition

Biden Says Standoff With Trump Administration Won't Stop
Biden Names Senior White House Staff as Transition Standoff

Biden team taps Justice Department veterans to circumvent
Trump administration denies Biden access to transition funds
Trump's election transition standoff may do serious damage to

Trump Appointee Stonewalls Congress on Transition Progress
What’s happening in the US presidential transition standoff?
Trump has continued to refuse to concede the presidential election to Biden

US election 2020: Joe Biden warns: standoff will cause deaths
Joe Biden warned that more people will die if Donald Trump continues to block

US election 2020: Republicans must 'accept reality', Democrats say
Joe Biden, who is to be only the second Catholic president in US history
Biden Names Senior White House Staff as Transition Standoff Continues
The transition delays have prompted some U.S. national-security

Trump Appointee Stonewalls Congress on Transition Progress
Biden says Trump not conceding ‘an embarrassment’: Election news
United States President-elect Joe Biden called Donald Trump's refusal
Trump adm denies Biden access to transition funds, echo Bush-Gore standoff
Bush-Gore standoff after 2000 election declared Joe Biden US president-elect
Inside a government bureaucrat's pressure-filled decision to delay the transition
As the only obstacle between President-elect Joe Biden and the formal start
Trump Appointee Stonewalls Congress Transition Progress setting Democrats
Trump's election transition standoff may do serious damage to national security
Bush repeatedly pushed those of us in positions of public trust to ensure
Fighting Election Results, Trump Employs a New Weapon: The Government
“There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration
Biden team launches agency review teams despite GSA standoff
President-elect Joe Biden's transition team is trying to jump-start the Jaddou
Pentagon officials eye 'off-site' meetings with Joe Biden's team
Given that a presidential election in United States brings formally the transition
Coming ahead of the transition of power from Donald Trump's Joe Biden's adm
Democrats could sue GSA if transition standoff continues
These are the experts who will lead Biden’s transition at federal agencies
Why This Contentious Transition Is So Perilous for the Economy
Biden transition efforts on cybersecurity uncertain as Trump
Here's How a Transition Is Supposed to Work
Leaders of America's Asian Allies Call President-Elect Biden
World leaders spoke to U.S. President-elect Joe Biden about Trump's refusal

Joe Biden wins the 2020 US presidential election
Democrat Joe Biden is to be elected 46th President of the United States after winning Pennsylvania on Nov 7, 2020.PHOTO: AF

Democratic candidate Joe Biden has been elected as the next President of the United States, according to calls from US media outlets on Saturday (Nov 7).

He was projected the winner of the presidential election after he was declared the winner of the battleground states of Pennsylvania and Nevada, netting him 20 and 6 electoral votes respectively, bringing his total to 279 - more than the 270 needed to win the White House.

California senator Kamala Harris will be the next Vice-President, making history as the first Black woman and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the nation’s second-highest office.