ENGINEER'S RUN 2015 is in September

To all healthy-minded people out there, here is where you can train and get rewarded at the same time. Not to mention the not-immediately-seen benefit of good health you stand to gain.

Let's join the Engineer's Run 2015 in September.

Open to everyone, it's divided into 4 categories and you can register for either the full distance of 13KM or the shorter run of 6KM:

• Men's Open (10yr old - 44yr old)
• Men's Veteran (45yr old & above)
• Women's Open (10yr old - 44yr old)
• Women's Veteran (45yr old & above)

Not bad. Going up the Signal hill and run through the city centre.


Click to enlarge the Form. You can print it out or alternatively contact: a) IEM Sabah @Damai - 088259122 (Ms Wendy), b) Performance Sportz @Likas Driving Range - 088212268 (Mr. Rudy/Ms Marjie)


TheGreenMechanics: Come on engineers, join in. Or, at the least do your bit by spreading the news.


"A HEALTHY LIFE IS A HAPPY LIFE"

US rolls out gasoline sulfur rule to cut automobile emissions

Starting from 2017 in the U.S., a rule to further limit sulfur in gasoline will be implemented in phases and is expected to be fully enforced in 2025 - a move described by the country's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "a win for public health".

Sulfur or not, you don't want to be tailing a vehicle that smokes like this! Pic captured at Jln Penampang.

Ruling to phase in starting in 2017

The rolling out of a rule in the U.S., that would further limit sulfur in gasoline, is expected to cut automobile emissions, provide welcome relief to people with breathing problems and would be the equivalent of removing an estimated 33 million cars from its roads.

U.S. oil refineries will be required to purchase new equipment to remove sulfur, which builds up in vehicle emission-control devices, causing more pollution. 

Conservationists and automakers such as Ford Motor praised the move, while a trade group that represents the oil and gas industry blasted it as an unnecessary step that will hurt consumers.

The EPA said the requirement, when fully implemented in 2025, will cost consumers less than a cent per gallon more at the pump while preventing 2,000 premature deaths a year and lowering health-care costs by as much as $19 billion. It will increase the average price of a car by about $75.

Differences in opinion

Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute countered that complying with the rule will increase gas prices by up to nine cents a gallon. API Downstream Group Director Argued that the rule will not only become a threat to consumers, jobs and economy, but it will provide negligible, if any, environmental benefits.

Expressing support for the rule, American Lung Association estimated that the rule will prevent 19,000 asthma attacks and 300,000 missed days of work and school by 2030.

Source: The Washington Post

TheGreenMechanics: Aye, Sir! Let's do it.

Malaysia healthcare system is third best in the world

This is something nice to read from a foreign publication.

A US magazine, International Living rated Malaysia's healthcare system as the third best out of 24 countries in its 2014 Global Retirement Index. It also mentioned that Malaysia is Asia's best place to retire. Go ahead, read it!

This prompted our prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to tweet saying Malaysia should be proud as its healthcare system is one of the best in the world.

PM Najib: "Malaysia scores third best out of 24 countries in International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index 2014. We should be proud!"




Malaysia ranked third in 2014

A study by the American publication, International Living, rates Malaysia's healthcare system as the third best out of 24 countries in its 2014 Global Retirement Index, beating Spain, Italy, Ireland and New Zealand, among other countries.

Malaysia was listed as third place after it scored 95 out of a possible 100 points. The top two countries, France and Uruguay, scored 97 and 96 points respectively.

The index, which was recently released by the Baltimore-based magazine, praised Malaysia's healthcare as the medical expertise of Malaysian healthcare practitioners is equal to or better than what it is in most Western countries.


"It's a bargain"

In its previous publication, International Living provided the following infographic to compare the Healthcare Costs in 7  Top Oversea Havens. Really, compared to other places with similarly world-class equipment, medical care in Malaysia is "a bargain" as some expats described it.



Source: International Living


TheGreenMechanics: You should be proud. A little, if you like. Although you may complain once in a while (ahem.., infact too much at times).


Sources: Bernama, International Living

Which is better: Green tea or your breakfast tea?

The other day myself and few colleagues of mine were having our afternoon break when the idea of drinking our tea without sugar popped up. I tried a cup and it was totally okay with me while one colleague felt it is 'incomplete' and few sips was more than enough.

It appeared that he and another are okay with the sugar-less green tea and Chinese tea but not the breakfast tea. The breakfast tea is more acidic than green and Chinese tea, and the guys' low tolerance to it is understandable.

Tea minus the sugar is definitely good.

Let's leave the sugar out of the equation and ask which one is better for our body - green tea or breakfast tea?

According to ScienceFocus magazine, all tea contains antioxidant compounds called catechins (a type of natural phenol and antioxidant). Black tea involves oxidising the leaves more so than green, and so black tea is slightly less antioxidant.

Studies have shown health benefits for both kinds of tea, including reduced blood cholesterol and lower rates of cardiovascular disease, but green tea seems to have the edge. This may be partly because it’s drunk without milk. Black tea with milk has no cardiovascular benefit, according to a 2006 study at Berlin University.

In addition, a 2012 study in China found that green tea also repairs age-related damage to brain cells.

It seems both are beneficial but green tea looks like having the edge. You can google to find out more but here is a good start.

Killer red tide will be here for a while - Avoid shellfish!

The red tide can kill. And it is here to stay (and continue killing) until at least June, according to the Fisheries Department.

Daily Express. Jan 10, 2013

POORLY INFORMED OR PLAIN IGNORANCE?

Just few days ago we were taken aback by the death of two victims who consumed shellfish collected from nearby waters. We were shocked not because we come to realise that 'red tide' can kill but by the fact that people continue to consume toxic marine produce. Have they not been informed of the risk?

It is high time the relevant authorities come down in aggressive manner telling people about the real danger of consuming sea produce at this moment. Not that the departments - Fisheries Dept., and Health Dept. - failed to do so. In fact you've read numerous reminders from either of these government agencies in the local and national tabloids. But I think it is just not sufficient.

When I say 'aggresive' I was talking about going down to the grassroots - the sea villages, fisherman communities, the JKKKs. But also not forgetting the consumer side of the food chain. Buntings, leaflets, banners along the main roads for instance, are good means of sending out message. Television adverts and SMS services can be intensified.

Fatality CAN and SHOULD be avoided - via prevention and not by treatment.


WHAT TO AVOID

All types of shellfish or bivalves including -

• oysters
• mussels
• cockles, and
• any type of seafood with shells

Don't eat or sell them.


THE RED TIDE TOXIN

The red tide toxin in shellfish is analysed using the mouse bioassay method and results are given as Mouse Unit (MU). Threshold level considered safe for humans is 400 MU. Anything above this is dangerous.

Some recorded shellfish samples taken so far:
Putatan              - 6,900 MU
Papar District    - 4,010 MU
Tuaran              - 3,300 MU

Past recorded samples of bivalve in Sabah were as high as 11,000 MU.

Take note that,

• Only the Fisheries Department can detect the presence of toxin in shellfish in its specialised lab. One can't tell through sight, smell or taste.
• The toxin cannot be washed away or got rid off through washing or through any type of food preparation or cooking.

SYMPTOMS OF SHELLFISH POISONING DUE TO RED TIDE

Among others, but not limited to:

• tingling of the lips and tongue, which may begin within minutes of eating poisonous shellfish or may take an hour or two to develop.
• sensation of "pricking of pins and needles" of the skin
• loss of control of arms and legs
• difficulty in breathing

If you experience any of the above symptoms, get medical treatment immediately, as, delay in seeking treatment may result in death according to State Health Director, Dr. Christina Rundi.


WHAT'S MY SAFE BET?

All is not lost for seafood lovers. Dr. Rundi described the following as safe for consumption:

1. All types of prawns and crabs including shovel-nosed lobsters,
2. Mantis shrimps,
3. All types of coral fishes, and
4. Fishes which are predatory such as sharks and sting rays, barracuda, tenggiri, jacks and deep sea fishes.

Just remember to throw away their guts and gills and washed them properly.

Hope that helps in a small way.


Facts source: D.Express

Periodic health checks for employees after 40

It's should be a concern to all of us, especially women, that we actually start losing bone mass as early as 30. Well, that's at least what the adverts on electronic media (especially TV) keep drilling into our heads on regular basis.

Illustrative image: monash.edu

But what should concerns us more is the facts unveiled by Human Resources Ministry about the build up of illnesses - that went undetected - during our prime years and by the time we get past 40 we suddenly have to fork out substantial amount of our savings for treatment. Or, in the case of private sector employees, Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) being the party to shoulder the financial burden.

Human Resourses Ministry is saying now that workers in the private sector maybe required to undergo periodic health screening upon reaching age 40 due to the increasing number of health problems recorded in recent years.

For a relatively small population like Malaysia, the compensation payout is considered substantial:

2011 - RM1.8 billion
2010 - RM1.6 billion
2009 - RM1.3 billion
E.g. Dialysis treatment cost increased by 19% in 2011 compared to 2010.

You may say "Heck, I'm young. I'm only 22". The simple fact is that "Detecting a diseases early will reduce the risk to you and me compared with diagnosing the disease at a late stage or chronic stage".

So, there.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

The full article: Periodic health checks for employees after 40
by Malay Mail, August 10, 2012

Workers in the private sector maybe required to undergo periodic health screening upon reaching age 40 said the Deputy Minister of Human Resources Datuk Maznah Mazlan. She said the matter was being studied by the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) to detect health problems and diseases at the early stage among workers.

"The total number of health problem cases recorded under SOCSO is increasing each year, that is for last year alone, SOCSO paid nearly RM1.8 billion in compensation and benefits to its members and contributors.

"The total is increasing each year, from RM1.3 billion in 2009 to RM1.6 billion in 2010. Payments cover cost of medication and treatment which involves diseases and accidents," she said after visiting the Mawar Hemodialysis Centre (MHC) and the presentation of a dialysis machine to the MHC branch in Kuala Pilah and Bahau yesterday.

According to Maznah, should a health problem or disease be detected early, it was not only good for the workers involved, it would also ease the burden of SOCSO from paying high compensation. "Detecting a diseases early will reduce the risk to the worker compared with diagnosing the disease at a late stage or chronic stage," she said.

In this regard, Maznah said SOCSO had spent RM92.5 million in 2011 to pay for dialysis treatment to members who had subscribed to the organisation. The total had increased almost 19 per cent compared with RM77.2 million spent in 2010 for the same purpose.

"As at June this year, SOCSO has spent RM43.5 million to pay for such treatment cost and at the moment, SOCSO has appointed 366 dialysis treatment centres nationwide," she said.

10 Fruit Juices for Good Health

To summarise, some say soursop fruit is the best.

But there are many other fruits, apart from soursop, that have a great benefits for health. These fruits are can be consumed easier and more comfortable when processed into healthy fruit juice (I'm sharing this from what others shared with me):-

Let's drink!

We'll start from the 10th best known fruit to the best fruit juice ever known (the soursop). There were write-ups that mentioned soursop fruit as the “miracle fruit”.


No.10: Avocado Juice



Avocado juice for health benefits include:

• helps formation of red blood cells 
• Preventing anemia 
• For pregnant women, folic acid content of avocados can stimulate brain development and the formation of the spinal cord. 
• Controlling the bad fats (LDL cholesterol) and raise the good fats (HDL cholesterol) 
• Prevent stroke. 
• Anti-wrinkle

No.9: Tomato Juice



Tomato juice for health benefits are:

• High antioxidant useful to defend the body from free radicals.
• Content of lycopene in tomatoes could prevent prostate cancer.
• To maintain ideal body weight for those who are dieting to lose weight and may increase appetite for those who are raising the weight as well as in the recovery phase after illness.
• Preventing constipation.
• Glycogen levels can stabilize liver function.

No.8: Apple Juice



Apple juice for health benefits include:

• Content of quercetin in apples may act as anticancer and anti-inflammatory.
• Content of pectin can help remove dirt buildup in the gut for so long.
• Can lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Can reduce appetite.
• Can treat headaches.

No.7: Strawberry Juice



Strawberry juice for health benefits include:

• Contain ellagic acid, which act as antioxidants to counteract free radicals that enter the body.
• Can inhibit tumor cell growth in lung, breast, cervix.
• Can cleanse the body’s digestive system.
• Controlling cholesterol levels.
• Can reduce pain in joints.

No.6: Guava Juice



Benefits contained in guava juice include:

• Can reduce cholesterol in the blood and lowers blood pressure.
• Can prevent thrush.
• Able to lose weight.
• Content of vitamin C in guava juice can relieve colds and coughs.
• Content astringent can cure diarrhea.
• Can prevent bone loss

No.5: Kiwi Juice



Kiwi juice for health benefits include:

• Rich in vitamin C is useful for protecting the body from cancer cells.
• Rich in fiber can reduce constipation.
• Content of potassium helps regulate blood pressure.
• To prevent infection, premature aging.
• Very good for those who suffer from heart disease.
• Relieve cold and flu.

No.4: Mango Juice



Mango juice for health benefits include:

• Can be as a disinfectant to cleanse the body and blood in the body.
• Rich in carotenoid that can help prevent colon cancer and cervical cancer.
• Can rejuvenate the body’s cells.
• Can prevent body odor caused by bacteria.

No.3: Noni Juice



Although it tastes pretty bad, but noni juice or noni fruit dutch is very beneficial to health, including:

• Can boost the immune system.
• Can normalize / reduce blood pressure.
• Be able to fight tumors and cancer cells.
• Contains scopoletin which functions as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic.
• Very useful for the disease: hypertension, stroke, diabetes, migraine, vertigo, vaginal discharge, painful joints, etc.

No.2: Pomegranate Juice



Pomegranate juice for health benefits:

• Substances tannins can anesthetize roundworms, pinworms and tapeworms in the intestines and release it with feces.
• Rich in vitamins A, C, E and folic acid good for pregnancy.
• Rich in antioxidants that help prevent blockages in the arteries caused by cholesterol.
• Prevent the occurrence of prostate cancer.

And the BEST of all: No.1 - Soursop Juice



A study published by The Journal of Natural Products mentioned that the soursop fruit as the “miracle fruit” that is very nutritious for health, including:

• Can effectively pick and choose the target bad cells from 12 different types of cancer, namely breast cancer, prostate, lung, colon, pancreas.
• Working 10 thousand times more powerful to postpone cell growth cancer than drug (adriamycin) or chemo therapy.
• Sour sop juice selectively hunt down and kill the bad cells and not harm / kill healthy cells, in contrast with a deadly chemo therapy evil and gels healthy cells (ie causing hair loss).
• Increase energy, immune system, preventing it from infection, etc.

USM invented slimming noodle

Fancy enjoying your favorite noodle while losing weight at the same time? You can, now. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) researchers have created dry yellow noodles to help consumers lose weight.

USM's Prof Azhar and Li Ling Yun showing the layered noodles. Photo: The Star Online.

The capsaicin-enriched layered noodles invented by researchers headed by Prof Azhar Mat Easa is believed to be the first of its kind in the world and it has won them a Malaysian Invention and Design Society 2012 gold medal.

"Capsaicin is an active hot substance found in plants like chili and not many can consume it in large amounts," he told a press conference.

He said in developed countries, like the United States, capsaicin was taken in the form of capsules and had a side effect on users as it contained chemicals, and also required a considerable expenditure. Azhar said the product was the first of its kind in the world because it offered a supply of capsaicin without irritation or a sting in the mouth.

He said layered noodle could help reduce up to a kilogramme in weight a week if 50 grammes were consistently taken daily.

"The layered noodle is cross-blended and capsaicin is flanked by two layers of flour making it more elastic and dense.

"These characteristics allow the noodle to stay longer in the system and enable the substance to burn calories in the body," he said.

Other than being nutritious and filling, the product could be enjoyed just like any other typical noodles. USM was discussing with several companies to commercialise the product which was expected to hit the market soon.

How much: RM7 per 100 grammes (two servings)
Availability: Soon to be announced. Stay tuned!


The Green Mechanics: Less chemicals and more natural ingredients in a food. Eat and still lose weight, that's a bonus. I like it (although I don't see myself being overweight).

Source: The Star Online, June 7, 2012

Fluoride, Silent Killer - Or is it?

Controversial and inconclusive! That's my take on the article. AND that's my conclusion.

This article by Yiamouyiannis, John, Ph.D seem to be spreading like virus via e-mail; at least that's what I get in a form of a chain email.

While I don't totally disagree with what's written, I don't subscribe to it and that's the reason I put it up here. While some of his contention is supported by references, some are very questionable as he uses a lot of "may", "likely", "has shown to (without further reference)". Not very assuring from a person so knowledgeable.

To quote some of his verdicts:

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF FLUORIDE Fluoride is used as an insecticide and a roach killer. Even at the level they use to fluoridate your public water supply, usually at the rate of about 1 part fluoride for every million parts of water (1 ppm) by weight, it causes severe problems. As little as one-tenth of an ounce of fluoride will cause death. It is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. No one will die from drinking one glass of fluoridated water, but it is the long term chronic effects of drinking fluoridated water that affects health. Dental fluorosis is one of the earlier signs of fluoride poisoning, appearing in mild cases as a chalky area on the tooth, and in more advanced cases, teeth become yellow brown or black and the tips break off. Fluoride in the drinking water leads to fluoride levels in tissues and organs which damage enzymes. This results in a wide range of chronic diseases. Fluoride weakens the immune system and may cause allergic type reactions including dermatitis, eczema and hives. It causes birth defects and genetic damage. Fluoride is likely to aggravate kidney disease, diabetes and hypothyroidism. The amount consumed in drinking water has been shown to lower thyroid activity in humans. It also causes the breakdown of collagen which results in wrinkling of the skin and the weakening of ligaments, tendons and muscles.

If you happened to have received the same email, I can tell you this issue is very much debatable. Some studies suggest that fluoride is necessary at a controlled/low dosage to prevent tooth decay, and some suggest cautious usage.

Yiamouyiannis, John, Ph.D suggest that it is solely due to the need to dump this by-product of the aluminium industry and the phosphate fertilizer that people start to justify fluoride use.

Others have mixed opinions:

1) MSN Health says A Little Fluoride Goes a Long Way" in support of its uses.
2) Disabled-World.com thinks that "Children Should use Fluoridated Toothpaste"
3) There are some warnings and recommendations for children using fluoridated toothpaste. A good read here.

Finally, you may want to know if the toothpastes you use contain fluoride. Mostly yes! The two brands I have used in the past are both fluoridated. Read about Darlie and Colgate and find out for yourself.


Be in the know and decide for yourself. A chat with your dentist friend would be a good idea.

BTW, is there any dentist around, reading this?