0 Tip 261: Longevity is what you choose

Choose to believe that you can take charge of your health. Take action to correct any illness when you see the symptoms early. Dr Joseph Maroon in his book "Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life" said, "We still have not reached the limit of human longevity & that an average healthy lifespan may soon be 100-120 years for many people". We are living in a more toxic and polluted environment, yet we have been granted the grace to discover the science of longevity and should combat our illness and pollution with super antioxidants like Resveratrol.

When I first started work, I travelled quite a bit and developed some rashes but did not visit a dermatologist. After a few visits, I got discouraged with the long wait time and expensive consultation to get the prescription drug and was in constant short supply of the drug. I thought it will get better over time or I need not spend money and time for my health. I was proven wrong and my eczema or Pityriasis Lichenoide Chronica condition spread all over my body and I had to depend on higher dosages of a drug MTX which has side effects on the liver. I battled this for 10 years until I discovered the anti-oxidant Reserve which contains 150 bottles of red wine in 1 sachet or highly absorbable Resveratrol.

I had tried many other treatments such as PUVA, regular 3 times a week ultraviolet phototheraphy for 1 year, less harmful drugs like Dapsone but nothing worked which increased my anxiety and stress. Now I found a natural fruit gel RESERVE™ from Jeunesse that builds my immune system, activates the SirT1 (anti aging longevity gene) and SirT2 by up to 30%. It aids in natural cellular DNA repair caused by free radicals, protecting cells against the dangers caused by a polluted environment. I choose Longevity at the cost of merely SGD120 a month. Click on the link http://lifenewcreation.blogspot.sg/ to find out more. You deserve better.

(Photos show my daughter at one of my birthday dinners at home in Singapore)

Detail: Tip 261: Longevity is what you choose

0 Tip 251: Chiropractic for kids

I was joining my wife with the kids for her regular visit to the chiropractor. Then, I decided to have a chat with the chiropractor about my kids and thought of seeking his view about kid's balance and athletic nature.

Previously, I wrote about Haruka being less athletic and in my observations, I try to encourage her to be more active by running with her.

She received her pre-school report card about her physical education participation. She did not get the best score for balance, hoping on 1 leg and a few other coordinated moves.

As I reflect, it could possibly be due to a phobia she still harboured or maybe she is just born with a personality that values being safe, careful and attempting all actions methodically. In attempting a flight of staircase, she would prefer to step one by one, instead of skipping a few in a daring jump. As parents, it helps to note this to make any remedial actions.

The chiropractor did a check on her spine and nerves and mentioned that there could be a slight disproportionate weight on one side of her body. According to him, this can affect the organ that is instrumental in achieving balance for the kid.

Nothing serious, but he did a few adjustments and said it should do the trick. While, I am not too hopeful, but believes that early intervention through observation of your child and encouraging them to play in the outdoors can improve many weaknesses for the best possible outcome.

(Photos show Haruka at her kindergarten, during a joint class performance and at the church Sunday School performance).

Detail: Tip 251: Chiropractic for kids

0 Tip 250: Running with your child

Most of us assume that kids love to play and run around. Yes they do. But, these days, they may not push their physical boundaries more than they could, considering the comfortable home they live in and the many attractive toys available at home. If we do not keep an eye on their physical fitness or provide motivations to enjoy the outdoors, they may begin to develop the habit of being less athletic or even be a couch potato.

We certainly can't expect all kids to be athletic. Part of it is in their genes. Another in their personality preferences. Yet, in today's modern lifestyle, are kids spending more time at home than in the outdoors? Do they find it too hot out in the sun or too tiring when it involves a little bit of running?

I was practising for a run and thought I would invite Haruka along at an enclosed field that is safe. While I outran her as I was keeping time, I kept watching her. It turned out quite productive. She did try her best to run fast and for quite a long distance which she usually wouldn't. When she was walking while taking a rest, she would observe the flowers around the field. She ran twice around the field, covering at least 1km in 30 minutes. I am proud of my 3 years old daughter as she joined me in my run a few times. She isn't too athletic by nature, but these activities together with dad can boost her esteem and keep her active.

(Photos show the girls at the Henderson Waves bridge that connect 2 parks making it an enjoyable nature trail, at the Jewel Box Mount Faber and me at the Osim 2011 Triathlon at Singapore).

Detail: Tip 250: Running with your child

0 Tip 235: Chiropractic can create life

Chiropractic, known for its spinal manipulative theraphy would usually stand for sustaining life, but in our case, it did contribute towards creation of life. I have never been a believer of spending money when there is no need for it. Yet, we were trying for our second child for more than 4 months. Tomomi suggested chiropractic may help since there could be an amazing amount of change to her body since her last pregnancy. There is certainly no harm to adjust any misalignments, so we tried for just 2 separate treatments by 2 different chiropractor. After a month, the conception of our second child was successful.

Chiropractic in recent days have gained recognition as an alternative medicine and even are approved by insurers for claims by its insured. There are more chiropractic regulatory boards set up in advanced countries such as USA, Canada and Australia and more patients who believe in its preventive treatment powers.

We are still early believers. I just spent SGD100 for one treatment and had another free trial treatment. Could it be coincidence or proof that just after 2 treatments on my wife, the educated hand technique can make right any misalignment that is causing interference to the nervous system. The idea behind it, is that the flow of our nervous system can be constricted by bones that are out of alighnment which can put pressure on the nerves that go to every organ and system in our body. Most of us have terrible posture, or slouching on a couch can aggravate our spine. This bad positioning pinches nerves, squeezes our internal organs, and creates tension. Adding to that are injuries, like falls or sporting injuries. Our reproductive organs among others, may be in a less than optimal position to function smoothly. With chiropractic care, the misaligned pelvis may be addressed or can even be prevented, making it possible for the woman to achieve a healthy conception. Receiving chiropractic care prior to conception promotes a more regular menstrual cycle (improving the chance of conception) and optimal uterine function. A Doctor of Chiropractic aligns the vertebrae and pelvis through gentle adjustments to the spine without any drug interventions, relieving the pressure on the nerves and allowing one hundred percent of the nerve energy to reach the tissues it serves.

This doesn't mean that women who are not in perfect alignment cannot get pregnant! They do every day, but if you're having problems with conception, consulting a chiropractor may help you. Many of us carry our tension in our shoulders, for example and this translates throughout our bodies. Stress, in general, is not helpful for conception because, as stress leads to increased release of cortisol. A study was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research by Dr. Madeline Behrendt that examined 15 women who were attempting to become pregnant. Fourteen of the women became pregnant spontaneously following the start of chiropractic adjustments.

There is a chiropractic technique called the "Webster technique" that specifically addresses the position of the baby in the pelvis and optimizing that position for a successful vaginal delivery. Chiropractors do not adjust the baby, per se, but rather by adjusting the mother's alignment and working on relaxing the pelvis, babies can move into the correct position on their own. With the high caesarean rate in the United States, helping women and their babies to be ideally positioned for delivery is important. Equally important is post natal chiropractic care that helps the mother to relieve the stresses put on the body by the rapid growth of the baby. As her belly gets bigger, the woman's center of gravity changes. The growth is so quick that it is often difficult for the low back and pelvis to adjust to this change. As her baby grows, her musculoskeletal system must adjust accordingly to accommodate the growing uterus and prepare for delivery. Many pregnant women experience low back pain, hip pain, and pubic symphysis. I hope this short blogpost gives you a glimpse of the possibilities of chiropractice.














(Photos show Haruka playing lantern with her neighbour during the Mid-Autumn festival and with her church friends in water play at the Science Centre Singapore).

Detail: Tip 235: Chiropractic can create life

0 Tip 213: Regular exercises at playground

Like adults, babies and kids need to exercise. We assume our kids are usually active and running around when we are not with them. We assume they have full of energy and is so youthful like we were when we were much younger. Yet, kids these days may prefer to watch the TV, watch youtube on the Internet on our computers, draw and write, read their books or simply play their toys at the comfort of the home. Even if they go to kindergarten or play school or to the babysitters, there is no guarantee that they are interested to run around and play. They may prefer to sit at the side and watch others run under the sun or simply stay indoors. It may seem unnecessary to be in control of our child's activities all the time. We assume they will develop an interest later for activities that most kids their age will enjoy. Yes, they would. But, it is also necessary for parents to keep a close eye on their kids physical and athletic
development. There is a role for parents to motivate their kids and expose them to the different types of play and exercises. Probably, boys may develop their own sense of play and exercises better than girls. Hence, a dad needs to show his daughter how to climb and how best to utilize the different facilities at the playground. For instance, when Haruka was playing at the slide, I just needed to suggest to her that she can put her hands on the railingand swing. She tried it out and enjoyed it. Sometimes, some of the facilities requires climbing and Haruka is unsure if she can do it. She is unsure of how to step certain climbing railings. I guide her legs and hands when I encourage her to climb. I stand behind her to catch her if she loses a grip. Or I do it in front of Haruka like a big daddy monkey and gives Haruka a glimpse of how it can be done. It is up to her if she takes up my challenge to do it. Else, I will wait for her to gather enough courage to do it at her next play time. What if daddy was not there? I think it will be less motivating and less supportive for Haruka to do her own exercises. Our presence do make a difference. Some kids may be more independent and creative than others. Some kids may depend on our presence to guide them to make the most of the facilities, toys and books around them to learn and maximize their full potential.

(Photos show Haruka at her first hand swing exercise at 2 years old with daddy clapping at the background)

Detail: Tip 213: Regular exercises at playground

0 Tip 171: Unagi Day for stamina to withstand summer

Today is "unagi うなぎ (fresh water eel) day" or in Japanese it's called "doyou-no ushi-no hi 土用の丑の日" or midsummer day of the Ox. On this day, you may see many advertisements of eel products at supermarkets and convenience stores. Japanese restaurants may also add eel as one of their lunch menus to choose from.

This tradition had its origins in the Edo period 200 years ago. Before 1873, instead of the Gregorian calendar, the Japanese calendar was used and is based on the lunisolar calendar adapted from the Chinese. Each season has its doyou which last 18 days. During this 18 days, each day is represented by one of the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. Hence, within the 18 days, for certain years, there could be more than 1 day of the Ox. The midsummer or summer doyou is especially important to the Japanese where they would send presents and greeting cards to friends and relatives. Yet, an eel restaurant owner then, had poor business and consulted a Japanese scholar, Hiraga Gennai who was also a pharmacologist and a multi-talented genius who invented many items. Gennai suggested the restaurant owner to put up an advertisement "doyou-no ushi-no hi" as the people would think of eating dishes that had the letter "u" on this Ox day (ushi-no hi). It is funny that other food for instance, udon could face the same fate, but somehow unagi caught on with popularity since then. It was interesting that eel restaurant owners had a superstition carried through from the Edo period as well, that broiling eels on other days such as on a Rat or Tiger day, would not taste as good as broiling them on an Ox day.

It does make sense to eat eel during the hot summer season as unagi contains many nutrients such as vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E, which are effective agents for rejuvenating the body. It also contains high quantities of unsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and EPA which decreases cholestrol, lowers blood pressure, prevents vascular diseases and promotes normal brain development, nervous system functions and good eyesight. Gotta not miss the next unagi day. The summer doyou usually happens between middle of July to first week of August and differs each year due to the ecliptic longitudes of the Sun.

From now till 2011, unagi day falls on:

2009: 19 July, 31 July.

2010: 26 July.

2011: 21 July, 2 August.

(Photos show Tomomi cooking unagi at home for dinner, plus we also ate unagi on the same day at a Japanese restaurant near to Tokyo Baptist Church during lunch with our Malaysian church mates, Alex and Angela. Other food photos feature an Italian buffet with chocolate fondue at Odaiba Decks Sunset Beach Brewing Company during their summer promotion of 1300 yen and a Niigata type wappameshi dish at a restaurant called Echigo along Kagurazaka dori. The photo on the left shows a Japanese bento set with well decorated shrimps, duck meat, fish meat, sushi and konnyaku at a hidden restaurant called WaRaku with beautiful garden view from the dining table at Tsukudo-hachimancho, close to Kagurazaka-dori).

Detail: Tip 171: Unagi Day for stamina to withstand summer

0 Tip 166: Husband doing grocery shopping with a list

Grocery shopping for your wife can be humourous. That's because you need to remember that you are shopping for your wife and not for yourself. When I thought I wanted to have some hamburgers or sausages for dinner, my wife said, "why did you buy them? I am not going to cook them". She literally did not cook for 1 evening, with the excuse that I irritated her by filling the fridge up with things she would not like to eat. You just got to look at it as humorous, instead of concentrating on the evening without a good cooked dinner. Thankfully, she has grown and evolved from those encounters, and has since cooked (on only a few occasions) the hamburgers and sausages that I bought.












I too have evolved and now avoid looking out for bargains for food from China at low bargain supermarkets that my wife detest. I am learning to follow her instructions to read the labels to only get low pasteurized milk instead of just any milk that has a nice carton with a good price tag. Once, I would buy a packet of white rice, thinking it would be a welcomed change for once to our routine brown rice, and then again no cooked dinner for the day.












Furthermore, my wife prefers organic vegetables if there is an option. In some cities like London, those vegetables are labelled clearly. Other cities, they are not and my wife would be suspicious if I would not succumb to the urge of getting good looking vegetables at lower prices. So she would go on a rage when I do buy vegetables home, especially when her day has not been smooth sailing.












Yeap, I am not such a perfect daddy after all. Other daddies would not make so many mistakes or make so many rebellious shopping decisions. Other daddies also has a better hand at cooking their own dinners. Though, I am quite a contented daddy as I have done without oily, well seasoned, tantalizing spicy yummy food for a long while, and sticked to a diet of healthy eating. The Japanese have this phrase "Shouganai" (What to do/There is no point of talking about it anymore).












You could talk about it if seen as humor. So anymore humorous stories to share, daddies? or mummies?












(Photos show my final random photos of London: by the river Thames, at the Tower of London, street performer by the London Eye, the red Holborn Bars, headquarters of Prudential Assurance . After a long day, Haruka collapses on my lap).

Detail: Tip 166: Husband doing grocery shopping with a list

0 Tip 140: A diet of raw fish for long life

I am blessed to be able to take my vacations at my inlaw's place in Ishigaki island, Okinawa. It is 2 flights away from Tokyo, a 2.5 hour flight from Tokyo to the main Okinawa island and another 1 hour flight from Okinawa to Ishigaki island, far south of Japan. Here I can relax and enjoy good food cooked by my mother in law who was a cook previously. During the day time when I am not already burn by the sun, I would explore the different beaches to scout for beautiful sea shells. One day, I hope to display my shell collections on glass floors in a future house I plan to settle down at ... probably not so near in the future.

My father in law is a fisherman and owns an old boat he uses to fish as a hobby nowadays. Whatever he catches will be improvised as meals for the family. It could be small colourful fishes to larger tunas (called maguro in Japanese), squid and prawns. And all these can be eaten as sashimi. Even fresh after a catch, my father in law would eat them raw with vinegar and lime on his boat if he is hungry or just to test the freshness of the fish. Could this be the secret of longetivity in Okinawa, the prefecture with the highest number of centenarians? Check out also my post on the high intake of grain and miso.

I used to be a little vary to eat raw food. When eating raw eggs cooked in sukiyaki, I will mix them longer in the hot pot. For sushi and sashimi, I will ensure they are well marinated with wasabi and would bear the tingling hot sensation with the hope that the wasabi will kill the harmful bacteria and parasites lingering in the raw food. As raw fish began to form more of my diet, I began to appreciate the fresh taste and realized it was more a mental challenge of my preconceived idea of raw food than a physical challenge for my body to interact with the bacteria and gain from it instead. In fact, there is now a lifestyle called raw foodism that promote a diet fully on raw food and argue that cooking would destroy enzymes and vitamins present in raw food that are necessary for better digestion and also to reduce the amount of free radicals that could cause cancer. It feels uneasy at the beginning, but as you taste the freshness more and more, your body would agree with your mind that you are on the right path to longetivity. Try it. Nothing tastes better than fresh sashimi from a good breed of tuna.

What are your thoughts on raw food and sashimi? They could be my initial fears too. Share it. Its when we vocalize, we attempt one step closer to overcome our fears.















(Photos show my first catch of a tiny fish at my father in law's boat for 4 hours under the sun, photos of 4 month old Haruka at a previous trip to Ishigaki, Haruka at the recent trip at time of blogging at the Okinawa airport and at the Shiroma home, attempting only brown rice despite being served sashimi and tempura, and 4 month old Haruka with the Shiroma family together with my niece).

Detail: Tip 140: A diet of raw fish for long life