Focus On Total Health

Avoid Diabetes, Save a Leg, Save a Life

2010-09-06T23:00:00.001+08:00

Diabetes can be debilitating and deadly. Not only does it cause about 1 amputation every 30 seconds worldwide, it is a killer. Why be victims of the disease?

Don’t let the disease overtake you; the status quo is, it’ll get worse. The current expert thinking is: You can only control the disease. But my question to you is: How long can you do that? Don’t be lulled into thinking that this is it! The latest medical finding is still bleak.

I have good news for you.

You CAN reverse diabetes!

Don’t take my words for the gospel. Don't pass them by without doing anything, or neglect them, either. Test them out!

The fact is:

You can save your leg, save a life, save yourself!

You can ONLY do that by heeding (NOTE: not just reading) the principles set out in my book, The Amazing Heart---A Revolutionary View that could Save and Lengthen Your Life! (Short of promising you a cure, brother or sister, please listen well and believe me well too.)

Don’t be fooled by the book’s title. This book was written for you who are diabetic also. I took 7 years of research and hard toiling to come up with it. For your health’s sake, click and order your copy now.

If you want radical changes, you must be prepared to act radically. Do you really want radical changes in your life?

Start saving your leg, and your very own life!

Happy Doing Good to To Your Own Leg, and Life,
Ray

Why so long?

2010-02-21T20:22:00.003+08:00

Chemicals are found in our workplaces and homes—aplenty. These can be in the form of industrial chemicals, household detergents, kitchen-chemicals including sodium chloride (kindly refer to my previous blog), cosmetics, body lotions, and a whole host of similarly dangerous stuffs. Many of these can be deadly, especially if they build up in our body tissues. As a result of increasing exposure to such chemicals, cancer has been on the rise in every nation of the world! Yet, we are totally complacent or ignorant about the kind of havoc chemicals can wreak on our health!

Chemicals have started proliferating at a rapid rate since the industrial revolution. The number of new chemicals being created and the quantities of existing ones produced are still growing at a staggering pace. Increasing number of victims of during-chemical-production or during-chemical-use, including women with breast and other forms of cancer, are suffering from this ghastly disease. Breast cancer, for instance, is a leading cause of death in American women.

Chemicals can cause not only heart disease but also cancer and other chronic diseases, including breast cancer. I have long believed that! And have written to that effect in my book, The Amazing Heart. Only in recent times are scientists beginning to wake up to the possibility that chemicals may be linked to cancer. They are only just starting to suspect (suspect only, not condemn as yet) that chemicals may play a part in causing cancer! As a result, not much has been done to alleviate the growing problems.

AFP recently quoted Megan Schwarzman, a physician and environmental health researcher at the University of California, Berkeley as saying: "We're currently not identifying chemicals that could be contributing to the risk of breast cancer.” ¹ I would say, why not? Why are mainstream doctors not—or so slow in—recognizing, let alone recommending the avoidance of—the detrimental effects of numerous chemicals in the lives of their patients whom they are trying to help? Why are doctors and scientists slow in even identifying those chemicals that may contribute to cancer, for instance? I think I know why. Do you?

Government health or regulatory authorities throughout the world, including the U.S., have virtually not been regulating the vast majority of everyday-use chemicals. For example, the authorities in U.S.A. are, according to Dr Schwarzman, just regulating a handful of the over 200 chemicals in the environment that are linked to mammary tumours in lab animals "on the basis of their ability to cause breast cancer." ²

How long will people have to endure all kinds of chemicals, which are presently not banned despite the fact that they have been shown to cause cancer or other health problems? How many lives must we lose before we wake up to the harm chemicals can bring into our lives?

Chemicals have been winning the war over millions of lives on this planet every year, High time we waged a war against chemicals!

Send this blog to someone who might need it.

You might be doing him or her a favor.

Meanwhile, let’s keep fighting the war on our own fronts.

May you win the war,
Ray Chee
Write me with comments to info@FocusOnTotalHealth.net

¹ Chemicals suspected in breast cancer, AFP News, Saturday, February 20, 2010

Benefits of A Saltless Diet

2010-01-25T18:53:00.006+08:00

A New England Journal of Medicine study (published January 20, 2010) concludes that minimizing the amount of salt you take by even a small amount could reduce your chances of getting heart disease, stroke and heart attacks as much as reductions in smoking, obesity and cholesterol levels.

According to the study conducted at the University of California San Francisco, Stanford University Medical Center and Columbia University Medical Center, “If everyone consumed half a teaspoon less salt every day, there would be between 54,000 and 99,000 fewer heart attacks each year and between 44,000 and 92,000 fewer deaths.”

The study adds weight to what I wrote about in my book, The Amazing Heart, which was published end of 2005. Back then, findings were already made that showed the relationship between a high consumption of sodium and hypertension, which was identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Framingham Heart Study 1948 and other subsequent studies, e.g., two studies in 1990’s; also refer to a much later Harvard Study published in British Medical Journal’s website on April 20, 2007, which claimed that cutting back on salt could reduce heart attack risk). However there was, I believe, no known direct correlation between sodium and heart disease, stroke or heart attacks and salt then. But in the few years preceding the end of 2005, without the shadow of doubt, I not only saw the direct link between salt and CVD, but also with all other chronic diseases or ailments as well. The work of writing the book indeed led to this tremendous revelation to me. (But it wasn't only this revelation, but a series of many revelations that culminated in an equation for long-term tip-top health.) Therefore, the book recommended lowering the deadly salt content in our foods, soups or drinks.

But it did not stop there; my book also recommended omission of sodium chloride from our diet, as it is a “garbaz” that would hurt the body. I know it’s extremely hard to follow a strictly saltless diet (and I find that to be true too, especially when I eat out or travel, since salt is so pervasive), but if at all possible, let’s cut it out. (Anyway, a lot of foods that nature provides us have sodium inside them.) This is because although as far as I am aware, this is not confirmed by scientific findings yet, the book predicted salt along with other garbaz to be linked to all chronic and degenerative diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.

Perhaps for a start, I suggest that epidermiologists embarked on a quest to find a direct link between salt and the above three diseases, if they haven’t as yet started on it already.

But you need not wait for more confirmations on such and other diseases to avoid salt, as far as it's humanly possible!

Please heed the warning about the killer salt!

So much for now.

Here’s me wishing you “Happy Dieting by avoiding Salt!”
Ray
Email me with comments at info@FocusOnTotalHealth.net

Drug Co. Pfizer Fined US$2.3b for Repeated Cheating

2009-09-03T10:17:00.004+08:00

Pfizer, the world’s No. 1 drugmaker, agreed to pay allegation claims of US$2.3b for repeatedly committing criminal offences that included cheating patients and doctors by claiming 13 medications for conditions as yet unapproved by the Authority. This brings to question its integrity as a manufacturer-marketer.

It goes to show that even gigantic manufacturers like Pfizer can err by using unscrupulous sales tactics to woo customers—all in the name of achieving more gains. But Pfizer Inc. was not the only company to have committed such an offense. (It is noteworthy, though, that this is the largest settlement amount thus far for the illegal marketing of prescription medicines.) Companies can go to great lengths in order to achieve their sales goals.

Read below Reuter’s report dated September 2, 2009:

Pfizer to pay $2.3 bln, agrees to criminal plea

Last Updated: 2009-09-02 17:00:23 -0400 (Reuters Health)

* Cited for marketing of Bextra, 12 other drugs
* Pfizer operations to stay under US supervision for 5 yrs
* Pfizer had announced $2.3 bln charge in January
* Pfizer shares slide 0.5 pct

By Ransdell Pierson and Jeremy Pelofsky

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pfizer Inc agreed on Wednesday to plead guilty to a U.S. criminal charge relating to promotion of its now-withdrawn Bextra pain medicine and will pay a record $2.3 billion to settle allegations it improperly marketed 13 medicines.

The world's biggest drugmaker was slapped with the huge fines after being deemed a repeat offender in pitching drugs to patients and doctors for unapproved conditions.

Pfizer, whose shares slid 0.5 percent, had pleaded guilty in 2004 to an earlier criminal charge of improper sales tactics and its marketing practices have been under federal supervision since then.

The company in January said it took a $2.3 billion charge late last year to resolve allegations involving Bextra and other drugs, but did not provide details at the time.

Wednesday's agreement was unveiled by the U.S. Department of Justice and Health and Human Services Department.

"The size and seriousness of this resolution, including the huge criminal fine of $1.3 billion, reflect the seriousness and scope of Pfizer's crimes," said Mike Loucks, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts.

The settlement includes a $1.3 billion criminal fine related to methods of selling Bextra, which was withdrawn from the market in 2005 on safety concerns. Pfizer acquired Bextra in its 2003 purchase of Pharmacia Corp.

Pfizer's marketing team promoted Bextra for acute pain, surgical pain and other unapproved uses, while its salesforce promoted the drug directly to doctors for those unapproved uses and dosages, according to the Justice Department.

The company and Pharmacia also used advisory boards, consultant meetings and provided travel to lavish resorts to improperly promote Bextra to doctors and made false and misleading claims about the drug's safety and efficacy, the government said.

The settlement also includes $1 billion in civil payments related to so-called "off-label" sales of drugs -- meaning for uses not authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- and payments to healthcare professionals. Pfizer denied all of the civil allegations, except for acknowledging improper promotions of the antibiotic Zyvox.

"We regret certain actions taken in the past, but are proud of the action we've taken to strengthen our internal controls," said Amy Schulman, Pfizer's general counsel.

Justice Department officials said cracking down on fraud in the healthcare industry was a key priority and comes as President Barack Obama is trying to push through reforms of the $2.5 trillion healthcare system to clip soaring costs.

The settlement and guilty plea are not expected to significantly hurt Pfizer's ability to sell drugs, Morningstar analyst Damien Conover said, "however, it could send the wrong message at a time when you're making some pretty critical negotiations with the U.S. government on healthcare reform."

Sandra Jordan, a former federal prosecutor and professor at the Charlotte School of Law in North Carolina, said: "Pfizer can survive this and pay the money. If it had fought the government at trial and lost, and a judge imposed a criminal sentence, that could have resulted in a corporate death penalty. That would have put Pfizer out of business."

The settlement is the largest to date for improper marketing of prescription drugs, topping the $1.42 billion Eli Lilly and Co agreed to pay earlier this year for off-label sales of its Zyprexa schizophrenia drug.

Pfizer said it will pay $503 million to resolve practices involving Bextra, $301 million related to its schizophrenia drug Geodon, $98 million for Zyvox and about $50 million for its blockbuster Lyrica used to treat nerve pain and seizures.

On top of the $2.3 billion fine, Pfizer said it would take new charges of up to $33 million in the third quarter to resolve state civil consumer fraud allegations related to past promotions of Geodon.

"Pfizer ripped off taxpayers across the country to pad its bottom line," New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said.

The company said most of the alleged improprieties took place during or before 2005. But some are as recent as 2007, while Pfizer was essentially still on probation for improper Neurontin promotions.

Six whistle-blowers, including John Kopchinski, a former sales representative who blew the whistle on Pfizer's Bextra marketing tactics, sparking the government probes, will be rewarded with more than $102 million under the False Claims Act.

Kopchinski's share of the reward was expected to be more than $51.5 million.

Pfizer Chief Executive Jeffrey Kindler had been its general counsel from 2002 until taking the helm in 2006.

Pfizer did not specify whether it had disciplined any executives in connection with the latest infractions.

In the 2004 case, Pfizer agreed to pay $430 million to federal and state governments and pleaded guilty to criminal charges of illegally marketing epilepsy drug Neurontin for migraine headaches, pain and bipolar disorder. Pfizer obtained Neurontin in its 2000 acquisition of Warner Lambert Corp.

Due to the earlier settlement, Pfizer's marketing practices have been under federal supervision for the past five years.

Under the new settlement, Pfizer has entered into another Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, requiring it to adhere to a specified compliance program for five more years.

The pact will require Pfizer to post on its Web site information about payments to doctors such as travel or honorarium, and set up a system for doctors to report questionable conduct by Pfizer's representatives.

Pfizer shares were down 9 cents, or about 0.5 percent, at $16.29 in afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

(Reporting by Jeremy Pelofsky in Washington and Ransdell Pierson, Bill Berkrot, Lewis Krauskopf, Jonathan Stempel and Joan Gralla in New York; Editing by Maureen Bavdek)

Fear Not the Flu!

2009-08-23T22:37:00.010+08:00

Fear concerning swine flu, which is linked to H1N1 viruses, has been rampant. Many parents, in particular, are worried about their own children’s safety. H1N1 swine-flu virus vaccines have been developed, but there are still safety concerns. As is the case with other types of vaccines, chills, fever, nausea, headaches, fatigue, itchiness, redness, soreness, localized lumps, muscle/ joint aches, or serious allergic reactions can result from the use of swine-flu virus vaccines. There is evidence that certain vaccines can cause harm, such as sterility, birth defects, long-term health problems (e.g., autism), or even death (though the risk of this happening is small). No matter how minor the side effects, they should not be regarded lightly because they are real, and can therefore pose a danger to health.

You hear of schools closing down just because of one or more students who had been infected with the H1N1 bug—for fear of the bug spreading to the rest of the kids. You see people wearing protective masks in trains, buses or public places. Whether they are told by doctors to do so in order to prevent the virus from spreading, or whether they do that simply out of fear of contracting the flu, the fact remains: people dread falling ill or dying because of the bug, to which very young or sick or elderly people are most vulnerable.

You probably heard about Tamiflu (certainly a household word by now because of all the attentions by the media) being used, and how the drug has brought on numerous side effects, such as those given in the list below:

Diarrhea; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting; severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal behavior; confusion; hallucinations; mood or mental changes; reddened, blistered, peeling, or swollen skin; seizures; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; symptoms of infection (fever, chills, or persistent sore throat); difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest

The Associated Press (AP) reported on Friday that according to World Health Organization (WHO), the flu “has killed almost 1,800 people worldwide through last week.” ¹ The danger of even more people being infected and/or killed is very real.

In fact, WHO predicted an “explosion” of swine flu cases in the months to come. It warned governments to make preparations for the pandemic that “may see swine flu cases double every three to four days for several months until peak transmission is reached,” ² AP quoted WHO's Western Pacific director, Shin Young-soo as saying.

“The last pandemic—the Hong Kong flu of 1968—killed about 1 million people. Ordinary flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year,” it was reported. ³

“WHO earlier estimated that as many as 2 billion people could become infected over the next two years — nearly one-third of the world's population.” ⁴ This is staggering! No wonder the alarm!

For those who are well prepared with the right strategy to fight flu, including bird flu (H5N1 virus), which is more virulent than the swine flu, flu is not an issue. Come what may, fear does not even exist!

Knowledge is power. But we must act on what we know in order for us to experience the benefits of our knowledge. Early preparation and readiness are keys to success, if flu or what not were to break out. Wearing a mask may be a preventative measure, but that is not enough!

You have seen the list above. You have seen and heard people dying in many countries as a result of H1N1. Why risk having nasty side effects or death? It’s understandable when you have no choice. But it would be pure folly if you have the option to use safer methods, but you fail to take time to find out about them.

On many a construction site in certain advanced countries, you’d often find the slogan, “Safety First!” This is often conscientiously put into action through a combination of right strategic approaches—including the appointment of a site safety officer who is responsible to check on site safety aspects, a proper reporting system, and so on. But you seldom find it applied to normal daily life, including when a more severe flu than ordinary flu is involved. For example, you may find some Panadol or paracetamol tablets in many homes. But how many families carry a simple first aid kit in their homes? Let alone being well equipped to combat something by far more deadly than the common influenza! (Yet a fast-spreading plague of H1N1 viruses has been threatening and killing lives!) It’s as though their own children are not as important as other peoples’ “kids” (I mean full-grown construction workers and staff)!

The good news is: We have an effective system to overcome any flu without any fear of side effects. Believe it or not, many people including myself have used it to defeat the common flu and other more serious symptoms.

You don’t have to do it, but if you want to know about this system or strategy, and be ready for any flu, do feel free to contact the writer. We are here to help. My advice is: Just do it!

^{1, 2, 3, 4} Taken from AP’s article titled, “WHO predicts 'explosion' of swine flu cases” (Friday August 21, 2009) -- Source: Press here

Arthritis is Expected to Rise

2009-05-11T16:38:00.010+08:00

Arthritis has been rising, and is expected to increase even further. An estimated forty six (46) million Americans now suffer from arthritis, according to Arthritis Foundation. By the year 2020, this number is expected to reach 59 million. The burden of arthritis is heavy not only on the sufferers but also on the economy.

John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO, Arthritis Foundation said: "Arthritis is a debilitating disease that profoundly impacts the lives of millions of Americans on a daily basis. The effects of the 46 million Americans with arthritis on the economy are enormous; the direct and indirect medical costs of this disease are estimated to be $128 billion each year. With the aging of baby boomers, the prevalence of arthritis is expected to rise by 40 percent - that is up to 67 million people – by the year 2030."¹

“In 2003 the rates for men and women in GB (Great Britain) were less than 25 per 1,000 population up to age 44. After that there was a rapid increase in prevalence, with rates increasing sixfold to age 64. The rates for women then rose more sharply than for men: among those aged 65-74, the prevalence rate for women was twice that for men (227 per 1,000 compared with 113).”²

There are over 100 different arthritic conditions. Some of these conditions involve inflammation while others do not.

Most types of arthritis involve joint inflammation.

Three common categories of arthritis are given as follows (I will discuss them briefly):

· Osteoarthritis -- 27 million Americans have to endure osteoarthritis.
· Rheumatoid Arthritis -- 1.3 million Americans live with rheumatoid arthritis
· Juvenile Arthritis -- As many as 300,000 children have some form of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, or OA for short, is also called osteoarthroses or degenerative joint disease. It is the most common form of arthritis in the United States of America. OA is a chronic condition that is characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. The breakdown or loss of cartilage results in the bones rubbing against each other, thereby causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic condition, is currently regarded as an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. I beg to differ because I don’t personally think there should even be such a term, “autoimmune disease,” being used at all! Doctors and experts may disagree with me here! I know I am running against the established definition of several such diseases. But I am entitled to my own opinion and belief, am I not? I’m not bragging here, that I know more than them. Indeed, no! Any knowledge or experience, if it is of any good to anyone, is from above, not Ray Chee. You can read about the root causes of these so-called autoimmune diseases and other diseases, including cancer, in my book, The Amazing Heart.

If conditions within our body are not right, of course, we can expect adverse ramifications, which often stem from an imbalanced condition created by our own selves. The same with other so-called autoimmune diseases like lupus and Crohn’s disease. (I am not being unsympathetic or mean here; I fully understand that you, the reader, may be suffering from a disease that is causing you a lot of pain and other inconveniences, to say the least.) We cannot blame the body, for it was designed to do its job—and what a great job it does too! In this case, if we allow conditions to build up such that microorganisms are allowed to multiply, then we should expect the body to react accordingly. But if we put the conditions right, things will improve.

Arthritis Foundation, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A. offered 10 good ways³ to help yourself, i.e., to protect your joints. I’d like to say that there are other ways because these may not be enough to improve your conditions.

1. Maintain your ideal body weight. The more you weigh, the more stress you are putting on your joints, especially your hips, knees, back and feet.

2. Move your body. Exercise protects joints by strengthening the muscles around them. Strong muscles keep your joints from rubbing against one another, wearing down cartilage. We can help you get started on an exercise program that works for you.

3. Stand up straight. Good posture protects the joints in your neck, back, hips and knees.

4. Use the big joints. When lifting or carrying, use largest and strongest joints and muscles. This will help you avoid injury and strain on your smaller joints.

5. Pace yourself. Alternate periods of heavy activity with periods of rest. Repetitive stress on joints for long periods of time can accelerate the wear and tear that causes OA.

6. Listen to your body. If you are in pain, don't ignore it. Pain after activity or exercise can be an indication that you have overstressed your joints.

7. Don't be static. Changing positions regularly will decrease the stiffness in your muscles and joints.

8. Forget the weekend warrior. Don't engage in activities your body for which your body isn't prepared. Start new activities slowly and safely until you know how your body will react to them. This will reduce the chance of injury.

9. Wear proper safety equipment. Don't leave helmets and wrist pads at home. Make sure you get safety gear that is comfortable and fits appropriately.

10. Ask for help. Don't try to do a job that is too big for you to handle. Get another pair of hands to help out.

Besides the joints themselves, RA can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as in other organs. Because RA can affect several other organs of the body, it can be considered a systemic disease; hence, it is sometimes referred to as rheumatoid disease.

While RA is a chronic disease, patients may have long periods without experiencing any symptom. Nevertheless, RA is usually a degenerative problem that can lead to joint destruction and functional disability—thus it can be a debilitating disease.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that results in joint pain and inflammation. It may even lead to joint damage. It usually occurs in children before the age of 16.

Prevalence of JRA in the United States is 50-100 per 100,000 children. It is the most common types of arthritis in children.

JRA can be divided into several categories:

1. Systemic JRA: Occurs in about 10% of cases, and involves joint pain and swelling as well as fevers and rash.

2. Polyarticular JRA: This is more common (about 40% of cases). Multiple painful and swollen joints can result.

3. Pauciarticular JRA: This form of JRA is the most common (roughly half of the cases). It usually involves only a few joints.

Symptoms of arthritis may include:

§ Joint stiffness upon arising in the morning
§ Slow rate of growth, sometimes with uneven arm or leg growth
§ Back pain
§ Limited movement; affected limb may result in immobility
§ Hot, swollen, painful joints
§ Red eyes, eye pain (including pain when exposed to light) usually due to inflammation in the eye
§ Other visual problems
§ Fever, usually high fevers every day
§ Intermittent rash, with the fever
§ Swollen lymph nodes (glands)

Finally, you don’t have to suffer arthritis in secret, or constantly have to use drugs and other forms of treatment that can produce side effects.

Let’s face it. As we age, unwelcome things will spring up here and there. With the right knowledge and application of such knowledge, you don’t have to endure arthritic pains. For example, I have treated my own arthritic wrist (with someone’s help), several fingers which were painful at the same time, my knee pain, and later an arthritic finger, and achieved success within a short period of time; I am happy to announce that I have been freed from such pains since. I did it holistically—-surgery- and drug-free! You can also do the same, too!! Remember: Some arthritis drugs have been known to kill! Nor should surgery or knee and other joint replacements be always necessary!

Do you have pains in the back? Knee? Or elsewhere? Why suffer any longer? Do let us know your concerns, and see how we can help you with them.

You don’t have to fight arthritis alone!

Best of regards,
Ray Chee
info@FocusOnTotalHealth.net

¹ Quoted from http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-awareness.php May 11 2009

² http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=1331 May 11 2009

³ http://www.arthritis.org/protect-your-joints.php May 11 2009

Sexual Difficulties are Common among Women with Diabetes Type 1

2009-05-08T23:16:00.005+08:00

In a long-term Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, a North American study of men and women with diabetes type 1, it was found that there was a strong connection between women with diabetes type 1 and sexual difficulties.

At year 10 of the study, an assessment of 652 female participants revealed that of the sexually active women with diabetes type 1, thirty five percent (35%) of them were classified as having female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

FSD included loss of libido (57%); problems with orgasm (51%), reduced lubrication (47%), and reduced arousal (38%); and pain (21%). There was definite correlation between FSD and the following factors:

1. age,
2. marital status,
3. menopausal status,
4. microvasculopathy, and
5. depression.

The researchers of the EDIC study which was published in the May issue of Diabetes Care journal concluded that sexual dysfunction is common in women with type 1 diabetes, affecting all aspects of sexual function and satisfaction. Of the factors stated above, depression is the major predictor of sexual dysfunction in women with type 1 diabetes.

The More Diseases, and the More Serious They are, the Earlier You Will Go

2009-03-19T18:26:00.005+08:00

In my article published moments ago, I mentioned that there is a correlation between weight, lifestyle and death.

”The fatter and more unfit you are, the higher your chance of dying and the earlier you will die.”

Diseases, including diabetes, further amplify this correlation. That is to say:

The more diseases you have, the easier and quicker you will die.

In other words, diseases in particular the chronic or degenerative ones, increase the possibility of death. Almost invariably, the medications that you take can lead to further complications (soon or later), especially for the heart, liver and kidneys. Because drugs are drugs no matter what they are called, the more medications the worse off you are. Doctors are well aware of drugs’ side effects.

Also, the more serious the disease you get, the easier and faster you'll die.

I don’t know if there’s any research that supports these statements that I have made here (if there isn’t, then it will come; watch out for it!). Nevertheless, here they are, and they are true.

Premature death is needless. The good news is, your life can be lengthened!

Dying From Fats And Fitlessness

2009-03-19T17:54:00.005+08:00

Author’s note: The following article was written about three weeks prior to my last blog. It really should have been published before my last blog (which was only done a couple of hours ago), but I now publish it here for your edification. It lends further weight to the seriousness of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. It’s not just cardiovascular disease alone; death came from diseases, and in the last blog they also included renal, diabetic, liver, neoplastic (tumor), lung and other diseases.

The importance of physical exercise should never be understated—the same with healthy lifestyle and keeping your weight down.

One study published in Archives of Internal Medicine of 2,316 men with no history of stroke or myocardial infarction concluded this way: Among the men studied who had diabetes, “low fitness level was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality within normal weight, overweight, and class 1 obese weight categories.” Which in short means, if you have diabetes, the less fit you are, the greater your likelihood of dying from a cardiovascular event.

179 CVD deaths were noted “during a mean (SD) follow-up of 15.9 (7.9) years and 36,710 man-years of exposure.”

Table 1: Relative Hazard Ratio for CVD Deaths Versus Fitness and Weight

Categories: High Fitness, Normal Weight-Low Fitness, Normal Weight-Low Fitness, Overweight-Low Fitness, Obese (Class 1)
Hazard ratio for CVD deaths: 1.0, 1.3-5.7, 1.4-5.1, 1.4-5.1 respectively

I’d like to highlight this here: The above chart indicates that even if you are having normal weight but unfit, your risk of death from CVD is still high compared with someone who is both physically fit and normal weighted.

You can obtain more evidence of the relationship between health and fitness-weight levels from a large prospective study by Jensen et al (published in Circulation. 2008) of over 54 500 men and women. In this study, it was found during follow-up that only 47 cases (4.1%) of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurred in the healthy-lifestyle group. This is very low because during a median of 7.7 years, a total of 1,127 incident cases of registered nonfatal or fatal ACS events actually occurred.

Table 2: Relationship between Hazard Ratio for ACS and Fitness-Weight

Categories: Fit and Normal Weight, Fit but Overweight, Fit but Obese (Class 1)
Hazard ratio for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS): 1.00, 1.65, 2.65 respectively

Jensen and team found that the risk for ACS was significantly higher for the ‘Fit but Obese’ and the ‘Fit but Overweight’ compared with the ‘Fit and Normal-weight’; the risk was respectively 265% and 165% higher.

Jensen et al concluded that “Obesity confers an elevated risk of ACS in both healthy and less healthy subgroups of lifestyle behaviors. Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors was associated with a lower risk even among obese individuals.”

The above findings add legitimacy and impetus to the correlations I had drawn up during my own research nearly a decade ago, which was also clearly indicated by my study model from which I drew these conclusions. (You may wish to contact me at info@FocusOnTotalHealth.net for discussion on this matter). The correlation or conclusion I came up with is as follows:

The fatter and more unfit you are, the higher your chance of dying, and the earlier you will die.

Time and time again, various researchers have subsequently shown the first part of my conclusion to be true. However, the latter part calls for more research to further validate it; nevertheless, I had proven beyond the shadow of doubt—and I can demonstrate it scientifically—that this second part of my conclusion also holds true.

You Lose 2 to 10 Years, if Overweight!

2009-03-19T15:10:00.003+08:00

A follow-up study of close to 900,000 people (mostly western European and North American male; mean recruitment age: 46) found: The longest living participants in the study were among those who had BMI (body mass index) within the normal range (<25 kg/m2 is for Caucasians; note: for Asians, it is <23).

At 30—35 kg/m2, median survival is lowered by 2—4 years. At higher BMI of 40—45 kg/m2, it is reduced by 8—10 years; this is comparable with the effects of smoking.

Your risk of mortality increases when you are overweight, according to the Study

Basically, the study showed that the fatter the person, the more years he shears off his life.

You can read more on The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 18 March 2009 issue.

The above study further supports my earlier finding stated in my book, The Amazing Heart – A Revolutionary View that could Save and Lengthen Your Life! If you have a copy of it, there on pages 92-93, I mentioned that your risk of disease and death increases in direct proportion to your weight! In other words, the heavier you are, the lower your quality of life, and the earlier death will visit.

The above finding calls for actions. There’s always room to get healthier!

Wishing you a happy and longer living—
Ray Chee

Having a Beer Pot on Your Abdomen? Chuck it Away!

2009-03-13T16:37:00.014+08:00

Overindulgence --> overweight --> reduced vital capacity --> reduced longevity.

According to the latest research paper published in the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, the above sequence holds true.

This population-based study found that critical lung function in both male and female is impaired because of metabolic syndrome, mainly the abdominal obesity component. Moreover, the degree of obesity need not be great to raise the risk of impairment.

Even a Slight Potbelly may be at Risk, according to French Study

Reuters Health (March 11, 2008): The findings showed that "mild abdominal adiposity, even with a normal body mass index¹, is associated with lower forced vital capacity (FVC)," as lead author Dr. Nathalie Leone, from Universite Denis Diderot, Paris, said in a statement.

The study included 121,965 men and women examined at the Paris Investigations Préventives et Cliniques Center between 1999 and 2006.

This is yet another piece of evidence to prove my earlier conclusion that excessive tummy circumference (i.e., the paunch or potbelly), or body weight, is not bliss.

Guys...gals, if you happen to belong to the above category, for your own sake, pull up your socks please!

¹ emphases mine

A Glass a Day Keeps the Doctor Coming!

2009-03-07T17:48:00.020+08:00

 A glass of wine is far too much to keep the doctor away!

INCA, France’s National Institute of Cancer, says:

“Consuming

just a 125ml glass of wine

increases the mouth, larynx, esophagus, colon-rectum and breast cancer

by 168%.”

Seeing blur when you have a little too much wine? INCA says: Well, don't even drink!

 INCA collated many international studies and came to the conclusion that even a little alcoholic drink is bad for you.

 According to the President of INCA, Dominique Maraninchi,

“Small daily doses of alcohol are the most harmful. There is no amount, however small, which is good for you.”

The INCA research said that alcohol was now the second most avoidable cause of death after tobacco.

The same report also stated that eating more than 500g (1.2lbs) of red meat can also increase the risk of colon cancer, and that excessive amount of salt intake heighten the risk of cancer of the stomach.

You may wish to read more from Daily Mail Online, UK; >>> here.

 Isn’t this confusing to you? At one time they said, a glass of wine or two is good for you because of all those antioxidants^<1> in the wine, especially red wine. But now, whether you see red or not, the experts are saying, “Stop drinking it! Not even a little!” Is this French Absurdity? Whichever the truth, the renowned French Paradox has now given way to the infamous French Paralysis! At least a good part of the population has been “paralyzed” by this report coming from their very own government! Outcries could be heard everywhere. Vintners are considering suing INCA for "misleading information" and for “damaging their image,” and no doubt, their business too.

 It’s no surprise to me. It’s not even an issue for me, as far as I am concerned. Although I used to, what people might call, social drink a glass of beer/wine^<2>, or two, I’ve stopped doing that for a long time (though I must admit that once in a very rare blue moon I allowed some in privately, especially when red wine was offered free-of-charge on airlines, while debating within myself the pros and the cons; perhaps after this study, I might have to say ‘No’ entirely.). Yes, indeed, I’d rather drink some grape juices than sip the wine; I have good reasons beside health reason for doing so. Actually one of the reasons is my concerns over the use of preservatives in the wine, and the Plaster of Paris in the beer—concerns strong enough to put me off alcohol. In addition, wine can be “deceptive,” I feel. Especially when you are down or feeling a little despondent, the initial little alcohol might lead to greater and greater consumption. A little will then amount to much. And before you knew it, you’d found your head spinning! (I experienced this couple of times before, and that was what caused me to stop drinking alcohol during social gatherings.) And worst thing, before you knew it, you’d found yourself driving home and hitting someone on the street (thank God, it hadn’t happened to me!). Imagine a person maimed for life, or even killed, just because of some silly thing you do: allowing yourself to over-drink just that wee bit more! In the presence of friends, business associates or clients, there’s very little resistance, especially when they--out of their “kindness”—keep filling up your glass. Studies say that even a little alcohol might negatively affect your judgment and performance (yes that includes drink-driving too)! Besides, alcoholism almost always starts from just having a few sips.

 So what are you going to do with the advice coming from France’s Health Ministry to all its citizens? I know a lot of people have been, and are still, screaming and protesting about this whole issue. Even if you are not a French citizen, that is applicable to you, yes all of us. “Or, is it?” you might ask. Are you going to be one of those who after hearing about this serious matter cease to drink? Or you tell yourself that you are not going to swallow everything that they say, and continue to drink? I.e., you don't care a damn! I have stated my personal opinions. What do you say, or otherwise, how would you react to the above seeming contradictions?

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^<1> Antioxidants are known to be anti-cancer cells. A little wine is also found to be anti-coronary-heart-disease, says the British Heart Foundation. Judy O'Sullivan, of the Foundation, remarked: “'But there are much healthier ways to look after your heart.

'There is very little evidence that red wine has any specific benefits over other alcoholic drinks.'”^<3>

^<2> What is to stop you ordering a glass of orange or apple juice instead? By not drinking alcohol, you don’t have to end up being a social outcast! I’m sure your friend will accept you. But if they don’t, they are not worth having as friends!

^<3> http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1148611/Drinking-just-glass-wine-day-INCREASE-risk-cancer-168--say-French.html

Even If Health is Good, Be Weight Wise Pound Foolish!

2009-02-25T19:07:00.005+08:00

As mentioned many times before, weight (and let me add here, waist circumference or waist-hip-ratio) does matter, whatever the professors said about being heavy and fit, yet still healthy.

Please, no matter how fit you feel or how fit you really are, if you are less than ideal, circumference- or weight-wise, do look up an editorial in American Heart Association’s Circulation, 2008, with the following title:

Healthy Lifestyle -- Even If You Are Doing Everything Right, Extra Weight Carries an Excess Risk of Acute Coronary Events by Paul Poirier, MD, PhD, FRCPC

Dr Poirier concluded: “From a public health perspective, increases in physical activity along with the establishment of healthy eating habits early in life may become the best, most cost-effective avenue to combat obesity and contain cardiometabolic risk.”

In addition to the above, it might pay to refer to my little write-up on June 27, 2008 for a study of 39,000 women, which cast doubts on those numerous studies that say being fat and fit is alright. This study by Harvard-affiliated researchers can be found in Archives of Internal Medicine.

Are you weight wise? Let’s pray we are all weight wise, pound foolish. Please don’t add any pound unnecessarily. Having extra English pounds may be desirable, but not the other pounds—Fat pounds!

Avandia, a Diabetic Drug, May Cause Heart Attack

2009-02-24T13:25:00.004+08:00

Most of us may have heard this on the news some time last year. Nevertheless, I have decided to include it here for the benefits of those who have yet to hear about it. As can be seen in my blog dated February 21, new developments have already taken place concerning this drug subsequent to this alert. (A new safety alert by FDA was issued on August 14, 2007 regarding the potential danger of heart failure from consuming any of the thiazolidinedione class of antidiabetic drugs, of which Avandia is one.)

Avandia (rosiglitazone), approved in 1999 for treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, a serious and life-threatening disease suffered by some 18 to 20 million Americans, is potentially risky. Back in 2007, on May 21st, FDA issued an alert on the safety issues surrounding this drug. “Safety data from controlled clinical trials have shown that there is a potentially significant increase in the risk of heart attack and heart-related deaths in patients taking Avandia…Patients who are taking Avandia, especially those who are known to have underlying heart disease or who are at high risk of heart attack should talk to their doctor about this new information as they evaluate the available treatment options for their type 2 diabetes…there is inherent risk associated with switching patients with diabetes from one treatment to another even in the absence of specific risks associated with particular treatments. For these reasons, FDA is not asking GlaxoSmithKline, the drug's sponsor, to take any specific action at this time. FDA is providing this emerging information to prescribers so that they, and their patients, can make individualized treatment decisions.” said FDA.

According to FDA, “diabetes is a leading cause of coronary heart disease, blindness, kidney failure and limb amputation. Since the drug was approved, FDA has been monitoring several heart-related adverse events (e.g., fluid retention, edema and congestive heart failure) based on signals seen in previous controlled clinical trials of Avandia alone and in combination with other drugs, and from postmarketing reports. FDA has updated the product's labeling on several occasions to reflect these new data, most recently in 2006. The most recent labeling change for Avandia also included a new warning about a potential increase in heart attacks and heart-related chest pain in some individuals using Avandia. This new warning was based on the result of a controlled clinical trial in patients with existing congestive heart failure.”

FDA further wrote:

“Recently, the manufacturer of Avandia provided FDA with a pooled analysis (meta analysis) of 42 randomized, controlled clinical trials in which Avandia was compared to either placebo or other anti-diabetic therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes. The pooled analysis suggested that patients receiving short-term (most studies were 6-months duration) treatment with Avandia may have a 30-40 percent greater risk of heart attack and other heart-related adverse events than patients treated with placebo or other anti-diabetic therapy. These data, if confirmed, would be of significant concern since patients with diabetes are already at an increased risk of heart disease.”

Source:
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01636.html

Fighting Fire with Fire

2009-02-23T12:11:00.006+08:00

Once again, isn’t it clear from the news clip by CNN (see report in my previous blog) that conventional medical treatment is fighting fire with fire? It's repeated far too often!

Often in a raging fire, people inevitably die. But need we add more fire to it?

What is the solution for eradicating a fire from a house that is starting to burn down? Isn’t the solution obvious? Yet there are people who choose certain options that cause more harm than benefits. For examples, they:

1) simply let the fire rage on without doing the necessary to rid the house of the fire (due to lack of knowledge, complacency, or couldn’t-care-less attitude), or,

2) while the fire is damaging properties (human lives), they employ fire-masking or other ineffective fire-fighting—rather than helpful, stop-fire—measures. These, they do perhaps not knowing, or not knowing fully well, that the fire will deteriorate further by their actions), or

3) continue to play with the fire (while the fire is burning, they do, or wait for others to carry out, research and/or clinical trials to discover possible fire-fighting practices or to find out possible solutions—especially when the solution is clear-cut. Nothing wrong with experimentations or trials per se!), or worse still,

4) add more fuel to the fire, or use more fire to fight an existing fire, thereby worsening the whole situation¹.

It is no different in the Raptiva scenario in my earlier blog; up till now, three patients treated with Raptiva have already died, and one more may be adding to this number; quite likely there are other unreported cases of such deaths. Need we carry on with the treatment, and see more deaths and suffering? The European community of doctors and other interest parties is wise in recommending an immediate cessation to the usage of “fire” to fight this fire. What do you say? Come on, have your say!

¹ One may say, “But the solution has not been found yet!² How can we fight the ‘fire’ properly?” That is beside the point! At least one can stop adding fire, or cease from adding fuel to the fire that contributes to more people dying!!

² Please write me to discuss this further. As I mentioned, we can certainly help with psoriasis, or for that matter most other ailments as well as chronic and degenerative diseases. And these fire-fighting procedures come with no side-effects (albeit possibly, some recovery “crises”)!

FDA: Psoriasis drug could cause deadly brain infection

2009-02-23T10:11:00.012+08:00

CNN reported on February 20 2009 that “the government is warning that taking the psoriasis drug Raptiva could result in serious brain infection and even death.”

Raptiva may cause a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

The Food and Drug Administration cited three confirmed cases, and a possible fourth, of people diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) after being treated with Raptiva.

"Three of those patients have died," the FDA said in a public health advisory. "All four patients were treated with the drug for more than three years."

None was receiving other treatments that suppress the immune system.

Raptiva's product labeling was revised in October to highlight a boxed warning about the risks of life-threatening infections, including PML.

"At that time, the FDA directed Genentech, the manufacturer, to develop a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) to include a medication guide to educate patients about the drug's risks," the FDA's advisory says.

In the advisory, issued Thursday, the FDA highlighted the confirmed cases and promised to "take appropriate steps" to ensure that Raptiva's risks do not outweigh its benefits.

The FDA also said it will ensure that patients "are clearly informed of the signs and symptoms of PML" and that health care professionals "carefully monitor patients for the possible development of PML."

Overseas, the European Medicines Agency has gone further, recommending that no new prescriptions for Raptiva be issued and that patients taking the drug talk to their doctors about an alternative.

On Thursday it asked the European Commission to make that recommendation legally binding.

The group's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use determined "that the benefits of Raptiva no longer outweigh its risks, because of safety concerns, including the occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients taking the medicine."

It said patients who have been treated with the drug should be "closely monitored for neurological symptoms and symptoms of infection."

"Patients who are currently taking Raptiva should not stop treatment abruptly, but should make an appointment with their doctor to discuss the most appropriate replacement treatment," the agency said.

Raptiva, a once-weekly injection for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, works by suppressing T-cells -- cells that help fight infection -- in the immune system. Those cells cause the skin inflammation associated with psoriasis.
By suppressing T-cells, Raptiva "decreases the function of the immune system, which increases a patient's susceptibility to infections," the FDA said.

The National Institutes of Health says the prognosis for PML "remains grim; the disease usually lasts for months and 80 percent die within the first six months, although spontaneous improvement has been reported. Those who survive PML can be left with severe neurological disabilities."

Around 6 million to 7 million Americans have psoriasis, which is incurable, the NIH says.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/20/raptiva.brain.infection/

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Author's note: Good news! We are confident that we can help you with your psoriasis issue.

The Pill – It’s Life Cycle & Side Effects

2009-02-21T07:34:00.013+08:00

A lot happens in your body after you take a pill. Drugs that enter the body are transformed by myriad biochemical reactions that either break down the drugs into simpler substances or combine them (or parts of them) with natural body substances. This is the process of drug metabolism. Drug developers are attentive to the complexities of drug metabolism, because the way medications are processed in the body can make the difference between a drug that is safe and one that is ineffective or even harmful. Here's how it works.

Some portion of a drug may be lost as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Digestive enzymes in the stomach and the intestines can break down drugs, as can the actions of bacteria that normally live in the gut. Drugs can also interact with foods and beverages in the gastrointestinal tract, in some cases reducing, but in other cases increasing, the amount that gets absorbed.

After being absorbed through the gut, drug molecules travel via the portal vein to the liver. The liver is where most of the work of drug metabolism takes place. As the liver metabolizes drugs, it may produce chemical byproducts that are toxic to the liver itself. This is why taking too much of certain medications or taking them too often can harm the liver. The most common example of such a drug is acetaminophen (Tylenol).

In the liver, the work of drug metabolism is performed by enzymes (proteins that facilitate biochemical reactions). The liver's cytochrome P-450 system comprises more than two dozen chemically related enzymes that metabolize drugs.

Whatever remains of a medication after metabolism in the liver enters the hepatic vein, which carries blood from the liver to the heart. The heart then pumps the drug molecules out into the general circulation, which carries the drug throughout the body to its eventual target organ (and many other locations as well). Any molecules of the medicine that remain after traveling through the circulatory system eventually re-enter the liver via the hepatic artery, where the metabolic system can process them further.

The body excretes or eliminates water-soluble medications and their breakdown products (also known as metabolites) primarily in the kidneys, and the metabolites then pass out of the body through urination. Some medications or byproducts of drug metabolism that were handled by the liver pass back into the digestive tract through bile and later exit the body in the feces. Medications may also leave the body in saliva, sweat, exhaled air, and even in a mother's breast milk.

Source: A Johns Hopkins University publication—“The Life Cycle of a Pill” --posted in Prescription Drugs on February 17, 2009

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The above article fails to highlight the fact that while a portion of a drug is absorbed and removed, a certain amount of the drug can stay in the system. It should be noted that some of the substances that remain in the system may be tucked away in the joints eventually causing such diseases as arthritis, while the other remaining substances can cause various other adverse effects. These adverse effects are far too many to name. I will touch on just a few of them.

Note that some of the remaining metabolized and/or the un-metabolized substances may find their way into the arteries as they are circulated around the cardiovascular system. This, unfortunately, can consequently fuel the plaque that is responsible for causing hardening of arteries (arteriosclerosis/ atherosclerosis) that ends up in heart disease, and so on.

Many pharmaceutical drugs, being non-carbon-based¹, may be inherently toxic. They also may not—or cannot—be fully utilized by the human cells and can therefore eventually, if not immediately, lead to side effects and/or harm. For example, certain types of diabetic drugs can cause heart failure. Hence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that “an updated label with a "boxed" warning (FDA's strongest form of a warning)² on the risks of heart failure was needed for the entire thiazolidinedione class of antidiabetic drugs. This class includes Avandia (rosiglitazone), Actos (pioglitazone) Avandaryl (rosiglitazone and glimepiride), Avandamet (rosiglitazone and metformin), and Duetact (pioglitazone and glimepride).” (Refer August 14, 2007 News Release by FDA).

Heart failure aside, the liver and kidneys, being detoxing organs, often bear the brunt of the onslaught of pharmaceutical drugs, resulting in such problems as liver cancer and kidney failures.

For many people, the effect of drugs consumed may be discovered too late; they die before any drug manifestations appear.

You may say the above notes are not fair to pharmaceutical drug companies³. After all, they have helped a lot of people. But let me ask you a question:

“Is it fair to you or your body to experience all the side effects, such as diseases and pains, that can stem from constantly being drug-takers? ”

Feel free to comment—
Ray Chee

¹ The human body is carbon-based. Hence, in my opinion, non-carbon-based pharmaceutical drugs are incompatible with the body!

² not part of original sentence

³ I'm not attacking any company as such. Yes, drugs in general have certainly helped a great many people, at least in the short term. However, it's a well-known fact that all drugs do produce side effects of one kind or another; many even generate a multitude of side-effects! Study after study on the effects of pharmaceutical drugs has shown that to be true.

In Search of Helpers or Volunteers

2009-01-17T10:13:00.003+08:00

Are you:
1. a compassionate person?
2. a peoples’ person
3. looking for a change to do something worthwhile and rewarding in life?
4. interested in health?
5. passionate about helping restore people, especially the sick, to better health?
6. interested in helping people to live more healthily?
7. interested in helping people to improve the quality of, and extend, their lives?

We are looking for people who fit any or more of the above to help out in the ministry of touching, enhancing and lengthening lives, especially in reaching out, helping the sick (including the terminally ill) to heal, the sufferer to alleviate their pain, the dying to revive, and the lost (in the jungle of confusion about health issues, etc.) to be found.

We are in the position to help in many and various aspects of health and wellness.

Should you be interested in the above service to mankind as a helper or volunteer, we would like to speak with you.

If you have any query, or if you would like to participate in this worthwhile cause, please do feel free to contact the writer, Ray Chee at

Email:
info@FocusOnTotalHealth.net
or,
raychee818@gmail.com

One Thing We Must Not be Contented With!

2008-12-13T14:23:00.017+08:00

I said in my previous blog that we are to be content, but I did not mean we are to be contented with all things.

“What is one thing that you and I must NOT be happy or contented with?”

NEVER, NEVER be contented with ill-health, or disease, or any medical condition—be they chronic or not! Never be contented with any other unhealthy, or undesirable but alterable, condition that you might be having or experiencing now! Reject them! If you take this attitude, you will succeed.

It should never in the least occur to you to take your life, for instance, regardless of how painful your present situation. If you are not contented with your current state, it should really spur you to do something. Shouldn’t it? It should especially stir you into doing something to improve your lot in life.

Trouble comes when we take the wrong advice from so-called present-day doomsayers or experts to kill ourselves. I don’t care which doctor said it to you, or whether or not he or she is famous or not. If you are now hearing this voice loud and clear, plug your ears right at this very moment! Know this: The battle is in your mind (so plugging your ears literally wouldn't help, ha, ha, ha! What's important is you need to distinguish the "voice" in order to block it off, should that action prove necessary; that's the important part! An exterior voice spoken does not make a difference to your life if you learn to discern and reject that which is unhelpful or even harmful, before it enters your spirit). The battle may be raging now. But…You have no right to commit suicide!

I said it again, “You have no right to commit suicide!” Many doctors are also on your side; they’re saying to you, “Don’t kill yourself!” You CAN win the battle—whatever battle you may be fighting now! No matter what your case is or how serious, there’s still hope!

There are many positive and rewarding steps you can take to return back to total health and wellness. Tune yourself in now to another voice instead…which is a still, small voice usually.

“For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. (Prov 8:35, 36)”

If you do not love wisdom, it really boils down to loving your own death!

"What a mind-staggering statement!" you retort. But wait a minute! Don’t go away! Read on!

Now, who or what is ‘me’ that made the above statements? It is absolutely important that you know. In the context, ‘me’ refers to wisdom.

Wisdom personified continues: “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.”

It goes on to say, “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was…. I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.”

Wisdom is very simply, knowing, and doing, what is right and just. It is everlasting. “From everlasting, I was constantly beside and before God, and He daily delights in me.” If you delight in wisdom, God will take delight in you.

Do you know that this wisdom finds joy in being with us human beings? “...and my delights were with the sons of men.” Put in another way, do you know that it LOVES to be around you? If only you permit it, that is! If you find the wisdom to live, you shall be truly blessed.

Do you know that wisdom can be found? It even promises to be found!

"Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.”

It also says, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early SHALL (not may, but a promise) find me.”

BUT, there is a time factor to this seeking of wisdom. Early! First, there’s something about seeking God and His wisdom early. Before the enemies of wisdom crowd in and steal our attention, leading us astray. Second: Don’t put it off, and never delay when it comes to inquiring or seeking the truth. For example, find out how to get well from your disease. When it comes to fighting disease, time is not on your side. Time is really absolutely critical! Disease progresses quicker than you think. Do all you can, and leave the rest that you can’t do to God. Delays spawn disaster.

Blessed are you, my friends, if you DAILY do these things:

1. Listen to/ hear,
2. Watch for,
3. Wait upon

in order that you may:

4. Know,
5. Understand,
6. Receive/ take/ not refuse,
7. Follow/ heed/ keep,
8. Find,
9. Diligently seek/ not neglect,
10. Sin not against/ wrong not,
11. Hate not,
12. Love

wisdom. That you may “hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward (perverse/ perverted) mouth.” (Refer Proverbs 8:5-6, 9-10, 12-17, 22-23, 30-36, emphases and parentheses mine)

Yes, if you do not procrastinate in doing the above dozen things (at the very minimum, i.e., getting true wisdom, which comes from the LORD), you will surely find the way out of your problem.

If this all sounds like hard work, it is. Getting wisdom demands our time, time which many of us don't have, nor are we prepared to set aside. To become wise requires energy. But is there no choice? I'd say, no...not unless we let our health go haywire.

Is it worth it? I’ll guarantee it is! You wrong, injure, harm, or even love and court death (destroy yourself) if you fail to find, or miss, ignore or sin against wisdom, i.e., if you hate wisdom (Prov 8:36 NIV, AMP). One great leader in Christian circles just passed away. While it's nice to know that he went to be with the Lord, it's not comforting, however, to hear that he passed on well before he even reached his own countrymen's (all religions, including atheists) average expected lifespan—that is, judging by the average age that men in his country should live till, he in effect suffered a loss of at least 10 years of useful service to his Lord!...Yes, this man of the Word had done a tremendous amount of work for God and His people, and the Lord had used him in mighty ways—only, he did not last the distance…as far as his health was concerned, he was doing some good things...like, he was biking a lot in a bid to exercise in order to keep fit and lose weight (yes, he was a huge person, probably for a great part of his life!); but he certainly wasn't doing enough (he was still very big at his death)...at any rate, his passing was a shock to many. I think, several things were found wanting as far as his eating and drinking habits were concerned, as many people who knew him would tend to agree (I learnt about a couple of his unwholesome dietary habits, like drinking gassy or carbonated drinks, from one of his students of sixteen years). Still, though I did not know him personally, I'm sad to say that, several months before his death, I had mentioned to him once that something had to be done (I observed his poor state of health; also, I didn’t know how he got it, but he was limping a little too. I didn’t know exactly what physical challenges, if any, he was having at the time—I just sensed those words welling up within me which I knew I had to speak forth to him that night; they were: ‘Get out of that body!’ I believed at the time when I received those unusual words from above, that they were meant for the servant of God who was at that very moment preaching in the front of that big hall where his series of meetings were being held. He obviously lacked something …it was probably physical energy or something). I knew I had to sound the alarm bell to him, granted that I felt God moved my spirit to speak to him directly (something I rarely did to any one, let alone, warn a minister of God). So I waited till his altar ministry was over before I went forward to the front where he had ministered to the people, and lay my right hand on him and prayed for him, making sure that I conveyed that message which I had received to him; had it been a normal situation, I myself would have sought the blessing or prayer of that prophet of the Lord—but this time was different in that I felt I had to obey the Spirit of God to prophesy to him. At the end of what was a brief prayer, I gave him my contact details hoping he would contact me (I was more than prepared to help him in whatever way I could), but he never did. I understand he had an operation, and not long after that, lost his life. Guess my words fell on deaf ears! Perhaps, as wisdom says, he was far too busy to find time to seek diligently it; otherwise, it would have been found by him¹ (Well, that's one man of God down! But my real concern is: I know of many other great pastors, preachers, prophets, missionaries and teachers of the Word who, like him, are facing weight and other medical challenges who are not doing quite enough with their lives to improve—and worse still, they appear to want to have nothing to do with this wisdom that is discussed here...I'm not trying to be judgmental or disrespectful, for God knows I respect these spiritual leaders highly. It doesn't matter what they have done for God in the past or how impeccable their spiritual credentials are, does it? Yes, they’ll have their rewards in heaven, no doubt about that. However, this fact is clear: Ministry is important. But, if you have no health, you have no ministry!)

Where do you find wisdom? In the Bible, of course. And in men and women of wisdom who have obtained wisdom from God. No doubt also in aged wise people who certainly have secrets of longevity and good health to teach us, only if we ask them. We can also learn from many other reliable sources. In fact, in every place, wherever we go, God’s trying to get our attention!

Wisdom is callin’ softly but clearly! Understanding is shouting out loudly. (Prov 8:1-10, 30)

Life beckons you and me when wisdom is obeyed, and when that happens we have the favor of God (Prov 8:35). Isn’t this part of the life that Jesus Christ talked about in the Gospel of John Chapter 10, verse 10? A life more abundant! Life abounding in vibrant health and wellness, where sickness stays far away! Life in all its fullness that He came to give us!

But first, are we hearing this wisdom from above?

Are you heeding its voice²? Am I?

Until next time…
Email me, Ray Chee, if you have any thought you would like to share, or have any comment whatsoever.

---

¹ As is promised in Proverbs 8:17 and 8:35a. May this serve as a warning to us all, to be serious and ardent seekers and doers of the truth. This is not easy. That's why we need to depend on the Lord for strength (interestingly, when we have wisdom, we have strength, because wisdom itself possesses strength—Prov 8:14b).

² For example, am I heeding instruction? That is one sure way to be wise, Am I neglecting instruction? (Prov 8:33)

Are You Happy? Are you Contented?

2008-11-13T12:14:00.008+08:00

Happiness is being contented with who you are, what you have or what you don’t have.

Are you a disabled person? Do you have seemingly insurmountable shortcomings or problems? Do you feel life is unfair?

Do not give up on life!!

Last Sunday, I went to hear Nick Vujicic, who is more than the common invalid we meet on the streets; he’s a man born without limbs—no hands, no arms, no legs! Most invalids can move around on their own with the help of a wheelchair. But Vujicic had to be carried to even go anywhere! A wheelchair is no good to him simply because he has no hands to operate one. Yet, he has crossed continents, and met up with kings, presidents and prime ministers in numerous countries. Despite his lot, he’s one of the most happy and joyful persons in this world that I have come across. If you can get a chance to meet up with him or listen to him, it’ll be a life-changing experience.

Vujicic, who has changed millions of lives worldwide, said, “I am a miracle for somebody else.” …

"You are a miracle for somebody else!" Are you? Would you like to be?

Vujicic found his purpose in life. He has found the secret to living. He said, “There’s one purpose…..” Ask him what that one purpose is, or you can email me to find out, if you like.

Have you ever thought that you are incapable of doing anything—or for that matter—anything significant? Put it another way: Do you believe you are disable? No problem! Once you receive the rhema word, “GO,” from the correct source, and you act upon it (put GO before the word, “DISABLE”, i.e., GO + DISABLE), you will propel forward, because you will always find this:

GODISABLE

“Less is more! Naturally, it doesn’t make sense….”

Another inspiring statement (or question) of his was, “What is the point of being complete on the outside when you are broken on the inside?”

Discover the secret of true happiness….in spite of serious disability or shortcoming! Go to my previous blog.

In that blog, you will also discover the true source of lasting happiness, contentment and long life.

Do you desire to live long? If you do, what’s the point of having a long and miserable or discontented life? You can do something about it!

Don’t worry! Be happy!

BLINDed by Doctor, Yet SEEing

2008-11-12T10:54:00.008+08:00

She could have mourned; she could have been sad; she could have been critical; she could have been bitter; she could have been even revengeful. She could have been one, if not all of these, all her life! But no, thank God she was more than a conqueror!

Although Fanny Crosby was blinded by the very person who was supposed to help her when she needed a doctor’s service, she did not lose her sight or focus on the Person she came to love, the One who gave His life for her. Anyone who has studied her works can say without hesitation that they reflect a tremendous love for her Savior.

The following is an excerpt of the credence that was given her:

“Fanny Crosby was probably the most prolific hymnist in history. Though blinded by an incompetent doctor at six weeks of age, she wrote over 8,000 hymns. About her blindness, she said:

It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.

In her lifetime, Fanny Crosby was one of the best known women in the United States. To this day, the vast majority of American hymnals contain her work.”

Above Quote & Photo Source: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/c/r/o/crosby_fj.htm

Was she blameless? Of course, not! Was she going through life defeated because of her shortcoming? No, Fanny Crosby did not allow her blindness, or the above negative emotions or attitudes of heart to ruin her close relationship with her Redeemer. She looked at things positively, and in confidence and steadfastness, she continued to trust and serve Him. Thus was the attitude that birthed a great hymn-writer, probably the greatest hymnist of all times! She will definitely be remembered for a long time to come. Attitude triumphs over all!

Blinded most of her life, but what did she see? “VISIONS OF RAPTURE now burst on my sight.”¹ These were her own words found in one of her hymns.

Was she a rich lady? I don’t know; I doubt so. But she was certainly rich in the things that would last for eternity; and no doubt so, since she would not even trade full earthly vision for her blindness, lest she should lose her heart for singing hymns to God!² Such was her love for her Lord.

Fanny lived till a ripe old age of 95 years old³, blind virtually all her life! Yet, what a life well lived! What a blessed life!

¹ Refer the all-time well-known song, “Blessed Assurance …” (http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/l/e/blesseda.htm)

² In her words, “If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been…” http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/c/r/o/crosby_fj.htm

³ This was indeed a very long life at a time when the life expectancy of Americans was less than 50 (while the rest of the world, only 30 to 40); even in this modern age when Americans can expect, at birth, to live over 80 long years, nonagenarians are still rare.

Healthy Cereals to Keep Weight Down

2008-09-11T12:23:00.002+08:00

Hi! Let me share with you one way which I use to eat cereals that does not need cow’s milk.

Add almond nuts (raw, whole, and unsalted), a couple of dates (pitted), and distilled water. Use unsalted cereals as far as possible. You don’t have to buy the commercially mixed cereals; they are rather expensive. Uncooked or unroasted oats, for example, is fine. Raw wholesome wheat germ can be added also to provide additional nutrients to your meal. Adding whole almonds gives you a nutty taste. It’s yummy and nutritious as well! Enjoy!

Alternatively, instead of adding raw almond nuts and distilled water directly into your cereal(s), try blending the two, strain the mixture with a cheesecloth, and you’ll get almond milk which is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk. Prior to blending, soak washed almonds (1 cup) in 4 cups of distilled water overnight in a refrigerator. You can add this milk to your cereals, if you prefer.

Of course, you may wish to vary by adding other food items like fruits, other unsalted nuts, etc. Try eating daily. Great way to lose a few pounds, or maintain your weight!

Toward healthier living,
Raymond Chee
http://www.FocusOnTotalHealth.net

Mattress that Makes a Big Difference!

2008-09-05T23:29:00.015+08:00

Have you heard of a mattress¹ that has
made a big difference to literally hundreds
of thousands, if not millions, of lives
throughout the world? Available in the
market for a number of years now, it’s
been certified by some of the most
stringent Health Authorities in the world!

The most recent testimony came from a
pastor who has completely recovered from
his liver cancer. The malignant growth was
about 14 cm in size. He testified that the
doctor gave him 3 months to live when he
was first diagnosed with the deadly disease.
The tumor progressively shrank in size while
he slept on the mattress and applied a device
which looked like a shower head, which is
able to emit not water, but health-giving
warming rays. This helped reduce his tumor;
two months² after conscientious daily
usage of the mattress and its "shower head,"
the latest medical examination revealed
that he was cancer-free! Amazing, isn't it?
Praise God!

The above is one of numerous testimonies….
And it’s not just cancer; the mattress has
also helped people improve their lives
in untold number of other ways as well—
whether big or small; these include those
people with various other chronic or
degenerative diseases (including diabetes,
heart disease and high blood pressure)³,
pains and ailments. Many have reported
that their doctors have reduced their
medications dosage (which is indeed a
healthy sign), or are now no longer
depending on drugs for their medical
ailments/conditions. Isn't this good news?
Unbelievable, isn't it? It can't be that
so many of these people are exaggerating
or lying!

Does it also help prevent undesirable
sicknesses, syndromes, pains or diseases
as well? You bet!

Want to know more? Need some help or
advice?

Email:
info@FocusOnTotalHealth.net
http://www.FocusOnTotalHealth.net

¹ Beware of getting imitation products!

² Correction: Conversation with his wife
confirmed that it took only two months for
the cancer to disappear. I was really
surprised by the speed at which the tumor
regressed. He has had his bouts of poor
health since twenty years ago when he had
anemia, and later he contracted Hepatitis C
through his blood transfusions, which led
to cirrhosis, and finally terminal liver
cancer.

³ What are some examples of chronic diseases
and conditions? Some diseases and condit-
ions that begin from childhood include
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes
Types 1, and childhood asthma. Cases of
chronic conditions, illnesses and diseases
that are diagnosed during adulthood are
widespread as well as wide ranging. Some
examples of these are Diabetes Type 2,
high blood pressure, heart disease (coronary
artery disease, congestive heart failure,
congenital heart disease, etc.), cerebro-
vascular or brain/mental disease or condit-
ion (such as dementia, cerebral palsy, and
developmental delay), inflammatory bowel
disease (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS,
etc.), kidney disease (kidney failure..),
lung disease [including asthma and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), usu-
ally resulting from emphysema and/or chronic
bronchitis], cancer, eye diseases (viz.,
glaucoma, cataract,...), arthritis (e.g.,
osteo-arthritis), hypercholesterolemia or
high cholesterol levels, erectile dysfunction,
inability to walk properly, irregular or
non-existent menses/menstruation, and
depression. The list goes on.
Source: Read more...

Kidney Transplant or Not?

2008-09-02T16:55:00.005+08:00

(Please read the earlier blog)

Coming back to the question, “Has nature (or Has God) intended it that we should “rob,” or to say it more acceptably, purchase kidneys or other organs from each other? You might not like my answer, but I personally don’t think so. I believe that we are designed to remain as one piece, not one partial piece PLUS several grafts! Philosophically and out of a merciful heart, if a person has an accident that damaged his kidneys, or is on the verge of dying, and a kidney from a dead man’s body could save his life, maybe, it is justifiable to get a transplant done.

Many kidney specialists would advocate a kidney transplant, when they see a what-they-deem-as-hopeless situation. But the question is, have they or we, ourselves, really got no choice other than to opt for a transplant? Should we benefit at someone’s expense, perhaps even eventually costing the donor’s (or seller’s, whichever the case may be) earlier demise? Removing a kidney from a healthy person, and living on one kidney are each a risk in itself; I do not know what the level of risk actually is, but I do know that it can be very dangerous. Imagine running around with only one kidney! I’m not saying it isn’t possible, or that there’s no one who has succeeded to live on one or no kidney. But, to me, it is like running a vehicle around in the wilderness on uncharted soil where no one lives for miles on ends, with no spare tire! Nobody in his sound mind would ever do that! Like good spare tires in the desert, kidneys are rare commodities these days, with people queuing several years in wait of one, and tens of thousands perhaps dying each year because they waited in vain for one; and when the donor himself or herself needs one kidney to replace his ONLY ONE failing kidney that is left, he/she may be in hot soup waiting for one that is suitable! I submit to you: It’s not a question of being selfish here, is it? It’s a matter of survival!

Regardless of what the specialists think, believe or even advise, have you explored all the alternatives? Well, let me say that if you’re in such dire straits as the tycoon I mentioned in my last blog, then you haven't done enough homework; you haven't explored or even exhausted the alternative, but perhaps simpler and not-so-quick, approaches to treatment.

Most people, unfortunately, take the views of those whom they respect, especially when the latter are experts in their profession. Sad to say, no one’s view is infallible! The “wise” don’t always have all the answers; the simple often confounds the “wise.” Yet, many people scoff at simplicity and are in favor of the complicated procedure, which in this case is kidney transplantation.

May I say this: When experts tell you that you have no choice but to have your kidneys removed or transplanted, please take what they say with a grain of salt. They have been proven wrong many times before. Some wise soul may say, “Go for the second or third opinion.” But people tend to seek the opinion of people in the same field of expertise, who though their opinions sometimes differ, yet they often concur, meaning, they’d say, “Go for a transplant.” Kidney transplantation is not always absolutely needed even when your expert(s) tells you so!

You have a choice to choose for yourself……first to explore the available safer options. You also have your right to decide for yourself! There are indeed safer, more-longer-lasting, and better alternatives available. (I don’t just believe so; I know it’s so! My book, if I may mention it here, addresses some alternatives, and thanks to God, many have benefited from reading it; or you may wish to ask us). Just ask different experts from various fields, including those in alternative medicine, not just those from the conventional medical profession…Seeking various alternatives may take time, but it is necessary. After having explored your available options, you’ll then fall under the category of ‘the knowing.’ And then, and only then, will you be able to prove the simple truth of this famous saying: “…you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you (or your kidneys) free.” But be wary of knowing half truths, or knowing inadequately, since acting on that basis can be highly perilous.

Healthy—not sick—organs are products of careful planning, not accidents. Cultivating and maintaining long-lasting, healthy organs like kidneys is a science as well as an art; it’s no accident! Ultimately, it boils down to one policy: prevention is better than cure. True prevention is an active thing, not passive submission to the almost-certain, but not inevitable, onslaught of disease.

You might have your reasons in favor of, or against, kidney trading and/or kidney transplant. If so, do feel free to share your reasons here by clicking on the ‘Comment’ link, or e-mail me with comments or questions.>
>

Sick Kidneys

2008-08-25T20:57:00.010+08:00

If your kidneys are sick, and needing transplantation, fret not, as more kidneys are coming, one study suggests.

This Australian study is suggesting that even kidneys with tumors should be viewed as a possible, yet largely overlooked, source of kidneys for transplants. (You can read about it in the July issue of BJU International.) Why do the researchers suggest that? Because of the dire and ever-growing shortage of kidneys.

A friend of mine was contemplating, or willing, to part with US$85,000 in exchange for his sister’s kidney. Recently, a well-respected tycoon, and boss of a well-known firm was charged for allegedly going to pay even US$212,000 to a middleman for a foreigner’s kidney. Boy, how high can the price of a kidney get, even to the extent of risking the breaking of his country’s law in doing so¹? No doubt, trading of kidneys, whether legal or illegal, has been going on since God-knows-when.

I am not saying that the tycoon was dying or about to die, but I know that a kidney is priceless to a person who is dying, or worse still, likely to die soon, as a result of failed kidneys. Well, it's understandable why so many people or doctors, in desperation, go for extreme measures to save--so to speak--their own, if not other peoples', lives.

But, need we go so far as to do that? Is kidney transplant really necessary in most of the transplant cases? In some countries, there appears to be family obligations to donate kidneys to family members. If this is to be the case, where will the practice of donating members of one’s body end? Does it mean that the blind or someone who’s about to become blind going to expect to receive a good eye from his relative? Or, will a diabetic who’s about to be amputated of both legs expect or even demand to receive a limb from his wife, so that both will become single-legged animals for the rest of their lives (I suppose, one can easily “justify” that practice; after all, his wife should love him enough! Debatable!!)?” The examples could go on and on...it might seem ridiculous, and you might laugh at it (saying, "it'll never happen in my country!"), but strange and unexpected things do happen! I certainly hope that it won't get worse.

Doesn’t the thought of having to give away or sell one’s healthy (or even not-so-healthy) member or organ (even a tumored kidney, for that matter) to one’s cousin or aunty make one shudder? Has nature intended it that we should “rob,” or to say it more acceptably, purchase kidneys or other organs from each other?

For more insights, read the upcoming blog…

¹ This case sparked a nation-wide debate as to whether or not trading of human organs should be legalized in the country.

An MP Died Suddenly of Heart Attack

2008-07-17T13:56:00.004+08:00

A Singapore MP (Member of Parliament),
Dr ONG Chit Chung (1949-2008) just died.
Of unexpected heart attack, I understand.
The local news recorded comments that were
full of praise for him. He looked good and
well, many would say. He was a golfer.
Without any complaint of discomfort and
in very good spirits the day before he died,
he went through an 18-hole round of golf.
It was reported in the news that there were
no signs of any heart problem during the
events leading to his death on July 14 2008.

A loving and caring man, he did much for the
residents in his constituency and even for
the needy. An ex-History professor at the
University of Singapore, he was always very
helpful to everybody. He seemed to be in
the pink of health. He even talked about plans
he was making for his grassroots leaders
to visit the United States of America this
year.

His demise came most unexpectedly.

I was grieved by the news. I felt a sense
of loss that a really good man has passed
on. This post was written in memory of him.
My condolences to his wife and family!

There are a certain percentage of people,
who die of silent ischemic heart attack
every year. Though the percentage may be
small, there are still untold numbers who
die of such symptomless heart events.
According to American Heart Association,
as many as 3 to 4 million Americans may
have ischemic episodes without knowing it.

The survival statistics of a heart attack
that occurs outside of hospital is indeed
very, very grim--of the order of between
1 to less than 3 percent in Singapore,
as I understand it.

Fat and Fit? No Way!

2008-07-02T14:57:00.027+08:00

I wrote in January 23 2006 about the untrue teachings of overweight or obese health gurus who continue to propound their doctrine that being fat but fit is okay.

But it’s not okay, according to a recent study of 39,000 women with an average age of 54 published in the Archives of Internal Medicine on Monday, April 28 2008. The study was conducted over an 11-year period on a number of health issues. At the end of this period, 948 of them were found to have heart problems.

Compared with active normal-weight individuals, the multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were calculated by the researchers (I’ve listed the results in Table I for your convenience and clarity).

Table I: Relative Risk of Various Combinations of Body Weight-Physical Activity

Body Weight, Physical Activity, Risk Ratio
Trim (Normal), Active, 1.00 (Lowest)
Trim (Normal), Inactive, 1.08
Fat (overweight), Active, 1.54
Fat (overweight), Inactive, 1.88
Fat (obese), Active, 1.87
Fat (obese), Inactive, 2.53 (Highest)

The above results show that if you're overweight but active, you stand a 150 percent higher heart-disease risk than a normal-weight-active person, and if you are overweight-inactive or obese-active, your chance of getting heart disease is almost double that of a normal-weight and active person. Also, you're 2.5 times more prone to have the same problem if you're obese cum inactive. Interestingly enough, obese-active and overweight-inactive individuals carry similar risks.

In other words, the conclusions of the researchers were:

• Trim and active has the lowest risk of getting heart disease
• Trim but inactive has slightly higher risk
• Fat yet active has the next highest risk. ‘Obese’ carries higher risk than ‘overweight’ in the fat-active category.
• Fat and inactive has the highest risk of the four categories. Again, ‘Obese’ carries higher risk than ‘overweight’ in the fat-inactive category.

The following question might, hopefully, serve as a gentle nudge that action may be needful (it’s not meant to discourage you):

“Where do you stand at the moment?”

And perhaps, you might want to ask yourself this as well:

“Just what do I need to do from this moment?”

Please calm down here and think for a moment.

Despite the abovementioned study, certain proponents of the fat-and-fit-is-ok theory protested. They tried to pooh-pooh the study saying that it is limited since it relied on the candidates' self-reporting of their physical activity levels. Regardless of their adamance, this fact will never change:

The fatter and more physically inactive you are, the greater will be your risk of heart disease (and let me add, of other cardiovascular diseases as well). If you are fat but fit, that is good, but you only cut down on the risk of developing heart problems; it doesn’t cut out the risk entirely.

Therefore, it would be safest for you to trim up if you need to shed some pounds, and if you are unfit, to increase your physical activity as early as you can.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, it’s not just increasing the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes type 2. Future research will prove my science-based conclusion, if it has not already been proven, that one who is fat or unfit carries with him or her great but avoidable risks of developing a vast number of diseases and ailments. One may not get all of them, but even getting one of these diseases/ ailments would be one too many, and will no doubt eventually become too much for him or her to bear, let alone getting a few of these complications, which is quite common!

If you have yet to be diagnosed of any physical disease or medical condition, remember the old adage, “Prevention is better than cure.”

But you say, “I’ve tried very hard for a long time, but fail.”

Well, seek the RIGHT help. Ask.

You can be trim and fit!

Till the next time, Happy trimming and exercising,
Ray Chee
E-mail me with comments or questions

Longevity

2008-06-29T08:06:00.003+08:00

For the benefit of all, I'd like to
include what I emailed my friends
of late. I’ve shared with some of them
this view of mine before. It goes
as follows:

Hi all,

That lovely thought-out piece of
information (Balance Sheet of Life)
I just forwarded has some truths
in it, but I noticed the 70 years
at the end of life, which may be
true for many but not for all.
In fact, a long-time friend of
mine, James, wrote a note after
receiving that, saying, “BTW,
end is 100 in the near future.”

In reply, I said this:
“Thanks for that note. I thought
about it after I forwarded that
(in fact, before it as well).
End is actually a minimum of
120 in the present. And this
is biblical (Gen 6:3). It is
possible by the wisdom of God.

Hence there's no reason why we
can't live with that expectation.”

My friend made a valid point. In
many places, especially in first
world countries, people are living
longer lives. The number of people
living above 100 year old are on the
increase worldwide. This is especially
true in Japan, which currently boasts
of the longest expected lifespan in the
world.

Knowing James as a man of excellence
that he is, he will work hard to make it
to be at least a centenarian. Any one
wants to join him?

Now, I don’t know about you, but I
personally find the subject of longevity
fascinating.

I know Genesis 6:3 is subject to inter-
pretation, and some Bible scholars have
interpreted it differently. But I would
prefer to take it literally: 120 years of
lifespan, I.e., our DNA has been program-
med, if you like, to last at least 120 years*,
even after the Great Flood which occurred
a few thousand years ago. I believe some
of us certainly can outlive that number, as
many people many generations after the
Flood did live well beyond 120**. It’s
worth a try, though it isn’t easy! (Those
who are negative or unbelieving will
disagree with me here, but we all have a
right to have our own opinion). There are
a few people whose lifespan have actually
exceeded this figure. Someone I know
informed me that her great grand mother
lived till 130 years (this of course was
undocumented and would not have
entered the Book of Guinness Records,
since this woman lived in a remote part
of Java, Indonesia)!

Despite the aforesaid, most people
are still living with the thinking
that when they reach 70, that’s the
end. Nay! Seventy is NOT the end
anymore! Let’s not short-circuit
ourselves by settling for 70, but
let’s aim for 120. Shouldn’t we?
Of course, this is debatable. But why
not, if we can live healthy, vibrant
lives without sickness for another
50 years? We can! I know it’s going
to be tough. But, first, we’ve got to
change our belief system or mindset!

What am I saying, writing all the
above seemingly unbelievable facts?
What I have been saying is this:

We can increase our odds of living
a long, healthy life. And 120 and
beyond is not far-fetched!

* Not up to, but at least, 120! No doubt,
we can disagree with that, and short-
change our lives!

** Read more?

Fat or Unfit? Beware of Diabetes!

2008-06-28T16:50:00.002+08:00

(Reuters, New York Post --April 3 2008).

" Lower cardiorespiratory fitness and higher
body weight are independently associated with
the development of type 2 diabetes in women,
new research suggests.

"These findings underscore the critical
importance of . . . physical activity and
maintaining normal weight for diabetes prevent-
ion," said Dr. Xuemei Sui of the University of
South Carolina. "

Please allow me here to extend the above
findings with my own analysis and conclusion
which are based on my own research:

The greater the body weight and the lower the
fitness, the greater the risk for diabetes
type 2, and many other diseases as well.

Dear people, kindly take note and take care.

Vitamin D and Heart Attack, Cancer, Etc.

2008-06-10T16:50:00.003+08:00

Many people lack vitamin D, which is
sometimes called the sunshine vitamin.

A growing body of impressive evidence
supports the fact that vitamin D is not
only vital for health, but also helps in
the fight against many diseases as well
as reduces the total mortality rate.

Besides the traditional well-established
consequences of osteoporosis and rickets
in children, the adverse consequences of
vitamin D deficiency have been well
documented over the last few decades.
These include a range of conditions, such
as cancer (including breast and colon
cancer), high blood pressure, cardio-
vascular disease (e.g. peripheral artery
disease, stroke, heart failure, etc.),
type 2 diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis,
glucose intolerance, and some infectious
diseases (such as tuberculosis).

One Harvard School of Public Health study
gives us the latest finding with respect
to heart health, joining the vast body of
evidence that supports the importance of
vitamin D to humans. It was reported that
“men classified as deficient in vitamin D
were about 2 1/2 times more likely to have
a heart attack than those with higher
levels of the vitamin.” (Reuters).

Besides men, women will also do well to
ensure that they have adequate vitamin D
input.

Cancer and Chemotherapy

2008-05-16T14:38:00.010+08:00

Chemotherapy should really be
on the way out, if not totally
eliminated immediately. Poisons
will not exactly help a body that
is already heavily loaded with
poisons. And we all know that
poisons do kill!

What we need to do is to get rid
of the poisons, not add to it.
That is, we are to detox or
"degarb" or "degarbz*," and not
"adtox" (if I may use a couple
of personally-coined words here
to mean ADding toxins and similar
harmful substances to the human
body, which is what chemotherap-
ists or advocates of chemotherapy
do all the time!).

While in a small number of cases
chemotherapy may work, it really
should be seriously put under
review because of the numerous
side-effects arising from its use.
These side-effects are often debilita-
ting! The trouble is these side-effects
may not be felt or noticed till it's
too late. Whatever the chemicals used,
even if they may be "more advanced"
or less toxic than previously-used
chemicals, they are still drugs.
As such, they are still poisonous to
the body at any rate, despite
the fact that they are introduced
in minute quantities at a time,
and in stages.

Many so-called "Cleared of Cancer Cells"
reports may be misleading or questionable.
Yes, no doubt patients have had the cancer
cells killed immediately after the chemo
jabs. But there's no guarantee that all
resident cancer cells are killed anyway.
Should there be remnants of such cells,
they will proliferate again, once condit-
ions are right for this to happen in the
patients' body. In addtion, how are we
to know that the many relapses that cancer
patients suffer a period of time after
chemo are not directly or indirectly caused
by the very chemicals or drugs that were
designed to save them from harms way? And
having relapses usually mean that patients
who had been injected with chemo drugs earl-
ier are harder to treat, thus worsening the
whole situation. Anyhow, the side-effects
from chemo are really no joke. For one,
killing good and healthy body cells in the
process is quite something to be reckoned
with.

To get the "best" effects, there may
be as many as eight drugs employed in
the treatment. Doctors are unceasingly
experimenting with new combinations
of drugs to try and improve treatment.
So, in reality, humans are subjecting
themselves to being used as guinea
pigs for different and constantly
changing drugs. As long as this is
allowed to go on, it's wonderful
business for "drug pushers" as usual!
Unfortunately, it seems that this will
keep them happy for quite a while
unless some drastic changes are imposed
to remove chemotherapy off the scene.

The success rate for chemotherapy is
dismally low, considering the high
cost of treatment. We are absolutely
convinced that we have had far better
success rates with the use of non-
invasive, holistic cancer treatments,
which have no known side-effects. If
you wish to know more, do feel free
to contact the author.

For anyone who is contemplating chemo-
therapy, the above are some of the
factors to consider very seriously.

*degarbz has been defined in the
Book, The Amazing Heart -- A
Revolutionary View that could
SAVE and LENGTHEN Your Life!

Depression linked to Low Vitamin D Levels

2008-05-06T20:51:00.003+08:00

Depression has been linked to low blood
levels of vitamin D among older adults.
This is according to researchers who
reported their findings in the May
issue of Archives of General Psychiatry.

When the body has insufficient amount
of vitamin D (which is normally
associated with sunshine), the
parathyroid glands apparently produce
too much parathyroid hormone. What
researchers found was overactive
parathyroid glands, termed hyper-
parathyroidism, often accompany
symptoms of depression.

What has not been established is
which comes first, depression or
hyperparathyroidism associated
with low blood levels of vitamin D.

May I submit to you that one needs
the sun's good rays (i.e., far-infrared
rays, or FIR for short). When that
is lacking, as I mentioned earlier,
the body tells you. Hyper-
parathyroidism may be one of the
results. This can lead to depression,
which in turn is linked to a lack of
FIR.

I would suggest to you readers
that you get sufficient vitamin D
which is generated in the body from
exposure to far-infrared rays.
This will not only help prevent
and address the problems of vitamin D
lack and the often-occurring osteo-
porosis in older folks, but will
also help alleviate depression.

Benefits of Far-infrared Radiation (FIR)

2008-04-26T20:53:00.018+08:00

Benefits of far-infrared radiation are
far-reaching. They include:

• increases blood circulation

• reduces blood pressure and various
other medical conditions or symptoms

• leads to pain relief including muscle
spasms and pain

• relieves sore muscles

• assists in resolution of inflammatory
infiltrated edema and exudes

• detoxifies heavy metals e.g., mercury,
aluminum; alcohol; nicotine; sulfuric
acid; ammonia; and other toxins

• aids in clearing or unblocking blood
vessels such as arteries and veins.

• promotes relaxation and comfort

• maintains warmth and induces sleep

• relieves stress and fatigue

• affects soft tissue injury

• improves cellular absorption of
nutrients

• antidote to excessive harmful
ultraviolet (uv) radiation that leads
to sunburn

• gives you the radiant beauty akin to
sunbathing without the ill-effects of uv
light

• decreases joint stiffness

• heightens production of vitamin D in
the body. This in turn can help prevent
and fight many diseases including breast
and colon cancer, cardiovascular disease,
etc.

• increases bone mass and helps with
prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

• energises the body

• refreshes the skin

• enhances body tone

• treats acne, rashes, psoriasis, and
many other skin conditions

• alleviates depression particularly
when combined with negative ions

• burns fats/ cholesterols, etc. away

• contributes to weight loss

• heightens body fitness

• used successfully to kill cancer cells,
fungus /mould, bacteria including E. coli
bacteria, etc. above a certain temperature

• improves nervous system

• activates water molecules in our
body, and reduces their sizes thereby
enabling better hydration of cells

• improves oxygen levels in the
cardiovascular system

• promotes anti-aging /youthfulness /
longevity

• increases the extensibility of
collagen tissue

• lowers body acidicity

• minimizes and fights coughs and colds
/flu

• successfully used by dentists in
treating dental diseases, gum
inflammation, tooth pain and muscular
spasm, and in post-dental pain suppression

• increases blood circulation and oxygen
supply to damaged tissues (helping to
reduce chronic joint /muscle pain or
sport injuries), thus promoting quicker
recovery

• boosts the immune system

• and much more

An Unco-operative or Unwilling Spirit

2008-03-30T00:05:00.003+08:00

There’s nothing much one can do when you
meet someone with an unco-operative spirit.

Whatever you advise her falls on deaf ears.
I wonder where this kind of unwilling,
unco-operating spirit stems from? Is it due
to the fact that she is proud or she is
unwilling to learn? Or what? I understand that
many old folks are like that, and it's seems
to be worse when it is their own children
who are advising or teaching them.

When this kind of spirit is directed—even
though it may not be deliberate—toward you
who are trying your best to help her, how
would you feel? Disheartened, isn’t it?
Try as you would not to feel that way,
you’d feel you are helping in vain,
wouldn’t you? (My mother is one example of
having such a spirit. She can be very
negative about so many things. You’d tell
her to be positive but she would not listen
to you.) Sometimes I felt like that when
so many things that I give my mum are
rejected outright even though they are
meant for her good. Or she complains a
lot when she receives what is given her.
A positive and willing-to-help-oneself
heart is so vital for recovery from
sickness or for good health. As such,
she makes me worry as I feel her negativity
and her unwillingness to help herself
makes it hard for her to follow instructions
or advice properly. And this, I am afraid,
may hamper her recovery from her illness.
One thing that can be done, perhaps, is
to pray.

"An Antedote to Complaining?"

Far-infrared Radiation (FIR) vs Devoured by Diseases

2008-03-29T22:17:00.016+08:00

Pioneering attempts to experimentally analyze
an effect of acute and chronic radiation of
far-infrared rays on living organisms have
detected a ... majority of the users
(of FIR) subjectively evaluated an
improvement of their health.

Please check this out--

Biological activities caused by far-infrared
radiation (FIR)

Outside the lab, we have observed that the
above is true. Health improves when patients
are exposed to adequate amount of FIR.
Innumerable people have experienced healing
from various diseases and medical conditions.

We do NEED FIR, which is part of the sun's
life-giving rays. Note that this is not
the same as harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays
which has become more intense because we
have spoilt our environment. Unfortunately,
most of us are not absorbing enough FIR,
to our detriment.

Due to our lack of wisdom or knowledge,
not only do we introduce pollution and
what not into our world in which we live
as well as into our own lives. Most of us
are so far removed from nature. Many of us
also simply have not received, or do not
receive, sufficiently what we ought e.g.,
FIR and many other essentials. So over a
period of time, we reap that which we sow.
The majority of people do not know what
the detriments of FIR lack are.

Take for example, when sleep is hampered
or circulation is compromised from
inadequate exposure to FIR, what happens?
We develop aches and pains and dis-EASEs.
And ultimately we are devoured by disease.
Even before our time is up!

Just what do you think are the
implications when we become victims
of poor health or when we are devoured
by disease? See

“Saints Rejected by God?”

But this need not be so! (Write me if you are
interested in an excellent solution to the
problem of FIR lack or more info on FIR.
I can show and help you get a mattress--
that emits FIR (in a sufficiently high
enough range)--which is approved as a home-
based treatment or therapeutic mattress by
the Health Science Authority (HSA) in Japan
as well as in Taiwan. In this mattress, FIR
is combined with the benefits of efficacious
negative ions (in very effective dosage) to
synergistically provide health-restoring
or vitality-giving effects. Numerous
people have experienced the mattress
and testify to these effects.)

Should you not be convinced, let me invite
you to check out the benefits of FIR. Go to:

“How do I benefit from FIR?”

Confirmed To Be A Waste of Time!

2007-05-02T17:09:00.000+08:00

After many years of constant practice, balloon

angioplasty has recently been confirmed in a

study to be a "waste of time," according to the

Straits Times. What used to be almost standard

practice has now been thrown out!

This is because patients who had had balloon

angioplasty --the stuff that doctors forceably put

inside the arteries to supposedly clear arteries of

blockages--normally experience restenosis or

re-clogging. That means the arteries that have

been "plied opened” by the once-popular technique

undergo flow difficulties once again because of new

plague being formed around the very same place

where the arteries were being "treated." These

patients include millions of heart patients who

had had heart attacks or even those who had

yet to experience a cardiovascular event.

What have been the ramifications of such a

practice? No one knows, nor can anyone estimate.

Nowadays, medical experts say that drugs and

stents (a mesh that is permanently placed in the

clogged part of the artery after balloon

angioplasty is applied) can do an equally good,

if not a better, job at opening up clogged arteries.

But will drugs and stents be later proved to have

the same or similar, if not worse, effect as balloon

angioplasty some years down the track? This

remains to be seen. My prediction has been

and still is, if I may add, negative.

Pollution of a Worse Kind---Address it! Start by Becoming Environmentally-aware!

2007-02-26T12:43:00.000+08:00

We have polluted our environment!

We have polluted our own selves!

Why do we want to continue polluting
the external environment even though
there are so many things (including
personal- and family-related things)
that we can do to stop it? Despite the
fact that many of us know the
consequences, we carry on doing it.

And we have also polluted our internal
environment. Whether directly or
indirectly, we have contributed to
the contamination of our bodies,
our very own lives! Sadly, the
attitude of many is: "Die, die...so what!"

The process of pollution is complicated
but the effects are simple to understand.

The more we pollute, the more polluted
everything will be. This affects
everybody---even more adversely---as
the days go by.

Internal pollution is, I believe, pollution
of a worse kind, even though pollution of
both internal and external environments
is inadvisable, of course! The reason for
this is, it hurts, maims and kills more
people faster.

The question is: Will you and I continue
to pollute our own external and internal
environments?

The choice is yours and mine. There is
indeed so much that must be done!

To begin with, let us all become more
environmentally aware...Next is ACTIONS !!

Lies! Lies! Lies!

2007-01-10T13:09:00.000+08:00

Lies! Lies! Lies!

We are constantly being bombarded by them.
You know...advertisements, hearsay, our own
prejudices...yes, even the media.

Sad to say, even doctors propagate them too;
they certainly don't know all the truths!

Unfortunately, many a times we listen to them
all.

We take truths for lies, and falsehood for truth!

And the consequence?

Illness and disease and aches and pains...and early
deaths!

What we need is wisdom from above. And it is
for the asking (James 1:5).

Don't Drive, Unless You Must !

2006-10-16T10:17:00.000+08:00

Don't drive, unless you really have to.

This will cut down on emission from your
vehicle, thereby reducing air pollution.

Take the bus, train, or other public transport.

Walking is a good choice too. Not only does it
save cost. It will also make you more healthy
and live longer.

You might find that you really don't need to
own a car or motorbike after all.

Reducing Gas and Car Emission Improves Health of All

2006-10-05T23:56:00.000+08:00

Air pollution kills about 4 million people
every year.

To help create a totally clean and green
environment for the good and health of all
who live on this planet, we must each make
concerted efforts to reduce pollution.

We can play our small but significant part by
spreading the message and by using more
environmentally-friendly, non-toxic products.
Find out how

One great solution is to reduce exhaust
emission from vehicles, equipment or plants
all around the world. This is found in a product
that has been proven to make fuel burn more
efficiently. What's more, this fuel catalyst is
non-toxic and biodegradable (capable of
being decomposed by e.g. bacteria, and thus
will not remain in the system). Not only will
it not harm the environment, it apparently
does not ruin the engine. This catalytic fuel
additive is registered with the Environment
Protection Agency (EPA). Check it out.

http://www.powerplusmpg.com/worldwide
I.D.: worldwide

Many users the world over have testified
that this stuff can slash gas or fuel consumption
by as much as 20 to nearly 50 percent i.e., add
to your miles per gallon or mpg, or kilometers
per liter. And lower gasoline or diesel
consumption means more cash in your pocket.
In effect, it significantly reduces total global
fuel usage, thus lessening the strain on our
limited energy resources.

Aside from lowering air pollution
that has the power to kill or maim lives, the
reduction of pollutants in the air also has
an important role to play in reducing
greenhouse effect, which in turn helps to
make life a little bit easier, less torturous
and certainly more livable for all.

There's so much that needs to been done.

I have taken some steps toward helping to
enhance the environment in which we live.
You can do your bit too!

Ex-smoker Anti-smoking Activist has Lung Cancer

2006-08-09T09:23:00.000+08:00

Allen Carr, 76, probably the most formidable anti-smoking activist the world has ever seen, reportedly has been informed that he has cancer of the lung(s).

Whether he got that from his past 100-cigarettes-a-day indulgence or not, no one can be sure. He gave up the habit over twenty years ago. Yet, he spent many years helping smokers in smokers' haunts, while breathing in secondary smoke. One thing can be certain: smoking and even secondary smoking can harm and no doubt even kill!

Don't play, play with it! (Singlish/Malglish) It may be fun now, but definitely no fun later!

If you are in anyway addicted or associated with smoking, please quit now, for Heaven's sake.

Four Indian Men One Saturday Afternoon

2006-08-05T16:58:00.002+08:00

One was sleeping on a marble-coated bench, and two eating lunch right next to him. Right by a quiet river where I was relaxing and spending my quiet time and reviewing verses.

The oldest came first on foot and lay down to sleep. Then came the two lunch-ers; the older of them who looked like he was in his sixties and having HBP or high blood pressure, for short, came along on bicycle, followed by the younger one, probably about half his age, who cycled toward the older man.

The older lunch-er took out a bottle hidden in a little nook. Lots of rubbish, I found out later, were beside that water bottle inside that nook. I believe the bottle was deliberately kept from view between a steel twin-girder bridge that supports a 300mm-diameter painted steel water-pipe that spans across the river.

The older of the two lunch-ers who looked older than he actually was (I thought to myself) and overweight with a huge beer-belly, drained off a green soft plastic bag containing water that was hanging from the left handle of his bicycle into the empty 1.5L coke bottle. The younger man's bike was carelessly left lying flat on the ground. My thoughts were this young man would most likely end up overweight with similar medical conditions years down the track like the older guy. (Indians, at least in Singapore, have been reported to die at a younger age than the other races; they are also more prone to heart disease and hypertension than other races)

Both men sat down under the cooling shade provided by the trees that early afternoon when the sun was blazing hot. Each of them opened up their three Singapore-dollar lunch which included:

• 2 big plastic-coated packets of white rice with a minute amount of curried mutton inside. The rice portion was three times what I would eat at lunch!
• 2 plastic bags of meshed green vegetables
• 2 plastic bags of very watery vegetable soup
• 2 plastic bags of 3 to 4 small pieces of pappadam crackers
• 1 plastic bag of red curry gravy
• 1 plastic carton (80mm x 80mm x 35mm deep) plain yoghurt ($1 worth)

Everything was wrapped in plastic!

I tried conversing with them but to little or no avail. So I only prayed for them.

As construction workers, their daily wages were about S$3.50-4.00 per head. The younger man complained, "Singapore no good!" "Why?" I asked. Next thing was, he rambled away in an Indian-accented language. I could not figure out anything that he said as both guys spoke neither English nor Malay since they were from India.

Both lunch-ers ate with unwashed hands (most unhygienic, I reckoned to myself). The younger guy gobbled up his lunch very quickly, interspersed with a few mouthful of water from another filled 1.5L coke bottle which he had filled beforehand. I saw him picking up the plastic bags and putting them on top of the emptied plastic coated paper wrapper. Before I could see him he had thrown the lot away; I later discovered to my horror, he had conveniently chucked them over the river bank. The plastic bags sank almost immediately but the paper wrapper was still afloat; the latter would eventually also sink to the bottom of the river.

A fourth Indian man on a bike stopped by and starting conversing with the older of the two men; he spoke in Tamil, I believe. The older guy was just finishing off his food when the former rode away.

Drinking from the coke bottle at least a couple of times during his eating, the older man finished his lunch in twice the amount of time. He too did exactly the same thing with the rubbish he had created as did the younger man, i.e., he threw the garbage he has created right over the hand rail into the river!

“Wow!” I thought to myself. Here were the polluters and extremely careless people who lived from hand to mouth from day to day. They have no idea that they were polluting the environment and, also indirectly, themselves. This disgusting thing they did (throwing rubbish anyhow they like) despite the fact that a regularly-emptied rubbish bin was only about 10 meters away, a fact that I was certain they knew about since I'd seen the older man and the fourth man several times before.

The kind of food they ate and the way they ate it is reflective of the kind that most foreign workers take during their stint in Singapore. Although sufficient to satisfy their hunger needs, they are in a way not building long-term health, I envisaged. But then, how else can the poor really eat? Well, with the right knowledge and of course desire, I think that they can still eat quite healthily and hygienically on a shoe-stringed budget!

Occupation-related Asthma and Allergies

2006-07-29T04:25:00.000+08:00

Brian was a full-time pastry chef in a few large hotels for 11 years.

Over this period, he first developed allergies (e.g., recurrent wheezing, cough, stuffy or runny nose, colds, or sinusitis), and then asthma. Flour particles floating in the airconditioned kitchens in which he used to work contributed to those conditions.

Upon his doctor's suggestion, he changed his occupation to administration-cum-driving in a welfare organisation. Not only has his asthmatic blues stopped completely, now he no longer suffers from those allergies he had before. He has been working in his present position for six years already.

If you are in a similar situation, a job switch might be needful.

Cancer Drug Can Cause Heart Failure

2006-07-25T19:28:00.001+08:00

One study recently published in the journal Nature Medicine came up with the suggestion that an effective cancer drug, Gleevec can cause severe heart damage.

This is not surprising. You try to kill one culprit in the body only to cause another perhaps even more evil culprit.

Is it really worth risking it?

Although the above is a small study, it is noteworthy and serves as a warning.

Heading for Major Illness

2006-07-22T20:54:00.001+08:00

I am not trying to frighten you.

But you are very likely heading for one or more of the serious sicknesses that afflict mankind. Not, unless you start doing something about your own health from today.

Few people, if any, die without ailments or suffering. But you can help yourself to a great extent in actively and deliberately avoiding them.

Are you going to do something about it now?

http://FocusOnTotalHealth.net

Why Not Spend the Billions of Dollars Elsewhere?

2006-05-02T08:51:00.003+08:00

Every year, untold billions are spent on pharmaceuticals, healthcare, medical devices, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Additional billions of dollars find their way into the initiation, formulation and eventual catapulting of the resulting products into various markets. The great majority of the "promising" aids and devices, and so-called cures or treatments, are well received initially only to be dumped not long afterward. And so, new and more "exciting" products or even techniques and therapies emerge to take their places. The truth is, most products and therapies are replaced even before they gain popularity. Does this seem like a futile cycle which, as you might have observed, gets repeated again and again, almost like you change your clothes?

Instead of spending billions or trillions of dollars annually researching, developing and marketing products, therapies, treatments, chemicals, and God knows what else that will work only for a season--in the vast majority of cases, only partially or inadequately, why not spend a large proportion of these monies seeking to establish the Law of Health in needy peoples' lives?

This Law of Tip-top Health has already been revealed, as suggested in the book, " The Amazing Heart - A Revolutionary View that could SAVE and LENGTHEN Your LIFE! " Published in October of 2005, the book by Ray Chee (i.e., the writer of this blog) is based on heavy research spanning seven years. As the writer claims in his book, many research studies have confirmed the principles that he had written in his as-yet-unpublished work, and even as he was in the process of writing them they were being confirmed. In fact, the principles set forth in the book are still being verified to this day; they will continue to be demonstrated true, and so proving that the Law so formulated in the book is worthy of wholehearted acceptance and execution. As Chee puts it in his book, if you are interested in knowing the result of your investigation, you may well know your results even before you embark on it after reading his book. Check it out!

If only we can spend that kind of money helping to incorporate the Law of Tip-top Health in the lives of people...if only...how much healthier and happier lives on earth would be!

The writer knows. Not all will accept or go by that Law. In fact, most people won’t (the writer hopes that you’ll prove him wrong here). This is sad.

The sick will always be with us, just as Jesus Christ has said, "the poor shall always be with you." But at least we won't spend our money in vain. This is because most of the products that purport to help, unfortunately, ultimately end up deteriorating the health of the very people that they were intended to help.

The writer also knows that there are those who will disagree strongly with him here, but he is sure that there are many who would agree with him on this?

Which category do you belong to? Send your comments.

The above may sound like bragging but you will change your mind when you know the source of it all. Don't be found short-changed by the world’s system!!

Blog: http://FocusOnTotalHealth.blogspot.com

Website: http://FocusOnTotalHealth.net

When You are Down, Look Up: The Antedote for Depression and Anxiety

2006-04-12T08:50:00.003+08:00

When you are down, do not down the pills. Although millions of people find solace in them, they can only make things worst in the long run.

Let me share with you the secret of overcoming depression and anxieties.

King David sought and looked in the right direction; he looked to the One who is the “shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.” (This is recorded in Psalm 3 and Psalm 121 in the Bible). He would often sing to Him whenever he was down, for there he knew he would find help. And help and comfort, he did find.

Don’t look down when you are depressed. Look up. Focus on the Person who is the source of true and lasting joy. Some think that this Person is a powerful force and stop at that. But allow me to say here: He is no impersonal force out there who is not mindful of anyone on this small and fragile planet. If you feel no one ever cares, you will surely find that He is the only One who does. Regardless of how many planets, suns, moons and stars there are, He has not forgotten mankind. He is always there for you. He never disappoints anyone.

Cast all your cares or anxieties on the One who always cares for you, on the One who thinks of you unceasingly. (Read Psalm 8:3,4 and 16:6-11).

As a matter of fact, reading and singing the book of Psalms is a good ante-dote for depression and anxieties. Yes, use the Psalms to sing to the Almighty for He will be near. Numerous songs have sprung up from this inspirational book over the years. Get to know and sing some of them and see, and feel the difference for yourself. Try them. It wouldn’t hurt trying, would it?

You will experience, as I have, uplifting of your spirit. You will discover inspirations for your soul. Keep reading and singing and rejoicing. There will emerge a new song in your heart.

Besides the spiritual side, one is especially susceptible to depressing moments when one is tired and drained, when one neglects one’s body, and so on.

Nutrition and other factors do play an important part. Develop good healthy habits. Eat right. Drink plenty of pure fluids. Get adequate rest and sleep. And don’t forget: Exercise does help too. These are just some of the tips that I trust will be helpful for you.

Cheer up, friends.

http://FocusOnTotalHealth.net

Banish That Couple from the Bedrooms

2006-03-29T11:19:00.001+08:00

This couple has destroyed many a relationship. Because of their addictive nature, they are capable of ruining legitimate sex life, marriages, families, and indeed our health—perhaps, even our very own lives. Not only have they contributed to an alarming obesity-rate hike, they have indeed prevented us from doing a great many worthy activities, including normal day-to-day and health-giving activities. This is particularly true for the weak-willed or ill-disciplined, or even for individuals who are lacking in meaningful goals or purposes in life. In short, this couple has wrecked, and is still wrecking, innumerable lives throughout the world.

By couple here, I mean that innocent couple of boxes: the television and the computer.

TVs and computers have insidiously crept into the bedrooms of many a house.

Admittedly, these two boxes are great inventions of man. But, sadly, kids and even many adults nowadays invariably find themselves spending dozens of hours each week on them; we are breeding a generation of sedentary, indoor people.

These two electronic boxes come in all their variations, including notebooks, DVD/VCD players, gaming machines and so on. These days they come disguised as much smaller boxes in various shapes and thicknesses.

Nevertheless, the latter are still the same things. They are equally, if not more, ferocious than their bigger counterparts. All these, though dead, are lively and therefore can be regarded as "wolves in sheep's clothings."

So, be wary of those two boxes in your study and living rooms.

More than that, banish them where they ought not be--your bedrooms!! Let's be wise, my friend.

www.FocusOnTotalHealth.net

"Eat Your Heart Out!": World

2006-03-06T13:59:00.001+08:00

The world tells you and me to eat our hearts out.

If we follow its advice, we are likely to literally lose our hearts, as experienced each year, by the faithful millions of followers who undoubtedly sacrifice theirs through unwise eating!

Man has indeed made his belly his God. And for this, he pays an extremely heavy price--destruction in the end! How true is the verse, Philippians 3:19, in the Bible.

Jesus Christ, in a sense, predicted that this would be so in the last days: "As in the days that were before the flood (during Noah's time) they were eating and drinking...so shall (they) also" during the end times (Matthew 24:37-39). He was obviously not talking about man's need to eat and drink in order to live, but of man's love of eating and drinking per se and the way he would do them. Yes, people would be binging like never before as at the time just prior to the flood when those who were so engrossed with their habitual pastimes did not hear--or they simply refused to listen to--Noah's words of warning; they perished, as a result, from that great flood. I believe we are living in the end times.

Heart transplants (most cases are like signing a death warrant or opting for a shortened lifespan), heart attacks, heart failures and other related killer episodes or conditions claim the hearts and lives of those who are unwary or unaware of the dire consequences of their actions.

Will you continue to listen to the world? Take heed now, if you have been doing that!

What in the World is the Truth about Fats?

2006-02-11T07:53:00.000+08:00

For decades, we have been told by experts that a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet is bad for health.

Now, one huge study which cost to the tune of a hefty US$415 million just came up with the conclusion that a low-fat diet really isn't of any good. It doesn't help reduce heart disease and cancer, so the researchers say.

So, does it mean that we can binge on fatty foods now? Does the above study implicate that after all these years of calorie-watching and fat-avoidance, for some people, that they can go back to consuming fat-laden stuffs like cakes, ice-creams and the likes?

The New York Times quoted Dr. David A. Freedman, a statistician in the University of Berkeley who had nothing to do with the study, as saying, "We, in the scientific community, often give strong advice based on flimsy evidence...That's why we have to do experiments."

Often experiments are simply not enough. Many experiments have been proven misleading in the past. We must have enlightened experiments.

How truly confusing is the whole issue about fats even in this space age! What is the real truth then?

To gain further insight into the truth, I strongly suggest that you read my book, "The Amazing Heart: A Revolutionary View that could SAVE and LENGTHEN Your LIFE!" which propounds on the root cause(s) of ill-health and disease (etiology / aetiology).

Medical scandals

2006-01-27T08:56:00.000+08:00

Recently, you heard about one medical scandal after another.

The Korean scandal from Korea's top university, Seoul National University, shocked the whole world recently with fabricated results that were published by a famous journal.

Next, you heard the news of an Italian scandal. Of late, the Japanese scandal, the case of which will come to light in a short while.

Researchers must be under tremendous pressure from all quarters to perform. Whatever their motives for coming up with creative (in the bad sense) scientific papers for submission, the end result can be frightening.

Are we putting too much pressures and setting priorities on the wrong things? I think so.

Scandals sound daunting. But when is it going to end? May I suggest that it most probably will not as long as people are in it.

Fat Health Gurus

2006-01-24T09:09:00.000+08:00

There are gurus around who have said many different things about various issues on health at different times.

There are those who are fat that say that it's okay to be fat as long as you are fit. It doesn't really matter if you're overweight, they claim.

What is the truth of the matter? Study after research study has shown that obesity is the mother of diseases and ailments. It is not good to be overweight! Let's face it: millions of souls perish every year because of over-weightiness or obesity.

Let's practise what we preach. For those who are overweight, including writers and teachers, the problem has been, and always will be: How can we be normal-weighted again? That is the big question mark that must be resolved first and foremost. There are safe ways to fight obesity and to maintain trimness.

Trouble is, most weight-loss practitioners claim that their way is the best and safest. Who do you believe? I believe that I have the answer, and it doesn't take much faith to believe it.

Who art the truly healthy people?

2005-12-11T07:53:00.000+08:00

I suppose this is not an easy question to answer.

Put simply, truly healthy people are those who live lives to the maximum without neglecting their health in any way. They don't--or hardly--fall sick and are constantly feeling wonderful. They are at peace with themselves and their neighbours and their God. They live the full length of their appointed pilgrimage here on earth.

Have you heard about the cardiologist who died of heart disease?

2005-12-03T08:47:00.000+08:00

I have.

Heal thyself, doc. before you attempt to heal others.

www.FocusOnTotalHealth.net

"Life's too short not to live it up!"

2005-11-28T00:12:00.000+08:00

Someone commented:

"What the heck!
Why bother being picky about what you eat and drink?
Life's too short not to live it up!"

The above is the life philosphy of many.

The statement, "Life's too short not to live it up!" may be understood in the positive or negative sense. That acquaintance of mine who made the above statement meant it in the latter sense. In his younger days, he had a major illness that nearly killed him. Hence, it is understandable why he said what he did. Yet, he knows little about the dangers of having such a philosophy in his life.

On the one hand it is true that life is temporal.

On the other, life can be long too as far as our days on this planet are concerned. It depends on what is meant by live it up--your life values (or, for that matter, lack of life values) invariably determine the kind of life you will lead. It also depends on what you want to accomplish in life. A person with no goals in life usually ends up achieving little, if any thing. He becomes bored and lifeless, ready to die early. Whereas a person who knows what he wants in life remains active and this very fact often keeps him energetic and on the move, which by itself prolongs his life, for he is never bored with life itself. He plans his days, charts his meals and orders his actions carefully in order to optimize and lengthen his lifetime so as to fulfil the highly-esteemed purpose he has in his life. All this, of course, is relative in different individuals.

How you look at life, to a large extent, determines what kind of person you will be and the outcome of your life. This is because our worldview--particularly when cast in the light of eternity--often governs your actions. Hence, how you view your life and how you live it is what really matters. This includes what you eat and drink.

I believe that life is to be enjoyed, not endured, but only in the light of living it to the fullest of meaning, and only when we are true to the purpose for which we are meant to live this life.

We should, therefore, exercise care in whatever we partake of, if we want to live life to the fullest. We should not "just eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we shall die (as though they is no sense of responsibility whatsoever)." Lest we should short-change our own lives, let's take good care when it comes to what we consume.

What saith ye?

People in White Coats Can Kill

2005-11-24T13:15:00.000+08:00

The fact of the matter is people in white coats can kill. How can that be, you might ask? Aren't they supposed to help people get well.

The medical world consists of humans, and as human beings, it is inevitable mistakes are made. To err is human, goes the old adage.

In the United States of America, medical errors are a leading cause of death. This amounts to many thousands of deaths in USA every year.