Zestz for LAUGH - Did HE do it?

Please note that the manufacturers of Zellox-II has categorically denied any involvement with the making of this masterpiece.

And KC Khoo was somewhere down-under* at the material time but still could not claim credit for recording the outburst.

The link to this photo was supplied by Sharifuddin, who obviously is not blue-blooded.





*in Aussie-land la

We admire the sense of humour of these aristocrats.

Ageing Gracefully

Picture Credit: icanhascheezburger.com

Ageing Gracefully

There are many ways to minimize the risk of illness and to maximize the quality of life in one’s years.

Michelle Schoffro Cook lists 11 ways to age well:

1. Honor the need to reflect on your life and experience since it can be therapeutic.

2. Participate in some form of aerobic exercise like brisk walking which improves heart and lung functioning.

3. Learn an activity like Tai chi or qigong since they improve balance and have been shown to reduce the risk of injuries as a person ages.

4. Weight train to maintain muscle and bone strength.

5. Participate in fulfilling sexual activity to stimulate the sexual reproductive system.

6. Eat more fruits and vegetables to maintain or improve digestion and to obtain critical nutrients to maintain health.

7. Eat a diet high in nutrient-dense foods and possible supplementation of B vitamins, particularly B12 and folic acid, to lessen the risk of undernourishment.

8. Use medications responsibly.

9. Get involved in your community through continuing education, volunteer work, religious involvement, political activism, and staying in touch with supportive friends and family.

10. Keep the mind active through engaging in regular learning, educational games, redading or continuing education.

11. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your tissues hydrated.

Of course, there are many other ways to age well, but this list helps you get started. Aging doesn’t have to mean illness or frailty. By staying active, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining involvement with others, you can feel better than ever in the golden years.

Michelle Schoffro Cook, MSc, RNCP, ROHP, PhD, is an international best-selling and seven-time book author and doctor of traditional natural medicine, whose works include: The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, The Phytozyme Cure and HealthSmart News.

NSAID Alternatives - CURCUMIN

Tumeric (Curcuma longa) and its main biologically active constituent, a polyphenol called curcumin, have remarkable, multiple health benefits as supported by an extensive body of clinical science.

CLICK HERE to read about the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, anticholesterol, antithrombotic, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and nootropic and neuroprotective effects of curcumin.

NARCOX™ uses a patented Belgian biotechnology used to extract and cage the curcumin molecules in a natural plant starch, increasing the absorption rate of curcumin by 4000×.

When your muscles or joints are injured, the body induces an enzyme called COX-2 that produces excessive PGE2, a compound which causes inflammation and pain. While other solutions inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, NARCOX™ inhibits only COX-2. This is important because COX-1 inhibition has been known to cause severe side effects such as cardiovascular problems, strokes and gastrointestinal injuries or bleeding (and erectile dysfunction).

Journal Reference

Senbel AM. Functional inhibition of erectile process in rats by indomethacin. World J Urol. 2010 Oct 7. [Epub ahead of print]

NSAIDs raise erectile dysfunction risk by 40%

The regular use of nonstroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with higher odds of erectile dysfunction, according to the results of a prospective cohort study by US reasearchers.

Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Nurofen), naproxen (Synflex) and diclofenac (Olfen, Remethan, Vokam, Voren, Voltaren, Zolterol).

Because previous studies had suggested a potential relationship between inflammation and erectile dysfunction, the researchers thought the use of NSAIDs could be inversely associated with erectile dysfunction.

Researchers enrolled more than 80,000 men from the Kaiser Permanente research centre in California who were aged between 45 and 69 in 2002. NSAID use was gathered from prescription data and the presence of erectile dysfunction was self-reported.

After adjusting for potentially confounding variables like age, race, ethnicity, smoking and body mass index, there was a positive association between NSAID use and erectile dysfunction, with regular use increasing the likelihood of the condition by 38% compared to non-users.

Steven Jacobsen, an epidemiologist and director of research for Kaiser Permanente, said NSAIDs have ‘many proven benefits’, but concluded: ‘People shouldn’t stop taking them based on this observational study. However, if a man is taking this class of drugs and has erectile dysfunction it’s worth a discussion with his doctor.’

Journal Reference:

Gleason JM, Slezak JM, Jung H, Reynolds K, Van Den Eeden SK, Haque R, Quinn VP, Loo RK, Jacobsen SJ. Regular Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Use and Erectile Dysfunction. J Urology, published online February 21, 2011

Wikipedia defines a prospective cohort study as a cohort study that follows over time a group of similar individuals ("cohort") who differ with respect to certain factors under study, in order to determine how these factors affect rates of a certain outcome.

Zestz for LAUGHS: CLICK HERE for adults only entertainment.

Alternatives to oral NSAIDs

To minimise intake of NSAIDs, you can opt for the topical NSAIDs containing diclofenac (Panaflex, Voltaren Emugel) ketoprofen (Fastum Gel) or piroxicam (Rhumagel).

NSAID-free Menzza OA contains 0.025% capsaicin derived from chillies. Capsaicin reduces the amount of a neurotransmitter called substance P, which is thought to release inflammation-causing enzymes and trigger pain impulses to the brain.

Other alternatives supported by Level 1 or Level 2 evidence include exercise, curcumin, glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids.

Picture Credit: Health24.com

Arthritic Joints - Suggestions to help prevent stiffness and pain

Even everyday activities can strain stiff and inflamed arthritic joints.

The Arthritis Foundation offers these suggestions to help tame arthritis stiffness and pain:

• Avoid too many activities that hurt your joints. Use aids -- such as zipper pulls or jar openers -- to make such tasks easier.
• Try to lift with muscles and joints that are largest and strongest, and cause the least amount of pain.
• Don't stay in the same position for too long.
• Strike a good balance between physical activity and resting when you need it.
• Listen to pain as a sign that you've pushed yourself too hard, and take it easier next time.
• Get help from friends and family when faced with a challenge that's too tough.

Zestz for LAUGHS - NZ Sheep Population

There are approximately 10 sheep for every person in New Zealand (43 million sheep, 4.4 million humans) while China has a sheep population of 130 million.

Source:
1. A brief outline of sheep farming in New Zealand
2. Susan Trimble's "Sheep Tails Tales"
3. Photo introduced by Pete Kew, photographer unknown.