Prevention

Kegel exercises can do more than prolong sex. Greater muscular control now can halt accidental leakage later. Squeeze your pelvic muscles as if you’re stopping the flow of urine in reps of 10, three times a day.

Prevention

A diet high in antioxidants can have a protective effect on long tern hearing. So eat seedy fruit like pomegranate. Better for your ears than seedy nightclubs.

Prevention

Go swimming: it strengthens joints and reduces cartilage wear. If in doubt, always see the physic.

Men put up with partially torn ligaments. But festering injuries can lead to old-age pain.

Prevention

The Australian Cancer Council found ejaculating more than five times a week in your 20s and 30s cuts the risk of prostate cancer in later life by a third. The report said masturbation is more effective than sex, so take matters in hand.

Blotchy skin is a common complaint in Asian country. What are the causes?

Cumulative sun damage causes premature aging and pigment formation, this result in sun and age spots. Some people are genetically predisposed to pigmentation like freckles, while melasma ( “the mask of pregnancy”) is due to hormonal changes. Another unique feature of Asian skin is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in which the skin darkens after injury from, for example, too strong an acid peel. I encounter these conditions daily in my practice.

Any treatment?

Some doctor would need to assess  with their patient and discuss the possible options and outcomes. Using a good sun-block will definitely prevent worsening of the pigmentation. You can use creams — a good start although the results are slow. I usually use Photo-rejuvenation which involves an energy source either from light or laser to fragment the pigment under the skin without burning the outer skin layer. Hence, there is no reddening, pain or downtime.

Lightening of the pigment can be noticed within a week but results vary from 20%-80% depending on the individual. Consistent use of creams and sun-block will improve the final outcome. The results, though never perfect, are about as good as what medical technology can offer. That’s probably why we get many new patients by way of recommendation.

How has it affected your treatment of pigmentary disorders?

When first started aesthetic practice, treatment options were limited to just creams, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Some lightening could be seen after a few months. Technology has improved tremendously and I have been using a combination of mild burning ablative lasers and non-burning non- ablative lasers with much better results.

Estee Lauder Stress Relief Eye Mask

Botanical extracts give the delicate eye area a revitalizing pick-me-up, to soothe, refresh, relax and hydrate all at once. Reduces puffiness and fine lines, too.

Shiseido Benefiance Eye Treatment Mask

The cooling gel mask has ginseng to energies, and Bio-Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and moisturize. The eye area looks lifted, smoother and revitalized.

Skinvitals Eyelift

To lift and reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area, this contains the powerful antioxidant co-enzyme Q10 and soya protein which nourish and regenerate skin.

Step 1:

Begin by pinching from tips and bottoms of each finger and thumb of both your right hand and left hand. The pressure applied to your fingers should be firm, but not painful. A few seconds for each finger tip will do. Pinch them again, but this time squeezing from side to side.

Step 2:

Vigorously rub back and forth from the base to the tip of each linger & thumb.

Step 3:

Grasp each finger & thumb at its base and pull firmly. Allow your grip to loosen slightly, graduating it from the base to the finger tip until your finger slips out of your grasp completely.

Step 4:

Using your thumb and forefinger firmly grasp the webbed area between your thumb & forefinger of your other hand. Keeping a firm hold, pull at the skin gently until the fleshy web snaps away from your grasp. Repeat this process for the webbed-between areas on all your fingers.

Step 5:

Rest the palm of your hand inside the fingers of your free hand. Use your thumb to massage the back of your hand. Slowly work on the knuckles and in between knuckle area first. Continue thumb’ massaging each area on the back of the hand.

Step 6:

At the end of your session press your thumb deeply in the centre of your palm. Take a few deep breaths. This would help to relax, clear your mind, and focus on your healing intentions.

PHILIPS SATINELLE ICE PREMIUM

Design

The longest and lightest, its slim handle was easy to grip. It has ceramic blades with a slight curve. There is a two-speed knob in front.

Function

We could use it cordless or plugged into a power point. Takes 16 hours of charging for 20 minutes of use. It comes with a shaving head and two skin coolers — for the leg, and the bikini line and underarms — which makes epilating less painful. Just freeze the skin coolers and attach to the epilator before use. It also comes with an exfoliating buff, charger holder, small cleaning brush and a pouch.

Performance

It was easy and effective as the blade contours roiled easily over skin. It took a few rolls to remove fine hairs, but the skin coolers helped soothe skin, which didn’t feel sore after epilating.

Verdict

Effective; best used plugged in

Prevention

Your piriformis muscle controls hip rotation and is the most common cause of sciatica. Keep it loose with regular stretches: lie on your back with bent knees, Lift your right ankle over your left knee and pull into your chest.

BREAKFAST

Yogurt with cereal or whole-meal toast with peanut butter and banana, with honey drizzled on top Indulges in sausages, eggs and baked beans with Pierre once a week

LUNCH

Savoury oats with vegetables, mushrooms and minced pork or chicken

DINNER

Steamed cod with fresh ginger, chili and spring onion.

Steamed green vegetables seasoned with a dash of oyster/scallop sauce and topped with browned shallots.

Mixes brown rice with white rice.

Indulges in Pierre’s favorite beer battered fish and chips once every two to three months

Step 1 : Water For Tea

Bottled spring water that’s low in calcium. Calcium and chlorine in tap water affect
the natural taste of tea.

Step 2: Water Temperature

Avoid using boiling water — it damages the leaves, affects its aroma and flavor, and reduces the nutrients. The recommended water temperatures for black and oolong tea are 90 to 95 degrees C; for green, yellow and white tea, it is below 70 Celsius.

Step 3: Pre-Brew

Insert a tea strainer into the teapot and rinse with boiling water. Place a teaspoon of tea per cup into the warmed strainer. Let it stand for a few minutes to let the steam develop the leaves’ aroma. Pour in the hot water to start brewing.

Step 4: First Brew

Chinese tea drinkers discard the first infusion of oolong and black tea, which is meant to rinse the tea leaves. But for delicate teas like green and white, the first brew is drunk for its high antioxidant level.

Step 5: Infusing Tea Leaves

Each type of tea has a specific steeping time to bring out the best flavor and taste.
Black tea — two to three minutes

Oolong tea — three to four minutes.
Green tea — two to five minutes
Yellow tea — three to five minutes
White tea — five to 15 minutes

Step 6: How To Chose Tea?

Whole leaf teas are the most prized. Look for shiny, fresh and fragrant leaves.

It is the most common tea served in Chinese restaurants, as a batch of leaves can be steeped up to five times — the third and fourth brews give the best flavor. Reddish- brown when brewed, it is generally stronger, more roasted and full- bodied in taste and aroma than other types of tea.

They are dried naturally before being gently bruised and roasted over charcoal. The Tie Guan Yin is one of the most well-known while the Da Hong Pao is the finest and most expensive. Oolong tea prices vary greatly. Most high-quality oolong teas are made in China’s Fujian province.

Yellow Tea

Tea drinkers who find the grassy taste of green tea too strong may prefer yellow tea instead. Milder and sweeter, with a fresh and flowery aroma, it is harvested early in the year, and has younger and smaller leaves than green tea. Tea makers briskly fry small batches with high heat before drying them between special papers, a tedious process which removes the grassy flavor. Because it is time-consuming, it is rare and expensive. Not commonly available at regular retailers, we found a yellow tea called Meng Shan Huang Ya at Tian Fu Teahouse.

Way 6: Let There Be Light

Daylight regulates our bio-rhythm, and is responsible for our psychological equilibrium. If you spend all day in an office and finish late, you could be denying yourself calming, healing light. Get out at lunchtime, and take long walks on weekends to increase your light quota.

Way 7: Balancing Your Brain

Developing your intuition helps you achieve inner harmony by balancing the right and left sides of your brain, using it productively is essential in keeping you rooted and bringing you a sense of calm.

Make creative ideas work, follows your hunches, and actively use visualization and meditation methods —these will all help you connect with your intuitive source.

Way 8 : Herbal Tonics

Look for calming herbal formulas which contain skullcap and passionflower compounds in tincture form, which you can drink. For long-term calm, use herbal tonics with essential oils.

Way 9: Animal

Studies have suggested that over 90 per cent of cat owners find their pet a vital aid to relaxation, while interaction with a dog is known to induce a deep state of calm by slowing heart rate and lowering your blood pressure.

Way 10 : Transcendental

Practiced by five million people worldwide, the easy­-to-master technique of transcendental meditation is renowned for its inner-balancing capabilities. It calms the body, can be learned in days, and removes all stress — replacing it with clarity and a sense of perspective.

Way 1 : Expand Your Vision

Find a point opposite you, just above eye-level, and keeping your eyes on that point, begin to slowly broaden your field of vision to notice more of what’s on either side of that point, so that, eventually, you’re paying attention to what’s visible in the corners of your eyes.

You should begin to feel your breathing moving lower in your chest, slowing down, becoming deeper. You’ll also feel your facial muscles relaxing. This “peripheral vision” technique activates a part of the nervous system that restores inner calm.

Way 2: Healthy Meal

Complex carbohydrates — whole-wheat, cereals and rye — produce serotonin in the body, which has a effect on the brain’s chemistry. Vitamin B6 is also essential in serotonin production, so eat B6-rich foods — bananas, raisins and sweet potatoes — regularly to give your body the necessary fuel to help soothe you the nutritional way.

Way 3 : Music

Never underestimate the magic of music. “Classical music is extremely calming, Baroque classical is particularly effective — it’s very powerful and has been shown to lower the incidence of road rage in drivers.

Way 4 : Take a Short Rest / Nap

Suggest you taking regular “time-outs” when you feel overwhelmed. An easy way is to just shut your eyes. Then, allow your eyes to drift upwards and imagine you’re viewing the sky through your closed eyes. The technique mimics eye behavior when you sleep and tricks the mind into inducing calm.

Way 5 : Off Your 21^st Century Life

Switch off your mobile. Don’t read e-mail. Ignore text messages. Do this regularly to restore equilibrium. New technologies were supposed to help us but, instead, they’ve overloaded us indiscriminately. The mobile and internet revolution makes people constantly accessible, leaving them no ‘down-time’ to relax, reflect and be calm. It’s crazy—and unhealthy.

Bella Skin Care Dermatech Age Defence Cream.

The formula of the revolutionary DermaTecr Age Defence Solution is captured in a jar as an anti-ageing home remedy. Lightly scented with natural essences, the dual-action DermaTecr Age Defence Cream is formulated to offer time-release benefits which effectively eradicates pigmentation and protects skin cells from being damaged. Available in departmental store and pharmacies.

Eucerin Q10 Active Eye Cream & Treatment Cover Cream

Eucerin Q10 Active Eye Cream functions as an antioxidant and cell protecting UV filter to visibly diminish the appearance of dark circles and reduce the depth of lines. Eucerin Treatment Cover Cream contains 25% Zinc Oxide and Panthenol to promote rapid healing of pimples and acne spots. Available in pharmacy and departmental store.

Cyber Color Total Essential Care Skincare

Cyber Colors Total Essential Care Gentle Cleansing Cream gently removes make-up and impurities. Its Total Essential Care Gentle Skin Refresher contains natural green tea extracts, as well as Portulaca Oleracea and deep sea water, all with three capabilities – anti­cancer, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation.

Black Tea

Assam, Earl Grey and western style breakfast – most of the teas that we drink in cafes are single estate or blends of black tea. Infused to a clear shade of dark red, most black teas are hearty and boast the strongest flavors among all tea. As it’s fully oxidized, it can retain its flavor for several years. It also has the highest caffeine level at about 3%. The best black teas are the young shoots of each branch, with silver or golden tips.

Green Tea

Popular for antioxidant properties, the taste ranges from refreshing and mild, to grassy and full-bodies. The golden yellow brew is the most natural tea – freshly plucked leaves are dried and packed without being oxidized; it retains its green color as chlorophyll is not broken down.

It should be consumed within six months as it loses its flavor quickly. Japanese green tea is pan- or even dried. Well know ones include Sencha and Matcha from Japan, and Long Jing from China. Steep green tea uncovered as high temperature destroys the nutrients.

White Tea

More delicate than other teas in taste and aroma, white tea has a natural sweetness. Uncommon and expensive, it lightly fermented buds and leaves produce a light golden color and mildly sweet aroma and flavor when brewed. Like Green Tea, it’s not oxidized and retains much of its antioxidants. The tea leaves are streamed or fired after being air dried. The BaiHao YinZhen and white Peony are two more well known white tea varieties.

On Your Hot Seat

• Sit with your feet comfortably flat on the floor and elbows level with the keyboard.
• Keep your arms parallel to the floor.
• Recline chair slightly to reduce pressure on the lower back.
• Push your hips very close to the back of the chair.
• De-clutter the area below your desk so you have room to stretch your legs.

On the phone

• Avoid holding the receiver between the shoulder and the ear as it strains the neck.
• Use a headset if you use the phone frequently.
• Make sure the phone is within easy reach to avoid over-stretching.
• Use both thumbs to type messages on your mobile phone to minimize the strain on one thumb.

Using the keyboard

• Type lightly. Heavy pounding stresses the fingers and may result in elbow pain.
• Adjust the keyboard so it’s in the middle of your body.
• Type with straight wrists; adjust the height of the keyboard if your wrists are bent when typing.
• Use a desktop rather than a laptop for prolonged typing — it has a bigger and higher screen and more well-spaced keys.

Monitor safety

• Make sure your monitor is placed at least an arm’s length away.
• Keep the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level.
• Tilt the screen slightly so the base is closer to you than the top.
• Place the monitor perpendicular to the window if you are relying on natural light.
• Keep your head straight when working — tilting it causes neck strain.

Take a time out

• Follow the 20/20/20 rule — work for 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds and look 20 feet (6 meters) away.
• Mix sedentary and mobile tasks. Sitting still for long periods inhibits blood circulation.
• Stretch your neck, shoulders, wrists, arms and back occasionally.
• Make it a habit to blink every two to four seconds — this ensures your eyes are constantly lubricated, and prevents strain.

What should I do??? Most people facing the same problem with: Whenever they sit down, their stomach spills over my pants, skirt or jeans. How can they get rid of this roll of fat?

Eating a balanced diet and cutting down on your intake of carbohydrates will help reduce overall body fat. Regular exercise will also help increase energy expenditure and tone abdominal muscles.

Fat that doesn’t budge with diet and exercise can be treated with Slim Laser Body Contouring, which is suitable for areas like the abdomen, love-handles, thighs, arms and back. It is a minimally invasive procedure with minimum downtime. It uses a powerful io-watt Nd:YAG laser to melt and destroy fat cells before they are removed from the body.

But most people also worry about the painful while process?

The entire treatment is performed under skin anesthesia, but if you are concerned about pain, a mild sedative can be administered. Although pain thresholds differ in individuals, most women report minimal discomfort.

Will I have to take time off from work after the procedure?

The entire treatment is done in one session of a few hours, and you’ll be able to return home on the same day. Most people return to work in a day or two.

What kind of results can you expect?

As with any treatment, results vary between individuals, although most people notice a noticeable reduction in the treated area immediately after the treatment.

Buy freshly-squeezed juices and yogurt in small servings, or cereal and instant oatmeal in sachets. Read and compare labels as some breakfast cereals and energy bars can be very high in sugar.

Hard-boil an egg the night before or pack leftovers like pizza. Or cook and refrigerate a luxurious breakfast, like an omelet stuffed with chicken and bell peppers, or a whole-meal ham sandwich, and have it with a serving of fruit.

Stash a muffin, a hard-boiled egg, yogurt or an apple in your bag and eat them on the way to work. Alternatively, have some ready-to-eat cereal with a banana and a small carton of low-fat milk.

Opt for low-sugar, high-fiber, high-protein choices, such as soya bean milk or bean curd, fish porridge or cut fruit from the market; a half- boiled egg and toast, or bun from the coffee-shop; or milk and cereal from 24-hour marts. Also suggests a wholegrain bread roll with low-fat cheese or tuna, and coffee with milk. Sweet pastries or fried food offer a temporary spurt of energy but set you up for a massive slump in the late morning.

PHYTOMER’S DECOLLETE PARFAIT

Neck and Decollete Renewing Care maintains the tone and elasticity in your neck and decollete. The light emulsion contains sweet almond oil and marine anti-melanin complex, among other things, that work to prevent dark spots and wrinkled skin. Available at leading spas, salons and departmental store.

SKIN DOCTOR

Premature Aging of delicate facial skin due to sun exposure can lead to dark spots, dullness and loss of skin elasticity. To combat these effects, try up Skin Doctors’ Photo Age Reverse. It contains Venuceana, which mimics anti-free radical enzymes found naturally in skin. Available at pharmacy and departmental store.

LANCASTER’S REVOLCANIC

Skin needs both oil and moisture. Most people with oily skin tend to avoid moisturizers, and cleanse and blot frequently. This lack of oil causes moisture loss and dehydrated skin compensates by producing more oil, so skin gets even oilier. To achieve healthy skin, you should cleanse, tone and moisturise to maintain a good moisture balance.

Try Lancaster’s Revolcanic Deep Moisturising Gel, with its volcano water and crest marine (a Mediterranean plant), which is rich in minerals and trace elements.

LANCASTER’S INFINITE WHITE

Melasmatic tissue is common in women, and is caused by the stimulation of pigment producing cells by female sex hormones when skin is exposed to the sun. Lancaster’s Ultra Protection Tan Control SPF50 for face, which has a light texture, should suit you. To fade Melasmatic tissue, try Lancaster’s Infinite White range. Since you have dry skin, try the serum and cream, which has papaya complex, white orchid and bio-white complex rich in vitamin C to even out skin tone, illuminate and revitalize skin. It also contains retinol to boost collagen and increase cellular renewal for younger-looking skin.