All this talk about green living and being ecologically considerate is no longer a stranger to us. Everywhere we go, people are telling us to live a greener life with No Plastic Bag Day, Earth Hour and recycling bags. So, the big question now is: How did we even get ourselves here? How did we land ourselves in a situation where awareness to our depleting earth is necessary?

On this World Earth Day, let us remind ourselves what exactly is killing Mother Earth and how we are involved in the slow but sure deterioration of what we call our home.

1.     Rising global temperature

The weather has been a little chaotic these days, don’t you think? With winter extended into spring and raining when it is supposed to be humid, it has slowly become unpredictable and out of its usual order. Not only is the weather a mess, it is also increasingly hotter than normal which is causing the rise of the temperature of the sea and the melting of glaciers. The cause of this is prior to many reasons like the higher amount of air-conditioning usage, increased release of carbon gases and logging – all the general necessities in developing a modern environment. In addition to the rise of temperature, many marine creatures are affected by it and dying from even the slightest, most minute change in water temperature like the magnificent coral reefs and the colourful fishes. Our ecology runs in a balance and if one falls, it all boils down to the survivor of the fittest and most adaptable.

What we can do to help: Switch air-conditioning off when not in use or minimize usage with a timer. Another thing we can practice is knowing what we want before opening the fridge.

 2.     Air pollution

Another crucial environmental issue is air pollution and some countries are facing some of the worst pollution in recorded history like Beijing, China. Not only does air pollution pose some respiratory health threats to us, it also poses a threat to Mother Earth as the release of carbon gases is one of the main contributors to global warming. How can we help reduce air pollution? Well, there is little we can do about it as some of the factors are beyond us and inevitable in the development of an established country but there is one thing we can all make a collaborative effort to do: car pooling. The increase of cars on the road is not only causing us a stressful journey of traffic, it is also terribly bad for the quality of our air.

What we can do to help: Car-pool! Let’s make a conscious effort to pick up our friends on the way because hey, it is a great time for bonding too!

3.     Logging and cutting down of trees

Do you remember going to the zoo and enjoying the sights and sounds of tigers, monkeys and exotic birds? Don’t you just want to share this luxury with your kids and show them what amazing creatures live among us? I most definitely do; but, the problem is that we are not sure how long we can keep their natural habitat in tact if we keep exploiting their lands for our benefit. It is a selfish act for us to continuously develop multi-story buildings and residential areas for our own investment. Sure, it is not wrong but is it necessary? Has it ever occurred to you that the boon is also our bane? With less trees our land is barren and exposed to more sunlight and many disasters like landslide can occur; plus, our air is not naturally circulated hence, air pollution. Besides the building of infrastructure, we are all aware that paper comes from trees and again, this is another inevitable fact of our modern society that we simply cannot eradicate but learn to curb it.

What we can do to help: As for logging, it is beyond our control to have a say in it but we sure can recycle our paper! Besides recycling, we can also minimize the usage through using soft copy via our electronic devices.

It is not fiction that our world is dying, the reality is among us and we are a part of it whether we care or not; so, let’s make a collaborative effort to conserve our earth before the creatures of the earth only becomes a picture book to our future generations. Let’s be wise with our decisions and remember that a little goes a very, very long way!

Image: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ by http://www.flickr.com/photos/flyingsinger/ Flying Singer

Let’s admit it; every woman would love to stay in shape but we all know that exercising can become quite a chore. We jog, we skip, we crunch – it all can get quite monotonous at some point unless your determination is as solid as your dream abs.

Here’s some good news for all you ladies out there: there is always an alternative! Created by Grammy award winning producers, Zumba is a Latin-inspired fitness-party that is an amazing way to keep fit and stay healthy while having a ball.

So, what exactly are the benefits of Zumba?

Burns lots of calories

Like every workout, all we want is to burn some calories but with Zumba, you are guaranteed a huge amount of calorie burn with all the dancing you are going to do. The best part is that you won’t feel like you are exerting a lot of energy from all the fun you are having just dancing to the beat!

Totally tones your body

If you are looking for a workout that doesn’t only focus on a single part of your body, then Zumba is definitely for you. Because it is ultimately dancing, you are required to use of your entire body; hence, a total body toning!

 Highly addictive

Zumba is said to be highly addictive and with its upbeat tempo and fun atmosphere, it really keeps you begging for more! With an exercise that you are certain you will enjoy, it’s no longer a dreaded regime – it’s a party!

 Suitable for All Ages

If you feel like you are too old to dance, Zumba doesn’t think so! It is suitable for all ages as the dances are nothing too vigorous. They even have a program for kids called Zumbatonic for children aged 4-12 years old. Sounds like a great family activity right there!

 Improves Your Body Awareness

Like all form of dance, it helps you realize that you can move more than one part of your body at the same time – it’s all about coordination. With Zumba, it will allow you to be more aware of the movement of your body and learn to use every part of it.

 Increases Happiness

They say that exercising helps in the release of dopamine and serotonin, which is indeed a fact. However, given the fact that dancing and socializing is bundled into this package, you are bound to not only meet new people and gain new experiences but you will most definitely release all your stress with each step.

With such a tantalizing fitness-party around, it is difficult to refuse.  So, no more excuses, ladies! In conjunction with World Health Day, let’s get your sports attire on and let’s Zumba our way to a fitter and healthier you!

Image: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/ by http://www.flickr.com/photos/anujraj/ Anujraj

5 Ways to Learn Self-Defense

We are currently living in an era where danger lurks even when the sun is high and bright – every stranger that looms in the corner poses a threat to us and the worst part is that it is not enough to just be careful. It is crucial that you keep your guard up and be very aware and realistic of every possible situation because someday, you might just be the “other people” we all refer to when bad things happen.

Here are 5 ways you can defend yourself, just in case:

1.     Fight them!

Albeit being the more conventional and probably slightly more time consuming method than just running away, learning martial arts be it Muay Thai, kick-boxing or Taekwondo will greatly help in keeping you calm and confident in a given situation as well as building your defense mechanism and body reflex. You can now be a little less paranoid about walking around alone!

2.     Spray them!

Pepper spray, pepper spray, pepper spray! Our moms have always told us to carry them with us at ALL times and it’s for a good reason. In case of emergency and lack of physical strength or agility, just whip out your pepper spray and spray like there’s no tomorrow. Then run.

3.     Watch them!

You may not know who is after you or if anybody is after you at all but there is no harm to keep a watch out for anybody who looks seemingly suspicious. Always be alert about your surroundings especially in quiet car parks. Just keep looking around and behind you and walk really quickly. No predator likes a knowing prey!

4.     Escape them!

It might sound pretty paranoid to be thinking of a potential contingency plan and knowing your escape routes if any malevolence should fall on you but do know that it will be highly resourceful if you prepared one. Just in case such a situation should happen, you know roughly what to do and where to run to – it will also help you think better and see things a little clearer. So, be prepared!

5.     Kick them!

You know what I’m talking about and you know where I’m talking about. If all else fails, just kick them, run as fast as you can and call for help. Your life is more valuable than anything else so if you must, drop whatever you’re carrying and hold on to dear life.

It is no longer a safe society to live in and although it is rather inappropriate to jump to conclusions that everyone has an intention to harm you but it is an inevitable truth that anything could happen to you. So, don’t let your guards down and remember to stay very alert. Take care!

Image: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/ by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/ laradanielle

Tuberculosis is a relatively fatal disease that has garnered very little attention over the years and many people are still unaware of what it really is and just how lethal it can become if untreated. In conjunction with World Tuberculosis Day, let’s look into Tuberculosis and get to know it a little better:

1.     Tuberculosis is an infectious disease

Caused by a strain of bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, TB commonly attacks the pulmonary regions such as the lungs but it could also infect other areas of the body as well. This disease is considered contagious – transmitted through droplets from an infected person’s cough. However, direct contact with said person’s saliva such as from sharing a drink or even kissing will not transmit the disease – it has to come from the lungs or throat.

2.     Chronic coughing is a sign of TB

Like many diseases which involve the lungs, coughing profusely for a long period of time is a good indicator that something is amiss in your lungs. For TB, it usually includes blood-tinged sputum as well as weight loss and fever in the ball of symptoms. They may all sound like regular illness that can be treated with over-the-counter medicine, but let’s not take things for granted!

3.     Tuberculosis is fatal if gone untreated

It is known to be one of the world’s top infectious diseases that occur primarily on the low to middle-income countries. Prior to the fact that its symptoms seem somewhat unsuspecting, people tend to brush it off. It is important to take heed when your cough is ongoing for at least 3 weeks before it is too late!

4.     Higher risks for low immunity

It is only logical that if your immune system is not in mint condition, diseases attack your body a lot easier. In this context, if you had TB before, it is important to be aware of your body as it can reoccur if you are not careful or was not treated properly previously. On top of that, regular alcohol consumption as well as drugs can weaken your immunity and many health problems may arise along with TB. So, do value your body while it is still healthy.

5.     Tuberculosis is preventable and curable

Early diagnosis and early treatment is always the way to go with any form of diseases and TB is no exception. One way for early prevention is to take the BCG Vaccine in your teens and if you do have TB, medication will be necessary for at least 2 months because the mycobacteria are not only slow to grow but also slow to die. Nevertheless, this is no dead end!

I hope everyone is a little more aware that TB should be taken more seriously and I hope this raises an awareness of what it is all about and why you should take precautions. Your health is your wealth and your body isn’t going anywhere; so, take good care of it – eat healthy, stay healthy!

Image: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/ by http://www.flickr.com/photos/microbeworld/ Microbe World

Women – said to be one of the most complicated creatures on the face of the earth and men just cannot seem to understand us most of the time. They have their occasional hormonal days of bouts of anger and their days of uncontrollable tears yet the world cannot continue spinning if they have been eradicated. Women play such a vital role in our lives yet sometimes can be overlooked.

Let’s remind ourselves why they are important to us with these 4 main reasons:

1.     The gift of life

Of course, the most important role of a woman is indeed childbirth. Without the womb of our mothers, there will be no you and I. Think about it, when you feel a discomfort in your abdominal region, the pain can sometimes be so painful that we see our life flash before us – now multiply that by 100 and we get childbirth. It amazes me how they go through this immense amount of pain just to bring new life to this world. Not forgetting the sacrifices of a svelte body, eating habits and lifestyle post-pregnancy. And yet, they will tell you it is all worth it. Bravo!

2.     The gift of emotions

For the most part, women is usually said to be the more sensitive of the sexes and bring forth the emotional aspect in a relationship. Although it may not seem like it is necessary for their incessant paranoia and constant worrying, take a step back and look at it this way: it is an outlet of expression not just of their caring nature but also a way of protection. Without them looking out for us and showing us love in a softer manner, our lives will probably not be as balanced. So before we jump to the conclusion that they are overreacting, let’s remember that women tend to think a lot further and it’s not for bad intentions.

3.     The gift of intuition

You know what they say about a women’s intuition being right all the time? Sometimes, I do believe it is true. Women tend to have a stronger sense of other people’s emotion and somehow they just know it when something is wrong. Like our mothers, they always know just what to say and do when we are at our most vulnerable state. They will always be listening to us and tapping into our emotional system when we need it most and give detailed explanations and advices. They are the more empathetic gender of the lot and somehow, it is in their nature to listen and understand the emotional rollercoaster that all humans are bound to face. And that is the beauty of women.

4.     The gift of balance

Women and men are said to be from Mars and Venus – both from completely different worlds and are placed together to live in harmony. Without women, our lives are probably going to be oddly lop-sided and we are going to find it difficult to strike a balance between logic and emotion. Women help us realize that it is okay to delve into our emotional state once in a while and be at peace with it while men help us to think with our heads. It is a necessary balance in our lives and women contribute a huge part in keeping our lives in check.

In accordance to Women’s Day, this goes out to all the women out there. These are a women’s strength and it’s time we take it into account and appreciate what it has done in our lives for the better. Cheers!

Image: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ by Kneel Center, Cornell University http://www.flickr.com/photos/kheelcenter/

The smell of roses is in the air and the sight of endearing couples are on the street – you know it’s the time of the year again where love rings through but expensive dinners and overpriced roses are just simply not working out for you. What is there left to do? Well, personally, I believe that a personal touch adds an essence of romance and thoughtfulness and the best thing about romance is that it should not cost you a dime (or too much, at least).

Here are some gift ideas or just something you and your loved one can share and do together on this special day:

1.     D.I.Y handicrafts

There is always something very intimate about handmade gifts. It is done with YOUR hands and it is thought by YOU and on top of that, the creativity involved allows you room to add inside jokes and specific details only you and your other half will understand. Try using recyclable materials as the rawness of it gives a very homely touch whilst being economical about your budget and eco-friendly.

2.     Cook a hearty meal

They say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach and this saying definitely goes a long way. Cooking a meal is not just simply throwing ingredients together and whipping up a dish – no. It is about knowing your partner well enough to understand what he/she loves to eat or knowing what is good for their health and spending the time enjoying the meal together. It is a simple, inexpensive idea that will definitely warm his/her heart.

3.     Have a picnic

Low in cost but high in fun, a picnic is certainly not a norm here which is what makes it incredibly memorable for Valentine’s. Wake up early, prepare some light finger food and head on to a beautiful public park and just take in the fresh morning dew with your other half. It is a great idea for true quality time spent people-watching and making memories without fishing out a wad of cash.

4.     Stargaze together

Even if you are no astronomy expert, there is something very romantic about stargazing – it’s quiet, it’s dark and you feel like the two of you are the only people alive in this world. Of course, you need to be careful if you decide to head out to a park but it is advisable to just do it outside your lawn. Just grab a mat, a hot beverage and just lie under the stars a la A Walk to Remember. It may be free but cross your fingers for a clear sky!

5.     Create a Memory Jar

Ever had a time where you vaguely remember a fond memory but cannot seem to put a finger on it? How about making a memory jar where you write down snippets of your memory with the date (if you remember it) and drop them in a jar where you can randomly pick a memory out of it and reminisce together. It’s always a fuzzy feeling where you and your loved one can look back together and talk about what great days you both have shared together!

So, this Valentine’s Day, gift the gift of a great experience and memory for your loved one (and yourself) as effort makes the heart even fonder. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Image: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/ by Sewing Daisies http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewingdaisies/

Keep Fit with 5 Types of Invigorating Exercises

The festive season has come but has not gone with the upcoming Chinese New Year ahead and the only concern for most of us is if we can still fit into our form-fitting cheongsam that never lies about our added curves without actually hitting the gym and doing rounds and rounds of treadmill. If the gym is monotonous for you, here are 5 types of exercises that are both effective and enjoyable to do:

1.     Fly Yoga

This is a relatively new form of workout here and as its name describes it, it is essentially yoga but involves a certain amount of aerial work on a suspended fabric. Also known as Aerial Yoga, this is great for people who enjoy yoga but want a bit of challenge as these two are vastly different in concept. This workout helps in strengthening your core muscles, increases your flexibility and at the same time keeps you lean and fit while having fun!

2.     Fit Ball

The Fit Ball is no stranger to us and everybody knows how it works but instead of doing your regular exercise regime on a floor mat, practicing it on a fit ball actually helps build your muscles even more because when you are on the ball, it requires a certain amount of balance without rolling away. The Fit Ball mainly focuses on improving balance and back and spinal health. And if all else fails, simply bouncing on it or using it as a chair for work can help straighten your posture!

3.     Pole Fitness

When people say “pole dancing”, the immediate idea we get are sensual burlesque dancing which is actually an interesting way of working out too, if I may add. However, for people who are a little more timid, pole fitness is not about leg flirting and such – it is about strength, flexibility and stamina. Imagine having to suspend yourself on a vertical pole, you bet your muscles are bound to work!

 4.     Pilates

In a nutshell, Pilates may seem somewhat similar to yoga in terms of mat work and poses. However, they are actually relatively different. Pilates is a workout that focuses more primarily on your core strength, balance and improving the control of your body without the meditation. On top of that, Pilates also involve a couple of equipment such as Fit Ball or even a resistance machine which makes it more exciting to work on.

5.     Jukari Fit to Fly

Created by Cirque du Soleil and Reebok, Jukari Fit is also one of those unique and new methods of exercising that is incredibly fun and effective.  It requires a weighted trapeze-designed bar with loops at the end which involves swinging and various types of climb and stretch. It is said that the suspension actually helps your core muscles to work extra hard as it is more difficult to balance on air. This exercise will not only give you the experience of an acrobat (almost) but it will definitely give you a body of one!

So, with these 5 invigorating exercises, you can kiss your festive weight blues and the guilt trip on food lane away and enjoy your holiday!

Image: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ by Mike Baird http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/

Beauty is one of those words that have a thousand ways to describe. For some, it’s a confident personality whereas for others, it could mean elegance. However, to most women, the route to achieve the poise, elegance and confidence lies in the 4-inch stilettos because the rationale here is the longer the legs, the more beautiful you appear.

Now, there is no right or wrong answers here but there is a very important price that you have to pay for beauty. No, it’s not the thousands you have to spend on a Steve Madden neither it is the hundreds you spend on a pair of Aldo platforms – it’s the price you pay for wearing said shoes.

Pain may be a part of beauty but long-term damaging pain? Let’s take a step back and think about that! Here are reasons why:

1. High heels damages leg tendons

Being on your tip-toes regularly is certainly no fun and undeniably painful, isn’t it? Well, imagine this, while you may be strutting and swaying your hips, your calf muscles are actually gradually shortening. The result of this is a stiffer Achilles tendon and believe it or not, it will hurt even more on flats because your tendon is permanently shorter causing a difficulty in stretching your calf muscles.

2. High heels alters postures

Contrary to popular belief, high heels may give an outward poise but internally, your posture is quietly changing – almost literally bending over backwards to look good. This happens because high heels tend to push the body forward when you walk and forces your spine and hip out of alignment.

3. High heels causes osteoarthritis

Because of the poor posture high heels set your body in, other parts of your body will fall victim as well. For instance, your knees will receive a lot of pressure from your body’s mass pushing forward and eventually cause osteoarthritis to the extent where there may even be bone-to-bone contact in your knee joints.

4. High heels causes foot alteration

The hypothesis here is the higher the heel, the more pressure on the forefoot. Which makes sense because your heel is lifted therefore pressure will travel straight down to your toes. So, basically, the only part of your body supporting you is actually your tiny toes. With this come many other foot deformities such as:

• Bunions: a bony growth at the base of your big toe caused by tight-fitting, narrow-headed heels causing your toe to angle toward your other toes.
• Corn: a lump on the foot caused by friction between skin and edge of toebox.
• Hammertoe: a permanently deformed foot where the muscles in the toes are unable to straighten even without shoes prior to the bending of the middle foot joint caused by a narrow toebox.

Although it may be many women’s guilty pleasure to pair their favorite black dress with a pair of stunning heels, and trust me, it is no sin to dress to kill; however, let’s not kill your foot while you’re at it. So keep it minimal and take good care of what’s keeping you standing.

Image Credit: Some rights reserved by lisakayaks

I love eggs. I love how versatile it is that you can eat them scrambled, poached, fried, steamed, half-boiled or hard-boiled. I love how it is also nutritious and can be eaten with just about anything. While eggs as a whole already got people excited at any time of day, egg whites on the other hand is somewhat the wallflower in this picture.
Usually only separated for baking, eggs – yolk and white – come hand in hand most of the time. However, when separated, egg white actually has a lot to offer – shining a light on its own.

Here are 3 main benefits of egg whites to our body both inside and out:
1. Egg whites firm skin and face

It’s always weird to spread food on your face considering how slimy egg whites can be. But beauty always has a price to pay and this is worth every penny. Containing Lysozyme, egg whites are said to be a natural pore tightening solution and can even treat wrinkles temporarily. It is usually used as a mask that you can prepare by whisking the egg whites until it is foamy and leaving it on your face for 10-15 minutes.

2. Egg whites repair hair

Cheap and effective, egg whites are a natural hair care especially for oily hair. Because it is full of bacteria-eating enzymes, egg whites are excellent for treating oily hair, eating up all the excess oils. Simply apply the beaten egg white mixture into your clean, damp hair and let it dry for approximately 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Smooth, silky and shiny hair whilst your wallet is still plump!

3. Egg whites keeps you lean

Eggs may be noted for being high in cholesterol and fat but egg whites on the other hand has none of that but only the good stuff. With almost no cholesterol and is absolutely high in protein, egg whites are your guilt-free and healthy option if you love having eggs every day. To add to the good news, egg whites are low in calories and have no fat! So, weight watchers, you know what to do!

Widely available and easy to apply to your everyday lives, egg whites are a source of both health and skincare that you should start (if not continue!) to eat and use.

Image credit: some rights reserved by djwtwo

On our beautiful tropical country, coconut is no stranger to us. We have seen it in forms like fragrant coconut milk, crunchy coconut shavings, refreshing coconut drink, sweet coconut candy and of course coconut oil.

Coconut oil especially extra virgin coconut oil poses many health and physical benefits to our body. Separated from the mixture of coconut milk and coconut water, coconut oil has virtually no proteins and carbohydrates left in it which makes it a good choice of saturated fat.

So, what about coconut oil and its many benefits?

1. It is a natural hair care

Coconut oil is known to be a natural hair conditioner as well as aiding in both hair growth and dandruff care. What dandruff shampoo, what hair fall shampoo? Just rub some coconut oil on your scalp and your hair will flow, shine and grow healthily!

2. It is a natural skin care

For most of us living in tropical countries, we find that the humid weather gives us all these eczema in forms of dry skin and even rash. Well, your solution is pretty simple now. Try massaging some coconut oil into your skin every day and you will see noticeable results as coconut oil is a natural skin moisturizer that even works with aging skin!

3. It is a natural fat

Because coconut oil is dense in medium-chained fatty acid (MCFA), it almost has little to no negative effect with cholesterol thus making it a suitable source of fat for people with health problems like heart disease, high cholesterol and diabetes. You can easily substitute it as your regular cooking oil or simply just drink a tablespoon of it.

4. It is a natural health benefit

In reference and addition to the above, coconut oil is an overall plus point to our body. Prior to its basis of being an MCFA, coconut oil is said to aid in weight loss because the fats are converted into energy thus improving metabolism. On top of that, it also increases your immunity with its lauric acid, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Oh the abundance!

With just ONE part of a coconut – extracted and processed – it’s hard to believe so many advantages can be added to our health. Extra virgin coconut oil is usually recommended so, go forth and embrace in the tropical paradise of coconut oil.

Image Credit: Some rights reserved by TigerPuppala