What is Spondylosis and How to Manage it Effectively

Saturday 27 October 2012


Cervical spondylosis is a degeneration of the joints in the neck, where there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones. It is a form of arthritis, but rarely becomes crippling or disabling. It is a very common cause for long-term neck pain. It is estimated that more than 85% of people over 60 are suffering from it.

Our spine is divided into 3 segments:

1) cervical spine (neck region), comprising 7 vertebrae
2) thoracic spine (chest region), comprising 12 vertebrae
3) lumbar spine (lower back region), comprising 5 vertebrae.

The vertebrae are joined to each other via ligaments. In between, there are intervertebral disks, which consist of jelly-like material encased by a fibrous ring. This helps cushion our spine from external forces.

These disks degenerate and lose water content as a result of age. The facets of the vertebrae experience increased pressure and start to degenerate too. The cartilage wears away. Bone rubs on bone. As a result, arthritis develops.


Our body may respond to this increased pressure by trying to grow new bones in the facet joints, resulting in an overgrowth of bone, called Spurs. These spurs may press against our spine, compressing the nerves in our spine, causing pain.

Some tell-tale signs you have cervical spondylosis:
  • numbness and weakness in your hands, fingers and arms
  • neck pain associated with stiffness, which worsens if you exercise your neck
  • muscle spasms in neck and shoulders
  • hear or feel a grinding or popping sound when moving your neck
  • headache which starts at the back of your head.

Risk Factors of Spondylosis
  • family history of cervical spondylosis or neck pain
  • you smoke
  • your job involves a lot of neck twisting (like dancing) and overhead work (like repairing ceiling lights and air-cond units)
  • you have depression or anxiety
  • you have injury eg. from car accident.
(Source: A pain in the neck by Dr Y.L.M., Star2, 3 October 2012)

Managing Spondylosis Effectively

Drugs and aspirin only provide pain relief without attacking the underlying causes of the disease i.e. the loss of cartilage and oxidative stress. Furthermore, they cause many side effects.

A Safe and Effective solution is a combination of Lingzhi (Ganoderma) and Vitaking collagen.


Lingzhi addresses the destruction of our cartilage arising from oxidative stress.Take a look at this link,


Vitaking collagen contributes to replenishing mucopolysaccharide and chondroitin sulphate in our cartilage to help repair cartilage tissues and safeguard their regenerative functions. Vitaking also reduces friction between the vertebrae and produce new bone tissues to protect the joints and preserve skeletal health.

If you have been tormented by a pain in your neck, here is an answer that works. Please email me at laifuiping@gmail.com to buy. I am an Authorised Distributor of these products.



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What Every Malaysian Should Know About Cancer

Friday 19 October 2012

It is currently estimated that 1 in 4 Malaysians will develop cancer in their lifetime.
The Good News is, certain risks of cancer are preventable. These are the top 3 risks:

  • Tobacco. Our exposure to primary and secondary cigarette smoke is still very high.
  • Poor eating habits. The Health Ministry found that 90% of adult Malaysians do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, resulting in a rise in colorectal cancer. Click on this link to discover why is dietary fibre so important and how to choose a good dietary fibre: http://www.pingofhealth.com/2012/09/why-do-we-need-dietary-fibre.html
  • Lack of exercise. About 20% of Malaysians are obese. 
Getting rid of these factors can reduce your risk of cancer by one-third or half.

The Bad News is, not all cancers are preventable. Genetics play a large part. For instance, being Chinese predisposes you to nasopharyngeal cancer (affecting your throat). About 80% of nasopharyngeal and oral cancer patients are Asians. Half of them die within 2 years. 

Unfortunately, less than 5% of scientific studies are conducted on Asians. To make matters worse, very little research has been conducted on both these cancers as they are perceived to be "low to middle income cancers" and cancers that are "taking place in Asia". Asians may not respond as well to existing cancer treatments as they are targeted mainly at the Caucasian population. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Malaysia. Unfortunately, researchers still have an incomplete understanding of how the disease develops. So far, only 10% of breast cancer is preventable.


Cancer Research Initiatives Foundation (CARIF) is a non-profit research organisation in Malaysia. It collaborates with top medical research centres around the world. It studies how our Asian genes and lifestyle increase our risks of having cancer and our response towards treatment.  There are still a lot to be done.

(Source: Fighting cancer head-on, Start2, 3 September 2012)

So, in the meantime, How can you Prevent Cancer?


Take Lingzhi / Ganoderma. Many research and studies have already been conducted and the result of Lingzhi's effectiveness is proven. Click on this link to discover the role of Lingzhi in cancer treatment. 

Please email me at laifuiping@gmail.com to purchase Lingzhi to prevent cancer. Click here to refer to Shuang Hor company website for Product Description and Price. I am an Authorized Distributor.


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Guest Blog: Steps to Heart Healthy Living

Monday 15 October 2012


 Having a healthy heart is more than just an idealistic notion; it’s a necessity in a world where heart disease is a top killer among male and female adults. While this disease can strike without warning, there are ways to mitigate your risk factors for declining heart health. Many of these habits are prudent to develop for an overall healthy-lifestyle, despite the fact that for many, they are much easier said than done. Consider embarking on the path to solid heart health, from utilizing arginine supplements to working more activities into your day, to ensure a long and lasting quality of life.

Step 1 - Get an assessment of your current health status


 This is key because before you start to change your eating habits or embark on an exercise regimen, you need to ensure that your heart can withstand the changes and that you are cleared health-wise before doing so. This is important in taking nutritional enhancements as well. Get a physical, so that you have a starting point. If losing weight is part of your heart health quest, then you can also use your current weight from your doctor’s visit as a starting benchmark.

Step 2 - Assess your diet and start to make changes


This is 80% of the battle when you are trying to lose weight and become more heart healthy. Start by making small changes; substitute fatty meats with lean proteins; and eat veggies and fruits where you might normally snack on processed junk food. Then, make bolder changes, such as learning to eat small portions more frequently over larger meals more infrequently. Think of food as fuel; your body needs the best fuel you can give it to perform optimally. As a rule of thumb, the more whole foods you can incorporate into your diet, the more healthy your heart will be. Additionally, avoid eating portions of meat bigger than a deck of cards and replace bad fatty foods – such as sugary snacks and soda – with water and healthy fats, such as nuts. 

Step 3 - Let supplements help you do the work

 There are so many great supplements currently in the market to help towards your quest for better overall health. Arginine supplements promote weight loss and heart health, as well as help with a number of other health-related issues. You also want to incorporate Omega-3 supplements into your daily regimen, in addition to vitamins B complex and C. Doing this will not only enhance heart health, but make you feel better overall.

Step 4 - Get active

 No one expects you to run a marathon out the gate or because you start eating right that you are suddenly fit. Like everything, practice makes perfect here. Start out slow; even 15 minutes of cardiovascular exercise can make all the difference. You can even break up your workouts during the day if time constraints are an issue or you just don’t feel motivated to do so much at one time. The point is that you get moving as much as you can. Take the steps instead of the elevator, park far away from the door at the grocery store and take a walk around the block upon arriving home from work. Work yourself up to larger increments as you feel comfortable. Do this four to five times a week, at least, and your heart will be all the healthier for it. The more active you are, the better you will feel and the healthier your heart will be.   

Disclaimer: This article is contributed by a Guest Blogger. Ping of Health does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. Ping of Health disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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Guest Blog: Varicose Veins - How to Clear Them Up

Wednesday 10 October 2012

Image courtesy of Steven Zimmet, M.D.
Raised, swollen, red veins that begin in the legs and move throughout the body are known as varicose veins. Varicose veins are large swollen, enlarged blood vessels on the surface of your legs.  They are different from spider veins in that it comes in various colors such as purple and blue and it is larger in size. Spider veins are generally more localized to the legs, chest, and face. There are several factors that can lead to varicose veins: these include genetic tendency, occupations that require one to stand for long periods of time, those who are overweight, and individuals with a history of blood clots. In addition, there are risk factors that affect only women. These include hormone changes due to puberty, pregnancy and menopause. Furthermore, both birth control and post-menopausal hormone replacement all lead to increased incidents of varicose veins. Because of these additional risk factors, women have much higher chances of developing varicose veins than men. Menopause especially can lead to lots of varicose veins because both age and hormonal levels are changing.

Besides being a cosmetic concern varicose veins can cause pain, cramping and aching in the veins. Others reported burning, tiredness, tingling, heaviness and restlessness in the legs. Unfortunately for women the pain normally increases during hormonal changes. Varicose veins can also lead to swelling, ulcers (large open sores), and darkening of the skin most often found around the ankles. Sometimes varicose veins can lead to blood clots, which can be especially painful and is known as a condition called thrombophlebitis.

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for veins.  One of the easiest ways to help relieve varicose veins is to spend less time standing in one spot, instead increase the amount of time you spend walking and elevating feet while sitting.  Since symptoms vary from person to person, treatment may not be necessary unless you are uncomfortable with the sight of your veins. Stockings are another way of treating varicose veins. Wearing stockings helps to subdue pain and any discomfort. Special supportive stockings are found at surgical supply stores and are available in many different styles, including below-the-knee, above-the knee and pantyhose. Other treatments include sclerotherapy, a saline solution is injected into the vein and causes the swollen vain to disappear over a three to six week period. This type of treatment is the most simple and patients are able to return home the same day. Another therapy is endovenous laser treatment; a laser is inserted into the vein and eventually causes it to collapse.

Radiofrequency is also used to treat veins, and like laser treatment it leads to the collapse of the veins. Other surgical techniques include tying veins off, removing a segment of the vein, and removing surface veins. These surgeries are generally noninvasive and patients can return home the same day. If you are uncomfortable with your varicose veins then speak to a doctor to determine which type of treatment is best for you.


Disclaimer: This article is contributed by a Guest Blogger. Ping of Health does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this article. Ping of Health disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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Ladies - What You Need To Know About Xenoestrogens

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Xenoestrogens are chemicals (mostly industrial compounds) that mimic natural estrogen. The presense of xenoestrogens in our daily lives can cause great harm to our body.

Chemicals found in pesticides, detergents, petroleum products, plastic products, carpeting, furniture, toiletries and cosmetics produce estrogenic effects in our bodies and cause the symptoms of estrogen dominance.

The imbalance of estrogen against progesterone (hormone imbalance) causes the body to react by producing problematic symptoms, and increases the risk of endometriosis, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovaries, breast cancer, uterine cancer and thyroid imbalances.

How do you reduce exposure to these chemical compounds?

Pesticides

Some pesticides and fertilisers used in agriculture contain compounds that have a chemical structure similar to estrogen. These xenoestrogen-containing pesticides find their way into our body through fruits, vegetables, grains and meats.

Solution? 
  • Buy organic produce, as they reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers and use natural pest control and fertilisation.
  • Clean, wash and soak thoroughly to get rid of traces of pesticides.
  • Wear gloves and masks when you use these chemicals and follow all safety precautions.
  • Store these products away from your house and water supply.

 Plastics

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen and has been linked to many health problems. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastic bottles and the lining of canned foods and could leach from the containers into the foods.

Solution?
  • Buy frozen or fresh foods instead of eating canned foods.
  • Avoid buying food in plastic packaging or meat packaged in styrofoam trays. Buy fresh meat from the market.
  • Use plastic products that are BPA-free. Plastic bottles with "#7" or "PC" on the bottom indicate that they may contain BPA.
  • Don't microwave food in plastic containers or store hot liquids in plastic boxes and bottles.
(Source: Outsider oestrogens by Dr Nor Ashikin Mokhtar, StarFit4Life, 24 June 2012)

How to Regulate your Hormone Level?

Is it easier said than done? Yes, it's very hard to avoid coming into contact with xenoestrogens in our daily lives. Here is an easier solution - Lingzhi / Ganoderma.

Do you know that lingzhi / ganoderma is an adaptogen that enables your body to heal itself? It has an overall normalizing effect, meaning it has the ability to regulate your hormone levels to restore your health. It is a very safe food that does a great regulating job when we absorb excessive xenoestrogens into our body.

I can definitely testify to that because I used to suffer from severe menstrual cramps every month due to my hormonal imbalance. But after consuming a combination of Lingzhi and Pollen for about 9 months, my condition has improved over 90%.

If you are interested to buy, please email me at laifuiping@gmail.com.
Click here to refer to Shuang Hor company website for Product Description and Price.


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What Everyone Should Know About Steroids

Tuesday 2 October 2012


Steroids are chemical compounds that can occur naturally. They are present in our body and our body cannot function without them. These include:
  • sex hormones - estrogen, progesterone, testosterone
  • fight or flight hormone - cortisol
  • body building hormone - anabolic hormones
  • cholesterol etc.
Steroid creams are corticosteroids that are applied onto the skin, and sometimes used with other medications, i.e. antibiotics or antifungal creams.

Many types of skin diseases are due to inflammation, and steroid creams work by reducing this inflammation. This is achieved by altering the proteins and skin immune cells involved. This will reduce the redness and severity of the skin disease.


 Side effects of steroid creams
  • Application on the skin may cause it to develop redness due to visible blood vessels, thinning of the skin or it may be more prone to bacterial infection.
  • Application around the eyes may cause cataract and glaucoma.
  • Long-term usage may lead to hormonal imbalance, central obesity, increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar level and osteoporosis.
Steroid creams should be used with extreme caution. The correct potency and formulation must be used depending on types of skin condition and areas of skin:
  • Weak steroid creams for areas with thin skin as absorption tends to be more i.e. face and folded areas like armpits and groins.
  • Strong steroid creams for very thick skin lesions on areas with thick skin i.e. sole of the feet, and for a limited period of time.
(Source: I'm on steroids? by Dr Irene Lee Chew Kek, StarFit4Life, 26 August 2012)

What alternative to steroids?


Lingzhi, also known as Ganoderma.
Lingzhi has the ability to regulate our immune system back to normal. It does this in a natural manner. There is no side effects from taking Lingzhi. Look under the section "Second Line Defence: T Cells" of this article for explanation on how it works,


If you want to buy Lingzhi, please email me at laifuiping@gmail.com. Click here to refer to Shuang Hor company website for Product Description and Price.

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