The Abdominal Obesity Timebomb (Part 3)

The above study is a joint effort by Medical Research Council(MRC) and British Heart Foundation(BHF) done in 2002 which is a really, really big trial involving more than 20,000 individuals from various age group and medical conditions (diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease) to prove that simvastatin, a cholesterol lowering statin drug does lower LDL cholesterol level and prevent cardiovascular event over the 5 year study period and may obviously confer more benefits if carried over long term. There is no significant adverse effects such as cancer or osteoporosis.

However, do note that despite being on simvastatin and a lowered LDL cholesterol level, there is still an almost 20% chance of getting a cardiovascular event (stroke, heart attack etc) though this is much lower compared to those who are not on statin medication.

So far, we have considered high cholesterol levels (LDL), diabetes and hypertension as major contributors of coronary artery disease but there are other factors as well such as HDL and Triglycerides which I will not elaborate further. Did we miss out anything else?

Land Of Many Temples

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All stock images from sxc.hu including Japanese Temple.

The Wind of Change is a very commonly used phrase nowadays to describe our political landscape after the recent general election 'tsunami' victory. We are swimming in uncharted waters. Now is not the time to be complacent. We have to learn to soar above mediocrity, as in every major aspects in life.

The Abdominal Obesity Timebomb (Part 2)

High blood pressure and diabetes are just 2 major cardiometabolic risk factors that can cause increased incidence of MI (myocardial infarction = heart attack)as noted in the findings above.

More to come....

Tsunami over Paris

Copyright ©2008 hiddenstream.blogspot.com

A boat cruise along the Seine River turns out to be a nightmare.

All stock images from sxc.hu
doves
taxi
lamp post
L'Arc de Triomphe - one of the favourite attractions in Paris
Statue of Liberty - this mini statue is situated beside River Seine

The Abdominal Obesity Timebomb (Part 1)

I'm starting a series on the cardiometabolic risks of abdominal obesity based on peer reviewed research papers made locally and worldwide. Studies have shown that being overweight/obese is a major underlying cause of heart disease. A worrying trend is that, for the past ten years, the number of Malaysians affected have increased by 78% (National Morbidity Survey 1996 - 2006). To start off, let's look at the common causes of death in Malaysia (and United States for comparison).



(part of Sanofi Aventis educational program)
Please note that these findings are based on facts, and is not part of any promotional drive.

London Paris New York KL

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Image stock from sxc.hu including London scenery.

Different cities, different people, different lifestyle - all in one compact image.

Nature's Organic Ipod

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All stock images including landscape scenery from sxc.hu
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Doves link

Inspired by a beautifully written article by kevlewis on 'The Balance of Nature'. Enjoy the read:

We feed the wildlife and occasionally help with injured and sick animals and birds but, what does nature give us in return?

Nothing? Are we that arrogant and self-centred to see what she gives us freely and without expectation?

Walking alone in the early morning mists of spring, smelling the unpolluted air of the countryside, hearing the crisp frosted grass cracking under my feet, my warm breath condensing as it hits the sharp cutting air. My body and soul relaxed, my thoughts drifting like clouds, freed from the humdrum pressures of work and all the minor irritations that bring discord to my being.

My eyes wander over the monochrome landscape as nature awaits the first rays of the sun to creep over the horizon; the sky painted, by the greatest artist we will ever know, in the pastel pre-dawn hues of blue and red.

A movement at the edge of a misty dark wood stops me; a young timid fallow deer is foraging for food. The mist clings to the deer wrapping her in its ethereal embrace as she constantly stops and looks for danger, quickly dipping her head to eat a small fresh shoot in the ground. I realise that I’ve stopped breathing as I strain to be silent and invisible, relishing the moment that nature is offering me and then with a flick of an ear she is gone and the mist closes behind her.

As the sun lazily breaks over the horizon the soft light warms up the animals and insects stretch their wings and legs. Birds welcome the start of a new dawn with natures own organic IPod; constantly changing melodies drift across the fields as each bird sings to its friends, its lovers and its rivals. Small flocks fly overhead, flitting from tree to tree endlessly searching for food and the chance to find a mate.

The ground is kissed by the first weak rays of the sun; the dew on the ground glistens as each droplet becomes a sparkling light, turning each blade of grass and plant into a miniature crown. Each deadly spider web becomes a necklace adorned with perfect liquid diamonds.

Sunlight filtered through the mist spot illuminates the flowers and plants that hug the ground as the larger trees reach upwards, their limbs making the sun rays dance around them.

Strolling by the side of a lazy river that meanders down through the green cloaked hills and listening to the bubbling of the water as it glides around the rocks and pebbles.

Watching the overhanging leaves and branches kiss the surface as the water tries to rip them from their precarious grip on the bank, the water flowing around the obstructions and then merging once again.

Dragonflies dance over the surface dipping into the water to surrender their precious offspring to chance and the fish, unseen, wait below the surface for a free meal.

As the sun rises higher the keen eyed aerial hunters circle slowly on the rising warm air thermals searching the fields far below for their prey, their world is one we can only dream of being part of.

The shadows grow longer as the sun bows to meet the earth. Other hunters emerge from their resting places to start the nocturnal fight for survival. The owl silently quarters the fields as the voles and field mice scurry from hiding place to hiding place.

Nature constantly enriches me; it never demands anything and yet it gives everything. It feeds my soul and brings me peace.

It is time to open our hearts and minds; to bathe in the wild untameable beauty of nature and to delight in the sights and sounds that challenge our understanding.

It is time to realise that nature doesn’t belong to us because we belong to nature.

When we hurt nature we are only hurting ourselves.