The life of everyone is equal...

The recent aviation accidents involving Malaysia Airlines has attracted worldwide attention. Everyone was angry at the perpetrator of the accident. Some to the extend of writing hatred posts on social medial. Thousands of condolences wishes were posted or broadcasted via social media, newspaper or radio station. The radio stations even have a program specially made for this tragedy.

But.. more people have died in the past years and never once the deceased were given so much attention let alone condolences. I have never seen that many RIP messages in Facebook until the MH accidents happened. Do you know that:

1) 21,000 children die every day around the world?
2) More than 500 Indian migrant workers have died in Qatar since Jan 2012? These workers are
   involved in the building of infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup.


There are many more tragedies or conflicts which sadly caused death of human life. One such example will be the recent Israel attack on Gaza, which has caused the death of over 500. However, if you look at the 2 examples I have brought out, these 2 issues have caused more death than the recent aviation accidents but I hardly hear anyone speaks about it. Is it because of the lack of media coverage? I don't see any RIP messages or radio station talking about it. Everyone loves football and billion of dollars transacted on betting alone. But nobody seem to care how those stadiums were built. Anyone loss his life due to this billion dollars sport entertainment?

Shall we just blame on the media for low coverage on not so important news? News which cannot sell?
Remember, the media only broadcast what sells? What everyone wants to hear? So are we not interested to find out why 21000 children die everyday? Are we not care about the welfare of the migrant workers who die in the name of football? Why the missing MH370 and the down of MH17 caught the attention of so many? Is it because it is something which doesn't happen often and hence we should fell pity and sad for? The death of 21000 children daily is just too common?

A healthy mind leads to a happy life.

In the late 1960’s, Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School conducted scientific studies to test the health benefits of meditation. (As an aside, his findings motivated me to begin my own meditation practice.) He determined that meditation could be used successfully in treating physiological problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and migraine headaches, as well as autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. As they meditated, he found that his test subjects heartbeats and breathing had slowed, their blood lactate levels decreased, and their brains had increased in alpha activity, which is a sign of relaxation. Dr. Benson also found that meditation was helpful in stopping or slowing obsessive thinking, anxiety, depression, and hostility.

Resetting the Set Point
In the “Set Point Study,” scientists found that each of us has a natural “set point” in our brains for both good and bad emotions. The study found that people accustomed to being happy have more activity in the front portion of their frontal lobes. Meanwhile, the right side is more active in people who worry or are anxious. Even when major events occur in a person’s life, such as winning the lottery, scientists have found that brain chemistry shifts back to its normal, or set point within about six months.
One of the most dramatic examples of what can be called “resetting the set point” was a study done with people who had suffered paralysis from spinal cord injuries. Although they could no longer walk and often suffered from depression in the short run, within six months of the accident, these individuals had returned to their normal mental set points and their original state of happiness. In other words, no matter what happens in a person’s life, the shift back to the set point inevitably takes place.
The good news is that you CAN change your set point through meditation. One study demonstrated that after only eight weeks of meditating for approximately one hour each day, six days a week, test subjects reported they had become happier. Follow-up tests showed that these individuals’ set points had changed—to the extent that their normal level of mental happiness had been raised. In addition, they had become better at picking up emotional cues from others, and they reported developing more empathy towards others’ emotions. On the physical level, the researchers found that the meditators’ immune system responses had improved.

MRI’s and Meditation
In a recent UCLA study, researchers used high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI’s) to scan the brains of a group of subjects who were long-time meditators. They found that these individuals’ brains were larger than their non-meditating counterparts. Another study found that aging people who meditate regularly don’t lose their gray matter as fast as non-meditators. Apparently, the meditators’ brains have noticeably thicker tissue in the prefrontal cortex, which is the region of the brain responsible for attention and control.

Imagine the implications of these discoveries! Not only can meditation prevent brain cells from dying, which typically happens as we age, it can boost a person’s brain size in several crucial regions. Furthermore, researchers have concluded that meditation can actually make a person more intelligent. Evidence is also demonstrating that people who meditate regularly are able to focus more deeply and deal with stress better than non-meditators. 

 

This Article was published on September 15, 2013 by Robert Puff, Ph.D. in Meditation for Modern Life

 

The pursuit for happiness goes online.

Digital Age has changed the way all of us do things. Most of us spend a minimum of 2-3 hours daily on the internet. With the introduction of broadband, the usage of Internet has surged by many folds. Information highways connecting everyone; everywhere. With just a few clicks, we can find out the weather for the next few days, read the news, pay bills, buy stuffs and even find our life partners. The internet has bridged the gap between people. Everyone is connected some how via social networks such as Facebook. Hence, it's not unusual some of may use the virtual world to find our other half.

Most singles no longer want to be match made by their parents as it is deemed old fashion. Arranged marriage only exist in certain part of the world. With increasingly busy work schedule, most people especially city dwellers use online dating as a viable solution to find their mates. The golden question is; Does Online Dating work?

Online dating is a virtual world for all singles with similar objective, which is to meet some one to date and hopefully become soul mate. The first key to a successful online dating is having a great profiles picture and description. Profile picture is a very important element in online dating. It could be the deciding factor if your message will be responded or decline. Good profile pictures for men and women are not the same. Below are some statistic you should take note in order to have a successful and fun online dating:

1) A study finds women get 60% more attention if photo is taken indoors.
2) Men get 19% more attention if theirs is taken outside.
3) Full-body photos boost both sexes success by 203%.
4) Men get 8% fewer messages if they put up selfie.
5) Writing using :-) smileys gets 13% more responses - but :) gets 66% fewer.
6) Talking about kids and exes gets men more messages but women fewer.
7) A full-body image will boost both sexes' messages by an average 203%. Meanwhile women should aim to take their pictures indoors, as this gets them 60% more messages. Men on the other hand get 19% more messages if their pictures are taken outside.
8) Posing with animals or your best friends might seem cute but it actually reduces your popularity by 5% and 42% respectively - for both sexes.

In addition to a good profile, online dating is definitely a number game. Many singles got discourage after not getting any response. According to a study by social scientists, with increasing number of choices provided by online dating sites, online daters become picky. This scenario is called paradox of choice whereby increasing options decrease satisfaction. Both single women and men tend to dismiss any individual with the slightest imperfection. Having such huge choices in online dating sites, many singles tend to browse through profiles speedily choosing surface characteristics instead of more detail personality traits hidden in the profiles. Online daters should instead take their time going through the details of the profiles to find out the personality traits of the person to make the connection.

There are also many who complain on the number of fake profiles and scammers in online dating sites. Free sites are flooded with scammers trying to steal critical information out of you. Hence, for serious daters, paid sites are better option. Most paid dating sites have moderator to weed out fake profiles. They provide better customer service to assist any complaint lodged by their members. In addition, some paid sites have voice and video webcam features. Such features reduce the number of fake profiles by many times. It protects the member from scammers.

In conclusion, the success of online dating really depends on you; having a great profile, not being too picky and certainly using the correct dating site. Soul mate searching in the pursuit for happiness has gone virtual. While old school courting are sill effective but not many of us have the time to be spent at bars or cafe just to find a date. The number of date to dollar ratio is certainly higher with dating sites. With online date, you don't have to spend money on drinks, tit bits and taxi.

(This article is an extract from http://www.perfectcasualdate.com)

  

Statin Risks

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Update page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products. Updated: January 31, 2014

FDA Expands Advice on Statin Risks

If you’re one of the millions of Americans who take statins to prevent heart disease, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has important new safety information on these cholesterol-lowering medications.
FDA is advising consumers and health care professionals that:

• Routine monitoring of liver enzymes in the blood, once considered standard procedure for statin users, is no longer needed. Such monitoring has not been found to be effective in predicting or preventing the rare occurrences of serious liver injury associated with statin use.
• Cognitive (brain-related) impairment, such as memory loss, forgetfulness and confusion, has been reported by some statin users.
• People being treated with statins may have an increased risk of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes.
• Some medications interact with lovastatin (brand names include Mevacor) and can increase the risk of muscle damage.

This new information should not scare people off statins, says Amy G. Egan, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director for safety in FDA’s Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology Products (DMEP). “The value of statins in preventing heart disease has been clearly established,” she says. “Their benefit is indisputable, but they need to be taken with care and knowledge of their side effects.”
FDA will be changing the drug labels of popular statin products to reflect these new concerns. (These labels are not the sticker attached to a prescription drug bottle, but the package insert with details about a prescription medication, including side effects.)
The statins affected include:

• Altoprev (lovastatin extended-release)
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• Lescol (fluvastatin)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Livalo (pitavastatin)
• Mevacor (lovastatin)
• Pravachol (pravastatin)
• Zocor (simvastatin).

Products containing statins in combination with other drugs include:

• Advicor (lovastatin/niacin extended-release)
• Simcor (simvastatin/niacin extended-release)
• Vytorin (simvastatin/ezetimibe).

Liver Injury Called Rare

FDA has found that liver injury associated with statin use is rare but can occur. Patients are advised to consult their health care professional if they have symptoms that include unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.
Statins work in the liver to reduce the production of cholesterol, a waxy substance that can form plaque on the walls of the arteries and keep the heart from getting the blood it needs.
Egan explains that there had been signals in early clinical trials of possible liver damage tied to statin use, so health care professionals were advised to regularly test their patients’ liver enzyme levels. However, she says, such damage is rare, and the tests are not effective at predicting or preventing who will develop this rare side effect.
So FDA is now recommending that liver enzyme tests be performed before statin treatment begins and then as needed if there are symptoms of liver damage.

Reports of Memory Loss

FDA has been investigating reports of cognitive impairment from statin use for several years. The agency has reviewed databases that record reports of bad reactions to drugs and statin clinical trials that included assessments of cognitive function.
The reports about memory loss, forgetfulness and confusion span all statin products and all age groups. Egan says these experiences are rare but that those affected often report feeling “fuzzy” or unfocused in their thinking.
In general, the symptoms were not serious and were reversible within a few weeks after the patient stopped using the statin. Some people affected in this way had been taking the medicine for a day; others had been taking it for years.
What should patients do if they fear that statin use could be clouding their thinking? “Talk to your health care professional,” Egan says. “Don’t stop taking the medication; the consequences to your heart could be far greater.”

The Risk of Diabetes

Diabetes occurs because of defects in the body’s ability to produce or use insulin—a hormone needed to convert food into energy. If the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or if cells do not respond appropriately to insulin, blood sugar levels in the blood get too high, which can lead to serious health problems.
A small increased risk of raised blood sugar levels and the development of Type 2 diabetes have been reported with the use of statins.
“Clearly we think that the heart benefit of statins outweighs this small increased risk,” says Egan. But what this means for patients taking statins and the health care professionals prescribing them is that blood-sugar levels may need to be assessed after instituting statin therapy,” she says.

The Potential for Muscle Damage

Some drugs interact with statins in a way that increases the risk of muscle injury called myopathy, characterized by unexplained muscle weakness or pain. Egan explains that some new drugs are broken down (metabolized) through the same pathways in the body that statins follow. This increases both the amount of statin in the blood and the risk of muscle injury.
FDA is revising the drug label for Lovastatin to clarify the risk of myopathy. The label will reflect what drugs should not be taken at the same time, and the maximum lovastatin dose if it is not possible to avoid use of those other drugs.

Patients and health care professionals should report negative side effects from statin use to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Happiness comes from having good communication with your love one

Article Source 

Communication 

Communication is a vital part of our lives: a typical day involves many interactions between ourselves, our work colleagues and clients, our children, our friends, our ex's, future relationships, etc. This interaction takes place where we live, work, relax, socialize and wherever we perform routine tasks. 

Communication skills are critical for building healthy relationships, especially when one realizes that one of the most common causes of relational breakdown is a lack of communication. Just as communication can be the most important part of a relationship; arguments can be the most destructive aspect - the closer we are to someone, the more easily we can bruise or be bruised. There is very little truth in the saying: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me." It's not what we say, but rather how we say it, that most often hurts another person.
Communication is a complex process; of which speaking only makes up for 10-20%. The other 80-90% is made up by facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, etc
Communication is the art/ science of transferring a thought/ idea/ information from the mind of one complex human being to the mind of one or more complex human being(s). For communication to be effective, it must be a two-way process. 

Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication
1. Facts: are both people communicating about the same set of facts? Try to separate the facts from thoughts or feelings.
2. Interpretations, Thoughts or Perceptions: Each person interprets a fact differently based on their belief system, personality, values and experience.
3. Feelings: how we are feeling, our current mood and frame of mind, etc can sub-consciously affect decisions and thoughts.
4. Intentions, Needs or Wants: hidden agendas; are we looking for comfort, clarification, information or simply a chance to interact? We judge ourselves on our intentions.
5. Actions: choice of words (is the intent to create harm?) + tone of voice + non-verbal speech = body language, posture, eye contact, facial expressions, etc.
"The medium is the message" => the way the message is delivered is the message itself.
6. Self: The communication centre, which includes the issue, topic or conflict at hand, has been "filtered" by the facts, interpretations, thoughts, feelings, intentions, and choices of behaviour / actions. 

Listening and Feedback 

Did I say what I meant to say? - Invite feedback to clarify communication.
Someone who's not listening lets their mind drift and is already preparing the next argument or opposing thought; inaccurate feedback or limited eye contact.
Listening is an active, not a passive process. When two people argue, they only hear "what they want to hear", not what's actually said. This equates to the accusation of "not listening". Most couples start arguing and within 5 minutes are arguing about the way they are arguing.
Don't argue when you're angry - you will not be able to listen objectively. Give yourself time to cool down and then broach the subject when you are in a more reasonable frame of mind.
It's important to give feedback - checking and confirming. Did I understand you correctly? Is this what you mean? I heard you say this: am I right? Feedback can be verbal / non-verbal e.g. a nod, smile, silence or a cold shoulder. No feedback is in itself a form of feedback.
If the words and actions contradict each other, it is better to believe the actions! 

Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution can either be Constructive or Destructive.
Destructive Style - hinders or inhibits the conflict resolution process:

• Confrontational (win or lose, blaming)
• Sabotage (focus on weak points, shaming)
• Manipulation (blackmail, withdrawal)
• Giving in (passive, submissive)
• Avoidance (denial, withdrawal)

Constructive Style – trying to minimize the issues and avoiding the difficulties in resolving the problems:

• Compromise (meet halfway, understanding)
• Accommodate (open discussion, communication without confrontation)
• Partnership (solutions, forgiveness, honesty)

When trying to resolve conflicts, try to clarify your goals, as you will probably share many of the same goals despite of your differences. Avoid bargaining, as this may lead to each party taking a rigid position which in turn can flare tempers. 

When resolving conflicts, remember that their causes may run deep. Sweeping issues under the carpet isn’t going to work in the long term, as old baggage will be brought up each time an argument starts. Try to fully resolve each issue as it comes along. You may find the following method useful: 

1. Ask the other person for their feelings. Your conflict probably isn’t about the issue that caused it to start in the first place. Don’t forget that your goal is sorting out the problem, not winning an argument!
2. Ask the other person to define the problem. Stick to solving one problem at a time, that way you can understand each problem as the other person sees it.
3. Express your own feelings. Be careful to word them carefully, for example use phrases such as “I feel…” rather than “I think you…”
4. Define the problem as you see it. As your feelings come out, the solution may become clearer. Remember that by you listening to the other person; you will have set the tone for them to listen to you.
5. Create multiple solutions. Don’t go back to your original agenda. Aim to find alternative or creative solutions that reduce emotions and tension.
6. Rate the possible solutions. Remember that no one can force an unacceptable solution on the other.
7. Combine and create a mutually acceptable solution. Create something acceptable to both parties, if this doesn’t work – go back to step 1 and ensure both parties are being totally honest.
8. Be sure both parties agree to work towards resolving the issue.

19 Steps to Effective Communication 

1. See communication as an opportunity to praise, build-up, affirm, heal, support and give positive reinforcement, rather than to correct, criticise, tear down, hurt, wound, lash out at. Praise opens doors to further communication, while criticism shuts them down.
2. Remember that actions speak louder than words; non-verbal communication usually is more powerful than verbal communication. Avoid double messages in which the verbal and the non-verbal messages convey something contradictory. (Credibility gap)
3. Define what is important and stress it; define what is unimportant and de-emphasise or ignore it. Avoid fault-finding.
4. Communicate in ways that show respect for the other person’s worth as a human being. “Avoid statements which begin with the words “You never …” or “I think you …”.
5. Be clear and specific in your communication. Avoid vagueness.
6. Be realistic and reasonable in your statements. Avoid exaggeration and sentences which begin with “You always …”
7. Test all your assumptions verbally by asking if they are accurate. Avoid acting until this is done.
8. Recognize that each event can be seen from different points of view. Avoid assuming that other people see things like you do. (Perception)
9. Recognize that your family members and close friends are experts on you and your behaviour. Avoid the tendency to deny their observations about you – especially if you are not sure.
10. Recognize that disagreement can be a meaningful form of communication. Avoid destructive arguments.
11. Be honest and open about your feelings and viewpoints. Bring up all significant problems even if you are afraid that doing so will disturb another person. Speak the truth in love. Avoid sullen silences.
12. Do not put down and/or manipulate the other person with tactics such as ridicule, interrupting, name-calling, changing the subject, blaming, bugging, sarcasm, criticism, pouting, guilt-inducing, etc. Avoid the one-upmanship game.
13. Be more concerned about how your communication affects others than about what you intended. Avoid getting bitter if you are misunderstood.
14. Accept all feelings and try to understand why others feel and act as they do. Avoid the tendency to say, “you shouldn’t feel like that.”
15. Be tactful considerate and courteous. Avoid taking advantage of the other person’s feelings.
16. Ask questions and listen carefully. Avoid preaching or lecturing.
17. Do not use excuses. Avoid falling for the excuses of others.
18. Speak kindly politely and softly. Avoid nagging yelling or whining.
19. Recognize the value of humour and seriousness. Avoid destructive teasing.

Uphill Climb to Kg Kidding, Sarawak