Miracle or malarkey? Can arm-swinging stave off cancer?

PETALING JAYA: A miraculous treatment for cancer has been found and it apparently involves the simple act of swinging one’s arms repeatedly for prolonged periods of time.

Noel Wong Yan Ming

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June 22, 2019 8:00 AM

YouTube video on arm swinging exercise.

If science could only prove this to be true, it would certainly spread like wildfire across the world.

For now, the supposed cancer-curing capabilities of Ping Shuai – literally meaning ‘swing hand’ – Qi Gong are only believed to be fact by the most hardcore proponents of the exercise.

Whether one believes in the effectiveness of Eastern medicine and health practices or otherwise, it is undeniable that some people swear by them.

However, the possibility of the placebo effect being hard at work is always lurking in the background. Then again, scientists have discovered the medicinal properties of several herbs that are traditionally used in Chinese medicine.

Thus, it should be with an open mind when one considers the benefits of Ping Shuai.

The exercise is said to have been introduced to the East by Master Da Mo, also known as Bodhidharma, a 5th/6th century Buddhist monk.

It is a rather simple exercise that can be done by both the young and old.

This is how to do it:

• Stand with legs shoulder-width apart.

• With palms facing downwards, raise both arms to chest level.

• Swing arms in a pendulum-like motion.

• After every five swings, bend knees slightly and spring up quickly.

The exercise demands little use of actual strength and on the contrary, encourages relaxation of the body.

On the surface level, it appears that this exercise does help provide the body with a level of physical activity, and it is simple enough for even the most unfit of persons to do.

Practitioners of Ping Shuai are encouraged to maintain a healthy, preferably vegetarian diet and avoid acidic foods such as meat.

Ping Shuai explained

Qi Gong master, Lee Feng San, expressed his hope that the exercise would become more widespread among the public.

According to him, the exercise, “improves qi (life energy) and blood circulation through the theory of ’10 fingers connecting the heart.’”

Ping Shuai, he said, opens all the meridian points (the path through which qi flows) and stimulates the bone marrow to rid toxins from the body.

The energy flows to the fingertips, then on to the body’s internal organs and brain; opening and unblocking arteries and veins along the way.

Many have since claimed that their practice of Ping Shuai has cured them of a variety of ailments including eczema and backache.

There has even been a fantastical but contested claim about the exercise curing a man of cancer.

The term “correlation does not imply causation” applies quite a bit to the benefits of Ping Shuai.

It is not necessarily the exercise of arm swinging in particular that brings about a healthy life.

It is more likely that the combination of physical exercise and a healthy diet simply leads to a stronger immune system; a medically known fact.

The type of physical exercise, be it running, swimming, jogging or aerobics, would ultimately not matter, as long as it is done consistently and in a safe manner.

By its nature, Ping Shuai is not harmful and is indeed probably a good form of exercise due to how easy it is.

Until the day its cancer-curing capabilities are proven, it would not hurt to swing your arms for a bit to try knocking some chub off them.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2019/06/22/miracle-or-malarkey-can-arm-swinging-stave-off-cancer/

The basics of managing your child’s eczema

Eczema is a condition in which patches of skin become red, cracked, itchy and inflamed. In medical terminology, it is called atopic dermatitis.

FEBRUARY 21, 2019

The rash can easily get infected, but is not contagious. It can occur at any age, but is commonly seen in children between the ages of six months and five years.

Signs and symptoms

Eczema can affect any part of the body. However, manifestations of eczema vary in different age groups. Eczema looks different in infants than in older children. In infants, the red, inflamed rash is commonly seen on the face, cheeks, chin, forehead and scalp.

In older children, the affected skin appears thickened and brownish, commonly involving the creases of the elbows and the knees, while sometimes also involving the wrists, ankles and hands. The hallmark of the rash in all age groups is itching, which in turn makes the rash worse.

What causes it?

We do not exactly know what causes eczema. Perhaps a combination of genetic and environmental factors are involved.

Approximately half the children who develop eczema will also develop hay fever or asthma. Generally, a history of eczema, hay fever, asthma or other allergies is also present in other family members.

The good news about eczema is that more than half the children who develop eczema will outgrow it by the time they become teenagers.

Common triggers that cause flare-ups of eczema include dryness of the skin, hot weather, sweating, infection, pollen, dust, harsh soaps and detergents, and some allergy-provoking foods.

Managing it

If your child has eczema, don’t despair! There is a lot that you can do to help your child with eczema.

Bathe the child daily in warm water (not hot water), using a moisturising body wash. After the bath, pat the skin dry and apply unscented moisturising cream or ointment all over the body. Evidence suggests that creams and ointments are more effective than lotions and oils.

Keep the skin moist and lubricated at all times. You may need to apply the moisturiser several times a day, especially in dry weather. Make sure you wash your hands before and after applying the cream.

Make sure that your child’s fingernails and toenails are kept clean and short, so that they do not scratch themselves, which can make the condition worse. Putting mittens and socks on an infant at night and at nap times will help in this respect and will enable baby to sleep better.

Their room should be cool and comfortable, as heat makes the condition worse. Your doctor may prescribe an oral medicine (antihistamine) to control the itching. Your child’s clothes should be soft, cottony and not very warm.

Wash the clothing and bedsheets in a mild, unscented detergent. Vacuum the house regularly as dust can trigger or worsen the rashes. Try to identify and avoid any triggers or allergies that might be making the condition worse.

If the above steps do not help or the rash seems to be getting worse, consult a physician who might prescribe a steroid cream to clear the rash. Use the cream during acute flare-ups as per your doctor’s instructions.

Another reason for consulting your doctor would be infection. This may be the case if the eczema rashes appear bright red, crusty and angry looking, or is oozing yellowish discharge. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to clear up the infection.

The eczema will only respond to the usual treatment once the infection is under control and cleared up. Remember, controlling the dryness of the skin and itching, and avoiding your child’s triggers, is of paramount importance, and may be all that is needed in milder cases of eczema.

There is no cure for eczema, but the symptoms can be controlled by the measures outlined above. This condition often waxes and wanes, so the rash may appear and disappear from time to time.

The rash generally starts to improve around five years of age and the majority of children outgrow the condition by the time they reach adolescence.

https://www.star2.com/health/2019/02/21/the-basics-of-managing-your-childs-eczema/

Read also:

Breastfeed your kids to reduce their risk of eczema

Breastfeed your kids to reduce their risk of eczema

New American research has found that infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first three months of life appear to have a lower risk of developing eczema in childhood, compared to babies who were breastfed for less time or not at all.

MARCH 4, 2019
BY AGENCY

Carried out by researchers at the Children’s National Medical Centre in the US, the new study looked at data gathered from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, a longitudinal study co-led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The study provided information on the diets of around 2,000 pregnant women during their third trimester, as well as their breastfeeding habits during their infants’ first year. The researchers also followed up on 1,520 of the children to look at their diet, health and development when they were six years old.

The findings, presented during the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology 2019 Annual Meeting, showed that the children who were exclusively breastfed for the first three months of life had a significantly lower chance of having eczema at age six, compared with children who were not breastfed or were breastfed for less time.

The researchers also found that children with a family history of food allergies or a higher socioeconomic status also had a higher chance of being diagnosed with eczema.

“The evidence that being exclusively breastfed protects children from developing eczema later in life remains mixed,” says lead author Katherine M. Balas. “Our research team is trying to help fill that data gap.”

She adds: “Children who were exclusively breastfed for three months or longer were significantly less likely (adjusted odds ratio of 0.477) to have continued eczema at age six, compared with peers who were never breastfed or who were breastfed for less than three months.

“While exclusive breastfeeding may not prevent kids from getting eczema, it may protect them from experiencing extended flare-ups.”

The results are also supported by those from a large-scale study carried out by British, American and Canadian researchers, which looked at 17,046 mothers and their newborn babies to find that babies exclusively breastfed from birth for a sustained period had a 54% lower risk of eczema at the age of 16.

Eczema is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red, and affects around one in five children and one in 10 adults in the developed world. – AFP Relaxnews

https://www.star2.com/health/2019/03/04/breastfeed-your-kid-to-reduce-their-eczema-risk/

MUST READ: What those diesel fumes are REALLY doing to your health

What those diesel fumes are REALLY doing to your health: Heart attacks, strokes and 40,000 deaths a year are blamed on rising air pollution levels

• Air pollution kills more in the UK than in most Western European countries
• Serious conditions, from stroke to cancer, are increasingly linked to air pollution
• About a third of the country's air pollution is from transport
• 
  

By Angela Epstein for the Daily Mail

PUBLISHED: 22:00 BST, 29 May 2017

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Air pollution has become a major health problem in Britain

Taking a breath of ‘fresh air’ may not be quite as healthy as you thought. Air pollution has become a major health problem in Britain, claiming more lives here than in most Western European countries, an alarming UN report revealed last week.

This followed research published last year that blamed air pollution for at least 40,000 deaths a year in the UK.

It is well known that pollution can aggravate and possibly trigger health conditions such as asthma.

‘Over short periods, high pollution levels can cause damage to the lining of our lungs,’ explains Stephen Spiro, honorary professor of respiratory medicine at University College Hospital, London. ‘This can lead to coughing, wheeziness and breathlessness, particularly among people with a pre-existing lung condition.’

But other conditions, from stroke to cancer, are increasingly being linked to air pollution.

One of the major culprits is traffic fumes — about a third of our air pollution is from transport, explains Alastair Lewis, a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of York.

This pollution consists largely of nitrogen dioxide — most of which comes from diesel engines — and fine particles known as particulates, released from exhausts and by the wearing down of brakes and tyres.

Official figures show that 37 out of 43 areas across the UK breach legal European Union limits for nitrogen dioxide, which is linked mainly to breathing problems.

‘Almost every combustion process — such as functioning power stations — produces particulates,’ adds Professor Lewis.

‘The difference with cars is that unlike power stations, they are everywhere and close to where most people live. So the pollution they cause is disproportionately more important for public health.’

Polluting particles of soot, carbon and from aerosols are categorised by size and typically divided into two groups: coarse particles less than ten micrometres wide, known as PM10, and fine particles less than 2.5 micrometres wide (PM2.5).

Last week diesel vehicles were described as one of the ‘worst offenders’ for PM2.5 by researchers who found that even PM2.5 levels well within the EU maximum can cause inflammation in the body and raise blood pressure.

Last week diesel vehicles were described as one of the ‘worst offenders’ for PM2.5

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In a study funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and the Wellcome Trust, the researchers found that the greater the exposure to this size of particulate, ‘the larger the heart becomes and the worse it performs’, raising the risk of death from heart disease.

‘This adds to the growing evidence that air pollution, particularly from small particles in diesel fumes, is dangerous for your heart and health,’ said Professor Jeremy Pearson, the BHF’s associate medical director.

And the smaller the particulate, the more harmful, it seems.

‘Ultra-fine particles even smaller than PM2.5 can penetrate the skin and enter the lungs much more easily,’ says Prashant Kumar, a professor in air quality and health at the University of Surrey.

This month researchers at Imperial College London revealed that tiny diesel particles just 0.1 micrometres in diameter can directly affect the lungs and cause tighter airways and coughing.

Here, with the help of leading experts, we reveal the latest evidence on what traffic pollution could be doing to your health . . .

How they can hurt your heart

Almost one stroke in three is triggered by air pollution, according to a worldwide study by Auckland University of Technology, in New Zealand.

The research, published last year, found air pollution was among the top ten causes of stroke, along with better-known risks such as smoking.

One theory is that over the long term, air pollution makes blood thicker and this in turn raises blood pressure, so boosting the risk of clots in the brain.

But even short-term exposure to air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and particulates increased the risk of hospital admission or death from stroke in the following seven days, according to a review of studies involving six million people published in 2015 by Edinburgh University.

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There is a strong link between pollution and heart problems

‘The evidence suggesting air pollution as a risk factor for stroke is very strong,’ says Pippa Tyrrell, a professor of stroke medicine at the University of Manchester. ‘It’s vital this issue is addressed by the Government. But in the meantime it is even more important to avoid other stroke risk factors and take more exercise.’

There is also a strong link between pollution and heart problems, says Professor David Newby, BHF John Wheatley Chair of Cardiology at Edinburgh University — as an acute trigger causing a heart attack, for example, or associated with long-term heart disease.

‘The mechanism isn’t exactly clear but these tiny particles may get deep into the lungs, then into the bloodstream,’ says Professor Newby. ‘This affects the blood cells, causing blood to become stickier and more likely to clot.’

He adds that compounds on the surface of particles of pollution are associated with processes that could lead to the build-up of fatty material inside the arteries.

Bad news for your sleep 

Air pollution could be to blame for bad sleep, too. A study presented to the American Thoracic Society conference this month measured how long participants spent asleep and found their quality of sleep was affected by air pollution: the more exposure someone had to nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5, the worse their chances of a good night’s sleep.

‘Your nose, sinuses and the back of your throat can all be irritated by those pollutants, so that can cause some sleep disruption,’ says Martha Billings, a professor at the University of Washington, who led the research.

Study volunteers with raised nitrogen dioxide in their bodies were up to 60 per cent more likely to suffer from sleep deprivation than those living in areas with lower pollution levels.

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A study found the more exposure someone has to nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5, the worse their chances of a good night’s sleep

They can make your eyes acidic 

High levels of air pollution can raise the risk of dry eye syndrome as well as allergic conjunctivitis — inflammation of the eye.

‘Particulates from diesel emissions can act as an irritant to the surface of the eye, causing dryness and irritation,’ says Marsel Bregu, a consultant ophthalmologist at Warrington Hospital and the Spire Cheshire.

Contact lenses may make matters worse, as particulates can lodge between the contact lens and the surface of the eye.

‘We have been seeing more cases of dry eyes in the past few years, as well as the inflammatory condition red eye. There must be a correlation between this and air pollution,’ says Mr Bregu.

There is a direct correlation between pollution levels and various eye infections, according to a study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 2002.

The researchers also suggested that high levels of air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide make the tear film of the eyes more acidic.

‘This could cause a burning, stinging discomfort to the eyes,’ says Dr Jeff Kwartz, a consultant ophthalmologist at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

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There is a direct correlation between pollution levels and various eye infections

A worrying link to cancer

Pollution has contributed to a 10 per cent rise in cancer diagnoses, according to a study by the University of Illinois, published this month — equivalent to more than 28,600 cancer diagnoses in Britain.

While someone’s chance of developing the disease may be partly down to genetics, the report’s authors say it could also be that pollution damages DNA and the way hormones function, leading to cancer.

Air pollution caused by traffic and industry may increase the risk of lung cancer independently of factors such as smoking and age, according to research by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Analysing data from more than 16,000 men between 1971 and 1998, the researchers estimated that the risk of developing lung cancer was 8 per cent higher for men living where levels of nitrogen dioxide, mainly produced by traffic, were higher.

It could be that inhaled pollutants damage DNA in the lung cells. Or soot particles may get lodged deep in the lungs, causing long-term inflammation. This could increase the rate at which cells divide and the chance of random mutations growing and spreading.

Why they can trigger eczema and age spots

Air pollution is a particular issue for those with eczema. This condition occurs when the skin barrier — the outermost protective layer of skin — does not work, explains Daniel Glass, a consultant dermatologist at the Harley Street Dermatology Clinic.

‘So those who are genetically predisposed to eczema may find it is triggered by air pollution.’

He adds that as eczema is associated with the subsequent development of asthma, pollution increases the likelihood of both.

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Air pollution is a particular issue for those who suffer from eczema

Pollution also damages skin cells, speeding up breakdown of the collagen that keeps our skin supple and eventually leading to problems with pigmentation and wrinkles.

Particulates have been linked to signs of ageing in the skin, especially pigment spots and more pronounced nasolabial folds (the lines that run from each side of the nose to the corners of the mouth), according to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

The researchers looked at the skin of 400 women living either in rural areas or near busy roads in Germany and marked out signs of ageing such as pigmentation and wrinkles. Almost all had remained at the same address for the previous 30 years.

The study concluded that pollution may have caused skin ageing by triggering oxidative stress.

‘The study suggests that because of exposure to pollution, the skin is hindered from repairing itself, leading to signs of ageing,’ says Andrew Wright, a professor of dermatology at the University of Bradford.

Risk of problems in pregnancy

Expectant mothers living close to busy roads are at greater risk of serious complications because of their exposure to air pollution, research suggests.

This year, a study led by the University of Copenhagen of 73,000 women found that pre-eclampsia — a form of high blood pressure that affects 42,000 pregnant women in Britain each year — is made more likely by noise and pollution from roads.

Researchers believe the toxins may raise stress levels and cause inflammation leading to rising blood pressure. In severe cases, pre-eclampsia can lead to stillbirth or be fatal to the mother.

‘There is robust evidence to link low birth weight with exposure to pollution such as diesel,’ says Jonathan Grigg, a professor of paediatric respiratory and environmental medicine at Queen Mary University of London.

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Research suggests expectant mothers living close to busy roads are at greater risk of serious complications because of their exposure to air pollution

‘The theory is that the particles of pollution may produce inflammation in the mother’s lungs which then triggers mediators — substances released from cells — that leach into the blood and affect development of the child.’

This year, researchers from the Stockholm Environment Institute also found that particulates under 2.5 micrometres could be to blame for millions of premature births globally each year.

Could they cause diabetes?...

Researchers in Munich found that children living in polluted areas were more likely to develop insulin resistance — a precursor to type 2 diabetes — by the age of ten. They suggest the link is due to inflammation in the body caused by cells reacting to air pollution particles.

Meanwhile, a 2012 study of 4,000 women living in Los Angeles by Boston University found that those living in polluted areas were more likely to have high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Jim Zhang, professor of global and environmental health at Duke University in the U.S, who has researched links between diabetes and pollution, told Good Health: ‘The evidence is mounting to support the link between air pollution and risk factors for diabetes.’

... And make bones CRUMBLE faster

Air pollution has been shown to accelerate the development of osteoporosis, according to Amit Amin, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at St George’s Hospital in South West London.

‘Advanced age, menopause, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle are the most common risk factors but pollution is likely to contribute to the breakdown of bone cells, raising the chance of developing osteoporosis,’ he says

Will wearing a face mask protect you?

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The easiest way to avoid pollution is to keep away from busy roads, says Alastair Lewis, a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the University of York. 

But what else may help protect you? We asked the experts.

Respro City mask

£29.99, respro.com

This moulded mask blocks airborne particles (or particulates) as small as 10 micrometres (PM10), such as those linked with vehicle exhaust emissions.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Good masks can stop us inhaling pollutants,’ says Roy Harrison, a professor of environmental health at the University of Birmingham. ‘This mask will filter out many harmful particles, such as diesel particles, efficiently.

‘However, it wouldn’t block all harmful gases in vehicle emissions such as nitrogen dioxide, as these can pass through the weave. The only way to keep them out is through an activated carbon filter, similar to those in World War II gas masks.

‘A mask must not leak air from the sides, which can occur if you have a beard. This mask is a good tight fit.’

8/10

Clarins UV+ Anti-Pollution Cream

30ml, £32, Boots

This contains cantaloupe melon extract, which has antioxidant properties; blackcurrant extract to limit inflammation; and an anti-pollution complex with white tea and succory to neutralise free radicals.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Pollution can damage the skin barrier, leaving it vulnerable to inflammation and irritation,’ says Justine Hextall, a consultant dermatologist at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. ‘Damaged cells release free radicals that raise levels of the enzyme MMP-1, which breaks down collagen and elastin, our skin’s scaffolding.

‘While there may be some, albeit limited, evidence for blackcurrant and white tea to protect cells from free radical damage, this is a topical application and it is unclear how much you would absorb.’

4/10

Health Plus Detox Pack supplement

28 sachets, £15.45, healthplus.co.uk

This ‘advanced anti-pollutant formula’, with antioxidants such as glutathione, helps remove ‘toxins and heavy metals’ from the body.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘The theory is that “oxidant” molecules and free radicals released in the body as a result of pollution are associated with inflammation and a range of diseases,’ says Professor Harrison. ‘In response, your body produces antioxidants — and this product helps to supplement these. But I know of no trials showing that antioxidants in supplement form help protect you from diseases or pollution.’

Glutathione is a strong antioxidant ‘but it’s broken down in the digestive tract and may not get to the cells, where it is needed,’ adds Dr Hextall.

3/10

Dyson Pure Cool Link Tower filter

£449.99, John Lewis

Air is drawn into a filter that traps particles as small as 0.1 micrometre (PM 0.1). It has pollution sensors to monitor and adjust the airflow.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘The use of a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter means it will catch a range of particles and sizes,’ says Professor Harrison. ‘The filter may need replacing after a time. Gases such as nitrogen dioxide — released when diesel is burnt — are so small, they may pass through the filter.’

9/10

London Air app

Free for iPhone and Android, see londonair.org.uk

This displays the latest air pollution levels in your area of London.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘The information is reliable,’ says Professor Harrison, ‘and there is explicit health advice for people with illnesses such as asthma.’

Some local authorities around the country are developing similar apps, but you can also access this information at uk-air.defra.gov.uk.

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Awair device

£179.99, getawair.co.uk

This tracks volatile organic compounds (chemicals released by cleaning products, burning fuel and cooking), dust and carbon dioxide. It sends this data via an app to your smartphone.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘This claims to measure five key factors of air quality but how it can sense all the known pollutants at once I don’t know,’ says Professor Harrison. ‘To do this reliably I would expect it to be much more expensive.’

4/10

REN Flash Defence Anti-Pollution Mist

60ml, £24, escentual.com

A mist that forms a barrier against ‘free radicals and pollution’, with quercetin.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘How can this claim to shield the skin from external free radicals when free radicals, by definition, come from within the skin?’ says Dr Hextall. ‘Whether quercetin has any antioxidant effect in spray form is unknown.’

2/10 

Jinan Harb

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4553248/What-diesel-fumes-REALLY-doing-health.html