Saturday, March 19, 2011

STOP that SNORE!

Yes, sometimes we do feel that snoring is funny(especially in this video). Not anymore if the snoring starts to bother your life. Today, I will give some information about SNORING

What is snoring?
SNORING is a situation in which air movement is obstructed during breathing while sleeping, thus causes vibration of respiratory structures and resulting soft or loud sound. 

What causes snoring?
1) Age
Middle age people are more likely to suffer from snoring. This happens because their throats become narrower and muscle tones in their throat decreases.

2) Nasal and sinus problems
Blocked airways due to sinusitis will make the inhalation difficult in which leads to snoring.

3) Overweight
 I hate to admit it but yes, overweight people are prone to snoring due to their excessive fatty tissue and poor muscle tone.

4) Alcohol and smoking
Excessive alcohol intake and smoking( not to be forgotten second-hand smoke) will increase muscle relaxation that leads to snoring.

How to differentiate ways of snoring?
1) Snoring with closed mouth
This indicates that the snorer has a problem with the tongue.

2) Snoring with open mouth
This kind of snorer usually has the problem with the tissues in their throat.

3) Snoring when sleeping on back position 
 This condition is mild and the snorer can prevent it from happening again by changing their lifestyles.

What are the self-help tips to stop snoring? 
1) Lose weight
When snorers try to lose weight, they are actually cutting off those excessive fatty tissues in the back off their throats as well, thus decreases the chances of snoring.

2) Quit smoking
Since smoking causes blocked airways by irritating the membranes in the nose and throat, it is better to quit smoking. 

3) Clear nasal passages
The snorers can do so by trying nasal strips that can be found easily at pharmacies in order to help them to breathe more easily.

4) Reposition!
The snorers can reduce snoring by elevating their heads up to four inches and encourage their tongues and jaws to move forward. They can also try on pillow-free sleep.

5) Moist the air
The snorers are encouraged to keep their bedroom air moist by putting air humidifier. As it increases humidity, the snorers will never experience dry air that can irritate membranes in the nose and throat.

p/s: Remember that all the information given above is basically referred to mild snorers. If the snoring is severe, it is advisable to get a doctor's help before it gets even worse. Till we meet next time! :) 

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Trichotillomania??

 
Keep wondering what is TRICHOTILLOMANIA?

Trichotillomania is a condition in which one has the urge to pull out their own hair! 

Let's get to know more about TRICHOTILLOMANIA..
1) People who suffer from this trichotillomania will repeatedly pull their hair out at the root from places like:
SCALP

EYEBROWS

EYELASHES

and even PUBIC AREA...
2) Some people will pull out large handfuls of hair which leaves bald patches and some people pull their hair one strand at a time.
3) About half of the sufferer will put their hair on their mouth to chew or eat after pulling it. 

4) Bear in mind that most of the sufferers do not really notice what they are doing but there are some of them that aware of their pulling.

What are the factors that lead to Trichotillomania?
1) Family history- Many experts believe that sufferers of Trichotillomania inherit it from their parents.

2) Age- Trichotillomania usually happens to adolescence from 11 to 13 years old. But remember that children at the age younger than 5 can also prone to hair-pulling.

3) Gender- Women are more likely to suffer from Trichotillomania.

4) Emotions- Anxiety, depression, loneliness and frustration are commonly said to be the factors of Trichotillomania. 

What will happen to the sufferers?
1) Many sufferers reported that they feel ashamed, humiliated, low self-esteem and depressed of their condition.

2) Their constant  hair-pulling eventually leads skin damage including abrasions and infections to the specific place that they are pulling their hair from.

3) Believe it or not, the hair that they eat will become a large, matted hairballs in their digestive tract. The hairballs eventually can cause vomiting, weight loss and even DEATH!

Here is one video that I found very interesting that I would like to share with all of you. Please watch this:

Reminder:So, if any of you or even your family and friends have the symptoms of Trichotillomania, the only best way to overcome it is by seeking a therapist's help. Do NOT wait until the problem gets into more serious as it will affect your life physically and emotionally.Have a nice day~

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Protect Yourself!

Martial arts are defined as practices of combat. In other ways, we use martial arts to protect ourselves from any danger especially when we are being attacked by someone. Today, let's take a look at different types of martial arts that are still being practiced today. Here are some of the most popular martial arts: 

1) Aikido
a) It is a Japanese martial art that was developed by Morihei Ueshiba.
b) Aikido learners use their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you rather than using punches or kicks.
c) Aikido involves joint locks and throws from jujitsu(derived from judo) and combines with sword and spear fighting body movements.
Let's take a look at one of the best Aikido demonstration done by Mr. Anthony Yates:

2) Bando Thaing
 
a) It is a style of armed or unarmed combat native to Burma.
b) It involves kicking and striking like Karate, throwing like Judo, swordplay and fighting with knives and sticks.
c) Bando Thaing learners initiate the movement with a withdrawal followed by an attack outside the opponent's reach. 
d) This martial art requires great use of all body parts.
If you still not clear about this Bando Thaing, let's watch this video:



3) Capoeira 
a) It is an exciting sport which originated from Brazil that combines art form and self defense, with strong aerobic and dance elements.
b) Others will form a circle and 2 people will show off their skills in eluding and striking their opponent.
c)All in all, it gives you flexibility,self discovery and endurance. 
I recommend you to watch this awesome video of Capoeira:
 

4) Haidong Gumdo
a) It is a Korean sword art which builds physical, mental and spiritual development.
b) Haidong Gumdo learners learn forms, step drills, sitting and moving meditation and bamboo and straw cutting.
c) It focuses on the tactics of outdoor and pitched battles. 
This is one of the bamboo cutting demonstration that captures my eyes:

5) Iaido
a) It is a Japanese traditional Budo which involves with drawing the blade and cutting in the same motion.
b) The form: draw and cut, a finishing cut, cleaning it and returning it to the scabbard, without looking at the imagery opponent.
c) Techniques: sudden attack by opponent,surprise attack while bowing to someone or an attack in a darkened room.
This is the video that best describes Iaido:

6)  Kalarippayattu
a) It was originated from Kerala and practiced in south Indian and Tamil Nadu.
b) It incorporates strikes, kicks, grappling, weaponry and healing techniques.
c) Weapons used: sword, Dagger, Shield, short sticks and spears.
This video involves the usage of Urumi which means flexible sword:

7) Karate 
a) It is a generic term for kick or punch arts that originated from Japan.
b) It uses directed blows of the hands or feet with a special shouts from a poised stance.
c) This martial art is an excellent all-round exercise as it requires a lot of body muscles movements. 
To get a better picture of Karate, watch this Karate demo:

8) Kickboxing
a) It started when Karate practitioners were frustrated because martial arts competitions didn't allow full contact kicks during the 1970's.
b) Techniques used: kicks, punches, kick blocks and shadow boxing including wood blocking.
c) Due to the high risk of injury, new safety rules and protective clothing were introduced.
If you would like to improve your kick boxing movements, you can try on this killer kick boxing workout:

I believe that there are lots more martial arts that are being practiced by people up to this day. I hope you can gain extra information about different types of martial arts. So, get yourself in any martial arts class today!

Credits to:

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? That is what the Queen from the Disney's Snow White always said. But today, we are going to figure out on how to determine your face shape by simply looking yourself at a mirror. Besides that, I will share some hairstyles that suit your face.  

How to determine your face shape?
Materials that you need:
a)Measurement tape






b) A piece of paper









c) A pen





First step
- Choose a bathroom that has a good lighting.
-Stand in front of your mirror and make sure that you can see your full face.

Second step:
-Start measuring across the top of your cheekbones.
-Place the end of your tape measure just past the outer corner of your eye. Then, lay the tape measure in a straight line across the bridge of your nose to just past the outer corner of your other eye.
-The tape measure should be resting on top of your cheekbones.
-Read the number at the end point and write down the measurement.

Third step:
- Next, measure your jaw line.
-Start on one side of your jaw at the base near your ear. Run the tape measure along your jaw line until you come to the middle of your chin.
-Multiple the number at the end point by two and write down the measurement.

Fourth step:
-Now, measure your forehead.
-Place the tape measure on one side of your forehead at the widest point halfway between your eyebrows and your hairline.
-Run the tape measure along your forehead until you come to the same point on the opposite side of your head.
-Read the number at the end point and write down the measurement.

Last step:
-Measure the total length of your face
-Start at the middle of your hairline.
-Run the tape measure down your face, over your nose to tip of your chin.
-Read the number at the end point and write down the measurement.

The results:

a) You have an OVAL FACE SHAPE if:
Description:
-The length of your face equals one and a half times the width. 
-This face is well balanced and proportionate.
-You have a narrow jaw line and rounded hairline.

Hairstyle that suits you:
Women
-Any hairstyles may suit your oval face-short, medium and long hairstyles
-You will look best if you let go of your hair untie.
-Avoid heavy bangs or too forward-directed styles.
Men
-Any style is suitable.
-Pay more attention to your nose and the position of your eyes and ears.

b) You have a ROUND FACE SHAPE if:
Description:
-The measurement of your width and length of your face almost the same.
-Your widest point is at your cheeks and ears.
-You also have round hairline and chin.

Hairstyle that suits you:
Women
-Try hairstyles that weight at the crown to balance the width of your face.
-Short hair style with a swept-back direction may be best for you.
-Avoid very short, cropped hairstyles.
Men
-Avoid full or round hairstyles.
-You can try to style your hair a bit higher at the top and front in order to provide balance on your round face.

c)You have an OBLONG FACE SHAPE if:
Description:
- Your face is longer than it is wide.
- You may have a very narrow chin or a very high forehead.

Hairstyle that suits you:
Women
-You can try on short or medium hairstyles.
-Layers haircut may be best for your oblong face.
-Avoid having a long hair!
Men
-Go for a style that is longer on the sides and short on top.
-To create balance, you can try to wear glasses or have a groomed beard.

d) You have a HEART-SHAPED FACE if:
Description:
-You have a delicate and narrow jaw or chin.
-You have a wide cheekbones and/or forehead.

Hairstyle that suits you:
Women
-You can try on chin-length or long hairstyles.
-Chin-length bob haircut is perfect for you!
-Avoid short haircut!
Men
-Opt for a style that will narrow your forehead area.
-You can try on bangs swept to the side and a beard.

e) You have a SQUARE FACE SHAPE if:
Description:
-Your face is as wide as it is long but with a more angular shape than a round face.
-You have a strong and square jaw line as well as square hairline.

Hairstyle that suits you:
Women
-You can try on short or medium haircut.
-Wispy bangs or layers would be best for you.
-Avoid long hair styles that emphasize your square jaw.
Men
-Make sure your sides leaner and short.
-Keep your hair clean around the ears.

f) You have a DIAMOND FACE SHAPE if:
Description:
-Your face is widest at the cheekbones.
-You have a narrow forehead and jaw line of approximately equal widths.

Hairstyle that suits you:
Women
-A true diamond-shaped face gives you lots of hairstyle options, so experiment!
-Avoid having too much hair on your face because it will hide your beautiful diamond shape.
Men
-Try on a style with bangs.
-You may also try on longer shag hairstyles.

Now, I guess you are able to determine your own face shape,aren't you? Remember to check out what is the best hairstyles that suit your face! Happy trying~

Credits to: