31st August is our "Merdeka" or "Independance Day".
Read these articles in the Malaysian Insider:
1. Protesters threaten bloodshed over Hindu temple
2. Not Quite 'Selamat Merdeka'
One of the commentators (Perlyrose) below the article #2 makes an interesting point - the demonstration and desecration (see #1) may have been bait to initiate a larger disturbance.
But whether it was a baiting, or whether it was just what it was (a group whipped into hysteria by misinformation), it bodes ill for Malaysia.
Not too long ago, we Catholics were offended by the desecration of our religious artifacts by the Al Islam magazine, now the Hindu's are being offended.
This August 31st, I think I will just stay indoors and mourn for Malaysia. Celebrating Merdeka would be hypocritical.
Saturday 29 August 2009
Friday 21 August 2009
H1N1- Unpublicized preventive steps (Personal)
My question - how big is a virus, and how fine is the filter of the face masks we are spending money on?
It is answered in the email I got below. I suppose I must be a typical Joe-average, since every time I think of something, I find someone else has written or blogged about it.....
Thanks to media hype about H1N1, I’ve received calls from several who trust me, to advise. The hype in media about the utility of face masks and N95 as a tool for general protection against H1N1 can’t be deplored enough. Today, a friend who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently. Please realize that this is not an official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.
Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation. H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tracts and proliferates (only) there.. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not the problem but proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps — not fully highlighted in most official communications — can be practised (instead of focusing on how o stock N95 or Tamiflu):
Happy breathing!
Best regards.
The Sutra Neti is intriguing. I first was told about it by a friend who took up yoga after retirement, and now looks as young as she did 10 years ago. She does this nasal and sinus washing almost daily, but it is easier to do these things when you are retired I guess. She swears it helps the health enormously. I was also surprised to see this in the Oprah Winfrey show, demonstrated by a SYT and being recommended by an American Caucasian doctor (the type that do health shows and run spas).
I wonder if it would help my own slight sinus problem, but even though I have seen it done on TV, I have no idea how to do it myself. Any SYT out there willing to teach me?
It is answered in the email I got below. I suppose I must be a typical Joe-average, since every time I think of something, I find someone else has written or blogged about it.....
Thanks to media hype about H1N1, I’ve received calls from several who trust me, to advise. The hype in media about the utility of face masks and N95 as a tool for general protection against H1N1 can’t be deplored enough. Today, a friend who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he could tell others in similar words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently. Please realize that this is not an official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.
Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ, while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95 to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an umbrella made of mosquito net.
Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation. H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper respiratory tracts and proliferates (only) there.. The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it’s almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not the problem but proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps — not fully highlighted in most official communications — can be practised (instead of focusing on how o stock N95 or Tamiflu):
- Hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications)
- “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
- Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
- Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Sutra Neti (a very good Yoga asana to clean the nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
Happy breathing!
Best regards.
The Sutra Neti is intriguing. I first was told about it by a friend who took up yoga after retirement, and now looks as young as she did 10 years ago. She does this nasal and sinus washing almost daily, but it is easier to do these things when you are retired I guess. She swears it helps the health enormously. I was also surprised to see this in the Oprah Winfrey show, demonstrated by a SYT and being recommended by an American Caucasian doctor (the type that do health shows and run spas).
I wonder if it would help my own slight sinus problem, but even though I have seen it done on TV, I have no idea how to do it myself. Any SYT out there willing to teach me?
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