Sunday, June 23, 2013

INSTANT HAZE PROTECTOR



Haze is an atmospheric condition where particles, smoke, dust and moisture suspend in the air obscuring visibility.
Sources of haze include emissions from power plants, industrial activities, traffic as well as farming practices.
Forest fires in countries like the US, Australia and Europe during the hot and dry summer season are also a source of haze.
The current haze affecting Malaysia and Singapore poses a serious and recurring problem every year, particularly between May to October, due to the burning of forests in some countries to clear land.
How Haze Affects Your Health
n the 1997 Southeast Asian haze which affected a number of countries in the region, an increase in air pollutants from 50 to 150 μg/m3 is significantly associated with increases of 12% of upper respiratory tract illness, 19% asthma and 26% nasal inflammation.
Depending on how sensitive you are, the severity of the haze and the time of exposure, you may experience the following short-term adverse effects:
  • Irritated eyes, watering eyes, and/or conjunctivitis (a type of eye inflammation)
  • Running nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and/or post-nasal drip
  • Throat irritation, dry throat, sore throat and/or coughing
  • Headache, dizziness, fatigue and/or stress
  • Decreased lung function, depressed respiratory immune defenses, chest pain, and/or bronchitis (lung inflammation)
These symptoms are usually mild and will subside when you stay indoor and limit your exposure to haze.
However, in susceptible individuals and those suffering from chronic disease, especially respiratory and heart disease (e.g. coronary artery disease, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), their condition may be worsened by haze. They are more likely to experience more severe haze-related effects than healthy people.
Long-term effects
As much as 94% of the particles in a haze are below 2.5 micrometers in diameter, that is, particles that are 30 times smaller than the width of a human hair.
Due to their small size, these ultra small particles stay in the air longer and are easily carried over long distances, increasing their chances of being inhaled by animals and humans.
Known as fine particles, particles emitted by forest fires are found to be toxic to the lungs, and are more toxic than particulate matter collected from ambient air from the same region. 
. Fine particles can also bypass normal body defence mechanisms and penetrate deep into the lungs due to their small size. When inhaled, they can enter the bloodstream and get absorbed by underlying tissue, potentially interacting with other compounds and substances in the body, for example ‘bad’ cholesterol, to produce damaging effects such as inflammation.
Below are some of the long-term risks associated with fine particles:
  • In a large prospective cohort study of adults without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, individuals with higher exposure to fine particles (measured by PM2.5 readings) experience a faster rate of thickening of the arteries compared to others living within the same city . This implies that higher long-term PM2.5 exposures could promote the development of vascular disease.
  • Long-term exposure to fine particles increases the risk of death by cardiovascular disease and reduces life expectancy by several months to a few years .
  • Long-term exposure to PM2.5, that is, particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller, may contribute to the development of diabetes .
  • Exposure to polluted air by expecting mothers has also been associated with spontaneous abortion, under-weight infants, birth defects and infant death .
  • Considering the short-term effects fine particulate matter has on the respiratory system, it does not come as a surprise that a study said they can negatively impact respiratory health and impair pulmonary function . Other studies also linked increased chronic exposures to PM2.5 to population sinusitis in adults  and respiratory illness in infants .

    How is Haze Monitored

    Haze is measured by the Pollutants Standards Index (PSI).
    It is an index developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to present daily air pollution levels in an easy to understand format. In the US, PSI is also known as the Air Quality Index.
    PSI monitors air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller (PM2.5).
    With the latest PSI value, you can get a general idea of the current air quality and the health effects associated with it as indicated in the table below: 
    Index Value
    PSI Descriptor
    General Health Effects
    Health Advisory
    Up to 50
    Good
    GoodNone for the general population
    51 to 100
    Moderate
    Few or none for the general populationNone required
    101 to 200
    Unhealthy
    Mild aggravation of symptoms among susceptible persons ie. those with underlying conditions such as chronic heart or lung ailments; transient symptoms of irritation eg. eye irritation, sneezing or coughing in some of the healthy population.Persons with existing heart or respiratory ailments should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity. The general population should reduce vigorous outdoor activity. Appropriate public advisories regarding the use of respiratory masks and other health matters will be given.
    201 to 300
    Very Unhealthy
    Moderate aggravation of symptoms and decreased tolerance in persons with heart or lung disease ; more widespread symptoms of transient irritation in the healthy population.Elderly and persons with existing heart or lung disease should stay indoors and reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity. The general population should avoid vigorous outdoor activity. Appropriate public advisories on air cleaning devices for homes and offices will be given.
    301 to 400
    Hazardous
    Early onset of certain diseases in addition to significant aggravation of symptoms in susceptible persons; and decreased exercise tolerance in healthy persons.Children, elderly and persons with existing diseases should stay indoors and avoid outdoor activity. The general population should avoid all unnecessary outdoor activity.
    Over 400
    Hazardous
    PSI levels above 400 may be life-threatening to ill and elderly persons. Healthy people may experience adverse symptoms that affect normal activity.Children, elderly and persons with existing diseases should stay indoors, keeping the windows and doors closed and avoiding physical exertion as far as possible. Outdoor activity should be avoided. The general population should keep physical exertion and outdoor activity to as low a level as possible.
    Source: National Environment Agency, Singapore

    Click here for Woman-language Translator

    How to Protect Yourself from Haze

    The main pollutants in a haze that have greater health impact are the fine particles that are 10 micron and smaller in size.
    Their effects depend very much on the severity of the haze and how long one has been exposed to them.
    During a prolonged haze period when the air quality is poor, take the following precautions to protect yourself:
    • Pay attention to local air quality updates. Recommended precautions you should take will usually be given in the form of advisories based on the latest air condition. So it is recommended that you check your local health authority’s website regularly for the latest air quality update. Here are some websites to check for the following countries:
      • Singapore: National Environment Agency
      • Malaysia: Department of Environment
      • US: AIRNow
    • Avoid outdoor activities, especially outdoor sports. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those suffering from chronic illnesses, especially heart and respiratory disease, should remain indoor when the haze hits unhealthy levels. Healthy adults should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities. If you must exercise outdoor, avoid exercising in highly congested areas near busy roads and freeways, particularly during rush hours. Read more: Is Running in a Haze Bad for Health?
    • Close all windows, doors and any openings that may allow haze to enter your home and office. Turn on the air conditioner if you have one. Note: If the weather is extremely hot, it can become dangerous if you stay indoor with all fresh air intake closed and has no air conditioner. In this case, seek alternative shelter.
    • Use an air purifier to keep the particulate levels low. Choose an air purifier that is suitable for the size and type of your home. Avoid air cleaners that generate ozone as they will increase air pollution.
    • Keep air conditioner in tip-top working condition with regular cleaning and servicing. Fine particles can enter an air-conditioned building through the fresh air intake and by infiltration through openings and gaps.
    • If you are staying in a building with a central air conditioning system, install an air cleaning device. This helps to reduce the amount of air contaminants that may be circulating in your building.
    • Take your medication regularly if you are suffering from an existing disease, especially heart disease and respiratory disease. If you feel breathless at any point in time, seek medical attention immediately.
    • Drink more water and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. They help the body to flush out toxins absorbed through the skin and lungs, and improve the immune system. Cut down on alcohol and coffee as they promote fluid loss and leach nutrients from the body.
    • Limit or avoid smoking indoor and the use of gas stove, wood fireplace, candles, incense and anything that burns and emits smoke. In an enclosed area, smoke, gases and pollutants emitted from burning sources are trapped indoor and could build up to hazardous level if they continue to burn for an extended period of time.
    • Avoid driving if visibility is bad. When visibility is severely limited by the haze, avoid driving and use the public transport if you really need to get around. If you cannot avoid driving, do not speed and drive at a speed that suits the conditions. Roll up all the windows, turn on the headlight and avoid changing lanes, passing and crossing traffic. Increase your following distance and stay alert.
    • Under severe haze condition, wear a respirator if you must go outside. Respirators work better than surgical masks as they seal better and restrict more polluted air from entering the nose and mouth. They also come with the right filter to remove fine particles found in a haze. If you stay indoor and yet still experience haze-related conditions, it may be necessary to use respirators indoor as well.
  • *got this from the Internet n what'sapp :)
  • Click here for Woman Language Translator


Tuesday, June 18, 2013

TIPS MEMILIH BUAH DURIAN


Musim durian kembali lagi!.Sekiranya anda ingin memilih durian yang dijual digerai tepi jalan atau dimana-mana sahaja, disyorkan supaya anda mengikut langkah pemilihan yang berikut. :


Pemilihan buah durian adalah berdasarkan kepada 3 bahagian yang utama :

1. Bahagian tangkai 
  • pastikan tangkai masih baru / terasa melekit apabila digosok pada permukaan tangkai.   Sekiranya tangkai sudah lama, biasanya layu dan kecut. Ini menandakan buah telah lama gugur dan tidak segar lagi.
  • Lihat permukaan tangkai, bulatan pertama didalam tangkai adalah menentukan biji dan bulatan kedua menandakan isi, samada tebal atau nipis.

2. Bahagian Duri dan kulit durian  
  • pastikan duri durian masih keras dan tajam, ia menentukan buah amsih segar lagi, manakala warna kulit tidak berubah kepada kekuningan. sekiranya perlu goncang buah sekiranya berbunyi, ia menentukan isi masak sepenuhnya terutama D24 ( biasa mengkal). 
  • Jika pandai urutan dari atas kebawah juga boleh digunakan untuk menentukan buah masak.

3. Bahagian bawah durian 

  • pastikan buah tidak merekah dan busuk. elakkan dari memilih buah durian yang pecah, ini kerana buah tidak mempunyai aroma sebenar kerana telah mengalami proses penyusutan kualiti buah
    Tip yang terbaik - minta penjual buah ,mengopekkan buah durian yang anda pilih dan makan disitu. ia dapat mengelakkan buah yang dipilih bila dibawa pulang akan menjadi mengkal/busuk/keras/isi nipis
  • Sekiranya anda ingin membawa pulang kerumah, pastikan buah yang dipilih bersaiz sederhana dan ikuti langkah seperti diatas.
  • Klik di sini untuk tip memilih   minyak wangi
  • Klik di sini  untuk KASIH POHON RAMBAI

Sunday, June 2, 2013

TIPs on Choosing Perfume

Introduction
 Choosing a perfume that suits ourselves is not easy. First of all we need to know a bit about ourselves. We have to be honest and not just follow trends and fashions. And just because everyone is wearing a certain fragrance, it does not mean that this certain fragrance is right for you, too.
 And with a lot more people selling these perfumes online...it becomes a little more harder to choose as you can't really sample it.

TIP 1 My advice,,,go to a place you can sample the perfumes you like such as, people who already have it, perfume shops, malls, etc... and SMELL and TRY THEM THERE...than make a comparison, if buying online gives more value...than go ahead...make that purchase. It also helps if you can Spray the perfume on a card first. After five or ten minutes, smell it again. See if it still speaks to you. Then and only then, spray it on your skin.

But as  mentioned earlier, choosing a suitable perfume can be confusing. The following are tips that will hopefully make the process easier.

Understanding PERFUME terminology

Here’s a little guide (and some terminology) that will help as you’re choosing a perfume and keep you focused on what you want amidst ever-spritzing aromas!


Absolutes
Pure, natural extracts and oils from flowers and other vegetable materials. Very expensive for a small amount. Example: pure rose oil.
Note
An odoriferous element in the perfume or cologne. When we smell a composed fragrance, we smell different notes within it. When the first scent — or top note — dissipates, we smell the middle note, also known as the bouquet. As that fades, we are left with the basic note, which is the third element of a composed fragrance. It’s like a symphony, right? Secret Number One: Don’t commit to a scent until you smell the final note.
Eau de Cologne
Eau de Cologne is three to five percent oil in a mixture of alcohol and water. It tends to be lighter and refreshing, typically with a citrus oil component.
Eau de Toilette
Containing about the same amount of perfume oil or a little more — somewhere between four and eight percent — than Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette is mixed with alcohol instead of water.
Eau de Parfum
A higher percentage of perfume oil — roughly 15 to 18 — mixed with alcohol makes up Eau de Parfum. It is more expensive than Eau de Cologne and Eau de Toilette.
Perfume
Perfume is 15 to 30 percent perfume oil mixed with alcohol. Because it contains such a high percentage of perfume oil, it is far more expensive than Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, or Eau de Parfum.
You’ll also hear other terminology from your helpful scent-spritzer to describe scent families. For a woman, these will be citrus, fresh, floral, oriental, sweet, spice, or wood. Fragrances for men include those and also other more masculine scents like leather, tobacco, musk, and mosses.
TIP 2 Learn which scent family you enjoy the most...as you and other people will probably smell you with your chosen scent for a long time.
Fragrances are classified according to predominant scent characteristics. Let’s get to know the four basic families that make up most feminine fragrances. Dividing them up this way helps you decide which scents you love and which ones you’d rather avoid. As you’ve shopped for perfume, chances are you’ve probably seen the different notes listed for a particular scent; those coordinate with the family to which the composed scent belongs.
There are four basic fragrance families: Floral/Sweet, Citrus/Fruity/Fresh, Oriental/Spicy, and Woody/ChypreWithin those families, there are sub-groups:-
  • Floral (Floral + Fresh Notes). Main notes include fresh-cut flowers.
  • Soft Floral (Floral Notes). Main notes include aldehydes and powdery notes.
  • Floral Oriental (Floral + Oriental Notes). Main notes include orange blossom and sweet spices.
  • Soft Oriental (Oriental + Floral Notes). Main notes include incense and amber.
  • Oriental (Oriental Notes). Main notes include oriental resins and vanilla.
  • Woody Oriental (Oriental + Woody Notes). Main notes include sandalwood and patchouli.
  • Woods Main notes include aromatic woods and vetiver.
  • Mossy Woods (Woody + Oriental Notes). Main notes include oakmoss and amber.
  • Dry Woods (Woody Notes). Main notes include dry woods and leather.
  • Aromatic Fougère (Fresh Notes). Main notes include lavender and aromatic herbs. This universal fragrance family includes elements from different families: the freshness of from the Citrus family, floral notes of lavender, the spicy-sweetness of a Floral Oriental, the ambery depth of an Oriental and the Mossy Woods warmth of sandalwood and oakmoss.
  • Citrus (Woody + Fresh Notes). Main notes include bergamot and other citrus oils.
  • Water (Fresh + Floral Notes). Main notes include marine and aquatic notes, generally from the chemical calone.
  • Green (Fresh + Floral Notes). Main notes include galbanum and green notes.
  • Fruity (Fresh + Floral Notes). Main notes include berries and other non-citrus fruits.
TIP 3 Keep a few different perfumes from different fragrance families. It’s kind of lovely to switch up your signature scent  according to season, occasion, or mood that day! Floral and Sweet for daytime, and perhaps an Oriental/Spicy scent for date night. In cooler weather, stronger scents can be worn without overwhelming everyone around you. Conversely, lighter scents are better in warmer weather.

You can actually evoke wonderful emotions and memories by creating your own aroma, for example:- 

Floral - Think bouquet of freshly cut flowers. Rose, carnation, lavender, orange blossom, violets, and every other bloom on the front lawn. Floral is the most widely used scent in feminine fragrances. Very sweet and easily recognizable.
Citrus/Fruity/Fresh - Orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits. Apricot, apple, peach, etc. Clean, light, and invigorating.
Oriental/Spicy - Warm vanilla, spices and incense resins. Reminiscent of the Far East. Also ambery and musky. Kind of mysterious!
Woody/Chypre - Scents like bergamot, oakmoss, labdanum, and patchouli. Mossy and very earthy smelling.
TIP 4-Take your skin type into consideration. Perfumes and colognes are made up of many different accords to produce a harmonious scent. Because our body chemistry is unique to us, the same perfume will smell slightly different (or completely different) depending on who is wearing it. Further, it will smell different in the bottle or sprayed on a card than it will on your skin
So...as mentioned earlier: Spray it on a card first. After five or ten minutes, smell it again. See if it still speaks to you. Then and only then, spray it on your skin.
Take your skin type into account. Is your skin dry or oily, or in-between? If you’re drier, the scent will dissipate more quickly. And so a highly concentrated perfume will have more staying-power for you than an Eau de Toilette.
Where a scent is placed on the body also effects how long it will last. And because fragrances are made up of those different notes or layers that wear away with minutes and hours, the scent you are wearing will change as time passes. As I mentioned earlier, wait until the fat lady sings. Or, more accurately, wait until the fragrance evaporates!
Our sense of smell is keener as the day wears on and also in warmer weather. Shop later in the day so you can truly and best smell the different perfumes.
TIP 5 Don’t try out a bunch of different perfumes or colognes at a time, no matter how persistent your spritzer is! Spread it out over a few different trips to the perfume counter. Have you noticed how perfumeries have tiny jars of coffee beans scattered here and there? Take a sniff. It serves the same purpose as sorbet between dinner courses and cleanses your palate — or olfactory perception — in between scents.

TOO MUCH INFO? than just try it first...if the smell speaks to you and you're feeling comfortable with the scent...it probably is the perfume for you :)
*researched from experience and various sources from the Internet

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