Health, nutrition and Food

Daytime dozing a  'stroke warning'

Regular unintentional daytime dozing may be an early warning sign of stroke in elderly people, say US researchers.

For those who had a habit of nodding off, the risk of stroke was two to four times higher than for those who never fell asleep in the day, a study found.

Speaking at the International Stroke Conference, the team advised doctors to check out older people who found they were dropping off in front of the TV.

The study asked 2,000 people how often they dozed off in different situations.

Significant numbers

These included while watching TV, sitting and talking to someone, sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol and stopping briefly in traffic while driving.

The risk of stroke over the next two years was 2.6 times greater for people who reported "some dozing" compared to those with no dozing.

Among those who reported "significant dozing" the risk was 4.5 times higher.

The researchers also found the risk of heart attack or death from vascular disease was 1.6% higher for moderate dozers and 2.6% higher for significant dozers.

Study leader, Dr Bernadette Boden-Albala, assistant professor of neurology at Columbia University, New York, said: "Those are significant numbers. We were surprised that the impact was that high for such a short period of time."

Poor sleep

Previous research has shown that people who suffer from sleep apnoea - short periods when breathing stops during sleep - have an increased stroke risk.

It could be that daytime sleepiness is a sign of sleeping poorly at night because of sleep apnoea.

"Given what's known now, it's worth assessing patients for sleep problems," Dr Boden-Albala said. "If patients are moderately or significantly dozing, physicians need to think about sending them for further evaluation."

She added other studies had shown people were not getting enough sleep, making them consistently tired.

"But the real question is: 'What are we doing to our bodies?' Sleepiness obviously puts us at risk of stroke."

Risk factor

Dr Heinrich Audebert, consultant stroke physician at Guy's and S. Thomas' Hospital in London said the findings seemed reasonable.

"Sleep apnoea is a risk factor for stroke and in Mediterranean countries the siesta is associated with a little bit of an increased daytime risk of stroke."

He explained that patients with sleep apnoea had increased blood pressure levels during the night.

One other potential cause for the findings could be previous undiagnosed minor strokes causing damage to the brain and leading to more sleepiness during the day, he said.  "What we really encourage is that all patients who have breaks in sleeping in the night should have sleep apnoea screening."

The importance of pre-natal education

The emergence of new trends in literally all aspects of health has brought about many positive features in health care. And one such is the importance given to modern but safe, supportive and proactive methods with regard to all aspects of pregnancy.

For example, about a decade ago In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) created waves in Sri Lanka although in the developed world it was a common method of contraception if a woman could not conceive. However, conceiving a baby alone does not ensure that all goes well. It is essential that many other important factors are taken into consideration - before, during and after the delivery of a baby. 

Ninewells Care Mother & Baby Hospital conducts special pre natal classes towards ensuring that every stage of a woman's pregnancy will be as smooth as possible. With 18 years experience in midwifery in England and many more years in Sri Lanka, Mohanie Ahangama is at the helm of these classes that many mothers and fathers to be have taken to by giving of their time to diligently listen and follow the do's and the don'ts towards a trouble free pregnancy.

Imparting of knowledge

Speaking to The Sunday Leader, Ahangama said that these classes first and foremost impart knowledge with the husband being a part of the process from the very beginning.

"The husband's input is very essential as he has to play a supporting role and I must say that the men I have come across here are amazing. Gone are the days when mothers, in-laws and aunts of pregnant women are around to fuss and fret. It doesn't mean that mothers and other family members are barred from being there but we now see husbands and partners being wholly involved with the pregnancy and in fact this has had a very positive effect on the mother who is carrying the baby," she said.

Ahangama went on to explain that birthing per se is a particular time in the process of delivering a baby. And the knowledge that the parents have gained gives them so much confidence and the female domain has had a 'friendly invasion' by the fathers. An important point is that the more a mother to be knows the more confident she gets and these positive aspects filter down to the foetus which starts responding to light and sound from around 16 weeks.

 "Research has revealed that at five months, the foetus hears the parents' voice. By the sixth month of the pregnancy the baby starts reacting to the environment as the hormone systems get connected and the baby feels the mother's emotions," Ahangama said. This means the baby settles down comfortably within the womb if the mother is happy, and can also feel the negative emotions that the mother may go through and react to such emotions. These negative emotions may be worry, anxiety, stress and similar feelings that are natural during a pregnancy.

This is where pre natal classes help in coping with any negative aspects of a pregnancy - for example if the birth has been conceived through Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) or the delivery of the baby is going to be through a Ceasarian section, or if the delivery is going to be normal, the fact that the parents have been following prenatal classes that encompass every aspect of the pregnancy gives them the confidence to go through the entire process with confidence.

Finer points

Whilst parents-to-be access so much information through the internet, pre natal educators help separate the 'wood from the trees.' "We explain scientific terms and the mothers then feel reassured. The information and knowledge we impart is also practical. An important aspect is the mother's diet so that the baby gets optimum nutrition. We also recommend light, moderate exercises that include stretching and toning of the muscles to help the mother have a good conditioned body throughout the pregnancy which will in turn make the birth easier," Ahangama added.

Breathing techniques are also a vital part of the pre natal classes that Ninewells conducts. During each stage of the birth the mother through nature, breathes in a specific way to help herself. Pre natal classes at Ninewells trains and guides the mother through a series of planned methods to breathe so as to have a safe and happy delivery. Whilst the exercises help the mother, empowering of the father goes a long way towards the support he gives his wife or partner to cope with the process, she said.

"The birth moment is the most profound moment for a human being and the entire team at Ninewells with the support of the husband or partner ensures that it is a joyous and peaceful experience for a mother, with a happy father by her side if he desires to be there to experience the joy and wonder of a baby coming into the world," she said in conclusion.

Ceylinco Health Fair at Panadura Town Hall

Free consultations with doctors, free diagnostic tests as well as advice and guidance on healthy living and the preparation of healthy food, will be available to the public at the first ever Ceylinco Health Fair which takes place in Panadura on March 1.

Organised by Ceylinco Healthcare Services Limited (CHSL), the company that manages centres of excellence for the prevention and management of diabetes and for screening and treatment of cancer, the fair takes place at the Panadura Town Hall premises and will be open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm.

Intended as an extension of its efforts to promote prevention and early treatment of these diseases and to create greater awareness in suburban areas of the services it provides, the fair will provide an extensive range of free medical and lifestyle related information to visitors, its organisers said.

The Ceylinco Diabetes Centre and the Ceylinco Healthcare Centre will each have their designated stalls at which specialist doctors would be available for discussions and to seek advice and information. A series of live discussions led by doctors and other experts, as well as cookery demonstrations are also planned.

On offer to visitors free of charge are blood glucose checks, body mass index (BMI) checks, eye tests and advice on key areas such as diet plans, exercise, foot care, breast care and information on well man and well woman clinics.

Presentations lined up for the day cover subjects such as 'Correct use of medication in chronic diseases,' 'Diabetes and complications,' and 'Common cancers in Sri Lanka.' These will be made by leading medical professionals. A cookery demonstration by Chef Lloyd Opatha and a demonstration and talk on exercise have also been scheduled.

"This is a great opportunity for health-conscious people to get information on several very relevant areas in an informal, fun-filled atmosphere," a spokesperson for the centre said. "We plan to conduct several such events in suburban areas in the course of the year."

Sure Slim: A sure way to slim

How sure are you of a product that says it will deliver as advertised, will do just that?

Sure Slim marketed by Harcourts Private Ltd., is a 100% natural product in the form of a capsule manufactured in Australia through a unique process and available in Sri Lanka, island wide. Composed of 100% herbal extracts, Sure Slim is directly absorbed into the system and therefore has the ability to combat the excessive carbohydrates that are present in the food that we consume.

While carbohydrates should be an essential item in one's daily diet when consumed in excess, it can lead to obesity - more so since it is directly absorbed into the bloodstream. This is where Sure Slim gets to work in ensuring that what is in excess in the system is countered.

Many people, women in particular, have excess body fat which is of concern to them. Try getting into a dress or an outfit that you now find is a tight fit and you know the frustrations that you go through. This is where Sure Slim with regular use will help by taking away all excess fat. Cellulite too can be effectively overcome through the regular intake (the prescribed daily dosage) of Sure Slim.   

For effective results, this 100% natural herbal capsule should be taken continuously for three months before meals. While some of the regular users have said that they have seen the positive results of this product after daily use for one month, at the end of three months the signs of a slimmer person will be evident.

As with all 100% natural products marketed by Harcourts, Sure Slim is also absolutely safe and has no side effects. Any person above 16 years can safely take Sure Slim so as to maintain the correct weight according to one's age and height.

All pharmacies and supermarkets have Sure Slim on their shelves, as do many beauty salons. Guaranteed to produce positive results, Sure Slim should be the answer to so many people who have to deal with excess weight brought on by excess fat in the body. 

What about genetics?

By Dr.Asanga Wijayaratne No. 1 fitness guru in Sri Lanka and the only specialist in South Asia in Human Kinetics, Physical Education & Sports Science.

lots of people spoke regarding fitness and health. One lady came to me and said 'Dr. Asanga...fat just seems to run in my family...everyone on my father's side is thin, but my mother's side of the family is overweight. I can't do anything about my weight. It's genetics!'

She was blaming genetics regarding her weight. You've undoubtedly heard people blame their weight on genetics, and maybe you've done this yourself. Although it is true that genes contribute to body type, shape and other factors that influence weight, no one is doomed to obesity by genetics. Diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits also 'run in families', but they have nothing to do with genes. These are behaviors children pick up and carry in to adulthood, and then pass down to their children. If your family history includes sports and other outdoor activities, you and your relatives may be slim and trim. You cannot change your genes, but you can change your eating and exercise habits.

Scientists have found a genetic defect in mice that gives them blond bellies and make them fat. The defect interferes with a number of hormones and brain chemicals, including some that regulate appetite and fat storage. When scientists separated mice in to two groups, one was a very small cage and other one was a large cage (which had more space to be active) active group mice quickly lost weight as well as their blondness. Especially if there is a tendency to overweight or weight related health problems in your family, you should cut down on fats, eat a balance diet and incorporate a minimum 30 minutes of moderate exercise into every day.

Someone else also once asked me what working-class executives in Sri Lanka can do to keep fit given their busy lifestyles. A few tips, plenty of water into your body, which will release more waste product from your body. General rule is 7kg of your body weight equal to 1 cup of water, no more old system like 6 cups a day. So if you are 70 kg then 10 cup of water must. Also having fresh fruits and healthy snacks by your side, that is no excuse for executives. You shouldn't skip any breakfast too, try to have some early dinner. Most busy people are very bad with the posture action. Main problem is not the lack of exercise, not having the right meals at the right times (odd times) so when you do your office work make sure you've got your posture straight, back straight , shoulders up ext.

Also another question raised is that many vegetarian Sri Lankans, in fact a majority of them, seem to be battling weight problems. Why is this? And what can they do to keep in shape? Well, most of our vegetarians are very good carbohydrates eaters, i.e. rice, potatoes, dhal, etc which is very rich in CHO. CHO is a very good source of energy but excess will turn in to sugar. Not very sure about this concept as my experience in UK most of vegetarians are lighter in weight. Here we don't get enough supple of correct nutrition , vitamins and minerals with our veggie diet. We need those things for the growth, and maintenance of healthy body.

For the new year 2007 some of you may have plans to buy very expensive fitness equipments for your home. I think paying few thousand rupees in your local gym is far better: Because you can committed yourself better

with a qualified fitness/gym instructor who can monitor you and assess your fitness programme in 2-3 times a week 40-50minper day. If you are overweight, stop blaming at your genes .if you have children, you should set a good example, simply be active!!!

Fat is a nutrient that is an important source of calories. One gram of fat supplies 9 calories - more than twice the amount we get from carbohydrates or protein. Fat also is needed to carry and store essential fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A and D. There are two basic types of fat. They are grouped by their chemical structure. Each type of fat is used differently in our bodies and has a different effect on our health. When we eat a lot of high fat foods, we get a lot of calories. With too many calories, we may gain weight. Eating too much fat may also increase the risk of getting diseases like cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure or stroke. Health experts recommend that we should get no more than 30% of our calories from fat to reduce our risk of getting these diseases.

Fat is found in many foods. Some of the fat that we eat comes from the fat we add in cooking

Ceylinco Diabetes Centre relocates  to Park Street

The Ceylinco Diabetes Centre, the most advanced private facility in Sri Lanka for the prevention and management of diabetes has relocated to Park Street Colombo 2, to make access easier for its visitors.

The Centre which was earlier located at the 6th Floor of Ceylinco House, commenced operations at its new location on the 2nd Floor of Ceylinco Healthcare Centre at No. 60 Park Street, from February 18th.

The new location has parking facilities and valet parking services are also available, a spokesperson for the centre said.

All facilities for screening, detection and management of diabetes and associated complications that were available at the previous location would be offered at the Diabetes Centre's new location, the spokesperson added.

Along with the relocation, Ceylinco Healthcare Services Ltd (CHSL) has set up its Men's Clinic within the Diabetes Centre for greater convenience to visitors, she said. The Men's clinic is a specialist clinic focusing on problems related to or affecting male sexual health and provides facilities for clinical review, diagnostic investigations, non-surgical treatment, referrals to other specialists and information and advice.

The Ceylinco Diabetes Centre conducts clinics in Diabetology, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Nephrology, Vascular Pathology, Podiatry, Dermatology and Nutrition and has a specialised Wound Clinic and a Diabetes Shop.

Established three years ago in affiliation with the Washington Hospital Centre, the Ceylinco Diabetes Centre is a comprehensive private stand-alone facility offering access to medical specialists in many fields of medicine associated with complications arising from diabetes.

Biona - The three-in-one beauty solution

A World Health Organisation (WHO) approved product - Biona, is a 100% natural product that comes with a guarantee of no side effects. Biona is a natural vitamin for hair, skin and nails and is based on 24 vitamins and minerals which are combined to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss, enhances the texture of the skin and strengthen the nails while at the same time ensuring its growth.

While Sri Lanka has many reputed natural vitamin supplements with the some of the combinations that are present in Biona in the market, only Biona is 100% natural and has 24 vitamins and minerals in its composition. 

Available for the first time in Sri Lanka Biona has had a ready market on account of its multi-purpose positive effect on hair, skin and nails. After taking Biona regularly for two months, one can be assured of a healthy growth of hair while at the same time preventing its fall. And after taking Biona for three months, skin patches, darkness under the eyes, pimples and warts will begin to clear leaving one with a clear and fairer skin. At the same time, nails will be prevented from chipping or breaking.

It must also be mentioned that a very dark skinned person cannot expect his/her complexion change to fairer skin by taking the recommended dosage of Biona regularly but the chances are that such a person's skin could get a few shades lighter by the regular use of this product.

This is on account of the positive effects of Biona where is works from within the system - the 100% natural ingredients being absorbed into the blood and purifying it so as to dispel all that is harmful and detrimental to the body and instead, boosting the system and enhance the outer appearance. The effect therefore could be seen in a person's appearance through healthy, lustrous hair, clear and smooth skin, and strong nails.

This wonder product is not only for females. Biona is recommended for males as well and more interestingly, by anyone from the age of 10 years to 70 or even 80 years. Children and the aged could therefore take Biona on a daily basis as a vitamin supplement as it is sans any artificial component.

Biona is an approved vitamin supplement in Sri Lanka and has been available for nearly two years, Its demand is such that currently, it happens to be the only 100% natural vitamin supplement that has topped the list in sales, island wide, in the field of beauty enhancing products. Biona is available in all pharmacies, supermarkets and most beauty salons.

House & Property

Lumi‚re Residencies - a World of Enlightenment

If you are looking for a high quality, secure and uniquely designed apartment near the heart of Colombo, but feel slightly dejected by the lack of choice, your search may be over.   

Located in the peaceful surroundings of Dabare Mawatha (Colombo 5), close to supermarkets, leading schools and five hospitals, Lumi‚re Residencies  offers 29 apartments in several designs, catering to different needs.

Unique in design and facilities, this small, cosy complex leads the way in innovation and design & build quality.

"We wanted to build apartments which offered something unique to potential buyers," explains Gishanka De Silva, Director, DGS Holdings Ceylinco (Pvt.) Ltd, the developers of Lumi‚re Residencies. "By optimizing natural light, we are providing an extra dimension to high-rise living in Colombo."

The apartment layouts of Lumi‚re are specifically designed to maximize the sources of natural light, helping to create an atmosphere of natural openness and energy.  All bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens and bathrooms have at least one external face built into their design.

The developers of Lumi‚re Residencies are DGS Holdings Ceylinco (Pvt.) Ltd., a Sri Lanka Board of Investment approved company. It is a joint venture between the top management of Design Group Five International (Pvt) Ltd and Ceylinco International Trading. Ceylinco International Trading is part of the Ceylinco Group, one of Sri Lanka's oldest business conglomerates with one of the largest privately-owned real estate stockholdings in the country.

The consultants, Design Group Five International (Pvt) Ltd is an award winning architectural and engineering practice with 35 years of experience to their credit. It is one of the largest design consultancies in Sri Lanka and the only ISO 9001 certified design consultancy in South Asia.

Sanken Lanka Ltd, the main contractor, was established by Mitsui Construction Company of Japan and local partners and is one of the highest rated construction companies in Sri Lanka with ISO certification.

The light and spaciousness does not stop with the design of the building alone.  Light, earthy, soft and warm interior finishes enhance the effect. Furthermore the tiled interiors use Swiss quality imported porcelain tiles from Niro Ceramics and Granite from Malaysia. Bedrooms have laminated wooden Belgian flooring.  

Using the best quality material from internationally renowned producers is another distinctive highlight of Lumi‚re Residencies.  While sanitary ware is from Twyford, one of the oldest British brands, the accessories are from Kludi, a leading German company.  Lumi‚re's aluminum windows and doors are from Tecnal (France) and Fletcher (New Zealand).  Light fittings are imported from Ideal Electrics (Singapore), air conditioning is from York and the elevators are from Mitsubishi.

The quality does not end with the materials used.  Every single detail is given meticulous attention.   Also unique to Lumi‚re Residencies are fully air conditioned bed rooms, living and dining areas, a separate service entrance and a maid's room for almost all designs. And then there is security.

'Security is of paramount importance,' says De Silva. 'We are not taking any short cuts. Residents need to feel secure in their environment and we are fully committed to providing a comprehensive security system."

24 hour manned security is provided for the apartment building and all public areas are monitored by a CCTV system.  Each apartment is designed with an extra security door, prior to the access of the main entrance. This entrance can only be accessed by a high tech proximity card system. Inside each apartment  a video intercom system will help residents screen visitors. The main building entrances will also be integrated with the proximity card system and burglar alarms to prevent unauthorized access.

Other facilities at Lumi‚re Residencies include:

         24-hour building management facility.

         Standby generator for full services including air-conditioners.

         Covered parking with washing bay and security

         Central gas distribution, with gas detectors and safety cut-off system.

         Two lifts

         Phone, cable and local TV wiring and sockets

         Fire control system - smoke and heat detectors, illuminated fire exits,    extinguishers, hose reels and fireman's intercom on each floor.

There is also the rooftop entertainment area, which comprises a swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium and an air-conditioned bar/entertainment area.

Lumi‚re Residencies have two furnished show apartments available for viewing which have received very impressive reviews from those who have already visited. The show apartments let you savour the high quality of design and build which is infused in Lumi‚re Residencies.

If all that were not enticing enough, Lumi‚re Residencies is also priced very attractively.  Although placed, through competitor analysis, in the 'super luxury' range, the apartments are priced at the mid level - starting from around Rs. 18 million. There is also an enticing "walk in" option of having your Lumi‚re residence fully furnished with designer furniture, all electrical appliances and high quality light fittings.

The apartments are scheduled for completion by Mid 2008. For an appointment to visit the show apartments or for further information about Lumi‚re Residencies you may call 0777 359609/0773 1589189/ 112500514 or emailing : sales@dgsh-ceylinco.com.

FINCO adjudged best in Asia for BASF Construction Chemicals

The Engineering Sales Directorate of the Finco Group (Finco ESD), Sri Lanka's leading construction chemicals and flooring systems supplier, has been adjudged the best distributor in the Asian region in 2007 for BASF Construction Chemicals, a global leader in the field.

This is the third time that this prestigious award in a region that includes South Asia and the ASEAN countries, has been won by Finco. Finco ESD also received this award in 2004 and 2005.

The award was presented to the company at a ceremony in Colombo recently, at which the 25th anniversary of Finco ESD's representation of the product portfolio of BASF Construction Chemicals was celebrated.

The ceremony attended by senior representatives of BASF South East Asia and BASF India, also included the presentation of the award for the best salesperson for BASF construction chemicals to Manjula Kalubowila, Senior Manager of Finco ESD.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Finco Group Sarath Weerasuriya disclosed that Finco ESD had, by the end of 2006, achieved a 66 per cent share of the market for concrete admixtures, 60 per cent of the waterproofing products market, 80 per cent of the market for Structural Grout and 80 per cent of the industrial flooring segment.

Richard Tan, Regional Manager for Construction Systems at BASF South East Asia described his company's relationship of a quarter of a century with Finco ESD as "unique, excellent and enduring." Over the last four years, BASF had seen its business with Finco grow by leaps and bounds, he said.

Himanshu Kapadia, Chief Executive Officer of BASF Construction Chemicals India, toÿwhich Finco ESDÿwillÿreport from 2008 onwards, said the transfer of responsibility to support the Sri Lanka territory toÿBASFÿIndiaÿwould result in even greater support from the principal to

Finco ESD. In India, BASF Construction Chemicals doubles its turnover every two years, he said.

Finco ESD employees who had completed 15 years of service were also felicitated at the ceremony.

BASF Construction Chemicals is the world's leading chemical company with a portfolio of more than 10,000 products. In 2007, BASF Construction had approximately 40,000 employees and posted sales of more than _60 billion.

Established in December 1983, the Engineering Sales Directorate of Finco Limited is the sole agent for an extensive range of Construction Chemicals from BASF Construction Chemicals of Germany (Formerly Master Builders Technologies), Waterproofing products from Xypex Chemical Corporation of Canada and Bituminous products by Bitumat Co. Ltd., of Saudi Arabia. Finco is the market leader in the supply of Chemicals to the local Construction Industry. Finco also handles a wide range of Geofabrics, manufactured by TenCate Geosynthetics, Holland,  as well as Woven Mesh Gabion Boxes and  & Mattresses, manufactured by Link Middle East Ltd.

The Engineering Sales Directorate of Finco Limited also functions as a Specialized Contractor in the fields of Hygienic and Wear-resistant Industrial Flooring, Waterproofing, Concrete Repair and Design and Erection of Earth Retaining Structures.