Scarlett Johansson’s figure is an asset in more ways than one. US research has found women with hourglass figures are more likely to be intelligent and to have brighter children, too. After examining data from 16,000 women and their children, researchers from the universities of Pittsburgh and California concluded that women with shapely hips and thighs scored higher on intelligence tests than women with more linear figures. Long-chain polyunsaturated faty acids such as DHA, necessary for brain growth, are stored around the hips and thighs; the researchers believe carrying a little extra in these areas may be a good thing. “Women with small tummies and big hips and thighs have more what it takes to build brains, and thus tend to be smarter and have smarter children,” says study co-author Professor Steven Gaulin from the University of California, Santa Barbara.”This hip and thigh fat is primarily metabolised in the third trimester of pregnancy and lactation, when babies’ brains are being built.”

RD Asia, 2008

The average person passes gas between 14 and 23 times a day. When you’re struck with a painful bloating and gas, try taking an antacid or Pepto-Bismol to coat your stomach, or probiotics to ease your symptoms. Over-the-counter products that reduce gas may contain simethicone or activated charcoal, but they’re not really that effective, say experts. Generally you juts have tp wait it out (or simply let it out!). “There are no easy ways of getting around gas, only easy ways of avoiding it in the future.” says Dr Mehmet Oz. If your suspect that eating veggies or beans is the problem, try Beano before your next meal.

How to avoid problem:

• Chew thoroughly and eat leisurely
• Avoid overeating
• Don’t lie down after eating; get up and take a 20-minute walk
• Avoid gaseous foods, including soda, gum, mints, candy, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, and don’t drink water with meals.

Overachiever or couch potato? Choose the best workout for your personality..

• Overachiever : You’re so overbooked that when you do squeeze workouts into your Blackberry, you tend to overdo it. Try more frequent workouts at at moderate pace rather than sporadic and intense sessions. Try this programme: one day of lower-body weight training; one day of Pilates and cardio; one day of upper-body weight training; and a yoga class at week’s end to de-stress. (more…)

Self-discipline, a sense of purpose and strong scruples may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new report in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Researchers at the Rush University Medical Centre in Chicago studied 997 Catholic nuns and priests over 12 years and found those who ranked highest for conscientiousness, and who consistenly agreed with statements such as, “I am a productive person who always gets the job done,” were 89% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who ranked at the bottom. Conscientiousness is also thought to boost resilience and coping skills. “These factors may lessen negative life events and chronic psychological distress associated with the risk of dementia in old age,” the authors report.

Taken from Medical Update, 2008

Have you ever feel that you couldn’t walk down stairs or bend over, or you couldn’t even kneel down to pray? You are suffering from a condition called osteoarthritis (OA). According to the World Health Organization, more than 42 million people in the West Pacific region are afflicted with OA of the hip or knee. Dr Kevin Yip of the Singapore Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic says osteoarthritis is three times more common that cancer in Singapore. No-one knows for sure what causes OA, but research shows that heredity, excess weight and previous joint injuries are major factors. One study, done in Manchester, England, and published in 2003, found an increased risk for some who regularly walk long distances over rough ground, sit or stand for prolonged periods, or frequently lift heavy objects. (more…)