Author: Editor

Facebook has been the part of every Singaporean’s life from its onset. Many people are drawn to Facebook because of its appeal. Getting connected these days is not that hard and coping up to happenings are no trouble at all. Some even think that Facebook is a gift to humanity. But is it really a gift or otherwise?

It will only be a curse if we let Facebook take over our lives. We hear news that Facebook can get addicting. Well, anything can be addicting if we yield to it. There is a Dutch project called 99 Days of Freedom that studied the effects of Facebook and released the top five warning signs of getting addicted to Facebook. The project has seen more than forty thousand people who attempted to quit Facebook.

According to the founder of 99 Days of Freedom, not using Facebook is liberating. Now we cannot totally abolish Facebook in our lives but we can limit its use so it does not interfere in our daily lives. The good news is that after the survey, the participants feel slightly happier and in fact, about 25% gave up Facebook for good.

For those who kept their Facebook accounts, they said that they are missing out on something important. The researchers partnered with Cornell University to comprehend why many users find it difficult to give up Facebook. The researchers also collaborated with Universiteit Amsterdam and Leiden University.

The researchers revealed the warning signs of getting addicted to Facebook:

• Thinking that Facebook is a tool to control our image: Facebook is a platform to express one’s feelings but if we constantly check it and ensure that our “good image” is maintained, then it has become a mental illness. There are people who use Facebook to present a privileged lifestyle and good-looking pictures. It is tempting to want to show the world of the “sunnier” side but then we may find it harder to give up. It discourages us to be real.
• Using Facebook or other social media sites: If it is just Facebook, it would be harder to let go but if there are other social media that we can scan, there is a possibility to stay out of Facebook for good. There are many social media sites aside from Facebook like Twitter and Instagram. There are those who think that substitution is not a good solution or effective answer to slay the addiction but it is a start.
• Feeling that we might actually be addicted to Facebook: Whenever we think that our urges are uncontrollable, the brain sends message that we might actually be addicted to something. In this case, we already know that we are leaning to the addiction but still pursue it regardless. Research found out that for people who felt that they are addicted to Facebook are likely to go back using it.
• Feelings of unhappiness: For the first few days of logging out, there is an unpleasant feeling. That is understandable and quite normal actually. The research found out that people who felt less happy during the course of the study are included to use Facebook again. Ironically, those who made it to 99 days without Facebook felt a lot happier than those who gave up.
• Not worrying about privacy: If we do not care about our privacy, Facebook is the place for all types of stalking. For participants who are aware that Facebook can use everything they posted as a tool for ‘spying’, they felt less interest in going back to the site.

Addiction is not something that should be ignored. Though getting addicted to Facebook is somehow absurd (for others), it is important that we should know when to get help and not wait for it to fully control or interfere our lives. There are many therapists across the country if that is the concern. For starters, we can look for ways to minimize our exposure to Facebook or any other social media.

We can finally take that vacation, talk with our friends directly and go on a hike. If that is not enough, there are plenty of activities that we can consider that can encourage personal interaction. At the end of the day, Facebook should not destroy relationships or self-value but the other way around.

Parents should be alarmed these days because according to World Health Organization (WHO), childhood obesity reached alarming numbers globally. This nightmare exploded in the developing world counting Africa where the number of overweight and obese children below five years doubled since the 90’s.  The report was revealed by the WHO’s Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity.

Initially, the commission did not treat obesity a serious public health issue because it is the by-product of lifestyle choices by families and individuals. However after two years, the commission realized that governments and other health bodies play an important part in reversing it. It is not the kid’s fault but of biological factors like insufficient access to healthy foods, slow drop of physical activities in school and loose marketing of foods that are fattening.

The commission already recommended some policies to promote healthy lifestyle. The progress in undertaking childhood obesity has been sluggish and erratic. According to reports by the commission, about 48% of children in Asia are categorized as obese or overweight. This should be enough warning not only for Singaporeans.

As parents, it is our role to keep our children away from harm’s way. Here are some ways to help our children fight obesity:

Setting good example

Children look up to their parents. As parents, we have a big role to play in terms of setting a good example to them. It is time to walk the talk. Parents or caregivers alike should make healthy lifestyle choices so the children will follow their lead. Obesity can increase one’s risk for grave medical problems. Remind the children that healthy decisions can help reduce possible risks.

Scheduling wellness exams regularly

Bringing our children to the paediatrician regularly should be observed. The check-ups will include physical examination and questions that should be answered. This way, the doctors will know the status of our child. If there is a need to administer immunizations, doctors will surely aid us. In the case of obesity, doctors can help us monitor their growth through Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is important so we will know if the child’s weight and height are within range.

Making sure that children get rest

According to some studies, children with lesser sleeping hours are likely to be obese. Children who are in school should at least undertake ten hours of sleep every night. Young children on the other hand need about twelve hours of sleep while adolescents need nine hours of sleep.

Encouraging children to be physically active

Instead of letting children play in the computer all day, do them good by sending them outside. Encouraging children to be physically active is easy especially if the whole family is up to it. Allotting at least one hour of physical activity every day can make a difference at the end of the day. We can consider hiking, strolling or bicycling.

Grocery shopping together

What other way to immerse the children to healthy options than go grocery shopping together? Going to the grocery together can teach the children about healthy decisions as well as food choices. Involving the children in healthy food planning up to preparation can open their minds to the goodness of vegetables and fruits.

Avoiding untoward comments

Children are very sensitive and when they hear that their weight is an issue, they will self-pity and even be aloof. In the home, weight should never be an issue. Making untoward comments about the child’s weight is like ridiculing him/her and belittling – which are by the way unpleasant feelings.

Educate the children

It is not easy to explain why delicious foods are bad for one’s health but if it is explained well, the children will appreciate the warning. Educating the children of the dangers of obesity or even malnutrition will open their eyes. Also, if the child is keen on fad diets like diet pills and substances, they should know the hazards of it. When taking any supplements, it is best to seek for the doctor’s advice.

Remember that obesity is not the fault of children. If we consistently follow-through, they will be aware thereby making informative choices when it comes to food and lifestyle in general. We have a role to play and it will be up to us whether to let them live long or not.

Working couples often get entangled in the fast-paced everyday way of living. They are often pre-occupied and in a hurry, resulting to less bonding time with each other. What most working couples seem to overlook though is that they can connect with their spouse in a lot of ways with these five habits:

1) Have a morning routine. Whoever wakes up first could make the other one a coffee or whoever brushes teeth first could put toothpaste on each other’s toothbrush. These little actions surely translate into “I’m-thinking-about-you-when-I-woke-up.” Doing and receiving sweet gestures are great ways to start a busy day!

2) Make a lunch call or text. Schedule in the office could become so hectic. However, a minute or two is just what it takes to call or send a text message to remind your spouse to eat lunch. Caring for one’s health can be shown through this thoughtful reminder.

3) Go home together. If you get off work at the same time, you could meet halfway and then go home together. Spending quality time in the train is a good way to talk about each other’s day at work. You can also catch a movie or eat street foods on your way home together.

4) Do grocery together. Buying groceries is an errand one of you is bound to do. However, this will be a more enjoyable errand if done together. This way, you will maximize grocery time by buying both your needs all at once. This is likewise a great opportunity to get to know your spouse’s brand preferences – from cooking oil to facial wash!

5) Establish a night activity. After washing the dishes and putting the kids to sleep, you can watch tv series together. You might discover and realize that both of you like the same shows. While watching, you can give each other foot massage as an added treat. Engaging in the same hobby with your spouse is entertaining and relaxing as well.

Working couples who connect with each other despite the busy day at work definitely sleep better and happily look forward to waking up with each other!