Treatment for head lice

You can buy the following products over the counter in Singapore to treat head lice.

1. Malathion Shampoo or Lotion

A pediculicide which affects the lice nervous system. Repeat treatment once per week until all lice are killed. Do not use for longer than 3 consecutive weeks. Consult a doctor for advice before using if pregnant or breastfeeding. Disadvantage: Flammable not safe for use in children under 6 months of age.

2. Benzoyl Benzoate Lotion

A pediculicide which one leave the medicine on the affected areas for 24 hours before rinsing.

3. Olive Oil

Smothering agent. Blocks holes on the sides of lice to prevent breathing, thereby killing the lice. Advantage: Few allergies, inexpensive. Disadvantage: Slow acting.

After treating the head lice, a few additional steps should be taken to prevent re-infection or spreading of the infection to other people.

• Treat all close contracts and family members who may be infected.
• Check for and remove nits in bright light (preferable in the day under the sun).
• Removal all dead lice and nits with a fine toothed comb (lice comb), tweezers or fingernails.
• Dip the lice comb in vinegar before combing it through the hair (vinegar helps loosen up the nits by making them less sticky).
• Disinfect all brushes, combs and hair accessories in a lice shampoo solution, soapy water or alcohol for an hour or soak in very hot water (65 degree) for about 10 minutes.
• Wash all recently worn clothing and used bed linens, pillow cases and towels in hot water. Dry them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Dry clean or iron any items.
• Seal stuffed toys and other non-washable items in a plastic bag for 2 weeks or place them in the freezer (in sealed plastic bags) for 12 to 24 hours. The lice will die because they will have nothing to feed on.
• Cover furniture with a plastic cover for two weeks.
• Vacuum all carpets, rugs mattresses, pillows, furniture and car seats to remove lice and eggs.

Head lice

Head lice are tiny, flat six-legged, wingless insects that live and feed on blood from the human scalp. These insects are about 2 mm long, range in colour from light brown to gray, and are commonly found in people's hair but can only survive 2 to 4 days away from the host. Adult female lice can lay about 7 to 10 eggs per day and may live up to one month. These eggs hatch in about a week and the lice mature to adulthood over the next 7 days.

How do they spread

Contrary to popular belief, head lice do not jump or fly from one person to another but are spread by direct contact with an infected person and their belongings (e.g. brushes, combs, caps, towels, pillows, blankets etc). Pets fo not transmit head lice and lice infect both dirty and clean hair. Its presence is not a reflection of personal hygiene.

Diagnosis of head lice

It is made by finding nits attached to the hair shafts. Nits are tiny, white, oval eggs that look like dandruff but cannot be shaken off the hair easily. Live lice move quickly so they are seldom seen but their red bite marks and nits can often be found along the back of the head and neck and behind the ears where the skin is warmer. A common symptom is an intense itch localised to the head caused by substances in the lice's saliva. This itch may continue for one week even after the lice infestation has been cleared.

10 signs your child needs to have an eye examination

Eye check up is just as important to kids as they are to adults. Here are the tell-tale signs to detect if something is wrong with your child's eyesight.

• Does your child have difficulties focusing his vision
• Does your child squint or cover one eye to see better when reading or watching television
• Does your child hold his book close to his face when reading or does he sit too close to the television to be able to see clearly
• Is your child under performing in school or does he keep making the same mistakes when reading or writing
• Does your child complain of blurred or double vision
• Does your child complain of frequent headaches or gets dizzy after reading
• Does your child rub his eyes frequently and has red watery or swollen eyes
• Do your child's eyes look very tired even when he has had enough sleep
• Do you notice that one eye tends to drift or lose alignment with the other
• Does your child turn his head to one side when he's looking at something

Different types of stroke

Ischaemic Stroke

An ischaemic stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery serving the brain, disrupting blood supply. Very often such stroke is the end result of a build-up of cholesterol and other debris in the arteries (atherosclerosis) over many years

It may be due to a cerebral thrombosis in which a blood clot forms in a main artery leading to the brain, cutting off blood supply or a cerebral embolism in which a blood clot forms in a blood vessel elsewhere in the body for instance in the neck or heart and the wandering clot travels in the bloodstream to the brain.

Haemorrhagic Stroke

A harmorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing a bleed or haemorrhage. Long-standing, untreated high blood pressure places a strain on the artery walls increasing their risk of bursting and subsequent bleeding.

It may be due to an intracerebral haemorrhage in which a blood vessel bursts within the brain itself or a subarachnoid haemorrhage in which a blood vessel on the surface of the brain bleeds into the area between the brain and the skull.

Symptoms of stroke

Stroke is a brain attack that can happen to anyone. Actually it is a form of cardiovascular disease but it attacks the brain. The brain controls various functions of the body and needs to be nourished by blood and oxygen 24 hours a day. The brain is full of blood vessels which carry vitals supplies of oxygen and nutrients. When blood vessel bringing blood and oxygen to the brain cells bursts or gets blocked, oxygen supply stops and that part of the brain starts to die. You begin to have a stroke and very quickly and silently.

The nerve cells in our brain control all our five senses including all our physical and mental actions such as breathing, moving, thinking and talking. So when that part of the brain starts to die, our senses, speech and understanding of speech are affected. One side of our body may become paralysed. One should consult a doctor should one experience one or more of the following symptoms.

• sudden weakness or numbness of face, arm, on one side of the body or paralysed on one side
• difficulty in speaking or understanding speech or slurred speech
• feeling dizzy, loss of balance or coordination
• mental confusion or epileptic fit
• tingling jaw, clumsiness, loss of sensation
• sudden blurred vision of one eye or both eyes
• sudden severe headache with no other apparent reason

How are allergies classified?

Allergies can manifest in a variety of ways and affect different organs. Depending on the organs involved or their causes, they are named differently.

• Allergic rhinitis (nose)
• Allergic conjunctivitis (eyes)
• Allergic asthma (lungs)
• Food allergies
• Drug allergies
• Skin allergies

The most common allergies are those involving the respiratory system such as allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Can coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, acai berries, protein shakes and caffeine help you lose weight?

You might have heard people telling you coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, protein shakes and caffeine help them lose weight. So is there scientific facts that they do?Sadly research studies have failed to find clear evidence to support this claim.

Coconut oil and coconut milk for weight loss

Fact: Coconut oil and coconut milk consist of medium-chain saturated fatty acids which are healthier for the heart than the long-chain saturated fatty acids found in meats and dairy products. While two small studies showed that virgin coconut oil (30 ml taken daily for 4-12 weeks) helped reduce waist size, it didn’t promote weight loss. What is certain is that both coconut oil and coconut milk are high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) for weight loss

Fact: Apple cider vinegar may have several health benefits but weight loss is not one of them. Supporters of apple cider vinegar claim that taking it before a meal can curb appetite and burn fat. But this claim has not been proven by research. On the contrary, there is some evidence that frequent consumption of this highly acidic vinegar may cause throat irritation. It also may interact adversely with some dietary supplements and drugs such as insulin.

Acai berry for weight loss

Fact: The acai berry, native to South America, is packed with antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants – anthocyanins – are protective against cancer, heart disease, diabetes and neurological diseases. However, there is little evidence that acai berry, which is available in fresh, frozen, liquid, powder and capsule form, has any weight-loss benefits. The acai berry is also an expensive fruit. Berries such as blueberries, blackberries and raspberries can provide similar health benefits at a much lower cost.

Protein shakes for weight loss

Fact: If you consume a protein shake instead of a regular meal, you may be able to reduce your calorie intake and consequently lose weight. But you will miss out on not only the healthful nutrients you can get from a balanced meal but also the actual act of eating. Therefore, you may find yourself reaching for unhealthy snacks to munch on, an hour or two after drinking the shake. Protein shakes should not be confused with nutritionally-balanced weight-loss shakes or bars, which have been found to be effective when taken as meal replacements within a structured weight-loss programme or under the guidance of a qualified health professional.

Caffeine for weight loss

Fact: Caffeine can suppress appetite temporarily which can help you reduce your calorie intake and lose weight. But this weight loss is likely to be temporary. Research has failed to prove a definite association between caffeine intake and sustained weight loss. Caffeine, found in beverages, chocolate, supplements and medications, may be safe when consumed in moderation, but in excess, it can be harmful to health, causing anxiety, nausea, and elevated blood pressure among other problems.

Article contributed by LIFE Centre at SGH.

Internet Explorer Flaw

I remembered many years ago when I was still using Internet Explorer (IE), I always encounter loading problem. However one is always stuck with it because at workplace it is the only browser available and user is not allow to download other browser because there is a software download authority access restriction. Thanks to all my IT colleagues, they advised the use of either Firefox or Chrome and briefly mentioned to me that it is not so secure to use this browser. So I have since use Firefox or Chrome for decades at home and on my smartphone, which give me better browsing experiences.

I don't bother with the news on IE since I don't use it, but it is still worth posting in my blog, as I know many people don't read news, yet read social sites and hence I thought this will inform those who miss the new on main stream news sites. The IE flaw was shortly release after the Heartbleed and made me wonder is virtual world getting 'sick'. If you are still using IE please read the following articles

• Microsoft warns of Internet Explorer flaw
• Microsoft includes XP users in Internet Explorer fix

What is haemophilia?

Haemophilia is a blood clotting disorder where there is not enough clotting factor VIII (8) or IX (9) in the blood. A clotting factor is a protein in the blood that helps control bleeding. It is incurable and without proper treatment, can be life threatening.

Haemophilia is an inherited condition and occurs in families. However in 1/3 of cases it appears in families with no previous history of the disorder. The genetic alteration causing haemophilia is passed down from parent to child through generations. Men with haemophilia will pass the gene on to their daughters but not their sons. Women who carry the altered gene can pass the gene on to their sons and daughters. Sons with the gene will have haemophilia. Some women and girls who carry the gene may also experience bleeding problems.

There are different types of haemophilia. Each 'type' refers to the lack of a specific clotting factor. Factors VIII and IX are the most common deficiencies, however others do exist. Factor VIII deficiency is known as haemophilia A, while haemophilia B refers to deficiency of Factor IX.

Depending on the degree of the deficiency. (ie how much factor is missing), it can be:

• Mild Haemophilia - 5-40% factor VIII or IX activity
• Moderate Haemophilia - 1-5% factor VIII or IX activity
• Severe Haemophilia - Less than 1% factor VIII or IX activity

Genetically modified mosquito to fight dengue

Genetically modified mosquito is developed by a British Company, Oxitec. By transferring the Wolbachia bacterium into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, Prof Sinkins and his team were able to reduce the mosquitoes' ability to transmit the dengue virus. Wild females which mate with male mosquitoes with Wolbachia also produce eggs which do not hatch. The bacterium does not affect humans, said Prof Sinkins. "It originates from fruit flies, so even if humans are eating any fruit they are probably eating little bits of Wolbachia from the fruit flies. It doesn't do any harm," he said.

Last year, it was reported that the National Environment Agency's Environmental Health Institute was conducting laboratory studies to test the potential and risks in the Singapore context. So will Singapore be adopting this method to fight the rising cases of dengue?

Read more about GM-mosquitoes lead warfare on dengue

First online chat service for distressed children launched

The Singapore Children's Society launched on Monday Tinkle Friend Online, the only online chat service for distressed children here. The service is for primary school children. It provides support, advice, and information to lonely and distressed kids, especially in situations when their parents or main caregivers are unavailable.

This is definitely a good move, especially in Asian, where parents are still practising the traditional ways of running a family. Parents don't really treat their children like friends, much more don't talk about personal issues. Hence it is an avenue where children could seek help, before situations get out of hand.

Read more at First online chat service for distressed children launched

What you need to know about drowning

Signs that may indicate a person is drowning

• The victim is rarely able to call for help.
• The person has instinctual arm movements – thrashing the water with both arms partially extended from his sides – which appear to push him upwards in the water.
• The victim usually manages to turn towards shore. The body stays in an upright position, with no apparent supporting leg kick.
• The victim is completely limp in the water.

If you have the slightest doubt, ask the person if he or she is ok. If the person is unresponsive, or responds with a blank stare, you need to act fast.

What to do if you witness someone drown

• Call for emergency help.
• Do NOT attempt to rescue the drowning person by entering the water if you have not been trained as you will be endangering yourself.
• Throw a flotation device such as a rescue tube and life jacket, or extend a long pole for the drowning person to hold onto.
• Once the drowning person is on dry land, begin resuscitation/CPR if there is no spontaneous breathing or pulse. Keep the head and neck very still in case of neck, head or spinal injuries.
• If the person was swimming in cold water, get blankets or otherwise help bring the person’s body temperature back to normal.

What to do if you are drowning

• To survive a drowning incident, the first thing to remember is not to panic!
• Keep your head up and try to breathe normally. The body floats better when the lungs are full of air, but you need to avoid hyperventilating.
• Toss away anything weighing you down such as shoes or bags.
• Attract attention to your difficulties, if there are people around, by shouting, waving and/or splashing water (to the extent you are able to).
• If you are tired, try to lie on your back and tilt your head back as well so your eyes look at the sky.
• Try to stay as relaxed as possible. Tense muscles use up more oxygen than relaxed muscles, and staying oxygenated is very important.

3 terms of drowning

I always though real drowning victims are like those shown in the movies, flailing their arms and shouting for help. Instead they stay quiet as they are struggling to breathe. Also this is the first time I heard of dry, water and delayed drowning. So what exactly are these 3 types of drowning.

In dry drowning, water reaches the voice box and triggers laryngospasm which completely closes the airway. The person is unable to breathe air in and gets asphyxiated.

In wet drowning, the laryngospasm is only partial, so water enters the lungs and renders them incapable of performing their function of oxygenating the blood.

In both dry and wet drowning cases, the person ultimately dies from a lack of oxygen.

Delayed drowning, or secondary drowning, may occur to near-drowning victims within 8 hours after they have been rescued, due to a small amount of water remaining in the lungs. The resultant pulmonary oedema can lead to pulmonary failure and death. Delayed drowning may not show symptoms, so you should always see a doctor to be safe. Possible symptoms of delayed downing, if any, may include the following:

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing / shortness of breath
• Shallow breathing
• Extreme fatigue

“Always seek emergency care even if the person appears fine after having been rescued from drowning. There is a risk of delayed drowning and even in the well looking person, there is a need for assessment and observation,” says Dr Wee.

Sex During Pregnancy

Being Asian, we are conservatives and having non educated parents, they will tell you cannot have sex during pregnancy. However one should know that sex during pregnancy is safe and understand when it is unsafe to have sex during pregnancy. It is important to learn the facts, rather then being ignorant to them and endanger your life and the life of the baby.

At www.healthxchange.com it answered the 10 most frequently asked questions about sex during pregnancy

1. Is sex safe in pregnancy?

2. Will it hurt my baby?

3. Will my sex drive be affected in pregnancy?

4. Why is my partner not keen on sex?

5. Will sex feel any different to me?

6. Bleeding after sex?

7. When should sex be definitely avoided?

8. What are the comfortable positions for sex?

9. Is oral sex safe in pregnancy?

10. Are there any alternatives to intercourse?

Do you have 'flat feet'?

The correct medical terminology for 'flat feet' is 'pes planus'. In a non 'flat-footed' individual, the arch of the foot is usually raised off the ground when the person is standing. If the foot arch is low or in-existent, the person is said to have 'flat feet' or sometimes, 'fallen arches'.

Flat feet can be identified while the individual is standing or walking. However it can be difficult to identify in children as they may yet to be fully develop. Poor footwear may contribute in developing flat feet. So if I have flat feet, does that mean that I am going to get pain? Contrary to popular belief, having a flat foot does not necessarily increase the incidence of injury and it does not usually cause problems. However, flat feet may put a strain on your muscles, ligaments and joints, which may cause pain in your feet, legs, hips and back when you stand or walk. Furthermore, individuals with flat feet may develop tired or aching feet after prolonged periods of standing or walking.

So next time when someone or your children complaint about pain, don't simply think they are just too weak. It might due to them having flat feet.

Depression

It is normal to feel sad at one time or another, due to disappointment, frustration or losing someone. Normally, people continue with lives after awhile, when time heals the sadness. However in some people, depression can be severe until it makes it difficult to cope with daily life. Depression of this degree is an illness and needs treatment. In extreme cases, it can lead to suicidal thoughts or tendencies.

Symptoms / What to expect

The following are the most common symptoms of depression. If you experience 5 or more of these symptoms for 2 weeks or longer, you are probably depressed.

• Persistent sadness or feeling down or gloomy
• A loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, such as socializing with friends and family, most of the day, nearly every day.
• Loss of appetite and loss of weight.
• Insomnia. For some people, on the contrary, they find that they are sleeping more than normal.
• Feeling restless and agitated more easily.
• Feeling tired and having little energy.
• Unable to concentrate and think clearly and thereby becoming indecisive.
• Feeling of worthlessness and quilt
• Recurrent thoughts of death

Depression is getting more common these days. It is important to know the symptoms which enable us to identify the illness and seek early treatment, not only for ourselves, but also for our love ones and people around us. If you are depress, you must know that it is nothing to be ashamed of, instead seek help from friends and family members to get over it. Get early treatment before it becomes severe.

What is Measle

Measles is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. Measles starts with a fever. Soon after, it causes a cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Then a rash of tiny, red spots breaks out. It starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can be serious for young children. It can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is so contagious that if one person has it, 90% of the people around him or her will also become infected if they are not protected.

In Singapore, children receive both doses of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine at a younger age. MMR vaccination is the most effective way to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella, which are highly contagious childhood diseases that can lead to serious complications in children and in the case of measles, even death. Children receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 months of age. The second dose of the vaccine at 15-18 months of age. Providing the two doses at a closer interval will ensure that almost all vaccinated children are sufficiently protected against measles earlier in their lives.

For whatever reasons, if the child has missed the vaccination, as responsible parents we should not just let it go and assume such virus will never happen on the child. Parents should ensure the child is protected with proper vaccination. If you have domestic maid, do ensure she is vaccinated too.

• 80 measles cases in S'pore; 23 had travelled to Philippines
• Maids returning from Philippines are to get measles vaccination
• Measles in the Philippines (Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions)
• Vietnam battles fatal measles outbreak

Android Devices vulnerable to Heartbleed

If you are using android devices running on jelly bean version 4.1.1, you are vulnerable to Heartbleed Bug. Tech security firm, Trend Micro is warning that mobile apps are just as vulnerable to the Heartbleed Bug. We need to be aware and not be ignorant to this security threat.

• Heartbleed bug: millions of Android devices still vulnerable
• Heartbleed may bleed mobiles too

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

I had never heard of this term before. I came across it when reading recent spread of Ebola virus. The MERS virus is considered a deadlier but less-transmissible cousin of the SARS virus. Experts are still struggling to understand the disease, for which there is no known vaccine. A study has said the virus has been "extraordinarily common" in camels for at least 20 years, and may have been passed directly from the animals to humans. The MERS death toll in Saudi rises to 66.

• MERS fears prompt ER closure at Saudi hospital
• Saudi MERS death toll rises to 66
• Johor man dies of Mers virus; first reported case of death in Asia

"Heartbleed" bug

While the physical world is fighting Ebola virus, the virtual world is fighting a critical illness "Heartbleed" bug. So what exactly is it? "Heartbleed is a catastrophic bug in OpenSSL," OpenSSL is a commonly used software platform for encrypted transactions at "https" websites that Internet users have been taught to trust. The Heartbleed flaw lets hackers snatch packets of data from working memory in computers, creating the potential for them to steal passwords, encryption keys, or other valuable information.

Once again it proofs that nothing is secured in virtual world regardless how strong your passwords can be. It is again giving warning signs to users not to disclose too much personal information online. Users should not assume everything is safe, everything is alright as always.

• "Heartbleed" bug a critical Internet illness
• Heartache for data firms due to Heartbleed