Fake GLP-1
GLP-1 Drugs are wonder drugs effective for the treatment of diabetes and obesity/overweight. It is in demand. Since there is a shortage of GLP-1 drugs, the FDA has warned the public against the use of compounded versions (not approved by the FDA) of drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic. These unapproved (fake) drugs have been linked to adverse events. Getting sick or dying from using these dangerous versions of GLP-1 to be healthier does not make sense. Stay away from fake drugs and stay with your physician’s prescription. Do not use GLP-1 or any medications, or discontinue them, without physician supervision.
Vital sunlight
The sun is life. Without the sun, we all perish. Exposure to the sun daily is vital for human health primarily because it triggers the skin to produce Vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune system function. It also boosts serotonin levels to enhance mood, regulates the circadian rhythm for better sleep, and can reduce mortality. It is prudent for all of us to enjoy some sunlight for at least 20 minutes each day, especially those with darker skin, more.
Standing on one foot
Falls and fractures among the elderly in the United States victimize 28 percent of Americans aged 65 and older. This translates to about 14 million a year, 3 million emergency room visits, and 1 million hospitalizations. Most of them are from hip fractures. Almost all of these falls are due to impaired balance and stability in seniors. One of the best exercises to regain balance and stability is by standing on one foot, alternatingly. Here’s more:
“Standing on one foot, or unipedal standing, is a premier senior exercise for enhancing balance, strengthening leg muscles (quads, glutes, hamstrings), and reducing fall risk by up to a third. This exercise improves proprioception (body awareness), stabilizes the hips, and boosts coordination needed for walking and climbing stairs. Brushing Teeth Balance: Stand on one leg while brushing teeth to build stability. Supported Single-Leg Stand: Hold onto a sturdy chair or countertop, shift weight to one side, and stand on one leg for 20 seconds, aiming for 10-15 repetitions per leg. Support Reduction: Advance from holding a chair with two hands to using only one hand, then just fingertips, and finally no hands. Weighted Standing: Shift all weight onto the standing leg, bending it slightly while keeping the torso upright.” – MP
Keto diet danger
Countless famous people have tried the Keto Diet to maintain good health. Many have stopped and modified their diet. The keto diet can cause nutrient deficiencies, kidney stones, constipation, and “keto flu” (headaches, fatigue) due to low fiber and high fat consumption. Future dangers could include increased cardiovascular risk from high saturated fat, potential liver/pancreas damage, impaired bone health, and possible hypoglycemia or dangerous ketoacidosis in diabetic individuals. – UCM
Eat real, natural food in proper amounts, especially plant-based protein and vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, and severely reduced carbohydrate (sweets) intake.
Rice: Glycemic Comparison
As Asians, we consume a lot of rice daily, from breakfast to dinner, and in between. Today, studies have shown how unhealthy eating a lot of rice is, especially for those with pre-diabetes and diabetes, or those who are overweight. Minimizing rice is beneficial to health.
Glycemic Index is an indicator of how fast, after consumption, the blood sugar rises or spikes. It is a scale from 0 to 100. Here is a comparison of the Glycemic Index of various types of rice: Basmati 50-50 (Medium), Brown rice 50-55 (Low), Arborio 69 (Medium), White Standard 70+ (High), Jasmine 89 – 109 (High). Basmati rice is very popular. My favorite. TIP: Refrigerate leftover rice within one hour after cooking…not more, because of bacterial (Bacillus cereus) germination and growth if left more than one hour unrefrigerated. This can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Basmati is better, especially for diabetics – fewer blood sugar spikes. Of course, control of the amount is important. Actually, while it is hard to do, especially for Asians, abstinence from rice would be ideal (great for weight control and diabetes prevention), minimal carbohydrate intake, a lot of plant-based protein, cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, arugula, kale, Brussel sprouts), for heart health and cancer prevention, especially colorectal cancers.
Caution on distilled water
Distilled water is pure water, minus all total dissolved solids, chemicals, etc. This type of water is usually used for devices, like CPAP machines, and in laboratories. This is not intended for drinking because it lacks all the good minerals in it. Unfortunately, around the world, the Philippines included, distilled water is sold to the unsuspecting, ignorant public as drinking water. Some brands include Absolute, Wilkins, and Nature’s Spring. Drinking distilled water daily can lead to electrolyte imbalance and mineral deficiencies (calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, and altered metabolism. In the Philippines, boiling faucet (city) water kills bacteria and removes chemical sediments, making it safe for drinking, better and healthier than drinking distilled water. Also, distilled water is bottled, and plastic bottle leaches microplastic into the water. So, by not drinking distilled water, you also reduce the intake of microplastics into your brain and other vital organs.
Moisturizer essential
Skin moisturizer is not only for women. Men’s skin also deserves to be properly moisturized, especially in dry or desert areas. This helps keep our skin healthy and protects our body. Daily facial moisturizer and skin moisturizer for the body is a healthy practice, especially after a shower. News: Men can also use facial moisturizers used by women. For financial gains, cosmetic companies created “dedicated moisturizers, special formulas” for women. They are much more expensive than moisturizers for men. Now, so-called facial moisturizers for men are marketed with exaggerated claims to remove eye bags, wrinkles, etc. But using it daily for 3 months, those facial “problems” remain. Obviously false claims. Using the common old-fashioned moisturizers, modestly priced, is good for the face, neck, arms, body, and legs. The skin is the body’s largest organ. Skin health is vital for our overall well-being. Let’s keep it well-hydrated and healthy.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, renowned scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
