Lack of Vitamin D linked to depression in elderly

This article is reproduced from http://news.my.msn.com/topstories/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1374055 dated 5 June 2008

Low levels of vitamin D in elderly people may lead to increased depression and other psychiatric problems, Dutch researchers said.

"Underlying causes of vitamin D deficiency such as less sun exposure as a result of decreased outdoor activity, different housing or clothing habits and decreased vitamin intake may be secondary to depression, but depression may also be the consequence of poor vitamin D levels".

Researchers from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, studied some 1,282 senior citizens aged between 65 and 95, and found 26 had major depression, while 169 suffered from minor depression.

Vitamin D levels were 14 percent lower in those elderly suffering from some kind of depression, according to the study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

It found that poor vitamin D status also led to an increase in levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid. Overactive parathyroid glands are frequently associated with depression.

The findings could be important in treating depression as both low blood vitamin D levels and high parathyroid hormone levels can be corrected by dietary and calcium supplements or increased exposure to sunlight.

"Moreover, the clinical relevance of the present study is underscored by our finding that 38.8 percent of men and 56.9 percent of women in our community-based cohort had an insufficient vitamin D status," the study added.

Further studies would now be needed to show whether changes in vitamin D levels came before or after depression.

Ah...the simple life

Went to Pasir Penambang with Nor and Fuziani to buy fresh seafood. The fishing village still looks pretty much the same compared to 2 decades ago when I used to bring my Mother who liked to buy her fish from her facourite fat fisherman. Most of the wooden shacks are still there. The village still has more bicycles and motorcycles than cars. The old Hainanse bread shop which makes the nicest fresh coconut bread and kaya jam is still operating.

We stopped at a coffee shack for a drink and a little bite. There were groups of men there, with their feet on the stools in typical village fashion, gulping down crabs, prawns which they downed with tall glasses of beer, loudly chatting, laughing with not a care in the world! Ah..the simple life!

This reminds me of a popular story: A happy and Simple Life

The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, "Only a little while, Senor." The American then asked, "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish?" The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?" The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos ."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."

" But what then, Señor?" The American laughed and said, "That's the best part. When the time is right you sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions." Millions, Señor? Then what?" The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

A Happy and Simple Life

Every phase in life should teach something new

Yesterday marked another change in my life as it was my last day at work in the consultancy company where I had worked for 2 years.

The picture on the left is the bridge which I have to cross everyday to get to the work place. Strange as it may seem I think I will miss the early morning rush to work...minus the traffic jams!



The majestic building where the company is situated on the 10th floor









The breathtaking view of the city skyline from the 10th floor window.

My colleague Wai Mun, hard at work. On her desk is the 4 litre water bottle which she faithfully brings to work everyday without fail.

Every phase in life should teach something new. And we reach the point at which the heart can rest, knowing all is for the best - author unknown.

Putting the country first

I think today will be a significant day in Malaysian political history. Former DPM turned opposition,DSAI, not my favourite person though, will be sworn in as a member of parliament after his big win in the PP by- election. Hopefully, with his appointment as the opposition leader, the Opposition will find new political muscle.

For a democracy to be real the opposition must have a certain measure of strength. Hopefully Malaysia will now have a more robust legislative process, vital in an effective democracy. Domocracy is not real unless the force of public opinion is brought to bear, not only on the choice of parliamentarians every 5 years, but also on the legislative process between the elections.

With the general election and the by-election behind us, let's hope that our politicians will now stop the name callings and start to put the country first by looking deeply into the issues faced by our people.

He is rich according to what he is

Had a pleasant lunch with Teh Kechek. Yes, she has a strange name. Her late mother it seems belongs to the baba- nyonya clan, hence the strange name which sounds half Chinese and half Malay. We had known each other through work since 1992 and had maintained a close friendship, even after my retirement and her's. She still calls me "Boss" even though our relationship had changed. I had requested her many times to stop calling me by that ridiculous name but after all these years she had not succeeded.

After lunch we visited our old friend Robin, the goldsmith, who had been tempering to my friends' and office collegues' fancies since the 1980s. Robin had his shop not far from our office and those of my collegues who fancied all things glittering had been his faithful customers. We discovered he is still on the same street but had changed location to a bigger place.

That's Teh Kechik with Robin and all his glitters!

In the 1990s when I first knew him, he was still young. Now he is 52. He still remembers us! We were told by him that gold then was about RM20 per gram, now it is RM100/RM105 per gram, a more than 5 fold increase! He said,"You should have bought a lot of gold then, now you would be very rich!" Hmmm...how does he know I am not?

Make no mistake, my friend, it takes more than money to make men rich
- A. P. Gouthey
He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has
- Henry Ward Beecher

The Innocent, the Beautiful and the Angelic

God! She is only 6 weeks old!

In Kalamazzo Michigan, USA on 25 August 2008 a six-week-old baby was taken to the hospital in critical condition. It was found that she had suffered a fractured skull, two broken ribs, a broken and dislocated right arm near the elbow, a broken leg, broken finger, broken toe and numerous bruises about her body. The suspect in the case, who is the baby's father, confessed to state police detectives while being questioned at the Coloma Township Police Department.

A toddler's Hell!

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10237746

In Salt Lake City, USA a mother has pleaded guilty to charges related to abuse that left her toddler with sight-threatening chemical burns. Amy Roberts, 30, and her boyfriend, Derrick Lee Crispin, also 30, were charged with eight counts each of child abuse, a second-degree felony, and one count of obstructing justice, a third-degree felony, stemming from injuries Roberts' daughter sustained.

Investigators in January interviewed Crispin and Roberts after the couple brought the toddler to St. Mark's Hospital with blood on her hands and face, bruises and other injuries. Doctors found chemical burns on the toddler's face, hands and eyes. The burns on the girl's eyes caused severe corneal damage that could result in her losing her vision. The girl also suffered hemorrhages in both eyes and at least 50 cuts on her hands. Doctors discovered seven broken bones in her left hand and five in her right, which they believe were caused by "violent squeezing or blows directly to the hands". Patches of her hair were missing as were two teeth, injuries which doctors' said were consistent with blunt force trauma. The toddler's biological father took custody of the girl after Roberts' arrest.

A typical pleasant evening

3pm. Arrived home, found the rooms in a mess. Ms maid had to do some damage control straight away!

Now that the house is in order, relaxed with the mewspapers for a while, then switched on the computer to continue my report writing.

5.30 pm. Went to the letter box, met little cute Aishah, father from Pakistan, mother from Kelantan. Gorgeous little one!

Talked to handyman Ah Hoy about the leak from the upstairs unit.

Walking partner Prof. Noor arrived for our 7.5 kilometer brisk walk.

Lovely day and lovely neighbourhood.

7.00 pm. Arrived home, just in time to bump into good friend Fuziani, Electrical Engineer, coming back from work.

Content I pray I'll always be- with home and hearth and family...Content in my small realm to reign. Happy in my own domain...Thankful for whatever's there - goodly feast or frugal fare. --Pateince Strong

A Government Employee's Three Wishes

This is very insulting but quite funny.

A Government Employee sits in his office and out of boredom, decides to see what's in his old filing cabinet. He pokes through the contents and comes across an old brass lamp. "This will look nice on my mantelpiece," he decides, and takes it home with him. While polishing the lamp, a genie appears and grants him three wishes. "I wish for an ice cold diet Pepsi right now!" POOF! He gets his Pepsi and drinks it. Now that he can think more clearly, he states his second wish. "I wish to be on an island where beautiful nymphomaniacs reside." POOF! Suddenly he is on an island with gorgeous females eyeing him lustfully. He tells the genie his third and last wish: "I wish I'd never have to work ever again." POOF! He's back in his government office.

source: www.jokesforfree.com/

Do you know?

We are all looking closely at the Permatang Pauh by-election. In fact the whole world is looking closely at the Permatang Pauh by-election becasue it involves our own global personality DSAI, self proclaimed PM in waiting. To me it is a lop sided fight, one is a bigger than life above the law political elephant, the other just a mouse! So what miracle can we expect?

Blogger Dr Raffick said the greater liar of the 2 will win! Ha...Ha! Please read... http://rights2write.wordpress.com/2008/08/24/royal-battle-of-liars-ooops-i-mean-lions/

Do you know ?

"In Mexico an air conditioner is called a politician because it makes a lot of noise but doesn't work very well." -Len Deighton

"Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke." —Will Rogers

Is one ever too old to exercise?

Can exercise help the "old, old" stay active and independent? Yes, according to a 16-week study of 64 people, average age 83, undertaken by Ross Andel, an assistant professor in the School of Aging Studies at the University of Southern Florida. The participants were randomly assigned to a twice-a-week fitness program (either walking or resistance training in a gym), or to a control group, which got no organized exercise.

To gauge the effects of exercise, the researchers measured blood pressure, resting heart rate, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. While none of the groups had much change in heart rate or blood pressure, the resistance and walking groups both improved on virtually every measure of strength, flexibility and coordination, while the control group improved only on coordination.

According to Ross Andel, the type of improvements observed could help seniors live independently. Simple abilities that young people take for granted, like reaching up into a kitchen cabinet, or being able to dress, are critical to independence.

Ross Andel, when asked if one is ever too old to exercise, responded, "It's almost the older you are, the more important it becomes, but it's always important."

Read more ... http://whyfiles.org/284benefits_exercise/index.php?g=3.txt

Health is the soul that animates all enjoyment of life

Today my sister in law undergoes surgery in Melbourne and today is also my friend's second day of chemotherapy in Pantai hospital. I said a slilent prayer for both and I am hopeful that both will recover fully and will be on their feet again soon.

This reminds me of my health experience 8 years ago when I broke my left kneecap due to a bad fall. I had to undergo surgery and was even in ICU for a night. After that I was not able to stand on my left leg at all for about 3 months and only managed to stand on crutches after 6 months. I was infact wheel chair bound for 6 months and only walked normally after a year. That was a most distressing time for me. In fact when I first came back from hospital I thought I will never be able to walk again. I still remember I had to make a big effort to psyche myself to prevent myself from falling into a depression.

Health is the soul that animates all the enjoyments of life, which fade and are tasteless without it. ~ William Temple, Sr

The innocent, the beautiful and the angelic

Case 1
New York Times 15 August 2008 reported a Brooklyn man shook to death his malnourished 3-year-old daughter in the bathroom, ending a horrific life of abuse and starvation. The Medical Examiner's Office said Ginelis had weighed just 24 pounds. The medical examiner found blunt-force injuries on the girl's head and torso, fractured ribs and injuries to her internal organs.

In June, Jimenez "snapped" his daughter's arm, and in January, he threw her into her bedroom. "After the January incident, the child's clavicle bone was protruding," a police source said, but neither parent sought medical help.

Ginelis' 1-year-old brother, Hezekiah, was also found badly beaten. He was treated at a hospital before being taken by the Administration for Children's Services. Doctors found Hezekiah had a bruised chest and broken rib.

Case 2
wwww.kfyrtv.com
On 13 August it was reported that a Mandan man faces a felony child abuse or neglect charge after neighbors say they found a boy wandering around looking for a new place to live. Police say two women reported on Monday that a 6-year-old boy carrying a box of diapers asked to live with them. Police say they went to Sapin`s home and found it empty except for a 4-year-old girl who was home alone

A question hard to answer

Why do bad things happen to good people...? I think this is a question of life hardest to answer. Why must good people suffer...? Why must good people suffer from heartache and disappointment...? Why must good people suffer from disease?

My friend of 20 years was diagnosed with acute leukemia AML-5 yesterday and will start on chemotheraphy in a few days time. He is expected to stay in hospital for a protracted period of time and visitors are discouraged to minimize chances of infection for the patient. I sincerely wish my friend, a kind good man, a fast recovery.

You will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you

It is believed that negative thoughts can have detrimental effects on our health. It is also believed that keeping unpleasant experiences in our thoughts increases the release of chemicals that can weaken our immune system over time and this situation may curtail our ability to fight illness. Some studies suggest that those who dwell a lot on the negative have higher blood pressure and heart rates. It is also believed that we can make changes in our life and also improve our health, by changing the way we think.

Maybe I should start by finally letting go of all my "hurts" (perceived or real), and also make a a deliberate effort to stop myself if I start having negative thoughts that can cause me to feel anxious.

James Allen, author of As a Man Thinketh said "You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you."

My cup is overflowed with blessings

I love this little piece.

Drinking from a Saucer by Jimmy Dean

I never made a fortune; It's probably too late now.

But it don't matter that much, I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's journey, I'm reaping better than I sowed.

I'm drinking from a saucer, 'Cause my cup is overflowed.

I ain't got a lot of riches and Sometimes the goin's tough.

But I got friends and kids that love me, And that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for the mercies And blessings He's bestowed.

I'm drinking from a saucer, 'Cause my cup is overflowed.

Oh, I remember a time when Things went all wrong and My faith got a little bit thin.

Then all at once the dark clouds broke, And that sun peeked through again.

So, Lord, help me not to gripe About the rough rows I've hoed.

I'm drinking from a saucer, 'Cause my cup is overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage When my way grows steep and rough,

I'll not ask for other blessings, I've already been blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy To help others bear their load.

I'll keep drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup is overflowed.

Doesn't that sound familiar?

Source: www.glasbergen.com

Where is Philip?

Source: http://www.crazyjokes.com/

I hope I did something good today

Today the TV service man was in my house for about 2 hours, struggling with my TV set. Halfway through his work my son walked in. He asked "Is that your son?" I said, "Yes. How many children do you have?" He said "I do not have any children. I had been married for 15 years but I have no children". I said "Why don't you adopt?" He said, "Yes, I have 3 adopted children". I said "You have 3 children, why did you say you have no children?" He said "It is not the same". I said, " When you decide to adopt you must accept your adopted children as your own flesh and blood. Next time, don't ever say you have no children". He stopped his repair works, took a sip of water, looked at me in a serious manner and said " I will always remember what you just said. Thank you".

Children are living jewels dropped unsustained from heaven - Robert Pollok

Some cat riddles

What is a cat's favourite song? Three Blind Mice.

Is it bad luck if a black cat follows you? That depends on whether you're a man or a mouse.

What is the cat's favourite magazine? Good Mousekeeping.

Where is one place that your cat can sit, but you can't? Your lap.

How many cats can you put into an empty box? Only one. After that, the box isn't empty.

http://www.moggies.co.uk/html/jokes.html

Sweet Old Memories

This was the house we stayed in for 8 years in Parit Buntar, the address, No.112 Jalan Pegawai, Parit Buntar. The house looks run down now, the picture a recent photo taken by my brother who visited his daughter, now studying in USM Engineering Faculty, located in Parit Buntar.

When we were staying there, I was studying through from Standard 2 to Form 1. Although I was very young then and although it was almost 50 years ago, I still have very vivid memories of our life there. We were all very young, the 5 of us. I remember the busiest person was my mother. She had to get up very early to prepare breakfast and to make sure we went to school on time, the bigger ones went by bicycles, the younger ones were transported by a trishaw man who got paid RM5 per month. Then she would wash the clothes and walked to the market. Those days we did not own a fridge, I remember she went to the market on a daily basis and she cooked using fire wood in the kitchen situated detached from the main house at the back. In between all her chores, she managed to keep a chicken farm of about 15-20 chickens from which we got fresh eggs for breakfast every morning and the best tasting chicken meat you can find. I think those days must have been the happiest time of her life, and perhaps mine too, young and having not a care in the world.

I treasure sweet old memories

As time goes swiftly by.

A few bring smiles of happiness

And some tears to the eye.
They all are precious in their way,

Reopening doors of old

That have been shut these many years--

What pictures they unfold!

- Carice Williams