While keeping the body stay slim and fit, the consumption of heart-healthy food can also help cut the risk of heart disease. Similarly, the consumption of "good fats" essential fatty acids. Here's what the doctors told you, years ago, today, perhaps in the future.In the mid 40's, my blood pressure and cholesterol is not an issue. But now, as so many more members of the baby boomers and seniors, the fight to increase the rate at which the battle is done on a daily basis. While I, like everyone else, are dealing with a war to keep the number of cholesterol and blood pressure does not exceed the threshold, one thing is complicated by my blood type, namely type A and what the doctors called a "way of life filled with stress." Sometimes, two dogs, a cat, and two fish is not enough to reduce the number of cholesterol and blood pressure to remain normal.But the good news, olive oil can be a healthy accompaniment to the heart, it will strengthen the defense against heart disease. In fact, researchers from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration believes that olive oil may lower risk of heart disease.Fat is GoodSeveral years ago, when I interviewed Dr. Artemis P. Simopoulos, author of The Omega Diet (HarperPerennial), she showed me that there are two types of essential fatty acids (EFA): omega-6 and omega-3. The problem is, the American diet contains more omega-6 fatty acids (as found in mayonnaise and salad dressing) than omega-3. This imbalance makes us vulnerable to heart disease.At that time I did not become interested in this information, I am also not so understand it.At the moment I realized that this doctor really master the field and sit down because I understand. Maybe I'm more interested because the pursuit of my age. I realized that if I did not find a balance between my EFA intake, perhaps ultimately be forced to eat my heart medication, or worse than that.Spirit Superfood author, Steven Pratt, MD, noted in his book that the EFA balance is best achieved by regulating the intake of omega-6 and omega-3 between one to one to four to one. "Unfortunately, the typical western diet typically contains omega-6 14-25 times as much omega-3," he said. "Too much intake of omega-6 (oil dominates our usual diet) promote inflammation, which in turn increases the risk of clogged arteries and narrow the blood streams.But the jury is still debating how much the ratio of omega-3 vs. omega-6 should have in your daily menu. Olive oil, monounsaturated fats are good, containing both omega-3 fatty acids as well as omega-6.Dr. Simopoulos offers hope. He told me that we can eat foods that contain essential fatty acids "good" such as omega-3 found in eggs, fish and olive oil, as well as vegetables, fruits and legumes. This healthy food consumption, as did the people care about the heart that follow either the Mediterranean-style menu in the countries of Europe and in America, protect the heart by increasing their antioxidant levels, reduce the risk of blood clots, and helps normalize the heartbeat and blood pressure. Countless people around the world, like you and me, can do the same thing start to balance the levels of EFAs in our diet.The following heart-healthy tips from Dr. Simopoulos. His advice that I include in my book Doctors' Orders is appropriate for these guidelines to support the Mediterranean diet, in line with the advice of so many other doctors and nutrition experts, who agree that you have to balance the levels of EFAs, omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linolcat acid)-You.• Enrich your diet with omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of fatty fish a full 2 or 3 times more per week by eating two servings of salmon.• Use olive or canola oil as your main. Canola oil provide monounsaturated fatty acids and LNA, omega-3 fatty acids in vegetable form; olive oil has the effect of strengthening your body.• consumption of seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. People in Mediterranean countries eat lots of fresh produce and because they enjoy the fitness benefits of antioxidants in them that fight disease.• Increase consumption of peas, beans, and peanuts. Food is free of saturated fat and cholesterol.• Reduce consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol. Both can increase the risk of heart disease.• Avoid oils that are rich in omega-6.Termasuk corn oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, mayonnaise, and salad dressing.• Avoid synthetic fatty acids. If you see "partially hidrogenated" on food labels, avoid. This often (found in baked goods and pastries.Olive Oil and Blood PressureFor years I wrote about the Mediterranean-style diet, in addition to practicing it themselves. In summary, you should only consume fat as well as lowering your blood pressure if An da eat like the way people eat in Greece and Southern Italy, according to medical experts. For example, if you replace some types of saturated fats, like butter and cheese, in your menu with extra virgin olive oil, you may be able to lower blood pressure, it may even reduce your blood pressure medication dose or stop altogether from the necessity of medical treatment according to the editor The Folk Remedy Encyclopedists.The editor adds, "However, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research, olive oil is just one part of good eating habits in the world." The important thing is not the specific foods, but rather a combination of lack of consumption of red meat or food kalungan, the high consumption of fish and vegetables and less consumption of red wine that makes this a healthy diet. Most important is the total package of diet-this is its way of life that will reduce the number of blood pressure to normal levels instead of olive oil itself.Study conducted also shows that this is a Mediterranean-style menu with a menu similar to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), is associated both with systolic (top number in blood pressure) and diastolic (bottom number). olive oil can provide tremendous benefits, along with fruits and vegetables, to control your blood pressure.Chances are, if you have high blood pressure, you also suffer from high cholesterol.Olive Oil and CholesterolDid you know that saturated fat is the prime suspect cause of high blood cholesterol levels? In adults, total cholesterol levels of 240 milligrams per deciliter or more were considered high risk, and levels of 200-239 mg / dL is considered to be on the verge of high risk, according to the AHA.A married couple living in middle-aged Ostervillc, Massachusetts, told me that they are loyal users of olive oil and it seems they have reaped the blessings of their loyalty. C.L.Fornari, aka "The Garden Lady" says, "My husband and I had higher levels of HDL, or good cholesterol, high and we are confident that the amount of olive oil that we consume is one of the main reasons for high levels of HDL that." And, yes, Fornari know that olive oil is rich in disease-fighting polyphenols are believed to help control cholesterol levels and heart disease risk. He added, "I and the oil and use fresh and flavorful salad and bread for us. We use virgin oil just squeezed to cook. "Research shows that polyphenols can help keep your heart healthy. A study conducted on olive oil and its effect on the heart 200 healthy adult males aged between 20-60 years in six research centers in Spain, Denmark, Finland, Italy and Germany. In the long three weeks, the men are eating a tablespoon of the three types of olive oil (varying levels of fenolnya). Findings: the three types of olive oil increases the "good" cholesterol, lower total cholesterol and lowering triglyceride levels. The results prove that the polyphenols in monounsaturated fatty acids beneficial for HDL cholesterol and may reduce the risk of other heart problems.Saturated Fats to Avoid:According to the ADA, avoid saturated fats are found in the following foods:Beef animal foods, fat cattle, deer, lamb, pork, lard, poultry, butter, cream, milk, cheese, and other products made from whole milk.Plant foods coconut oil, palm oil, and oil palm trunks (often called a "tropical oils") and peanut butter.Olive Oil and Blood SugarSo, if olive oil can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease, what about diabetes, especially the tips 2 (strains not associated with insulin production, which can be controlled with lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary)? Yes, this golden oil can help you once again.Study shows that olive oil is used in the Mediterranean-style diet may help reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome-a collection of conditions that increase the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes-an increasingly common syndrome among baby boomers, the generation born in the United States post-war World War II (1946-1964). If you have high blood sugar levels, this is a sign you may be suffering from diabetes type 2.A study conducted at one university hospital in Italy. People who suffer from metabolic syndrome (99 men and 81 women) followed the Mediterranean diet and training increase the intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil them.The result: within two years, the researchers found that the Mediterranean diet group had gained weight, blood pressure and total cholesterol (while increasing the good HDL cholesterol), triglycerides and glucose and insulin levels. The researchers believe that the Mediterranean-style diet may be the key to fighting metabolic syndrome, an age-related problems that are now hitting many American households, the baby boomers and seniors.AHA recommends:• The reduced intake of saturated fat in the diet and the synthetic• Minimize your intake of foods and beverages that contain added sugar• Paying attention to physical activity and weight control• Eating a menu rich in vegetables, fruits, and food from the grain• Menu avoid tobacco• Maintain cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar levelsFats and Your HeartTrans fat is a hot topic because of the hydrogenated fats found in processed foods can harm your heart. According to the AHA, some researchers believe that these fats raise cholesterol levels, more violent than saturated fats. In addition, trans fats may also increase LDL cholesterol is "bad" and lower HDL "good" when used for cooking. You should replace these oils with healthy oils such olive oil. With the switch in a heart-healthy oils, you will lower your risk of heart disease high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.AHA recommends you follow these tips.• If you are a healthy Americans over the age of 2 years, limit saturated fat intake to less than 7% of total caloric intake.• Limit the trans fat less than 1% of total calories.• Limit your total fat intake at the level of 25-35% of total calories.• The rest of your fat intake should come from monounsaturated fats such as vegetable oils and doubles, nuts, grains, and fish.In addition, if you know that your dentist can predict whether you are prone to heart disease? Poor dental care, according to medical experts, can be associated with heart muscle disease, stroke, and infection. So, putting olive oil in your daily menu, do not forget to keep an appointment with your dentist.In the meantime, watching the baby boonicrs and seniors trying to cope with the level of cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides, and blood sugar, let's review the olive oil and its potential to help you lose fat you do not want and keep your weight.Golden Secrets Keep in mind• Find the balance between omega-3 and omega-6, this will help you prevent heart disease.• Add more omega-3-eggs, fish, and olive oil in your diet to get essential fatty acids.• Avoid oil rich in omega-6 such as salad dressings and mayonnaise. Better to use red wine vinegar and olive oil.• If your cholesterol to 100 mg / dL, your diet to lower the fat intake of only 25-35% of total calories. Watch your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet.• To prevent or control diabetes type 2, cut the intake of saturated fats and foods with added sugar. In addition, berkeraslah exercise and watch your weight.• Avoid at all that trans fat is found in dry foods and processed. (Read the product label or ask restaurants that provide it: what oil they use.)• While olive oil may help lower blood pressure, do not forget to also avoid processed foods and put the fish and vegetables on your dinner table.
Rabu, 28 Maret 2012
Minggu, 14 Agustus 2011
Tidung Island: A Heavenly Destination
The island is one of the hundred islands of Thousand Islands propping up from the Java Sea. It is merely some 20 kilometers north of Jakarta, making it a popular getaway for city dwellers.
As days always start early for islanders, it must start early for its eager visitors as well. The only ferry that connects the island and the city departs at 7 a.m. once a day.
“Please arrive by 6:30 a.m. sharp so that we won’t miss the boat,” the travel agent, from whom I bought a package for two, said the day earlier.
On that day, my companion and I left home at dawn and arrived at the designated time under a grayish dawn sky at the meeting point – a petrol station inside the fish market in Muara Angke, North Jakarta. The travel agent was still on his way.
The fresh morning dew mixed with the strong odor of the fish market, which certainly needed some major scrubbing and washing, entered our lungs and filled our hearts with the question “Is this trip worth the pain of smelling this?”
When he finally arrived, we were ushered to a simple jetty, which was a concrete platform for the boat to dock. There is no building, roof, or any sign. The boat master quickly helped us get on board.
The boat was made of wood, painted in white. It had two decks, upper and lower. The upper part of the upper deck was left open to form windows.
Most tourists opted for the upper deck, so by the time we climbed up, one-third of the upper-deck was already filled. The ceiling was just slightly more than one meter high. So, we crunched to the back to find some room, but there were no seats. It was an empty carpeted-room. We were supposed to sit on the floor.
“This is Indonesian culture. Traditionally, we like to sit on the floor. In the past, we do everything on the floor, including eating,” I explained to my companion, a first time visitor to Indonesia.
Once the smell subsided, I thanked the human’s extraordinary adaptive body and I took in the morning skyline. The sun rose slowly, initially with an orange tint on the grayish sky. Only then we were told the boat might leave at 7:30 something.
“Why is there this additional ‘something’ there? Don’t they have a fixed time to depart,” my perplexed companion asked.
They don’t. I later found out that the departure time ranged from 6 a.m. during holiday seasons, when the ferry filled much quicker, to 7:30 something.
By the time the last passengers boarded, the sun had blasted at full force and put Jakarta’s skyscrapers and warehouses into clear view.
Around three hours later, when the color turned to clear turquoise, the sight of the island appeared. First was the smaller sibling, called Tidung Kecil, then the bigger one, Tidung Besar. Tidung Besar houses the jetty, lodgings and other amenities, while Tidung kecil is mostly mangrove forest.
Once arrived, the fun began. Snorkel, cycle, swim, lay on the beach – up to you. We chose the big game first: snorkeling. It can be done around the island, or visitors can rent a boat to go to neighboring islands said to be offering better coral. We took the smaller wooden boat out to Payung Island.
When we reach the proximity of an island that looked like a giant rock at sea, the tour guide gave us the life-jackets, swim fins and snorkel masks before taking the dip himself. We took the leap and entered a fantastic underwater world.
The sea is shallow and the assorted coral reefs were just inches under our noses. The reefs are in good condition and host many sea creatures. Colorful tropical fish swim around, seemingly too full to even show any enthusiasm for the bread thrown at them. There were no sea urchins that might poke holes in our skin. The water was clear under the strong sunlight, a very different view from Jakarta’s brownish water.
The next on the to-do-list was playing by the beach. On the Tidung Besar, happenings are taking place at the tip or the island around 10-minute cycling from the residential area.
Banana boat trip is a popular activity loved by visitors, who are happily dumped into the sea at the end of each session. We cycled on the island’s only main lane, a 2-meter wide lane made of paving blocks. Along the street, there are rented rooms, food stalls, souvenir shops, snorkeling equipment rentals and bike rentals. There are also pushcart roasted bread sellers.
“Pineapple, strawberry, raspberry or chocolate jam?” the man asked for my order. I was hoping for more traditional Sarikaya jam, but pineapple was fine too. So two little buns (Rp 5,000) were soon wrapped in paper and placed into the basket in front of my bike.
“There were hundreds of people here yesterday. There was a traffic jam on this lane. Today it is very quiet,” he said, making small talk.
Indeed, we only encountered five other tourist groups in various sizes that Monday. That made the beach almost private.
The water is shallow and the current is mild, very suitable for dipping and swimming. The long stretch of sand is white and clean to walk upon or lay down in comfort. The trees offer shade for those who are prone to sunburn.
An arch bridge, like many other arch bridges around the globe, romantically called Love Bridge, stands nearby. The peak of the bridge, which rises to more than 5 meters above sea level, has become the platform for youngsters to test their courage by jumping into the water below. A banana boat passes under the bridge before unloading its passengers into the salty water.
The Love Bridge is the start of picture-perfect long flat bridge to Tidung Kecil. The only problem is that it is quite a challenge to walk, especially for those with acrophobia (fear of heights) or who cannot swim, because it has no handrail. Some part of the bridge was only covered by loosely placed wood planks.
“Why is there no handle on the bridge? I can’t do it,” my companion said, already weak in the knees.
So we said “so long” to Tidung Kecil and did what people should do on a beach on a beautiful afternoon – we just rested on the sand. It was perfected by fresh coconut, drunk directly from its fruit, complimented by a bowl of fried instant noodles with egg purchased from one of the many stalls nearby.
The island is operated solely by the local community – hence its down-to-earth and laid-back atmosphere. People are generally friendly and trustworthy and leave the visitors alone. The two times we changed our bikes, the keeper was not even bothered to wake up from his nap.
Wooden boats dock at the jetty at Muara Angke Port, North Jakarta in early morning, waiting to take passengers to the Thousand Islands chain. There is no feeling of being conned to pay more, a familiar feeling often felt at other established tourist places. No one offered us products when we did not ask for them.
Visitors are housed in rooms rented out by locals. We had a big room with two king-sized beds, air-conditioning, television and a cold shower. It was simple and clean. The phone signal was perfect, a blessing for anyone who cannot part with the Internet.
The beach was so pleasant and peaceful that time passed quietly. The sun set and the sky quickly turned dark. The beach has no lighting, but the flicker from the street lamps provided a faint glimmer. The island was safe, even for female travelers. No one bothered us.
As we cycled our noisy bumpy bikes back to our lodging, we looked at the sky and saw beautiful stars shining brightly against the dark background. Ah, the smell of the fish market was a small sacrifice, and it was all worth it.
Tidung Island offers not only wonderful coral, beautiful beaches and starry nights, but also the comfort of a close-knit community removed from the capital city.
As days always start early for islanders, it must start early for its eager visitors as well. The only ferry that connects the island and the city departs at 7 a.m. once a day.
“Please arrive by 6:30 a.m. sharp so that we won’t miss the boat,” the travel agent, from whom I bought a package for two, said the day earlier.
On that day, my companion and I left home at dawn and arrived at the designated time under a grayish dawn sky at the meeting point – a petrol station inside the fish market in Muara Angke, North Jakarta. The travel agent was still on his way.
The fresh morning dew mixed with the strong odor of the fish market, which certainly needed some major scrubbing and washing, entered our lungs and filled our hearts with the question “Is this trip worth the pain of smelling this?”
When he finally arrived, we were ushered to a simple jetty, which was a concrete platform for the boat to dock. There is no building, roof, or any sign. The boat master quickly helped us get on board.
The boat was made of wood, painted in white. It had two decks, upper and lower. The upper part of the upper deck was left open to form windows.
Most tourists opted for the upper deck, so by the time we climbed up, one-third of the upper-deck was already filled. The ceiling was just slightly more than one meter high. So, we crunched to the back to find some room, but there were no seats. It was an empty carpeted-room. We were supposed to sit on the floor.
“This is Indonesian culture. Traditionally, we like to sit on the floor. In the past, we do everything on the floor, including eating,” I explained to my companion, a first time visitor to Indonesia.
Once the smell subsided, I thanked the human’s extraordinary adaptive body and I took in the morning skyline. The sun rose slowly, initially with an orange tint on the grayish sky. Only then we were told the boat might leave at 7:30 something.
“Why is there this additional ‘something’ there? Don’t they have a fixed time to depart,” my perplexed companion asked.
They don’t. I later found out that the departure time ranged from 6 a.m. during holiday seasons, when the ferry filled much quicker, to 7:30 something.
By the time the last passengers boarded, the sun had blasted at full force and put Jakarta’s skyscrapers and warehouses into clear view.
Around three hours later, when the color turned to clear turquoise, the sight of the island appeared. First was the smaller sibling, called Tidung Kecil, then the bigger one, Tidung Besar. Tidung Besar houses the jetty, lodgings and other amenities, while Tidung kecil is mostly mangrove forest.
Once arrived, the fun began. Snorkel, cycle, swim, lay on the beach – up to you. We chose the big game first: snorkeling. It can be done around the island, or visitors can rent a boat to go to neighboring islands said to be offering better coral. We took the smaller wooden boat out to Payung Island.
When we reach the proximity of an island that looked like a giant rock at sea, the tour guide gave us the life-jackets, swim fins and snorkel masks before taking the dip himself. We took the leap and entered a fantastic underwater world.
The sea is shallow and the assorted coral reefs were just inches under our noses. The reefs are in good condition and host many sea creatures. Colorful tropical fish swim around, seemingly too full to even show any enthusiasm for the bread thrown at them. There were no sea urchins that might poke holes in our skin. The water was clear under the strong sunlight, a very different view from Jakarta’s brownish water.
The next on the to-do-list was playing by the beach. On the Tidung Besar, happenings are taking place at the tip or the island around 10-minute cycling from the residential area.
Banana boat trip is a popular activity loved by visitors, who are happily dumped into the sea at the end of each session. We cycled on the island’s only main lane, a 2-meter wide lane made of paving blocks. Along the street, there are rented rooms, food stalls, souvenir shops, snorkeling equipment rentals and bike rentals. There are also pushcart roasted bread sellers.“Pineapple, strawberry, raspberry or chocolate jam?” the man asked for my order. I was hoping for more traditional Sarikaya jam, but pineapple was fine too. So two little buns (Rp 5,000) were soon wrapped in paper and placed into the basket in front of my bike.
“There were hundreds of people here yesterday. There was a traffic jam on this lane. Today it is very quiet,” he said, making small talk.
Indeed, we only encountered five other tourist groups in various sizes that Monday. That made the beach almost private.
The water is shallow and the current is mild, very suitable for dipping and swimming. The long stretch of sand is white and clean to walk upon or lay down in comfort. The trees offer shade for those who are prone to sunburn.
An arch bridge, like many other arch bridges around the globe, romantically called Love Bridge, stands nearby. The peak of the bridge, which rises to more than 5 meters above sea level, has become the platform for youngsters to test their courage by jumping into the water below. A banana boat passes under the bridge before unloading its passengers into the salty water.
The Love Bridge is the start of picture-perfect long flat bridge to Tidung Kecil. The only problem is that it is quite a challenge to walk, especially for those with acrophobia (fear of heights) or who cannot swim, because it has no handrail. Some part of the bridge was only covered by loosely placed wood planks.
“Why is there no handle on the bridge? I can’t do it,” my companion said, already weak in the knees.
So we said “so long” to Tidung Kecil and did what people should do on a beach on a beautiful afternoon – we just rested on the sand. It was perfected by fresh coconut, drunk directly from its fruit, complimented by a bowl of fried instant noodles with egg purchased from one of the many stalls nearby.
The island is operated solely by the local community – hence its down-to-earth and laid-back atmosphere. People are generally friendly and trustworthy and leave the visitors alone. The two times we changed our bikes, the keeper was not even bothered to wake up from his nap.
Wooden boats dock at the jetty at Muara Angke Port, North Jakarta in early morning, waiting to take passengers to the Thousand Islands chain. There is no feeling of being conned to pay more, a familiar feeling often felt at other established tourist places. No one offered us products when we did not ask for them.Visitors are housed in rooms rented out by locals. We had a big room with two king-sized beds, air-conditioning, television and a cold shower. It was simple and clean. The phone signal was perfect, a blessing for anyone who cannot part with the Internet.
The beach was so pleasant and peaceful that time passed quietly. The sun set and the sky quickly turned dark. The beach has no lighting, but the flicker from the street lamps provided a faint glimmer. The island was safe, even for female travelers. No one bothered us.
As we cycled our noisy bumpy bikes back to our lodging, we looked at the sky and saw beautiful stars shining brightly against the dark background. Ah, the smell of the fish market was a small sacrifice, and it was all worth it.
Tidung Island offers not only wonderful coral, beautiful beaches and starry nights, but also the comfort of a close-knit community removed from the capital city.
Travel details
• The ferry costs Rp 33,000, one way, and departs at around 7 a.m. to Tidung (try to come early, especially on weekends, as it departs earlier if it is full). Tickets can be purchased on the boat or beforehand through travel agents. The ferry back to Jakarta departs at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 12:30 on weekends.
• Bike rental fees start from Rp 15,000.
• Banana boats cost Rp 35,000 per trip.
• Snorkeling gear can be rented for around Rp 35,000.
• Boat rental to go to neighboring islands starts from Rp 250,000 per boat.
• There are tour agencies that offer all-in packages at reasonable prices. Prices are cheaper for larger group (the jakarta post)
• The ferry costs Rp 33,000, one way, and departs at around 7 a.m. to Tidung (try to come early, especially on weekends, as it departs earlier if it is full). Tickets can be purchased on the boat or beforehand through travel agents. The ferry back to Jakarta departs at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays and 12:30 on weekends.
• Bike rental fees start from Rp 15,000.
• Banana boats cost Rp 35,000 per trip.
• Snorkeling gear can be rented for around Rp 35,000.
• Boat rental to go to neighboring islands starts from Rp 250,000 per boat.
• There are tour agencies that offer all-in packages at reasonable prices. Prices are cheaper for larger group (the jakarta post)
Sabtu, 13 Agustus 2011
Ditemukan, Solusi untuk Mengatasi Insomnia
Kesimpulan ini didapat setelah sejak Mei lalu Kaza berkeliling dari rumah ke rumah orang asing yang ia tidak kenal di kawasan Manhattan dan Brooklyn untuk meninabobokkan mereka dengan cerita pengantar tidur.
Dalam proyek yang diberi nama “Here Is Where We Meet” sesuai dengan novel karangan John Berger, ia telah membacakan cerita pengantar tidur bagi delapan orang dewasa yang menderita insomnia di kawasan itu.
Adapun cerita yang ia bawakan di antaranya adalah ‘The Metamorphosis’ karya Kafka, cerita petualangan anak ‘Danny the Champion of the World’ karya Roald Dahl, sampai ke novel karangan John Fowles yang berjudul ‘The French Liutenant’s Woman.’
“Saya hanya mendatangi mereka lalu mereka pilih cerita apa yang ingin saya bacakan dan saya membacakannya untuk mereka,” ucap Kaza seperti dikutip dari New York Daily News, 15 Juli 2011.
Dosen menulis paruh waktu di New York University ini juga menerima panggilan ke rumah sebagai bagian dari program tersebut.
“Bagian lain dari proyek ini adalah seputar keramahan. Proyek ini memantau seputar pertemuan seseorang dengan orang lain yang bukan teman akrabnya, bukan kekasihnya, atau juga bukan orangtuanya,” ucap Kaza.
Pada pengujian, Kaza hanya membacakan cerita pada orang dewasa yang menjadi ‘pasiennya’ secara empat mata. Sebelumnya, keduanya perlu menyepakati bahwa Kaza boleh keluar dari rumah sang pasien jika pasien itu sudah tertidur. Dan sejauh ini, baru penderita insomnia wanita saja yang ia bacakan cerita.
“Dari percobaan, umumnya mereka tertidur dalam waktu singkat,” kata Kaza. “Secara rata-rata, saya belum pernah mendapati penderita insomnia yang tetap terjaga meski sudah lebih dari satu jam saya bacakan cerita pengantar tidur,” ucapnya.
Berikutnya, Kaza menyebutkan, ia akan mencoba menjalankan uji coba ini menggunakan rekaman suaranya untuk mengantarkan para penderita insomnia tersebut ke peribaannya. (viva news)
Ponsel Tak Sebabkan Tumor Otak?
Menggunakan ponsel selama bertahun-tahun ternyata tidak akan menambah resiko orang terkena penyakit kanker otak jinak. Demikian hasil dari sebuah riset terakhir yang dilakukan oleh ilmuwan Denmark.
Riset yang melibatkan pengumpulan data dari 2,9 juta orang Denmark, itu menyimpullkan bahwa para pengguna ponsel selama 11 tahun atau lebih, tidak memiliki tumor jenis ini, atau disebut juga dengan nama vestibular schwannomas.
Hasil penemuan ini kontradiktif dengan banyak penelitian sebelumnya. Ilmuwan dari Denmark ini mengatakan bahwa mereka tidak menemukan hubungan jangka panjang antara ponsel dengan perkembangan tumor itu.
Vestibular schwannomas adalah penyakit tumor ringan yang secara teoritis timbul dari energi yang terserap oleh otak dari medan elektromagnet yang dihasilkan oleh ponsel. Pada riset sebelumnya, World Health Organization mengklasifikasikan ponsel sebagai penyebab potensial kanker (karsinogen).
Riset yang dilakukan oleh ilmuwan Denmark ini adalah salah satu yang terbesar untuk meneliti masalah ini. Penelitian ini hanya mendata berapa lama seseorang telah menjadi pengguna ponsel. Namun, tidak mendata seberapa sering orang tersebut menggunakan ponsel.
Menurut, David Savitz, seorang profesor dari Brown University yang duduk dalam panel penelitian WHO itu, penemuan terbaru ini menjadi salah satu pembuktian ketiadaan hubungan antara pemakaian ponsel dengan peningkatan resiko vestibular schwannomas. Namun, kata Savitz, penelitian di bidang ini masih perlu terus dilakukan.
Vestibular schwannomas tumbuh di sekitar sel otak dan melibatkan fungsi pendengaran dan keseimbangan seseorang. Tumor ini akan menyebabkan seseorang kehilangan pendengaran, pusing-pusing, serta kehilangan keseimbangan.
Bila tumor ini tumbuh semakin besar, tumor ini mungkin akan menekan daerah-daerah otak yang penting sehingga bisa juga mengancam jiwa pengidapnya.
Karena tumor jenis ini adalah tumor yang pertumbuhannya sangat lambat, jadi masih ada kemungkinan tumor ini diketahui setelah lebih dari 11 tahun. Oleh karenanya, para peserta penelitian musti terus dimonitor untuk mengetahui perkembangan vestibular schwannomas, dalam tubuh mereka. (viva news)
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