Today the traffic was quite smooth. Not to say there's not many car, there is, it's just that those cars were moving unlike last week, stuck at one spot. LOL.
Today we learned to describe shapes. We described 1D, 2D, and 3D shapes. Then we described textures and also haird. All using gestures. It was quite fun. There's copy and paste gesture as well. haha....really didn't know that we can apply that action when we want to show repeated patterns.
There were 8 of us today in the class including Josephine. There's one part where we were given flashcards and we need to describe the item or shape on the card using gestures. Some of the actions were quite tough. but after a few round of practice, it became quit smooth.
We learned a few signs today.
Remember: both hands show the thumb. then the LH put it infront of us and the RH at the side of our forehead. Then our RH thumb touch the LH thumb. and this means remember. Unique right...
Understand: Hold our Rh in a fist and place it at th side of our head, at the same level as our forehead. Then then raise the finger next to the thumb...it ives us a bit of the 'light bulb' sign feeling.. :-D
Easy: Place both hand with the palm facing you in front of you. then brush your RH palm against the back of your LH (brush along the finger's length)
Sign language is really an interesting and unique language. Hope that the following class will be more fun. :-D
As usual, I will be lookin forward for the next class.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
38 - Sleep~~ (theStarOnline, Health, June 24th, 2009)
Getting some sleep
THE DOCTOR SAYS
A look at ways to manage insomnia.
THE body rests and recovers from previous activities during sleep. Normal sleep comprises cycles of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). NREM sleep is followed by REM sleep, which occurs four to five times during the usual eight-hour sleep period.
The first REM period of the night may be last less than 10 minutes, while the last may exceed an hour. The NREM and REM cycles vary in length from 70 to 100 minutes initially, to 90 to 120 minutes later in the night.
Restful: Normal adults need six to 10 hours of sleep.
During the first third of the night, deep NREM sleep predominates, while REM sleep predominates in the last third of the night. REM sleep takes up 20% to 25% of total sleep time.
Insomnia
Insomnia refers to the disturbance of a normal sleep pattern. The different types of insomnia are:
·Difficulty getting to sleep (sleep onset insomnia) which is most common in young people.
·Waking up in the night which is most common in older people.
·Waking up early in the morning, which is least common.
·Not feeling refreshed after sleeping, leading to irritability, tiredness and difficulty concentrating during the day.
·Waking up due to disturbances such as noise or pain.
The duration of insomnia varies. It may be:
·Transient, lasting two to three days
·Short-term, lasting more than a few days, but less than three weeks
·Chronic, that is, it occurs on most nights for three weeks or more.
Everyone has experienced insomnia. It is generally accepted that about one-third of the population has insomnia.
How much sleep?
The need for sleep varies with age. A newborn may sleep 16 to 20 hours, and an infant 12 to 14 hours. Toddlers may sleep 10 hours or more. Primary schoolchildren need nine to 10 hours of sleep, while normal adults need six to 10 hours of sleep.
It takes an adult about 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep. Most of those who have less than five to six hours of sleep are probably not getting enough sleep.
After a good sleep, a person would feel refreshed on waking and can stay alert throughout the day, without the need for naps or sleeping in on weekends.
Symptoms and causes
The symptoms of insomnia vary. They include lying awake for a long period at night prior to sleeping, waking up several times at night, waking up early in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep, feeling tired and not refreshed, inability to function properly during the day, and feeling irritable.
The causes of insomnia:
·Physiological: working at night, light, noise, snoring, partner’s movements, and jet lag.
·Medical: pain or discomfort caused by arthritis, headaches, back pain, menopausal hot flushes, gastrointestinal disorders and pruritus (excessive itching).
·Psychological and psychiatric: examination stress, work worries, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, bereavement and dementia.
·Sleep disorders: sleep apnoea and sleep walking.
·Medicines: antidepressants, appetite suppressants, beta-blockers, corticosteroids and decongestants.
·Alcohol.
Management
Consult a doctor. He will look into the history of your condition and conduct a physical examination. The doctor will enquire about your sleeping routines, previous and current medical conditions, psychological or psychiatric conditions, if any, consumption of caffeine, medicines and alcohol, substance abuse including narcotic drugs, diet and exercise. The cause may be detected through this approach in many instances.
If the cause is not obvious, the doctor will ask for a sleep diary to be kept. This involves recording the time when one goes to sleep, when one wakes up in the morning and when one wakes up at night.
A referral to a specialist may be necessary if the cause is still not obvious. Laboratory tests and polysomnography may be carried out. The latter is used in the diagnosis of sleep apnoea and sleep disorders. This involves recording many parameters when one is asleep, including brain electrical activity; movements of the eye, jaw and leg muscles; and heart and lung functions. The doctor will discuss with the patient prior to any videotaping which may be considered necessary.
Once a diagnosis of the underlying condition has been made, the cause will be treated. For example, if the cause is anxiety or depression, the problem will go away once it is treated.
General measures which do not involve the use of medicines are preferred. It may involve counselling if the insomnia is due to stress or bereavement. Cognitive behavioural therapy which involves changes in thinking and behavioural patterns is useful. Measures like limiting caffeine or alcohol intake, exercise and keeping to a regular sleep routine are helpful.
Sleeping pills may be considered by the doctor for severe or short-term insomnia if general measures do not work. Doctors are usually reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills as they relieve the symptoms but do not address the underlying cause. An individual can also become dependent on sleeping pills, which are not without side effects.
Many of the sleeping pills available belong to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines which require a doctor’s prescription. Benzodiazepines are anxiolytics and hypnotics, that is, they reduce anxiety and promote calmness and sleep. Benzodiazepines can lead to dependence and side effects like a hangover and drowsiness during the day. This can lead to accidents when driving. Examples of benzodiazepines include lormetazepam and temazepam.
The short-acting “Z-pills” that is, zopiclone and zolpidem, act on the same receptors as benzodiazepines but are not classified as such because their molecular structures are different. They were initially thought to be less addictive and habit forming than benzodiazepines but this view has changed with reports of addiction in the past few years. The side effects are similar to benzodiazepines.
The lowest possible dose of sleeping pills should be taken for the shortest possible time. One should only take them under medical supervision. There is no place for self-medication. Do not stop intake abruptly as this may cause withdrawal effects. The doctor’s advice is crucial here.
Melatonin is a hormone that is involved in the regulation of the sleep cycle or circadian rhythm. It is a short-term medicine for insomnia and cannot be consumed for more than three weeks. Although side effects are uncommon, they include dizziness, migraines, irritability, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Getting good sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is vital. This can be achieved by various means:
·Having a routine facilitates sound sleep. This means going to bed and getting up at about the same time every day. It is important to relax before getting into bed as activity just before bedtime may keep one awake.
·Having an early dinner helps. The digestive system goes to sleep at about 7 o’clock. A light dinner is helpful.
·Avoid caffeine after lunch as caffeine keeps one awake.
·Avoid alcohol as its breakdown produces chemicals that stimulate the individual. It also increases the likelihood of snoring as it relaxes the muscles. This leads to lighter and less refreshing sleep.
·Avoid naps. The afternoon nap may keep one awake at night.
·Avoid light. This is because melatonin, the hormone that helps a person sleep, is produced in the dark.
Dr Milton Lum is a member of the board of Medical Defence Malaysia. This article is not intended to replace, dictate or define evaluation by a qualified doctor. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation the writer is associated with.
THE DOCTOR SAYS
A look at ways to manage insomnia.
THE body rests and recovers from previous activities during sleep. Normal sleep comprises cycles of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). NREM sleep is followed by REM sleep, which occurs four to five times during the usual eight-hour sleep period.
The first REM period of the night may be last less than 10 minutes, while the last may exceed an hour. The NREM and REM cycles vary in length from 70 to 100 minutes initially, to 90 to 120 minutes later in the night.
Restful: Normal adults need six to 10 hours of sleep.
During the first third of the night, deep NREM sleep predominates, while REM sleep predominates in the last third of the night. REM sleep takes up 20% to 25% of total sleep time.
Insomnia
Insomnia refers to the disturbance of a normal sleep pattern. The different types of insomnia are:
·Difficulty getting to sleep (sleep onset insomnia) which is most common in young people.
·Waking up in the night which is most common in older people.
·Waking up early in the morning, which is least common.
·Not feeling refreshed after sleeping, leading to irritability, tiredness and difficulty concentrating during the day.
·Waking up due to disturbances such as noise or pain.
The duration of insomnia varies. It may be:
·Transient, lasting two to three days
·Short-term, lasting more than a few days, but less than three weeks
·Chronic, that is, it occurs on most nights for three weeks or more.
Everyone has experienced insomnia. It is generally accepted that about one-third of the population has insomnia.
How much sleep?
The need for sleep varies with age. A newborn may sleep 16 to 20 hours, and an infant 12 to 14 hours. Toddlers may sleep 10 hours or more. Primary schoolchildren need nine to 10 hours of sleep, while normal adults need six to 10 hours of sleep.
It takes an adult about 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep. Most of those who have less than five to six hours of sleep are probably not getting enough sleep.
After a good sleep, a person would feel refreshed on waking and can stay alert throughout the day, without the need for naps or sleeping in on weekends.
Symptoms and causes
The symptoms of insomnia vary. They include lying awake for a long period at night prior to sleeping, waking up several times at night, waking up early in the morning and not being able to go back to sleep, feeling tired and not refreshed, inability to function properly during the day, and feeling irritable.
The causes of insomnia:
·Physiological: working at night, light, noise, snoring, partner’s movements, and jet lag.
·Medical: pain or discomfort caused by arthritis, headaches, back pain, menopausal hot flushes, gastrointestinal disorders and pruritus (excessive itching).
·Psychological and psychiatric: examination stress, work worries, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, bereavement and dementia.
·Sleep disorders: sleep apnoea and sleep walking.
·Medicines: antidepressants, appetite suppressants, beta-blockers, corticosteroids and decongestants.
·Alcohol.
Management
Consult a doctor. He will look into the history of your condition and conduct a physical examination. The doctor will enquire about your sleeping routines, previous and current medical conditions, psychological or psychiatric conditions, if any, consumption of caffeine, medicines and alcohol, substance abuse including narcotic drugs, diet and exercise. The cause may be detected through this approach in many instances.
If the cause is not obvious, the doctor will ask for a sleep diary to be kept. This involves recording the time when one goes to sleep, when one wakes up in the morning and when one wakes up at night.
A referral to a specialist may be necessary if the cause is still not obvious. Laboratory tests and polysomnography may be carried out. The latter is used in the diagnosis of sleep apnoea and sleep disorders. This involves recording many parameters when one is asleep, including brain electrical activity; movements of the eye, jaw and leg muscles; and heart and lung functions. The doctor will discuss with the patient prior to any videotaping which may be considered necessary.
Once a diagnosis of the underlying condition has been made, the cause will be treated. For example, if the cause is anxiety or depression, the problem will go away once it is treated.
General measures which do not involve the use of medicines are preferred. It may involve counselling if the insomnia is due to stress or bereavement. Cognitive behavioural therapy which involves changes in thinking and behavioural patterns is useful. Measures like limiting caffeine or alcohol intake, exercise and keeping to a regular sleep routine are helpful.
Sleeping pills may be considered by the doctor for severe or short-term insomnia if general measures do not work. Doctors are usually reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills as they relieve the symptoms but do not address the underlying cause. An individual can also become dependent on sleeping pills, which are not without side effects.
Many of the sleeping pills available belong to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines which require a doctor’s prescription. Benzodiazepines are anxiolytics and hypnotics, that is, they reduce anxiety and promote calmness and sleep. Benzodiazepines can lead to dependence and side effects like a hangover and drowsiness during the day. This can lead to accidents when driving. Examples of benzodiazepines include lormetazepam and temazepam.
The short-acting “Z-pills” that is, zopiclone and zolpidem, act on the same receptors as benzodiazepines but are not classified as such because their molecular structures are different. They were initially thought to be less addictive and habit forming than benzodiazepines but this view has changed with reports of addiction in the past few years. The side effects are similar to benzodiazepines.
The lowest possible dose of sleeping pills should be taken for the shortest possible time. One should only take them under medical supervision. There is no place for self-medication. Do not stop intake abruptly as this may cause withdrawal effects. The doctor’s advice is crucial here.
Melatonin is a hormone that is involved in the regulation of the sleep cycle or circadian rhythm. It is a short-term medicine for insomnia and cannot be consumed for more than three weeks. Although side effects are uncommon, they include dizziness, migraines, irritability, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
Getting good sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is vital. This can be achieved by various means:
·Having a routine facilitates sound sleep. This means going to bed and getting up at about the same time every day. It is important to relax before getting into bed as activity just before bedtime may keep one awake.
·Having an early dinner helps. The digestive system goes to sleep at about 7 o’clock. A light dinner is helpful.
·Avoid caffeine after lunch as caffeine keeps one awake.
·Avoid alcohol as its breakdown produces chemicals that stimulate the individual. It also increases the likelihood of snoring as it relaxes the muscles. This leads to lighter and less refreshing sleep.
·Avoid naps. The afternoon nap may keep one awake at night.
·Avoid light. This is because melatonin, the hormone that helps a person sleep, is produced in the dark.
Dr Milton Lum is a member of the board of Medical Defence Malaysia. This article is not intended to replace, dictate or define evaluation by a qualified doctor. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation the writer is associated with.
37 - BSL (2nd session)
Gosh...it was raining cats and dogs in the evening today (hmmm i wonder why its cats and dogs..haha). It took me around 1 hour 30 mins to reach YMCA today and i was late 30 mins for the class..haihz~~~
Today's class was more on introduction of SL. It was quite fun. We learned about the SL background, the sign name, then about the dominant and passive hand. There's this new girl in the class, she was very participative...that's good...we can learn from the questions she asked. Overall, again, its amazing and i will be looking forward for next week =)
Today's class was more on introduction of SL. It was quite fun. We learned about the SL background, the sign name, then about the dominant and passive hand. There's this new girl in the class, she was very participative...that's good...we can learn from the questions she asked. Overall, again, its amazing and i will be looking forward for next week =)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
36 - Sign language course (1st session0
220609
Today was my first day of class for the sign language course at YMCA. We had a self-introductory session. No Spoken language and no writing for this session. We were required to use our drawing, body gesture, hands movement and facial expression to introduce ourself and give a brief background on our family members. It was an interesting session. Before this, I had never done something like this and it was really new to me. All of us keep laughing when we see some unfamiliar yet funny actions.
I had learned something new today as well. For the deaf, when we give an applause, they will not be able to hear it. So in order to let them know that we're clapping our hands, we raise our hand with open palms and shake our hand... it was quite interesting.
I can't imagine if I was to live in a world of silence. Through out the class, it was really very quiet. TIme is ticking but we don't seem to notice it. Is it because of the activity or because of the quietness of the room???
The participants in this course were all working adults and there were 3 Korean girls there too. I wonder why they're here and were they working or studying. I'll find it out next session i think. :-)
I amreally looking forward for the Wed session. I wonder what'll we'll be learning. And other thatn that, I really did not expect to be assess in this course like in Uni. We were required to do a quiz, writen test, and assignments....gosh...hahhahahaah...But I think it'll worth my efforts....
Today was my first day of class for the sign language course at YMCA. We had a self-introductory session. No Spoken language and no writing for this session. We were required to use our drawing, body gesture, hands movement and facial expression to introduce ourself and give a brief background on our family members. It was an interesting session. Before this, I had never done something like this and it was really new to me. All of us keep laughing when we see some unfamiliar yet funny actions.
I had learned something new today as well. For the deaf, when we give an applause, they will not be able to hear it. So in order to let them know that we're clapping our hands, we raise our hand with open palms and shake our hand... it was quite interesting.
I can't imagine if I was to live in a world of silence. Through out the class, it was really very quiet. TIme is ticking but we don't seem to notice it. Is it because of the activity or because of the quietness of the room???
The participants in this course were all working adults and there were 3 Korean girls there too. I wonder why they're here and were they working or studying. I'll find it out next session i think. :-)
I amreally looking forward for the Wed session. I wonder what'll we'll be learning. And other thatn that, I really did not expect to be assess in this course like in Uni. We were required to do a quiz, writen test, and assignments....gosh...hahhahahaah...But I think it'll worth my efforts....
Thursday, June 4, 2009
35 - Upcoming presentation
coming Monday (8th June) will be my presentation day for PSY 220. I know that its only a 2 minutes presentation which is way much shorter and easier compared to the MC100, but i am feeling kind of nervous each time i thought about it. Can someone give me some hint on how to present it well and how do I overcome my nervousness. GOSH!!! Is it because I am worried about the feedback that others will give to me? I just don't know.
I am now having a mix feeling of nervous, happy, excited as well as scared. (calm down, calm down)....
Hope I can do this presentation well...
I am now having a mix feeling of nervous, happy, excited as well as scared. (calm down, calm down)....
Hope I can do this presentation well...
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