Riding the Dragon: 2012 predictions from Chinese masters

By Joyce Woo (AFP)

Want to know what's in store for 2012? Who will win the US election? Will the eurozone implode? China's feng shui masters tackle the big issues with their predictions for the Year of the Dragon.

As Chinese communities around the world prepare to ring in the new year on Monday, astrologers and geomancers are predicting the dragon will bring natural disasters and financial volatility, especially to crisis-hit Europe.

"The world economy will be unstable in the Year of the Dragon, because the economies in Europe and the US are still suffering from the effects of the recession," Hong Kong feng shui master Anthony Cheng says.

Celebrity astrologer Peter So says the United States will provide some good news late in the year, but his charts for Europe make grim reading.

"Europe will not recover so soon -- it is expected to suffer at least until 2014. But what I can say is this, a recovery for the US economy is possible in 2013," he says.

If you're prepared to ride the dragon and invest in 2012, Russia and China could be your best bets. The two emerging markets will be the best performers in a volatile year, says Cheng.

But be prepared for surprises, especially out of China where the Communist Party will hold its 18th Congress to select a new generation of leaders.

"In the second half of the year, a scandalous corruption case will be exposed in China," warns Cheng, refusing to elaborate about who will be implicated.

"I can also predict that in Hong Kong and in mainland China, a number of high-ranking officials will be forced to step down. Some may be thrown behind bars, or even pass away."

Many Chinese take such predictions seriously and adjust their lives accordingly. Feng shui, the ancient study of the forces of chi, or life energy, is a daily part of life in the Chinese world.

One of Hong Kong's largest brokerages, CLSA, releases a Feng Shui Index every year, offering its "tongue-in-cheek" predictions for global markets and world affairs.

Lest anyone takes it seriously, CLSA admits that feng shui's "original purpose was to locate auspicious burial spots, not call the twists and turns of the equity markets or individual sectors".

But it has a stab anyway, even if some of its predictions are less than audacious. For example, it says the stars point to a "job opening" for Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, the man everyone expects to become China's next ruler after the 18th Congress in October or November.

As for US politics, the soothsayers are more cautious. When asked who will win the US elections, So refuses to make a prediction without precise information about the dates and times of the candidates' births.

"Sometimes luck depends on the country itself, rather than an individual president," he says enigmatically.

"For the US, they are starting to have luck on their side again, so it is going to be a good year no matter who's elected."

The five Chinese elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and 2012 is tipped to be big on water. This could mean riches and abundance, but it could also spell disaster.

Well-known Hong Kong astrologer Alion Yeo says we should brace for storms and floods. "Expect to see a lot of flooding in areas like Thailand and South East China," he says.

So sees similar portents, but with an earthy twist.

"Indonesia, Pakistan, India and places in China like Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou are particularly disaster-prone. They are likely to experience frequent earthquakes," he says.

While the ancient Chinese were developing their systems of astrology and geomancy, people across the Pacific were finding other ways to predict the future.

The Mayans of modern-day South America purportedly had a calendar that showed the world would come to an end on December 21, 2012.

Like the historians who rubbish such interpretations of Mayan belief, So says there is no need to fear the end is nigh.

"Doomsday is just a bunch of make-believe," he says.

Late diabetes diagnosis could lead to eye sight loss

by Ejidiah Wangui

NAIROBI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sitting on a wooden stool outside her house facing the gate to her home, you would think Grace Kaniaru is staring at the clear skies and probably watching the birds which seem to be enjoying the morning sun. But no, Kaniaru lost her eye sight three months ago and is still learning to adapt to her new life.

"I was forced to leave my career as a teacher, I have to rely on other people to help me perform even the smallest task like pouring tea into my cup, it happened so fast, and before I realized what was happening, I lost my eye sight," she told us during the interview at her home in Muchatha, Kiambu County.

Kaniaru says she was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago and has been on medication since then. All was well until October last year when her vision started to blur.

"I thought it was a normal eye problem, but little did I know that I could end up losing my eyesight. It was too late to save my sight as the disease was also detected at an advanced stage, this happened within two weeks only," says Kaniaru.

She is among other patients who have lost eye sight to diabetic complications in Kenya. Diabetes and cancer are fast becoming a health burden to the East African Nation.

And as new lifestyles and imported dietary practices become a part of life, diabetes, a disease which in some years back was referred to as a problem for the rich is slowly becoming an epidemic in Kenya if not in Africa.

It is estimated that one in every 20 people living in rural areas is likely to test positive for diabetes while one in every 10 among the urban dwellers suffer from the disease.

But sad is the fact that diabetes complications are leading cause of blindness in Africa, a condition known as diabetic retinopathy.

According to Dr Joseph Irungu who runs a clinic in Ruaka, Kiambu, people who suffer from diabetes for long are at a higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy.

Dr. Irungu expresses concern that the number of Kenyans suffering from the disease is increasing by days saying that people need to be more careful on what they eat.

"Eye complications as a result of poorly managed diabetes are extremely common and only a fraction of people diagnosed with the disease undergo any form of eyeexamination," notes Irungu.

"The disease contributes to about 3 percent of blindness among the patients," he adds.

Irungu singles out hypertension, pregnancy and smoking as other conditions that may put one at a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy.

"In the last two years, I have seen four patients who lost eye sight to diabetic retinopathy, this has no warning signs, in most cases, patients suddenly lose vision," Irungu told us, adding that it is very important for people suffering from diabetes to take an eye test at least once in an year.

"All people with diabetes both type one and two are at risk. That is why everyone with diabetes should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once in a year. The longer someone has diabetes, the more likely he or she will get diabetic retinopathy, " he says.

However, Irungu says if detected early, a simple eye procedure can be performed to prevent progression of the problem.

Irungu says people suffering from diabetes can act to prevent sight loss by ensuring they take the eye checks in reputable healthcare centers.

Quitting smoking and keeping blood glucose and blood pressure as close to normal also helps to reduce the possibility of any eye damage from occurring, he says.

CCTV's 2012 Spring Festival Gala

By Globaltimes.cn

Watching CCTV's Spring Festival Gala on the eve of the Chinese New Year has become a tradition for millions of Chinese families. To bring audiences even closer to the annual show, the Gala organizers have taken a slew of measures to make the live telecast more inviting.

1. CCTV's Spring Fest Gala searching for the "most beautiful family photo"

The production team of the Spring Festival Gala has collected submissions for "the most beautiful family photo" from around the country to invite more families to attend the event.

The activity started in October through the websites of CCTV, Tencent, and Sina.com and lasted more than 40 days. Participants from different parts of China sent in their family photos and told warm and touching family stories.

Eight pictures from eight different families have been chosen to be shown at the Spring Festival Gala.

In the end, one lucky family will have the chance to join the live telecast to celebrate the Dragon Year Spring Festival with hundreds of millions of their fellow countrymen watching on the small screen.

2.  New Spring Festival Gala anchors

Three new TV anchors will join the host team of China's Spring Festival Gala this year, in an effort to rouse the younger generation's interest in the festival, according to the directing team behind the production of the Gala.

CCTV's anchorman Bi Fujian, famous for his natural, humorous and lively hosting style, and Sabeining, known for hosting the Topics in Focus (Jiaodian Fangtan) and anchorwoman Li Sisi born after 1980’s, will be the new faces of the Gala team, the Shanghai-based Dongfang Daily reported.

Zhou Tao, famous for her natural and elegant hosting style during CCTV's previous Spring Festival Gala, will not appear as a part of this year's team.  

The other Gala anchors will be Zhu Jun, Li Yong and Dong Qing, all of which are experienced hosts.

3.  "I Want to be on the Spring Festival Gala"

It is a competition show hosted by China Central Television Station (CCTV) to select performers all over the world for the highest rated festival party.

4. China launches 3D TV on New Year's Day

CCTV New Year’s Gala will also be shown via 3D technology and audiences will be able to enjoy dancing, acrobatics and magic via their 3D glasses at home.

China has marked the New Year with the start of 3D TV service this year. After a trial run, the 3D TV will be officially put into operation during Spring Festival later in January.

The first stations for the 3D trial are China Central Television, Beijing Television, Tianjing Broadcasting TV, Jiangsu TV and Shenzhen TV. 3D programs will be offered daily from 10:30 am to midnight.

The programs include animation, sports, documentaries, TV dramas, entertainment and live broadcasting of big events, such as CCTV New Year’s Gala and the London 2012 Olympic Games. The stations will charge no viewing fees during the early phase of operation.

5.  No advertising during the live broadcast

Ha Wen, the general director of CCTV's 2012 Spring Festival Gala, said there will be no advertisements broadcast this year during the live broadcast of the Gala, which will last over four hours.

Ha said that even CCTV may face a huge economic loss due to the slicing of its advertisements, however it does not matter as long as audiences are satisfied with the Gala, which will be more natural and smooth.

In the past, numerous advertisements during CCTV's Spring Festival Gala have somewhat crippled audience interest for the televised New Year’s party.

No sign aspirin prevents fatal heart attacks

Healthy people shouldn't take aspirin to prevent heart disease, researchers say in a new report that casts doubt on recommendations from US health officials.

Medical guidelines currently urge people to take low doses of the drug if they are at high risk of heart disease but have never had any symptoms or if they have already suffered a heart attack.

But the first piece of advice, known as primary prevention, has come under attack from more doctors because aspirin therapy can also be harmful.

"What we need to focus on is lifestyle, smoking cessation, and statin and blood pressure medications," says Dr Kausik Ray, who studies heart disease prevention at St. George's University of London and led the new work. "I don't recommend aspirin."

Ray and his colleagues took a fresh look at nine previous trials of aspirin use in people who had never had chest pain or other symptoms of an ailing heart.

Based on more than 100,000 men and women followed for an average of six years, there was no sign aspirin prevented fatal heart attacks.

Statins could increase diabetes risk

Cholesterol-lowering drugs may be linked to an increased risk of diabetes, according to a new study of middle-aged and older women.

For their report, Dr Yunsheng Ma of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worchester and his colleagues used data from the Women's Health Initiative, including more than 150,000 diabetes-free women in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

But researchers say that shouldn't dissuade people with heart disease - or at risk of it - from taking so-called statins.

Instead, statin users should try to reduce their risk of diabetes in other ways, such as by losing weight, and should have their blood sugar regularly monitored, they say.

"The conclusion still stands that overall, those people who've got existing heart disease or have had previous strokes, they still would get vast benefits from statins", as would those at high risk for heart disease, says Naveed Sattar, a metabolism and diabetes researcher at the University of Glasgow, in the UK.

Instead, the finding "may make us a bit more cautious about putting statins in the water, for example," Sattar, who wasn't involved in the new study, says.

In other words, not all people with few heart risks should be taking the drugs, as some researchers have suggested, because they aren't side effect-free.

China plans to increase nurses to 2.86 mln by 2015

BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- China will bring its nurse population to 2.86 million by 2015, meaning there will be 2.07 nurses for every 1,000 people, according to a blueprint on nursing issued Friday by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

By the end of 2010, China has registered 2.05 million nurses and there were 1.52 nurses for every 1, 000 Chinese.

Even by 2015, the ratio of registered nurses for 1,000 people in China is five times fewer than countries in the European Union and the United States by current standards.

By 2015, the ratio of licensed doctors to nurses will climb from 1:1 to 1:1.2, according to the blueprint.

China also plans to provide more training for head nurses in large hospitals and make nursing services accessible to households and communities, according to the blueprint.

The five-year nursing development plan said the government will further standardize its nurse management system and deepen health care reform in public hospitals over the next few years.

The total number of registered nurses reached 2.05 million in 2010, marking a 52 percent jump from 2005, according to the blueprint.

Death by stress

By Jiang Wanjuan (Global Times)

These days, we have so many meetings, unfinished tasks and deadlines that we often don't give top priority to our own well-being. It's always something that can wait another day. Health is usually ignored until misfortune strikes, as it did 23-year-old Fang Yan, whose recent and sudden death reminds many to listen to their bodies more.

Fang died only a few days after being diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, a common problem that is not considered fatal, according to Dr Liu Yong with the Digestive Department of Beijing Xuanwu TCM Hospital, although sometimes serious complications can occur.

On December 16 Fang was found dead in her apartment by her boyfriend who'd come to visit. According to her Weibo account, which she updated regularly until December 15, she had been working overtime and eating at odd hours.

Beijing-based Datang Mobile, Fang's employer, confirmed her death but did not elaborate on the cause and refused to associate her passing with being stressed or overworked.

In one update on Weibo, Fang described her physical symptoms and recent diagnosis. The post "Washing my hair before going to bed gave me a migraine and eating after 9pm gave me gastric bleeding" was forwarded over ten thousand times. The day before she died, she wrote, "I now feel miserable because I am sick and wasn't allowed sick leave."

"Many factors could cause a stomach ulcer to appear or recur, such as irregular eating habits, stress and excessive drinking," said Liu. "People tend to produce more gastric acid when nervous and stressed, making the condition worse."

However, with today's medicine, Liu says it is very rare for someone to die from a stomach ulcer.

"But if the ulcer is on an artery and it breaks, it could cause massive bleeding, killing in seconds," he said. "An ulcer can be treated very easily after symptoms begin, but given that many young people think they are strong enough to ignore minor problems, they often work through the pain."

Aside from bleeding, which Liu believes killed Fang, complications caused by stomach ulcers such as gastric perforation and gastric outlet obstruction can also cause death.

"I was shocked by what happened to Fang Yan," said 24-year-old auditor Liu Shuyan. "I have stomach problems too, but I never take it seriously. When it hurts, I just take a pill or eat some soda crackers. I think I will be more careful from now on."

According to Liu, around 10 percent of emergency patients sent to his hospital suffer from gastric bleeding. If these symptoms are not treated properly, death can occur.

Liu also said there are certain signs people should be aware of that may indicate a stomach ulcer. These include periodic pain in the upper abdomen which worsens after eating, sharp stomach pains, and very dark or even black stool, a sign of internal bleeding.

"When someone has very dark stool, the condition is already very serious and the patient should be sent to the hospital immediately," he added.

There are also some benign causes of black stool, for example, eating a lot of iron-rich foods such as animal blood and liver, but people with this symptom should exercise caution.

Stomach ulcers are a common problem that can heal, but they can also resurface easily if one isn't taking care of oneself.

"Unhealthy habits could destroy the gastric mucosa, a defense system for the stomach, increasing the likelihood of recurring ulcers," Liu said. "If one does not take certain measures to improve lifestyle, this can develop into a serious problem."

He suggests that those who already have stomach ulcers should quit smoking and eat food that is easier to digest.

"Meat is better stewed or steamed. Fried foods as well as spicy or acidic foods should be avoided."

It is also a good idea to have regular gastroscopic examinations, even if you're very healthy, and especially if you work in a high-stress environment.

"Young people are the backbone of society. It is important for them to form good habits and make their lives balanced," he said.

9 tips for a happy, healthy stomach

Eat at regular intervals

Never skip breakfast or lunch. An empty stomach can produce too much gastric acid, harming the mucosa that protects the stomach.

Avoid overeating

Don't eat too much, or too late at night, so that your stomach can rest when the body is sleeping. Don't eat between meals so the stomach gets a break.

Eat slowly

Don't rush when you eat, and be sure to chew your food thoroughly so that the stomach doesn't have to work harder during digestion.

Eat clean food

Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that is the main cause of stomach ulcers, breeds much faster in stomachs that have been exposed to unclean food.

Bundle up in the cold

Remember that health is more important than showing off your body during winter. Wear a good coat, hat and gloves. Too much exposure to the cold can lead to stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.

Don't exhaust yourself

Take frequent rests from work, both physically and mentally. This allows the stomach a reprieve from stress, which negatively affects its immunity.

Take it easy on the booze

Too much alcohol can destroy the stomach mucosa, aggravate any previous stomach damage, and even lead to internal bleeding.

Eat milder foods

Avoid foods that are high in acidity and hot spices. Stick with simple foods that are easier to digest.

Don't just take a pill

Many over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, contain chemicals that harm the stomach. If you're having frequent stomach pains, don't self-medicate. It can make it worse. Go see a professional who can give you something that will really treat your illness.

Getting rid of that hungover feeling

By Deng Zhangyu (China Daily)

Holidays and parties are always good excuses to binge on drinks and go on all-night indulgences. But nothing goes unpunished and when morning comes, there is a price to pay with a hangover, a searing headache and bleary-eyed wooziness.

What's the best cure for those inevitable hangovers? Holiday revelers may appreciate these cures we suggest for throbbing temples and acidic tummies.

Tea is the traditional cure for many Chinese drinkers. Often, you will find them gathered at neighborhood teahouses the morning after nursing a headache and a pot of tea. If they're lucky, they may have someone at home willing to brew them a large mug.

Xiong Feng, a businessman in his 30s, has experienced countless hangovers. His problem usually arises after mixing beer, Chinese liquor and imported wines, an occupational hazard in his business entertaining.

"A cup of English tea helps to keep me conscious. I always make tea for myself after a hangover," says Xiong.

Meng Yan swears by salty porridge. The bartender at Laker's Restaurant speaks from experience. Salty porridge replenishes both salt and water, when alcohol dehydrates the body.

Milk and yoghurt are also good hangover cures. In fact, they work as prevention as well. They protect the stomach, and it's a good idea to grab a tub of yoghurt or packet of milk at a convenience shop before heading for a boozy party night out.

Li Liandong, a waiter at a bar, says many drinkers order lemonade after one too many alcoholic drinks.

"I also find lemons useful when I get drunk. But the more effective way for me is to take the lemon undiluted, and just suck on a lemon wedge," says the 21-year-old, who is susceptible to hangovers.

For most young women drinkers, the special hangover cure is fruit. Guo Xianfeng, who also works at a bar, suggests that girls who cannot hold their drinks should order a platter of fruits, as they tend to get dehydrated more quickly and the fruits will help fill an empty tummy, and help them stay sober.

Alcohol actually makes the drinker thirsty, so it is not unusual to see them order cups of hot water.

Another traditional Chinese cure is the restorative soup, and a bowl of Sichuan hot and sour tofu soup can both wake you up and get you going again. Cantonese tonic soups, too, will soothe away both headache and hangover.

But the best cure? Moderation.

Go easy on the alcohol and drink enough to get happy, not high - especially when you know you will have to pay for the over-indulgence.

Hay Fever Symptoms Worse in Spring Than Summer

FRIDAY, Dec. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Hay fever symptoms -- itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose -- are worse in the spring than summer even when pollen counts are the same, according to a new report.

In the study, researchers compared daily pollen counts during the 2007 and 2008 hay fever seasons with daily symptoms reported by hay fever sufferers living around Leiden in the Netherlands.

The study participants were also tested for other common allergies, including birch pollen, house dust mites, dogs and cats.

The investigators found that hay fever symptoms matched the concentration of pollen in the air and also the amount of medication taken by the participants. They took more medication on days with high pollen counts and severe hay fever symptoms and less medication on days with low pollen counts and milder hay fever symptoms.

But hay fever symptoms were reportedly worse during the spring than summer for a similar pollen count, according to the study published online Dec. 21 in the journal Clinical and Translational Allergy. This finding could not be explained by medication use or other allergies.

"It is possible that sufferers report their symptoms as milder later in the season because they get used to their hay fever, or that the pollen from late-flowering species is less allergenic than pollen from early-flowering grass," study leader Dr. Letty de Weger, of Leiden University Medical Center, said in a journal news release.

"However, there has been other work which suggests that high exposure to grass pollen early in the season may down-regulate inflammation on subsequent contact possibly via the production of allergen-specific regulatory T cells," de Weger added.

Obesity linked to higher 5-year death rate after esophageal cancer surgery

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Obesity doubles the risk of cancer recurrence and cancer-related death in patients with esophageal cancer who have been treated with surgery, U.S. researchers have found.

Their 778-patient study, which appeared this month in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, found that five-year survival in obese patients -- those with a body mass index of 30 or higher -- with esophageal cancer was 18 percent, compared to 36 percent in patients of normal weight.

The research is the first to find that obese patients with esophageal cancer have worse outcomes following surgery than patients with a normal weight, says lead investigator, Harry Yoon, an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center in Minnesota.

"Obesity is considered a risk factor in the development of this cancer, which is known to be both highly lethal and increasingly common," he says. "But prior to this study, we did not really understand the impact of obesity in this upper gastrointestinal cancer."

If validated in another study, the findings may change the way some physicians counsel obese patients with this disease, Yoon says.