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Kekejaman Camera AES !

2012-11-28T03:50:00.001+08:00

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Luahan Hati Seorang Pembaca Kepada Shaheizy Sam

2012-11-28T02:29:00.000+08:00

Luahan Hati Seorang Pembaca Kepada Shaheizy Sam

Rasanya ramai yang mengetahui kehebatan lakonan Shaheizy Sam di dalam drama dan filem. Lagi bagus kerana Sam sememangnya jarang dihimpit kontroversi murahan. Dan yang menariknya mengenai 1 email ini, pengirim memberitahu betapa Sam di dunia sebenar pun sangat merendah diri dan tidak gah dengan status selebritinya.

Cerita banyak tak guna, aku pasti korang akan bertambah respek terhadap Shaheizy Sam selepas membaca email di bawah ini:-

Assalamualaikum wbt..

Sy anta email nie bukan bertujuan untuk melebih2kan atau mencantik2kan seorang selebriti ni. Tapi ini berdasarkan pengalaman sy sendiri and secara peribadi, saya amat menyenangi cara dan sikap nya terhadap orang lain. Sy rase selebriti mcm ni la yang patut diminati dan dicontohi.

Ill just cut it short and say it straight to the point. I am referring to Shaheizy Sam.

Mcm yg most of us tau, he is really2 good at what he’s doing ie acting. His acting is almost mistaken as something so real and lively. Sy mmg suke die lakonan die sejak cite Pa’e lagi. Kecik-kecik dah pandai berlakon. As time passed by, he has brushed up his acting and now shine as one of great actors in my eyes besides Zul Huzaimy. Bagila ape watak pun, insya Allah he’ll carry it good and well..He impressed me with his actings. Tapi setakat tu je. Nothing more. Sebab im not the type of person yang suke pada orang yang sy xknal. Im not a fan of celebrities, anyway.

Luck or unfortunate if I may say, kebetulan one of my job portfolios was to deal with the artists. So I had to go and chased these people and as we could predict, dealing with these people wasnt easy. Kalau kerajaan byk kerenah bereaucracy, artis nie byk sgt perasaan bangga dirinya sampai nak kene follow up byk kali even we had clearly explained yang keje yang dibuat melibatkan undang-undang.

Tapi manusia nie kdg2 bila rase diri die lebih baik dr orang lain, die jadi mcm..ntah..mcm kt nie kejap2 kene meminta2 they all ni untuk attend and blablabla. so keadaan tuh sgt melecehkan n memenatkan. kadang2 artis2 nie pk kt nie cari dorg sebab minat sgt kat dorg..cmonla..please..to me, celebrities ni in general, i repeat, in general [and not specifically referring to anyone or even ALL] bukan

Contoh yg baik pun yang dorg nak letak diri dorg tgi sgt..mcm kite nie hadap n nak sgt kat dorg nie. Tp too bad, my work before, dealt closely with the Malaysian Law yang berkaitan dengan this industry. Nak xnak kene deal jugak dengan dorg. Seriously, most of the times I got fed up dealing with these people..infact, ade beberapa org yg mmg bukan men lagi popular, tp kt call, kt sms cakap kt nie sape n bekerja berkaitan ape n mintak return call pun susah.

Yg deal dengan PA lagila..susah gilerrr nak berurusan. Kalau x pk pasal keje ni berkait ngan undang-undang..mmg malas sy nak layan dorg nie..tp yela dah keje..buat jugakla kan..n artis2 nie plak..kdg2 mengade2..panggil meeting xnak dtg..bile amend law and kepentingan dorg xdibangkitkan nak marah2 pastu blame2 kerajaan..

Ni ke level of professionalism artis-artis Malaysia nie?dalam mags n papers bukan maen lagi kt kene professional la kene bersikap baik la..kene involve la..mcm2..tp bile panggil meeting..bz..bz..bz..dh bz tuh satu hal..suh bg date free pun mcm kite nie nak kene mengemis2..sakit hati kdg2..

Luckily i wasnt the type yg nak ikutkan sgt dorg nie..kalau xnk sudah..tp masalah kdg2 timbul because kt nie dealing with public and ministries..jd susah..bile xdpt chase dorg nie..kt kene marah..tp kalau nak dpt kene meminta2 pun nak watpe kan..tp kalau dh asek kene marah sebab dorg nie..kdg sakit ht jugak..dahla budi bahasa xde..kite plak la kan nak kene marah sebab dorg nie..owh..that’s just too much la..

Tp..

Sam nie..he proved to me that despite the dark sides of these people, he always have the courtesy to inform and be humble in many occasions. Bile die xdpt attend invitations, die akan dngan baik nya say sorry. And bukan just sorry, he’ll explain what he’s doing and why he cant. And the best part of all is that..with my experience dealing with the people in the industry, he’s one of those people yang MENEPATI JANJI.

Susah sgt nak jumpe org bese pun yg nak menepati janji apetah lg kalau bende2 tuh menyusahkan. lg la org xnk tolong. tp die x..when he says he tries, he really does. and even at odd hours(sebab bz keje) he’ll make the effort to inform kite the updates and siap bgtau lg “..takut terlupe..”

How can u not love this type of person? Sy bukannya die hard fan of anybody..tp he has proven that there are still their type yang sgt humble dan berbudi bahasa. Itu satu..PA die pun, EDO, adalah sgt helpful dan senang untuk berurusan. Pendek kate, deal dengan die sgt mudah..boleh die akan kate boleh..xboleh die kate x boleh..n kalau die kate die nak tengok dlu..die akan make the effort to inform u back.

This is supposed to be the attitude yang sepatutnya ada dalam diri artis2 lain. Jangan ingat asal org nak deal dengan dorg nie org gilekan dorg or crazy heads over heels. Adakalanya sbnarnye org TAKNAK pun n MENYAMPAH sgt nak keje sebab tau lousy attitudes dorg nie..tp sebab dh terpaksa..

Another thing, SAM adalah one of those artists yg i shud say, berilmu. I had the chance to talk about reviews of movies, attitudes and scenarios of the industry with him. Cakap2 die mmg bukan empty vessels. Semua nya berisi. And ape yang die ckp disertai dengan fakta. Tapi die sentiase hormati pendapat and pandangan org lain. Mungkin ade yang ckp “..die artis..depan org mmgla kene baik..” mungkin btol..but bear in mind yang i am just a NOBODY.

Bukannya org yang berkepentingan sangat pun pada dia untuk bg job ke ape atau peminat die sgt yg die kene layan gile baik utk cover attitude die. Tapi, despite this, layanan die tetap humble and baik. And it is so good to hear bile die keluarkan satu statement yang die tau pun bukan akan keluar paper pun..”..kite baik dengan org..org pun mesti akan baik dengan kite..” so ckp2 die tu mmg die sendiri..

That’s y sy rase he deserved to get that ASK award.

He impressed me with his actings, now he impresses with his attitude. Ape yg sy cite nie bukan sesuatu yang sy tokok tambah atau mencantik2 ataupun melebih2kan die. ape yg sy tulis adalah total pengalaman n ape yg benar2 berlaku.

Kalau die nak sombong, mungkin itu pilihan die sebab die mmg famous pun..tp he choses to be humble and down to earth. Kite ni asek respect artis sebab ape yg dipaparkan kat layar perak je..kenape kt xrespect those people yang masih bersikap baik even tanpa ada camera pun di klik?

So, bro..i think thats it. sorry for the long email. Tp i truly believe..SIKAP adalah bende yg kite bawak ke mane2 menunjukkan jati diri kt..jd due respect goes to shaheizy sam.

Thank you for reading. And if possible, publish it untuk kesedaran artis2 lain jugak. Thanks again..=)

Diharap Sam akan terus kekal dengan sifat merendah diri sebegini. Artis-artis lain yang perasan hebat mungkin boleh mencontohi sikap Sam. Kepada Sam, you have my respect bro!!!

Honda Civic EK9 Type-R B16B – The Art of Automotive Engineering

2012-11-14T23:40:00.000+08:00

Honda Civic EK9 Type-R B16B – The Art of Automotive Engineering

Yes, I know…this is old topic, but, as engineering student, Honda Civic Type-R production is always give me a great inspiration “The quality never know the bound”! so, you can say, this is my tribute entry. I collected the fact and data from the internet. I recommend you to read this article if you are newbie about Honda VTEC before you scroll down.

This topic I would like to dedicate to the first model of Honda Civic Type-R , EK-9, the legendary, the legacy, the power of dream!

Introduction

The Honda Civic Type R is the highest performance version of the Honda Civic made by Honda Motor Company of Japan. It features a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine and upgraded brakes and chassis. Red is also used in the interior to give it a special sporting distinction and to separate it from other Honda models. In Japan, a one-make series of Honda Type R cars where privateers can purchase an off-road Type R and compete in a series championship is a stepping stone for many aspiring racing drivers. Source :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Civic_Type_R#Premier_Special_Edition

1st generation (EK9 chassis)

The first Civic to receive the ‘Type R’ name was based on the 6th-generation ‘EK’ Civic. The contributing base model was the JDM Civic 3-door hatchback called SiR, code named EK4. Like its big brother the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8, the Civic SiR’s transformation into a Type R was achieved by working on the base model and improving it to Honda’s idea of a car capable of high performance on the circuit.

The first Civic to receive the Type R badge was introduced in 1998 as the EK9. The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/ JDM DB8 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight-reduction measures, a hand-ported B16B engine, front helical limited-slip differential and close ratio gearbox etc.. The B16B engine boasted one of the highest power output per litre of all time for an NA engine with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) from a 1.6L. For the first time, a strategically seam weldedmonocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red Recaro seats,red Recaro door cards and red Recaro floor mat, a titanium shift knob and a Momo steering wheel. In 1999 the Type Rx was introduced featuring a CD player, body colored retractable electric door mirrors, power windows, auto air conditioning, key-less entry unlock system, aluminum sports pedals, and a carbon type center panel. The SiR badge from the previous 2 generations was ceded to the EK4 Civic as a mainstream sedan and hatchback which was sold in huge numbers across the globe due to its relatively low cost, practicality and everyday usable street performance/drivability.

- End of Introduction -

To make you clear, I’ll put the data that I collected from WWW, this the comparison between base model (EK-4) was also the great car and Type-R model (EK-9) improve from the great car and engine!

Body
Model Variant	VTi-R	TYPE R
Car Series	EK4	EK9
Year	1995-1998	1997 – 2001
Doors and Body Style	3DR Hatch	3DR Hatch

Engine Size	1595cc B16A2	1595cc B16B Spec R
Fuel System	MULTI POINT F/INJ	MULTI POINT F/INJ
Cylinders	4	4
Transmission	5M	5M with LSD

Standard Features	15″ Alloy Wheels, 4 Speaker Stereo, ABS (Antilock Brakes), Adjustable Steering Col. – Tilt & Reach, Air Conditioning, Airbags – Driver & Passenger (Dual), Central Locking, Engine Immobiliser, Paint – Metallic, Power Door Mirrors, Power Steering, Power Windows, Radio Cassette, Sunroof – Electric and Tilt, Suspension – Sports, Seats – Sport bucket, Centre Console with dual cup holder, Rear seat head restraints, Digital Clock	15″ Alloy Wheels, Rear Spoiler, Momo Steering Wheel, Recaros
Optional Features		Central Locking, Power Windows, Power Mirrors, Power Steering, Radio Cassette with 4 Speakers, Dual Airbag Package, ABS

Cosmetics		Leather wrapped MOMO Steering wheel with SRS airbag, Red Carpet, Red Arm rests, Red Floormats with Type R badging, Titanium gear shifter, Red stiched boot, Carbon centre dash console with Type R badge, Type R Instument cluster, Carbon dash bezel, Emergency Flare, No Coin holder, Red Recaro seats, Bodykit, Red exterior badging, Colour coded exterior panels, UV cut glass, Privacy glass, Red engine head cover, Aluminum radiator, Helical LSD

Front Brakes	Vented Discs, ABS	Larger Vented Disc , ABS (optional)
Rear Brakes	Disc	Disc

Wheel Dimension	195-55-15	195-55-15 Enkei 5 stud PCD
Turning Circle	9.8m	9.8m
Tank Capacity	45 litres	50litres
Exterior Length	4180mm	4185mm
Exterior Width	1695mm	1695mm
Exterior Height	1375mm	1360mm
Front Track	1475mm	1480mm
Rear Track	1475mm	1480mm
Wheel Base	2620mm	2620mm
Front Suspension	Ind; double wishbones with coil springs gas damper and stabiliser bars	Ind; double wishbones with coil springs gas damper
Rear Suspension	Ind; double wishbones with coil springs gas damper and stabiliser bars	Ind; double wishbones with coil springs gas damper and trailing link
Kerb Weight	1105kg	1059kg (97 Spec) 1089kg (98 Spec)
Ground Clearance	106mm	105mm
1/4 Mile time	16.2	15.5

Power Section

Engine
Engine Type	B16A (1992-1995)JDM	B16B Spec R
Bore and Stroke	81×87.2mm	81×87.2mm
Maximum Output	170ps/7800rpm	185ps/8200rpm
Maximum Torque	16.0kg-m/7300rpm	16.3kg-m/7500rpm
Bore x Stroke	81.0×77.4mm	81.0×77.4mm
Displacement	1595cc	1595cc
Compression	10.4	10.8
Maximum RPM	8000rpm	8400rpm
Valve Timing at 1mm liftIN Open/CloseEX Open/Close	BTDC15/ABDC45BBDC40/ATDC7	BTDC18/ABDC45BBDC45/ATDC10
Valve Lift	IN 10.7mm, EX 9.4mm	IN 11.5mm, EX 10.5mm
Inlet Valve Diamter	33mm x 2mm	33mm x 2mm
Spark Plug Type	Heat Rate #6	Heat Rate #7 platinum
Throttle Bore Diameter	60mm	60mm
Intake Manifold	Single pipe sideflow	Single pipe sideflow
Air Intake Diameter	65mm	65mm
Exhaust Manifold	4-to-2	4-to-2
Exhaust Pipe Diameter	48.6-50.8mm	57.2mm
Silencer Flow Capacity	98liter/sec	115liter/sec
Cam ProfileMax Lift (IN/EX)Open Timing (IN/EX)Close Timing (IN/EX)	10.7/9.4BTDC15/BBDC40ABDC 45/ATDC 7	11.5/10.5BTDC 18/BBDC45BTDC 45/ATDC 10
Connecting rod bearing width	19.5 mm	Tetra-methyl lead coated crank 17.5 mm
Connecting rod	Chrome carbon steel	High chrome carbon steel
Piston		Molybdenum coated low friction
Block Height	263mm	270mm
Drivetrain
LSD	Helical LSD	None
Code	S80 (S4C)	Y2
Gear Ratio
1st	3.230	3.230
2nd	2.105	2.105
3rd	1.458	1.458
4th	1.107	1.107
5th	0.848	0.848
Reverse	3.000	3.000
Final Gear Ratio	4.400	4.400

The Masterpiece of Art!

So, what actually they (Honda’s Engineer) do? To create such a masterpiece, not an easy task, to create masterpiece (B16B) from already masterpiece (B16A) is very difficult task! And I’m here not only talked about power, because, with ‘aftermarket’ it’s very easy to archive as long as you have money, I’m more focus about balance, harmonic, durability, research and art!

On the below are the power curves for B16A 170ps versus B16B. Note the big gain in power after 6000rpm, the VTEC switch-over point between mild and wild cam profiles. The gain at extreme high rpms is readily apparent on the curves. Source : http://asia.vtec.net/beystock/honda/civicr/

Honda tune the R by hand

This is one of the factors why R are so limited, Honda using their experience and knowledge gained in the racing field and making use of it in their production lines for street cars. The Civic’s VTEC B16B type engine retained its stock displacement, but Honda increased its horsepower from 170 (B16A) to 185 (B16B). It’s only *15* horses more, but those 15 horses were really tweaked out using Honda’s formula 1 knowledge — from an engine that was already getting 100 horsepower per liter!

Currently, production line engines and engine parts are made by computer-guided NCR machines, and are of very high quality. However, Mr. Fumiyasu Suga (Type R’s assistant chief engineer) believes that in order to make a true race engine, some parts must be built/assembled by hand. In specific, the assembling of the engine, balancing parts, and porting and polishing need to be done by hand. Amazingly, all Type R engines are built this way. Source : http://www.superhonda.com

Piston

One of the keys to tuning a NA engine is the piston. In order to increase the compression ratio, aluminum, pent-roof-type pistons were used. In order to keep a good precision of mass, the aluminum pistons were forged. The piston ring was given more space to move around in, and to prevent piston “head” shake caused by the extra space, a molybdenum coating (also used in the NSX) was applied to lessen friction. Source : http://www.superhonda.com

The piston skirt was made lighter in order to lessen the inertial mass. Since lightening the piston causes the piston “neck” to rock back and forth, a molybdenum coating was applied to lessen friction.

In order to increase compression ratio, the side molds of the pistons were increased, from 10.4 to 10.8, The picture below shows you the differences between JDM Civic Type R B16B and JDM B16A Sir2 (EK4) P30.

Injectors installed on the underside of the pistons allow for improved cooling, and prevent the pistons from getting “burned-in”.

Block

For endurance, B16B used B18C spec R’s cylinder block, that mean it’s destroked from B18C and using same timing belt (Honda PN: 14400-P72-014, not compatible with B16A (14400-P2T-004)), also the engine bridge girdle and cylinder head bolts (90006-P72-003, 11×164) vs from B16A (90006-PG6-003, 11×155).

Connecting Rods

The con rods are specially made for the Type R. The precision weight of these con rods are 2 levels above that of on-line production models. The weight differential between all four rods is so small that it is negligible, and all contacting surface areas are finished off with a race-car, mirror finish, and is connected to a fully balanced crankshaft. Furthermore, the assembly of the con rods and the crankshaft play an important role in attaining the high rpm’s. In order to ensure perfect assembly, the engine is taken off-line and these parts are assembled by hand. A custom con rod micrometer gauge is used, and the stretching of the con rod bolt is taken into account for as the connections are tightened. This is something no machine can do, and this ensures that there aren’t any unwanted vibrations at high rpm. Source : http://www.superhonda.com

Custom-made connecting rods for the Type R. It is made to withstand the higher rpm’s, and is still lighter than the stock parts. These Type R parts are made with such precision that the weight difference between all four rods is so small that it is negligible.

B16B(77.4mm crankshaft and 142.42mm connecting rod) vs B18C (87.2mm crankshaft and 137.9mm connecting rod)

Hand Job Porting

The video below show the porting job for B18C 96spec R, the procedure is similar for B16B, by Honda Motor Co.,Ltd. Suzuka Plant mechanic,

Naturally, porting and polishing excessively won’t yield good results — it will only upset the balance between displacement and peak rpm’s. Some basic physics explained… In any cylindrical enclosure/piping, the closer air is to the metal wall, it will flow slower, and the closer it is to the center of the cylinder, it will flow faster. As rpm’s increase, slight variations in the enclosure will cause for serious air flow disturbances. Logically speaking, a straight, cylindrical port would prevent any problems of air-flow disturbance, but with street cars and their limited engine bay space, the port has to be bent.

The stock port is built to within such precision that it can already withstand rpm’s of up to 7,000 rpm without creating any unwanted air-flow disturbances, but once it reaches 8,200 rpm, the engine struggles to keep the air flowing smoothly. To augment this problem, two of the best mechanics at Honda were selected and assigned to manually port and polish the engine components. Though this limits production to 25 engines a day, this allows for the engine to reach 8,500 rpm, and respectively, 185 horsepower.

Valves and the Valve Springs

Next, the valves and the valve springs needed to be upgraded in order to be able to withstand the high rpm’s and the increased fuel injection. In order to increase air flow efficiency, the angle of the valve seat opening was tightened from 60 to 45 degrees. Also, bigger and lighter valves help to deliver more fuel. Instead of making the valve bigger, Honda engineers made the cone bigger and reduced the stem radius even further. In specific, the underside of the valve cone was shaved to its limit, and the valve shaft width was decreased from 5.5mm to 4.6mm — making the valve 12% lighter than stock. Amazingly, the valves are made so precisely that their static balance differential is basically 0.0. We jokingly asked Mr. Suga what he would do if Honda’s parts manufacturers sent over valves that had weight differences. His reply was quick and simple. “We would toss them out.” Hm… very strict. Past 8,000 rpm, other valve-related problems occur. Such problems include surging, jumping, bouncing, etc… In order to prevent such problems, the valve springs are made by dual-bound springs. Furthermore, Honda used non-cylindrical, “flat” springs in order to keep the spring height near-stock, and still increase rebounding power. Source : http://www.superhonda.com

B16B B18C Type R Intake Valves are same diameter as regular B-series valves but have distinct advantages in being 12% lighter in mass, with noticeably thinner valve stem from 5.5mm to 4.6mm, hence larger cone area and an improved contour for better air flow. Type R lightened intake valves are made so precise that their static balance differential is basically 0.0. Type R intake dual valve springs are specially made to work with Type R lightened intake valves for higher lift and rpm specifications. They are non-cylindrical, flat springs with increased rebounding power while their spring height are still near-stock. This will help to prevent valve-related problems past 8000 rpm such as surging, jumping, bouncing etc.

In order to prevent engine knocking at high rpm’s, NGK’s high-spark #7 platinums are used. Honda is so meticulous with its Type R production that it actually coats the spark plug tip with silicone so the spark plug doesn’t collect any unwanted deposits during the stop-and-go of transportation. (Wow… does that help any?)

Cams

The camshaft profiles (wild cam) change from B16A2 and B16B are :

Cam Profile	JDM B16A 170ps	B16B 98R
Max Lift (IN/EX)	10.7/9.4	11.5/10.5
Open Timing (IN/EX)	BTDC 15/BBDC 40	BTDC 18/BBDC 45
Close Timing (IN/EX)	ABDC 40/ATDC 7	ABDC 45/ATDC 10

BTDC = Before Top-Dead-Center, BBDC = Before Bottom-Dead-Center

ABDC = After Bottom-Dead-Center, ATDC = After Top-Dead-Center

The camshaft lift amount was changed for both intake and exhaust valves. The intake lift was increased from 10.7mm to 11.5mm, and the exhaust lift was increased from 9.4mm to 10.5mm. To compensate, the intake opening timing was increased from 15 to 18 degrees before piston apex, and closing timing was increased from 40 to 45 degrees after the piston reaching base. Likewise, the exhaust opening timing was increased from 40 to 45 degrees before the piston reaching base, and the closing timing was increased from 7 to 10 degrees after piston apex. By doing so, the valves remain open longer — allowing for more air to enter the combustion chamber.

Intake

To make sure the engine has a enough breath at the high RPM, the intake manifold was being modified (High-RPM type), the body is bigger and the plenums are short and fat compare to the B16A intake manifold.

The throttle bore diameter for B16B is identical to B16A at 60mm. This means that enlarged throttle bodies for B16A might not be an optimal mod or that a compromise in power delivery might result, eg loss of low-end power in return for gain in high-end power.

Crankshaft

Unlike the base crankshaft, additional balancing weights were added on number 1 and 4, and allows for smooth, high-rpm revving — making it a 8-weight, fully-balanced crankshaft.

The attachment point of the connecting rods to the crankshaft uses a new, adjustable connector that allows the mechanics to manually adjust the connection using a micrometer so they can compensate for the stretching of the connecting rod bolt.

Exhaust system

In order to make exhaust air flow smoother, there are no sharp angles in the header. Furthermore, in order to lighten/strengthen the parts, stainless steel was used.
Impossible to do in mass-production, all exhaust piping is welded together with no sharp edges throughout. Also, the piping was upgraded to 57.2mm throughout to increase air flow.

The muffler is a multi-chamber design, and does a wonderful job of dissipating sound. However, the funnel-shaped piping in-between the chambers makes it a very free-flowing exhaust.

“In overview, over 60 engine-related parts were changed or entirely re-designed for the Type R. We asked Mr. Suga for any other advice on tuning the Type R any further. He replied, “I would prefer that people don’t try to further tune the Type R. No, actually, they shouldn’t try. Each upgraded part works in perfect harmony, and fiddling with the factory setting will only lead to a decrease in performance.” It’s probably safe to say that the Type R is a rare, “fully tuned” and “stock” automobile. ” Source : http://www.superhonda.com

I hope you will get some inspiration too!

Garden Tuna Melts

2012-11-13T11:52:00.000+08:00

Garden Tuna Melts

Ingredients

A

¼ cup Cucumber, chopped
¼ cup Carrot, chopped
¼ cup Onion, chopped
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise
1 can Tuna In Water, drained
1 teaspoonMAGGI CUKUP RASA All-In-One Seasoning
5 tablespoonsMAGGI Tomato Ketchup

B

4 slices Cheddar cheese

8 slices Wholemeal Bread

Cooking Steps

In a mixing bowl, mix Ingredients A together.
Remove crust from bread and spread filling evenly.
Place cheese slice over filling and cover with another slice of bread.
Toast bread until the cheese melts and the bread is slightly brown.

Potato Salad

2012-11-13T11:34:00.000+08:00

Potato Salad Delicious...

Ingredients

A

2 tablespoons Spring onion, chopped
4 cups Potatoes, cooked cubed
100 g Yellow mustard sauce
100 gNESTLÉ Natural Set Yogurt
1/2 tablespoonMAGGI CUKUP RASA All-In-One Seasoning

Cooking Steps

In a bowl, mix sauce ingredients.
Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
Refrigerate until well chilled.

Healthy Eating on the Run

2012-11-13T11:33:00.000+08:00

Healthy Eating on the Run

You’re the busy bee, constantly on the go. Yet, in striving for greatness in career, there is one thing you should never compromise – nutrition. Here are a few ways of ensuring a healthy diet amidst all the running around.

Choose Your Breads Wisely

Breads are great for days with a jam-packed schedule and running from one meeting to the next so eating on-the-go is most likely. One of the quickest and healthiest options would be a freshly made sandwich from any deli. Remember to choose wholemeal bread or a wrap. They’re both lower in fat and calories.

Homemade Lunch

A good way to balance up your weekly lunch meals is to vary between eating out and packing something healthy from home. Simple examples are rice with scrambled eggs and stir-fried vegetables or a wholemeal tuna sandwich with tomatoes and lettuce. This way, you won’t be missing any meals and neither will you be settling for something unhealthy.

Choose More Greens

A true Malaysian favourite when it comes to lunch is the chap fan or nasi campur stalls. With all the variety these stalls offer just remember to make a conscious effort to choose more vegetable dishes instead of meat dishes the next time you lunch at any of these places.

Less Oil

The next time you order a plate of char kuey teow or nasi briyani, consider this: Not only are they oily dishes but one plate of char kuey teow contains 321 kcal* while nasi briyani (rice only) can come up to 448 kcal*. Why not order a bowl of hot soup noodles instead ofchar kuey teow? Or plain white rice to accompany your favorite side dishes?

Healthy Snacks

Don’t go hungry. If you’re running late for lunch, try a healthier snack like yogurt, muesli bars, a nutritious cup of MILO 3in1 drink or even tasty NESTUM Mixed Cereal that’s packed with complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.

*Source: www.nutriweb.org.my/searchfood.php

Okra Masala

2012-11-12T23:35:00.000+08:00

Okra Masala Ummmph...

Ingredients

A

1 cup Green chillies, sliced
1 Tomato, sliced
300 gm Okra, cut into 3 cm
1 Onion, sliced
1 stalk Coriander leaves, sliced
1 tablespoon Cooking oil
1 teaspoon Chilies powder
2 tablespoonsNESTLÉ Natural Set Yogurt
2 teaspoonsMAGGI CUKUP RASA All-In-One Seasoning

Cooking Steps

Pan fried okra for 2 minutes and remove from pan.
Stir fry onion and tomato until aromatic.
Add chili powder, NESTLÉ Natural Set Yogurt, sliced chilli and MAGGI CUKUPRASA All-in-One Seasoning.
Returned fried okra to the pan and fry for 2 minutes.

Slim Line Shopping List

2012-11-12T23:33:00.000+08:00

Slim Line Shopping List

Here's some useful advice for a 'well-balanced' shopping basket. And a tip to start with is never go shopping on an empty stomach!

Fruit and vegetables

Whether vegetables are fresh, frozen or canned, you can eat as much of them as you want.
Choose fruit juices made from 100% fruit with no added sugar.

Dairy products

Choose non-fat or low fat milk and low-fat natural or fruit yogurts.
Limit the amount of cheese you eat, as it has a higher fat content. Choose low-fat version.

Breakfast cereals, bread, carbohydrates

Choose cereals with little or no added sugar, and also, if possible, ones with a relatively high fibre content.
When it comes to starchy food, choose those rich in fibre (for example, dried vegetables and wholemeal rice).

Fats

Essential oils include olive oil and soy oil. For cooking, use olive oil or groundnut oil.
When it comes to starchy food, choose those rich in fibre (for example, dried vegetables and wholemeal rice).

Meat, fish, eggs

A study of the nutritional value of meat has shown that, contrary to popular belief, when you follow a low-fat diet, you can eat meat cooked in several different ways (grilled, roasted, stewed), provided that you choose lean cuts of the meat:

Beef: all types of steak (fillet, sirloin, rump, chuck) and roasting cuts.
Lamb: leg of lamb and lamb steaks.
Poultry: all parts without the skin; (chicken, turkey).
Choose fresh or frozen fish that is not pre-cooked, either whole or in fillets.
Fish and shellfish: there are many different kinds.
Eggs do not have a lot of fat, and with the exception of frying, can be cooked in any way you choose.

Stir-Fry Broccoli with Capsicum and Mushroom

2012-11-12T23:22:00.000+08:00

Stir-Fry Broccoli with Capsicum and Mushroom

Ingredients

A

1/2 medium Capsicum (green), cut into 3 x 2 cm pieces
200 g Broccoli, cut into medium pieces
1/4 medium Carrot, sliced thinly
3 cloves Garlic, chopped coarsely
100 g Chicken breast, cut into strips, mixed with ½ teaspoon of MAGGI CUKUP RASA All-in-One-Seasoning
1 tablespoon Cooking oil
6 Fresh Shitake mushroom, halved
1 teaspoon MAGGI CUKUP RASA All-In-One Seasoning

B

1 teaspoon Corn flour
2 tablespoons Water
1 tablespoonMAGGI Oyster Sauce

Cooking Steps

Heat the oil in a wok, and then fry the chopped garlic. When the garlic becomes fragrant, add chicken strips and fry on medium heat for about 3 minutes.
Add in the broccoli, carrot, capsicum and mushroom. Stir-frying on high heat for about 3 minutes.
Next, add the sauce mix (ingredients B), sprinkle MAGGI CUKUP RASA All-in-One-Seasoning. Stir fry for another 2 minutes until everything is well coated.
Serve immediately with rice.

What You Should Know About Food Colouring

2012-11-12T21:08:00.000+08:00

What You Should Know About Food Colouring

The colour of your food plays an important role by visually stimulating your appetite. But have you ever wondered where these colours come from? Let’s take a closer look.

Food colouring comes in 2 sorts: artificial and natural. Not surprisingly, natural colours are a better alternative as they are wholly derived from plants. Natural colouring usually appears less vibrant when compared to artificial colouring. This however, does not affect the taste of your food.

Know your natural colours:

RED, BLUE and VIOLET
Derived from anthocyanins found in beetroots, raspberries and red cabbages.

GREEN
Derived from chloropylls, the green pigment found in all leaves and stems.

YELLOW, ORANGE and RED
Derived from carotenoids found in apricots, carrots and tomatoes

Garlic Lime & Chili Steamed Siakap

2012-11-12T20:02:00.000+08:00

Garlic Lime & Chili Steamed Siakap

Ingredients

A

2 stalks Spring onion, for garnishing
1 teaspoon Salt
4 - 6 slices Lime, for garnishing
2 stalks Coriander leaves, for garnishing
1 (about 500-700g) Sea bass, scaled and cleaned

B

4 cloves Garlic, chopped coarsely
1 teaspoon Sugar
4 - 5 Bird’s Eye Chilli, chopped
3 tablespoons Lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon Fish sauce
2 tablespoonsMAGGI Concentrated Chicken Stock No MSG

Cooking Steps

Rub fish with salt and leave aside for 20 – 30 minutes.
Using a sharp knife, score the fish at an angle on both sides to help it cook faster.
Place the fish in a heat proof plate and pour over the sauce mixture made out of ingredients B.
Steam the fish on high heat for about 15 - 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked.
Garnish with lime slices, spring onion and coriander, and serve hot with rice.

Tips:

The fish is cooked when its meat turns firm and opaque, with the eyes turning white.

MILO French Toast

2012-11-12T19:54:00.000+08:00

MILO French Toast

Ingredients

A

Caster Sugar, optional
1 Egg, well beaten
2 slices Bread
50 ml Evaporated Milk
1 tablespoon Cooking oil
4 tablespoonsMILO Powder

½ teaspoon Vanilla Essence

Cooking Steps

Heat milk and whisk in MILO powder. Remove from heat and whisk in beaten egg.
Trim crust of bread slices, then cut each slice into triangles.
Dip bread into MILO mixture and shallow fry in hot oil until cooked.
Remove from heat and sprinkle caster sugar, if desired.
Serve hot.

Onion Pasta

2012-11-10T21:11:00.000+08:00

Onion Pasta

Ingredients

A

2 cloves Garlic, chopped
10 Bombay onion, sliced
1 tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Coarsely chopped black pepper
1 tablespoon Olive oil
1 teaspoon Parsley, chopped

2 teaspoonsMAGGI CUKUP RASA All-In-One Seasoning
300 gBUITONI Spaghetti

Cooking Steps

In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and garlic.
Stir fry over low heat until onions are caramelised.
Season with MAGGI CukupRasa All-in-One Seasoning and pepper to taste.
Toss in spaghetti and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Stuffed Savoury Pancake

2012-11-10T14:18:00.000+08:00

Stuffed Savoury Pancake

Ingredients

A

1 clove Garlic, minced
1 Onion, minced
1 tablespoon Cooking oil

B

100 g Self-Rising Flour
2 Eggs, well beaten
1 tablespoon Cooking oil
250 mlNESTLÉ Low Fat Milk

C

100 g Green peas
100 g Carrot, cubed
250 ml Water
200 g Chicken Meat, sliced
200 g Button mushroom, quartered
1 sachetMAGGI Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cooking Steps

Heat oil and stir fry ingredients A until aromatic.
Add in chicken meat, mushrooms and carrots. Fry for 2 minutes and stir in MAGGI Soup mixture.
Cook over low heat, stirring consistently until gravy thickens. Add in green peas and pepper, remove from heat.
Place flour in a mixing bowl, stir in NESTLÉ Low Fat Milk and eggs. Beat well until mixture is a smooth batter and stir in cooking oil.
Heat non-stick frying pan and pour in some batter; swirl to form a thin pancake.
Cook for about 1 minute or until underside is golden brown.
Transfer to plate and keep warm. Repeat process with remaining batter.
When serving, place 2 tablespoons of warm filling onto the centre of pancake, fold and roll over. Then serve immediately.

There’s Good Reason Why It's Called BREAKFAST

2012-11-10T14:04:00.001+08:00

There’s Good Reason Why It's Called BREAKFAST

One will struggle to find a word more appropriate and precise in the English Language. Lunch, tea, dinner, supper? They don’t mean anything on their own. Whoever coined the word “breakfast” left no room for confusion – it was as though someone wanted to make it crystal clear it was “the meal you break your fast.” Unfortunately though, breakfast is lost on many of us.

Most of us have dinner right around eight at night, give or take an hour or two, and go through a 12-hour cycle without food. That’s half a day without food. And some of us proceed to withhold food from our bodies longer by skipping breakfast!

Skipping breakfast seems to be trendy – especially with the young, urban set who don’t think twice about trading a strawberry jam sandwich and a hot cup of coffee for a rush-hour traffic jam and smog instead. Throw putting on make-up and preparing for a taxing day ahead into the mix and we might be forgiven for thinking breakfast is going out of style. Fast.

Another popular reason for skipping breakfast is weight management. We all want to lose that pesky half a kilogramme. Most of us won’t like hearing this, but skipping breakfast might actually have a reverse effect and cause weight gain. Because we’re positively starving at lunch, we tend to have a bigger helping at lunch. And, instead of settling for a bowl of clear kuey teow soup, we crave for richer fare like friedkueh teow or curry laksa.

A healthy breakfast should comprise a variety of food groups, such as complex carbohydrates (like whole grains, breakfast cereals or wholemeal bread), protein, vegetables and fruits. You can get protein from eggs, tuna, beans, cheese or milk. Due to its high fibre content, whole grains can help keep you feeling full for longer. It also provides vitamins and minerals that are essential for the body. Essentially, we’ll do just fine by sticking to the trusty Malaysian Food Pyramid.

Breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day and we’ll all be better off for it. Make no mistake – our mind, body and soul require energy to function at optimum levels. Some of the perks from this healthy habit include higher energy levels, higher levels of concentration and a general feeling of wellbeing. Taking time off in the morning also helps us opens up a short window of relaxation for us to map out our day.

We can hardly expect our cars to run without fuel, so why do we readily expect our bodies to? If the morning schedule really doesn’t permit you a relaxing full-course breakfast, let’s meet in the middle and do a “fast break” instead.

Quick Tip: Alternatively, we could start preparing breakfast the night before. Stock up on convenient, single-serve cartons of milk, cereals, muesli bars, yoghurt or yoghurt drinks. Think about it. There’s really no reason to skip the most important meal of the day.

The Ideal Breakfast
Eating breakfast is essential to good health, as your body has been fasting throughout the night as you sleep. Our mind, body and soul require energy to function at optimum levels. Some of the perks from this healthy habit include higher energy levels, higher levels of concentration and a general feeling of wellbeing.

Yet, many younger folk are sacrificing this meal due to traffic jams or time to get ready, or even to lose that pesky half a kilogram – this plan may backfire for you will be starving come lunch and crave for richer food. For a proper breakfast, you need something from all 5 food groups:

A dairy product for calcium, to keep your bones strong and healthy.
Whole-grain cereals provide complex carbohydrates (as a source of energy) and proteins (for maintaining muscle and other organs) that will last you through a hectic morning.
A drink that gives your body the water it requires after the night's fasting.
A piece of fruit for the water, carbohydrates, fibers and vitamins it provides.

Some examples of local breakfast with 5 food groups:

Nasi lemak with kangkung, ikan bilis and egg.
Noodles with fish balls and vegetables.
Roti telur with a slice of fruit.
Yogurt, with added fruit and nuts.

Seafood

2012-11-10T13:44:00.002+08:00

Seafood

Good to Know

Prawns, crabs, squids and fishes are all considered seafood. Seafood is a good source of zinc, iodine and protein. Another important feature found in most deep sea fish are omega 3 fatty acids which are required for human biological function.

Good to Remember

Shellfish should be cleaned properly before cooking; if not sand and debris will remain. Roughly clean shellfish with brush. Soak the shellfish in water with salt for 20 minutes and drain water. Soak shellfish 3 times to remove all sand and debris.

Less Salt for Healthier Meals

2012-11-10T13:16:00.000+08:00

Less Salt for Healthier Meals

Malaysian cuisines are known for their rich flavours, thanks to their unique and delicious sauces, dips,sambal, marinates and seasonings. However, many of them contain high amounts of salt.

That’s not to say that salt is bad for us. Salt contains sodium, which is needed in small amounts by our body to maintain healthy muscles (which include our heart), nerves and blood pressure. It is only when we eat excessive amounts of salt that we put ourselves at greater risk of getting high blood pressure and related problems such as heart diseases.

Fortunately, we can reduce the amount of salt in our favourite foods, and still enjoy the rich flavours that we love.

Tips for reducing salt in meals

Less is more. When preparing meals, use less salt, sauces (such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, tomato sauce) and other flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate (MSG) and stock cubes.
Go natural. Enhance the flavour of your dishes with lemon or spices (such as garlic, tumeric and curry powder) instead of salt.
Fresh foods are better. Processed foods may contain high amounts of salt compared to fresh fruits, vegetables and meat.
Eat less salty foods. Foods such as fast food, jeruk, salted fish, salted eggs, and salted vegetables should be eaten in moderation. Preserved foods can be soaked in water before cooking to reduce their salt content.
Read food labels. Use the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) or the Guideline Dietary Amounts (GDA) on food packages to choose foods with low sodium content, ie not exceeding 0.12g per 100g (for solid foods) or 0.06g per 100ml (for liquid foods).
Go less salt when eating out. Ask for your dishes to be prepared with less salt.

Stir-Fry Capsicum Black Pepper Beef

2012-11-10T13:10:00.000+08:00

Stir-Fry Capsicum Black Pepper Beef

Ingredients

1/2 medium Capsicum (green), cut into 3 x 1 cm pieces
1/2 medium Capsicum (red), cut into 3 x 1 cm pieces
1/2 medium Capsicum (yellow), cut into 3 x 1 cm pieces
3 cloves Garlic, sliced thinly
1 medium Red onion, sliced vertically thinly
300 g Lean beef, cut into thin strips
1 tablespoon Cooking oil

B

1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoonMAGGI Seasoning

C

3 tablespoons Water
1/2 sachetMAGGI Black Pepper Mix

Cooking Steps

Marinate the beef strips for 30 minutes.
Then heat the oil in a wok, fry the garlic and beef strips for about 3 minutes, or until the meat turns brown.
Add the MAGGI BLACK PEPPER MIX sauce and onion slices and continue to fry until the meat is fully cooked.
Throw in the capsicum and fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of water if the sauce is too thick. Dish out and serve warm with rice.

Kiwi & Lime Milkshake

2012-11-10T00:32:00.000+08:00

Kiwi & Lime Milkshake

Ingredients

A

2 Kiwi, peeled, chopped
1 teaspoon Lime juice
250 mlNESTLÉ Low Fat Milk
3 scoopsNESTLÉ Vanilla Ice Cream

Cooking Steps

Place all the ingredients in a blender.
Blend for 30 seconds or until smooth.
Pour into individual glasses and serve.

Pan Grilled Chicken Wholemeal Pita Bread Pocket

2012-11-09T23:50:00.000+08:00

Pan Grilled Chicken Wholemeal Pita Bread Pocket

Ingredients

A

8 Cherry tomatoes, halved
4 Wholemeal Pita Breads
500 g Chicken breast, skinless chicken breast, cut into long strips
2 cups Lettuce leaves, fresh mixed
2 tablespoons Olive oil

B

3 cloves Garlic, crushed and minced (or use a garlic press)
1 tablespoon Honey
1/2 teaspoon Chilies powder
1 teaspoon Cumin powder
1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
1 NILMAGGI Concentrated Chicken Stock

C

1/2 teaspoon Lemon, zest
2 cloves Garlic, pounded, or use a garlic press
1 teaspoon Honey
To taste Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon Mint Leaves, finely sliced
1/4 teaspoon Chilies powder
1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
4 tablespoonsNESTLÉ Natural Set Yogurt

Cooking Steps

Marinate chicken strips for about 2 hours with the marinade (B) – mixed together evenly in a bowl.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick frying pan on medium low heat, grill chicken for 10 minutes until brown or cooked. Dish out on a plate.
Cut each pita bread into halves, slit each half open with a paring knife to form a pocket. Brush with some olive oil and grill each side for 1-2 minutes on a griddle pan to create grill marks. You can also brush pita bread halves with olive oil and brown it on a frying pan or warm the bread in the oven.
Place grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes and mixed salad greens inside each pocket.
Serve warm with minty yogurt sauce (C) – mix together in a small bowl.

Tips:

Wholemeal pita bread has more fibre compared to normal white pita bread.

Celebrate with Healthy Cooking !

2012-11-09T23:35:00.001+08:00

Celebrate with Healthy Cooking

Any gathering of family or friends for the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a great feast to celebrate the occasion. When planning your feast, keep in mind that the method of cooking plays a big role in determining the total nutritional value of every dish.

Use the following tips to make your favourite cooking method a little healthier!

Boiling

A simple method of cooking with liquids. Best for soups, pasta, and vegetables.

Use the minimum amount of water required to minimise loss of nutrients
Sprinkle fresh herbs like coriander or shallots onto the finished dish to add nutrients
Save the cooking liquid for use as a healthy stock for sauces

Steaming

This is an excellent option for preparing healthy dishes.

Use stock or water with lemon for added flavour

Stewing

Creates delicious meat and vegetable dishes while retaining nutrients in the sauces.

Try to use a large wide pot for even distribution of heat
Use a pot with a tight-fitting lid to reduce evaporation of nutrients
Use a flavoured liquid or stock for a richer, tastier dish

Roasting

Cooking on a stovetop or in an oven. Perfect for browning or creating a delicious outer crust.

Begin roasting at high heat to seal the juices, then cook at lower heat until done
For a lower-calorie dish, remove the brown crust before eating
Minimise fat by brushing on only a little oil on meats and vegetables
Roast meats in their own juices

Grilling

A popular method for barbecues, using charcoal, gas or electric sources.

Heat the grill well before placing the food. This will seal nutrients inside the meat
Limit using salt before grilling as it draws moisture and nutrients away from the meat
Avoid letting excess fat drip onto hot coals as this may release toxic compounds into the smoke

Deep-frying

This method completely covers food in hot oil. Cooking is quick, but fat absorption is high.

Fry foods for the minimum required time to limit oil absorption
Drain the food on paper towels for a few minutes after cooking
Don’t reuse oils used for frying
Deep-fry less often. Instead, opt for any of the healthier cooking methods mentioned here

Pan-frying

Uses less oil than deep-frying, this method is popular in every household.

Don’t let the oil burn - when it begins to smoke, discard it. It may become toxic
Use a spray oil to coat the pan with a thin layer of oil, or brush oil onto the food
Use vegetable oils high in polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats like canola or sunflower oil

Stir-frying / Wok

A popular Chinese method of frying, using a wok (a concave frying pan) and small amount of oil.

Use tender cuts of meat and vegetables, making sure not to overcrowd the pan
If the food starts to stick, add a little water instead of more oil
Use a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil used
Don’t overcook the food – it will absorb more oils

Strawberry Mousse Ice-Cream

2012-11-09T23:26:00.003+08:00

Strawberry Mousse Ice-Cream

Every now and then, I would try to sneak in some "me" time - a time for me to spend alone doing the things I love, like kicking up on my comfy couch, reading a good book. You know what's even better than that? Desserts of course!

I love strawberry-ish desserts, so when I saw this recipe, I just have to try it. I have never made mousse in my entire life and this recipe is easy and great for a first-timer like me. It turned out pretty good! The texture is smooth and yogurt-like, even my 2-year-old daughter likes it. Best of all, no cooking is required in this recipe!

Ingredient A
1 1/2 teaspoon agar-agar powder, mixed with 2 tablespoons of hot water
80 g white cooking chocolate, melted
150 ml evaporated milk
300 g NESTLÉ Vanilla Ice-cream

Ingredient B
250 g strawberries
50 g strawberry jam

Place Ingredient A in a blender and blend until smooth.

Add Ingredient B and continue blending for 2 minutes.

Pour the mousse mixture into stemmed glasses or cups. Chill in the fridge for a few hours until set.

Garnish with a few slices of strawberries. Enjoy!

Sliced NESTUM CORN FLAKES

2012-11-09T23:14:00.000+08:00

Sliced NESTUM CORN FLAKES

Ingredients

A

4 tablespoons Honey
200 gm Sugar
300 gm Butter or margarine

B

50 gm Coconut, Desiccated
100 gm Dried apricot, chopped
100 gm Raisins, chopped
50 gm Almond, Slivered
150 gmNESTLÉ CORN FLAKES
100 gmNESTUM All Family Cereal

Cooking Steps

In a saucepan, melt ingredients A until the liquids thicken.
Stir in ingredients B and mix well.
Pour mixture into a 20 cm x 20 cm lightly greased and lined pan; flatten the mixture firmly for even surface.
Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Once ready, remove from the oven and cool for 20 minutes.
Cut into any desired shape.

What is high blood pressure?

2012-11-04T17:08:00.001+08:00

High blood pressure facts

High blood pressure (hypertension) is designated as either essential (primary) hypertension or secondary hypertension and is defined as a consistently elevated blood pressure exceeding 140/90 mm Hg.
High blood pressure is called "the silent killer" because it often causes no symptoms for many years, even decades, until it finally damages certain critical organs.
Poorly controlled high blood pressure ultimately can cause damage to blood vessels in the eye, thickening of the heart muscle and heart attacks, hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis),kidney failure, and strokes.
Most antihypertensive medications can be used alone or in combination. Some are used only in combination. Some are preferred over others in certain specific medical situations. And some are not to be used (contraindicated) in other situations.
Several classes of antihypertensive medications are available, including ACE inhibitors, ARB drugs, beta-blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers, alpha-blockers, and peripheral vasodilators.
The goal of therapy for hypertension is to bring the blood pressure down below 140/85 in the general population and to even lower levels in diabetics, African Americans, and people with certain chronic kidney diseases.
High blood pressure (hypertension) in pregnancy can lead topreeclampsia or eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy). Pregnant women should be monitored closely by their obstetrician for complications of high blood pressure.
Lifestyle adjustments in diet and exercise and compliance with medication regimes are important factors in determining the outcome for people with hypertension.
High salt intake, obesity, lack of regular exercise, excessive alcohol or coffee intake, and smoking may all adversely affect the outlook for the health of an individual with high blood pressure.

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (HBP) or hypertension means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Arteries are vessels that carry blood from the pumping heart to all the tissues and organs of the body. High blood pressure does not mean excessive emotional tension, although emotional tension and stress can temporarily increase blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80; blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 is called "pre-hypertension", and a blood pressure of 140/90 or above is considered high.

The top number, the systolic blood pressure, corresponds to the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood forward into the arteries. The bottom number, the diastolic pressure, represents the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes after the contraction. The diastolic pressure reflects the lowest pressure to which the arteries are exposed.

An elevation of the systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of developing heart (cardiac) disease, kidney (renal) disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis), eye damage, and stroke (brain damage). These complications of hypertension are often referred to as end-organ damage because damage to these organs is the end result of chronic (long duration) high blood pressure. For that reason, the diagnosis of high blood pressure is important so efforts can be made to normalize blood pressure and prevent complications.

It was previously thought that rises in diastolic blood pressure were a more important risk factor than systolic elevations, but it is now known that in people 50 years or older systolic hypertension represents a greater risk.

The American Heart Association estimates high blood pressure affects approximately one in three adults in the United States -- 73 million people. High blood pressure is also estimated to affect about two million Americanteens and children, and the Journal of the American Medical Associationreports that many are underdiagnosed. Hypertension is clearly a major public health problem.

How is the blood pressure measured?

The blood pressure usually is measured with a small, portable instrument called a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer). (Sphygmo is Greek for pulse, and a manometer measures pressure.) The blood pressure cuff consists of an air pump, a pressure gauge, and a rubber cuff. The instrument measures the blood pressure in units called millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

The cuff is placed around the upper arm and inflated with an air pump to a pressure that blocks the flow of blood in the main artery (brachial artery) that travels through the arm. The arm is then extended at the side of the body at the level of the heart, and the pressure of the cuff on the arm and artery is gradually released. As the pressure in the cuff decreases, a health practitioner listens with a stethoscope over the artery at the front of the elbow. The pressure at which the practitioner first hears a pulsation from the artery is the systolic pressure (the top number). As the cuff pressure decreases further, the pressure at which the pulsation finally stops is the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Measurement of blood pressure can also be done with electronic machines that automatically inflate the cuff and recognize the changes in pulsations.

How is high blood pressure defined?

Blood pressure can be affected by several factors, so it is important to standardize the environment when blood pressure is measured. For at least one hour before blood pressure is taken, avoid eating, strenuous exercise (which can lower blood pressure), smoking, and caffeine intake. Other stresses may alter the blood pressure and need to be considered when blood pressure is measured.

Even though most insurance companies consider high blood pressure to be 140/90 and higher for the general population, these levels may not be appropriate cut-offs for all individuals. Many experts in the field of hypertension view blood pressure levels as a range, from lower levels to higher levels. Such a range implies there are no clear or precise cut-off values to separate normal blood pressure from high blood pressure. Individuals with so-called pre-hypertension (defined as a blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89) may benefit from lowering of blood pressure with lifestyle modification and possibly medication, especially if there are other risk factors for end-organ damage such as diabetes or kidney disease (lifestyle changes are discussed below).

For some people, blood pressure readings lower than 140/90 may be a more appropriate normal cut-off level. For example, in certain situations, such as in patients with long duration (chronic) kidney diseases that spill (lose) protein into the urine (proteinuria), the blood pressure is ideally kept at 130/80, or even lower. The purpose of reducing the blood pressure to this level in these patients is to slow the progression of kidney damage. Patients with diabetes (diabetes mellitus) may also benefit from blood pressure that is maintained at a level lower than 130/80. In addition, African Americans, who have an increased risk for developing the complications of hypertension, may decrease this risk by reducing their systolic blood pressure to less than 135 and their diastolic blood pressure to 80 or less.

In line with the thinking that the risk of end-organ damage from high blood pressure represents a continuum, statistical analysis reveals that beginning at a blood pressure of 115/75 the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increase in blood pressure of 20/10. This type of analysis has led to an ongoing "rethinking" in regard to who should be treated for hypertension, and what the goals of treatment should be.

What are the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure?

Uncomplicated high blood pressure usually occurs without any symptoms (silently) and so hypertension has been labeled "the silent killer." It is called this because the disease can progress to finally develop any one or more of the several potentially fatal complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Uncomplicated hypertension may be present and remain unnoticed for many years, or even decades. This happens because there are no symptoms, and those affected fail to undergo periodic blood pressure screening.

Some people with uncomplicated hypertension, however, may experience symptoms such as headache, dizziness,shortness of breath, and blurred visionusually with blood pressure that is very high. The presence of symptoms can be a good thing in that they can prompt people to consult a doctor for treatment and make them more compliant in taking their medications. Often, however, a person's first contact with a physician may be after significant damage to the body has occurred. In many cases, a person visits or is brought to the doctor or an emergency department with a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or impaired vision (due to damage to the back part of the retina). Greater public awareness and frequent blood pressure screening may help to identify patients with undiagnosed high blood pressure before significant complications have developed.

About one out of every 100 (1%) people with hypertension is diagnosed with severe high blood pressure (accelerated or malignant hypertension) at their first visit to the doctor. In these patients, the diastolic blood pressure (see the following section) exceeds 140 mm Hg! Affected persons often experience severe headache, nausea, visual symptoms, dizziness, and sometimes kidney failure. Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency and requires urgent treatment to prevent a stroke (brain damage).

High Blood Pressure Treatment: Food

Research has shown that following a healthy eating plan can both reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure and lower an already elevated blood pressure.

For an overall eating plan, consider the DASH eating plan. "DASH" stands for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension," a clinical study that tested the effects of nutrients in food on blood pressure. Study results indicated that elevated blood pressures were reduced by an eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and lowfat dairy foods and is low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol. The DASH eating plan includes whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts and has reduced amounts of fats, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages.

A second clinical study, called "DASH-Sodium," looked at the effect of a reduced dietary sodium intake on blood pressure as people followed either the DASH eating plan or a typical American diet. Results showed that reducing dietary sodium lowered blood pressure for both the DASH eating plan and the typical American diet. The biggest blood pressure-lowering benefits were for those eating the DASH eating plan at the lowest sodium level (1,500 milligrams per day).

The DASH-Sodium study shows the importance of lowering sodium intake whatever your diet. But for a true winning combination, follow the DASH eating plan and lower your intake of salt and sodium.

SOURCE:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

WHAT IS A HEADACHE ?

2012-11-04T16:48:00.000+08:00

What is a headache

A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

How are headaches classified?

Headaches have numerous causes, and in 2007 the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system for headache. Because so many people suffer from headaches and because treatment sometimes is difficult, it is hoped that the new classification system will allow health care practitioners come to a specific diagnosis as to the type of headache and to provide better and more effective treatment.

There are three major categories of headaches:

primary headaches,
secondary headaches, and
cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches

What are primary headaches?

Primary headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, as well as a variety of other less common types of headache.

Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache. Up to 90% of adults have had or will have tension headaches. Tension headaches occur more commonly among women than men.
Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12% of the population) will experience a migraine headache. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more women than men are affected. It is estimated that 6% of men and up to 18% of women will experience a migraine headache in their lifetime.
Cluster headaches are a rare type of primary headache affecting 0.1% of the population (1 in a 1,000 people). It more commonly affects men in their late 20s though women and children can also suffer these types of headache.

Primary headaches can affect the quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly while others are debilitated. While these headaches are not life-threatening, they may be associated with symptoms that can mimic strokes or intracerebral bleeding.

What causes cluster headaches?

The cause of cluster headaches is uncertain. It may be that certain parts of the brain begin to malfunction for an unknown reason. The hypothalamus, an area located at the base of the brain is responsible for the body's biologic clock and may be the part of the brain that is the source for the headaches. When brain scans are performed on patients who are in the midst of a cluster headache, there is abnormal activity in the hypothalamus.

Cluster headaches also:

tend to run in families and this suggests that there may be a genetic role;
may be triggered by changes in sleeppatterns;
may be triggered by medications (for example, nitroglycerin, used for heart disease).

If an individual is in a susceptible period for cluster headache, cigarette smoking, alcohol, and some foods (for example, chocolate) also can be potential causes for headache.

What are the symptoms of cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are headaches that come in groups (clusters) lasting weeks or months, separated by pain-free periods of months or years.

During the period in which the cluster headaches occur, pain typically occurs once or twice daily, but some patients may experience pain more than twice daily.
Each episode of pain lasts from 30 to 90 minutes.
Attacks tend to occur at about the same time every day and often awaken the patient at night from a sound sleep.
The pain typically is excruciating and located around or behind one eye.
Some patients describe the pain as feeling like a hot poker in the eye. The affected eye may become red, inflamed, and watery.
The nose on the affected side may become congested and runny.

Unlike patients with migraine headaches, patients with cluster headaches tend to be restless. They often pace the floor, bang their heads against a wall, and can be driven to desperate measures. Cluster headaches are much more common in men than women.

How are cluster headaches diagnosed?

The diagnosis of cluster headache is made by taking the patient's history. The description of the pain and it's clock-like recurrence is usually enough to make the diagnosis.

If examined in the midst of an attack, the patient usually is in a painful crisis and may have the eye and nose watering as described previously. If the patient is seen when the pain is not present, the physical examination is normal and the diagnosis again depends upon the history.

How are cluster headaches treated?

Cluster headaches may be very difficult to treat, and it make take trial and error to find the specific treatment regimen that will work for each patient. Since the headache recurs daily, there are two treatment needs. The pain of the first episode needs to be controlled , and additional headaches need to be prevented.

Initial treatment options may include the following:

inhalation of high concentrations of oxygen (though this will not work if the headache is well established);
injection of tryptan medications, for example, sumatriptan (Imitrex),zolmitriptan (Zomig), and rizatriptan(Maxalt) which are commonly used for migraine treatments as well;
injection of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, into the nostril;
dihydroergotamine (DHE, Migranal), a medication that causes blood vessels to constrict;
caffeine

Prevention of the next cluster headache may include the following:

calcium channel blockers [for example,verapamil (Calan, Verelan, Verelan PM, Isoptin, Covera-HS), diltiazem(Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac)]
prednisone (Deltasone, Liquid Pred)
antidepressant medications
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
valproic acid, divalproex (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon), and topiramate (Topamax) (often used for seizure control)

When should I seek medical care for a headache?

A patient should seek medical care if their headache is:

The "worst headache of your life." This is the wording often used in textbooks as a cue for medical practitioners to consider the diagnosis of a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to aruptured cerebral aneurysm. The amount of pain will often be taken in context with the appearance of the patient and other associated signs and symptoms.
Different than your usual headaches
Starts suddenly or is aggravated by exertion, coughing, bending over, or sexual activity
Associated with persistent nausea and vomiting
Associated with fever or stiff neck
Associated with seizures
Associated with recent head trauma or a fall
Associated with changes in vision, speech, or behavior
Associated with weakness or change in sensation
Not responding to treatment and is getting worse
Requires more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter medications for pain
Disabling and interfering with work and quality of life

Headache At A Glance

The head is one of the most common sites of pain in the body.
The most common types of headache can be classified as 1) primary, 2) secondary, and 3) cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches.
The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster.
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache and usually are treated with over-the-counter medications for pain
Secondary headaches are a symptom of an injury or an underlying illness.
Patients should seek medical care for new onset headaches, fever, stiff neck, change in behavior, vomiting, weakness or change in sensation.

References: International Headache Society. The Classification.
<http://ihs-classification.org/en/02_klassifikation/>

Previous contributing author and editor: Dennis Lee, MD and Harley I. Kornblum, MD, PhD

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