Your office photocopier may not be as harmless as you think

By Health Xchange | Fit to Post Health 

Your office photocopier is not devoid of health risks (Thinkstock photo)

Photocopiers are oh-so-essential in the modern office. But as we focus on the machines' sleek design, high-performance functionality and good quality printing, we neglect to consider how potentially risky they can be — to our health.
"Workers are using these office machines every single day. Yet not many realise that, under certain circumstances, they can bring on health problems, especially in those with pre-existing respiratory conditions" observes Dr Chew Huck Chin, Associate Consultant, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
Photocopiers create ozone gas
Ozone, a form of oxygen, is a normal constituent of the earth's atmosphere. It's a highly reactive, unstable, colourless gas with a distinctive odour.
"Photocopiers create ozone through their "corona wires" that apply a charge to the paper so the ink will cling to it," explains Chew. "As ozone is highly reactive, any adverse health effects will be found essentially at the sites of initial contact — the respiratory tract (nose, throat and airways), the lungs and at higher concentrations, the eyes."
If exposed to ozone, one could experience headaches, eye and breathing irritations. Chew adds: "It is worse for those with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma, as they are more sensitive to such irritants."
Related video: Do traditional Chinese remedies for asthma actually work?
Toner dust can cause respiratory tract irritation too
Photocopiers use toner, an extremely fine powder, as part of the printing process.
In substantial quantities, toner may cause respiratory tract irritation resulting in coughing and sneezing. It can also be an irritant to those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
There are a few situations where one could be accidentally exposed to toner dust. "Toner dust spilled inside the machine could become airborne after passing through the ventilation fans into the room," says Chew. "Or, there could be a spillage when one is replacing the toner cartridge."
Other health hazards
Besides ozone gas and toner dust, there are other health hazards associated with photocopiers.

• Selenium: Selenium is a photoconductive coating applied to the photocopying drum. "If the photocopier overheats during operation, it may cause this coating to degenerate," explains Chew. "Exposure to selenium is generally accompanied by a metallic taste in the mouth, and a garlic-smelling breath. Long periods of exposure can cause fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, as well as upper respiratory tract disorders, and irritation of the eyes and lips." The good news is that selenium exposure is rare, and can be successfully treated.

• Carbon monoxide gas: When a photocopier is placed in a poorly ventilated environment, it can emit carbon monoxide, a deadly, colourless, odourless and poisonous gas. Chew says: "Initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness."

• Bright light: After hours of direct exposure, the intense light used in photocopying may cause eye irritation and after-imaging. Chew adds: "The photocopier cover should be closed before copying. Alternatively, operators should avert their eyes from the light source."

Related article: Can air pollutants be stored in the body?

Ways to safeguard your health
Chew lists the ways you can safeguard your health, especially if you have a say in the buying and maintenance of office equipment.

• Choose low-emission photocopiers: Choose dry-process photocopiers, not wet-process ones. Also, choose photocopiers that do not run as hot so that they will not produce as much ozone. Some newer models use a different system to reduce the amount of ozone produced by the machine. The average ozone emitted is 40 µg/copy. At peak production, it is 131 µg/copy.

• An ozone filter is a must: Ensure that the photocopier is equipped with an ozone filter which rapidly decomposes the ozone gas in the machine's exhaust to convert it to ordinary oxygen. These filters should be replaced after a certain number of pages have been printed (approximately 50,000 sheets).

• Keep your distance: The photocopier should be placed such that exhaust emissions do not travel over workstations or personnel. The more often a photocopier is used or the more duplicating machines there are, the more important it is that they are placed in a separate room with local (and separate) mechanical exhaust ventilation.

• Ventilate the room: Make sure that the room in which the photocopier is placed is well-ventilated, whether it is by natural or mechanical means. If not, the levels of ozone could build up to dangerous levels. It would be even better if the photocopier is placed in a dedicated room of its own.

• Maintain it well: Have photocopiers maintained on a regular basis. For example, ozone emission from five copiers that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tested dropped from a range of 16 µg/copy to131 µg/copy before maintenance to 1 µg/copy to 4 µg/copy after maintenance.

• Manage refills and spillages well: Refilling techniques for the toner in dry (also known as xerographic) machines should be given special attention, avoiding spillage as far as possible. But if spillages happen, they should be cleaned up with care. Vacuum up the spillage instead of brushing it off. Then, wipe off the remainder dust using a damp cloth. Ideally, those with compromised respiratory systems should not be asked to do this.

This article was written by Jaclyn Lim for Health Xchange, with expert input from the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care, Singapore General Hospital.


Info From: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-health/office-photocopier-may-not-harmless-think-065316442.html

Find The Right Bra

By Yahoo! Special Projects | Self & Style - Beauty Talk on Yahoo! 

Oh yes, there’s a science to finding the perfect perky, pretty fit

By Pierra Calasanz-Labrador for Yahoo! Southeast Asia


Okay, how many of you own the bra equivalent of "bacon briefs"? While we can't possibly be expected to wear sexy lacy push-ups (with matching panties) 24/7 like movie bombshells, we should at least be outfitted in undergarments that fit comfortably, support the twins, and discreetly make tops fall better. Here are some tips to finding the right bra!

Does your cup runneth over?
While spilling out of your bra might look sexy—in fact, fashion stylists usually get a cup size smaller for sultry photo shoots—wearing the wrong bra can be extremely uncomfortable, and even unflattering.
Picking a too-small bra for that D-I-Y push-up look can constrict our breathing or pinch our skin. Or worse, when we get a cup size too big and stuff it with tissue, we have to cross our fingers that it doesn't accidentally fall out. How inconvenient is that? Meanwhile, more "blessed" Pinays who favor flimsy bras might not realize that a better bra choice can help ease back pain and prevent the saggy boob look.

Have you been buying the wrong bra size all along?
Remember, band size and cup size are two different things—a wider girl can still be flat-chested, and just because you're tiny doesn't mean you're automatically a 32AA.
Here's how to calculate your proper bra size: Wrap a soft measuring tape tightly around your ribcage, just below the bust line. Then add five inches to this to get your band size (so if your measurement is 29, add 5 and your band size is equivalent to 34).
To get your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your bust, then calculate the difference between the result and your band size. Each inch difference is equivalent to 1 cup size: so 1 inch difference is A cup, 2 inches is B cup, 3 inches C cup, 4 inches D cup, and less than 1 inch is AA cup. For example, if the measurement around the fullest part of your bust is 36, minus your band size of 34, then the difference is 2 inches, making you a B cup. So now you know that you're a 34B!

Try it on
If underwear-shopping has become such a chore that you just purchase the first bra you see, we can't stress enough the importance of trying it on. Even if your stats match the label, make sure it's a comfortable fit—after all, you'll be wearing it constantly. But did you know that there's a proper way to wear your bra? Here goes:
Hook the straps over your shoulders and fasten the clasps. The back band should fall just under the lowest part of your shoulder blades. Then bend over slightly, and jiggle your torso so your breasts fall naturally into the cups. Straighten out, adjust the underwire to get it just below the bust, and make sure that the shoulder straps fit snugly without digging into your skin—adjust to a comfortable fit. Voila!
For the proper fit, make sure that the band doesn't pinch your skin (causing your "back fat" to bunch up), your breasts completely fill the cups, the cups hug the outer edges of your breasts (no spillover!), and the underwire ends at the side edge of your breasts without poking you. And finally, make sure that the little piece of fabric in between the cups lies flat against your body.
Tip: Buy one bra at a time, and see how you like it after a few washings (handwash or delicate cycle only, please!). If it still looks good and fits well, it's worth buying a few more, and maybe in different colors!

Go for nude
For everyday use, nude-colored bra is your basic must-have. Forget white bras—they're too obvious under clothes (yes, even under white tops which are best worn with a nude bra); for ultimate discretion, match your bra to the color of your skin and opt for smooth (not textured) fabrics.
Have at least one black bra to wear under black garments, as a sexy complement to a sheer top, or when you're simply feeling a little naughty. Meanwhile, colored or printed bras with pretty straps can be fun, and come in handy in peek-a-boo instances.

Which style is best for you?
Though bras may all look the same to guys, women can get carried away—or simply overwhelmed—by the number of styles to choose from.
A basic style that's universally flattering is a soft-cup underwire bra which provides some support and gives a natural, unsculpted line (read: no stiff boob look).
AA and A cups can get away with bandeaus and non-wired bras (also great for "pambahay" for fuller girls). For subtle enhancement, opt for either padded or push-up bras—just make sure it doesn't look too fake!
If you're a B-cup and beyond, wear an underwire for support—in either a natural soft-cup or the thicker
molded cup for fuller coverage and a more symmetrical look when your boob sizes don't match perfectly (don't worry, you're not alone!). If you're extremely "blessed," pick full-cup bras with thicker band and straps for better support. Soft or molded cups in seamless fabrics are commonly known as T-shirt bras, for that invisible look. Meanwhile, a cleavage-enhancing demi-cup provides lift and leaves the tops of your breasts revealed, for a lush view of your assets in a low-cut top. This style cuts through the breast line though, so the demi-cup is a no-no under T-shirts.
For tricky clothing, consider a convertible bra with straps that can be detached and arranged in different ways. Make sure you have at least one good strapless bra that stays snugly in place for tank tops, bustiers and spaghetti strap dresses. Athletes gravitate toward racerback/sports bra styles, whose "V" or "T" back strap designs provide more support and less bounce, and are made in more absorbent material like Lycra. And the list goes on.

Pretty and practical
These days, bra choices can be both pretty and practical, so there's no excuse for that tattered look (it's a Bridget Jones "granny panty" moment in the making). And even if you're not planning a night of seduction anytime soon, a lovely set of underwear simply makes dressing up more fun. The secret knowledge of wearing something unbelievably sexy under your clothes can give you a boost of confidence—in more ways than one.

Info from: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/self-and-style/bra-032447476.html

Why Do Men Cheat?

Is it because they are bored or lonely — or just plain horny?
Here's a list of possible reasons why men stray (as well as possible solutions).
1.    Complacency in the relationship
Couples tend to take things for granted after a few years together. So keep the love alive with a bit of intrigue: Initiate nights out with your man, put on your sexiest LBD, or flirt and play coy with him.
Men think about sex all the time
2.    Your sex life is less than stellar
Remember how physical intimacy was so important during your dating days? Well, it should still be even when you're married. Yes, you may be tired from work or are busy with the kids; but sex can help you stay connected. Be honest and open with your desires for a more fulfilling time in bed.
3.    You've let yourself go
We want to be with people who look — and feel — good about themselves. So start paying attention to your needs: Immerse yourself in worthy causes and hobbies outside of work, and maintain a presentable appearance — these will affect your mood. (Of course, these apply to him too.)
4.    Where's your imagination
Men have their own sexual fantasies; so do you. He might be hiding them from you because he's afraid of what you'll think. Why not share fantasies together? Listen to what each of you has to say — and maybe you can compromise.
Men and their sexual fantasies
5.    He doesn't feel loved
Who wants to be controlled by his spouse and nagged incessantly? Over time, little arguments and petty tiffs may cause resentment in your relationship. Rebuilding respect is key.
6.    You had a heated argument
He may have overreacted and made a mistake — causing him to feel guilty after the act is committed.
7.    He wants to feel young and manly again
It's been said that the thrill and endorphins produced from a secret affair or new sexual encounter can make a man feel better about himself. Is this why men find younger women more appealing? Could be. Refer to #2 and #4.
A player knows how to get what he wants, who he wants.


8.    He's a player
What he wants, he gets. He may always be looking for variety and excitement.


Info : http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/love-life/reasons-why-men-cheat-073454947.html