Thursday, May 23, 2013

Alcohol more harmful than heroin



FEATURE

Here’s a sobering thought – a study published in The Lancet says that alcohol is more harmful than heroin and three times more harmful than cocaine or tobacco combined especially when considering its overall dangers to the individual and society at large.
Co-authored by Professor David Nutt, a former government chief drugs adviser in the UK, the report says this is so because alcohol is so widely used and that people who crave it are willing to go to extraordinary lengths to get their hands on it.
To those of us who practice moderation, the harm alcohol wreaks on our system is most likely minimal. But for the many who go on drinking binges regularly, alcohol can turn potentially deadly and yes, be even more harmful than hardcore drugs.

Brain

When alcohol saturates your brain, your judgment, inhibitions and self-control slip followed by slurring, impaired hearing and blurring of sight. This is because the first spot alcohol interferes with is the brain’s cerebral cortex, where thought-processes and consciousness are centered. If you continue drinking, the cerebellum that controls your movements and balance goes bust. Now you’re swooning and hanging on to chairs and walls for balance. At this point, you know your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is sky high.
A scarier thought is that many drinkers in this condition then stumble their way into the driver’s seat for the journey home. In 2010, Malaysian police arrested some 536 drivers for driving while intoxicated, the bulk of which (not surprisingly) were from Kuala Lumpur.
If you are going to drink, down a glass of water with every alcoholic drink you have. Or dilute your drink with ice or soda. And NEVER drive home yourself.

Liver 

90% of the alcohol you consume is broken down in your liver by a naturally occurring enzyme called acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Those deficient in ALDH tend to experience extreme flushing and suffer from really bad hangovers. If you drink excessively on a regular basis, your liver will suffer from oxidative stress, which is damage to its cells as it works overtime to break down alcohol.
This kind of continued damage can lead to inflammation and scarring. You only have one liver – better treat it right.

Stomach

Even a little alcohol has the ability to make your stomach produce more acid than it actually needs. The presence of this acid sitting around in your gut causes gastritis. If you drink more than your body can handle, get ready for tummy pains, vomiting, diarrhea and if you persist, bleeding.
Not surprisingly, excessive alcohol consumption over the long term can increase your chances of cancer of the stomach, pancreas and colon. If you suffer from acid reflux, drinking alcohol only increases the incidence of that stinging acid shooting up your oesophagus.

Weight


One of the quickest ways of putting on weight is going on a liquid diet of booze. A glass of wine has the same number of calories as a slice of cake. A pint of beer? The same as a slice of pizza! And think drinking wine is an exception? Think again. The average wine drinker consumes 2,000 extra calories every month.
Calories from alcohol are generally considered empty calories as it carries no nutritional value and has the potential to do more harm than good to your internal organs. Alcohol also stimulates the production of oestrogen in your bloodstream, which in turn promotes fat storage around your waistline and stomach. It also decreases muscle growth. Want to banish the belly? Ditch the booze.

Skin
Alcohol ages you. Drinking alcohol dehydrates your skin, your body’s largest organ. It also deprives your skin of the vital hydration, vitamins and nutrients it needs to regenerate cells. For instance, alcohol destroys Vitamin A that is needed for healthy skin and cell turnover as well as Vitamin B6, which assist the body in storing and using energy. Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, is also killed off.
If you drink like there’s no tomorrow, you will experience an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, hair and nails that become weak and dry as well as thinning lips. With the thinning ozone layer, UV rays that destroy our cellular health and the toll daily stress has on our skin, do we really need alcohol to do its part in the process of ageing too?
So the next time you bring that alcoholic drink to your lips, consider this – you’re no better than a drug addict or chain smoker.
LINKS
http://www.healthchecksystems.com/alcohol.htm
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11660210

Source : https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2013/05/23/alcohol-more-harmful-than-heroin/

Monday, May 20, 2013

Top 10 Reasons Why Good Employees Quit

By Shel Myeroff




According to the US Department of Labor and Statistics, turnover can cost an organization 33% of an employee’s total compensation including both salary and benefits. But the impact is not only financial it also affects employee morale. Therefore, it would be prudent for hiring managers to focus on reducing turnover rates but in order to do that they must first understand the reasons why employees quit.

There have been many studies and articles written on why good employees leave their current positions. As a veteran search consultant, I have heard an infinite number of reasons first hand. Over the years, I have identified and compiled a list of what I feel are the “Top Ten” reasons why good employees quit:

1) The job was not as expected. All too often the job changes from the original description and what was promised during the interviewing stages. It becomes painfully clear to the new hire that their new company played the bait and switch game which ultimately leads to mistrust. The new hire is now thinking, “What else are they lying about?”

2) Work/Life imbalance. There are times when management demands that one person do the jobs of two or more people. This is especially true when a company downsizes or restructures resulting in longer hours and possible weekend work. Employees are often forced to choose between a personal life and a career.

3) Mismatch between job and new hire. No matter how much you love the candidate, don’t hire them unless they are truly qualified for the job and they mesh with your company culture. Too many times, I’ve seen hiring managers try to fit a square peg into a round hole especially when it comes to a sales position.

4) Management freezes raises and promotions. Money isn’t usually the first reason why people leave an organization but it does rank especially when an employee can find a job earning 20-25% more somewhere else. Make sure your wages are competitive and your benefits package is attractive. Resources like www.salary.comcan provide accurate and appropriate information.

5) Feeling undervalued. It’s human nature to want to be recognized and praised for a job well done. And in business, recognizing employees is not simply a nice thing to do but an effective way to communicate your appreciation for their efforts and successes while also reinforcing those actions and behaviors that make a difference in your organization.

6) Lack of decision-making power. Too many managers micromanage down to the finest detail. Empower your employees and allow them the freedom make suggestions and decisions. I realize that Empowerment is a ‘catch-all’ term for many ideas on employee authority and responsibility; but as a broad definition it means giving employees latitude to do their jobs and placing trust in them.

7) Too little coaching & feedback. Many managers have no clue on how to help employees improve their performance. In addition, many managers put off giving feedback to employees even though they instinctively know that giving and getting honest feedback is essential for growth and in building successful teams and organizations. Your role as a manager is to help your people find the right behavior, not just tell them what to do.

8) Management lacks people skills. Remember that many managers were promoted because they did their first job well, but that doesn’t mean they know how to lead others. People skills can be learned and developed but it really helps if a manager has the natural ability to get along with people and motivate them.

9) Too few growth opportunities. One of the most common reasons employees express for leaving their jobs is lack of challenge and potential for career growth. The most successful employers find ways to help employees develop new skills and responsibilities in their current positions.

10) Loss of faith and confidence in corporate leaders. With employees being asked to do more and more, they see less evidence that they will share in the fruits of their successes. More often than not, when revenues and profits are up, employers are still thinking competitive wages but employees are thinking bonuses, stock options and creative development opportunities.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

10 Best Foods for Your Body

Food can do a lot more than simply satiate and satisfy. We've gathered grub that is great for your hair, skin, eyes, heart, and more.


Avocado for Shiny Hair

"Long touted as the miracle hair food, they're high in vitamins B and E which promote a healthy scalp and the growth of new strands," says Cynthia Pasquella, certified clinical nutritionist, SoCal Cleanse founder. "They're also full of healthy, monounsaturated fats to plump up and moisturize hair follicles. Talk about shine!"

Kiwifruit for Your Bones


Eating kiwifruit will not only help maintain clear skin, it will also promote healthy bones. Lisa Drayer, MA, RD, author of The Beauty Diet, says one cup peeled kiwifruit contains more vitamin C than the equivalent amount of oranges. Plus, it neutralizes free radicals that could lead to things like cancer and heart disease

Garbanzo Beans to Fight Grey Hair

"Since hair is primarily made up of the protein, keratin, it's important to get enough protein to fight off hair breakage and loss," explains Pasquella. "These beans, also known as chickpeas, provide tons along with the trace mineral manganese. It's known to prevent changing pigmentation, a.k.a. gray hair!"

Oysters for Your Eyes


Not only are oysters full of zinc and selenium, according to Drayer, the high levels of these minerals serve as an antioxidant and help protect you against eye-related disease

Cilantro to Prevent Hair Loss


"This herb works wonders for hair loss!" says Pasquella. "It works as a purifying agent to rid the body of toxic metals quickly. A good thing, since they can stop nutrients from getting to your scalp, resulting in hair loss and dull strands."

Salmon for Your Heart


Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease. A study from Diabetes & Metabolism found that omega-3s keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.

Lentils for Hair Growth


"They're an ideal source of iron, which is so important for full, lustrous locks!" exclaims Pasquella. "Iron helps bring oxygen to the hair follicles, leading to growth and fullness. This is especially key if you have thin hair."

Ginger, Turmeric, Cocoa, Cayenne, and Cinnamon for Your Blood


These spices have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body, says Paula Simpson, BASc, RNCP. They also help balance blood sugar and can be easily incorporated into beverages or even food.

Hemp Powder for Dry Scalp


"Add a scoop to a smoothie to infuse your hair with essential fatty acids," suggests Pasquella. "This fortifier has the optimal ratio of omega-6 and -3 fatty acids, letting them work most effectively. Insufficient amounts of either can lead to a dry scalp and brittle hair."

Banana for Your Libido


Loaded with B vitamins, the well-hung fruit helps boost testosterone. According to Lynn Nezin, co-author of Great Food, Great Sex, low testosterone levels can make for a sluggish sex drive in men and women.


Source:http://my.entertainment.yahoo.com/photos/10-best-foods-body-slideshow-202300395/banana-libido-photo-2625516-202300564.html

Sunday, March 10, 2013

How 5 millionaires made their fortunes


It turns out that millionaires are just like us--they just have a lot more money. When asked about their secrets to success, they don't cite anything magical or rare, but rather the steady application of wise investing strategies, hard work, and, believe it or not, a degree of frugality. 


Here are 10 secrets of millionaires' money management:



Start early to avoid financial pitfalls.
 Adrian Cartwood, author of the blog How to Make 7 Million in 7 Years, made his fortune by living frugally while he built his technology-related business. People often get into trouble, he says, by racking up personal debt early on, which is big drag on their earnings. "Learn how to live within your means and how to delay gratification; these are the habits that you need to maintain on the way up, so you can keep your millions when you get there," he says.
Believe that you can do it. Before investing in real estate and becoming a millionaire, Alan Corey, author of A Million Bucks by 30, read as many biographies and autobiographies of millionaires as he could find. He says he was searching for a common characteristic that could help him in his own quest. "What I found was they all had an incredible self-belief that they would be financially successful," he says. Corey says embracing that level of self-confidence helped him get to the top.
Articulate your vision for success. According to Jen Smith, creator of the Millionaire Mommy Next Door site, the saying "I want to be rich" is too vague. Instead, she recommends imagining what your ideal life as a millionaire will look like. Smith offers this example: "I want to have $2 million invested so that I can live off of the interest. Then I will quit my job so that I can volunteer, travel, learn to play tennis and watercolor, and enjoy picnics at the beach with my family."
Smith's vision involved becoming financially successful before becoming a parent. She cut out images from magazines of beautiful places she wanted to visit and people doing fun things and put them near her desk to help her keep that vision in mind.
Insure against life's risks. Bankruptcy is often caused by divorce, a death in the family, or a disability that renders someone unable to work. Conversely, protecting against those risks through insurance protects wealth. In The Quiet Millionaire, financial planner Brett Wilder writes that many people either fail to get adequate insurance or pay too much because they don't understand it.
Work hard--and you'll get lucky. In his new book, Think Like a Champion, Donald Trump attributes his success to his hard work, which to outsiders often appears to be luck. But Trump says luck only comes from working hard. "If your work pays off, which it most likely will, people might say you're just lucky. Maybe so, because you're lucky enough to have the brains to work hard!" he says. That same concept, of course, was advocated by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. He said, "The harder I work, the luckier I get."
Practice smart budgeting. Smith recommends tracking how much you spend each month, something she does religiously. Every month, she downloads her transactions into a spreadsheet to keep her spending on track. Smith also says that, as prosaic as it sounds, maintaining a good credit score is essential to becoming and staying a millionaire. "A good credit score can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime," she says.
Do what you love. Sure, a career in finance might come with a hefty annual salary, but you probably won't excel at something you don't enjoy. That's why Corey recommends going into the field that you find yourself reading about in your spare time. He asks, "Do you read fashion magazines? Get a job in fashion. Do you read gossip blogs? Get a job in celebrity-based enterprises. Do you read Car & Driver? ESPN.com? Yahoo Pets Forum?" Even if the field doesn't seem lucrative, there are ways to make it to the top--something that's more likely to happen if you love it.
Decide how much money you really want. For many people, $1 million won't be enough. "For most Gen-X and Gen-Yers, retiring with a couple million when they are 65 won't be anywhere near enough to maintain even an average lifestyle, because that little pup called inflation is constantly nipping at your heels as you try to run towards building your own retirement nest egg," says Cartwood. A more reasonable goal might be $3 million--an amount that Cartwood considers the minimum to be a "bare-bones millionaire" these days. Consider your ideal lifestyle and what you would like to be able to fund. A mortgage of a certain size? Exotic vacations? College tuition for your children? Having a concrete goal in mind makes it easier to get there, says Cartwood.
Invest against the grain. Corey recommends making investment decisions based on the exact opposite of what everyone else is doing. When stocks are down, anyone buying can get them at a discount. Corey's rule of thumb doesn't just apply to stocks. "Buy a foreclosed house, fill it up with roommates, and you can get a pretty good passive income," he suggests.
Live below your means. Even Eminem, a celebrity and millionaire, scales back his purchases out of concern for frugality. London's Independent newspaper reported that several years ago, as Eminem considered buying a $15,000 watch he liked, he started worrying that he should save his money instead. Eminem reportedly said, "I don't want to run out of money; I want my daughter to be able to go to college." And so far, at least, Eminem hasn't fallen victim to the financial challenges so many other stars, from Aretha Franklin to Annie Leibovitz, have faced.
On the same note, Smith says even though she's a millionaire, no one would know it--and that's the point. She recommends saving at least 10 to 25 percent of your income. She also suggests avoiding buying "status" items, such as fancy sports cars or mansions. After all, bling doesn't make a millionaire--in fact, too much of it can prevent you from ever becoming one.


http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/5-millionaires-made-fortunes-162836675.html

Friday, March 8, 2013

9 Cheap Ways to Make Your Home Look like a Million Bucks


New York-based home stager, Cheryl Eisen, shares her best secrets for creating stylish interiors. After years of designing spaces for high-end real estate companies, she's spilling the beans on how you can spruce up your home decor without draining your wallet.
-by Frances Bailey

Three is the Magic Number

Cheryl Eisen swears by a triptych to instantly up any rooms wow factor. The trio of paneled art, which has been rising in popularity in recent years, can set you back a pretty penny. But you can make your own! Eisen downloaded free art from the web, printed an extra large image at a local printer, and cut the image into three parts to fit into Ikea frames.
Design your own triptych using these inexpensive frames.

Create an Illusion

"The bigger the area rug, the bigger the room will feel," says Eisen. She likes to make spaces feel larger by taping together rugs, like these flokatis. The neutral palette, mirrors behind the sofa, and giant rug work together to make the small room appear bigger (and better!).
Fasten together several smaller rugs to expand a cramped space.

Less is More

Rather than jamming shelves full of knickknacks, Eisen opted for a minimalist look: Several books stand upright along with tall vases that fill the space without overcrowding it. She also added objects of various height and color to give the bookcase personality. Her favorite part about decorating this home? "Turning wasted, unused space into a functional reading nook that can be enjoyed by many by simply adding a chair."
Steal this look with clusters of tall, affordable vases.

Go Bold or Go Home

"Every room needs a focal point," says Eisen. If you don't already have one, center the room using eye-catching wall art. To cut costs, Eisen created her own and painted three giant canvases, saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The key is to hang the panels so that they appear as one oversized piece for the greatest effect.
Hit up your local art supply store or DickBlick.com for large blank canvases to make your own creations. Not an artist? Check out nearby art schools to find good talent on a shoestring budget.

Flair for Drama

Eisen banishes boring boudoirs with a simple trick: Paint one wall a dark color or cover it with grass cloth. The textured accent wall behind the bed adds warmth to the room and gives it a polished look. Redoing only one wall is perfect for a budget makeover, because you'll save a ton of money (and time).
Wallpaper can quickly add up, but check out these finds for a fraction of the cost. And when you're done, discover surprising ways to decorate with leftover wallpaper.

Natural Wonder

"If you are lucky enough to have a home that bathes in sunlight and has beautifully natural bones, then let those elements be the star," says Eisen. She stuck with neutral colors to let the home's best asset - natural light - shine. To prevent the room from becoming boring, she threw in one zing by way of a chevron pillow. The trendy zigzag adds just the right graphic touch.

Elements of Surprise

Eisen often calls on "unexpected touches" when she's styling a home. Here, she created a dramatic headboard with inexpensive Ikea desktops propped against the wall. The headboard's dark hue really pops against the light wall. For another decorating twist, she rotated pillow shams to show off diamonds instead of squares.

Room with a View

Don't be afraid to put window treatments around a breathtaking view. Just avoid bright colors and "frame the view with neutral curtains so the eye is drawn toward the windows," says Eisen. And if you face the "problem" of too much space, steal this page from her playbook: Buy two wooden dining room tables and cut the legs to make the table cocktail height. "Pushing them together fills up the space and gives the room instant function," she says.
To construct your own cocktail table from a dining room table shop local thrift stores and snag a great value. Or, head to your neighborhood super store.


Eclectic Mix

Eisen likes to decorate rooms with natural palettes, adding pops of color and texture with accessories. Her favorite color schemes incorporate shades of white, gray, and beige. She also likes to mix and match design from different eras, such as the two white chairs. The Ming-style chair in the left corner (purchased from Craigslist.org) "makes the whole room feel less cookie cutter but painting it white keeps it in the palette."
If your city doesn't have a Craigslist, search eBay.com to find eclectic pieces to add to your own mix. 


Info :http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/photos/9-cheap-ways-home-look-slideshow/three-magic-number-photo-2592201-161500989.html

10 All-Natural Hair Remedies for All Hair Types



Samira Asemanfar, owner of the hair mask bar TheBroot, taught us how to treat our hair woes the natural way, and shared some remedies for organic DIY at-home treatments to boot.

Brittle Hair

"Add protein to your diet," suggests Asemanfar. "Eggs, poultry, or beans will help keep your hair strong and growing."

Fine Hair
If you have thin hair, banana, egg, and oils work wonders. "The banana is one of nature's best remedies, while the egg is a mighty protein that will give your hair the strength, shine, volume, and texture of your dreams. Oils add strength and moisture."
Strengthening Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Banana
- 1 Egg
- 1 tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- 2 oz. H20

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in blender; apply and leave on for 30 to 45 min or 15 to 20 min with a thermal heat cap; thoroughly rinse out all mixture from hair; wash with shampoo; condition and do a final rinse with cool water close the hair cuticle to seal in the moisture.

Hair Loss

Vitamins B-6 and B-12 should be your new best friends if you want to get your hair's growth cycle back in gear. Eat dairy and meat products such as milk, yogurt, and poultry to get those B benefits.



Frizzy Hair

"Rinse with the coldest water you can bear, close the hair cuticle," says Asemanfar. "This will make hair look sleek and helps tame frizz for a smoother finish."



Split Ends

"Straight hair is prone to split ends and should be treated gently," says Asemanfar. "Brush out your hair before wetting and applying any treatment to prevent knots and breakage."

Coarse Hair

Mayonnaise and avocados are natural deep conditioners that will give your scalp a little TLC, in addition to promoting hair growth.
Rehydrating Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 Avocado
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. Coconut Oil
- 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Honey
- 2 oz. H20
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in blender; apply and leave on for 30 to 45 min or 15 to 20 min with a thermal heat cap; thoroughly rinse out all mixture from hair; wash with shampoo; condition and do a final rinse with cool water close the hair cuticle to seal in the moisture.



Dry Hair

"Try adding a little bit of honey to your conditioner as a remedy," suggests Asemanfar. "It is a humectants that will seal in moisture and deliver the deep cleanse your hair is craving."

Oily Hair

Stay away from applying too much of any product to the scalp, as it causes overproduction of oils. Also, keep clear of any deep conditioning products-a basic conditioner in small quantities added to the ends of hair will do the trick. 


Dry Scalp

Try using the terrific trio of oils (coconut, jojoba, olive) to send an itchy scalp and dandruff packing.

All Hair Types

Lets be real: Everyone has hair issues! "You'll usually find that the people who embrace their hair's natural characteristics [texture, body, and color] have much healthier locks," says Asemanfar. "Avoid harsh chemical processes that permanently alter your hair, and embrace organic ways to bring out the best in your tresses!"
General Maintenance Hair Mask
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp. Honey
- 1 oz. H20

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in blender; apply and leave on for 30 to 45 min or 15 to 20 min with a thermal heat cap;
thoroughly rinse out all mixture from hair; wash with shampoo; condition and do a final rinse with cool water close the hair cuticle to seal in the moisture.



Info :http://sg.news.yahoo.com/photos/10-natural-hair-remedies-hair-slideshow/

Monday, December 17, 2012

How to handle snake bites



Though not all snakes are venomous, there are certainly not welcome in homes and gardens, or in your condominium playground.
Of the 3,000 snake species in the world, only 600 are venomous. Still, it is safer to be cautious around snakes, for a snake bite can cause serious complications if it is not treated promptly.
"A venomous snake bite can lead to serious tissue damage or necrosis and paralysis of the respiratory and skeletal muscles. Always treat a snake bite as a medical emergency," says Dr R Ponampalam, Senior Consultant, Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Tips on how to handle snake bites

Do's

  • Stay calm and call emergency number

Let the victim of a snake bite lie in a semi-reclined position with the bite wound below the level of the heart. This prevents the venom from spreading to other parts of the body until medical help arrives.

  • Immobilise the bitten limb

Tie a bandage 2 to 4 inches above the bite wound to slow the spread of venom in the body. If the bite area turns cold or numb, the bandage is too tight. Loosen it. Use a splint to immobilise the wounded limb.
  • Clean the wound
If there is bleeding, stop it first by applying pressure on the bite wound.
When the bleeding stops, clean the wound with soap and water to prevent infection. Dress up the wound. Do not wash the wound under running water.
  • Get medical help early
The snake bite is usually not venomous if there is no swelling or discolouration within five minutes of being bitten. However, for some snake bites, these signs may only appear after several hours.

As snake bites can potentially be fatal, always treat a snake bite as a medical emergency. Call for help early and bring the victim to the nearest Emergency Department for further evaluation.
Don'ts

  • Don't apply ice on the snake bite as the ice may block blood circulation.
  • Don't suck the blood out with your mouth (germs in the mouth may cause infection in the bite wound) and you may be also exposing yourself to the venom.
  • Don't attempt to cut the wound.
  • Don't attempt to guess whether the snake was venomous or not, based on its physical characteristics. "Even emergency physicians are not always able to definitely identify a venomous snake," says Dr Ponampalam.



Some signs of venomous snake bites include:
  • Swelling
  • Skin discolouration
  • Rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulty
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Shivering
  • Intense pain
However, it is important that you do not wait for these signs to appear before seeking treatment.
Treatment of snake bites
Snake bites with significant envenomation (injection of venom) are treated with an anti-venom, usually made from equine antibodies (i.e. from horses). The doctor will first do a skin test before administering the anti-venom to make sure the patient is not allergic to it.
Even if an anti-venom is not indicated, the doctor needs to assess the patient for complications such as retained snake tooth fragments in the wound. The doctor will also suture lacerations as needed and make sure that any required tetanus booster is given.


Prevention is the best cure for snake bites

Make sure you wear covered shoes when outdoors. When walking in forested areas avoid going off the beaten track and areas with dense undergrowth.
Snakes love to hide in dark, damp places so dispose of any big piles of rubbish around your home.
The final word of advice: If confronted with a snake, stay very calm and do not move. Let the snake slither away. Do not attempt to handle a snake even if it appears dead as it can reflexly bite up to several hours after death.

This article was written by Teresa Cheong for Health Xchange, with expert input from the Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH).

Source: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/fit-to-post-health/handle-snake-bites-053738906.html