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Showing posts from February, 2010

Plight of the homeless

  Homeless men in Kuala Lumpur Pictures show homeless men sleeping in shop doorways along Pudu Road, Kuala Lumpur. This pavement is apparently the favourite sleeping space of these two homeless men. Government claims that there are no homeless people in Malaysia are belied by these images. Homelessness exists on Malaysian streets. Homeless people can also be found in Penang, Ipoh and Johor Baru, among other states. How do we help them especially young homeless people who become ensnared in a life of crime? The more important question is: do we want to help them? Everyone has a story. What's theirs?                                                        

Walking away the blues

  Walking on the treadmill There is another reason why walking is good for us. It can help women living with depression if it is done in conjunction with emotional and social support. Nottingham University researchers recently unveiled a new exercise programme which involves group motivational support and a low effort walking plan. The key to the new programme -- thanks to two years of study at the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy -- is ‘mentored’ exercise, say the researchers. It hopes to help women who are living with depression, characterised by low levels of physical activity, increasing health and weight problems, low self-esteem and a lack of motivation. Some 40 women with depression in the Nottingham area took part in the research, which entails a pragmatic randomised trial of a standard "exercise-as-usual" programme compared with the new, individually tailored and supported plan. The women volunteers attended sessions at their local authorit