Health bites

Published: 12:00am, 8 Nov 2011

Rare, medium or carcinogenic, sir?

It's known that cooking meat under high heat forms cancer-causing substances, but now a study shows the effects of eating well-done meat might be worse than imagined. Researchers at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health have found that mice, often used to test the safety of food for humans, metabolise carcinogenic substances in different ways. This is because humans have enzymes called sulfotransferases in many organs of the body, while normal mice only have them in the liver. These enzymes may transform harmless substances into carcinogenic substances. The study found the health risk posed by harmful foods is underestimated: the incidence of intestinal tumours increased from 31 per cent to 80 per cent in 'human-like' mice after consuming substances from well-done meat.

The campaign on everyone's lips this month

It's that time of year again - when men get hairy and women get ... hairy kisses. Since 2003, November has been Movember in many countries worldwide, a month where men voluntarily grow a moustache to raise awareness and funds for a taboo subject - their health, focusing primarily on prostrate cancer. While 'Mo Bros' grow their 'tache, women, or 'Mo Sistas', play an important role by recruiting more Bros and garnering donations. In Hong Kong, a series of events has been planned, including a Gala Party on November 30 at Irish pub Kila in SoHo. Mo Bros will also get complimentary moustache trimming and grooming trips from The Mandarin Barber all through this month. For more info and to sign up, see www.movember.com.

New clinic may reduce the wait

The frustrating wait for an outpatient appointment will hopefully be reduced with the addition of a new facility last week. Matilda Medical Centre, the fourth clinic run by Matilda International Hospital, has opened at Ocean Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, offering primary and preventative health-care services, including a dedicated corporate health assessment section and a full range of advanced diagnostic facilities. For more information, visit www.matilda.org or call 3922 7500.

Play blocks build foundations for life

Parents, you might want to swap that gaming console in your child's hands for building blocks. Playing with the old toy classic has some real benefits, according to a recent study by Temple University's Infant Lab published in Mind, Brain and Education. The researchers found that when playing with blocks under interactive conditions, children hear the kind of language that helps them think about space - such as 'over', 'around' and 'through' - which is critical for developing spatial ability and awareness. Spatial skills are not only important in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also many everyday tasks - like packing the boot of a car, assembling Ikea furniture or finding your way around town.

Fun, fashion and fund-raising

Here's a party with a difference that will make a difference: fashion designer Marisa Zeman of Nude is Rude has teamed up with Flex Studio and Hong Kong Cancer Fund for a special evening this Thursday. Enjoy canap?s, wine and champagne, along with a fashion show and silent charity auction. The party starts at 6.30pm at Flex Studio, 1/F Regency Centre (Phase II), 43 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen. Tickets are HK$250 at the door. All proceeds go to charity.

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