THE latest health fad in town involves letting little fishes nibble your legs to get rid of dead skin.
These fishes are dubbed “doctor fish”, but two sisters who went for the therapy earlier this month ended up having to visit real doctors instead. Dermatologist Patricia Yuen says:
1. No proven medical benefit from fish spa. Fish might bite off skin cells, but it is not a medical treatment. If water is not treated for hygiene, it could be a breeding ground for fungi.
2. Possible to get fungal and bacterial skin infection from submersion in the fish tank.
3. Symptoms of fungal and bacterial infection and redness of the skin, blotchiness and itchiness. With scratching and after-treatment, a brown pigmentation may appear. Brown patches will disappear eventually anytime from a few weeks to a few months.
This article was first published in The New Paper on August 24, 2008.
1. Define life success One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself is to define your criteria for life success. This requires reflecting on what the key elements are and the experiences you wish to have.
2. Choose to be happy Happiness is a state of mind. The Dalai Lama says that the very purpose of life is to seek happiness. He believes that if you train the mind to be happy, you will be. Likewise, you can train yourself for higher self-esteem.
3. Set challenging goals How much you like yourself is often reflected in the level of goals you will set for yourself. Generally, people who like themselves and feel valuable, set higher and more challenging life goals.
4. Honor your core values When you live by a clear set of values, it is easier to align your life with what is most important to you. When you honor your core values, (those things you would fight for), you honor your true self.
5. Enhance your energyPeople with high self-esteem seem to have a reservoire of energy, and seldom get sick or let life’s set backs keep them down. Their energy and enthusiasm for life encourages them to take care of their body, mind, and spirit. Continue reading…
