klyoga.com - It's the Small Things That Matter [Part 2 of 2]

Photo: You still have your usual meal and you haven't changed your exercise routine, but why are you losing weight?

Weight Loss. A fan of The Biggest Loser? You hardly miss an episode on Hallmark channel; but without Jillian’s barking or Bob’s encouraging words, practically nothing gets you up from the couch to perform even the simplest workout. You’re pretty sure that you haven’t been on diet. But where have those kilograms gone to? Colon and other digestive cancers often make themselves present in the initial stage by gradually reducing one’s body weight.

Heartburn. You know the alarm bell is ringing if you’re constantly experiencing the burning sensation of the esophagus when: a) you don’t eat too much at a particular time, and; b) you don’t carry some burden on the tummy, typically from being pregnant or obese. A trip to the doctor to have a screening for the existence of tumor in the esophagus is highly commendable, as heartburn is one of the minor manifestations of esophageal cancer.

Erectile Dysfunction. As serious as the problem is, one should not be too quick to reckon the disability of getting and maintaining an erection as the immediate sign of cancer. Erection problems owe themselves to several factors; both physical and psychological. It’s important to identify what really causes the erectile dysfunction; if it’s not because you’re depressed or anxious or stressed over something, then it’s no excuse not to visit a doctor and have a test. The culprit might be prostate cancer.

These are just several small symptoms that you may deem insignificant, but listen closely to your body, and it might save your live. It pays to be a little attentive!

klyoga.com - It's the Small Things That Matter! [Part 1 of 2]

Published on 28 August 2009. To read the article on KL Yoga's website, click here.

[Writer's Note: This article is primarily for men, but women readers may also benefit from it – for the men in their lives.]

You may assume having a tummy ache or chest pain or feeling tired easily for no valid reason as your body's way of being funny; you sleep it off and hope that it will be gone the next day. But you might want to pay a little extra attention to these "little signals" your body is getting across, as they may mean a bigger message. I mean, real big... and it's called CANCER.

In the first of two parts on this subject, I will list down three symptoms of cancer; indications that we normally do not consider as warning signs for such a severe disease. What are the "little signals" you should listen closely to?

Fatigue. You're a cool guy. You don't sweat the small stuff, but what if it's the small stuff that makes you sweat? If you find yourself too exhausted to help your partner carry the plastic bags and you are sure you have not been working hard or getting less sleep prior to the grocery shopping, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Weariness is one of the symptoms that appear in several types of cancer, pancreatic cancer being one.

Frequent Fevers. You employ your utmost effort not to fall ill. You insist on having a balanced diet everyday; fruits for dessert are a must. You work out at home instead, when you can't make it to the gym. But it's only the first half of the year, and it's already your fourth time calling in sick. You might want to have a check-up with your doctor, for there is a possibility of leukemia. Low antibody occurs when abnormal cells outnumber the normal ones.

Blood in Urine or Semen. Even though reported by some men as not painful when the blood flows together, the sight of it when you're urinating or ejaculating should call for immediate attention. One of the signs prostate cancer patients have in common is the presence of blood in either one or both of these bodily fluids.

Photo: When you have a healthy body, you lead a happy life!

klyoga.com - Liberate Yourself from Your Inhibitions - by Bellydancing!

This is my first article for KL Yoga's website as published on 19 August 2009. To read the article on KL Yoga's website, click here.

Photo: My first bellydance performance – office annual dinner in 2007.

When I was younger, I was a fool who was in love with a man who never fully accepted me the way I was. A man who would bluntly make a remark about my flabby arms, about my huge thighs, and, well... even about my "flat-screen tv"!

Despite the fact I was comfortable in my own skin, being in that destructive relationship was gradually taking its toll on me, and I eventually came to a point of being very critical on every inch of my body. I couldn't stand seeing myself nude.

Photo: Doing the hip circles!

But a chance of watching one bellydancer's performance changed everything. Her fluid movements, using every part of her body – doing snake arms, rib cage circles, chest slides, hip lifts and drops, body waves – were very mesmerizing. She was heavily endowed, but she couldn't care less. The audience couldn't care less, either! And I wondered, 'How did she do that?'

Later on, I bought my first hip scarf and Rania Bossonis DVD series, and learnt from a couple of instructors, and there was no turning back since...

Do you stand in front of the mirror and think, 'I hate the sight of those love handles!' or, 'Can someone help me with that bulging tummy?' or, 'I shouldn't have eaten that last piece of cake!'

Photo: Credits to Ms. Nurul Huda, one of my bellydance instructors.

If you do, then I would strongly suggest you sign up for your first bellydance class – if you haven't, that is. This exotic Middle-Eastern dance brings out your femininity, making you feel exhilarated and sensual. You don't need a man to tell you that you're sexy or stunning; it would be mood-lifting to receive such a compliment, but if you don't, you won't feel you're not worthy. You just do your thing, and you'll realize that you're simply beautiful – regardless of your body size, your age, your skin colour, or anything at all that keeps you inhibited. Such is the power of bellydance that a woman doesn't have to be drop-dead gorgeous to idolize her inner and outer beauty.

I, among millions of other women in this world who have tried bellydancing, am the living testimony of that. I bid goodbye to my past inhibitions, and of course, to that good-for-nothing guy!

Cheeky Paola Performing at the ARC Nite Again!

Paola Blanton pulled off a bellydance performance again at the ARC Nite this year, and this time, together with a different dancer. She was still as cheeky as ever, full of playfulness that left the audience asking for more!

Photo: Paola teasing Sairul, my officemate, as she takes his clown wig off his head and wears it on hers!

My Very First Bellydance Performance!

I couldn't eat. I couldn't drink. I couldn't think straight. I stayed up the whole night, but when I finally got to sleep, I was awakened by myself at dawn. It was the day when I would be performing my own bellydance show in public. To a full room of 40-50 people, no less!

At first when I decided to pull out a show, the feeling was more to excitement. As the time passed towards the starting of the dinner, I was so nervous that I actually asked myself why I had agreed to do it and wished so hard that I hadn't. I reminded myself again that the reason I wanted to do this was because I felt the need to get out of the comfort zone. I yearned the feelings of rush, anxiety, butterflies in the stomach, sweaty palms, and throbbing heart... and the most significant reason of all is to show my passion of this Middle Eastern dance to all my beloved colleagues!

Before the dance performances - hip hop by Debra and the gang first, and mine next - started, I hang out with some of the male office mates at the bar and asked them to clap their hands while I was dancing. I thought it would put me at ease and act as a form of encouragement. Aznir joked that they would not only clap their hands, but the tables and the chairs, as well!

Shortly after, everyone was called to be into the room again. Dave the emcee made an announcement, and the hip hop group came out and did their 'thing'. Meanwhile, I was waiting from outside the room and hoping for the best.

The moment I stepped in and began walking basic with Genie arms and circling my hips, there were cheers, screams, and whistles all over the room. Suddenly, the tense and nervous feelings were swept away and restored with new confidence and gaiety. I didn't think of anything else, but instead get myself lost in the music and the reaction received. The more they gave their feedback, the more I wanted to give it all!

Photo: Forgetting the rest and giving it all!

Looking at the response from the audience, I bowed three times at the end of my show. I must say this, it was one of the best feelings in my life!