Malaysia
 The Benefits of Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral, which means you only need a very small amount of it every day. You can get this essential nutrient by eating a balanced diet, but sometimes you might need to take a zinc supplement. Impact of Zinc on Your Health Your body need zinc t function properly. If you don't get enough, you could develop health problems. Your body uses zinc to do the following: * Heal wounds * Support the function of the immune system * Develop the reproductive system * Develop your sense of taste and smell * Produce and store insulin * Help your thyroid and metabolism work properly. * Make proteins and DNA. Zinc has also been shown in some studies to improve the following conditions: * Common cold *Diarrhea * Age -related macular degeneration Most people get enough zinc from the food they eat. The following groups are at risk for zinc deficiency: * People with digestive disorders, like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The body can't often absorb zinc when experiencing these conditions. * People who follow a vegetarian diet. Meat is a good source of zinc, and vegetarian protein sources like legumes can prevent zinc from being absorbed. * Infants older than 6 months who breastfeed. Breast milk doesn't have enough zinc for a baby over 6 months. Adding another source of zinc to their diet is necessary. Formula usually contain enough zinc for older infants. Some Sources of Zinc: * Oyster, crab, lobster * Red meat *Pork * Chicken and other poultry * Nuts, whole and beans * Dairy products * Fortified foods , like cereals. Signs of Zinc Deficiency: * Delayed growth * Delayed sexual development * Impotence in men * Hair loss * Sore skin and eyes * Delayed wound healing * Weight loss * Decreased appetite. Zinc Toxicity: * Nausea * Vomiting * Headaches * Little or no appetite * Stomach cramps and indigestion The upper zinc dosage per day is 40 milligrams/day foe adults. If you take more zinc than you should period, you can have low copper levels which can destroy your nervous system. Credit: WebMD  1. Youth is when you're allowed to stay up for New Year's.
Middle age is when you're forced to. 2. What is a New year's resolution? Something that goes into one year and out the other. My New Year's resolution was to drop my bad habits, but no one likes a quitter.   In Spain, one New Year's tradition is to eat grapes on every strike of the clock until midnight, to ensure prosperity. If you can finish them in time you will have good luck all through the coming year. The flavor of the grapes- whether sweet or sour-also predicts what the year will bring. The tradition of the las doce uvas de la suerte ( the 12 lucky grapes) is said to have originated in 1909 when a Spanish region has an exceptionally good grape harvest.  In the Philippines, New Year is all about Money. Hoping to bring prosperity and wealth for the year ahead, Filipinos believe in surrounding themselves with round things ( to represent coins and wealth). Therefore they consume grapes; keep coins ( they are constantly kept in the pockets and constantly jangled), wear clothes with polka dots among other things. All this to keep the money flowing.
 1. " Life is like a river.
You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never flow again. Enjoy every moment in life." --Zen Taoism 2. " You make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing." - Kate Morton 3. " Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done."--Bryan Stevenson 4. " Lay plans for something big by starting with it when small."-- Lao Tzu.     SHORT STORY
This is a continuation from last week's story. It was Christmas Eve. Mama was off work. So, she dedicated her energies to seeing that the home was in order for the next day.Walls were cleaned, windows were given that transparent look, curtains were put in place. The turkey was marinated and ready to be thrown into the oven anytime . All through this, Christmas songs and carols were blaring from the little music set the family had. Everyone sang along. Some knew all the words and those that didn't made up their own along the way. No one bothered to interrupt each other, even those who were tone deaf. The spirit of the season overrode everything. Knocking down a glass here and there, spilling some water, putting on decorations incorrectly around the Christmas tree evoked no brothers. This is fairyland . This is the most wonderful time of the year for this family. The turkey was finally thrown into the oven. The smell of the exotic meal wafted through the home-maybe even beyond. The kids were salivating. Mama cautioned them that the prized delicacy would only be touched until the next day. They worked more vigorously, trying to speed up the time when they would attack the treats available on Christmas day. When everything was done and everyone had showered, Mama reminded them that they had one more important task to fulfil. They remembered and got themselves all dressed. It was now 8pm. Darkness had fully covered the atmosphere. Street lights in the neighborhood competed with a kaleidoscope of Christmas lights on homes, trees, bridges, and walls, and others. Some lights danced, some blinked and others winked. Even Mrs. Gertrude, an octogenarian who lived alone next door, had a sparkle emitting from her home. The curtains from one of her windows were drawn. Two of the kids peered across and noticed she had a tiny Christmas tree with sparsely placed decorations including a little star atop. They smiled and remembered the song "One Little Christmas Tree," by Stevie Wonder. They started to sing, " Oh please Mr Father tree, the tallest of all, I'm so afraid and so alone. Could one little Christmas tree so tiny and small light up someone's home, cause.. One little Christmas tree will light up the world, so those who are lost may find their way. One little Christmas tree can light up the world, so all men may see on Christmas Day." They knew more that their next assignment was critical to them enjoying the season. They were all set, jackets and gloves and hats warmed the bodies of the family. The temperature had gone below 25 degrees. Mama led the family and they were out through the door. They rang the doorbell of their next door neighbor and waited a while. She gradually opened the door. "Merry Christmas!" said the family in unison. The elderly woman's eyes welled up with tears. She wasn't certain what to do next. The matriarch of the family announced that they were there to sing her some Christmas carols. A faint smile followed, and she invited the family to perform. Her white crop of hair turned silvery. The family took out their song books and belted out some of the neighbor's favorites: Here we come a-Caroling; I saw three Ships come Sailing In; Hark the Herald Angels Sing; Silent Night; It Came Upon a Midnight Clear; Angels we have Heard on High; O Come all Ye Faithful;Joy to the World, and more. The neighbor's tears were now from joy. She thanked the family for the best Christmas present she's had. They returned home. The next morning the neighborhood was quiet. Mama and her six children awoke around 9pm. Mama wished all of them a Merry Christmas. She turned in the radio. Christmas songs rang out through the airwaves. Her kids ran to the Christmas tree. They unwrapped their gifts and thanked their mother. After they were through Mama stopped them and told them her fortunate they were on that day. She told them that regardless of the price of their presents, they were some kids who got none. Around that same time the song, "Bedtime for Toys" by Stevie Wonder played. One line says, "Bless the child who has no tin soldier, no brass drummer boy to put to bed. He will still go wiser and older, loving one small rag doll instead." They listened , then Mama told them it was time for breakfast. And the rest of the day was beautifully spent. © Wallace Paul December, 2024. Merry Christmas all.    This song take us back to the days when Christmas carols were sung at peoples' homes by groups. Sometimes a family or an organised ensemble. It brings back that warmth and joy of the Christmas celebration. "The Ray Conniff Singers"
Here We Come A-Caroling Here we come a-caroling Among the leaves of green Here we come a wand'ring So fair to be seen Love and joy come to you And to your wassail too And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year And God send you a Happy New Year We are not daily beggars That beg from door to door. But we are neighbor's children Whom you've seen before Love and joy come to you And too your wassail too And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year And God send you a Happy New Year God bless the master of this house Likewise the mistress too; And all the little children Whom you've seen before Love and joy come to you And to your wassail too And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year And God send you a Happy New Year And all your kin and kinfolk That dwell both far and near. I wish you a Merry Christmas And a Happy New Year Love and Joy come to you And to your wassail too And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year And God send you a Happy New Year Writer: Thomas Kinkade © 1965 Columbia Records. This song was composed since 1850. Ray Conniff's recording of it in 1965 became very popular. It is an English Christmas carol and a New Year song. A wassailing song is a carol which is sung from door- to- door to wish good health. This song is also a variation of "A wassailing" which is changed to "A-Caroling." The original author is actually unknown.   Can you believe it? Former boy band singer from the group "One Direction," Louis Tomlinson turns only 33 on December 24. It seems as if you've been around much longer, Louis. And you you what? You'll be forever in our memories because of the beautiful songs you, and your group gave us. That's "The Story of My Life." Have a great birthday, Louis.  "Stranger Things, " have happened to Canadian born actor, Finn Wolfhard. He's also been a "Ghostbusters: Afterlife, " and was also in "It." Whoo! And in December,23 he celebrates his 22nd birthday. What a life! Do whatever strange things suits you Finn, we're all in.  YouTube star, Za'Miyah, dancing sensation and half of the Za'Miyah Za'Miyah and Zara dancing duo is only 17 today. Whoa, you've grown to be a big girl. Your 600,000 followers wanted to crash your party. But might have been too many in one place. Guess what? They're dancing their bodies off wherever they are in celebration of your big day.  Did you notice that Tik Tok almost crashed on December 23? You're surprised! I understand because you weren't paying attention. It was Shea Durazzo's 25th birthday. This dancing sensation had all his 3.4 million and more followers tuning in to his birthday celebration. They would not have missed it for anything. What a day! Phew!
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