Autism Foundation gets support

The Maia Chung Autism and Disabilities Foundation was awarded a small subvention by the social security ministry to assist in meeting the needs of its clients living with autism.

The money granted by the social security ministry came about as a result of a project document submitted by the foundation to labour minister Pearnel Charles highlighting the needs among the poor affected by autism.

According to Maia Chung, managing director of the foundation, the money can at least help with purchasing adult diapers, buying groceries, paying bus fares, lunch money, school supplies, medication, and even to purchase telephone credit as cell phones are a life line in the lives of those challenged by autism. People who need assistance can call the foundation at 876-578-7089.

Source: The Maia Chung Autism and disabilities Foundation

Omega-3 is heart healthy

A detailed review of research dating back almost 30 years has been published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology reinforcing the benefits of omega-3 consumption for primary and secondary heart health. The research suggests that omega-3 could reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death by up to 30 per cent.

"We now have tremendous and compelling evidence from very large studies that demonstrate the protective benefits of omega-3 fish oil in multiple aspects of preventative cardiology," said Dr Carl Lavie, from the Ochsner Medical Centre in New Orleans, who led this latest review.

"The strongest evidence of a cardioprotective effect of omega-3 appears in patients with established cardiovascular disease and following a heart attack, with up to 30 per cent reduction in cardiovascular-related death. And we are talking about a very safe and relatively inexpensive therapy."

It has been recommended that for those who have existing heart problems, or who have suffered a heart attack, between 800mg and 1000mg of omega-3 (EPA plus DHA) be consumed daily. This is the equivalent to of three to four ounces of oily fish a week. For healthy people, the daily recommendation is 500mg of omega-3 (EPA plus DHA), the equivalent to a two-ounce portion of oily fish a week.

Omega-3 is not produced naturally by the body and can only be ob-tained through diet. Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and herring contains the richest source of omega-3. However, many people do not like the taste of oily fish and taking an omega-3 fish oil supplement is an excellent alternative.

Source: Seven Seas