Morons, Oxymorons and Oxidative Stress

According to dietitian Leslie Chan Kwok-pan, of the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services, he reckons short attention spans, short- term memory loss and a difficulty in processing simple tasks are caused by the escalation of oxidative stress due to prolonged brain usage, which damages brain cells.

Er, sorry, what was that about prolonged brain usage? It causes brain damage! And this claim comes from a … dietitian.

The dietitian informs us that it is worrying to have short attention spans, short- term memory loss and a difficulty in processing simple tasks.

Apparently, as evidence for this claim, Chan introduced "Mathew" (full name not disclosed) who works 10-12 hours daily and has experienced these "troubling" symptoms. He gave an excellent oxymoron by saying:

"It never once crossed my mind that the long working hours had an effect on my brain's ability to function."

Don't you just love morons, oxymorons and oxidative stress!!!? ... and dietitians.


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Reference

Work stress takes health toll (The Standard)

Kenneth Foo
Thursday, March 15, 2012

Nearly two in every five workers are under extreme work pressure which can lead to brain damage.

According to the University of Hong Kong Public Opinion Programme, 38 percent of the 531 white-collar workers polled said they have faced enormous stress over the past month.

Nearly 25 percent said they had to work overtime at least five days a week and more than half said they were required to work past their regular working hours on an average of 3.6 days a week.

Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions chairman Pun Tin-chi said the surge in overtime is a sign that Hong Kong, as a community, has already accepted that long hours and constant pressure are the norm. But he said the union is pushing for new legislation to implement fixed working hours.

The average longest consecutive working hours totaled 13.5, with 23 percent reporting they had worked for longer than 16 hours.

Dietitian Leslie Chan Kwok-pan, of the Hong Kong Council of Early Childhood Education and Services, said there is a tangible link between overtime exertions and a weakening of brain functions.

Some 74 percent of respondents reported they had suffered short attention spans, short- term memory loss and a difficulty in processing simple tasks.

He attributed these symptoms to the escalation of oxidative stress due to prolonged brain usage, which damages brain cells.

Oxidative stress is involved in many diseases, including atherosclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Chan said that, as most workers find it nearly impossible to change their jobs, the next best alternatives are to ensure a nutritious diet and to take health supplements.

He recommended a regular intake of a "brain nutrient" called Carnosine, commonly found in essences of chicken and protein-rich food.

Matthew, an advertising accounts manager, puts in 10-12 hours every day, and has experienced instances in which he forgot the name of a long-time colleague or was unable to perform simple calculation tasks.

"But it never once crossed my mind that the long working hours had an effect on my brain's ability to function," he said.