The Malaysian Insider :: Features
The Malaysian Insider :: Features |
| Cutting out TV may improve kids’ snacking habits, says study Posted: 30 Mar 2014 05:23 AM PDT One suspected culprit: tempting commercials for unhealthy snacks. The study, presented at the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session, examined 1,003 middle school-aged kids from 24 middle schools in Southeast Michigan communities participating in Project Healthy Schools. Questionnaires asked about type and frequency of screen time among other lifestyle habits, such as snacking and food and beverage choices. Blood pressure, cholesterol, height, weight and recovery period after exercise were also measured. Students were subsequently divided into three groups: "low screen time", or less than 30 minutes per day, "high TV time," or two to six hours per day, and "high computer/video games," again for two to six hours each day. Physiologic markers and snacking habits were compared. Researchers discovered kids who spent more time in front of a television or computer screen snacked more often, with such snacks of the unhealthy variety. Children in the "high" computer and television categories ate about 3.5 snacks each day, or "one full snack more" than those in the "low" group. It was also found children in the "high" television group were more likely than the computer/video game group to consume fatty foods such as chips and French fries. Researchers believe children who spend a lot of time in front of the television opt for less-healthy snacks because they are constantly subjected to commercials promoting snacks high in salt, sugar and bad fats. Unlike children playing video games or using the computer, these kids tend to have their hands free for "mindless snacking". "The more we can change behaviour early on to promote healthy weight and dietary habits, the more likely we will be able to reduce adult-related problems including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure," said study senior author Elizabeth Jackson. – AFP Relaxnews, March 30, 2014. |
| Connected watches, virtually absent but still creating buzz at Baselworld Posted: 30 Mar 2014 04:00 AM PDT Although not on prominent display they were a hot topic of discussion this past week at Baselworld, the world's largest watch and jewellery fair. The show in the northern Swiss city was yet again dominated by intricate mechanical watches, symbolising centuries of tradition, and jewel-covered timepieces showcasing the luxury and glamour that never seem to go out of fashion. But there were a few new offerings for the tech-hungry crowd still waiting eagerly for their wristband to catch up with their phone or tablet. Japan's Casio had two new high-tech models on display both set for release later this year. Its new Bluetooth controlled Edifice watch connects to smartphones, allowing it to adjust to time changes as smoothly as the device in your back pocket, while its new G-Shock model can synchronise with precise time signals broadcasted by radio stations or satellites. "We expect huge demand, because people nowadays look for this technology more and more, so we are very confident," said Harald Schroeder, head of marketing at Casio Europe. He stressed the popularity of a range of brightly-coloured plastic G-Shock watches already available, which can control your smartphone's alarm and music functions, let you know when your phone is ringing in silent mode and vibrate if you leave your phone behind. Several other Asian tech giants, including South Korean Samsung, Japan's Sony and China's Huawei, have also unveiled new connected timepieces in recent months. Swiss watchmakers are following the developments closely, but appear reluctant to move down the same route, sticking instead to the tradition and skilled craftmanship that have won them customers for centuries. "Technically, there are lots of things that are possible," pointed out Marc Hayek, who heads Swatch Group's luxury watch brands Breguet, Blancpain and Jaquet Droz. "But it's not just because something is possible that the market will automatically be there," he said, insisting that a watch should not seek to simply emulate the functions already available in phones and other wireless devices. 'Don't see big market' "If it's less comfortable to use... (and) if it's the same function, I think it will only mean disadvantages, and I really don't see a big market for that," he said, stressing that watchmakers should instead reflect on "useful" and "intelligent" new functions. Stephane Linder, head of Tag Heuer, the top watch brand in French luxury group LVMH's stable, agreed, pointing out that a connected watch would necessarily be more difficult to use than existing devices. "With a telephone, I have a large screen, but with a watch, it's tiny," he pointed out. Linder insisted though on the need to keep a close eye on developments, pointing out that technology has the power to suddenly reshuffle the deck, as Apple did when it dethroned the reining mobile phone companies with its iPhone. Watchmakers must remain ready to jump into the "smart watch" fray once they see the potential to bring true benefits to users. If that happens "you will see developments in the luxury segment as well," he predicted. Patek Philippe chief Thierry Stern said he was not worried by the smart watch hype. "We saw the same thing when the iPhone was launched. People said it would spell the end of watches, but today watch sales are doing very well," he said. Connected watches were not a threat to the market for prestige timepieces, he insisted, pointing out that such tech objects "generally are obsolete after a year, because there is always a new version available." "These are not objects that you keep as a watch," he said. In fact, Martijn van Willegen, a Dutch jeweller who each year places around 80% of his annual watch orders at Baselworld, said he saw watches moving in the opposite direction of the phone tech drive. Fifteen years ago, people mainly wanted super precise quartz watches that you could simply replace if it stopped working, he said. "Today, we're back to old school 16th and 17th century mechanics that really make your heart beat faster... I love that." – AFP, March 30, 2014. |
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