Imagine having someone walking around your home, sharing your bedroom (and bathroom), eating your food and expecting to be entertained. Welcome to the wonderful world of houseguests. Like it or not, sometimes putting your friends, relatives, friends of friends or friends of relatives up in a hotel is not an option. For times like these, here are some tips for making the most out of their visit.

Best Bud

The only person who knows each and every deep secret you’ve kept since childhood. Someone who can tell what’s on your mind before you say it.
Preparations: Stock up on Paracetamol, Betadine and a complete first aid kit. Take time off work. Plan a party. Be prepared for a hangover.
First night: Go straight to Route66 (29/33-40 Block B, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd., 08-1916-2898. Open daily 8pm-2am, www.route66club.com) and dance ’til both of you drop.
First morning: Get a bowl of congee at Joke Sam Yan (920 between soi Chula 52 and 54, 08-1350-6671. Open Mon-Fri 3-8am, 3-8pm, Sat and Sun 3-8am.)
Must-do: Get him laid.
Can’t miss: Spending a whole day sitting in Cup B (2/F, Lido Theater, 02-658-4700/-1. Open daily 11am-9pm) over cups of tea and cakes while digging up stuff from the old days.
Risk factor: He misses his return flight.
Highlight: Behaving like teenagers again.
True highlight: Feeling like teenagers again.
Get-out clause: No need.

Generation Gappers

Parents, grandparents, assorted relations and friends of the family.
Preparations: Old(er) people can be a lot more work, but remember: You owe them. Plus they can be really sweet. So, clean up your house, change the sheets, fill the fridge—and don’t forget to hide your porn.
First night: Dinner at home. They fall asleep by dessert, you go out for a much-needed drink.
First morning: They get up at 6am, clean the kitchen and make breakfast for you.
Must-do: Take them to a good spa or holistic center. Try The Bodhi (Unit 403-404, 4/F, Erawan Bangkok, 494 Ploenchit Rd., Pathumwan, 02-250-7882/-3. Open daily 10am-8pm)
Can’t miss: Tuba (34 Room 11-12 A, Ekkamai 21, 02-711-5500. Open daily 11-1am), where you can sit and drink while grannies enjoy reminiscing over hip, retro furniture.
Risk factor: They lose your keys.
Highlight: The wedge of cash sneaked into your pocket on the way to the airport.
True highlight: Bonding with your folks, adult-to-adult.
Get-out clause: Urgent business trip to Chiang Mai.

Backpacker

No matter how much you liked this person when you were loved up, the thought of sharing your real life with him longer than a week fills you with horror.
Preparations: Hide spare bed. Empty fridge.
First night: Forget to pick him up from the airport.
First morning: Trip over his prone form on the floor (you have loaned your sofa to a friend).
Must-do: Khao San, where he will feel right at home, for bars and galleries. Pretend to unintentionally mention all the nice guesthouses in the area.
Can’t miss: Chatuchak Market (without a map).
Risk factor: He stays more than one night.
Highlight: He leaves.
True highlight: He doesn’t come back.
Get-out clause: Change the locks, take the phone off the hook and stay at someone else’s house.

Love Interest

This could be The One.
Preparations: Big up your life. Save up, go to gym, get waxed, buy condoms. Make up one bed.
First night: Have a drink and marvel at the view at Moon Bar at Vertigo (61/F, Banyan Tree, 21/100 South Sathorn Rd., 02-679-1200. Open daily 5pm-1am). Then home for Champagne, candles, bubble bath.
First morning: Breakfast in bed. Don’t forget that single rose.
Must-do: Take a one-day trip around Rattanakosin Island, then head to Divana Nurture Spa (8 Soi Sukhumvit 35, 02-261-4818/9. Open Mon-Fri 11am-11pm, Sat and Sun 10am-11pm) for the 3-hour Intimate Elegance treatment, which includes foot soak, body massage, aromatic steam, body scrub and floral milky bath (B3,950). The next day enjoy fine Thai food and river breezes on a Manohra Cruise (B1,766. 02-477-0770, www.manohracruises.com)—or make it your own private pumpkin cruise for B30,000-40,000.
Can’t miss: First kiss.
Risk factor: Is a bit too friendly with your best friend.
Highlight: First night.
True highlight: Last night.
Get-out clause (we’re hoping you won’t need one, but just in case): Introduce him to your married friends who are always fighting.

Shopaholic

For her, spending = satisfaction (and is just as good as other “s” words). Thankfully, courtesy of King Power, she can begin her mission from the moment she steps off the plane.
Preparations: Get yourself a pair of super comfortable shoes, write down a list of all shopping malls in Bangkok with ongoing sale info and arrange for limo or taxi service.
First night: Take a cab from the airport to Suan Lum Night Bazaar. After trolling the aisles for bargains, enjoy an authentic huun lakorn lek show at Joe Louis Theater (1875 Suan Lum Night Bazaar, Rama 4 Rd., 02-252-9683/4. Open daily 7:30-8:45pm. www.joelouis-theater.com). Tickets for your friend are B400 (B200 for you, if you’re Thai).
First morning: Hand over the list of malls along with BK—then wave goodbye.
Must-do: Go to Pratunam, and teach her how to really bargain—up to 80% off the original price.
Can’t miss: Countdown to 2007 at Siam Paragon (991/1 Rama 1 Rd., 02-610-9000. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.siamparagon.co.th) or Central World Plaza (999/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-264-5555. Open daily 10am-10pm. www.centralworld.co.th).
Risk factor: Bankruptcy.
Highlight: A suitcase full of fake handbags.
True highlight: They fall apart after a month of use.
Get-out clause: Lose your Visa card.

Fitness Freak

He’s been living in a gym for so long he’s immune to that funky locker room smell.
Preparations: Push-ups and sit-ups, take the stairs instead of the elevator, watch ESPN.
First night: Dine and drive at Top Golf (Piyarom Sports Club, Sukhumvit Soi 101/1, 02-201-3019/20. Open 9am-midnight. www.thaitopgolf.com).
First morning: Morning walk in a cozy park—try Benjasiri Park (Sukhumvit Rd., between Soi 22 and 24, 02-262-0810. Open daily 5am-8pm).
Must-do: Sign him up for Muay Thai at Sor. Vorapin Muay Thai Boxing Gym 1 (13 Trok Kasap, Jakkapong Rd., 02-282-3551. Open daily 7:30-9:30am and 3-5pm. www.thaiboxings.com). Instruction is B400/hour (B200 if you’re Thai).
Can’t miss: Thai-style energy drinks; dee nguu, ya dong.
Risk Factor: Juvenile horseplay results in bruises and broken bones.
Highlight: You lose weight.
True Highlight: You gain it all back in two months.
Get-out clause: Fake letter from a doctor—in Thai—that says you’re not allowed to exercise until your test results are in.

Geek

Gamer, bookworm, collector of Star Wars paraphernalia. Find the right spot and leave him in peace with his weird favorite things.
Preparations: Buy rare comics (early editions of Spiderman, Superman, etc. if you can afford them), video games, chessboard, monopoly. Sign up for broadband if you don’t have it already.
First night: Scrabble ’til you drop.
First morning: Let him enjoy your comics while you sneak out for a quiet cup of coffee alone. Return with a bag of donuts and Diet Coke.
Must-do: Take him to TCDC (6/F, The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit 24, 02-664-8448. Open Tue-Sun 10:30am-9pm. www.tcdc.or.th)—don’t forget his passport and your ID for one-day free admission.
Can’t miss: Neilson Hays Library (195 Suriwongse Rd., 02-233-1731. Open Tue-Sun 9:30am-5pm).
Risk factor: Suffocating to death among piles of books.
Highlight: You learn to speak Greek (beta, gamma, alpha, omega).
True highlight: Close encounter of the Third Kind.
Get-out clause: Fake a kidnap scene, leave him a code to break and stay at your friend’s house until he leaves.

How to get rid of uninvited houseguests in 10 days

Day 1: After their long sleepless flight, warmly welcome them with a party. Invite tons of your friends; keep it noisy.
Day 2: Wake them up before sunrise. Ask for help with the dishes and throwing out the empty bottles.
Day 3: Announce you’re going on a vegetarian lent. No steak, ice cream or alcohol—tofu and soybeans only.
Day 4: Fake illness. Put a pack of ice on your forehead and pretend that you’ve got a cold.
Day 5: Start your all-time worst soap operas marathon. Baansaithong or Sombat Methani’s series would be perfect.
Day 6: Ask them to baby-sit your neighbor’s kid.
Day 7: Keep busy; act like your responsibilities at work have suddenly become a matter of life and death.
Day 8: Wear the same pajamas for 7 days. You’re working too hard to change.
Day 9: Leave them alone, taking care of your home, while you go get some steak and booze.
Day 10: Recommend a nice hotel nearby or, even better, a place to get cheap camping gear.

Any doctor will tell you that prevention is better than cure. With one local academic insisting we’re “on our own” when it comes to fighting bird flu – or any of the multitude of cold and flu bugs that circulate – now is the time to supercharge your immune system. Since we are what we eat, we should be using mealtimes to stimulate production of our number one weapon against illness: The armies of white blood cells that patrol our bodies. These little fighters are the frontline of our defense against infection. Making sure your immune system is in tip-top shape could be a more effective measure against bird flu than stockpiling Tamiflu. So what should we be eating?

Vitamin C

The best-known immune-system booster works by stimulating the production of white blood cells, and strengthening the protective coating (interferon) that prevents viruses from entering cells.

How: Opinion is divided on how much we should be taking, but current studies suggest around 200mg a day, which you can get from six servings of fruit or vegetables (like oranges, grapefruits, berries, kiwies and green leafy vegetables). If you take supplements, opt for small doses throughout the day – your kidneys will flush a 1,000mg dose straight through your system.

Vitamin E

B-cells are the source of antibodies, and they need Vitamin E to whip them into shape. It is particularly good for older folk whose immune systems may be on the decline.

How: Most people need 100mg-400mg a day – the higher end if you are an enthusiastic smoker, drinker or couch potato. It is difficult to get more than 60mg from diet alone, so supplements are recommended. Food containing vitamin E includes wheat germ, almonds, hazelnuts, leafy green vegetables such as spinach, and vegetable oil.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are the source of powerful antioxidants that combat cell-damaging free radical molecules, and are effective in the fight against ageing, heart disease and cancer.

How: The best known is beta-carotene, which is found in carrots, cantaloupe melons, and other red or orange fruits and vegetables, as well as spinach and dark green vegetables. Because carotenoids are complex compounds, the most benefits are reaped from foods rather than supplements. Carotenoids are soluble in fat not water. To make sure they are going into your system, try eating them with avocado (rich in monounsaturated fat). This will increase your body’s absorption almost six-fold.

Zinc

This mineral accelerates the effectiveness and production of white blood cells and antibodies.

How: 15mg-25mg a day - more than 75mg per day can be detrimental to your immune system. Rich sources of zinc are all animal-based, so if you’re a veggie and decide to take supplements, be sure to take them after a full meal as they can cause indigestion. One oyster contains around 13mg of zinc; 3 ounces of crab contain 7mg; 3 ounces of turkey or dark meat contain around 4mg.

Garlic

This member of the onion family boosts production of white cells, and strengthens antibodies and killer cells.

How: Raw is best—there are those who ingest whole cloves for breakfast—or you might try it in salad or guacamole. Supplements are more socially acceptable in the breath stakes.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 is vital for health, especially against autoimmune diseases, heart attacks, mental health problems, and certain cancers, and can only be obtained via diet.

How: There is no recommended daily allowance for omega-3, but anyone who eats a lot of foods containing omega-6 fatty acids (cereals, baked goods, whole-grain bread, fried food) should increase their dosage of omega-3. Good sources are fatty fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel, flaxseed oil, and fish oil (such as cod liver oil, now available in shiny, easily swallowed capsules). Try adding a couple of tablespoons of flaxseed oil to a smoothie.

Echinacea

The little purple flower is a strange one. There is little doubt of its effectiveness in boosting the immune system, and until the dawn of antibiotics in the 1940s it was a widely used cold cure. Although the active ingredient is a mystery, it is believed to work by strengthening cell walls, thus inhibiting germs’ ability to break them down. In recent blind, placebo-controlled tests in Germany, there was an almost 50 percent drop in colds and flu among those taking echinacea.

How: The traditional two weeks on, two weeks off could end up weakening your immune system. Instead, take 300mg three times a day when you feel a cold coming on, or if you may have been exposed to a virus. If you are under extreme emotional or physical pressure, take echinacea for two weeks.
Strange but true: Echinacea is also good for sickly dogs, but it won’t cure your pug of its inherited spluttery snort.

Get the Giggles

Stress, low-level depression, and pent-up anger can all depress your immune system. American neuroscientist Candace Pert says the immune system is an integrated network of chemical, electrical, and hormonal signals, and every cell in the body takes part in its function. She says, “This network resonates with the vibrations that surround it. It is as affected by emotions as by bacteria, as impacted by thoughts as by drugs.” Experts also say that laughter helps you to relax, and let go of pressure, anxiety and depression. As with exercise, it releases endorphins (happy hormones) and you can burn up to 400 calories per hour. So get happy, folks.

We could all be healthy and beautiful. There’s a ton of gyms and yoga studios in this town. Trainers and life coaches are a dime-a-dozen. Oxygen machines and ergonomically correct chairs are just a click away online. But let’s get real for a moment. Are you going to wake up at 5am, do a morning jog, have a vegan breakfast then pack a balanced lunch? When would you have time to work?

Working, smoking, drinking, sleeping too little, these are the rhythms of life for far too many in Singapore. But even these unfortunate people can do something about their health. We rang up a few experts and consulted our medical journals to compile these health tips for the unfit, the unaware and the uncaring.

They won’t all be right for you. Pick and choose the ones that fit with your lifestyle and who knows? Maybe you’ll get started on a path toward a better, stronger, smarter or thinner you. And remember, even though we like to dress in white coats and use stethoscopes, we are not doctors – so consult a real one before you try something new, like exercise.

1. Eat breakfast. People who eat breakfast every day are less likely to be overweight - 44 percent less likely in one Harvard study. One reason is people who skip breakfast tend to overeat at dinner. In addition to weight gain, other consequences of this are fatigue and low productivity. Anything is better than nothing, but you’re better off with a combination of protein (eggs are great) and slow-digesting carbohydrates.

2. Eat more (often). Waiting four-five hours between meals is bad for several reasons. One consequence is low blood sugar, which can leave you weak, tired and bitchy. Second, to compensate, your body breaks down muscle to use as fuel. You don’t want that: You need muscle for strength and endurance, and the more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn even when you’re not exercising. So split your usual three (or two) meals a day into five or six meals.

3. Cut “bad” carbohydrates like white rice, noodles, bread, potatoes, baked goods and candy from your diet. These fast-digesting carbs cause your blood sugar levels to spike, and your body reacts by shutting down the fat burning process. (This also increases your risk for diabetes and heart disease.) Fruits and vegetables are a much better source of carbohydrates. Can’t give up your precious pasta? Try limiting your carbs to the morning. And make sure you eat your “bad” carbs with plenty of protein. The carbohydrates will be less likely to be converted into fat, plus protein also helps reduce hunger.

4. The bed is for sleeping and sex. Doing other things sends mixed signals to your brain, and you may end up with trouble falling asleep.

5. Exercise. This needs no introduction. But if you’re still not convinced why you should spend at least 30 minutes doing aerobic exercise, listen to this: workouts relieve stress and anxiety, strengthen your immune system, make it easier for you to fall asleep and improve memory. Still not convinced? Well, men who exercise regularly are less likely to have erectile dysfunction. The key is to take small steps: don’t start your exercise or weight-loss program with unrealistic goals. The important thing is to do SOMETHING. Why do you have to run 10 laps every day? Your first week out, start with two laps - walking.

6. Smile a little. The Buangkok MRT station is open and it’s the start of a fresh new year—isn’t that reason enough to relax and smile? Be extra polite to people around you. Smile to those who work with you. You might get something totally unexpected – the nasty door bitch might let you in, the unhelpful waiter might serve you first, the grumpy receptionist might put you on the top of the waiting list, or you might suddenly score the date with that coffee shop girl. Suddenly it’s a much better world.

7. Dump the junk. Say goodbye to junk food of any sort. It’s fast, but unhealthy. Junk food is for teenagers only.

8. Walk 1.0. We all love the escalators at the MRT stations. They save energy and help us avoid those god-forbidden steps. But contrary to popular belief, although memorizing all the doors closest to the escalators might seem a wily decision, it’s damaging your body. Don’t underestimate this kind of exercise, as it adds up quickly and can work wonders on your legs and ass.

9. Tea before the treadmill. Caffeine helps you go harder over a longer period when consumed an hour before you work out. Tea works better than coffee, according to one study.

10. Shop sober. Never go grocery shopping when you’re starving. Hunger breeds cravings and irrational behavior - like taking samples from every person handing them out and filling your cart with seven flavors of potato chips. If your stomach is growling when you arrive at Fairprice, buy a container of yogurt or a banana first, eat it, THEN start your shopping.

11. Fill up on water. Most people who work in offices underconsume water and overconsume caffeine, which contributes to insomnia, irritability, anxiety and fatigue. Water helps your body work the way it should, and is necessary to build muscle and lose fat. Keep a liter bottle of water at your workstation at all times. Sip from it. When it’s empty, there’s your excuse to take a break—to fill it up or buy a new one.

12. Skip the sugar. For one week (to start), no soft drinks, sports drinks, fruit juice, or sweetened soya milk. Can’t shake the craving? Have ONE serving of fruit.

13. Stay at home, sickboy. If your doctor thinks you’re sick enough to stay at home, you should take his advice. Consider your colleagues as well – surely you don’t want to spread whatever you have to people in your office and ultimately people in the whole building (thanks to our infamous closed ventilation systems)? And taking a sick day off doesn’t mean you’re the weakest or most disloyal guy in the company. One recent UK study spanning nearly a decade found workers who never called in sick were twice as likely to die from a heart attack than people who took 14 sick days a year.

14. Cardio, then weights. If you’re doing both aerobic exercise and strength training, you’ll burn more calories if you ride the bike first, and then hit the dumbbells.

15. Take your vitamins. The best way to get vitamins and minerals is from food. But most of us don’t eat enough of the right things, plus we exacerbate it with alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. Especially in a city like Hong Kong, you may want to take antioxidant supplements, which support your body’s natural detoxification.

16. Wine is fine. One or two glasses of red wine per day may decrease your likelihood of getting cancer. Just remember – do it in moderation.

17. Get some rays. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, which is necessary for strong bones. It also boosts your immune system and makes you feel good. Ever seen a plant that’s been left to grow in the dark? To get what you need, sit in the sun for 10 minutes two-three times a week without sunscreen. (Apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 after the 10 minutes are up.)

18. Eat after your workout. For one to two hours after you exercise, your body is primed to use energy to build and repair muscle, as opposed to storing it as fat. Researchers at the University of Nevada found that a 30-minute workout increased the thermic (calorie-burning) effect by over 70 percent. So eat something healthy after the shower.

19. Focus on your food. If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t eat while you’re doing other things, such as reading or watching Desperate Housewives, as you’re likely to eat more than you would without such distractions. Just think how much junk food you can eat during a movie or a soccer match.

20. Sympathy day. Today you’re going to try to understand everyone’s point of view - except your own. That means for every person you come in contact with (including on the phone), try to imagine what it would be like to be this person and try to understand why they think and act the way they do. It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree, because you will not place yourself in the picture. What a nice person you are. Nice people sleep well.

21. Stretch. Set aside 15 minutes in the morning or before you go to bed. Try these. Butterfly: sit on the floor with your knees bent and soles of your feet touching. Lean forward until you feel pressure in your groin. Hold for 60 seconds. Don’t bounce. Figure-four hamstring: sit on the floor with your left leg extended and your right leg bent so the sole of your foot touches your left leg. With your left hand, grab the toes of your left foot (or as close as possible). Hold for 60 seconds; switch legs. Side stretch: stand with your legs slightly spread, even with your shoulders. Extend your right arm straight up and then to the left until the right side of your body is “tight.” Hold for 60 seconds; switch sides.

22. Watch your back. Bad posture at your desk can cause tension, stress and, eventually, pain. Imagine your spine as an S-shape, not flat, so your chest should be out and your shoulders back. Crossing your legs, slouching and cradling a phone on your shoulder while typing are all requests for trouble. The top of your monitor should be at eye-level, as looking too far down or up for long periods of time can put a lot of strain on your spine and result in herniated discs. You may need to put a book or two under your monitor. Use your eyes, not your neck to look at the screen. Concentrate on your posture. Today, whether you are sitting, standing or walking, do it with your body straight. When you’re sitting, don’t just sit on one butt cheek - distribute your weight evenly, which means no fat wallets.

23. Breathe better. The average person (not Lance Armstrong) uses only 15 percent of his or her lung capacity. Try this exercise every morning. Place your hands on your ribs on both sides of your body. Take a huuuge breath, sucking in air until you’re like a balloon about to pop. You should feel your ribcage push outward slightly. Breath out slowly. Repeat four more times.

24. Chuck the chips. Instead of fried potato (or other) chips, munch on seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), almonds (unlike other nuts that are healthy but fattening, almonds have a unique cell structure that prevents your body from absorbing all of their fat) or green soy beans (a.k.a. edemame).

25. Get more sleep. Pretty obvious - and easier said than done. The golden rule is an average adult should get at least eight hours a day. But if you need more incentive, reducing your sleep time by 40 percent can lower the effectiveness of your immune system by half. Also, people who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to be overweight than people who get plenty of shuteye.

26. Sleep like a baby. If we all abide by the eight-hour rule, that means we spend one-third of our lives in bed. So why not make sure we’re enjoying it? Get a pillow made of “memory foam” that conforms its shape to yours when heated by your body temperature. It’s great for head and neck support. And buy a mattress that is firm enough for your back so you won’t wake up with backache.

27. Get a flu shot. Though this is not designed to protect you from bird flu, but your chances of getting the avian virus are greater if you’re already sick. Every year hundreds of thousands of people worldwide die from influenza, and millions get sick – and antibiotics are not going to do a thing. The very old and the very young are most at risk, but anyone can get hit. Flu vaccinations are considered 75 percent effective in preventing the flu or lessening its severity.

28. Go green. The older HK generation already knows this, but office workers throughout the city could do with the tip: This week, substitute your usual coffee for green tea. Among the many benefits of green tea is the ability to protect against colds. And even though those mass-produced green tea drinks in plastic bottles may be convenient, you’ll benefit much more from tea that you brew yourself - plus you won’t be consuming all that sugar.

29. Surprise yourself. Your mind loves surprises since novelty is the essence of happiness. Rearrange your furniture. Or take the bus instead of the MRT. According to one study, traveling on different physical pathways uses different pathways in the brain. If you’re trying to get fit, it’s also good to keep your body guessing. Mix it up. Today at the gym, do everything in the opposite order you normally do it. If you normally run on a treadmill, go for a run outside. If you normally ride a bike, try the rowing machine.

30. Give up TV for two weeks. During the time you save, read a book or take a walk in the park. You’ll feel much better when your tether to the satellite dish is cut.

31. Work out before breakfast if you’re trying to lose weight. Without an immediate supply of carbohydrates, your body will need to take calories from your fat stores. Or exercise at night. You’ll have more energy in the morning, according to one study.

32. Put the toilet lid down. Flushing the toilet can scatter fecal particles in a six-meter perimeter around the loo. Ewwww.

33. Buy plain yogurt and add your own fruit. Yogurt has untold benefits, including strengthening the immune system. But most fruit yogurts are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, which is high in calories and can increase the levels of triglycerides in your blood, raising your risk of heart disease.

34. Make scents. Different aromas can stimulate your brain and make you more alert. For a quick pick-me-up, try herbal teas or essential oils in scents like peppermint, green tea, orange and vanilla. But the expecting should be extra careful because essential oils COULD lead to miscarriages.

35. Go wild. We have lots of parklands and greenery, so go to MacRitchie, try the Bukit Timah Hill, and hop over to Sentosa for a nice day out and a long beach walk. You come back to town as refreshed as you are cleansed.

36. The rule of four. Taking the elevator is convenient, but you have to stand the crowd, the BO, the bad air and the company of unwelcome friends. So why don’t you walk up at least four flights to everywhere you go? You can choose walking up the first four flights or the last, as long as you can keep it as a habit. It does wonders for your legs and cardiovascular system.

37. Ban Arctic temperatures. In case the people who run offices, shopping malls and cinemas haven’t noticed, we live in a sub-tropical climate. Keeping the indoor temperature freezing is unnecessary, environmentally wasteful, and most of all, bad for our health. Blame the colonialists by all means, but do something about it. The optimum temperature should be 25.5C. Cool enough to chill, not so warm to cause noddings off.

38. Steamed, not fried. Chinese food is a blessing for those who like a taste of oily, deep-fried batter-covered delicacies. But exercise restraint, because it’s yummy once in a while, but your body thinks it’s yucky if you eat it too often. Instead of deep-fried chicken, order the steamed one and eat it without the skin. Instead of fried broccoli, ask for steamed.

39. Make love, not war. Heard that Mr. Bush? When commoners like us have more sex, we have healthier lives. For every 30 minutes of sexual intercourse, you burn approximately 150 calories. It can also lower cholesterol, relieve stress, kill pain, improve prostate and genital health – and that’s not even touching on the long-term benefits of greater intimacy.