HEALTH

LAST QUESTION

Red wine : A little of what you fancy

ed wine has been appreciated as a social lubricant and medicinal aid for centuries. In the Ancient world it was common practice to bathe wounds in wine; although it was not then known that polyphenol compounds in the skins and seeds of the grapes inhibited bacteria. Before the creation of synthetic anaesthetics, red wine was used to dull the pain of going under the knife without the surgeons being aware of its ability to also lower blood pressure. The Greeks even claimed procreational qualities for the red wine of Herclea, which was renowned for making women inclined to pregnancy. Today, the health benefits of red wine are so widely accepted that scientists are even campaigning to have health indicators put on the labels. Resveratrol, a molecule found in the skin of red grapes, is responsible for many of the drinks benefits including

SEREYVUTH KEM, 42, acted alongside Matt Dillon in City of Ghosts, which was filmed in Cambodia in 2001. He played Sok, the cyclo driver who befriends scam artist Jimmy (Dillon) and eventually becomes his guide, guardian and unwavering ally. Sereyvuth also appeared in Guy Moshes 2006 movie Holly, which is about child prostitution in Cambodia. He now works as a tour operator in Phnom Penh. a reduced risk of heart disease, cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. Resveratrol concentrations vary significantly from one red wine to another, depending on the vines, soil and weather conditions. Traditionally made tanninheavy wines such as those found in SW France are the most efficacious. As a convivial tipple red wine has few equals. A little moderation is advised, with half a bottle a day being an acceptable amount for most people.

Sereyvuth Kem actor

How did you become an actor? In 2000, I was working at the Capitol guest house in Phnom Penh as a motor taxi driver. I saw a barang in very fine clothes and said to him: Hey, man, where do you want to go? You want to check out the interesting place? At the time, I didnt know he was Matt Dillon. Later, he asked me if I wanted to star in a movie, and of course I said yes. Many people enjoyed your performance in the City of Ghosts, had you acted in a movie before? I had no experience or training in acting before the film. Before filming, the producers arranged for a month of training in taxi driving and English to improve my skills. I was also asked to watch around 10 Hollywood movies to get a feel for acting. How long did it take to shoot City of Ghosts? It took about two months of work in Phnom Penh, Kampot and Oudong. I also had to go to Bangkok to mix my dialogue. Have you enjoyed being an actor? It was okay. The film roles have reflected aspects of my personal life. For example, my father was a medical worker who was murdered by the Khmer Rouge. I became an orphan, worked as a cyclo driver and lived in a pagoda the very same pagoda where I take Jimmy (Dillon) to recover in the film! What do you think you achieved by being in the film? I was proud to have the opportunity to be a Hollywood actor. The film will be a part of Cambodian movie history that my children and the Cambodian people can always enjoy. Additionally, with the $6,000 I received for my performance, I bought some paddy, two cows and repaired my house in Takeo province. In City of Ghosts, your character and Jimmy appear very close. How were your relations with Matt Dillon off the set? Matt is a gentleman on and off the set. He is very modest. He has helped me a lot since the film. He gave me money to buy a flat in Phnom Penh and a taxi, so I have a permanent income. Have you ever visited Hollywood? I went to the Film Festival in 2003 and stayed for a month visiting places and people. In Las Vegas I surprised Matt by winning $30 in the casino. Do you still stay in contact with Matt Dillon? Yes, I stay in touch via email and the telephone. He hasnt proposed any other film work yet, but I hope he will. What are your plans for the future? I dont have any definite plans. Im happy being a taxi driver and tour guide. I have no ambitions of becoming a famous actor, but I would like to achieve fluency in English. Contact Kem for a tour at mrsoksrah@hotmail.com
Katank Yos

Walking : One step at a time

f the benefits of daily walking could be bottled and sold as an over-the-counter tonic, everybody would want some. Fortunately, walking is still freely available and accessible to anyone who can put one foot in front of the other. There are numerous ways in which regular walking will help specific ailments but its most persuasive benefit is the fact that a regular walk of around 30 minutes a day will add years to your life in the long run. One of walkings great pluses is the low risk of side effects associated with more demanding forms of exercise, like jogging and competitive sport. This is particularly pertinent for those who plan to lose excess weight. In unison with healthy eating, walking is a stressfree way

to shed those extra kilos and at the same time lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Walking strengthens the heart and lowers high blood pressure. It also reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, preventing the build-up of plaque on the artery walls. A daily walk will help rel i e v e cancer of the colon, constipation and impotence. It will strengthen muscles, bones and joints, improve sleep and elevate

your mood and sense of well-being. To capitalise on this health bonanza, you only need to set aside a little time, or consider occasions when you could substitute using a car or moto by your own two feet. As comedian Steven Wright observed, everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. A steady routine is most important to get the full benefits of a walking programme. During your walks, you should be able to maintain a conversation. If youre breathing too lightly, increase your pace. If you cant catch your breath, slow down a little. Dedicating 15 minutes to walking up and down stairs is an excellent way to strengthen the heart. Trading time in front of the television for 30 minutes or so of easy walking with family or friends each evening will simply transform your life.

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