In The News

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because most people get their fill directly from the sun – its UV rays trigger Vitamin D synthesis in the skin. Inside the body, Vitamin D helps build healthy bones by absorbing calcium and phosphorous; conversely, a deficiency can lead to soft, malformed bones (a condition known as rickets).

It is true that protecting the skin with sunscreen to prevent burning is essential, but short bursts of sun exposure to the hands, face and arms at least twice a week to boost Vitamin D is a good idea. Ten to 15 minutes before applying SPF 15 (or higher) will suffice and is not enough to burn. Meanwhile, this small span of time should ensure that the daily requirements of both children and adults are met (though those with darker skin tones may require longer sun exposure).

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A new study has concluded that seasonal births can affect the energy levels and sporting prowess in children. “Children of the ‘90s,” conducted by Calum Mattocks of Bristol University in England, was one of the largest studies ever undertaken on childhood and followed the development of 14,000 children. The study found that children born in autumn and winter are more likely to be sporty – nine percent more so, in fact, than those born in spring. Summer babies are 4.5 percent more active than spring tots, who have been deemed most sluggish.

The study concluded that the explanation is unlikely to be biological, and more likely reflects the time a child begins school: Children born in spring start school at a younger age and are therefore smaller and at physical disadvantage to their peers. Larger and more adept children seem more likely to be motivated to play sport and keep active, whereas younger kids feel less confident.

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Jingjing the Friendly fuwa has proved to be the biggest Olympic mascot seller amongst foreign tourists. Gongmei Emporium on Wangfujing, which sells Olympic merchandise, attests that more than 90 percent of tourists choose the indigenous panda over other Friendlies, according to a Xinhua report. In competition with Jingjing are Beibei the fish, Nini the swallow, Yingying the Tibetan antelope and Huanhuan the Olympic flame.

Calling all bilingual Harry Potter fans! The official Chinese version of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is now available. According to a report in China Daily, the final installment of the teenage wizard’s adventures is possibly the most expensive children’s book in China: Priced at RMB 66, one book would cost the average family about six percent of their monthly disposable income. Thus far, the Harry Potter series has sold 325 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 60 languages. The Chinese versions of the previous six Harry Potter books have already sold over ten million copies in China so far.

Beginning this month, Beijing 156 High School will offer students a new set of elective courses, including "Culture of Beijing Hutongs," "Stock Investment Strategy Analysis," and "Urban and Rural Planning." According to a report in Beijing News, over 50 teachers contributed ideas for new elective courses, 20 of which were then selected. The classes are aimed at developing personalities, comprehensive abilities and special skills, the report said.

So you thought naming a kid "Apple" or "Seven" was different? According to the National Language Commission, a Chinese couple recently attempted to name their baby boy "@". Claiming the English pronunciation of the symbol sounded like "love him" in Mandarin (aì tā 爱他), the couple has yet to gain the commision's approval.

In a bid to help curb childhood obesity, starting this September a five-minute daily dancing regime will be added to the Chinese national curriculum. Instructional DVDs have already been sent to regional education authorities detailing the seven steps that students will be expected to perform. To mix things up, new steps and melodies will be added every two years. Cao Jiajing, a student at Beijing’s Ritan School, thinks that “students have a lot of pressure on them from their studies, and maybe this can act as a release for them.” Some teachers are not too impressed, however. Beijing teacher Ma Yanling disapproves of the classes, worrying that “letting students waltz will create hotbeds of adolescent love.”