Dairy scary? On the contrary

FRANKFURT: At last it is time for your coffee break, and you decide on an extra large cup of cafe au lait for a change. There are ominous rumblings in your gut soon afterwards. Your abdomen bloats. You have gas.

Moderation is the key, even for exercise

NEW YORK: A brisk 30-minute walk six days a week is enough to trim waistlines and cut the risk of metabolic syndrome - an increasingly common condition that is linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, a new study indicates.

How best to face the cold light of a brand new day

When it's still pitch dark in the morning and the rain is lapping on the bedroom window, it's twice as difficult for some people to get out of bed during the cold months of the year.

This weight loss scheme's a Wii bit rich

PARIS: Parents are fooling themselves if they hope Nintendo's Wii active games console, which uses a wireless handheld controller to replicate athletic movement, will stop their youngster becoming obese, a study says.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Life Culture

Ms Wang reveals Japan to itself

Yang Yi, a female Chinese writer, has won the Japanese Literature Award for New Writers with her novel Ms Wang. She is the first non-Japanese writer to win this award.

Shanghai finds its SoHo

There are many ways to have a stimulating Saturday in Shanghai and a stroll around the trendy art area of 50 Moganshan Road is one of them. M50, as it is known in international art circles, is located on the southern bank of Suzhou Creek, in the Putuo District.

Life Expat

Cheer up, Christmas is a blast

For some, Christmas brings memories of cinnamon, mulled wine and extended family get-togethers. For others, it is roasted pig and paella. But one experience China expats have in common is spending Christmas away from home. Many miss the traditions.

Global village

Come all ye faithful

Bookworm looks to help lots of libraries turn the page

When Thomas Stader, director of The Library Project, pulls up to a rural school with a truckload of brand new books, tables and chairs, he and his volunteers don't bother unloading them. The children swarm the caravan and do it for them.