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Friday, June 29, 2007

this whole week didn't get a chance to go gym cos school re-open liao. this evening managed to go cos Jim is off today (but not feeling very well). Anyway, he had enough rest in the afternoon so i went in the evening for an hour plus. (not 4getting my bananas magic). Since Vonvon also started exercising, hope she buy my idea of bananas b4 exercise...

some time ago, I collected 2 small cutie bags from the stuff the SL re-cycled. the bags are new and sweet, so tot of giving to one of my neighbour's little ger. She is 5/6 yrs old, K1. This poor ger come from a single family (mum too young to have her and dad didn't want to acknowledge her). So most of the time she is with the nanny who care so much for her. She is such a sweet and polite girl, will greet me whenever she sees me.

She was so happy when she came over to my place today to pick up the bags, plus some stationery and a mug. The one she carries to school right now is so old and torn and i was surprised that it is her nanny who sew the bag. The feeling is mixed! Really when you see the joy in her. It is something that we almost re-cycled it and yet to her, its like a pleasant surprise.
The nanny also don't mind the dresses which I hope its still at mum's place..

Lesson learnt today : Don't keep complaining about life....count your blessings when you compare with someone who are less fortunate.


29.6.07



Wednesday, June 27, 2007

My heart ache badly today....
cause of ache is :

Draw on Wednesday 27th Jun 2007
1st 6904 2nd 6904 3rd 7173


27.6.07



Tuesday, June 26, 2007

today is the first day of school for Joel after the June holidays. he woke up early in time for school. was feeling grouchy throughout (after too long rest at home). when it come to music lesson, he was energised! He clapped along while the teacher play the instrument. The teacher held on to the guitar while Joel strike the strings, he did so well! and each time after one performance, when teacher asked him keep the instrument, he put it back nicely into the basket. (but at home, he will throw far far away each time i ask him to keep his things)! what a world of difference!! :-(

Before the music class ended, he started feeling sleepy...eyes were like half closed....anyway, he really enjoyed himself during the lesson. The school is undergoing some kind of restructuring...(heard due to financial issue). The PT dept will be affected. Think this is very stupid cos most special need children requires PT more than anything else. Without the PT lesson, i dun know how else the kids are going to exercise. Anyway, i haven't heard from the school formally, will certainly oppose the idea when the school brought it up.

Met a kind cabby on the way home..he charged us $8 for a $9.70 trip. Isn't he nice? haven't been able to find time to visit the gym since last friday...oh no! too many days of lapse liao...gotta catch up this week before i gets lazy...


26.6.07



Monday, June 25, 2007

Heel Pain
(HEEL SPUR)


The most common cause of heel pain is plantar fascitis which is commonly referred to as a heel spur. Plantar fascia is a broad band of fibrous tissue which runs along the bottom surface of the foot, from the heel to the toes. Plantar fascitis is a condition in which the plantar fascia is inflamed. This condition can be very painful and cause considerable amount of suffering.

Long standing inflammation causes the deposition of calcium at the point where the plantar fascia inserts into the heel. This results in the appearance of a sharp thorn like heel spur on x-ray. The heel spur is a-symtomatic (not painful), the pain arises from the inflammation of the plantar fascia. Symptoms include a dull ache which is felt most of the time with episodes of a sharp pain in the center of the heel or on the inside margin of the heel.

Often the pain is worse on first rising in the morning and after rest and is aggravated by prolonged weight bearing & thin soled shoes.

CAUSES OF HEEL PAIN
Excessive load on the foot from obesity is a major cause of plantar fascitis. Which is why this condition is common in middle aged and over weight adults.

A sudden increase in weight, such as pregnancy can also lead to plantar fascitis.

A sudden increase in walking or a sporting activity can also be a contributing factor. A classical example is a post man who has returned to work after a period away from the job can develop this condition.

Tight plantar fascia (this is often caused by tight calf muscles).

Excessive flattening of the arch on weight bearing.

Biomechanical problems (walking abnormalities) is a major cause of plantar fascitis.

Different types of arthritis can also lead to this condition such as osteoarthritus and rheumatoid arthritis.


25.6.07



Friday, June 22, 2007

When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard," I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?" - Sydney J. Harris


22.6.07




this week i went gym 4x! Its like an addiction. the more you workout, the more sweaty you are, the more you want to go (really! no joke). as i see the perspiration coming out all over the body, especially the upper arm with plenty dots of perspiration waiting to drip down, the feeling is so damn shiok!!



Now i can manage and elliptical equipment very confidently, at least for 30minutes (without pain in the knee cap). Before i leave the house, i would take 2 bananas (this time no joke again, you feel so energised while working out). I learnt it from the lady instructor (in her 60s, still doing her thriathlon. She is such a kind lady, met her last than 10 times. She lent me a pair of sport shoes on the first day of my visit to gym (very malu, my shoe sole was flipping out before i could start working).

Recently, she gave me another pair of new balance shoes (which she claimed she doesn't need it). It is so new. the plastic price tag binder was still hanging on the shoes. She said she bought another new pair cos her competition is coming soon. and before she passed over to me, she made me promise not to ask her anything about the shoes.

Anyway, i like it very much. She even thank me for giving her a chance to give...(for good deeds). So i must work hard and make the best use of the shoes....


22.6.07



Thursday, June 21, 2007

BANANAS
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

A banana can help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must for our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work: Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronic ulcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

Smoking: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine", eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%"

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.

A banana contains:
86 calories in a medium banana 1 gram of protein3 grams of dietary fiber26.9 g carbohydrates23.9 g sugar 467 mg Potassium43 mg Magnesium27 mg Phosphorus7 mg Calcium1.3 mg Selenium.4 mg IronAlso trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper95 IU Vitamin A11 mg Vitamin C22.5 mcg Folate (important during pregnancy).7mcg Vitamin B6.6 mg Niacin .31 mg Pantothenic Acid.67 IU Vitamin E

Soooooo.......... "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"


21.6.07



Monday, June 18, 2007

There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying things which are beyond the power of our will.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters - HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!


18.6.07



Friday, June 15, 2007

Joel is unwell. He had seizures yesterday. Various episodes...it was like every 2 hours once. this time round the fits lasts longer than before...and followed by fever. Managed to stop it by inserting the valium into him..so by evening he was much better.

This morning woke up with a smile. So happy to see him happy again. The feeling is different. I mean in the past, i got to worry about his tumor, about him having to cut his head bla bla bla....this time round, it was a big load off the mind. So i can manage him more positively and happily.

Yesterday Jim finally received his excellence service certificate! He left home about 7am and went to head office to receive his award. They had a small tea party. Thereafter he went straight back to his shop and worked until 12 midnite. HE WAS EXHAUSTED! it was like working for 18 over hours...

As for me, I am very much addicted to working out at the gym these days. The sweating is fantastic. It is more like a stress reliever..Initially, when i first started out, i had problem working on the epilitical machine (something similar to stepper)...cos my right knee goes OUCH!
so i started out brisk walking on the treadmill for 1/2 hour, then increase to 1hour. Then i tried the epilitical again, about 5-10min. And now i can hang on for about 1/2 hour - 45min without pain in the knee. This is tougher then treadmill, the sweating was like running tap..great sense of achievement!< hey hey..dun laugh! i know u guys can do it better!

So these days, if time permits, i spend about an hour there, at least 2 times a week.. its about consistency..in the past, u can only work out a private gym, which are very expensive. But these days, almost every estate comes with a gym at the sports complex. So make hey while the sun shines!


15.6.07



Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Prayers answered today!! The feeling was like getting a BIG TONNE of load of the shoulder. We had a medical appointment with the surgeon today..to review the latest MRI result on Joel's tumor. For the past weeks, Jim and I did not mention about the case. Think deep in our hearts we really hate to talk about this issue. As the days past, our hearts get heavier. We were so worried about the results. We even brought Joel to waterloo street temple to pray yesterday.

When we were at the hospital waiting for our turn, we were quiet throughout. Think at this point in time, no matter what you talk, nothing is gonna gets into the ears. When Dr.Ng shared with us the recent happenings, about the chance of reducing the tumor without having to do under the knives, we were so thrilled! This was what we have been wanting. We researched through the webs and knew other countries were able to treat with radiosurgery but not in Singapore.

Really thank god that Joel did not go for the surgery last June. He probably got the 6th sense that there will be other alternatives in time to come. True enough, miracles happened! Looks like Joel is going to be the pioneer patch to test out the machine.

On 30 October 2006, SingHealth is collaborating with BrainLAB AG, a global leader in software-driven systems for targeted, less-invasive medical treatments, to establish the world’s first state-of-the-art digitally-integrated neuroscience centre. Driven by neuroscience expertise from the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), the leading regional specialist centre for cutting edge treatment, education and research in the neurosciences, the new facility will be located at SGH.

Novalis Radiosurgery System: an integrated treatment system that shapes beams of focused high-energy radiation from all angles to deliver non-invasive, precise treatments that shrink or control the growth of tumour cells of the brain, head, neck, spine, liver, lung and prostate. With the Novalis technology, harm to surrounding tissue is significantly reduced.

What is radiosurgery?
Radiosurgery is a radiation therapy procedure that uses a special system to precisely deliver a large radiation dose to a tumor in a single session. The goal of this non-invasive procedure is to destroy the target without surgery or harming nearby healthy tissue. It is used to treat brain tumors and other brain disorders. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer, such as lung and spinal indications. It is also called radiation surgery, stereotactic external-beam radiation, stereotactic radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and stereotaxic radiosurgery.

What is Novalis® Shaped Beam Surgery?
Novalis is an advanced treatment device for patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for a variety of medical conditions, including different types of cancer. With Novalis, the treatment beams are shaped to match the exact contour of the tumor or lesion so that even irregularly shaped tumors or lesions can receive doses of radiation consistent with what has been prescribed, effectively destroying the tumor. Sophisticated software calculates the ideal access points to the tumor or lesion and defines the treatment plan. During treatment, Novalis moves around the patient’s body so that the radiation penetrates the entire tumor or lesion from different angles quickly. While the tumor or lesion receives the full dose of radiation, the surrounding healthy tissue only receives a small percentage of the radiation, which reduces potential damage to delicate structures such as the brainstem or spinal cord. Novalis was first implemented almost a decade ago for the treatment of brain tumors or lesions, where pinpoint precision is required to focus radiation treatment on tumors or lesions close to critical structures. Now, experts are taking advantage of the precision of Novalis to increase the range of a patient’s available treatment options and treat other areas of the body, such as the lung, liver, prostate and spine.

What is the advantage of shaped beam radiosurgery?
Traditionally, circular beams are used for radiosurgery. The resulting dose of such an approach is a spherical dose volume. As most lesions are very irregular in shape, several of those spherical dose volumes have to be composed together to cover the complex tumor shape. Other systems try to move the circular beam to “paint” the dose into the tumor volume over a time. Both approaches are time consuming and do not ideally tailor the dose to the exact shape of the tumor. This can result in lower than desired irradiation to parts of the tumor and higher than desired irradiation to healthy tissue. Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery has set a new standard by shaping each treatment beam to contour the exact shape of the tumor and avoiding normal tissue with highly accurate and homogeneous doses.

Will there be any side effects?
The procedure itself is not painful. Side effects that you might experience immediately following treatment include headache and dizziness. Your doctor will discuss specific side effects with you, which may occur depending on your overall treatment plan.

What types of conditions can be treated with Novalis?
Depending on your particular case, Novalis Shaped Beam Surgery may be the right treatment option for you. Novalis can be used to treat non-cancerous and cancerous conditions such as:
Arteriovenous malformations (AVM)
Cavernous angiomas
Trigeminal neuralgia
Intractable seizures
Parkinson’s disease
Brain metastases / Gliomas
Acoustic neuromas
Pediatric brain tumors
Recurrent brain tumors
Pituitary adenomas
Meningiomas of the skull base
Craniopharyngiomas
Spine, prostate, liver and lung malignancies

What are the benefits of treatment with Novalis?
There are several reasons why you might want to request treatment with Novalis:
Novalis is extremely precise and radiation damage to normal tissue is minimized
Novalis ensures that the tumor or lesion receives an even distribution of the prescribed radiation dose by shaping the beam to accurately match the outline of the tumor or lesion
Novalis is optimized to deliver radiosurgery in the shortest possible time, averaging 15 minutes, preventing errors due to minor movements during long treatments
Novalis is one of the most technologically advanced procedures available today
Novalis is non-invasive, with only minor incisions for cranial halo procedures
Novalis is painless and treatment is usually performed on an out-patient basis


13.6.07



Tuesday, June 12, 2007

A Lesson in Life

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, if they be events, illnesses or relationships, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere.

If someone hurts you, betrays you , or breaks you heart, forgive them. For they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to who you open your heart to.

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them.

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again.

Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Hold your head up because you have every right to.

Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either.

You can make of your life anything you wish.

Create your own life and then go out and live it.


12.6.07



Monday, June 11, 2007

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.


11.6.07




TOP TEN FRUITS
How you rank fruit depends upon the reason you're eating the fruit and your individual tastes. The four most valuable nutrients in fruits are fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids (e.g. beta carotene), and phytonutrients (health-building substances). Here are our rankings - an overall "Top Ten Fruits" list and our top choices for fiber and vitamin C.
Our top ten ranking of fruits is based upon their content of these nutrients: vitamin C, fiber, carotenoids, calcium, and folic acid. Availability, safety, and versatility also influenced these choices.

1.Avocado
2.Papaya
3.Guava
4.Cantaloupe
5.Orange
6.Apricots (dried, unsulfured)
7.Mango
8.Strawberries (organic)
9.Kiwi
10.Grapefruit (pink or red)


11.6.07




THE TOP TEN VEGGIES
Taking into consideration the following factors - protein, fiber, beta carotene, vitamin C, B-vitamins, folate, calcium, zinc, iron, and phytonutrients - here are our top ten veggies in alphabetical order:

Artichokes
Beans (kidney and black)
Beet greens
Broccoli
Chick peas
Lentils
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Tofu
Tomatoes

For more information on nutrition facts, visit this place http://www.animalliberation.org.au/vegonutr.php


11.6.07



Monday, June 04, 2007

EVERYONE'S A CRACKED POT
An elderly woman had 2 large pots. Each hung on one end of a pole that she carried across the back of her neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it and always ended up being only 1/2 full of water when she arrived home.
This went on for 2 years, with the woman taking home only 1-1/2 pots of water every day.
One day, the cracked pot, ashamed of its imperfection, decided to speak to the woman.
"I am ashamed of myself, of this crack of mine that causes water to leak."
But the old woman replied: "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path but not on the other pot's side?"
"I planted seeds on your side of the path and every day, while we walked back, you watered them."
"I have been able to pick those beautiful flowers to decorate the table because of you."
The point of the story?

Everyone has a flaw. You have to take people for what they are and look for the good in them.


4.6.07