What aging is all about

Hi Parents

Today, would like to share a poem on what aging is all about. Enjoy!

         

Another year has passed and we are all a little older.

Last summer felt hotter and winter seems much colder.

There was a time not long ago when life was quite a blast.

Now I fully understand about ‘Living in the Past’.

 

We used to go to weddings, football games and lunches.

Now we go to funeral homes and after-funeral brunches.

We used to have hangovers from parties that were gay.

Now we suffer body aches and while the night away.

 

We used to go out dining and could not get our fill.

Now we ask for doggie bags, come home and take a pill.

We used to often travel to places near and far.

Now we get sore asses from riding in the car.

 

We used to go to nightclubs and drink a little booze.

Now we stay home at night and watch the evening news.

That, my friend is how life is and now my tale is told.

So, enjoy each day and live it up before you are too damned old!

 

So parents, life is short!  Be in the moment in the midst of your busy routine!

 

Benefits of Brisk Walking

Hi parents
Today, would like to share with you the benefits of brisk walking:
    
For a healthy body
Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit. You may have a busy life but try and introduce physical activity in your life. A moderate dose of physical exercise for 30 minutes (for a start, even 15 minutes is all right to begin with) a day is enough to keep you healthy. This form of aerobic fitness can lift your mood, make you physically fit, and improve the quality of your life.
Before you start
Wear the right pair of walking shoes and comfortable clothes. Remember to carry and drink water while you walk, to hydrate yourself. Walk for 15-20 minutes for the first three days, and then gradually increase the time. You can use a pedometer to count the steps you take.
For a healthy heart
Walking can lower your cholesterol level and decrease the risk for cardiovascular diseases. It can also strengthen your heart, muscles and lungs. A strong heart with an increased heart rate is able to carry more blood to the rest of your body. Brisk walking every day lets you burn up to 200 calories and reduces body fat.
Cut risk of hypertension and diabetes
According to a study, regular walking improves the BMI (body mass index) and blood pressure levels in people with diabetes. Allowing muscle movement leads to more use of glucose by the muscle cells. This also involves utilization of more insulin, which improves blood sugar levels. Low blood pressure levels can also protect against kidney failure, heart attack and stroke.
Reduce risks and effects of cancer
Research shows that in colon cancer, a speedy walk can give less time to the carcinogens present in the food to come in touch with the intestinal lining and reduce the risks of having cancer from the start itself. With improved blood circulation, walking brings in positive energy within the body and therefore lessens the side effects of chemotherapy.
Protect against miscarriages
Despite the several body changes during pregnancy, regular walking can benefit you in many ways. It can reduce fatigue and related pains, help lose weight easily, and lower risks of gestational diabetes. Walking can also prevent spontaneous abortions by lowering down the hormonal fluctuations which cause uterine contractions.
For better sexual health
A regular habit of brisk walking can improve your performance in bed. Walking 5 kilometres a day boosts blood circulation which cuts down on the risk of impotency. You can be healthy and fit, and need not rely on medicines to keep your love life active.
Rejuvenate your mind and spirit
Walking benefits not just your body but also your mind. Brisk walking helps ease stress and anxiety, reduces depression and imparts a positive kick-start to your day. It improves your self-esteem, charges up the mood and helps to keep you energetic, positive and happy throughout the day.
Manage extra kilos
Proper exercise coupled with a nutritious diet can help to burn calories which would otherwise end up as fat. You can burn up to 100 kcal of energy by walking a mile and for every two miles you walk, three times per week, you are guaranteed to lose 0.5 kg every month. With a habit of brisk walking 45 minutes a day, a slimmer waistline will not remain a distant dream.
Improve brainpower
Walking stimulates the blood flow, and provides oxygen to the brain. This leads to improved functioning of the brain and better ability to recall. Besides, a moderate dose of physical activity is also known to lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in seniors.
Add years to your life
Exercising can add to longevity. Thirty minutes of daily physical activity is said to extend your life by 1.3 years. More importantly, it can keep you fit by preventing, or delaying, the onset of age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. Walking with peers can also cheer you up and motivate you.
A word of caution:
Consult your doctor If you happen to suffer from any condition, and intend to start walking, it is always better to consult your doctor first. Discuss whether you need to take any precautions and follow his suggestions about whether you should go for brisk walk, and also how you should go about it.
So parents, go get the right walking shoes and get the whole family to do this healthy exercise together.

Politics at home

Hi Parents

Today, would like to share a little politics humour at home.

        

A little boy goes to his dad and asks, ‘What is Politics?’
Dad says, ‘Well, son, let me try to explain it this way:
I am the head of the family, so call me The Prime Minister.
Your mother is the administrator of the money, so we call her the Government.
We are here to take care of your needs, so we will call you the People.

The nanny, we will consider her the Working Class.. 
And your baby brother, we will call him the Future.
Now think about that and see if it makes sense.

The little boy goes off to bed thinking about what Dad had said.
Later that night, he hears his baby brother crying, so he gets up to check up on him.
He finds that the baby has severely soiled his nappy/diaper.
So the little boy goes to his parents’ room and finds his mother asleep.

Not wanting to wake her up, he goes to the nanny’s room. Finding the door locked, he peeks in the keyhole and sees his father in bed with the nanny.  He gives up and goes back to bed.  The next morning, the little boy says to his father, ‘Dad, I think I understand the concept of politics now.’  The father says, ‘Good, son, tell me in your own words what you think politics is all about.’

The little boy replies, ‘The Prime Minister is screwing the Working Class while the Government is sound asleep. The People are being ignored and the Future is in deep shit.’

So parents, be aware of what you tell your children.  They pick up fast and use it appropriately.

Talk by Zhou Hong – Naughty Children, BORN or BRED

Hi Parents
In the process of accompanying your children’s growth, do you feel like you are:
-    sitting on a high-speed roller coaster so frightened with the bumps and downs OR
-    walking in the rugged steep cliff so afraid that you may fall in the abyss.

Are you always in a panic mode given the pressure from the current educational system?

  • How can we raise our children into a person with great results and most importantly, with good personalities without compromising a happy childhood?
  • How can we prevent our children from joining the gangs? Or save them if they are already in it?
  • How to teach our children about bullying in schools and how to handle such situations?
  • How could we get our children out from game addiction?
  • How do we get our children to understand the impact of young love?
  • How do we get our children excel in their school without giving them high pressure?
If you are facing 3 or more of the above challenges, come hear what Professor Zhou Hong has to share:
-    Use of an easy to understand language to help the audience grasp the principles and techniques of Appreciation Education.
-    Deal with some of major and common problems that our children are facing today.
-    Concepts that will transform your parenting paradigm into a whole new way of bringing up your children regardless of how difficult your situation as a parent is today.

Professor Zhou Hong believes that the only way to help our children is to first learn how to be parents ourselves. Parents too, have to improve ourselves to become better parents for our children.

For more details, please click onto the following links:

 

Be In The Present

Hi Parents

Today, I am going to share a story that touches my heart . . .

     

A friend of mine opened his wife’s underwear drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package:  “This” he said: “isn’t any ordinary package.”

He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box.  “She got this the first time we went to New York about 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on.  Was saving it for a special occasion.”

“Well, I guess this is it.”  He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothings he was taking to the funeral house.  His wife had just died.

He turned to me and said: “Never save something for a special occasion.   Every day in your life is a special occasion.”

I still think of those words that had changed my life.  Now I read more and clean less.  I sit on the settee without worrying about anything and just relax.  I spend more time with my family and friends and less at work.

Money is to be spent not saved.  I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through.

I no longer keep anything.  I use crystal glasses every day.  I will wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.  I don’t save my special perfume for special occasions.  I use it whenever I want to.  I go out with my friends whenever I want to rather than thinking I don’t have the spare money or time.

The words ‘Someday…’ and ‘ One Day…’ are fading away from my dictionary.  If it’s worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now…

I don’t know what my friend’s wife would have done if she knew she wouldn’t be there the next morning.  This nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends.  She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels.  She might have told everyone how much she loved them.

I would like to think she would go out for her favourite Chinese food.  It’s these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come..

 

Each day, each hour, each minute, is special.  Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no one.

So parents, treasure each day with your loved ones.

The Goodness of Vitamin ‘F’

Dear Parents…
       
 

                         


Many of us have a variety of friends who are all different in characters
Some of them have flaws but so do I
It is an art to get on with them all
Every friend helps to bring out a “different” part of me . . .
With some of them, I am polite and as refined as I can be
I joke a lot with another.
I talk about serious matters with others.
With another I laugh a lot.
I share a glass of wine with one and dance on occasion with another.
I listen to one friend’s problems and give her advice

Then I listen to another advising me.
They are all like pieces of a jigsaw,
When completed they form a treasure box.
A treasure of friends!
They are my friends who understand me better than I myself do,
Who support me through good days and bad days.

They are the anti-depressants that I need to make it through life.
Doctors tell us that friends are good for our health.
Dr. Oz calls them Vitamins F (for Friends) and recounts the many benefits of
Friends to our well being.
Research shows that people in strong social circles have less risk of
Depression and terminal strokes.
If you take Vitamin F constantly, you can be a lot younger than your physical age.
The warmth of friendship reduces stress and can decrease your risk of cardiac arrest or stroke.
We should all value our friends and keep in touch with them.
And continue to make new friends.
I’m fortunate to have a plentiful stock of Vitamin F!

Thank you for being one of my vitamins!

Birthday Celebration at The King Louis Bar & Grill

Hi parents

Yes, it was my birthday yesterday.  Since crossing the half-century mark, I have left it to my children to organize the programs for me.

Morning, I relax and read a book I started yesterday.  Lunch was simple rice packet bought from the coffee shop downstairs.

In the afternoon, I went to church with my third girl at City Harvest for the 2 – 4 pm service.  There was a drama on Home Coming that combined the screen and actual performance.  As usual, I am always amazed at the standard they put up which is of high quality – from costumes, props and acting.

Thereafter, Pastor Kong shared on the message of Christ being with us – Restore, Refresh and Remake.  Yes, as I reflect the year 2011 coming to an end in a week’s time, there definitedly is need for restoration, refreshing and remaking of a new me.  I am not a religious person but somehow the message resounded to me.

Dinner was at The King Louis Bar & Grill at Vivo.  Was glad that my mum and sister could join us.  We ordered a combination of meat and seafood platter.  Although it said suitable for 4 – 5 persons, the 7 of us struggled to finish all the food.  In the end, only the potatoes were left.

I look forward to more such celebrations for many more years to come and I will be thankful if my mum can join in for as long as she can.

Here’s Merry Christmas to all sharing my joy for this joyous occasion.

 

BRA Knowledge (2)

Hi Parents

Below are 5 challenges that women face when beating the BRA blues:

   

1)    For cases where underwire is tight and pokes into the flesh under the arm,  this could either mean that the bra size  is too small or the style is not suitable.  For this challenge, pick a bigger bra or one with wider cups.  Alternatively, choose a bra without an underwire.

2)    For sagging breasts, the cup fabric can be too stretchy and filmy or the bra size is too large.  Hence, big or heavy breasts can become pendulous without proper support.  For this challenge, get a bra with good support.  A good gauge is to have the overbust or the fullest part of the breasts fall halfway between the elbow and shoulder.  Some features to look out are:

  • a 3-section cup with lightly padded foam sewn in
  • support panels which are additional cloth sewn inside the cup for added support
  • a band all the way around the bottom of the bra
  • strong shoulder straps that do not leave marks on the shoulders (have a gap of 2 fingers between the straps and the skin)
  • 3 or more hooks in the back

3)    For breasts which are wide apart, this could happen when the bra worn is too big or you have not been wearing a bra for a long period of time.  For this challenge, choose a good support bra with underwire, moulded cups and flanked by thicker side panels.  Alternatively, wear a half corsage as this has a lifting effect.

4)    What happenes when one breast is bigger than the other?  For this challenge, choose a fit that is comfortable for the larger breast.  Strike a balance by adding or removing “cookies”, removable padded materials that come with some bras.  These items can also be bought separately,

5)    For underarm flabs, these are breast tissues.  For such challenges, wear a bra with bigger size panels to tuck them away.  Using your hand, “scoop” in all the flesh from the sides into the bra.  This also helps to increase the breast size.

 

Below are some tips on how to wear your BRAs correctly:

a)   Slip your arms through the shoulder straps.  Bend forward to allow your breasts to fall naturally into the bra cups.  Then fasten the hook.

b)   Adjust the shoulder straps so that they rest comfortably on your shoulders.  Your straps should not be too tight or too loose.

c)   Bend forward and tuck your breasts into the cups, pushing them inwards to get a comfortable fit.

d)   Make sure your bra is levelled all around your body.

d)   To check that you have the right size, raise your arms.  The bra should remain exactly where you have worn it.  If it rides up or move to the side, then it’s not the right fit.  Also, check that there is no gaps between the bra cups and breasts.  The bra cups should also not cut into your breasts.

 

So mothers, do take note of the above tips and share them with your daughters too.

A Message to Baby Boomers in Singapore

Hi parents

Today, would like to share a note to those borne in the 50s, 60s and early 70s . . .

First, we survived with mothers who had no maids. They cooked and cleaned while taking care of us at the same time.

They took aspirin, candy floss, fizzy drinks, shaved ice with syrups and diabetes were rare.  Salt added to Pepsi or Coke was remedy for fever.  We drank water from the tap and NOT from a bottle.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we wore no helmets.

As children, we would ride with our parents on bicycles or motorcycles for 2 or 3.  Richer ones get in cars with no seat belts or air bags.  Riding in the back of a private taxi was a special treat.

We would spend hours on the fields under bright sunlight flying our kites, without worrying about the UV ray which never seem to affect us.  We went to the jungle to catch spiders without worries of Aedes mosquitoes.

With mere 5 pebbles (stones) would be an endless game.  With a ball (tennis ball best) we boys would run like crazy for hours.  We caught guppies in drains or canals and when it rained, we swam there.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually worried about being unhygienic.  We ate salty, very sweet and oily food, candies, bread and real butter.  We also drank very sweet soft drinks, sweet coffee or tea, eat ice kacang but we weren’t overweight because……. WE WERE OFTEN OUT PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, till street lights came on.  No one was able to reach us all day. WE DID NOT HAVE HANDPHONE S TO BUG US.  We were O.K. AND WE WERE SAFE.

We would spend hours repairing our old bicycles and wooden scooters out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes.  After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem .

We did not have Playstations, X-boxes, Nintendo’s, multiple channels on cable TV, DVD movies, no surround sound, no phones, no personal computers, no Internet.  WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and we still continued the stunts.  We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and just yelled for them!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.  They actually sided with the law!

We never had birthdays parties till we were 21.  Yet this generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!  The past 40 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned . . . HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

To all these baby boomers, YOU are one of them and CONGRATULATIONS!

 

So parents, share this note with your kids so they will know how adventurous brave their parents were.

The Facts about Onions

Hi Parents

Today, would like to share some facts about life-saving onions.

In 1919 there was a flu outbreak that killed 40 million people. On a farm visit, a doctor chanced upon a farmer and to his surprise, everyone in the family was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different, the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home. The doctor could not believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions. When placed under the microscope, the doctor found flu virus in the onion. It had obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.

In Australia, a hairdresser shared her story. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work. Try it and see what happens.  “We did it last year and we never got the flu.”

In Oregon, a patient who had pneumonia shared – I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion, put it into an empty jar and.place the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs.  Sure enough, it happened just like that – the onion was a mess and I began to feel better.  The article also said that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

 

LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS

From a chemist – . when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the ‘victim’ last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from. He explained that onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion. He said it is not even safe even if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator.

Many times when we have stomach problems, we do not know what to blame. One of the probable cause is onions. Onions absorb bacteria which is why they are so good at preventing us from getting colds and flu. That is the very reason why we should not eat onions that has been sitting for a time after it has been cut open.

Onions when cut are already contaminated. The longer they stay exposed, the degree of contamination increases.  If you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy, you will probably be okay but if you sliced the leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you are asking for trouble.

Another note – refrain from cutting an onion and try to use it to cook the next day.  It becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates toxic bacteria which may cause adverse stomach infections because of excess bile secretions and even food poisoning.

For those who have dogs.  Never let them eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions.

 

So parents, make sure you keep ample stocks of onions at home to keep your family healthy.

 

Born to love

Hi Parents

Today, would like to share a short note about LOVE.

We are born with two eyes in front because we must not always look behind but see what lies ahead beyond ourselves.

We are born to have two ears – one left, one right so we can hear both sides?  The ears collect both compliments and criticisms to see which are right.

We are born with a brain concealed in a skull.  No matter how poor we are, we are still rich, for no one can steal what our brain contains.  It packs in more jewels and rings than you can think.

We are born with two eyes, two ears but one mouth for it is a sharp weapon. It can hurt, flirt, and kill. Remember our motto: talk less, listen and see more.

We are born with only one heart, deep in our ribs it reminds us to appreciate and give love from deep within.

 

So parents, share about LOVE with your children and family.  Appreciate each other and offer your deepest love from within.

 

Have a great week ahead!    

 

  

Miracle treatment for burns

Hi parents

Today, would like to share with you the treatment of burns using egg white.

 

A young man sprinkling his lawn and bushes with pesticides.  He wanted to check the contents of the barrel to see how much pesticide remained in it.  As he raised the cover and lit his lighter, the vapors inflamed and engulfed him.  He jumped from his truck, screaming.  His neighbour came out of her house with a dozen eggs, yelling: “Bring me some more eggs!”  She broke them, separating the whites from the yolks. 

The neighbour woman helped apply the whites on the young man’s face.  When the ambulance arrived and when the staff saw the young man, they asked who had done this.  Everyone pointed to the lady in charge.  They congratulated her and said: “You have saved his face.” 

By the end of the summer, the young man brought the lady a bouquet of roses to thank her.  His face was like a baby’s skin.

 

Healing Miracle for burns:

Keep in mind this treatment of burns which is included in teaching beginner fireman this method.  First aid consists to spraying cold water on the affected area until the heat is reduced and stops burning the layers of skin.  Then, spread egg whites on the affected are.

One woman burned a large part of her hand with boiling water.  Inspite of the pain, she ran cold faucet water on her hand, separated 2 egg white from the yolks, beat them slightly and dipped her hand in the solution.  The whites then dried and formed a protective layer.

She later learned that the egg white is a natural collagen and continued for at least one hour to apply layer upon layer of beaten egg white.  By afternoon she no longer felt any pain and the next day there was hardly a trace of the burn.  10 days later, no trace was left at all and her skin had regained its normal color.  The burned area was totally regenerated thanks to the collagen in the egg whites, a placenta full of vitamins.

 

So parents, do keep stock of eggs in the home.  When in need to treat burns, these will come in handy.

To London with my girl

Hi friends

My youngest girl won a trip to London to watch “Take That” at Wembley stadium.  So off we went on 1 July 2011.  Extended our stay from 4 – 7 Jul.

 

It sure has been a wonderful experience for both of us exploring London on our own.  Click on the following link for more photos.

http://www.facebook.com/n/?photo.php&fbid=10150230215665044&set=at.10150230211745044.314144.702075043.605248957&type=1&mid=4854c71G24135dbdG722b8eaG5&bcode=a7RJLsm0&n_m=june_goh%40yahoo.com

Happy viewing!

Go Riceless

Hi parents

Today, would like to share with you about going riceless.

The human body was never meant to consume rice!  Over more than 30,000 years, our genes have hardly changed.  What has changed is our choice of good and lifestyle. 

      

Caveman food was never cooked as fire was not yet tamed.  He ate fruits, vegetables, fish eggs, nuts and meat. Yes, even meat can be eaten raw if you were starving in the forest. Our body has the necessary enzymes to digest meat.

Rice, like wheat and corn, must be cooked before consumption. Even if you were starving in the desert, you cannot eat rice in the raw form.  This is because our body do not have the system of enzymes to break rice down. We were never meant to eat rice. To make matters worse, we not only eat rice but also make it the bulk of your food.

In Asia context, rice forms up to 85% of the plate.  Keep it to a minimum if you can. Remember, it is only our tongue and not your body tasting the food.  In fact, rice and other grains like wheat and corn are actually worse than sugar.  Below are many reasons:

1         When consumed, rice becomes sugar

Rice is chemically no different from sugar – 1 bowl of cooked rice is equal of 10 teaspoons of sugar. It is the same for white, brown or herbal rice.  Although brown rice is richer in fibre, contains some vitamin B and minerals, it is still equal of 10 teaspoons of sugar. To get the same 10 teaspoons of sugar, you need to consume 10 bowls of kangkong, how about that.

2         When digested, rice becomes sugar
Rice can only be digested when it is thoroughly cooked.  However, when cooked, it becomes sugar and spikes circulating blood sugar within half an hour.  This is almost like taking a sugar candy. Rice is very low in the ‘rainbow of anti-oxidants’ as compared to fruits.  Fruits come with a sugar called fructose. However, these are not empty calories as they contain a whole bunch of other nutrients that help in proper assimilation and digestion.

3         White rice has no fibre
Kangkong is high in fibre and fills one up long before the blood sugar spikes. This is because the fibre bulks and fills up your stomach. Since white rice has no fibre, what you get is lots of ‘calorie dense’ food before you get filled up.  Although brown rice has more fibre, it still amounts to the same level of sugar.

4         Tasteless-sugar rice
The reason why many people can eat one bowl of rice is because it is more or less tasteless.  Imagine if you take 10 spoons of sugar in one go, you will want to throw out.

5         Rice as main part of the meal

Sugar may fill your dessert or sweeten your tea or coffee.  However, it was never meant to be the main part of any meal.  You may go for a couple of desserts (2 – 3 spoons of sugar) at one go.  It is amazing how some people could eat up to 2 to 3 bowls of rice (equivalent to 20-30 teaspoons of sugar) in one meal.  This is followed by a cup of tea or coffee and again with sugar.  Just think of the sugar level consumed.

6         No real ‘built in’ mechanism to prevent overeating of rice
Have you ever wondered how much kangkong, fried chicken, steamed fish you can you eat at one go???  The truth is there is a limit you would take any of these but for rice, somehow one can take up to 2 to 3 bowls.  Consuming rice causes one to take in more salt as rice is tasteless, This in turn can indirectly pump up high blood pressure. Imagine more curry, ketchup and soy sauce to add flavor to the white rice. All these contains high salt content.

7         Eating rice causes one to drink less water
The more rice one consumes, the less water one will drink as there is no mechanism to prevent the overeating of rice.  In other hidden forms, rice, wheat and corn also come as rice flour, noodles and bread. We tend to eat these hidden forms daily which also translate into digested sugar.

8         Rice, when cooked, is still difficult to digest
Have you ever try eating half-cooked rice. Contrary to popular belief, rice is actually difficult to digest. If you have problems with digestion, try skipping rice for a few days. You will be amazed at how the problem will just go away. This is especially so with chicken rice.  In some serious cases, eating cold chicken rice can cause severe indigestion or gastric problems.

9         Huge consumption of rice prevents the absorption of vitamins and minerals

Rice when taken in bulk can reduce the absorption of vital nutrients like zinc, iron and the B vitamins.

If you are rice eater, it’s time to consider going riceless for a change.  Below are some tips in which you can do so:

·         Gradually reducing the portion of rice consumed

Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables instead.  Also, go for more lean meat and fish.  Eggs and nuts are also good choices.

 

·         Go ‘riceless’ once a week

Try going western for a change – steak or salad,  Add colour to your food.  Make eating a culinary delight.  Enjoy food in the original flavours, using spices where applicable.

 

·         Avoid sauces to go with the rice

Try eating plain rice and avoid all sorts of gravies and sauces.  This will ensure less salt and sugar constent found in the gravies and sauces.

 

·         Eating fruit dessert before the main meal

The rich fibre in fruits will make the stomach will feel fuller.  That way, you will eat less rice.  This in turn will reduce the sugar intake. 

 

We are what we eat.  Eating less rice or going riceless is also a way to loose weight, So parents, make the right choice for yourself and your family.  Go riceless at least once a week, for a change.

 

EARN your Health

Hi Singapore parents

I attended a health talk last night and was glad to learn how to EARN your health.  Here are the tips:

      

E for EXERCISE – It is good to keep to regular exercise, be it brisk walking, jogging, swimming or any form.  3 times a week for 30 minutes each time would be ideal.  Else, at least twice a week.

A for ATTITUDE – Having positive thinking is vital to good health.  Whatever you do, as long as you choose the ‘right’ path, the rest will fall in place.

R for REST -This refers to having enough sleep.  If you can, sleep soundly like a baby without worries and allow your body organs to rest enough to recharge.

N for NUTRITION -Basically, we are what we eat.  Go for colours which can be found mainly in vegetables and fruits.  A diet with lesser meat goes a long way to good health.

So parents, hope you find the above tips useful and get your family to EARN their health.  Good health is a blessing to each household.

A to Z of reading . . .

Hi Singapore parentsToday, I am going to share on the A to Z of reading:  

Active mental process
Unlike TV or movies, books make one use his/her brain. By reading, one thinks more and become smarter.

Better than the movie
More often than not, a book provides more colours and details than a two and half-hour visual movie can.

Cheap entertainment
Visit your neighbourhood libraries to get hours of cheap entertainment, for free.  Compared to the price of a movie ticket these days, it is really a good deal.

Discover surprises
Books can surprise one with information one never know.  It is nice when something can make one open his/her eyes in wonder.  It can also fill you with excitement that one cannot wait to share that knowledge with someone else.

Expertise building
To become an expert in one’s chosen field, it would be good to read 100 books on the subject.  If one continues to do that for 5 years, he or she will become an international expert.  With the Internet and blogs, one could hone that time down to 2-3 years if he or she persistently follow through.

Fundamental skill builder
Everyone needs books to help explain stuff.  They help clarify difficult subjects and provide information that goes beyond classroom discussion.

Gets you away from digital distractions
Books are good form of ‘traditional’ entertainment.  Sometimes, nothing beats getting away from the computer or your mobile, and curling up in bed with a good book in hand.

Handy tool to cut down on mistakes
For the wisdom that books can provide, it is indeed a handy tool to cut down on mistakes.

Improves creativity
Reading books exposes oneself to new and more complete information.  It also allows to be able to come up with more creative ideas.

Joy to know other cultures and places
Reading about a place is the next best thing than going there yourself.  When you have no budget to  travel, grab a book.

Kick start a topic
Have you ever run out of stuff to talk about with your best friend, spouse for family?  To remove this discomfort, reading up on topics to discuss, plots to share, etc.  The possibilities are just endless.

Life changing
Information learnt from books can be useful and sometimes pleasantly surprising. Some information can be so impactful that they may change how you view the world forever.  So it is a wonder that many people hold their favourite books dear to their heart.

Make more money
Reading not only increase your expertise in an area, it can also lead to better pay and opportunities. As they say, knowledge is power.

New mental associations
Reading expands your depth and breadth of knowledge and your ability to form new associations you never know existed.

Open to learning
Books are portable. You can take them almost anywhere.  As such, you can learn almost anywhere too.  Just make sure you have good lighting.

Pace learning
Forget about teachers hanging over your head, with reading, there is no need to rush for classes. You just go on your own pace.

Quick release for boredom
Feeling bored on the train, waiting for a bus, twiddling your thumbs while waiting for your date and . . .  Just have a book and read.

Reasoning skills
Books for professionals contain arguments for or against the actions. Seeing both sides of the argument will improve your ability to dissect an issue and form an objective opinion.

Self-esteem building
Becoming an expert in a topic you’ve been reading up makes you feel good.  This is especially so when others sit up and take notice when you speak.

Thought provoking
Reading can be used as a game as it helps you stretch your thinking muscles.  This requires one to remember details, facts and figures.  In literature context, one will need to plot lines, themes and characters.

Useful concentration and focus
Reading can be exercise for the brain. It also allows you to take your mind off other things for just a moment.

Vocabulary building
Reading expands your vocabulary of words.  When you need to express yourself or impress others, that is where the knowledge can be put to good use.

Wonderful way to save
Apart from saving money on entertainment, reading allows you to learn from others’ sometimes painful or expensive mistakes.  As the saying goes, hindsight is always 60/60.

eXtra source of inspiration
If you’re a writer, it is known as a writer’s block.  Books can be such a brilliant source of inspiration to lift you out of that slump! Just make sure you pick the right book.

Yeppy for stress
Many avid readers unwind by reading. If all it does for you is put you to sleep at the end of a stressful day, well, that works too.

Zest for knowledge
Last but not least, readers are always hungry for knowledge.  New books and knowledge are always popping out and there is no end to it.

 

So parents, what are you waiting for?  Have fun reading and get your family to join you.

 

 

The Goodness of Coconut Water (2)

Hi Singapore Parents

Today, would like to share on the difference between coconut milk and coconut water.

 

COCONUT MILK

Coconut milk is made by scraping coconut flesh and pressing out the liquid.  It is very high in fat and needless to say calories.  One cup of coconut milk contains about 550 calories and most of them are from fat.

COCONUT WATER

Coconut water is the fluid that is found in the cavity of the coocnut when you crack it open.  It contains no fat and is very low in calories.  One cup of coconut water is about 50 calories and most of it is from natural sugars.

In addition to water and sugar, coconut water also contains minerals such as potassium and magnesium.  Believe it or not, the water of one coconut has more potassium than a banana.

Below are some health claims when you drink coconut water:

  • Able to help you lose weight
  • Cleanse your kidneys (help prevent or resolve kidney stones)
  • Cure hangover after bouts of liquor/beer
  • It prevents dehydration
  • It promotes heart health by reducing the risk of hypertension and stroke

Why coconut water?

Take it as a sports drink.  It contains water, simple carbohydrates (or sugar) and minerals.  Compared to other sports drink which contains artificial flavouring and food coloring, coconut definitely is a solid upgrade.

For other information on coconut water, you may log on to

http://www.juneparenting.com/2009/06/15/the-goodness-of-coconut-water/

So parents, what are you waiting for?  Get your family members to start drinking coconut water.

Drinking Water To Your Health

Hi Singapore parents

Today, would like to share with you on drinking water to your health.

   

In Japan, study has shown that drinking water immediately after waking up every morning has tremendous advantages. For old and serious diseases and modern illnesses, the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

  • All eye diseases
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Body aches
  • Bronchitis
  • Cancer
  • Constipation
  • Diabetes
  • Diarrhea
  • Ear, nose and throat diseases
  • Epilepsy
  • Excess fatness
  • Fast heart beat
  • Gastritis
  • Headache
  • Heart system
  • Kidney and urine diseases
  • Meningitis
  • Menstrual disorders
  • Piles
  • Tuberculosis
  • Vomiting

 

METHODS OF TREATMENT

1.         As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water

2.                  Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute

3.                  After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal

4.                  After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours

5.                  Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day

6.                  The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life
 

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

 i.               For arthritis patients, drink 3 days in the first week and from the second week onwards, daily.

ii.               For constipation and gastric – 10 days

iii.               For diabetes and high blood pressure 30 days

iv.               For tuberculosis   90 days

 v.               For cancer 180 days
 

These treatments have no side effects.  However, during the initial stage, you may have to visit the toilet more often to urinate.  It would be good if we can stick to this routine in our life – DRINK WATER, STAY HEALTY and BE ACTIVE

 

BETWEEN WARM AND COLD WATER

The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals and not cold water. Perhaps, it is time we adopt this drinking habit while eating!!!  Nothing to lose, everything to gain…

For those who like to drink cold water, this portion is applicable to you.  It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this “sludge” reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.  Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. 

So parents, get family to start on this water routine for a happier and healthier life.