Taking care of health
Well, as you said, different people use different methods to stay in shape and in good health. Some achieved success while others failed. But apart from some genetic factors, “We are what we eat”, said Prof Hiromi Shinya, Pioneer in colonoscopy. After Prof Shinya examined the colon of some 300,000 people, he made the above conclusion. The Shinya’s 7 Golden Keys for Good Health have many followers around the world, including many head of states.
I’m also advocating healthy living by getting rid of “low body temperature”. There have been many research on the “low body temperature syndrome” in recent years (including that Prof Shinya), and I have been sharing this research findings with many people in Singapore in my talks. Though science tells us that we should have a body temperature of 36.5 to 36.8 degree Celsius, many people are living a life with their body temperature much lower than this, and this is dangerous!
“Healthy is by choice… Not by chance”! As long as we are mindful of what we eat and do each day, I believe we can remain healthy for many more years to come.
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Yes, excessive use of air-con not only lowers the room temperature, it also lowers our body temperature. This is not good because a drop of 0.5 degree Celsius in body temperature will result in a 35% decrease in our immune system! Apart from that, research also shows that cancer patients have very low body temperature, typically less than 36 degree Celsius. And you may want to note that cancer cells multiply most rapidly at a body temperature of 35 degree Celsius.
Changes in our lifestyle has resulted in a drop in our body temperature across the board. Ladies are the most affected group, with many working in air-con without physical exercises! Typically, people with low body temperature syndrome start with “cold hands and cold feet”, then spread to backache, neck and shoulder pain, headache, constipation and then spread to the other organs. This is what medical experts say.
Hope that all will pay attention to these seemingly little problems. At 50, we should not suffer from any of these tiny problems. If you do, change your lifestyle and get rid of them. Don’t rely on medications to remove them, they don’t and they will never. Medications only mask the problems, they numb your senses.
Hope that make sense to you and all.
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Our body is a huge chemical factory with thousands of processes going on, and each of these processes are controlled (and activated) by enzymes. Often we use up our enzymes and the chemical processes slow down and even stop. In one theory on enzyme potential, the body’s life ends when the enzyme potential is exhausted. So all enzymes are important, though some are critically important as compared to others. So his advice is to live a life so that enzymes in our body are aplenty and active. It’s interesting to read “The Enzyme Factor”.
Yes, being warm-blooded, we should be able to regulate our body temperature if our lifestyle remains as our body was designed to be. However, our lifestyle has been modified quite a lot:
· Stress
· Lack of exercise
· Taking too much medications
· Eating too much
· Drinking too much water
As s result of this combination of factors, the blood circulation in our body slows down, body temperature drops and immune system weakens. Prolonging this lifestyle will definitely bring about adverse and sometimes irreversible effects to our body. Health is a one-way ticket, so value it when it is still present.
Prof Shinya recommends diet and lifestyle changes for those who recognise the problems and wish to change.
Dr Hiromi Shinya’s Seven Golden Keys for Good Health
1. A good diet
· 85-90% plant-based foods
· 10-15% animal-based proteins
· Take herbal teas, seaweeds, brewers’ yeast, pollen, enzymes & multivitamins
2. Good water
· Drinking ‘good water’ such as mineral water / hard water
· Adults 6-10 cups everyday
· Drink 1-3 cups after waking up
· Drink 2-3 cups about an hour before each meal
3. Regular Elimination
· Start a daily habit to remove intestinal pollutants
4. Moderate exercise
· Exercise appropriately for your age and physical conditions
· Walking, swimming, tennis, bicycling, golf, muscle strengthening, yoga, martial arts & aerobics are examples of good exercise
5. Adequate rest
· Go to bed at the same time each night with 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
· Don’t eat or drink 4-5 hours before bedtime
· Take a short nap of 30 minutes after lunch
6. Breathing & Meditation
· Practice meditation
· Practice positive thinking
· Do deep abdominal breathing 4-5 times per hour
· Wear loose clothing
· Listen to your own body
7. Joy and Love
· Joy and love will boost your body’s enzyme factor
· Take time everyday for an attitude of appreciation
· Laugh
· Sing
· Dance
· Love passionately and engage your life, work and the ones you love with your full heart.
Just to share with friends who understand and willing to take health into his/her own hands.
Best regards,
Meng Kwang
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A Boy in Punishment - a Tribute to Teachers by Lee Fei Fung
It was a hot sticky afternoon, or it must have been so for a boy who stood in punishment in front of class Form 3. The teacher was sitting at her desk marking exercise books, while the lad was standing beside the blackboard at one corner,his body almost leaning against the wall, fidgetting in an uneasy manner. As for what reason he was made to stand in front of the whole class, I have not a clue now.
The teacher, in between marking her work , pushed up her spectacle from her nose, and with sharp piercing eyes, observed the boy.Then with a tinge of amusement , she remarked : ' You know something, I could tell what kind of a person you are by the way you stand...' The boy, whose body posture formed a 's' shape, and sometimes interchanged to '2' shape, looked alarmed at what the teacher was going to say.
' I think you must be a sloppy, and wishy washy person in your work , for you can't even stand straight.
The teacher continued : 'And I can also tell what type of person you are by the way you dress..." With his head down, the lad looked shameful and unbearable.A look at his shirt revealed that it was creasy, half tucked in and half falling out of his trousers from the waist. The teacher continued : ' I can tell that you are a very untidy and perhaps disorganised person.' her voice was without any malice, instead was filled with motherly concern.
Gosh, how the lad must have wished that there was a hole for him to hide in! The poor lad clung even closer to the corner wall, and his face red with embarrassment. Apparently he was extremely uncomfortable to be in the lime light. All eyes were focused on him.
I was filled with a mingled feelings of sympathy for the boy, and an awed feeling for the teacher's 'prophetic' power of character analysis. After what seemed a century long ordeal ( actually only a few minutes long ), the lad was finally ' released '. Hastily he fled to his seat,brushing me by and leaving me wondering what the future would hold for him after such a comment from a highly respectable teacher.
This historical account was so vivid in my memory that it was like a strong imprint in my brain.
Have you ever wondered who the boy was ?
Well......he is none other than our Dato Neo Say Yeow!
~~~~~
Hi, Say Yeow,
I wonder whether you remember this incident of your school days. We were classmates since primary 6 from Tah Tong school in Pontian Besar, remember? Thousand apologies if I cause you embarrassment by my article. The whole point what I want to make here is :- I am really glad that you proved the teacher ( Mrs Mathew ) wrong by your subsequent brilliant academic results, as well as your achievement in life.I tend to think.... perhaps it was Mrs Mathew's remarks that jerked you up, so that you pulled up your socks and worked hard, who knows....
( Hi, Say Yeow, I think I better be discreet before e-mailing the above to the ssp group, in case you may find it offensive or embarrassing. However, I can see that you are a humorous person who can take things with a pinch of salt in life, after all the incident was so long ago in the past. The above article is subject to your kind approval, amendment and/or ' censorship'. If it is ok, kindly forward th same to the ssp group.)
From : Lee Fei Fung
The teacher, in between marking her work , pushed up her spectacle from her nose, and with sharp piercing eyes, observed the boy.Then with a tinge of amusement , she remarked : ' You know something, I could tell what kind of a person you are by the way you stand...' The boy, whose body posture formed a 's' shape, and sometimes interchanged to '2' shape, looked alarmed at what the teacher was going to say.
' I think you must be a sloppy, and wishy washy person in your work , for you can't even stand straight.
The teacher continued : 'And I can also tell what type of person you are by the way you dress..." With his head down, the lad looked shameful and unbearable.A look at his shirt revealed that it was creasy, half tucked in and half falling out of his trousers from the waist. The teacher continued : ' I can tell that you are a very untidy and perhaps disorganised person.' her voice was without any malice, instead was filled with motherly concern.
Gosh, how the lad must have wished that there was a hole for him to hide in! The poor lad clung even closer to the corner wall, and his face red with embarrassment. Apparently he was extremely uncomfortable to be in the lime light. All eyes were focused on him.
I was filled with a mingled feelings of sympathy for the boy, and an awed feeling for the teacher's 'prophetic' power of character analysis. After what seemed a century long ordeal ( actually only a few minutes long ), the lad was finally ' released '. Hastily he fled to his seat,brushing me by and leaving me wondering what the future would hold for him after such a comment from a highly respectable teacher.
This historical account was so vivid in my memory that it was like a strong imprint in my brain.
Have you ever wondered who the boy was ?
Well......he is none other than our Dato Neo Say Yeow!
~~~~~
Hi, Say Yeow,
I wonder whether you remember this incident of your school days. We were classmates since primary 6 from Tah Tong school in Pontian Besar, remember? Thousand apologies if I cause you embarrassment by my article. The whole point what I want to make here is :- I am really glad that you proved the teacher ( Mrs Mathew ) wrong by your subsequent brilliant academic results, as well as your achievement in life.I tend to think.... perhaps it was Mrs Mathew's remarks that jerked you up, so that you pulled up your socks and worked hard, who knows....
( Hi, Say Yeow, I think I better be discreet before e-mailing the above to the ssp group, in case you may find it offensive or embarrassing. However, I can see that you are a humorous person who can take things with a pinch of salt in life, after all the incident was so long ago in the past. The above article is subject to your kind approval, amendment and/or ' censorship'. If it is ok, kindly forward th same to the ssp group.)
From : Lee Fei Fung
Saturday, November 15, 2008
"Ayam" anyone? by Tan Kok Hua
3 years in the same lower secondary made SSP an ‘old’ boring school. But, somehow starting Form Four was like joining a new school. There were so many new faces and it was nice to meet up old TMIS mates too. However, some SSPians remained territorial e.g. ‘Charcoal’ (Choon) Seng who would occasionally pick a fight a two with boys from other schools. Just like the hala2 bell bottom pants of that time, a new trend in fighting styles also emerged. No more Chen Xing, Chen Kuan Tai, Ti Lung & Fu Sheng. In came, Lee Hsiao Lung. It was fun seeing Choon Seng posing like Bruce Lee when he fought this Pekan Nenas guy (forgot his name) who was much taller than him. Wah, just like the Game of Death, the final episode.
After the Form 3 examination, we thought Four Four should be a honeymoon year until we came to know the big gap between lower and secondary school subject depths. What the heck was Mr Wong Wee Boo trying to tell us when he plotted strange looking curves on the board and putting little delta Y’s and delta X’s all over the place. And, everyone failed the 1st Physics test in class, with the highest mark at 33. Only then did we know Mr Seet. Plotting curves using the flexible lead was indeed primitive compared with the calculators that my daughters use nowadays. Those stainless steel slide rules must be museum pieces now. And, there must be a better way to teach speed and acceleration than those ‘ticker’ tapes!
Our Form Four class was located at the block nearest the school entrance, just pass the bicycle shed. It was the left corner lot on the 1st floor. This was a perfect location to see the whole school went by during the change in sessions. For Tian Gee (SMB Benut) & others, it was just the right spot to screen those Form 5 girls passing by. We had to set up a code of ethics not to disturb friends’ sisters when Tian Gee unknowingly wolf-whistled at my sister’s group.
A less aggressive way to welcome new students and make new friends is through some sports activities. A group of us found interest in volleyball. Not sure who started those afternoon volleyball ‘friendlies’. There were primarily two groups of us. Those trained by SSP’s Mr Teng Peng Lam (our Class teacher in Form 2F & Form 3F, I think), and those from SMTK. Students in Mr Teng’s class would no doubt be influenced into playing volleyball for he was the school coach. [Mr. Teng wrote very well on the black board. He liked his writing so much that occasionally he would go to the back of the class to admire his work. How’s that for vanity?].
The ‘SMTK’ team was a tough one to beat. Of course lah since they have the best setter in Kim Teng [taught Economics to friends after volleyball – what a good example of selflessness] and the best spiker in Chee Peng. They also have better average height advantage in Say Ping, Meng Kwang and Bak Seng (Size XXXL), not to be mistaken with the other Bak Seng (Size M). It was difficult trying to block these SMTK spikers. We have to depend on Sek Siong, Seng Tee & Tat Cheong (where’s he?) to do the blocking. It was even tougher trying to squat and dig in those tight trendy trousers close to knee lengths. You also needed to dive to save those deadly net drop shots known as “ayam” probably because of the way it was executed.
If kung-fu had eagle & tiger claws, volleyball had chicken claws!
All these moves created much stress in the seams and we frequently ended up splitting our trousers. No wonder the feeling was always more free and airy when we cycled home. I also had to stop by Broadway (ok, ok, “Da Lu”. My Chinese is koyak becos’ a group of us preferred to sit at Lau Ong’s class instead of attending Chinese lessons) to re-adjust the ‘spiked’ spectacles frame. The winners had the privilege of first access to the pail of iced sarsi from Lau Ong’s canteen which is a luxury in those hot afternoons. Loosers also need to keep the net. I think after a while, we mixed-and-matched to have more even matches. Kiasu lah! We all learnt how to ‘ayam’ each other so frequently that it became too predictable. To those volleyballers, thanks for your friendship & the fun.
The SSP sports hall was also a basketball battle ground too. The best basketball match has got to be the teachers vs students match on Teachers’ Day. I remember hearing shouts of “sa hap pan, sa hap pan” (plywood in Hokkien) not knowing what it was about until I saw Mr Satthapan ‘dribbling’ and trying to control the rebound (nearly up to his height!). Quite a hilarious sight to see but his spirit of having fun was to be admired. What a gentle gentleman he was. I used to wash his car when he sent it to our petrol station for service. Other ‘teachers’ customers included Mr Prasad and Mr David ‘black&white’ Rabindran (easily the neatest dressed teacher in town).
So, that was a bit of story from Form 4 for your reminiscence.
After the Form 3 examination, we thought Four Four should be a honeymoon year until we came to know the big gap between lower and secondary school subject depths. What the heck was Mr Wong Wee Boo trying to tell us when he plotted strange looking curves on the board and putting little delta Y’s and delta X’s all over the place. And, everyone failed the 1st Physics test in class, with the highest mark at 33. Only then did we know Mr Seet. Plotting curves using the flexible lead was indeed primitive compared with the calculators that my daughters use nowadays. Those stainless steel slide rules must be museum pieces now. And, there must be a better way to teach speed and acceleration than those ‘ticker’ tapes!
Our Form Four class was located at the block nearest the school entrance, just pass the bicycle shed. It was the left corner lot on the 1st floor. This was a perfect location to see the whole school went by during the change in sessions. For Tian Gee (SMB Benut) & others, it was just the right spot to screen those Form 5 girls passing by. We had to set up a code of ethics not to disturb friends’ sisters when Tian Gee unknowingly wolf-whistled at my sister’s group.
A less aggressive way to welcome new students and make new friends is through some sports activities. A group of us found interest in volleyball. Not sure who started those afternoon volleyball ‘friendlies’. There were primarily two groups of us. Those trained by SSP’s Mr Teng Peng Lam (our Class teacher in Form 2F & Form 3F, I think), and those from SMTK. Students in Mr Teng’s class would no doubt be influenced into playing volleyball for he was the school coach. [Mr. Teng wrote very well on the black board. He liked his writing so much that occasionally he would go to the back of the class to admire his work. How’s that for vanity?].
The ‘SMTK’ team was a tough one to beat. Of course lah since they have the best setter in Kim Teng [taught Economics to friends after volleyball – what a good example of selflessness] and the best spiker in Chee Peng. They also have better average height advantage in Say Ping, Meng Kwang and Bak Seng (Size XXXL), not to be mistaken with the other Bak Seng (Size M). It was difficult trying to block these SMTK spikers. We have to depend on Sek Siong, Seng Tee & Tat Cheong (where’s he?) to do the blocking. It was even tougher trying to squat and dig in those tight trendy trousers close to knee lengths. You also needed to dive to save those deadly net drop shots known as “ayam” probably because of the way it was executed.
If kung-fu had eagle & tiger claws, volleyball had chicken claws!
All these moves created much stress in the seams and we frequently ended up splitting our trousers. No wonder the feeling was always more free and airy when we cycled home. I also had to stop by Broadway (ok, ok, “Da Lu”. My Chinese is koyak becos’ a group of us preferred to sit at Lau Ong’s class instead of attending Chinese lessons) to re-adjust the ‘spiked’ spectacles frame. The winners had the privilege of first access to the pail of iced sarsi from Lau Ong’s canteen which is a luxury in those hot afternoons. Loosers also need to keep the net. I think after a while, we mixed-and-matched to have more even matches. Kiasu lah! We all learnt how to ‘ayam’ each other so frequently that it became too predictable. To those volleyballers, thanks for your friendship & the fun.
The SSP sports hall was also a basketball battle ground too. The best basketball match has got to be the teachers vs students match on Teachers’ Day. I remember hearing shouts of “sa hap pan, sa hap pan” (plywood in Hokkien) not knowing what it was about until I saw Mr Satthapan ‘dribbling’ and trying to control the rebound (nearly up to his height!). Quite a hilarious sight to see but his spirit of having fun was to be admired. What a gentle gentleman he was. I used to wash his car when he sent it to our petrol station for service. Other ‘teachers’ customers included Mr Prasad and Mr David ‘black&white’ Rabindran (easily the neatest dressed teacher in town).
So, that was a bit of story from Form 4 for your reminiscence.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Spirit of Reunion
That just made the figure to 50!!
With that euphoric proclamation by Seah Yong Kwong, the dream behind the Dec 6 SSP76 Reunion Dinner theme 50-50: 50 classmates for having aged 50 has come true!
~~~~~~
Over the years, memories of our youthful days have always tugged at my heart. One morning five years ago during my stay at my sister's house near the back gate of SSP, I entered the school building which houses my fondest memories.It was a fine day; soft morning sun rays filtered through the fresh cool air, creating an ambiance of newness and hope which had once depicted the heart and spirit of youth in us when we were very young. My eyes fell lovingly upon the flowering plants nestling around the rock garden outside the common room. I sauntered down the corridor of the opposite block below my 5SE classroom toward the assembly hall, suddenly conscious of the lump in my throat. Expecting to recapture the mood which had evoked that sweet recollection, I was hit instead by a vast wave of emptiness! Astounded but undaunted, I climbed up the wooden platform where Mr. Laksman once stood and lectured us menacingly, daring us to defy his warning of disobedience with his huge piercing eyes. I still wonder how he managed to seem staring straight into each and every pair of his audience's eyes as if as Headmaster he had been bestowed with supernatural power.
Still, only forlorn desertion remained in the vast emptiness of the vacant hall. Trepidation crept inside me as I made another attempt in search of a fragment of time long gone. I climbed up the flight of stairs just as I must have done a hundred times thirty years ago. The door of 5SE was closed but not locked. I pushed it open gingerly, not daring to hope too much now, with a spirit dampened by my earlier disillusionment at the hall. With its rows of the same wooden desks and chairs the room seemed to remind me of something but mostly, 5SE was but another school classroom - indifferent and impersonal. Chagrin filled my heart. Nonetheless I made a final effort to relive my youth by sitting at my former place - third row front seat upon entering. There I remained and mused. My heart sank deeper down.
Without the rest of you SSP building is nothing but an anonymous building just like any others!
It is the people in our hearts that really matter to us. And here at SSP76, without steel and cement, the spirit of our youth comes flooding back to us all like a torrent as we celebrate friendship in the euphoric mood of reunion. Let this sense of elation explode and grow to imbue our sunset years with brilliance as bright as it had been in our golden youth!
With that euphoric proclamation by Seah Yong Kwong, the dream behind the Dec 6 SSP76 Reunion Dinner theme 50-50: 50 classmates for having aged 50 has come true!
~~~~~~
Over the years, memories of our youthful days have always tugged at my heart. One morning five years ago during my stay at my sister's house near the back gate of SSP, I entered the school building which houses my fondest memories.It was a fine day; soft morning sun rays filtered through the fresh cool air, creating an ambiance of newness and hope which had once depicted the heart and spirit of youth in us when we were very young. My eyes fell lovingly upon the flowering plants nestling around the rock garden outside the common room. I sauntered down the corridor of the opposite block below my 5SE classroom toward the assembly hall, suddenly conscious of the lump in my throat. Expecting to recapture the mood which had evoked that sweet recollection, I was hit instead by a vast wave of emptiness! Astounded but undaunted, I climbed up the wooden platform where Mr. Laksman once stood and lectured us menacingly, daring us to defy his warning of disobedience with his huge piercing eyes. I still wonder how he managed to seem staring straight into each and every pair of his audience's eyes as if as Headmaster he had been bestowed with supernatural power.
Still, only forlorn desertion remained in the vast emptiness of the vacant hall. Trepidation crept inside me as I made another attempt in search of a fragment of time long gone. I climbed up the flight of stairs just as I must have done a hundred times thirty years ago. The door of 5SE was closed but not locked. I pushed it open gingerly, not daring to hope too much now, with a spirit dampened by my earlier disillusionment at the hall. With its rows of the same wooden desks and chairs the room seemed to remind me of something but mostly, 5SE was but another school classroom - indifferent and impersonal. Chagrin filled my heart. Nonetheless I made a final effort to relive my youth by sitting at my former place - third row front seat upon entering. There I remained and mused. My heart sank deeper down.
Without the rest of you SSP building is nothing but an anonymous building just like any others!
It is the people in our hearts that really matter to us. And here at SSP76, without steel and cement, the spirit of our youth comes flooding back to us all like a torrent as we celebrate friendship in the euphoric mood of reunion. Let this sense of elation explode and grow to imbue our sunset years with brilliance as bright as it had been in our golden youth!
To Sir With Love
Looking for a song to express our gratitude to our teachers?
To Sir With Love
(Lulu)
Those schoolgirl days, of telling tales and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind,
I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone, who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try,
If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters,
That would soar a thousand feet high,
To Sir, with Love
The time has come,
For closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave,
I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong,
That's a lot to learn,
What, what can I give you in return?
If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start,
But I, would rather you let me give my heart,
To Sir, with Love
To Sir With Love
(Lulu)
Those schoolgirl days, of telling tales and biting nails are gone,
But in my mind,
I know they will still live on and on,
But how do you thank someone, who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try,
If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters,
That would soar a thousand feet high,
To Sir, with Love
The time has come,
For closing books and long last looks must end,
And as I leave,
I know that I am leaving my best friend,
A friend who taught me right from wrong,
And weak from strong,
That's a lot to learn,
What, what can I give you in return?
If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start,
But I, would rather you let me give my heart,
To Sir, with Love
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Remembering Phang Hwee Kim
Yesterday I talked to Ng Bak Seng. He said before Phang Hwee Kim's departure, her father asked what was her last wish. She said want to see old schoolmates and her husband tried to contact other with difficulty as internet emails handphones were not so popular at that time.
Neo Say Yeow
~~~~~
You caught me off guard yesterday when you brought up Hwee Kim's passing and the memories of her came gushing back without filter.. When Hwee Kim was terminally ill, Mui Cheng called me one night. Through the years, Hwee Kim kept in contact with some of us - she made special effort to send festive cards and all and so when Mui Cheng told me Hwee Kim was passing on and wanted to see me, I went. I was however not quite prepared for what Hwee Kim wanted to give to me. She was in Mt E, with her husband and children. Her face was ravaged by cancer and so so she couldn't speak. But she wanted to communicate and she wrote / scribbled what she wanted to say and I replied orally. She was easily exhausted and so we spent quite a bit of time in silence with each other just holding hands. We spoke about nothing very much in particular but there was this sense of peace of just being together. Yes when I was with her, she was very peaceful. That was her gift to me. Peace - there was no hysterics.
Before I left, she wrote that she wanted to see her Pontian friends. We spoke a bit more and there was comfort in knowing that we will see each other again, although it will not be in this lifetime. She gave me some advice on slowing down my pace a bit and spending more time with my family because she knew the kind of life I was leading then. Right to the end, she still know each of her friends as individuals. And then I left her with her family by her side. I called Yong Kwang almost immediately and told him Hwee Kim's last wishes as he has always been our contact point. I have been a bit of a recluse from the rest of you and didn't have any other contact numbers to call.
What Bak Seng said to you is quite correct. Also I remember something that Bak Seng said when we met during Hwee Kim's funeral not long thereafter. "We should make it a point to meet up more often during ordinary times and not just during funerals and the like". But I think I have not met Bak Seng since then.
SY, I do not understand the pyschology of this but even when we spoke last night after so long, there is this complete sense of uninhibited comfort and trust in conversing with you and a sense of homecoming although we may not have been particularly close to each other back then. That is why the tears flowed when you brought up the subject so suddenly. I can therefore understand a bit of why Hwee Kim just wanted to see her childhood friends again. If we had a loop like this, maybe more of us would have been able to sit with her for a while before she left.
Ling Lian Yin
~~~~~
Just to add on this subject, I was told by KC of Hwee Kim's wish but at that time. I was battling with my own family crisis. I wish I could be there for her. At least some of our friends were.
Chin Sik Fong
~~~~~
She was very brave to the last minute.
She was really very happy to see her former schoolmates.
And she was capable of making us feel happy even during her last moment.
Seah Yong Kwong
~~~~
You are right and that is how Hwee Kim may have wanted to be remembered. That is why I recall her passing with a sense of peace although it was tinged with sadness from the loss of a friend in this lifetime.
Ling Lian Yin
~~~~~
I knew about her illness very late, througha Pontian guy, KK Tan who was helping in a temple in PJ where her parents frequented. First I got her brother's hand phone num. When I called him, he was in China. Weeks or months later, when I got Hwee Kim's hand phone number and called her, she answered me she's in a meeting (could be with the doc?) and asked me to call later. Her voice was husky, so unfamiliar. But later I forgot about it. The next thing is few weeks later, my sister in Pontian called to inform me she saw the bad news on the newspaper. My sister went all the way to JB to give the ‘peh kim’ on my behalf.
So sad that I didn't manage to see her or at least speak to her for a while.
Tong Siew Bee
~~~~~
I drove down to JB with Ho Siow Foong immediately I received a call from Yong Kwong. Managed to spend an afternoon with her, together with Yong Kwong, Bak Seng and others. She was so brave and was glad to see us. I must admit that I was caught totally off-guard and unable to accept the situation then – to see her so helpless. She was on morphine drip…….but was consoled to see her family, husband and children, prepared and ready to accept the worst.
Tan Kui Chen
Sunday, November 2, 2008
In Our Loving Memories Always
Dear Lai Choo
As I was reading your Tributes To Pu Long, I just couldn't controlmyself, I shed my tears.....
Though he's left us many years ago, I couldstill remember him vividly. He, an innocent and tidy-looking thin boy went to the same primary school as Sok Fong. Then, in the same secondary schools and in the same classes as I. And, grew up to be a handsome and stout young man, with matured characters and very sensible, properly being the eldest in his family. It's really sad and pitiful that he'd to suffer such severe painsand leave us so young. Truly, a great loss to me and all my friends from SMPN.We've not forgotten him. We'd observed a minute silence as a mark of respect to him during our grand 50th birthday gathering in July this year. He is always remembered as our sincere and trusted friend.
We allshare your grief and sorrow for his departure, please open your heart..like a lake. And I hope you'd move on bravely as you'd achieved by pushing yourself through the most difficult and saddest moment during the tragedy occurring at such a remote placewith no friends nor relatives to be by your side to hold your hand and to comfort you. I'm proud of your bravery.Occurrences of mishaps are most of the time beyond our control. Now let us face the realities in life and treasure every moment while we are still kicking and healthy.
With love
Hoi Eng
~~~~~
Dear Michelle
Your emotional trauma might have buried inside you for a long time. Once u get over the threshold, it would have peaked and the recovery stage should begin. Facing the past bravely and move along. The world continues with or without us.It has often been said, "Today is the first day of the rest of our life."You know what to do.
Yong Kwong
~~~~~
Read your blog on late Kenny Kok. I am so touched by what he and you have gone through during those moments and ordeals. It is hard getting out of it but I am sure there is just so much more you can do to live on.
Sam
As I was reading your Tributes To Pu Long, I just couldn't controlmyself, I shed my tears.....
Though he's left us many years ago, I couldstill remember him vividly. He, an innocent and tidy-looking thin boy went to the same primary school as Sok Fong. Then, in the same secondary schools and in the same classes as I. And, grew up to be a handsome and stout young man, with matured characters and very sensible, properly being the eldest in his family. It's really sad and pitiful that he'd to suffer such severe painsand leave us so young. Truly, a great loss to me and all my friends from SMPN.We've not forgotten him. We'd observed a minute silence as a mark of respect to him during our grand 50th birthday gathering in July this year. He is always remembered as our sincere and trusted friend.
We allshare your grief and sorrow for his departure, please open your heart..like a lake. And I hope you'd move on bravely as you'd achieved by pushing yourself through the most difficult and saddest moment during the tragedy occurring at such a remote placewith no friends nor relatives to be by your side to hold your hand and to comfort you. I'm proud of your bravery.Occurrences of mishaps are most of the time beyond our control. Now let us face the realities in life and treasure every moment while we are still kicking and healthy.
With love
Hoi Eng
~~~~~
Dear Michelle
Your emotional trauma might have buried inside you for a long time. Once u get over the threshold, it would have peaked and the recovery stage should begin. Facing the past bravely and move along. The world continues with or without us.It has often been said, "Today is the first day of the rest of our life."You know what to do.
Yong Kwong
~~~~~
Read your blog on late Kenny Kok. I am so touched by what he and you have gone through during those moments and ordeals. It is hard getting out of it but I am sure there is just so much more you can do to live on.
Sam
Saturday, November 1, 2008
SSP76 Retirement Village
My outlook for SSP76 has been long-term from the day I joined the group. I have brought up the idea of a senior citizen's village in Pontian comprising of about 30 units of self-contained houses customized for the aged. The ideal situation is for these units to be taken up by our batch-mates whose existence has a specially meaning to me. I am akin to planning for the future and I think it is time for us to consider aging gracefully and if possible in style too.
Loneliness and helplessness are two main sources of chagrin for those over 70. If we start building sincere and strong bond among us as from now, imagine the trust and intimacy we will have for one another in twenty years' time. If you sometime wonder about the reason behind my enthusiasm about the group's growth, growing old with people I am familiar with and esteem in a communal environment is the answer. In the merrier event of resting in peace before old age comes, I will consider my effort in the project a contribution to those who favour my idea.
Time flies, before we realize it, 60 will be upon us.
Michelle Ong
~~~~~
I concurred with you on the senior citizen plan. I do have my own retirement plan which I would like to share out with those interested. After travelling to many countries ,the preferred choice still Malaysia especially Pontian. I’m looking for a piece of land app. 5-8 acres at reasonable cost suitable for agriculture: herbs, vegetables and fruits all year round. chalets with common facilities. No concrete plan until the suitable land is available. I'm committed to this project n ensure that this shall be a model plan pioneer status of a non profit retirement village farm.
Any new /better idea are welcome.
Ng Bak Seng
~~~~~
I have been playing with the same idea for about five years now. I have consulted a district council executive officer with a mere broad outline of thought and he said about the same as you have. Locating a piece of land is the first thing to do and it is better to secure it in this time of economic downturn. Feasibility is the next step and all the rest should fall in place.
SSP76 is a huge pool of human resources and I have entered upon it in good faith. 'Search and you will find' - that has been my motto since 26 August, the day I joined the group. Three months into deep interaction with the crowd so far, I have witnessed much, much more goodwill then I have experienced in other contexts elsewhere in my entire adult life.
With pooling of financial resources and ingenuity, plus lots of goodwill and trust, I believe we can achieve efficient use of our investment through sound management of funds and labour. Alone I cannot dream of successful execution of this plan; with a cohesive group I foresee hope.
I call upon those who are similarly inclined to contribute their ideas.
Michelle Ong
~~~~~
In twenty years' time we will all become old folks.
My ideal of a center set up by us is to cater to those of us who for one reason or another, are not fortunate enough to have family who are able and willing to accommodate us. Day care is thus a luxury this segment of us cannot afford as we do not have a home with our own family to return to. As old folks ourselves in time, running this center delicated to us members will be similar to running an old folk's home. Meng Kwang's experience in this area at this point is thus valuable for our reference to assist in strategic planning as well as in inplemtation later. This should give us good council on meeting our physical needs including general wellbeing and medical care. The fortunate old folks' emotional needs are normally provided by their family members but in its absence, we have no choice but to turn to our close friends. Building close ties now within our group members is thus a reasonable alternative.
'Self-help' is the main theme of my vision for our center rather than enlisting governmental or societal assistance. With this in mind, the appropriate questions to ask at this early stage is 'What must we do now in order to be able to help ourselves?' Again, Meng Kwang's experience has made us conscious that healthy living now is crucial as a preventive measure. For those of us who are to eventually involved in this programme who also enjoy good health and willing to render their service to the weaker in the group, they will become the pillars who organize, operate and lead this center.
What I am driving at now is to do the necessary early to give us the power to exercise control over our lives before we become powerless to help ourselves.
Michelle Ong
~~~~~
Going to an old folk's home (OFH) should be the last resort!
But on the contrary, this trend is slowly creeping into our busy lifestyle.....from my observation, I noticed many OFH/retirement homes have been mushrooming in PJ & KL the past few years. Guess it is also true in JB & S'pore.
Have you guys watched "Money not enough 2"? There is a emotional scene depicting the children sending their mother to the OFH! Maybe the children have their 'valid' reasons.
Thomas Lim
~~~~~
Some suggestions about the retirement village:
1. To be at the sea side or on the hill, to have cleaner air and better energy (Qi).
2. The type of "si her yuan' like the olden days in China is good; four or more units sharing the same compound. Of course with modern facilities, attached bathroom, intercom to the nurse/doc/security..... etc. But with the old set up of people can gather around to chit chat, listen to music or play chess in the compound and under the trees, in the evening or morning.
3. Since this is done early, hopefully its not the type of hospital style of many beds in a room, the old folk is turned into patient over night!
4. Have some production or working space, so that those that know carpentry, tailoring, sewing, calligraphy, painting, baking, cooking ... or just fixing or packing work to earn income, more importantly to keep people busy and useful.
Tong Siew Bee
Loneliness and helplessness are two main sources of chagrin for those over 70. If we start building sincere and strong bond among us as from now, imagine the trust and intimacy we will have for one another in twenty years' time. If you sometime wonder about the reason behind my enthusiasm about the group's growth, growing old with people I am familiar with and esteem in a communal environment is the answer. In the merrier event of resting in peace before old age comes, I will consider my effort in the project a contribution to those who favour my idea.
Time flies, before we realize it, 60 will be upon us.
Michelle Ong
~~~~~
I concurred with you on the senior citizen plan. I do have my own retirement plan which I would like to share out with those interested. After travelling to many countries ,the preferred choice still Malaysia especially Pontian. I’m looking for a piece of land app. 5-8 acres at reasonable cost suitable for agriculture: herbs, vegetables and fruits all year round. chalets with common facilities. No concrete plan until the suitable land is available. I'm committed to this project n ensure that this shall be a model plan pioneer status of a non profit retirement village farm.
Any new /better idea are welcome.
Ng Bak Seng
~~~~~
I have been playing with the same idea for about five years now. I have consulted a district council executive officer with a mere broad outline of thought and he said about the same as you have. Locating a piece of land is the first thing to do and it is better to secure it in this time of economic downturn. Feasibility is the next step and all the rest should fall in place.
SSP76 is a huge pool of human resources and I have entered upon it in good faith. 'Search and you will find' - that has been my motto since 26 August, the day I joined the group. Three months into deep interaction with the crowd so far, I have witnessed much, much more goodwill then I have experienced in other contexts elsewhere in my entire adult life.
With pooling of financial resources and ingenuity, plus lots of goodwill and trust, I believe we can achieve efficient use of our investment through sound management of funds and labour. Alone I cannot dream of successful execution of this plan; with a cohesive group I foresee hope.
I call upon those who are similarly inclined to contribute their ideas.
Michelle Ong
~~~~~
In twenty years' time we will all become old folks.
My ideal of a center set up by us is to cater to those of us who for one reason or another, are not fortunate enough to have family who are able and willing to accommodate us. Day care is thus a luxury this segment of us cannot afford as we do not have a home with our own family to return to. As old folks ourselves in time, running this center delicated to us members will be similar to running an old folk's home. Meng Kwang's experience in this area at this point is thus valuable for our reference to assist in strategic planning as well as in inplemtation later. This should give us good council on meeting our physical needs including general wellbeing and medical care. The fortunate old folks' emotional needs are normally provided by their family members but in its absence, we have no choice but to turn to our close friends. Building close ties now within our group members is thus a reasonable alternative.
'Self-help' is the main theme of my vision for our center rather than enlisting governmental or societal assistance. With this in mind, the appropriate questions to ask at this early stage is 'What must we do now in order to be able to help ourselves?' Again, Meng Kwang's experience has made us conscious that healthy living now is crucial as a preventive measure. For those of us who are to eventually involved in this programme who also enjoy good health and willing to render their service to the weaker in the group, they will become the pillars who organize, operate and lead this center.
What I am driving at now is to do the necessary early to give us the power to exercise control over our lives before we become powerless to help ourselves.
Michelle Ong
~~~~~
Going to an old folk's home (OFH) should be the last resort!
But on the contrary, this trend is slowly creeping into our busy lifestyle.....from my observation, I noticed many OFH/retirement homes have been mushrooming in PJ & KL the past few years. Guess it is also true in JB & S'pore.
Have you guys watched "Money not enough 2"? There is a emotional scene depicting the children sending their mother to the OFH! Maybe the children have their 'valid' reasons.
Thomas Lim
~~~~~
Some suggestions about the retirement village:
1. To be at the sea side or on the hill, to have cleaner air and better energy (Qi).
2. The type of "si her yuan' like the olden days in China is good; four or more units sharing the same compound. Of course with modern facilities, attached bathroom, intercom to the nurse/doc/security..... etc. But with the old set up of people can gather around to chit chat, listen to music or play chess in the compound and under the trees, in the evening or morning.
3. Since this is done early, hopefully its not the type of hospital style of many beds in a room, the old folk is turned into patient over night!
4. Have some production or working space, so that those that know carpentry, tailoring, sewing, calligraphy, painting, baking, cooking ... or just fixing or packing work to earn income, more importantly to keep people busy and useful.
Tong Siew Bee
Health Care Behaviour by Dr Tan Meng Kwang
When it comes to health, there are four types of people:
Smart People - They understand the importance of health from a very early age. They invest on their long term health, just like monetary investments. The result is that they reap the benefits of their long term health investments. These people live healthily towards 120.
Understanding People - They pay attention to their health, and they save for their health, just like monetary savings. The result is that their health is safe, and they live a peaceful life to 90!
Ordinary People - These people take health for granted. They neither invest nor save their health. As a result, their health is devaluated, and they can only live sickly to about 70!
Ignorant People - These people are usually the top brains in their 30's or 40's, white or even gold collar. These people overdraft their health. They spend tomorrow's health today, very often 24 hours a day is too short for them. They live a concentrated life, and eventually their health is in debt, and they seldom live beyond 60!
Which group do you belong now? Which group do you hope to belong in the future? As we are fortunate to live life to this age, let us strive towards a better and healthier living tomorrow!
Wishing you good health, always!
Smart People - They understand the importance of health from a very early age. They invest on their long term health, just like monetary investments. The result is that they reap the benefits of their long term health investments. These people live healthily towards 120.
Understanding People - They pay attention to their health, and they save for their health, just like monetary savings. The result is that their health is safe, and they live a peaceful life to 90!
Ordinary People - These people take health for granted. They neither invest nor save their health. As a result, their health is devaluated, and they can only live sickly to about 70!
Ignorant People - These people are usually the top brains in their 30's or 40's, white or even gold collar. These people overdraft their health. They spend tomorrow's health today, very often 24 hours a day is too short for them. They live a concentrated life, and eventually their health is in debt, and they seldom live beyond 60!
Which group do you belong now? Which group do you hope to belong in the future? As we are fortunate to live life to this age, let us strive towards a better and healthier living tomorrow!
Wishing you good health, always!
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