Wikileaks dan kacau bilaunya dunia

Pendedahan maklumat rahsia oleh Wikileaks yang diasaskan oleh Julian Assagne benar-benar telah menarik perhatian dunia. Terlepas dari sama ada maklumat tersebut benar atau tidak dan terlepas pula dari sama ada kita berada pada pihak yang pro dan kontra dengan tindakan beliau, ada baiknya kita melihatnya dari 2 sudut positif dan negatif.

Dalam sudut pandang positif, Wikileaks mendedahkan banyak maklumat yang bukan sahaja telah pun menjadi jawaban atas tanda tanya besar bagi ramai pihak tapi juga mendedahkan bagaimana pandangan sesetengah pihak/negara terhadap pihak/negara lain. Dengan itu paling tidak negara berkenaan mengetahui pandangan pihak "luar" yang "lebih jujur" terhadapnya dan bagaimana ianya boleh menjadi platform yang baik untuk memperbaiki hubungan diplomatik dengan negara-negara berkenaan.

Akan tetapi dalam sudut pandang negatif, pendedahan maklumat rahsia sedemikian mungkin akan mempengaruhi proses peradilan terhadap jenayah tertentu, membantutkan proses penyiasatan perkara tertentu sehingga mungkin akan mempengaruhi hasil akhirnya.Akan banyak pihak yang mungkin mahukan campur tangan terhadap kes-kes tertentu dan boleh jadi pula akan menimbulkan pandangan negatif atau rasa "tidak percaya" ataupun membangkitkan rasa "permusuhan" antara sesetengah negara/pihak berkenaan.

Terlepas dari semua itu, satu perkara yang boleh difahami adalah..."Inilah Dunia"......ada banyak perkara yang perlu difikirkan, banyak agenda yang perlu dilaksanakan dan semua itu pada akhirnya akan terpulang pada tiap negara/pihak terbabit bagaimana untuk menyikapinya. Sama ada Wikileaks telah menumbuhkan kesedaran betapa lemahnya "sistem dalaman" sesebuah negara/pihak tertentu sehingga begitu mudah dicerobohi ataupun kesedaran bahwa percaturan politik dan diplomatik didunia ini begitu rumit,sila anda tentukan sendiri. Wallahu'alam.

Narcolepsy :" Unseen" Disease

Narcolepsy is a chronic disease of the central nervous system which is typically characterized by the following symptoms with varying degrees of frequencies include:
- excessive daytime sleepiness
- cataplexy (loss of muscle tone)
- hypnagogic hallucinations (distorted perceptions)
- sleep paralysis (inability to move or talk)
- disturbed nocturnal sleep
- automatic behavior ((patients carry out certain actions without conscious awareness)
- other complaints such as blurred vision, double vision, or droopy eyelids

Narcolepsy usually begins in teenagers or young adults and affects both sexes equally. The first symptom to appear is excessive daytime sleepiness, which may remain unrecognized for a long time in that it develops gradually over time. The other symptoms can follow excessive daytime sleepiness by months or years.

Advances have been made in the last few years in determining the cause of narcolepsy. The newest discovery has been the finding of abnormalities in the structure and function of a particular group of nerve cells, called hypocretin neurons, in the brains of patients with narcolepsy. These cells are located in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and they normally secrete neurotransmitter substances (chemicals released by nerve cells to transmit messages to other cells) called hypocretins. Abnormalities in the hypocretin system may be responsible for the daytime sleepiness and abnormal REM sleep found in narcolepsy.

The diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests.

The treatment of narcolepsy includes drug and behavioral therapies.
The types, number, and severity of the symptoms determine which drugs are used to treat the narcolepsy.
•Severe daytime sleepiness may require treatment with high doses of stimulant medication, and sometimes a combination of stimulants may be needed.
•Rare or infrequent cataplexy and other associated symptoms may not require any drug treatment, or treatment on an "as needed" regimen may be adequate.
•Insomnia and depression may also require treatment.
•Therapy should be catered to the individual needs of the patient. For example, improved alertness may be critical throughout the day for most students and working adults, but may be critical only at certain times of the day (for example, driving times) for other people.

Non-drug treatments include education of the patient and family members and modification of behavior patterns. Understanding the symptoms of narcolepsy may help relieve some of the frustrations, fears, anger, depression, and resentment of patients and family members. Emotional reactions are responses to both the unusual nature of the symptoms and society's ignorance of this disease.

Islamic Story 19:How we are all related to each other

A Rat looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to discover that it was a Rat-Trap.

Retreating to the farmyard the Rat proclaimed the warning; "There is a Rat-Trap in the house, a Rat-Trap in the house!"

The Chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Rat, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."

The Rat turned to the Sheep and told him, "There is a Rat-Trap in the house, a Rat-Trap in the house!"

"I am so very sorry Mr. Rat," sympathized the Sheep, "but there is nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my prayers."

The Rat turned to the Cow. She said, "Like wow, Mr. Rat. A Rat-Trap, I am in grave danger. Duh?" So the Rat returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face the farmer's Rat-Trap alone.

That very night a sound was heard throughout the house, like the sound of a Rat-Trap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught.

In the darkness, she did not see that it was a venomous Snake whose Tail the trap had caught. The Snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital. She returned home with a fever.

Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh Chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to sit with her around the clock. To feed them the farmer butchered the Sheep. The farmer's wife did not get well. She died, and so many people came for her funeral that the farmer had the Cow slaughtered to provide meat for all of them to eat.

So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think that it does not concern you, remember that when there is a Rat-Trap in the house, the whole farmyard is at risk.

Historical perspective of Eid-e-Mubahila 24th Zilhajj

The 24th of Zil-Hajj marks the anniversary of the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Mubahila. This is the day of victory of Muslims over Christians. The event of Mubahila occurred in the 10th of Hijrah.

Najran was a fertile land located in the Northern mountaneous region of Yemen about 20 Kms from Sanaa. About 40,000 Christians inhabited the land divided into 73 small towns. They were idol worshipers historically just like the Arabs but a priest named Femeon, a constructor by profession, preached Christianity in the area of Najran and soon all the population converted to Christianity and Najran became a powerful center of activities of Christians. They also constructed a church and named it \'Kaba-e-Najran\'. They prayed and offered various offerings there which resulted in an annual income of about two hundred thousand Dinars which was used for the priest who lived and studied there.

After the conquest of Makkah when Islam started spreading rapidly and the warring groups came under the flag of Islam, the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf) starting sending emissaries to the tribes who had not yet accepted Islam. In 10 A.H. a similar message was sent to the Christians of Najran and they were offered either to accept the teachings of Islam or live in the protection of Muslims and give \'Jazia\' - a kind of fee for protection services. When the Bishop of Najran received this message, he invited all the scholars and influential people of Najran and asked them to think and find a solution to this situation. This news spread rapidly among the masses and some people got infuriated as well but the Bishop of Najran pacified them and advised them to be mindful of the military might of the Islamic regime and try to find a peaceful solution.

Christian mission heads to Madina

After deliberations, it was finally decided to send a mission to Madina and have a dialog with the Muslims. A 14 member deligation headed by Aqib Saidawar and Abu Harisa started off for Makkah. Abu Harisa was considered as the greatest Bishop and scholar of the Christian world at that time and Aqib Sadawar was the biggest strategist and negotiator of the time. When the delegation reached Madina, the people got impressed by their lavish dressing and pomp and show since it was the first time that a mission had arrived in such a manner.

When they entered the Masjid-e-Nabawi, the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) looked at the precious stones, gold and silk clothes that they were wearing and turned away his face and did not pay any attention to them. After a while when no one noticed their pomp and show, they got out of the Masjid-e-Nabawi and met Hazrat Usman and Ubaid-ur-Rehman outside and asked them as to why they were invited by the Muslims and then treated in this manner. Hazrat Usman mentioned that he did not have a clue about that but if they consult Imam Ali(a.s.), he would be able to tell them what was going on. They took the delegation with them and arrived at the house of Imam Ali(a.s.) and mentioned about the whole incidence to him. Imam Ali(a.s.) said to the delegation that they were wearing dresses of silk and ornaments of gold which depicted their superior mentality and that they should take them off and dress simply. Only then the Prophet(pbuh&hf) would allow them to visit him and entertain them. Wh!
en they followed the instructions of Imam Ali(a.s.), they were allowed to visit the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) after the Prayers of Asar and have discussions with him.

Proposal of Mubahila

After exchange of views on several issues, the delegation did not seem to be willing to accept the observations about the incorrect beliefs of Christianity and the logical explanations proving the incorrectness of their beliefs. At that time Allah(swt) send down the famous Ayat-e-Mubahila of the Quran:

Glorious Quran Chapter 3 Verse 61:

And unto him who disputeth with thee therein after the knowledge hath come unto thee, Say ! (O\' Our Apostle Muhammad !) (Unto them) come ye, let us summon our sons, and (ye summon) your sons, and (we summon) our women and (ye) your women, and (we summon) ourselves and then let us invoke the curse of God on the liars !

Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) recited this Ayat and invited them for Mubahila - praying to God(swt) to destroy and banish the liars.

Mubahila became necessary since the Christian delegation was adamant to accept the truth. After some hesitations the delegations asked to be given one day to reconsider their options and then accepted to have the Mubahila after two days. In their consultations among themselves, the grand Bishop Abu Harisa told his companions that if tomorrow, Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) brings his companions and his tribesmen and military might with him for Mubahila then they should accept the challange without fear but if he brings only the members of his family, then never accept the challenge.

Whom did the Prophet (pbuh & hf) take with him

The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh & hf) selected a place close to Madina for the Mubahila which was then cleaned and prepared by Hazrat Salman Farsi (r.a.) and the next day the Christian delegation reached the designated place. A number of muhajirren and ansaar also gathered at the site. The Holy Prophet Mohammad (pbuh & hf) took with him Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Hussain (a.s.), Bibi Fatima (s.a.) and Imam Ali (a.s.) and headed towards the site in a manner that Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) was leading the group holding Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Hussain (a.s.) and Bibi Fatima (s.a.) was behind him and Imam Ali (a.s.) was behind Bibi Fatima (s.a.).

Saad bin Abi Waqas relates that when the Ayat-e-Mubahila was sent down, Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) called Imam Ali(a.s.), Bibi Fatima(s.a.), Imam Hasan(a.s.) and Imam Hussain(a.s.) and said \"O my Allah(swt), these are my Ahl-e-Bait\" . (Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, Page 287).

Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) sat down under a tree with these weighty personalities and said that when I pray to God, you all should say \'Ameen\'. When the Christian delegation saw a woman, two children and only one man with the Prophet(pbuh&hf), they got scared and worried and Abu Harisa said \"O my christian friends, I am seeing such bright faces that if they pray that God move this mountain from its place then the mountain will be moved. I warn you do not have Mubahila with them or you all will be destroyed and banished.\"

The Christian delegation was still amazed and frightened when the brother of Abu Harisa, Karz ibn-e-Alqama stated that \"O my fellows, it appears that Mohammad(pbuh&hf) is the same last apostle and prophet that has been mentioned in our sacred books. We should not have Mubahila with them because anyone who had Mubahila with the prophets in the past as well were destroyed. Look around you and observe that the signs of your destruction are appearing.\" When they looked around, they observed that the entire atmosphere had changed and it appeared that a furious storm is in offing.

Result of the Mubahila

Witnessing this, they backed off from the contest and requested that their friendship be accepted. Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) accepted their request and asked Imam Ali(a.s.) to write the agreement according to which they Najran tribes accepted to pay \'Jazia\' and live under the protection of the Muslims.

Mubahila confirmed

1. The Superiority of Islam over other Revealed Religions

2. The Prestige of Panjatan-e-Pak a.s. in the eyes of Allah swt

3. Who are the 'Ahlul Bayt of the Prophet (pbuh)'

4. The relationship of Al-Qur'an and the Ahlul Bayt a.s., and

5. Islam, Qur'an, Ahlul Bayt and Pleasure of Allah swt - are different names for one and the same thing

Talam ********Muka

Dalam rakaman Interview With Hillary Clinton di NTV7 semalam,Setiausaha USA itu berkata,"Israel needs to exist....and Palestine needs a State...."

Hahahahaha....izinkan saya tergelak...dah jadi macam film Interview With Vampire...je. Manakan tidak, tak kiralah dalam keadaan "berterus terang" ataupun "diplomasi" sekalipun, negara Uncle Sam ini tetap sahaja menunjukkan sokongannya terhadap kewujudan Israel. Kona kanan, kona kiri hasilnya tetap saja sama.

Yang paling tragik di akhir temu bual, bekas first Lady USA itu tanpa rasa bersalah justru mengatakan bahwa Palestine yang "mempersulit keadaan" dalam tiap rundingan dengan Israel kerana tidak mahu tunduk dengan syarat-syarat yang dikemukakan Israel,salah satunya Israel harus mendapat "perlindungan" dari serangan roket Palestine.

Hahahaha....Nyatalah sudah betapa pengecutnya Israel,betapa licik dan kotornya cara mereka untuk "exist" di dunia ini. Sebetulnya siapa yang paling banyak menjadi korban dan mangsa....????siapa yang paling banyak menanggung derita dan kesusahan selama ini....????...kalau bukan rakyat palestine. Israel pula,tak jauh beza dengan mentornya,USA...ada suatu ketika begitu bongkak dan angkuh,namun di lain kesempatan pula menunjuk-nunjuk pada dunia seolah merekalah "innocent side".

Tengok sahaja hasil keputusan mahkamah Israel baru-baru ini terhadap dua askar Israel yang didapati bersalah kerana menjadikan kanak-kanak sebagai perisai untuk memastikan sebuah bag berisi bom atau tidak. Mengikut UU,mereka sepatutnya dihukum 2-3 tahun tetapi ternyata hanya dihukum 3 bulan penjara dan diturunkan pangkat sahaja.Alahai, sungguh hukuman yang tidak setimpal.

USA mungkin rakan niaga yang baik,namun dalam isu Palestine, negara manapun mestilah tetap berpegang bahawa hanya Palestine yang berhak "survive dan exist",di dunia ini. Membuka hubungan diplomatik dengan Israel, tak kiralah dengan cara apa sekali pun, hanya akan memakan diri.Wallahu'alam.

Korea: Bila Ego Menjadi Punca

"Betui ka Korea Utara serang Korea Selatan?" Sms dari my beloved husband itu cukup mengejutkan saya. Saya jawab,"Tak kot". Rasa macam pelik pula kalau benda sedemikian berlaku kali ini apatah lagi dulu pernah saya tanyakan pada seorang sahabat di sana, samada 2 Korea mungkin akan terlibat dalam kancah peperangan lagi.

"No matter how,we are still from the same root. Both sides should think more than hundred times to start the war...again...".....Jawaban yang bagi saya cukup memuaskan ketika itu. Apalagi jika mengambil kira situasi ekonomi global dengan krisis dan kejatuhan nilai mata wang yang bukan sahaja memberi impak negatif pada sesetengah pemain dalam sektor ekonomi/swasta tapi juga dunia secara keseluruhannya.

Tapi kalau dilihat kembali berita mengenai 2 Korea itu sejak semalam, timbullah pula rasa risau. Sepertinya akan pecah pula Perang Dunia III,macam yang selalu diperkatakan oleh ramai orang,meski setakat cakap-cakap kecil,apatah lagi jika mengambil kira peranan China sebagai sekutu rapat Korea Utara dan Negara Uncle Sam sebagai "angel" bagi pihak Korea Selatan.

Kembali kepada unsur sejarah 2 Korea ada ego yang berperanan di sana. Ego untuk menang sendiri, ego untuk berkuasa atas yang lain, ada ego yang pada akhirnya ditunggangi oleh pihak-pihak yang suka mengaut keuntungan di sebalik tragedi dan kemusnahan. Saya tidak mau memihak mana-mana Korea. Pada saya mereka adalah sahabat,sesama ASIA yang sepatutnya kita berikan kesedaran pada mereka bahwa perang bukanlah jalan terakhir, ketenteraan bukanlah satu-satunya alat untuk menunjukkan kuasa dan apa yang paling utama, siapa pun orangnya tentu bencikan kesengsaraan dan penderitaan akibat perang. Terlalu banyak yang akan menjadi korban dan mangsa, sungguh tak berbaloi dengan nilai persaudaraan 2 Korea itu sendiri.

Semoga Malaysia dan negara-negara di Rantau Asia ini boleh menjadi rakan dan sahabat yang mampu menjadi juru runding dan meredakan ketegangan antara 2 Korea ini.Wallahu'alam

Semangat Juang

Pernahkah anda menjadi aktivis? Berbahagialah anda yang pernah merasai pengalaman sebegitu. Yang saya maksudkan aktivis adalah secara global, seseorang yang berjuang,bergiat aktif dalam satu-satu bidang tertentu yang diyakini benar dan membawa manfaat bagi masyarakat amnya.

Menjadi aktivis akan mengasah ketrampilan bermasyarakat,sensitiviti terhadap bidang tertentu disamping mengasah kemampuan bergerak dalam sebuah organisasi atau kumpulan sehingga mampu mengetepikan ego dan kepentingan pribadi demi kepentingan masyarakat dan tujuan perjuangan yang diyakini.

Ada aktivis kemanusiaan,aktivis politik, aktivis pencinta alam atau apapun nama dan labelnya memerlukan daya juang yang tinggi.Selagi jalan perjuangan yang dipilih diyakini kebenarannya maka tak salah untuk terus maju tanpa rasa serik ataupun kesal.

Hanya sahaja......perlu diingat bahwa cara yang dipilih untuk mengapresiasikan perjuangan itu hendaklah dipilih secara bijak, jauh dari unsur-unsur vandalism dan taktik kotor yang justru akan mencemari nilai perjuangan itu sendir.

Sekalung tahniah saya pada misi kemanusian GAZA, tak kiralah mewakili negara manapun anda kerana telah berjuang dan semoga akan terus berjuang dengan taktik jitu yang bijak, sehingga boleh meminima resiko yang mungkin akan dihadapi demi mencapai hasil sesuai harapan.

Tabik juga kepada Greenpeace,sebuah kumpulan aktivitis yang dengan segala kedegilannya berusaha menyedarkan dunia mengenai betapa pentingnya menjaga alam ciptaan Tuhan ini, tak kira lah agama apa yang anda anuti.

Aktivis politik pula......hm, saya tak berani bercakap banyak mengenai yang satu ini. Sebab tabiat politik adalah berubah-ubah sejalan dengan keadaan semasa.

Aktivis apapun anda, tetaplah berjalan pada rel yang betul. Mulakan langkah dengan niat yang betul agar ianya berkah. Jalani perjuangan dengan azzam yang kuat dengan bergerak sebagai satu kumpulan yang solid, tidak berpecah belah. Apa yang pasti sudah semestinya ia diniatkan untuk kepentingan masyarakat dan bukan untuk memuaskan ego pihak tertentu semata-mata dan bukan juga untuk mengaut keuntungan pribadi atau kumpulan semata-mata. Wallahu'alam.

Fusidic Acid for Skin Infections

GENERIC NAME: FUSIDIC ACID, FUSIDATE SODIUM - TOPICAL CREAM, OINTMENT, GEL
Fusidic acid is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that is often used topically in creams and eyedrops, but may also be given systemically as tablets or injections. The global problem of advancing antimicrobial resistance has led to a renewed interest in its use recently.

Fusidic acid and sodium fusidate may be used alone or in combination with systemic therapy in the treatment of primary and secondary skin infections caused by sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species and Corynebacterium minutissimum . Some of these skin infections include:
•Impetigo (school sores)
•Folliculitis
•Erythrasma
•Paronychia
•Infected dermatoses such as atopic dermatitis
•Infected cuts and abrasions

Fusidic acid is an antibiotic medicine. It works by entering bacterial cells and interfering with the production of proteins that the bacteria need to divide and multiply. It does not directly kill the bacteria, but leaves them unable to increase in numbers. The existing bacteria eventually die or are destroyed by the immune system. Fusidic acid is included in this preparation to treat the bacterial infection that can sometimes occur in eczema.

A small amount of cream or ointment should be applied to the affected area three or four times daily. If covering the lesion with gauze dressing less frequent application (once or twice daily) may be adequate.
Any ointment left over at the end of treatment should be discarded. It is essential to use fusidic acid only as directed by your doctor as indiscriminate use can lead to the development of bacterial resistance.

Do not use large amounts, apply this more often or use this for longer than directed. Your condition will not clear faster, but the chance for side effects may be increased. Use carefully if applying to the face. Avoid contact in or around the eyes.

Local hypersensitivity reactions to fusidic acid include mild stinging and irritation. In most cases therapy may be continued, however if the reaction is severe treatment should be stopped and the cream or ointment rinsed off. Contact allergic dermatitis to fusidic acid is rare.

The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.
•Skin irritation, eg itching, burning, stinging.
•Rash.
•Worsening of eczema.
•Skin thinning, thread veins or stretch marks (prolonged use only).
•Groupings of fine blood vessels becoming prominent under the skin (telangiectasia).
•Inflammation of hair follicles (folliculitis).
•Decreased skin pigmentation at application area.
•Puffiness of skin on the face.

Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing illness, infections, allergies (especially to any antibiotics). This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication has been found in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. If it is applied to the breasts it should be washed off carefully before breastfeeding and then reapplied afterwards.

Health tips given by Imam Ali Al-Ridha (as)

1- Dried grapes regulate the bile, remove excess phlegm from the body, strengthen the sinews, take away melancholic tendencies from the mind and purify the soul.

2- Pomegranate is a fruit of paradise. There is one seed from Paradise in every pomegranate growing on the earth.

3- Honey is nature’s best medicine. Whenever someone offers you honey as present, accept it.

4- The oil of violet should be used as hair oil because it has a cooling effect during summer and warm during winter.

5- Satan does not visit for forty days a person who applies olive oil to his head or uses it in food.

6- Mother’s milk is the best food for an infant.

7- Recitation of Quran and taking honey with milk sharpens the memory.

8- Use of meat as a food improves health and builds up power of resistance against diseases.

9- Starting meal with salt prevents seventy types of ailments, one of which is leprosy.

10- A gluttonous person will starve on the day of resurrection.

11- Masur (a kind of beans, lentils) was the favorite food of seventy thousands prophets. It moderates the temperament and augments the activity of tear glands.

12- The person who refrains from meat for forty days will become ill-tempered.

13- Food should be taken when it is at moderate temperature.

14- Start eating from the sides of the plate and not from the middle.

15- For longevity one should eat nourishing food, wear comfortable shoes and try to remain free from debts.

16- To avoid cold (flu) of the winter always open the door first for a few moments before leaving your house, let the outside air in, then step outside. To avoid the cold of the summer always open the door first before entering the house, let the inside air out and then step inside.

Banjir,Qurban dan Politik

Berat mata memandang,lagi berat bahu memikul.....itu yang boleh saya andaikan keadaan rakyat negeri-negeri yang dilanda banjir.Pertama kali banjir yang saya alami ialah ketika berlakunya tsunami 2005. Masa itu, boleh kira taklah teruk sangat sebab banjir di Perlis surut hanya dalam masa 2 hari. Bantuan pula datang mencurah-curah. Meski tak lah boleh dikatakan mewah, tapi bantuan yang diperlukan pantas diberi oleh kerajaan negeri.

Tapi di banjir besar di awal bulan November 2010 ini....sungguh banyak rungutan tak didengari. Bukan setakat lambatnya bantuan untuk mengevakuasi mangsa banjir yang terperangkap di taman perumahan, maktab ataupun tempat-tempat yang agak terpencil....tapi juga seolah kerajaan negeri lebih suka melihat rakyat negerinya kebuluran....sehingga ramailah pula parti-parti politik tertentu mengguna kesempatan untuk menabur jasa. Pilu rasa hati melihat rumah beserta isinya yang terendam air bah hampir satu minggu. Bukan setakat bau busuk masam, banyak benda terpaksa di buang...pikirkan keadaan ekonomi dunia yang tak berapa elok kebelakangan ini...makin susah rasa hati....nak beli baru kah tidak....habis lingkup orang berniaga,bukan setakat tiada beroleh untung, malah rugi besar pula yang terpaksa ditanggung.

Maaf-maaf, saya tidak bermaksud membanding-bandingkan zaman 2 MB Perlis, tidak juga menafikan bantuan dari pihak kerajaan negeri tapi ada perkara yang patut direspon dengan pantas jikalau tidak mahu banjir besar melanda Perlis saban tahun.Ada banyak cadangan rakyat mengenai empangan Timah Tasoh. Diantaranya :perlunya membuat saliran khas untuk membuang lebihan air empangan, penggunaan sistem overflow serta pembuatan dan penjagaan sistem longkang,pembentungan air yang lebih modern.

Tahun ini hari raya Qurban dirasakan begitu sendu. Ramai yang lebih ambil berat dengan kerja-kerja pembersihan rumah beserta isinya daripada mempersiapkan keperluan hari raya. Bahkan peniaga pun ramai mengeluh dek kerana barangannya kurang laku.

Tapi mungkin di sinilah letaknya "pengorbanan" kita. Mungkin pengorbanan inilah yang lebih "disukai" oleh Allah azza wa jalla. Keredhoan kita atas musibah yang menimpa kita adalah sesuatu yang bernilai tinggi. Mudah-mudahan ianya menjadi kafarah atas dosa-dosa kita, membersihkan harta kita dan menjadikan kita hamba-hamba yang lebih bertaqwa.

Tapi perlu diingat, janganlah pula kerana kita sudah dianggap "berqurban" dengan cara ini lalu bersikap sambil lewa dengan masa hadapan. Perlu juga kita pikirkan bagaimana mencegah atau paling tidak menghadapi kemungkinan bencana serupa berlaku. Saya yakin Allah juga mahukan kita berfikir secara positif, mencari jalan keluar atas setiap masalah, bukan setakat pasrah dan berdiam diri. Perlu kerjasama yang baik antara kerajaan dan rakyat agar masalah sebegini dapat segera diatasi.

Yang paling syok, ketika banjir justru bab politik yang menjadi topik utama perbualan. Apatah lagi ketika itu sedang hangat-hangatnya berita mengenai pilihan raya kecil DUN Galas dan Batu Sapi. Seolah ianya menjadi intermezzo di sela-sela kegusaran hati ketika banjir. Sebetulnya dalam keadaan sedemikian, rakyat sudah tidak peduli siapa,pihak mana yang lebih dulu memberi bantuan. Dah tak kisah sekiranya menerima bantuan tersebut bererti menyokong pihak-pihak tertentu. Ibarat telur di ujung tanduk, janji selamat, dah tak kisah siapa yang menyelamatkan, dah tak kisah apa yang patut diberi untuk membalas jasa mereka nanti.

Segala sesuatu mesti ada hikmah di sebaliknya.Semoga kita menjadi hamba Allah yang ridho dengan segala ketentuannya.Amin....

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL ADHA
Taqabballahu minna wa minku..... taqabbal ya karim....

Islamic Story 18:Don't Loose your "Will Power" in Hardship of Life

An old man lived alone in home. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison.

The old man wrote a letter to his son and told his situation.

"Dear Son, I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my potato garden this year. I hate to miss doing the garden, because your mother always loved planting time. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot.

If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren't in prison ... Your Father."

Shortly, the old man received the reply from his son: "For heaven's sake, Dad, don't dig up the garden! That's where I buried the Guns!"

The next morning, A dozen FBI agents and local police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns.

Confused old man wrote another note to his son telling him what have happened, and asked him what to do next.

His son's reply was: "Go ahead and plant your potatoes, Dad, It's the best I could do for you from here."

Moral of the Will Power Story: No matter where you are in the world, if you have decided to do something deep from your heart, you can do it!

Be Cautious: Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever (sometimes called scarlatina), is caused by an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria make a toxin (poison) that can cause the scarlet-colored rash from which this illness gets its name.

People with scarlet fever typically have a high fever and a strawberry-like appearance of the tongue. The rash of scarlet fever is usually seen in children under the age of 18.

Not all streptococci bacteria make this toxin and not all kids are sensitive to it. Two kids in the same family may both have strep infections, but one child (who is sensitive to the toxin) may develop the rash of scarlet fever while the other may not. Usually, if a child has this scarlet rash and other symptoms of strep throat ,it can be treated with antibiotics.

The rash is the most striking sign of scarlet fever. It usually begins looking like a bad sunburn with tiny bumps and it may itch. The rash usually appears first on the neck and face, often leaving a clear unaffected area around the mouth. It spreads to the chest and back, then to the rest of the body. In body creases, especially around the underarms and elbows, the rash forms classic red streaks. Areas of rash usually turn white when you press on them. By the sixth day of the infection the rash usually fades, but the affected skin may begin to peel.

Aside from the rash, there are usually other symptoms that help to confirm a diagnosis of scarlet fever, including a reddened sore throat, a fever above 101° Fahrenheit (38.3° Celsius), and swollen glands in the neck. The tonsils and back of the throat may be covered with a whitish coating, or appear red, swollen, and dotted with whitish or yellowish specks of pus. Early in the infection, the tongue may have a whitish or yellowish coating. A child with scarlet fever also may have chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

When scarlet fever occurs because of a throat infection, the fever typically stops within 3 to 5 days, and the sore throat passes soon afterward. The scarlet fever rash usually fades on the sixth day after sore throat symptoms began, but skin that was covered by rash may begin to peel. This peeling may last 10 days. With antibiotic treatment, the infection itself is usually cured with a 10-day course of antibiotics, but it may take a few weeks for tonsils and swollen glands to return to normal.

In rare cases, scarlet fever may develop from a streptococcal skin infection like impetigo. In these cases, the child may not get a sore throat.

The bacterial infection that causes scarlet fever is contagious. A child who has scarlet fever can spread the bacteria to others through nasal and throat fluids by sneezing and coughing. If a child has a skin infection caused by strep bacteria, like impetigo, it can be passed through contact with the skin.

In everyday life, there is no perfect way to avoid the infections that cause scarlet fever. When a child is sick at home, it's always safest to keep that child's drinking glasses and eating utensils separate from those of other family members, and to wash these items thoroughly in hot soapy water. Wash your own hands frequently as you care for a child with a strep infection.

A child with severe strep throat may find that eating is painful, so providing soft foods or a liquid diet may be necessary. Include soothing teas and warm nutritious soups, or cool soft drinks, milkshakes, and ice cream. Make sure that the child drinks plenty of fluids.

Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, since this will help soothe the sore throat. A moist warm towel may help to soothe swollen glands around your child's neck.

If the rash itches, make sure that your child's fingernails are trimmed short so skin isn't damaged through scratching.

Call the doctor whenever your child suddenly develops a rash, especially if it is accompanied by a fever, sore throat, or swollen glands. This is especially important if your child has any of the symptoms of strep throat, or if someone in your family or in your child's school has recently had a strep infection. The doctor may give your child drugs that fight germs (antibiotics). Do not let your child return to daycare or school until he or she has taken the antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

Catatan Perjalanan 2010

Minggu lepas ,perjalanan kami kembali ke tanah kelahiran saya di Indonesia dimulakan dari perlis-Alor Star-KL-Jakarta-Palembang. Perjalanan yang cukup melelahkan kerana secara keseluruhan harus 6 kali menaiki pesawat terbang (pulang dan pergi). Nasib baik, anak-anak kami dah cukup besar, taklah meragam sangat, kecuali ketika beberapa kali penerbangan kena tangguh kerana ada yang kena serangan sakit jantung lah, cuaca tak menentu lah dan masalah akomodasi airlines berkenaan.

Kalau lah boleh memberi sedikit penilaian, rasanya tak salah jika dikatakan airlines dari rantau Asia dikenal sebagai airlines yang ramah mesra sehingga penumpang pun merasa sangat "dimanjakan", berbeza dengan airlines dari luar rantau Asia yang ...(maaf-maaf)....mungkin ini semata-mata berdasarkan pengalaman pribadi beberapa orang sahaja.....dikenal agak arogan dan sedikit racist.

Meski begitu,antara negara yang satu dengan negara yang lain, tetap sahaja akan timbul perbezaan yang cukup ketara, mungkin kerana perbezaan adat resam atau juga mentality dan budaya kerja yang diterapkan di masing-masing airlines. Singkat kata, seeing is believing..... hehehe........

Berdasarkan pendapat dan pandangan dari media massa tempatan dan beberapa orang yang sempat saya temui, dalam tempoh 10 tahun terakhir, Indonesia telah pun mencapai tahap kemajuan yang cukup memberangsangkan.

Dalam bidang ekonomi, ada peningkatan yang cukup ketara pada sektor pendapatan perkapita penduduk.Indonesia kembali dilihat sebagai negara yang mempunyai prospek cerah untuk menanamkan modal dan sektor perniagaan, baik oleh investor tempatan mahupun luar negara.

Dalam bidang sosial, meski kelibat peminta sedekah,anak-anak jalanan dan sejenisnya, masih ramai, saya difahamkan Pemerintah RI sudah pun berusaha menekan gejala sosial sedia ada. Perlu masa dan kerja keras dari semua pihak untuk mewujudkan Indonesia yang "bersih". Paling tidak pun jurang ekonomi dan sosial antara the have dan the have not perlu dipersempit dan memakmurkan seluruh rakyat haruslah menjadi priority utama pemerintahan SBY.

Meski begitu,sebagaimana negara-negara lain, Indonesia tetap tak sunyi dari masalah. Konflik antara agama misalnya, masih tetap ibarat api dalam sekam. Satu isu sensitif yang perlu ditangani sedari dini dengan penuh kehati-hatian.

Parti-parti politik yang mewakili aspirasi rakyat tempatan pula dikatakan seakan "lupa diri" sehingga sering lupa (meski tidak semua) dengan janji-janji manis yang pernah ditebar sepanjang pilihan raya umum (PEMILU). Ketidakpuasan rakyat tempatan tentang perkara ini dan itu sepatutnya tidak dipandang mudah kerana siapalah wakil rakyat jika tidak dipilih dan diberi mandat oleh rakyat.

Seiring dengan peningkatan pendapatan perkapita, harga barang pun naik. Kenaikan yang cukup ketara, apalagi jika melibatkan barang-barang keperluan harian yang sepatutnya masuk dalam kategori barang kawalan seperti beras dan minyak masak.Saya yakin pemerintah RI perlu menetapkan satu standard dan kinerja yang lebih efektif dan efisien untuk mengawal harga barang agar tidak melambung terlalu tinggi terutama pada musim-musim perayaan.

Pemerintah RI masih giat melakukan pembangunan di merata tempat. Sekolah, pejabat dan kawasan perumahan menjadi keutamaan. Sarana dan prasarana lainnya seperti lebuh raya, hospital, stesen bus dan kereta api adalah antara yang turut menjadi fokus pembaikpulihan. Meski tidak dinafikan ada rungutan dan rasa ketidakselesaan rakyat dek kerana pembangunan yang tertangguh atau terlalu lambat.

Sektor pelancongan tempatan pula mengalami peningkatan yang sangat memberangsangkan. Nampaknya usaha pemerintah RI untuk mewujudkan Indonesia yang damai dan selamat patut dikalungi tahniah. Berbagai paket pelancongan dengan harga bervariasi boleh anda dapati di sana.

Singkat cerita, ada banyak lagi agenda kerja pemerintah RI yang perlu segera dilaksanakan. Perlu azzam yang kuat dan kerja keras dari segenap lapisan rakyatnya untuk mencapai Indonesia yang makmur dan damai. Pembangunan modal insan perlu diberi tumpuan lebih kerana generasi muda adalah penerus misi dan visi perjuangan dan pembangunan negara. Saya difahamkan ramai pelajar dari Indonesia mengambil course/study di Malaysia dan demikian juga sebaliknya, ramai pula rakyat Malaysia yang memilih Indonesia sebagai tempat untuk melanjutkan pelajaran. Memelihara hubungan diplomatik yang baik dengan negara-negara serantau juga patut menjadi keutamaan kerana pembangunan tidak akan dapat dilakukan dengan baik jika negara dalam keadaan huru hara. Wallahu'alam.

Enjoy some time with Tea

In many cultures, tea is often had at high class social events, such as afternoon tea and the tea party.

There are four main types of teas.

Tea leaves all come from the same tea plant, the Camellia sinensis. The leaves become distinct from each other through the different methods of processing them. In high-quality teas, only the young leaves are plucked from the bushes, but this method requires about 2,000 to 3,000 leaves to produce 1 lb. of finished tea. When dried leaves are soaked in hot water, they infuse the water with their distinct flavor.

1.White
White tea leaves are the least processed of all types of tea. The leaves are plucked young, then steam dried or air dried. In contrast, other teas have four to five processing steps. Because the leaves are steamed immediately after picking, they retain their green color.

2.Green
Leaves intended for green tea are either steamed or pan-fired to stop any oxidation. Because they are heated immediately after being picked, they remain green in color. In China, green tea leaves are steamed, but in Japan they are fired. In both methods, the leaf becomes soft. The next step in the process is to roll the leaves. Tea makers roll leaves in different styles, including a long roll, a ball, twisting or even flat. Where the leaf is grown typically determines the rolling style. Heating or firing the rolled tea leaves dries them out so they are ready for use. The green color in the leaves gives green tea special health benefits through its antioxidants.

3.Oolong
Oolong teas are somewhere between green and black tea in regards to processing. The leaves are withered and partially oxidized after picking and before drying. The first step is withering. The leaves are left to wither for several hours, but less than a day. Once the leaves are wilted, they are shaken to cause small tears in the leaves so the oxidation process can begin. As the leaves are exposed to air, they become darker. The amount of time leaves are oxidized depends on the style of oolong. Some are only 10-percent oxidized, while others are up to 70-percent oxidized. The tea leaves are heated or fired to stop the oxidation and dry them out.

4.Black
Black teas contain the most processed leaves. First the leaves are laid out on racks and withered for 14 to 24 hours. Next, the leaves are rolled and twisted to release the natural enzymes and to prepare them for oxidation. They still retain a green color at this point. After rolling the leaves, they are ready for oxidation. They sit in a cool, humid area and begin to ferment as polyphenols and pectin combine with oxygen and enzymes. Oxidation gives black tea its color and flavor. The length of fermentation time depends on the style and maker of the tea. Finally, the leaves are dried or fired to stop oxidation and seal in the desired flavor.


Some uses of tea leaves:
Tea leaves contain naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that offer many health benefits to a person's body. Tea and tea leaves can be used to sooth puffiness under eyes, repel mosquitoes and in a relaxing foot bath. Mint tea leaves can be used as part of an all-natural mouthwash after being used in a cup of tea.

1.Burn Relief
The naturally soothing properties in tea leaves make used tea bags perfect for soothing painful burns. Place the tea bag in a hot cup of water for two minutes. Allow the tea bags to cool in the refrigerator. Once they are cold, remove the bags and apply them to the burn. This process will help relieve pain from sunburns, heat burns and steam burns. The tea leaves also help moisturize the area to help it heal faster.

2.Hair Conditioning
The moisturizing properties of tea make it perfect for conditioning your hair. Make a one-liter jug of fresh-brewed unsweetened tea. After shampooing and conditioning your hair in the shower, use the brewed tea as a final rinse to nourish and replenish your hair.

3.Relieve Nipple Pain
Breastfeeding can result in soreness around a woman's nipple. The tannic acid found in tea has the ability to soothe pain and moisturize the area. Place a tea bag on ice after using it to brew a hot cup of tea. Once the temperature of the tea bag has cooled, apply it to the nipple and cover with a nursing pad. Within a few minutes you will feel the pain relieved.

4.Treat Poison Ivy Rash
Poison ivy can be incredibly painful and itchy. A cup of strong, black tea that has been freshly brewed can be used to dry up the rash. Dip a cotton ball or swab into cooled tea and rub it over the infected area. This will help stop the spread of the rash. To soothe the itching and burning that comes with poison ivy, use a chilled tea bag and apply it to the infected area.

5.Foot Deodorizer
Foot odor can be very embarrassing for many people. To alleviate this problem, soak your feet in a cool tea bath each night. It is best to do this with at least one liter of freshly brewed tea. Tea contains tannic acid that absorbs the toxins that cause foot odor. You can also take tea leaves and mix them with baking soda and lemon juice in a homemade compound.

6.Eye De-puffer
Tea leaves have the ability to decrease puffiness under eyes with their natural vitamins. Take a used tea bag and wrap it around the back of a teaspoon. Place in the refrigerator until cool. Once cooled, hold the teabag and spoon on the swollen area. After about two minutes you will notice the puffiness and dark circles decrease.

Rewed tea has varying levels of caffeine depending on the type of tea. White tea has the least caffeine, green teas and black teas vary greatly, with black tea usually having the highest levels. Within each type, caffeine levels vary depending on the blend, size of the leaves, and brewing time. Bag teas usually have less caffeine than loose teas because of the size and quality of leaves.

Advantages of consuming tea:
-provides energy and vigor
-boosts the energy and reduces anxious feeling
-powerful anti-oxidant that inhibits cancer cells
-fights cholesterol levels
-inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots
-slows down the process of aging
-has laxative effects
-improves metabolism
-increases good cholesterol
-reducing bad cholesterol levels
-has an anti-aging formula
-gives more endurance to work out longer
-controls blood sugar levels
-effective appetite suppressant
-acts as a natural diuretic which sheds water weight

Disadvantages if overconsumption:

-may cause kidney damage
-can irritate your stomach
-drinking eight or nine daily duplicates the symptoms of ulcer
-slows the digestion process
-creates gas
-causes diarrhea and constipation
-affects respiratory and heart function
-causes indigestion
-overexcites the nervous system and causes palpitations

Tren Jenayah Kejam

Saban tahun, saban bulan, saban hari ….dunia seolah tak pernah sunyi dari berita jenayah.Bukan setakat kes curi dan rompak, malah jenayah siber pun makin berleluasa. Singkat kata singkat cerita, makin canggih peredaran masa dan zaman, makin dahsyat pula jenayahnya. Mengapa ini boleh berlaku?
Kalau boleh kita buka sedikit minda dan hati kita, ada beberapa perkara yang mungkin boleh menjadi bahan renungan.

Pertama. Perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi semasa membuatkan ibu bapa semakin sibuk dalam dunia kerjaya. Disedari atau tidak, anak-anak mula terabaikan. Mungkin tidak secara materil atau keperluan hariannya, tapi hati dan minda mereka dahagakan kasih sayang, belai manja dari kedua ibu bapa. Sesetengah budak mungkin dianggap cukup bertuah kerana yang menjaga adalah dari lingkungan keluarga sendiri (datuk/nenek, pakcik/makcik) yang memiliki pertalian darah/kekeluargaan rapat dengan ibu bapa mereka. Tapi bagaimana pula yang dari awal pagi, lepas subuh sudah pun kena hantar kat pusat asuhan anak-anak atau mungkin jiran tetangga yang mengambil upahan sebagai pengasuh budak? Bukanlah kita nak pertikai kebolehpercayaan mereka untuk menjaga anak-anak kita, tapi bukan semua boleh dipercaya. Bayangkan jika dalam sebuah pusat asuhan anak-anak dah pun ada 8-10 orang budak tapi pada satu-satu masa, penjaga/ pengasuh tak cukup .Perkara buruk, mungkin sahaja berlaku. Bayangkan pula jika makcik jiran yang kepadanya kita percayakan untuk mengasuh anak-anak kita, tanpa kita sedari telah pun menjangkiti anak-anak kita dengan perangai suka bergosip, suka mengumpat orang lain dan lain-lain perangai buruk. Budak kecil cukup senang untuk meniru apa sahaja yang mereka dengar, mereka lihat apalagi jika perkara sedemikian berlaku saban hari. Bukanlah satu kesalahan jika ibu bapa hendak menumpukan pada kerjaya, tapi hendaklah pandai membagi masa dan perhatian. Sekali sekala ambillah peluang untuk mendengar keluh kesah, rungutan dan rajukan anak-anak kita, tak kiralah berapa pun usia mereka. Jalinan komunikasi yang baik selalunya akan memberikan bukan setakat ikatan emosi dan moral yang baik pula antara ibu bapa dan anak-anak, tetapi juga menjadi perisai untk melindungi anak-anak kita dari perkara- perkara buruk di luar sana.

Kedua. Sesetengah orang sukakan film atau cerita tv yang berunsur kejam dan menakutkan. Seronok, boleh merangsang adrenalin,kononnya. Disedari atau tidak, minda yang selalu diisi dengan “sampah” pada akhirnya melahirkan perangai/perbuatan “sampah” juga. Kita perlukan hiburan yang bukan setakat sedap ditengok atau didengar tapi juga mendidik. Sayangnya dunia hiburan kita masih ketandusan dengan idea-idea sedemikian. Jadi tak heranlah kalau ada penjenayah yang membuat aksi yang dia tiru dari sesebuah cerita dalam tv. Tak heranlah pula jika banyak kes di luar negara dimana kes tembakan rambang di institusi pendidikan kerap berlaku. Remaja mana yang tak rasa suspen, kalau tengok dalam tv yang menggambarkan seolah menembak atau membunuh adalah sesuatu yang menyeronokkan? Harap-harap kes sedemikian tidak berlaku di tanah air ini. Na’udzubillah.

Apapun bentuknya, jenayah kejam bukanlah sesuatu yang patut menjadi tren. Hatta, jenayah itu sendiri bukanlah sesuatu yang kita ingini. Semua pihak perlu bergandeng bahu untuk meminimakan kes-kes jenayah. Kesedaran dan tanggung jawab moral sebagai bagian dari masyarakat perlu dibina dalam diri tiap individu. Masalah jenayah tidak akan selesai begitu sahaja dengan meletakkan tanggung jawab sepenuhnya kepada sesetengah pihak. Perlu azzam yang kuat,kerja sama yang erat dan kebersamaan yang kukuh dari setiap anggota masyarakat. Wallahu’alam.

Aromatherapy: It worths to try

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. It is sometimes used in combination with massage and other therapeutic techniques as part of a holistic treatment approach.

Aromatherapy Oils:

-Bay laurel.............Antiseptic, diuretic,sedative, etc.(Digestive problems,
bronchitis, common cold,influenza, and scabies and lice. CAUTION: Don't use if pregnant.)
-Clary sage.............Relaxant, anticonvulsive,antiinflammatory, and antiseptic (Menstrual and menopausal symptoms, burns, eczema,and anxiety. CAUTION: Don't use if pregnant.)
-Eucalyptus..............Antiseptic, antibacterial,astringent, expectorant,and analgesic (Boils, breakouts, cough,common cold, influenza,and sinusitis. CAUTION:
Not to be taken orally.)
-Chamomile...............Sedative,antiinflammatory,antiseptic, and pain reliever (Hay fever, burns, acne,arthritis, digestive problems, sunburn, and
menstrual an menopausal symptoms.)
-Lavender................Analgesic, antiseptic,calming/soothing (Headache, depression,insomnia, stress, sprains,and nausea.)
-Peppermint..............Pain reliever (Indigestion, nausea,headache, motion
sickness, and muscle pain.)
-Rosemary................Antiseptic, stimulant,and diuretic (Indigestion, gas, bronchitis,fluid retention, andinfluenza. CAUTION: Don'tuse if pregnant or have
epilepsy or hypertension.)
-Tarragon................Diuretic, laxative,antispasmodic, and stimulant (Menstrual and menopausal symptoms, gas, and indigestion. CAUTION:
Don't use if pregnant._
-Tea tree................Antiseptic and soothing (Common cold, bronchitis,
abscesses, acne, vaginitis,and burns.)
-Thyme...................Stimulant, antiseptic,antibacterial, and antispasmodic Cough, laryngitis,diarrhea, gas, and intestinal worms.CAUTION: Don't use if
pregnant or have hypertension.)


Aromatherapy offers diverse physical and psychological benefits, depending on the essential oil or oil combination and method of application used. Some common medicinal properties of essential oils used in aromatherapy include: analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, and sedative. Essential oils are used to treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including, but not limited to, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin conditions, menstrual pain and irregularities, stress-related conditions, mood disorders, circulatory problems, respiratory infections, and wounds.

As a holistic therapy, aromatherapy is believed to benefit both the mind and body.
Depending on the condition or specific reason for using Aromatherapy, a custom blend of essential oils can be mixed to help promote different things. An Aromatherapist can provide information on this process, and also help find the particular blend that will work for a specific condition or a variety of uses.

Before making any decisions, it is advisable to consult with an Aromatherapist, as it is also possible to continue this treatment at home. This, however, may not be a good idea unless you completely understand what it is you are trying to treat and how to best treat it.

Some people may be allergic, or have sensitivities, to certain smells or oils used in aromatherapy. If you have any concerns that you may be allergic or sensitive, you will want to start off very slowly and for short periods of time. If you do not have any negative reactions, you can then increase the therapy's intensity.

Islamic Story 17: Don't Offer or Receive Bribe

Bilqees then asked her advisors to advise her as to what she should do. They replied, "We are very strong and have a powerful army to fight against Sulayman, but the decision is yours and we will obey your order."

Bilqees was wise and decided not to fight Prophet Sulayman (as). Instead, she sent him valuable gifts to see what he would do. When the messengers of Bilqees arrived in the land of Prophet Sulayman (as) and saw his glory and his wealth, they were struck with wonder. They thought the gifts they had brought were worthless.

Prophet Sulayman (as) became very angry when he was presented with the gifts and said, "What! Do you offer me wealth? What Allah (swt) has given me is more superior to all the wealth on this earth. Go back to your queen with her gifts and tell her that I will soon march to conquer her land with a huge army."

When Bilqees heard what had happened, she decided to surrender herself to Prophet Sulayman (as) and make preparations to go meet him.

Teguran

Scene 1

Sabtu malam, ba'da magrib, menjelang isya.
Ida: Amboi anak dara....nak pi mana malam-malam ni??? (tunjuk muka suspen)
sang anak dara buat muka bodoh sambil memakai helmet lalu berlalu bersama si penunggang Harley Davidson

Kak jah: ala cik Ida oi...biasalah anak muda...dating...bila lagi...cuti....(tersongeh-songeh)
Ida: Iyalah tu....jangan balik rumah lewat sangat dah lah...
Kak Ida: Isy cik Ida ni...macam lah tak pernah muda....budak-budak la..kalau tak dibagi kebebasan...bangkang la dia.....
ida: Bebas pun bebas jugak...jangan esok lusa hang menitis air mata darah dah lah....

Ada kalanya "menjaga tepi kain orang pun" elok juga. Sekedar peringatan dan nasihat bagi orang yang mungkin tak menyedari kekesalan yang mungkin akan ia rasai dikemudian hari.


Scene 2

Ibu: Adi....Ibu dah kata banyak kali...jangan main pasiak...sat lagi masuk dalam mata....
Sang anak buat muka menyampah. Jenuh selalu ditegah ini dan itu.
Ibu: Makcik Nah oi cik Nah.....tengok ni Adi...tak nak dengar cakap Ibu...marah sikit makcik...kute la sekali....

Makcik Nah yang sedang menyapu di bawah pokok pelam buat muka garang kat Adi: Oii....Adi...hang tak nak dengaq cakap Ibu tu pasal apa? Nak cik Nah tibai hang kah????

Adi terus bangkit, masuk rumah dalam rumah,ketakutan.....

Sekali sekala perlu juga kita mintakan seseorang "marahkan" anak kita kerana ada kalanya "kemarahan' ataupun nasihat orang lain lebih mengena di hati mereka. Percayalah, meski kita suruh orang lain pukul atau cubit anak kita, orang itu tak kan berani buat sedemikian kerana hormatkan ibu bapa.

Scene 3

Matahari sudah mulai kemerah-merahan. Hari menjelang Maghrib. Seorang budak lelaki merayau-rayau di tepi jalan.
Karim: Aik, hang ni..Ucup anak Deris kan?
Ucup: Iya pakcik....
Karim: Hang buat apa kat ni? Pi balik rumah...dah nak maghrib ni..
Ucup: ala lambat lagi....(buat muka tak peduli)
Karim:lambat ke apa benda? Nak orang culik hang kah???? duduk kat belakang...(sambil menyuruh Ucup membonceng motornya)
Sampai di depan rumah Deris....
Karim: Oi hang ni...awat hak biaq anak merayau sorang-sorang?....
Deris: la isy, budak ni.....makasih Im ....(sambil memulas telinga Ucup)

Mari jadikan "saling menasehati dan menolong" sebagai satu amalan mulia. Mudah-mudahan gejala sosial dan tingkat jenayah di sekitar kita dapat dikurangi.

Komunikasi itu penting

Dalam keseronokan beraya, sempat juga saya menonton "Curse of The Golden Flower" yang dibintangi Gong Li dan Chow Yun Fatt. Sebuah film yang mengkagumkan dari segi sinematografi.Hanya sahaja kalau boleh sedikit protes, saya tak bersetuju dengan busana para wanitanya yang terlalu mendedahkan bahagian dada. Malu sungguh saya tengok, apatah lagi anak-anak pun menonton bersama.

Pada saya dari awal hingga akhir cerita, film itu benar-benar tragik. Entah apa sebetulnya yang hendak disampaikan oleh si pembuat film. Tapi kalaulah boleh saya mengambil hikmah tersendiri. Ianya tentang betapa pentingnya berkomunikasi. Apatah lagi dalam sesebuah institusi bernama keluarga.

Tiap kepala punya pendapat sendiri. Berdialog,meluahkan isi hati dan perasaan antara sesama ahli keluarga mempunyai peran yang sangat penting dalam keharmonian sesebuah keluarga. Anak-anak yang terbiasa meluahkan isi hati dan pendapatnya secra betul dan beradab kepada ibu bapa akan menjadi anak-anak yang berjiwa besar dalam masyarakat kelak. Mereka akan tahu apa yang patut dan tidak patut diluahkan, tahu kepada siapa mesti mengadu jika menghadapi sebarang masalah sehingga tidak akan berlaku gejala-gejala sosial seperti yang berlaku pada masa ini.

Bagi ibu bapa pula, tidak salah meluahkan apa yang mereka rasa, pikir dan tahu kepada anak-anaknya. Membudayakan demokrasi dalam keluarga akan memberikan nilai yang positif. Anak-anak akan belajar menghargai pendapat orang lain dan ibu bapa pun akan lebih memahami kehendak dan kemahuan anak-anak dan kemudian membimbingnya ke jalan yang betul.

Secara ringkas, komunikasi ibarat jambatan yang menghubungkan dua dunia...dunia suami istri, dunia ibu bapa dan anak-anak. Wallahu'alam.

Marahkan nyamuk, Kelambu dibakar

Ura-ura pembakaran Al Quran yang akan dilakukan oleh Paderi Terry Jones (Florida) bersama kumpulannya sempena memperingati tragedi 11 September, benar-benar telah membangkitkan kemarahan Umat Islam. Meski kemudian tindakan biadab itu tidak jadi dilakukan oleh si empunya idea, ternyata dalam diam, ada pula pihak lain yang telah melakukannya. Kononnya mereka bebas untuk membangkar "buku" yang bukan menjadi rujukan dalam agama mereka dan kononnya pula undang-undang dalam USA "membolehkan" tindakan tersebut sebagai satu hak pribadi ala HAM (Hak aAsasi Manusia).

Entah apa yang bermain dalam minda mereka sehingga begitu besar kebencian mereka kepada Islam dan Muslim. Tapi sebagai muslim rasanya tak salah kalu kita juga menilai kembali diri sendiri. Islam terlanjur dikenal sebagai agama para teroris. Islam dikenal sebagai agama yang sanggup menggunakan cara-cara kekerasan untuk mencapai matlamat. Salah siapakah ini? Siapa lagi kalau bukan ...orang-orang yang bertopengkan agama Islam lalu melakukan tindakan anarkis, kekejaman dan sejenisnya bukan hanya kepada non muslim tetapi juga sesama muslim kononnya untuk menegakkan hukum Islam.

Alahai, kalau ya pun nak menegakkan negara, khilafah atau apapun namanya, ada cara-cara yang lebih baik dan mulia berdasarkan Al Quran, As Sunnah dan bimbingan para ahlul bait tentunya.Kalaulah memang Islam itu agama yang kejam, tentu takkan ada lagi non muslim yang tertarik hatinya untuk memeluk Islam. Kesalahan itu bukan pada agama Islam tetapi pada umatnya,orangnya,penganutnya....yang telah tersalah menginterprestasikan makna Islam sebenar.

Jadi diakui atau tidak, orang-orang seperti Paderi Terry Jones, Bob Old dan Danny Allen adalah mangsa dari ketidaktahuan mengenai hakikat agama Islam.

Adalah wajib bagi kita sebagai muslim untuk membela kesucian Al Quran namun dalam masa yang sama, kita juga hendaknya kembali bermuhasabah diri sejauh mana nilai-nilai Islam sebenar telah kita jalankan dalam hidup ini. Jangan sampai "kebodohan" kita dalam memahami Islam menyebabkan orang lain , khasnya non muslim meemandang serong kepada Dienul Islam. Wallahu'alam.

Mangosteen for Health

Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana)is a fruit found in tropical countries throughout Asia, for example Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines. It also grows reasonably well in areas such as Hawaii and tropical Northern Australia from Innisfail north to Cooktown.
Mangosteen is a small and very slow-growing tropical evergreen tree. The height of the tree attains 20 to 82 feet. The length of its leaves is up to 10 inches. The width of its flowers is 1 ½ to 2 inches. And maybe male or hermaphrodite is on the same tree.
The following are the benefits of mangosteen:
1.Anti-fatigue (energy booster)
2. Powerful anti-inflammatory (prevents inflammation)
3. Analgesic (prevents pain)
4. Anti-ulcer (stomach,
mouth and bowel ulcers)
5. Anti-depressant (low to moderate)
6. Anxyolytic (anti-anxiety effect)
7. Anti-Alzheimerian (helps prevent dementia)
8. Anti-tumor and cancer prevention (multiple categories cited)... shown to be capable of killing cancer cells
9. Immunomodulator (multiple categories cited) - helps the immune system
10. Anti-aging
11. Anti-oxidant
12. Anti-viral
13. Anti-biotic (modulates bacterial infections)
14. Anti-fungal (prevents fungal infections)
15. Anti-seborrheaic (prevents skin disorders)
16. Anti-lipidemic (blood fat lowering, LDL)
17. Anti-atherosclerotic (prevents hardening
of arteries)
18. Cardioprotective (protects the heart)
19. Hypotensive (blood pressure lowering)
20. Hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic effect, helps lower blood sugar)
21. Anti-obesity (helps with weight loss)
22. Anti-arthritic (prevention of arthritis)
23. Anti-osteoporosis (helps prevent the loss of bone mass)
24. Anti-periodontic (prevents gum disease)
25. Anti-allergenic (prevents allergic reaction)
26. Anti-calculitic (prevents kidney stones)
27. Anti-pyretic (fever lowering)
28. Anti-Parkinson
29. Anti-diarrheal
30. Anti-neuralgic (reduces nerve pain)
31. Anti-vertigo (prevents dizziness)
32. Anti-glaucomic (prevents glaucoma)
33. Anti-cataract (prevents cataracts)
34. Pansystemic - has a synergistic effect on the whole body

Mangosteen is usually taken for holistic health and no one would argue about the substantial health benefits that can be derived from the fruit. The best mangosteen supplements out there are manufactured from the rind of this superfruit. In order to make mangosteen capsules in the best possible way, the fruit is to freeze dried. This is because other antioxidant extraction methods like solvent usage may cause significant damage to the quality of the antioxidants and the nutrients.

The medicinal benefits of mangosteen will doubtlessly be heralded for a long time to come. Many more will be announced and either confirmed or dismissed in the process. At the moment, there is an understandable trend towards treatment with naturopathic agents like mangosteen extracts in lieu of prescription drugs.


The recent popularity of mangosteen has caused a rise in the number of popular products made from the fruit. However, not all these supplements provide the benefits they promise. Avoid products that promise miraculous recoveries and results because of their use. Instead, look for mangosteen products with more reasonable promises. This superfruit does provide wonderful health benefits, and can boost our immune systems, but, like everything else, it isn't magic. If a manufacturer's promises seem to good to be true, take a second look at them with a critical eye. When buying mangosteen supplements, you want to find the effective kind, not the popular but useless ones.

Happy Aidil Fitri

Kami sekeluarga mengucapkan "SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDIL FITRI. MOHON MAAF ZAHIR DAN BATHIN"

My family and I would like to wish you all "HAPPY EID MUBARAK. LET'S FORGET AND FORGIVE. MAY ALLAH BLESS US ALL".

Think it over: Big Storm or God is Great?

When we build a house, we take so much care to have a strong foundation so that it can stand the test of weather and time or that we could build more above it in course of time.

Do we take care to build our lives too on a strong faith foundation to courageously face the storms and challenges in life?

To stress the need to have strong faith, Prophet Jesus (pbuh) told of a parable of a wise man and foolish man who ventured to build a house. The wise man built his house upon the rock. The foolish man built his house upon the sand. The rains came down, the floods rose and gales and storms beat against the houses. The foolish man's house crashed to the ground while the wise man's house stood firm. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Most of us have experiences of facing storms. There could be financial storms, relationship storms, emotional storms, physical storms (health problems). People who build there lives on a strong faith foundation are those who will look at the storm calmly and courageously say "Oh Storm, God is great." But people who do not have a strong faith foundation will look at the storm and cry out "Oh God! I have a big storm."

We love our children so much that we give them the best of education, food, clothing, entertainment. But the most beautiful love gift we can give our children is the gift of a strong faith foundation in Allah (SWT). When we can give them this, they will be able to stand the challenges and storms of life courageously even when we are not around anymore.

A story is told of a shipwreck where everyone was swimming to safety. One sailor was struggling to make it to the shore when he suddenly saw a small rock protruding above the tide. He gripped to it tightly till the storm receded. When he reached the shore, people asked him "Did you not shake with fear when you held that small rock?" He quipped "Yes, I shook with fear, but the Rock did not shake and that's why I am safe."

Let us give ourselves and our children that rock to hold on to. When a pious man was on his deathbed he called all his children around him and said, "My children, if I leave all my wealth and property for you but do not leave you with a strong faith in Allah (SWT), you will be poor, very poor. But If I do not leave you any wealth or property but leave you with a strong faith in Allah (SWT), you will be rich, very rich indeed."

Islamic Story 16: Office Boy

A jobless man applied for the position of 'office boy' at a very big firm.

The HR manager interviewed him, then a test: clean the floor. "You are hired" he said, give me your email address, and I will send you the application to fill, as well as when you will start. The man replied "I don't have a computer, neither an email".

I am sorry, said the HR manager, if you don't have an email that means you do not exist. And who doesn't exist, cannot have the job. The man left with no hope at all. He didn't know what to do, with only $10 US in his pocket.

He then decided to go to the supermarket and buy a 10 KG Tomato crate. He then sold the Tomatoes in a door to door round. In less than two hours, he succeeded to double his capital. He repeated the operation 3 times, and returned home with $60 US. The man realized that he can survive by this way, and started to go everyday earlier, and return late. Thus, his money doubles or triples every day. Shortly later, he bought a cart, then a truck, and then he had his own fleet of delivery vehicles.

5 years later, the man is one of the biggest food retailers in the US. He started to plan his family's future, and decided to have a life insurance.

He called an insurance broker, and chooses a protection plan. When the conversation was concluded, the broker asked him his email. The man replied: 'I don't have an email'. The broker replied curiously, you don't have an email, and yet have succeeded to build an empire. Do you imagine what you could have been if you had an email?

The man thought for a while, and replied: an office boy!

The moral of this story:

1: Internet is not the solution to your life.
2: If you don't have internet and you work hard you can be a millionaire.
3: This man's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

Puisi:Hakikat Merdeka

Merdeka bererti
Bebas, lepas dari belenggu penjajahan
Menjadi tuan di tanah sendiri
Menjadi pemimpin anak bangsa sendiri

Bukan merdeka
jika hati terbelenggu angan
jika iman tercalar nafsu
jika ilmu berbalut kejahilan
jika adab meninggalkan tuntunan

Merdeka bererti
Bebas bertindak
Bebas berpendapat
Tapi Ingat.....
Bebas mestilah beradab
Bukan sesuka hati

Bukan merdeka
jika vandalism menjadi asas
jika penipuan menjadi senjata
jika keangkuhan menjadi tunggak
jika Terorism menjadi acuan

Merdeka bererti
Bebas melangkah
Menentukan hala tuju tanah tercinta
Bukan mendendam pada bekas penjajah
tidak pula menjajah sesama kawan

Hakikat merdeka di dalam diri
Menjadi asas pribadi sejati
Bukan setakat membela diri
Tapi juga melindungi sesama insani

Dengan merdeka bebas berdikari
Tentukan nasib dan jati diri
Tapi jangan keangkuhan meliputi diri
Jikalau tidak binasalah nanti.

Merdeka bukan setakat merai
Penuh semarak lagu dan tari
Merdeka semangat yang tak pernah mati
Jangan biar anak bangsa lupa diri

DIRGAHAYU KEMERDEKAAAN REPUBLIK INDONESIA KE-65
SELAMAT HARI KEMERDEKAAN MALAYSIA KE-53

SEMOGA HUBUNGAN BAIK KEDUA NEGARA BERJIRAN INI TETAP HARMONI DAN BERKEKALAN. AMIN.....

Luah, Jangan Tak Luah....tapi.....beradablah.....

Tak ada seorang pun di dunia ini yang mampu memuaskan hati semua orang. Hatta seorang pemimpin besar dari sesebuah negara pun tidak akan pernah luput dari kritikan dan mungkin .....makian.

Sebagai seorang pemimpin, yang diamanahkan tangung jawab besar oleh rakyat, apapun bentuk ketidakpuasan hati rakyat, hendaklah disikapi secara positif dan wajar. dalam arti kata, menjadikan seorang pemimpin itu lebih bersemangat dan termotivasi untuk memberikan yang terbaik bagi rakyat.

Sebagai rakyat pula, tidak salah, jika ingin menyuarakan ketidakpuasan hati pada para pemimpin. Pemimpin bukan setakat berhak tahu tapi wajib tahu dan ambil tahu keadaan sebenar rakyat yang dipimpinnya. Hanya sahaja, dalam meluahkan ketidakpuasan hati itu, ketidakselesaan itu atau mungkin...kemarahan itu hendaklah disampaikan dengan cara yang baik. Tidak melanggar norma kesopanan dan budaya ketimuran kita yang selama berabad-abad telah pun mendarah daging dalam segenap lapisan masyarakat kita.

Mari kita analogikan seperti ini:
Seseorang tiba-tiba datang lalu memaki hamun anda kononnya anda sudah membuang sampah di laman rumahnya. Bukan setakat memaki, orang itu pun turut menampar dan menumbuk anda bertubi-tubi. Agak-agak, apa reaksi anda? Silap hari bulan, secara semula jadi anda akan balas menumbuk orang tersebut. Akibatnya, masalah bukan sahaja tiada kesudahan, malah makin berpanjangan dan bertambah dengan masalah baharu pula.

atau:

Seseorang mendatangi anda dengan wajah penuh senyum sambil mengucapkan salam, lalu dengan bahasa yang santun menerangkan bahwa dia tidak suka anda membuang sampah di laman rumahnya. Agak-agak, apa respon anda? Secara semula jadi anda akan berasa malu lalu meminta maaf pada orang itu dan berjanji tidak akan mengulangi lagi perbuatan yang menyusahkan orang itu. Masalah pun selesai. Anda dan orang itu, sama-sama berasa tenang, bila-bila masa bersua lagi tidak akan bermasam muka.

Anda boleh memilih salah satu diantara 2 analogi itu. Apapun pilihan anda, akan mencerminkan seberapa dalam budaya santun tertanam dalam diri anda. Wallahu'alam.

Ramadhan Yang Lain

Tiap orang mempunyai pengalaman Ramadhannya sendiri. Pertama kali berpuasa di bulan Ramadhan adalah antara pengalaman Ramadhan yang paling indah. Adakalanya penuh jenaka ala upin dan ipin.Teringat saya dengan seorang sepupu. Al kisah berkahwinlah ia dengan seorang muallaf USA. Mungkin kerana bertubuh sasa, setakat menahan lapar dan dahaga bukanlah susah mana. Tapi satu benda yang membuatnya lemah tak bermaya selama sebulan itu....rokok.....hehehe....

Pengalaman Ramadahan dari tahun ke tahun sudah semestinya memiliki nuansa tersendiri. Ada Ramadhan yang penuh kedukaan kerana berjauhan dari orang-orang tersayang, ada pula yang penuh keriangan kerana berkumpul bersama keluarga tercinta dan mungkin...ada pula yang terasa hambar, ibarat lauk tanpa garam kerana kesibukan kerja yang luar biasa.

Apapun, marilah kita sambut Ramadhan yang akan tiba sedikit hari lagi ini, dengan rasa gembira penuh kesyukuran, kerana Allah masih panjangkan usia sehingga kita masih berkesempatan beribadah sebanyak mungkin di dalamnya. Marilah kita juga berdoa semoga Ramadhan kali ini lebih bermakna, lebih khusyuk kita dalam beribadah, dimudahkan segala urusan dunia dan akhirat kita hingga tibanya bulan Syawal, bulan penuh kemenangan. Amin Ya Rabbal 'Alamin......

Digestive Diseases ( Gastrointestinal diseases )

Digestive system is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube. It runs from mouth to anus and includes esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines.Liver, gallbladder and pancreas are also involved. They produce juices to help digestion.There are many types of digestive disorders. The symptoms vary widely depending on the problem. In general, you should see your doctor if you have

* Blood in your stool
* Changes in bowel habits
* Severe abdominal pain
* Unintentional weight loss
* Heartburn not relieved by antacids

The primary causes for functional disorders include:

* Eating a diet low in fiber
* Not getting enough exercise
* Traveling or other changes in routine
* Eating large amounts of dairy products
* Being stressed
* Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
* Resisting the urge to have bowel movements due to pain from hemorrhoids
* Overusing laxatives (stool softeners) that, over time, weaken the bowel muscles
* Taking antacid medicines containing calcium or aluminum
* Taking certain medicines (especially antidepressants, iron pills, and strong pain medicines such as narcotics)
* Being pregnant

X-ray examinations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-- which includes the esophagus, stomach, small intestines, large intestines and rectum-- enable your physician to detect abnormalities in these organs.

Gastrointestinal examinations are usually called either "upper GI" or "lower GI," depending on the organs that are to be studied:

* The upper GI test examines the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine. For this test, the patient swallows a contrast solution that contains barium.
* The lower GI test examines the large intestine and the rectum. For this test, barium is administered rectally by enema.
Our diets can contribute to digestive system difficulties. Many people eat too much processed food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Poor eating habits, such as eating too quickly or skipping meals, can also be part of the problem. Many digestive problems can be prevented through lifestyle. Be sure to get adequate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and fiber.

10 Tips on Dietary Fiber

1. Keep in mind that a high-fiber diet may tend to improve:
* Chronic constipation
* Coronary heart disease
* Hemorrhoids
* Diabetes mellitus
* Diverticular disease
* Elevated cholesterol
* Irritable bowel syndrome
* Colorectal cancer
2. Try to double your daily fiber intake.
* Average intake: 10-15 grams per day
* Recommended intake: 20-35 grams per day
3. Understand what fiber is, where it comes from:
* Insoluble fiber
o Cereals
o Wheat/wheat bran
o Whole grains
* Soluble fiber
o Brans
o Fruit
o Oatmeal/oat bran
o Psyllium
o Vegetables
4. Substitute high-fiber foods for high-fat and low-fiber foods.
5. Keep your daily fiber intake stable. Consider a fiber supplement if you:
* Travel
* Eat away from home often
* Find it difficult to get enough fiber through food choices alone
6. Don't shock your system: Increase fiber levels in your diet gradually.
7. Always increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices) when you increase fiber.
8. Add both soluble and insoluble fiber, from a variety of sources.
9. Compare fiber content of foods:
10. Choose foods high in fiber content.

Fruits and Vegetables (Highest in Fiber Per Serving):

Artichokes
Apples, pears (with skin)
Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)
Dates
Figs
Prunes
Beans (baked, black, lima, pinto)
Broccoli
Chick-peas
Lentils
Parsnips Peas
Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Squash (winter)

Other Good Fiber Choices:
Barley
Bread, Muffins (whole wheat, bran)
Cereals (branflakes, bran, oatmeal, shredded wheat)
Coconut
Crackers (rye, whole wheat)
Nuts (almonds, Brazil, peanuts, pecans, walnuts)
Rice (brown)
Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)

Eating high-fiber foods is a healthy choice for most people. If you have ever received medical treatment for a digestive problem, however, it is very important that you check with your doctor to find out if a high-fiber diet is the right choice for you.

Islamic Story 15: Mysterious helping hands

Iram, and her brother, Ahmed, were excited about the upcoming days. It was Ramadan, a time to learn appreciation for the things they had, and to think of others who didn't have as much.
They had both been saving their money all year long. Iram, who was seven years old, sat on her bed and dumped out her money Jar. Coins ran all over the blanket. "This is a lot of money. Momma says we are supposed to help someone. She wants us to think about how much we have and then think of someone who doesn't have very much, and do something nice for them," Iram said, gathering the money into a pile. "Dump out your Jar, Ahmed," she told her brother.
The coins came spilling out of his Jar onto the bed. "Wow! We can do a lot for someone with all this money," Ahmed said, smiling. "This is such a special time of year. I'm glad we can help others."
"But we have to do it secretly, Ahmed, remember. We have to pick someone and do something very nice without them knowing it is from us. Who should we pick?" Iram asked.
"Let's pick our neighbors, Rashid, and Fatima. I noticed that they had holes in their shoes," Ahmed said.
"That's a good idea. We could buy some new shoes for them. They aren't as blessed as we are. We have a lot of shoes, don't we?" Iram asked with appreciation.
"I have three pair. You have more. Let's buy some new shoes for them this Ramadan," Ahmed said, smiling.
Iram and Ahmed found their momma. She was busy washing some dates. She saw her children come into the kitchen. "I'm going to make some baklawa for tonight," she said, knowing her family loved to eat that during Ramadan.
"Pappa is at the mosque, in prayer. When he comes home, after the sun sets, we'll have some. In the meantime, you two look like you've got something on your minds."
"We want to help the poor. Ahmed and I have been saving our money all year long and we want to help Rashid and Fatima, our neighbors," Iram began.
Ahmed, with excitement, interrupted, "We want to buy them some shoes."
Momma smiled at her beautiful children. She was so proud of them.
"Aren't you hungry, Momma?" Ahmed asked. He knew she had not had anything to eat or drink since dawn that morning due to Ramadan fasting.
"I'm a little bit, but that is good for me. Don't worry about me. When you're older, you will understand more and be able to fast too," she explained. "Would you like me to take you to the store to buy the shoes?" she asked.
"Would you, Momma? Is that all right?" Iram begged.
"Why of course. Let's go," she said.
They walked to the shoe store and went inside. Iram picked out a pair of shoes for Fatima. Ahmed picked out a pair for Rashid. They were both so proud that they'd saved their money so they could do this to help. Later, they went home and wrapped the shoe boxes in plain brown paper. They waited anxiously for night to come. It would be dark and they could deliver their gifts.
The sun began to drop behind the horizon. A little while later, Pappa came home. He and Momma had some lentil soup, then tomato and cucumber sandwiches. Momma called to her children, "Iram. Ahmed. Come and have some baklawa, and some fresh dates." The children came running into the kitchen. Momma cut them a big piece.
They gobbled it down quickly as they were anxious to do their good deed. "Slow down, children," Pappa urged, laughing.
It was soon dark outside. Momma had the children go and get the boxes they'd wrapped so carefully. They put their coats on and walked quietly over to Rashid and Fatima's house. Momma whispered, "All right, children. We must be very quiet and very fast. Ahmed, you knock on the door and then run over here, to this bush, where Iram and I will be hiding. We'll watch as they come and find their gifts."
Iram and Ahmed giggled with delight. Iram and Momma hid, and Ahmed tiptoed up to the door. He put both of the boxes down on the porch, and knocked hard. Then he ran, and ran, and ran, as fast as he could, to where Iram and Momma were. "Shhh," Momma whispered. "Someone opened the door."
They watched as Rashid and Fatima came out onto the porch. "Look! There are presents for us. Someone left them here," Rashid cried out with excitement. He and Fatima looked around. It was very dark and they couldn't see anyone. They picked up the boxes and took them inside.
After a minute or two, waiting to make sure they wouldn't be seen, Momma, Ahmed, and Iram, snuck quietly back to their house. Ahmed started laughing. "Pappa! Pappa! We did it! We snuck up and left the presents!"
Iram added, "They didn't see us, Pappa. They don't know it was us." She was laughing too.
Momma and Pappa stood back and looked at their children. They were so proud of them. They knew their children knew the real meaning of giving and of sacrifice. The next morning, as Momma, Pappa, Iram, and Ahmed went to their car to drive into town, they saw Rashid and Fatima outside playing. They were both wearing their brand new shoes. Nobody said a thing. Iram and Ahmed just smiled, because it is one of the best Ramadan for them.

Puisi: Usia

Usia seorang insan....
ibarat air yang mengalir
dari hulu ke hilir
melintas aral melintang
menerpa, menerjang semua penghalang

Terlahir sebagai insan....
di sanalah bermula usia dikira
tiada yang tahu bila akhirnya
tidak pula berapa lamanya

Hidup seorang insan....
berjalan seiring masa
tak kira kering ataupun hujan
melangkau zaman meredah masa

Hidup sebagai insan....
hendaklah berpegang pada iman
jadikan rasul dan itrahnya sebagai tauladan
agar hidup penuh aman

Takdir kematian seorang insan....
tiada yang tahu bila masanya
tak kira muda atau pun tua
pabila maut telah menyeru
sahabat handai pun tak boleh membantu

Insan hidup insan bernyawa
ketika hidup hendaklah berjasa
Insan mati jasad tak bernyawa
di akhirat kelak semua ditanya
adakah ikhlas membungkus jasa
ataukah ia riya' belaka

Hidup di dunia hanya sesaat
ibarat kilat pantas melesat
hendaklah iman teguh dan kuat
ditambah pula amal ibadat
semoga menjadi insan yang berkat

(Happy birthday to me...hehehe...)

BIla saman menyaman jadi budaya

Kebelakangan ini makin kerap berlaku kes saman menyaman yang melibatkan institusi keluarga.Entah dimana silapnya.Yang pasti, ianya bukan merupakan budaya yang sihat, bukan pula budaya yang membanggakan.

Saman menyaman seperti ini seolah menjadi aras penanda betapa institusi kekeluargaan menjadi semakin rapuh. Tiada lagi rasa hormat dan saling memahami antara orang-orang yang bernaung didalamnya.

Derasnya ombak kemajuan dan mutakhirnya teknologi di zaman ini seolah telah pula menjadikan ibu bapa dan anak-anak ibarat robot, tanpa hati dan perasaan. Segala sesuatu ditimbang tara dengan materi. Seakan tiada lagi nilai-nilai moral dan agama yang mampu menjadi neraca.

Salah siapakah ini? Apakah kita hendak mempersalah pihak sekolah kerana kurangnya pendidikan moral dan agama yang diberi? Apakah kita hendak pula mempersalahkan kerajaan kerana kurang pro-aktif dalam menangani gejala sosial khususnya di kalangan generasi muda kita?

Ataukah kita mau berlapang dada...mengakui salah kita sendiri kerana telah salah mendidik...salah memberikan asuhan ketika anak-anak kita masih kecil lagi?????

Pikir-pikirkanlah? Jangan asyik menuding jari pada orang/pihak lain. Mungkin silap dan salah itu berpunca dari diri kita sendiri.....Wallahu'alam....

Corticosteroids: another type of steroids

Corticosteroids or glucocorticoids, often just called "steroids", where once thought to be almost miraculous. In 1948, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota a group of arthritis patients were given daily injections of a corticosteroid. The results were so striking and the improvement so dramatic that it was thought that the "cure" for arthritis had been discovered.

However, as the use of corticosteroids expanded over the years, side effects emerged and it was realized that high doses given over prolonged periods of time turned steroids into "scare-oids". Patients were warned of the potential problems, the use of corticosteroids became more conservative, and some patients were so frightened of them they even declined treatment.

Corticosteroids act on the immune system by blocking the production of substances that trigger allergic and inflammatory actions, such as prostaglandins. However, they also impede the function of white blood cells which destroy foreign bodies and help keep the immune system functioning properly. The interference with white blood cell function yields a side effect of increased susceptibility to infection.
Corticosteroids are widely used for many conditions. They are also used to control inflammation of the joints and organs in diseases such as:
•rheumatoid arthritis
•lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
•ankylosing spondylitis
•juvenile arthritis

Corticosteroids are versatile in their mode of application. They can be given:
•orally
•injected into the vein or muscle
•applied locally to the skin
•injected directly into inflamed joints

Corticosteroid drugs can also be used as ingredients contained in:
•eye products (to treat various eye conditions)
•inhalers (to treat asthma or bronchial disease)
•nasal drops and sprays (to treat various nasal problems)
•topical creams, ointments, etc. (to treat various skin problems)

Corticosteroids can be used in conjunction with other drugs, and are prescribed for short-term and long-term use.
Prednisone (brand names include: Cortan, Deltasone, Liquid Pred, Meticorten, Orasone, Panasol-S, Prednicen-M and Sterapred) is the most commonly prescribed synthetic corticosteroid for arthritis.

The potent effect of corticosteroids can result in serious side effects which mimic Cushing's disease, a malfunction of the adrenal glands resulting in an overproduction of cortisol. The list of potential side effects is long and includes:
•increased appetite and weight gain
•deposits of fat in chest, face, upper back, and stomach
•water and salt retention leading to swelling and edema
•high blood pressure
•diabetes
•black and blue marks
•slowed healing of wounds
•osteoporosis
•cataracts
•acne
•muscle weakness
•thinning of the skin
•increased susceptibility to infection
•stomach ulcers
•increased sweating
•mood swings
•psychological problems such as depression
•adrenal suppression and crisis

Side effects can be minimized by following doctor's orders and keeping to the lowest dose possible. It is also important to avoid self regulation of the dosage, either by adding more or stopping the medication without a schedule.

Immune System

Immune system is the most dynamic body component in determining our state of health or disease. Our immune system constantly interacts with our internal environment, protects us from our external environment and provides the inherent knowledge to sense the difference between friend and foe.

Everyday our immune system must overcome viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. It neutralizes toxins. It protects us from cancer everyday. It knows the difference between friend and enemy. It’s constantly interacting with our “internal” and “external” environment.

The immune system is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The cells involved are white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in two basic types that combine to seek out and destroy disease-causing organisms or substances.

The two basic types of leukocytes are:
1.phagocytes, cells that chew up invading organisms
2.lymphocytes, cells that allow the body to remember and recognize previous invaders and help the body destroy them

When your body encounters a germ, its first line of defense is your immune system. Specialized cells and organs help your body recognize and respond to foreign invaders. Your immune system even has its own circulatory system, called the lymphatic system.

If your immune system cannot do its job, the results can be serious. Disorders of the immune system include
•Allergy and asthma - inappropriate immune responses to substances that are usually harmless
•Graft-vs.-host disease - a life-threatening reaction in people receiving organ transplants
•Immune deficiency diseases - disorders in which your resistance to disease becomes dangerously low
•Autoimmune diseases - diseases causing your immune system to attack your own body's cells and tissues by mistake


Immunity can be strong or weak, short-lived or long-lasting, depending on the type of antigen it encounters, the amount of antigen, and the route by which the antigen enters the body. Immunity can also be influenced by inherited genes. When faced with the same antigen, some individuals will respond forcefully, others feebly, and some not at all.

An immune response can be sparked not only by infection but also by immunization with vaccines. Some vaccines contain microorganisms—or parts of microorganisms— that have been treated so they can provoke an immune response but not full-blown disease.
Immunity can also be transferred from one individual to another by injections of serum rich in antibodies against a particular microbe (antiserum). For example, antiserum is sometimes given to protect travelers to countries where hepatitis A is widespread. The antiserum induces passive immunity against the hepatitis A virus. Passive immunity typically lasts only a few weeks or months.

Infants are born with weak immune responses but are protected for the first few months of life by antibodies they receive from their mothers before birth. Babies who are nursed can also receive some antibodies from breast milk that help to protect their digestive tracts.

For many years, healthcare providers have used vaccination to help the body’s immune system prepare for future attacks. Vaccines consist of killed or modified microbes, parts of microbes, or microbial DNA that trick the body into thinking an infection has occurred.

A vaccinated person’s immune system attacks the harmless vaccine and prepares for invasions against the kind of microbe the vaccine contained. In this way, the person becomes immunized against the microbe. Vaccination remains one of the best ways to prevent infectious diseases, and vaccines have an excellent safety record. Previously devastating diseases such as smallpox, polio, and whooping cough (pertussis) have been greatly controlled or eliminated through worldwide vaccination programs.

Inherited immune system disorders are diseases in which children are born without an immune system or with an incomplete immune system. People with an immune system disorder are less able to fight infections.

Inherited immune system disorders are also called primary immune deficiency disorders. They are called "primary" because they are caused by a gene defect that affects the immune system. Genes carry an inherited code of instructions that tells the body how to make every cell and protein in the body. (Secondary immune deficiencies are caused by something outside the body, such as chemotherapy or infection with a virus.)

People with severe inherited immune system disorders are at high risk for life-threatening infections. For many severe disorders, the only known cure is a bone marrow or cord blood transplant (also called a BMT). The following are two of the most severe inherited immune system disorders:
•Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Transplant
•Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and Transplant

Transplant has also been used to treat some other inherited immune system disorders, including:
•Combined immunodeficiency associated with other syndromes: Severe DiGeorge Syndrome, X-linked immunodeficiency with normal or elevated IgM, X-linked lymphoproliferative disease, IPEX (Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteritis, and X-linked) syndrome
•Humoral immunodeficiency: Common variable immunodeficiency
•Other deficiencies: Chronic granulomatous disease, leukocyte adhesion deficiency

To find out whether transplant is a treatment option for you or your family member, talk to a doctor who is an expert in treating these.

Islamic Story 14:Power of Holding Hands

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" Asked the puzzled father...

"There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go."

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond.

So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has said: "Whoever has a child should be like a child with him."

"Kuasa" BISMILLAH

Jujur saya katakan, meski terlahir dalam keluarga muslim, ada suatu ketika,hati dan minda tertanya-tanya hukum Tuhan.

Dulu...saya paling meluat tengok penyanyi yang membaca Bismillah sebelum memulakan nyanyiannya(meski sebenarnya tiada niat pada diri penyanyi tersebut untuk riya').....hati saya membathin.."ala takat nak menyanyi pun....tak payah nak tunjuk sholeh/sholehah sangat...."

Dulu...saya juga menganggap remeh....apabila arwah nenek peringat..."sebelum pergi keluar rumah,bacalah bismillah..dulu..."....minda saya berontak..."ala nenek ni pun...leceh sangat..."

Hingga satu ketika....kerana mengejar deadline tugas dari pensyarah yang paling anti kompromi....saya terpaksa meminjam komputer seorang rakan....

Singkat cerita....skrin komputer tak boleh "on" walhal semua perkara dah dibuat mengikut prosedur. Melihat saya yang panik sekaligus celaru.....ayah rakanku menegur..."ada apa, nak? ".....Saya jawab singkat,"entah, pakcik...pc ni tak nak on..." Beliau tergelak..."ada hantu kot?.....Iman saya yang terlalu nipis seakan berkata,"takkan tengah hari ada hantu????"......Melihat saya yang makin kebingungan...pakcik itu berkata lagi...."Sebelum on pc tadi....dah baca ni kah belum?".....sambil jari telunjuknya menghala ke bahagian atas skrin....ada sticker bertuliskan BISMILLAH di situ...dalam bahasa Arab....Saya memandang tulisan itu...kosong....Ternyata betul kata orang-orang bijak..."ada kalanya mata memandang, tapi tidak melihat..." Mungkin kerana respon saya yang kaku.....si pakcik berkata lagi...."cuba baca...apa tulisan itu?....."Rasa tercabarlah pula ego..."ala, macam budak kecik pula pakcik ni buat..."...Saya mula membacanya dengan lidah berat..."Bismillahirrohmanirohim...." .....Pakcik itu menegur.."tak dengar lah...baca lagi kuat?....Sekali lagi saya ucapkan bismillahirrohmanirrohim....kali ini dengan penuh pengharapan semoga pc benar-benar on.....Subhanallah.....Komputer dah "on" sesuai harapan....Pakcik tu tergelak sambil berkata,"sekarang faham kan?"

Astaghfirullah....seumur hidup itulah perkara yang paling membuat saya sedar betapa agung kuasa Tuhan. Hanya dengan sepenggal Bismillah....apa yang sukar menjadi mudah..apa yang berat menjadi ringan.

Benarlah ternyata ilmu Allah Maha Luas...betapa kecil dan kerdilnya kita di hadapan Allah azza wa jalla. Ada banyak perkara yang belum atau mungkin takkan pernah mampu kita rungkai dengan ilmu manusia kerana di sebalik segala ilmu dan kuasa...kuasa Allah yang Maha Sempurna.