Condemn Israel!!!!!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

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.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

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.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

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.

Friday, October 1, 2010

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.