Boon's Basement

Grandma, I love you!

// February 26th, 2010 // No Comments » // Health, Thoughts

Because of a snowstorm my office was closed and I was spared from the agony of work. I decided to call my grandmother to see how things are going on in Malaysia. As the conversation progressed from the usual “How are things?” “What about the weather” to “How’s your health”, I discovered something shocking and chilling. My grandmother blurted out that she has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. I felt chill running down my spine and tears started to fall down my cheeks. The only thing that ran through my mind was to advise her to get the tumor removed. I was balling and screaming at the phone because I was afraid of losing my one and only beloved “Ah Ma”. It seems that my grandmother had known about the tumor since last year but being the strong willed woman that she is, she kept it all to herself and didn’t tell her grandsons. She will continue to seek medical advice and treatment. I really pray that God will deliver her from harm and heal her body!
My grandmother, to me, is a woman who possesses characteristics that will make those of Lady Diana and Mother Theressa seem small. My grandmother, Low Anai, is kind, strong, honest, cheerful and friendly. Growing up in a family where the daughters were not sent beyond primary school, she married my grandfather at the age of 17. Going through a semi broken marriage because of my grandfather’s infidelity, my grandmother strove on to bring up her four children. I am very lucky because after my parents separation, my grandmother took care of me. For whatever reason, my dad was relinquished of his responsibilities as a father and a husband after his separation from my mom.
I feel a deep conviction in my heart to take care of my grandma in whatever ways that I can. Let it be money, moral or physical work. Throw them at me and I will be more than willing to endure them for my grandmother.

My grandmother is truly one of a kind and I would like to mention that the greatest love is a mother’s love. Some may argue that Jesus displayed the greatest love but remember one thing, try carrying someone in the womb for nine months and then having to go through labour to let you taste your first breath. Pretty powerful thought eh?

Let me end with the song Mama by Spice Girls.
P.s. For those who believe in the power of prayer, please pray for my grandmother. Thank you.

-Boon

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You are not alone…..

// August 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Health, Thoughts

There is a song by Michael Jackson that goes.. “You are not alone, I am here with you..”. The title of the song is “You are not alone” and the lyrics assure listeners that they are not alone and that someone will be by their side. The truth of the matter is that Americans are slowly becoming a lonely society. Younger generations have substituted face to face interaction with Instant Messaging, Emails and social networking sites. Those mediums were meant to be a supplement of our normal interaction with others but have become the prime obsession of many. According to an article by Newsweek (Read here), [Thanks Kin L for the link]

-[that the encroachment of digital communication into our social lives can amplify feelings of isolation. He describes texting or Twittering in the presence of others as a "prescription for loneliness." Such behavior, he says, sends the message that someone somewhere else is more important. "The human heart is suffering from lack of authentic interaction," he says. "Just being able to engage genuinely and politely with your neighbors is a better fix than Xanax could ever affect for mental stability."]

So the next time if you feel like checking your Facebook or Twitterring during a meeting, think of the loneliness that may loom within your heart. Is it time that you find a soulmate?

p.s. Match.com and jdate.com are the last place you should look.

Love it, Loathe it? Comments are appreciated.

-Boon

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Two Face of the Day: Glenn Beck

// August 14th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Health, Politics, Thoughts

Two must watch videos by the super awesome John Stewart and Stephen Colbert:

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The red pill or the blue pill, when either one comes with side effects?

// July 26th, 2009 // No Comments » // Health

The availability of prescription drugs has prolonged the health of many. It has given new hopes for people who are diagnosed with illness that can only be treated through doses of prescription drugs. But many prescription drugs do come with side effects, some that are minor while some that can be fatal.

Abilify, the drug used in the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, seems like a wonder-drug for its ability to treat so many diseases. Don’t let the benefits fool you. Abilify, comes with many side effects that include:

(Taken from here)

Common Side Effects With Abilify

• Headaches — in up to 30 percent of people
• Anxiety — up to 20 percent
• Insomnia — up to 19 percent
• Nausea — up to 16 percent
• Constipation — up to 13 percent
• Vomiting — up to 12 percent
• Dizziness — up to 11 percent.

• Indigestion or heartburn
• Drowsiness
• Shakiness
• Weight gain 
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Dry mouth 
• Joint pain
• Throat pain
• Blurred vision
• Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
• Pain
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Increased salivation
• Swelling or water retention in the arms, legs, or feet.

Side Effects of Abilify to Report

• Signs of diabetes, such as:

• • High blood sugar
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme hunger (see Abilify and Diabetes)

• Large or rapid weight gain
• Suicidal thoughts
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Dizziness or fainting when going from a sitting or lying-down position to standing
• Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness
• Any abnormal muscle movements (these movements can become permanent if Abilify is not stopped quickly)
• A painful erection of the penis that does not go away (priapism)
• Signs or symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can include:

• • A high fever
  • Stiff muscles
  • Confusion
  • Irregular pulse or blood pressure
  • An increased heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Sweating
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

• Signs of an allergic reaction, including:

• • Unexplained rash
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Unexplained swelling
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Rare Abilify Side Effects

• Anemia
• Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) or high thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Gas
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Hemorrhoids
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Canker sores
• Gallstones
• Yeast infections
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Kidney stones
• Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED (see Abilify Sexual Side Effects)
• An increased or decreased sex drive
• Acne
• Eczema
• Hair loss (see Abilify and Hair Loss)
• Varicose veins.

Despite all those possible side effects, Doctors have no ability to know whether or not their patients are allergic to Abilify. Therefore, it is still up to the patients to risk it by taking Abilify.

Hmmm…which one will i choose? Be free of depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia OR possibly get all the side effects from taking Abilify?

Have you read the warning and side effects on your prescription drugs lately? You should!
Love it, Loathe it? Comments are very much appreciated.

-Boon

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An experience one must go through every 6 months…

// July 20th, 2009 // No Comments » // Health, Thoughts

-image from here

The clock on the wall was showing 12 noon when my name was called. I was escorted to a room, brightly lit and cheerfully decorated, where I was told to lie down and relax. “He will be with you shortly”, I was told. When he entered the room, I was instructed to spread it wide open as he put on protection. I held my position and had it wide open for an hour, while he insert his instruments inside. After the ordeal, I was all clean and white, albeit bloody and sore. It was definitely worth the trip to see my dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning session. No cavities, nothing majorly wrong, just some tartar. =)

Here’s a dentist joke I found online. Enjoy

“Open wider.” requested the dentist, as he began his examination of the patient.
“Good God !” he said startled.
“You’ve got the biggest cavity I’ve ever seen – the biggest cavity I’ve ever seen.”
“OK Doc !” replied the patient.
“I’m scared enough without you saying something like that twice.”
“I didn’t !” said the dentist. “That was the echo.”

Have you visited your dentist lately?

-Boon

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