Happy wedding, Guek Ming and Hwee Lee!

Dressed in a pink top, white skirt and matching white shoes, I joined in the fun of 'bringing the bride home' early in the morning on this last day of June. I hardly had any sleep the night before, so it was slightly unnerving to be the designated driver for one of the photographers.

You finally get to marry your high school sweetheart, my dear friend! Congratulations! All those ups and downs were well worth your effort, right?

Now, when will we expect little ones? And I wonder who in our Desa group will be the next one to hand out an invitation? Hm...

Common Childhood Illnesses - Fever

by Dr. Dan Giap Liang


Fever
Fever is a symptom and sign. It is not a diagnosis or an illness. It usually means that the child has caught an infection. Most childhood infections are viral in origin. it is important to differentiate between these two because a bacterial infection usually requires an antibiotic. Generally, the younger and sicker the child, the likelier it is bacterial in nature. Sometimes, there are other causes of fever but usually the duration is prolonged and it is more sinister and will need extensive investigations.

There are two commonly used fever medications. One is paracetamol, that has been long used and is very familiar among most parents. It is available in syrup, suppository and tablet form. It is to be used only if there is significant fever. However, lately, there have been some studies that seem to suggest excessive use may be linked with allergies. This once again highlights the fact that it is to be used only when the child has fever and it is not to be given on a regular dosing schedule. Furthermore, one has to be aware of liver toxicity due to overdosage of paracetamol.

The other fever medication, Brufen, is newer compared to paracetamol. It is relatively safe, too, and very effective. However, it too has its adverse side effects and once again, its use needs to be monitored closely by parents. Never use aspirin in children. Parents must be cautious when using traditional medications because some may contain aspirin.

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VpDaOdyLjnm9ttv7Zj_1rOoxgafJlJ0U-d7wb3H1TCgPR8qaQXZqWOuTqUTVM9sNBsAcH5MPgCY-8GpSaqZ6IZ_6YISlZU67_Jh5_AJuynAZjueBw2lpSqNsKrSSOHrRSqHr/s1600/fever.jpg

Sponging the child may be comforting but never use cold water or ice. Shivering due to the cold application may raise the fever further. Tap water should suffice. Infants with fever should not be over-dressed or swaddled, as this may likewise worsen the fever. Light cotton clothing is advisable.

If the child's fever worsens and persists beyond a few days or if the child's general condition deteriorates, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Generally, infants less than six months presenting with fever should be seen by a doctor.

Happy wedding, Alan and Lian Shien!

Two of my Taylorian friends finally tied the knot today. I say finally because they go way back to well, college days.

If I remember correctly, they were Chemistry classmates. Or was it Algebra? Sheesh, my memory not serving me very well now.

But when they finally became a pair, I remember feeling really happy for them. And then they went to Melbourne together for uni - one in Monash Uni, one in Melbourne Uni. Both super smart individuals.

When I saw the post on Facebook which Mr. Lee shared regarding his successful proposal on the Eiffel Tower, I was nearly in tears.

Dearest Alan and Lian Shien, heartiest congratulations and every best!

Country Farm Organics, Bangsar Shopping Village

Unlike past years, we decided to do our shopping for the staff Loyalty Award in Bangsar. Out of the three of us, Dad was the most familiar with the place, so we just followed his lead. He chose to park at Bangsar Village and then just randomly walked around in search of food.

Mum was glad to find an organic shop that not only sold food items but also had a bar and restaurant attached.

We enjoyed the ambience, the service and the food served. Shame not all their outlets allow in-house dining.

Haha, yes, I was as amazed as you are to find out that this was organic, too!

Country Farm Organics
LG7 Lower Ground Floor, Bangsar Village 1, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2284 2094

Common Childhood Illnesses - Diarrhoea and Vomiting

by Dr. Dan Giap Liang

Diarrhoea and Vomiting
Diarrhoea and vomiting are also common childhood illnesses. Most times, viruses are the culprit with the Rotavirus being the most common in children. Others, like norovirus and astroviruses, occasionally cause outbreaks, too. Food poisoning is a form of gastroenteritis, if the child consumes contaminated food or water containing bacteria. Sometimes, diarrhoea may be the only symptom, although associated complaints like vomiting and fever are common. Most cases, the illness lasts for three to six days and often, there is a history of contact with a person who has had similar symptoms.

The main concern when dealing with gastroenteritis is dehydration. Toddlers, and more so infants, can easily become dehydrated if they lose more fluid than they take in. Furthermore, they do not tolerate loss of fluids as well as adults and older children. The main aim of treatment is to ensure adequate fluids intake for that lost in the watery stools.

Source: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQXQUGX8Cp4bMrwT2Ie0WZB_YTCCan8zPkb2OTZUb_-wGeS1jsB9JtQs-6NqKwXPcfhj8hzIntHT7Qgv5as54pnALF0bDITi_JvWU03_XaRfOCop-iUllpSlG0mYjYzlZk4DkAg/s1600/diarrhea.gif

In most cases, the treatment is to feed the child sufficient fluids. There are a few types of oral rehydration salts in the market and most will suffice. Breastfeeding is to be encouraged, too. Water alone is discouraged, as the child also loses salt and minerals in the diarrhoeal stools. Hence, a mixture of salt and minerals are necessary besides water. If the child is hungry and can tolerate food, this can be continued, too. Some medications may be prescribed, although generally not necessary. Should the child be vomiting, too, wait for half an hour or so before attempting to feed again.

The trick is to give frequent and small amounts of fluids, so as not to over distend the stomach. Increase the amounts progressively once the child can tolerate. Fortunately, most children will recover gradually over a few days, On the other hand, do consult a doctor if the child shows signs of lethargy, persistent vomiting with worsening diarrhoea, spiking fever, sever abdominal pain or bloody stools. In such situations, it may be necessary to admit the child for observation and intravenous rehydration, if there is no improvement despite oral treatment.

Home

A gentle breeze caressed my face as I stepped out of the car. Looking down on the rows of houses and the tall durian trees in the orchard across the main road, I remember the day we moved to Taman U. It was a bright, sunny day and it was in the morning. I remember complaining about the heat, profusely wiping the droplets of sweat from my forehead and neck.

From a few square feet of barren laterite earth, our garden has grown into what our friends refer to as a jungle. Once, I helped to rearrange the plants and made use of the organic enzyme sitting in a blue barrel in our backyard. Little did I know that the small amount of enzyme I sprinkled over the plants was able to fertilise the plants in such great speed. The little cutlet of branches from a tree grandma gave us grew into a mature tree in a matter of weeks. After a six-week trip, I came home totally amazed that from a branch as long as my forearm was now at the height of the balcony.

Mr. Cactus in the middle of the garden seldom bloomed but when he did, it was always a pretty sight. We always looked forward to his blooms. With the addition of Remy and the other kittens, we were always not short on kitty humour, as we watch them learn to climb the trees and find their way through the maze of pots and plants. Once, we heard a big splash and wondered what it was. We could not hold our laughter as we noticed a very wet and shocked kitten fumble out of the fishpond.

Wear and tear from the rain and shine prompted Dad to give the gate a facelift. The rusty metal links were replaced by long, slender planks to resemble a picket fence. I remember helping Dad using tools and materials such as sandpaper, shellac and a Bosch cordless screwdriver. I proudly tell friends that I helped do the gate up.

Looking for my home did not cause much of a problem because of how easy it was to identify. I need only point out the gate and the jungle of a garden sandwiched between two mansions.

The bittersweet memories of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood fill every nook and cranny of this home. The melodies of my piano practices and singing practices of the young charges from choir echo through the stairwell. The tempting fragrance of freshly fried prawn crackers whiff through the entire house during Chinese New Year. Much of my character was built in this home.

Home. Just nowhere like it.

Zilver Restaurant

Every time I visit Zilver, it is for yumcha. This was the first time I had a proper meal there. Like other Chinese restaurants, they served complementary bites and soup.

First up for mains, we had Peking duck served with pancakes and hoisin sauce ($38.80 for half, $62.80 for full).

A very unique dish that came up next had me startled slightly, as it was flaming from the foil.

Aptly called flaming pork ribs with mayonnaise ($23.80), this was my favourite dish of the night.

How can we go without fish? We chose to have a fish that they recommended. When it came out, I thought it looked and tasted very much like the steamed fish dishes served in the restaurants back home.

The wok-tossed snake beans with oyster sauce ($20.80) were pretty crunchy but lacked that little bit of a 'burnt wok' taste.

I also enjoyed the pumpkin dish, perhaps because it actually came out served in a pumpkin.

Zilver Restaurant
Level 1, 477 Pitt Street (cnr Hay Street), Haymarket, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9211 2232, Fax: +61 2 9211 5670, E-mail: info@zilver.com.au
Monday to Friday 10:00am to 3:30pm, 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Saturday to Sunday 9:00am to 3:30pm, 5:30pm to 11:00pm

Common Childhood Illnesses - Middle Ear Infections

by Dr. Dan Giap Liang

Middle Ear Infections
Middler ear infections or otitis media occurs in approximately 30% of children before the age of 7 years. This condition occurs when fluid accumulates behind the ear drum. There is a passage called the Eustachian tube, which drains fluids into the back of the throat behind the nose. Sometimes in children, this tube malfunctions and is unable to drain the fluids sufficiently. Bacteria or viruses can then invade this inner ear and cause an ear infection. This also explains why otitis media occurs shortly after a cold when the nose is blocked and congested. The child often complains of pain or discomfort and may tug or hit his affected ear repeatedly. In infants, they become cranky and irritable. Fever is a common sign or may be the only sign. In worse cases, the ear drum may rupture from the pressure of the infected fluid and there may be ear discharge.

Source: http://userfiles.steadyhealth.com/sites/steadyhealth.com/modules/infocenter/data/images/homeopathic_remedy_for_ear_infection.jpg

The doctor will examine the child's ear with a special instrument called an otoscope. He will note the inflammed drum and sometimes visualise fluid behind the drum. Otitis media will usually require antibiotics for up to a total of ten days. Although the symptoms and fever with irritability may disappear within two days, the course of antibiotics must be completed to prevent unwanted complications. There may even be a recurrence. Paracetamol may be given for pain relief and fever. If there is no improvement after 48 hours, the child will need a reassessment and need intravenous antibiotics. After the full course of treatment, an assessment is necessary. This is because the most common complications are recurrence and persistence of ear infections. This will then lead to hearing loss with delayed speech development. The serious complications which are rare are meningitis and mastoiditis, where the infection has spread beyond the middle ear compartment. Fortunately, the majority of children have uncomplicated otitis media and soon outgrow this infection with no long term sequelae.

Happy birthday, Guek Ming!

Good friends are hard to come by

Understanding but not overly protective

Especially caring towards the people you love

Keeping them happy and cared for

Marrying the love of your life soon

I really am very happy for you

Never forget our friendship because

Good friends are hard to come by

May all your dreams come true, my friend!

Happy birthday!

N.B.: So happy that after we graduated from Desa, we still keep in touch and are still good friends.

P.S.: A big thank you to Ray for making a detour to Padi House for the cake.

Happy birthday, Jeunn and Rick!

We hear the phrase, "As we grow older, we will get more work and family commitments. We will find less reason and time to meet up with school friends". Come on, admit it, all of you have heard this phrase before.

So, imagine how difficult it was to arrange for a handful of us to meet up to celebrate one birthday, let alone two. Luckily for me, I managed to get seven class/school/tuition mates from Desa together to celebrate the birthdays of two childhood friends.

Happy birthday to Jeunn Fuh and Rick Kee! May our friendship continue to flourish (even with the current limited amount of nourishment)!

Albee's Kitchen

We were introduced to not just the restaurant, but the suburb (there seriously was no reason for me to visit Campsie before this) by Xin Wen's aunt. According to her, this place serves the best, most authentic Malaysian food there is in Sydney.

Located on one end of the busy main street of Campsie, it is a little hard to find street parking, especially if you visit during dinner time. After a few visits, we realised that the best would be to park off the main road, where there is no time limit.

The restaurant is actually a little hard to find, unless you try to spot their food menu mosaic. The restaurant is not big, with a few narrow rows of tables in the front and a smaller room with more seats at the back separated by the working kitchen in the middle. It sort of reminds me of the straits buildings in Penang and Malacca, long and narrow.

Browsing through the menu and the specials on the walls, we always end up thinking we would like to have one of everything they serve. It gives us a sense of home, dining here, as we are surrounded by other Malaysians, Singaporeans and Indonesians speaking in dialects we are familiar with. Heck, we sometimes even speak to Albee herself in Hokkien.

Now, let me share the different types of food that we have tried during our visits. I am going to start with drinks.

Ice cendol kacang merah ($4.50)

We highly recommend the cendol ($4.00). It is Albee's very own recipe, which she modified during her food court days in Kuching.

I am not sure if they still have this on their menu but they used to have bowls of herbal drinks, which resemble the Malaysian air mata kucing.

I really like the sweetness the red dates gave and the chewy texture of the lychees.

For starters, we had pandan chicken ($14.80). We bite into tender, juicy meat that lies under the crispy skin of the chicken pieces nicely wrapped in pandan leaf. Every bite gave off a whiff of fragrant pandan smell.

The springy lor bak is a deep-fried sausage-like dish made from pork and seafood mince rolled up in soy bean curd sheets (One roll $8.00, two rolls $14.00). Dipping it in the home-made chilli sauce is a must!

Another must-have is their curry puff ($2.50 each but look out for their special pricing on the wall). And when I say it is a must-have, it really is.

Inside the deep-fried pastry shell consists specialised curry chicken with sweet potato, beans and half a half-boiled egg. We never fail to pack more to bring home for supper and the next day's lunch or afternoon tea.

The sambal petai prawn fried rice ($12.00) is fried rice with chilli shrimp paste, egg, prawns and petai beans.

The all-time Malaysian hawker favourite, the char kway teow ($10.50) is a Hokkien and Teochew style fried flat rice noodle. Traditionally fried using pork lard in a big black wok on a charcoal stove, their version also includes shrimp, clam meat, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts and chives.

Loh mee ($10.50) is a bowl of thick noodles served in a thickened soup made from egg with prawn, pork slices, crispy pork lard and vegetables. We normally have this with vinegar and due to the large serving, we share between two people.

My favourite is the char hor fun ($10.50). I like how the flat rice noodles are first charred in hot wok with soy sauce, as it gives a slight 'burnt' fragrance. The noodles are then covered in a thick gravy made from lightly beaten eggs. The dish also has stir-fried pork, prawn and choy sum.

The claypot rice drop ($11.00) comes boiling hot in a claypot with lots of greens, pork slices and a bright yellow of an egg yolk floating in the middle. Hardly can see any of the rice drops, really.

I think it is quite obvious that this is a bowl of prawn noodles ($11.00). You get to choose your choice of noodles served in soup boiled from prawns (yes, the whole prawn including the shell and head), with hard-boiled egg, kangkong, bean sprouts, pork slices and chilli.

One dish that we felt did not really make the cut was the stuffed tofu soup in hotpot ($15.80, available only Friday to Sunday). Are you able to tell that there are beancurd puffs, bitter gourd, whole chillies and okra stuffed with fish and pork mince?

The bak kut teh [$12.80(S), $16.80(M), $23.80(L)] is a claypot full of pork rib goodness! Traditionally served as breakfast, this dish is a popular Hokkien dish where the pork ribs are simmered in a 'tea' of Chinese medicinal herbs and bulbs of garlic.

Authentic? Yes. Value for money? Yes. Most importantly, satisfying. So agree with what Xin Wen's aunt said.

Albee's Kitchen
282 Beamish Street, Campsie, NSW 2194, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9718 8302, E-mail: reservation@albeeskitchen.com.au
Open every day 10:00am to 10:00pm