Mohd Yazri Bin Yahaya: July 2009

Appreciation of Loved Ones

Everyone has own unique relationship with their father. My unique and long lasting relationship with my late father is beyond his passing. He impacts me profoundly and his influences are likely passing to next generations in my life as well.

This writing is not to boast the greatness of my late father but simply a commemorating him as an individual who I admired and am willing to share with the readers after two years of his passing.

His legacy and wisdom is not limited to one recipient. Some words in this writing were composed when I spend the last months of his life journey with him at the Malacca GH Hospital. These writings genuinely reflect my inner feelings and pains of losing him a loved one, once a while in life.

I lost someone or something dear to me sometimes they are replaceable but sometimes they are not. For those irreplaceable losses sadness is not the solution we need to transform those pains and losses to something even more meaningful to individuals or to others.

He made many good examples for his children and others. Those who followed benefited in work, relationship, life, I believe. His expectations lay on what he taught us and he practiced them in his life as well words and actions are coherent in his case.

"I Love You Abah". Al-Fatihah.

It's Never Too Late

The harm that worry causes in our lives has been well documented by doctors and other professionals. Worry can weaken and sicken us and make our days unbearable. At the very least it prevents us from living fully and happily the only life that we will ever have. At its worse, it can destroy us. A god, invisible but omnipotent.

It steals the bloom from the cheek and lightness from the pulse it takes away the appetite and turns the hair gray. It does a lot more than that but the worry disease can be cured and it certainly can be reduced.

Of course it requires a change in our thinking how to view and react to situations.

Worrying over things that 'might' happen can waste large portions of our lives considering that so often it is for nothing and almost certainly does no good.

If you can solve your problem then what is the need of worrying. If you cannot solve it then what is the use of worrying. Worrying about things that have happened will not turn back the hands of time to give you another try at doing it right. So that is a waste of time too.

So many of our anxieties and fears are for nothing. Most of the rest can simply be discarded because worrying just isn't going to do any good. So let's spend our time thinking about the good and pleasant things in our lives and move on in a peaceful and contented state of mind.

I think these difficult times have helped me to understand better than before how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way and that so many things that one goes around worrying about are of no importance whatsoever.

Through reading and other instruction can help in turning our lives around. A life filled with contentment and lacking stress and worry are the goals to be achieved. Finally, it's never too late to start eliminating worry.

Before It Is Gone Forever

How the time flies. The days go by and they are years the years finally become our whole life.

Each daily portion can be wasted or it can be a pleasure before it is gone forever. If a bedtime review of the day concludes that we were too stressed, too busy, didn't accomplish anything, didn't have any fun, then it has been another lost piece of precious life.

Perhaps we are putting off our enjoyment until we have more time, money and some other improved condition. The trouble with that is that it might never happen or it may be too long in coming. It's so important to accept this time and this every minute as something of tremendous value that will very soon be gone forever. There are many ways to ensure that we make the best of our time here on earth.

In our daily routine let's include time to enjoy others and thus ourselves. Look and wonder at the trees, fields and mountains, smell the flowers, hear the birds and watch the clouds in the sky.

This world, after all our science is still a miracle, wonderful, magical and more to whosoever will think of it.

Face your problems bravely, confidently, and improve on your situation no matter what state it be in. Be good to feel good. Be active and improve your mind. Laugh, relax, and sleep well. Life is mostly froth and bubble. Two things stand like stone kindness in another's trouble and courage in our own.

The Effects of Cold Water

The Bad Effects of Cold Water

It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this sludge reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food.

It will line the intestine. Soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. A serious note about heart attacks, we should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Most of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive.

The Good Effects of Cold Water

Stimulation of the Circulation. As before stated, cold water applied to the surface of the body arouses and stimulates the circulation all over the system. Blood counts before and after a cold water application show a very marked increase in the number of red and white blood corpuscles.

This does not mean that the cold water has in a moment created new blood cells, but it means that the blood has been stirred up and sent hurrying through the system, that the lazy blood cells which were lying inactively in the sluggish and stagnant blood stream and in the clogged and obstructed tissues are aroused to increased activity.

Undoubtedly, the invigorating and stimulating influence of cold sprays, ablutions, sitz baths, barefoot walking in the dewy grass or on wet stones and all other cold water applications depends largely upon their electromagnetic effects upon the system.

Elimination of Impurities, as the cold water drives the blood with increased force through the system, it flushes the capillaries in the tissues and cleanses them from the accumulations of morbid matter and poisons which are one of the primary causes of acute and chronic diseases.

As the blood rushes back to the surface it suffuses the skin, opens and relaxes the pores and the minute blood vessels or capillaries and thus unloads its impurities through the skin.

My Safety Info

Issued Friday, December 5, 2008

Cribs Safety

1) Its slats should not be more than 2 3/8 inches apart to avoid trapping of baby's head.

2) Neither the headboard nor the footboard should have any cutouts as this can lead to entrapment of the baby's head.

3) Cribs should not have a corner post, as loose clothing may become snagged on these and lead to choking.

4) If you are using a newly bought mattress, please make sure that all plastic covering is removed as this can lead to suffocation to your baby.

5) The mattress should fit well. If you are able to insert two fingers between the mattress and the sides and the ends of the crib, CHANGE TO A NEW ONE that fits snugly. This is to ensure that your baby cannot slip into the space.

6) When your baby is able to pull to a standing position, make sure that the height of the side rail is not more than ¾ of the baby's height. This is to prevent your baby from falling out either by leaning against the side or by pulling himself over it.

Toys Safety

1) Toys are fun and they help children learn about themselves, their environment and the people around. Unfortunately, some toys can be dangerous.

2) Poorly constructed toys or toys are inappropriate for your child's level of development can lead to tragic results.

3) Always remember that the supervision is the most important safety factor that you can provide to protect a child from harm, and that the safety and age appropriateness are the most important consideration when selecting a toy for your children or any children under your care.

4) Always remove and immediately discard all packaging before giving it to baby or small child.

5) Supervise your child's play. Proper toy construction and selection is not enough.It is your responsibility to ensure your child is playing in safe environment.

6) Care for your toys. Check all your toys regularly for breakage or potential hazards such as a loose part which could be a choking danger.

7)Toys also must be non toxic and non flammable as they can cause hazard to the children.

Issued Friday, December 12, 2008

General Home Safety
1) All household cleaners, chemicals, pesticides and medicines are stored in child resistant containers and out of children’s reach.

2) Matches and lighters are stored out of children’s sight and reach.

3) Smoke alarms are installed on each level and in each sleeping area.

4) A fire escape plan is in place and has been practiced.

5) Electrical outlets are covered.

6) Electrical cords are out of traffic areas.

7) Counters and tables have rounded corners or corner covers or corner guards.

8) Sharp objects and tools are stored safely.

9) Throw rugs have non-slip backing.

10) Gates block toddler access to gates.

11) No baby walker in the house.

12) Drapery and window blind cords are out of reach.

13) Garbage containers have secure lids

Bedroom Safety
1) Beds are away from windows to prevent falls.

2) The mattress fits tightly against all four sides of thebed.

3) Children under six are never allowed on the top bunk of the bed.

4)The ladder is attached safely to the bunk bed.

5)Electrical cords are out of traffic areas.

Kitchen Safety
1)Hot liquids are always are out of children’s reach.

2) Pot handles and cords on the stove are out children’sreach.

3) Small appliances are out of children’s reach andunplugged when not in use.

4) A working fire extinguisher is handy.

5) Place mats are used instead of table cloths.

Bathroom Safety
1) Children are always supervised when in the bathroom.

2) A safety mat is used in the tub.

3) Bathroom door can be unlocked from both sides.

4) Medicines, cleansers and soaps are stored out of reach.

5) Buckets are always kept empty after use.

6) The floor of the bathroom is not made of slippery materials.

Issued Friday, December 19, 2008

Falls
1) Always use a ladder or step stool to retrieve anything above shoulder level.

2) Ladders, or step stools, should be sturdy and not have any broken rungs or legs.

3) Do not lean too far back in chairs. This may result in over-balancing and a fall.

4) Never use ladder substitutes such as chairs or boxes.

5) Be sure the pathway is clear before you walk.

6) Secure electrical cords and wires away from walkways.

7) Avoid excessive bending, twisting, and leaning backward while seated.

Filing Cabinets or Bookcases
1) Fill the second drawer from the bottom in a four-drawer filing cabinet before any of the others, to weight the bottom and to prevent it from tilting over.

2) Return drawers and doors to the closed position after use to prevent bumping and tripping. Never open more than one drawer or door at a time.

3) Place file cabinets where their use will not interfere with traffic patterns.

4) Secure cabinets or bookcases taller than 64 inches to the wall to prevent toppling over.

Electrical Equipment
1) Frayed electrical cords, loose or broken electrical wires, broken outlet covers and receptacles, and worn or broken electrical plugs are dangerous and should be repaired or replaced before being used again.

2) Moisture and electricity do not mix. Placing liquids on or around electrical equipment (such as computers, radios, copiers, printers or microwaves) increases the risk of electrocution if the liquid spills and gets into the electrical equipment. This includes wet or sweaty hands.

3) Do not block electrical panel doors. If an electrical malfunction should occur, the panel door and anything else in front of the door will become very hot.

4) Electrical panel doors should always be kept closed, to prevent "electrical flashover" in the event of an electrical malfunction.

Issued Friday, December 26, 2008

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: The Silent Killer
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide gas is inhaled. CO is a colorless, odorless, highly poisonous gas that is produced by incomplete combustion. It is found in automobile exhaust fumes, faulty stoves and heating systems, fires, and cigarette smoke.

Other sources include woodburning stoves, kerosene heaters, improperly ventilated water headers and gas stoves, and blocked or poorly maintained chimney flues. CO interferes with the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. The result is headache, nausea, convulsions, and finally death by asphyxiation.

About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
1) Unlike many gases, it is odourless, colourless, tasteless and non-irritating. Red blood cells absorb the gas over 200 times more readily than oxygen.

2) As levels of carbon monoxide in the air rise, this gas replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. As a result, body tissues are damaged and may die of a lack of oxygen.

3) The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are respiratory difficulties and impairing of visual perception.

4) Have a reliable mechanic check the exhaust system of your car once a year to check for leaks and damaged pipes. Have the system checked if the sound of the exhaust is suddenly different or if you hear any funny noises.

5) When driving in heavy traffic it is also advisable to have a slight opening in the windows, especially with the air-conditioning on. Do this when you are caught in heavy traffic or when the car is stationary for long hours.

6) If you park your car in a closed garage, carbon monoxide can rapidly build up while your engine is running with the garage doors closed. Never run your car in a garage unless the outside door is open to provide ventilation.

7) Have your vehicle regularly tuned to ensure that there is proper combustion in the engine. This will reduce the level of carbon monoxide emissions.

8) If the car has a catalytic converter, make sure it is in proper working condition. Removing the catalytic converter can also increase carbon monoxide levels.