Basic First Aid

We hear the word "CPR" and first aid often. But how many of us really know even the basic first aid, let alone perform CPR?

I was watching an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond whereby Debra was choking on a food while Raymond sat beside doing nothing. (then came a lot of hoo-ha about Raymond not being able to react during emergencies)

His brother, Robert later came an showed how a Heimlich Maneuver ; abdominal thrust to help thrust out the object. However it can be dangerous if done wrongly because of the forceful nature of the thrust.

Images taken from emedicinehealth.com

This makes me wonder, what would I do in times of an emergency?

Was clearing my room when I stumbled upon an article in an old edition of Womens' Weekly (May 2006) which highlighted a few basic first aid for children: (Take note of all the "don't"s)

Burns
- Remove child from danger spot.
- Run only cool tap water over the burn

- Apply a light, dry clean cloth dressing over the wound and bring the child to a doctor
- DON'T apply any medicine, sugar, tootpaste, ash ot powder on the wound. DO NOT run icy cold water or ice onto the scalded areas which can cause further tissue damage.

Choking
- Check that the child is breathing
- Lift her chin and tilt her head backwards
- Call 999 or rush her to the nearest hospital / clinic
- If you know, apply CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- DON'T dig into a child's mouth, or force-feed them food and drnink, or slap the child's back as this can force the object further down, blocking the airway

Falls
- Check the child is still conscious
- Observe your child for vomiting and visual disturbance
- If he gets a headache or it gets worse, see the doctor

Fits & Seizures
- Put the child on his side and remove any surrounding hard objects
- Turn his face towards the floor to allow any mucus or vomit to drain from his mouth
- Most fits are caused by an increase in body temperature (febrile fits) which are generally harmless and don't cause brain damage.
- Most parents will rush the child to the hospital for the first time
- DON'T pry open a child's mouth to put a spoon or foreign object in a this can make him choke, obstruct breathing and is life-threatening

Poisoning
- If the child is conscious, try to identify the poison and when it was taken.
- Immediately, take the child, poison and packaging to the doctor.
- If your child is unconsious, call 99 and wait for an ambulance.
- DON'T make him vomit out, let the experts handle it.

Reading this article makes me wonder about all the "don't"s because this is what I normally see being done in the shows on the television! I guess I should read up more to learn it myself.

Have any of you learnt CPR? I guess I think I should try to get myself equipped with the knowledge as when you add lack of knowledge + panic together = disasater!!

First Aid Classes

The article says Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) does conduct First Aid classes for RM250 which includes CPR. Anyone care to join me to check it out? In the meantime, surround yourself with friends who are knowledgable in this (now I regret no joining the Red Crescent Society during my schooling days) lol!

My Cuppa Tea

My Valentine's day was more of a CNY celebration but I was adamant to get a V-day gift. ;) I have to admit; I was a tad disappointed when I got my gift but after using it, I guess my valentine knows what I really need. :)

Bodum: New Yo-Yo Set (Mug & Tea infuser)

Why such a practical gift? Well, I am a tea-drinker. I love all sorts of tea but not to the extend I can tell the different with how-many-years-old high grade tea. I just love my cup of tea without sugar or milk.

I have always the problem of needing to sieve my tea leaves as some of the tea leaves are very fine. Not all teabags produce the right flavour from brewing a cup of tea leaves. Hence, occasionally I still buy a box/ packet of tea leaves. Here are some that I have : green tea and rooibos tea. (Will review the taste
& brand individually someday, I hope)

Green tea - it's sold in one of those stall whereby the sales person will offer you a cup to taste it. I've always been a fan of green tea because I find the strong taste of black tea unappealing. It's supposed to beneficial for your health. I love Japanese green tea (ocha) too!

Rooibos tea - supposedly caffeine-free and high in antioxidants. I got myself a pack when I was in Cape Town many years back. Hence, when I saw a packet being sold in Cold Storage, I had to grab it. Unfortunately, it was only in tea leaves form. In fact it was packed fully in the box without any plastic packaging or any sorts. I find the smell was not contained but after infusing it, the taste is still there. (Can't tell you the brand as I threw the box after opening it)

With this new gadget, I can easily have my cup of tea in 3 steps!

Hence, I can enjoy my cup of tea in my brand new mug and infuser! :) I just love the tea strainer (yo-yo) which is so convenient!

Movie Review: Tiger Woohoo (spoiler alert)

I think I must be one of the last few people to watch it but I'm so glad I did. Despite the screen showing it was full, my friend and I queued for more than half an hour to try our luck and we bought tickets for the 3rd row from the screen. This is the first time I sat so close to the screen and amazingly, it's bearable.

Tiger Woo Hoo

I've heard that it is a local production and rather funny. With that good comment, I've decided to watch it while I could. I think this is the last week it is showing in TGV cinemas. Do give it a try for the Tiger year!

Synopsis taken from cinema.com.my
'Woohoo' (tiger dance) is a tradition practiced in a small village (Beserah, Kuantan) during a prayer ceremony every 60 years. As the only elder who knows "Woohoo" can no longer perform, his filial granddaughter put up a misleading advertisement which in turn attracts five youngsters from different backgrounds - bad-tempered bank security man Ah Beng, indecisive Char Kuey Teow hawker Ah Huat, effeminate designer Rain, university student Bobby and smart alec Alan - to be trained as 'woohoo' players. After some tough training, they finally look like a formidable team. However, few days before the anticipated festival day, the only 'tiger head"'is accidentally destroyed by the mischievous kids in the village.

My review
I find myself recognising the first few scenes of TTDI Plaza and Pavillion. And then the scenes in Kuantan was taken very picturesque that it looks very tempting for a visit. The main character, brought out laugher from the audience with his squeaky voice and name "Ah Beng" despite being bigger built. There's also his photographer friend, Rain with his infatuation of putting mask to keep his skin supple - I presumed. That's just to name a few characters. I guess the colourful characters create a funny mixture of group to start the tiger dance group.

Ah Beng sending packed char kuey teow for his elderly parents.

Take note that even though it's label as Mandarin but as Malaysians, other chinese dialects are thrown in with Bahasa Malaysia too - hence it's very Malaysianised. You have our local policeman catching people who are illegally gambling and also the local firemen helping to catch a python.

The storyline though straightforward has little lessons to be learn. It showed how people who others look down upon; learn to stand up through learning the art of tiger dance. It showed how the mother yelling at her four daughters was done out of love and as the father sweetly put it, "Your mother used to be soft-spoken but after having to ask you to do your homework, prepare for dinner, go take your bath; she has to yell." lol

There's also the story of nosy neighbours whereby sometimes you get so irritated that you just need to lie to "save face". Alas, the lie didn't really end up that well for "Ah Beng".

The little romances of "Ah Beng" with "Ah Lian" and also how "Ah Huat" patches up his relationship with his girlfriend bring a little love into the picture. There's also the lesson of how a "modern"-salesman son who teaches his father (the village head) to use western names so people can remember him easily. And not forgetting the cameo con-man appearing in the movie by the guy who sells pirated DVD in Astro's advertisement for Astro-On-Demand.

Overall, I think it's entertaining as a light-hearted comedy with a touch of our local flavour. I wonder with the mixture of languages, will it appeal internationally? Still, I think this can be our Malaysian ala Jack Neo's comedy. Bravo! I did enjoy watching the movie! :)

These tiger dolls were given during the premier of the movie (As shown in saimatkong's blog) In the movie, "Ah Beng" gave this doll to someone he loves, "Ah Lian". Awww...  However, I noticed these images scattered everywhere this year.

Winter Olympics

I'm just a hermit but I'm happy to see google search engine informing me subtly of worldwide event. It's banner shows this and I know it's the winter Olympics! ;)

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 12: A fish eye view of the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics at BC Place on February 12, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Happy Chinese New Year 2010!

Another year is here again. Lets usher the year of Tiger (2010) with a loud bang and big appetite for all the delicious dinner!!

Happy Chinese New Year to all my dearest friend! :)

If you're not going back to your hometown which is few hours away, have a nice restful holiday too! :)

O Valentine, where art thou...

It happens to be Valentine's Day tomorrow. What special surprises have you planned for your loved one?

However, for the chinese, coincidentally it falls on our Chinese New Year whereby most families will gather together for one big reunion dinner on the eve.

Hence, does it mean we forgo the V-day for customs? Or vice versa?

I'm one of those who thinks V-day should be everyday. If possible, everyone must (which sounds like a job in the end) show their love to their loved ones every opportunity they can get.

For example, of late, my brother's friend was killed in a car crash. His friend was a young doctor who is filial to his family and had a bright future ahead. Then, my brother's other friend's mum was involve in another car accident as is currently in a coma in the hospital.

If you have closer friends or relatives who suddenly passed away, it makes you think carefully of your lives.

As I age, I notice the "death" rate of someone I know is creeping closer to my circle and it makes me ponder. I wish I can just say "Carpe Diem" and do everything I really want to, but my brain will ask me to be patient or give many excuses as usual.

I know this is a little reflective post when it should be a lovey-dovey one but I feel the most important gift anyone can give to their valentine is to show your love (in whatever love language which makes the other person feels appreciated).

Hence, just say, "I love you" sincerely and give a big bear hug for now if you really can't get anything. Have a memorable V-day everyone! :) Muaks & hugz!

Yes or No

Have you ever asked someone a question which requires a simple answer of "yes" or "no"? Instead, the person replies with "Up to you", "Anything" or even "You decide".

I get very annoyed because it's normally a simple question which a short "yes" or "no" would suffice. Instead, I get an ambigious answer. *arghhhhh* Makes me feel like pulling my hair out, out of frustation.

There's this verse in the bible which is so meaningful:

Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37)

I'm not implying that the other answers are "evil" literally but it breeds annoyance and does infuriates me. Perhaps I need to pray for more patience and just make decisions for others all the time.

Anyhow, I've encountered another situation whereby I was asked if I wanted something. I answer "no" but I was asked the questions about 5 times again even though I said "no". Then my patience wore thin and I started to snap back in annoyance.

I have to admit sometimes I'm the person who cannot give a simple "yes" or "no" answer because in essence I might not want to do something but I feel bad for declining. Or another example would be I want to go somewhere but I dare not commit because of the unpredictability of my schedule.

I guess whatever happens if you're on the receiving end or the giving end, I will try to remind myself (or better yet, pray to God) to think carefully and hope to give/receive a quick satisfying answer to a question.