Yesterday, I wrote on the noble deed of releasing fish, frogs and birds from captivity. Done rightly or wrongly, the intention, which is all important, is certainly admirable.
However, the action can be improved upon with full knowledge and understanding of the birds, frogs and fish that we release. I have often seen good Buddhist who unintentionally cause pain, suffering and death to the creatures they hope to save.
When it comes to fish, there have been people who release goldfish and long-tailed angels into the rivers where other creatures await to get a meal out of them. You see, goldfish have fins that do not give them any chance for survival in the wild. In fact, their features are mostly man-made. Goldfish originate from the carp. Their body became bulky, their fins long, their tails not exactly what nature would want them to have. That is why they move the way they do, wagging their way forward slowly, obviously too slow to escape any predator. To put them in a river is similar to putting a human among some lions in an arena. It is certain death.
Another thing about fish is the way such fish are released, be it into a well, pond, river or acquarium. The temperature of the water holding the fish may be warm while the river water may be cold. When there is such a difference in the temperature at the time the fish is transferred, the fish would receive a temperature shock which could lead to death in a few days' time. This is one of the reasons people who release their fish from a plastic bag of warm water into the cold water of their acquarium find their fish sick and dying after just a few days. The right thing to do is to put the plastic bag of fish into the acquarium or river water for about half an hour to have the water in the bag become similar to the temperature of the water in the acquarium or the river. In this way, the fish will be moving from one place to another whitout receiving any temperature shock and so, will be safe. You see, knowledge and understanding of such matters do make a difference.
When it comes to birds, we ought to get those birds which have a market for them. However, most Buddhist buy birds such as the ordinary sparrows and other dull grey feathered birds which interest nobody except such Buddhists. It simply means that such birds would never have been captured by anyone in the first place, and therefore need no release, if such Buddhist do not purchase them in order to have them released back to the wild.
To understand better, perhaps I ought to go into some details on how such birds are usually caught. The bird-catchers would tie a long wide net in the path of such birds, then send such bird into flight into the net by frightening them. The frightened birds dashed right into the net, getting caught by it, and in the process, many break their necks or are fatally hurt. Since nobody wants to rear such dull coloured birds, no one would have taken the trouble to catch them thus. If there are nobody to purchase them so as to release them, there would have been no market for them and they would have been safe in the first place.
There are also birds which are no longer wild as they have been bred in captivity for so long, away from their natural habitat since the day they were born and therefore do not know where to get or hunt for their food or water. Such birds, the African finches and the canary for example, would not know where to go, how to look for food they have been used to and water if ever they are released. They would most probably die a slow painful death as they search in vain for familiar food. Such birds may be so familiar with the sight of a cat that they may move towards it.
Fortunately, almost every frogs that are release come from the wild and therefore, it is perfectly alright to release them into the wild again.
Showing posts with label cold. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cold. Show all posts
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Key to Fighting Colds and Flu by Joseph McCaffrey,MD,FACS
It seemed like it happened every time, and for the longest while I didn't think I could do anything about it. I'd be going along feeling fine and healthy. Then I'd have a critically ill patient under my care. After a few days of stress and interrupted night's sleep, WHAM -- I'd come down with a heck of a cold.
At first, I didn't know what specific steps anyone could take to keep their immune function at an optimal level.
As a physician, I was of course aware of the components of the immune system and their functions. However, like many aspects of wellness, traditional medical training doesn't emphasize how we can support immune function in normal day-to-day life.
When I starting exploring complementary medical treatments, I was surprised at how much research had been done in this area. Once I started applying what I learned, those stress-related colds became a thing of the past. I'd like to share some of what I learned about building up a healthy immune system and fighting off those nasty bugs with you now.
Our immune system is a complex, interacting web of chemical and cellular components that serves to protect us against potential invaders such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. Although we often talk about immune "boosting," what we really want is a perfectly balanced immune system (an overly active immune system can damage the body, but that's another story).
A healthy lifestyle supports vitality, including immune health. It's the foundation of any wellness program.
But before we look at how we can strengthen immunity, it's important to understand the specific factors that affect the immune system. These include nutritional deficiencies, infections, trauma, toxins (all too common in today's world), radiation exposure, emotional state and, very importantly, stress.
Stress causes an increase in the hormone cortisol. Short term, this can be beneficial, but long term, an elevation of cortisol is a powerful suppressor of immune function. Stress was one factor that weakened my immune system when I was taking care of those critically ill people.
Fortunately, several behavioral interventions counteract the effects of stress on the immune system. You are probably aware of meditation as a stress management tool. Other proven interventions include clinical biofeedback, relaxation techniques, hypnosis, behavior modification, and visualization and imagery techniques. The techniques that I've personally found most useful are taught by the Institute of HeartMath.
The main thing is to learn a technique that appeals to you and then use it. Increasing stress is part of today's world, and if we don't take steps to counteract it, we'll pay the price with illnesses.
Another factor that affects immunity is sleep, or rather, the lack of it. Even modest sleep deprivation has a profound effect. For example, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that people who had less than 7 hours sleep a night were more than three times as likely to come down with a cold during the course of the study, than those who had 8 or more hours of sleep. Not only that, difficulty falling asleep and interruptions in sleep during the night greatly increased the risk of developing a cold.
It's easy to see why I got sick so easily when I was worrying about a patient and not getting enough sleep. Managing stress and getting enough sleep is a solid start. Here are some other things you can do to keep your immune system functioning at its best.
Get more exercise. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles, it strengthens your immune system. I won't belabor the point here, but a strengthened immune system is yet another reason to make exercise a regular part of your life.
One point of caution is to keep in mind that exercising steadily for over 90 minutes is counter-productive. At that level of intensity, the exercise itself becomes a type of chronic stress. For most of us this is not an issue, but it certainly is for endurance athletes.
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet should be part of any wellness program. Any nutrient deficiency suppresses immune function, as does an excess consumption of sugar and refined foods. Emphasize a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and include healthy fats from adequate amounts of lean protein.
Add immune enhancing supplements. Although a healthy diet is the foundation, supplements can be of benefit as well. Taking a high potency multivitamin and mineral supplement is a reasonable first step. Zinc and selenium are two minerals that are particularly important for immune system support. Be sure your supplement includes them.
Perhaps the most important vitamin to be aware of regarding your immune system is vitamin D -- it affects the immune system at multiple points and is also deficient in many people.
We need exposure to sunlight to generate our own vitamin D. Most people, especially those in the northern states, don't get nearly enough exposure.
Fifteen to 20 minutes of exposure to bright sunlight daily is enough to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Barring that, you should consider taking a supplement. The amount in a typical multivitamin won't be nearly enough to correct a deficiency. You can have your blood level of vitamin D checked, but it is generally safe to take 1000 to 2000 units a day. Some people require even more.
Keep your digestive system healthy. Many people don't realize that the gastrointestinal tract plays a very important role in overall immune function. Although research into this area is only just beginning, it is clear already that the type of bacteria residing in our GI tract makes a difference.
For this reason, it's a good idea to periodically take a course of probiotic (beneficial bacteria) supplements to help maintain a healthy GI floor. This is especially important if you need to take antibiotics for any reason.
You don't have to be a victim of the latest cold or flu outbreak. If you heed the advice I've just given you, you can count on your immune system to keep you healthy and well.
(This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise's Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a compliment subscription, visit http://www.toatalhealthbreakthroughs.com)
At first, I didn't know what specific steps anyone could take to keep their immune function at an optimal level.
As a physician, I was of course aware of the components of the immune system and their functions. However, like many aspects of wellness, traditional medical training doesn't emphasize how we can support immune function in normal day-to-day life.
When I starting exploring complementary medical treatments, I was surprised at how much research had been done in this area. Once I started applying what I learned, those stress-related colds became a thing of the past. I'd like to share some of what I learned about building up a healthy immune system and fighting off those nasty bugs with you now.
Our immune system is a complex, interacting web of chemical and cellular components that serves to protect us against potential invaders such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. Although we often talk about immune "boosting," what we really want is a perfectly balanced immune system (an overly active immune system can damage the body, but that's another story).
A healthy lifestyle supports vitality, including immune health. It's the foundation of any wellness program.
But before we look at how we can strengthen immunity, it's important to understand the specific factors that affect the immune system. These include nutritional deficiencies, infections, trauma, toxins (all too common in today's world), radiation exposure, emotional state and, very importantly, stress.
Stress causes an increase in the hormone cortisol. Short term, this can be beneficial, but long term, an elevation of cortisol is a powerful suppressor of immune function. Stress was one factor that weakened my immune system when I was taking care of those critically ill people.
Fortunately, several behavioral interventions counteract the effects of stress on the immune system. You are probably aware of meditation as a stress management tool. Other proven interventions include clinical biofeedback, relaxation techniques, hypnosis, behavior modification, and visualization and imagery techniques. The techniques that I've personally found most useful are taught by the Institute of HeartMath.
The main thing is to learn a technique that appeals to you and then use it. Increasing stress is part of today's world, and if we don't take steps to counteract it, we'll pay the price with illnesses.
Another factor that affects immunity is sleep, or rather, the lack of it. Even modest sleep deprivation has a profound effect. For example, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that people who had less than 7 hours sleep a night were more than three times as likely to come down with a cold during the course of the study, than those who had 8 or more hours of sleep. Not only that, difficulty falling asleep and interruptions in sleep during the night greatly increased the risk of developing a cold.
It's easy to see why I got sick so easily when I was worrying about a patient and not getting enough sleep. Managing stress and getting enough sleep is a solid start. Here are some other things you can do to keep your immune system functioning at its best.
Get more exercise. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles, it strengthens your immune system. I won't belabor the point here, but a strengthened immune system is yet another reason to make exercise a regular part of your life.
One point of caution is to keep in mind that exercising steadily for over 90 minutes is counter-productive. At that level of intensity, the exercise itself becomes a type of chronic stress. For most of us this is not an issue, but it certainly is for endurance athletes.
Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet should be part of any wellness program. Any nutrient deficiency suppresses immune function, as does an excess consumption of sugar and refined foods. Emphasize a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and include healthy fats from adequate amounts of lean protein.
Add immune enhancing supplements. Although a healthy diet is the foundation, supplements can be of benefit as well. Taking a high potency multivitamin and mineral supplement is a reasonable first step. Zinc and selenium are two minerals that are particularly important for immune system support. Be sure your supplement includes them.
Perhaps the most important vitamin to be aware of regarding your immune system is vitamin D -- it affects the immune system at multiple points and is also deficient in many people.
We need exposure to sunlight to generate our own vitamin D. Most people, especially those in the northern states, don't get nearly enough exposure.
Fifteen to 20 minutes of exposure to bright sunlight daily is enough to maintain adequate vitamin D levels. Barring that, you should consider taking a supplement. The amount in a typical multivitamin won't be nearly enough to correct a deficiency. You can have your blood level of vitamin D checked, but it is generally safe to take 1000 to 2000 units a day. Some people require even more.
Keep your digestive system healthy. Many people don't realize that the gastrointestinal tract plays a very important role in overall immune function. Although research into this area is only just beginning, it is clear already that the type of bacteria residing in our GI tract makes a difference.
For this reason, it's a good idea to periodically take a course of probiotic (beneficial bacteria) supplements to help maintain a healthy GI floor. This is especially important if you need to take antibiotics for any reason.
You don't have to be a victim of the latest cold or flu outbreak. If you heed the advice I've just given you, you can count on your immune system to keep you healthy and well.
(This article appears courtesy of Early to Rise's Total Health Breakthroughs, offering alternative solutions for mind, body and soul. For a compliment subscription, visit http://www.toatalhealthbreakthroughs.com)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Is a doctor necessary?
Being over protective of their children can cause some parents to take their children to a doctor at the slightest sign of a cold or fever.
Cold is caused by a virus and there is no medicine which can cure a cold. What is usually given by the doctor is vitamin C and something to suppress the symptoms. If the cold is bad; too much sneezing and mucous emitting from the nose; the discomfort is too great; then see a doctor so that the child can be more comfortable. The cold goes away once the virus has completed its cycle in about a week. What a cold patient needs is warmth and a good rest.
When it comes to fever, it is a symptom indicating that the body is battling some foreign bodies, possibly bacteria. If it is mild, it is a sign that only a small battle is going on and the immune system can complete its job without much help. Not only that, by doing so, we give our immune system a chance to improve itself and be able to tackle the same problem better. When the battle is over, the fever subsides.
However, sometimes due to a weakened immune system, the fight is lost and a war has to be declared. The heat of the war is felt and the body temperature rises. When this happens, there is a need for outside reinforcement. Run to a doctor for help to cool the body as well as help fight the enemy bacteria with antibiotics.
As for our children, we should pay more attention to fever if it is obvious from the heat on the forehead and the body. If the temperature gets too high, it can affect the child’s brain.
Whenever, my children had fever, I would cool their foreheads and armpits very often with a wet cloth throughout the day and night. At such times I do not sleep.
I take fever so seriously because I have seen a number of children who suffered from epilepsy brought on by high fever. Such epilepsy cases have to take medicine constantly and epileptic attacks are so unpredictable, happening at the most inconvenient and embarrassing times and places. And since there is no known cure, it has to be endured for life, thus creating obstacles in the poor children’s lives. Prevention in such cases is certainly important.
Of course, where the sickness is something unknown to us, the doctor is the trained person to consult.
Cold is caused by a virus and there is no medicine which can cure a cold. What is usually given by the doctor is vitamin C and something to suppress the symptoms. If the cold is bad; too much sneezing and mucous emitting from the nose; the discomfort is too great; then see a doctor so that the child can be more comfortable. The cold goes away once the virus has completed its cycle in about a week. What a cold patient needs is warmth and a good rest.
When it comes to fever, it is a symptom indicating that the body is battling some foreign bodies, possibly bacteria. If it is mild, it is a sign that only a small battle is going on and the immune system can complete its job without much help. Not only that, by doing so, we give our immune system a chance to improve itself and be able to tackle the same problem better. When the battle is over, the fever subsides.
However, sometimes due to a weakened immune system, the fight is lost and a war has to be declared. The heat of the war is felt and the body temperature rises. When this happens, there is a need for outside reinforcement. Run to a doctor for help to cool the body as well as help fight the enemy bacteria with antibiotics.
As for our children, we should pay more attention to fever if it is obvious from the heat on the forehead and the body. If the temperature gets too high, it can affect the child’s brain.
Whenever, my children had fever, I would cool their foreheads and armpits very often with a wet cloth throughout the day and night. At such times I do not sleep.
I take fever so seriously because I have seen a number of children who suffered from epilepsy brought on by high fever. Such epilepsy cases have to take medicine constantly and epileptic attacks are so unpredictable, happening at the most inconvenient and embarrassing times and places. And since there is no known cure, it has to be endured for life, thus creating obstacles in the poor children’s lives. Prevention in such cases is certainly important.
Of course, where the sickness is something unknown to us, the doctor is the trained person to consult.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Build a strong defence.
When I was young, I was weak and went through a number of health problems. It made me realise the importance of good health. As a result, I learned everything I could about health from other people’s experience as well as from books.
It was this search for health that led me to read a lot and improved on my English Language.
It also awakened the realization that one person’s experience alone brings so little knowledge. Through books and the knowledge and practices of so many individuals, we can learn and understand so much more.
However, what I learned about immunity did not come only from books or another person’s experience. It was also through observation. I was then staying at a house in Queen Street, Penang. I noticed that when it rained, the Indian children in the neighbourhood played in the rain. A few smaller ones were naked, some were wearing just a pair of shorts. They ran about in the rain and the adults did not seem worried.
Not the Chinese; they would quickly send their children out of the rain, changed their clothes if they were wet and put on thicker clothing if the air was cold.
And who among them would be the first to catch cold? The protective Chinese! Despite all that they have done, the virus still launch an attack. Who lost? Those who are afraid of catching cold! How is that?
The indians did not bother about getting drenched. Wet and cold, they played on to develop their bodies' personal army to fight any virus which dared to come.
Yes, those Indian children hardly ever catch cold while the Chinese children easily succumbed to cold even from just a few drops of rain!
I came to the conclusion that Chinese parents were too protective, and their children succumbed too easily as their bodies were never given the opportunity to withstand cold. As for the Indian children, they were so used to rain and cold that both had no deleterious effect on their bodies.
With that knowledge, if there is no sign of thunder or lightning, I allowed my two children to play in the rain approximately five minutes after it had started so as to get their body to achieve immunity against cold. The time elapsed before allowing them to start to play was to have toxic substances causing acid rain to be washed off first.
My children were really thrilled to slide around on the smooth cemented part of the compound. Of course, they were always under my supervision.
I remembered very well the first time their shrill voices expressing their joy and fun attracted the attention of some neighbours who were horrified to see our children possibly catching their death of cold.
To dissipate their fears and to confirm that everything was fine, I quickly waved to them, beaming my assuring smile and shouting to tell them that everything was perfectly alright.
They must have thought, "What a crazy father I was. Poor kids! How could the father not know that they would catch cold! And look at him! Delighting in the sight of his children slithering around on the wet cement. What a stupid father!"
I did not blame them for they did not have the same observation nor the knowledge or experience I had.
Through this very enjoying play, they not only developed an immunity to cold; they also learned about the immunity system in our body through my explanation to them.
It was this search for health that led me to read a lot and improved on my English Language.
It also awakened the realization that one person’s experience alone brings so little knowledge. Through books and the knowledge and practices of so many individuals, we can learn and understand so much more.
However, what I learned about immunity did not come only from books or another person’s experience. It was also through observation. I was then staying at a house in Queen Street, Penang. I noticed that when it rained, the Indian children in the neighbourhood played in the rain. A few smaller ones were naked, some were wearing just a pair of shorts. They ran about in the rain and the adults did not seem worried.
Not the Chinese; they would quickly send their children out of the rain, changed their clothes if they were wet and put on thicker clothing if the air was cold.
And who among them would be the first to catch cold? The protective Chinese! Despite all that they have done, the virus still launch an attack. Who lost? Those who are afraid of catching cold! How is that?
The indians did not bother about getting drenched. Wet and cold, they played on to develop their bodies' personal army to fight any virus which dared to come.
Yes, those Indian children hardly ever catch cold while the Chinese children easily succumbed to cold even from just a few drops of rain!
I came to the conclusion that Chinese parents were too protective, and their children succumbed too easily as their bodies were never given the opportunity to withstand cold. As for the Indian children, they were so used to rain and cold that both had no deleterious effect on their bodies.
With that knowledge, if there is no sign of thunder or lightning, I allowed my two children to play in the rain approximately five minutes after it had started so as to get their body to achieve immunity against cold. The time elapsed before allowing them to start to play was to have toxic substances causing acid rain to be washed off first.
My children were really thrilled to slide around on the smooth cemented part of the compound. Of course, they were always under my supervision.
I remembered very well the first time their shrill voices expressing their joy and fun attracted the attention of some neighbours who were horrified to see our children possibly catching their death of cold.
To dissipate their fears and to confirm that everything was fine, I quickly waved to them, beaming my assuring smile and shouting to tell them that everything was perfectly alright.
They must have thought, "What a crazy father I was. Poor kids! How could the father not know that they would catch cold! And look at him! Delighting in the sight of his children slithering around on the wet cement. What a stupid father!"
I did not blame them for they did not have the same observation nor the knowledge or experience I had.
Through this very enjoying play, they not only developed an immunity to cold; they also learned about the immunity system in our body through my explanation to them.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Experiences from those who benefited from using coconut oil.
At the hill, after our hike, Grace asked me about my experiences in consuming coconut oil. Well, that was a tough question as I have always been healthy. For the last thirty years doctors have not been able to earn a cent from me!
Oh, no! I forgot that I did see a doctor twice a few years ago. The first time, about six years ago, it was due to my being stung by bees during the process of trying to drive them away with smoke and fire. They chased me right into my house. I was stung in numerous places, even in embarrassing parts in my loose underwear! Oh, my God! What if that thing were to…… I just would not want to imagine the consequences. So, as fast as I decently could, I went to a doctor. He gave me a jab and some medicine. Before I left, he reminded me of the seriousness of the problem and warned me that should I feel faint or dizzy I should rush to the hospital immediately. That warning left me even more worried. Living in a house all by myself, how was I to drive to the hospital when I was dizzy. (See how important your better half is to you?)
Then there was the time, I needed to check my eyes as specks of something were swimming across my sight. Looks like nothing an optician can do. So, I did see two doctors after all but not due to poor health.
I tarry too long from the topic. Alright, let us see what coconut benefit I have experienced beside still maintaining my health.
I once saw a patch of sparse hair on the top left hind slope of my head. I applied coconut oil to it besides rubbing it onto the rest of my hair after each hair wash. That area hardly looks sparse any longer, after approximately three months.
A friend of mine, Steven, told me he takes a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil each day. Immediately after the first time, there was no more constipation and waste just slipped out so easily. With a grateful smile, he delights in its wonder.
Another woman friend told me she no longer catches cold as easily as before she drinks virgin coconut oil a tablespoon each time twice a day.
A person with toothache could resort to two possible solutions. One was to coat the mouth and teeth with coconut oil or if there is no coconut oil around, use Listerine, an antiseptic mouth wash.
I once had swollen infected gums in my mouth at night. For sure effect, I gargled my mouth with about two tablespoons of pure Listerine, rinsed the mouth with tap water and coat the teeth and mouth with coconut oil. Next morning the swelling had gone!
There was this lady with some kind of skin problem. Itching a lot, she would rub her back and her legs against the sharp edges of doors and furniture. I noticed that one day and brought some coconut oil for her to apply onto her skin. Her skin has improved and the itch has apparently gone.
Perhaps you have been taking coconut oil for another purpose. Do share with us.
Oh, no! I forgot that I did see a doctor twice a few years ago. The first time, about six years ago, it was due to my being stung by bees during the process of trying to drive them away with smoke and fire. They chased me right into my house. I was stung in numerous places, even in embarrassing parts in my loose underwear! Oh, my God! What if that thing were to…… I just would not want to imagine the consequences. So, as fast as I decently could, I went to a doctor. He gave me a jab and some medicine. Before I left, he reminded me of the seriousness of the problem and warned me that should I feel faint or dizzy I should rush to the hospital immediately. That warning left me even more worried. Living in a house all by myself, how was I to drive to the hospital when I was dizzy. (See how important your better half is to you?)
Then there was the time, I needed to check my eyes as specks of something were swimming across my sight. Looks like nothing an optician can do. So, I did see two doctors after all but not due to poor health.
I tarry too long from the topic. Alright, let us see what coconut benefit I have experienced beside still maintaining my health.
I once saw a patch of sparse hair on the top left hind slope of my head. I applied coconut oil to it besides rubbing it onto the rest of my hair after each hair wash. That area hardly looks sparse any longer, after approximately three months.
A friend of mine, Steven, told me he takes a tablespoon of virgin coconut oil each day. Immediately after the first time, there was no more constipation and waste just slipped out so easily. With a grateful smile, he delights in its wonder.
Another woman friend told me she no longer catches cold as easily as before she drinks virgin coconut oil a tablespoon each time twice a day.
A person with toothache could resort to two possible solutions. One was to coat the mouth and teeth with coconut oil or if there is no coconut oil around, use Listerine, an antiseptic mouth wash.
I once had swollen infected gums in my mouth at night. For sure effect, I gargled my mouth with about two tablespoons of pure Listerine, rinsed the mouth with tap water and coat the teeth and mouth with coconut oil. Next morning the swelling had gone!
There was this lady with some kind of skin problem. Itching a lot, she would rub her back and her legs against the sharp edges of doors and furniture. I noticed that one day and brought some coconut oil for her to apply onto her skin. Her skin has improved and the itch has apparently gone.
Perhaps you have been taking coconut oil for another purpose. Do share with us.
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