BBRAeNEWS No.416 - Night Recycling Activity in Bandar Botanic.

The following is an extract of the email from a Tzu Chi volunteer Mr Jeff Lim, who is also a resident, on Night Recycling activities in Bandar Botanic.

QUOTE

Subject: Night Recycle activities in Jenaris Precinct

Hi, Jacob Mathews, BBRA President.

It is my pleasure to have the telephone-conversation with you on Thursday night, regarding our recycle activities
As per telephone-conversation, let me to recap those items which we plan to for Dec 2011 - Recycle events

First of all, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jeff Lim, the resident of Bandar Botanic - Jenaris Precinct.
Also, I am a volunteer of Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation Malaysia - which is an NGO, monthly routine recycle awareness activities is one of our core activities.
kindly refer to our website http://eng.tzuchi.my/ and some interesting article for your reference
http://eng.tzuchi.my/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=857:new-tzu-chi-recycling-education-centre-in-klang&catid=141:year-2011&Itemid=403

Together with me, we have brother Sun, brother Lim, brother Chew, all of us are resident of botanic

We were started the Night Recycle activities (collection of the recycle items) from April 2011 - 1st Thursday of the Month, Venue is Jenaris Precinct (in between the Kiara and Jenaris field - Beside the TNB electical room)
At December 2011, it will be our 9th month activities and which will be hold at 1st December 2011 (Thursday).
WE would like to take this opportunity to hold a event/activities to bring up the Recycle Awareness to all our Bandar Botanic Resident.
I am seeking some collaboration from BBRA, so that we plan this event in progress.

A) Bring up the Recycle Awareness for our Botanic Resident by inviting me to participle our activities, how we plan to do it
- On 1st Dec 2011 Night Recycle Day. We will prepare some Vegetarian Foods for dinner time and inviting those resident which live near to our recycle point example Houses along Jenaris 1/3 and Kiara 2/4.
- On 1st Dec 2011 Night Recycle Day. We will explain what kinds of resources (plastics, paper, metal ....etc) is being collected by us?
- On 1st Dec 2011 Night Recycle Day. We will encourage all the resident to sorting their recycle items before sending it to us. So it is important that we arrange this "Know-How" Session and share with our all botanic resident.

B) Before the actual day happening (1st Dec 2011), we definitely need to broadcast this activities, via
- Door to door, visiting and inviting our resident especially houses along Jenaris 1/3 and Kiara 2/4 to join us for dinner session - which we had been prepared Vegetarian foods.

unquote

BBRAeNEWS No.414 - TM Unifi Carnival.

BBRAeNews No.413 - TM Unfi Carnival at Bandar Botanic.

TM Unifi Carnival.

TM Unifi is working with BBRA to organise a Charnival at the TMO Multipurpose hall on the 13th November,2011 (Sunday).

The Itinaries of the Event are as follows:

10.00am-4.oopm (Event/Promotion/Unifi Demo)

11.00am-12.00pm (Color contest- Under 12 Year Old)

12.00pm-12.30pm (Lucky Draw - 3 customer apply Unifi at that Event)

2.00pm - 3.30pm (TM Technical team/ Q & A)

3.30pm-4.00pm(Lucky Draw - 3 customer Apply Unifi at that Event).

There will be DJ@PA System, Crown and food at that event.

BBRAeNEWS No.411 - The Most Beautiful Christian Wedding in Bandar Botanic Gardens this month.

Thiru Loves Amelia – the most beautiful Christian wedding in Bandar Botanic Gardens. I was at the Bandar Botanic Post Office when the cascading sweet music drifted to my ears. Out of curiosity, I followed the beautiful soft musical tunes and what leads me to is one of the most beautiful Christian wedding I have ever seen, held in our beautiful garden of Bandar Botanic itself, complete with musical bands, buffet, lots of guests and relatives and friends of the bride groom and bride.

To see more beautiful pictures of the most beautiful Christian wedding held this month in Bandar Botanic, log on to BBRA FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/BBRA

BBRAeNEWS No.403 - Diary of events July/August 2011

DIARY OF EVENTS
in BANDAR BOTANIC.

DIARY OF EVENTS FOR AUGUST
ACTIONS TAKEN BY BBRA DURING JULY AND AUGUST 2011

1. ILLEGAL FISHING: Lately, our BB park had become crowded with many outside people fishing from the retention pond. We the BBRA have highlighted this issue with TMO (as the pond is still under them) and asked them to get a meeting with MPK and/or JPS to do some kind of enforcement. Currently MPK informed us that they cannot take action on people fishing as the pond is still under TMO. Even these guys are using big net to catch the fish.

2. SMELLY WATER: The retention pond near Angsana - the water is smelly and dirty as a result of no water movement. BBRA had complained to the developer previously. We understand from TMO that they are planning to fix some equipment to get the water moving.

3. TMO PUMPS: As per TMO, the spoiled pumps at different location of the pond are also scheduled to be repaired soon.

4. EXIT ROAD: The direct exit road from BB roundabout to Bukit Tinggi (near Jaya Jusco) is now open. Syabas to TMO for their effort which is now very convenient for our BB residents to go to Bukit Tinggi.

5. WOODEN RAILS: MPK have recently repaired some wooden rails of bridges near Kiara and Jenaris, on requests from BBRA.

6. KIARA SECURITY MEETING: A successful meeting on security was organized for Kiara residents by BBRA at the TMO Town house last Sunday.

Wooden rails of bridges being repaired by MPK.Smelly water at end of Angsana.

EVENTS PROPOSALS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

Bungo Portluck(5th year): This is the 5th Bungo Portluck scheduled on Sept 24, 2011 evening. Please come and participate.(BBRA would like to do the same for other phases with the help of BBRA Committee members).Appreciate each one of your initiative on this matter.

The Gotong Royong(3rd year): The 3rd Gotong Royong is scheduled on October 2 Sunday early morning. Approval have been obtained from MPK for 2 big bins, one bin will be placed in Bidara for residents to throw the rubbish except construction debris and tree cuttings.
The Gotong Royong (proposing for Cassia later this year by BBRA).

THINGS TO DO
1. TO RESIDENTS: Please check around your neighbors on any sewage problem recently. BBRA is getting many complaints in last few days and we can see the IWK van moving around very frequently. We can notify IWK, if the problem is serious.

BBRAeNEWS No.398 - Diary of events for July 2011

Diary of Events in Bandar Botanic for the month of July 2011.

1.Theft in Kiara Precint.25-7-2011 (Kiara)

A resident of Kiara has personally written to BBRA to help share the victim’s predicament with the other members of BBRA, over the theft-break-in at Kiara 9 between 7.30pm to 9.00pm at her house. She also said at the same time, another house was also broken into and ransacked. A police report was made by the victim.

2. On Children's Playground damaged.

MPK reply to BBRA on their acknowledgement of BBRA’s complaint of the children’s playground damaged.(refer to BBRAeNEWS No. 386) quote:

RE: Damaged Children Playgrounds Facilities at Bandar Botanic, Klang

Friday, August 5, 2011 10:45 AM

From:

"aduan mpk"

View contact details

To:

BBRA

Salam Sejahtera

Tuan/Puan,

ADUAN BERKENAAN ALATAN PERMAINAN ROSAK DI KAWASAN PERUMAHAN BANDAR BOTANIK, KLANG

Merujuk kepada perkara di atas.

Terlebih dahulu pihak kami mengucapkan terima kasih kerana keperihatinan tuan/puan untuk memajukan aduan tersebut kepada pihak kami.

2. Aduan yang pihak tuan/puan kemukakan berkenaan masalah seperti di atas dimajukan ke Jabatan Taman dan Rekreasi MPK untuk tindakan selanjutnya. No. Rujukan aduan tuan/puan ialah 0212/08/2011.

4. Sebarang pertanyaan sila hubungi talian bebas tol MPK Prihatin di 1-800-88-23826.

5. Pihak Majlis mengucapkan terima kasih di atas makluman yang diberi bagi meningkatkan mutu Majlis.

Sekian terima kasih.

MPK Prihatin

Jabatan Komunikasi & Pengaduan Awam
Majlis Perbandaran Klang
Tel : 1-800-88-23826 @ +6 03 3371 6044 ext 1020
Fax : +6 03 3374 0023
Email : aduanmpk@mpklang.gov.my

3. BBRA 2011 first committee meeting on 24^th July

In the meeting, the following committee members were giving the following portfolio:

Membership – KMV Sulanterian

Landscape- Choo & Melvin Yap

Newsletter/PR – J.Kumar(temporary)

Complaints – Lim CB

Sports-Kalai

Discipline & Constitution – Arumugam

BBRA hopes the residents would give these newly elected committee members their fullest support and encouragements.

(9 new members were approved at the meeting.)

4. Kindergarten issue 20-7-2011

BBRA Lim, Arumugam and Jacob met with YB Charles Santiago, Councillor for Bandar Botanic Mr Yew Boon Lye,MPK, together with some residents and the press.

The next meeting to be held on the Tadika issue is a latest update from MPK councilor. A dialog session will be held at the Dewan Bandar Botanic by MPK as follows:

“Dialog Ise Tadika Jln Jenaris Botanic, pd 10/8/11, 9.30pagi di Dewan Bdr Botanic. Turut hadir YB Charles(MPKlang), wakil BBRA, pegawai MPK & pemilik tadika."

All residents are welcome to give your support.

5.New Blog appearance.

On wed 20/7/2011 residents saw a slightly new BBRA Blog setup for the year 2011. BBRA hopes residents will utilize and fully make use of this media of communication and give constructive and fruitful suggestions and ideas for the benefit of all residents.

6. Theft Again at Angsana Precint (July 12, 2011)

July 12 saw theft in Jln Angsana 9, where thieves broke into a home. 5 robbers in a Toyota Wish, tinted windowscreen, all wearing masks and gloves, all with parangs jump over the outside wall of the victim’s house.

(All residents please be careful and observant of any suspicious characters in cars and please warn your neighbours too).

Any suggestions, ideas of how to curb thefts would be most welcome.

BBRAeNEWS No.323 - Hot Air Balloon.

Dear Residents,
2nd Putrajaya International hot air balloon festival in Malaysia.
-Andrew Sum

Take your family to the 2nd Putrajaya hot air balloon festival in Malaysia this Sunday for a happy holiday, and see the wonders of the man made balloons. This is a wonderful experience for your kids and family.

Date: 18 - 21 March 2010

Venue: Putrajaya

Time: 7am to 9pm

Number of Hot air balloons: 23

Normal shaped: 18

Free Flying: 13

For Public Tethered ride: 5

Participating countries: Belgium, USA, The Netherlands, France, Switzeland, Malaysia and Japan.

BBRAeNEWS No.307 - i-City

Dear Residents,
Bandar Botanic
& Ambang Botanic.

i-City,
Shah Alam
-Andrew Sum
Go, take your family to see the wonderful and colourful wonders of i-City, at Shah Alam. No words can explain much better than seeing and feeling it yourself. Dont miss this marvelous display of colours, and dont forget to bring along your trusty cameras. Strictly not to be missed in a lifetime.

BBRAeNEWS No.290 - The Haemodialysis Association Klang.

The Haemodialysis Association Klang.
(Final Part II)
Continuing a series on the work of Uncle Jaya Kumar.
-Andrew Sum
I interviewed Uncle Jaya Kumar and his staff chief nurse Miss Josephine at the center on 20th Jan, 2010. Uncle Jaya Kumar is also a Committee Member of the Bandar Botanic Residents Association and a retired air force warrant officer.

(Miss Josephine, the Chief Nurse)
According to Miss Josephine, a patient has to under dialysis 3 times a week and at 4 hours per session. This is a life time process and they can go for a kidney transplant if they find a donor, which is quite rare. Each treatment will cost about RM110 per session of 4 hours.
Those patients under government subsidy – are given $50.00 each session. They get free erythropoeitin injection. The purpose of this injection is to improve the haemoglobin level in the red blood cells in their body.
Some patients are under SOCSO. Socso pays $130.00 for them just for treatment. They have to pay for the injection themselves which is about $55.00 ringgit per injection, but they can claim back the reimbursement from SOCSO about $30.00.
(Patients with hepatitis have their own seperate room)

Now there are about 39 patients in the Haemodialysis Association Klang. There is no cure for kidney failure and it is a life long process. The major causes are diabetes and high blood pressure or hypertension. In severe cases of up to 10-20 years and most of them ends up with kidney failures. Diabetes and High Blood Pressure can be under control by good diet and exercise. They are advice to go for yearly kidney check to detect any kidney problems on a yearly basis. There is medication to slow down the process.
(This is a Dialyser)

The Dialyser – this is the one that is actually removed the waste and impurities from the human body. Each patient has his/her own dialyser and it is being tagged with their names. One clean dialyser can be used for only 10 times. After which, it will be taken to a Reprocessor to be cleaned.

The cost of a dialysis machine is about $40,000.00 each. The computer graphic will show how much waste has been extracted. The pressure monitors on the patient and blood returning to the patient. The Dyalysis will purify all blood.

The types of dialysis machines being used a theh Haemodialysis Association Klang are:
1) B.Boaun Dailog+ machine = 9 units
2) Fresenins machine = 6 units
3) Nipor machine = 1 unit

One thing for sure, those patients suffering with Hepatitis are being separated into a special room for patient with Hepatities B. These patients also suffer with kidney failure. This separation is required by the Ministry of Health.

(For more detail research information, please go to http://andrewsumps.blogspot.com.)

BBRAeNEWS No.278 - Yet another news read on Guarded Community.

Friday December 25, 2009
Guarded over gates
BY SUJESH PAVITHRAN
The Star Newspaper

To gate or not to gate ... that is the perplexing question.
EMOTIONS are escalating over the issue of gated and guarded communities, if media reports are anything to go by.
Participants say it gives them peace of mind, never mind the cost and inconvenience but the naysayers are fuming at what they view as an infringement of their right to unhindered access to where they live.
At the least, I’m a proponent of guarded communities. Look, we will never have policemen patrolling housing areas around the clock. If the crime rate were negligible, this would not be an issue. It isn’t, and many of us are thus driven to setting up extra protection in our neighbourhoods.
You don’t have to be a victim of crime to take precautions. Better to be safe and put up with some hassles, than be sorry.
Yet, are some residents’ associations taking it too far?
I’ve been to gated communities where the alleys and back-lanes are permanently barricaded – as if petty thieves on motorbikes and on foot can’t find their way through these barriers!
Access is limited to just a road or two. As a visitor to the area, I’m inconvenienced by this; heck, even residents paying for the service tell me this is a bit much but dare not speak up at meetings. I can imagine how those who don’t contribute to the security arrangements would feel.
Where I live, we took the guarded community route about eight months ago, and the crime rate in the area has dropped drastically since then, to almost zero. We’ve stopped short of hard barricades – our guards use plastic cones to make motorists slow down for a security check.
The guards are posted around the clock at all access points, and additional ones patrol the area regularly. Compared to the barricades and metal drums I’ve seen in other areas, ours is a mild system, but it has worked well and the guards have always practised non-confrontational behaviour – they are polite but alert.
My point – our safety objective has been met without roads being permanently closed. Even those not paying for the service enjoy living in a crime-free zone, and if they complain about needing to slow down at the check-points, I say, “too bad, live with it!”
However, barricading roads permanently is a bit drastic, and surely, a compromise can be reached? Say, a mid-ground that doesn’t require a housing area to look like a restricted military zone, and yet, with enough security measures, including alert guards constantly monitoring the area with minimal impediment to residents?
Just because your car hasn’t been stolen or your purse snatched or your house broken into doesn’t mean you and your loved ones are always going to be this fortunate. So don’t get your hackles up over others taking precautionary measures as long as they’re not extreme.
Safety comes with some inconveniences, but that’s the world we live in these days. Crime won’t stop by itself, so we need to institute measures to get back our streets and neighborhoods. Heck, we need to feel safe at home!
Be prepared to give in a bit, and I’m sure both sides can reach an amicable solution. I have a suggestion – give the guards a list of car registration numbers of residents in the area, whether or not they subscribe to the service.
This will make it easier for them to recognize residents’ vehicles, so there won’t be any need to stop these cars for questioning.
Look, if you won’t contribute, at least don’t impede and if you can, don’t be so rigid as to forget that others have their rights, too.
Here’s wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy 2010 ahead. Ho, ho, ho, indeed ...

BBRAeNEWS No.273 - Drinking Green Tea.

Health Tips - Drinking Green Tea.

“It is considered the favorite beverage of most people today not only by Chinese, but from people all over the world. Drinking Green Tea proves to give many health benefits more than any other beverages so the demands of this drink have never gone down. However, what is this green tea that made the world crazy more than a hundred of years ago? It is a special kind of tea, which came from China 4,000 years ago. Traditionally, it is used as a simple cure to heal certain illnesses and is made from Camellia sinensis leaves. Though most people are aware of the benefits due to drinking green tea, not all are aware of the ingredients it contains that help us lose weight. Polyphenol is considered the most important ingredient in green tea. This is an antioxidant found in this drink, specifically known as the EGCG or the Epigallocatechin-3-gallate. It is the main ingredient in fighting cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and oral bacteria.”

BBRAeNEWS No.268 - A Nutritionist's Corner - Misai Kuching.

BBRA - A Nutritionist's Corner - Misai Kuching.
We have right in our garden a very lovely looking whitish flower that looks like the whiskers of a cat. It is known as Misai Kuching (Orthosiphon species) or Remujung.
Misai Kuching is used for the treatment of a variety of ailments – gout, arthritis, rheumatism and similar inflammatory conditions.
It is also used as a remedy for kidney stones and can be useful as part of a detoxification programme as it would safely help escort acids out of joint.

It is :
A safe and effective mild herbal diuretic, it causes the body to throw out excess fluids.
It has a mild but sustained anti-inflammatory effect that could be used in arthritic conditions.
Misai Kuching basically flushes out the body acids that irritate and inflame joints. It also seems to gently flush out excess water from the joints.
It contains ample potassium to replace what is lost from the body in the diuretic process. It does not provoke or aggravate the kidneys like modern diuretic drugs do.
Clinical trials have confirmed the plant’s positive effect in the treatment of kidney stones (which are merely compacted acid salts).
It seems to remove uric acid and is commonly used as remedy for gout.

Uses
Misal Kuching leaves are slowly brewed in hot water, allowing the water-soluble active ingredients to enter into the solution.
The old housewife’s remedy is to boil a handful of fresh leaves.
Increasingly, the leaves are dried and a hot water infusion is made as and when needed.
Note:
Taking the Misai Kuching tea can cause you to urinate more often in response to the diuretic action. To avoid dehydration, just drink more water.

BBRAeNEWS No.238 - BBRA's A Doctor's Corner - Final Part 5.

Dear Residents,

This is the final part 5 of Heart Health.


Supplementing Your Heart Health: Omega-3, Plant Sterols, and More 5
If you have high cholesterol, or if you're at high risk for heart disease and heart attack, some supplements can help lower your cholesterol.
(continued)
Lifestyle Solutions for Healthy Hearts
Supplements are no panacea. If you use them, use them in connection with proven lifestyle habits that benefit the heart -- and with medications prescribed by your doctor.
After all, a bad diet and an inactive lifestyle are the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Making changes to improve your lifestyle can make a big difference.
Food is medicine: "Food comes first," says Guarneri. "There are reams of research showing that the Mediterranean diet -- high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, wine, and fatty fish -- help decrease blood pressure and stroke." It's possible to reduce heart-related events (like heart attack) by 50% to 60% by following this type of diet, she adds.
One long-term study of 15,700 adults found these four factors were the most important:
· Eating five fruits and vegetables daily
· Walking or getting other exercise for at least 2.5 hours weekly
· Keeping BMI (body mass index) out of the obese range
· Don't smoke
Salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and other omega-3 fatty fish should be staples, she says.
Daily exercise is a must: The Clinical Council on Cardiology advises 40 minutes to one hour of aerobic activity every day and strength training three days a week.
A 2002 study showed that more intense exercise works better than moderate exercise in reducing cholesterol. The study involved sedentary, overweight men and women -- all with mild-to-moderately high cholesterol -- who did not change their diet. Researchers found that those who got moderate exercise (12 miles of walking or jogging a week) lowered their LDL levels, but those who did more vigorous exercise -- jogging 20 miles a week -- got even better LDL results.
Stress reduction is key: Stress increases cortisol (a hormone), which puts fat on the midline -- which increases heart risks. Stress also produces inflammation that leads to increased plaque in blood vessels, Guarneri explains. Two stress hormones -- adrenaline and norepinephrine -- raise cholesterol, blood pressure, and cause heart rhythm problems. They also constrict coronary arteries, cause blood pressure to go up. When we're under stress, our ability to fight infection is reduced.
"We have to factor in true mind-body-spirit approaches -- eating right, exercising, taking steps to reduce stress and anger," she says.
While any type of meditation is helpful, Guarneri advises using transcendental meditation. "It is well studied; there is a lot of research showing that it decreases blood pressure and improves insulin resistance. I also encourage people to look into computer programs that teach biofeedback -- helping people control their autonomic nervous system. Healing Rhythms and HeartMath are two biofeedback programs."
"It's all about lifestyle," she says. "It's not only what you eat, but who you're eating with. If you're in a bad relationship, you can eat all the Brussels sprouts in the world and it won't help your heart."

BBRAeNEWS No.234 - A Doctor's Corner - Part 4

Dear Residents,

BBRA's A Doctor's Corner.

Heart Health Part 4 of 5.


Supplementing Your Heart Health: Omega-3, Plant Sterols, and More 4
If you have high cholesterol, or if you're at high risk for heart disease and heart attack, some supplements can help lower your cholesterol.
(continued)
Green Tea Extract for Heart Health
Green tea extract is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. Green tea is a staple in Chinese traditional medicine.
This supplement is one of Guarneri's favorites and is shown to decrease LDL by 16%. She advises 375 milligrams of theaflavin-enriched green tea extract daily.
B Vitamins: B-6 (pyridoxine), B-12, and Folic Acid for Heart Health
B-complex vitamins help keep nerves and red blood cells healthy. They may also lower blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that’s possibly linked to heart disease, blood clots, heart attack, and strokes.
More studies are needed to fully understand the link between homocysteine and vitamin supplements, researchers say.
Coenzyme Q10 for Heart Health
Coenzyme Q10 is produced by the body and is necessary for basic cell functioning. Small studies have suggested that CoQ10 may reduce chest pain (angina). For people with clogged arteries, CoQ10 may make exercise easier.
Guarneri recommends CoQ10 supplements for patients taking statin drugs for high cholesterol. Some researchers believe that statins may block the natural formation of CoQ10 in muscle cells, which could contribute to heart muscle damage. The evidence, however, isn’t clear. A 2008 Canadian study showed that statins did not significantly reduce tissue concentrations of CoQ10.
Policosanol for Heart Health
Policosanol is a natural plant mixture used to lower cholesterol. Studies have shown policosanol helps reduce LDL cholesterol.
An analysis of 52 studies found that taking policosanol reduced LDL cholesterol by 24%; taking plant sterols reduced LDL by 10%. Policosanol also improved total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels more favorably than plant sterols.
Guarneri, however, is not a big fan of policosanol. No large studies of policosanol have been conducted in the United States.
A cautionary note: Don't take policosanol if you're taking blood thinners or drugs that lower cholesterol. Talk to your doctor first.
Soy for Heart Health
Soy has been shown to decrease total and LDL cholesterol, with smaller benefits to triglycerides. However, soy supplements have not been proven to reduce long-term risk of heart attack or stroke.
Two big cautions: Women with hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine cancer) or endometriosis may be advised not to take soy. People taking blood-thinning drugs should also talk to their doctors before taking soy.
Other Herbs, Spices, Extracts
Artichoke leaf extract, yarrow, and holy basil may help lower cholesterol, according to early studies. These and other commonly used herbs and spices -- like ginger, turmeric, and rosemary -- are being studied for their potential in preventing heart disease.
Globe artichoke leaf has become increasingly available in the United States. Preliminary studies suggest that these extracts may reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Multiple studies of garlic extract have reported small reductions in total and LDL cholesterol over short periods of time (4 to 12 weeks), but it's not clear whether this benefit is lasting or short-term. Also, effects on HDL are not clear.

BBRAeNEWS No.232 - BBRA's Cookery Delights.

Dear Residents,


BBRA's Cookery Delights.
(For the Botanical Housewives who loves cooking).




Murg Ambari Biryani
(Biryani with boneless chicken and a hint of sandalwood )

Serves : 4

Time required : 45 minutes
Ingredients
400 g boneless chicken , cubed
125 g ghee
5 g garam masala powder
60 g ginger - garlic paste
150 g curd
3 g white pepper powder
Salt to taste
10 g ginger , julienned
8 green chillies , slit lengthwise
15 g browned onions
400 g basmati rice, washed and soaked for 20 minutes
1 g cardamom - mace powder

70 ml cream
5 g mint leaves , chopped
Atta dough for sealing the lid
2 eggs , hard - boiled , shelled and sliced
1 teaspoon saffron ( dilute with 2 teaspoon warm milk )

For the banquet garni :

5 g sandalwood powder
5 g mace8 cardamom
5 g kebab chini powder
5 cm cinnamon

Method

Heat ghee in a pan and season with the whole garam masala , add ginger - garlic paste and sauté
for three minutes.
Add chicken and saute for three minutes .
Add curd , pepper powder , salt , ginger juliennes , green chillies and brown onions. Fry well and cook chicken until chicken is cooked.Bring plenty of water to boil a boil with the banquet of garni and salt. Add rice and cook till three- fourth done.

Remove banquet garni and drain out the water .

Put the pan with the chicken on low heat. Sprinkle cardamom - mace powder , cream and mint
leaves over. Arrange egg slices over it.
Cover with a layer of rice . Sprinkle saffron milk.
Cover the rice with a moist cloth or butter paper and seal the lid with atta dough.
Put the sealed pan on dum in a pre - heated oven or on a hot plate with live charcoal on top for 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve hot with raita.

Nutritional value of each serving - 896.1 kcal
Proteins : 42.7 g
Fat : 45.0 g
Carbohydrates : 89.1 g

BBRAeNEWS No.231 - A Doctor's Corner.

Dear Residents,

BBRA's A Doctor's Corner.

Part 3 of 5 parts.
Supplementing Your Heart Health: Omega-3, Plant Sterols, and More 3
If you have high cholesterol, or if you're at high risk for heart disease and heart attack, some supplements can help lower your cholesterol.
(continued)
Niacin for Heart Health
Also known as vitamin B-3 or nicotinic acid, niacin is a well-accepted treatment for high cholesterol. "Niacin is one of my favorites," Guarneri says. "It is tried and true in raising HDL and lowering triglycerides." She prescribes from 500 milligrams to 2 grams daily, depending on the patient's blood levels.
Numerous studies have shown that niacin can significantly improve HDL cholesterol with better results than with statin drugs. Niacin can also improve LDL levels, but less dramatically. "Niacin is one of the most powerful vitamins -- increasing HDL by 15% to 30%, reducing triglycerides by 20% to 50%," she says.
A very small percentage of patients who take niacin have heart rhythm problems. Some people do get hot flushes from niacin, so it's important to start with small doses and increase slowly, under a doctor's supervision.
Psyllium for Heart Health
Psyllium (ispaghula) comes from the husks of seeds from Plantago ovata. Psyllium, either through supplements or high-fiber foods, provides fiber that can reduce total and LDL cholesterol. Fiber’s effects on HDL “good” cholesterol are less clear, although some research suggests fiber may help increase HDL.
Guarneri likes fiber, including psyllium. Just 15 grams of psyllium reduces LDL by up to 9%, she reports. Psyllium also boosts the effects of statin drugs. In an eight-week study, one group of patients took 10 milligrams of psyllium plus 10 milligrams of Zocor, a statin drug. They were compared to patients taking 20 milligrams of Zocor plus a placebo. In the psyllium group, LDL fell by 63, compared with 55 in the statin-only group.
One caution: Psyllium can decrease absorption of other medications. Make sure you talk to your doctor before taking psyllium.
Red Yeast Rice for Heart Health
Red yeast rice is derived from a specific yeast that grows on rice. This extract has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, help prevent heart attack, and improve blood flow. "If you want to reduce LDL cholesterol, red yeast rice can do it," says Guarneri. In fact, it contains a substance -- monacolin K -- that is identical to the active ingredient of the cholesterol-lowering statin drug Mevacor.
Data from one study showed that 1,200 milligrams of red yeast rice daily resulted in significant reductions in total cholesterol (19%), LDL cholesterol (26%), and triglycerides (16%). Another study using higher doses of red yeast rice -- 2,400 milligrams to 3,600 milligrams -- found that when red yeast rice was combined with fish oil and lifestyle changes, it lowered bad LDL levels as effectively as the statin Zocor -- about 40%.
Most red yeast rice supplements in the U.S. recommend taking no more than 2,400 milligrams daily. Higher doses increase the risk of side effects, such as muscle pain and tenderness, and possibly liver damage. In addition, do not take red yeast rice if you’re taking a statin cholesterol-lowering medication as this further increases the risk of side effects.
Red yeast rice should not be used by people with liver disease. In addition, it may increase the risk of bleeding and should be used with caution by people taking blood thinners.

BBRAeNEWS No.228 - A Doctor's Corner - Heart 2

Dear Residents,

BBRA's A Doctor's Corner.

BBRAsearch
YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Heart Health (Part 2)



Supplementing Your Heart Health: Omega-3, Plant Sterols, and More 2
If you have high cholesterol, or if you're at high risk for heart disease and heart attack, some supplements can help lower your cholesterol.
(continued)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, Flaxseed Oil) for Heart Health continued...
She advises taking 1 to 4 grams of fish oil daily -- containing 240 milligrams of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and 360 milligrams of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) per gram. However, the prescribed dosage will vary depending on the patient's blood samples. "With very high triglycerides, we might use higher doses," she says. High doses of omega-3 supplements -- over 3 grams daily -- may increase the risk of bleeding and should be done only under a doctor’s care.
If you're taking a statin drug to lower your cholesterol, fish oil provides added heart benefits, Guarneri says. A large Japanese study showed 19% fewer heart-related events (like heart attack) in adults taking a fish oil supplement plus a statin drug, compared with those taking only a statin.
Taking fish oil plus a magnesium supplement is also a good combination -- decreasing blood pressure and preventing heart rhythm problems, Guarneri adds. Look for glycinated magnesium, which is more easily absorbed.
She's not as big on flaxseed oil because results are not so dependable, Guarneri says. "Flaxseed oil has to be converted in the body, and conversion will vary from person to person depending on age and metabolism. But flax is soluble fiber and can lower LDL by 8% to 18% with doses of 40 to 50 grams per day."
Plant Sterols for Heart Health
Plant sterols are derived from plant-based foods and are used to enrich margarines and other foods. Many human and animal studies have found that plant sterol-enriched products lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Plant sterols do not affect triglycerides or HDL levels, however.
"Plant sterols block cholesterol absorption and lower LDL by 10%, Guarneri says. "They also work synergistically with statins and can be more effective than doubling the statin dose." Taking a statin plus plant sterol supplement can reduce LDL by 20%.
Numerous studies have shown that eating more plant sterol-enriched foods lowers total and LDL cholesterol. In a study of 194 adults with moderately high cholesterol, each consumed 2 servings of low-fat milk that was plant sterol-enriched. By the third week, their LDL cholesterol was reduced by 9.5%; by week six, LDL was 7.8% reduced.
Although some margarine and other specialized foods are made with plant sterols, Guarneri recommends powdered plant sterols because she says it’s easier to make sure you’re getting the recommended 2 grams per day.

BBRAeNEWS No.225 - BBRA's A Doctor's Corner.

Dear Residents,
BBRA's A Doctor's Corner.

BBRAsearch
YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

Today while having a walk at the Botanic Path, I suddenly have the urge to call BBRA's Phase 1 Committee Member and ask how is his health. I promised him I would look up an article on Heart from the BBRA's Doctor and post it into the BBRA's Blog. So Mr Jaya Kumar, here it is. Do take good care of yourself.


Heart Health. (Part I or 5 Parts)
Posted in Alternative medicine on March-27-2008


Coronary Artery Disease or Heart Disease in its more broader term is a deadly disease that effects millions of lives every year the primary treatments for curing or reversing CADS are angioplasty or open heart bypass surgery although effective treatments, both have their drawbacks, angioplasty although effective in clearing the arteries has been shown to leave arterial scarring or scar the inside of the artery wall, which often leads to the reformation of plaque in as little as a few weeks.
Open heart bypass surgery has been proven to be very effective but can be very painful and is financially out of reach for most Americans with no health care coverage, the average cost of open heart bypass surgery in 1995 was $44,820 in 2005 I’m sure the price is much more expensive. The fact is most Americans don’t have health care coverage or can’t afford to pay for such an expensive procedure, not to mention that A 2001 New England Journal of Medicine study shows 42% of Bypass patients experience a decline in intellectual abilities.
So where does that leave the average person or Americans? in many cases less invasive treatments such as blood thinners, beta blockers, calcium blockers, nitro patches are introduced but in terms of reversing heart disease and clearing plaque out of the arteries these can amount to very costly ineffective methods, and are primarily geared toward treating the symptoms and not necessarily reversing the condition.
Change in diet and exercise sound like good ideas, but how effective are they in clearing plaque out of arteries and reversing heart disease? the truth is their not, if you’re not at and advanced stage of CADS these changes may make you feel better, but if your at an advanced stage of heart disease it may bring on a heart attack even sooner and in terms of clearing plaque out of the arteries they do very little. Change in diet and exercise just wont do it, unfortunately in several cases their are no symptoms leading up to a major heart attack one of the complications or results of CADS.
Narrowing of the arteries has also been proven to raise blood pressure significantly because the heart has to work harder to force blood through the narrowed arteries, CADS can basically become the precursor to other health related issues such as High Blood Pressure, Angina, SCD ( sudden cardiac death) even Erectile Dysfunction.
So you ask what the average person can do to reverse heart disease and improve his or her overall health without paying for costly procedures and being asked to spend money that they just don’t have, on treatments that they can’t really afford?
Donald Ray has been a proponent of natural, herbal, treatments for years, and has a passion for and has benefited greatly from the use of all herbal and natural medicines and treatments as an alternative to traditional medical treatments.

BBRAeNEWS No.221 - Sign Language.

Dear Residents,

Sign Languages

Diary Of a Resident

Just imagine how lucky we are.
Just a couple of days ago, I happened to be in Kuala Lumpur, in a café, and seated in front of me are five deaf but young bright and full of energy and life Chinese Malaysian teenagers communicating in excellent sign language. I was so impressed by their energy and determination in life to move forward, in spite of their handicap. On the other hand, I looked around at the other normal citizens and they seem to be all day dreaming and sleepy, and with no soul to move.

On this note, I just ponder how lucky we are that we are gifted by God but are not using fully what we are being endowed with. These five handicap teenagers would make an excellent team of hard working workers in any company.

What is a sign language? A sign language is a language, which instead of acoustically conveyed sound patters, uses visually transmitted sign patterns to convey meaning – like combining hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or body and facial expressions to fluidly express a speaker’s thoughts.
The words in sign languages are accompanied by dynamic hand and body motion. This motion not only makes the experience more memorable, they can communicate successfully with those around them. This sense of empowerment significantly contributes to their happiness and allowing more time for positive interaction. Sign languages commonly develop in deaf communities.

Just ponder over this !

BBRAeNEWS No.220 - BBRA's This is Life.

Dear Residents,

BBRA's This Is Life.

Cheers
A guy, sitting outside his home about to be evicted from his house, was contemplating how the future would be after he had divorced his wife, lost his children and lost his job.
He notices a crate of beer bottles and walks up to it.
He takes out an empty bottle, smashing it into the concrete wall swearing, "You are the reason I don't have a wife", second bottle, "You are the reason I don't have my children",third bottle "You are the reason I lost my job".He notices the fourth bottle is sealed and still full of beer. He takes the bottle, puts it aside and says, "Stand aside my dear friend; I know you were not involved" .Cheers !!!