Working People Suffer from Hand-Lock Syndrome Causing Numb Fingers

Working People Suffer from Hand-Lock Syndrome Causing Numb Fingers In recent years, there has been an increase in people coming to orthopedic doctors for consultation about hand abnormalities and needing rehabilitation. This is true for both genders and the most common symptoms include a hand that is so weak and numb that it is hard to handle anything, and fingers that lock, making it difficult to bend or stretch them and causing pain. When inquiring about the history of each person, the answer is similar: most of them have to work with computers regularly, such as programmers, designers, and accountants. Other jobs include young men and golfers, groups of women and masseuses (Thai traditional), factory workers who have to pick up various things in a row for long periods of time, chefs who have to chop meat and cut vegetables, and even a housewife doing laundry and mopping the house. If you are experiencing abnormal symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also consider how the symptoms began, as this information may help your doctor in determining the cause and best course of action.     Hand Numbness Caused by Pinched Nerves Numbness in the hand can be caused by the compression of the nerve that runs from the arm to the wrist. This compression can be due to a variety of factors, including fractures to the forearm or upper arm, as well as weakened muscles around the base of the thumb. This condition is more commonly seen in females between the ages of 30-60 years. If left untreated, it can lead to pain and decreased hand function. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation, as well as physical therapy.     What are the causes…   Anything that causes swelling and irritation of the synovial membrane around the tendon, such as repeatedly using a lawnmower, screw drilling machine, tennis racket grip, golf club, wrist fracture, or dislocation of the joints, can lead to nerve compression. This is also the case for people with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, pregnant women, and those experiencing hormonal changes due to menopause.   If you experience any of the following preliminary symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical advice from a professional. Numbness and tingling in the hands, especially at night, may be linked to sleeping posture and the use of that hand. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may experience decreased sensation in their thumb, index, middle, and some parts of the ring finger. This can make it difficult to pick up and grasp objects. When tapping on the wrist in the area where the median nerve runs through, a person may experience a sudden sensation similar to an electric shock. This symptom may be even more noticeable if the person has flexed their hand towards their forearm for one minute, as this can cause compression of the nerve and make the muscles around the palm of the thumb flatten.   Treatment   Use the treatment methods below should there only be a few symptoms: Wear a wrist brace while sleeping can help prevent the wrist from bending and reduce swelling in the tendons and the lining around the wrist, which can help prevent nerve compression. Take anti-inflammatory drugs If the symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend steroid injections into the area where the nerve runs through. This drug spreads to the joint epithelium and ligaments that are inflamed and swollen, causing the swelling to subside and reducing the pressure on the nerve. The dosage of the injected drug is small and there is no serious danger associated with it. Treatment with these methods will work well and the symptoms should improve. In case the nerve is not being pressed too much and the symptoms do not improve, surgical treatment may be necessary. This involves cutting out part of the fascia tendon in the part where the nerve is compressed. After the surgery, the symptoms should improve, the pain will decrease and the numbness will decrease, though it may not be completely gone and may take some more time. Best wishes from Vibhavadi Hospital

See More

How to Safely Remove Mold After Flooding

How to Safely Remove Mold After Flooding   Surveying for the presence of Mold after flooding can be done in two ways: Look with your eyes, for example, and observe if the wall has any stains or looks like it has mold. Smell with your nose as the smell of mold is musty and earthy.   If mold is suspected, take the following steps: If an item cannot be completely eliminated, such as materials with porosity that cannot be washed and dried, it should be discarded to prevent the growth of mold. If the item is boiled, it must be disinfected with boiling water before it can be used again. Clean the floor and walls quickly within 24 - 48 hours of the water receding. For ventilation, open windows and doors and turn on a fan. Begin by washing with water and soap or detergent to remove dirt. Then, scrub the cement wall or surface with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution and a hard brush. If not using 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution, mix 1 cup of bleaching powder with 1 gallon of water for a homemade solution. The cleaner must wear the following protection equipment: Rubber boots Rubber gloves for housework. Eye protection glasses. Face mask Once the surface has been scrubbed and left to dry, spotlights can be used to speed up the drying process. If the mold is found to be deeply embedded in the wall and cannot be scrubbed off, it should be replaced rather than painted over. If the room contains air conditioners, they should also be washed and cleaned during the same process.

See More

Cleaning the House...Safely

Cleaning the House...Safely Wiping can help clean the surface, but it may not be enough to kill the fungus. To ensure the fungus is eliminated and prevent any potential health risks, fungicides should be used.   Principles and method of cleaning If the area to be cleaned is confined to one corner of the house and the material is difficult to clean or very porous, it is best to do the cleaning outdoors. If there is a lot of fungi present, items such as insulating paper, carpet underlay, ceiling, gypsum wall, and compressed wood products must be wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent the spread of mold spores.     It is important to be aware that wiping may clean the surface, but it may not be enough to kill the fungus. Fungicides should be used to ensure the fungus is eliminated, as dead fungi can still cause health problems due to the production of mycotoxins.     Always be on the lookout for the emergence of mold. If the results are not satisfactory, any activities that could lead to high humidity, such as drying clothes indoors, boiling water, cooking indoors, turning off the air conditioner and opening the window, should be done immediately.   To clean moldy surfaces, use a thick and large piece of tissue paper (or paper towel) that has been dampened with water. Wipe the surface from bottom to top, or from left to right or right to left in one direction only. Do not wipe back and forth. After wiping, throw away the tissue paper. Do not save it because this will cause the mold spores to spread. Collect the paper in a large garbage bag and be careful to open and close the bag gently so that the mold spores are not dispersed by the wind. Do not turn on a fan as the strong wind will cause the mold spores to spread more easily.       It is recommended to use a mild soap and water solution to clean surfaces. Detergents should be avoided, as they can create problems after washing and can also lead to polluted water due to their ingredients, which can act as food for fungi.     For effective cleaning, you can use a fungicide solution mixed with a third wipe. There are many different types of fungicides available, so it is important to choose the right one for the material you are cleaning. Examples of liquids with mild fungicidal activity include: To effectively remove mold from surfaces, use a spray bottle filled with a mix of distilled or fermented vinegar (at least 7% concentration) and water. Spray the area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then wipe off. This method provides satisfactory mold elimination (80%), but does not kill spores. To kill many types of mold, use a spray bottle with a mix of tea tree oil (2 teaspoons) and water (2 cups). Spray lightly on the affected area and wipe off the excess. This method is effective, however it is quite expensive. Another effective and expensive solution is to use grapefruit seed extract. Mix 20 drops in 2 cups of water and spray lightly on the desired area. Afterwards, wipe off the excess. This method does not have a pungent smell.

See More

What Are the Benefits of an Annual Health Check?

What Are the Benefits of an Annual Health Check? The current state of living has caused many people to lead unhealthy lifestyles, characterized by having to rush against the clock and be exposed to a toxic environment. Unfortunately, many have become accustomed to these conditions, which can ultimately lead to threats to one's health. As a result, the health of people today is not as good as it was in the past and there is an overall lack of balance in life. These factors are all negative influences on our health.   Having an annual health check can be seen as a reward for our body, as it can help to identify and fix any abnormalities or defects before they become a burden. Although it's true that life cannot be fixed, our health is like a car in the sense that if we take care of it and check for any issues regularly, we can ensure that our bodies will stay with us for longer and that we can have a good quality of life.   It is important to understand the nuances of health check-ups before traveling, even though many people know they can come in for one at any time.   Before receiving a health check-up, the following preparations should be made: Refrain from eating 8-10 hours prior to the test. Water and personal medication can be consumed before the health check. If you suspect you are pregnant, inform the nurse before being examined. Do not smoke before receiving a health check because it will make your blood pressure higher than normal. Have enough rest before receiving a health check. Abstain from alcoholic beverages 24-48 hours before the health check-up. If you are taking medication regularly (including some dietary supplements), inform the doctor before the check-up, as some medications and supplements can affect blood test results, urine test results, or stool test results. Avoid parties and large meals 48-72 hours (2-3 days) before the health check. If a hearing test is conducted, avoid loud noises (noise exceeding 80 decibels) for at least 14 hours prior to receiving the test. In the case that you have pulmonary function test: Refrain from eating large meals at least 2 hours before the pulmonary function test. Do not exercise for at least 30 minutes prior to the examination. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. If you use bronchodilators, discontinue them prior to the pulmonary function test and bring your personal medication with you to be used after the examination is completed. For short-acting bronchodilators, refrain from using them for 6-8 hours prior to the test. For long-acting bronchodilators, abstain from using them for 12 hours prior to the test. For long-acting bronchodilators, abstain from using them for 24 hours prior to the test. If there is an appointment for a gastric examination, refrain from all kinds of food and drink at least 6 hours before seeing the doctor.

See More

Hip Resurfacing Surgery: What You Should Know

Hip Resurfacing Surgery: What You Should Know The most common hip joint disease in working age Thai people is Ischemic hip disease, which is directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed and prolonged use of steroids. Other common hip joint diseases include Osteoarthritis (OA), Avascular Necrosis (AVN), and Developmental Hip Dysplasia (DDH). In addition, women aged 40-65 may experience hip dysplasia due to abnormal hip joint development that occurred during childhood. Symptoms may appear at a premature age.       In order to avoid hip replacement in working age, orthopedic surgeons typically employ a range of past treatments. However, it is estimated that if hip replacement was performed in older adults (over 60-65 years old), the service life could be doubled from 10 to 20 years. Therefore, hip replacement in older adults may be the preferred option when looking to maximize the lifespan of the implant.   The short lifespan of artificial hip joints in young people is due to the fact that traditional hip prostheses are composed of metal heads and medical plastic sockets (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, UHMWPE) joints that offer low friction and durability. However, due to the constant use of the hips, the plastic sockets suffer from wear and tear, leading to debris accumulation which can stimulate the body's immune system to respond, causing side effects such as osteolysis in the tissue and bone surrounding the hip joint.       Conventional hip replacement surgery     Due to faster dissolution of bone adhesion, implanted hip joints may become loose over time, causing hip pain in working-age patients after 5-10 years of use. To address this, orthopedic surgeons typically recommend Revision Surgery. However, this surgery has a shorter service life than the initial surgery, and the lifespan of the hip joint after the surgery is generally less than 10 years. This is because the original surgery can cause fusion of the bone (osteolysis) and the fibrous tissue around the hip joint.     New treatment method   The metal-on-metal hip joint, developed in Birmingham, England in 1991, has become increasingly popular around the world. It is designed to help young patients return to a normal life, allowing them to participate in sports and exercise without limitation. Rather than metal coming into contact with medical plastic, this new surgery uses metal components to replace a damaged hip joint. The hip head of the new artificial hip joint is significantly larger than that of the patient's original hip joint, which had a diameter of only 28 millimeters. This larger size makes hip displacement more difficult than in traditional hip joints, as general Thai hip joints typically have a diameter of 40-52 millimeters. Thus, larger buttocks are more difficult to dislocate than smaller ones. The Birmingham hip joint, which has become increasingly popular over the past decade and has seen impressive treatment results, is a new hip joint treatment that has been used by more than 100,000 people worldwide. A large proportion of these patients are in working age and are of foreign origin. In Thailand, a new treatment has begun, but it is not yet widespread. The results of the treatment have been satisfactory, and involve a joint planning process between doctor and patient, as once traditional hip replacement surgery has been completed, the patient cannot switch to this new type of hip joint surgery.

See More

【Most Popular】What Are the Benefits and Limitations of Emergency Contraceptive Pills? How Do You Use Them?

    How to use emergency contraceptive pills correctly? Originally referred to as "Contraceptive after sex," Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs) are the most convenient and popular method of birth control after sex. This group of drugs works by affecting sex hormones and has since been renamed for the correct understanding and use of the medication.   Most popular contractive pill In the oral pill group, there are several types of hormones available: estrogen-only, progesterone-only, combined hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and Danasol. However, the most common and widely available hormones are progesterone-only and combined hormones. Progesterone Pill also known as Postinor, contains one main active ingredient Levonorgestrel, 0.75 mg per tablet size Take 2 times a day 12 hours apart and must be eaten within 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The most common side effects of this type of contraception are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and menstrual irregularities, which may occur earlier or later than expected. Occasionally, minimal bleeding may be noticed.   If the menstrual period is weak or absent after taking this medication, it is important to determine whether it is a result of the drug or if pregnancy has occurred. If prevention is not possible, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy is increased.   Combination Hormone Pills   also known as Yuzpe uses 0.1 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.5 mg of Levonorgestrel   Take 2 separate doses 12 hours apart, with food taken within 72 hours.   This method is popular worldwide, including in the United States and Europe, though it has been known to cause more side effects than the first method. Unfortunately, it is not available in Thailand, as there are no companies that produce and market it directly.   How is it different from abortion? Many people mistakenly believe that taking these pills will lead to a miscarriage. However, this is not the case as there are multiple mechanisms in place to prevent pregnancy. These pills do not cause the implanted embryo to be aborted or detached. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, there is evidence to suggest that there may be several mechanisms involved, such as blocking the fertilization of sperm and eggs, inhibiting ovulation, or affecting the work of the corpus luteum.   When is it used and indications? Regular birth control pills should be used over emergency contraception pills, as their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy is greater. Emergency contraception pills should only be used in cases of emergency necessity.   The effectiveness of protection against unintended pregnancy is highly variable, ranging from 58-95%. This range is dependent on proper use and the length of time the protection is used. Research has found that the sooner protection is taken after unprotected intercourse, the better the chances of it being effective. If protection is taken within the first 24 hours of intercourse, the effectiveness is significantly increased.   It has been observed that taking more than the prescribed dosage does not give any additional benefit, but it can lead to more side effects.   Indications for this group of drugs include: Unintentional sex and no use of birth control If you forget to take the contraceptive pill for more than three days, you may be at risk of an unintended pregnancy due to the decreased effectiveness of the contraceptive method. Forget to inject contraceptives or the condom leaks or breaks. Being raped.   Prohibition Already pregnant or if there are other reasons not to take hormones.   In summary Emergency contraceptive pills can be a useful tool to help prevent pregnancy, but they should only be used as a last resort and with proper instructions on how to use them. Users should be aware of potential side effects and use them responsibly, ensuring that they are used only when absolutely necessary.   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Thank you www.thaiclinic.com for information.

See More

Amid Crisis and Suffering, Opportunities for Happiness and Hope Exist: The Best and Last Doctors

Amid Crisis and Suffering, Opportunities for Happiness and Hope Exist: The Best and Last Doctors A story I want to share to be useful to readers who still have the chance to prepare for the future is one of relying on the wisdom of “Crisis gives opportunity”, “In the midst of adversity Happiness exists”, “The Best Doctor” and “The Last Doctor” and “There are many good things that come from loss”. When our parents and loved ones become more ill, we have to have faith in our ability to take care of them in the best way possible. This requires us to have strength and courage, even in the midst of uncertainty, and to be open to the silver linings that come from loss. Through this, we can really reduce suffering, worry and create power in order to give the best care to our parents and fellow patients. Even though he is a doctor, when my mom became ill with a condition that wouldn't go away, deciding to choose a doctor to care for her was a difficult task. Finding a way to take care of her mind was even harder. I wasn't sure who to ask or where to start, and I felt overwhelmed. I decided to reach out to a doctor's friend who had a sick father, and a medical professor, not for advice about the medical condition, but for advice about how to care for her emotionally. Through this difficult situation, I realized that crisis can provide us with opportunities to learn and grow.   “Crisis comes with Opportunity” I want to tell a story that may be useful to readers who have the opportunity to take care of their aging, sick parents, and also to fellow doctors. It is important to put trust in the right caretakers when your parents are very ill, as this can reduce suffering, worry, and create power. Having the support of all relatives is also beneficial in further patient care.     Even though he was a doctor, when my mom was sick with a disease that wouldn't go away, it was difficult for my family and me to choose a doctor to care for her and figure out how to take care of her mental health. I didn't know who to ask, where to start. I remembered that I had lost three kilos, so I talked to a doctor's friend who had a sick and lost father and asked a medical professor not only about the disease, but also about mental care. In this crisis, I found an opportunity to help my mom. Last year, in 2011, the trip to Japan for 7 days had to be canceled despite all the preparations. In April of the same year, he chose to practice Dharma for the second time in his life and went to Wat Pa Somphanat in Sakon Nakhon Province. Upon his return at the end of April, his father had to undergo major, high-risk surgery. In October, while a flood was coming to Bangkok, the child also had to have surgery and was uncertain if the doctor would arrive before the water did. To escape the flood, they had to move out of the province. They prayed for no complications for their father, their chronically ill mother, and the children. In January, the mother changed from a disease that did not disappear to a new type of fast-furious and was admitted to the Siriraj Hospital Institute. Until the last day on April 28, 2012, she passed away peacefully.   Because of the "crisis," I had the "opportunity" to train myself in ways that medical textbooks do not teach, which has enabled me to take better care of everyone with more awareness and relaxation.   This year, due to my mother being very sick, I chose not to go anywhere for Songkran. Instead, I decided to take my child to a nearby temple and spend one night there. This was a great decision as it is difficult to find something to eat when travelling to Thailand, as well as being more expensive than normal. I began to realize the value of taking a break and enjoying Songkran once a year, by going to a temple, calming my mind, and having quality time with my children or family.   Due to this "crisis", I am given another "opportunity" to retrain myself and my child. Consequently, we were able to return to visit his mother in a more mindful manner.   “The Best and Last Doctor”   Ajarn Teera, a senior doctor at Siriraj Hospital for two years, took excellent care of her mother for five full years. I remember when I first searched for information about which medical professors at the hospital would come to take care of my mother, but I never finished that search. I decided to let Phi Thira be the caretaker. He not only presented the truth but also gave hope, encouragement, and most importantly, faith to mothers and to us, including everyone in the family. We all think of this brother as a "best doctor" and his cheerfulness always uplifts our spirits. We practice obeying Brother Thira in everything and admire our doctor all the time. Even two weeks before he left, he still said: “Doctor Thira Kaedee is going to die. I believe that this doctor can help me.” My mother believed in everything he said. We learned from Phi Theera how to be a good doctor not only to our mothers, but to everyone in the family. Another thing we learned is that even if the patient has an incurable disease, especially in the late stages, even in the normal ward, the patient and their relatives still need medical care. Nurses are no different from patients in the ICU because the pain from the disease is different from day to day. We understand deeply the suffering of relatives who do not know how to help their loved ones, especially when our own mother was that patient. We learned that consistent care, attentiveness, encouragement, touching, and helping, even if the disease does not heal, can help relieve the pain. Phi Teera was unable to make her mother recover, but her mother's suffering was over and at peace when the "departure" had helped her. This idea was reinforced when my sister-in-law brought a book to help distribute in her mother's work. Two days after my mother's passing, the title of Than Piyasophon from Rama IX Temple changed my perspective on her departure immediately and made us feel much more comfortable. We realized that for the past five years, especially the last four months, we had done our best to take care of our mother. We think that if we had read this book first, it would have helped us to take care of our mother with joyful hearts and to better guide family members. The book is only a few pages long.   “Many good things come from losing”   We “lost” our beloved mother, but she was granted rest, peace, and well-being until the time of her peaceful passing. Mother chose to donate her body to a hospital for medical students to study anatomy, as a peaceful choice two weeks before leaving. Mother said to her sister, “You can go, Sukon,” which she had never said before. This is an example of leaving a legacy for ourselves, something that we have prepared and done in life that will guide us when we see the real thing. The joint care of the mother for her siblings brought them closer together, helping them to love each other more than before. The sisters invited their father abroad as a family, as there is only father left now. We need to hurry up in order to help each other and make the most of our time with our loved ones.             "In the midst of suffering, happiness does exist."   The kindness of many relatives, friends, and co-workers was revealed to me as I prepared to leave. They showed their support in many ways, such as attending the event, sending wreaths, making merit, and writing words of remembrance. Even though I didn't understand the emotions of the child, I felt unspeakably grateful for the support I received. Seeing so many people attend the wedding was a great honor for my parents. Finding parking at the wedding hotel was difficult, but parking at the temple was even more so. This showed me how much people cared and were willing to put in the effort to attend.   I had taken the importance of family for granted, but after this experience I felt a deeper appreciation for them. Tuo Hia, Doctor Mong's eldest brother, even came to work for four days, including the last day. I was so moved by his dedication, and my wife and I sent a message of gratitude to all of our brothers and sisters for taking the time to join us. I am now more aware of how meaningful the bond of family is, and I will never forget it.                 At first, I thought I was the only one feeling this way. Then, on the third day of the event, my sister came and shook her hand, expressing her joy that many wreaths had been given by leaders on Mother's Day, and sending an email to thank her colleague for their kindness. This kindness was seen by relatives who were ill and had to sit in wheelchairs, by friends who had not seen each other for 20 years, and by young people who only superficially knew each other. Even a sister's friend, who had broken off communication for more than 20 years, was generous enough to join the event. Through this event, we can see the special bond of love between mothers and children, and how they comfort and support each other even in times of suffering.       “No one's suffering is heavier than others.”   For five full years, my mother was sick, often in and out of the hospital. With a myriad of illnesses changing almost every 1-2 weeks, it was a difficult time for our entire family. We had to face the struggles of losing our maid in the flood, leaving us with no childcare, and having to take care of the house while also going to visit my mother in the hospital. I was always exhausted, often falling asleep as soon as I got into bed. One morning, I received a WhatsApp message from my sister in the middle of the night, telling me the latest news of my mother's condition. I was relieved to find a note slipped under my door, which said, “There's snacks in the fridge. You can take it and eat it.” Every time my mother had a new symptom, my siblings and I were always informed. This stressful period was especially tough when I was already tired from work, and coming home felt like there was no time for rest, as there was an important patient waiting for me. Through this experience, I learnt to appreciate the little joys in life, and to be more grateful for the opportunities that I have been given. I am fortunate enough to have access to better healthcare and treatments than many other patients, due to my mother's ability to withdraw from my father's civil service. I cannot imagine the difficulties faced by those who do not have these privileges, and how much more their sufferings must multiply ours.   “Body is suffering, but the mind can be happy. It's about knowing and choosing." My mother is an incredibly strong and brave fighter who has accepted her disease. She takes better care of her health, and in her illness she has learned to do things she never thought she would be able to do, like embroidery and cross-stitch. Even though her body is sick, she continues to pray for more than an hour and practice her Dharma. We can take pity on our mothers, and on all those around us, but it is important to remember that our mothers are much stronger than we think.     “Choose the way to go”   The last four months have been difficult for us, as we had to make the difficult decision of leaving our mother with Siriraj, which was very far away. The traffic jam and the fear of being reckless when driving at night made it harder for us to take care of our mother. We realized that self-consolation was necessary, so we decided to do our best and stay strong for our mother. Deciding how to leave my mother was very difficult and we had to learn that patients must have the right to choose. Our teacher advised us that day that we should not speak directly and should share an example with others so that everyone can express their opinions and understand each other. Thus, we would not feel guilty of the final decision, as it was made by all of us who love our mother the most. We would rather have her leave in peace than hold on to technology, which would not result in a different outcome.   Consulting with a monk who respects himself can be a great way to learn about the Dharma and gain insights that might not have been taught in medical school. Non-academic textbooks can provide an excellent source of information, and it can be beneficial to learn how to practice the Dharma that the monk used to do. Additionally, it is important to be mentally prepared for the possibility of a close loved one or parent becoming ill, and to be able to know how to cope with such a situation. It would be beneficial to pass this knowledge and understanding of life onto our children, so that they have both knowledge and an understanding of life to act as a strong armor when something difficult hits.   “Being prepared is better, including passing”   We had known for five years that my mother's disease was not going to go away. But I still felt a shock when I received a call from my sister at midnight on April 28th. She said the doctor had come to assess my mother's condition. I was overwhelmed with emotion and had to take a moment to calm myself down. I prepared the necessary items, woke my father, and asked our doctor, Mong, to come with us. The housekeeper was asked to take care of the three children, and my sister was called from the airport to not drive by herself and let her brother-in-law be the driver. Mong went to pay homage to the Buddha image in the Buddha room before we left. As a last touch, I grabbed a brooch with a picture of Luang Ta and the word “Feeling” from a temple we visited last year.   We all gathered around our mother as tears of siblings and other relatives filled the room. We tried to take heed of the words from the Dharma book we had read two days prior: "Be mindful of the impermanence of life, the prison of the soul, and the eventual passing of our beloved ones." As we could not pray, we set our minds to wish our mother a peaceful departure, as the teacher had taught. We listened to the mother's heart one last time to make sure it had stopped. In an effort to bring comfort to her, we opened the Chinnabanchorn chants she liked to hear every night. My sister held my mother's hand until her last breath. We gathered our consciousness to the end and said to our mother, “Rest peacefully, don't worry, we are here with you.” We bowed our heads in respect and asked for forgiveness for anything we may have done wrong or hurt her in any way. We carefully removed all cables and accessories from her body, knowing we had done all we could.       No matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, whether we leave unprepared, prepared, or suddenly, we must strive to leave a good legacy behind us. We must take the time to do the things that matter most to us and our loved ones, even if they do not result in success. Then, when it is time to leave, we can rest assured that our good deeds will be remembered. My mother's passing showed me this, as I heard many kind words in her memory. Therefore, we must encourage ourselves to act quickly and do good so that our virtues remain long after we are gone.   "Don't wait until Mother's Day to give your mom a hug; do it now, before it's too late to show your love and appreciation."   I will always be thankful to my sister, who a week before my mother passed away, urged me to go and see her. That day, I had planned to go to Suan Mokkh in Bangkok for Mindfulness Day with my children and Mo Mong, but my sister encouraged me to go and visit my mother first. Remembering her face, which was very weary, I went to see her that day, early in the afternoon. When I entered the room, she was already smiling happily, saying “I'm so glad I woke up and saw my son so early in the morning.” We had been used to going to see her in the evenings, so this was something special for her. We hugged each other and then I took out a stethoscope to listen to her lungs. She said “Having a doctor is good like this.” I asked her if she was hurt, and she smiled again and said “I'm fine.” That was the last time I ever hugged my mother. From then on, her arms were too weak to even lift, and she couldn't speak. But my sister was wise enough to encourage me to go and see her while she still had the strength to hug back and express her feelings. She also made sure to arrange for each meal, a frequent visitor and for many days. She even took my mother to pray and opened the CD of prayers for her to listen to every day. My younger sister, who had never been taken seriously by the elders, also decided to stay with her for two days and the last night of her life, even though she hadn't prepared anything at all. Without their love and care, I would have missed the opportunity to make my mother's last days the best.             “Do it for mom when she’s with us”   Our pride in making mothers is rooted in our commitment to building a cloister for Wat Pa Akaliko in Kalasin Province. We invited my mother to have a Dharma conversation at home, which she was happy to do even when she was ill. My brother and I decided to find someone from the center that was hard to find, and it cost more than twice what it was. But it was the right decision, as people care deeply for our mother. We later found out that the red thread tying candy was a belief as a tribute to our mother. To honor her memory, we decided to distribute Dharma books as a charity. We contacted Luang Ta at Wat Pa Somphanat, who provided us with CDs at a discounted price of ten baht each. Doctor Mong helped to hurry up the process, and Than Chutipanyo came down to Bangkok to help bring books from various temples that he knew. We were able to get a variety of books in large quantities and distributed them every day. Our daughter and my sister's daughter were the ones who gave them away when someone paid their respects to the mother. Everyone was able to take them, even those who were afraid of reading Dharma books. When they saw the children's faces and heard their voices calling out "A book to commemorate Grandma's work," everyone accepted them as intended.   If we are able to obtain books from various temples that have been published as dhamma alms, such as Wat Yannawesakawan in Nakhon Pathom, we may not be able to take many of them. However, we can still make merit by telling how many books we would like to print and reserving the rest in case someone can claim them later. For example, at Rama 9 Temple (contact 02-719-7550-1) and at Sanam Nai Temple, there are books for sale at a low price. After reading the words “Dharma surpasses all other charities”, I understand that it does not mean that one has received more merit than anything else. Rather, it is like teaching a child to fish, not giving fish. Reading a book and putting it into practice and recommending good dharma to others will spread far and wide, which is useful to a lot of people. I am glad that I made my mother proud by doing such deeds. However, when the mother passed away, making food for charity and bringing money from people who make merit in the mother's event to donate at the place where she used to wish would not be as useful as doing anything to her while she was still alive. This we truly understand deeply.         “Leaving is like trying to heal a wound; it's a difficult task.”   With each passing day, the comfort and support of those who attended or simply sent their hearts provided solace and strength for the children as they prepared for their temple work. It was like tending to a wound: doing the work each day slowly made the pain lessen and eventually disappear, much like a depressed mood. The sorrow in their hearts soon healed, and their exhaustion from the day-to-day work was replaced with a sense of accomplishment. Even when they finally went to bed, their sisters and brothers were doing the same.

See More

See More

Discover the Healthy and Delicious Menu of Hong Kong Noodles

Discover the Healthy and Delicious Menu of Hong Kong Noodles   Steps Pork Marinade             Pork Tenderloin                                       100  grams             Soy sauce, cornstarch                                    2  teaspoons             Oyster sauce                                                1 teaspoons Other condiments             Shredded prawns                                        50    grams             Shiitake mushrooms                                    2     units             bamboo shoots, white chives or bean sprouts 100 grams             spring onions, cut into 1-inch lengths                6              Finely sliced young ginger                      10   grams             Thinly sliced pancreas, diced tofu           100  grams             Oyster sauce, light soy sauce, sugar, corn starch 2  teaspoons             Ground pepper                                      1      teaspoons             Water                                                    ¼    cup             Uncut noodle sheets                                ½     kilogram             Roasted white sesame seeds                     ¼     cup             Sour sauce Steps 1. In a bowl, combine light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and corn starch. Add the first portion of pork and mix until the pork is well coated. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.   2. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok over high heat. Add the marinated pork and shrimp and stir-fry until cooked. Add the pork liver and tofu and stir until everything is combined. Scoop up and drain the oil.   3. Add the remaining ingredients to the wok and stir over high heat. Quickly add the stir-fried pork and shrimp, then add oyster sauce, soy sauce, ground pepper, and sesame oil. Sprinkle with flour and stir until cooked. Set aside to cool, then wrap.   How to wrap Flatten the noodle dough and cut it into 6x6-inch sheets. Scoop the mixture into the sheets and roll them into a round shape. Fold the left and right edges inwards by ½ inch each, then roll the dough tightly. Steam the dough for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle it with roasted white sesame seeds. Serve with sour sauce.   Mr. Teeradej Suanse, Dietitian, Vibhavadi Hospital

See More

Understanding Baby Development

Understanding Baby Development Young children need care, attention, and stimulation to ensure they develop and grow properly. The first three years of life are a particularly important window of opportunity for parents to encourage brain development; they should make sure to provide an environment that encourages brain cells to grow. Ultimately, it is up to parents to understand the developmental needs of their children at different age groups and find appropriate ways to play and learn.   Play is an important activity for both children and adults, as it helps to develop the brain in various ways. Playing can help to improve attention and stimulate the use of eyes, hands, and muscles, which in turn helps to promote the growth of brain cells and facilitate better memorization and learning. Ultimately, playing helps the brain to grow and expand to its full potential.   Playing with toys can help children focus and improve their concentration. Practicing this kind of play can help them develop their brains in a systematic way, aiding in learning and memory retention. Therefore, it is important to encourage children to play with concentration and dedication in order to maximize the benefits.   Thank you Baby Guide for the information.

See More