Parents Engagement

Chee Swee Ngoh & Leong Yeow Nyean

Engagement Ceremony
at the Perak Chinese Amateur Dramatic Association Building

Father, Mother and Grandmother (L - R)

A Rising Tennis Star

Leong Yeow Nyean receiving his Tennis Trophy
from Mrs Wong Weng Choon. Mr. Wong seated on the right

Leong Yeow Nyean with his team

Tennis and Billiard at Ipoh YMCA

The Doctor

This large framed poster hangs above the examination couch in my clinic.  It was a gift from Dato Teh Siew Eng a close family friend.

"The Doctor" was painted by Sir Luke Fildes.

'Fildes himself said that he wanted 'to put on record the status of the doctor in our own time'. In his description of the picture he indicates that unlike the case of his own son, this one has a happy ending: 'At the cottage window the dawn begins to steal in - the dawn that is the critical time of all deadly illnesses - and with it the parents again take hope into their hearts, the mother hiding her face to escape giving vent to her emotion, the father laying his hand on the shoulder of his wife in encouragement of the first glimmerings of the joy which is to follow.'

The Gopeng Museum

Visited the Gopeng Museum last Saturday 21st September 2013.  The old double storey shop house was located rather easily.  If you are coming from Ipoh along Gopeng Road, just take the turning to the left before the police station and then another left turn to reach the main road in town where the museum is located.  

Gopeng town plan

History of Gopeng Town in pictures

A cute narrow staircase

Exit to the varendah on the left

Interesting door

Matching colour

The operators of the museum have put in a lot of effort into preserving the heritage of Gopeng town.  However, the museum should be more focused on the story it is trying to tell rather than placing all the unrelated exhibits under the same roof.  My sincere congratulations to the directors of the museum. 

Festival Mood @ CGMC

Great fun for the kids and parents at Canning Garden Methodist Church tonight.  I enjoyed it too.  Never too old to join in the fun.  Worship.  Moon cakes .... yummy, lanterns and all.



The children getting ready to play games

"Make a Big Circle" as big as the Moon!

1,2,3,4,5 ...6 .....

The roller lantern

E-Cigarettes are not approved by the FDA

E-cigarettes are now available in Malaysia.  Just 2 months ago a saleslady came to my clinic to promote them.   Above is a picture of the "cigarette" which even lights up when smoked.  I tried it cough ..... cough ...... cough!!!  Nope its not for me or my patients who are trying to quit smoking.  I shall continue to use NRT instead.

Below is an article is from Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine on e-cigarettes.

"With the third and largest of the U.S. tobacco companies planning an e-cigarette product launch this fall, this next frontier for "Big Tobacco" provides renewed presence in a declining marketplace. It's also a potential gateway to new smokers, particularly among teens and in emerging/foreign markets, according to behavioral scientists at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provide inhaled doses of nicotine vapors and flavorings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 6% of adults have tried e-cigarettes, a number that has nearly doubled since 2010. Absent of tobacco, e-cigarettes have been promoted as a possible aid in getting people to stop smoking and thereby reducing their lung cancer risk.

However, MD Anderson cancer prevention experts Paul Cinciripini, PhD, director of the Tobacco Treatment Program, and Alexander Prokhorov, MD, PhD, head of the Tobacco Outreach Education Program, caution that more research is needed to understand the potential role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation.

"Independent studies must rigorously investigate e-cigarettes, as there's considerable potential benefit in these products if they're regulated and their safety is ensured," said Cinciripini. "But promoting the e-cigarettes already on the shelves as 'safe' is misleading and, if looked at as a harmless alternative to cigarettes, could potentially lead to a new generation of smokers more likely to become tobacco dependent."

With the impending introduction of another e-cigarette, Prokhorov and Cinciripini urge consumers to know the following information.

• E-cigarettes are unregulated and there's little research on their safety or efficacy as smoking cessation tools. "These products are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration and this is concerning because it's impossible to know what you're really getting or if it's safe. In one analysis nicotine levels have been shown to vary widely among e-cigarette products," said Prokhorov. For now, he recommends that those looking to quit stick with approved devices, such as nicotine inhalers.
• Switching from tobacco to e-cigarettes could help smokers avoid approximately 6,000 chemicals, some of which are human carcinogens. "Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals warrants research of these products as a smoking cessation vehicle," said Cinciripini. "Unbiased studies, free from the ethical and legal challenges of 'Big Tobacco'-sponsored trials, are needed."
• Branded as "safer," available in a variety of colors and flavors and promoted by celebrities, e-cigarettes could be a hook for future smokers. "E-cigarettes are a novel way to introduce tobacco smoking to young people, and their potential 'gateway' role should be a concern for parents and health officials alike," added Prokhorov. "Once a young person gets acquainted with nicotine, it's more likely that they'll try other tobacco products. E-cigarettes are a promising growth area for the tobacco companies, allowing them to diversify their addictive and lethal products with a so-called "safe cigarette," said Prokhorov. "Unfortunately, there's no proof that e-cigarettes are risk-free."

Cinciripini has more than 30 years' experience conducting basic and clinical research in smoking cessation and nicotine psychopharmacology. Prokhorov is the principal architect of MD Anderson's ASPIRE program, a teen-focused website and, Tobacco Free Teens, a smartphone app - both are new approaches to keeping young people free from the grips of nicotine addiction.

Kinta Electric Distribution

Perak River Hydro Electric Power

Leong Sin Nam was also in the Kinta Electric Distribution Board of Directors. 

The article below is from  Ipoh Echo.  To read more please go to http://ipohecho.com.my/v2/2013/02/01/recognising-perak-hydros-contribution-to-perak-2/

Chenderoh Dam on the Perak River

 

"The scope of work, costing GBP3.5 million saw the construction of the hydro-electric power generation plant across the Perak River where it joined the small tributary, Sungai Chenderoh. Called the Chenderoh Dam, construction work started in March 1927 and was completed in June 1930. It was officially opened by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Iskandar Shah and the British High Commissioner then, Sir Hugh Clifford.

Chenderoh Dam hydro power station had a 27,000kW hydro generating capacity and was linked to a steam-powered plant at Malim Nawar, 40km south, by a 66kVa transmission line. The purpose for Malim Nawar was three fold. Initially it would serve the consumers in Kinta while Chenderoh was being constructed. Subsequently it would act as a standby in case of breakdowns along the transmission lines and used as an auxiliary in times of drought at Chenderoh.
Work on Malim Nawar Steam Power Station (MNPS) began in 1927 and was commissioned a year later. MNPS carried power supply to 12 transformer sub-stations located throughout the Kinta Valley and provided mining consumers an uninterrupted power supply of variable capacities based on individual requirements throughout the year. Besides being a power station, Malim Nawar Station also had the capacity and capability to take on major repair jobs of the company’s electrical equipments.

In order to manage the distribution of power to domestic consumers and villages in the concession area, PRHEP created a subsidiary, Kinta Electric Distribution chaired by Colonel Cecil Rae and included a board consisting of Raja Chulan and Leong Sin Nam.

The office of PRHEP Company was located at Station Road, (Jalan Dato Maharajalela) currently a TNB branch office. In 1932, PRHEP purchased the Batu Gajah Power Station (BGPS) which was started earlier by the Malayan Tin Dredge Company for its own dredging operations. By 1935 after a financial restructuring, the company was free from debt and despite a downturn in the tin industry in 1937/38, paid out a healthy dividend of 7 cents in 1939. Indeed before WW2, PRHEP Company had the reputation of being “the largest hydro-electric project undertaken in the British Empire as well as being the single largest power producer in Southeast Asia”.
On a national level it contributed 55% of the total power produced in the Federation of Malaya. At state level its power supply grew from an initial coverage of 35 towns to over 60 towns and villages by the mid ‘50s."  ........  by James Gough

Remembering Dr. Lim Eng Cheang

I remember Dr EC Lim who was my doctor and family friend.  This tall, kind and soft spoken gentleman used to examine my throat, listen to my chest and gave me those "fearful" vaccinations in his clinic in Anderson Road.  I am very thankful to him for what I am today.  It is certainly very joyous to hear that his legacy continues with a huge donation from his Trust for the betterment of society.  This article below is taken from Ipoh Echo.

A five-storey rest and recreation centre for the aged will be built in Ipoh, on a piece of land behind YMCA Ipoh. The centre, costing RM2.5 million and named in memory of Dr and Mrs (Bebe) Lim Eng Cheang, will be funded by the Estate of Aunty Bebe, as she was affectionately called. There will be 28 units of one-bedroom suites with sizes ranging from 260 to 480 sq ft.

The suites will have a lounge area, kitchenette, attached bathroom and individual balcony, in addition to the bedroom. Each suite can accommodate up to two persons.  Common areas of this retirement lodge will include a lounge on ground floor, day care centre and a sky lounge, which is open to the public for rent for social functions. It can accommodate some 100 people. The building, which will have an indoor garden, will be serviced by two elevators.

Construction work will start in September and is expected to complete in a year’s time. Once ready, the suites will be rented out on monthly basis. Although YMCA is a Christian-based non-profit organisation, the retirement lodge will also be open to non-Christians.

The idea to set up a retirement lodge was first mooted during a retreat of the Board of Directors, in 2011. It received tremendous support from the community and church leaders, who see a unique set of problems faced by the ageing population, where the number one malady is depression. This centre will serve as a refuge for those who need a place to rest and a platform to forge relationships with people whom they can relate to.

The launching of this retirement lodge and the piling ceremony were held on Tuesday, August 20, at YMCA Ipoh. Among the guests were the trustees of Aunty Bebe’s Estate, relatives and friends. Dato’ Ngeh Koo Ham, Member of Parliament for Beruas and Sitiawan state assemblyman, graced the occasion.  Ngeh called on associations and societies to do their part to meet the various needs of the community, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” he advised.  Joining in the memory of the late Dr Lim were representatives from Society of Caring Hands, Kiwanis Club of Ipoh and the Dementia Society Perak, all beneficiaries of Aunty Bebe’s estate.

Dr Lim Eng Cheang was amongst the first batch of post-war medical graduates from King Edward VII Medical College, Singapore. Lim and his wife, Bebe, believed in sharing their wealth with those in need.  Aunty Bebe had willed that a portion of her estate be donated to charities in loving memory of her husband, Dr Lim Eng Cheang. The trustees subsequently decided that the recipients of the bequests be named after both Dr and Mrs (Bebe) Lim Eng Cheang.  Though they are long gone, their spirit of love and generosity continues to live in the community.

Emily

Parents with Dr Lim during a birthday party at home

Florathon 2013

 

SMK Methodist (ACS) Ipoh made news again on Thursday 29th August 2013 with the entry of its "Florathon 2013" in the Malaysia Book of Records.   It was the third record to date for the school. 

 

ACS Cemerlang.  ACS Gemilang.  ACS Leads the Way. 

 

The floral arrangement as viewed from the 1st floor main building block.

The floral motif.

The arrival of the VIPs.

"Florathon" - the largest formation using plants.

Some souvenirs for the guests.

Students putting in place the last few plants before measurements by the officials.

Impressive formation. 

Dato Haji Roshidi, the Mayor of Ipoh, officiated the event.

Aerial View

Lightning Strkes around the World

Interesting map from Wikipedia showing the average number of lightning strikes per square kilometre per year.  Ipoh is in the hotspot for lightning events.  I had an unfortunate experience last year.  One thunderous lightning some distance away and the following equipment destroyed: a desktop computer,  the alarm system, one LCD TV and the fridge motor.   Fortunately I had an insurance policy to pay for them all.  Remember to take photos of your burnt out equipment showing all the roasted circuits when submitting papers for your claims!!

MCMC Connected Healthcare Workshop

The Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission conducted the workshop at KLCC on 24th August 2013.  Our Prime Minister opened the exhibition.  There were 8 winners of the BEE (Broadband Empowered Entrepreneur) awards worth RM 5,000.00 each.

YAB Dato Sri Mohd Najib delivering his speech

Winners of the BEE Awards

A nurse holding a stethoscope used in telemedicine. A patient console on stand.

Back from the workshop at Ipoh Railway Station.  Notice the new dancing fountain.

Two products caught my attention at the exhibition. 

1. Telehealth for all at www.u2Doc.com .  This portal allows anyone in the world to participate in a medical consultation with a doctor.  A patient can make an appointment, pay the fees and have a telemedicine consultation.  Project just started 2 months ago.  There are also gadgets for monitoring:  BP, weight, peak flow, blood glucose, ECG, pulse oximetry. 

2.  Metria is a wearable sensor which can record sleep pattern, physical activity (number of steps, METs, calories burnt).  The device is to be worn for a week.  Data is downloaded to a computer via a micro USB connection.  This device is suitable for lifestyle management, heatlh and wellness assessment, weight management and fitness.

The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang

This movie is about the massacre in Nanking, China by the invading Japanese forces in 1937.  It is also a tribute to Iris Chang who wrote the book "The Rape of Nanking" published in English in 1997. The movie is based on her book.  Iris committed suicide in November 2004 because of depression which was possibly linked to the many horror stories which she had uncovered during her many interviews with the survivors and from the diaries of the deceased.   

I watched this movie to find out why grandpa, Leong Sin Nam, was so engrossed in raising funds for the mainland Chinese.  The letters addressed to him from China must have described the utter hopelessness of the Chinese people then.  The Japanese had already conquered Manchuria and Shanghai before Nanking.  Nanking was the capital city of the Nationalist Government of Chiang Kai Shek. 

You may wish to read more about Iris Chang in Wikipedia.  I admire her courage in bringing out the true story about Nanking which many still have relative amnesia, especially the Japanese. 

Choosing the Ideal Inhaled Corticosteroid

 

Inhaled corticosteroid is much better suited for asthmatics and COPD patients when compared to oral steroid.  There are now many ICS preparations in the market.  The choice can be difficult.   The table below shows some of the factors which need to be considered when choosing the ideal corticosteroid.

Ipoh Lahat Road YMCA

This picture shows the original Lahat Road YMCA building.   It also shows members helping children in the early 1960s.  The Lahat Road YMCA will soon be operating at its new premise opposite the Perak Stadium.  Programmes will be announced shortly when the building is ready for occupation.

Student Exploratory Workshops

A very interesting advertisement for anyone aspiring to become a doctor.  I wonder how the response was. 

Tong Wah Cave, Ipoh

A couple of days ago a patient told me about the contributions of Leong Sin Nam on the development of the Tong Wah Cave in Ipoh.  This is something new to me and a search on the web showed the following results:

"The Tong Wah Cave Temple was founded about 140 years ago by some monks and later financed by philanthropists of the Kinta Valley, which was once well known as the number one producer of tin in the world.  Among the generous individuals who help set up the committee of the temple include Leong Sin Nam, who is an ex-tin miner.

Located about 2 km from the Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh, this cave is visible from the Tambun road after passing the Lost of Tambun and the Banjaran Hotspring. Almost every week, the temple receives a few hundred visitors and worshipers from all over Malaysia as well as from other countries. The temple is also an attraction to many tourist now. No entrance is charged but visitors can make any contribution towards the maintenance and development of the cave."

MACE 2013 Programme for Doctors

Whiteaways Ipoh

 

Scanned photo of an original receipt from Whiteaways Ipoh dated 1969.  Chance find in one of my toy boxes.  As I can remember, Whiteaways was very much a novelty shop with lots of imported goods.  It was located in the colonial building besides Miners Arm in Jalan Maharajalela.   The building is currently unoccupied.  They were selling very expensive Toddler Towels then at $3.00!  The receipt was rather elaborate with lots of advertising behind and caring messages for the customers.  

Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co., often referred to simply as Whiteaways, was indeed a prominent department store chain in the early 20th century. Founded in Calcutta in 1882 by Scotsmen E. Whiteaway and Robert Laidlaw, the store quickly became known as the “Selfridges of the East” due to its high-end European products. It catered to Europeans and affluent locals in over 20 cities across India, the Federated Malay States (FMS), and the Straits Settlements, including Singapore, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and others.

The store’s expansion reached even further, establishing branches in Canada, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Argentina, and Kenya. In places like Ipoh, Whiteaways was the leading local emporium, offering a range of products that appealed to the European expatriates, the wealthy Towkays, and the Baba Nonya community. Their offerings included fashionable clothing, furnishings, sports accessories, and a variety of goods suitable for the tropical climate.

Whiteaways’ history is a testament to the global reach and influence of department stores during that era, serving as a bridge between Eastern and Western commerce and culture. The legacy of such stores reflects the changing dynamics of trade, fashion, and consumerism during the height of the colonial period.

Reference:

1. Biblioasia.

2. The Whiteaways Arcade

"A Grandfather Story" on Leong Sin Nam

Thank you for your continuing interest in this book.  This book is out of stock since 2011.  However you will still be able to read this book in the National Library and Perak State Library.  An account of the Life and Times of Leong Sin Nam is also available in the Wikipedia.  The second edition of this book is forthcoming and will include more details revealed recently.  I am currently writing a manual titled "Breathing Better Together".

Spirography

Used this set to draw beautiful spirographs when I was a teenager.  Still remember how many times I have to trace the patterns before getting them right.  There were 4 colour pens.  Nowadays these circular patterns can easily be created using a computer software like Draw plus.  I don't think these kind of art tools are available on sale anymore.

Modified Borg Dypnea Scale

 

Took 2 hours to produce this Scale.  Couldn't find the correct combination of words and pictures in the web to make it easier for patients to indicate their level of breathlessness during stress testing.  Will also be using it for the 6 minute walk test. 

 

 

Patient Instructions for Borg Dyspnoea Scale 

“This is a scale that asks you to rate the difficulty of your breathing. It starts at number 0 where your breathing is causing you no difficulty at all and progresses through to number 10 where your breathing difficulty is maximal. How much difficulty is your breathing causing you right now?”