Healing powers of kombucha

Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003 22:17:57 -0700
From: Bob Williams <bobwms@trib.com>
Subject: Re: [KT] Healing Power Of KT

Barb (operacat), here are the references to cancer in the FAQ. I am sorry
that I do not have the stamina to pull out all of them for you. Look
through them and see if there are any that you specifically want to see and
I will send them to you. They are of course available on-line from the FAQ.
I hope your Hubby gets better.

L&L Bob
Searching for: cancer
kombucha_faq_part01a.txt(92): * Green Tea: Skips the oxidizing step. It has a more delicate taste and is light golden-green in colour. Green tea, a staple of the Orient, is gaining popularity in the US due in part to recent
scientific studies linking green tea drinking with reduced cancer risk. kombucha_faq_part01a.txt(170): The American Cancer Society’s Guidelines on Diet, Nutrition and Cancer state there is no indication that caffeine is a
risk factor in human cancer and the National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council reports there is no convincing evidence relating caffeine to any type of cancer. [17, 18]
kombucha_faq_part01a.txt(186): A large case-control study conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1986, involving more than 3,000 women, showed no evidence of an association between caffeine intake and benign
tumor, fibrocystic breast disease or breast tenderness. [35] Both the NCI and the AMA Council on Scientific Affairs have stated there is no association between caffeine intake and fibrocystic breast disease. [37,26]
The original findings suggesting such a relationship have never been corroborated.
kombucha_faq_part01c.txt(92): Persons at risk for severe cryptosporidiosis include persons with AIDS, persons who have cancer or organ or bone marrow transplants who are taking drugs to that weaken the immune system and
persons who are born with genetically weakened immune systems.
kombucha_faq_part01f.txt(306): * Green Tea: Skips the oxidizing step. It has a more delicate taste and is light golden-green in colour. Green tea, a staple of the Orient, is gaining popularity in the US due in part to recent
scientific studies linking green tea drinking with reduced cancer risk.
kombucha_faq_part01f.txt(384): The American Cancer Society’s Guidelines on Diet, Nutrition and Cancer state there is no indication that caffeine is a risk factor in human cancer and the National Academy of Sciences’ National
Research Council reports there is no convincing evidence relating caffeine to any type of cancer. [17, 18]
kombucha_faq_part01f.txt(400): A large case-control study conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 1986, involving more than 3,000 women, showed no evidence of an association between caffeine intake and benign
tumor, fibrocystic breast disease or breast tenderness. [35] Both the NCI and the AMA Council on Scientific Affairs have stated there is no association between caffeine intake and fibrocystic breast disease. [37,26]
The original findings suggesting such a relationship have never been corroborated.kombucha_faq_part01f.txt(641): Persons at risk for severe cryptosporidiosis include persons with AIDS, persons who have cancer or organ or bone marrow transplants who are taking drugs to that weaken the immune system and persons who are born with genetically weakened immune systems.
kombucha_faq_part01f.txt(1221): * American Cancer Society’s Medical and Scientific Committee. Guidelines on diet, nutrition, and cancer CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 41 (6):334-338, 1991 (18)
kombucha_faq_part01f.txt(1289): 7. Aflatoxin. A fungal toxin which is a powerful liver carcinogen. It is produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, which grow easily on beans, grain, and peanuts which are
inappropriately stored in warm, humid conditions. The presence of aflatoxins in contaminated food supplies is thought to contribute to the high levels of liver cancer in undeveloped and developing countries.
kombucha_faq_part01h.txt(79): * American Cancer Society’s Medical and Scientific Committee. Guidelines on diet, nutrition, and cancer CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 41 (6):334-338, 1991 (18)
kombucha_faq_part01i.txt(50): 7. Aflatoxin. A fungal toxin which is a powerful liver carcinogen. It is produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, which grow easily on beans, grain, and peanuts which are
inappropriately stored in warm, humid conditions. The presence of aflatoxins in contaminated food supplies is thought to contribute to the high levels of liver cancer in undeveloped and developing countries.
kombucha_faq_part02.txt(57): * Cancer of the Kidney
kombucha_faq_part02.txt(189): 10. CANCER OF THE KIDNEY
kombucha_faq_part02.txt(190): I must share a success story with you that I feel KT has been a part of. In April of last year I was informed I had kidney cancer that had invaded the vena cava and was at the entrance of the
heart. Surgery took place immediately and a double operation was performed. Due to the size and nature of the cancer, it required open heart surgery and removal of the right kidney. Needless to say, it was frightening. One
of the things I did to cope with it was research cancer. We all hear so much about it, but really know little about it until it strikes home. During my research, I ran across at letter from Canada that had been posted
by a lady by the name of Victoria. She mentioned Kombucha tea in her story of her father’s cure. I had never heard of it before. Since we get desperate when we do not where the cancer is and where it will surface
next, I decided to try Kombucha in addition to my regular visits to the doctor–CT scans, Xrays and blood tests—on a 3 month cycle. This week was my 3 visit to the doctor. He is amazed how quickly my blood was restored to
normal. There have been no signs of the cancer metastasizing yet. Matter-of-fact, they do not want to see me until June. We are the happiest people in Pennsylvania right now. Does it mean I am cured? No. Could it
come back? We all know there is that possibility. Did Kombucha do it alone? I doubt it. Prayer and a healthy lifestyle makes a difference also. But, considering I am not on any medication or chemotherapy, I sincerely feel KT
has contributed greatly to my condition. My wife and daughter are now on it. My doubting older sister, although a bit skeptic, has started it. (I believe the disappearance of my grays along with the intestinal benefits I
have realized has convinced her). Enough for now. I have learned much from all the web pages, this digest, etc., about KT. I am using it successfully in cold Pittsburgh and we are enjoying it more each day. Thanks to all of you.
kombucha_faq_part02.txt(192): Hi, Colleen. My computer crashed a few weeks ago so I have no record of my testimonial I submitted in January. However, I continue to take Kombucha although my kidney cancer has recurred and I am in the midst of IL-2 treatment at the Pgh Cancer Inst. Kombucha was the first of many holistic type remedies I have been using. It continues to prove beneficial to my intestinal system even if it did not prevent the
cancer from recurring. During my first week of IV treatments, I continued to take at least 6 oz of Kombucha a day in the hospital. I also am using essiac in addition to a number of herbs and supplements. If you should have
any additional questions/concerns, please let me know. kombucha_faq_part02.txt(195): Authors note: John explained to me that “IL-2″ means interleukin-2. Unlike chemotherapy, the biological agents such as interleukin and interferon are used to enhance your immune system to the degree that it attacks the cancer and hopefully destroys it.
kombucha_faq_part02.txt(209): By the way, we got our Kombucha from a former co-worker (girlfriend). This Kombucha was generations before given to a desperately ill father of another co-worker (this is third-person stuff, -
I never met the ill person). He suffered from a virulent cancer and was pronounced terminal, and sent home to die. His son brought home a Kombucha, father is back at work. Cancer is not in remission, cancer is no longer
detectable in the man’s body. Man has been examined by his doctors, and was asked to visit another hospital for confirmation.kombucha_faq_part02.txt(336): Even my nephews’ pet rat, who was riddled with cancer was able to survive for about nine months longer than the vet predicted. My sister put the juice into his water, his tumors crusted up and fell off, his hair grew back thick and shiny and he was fine. When she stopped the juice for a few weeks, the tumors grew back. She put him back on the tea and they fell off again. The rat lived far longer than expected
and if he’d drunken the tea from the start, then he might never have contracted the cancer. Same goes for humans. It’s been drunken as a preventative tonic in rural communities around the world for over 2,000 years, so this “fad” is here to stay.
kombucha_faq_part03.txt(123): * Cadminum: Bronchitis; anemia; gastrointestinal upsets and cancer in rats.
kombucha_faq_part03.txt(137): * Lead:Damage to nervous system, kidneys, reproductive system; cancer in rats.
kombucha_faq_part05.txt(176): 1. Make tea in the ordinary way. Per litre (quart ) of water, infuse 2 teaspoonfuls (about 5 g = 0.2 oz) of black or green tea in freshly boiled water. You may also use tea bags. Let the tea
leaves “soak” for 15 minutes. Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea and is distinguished from it principally by the way it is processed: it is not fermented. Japanese doctors found out that green tea prevents cancer
growth. I would suggest to use green tea for the Kombucha beverage. If you don’t want to use black or green tea you can also use herbal teas.
kombucha_faq_part05.txt(226): * 4 black (Lipton is okay) or green tea bags. (I personally like green tea because it might have anti- cancer properties). Don’t worry about the caffeine, there’s almost none left at the end of the fermentation process.
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(531): Hauser, S.P. 1990. Dr. Sklenar’s kombucha mushroom infusion-a biological cancer therapy. Schweiz Rundsch. Med. Prax. 79, 243-246.kombucha_faq_part06.txt(579): Scientific exploration of the fungus commenced in the 1950s with the Moscow Bacteriological Institute (as part of their research project on the investigation of cancer throughout the country).They discovered that it was not as initially thought, a single
organism but a symbiotic colony of several bacteria and yeasts with highly complex and sophisticated metabolic pathways. They isolated the following organisms: Bacterium xylinum, Bacterium xylinoides, Bacterium gluconicum, Saccharomyces ludwigii, Saccharomyces apiculatus varieties, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Acetobacter ketogenum, Torula varieties, Pichia fermantans and other yeasts. This group of organisms shows a distinct antibiotic effect through the presence of usnic acid which is present in some lichens. There is also evidence that usnic acid may deactivate certain groups of viruses
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(581): In 1951, the “Central Oncological Research Unit” and the “Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow” statistically analyzed the incidence of cancer throughout all the cities and districts of
the USSR. It follows that any particular area with a low incidence of cancer deserved special scrutiny from the research teams. In the research program, data was collated on environmental conditions and the everyday
habits of the people were closely examined for any possible clues about their extremely high resistance to cancer.
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(584): Living conditions, sleeping, eating and drinking patterns were investigated. Ethnic differences were taken note of together with genetic origins of all the inhabitants. Age was also considered and despite the thorough analysis of numerous factors, the research teams lead by Dr. Molodyev and Dr. Grigoriev were unable to discern any appreciable differences to other districts in the USSR that displayed a higher cancer rate which was closer to the national average.kombucha_faq_part06.txt(586): On questioning where she had obtained the
fungus from, the woman said “that travelers had brought it with them from China many centuries ago. It was thought that the Chinese had originally obtained it from the Japanese.” To further substantiate the possibility
that there may be some connection between drinking “Tea Kwass” and a very low cancer rate, Dr. Grigoriev in Beresniki also found that every household in the region possessed the fungus and drank large quantities of the
ferment each day.
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(587): CANCER SUFFERERS AND LACTIC ACIDkombucha_faq_part06.txt(588): Cancer patients rarely exhibit the L-lactic acid (+) component in their connective tissues. If present in sufficient
quantities, it is thought that cancer may not develop. When lactic acid is deficient then cellular respiration starts to fail and consequently there will be a build up of D-lactic (-) in the tissue. If both of these types of lactic acid exist in balanced proportions in the tissues then cancer may be the outcome.kombucha_faq_part06.txt(596): Over thirty years later in 1961, Dr. Valentin Koehler wrote in the periodical “Medical Practice” about the medical
effects of glucuronic acid and how that this natural method was giving courage to cancer patients. This sparked off a debate about the existence of the Kombucha culture and Dr. Koehler was encouraged with the results
that he was observing in his patients. He considered that in the long term, Kombucha may well increase the overall performance of the immune system and boost interferon production. It seems to be that around the late 1950’s and
early 1960’s that the scientific community became aware of the cancer healing properties of the fungus.
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(598): The medical doctor, Dr. Rudolf Sklenar of Lich, Oberhessen, reported in 1964 in the periodical “Experiential Healing Science” about his methods of diagnosis and therapy successes: “An
outstanding natural remedy is the mushroom beverage named Combucha, which acts detoxifying in every regard and which dissolves microorganisms as well as cholesterol.” Dr. Sklenar had developed a biologic cancer therapy in
which Combucha, as well as other biologic remedies such as Coli-preparations, held an important place for the sanitation of the intestinal flora.
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(599): In a small publication of 8 pages, titled “Cancer Diagnosis Based on Blood and the Treatment of Cancer, Pre-cancerous Conditions, and other Metabolic Diseases with Kombucha and
Coli-Preparations,” Dr. Sklenar reports that “vitamins, lactic acids and glucuronic acid are (viruses, bacteria, fungi) and to the dissolution of waste matter and toxic deposits (uric acid, cholesterol, etc.,) Kombucha
effects an outstanding detoxification of the organism.Through enjoying this beverage there is, additionally, a noticeable invigoration of the entire glandular system and enhancement of the metabolism.” Dr. Sklenar reports
“that he was able to treat successfully with the mushroom-tea: gout, rheumatism, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, dysbacteria, constipation, impotence, nonspecific draining, obesity, furunculosis, kidney stones,
cholesterol, cancer and especially its early stages, etc.”
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(601): A few years later in 1964, in the publication “Cancer diagnosis based on Blood and the Treatment of Cancer, Pre-cancerous Conditions, and other Metabolic Diseases with Kombucha and
Coli-Preparations” Dr. Rudolph Sklenar of Oberhessen concludes that “it is able to produce an outstanding detoxification of the organism. Additionally, the glands are revitalized and the metabolism is considerably
enhanced. For cancer patients, this detoxification process that is triggered by the ingestion of glucuronic acid is good news indeed, for many medical specialists feel that there is a direct link between the overall toxicity of the body and the potential for the onset of tumors and other malignant growths.”
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(603): Dr. Rudof Sklenar of Oberhessen reported in the periodical “Experiential Healing Science” about his various techniques of diagnosis and therapy. The tea fungus is mentioned as an outstanding
remedy which he considered to be a powerful agent for detoxifying the human body since it dissolves micro-organisms and also cholesterol. Some of his specific cancer treatments were based on the use of fermented tea for the balancing of intestinal flora. With the tea fungus he successfully treated gout, rheumatic conditions, arteriosclerosis, arthritis, dysbacteria, constipation, impotence, non-specific draining, obesity, furunculosis,
kidney stones, cholesterol and finally cancer in the early stages of detection.
kombucha_faq_part06.txt(607): “In the Netherlands, A J Lodesijkx of Ermelo – a natural healing specialist – describes the health-giving benefits of the fungus in his book “Life Without Cancer”. He concludes that “the
Kombucha fungus has strongly antiseptic properties. It purifies the glandular system and promotes the elimination and neutralization of uric acid.” He concludes that “the fermented beverage is an excellent remedy for
gout, rheumatism, arthritis, kidney stones, intestinal dysbacteria and early stages of cancer due to its influence on disease causing endobionts. (Red corpuscles are eliminated by these endobionts when the pH of the blood
shifts unfavorably to the alkaline side.) Kombucha is considered to be unique in that it actively re-balances the blood pH and thus helps to counter any disease processes that are in operation.”
Found 36 occurrence(s) in 9 file(s)

At 01:07 PM 03/07/2003 -0800, you wrote:
>Hello,
> Bob, Bev, or anyone who can help, can you please tell me the link that>will give information re: KT and chemo side-effects? I would appreciate>any first-hand info also.> Hello to all my friends. I am so sorry never to post anymore. I>rarely get on-line since I’m so preoccupied with my husband who has>lymphoma. Although I’ve been using alternative treatment for him for>quite a while, things have not been going well so he has opted for
>traditional treatment. He had 6 radiation treatments and now had his>3rd chemo and is starting to have difficult side-effects.> Thank you for any information. I miss you all like the very dickens!!
>Love and big hugs,
>operacat

——————————

K FAQ – http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/FAQ/
SCOBY: Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast

End of kombucha@topica.com digest, issue 1940

Cetdem’s pot-luck gathering at Suet’s place

 

POT-LUCK GATHERING AT SUET’S PLACE on  15-6-2002

As usual in any pot-luck gathering, there would be lots of food  whereby everyone can taste different kinds of food and exchange of ideas will follow.  Getting to know one another better is the reason why such pot luck gatherings are held yearly.

Chai brought pumpkin which was just baked with some salt and herbs – tastes  deliciously healthy  Must try that out one day. She also brought salad with pine nuts and soy fish.

There was Sherene’s ‘tong sui’ prepared by her maid – sweet potato with bananas was a very refreshing change. Serene brought her 2 children as her younger son wanted to see my ‘short-legged’ chickens. Her husband was so sporting to come along and made this a family affair.

Ms. Tan prepared popiah which was delicious but ‘hot’ – must have eaten a chilli padi!

Jamie brought a big dumpling – very appropriate as it was the dumpling festival, made by her mother-in-law specially for the dumpling festival – wrapped in yam leaf instead of the bamboo leaves. She brought along some kuih-kuih too.

Belinda bought rojak which my maids thoroughly enjoyed. As for me, I  baked my first cheesecake this year. As usual, my husband commented that I only baked when there is a function – very true though!

My maid prepared the garlic bread made with my home- grown basil leaves. Cetdem members were very lucky as the figs (Mo Fa Kor) ripened at the correct time and I was able to serve the fresh figs marinated with some sugar and XO(only 1 tbsp so nobody got drunk).

There was the Citronella tea drink (serai wangi) from my garden – organic of course – for everyone to down the food with.

After everyone had their fill of food, I brought out the enzyme drinks which  I prepared -a hobby of mine fermentation. Enzymes are good for digestion as it is a bit sourish.  Everyone tried the Fig enzyme and also the ginger enzyme. I have tried other fruits before like apples and pineapples. I have also tried red rice fermentation (hong chao). The wine residue can be used to marinate chicken – very delicious and different.

My maid, Ika demonstrated how tempeh was made in her kampong.  Questions were asked and answered accordingly. Tempeh recipes were distributed to everyone.

Tempeh is very rich in Vit B12, contains many natural antioxidents (one called factor 2 is 600 times more potent that Vit E), natural antibiotics and some of the Vit B group are elevated in comparison to unfermented soybeans. Tempeh also contains enzymes and free amino acids. (Ref: www.chariot.net.au/~dna/koji.html#natto)

Everyone left ‘full and contented’ with freshly made tempeh and my home made kombucha tea drink.

Suet

Cetdem’s Annual Get Together

 

Annual Get-together Pot-luck Lunch

at Rimbun Dahan, the Garden of Eden on 28 October 2001.

By Cho SuetSen  – CCS member

The response from members was good as can be seen from the turnout recorded. 31 adults and 10 children. All of us lazed next to the pool, waiting for all the members to arrive.

Whilst awaiting , we all happily exchanged notes on the food displayed in front of us. Yum! Yum! Too bad we can only look  A wide array of food was prepared – spiced hill-rice garnished with almonds (by Ms Tan) was very delicious.  So was the organic curry towfoo by Mdm See. There was  rendang, fried mee, vegetable sushi, doughnuts, yam cake, agar-agar, sweet potato kueh, melon bread rolls,  pickled mango, red bean porridge,  citronella drink and such a dazzling array that I am unable to recall every dish now.

At 1.05 p.m., a  round of self -introduction began with Mrs. Hijas Kasturi followed by the Cetdem members and friends who introduced themselves and the food that they have prepared.

When the cue for ‘chow time’ was announced after the introduction, everyone ‘charged’ for the food.  There were of course, oohs! and aahs! all around  with everyone tasting the wide variety of food available.  Ideas and information were exchanged accordingly on the food prepared.

At 2.15p.m. Mrs. Angela Hijjas, the gracious hostess gave us a briefing on Rimbun Dahan at the poolside after which we followed her on a tour of her 14 acres’ garden.

The children were of course, very happy to stay back for a swim at the pool.

We were led to the Herb garden whereby Mrs. Hijjas showed and explained in detail the landscape design of her garden and all the different types of herb and spices grown in her garden. We were shown the nutmeg tree, belinjo tree, different types of ginger, the vanilla creeper, cloves tree, etc….etc……

We then proceeded to the Bulatan Plong for outdoor performances. Along the way to the “Rumah Uda Manap” a 100 year old traditional village house from Parit, Perak, we passed along fruit trees, durian tress, jackfruit trees, cempedak, bananas, papaya trees, etc….

The last stop was a tour of the underground  Art Gallery which had 90 metres  of wall space to hand works.

The tour adjourned back to the poolside for another round of  ‘chowtime’.

After which a short meeting was held for the Consumers Caring Scheme (CCS).

Everyone left this gathering truly enlightened and  stronger ties were fostered amongst the members via such gatherings. Kudos to Ms Tan for arranging such a memorable gathering. We all certainly will look forward to the next pot-luck gathering.

A Trip to GK Organic Farm

 

A Trip to GK Organic Farm,  Bangi  by Suet (CCS member)

On 24 March 2002, Cetdem members and their families (all in all 14 adults and 2 children) visited GK Organic  at  8.30 a.m. on a bright and sunny Sunday.

We were greeted by Mr. Gan , our gracious host who treated us to an organic breakfast. Sugar Cane drink with papaya and red banana – all from his farm of course.  The sugar cane was really sweet, as it was just freshly juiced. Everyone had second helpings of this delicious drink.

We adjourned to the composting area where Mr. Gan explained his composting process in English and Mandarin.  The discussion on composting was ‘sidetracked’ when we saw Mr. Gan’s maid preparing tempeh.  Mr. Gan graciously explained how tempeh is made and even gave out his recipe on making delicious tempeh.

Mr. Gan is so tuned in to nature that he walked barefooted around his farm – natural reflexology as tooted by him. We proceeded to view the ‘arrowhead’ plants, and Mr. Gan’s  3 cows can be seen in the background mulling the grass.  There is a section for mulberry bushes  which were planted for making jam.  Next to the mulberry section was another big compost heap.  There is a farm cottage for visitors or volunteers which is situated next to the secondary forest nearby.  The temperature can fall to 20C during the night – nice and cooling.

There were numerous papaya and banana trees all around. What is very noticeable is that all the papaya trees are so healthy- with tens of fruits on them.  If only one of my papaya trees were like Mr. Gan’s!!

I will have to add more compost and ash – as he mentioned that that’s what he puts for his papaya trees.

We were introduced to many types of herbs which are grown wildly all over his farm.   Of course there were many vegetable plots along the way. We saw cabbages, beans, sweet potato leaves, etc…..

We saw the packing house which is next to the worker’s quarters. This quarters’  can house up to 15 workers. Currently Mr. Gan has 9 workers.  Mr. Gan also explained to us how the ‘natural ripening’ process for his bananas are done.

Next came the ‘seedlings’ area. Behind the seedlings area  are numerous compost piles which have been left there for years.

We then moved downhill back to his farmhouse.  Mr. Gan mentioned that we only toured 30% of his 10 acres’ farm.  That 30% took us 2 hours to tour. 

Some of us left after the tour whereas the rest stayed on to enjoy an organic vegetarian lunch, prepared by Mr. Gan’s wife Kazumi.

Of all the farms that I have visited so far, GK Organic Farm truly portrays an organic farm in its real essence. It is really hard work and kudos to Mr. Gan for staying on the true organic path despite all the odds.

YB Dato Ng Yen Yen’s visit

Dato Dr. Ng Yen Yen’s visit to the Dyslexia Association on 18 February 2005.

The Dyslexia Association, being a Partner in the MCA’s Life Long Learning(LLL) campaign, welcomed Dato Dr. Ng Yen Yen’s visit to our Centre whereby TV Astro came   to assist in spreading awareness on dyslexia.

Dato Dr. Ng Yen Yen (Deputy Minister of Finance and President of MCA Wanita) came along with Dato Liow (MP for Bentong)  to visit our Centre.  Pn Sariah gave them a tour of our Centre and explained about the teaching aids used in our Centre.

Dato Ng Yen Yen held a briefing for the parents to explain the objectives of the MCA’s LLL campaign, what it is all about and what is been done to create awareness amongst the public.

After  her briefing, Dato Dr Ng  had a Press Conference to explain the role played by our Association and MCA’s LLL campaign.

As it was still Chinese New Year, Dato  Dr. Ng and Dato Liow gave out oranges and ang-pows to all the children at the Centre. The kids were of course very happy to receive their gifts . Together with Dato Dr.Ng and Dato Liow, they  sang “Rasa Sayang”  and a couple before bidding farewell to the VIPs.

The Astro team stayed back and interviewed our Members ie. June Loh, Lily Yeoh and Yuen Lan.  This footage was shown on March 22- Astro Channel 19 News.

Reported by Cho Suet  Sen

My son’s progress

MY SON’S PROGRESS AT THE PILOT DYSLEXIA PROGRAMME

I applied for my son’s transfer to SK TTDI (2), having learnt that this is the Pilot School for the Dyslexia Programme.  His transfer was approved on 2 March 2004 and my son started at SK TTDI (2) on 8 March 2004, well before the official launch in June 2004.

My son’s initial few months in this new school was very chaotic. The teachers were new to Dyslexia (many have not heard of this word), and not much information were disseminated to them then.

He was quite a rascal and was called ‘Dennis the Menace’ for all the mischief and problems he brought to the school. Being a new programme and with my son creating havoc in the school, the teachers were not too keen on this programme.  For survival, my son learnt the tricks of the trade in his previous school -physical retaliation was what he did to vent out his frustrations of the school system. He did the same thing in this pilot school.

Thankfully, there is the  Special Ed Co-ordinator, Datin Zahrah and her assistant Datin Halimah, who were able to ‘tone’ my son down. He realized that the teachers here genuinely wants to help him.  Thereabouts, one can see the change in him – for the better. It is a ‘tit for tat’ attitude. You treat me well, I will reciprocate accordingly.  This is only human.

He is  happy in school as he has his dyslexic gang. He is not alone like he was in the previous ‘normal’ school.  This programme started out with an initial 8 students in 2004 and the targeted number of dyslexic for this programme is supposed to be 16.  As of Jan 2006, there are now 26 students, an overcrowded situation.

There are 30 schools nationwide earmarked to conduct the Dyslexia Programme.  What is happening to these schools?  If the other schools were active, SK TTDI (2) would not be experiencing this overcrowded problem.  For a programme to be successful, certain criteria must be upheld.  If there are too many students and not enough experienced teachers around, the programme will be heading for failure.

As it is now, my son is in Std 4 and he is having problems with his subjects like Mathematics, Science and Kajian Tempatan.  Tahap 1 is not much of a problem but when one reaches Tahap 2, the number of subjects have increased with Kajian Tempatan, Kemahiran Hidup and Siviks.

To make matters worse, all these new subjects are in Bahasa.  Dyslexics have language processing problems – therefore to master one language is an uphill task,  what with another language to handle, the dyslexics are  ‘doomed’ to failure.

My son is not the only one facing such problems, many other dyslexics are also having a tougher time, especially when they reach Tahap 2.   My son is now complaining that he doesn’t like school anymore.  This was never mentioned whilst he was in this programme earlier on. Std 4 subjects are proving hard for him to cope.  His favourite subject Science, is not going to be his favourite for long.  It is now so ‘wordy’  -a paragraph on what the experiment is about, your observations are required, what is the inference, etc….

Maths is also problematic for him.   Division by bigger numbers like 58,  92  etc… So tedious for him.  Once they understand the concept, there shouldn’t be a need for them to do so many of such tedious work.  Then there are so many problem questions.  Being dyslexic, they would be tuned-off immediately with so many words. 

My son handed me the February examination notice for next week and then he started crying, saying that there will be 30 pages of Maths questions and he would not be able to finish on time.  Told him that there would most probably be 30 questions and not 30 pages.  Didn’t realize that a monthly test would cause him so much stress.

Most dyslexics would size up the task by the number of pages – the more pages, the more stressed up they are.  I can only console him and tell him to try his best.

With Std 4 going at this rate, I cannot imagine what will happen when he is in Std 6 – sitting for his UPSR.  I sincerely hope the Ministry of Education and Examination board would look into  allowing dyslexics to opt for one language as is provided for overseas.

Other concessions like Readers, extra time etc… should be in place before the Pioneer group of dyslexics in this programme sits for their UPSR.  The Pioneer group will be sitting for their UPSR next year. 

What is the use of a programme if the dyslexic kids are doomed to failure?  Even though they are still allowed to proceed to Form 1, their self-esteem would not be healed with such allowances.  Dyslexics are very sensitive beings, knowing their disabilities and trying their best to hide them – hence their behaviour – clowning around, unatttentiveness, being the terror etc….. To them, if they fail, it means they are no good, maybe they are really stupid after all!  Like a friend said,  “it is not fair for a one-legged person to compete in a 2-legged race”.  The playing field must be made level, like in golf whereby there is a handicap system,  ie.  allowing dyslexics to sit for only 3 subjects instead of 5 subjects for the UPSR examinations.

My wish, as it is with many mothers of dyslexic children, is that our children are given a level playing field for them to succeed and contribute to society.  Otherwise, these kids can be a real social menace to our country.

From a very concerned Parent,  Suet   2006

Kombucha FAQ and links

Kombucha FAQ and Links

*** Kombucha Manna International: Kombucha Manna Drops and Manna Green Tea
Extract. Beverly B. Ferguson
http://www.bestweb.net/~om/kmi

*** Kombucha FAQ: Compiled by Colleen Allen.
Very complete well organized research and information about Kombucha
K FAQ – http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/FAQ/

*** The Kombucha Center created by Jim Sease. Describes Kombucha’s history,
health benefits, how
to make it, and where to get it. http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/

*** Sprite’s Kombucha and Water site: http://www.geocities.com/ladyfangs
geo/Page5.html

Section of the Kombucha FAQ dealing with the latest known research:
http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/FAQ/MRtoc.html

Kombucha: The Rest of the Story Norbert Hoffman
http://www.bluemarble.de/Norbert/kombucha/kombucha.htm

Informative Kombucha Articles by Arianna Estelle: http://w3.trib/
com/~kombu/konnection/

*** Tea-Caffeine table. The table includes the caffeine content of many teas
There is a link to the Kombucha table at the bottom. That table includes
the organic acid content of Kombucha.
http://users.argolink.net/purfarms/komchem/teacaff.HTM

*** Various methods to help the different problems encountered in fermenting
KT. Len Porzio
http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/KTBalance.shtml

*** Guenther Frank’s Website http://www.kombu.de/
Guenther Frank’s Kombucha Book http://www.kombu.de/english.htm

*** Harald W. Tietze’s website: http://www.wise-mens-web.com/kombucha_net
html
Kombucha Suppliers Worldwide

The “Worldwide Kombucha Exchange”
Where you get a Kombucha Starter Culture
http://www.kombu.de/suche2.htm
There is a list of suppliers US and International at URL:
http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/starts.html

Subscribe to the Original Kombucha Mailing List on Topica.com: To subscribe
send a blank post to:
kombucha-subscribe@topica.com

Kombucha Manna Drops: 100% Organic Kombucha Extract
Manna Green Tea Extract: 100% Organic Green Tea Extract
Kombucha Manna International: http://kmi.mannainternational.com/
Green Tea Extract: http://gte.mannainternational.com/
Secure Online Ordering : http://www.bestweb.net/~om/kmi
Free Email Information: mailto:KMI@mannainternational.com

—————————-
Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2004 11:54:51 -0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
From: ” *~ OM ~*” <OM@bestweb.net>
Subject: Benefits of Kombucha

Hi EveryOne,

This list was compiled primarily from testimonials sent to the Kombucha
Mailing list on Topica.com.

Have you experienced additional benefits? If so, please let us know:-))

Peace, Love and Harmony,
Bev

Benefits of Kombucha List
This list was created from the input of several hundred people from all
over the world who wished to share their actual Kombucha experiences with
others:-)) If you would like to add to this list please
mailto:OM@bestweb.net
with your suggestion and your permission to add it to this list.

*Information provided is for informational purposes only and is not meant
to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is our belief that
Kombucha does not “cure” anything, rather it seems to help the body to heal
itself. This information is obtained from our own personal experience and
testimonials of people world-wide who have used Kombucha. No one person
will experience all of these benefits and no one substance is right for
everyone. No specific outcome is predicted in any particular case.
1. Great beverage
2. Sense of well-being
3. Helps to relieve congestion in airways
4. Thicker hair
5. Energy boost
6. Straightened my hair out
7. KT is very effective on all types of arthritis. Helps control joint
pain and helps with the deformed joints of rheumatoid arthritis.
7a. Helps repair the cartilage damaged in osteo arthritis, (if there is any
present to build on).
7b. Helps Gout, (crystal arthritis), breaks down the crystals removing pain
and sensitivity.
8. Great conversation piece
9. Licked Calcifying tendonitis
10. Helps with asthma and “hay-fever”
11. Has brought me into contact with some very caring people.
12. stress buster
13. very calming
14. Increase sex drive
15. Regulates Intestines.
16. Cured Candida Albicans, or (yeast infection) Overgrowth.
17. Aides digestion, prevents acid reflux
18. Addictive taste.
19. Eliminates or reduces heat rash.
20. Improved circulation/controlled venous stasis in shins
21. Clears and Improves skin
22. Makes a good hair rinse
23. Redundant ‘Momma’s” (Kombucha Colonies) make good brass cleaners
24. Helped take the “scales” from a friends Skin disorder
25. Makes a wonderful, soothing foot soak.
26. Shrinking large fatty tumor.
27. Flattening and fading old age carotene patches on the face.
28. Stops severe menstrual cramps
29. Makes a wonderful facial.
30. Made me much more mobile with my gout.
31. Oncoming headlights do not bother me as much.
32. Reduces / stabilizes blood pressure.
33. Prevents and helps heal bladder infections
34. Eases carpal tunnel syndrome

Activities at the Dyslexia Centres

Activities  at the Dyslexia

Association

Small group tuition classes

Dyslexic children usually learn faster when  they are taught in a small group or on a  one-to-one  basis.  Each child gets  personal  attention. Tuition classes (about 3-4 children) are available here. There are daily classes, including Saturday classes.

Educational and psychological tests

Tests to diagnose dyslexia are available.If  more  tests are needed,  we will refer you to a  psychologist,  speech therapist or medical specialist.

Seminars and workshops

Since 1993,   the  Association has  organized seminars  and  workshops.   Our  aim is  to educate  the community  about  dyslexia and  other specific  learning disabilities. Speakers  include  qualified  teachers, psychologists and other professionals who have worked with dyslexic children.

Activities in the Community

The Committee is happy to arrange speakers for seminars at  schools.  The goal  is to give teachers and parents more information about dyslexia,   to  help   them   understand    the problems of dyslexic children.                          

dyslexia leaflet

Dyslexia

What is it?  Can it be “cured”?

The word DYSLEXIA comes from the Greek language.  DYS means ‘difficulty’ while LEXIA

means ‘written words’. So dyslexia is simply a word describing the fact that some people (5-10%) find it hard to learn to read and write, even though their intelligence is ‘normal’. Some dyslexics are actually very ‘bright’.

Examples of famous dyslexics:

Albert Einstein, Richard Branson, Walt Disney,Tom Cruise, Whoppi Goldberg, John Lennon, Lee Kuan Yew, Leonardo da Vinci, and many more..

While it seems to be clearly established that dyslexia results from differences in the structure and function of the brain, it is still not very clear what causes dyslexia.

More recent studies use the fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to scan the brain and map the neural circuitry while subjects are reading. The imaging studies revealed markedly different brain activation patterns in dyslexic readers compared to those in good readers.

Dyslexia is not a disease, so we do not talk about a ‘cure’. Although it is a lifelong condition, most dyslexics learn  to read and write well. Early intervention is advised.

Talk at Inti College -17 Sept 2005

“Living with Dyslexia” Talk at Inti College, Subang Jaya – 17 September 2005

This was an awareness talk conducted by Inti College whereby Sariah and myself were invited to be the Speakers.

Registration starts from 9.00 – 9.30 a.m. but when I arrived at 9a.m. on the dot,  I was surprised to see quite a crowd in the room already, 1/3 full already and many people were quequing to register.

When the talk started, the room was packed with many participants having to stand at the back. There were more than 100 people who attended that day.   Inti College did a great job in disseminating information about this talk to the surrounding Kindergartens,  schools , private colleges, NGOs etc….Some one came as far as Kedah for this talk.

The Director -Psychology and Learning Centre (PAL Centre), Dr. Lee gave a very nice introductory speech on why Inti College took pains to conduct this Awareness Programme.  As an Education Centre , it feels that they can play an important role in creating awareness and helping the dyslexics in our Country.   Hurray to Inti College for taking up this Challenge.

Sariah talked about “Living with Dyslexia”. She started off with the defintion of dyslexia, symptoms etc… Very comprehensive talk. As usual, her talks are so entertaining that the whole crowd was in stitches listening to her.  I for one, never tire of listening to her talks even though I have attended her talks numerous times.  How I wished she was  my teacher then, I would have scored more As then.

Next, I went up to give “My experiences with my child and me”.  I could see many parents nodding in agreement about what I went through with my son.

As usual, there were many questions asked during the ‘Q & A’ session. Due to time constraint, this session had to be closed.  Nonetheless,  participants gathered around Sariah and myself, after the talk – asking for advice on what to do with their children, where to send their kids, what help is available, etc….

All in all, this was a very fruitful talk and many parents, teachers and students left, more enlightened about dyslexia.

By Cho Suet Sen