Around DB March 2021 by Around DB Magazine

FACE-OFF! Would you call out a neighbour for not wearing a mask?

Animal welfare activist and vet Anthony Beck leaves no dogs behind Empowering advice for helpers ahead of International Women’s Day Core supplements you need to take (plus a COVID-beating plant extract)

NEWS & EVENTS * PRIZES * COMMUNITY SNAPS * CLASSIFIEDS Join your community online at www.arounddb.com

MARCH 2021

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CONTENTS

Join your community online

MARCH 2021

PROFILE - 20 Animal welfare activist and vet Anthony Beck

IN FOCUS - 24 Would you call out a mask-less neighbour?

EDUCATION - 30 Why your child needs to be multilingual

INSIDER - 40 Pop your pills – the case for supplements

RECIPES - 44 Classic Italian pasta dishes to make in minutes

REGULARS If you have a story idea, email rachel@baymedia.com.hk To publicise a local event, email elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk For general enquiries, email info@baymedia.com.hk

AGENDA

HELPLINE Support for FDWs

DB EVENTS

GEOMANCY Introductory feng shui

GIVEAWAYS

DB FACES Community snaps

CLASSIFIEDS

OUT THERE Peter Sherwood talks back

LOCAL NUMBERS

ON THE COVER DB-based poet Jose Sevilla takes anti-maskers to task

We also publish… TH

YOUR GUIDE TO HONG KONG’S ‘GREEN JEWEL’

IN G

2019 / 2020

Photo by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF FOOD & DRINK • LIVING • PETS • SPORTS • PASTIMES • EDUCATION • HEALTH • BEAUTY • SERVICES • TRAVEL & EXCURSIONS • COMMUNITY

www.arounddb.com Publishers in Lantau since 2002

PUBLISHER Philip Jay MANAGING EDITOR Rachel Ainsley rachel@baymedia.com.hk ASSISTANT EDITOR Elizabeth Jerabek elizabeth@baymedia.com.hk DIGITAL MANAGER Sarah Muirhead sarah@baymedia.com.hk GRAPHIC DESIGNER Duey Tam duey@baymedia.com.hk OPERATIONS MANAGER Amber Kahu amber@baymedia.com.hk PHOTOGRAPHERS Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com Col Sim www.colsimphotography.com CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Kerr Ray Robertson Jose Sevilla Peter Sherwood Dorothy Veitch Samantha Wong PRINTING Champion Design & Production Co. Ltd Flat C & D 9/F Sing Teck Factory Bldg 44 Wong Chuk Hang Rd Hong Kong BAY MEDIA LTD 6E Elegance Court Hillgrove Village Discovery Bay Lantau Island Hong Kong Tel: 2987 0167 Advertising enquiries: info@baymedia.com.hk

DISCLAIMER The views expressed in AroundDB are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or contributors. The publisher and editor cannot be held responsible for differences of opinion or statements published in good faith. The publisher, contributors, their employees and partners are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors or omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication and expressly disclaim all and any liability for any such action of any person. The mention of specific companies or products in articles or advertisements does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by this magazine or its publisher in preference to others of a similar nature which are not mentioned or advertised. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without permission.

Photos courtesy of Garden Artemis

CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP On February 6, Jeffrey Wong and William Yip hosted a family-friendly Chinese calligraphy workshop at Garden Artemis in DB North Plaza. Parents and children enjoyed the expert tuition – working on their brushstrokes while learning some Chinese art history.

t s n v e y t e i n u m m o c

RECENT

LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR

Residents from across Lantau flocked to the Tung Chung Lunar New Year Fair, February 6 to 11, to stock up on flowers and potted plants with which to ring in the Year of Ox.

www.colsimphotgraphy.com

HANFU PARADE

To celebrate CNY on February 15, One World Spirit Association organised a Hanfu Parade across Western. In the lead-up to the holidays, the DB-based NGO also held a popular fai chun calligraphy competition.

Photos courtesy of One World Spirit Association

www.arounddb.com March 2021

YEAR OF THE OX MASCOT DESIGN COMPETITION Shortlisted Entries

Raahil Tunveer Ahmed, Year 3

Anna-Sophia Burns, Year 3

Charles Destexhe, Year 3

Alannah Dobbin, Year 5

Summer Fortune, Year 5

Chloe Gale, Year 3

Alfie Hodgson, Year 5

Amber James, Year 5

Dominic Jeon, Year 5

Sadie Marr, Year 6

Kiona McKnight, Year 5

Myra Pradhan, Year 3

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

March 5 to 12:

Community online voting on the Around DB Facebook page

Abigail Read, Year 4

March 16:

Results posted on the Around DB Facebook page and website

April 1:

Prizewinners’ pictures published in the April issue of Around DB Alexander Sabato, Year 3

How it works Tasked with creating colourful Ox-themed pieces of art, DB primary school students have produced fantastic pictures for the Year of the Ox Mascot Design Competition.

Madeleine Woo, Year 3

Vote for your favourite from the 16 shortlisted entries (pictured) from March 5 to 12 on the Around DB Facebook page. The prizewinners’ pictures will be published in the April issue of Around DB. To learn more about the competition, visit www.arounddb.com.

Summer Zhu, Year 3

ES PRIZ

Winner: HK$2,500 in vouchers 1st Runner-up: HK$1,500 in vouchers 2nd Runner-up: HK$800 in vouchers Merit x 3: HK$400 in vouchers

Love.Together@DB is a community-caring platform initiated by Hong Kong Resort Company dedicated to serving the Discovery Bay community. The platform supports and co-organises diversified corporate social responsibility initiatives with NGOs, community leaders and volunteers to promote a loving and caring culture in the sustainable and multicultural DB community.

www.arounddb.com March 2021

DB EVENTS

community HAPPENINGS AND EVENTS

YOUR GUIDE TO

HK JELLYFISH PROJECT & BEACH CLEAN-UP NIM SHUE WAN

HANDMADE HONG KONG MARKETS

DB PLAZA AND DB NORTH PLAZA March 14, 21 & 28

March 14

plasticfreeseas.org

Join a beach clean-up with Plastic Free Seas (PFS) from 2pm to 4pm and, while you’re at it, you can participate in the Hong Kong Jellyfish Project by taking photos of any jellyfish you spot. To find out more about the project – a citizen science initiative seeking to document the different species of jellyfish that can be found locally – visit www.hkjellyfish.com. For more on PFS, visit plasticfreeseas.org.

COMPETITION

YEAR OF THE OX MASCOT DESIGN ONLINE VOTE MARCH 5-12

PLASTIC RECYCLING COLLECTION

HEMINGWAY’S, DB PLAZA March 21

Photo courtesy of DB Green www.handmadehongkong.com

The Handmade Hong Kong Sunday markets are back this month, on March 14 and 28 from 11am to 6pm in DB Plaza. Be sure to also check out Handmade Hong Kong’s special ‘pet-themed’ market at DB North Plaza on March 21 from 11am to 6pm. For more information, visit www.handmadehongkong.com.

LANTAU HIGHLIGHT

TIG SUNDAY MARKET

TREASURE ISLAND BEACH CLUB, PUI O

In addition to drink cartons, contact lens packaging, coffee cups/ lids and polyfoam, you can now unload your #5 plastic for recycling at one of DB Green’s monthly plastic recycling collection days, held at the waterfront side of Hemingway’s from 9am to 11am. The #5 plastic will be recycled by students in the Design & Technology department at Island School. For more information, visit the DB Green Facebook page.

HAVE YOUR PRELOVED ITEMS COLLECTED from your

home and rehomed to charities and individuals in need. WhatsApp Nikki of DB Mothers and Friends at 9677 6676.

HELP YOUR HELPER! Enrich

HK workshops equip helpers with the tools to save, budget and plan for a future with greater financial security. Visit www.enrichhk.org, or turn to page 34 for some empowering advice to coincide with International Women’s Day, March 8. Illustration by Terry Chow

It’s finally time to vote for the prizewinners in the Year of the Ox Mascot Design Competition! Community voting begins on March 5 on the Around DB Facebook page and finishes on March 12. The prize-winning entries will be published in the April issue of Around DB and online. To check out the 16 shortlisted designs, turn to page 10, or visit www.arounddb.com.

www.treasureislandhk.com

Shop the Sunday market on March 28 (part of a newly launched series) at Treasure Island Beach Club from 11am to 5pm. There’s no better way to check out what Lantau’s talented local artisans and designers have to offer. For more information, visit the TIG Facebook page.

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

www.enrichhk.org

FOR A GOOD CAUSE SERU RABENI MEMORIAL KINDERGARTEN

COLOUR AWAY COVID

GUEST SPEAKERS AT DBIS

Photo courtesy of DBIS www.serurabeni.com

The Seru Rabeni Memorial Kindergarten in Nasolo, Fiji, which was built to honour the international rugby player and DB resident Seru Rabeni, who died in 2016, was destroyed by Cyclone Yasa in December last year. Residents are now raising funds to provide the students with a marquee tent (20ft x 40ft) in which to take class. To make a donation, and find out more, visit the fundraising page on GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/b4854f29.

unsplash.com

The non-profit student initiative Colour Away COVID is organising a campaign to thank workers on the frontlines of the pandemic, in collaboration with Kids4Kids. Children can drop by Bookazine in DB Plaza on March 7 from 11am to 6pm to write a thank you note to be sent to medical staff at nine Hong Kong hospitals. For more information, visit the Colour Away COVID and Bookazine Facebook pages.

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS) is looking for guest speakers to help make learning come alive for students. Interested community members would present a talk (either online or face-to-face) on areas of their life and expertise that would help students to contextualise the taught curriculum and explore possible future career paths. For more information, contact DBIS by email at dbis@dbis.edu.hk or through this link: dbis.hk/speakers21.

IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORY OF PAYSON CHA MOU-SING The first Managing Director of Hong Kong Resort

eing alive is good. And for that we can raise a glass to the first Managing Director of Hong Kong Resort Mr Payson Cha Mou-sing, the man who made the Discovery Bay lifestyle possible. Photos courtesy of HKR International

Chairman of HKR International from 2007 to 2020, Mr Cha passed peacefully on November 7, 2020 in San Francisco, aged 78. Mr Cha is remembered as a loving family man, a pioneering businessman and a faithful friend. His modesty, compassion and respect for others will be deeply missed.

Known as the curator of DB, Mr Cha dreamt up the initial blueprint for DB and went on to guide the development through its formative years. At that time, a community like DB was a completely new concept and there was no precedent to follow. Thanks to his leadership and contribution, a harmonious community was set up. A true people person, Mr Cha was extremely popular with both DB’s early residents and his staff. His benevolence and practicality extended to the workplace where he treated everyone as an equal,

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

and insisted on employing people according to their character and ability rather than their background.

The mastermind behind DB The eldest son in an entrepreneurial family, Mr Cha left home at age 15 to study in Australia and the US. He went on to start a real estate company in the US in the mid1960s before joining the family textile business in Nigeria. Mr Cha’s return to Hong Kong came in 1977 when he was asked to assist with the development of Discovery

Bay – a pioneering project that would make a lasting impression on developers throughout the region. At that time, DB was a barren stretch of forbidding coastline which could only be accessed by sea. There was no pier so even the task of bringing in construction equipment was immense. “I vividly remember the day I first set foot on Lantau’s north-east shore. Back then it was sparsely populated with just two villages. We, however, saw the possibility of a radically new concept of residential neighbourhoods,” Mr Cha later recalled. Realising that the project needed a bold new mindset, Mr Cha recruited fellow young professionals from around the world. Together with his team, he overcame challenging odds to create a remarkable complex of homes that would be widely acknowledged across Asia as a ground-breaking concept for sustainable, integrated living. Driven by his inherited spirit as an industrialist and entrepreneur, Mr Cha prioritised five core elements for the DB community: quality, privacy, security, convenience and tranquillity. By so doing, he not only created a successful residential development but an entirely new lifestyle for people in Hong Kong. Today, DB is home to residents from over 50 different countries and it has become a blueprint for creative developers around the region.

A true fighter Mr Cha was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2000. He was told that even with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, his chances of surviving for a year were only 15% to 16%. “I only had one thought,” he later recalled. “Since the demon of

illness had come knocking, I would fight it. I would not give up. To me, life is most beautiful. Some people complain daily… that this is not good in life, or that is not good in life. However, for me, every day I stay alive is a good day, a beautiful day.” Mr Cha’s attitude to life was borne out of his experiences in Nigeria, where he saw first-hand the incredible determination of people to survive even in the most challenging conditions. “My operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were difficult, of course, but the hospitals had such good doctors, and such good facilities, and I had so many family members and friends around me.

What was there to complain about? How could I not continue to live?” Determined to make a full recovery, Mr Cha also made it a priority to help fellow cancer patients. With characteristic vigour, he researched cancer treatments, spoke at length to those battling the disease, and shared the story of his fight back to health in his book, Being Alive Is Good. Mr Cha’s story continues to offer hope and inspiration to countless cancer patients and their families. He held cancer at bay for 20 years and was one of the longest-living survivors of pancreatic cancer before his passing in November last year.

www.arounddb.com March 2021

GIVEAWAYS

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES! Around DB prizes are incredibly easy to get your hands on, and you have until the 10th of the month to apply. Scan the QR code, or go to www.arounddb.com/giveaways, select the giveaway you want, and enter your details into the online form

WIN A SMART HOME GARDENING KIT FROM RENPHO Aiming to bring the fun of gardening indoors for healthy eaters, RENPHO is offering two readers a Smart Home Gardening Kit (worth HK$770). The kit features high performance grow lights and an innovative hydroponic system, which makes growing herbs and other plants a breeze.

hk.renpho.com

Originally available only in the US, RENPHO’s innovative line up of smart home products is now available in Hong Kong. Whether you are starting a new diet, recovering from an injury, or simply keeping track of your health goals, RENPHO’s products are designed to help you reach your greatest level of health and fitness, in record time. Check out RENPHO.com or Fortress for the complete product range, including AI-powered bikes, massagers, air purifiers and body fat scales. For more information, visit the RENPHO website and follow RENPHO on Instagram and Facebook.

Congratulations to last issue’s winners Rebecca Toalian and Nery Palic for a CNY gift set from Lekker Laa and Victrada Wines

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SUCCESS STORY

Photo by Baljit Gidwani – www.evoqueportraits.com

Entrepreneurs of the month Neil Schonken and Ainslie Vosloo, founders of Lekker Laa

ekker Laa is a specialty online food and wine business. We import

beef, lamb, chicken, salmon, bacon, cheese and wine, primarily from South Africa, and deliver it for free in DB. v Our business is a success because we are blessed to have the support of an amazing community that keeps us on our toes. Our special thanks go to the DB tennis community and the DBICC – your support gave us the opportunity to start up in May 2020. v The thing that interests us the most about our business is meeting new amazing people in DB every day. DB has given us a family, support and a home. In the pandemic when everything crashed around us, there was always someone with a smile, some encouragement and a coffee. v To succeed in business, you need good planning and hard work, at least that’s what we’d have said before the pandemic. These days, succeeding in business is about being able to get back up and accept help from the people around you. v Our advice for someone looking to start up a business is don’t do it! Not until your business idea totally consumes you. A new business will take 110% of your time and resources and you must weigh up the cost before you start. But hard work is not a punishment, it is a blessing. If you give anyone the opportunity to work hard, chances are they will take it. v To start up our business, we started selling. Don’t wait for business cards, flyers, specially printed invoice books. Just start selling. v The greatest challenge we faced was to get our street smarts back. What local entrepreneurs have forgotten about business we still have to learn. The challenge is that we still do not know what we do not know. v Our greatest achievement has been getting a rice import permit! Since rice is a staple food in Hong Kong, it’s subject to strict licensing requirements that protect public health, safety, security and the environment. v Our plan for the future is to expand our offering to our customers and always to sell quality, well-priced content. Great food and wine doesn’t need fancy packaging. v When hiring staff, we always ask what their spouse, dad, mum, or best friend do for a living. They are going to bring these life skills to the business for free. For example, if the spouse is an insurance broker, we get to hire someone who understands insurance tricks and jargon. v The entrepreneur we most admire is Peter J. Daniels, who overcame a disadvantaged background and dyslexia to become a successful businessman, author and philanthropist. v Our favourite social media platform is WhatsApp because it enables us to build direct relationships with our customers. v Our personal mottos are Lag vir Krag (Laughter gives you strength) and Never give up!

FIND IT • Discovery Bay, 6857 1620, info@lekker.hk, www.lekker.hk March 2021 www.arounddb.com

PROFILE

Photos by Baljit Gidwani - www.evoqueportraits.com

S t g a o D

DBer Anthony Beck advocates a cruelty-free and sustainable world and he’s spreading the word with No Dogs Left Behind. Elizabeth Kerr reports

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

eterinarian Anthony Beck has no pets. It’s easy to wonder if the Discovery Bay resident is one of those professionals who prefer to leave their work at work – kind of like a chef who eats Marks & Spencer ready-meals instead of cooking. Alas, that’s not the case. “I had two Beijing rescue cats that died in the last few years,” the lanky Brit points out. “But I’m waiting to home another pet until I can bring a few No Dogs Left Behind dogs to Hong Kong.” That’s more like it. The No Dogs Left Behind (NDLB, w w w.n o d o g s l ef t b e hi nd.c o m) dogs Anthony is referring to are refugees from mainland China’s dog-meat trade that the non-profit organisation rescues and rehomes. With help from hundreds of volunteers in China and the US, NDLB rescues dogs from slaughterhouses, dog-meat trucks, wet markets and illegal traffickers, and then transports them to safe havens where they receive medical care, nutritional support and rehabilitation. The animals are then matched with loving forever families in North America and soon Hong Kong. Anthony has been clinical director with NDLB since 2016, when founder Jeff Beri asked him to help deal with an emergency in Shenzhen involving nearly 500 animals. Jeff, who can usually be found in one of the NDLB shelters across China, did most of the heavy lifting – dealing with the legalities and with parties who were displeased their livestock was being liberated. But Anthony decided to stick around and offer up clinical assistance.

The backstory Born in London and raised in the Midlands, Anthony recalls being “animal-obsessed” by the time he turned eight. He’d include 10 on a

school project about pets. “I was that kid,” he cracks. Becoming a vet was a life decision he arrived at by age 13. Not that it was easy coming from a state school. “In the UK you need straight-A grades to get into veterinary school. I was told it was never going to happen. On top of that, from my county no one had gone to vet school in seven or eight years,” he explains. “I was good at maths. They recommended I focus on maths.” And while many of us would have marched back to that counsellor waving an acceptance letter around, Anthony is a better person than that. “Actions speak louder than words,” he says. Indeed they do. Anthony graduated from the University of London’s Royal Veterinary College in 1998, and landed in Hong Kong, the first time, in 2003. Not long thereafter he relocated to the mainland, to work in the then-burgeoning highend veterinary care sector. After a stint with the quarantine bureau at Beijing’s biggest hospital, Anthony and the hospital director Shi Yibing founded Doctors Beck and Stone in 2009. When it sold to the New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group a few years back, Anthony became the only foreign vet to have built and sold a (hugely successful) veterinary group in China. Anthony and his wife, artist Yulia Shautsukova, and (now) sevenyear-old son, Alexander, returned to Hong Kong, and settled in DB, in 2014. DB is ‘dogs-and-babies’ for a reason, and Anthony kept himself busy at the DB branch of Doctors Beck and Stone, while managing a veterinary team that spanned 4,500 kilometres from Beijing to Singapore. “Normally, neither of us would have chosen a place as quiet as Discovery Bay, but we had lived in Shanghai and Shenzhen, and had a good five years of full-on

urban culture. And I do quite a lot of outdoor sports, so it was a simple choice,” Anthony says. Importantly too, Anthony wanted Alexander to live someplace where he could “understand the responsibility of having a dog.” That’s when the picture.

NDLB

entered

No dogs left behind About that picture. Anthony knows full well that at this point in our collective history a couple of white guys going into another country and telling people what to do is, shall we say, problematic. (NDLB is also an American charity.) The optics don’t work in 2021. To that end, neither he nor Jeff would be there if not for an existing groundswell of support to stop dog trafficking in China. The central government outlawed it in 2020 (admittedly citing COVID-19 concerns), and in Guangxi there’s enormous local pressure to end Yulin, the 10-year-old summer ‘festival’ of dog-meat – and lychee – consumption. “Everyone can play devil’s advocate. ‘We eat cows, what’s the difference?’ But this is about the welfare of the dogs. And my role is seeing to the welfare of the dogs in the shelters,” Anthony explains. “Jeff is potentially taking a socio-political stance and he’s very cognisant of that fact. I understand the culture perspective but first, it’s illegal. Second, there’s a welfare issue. And third, let’s not steal other people’s dog and kill them horrifically.” Anthony notes that advocates believe slaughtering the dogs when they’re stressed is better for the meat’s texture, and some estimates suggest that upwards of 70% of the dogs are stolen. “They’re someone’s pet,” he says. “You go to the NDLB shelters in China and there are samoyeds, poodles, labradors,  retrievers. They’re owned dogs.”

www.arounddb.com March 2021

PROFILE

NDLB’s mandate includes education, finding new homes for dogs once destined for the butcher, and advocacy for a “crueltyfree and sustainable world.” Unsurprisingly, Anthony practises what he preaches: He’s vegan for sustainability reasons, and he’d like to see us all eating less meat. He’d also like to see Hong Kong function as the springboard for broader work in eliminating the dog-meat industry across Asia. It’s not an issue in the SAR but South Korea and Vietnam still have booming dog-meat industries, and Taiwan is the only other country besides China where the practice is illegal.

Asia’s vet With millions worried about their jobs and homes, pleas for yet another worthy cause may be coming at an awkward time. Anthony gets that too. “I’m sure there’s a challenge in fundraising now. I don’t know; that’s not my speciality. But there’s never a bad time for a swift, strong message that is thought provoking without sending people running away in horror.” With millions also worried about their heath, eating better – more plants, less meat – has gained traction, and concern not only about what we consume but also where it came from is trending. As a bonus, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is asking private vets to set up more quarantine facilities. “The time is right to bring NDLB to Hong Kong, to be more active and raise the profile,” Anthony says. And if Anthony says the time is right then it likely is. He’s been active in animal rescue throughout his career, “happiest helping out as a shelter vet, managing the

NDLB seeks to turn a spotlight on dog trafficking and facilitate adoptions

building of hospitals and shelters, or being the point of call for shelter crisis advice.” He’s chased rhinos through the bush and vaccinated monkeys in Bolivia. And in 2007, he set up an emergency neuter centre at one of Beijing’s largest shelters, the Beijing Human and Animal Environmental Centre. In 2019, Anthony expanded his scope still further with the launch of Asiavet, a Hong Kong-based consultancy that advises on veterinary business management and development across the region. But that’s not his focus today. Right

now he’s here to talk about NDLB. In the coming months, he says we can expect a series of Hong Kong events, from sustainability markets to lunches to dog walks, all designed to turn a spotlight on dog trafficking, facilitate adoptions and reposition meat overall. Here, Anthony pauses for a moment, as if picturing partner Jeff in his sleeping bag at a NDLB animal shelter. “Though I hasten to add, I have not discussed this specifically with Jeff. He’s been flat out, hands on, getting 400 dogs to homes in the US.”

Greet the charity Date for your diary: On April 11, NDLB is headlining a PETaLIFE ‘greet the charity’ event at Hemingway’s. Dogs are welcome and, in addition to a 10am dog walk from Sienna Park to DB Plaza, you can expect an introduction to the NDLB charity by founder Jeff Beri at 1pm. Since PETaLIFE aims to celebrate DB as an eco-sustainable, pet-friendly community, DB Green, Lantau Paddle and OceansAsia will also be in attendance, with a group paddle/ beach clean-up planned for the afternoon. To find out more, WhatsApp Anthony Beck on 5931 0854, or email anthony@nodogsleftbehind.com.

Find more local heroes @ www.arounddb.com

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

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IN FOCUS

FACE-OFF

Would you call out a neighbour for not wearing a mask? DB residents Samantha Wong and Jose Sevilla go head-to-head on a divisive topic

Jose Sevilla

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

ask mandates have been in place in Hong Kong for over a year now and, certainly compared with many communities in the West, DBers have set a good example. We’ve stepped up, complied with the rules and worn them. Who would risk infecting a friend or neighbour after all? Who wouldn’t want ‘some protection’ for themselves?

A lot of the ‘confusion’ comes from the decision to allow people to run everywhere without a mask; a regulation that basically says, ‘If you run you have the right to throw your breath at others but not if you walk.’ I am not sure if there is any provision about a minimum speed limit.

So what happens if you’re wearing a mask and find yourself in a lift or even a store, standing next to a neighbour who refuses to do the same? Do you say something? Do you potentially engage in a public dispute? Do you give them the benefit of the doubt? DB residents Jose Sevilla and Samantha Wong present very different views on a contentious topic.

What passes for fashion in DB also adds to the confusion. Some guys, who look like they would have a heart attack if they lifted their pints higher than their mouths, ‘run’ around dressed like Usain Bolt. Dream on, and put your masks on, fellas.

He says My daily routine starts by reading yesterday’s COVID-19 cases, seeing who has been arrested today and checking who is not wearing a mask in my neighbourhood. For a year now, in all sorts if different situations, I have been requesting people not wearing a mask to do it. My aim today is not to name and shame, or to ‘out’ specific individuals, but I can say that I have an interesting collection of anecdotes to share. Most of the time, I’m told to ‘mind my own business,’ in a time where my business is precisely the others’ businesses. One year of pandemia has not been enough for some it seems. Others say: “I am working out,” as they speed walk by me, in the general direction of the bus stop or ferry pier. Trumpism may be some kind of ascendant in them: I choose to be working out instead of walking and my argument is as good and respectable as yours. Buddy.

Samantha Wong

A couple of times, I’ve found neighbours not wearing a mask in the lift. When I ask why and point out the written notice on the wall that requests them to do so, the usual response is: “I am going for a run.” In other words, I am not wearing the compulsory mask in the most intimate public space possible, now, because I am going to run, later. On the first occasion, I didn’t react fast enough and on the second my body was somewhere else, so I missed two unique opportunities to pass gas in a lift for a good reason, vigorously and blamelessly. To those wearing the mask around the arm, I kindly request you place it over your face because it is likely to be more effective there, according to the scientific community. (If it is in fact a party armband of sorts – and having seen the US Capitol riot, I fear it may be – I still request you place it over your face, though I do so less courteously.) When you think of it, the risk caused by all these people who decide not to wear a mask in the street would be solved in one minute with a couple of fines – like the rest of us, those who don’t wear masks love money. Remember, we have very similar DNA.

One morning, I asked two police officers why they did not implement the government rules, while a mask-less guy and his dog walked by, both looking at me wondering what I had done. The officers said that the police had a ‘different procedure.’ After a five-minute explanation, I failed to grasp how it was ‘procedure’ not to punish blatant lawbreakers. But the officers told me I was a good guy, and I felt much better. I used to recommend that the dudes who don’t wear masks go back to school and claim their money back because the teachers hadn’t taught them anything, but I stopped when I realised that they are precisely the material used by talented people like Harry Harrison in the South China Morning Post. Checking out Harry’s View is the fourth thing I do in my daily routine; it ensures my day goes well. And then I run. In a mask.

She says When I run, I run in a mask. Except, when I don’t. When I take my son Joshua out for a walk, I wear a mask and make sure he does too. Except, when I don’t. Every now and then I don’t wear a mask because… I forget to. That’s not an excuse (pathetic or otherwise), it’s simply the truth. You might say this is because I’m a bit slow on the uptake and haven’t fully adjusted to the ‘new normal’ yet. There’s something in that.  But it’s also because sometimes

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IN FOCUS

– just sometimes – life (normal or otherwise) gets in the way. When I leave my flat, I run through a mental checklist: Have I got my handbag, my keys, my child and our masks? Very occasionally, as I attempt to balance a full-time job, which thankfully I can do from home, with child-care, also a full-time job, which I do at home, something drops off. Remembering to pick up my handbag and keys as I leave the house has become habitual (I’ve been doing it for 22 years or so), Joshua’s been around for seven years so he’s usually uppermost in my mind – masks not so much. Just last week I took Joshua to Siena Park to meet a friend and, while we

were playing, I realised that I had remembered to put on his mask but had forgotten my own. Anyone who walked by – who didn’t know me – could have mistaken me for an anti-masker. It would be easy to assume that this occasional non-mask wearing of mine stems from a problem I have with authority, or from an elitist gene in my own makeup that convinces me I’m somehow immune to COVID. Likely, I’m a conspiracy theorist, who doesn’t believe in the number of confirmed cases, the death stats, or even in the virus itself. But that’s not the case. Am I a sociopath hell bent on endangering the lives of others, or simply a natural-born risk taker, who doesn’t get the bigger picture? Wrong again.

‘Judge not lest ye be judged’ is a good maxim. ‘People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones’ is another. If I had never ever forgotten to wear a mask and if I was certain that I never ever would, I might berate someone for not wearing theirs. But I have and, if I’m honest, I know I likely will again, so I don’t. We live in a caring community; DBers try to look out for each other. Do many of us go about mask-less, recklessly endangering our neighbours because we can’t be bothered to care? I’d say not. Times are hard for everyone right now and I think we could all use the benefit of the doubt. I know I could.

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FAMILY LORE

Advice for families on estate planning from Professional Wills

e often find a way to convince ourselves that everything works out in the end, but if the past year has taught us anything, it is that life is unpredictable and we never know what is around the corner. Perhaps you have put estate planning on the backburner, or perhaps you have just never been informed about how important it is; the good news is it is not too late (or too early) to get your estate in order. Why write a Will?

Photo courtesy of Professional Wills

In short, a Will gives you control. With a Will you have the ability to distribute your assets to those you want and in what portion. Dying without a Will means that the Hong Kong intestacy laws kick in and your estate is distributed according to these rules – which can lead to a lot of hardship for your family in what is already a very tough time.

If you have children, a Will gives you the ability to decide at what age your children will receive their inheritance, usually clients decide their children will be ready to responsibly receive an inheritance at 25. Your appointed trustee has the power to advance money to your children before they receive their inheritance – this can help them to buy their first car or with university costs.

Do you have overseas assets? With Hong Kong being a multicultural haven, it is likely that you have assets of some kind in another country. We strongly advise against having one Will drawn up to cover your worldwide assets as this can result in delays and additional expense during the probate process. The industry standard recommendation is to have a separate country-specific Will written to cover each jurisdiction where assets are located. It is perfectly possible to have more than one Will, but each one must be restricted to the country and type of property it is intended to cover. Do your children have guardians? If something happens to their parents, children need a legal guardian to look after them until

they are at an age of majority (in Hong Kong this is 18). If you have not appointed guardians for your children, they could be taken in by the state and put in state-run care until the courts appoint a guardian. It may take a long time for the courts to reach a decision, again adding to your loved ones’ hardship. If the people you would like to appoint as permanent guardians reside outside of Hong Kong, you need a legal document appointing temporary Hong Kong-based guardians to look after your children until their permanent guardians arrive. Given the current circumstances, there is no telling how long it would take for the permanent guardians to reach Hong Kong, so it is vital that you also appoint temporary guardians or your children can still be put into state-run care until the permanent guardians arrive.

FIND IT At Professional Wills, we offer a service that is tailored to your needs and we go beyond our remit of simple Will writing to ensure that you walk away feeling on top of estate planning. Our company’s team of four qualified Will writers specialise in multijurisdictional Wills and have been writing them in Hong Kong and around the region for the last 14 years. • Professional Wills, 2561 9031, enquiry@profwills.com, www.profwills.com

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EDUCATION

Do you speak my language?

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The benefits of bilingual education extend far beyond the acquisition of fluency in a second language. Elizabeth Jerabek reports

aising and educating children in a culturally and linguistically dense community like Discovery Bay is a privilege but it can often feel overwhelming. Many of us would like our children to become fluent in two languages, for instance Cantonese and English, but this can seem like too big an ask, particularly if we are considering a totally immersive learning environment where the child’s second language (Cantonese or English) would be the language of instruction. Can children learn enough in a second language in order to succeed and do well in school?

The short answer to that question is ‘Yes,’ though you need to be in it for the long haul – it can take five or more years for a child to master a second language. The next question, then, is, ‘Is it worth it?’ Will the long-term benefits children gain from being bilingual outweigh the challenges of getting them there?

Academic performance

as a second language in US public schools, Virginia – who grew up as an expat kid in Central America, speaking both her native US English and Spanish – set out to answer the questions: How long does it take non-native language learners to become academically able to do well in school in a second language, and what are the things that influence that process?

One of the leading proponents of bilingual education is Dr Virginia Collier, Professor Emerita of Bilingual/ Multicultural/ ESL Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. After years of teaching English

Virginia and her research partner Dr Wayne Thomas spent 32 years examining 7.5 million student records in their effort to answer these questions. They designed a longitudinal study that allowed them to follow the academic

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progress of English learners of all language backgrounds from kindergarten through to the end of secondary school in 36 school districts in 16 US states. The results of their study, which was published in 2017, demonstrate that English-only and short-term transitional bilingual programmes close about half of the achievement gap between non-native language learners and native language speakers. In contrast, high-quality, long-term bilingual programmes in both the students’ first and second languages close the performance gap after five to six years of schooling. The data also shows that students in these long-term bilingual programmes often do better in all of their academic subjects than do native language speakers who receive no bilingual training. Developmental psychology research into bilingual education attributes better academic performance in bilingual students to enhanced development of three cognitive functions: executive control, theory of mind and episodic memory.

Executive control The Harvard University Center on the Developing Child defines executive control as the cognitive processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks. Like a stoplight at a busy intersection, the brain uses this skill set to monitor situations in order to filter distractions, prioritise tasks and control impulses. In other words, executive control is the brain’s ability to switch between tasks in order to prioritise the appropriate response to a set of stimuli while inhibiting inappropriate responses.

Bilingual students often outperform native language speakers in all academic subjects

Developmental psychologists believe that bilingual education helps stimulate the development of executive control as bilingual children have to continually monitor situations (such as which language is spoken when and by whom) in order to prioritise the appropriate response (speaking or responding in the situationally correct language), while inhibiting the inappropriate response (actively not speaking the other language). For example, a child may say goodbye to their mum in one language, but may say hello to their teacher and classmates in another language. Bilingual education provides greater opportunities for children to strengthen their executive control skill set, which can help them later in life in more complex situations that may require greater self-regulation and emotional control in order to sustain attention to complete the tasks required to achieve a desired goal.

Theory of mind Perhaps one of the most interesting abilities that begins to emerge during early childhood is

children’s ability to appreciate the perspective of other individuals. This ability to appreciate another’s mental state and, as a result, to explain and predict another’s behaviour is known as theory of mind. While executive control helps bilingual children monitor a situation and respond appropriately – I say ‘Goodbye’ to my mum in English but I say ‘Néih hóu’ to my teacher in Cantonese – theory of mind helps bilingual children socially understand which response is appropriate and why. When I say goodbye to my mum, I say ‘I love you’ because she’s my parent; but when I say goodbye to my teacher I don’t say ‘Ngo oi nei’ because my teacher is not part of my family. Studies show that language competence in children predicts the development of theory of mind – and that the acquisition of theory of mind is delayed in children with specific language impairment. In other words, the better a child can communicate, the better they can understand social situations and the mental  state of another.

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EDUCATION

According to a 2004 study of 31 bilingual and 29 monolingual pre-schoolers, bilingual preschoolers are better able to predict others behaviour in the future and they have a better understanding of why others behaved the way they did in the past. This ability may make it easier for bilingual students to understand when and why their teacher wants them to do something, and may make it easier for them to collaborate with and learn from their peers.

Episodic memory In the same way that it may be easier for bilingual children to anticipate what might happen in the future based on the behaviour of others, it may also be easier for bilingual children to remember what has happened in the past. Psychologists categorise memory as either working memory or episodic memory. Working memory is active and relevant only for a short period of time, whereas episodic memory is longer lasting, it allows us to recall and re-experience a specific event or situation.

rather than a verbal episode, bilingual and monolingual adults were asked to perform a picture recall task. Participants were shown a series of pictures depicting complex scenes that were not easily labelled or described, and the participants were not given much time to view each scene. Moreover, the participants did not know they would later have to recall the pictures, which decreased the chances of them labelling the pictures and using language as strategy to remember the scene later. The results of the study showed that bilingual participants recalled more pictures than monolinguals,

and, within the bilingual group, early and more bilingual experience was associated with better recall. Similar research indicates that that bilingualism can also protect against memory decline, since bilinguals who have Alzheimer’s tend to show memory-related symptoms at a later age than monolinguals. So back to the original question: Will the long-term benefits children gain from being bilingual outweigh the challenges of getting them there? That’s for you to decide but I’m leaning towards a ‘Hai.’

Research indicates that bilinguals may struggle to remember information from verbal episodes if they are asked to retrieve that memory in a language other than the one they used to form and encode the memory. But for nonverbal episodes, which may be encoded as memories through some other stimuli such as sight, taste, smell, or touch, bilinguals are at an advantage, likely due to better executive control. In a 2012 study, designed to encourage the participants to encode a visual scene in their memory as a non-verbal episode

Bilingual children are well-equipped to collaborate with and learn from their peers

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HELP LINE

Financial advice for migrant domestic workers from the team at Enrich HK!

Photo courtesy of Enrich HK

id you know that March is a really special month for us at Enrich HK? That’s because March 8 is International Women’s Day, celebrating the incredible achievements of women. While many companies in Hong Kong and around the world celebrate March as ‘Women’s Month’ to recognise the women in their workforce, we believe it’s important to also recognise that 98.5% of Hong Kong’s migrant domestic workers are women, who make huge contributions to our society. We celebrate and applaud you

guys for all the incredible work that you do! The campaign theme for International Women’s Day this year is ‘Choose to Challenge’ – highlighting the importance of challenging misconceptions and biases, so as to work towards gender equality. As women, you play multiple roles. Aside from being domestic workers, you are mothers, daughters, sisters, partners, entrepreneurs, leaders, teachers, and much more. This month, we want to explore how you can choose to challenge

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your circumstances and build confidence in yourself – because you have so much to be proud of.

Recognise your worth ‘I’m only a domestic worker.’ We hear this quite often from women who first join our workshops at Enrich. Let’s challenge this! Now, we know, of course, how important your work as a domestic worker is to support your family, but did you know that migrant domestic workers contributed a staggering HK$98.9 billion (yes, billion!) to Hong Kong’s economy in 2018

through the value of their work. The work you do is absolutely crucial and Hong Kong would be a very different place without you. Many of your employers would not even be able to go to work without you around. You might have skills in elderly care, child-care, specialneeds care, pet care, house management, cooking, cleaning, tutoring children, first-aid, and so much more, and these are all extremely valuable. Many women, whether they are domestic workers or CEOs, underestimate themselves. As women, we often feel like we’re not doing enough or that we’re not making a difference. But we are! What we really need is to believe in ourselves and recognise our value. It’s time to challenge how you see yourself, and confidence is the key! Start off by changing how you talk to yourself. Have an affirmation that you repeat when you feel unsure. For example: ‘I have the power to change my life!’ You can also change the way you communicate with your family, friends and employer, so that you look and feel more confident. For example, make eye contact when you speak to show that you are actively listening and that you are interested. Practice standing up straight and tall – fear makes you try to look as small as possible. You look more confident when you hold your head up, and straighten your back and shoulders. Also, when you speak, use your hands purposefully – if you fidget or tap your feet, you appear less confident. Breathing deeply can also help you focus and stay strong. If you’re about to have a difficult conversation, or if you’re having a moment of self-doubt take a few slow, deep breaths.

Most importantly, remember to set goals for your own development. Visualise what you personally want to achieve in the future, whether that’s to study further, own a business, or achieve a fitness target. Whatever it is, set the intention and save for it. You can use your time as a domestic worker to make your dreams happen. Isn’t that an empowering idea?

Know that you have rights Over the years, we’ve seen how confidence and good financial management go hand in hand. If you have faith in yourself, you will feel empowered to take control of your finances, manage difficult scenarios and reach for your goals. Let’s challenge how you see your role in the family. Start by thinking about yourself as a ‘breadwinner.’ Traditionally, this is a label that was most often given to men, but times have changed that. As a female domestic worker you probably earn more or as much as the men in your family. Many of you might even be the sole breadwinner in your family. That role is a stressful one, but it’s also empowering – you work hard to bring money in and you should have a say in how it is spent. Now’s the time to have a confident, empathetic conversation with your family about money – discuss your goals with them, and try

to understand their fears and concerns. Talk to your partner about the long-term benefits of working though these issues together - after all, the sooner you can achieve your goals, the sooner you can go home for good. An important lesson here is for you to learn how to say ‘No.’ If you think the money you are being asked for would be better saved or spent somewhere else, say so with confidence. If a certain expense is a ‘want’ and not a ‘need,’ say a kind, but firm ‘No.’ Many of our Enrich graduates have learned to draw clear lines when it comes to finances – they keep their savings in bank accounts in their own name, and ask their family to provide receipts for major expenses or even ask for a basic monthly budget before sending the remittance. This shows them where their money goes and how much their family actually needs. And it also teaches their partners and children back home about financial management. At the end of the day, remember that as a breadwinner, you are a leader and you can choose to challenge your circumstances. Invest in yourself by joining classes which can help you learn better financial management or leadership. You’ve already overcome so much, especially with the difficulties of the pandemic, so know that you are strong and resilient. Happy Women’s Month!

Enrich HK is an award-winning Hong Kong charity providing financial and empowerment education to migrant domestic workers. For a free, confidential one-to - one financial counselling session and to learn about the courses on offer, visit www.enrichhk.org. If you have a question you would like to have answered on this page, email info@enrichhk.org.

Find more advice from Enrich HK @ www.arounddb.com www.arounddb.com March 2021

GEOMANCY

FENG SHUI: Home office If working from home is now your ‘normal,’ feng shui can help you reap the rewards. Samantha Wong reports

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urveys have long suggested that remote workers are more productive than their office-based peers. One of the reasons for this, as detailed in Stanford University’s How working from home works out (June, 2020), is that those of us who work from home find it more difficult to create a distinction between business and personal life, and we therefore put in more hours. The commute home, no matter how short, helps office workers switch off and draw a line under their working day. For remote workers this can be more of a challenge – and feng shui can help with that. If your flat is big enough, your best plan is to set aside a ‘spare room’ as your home office. That way you can literally shut up shop at the end of the day – close your office door, and you’ll be less tempted to nip back to your computer after-hours. But what if your workspace is an add-on in an open-plan living room? A good option is to place your desk behind your sofa (so you don’t have to spend the evening looking at your in tray), or consider screening it off, either

with a curtain or free-standing room divider. What’s critical is that you avoid squeezing your desk into a corner of your bedroom – feng shui says you need to create as much distance as possible between the place where you work and the place where you sleep.

Decorate for success Your home office mirrors your career and money coming in, so it’s important to design it right regardless of its size. As always, you need to start with the feng shui basics: unclutter your space (clutter drains your energy), improve your lighting system (especially if you often feel tired), and clear the air (stagnant air is demotivating). A ceiling fan will help get the sheng chi (beneficial energy) flowing, as will a couple of full-spectrum lights that simulate natural light, reducing glare, fatigue and eye strain. When you walk into your home office, you need to feel energised and inspired. You are decorating your workspace with

your success, wellbeing and productivity in mind, so include meaningful career memorabilia and family mementos that make you feel successful, appreciated and happy. Green, the feng shui colour of wealth and success, is your go-to colour when decorating your home office. Use green on the walls and be sure to bring in a couple of green-leaved houseplants. The energy of plants will refresh not only the energy of your workspace but also your own energy. Know that jade, bamboo and all succulents are wealth-symbolic plants, and they represent creativity and growth. Next up, there are three areas you need to activate in your home office to boost your career, and to do this you need a compass. Stand in your office and locate true north. This space represents your career, so decorate it with black or mirrored accessories. Now activate the southeast corner, representing wealth, by incorporating items that speak to you of money or introducing a plant. Boost the office’s south  area, representing fame and

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GEOMANCY

reputation, with anything red. Note that encouraging your pet to hang out in your office will also help you gain recognition because animals possess powerful red fire energy.

Desk placement You need to prioritise comfort in your work space, so invest in an ergonomically designed chair and a solid feng shui-approved desk. Avoid glass desks, as feng shui says they are too unstable. Metal desks are great for focus, but they are cold and impersonal, so add a tablecloth or wooden bowl. A wooden desk will boost your creativity, but the wood element carries a frenetic, scattered energy, so place a cool, calm lepidolite crystal near your computer. This will help you concentrate, while also shielding you from electromagnetic pollution. Now all you need to do is position your desk correctly. It needs to be in the powerful command position, diagonally opposite the door. If this is not possible, place it in the southwest of your home office. This is also a corner of power. It’s important that your back isn’t facing the door when you sit at your desk. If you can’t see the door, you will miss out on opportunities and find that colleagues are talking about you behind your back. If for some reason you have to sit with your back to the door, place a mirror on your desk so you can see what’s behind you. You want to have a clear view of the door but you don’t want to sit too close to it or right opposite it. Why? Because the energy that rushes in through a doorway is too strong. If you can’t comply with this rule, place a small bell near the

A wooden desk promotes creativity, a plant boosts energy and a well-placed painting removes obstacles

door, or a plant between your desk and the door. There should be a solid wall behind you to provide support. If you have your back to a window, you can stop the incoming energy stabbing you in the back by hanging a picture of a mountain or a tortoise beside the window. Importantly too, don’t face a wall, this will mean

that you are facing obstacles. If there’s no other way to position your desk, create your own window by hanging a picture of an inspiring landscape on the wall in front of you. This will also serve you well if you follow the 20-20-20 rule – as you glance up from your computer screen every 20 minutes, you’ll have a beautiful ‘view’ to rest your eyes on.

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INSIDER

Pop your pills

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Despite your best efforts, it’s unlikely that your diet is providing you with sufficient nutrition. Dorothy Veitch presents the case for supplements

pping your intake of essential nutrients could be your ticket to yearround good health, and one of the best ways to do this is by taking a few well-chosen dietary supplements. On the recommendation of fellow DBer Dr Graeme Bradshaw, who specialises in naturopathy at the Integrated Medicine Institute in

Central, I’ve been taking four core supplements daily for a couple of years now, and I definitely feel the benefit. The first is a multivitamin powder drink to make sure I get my daily allowance of ‘under-consumed nutrients,’ like vitamins A, C, D, E and K, calcium, magnesium, dietary fibre, choline and potassium,. The second is omega 3, which boosts the cardiovascular system, reduces

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inflammation, and is an essential for concentration. The third is a probiotic to support my immune and digestive systems. And the fourth is curcumin (turmeric extract), a powerful anti-oxidant that reduces inflammation in the joints and all the key organs, ensuring they last longer. I’ve also just placed a big online order for Andrographis Paniculata.

This herbal plant extract, widely available in pill form, and commonly known as green chiretta, is an ancient cold/ flu remedy popular across South East Asia. What’s interesting is that the Thai Government has approved it as an alternative treatment for COVID-19. The extract from the plant, known as Fah Talai Jone in Thai, can curb the virus and reduce the severity of inflammation, according to studies conducted in Bangkok late last year. Andrographis Paniculata is being administered in pill form to COVID-19 patients in state-owned hospitals throughout Thailand. It’s available on a voluntary basis to those in the 18-60 age group with minor symptoms. Thai trials have shown that patients’ conditions improve within three days of taking the supplement, if it is administered within 72 hours of testing positive.

Boost your immunity Not everyone’s going to buy into the idea of a COVID-beating plant extract, but we all need to pay particular attention to our white blood cells right now – the little guys that protect our bodies against infection from viruses and bacteria. Compromised immunity can be caused by something as basic as a deficiency in critical nutrients like zinc, iron and vitamin C. A lack of zinc, for instance, means that your white blood cells can’t mount a proper defence against infection. If you’re someone who gets coughs or sore throats frequently, up your zinc levels. Our iron levels also need to be in the optimum range because it is an important component of haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. If you’re not getting sufficient oxygen, you become fatigued, and that

exhaustion can have a serious affect on your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Vitamin C increases the body’s ability to absorb iron, so you’ll need to take plenty of it if your iron levels are low. Vitamin C also enhances the immune system’s response to bacterial and viral infections. Some 45% of colds develop into a secondary bacterial infection but when you take a high dose of vitamin C, this figure drops to just 10%.

Andrographis Paniculata is being administered in pill form to COVID-19 patients throughout Thailand. Thai trials have shown that patients’ conditions improve within three days of taking the supplement, if it is administered within 72 hours of testing positive Maintaining a good balance of intestinal flora (good bacteria) is another essential for a healthy immune system, which is why many people now supplement their diet with probiotics (live microorganisms, in most cases bacteria, that are similar to those found in the human gut). Probiotics help us to absorb nutrients; they aid digestion and, because they have an anti-inflammatory effect, they make the immune system work harder.

Andrographis Paniculata could help you beat COVID-19

You are what you eat A quick Google search will reveal the long-term effects vitamin and mineral deficiency can have on your health – consider that insufficient calcium intake alone is associated with a long list of medical disorders, including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes and obesity. But the question is, why is your diet not delivering enough nutrients? For the answer to that, you have to look beyond your own kitchen and consider the bigger picture. Getting your nutrition only from conventionally grown food fails to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to operate disease-free. Consider the way modern farming methods deplete the soil of minerals without replacing them. All vegetables need minerals, and if the soil isn’t replenished with a mineral-rich fertiliser, then the plants, as well as the farm animals that feed off  them, become deficient.

www.arounddb.com March 2021

INSIDER

Long-term food storage, processing and the addition of preservatives also degrades the nutrient content of food. One solution would be to eat only fresh, organic food, which contains 30% more minerals and 80% more anti-oxidants than conventionally grown food, but that’s not always possible due to financial or logistical reasons. What’s more, to obtain optimum levels of calcium, magnesium and potassium, you’d need to eat five servings of fresh, organic vegetables a day, along with whole grains, nuts and seeds. Who could really do that in their health quest? It’s possible, but not likely. The fact that most foods don’t yield sufficient nutrients is compounded because, nowadays, to stay healthy, we need more nutrients than ever before. The modern food supply is contaminated with pesticides, herbicides and chemicals, and we also have to contend with environmental contaminates in the water and air, such as carbon monoxide, lead and mercury. All this increases our need for vitamins and minerals because our metabolisms and immune systems are under constant attack.

One size doesn’t fit all Do a little online research and you can get a rough idea of which supplements you might need. (Smokers and diabetics will reach for the vitamin C; women who menstruate heavily will turn to iron.) However, a DIY approach won’t cut it – you really need to consult a qualified naturopath for advice. A naturopath will give you regular blood checks that monitor your nutrient levels, revealing exactly which supplements you need to take. Blood tests may also show

excess levels, which can be harmful. For instance, overloading on iron can lead to liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.

provided with flavonoid cofactors found in wholefood supplements made from oranges, acerola and high phenolic food concentrates.

Most naturopaths recommend whole-food supplements because they are derived from real food and offer superior bioavailability. For example, vitamin C is more active as an antioxidant when provided with flavonoid cofactors found in whole-food supplements because they are derived from real food and offer superior bioavailability. For example, vitamin C is more active as an antioxidant when

It’s true that quality supplements don’t come cheap but, these days, neither does nutrition-rich food. Take salmon, for instance – it is better for you to supplement with a high-grade fish oil than to eat ‘cheap’ farmed fish, which is low in omega-3 and high in toxins. So there you have it – the case for supplements. Getting your nutrition only from food is a bad idea.

Essential chasers

If you’re exceeding the ‘three units a day’ rule:

• Take Liver Support – a potent clinical-grade formula

containing milk thistle and other effective herbs – before you have a drink. Our livers need additional nutrients to detoxify the alcohol and boost our immune systems

• Boost your intake of vitamin C (it restores cellular health

damaged by alcohol consumption) and B-vitamins, which

highly which depleted by alcohol and necessary for energy, a excess are levels, can be good mood and cognition harmful. For instance, overloading on iron can lead to liver disease, • Take magnesium (it supports relaxation, sleep and nervous heart problems diabetes. and zinc, which restores hormonal system and functioning) balance and the immune system after drinking

Most naturopaths recommend A • Ola Loa naturopath will provides give you active regularvitamin B, vitamin D, magnesium and zinc, along with electrolytes and 1,000 milligrams blood checks that monitor your of vitamin C. It’s an easy-to-take rehydrating drink, and nutrient levels, revealing exactly provides a stronger detox than the popular Berocca or which supplements you need to Emergen C take. Blood tests may also show

• Nux Vomica 30 is another popular homeopathic remedy. It helps relieve the digestive stress and acidity caused by too much alcohol. You can also take a probiotic to restore the gut’s microbial balance after drinking

Find more insider tips @ www.arounddb.com

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

NEW YEAR - AND WE ARE EXPANDING INTO OUR SECOND STUDIO BootyBarre is the perfect combination of strength and flexibility - an exciting mix of Pilates, Dance and Ballet to the beat of your favourite tunes. Embody Studio, Plaza Lane, Room 211 & 225 5205 3736

W W W . E M B O DY . H K

RECIPES

Talking Italian Made in minutes with just a few basic ingredients, these classic pasta dishes are simply delizioso Spaghetti Carbonara Serves 4

• 3 large eggs • 50g pecorino cheese, grated • 50g parmesan cheese, grated • 350g dried spaghetti • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and whole • 100g pancetta, chopped • 50g unsalted butter

Photos courtesy of stock.adobe.com

Beat the eggs and stir in the grated cheeses, keeping a handful back for garnish. Simmer the spaghetti in salted water for 10 minutes or until al dente. While the spaghetti is cooking, squash the garlic with the blade of a knife, just to bruise it. Fry the pancetta and garlic in the butter until slightly crisp. The garlic has now imparted its flavour, so you can discard it. Keep the heat under the pancetta on low. When the pasta is ready, lift it from the water and put it in the frying pan with the pancetta. Remove the pan from the heat, and quickly pour in the eggs and cheese. Coat the pasta with the egg mixture, which thickens but doesn’t scramble. Serve immediately, sprinkled with black pepper and the remaining cheese.

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

Spaghetti Vongole Serves 4

• 1kg small clams, scrubbed clean • 15g fresh parsley, chopped • 400g dried spaghetti • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped • 4 tbsp olive oil • 1-2 dried red chillies • 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered • 250ml white wine Sort through the clams and if there are any that aren’t tightly closed, give them a sharp tap. If they don’t close, throw them away. Slice the parsley stalks, then put them to one side and roughly chop the leaves. Simmer the spaghetti in salted water for 10 minutes or until al dente. About 5 minutes before the pasta is ready, fry the garlic and parsley stalks in the olive oil. Crumble in the dried chilli and add the chopped tomatoes. Stir constantly and just as the garlic starts to colour, add the clams and wine. Shake the pan and put the lid on it. Keep shuffling the pan around until most of the clams have opened – about 5 minutes. Take the pan off the heat. Get rid of any clams that haven’t opened. Drain the pasta and add it to the clams along with the parsley leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir for a further minute or  two and serve immediately.

www.arounddb.com March 2021

RECIPES

Tagliatelle al Limone Serves 4

• 25g butter • 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped • 1 dried red chilli • 2 lemons • 100g ham, cooked • 500ml double cream • 500g dried tagliatelle • 5g parsley, chopped Melt the butter and gently fry the garlic and crumbled chilli. Remove the zest from the lemons using a grater, discarding the tough white pith. Slice the ham and add it to the pan. Heat gently and then add the lemon zest and cream. Simmer uncovered for just under an hour. Heat a large pan of water and when it comes to the boil throw in the tagliatelle. Drain immediately – you are not cooking the pasta at this stage. Add the pasta to the cream sauce and cook gently until al dente. Season and stir in a little lemon juice or additional cream if the sauce has become too thick. Garnish with chopped parsley to serve.

Find more deliciously simple recipes @ www.arounddb.com

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

DB FACES

Snaps COMMUNITY

Photos by Baljit Gidwani www.evoqueportraits.com

Find more familiar DB faces @ www.arounddb.com

Win prizes from Uncle Russ Coffee and The Pier Bar! The best snap wins! Your mission this month is to share your favourite photo of DB on Instagram, hashtag #arounddb. You have until the 10th of the month to enter. This is your chance to win a complimentary coffee from Uncle Russ, or a beer from The Pier Bar every day for a week. We will contact the winner via Instagram. Good luck! Congratulations to last month’s winner: Puk Hengprasit @Kun_nai_pak

Uncle Russ Instagram Contest!

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Coaching Services The service scope covers mental and psychological health of children, adolescent, adults and the elderly with home visits. Other specialized services are IQ testing, addictions & behaviour, cognitive impairment, family relationship, parenting, health management, immigration worries & business training workshops.

Contact website at www.changefocus.com.hk or call 9094 2064/ 6110 8778 for appointment

View local business directories @ www.arounddb.com RELOCATION

trimco

GIVING LIFE SHOULDN’T BE SO DEADLY

Hong Kong Limited

AKASH MOVING & HANDYMAN SERVICES

Painting Decorating

• Local packing, moving, storage & handyman services • All kinds of transport services • Inbound shipment clearance • Expecting a shipment from China but no one is delivering to DB or Lantau? Have it sent to the Akash office in Kwai Chung & delivered to your home

Renovation Cladding Tiling

Ramatoulaye, who lives in Burkina Faso, was about to give birth to her fourth child, but the boatman was nowhere to be found. Unable to get to the health centre across the river, she gave birth alone on the river banks.

Contact Steve Donovan at 6149 0894 (call or WhatsApp), trimcohk@gmail.com

Maternal health is a human right — join Amnesty International to defend human rights for women like Ramatoulaye.

Contact 2421 8088, info@akash.hk, www.akash.hk

amnesty

Learn more at www.amnesty.org.hk.

E-mail: essentialssophia@gmail.com

www.sophiaessentials.com

The finest selection of lavender essestial oils, shampoos, hand creams, Foam Bath, Wildflower & Geranium, body lotions imported from the U.K. Lavender grown and harvested in the Cotswold with no artificial fragrances. Ginger extract hair serum and herbal teas from Thailand. A range of branded alcohol hand & body gels.

GUITAR LESSONS

British born Music Composer/Producer-GuitaristVocalist, Steve Gardner is offering Home visit electric or acoustic guitar lessons In DB or Online. I teach at various International schools in Hong Kong since 1994 and teaching in DB since then as well. I teach young and old, children or adults, beginner or advanced, whether for a fun hobby or guiding students into university via school curriculum or even to take up guitar as a future profession. With many years experience I teach to the very highest standards in a hands on and friendly manner treating each students individual needs.

6645 3280

www.stevegardnerhk.com music@stevegardnerhk.com

DB PROPERTY FOR RENT L U X U RY A PA R T M E N T S I N S I E N A 2

Spacious 600 square-foot apartments – quiet with sea views over park, near Club Siena & DB Tunnel. Fully furnished with washer/ drier, bed linen, kitchenware, 55” TVs, wi-fi, NOW TV & sound bar. Contact the owner on 9317 0624, nialady2011@gmail.com

If you are looking to rent or sell a property and would like to see it listed on this page, email info@baymedia.com.hk

If you’re reading this, so is everyone else To advertise in print or online, email info@baymedia.com.hk

www.arounddb.com

• • • •

3 Hi resolution retouched digital images Private 30-minute studio session Images delivered in 24 hours HK$950.

t. +852 6620 3421 e. info@colsimphotography.com w. www.colsimphotography.com

CLOT HING & ACCESSORIES

FTC Apparel

2428 2566 FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

A Tavola Bar & Grill Airport Izakaya Andante Café Aficionado China Coast Bar & Grill Curry Lounge Dosirak House Essence Restaurant - Novotel Citygate Federal Palace Restaurant Kimos Mansarover Indian Cuisine McDonald’s Delivery Melody Thai Moccato Coffee Shop My Thai Olea Restaurant - Novotel Citygate PizzaExpress Pizza Hut Delivery Regala Café & Dessert Bar Resto Restaurant Rouge - Regal Airport Hotel Skycity Bistro Tung Chung Pizza Zentro Garden

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HE A LT H & W EL L BEING Bayside Dental Bon’s Mobile Pet Grooming Essential Health Family Clinic Human Health Medical Centre North Lantau Physiotherapy Tung Chung Animal Clinic Tung Chung Vet Centre Tung Chung Maternal & Child Health Centre Quality Health Dental Quality Health Medical Raffles Medical Rainbow Voice and Soundhealing

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SOUTH LANTAU

TUNG CHUNG

LANTAU NUMBERS FOOD, RES TAUR A N T S & BA RS

Bahce - Turkish Restaurant Café Bar Bathers Caffe Paradiso (Tom’s Café) Cafe Isara China Bear Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar Kebab Korner La Pizzeria Lantana Italian Bistro Le Jardin de Sophie Long Island Mucho Gusto Robert’s Market Stoep @ High Tide Restaurant The China Beach Club The Gallery The Kitchen The Water Buffalo Treasure Island Restaurant FI T NESS, SP OR T S & W EL L BEING

Pause by the Banyan South Lantau Paddle Club Thai Palin Massage Thai Sa Baai Treasure Island Group

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Findley Leung Group Koon Wah Hardware Lee Wo Construction Engineering Man Shun Construction & Engineering New Look Design

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HOT EL S

Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel Novotel Citygate Hong Kong Regal Airport Hotel

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L E A RNING CEN T RES

Clement Art School Discovery Mind International Play Centre Greenfield International Kindergarten Kidznjoy Sakura Kids Salala Kids House Soundwaves English Education Centre Sun Island Education Foundation Sunshine House International Preschool Tung Chung Catholic School (Yat Tung) YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

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SOCI A L , SP OR T S & EQUIPMEN T

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Caribbean Coast Club House Coastal Skyline Club House Dance for Joy Edge ’n Pointe Dance Centre Jumping Castles Perun Fitness Seaview Crescent Club House Smash Cricket Sparrow Soccer School Hong Kong Tung Chung Crescent Club House Tung Chung Sports Badminton Union

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2984 7225 6810 0111 2985 8383 L E A RNING CEN T RES

Ashville International Kindergarten & Nursery Lantau International Kindergarten Lantau International School Lao Shi Lantau Mandarin lessons Little Lantau Montessori Kindergarten Silvermine Bay School Mui Wo Language Cafe

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PROPER T Y AGENCIES

Findley Leung Real Estate Home Solutions Real Estate Proper Trip Real Estate

2984 8334 3483 5003 2984 1666 RE TA IL

Friendly Bike Shop Greenstyle Organic & Healthcare INSIDE Island Wines Lantau Base Camp Lantau Grocer Quay House Red Hall Chinese Antiques Tony’s Salon Value Vigilantes VIBE Book & Music Shop ZenvarA

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SERV ICES & OT HERS

Jumping Castles SPCA Miriam Safadi Photography Parteezi Phoenix Wills

9662 1747 2984 0060 5145 0227 6112 9842 6108 8471 T R A NSP OR TAT ION

U T IL I T Y, SERV ICES & E MERGENC Y HOT L INES

Tung Chung Ambulance Depot Tung Chung Fire Station Tung Chung Police Station

2984 8334 2984 8487 2984 1802 2984 9833 9783 5840

HOT EL S

Mui Wo Inn Silvermine Beach Resort Tai O Heritage Hotel

HOME & REPA IRS

Akash Removals Mega Power Engineering/Locksmiths Mr. Chan 24-hours Handyman Shun Yu Engineering

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Lee Hing Loong Hon Kee Transportation Company Lantau Tours New Lantao Bus Company

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www.arounddb.com March 2021

DB NUMBERS COMMUNITY & HEALTH Bayside Dental Practice, North Plaza BMSE, North Plaza DB Alliance Church Community Centre DB Anglican Church DB International Community Church Discovery Bay Medical Centre Health & Care Dental Clinic Herbal Health Care Island Health Island Veterinary Services The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, North Plaza Trinity Chapel

2987 2259 2987 2987 2987 2987 2666 2834 2987 2987 2259 2987

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DRS Company Good Luck Engineering Red Velvet Hoi Yu Transportation Hung Kee Co Japan Home Centre May’s furniture & curtain design Rapee-living Rich Point Hardware Materials Tai Fat Hardware Store Wing On Department Store Yours Electrical Centre

2987 8460

DAILY NECESSITIES 7-Eleven Convenience Store Fusion by PARKnSHOP Watson’s Pharmacy Wellcome, North Plaza Star Mart, North Plaza

2987 2987 2987 2947 2366

4401 7486 4089 9092 6534

FINANCIAL SERVICES Bank of China HSBC Parsons White Wealth Management The Stephen Putnam Practice

2160 8585 2233 3000 2433 6981 2914 0388

FOOD & BEVERAGE, HOTELS 22º North Auberge Discovery Bay (Hotel), North Plaza Café Bord de Mer & Lounge, North Plaza Caffe Pascucci Cali-Mex, North Plaza Coyote Mexican Cantina Ebeneezer’s Epic Foods, North Plaza Figos Seaside Café First Korean Restaurant Hemingway’s il Bel Paese Island Café Koh Tomyums La Creation & Châteraisé McSorley’s Ale House Mirch Masala, North Plaza Moofish, North Plaza Pacific Coffee Paisano’s, North Plaza Peony Chinese Restaurant PizzaExpress Solera Starbucks DB North Plaza Subway The Pier Bar Three Sheet Marquee Bar Uncle Russ, North Plaza Zak’s

9156 0360 2987 1313 9010 5832 2987 4488 2987 5087 2987 1041 2987 0222 2987 7082 2987 0789 2987 0789 2987 9268 2987 4428

LEARNING CENTRES

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Nomadic

LEARNING CENTRES

HOME

2987 2298 2295 8288 2295 8299 2591 1426 2904 7698 2987 2848 2987 0036 2172 6111 2987 2915 2987 9123 2987 8855 2987 0202 2987 9311 2987 0767 2987 1829 2987 8280 2987 1337 2987 6318 2987 1662 2673 4445 2500 1950 2465 2426 2555 0772 2246 8372 2914 0005 2520 2166 2987 0966 2840 1188 2987 6232

Discovery Montessori School A reputable & well-known international school for authentic Montessori Bilingual (English & Chinese) Education for children aged 1 to 12 years. Beautiful campus & highly qualified teachers (15 years+ experience). Contact 2987 1201, enquiry@dms.edu.hk, www.dms.edu.hk

Future Stars Dance Academy Dance classes based on the ISTD requirements conducted in a fun, disciplined & safe environment. Contact melissa@futurestarsdanceacademy.com, Futurestars Dance Academy Hong Kong Facebook page, Instagram: @futurestarsHk

Island Dance ISTD Freestyle, ISTD Hip Hop, RAD Ballet, tap & Bollywood classes at DBRC, Club Siena & DB Plaza. Five professional instructors, teaching six days a week. Contact 2987 1571, 9159 0663, info@islanddance.com.hk, www.islanddance.com.hk

Lingostars Limited, North Plaza Providing Mandarin & Korean education. After-school Mandarin for Year 1-13 and adult Mandarin classes in a communicative and interactive setting at DB North Plaza. Contact 6375-2015, info@lingostarshk.com, www.lingostarshk.com

Little Explorers The longest running playgroup in DB, Little Explorers eases the transition between home play and kindergarten for children, aged 18 months and up. Contact 6331 7215, LittleExplorersDB@gmail.com

Tree of Joy A fun, engaging & supportive environment in which children play & learn. Programmes include drop-off nursery class, parent-toddler class, afternoon camp & a cooking class Contact 9787 2755, info@treeofjoydb.com, www.treeofjoydb.com

Woodentots Woodentots is a Montessori playgroup providing a caring & nurturing environment in DB Plaza. Run by a qualified Montessori teacher for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Contact 6108 9131, woodentotsdb@gmail.com

March 2021 www.arounddb.com

Bayview House of Children DB International School (Kindergarten) DB International School (Pri / Sec) Discovery College Discovery Mind International Play Centre Discovery Mind Kindergarten Discovery Mind Primary School, North Plaza Discovery Montessori Academy, North Plaza Discovery Montessori School, North Plaza DMR School of Ballet Dr. Bear Education Centre Early Adventures Playgroup Epic Adventurers Eye Level Education Learning Centre Funfit HK International Learning Academy, North Plaza Kumon, North Plaza La Petite Enfance Kindergarten L’Ecole Pierre et Marie Curie Education centre Lingostars Limited, North Plaza Links Parenting, North Plaza Little Explorers English For Kids Mandarin for Munchkins, North Plaza Mathemagic – home tutoring Mathnasium SKH Wei Lun Primary School Treasure House Zhi Zhi Chinese

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MULTIMEDIA Bookazine Fotomax (F.E.) Ltd

2987 1373 2914 2378

OTHER SERVICES

Harvey Law Group International law firm offering a wide range of commercial & personal legal services. Meeting facilities available in DB. Contact 2416 8618, dboffice@harveylawcorporation.com, www.harveylawcorporation.com

Martina Stevens Photography Photographer based in Discovery Bay specialising in small and exclusive projects. Newborns, Maternity, Family and Lifestyle photography.Contact 9487 5242, martina@martinastevensphotography.com, www.martinastevensphotography.com Gillian florist, North Plaza Manulife P-Solution The Optical House Well Supreme Laundry Services

2529 9172 2987 2987 2987

8256 9152 1777 1368 5151

DB NUMBERS PETS Mypetshop, North Plaza Pets Gallery Ready, Pet, Go!

TOYS & KIDS’ PARTIES 2987 8873 2987 0428 5721 6181

Bo Bo House Toysland

2987 4230 2987 7859

TRANSPORT SERVICES

PROPERTY LISTINGS EPS Property Consultants Headland Homes Kingsland DB Land Master Property OKAY.COM

2987 2987 2987 2987 2102

2023 2088 2987 6238 0829

DB Golf Cart Services DB Transportation Services Limousine Rental Passenger Telephone Hotline Wiselink Golf Cart Services

2914 2987 5303 2987 2987

2727 7351 3489 0208 9368

UTILITIES, SERVICES & EMERGENCY HOTLINES

SOCIAL, SPORTS & EQUIPMENT 24-hour Customer Service Hotline China Light & Power Emergency China Light & Power Information Line Discovery Bay Commercial Services Discovery Bay Fire & Ambulance Discovery Bay Lost & Found Discovery Bay Management Discovery Bay Office Centre Discovery Bay Post Office Gas Leakage Emergency Hotline Lantau North Report Room North Lantau Hospital San Hing Gas Co Typhoon Signal Enquiries Water Fault Reports Water Supplies Department

HK Dragons Football Club Football for girls & boys aged 2.5 years to 14 years. Contact 2987 4274, dragons.hk

Tekkerz Football programmes for boys and girls for age groups U5 up to U14. Contact 9770 4548, train@tekkerzfootball.com, www.prosportsasia.com

Club Siena, North Plaza DBees Ice Hockey DB Pirates Rugby, Netball, Hockey & Dragonboat Discovery Bay Marina Club Discovery Bay Golf Club Discovery Bay Recreation Club Embody EpicLand, North Plaza FIT 852 Greenwich Yoga School, North Plaza Kapuhala Train-in-Space, North Plaza MAS FIT MGK Fight Club Nutrition and Fitness with Emilie YogaBay, North Plaza YogaUp, North Plaza

To add your own directory listing box, call the Bay Media office on 2987 0167, or email info@baymedia.com.hk

2987 6473 9255 2987 2987 2987 6624 2441 9680 9685 6101 9387 9303 6385 6704 8197

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2345 8333 2678 4242 7502 2345 3601 3388 6046 4511 1694 7000 6738 1473 0788 5000

@ www.arounddb.com

WELLBEING

The Beat Dance & Fitness Studio BODYPUMP, BODYBALANCE, GRIT, BODYSTEP & Zumba (fitness, toning & kids). Piloxing, yoga & Pilates, RPM (indoor cycling), plus Latin, belly & wedding dance. Classes for adults & children, & personal training. Contact 5194 9630, info@thebeat.com.hk, www.thebeat.com.hk

3651 2728 2678 2987 2987 3651 2238 2238 2987 2435 3661 3467 2987 2835 2811 2824

VIEW THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Bay Spa

ay Spa

Massage, facials & nail services in DB Plaza. Contact 9837 0969 (Tel/ WhatsApp)

Ingredients of Wellness Mindfulness training for children, teens and their parents and teachers. Offering Mindfulness Matters!, Mindfulness in Education (for adults), AMT Mindfulness Teacher Training. Contact 9048 5425, angie@ingredientsofwellness.com, www.ingredientsofwellness.com

Nail Spa: 2987 2266

Afflatus Hair Workshop, North Plaza DB Pure Spa Freedas Maximum Care Nest Care, North Plaza Salon De Coiffure

Massage: 2988 1188

2987 9794 2987 2987 2499 2987

0283 0918 4555 2060 8826 4112

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www.arounddb.com March 2021

OUT THERE

The Comedy of Tragedy No stranger to the blues, Peter Sherwood has earned the right to say that depression ain’t funny – except in retrospect

may have discovered the ultimate oxymoron: a podcast series titled The Hilarious World of Depression. As a chronic sufferer, and an obsessive observer of human foolishness, I was intrigued. Not because depression is amusing. But it can take on a funny form when cherrypicked from a distance. Looking back, I recall moments when I may well have been temporarily crazy – a danger to myself and the furniture. It never occurred to me that my behaviour nudged the outer stratosphere of normal. Or that the astronomical highs and lows I endured, that scoured the bottom of the Mariana Trench, were anything more than the mean reds.

Illustration courtesy of www.wikimedia.org

As for the podcast, it wasn’t much fun, but it had some tips on survival. And suggestions for coping, such as listening to a couple of Beach Boys songs (cofounder Brian Wilson endured years of depression and drug addiction). I enjoyed the show; it was like Alcoholics Anonymous for the mentally ill.

The thing about depression is that unlike a comedy show there can be no laughing till it’s over. Like when I shambled into my doctor’s office at half my usual weight and crashed to the carpet, howling like a spoilt child. He was quick with his

diagnosis: “Pete, old son, scientifically, medically... you’re screwed,” (he used a more colourful adjective). That’s pretty funny – 25 years later. At one point the shrink prescribed a tranquiliser in addition to the other cocktail I was ingesting. It worked, I think. I slumped, unconscious, at a friend’s apartment about a minute after taking it. He said later he’d heard a thud in the spare room and rushed to find me comatose and bleeding on his Persian rug. Searching for an antiseptic for the wound, and finding none, he ruthlessly applied an expensive aftershave. Had I been awake the stinging pain would have returned me to unconsciousness. I woke with the sun in a room that smelt like a tanker of perfume had crashed into Prince Edward Flower Market. Why am I telling you this? Men typically don’t mention it which is why many choose an early exit over depression’s abject misery. I write to let you know it’s OK to talk about it. If you imagine it’s mostly a ‘feminine emotional thing’ that can’t possibly be happening to a ‘real man,’ who can tough it out, you’re wrong. More wrong than

lobotomies and bloodletting. You should also ignore all overtures to cheer up. Dismiss as irrelevant the comparisons of everything that could be worse. And like thoughts and prayers, wellmeaning sympathy will get you a cappuccino – if you just add HK$35. The truth is no one can possibly know the terror you’re enduring, except yourself. If you’re depressed, stick your hand up and get help. Now, is there an upside to this terrible torment? Certainly. I learnt a million valuable lessons that would otherwise have passed me by. I gained some enlightenment, and wrote two books. But the price was heavy indeed.

Peter Sherwood has lived in DB for over 20 years. The former head of an international public relations firm, Peter is the author of 15 books and has written around 400 satirical columns for the South China Morning Post.

Find more from Peter @ www.arounddb.com March 2021 www.arounddb.com

Around DB March 2021

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Pop your pills

DB Entrepreneurs of the Month

IN MEMORY OF PAYSON CHA MOU-SING

Year of the Ox Mascot Design Competition

March Events

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