PP 4353/05/2013 (033269)
March 2013
KL
american
A Publication of the American Association of Malaysia
Contents AAM March 2013 Advertisers Index Advertisers
(A-Z)
2
Director’s Corner
3
Page
A Cut Above
p.25
Aidea Art
p.10
Asian Tigers Transpo
Back Cover
City Motors
p.10
Crown Relocations
Inside Front Cover
Eastern Carpets
Inside Back Cover
Gandhara
p.26
ISKL
p.18
Persian Collections
p.27
The Expat
p.5
Tropicana Medical Centre
p.19
8
4 5 6
14
AAM Messages
Weekly Events
What’s On at the AAM
11 14 16
Membership
Community Service
7 8
Editorial
Special Events Digital Shoebox
Health Care in Malaysia: A Patient’s Perspective By Bess Anne Corwith
20
Sabaaahhhhh! by Randee Duncan
22 28
Memories
AAM Calendar
20 22 Cover Photo: Sea Squirt, Maldives Photo by Latisha Merican
KL American March 2013
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Director’s Corner
Board of Directors President Jennifer Guthrie President.aam@gmail.com
Hello to everyone, My name is Sherlyn Bourne and I am the new Major Events Director for the American Association of Malaysia (AAM). I have been welcomed with open arms to Kuala Lumpur and the AAM, and would like to welcome all of you to the AAM events. I have been an expat for a short time (about seven years) and a newcomer to KL (only about six months), accompanied by my husband of 18 years and a son who will graduate from ISKL (International School of Kuala Lumpur) this year and return to Texas for university. We’re also accompanied by the extension of the family, my baby girl, Roxy (the greatest dog). My family has always loved to entertain people with many different themes for fun and festive events. I look forward to hosting all of you in the wonderful AAM events to come in the next year! Please stay tuned and join in with the American Association on the many events to follow. I am always looking for new ideas and thoughts so don’t be shy…. share your ideas! I look forward to meeting and greeting all in the new and exciting times ahead. Many Thanks with Warmest Regards,
1st Vice President Diane Tenney FirstVP.aam@gmail.com 2nd Vice President Vacant SecondVP.aam@gmail.com Secretary Bess Anne Corwith Secretary1.aam@gmail.com Treasurer Sherri Moore Treasurer.aam@gmail.com Publications Director Rachell Gautz Editor.KLAmerican@gmail.com Major Events Director Sherlyn Bourne majorevents.aam@gmail.com Membership Director Vacant Membershipdirector.aam@gmail.com Community Service Director Karen Beham Communityservice.aam@gmail.com
Sherlyn Bourne Major Events Director
Corporate Partners For 2013 Presidential
Corporate Relations Director Vacant Bazaar Director Lovie Alptunaer
Liaison Directors American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Yvonne Miranda ISKL Hilda Alposilva
Liberty Murphy - Pantone 654C, C100 M64 K38 Star - Pantone 193C , M100 Y66 K13
Eagle AMCHAM Coca-Cola Malaysia Halliburton Santa Fe Relocation Services Talisman Malaysia Limited 2
KL American March 2013
MKIS Linda Seaver US Embassy Jessica Schnepple Jo Ann Sernovitz General Manager Ann Tan
Editorial
KL
AmericanMagazine Team Editor Rachell Gautz Photo Editors Judy Pescio Kim Starr Contributors Sherlyn Bourne Randee Duncan Rachell Gautz Jennifer Guthrie Latisha Merican Kimbra Naber Kim Starr Arden Wight
One of the slightly surreal experiences of being an expat is trying to catch live US events on TV. February had two big ones: the Super Bowl and the Oscars, both of which aired here on Monday morning rather than Sunday night. Last year, Super Bowl Monday was a holiday, so me, my husband, and some of our American friends got up at 7 a.m. to catch the game at packed bar in Damansara. (The crowd was actually mostly locals who had acquired a taste for American football while studying or working in the US.) It reminded us of our tailgating days back in college, though considerably warmer (mornings in Michigan during football season can be pretty chilly).
Webmaster Bess Anne Corwith Proofreaders Randee Duncan Doreen Hollenbach Stacy Rushton Ann Tan
Thanks to globalization, there are a number of ways to catch big live events. Astro broadcasts many of the major league US sports, as well as awards ceremonies; I watched the Oscars this year while sipping my morning coffee. Sure, I could have recorded it, or caught it online later in the day, but then I wouldn’t have been able to follow my US friends’ status updates in real time. March Madness is coming up, but unfortunately we’ll have to catch those games online.
Editorial Support Ann Tan Designer Yap Wai Kuan Advertising Sales Ann Tan Tel: (603) 4021-4367/8 Printer Seng Hoe Printing Process 33, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 Taman Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur Tel/Fax: 8941-7603
What’s your favorite way to catch live sports while abroad? Let us know on the AAM Facebook page!
Rachell Gautz
Publisher American Association of Malaysia
Publications Director
The KLAmerican is published 10 times per year. The deadline for inclusion is at least 6 weeks prior to publication which is the 1st of the month. Advertising for non-profit organizations is free-of-charge on a spaceavailable basis. The magazine staff reserves the right to edit copy for clarity, brevity, and accuracy. Information on AAM members is not to be used commercially. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited. Unit G-3A, Villa Seavoy 7, Lorong Titiwangsa 8 Taman Titiwangsa 53200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (03) 4021-4367/8 Fax: (03) 4021-4371 E-mail: aam_kl05@streamyx.com website: www.klamerican.com
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. Closed from 1-2 p.m. every work day for lunch Closed Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
GPS Coordinates: N3° 11.035’, E101° 42.278’ KL American March 2013
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Membership
Looking for a fun way to become involved with the AAM? Sign up as a Membership Director! The position offers a chance to meet new people and introduce them to KL. The Membership Director organizes the monthly First Friday lunches and Coffee Mornings. For more information, contact Jennifer Guthrie at president.aam@gmail.com.
“Selamat Datang ke AAM!” to our New Members for January Claire and Brian Balanger Patty and Ted Cammarata Susan and Ronald Chang Amy and Justin Chesnut Gaik Liang Chua and Yong Kiat Yu Cinzia Giordanelli and George Kohlriesor Shuhada Hasim and Fasyan Mokhtar Carrie and Stephen Henzler Jennifer and Ryan Lamothe Rissa and Neil Larsen Yenti Lou Michelle and Theo Mallinson Tracey and Alan McLauchlan Amy and Tim McMahon Paulette and David Norman Elizabethann O’Sullivan and Douglas Hale Zuraifah Rosli and Mohd Faizul Ismail Soon Chin Tan and Kim Hoe Lee 4
KL American March 2013
AAM Messages Membership Renewal To avoid missing any issues of the magazine and to continue receiving discounted prices for AAM events, please make sure your membership is up to date. Renewal notices will be included with the magazine two months before expiration. Dues can be paid at the office by cash or check or via IPAY.
Reservation & Payment Policy Reservations can be made via fax, email or in person. • The AAM Office will send confirmation of receipt if the reservation is made by fax or email. • Reservations not cancelled five (5) working days before the event must be paid in full. • When minimum attendance is not achieved, the event may be cancelled or rescheduled. • Pay online via IPAY88 or in person by cash or check. AAM Tel: (03) 4201-4367/4368 Fax: (03) 4021-4371 e-mail: aam_kl05@streamyx.com
IPAY88 Please respond within 48 hours of receiving the ipay invoice. AAM hopes you are enjoying the convenience of our online payment service. With this convenient and secure portal you can pay for events, classes, workshops, dues and Building Blocks tuition from your home computer. Simply contact the AAM office to make your reservation and request an online invoice. Then check your email inbox for further instructions – it’s that easy! Note: • Any MasterCard or Visa credit card accepted regardless of issuing bank/country. • Multiple events can be paid for in one transaction. • Service charge: RM 50-250 - RM 5 charge RM 251-500 - RM 10 charge RM 501 and over – 3% charge For additional details, contact the AAM office or visit http://www.klamerican. com/policies.htm.
AAM Online Communities The AAM is now on Facebook! “Like” the AAM Facebook fan page by logging on, typing ‘American Association of Malaysia’ in the Search bar at the top of the page and clicking ‘Like.’ You’ll get the latest information on all of AAM’s exciting events and activities! Our Yahoo! Group remains active as a useful forum for members to consult with other members on queries and recommendations for anything from best family hotels to dentists to household help. Members who have not received an email invitation to join can contact editor.klamerican@gmail. com. Enter “Need AAM Yahoo Invitation” in the subject line, and include full name and AAM membership number in the body of the email. An invitation will be sent via email and you must respond to complete the registration process. For more information go to www.klamerican.com/policies.htm.
Your $0.02 Do you have any ideas or suggestions for new activities, events or workshops that may be of interest to our members? Can you think of ways we can improve our current line-up? Any concerns about the AAM’s building facilities? Your feedback, whether positive or negative, is always welcome. Kindly drop us a line in the Suggestion Box located in the villa or email aam_ kl05@streamyx.com
Solicitation Policy Solicitation of business by any member or guest is not allowed at any AAM function without prior board approval. Members are requested to respectfully observe the policy that membership information is to be used solely for AAM business and is not to be used for personal or business solicitation purposes. If you are interested in sharing your talents/services with the AAM, please contact the AAM office.
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Community Service
Hello, Everyone! We had a nice turnout for our coffee morning on January 17th featuring the artwork of the RC Deaf Mission organization. There were two local artists, Ms. Agnes Peter, a co-founder of the organization, two assistants and several AAM members. Agnes gave us an overview of what her organization is trying and indeed accomplishing here in Malaysia. Their main focus is to create career opportunities for deaf persons. During her talk to us she signed everything. It was a fascinating talk and gave our association exposure to the difficulties the deaf have in our community every day. There were paintings by the artists, Shahwal Nizam and Zulaiha binti Aulkapli, greeting cards, calendars, books, and other items for purchase. We appreciate RC Deaf Mission’s time and participation in our coffee morning. If you’d like to learn sign language or help out, contact Agnes Peter at rcdeafmissionsmalaysia@gmail.com. The other new charity group to approach our association is Openhands Girls Home. They currently house twelve girls from five to twenty-one years of age. They are requesting assistance with clothing, groceries, writing materials, and story or educational books. Their contact is Jonathan “Joey” Reef. He has invited interested parties to take a tour of the home in the near future. You can contact him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jonathanreef. If you have any girls that have outgrown their clothes and would like to donate them, bring to the AAM office and I will make sure they get delivered. Thank you!
Claire Hines Community Service Director
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Weekly Activities MONDAY
Mahjong 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Members: free. Non-members: RM10 Get rid of those Monday blues by playing a lively game of Mahjong. We’ll shuffle the tiles, make ‘pungs’ and ‘kongs’ and enjoy the afternoon. Please email Randee Duncan, Mahjong Coordinator, at brduncn@gmail. com, to confirm.
WEDNESDAY
Beginners Bahasa Malaysia – Level 1 (NEW CLASSES) 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays , 6 March - 29 May (12 sessions) Members: RM540. Non-members: RM640. Materials fee: RM50 Minimum: 8, Maximum: 10. Now is the time to start learning the language of your host country. This series of classes is led by Puan Mas from Applied Language Systems who will not only teach you the language but also share knowledge that will make your time in KL richer. RSVP to the AAM office to start this learning experience. Quilting 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Members: free. Non-members: RM10 New quilters and seasoned quilters work together to share their love of quilting. We meet at the AAM Villa. Please contact coordinator Irene Solomalai at the AAM office (aam_kl05@streamyx.com) for details. Please be sure to put “Quilting Group” in the subject line.
SATURDAY
KL Roadrunners Are you a runner? Are you looking for running friends? Come join the KL Roadrunners. We run on all different levels and newbies are welcome. Contact coordinator Irma Ritchie at irmajoeritchie@mac.com for meeting place and time.
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What’s On in . . . March First Fridays
Friday, 1 March Noon TGIFriday’s, Pavilion Mall, Level 6
This monthly social activity is especially for newly arrived expats and provides an opportunity to ask questions, gather information and to meet and relax with new friends over lunch. There will be a reservation under “American Association.” There is no fee to attend, but guests are responsible for their orders. Please pass the invitation to new neighbors and friends! Members old and new are welcome. Please RSVP to aam_ kl05@streamyx.com.
Bingo with Little Sisters of the Poor Every first Tuesday of the month, join our bingo game to help spread the joy at this home for the elderly! We will bring prizes for the winners. The bingo morning is one of the highlights of the month for the residents. Please e-mail aam_kl05@streamyx.com if you can join us. Tuesday, 5 March 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. St. Francis Xavier Home for the Elderly Taman Sri Bahtera, Batu Lima Cheras
Beginners’ Bahasa Malaysia, Level 1 Now is the time to start learning the language of your adopted country! This series of classes is led by Puan Mas from Applied Language Systems who will not only teach you the language but also share knowledge that will enrich your time in KL. Register early to start this learning experience. RSVP: Email aam_kl05@streamyx.com 6 March - 29 May (12 sessions) 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. AAM Villa Cost: RM540 Members, RM640 Non-Members, plus RM50 material fee
Hari Moyang Celebration on Carey Island Join Angie Ng of Heritage Travel to take part in the Hari Moyang (New Year) celebrations of the Mah Meri people on Carey Island. Highlights include the traditional Tarian Sewang dance, using hand-carved ceremonial masks. Please bring along some food (halal), snacks and sweets to share with the locals, as well as colored paper, crayons, balloons and toys for the children. If you wish, you can also donate reading glasses, clothing, shoes or household items. The tour price includes round-trip transfer by bus and Tuesday, 12 March 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. lunch at a seafood restaurant. We will meet at the Hotel InterContinental Carey Island on Jalan Ampang. Please inform the office of any dietary restrictions at Cost: RM160 Adults, RM85 Children 6-11 time of booking. RSVP to aam_kl05@streamyx.com by Monday, 4 March.
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What’s On in . . . March
Amadeus Bistro & Wine Bar
Wednesday, 13 March Noon Amadeus Bistro & Wine Bar Mezzanine Level, Wisma Life Centre 20 Jalan Sultan Ismail Cost: Individual* *Show your AAM member card for a 10% discount on ala carte menu items. Discount not applicable to set lunch.
Hidden away on the mezzanine level of Wisma Life Centre is the chic and cozy Amadeus Bistro. Under the cheerful guidance of General Manager Dina and with irresistible dishes creatively prepared by Executive Chef Bobby, you will be treated to terrific food at wallet-friendly prices. RSVP: Email aam_kl05@streamyx.com by 11 March. Directions: Wisma Life Centre has two entrances, one on Jalan Sultan Ismail (east), across from the KFC building, and on Jalan Perak, across from Fraser Place. Valet parking is available at the Jalan Sultan Ismail entrance. The Jalan Perak entrance gives you easier access to their underground parking.The nearest LRT station is KLCC and the closest monorail station is Bukit Nanas.
Cooking Workshop: Rising to the Occasion
Thursday, 14 March 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. AAM Villa Members: RM35, Non-Members: RM50 Minimum: 10 participants
This class will give you the information you “knead” to make bread without the use of a bread machine, as well as learning how to make a pizza base, hamburger buns and cinnamon rolls. Tips will be given on how recipes can be modified to meet your dietary needs, such as no eggs or no fat. There will also be opportunities to sample what comes out of the oven. RSVP to aam_kl05@streamyx by Wednesday, 6th March.
Coffee Morning and Annual General Meeting Thursday, 21 March 10 a.m. AAM Villa Sponsored by:
Join us at this special coffee morning where we will be meeting representatives from charities supported by the AAM and presenting the AAM’s donations. The Annual General Meeting will be held prior to the Coffee Morning (see next page for details). RSVP by Wednesday, 20 March, to aam_kl05@streamyx.com.
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What’s On in . . . April All Souls Day (Ching Ming) Tour Angie Ng will be conducting this cultural tour to Sungai Besi and Nilai Memorial Park. Ching Ming, or All Souls Day, falls in early April. The festival is celebrated for 20 days, during which Chinese families visit their ancestors’ burial sites to honor them. We’ll learn about the elaborate Chinese funeral rites, including unique practices such as “hell notes” and house-warming for the deceased, and visit the historic Chinese cemeteries in Sungai Besi, some of which date to the 19th century — Yap Ah Loy, KL’s founder, is Friday, 12 April buried here. The tour continues to the modern cemetery of Nilai Memorial 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Park, which is built on 200 acres of ground with excellent feng shui. Some Sungai Besi Member: RM 120, Non-Member: RM135 graves are even built to cheat death! We will conclude with lunch at a Meet at side entrance of InterContinental local Chinese restaurant (non-halal). Tour fee includes transportation both Hotel on Jalan Ampang ways, and lunch. RSVP to aam_kl05@streamyx.com by Wednesday, 3 April.
Brunch Bunch at Sassorosso Could it be that our Lunch Bunch Coordinator has become confused since she reset her clocks for Daylight Savings Time? Why? Because April’s Lunch Bunch will be a Saturday Brunch! Bring your appetite for a tantalizing choice of salads, pastas and wood-fired pizzas for starters followed by your selection from the menu. Drinks may be ordered a la carte or you may choose the free flow option.
Saturday, 13 April 12 Noon SASSOROSSO ITALIAN RESTAURANT 8 Lorong Yap Kwan Seng (Off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng) Please note that attendance at this Saturday Brunch will be limited to Cost: RM118++ (no beverages)/RM168++ only those who have registered with the AAM office at aam_kl05@ (free flow of wine, prosecco, and juice). streamyx.com by 4pm on Thursday, 11 April. Families are welcome. Free for children under 10.
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Special Events
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2013 Thursday, 21 March 10 a.m. AAM Villa
The Annual General Meeting will be held on 21 March prior to this month’s coffee morning. The AAM general membership will vote in person or via proxy for the candidates slated for the Executive Board (see below). All other positions are by appointment. Our by-laws state that each member of the Executive Board must be an American citizen. Your membership is highly valued and your attendance would be greatly appreciated!
Executive Board 2013 (elected by AAM general membership)
Diane Tenney First Vice President
Vacant Second Vice President
Jennifer Guthrie President
BessAnne Corwith Secretary
Sherri Moore Treasurer
Director Positions Vacant Corporate Relations Director
(appointed by Executive Board) Vacant Membership Director
Vacant Publications Director
Lovie Alptunaer Bazaar Director
Sherlyn Bourne Major Events Director
Karen Beham Community Service Director KL American March 2013
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Special Events FAMILY FUN AND ADVENTURE IN LAOS Saturday, 23 March – Saturday, 30 March, 2013 (8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS TRIP)
Come with the AAM this Spring Break to discover the wonder of Laos. Nestled between Vietnam and Thailand, Laos offers intact cultures, ancient Buddhist temples and beautiful countryside comprising untamed rivers and misty mountains. AAM, with the assistance of Angie Ng of Heritage Travel, is organizing a tour to this exotic, tranquil country where life is refreshingly simple. The itinerary has been designed to provide maximum appeal to single travelers and couples traveling with or without children. **Participants are responsible for booking their own flights: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) - Vientiane (VTE). Participants are also responsible for their own visa application. We recommend you purchase travel insurance.
Member, per person on twin sharing basis MYR 3,600.00 Extra bed for child age 5 to 11 years MYR 2,330.00 (sharing room with 2 adults) Non-member, per person on twin sharing basis MYR 3,650.00 Extra bed for child age 5 to 11 years MYR 2,360.00 (sharing room with 2 adults) Member, for Single supplement MYR 4,950.00 Non-member, Single supplement MYR 5,000.00 **Note: Trip may not be suitable for very young children due to long road trips. PRICE INCLUDES: Accommodation (2 nights in Vientiane, 2 nights in Vang Vieng, 3 nights in Luang Prabang). Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 1 dinner. A fully guided tour inclusive of entrance fees. Overland transfers and 1 way domestic flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Space is still available! For more information, kindly contact Ms Angie Ng from Heritage Travel Email : heritagemalaysia@gmail.com or Tel : 0341474788 12
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Friday, 10 May Safir Room, Hotel Istana 73 Jalan Raja Chulan 6:30 p.m. Viewing of rugs, light dinner and drinks 7:30 p.m. to Midnight Auction Members: RM30 Non-Members: RM45 Lucky draws throughout the night *Eastern Carpets is an AAM preferred carpet seller.
Photos from the 2012 Fall Rug Auction
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Digital Shoebox A Slice of Paradise in the Maldives Photos by Michael Merican Text by Latisha Merican My husband Michael introduced me to the Maldives when he chose it as our honeymoon destination 11 years ago. We have returned to celebrate our anniversary several times, mostly to Asdu Sun Island, to marvel at the wonderful plethora of sea creatures frolicking in the nearby drop-off. We have greeted black-tipped reef shark swimming near our feet in the shallow water in the morning, swum alongside stingrays, listened to dolphin songs, peered into the dark recesses of coral and been scared to death by an emerging eel, been chased by an octopus that wanted to be left alone, and peered in wonder at a sea urchin with purple lights that looked like it recently landed from outer space.
Green Sea Turtle
Surrounded by unimaginable beauty, we are at peace. Sea Squirt
Giant Clam Clown Triggerfish
Marbled Octopus
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Digital Shoebox Orange Cup Coral
Masked Porcupine Fish White Line Lionfish Slate Pencil Urchin
White-Spotted Hermit Crab
False Fire Urchin KL American March 2013
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Perspectives Health Care in Malaysia: A Patient’s Perspective By Bess Anne Corwith Some of Us Are Unlucky I started getting to know the health care system in KL the first day of house hunting in August 2010 when I sprained my “good” ankle while walking out of the Mandarin Hotel. Then I tore up my shoulder two days after moving into our condo. I’ve continued “collecting” a variety of experiences with private health care since. The medical customs of each country are different. I learned the Norwegian medical system well when pregnant with triplets. We often don’t know when we are going to need a doctor or a hospital, but sometimes it makes it easier if you know what to expect. This is one perspective on what you might run into. Patience If you want to blend in and not act like the “Ugly American” or an entitled ex-pat, then you need to muster all of your patience. Take a book, iPad, or needlework when you seek medical assistance. For instance, I was supposed to be admitted to one of the local facilities at 2 p.m. Then I was told that the only available room didn’t have a thermostat that worked. As I had just moved here from Alaska, I certainly wanted a thermostat that worked! I was told it would take 30 minutes for a room to be ready. It was more like 90 minutes. And guess what? The thermostat did not work and the room was frigid enough for polar bears! The purpose of my hospitalization was due to nasty bronchitis bordering on pneumonia. Being able to breathe is a wonderful thing! I was told I would get better medication if I entered the hospital than if I opted to stay at home. At 8 p.m. I decided that I was giving them 30 more minutes before turning into the ugly, impatient, irritated American. My medications arrived at 8:25. Then there was the discharge. It was scheduled for “early afternoon”. My evening IV medication was moved up to 1 and then I had the final visit from the doctor about 3:30. This is pushing my definition of “early afternoon,” but the doctor assured me the paperwork was submitted hours ago and it shouldn’t take long. At 5 p.m., I turned into that ugly, impatient, irritated American I managed to avoid being four days earlier. I went to the nurses’ station and asked what the hold-up was. They looked worried and made some phone calls. I could see from the paperwork lined up on the counter that I wasn’t the only one waiting for discharge. I explained that I had 16
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done enough waiting in my frigid room and I was giving them 30 more minutes. Nothing happened, so I left. Now I know why they didn’t have any beds at 2 p.m. Speed Other aspects of the medical system can work amazingly smoothly and efficiently. I made an appointment for the evaluation of knee pain. During the course of the single appointment, I had the initial consultation with the doctor, an MRI, an X-ray, a follow-up consultation with the doctor, lubricant injection, and physical therapy. Yes, it was a long “appointment,” but much better than returning for each test and treatment separately. The computer systems can be wonderful. You can be sent down for an X-ray, receive a copy for your personal records when you leave the radiology department, and by the time you walk back to the doctor’s office he already has the image up on his computer screen. And when you pay, you may only have to pay once—the medications are included in the doctor’s bill. Communicate Don’t assume anything and ask questions. Ask more questions than you think you need to, because you are going to get home and go “huh?” I saw a doctor with a sinus infection brewing. I’m one of those “lucky” people who can be pretty sick without having a fever. I find this makes it more difficult to be taken seriously, no matter what country I’m in. After talking to the doctor about various treatments, the doctor put me on four medications. I assumed one was an antibiotic. Instead, two waiting rooms later, I see on the marvelous combined bill that he has prescribed two medications that I have a year’s supply of at home and no antibiotic. They removed the two medications I already had, but didn’t know what to do about the lack of an antibiotic since I was no longer in the doctor’s actual office. Consider giving polite feedback to the facility. In my case it resulted in a special dinner being personally delivered by the food service manager. On the other hand when I told them the blood pressure machine was out of calibration, the only response was “Oh that is why everyone tonight is saying their reading is high.” If you don’t take medications and haven’t seen the inside of an operating room, skip this paragraph. If you are like me and life has handed you a challenge or two, then my
Perspectives recommendation is to create a computer file that you can easily update, print, and present to answer all of the tedious questions. I list current medications with dosage, chemical name (if I think the brand name may not be well known), and reason for the medication. Then I list medical conditions, like an artificial ankle, or asthma. The last part is my list of hospitalizations and surgical procedures. Emergency Room The lack of an antibiotic from the perceived sinus infection led to a painful weekend. Saturday night it was an excruciatingly sore throat that kept me awake and knowing to the minute when I could take one of my next not-over-the-counter pain medications. Sunday night it was the ear that I thought was going to burst which kept me in the same state. Monday was a holiday. In the US I would have found the closest urgent care center, but it appears that the only solution here is the E.R. Apprehensively we went in search of an E.R. that was functioning on Chinese New Year Monday. Amazingly, there was no wait. The doctor spoke very good English, and explained what medications were being prescribed. The pharmacy was also amazingly fast. However, back to that comment on making assumptions . . . when I checked online regarding the recommended antibiotic dosage, I wasn’t prescribed enough. I hadn’t thought to ask that question.
My experience is that an E.R. here doesn’t do all of the things an American E.R. will do. Nit-wit here was walking through the kitchen or laundry room recently and felt a prick in her foot. It felt like glass. Unfortunately, not being a kid anymore, I didn’t think I could contort myself into a position to take the small shard of glass out, so I ignored it for the rest of the day. Then I asked my husband to dig it out after dinner. He didn’t have any luck, and he is the king of extracting splinters and slivers. The next day I called our regular doctor’s office seeking an appointment —only to be told that they aren’t equipped to handle these sorts of problems and to go to an E.R. Then the E.R. doctor told me that after the x-ray was done to find the exact location of the sliver; I would be referred to an orthopedic surgeon. Gasp! One very painful shot and two stitches later, I am happy to note that the glass is gone. Second Opinion Sometimes you just need another set of eyes looking at the situation. I know of one case where one local doctor told the patient she needed shoulder surgery and the second local doctor provided a course of treatment that didn’t include surgery, and solved the problem. Also, keep in mind that there are some very good doctors in Singapore and it is only a 45-minute flight away.
For further information, please call the AAM at (603) 4021-4367 / 4021-4368 KL American March 2013
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KL American March 2013
TELL TALE SIGNS OF FAILING KIDNEYS
Dr Soehardy Zainudin Consultant Nephrologist and Physician MD (UKM), M. MED (UKM), M. MED (Singapore), MRCP (UK), MRCPS (Glasgow), AM (Mal) Tropicana Medical Centre
Have you ever heard of or encountered anyone with end-stage kidney disease? Have you heard about how they need to attend regular dialysis sessions to remove toxins and fluids from their bodily systems since their kidneys are no longer functioning? Yes, people with damaged kidneys will not have long to survive unless they receive what we nephrologists call renal replacement therapy. This includes dialysis therapy or kidney transplant surgery. The most common etiology for end-stage kidney disease in the world today is without doubt diabetes mellitus. Some patients develop kidney failure as early as three to five years after being diagnosed with diabetes. Other causes include hypertension, gout, glomerulonephritis and abuse of painkillers. It is important to be aware of the tell-tale signs of kidney failure so that you will not hesitate to see a doctor. Today I am going to teach you 11 signs of failing kidneys. Let’s do it like a Rick Dees countdown. 11 Tell-Tale Signs of Failing Kidneys Number 11: Tiredness or Lethargy Kidney failure leads to tiredness. You won’t have your usual energy levels to even do the daily things you love to do. No more energy to for your morning jog or read your favorite novel. Forget about swimming or cycling like Lance Armstrong. You are never going to be able to do that with or without performance-enhancing drugs!
TROPICANA MEDICAL CENTRE
11, Jalan Teknologi, PJU 5, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. T: +603-6287 1111 W: www.tropicanamedicalcentre.com FB: www.facebook.com/TropicanaMedicalCentre E: enquiries@tropicanamedicalcentre.com
Number 10: Shortness of Breath You will be breathless for two reasons. First, you will be anemic (low red blood cell production) and second, you will accumulate acids in your bodily systems. This symptom usually forces you to go to the nearest hospital. I find patients a lot more understanding, cooperative and accepting of hemodialysis when they are gasping for oxygen. “Just do what you need to do to get me to breathe better, doc!” Number 9: Itchiness You will find that you tend to scratch different areas of your body, for no reason. It is not an allergy, nor is it an insect bite. Just an itch that won’t go away. You may
find that your skin is getting drier too. Number 8: Loss of appetite Due to the uraemia (accumulation of urea in your blood), you won’t have any desire to eat your favorite pasta. In my past experience, some people are really troubled by this symptom. Unfortunately there are others who are not the least bit worried by it and ignore the symptom only to discover the sad state of their kidneys much later, to their horror. Number 7: Nausea and Vomiting This will occur at varying degrees. Sometimes you have it and sometimes you won’t until much later. And no, you are not pregnant. Number 6: Low sexual libido No mood for sex. And I don’t blame you. There are more important matters like attending to the damaged state of your kidneys! Number 5: Disrupted menstrual cycles Your usual menstrual cycles might be disrupted, or even stop (amenorrhea). Number 4: Hiccups They suddenly appear and won’t disappear. And drinking doesn’t help at all! Number 3: Bad Breath You or your family members will find that your breath stinks. That’s uraemia at work. Number 2: Strange Urine Your urine suddenly becomes discoloured or even frothy. Sometimes you might even see blood. Don’t be petrified by it, but go and get a urine analysis! Number 1: Leg swelling and facial puffiness This usually starts at the feet and ankles and sometimes around the eyes and wrists. This is certainly not a good sign. It means you are already accumulating excess fluids in your body instead of losing the fluids through urination. This is a clear indication that your kidneys are failing. If you encounter any of the above tell-tale signs, you should urgently visit your nearest nephrologist and request for a proper assessment of your kidney function. KL American March 2013
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Diversions Sabaaahhhhh! Text and Photos by Randee Duncan A two-and-a-half hour flight from Kuala Lumpur brings you to one of the most naturally beautiful and rugged states in Malaysia – Sabah. Its capital city, Kota Kinabalu (KK), boasts accommodation ranging from backpacker rooms to deluxe seaside resorts. The sports-minded will be impressed with the quality golf courses, fishing and watersports opportunities. You can go horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking or climb a mountain. Near Mt. Kinabalu, you can stroll through a botanical garden or soothe away your aches in the hot springs. There are museums, temples and Oriental Pied Hornbill. churches and of course, plenty of shopping opportunities as well. On our first trip to Sandakan on the northeast coast of Borneo, we visited the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. At that time, visitors could amble along a boardwalk while baby, juvenile and adult orangutans roamed freely, at times within touching distance. Another stop for tourists was the crocodile ‘farm’. During an overnight stay on Turtle Island, we watched turtles laying eggs on the beach and participated in the release of hatchlings into the sea. Twenty years have now passed. We made a second trip to Sandakan during the recent Chinese New Year break. After our non-stop flight to Sandakan and a light lunch, we hired a taxi for the trip to Sepilok. We wanted to be there in time for the 3pm feeding. All visitors are now restricted to a viewing platform back some distance from the feeding station where orphaned orangutans can be observed playing, eating fruits and leaves from a wicker basket and interacting with the Sanctuary staff. There is an information center on site. Entry to Sepilok is RM30 for non-Malaysians plus a RM10 per camera fee. The taxi ride there and back cost RM100. The next day, we departed from the Sandakan Jetty on one of three boats carrying 27 eager guests. Our group, consisting of Europeans, Australians and North Americans, included several families. We skirted the Sulu Sea before entering the Kinabatangan River for the 100 km trip to our small lodge in the Sukau district of the Borneon rainforest. On the way, we made multiple stops to observe salt water crocodiles, pygmy elephants, hornbills, two species of macaques and one shy orangutan. After arriving at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, which is one of several on that part of the river, we were greeted by the Assistant Lodge Manager summarized our program over the next two days. We were also given a demonstration on how to wear a sarong, which is required dress at dinnertime. On a night cruise, our expert guide spotted several species of kingfishers, a civet, a lemur and some short-tempered monitor lizards. Rain the next morning caused the cancellation of our pre-breakfast sightseeing trip. Some people went back to bed. Others played games in the Lodge’s reception area or caught up on email using the Lodge’s free WiFi. On a nature walk, we learned about native insects, birds and flowers. We also saw a solitary orangutan building a nest. When the rain stopped, we set by boat to explore two tributaries of the Kinabatangan River. We saw so many Proboscis monkeys and Long-tailed Macaques that it almost became ho-hum. Spotting the occasional orangutan, however, got everyone’s pulse racing. Bird fanciers were delighted with sightings of the Oriental Pied Hornbill and the Rhinoceros Hornbill, as well as egrets, storks, swallows and eagles. In addition to spotting wildlife from the river, there were optional tours available for people to explore caves or to go on an overland trek. However, our long weekend was quickly coming to an end. At 7:15 the next morning, we were transported by boat to a terra firma for an uneventful 130 km drive through palm oil plantations and small villages. This is a plea to visit Sabah while you can. Seeing all those plantations made us fearful of what wild, unspoiled Sabah will look like a few years from now. For more information on Sabah, do check out their website: www.sabahtourism.com 20
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Diversions
Pygmy elepha nt, mot
her, raises her
trunk.
Dozing Viper.
Kingfisher.
n rang Uta Sepilok O to e c n tra Bill at en . ry a tu Sanc
Pig-tailed macaque mother and baby.
Randee a t boardw alk leadin jetty to L g from odge rec eption are a.
Saltwater crocodile.
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Memories Thaipusam at Batu Caves, 26 January Text by Kim Starr Photos by Kimbra Naber and Jennifer Guthrie Thaipusam is an amazing spectacle of faith and endurance that all expats living in KL should experience at least once during their time here. The three-day festival of penance and thanksgiving is held each year at the Batu Caves during the full moon of the tenth month of Thai in the Tamil calendar. The Tamil calendar is lunar, so the timing of Thaipusam varies year to year, but occurs typically between mid-January and mid-February. Drawing crowds of over a million Hindu faithful from around Malaysia as well as tens of thousands of tourists, the festival honors Lord Subramaniam, a.k.a. Shiva’s son Murugan, marking the day he was given a lance to vanquish three demons. The AAM tour coincided with the eve of the festival and our knowledgeable guides educated the group on our coach ride to the caves about the history, tradition and meaning behind the event we were about to witness. We were led down to the riverside where the devotees wash themselves and shave their heads before forming a procession and carrying different types of kavadis (portable altars decorated with peacock feathers, pictures of deities, and flowers) up the 272 steps to give their offerings to their gods. This ritual act is performed as fulfillment to answered prayers. Accompanied by rhythmic drumming and chanting, the worshipers often achieve a trancelike state and may even pierce their tongues, cheeks and bodies with long spikes as part of the ritual! Under the glow of the full moon, the spectacle is truly a surreal and unforgettable experience. So if you missed it this time around, mark your calendars for next year!
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Memories Chinatown Walking Tour, 7 February Photos by Arden Wight and Jennifer Guthrie
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american association of malaysia KL
March 2013
Sun
Mon
Tues
Wed
31
3
10
4
1 - 3 p.m. Mahjong
11
1 - 3 p.m. Mahjong
VENUE KEY
AAM Office Tel : (03) 4021 4368
AAM Off Site
email: aam_kl05@streamyx.com
5
10 - 11 a.m. Bingo @ Little Sisters of the Poor
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Thu
8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Hari Moyang Celebration on Carey Island
6
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Beginner’s Bahasa Malaysia
Fri 1
12 - 2 p.m. First Fridays @ TGIF, Pavilion
Sat 2
7 a.m. KL Roadrunners
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9
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28
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7 a.m. KL Roadrunners
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting
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9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Beginner’s Bahasa Malaysia 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting
10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. “Rising to the Occasion” Breadmaking Wshop
7 a.m. KL Roadrunners
12 p.m. Lunch Bunch Amadeus @ Wisma Life Centre
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1 - 3 p.m. Mahjong
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9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Beginner’s Bahasa Malaysia
9:30 a.m. - AGM 10 a.m. Coffee Morning
7 a.m. KL Roadrunners
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting
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1 - 3 p.m. Mahjong
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9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Beginner’s Bahasa Malaysia 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting
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7 a.m. KL Roadrunners