Weeklies

Supplements Boon

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:07:17 +0600

Health[y] Tips

lesson by Boon Boonprayoon

Last week I had a false alarm on my health. It started of as allergic-to-all-intake symptoms (the term I defined myself). Then the doctor suspected some malfunction of some internal systems of my body so I was sent for a blood test. Fortunately, it was nothing related to blood or major organ systems. It was just an allergy, a serious one. What happens is I am allergic to any food not freshly cooked. Any kinds of preserved food, chemically processed or with added seasonings cause rashes just after 30 minutes of eating them. That means there are a lot of foods I cannot take, such as diary products. I then need 'food supplements' to stay healthy and physically fit for any regular activity.

Thanks to 'My Life' magazine available every Thursday in the Bangkok Post, there is a variety of contents yo make your life more pleasant. This week My Life offers tips for making your life healthier in case you need some help like me. Let's read what it is there for you.

false alarm - a warning about a danger that does not happen; a belief that something bad is going to happen, when it is not สัญญาณหลอกๆ
symptoms - a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy อาการ
malfunction - fail to work correctly การทำงานผิดปกติ
internal - connected with the inside of something ภายใน
allergy - a medical condition that causes you to react badly or feel ill / sick when you eat or touch a particular substance การแพ้สิ่งต่างๆ
preserved - to be kept in its original state in good condition การถนอม (อาหาร)
processed - to be treated in order to change it, preserve it, etc. การถนอมอาหาร
food supplement - vitamins and other foods eaten in addition to what you usually eat) อาหารเสริม

THE EXTRA HELP

The benefits of food supplements

BOONRAT ONGPHET

Are you facing health problems? Are you so busy that you have no time to eat? Are you always in a rush and have to eat fast food all the time? If your answers are yes, listen to what the experts have to say.

According to Dr Noppadon Pongpisuttinun, a family doctor, there are two kinds of extra food.

First, it is functional food. Functional food is the food we eat, those full of nutrients such as Mediterranean and Asian food. Second, it is food supplements. Food supplement is food that is registered by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and sometimes may be able to prevent you from illnesses caused by the lack of nutrients.

In this case, it can't heal you but it does benefit you more or less. Dr Noppadon says that since lifestyles have changed so much, eating habits have changed too.

Many of us are face health problems such as constipation and obesity. The doctor suggests that those who are constipated and dislike eating vegetables, taking fiber pills may be a good supplement. Brown rice, apple, banana and papaya are also good natural choices. They will help your digestive system work more effectively.

Nutritionist Yuthasak Meesisataya says that there have been an increase in the number of intestine cancer cases in Asian countries. The key reason, he cites, is the change in eating habits and lifestyle. People no longer have time to be selective about their meals. So, they sometimes aren't able to choose nutritious food that is good for their health.

Some foods stored in a plastic bag or container are not healthy as they can cause cancer in a long run.

"So, the first thing is to change one's eating habits by consuming more vegetables and fibrous food. Exercising is also a key element in keeping healthy. Exercise everyday for 15 to 30 minutes or even three times a week always helps strengthen the mind and body."

functional food - food that has had substances that are good for your health specially added to it อาหารที่มีประโยชน์ต่อสุขภาพ
register - to record something's name on an official list ขึ้นทะเบียนยา
food and Drug Administration (FDA) - องค์การอาหารและยา
nutrient - สารอาหาร
constipation - the condition of being unable to get rid of waste material from the bowels easily อาการท้องผูก
obesity - โรคอ้วน
fiber - the part of food that helps to keep a person healthy by keeping the bowels working and moving other food quickly through the body , roughage: เส้นใย (ในอาหาร)
digestive system - the series of organs inside the body that digest food ระบบย่อยอาหาร
effectively - in a way that produces the intended result or a successful result อย่างมีประสิทธิภาพ
intestine cancer - มะเร็งลำใส้
selective - tending to be careful about what or who you choose เลือกสรรด้วยความระมัดระวัง
store - to keep something in some kind of container กักเก็บ
consume - to eat or drink something บริโภค
key - very important ที่สำคัญ
element - facter องค์ประำกอบ

Recommended food supplements

FOR WOMEN

Women need more nutrition than men. So, sometimes food supplements are necessary. Evening primrose oil and omega 3 are recommended for women who suffer from menstrual cramps.

"However, these supplements normally won't be much help to those having chocolate cyst. One should not overdose on food supplements because you might lose your appetite," said Dr Noppadon.

Women also need vitamin B6, B12 and folic because they lose blood every month. For those with high concerns about aging, vitamin A, E, C and selenium are recommended. Still, you need to consult a doctor or chemist before taking any food supplement. Remember to take the recommended dose only.

Pregnant women or those with congenital diseases should not take food supplements unless recommended by their doctors.

FOR THE ELDERLY

For the elderly, who usually eat less and suffer from loss of appetite, need a lot of omega 3 and proteins. Powdered milk and more functional food is a must, suggests Yuthasak.

For those with brain and nerve problems, a diet rich in vitamin B, folic and calcium is recommended. Vegetables and fruits are a must. In addition, compounded vitamins, vitamin B1, B6 and B12 are also required for the elderly who suffer from diabetes and coronary heart disease.

FOR MEN

Men who are chain smokers and heavy drinkers, eating right is a necessity. Dr Noppadon recommends vitamin A, B1 and zinc.

"Vitamin B1 should be taken twice a day as it helps stimulate nerves," says Dr Noppadon.

OBESITY

For people suffering from obesity, Dr Noppadon suggest supplements such as lemon and basil, which also helps in weight loss. "But, of course they also need to eat right, reduce their meal quantity and exercise.

"Functional foods like wholemeal bread, instead of white bread, brown rice instead of white rice and fruits instead of desserts or snacks should be eaten," Dr Noppadon adds.

FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS

Children do not need food supplements as long as they eat a balanced diet, which is as chemical-free as possible. Natural foods are the best source of energy for them.

However, teenagers can consume food supplements.

"Particularly those that like to eat instant noodles often. They should take vitamin B or C," the doctor says.

Yuthasak also adds that every health problem has its causes. "If you can't find the causes, the problems will not be solved. Therefore, food supplements will not be of any help. If you eat right and exercise regularly then good health can be achieve, without the help of food supplements."

chocolate cyst - โรคเนื้องอกในมดลูกซึ่งหญิงไทยมีอัตราการเป็นโรคนี้สูงมาก
appetite- physical desire for food ความอยากอาหาร
aging - becoming old ชราภาพ
congenital disease - (of a disease or medical condition) existing since or before birth โรคที่เป็นแต่กำเนิด
compounded - substance formed by a chemical reaction of two or more elements in fixed amounts relative to each othe ที่รวมกัน
chain smoker - someone who smokes cigarettes continuously, lighting the next one from the one you have just smoked คนติดบุหรี่
basil - a plant with shiny green leaves that smell sweet and are used in cooking as a herb ใบโหระพา
instant noodle - บะหมี่กึ่งสำเร็จรูป

Similans Boon

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:57:01 +0600

Paradise on Earth

Lesson by Boon Boonprayoon

The Bangkok Post offers its readers a great variety of information. Take the Horizons section, for example. In his book ‘You Can Read the Bangkok Post’, Ajarn Terry describes it this way: “it is a travel section with features on interesting destinations [both home and abroad]. Here you will find a lot of practical ideas and information for trips that you might want to take or just dream about taking. The writing is much less urgent (than news writing). The writers have time and space to develop a topic in more depth."

The only discouraging factor about reading features in this section is their length. They can be quite long. Ajarn Terry suggests that (1) you not give up easily; (2) take advantage of all the help the writer gives you. (3) take a quick look through the story to see how it is organised; and (4) try to find the writer’s focus. There are usually are only one or two aspects of the topic covered in any depth.

The feature I have selected today is ‘Candidate of the week: Moo Ko Similan Marine National Park’. The Bangkok Post, in cooperation with Tourism Authority of Thailand, has organized a web-based contest for the best nine destinations in Thailand at http://www.9destinations.com/en/overview/overview.php.

Similan, is featured today as one of the rare accessible paradises on earth. It is a group of nine islands in the Andaman Sea. Unlike the famous Phi Phi and Surin Islands which offer more activities for those who are not experienced divers, Similan has survived the visits by flocks of ‘eco-tourism’ campaign and remains in pristine condition. So if you are a diver or just an amateur snorkeler, you might consider a visit to this paradise of the Andaman Sea. Even the Maldives cannot be compared to this site. I have tried them all and Similan is still the best ! Why not try it for yourself 

practical – connected with real situations rather than with ideas or theories ใช้งานได้จริง
deck – an important sentence คำโปรย
aspect – a particular part or feature of a situation, an idea, a problem, etc.; a way in which it may be considered ประเด็น แง่มุม
featured – to include a particular person or thing as a special feature ที่ให้ความสำคัญเป็นพิเศษ
accessible – that can be reached, entered, used, seen, etc. เข้าถึงได้

บทความนี้เป็นบทความแนะนำสถานที่ท่องเที่ยวโดยเฉพาะ ดังนั้น ประโยคต่างๆ ที่ใช้ในบทความจึงเต็มไปด้วยคำคุณศัพท์ (adjective) เพื่อสร้างภาพที่เย้ายวน เชิญชวนให้ผู้อ่านเกิดความรู้สึกสนใจและอยากไปสัมผัสด้วยตนเอง ดังนั้น วันนี้ดิฉันอยากให้คุณผู้อ่านทั้งหลายลองหา adjective ที่ใช้บรรยายคุณสมบัติของหมู่เกาะสิมิลัน และนำ adjective เหล่านั้นมาสร้างประโยคของคุณเอง ลองสมมติว่าคุณกำลังเขียนอีเมล์ชวนเพื่อนๆ ไปเที่ยวหมู่เกาะสิมิลันในช่วงเทศกาลปีใหม่นี้ แล้วส่งมาที่ boonbest@hotmail.com หากคุณต้องการให้ตรวจทานงานเขียนของคุณค่ะ Free of charge, of course!
ที่นี้เมื่อจะเริ่มหา adjective คุณต้องรู้จักตำแหน่งของ adjective เสียก่อน
adjective จะถูกนำมาวางไว้หน้านาม หรือหลัง linking verb (กริยาใช้บอกคุณสมบัติของประธาน)
หากว่า adjective เกิดจากการนำคำกริยามาเปลี่ยนรูป หรือ มาเป็นกลุ่มคำพร้อมกับคำบุพบท adjective ก็จะวางไว้หลังนามที่ถูกขยายความนั้นๆ

ตัวอย่าง

Generally considered to be one of the top 10 diving sites on Earth, the Similan archipelago have been described as "the world's most accessible piece of paradise".

Generally considered to be one of the top 10 diving sites on Earth, เป็น adjective phrase ขยาย Similan
of the top 10 diving sites ขยาย one
top 10 diving ขยาย sites
the world's most accessible piece of paradise เป็น adjective ขยาย the paradise

Candidate of the week: Moo Ko Similan Marine National Park

http://www.9destinations.com

Generally considered to be one of the top 10 diving sites on Earth, the Similan archipelago have been described as "the world's most accessible piece of paradise". Nor are its coral reefs and abundant marine life the only attractions; most visitors rave about the crystal-clear, turquoise-tinted waters of the Andaman Sea, the powdery white sand of the beaches and the plethora of winged and terrestrial creatures, many rare or endangered.

Beginning 70km from the nearest point on the mainland (in Phangnga province), Moo Ko Similan National Park covers an area of 140km2 and when it was declared the Kingdom's 43rd national park back in 1982 it encompassed nine islands, hence its name (similan means "nine" in Yawi, the dialect of Malay spoken in many parts of the far South; sembilan is "nine" in Malay proper).
Two additional islands - Ko Bon and Ko Tachai, geologically and physically quite separate from the rest - were put under the protection of rangers in 1989 and today the park boasts in excess of 100 dive sites - although only 13 are open to the general public.

Leviathans of the sea like the whale shark and manta ray can often be seen here. And those who haven't done a scuba-diving course can always go snorkelling: there are four major points for this off Ko Si (aka Ko Mieng) - which also has bungalows - and Ko Paed (aka Ko Similan), where there's a spot to pitch tents.

Vegetation on the archipelago ranges from sparse beach cover and shrub to proper evergreen forests with big, tall trees.
Of the approximately 140 types of wildlife found in the park, one of the highlights has to be poo kai (Gecarcoidea lalandii). A large species of land crab, the male is dark purple and the female sports red pincers. It has long legs, short pincers and is nocturnal. If you stay overnight at Ko Si you're almost sure to spot some of these magnificent creatures if you take the trail which cuts through the forest from the beach-front bungalow area on the west coast to Hat Lek on the east. The crabs emerge from their burrows after dark to look for food and if you tread carefully and keep quiet you might hear the peculiar sound that they make; some people have compared it to the call of a chick.

Wake early in the morning to feast your eyes on cha pi nai (the Nicobar pigeon aka Caloenas nicobarica) as they walk around searching for tasty tidbits on the ground. The bird can grow up to 40cm in length, has metallic-green plumage with green and copper hackles on its neck and a very short, white tail. Flying foxes are also plentiful on this island.

Underground sources of fresh water have been tapped on a few islands and closed waste-water systems are used to prevent pollution. To preserve the ecology of the park, rangers limit the number of daytime visitors to 600; a maximum of 120 people are permitted to stay on any one night. The park is open from November 15 to April 30.

If you haven't been already, maybe you should consider a trip. And if you have then you've almost certainly been impressed, so why not visit http://www.9destinations.com and give Moo Ko Similan Marine National Park a vote in our Thailand's Top Destinations campaign?

marine life - sea and the creatures and plants that live there ชีวิตสัตว์ในท้องทะเล
turquoise-tinted - to have a colour of turquoise สีฟ้าน้ำทะเล
plethora - an amount that is greater than is needed or can be used; excess ที่มีมากเกินไป
terrestrial - living on the land or on the ground, rather than in water, in trees or in the air บนบก หรือบนโลก
declared - to say sth officially or publicly ได้รับการประกาศ
encompassed - to include a large number or range of things ล้อมรอบ รวมเข้าไว้ด้วยกัน
rangers - a person whose job is to take care of a park, a forest or an area of countrysid เจ้าหน้าที่อุทธยาน
boasts - to have something that is impressive and that you can be proud of โอ้อวด
leviathans - a very large and powerful thing สัตว์ทะเลขนาดใหญ่เช่นปลาวาฬ,สิ่งใหญ่โตที่มีอำนาจมาก
pitch - to put up กางเต๊นท์
vegetation - plants in general, especially the plants that are found in a particular area or environment พันธุ์ไม้หรือพืชทั้งหลายในบริเวณหนึ่ง
evergreen forests - ป่าไม้ซึ่งมีต้นไม้ที่เขียวชอุ่มตลอดปี
pincer - a sea creature with a hard shell, eight legs and two pincers (= curved and pointed arms for catching and holding things ปูที่มีก้ามใหญ่
nocturnal - active at night ที่ออกหากินในเวลากลางคืน
tidbit - a small special piece of food; morsel อาหารอร่อย
hackles - the hairs on the back of the neck of a dog, cat, etc. that rise when the animal is afraid or angry ขนบริเวณแผงคอของสัตว์
flying fox - a large bat ค้างคาว

mangostein Boon

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:36:44 +0600

Mangkut, Anyone?

See 'Mangosteen the superfruit?' from Real-time page R6

Lesson by Boon Boonprayoon

Two years ago when I went to Canada chaperoning a group of students during their summer English programme, I was read an article in a local newspaper on the 10 best fruits in the world. Many of them are found in Thailand and mangkut was one of those mentioned. From that time, I have noticed a gradually increasing demand for dietary supplements extracted from this purple-skinned fruit. Many all health-related products have ingredients extracted from it, too. So, finally, we now have a Bangkok Post about mangkut.

There are many interesting points in this article. Here are some things for you to consider while you read.

- Has mangkut any proven certification of its super qualities? Or is it just a myth?
- Are there any other fruits in Thailand that may benefit your health? What are those fruits mentioned?
- What suggestions does the writer have for how to choose fruits and vegetables that are health-promoting ones?

chaperoning - to work as chaperoned (a person, such as a parent or a teacher, who goes with a group of young people on a trip or to a dance to encourage good behaviour) ดูแลเด็กนักเรียน
demand - the desire or need of customers for goods or services which they want to buy or use ความต้องการของผู้บริโภค
dietary supplement - อาหารเสริม
extracted - a substance that has been obtained from sth else using a particular process สกัด

เมืองไทยเป็นแหล่งอาหารที่ดีที่สุดแห่งหนึ่งของโลก ทว่าคนไทยเสียเองเล่าที่มักมองข้ามขุมทรัพย์ที่เรามีอยู่จนกระทั่งสิ่งมีค่าเหล่านั้นได้รับการบอกกล่าวจากคนต่างถิ่นว่ามีประโยชน์มากเพียงใด เรื่องของมังคุดเป็นอีกตัวอย่างหนึ่งที่คนไทยต้องรอให้ฝรั่งมาบอกเล่าว่ามีประโยชน์ยิ่งนัก อาหารเสริมและผลิตภัณฑ์เกี่ยวกับสุขภาพหลายอย่างที่มีส่วนผสมมาจากมังคุดถูกจดทะเบียนลิขสิทธิ์เป็นของชาวต่างชาติไป นั่นเพียงเพราะเราไม่ให้ความสำคัญกับทรัพย์ในดินสินในน้ำของเรา
บทความในวันนี้นอกจากจะให้ความรู้เกี่ยวกับมังคุดแล้วยังทิ้งท้ายให้เราคนไทยคิดต่อกันว่า ยังมีผลไม้และอาหารอีกมากมายที่เป็นของพื้นเมืองเราที่มีประโยชน์ไม่น้อยไปกว่ามังคุด ดังนั้น เราอย่ามัวรอช้า ศึกษาหาข้อมูลและเริ่มพิทักษ์รักษาสิ่งที่มีค่าให้อยู่กับแผ่นดินไทยต่อไปค่ะ

Mangosteen the superfruit?

PAMELA TAN

The sweet and juicy white fruit enclosed in a deep dark purple pericarp is being hailed as a new health discovery — but with some reservations

The superfruit market really took off in the US in the past couple of years, a response to the worldwide quest for what’s good, what’s natural, and what’s exotic and what’s trendy.

Google the word and you’ll find rafts of information on dietary supplements, nutrition articles, research, online stores and marketing details. The majority of the websites seem to centre on a small list of tropical fruit varieties: acai, pomegranate, noni, goji, blueberry, cranberry, grape, guarana, sea-buckthorn and mangosteen.

Mangosteen juices, acai extracts, pomegranate flavour protein shakes and similar products are rapidly popping up on supermarket shelves in the USA. Despite dwindling sales in the fruit industry generally, superfruit companies such as XanGo, selling mangosteen juice are posting million dollar sales.

The superfruit concept is similar to the super foods model popularised by Dr Perricone on the Oprah Winfrey show or Dr Pratt’s bestselling ‘‘Superfoods RX.’’ Capitalising on the belief that "you are what you eat", the super foods construct promotes consumption of particular high-nutrient food varieties for improved health and better quality of life. Superfruits do the same for fruit.

In their trend-setting position, superfruit products can command high prices. Some superfruit juices are tagged 10-20 percent higher than others that aren’t accorded ‘‘super’’ status. The high price tag is most likely attributed to the fruit’s exotic novelty, although they have been staple crops in Asia for generations.

Like anything trendy, controversy is never far away, and questionable nutritional claims, lack of long-term independent studies and government endorsement have threatened public acceptance of superfruits. As yet there is no Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) endorsement for any measurable nutritional superfruit content.

But the companies are standing-by their fruit. The FDA allows products to be marketed as dietary supplements if they are labeled with truthful information about the effect of the product on the structure or function of the body. And recent research on some superfruit has indicated promising health benefits.

A University of California cancer clinical study, for example, showed that pomegranate-derived metabolites can slow the incidence of prostate specific antigen in men with recurrent prostate cancer.

However, when compared to a superfruit pomegranate, a banana with no superfruit ID shows more calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, folate, protein and fiber, and it has less sugar, too.

The pomegranate may be at the humble but lovable banana in iron, vitamins A and K, alpha and betacarotene, but garden varieties like apples, pears and oranges, though they may seem dull and ordinary, are well researched and have affordable established market prices.

Ultimately, good nutrition is an individual choice. Fruit and vegetables are everywhere. Enjoy the seasonal variety of flavours while making informed choices about nutrition is a simple, cheap and sensible way to healthy living every day.

If superfruits are like Superman, a lot of the Clark Kents live in Thailand, like the mangosteen or mangkut. Does it qualify as a superfruit? Well, it’s thought to be the biggest natural source of xanthones, with 43 different kinds, xanthones being plant phenols with strong anti-oxidant properties that support the immune system and neutralize free radicals in the body. They’re also said to be helpful to many conditions including high cholesterol levels, allergies, microbial and fungal infections, inflammations and gastric disorders.

The xanthones are not exactly in the fruit itself, but in the thick, purple pericarp, which is pretty well inedible. But it can be freeze-dried and incorporated in capsule form and probably in juice, too.

However, above and beyond all of that, its unique appearance and flavour — the pure snow whiteness and the vivid sweetness accompanied by the zing of fresh acidity — make it one of the most desirable fruit varieties ever. It has become enormously popular in the USA, but we have it right here every year from May to August or September.

Vocabularly
took off - to become successful or popular very quickly or suddenly ดัง เป็นที่นิยมทั่วกัน
quest - long search for sth, especially for some quality such as happiness การตามล่า
exotic - from or in another country, especially a tropical one; seeming exciting and unusual because it is connected with foreign countries ที่หายากเพราะมาจากต่างถิ่น
trendy - very fashionableได้รับความนิยมในช่วงเวลาใดเวลาหนึ่ง
google - search เสาะหา
raft - a large number or amount of something จำนวนมาก
dietary - concerning food and drinks เกี่ยวกับอาหาร
supplement - vitamins and other foods eaten in addition to what you usually eat สารอาหารเสริม
dwindling - to become gradually less or smaller ลดน้อยลง
capitalise on - to gain a further advantage for yourself from a situation ได้รับผลพลอยได้จาก
consumption - the act of using energy, food or materials; the amount used การบริโภค
command - order สั่งการ
accord - to agree with something เห็นด้วย สอดคล้องกับ
attribute to - to say or believe that sth is the result of a particular thing สืบเนื่องมาจาก
novelty - the quality of being new, different and interesting สิ่งใหม่ๆ
staple crops - the large plants being farmed in a particular area พืชพันธุ์ที่ปลูกเป็นจำนวนมาก
endorsement - a public statement or action showing that you support somebody or something การประกาศให้การสนับสนุน
content - the things that are contained in sth: ส่วนประกอบ
stand by - to still believe or agree with sth you said, decided or agreed earlier อยู่เคียงข้าง
indicate - to state ระบุว่า
promising - being full of hope ที่มีความหวัง
derived - obtained or got from ได้รับมาจาก
prostate - a small organ in men, near the bladder, that produces a liquid in which sperm is carried ต่อมลูกหมาก
antigen - a substance that enters the body and starts a process that can cause disease. The body then usually produces antibodies to fight the antigens ตัวการที่ทำให้เกิดโรคต่างๆในร่างกาย
beat the humble - showing you do not think that you are as important as other people; modest ถ่อมตัว เจียมตัว
immune system - the system in your body that produces substances to help it fight against infection and disease ระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน
neutralize - to stop something for having any effect ปรับสมดุลย์ ป้องกัน
free radicals- an atom or group of atoms that has an electron that is not part of a pair, causing it to take part easily in chemical reactions. Free radicals in the body are thought to be one of the causes of diseases such as cancer สารก่อมะเร็ง
allergies - a medical condition that causes you to react badly or feel ill / sick when you eat or touch a particular substance โรคภูมิแพ้
microbial and fungal infections - การติดเชื้อจากจุลินทรีย์หรือเชื้อรา
inflamation - a condition in which a part of the body becomes red, sore and swollen because of infection or injury การอักเสบบวม
gastric disorder - an illness concerning a stomach system ความผิดปกติหรืออาการที่เกี่ยวกับกระเพาะอาหาร
zing - interest or excitement ความหวือหวา ความตื่นเต้น
acidity - the state of having a sour taste or of containing acid สภาพความเป็นกรด

Peace Boon

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 06:29:27 +0600

Longing for Peace...

Lesson by Boon Boonprayoon

You do not want to miss this chance of reading the voices of some educated young people. There are from a group of students selected to join forum held by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific, in partnership with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. These students share their points of views on ‘peace’ and how to make it possible for a harmonious living among diverse people.

It is funny that in such a time when there seems to be no resolution for our political conflicts, the young remind us that there are always differences of opinions. We do not have to see things the same way but we need to learn to “COMPROMISE” and listen to the voice of the MAJORITY and play by rules. That might be the only way out. So I invite you all to read and learn from the young from today’s article.

You know, the Buddha said, everything is impermanent and all the suffering happens because we want and do not want things the way they...teaching Thai people to learn what the Buddha taught, the core of Buddhism 'Anicca, Dukkha, Annatta' might be the only way out..

การอยู่ในสังคมใหญ่ให้มีความสุขนั้นเป็นไปได้หากเราเรียนรู้ที่จะอยู่ในสังคมด้วยการยอมรับฟังเสียงส่วนใหญ่ และปฏิบัติตามกฎระเบียบที่วางไว้ด้วยความเคารพกฎกติกาเหล่านั้น การแสดงออกของความเห็นที่แตกต่างนั้นย่อมกระทำได้ แต่ต้องอยู่ภายใต้กรอบของสังคม แต่ที่สำคัญที่สุดคือการฟังเสียงส่วนใหญ่ และยอมรับความเป็นจริง เพราะเสียงส่วนใหญ่คือการสะท้อนความเป็นจริงของคนในสังคมนั้นนั่นเอง

voice – opinion ความคิดเห็น
to be held – to have a meeting จัด (การประชุม งานแสดง สัมมนา) ขึ้นโดย
diverse – very different from each other and of various kinds หลากหลาย มากมาย
compromise – to give up some of your demands after a disagreement with somebody in order to reach an agreement ประนีประนอม
majority – the largest part of a group of people เสีียงส่วนมาก

Is peace just a fantasy?

Students mull over the causes of conflict

ROJANA MANOWALAILAO

John Lennon wished the world "would live as one" in his song Imagine in 1971. The lyrics were inspired by Lennon's hopes for a more peaceful world.

However, it seems that for the past 37 years, Lennon's lyrics "imagine all the people living life in peace" are still just imagination. He was a dreamer, "but he's not the only one ..."

Noting that "ignorance, lack of justice, discrimination, inequality, intolerance and exclusion provide fertile ground for violence, aggression and conflict", Mr Koichiro Matsuura, director-general of Unesco emphasized Unesco's role as the lead agency of the 2001-2010 International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World campaign.

He said: "Unesco's commitment to peace, dialogue and universal values is thus needed more than ever. So is the necessity to reaffirm the essential role of those values in bringing about a world of greater tolerance and of mutual understanding, respect and support in the observance of human rights."

More than 200 students recently gathered at a youth forum at Chulalongkorn University to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace, which falls annually on Sept 21.

The students discussed the role of human rights in achieving peace. This year's event coincided with the United Nations campaign to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The forum was organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific, in partnership with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University.

At the forum, 12 students talked with the Bangkok Post about "peace" and how it can be achieved.

Salisa Napathorn, 17, Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School
"I can't really see how peace can be achieved worldwide. But as a tiny molecule in the society, at least we can start from ourselves. If we think of ourselves less and see others before ourselves, several problems can be avoided.

When people have to work together, there are chances of conflict and those conflicts usually come from only one cause, people not seeing things the same way. So, when problems arise, we need to look at them from different angles and try to understand and compromise."

Alhuda Chanitphattana, 21, Kasetsart University
"What is peace? In the classroom, I learn about conflicts and its technical term, but not about peace. If the definition of peace is not clearly defined, how can people achieve it?"

Teerayut Teerasupaluck, 23, Thammasat University
"I once felt discriminated against when I was living in America as an exchange student. I found that because the people didn't know about other countries, they judged those who are different from themselves through stereotypes.

"Why do people look down on people who are different? "The Thai education system also doesn't offer much opportunity for students to learn about other countries. So, when students have little knowledge, they tend not to care, and it makes them look as if they are ignorant."

Assarof Sasanakul, 21, Chulalongkorn University
"Some young people only live in their own small world, driving in a comfy car, shopping and going on trips, but they don't open to the real world of people living in poverty and discrimination. They don't exercise the power they have, which is the power that can lead to peace."

Nathan Penn Maxwell, 25, Webster University
"The basic rule for peace is that you should treat people the way you want to be treated. You should value a person equally. A lot of people feel like they're entitled to do certain things, but they should acknowledge that other people have the same fundamental needs. People with the same basic needs don't agree on how to fulfil those needs. Ideas of freedom have to grow out of the soul of those nations.

"Democracy can be utilised as a model to facilitate peace and freedom. However, it must be grown from the will of people. It cannot be imposed."

Thanasak Charernrat, 20, Kasetsart University
"We should learn and understand our culture as much as we can and then learn about others as well so that we know why people are doing what they do and why they don't [do other things]."

Chakrit Issmun, 20, Srinakharinwirot University
"Peace can start in education institutes. A university is a model of the bigger society where the rich, the poor, and different races and creeds live together. It's the place where we can learn to accept each other and individual differences. But at present, there's even a divide in universities. People from one faculty don't get along with those from another faculty. It would be a good start if we can make people in the same university love and compromise with one another."

Panjaworrawat Chatwattananan, 21, Srinakharinwirot University
"Conflicts come from people who don't know their duties and responsibilities. As students, we should concentrate on our studies, for example. When people are aware of their roles and act accordingly, and don't cross other people, there'll be less trouble and more order, which is the foundation of peace."

Parnchanok Prasongnijjakij, 18, Thammasat University
"Youth is a mechanism to move the nation. Although we don't have power, we do have rights and the freedom to express our wants. Raising awareness among young people is very necessary to get together, build networks and contribute to society."

Catina Ponticello, 23, Webster University
"When people are educated, they become more tolerant of cultural diversity and they don't see the diversity as [negative]. We should give rights to everyone to believe what they want to believe and respect everyone and every society as individuals. We wouldn't have conflicts if everyone looked at each other on the same level."

Rachtaphol Sabhavasu, 17, Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School
"Sport links people together and helps tighten relationships. It teaches people a lesson of friendship, to lose some, win some and to forgive. Then peace will follow.

"I was selected as one of two students to represent Thailand in the recent Olympic Youth Camp in Beijing, China. There the participants shared the same goal: 'One world, one dream'."

Rojana Manowalailao is a media and communications officer at Unesco Bangkok. She has a master's degree in Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia, US, and a master's in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Tefl) from Thammasat University. She has been a teacher and journalist. You may contact her at rojana@unescobkk.org .

Vocabulary
ignorance – ความไม่รู้ ความโง่ อวิชชา
discrimination การเลือกปฏิบัติ – the practice of treating somebody less fairly
inequality – ความไม่เสมอภาค
intolerance – not willing to accept ideas or ways of behaving that are different from your own
การไม่ยอมรับความคิดที่แตกต่างไป OPPOSITE: tolerance – การยอมรับความคิดเห็นของผู้อื่น ความอดทนอดกลั้น
fertile ground – the necessary condition for something to develop easily
commitment – a promise to do something ความรับผิดชอบ
reaffirm – to state something again in order to emphasize that it is still true ให้การมั่นใจ
value – beliefs about what is right and wrong and what is important in life ค่านิยม
mutual – happening together ร่วมกัน
achieve – ทำให้สำเร็จ
coincide – to take place at the same time เกิดขึ้นพร้อมกัน
forum – a formal meeting การสัมมนา
cause – สาเหตุ
angle – a particular way of thinking or presenting a situation or problem มุมมอง
stereotype – a fixed type of something แบบแผนตายตัว
entitle – to give somebody the right to have or to do something มีสิทธิถูกต้องด้วยความชอบธรรม
fundamental need – a basic need ความต้องการขั้นพื้นฐาน
facilitate – to make things become easier ทำให้ง่ายขึ้น
impose – to put something into practice นำมาปฏิบัติ
cultural diversity ความหลากหลายทางวัฒนธรรม – great differences of cultures
tighten relationship – to make a relationship stronger กระชับความสัมพันธ์

Alternative Boon

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:23:16 +0600

Alternative approach

See 'Freedom to learn' from Education front page
Lesson by Boon Boonprayoon

Once again we read about an alternative approach in getting the best out of the young ones. There are various theories and methods to teach, raise, and nurture children. None is an absolute perfect solution. What we can do is to try our best to match children's needs. Today, Khun Sonthaya Chutisacha, a graduate with a counselling psychology degree, shares with us her point of view on bringing up and teaching young children.

Reading through the article you would clearly get the message that with the high demands and competitiveness in our society a large group of experts has sprung up offering professional advice on child development and learning. It has become more common for a child to be labelled with a learning disorder, a special need, etc. That is done to help such a child get the best care for his or her problem.

Khun Sonthaya looks at the situation differently. She prefers not to judge any children and label them, but to instead offer a stress-free learning environment for them. No matter what you believe, today's article is another way to look at child development and how to find the most suitable way of bringing up up children. After all, they will be the ones who are responsible for our future when we get old.

Freedom to learn

The key is to understand, control and remove stress

DIMPLE DUANGTHIP ARORA

‘A mind that is free of stress is a mind that is free to explore,’’ says Khun Sonthaya Chutisacha, as she explains her philosophy of a good education programme. She has pioneered a programme that involves invoking a love of learning in young children by eliminating physical, mental and emotional stress. This past year, she successfully shared her approach in a programme called ‘‘Learning through Movement and Awareness’’ in workshops, with teachers and at many of the major international schools.

Initial observations

With a Master in Counselling Psychology degree, Sonthaya (‘‘Sandy’’) is an educator with many years of experience in working with children from all segments of society. Some are slow and sometimes referred to as ‘‘special-needs children’’; others, who learn faster, are referred to as ‘‘regular’’ children, as classified by the present education system. Sonthaya, however, sees children through a different set of lenses. ‘‘Every child is unique, with a unique pace of learning [and a unique] understanding of, and way of coping with, the world around him that needs to be respected,’’ she says.

‘‘Of course, there are some children who are mentally challenged or have [actual] learning disorders, and they need to be in an environment that is different from that found in a regular school,’’ says Sonthaya.

One size does not fit all

‘‘What disturbs me today is the current trend among teachers in applying labels to students. Labels, such as ADHD [Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder], are being overused to the point of abuse, as such labels have a damaging impact on the self-esteem of otherwise healthy children,’’ says Sonthaya as she reflects on her experience working with so-called ‘‘special-needs’’ children.

Sonthaya has worked in a special-needs school for a number of years. During her experience with the school’s children — who had apparently been made to drop out of their regular schools — she discovered something quite simple, yet disturbing. Most of the children had very normal IQs but, due to some stress factor in their life, they did not enjoy learning.

Consequently, they did not comprehend all things completely and performed poorly in class as a result. Low self-esteem was both a result and a cause of further depreciation of their morale.

‘Special’ vs ‘individual’ needs

She then undertook the task of understanding each student in her class on an individual level. She discovered that in the majority of the cases, each child was under some form of stress.

The cause of stress could be anything ranging from poor diet or lack of sleep, to communication problems with a parent or teacher, or fear of peers and performance at school.

The so-called special-needs children had special needs alright, but the needs had nothing to do with their IQ and mental abilities! ‘‘How do I get them to enjoy education?’’ was the next challenge beckoning her. Here is where she pioneered a holistic teaching approach that incorporated elements of brain gym, yoga, intentional breathing and holistic nutrition into the academic curriculum. Such simple measures almost miraculously centralised the energy of these children, who appeared to become more attentive in class.

Her coup de graˆce was to convert her class into a stress-free haven. Her method of teaching encouraged a high level of student participation along with innovative thinking followed by alternative solutions by her students

Stress-free growth centre

‘‘Today,’’ she says proudly, ‘‘most of these so-called special-needs children are on to something major in their lives. One of my students has gotten into animation, another one is on her way to becoming an occupational therapist. By just removing the stress factor and restoring their self-esteem, I helped to develop a love of learning in these children. And this thirst for and love of knowledge characterises innovative thinkers, who know how to think and search for answers.’’

Sonthaya has realised her vision to develop a learning centre for children. The Grow International Learning Centre is a not-for-profit learning centre supported by Knowledge Source Institute (Thailand).

It currently offers programmes for toddlers and preschoolers (ages one to six years). ‘‘They could be the innovators and explorers of tomorrow, at peace with themselves and the world around them because here they will learn to ‘love to learn’,’’ she says. The academic curriculum followed is the English National Curriculum. Seeing the profound effects of diet on the mental alertness and physical agility of children, she provides snacks in line with holistic nutrition.

Sonthaya deploys her acquired skills and experience in brain gym, intentional breathing and yoga to bring out the best in her students. She also incorporates other creative arts, such as music, dancing, gardening and handicrafts into the curriculum.

Sonthaya often cites Albert Einstein’s ‘‘I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn’’ as a quote that sums up the philosophy of her education programme.

Message to parents
Sonthaya’s message for parents is, ‘‘Please do not rush into labelling your children and obtaining professional assessments. Understand that they are individuals with emotional needs that are not met by keeping them involved in one activity after another. Try and assess every area of their life to see where the stress that is affecting their behaviour and performance at school is coming from. Develop a positive rapport with your child — she or he is not only a duty, but someone who could be a wonderful friend to you. Help your child unfold with loving awareness, not labels.’’

Sonthaya would be pleased to liaise with international schools to provide an intervention programme for students who are not coping. Students may attend after school hours, or join the centre for a term. The aim is to get them back on track. For more information, visit www.growpreschool.blogspot.com , or read the online document at www.growilc.com/playlearngrow.pdf, or email growilc@gmail.com.

Vocabulary

pioneer - when somebody pioneers something, they are one of the first people to do, discover or use something new ริเริ่ม

invoke - to mention or use a law, rule, etc. as a reason for doing something ก่อให้เกิด
eliminate - to remove or get rid of something / somebody กำจัด
physical - connected with a person’s body rather than their mind ทางร่างกาย
mental -connected with or happening in the mind; involving the process of thinking ทางจิตใจ
approach -to start dealing with a problem, task, etc. in a particular way วิธีการ
awareness - knowing sth; knowing that sth exists and is important; being interested in something ความตระหนัก
workshop - a period of discussion and practical work on a particular subject, in which a group of people share their knowledge and experience การประชุมเชิงปฏิบัติการ
initial - happening at the beginning; first ในเบื้องต้น
segment -a part of something that is separate from the other parts or can be considered separately กลุ่ม ส่วน
different sets of lenses มองด้วยมุมต่างๆ
pace [of something ] - the speed at which something happens: จังหวะ
cope with - to manage; to deal successfully with something difficult จัดการกับปัญหา
disturb - to make somebody worry ทำให้วุ่นวายใจ
self-esteem - great respect and admiration; a good opinion of somebody ความภูมิใจในตัวเอง
comprehend - to fully understand เข้าใจดี
depreciation - to make something seem unimportant or of no value การลดความสำคัญ
morale - the amount of confidence and enthusiasm, etc. that a person or a group has at a particular time ขวัญกำลังใจ
beckon - to give somebody a signal using your finger or hand, especially to tell them to move nearer or to follow you; signal ทำให้สนใจ
Holistic teaching approach http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holistic_education
incorporate - to include something so that it forms a part of something รวมเข้าด้วยกัน
attentive - listening or watching carefully and with interest ด้วยความเอาใจใส่
haven - a place that is safe and peaceful where people or animals are protected ที่พักพิง
innovative - introducing new ideas or ways of doing something เกี่ยวกับการปฏิรูป การปรับปรุงใหม่
agility - ability to move quickly ความคล่องแคล่ว
in line with - ควบคู่ไปกับ
rapport - a friendly relationship in which people understand each other very well ความเป็นมิตร
liaise - to work closely with sb and exchange information with them ประสานงานระหว่าง ติดต่อระหว่าง

numbers boon

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:21:37 +0600

1, 3, 8 or 9? Which is the luckiest number?

See 'Lucky and Unlucky Numbers' on Education page E3
Lesson by Boon Boonprayoon

What is your lucky number? One wise man says that mine is 17 :) But I have never had anything to do with the number 17 so far.

Let me give an example on how superstitious Thai people are. My maid is a vivid example. If I tell her about what kind of dream I had last night, she would quickly figure out what numbers are relevant to such a dream. She would rush off to buy a lottory ticket, and surprisingly, she gets the correct winning number every time she does so.

Superstitions about numbers are universal and timeless. Not only Thai people are superstitious. People from different cultures are to. The Chinese believe number 8 is auspicious. The Japanese and the Chinese also share the belief that number 4 is unlucky while westerners do not like to have anything to do with number 13.

Today Catherine Johnson shares with us interesting thoughts behind numbers. She talks about the Chinese's belief in the lucky number 8 and the unlucky number 13 that is supposed to bring you bad luck. If you visit any western office building, you will not be surprised to see that the 13th floor is usually left out from the control panel in the elevator. The other unlucky number we learn today is 666. What was the origin of that belief?
No matter what is said about lucky and unlucky numbers, it is all you yourself that decide your own fate...not the numbers!

superstitious - believing in superstitions เชื่อโชคลาง
relevant - closely connected with the subject you are discussing or the situation you are thinking about ที่เกี่ยวข้องกัน
auspicious - showing signs that sth is likely to be successful in the future อันเป็นมงคล

Here are some questions to help you get the main idea of the article:-
1. What is the author's personal standpoint on superstitions about numbers and their connotations?
2. Does the author think Asia is the only place where the concept of lucky and unlucky numbers are found?
3. What is the reason behind the Chinese's belief in the auspicious number 8?
4. Try to find examples of the beliefs of westerners concerning as many lucky / unlucky number as possible.

Lucky and unlucky numbers

Superstitions about auspicious or unlucky numbers have existed for millennia. Around one billion people, or 15 percent of the world’s population, watched the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing earlier this month. The spectacular show started at eight minutes and eight seconds past eight o’clock on Aug 8, 2008 (often written as 08:08:08 08/08/08). Many readers of the Bangkok Post probably share the Chinese belief that eight is a lucky, or auspicious, number.

In Chinese culture, numbers are considered lucky if they sound like words that mean ‘‘health’’, ‘‘wealth’’ or other positive sentiments.

The Mandarin word for ‘‘eight’’ sounds similar to the word for ‘‘prosper’’ and, in Cantonese, it is close to the word meaning ‘‘fortune’’. Finally, the Chinese characters representing ‘‘double joy’’ resemble the digits 88.

These coincidences have made eight very significant, to the extent that a telephone number consisting only of eights was auctioned to Sichuan Airlines for over $250,000 (8.53 million baht). At the time, this price made it the most expensive telephone number in the world. However, in 2006 a number consisting exclusively of sixes was sold in Qatar for a staggering $2.75 million (93.8 million baht).

Lottery numbers

Auspicious numbers are a widespread phenomenon throughout Asia, including Thailand, where it is common for people to visit especially lucky shrines to ask for guidance in picking lottery numbers. In the West, people often use the birthdates of family members or study which numbers appear more frequently.

I am not sure whether they believe that a number that has come up frequently in the past is more likely to occur again, or whether they think that they should pick a number that hasn’t come up often, believing that it must be due soon! The truth is, there is absolutely no way to predict the outcome of random events.

Although Western cultures tend to be less superstitious about numbers, irrational beliefs about luck are commonplace. In England, many people would avoid walking under a ladder or putting an umbrella up inside the house, as these actions are supposed to bring bad luck.

Unlucky 13
Friday the 13th is also considered to be an unlucky day in several European countries, although I would strongly recommend booking a flight on Friday the 13th whenever possible. With people afraid to fly on what is believed to be an unlucky day, you are more likely to have an adjacent empty seat and so can stretch out comfortably!

The number 13 has been considered unlucky by many cultures. In Thailand, the digits, when rotated, are said to resemble the Thai word for ‘‘ghost’’. As far back as 1,760 BC, the Code of Hammurabi omitted a 13th law and to this day, the superstition persists.

For example, there is no car numbered 13 in Formula One motorsport, condominium buildings often prefer to label floors 12A and 12B, and some airlines and airports omit gate 13 and row 13 altogether. The extreme fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia, from the Greek words tris (three), kai (and), deka (10) and phobia (fear of). Triskaidekaphobia is unusually widespread across many different cultures.

The ‘Devil’s digits’

Most number superstitions are confined to one country, one period of history or one particular religious group. For instance, the number 666 is held to be ‘‘the number of the beast’’ among Christians, but is lucky in China and is considered holy in Judaism.

One interesting theory is that the Bible’s original Book of Revelation did not specify the number 666, but merely referred to a ‘‘large number’’. When writing a large number in Roman numerals, the author could have simply written out all of the available symbols: D (500), C (100), L (50), X (10), V (5) and I (1) in descending order. The result, DCLXVI, is 666.

Mathematically speaking

As a mathematics teacher, I find numbers and their relationships fascinating and instructive, but I do not have a personal lucky number or hold any superstitious beliefs about them. I prefer to consider the mathematical definition of ‘‘lucky numbers’’, which can be found below.

Activity: First, write out a list of positive integers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, etc. Next, cross out every second number, leaving 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11. Then, because the next surviving number is three, cross out every third number of your new list, leaving 1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 19. The next surviving number is seven, so cross out every seventh number, and keep following that pattern.

The numbers you have left are: 1, 3, 7, 9, 13, 15, 21, 25. These are the ‘‘lucky numbers’’ in mathematics, and it transpires that 13 is a lucky number after all!

millennia - showing signs that sth is likely to be successful in the future หลายพันปี
spectacular - very impressive ตระการตา
prosper - to develop in a successful way; to be successful, especially in making money มั่งคั่ง
resemble - to look like or be similar to another person or thing คล้ายคลึง
significant - large or important enough to have an effect or to be noticed ที่สำคัญ
to the extent used to show how far sth is true or how great an effect it has
phenomenon - a fact or an event in nature or society, especially one that is not fully understood ปรากฏการณ์
shrine - a place where people come to worship because it is connected with a holy person or event ศาลเจ้้า
random - done, chosen, etc. without sb deciding in advance what is going to happen, or without any regular pattern: การสุ่ม
commonplace - done very often, or existing in many places, and therefore not unusualธรรมดา
adjacent - next to or near something ที่ติดกัน
persist - to continue to exist ยังคงมีอยู่
confine - to keep spmebody/something inside the limits of a particular activity, subject, area, etc. ; restrict จำักัด
fascinating -extremely interesting น่าตื่นตาตื่นใจ
instructive - giving a lot of useful information