Happy Moon Festival! – The Story behind The Moon (Mid-Autumn) Festival

Nhân dịp Lễ Trung Thu Năm 2011, văn phòng chúng tôi thuộc Trung Tâm Sức Khỏe, South Bay Pain & Rehab và California Pain Center chân thành gửi lời kính chúc quí vị hưởng mùa Trung Thu trọn vẹn, hạnh phúc và bình an.

The South Bay and Rehab Center and California Pain Center would like to wish all of

you a HAPPY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL!

TẾT TRUNG THU – MOON (MID-AUTUMN) FESTIVAL

 

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a popular Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness, dating back over 3,000 years to China’s Zhou Dynasty. In Vietnam it is called Tết Trung Thu.

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Asian Lunar calendar (this year it is on September 25^th, 2007), a date that parallels the Autumn Equinox of the solar calendar. This is the ideal time, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, to celebrate the abundance of the summer’s harvest. The traditional food of this festival is the moon cake, of which there are many different varieties.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the two most important holidays in the Chinese calendar (the other being the Asian Lunar New Year), and is a legal holiday in several countries. Farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date. Traditionally, on this day, family members and friends will gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon while the children play with their lanterns and eat moon cakes along with a warm cup of tea together.

 

 

 

TẾT TRUNG THU – Vietnamese version 

The Vietnamese version of Tết Trung Thu recounts the legend of Chú Cuội, whose banyan trees were uprooted after his wife accidentally urinated on it and took him with it to the moon. Every year, on the mid-autumn festival, children light lanterns to show Cuội the way to Earth.

In Vietnam, Mooncakes are typically square rather than round, though round ones do exist. Besides the indigenous tale of the banyan tree, other legends are widely told including the story of the Moon Lady or Hằng Nga, and the story of the carp who wanted to become a dragon.

Though the Mid-Autumn Festival is held to honor the moon, lanterns actually commemorate the sun. Like China, Vietnam is primarily an agricultural society. As autumn gives way to winter, the nights get longer, and the light and heat from the sun decrease. As a result, farmers often say prayers and hold ceremonies, urging the sun to not forget to rise. Lanterns represent this theme of “light after darkness,” of a wish for the return of the sun’s warmth and light.
As a way of showing love for their children, parents take some time out of their schedules to help children make lanterns. Since candles represent brightness, a lantern procession symbolizes success in school. The most popular lantern is the “star lantern.” Other well-known lantern shapes include dragons, butterflies, rabbits, frogs, boats, and carps. Made from paper and reinforced by a bamboo frame, they contain a central candleholder and fold up so the candle becomes enclosed within the frame. During lantern parades, when lanterns hung from thin wooden sticks sway gently in the night breeze, it appears as if children are carrying around bobbing, softly-glowing orbs of light.

Vietnamese Tết Trung Thu is centralized around children. In an impoverished country where many work for enough money to get by, not many days are left for parents to play with their children. To make up for missed time, they celebrate Tết Trung Thu to show their love. On this day, children receive toys and paper lanterns, put on traditional “unicorn” or “flower” dances, stay up late, and participate in a lantern parade underneath the harvest moon. Parents prepare their children’s favorite dishes and tell them fairytales that encourage them to strive for success. A favorite folklore, Ca Hoa Rong, is about a carp that that worked hard to become a dragon. By telling this story, parents hope to encourage their children to become whatever they want to be, and that nothing is impossible.

Besides education, success, and affection for the young, Tết Trung Thu, with its colorful array of lanterns, re-telling of fairytales, songs, and dances also promotes the arts and crafts. Other festivities include poetry recitals, dragon dances, martial arts demonstrations, multicultural performances, and costume contests.

Today, the popularity of Tết Trung Thu, once celebrated in a few Southeastern countries, has made its way to the West. The colorful lanterns, candlelight, and abundant production of Bánh Trung Thu (moon cakes) in the middle of a cool, crisp autumn have now become a norm in Vietnamese communities spread throughout the United States. Some may honor this tradition for its political or historical affiliations, others, to keep in touch with their friends and relatives and to spend some much-deserved time with their children. Still others – the romantic and imaginative types – may want to take time to appreciate the various legends that tell of a beautiful, immortal lady condemned to forever live on the moon. For whatever reason, it is cause enough to celebrate a holiday commemorating one of earth’s celestial wonders: the silvery candlelight of night, the faithfully waning and waxing moon.

U.S. Women’s soccer team in World Cup final

Credit: Associated Press

France’s Gaetane Thiney, center, is challenged by United States’ Heather O Reilly and United States’ Ali Krieger (Forest Park), right, during the semifinal match

By Associated Press
Published: July 13, 2011
Updated: July 14, 2011 – 8:34 AM

» 0 Comments | Post a Comment

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany (AP) — Abby Wambach sure knows how to deliver.

A goal, a promise and soon, she hopes, a World Cup title.

The U.S. women had fans on edge once again untilWambach broke a tense tie with her header off a corner kick in the 79th minute Wednesday. Alex Morgan scored three minutes later to seal a 3-1 semifinal victory over France, and the Americans let loose with a party that carried all the way across the Atlantic Ocean.

Next up, a trip to the World Cup final Sunday in Frankfurt that will be the first for Americans since 1999, when they last won it all. They’ll play Japan, which upset Sweden 3-1 to move one step away from realizing its own dream.

“We’ve achieved part of our goal. We’re in the final,” Wambach said. “We want to complete it. We want to be world champs.”

So do their fans, new and old.

The Americans captivated the crowd back home with their epic, come-from-behind win over Brazil on Sunday, and a little thing called a workday wasn’t going to deter them. Some fans skipped work — bars opened early for the noon EDT kickoff — while others sneaked peeks at the game in the office. At the Phoenix airport, dozens of fans crowded around TVs to watch the game.

When the final whistle blew, Hollywood celebrities, pro athletes and ordinary folks who didn’t know a free kick from a corner kick just a few days ago flooded Twitter with congratulations. “My heroes. Wambach. Boxx.Rapinoe. Solo. That TEAM! Our team!” actor Tom Hanks tweeted. Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers said, “Awesome job US Women, finish it off Sunday now.”

Wambach and company were glad to share the moment.

“These wins, we can’t do it alone. We know a whole nation is cheering us on,” Wambach said. “We believe in ourselves and we’re in the final. I couldn’t be happier.”

A little relieved, too.

France was the surprise of the tournament, making the semifinals with a creativity and flair that was breathtaking to behold. And for much of the game, the U.S. couldn’t contain Les Bleues.

“We didn’t play well today,” U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. “However, we find a way to win and that’s a credit to the players’ hearts. That’s what makes it so wonderful to be coach of this team.”

With the U.S. struggling to create opportunities in the middle, Sundhage replaced Carli Lloyd with sparkplugMegan Rapinoe early in the second half, moved Lauren Cheney inside and pulled Wambach back to the midfield.

The difference was noticeable immediately. The Americans were able to push forward and began threatening French goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz.

Finally, in the 79th, the Americans won a corner kick.

“I told (Cheney) at halftime, ‘Put the ball to the back post, and we’re going to get a goal,'” Wambach said.

Cheney delivered the ball perfectly to the far post and, just as Wambach had predicted, she soared over the scrum and pushed the ball past Sapowicz.

“I knew Abby was going to beat her,” Cheney said, referring to the French defender who practically muggedWambach to try and contain her.

Asked how, Cheney said, “Because she’s Abby Wambach.”

Wambach let out a scream and did a sliding sprint into the corner, where she was mobbed by her teammates. It was her third goal of the tournament and 12th of her career, tying fellow American Michelle Akers for third on the all-time World Cup scoring list.

Morgan then put the game out of reach, outracing four defenders and then stutter-stepping in front of the goal, throwing Sapowicz off and leaving the American with a wide-open shot.

“The priority is not to accept another goal,” France coach Bruno Bini said through a translator. “When that happens, you’ve had it. We conceded another goal and that was it for us.”

Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy and Co. got the rock-star treatment during the ’99 World Cup, and every team since then has lived in their shadow. Part of the problem is no team’s been able to duplicate that group’s success. But nobody’s been able to captivate the U.S. public like that golden group, either.

Until now.

“Nothing to take away from them because what they did was special. What they did gave us the opportunities all of us have here,” Wambach said. “This generation is cool because we want to make a name for ourselves. We want the next generation to be ours.”

Despite the loss, the World Cup was a resounding success for the French. In just their second World Cupappearance, they reached the semifinals and qualified for next summer’s London Olympics.

“Do you know any coach who will tell you it’s fantastic to lose?” Bini asked. “But we must give credit where credit is due.”

The U.S. was staked to an early lead by Cheney’s goal in the ninth minute. But with the silky smooth Louisa Necib calling the shots, France dominated for most of the game, finishing with a whopping 25-11 advantage in shots. The French missed two great chances in the first half, with goalkeeper Hope Solo having to tip a Gaetane Thiney shot away in the 30th and Sonia Bompastor rattling the crossbar two minutes later.

Finally, in the 55th, France got its equalizer. Bompastor floated in a cross from about 30 yards and, with the dangerous Gaetane Thiney right in front of her, Solo had little opportunity to move. The ball flew right past her.

But part of the blame goes to Becky Sauerbrunn, who was starting in place of the suspended Rachel Buehlerand fell behind Thiney.

“I think (Thiney) got a step ahead of her,” Solo said. “But I definitely expect our defenders, when the ball goes in the box, to get it out of there.”

But just as they did Sunday against Brazil, the Americans got stronger and stronger as the game went on before Wambach — who scored a critical goal in the waning moments against the Brazilians — came through.

“In the end, we’re in the finals,” Wambach said, “and that’s all that matters.”

Headaches & Migraine: Chiropractic vs. Medication Research Study Effectiveness & Safety

Headaches & Migraine: Chiropractic vs. Medication

Effectiveness & Safety

In randomized clinical trials, chiropractic was 57% more effective in the reduction of headaches and migraines than drug therapy

By Mark Studin DC, FASBE(C), DAPM, DAAMLP

It was reported in October of 2010 by Wrong Diagnosis that approximately 1 in 6,16.54% or 45 million Americans get headaches yearly, with many people suffering daily. While the statistical numbers vary based upon your source of information, it can be agreed upon that headaches are very common and shared among Americans at an epidemic rate. Taking into account that a single pill for many Americans to treat a headache can cost as much as $43, according to Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs, the overall cost to our economy totals billions of dollars and we need to focus not on the treatment of the effects, but the root of the cause.

When you suffer from headaches, it affects every facet of your life and you search for immediate answers. Most often it is a medication, either over-the-counter or prescription as evidenced by the amount of money spent as previously reported. One of the first medications recognized for the potential treatment of headaches is amatriptyline, commonly known by brand names such as Elavil, Endep or Amitrol as reported by Robert on About.com in 2006. It is also used as an antidepressant. This medication has made up a large part of the billion dollar industry along with over-the counter-medications. Although in many instances, this drug is indicated, the question that arises is what are the risks of taking this widely used medication?

The potential side effects of this medication targeted for headache sufferers, according to drugs.com (n.d.), are: blurred vision, change in sexual desire or ability, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness; dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and weakness. Severe allergic reactions can be: rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, delusions, difficulty speaking or swallowing, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations, new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg, one-sided weakness, seizures, severe or persistent dizziness or headache, severe or persistent trouble sleeping, slurred speech, suicidal thoughts or actions, tremor, trouble urinating, uncontrolled muscle movements (such as in the face, tongue, arms or legs), unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, vision problems, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Over the counter remedies of NSAID’s or aspirin have a long list of their own of side effects.

The safety of chiropractic, in spite of rhetoric from naysayers, has been documented in clinical trials by Miller and Benfield (2008), who reported on children younger under 3 years old, “the youngest and most vulnerable population…” (p. 420). There was one reaction reports for every 749 adjustments which was typically crying. None were reported to have any serious side effects.

In adults, clinically, the majority of any side effects are soreness that is transient. This is based upon this author’s 30 years of clinical experience and teaching doctors of chiropractic who are trained in creating an accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan. To say that more serious side effects cannot happen is irresponsible. However, they are rare, non-life threatening and usually transient in nature, no different than infants. To ensure the best outcomes, like with any professional, you have to verify the doctor’s credentials and experience, which is best accomplished by securing a copy of the doctor’s curriculum vitae (his/her academic and professional credentials).

Nelson et. al. (1998) reported on randomized clinical trials that took place over an 8-week course. The results showed there was minor statistical differences in outcomes for improvement during the trial period for chiropractic care, amatriptyline and over-the-counter medications for treating migraine headaches. It was also reported that there was no statistical benefit in combining therapies. However, the major factor is that in the post-treatment follow-up period, chiropractic was 57% more effective in the reduction of headaches than drug therapy.

Bryans, et. al. (2011) confirmed Nelson’s findings and reported that spinal manipulation (adjusting) is recommended for patients with episodic or chronic migraines with or without aura and patients with cervicogenic headaches. This follow-up study is not a comparison or comment on the use of drugs. It simply demonstrates that chiropractic is a viable solution for many and can save the government and private industry billions in expenditures both in health care coverage, loss of productivity and avoidance of absenteeism in industry creating a new level of cost as sequella to headaches.

Medications and other forms of invasive care are often necessary and it is critical for a trained doctor to perform an accurate history and physical and when indicated, advanced diagnostic testing (CAT scans, MRI’s, etc.) to ensure there aren’t more serious underlying complications. However, based upon the results of the research provided by Nelson et al. (1998) and Bryans et. al. (2011), it should be chiropractic first, drugs second and surgery last to render better outcomes with less potential side effects and a quicker return to productivity.

References:

1. Wrong Diagnosis. (2010, October 6). Prevalence statistics for types of headaches and migraine conditions. Health Grades Inc. Retrieved from   http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/h/headache_and_migraine_conditions/prevalence-types.htm

2. Consumer Reports Health Best Buy Drugs. (n.d.). Treating migraine headaches: The triptans, Comparing effectiveness, safety, and price. Health.org. Retrieved from  http://www.consumerreports.org/health/resources/pdf/best-buy-drugs/triptanFINAL.pdf

 

3. Robert, T. (2006, May 26). Amitriptyline: Headache and migraine drug profiles. About.com. Retrieved from  http://headaches.about.com/od/medicationprofiles/a/amitriptyline.htm

 

4. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Amitriptyline side effects. Retrieved fromhttp://www.drugs.com/sfx/amitriptyline-side-effects.html

5. Miller, J. E., & Benfield, K. (2008). Adverse effects of spinal manipulative therapy in children younger than 3 years: A retrospective study in a chiropractic teaching clinic. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(6), 419-423.

6. Nelson, C. F., Bronfort, G., Evans, R., Boline, P., Goldsmith, C., & Anderson, A. V. (1998). The efficacy of spinal manipulation, amitriptyline and the combination of both therapies for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 21(8), 511-519.

7. Bryans, R., Descarreaux, M., Duranleau, M., Marcoux, H., Potter, B., Ruegg, R.,… White, E. (2011). Evidenced-based guidelines for the treatment of adults with headache. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, 34(5), 274-289.

http://www.uschirodirectory.com/index.php/chiropractic-research/item/268-headaches-a-migraines-chiropractic-vs-medication-effectiveness-a-safety

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Dr. Dao Tran and Dr. Quan Tran graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College of Los Angeles. Together, they have over 18 years of combined experience providing Chiropractic treatment for the injured and Lifestyle Chiropractic care to help their patients achieve optimum health and maintain peak performance. They have two Chiropractic offices in Southern California – Orange County-Fountain Valley and South Bay-Lawndale.
Call to make an appointment with Dr. Tran today!

California Pain Center

9475 Heil Ave., Suite D

Fountain Valley, CA 92708

(714) 775-7700

South Bay Pain and Rehab Center

14921 Prairie Ave., Ste. 2,

Lawndale, CA 90260

(310) 263-7246

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us through our website:  Contact us and you can Follow us on Twitter and also Become a FAN on Facebook.

Lions International’s New Charter Club, Orange County Vietnamese American Lions to host their Charter Launch Celebration and Fundraiser

The Orange County Vietnamese American Lions will host their Charter Launch Celebration and Dinner Fundraiser on June 26, 2011 at Diamond Seafood Palace in Garden Grove, California.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Jun 16, 2011 – Orange County, California – The ORANGE COUNTY VIETNAMESE AMERICAN LIONS will host their Charter Launch Celebration and Dinner Fundraiser on Sunday June 26, 2011 at Diamond Seafood Palace, 8058 Lampson Ave, Garden Grove, CA. Reception starts 6:00 PM, Dinner/Program starts at 7:00 PM. Ticket prices are $35 (Regular), $40 (VIP). This exciting event will include a rich program with LIVE entertainment, professional singers, auctions, a fashion show and distinguished guest speakers. All proceeds of this exciting event will be used to fund OCVA Lions community service and charity projects.

Lions are: Loving Individuals Offering Needed Services. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. OCVA Lions is a new Lions club formed in Orange County, CA, backed by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). LCIF is the world’s largest non-profit service organization with nearly 1.3 million members in 45,000 Lions clubs in over 200 countries around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, made a strong commitment to community service, provided relief to communities impacted by natural disasters, and serving youth throughout the world.

The Lions’ motto is “We Care, We Serve, We Accomplish”. OCVA Lions is comprised of a group of serviced mind individuals who are interested in working together to make a difference in their local and global community through humanitarian services. “Helping the homeless and the underprivileged of Orange County will be our first priority and through our exciting Charter Launch Celebration-Fundraiser event on June 26th, we hope to bring more awareness to our organization and our mission of serving the local community, ” states Michael Pham, the President of OCVA Lions.

For more information about the Charter Celebration event or regarding OCVA Lions, contact Michael Pham at (949) 378-0107 or email at: OCVALIONS99@gmail.com.

OCVA Lions’ Website: http://oc-vietlions.org/
# # #

OCVA Lions is a new Lions club formed in Orange County, CA, backed by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
—- end —-     Visit Press Room

Contact Email: ***@yahoo.com 

Issued By:Dao Tran

Phone:310.263.7246

Address:14921 Prairie Ave., Ste. 2

City/Town:Lawndale State/Province:California

Zip:90260

Country:United States

Categories:Lions International, Non-profit, Event

Tags:lions international, orange county vietnamese american lions, non-profit organization, charity, community service

Last Updated:Jun 16, 2011

Shortcut:  http://prlog.org/11545641

Free Help for Stranded Freeway Motorists in Los Angeles County – DIAL #399 from your mobile phone

If you live in Southern California (specifically in LA) you know that freeway traffic is something we dread every work day.  We now have help to reduce slowed traffic due to stalled vehicles.

Thanks to Metro Freeway Service Patrol, a free service which helps reduce traffic by helping stranded vehicles.  Their services range from changing flat tires, refueling your empty tank (up to 1 gallon), jump starting dead batteries to towing vehicles off the freeway.

The next time you or someone you know are stranded on the freeway.  You’ll just need to dial #399 from your mobile phone…..for help.  You’ll be doing your part to help reduce LA Freeway traffic congestion 😉

Free Help for Stranded Freeway Motorists

Whether it’s a flat tire, an empty gas tank, or an overheated radiator, chances are that one day, you’ll need help on the freeway. Thanks to the Freeway Service Patrol, help is on the way!

The Metro Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a team of tow truck drivers patrolling freeways all over Los Angeles County to provide help to stranded motorists and assist in clearing traffic accidents to keep traffic moving.  This service is absolutely free of charge.

Metro FSP services include:

• Changing flat tires
• Jump-starting dead batteries
• Refilling radiators and temporarily repairing leaking hoses
• Providing a gallon of fuel
• If the FSP cannot get a stranded car running within ten minutes, it will tow the vehicle to a safe location off the freeway.

To call an FSP truck, simply call free #399 from your mobile phone, or call for help from a freeway callbox.

The FSP tow trucks reduce traffic congestion by efficiently getting disabled cars running again or by quickly removing those cars from the freeway. FSP also greatly reduces the chances of further incidents caused by onlookers and impatient drivers. In addition, FSP helps save fuel and reduce air polluting emissions by reducing stop-and-go traffic.

The ultimate benefit of Metro Freeway Service Patrol is that the safety of the motorist is not compromised while the efficiency of our freeway infrastructure is maximized.

This program is funded by Proposition C, which passed in 1990 to fund transportation improvements and help reduce traffic congestion.