The world of Tzu Chi Augusts 2021 (Vol.136)

2021 • 08 06 eature ‘I gave up meat for my son’ Sixty-year-old Billy Wong Hon Meng was always on the go. His life was one of feast after feast, constantly over-indulging in heavy foods and alcohol. He was seen as feisty and fearless, but there was one thing that he dreaded the most – going to the doctor. Yet, deep within, he knew he had to keep his health in check, especially for his autistic son. Here he shares his journey to good health. “I have a wonderful son who is special. He is 26 years old but he needs constant care. He is autistic and he is the primary reason I want to stay healthy so that I can be there for him always.” Zesty and gregarious, Billy Wong, 60, is one who would not succumb to fatigue. Despite his age as evidenced by his greying hair, Billy has always felt he could do much more. His age belied his strength. “I know my health is in poor condition but I avoid going for medical check-ups. I am not ready to face the facts.” Billy’s greatest fear was going to the clinic. However, when he started experiencing chest pains, he knew he could not put it off any longer. Two years ago, he did an ECG which revealed irregular palpitations that would make him a likely victim of a silent heart attack. The doctor urged him to go for a thorough check but Billy was not ready. As much as he tried to shrug off the thought of a hospital visit, he could not silence the constant nagging fromhiswife and children. To allay their fears, he consulted a cardiologist who could not find any major heart problems but cautioned him on his high blood pressure and high cholesterol index. Billy reckoned that he did not want to be dependent on medication for the rest of his life and believed there could be better options. Earlier, a friend had suggested the “Healthier Me” 21-Day Challenge but Billy found it too restricting. He would rather opt for a folk prescription in Malacca. “Back then, I was rather afraid and worried when I heard of old classmates dying from various diseases. My first thought was my son, and I could not be a burden to my family too.” Billy resorted to a hard regime of exercises and dietary modifications but there was no significant improvement in his blood pressure readings. At his wits’ end, Billy took the health challenge as recommended by a friend. Lost 5 kg in three weeks When Billy took the first blood test before the challenge, he knew it would be bad. His lifestyle was one of heavy socializing, coupled with an endless galore of food and alcohol. He could gulp a bottle of liquor in two or three days. As expected, his triglycerides readings were high, at 5.1 mmol/L (deviating from the standard of 1.68 mmol/L), and even the LDL