This healthy grain can be a life saver too. Dr Janet Woo has the story.
For software engineer Ms Lai (a pseudonym), life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with ALS about two years ago. The 31-year-old lass struggled to cope with the symptoms for a while, and had to make many changes to her lifestyle.
Those familiar with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) will know how debilitating the disease can be. This motor neuron disease is characterised by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain, and ultimately affects control of the arms and legs as well as breathing difficulties. For Ms Lai, her speech was affected and she had to rely on texting rather than communicating verbally.
She also had to contend with general symptoms like constipation and bouts of drowsiness, especially after even the lightest of meals.
Fortunately, fate lent a helping hand towards easing her discomfort. She was wandering round a shopping mall by herself one evening when she chanced upon packs of Primera Red Rice (PRR) stocked on the display shelves. She decided to buy a pack to try for herself,
She has been taking PRR for more than a year now.
“I usually eat it just as plain rice, for dinner mostly. But sometimes, I use PRR to boil as porridge or to make simple kuih-muih (local delicacies) for breakfast.”
Almost straightaway, Ms Lai noticed some subtle benefits.
“I experienced a drop in my blood sugar and an increase in energy levels. No more constipation, and no more drowsiness after meals.
“This is also the only arsenic-free certified rice I could find in the market.”
However, lately, Ms Lai encountered some problems in getting the rice.
“I used to buy it from Aeon shopping mall but I stopped after I moved to Tongkang Pechah as it is not sold in that area,” she said.
(Tongkang Pechah is a small town in the Batu Pahat district in Johore).
“It would be great if PRR can be sold at more places in Tongkang Pechah, for instance, at Nirwana Maju Tongkang Pechah, Hoe Soon, Fresh Hub, Alpro Pharmacy, etc.
“That would make things so much easier for me. Ever since I was diagnosed with ALS, I have been experiencing difficulty in speaking, swallowing and movement.
“I hope that the marketing team in charge of PRR will stock more retail outlets in the Tongkang Pechah with this rice,” added the spunky lass.
Well, I have good news for you, Ms Lai.
PRR can now be bought at the following outlets near to you:
Aeon Big Batu Pahat
1B, Jalan Persiaran Flora Utama, Taman Flora Utama, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor.
Lotus Parit Raja
1 Jalan Universiti, Taman Universiti, 86400 Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor
Hoe Soon Mini Market
Jalan Sri Fajar 1, Taman Sri Fajar, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor
So, do replenish your supplies soon and let us know if you experience any difficulty getting stock. We will assist you wherever possible.