Fresh fruits contain Vitamins A ,C and E and other antioxidants. Almonds provide Vitamin E. These antioxidants help to slow down ageing and lower risks of cancer and heart problems. It is wise to harness the power of antioxidants to neutralise free radicals that damage skin (wrinkles appear) and other healthy cells. For sensitive and mature skin buy cleansers that are Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)-/Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) free.

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Kidnapping of Children in China

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After my Po Po passed away, my Kong Kong had such a difficult time taking care of my mother. There was the constant threat of kidnapping by traffickers who stood to profit for “selling a child for prostitution, servant, paedophiles, adoption or as an assistant to a medicine man” They would come in the middle of night and snatch children away.

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Some nights my Kong Kong would hide my mum in a basket full of lychee leaves. How traumatic it must have been for a young child to have to go through such a scary experience. She was terrified but kept very still and very quiet. My Kong Kong had no choice. His last resort was to bring my mother from the village to the city of Guang Zhou where she will be safe in the house of a wealthy cousin.This cousin was widowed at an early age and agreed to take my mother in as she lived in a massive big house with many servants.

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My mother remembered that she and Kong Kong set out very early in the morning. It was very cold. Kong Kong wiped her face clean using the river water which was icy cold. He wrapped the wet cloth round his fingers and put it in his mouth to warm the cloth. My Kong Kong had to leave without my mother knowing. When she found out that he had left her behind she was so devastated that she cried the whole day. She felt abandoned. My mother attended school and did well as she was very bright. By the time she was 14 after her first menstruation she was sold to a very wealthy businessman who was more than 40 years her senior. She became his third wife.

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My mother remembered that the fee of $3,400. It’s a figure she would never ever forget. When she told me her story there was a hint of resentment. Her relative was no different form the kidnappers. She was sold off for money!! It was worth a lot in those days.

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This rich businessman was her first husband. She had 3 daughters from that marriage

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We are in the 21st century but sadly child trafficking still occurs today.