MENstream

Major Daily, Major BooBoos

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:00:00 +0000

OMG! This was actually published in Manila Bulletin (one of the Philippines' major broadsheets) the day after the historic 9-hour funeral march for Former President Cory Aquino - known as the mother of democracy in the country. Note that the caption (red underline ours) read President Arroyo, referring to the current President of the Philippines. I wonder if the concerned editor has already lost his job. Hehehe.

Time for Dad and Mom

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:47:00 +0000

An elderly man in Manila calls his son in New York and says, “I hate to ruin your day son, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are getting a legal separation; 35 years of marriage... and that much misery is enough!”

“'Dad, what are you talking about?” the son screams.

“We can't stand the sight of each other any longer,” the old man says.

“We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Japan and tell her!”

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone.

“Like heck they're getting separated,” she shouts, “I'll take care of this.”

She calls Manila immediately, and screams at the old man, “You are not getting separated. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then , don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR?!?” and she hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. 'Okay', he says, 'It's all set. They're both coming for our anniversary and paying their own airfare!!'

MORAL:

No man / woman is busy in this world all 365 days. The sky is not going to fall down if you take few days LEAVE and meet your dear ones. OFFICE WORK AND IS NOT EVERYTHING IN LIFE.

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I received this from an email.
Photo by EZRIDER831 from Photobucket

Too Busy to Blog

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:41:00 +0000

Formal in Kobe

Fun in Palawan

Tobacco and illegal drugs have kept me busy past six weeks that’s why I did not have time to update my three blogs. Nope, I did not use those substances, on the contrary, I involved myself in a series of workshops to prevent and control tobacco and illegal drugs, which took me to Kobe, Japan and Puerto Princesa, Palawan, among other places.

In Kobe, I attended the Regional Workshop on Monitoring Secondhand Smoke Exposure conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. In the next months, I will be a part of a cross-country study measuring secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in nine (9) East and Southeast Asia, namely: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The study will measure SHS in selected public places such as government offices, hospitals, secondary schools; restaurants and entertainment venues. Air nicotine and particulate matter (PM2.5) will be measured in key locations in each place. In conjunction with the collection and analysis of the data, a dissemination strategy will be implemented to distribute messages to media outlets and others to generate attention on the need for strong smoke-free legislation.

In Palawan, I facilitated the Health Promotion Implementation Review and Planning workshop for the Dangerous Drugs Prevention and Treatment Program of the Department of Health. This gauged where we are now and what we will do next in promoting drug abuse prevention.

Anyway, I’m not complaining with the additional workload that will keep me tremendously busy in the days and weeks ahead. I just hope I will not have to sacrifice doing my blogs.

Extreme Signage 3

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:35:00 +0000

Oh, yeah. Got it! Do not make up room.

(This circulates in the Internet.)

'Wanna Have Face Like A Star?

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Wanna look like Zac Efron or other good looking guys? Marjorie Wolfe of Behrman Communications in New York (mwolfe@behrmanpr.com) sent this article to me via email and I want to share this to you. She wrote:

All of our leading young men appear to have a new face - and according to experts, it’s getting feminized. Gone are the days of young actors worshipped for their unique sex appeal and masculine charm. Instead, a new trend is emerging and all our celebrity crushes are losing their edge.

So what’s the formula? Add a sweep of messy hair with a doe-eyed look and place it on a baby face, and there you have it: Zac Efron, Chace Crawford, Ed Westwick, Robert Buckly, and Jason Segeland, just to name a few.

In fact, the New York Observer recently christened the phenomenon as the “New Male Beauty” with NYC facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Pearlman addressing the new facial structure, “These young men all have the same look; a narrow nose trending upwards, wide-set eyes and softer features including the cheekbones and chin area.”

According to Dr. Pearlman, former president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), his patients have started citing Efron's features as their ideal, instead of the more manly look they have asked for in the past. Individuality, he said, has been overrun by the quest for perfect proportion.

According to the recent AAFPRS Annual Survey, Among male patients, the most common procedures were: Botox, dermal fillers and injections, rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

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I received this photo via email.

First Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:21:00 +0000

Thank you for visiting this site. MENstream is one year old, that is why I am changing my header. This is the fourth change for the year and I hope you like it.

I am another a year older too. That is why I am doing another blog which I named “HEALTH IS IN”, replacing the now infamous “HEALTH DOSE”. For some unforeseen reasons, this blog has been involuntarily taken out of blogspot last month. I guessed it has something to do with my post on tobacco/smoking issues which has taken the ire of some people in power. Two days after posting that, HEALTH DOSE became what they call as “attack site”. I learned my lessons and I learned them well. Too bad I cannot use my name “tonyroda” as my URL anymore.

To continue my advocacy in tobacco prevention and control, I started “BREAK TIME” (read: BREAK the habit, TIME to quit) two weeks after Heath Dose was taken away from cyberspace. This is a NO SMOKING blog, and I hope this will not suffer the same fate as Health Dose.

Meanwhile, “HEALTH IS IN” will still be about my advocacies on general health issues and concerns. If MENstream is solely dedicated to men’s health and lifestyle, HEALTH IS IN touches health issues in one’s lifespan – not only from womb to tomb, but from erection to resurrection.

Please join me in my other blogs. Just click the widgets on the right side.

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Cartoons on my header and widgets
are done by Antonio Totto, Jr.

Ignite Your Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:27:00 +0000

Are you bored with your partner right now? Is there something missing in your relationship, but you don’t exactly know what? Do you feel that you want to break free?

People who have been married or in a couple for a long time made a decision to love their partner and work at their commitment. Ignite your relationship, here are tips:

1. Lighten up! Don’t get so serious all the time. Break the tension. Poke fun at yourself and your partner.

2. No Arguments. You two may be different in your opinions in some areas - like politics and religion. So, avoid those topics. Talk about things you enjoy and have in common.

3. Time For Each Other. Set up specific times when you can get together. It doesn’t matter what you do: shopping, errands, movie, events. Put it on your calendar and make sure you keep the appointment.

4. Start Over. Remember when you first met? What sparked the relationship? Were you doing new and exciting things together? Well, do it again.

5. Forgive Each Other. Before you forgive your partner, forgive yourself. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone deserves another chance. Get over it and get on with your lives.

6. Touch. Your body loves to be touched. Do it for your partner; play with their hair, rub their hand, a soft kiss, a pat on the leg, back rubs, foot rubs. But do it in an affectionate way, not sexual.

7. Some space. Being together all the time may be cramping you and your partner’s style. Spend some time apart. Let him go to the gym or song classes, while you go to the library or a concert.

8. Element of Surprise. Are you becoming predictable? Day in and day out, doing the same things. If you are becoming trapped into a habit or schedule, break it! Do something on the spur of the moment. Surprise your partner and do it together.

9. Secret Getaway. Plan a trip or a place, where the two of you can be alone. Take your time and enjoy each other. Take it slow and make it romantic.

10. Communicate. A lot of times when relationships are having problems, the talk stops. Here is where you need to learn to listen to each other. Each of you should be able to just talk about anything and everything. Don’t make any judgments. Listen. Let down your guard, no yelling or arguing. Just talk to each other.

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Photo from the Internet.

Oh, Dad!

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Two men drinking in a bar:

MAN 1: I have to tell you something. I had sex with your Mom.

MAN 2: (Quiet and in deep thought.)

MAN 1: Did you not hear me?!? I said, I had sex with your Mother!

MAN 2: You’re drunk. Let’s go home, Dad!

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

No Better Gift to Dad than Health

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:51:00 +0000

Is that your Dad?!?

The following tips on how you can help your father were sent to Geoffrey W. Rutledge MD, PhD of Wellsphere. I find this information worth sharing here in MENstream.

This is by Erika Schwartz, MD, a general internist, an authority on preventive health, and a patient advocate. Dr. Schwartz offers these 12 easy, fun and effective ways to help improve Dad’s overall health and outlook on life, just in time for Father’s Day.

“Start a new tradition this Sunday – Father’s Day – help Dad get and stay healthier. There’s no better gift than health.

1. Take him for a morning walk after a healthy Father’s Day breakfast (egg whites, berry smoothie, chicken sausage and green tea).

2. Get him a set of 20 pound weights to use every day before dinner or at work, if that is feasible.

3. Get him a 5 pound bag of apples or other fruit and nuts he likes as snack basket he can enjoy every day for the next week.

4. Get him a six-pack of soda water to replace colas, other caffeinated drinks and beer.

5. Get him a muscle vibrator that will help relax his shoulders (a better after-work stress reliever than a cocktail)

6. Buy him golf lessons, a month’s membership at a gym

7. Find a hiking or biking group and join together (or just get him a bike)

8. Clear his work materials from his bedroom so he can get a better night’s sleep.

9. Get him a video on good nutrition

10. Go away for a weekend together on an activity trip (hiking, fishing, boating, camping)

11. Line up his father or brother to engage in family-designated physical activity days.

12. Give him hugs.

Whatever you do this Father’s Day, don’t forget the last tip on this list!

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Artwork by Antonio Totto, Jr.

Back to School, Watch Your Back

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 10:16:00 +0000

Bad Dog! (Photo from the Net)

School opening in the Philippines starts this June, but the rains and the Influenza A(H1N1) scare kept some schools and universities from opening their classes on time. Anyway, most schools will open within the week for sure.

Back to school? Watch your back! BACKPACKS and COMPUTERS are two of the biggest culprits for muscle strain, pain and poor postures of students. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy back:

BACKPACK

• Position the backpack evenly between the shoulder blades, always wearing a strap on each shoulder.

• Choose a backpack that has wide padded shoulder straps. Make sure they are tightened so that the backpack fits snugly.

• Distribute weight evenly throughout the backpack, making use of extra pockets and compartments.

• The weight of the backpack should not exceed 20 percent of the body weight of the person carrying it.

COMPUTERS

• Adjust the height of the keyboard and monitor appropriately.

• The top of the screen should be at eye level.

• Wrist should be in a neutral position, not angled.

• Knees should be bent at a 90- to 120-degree angle with feet flat on the floor.

• Take frequent breaks and stretch at least once an hour, paying particular attention to arms and back.

Extreme Signage 2

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:53:00 +0000

Read the Sign - No Oral Sex Here!

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Photo circulates in the Internet.

When Alcohol and Drugs Mix

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:04:00 +0000

Alcohol and certain drugs work in the same areas of the brain that their effects are intensified. Alcohol may interfere with the working of the drug, making a normal dosage ineffective in fighting a disease. Some alcohol-drug combination produces unpleasant and dangerous side effects. Past drinking habits, the amount of alcohol consumed, chronic ailment and the age and weight of the person can alter these effects.

The Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board lists what may happen when certain drugs are taken with alcohol:

ALCOHOL

+ TRANQUILIZERS (like Valium, Librium, etc.) – Decreased alertness and poor judgement that can lead to household and car accidents and death.

+ MAJOR TRANQUILIZERS (like Chlorpromazine - Thorazine) – Dangerously low blood pressure level. Reduced blood pressure that causes dizziness on standing.

+ OVER-THE-COUNTER PAIN KILLERS (Non-narcotic analgesic like aspirin, arthritic pain formula, etc.) – Possible irritation and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. May cause liver damage.

+ PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLERS- Reduced central nervous system functioning than can lead to poor breathing and even death.

+ CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANTS (Most diet pills, Dexedrine, caffeine, coffee cenzadrine, etc.) – A false sense of alertness caused by the stimulants but which does not help an intoxicated person gain control of his movement.

+ SLEEP MEDICINE – Increased potency of drugs which depresses the central nervous system; coma or breathing failure; drowsiness and loss of alertness, making driving and operation of machinery hazardous.

+ PRESCRIPTION SLEEP AIDS – Severe impairment of voluntary movements such as walking and use of hands. Can cause liver damage, respiratory failure and death.

+ ANTIHISTAMINES (Most cough and cold remedies, etc. Also used to treat allergies and motion sickness) – Nausea and vomiting for some drugs (especially those for urinary tract infections) while other drugs become less effective.

+ ANTIBIOTICS (Anti-infective agents like Flagyl, Erythromycine, Choromycetin, Tetracycline) – Increased ability of drugs to stop clotting which can lead to life-threatening bleeding. For chronic drinkers, the drug can be less effective.

+ HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATIONS – Lessened ability of drug to stop convulsions. May increase blood disorder side effects.

+ TIME-RELEASE CAPSULES AND COATED PILLS – Immediate dissolution of the coating of drugs so that the full dose’s effect is felt immediately instead of properly delayed.

+ DIURETICS, ANTICOAGULANTS, ANTIDEPRESSANTS, ANTICONVULSANTS and ANTIDIABETIC / HYPOGLYCEMIC – Severe and unpredictable reactions. Patients taking these medications should avoid alcohol.

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Photo grabbed from Alex's Retarded Notebook

Beer, Gin and the Filipinos

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Filipinos are heavy drinkers, do you still doubt that?

In 2008, research by Synovate, a global market research company, said that alcohol consumption in the Philippines is rising particularly among affluent Filipinos who consumed 37% more alcohol than in other countries like Thailand (34%), Singapore (32%), Malaysia (28%) and Indonesia (8%). The research also found that locally-brewed beer was the top choice of 30% of wealthy Filipinos among alcoholic beverages.

Beer is still the favorite among Filipinos and it accounts for 15% of the Philippines’ 4-billion-bottles-a-year market. In 2006, on a per capita basis, beer ranks third among the items that average Filipinos most commonly purchase, next only to infant milk and cellular-phone loads.

But other alcoholic drinks may not be too far behind. in 2005, the Impact Databank, a US alcoholic beverage research firm, cited the Filipinos as world’s top gin drinkers. The study noted that Ginebra San Miguel is the top gin brand in the world in terms of sales at 27.4 million cases or P12 billion.

And of course, the indigenous alcohol like tuba (coconut wine), basi (rice wine) and others are very popular in the rural areas.

Drinking alcohol is deeply embedded in the Filipino culture – it has symbolic roles; a situation definer; a status indicator; and a statement of affiliation. That is why alcohol advertisements regard highly of “manliness and manhood” and “measure of true friendship”. With such shallow message done in glossy advertising, no wonder alcoholics have feeble brain.

The brain and nervous system, liver, skin, heart, blood, stomach and reproductive systems become at risk because of excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol slows down reactions, lowers a person’s inhibitions and makes a person aggressive and hostile. In higher doses, it causes blackouts and impairs concentration, judgment and emotional reactions.

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Photos from Dr. Jose Pascual's
powerpoint presentation lecture.

10-Week Walking Regimen

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:44:00 +0000

Benefits of Walking

Walking – it’s natural and safe. Just about anyone can do it, and the fundamental health benefits of walking are many.

Walking helps control weight, blood sugar and cholesterol levels. A brisk walk can burn up to 100 calories per 1.5 kilometers or 300 calories per one hour. Walking is also a perfect complement to a sensible diet to lose weight.

Walking improves cardiovascular fitness. As an aerobic exercise, walking gets the heart heating faster to transport oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the muscles. The heart and lungs grow more efficient with a regular walking regimen, reducing blood pressure and the resting heart rate. Walking is even a central element of medical rehabilitation. Recovery from many ailments, including heart attack, is facilitated by a regular walking regimen.

For people with poor circulation to the arms and legs, walking can increase the size and improve the efficiency of tiny vessels that supply blood for cellular respiration.

Psychologically, walking generates an overall feeling of well-being, and can relieve depression, anxiety and stress by producing endorphins, the body’s natural tranquilizer. A brisk walk will relzx and stimulate one’s thinking.

10-Week Walking Regimen

WEEK 1

• Walk for 15 – 30 minutes at a comfortable pace, depending on your ability. Warm up for 5 minutes at an easy walking pace before doing a 5-minute easy stretching routine. Resume walking at a comfortable pace, then end up with another 5 minutes of gentle stretching routine.

• Take a rest on the 7th day. Your body needs to rest and rebuild itself.

WEEK 2

• Increase your walking time by 5 - 10 minutes for this week. Do the same routine.

• Rest on the 7th day.

WEEK 3 – 10

• Increase your walking time by 5 - 10 minutes every week until you are now capable of walking for an hour each time. The health benefits of walking can be maximized if you sustain a 30 – 60 minute walk a day.

• Remember to rest on the 7th day of each week.

REMINDER:

• If it is not possible for you to join a regular group for walking any given day, make an effort to spare some time during the day to do the exercise. You can even split your schedule for the day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

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Photo from the Internet

Cancer in Men

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:32:00 +0000

It’s Father’s Day on June 21, and it’s the best time to talk about Cancer in Men.

In the Philippines (as well as in many parts of the globe), many men die each year from cancer. Cancer of the LUNG, LIVER, PROSTATE GLAND, COLON or RECTUM, and STOMACH are the most common cancers that attack men. Early detection or finding out the soonest that a cancer is growing gives men the best chance to be cured. If you are between ages 20 and 40, have yourself check for cancer once every three years. Over 40, get checked every year.

LUNG CANCER

9 out of 10 men who die from lung cancer smoke cigarettes. A chest x-ray won’t always ward you in time. The good news is that if you quit early enough, most damage from smoking will heal. Not smoking helps prevent many diseases, not just lung cancer. See a doctor if you have a nagging or painful cough that does not go away or if you cough up blood or if your chest hurts all the time.

LIVER CANCER

Incidence of the disease increases at age 40. The good news is that vaccinating the infant population against the Hepatitis B virus can help reduce the number of hepa B carriers. Improved personal hygiene and public santiation may also decrease the prevalence of hepa B. Stay alert, primary liver cancer is much more common in areas where Hepatitis B virus is prevalent – especially in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. Other factors implicated in liver cancer are heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged consumption of foods, nuts and grains with aflatoxin and other chemical cancer-causing agents. There is no effective early detection for liver cancer. See a doctor if you have abdominal pain; if you have abdominal mass or enlarged liver; and if you are suffering from weight loss, weakness and loss of appetite.

PROSTATE CANCER

Incidence of the disease increases markedly after age 55. The good news is that 8 out of 10 men who find out in time that they have prostate cancer may live at least another 5 years. Stay alert, if over 40, have a rectal examination every year. Men over age 60 are most likely to get prostate cancer. See a doctor if you have painful or burning urination; you see blood in your urine; or you have an inability to urinate or difficulty in starting urination.

STOMACH CANCER

Incidence of the disease rises at age 50. The good news is that proper nutrition habits may help prevent this disease. A balanced health diet rich in vitamins, minerals, green leafy vegetables and yellow fruits may help lower the risk. Evidence suggests that this cancer may be linked to diet, excessive consumption of salty, smoked or pickled foods. Also, avoid tobacco products (smoking, chewing tobacco, snuff) and stay away from people who are smoking. See a doctor if you have indigestion, loss of appetite and anemia; if you have weight loss, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and abdominal mass.

COLON & RECTUM CANCER

Most often, this disease strikes men over age 50. The good news is that early detection can save 3 out of 4 people. Stay alert, colon and rectum cancer most likely develops in men who have ulcerative colitis; have a family member with colon or rectum cancer; have a family member with polyps in the colon or rectum; and are over 40. See a doctor if you bleed from the rectum; you see blood in your stool; you see a persistent change in your bowel movements; and you have cramping pain in your abdomen.

Photo Source

Anti-Smoking and the Youth

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sun, 31 May 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Not even the heavy rains dampen the spirits of anti-tobacco advocates.

We have just been to the World No Tobacco Day celebrations in Manila starting from a walk for a cause and culminating in a concert featuring professional and amateur bands. The tobacco industry is targeting the youth with their promotional campaigns, thus anti-tobacco advocates are also involving the youth for them not to pick up the habit and more importantly support the campaign of government against tobacco and smoking.

The 2007 Global Youth Tobacco Survey in the Philippines shows that one in every 3 Filipino teenagers aged 13-15 smoke, backing the statistics (from the same survey) that youth smoking has increased by 30% in just two years. If nothing is done, every other Filipino teenager would be smoking by 2011.

Last Friday, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that the growing number of youth smokers in the country is the reason why we are aggressively pushing for the passage of the picture-based health warnings bill, so that we can protect young people (who are the future of this country) from the imminent dangers that smoking will cause them.

Duque also stressed that since most school-aged children are frequently exposed to cigarette packs, the likelihood that the picture based health warnings will reach them is high, particularly the children of smokers who are most likely to start smoking.

He also noted that hopes are high that the prominent picture warnings on the packs will negate the glamour and appeal associated with cigarettes and eventually turn-off the youth from patronizing tobacco products.

Since December 2007, legislative bills (SB2377 and HB3364) that will mandate the use of picture warnings instead of plain text warnings have been filed in Congress. “We already made this appeal in the past (and will keep on doing it) for the Congress to pass the bill for the sake of one Filipino dying every 6 minutes due to tobacco-related diseases,” Duque said.

Duque stressed that for a highly addictive product that kills half its consumers, text warnings are not sufficient as over 95% of Filipinos either ignore the text warnings or do not understand their real meaning.

“Pictures speak a thousand words and transcend language and dialect barriers. Filipinos tend to underestimate the risks of smoking because he does not see a gangrene-afflicted foot or a person with mouth or lung cancer in cigarette packs. These ill conditions just have to be seen”, Duque emphasized.

Lost Voice from Smoking

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:09:00 +0000

Emer Rojas is not a health worker but he is the most credible speaker
on the ill effects of smoking. But alas, this speaker lost his voice
to laryngeal cancer because of smoking.

“We all need to be reminded every now and then of what cigarettes can do to our lives and to our family.” Emer Rojas - an IT business owner, trade lecturer and radio host – said his life will never be the same again because of smoking. He lost his voice to laryngeal cancer.

A chain smoker since he was 18, Emer was diagnosed with cancer in November 2002. Almost immediately, his larynx, a source of vocal tone in speech, was removed by surgery. In January 2003, he underwent another operation to widen his stoma, the mouth-like opening on his neck.

The medical expenses for his check-ups, examinations, surgeries and radiotherapy and chemotherapy sessions left a drain on his family’s pocket. And like other type of cancers, laryngeal cancer might return after treatment, so he still spends P5,000 to P16,500 every month to monitor his condition. The expenses are for testing his blood chemistry, ultrasound, CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging.

With the aid of an electrolarynx, a device pressed against the skin of the neck to produce vocal sounds, he said that having cancer drains the family’s financial reserves, as well as prevents one from earning a living.

Cancer also changed his lifestyle. He says: “Losing one’s voice is like losing your sight or hearing. It is recognized as one of the permanent disabilities in the Philippines. It affected me as a radio announcer and a mentor in training institutions. It also prevents me from doing the normal business communications and chores.”

Rojas misses the time when he could still travel. Now, he can no longer play basketball or tennis, afraid that he might break a bone.

“I miss my social life. I was always with my peers, having a cup of coffee, talking,” he says. “When we are in a public place and it’s too noisy, my friends won’t understand me. So I keep quiet or I just talk to them through email.”

Rojas learned this lesson the hard way, and he wants to spare the youth—the new target market of cigarette companies—from a similar experience. Today at 50, Emer makes the rounds of schools in Metro Manila and key cities across the country, encouraging young people to avoid smoking.

He’s not a doctor or a health worker, but he is a most credible speaker on the ill effects of smoking.

In 2003, he joined the Philippine Laryngectomy Club (PLC), a group that helps rehabilitate laryngeal cancer patients, and became its president. In 2007, he formed the New Vois Association doing anti-smoking advocacy and networking activities.

MAY 31 is WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY

Extreme Signage 1

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Oh well, at least the warning is in order.

Goodbye, Health Dose

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:24:00 +0000

My other blog, Health Dose, has been blocked and removed for reasons I don't know why or cannot seem to comprehend. The following message has just appeared when I'm trying to open it this morning:

Reported Attack Site!
This web site at www.tonyroda.blogspot.com has been reported
as an attack site and has been blocked based on your security preferences.

Attack sites try to install programs that steal private information,
use your computer to attack others, or damage your system.

Some attack sites intentionally distribute harmful software,
but many are compromised without the knowledge
or permission of their owners.

I've been trying to verify the problem but to no avail. If anyone can help me and tell me what to do, I'll appreciate it very much.

But if it's really gone now, "Goodbye, Health Dose" for your untimely death.

JOB unFAIR

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:13:00 +0000

Where jobs are elusive these days,

companies can still find the "winning" resume!

(Cartoons from the Internet.)

"State of Schizophrenia" in Tobacco Control

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sat, 16 May 2009 03:50:00 +0000

I have just attended a Media Forum on Tobacco Control in the Philippines in Puerto Galera and here are some of the things I found out:

• 10 Filipinos die by the hour due to tobacco-related diseases.

• The country’s current smokers are: 34.8% of adults; 56.3% of adult males; 8.6% of adult females; 22% teenagers; and 1 in 5 students aged 13-15.

• According to the World Tobacco Atlas (2008), the Philippines is in 9th place among the top 20 countries with current male smokers. This is already a slight improvement from 2006 statistics that placed the country in the 6th spot.

• Meanwhile, women smokers in the country are already in the 16th place among the top 20 countries. This data is worse compared to the 2006 statistics where the Philippines was in the 26th spot.

• And the Philippines ranked 14th among the world’s largest market for tobacco products.

Tobacco use is common in the country due to low prices, aggressive and widespread marketing, lack of awareness about its dangers and inconsistent public policies against its uses. The unabated increase in smoking among adolescents and adults reflect weaknesses in the implementation of policies and programs to curb the epidemic.

Since December 2007, legislative bills have been filed in both Houses of Philippine Congress that will mandate the use of no less than picture warnings instead of text warnings, occupying no less than 50% of both the front and back sides of cigarette packages. The bills are aimed at presenting a more accurate depiction of real life debilitating diseases caused by tobacco smoking through strong warning messages in pictures. The bills are still being deliberated and are obviously met with strong opposition from the tobacco industry, using tactics to kill the bill by influencing legislators, particularly the northern block in the House of Representatives, where most of the tobacco plantations in the Philippines are found.

Some senators who are now “presidentiables” as well as some Cabinet secretaries are even cradling tobacco companies by accepting their donations for government projects. This goes to show that the Philippine government is in a “state of schizophrenia” where in it does not know anymore which one to protect – their own hidden agenda, the national economy or public health.

It has been said in many print and broadcast commentaries that the government acts promptly, to the point of being overacting already, in issues like ebola reston virus in pigs, salmonella-laced peanut butter and the Influenza A (H1N1) as if these are causes for the end of the world. Meanwhile, the government is perennially neglecting the important public health issue and turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to 10 Filipinos dying by the hour because of tobacco and smoking.

Salt & High Blood Pressure

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:54:00 +0000

The artery on the left is healthy. The image on the
right shows the damage high blood pressure can do
to the artery wall. The wall has thickened to handle
the increased pressure – making it harder work for
the heart to pump blood around the body.

High blood pressure affects over 1.5 billion people around the world.

Salt – Is it to Blame?

There is a positive link between salt consumption and high blood pressure akin to that between smoking and cancer.

• A study in 10,400 patients, across 32 different countries, found that excess salt in the diet directly increases a patient’s systolic blood pressure - the force placed on your arteries as the heart pumps blood around the body.

• Excess salt intake raises blood pressure levels, regardless of whether that person already suffers from high blood pressure.

• Sodium in salt causes the body to retain more water, with excess levels resulting in increased blood pressure9. To cope with the added pressure, blood vessels harden and thicken - putting greater stress on the heart to pump blood through constricted arteries.

• Excess salt consumption is more likely to trigger high blood pressure in the elderly, diabetes sufferers, the obese and those belonging to the black community7.

Prevention is the Key

• In many countries the daily salt intake is as high as 12g, over double the amount deemed acceptable by the World Health Organization.

• Cutting down on our salt consumption dramatically reduces the chances of developing high blood pressure and its complications such as heart failure and stroke.

• Reducing our salt intake by 6g per day would cut stroke deaths by 23%, and ischemic heart disease deaths by 16%.

• By halving our salt intake we could prevent approximately 2.6 million stroke and heart attack related deaths each year.

World Hypertension Day

May 17 (Sunday) is World Hypertension Day. The global call to action this year is to reduce salt in our diet in order to improve the health of the heart.

The Violent Person

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sat, 09 May 2009 16:15:00 +0000

Is there a violent person in your midst? Maybe he or she is suffering from psychosis. Although psychosis and violence are not synonymous with each other, psychosis is one of the most common psychiatric cause of violence that you may be seeing in your community. The other common cause for violence is substance (drug and alcohol) abuse.

Psychosis is defined as the absence of one’s ability to distinguish between what is real and what is not. According to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, psychosis is manifested by at least two of the following symptoms:

• Unshakable belief that something untrue is true (delusion), example: believing that his family is trying to kill him even if they are not;

• Seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, feeling things that are in reality not present (hallucination), example: hearing voices even if no one is speaking;

• Talking nonsense;

• Acting or behaving in a manner that does not making any sense, like being violent for instance; and

• Loss of facial expression, withdrawal or loss of interest in activities of daily living, loss of energy to move or carry out usual activities.

Psychotic individuals may be violent because of a delusion that people around him are going to hurt him or because of his hallucination of voices telling him that people are goving to hurt him. In reality, therefore, a psychotic person’s violence may be to him a self-defense rather than an intention of hurting others.

If you encounter a psychotic person, keep calm, speak calmly, but keep a safe distance and position yourself near an exit if you are in a room. Do not directly challenge the violent person’s belief, but instead assure him that your are there to help him with whatever problems he may have. But, do not give false alarm as well.

It is important to restrain him, but you must have at least two persons with you who are physically stronger or who is in authority (example, the police or medical practitioner). Then bring him to the nearest hospital for admission and treatment of his psychosis.

And, good luck. Hehehe.

Two Sides

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:39:00 +0000

HOW DO YOU LOOK AT THINGS?

Inciting Adversity or
Exercising Restraint?

Photo circulates in the Internet.
Also seen on TV in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not”

The Day After

noreply@blogger.com (tony roda) — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Manny Pacquiao brought the country glory with his southpaw punches while Martin Nievera caused unnecessary shame with his singing a new version of the national anthem. Where does the Filipino pride stand - one step forward, two steps back?

The day after Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao knocked out Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton only in the second round in the so-called “Battle of East and West”, the excitement still lingers on in the country. Manny could match the all-time record by becoming a champion in his sixth different weight class by lifting Hatton’s International Boxing Organization junior welterweight world title. Manny’s win has already put him on the list of the greatest boxing legends. He is even being compared now to Muhammad Ali, the self-proclaimed “I’m the greatest” boxer in the world. The pride of being a Filipino was once again stirred by the most exciting boxer in the planet.

The “Filipino pride”, however, was suppressed when Concert King Martin Nievera sang a modern version of the National Anthem at the start of the boxing match in Las Vegas. Many Filipinos were not happy by the new arrangement and the Philippine National Historic Commission even wanted Martin to apologize publicly by ruining the rendition of the national anthem. In a TV news report, Martin said he has nothing to apologize for.

I personally agree with the Commission. My nationalism was not awakened by Martin's singing. Filipinos (and other nationalities, for that matter) should not in any way change and disrespect the national anthem, flag, and other things that bring us national pride.

It's a good thing Manny won.

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Photos from the Internet