Universal Health Issues

The Typhoid Fever

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Typhoid Fever Alert

When natural disasters strike, not only do they result in damage to property and loss of lives but their aftermath often includes continuing grief over the outbreak of infectious diseases due to poor sanitation. As the rainy season sets in, our preparation must include adequate protection against infectious diseases. One such infection that can be prevented through immunization is typhoid fever, a disease that downed over thousand people around the world.

Basic information about Moral-Spiritual Development

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Moral-Spiritual Development

This aspect of human development is sometimes taken for granted. Some say anybody could grasp moral-spiritual values while in the process of growing up. However, parents and educators should not just leave the development of values to chance. Provisions should be made in order to weigh and select intelligently behavioral reactions to situations.

Concepts in Moral-Spiritual Development

1.The moral field is vast. Moral character traits, such as honesty, cooperation, courage, etc.
2. The behavior in moral is the one accepted by the society at large where one belongs.
3. Moral-spiritual values are gradually developed through associations with others.
4. To choose between right and wrong is a delicate complex reaction that needs critical thinking.
5. Development of values goes hand in hand maturity and learning.

Basic information about Emotion

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Basic Information About Emotion

Emotion

What is Emotion?

Emotion is a heightened state of arousal and personal feelings or it is defined as a stirred-up state of an organism involving internal responses.

What are the kinds of emotion?

1. Fear

Fear is a response to some fear-producing stimulus. Phobia is when fear becomes irrational and takes on compelling properties. Example: Claustrophobia or the fear of closed spaces.

2. Anger

Anger may vary from being modestly “worked-up” to being “bitter” enrage or infuriated. This may initiated additional responding such as hostility, aggressions, or regressions.

3. Pleasure

Pleasure ranges from simple reactions of delight or fun to state experiences of love. For example: hugging, kissing, smiling, and laughing.

What are the General Characteristics of Emotion?

1. Indicator of Emotion

Gestures, postures, facial expressions and movements may be used to help understand the emotion being expressed.

2. Physiological Changes

The physiological changes such as a GST (Galvanic Skin Response): increased heart rate, breathing pattern, blood pressure and perspiration are measures which are often interpreted as indicators of emotion.

3. Emotion as Response

This implies that emotions are responses to the provoking stimuli.

4. Stimulus Identification

Stimulus identification because of much subjectivity, the stimulus that generated the response must be accurately evaluated. Example: Tears, is it always an emotional response? Chopping onions can cause tears. Lose eyes can also cause tears.

5. Anthromorphism

Anthomorphism is attributing human characteristics to a lower organism. Example: when the dog wags its tail because you gave him food, this does not necessarily mean that dog is happy. It is more appropriate to say that the dog responded with tail-wagging.

What are the Theories about Emotion?

1. James Lange Theory

This theory maintains that bodily changes are primarily antecedent to the mental state (not the sequence from situation to bodily disturbances to the mental state). Example: We would not say that “We meet a lion, run and are frightened.” Similarly, we feel sad because we cry, afraid because we tremble.

2. Cannon-Bard

A reinforcement of Cannon-Daua of the well-know hypothalamic views:

One perceives a situation to be a fearful one.
Hypothalamus is aroused and sends impulses to the brain (cerebral cortex) and to the various part of the body.
Thus, we have the knowing and feeling of fear at the same time, that we have bodily changes and action of going away. Example: “You see a bear, becomes frightened and run away”.

3. Dollard and Miller’s Frustration-aggression Hypothesis

The aggression hypothesis states that when a goal is blocked or thwarted, anger and aggression may the results. It means that when one is frustrated he can be aggressive. But not all aggressions result to frustration.

What are the Two Types of Frustrations?

A. Personal Frustrations

Personal frustrations result from personal insufficiencies such as inadequate intelligence, lack of physical strength, disabling disease or other handicaps.

B. Environmental Frustrations

Environmental frustrations are obstacle through the restriction imposed by people, those caused by nature such as flood, typhoons, earthquakes, rugged mountains, and etc.

Basic information about Moral-Spiritual Development

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Moral-Spiritual Development

Concepts in Moral-Spiritual Development

1. The moral field is vast. Moral character traits, such as honesty, cooperation, courage, etc.
2. The behavior in moral is the one accepted by the society at large where one belongs.
3. Moral-spiritual values are gradually developed through associations with others.
4. To choose between right and wrong is a delicate complex reaction that needs critical thinking.
5. Development of values goes hand in hand maturity and learning.

Basic information about Motor Development

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Motor Development

Motor refers to the movement such as walking, swimming, grasping and so on. Some of the babies are slow but some fast, however motor skills appear in a definite order.

There is a definite pattern of development from month to month and year to year. The infant lifts his head before he sits. The patter is similar for all children and each infant passes through the same step in the course of his development. The patter is uniform as a result of maturity.

Once the child has mastered standing and walking alone and act of getting about, he progresses rapidly to more advanced skills, like jumping, skipping, running, etc. He develops speed and accuracy and begins to coordinate all these skills into more complex activities.

Some Probable Causes of Delayed Motor Development

1. Sickness

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that infects the spinal cord.

2. Malnutrition

When the child is deprived or lacking in Calcium, Phosphorous and Vitamin D, Minerals and Vitamins that nourish the bones, then the child’s motor development is delayed.

3. Obesity

The excessive fatty tissue, maybe a hindrance to his motor activities as it tends to limit his activities because the pull of the weight is disproportionate to his body constituents.

4. Lack of Opportunity for Motor Activity

The playpen limits the space area for him to explore the motor activities.

5. Over-protectiveness

Too much carrying of the child will not give him freedom to move around.

Basic information about the development of an individual

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The Development of an Individual

Growth Trends

Directions of Development or Growth Trends

1. Cephalo-caudal

The Cepahlo-caudal or from head to foot direction of development as for example in the development of the fetus, the head develops before the legs assume their final form. Then after birth, the head is proportionately bigger then the lower extremities, but later the lower extremities will be proportional the head region.

2. Proximo-distal

The proximo-distal or from a centax-outward direction of development is where the central parts of the body mature earlier the becoming functional before those toward the periphery. This is shown in the use of trunk and shoulder region when a child tries to grasp objects. The shoulders develop before the arms and the hands, the palm develop before the fingers.

Techniques, Methods and Instruments used in Studying Children

1. Longitudinal Method

The Longitudinal Method studies an individual or a group of children for a certain period of time. These same groups of selected children are observed repeatedly over an extended period of time. It may start from the conception period of ten years. Recorded observations and test results are necessary. These observations and test may be done daily, weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annually.

2. Cross-Sectional Method

The Cross-Sectional Method is the investigator administers test or battery of test all at once to children of different ages. (In this case, not the same children are used to take series of test repeatedly). Tthe children of different chronological ages of mental ages or grade placements ages take the test at the time. Comparisons of the performances of the children of different ages, chronological ages, mental age, grade placement age or a combination of these ages are made.

3. Restrospective Method

The Restrospective Method is the special method thereby parents or other significant adults (such as teachers) are asked to recollect events from some past-time concerning some individual. It may be taken into account though that recollections and memories may be distorted or incomplete.

Basic information about Physical Development

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Physical Development

Puberty is the time when the sex organs mature and boys and girls become capable of reproducing their kind. With genital development, the boy produces sperms and girl mature ovum. For girls this usually occurs between 11-13 years; for boys 14-16. In girls, this is signaled by the coming of the first menstrual flow, in boys the equivalent could be nocturnal emissions (seminal flow) also called “wet dreams”.

Concepts of Physical Growth and Development

1. Physical growth occurs continuously from conception to full maturity.
2. Physical growth and development follows a general uniform pattern. But there are some irregular fluctuations between males and females.
3. Growth of the individual is often unstable.
4. There are unique individual patterns of growth. Example: teeth at birth, precocious maturity.

Basic information about Social Development

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Social Development

One of the significant developments during childhood is the socialization of child. It is during the period when the child learns what it is to be a member of a group and comes to understand and conform to the expectations of the group.

When the child is born, he is mostly a physical being with physiological needs as the strongest sources of motives. As he grows older, he becomes aware of people and pressures to conform from them. Although signs of approval such as smiling or a kiss from the mother to the child, comes to know that a certain behavior is acceptable. Through signs of disapproval such as frowns, or an admonition, he learns to discriminate what is not acceptable and therefore should be avoided.

To become specialized, the child needs social experiences. The children who were isolated from contacts with people will not learn how to get along with people. Some of the behavior patterns learned in early childhood are negatives, aggressions, teasing, bullying, rivalry, cooperation, friendliness, sympathy, dependency, etc. In late childhood, the social behavior patterns which emerge include susceptibility to adult influence, competition, social insight, social discrimination, sex antagonism and prejudice.

The General Concepts in Social Development

1. Social Development follows a general pattern that is true to all children.
2. No child is born socially, so that getting along with other is developed as the child matures.
3. Social development is interrelated with other aspects of development such as emotional, physical and moral.
4. The social development of the child starts as early as that time when he is able to discriminate or perceive.
5. There are many social behaviors seemingly anti-social to the adult, but are natural characteristics of the age level.
6. During the gang-age stage, social consciousness develops rapidly.

Basic information about Emotional Development

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Emotional Development

The development of emotions is influenced by many factors, prominent maturation and learning. We are all born with the capacity to respond emotionally, to laugh, to cry and feel afraid. But what will make us laugh, cry, or afraid is not inborn, it is the products of learning. According to many psychologists who have studied the development of the emotion, the very first emotional response the infant makes at birth is one of general excitement particularly of that crying. Crying is accompanied by some uncoordinated movement of the arms called “thrashing”.

Crying and trashing as general responses are differentiated into two categories namely:

Pleasant
Unpleasant

The common unpleasant emotions which during childhood are:

· Fear

· Shyness

· Embarrassment

· Worry

· Anger

· Jealousy

· Grief

The pleasant childhood emotions are:

· Affection

· Curiosity

· Joy

· Pleasure

· Delight

· Happiness

The child who grows in an emotional unfavorable climate may development nervous mechanism, moodiness and may over-react emotionally.

Meningococcemia

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Meningococcemia

Meningococcal infection, defined?

The Meningococcal infection is a chronic infection which is caused by bacteria known as Neisseria meningitides.

Meningococcal infection through Neisseria meningitides bacteria will bring disease to the patients. The most common form of disease is meningitis and the rare case is Meningococcemia.

What is Meningococcemia?

The Meningococcemia is a clinical disease form of meningococcal infection which is caused by spread of the bacteria into the patient’s bloodstream that set off to cause severe signs and symptoms of the illness.

The most devastating form of meningococcemia is fulminant meningococcemia which consists of hemorrhagic rashes drop in blood pressure and circulating shock leading to death.

What are the most common signs and symptoms of Meningococcemia?

There is fever
There is stiff neck
There is convulsion in some patients
There is delirium
There is an altered mental status
There is vomiting
There are presence cough, sore throat, other respiratory symptoms
There is presence pinpoint rashes then become wider and appear like bruises starting on the legs and arms
There are large map like bruise-like patches
There are severe skin lesions may lead to gangrene
There are unstable vital signs
There may or may not have signs of meningitis such as: stiff neck, convulsion, delirium, altered mental status, vomiting)

How does meningococcal disease spread and transmitted individuals?

The meningococcal infection can be spread through direct contact with infected individuals. It is being transmitted through the bacteria from the discharges from the nose and throat of the patient. The meningococcal bacteria are extremely delicate outside of the body and are common, although these bacteria are not very contagious.

Coughing, and sneezing, kissing are the acts that are considered direct physical contact to the carrier that spread the bacteria from one person to another. There are also some indirect spreading agents that can spread bacteria through infected spit (saliva), food or drinks, cups, utensils and drinking straws.

People should not share anything that has been in or from their mouth. This is the clinical rule in general.

Smoking or even the exposure to cigarette smoke should be avoided because this would increases the risk of spread of meningococci or even with other bacteria.

Who are the people considered close contacts of a meningococcal disease?

Those people who have had direct contact with saliva or mucous from the nose or throat of an infected person are considered as close contacts.

They are those people who live in the same house
They are those people who have kissed the infected person
They are those people who share a bed
They are those children in the same childcare center or nursery because they
They are those people who frequently put objects into their mouths
They are those people who share drinks, cigarettes, food, drinks, water, glasses, cups, lipstick, musical instruments with mouthpieces, or anything else that has been in the mouth of the infected person.

What happens when people are already considered as close contacts?

An antibiotic must be given immediately to close contacts with the case of meningococcal disease as their protection.
Classmates or co-workers are considered close contacts only if they have had direct contact with secretions from the mouth or nose of the infected person.
Some time those people who are close contacts of the infected person do not pose a risk to others individual. They may continue with their daily activities like going to work and attending school.
The preventive treatments /medications are not required to siblings and other family members of close contacts.
Classes, school-related or work- related activities, church activities must continue as scheduled in most cases.
The public health officials may recommend that close contacts will receive antibiotics, vaccine, or both as preventive measures against additional cases of meningococcal disease but this is still depending on the circumstances.

What are the medications for meningococcemia and meningitis?

The meningococcal bacteria that have invaded the body can be treated and killed by Penicillin. There would be great chances of survival if the meningococcal infection will be recognized and treated.

What are the preventive measures for meningococcemia?

We must always wash our hands with soap and water.
We must always avoid close contact with meningococcemia infected people.
We must always increase our resistance by having healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate rest and sleep, no alcohol and cigarette smoking.
We must always maintain clean environment/surroundings
We must not share utensils, cups, water bottles, lipstick, cigarettes and other liquid drinking bottles, dishes, glasses, cups, lipstick, mouthpieces of musical instruments, mouth guards, or anything else that has been in the mouth of the infected person
We must always avoid crowded places

Cognitive Development

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Cognitive Development

Cognition of understanding is dependent on the child’s readiness to understand himself and his environment. This comes from the Uvel of maturation of the brain and the rest of the nervous system and of his senses development are the intelligence of the child opportunity given to him to explore and manipulate his environment and the conditions of the sense of organs.

Stage of Cognitive Development According to Joan Pacet

1. Sensory Motor

The Sensory Motor is the stage from birth to 2 years wherein the object exists for him only so long as he senses it. He organizes what he can see, hear, grasp or suck. What he cannot see or hear or touch does not seem to exist to him. While in early infancy, he can suck objects brought to his mouth, later he learns to grasp the object and bring it to his mouth.

2. Prepartional Stage

Prepartional stage is from 2 to 7 years. This is subdivided into two:

Preconceptional stage (2-4)
Intuitive stage (4.7)

Here he relies on overt actions. He cannot think without acting. He develops a new capacity called “representation”. He can think some actions even though they are not performed, events when they are not happening; and objects although they are not present. He begins to be able to represent the external internally with symbols, like words. The pre-operational child thinking is centered on himself/herself, not because he is selfish, but because he does not know the other viewpoints exists.

3. POS Concrete Operational Stage

During the POS concrete operational stage (7-11 years). The child’s thinking is more similar to the adult’s in some ways. He can retrace his thoughts, correct himself, and start again if necessary. Thinking at this stage is characterized by three logical operations:

Combining
Reversing
forming association

However, the child still thinks in terms of the concrete not abstract.

4. Formal operational stage

The Formal operational stage is at the age of (11-15 years). The adolescent can search for and reach a general rule through the use of logic. He learns to understand things through cause and effect and to develop concepts. Abstract concepts become understandable and child can generalize from one situation to another.

The Psychoses

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The Psychoses

Psychoses

Psychoses are serious forms of mental illness characterized by withdrawal into the private world by beliefs and percepts not experienced by other.

Psychoses maybe classified as organic and somatogenic and functional or psychogenic.

The Organic Psychoses

Organic Psychoses are those ailments caused by changes in the brains or central nervous system as senile dementia which is attributable to the deterioration of the aged.

The Four (4) Types of Organic Psychoses

1. Psychosis associated with infectious disease
2. Psychosis associated with toxins or alcohol
3. Psychosis associated with head injuries
4. Psychosis associated with old age

The Functional Psychoses

Functional Psychosis is a serious mental illness or disorder involving the total personality with no observable tissue damage. Having organic basis, these ailments are believed to result from users of living under emotional stress.

Types of Functional Psychosis

1. Schizophrenia – also name dementia praecox by Emil Kraeplin, a German psychiatrist. Bleuler named it as the splitting of the mind.
2. Affective Reactions of Manic depressive psychoses are characterized by period of depressions of elation or both.

The Five (5) Types of Schizophrenia

1. Simple
2. Hebephrenic
3. Catatonic
4. Paranoid
5. Schizo-affective

The usual symptoms of Schizophrenia

1. Disorganized patterns of feelings and thinking in which there is no logic, or reason in the thoughts and feelings expressed.
2. Apathy of absence of feelings and emotions.
3. Bizarre actions which may include absurd and eccentric gestures or such activities as self decorating.
4. Seclusiveness of narrowing of interests and social contacts.
5. Disorganized pattern of speech
6. Delusions and hallucinations
7. Deteriorations of conduct and personal habit.

The Neurosis

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The Neurosis

Neurosis Mental Disorder

Neurosis is a mental disorder characterized by incomplete insight into the nature of difficulties or conflicts.

The Nine (9) General Characteristics of Neurosis

1. Presence of Anxiety – there is a feeling of dread, fearful anticipation and apprehensiveness in most routine circumstances.
2. Inability to function at capacity. The neurotic fails to realize his potentials and frequency fails miserably in his achievements efforts.
3. Rigid or repetitive behavior – incapable of learning new means of adjusting the life’s problems.
4. Egocentricity – self-preoccupied and fails to distinguish that there are other people in his environment. He tends to exortanly selfish.
5. Hypersensitivity – inability to tolerate criticism
6. Immaturity – failure to develop mature emotions and motivational pattern.
7. Somatic Complaints – physical ailment which is psychogenically oriented and has therefore no organic or psychogenic basic.
8. Unhappiness – feelings of loneliness of being hurt, of missing the good things in life.
9. Unconscious motivation – awareness of reality is colored by unconsciousness, fears and hostilities.

Types of Neurotic Reactions

A) Anxiety Neurosis – this manifests itself principally in feelings for which there seems to be no specific basis on reality.

B) Hysterical Neurosis – this is a kind of adjustment through conversion of illness.

C) Dissociative Neurosis – the patient’s flight is into the awareness rather than into sickness

1 Amnesia – forgetting

2 Fugue – leaves his original environment and takes a new one.

3 Multiple Personality – two or more personality

4 Somnambulism – sleepwalking or any activity that takes place while asleep.

D) Phobic Reaction – irrational fear or dread of person, objects, acts or situation.

1 Agoraphobia – fear of open places
2 Claustrophobia – fear of closed places
3 Acrophobia – fear of heights
4 Germophobia – fear of germs
5 Hematophobia – fear of blood
6 Zoophobia – fear of animals
7 Xenophobia – fear of strangers
8 Pathophobia – fear of disease
9 Tapophobia – fear of being buried alive
10 Cheimophobia – fear of cold
11 Electrophobia – fear of electricity
12 Astrophobia – fear of lightning / thunder

E) Obsessive / Compulsive

1 Obsession – irrational thought which persistently forces into consciousness.
2 Compulsion – irrational act, which a person is compelled to carry out

F) Depressive / Neurotic Depression nor Reactive Depression – is precipitated by saddening stress situation or bereavement

G) Hypochindrial Reaction – pre-occupation with bodily processes.

List of 6 Foods for the Healthy Heart

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List of Foods For The Healthy Heart

Studies showed that Heart disease is the leading killing disease in countries like the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.

This disease includes: Coronary heart disease, Cardiomyopathy, Cardiovascular disease, Ischaemic heart disease, Heart Failure, Hypertensive heart disease, inflammatory heart disease, Valvular heart disease and the like.

However, we can reduce the risk of heart disease as much as 85 percent by turning into healthy lifestyle. Be active everyday and exercise regularly; refrain from vices like smoking, alcoholic drinking and drugs; eating well and balance diet; and proper stress management.

As an added tip, here is the list of healthy foods which are good for the heart. These are readily available in the market, affordable and taste delicious.

Grilled Salmon

Grilled Salmon (Salmonidae):

Freshly cut and grilled salmon is savory and delicious. It is the best source of vitamins B6 and B12, omega-3 and other important nutrients. We all knew that the omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish like salmon and trout help reduce coronary artery disease. We must eat at least two four-ounce servings of fish a week as being recommended by experts. Following the recommended dietary tips will lessen the risk of heart diseases.

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)

This is a flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family which rhizomes yellow or orange in color. This herb is the main ingredient of curry powder which has medicinal value and powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the body. So, this is good for against inflammatory heart disease. It has also claims of strong vitamin C and E. Don’t forget to include this in your cuisine for the needed health benefits.

Beans (Leguminosae)

Beans (Leguminosae)

We all knew that fiber is needed by our body to eliminate clogging and enhance good blood circulation. Beans have tons of fiber in beans which help reduce high cholesterol that causes major risk factor for cardiovascular problems. Bean is rich in fiber, protein folate, iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium copper and other nutrients.

Pomegranates (Punica Granatum)

Pomegranates (Punica Granatum):

Studies proved that Pomegranate juice has four times the antioxidants than tea or coffee. It is good fighter of heart disease and rich of nutrients and phytochemicals (beta carotene). Also great source of vitamin C, Vitamin B5, potassium, antioxidant,

(Punicalagins & polyphenols).

Dark Green Vegetables

Dark Green Vegetables:

Full of nutrients, Folate, Vitamin A, C, K, Calcium and other important nutrients are found in dark green and leafy vegetables that can slash your risk of high blood pressure. Some of these veggies are: broccoli, spinach, Arugula, Chicory, Collard Greens, Dandelion Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Spinach, Swiss Chard, etc. Think about this and plan you delicious menus.

Olive Oil (Olea Europaes)

Olive oil (Olea Europaea):

Olive oil is rich heart disease fighter nutrients such as monounsaturated fats, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that reduce risk of coronary heart disease. It is also good source of Vitamin E and Vitamin K, important nutrients and other anti-oxidants. Be in habit of using olive oil in cooking, sautéing veggies and salad dressing. Enjoy your dishes.

Be vigilant of what you eat. Check and take care of you heart and your health. Live healthy and happy ;)

Swine Flu: Influenza A(H1N1)

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What is Influenza A(H1N1)?

Influenza A(H1N1) is a new strain of virus that has resulted from the re-assortment of four viruses from swine (pigs), birds and human beings. It can further cause pneumonia which can be fatal. As of the moment, there’s no vaccine yet that has been discovered to protect humans.

What are the Sign and Symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) in Human beings?

1. Symptoms like that of the flu such as:

Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Lack of appetite
Runny nose
Sore throat
Cough

2. In some cases, it has been reported to have diarrhea nausea and vomiting.

What are the Mode of Transmission of Influenza A(H1N1)?

Exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected persons.
By touching mouth, nose or eyes after getting in contact with the infected person (s) or contaminated object (s).

What are Preventive Measures for Influenza A(H1N1)?

Use tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
The tissue that had been used must be immediately and properly disposed.
Hands must be frequently sanitized through proper hand-washing soap and water.
Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
You must avoid close contact with the person who is exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
Increase body resistance and strengthen your immune system by:

Sleeping at least 8 hours regularly
Managing Stress
Drinking plenty of fluids
Eating Nutritious foods

Important Note:
Influenza A(H1N1) is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.

Be responsible!
Be vigilant!
Be healthy!
If you have any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, immediately consult a doctor!

5 Foods that Keep You Thin

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Foods That Keeps You Thin

It's true: Apples can help you stay thin. (Thinkstock)

Take a look around any book store, and you'll find dozens of diet books lining the shelves. Despite their bright and cheerful covers, with their positive, upbeat claims, many of them are filled with information that promotes all the wrong messages.

"The word 'diet' is negative and implies people can go on and off them," said Jane Korsberg, a senior instructor in the department of nutrition at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

Korsberg is one nutritionist who thinks it would be better to re-think the whole concept of dieting.

"'Diet foods' are confusing to many people," she explained. "What diet is the 'diet food' geared for? Is it low-calorie, low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar, gluten-free, et cetera?"

Besides, many of the foods that specifically target dieters seem to rarely satisfy. Take those 100-calorie snack packs; for example, made to help people control calories. Those often don't even work, Korsberg says. After all, few people actually stop at only one pack.

You don't need fancy plans or complicated point systems to be thin. All you need to do is make smart food choices, watch your portion sizes and stay active.

"Learning to eat properly for a lifetime is more beneficial," Korsberg said. "The emphasis should be on choosing healthful foods every day and changing lifestyles for the better."

So instead of sticking to diet fare, fill up on nutritious, wholesome foods. And if you need some recommendations, you can start with these five options, which are among the many delicious foods that make a good addition to healthy eating while keeping you slender.

Apples

Apples are a good source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber not only contributes to a healthy digestive system and reduced cholesterol, but it also benefits smart eaters by yielding no calories while keeping them satisfied.

And there's something else about the fruit that might help you feel full. A study in the journal "Appetite" found that when women added either three apples or three pears to their daily meals, they lost more weight than people who added three oat cookies to their diets -- even though the fruit and the cookies contained the exact same amount of dietary fiber.

Although the reason behind this finding may be a mystery, there is something to be said for the findings. According to Alan Aragon, a nutritionist and author of "Girth Control: The Science of Fat Loss & Muscle Gain," crunchy foods in particular can trick a person into feeling fuller. The act of chewing may send satiety signals to your body, he says, making you think you've eaten more than you really have and keeping hunger at bay.

Almonds

If you're looking for a tasty midday snack, a handful of almonds are a well-regarded option. A study in 2009 in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that women who ate nuts at least two times a week were more successful at keeping weight off than those who didn't eat this food.

One particular favorite among some nutritionists is almonds, says Aragon. One ounce of this food contains only 167 calories, plus it packs roughly 6 g of protein and 3 g of fiber, both nutrients that can make you feel full. Furthermore, like apples, almonds are crunchy and require a lot of chewing, so they, too, can make you feel like you've eaten more than you actually did and keep you fuller longer.

Salmon

If you're uncertain about fish, there's no need to fear. Seafood can be part of a healthy diet. And there's some evidence that the fat in foods such as salmon can boost satiety levels, says Aragon. For example, a study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate salmon a few times a week, they lost about two more pounds than those who didn't include seafood in their meals.

And in spite of the mention of salmon's fat content, the food is relatively low in calories. One 3-oz. serving has just 175 calories. Salmon is a good source of protein as well.

Eggs

Eggs

There's no doubt that protein, like fiber, has impressive satiating powers. And while eggs seem to have a bad reputation in some circles, there can be no contesting their ability to help keep your weight in check.

Research has shown that eating eggs at breakfast can help you fight weight gain all day long. A study reported in 2008 in the "International Journal of Obesity" found that when dieters ate two eggs for breakfast for five days out of the week, they lost 65 percent more weight than dieters who consumed a bagel in the morning. Although protein is likely to fill you up whenever you eat it, some scientists suspect that having more in the morning can keep you feeling fuller all day long.

Tomatoes

It's true that most veggies make for great diet fare. Non-starchy vegetables in particular, such as carrots, celery and spinach, are filled with fiber. Like other foods high in fiber, they can help keep you feeling satiated.

Plus, they're pretty self-regulating, says Aragon. You can't really overeat with nonstarchy vegetables. After all, how many baby carrots can a person eat without needing to dunk them in some ranch dressing?

So while there are many veggies that can help you stay slim, tomatoes might be a particularly good option because they're so tasty. And, besides, with that whole a-tomato-is-a-vegetable-no-it's-a-fruit argument, you might have forgotten all about eating them. One cup of cooked, red tomatoes contains just 43 calories, but tastes just as delicious as any number of high-calorie foods.

And that's at least half the secret, finding foods that are both healthy and tasty. The good thing is, they do exist. Over time, you'll discover what wholesome, filling foods you prefer, expanding your choices while shrinking your waistline.

By: Kristin McGrath

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza AH5N1)

2025-03-26T01:02:00.001-07:00

Bird Flu (Avian Influenza AH5N1)

The Bird flu or avian influenza is one of the most infectious diseases of birds. The degree of danger of this illness is ranging from mild to severe. Theirs is no exception for this disease in the family of birds as all species of birds are vulnerable to bird flu. All some of the species of birds are more resistant to infection, still they are all susceptible and carrier of this disease. And the fact, people are also greatly affected because some kinds of the bird flu can infect and cause illness to human beings.

What are the main causes who are the source of bird flu?

Bird flu is primarily caused by influenza or by the union of different subtypes of virus that affecting chickens, ducks, turkeys, and other kinds of birds. These viruses can cause mild disease at the start, however, they can mutate into another kinds viruses that are very dangerous because they are serious and highly pathogenic in nature.

At the moment, all epidemic outbreaks are highly pathogenic and the recent for of disease was caused by Influenza AH5N1 virus which was severe disease and dangerous to humans.

What is the way of transmission of bird flu to chickens and other birds?

Direct contact with discharges from infected birds, especially feces and respiratory secretions

The process how bird flu spreads within the country?

Domestic birds can get the infection when they:

roam freely
share water supply with wild birds
use a water supply that might be contaminated by infected droppings
Contaminated equipment, vehicles, feeds, cages, or clothing, especially shoes can carry the virus from farm to farm
Wet markets where live chickens and other birds are sold under crowded and sometimes unsanitary conditions

How is bird flu transmitted to humans?

Bird flu is transmitted to humans from direct or indirect contact with infected wild ducks and chickens through infected aerosols, discharges and surfaces.

A person handling or taking care infected chickens or came near or inside a poultry or market where there are sick chickens can inhale the particles from dried discharges or feces with the bird flu virus.

Discharges can get in contact with the nose or eyes of a person handling infected chickens.

There is no reported case of bird flu in humans after handling dressed chicken. Since the virus is easily inactivated by heat, one does not get bird flu from thoroughly cooked chicken meat.
There is no evidence of human-to- human transmission.

Why are we concerned with bird flu?

There are a number of reasons why we are concerned with bird flu:

Bird flu or Avian influenza (AI) causes serious illness and death in humans
Avian and human influenza viruses can recombine to form a totally new influenza
A virus which is capable of spreading from person to person and from which the human population do not have protection
AI causes severe epidemics and mass death of chickens affecting the poultry industry.

What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu in chickens?

Infection causes a wide spectrum of symptoms in birds, ranging from mild illness to a highly contagious and rapidly fatal disease resulting in severe epidemics.

Decrease in activity
Decrease in activity
Drastic decline in egg production
Facial swelling with swollen and bluish-violet colored combs and wattles
Hemorrhages on internal membrane surfaces
Virus isolation needed for definitive diagnosis
Gasping for breath
Muscle
Weakness/paralysis
Diarrhea
Sudden deaths (mortality that can reach 100%)

What are the signs and symptoms of bird flu in humans?

Bird flu is very similar to other influenza viruses. Initial symptoms are:

Fever
Muscle weakness and/or pain
Sore throat and cough
Sore eyes (conjunctivitis) is seen in some patients
Causes of death and complications are:
Severe viral pneumonia
Respiratory distress syndrome
Multi-organ failure

Since there are so many cases of influenza, pneumonia or any other respiratory illness, when does one suspect that the patient is a case of bird flu?

The suspects that a patient with influenza or pneumonia or any other respiratory illness is a case of bird flu avian influenza if the patient has had direct or indirect contact through handling or having taken care or getting near sick chickens or other birds.

Laboratory confirmation of the bird flu infection and epidemiologic link with unusual death or epidemics of chickens will support the diagnosis of bird flu.

What is the treatment of bird flu?

Treatment for H5N1 infection is essentially the same as for other influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs, some of which can be used for both treatment and prevention, are clinically effective against influenza A virus strains in otherwise healthy adults and children, but have some limitations. Some of these drugs are also expensive and supplies are limited.

Is there a vaccine against bird flu?

No. The vaccine currently available against the circulating strains in humans will not protect from the disease caused by H5N1. However, it is recommended for individuals who are potentially exposed to bird flu like poultry handlers, workers and breeders to prevent recombination of avian with the human influenza virus.

How do we prevent bird flu?

The ban on importation of live chickens and other poultry products from countries affected with bird flu is a critical step to prevent the entry of bird flu into the country.

For poultry caretakers and handlers of chickens and other birds:

Avoid contact of poultry with wild birds, in particular waterfowl
Control human traffic into poultries
Practice proper hand washing and cleaning and disinfection procedures in poultries
Report to authorities any unusual death or illness of chickens and other birds
Report to authorities any illness among the workers in poultry farms

For the general public:

Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water before and after handling chicken meat
Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils before and after use
Cook chicken well by seeing to it that the boiling temperature is reached
Do not sell live chickens in the market while there is a threat of bird flu.
Do not let chickens roam freely. Keep them in cages or pens.
Do not place chickens, ducks and pigs together in one area, cage or pen.
Do not catch, get near or keep in captivity wild birds.
Report to authorities any unusual death or illness of chickens and other birds
Report to authorities any case of respiratory illness with history of exposure to sick or dead chickens and other birds

What should Local Government Officials do?

Monitor and apprehend smuggling activities and illegal trading of poultry like game fowl, breeders and wild birds coming from countries affected by bird flu.
Pass and enforce local ordinances on the ff:
o prohibition of live chickens in the market while there is a threat of bird flu
o not allowing chickens to roam freely
o prohibition of placing chickens, ducks and pigs together in one area, cages or pens
Provide correct information to the community.
Advise public not to catch, get near or keep in captivity wild birds
Coordinate with the local agricultural office for any unusual death or sickness of chicken and other fowl.
Coordinate with the nearest health worker for any suspected case of bird flu.
Coordinate with Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) on smuggling, trading or capture of wild birds by an individual.

Is it safe to travel to countries affected with bird flu?

Bird flu is not transmitted from one person to another. Individuals at risk are those are directly or indirectly exposed to sick chickens and other fowl. The government thereby advises travelers to countries affected with bird flu not to go to bird parks (aviaries), poultry farms or market where live poultry is sold.

Rabies

2025-03-26T01:02:00.000-07:00

Rabies

If bitten by a stray animal, what should be properly done?

You must wash immediately the wound caused by the bite with soap and clean water. If the are antiseptics available at the moment, you must apply the medicine in the wounded area.
After washing the wound, you bring the bitten patient to a physician, authorized medical representative.
or Animal Bite Center nearest the in area for the proper consultation and immediate immunization. Antibiotics and Anti-tetanus vaccines must be given as soon as possible especially when advised by the attending doctor.
You must also consult and ask for the opinion of the veterinarian for the needed animal management of the biting dog.

What is the needed post-exposure treatment Rabies?

The post-exposure treatment is required to be given to persons who were bitten or has been exposed to rabid animals. First, the wound must be given the needed first aid and treatment. After the wound treatment an active vaccination or immunization must be given and then a passive immunization shall be administered on rabies immunoglobin.

Active and passive immunization defined

Active immunization or vaccination

Active immunization or vaccination is being induced to the human body in order to develop the required antibodies against rabies. The effect of this vaccine will usually last for one (1) up to three (3) years upon introduction.

Passive immunization or vaccination

Passive immunization or vaccination on the other hand is being introduced to the person with Category III exposure in order develop antibodies and protection against rabies. The Category III exposed people are those with bite in the head and neck, with single but deep bite or multiple bites, the mucous membranes had been contaminated, licks of the eyes, lips and mouth. This immunization must be immediately administered to the bitten person within the first seven days of his/her active vaccination. However, please note that the immunoglobulin effect in the body is only short or within a short period of time.

Is Rabies curable?

No, it so very unfortunate that rabies is not curable. The victim of the rabies will dies within the first day up to the third day of the manifestation of the signs of brain involvement.

Is Rabies preventable?

Yes rabies can be prevented by way of proper and right time administration of vaccine and immunoglobin to the victim of an animal bite. But before taking into the step of vaccination and immunization, you must always remember you must clean immediate the wound from animal bite by washing with soap and water as the first important preventive measure of rabies.

What is “tandok” and is it an effective preventive measure for Rabies?

No, “tandok” is not an effective prevention against rabies. The “Tandok” is an old belief of our folklores as rabies preventive measure by way of placing the horn of a deer over the wound caused by an animal bite. Our folks believe that the deer horn will suck the rabies virus out the wound. As per the research showed that “tandok” has no records that it has treated anyone and the victims died from rabies and / tetanus brought bout by the animal bites.

Is vinegar and rubbing of garlic at the wound bite effective and useful ways of preventing Rabies?

No, vinegar and garlic are not useful in preventing rabies. . They should be applied on the bite wound because these can further aggravate by wound condition for the introduction of more dirt to the wound and lead to swelling and irritation. To reduce rabies infection simply wash the bite wound with soap and water promptly to prevent the rapid penetration and spread of the virus in the body.

If a dog bites you, do you need to kill the dog immediately?

No, you should not kill the dog immediately especially if the dog is apparently healthy. Instead, all you have to do is to put the dog a leash or inside the cage so that you can observe its condition within 14 days.

How’s the observation period differs from incubation period?

The “observation period” by the obvious literal meaning is the observation period where in this span of time the dog or the cat that has bitten a victim is being observed if it will show any signs or symptoms that it has Rabies. The allotted days for this period of time is usually 14 days starting from the day the animal has bitten the victimized person. According to the studies made, the dog or the cat that has bitten the victim will die within the 14 days period if it is rabid. It has not transmitted the rabies virus or the animal is not rabid if the dog or the cat that has bitten the person is still alive after the observation period of 14 days.

If a rabid person bite another person, does he/she needs to be given anti-Rabies immunization?

Yes, the Rabies virus can be transmitted if a rabid person bites another person and should be immediately given anti-Rabies immunization.

Measles

2025-03-26T01:01:00.003-07:00

Measles

What is measles and why is it dangerous?

Measles is a highly contagious disease which is caused by a virus called Paramyxovirus (from genus Morbillivirus). This disease mostly affects the respiratory system of the children. The transmission of the virus is airborne and through direct contract with infected person that is why t spreads easily and rapidly.

There are numbers of complications on children who suffer from measles which includes: pneumonia, encephalitis, blindness, deafness, ear infection, diarrhea and dehydration.

Measles and its complications are severe illness that can cause death on the infected person.

Who are the people that can be infected with measles?

Those who are not vaccinated against measles regardless of age, whether young or old.
Those children who were vaccinated but not injected with boaster vaccine may still be infected as they may not necessarily develop enough protection against measles.
Those who thought that they had already infected with measles because of like symptoms but actually those where other diseases like rashes which maybe mistaken for measles.

What are the most common signs and symptoms of measles?

An infected person or child with measles usually has blotchy rashes all over the body for 3 days or even more. Also, she/he has fever and any one or all of the following:

Cough
Runny nose
Reddish eyes

How do you prevent measles?

Measles can be prevented through measles vaccination starting 9 months of age.

My child has already received vaccine against measles. Is she exempted from being infected with measles?
NO. The measles vaccine she gets again will increase her protection against measles.

My child had measles previously, is he exempted from being vaccinated again?

NO. There are many conditions that are mistaken as measles-like diseases. The vaccination will not harm a child and will even serve to increase his immunity against measles.

Is there any overdose, if my child receives this measles vaccine again?

NONE. What has been received by your child are Antibodies. These antibodies will live in the blood and will provide protection against the disease but it decreases as the child grows older. Please note that there is no vaccine overdose for the measles vaccine so it will not do any harm to your child. Because the measles vaccines are antibodies they are even known as to enhancer to the overall immunity against other diseases.

What are the common effects to my child after receiving the measles immunization?

Nothing so far but some children may experience slight fever which usually last for 1 to 2 days from day of vaccination.

When slight fever will occur, the best thing with you child is to give Paracetamol medication to be taken every four hours. To lower the temperature and avoid dehydration you must give you child plenty of fluids. Just continue the breastfeeding of you child (if you are on breastfeeding) and make sure the child gets enough sleep and rest to avoid stress.

Post vaccination notes

Please be reminded that all children who turn 9-11 months must receive one dose of the measles vaccine together with the vaccines against other diseases of childhood like polio, diphtheria, pertussis, etc.

You must report to the health centers / health workers is you suspect that you child is having measles to be properly attended.

And in return the health workers who receive reports of suspected measles must investigate the case/s for accurate statistics and avoid and/or prevent the spread of the disease in the early stage.

Leprosy

2025-03-26T01:01:00.002-07:00

Leprosy

What is leprosy?

Leprosy is a chronic and infectious disease that mainly affects nerves and skin of human infected people. It is primarily caused by Mycobacterium leprae or the commonly called M. leprae which looks like a rod in shape bacillus.

How to minimize if not eliminate the stigma and discrimination of people who are infected by leprosy?

First, we should never define the infected people through their disease and never call them by the derogatory word “lepers”. We should never look down these people and their families. Instead we should give them and their families the needed support and accepting them for who and what they are in equilibrium with our treatment with other people. We should always bear in our minds the every person in this universe is create and born equal, with the same human rights and dignity.

How long will leprosy eventually disappear?

Leprosy requires a lengthy period of incubation which is about or between five (5) to twenty (20) years depending on the patient’s condition. Surveys said that the incidence of leprosy is diminishing a years go by. There are only fair number of new cases are diagnosed and like to grow less and less.

Will a person that has already body deformities can still be cured of leprosy?

General the leprosy disease can still be cured at any point of the stages of the illness. When we cured, it means that all the bacteria in the body that are causing the leprosy disease were totally eliminated and killed, thus stopping the infection. Only the bacteria can be all killed and terminated. However, the damaged and deformities in the body can not be anymore restored. It is because the leprosy is detected and treated only after permanent damages in the nerve damage has occurred and this is irreversible. The residual disabilities and deformities will be left as the proof of the disease. The disability or deformity can be prevented when the disease will be diagnosed in the early stage and treatment has been promptly and properly administered. Please note that any of the residual disabilities and deformities of leprosy will not be anymore a source of leprosy infection to another person.

How can anyone extend help in fighting against leprosy?

We are well informed and we have to recognize that leprosy is curable. The treatment of leprosy is provided free. It is a very wrong habit of stigmatizing people who are infected with leprosy. All we have to do is spread the message, the information about leprosy to our fellowmen so that they will be also knowledgeable about this disease and won’t look down those infected people.

Bacteria that Cause Leprosy

Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae or leprosy bacilli.

What is the mode of transmission of Leprosy?

The mode of transmission of Leprosy is through the air. It can be transmitted via the droplets coming from the nose and/or the mouth of the infected person who is not yet treated by way of close or frequent contact with the carrier.

Mode of Transmission

Airborne: inhalation of droplet/spray from coughing and sneezing of untreated leprosy patient

What are the basic signs and symptoms of leprosy?

The appearance of the patches on the skin is the first sign of leprosy. These patches on the skin are usually accompanied by numbness or loss of sensation in the areas affected.

Here are the basic signs and symptoms appearing on the person with leprosy:

There will be a long standing skin lesions on the infection person that do not disappear with ordinary treatment
The infected person will loss of feeling/numbness on the skin
There will be loss of sweating and hair growth over the skin lesions on the infected person.
There will be thickened and/or painful nerves in the neck, forearm, near elbow joint and the back of knees of the infected person.

Where can infected people ask for immediate treatment?

Basically the most possible and immediate way for the leprosy to be diagnosed in an infected person is through the nearest health center or health post as leprosy services have been integrated with general health services.

Immediate Treatment

The immediate treatment for Leprosy is Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT). The patient must go to the nearest health center for prompt treatment.

Prevention and Control of Leprosy

All Leprosy cases should be treated in order to prevent spread of infection
The young children should avoid direct contact with untreated patients
People should always observe and practice personal hygiene
People should maintain body resistance by healthful living through good nutrition, enough rest and exercises, and clean healthy environment

Is leprosy the same as Hansen’s disease?

Yes, the other name for leprosy is Hansen’s disease. It was named after the Norwegian doctor who discovered the M. leprae bacillus in 1873, who is Dr. G.A. Hansen. The use of the word “leper” is derogatory that is why Hansen’s disease is preferably used instead of leprosy in other countries like Brazil, Japan and the United States.

Is leprosy considered a very infectious disease?

Sometime, the leprosy disease is called the least infectious disease and this is contrary to the beliefs of many people. More than 85% of leprosy cases are noninfectious and do not spread the disease. Over 99% of people have a natural immunity or resistance to leprosy.

Is leprosy widespread?

There are about less than 300,000 people develop leprosy each year as per current reports. Also, there are more than 15 million people around the world have been cured of the disease since the MDT has been introduced in the early 1980s. Today, leprosy remains to be public health problem in some countries but it is only a handful.

What are there reasons, if any, in the isolation people with leprosy?

No. There is no medical or social justification as of today for isolating people infected with leprosy. People with leprosy can still continue with their normal way of life while they are receiving treatment. It would only stigmatize and reinforce age-old prejudices about the disease attempts of isolating people with leprosy.

Is treatment for leprosy expensive?

Treatment for leprosy costs nothing to the patient. The World Health Organization (WHO) has supplied MDT free to all patients in the world, initially with funding provided by The Nippon Foundation, and subsequently through MDT donated by Novartis and the ovartis Foundation for Sustainable Development whose medical support started since 1995.

How does leprosy lead to body deformities?

Leprosy can caused damages to the nerve of the infected person together with the other complications if it is not treated immediately on the early stage it was diagnosed.

The patients with leprosy lose their nerve feelings and together with the other complications. The patients with leprosy lose their feelings in their hands and feet, and then their muscles become paralyzed because the nerves supplying them have been impaired. Festering wounds or ulcers and susceptible to injuries are the results on people with leprosy disease. These deformed effects are not caused by the leprosy germs but by other organisms that brought about the secondary infections.

Malaria

2025-03-26T01:01:00.001-07:00

Malaria

What is malaria?

Malaria is dangerous killer disease which is caused by protozoan parasites. This protozoan parasite is known as Plasmodium. The mode of transmission of this disease is through bite of infected female mosquito which is called Anopheles.

Mode of Transmission of Malaria:

Through blood transfusion (If the blood is positive for malaria parasites)
Through sharing of IV needles (this is common among IV drug users)
Through transplacenta (If the mother is positive for malaria parasites the unborn child in her womb will be infected too)

What are the common signs and symptoms of malaria?

The patient chills
There is high fever
There is too much sweating when fever subsides
There is Headache

What are the common species of malaria parasites in the Philippines?

The Four (4) Species of Malaria Parasites:

Plasmodium falciparum
Plasmodium vivax
Plasmodium malariae
Plasmodium ovale

In the Philippines, 70% of malaria parasites cases are caused by Plasmodium falciparum and 30% by Plasmodium vivax. It is also estimated that 1% of the total malaria cases is due to Plasmodium malariae.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria, can lead to severe malaria, such as cerebral malaria if not treated immediately. Plasmodium vivax malaria on the other hand causes relapse if treatment was not completed. It does not lead to cerebral malaria.

What is the carrier of malaria parasites?

Not all mosquitoes are carrier of malaria parasites. In the Philippines, only the adult female Anopheles mosquitoes that were infected with malaria parasites carry, transfer and infect people by biting. Before the mosquito becomes infected, the malaria parasites undergo through the phases of developmental stages inside the adult female mosquito. After all those stages, that’s the time where the mosquito becomes infective with malaria parasites. The Anopheles mosquitoes breed in clear water of slow flowing streams that are found in remote mountainous or forested areas. Also in areas of brackish water (brackish water is where salt and fresh water meet). The Anopheles mosquito bites during evening until dawn commonly in coastal areas where they multiply rapidly.

People who are risk of having malaria

The children
The pregnant women
The indigenous peoples
The people who work in forest like miners and soldiers
The people who travel to a malarious area

How can a person become infected with malaria?

When an infective Anopheles mosquito bites a person it transfers the malaria parasite and get him/her infected.

Can malaria parasite be transmitted to person by drinking water with mosquito eggs in the streams?
No. The malaria parasite can’t be transmitted by drinking water that has mosquito eggs in it because the parasite will pass through its development stages inside the adult female mosquito.

How is the presence of malaria throughout the country?

In the Philippines, malaria is endemic certain numbers of municipalities in the 63 provinces.

In the endemic areas, will the people living there continue to get sick of malaria?
A partial immunity to malaria may be developed on the people who are living in endemic areas.

The person with malaria parasite may not manifest the common signs and symptoms but can be examined through blood smear. Using the microscope, the malaria parasites can be seen if present in the blood smear of the person.

Treatment for malaria

There are appropriate anti-malarial medicines for treating malaria. However, the blood smear must be tested first on what malaria species has infected the patient. A blood smear has to be done to find out what particular species is present in the patient’s blood in order to properly prescribe the complete the dosage of the anti-malarial medicine for the patient.

Is there any vaccine to fight against malaria?

None. There is no vaccine against malaria that has been discovered at the moment. But medical experts have continuous research and development on vaccine for malaria.

How to prevent malaria, what are precautionary measures against this disease?

For those living in a malarious area

They must sleep inside an insecticide-treated mosquito net every night.
They must put screen on their windows and doors (only if their family can afford to do so) or in the sleeping area.
They must wear long sleeves and long pants during night time activities.
They must use insect repellant during night time activities.
They must promptly consult the nearest health authorities and facility if they are experiencing symptoms of malaria and complete the medications as instructed. Do not self-medicate.

For persons going to a malaria endemic area

They must consult the Provincial Health Office or Rural Health Unit of the province/area for medical advice.
Chemoprophylaxis is given as follows:
o Doxycycline 100 mg daily for 2 – 3 days before going to an endemic area, continue while in the endemic area and continue for 4 more weeks after leaving the endemic area.

NOTE: Doxycycline is not suitable and should not be given to pregnant women and children 8 years old and below.

NOTE: Taking chemoprophylaxis is not 100% assurance that one will not get sick of malaria. You must be extra careful while you are staying in an endemic area and should execute other personal protective measures against malaria infection.

Their must preferably install screen on their windows and doors of sleeping quarters are screened. Or else they must sleep inside an insecticide-treated mosquito net or inside a conventional mosquito net every night if screens were not installed.
They must always wear long sleeves and long pants during night time activities.
They must also use insect repellant during night time activities.
They must consult a physician and inform to inform that they went to a malaria endemic area and has stayed there for several days (history of travel to an endemic area) so that a blood smear will be taken, in case they develop or show signs and symptoms of malaria while in the area or after coming form an endemic area.

Filariasis

2025-03-26T01:01:00.000-07:00

Lymphatic Filariasis

What is Lymphatic Filariasis?

Lymphatic Filariasis is an infection inside the lymphatic which is caused the parasites the live there. Filariasis is the disease which is transmitted when bitten by infected mosquitoes that carries the parasites.

What drugs can protect us against Filariasis?

Diethylcarbamazine Citrate combined with Albendazole is the mass treatment drugs that can protect us from being infected by filariasis. This shall be taken once a year for 5 consecutive years. This is so because of the filaricidal effects of the combined drugs. It has also effects on the intestinal helminthes that are usually present among children and even adults.

What’s the reason for taking the drugs for five (5) consecutive years?

The microfilaria or the baby filarial parasites that are found in the peripheral blood of human beings should be suppressed in order to minimize or prevent its transmission. However, the suppression of microfilarimia is a lengthy process that’s why administering of drugs should be long term as five consecutive years.

Who are the people that should take the mass treatment drugs?

The people staying in the place which has been long affected by the disease should take the mass treatment drugs. This includes people of all ages except for pregnant, children below 2 years old and those who are very ill.

What are the side effects of the mass treatment drugs?

The drugs have only mild effects on the persons infected with filariasis. This is usually felt by the infected persons because of the death of the microfilaria or the baby filarial parasites. The filariasis infected persons who are taking mass treatment drugs may feel abdominal pain and nausea; vomiting and dizziness; headache and fever; rashes and skin roughness; and present of pass out worms in their stool of some children. These are the common side effects but can be manageable if symptoms appear.

What are the effects of MDA when taken by sick persons?

Infection persons should take MDA pills even they have mild illness. However, they should discontinue taking the drugs in case of some complication such as kidney and/ or heart failure.

Cautions on MDA pills when taken by pregnant women

It is safe to administer Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) and Albendazole as treatment to pregnant women. However, the treatment must be delayed until the women have already given birth.

Cautions on MDA pills when taken by lactating mothers

Yes, it is safe, however to avoid any incident that may be blamed to the MDA it is advised to stop breastfeeding for 72 hours after taking the pills.

Schedule for taking the MDA pills
In the Philippine, the MDA is scheduled every November of each year as per the Executive Order 369 of 2004 that was signed by the President.

Who were authorized to give the drugs?

In each place, there were authorized and assigned people who will give the drugs as such: health staff, personnel sellers, trained volunteers and Barangay Health Workers.

What is the manner of giving or delivering the drugs?

The drugs will be delivered by the assigned people by house to house, health centers, health fairs and other fixed sites that will be announced to the public.

Are the MDA pills medically approved?

MDA pills are both approved the international and local medical /health authorities. The American Food and Drug Administration and BFAD have approval for Albendazole as treatment worm. While Diethylcarbamazine Citrate (DEC) has been here in the Philippines since 1950 for treatment of filariasis.

Ebola Reston Virus

2025-03-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ebola Reston Virus

What is Ebola Reston strain?

Four subtypes of Ebola virus:

• Ebola Zaire
• Ebola Sudan
• Ebola Ivory Coast
• Ebola Reston

The 3 subtypes of Ebola virus have hemorrhagic causing symptoms and Reston is not.

In some other countries Ebola Reston virus was not found even in animal. However in the Philippines in the years 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1996, the Ebola Reston was found among Philippine monkeys. And most recently in 2008, for the first time in the history the virus was found among sick swine in the Philippines.

How do Ebola Viruses affect humans?
The three subtypes of Ebola virus (Zaire, Sudan and Ivory Coast) were dangerous only Reston has mild effect as there’s no concrete evidence that it can significant illness in human being. Reston has mild signs and symptoms with the few infected animal handlers when it was found in the monkeys in the Philippines.

Is pork safe to be eaten?
Yes, it is safe to eat pork provided the meat has been prepared properly and cooked thoroughly. The viruses including Reston can be inactivated with proper cooking of meat. We must all practice proper hygiene and sanitation in our own kitchen. We must handle all food properly starting from the raw material, preparing, cooking, eating and storing them to avoid virus and bacterial infections.

Is it safe to eat pork from sick hugs?
No. It is not safe to eat pork from sick pigs. The meat of these dead sick hugs should not be eaten. They should be buried or burned to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria. Or else, you should report the instances of sick and dead animals to proper authorities such as Bureau of Animal Industry and the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture for the proper inspection and investigation.

How can we make sure that we are buying safe pork in the market?
The public must be also vigilant about this health issue. To make sure of the safeness of the pork they should buy meat only from meat stalls that are licensed by the proper authorities. The stalls must have the certification from the National Meat Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture and the meat products must have the seal of inspection.

Important measures on how we keep can our food safe:

We must always keep them clean
We must wash your hands before handling food and during food preparation
We must wash and sanitize all surfaces and equipment used for food preparation
We must protect kitchen areas and food from insects, pests and other animals
We must always separate raw food and cooked food
We must separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from cooked food
We must use separate equipment and utensils such as cutting boards for handling raw food
We must Store food in containers to avoid contact between raw and prepared foods
We must always cook food thoroughly
We must cook food thoroughly especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood
We must bring foods like soups and stews to boiling to make sure that they have reached 700C.
We must always make sure that meat juices are clear, not pink.
We must reheat cooked food thoroughly
We must keep food at safe temperatures
We must not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours
We must refrigerate food promptly
We must not store food too long even in refrigerator
We must not thaw food frozen food at room temperature
We must always use safe water and raw materials

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

2012-08-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Questions and Answers About Dengue

Q. What is dengue?

A. Dengue (pronounced den' gee) is a disease caused by any one of four closely related viruses (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, or DEN-4). The viruses are transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. In the Western Hemisphere, the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the most important transmitter or vector of dengue viruses, although a 2001 outbreak in Hawaii was transmitted by Aedes albopictus. It is estimated that there are over 100 million cases of dengue worldwide each year.

Dengue And Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

2012-08-28T02:22:00.001-07:00

Dengue And Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

Information For Health Care Practitioners

Dengue is an arthropod-borne disease caused by any one of four closely related viruses. Infection with one serotype of dengue virus provides immunity to that serotype for life.