NOTES FROM THE CLINIC

Health Advisory: Avoid Wading in The Flood

2011-08-17T08:22:00.004+08:00

photocredit

The rainy season here in the Philippines started last June and may end up to December. It will practically rain almost half of the year. Of course, with the rainy season comes the typhoons, storms and the perennial flooding of our streets everywhere.

Last June, the Department of Health issued a health advisory to the public to avoid wading in floodwaters because of the rising cases of Leptospirosis in the country.It has been reported that the recorded cases of Leptospirosis from January this year up to 21 May 2011 were 454 cases, yielding a 74.6% higher compared to the same period last year with 260 cases. Thirty-two (32) deaths from the said disease have been recorded this year for the period mentioned, compared to last year’s 8 mortalities.

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal infectious disease caused by a spirochete. It is transmitted by wild animals and rats through contact with infected soil or water. These infected animals pass out the bacteria in their urine. People contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil. Flooding which is very common here in our country helps spread the bacteria in our environment.

Leptospirosis symptoms begin from two to 25 days after initial direct exposure to the urine or tissue of an infected animal. This can even occur via contaminated soil or water. Veterinarians, pet shop owners, sewage workers, and farm employees are at particularly high risk. People participating in outdoor sporting activities like canoeing, rafting, hiking, and camping can also come into contact with contaminated water or soil.

Leptospirosis is said to be biphasic. The first phase begins with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pains, intense headache. The patient can become asymptomatic and improve on the 5th to the 9th day. The second phase begins after a few days of feeling well then the patient will have recurrence of the fever and complications may set in. This phase is characterized by a multiorgan involvement – meningitis, liver damage (causing jaundice or yellowing of the skin), and renal failure.

High dose antibiotic therapy is effective if initiated early in the course of the disease. Mortality rates for severe illness with leptospirosis can range from 5%-40%, depending on the severity of organ dysfunction and the patient's general health prior to infection. Most previously healthy patients have a good prognosis and will make a full recovery.

Prevention is better than cure. Avoid wading in flood waters. Wear a protective gear like rubber boots if you have to walk in flooded areas.

Are you in?

2011-08-08T20:58:00.011+08:00

photo credit

photo credit
I'm sure you have heard all about planking or the "lying down game". It is actually the act of lying face down with both arms on the sides of the body. An important part of the game is to have yourself photographed while planking and the photo must be posted on the Internet so that others can see it. It sounds easy, right? Anyone can do that but one gets pogi or ganda points for planking in odd places like the elevator, treetop, stairs, poles or just about anywhere. Every "planker" tries to outdo each other in planking. It's not even funny nor enjoyable anymore because one 20-year old Aussie man plummeted to his death while trying to plank on the balcony of a 7-storey building.

But planking is so over.... nowadays, owling is the new planking. Instead of lying straight down on anything you crouch like an owl in different locations. Just as with planking, the more difficult and the more dangerous it is.. the better! The photo must also be uploaded in the internet. There's already a Facebook page for owling if you want to post your picture.. hehe.. Even celebrities are planking and owling.

So are you in for some planking or owling? ;)

Stop With The Whitening Creams!

2011-08-05T11:33:00.002+08:00

"Stop with the whitening creams!" -- Sarah Meier-Albano tweeted this last January 2011 when Danica Flores Magpantay won the 2011 Ford Supermodel of the World contest.

This is a call for us Filipinos to be proud of our brown complexion since many of our kababayans tend to use these whitening products to achieve a fair complexion like that of Hollywood stars and celebrities. Just take a look at all these Filipina morena beauties -- Miriam Quiambao (first runner-up in the 1999 Ms. Universe pageant), Venus Raj (4rth runner up in Ms. Universe pageant) and Isabelle Daza, just to name a few. We should really be proud of our brown complexion.

Lately the FDA has banned several whitening cosmetic creams from Taiwan, Hongkong and China; because the products were found to contain mercury in excess of the legal limit of “one part per million”. The FDA examinations and subsequent ban were taken in response to claims of antitoxic group, EcoWaste Coalition, that there were beauty products with “atrociously” high levels of mercury content, with some going as high as 28,600 ppm. “These cosmetic products pose imminent danger or injury to the consuming public and the importation, selling or offering for sale of such is in direct violation of the FDA Act of 2009,” FDA said in its Advisory No. 2011-012 issued yesterday. The FDA ordered its personnel to seize all the banned products if found in retail outlets and establishments. Local government units were also asked to help in apprehending vendors of the banned products.

Please take note of these whitening creams.

BIB Night Cream Whitening Cream
Pretty Model Whitening and Freckle Removing (Day Cream and Night Cream-Set)
Pretty Girl 10 Day Special Cream
Pretty Girl Green Cucumber and Ginseng Cream
Liliki Whitening Day Cream
Liliki Whitening Night Cream
New Miss Beauty Magic Cream
Jiaoli Rejuvenation Essence 10 Days Speckle Removing
Jaio Liang 7 Days Eliminating Fredkle AB Set
Jiao Liang 10 Days Eliminating Fredkle AB Set
Beauty Girl 6 Days Specific Eliminating Fredkle Whitening Cream Egg White
Tomato 3in1
and Beautiful Dream Whitening Anti-Speckle and
Anti-Azne Kit

Miss Beauty Magic Cream
Miss Beauty Excellent Therapy Whitening Cream
Dagette and Ramsdell Underarm Lightening Cream
Lanmeirou 12 Days Whiten and Speckle Removing Suit
Berglotus Spot Removing Series
Yoko Gentlemen Cream for Men
Jonathan Clearing Facial Spots 12 Day Cream
The Flower Woman 7-day Whitening and
Spot and Night Set Cream
Sara Glutathione Sheep Placenta Whitening and Anti-Spot Cream
Aichun Beauty Green Tea Whitening Speckle Removing Series Cream
Aichun Beauty Whitening Freckle Day and Night Cream

According to the Department of Health, mercury is a known neurotoxicant, which damages the kidneys and many body systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, hematologic, immune and reproductive systems.

So let's stop with the whitening creams. Brown is beautiful!

Blog Import - Aimless Ramblings

2011-07-28T21:17:00.003+08:00

I have decided to import my blog Aimless Ramblings here in Notes From The Clinic. I know it could be quite confusing. Almost all of the posts in the other blog are also published here in Notes From The Clinic.

Aimless Ramblings has had its ups and downs. I never really understood the dynamics of Google page ranks. At times, Aimless Ramblings was unrankable. Suddenly its PR rose to 4. Then it plummeted again to being unrankable. A few weeks ago, it enjoyed a PR rank of 4 again. Wow, I was really overjoyed! A few bloggers asked for link exchange and I readily agreed.

This morning I was surprised to see that Aimless Ramblings is again unrankable. Ano ba talaga, Mr. G?? What did I do this time?

Since I've been neglecting this blog - Notes From The Clinic for so long already ( I think the last post was published last April) I just thought I'd import Aimless Ramblings here.

For those whom I've exchanged links with in the other blog, please comment or leave a message if you want a link exchange with this blog.

Thanks for being with Aimless Ramblings through its ups and downs. I still have a lot of work to do with this blog and I hope you will also support Notes From The Clinic. :)

Surprise!!

2011-07-19T10:35:00.005+08:00

I've been busy lately with so many things that I've neglected my blogs again. Sorry for that, friends. But I promise, I'll visit each of your blogs tonight.

Anyway, I just happen to check on my shout box to see who's been here and to my surprise I saw that my Google page rank was 4 on my tool bar. I thought I made a mistake so I closed all other pages on my browser. It's really a PR 4! Not yet contented, I went to Google PageRank Checker
and checked again. To my surprise and delight, It's really a 4. Yehey!

Thanks, Mr. Google! Thanks for giving me back my PR 4. You see, from PR 4 it went down to unrankable, then page rank 0 and now PR 4. Of course, thanks also to all blogger friends for that unwavering blog support!

A Sky Treat For Earthlings

2011-07-11T21:23:00.000+08:00

photo credit

If you are a stargazer or into astronomy, you would be interested to view Neptune in the sky as it completes its 164.7 year orbit around the sun for the first time since its discovery in September 23, 1846. It will be visible as a faint glow in the sky at 1:00 AM tomorrow (July 12, Tuesday) with the use of binoculars or a telescope. However, a rainy weather may spoil this Neptune apparition.

Aside from Neptune, other planets may also be seen. Uranus will also appear in the horizon. Jupiter will be visible to the naked eye as a bright light on the eastern horizon. According to PAGASA, its four moons can be seen changing positions as they orbit. Venus will be visible before sunrise in the east northeastern horizon until the first half of July while Mars could be seen throughout the whole month.

Saturn and Mercury will make its appearance in the evening sky in the western horizon just before sunset.

a message for me

2011-07-05T12:41:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was a feel-bad day for me. I woke up at 5 AM feeling feverish with a sore throat and clogged nostrils. The previous night I had a not so nice conversation with a friend and I slept feeling so disappointed.

It was so early in the morning and I was feeling unwell. My morale was low and my level of confidence was zero. But I had to pick myself up since I had to drive my kid to school and I have to work at the clinic, too.

While I was driving, I sometimes glanced upwards to the skies.. short of saying "Lord, are you really there?" Anyway, I hurdled the day and when I arrived home I immediately got my box of cards. Each card has inspirational passages from the Holy Bible. I randomly picked one card from the box and this was the message that I got.

" I HAVE HEARD THY PRAYER, I HAVE SEEN THY TEARS. BEHOLD, I WILL HEAL THEE."
2 KINGS 20:5

"GOD WASHES THE EYES BY TEARS UNTIL THEY CAN BEHOLD THE INVISIBLE LAND
WHERE TEARS SHALL COME NO MORE."

After reading the card, I felt light and was reassured that God really heard my prayers. And He answered it with a big "YES!" :)

Talking Dogs

2011-07-02T10:41:00.000+08:00

check this videos.. i'm sure you'll love them if you have a pet dog.

video credits: youtube

Dog's Day Out At The Parkmall

2011-06-26T18:27:00.000+08:00

It was really oppressively hot this afternoon so we decided to bring our pet chihuahua to Cebu Parkmall -- the only pet-friendly mall here in Cebu. It was our first time to bring a pet to the mall. Upon arrival, the mall guard asked us to register our pet so we can get a pet pass. As a pet owner, we have to comply with a set of guidelines.

1. Pet owners should have a complete pet kit which consists of a poop bag or any plastic bag to pick up the pet's litter; paper or cloth to cover seats or chairs, alcohol or odor remover or pet diapers.

2. All pets must be on a leash and should never be left unattended.
3. Pet owners must be considerate of other people at the mall. Pet owners must keep in mind that not all mall goers are comfortable around pets/ or animals due to several reasons such as health conditions or fears. Owners should be held liable for any untoward incidents caused by their pets.

Anyway, after paying a minimal fee and signing the registration form, we strolled around the mall. People took notice of our pet everywhere. Lilit became a dog celebrity on that day. Hehe..
Here are some pictures of our pet dog's day out at the Parkmall.

Double Exposure with Minimo-X

2011-05-23T19:07:00.000+08:00

This is a double exposure shot using my Minimo-X Digital-OMO Limited Edition camera. Check it out. It's really a fun camera.

Minimo-x Specification

General
Size (H x W x L) 38 X 60 X 18 mm
Weight 31.5g
Function Camera, Video Camera

Main Features
Mega Pixel 3.2 MP
Image Resolution 2048*1536 (3.2 MP)
1600*1200 (2.0 MP)
1280*960 (1.3 MP)
Video Resolution VGA 640x 480
Still Image Format JPEG
Monitor 1" CSTN LCD

Lens System
Normal 0.9 m to Infinity
ISO 100
Shutter Speed 1/8 ～ 1/5000 Sec
Focus Fixed Focus
White Blance Auto

Memory / Storage
External Memory Maximum Support 8GB
External Memory Type Micro SD

Connections
Interface USB1.1
Battery Built in Li-battery 3.7

Additional Features
Power Saving Auto Power off 30 Sec
Self-Timer 2 Sec / 10 Sec
Compatibility Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/7
Accessories 1 x Camera
1 x USB cable 1M / White
1 x English User Manual
* Micro SD Card not included

2x21 Funeral (Glee)

2011-05-19T09:51:00.000+08:00

I was watching Glee with my daughter and this episode just moved me. I almost cried....

Kurt's (Chris Colfer)voice was amazing!
Listen to this! You'll love it...

Thanks to gleeklovato

Support the Decade of Action For Road Safety 2011- 2020

2011-05-10T20:55:00.000+08:00

According to the WHO, more than 1.3 million individuals are killed in road accidents worldwide every year and it may even increase to 1.9 million deaths by 2020. Last March 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2011-2020 as the Decade of Action for Road Safety in an effort to "stabilize and then reduce the forecast level of road traffic fatalities around the world by increasing activities conducted at the national, regional and global levels."

Tomorrow, May 11, 2011, the UN will officially the UN Decade of Road Safety. The 24-hour event will give politicians, celebrities and road safety specialists around the world the opportunity to highlight their plans to tackle the global road safety crisis where 1.3 million people are killed on the world's roads each year and a further 50 million are injured.

Here in the Philippines, no less than President Aquino will keynote the launching ceremony tomorrow by reading the Presidential Proclamation on Road Safety and by signing the Road Safety Pledge. The pledge says:

I SUPPORT THE DECADE OF ACTION FOR ROAD SAFETY 2011-2020

As a road user, I pledge:

Not to use my cell phone while driving;

Not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

To always use a seatbelt while driving;

To maintain my car in good, roadworthy condition;

Not to be goaded into road rage by aggressive drivers and motorcyclists;

Not to throw garbage out of my car;

To always observe and follow road laws, rules and regulations.

Everyone is encouraged to make a commitment to be responsible road users and to promote road safety. As a symbol of support, everyone is encouraged to wear the Road Safety Tag which contains the slogan "Wear. Believe. Act."

For Mom

2011-05-08T08:04:00.000+08:00

These flowers are for Mom. Pink roses were her favorite flowers.
We lost our Mom six years ago and we still miss her so much.

I wish every fellow Mom a wonderful Mother's Day.

Music Monday: Everything

2011-05-02T19:48:00.000+08:00

I really like this song by Michael Buble.

Everything Lyrics at elw

Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. Rules are simple. Leave ONLY the ACTUAL LINK POST here and grab the code below and place it at your blog entry. You can grab this code at LadyJava's Lounge Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.

PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!

A Royal Wedding Cartwheel for Wills and Kate

2011-04-30T06:26:00.000+08:00

I'm sure everyone watched the live coverage of the royal wedding. I went home early to catch it on TV and I really enjoyed the pomp and pageantry of it all. The festivity and joy was infectious. It was really a global celebration with the whole world focused on the royal couple. But there's also a sideshow to the royal wedding.

After the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Westminster Abbey, when almost all of the guests were already out, a priest was seen walking down the red carpet when he suddenly performed two cartwheels! Maybe he was so moved by the festive and joyous occasion of the royal wedding.

The priest did not know that the Sky News
caught his act on video.

video from YOuTube

hello!

2011-04-26T22:17:00.000+08:00

photo credit

i'm back to blogging after the Lenten break.... :)

in a cocoon

2011-04-20T20:09:00.000+08:00

Friends, this blog will be in hiatus for a few days this Holy Week.

I'll resume posting and blog visits on Monday. Thanks.

Have a meaningful Holy Week and Happy Easter!

photo credit

Pinoy Summer Treats

2011-04-17T21:02:00.000+08:00

Nowadays, everybody is complaining about the oppressive summer heat. Well, here are some truly Pinoy summer coolers to help you cool down.

ice candy

halo-halo

ice scramble

dirty ice cream

Halo-halo is my favorite summer cooler. I just had one this afternoon. Halo-halo literally means "mix mix"; it is a mixture of shaved ice, evaporated milk, a blend of fruits and sweet preserves topped with a scoop of ice cream usually served in a parfait glass or a bowl. Be sure to mix it thoroughly before eating it. Yum! I love the ube, nangka, macapuno, munggo, saba, pinipig and leche flan.

I also like the "dirty ice cream". It's not really dirty; it is actually home-made ice cream that is being peddled on the streets. I wonder why it's called dirty ice cream.

How about you, what is your favorite summer ice treat?

I'm An Alien!

2011-04-16T11:48:00.000+08:00

According to the Geek Zodiac, I'm a technocrat, intelligent, diplomat, secretive, suspicious and inscrutable. LOL. Hmm, maybe there's some truth to Park Kunkle of the Minnesota Planetarium Society that the zodiac signs date have changed. The change was due to the shift in Earth's position caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon. So we have a 13th zodiac sign called "Ophiuchus". ”Ophiuchus” is depicted by a man holding a snake and it symbolizes “Imhotep” of Egypt with snake symbolizing the Medicine.

Are you confused about your zodiac sign now?
;) Have a wacky weekend!

Just rambling.... :)

Breast Self -examination Techniques

2011-04-14T11:34:00.004+08:00

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Then look for the following: · breasts that are their usual size, shape, and color. · breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.

If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention: · dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin. · a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out). · redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While you're at the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge (this could be a milky or yellow fluid or blood).

Step 4: Next, feel your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.

Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. Be sure to feel all the breast tissue: just beneath your skin with a soft touch and down deeper with a firmer touch. Begin examining each area with a very soft touch, and then increase pressure so that you can feel the deeper tissue, down to your ribcage.

Step 5: Finally, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Examine your breast, using the same hand movements described in Step 4.

Once a patient has symptoms suggestive of a breast cancer or an abnormal screening mammogram, they will usually be referred for a diagnostic mammogram. A diagnostic mammogram is another set of x-rays; however, it is more complete with close ups on the suspicious areas.

Depending on the results of the mammograms and/or ultrasounds, your doctors may recommend that you get a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have cancer, because it allows your doctors to get cells that can be examined under a microscope.

Once the tissue is removed, a doctor known as a pathologist will review the specimen and inform you of the presence or absence of cancer.

Monthly breast self-examination is recommended for all women above 20 years old. This includes women who have gone through menopause, are pregnant, breastfeeding, and those who have breast implants. This is done to detect breast changes that may lead to breast cancer. Performing breast self examinations regularly can help women become familiar with their breasts and become more skilled at determining what is and what is not normal.

DOJ Advisory on Military and Police Checkpoints

2011-04-11T12:58:00.000+08:00

Last March 24, 2011, the Department of Justice released the first Advisory Opinion regarding the basic rights of citizens military/police checkpoints.

A checkpoint is a place where the police or the military check vehicular or pedestrian traffic in order to enforce circulation control measures and other laws or regulations. This may involve a brief interruption of travel or motion during which the person is required to answer a brief question or two.

DOJ came out with this initiative to protect the public from abuses committed by law enforcers and to avoid illegal checkpoints.

The ten (10) checkpoint rules outlined in the Advisory are anchored on the constitutional guarantee against unreasonable searches and seizures (Section 2, Article III). These are:

Checkpoint must be well-lighted, properly identified and manned by uniformed personnel.

Upon approach, slow down, dim headlights and turn on cabin lights. Never step out of the vehicle.
Lock all doors. Only visual search is allowed.
Do not submit to a physical or bodily search.
You are not obliged to open glove compartment, trunk or bags.
Ordinary/routine questions may be asked. Be courteous but firm with answers.
Assert your rights, have presence of mind and do not panic.
Keep your driver’s license and car registration handy and within reach.
Be ready to use your cellphone at anytime. Speed-dial emergency number.
Report violations immediately. Your actions may save others.

Basic First Aid For Electrical Burns

2011-04-09T17:38:00.004+08:00

Electrical burns are sustained when there is a contact with electricity, whether it is direct contact (DC) or alternating current (AC).

It may appear minor or may not show any signs of injury at all on the skin but the damage can extend deeper into the tissues below the skin. If a strong electrical current passes through the body, internal damage such as cardiac rhythm irregularities or cardiac arrest may happen. Sometimes the jolt associated with the contact may cause a person to be thrown off or to fall which may result in fractures or solid abdominal organ trauma and other associated injuries.

While helping someone with an electrical burn and waiting for medical help, follow these steps:

Look first. Don't touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source. Touching the person may pass the current through you.
Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, move the source away from both you and the injured person using a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic or wood.
Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
Prevent shock. Lay the person down with the head slightly lower than the trunk, if possible, and the legs elevated.
Cover the affected areas. If the person is breathing, cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth. Don't use a blanket or towel, because loose fibers can stick to the burns.

super busy..

2011-04-08T21:51:00.000+08:00

TGIF! I really had a busy week. Grabeh! I wasn't able to blog hop. Even if I was online, I couldn't even post a short update because I was busy reading medical updates.

We admitted a 35-year old male at the ICU for electrical burns. The patient really had several injuries. His heart was affected by the electrical voltage that ran through his body -- he had elevated cardiac enzymes and his ECG tracing showed elevated ST segments.-- just like having an MI.

He had partial thickness burns on both uppper extremities, both lower extremities and left lumbar area. On top of that, he had scalp laceration.

The Abdominal CT scan showed a subcapsular hematoma on the liver and a superficial liver laceration.

The patient is still for close monitoring but he's already in a stable condition and is now out of the ICU. Thank God.

Happy weekend, everyone!

Visita Iglesia Online

2011-04-03T16:35:00.000+08:00

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) launched Visita Iglesia - a website that offers "virtual experience of celebrating Lent, the Holy Week and Easter". This was designed to enable overseas Filipino workers and those who are physically impaired to attend the liturgical celebrations in church.

The website features 14 very beautiful churches in our country to correspond with the 14 Stations of the Cross. A reflection for each Station is also provided for the "online churchgoer". It also has a section on the Seven Last Words (Siete Palabras) and the Passion (Pasyon).

While this website could be very convenient for every Catholic who observes the traditions of Lent, CBCP Media Director Bishop Quitorio is quick to say that it is not to be used as an alternative by those who are physically able to attend the Lent services in their respective parishes.

All Fools Day

2011-04-01T20:40:00.000+08:00

Beware of pranks!! :)