Eating Healthy for Asthma

Fad diets and supposed “miracle foods” may come and go, but when it comes to food, some things will never change. We’re all very busy people, so let me break it all down into some simple equations. Lots of fat in your diet = bad. Lots of fiber in your diet = good. A low-fat, high-fiber diet does wonders for your health: it cuts down significantly on GI problems like constipation and hemorrhoids, contributes to a healthy weight, and can even prevent some types of cancer. And now, new research has uncovered yet another way that this eating plan can help make people’s lives better. A study at the University of Newcastle in Australia has found a link between fiber/fat intake and airway inflammation (which contributes significantly to asthma); the research indicates that the more fat an asthma sufferer consumes, the greater severity in their symptoms – and thus, the more times they need to reach for the inhaler or nebulizer.

The researchers monitored 137 asthmatics, as well as 65 people without the condition. Using a combination of dietary questionnaires and blood tests, they sought to examine the relationship between participants’ diets and the severity of their symptoms. On average, severe asthmatics consumed five grams more of fat daily, and five grams less of fiber daily, than individuals without the condition. Additionally, for every 10-gram increase in daily fat consumption, the odds of having severe asthma jumped up by 48 percent, marking a significant correlation. It’s important to note that these results indicate an association, rather than a cause-effect relationship. In other words, eating a slice of pizza now and again won’t trigger an asthma attack ­– although previous studies have indicated that too much fat in one’s diet can exacerbate symptoms. 

So there’s the science. What’s the solution? The Gastrointestinal Associates and Endoscopy Center recommends that people cut down their fat consumption to no more than 20 to 30% of their daily diet (35 to 50 grams of fat for the average female, 45 to 70 grams for the average male), and that they consume 20 to 30 grams of fiber every day. Here are some low-fat, high-fiber foods that can help you cut down on inflammation, feel better, and stay happy and healthy!

·         Beans – Beans, beans, the glorious fruit…ok, all jokes aside, beans are one of the best high-fiber options out there ­– just 1 cup of boiled black beans has 15 grams! ­­– and they come chock-full of protein and B vitamins. What they don’t have is fat - the United States Department of Agriculture estimates that there’s only 1g per 100g of beans. 

·         Fruits & Vegetables ­­­– The idea that fruits and veggies are good for you isn’t exactly ground-breaking, but the fact remains that they contain tons of water, fiber and vitamins, and virtually no fat. Plus, some fruits, such as apples, have been singled out as asthma-fighting juggernauts. A homemade smoothie is a terrific way to get all the good stuff; throw some raspberries, blueberries, bananas, and apples into a blender with some ice or low-fat yogurt, and you’ve got yourself a delicious inflammation-buster.

·         Whole Grains – Dietary guidelines recommend at least 3 servings of whole grains a day to aid digestion, lower blood cholesterol, and help control hunger. Low-fat and high in fiber, whole grains are especially great because there are so many varieties – if it’s bready, it’s probably available in a whole-grain version. If you find bread boring, you might want to try quinoa, barley, or bulgur.

So there you have it – cut down on the fat, amp up the fiber, and you just might find your asthmatic woes on the decline! Not that being healthy is too shabby, either.

Zoe Camp is an avid blogger for http://justnebulizers.com/ and a student at Columbia University who spends her time researching and writing about health, especially respiratory health.

Flesh-Eating Disease in Pangasinan

As reported by Jasmin Romero of  Bandila, ABS-CBN, a mysterious disease occurred in Pangasinan. 
A disease that seems to eat alleged human skin and flesh.

As Jesus Ministries founder Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj's prophecy that a mystery disease will spread in Philippines, particularly in Pangasinan.

“The Lord says there is a place called Pangasinan. 

The Lord says it is in the northernmost part in your land. 

From there a grievous disease will spread all over the world. 

That will consume the flesh of men; all their upper skin will begin to decay. 

It will pierce through the bones.

The fear of this disease will spread all over the world. 

The Lord said that this will begin from the Philippines.”

~Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj

The said Prophet visited Philippines last April 2013 at the 24th National Prayer Gathering at Cuneta Astrodome.

The Department of Health has no confirmation of what kind of illness that is now spreading in the said  Province.  Let us just all offer a prayer for our country Philippines especially that the Lenten Season in coming. Let us all pray to Jesus the Divine Mercy, and put our full trust in Him. "Jezu, Ufam Tobie."

UPDATE  The Provincial Health officer of Pangasinan Dr. Anna Marie de Guzman personally check the rumored mysterious flesh-eating illness, and according to the Health officer  that the sickness of the two patients who were earlier reported to be carrying a flesh-eating disease were diagnosed with leprosy and psoriasis.  She also assured that both disease are not contagious. Source: TV PATROL see Chaplet of Mercy here --> http://goo.gl/vn2gZC 

Dead Bodies everywhere after Super Typhoon Yolanda in Philippines

Photo By Noel Celis

It's been almost a week after the super-typhoon Yalanda (with international name Haiyan) hits the central Philippines, medical experts said that Health risks from dead bodies are negligible. According to World Health Organization (WHO) 

 "The widespread belief that corpses pose a major health risk is inaccurate. Especially if death resulted from trauma, bodies are very unlikely to cause outbreaks of diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera or plague though they may transmit gastroenteritis or food poisoning syndrome for survivors if they contaminate streams, wells or other water sources." 

But the rotten smell could be unbearable for some survivors who are starving for foods for almost a week, still others complain and asking the government for a slow response of help and of the proper burial. 

Dr. Emmanuel M. Bueno, a surgeon who is a medical center director in Manila for the Philippines Department of Health and is helping to oversee medical care in Tacloban City, Philippines, said in an interview that the authorities there planned to dig three mass graves on Wednesday(November 13, 2013), putting layers of bodies side by side with a plastic tarpaulin sprinkled with lime on top of each layer. “We will give them at least a decent burial, with a blessing by a priest,” [1]

[1] The New York Times

10 Health Benefits of drinking Beer

By Lisa Collier Cool

Source: Yahoo Health

1. Stronger Bones

Beer contains high levels of silicon, which is linked to bone health. In a 2009 study at Tufts University and other centers, older men and women who swigged one or two drinks daily had higher bone density, with the greatest benefits found in those who favored beer or wine. However, downing more than two drinks was linked to increased risk for fractures.

For the best bone-building benefits, reach for pale ale, since a 2010 study of 100 types of beer from around the word identified these brews as richest in silicon, while light lagers and non-alcoholic beers contained the least.

2. A Stronger Heart 

A 2011 analysis of 16 earlier studies involving more than 200,000 people, conducted by researchers at Italy’s Fondazion di Ricerca e Cura, found a 31 percent reduced risk of heart disease in those who quaffed about a pint of beer daily, while risk surged in those who guzzled higher amounts of alcohol, whether beer, wine, or spirits.

More than 100 studies also show that moderate drinking trims risk of heart attacks and dying from cardiovascular disease by 25 to 40 percent, Harvard reports. A beer or two a day can help raise levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol that helps keep arteries from getting clogged.

3. Healthier Kidneys

A study in Finland singled out beer among other alcoholic drinks, finding that each bottle of beer men drank daily lowered their risk of developing kidney stones by 40 percent. One theory is that beer’s high water content helped keep kidneys working, since dehydration increases kidney stone risk.

It’s also possible that the hops in beer help curb leeching of calcium from bones; that “lost” calcium also could end up in the kidneys as stones.

4. Boosting Brain Health 

A beer a day may help keep Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia at bay, researchers say.

A 2005 study tracking the health of 11,000 older women showed that moderate drinkers (those who consumed about one drink a day) lowered their risk of mental decline by as much as 20 percent, compared to non-drinkers. In addition, older women who downed a drink a day scored as about 18 months “younger,” on average, on tests of mental skills than the non-drinkers.

5. Reduced Cancer Risk 

A Portuguese study found that marinating steak in beer eliminates almost 70 percent of the carcinogens, called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) produced when the meat is pan-fried. Researchers theorize that beer’s sugars help block HCAs from forming.

Scientists also have found that beer and wine contain about the same levels of antioxidants, but the antioxidants are different because the flavonoids found in hops and grapes are different.

6. Boosting Vitamin Levels 

A Dutch study, performed at the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute, found that beer-drinking participants had 30 percent higher levels of vitamin B6 levels in their blood than their non-drinking counterparts, and twice as much as wine drinkers. Beer also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid.

7. Guarding Against Stroke 

Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that moderate amounts of alcohol, including beer, help prevent blood clots that block blood flow to the heart, neck and brain—the clots that cause ischemic stroke, the most common type.

8. Reduced Risk for Diabetes 

Drink up: A 2011 Harvard study of about 38,000 middle-aged men found that when those who only drank occasionally raised their alcohol intake to one to two beers or other drinks daily, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes dropped by 25 percent. The researchers found no benefit to quaffing more than two drinks. The researchers found that alcohol increases insulin sensitivity, thus helping protect against diabetes.

9. Lower Blood Pressure 

Wine is fine for your heart, but beer may be even better: A Harvard study of 70,000 women ages 25 to 40 found that moderate beer drinkers were less likely to develop high blood pressure—a major risk factor for heart attack—than women who sipped wine or spirits. 

10. Longer Life 

In a 2005 review of 50 studies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that moderate drinkers live longer. The USDA also estimates that moderate drinking prevents about 26,000 deaths a year, due to lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

These benefits appear to apply in other countries as well, with an earlier study reporting that, “if European beer drinkers stopped imbibing, there would be a decrease in life expectancy of two years—and much unhappiness.”

DFA Confirms Pinay nurse dies from Corona Virus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Philippines, September 17,2013 -Tuesday, The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that a 41 years old Pinay Nurse died from the corona virus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last August 29, 2013

A medical report obtained from Philippine Embassy that the deceased Filipina nurse  was tested positive for the coronavirus before her death  said Raul Hernandez,  Foreign Affairs spokesman. 

The Pinay was said to have been to the United States for a vacation last July and returned to Riyadh on the same month. August 12 she was admitted to the hospital after a fish-bone got stuck in her throat. She was discharged two days later.

On August 22, she was readmitted to the hospital suffered fever and coughing. She developed respiratory distress and was put on a ventilator.

"Two days later, she was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and had to be transferred to the hospital's ICU," -Hernandez said. 

 The department of health is now coordinating with the Filipina Nurse's family for the the repatriation of her remain.

Hernandez said that another Filipino has recovered after being infected by the virus while confined at the hospital.

"The patient was brought by her employer to the hospital for dialysis and was infected during her confinement. She is now recovering.

"They should also immediately seek medical attention if they feel any of the disease's symptoms which include fever, cough, shortness of breath and even diarrhea," Hernandez said. 

Hernandez urged all Filipinos in Riyadh to follow measures being undertaken by local health authorities to prevent the spread of the virus.

Diarrhea and Herbal Treatment

Diarrhea - a  common condition, classified as bowel movements that are loose and watery stool, a frequent need to dispose or going to Comfort rooms. According to medical experts Diarrhea is also called intestinal flu or stomach flu. 

Top 5 Herbal Treatment of Diarrhea

1. Guava leaves - Boil 7 leaves in 3 glasses of water. Drink 3 times a day.

2. Star Apple/Caimito Leaves - Boil 2 leaves in 3 glasses of water. Drink 3 times a day.

3. Avocado Leaves - Boil 3 leaves in 3 glasses of water. Drink 3 times a day.

4. Lemon Grass - Boil 7 leaves in 3 glasses of water. Drink 3 times a day.

5. Guyabano Leaves - Boil 7 leaves in 3 glasses of water. Drink 3 times a day.

Health Tips for Travelers

What should you do to protect yourself from infectious diseases while overseas?

Overseas travel exposes you to wonderful new experiences, but it can also expose you to potentially serious health risks. Remember – your health is your responsibility – with a bit of preparation, you can prevent an illness that could ruin your holiday, or worse.

Before you leave

1. Research your destination and planned activities

The risk of infectious disease differs greatly depending on where you intend to travel and what activities you plan to undertake while overseas. In particular consider:

Will you be travelling to countries in which food or water quality might be of a lower standard? 

Contaminated food and water can increase the risk of acquiring infections such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis A and some parasites.

Will you be travelling to wilderness or rural areas where you are likely to be exposed to farm animals or wildlife?

Animals in many parts of the world may carry rabies. Diseases carried by ticks and mosquitoes are a risk in wilderness areas of many parts of the world unless preventative measures are taken.

Will you be spending a lot of time outdoors where you might be exposed to mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases including Malaria, Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever.

Information on the health risks associated with many destinations can be found online at:

Smartraveller

World Health Organization

We also suggest you get in touch with the foreign missions of all of the countries you intend to visit or transit through. They can give you specific information about particular health requirements in their countries (e.g. vaccines you may need or medicines you should bring with you). They can also provide you with other information about their country that you could find useful or important.

2. See a doctor well in advance before you leave – even if you are well

Your doctor can advise you on measures which can be taken to avoid infectious diseases to which you might be exposed while overseas. This might include measures to avoid consuming potentially contaminated water or food, medication to reduce the risk of acquiring infections or vaccination against serious disease.

Immunisation:

Many diseases which are a risk to travellers can be prevented by immunisation. You should talk to your doctor about any vaccines or boosters you may need. Some diseases that should be considered are:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Tick-borne encephalitis
• Typhoid Fever
• Chickenpox
• Yellow Fever
• Cholera

Some countries still suffer high rates of infection from diseases that are rare in Australia due to our routine childhood vaccination. If you were born overseas, and you are returning to visit friends and family, you should still check with your doctor if you need any immunisations. Your immunity to some diseases may have changed or diminished with time.

Immunisations which are now routine in childhood in Australia should also be considered if travelling to areas where these diseases remain common. Depending on your age and previous medical history, you may not be protected against diseases such measles or polio. It is important to schedule a visit to your doctor at least 6-8 weeks before you travel to allow time to complete any vaccination schedule you undertake.

Important:

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal viral infection spread by mosquitoes. A vaccine for yellow fever must be provided by approved yellow fever vaccination clinics. These clinics provide a vaccinations certificate in a form that is approved by the World Health Organization.

Yellow fever is not found in Australia, but some countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever before you are allowed to enter.

For some countries yellow fever is a very serious risk and may vaccinate you when you arrive, refuse you entry, or put you in a quarantine facility if you are not vaccinated against yellow fever.

If you are travelling to a Yellow Fever country you should contact the diplomatic missions of ALL of the countries you intend to visit to check their requirements for Yellow Fever vaccination and discuss these requirements with your doctor or a specialist travel clinic before you leave. The public health unit in your state or territory can assist you in locating your closest accredited vaccination centre.

If you are returning to Australia from a country where Yellow Fever occurs you are required to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. You may enter Australia without a vaccination certificate, however upon arrival Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Biosecurity officers will reinforce the seriousness of the disease and provide you with a Yellow Fever Action Card. This card provides instructions on what an unvaccinated person should do if they develop any symptoms of yellow fever in the six-day period following their departure from a yellow fever declared place.

While you are away

You can reduce the risk of developing an infectious disease when travelling by taking some simple preventative measures. Advice on the main health risks of travelling to particular countries can be found online at Smartraveller or by consulting a doctor experienced in travel medicine. 

Some common measures which will help reduce the risk of infectious disease in many parts of the world to which Australians travel are:

1. Protect yourself from insects

The bite of infected mosquitoes is a major way by which infectious diseases can be spread in many parts of the world. Potentially serious diseases which are spread by mosquitoes include:

Yellow Fever, which occurs in South America, Central America and Africa. A list of yellow fever infected countries is available.

Malaria, which occurs in Africa, Asia and South America and can be particularly severe in people without previous exposure to the disease.

Dengue Fever, which occurs in most urban centres in the tropics. Serious outbreaks have occurred in Queensland when ill travellers have returned and infected local mosquitoes.

The most reliable way to make sure you don’t catch a mosquito-borne disease is to wear a mosquito repellent containing DEET or Picaridin which will help avoid being bitten by a mosquito. There are other measures you can take to avoid being bitten, including:

Wearing light coloured, long-sleeved clothes when you’re outdoors

Avoiding wearing perfume or cologne (some of these can attract mosquitoes)

Preventing mosquitoes entering your accommodation

Using a mosquito net at night-time (if mosquitoes are likely to be present)

Mosquito-borne diseases don’t occur in all countries, but it is advisable to talk to your doctor about what vaccinations or medications you might need to take.

2. Be aware of the risk of rabies

Rabies is a virus which can potentially infect any warm-blooded animal and is found in most countries outside of Australia and New Zealand. It is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. The greatest risk is posed by the types of animals people interact with commonly, such as dogs, but also includes monkeys, bats and rodents. Domestic or zoo animals in many parts of the world are vaccinated against rabies.

Travellers should be very careful around wild or feral animals, especially dogs, in all nations outside Australia and New Zealand. Avoid handling or feeding wild or unvaccinated animals as they might bite or scratch. Animals carrying rabies often do not behave differently or look unwell.

Infections with rabies are very rare but the disease is almost always fatal. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while overseas it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If a bite or scratch is considered sufficiently high-risk it is usual to provide vaccination and immunoglobulin to provide immunity against infection.

3. Think about what you eat and drink

Food-borne illness is a major cause of disease overseas and includes ‘traveller’s diarrhoea’ as well as more serious diseases such as Hepatitis A or Cholera.

The sources of food-borne illness are not always obvious. A glass of soft drink might be safe but the ice in the glass could be made with contaminated water. 

• High risk foods include:
• Unpasteurised dairy products
• Ice
• Raw or minimally cooked meat or seafood
• Reheated food
• Salads
• Food which has been left exposed to flies
• Food prepared in premises with poor hygiene

Your doctor can provide advice on antibiotics which can be carried if you are at high risk of developing food or water borne infections.

When you return

If you become unwell in the two weeks after your return to Australia see your doctor.

It takes time after you are exposed to an infectious disease for you to become unwell (the incubation period).

For this reason, for the two weeks after you get back from overseas, you should pay close attention to your health.

If you get any of the following symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.

• Fever
• Unexplained skin rashes or lesions
• Persistent vomiting
• Persistent diarrhoea
• Unusual bleeding from the eyes, ears, nose, mouth or anus
• Swollen glands in your armpits or neck
• Prolonged loss of consciousness (not caused by consumption of alcohol, drugs or medications
• Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing

This list is not exhaustive and if you are feeling unwell after being overseas you should see your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor that you’ve been overseas, where you went and what activities you undertook.

Most diseases acquired by travellers are not serious, but it is important to detect a serious infectious disease early. This allows infectious diseases to be treated as soon as possible and you to take immediate steps to avoid transmitting this disease to others.

Reference: Australian Goverment - Department of Health and Ageing

Eye experts urges people to take a break on contact lenses during holiday

Eye expert urges people to take a contact lens break while on holiday

Southamton's university hospitals- a leading eye expert is urging people to take a brake from contact lenses

while on vacation to prevent sight-threatening infections.

Mr Hossain an ophthalmologist at the said hospital, said attendances at his eye unit's casualty department "almost always" rose in the first week of August through to the mid September as a result of poor lense hygiene and accidents during the summer holidays. "Although we are making progress in terms of general understanding of the importance of contact lens care, we almost always see an increase in in infections when people return from holiday, particularly if they have been to very hot very hot countries," he explained.

There are around 1,200 new  cases of contact lens-related infection microbial keratin each year in te UK's three million wearers- andand the number of cases diagnosed at Southampton General tends to increase by around 15% during August and September.

The majority of incidents relate to people over-wearing their lenses or poor lens hygiene. Often, lens wearers have washed their contact lens cases with tap water or have swum or showered in lenses. This exposes them to micro-organisms which enjoy moist environments, such as pseudomonas or acanthamoeba, which infect the front surface of the eye.

"People need to be aware that washing lens cases with water is a danger at any time, but it multiplies in very hot environments when bugs spread more quickly," said Mr Hossain. "Swimming pool water also carries a risk, while pouring solution out and leaving it for long periods will almost void its ability to adequately clean lenses."

"Meanwhile, although this is slightly more unfortunate, not enough people are aware of the vulnerability of lenses on the beach when sand can creep in between the cornea and the lens and begin to wear down the surface of the eye.

"If people aren't able to adhere to the strict safety standards required when wearing lenses, or don't want to be concerned about their eye health when relaxing on holiday, their best and safest option is to take a break and stick to prescription glasses and sunglasses."

Mr Hossain, who is also a senior lecturer at the University of Southampton and a member of the scientific committee of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, added that those who do develop an infection while abroad should take extensive notes about the tests and treatment they receive to prevent complications when they return.

"For those who do wear their lenses and seek medical treatment for a suspected infection, it is imperative they take details about their care, mainly the medications they have taken, because it is extremely hard for us to track down medical notes from different countries.

"As a result, there are occasions when we're unable to find out if the treatment we start counteracts with what they've taken or, in the worst cases, exacerbates their condition before it makes it better."

Site source http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/

Things to do to prevent dengue

Dengue is one of the common diseases in tropical countries like Philippines, Taiwan, Mexico and Africa. In the United States of America, people got infected with dengue while they are on travel, and or living near Mexico border.

To stop the breeding of mosquitoes we must eliminate all stagnant water, it will help to stop the Aedes mosquito to breed, regular cleaning of the places that are commonly breeding area of the mosquitoes, adding insecticide to water in flower vases and remove water from every other day, same with the flower pots; always check the water containers, if not in use, turn it over. 

When having a family vacation for a week and no one is left in our houses, we should consider some preventive measures like, checking the toilet bowls make sure it is properly close, seal the floor drains, and empty the flower vases, and properly cover other water containers.

Using mosquito nets at night will protect us from mosquito bites. Wearing long sleeves and long pants will also prevent mosquito bites, apply mosquito repellent when having outdoor activities like camping.   

Common places that mosquitoes will breed.

1. Roof  Gutters

2. Water basins, buckets , water-jar 

3. Gully traps

4. Concrete drains

5. Air-condition tray 

6. Flower pots, Flower vases

7. Ponds

8. Drains

9. Empty Containers

10. Thrown-out tires

5 DIY(Do it Yourself) Natural Facial Mask

Thinking of  buying facial mask, but still confused of what kind of brand are safe for your skin? Worry No More! You don't have to buy expensive facial masks, you can use the natural and the most affordable ingredients that can be found in your own kitchen. 

Here are my TOP 5 Homemade Natural Facial Mask

1. MILK- Milk has amino acid that help moisturized skin. It has also lactic acid and enzymes that can make the skin smoother. Also has antioxidant that prevent skin damage from toxins.

• Mix 1/4cup of powdered milk with a minimum amount of water to create a thick paste.
• Apply on your face, wait until it is completely dry.
• Rinse your face with  lukewarm water

2. MAYONNAISE- Contains Vitamin E that make the skin healthy and glowing. Rubbing Mayonnaise will help to remove dry skin.

• Apply desired amount of mayonnaise on your face, wait for at least 10 minutes to 15 minutes.
• Wash your face with water.

3. BANANA- Good source of Potassium. Banana has lot of skin care benefits, keep your skin hydrated, it can help to reduce pimples, removes blackheads, and acne. 

• Mush-up 1 ripe banana.
• Apply on your face for about 10 minutes to 15 minutes.
• Rinse with water.

4. EGG- Has antioxidant that help preserves the skin elasticity. Prevents skin damage. Eggs also help in moisturizing the skin.

• Separate the egg, place the white into a bowl, and the yolk in another bowl. Beat both. 
• Wash your face with lukewarm water, it help to open you pores.
• Carefully apply around your face, avoid contact on eyes. Wait for 20 minutes or more.
• Wipe your face with wet towel.
• Apply egg yolk on face same ways on applying egg white. 
• Rinse your face with cold water to close the pores.

5. OATMEAL- Known to be a breakfast cereal, but there are lot of surprising skin care benefits of an oatmeal; it improves skin, cures acne, prevent pimples and removes blackheads.

• mix 1/4cup of oatmeal and 1/4cup of warm water
• add 2 teaspoons of honey (helps moisturize skin)
• Apply on your face for 15 minutes
• Wash your face with lukewarm water and dry with towel. 

That's it!, you don't have to spend your money buying expensive face products, when you have these things right in your kitchen. So feel good and look good. 

PDEA Agent received 1.5 Million Reward

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent code name: "MIAMI" received  P1,558,850.04 reward from the agency. During the 11th anniversary of PDEA held at its headquarters in Quezon City on Tuesday(July 30, 2013)

The agent identified local and foreign personalities that promotes illegal drugs in the country and having  been arrested by the PDEA. 

Top 7 Common Fruits that will make you look more beautiful

People are usually in into buying products that will give an instant results, to look more beautiful, but are not conscious about the food that they eat. I would like to share with you the top 7 fruits that are commonly available at public market or fruits stands, even in your own garden or in the neighborhood. These fruits will help you look more beautiful and healthy.

1. Lemon - High contents of Vitamin C, and Antioxidants which flushes the toxins in your body, it has also astringent properties that will help

lighten the skin tone.

2. Orange- Good source of Vitamin B1, immune system booster. Orange also help in collagen production, help repair the skin from wrinkles.

3. Mango - Rich in Vitamin A that will rejuvenate the skin and restores skin elasticity.

4. Banana - This fruit is rich in Magnesium and potassium, and also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin E as an anti-aging.

5. Grapes - Very rich in Vitamin E and Vitamin C that will protect the skin from toxins and reduce wrinkles.

6. Papaya - Good source of Vitamin C and Calcium, also contains enzyme that kills dead cells and cure impurities of the skin. This fruit also help your hair and nail to look more healthy.

7. Apple - High Contents of Vitamin A and C. Apple prevent cell and tissue damage.

Guidelines in using Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are thin plastic lens placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct visual defects, and may provide better visual correction than glasses, while other people use as a cosmetic.

Image from Google Search

It is very important that you know the proper procedures in wearing contact lenses and always follow the recommended wearing schedule. Wash your hands with an anti-bacterial soap, avoid using soap with cream, then fully rinse your hands, dry with towel before touching the contact lenses, also refrain using lotion and oily cosmetics before touching the lenses. Use your fingertips and avoid contact with you fingernails. Do not substitute sterile saline solutions for multi-purpose solutions, rub and rinse your contact lenses as directed by your eye care professional. Do not “top-off” the solutions in your case. Always discard all of the leftover contact lens solution after each use. Never reuse any lens solution. Clean, rinse and air-dry your lens case each time lenses are removed. Do not expose your contact lenses to any water: tap, bottled, distilled, lake or ocean water. Check the lens if it is floating in the solution by shaking the lens package. 

Make it a habit to start with the lens for your right eye, to ensure you place the right lens in the correct eye to avoid the mix-ups or confusions. Carefully examine the lens if its clean and clear, if there are broken lenses do not use it. 

Place the middle finger of the same hand close to your lower eyelashes and pull down the lower lid, Use the forefinger or middle finger of the other hand to lift the upper lid. Place the lens on the eye. Slightly release the lids and then blink. The lens will center automatically. Use the same procedure when placing the lens for your left eye.

Nutrition Month 2013

The Philippines celebrates National Nutrition Month every month of July, the NNC or National Nutrition Council leads the nationwide launching of the 39th observance of National Nutrition Month on July 1, 2013, with the theme "Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama Nating Wakasan."

(DepEd)/Department of Education and the NNC urges all schools, both private and government to conduct activities regarding the celebration to emphasize the importance of Good Health and Nutrition. 

MAV's Healthy Tips encourage everyone especially the young ones and once young to religiously eat healthy foods, like vegetables and fruits, and avoid smoking and too much drinking alcohol. 

Eat right and be Bright.

Public Hearing On E-Cigarette: DoH-FDA

Recently the WHO or World Health Organization urges the Philippine Government to regulate the sales of Electronic Cigarettes or e-cigars, for it has no enough evidence that it is safe to use and could help people to quit using the real cigarettes. 

The Department of Health (DoH), in partnership with Food and Drug Administration (FDA), invites all stakeholders to attend the public hearing on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Audio-Visual Room, 3rd Floor, Annex Building, FDA, Civic Drive, Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

The purpose of the hearing is to discuss the issues on the safety and regulation of e-cigarette in the country(Philippines). The DoH-FDA would like to receive written views and positions from consumer groups, organizations, academe, and local government units.

Kindly address your letters to Dr. Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go, Acting Director General, Food and Drug Administration, Civic Drive, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 17181. All comments can also be emailed to info@fda.gov.ph using the following format as the Subject: "E-Cig Comments: Family Name/Company/Organization". Comments and views that will be received, either written or verbally by a recorder, will become part of the official public record in formulating the regulations on e-cigarette.

There will be limited seats, therefore online registration is encouraged. You may email e-nroll@fda.gov.ph using the following format:

Subject: E-CIGARETTE PUBLIC HEARING

Body of Email: Family Name, First Name MI./ Company/ Organization

You may also call the FDA Policy and Planning Office (PPO) at telephone number (632)857-1978. A confirmation slip will be sent as reply. The PPO will start accepting registration until July 23, 2013 at 5:30pm. 

fda.gov.ph

Flu, Cold & Cough

I had a Flu, Cold & Cough, last week and stayed at home for a couple of days. 

After our Cebu-Bohol Getaway for our 3rd year Anniversary of my Girlfriend and for the 51st Birthday celebration of her mom, last July 14. By Monday we had to catch the flight Cebu-Surigao at 11:45 am, coming back, it was a little rainy at Mactan International Airport, at that time I already felt the head ache and some muscular pains and my body becomes warmer. The day after, I already had dry cough and a high fever and that weakens my body, using thermometer I regularly monitor my body temperature. 37.9 degree Celsius was my first reading.

My mom prepared  a herbal medicine for my initial treatment, she got some Lagundi leaves in our garden and added a cup of water, then let it boiled for 10- 15 minutes. 

Lagundi is a herbal medicine used to treat flu, common cold, dry cough and fever. It is also use to relieve asthma, rheumatism, and dyspepsia and even diarrhea. Some studies said that Lagundi roots extracts has an antibacterial compositions but needs further study. 

I always have a glass of  boiled Lagundi leaves before and after breakfast, 2 tablespoon  in between lunch and another glass of water with Lagundi leaves before and after dinner. After four days I felt relieved and I didn't have to visit a medical doctor for a checkup, which saves me a few bucks from my wallet.(hehe). 

Thank God I felt good today.

Top 5 Best U.S Hospitals for Cancer 2013

Cancer: known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a broad group of various diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. Not all tumors are cancerous. Benign tumors do not grow uncontrollably, do not invade neighboring tissues, and do not spread throughout the body. There are over 200 different known cancers that afflict humans. (Wikipedia)

My top 5 Selection of Best U.S Hospitals for Cancer by U.S NEWS

Rank 1

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX

Reputation with specialists Rating: Very strong-67.7%
Survival: Much better than expected; Much better than expected=9-​10; score:10
Success in keeping patients safe: Moderate; Score: 2 (2 out of 3)
Cancer patient volume: 5,529 discharges
Nurse staffing: Highest; Score: 2.0
Nurse Magnet Recognition (Y)


Rank 2

Memorial Sloan-​Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY

Reputation with specialists: Very strong-62.0%
Survival: Much better than expected; Much better than expected=9-​10; scoreL:10
Success in keeping patients safe: Moderate; Score: 2 (2 out of 3)
Cancer patient volume: 4,739 discharges
Nurse staffing: 2.1
Nurse Magnet Recognition (N)

Rank 3

Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN

Reputation with specialists:Strong-32.2%
Survival: Much better than expected; Much better than expected=9-​10; score:10
Success in keeping patients safe: high, Score: 3 (3 out of 3)
Cancer patient volume:3,510 discharges
Nurse staffing: 3.0
Nurse Magnet Recognition (Y)

Rank 4

Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, MD


Reputation with specialists: Strong-33.5%
Survival: Much better than expected; Much better than expected=9-​10; score:10
Success in keeping patients safe: Moderate, Score: 2 (2 out of 3)
Cancer patient volume:1,749 discharges
Nurse staffing: 2.2
Nurse Magnet Recognition (Y)

Rank 5

Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center
Boston, MA

Reputation with specialists: Strong- 36.5%
Survival:Better than expected=7-​8
Success in keeping patients safe: Moderate, Score: 2 (2 out of 3)
Cancer patient volume:3,204 discharges
Nurse staffing: 2.3
Nurse Magnet Recognition (Y)

For complete list visit USNEWS

Jodi Sta. Maria opens Milkshake Bar

June 15, Manila, Philippines - actress Jodi Sta. Maria has put up a milkshake bar, located at the Rustan's Supermarket in Evia, Las Piñas.

"The Happy Barn Milkshake Factory, allows customers make their own milkshakes apart from the standard flavors"- said Jodi.

The actress said that she enrolled at a cooking class before, and learned on how to make flavors of milkshake.

Their Milkshake Factory uses their own ice cream, and uses low-fat and low-sugar ice cream, and in the coming months they will be serving a lactose-free, fat-free and sugar-free variety.

Jodi also said that they will be putting two more branches, one at the Market!Market! and the other one at Power Plant Mall in Makati.

"By December, we’ll be open to franchising. Hindi lang dito sa Philippines, we’ve been getting franchise inquiries from Malaysia, Singapore,” she said.

Nutritional Contents of Milkshake

Good source of Protien
Carbohydrates
Fiber
Calories
Good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin D
Calcuim
Vanilla-mood stabilizer

Sepsis (Blood Poisoning) Causes Symptoms and Treatment

As part of my daily routine before starting office works, I always start my day visiting our company chapel 4th floor of the building, just beside our office, reading the daily reflection of DIDACHE by Bo Sanches (June 10,2013),mistakenly thought it was July 10,2013. I was touched and moved by the story of the writer who happened to have an aunt-in-law suffering from a blood infection called sepsis, her aunt-in-law miraculously survived the deadly disease.

Sepsis is a deadly medical condition characterized by a whole-body inflammatory state called a systemic inflammatory response syndrome or SIRS caused by severe infection (Wikipedia )

Caused

The immune system's response to a serious infection, most commonly bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and parasites in the blood, urinary tract, lungs, skin, or other tissues. Sepsis can be thought of as falling within a continuum from infection to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

Symptoms

• Include those related to a specific infection
• High fevers, hot,
• Flushed skin 
• Elevated heart rate
• Hyperventilation
• Swelling
• Low blood pressure.  

Who are at risk

•     Those with a weakened immune system
•     Very young children and infants and the elderly
•     Those admitted in the hospital with a serious illness
•     After a major surgery or a major accident
•     After surgeries such as illegal abortion or instrumentation
•     Alcohol abusers
•     Those with extensive burns

The Cure/Treatment

If a person is experiencing the symptoms listed above, quickly see your doctor for proper medication and treatment.

NLE Result June 2013 (List W-Z)

List W

16027 WABE, WINFRED DELA CRUZ
16028 WAJE, CELINE TAN
16029 WAL, MICHAEL JUDE CASTAÑEDA
16030 WALCIEN, JEMSON IVAN REODIQUE
16031 WALIS, CHARITYLIWAKEN
16032 WALO, CESAR JRVERGARA
16033 WAN, JEFFREY CHUN KIM SARABIA
16034 WANDAS, ALONA DELFIN
16035 WANSAY, CHARMAINE SOTERO
16036 WASIT, PHIZLE CARPIO
16037 WATANABE, ENA CLIMACO
16038 WATANABE, RAZEL TEÑIDO
16039 WATKINS, ALYSSA MARIE BULOS
16040 WEAVER, JOAN BALINGCASAG
16041 WEBB, JEAN MARIENCE LABADOR
16042 WEBB, MARIE ASSELLE CORONEL
16043 WEE, JEORGIA IRIZ KATRINA CAJIGAS
16044 WEE, KYNA CINDRELL CHAN
16045 WEE, LHANCE LESTER SALIH
16046 WEGAN, JESSEN ASBOC
16047 WELLMS, W JASON ALAGASI
16048 WENCESLAO, GLIEZEL OLAYER
16049 WHIGAN, JENNIFER SHEANNE ASERON
16050 WIJANGCO, JOHNCHRISTOPHER GABAYNO
16051 WIJESINGHE, GIAN KARLO DAYEM
16052 WOMACK, REBECCA VILLEZA
16053 WONG, JEROME HANS ACOSTA
16054 WONG, MARIVIC EYAN
16055 WONG, SHARA MARIE ALANGSAB
16056 WONG-MARCON, MARIE CHRISTELLE TORRES
16057 WONGYU, ALYSSAASHLEY RENDON
16058 WY, DEODATUS PACLEB
16059 WYCOCO, JO-ANNE MIZPAH ORTIZ
16060 WYCOCO, VIRGIEMA CRUZ

List Y

16061 YABO, ANGELITAMAGWALAT
16062 YABRES, MARK ANTHONY LINTAN
16063 YABU, JIDEL ANN NAZARENO
16064 YABUT, EDEN MARIE VIOLON
16065 YABUT, HAZEL ANGELES
16066 YABUT, MA CECILLE JOREN GARCIA
16067 YABUT, REYMARTPATRICK BACIERRA
16068 YABUT, RICHELLE TREMOR
16069 YACAT, ANGELICA MUYOT
16070 YACUB, SHIELAHMAE RECELESTINO
16071 YADAO, CHRISTOPHER BONGBONGA
16072 YAGAO, RHEA JOYCE OROZCO
16073 YAGO-AN, JEANETTE BALAO
16074 YALUNG, EUNICEPATRICIA SERVADO
16075 YALUNG, MAICA AYANA PUNO
16076 YAMAT, ANNABELLE ZABALA
16077 YAMAT, APOL JOCENEL SARMIENTO
16078 YAMBA, JAMES ANDREW IGSOLO
16079 YAMBAO, MA JANINE FAJARDO
16080 YAMBOT, JEYMARANDREW SORIANO
16081 YANDOC, NICKERSON
16082 YANES, ALYSSA MAE TIMARIO
16083 YANEZA, ALEXISPALERO
16084 YANGO, AN MICHELLE GROSPE
16085 YANGO, AUREA NOREEN TUDLA
16086 YANOS, ANTHONYPADERNAL
16087 YANSON, CARMINA PEDRAJAS
16088 YANSON, MONICACAVIDA
16089 YANUARIA, VANESSA CARMELA BAYSAC
16090 YANUARIO, MARDIE RYANE RABILAS
16091 YAO, RACHELLE ANG
16092 YAP, ALYSSA GLENNA LAUREL
16093 YAP, ARCELLIE MARIE APUYA
16094 YAP, DENISSE ANGELIQUE CALLE
16095 YAP, ELMART EUSTER PEÑARANDA
16096 YAP, GWYN MARKCADIGAL
16097 YAP, MARRIEL ALYSSA ESTRELLANES
16098 YAP, MICHELLE ANNE LUCERNAS
16099 YAP, TERRY LABUGAIN
16100 YAP, ZENEL PADILLA
16101 YARANON, JANE LYN VIDUYA
16102 YARRE, KEVIN ANTHONY DE JOSE
16103 YASA, MARJA ANGELA HUERVAS
16104 YASAY, NIMROD ALBERT VELASCO
16105 YASOL, JAY-AR VIDEZ
16106 YAZON, ANGELIEACUEZA
16107 YAÑEZ, KYLE PAÑARES
16108 YBA, JEANYLEN BARJA
16109 YBARDOLAZA, MICAH UNTALAN
16110 YBAÑEZ, ANGELIE NACUA
16111 YBAÑEZ, GERALDAUTOR
16112 YBAÑEZ, KRESLYBOHOLANO
16113 YBAÑEZ, TIZIANI VINCE BALGUMA
16114 YBIERNAS, LAIZA CAMILLE ALFANTA
16115 YECYEC, ANN JOELYN PALACAT
16116 YEE, GAIL ANIKA VICENCIO
16117 YEE, JIMS VINCENT JURIAL
16118 YEE, JUSTIN SEAN UCHIDA
16119 YEE, LOUIEVI AGNES YAP
16120 YEE, MARIE ALYSSA AYOP
16121 YEE, PAUL VINCENT CLERIGO
16122 YEMA, LEANA ELLA RIVERA
16123 YMBONG, KHELVIN JAY NUÑEZ
16124 YMBONG, MARYJEAN GENIVA BAGUIO
16125 YNCLINO, RAQUEL DOCTOR
16126 YNGENTE, ALYSSA MAE VALENCIA
16127 YNION, RENEE ROSE BANTOLO
16128 YNOT, MICHELLEANNE APAYOR
16129 YOMO, KRISTINEISABEL LIM
16130 YONGCO, JENIFHER ANDAYA
16131 YONGCO, MARK BRYAN YAUN
16132 YONGOYONG, ARIANWEN BIMMANO
16133 YORO, JIM RAE PEDROLA
16134 YOSHINO, SHIMER TIRO
16135 YOUNG, JAMAICACID
16136 YOUNG, LAILYN GRACE SAYOD
16137 YPIL, MELCHIE ORAL
16138 YTING, MARYLOUFERGIE OSA
16139 YU, ANDREW FIDEL
16140 YU, CHRISTINE CARLA CARIÑO
16141 YU, FRANCIS VINCENT IBAÑEZ
16142 YU, GAYLE SUZETTE GARCES
16143 YU, HENRYSON VELAYO
16144 YU, JANELLE MARIE BELLOSILLO
16145 YU, JUSTINE TALUSAN
16146 YU, KEANUH MARIE PIZARRO
16147 YU, KIMBERLY JANE SANTOS
16148 YU, KNEESA NOREEN PEPITO
16149 YU, MARIA THERESA NEBRIA
16150 YU, MICHAEL BRYAN LEE
16151 YU, ROJIE ALAS
16152 YU, SHERYL JOANNA MARIE VALENZONA
16153 YUMOL, JESPER CUNANAN
16154 YUMUL, DMITRI KURT POLILLO
16155 YUMUL, ROSALIEOCINAR
16156 YUSEPENG, CAMERON MAY ADVINCULA
16157 YUSOF, FAISAH CARPIO
16158 YUSON, JESSA MAE OBADO
16159 YUSON, KATRINARAYE CINCO
16160 YUSOP, KHALIDADUGASAN
16161 YUSOPH, ISNIHAYA PANGCOGA
16162 YUTANGCO, ROQUITO JOSE MENDOZA
16163 YÑIGUEZ, JOANAMARICE MANLANGIT

List Z

16164 ZABALA, GRACE CHAN
16165 ZABALA, HAZEL OTIA
16166 ZABALLA, STACYKATE LAGUILLES
16167 ZABALLERO, MA CIELO LEYNES
16168 ZABATE, EUGENEGIAN-MENDRO ALCOSEBA
16169 ZACARIAS, ANDREA PURGANAN
16170 ZAFAR, SARA
16171 ZAFE, EDRIA MARIE BORJA
16172 ZAFRA, JOEJILLANGELA CRISOSTOMO
16173 ZAIDE, LAURICEALPUERTO
16174 ZALAVARRIA, ISOBELL TUAZON
16175 ZAMESA, PAULINO NATHANIEL III HALILI
16176 ZAMORA, CHILE MARIE ACAT
16177 ZAMORA, JENNELYN AGCAOILI
16178 ZAMORA, JERIC SALA
16179 ZAMORA, JETHROBACAYO
16180 ZAMORA, JOANA MARIE DAMPULAS
16181 ZAMORA, KENJIE
16182 ZAMORA, ROSNEYDIAZ
16183 ZAMORA, SHEENAANGELICA ROMINES
16184 ZAMUDIO, LEONELL MALANUM
16185 ZAMUDIO, LOUISE ANGELA DE LA CRUZ
16186 ZANDUETA, GEO PONSICA
16187 ZANTUA, DELARATULAGAN
16188 ZANTUA, LEONARDO JR REYES
16189 ZAPANTA, GABBYROSARIO
16190 ZAPANTA, RACHEL ANN NAÑASCA
16191 ZAPATA, THERESE ANN NOLASCO
16192 ZARAGOZA, EMILENE ADRIAS
16193 ZARANDONA, SHERLYN PASAQUIAN
16194 ZARATAN, INA MARIE MANUEL
16195 ZARATE, IVY AGRAVANTE
16196 ZARATE, NORMANANGELO OLEGARIO
16197 ZARZOSO, KHERSALIE KLARIZE MELGAR
16198 ZAYAS, ALEXANDRA BIANCA DARAMAN
16199 ZERNA, CAMILLEARIANE SACEDON
16200 ZERNA, GLO JAMAICA LAWAS
16201 ZERNA, MARODVISOTTO
16202 ZETA, CHRISLONGIL NIONES
16203 ZIMARA, PATRICK OLIVER ALIVIA
16204 ZINAMPAN, KRISTINA ROMILLO
16205 ZOILO, MELANIENOLASCO
16206 ZOLETA, DAWN DAWI
16207 ZORILLA, RENELLE MAE ABOUT
16208 ZOSIMA, ZENAIDA FLOR DE MAY YUCOR
16209 ZOTOMAYOR, MA CHARISSE SEBASTIAN
16210 ZUBIAGA, JAYSON LAYDEROS
16211 ZULLA, LUZ MONZON
16212 ZULUETA, IMELDA DONES
16213 ZULUETA, MARK CRISTOPHER BRAGADO
16214 ZULUETA, MARY GRACE EVANGELISTA
16215 ZULUETA, MICHAEL VINCENT FUASO
16216 ZULUETA, RACHEL ANN LEONEN
16217 ZULUETA, ROSEMARIE PELAYO
16218 ZUÑIGA, ANABELORBE
16219 ZUÑIGA, KATRINA MAIA DENOLONG