FREE Donuts for Kids!

Dunkin' Donuts is giving away FREE donuts to all kids ages 3 to 12 years old on June 19, between 2 to 3PM. This is in celebration of the National Donut's Day which Dunkin' Donut started on 2004 here in the Philippines. The said celebration started in the US and is originally held every first Friday of June. This is in commemoration of the women who served donuts to soldiers during World War I.

Photo courtesy of southbound.ph

Grown ups can also enjoy Donut day by availing themselves of 6 FREE  Choco Sticks for every purchase of a dozen donuts from Dunkin.

Plantar Warts (Verruca plantaris) or Matang Isda

What is Plantar Warts or Matang Isda?

Place your feet flat on the ground. Do you like there's something small and round stuck on the sole of your foot? But when you look at it, there's nothing to be seen.

Try again, this time really feel that small ball sticking there. Examine it more carefully. You'll probably notice a small mound of callous skin right where you think a bump should be.

Congratulations! You're a lucky winner of a plantar warts or commonly called in the Philippines as matang isda.

Photo courtesy of http://www.emedicinehealth.com/

Since plantar warts grow on the feet, is actually inverted. Removing the callous skin will reveal the actual image of the wart, which resembles a clump of fish eggs rather than fish eye which what matang isda means.

What causes plantar warts or matang isda?

Plantar warts like many common warts is caused by the same virus that causes cervical cancer; the human papilloma virus (HPV) but of a different strain thus it's not cancerous.

Plantar warts is more common among young adults and adults rather than small children. It may also appear on other parts of the body like the hand, but is more common on the soles of the feet and in between the toes.


You can get plantar warts from public showers, sharing of shoes with a person who has plantar warts and direct contact from a person with plantar warts.

Treatment
Home treatments for plantar warts includes:

• Putting a few drops of salicylic acid on the wart. This may have to be done several times until the warts is fully removed.
• Soaking the affect area in a warm water then scrubbing the callous with an emery board until the warts is removed. This may take several sessions until the warts is removed.

If the above home treatments don't work, visit your dermatologist to have the warts professionally removed. Your doctor may opt to freeze or burn the warts to remove it.


Prevention

• Avoid walking barefoot on wet areas. Opt to use sandals or slippers.
• Change socks daily.
• Clean shoes regularly.
• Avoid borrowing of socks, shoes or sandals.
• Keep feet and hands clean and dry.
• Avoid direct contact with people infected with warts.
• Treat the warts immediately to avoid it from getting worse.

Source:  emedicinehealth.com

Mupirocin (Bactroban Ointment)

Generic Name: Mupirocin

Brand Name: Bactroban, Foskina

 Courtesy of:  www.drug3k.com

What is it?
Mupirocin is an antibiotic topical ointment generally used in the treatment of impetigo, a bacterial skin infection caused by staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes bacteria.


Mupirocin is a unique antibiotic as it blocks the activity of an enzyme called isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase. Without this, bacteria can't produce protein and which eventually will led to the death of the bacteria. There's also no chance that a bacteria will become resistant to mupirocin because of exposure to other antibiotics.


Dosage
Use mupirocin to treat impetigo by applying a small amount of the cream on the infected area three (3) times a day for 10 days. Improvement on the infected area should be noticed within 3 to 5 days. If there's no improvement within 3 to 5 days, contact the physician for re-evaluation of the lesion.


Other Form and Usage
Intranasal mupirosin is used to eliminate staphylococcus aureus that have colonized the inside of the nose and became resistant to other antibiotics.


Pre-Caution
Usage for pregnant and lactating mother should be under supervision of a physician since there's no intensive study as to the effect of the mupirocin under the said conditions.


Source: WebMD.Com

Impetigo Contagiosa or Mamaso

What is Impetigo (Mamaso)

Have you ever notice a small blister that forms yellow or honey-colored crusts on your childs' face, body, arms or legs; and heard your mother or grandmother called it mamaso? Those small blisters are called impetigo, commonly known in the Philippines as mamaso. The name came from its nature of forming small blisters or paso before erupting into wounds.

Impetigo (mamaso) is a bacterial infection on the surface of the skin caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria.

Is Impetigo (Mamaso) Contagious?
Impetigo is highly contagious, and can be transmitted through skin to skin contact and sharing of towels and other household items. Once it starts, impetigo can often spread to the entire body and be contracted by other children.


How is Impetigo (Mamaso) Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is very straightforward, but should never be mistaken to other skin disease such as ring worm and scabies. The tale-tell of impetigo is the small blistering that forms an ooze.
It is still recommended to check with a physician and rule impetigo as the cause of the problem.


Treatment of Impetigo (Mamaso)?
Impetigo is not serious and should not cause worry. Mild impetigo may go away on its own without medicinal treatment, just by keeping the infected area dry and clean. However, for cases lasting more than 7days a topical anti-biotic ointment such as Mupirocin (Bactroban) can be applied on the wound's surface.
Clean and dry the area first, then apply a thin amount of Mupirocin on the wound 3 times a day. Covering the wound with a light gauze can help keep the wound clean and lower the risk of contracting it to the other areas of the body.
Your physician may also prescribe an oral anti-biotic in addition with the anti-biotic ointment, depending on the severity of the infection.


Source: Medicine.Net, Dermatology.FromYourDoctor.Com

Diaper Fun

I was flicking on my pictures and home phone videos when I came across this funny video of my son and me playing with diapers.  Don't gross out yet.  The diapers are clean and un-used.

We were on our room getting ready for bed when my youngest, instead of letting me put his diapers on him, placed the diaper on my head instead.  To get even, I placed the diaper neatly on his head too.

It was hilarious to see him happily putting a show for me and my husband all the while having diaper on his head.  I was meaning to upload the video, but I don't have a YouTube access at the moment.  So here's a photo of my son with the diaper.  I'm on the background.

Sorry, it's grainy and dark since this was taken while the lights are already off, but it was a great fun.  Try this diaper fun and I'm sure you'll have a laugh of a life time.

Counting Pinoys, The Philippine Census 2010

As the Philippine Census 2010 starts Monday this week, reports of teachers having a hard time doing their job aired on 24 Oras of GMA 7. An incident of dog bitting was even reported, together with teachers being made to wait under the extreme heat of the sun just to fulfill their duty of asking statics questionnaire that would only take 15 minutes long to answer.

This was a truly saddening scenario for teachers who are merely doing a public service for us Filipinos. The 2010 census aims to verify the NSO estimate of 92 million Filipinos based on the 2.04 percent growth rate in 2007. However, since there wasn't even any information campaign regarding the 2010 census, teachers were faced with un-cooperative and security-conscious home owners.

Cheaper Medicines for Pinoy

March 31, 2010 is nearing and with it the promise of price reductions on medicines sold in the Philippines, as announced by DoH Secretray Esperanza Cabral.  This is the 2nd wave of the Cheaper Medicine Law or Republic Act 9502 which was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on July 4, 2008.

Manufacturers of medicines agreed to a price cut of up to 50% on medicines used for hypertensions and chronic diseases, bladder and prostate disorders, hepatitis, asthma, depression, and psychotic and mental disorders, as well as some medical equipment and fluids for dialysis.

This is a big help to all Filipinos especially in this time of ever increasing prices on gas and commodities.

How will the bill help you and your family? Tell us your story by adding a comment.

Source:  inquirer.net

Tuberculosis (TB), Myths & Facts

Myth: Tuberculosis affects only the Lung.

Fact: Tuberculosis can target almost any part of the body, including joints, bones, urinary tract, central nervous system, muscles, bone marrow and lymphatic system. An infection in the lung is the most common since TB enters the body through air inhalation. But if left untreated, the bacteria may spread to other parts of the body.


Related Topics:
Tuberculosis (TB), Signs and Symptoms
Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
Tuberculosis (TB), Lower Cases in the Philippines

Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment

Treatment



Treatment of TB requires 6 to 9 months of medication and ingesting several different drugs since the bacteria is difficult to kill. This is also the reason why several people stops and never finishes the medication thinking that they are already well upon seeing health improvements. However, your doctor is the best person to determine if you're already TB free or not.


6 months regimen for active TB consists of:

• 2 months with Rifater (isoniazid, rifampin and pyrazinamide)
• 4 months of isoniazid ans rifampin (Rifamate, Rimactane)
• ethambutol (Myambutol)

The doctor may also require all people in your household to undergo diagnosis for possible TB infection.


In the Philippines, consultation and medication of Tuberculosis is free on all local health centers and public hospitals.


Source: emedicinehealth.com
 
Related Topics:
Tuberculosis (TB) Signs and Symptoms
Tuberculosis (TB) Myth & Facts
Tuberculosis (TB) Lower Cases in the Philippines

Tuberculosis (TB) Signs and Symptoms

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis which was discovered by Dr. Robert Koch on March 24, 1882. If left untreated, a person with TB can face serious illness and possibly death specially for those with weakened immunity.

TB can spread from person to person by inhaling an infected air with bacilli. When a person with TB sneeze, cough, talk or spit, he can contaminate the air with bacilli bacterium.


Signs and Symptoms


A person may carry the disease for a long time with no symptoms, but for many people with tuberculosis the following signs and symptoms may be experienced.

• Cough lasting from 3 to more weeks which produces a discolored sputum
• Rapid unintended weight loss
• Profuse night sweating
• Tiredness and weakness
• In worst conditions, chest, back and kidney pains
• Sudden feeling of chills

If you're feeling any or most of the following symptoms and suspects that you have TB, consult your health practitioner for proper diagnosis. He may require that you undergo chest X-ray and provide sample of sputum for laboratory analysis.

Source: ayushveda.com, emedicinehealth.com


Related Topics:
Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
Tuberculosis (TB) Myth & Fact
Tuberculosis (TB) Lower Cases in the Philippines

Tuberculosis, Lower Cases in the Philippines

The Department of Health (DOH) announced that there are lower cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines for this year's World Tuberculosis Day celebration. March 24, which marks the celebration for the date when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the bacterium that causes tuberculosis in 1882.

Today, after more than 100 years of its discovery, Philippines is still struggling to eliminate the deadly disease. We're currently on the 9th place among 22 countries that's still with cases of TB. The ranking is actually an improvement from last year's 7th place, but still translates to some 250,000 Filipinos with TB.

DOH encourages everyone who suspects himself to have the disease to visit their local health center's, where consultation and drugs are freely given.

Tuberculosis is a contagious lung disease that spreads through the air through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. It affects both young (called Primary Complex) and adults. The disease is currently on the top killer disease in the Philippines.


Related Topics:
Tuberculosis (TB) Signs and Symptoms
Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment
Tuberculosis (TB) Myth & Facts

Magic Sugar Causes Cancer

"Magic Sugar" chemically known as Sodium cyclamate was accidentally discovered in 1937 by Michael Sveda. It's potency is 30-50 times sweeter than sugar paving its way to become an artificial sweetener for diabetic patients. The patent for sodium cyclamate was first bought by DuPont and later sold to Abbott Laboratories; wherein it was used for masking the taste of drugs such as antibiotics and pentobarbital.

In 1996, a study conducted on 240 rats fed with a mixture of saccharin and cyclamates developed bladder tumors. This equates to humans ingesting 350 cans of diet soda per day. Another study was also made pointing that cyclamades appear to affect the cells involved in the production of spermatozoa. This led to the US FDA's decision of banning the sale of and usage of sodium cyclamate in the US on 1969. UK followed the decision the next year after.

In the Philippines where most of the FDA rules are being followed, usage and selling of sodium cyclamate is also banned. DOH Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral says that a person who ingest sodium cyclamate could experience dizziness, vomiting and stomach ache.

Source: Wikipedia.com and Inquirer.Net


Related Topic:
Magic Sugar, Today's Melamine Scare

Magic Sugar, Today's Melamin Scare

As the El Niño dry spell gets worse in the Philippines, vendors of summer cooler drinks such as "sago" and "gulaman" had become popular. In every streets you'll be able to see vendors selling this summer treat. But what many people doesn't know is that some of the vendors are using an artificial sweeter called "Magic Sugar" to sweeten the taste of their wares.

Just yesterday, Manila cops nabbed a vendor for positively using the forbidden "Magic Sugar" in the cooler drinks she's selling. Gallons of the contaminated summer drinks were poured into the gutter and the "Magic Sugar" was confiscated. The vendor said that she got the "Magic Sugar" from a fellow vendor selling it for a much lower price than the white sugar.

The authority suspects that "Magic Sugar" is being smuggled in the Philippines from Indonesia. Selling and usage of "Magic Sugar" is prohibited by BFAD due to studies linking "Magic Sugar" to cancers on animals that ingest it. This reminds us of last year's Melamine scare, where Melamine was used on baby formulas which caused 4 fatalities in China.

Source: gmanews.tv

To know "Magic Sugar" and its link to cancer, follow this link.

Are you in the habit of buying drinks from street vendors? Tell us your story by commenting.

Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Part 3

Myth or Fact: Can I get sore eyes from looking into the eyes of a person with sore eyes?

MYTH!

You can't get sore eyes by simply looking into the eyes of a person with sore eyes.  Although highly contagious, the disease can only be transmitted through hand to eye contact and by touching the eye with a hand that got in contact with a contaminated object or previously used object of an infected person. Thus a person with sore eyes should be prevented from going to school or reporting to work.

How to Prevent Sore Eyes from Spreading?

1. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Do not touch your eyes or face without washing your hands.
3. Do not share towels, eye glass, shades or make up with an infected person.
4. Use tissue or cotton buds in cleaning the infected eye.
5. Be careful that tips of eye drops do not touch the infected eye or eyelashes.
6. Don't swim as some bacteria or virus can survive in the water.
7. Avoid shaking hands.
8. Disinfect surfaces of commonly touched areas or appliances such as door knobs and counter tops.
9. Clothes, pillows, towels and a like should not be shared, and be washed thoroughly.

Source:  doh.gov.ph

Related Topics:
Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Part 1
Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Part 2

Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Part 2

What is Conjunctivitis or Sore Eyes?

Sore eyes is the common term for an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the white of the eyes. Often caused by allergy or bacterial or viral infection.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Redness of the eyes
2. A burning or gritty sensation on the eye
3. Pain on the eye on exposure to light
4. Water-like discharge on early onset but would soon turn gluey yellow
5. Runny nose, sore throat or even fever could be present

Treatment
Small children should seek professional health care especially if sore eyes is coupled with fever. To ease the irritation, a warm compress may be applied to the eye 5 to 10 minutes three times a day. An antibiotic such as Amoxicillin and an eye drop like Maxitrol can be used for 7 days but only upon the advice of your health practitioner.

Source:  doh.gov.ph

Related Topics:
Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Part 1
Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Part 3

Sore Eyes (Conjunctivitis) Part 1

Every summer, there would come a time when a mother notices a yellow gluey discharge on their kid's eyes and pass this as morning glory. A fruit of a very peaceful slumber. But then again, once we saw the same gluey discharge later in the afternoon right after their bath... a bell would ring in our head saying that... Oh oh... Dean has sore eyes!

That's what happened to me and my son (Dean) yesterday. Good thing we're at a mall where a pediatrician's clinic was located. So we stopped by and let the good doctor check his eyes. Confirmed! It's a sore eyes. Not yet itchy; not yet swollen; but already tinge in red coupled with a lot of eye discharge. The pediatrician gave us tips on how to prevent spreading the highly contagious disease and some medicines to ease the discomfort and kill the virus.

Read on to know more about Sore Eyes. 

What is Sore Eyes and How to Treat Sore Eyes?
Myth or Fact: Can I get sore eyes from looking into the eyes of a person with sore eyes?
How to prevent Sore Eyes from Spreading?

What your sore eyes story? Tell us your comments.

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

Paracetamol or Acetaminophen is one of the most used and recommended medicine for fever and body aches.   A must have in every household's medicine cabinet. But what is Paracetamol? Are there side effects or long term effects associated with its use? What are the recommended dosage for kids? Is it safe to use for infants?

What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) home medication that has been around for over 30 years. It is safe for use in both adults and children and virtually has no side-effects when taken at recommended dosage.
Paracetamol is available in forms of tablet, syrup and drops.

Dosage
Always check insert for proper dosage or seek advice from your medical practitioner.
Dosage shown on the table below is based on the product TEMPRA which is supplied in 2 dosage forms: TEMPRA Drops 80mg/ml acetaminophen and TEMPRA Syrup 80mg/5ml acetaminophen

GROUP	DROPS	SYRUP	TABLET
under 2 years or less than 11kg	10mg/kg dose at 4 to 5 doses a day for drops	ask your pediatrician	not for use
2 - 3 years old or 11 - 16 kg	1.6ml may be repeated every 4-6 hours to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours	1 - 1⅔ TSP may be repeated every 4-6 hours to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours	not for use
4 - 5 years old or 16 - 21 kg	2.4ml may be repeated every 4-6 hours to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours	2 TSP may be repeated every 4-6 hours to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours	not for use
6 - 12 years old	-	5 - 10ml at 250mg/5ml syrup, may be repeated every 4-6 hours to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours	not for use
Adults	-	-	2 500mg tablets every 4 - 6 hours, not exceeding 8 tablets in any 24 hour period.

Source: Pharmweb.Net, Unipharma-sy.com

Fever, Symptoms and Treatment

What is Fever?

Fever is the body's natural way of defense against invasion of bacteria and viruses. A person is said to have a fever when body temperature reading is above or below the normal temperature which is 37°C (98.6°F). But body temperature may very well vary up to 0.6°C (1°F) hence it's not considered medically significant not unless the temperature is above 38°C (100.4°F). This demands immediate medical attention and treatment as it can result in delirium and convulsions particularly in children.

Treatment
A person with fever should be kept comfortable and not overdressed. Over dressing causes body temperature to increase further. Sponge bath using lukewarm water may help bring down the temperature but never immerse a person in an ice cold water as this may cause severe shivering.
Medications such as Paracetamol, and Ibuprofen may be used if the fever causes discomfort. Never give Aspirin to treat fever as this may cause Reye Syndrome which is a dangerous illness that causes prolonged vomiting, confusion and even coma or liver failure.

When To Sick Professional Health Care
Children under age of 3 months should be taken to a physician or pediatrician for fever with temperature of 38°C and above. Persons with continuous fever and fever lasting for more than 3 days should also seek professional medical attention to validate the cause of illness.

 Source: MedicineNet.com

Heat Stroke, Summer Heart Attack

What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia that occurs when people exercise or work in a hot, humid place and losses body fluids through sweating for a prolonged period of time. This causes the body to overheat, reaching 41.1°C which causes the brain cells to die. Heat stroke is a life threatening medical condition, especially on small kids and aged people if not treated promptly and properly.

Signs and Symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke often mimic those of a heart attack, which normally starts with exhaustion. Symptoms may start out as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness.

At the onset of heat stroke, patients often experience

• high body temperature
• absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
• rapid pulse
• difficulty breathing
• strange behavior
• hallucinations
• confusion
• agitation
• disorientation
• seizure
• coma

Treatment

Persons showing signs of heat stroke must be taken to the hospital immediately. As a first aid treatment, the patient should be cooled immediately either by removal of clothes, dousing of water on neck and body and if conscious, drinking of water.

Prevention

The simplest way to prevent heat stroke is by avoiding prolonged exposure or working under the heat of sun and drinking plenty of fluids. For more tips on how to protect your kids from heat stroke, visit here.

Related Topics:

Protect Your Kids Against Heat Stroke

Protect Your Kids Against Heat Stroke

Summer is officially in and school will soon be out. Kids will start to play and stay under the sun. But with the El Niño phenomenon being experienced in the Philippines today making temperatures rise between 33°C to 37°C it's not uncommon for kids to experience prickly heat, sun burn, and even heat stroke.

Heat stroke occurs when people exercise or work in a hot, humid place and losses body fluids through sweating for a prolonged period. This causes the body to overheat causing brain cells to die. Heat stroke is a life threatening medical condition, especially on small kids and aged people.

So how will you protect your kids from experiencing heat stroke but still be able to enjoy the summer sun? Here are some simple stay cool tips to follow.

Wear light cotton clothes. This will help in circulate the air between the clothes and the body.

Drink plenty of fluids. This is the time to strictly follow the 8 glasses a day routine. To keep your kids drinking, alternate between fruit juices and water.

Use Sun Protection. Whether just a few minutes outside or several hours playing on the beach, never forget to wear sun blocks.

Bring an Umbrella. Always bring an umbrella or cap when going outside for errands.

Avoid the Afternoon Sun. Better stay indoors between 10am until 2pm. This is the time when the sun is high in the sky and temperatures are on its highest.

Take a Bath Twice a Day. Splurge on water that's not directly under the sun. Take a bath twice. Once at the middle of the day, and the other at 6pm before going to bed. Don't be afraid to bathe your toddlers at night. As long as he doesn't have fever, cough or cold.

Use Paper Instead of Towels. Yup, that's right. For your active kids who loves to play, putting a paper on his back will keep the perspiration from soaking his shirt. Paper is more absorbent than clothes and dries faster too.

Got tips to add? Send it in and will add it.

Measles, Red Rashes Of Summer

What is Measles?

It's summer time again. The time of the year where viruses like Measles, also known as rubeola, are rampant. Just last month, some 570 cases of measles on children are reported all over the Philippines. This is even with vaccines against measles given free of charge on public health centers.

Signs and Symptoms
Being known for its red rash symptom, measles starts out as a hacking cough, a runny nose coupled with a high fever and a reddish eye. The red rash typically appears on forehead first then spreads its way to the face, neck, down to the rest of the body, arms and feet.


Is Measles Contagious?
Measles is highly contagious since this is a viral disease and spreads easily on the air. A person with measles is contagious from 1 to 2 days before symptoms start until about 4 days after the rash appears. The only way to avoid measles is to get vaccination.


Measles Vaccine
According to the Expanded Program on Immunization of the Philippines, children should get the Measles Vaccine (not MMR) upon reaching 9 months old. The vaccine is given in a single dose of 0.5mL.


MMR or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella immunization is also another vaccine that prevents measles. This is administered on kids between 12 to 15months old and again at 4 to 6 years old.


Treatment
There's no specific medicinal treatment for measles. Kids with measles should be given plenty of fluids and rest during the duration of the disease which lasts for about 2 weeks. If fever is high, a non-aspirin fever medication maybe given to children.


Infants and persons with disease that affects the immune system should immediately seek professional health.