The Sting of Pneumonia

WPA poster, 1936/1937 (c/o Wikipedia)

Last February I had a very bad flu with temperature reaching 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. I thought that it was just a common cold and cough so I just took simple over the counter medicines we see on TV commercials. However, to my dismay, they did not give relief.

When my fever died down, I thought I was getting well although the cough persisted and the phlegm seemed to accumulate more and deeper inside my chest. I just thought that it would go away soon.

February 18 was an important day because we would be having a musical play in church, which I wrote. Some of the songs were my composition too and our band would be doing the songs live so I could never skip that event!

The event was a success. However, right after the event, perhaps my adrenalin had somehow died down, I began to feel sick. The cough worsen and I began to have difficulty in breathing. Our pastor and some of the church elders who were still there that night decided to rush me to the nearest hospital. While in the emergency room, I learned from the doctor that I was showing signs of pneumonia infection.

I was confined for 2 days in the hospital and they gave me intravenous antibiotic to fight the infection. Medications continued at home with oral antibiotics, nebulizer and oral expectorant. The cough was so hard that I could not sleep. It seemed to worsen whenever I lie flat on my back.

A few weeks after, I recovered from the illness and in a matter of days, I went back to my usual routine. Again to my shock, after a two to three weeks, I was down with fever again. When I went to my doctor for check up, he said that I had pneumonitis again. It was twice in just two months time! My doctor gave me oral antibiotic, which is stronger than the previous one, antihistamine, liquid expectorant and nebulizer.

The saddest part, my Mom also had pneumonia at the same time and she was hospitalized. I might have transmitted it to her so we had to take medication together. She was confined for two days and received intravenous antibiotic. Thank God she recovered fast.

I realized that pneumonia is vicious and must not be undermined.

Can We Prevent Birth Defects?

This handout photograph released by the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) on April 16, 2012, shows a newly-born child with six legs as he lies in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward at a hospital in Karachi. Doctors in Pakistan are fighting to save the life of a baby boy born with six legs because of a rare genetic condition, hospital officials said.AFP PHOTO/NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH (c/o Yahoo!News)

There are bizarre circumstances in life that are hard to explain and understand like birth defects.

When I have seen in Yahoo News this photo of an infant in Pakistan who has been born with six legs, I have felt a sense of sorrow for his condition. Doctors are currently working to find a way to resolve the infant’s physical abnormality through surgery. I do pray that the doctors succeed with the operation so that the baby may have a chance to lead a normal life.

Well, science explains birth defects as structural or developmental abnormalities that are present at childbirth, which cause certain disability. Genetic disorder, chromosomal imbalance or infections during pregnancy are the possible causes of birth defects.

I’m wondering, is there a way of preventing birth defects?

Birth defect prevention is not an easy process as I have learned from some reading around the internet. Health professionals are still in the process of collecting valuable data to come up with a definite and precise answer to this issue.

However, in the website that I have visited, they have found out some vital information that leads to the prevention of birth defects. Allow me to share it here:

• Folic acid is a B vitamin. Taking folic acid supplements before getting pregnant and in early pregnancy lowers the risk of having a baby with serious birth defects of the brain and spine (neural tube defects). For this reason, all women who can become pregnant should take supplements containing 400 micrograms of folic acid every day.
• Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause the baby to be born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Pregnant women should not drink alcohol any time during pregnancy.
• Smoking in the month before getting pregnant and throughout pregnancy increases the chance of premature birth, certain birth defects (such as cleft lip, cleft palate, or both), and infant death. Quitting smoking before getting pregnant is best. However, for women who are already pregnant, quitting as early as possible can still help protect against some health problems.
• Women who are obese when they get pregnant have a higher risk of having a baby with serious birth defects of the brain and spine (neural tube defects) and some heart defects. Helping women to reach a healthy weight before they get pregnant could prevent birth defects.
• Poor control of diabetes in pregnant women increases the chance for birth defects, and might cause serious complications for the mother, too. If a woman with diabetes keeps her blood sugar well-controlled before and during pregnancy, she can reduce the chance of having a baby with birth defects.
• Taking certain medications just before or during pregnancy might cause serious birth defects, but the safety of many medications taken by pregnant women has been difficult to determine. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should not stop taking medications you need or begin taking new medications without first talking with your doctor. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary or herbal products (http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/research.html)

I feel that this information is important for everyone to know so I am giving this valuable space here on my blog. Together, with proper knowledge, we can all contribute to the process of preventing birth defects by avoiding dangerous factors that may adversely affect pregnancy.

Is Cholesterol All Bad?

“99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999.

Principle #21: Is Cholesterol All Bad?

“Cholesterol, the bad type, comes from meat and dairy products. The body produces its own serum of natural cholesterol so there is no need to include it in the diet. The good cholesterol only collects the bad ones and excesses are believed to sometimes turn into bad. Excess serum cholesterol is likewise linked to cancer. Hence, excess of any kind- LDL’s (bad), HDL’s (good), or serum cholesterol – is bad.” (excerpt from the original article)

The normal cholesterol level is between 131-200mg/dl. Beyond 200, one is starting to get into trouble.

Cholesterol is a vital component of our body. In fact, the brain is composed of cholesterol and the human breast milk has significant quantities of cholesterol. “It is an essential structural component of mammalian cell membranes and is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. In addition, cholesterol is an important component for the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones, and vitamin D” (source: wikipedia). The problem begins when the supply of cholesterol in blood becomes excessive. They can clog the arteries and cause them to erupt.

While a good amount of cholesterol in the body is essential to keep its normal function, any excess has potential danger particularly to the heart. It can lead to cardiovascular disease and even stroke.

As we always say, too much is always bad so we need to regulate our fat intake. We need to take care of our bodies to avoid deep complications later on in life.


Image above courtesy of:
en.wikipedia.org

What is Chelation Theraphy?

“99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999."

Principle #20: What is Chelation Theraphy?

“Chelation Theraphy is a non-surgical alternative treatment for cardiovascular diseases, gangrene and metal toxicities” (excerpt from the original article)

In recent years, many patients search for alternative medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Many are afraid that certain drugs might cause some serious side effects. In an old newspaper article, I have read about chelation. I must admit that it is something new to me so I have tried to know about it.

“Chelation (pronounced key-LAY-shun) is the use of a chemical substance to bind molecules, such as metals or minerals, and hold them tightly so they can be removed from the body. Chelation has been scientifically proven to remove excess or toxic metals before they can cause damage to the body. It was first used in the 1940's by the Navy to treat lead poisoning… The most common form of chelation therapy uses a man-made amino acid called EDTA (ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid). EDTA removes heavy metals and minerals from the blood, such as lead, iron, copper, and calcium, and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating lead poisoning and poisoning from other heavy metals. (source: http://altmedicine.about.com/od/treatmentsfromatod/a/chelation.htm)

How is Chelation Theraphy administered?

EDTA is intravenously injected into the body of a patient through IV fluid. The treatment requires at least 30 sessions. It removes calcium deposits in the arteries, which clogs normal blood flow. If one can avoid surgery with the treatment, it is a very welcome alternative.

Is Chelation Theraphy Safe?

Chelation Theraphy has grown wide acceptance from physicians and alternative medicine professionals in recent years although it remains controversial. Chelation is generally safe particularly in the treatment of metal poisoning just as the excerpt above says. In fact, the use of chelation as a treatment has started during World War I, when gas poisoning has first been used in warfare. Chelation has been used as an antidote to arsenic-based poison gas.

However, there is a strong opposition to it by some doctors saying that the claim of chelation’s effectiveness to cure cardiovascular diseases is false and the studies that back up the claim are not enough.

The promise of Chelation Theraphy is beneficial to many patients who cannot and do not want to undergo surgery. However, patients must understand also the risks involved in any medical treatment that they want to take. See your doctor for proper guidance.

Image courtesy of: http://www.healingdaily.com/oral-chelation/oral-chelation-or-iv-chelation.htm

Is Caffeine Harmful to Health?

"99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999."

Principle #19: Is Caffeine Harmful to Health?

Over the past years, health experts have been talking about the potential hazard of caffeine to health. They say that “the caffeine in coffee, tea and cola drinks increases blood pressure and dehydrates the body. A cup of caffeine should be washed down by at least two glasses of water” (excerpt from the original article).

Caffeine acts as a stimulant to the brain. It wards off sleepiness and helps keep alertness. It is a natural “psycho-active” drug, a substance that stimulates the brain, that is readily available to consumers unlike drugs that require medical prescription. That is why coffee has been a “wake-up” beverage when someone wants to stay up while working or studying, to keep his brain working.

Caffeine is also a natural antioxidant and studies show that it has protective effects to the body against some diseases including certain types of cancer.

Experts say that there is no direct evidence that caffeine causes cardiovascular disease. It may even reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In fact, there is a study that shows that drinking coffee may have minor protective effect against hypertension.

Caffeine can also protect the body from liver cirrhosis.

The US Food and Drugs Association recognizes “caffeine” as a safe food substance especially in cola.

Any harmful effect may arise from extreme or excessive intake. As a diuretic, it may cause frequent urination that’s why people who are traveling are advised to avoid caffeine. Excessive amounts may also cause insomnia in certain individuals.

Excessive intake of caffeine may lead to a certain condition called “caffeine intoxification”. The symptoms of caffeine intoxication are not unlike overdoses of other stimulants. It may include restlessness, fidgeting, anxiety, excitement, insomnia, flushing of the face, increased urination, gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, a rambling flow of thought and speech, irritability, irregular or rapid heart beat, and psychomotor agitation. In cases of much larger overdoses, mania, depression, lapses in judgment, disorientation, disinhibition, delusions, hallucinations, or psychosis may occur, and rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue) can be provoked (source: en.wikipedia.org)

Is caffeine harmful to health? Well, it depends on how much caffeine you take and if you have any health condition that would cause your body to react negatively to caffeine. Otherwise, normal caffeine intake like a cup of coffee or tea a day, and glass of cola may not cause harm.

Images Courtesy of:

en.wikipedia.org/

Benefits of Carageenan

“99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999.

Principle #18: Benefits of Carageenan

Carageenan

“Carageenan is a healthy substitute for creams and other fatty, thickening and gelling agents. It improves palatability and appearance of food minus the fat and calories” (excerpt from the original article).

Carageenen is a product from seaweeds. It is a popular alternative to gelatin especially for vegetarians. There are three main commercial classes of carrageenan:

• Kappa forms strong, rigid gels in the presence of potassium ions; it reacts with dairy proteins. It is sourced mainly from Eucheuma cottonii.
• Iota forms soft gels in the presence of calcium ions. It is produced mainly from Eucheuma spinosum.
• Lambda does not gel, and is used to thicken dairy products. The most common source is Gigartina from South America. (source: en.wikipedia.org) 

Carageenan has medicinal value as well. Medical research suggests the effectiveness of carrageenan against the common cold virus. An Austrian company has introduced a nasal spray that contains carageenen in 2010, which claims direct treatment against the virus and not just for the symptoms.

In another study, “at the Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America suggest that carrageenans might function as a topical microbicide” (en.wikipedia.org). A microbicide is a compound or substance that reduces the infectivity of microbes, which could be virus or bacteria. Studies even suggest the potency of carageenan-based lubricant as personal microbicide in women against HPV and HIV viruses.

Carageenan is an amazing medical break through.


Image above courtesy of:
http://allenwang1225

Benefits of Eating Breakfast

“99 ABC’s of Wellness” Article Credit: The original article 99 ABC’s of Wellness is by Mylene Mendoza-Dayrit, which has appeared on the Philippine Star on January 12, 1999.

Principle #17: Benefits of Eating Breakfast

A full English breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage, black pudding, bacon, mushrooms, baked beans, hash browns, and half a tomato c/o Wikipedia

“Breakfast skippers are most likely to overeat and be overweight than those who take a high-carbo breakfast. A cereal with low-fat milk, a banana and orange juice for breakfast provide 90 percent carbohydrate to fuel your day.” (excerpt from the original article)

Many people think that skipping meals can help them reduce weight and usually, they skip breakfast but that is wrong. As a matter of fact, skipping breakfast contributes to obesity because it would make us eat more later in the day since we feel so starve. Scientifically, long hours of fasting increases insulin in the blood, which also increases the accumulation of fat.

Health professionals say that “breakfast” is the most important meal of the day. Coming off from 8-10 hours of sleep, the body needs an energy source to keep up with the demand of the entire working day from the food that we eat at breakfast.

However, some skip breakfast not just for trying to lose weight but because they do not have much time to prepare food and eat in the morning since they rush to work. Often, they just eat in fast food restaurants.  

There are however, easy to prepare but tasteful and nutritious recipe that is perfect for breakfast. For example:

Oatmeal Congee

by Chef Gigi Angkaw

from Good Houskeeping Magazine

This recipe is good for one serving and takes 15 minutes to prepare.

1 pack instant oatmeal

¼ cup water

1-1/2 cups chicken stock

½ cup chicken, boiled and flaked

1 hard boiled egg sliced

2 tablespoon chopped spring onion

3 pcs. calamansi

2 tablespoon patis

Procedure:

Combine oatmeal and water. Mix well. Simmer chicken stock, add oatmeal mixture. Top with chicken, eggs, and sprinkle with spring onion. Add calamansi and patis.

Enjoy a healthy lifestyle while indulging in the benefits of eating breakfast.