The Joys of Wellness

YAWYAN: Sayaw ng Kamatayan - The Filipino Dance of Death

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 22:24:00 +0000

What Lands You in a Hospital Today?

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Tue, 10 May 2011 02:01:00 +0000

The five most common reasons are pregnancy/childbirth, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and osteoarthritis. While some reasons for hospital care remain fairly constant, hospitals are using technology to improve the patient experience.

Medical Records Go Digital

Hospitals are gradually shifting from paper to electronic medical records to minimize errors, comply with regulations, and enable scattered care providers to share data. Record systems can vary widely. They commonly allow doctors to write prescriptions online, access test results, and view medical images. However, many hospital systems are not yet fully integrated with physician offices.

Robotic Surgery

Robots will never replace actual human surgeons. But these devices can move with great precision and hold instruments steady for long periods. Surgeons guide the robotic "hands" from the same room or from a remote location. Surgeries using the help of robotic systems include hip replacement, reversal of tubal ligations, removal of prostate, gallbladder, or kidney, kidney transplant, and many gastrointestinal procedures.

Smart Design Matters

The hospital environment itself can affect patient outcomes. Some designs are intended to incorporate new technology. Better air filtration and strategically located sinks help reduce infection risk. Noise control improves sleep and recovery, especially for children. Music, access to sunlight, and views of nature can also enhance the stay of some patients. Such improvements lead to more staff satisfaction as well.

Welcoming Families

Some hospitals are moving away from semi-private rooms and strict limits on visitors in favor of family-friendly designs and policies. New designs might include more private rooms to encourage family members to stay overnight.

The Rise of 'Rooming In'

A generation ago, newborns were whisked away to nurseries while moms recovered elsewhere. Later, hospitals sent families home with bottles of formula. Now, labor, delivery, and recovery often occur in the same space, with mothers and infants staying together and benefiting from skin-to-skin contact. Breast milk is best for babies, unless the mother has a specific medical reason not to breastfeed. Experts say "rooming in" encourages this natural process.

Preventing Medication Errors

Hospitals can employ several methods to make sure the right medicine reaches the right patient. These include computerized medication orders rather than handwritten notes, "smart" IV pumps that alert nurses to unsafe dose levels, and computer-controlled storage cabinets that use barcode scanning and other safety features.

Safety Awareness

When performing complex procedures, even experienced hospital staffs can miss a step. However, some hospitals are adapting methods used in aviation and the military to improve patient safety. "Situation awareness" training -- knowing what's going on with patients at all times -- is helping staff avoid complications and reduce infection rates. Growing use of checklists and time-outs for final verification before the start of surgery reduces errors, too.

Fighting Infections

Hospitals are places of healing. Yet about 99,000 patients are estimated to die each year from dangerous infections picked up during their stays. These include infections of the bloodstream, urinary tract, and surgical sites. The good news: Some hospital-acquired infection rates are dropping, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which declined 28% from 2005 to 2008. The reasons for the drop include increased vigilance, improved hand-washing hygiene, and other MRSA-prevention steps.

Battling Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

At least 50,000 patients a year die from pulmonary embolism, a dangerous condition where blood clots, most often in the legs, travel to the lungs, where they cut off blood flow. Risk factors for DVT include recent surgery and bed rest, common for hospital patients. Hospitals are reducing this complication through faster treatment and anti-clot medications before surgery, and by urging patients to move around after surgery. Screening tools, compression stockings, and other devices also help.

Specialty Hospitals Offer Options

By concentrating on a single field, such as heart or spine surgery, specialty hospitals often feature the very latest resources for their work. More focused care also can mean quality care at lower costs.

Hospital Food Gets Healthier

Traditional hospital menus can be laden with high-fat comfort foods. Some medical centers have even invited fast-food franchises to set up shop on hospital premises. Today's hospitals are better positioned as models of healthy eating for patients and employees. Heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly, and vegetarian selections are increasingly common. Some hospitals also promote organic, fair-trade, and locally produced foods.

Patient Advocates Can Help

Consumer groups often say your hospital stay will be smoother and safer if another person is there to watch out for you and ask questions on your behalf. Some families designate relatives or close friends to serve as patient advocates.

Strengths of a Patient Advocate

Advocates should be able to help you manage your care, ask questions, express concerns on your behalf, and research and keep track of your treatment options and medicines. Advocates are most helpful when they raise concerns with a healthy dose of kindness and respect. Some families hire professional patient advocates. Sometimes hospitals have patient advocates on staff.

Hospital Quality Goes Public

Some organizations make hospital information public so you can check out the hospitals' quality. You can find hospital information in several ways, including The Joint Commission's "Quality Check" program, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' "Hospital Compare" tool, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Some states also offer hospital quality web sites.

Sickness Illness Disease Prevention

Have optimal health by eating a good diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Get plenty of rest and try to keep your stress levels low. Get a least a small amount of exercise everyday. Have a positive mental mindset. And take vitamin supplements to get the nutrients your body needs everyday that you're not getting from the food you eat.

(source: Vitamins Philippines)

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Peter Allan C. Mariano

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWBL1242 4-5pm Mon-Fri

The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos

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M - O - T - H - E - R

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Sun, 08 May 2011 04:57:00 +0000

M - O - T - H - E - R

"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"

A word that means the world to me.

(Howard Johnson)

Happy Mother's Day!

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Peter Allan C. Mariano

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWBL1242 4-5pm Mon-Fri

The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos

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Stretch to Relieve Tension

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:30:00 +0000

SITTING in front of your computer for hours could lead to sore muscles. Avoid this and relieve your body’s tension.

Here are some easy steps:

* Stretch your neck. Stand or sit up straight in your chair. Drop your right ear toward your right shoulder so you feel a mild stretch on the left side of your neck. Relax and let your left shoulder drop, then place your right hand on your head and pull down gently. Hold for 30 seconds, and repeat on left side.Do some stretching in the morning and another one in the afternoon and again at the end of the workday.

* Tuck your chin to your chest. Drop your head down and tuck in your chin. Slowly turn your chin toward your left shoulder, and then slowly turn toward your right shoulder. Repeat this move up to 10 times. Do not make complete circles by tilting your head back, as this can put stress on your spine.

* Stretch your shoulder. Stand or sit up straight in your chair, with your shoulders down. Keeping your head and neck stable, slowly roll your shoulders forward, up, and then back to complete a full circle. Concentrate on creating as large a circle as possible without scrunching your shoulders toward your ears. Repeat the circle 10 times in one direction and then 10 in the opposite direction.

* Don’t forget your feet. Sit comfortably in your chair and place your right ankle on your left knee. Slowly circle your right foot clockwise 20 times, then counterclockwise 20 times. Repeat with the left foot.

* And your back and chest. Sit or stand up tall with your arms out to the side, elbows bent, palms forward, and fingers pointed upward toward the ceiling. Keep your spine straight, press your arms back until you feel a slight stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold this for 30 seconds, then rest. Do this 10 times.

* Stretch your forearm and hand. Extend your right arm out in front of you with your palm facing forward and your fingers pointed to the ceiling. Use your left hand to stretch your right hand’s fingers and palm back toward you as far as they will comfortably go. Hold that position for 30 seconds, rest, and repeat on your left hand.

(Source: TAK Radio)

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Peter Allan C. Mariano

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWBL1242 4-5pm Mon-Fri
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
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Dance for Fitness at Blue Wave Pasay

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:42:00 +0000

Dance for Fitness is a series of weekend-workshop-classes with a focus on dance from March 13 until April l8. Choose from Hip Hop, Yoga and Freestyle Dance, Breakdance and Contemporary Dance with established performers from the Metro's dance community.

Come and recharge after a busy work week, get fit and have fun while expressing your creativity and passion to dance.

For inquiries, reservations, school or group bookings 8338658, 09278748789 or email anahatafoundation@yahoo.com.ph

Register today to avail of Wellness giveaways and complimentary massage therapy. 5 Classes for only P250!

Dance for Fitness is an Urban Wellness platform presented by Blue Wave, Anahata Foundation, The Big NM and Links2Prosperity Marketing which aims to promote alternative spaces for dance and holistic health. Blue Wave Metropolitan Park Complex is located at EDSA Ext. cor. Macapagal Ave. Visit Blue Wave Mac on Facebook for your comments and input.

Special thanks to Alfa-PXP, Alfa-HFi and Enzacta, Bio-Ready Nutrients for providing the powerful natural building blocks your body needs.

Visit Our Pages:

Dance for Fitness Facebook Page
Links2Prosperity Marketing -- Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Web/Blog Content, Internet Reputation Management
The Big NM -- The Network Management for Filipinos
Alfa-HFI -- Protect Yourself From Viruses the Natural Way

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Peter Allan C. Mariano

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWBL1242 4-5pm Mon-Fri
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
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Season's Greetings from KENJIYA!

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 07:38:00 +0000

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Season's Greetings from Me and My Family!

BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:39:00 +0000

As of May 31, 2009, Department of Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III reported that there are 46 new Cases Under Observation (CUOs) who all have pending laboratory results. Since May 1, 2009, the DOH has monitored a total of 285 Cases Under Observation (CUOs). Of these 16 have been confirmed positive for Influenza A(H1N1), 64 have pending laboratory results, and 205 have been discarded since they are negative for A(H1N1). - Duque Update on the Influenza A(H1N1) Situation in the Philippines)

In their latest report dated May 29, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 2,120 new cases and 4 deaths. The new deaths were from Canada, Mexico, and the USA. There are now a total of 15,510 cases and 99 deaths (CFR = 0.6%) from 53 reporting countries. New countries who have a confirmed Influenza A(H1N1) case were Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Slovakia, and Uruguay.

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

Most people who consume a well-balanced, nutritious diet and take care of their bodies usually have a healthy immune system. However, most of us undergo periods when our natural resistance is challenged. Stress, occasional sleeplessness, fatigue, and a poor diet can diminish the strength of our immune system. This can be further challenged by international travel and commerce. During these times, you may have heightened concerns about your immune health and how you can help support a healthy immune system.

Good nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices such as good hygiene, proper sleep and rest, and not smoking are associated with healthy immune function. In line with these practices, Pharmanex®offers several products that may help support your body’s natural immune defense. Our recommendation for healthy supplementation starts with a core foundation of LifePak® and MarineOmega®. Then customize your regimen with Pharmanex®Solutions products developed with your specific needs in mind. If your primary need is to help support your body’s natural immune defense Pharmanex® offers specific products for immune health. LifePak, and MarineOmega provide nutritional building blocks for a healthy immune system, while ProBio® PCC helps support digestive health and your body’s natural immune defense.

Please note that there is no scientific evidence that any Nu Skin® or Pharmanex® products will treat or mitigate any disease, or prevent colds and influenzas (flus) but can help promote a healthy immune system.

We, at Nu Skin Enterprises, continuously provide educational efforts relating to health and hygiene in today’s environment.

For more information on how to boost your immune system, send me a note and I will be glad to provide you with additional information.

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Peter Allan C. Mariano

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWBL1242 4-5pm Mon-Fri
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
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Additional Info on INFLUENZA A(H1N1) Pandemic

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:38:00 +0000

(photo courtesy of @LarryPConcepcion)

Are you at Risk?

Seasonal influenza

Everyone is at risk of getting seasonal influenza. It passes easily from person to person through droplets expelled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. These droplets can pass directly into the nose, mouth or eyes of a person who is nearby (less than 1 meter, or 3 feet, away) or indirectly when a person touches surfaces that droplets have fallen onto and then touches his or her nose, mouth or eyes before washing hands. Crowded, indoor environments may promote the chances of such transmission, which may explain the increase in respiratory infections during the winter months.

Seasonal influenza can lead to complications and even death. Most complications occur in people aged 65 years and over or in people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart or lung disease and diabetes. Pregnant women, infants and very young children are also at increased risk of complications from influenza.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year 3 million to 5 million people have severe cases of seasonal influenza worldwide, and 250,000 to 500,000 people die.

Pandemic Influenza

When a pandemic occurs, everyone will be at risk, not just frail or elderly people. Pandemic influenza passes from person to person just as easily and quickly as seasonal flu. But, unlike with seasonal flu, people will not be immune to this new virus, so more people will become infected. In addition, it is possible that even young and healthy people who do not normally suffer complications from seasonal flu may develop serious complications and even die in a pandemic.

It is important to know, however, that the majority of people who will develop a flu-like illness in a pandemic will recover and develop immunity to the new human virus.

What should I know about Human Influenza Virus?

Things you should know about human influenza viruses:

• They spread through infected droplets from breathing passages.

• Droplets are expelled by talking, spitting, coughing, sneezing.

• The droplets spread about 1 meter (3 feet) from the infected person, either directly to other people or indirectly through hands and other surfaces.

• The viruses can live for several hours on hard surfaces, or on cloth and paper.

• If healthy people touch infected hands, doorknobs, keyboards, telephones, etc., they can infect themselves by touching mouths, noses or eyes.

• Sometimes the viruses can spread through the air.

• An infected person is most likely to spread the virus when he or she has fever and a cough.

• It is possible that an infected person will spread the virus a day before showing signs of illness.

How do you know you have influenza?

Seasonal Influenza:

• Fever

• Headache

• Aching muscles

• Exhaustion and feeling weak

• Loss of appetite

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Dry cough

Pandemic Influenza

While the first symptoms of pandemic influenza might be similar to seasonal flu symptoms, how the symptoms develop will depend on the nature of the specific virus. It is likely that most people will recover without needing medical attention, but the following symptoms may help you decide if you need to seek medical help:

• Shortness of breath while resting or doing very little work

• Persistent fever for 4 or 5 days

• Painful or difficult breathing

• Coughing up a lot of phlegm or bloody sputum

• Wheezing

• You are feeling better and then you develop a new fever or worsening cough with sputum

• You feel very drowsy and others have difficulty waking you up or note you seem confused or disorientated

Bear in mind that in a pandemic, medical services will be overwhelmed and some might even be closed. So it is important for you and your family to prepare for at-home care if the worst should happen.

How do you reduce your risk of contracting influenza?

Personal Hygiene

The practice of good personal hygiene is one of the most effective strategies any individual can implement to reduce their risk of being infected by the influenza virus. Important points are:

• Cover the nose and mouth with the sleeve when coughing or sneezing (not with the hand, as that contaminates the hand for touching and spreading organisms further);

• Use a tissue for cleaning/blowing the nose, and dispose of it after use;

• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing, using a tissue, or touching any surface that may have become contaminated by a prior user. If using a surgical mask, dispose of it carefully after use and wash hands:

° Wash hands with soap and water (preferable) or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner;

° When you wash your hands, wash for at least 20 seconds, making sure that all surfaces of hands and fingers are cleaned.

• Become “touch aware”, and avoid touching surfaces that are likely to have been touched by others (door handles, stair railings, etc);

• Avoid handshaking, social kissing, and other social rituals that involve touching others.

• Be careful with respiratory secretions when around other people (e.g. coughing and sneezing). If possible, avoid contact with individuals at risk (small children or those with underlying or chronic illnesses) until respiratory symptoms have resolved.

For more information on personal hygiene measures, see:
• www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/index.htm
• www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/

Resources / Useful websites :
United Nations: http://www.un.un.org/staff/pandemic
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en.index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov.swineflu/investigation.htm

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Peter Allan C. Mariano

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWBL1242 4-5pm Mon-Fri
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
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INFO ON INFLUENZA A(H1N1) PANDEMIC

noreply@blogger.com (Links2Prosperity) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:24:00 +0000

Introduction

What is the new influenza A (H1N1) virus that has been causing recent outbreaks globally?
The recent outbreaks of disease in people globally are caused by a new influenza (or “flu”) type A (H1N1) virus. There is a human H5N1 virus circulating and causing seasonal influenza and in the past, very occasionally, H1N1 viruses from swine have infected humans. The specific type of the H1N1 virus causing illness now is new or “novel” and in the current outbreak it is clear that this virus is able to infect humans and be passed from person to person. Although part of the virus may have originated from pigs, there is no evidence that the current spread of infection is coming from that source.

How does the influenza A (H1N1) virus spread?
Spread of this new virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What should I do to keep from getting infected by the influenza A (H1N1) virus?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

What is a ‘pandemic’?
Influenza pandemics happen when a new human flu virus emerges and spreads rapidly across the globe because humans have no previous immunity against this virus.

Are we at risk of a pandemic?
No one can say whether or not the current situation would evolve into a severe pandemic. But whether it turns out to be a catastrophic health event or little more than a bad flu season, it is important to be prepared for the worst.

What can you do?
Prepare yourself and your family immediately for a possible pandemic. This includes gathering and storing emergency supplies and adopting habits that will reduce the chance of you or your family getting infected and spreading it to others (for example, washing hands regularly, covering nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and not spitting in public).

What is the UN doing?
UN organizations are working to educate and inform staff about the threat of a pandemic and how best to prepare for it. Departments and offices have prepared business continuity plans and decided which functions are to be considered “critical” during a pandemic. Non-critical functions may be suspended for a period. In the event of a severe pandemic, most staff will be requested to remain at home and follow the UN’s Medical Guidelines. Please also see the UN pandemic influenza website: www.un.org/staff/pandemic.
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Resources / Useful websites :

United Nations: http://www.un.un.org/staff/pandemic
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en.index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov.swineflu/investigation.htm

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Peter Allan C. Mariano

Talakayan at Kalusugan - DWBL1242 4-5pm Mon-Fri
The Big NM - Network Management for Filipinos
Links2Prosperity - Web Marketing : Web Content : Web Design
Entreplink Philippines - Moderator

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