Showing posts with label Nice-to-knows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nice-to-knows. Show all posts

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Knowledge Could Save You

I recently went to a friend's house for a little gathering and it is there that I met his uncle who suffered a stroke. I was amazed by his story and his fight for his life. He was really blessed because even after being half-paralyzed due to his stroke and his open-heart surgery he is still doing well and is still active.

My friend's uncle was really lucky but not every one will be blessed like that. That is why everyone especially those at high risk of heart conditions should know more about how their heart works, how different heart complications will affect the heart's and the circulatory system's functions, and most important of all, how one can prevent acquiring these problems.

I believe that knowledge could save you and that's why I really recommend that everyone checks out heartlibrary.com because it is the website that has videos and contents about the anatomy of the heart and common heart problems. Real doctors who specializes in hearts and the circulation system informs you about the said topic with an easy to understand language. The website is also a great source for finding a doctor near you and other important tidbits of information.

So as the saying goes, Knowledge is Power!



Monday, September 29, 2008

Cheapest Text Books

When I was still back in the Philippines, living my life happily as a college student who didn't have to worry about money and expenses and only depended on my mom for money... well I actually did worry.

I'm even more worried more about expenses in college because if you think that college was expensive in the Philippines, wait until you try going to school here in Canada! My gad! I am still thinking how I would pay back the government for the student loan that I have to pay back. but at least finding cheap textbooks wouldn't be a problem.

Yup! I manage to cut down my college expenses by a very significant amount by buying at stores with the cheapest text books. I also buy used textbooks because even when they were used by someone else, the content is what matters the most. Especially in my field of study, books related to health and nursing are very very expensive!

That is why I have found CheapestTextBooks.com! I can find nursing books that are usually expensive at bargain prices and I get to spend the money I saved on text books on medical supplies that I need while I'm on duty at the hospital. Plus it's so easy to sell my used and old textbooks that I won't be needing anymore. I get to rid of junk, earn money, and help other future students all in one! How great is that?



Friday, September 19, 2008

Cosmetic Surgery: To Do or Not to Do

Cosmetic surgery has been a controversial topic for years now and like always, people are divided: people who are pro-cosmetic surgery and the people who are anti-cosmetic surgery. There are some people who approach cosmetic surgery in a religious and self-righteous way. They say that people should not have cosmetic surgeries like boob jobs because we are already perfect and we are beautiful as we are because this is the way that God wanted us to be.

But in my opinion, I approach this issue in a scientific way and practical way. What I mean by this statement is that I am for cosmetic surgery and I will want to have a surgery done to me like a liposuction. Many people have already done several cosmetic surgeries to their body and this is why they are now beautiful or even more beautiful than ever... who are they? The celebrities of course.

Some would say that they would prefer real "natural" beauty but they are being hypocritical about this when the people they idolize and even obsess about are products of cosmetic surgery. I am happy that cosmetic surgery is available because with this science we are able to correct any flaws that we may have in ourselves thus making our lives better. Because of cosmetic surgeries people who sometimes see themselves as ugly are given the chance to live life again to the fullest without being restrained by the thoughts that people will judge them and their physical flaws. With cosmetic surgery, people become more positive and happy as well as confident about themselves.



Sunday, August 24, 2008

Angels on Earth

Some may think of angels as a transcendental being or those beings with white wings and who fights of evil and serves as God's messengers...

But to me, the real angels are the real human beings here on earth who help other people when they are in need. But one does not have to do extreme acts to be called an angel. By simply being courteous or nice to someone could make that person an angel.

Angels for me are people who makes each passing day worthwhile. These are the people who make the world a better place.

So who are the devils? Well the people who are opposite of the angels. They're rude, self-absorbed, selfish and destroy everything around them. They are infectious as they tend to make other people evil to as one will be evil to protect one's self from evil because if your good, these evil people will team up against you. It's a never ending vicious cycle... but we can really break this cycle. Be an angel... don't transfer your hate to other people and always be kind and patient to people. Being calm and forgiving makes things better rather than being hot headed and rude.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Web Hosting

A lot of people were asking me how I was able to make my own website. Well making a website and designing it and stuff is pretty darn simple. There are thousands of free website templates that anyone can download on the internet. But if you really want to make your very own personal website then the very first thing you must do is find the right web host!

But the thing is there are thousands of web hosts out there and it so hard to find the right one that is really worth your money. And as I have told my friends, I highly recommend web hosting choice.

Unlike any website that reviews and rates web hosting sites, web hosting choice is totally unique as it is a great resource for total newbies and beginners in the world of blogging and website building. So if you have no idea what a host is and you don't understand a thing I'm saying, well web hosting choice is definitely perfect for you! They will give you information to start out and help you find the right web hosting site for you and give you tips on how to check if a site is a scam or not.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Madonna

I was watching a documentary of Madonna (Yup she has a documentary! She's a Legend of Pop!) when it said something about the controversial American Dream of Madonna. Well of course, my curiosity got the best of me and I searched for the said video. Well I didn't have to search to far thanks to Youtube:


The music video combined with the song brings out an explosive message of how US supremacy is affecting third world countries. If the US wants to wage wars on other countries then they can. But I think that the deeper message is not really being anti-US but rather being an anti-war.

War brings so much death and violence. There is nothing that war can solve. Period.


Saturday, August 9, 2008

Money Doesn't Make You Happy

Next Monday is already payday and I was planning what I should buy with my money. I had so many wants but then it hits me... After I buy everything that I desire what next? I suddenly felt some kind of empty.

I realized that it is true that money couldn't buy happiness and contentment. I then went into my special moment where I contemplate and reflect on things... Why do people continue on living? Why do they live out each day? What purpose or goal do they wish to accomplish?

I then ask my self what is my goal? Well... I haven't quite figured that out yet. But what I figured out is that even if I haven't found out my reason for living but I get through each day because of people around me who makes each of my passing days more memorable and worthwhile... these people are my friends and family... or some of the anonymous angels you meet along the way.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The Soda Machine

My mom, brother, and me went to IKEA, a local furniture and home furnishing store, at Edmonton South Common. We were bringing the items we bought to the home delivery counter when my brother and I spotted this neat looking vending machine. Well because there aren't any sophisticated vending machines like this ones in the Philippines we were definitely curious and ignorant too hehehe.
So like any curious people we wanted to try using it and guess what? We were successful and got our selves some iced tea. And here we are looking happy and content because instead of getting one iced tea we got two for the price of one.

I guess that there is something wrong with the machine because the note in front of it warns that the machine sometimes eats money and doesn't drop any drink. Guess we were lucky today.

Anyway while I'm already posting pictures I just want to share this picture of my henna tattoo that my co-worker made for me. Isn't it cool?

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

One Cause of Bad Breath


I really hate it when customers with bad breath bends closer to me to tell me their order. I can't help but step back a bit. Some of you may think this is rude but I'm just being cautious. One cause of bad breath is not just because of tooth decay or of someone forgot to brush their teeth. One cause of bad breath is a congested digestive tract. Yup, people believe that the main cause of bad breath is the mouth but the truth is as more waste accumulates with in the colons (because of a slowed peristalsis or the like) bacteria accumulates and where there is bacteria they produce toxins which causes not only a bad odor but also compromises one's health and immune system as these toxins kill of good bacteria and the death of good bacteria gives opportunity for bad bacteria to accumulate.

One solution to prevent this from happening is to have a colon cleanse especially if you are constipated. A compromised digestive system means a compromised immune system because overpopulation of bad bacteria could lead to serious superinfection therefore maintaining a fiber rich diet and regular exercise is necessary. Fiber and exercise increases peristalsis so therefore the colon will be cleansed.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Medical ID: Life-saving & Luxurious

Imagine this scenario: you are walking in the park and then suddenly you collapse you are inna life and death situation. You fall to the ground and become unconscious. People around you do dial 911 and then the paramedics arrives. The EMT personnels surveys you and then don't know what to do with you so decides to just rush you to the nearest hospital. But you become a DOA (dead on arrival) because you weren't given life-saving treatment because you didn't have a Medical Bracelet.

Yup having a Medical Bracelet provides a clear boundary between life and death. Because all your medical needs are engraved on your bracelet and having all of these clearly stated could save you. Precious time is not wasted on waiting and calling your significant other for more health information or tracking down your medical records.

But with Universal Medical ID, you would want to wear your Medical Bracelet not only for your safety but also because it is fancy and very fashionable. With Universal Medical ID you don't only have the option to design and make your own personalized bracelet online you also get these services for FREE:

  • - Free personalized engraving and sizing
  • - Free engraving warranty
  • - Online Medical Registry with 24/7 access
  • - A wide variety of styles to choose from
  • - Free Wallet Card with every order

If I had a serious medical condition and I want to really survive in case of an emergency securing a Medical Bracelet is a very smart move indeed.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Radio Disney Concert Series in Wildwood New Jersey!

Hey guys! Have you heard of the Radio Disney Concert in Wildwood New Jersey?! I've never been to a concert before but I am hoping to go to this one because not only will it have several Radio Disney artists around like Raven-Symone and Mitchel Musso the best part about it is that it's FREE!!!

Yup! The concert is free people so let's hop on that plane and go to Morey's Piers to have that New Jersey vacation that you are dreaming off! I've looked at the place on the internet and it spells fun fun fun!

Here are some of the highlights of the Radio Disney Summer Concert Series:
  • July 7th, 14th and 21st - Magic Mondays - FREE Concerts will be held at the Radio Disney stage next to the Giant Ferris Wheel (how can you miss that?). You get to have a glimpse and enjoy the afternoon with artists like Drew Seeley and as I said a while ago Raven-Symone and Mitchel Musso.
  • July 26, 2008 at the Wildwoods Convention Center Oceanfront Arena - This is the Radio Disney Summer Concert Series finale where you will see Raven-Symone, Martin Lawrence, and Mitchel Musso.
  • And guess what? July 26th Concert ticket holders may enjoy super savings at Morey’s Piers from the time of purchase through July 27, 2008. Simply show your official July 26 Radio Disney Summer Concert Series finale ticket at Guest Services on Mariner’s Landing and receive $10 off an all-day waterpark ticket for either Raging Waters or Ocean Oasis, or $10 off an amusement pier wristband valid for all three of Morey’s Piers, or $15 off a one-day splash and ride combination ticket. How great is that?!
I'm sure that there will be tons of things to do in Jersey and I bet that it would take you more than a day to fully experience all the events in Wildwood. So I encourage everyone to take out their daily planners and choose those dates where you will go to New Jersey and join in the fun at Wildwood events!


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Credit Cards

At last! My family and I are already starting our new life here in Canada. Canada is everything that I had dreamed of. The lifestyle here is very comfortable and great. One doesn't have to worry much about being able to place food on the table because work here is pretty abundant. In proof of that I have been able to find three "Help Wanted Signs" almost everywhere and I am hoping to land a job in those stores because the pay is great too!

Of course, if one has a high standards of living it is also pretty easy to purchase anything that your heart desires (and partly what you can afford). But with credit cards that is not quite a problem. The use of credit cards here in Canada just like in any first world countries is pretty common and you can even pay for your parking with the use of your credit cards. The use of the wonderful plastic is very handy as you do not have to worry about being short on cash or losing your money because you lost your wallet.

The use of credit cards is already very common but not all users of this wonderful service is not quite informed of the perks and responsibilities that one has if one is a lucky owner of a plastic.

With Credit Cards Club one is provided with very valuable information about credit cards and reviews of different credit cards and banks which is very helpful indeed as this will give you the edge in choosing the bank that is truly worth your money.

Every bank has it's own unique bank rates and services that is why visiting Credit Cards Club for information is not only beneficial but it is a must!



Tuesday, June 3, 2008

David Vetter - The Boy in the Bubble

This is David Vetter and he is well known as The Boy in the Bubble. You would see here in this picture his innocence and his youth... but all of that is slowly going to fade away...

You see David was born with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) meaning he has no immune system. The common cold could kill him and therefore he must continue to live in a sterile germ-free environment, a bubble free of germs.

David was a happy and kind boy but as he matured and grew his emotions became more mature for a young boy. He wasn't a teenager yet but he was already becoming to have these dark moods and he wanted to be alone because he felt that he had no where else to go... he was going to die... there was no need to continue on living...

He was trapped in a cage as he saw his childhood friends and family members growing up and leaving him to explore the world and live their own lives. David was actually built a space suit so that he could explore the world around him. But he was always terrified to leave his bubble because if he was exposed even a tiny bit with a leak in his space suit he could die.

My heart was totally crushed as this young boy faced so much hardship but he remained strong and made it up to the age of 12. But sadly even though his doctors tried to save him, he still died after a bone marrow transplantation. The operation was a success but they weren't able to detect that the bone marrow harbored inactive viruses that caused a tumor which in turn caused massive hemorrhaging in David's intestines...

Seeing David suffer for so long emotionally for so long was heart wrenching... I am thankful that with our technology today 90% of newborns with SCID are successfully treated and doesn't have to live a life in isolation.

When David died, it was the first and last time that his mother was able to touch him...

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Angel the Miniature Pinscher


Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Angel the Miniature Pinscher! Nope she’s not a replacement for Missy (because there would only be one dog in my life and that’s my Missy). Angel belongs to my mom’s cousin and we’re staying with her in Makati at her place while we wait for our seminar. What I find cute with Angel is that she can really bark loud for a small toy dog. This dog could be mistaken for a toy indeed as she was very small! This has been my first time to actually see a toy dog, the toy dog I could see on TV was Paris Hilton’s dog. But Angel is quite fashionable don’t you think wearing that pink dress and a gold necklace.

My Tita Marlyn (Angel’s owner) said that dogs were not allowed in their building but she could easily pass through the lobby without Angel being noticed. She just had to place Angel in her handbag, Lol!




Angel is the perfect Toy Dog to put in your bag and tag along while you walk and buy stuff at the local designer stores like Paris Hilton hahaha!
Awe... I miss my own angel, Missy the Doggie...

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Slave: The Cat Star Chronicles Review

Finally, after waiting for just a few days, I received my own copy of Cheryl Brook's very first supernatural-romantic novel, Slave: The Cat Star Chronicles.

I thank Danielle, Ms. Brook's lead publicist, for sending me a copy of Slave and I apologize that it took me a while before I could make my review. But here it goes.

I received my copy just before the day that I was scheduled to go to Manila and I have to say that it was great timing indeed because I now know that I have a great book to read whenever I'm bored or have nothing else to do.

Slave is nothing like the books that I have read before and this is very true indeed. Sure I am fond of reading supernatural stories but I have never encountered a work such as Slave that is very descriptive that I could actually see, feel, taste, smell, and hear what the protagonist of the novel, Jacinth, is experiencing!

The words used in this novel are so stimulating and so descriptive that it actually keeps you up all night and you are addicted to it and I find it hard to drop and leave the book because the urgency to know what happens next is so strong!

I also showed my friend the book and just by looking at the cover she knew immediately that the content is hot and spicy but as the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by it's cover!" She just read the first line and she was already hooked to it! No kidding! She has my book right now because she practically loved it and thanked me for lending it to her.

The novel is romantic in nature but I loved the way Ms. Brook's incorporated witty jokes into it. The plot is very easy to understand and follow and Ms. Brooks makes it a point to discuss how things in the story came to be.

I am looking forward to reading the next installment of the Cat Star Chronicles: Warrior which I heard is going to be released this October 2008.

If you want to know more about Ms. Cheryl Brooks please check out my entry about her: A few Minutes with Cheryl Brooks.


Thursday, May 1, 2008

10 Stress Busting Tips

Stress is a normal reaction to our environment (our stressors). If we don't experience stress then we would be emotionless or we simply are not human or we're already dead. The point is you can never totally remove stress from your life, because stress is needed for normal functioning. All you can do is control it. We get easily stressed from our jobs, our relationships, and even other simple things like waiting forever in a line. This is normal. Everyone gets stressed out from their problems. What is abnormal is if you would turn to drugs or other promiscuous activities to get you through a bad hair day.

fighting stress is really simple and you don't have to destroy your life to get through your problems. Here are some simple steps that you could follow to help control your stress:

1. Be yourself and do not play roles. Trying to be the “liberated women” or the “cool businessman,” for example, will only create stress because you are not being yourself.

2. Seek people who are pleasant to be around with when choosing your friends. Where possible, avoid contact with those who criticize you or like to constantly talk about the negative situations around them.

3. Be confident enough to admit your fears. Find out what scares you and try to determine why. Discuss these things with a close friend or family member if necessary.

4. Work on a confident, yet realistic, self-image. Recognize that you have both strong and weak points. Build on the strong points and excel in these areas. Work at improving the weak areas, but realize that you can't do everything well.

5. Be willing to compromise with other people, as well as with yourself. This is a sign of strength, not weakness. To be rigid, to refuse to give in, or to insist on winning will create tension and stress.

6. Make time to get away, even if only in your mind. A few minutes of privacy each day, when you can relax and think, is important even for children. Find a way to do this even if it means getting up early or going for a brief walk.

7. Do not let worrisome situations drift. If there is unhappiness or concern in your life, try to do something about the problems. Procrastination and indecision only delay your stress and the problems tend to only get worse in time.

8. When you cannot decide what to do, always choose to do what is right. Cheating, deception, and unethical behavior can all produce guilt feelings which directly lead to tension and stress.

9. Slow down - literally. Practice moving more slowly. Low your speech when you talk and your pace when you walk. Eat with slower movements, putting down your fork in between bites. When you move slower you feel less pressured.

10. Avoid excuses. Blaming other people or circumstances does not help much. Take responsibility for yourself and your own actions.

***
Image Credit goes to: ~CLEMZ
List Credit goes to: Chicken Soup for Your Soul

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Lately what I feared the most had happened. I was sitting in front of my computer happily blogging when all of the sudden I thought, "How do you do CPR again?" And that's when it hits me, my being out of the clinical area for one month has weakened my thinking ability and I now forgot how to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. And to think I even had a Basic Life Support training that I had from Red Cross.

But there's no need in crying over spilled milk, I have to review and reacquire that skill which I believed I was already good at. So how do you perform CPR? Here is a graphic illustration of the steps in CPR which I guess summarizes everything I need to remember:
Here are some facts and tips that I have remembered:
  • the brain is damaged after 3 minutes of no air and dies after 4-5 minutes without oxygen
  • always add "1000" after every number when counting from 1 to 30. Adding a "1000" word will make the pace of chest compressions regular and mimic the normal beat of the heart.
  • If you are in a scene of an accident always look around and check if the scene is safe, you do not want to become one of the victims
  • Always remember the ABC... Airway (check for obstruction and tilt head and chin back to open airway), Breathing (check if the person is breathing), Circulation (check for a pulse).
  • Do not bend your elbows when doing chest compressions, doing so will deliver a weak and ineffective chest compression
For more information on CPR you might want to visit health.howstuffworks.com.


On Wanting Green Eyes

I had always wanted to wear contact lenses because I want to change the color of my eyes. And what color do I want? Green! Yup some people may find this weird but I would love it if my eyes were green because I find it unique and interesting. And if you're wondering my eyes (as well as the ridiculous) here are just Photoshop edited, Lol!

I just want to share what happened that changed my mind about having contact lenses. I went with my mom to get her glasses that she had ordered and we had to wait because the glasses weren't done yet. I was looking around when I realized that I wanted to get some contacts. A sales girl was approaching me and asked me what I wanted. Normally I would get irritated with sales girls who keeps on hovering above me as if I'm going to steal something. But somehow this sales girl was quite nice and I was in a good mood so I asked her about contact lenses. The sales girl was very accommodating and showed me the different lenses and their solutions and stuff.

I was quite amazed that she knew a lot about contacts. Sure she may have worked there already for so long but she was able to point out different eye conditions where contacts were preferred than eye glasses. I was quite ashamed because I forgot all the things I have learned in anatomy & physiology like astigmatism, myopia, and stuff.

In the end, I decided that contacts for the sake of fashion is not worth it because:
  1. It's quite expensive, the cheapest pair comes at Php 2,000 or $48.
  2. Contact lenses are only good for a year and then you have to change it
  3. Wearing contacts only increases your chance of scratching the cornea of your eye and presenting an opportunity for infection
I since that visit I was really uplifted and became more interested in health... if only I was motivated a little more to have good study habits hehehe...

Some Tips on Tube Feeding

I admit that I am no expert on Nasogastric Tube Feedings (NGT Feedings) but I just want to share some nursing tips on how to make feeding easier and of course safely. Here they are:

  • Position the person so that he or she is sitting up, or at least so the upper-body is above the level of the stomach.
  • Practice good sanitation. Wash your hands before handling the feeding equipment. Wash feeding bags with water. Do not use soap, as it will stick to the inside of the bag and get into the formula. This can cause diarrhea and other unpleasant consequences.
  • Feedings should be given at room temperature to minimize risk of cramping and/or diarrhea. Open cans of formula could be kept in the refrigerator, and discarded if not used within 24 hours. They should be taken out 15-20 minutes before a feeding and allowed to warm up to room temperature.
  • Always flush the feeding tube with water after a feeding. This will help to prevent the patient from getting dehydrated. It will also prevent the food from getting clogged.
  • If medications are to be run down the feeding tube, always be sure they are finely crushed. Flush the tube with water to wash them down.
  • If the tube seems to be clogged and a small flush of water isn't effective, a flush of about 100cc of cola may do the trick. You can also try dissolving a quarter teaspoon of meat tenderizer in a teaspoon of water and placing it into the tube. Wait five minutes before flushing again. If none of these strategies work, contact your health care provider(s) for advice.