It was a day where I have this feeling of urgency to drop by at our office even if I was still on leave. I have been away for more than 10 days due to my Typhoid Fever and I felt I have the responsibility to update myself with the information that I've missed during my confinement Especially now that I have been given extra task to perform. Nothing was that different then except for the warm welcome by my friends. I thought it was just me who made it to the headlines at the workplace but to my shock, Mamacon, as we call our colleague named Connie brought a not so good news to me.  We saw each other at the locker room, exchanged friendly kisses, and greeted one another. She spoiled the news that Judy, one of our colleagues was currently mourning at the demise of her mother. It really shocked me as the news sent shivers. I just can't bear the thought of a passing of a mother. It is something that I cannot truly handle should it happen to me.

We went to the chapel in which her mother's remains are located. The place by the way is so far, far away that we literally begged for something to drink at the time we have arrived. We extended our condolences tp Judy and had some chit chat with her. We found out that her mother's death was caused by a disease called Lupus.

 Lupus is a disease that involves the immune system Normally, a person's immune system works by producing immunity cells and antibodies, special substances that fight germs and infections.

But when a person has lupus, the immune system goes into overdrive and can't tell the difference between some of the body's normal, healthy cells and germs that can cause infection. So the immune system responds by making autoantibodies that attack the body's normal cells.

1. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Also called SLE, this is the type of lupus that most people mean when they talk about the disease. It was given its name by a 19th century French doctor who thought that the facial rash of some people with lupus looked like the bite or scratch of a wolf ("lupus" is Latin for wolf and "erythematosus" is Latin for red).

SLE is the most serious form of lupus. SLE can affect the skin, joints, and tendons. It may also affect organs like the brain, heart, lungs, and kidneys.

2. Cutaneous (or skin) Lupus

This type of lupus is a skin disease that causes a rash on the face, neck, scalp, and ears. There are two types of cutaneous lupus: discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), which can cause scarring; and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), which doesn't cause scars. Discoid lupus is a much more rare form of lupus than SLE, although about 10% of people with discoid lupus will develop a mild form of SLE. It doesn't affect other body organs the way that SLE can.

3. Drug-Induced Lupus

This type of lupus is caused by a reaction to certain kinds of medicines. For example, some types of antiseizure medicines and acne medicines can cause this kind of lupus in teens. Drug-induced lupus is similar to SLE in the ways it affects the body, but once a person stops taking the medicine, the symptoms usually go away.

  

WHAT CAUSES LUPUS?

No one really knows what causes lupus. Researchers think that some people may be more likely to get it due to things that are out of their control, like:

    * gender: Many more women get lupus than men; for every 1 man with lupus, there are 10 women who have it.
    * estrogen: This female hormone may be a factor in lupus — almost all women who get lupus are of childbearing age.
    * race/ethnicity: Lupus occurs more often in African-American, Asian-American, Latin-American, and Native-American women than in non-Hispanic Caucasian women.
    * family history/genetics: About 10% of people with lupus have a family member with lupus.
    * major stress or infection: If people have the genetic tendency to get lupus, extreme stress or an infection may trigger the disease — but the blueprint for lupus has to already be there. One thing researchers know about lupus is that it is not contagious. You can't catch any of the three types of lupus from another person. And although lupus involves the immune system, it is not the same as other diseases that involve the immune system, like AIDS.

Symptoms of Lupus and How It Is Diagnosed

Lupus can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms can vary from one person to the next. The symptoms can also make lupus look like certain other diseases. They may have muscle aches, loss of appetite, swollen glands, and hair loss. Sometimes they have abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

The doctor may perform certain blood tests when lupus is suspected and will probably send the person to a rheumatologist (pronounced: roo-muh-tol-uh-jist). Rheumatologists are doctors who have special training in diagnosing and treating autoimmune diseases like lupus.

Because signs and symptoms of SLE can be so varied, a rheumatologist will look for 11 specific signs:

   1. malar rash: A malar rash appears across the nose and cheeks in the shape of a butterfly.
   2. discoid rash: This rash features round, red, scaly patches that can appear on the face, arms, scalp, or ears.
   3. photosensitivity: This means sensitivity to ultraviolet rays, like the ones that come from the sun or from fluorescent lights. Most people with SLE are photosensitive and find that the sun worsens their lupus.
   4. ulcers in the nose or mouth: These usually don't hurt and many people with SLE don't even know they are there.
   5. arthritis: This makes joints hurt, especially in hands and feet. Unlike the kind of arthritis that older people sometimes get, this arthritis doesn't damage the bones. Most people with SLE have some degree of arthritis.
   6. serositis: This is the collection of fluid near the linings covering the heart, lungs, or abdomen.
   7. kidney problems: These can be mild or severe. Most people with SLE will have kidney problems, but only about half of them will have permanent kidney damage.
   8. neurologic problems: This refers to problems with the brain and nervous system, like seizures.
   9. blood problems: SLE can cause a lower than normal number of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells, or platelets.
  10. immune system problems: Blood tests may show that the immune system isn't functioning properly.
  11. positive ANA test: This is a blood test that shows a certain type of antibody. About 95% of people with SLE have a positive ANA test.

Someone with four or more of these signs or symptoms is likely to have SLE. Most patients don't develop all 11 of them.

TREATING LUPUS

The type of treatment someone gets often depends on how severe the lupus is and which body systems are affected. Almost all people with SLE take some kind of medicine to help control their lupus. Patients whose joints hurt often take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) to help with the pain.

Others take antimalarial drugs (medicines first developed to prevent and treat malaria, but that have also been found to help treat lupus). Antimalarial drugs often help treat skin rashes and joint pain.

Some rheumatologists prescribe anti-inflammatory steroids, medicines that help fight the fatigue and fever that can affect people with SLE. People with lupus that affects important body organs may be given other immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs help stop the immune system from producing the autoantibodies that destroy healthy cells. These drugs are very strong, though, and can have side effects. So they are used only when it's really necessary.

Judy's mom was not able to triumph over Lupus. Who by the way says that treatments are guaranteed for  recovery? One thing is for sure though, her mother is now in a place where antibodies are no longer needed. Where medicines are no longer necessary. Even health is no longer a matter of the subject. She is now happy; free of all pain and suffering.

APRIL 23, 2010; 10:00 PM MANILA TIME-My body's sweating after having a dream. Though it wasn't a nightmare, I can tell that it was vivid and it made me rouse from a very light sleep. My head experienced an excruciating sensation as if a steamroller is running on both sides, trying to flatten out my head's surface. I thought it was my depression that causes it. I'm so nauseous, exhausted, and so hopeless.



I rushed to the restroom to throw up. After some minutes of such ordeal, my mother noticed it and tried to help me with whatever she could extend just to somehow ease my suffering. She caressed my head, put some ointment on it; for some hope that the torturing pain in my head would cease. Prior to this nightmare, I've been having an on and off fever for the past 4 days. 2 days prior, I have already consulted a doctor via OPD and was diagnosed with acute rhinitis. I was given oral medicines and was sent home.

On that night, such meds wouldn't work anymore. Anything that I ingest would surely be catapulted to the toilet bowl. After those painful hours and countless times of vomiting, my mother decided to take me to the hospital.

APRIL 24, 2010; 6:00 AM MANILA TIME-I was lying at the bed at the emergency room. I was already at the hospital, I thought. The process was tedious and prolonging. Thank God I have my health card with me as I won't pay for anything (I thought!). Doctors interrogate me as if I am some sort of a thief or whatever. Nurses come and go to check my temperature. After such question and answer portion and temperature check of 40° C, they figured out that I am suffering from Typhoid Fever.

The dextrose was put in and I was sent to my regular Private room. Doctors and nurses still come and go to check my progress. People who knew my situation extended their regards and let me know that they have prayed for me. Some relatives, friends, and office mates took time to visit. After 5 days of confinement, I was finally discharged. After those 5 agonizing days of medication, I became stable and the illness went off. Whether they have detected where I have gotten the disease or not, I don't care. As long as God, the Jehovah Rappa who healeth thee took care of my disease I am fine. I will just be careful with what I eat and drink from now on.

The Doctor who handled my case documented that I am fit to work on Tuesday, May 4th. I still have time to recuperate and rest. I can't wait for that day!

My mom has always been a meticulous woman of clothes. As a dressmaker, I would surely understand why she wants to have every piece of fabric suitable with her body. The crucial day would be a Sunday as we prepare ourselves to go to church. My mom would wake up very early, perform her daily beauty ritual, line up those fancy jewelries, and of course, fit for her selected dresses. She stays in the front of the mirror, carefully examining each sides if they look good. Minutes and hours has passed and she had a hard time. Well, it's not really about the fabric nor the curves and designs of the clothes. She just can't bear the fact that she has a fat belly protruding vastly from her body.

She really isn't a person with bad habits at all nor she has any vices. She just loves to eat very much. She's also trying to eliminate those unwanted belly fats out of her body like doing exercises but life is pretty tough on her. She even tried to slow down with ice creams, cakes, and lots of "yum-yum" stuff but it was definitely a torture!



Until I found something interesting on the net which I would surely share to her and it is called: " The Flat Belly Diet". Flat Belly Diet was created for people who tried everything to make their belly flat but did not make any changes. This type of diet is a science-based solution that combines a cutting-edge nutrition plan with expert tips and advice. The Flat Belly Diet was developed by the editor of Prevention Magazine and is centered around new research that discovered that eating healthy fats (Monounsaturated Fatty Acids or MUFAs) each meal specifically targets belly fat. It is said that belly fat is dangerous fat because of its high correlation with heart problems.

With this, my mom would not only enjoy feeling her body (with a flat belly) on her clothes but be healthwise safe. My mom would surely like it!

Disclaimer: I just received a spam a few moments ago and it's all about melamine. It had caught the world's attention and seriously it is something that has to be resolved. I don't know if some facts are correct but I just had this urge to post it on my blog for everyone's attention. Should they have any violent reaction regarding the contents of this spam then everyone is free to contact me to have it deleted or whatever.

It is also used in home decoration.
" US resistant board "

Do you understand? Melamine is used in industrial production-it cannot be eaten!!!



2.Why is Melamine added in milk powder?

The most important nutrient in milk is protein and Melamine has the same protein that contains "NITROGEN".

Adding Melamine in milk reduces milk content and it is cheaper than milk so it lowers capitalization.
It can give the business more profit!

below is a sample of Melamine. doesn't it look like milk?
it doesn't have any smell, so cannot be detected.


3.When was it discovered?

Year 2007: US cats and dogs died suddenly, they found out that pet food from China contains Melamine.

Starting 2008: In China , an abnormal increase
in infant cases of kidney stones started.


August 2008: China Sanlu Milk Powder was tested
with Melamine

Sept. 2008: The New Zealand government asked China to check this problem
Sept. 21, 2008: Lots of food products in Taiwan were tested with Melamine

4.What happens when Melamine is digested?

Melamine remains inside the kidney. It forms into stones
blocking the tubes. Pain will be eminent and the person affected cannot urinate. Kidney will then swell.

Although surgery can remove the stones, but it will cause an irreversible kidney damage. It can lead to loss of kidney function and will require
kidney dialysis or lead to death because of uremia.

What is dialysis? In fact, it should be called "blood washing"
it is filtering all of the body's blood into the machine and then go back to the body.
The whole process takes 4 hours and it is necessary to dialysis once for every 3 days for the rest of your life.

Here is a dialysis center


Large dialysis center

A small hole is required in the arm to insert the
sub-dialysis catheter.

Why is it more serious in babies? Because their kidneys are very small and they drink a lot of milk powder.

Here is a baby undergoing dialysis.


China currently has 13,000 infants hospitalized


It does not matter how much a human being took
Melamine. The important point is "It cannot be EATEN!"


5.What are the foods to be avoided?

Foods that contain dairy products should be avoided.

Remember: Foods with creamer or milk should
be avoided.

6.Which companies are affected?

Hereunder are the companies affected with Melamine.

7.What do we do next?

Avoid the above foods for at least six months.

If you have a snack bar, restaurant or coffee shop,
Stop selling dairy products for the meantime.

If you have infants at home, switch to mother's milk
or find other substitutes.

Someone asked me what do I consider as the scariest place ever. Of course admit it, the first things that we will think are haunted houses, dungeons, and all that jazz. However, my answer differed. With all honestly, I said it loud and proud: Hospital. I don’t recall being confined in a hospital before. (My mom used to tell me that I was confined at the hospital and was near death due to German measles when I was a baby). Well, the thought of being laid in an operating bed already gives me the chills. I remember when my mom had difficulty in urinating, which I accounted for at my previous post; the manner of how the hospital staff told me about the condition of my mom gave me a terrible impression. They made me think that my mom should be prepared on any circumstances that might happen. They put a catheter to lessen my mom’s agony. The bad impression, the hospital environment, and the mourning people outside the morgue, shoot, I thought I was heading for a nervous breakdown.

Good thing that the issue was resolved as we were referred to a Urinologist. The tension was eased, everyone was relieved, and of course, the catheter that annoys my mom had been removed. I really can’t imagine and wouldn’t even dare to if my mom really had a “serious condition”. My mom and I are the same, we both dread hospitals. She wouldn’t even want to see doctors in “usual gowns”. I realized then that wellness and cure couldn’t only be achieved through medications and drugs. It also involves positive mental attitude and the manner of how doctors and other hospital staff present the condition to their patients. Even their appearance or looks matter. I believe that doctors, on their conventional gowns, only adds up to the impending loom of the patients-especially to those who have terminal illnesses like cancer. That is what Healing Threads is aimed to do: to promote dignity, modesty, and personality in addressing medical concerns. Good thing they had launched hospital gowns that would make you feel that you are being helped, given hope, and being cared at.

Choose from over a wide variety of gowns and pants. Check also other stuff that you would surely like. For more information, kindly proceed here.

My mom and I were huge fans of the US show "The Swan". Every Friday night, we always made sure that our TV is tuned to the said reality TV show. We were so enthralled to see lives transformed physically and emotionally, from ugly ducklings into beautiful swans. Modern technology and medicine had enabled these fortunate lasses' dream materialize, true enough as the change is very spectacular.

I am so interested on how doctors set up their own plan for each and every contestants on the show. Each program is unique, from head to toe. Of course, it might sound awkward as it seems but beauty comes along with sacrifice as they have to endure painful surgeries, tough procedures, and strenuous activities. One thing common among the contestants is how their teeth became very white and shiny. Well, thanks to the help of cosmetic dentistry.

Stainless, white teeth. That's what I realized during my observation and the reason of such magnificence is what we call dental veneers. It really requires the doctor's artistry and great skill to perform such. You might think that fixing your teeth with veneers is just a very costly way to satisfy your vanity well it's not. Veneers can definitely help align crooked teeth and thus it prevents further damage. Veneers will also enable to save the teeth of our elderly people. With veneers, feel the revamp of your long lost wide and bright smile.

One of the shameful things as you enter adolescence is having an acne. Some disappear over time but some continues until adulthood. It doesn't only diminish the beauty of our faces but it also decreases our self confidence. Acne can be classified to benign to inflammatory or severe, which may lead others to take anti biotics. Once we manage acne by ourselves, the results will never be favorable as it will only leave terrible scars.

I myself is a victim of acne, too bad because I squeezed all of them, leaving my face scarred. If only I could turn back time, I would rather let them on my face and wait for the time for it to disappear. Good thing now that with modern science and technology, there are ways and remedies for such.

Murad acne is developed for treating people regarding their unwanted acne problems. Acne complex will provide you the three steps on having a clear skin by using their featured products. With murad acne complex, life with a clear face will be easy and I'm very much sure you'll get back the confidence you have once lost.

Based on reasearch and studies, one of the reasons why men do not go to doctors or health care providers is that they think that Health services are Feminised. According to Dr. Ian Banks, President of the Men's Health Forum, men often feel health sevices make them feel unwelcome. One reason is the feminised way health practices are done in clinics or in hospitals- From the decors up to information that are biased towards women. One example are the magazines offered while waiting.

I can certainly feel for them being a man that I am but indeed, our health is something not to be taken for granted. Men, ego aside should always consult health professionals or suffer the consequences. Good thing centerformenshealth.com is here to offer assistance on men's health and wellness. They focus on the issues most men have like impotence and herpes (Those sort of things men don't want to confide comfortably with health care professionals). They also provide products like Cialis for impotence.

I say this. If you are a real man, you would take care of yourself.