An Interview With Holly Jahangiri

Holly Jahangiri of "It's all a Matter of Perspective: Mine" has conducted a group interview among friends.

How could this be possible? Well, you could read the superb post here about - "Thoughts on Blogging", written by the gracious, veteran writer herself - Holly Jahangiri.

The Dangers of Sexual Promiscuity and Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common STD or Sexually Transmitted Diseases occurring in teenage children. This is because oftentimes, persons infected with it show no symptoms of the condition and would therefore; pass unknowingly the bacteria from one sexual partner to another.

Parents also tend to refuse in acknowledging that their teenage child is infected because this would indicate that he/she is sexually promiscuous at a very early age.

This realization may indicate that in some way the parent may have neglected the child.

We have to accept this fact though, because the only constant thing in this world is change. What we had considered as taboo and unusual during our times, are no longer considered as unusual now in this society of constant change.

The dreadful fact shows that there is now a growing percentage of teens acquiring not only Chlamydia infection but other STDs as well, like gonorrhea, and worst HIV and syphilis.

Since we cannot be with our children 24 hours a day, then we must have to warn them about the dangers of sexual promiscuity. Letting them know that being sexually active at an early life has its disadvantages. Their knowledge of these, may decrease the likelihood of them contracting the disease.

We must warn them that:

1. STDs, like Chlamydia, is commonly acquired through sexual intercourse. This occurs when the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis enters the sexual organs, the mouth and the anal organs.

2. When Chlamydia is untreated and undiagnosed it could lead to more severe conditions like PID or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease which is an inflammation of the pelvis, rectum and then eye inflammation when the bacteria invade the tissues of the eyes.

3. Wearing condom cannot truly protect them because the person may have the bacteria in his throat or anus.

4. Early pregnancy can result too, which would be a major, stressful responsibility for the child.

5. Infertility could result too.

6. When an abnormal vaginal discharge or pain in urination occurs, a medical-laboratory check-up should be done to ascertain the cause of the symptoms.

7. There are more severe, lifetime conditions - like HIV and syphilis - which they would be acquiring through sexual intercourse.

In the end, if we have given our best to educate our children on the dangers of sexual promiscuity and had taught them the significant moral values that they should learn, then they would certainly act as responsible and well-behaved teenagers.

Photo by ecastro

Vicious Online Predators: Protect Yourself

By: Roy dela Cruz

You were sweetly surfing the internet, confident that everything would be just fine. Then all of a sudden, your computer monitor turned blank and no matter what key you press nothing happens. You tried to reboot, only to discover the worse – all the data in your hard disk are gone!

If only you weren’t so stubborn and updated your virus protection the one that your techie friend has been egging you to do for a long time now. Maybe your data are still intact, but now, there’s really nothing you can do… they have been blown to “kingdom come.”

Now, you begun to realize that internet security is a serious concern, because you can never tell when you may stumble upon a website that has a ‘worm’ hidden in it. You should always think safety all the time.

There are lots of anti-virus programs, which you can purchase from the net or from computer stores. Programs that contains updated to give you that extra confidence that you are ready and nothing of the above incident would ever happen to you again. Just always make sure that your program is always updated.

And the Truth Shall Set You Free

This beautiful quotation: “Truth will prevail,” is an apt quotation for this post. No matter how you hide the truth, and no matter how you cover it up, it will always shine in all its glory in the end. It is such a beautiful thought and simultaneously a time tested adage that we often ignore. Experience had proven though, that indeed this is true.

I also believe that at the time of reckoning you answer only to Him and Him alone because He alone knows the truth about you and what you have done in your mundane existence.

The Clin Chem bloggers are part of the truth I have right now. These are young men and women who derive their values from what we set as examples. Filipino values like : respeto sa sarili at sa kapwa, pagiging matulungin, may utang na loob, hindi makasarili, may sariling sikap , makatao, makabayan at higit sa lahat may malinis na konsensya. ( self-respect and respect for others, helpfulness, has a grateful heart, not selfish, is resourceful and has ingenuity , is pro-man and nationalistic and most of all –lives with a clear conscience. )

I had introduced them to the blogging world because I had wanted them to experience the immense information and learning modalities they could avail of online; how we are a supportive, helpful and dynamic group of people that they can learn and interact with. I see the blogging world as a new tool to enhance their learning skills and I was encouraged because of the vast technology they could utilize; hence the birth of the Clin Chem Bloggers.

I have assigned scheduled posts in between exams and other school work. Blogging is not everything they do; they have to turn in assignments on time, prepare oral presentations and take their exams. And their posting depends upon the on-going schedule they have in school. This week is their midterm exams.

College life is toxic. I ‘m sure you have experienced this yourselves, so for the whole semester and the next semester, they have a scheduled activity.


In fact, their next assigned activity - which was posted August 4, (take note of the date) - is due on or before August 19. And there will be continuing posts up to the next semester.

The Clin Chem Bloggers are genuine blogs with real people behind who voluntarily voted for the Jedi bloggers - after visiting the Jedi blogs. How could they describe the blogs if they hadn’t? They have not violated any rules of the contest and are therefore valid votes.

Let’s not dampen their trusting and sincere enthusiasm in blogging by clouding their honest votes and labeling them spams. Instead let’s encourage them and show the beauty and wonder of the blogosphere.

If I really wanted to create splogs for the contest, I could have enlisted all the other blogs which were recently created by the incoming students. There are a handful of them.

The blogs voted by these Clin Chem Bloggers are worth your precious time, I can assure you. These are truly emerging blogs which could positively “influence” people across the globe. You’ll come across interesting , artistic, entertaining and info- laden posts in these blogs. Being influential for me is being able to evoke the positive traits from your readers, and I am proud to be a Jedi Blogger!

I wanted to remain mum at first, but remaining silent may be interpreted by some as being acquiescent.

This would be the first and last time I'll be posting about this topic.

My parting words would be, “ In time, truth will prevail.”

August 15, 2009

I would like to add this quotation which is apt for this post: (courtesy of Mon)

"Sa taong may paniniwala sa iyo- Hindi mo na kailangang magpaliwanag. Pero sa taong walang paniniwala sa iyo - walang sapat na paliwanag."

( To people who believe in you, explanations are not needed, but for those who don't have faith in you - no amount of explanation would be enough.")

Let's Welcome Two Newbies to the Blogosphere

Hello guys, I almost forgot to write this post. I was bone-tired yesterday and went to bed early.

When I woke up...I remembered my promise.

These two neophytes have a burning passion for writing and I'm very excited to welcome them to the blogging world. I can only do so much to encourage people.

If they don't really have the dedication then no matter what I do, they won't succeed. But these two very young, talented and yes, beautiful too...he he he...young ladies are RARING TO HAVE A GO at blogging.

So without much ado, I would appreciate it if you could spare your time and show these two young ladies that we are a supportive group - nurturing, caring and generous with whatever we can contribute.

AIKO of ...feel the rush. No need for drama

"Take a peek of my TRUE SELF. feel free to read.

I'm not a writer by heart, but i write whenever i feel the need to. εїз loves singing and acting, but barely believes she can pull it all off."

Aix, as friends call her, is an aspiring singer, having won some singing competitions. Paging Rey Jr. of "Born on a Syzygy", you might be able to give some tips to this young lady.

Academics and singing are not a good combination though so studying has to take priority.


BEE - LOG of Life of a Blog Buddy

Outspoken, but I rather choose to keep myself private.. :)

I was laughing while reading Bee-log's post. Not because of the content but because of how she presented it. It was a well documented post.

Ever of Pamatay Homesik , you have now a female counterpart. he he he..

I'm sending an invitation to everyone, most especially to the Jedi bloggers help me to encourage these two newbies.

Thanks for all the support you would be extending them.

To AIKO and BEE-LOG , WELCOME!!

To Establish an Entrepreneurship:Buy a Business Franchise

If you plan to be a private entrepreneur, you will find it more and more difficult to establish your own business. This is because of the fact that before you would be able to establish one you have already spent so much that you have to work double time to be able to recoup your loses.

You will have to conduct a feasibility study, spent time and money to look for an appropriate venue and area where your business would supposedly thrive. Enlisting personnel could also prove to be a daunting task. You’ll have to make sure you’re the “sui generis” of that particular business you’re embarking on to attract customers.

To facilitate things for starting businessmen, it is easier for you to find a franchise for sale. This is rapidly done online. You could easily search for business opportunities, and countless franchise for sale that would suite your business acumen. You could browse from thousands of websites about businesses for sale, complete with their profiles and the specifications of the business they sell or provide.

There are several types that you could enter into - like marketing and many more established or non- established business franchise ready to be taken over by you.

Having your own business gives you the feeling of satisfaction and pride that you can succeed where others have failed and one way of ensuring more successes is to franchise.

Will You "Stand By Me" ?

“Stand by Me” is a song I consider as one of my favorites because the lyrics are so simple but they "stand-out”, and the tempo appeals to my quirky taste of soul, jazz and slow rock - all rolled into one.

I equate the song with precious friends who have been there through thick and thin and whom I could depend on, when all had turned their backs on me. These friends I could count with only a few of my gnarled fingers.

The first best friend I ever had was from high school. We were adversaries at first, having been pitted against each other in several academic contests. We were competing with each other for the top notch honor – valedictorian of the graduating class.

I had never been competitive. My measure of improvement was to compete with myself -If I had performed better in the suceeding event - then I would consider the endeavor a success.

She ended up with the honors.

Relatives urged me to file a formal complaint and to challenge her to an academic showdown, but by then I knew there were more important things in life than fame and prestige - one of them was friendship!

And she was my best friend! ( and still is)

I believed then that being on top of the class entailed integrity and a sterling character and she had both. There was no reason for me not to bow out.

We have had a previous agreement - before the announcement - that we would stay on as best friends whoever would earn the honor; and that the results would not ruin our relationship - and we did!

Up to this day, we still text each other, e-mail every now and then. She had planned to visit me before the start of the year, but things did not push through. She’s still unmarried by the way, guys….he he he...

I usually adjusted well with other people. They were all my friends but I didn’t open up to persons I consider “friends” but in reality are mere acquaintances.

I gained a second best friend in second year college. I didn’t warm up easily, but when I did. I made it a point to stand by my best friend against all odds. Not even a fight between us would stop me from defending her in front of other people.

She was one best friend everyone would like to have- a rare gem that could come once in a lifetime.

College was not easy and there were numerous challenges that have to be hurdled. Since my first best friend was “away” studying in another city. My second best friend was a blessing. Her name is Polly.

There was a time in my college life when I had turned into a “black sheep”. I was relatively young and was easily swayed by negative forces around me. (I guess the Jedi force was not with me then...) I had almost flunked second year because of my absences.

Some so called “friends” convinced me that life should be enjoyed at the moment- and so we went gallivanting around the city –painted it red, and watched all the weekly movies showing in all theaters; we went sight seeing, bowling, visiting places etc, etc…

Polly was just a mere acquaintance then. A “hi”, “hello” “good morning” - dorm mate.

One time though, she cornered me and said: “You know Jen, you have to set your priorities right.”

I looked at her with scorn and replied defiantly, ”It’s none of your business.”

That semester, I got a grade of 76. I have been a half- scholar the previous semester so mother and father were outraged. They learned all about my truancy and how I had squandered their hard earned money on trivial things. They summoned me back home and told me to quit college.

I was devastated. In spite of my delinquency, I had dreams of becoming a professional someday. I cried and wrote to my “friends” to come to my rescue – but no one came. Not even a whiff of concern had reached me when I was so forlorn and in need of consolation.

Only one letter came and it was from Polly – the person, I so ignored.

After a semester of being the homebody, when my parents were certain I had learned my lesson, they sent me back to college.

But they made sure I only had ample money to cover for my basic expenses. I was constantly stretching my allowance to make both ends meet. There were times I had only one dried fish (tuyo) with my fried rice (sinangag) for breakfast.

One dorm mate made a joke (a bad one for me) by sticking the lone "tuyo" into the mound of my fried rice. It stood like a sore thumb and everyone was laughing. I didn’t laugh though, and neither did Polly.

But thinking about it now, that was funny! It must have looked like a flag pole! He he he.

My so called – friends who were with me during my affluent months were nowhere to be seen. I tried to forget what they’ve done and extended my hands in friendship but they didn’t want it. In my time of despondency only Polly had always been there for me.

We would share whatever we had for breakfast, went to school together and studied together. She stood by me through thick and thin and had always provided the warmth and love when I was down and needed someone to cheer me up- even at the risk of being ridiculed. I was no longer the popular student because I was broke.

I was not easy to live with, (I and Polly had reserved the same room) and there were times I was a bad friend – but Polly never counted my infractions.

She wrote my faults/sins on water- easy to be washed out - but etched my good deeds in stone – these she remembered all the time. “You’re good, keep studying.” “You’re not dumb.” "You can do it."

We come across all sorts of people in our lifetimes. Sometimes we call them friends because they’re good to us. But would we stay on if they commit faults? Sometimes, when one small error is committed by our “friends”, this is the thing we tend to remember and forget all the other good things she/he has done.

It‘s like seeing the tiny dot in an expanse of white sheet. We should be aware of this, so we won’t be committing this “sin.”

True friends stay on no matter what.

There are significant lessons I have learned from my best friends:

1.No one is perfect. Accept people as they are.
2.If you want change, you should start first within yourself.
3.Focus on good things done by your friends and not on their “sins”.
4.Be loyal to your friends. Don’t talk behind their backs. True friends don’t do that.
5.Simple acts of kindness and thoughtfulness could strengthen your bond.
6.Actions speak louder than words. Say it and do it too.
7.If you want to have a friend – be a friend.
8.Treasure your friends; they’re one of the few gems in this world that money can’t buy.

In my adult life, aside from my 2 very best friends, I noticed that most of my genuine friends are “males”. Perhaps because male friends are easier to be with and they also treat me nicely because I’m a woman. (wink)

I understand there was also a heartwarming movie made about noble friendships entitled "Stand by Me" but, unluckily, I was not able to watch it.

I leave you with the song’s video and lyrics “Stand by Me.” By Ben King. (I prefer the original version)


Video by Adriancit0

Stand by Me - Ben E. King

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No, I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
So, darling, darling

(Chorus:)
Stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Oh, stand
Stand by me
Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountains should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And, darling, darling
(Repeat chorus)
Darling, darling
(Repeat chorus until fade)

Lyrics courtesy of Romantic lyrics

Planters in my Garden and Veranda

I was talking about gardening in my earlier post and how I had loved having a garden in my backyard.

Well, let me continue in this post.

In that garden, I would like planters to make the garden more pleasing to the eyes.

These Outdoor Planters would also provide more space to plant flowers and creeping plants. This would give more garden plots for my vegetables.

My plants would not only be in my backyard, but I would also prefer some window box planters and Indoor Planters in the veranda or living room.

These indoor plants would not only be healthy because they would take in carbon dioxide and bring out oxygen - which our body needs to survive - but would also add elegance and glamour to the ambiance of the house, especially the decorative planters.

I once had a creeping ivy in my veranda and it looked so romantic. Aside from this aesthetic value of providing a refreshing sight for my visitors, it had also served as a tool for relaxation.

When I had wanted to relax, I just stepped into my veranda took a comfortable chair, closed my eyes and inhale the tangy, oxygen-rich air and soon enough, I felt rejuvenated.

I have transferred residence now to an apartment and there are no backyards. But I still plan to buy planters for my living room. Plants should always be a part of a home's healthy ambiance.

What Do You Observe as a Blogging Code of Conduct?

A code of conduct is almost always established in any civilized, social community. The blogging world is similar to these social structures.

It is in this context that an international blogging code of conduct should be promulgated to set the ground rules for proper blogging decorum and conduct.

Although bloggers observe an unspoken rule in the blogosphere, several blogging communities established their own rules, because of a few, bad eggs who threaten to spoil the booming and dynamic blogging industry.

Several groups like the HP bloggers, the Blogging Wikia and many more have already established their own ethical standards.

Websites have their own guidelines that you have to accept and comply with before you could join their sites.

The rules of conduct that they have adopted have basically the same thrust - the respect for self and respect for others. i.e. be cautious and responsible of your words, respect the intellectual property rights of other people, etc.

Many are against this idea as they feel that it is a violation of human rights and that some unscrupulous people might take advantage of this to advance their own selfish ends; but this can be minimized by promulgating basic ethical norms that every blogger should follow no matter what diverse culture he comes from.

The Ten Commandments from the Holy Bible would be a perfect example. The commandments are clear, precise and concise. There are various, existing religions but their beliefs adhere to the same basic tenets of the Ten Commandments (i.e. Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, etc.)

This Code of Conduct that every Blogger should follow must set clear boundaries between what is considered as decent and indecent language, of what is bad behavior and good behavior. It should set clear laws and sanctions on the violation of intellectual property rights. It should also be a venue for the prevention of bloggers from exploitation, harassment, spamming and identity theft.

These are genuine crimes that only a Universal code of conduct could address and monitor. Integrity and honesty then would prevail.

These aspects could be included in the Code of Conduct for bloggers, which would make it more significant:

1. No discrimination as to sex, race, or creed we are all sentient, human beings.

2. Honesty and sincerity should be lauded, these have their just rewards.

3. The desire to help and support each other. A Magi once said: "Ensuring the welfare of others is ensuring your welfare as well."

4. No criminal activities. Criminals should not be allowed entry into the blogging world. If someone is caught, they should be given necessary sanctions. Crime does not pay.

5. Love others as you love yourself

These all boil down to the Golden Rule; "Do unto others, what you want others do unto you."

What about you? What do you observe as a blogging code of conduct?

Photo by cambodia4kidsorg

Travel in Style to Taloctoc

Having a sleek looking car or truck is a status symbol in most countries - especially third world countries.

Even celebrities are "conscious" of how good their cars look; so much so that we oftentimes watch on TV - celebrities becoming advertising agents.

As for me, the closest thing I had as a vehicle was a run-down old jalopy truck.

I would like to visit once more Taloctoc, the far flung village in the hinterlands of Kalinga, where I had spent my childhood days, and I would need to use something that could accomodate the whole family and be road worthy; I need a sturdier, durable and more ergonomically designed transportation.

I had always dreamed of a dodge 1500. It fulfills all the criteria I mentioned above and more.


A nissan maxima or a gmc would also be ideal if I travel alone. The outstanding interior and exterior built and structure would give me the assurance that I'll be safe on the road.

The ride from the city proper through the treacherous mountain- roads of Kalinga would be around 12 hours, which would definitely be a road torture for any vehicle. But these vehicles including the toyota camry review would endure any rough road and still be coming out whole. I've seen lesser cars give in to the arduous ascents and descents through these long and winding roads.

When I go back to the place where I have spent my happy childhood days, I would like to do it in style- in my dodge 1500!

My Backyard Garden

A beautiful garden is something I have always wished for since I started searching for a place to call my home.

I bought a modest bungalow with a spacious backyard that I had planted with vegetables and trees. I had a guava tree, an avocado and a cherry tree. There were eggplants, tomatoes, pepper and some lettuce. I had also planted the edges with roses; roses to discourage intruders as these have thorns.

My small garden - about 224 square meters- was very manageable for me. I had to make use though of a post hole digger, as I had to put up a wire fence. This was a very useful tool as it made my job easier and it facilitated digging.

My garden is not well manicured like my neighbor's.

Hers was beautifully sculpted because she had a more specialized garden equipment to utilize. She had skid steer attachments and zero turn mowers . It was a breeze for her converting the jungle which was once her backyard into a scenic and wonderful garden.

One day, I would be able to do that too!

How to Teach Your Teenage Boys to be Sensitive

Sensitivity is defined by Merriam Webster's dictionary as "the awareness of the needs and emotions of others". In other words, it is the feeling of empathy that you feel for other people. You are sensitive when you are able to feel what the other person is feeling; therefore, it belongs to the affective domain which is a behavioral branch of science.

How can you raise your teenage boys to be sensitive? You have to be aware that since it is an affective behavior that you want to cultivate, then you should devise the most effective method.

For teenage girls this is easier but for teenage boys, it could be more difficult as society expects them to be tough. Like when a boy cries, you can hear the mother say: Stop crying, you're strong. You're a big boy now," implying to the child that crying is only for the weak.

It is in this society's cultural norms that teenage boys grow nowadays. Before you could effectively teach them how to be sensitive to people around them, you have first to change their perception of what and how boys/men should behave. You can only do this if you start "teaching" them at the earliest time possible.

To raise your teenage boys to be sensitive then is a great challenge for parents. Below are suggested methods in doing this:

1. Teach by example

A lesson can only be taught effectively if you as the "teacher" demonstrate how it is done. You instruct them: "Be sensitive to other people's needs." But they observe you ignoring their grandmother, learning then does not occur because your spoken words do not jibe with your actions.

If; however, you have shown concern and took time to attend to their grandmother, then they would learn about one specific way to show sensitivity.

2. Let them read a book that touches on sensitivity

There are interesting teen books on line and in bookstores that talk about how to care for the welfare of others and how to be concerned about other people's feelings. "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Teens Talk Growing Up" and "The Little Prince" are two of the many books that you could encourage them to read.

3. Bring them to a community outreach program

When they see other people serving others without expecting anything in return, they would learn the value of noble, generous service. You could allow them to participate in the distribution of gifts to poor children. This would be an actual exposure and immersion for them and would leave an imprint in their young minds. The joy of being able to help and make other people happy would be a unique "high" for them.

4. Instruct them on the importance of body language

Body language would be a good way of knowing the emotions of other people. Being sensitive to other people's feelings would promote a more peaceful atmosphere. Teach them how to "sense" a brewing problem through gestures and actions. "Actions speak louder than words," so they say. They should learn through practice the negative gestures that would warn them of impending trouble.

5. Teach them to learn how to dialogue

Oral communication should be utilized to "sense" what someone is feeling. They should know how to utilize spoken language to convey and determine what the other person is feeling.

All in all, sensitivity can only be taught through demonstrative action. This is because it is a behavioral output. To be able to effectively teach your teen boys to be sensitive, you must have this trait within you. Persist in showing them how to be sensitive through your own actions. You could never give what you don't have!

Photo by Matt Dinnery

Michael Jackson: The Total Performer

Everyone is talking about him. There are negative things that his detractors made a field day of. How easily we believe and wallow in them. But have we ever thought of giving him the benefit of the doubt? The more scandalous the item was, the more the public indulged in it. The man had great talent and we should accord him that!

This video is one of my favorites- "Will You Be There?".
Will you be there when it's I who will be needing you?
I hope you'll enjoy it!

From:aliveagain2006

Cardiac Diseases -Prevention and Laboratory Tests

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Who are prone to cardiovascular diseases? What tests are performed to determine this? How could one prevent this? Vital questions about the heart that we should answer.

People who are overweight or obese , who are hypertensive, have sedentary lifestyles, smoke and drink alcohol and who have a family history of heart attacks and strokes, are usually prone to cardiac ailments. If you have ticked two or more of these, then you must have an ECG stress test, thallium stress test, ECG, CT scan, and echocardiogram, and of course, the LIPID panel test. In the laboratory, the cardiac panel test commonly consists of :

1. CHOLESTEROL
2. TRIGLYCERIDE
3. HDL
4. LDL

The accepted values for each are:

* Cholesterol <200> 40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L)
* LDL-cholesterol <100 style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; COLOR: rgb(51,51,255)">Eat lots of vegetables and fruits; e.g. apple, banana, oranges, grapefruit, garlic, watergourd, cucumber, and oatmeal. Fruits and vegetables are antioxidants (have carotenoids and flavonoids) and have lots of fibers to increase metabolism and reduce lipid build up. Oatmeal fibers help carry the bad cholesterol out from the body instead of allowing it to be absorbed by the blood.

2. Exercise 30 minutes everyday : 10 minutes of stretching and 20 minutes of brisk walking. The exercise will increase your blood flow, thereby avoiding the formation of lipid plaques or emboli in your blood vessels.

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3. Lessen fat and dairy intake. This includes meat fat , ice cream, butter , etc. These are sources of LDL (bad cholesterol) which increases the blood levels of the lipids. When lipids are in excess in the blood, they tend to amass in the inner linings of the vessel and form “plaques”. The plaques prevent the normal flow of blood and may plug blood vessels when they rupture. Plaques may also block the vein in the heart and cause a heart attack.

4. Lower salt and sodium intake – this is to prevent the risk of hypertension. High sodium in blood increases the risk of stroke because of hypertension and renal dysfunction. Avoid canned vegetables, luncheon meat, pickles, bacon, cheese, canned soups because they are rich in sodium. Cereals can also be a rich source, so read food labels carefully.

5. Stop smoking – carbon monoxide facilitates the elevation of cholesterol and impedes the transport of oxygen; thereby increasing the risk of cardiac disease. Smoking lowers HDL (good cholesterol) too.

6. Maintain a healthy weight - Obesity is one factor that leads to hypertension and to cardiac disease. e.g. for a 50 yr old female of 5 feet the ideal weight is 128 lbs. There is no consensus however as to what exactly is an ideal weight. This will depend on the body fat , musculature, metabolism and health of the patient. Almost all clinics have a BMI chart to which you can refer to.

7. Be sure you do not have diabetes – having diabetes is one predisposing factor to cardiac ailment. Diabetic patients have greater chances of acquiring heart disease because of insulin resistance that may lead to hyperlipidemia (increased blood concentration of lipids). The formation of plaque or emboli in the veins (atherosclerosis) is also enhanced in a person with diabetes.

8. Daily intake of aspirin has been proven in studies to have reduced by 25 % the risk of vascular attacks according to the British Journal of Medicine dated January 2002. The risk of internal bleeding however, should be considered in patients who may adversely respond to it. Aspirin has an anti-platelet activity which prevents emboli formation inside the blood vessels. A dosage of 80- 160 mg is usually the standard dose. Your attending physician should decide whether it is beneficial to you or not.

9. Stop alcohol consumption –Alcohol elevates triglycerides which can lead to stroke and heart attack. It also increases blood pressure and leads to obesity; all factors that contribute to the increase of heart attack. Researches claiming that red wine reduces HDL are still not approved by the AHA (American Heart Association) because there is no scientific proof to the claims. Locally, the old folk in the barrio drinking “tuba” (sugar cane wine) or “tapey” ( rice wine) are observed to have long lives. This can be explained by the sources of the “wine” – natural food, which have been fermented naturally. Wheat and sugar cane have lots of fiber and antioxidants which can increase HDL (good cholesterol), which is not true with commercially prepared alcoholic beverages.


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If, however; after following these preventive measures and you still experience the following:

1. Chest discomfort
2. Discomfort or numbness in the arms, neck, jaw , back or stomach
3. Shortness of breath
4. Nausea
5. Lightheadedness
6. Cold sweat

You are having a heart attack. Rush to the nearest hospital. It will save your life.

If , on the other hand, you feel one or more of the following:

1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
3. Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
5. Sudden, severe headache with no known cause

Then it is a stroke. Do not wait for other symptoms to become apparent . Consult your doctor immediately. One heart is all you’ve got!

References:
cnetwork.org
nhlbi.nih.gov
quitsmokingsupport.com
americanheart.org
americanheart.org
Calbreath, Donald F: Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry

Award and Tag From Mommy Dee

I stopped posting and accepting awards a few months ago, but just this once, I will accept Mommy Dee's award -The Creative Mom Blogger Award. Thanks a lot Dee.

This award was given to her by Mommy Jac of Mom's Special Diary.

The Rules of this Award are: (I copied this verbatim from Dee's post)

1. Take your award and put the logo on your post.
2. Link the person who awarded you. Remember each recipient of the award should acknowledge the person who honored them and go to Mom's Special Diary to copy and paste the award.
3. Put your own blog title and link.
4. Nominate at least five deserving moms.

1.Mom's Special Diary; 2. Tales From The Mom Side; 3. Random Thoughts

I'm awarding this to all my readers. Please feel free to accept and post the award in your blogs. Thanks.

Here's also another tag from Mommy Dee. You could learn about what your name could have been in the 1950s. Here's Mommy Dee's name:

Your 1950s Name is: Joni Gwendolyn

What's Your 1950s Name?

If you're interested, go ahead and discover. I won't be tagging anyone, you're all welcome to the adventure.