Health Update:

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever:

Becoming an intense burden for the Filipinos

By Pepin

Transmitted through a mosquito bite, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a deadly disease and it is now causing a nationwide distress to all Filipinos. Those who are greatly affected are people living in areas where the incidence of the disease is high. In Panay, the number of reported dengue cases surge up in a matter of weeks, putting the entire region in a critical state.

Those who are working in the health care settings are doing their best to provide prompt intervention to patients of all ages, but many of them are even suffering the disease. Supplies of mosquito repellent lotions in drugstores became scarce as thousands of people are in intense fear that they too will become victims of this dreadful disease.

Dengue-carrying mosquito is hard to find, and fogging the area might not totally scare them away. It is still best that you keep your surroundings clean and provide no breeding ground for them to lay their eggs by emptying any water reservoir at your home.

A simple fever during these times might mean that you are having the virus in you. It is best that you immediately go to the nearest health center and have a check-up. Do not wait for more complications to set in. Other symptoms you should also take note of are gum bleeding, joint pain, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and black stools.

No single treatment is available for this disease. You will just be advised to increase your oral intake of water and to avoid dark-colored foods. You will also be prescribed with medications to lower your fever. But avoid taking drugs that has any component of aspirin, because it can induce bleeding, and bleeding is a worst symptom of dengue hemorrhagic fever. Since the virus is self-limiting, it will just die if you can build a better resistance against it. Therefore, eat nutritious foods and take a daily dose of your vitamins.

You can put a stop to dengue and save yourself. Be responsible enough for you and your family’s health and well-being.

Events:

Her Secrets Revealed To The World

The visit of the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima in Iloilo City

By Pepin

A grand celebration welcomed the International Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima from Portugal last September 7, 2010 at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Alta Tierra Village, Jaro, Iloilo City. Hundreds of devotees from the different parishes of the Archdiocese of Jaro gathered as one to witness the event.

At around one in the afternoon, the image arrived at Jaro Cathedral and together with a motorcade participated by different religious groups, it was brought to the parish where it will stay for almost a week. At the entrance of the village, a solemn procession was held and school children from catholic schools waved blue and white flags to express their gratefulness to the Holy Mother. After which, a simple, yet meaningful ceremony was held at the church, and white doves where released to honor her. The local leaders, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog and Governor Arthur Defensor, crowned the statue as a symbol of consecration.

Hundreds more of devotees from all over Panay are expected to pay homage to the pilgrim image as the days goes by. There will be novenas, masses, praying of the rosary, and simple gatherings of the faithful followers to take place. On September 8, volume of devotees is also anticipated to celebrate the birthday of the Holy Mother at the parish.

The title, Our Lady of Fatima, of the Blessed Virgin Mary was given to her after she appeared to the three shepherd children, namely Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco on May 13, 1917 in Fatima, Portugal. Her apparition did not only happen once but for six consecutive times. During those events, she revealed three secrets to the children, which includes ways on how to save souls from hell. At present, these secrets are fully revealed, and through these visits of her pilgrim statue to different parts of the world, the people are being informed.

Feature:

President Manuel A. Roxas
and his bewildering smile

By Pepin

Everyday you see his face in your one hundred peso bill, but he is not just there for any reason. This brave son of Capiz has contributed his wisdom and life for the glory of the Philippines.

Elected as the fifth president of the country (the last president of the commonwealth system and the first president of the Third Republic), Manuel Acuña Roxas faced a lot more tasks than what his office holds for him. He led the country towards a new hope as the pains of the Second World War were yet to be mended. Many Filipinos were expecting a lot from him, and in some point, he never failed them.

His administration functioned with a big budget deficit, but he was able to reconstruct schools and reprocessed the industries that were scratched during the battle. He went to the United States to ask for the country’s independence from their rule, and he succeeded on his quest. He also brought two important laws approved by the US congress when he went back home, and these are the Philippine Trade Act (Bell Trade Act) and the Philippine Rehabilitation Act.

He died from heart attack after he gave a speech at the Clark Air Force Base in April 15, 1948.

He may have shed blood as a soldier during the war, became a nation builder throughout his public life, challenged himself to become a master lawmaker, and survived a lot of controversies during his term; President Manuel Roxas will always be a hero who continues to inspire this generation and the more to come.

So be thankful because this guy that smiles mysteriously on your one hundred peso bill has served the country to the best of his abilities.

Feature:

One ripe Atis, please!

By Pepin

In the Philippines, sugar apple is more famous for its local name, “Atis.” It is light green in color and turns even lighter when it’s ripe enough. Its skin appears to be lumpy and rough. This peculiar-looking fruit is being sold for quite a steep price when in season, and Filipinos can’t get enough of it because they love its sweet taste. Yes, it is totally sugary because it contains a lot of fructose or fruit sugar.

In Panay, the Atis grows almost anywhere. You can find a tree of it in most people’s backyard. You can grow a tree even if you just accidentally scattered its seeds on the ground. But the big problems are the aphids (or plant lice) that would often infest the fruit, making the most delicious one hard to produce. Birds and insects would also consume the fruit before they are ripe.

Aside from the sugary taste of its fruits, this tree can give a lot more benefits than you can ever imagine. Its leaves are turned into a decoction and it can provide a soothing relief for menstrual problems and pain due to arthritis. The pounded leaves are cure for hair lice, while the crushed leaves can alleviate vertigo or light-headedness when inhaled. If you are suffering from diarrhea, you can make a decoction from its bark and drink it to ease out the symptom.

Atis is a sought-after “pasalubong” by tourists when they visit Panay. Its sweet taste and aroma are indeed hard to resist, and its medicinal properties are hard to ignore.

Health Update:

Happy Feet: Don’t leave them dry

 By Pepin

Whether the weather is hot or cold, your feet are at risk of becoming dry. Extreme temperatures (too low or too high) can dehydrate every single drop of moisture in them.

It’s about time that you do something to save your precious feet. One way to do so is by applying moisturizer before going to bed to soften the skin and to prevent it from scaling. It is also best if you wash them with mild soap and lukewarm water every time you come home from school, office, or night parties. But be sure to let them rest for awhile (at least 30 minutes to an hour) before you get them wet. Let them breathe, especially if you put on closed shoes for the entire day.

When you are going to wear your flip-flops during a hot summer, be sure to keep your feet safe from the harmful rays of the sun by applying sun block lotion before going out to the beach. Do not expose them for long hours under the blazing heat of the sun. On the other hand, during cold seasons, you can wear cotton socks to keep your feet warm while you’re asleep.

Learn to take good care of your feet and never allow them to look cracked and dry. Always maintain a good amount of moisture in them so that they will look at their best at all times.

Satanza No. 005:

A short poem about a pregnant teen, confused and frightened to make a decision at the moment. Is she going to opt for something depraved?