1. Stay home if you’re sick.
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
3. Wash your hands often.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
5. Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
6. Wear a mask
7.Wipe down all door knobs and other surfaces with an antiseptic solution such as Lysol especially if you have people in your home with compromised immune systems. Keep a bottle of Purell hand sanitizer by your most used door…so people can wipe their hands before entering your home.
 8. Lastly, refrain from travelling abroad nowadays specially in the countries with high cases of SIV infection.

Signs & Symptoms of SIV:

Ordinary flu symptoms: fever, runny nose sore throat, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Swine Influenza A Virus subtype H1N1 strain

Ebola Reston virus also referred to as Asian filovirus, Reston virus, or Ebola Reston (EBO-R) is named not after a location in Africa; rather, it identifies a strain of the virus that managed to break out in the town of  Reston, Virginia. This virus was first diagnosed in crab-eating Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis), not humans. Hazleton Research Products' (HRP) Reston Primate Quarantine Unit in Reston, Virginia usually imported 16,000 wild monkeys annually from the tropics, destined for medical research. In October 1989, a shipment of 100 crab-eating monkeys arrived from Ferlite Farms in Calamba City, Laguna; two had already died upon arrival. The monkeys used for breeding come from Zamboanga and Iligan City. Supposedly, Ferlite quarantines the monkeys 30 days prior to shipping.
 

Several human workers at the facility were infected with Ebola Reston; strangely, none of them died. It was not until after the event that researchers could conclusively state that the virus for some mysterious reason had no effect on humans, while the reaction in infected monkeys was similar to the symptoms in humans in previous outbreaks. Many other important questions about Ebola Reston have not yet been answered. For instance: How did Ebola end up in a primate host from the Philippines? At the time, there was a civil war going on in the area where Ferlite Farms had captured its monkeys; this prevented investigators from tracking the disease outside of the U.S. (Later serologic studies in the Philippines, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, suggest that the virus may be a prevalent cause of infection in macaques.) More important, though, is the debate about whether Ebola Reston, unlike its predecessors, was airborne. The monkeys that became ill were separated by cages, and were contained in a number of separate, sealed rooms, yet nowhere in the building were the animals safe from the disease.

The three other subtypes of Ebola virus are Zaïre, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire virus. These 3 strains have been identified as causing deadly hemorrhagic fever in humans, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) is a febrile haemorrhagic illness which causes death in 50-90% of all clinically ill cases. Only Ebola Reston subtype, found in our country (Philippines), has only caused asymptomatic illness, meaning that those who contract the disease do not experience clinical illness. 
 
 

So it’s been a few months since my last blog post, and even longer since a proper one. So, i bet you’re all wondering what has happened? This is definitely a long overdued blog post, yet life has just been so busy lately, i literally could not find the time to make a quick blog post.

Now that I have announced that, it has been some time since I have blogged on a regular basis (breaking all the blogger rules, I know) but I felt I had lost focus for this web site.  I have been blogging for anything, but, for some reason, so it isn't like I am not blogging but this site seemed to have lost something.  I won't pretend to know what that was but I lost it.  The fire was gone.  Sure, I could pump out stuff like most blogs:

• "Wow, this is funny."
• "Hey, look what I found on Pulsecircle..."
• "Look, this picture is interesting.  Go check it out!"

But that didn't satisfy me at all.  I just would sit in front of the keyboard when my "blogging hour" hit and nothing would come.  False starts and frustration took over and I decided it was time to take a break.  (You'll notice that bloggers do this kind of thing from time to time.)  Actually, it wasn't that I decided to take the break but my body told me to  I guess I feel like my thoughts and my fingers lost a connection.  They were disconnected.  Each time I sat down to compose anything blog related, it was like my fingers were telling me to stop or refused to function.  I wish I had something more profound to say about it but, normally, it is something I have struggled with for some time.  A typical comment I would use is: "What's the point?"  Then, without much fanfare, I disappeared and left this site to linger.   Sounds very dramatic, doesn't it.

I tried some ideas - reformatting, making some plans to do other things: but I keep coming back to the blog.  But, they were typical attempts at reviving a blog and didn't really make me want to write.

Then, I missed my livejournal blogging.  I didn't realize it on the day but this would hit me as something I should have done.  For the last couple of months, I have been on trainings and documenting some things about it.  It is something I enjoy doing and it is important to me.  But, I missed it this year and within a couple of days, I felt like I had let myself down.  It was a surprise but a welcome one.

So, there you go.  My tale of woe (or boredom).  I'm back.

Today marks the 2nd month since we took the NLE 2007, until now, we are still hopeful that the PRC people will release the much anticipated NLE results anytime today. Rumors spreads like a wildfire through text, e-mails and blog comments as to when the exact time and date the PRC will post the result but no one ever knew when these results will be posted. 

This exam result is prolonging our agony, hightened our fears and anxieties. We want to move on and start to apply what we had learn from college but we can't just easily do that without a license. I know PRC people are doing there bests to make it sure that there will be no more issues this time in nursing exams but being silent as to when the exact result will be released makes us crazy each day. I hope and pray PRC will gives us good news so that our prolonged agony will be reciprocated. May God grant me a passing rate. =)

A quick post to say Happy New Year to everyone! Here's looking forward to a great 2008 - The Year of the Rat.

I thank the Lord for giving me a wonderful year of experiences and accomplishments. Here are among the events and activities that had shaped and made my whole year of 2007 productive:

1. I complied all my Operating and Delivery Room cases, thesis & other school requirements.
2. I finished my Nursing course
3. I started posting and upgrading my new blog.
4. I attended the 1st Mindanao Bloggers' Summit at NCCC Mall.
5. I won 1 year free webhosting and domain.
6. I got new friends all over the world.
7. My aunt Prescy & Ano went to North Carolina.
8. I took the December Nurse Licensure Examination.
9. I started applying and processing my NCLEX-RN.

Thank You and Farewell 2007... Welcome 2008!

Sounds French, right? but this place is located in Kisante, Makilala, a small town in North Cotabato just few hours ride from Davao City. I heard a lot of stories about this place few months ago until such time that my friends wanted to discover what's IN in this place. When we arrived at this place at around 9:00 o'clock in the morning the weather seems unpredicted but we still hedding on to have a personal look at this place. 

The resort has lots of greenery, pine trees,  and some exotic plants. A  view in the foothills of Mt. Apo from a distant is quiet relaxing and breathtaking. We supposed to have fun in rowing the boats at the boating lagoon but unfortunately no boats available (totally wrecked in the middle of the lagoon hehehe). I wanted to have a horseback riding but unfortunately no horse available (hahahaha). The cool water in a junior size pool was cool and its true it sooth my aching muscles but hey i didn't swim any further, "lumots" were everywhere. What was that mean? Did they clean the pool once in a while?. (hehehe) We tried to experience the giant slides, 2 other slide are defective huhuhu! and it smells urine upstairs so we never comeback for more. =)

The place is naturally beautiful but i think the management should see to it that the entire facilities are available, well-maintained and clean just like the previous days of Le Reve. 

U.S. Immigration Laws and Regulations have been primarily responsible  for the delays in the recruitment of nurses and PT's. This is a phenomenon called Visa Retrogression . It was occurred in January 2004 and lasted for about six months and then again on December last year up to the present. Those applying for Visas after October 1 of last year suffered the backlog and would probably be entertained until retrogression will end. 

There has been several efforts made by U.S. Congress to end the visa retrogression for RN's & PT's but to no avail. Legislation will introduce again this month that if passed will finally end the 12-month Visa Retrogression. These will answer the shortage of Nurses and other allied health personnel in the American soil.

No one ever knows when Visa Retrogression ends but it will certainly end in less than 4 to 5 years. However, some nurses shifted from their existing U.S. applications to pursue better oppurtunities in Middle East like Saudi Arabia, Australia, United Kingdom (U.K.), New Zealand, Canada or elsewhere.

Two weeks or 13 days from now, i'll be taking the much awaited tests for all future R.N.s  like me - The Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination... anxiety level is zooming-up day to day and signs and symptoms of stress are becoming more obvious. "Do i deserve to pass this exam?", a question that always on my mind everytime i looked at a large-printed calendar in front of my bed.

I stucked on my study table last night and started to baffle the answer keys of the June 2007 PNLE questionaires... damn! some answer keys given are misleading & erroneous,  huhuhu! whatta heck! To satisfy my curiosity to find the correct answers, i searched & read from all books available at my bookshelve! Unfortunately, some informations are not even printed there.. :-( where did the BoN got these heck of informations? Imagined, I consumed 5 large mugs of strong black coffee and took me until 4 a.m. but to no avail, it didn't satisfy my curiosity sake. I was dead tired and totally burnout! *sigh* :-( How i wish the BoN will give us easier questions this time - Questions that are not misleading, tricky and are more basic to Nursing skills & professions. I hope that it will not be a totaly a mind-boggling scenario. In this way, the hope of passing the Nurse Licensure Exam will be higher. :-) 

Starting today, no more books no more worries, i'll concentrate more on stress reductions and relaxations. Reading lots of books are tedious and stressful.. maybe its about time to give myself a break... anyway, the hope of passing the exam is not measured by how many books i've read but how I internalized the knowledge and skills i've learned from the classroom discussions and clinical exposure (hmmmn! it seems that i'm using a defense mechanism hehehe! wat yah thnk?) :-)

Last October 27, 2007 (Saturday), the Mindanao bloggers had its Blogger's summit. It was held at the 4th floor of the NCCC Mall. The said activity was the first of some sorts. It was indeed the first summit for Mindanao bloggers and if am not mistaken, the first of its kind in our country that served its purpose.

The bloggers came from different cities in Mindanao but mostly attended by Davaoeño bloggers including myself. In line with the organizers, The Usual Suspects,  thrust for Mindanao blogging, the summit adopted the theme, "Spotlight Mindanao: blogging for culture, Identity and Understanding.

The summit was formally opened the other day (Oct. 27, 2007) with the presence of Councilor Peter Laviña. The speakers inspired us not only to make our blogging a profitable endeavor but also to awaken our passion for blogging for Mindanao in today's world.  


A level of bonding was developed through blogger's fellowship night @ the Casa Habana. The food was more than enough. Thanks to the owner of a Swiss Deli. The bloggers were entertained by Abet, blogie's close friend. Prizes and giveaways were given. I won 1 year free domain. :-) The activity ended at around 12 midnight. Those who attended did not regret joining the activity as happy faces were seen as they left the place. Thereafter, Blogie invited us (Richard, Ayel, Aethen & Mikko) with Jayvee (aBuggedLife) to Fwendz Diner @ Metro Avenue for another round of beer and some sorts of chitchat. We leaved the place at around 2 am with no untoward incident happened. 

All in all, the summit was considered to be a success. The activity became possible not only through the efforts of the organizers, The Usual Suspects, but also through the cooperation of volunteers and Mindanao bloggers. This is just the start of the many activities the Mindanao bloggers is planning to hold. It is our hope that the entire Mindanao Bloggers will be always one in all its undertakings. MINDANAO BLOGGERS PADAYUN LANG!


http://www.mindanaobloggers.com

South of the Philippines lies the "Land of Promise" - MINDANAO. As the Philippines second largest of the three main geographical divisions of  land, it contributes much to the economy and to the future of the country. But recently, bombings, kidnappings, crimes and lives of people have been wasted, making us uncertain of what lies ahead of us. What is happening? Where is the land of bounty? Where are the voices, the smiles and the joys in our hearts?

From the time, we have known the meaning of life, we have been proud of being born in the land which helps us grow, which cared and nurtured us and which made us what we are today. But the recent hostilities have turned our dreams to ashes and broke our hearts; fears took away those smiles and laughters. South of Mindanao, children have lost their parents, their strenghts, their will to survive and some of them, their lives. These are the facts we are now facing, the people who lost their houses and livelihood because of war of principles which seemed useless, have taken the custodies it costs. We see only on daily papers and television glimpses of how much war has caused fatalities and crimes which in every sense of the word useless and very uncalled for. These showcase of wills, guns and abuses are burying us to the ground in which if taken into time will slowly cause our deaths and eventually, the end of our dreams, our hopes and our future. Are we not tired of the headlines, the cries and the pains? Take Father Giancarlo Bossi, the italian priest, who has held hostaged, his fears and the worries of all the people who loved him. Take the war of guns and lives between the military men and government rebels in the mountains of Cotabato and Basilan. Are these that we wanted? Can't we hear the cries and the agonies of children and those victims of these horrible incidents? Are we dumb? Where are our hearts, our kindness snd our love for our brothers and sisters? This terrorism is causing us too much. Kidnappings in Zamboanga and Basilan lowered the foreign and domestic investments which may cause our economy to collapse, security and peacefulness are prime factors in establishing economic growth and the upliftment of our lives, but are we heeding to it?

This is the only land that we have why must we let these things darken our future? Mindanao is rich in natural resources and much of our country's income comes from this land of bounty. Fighting, abuses and complains won't lead us to peace and prosperity. Leaders and common people should go hand in hand without vengeance and hatred in our hearts because if this will not stop, we can go nowhere with only fears and uncertainty in ourselves. We are all brothers and sisters and children of God. Let Him decide on our future and Let His will be done. We have no right in killing and letting our fellowmen suffer because of vengeance and poverty. We are born, and our ancestors have cultivated and enriched this land, don't let this go into waste. We have so much to do to further our cause and uplift our lives but let us do according to the laws of this land and according to the laws of God. Everyone has the responsibility of keeping this land peaceful and progressive. Our problems cannot be solved by bombings and killings but through our determination, hardwork, patience, perserverance and a strong faith in God.

These are not only for ourselves but for the descendants in the future. Mindanao, the Land of Promise will be a reality. Terrorism has no place in the hearts of the people who want MINDANAO to be a place of certainty, security and happiness.

Intensely impressed by its conviviality, colorful rituals and a variety of moves offered to advance the personal well-being of its members, fraterneties and sororities thrive in the 20th century reaching the peak of its unthinkable height.

One thing for sure is that, these voluntary and self-governing organizations are conceptualized for a better cause-humane, anti-subversive and most of all, God-fearing as bounded in its directives and by-laws; no rooms for tormented, uneasy and insecured persons.

Ironically, recent reports furnish us with information directly ventilating frat-inclined persons found lifeless as an aftermath of an unstoppable and overwhelming emotions of frat members trying to test the commitment of their would-be-brother in the course of the initiation.

Lest we forgot, that it was in 1994 when approximately twenty (20) law students in one of the prestigious schools in Manila were incarcerated because of torturing a neophyte who wished to be accredited as one; and currently, Cris Anthony Mendez, a graduating UP student, was rushed past midnight on August 27 to the Veterans Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. Investigators found that he was a victim of hazing. One engineering student was beheaded by certain fratmen because of some "alitan", are they trained to become criminals?

The institution of this so-called hocus pocus popularly known as "hell-week" ignited to a great deal of criticism and to fraternity existence in schools, colleges and universities. Despite this alarming threat, many still opted the necessity of its imposition to determine the loyalty and commitment of new recruits.

True enough, in this age of overemphasis on individuality, social acknowledgement, and excessive mobility, fraterneties and sorrorities are extremely enticing. But, hazing had long been reported to cause fatalities of some. How UNFORTUNATE..!

The bottomline question therefore is: Isn't this ruthless and bloody admission ripe for revision?

Afterall, scourges aren't guarantees of the aspirant's hundred-percent (100%) loyalty and dedication.

The liver can be affected by primary liver cancer, which arises in the liver, or by cancer which forms in other sites and then spreads to the liver. Most liver cancer is secondary or metastatic, meaning the malignancy originated elsewhere in the body -- usually the colon, lung or breast. Primary liver cancer, which starts in the liver, accounts for about 2% of cancers, but up to half of all cancers in some undeveloped countries. This is mainly because of the prevalence of hepatitis, caused by contagious viruses, that predisposes a person to liver cancer. Worldwide, primary liver cancer strikes twice as many men as women and is most likely to affect people over 50.

Because the liver is made up of several different types of cells, several types of tumors can form in the liver. Some of these are benign (noncancerous), and some are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). These tumors have different causes and are treated differently. The outlook for your health or recovery depends on what type of tumor you have.

The benign tumors of the liver include:

• Hemangioma
• Hepatic adenoma
• Focal nodular hyperplasia

None of these tumors are treated like liver cancer. They may need to be removed surgically if they cause pain or bleeding.

Liver cancers include:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
• Cholangiocarcinoma (These are really cancers of the bile duct.)

What Causes It?

Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) tends to occur in livers damaged by birth defects, alcohol abuse, or chronic infection with diseases such as hepatitis B and C, hemochromatosis (too much iron in the liver), and cirrhosis. More than half of all people diagnosed with primary liver cancer have cirrhosis (a scarring condition of the liver often caused by alcohol abuse, hepatitis B and C, and hemochromatosis that can cause permanent damage and liver failure), and those who suffer from a genetic condition called hemochromatosis, or iron overload, are at even greater risk.

Various cancer-causing substances are associated with primary liver cancer, including certain herbicides and such chemicals as vinyl chloride and arsenic. Smoking, especially if you abuse alcohol as well, also increases risk. Aflatoxins, cancer-causing substances made by a type of plant mold, have also been implicated. Aflatoxins can contaminate wheat, peanuts, rice, corn and soybeans. These are rare problems in most developed countries like the US. 

Liver Cancer Symptoms:

Liver cancer is sometimes called a "silent disease" because in an early stage it often does not cause symptoms. But, as the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Pain in the upper abdomen on the right side; the pain may extend to the back and shoulder

• Swollen abdomen (bloating)

• Weight loss

• Loss of appetite and feelings of fullness

• Weakness or feeling very tired

• Nausea and vomiting

• Yellow skin and eyes, and dark urine from jaundice

• Fever

These symptoms are not sure signs of liver cancer. Other liver diseases and other health problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. Only a doctor can diagnose and treat the problem.

Other risk factors include:

Your sex. Men are more likely to get hepatocellular cancer than women.

• Anabolic steroids. Male hormones used by athletes to increase muscle can slightly increase liver cancer risk with long-term use.
• Birth control pills. They may slightly increase the risk of liver cancer. Most of the ones linked to this cancer are no longer used.

The outlook for people with liver cancer depends on whether the tumor is confined to the liver and whether it can be entirely removed with surgery. Even with surgery, the 5-year survival rate for people with hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma is less than 20%. The outlook following a successful liver transplant may be better.

I hoped you find this information to your keeping. Indeed, Liver Cancer is not a simple disease at all but surely can be prevented and it depends now how you manage your lifestyle.... Prevention is better than cure.