Sunday, December 27, 2009

On December 27, 2009, three restaurants in Manila each had an employee who didn’t have a health certificate attached to the clothing she/he was wearing.
One was at the Chowking restaurant on Roxas Blvd., near corner U.N. Avenue. She was identified as “Carmi”. Official Receipt issued was numbered 2941.
The second employee was at Max’s restaurant at Harrison Plaza in Malate, Manila. A person identified as the assistant supervisor of said restaurant gave
me a paper bearing said person’s alleged name but a person identified as the supervisor of said restaurant took said paper and retained said paper.
The official receipt issued was numbered 217669. The third employee was ar Tokyo Tokyo restaurant at Harrison Plaza, Malate, Manila. The name of said person was given as Irene Estrella.
The O.R. was numbered 112-24269.

A restaurant employee at Robinsons Ermita issued to me a sales invoice/official receipt wherein the space above the phrase “Received in good order” in
said document already contained handwriting when it was given to me. Because the space above the phrase “Received in good order” in said document already
contained handwriting when it was given to me, I could no longer complain if I found something wrong with the food. So, I insisted that said employee issue to me another proof of sale. An employee at a store identified as Hagen Dasz issued to me a proof of sale wherein the address was not in Ermita. Also, when I asked to see the sanitation permit said store was supposed to have, none of the employees at said store were able to show me said document.

laptopmag blog
http://blog.laptopmag.com/

yourtotalhealth web site
http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/

wonderhowto web site
http://www.wonderhowto.com/

Fresh and Frozen Seafood: Selecting and Serving it Safely
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm077331.htm

Holiday Food Safety
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm188807.htm#HolidayFoodVideo

Many people don't realize that food safety is the most important ingredient in preparing food for the holidays. Here are some helpful food safety resources to keep your holidays happy:

* Holiday Food Safety Success Kit
* Holiday Food Safety Video
* Ready-to-Cook Foods


Holiday Food Safety Success Kit

The Holiday Food Safety Success KitExit Disclaimer, developed by the non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education, provides tips on how to make sure holiday meals are safe as well as delicious. Recipes, shopping checklist, food safety tips, and children's activities are included in the multi-media program.
Holiday Food Safety Video

This Holiday Food Safety Video shows how to store, prepare, and serve food safely to prevent foodborne illness from ruining the holidays. Follow these easy steps:

CLEAN: Wash hands and surfaces often

SEPARATE: Don't cross-contaminate

COOK: Cook to proper temperature

CHILL: Refrigerate promptly



Holiday Food Safety Video (English)



Holiday Food Safety Video (Spanish)



Ready-to-Cook Foods: Follow Directions to Keep Your Holidays Happy

Eating them right out of the package, without cooking, could make you sick

Cookies are a holiday favorite – and this season is a good time to remind ourselves that ready-to-cook foods of all kinds, including raw, packaged cookie dough, do need to be cooked. Eating these kinds of foods right out of the package, without cooking them, could make you sick from bacteria. Cooking them according to the package directions before you eat them kills bacteria that could make you sick.

Whether it’s packaged cookie dough or a frozen entrée or pizza or any of the other ready-to-cook foods we use for convenience, cook or bake them according to the directions on the package, to help keep your holidays happy.

Most people who get sick from bacteria in ready-to-cook foods that aren’t cooked properly will get better by themselves, although foodborne illness isn’t a very pleasant way to spend the holidays. But anyone, of any age or health condition, could get very sick or die from these bacteria. This is especially true for people with weak immune systems; for example, the very young, the elderly, and people with diseases that weaken the immune system or who are on medicines that suppress the immune system (for example, some medicines used for rheumatoid arthritis).

Pregnant women also need to be especially careful to follow cooking directions on packages, since some bacteria are very harmful or deadly to unborn babies.

It’s a good safety tip to keep in mind all year, not just in the holiday season: Follow the directions on your ready-to-cook food packages to help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.



Happy Holidays and remember to BE FOOD SAFE!







Produce Safety - Safe Handling of Raw Produce and Fresh-Squeezed Fruit and Vegetable Juices (PDF - 3641KB)
http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/UCM174142.pdf


Safe Eats - Meat, Poultry & Seafood
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm082294.htm
Food Safety for Moms-To-Be Welcome to Safe Eats, your food-by-food guide to selecting, preparing, and handling foods safely throughout your pregnancy and beyond!

Also available in Spanish > En español >




Meat, Poultry & Seafood|Dairy & Eggs|Fruits, Veggies & Juices|
Ready-to-Eat Foods|Eating Out & Bringing In

Meat, Poultry and SeafoodProtein in meat, poultry, and seafood is an important nutrient in your diet, but it can also be an ideal environment for some harmful bacteria. Here's how to keep harmful bacteria at bay and your family safe.

Tips for a Lifetime

Clean Is Key!


Your first steps in food safety are...

* Wash hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
* Wash cutting boards, dishes, and utensils (including knives), and countertops with soap and hot water after they come in contact with raw meat, poultry or seafood.


Sanitize It!

Kitchen countertops that come in contact with raw meat, poultry, and seafood can be sanitized using a kitchen sanitizer. One teaspoon of liquid chlorine bleach per quart of clean water can also be used to sanitize surfaces. Leave the bleach solution on the surface for about 10 minutes to be effective.


S-E-P-A-R-A-T-E


Improper handling of raw meat, poultry, and seafood can set the stage for cross-contamination - the spread of bacteria from foods, hands, utensils, and food preparation surfaces to another food. Here's how to stop it:

* Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from ready-to-eat foods in your grocery shopping cart, refrigerator, and while preparing and handling foods at home. Also, consider placing these raw foods inside plastic bags in your grocery shopping cart to keep the juices contained.
* To prevent juices from raw meat, poultry, or seafood from dripping onto other foods in the refrigerator, place these raw foods in sealed containers or sealable plastic bags.
* If possible, use one cutting board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood and another one for fresh fruits and vegetables. If two cutting boards aren't available, prepare fruits and vegetables first, and put them safely out of the way. Wash the cutting board thoroughly with soap and hot water. Then, prepare the raw meat, poultry, or seafood. Follow by washing the cutting board again.
* Marinades used on raw meat, poultry, or seafood can contain harmful bacteria. Don't reuse these marinades on cooked foods - unless you boil them before applying.
* Never taste uncooked marinade or sauce that was used to marinate raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
* Place cooked food on a clean plate for serving. If cooked food is placed on an unwashed plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood, bacteria from the raw food could contaminate the cooked food.



CHILL!


To keep all meats, poultry, and food in general safe...

* Your refrigerator should register at 40° F (4° C) and the freezer at 0° F (-18° C). Place a refrigerator thermometer in the refrigerator, and check the temperature periodically. During the automatic defrost cycle, the temperature may register slightly higher than 40° F (4° C). This is okay.


When storing seafood...

* Buy only fresh seafood that's refrigerated or properly iced.
* Refrigerate or freeze seafood immediately if you're not going to cook it right away.



Moms-to-Be: Know the Facts About Methylmercury
Methylmercury is a metal that can be found in some fish. If you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant, don't eat swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and shark.

It's okay to eat other cooked fish/seafood as long as a variety of other kinds are selected during pregnancy or while a woman is trying to become pregnant. She can choose shellfish, canned fish, smaller ocean fish, or farm-raised fish. She can safely eat 12 ounces per week of a variety of cooked fish. A typical serving size of fish is from 3 to 6 ounces. Of course, if her serving sizes are smaller, she can eat fish more frequently. For more information, see Methylmercury.

Pre-stuffed Poultry: Fresh Vs. Frozen

* Avoid purchasing fresh, raw whole poultry that's been pre-stuffed. The raw-meat juices mixing with the stuffing can cause bacterial growth.
* Frozen, raw whole poultry that's been pre-stuffed is safe and should be cooked in its frozen state; don't defrost it first.


COOK IT RIGHT!


Raw fish (such as sushi or sashimi) or foods made with raw fish are more likely to contain parasites or bacteria than foods made from cooked fish, so it's important to cook fish thoroughly. Here's how...


Seafood


Finfish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145° F (63° C). When a food thermometer is not available or appropriate, follow these tips to determine when seafood is done:

* Cook fish until it's opaque (milky white) and flakes with a fork.
* Cook shrimp, lobster, and scallops until they reach their appropriate color. The flesh of shrimp and lobster should be an opaque (milky white) color. Scallops should be opaque (milky white) and firm.
* Cook clams, mussels, and oysters until their shells open. This means that they are done. Throw away the ones that didn't open.


Eating Raw Seafood Is Risky
A pregnant woman and her unborn baby are at risk if she eats raw or undercooked seafood. Moms-to-be should avoid eating raw or undercooked finfish or shellfish (including oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops).

Cook raw meat and poultry to safe internal temperatures. Always use a clean food thermometer to check the internal temperature of these foods. Make sure it goes straight into meats, but doesn't come out the other side and touch the pan. Cook meat and poultry to these temperatures:
Meat

* Cook beef, veal, and lamb roasts and steaks to at least 145° F (63° C).
* Cook pork roasts and chops to at least 160° F (71° C).


Ground Meat

* Cook ground beef, veal, lamb, and pork to at least 160° F (71° C).
* Cook ground poultry to 165° F (74° C).


Poultry

* Cook whole poultry to 180° F (82° C) - insert the food thermometer into the thigh for accurate temperature.
* Cook chicken breasts to 170° F (77° C).


Pork

* Cook pork to an internal temperature of 160° F (71° C) for medium or 170° F (77° C) for well done.



For a printable chart of cooking temperatures, see the Apply the Heat (PDF | 20.3KB) chart.



Smart Talk For Moms To Be

"How can I tell if fish is fresh?"
Perfectly fresh fish and shellfish have virtually no odor. It's only when seafood starts to spoil that it takes on a "fishy" aroma. Fresh fish will have these signs:

* The eyes are clean and bulge a little.
* Whole fish and fillets have firm and shiny flesh and bright, red gills free from slime.
* The flesh springs back when pressed.
* There is no darkening around the edges or brown or yellowish discoloration.
* The fish smells fresh and mild, not "fishy" or ammonia-like.


Note: Keep in mind that just because fish is fresh doesn't mean it's bacteria-free. You still need to follow the food safety tips above when handling or preparing fresh fish.

"What should I look out for when buying frozen seafood?"
You should follow these guidelines:

* Don't buy frozen seafood if its package is open, torn, or crushed on the edges.
* Don't buy packages that are above the frost line in the store's freezer.
* If you can see through the package, look for signs of frost or ice crystals, which could mean the fish has been stored a long time or defrosted and refrozen. In this case, you shouldn't buy it.
* There should be no white spots, dark spots, discoloration or fading, or red or pink flesh to indicate drying-out.

"Some of my favorite seafoods are raw clams and oysters. Why aren't they safe to eat?"
They're unsafe because raw seafoods are more likely to contain parasites or bacteria than foods made from cooked seafood. In addition, clams, mussels, and other mollusks get their food by filtering large quantities of water through their shells. In doing so, they can accumulate more bacteria and viruses than finfish. This makes raw mollusks particularly unsafe to eat. Seafood that's been cooked thoroughly is safe to eat.

"Should I stop marinating meat, poultry, and seafood at room temperature while I'm pregnant?"
Actually, you should discontinue this practice whether you're pregnant or not. Marinade that's been used on raw meat, poultry, and seafood contains raw juices, which may contain harmful bacteria. And, bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature. Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, so for your safety, foods should always be refrigerated while marinating.

For the recommended storage times for foods, see the Refrigerator & Freezer Storage Chart. (PDF | 21.2KB)


Page Last Updated: 08/14/2009

Monday, December 21, 2009

warning vs. Chowking store at Robinsons Ermita

On December 17, 2009, a person, identified as Cheryl Lacon, who was working at said restaurant, violated the senior citizen right of a customer above 60 years of age. Said customer was covered by the rules and regulations implementing Republic Act No. 9257 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act) which specifically provides for an “Express Lane” for senior citizens.”Express Lanes for senior citizens shall be provided in all private, commercial, and government establishments; in the absence thereof, priority shall be given to them.” While I was at said restaurant on December 17, 2009, no visible express lane for senior citizens was present at the customer area of said restaurant. Then, even though I showed said Chowking employee Cheryl Lacon the senior citizens card bearing my name, she did not give me priority when I tried to order food. The official receipt issued to me was numbered 1423 A.

Advisory vs. KFC Robinsons Ermita
Said restaurant was allegedly owned and operated by City Chix, Inc.
When I was at said restaurant, there was no visible indication, in the dining area of said restaurant of a express lane for senior citizens. The presence of such an express lane for senior citizens in said restaurant is required by the Expanded Senior Citizen Act. Then, an employee, identified as Abby, at said restaurant, didn’t give me, a senior citizen, priority. In the absence of the said lane, said Act requires that senior citizens be given priority. The manager of said restaurant was identified as Jovelyn E. Comaykin. I sent a message by email to the email address on the receipt I received from said restaurant. I received a reply containing an apology for said incident. Evidence available.

evidence vs. Makati Vice-Mayor Mercado, Makati councilors: Binay Jr.; Rico J. Puno
I believe said Makati Vice-Mayor Mercado, Makati councilors Binay Jr. and Rico J. Puno,violated R.A. 6713. I sent a letter via registered mail to said Makati Vice-Mayor Mercado. Said letter was designated as registered letter No. 1011. Based on the evidence, said letter was received in 2008 by said Makati Vice-Mayor’s authorized agent. Based on evidence, my registered letter 6465 to Makati Councilor Binay Jr. was received by his authorized agent on 6/17/09. Based on evidence, my registered letter to said Rico J. Puno was received over a month ago by his authorized agent. Up to December 17, 2009, said Makati Vice Mayor Mercado, Makati councilor Binay Jr., Makati councilor Rico J. Puno, have not provided me with any reply to said letters.


additional advisory vs. Alfredo S. Lim
who is running for re-election as Manila Mayor. A document titled REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9257, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2003” contains the following words: “Article 11. Municipal/City Responsibility. - It shall be the responsibility of the municipality/city through the Mayor to require all establishments covered by the Act to prominently display posters, stickers,
and other notices that will generate public awareness of the rights and privileges of senior citizens and to ensure that the provisions of the Act are implemented to its fullest.” I have been to many of the establishments in Manila covered by said Act but I have not seen any of said posters, stickers, and other said notices. Said Manila Mayor Lim didn’t ensure that the provisions of said Act were implemented in Manila to its fullest.

enterprisetechbrief web site
http://www.enterprisetechbrief.com/


FDA Medication Guides
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm
Drugs@FDA and DailyMed also contain medication guides as part of drug labeling

Medication Guides are paper handouts that come with many prescription medicines. The guides address issues that are specific to particular drugs and drug classes, and they contain FDA-approved information that can help patients avoid serious adverse events.

FDA requires that Medication Guides be issued with certain prescribed drugs and biological products when the Agency determines that:

* certain information is necessary to prevent serious adverse effects
* patient decision-making should be informed by information about a known serious side effect with a product, or
* patient adherence to directions for the use of a product are essential to its effectiveness.

Please note: All links in the table below go to documents in PDF format.

Quick Links: Skip to main page content Skip to Search Skip to Topics Menu Skip to Section Content Menu Skip to Common Links
www.hhs.gov
U S Department of Health and Human Services
FDA, U S Food and Drug Administration

Enter Search terms
A-Z Index


* Home
* Food
* Drugs
* Medical Devices
* Vaccines, Blood & Biologics
* Animal & Veterinary
* Cosmetics
* Radiation-Emitting Products
* Tobacco Products



-
Drugs

* Share Share this page
* Print this page
* Change Font Size Increase Font Size Decrease Font Size

* Home
* > Drugs
* > Drug Safety and Availability

Section Contents Menu

* Drug Safety and Availability
o Counterfeit Drugs
o Importing Prescription Drugs
o
Current Page is:Medication Guides
o Safe Use Initiative
* Drug Shortages
* Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers
* Public Health Advisories (Drugs)
* Information by Drug Class
* Medication Errors
* FDA Drug Safety Newsletter
* Drug Safety Podcasts

-
Resources for You

* Drugs@FDA
* DailyMed (National Institutes of Health)
* Approved Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS)
* Postmarket Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers

-
-
Medication Guides
Drugs@FDA and DailyMed also contain medication guides as part of drug labeling

Medication Guides are paper handouts that come with many prescription medicines. The guides address issues that are specific to particular drugs and drug classes, and they contain FDA-approved information that can help patients avoid serious adverse events.

FDA requires that Medication Guides be issued with certain prescribed drugs and biological products when the Agency determines that:

* certain information is necessary to prevent serious adverse effects
* patient decision-making should be informed by information about a known serious side effect with a product, or
* patient adherence to directions for the use of a product are essential to its effectiveness.

Please note: All links in the table below go to documents in PDF format.


Medication Guides are available for these products:

*biologic or drug/biologic combination

* Abilify (aripiprazole) [2009 version]
* Accutane (isotretinoin) [2008 version]
* Actiq (fentanyl citrate) [2009 version]
* Actoplus Met (metformin hydrochloride and pioglitazone hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Actoplus Met XR (metformin hydrochloride and pioglitazone hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Actos (pioglitazone hydrchloride) [2009 version]
* Adderall XR (dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate and amphetamine sulfate) [2007 version]
* Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate) [2008 version]
* Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate) [2008 version]
* Ambien (zolpidem tartrate) [2008 version]
* Ambien CR (zolpidem tartrate) [2007 version]
* Anafranil (clomipramine hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Anaprox (naproxen sodium) [2008 version]
* Androgel (testosterone) [2009 version]
* Ansaid (flurbiprofen) [2007 version]
* Aplenzin (buproprion hydrobromide [2008 version]
* Aranesp* (darbepoetin alfa) [2008 version]
* Arthrotec (diclofenac sodium) [2007 version]
* Avandamet (metformin hydrochloride and rosiglitazone maleate) [2008 version]
* Updated Avandaryl (glimepiride and rosiglitazone maleate) [2009 version]
* Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) [2008 version]
* Avelox (moxifloxacin) [2008 version]
* Avonex* (interferon beta-1a) [2006 version]
* Banzel (rufinamide) [2008 version]
* Betaseron*(interferon beta-1b) [2006 version]
* Botox* (onabotulinumtoxinA) [2009 version]
* Brovana (arformoterol tartrate) [2006 version]
* Byetta (exenatide) [2009 version]
* Cambia (diclofenac) [2009 version]
* Cataflam (diclofenac potassium) [2008 version]
* Celebrex (celecoxib) [2007 version]
* Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide) [2009 version]
* Cellcept (mycophenolate mofetil) [2009 version]
* Chantix (varenicline tartrate) [2009 version]
* Cimzia* (certolizumab pegol) [2009 version]
* Cipro (ciprofloxacin) [2008 version]
* Clinoril (sulindac) [2007 version]
* Colcrys (colchicine) [2009 version]
* Combunox (oxycodone hydrochloride and ibuprofen) [2007 version]
* Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Copegus (ribavirin) [2009 version]
* Cordarone (amiodarone hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Coumadin (warfarin sodium) [2007 version]
* Creon (pancrelipase) [2009 version]
* Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) [2007 version)]
* Dalmane (flurazepam hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Darvocet (acetaminophen and propoxyphene napsylate) [2009 version]
* Darvon (propoxyphene hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Daypro Alta (oxaprozin potassium) [2007 version]
* Daytrana (methylphenidate) [2007 version]
* Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine sulfate) [2007 version]
* Doral (quazepam) [2007 version]
* Duragesic (fentanyl) [2005 version]
* Dysport* (abobotulinumtoxinA) [2009 version]
* EC-Naprosyn (naproxen) [2008 version]
* Edluar (zolpidem tartrate) [2009 version]
* Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Effient (prasugrel) [2009 version]
* Elidel Cream (pimecrolimus) [2006 version]
* Embeda (morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Emsam (selegeline transdermal system) [2007 version]
* Enbrel* (etanercept) [2008 version]
* Epogen* (epoeten alfa) [2008 version]
* Epzicom (abacavir sulfate and lamivudine) [2006 version]
* Evista (raloxifene hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Extavia* (interferon beta-1b) [2009 version]
* Extraneal (icodextrin) [2009 version]
* Exubera (insulin recombinant human) [2008 version]
* Factive (gemifloxacin) [2008 version]
* Feldene (piroxicam) [2007 version]
* Fentora (fentanyl citrate) [2007 version]
* Flector (diclofenac epolamine) [2005 version]
* Floxin (ofloxacin) [2008 version]
* Focalin (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Foradil Aerolizer (formoterol fumarate inhalation powder) [2006 version]
* Foradil Certihaler (formoterol fumarate inhalation powder) [2006 version]
* Forteo (teriparatide) [2009 version]
* Halcion (triazolam) [2008 version]
* Humira (adalimumab) [2008 version]
* Indocin (indomethacin) [2007 version]
* Infergen* (interferon alfacon-1) [2008 version]
* Intron A* (interferon alfa-2b) [2008 version]
* Kalbitor* (ecallantide) [2009 version]
* Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir) [2009 version]
* Keppra (levetiracetam) [2009 version]
* Ketek (telithromycin) [2007 version]
* Lamictal (lamotrigine) [2009 version]
* Lamictal XR (lamotrigine) [2009 version]
* Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Letairis (ambrisentan) [2009 version]
* Levaquin (levofloxacin) [2008 version]
* Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate) [2008 version]
* Limbitrol (chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline) [2007 version]
* Lindane Lotion (lindane) [2007 version]
* Lindane Shampoo (lindane) [2007 version]
* Lotronex (alosetron hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Lunesta (eszopiclone) [2008 version]
* Luvox CR (fluvoxamine mealeate) [2008 version]
* Lyrica (pregabalin) [2009 version]
* Marplan (isocarboxazid) [2008 version]
* Metadate CD (methylphenidate hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Metozolv ODT (metoclopramide hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Methylin (methylphenidate)
o chewable tablets [2007 version]
o oral solution [2007 version]
* Mifeprex (mifepristone) [2005 version]
* Mircera* (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) [2007 version]



* Mobic (meloxicam) [2008 version]
* Motrin (ibuprofen) [2007 version]
* Multaq (dronedarone) [2009 version]
* Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) [2009 version]
* Myobloc* (rimabotulinumtoxinB) [2009 version]
* Nalfon (fenoprofen calcium) [2007 version]
* Naprosyn (naproxen) [2008 version]
* Nardil (phenelzine sulfate) [2007 version]
* Nolvadex (tamoxifen) [2006 version]
* Noroxin (norfloxacin) [2008 version]
* Norpramin (desipramine hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Nplate (romiplostim) [2008 version]
* Nucynta (tapentadol hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Onsolis (fentanyl buccal soluble film) [2009 version]
* Osmoprep (sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous and sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate) [2009 version]
* Pacerone (amiodarone hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Palladone (hydromorphone hydrochloride) [2004 version]
* Pamelor (nortriptyline hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate) [2008 version]
* Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Pegasys* (peginterferon alfa-2a) [2008 version]
* PegIntron* (peginterferon alfa-2b) [2006 version]
o powder
o redipen
* PegIntron*/Rebetol Combo Pack (peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin) [2008 version]
* Pennsaid (diclofenac sodium) [2009 version]
* Pexeva (paroxetine mesylate) [2008 version]
* Ponstel (mefenamic acid) [2008 version]
* Prevacid NapraPac (lansoprazole and naproxen) [2007 version]
* Pristiq (desvenlafaxine succinate) [2009 version]
* Procrit* (epoetin alfa) [2008 version]
* Promacta (eltrombopag) [2008 version]
* Propulsid (cisapride) [2006 version]
* Proquin XR (ciprofloxacin hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Protopic Ointment (tacrolimus) [2006 version]
* Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Qualaquin (quinine sulfate) [2009 version]
* Raptiva* (efalizumab) [2009 version]
* Rebetol (ribavirin) [2009 version]
* Rebif* (interferon beta-1a) [2002 version]
* Reglan (metoclopramide hydrochloride) injection [2009 version]
* Reglan (metoclopramide hydrochloride) tablets [2009 version]
* Reglan ODT (metoclopramide hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Remeron (mirtazapine) [2007 version]
* Remicade* (infliximab) [2009 version]
* Revlimid (lenalidomide) [2009 version]
* Ribasphere (ribavirin) [2008 version]
* Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Ritalin-SR (methylphenidate hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Rituxan* (rituximab) [2009 version]
* Roferon-A* (interferon alfa-2a recombinant) [2008 version]
* Rozerem (ramelteon) [2008 version]
* Sabril (vigabatrin) [2009 version]
* Sarafem (fluoxetine hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Savella (milnacipran hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Selzentry (maraviroc) [2009 version]
* Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate) [2006 version]
* Updated Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) [2009 version]
* Updated Seroquel XR (quetiapine fumarate) [2009 version]
* Simponi* (golimumab) [2009 version]
* Sinequan (doxepin hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Soliris (eculizumab) [2007 version]
* Soltamox (tamoxifen citrate) [2005 version]
* Soriatane (acitretin) [2007 version]
* Sotret (isotretinoin) [2006 version]
* Stelara* (ustekinumab) [2009 version]
* Strattera (atomoxetine hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Symbicort (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) [2009 version]
* Symbyax (fluoxetine hydrochloride and olanzapine) [2009 version]
* Symlin (pramlintide acetate) [2007 version]
* Tapentadol see Nucynta
* Tasigna (nilotinib) [2009 version]
* Testim (testosterone) [2009 version]
* Tofranil (imipramine hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Tolectin (tolmetin sodium) [2008 version]
* Topamax (topiramate) [2009 version]
* Toradol (ketorolac tromethamine) [2007 version]
* Tracleer (bosentan) [2009 version]
* Treximet (naproxen sodium and sumatriptan succinate) [2008 version]
* Trilipix (choline fenofibrate) [2008 version]
* Trizivir (abacavir sulfate, lamivudine and zidovudine) [2009 version]
* Tyasbri (natalizumab) [2008 version]
* Tyzeka (telbivudine) [2009 version]
* Vibativ (telavancin) [2009 version]
* Vicoprofen (vicoprofen and ibuprofen) [2008 version]
* Vimpat (lacosamide) [2009 version]
* Viramune (nevirapine) [2008 version]
* Visicol (sodium phosphate dybasic anhydrous and sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate) [2009 version]
* Vivactil (protriptyline hydrochloride) [2007 version]
* Voltaren (diclofenac sodium) [2009 version]
* Votrient (pazopanib hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) [2008 version]
* Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Wellbutrin XL (buproprion hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Xenazine (tetrabenazine) [2008 version]
* Xolair (omalizumab) [2007 version]
* Xyrem (sodium oxybate) [2005 version]
* Zenpep (pancrelipase) [2009 version]
* Ziagen (abacavir sulfate) [2008 version]
* Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) [2008 version]
* Zolpidem (zolpidem tartrate) [2008 version]
* Zolpimist (zolpidem tartrate) [2008 version]
* Zonegran (zonisamide) [2009 version]
* Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) [2009 version]
* Updated Zyprexa (olanzapine) [2009 version]
* New! Zyprexa Relprevv (olanzapine) [2009 version]


Physical Activity for Everyone

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/getactive/index.html

Adding Physical Activity to Your Life

For more help with getting started, watch this video:Aerobic activity - what counts? video Windows Media Player, 8:25
More videos
There are a lot of ways to get the physical activity you need!

If you're thinking, "How can I meet the guidelines each week?" don't worry. You'll be surprised by the variety of activities you have to choose from. To meet the guidelines for aerobic activity, basically anything counts, as long as it's done at a moderate- or vigorous-intensity for at least 10 minutes at a time.
Stick With It

By picking physical activities you enjoy and that match your abilities, it will help ensure that you stick with them. If you're not sure where to start, here are some examples.

Example 1: Moderate Intensity Activity and Muscle Strengthening Activity
Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
30 minute brisk walk
walking

30 minute brisk walk
walking

30 minute brisk walk
walking

Weight training
weight training

30 minute brisk walk
walking

30 minute brisk walk
walking

Weight training
weight training
Total: 150 minutes moderate-intensity aerobic activity
+ 2 days muscle-strengthening activity


Example 2: Vigorous Intensity Activity and Muscle Strengthening Activity
Sunday
Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

25 minute jog
jogging


25 minute jog
and weight training
jogging weight training


Weight training
weight training

25 minute jog
jogging
Total: 75 minutes vigorous-intensity aerobic activity
+ 2 days muscle-strengthening activity


Example 3: Mix of Moderate & Vigorous Intensity Activity and Muscle Strengthening Activity
Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday
30 minute brisk walk
walking

15 minute jog
jogging

Weight training
weight training

30 minute brisk walk
walking

Weight training
weight training

15 minute jog
jogging

30 minute brisk walk
walking
Total: The equivalent of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity
+ 2 days muscle-strengthening activity
When to Check With Your Doctor

Doing activity that requires moderate effort is safe for most people. But if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or other symptoms be sure to talk with your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.
Need more examples?

See this print-friendly brochure (PDF-24k), and check out our video page for lots of specific examples of muscle strengthening exercises, both at home and in the gym.
back to top

PDF Document Icon Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order
to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.

* Page last reviewed: January 15, 2009
* Page last updated: January 15, 2009
* Content source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion



USDA Food Safety and Inspection Kit Holiday Food Safety Success Kit
http://www.holidayfoodsafety.org/
for many things, including a new Web site, www.holidayfoodsafety.org, that puts food safety in the context of all the planning and preparation families put into their holiday celebration.

The site includes food shopping and preparation tips, recipes and food safety advice and activities - all in one convenient location. Consumers may also spot food safety reminders at their local grocery store this holiday season. Thousands of stores across the country plan to join in promoting these safety messages.

The Holiday Food Safety Success Kit - developed by the Partnership for Food Safety Education - joins efforts of FSIS and FDA to address consumer concerns about safe food preparation. The kit contains information on purchasing turkeys, thawing, cooking methods and recipes for leftovers; a holiday planner with a timeline and shopping lists; and menu options full of tested recipes. The kit also includes kids' activities so they can be part of a "food safe" celebration.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen" at AskKaren.gov (English) or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) that operates Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. On Thanksgiving Day, hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET. Consumers can also e-mail their questions to mphotline.fsis@usda.gov.


Safe
Fun
Easy
Tasty


Downloads
Food Safety
Videos

Friday, December 18, 2009

wordreference web site
http://www.wordreference.com/


FEMA Encourages Individuals To "Resolve To Be Ready"
http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=50088

Release Date: December 17, 2009
Release Number: HQ-09-155

Resolve to be Ready in 2010. Resolve to be Ready is an annual initiative encouraging individuals, families, businesses and communities to make preparedness
a part of their New Year resolutions.

“This holiday season, as family and friends come together to celebrate, it is also a great time to talk about the importance of being prepared,” said
Administrator Fugate. “Families can start small, by ensuring they have a communications plan in place before an emergency happens, a little bit of
planning can make all the difference in an emergency.
Being Ready for emergencies can be an easy New Year's resolution to keep by following the Ready Campaign's three simple steps: 1) Get an emergency supply
kit; 2) Make a family emergency plan; and 3) Be informed about the types of emergencies and appropriate responses.

Taking these steps and having an emergency supply kit both at home and in the car, will help prepare people for winter power outages and icy roads. Each of
these kits should include basic necessities such as water, food and first aid supplies to help you survive if you are without power or become stranded in your vehicle. Complete checklists for each kit are available at www.ready.gov.

In addition, by visiting www.ready.gov
or the Spanish-language Web site www.listo.gov, individuals can access free materials that will help them make
and keep a New Year's resolution that will bring their families peace of mind.


about web site
http://www.about.com/


Research Update

The Choking Game: CDC´s Findings on a Risky Youth Behavior
http://www.cdc.gov/Ncipc/duip/research/choking_game.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unintentional Strangulation Deaths from "The Choking Game" Among Youths Aged 6 - 19 Years – United States, 1995-2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2008; 57(6):141-144. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/
mm5706a1.htm




An article published in the February 15, 2008 MMWR describes an activity called "the choking game," which has led to the death of at least 82 children and adolescents since 1995. Researchers from CDC´s Division of
Unintentional Injury Prevention analyzed media reports of deaths of children and adolescents from the choking game. Highlights from their findings address some common questions about this public health threat.

What is the choking game?
The choking game is a dangerous activity that older children and early adolescents sometimes play to get a brief high. They either choke each other or use a noose to choke themselves. After just a short time, children can pass out, which may lead to serious injury or even death from hanging or strangulation.

Who is most at risk for death from playing the choking game?

* Boys were much more likely to die from the choking game than girls; 87% of victims were boys.
* Most of the children that died were 11-16 years old (89%).
* Nearly all of the children who died were playing the game alone when they died.
* Deaths have occurred all over the United States; the choking game isn’t limited to one area of the country.


What are the warning signs that a child is playing the choking game?
Parents, educators, health-care providers, or peers may observe any of the following signs that can indicate a child has been involved in the choking game:

* Discussion of the game or its aliases
* Bloodshot eyes
* Marks on the neck
* Wearing high-necked shirts, even in warm weather
* Frequent, severe headaches
* Disorientation after spending time alone
* Increased and uncharacteristic irritability or hostility
* Ropes, scarves, and belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor
* The unexplained presence of dog leashes, choke collars, bungee cords, etc.
* Petechiae (pinpoint bleeding spots) under the skin of the face, especially the eyelids, or the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelids and eyes)


What are some of the other names used for the choking game?

* Pass-out game
* Space monkey
* Suffocation roulette
* Scarf game
* The American dream
* Fainting game
* Something dreaming game
* Purple hazing
* Blacking out/blackout
* Dream game
* Flat liner
* California choke
* Space cowboy
* Airplaning
* Purple dragon
* Cloud nine

How quickly can someone die after playing the choking game?
Someone can become unconscious in a matter of seconds. Within three minutes of continued strangulation (i.e., hanging), basic functions such as memory, balance, and the central nervous system start to fail. Death occurs shortly after.

Are there non-fatal, long-term consequences of the choking game?

* Loss of consciousness and death of brain cells due to oxygen deprivation in the brain; coma and seizures may occur in severe cases
* Concussions or broken bones (including jaws) from falls associated with the choking game
* Hemorrhages of the eye

How can the choking game be prevented?
Research is not available on the best strategies to prevent the choking game. However, parents, educators, and health-care providers should be made aware of this public health threat and the warning signs that adolescents may be playing the game.


Content Source: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
Page last modified: October 20, 2008



American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
http://www.aapmr.org/


Fires and Food Safety
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Fires_and_Food_Safety/index.asp

Fire! Few words can strike such terror. Residential fires are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. Some 2 million American homes are in flames yearly. In the aftermath of fire, people are left to salvage their lives and belongings.

Whether it's the whole house involved or just a fire in the kitchen, people try to save what they can — including food. But generally, saving food that's been in a fire is not a good idea.

Food exposed to fire can be compromised by three factors: the heat of the fire, smoke fumes, and chemicals used to fight fire.

Heat from the Fire
Food in cans or jars may appear to be okay, but if they've been close to the HEAT of a fire, they may no longer be safe.

Why? Heat from a fire can activate food spoilage bacteria. If the heat is extreme, the cans or jars themselves can split or rupture, rendering the food unsafe.

Fumes from a Fire
One of the most dangerous elements of a fire is sometimes not the fire itself, but TOXIC FUMES released from burning materials.

Those fumes can kill; they can also contaminate food. Any type of food stored in permeable packaging — cardboard, plastic wrap, etc. — should be thrown away. Toxic fumes can permeate the packaging and contaminate the food.

Discard any raw foods stored installing battery-powered smoke outside the refrigerator — such as potatoes or fruit — that could be contaminated by fumes.

Surprisingly, food stored in refrigerators or freezers can also become contaminated by fumes. The refrigerator seal isn't airtight and fumes can get inside.

If food from your refrigerator has an off-flavor or odor when it's prepared, throw it away.

Chemicals in Fires
Chemicals used to fight fires contain toxic materials and can contaminate food and cookware. The chemicals cannot be washed off the food.

Foods that are exposed to chemicals should be thrown away. This includes food stored at room temperature, such as fruits and vegetables, as well as foods stored in permeable containers like cardboard and screw-topped jars and bottles.

Canned goods and cookware exposed to chemicals can be decontaminated.

Wash in a strong detergent solution. Then dip in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water) for 15 minutes.

Fire Stoppers
The American Red Cross recommends that you:

* Make your home fire-safe by installing battery-powered smoke detectors on each floor and in the garage. Test the detectors twice a year and keep a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
* Plan two emergency escape routes from each room in the house. Have rope or chain ladders for upstairs rooms. Agree on where to meet after the family escapes.
* Have your own practice fire drills. Instruct everyone to crawl low under smoke.


For more information, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline or one of these other government sites.

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

* Call 1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636, TTY 1-888-232-6348, for information on hazards, safe clean up, and preventing illness and injury. Available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
www.cdc.gov


FDA: Food and Drug Administration

* For information on safe food handling for foods other than meat, poultry, or egg products, call FDA's toll-free information line at 1-888-SAFEFOOD or 1-888-723-3366.
www.cfsan.fda.gov
* FDA emergency number, staffed 24 hours a day, (301) 443-1240


Other

* Environmental Protection Agency - EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
www.epa.gov
* Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Food and Water in an Emergency
www.fema.gov


General Disaster Assistance Site: www.foodsafety.gov


Last Modified: November 18, 2008





Fact Sheets

Safe Food Handling
At-Risk Populations
Meat Preparation
Poultry Preparation
Egg Products Preparation
Seasonal Food Safety
Appliances & Thermometers
Foodborne Illness & Disease
Emergency Preparedness
FSIS Programs & Workforce
Production & Inspection
Food Labeling



Healthystuff.org


healthywomen org web site
http://www.healthywomen.org


Stay Young at Heart Recipes
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/syah/index.htm

Appetizer

* Curtido Cabbage Salvadore
* Oven-Fried Yucca



* Pupusas Revueltas with Chicken

Soups

* Bean and Macaroni Soup
* Cannery Row Soup
* Corn Chowder
* Gazpacho



* Homemade Turkey Soup
* Meatball Soup
* Mexican Pozole
* Minestrone Soup
* Rockport Fish Chowder

Entrees
Beef

* Bavarian Beef
* Beef and Bean Chili
* Beef Casserole
* Stir Fried Beef and Potatoes



* Beef Stroganoff
* Black Skillet Beef with Greens and Red Potatoes
* Scrumptious Meat Loaf

Poultry

* Turkey Stuffed Cabbage
* Barbecue Chicken
* Chicken Gumbo
* Chicken Marsala
* Chicken Orientale
* Chicken Ratatouille
* Chicken and Rice
* Chicken Stew
* Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken



* Finger-Licking Curried Chicken
* Grilled Chicken with Green Chile Sauce
* Pupusas Revueltas with Chicken
* Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce
* 20-minute Chicken Creole
* Very Lemony Chicken
* Yosemite Chicken Stew and Dumplings

Fish

* Baked Trout Ole
* Fish Veronique
* Mediterranean Baked Fish
* Mouth-Watering Oven-Fried Fish



* Scallop Kabobs
* Spicy Baked Fish
* Spinach Stuffed Sole
* Tuna Salad

Vegetarian

* Black Beans with Rice
* Caribbean Pink Beans
* Classic Macaroni and Cheese



* New Orleans Red Beans
* Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce
* Summer Vegetable Spaghetti
* Zucchini Lasagna

Side Dishes
Green Vegetables

* Chayotes Stuffed w/Cheese
* Fresh Cabbage and Tomato Salad
* Green Beans Saute
* Italian Vegetable Bake



* Limas and Spinach
* Smothered Greens with Turkey
* Vegetable Stew
* Vegetables with a touch of Lemon

Pasta

* Parmesan Rice and Pasta Pilaf
* Red Hot Fusilli



* Sweet and Sour Seashells

Potatoes

* Candied Yams
* Delicious Oven French Fries
* Garden Potato Salad
* Garlic Mashed Potatoes



* New Potato Salad
* Savory Potato Salad
* Sweet Potato Custard
* Wonderful Stuffed Potatoes

Rice

* Oriental Rice
* Scallion Rice



* Sunshine Rice
* White Rice

Breads

* Apricot-Orange Bread
* Banana-Nut Bread
* Carrot-Raisin Bread



* Good-For-You Cornbread
* Homestyle Biscuits

Toppings/Sauces

* Fresh Salsa
* Made at Home Sour Cream



* Vinaigrette Salad Dressing
* Yogurt Salad Dressing

Desserts
Cakes

* Apple Coffee Cake
* Frosted Cake

Fruits

* Rainbow Fruit Salad
* Tropical Fruit Compote

Puddings and Pies and More

* Crunchy Pumpkin Pie
* Mock-Southern Sweet Potato Pie
* Mousse a la Banana



* 1-2-3-Peach Cobbler
* Rice Pudding
* Winter Crisp

Beverages

* Mango Shake
* Summer Breezes Smoothie



answers web site
http://www.answers.com/


OSRAM SYLVANIA Recalls Portable Nightlights Due to Electric Shock Hazard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 10, 2009
Release # 10-060

Firm's Recall Hotline: (877) 423-3772
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

OSRAM SYLVANIA Recalls Portable Nightlights Due to Electric Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: LED Rocketship PalPODzzz(tm) Portable Nightlights

Units: About 26,000

Importer: OSRAM SYLVANIA Products Inc., of Danvers, Mass.

Hazard: The bottom plastic cover on the recharging base of the portable nightlight can break, exposing internal electrical components. This poses an electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of the bottom of the recharging base breaking and consumers touching internal electrical components that resulted in minor electric shocks.

Description: This recall involves LED Rocketship PalPODzzz(tm) portable nightlights with model number 72174. The product can also be used as an emergency light or a flashlight. The nightlight is shaped as a rocket ship and sits in a plastic recharging base that plugs into the wall. The model number and date codes "0808" or "0908" are printed on the label attached to the bottom cover of the recharging base.

Sold at: The Home Depot, Stop & Shop, and other retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Smarthome.com, and Sylvaniaonlinestore.com from October 2008 through November 2009 for between $15 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable nightlights and contact OSRAM SYLVANIA for a free replacement portable nightlight and a $5 coupon credit for OSRAM SYLVANIA products.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact OSRAM SYLVANIA at (877)-423-3772 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or visit the firm's Web site at www.sylvania.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10060.html

Sunday, December 13, 2009

THERE ARE NO SAFE FIRECRAKERS OR FIREWORKS --- DOH
http://www.doh.gov.ph/node/2490
Press Release, 17 November 2009

The Department of Health (DOH) today strongly advised parents not to allow children to use firecrackers or fireworks whether of the legal or illegal kind.

“These devices are not toys and are very dangerous, especially in the hands of innocent children,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said. “We recommend a ban on the use of these devices in residential areas and encourage local authorities to designate an area where fireworks could be lighted, displayed and handled by professionals or those who are trained in using explosive devices,” he added.

Health authorities said that the top 5 firecrackers that caused the most injuries in 2008 were (1) piccolo, (2) kwitis, (3) 5-star, (4) luces and (5) home-made or altered firecrackers.

“Piccolo, an illegal firecracker, continued to be the number one cause of injury during the last holiday season and it did not only cause minor injuries but also severe ones like the ruptured eyeball of a boy in Bicol,” Duque disclosed.

He explained that the public should always be cautious and not to regard the legal fireworks as safe because Kwitis and Luces, both legal fireworks, were No. 2 and No. 4 in the list.

“The seemingly harmless Luces can burn up to 1093 ºC (2000 ºF) or 10 times the boiling point of water,” Duque said.

Duque also disclosed that the top 5 Firecrackers causing “Blast Burn with Amputation” were (1) Home-made or Altered Firecrackers, (2) 5-star, (3) camara, (4) rebentador, (5) and whistle bomb.

DOH records show that Watusi, long considered as illegal, continued to sneak in the market and caused two cases of injuries this year. The youngest case was a 9-month old girl from Tondo, Manila who was left unattended in the house by her parents while an elder sibling played with Watusi. She was brought to the Philippine General Hospital for treatment.

The second case was a 31 year-old male from Rodriguez, Rizal with a history of psychiatric treatment. He allegedly ingested 2 boxes of Watusi. He was brought to East Avenue Medical Center for treatment. Both patients survived.

Health authorities said that there is also a significant increase in the number of stray bullet incidents caused by the indiscriminate firing of guns. These were reported in the two regions in Mindanao with no previous records.

ON-LINE REGISTRY

To further improve coordination among agencies and health facilities involved in injury prevention, the DOH is introducing the Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System - an internet-based system that allows health facilities to report fireworks injury cases.

The 2008 Fireworks Injury Surveillance Report gathered by the DOH National Epidemiology Center recorded an all-time low in the total injuries reported compared to the previous four years' report.

Duque said that the 733 injuries reported from December 21, 2008 to January 5, 2009, is 280 (28%) cases lower than the previous four-year average, and 136 (16%) cases lower than the 2007 report.

The National Capital Region had the highest proportion of cases reported with 451 (61%) cases, followed by Western Visayas with 86 (12%) cases, and the Ilocos region with 58 (8%) cases.

The ages of cases ranged from 8 months old to 76 years old. Majority (594 or 81% cases) were males. A total of 261 (36%) cases were 10 years old or younger. However, the number of persons in each age group declined substantially, especially the 6 - 10 and the 11 - 15 age groups when compared to the previous year.

“We have total injuries of 714 (97%) cases which were fireworks-related, 17 (2%) cases were stray-bullet injuries and 2 (0.28%) cases were Watusi/firecracker powder ingestion”, Duque noted.

“The top three body parts which sustained most injuries were the hands with 277 (38%) cases, lower extremities with 130 (185) cases and head and neck with 103 (14%) cases. Most of the injured were discharged after initial treatment in the Emergency Room”, he added.

“The lone fatality reported, a 28 year-old mother from Cotabato City was a victim of stray bullet. That is why we should be vigilant in reporting indiscriminate gun-firing incidents during the holiday season to prevent this unnecessary and fatal events”, Duque lamented.

Meanwhile, there were no injury from organized public display nor tetanus due to fireworks injuries reported for 2008.

A total of 50 sentinel hospitals participated in the surveillance conducted for injuries resulting from fireworks use, stray bullet from indiscriminate firing, and watusi/firecracker powder ingestion related to the Yuletide celebration. The participating sentinel hospitals were located in the National Capital Region (29), Luzon (11), Visayas (5) and Mindanao (5).





FDA LAUNCHES HOTLINE FOR DRUG COMPLAINTS OR PROBLEMS
http://www.doh.gov.ph/node/2484
Press Release/27 October 2009

Any complaints on the drug you’re taking?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH) launched today a hotline for reporting any complaints of drugs sold in the country.

Consumers may now report to the FDA any complaint or problem with their medicines to telephone # 807-8275, or text 0905-4171771 or 0909-2080500, or email at ireport@bfad.gov.ph. Reports may also be made through the Bantay Gamot Report Forms available in most drugstores.

“In this age of globalization, consumerism, free trade, and increasing use of the internet, the ordinary person now has easy access to different drugs and medicines. Combine this with the penchant for self-medication and the need to improve the drug dispensing practices of our pharmacists and we have a potentially harmful situation where drug safety is questioned,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III declared.

To address this situation, the FDA came up with the Medicines Surveillance Integrating Consumer Reporting Project in the National Capital Region which aims to educate consumers on the proper use of drugs and increase consumer awareness as to where to report complaints or problems with their medicines.

Previously, the FDA has received consumer reports that led to the detection of substandard drug preparations, adverse drug reactions and counterfeit medicines.

“These reports involved illegal business operation practices, such as operating without a license or a registered pharmacist, unlawful dispensing of drugs in the absence of a pharmacist, selling of unregistered drug products, or expired drugs, or suspected counterfeit drugs,” Duque explained.

Other reports were about errors in drug dispensing, common side effects of medicines, lack of drug efficacy, false claims of food supplements, and quality defects,” the health chief added.

“All reports will be treated as confidential and shall be analyzed and investigated following FDA protocol.” Duque assured.

In case of complaints against any drug, the caller may give his name, address, and contact numbers; however, in case of adverse drug reactions, the caller will be asked to give this information and other clinical data as needed.

“The FDA is committed to guard efficiently our nation’s drug supply and advocates patient care to protect the right to health of every Filipino,” Duque
concluded.


FDA NEWS RELEASE
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm193373.htm
For Immediate Release: Dec. 8, 2009

Media Inquires: Rita Chappelle, (o)301-796-4672; (c) 240-753-8603, Rita.Chappelle@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquires: 1-888-INFO-FDA
FDA Launches New Pet Health and Safety Widget

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today launched its pet health and safety widget for consumers as part of an ongoing effort to provide timely, user-friendly, public health information.

“Our new pet health and safety widget provides users with information to help them in managing their pet’s health,” said Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., FDA’s principal deputy commissioner.

The widget, a portable application embedded in a Web page that can be copied onto any other Web site or blog, will include topics such as how to report a problem with your pet food, purchasing pet drugs online, and caring for your pet in a disaster. The widget allows users to access content on the FDA’s Web site without having to leave another site or Web page.

“The pet health and safety widget allows users to add a new dimension to their Web site by providing consumers with the latest news and information from the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine,” said Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

The widget has two tabs, one titled “tips” and, the other, “updates. The Tips tab highlights pet health and safety articles. The Updates tab will provide up-to-the-minute recall notices and veterinary drug news for consumers.

The pet health and safety widget is available at www.fda.gov/PetHealthWidget requires no technical maintenance on the part of the user. The FDA will provide updates to content displayed on the widget.



FDA's MedWatch Safety Alerts_November 2009
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm192103.htm#UnapprovedDrugs:RockHardWeekendandStiffNights
* Early Communication: Safety of Meridia
* Recall: Pai You Guo, Marketed as a Dietary Supplement
* Recall: Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray
* Unapproved Drugs: RockHard Weekend and Stiff Nights
* Recall: Dietary Supplements sold by IDS Sports and Bodybuilding.com
* Early Communication: Safety of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems
* Potential Failure of Powerheart and CardioVive Automated External Defibrillators
* Plavix and Prilosec Drug Interaction

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a product and it is on the market, FDA continues to monitor unexpected and undesirable side effects (adverse events) of that product.

Health care professionals and consumers may report side effects, product quality problems, product use errors, or therapeutic failure with the use of medical products to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, by fax, or by phone.

* Online
* Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed FDA form 3500
* Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
* Phone: 1-800-332-1088

MedWatch reports can signal a safety problem and lead to an FDA action to protect the public from harm, serious illness, or even death.

Here are a few of the most recent safety alerts prompted by reports received by FDA from health care professionals and their patients.


Early Communication: Safety of Meridia

FDA is reviewing preliminary data from a recent study suggesting that people using the prescription drug Meridia (sibutramine) have a higher number of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or death) than those using a placebo (sugar pill).

FDA approved Meridia in 1997 for use, together with a reduced calorie diet, for the management of obesity. Meridia is only recommended for obese people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, or BMI of 27 or greater with other risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or controlled high blood pressure. (To determine your BMI, see the BMI calculator.)

This information is part of FDA's effort to communicate early with the public when the agency is still evaluating data and has not reached a conclusion. FDA will release its findings on Meridia as soon as it completes its review.

The risk: The preliminary data in a study of about 10,000 people show that cardiovascular events were reported in 11.4 percent of those using Meridia compared to 10 percent of those using a placebo. This difference is higher than expected, suggesting that sibutramine is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk in the people in the study.

Recommendation: Talk to your health care professional about whether Meridia is right for you.


Recall: Pai You Guo, Marketed as a Dietary Supplement

Pai You Guo, a weight-loss dietary supplement, has been recalled because FDA
lab analyses found the product contains two undeclared drug ingredients:

* sibutramine, an FDA-approved drug used as an appetite suppressant for weight loss
* phenolphthalein, a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer-causing agent that is not approved for marketing in the United States

FDA has not approved the Pai You Guo product as a drug; therefore, its safety and effectiveness are unknown. The product is sold in either a box of 30 capsules or a 10-gram (g) bag of powder. The affected products were sold and distributed nationwide via the Internet.

The risk: Sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure or pulse rate in some people, and may present a significant risk for individuals with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. Phenolphthalein is a suspected cancer-causing agent.

Recommendation: Destroy the products or return them to GMP Herbal Products Inc. (See How to Dispose of Unused Medicines.) For more information, call GMP Tuesday through Saturday at 866-995-8585.


Recall: Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray

One lot of over-the-counter Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray in the United States has been recalled, along with two other lots in Germany and the United Kingdom.

The recalled U.S. product is Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-Hour Decongestant Ultra Fine Mist, 15 ml, Nasal Spray, lot number 9239028831.

The risk: The bacteria B. cepacia was found in a small amount of the drug made at the manufacturer’s German plant. There have been no reports of illness; however, the bacteria could cause serious infections for people who have a compromised immune system or those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.

Recommendations:

* Check to see if you have the U.S. recalled product. The lot number is listed on both the outer carton and the bottle.
* If you have the recalled product, throw it away. (See How to Dispose of Unused Medicines.)
* You may call the manufacturer, Procter & Gamble Company, for a replacement coupon or refund at 877-876-7881.


Unapproved Drugs: RockHard Weekend and Stiff Nights

Two products sold as dietary supplements contain sulfoaildenafil, a form of an FDA-approved drug used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. The affected products are

* RockHard Weekend, sold nationwide in single blister packs, and in 3-count and 8-count bottles. This product has been recalled.
* Stiff Nights, distributed on Internet sites and at retail stores by Impulsaria LLC of Grand Rapids, Mich. The product is sold in bottles containing 6, 12, or 30 red capsules or in blister packs containing one or two capsules.

The risk: The presence of sulfoaildenafil makes RockHard Weekend and Stiff Nights unapproved drugs. The undeclared drug ingredient, sulfoaildenafil, may interact with prescription drugs known as nitrates, including nitroglycerin, and cause dangerously low blood pressure. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.

Recommendations:

* If you have unexpected side effects from sexual enhancement products, contact your health care professional.
* You may return any unused RockHard Weekend for a full refund to RockHard Laboratories; call 800-562-0543 for instructions.

For more information, see Hidden Risks of Erectile Dysfunction "Treatments" Sold Online.


Recall: Dietary Supplements sold by IDS Sports and Bodybuilding.com

Dietary supplements sold by two companies have been recalled because the products contain undeclared substances that FDA considers to be steroids.

IDS Sports’ recalled products are

* Bromodrol
* Dual Action Grow Tabs
* Grow Tabs
* Mass Tabs
* Ripped Tabs TR

The recalled products were distributed in either black boxes containing blister packs of 60 capsules or white bottles with black labels containing 30 or 60 capsules.

Bodybuilding.com’s recalled products include all lots and expiration dates of 65 dietary supplements listed in the company’s press release.

The risk: Severe liver injury is known to be a possible harmful effect of using products that contain steroids. Steroids may cause other serious long-term adverse health consequences in men, women, and children, such as

* shrinkage of the testes and male infertility
* development of male sexual characteristics in women
* breast enlargement in males
* less than normal height in children
* a higher predisposition to misuse other drugs and alcohol
* harmful effects on blood fat (lipid) levels
* increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death

Recommendations:

* Stop using the recalled products immediately.
* Call your health care professional if you have had any problems that may be related to using these products.
* Return any unused products from Bodybuilding.com to the company. Call 866-236-8417 or e-mail service@bodybuilding.com for instructions.

For more information, see the video and consumer update, Warning on Body Building Products Marketed As Containing Steroids or Steroid-Like Substances.


Early Communication: Safety of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems

FDA has received reports of six deaths and 77 injuries associated with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) systems over the past two years.

NPWT systems help to heal open wounds by applying negative pressure (a vacuum) to the wound in order to remove fluids and infectious materials and to draw wound edges together.

Recommendations:

If your doctor has determined that you are a good candidate for using NPWT at home, you or your caregiver should

* Receive adequate training from your doctor, nurse, or home health care provider so that you understand how to use your NPWT device. Demonstrate to your trainer how to use the device to make sure you are using it properly.
* Understand the possible complications that may be associated with using your NPWT device. Watch especially for bleeding, which can be life-threatening. If you see signs of bleeding, get medical help right away.
* Get NPWT patient instructions (labeling) from your doctor, home health care provider, NPWT distributor, or the manufacturer’s Web site. Keep these instructions where you can easily find them.
* Talk to your health care professional if you do not feel capable of managing the NPWT device at home.

For a full consumer update, see Negative Pressure Wound Devices Draw FDA Notice, Advice.


Potential Failure of Powerheart and CardioVive Automated External Defibrillators

Cardiac Science Corp. has received multiple complaints related to defective components in some of its automated external defibrillators (AEDs). These devices may not deliver electric shocks, and the devices’ self-test may not detect the defect in advance of their use.

The affected devices are the following models of the G3 series, which were manufactured between August 2003 and August 2009:

* Powerheart models 9300A, 9300C, 9300D, 9300E, 9300P, 9390A, 9390E
* CardioVive 92531, 92532 , and 9253

These devices are used for emergency treatment of victims with symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest who are unresponsive and not breathing. The devices may be found in public buildings, airports, and other facilities, and are also used by emergency response personnel in hospitals and ambulances.

Recommendations:

* If alternate AEDs are available, use those AEDs until the Cardiac Science Corp.’s AEDs have been repaired or replaced, or consider obtaining another AED.
* Contact the company immediately to arrange for repairs or replacements. In the U.S., call 425-402-2000 (press option 1); outside the U.S., call +44-161-926-0011; or e-mail AED175@cardiacscience.com.
* If an alternate AED is not available, use the Powerheart and CardioVive AEDs if needed, as the units may still be able to deliver the necessary treatment. The consequences of not attempting to defibrillate a patient outweigh the risk that these devices may fail.

FDA continues to investigate this problem and will make available any new information that might affect the use of these AED devices.


Plavix and Prilosec Drug Interaction

FDA has new data showing that when Prilosec (omeprazole) and Plavix (clopidogrel) are taken together, the effectiveness of Plavix is reduced by almost half. Taking the two medications at different times will not reduce this drug interaction.

Plavix is used to prevent blood clots in people at risk for heart attacks or strokes. Prilosec is available by prescription and as an over-the-counter medication to treat frequent heartburn.

Other drugs that may also reduce the effectiveness of Plavix and should be avoided when taking Plavix include both prescription and non-prescription (over-the-counter) products:

* cimetidine (such as Tagamet)
* fluconazole (such as Diflucan)
* ketoconazole (such as Ketozole, Nizoral, Extina, Xolegel)
* voriconazole (such as Vfend)
* etravirine (such as Intelence)
* felbamate (such as Felbatol)
* fluoxetine (such as Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax)
* fluvoxamine (such as Luvox)
* ticlopidine (such as Ticlid)

Recommendations:

* Talk to your health care professional if you use Plavix and are currently taking or considering taking Prilosec. He or she may suggest other available medications to reduce stomach acid.
* Talk to your health care professional about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting or while using Plavix.

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Date Posted: December 1, 2009


FOTOPEDIA (www.fotopedia.com)

www.fotopedia.com


Google Health
http://www.google.com/intl/en-US/health/


Negative Pressure Wound Devices Draw FDA Notice, Advice
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm193277.htm


PANGLOSS (www.pangloss.com)

www.pangloss.com


visualgeography web site
http://www.visualgeography.com/


Children's Plush Books Recalled by Simon & Schuster Due to Choking Hazard
http://us.mc1113.mail.yahoo.com/mc/welcome?.gx=1&.tm=1260419000&.rand=drsib288q92rj#_pg=showMessage;_ylc=X3oDMTBucmhobGR0BF9TAzM5ODMwMTAyNwRhYwNkZWxNc2dz&mid=1_47484248_AKEPw0MAAV%2F5SyBWlQLCOBvs0RE&fid=Inbox&sort=date&order=down&startMid=0&filterBy=&.rand=1039912846&hash=4fb266366088a2dcedb7c04050509691&.jsrand=6816455
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2009
Release # 10-059

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 732-9531
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children's Plush Books Recalled by Simon & Schuster Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Monday the Bullfrog Plush Books

Units: About 142,000

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Inc., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The plastic eye on the frog can detach, which may pose a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Simon & Schuster has received reports of three plastic eyes that detached after use and one unit that was packaged with a detached eye. No injuries have been reported.

Description: Monday the Bullfrog is a plush puppet bullfrog with a board book attached to the frog's mouth. It was sold in clear plastic packaging, and the book is marked with ISBN numbers 10: 1416912312 and 13: 9781416912316 printed inside the mouth of the bullfrog.

Sold at: Bookstores and retailers nationwide and online from January 2006 through November 2009 for about $18.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately place the product out of a child's reach and contact Simon & Schuster for a free replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Simon & Schuster at (800) 732-9531 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company's Web site at http://kids.simonandschuster.com



congress web site
http://www.congress.gov.ph/


humanrights philippines
http://www.humanrights.gov.ph/?hr=1&hmr=3&article=0



Philippine Information Agency web site
http://www.pia.gov.ph/


Supreme Court of the Philippines web site
http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/

Google News Philippines
http://news.google.com/news

Friday, December 4, 2009

Recently, I rode in a taxi. When I asked the driver of said taxi for a receipt for the money I was about to give as payment for the taxi fare. He said "wala pa". So I told him to use a plain piece of paper. When I persisted, he produced the required receipt. Then he said he had no ballpen. When I persisted he produced a ballpen and then gave me the required receipt.
_____________________________________________________________________________________





SECTION 15, RULE V OF THE rules and regulations implementing Republic Act No. 9257 (Expanded Senior Citizens Act) specifically provides for an
"Express Lane" for senior citizens. "Express Lanes for senior citizens shall be provided in all private, commercial and government establishments; in the absence therof, priority shall be given to them."

Recently, a senior citizen went to a store with the sign "7-11" at UN Avenue cor Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila. Said store didn't have a visible express lane
for senior citizens.And priority was not given to said senior citizen. An official receipt bearing the name: "8197 Convenience corporation" and numbered 0589 was issued to said senior citizen.

Recently, said senior citizen went to Ayala Center, Makati. He was not subjected to security inspection at the entrance to Rustan supermarket. Donnie Tantoco was identified as the head of all Rustans supermarkets in
the Philippines. His locked luggage was allowed to be deposited at the package counter of said grocery without being opened or subjected to scanning by a metal detector.
Said luggage was large enough to contain grenades, firearms, etc. He made a purchase inside said grocery and was issued with a proof of purchase. There was no visible sign of an express lane for senior citizens
within the customer area of said store. From said supermarket, said senior citizen was able to proceed to the Rustans department store without his luggage being subjected to security inspection/scanning.
Said citizen asked an employee of said store to show him where the sign: "Express lane for senior citizens" was. Said employee didn't show him said sign.

When said senior citizen went to the Greenbelt 5 building at Ayala Center, Makati, he asked the guard to show him location of the access ramp for persons using wheelchairs. Said guard said there was no access ramp for persons on wheel chairs.
I believe the provision of access ramp for persons on wheelchairs is required by law for all buildings. Also, said guard didn't subject said person's body and luggage to security inspection. Said luggage was large enough to contain grenades and firearms.


Each of the following stores within said Greenbelt 5 building didn't have visible "senior citizen lane" sign within the customer areas of said stores: Abenson, National Book Store.

Recently, said senior citizen went to the Harrison Plaza building in Malate, Manila. He was not subjected to security inspection at an entrance to said building. After he entered said building he was not subjected to security inspection when he entered the following entities within said building: Bank of PI, National book store (whose head was identified as Soccoro Ramos), ShopWise (whose head was identified as Donnie Tantoco), At Shopwise store, said senior citizen was previously shortchanged, He sent a complaint, via said store, addressed to said Tantoco. Months have passed but said Tantoco has not provided said senior citizen with a reply. At the entrance to SM Department store, the security inspection he was subjected to was lax.
__________________________________________________________________________
Blenders Recalled by Haier America Due to Laceration Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10052.html

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2009
Release # 10-052 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 327-6147
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Blenders Recalled by Haier America Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Blenders

Units: About 53,800

Importer: Haier America Trading, L.L.C., of New York, N.Y.

Manufacturer: Ka Po International Industrial Co., of Hong Kong

Hazard: The blade assemblies of the blenders may come apart or break, posing a laceration risk.

Incidents/Injuries: Haier America has received approximately 60 reports of blade assemblies coming apart or breaking. One consumer reported receiving a minor cut to his hand.

Description: This recall involves commercial-style 500-watt blenders with model number HB500BSS. The units are stainless steel and black plastic. “Haier” is printed on the front below the power switch, and the model number is printed on a label on the bottom of the blenders.

Sold at: Mass merchandisers and specialty retailers nationwide from November 2006 through October 2009 for between $26 and $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled blenders and contact Haier America to receive a free replacement blade assembly.

__________________________________________________________________________
Electrolux ICON and Kenmore PRO Gas Ranges Recalled Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard (Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:00:00 GMT)

http://www.recalls.gov/recent.htmlAn incorrect part allows more
fuel to pass to the range's oven than can be burned efficiently, causing incomplete combustion and the release of carbon monoxide. This poses a risk of
carbon monoxide poisoning to consumers.


___________________________________________________________________________
monkeysee web site
http://www.monkeysee.com/

Friday, November 27, 2009

warning vs. City Chix Inc. KFC Robinsons Ermita

Advisory vs. City Chix Inc. Robinsons Ermita
When I was at said restaurant, there was no visible indication, in the dining area of said restaurant of a senior citizen lane. The presence of such a sign in said
restaurant is required by law. When I asserted my right as a senior citizen
and entered a line of people, an employee at said restaurant, identified as
Abby, asked the person lined up after me, if she had objections. Said Abby didn't attend to me right away. After said Abby received my payment for the food,
she touched the containers for said food with her bare hands. So the germs from
the money she received could contaminate the food containers. Up to the time I left said restaurant, said Abby didn't give me the food I paid for.The manager for said
restaurant was identified as Jovelin E. Comaykin


----------------------- Page 1-----------------------

CHECK FOR SAFETY



A Home Fall Prevention


Checklist for Older Adults




DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


----------------------- Page 2-----------------------

This checklist is a publication of the National Center

for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention.



Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Julie L. Gerberding, MD, MPH, Director



National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Sue Binder, MD, Director



Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention

Christine M. Branche, PhD, Director



Authors

Judy A. Stevens, PhD

Sarah J. Olson, MS, CHES



2004



----------------------- Page 3-----------------------

Falls at Home




Each year, thousands of older

Americans fall at home. Many of

them are seriously injured, and

some are disabled. In 2001, more

than 11,500 people over age 65

died because of falls.



Falls are often due to hazards

that are easy to overlook but easy

to fix. This checklist will help you

find and fix those hazards in your

home.



The checklist asks about hazards

found in each room of your home.

For each hazard, the checklist tells

you how to fix the problem. At the

end of the checklist, you will find

other tips for preventing falls.


----------------------- Page 4-----------------------

Floors




Look at the floor in each room.



Q. When you walk through a room,

do you have to walk around

furniture?



? Ask someone to move the furniture

so your path is clear.



Q. Do you have throw rugs on the

floor?



? Remove the rugs or use double-sided

tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs

won’t slip.



Q. Are papers, magazines, books,

shoes, boxes, blankets, towels,

or other objects on the floor?



? Pick up things that are on the floor.

Always keep objects off the floor.





HECK FOR SAFETY

-2- C


----------------------- Page 5-----------------------

Q. Do you have to walk over or

around cords or wires (like cords

from lamps, extension cords, or

telephone cords)?



Coil or tape cords and wires next to

the wall so you can’t trip over them.

Have an electrician put in another

outlet.





CHECK FOR SAFETY -3­


----------------------- Page 6-----------------------

Stairs and Steps




Look at the stairs you use both inside

and outside your home.



Q. Are papers, shoes, books, or other

objects on the stairs?



Pick up things on the stairs. Always

keep objects off the stairs.



Q. Are some steps broken or uneven?



Fix loose or uneven steps.



Q. Are you missing a light over


the stairway?




Have a handyman or an electrician

put in an overhead light at the top

and bottom of the stairs.



-4- ?

CHECK FOR SAFETY


----------------------- Page 7-----------------------

Q. Has the stairway light bulb

burned out?



? Have a friend or family member

change the light bulb.



Q. Do you have only one light switch

for your stairs (only at the top or

at the bottom of the stairs)?



? Have a handyman or an electrician

put in a light switch at the top and

bottom of the stairs. You can get light

switches that glow.



?

CHECK FOR SAFETY -5­


----------------------- Page 8-----------------------

Q. Are the handrails loose or broken?


Is there a handrail on only one

side of the stairs?



? Fix loose handrails or put in new

ones. Make sure handrails are on both

sides of the stairs and are as long as

the stairs.



Q. Is the carpet on the steps loose

or torn?



? Make sure the carpet is firmly

attached to every step or remove the

carpet and attach non-slip rubber

treads on the stairs.



?

-6­ CHECK FOR SAFETY


----------------------- Page 9-----------------------

Kitchen




Look at your kitchen and eating

area.



Q. Are the things you use often on

high shelves?



? Move items in your cabinets. Keep

things you use often on the lower

shelves (about waist high).



Q. Is your step stool unsteady?



? Get a new, steady step stool with

a bar to hold on to. Never use a

chair as a step stool.



?

CHECK FOR SAFETY -7­


----------------------- Page 10-----------------------

Bedrooms




Look at all your bedrooms.



Q. Is the light near the bed hard to

reach?



? Place a lamp close to the bed where

it is easy to reach.



Q. Is the path from your bed to the

bathroom dark?



? Put in a night-light so you can see

where you’re walking. Some night-

lights go on by themselves after dark.



?

-8- CHECK FOR SAFETY


----------------------- Page 11-----------------------

Bathrooms




Look at all your bathrooms.



Q. Is the tub or shower floor slippery?



? Put a non-slip rubber mat or self-

stick strips on the floor of the tub

or shower.



Q. Do you have some support when

you get in and out of the tub or

up from the toilet?



? Have a handyman or a carpenter

put in grab bars next to and inside

the tub and next to the toilet.



?

CHECK FOR SAFETY -9­


----------------------- Page 12-----------------------

Other Things


You Can Do to


Prevent Falls




? Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you

stronger and improves your balance

and coordination.



? Have your doctor or pharmacist look

at all the medicines you take, even

over-the-counter medicines. Some

medicines can make you sleepy or

dizzy.



? Have your vision checked at least

once a year by an eye doctor. Poor

vision can increase your risk of

falling.



? Get up slowly after you sit or lie

down.



?

-10- CHECK FOR SAFETY


----------------------- Page 13-----------------------

? Wear sturdy shoes with thin, non-slip

soles. (Avoid slippers and athletic or

jogging shoes with thick soles.)



? Improve the lighting in your home.

Put in brighter bulbs. You may want

to buy compact fluorescent light

bulbs that cost less to use. Use lamp

shades to reduce glare.



? It is safest to have uniform lighting

throughout a room. Add lighting to

dark areas. Hang light weight

curtains or window shades to reduce

glare from bright windows and doors.



? Paint a contrasting color on the top

front edge of all steps so you can see

the stairs better. For example, if you

have dark wood use a light color

paint.



?

CHECK FOR SAFETY -11­


----------------------- Page 14-----------------------

Other Safety Tips




? Keep emergency numbers in large

print near each phone.



? Put a phone near the floor in case you

fall and can’t get up.



? Think about wearing an alarm device

that will bring help in case you fall

and can’t get up.



?

-12- CHECK FOR SAFETY


----------------------- Page 15-----------------------

For more information contact:



The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control


Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention


4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop K-63

Atlanta, GA 30341




www.cdc.gov/injury



Falls
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/falls.html

image of registry return receipt of letter addressed to Makati councilor J. J. Binay

image of registry return receipt of letter addressed to Makati councilor J. J. Binay