Security lapse on April 30, 2009 at entrance to Robinsons Place Ermita. Because of said lapse, I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into
said mall. After entering said mall, I entered Robinsons supermarket and National Book store without being inspected. I have receipts issued on said date by said stores.
Customer advisory re Globe Telecom Inc. On or about April 7, 2009, I sent a registered letter of inquiry to said corporation's business center at Robinsons
Place Ermita. Said letter was designated as registered letter No.0652 and contained a request for information regarding the Globe Visibility modem. On April
24, 2009, I received back said letter with the following written on the envelope of said letter: refused to receive".
web sites with useful, free information:
delish com
http://www.delish.com/
gogreentravelgreen com
http://gogreentravelgreen.com/
U.S. National Safety Council
http://www2.nsc.org/library/facts.htm
businessinsider com
http://www.businessinsider.com/alleyinsider
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
security lapses at Ayala Center Makati and SM City Manila
Security lapses on April 27, 2009, at entrances to the following shopping areas at Ayala Center, Makati: Park
Square 1, SM Makati.
Security lapses on April 28, 2009, at entrance to SM City Manila.
Advisory re Max's restaurant at SM City Manila on April 28, 2009. Eating utensils were out in the open where germs and insects could contaminate them. Said restaurant was identified as operated by Max's SM Sta. Mesa, whose president was identified as
Fuentebella. I have receipt issued by employee at said restaurant.
FDA Okays TNF-Alpha Blocker for Three Indications
http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/Prescriptions/13896
FDA Okays TNF-Alpha Blocker for Three Indications
By Kristina Fiore, Staff Writer, MedPage Today
Published: April 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- The FDA has approved the monoclonal antibody golimumab (Simponi) as a once a month treatment for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, and active ankylosing spondylitis.
The agency said the drug is intended for use in combination with methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
It can be used with or without methotrexate in psoriatic arthritis patients, and as monotherapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
"Today's approval provides another treatment option for patients with these three debilitating disorders," said Bob Rappaport, M.D., director of the Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Rheumatology Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Noting that there have been some concerns about safety with this class of drugs, Dr. Rappaport said the FDA was taking steps to "minimize the risks so patients will have the same level of safety protection required for other drugs in its class."
The monthly subcutaneous injection will include a boxed warning typical of all tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers about an associated risk of tuberculosis and invasive fungal infection.
The FDA also required a risk evaluation mitigation strategy (REMS) for golimumab, as it required for other TNF-a blockers. The REMS for Simponi includes a medication guide for patients and a communication plan to help physicians understand the drug's risks.
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions to golimumab included upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat and nasal congestion.
Golimumab is marketed by Centocor Ortho Biotech., Malvern, Pa.
The following is for kids:
http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/questions.htm
Learn about Chemicals Around Your House
10+ Questions About Household Products
1. Are all pesticides dangerous?
2. What should I do if I have an accident or I am exposed to pesticides or some household product?
3. What is exposure?
4. I used a product with all kinds of health warnings on it, but I didn't get sick. Why?
5. My brother breaks out in a rash when he uses furniture polish. I say he is just making it up so he doesn't have to polish the furniture on Saturdays because I've never had any problem. What do you think?
6. Some of the kids in my class says that "huffing" certain products like spray paint or airplane glue will get you high. Are they right?
7. How should household products be stored?
8. Can empty household containers be recycled?
9. What should you do with leftover pesticides and other household products?
10. I've seen a lot of weeds and insects in our garden. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of them?
11. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of ants and roaches in my house?
12. Is there a booklet or something about pesticides that I can give my parents to use around the house?
13. If I have a question about pesticides, who can I ask?
1. Are all pesticides dangerous?
No, not all pesticides are dangerous or hazardous to humans. For example, a pesticide known as "milky spore", which is actually a bacterium, is not dangerous to humans, animals or beneficial insects. It is a selective insecticide. Selective because it kills only certain types of beetles. These are Japanese beetles, Oriental beetles, Rose chafers and certain May and June beetles.
In general though, because pesticides are suppose to prevent, destroy, or repel pests they can also be dangerous or hazardous to humans, animals or the environment. The signal word on the label(s) will tell you how dangerous a pesticide is to humans. In addition to signal words, how dangerous or hazardous a pesticide can be depends on your exposure to the pesticide. And, it also depends on how the pesticide is used. It is important to use pesticides properly, which means according to the directions on the label. Doing so reduces the chances of causing health problems for you and damage to the environment. Misusing a pesticide can cause problems. Pesticides are misused when you do not follow the label instructions. Some examples of misuse are:
1. using a pesticide for pests not on the label.
2. using more of pesticide or making it stronger than it says on the label.
3. using a pesticide in a location that is not on the label. If the label says "Outdoor use only," do not use it indoors.
2. What should I do if I have an accident or am exposed to pesticides or some household product?
If you, or someone you are with, have an accident or are exposed to a pesticide or household product you should tell your parents or other adult in your home immediately. Tell them what happened. Tell them what pesticide or household product it was. If possible, have the container and label with you. Tell them how much you came in contact with and what part of your body came in contact with it (Was it your eyes or skin or did you swallow some?) If an adult is not close by and you are hurt or starting to feel sick, then do the following:
1. If someone splashes a household chemical in the eyes, rinse out the eyes for 15-20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet. Then call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
2. If someone splashes a household chemical on the skin, take off the wet clothing and rinse the skin for 15-20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet. Then call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
3. If someone drinks a household chemical, give them half a glass of water to drink. Then call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
4. If someone inhaled a poisonous gas, quickly get the person to fresh air. Do not breath the fumes yourself. Open all the doors and windows wide. Call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
5. If someone is not breathing or won't wake up, call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
Be prepared for any emergency in your home. Keep your local emergency number, local ambulance number and the local poison control center telephone numbers on or next to your phone. All poison control centers now have the same telephone number. It is 1-800-222-1222.
If you would like more information on poison prevention or want to know about your local poison control center, you can look them up at the State and Regional Poison Control Centers Website. Exit EPA disclaimer They may also be listed on the inside cover or first few pages of your telephone book.
3. What is exposure?
How harmful a chemical is to you depends on your exposure to it. A simple way to think about exposure is, "how strong" and "how long" did you come in contact with a chemical.
Knowing your exposure is important in trying to find out if a chemical is causing health problems. Figuring out what your exposure was to a chemical can be tricky because sometimes it may be a long time after you come in contact with a chemical before you get sick. Or it can take repeated contact with a chemical before you get sick or have a reaction, like vomitting or developing a rash.
If you have a reaction to any household products that have been used around your home, you will need to know what to tell your parents about your "exposure" to the product. The four (4) descriptions and example questions below will help you to understand exposure.
1. Your exposure is based on how you came in contact with the chemical.
Did some spray from a glass cleaner get on your skin while cleaning the bathroom mirror? Did you accidentally walk into the room where a fogger or insect bomb had just been set off and breathe the fumes? Did you play on the grass after a weed killer was put on your lawn? Were you washing your dog with a flea and tick shampoo?
2. Your exposure is based on how long were you in contact with the chemical.
Were you playing all day on the lawn after a weed killer was used? Did you spend a half hour picking tomatoes after an insect killer was sprayed in your garden? Did you sleep all night in a room that had just been painted?
3. Your exposure is based on how much of the chemical you come in contact with.
How much insect spray got on your arm; a few drops or enough to make a large wet spot? How much of insect powder to kill ants got on your hands; a little on your fingers or was it all over your hands? How much of the container of liquid cleaner spilled on your clothes; a little splash or half the bottle?
4. Your exposure is based on how strong or toxic the chemical is.
Did the spray from a pesticide container brought from the store get on you? Did the liquid from a container of weed killer and water that your Dad mixed together spill on you? What is the signal word on the label of the container - Caution, Warning or Danger?
4. I used a product with all kinds of health warnings on it but I didn't get sick. Why?
Whether you get sick (have a toxic effect) from any chemical substance is dependent on the amount of chemical you are exposed to or more accurately, the dose. Dose is the amount of a chemical that your body absorbs and processes. The effect can vary depending on the age, weight, and overall health of the person. For example, children are often more easily affected by chemicals than adults because they are younger and they usually weigh less than adults.
To get a better understanding of what dose means, think about when you have a bad headache. The label on a children's pain relief medicine may say: "4 tablets for children weighing 60-80 pounds." If your mom only gave you two tablets and you weigh 65 pounds, your headache may not go away. If you were to take 10 tablets, you could get very sick, maybe even die. This is called overdosing, meaning a person took more medicine than it said on the label. More is not better.
5. My brother breaks out in a rash when he uses furniture polish. I say he is just making it up so he doesn't have to polish the furniture on Saturdays because I've never had any problem. What do you think?
Some people may be sensitive (require a lower amount of a substance to cause an effect) to certain chemicals and should avoid any exposure to those substances. You could switch brands of furniture polish to try to find one that doesn't cause a rash or he could always use a pair of rubber gloves while polishing the furniture.
6. Some of the kids in my class says that "huffing" certain products like spray paint or airplane glue will get you high. Are they right?
It is very, very important never to use common products to try to get "high" from them. The "high" feeling that kids may get is actually a toxic effect and an overdosage can be likely and dangerous. Some toxic effects will go away such as a slight headache, dizziness, or nausea, but other effects can be permanent, like brain damage. There have been numerous cases of brain damage in kids who "huff" chemical products. Don't believe the kids that you tell you it is fun and harmless, it is neither. Don't poison your personal environment!
7. How should household products be stored?
Here are several "rules" to follow:
1. Follow the storage instructions on the product label.
2. Store products out of reach of children and pets. Keep all pesticides and harmful household products locked in a cabinet, a utility area with lots of ventilation or air flow or in a garden shed.
3. Store flammable products outside your living area and far away from places where they could catch fire. Keep flammable products away from portable heaters, electric baseboard heaters, around furnaces and outdoor grills.
4. Never store pesticides or other household products in cabinets where food is stored, or near food intended for people or animals. Never store pesticides where you keep medicines.
5. Always store household products in their original containers so that you can read the label for directions.
Remind your parents to never transfer pesticides or other household products to soft drink bottles, milk jugs or other food containers. Children, or even adults, may mistake them for something to eat or drink.
If you see household products in your home not being stored according to the these rules, don't be afraid to let your parents know! Storing chemicals safely is for everyone's protection.
8. Can empty household containers be recycled?
Many household products sold in plastic or glass containers are recyclable. To find out if you can recycle a household product's container read the section on storage and disposal on the label of the container. It will tell you if the container can be recycled. It will also tell you how to make the container ready for recycling. Of course, you must have a recycling program in your town or county. You or your parents can check with the organization responsible for the recycling program in your area. They can provide you with information on the types of household product containers that they will accept for recycling.
Check out how to find your State Contact Information on Household and Other Waste Disposal
9. What should you do with leftover pesticides and other household products?
You can safely store unused pesticides or other household products until you need them again. If you don't want to keep them, however, you need to get rid of or dispose of them properly. Do not pour leftover pesticides or other household products on the ground or in a stream in your backyard or anywhere else. Do not bury them anywhere or burn household product containers. Do not pour leftover pesticides or other household products down the sink, into the toilet or down a sewer or street drain. Many wastewater treatment systems cannot handle that type of pollution. You would be polluting the environment if you dispose of leftover household products in any of those ways. So what do you do?
Many communities have waste collection programs for unwanted household chemicals. Maybe you have seen flyers or adds for a "Hazardous Waste Collection Day" in your community. If you have household products for disposal, make sure your parents read the section on storage and disposal on the label of the container. They will need to follow these directions unless there are state and local laws that are different. Have your parents call your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency or health department to find out how to properly dispose of leftover chemicals. Find out when a "Hazardous Waste Collection Day" is scheduled for your community.
Visit the State Contact Information on Household and Other Waste Disposal Website for additional information.
10. I've seen a lot of weeds and insects in our garden. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of them?
There are other things you can do to take care of weeds or insects in your garden besides just using a pesticide.
For weeds: Pulling out weeds by hand, making sure you get the roots, too, is a good way to get rid of garden weeds. Some gardeners also use physical barriers to control weeds in their garden. For example, between their rows of seeds they will put a layer of mulch or a tightly woven mesh material. Water can seep into the soil underneath these barriers but the sun can't get through, so the weeds don't grow.
For insects: Did you know that not all insects in your garden are harmful to the plants? There are some insects that gardeners want in their garden. These are called "beneficial insects". Ladybugs are "beneficial insects." They eat other insects that destroy plants like aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies and mites. Other "beneficial insects" include spiders, centipedes, dragon flies and ground beetles. You can even buy these insects through some gardening catalogs. Along with having "beneficial insects" in your garden other ways to control insect pests are:
1. making sure debris where insects may hide or breed is removed;
2. alternating rows of different kinds of plants. Insects that like carrots, for example, may not spread to all your carrot plants of a row if peas are between them;
3. using plants that repel insects around your garden. For example planting garlic among vegetables helps keep away Japanese beetles, aphids, the vegetable weevil and spider mites. Planting basil near tomatoes repels tomato hornworms;
4. and, hand-picking the bugs off. (Yukky sounding I know.)
Many gardening books, or the pest specialists at your County Cooperative Extension Service or local plant nurseries can give you more information on ways to control weeds and insects in your garden.
11. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of ants and roaches in my house?
Like in your garden, there are things you can do besides just using a pesticide to control or get rid of ants or roaches in your house. The main thing is to get rid of their food sources and breeding places or areas where they hide. Keeping your house clean is important in preventing and controlling pests. Many of these tips apply to other insect or rodent pests as well.
Remove water. Have your parents fix leaky plumbing. Don't leave any water in trays under your houseplants, under your refrigerator or in buckets overnight. Standing water, damp areas or water-damaged material will attract insects.
Remove food. Areas where food is stored, prepared or eaten need to be kept clean. Don't leave dirty dishes unwashed. Don't leave food in pet bowls on the counter or floor for long periods to time. Store opened food items in tightly closed plastic or glass containers. That will prevent insects from chewing through boxes or bags to get to the food. Put food scraps, food wrappers and other refuse in tightly covered garbage cans. Empty your garbage frequently.
Remove or block off indoor pest hiding places. Have your parents caulk cracks and crevices to control pest access to your home. Avoid storing newspapers, paper bags, and boxes for long periods of time. Also check for insects in packages or boxes before bringing them into your home. Vacuum regularly, especially under your appliances, so that dust balls don't develop and provide hiding places.
Block pest entryways. Have your parents make sure any passageways through the floor are blocked. Caulk and seal openings in walls. Place weatherstripping on doors and windows. Put screens on all floor drains, windows and doors.
Some other suggestions to control common household pests are:
For flies: Clean up pet droppings from your yard. Make sure all garbage is in tightly closed garbage cans. Fix or replace screens in doors and windows. If you don't have screens in your doors or windows, keep them closed. Use a flyswatter.
For fleas: Bathe your pets regularly. Wash any mats, beds or surfaces that they lay on. Vacuum your house at least weekly.
For mice and rodents: Follow the tips above about removing food and water, blocking off entryways and removing hiding places. Have your parents use mouse or rat traps. Remind them to put the traps in places where the rodents will find them, but away from kids and pets.
12. Is there a booklet or something about pesticides that I can give my parents to use around the house?
Yes there is. The booklet Citizens' Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety (2.5 MB, PDF format) contains lots of information. This booklet explains how to control pests in and around the home, alternatives to chemical pesticides, how to choose pesticides, and how to use, store, and dispose of them safely. It also discusses how to reduce exposure when others use pesticides, how to prevent pesticide poisoning and how to handle an emergency, how to choose a pest control company, and what to do if someone is poisoned by a pesticide. It even has a section that helps you calculate how much pesticide you should use or mix to treat different areas.
Note: The "Citizen's Guide" is a 2.5 MB PDF file. You will need PDF Reader Software to read it. (The reader is free.) You can also get a copy of the "Citizen's Guide" from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications. Call 1-800-490-9198 and ask for the "Citizens' Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety", EPA publication number EPA 730-K-95-001.
Last updated on Wednesday, October 10th, 2007.
My Family Health Portrait
https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action
An online tool from the Surgeon General
Using My Family Health Portrait you can:
* Enter your family health history.
* Create drawings of your family health history to share with family or health care worker.
* Use the health history of your family to create your own.
Talking with your health care worker about your family health history can help you stay healthy!
Learn more about My Family Health Portrait
About My Family Health Portrait
My Family Health Portrait was originally developed in collaboration between the Office of the Surgeon General and the National Human Genome Research Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. The first version of My Family Health Portrait was released in November 2004 as downloadable computer software. However, it ran only on computers using the Windows operating system, a significant disadvantage to users of Macintosh (Mac) operating systems.
In November 2005, the tool was released in a Web-based version that uses an Internet browser on a user's personal computer. No software is downloaded to the user's personal computer, so the tool now works on a computer using the Macintosh operating system as well as a computer using the Windows operating system. The only requirement is that the user have an up-to-date version of their browser software, which is widely available from multiple sources. The software for My Family Health Portrait was tested in current versions of Internet Explorer for Windows, Firefox for Windows and Mac, Netscape for Windows and Mac and Safari for Mac.
In January 2009, the tool was re-architected and modified in the following ways:
1. Standards-based: Leveraging work done by the American Health Information Community (AHIC), both technical and core data standards have been built into the FHH 2.0 design. This means an increase in interoperability and a diminished learning curve for consumers, practitioners and researchers.
2. Shareable: Information can be electronically shared by the consumer with family members and healthcare providers. This new feature allows consumers to collaborate with family electronically to develop a more robust family health history record.
3. EHR-Ready: Version 2.0 produces xml files that can be easily integrated into existing EHRs with little customization or IT support needed. It's as simple as copying an electronic file from one location into a new system.
4. Customizable: The tool can be downloaded for adoption under an organization's own brand. It is intended to be easily adaptable into patient care portals, thus allowing healthcare organizations to promote family health history taking under their own brand, use it within their own secure environment, and contribute to comprehensive "one-stop-shopping" online patient service portal.
Phishing
http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/phishing.aspx
Phishing
Quick Facts
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. To avoid getting hooked:
* Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser — phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
* Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.
* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
* Don't email personal or financial information.
* Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges.
* Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
* Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
* If you've been scammed, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft.
How Not To Get Hooked by a "Phishing" Scam
"We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity."
"During our regular verification of accounts, we couldn't verify your information. Please click here to update and verify your information."
Have you received email with a similar message? It's a scam called "phishing" — and it involves Internet fraudsters who send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal information (credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information) from unsuspecting victims.
According to OnGuard Online, phishers send an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you may deal with — for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message may ask you to "update," "validate," or "confirm" your account information. Some phishing emails threaten a dire consequence if you don't respond. The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate organization's site. But it isn't. It's a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into divulging your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.
OnGuard Online suggests these tips to help you avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam:
* If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don't click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company's correct Web address yourself. In any case, don't cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser — phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
* Area codes can mislead. Some scammers send emails that appear to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card. And delete any emails that ask you to confirm or divulge your financial information.
* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. Some phishing emails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.
Anti-virus software and a firewall can protect you from inadvertently accepting such unwanted files. Anti-virus software scans incoming communications for troublesome files. Look for anti-virus software that recognizes current viruses as well as older ones; that can effectively reverse the damage; and that updates automatically.
A firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all communications from unauthorized sources. It's especially important to run a firewall if you have a broadband connection. Operating systems (like Windows or Linux) or browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) also may offer free software "patches" to close holes in the system that hackers or phishers could exploit.
* Don't email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your personal or financial information through an organization's website, look for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure"). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some phishers have forged security icons.
* Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or bank to confirm your billing address and account balances.
* Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them. These files can contain viruses or other software that can weaken your computer's security.
* Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on their websites about where to report problems. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
* If you believe you've been scammed, file your complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC's Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft. Victims of phishing can become victims of identity theft. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft, you can take some steps to minimize your risk. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these new accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. You may catch an incident early if you order a free copy of your credit report periodically from any of the three major credit reporting companies. See www.annualcreditreport.com for details on ordering a free annual credit report.
Learn other ways to avoid email scams and deal with deceptive spam at ftc.gov/spam.
prevention com magazine
http://www.prevention.com/cda/homepage.do
Take It Apart website
http://www.takeitapart.net/
Pesticides and Food:
Why Children May be Especially Sensitive to Pesticides
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food/pest.htm
Infants and children may be especially sensitive to health risks posed by pesticides for several reasons:
* their internal organs are still developing and maturing,
* in relation to their body weight, infants and children eat and drink more than adults, possibly increasing their exposure to pesticides in food and water.
* certain behaviors--such as playing on floors or lawns or putting objects in their mouths--increase a child's exposure to pesticides used in homes and yards.
Pesticides may harm a developing child by blocking the absorption of important food nutrients necessary for normal healthy growth.
Another way pesticides may cause harm is if a child's excretory system is not fully developed, the body may not fully remove pesticides. Also, there are
"critical periods" in human development when exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual's biological system operates.
What can you do to protect your children from pesticide exposure? One of the most important things parents can do to protect their children is to read and follow label directions whenever using a pesticide. The interactive label will help consumers understand the label components.
Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/child-ten-tips.htm
These simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home:
1. Always store pesticides and other household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, out of children's reach -- preferably in a locked cabinet.
2. Read the Label FIRST! Pesticide products, household cleaning products, and pet products can be dangerous or ineffective if too much or too little is used.
3. Before applying pesticides or other household chemicals, remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area. Keep children and pets away until the pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the label.
4. If your use of a pesticide or other household chemical is interrupted (perhaps by a phone call), properly reclose the container and remove it from children’s reach. Always use household products in child-resistant packaging.
5. Never transfer pesticides to other containers that children may associate with food or drink(like soda bottles), and never place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them.
6. When applying insect repellents to children, read all directions first; do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin; do not apply to eyes, mouth, hands, or directly on the face; and use just enough to cover exposed skin or clothing, but do not use under clothing.
7. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. If you plan to remodel or renovate, get your home tested . Don’t try to remove lead paint yourself.
8. Ask about lead when buying or renting a home. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead hazards in houses or apartments built before 1978.
9. Get your child tested for lead. There are no visible symptoms of lead poisoning, and children may suffer behavior or learning problems as a result of exposure to lead hazards.
10. Wash children’s hands, toys, and bottles often. Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces to reduce possible exposure to lead and
pesticide residues.
Last updated on Monday, March 17th, 2008.
Based on information Haier products are distributed in the Philippines by Continental Sales
Toaster Oven/Broilers Recalled by Haier America Due to Burn or Electrical Shock Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09199.html
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2009
Release #09-199
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 927-4810
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Toaster Oven/Broilers Recalled by Haier America Due to Burn or Electrical 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: Toaster Oven/Broilers
Units: About 106,000
Importer: Haier America Trading L.L.C., of New York, N.Y.
Manufacturer: Lun Dar Electric Ind. Ltd., of Taiwan
Hazard: Electrical connections in the toaster oven/broilers can become loose, posing electrical shock and burn hazards.
Incidents/Injuries: Haier America has received two reports of minor burns and one report of a minor electrical shock to consumers, and one report of minor property damage.
Description: This recall involves toaster oven/broilers with model number RTO1400SS. The units are stainless steel and black plastic. “Haier” is printed on the front and the model number is printed on a label on the back of the toaster oven/broilers.
Sold at: Mass merchandisers and specialty retailers nationwide from September 2006 through January 2009 for approximately $20 to $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toaster oven/broilers and contact Haier America to receive a free replacement toaster oven/broiler.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Haier America at (866) 927-4810 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.haieramerica.com
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
http://www.nice.org.uk/
housesmarttv com
http://www.housesmartstv.com/#/Manfredini_Minutes/
supermarketguru web site
http://www.supermarketguru.com/
The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.hsus.org/
Square 1, SM Makati.
Security lapses on April 28, 2009, at entrance to SM City Manila.
Advisory re Max's restaurant at SM City Manila on April 28, 2009. Eating utensils were out in the open where germs and insects could contaminate them. Said restaurant was identified as operated by Max's SM Sta. Mesa, whose president was identified as
Fuentebella. I have receipt issued by employee at said restaurant.
FDA Okays TNF-Alpha Blocker for Three Indications
http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/Prescriptions/13896
FDA Okays TNF-Alpha Blocker for Three Indications
By Kristina Fiore, Staff Writer, MedPage Today
Published: April 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, April 24 -- The FDA has approved the monoclonal antibody golimumab (Simponi) as a once a month treatment for moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, active psoriatic arthritis, and active ankylosing spondylitis.
The agency said the drug is intended for use in combination with methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
It can be used with or without methotrexate in psoriatic arthritis patients, and as monotherapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
"Today's approval provides another treatment option for patients with these three debilitating disorders," said Bob Rappaport, M.D., director of the Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Rheumatology Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Noting that there have been some concerns about safety with this class of drugs, Dr. Rappaport said the FDA was taking steps to "minimize the risks so patients will have the same level of safety protection required for other drugs in its class."
The monthly subcutaneous injection will include a boxed warning typical of all tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers about an associated risk of tuberculosis and invasive fungal infection.
The FDA also required a risk evaluation mitigation strategy (REMS) for golimumab, as it required for other TNF-a blockers. The REMS for Simponi includes a medication guide for patients and a communication plan to help physicians understand the drug's risks.
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions to golimumab included upper respiratory tract infection, sore throat and nasal congestion.
Golimumab is marketed by Centocor Ortho Biotech., Malvern, Pa.
The following is for kids:
http://www.epa.gov/kidshometour/questions.htm
Learn about Chemicals Around Your House
10+ Questions About Household Products
1. Are all pesticides dangerous?
2. What should I do if I have an accident or I am exposed to pesticides or some household product?
3. What is exposure?
4. I used a product with all kinds of health warnings on it, but I didn't get sick. Why?
5. My brother breaks out in a rash when he uses furniture polish. I say he is just making it up so he doesn't have to polish the furniture on Saturdays because I've never had any problem. What do you think?
6. Some of the kids in my class says that "huffing" certain products like spray paint or airplane glue will get you high. Are they right?
7. How should household products be stored?
8. Can empty household containers be recycled?
9. What should you do with leftover pesticides and other household products?
10. I've seen a lot of weeds and insects in our garden. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of them?
11. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of ants and roaches in my house?
12. Is there a booklet or something about pesticides that I can give my parents to use around the house?
13. If I have a question about pesticides, who can I ask?
1. Are all pesticides dangerous?
No, not all pesticides are dangerous or hazardous to humans. For example, a pesticide known as "milky spore", which is actually a bacterium, is not dangerous to humans, animals or beneficial insects. It is a selective insecticide. Selective because it kills only certain types of beetles. These are Japanese beetles, Oriental beetles, Rose chafers and certain May and June beetles.
In general though, because pesticides are suppose to prevent, destroy, or repel pests they can also be dangerous or hazardous to humans, animals or the environment. The signal word on the label(s) will tell you how dangerous a pesticide is to humans. In addition to signal words, how dangerous or hazardous a pesticide can be depends on your exposure to the pesticide. And, it also depends on how the pesticide is used. It is important to use pesticides properly, which means according to the directions on the label. Doing so reduces the chances of causing health problems for you and damage to the environment. Misusing a pesticide can cause problems. Pesticides are misused when you do not follow the label instructions. Some examples of misuse are:
1. using a pesticide for pests not on the label.
2. using more of pesticide or making it stronger than it says on the label.
3. using a pesticide in a location that is not on the label. If the label says "Outdoor use only," do not use it indoors.
2. What should I do if I have an accident or am exposed to pesticides or some household product?
If you, or someone you are with, have an accident or are exposed to a pesticide or household product you should tell your parents or other adult in your home immediately. Tell them what happened. Tell them what pesticide or household product it was. If possible, have the container and label with you. Tell them how much you came in contact with and what part of your body came in contact with it (Was it your eyes or skin or did you swallow some?) If an adult is not close by and you are hurt or starting to feel sick, then do the following:
1. If someone splashes a household chemical in the eyes, rinse out the eyes for 15-20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet. Then call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
2. If someone splashes a household chemical on the skin, take off the wet clothing and rinse the skin for 15-20 minutes in the shower or under a faucet. Then call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
3. If someone drinks a household chemical, give them half a glass of water to drink. Then call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
4. If someone inhaled a poisonous gas, quickly get the person to fresh air. Do not breath the fumes yourself. Open all the doors and windows wide. Call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. You can also call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
5. If someone is not breathing or won't wake up, call 911 or your local emergency ambulance number.
Be prepared for any emergency in your home. Keep your local emergency number, local ambulance number and the local poison control center telephone numbers on or next to your phone. All poison control centers now have the same telephone number. It is 1-800-222-1222.
If you would like more information on poison prevention or want to know about your local poison control center, you can look them up at the State and Regional Poison Control Centers Website. Exit EPA disclaimer They may also be listed on the inside cover or first few pages of your telephone book.
3. What is exposure?
How harmful a chemical is to you depends on your exposure to it. A simple way to think about exposure is, "how strong" and "how long" did you come in contact with a chemical.
Knowing your exposure is important in trying to find out if a chemical is causing health problems. Figuring out what your exposure was to a chemical can be tricky because sometimes it may be a long time after you come in contact with a chemical before you get sick. Or it can take repeated contact with a chemical before you get sick or have a reaction, like vomitting or developing a rash.
If you have a reaction to any household products that have been used around your home, you will need to know what to tell your parents about your "exposure" to the product. The four (4) descriptions and example questions below will help you to understand exposure.
1. Your exposure is based on how you came in contact with the chemical.
Did some spray from a glass cleaner get on your skin while cleaning the bathroom mirror? Did you accidentally walk into the room where a fogger or insect bomb had just been set off and breathe the fumes? Did you play on the grass after a weed killer was put on your lawn? Were you washing your dog with a flea and tick shampoo?
2. Your exposure is based on how long were you in contact with the chemical.
Were you playing all day on the lawn after a weed killer was used? Did you spend a half hour picking tomatoes after an insect killer was sprayed in your garden? Did you sleep all night in a room that had just been painted?
3. Your exposure is based on how much of the chemical you come in contact with.
How much insect spray got on your arm; a few drops or enough to make a large wet spot? How much of insect powder to kill ants got on your hands; a little on your fingers or was it all over your hands? How much of the container of liquid cleaner spilled on your clothes; a little splash or half the bottle?
4. Your exposure is based on how strong or toxic the chemical is.
Did the spray from a pesticide container brought from the store get on you? Did the liquid from a container of weed killer and water that your Dad mixed together spill on you? What is the signal word on the label of the container - Caution, Warning or Danger?
4. I used a product with all kinds of health warnings on it but I didn't get sick. Why?
Whether you get sick (have a toxic effect) from any chemical substance is dependent on the amount of chemical you are exposed to or more accurately, the dose. Dose is the amount of a chemical that your body absorbs and processes. The effect can vary depending on the age, weight, and overall health of the person. For example, children are often more easily affected by chemicals than adults because they are younger and they usually weigh less than adults.
To get a better understanding of what dose means, think about when you have a bad headache. The label on a children's pain relief medicine may say: "4 tablets for children weighing 60-80 pounds." If your mom only gave you two tablets and you weigh 65 pounds, your headache may not go away. If you were to take 10 tablets, you could get very sick, maybe even die. This is called overdosing, meaning a person took more medicine than it said on the label. More is not better.
5. My brother breaks out in a rash when he uses furniture polish. I say he is just making it up so he doesn't have to polish the furniture on Saturdays because I've never had any problem. What do you think?
Some people may be sensitive (require a lower amount of a substance to cause an effect) to certain chemicals and should avoid any exposure to those substances. You could switch brands of furniture polish to try to find one that doesn't cause a rash or he could always use a pair of rubber gloves while polishing the furniture.
6. Some of the kids in my class says that "huffing" certain products like spray paint or airplane glue will get you high. Are they right?
It is very, very important never to use common products to try to get "high" from them. The "high" feeling that kids may get is actually a toxic effect and an overdosage can be likely and dangerous. Some toxic effects will go away such as a slight headache, dizziness, or nausea, but other effects can be permanent, like brain damage. There have been numerous cases of brain damage in kids who "huff" chemical products. Don't believe the kids that you tell you it is fun and harmless, it is neither. Don't poison your personal environment!
7. How should household products be stored?
Here are several "rules" to follow:
1. Follow the storage instructions on the product label.
2. Store products out of reach of children and pets. Keep all pesticides and harmful household products locked in a cabinet, a utility area with lots of ventilation or air flow or in a garden shed.
3. Store flammable products outside your living area and far away from places where they could catch fire. Keep flammable products away from portable heaters, electric baseboard heaters, around furnaces and outdoor grills.
4. Never store pesticides or other household products in cabinets where food is stored, or near food intended for people or animals. Never store pesticides where you keep medicines.
5. Always store household products in their original containers so that you can read the label for directions.
Remind your parents to never transfer pesticides or other household products to soft drink bottles, milk jugs or other food containers. Children, or even adults, may mistake them for something to eat or drink.
If you see household products in your home not being stored according to the these rules, don't be afraid to let your parents know! Storing chemicals safely is for everyone's protection.
8. Can empty household containers be recycled?
Many household products sold in plastic or glass containers are recyclable. To find out if you can recycle a household product's container read the section on storage and disposal on the label of the container. It will tell you if the container can be recycled. It will also tell you how to make the container ready for recycling. Of course, you must have a recycling program in your town or county. You or your parents can check with the organization responsible for the recycling program in your area. They can provide you with information on the types of household product containers that they will accept for recycling.
Check out how to find your State Contact Information on Household and Other Waste Disposal
9. What should you do with leftover pesticides and other household products?
You can safely store unused pesticides or other household products until you need them again. If you don't want to keep them, however, you need to get rid of or dispose of them properly. Do not pour leftover pesticides or other household products on the ground or in a stream in your backyard or anywhere else. Do not bury them anywhere or burn household product containers. Do not pour leftover pesticides or other household products down the sink, into the toilet or down a sewer or street drain. Many wastewater treatment systems cannot handle that type of pollution. You would be polluting the environment if you dispose of leftover household products in any of those ways. So what do you do?
Many communities have waste collection programs for unwanted household chemicals. Maybe you have seen flyers or adds for a "Hazardous Waste Collection Day" in your community. If you have household products for disposal, make sure your parents read the section on storage and disposal on the label of the container. They will need to follow these directions unless there are state and local laws that are different. Have your parents call your local solid waste management authority, environmental agency or health department to find out how to properly dispose of leftover chemicals. Find out when a "Hazardous Waste Collection Day" is scheduled for your community.
Visit the State Contact Information on Household and Other Waste Disposal Website for additional information.
10. I've seen a lot of weeds and insects in our garden. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of them?
There are other things you can do to take care of weeds or insects in your garden besides just using a pesticide.
For weeds: Pulling out weeds by hand, making sure you get the roots, too, is a good way to get rid of garden weeds. Some gardeners also use physical barriers to control weeds in their garden. For example, between their rows of seeds they will put a layer of mulch or a tightly woven mesh material. Water can seep into the soil underneath these barriers but the sun can't get through, so the weeds don't grow.
For insects: Did you know that not all insects in your garden are harmful to the plants? There are some insects that gardeners want in their garden. These are called "beneficial insects". Ladybugs are "beneficial insects." They eat other insects that destroy plants like aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies and mites. Other "beneficial insects" include spiders, centipedes, dragon flies and ground beetles. You can even buy these insects through some gardening catalogs. Along with having "beneficial insects" in your garden other ways to control insect pests are:
1. making sure debris where insects may hide or breed is removed;
2. alternating rows of different kinds of plants. Insects that like carrots, for example, may not spread to all your carrot plants of a row if peas are between them;
3. using plants that repel insects around your garden. For example planting garlic among vegetables helps keep away Japanese beetles, aphids, the vegetable weevil and spider mites. Planting basil near tomatoes repels tomato hornworms;
4. and, hand-picking the bugs off. (Yukky sounding I know.)
Many gardening books, or the pest specialists at your County Cooperative Extension Service or local plant nurseries can give you more information on ways to control weeds and insects in your garden.
11. Is using a pesticide the best way to get rid of ants and roaches in my house?
Like in your garden, there are things you can do besides just using a pesticide to control or get rid of ants or roaches in your house. The main thing is to get rid of their food sources and breeding places or areas where they hide. Keeping your house clean is important in preventing and controlling pests. Many of these tips apply to other insect or rodent pests as well.
Remove water. Have your parents fix leaky plumbing. Don't leave any water in trays under your houseplants, under your refrigerator or in buckets overnight. Standing water, damp areas or water-damaged material will attract insects.
Remove food. Areas where food is stored, prepared or eaten need to be kept clean. Don't leave dirty dishes unwashed. Don't leave food in pet bowls on the counter or floor for long periods to time. Store opened food items in tightly closed plastic or glass containers. That will prevent insects from chewing through boxes or bags to get to the food. Put food scraps, food wrappers and other refuse in tightly covered garbage cans. Empty your garbage frequently.
Remove or block off indoor pest hiding places. Have your parents caulk cracks and crevices to control pest access to your home. Avoid storing newspapers, paper bags, and boxes for long periods of time. Also check for insects in packages or boxes before bringing them into your home. Vacuum regularly, especially under your appliances, so that dust balls don't develop and provide hiding places.
Block pest entryways. Have your parents make sure any passageways through the floor are blocked. Caulk and seal openings in walls. Place weatherstripping on doors and windows. Put screens on all floor drains, windows and doors.
Some other suggestions to control common household pests are:
For flies: Clean up pet droppings from your yard. Make sure all garbage is in tightly closed garbage cans. Fix or replace screens in doors and windows. If you don't have screens in your doors or windows, keep them closed. Use a flyswatter.
For fleas: Bathe your pets regularly. Wash any mats, beds or surfaces that they lay on. Vacuum your house at least weekly.
For mice and rodents: Follow the tips above about removing food and water, blocking off entryways and removing hiding places. Have your parents use mouse or rat traps. Remind them to put the traps in places where the rodents will find them, but away from kids and pets.
12. Is there a booklet or something about pesticides that I can give my parents to use around the house?
Yes there is. The booklet Citizens' Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety (2.5 MB, PDF format) contains lots of information. This booklet explains how to control pests in and around the home, alternatives to chemical pesticides, how to choose pesticides, and how to use, store, and dispose of them safely. It also discusses how to reduce exposure when others use pesticides, how to prevent pesticide poisoning and how to handle an emergency, how to choose a pest control company, and what to do if someone is poisoned by a pesticide. It even has a section that helps you calculate how much pesticide you should use or mix to treat different areas.
Note: The "Citizen's Guide" is a 2.5 MB PDF file. You will need PDF Reader Software to read it. (The reader is free.) You can also get a copy of the "Citizen's Guide" from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications. Call 1-800-490-9198 and ask for the "Citizens' Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety", EPA publication number EPA 730-K-95-001.
Last updated on Wednesday, October 10th, 2007.
My Family Health Portrait
https://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhh-web/home.action
An online tool from the Surgeon General
Using My Family Health Portrait you can:
* Enter your family health history.
* Create drawings of your family health history to share with family or health care worker.
* Use the health history of your family to create your own.
Talking with your health care worker about your family health history can help you stay healthy!
Learn more about My Family Health Portrait
About My Family Health Portrait
My Family Health Portrait was originally developed in collaboration between the Office of the Surgeon General and the National Human Genome Research Institute, a part of the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services. The first version of My Family Health Portrait was released in November 2004 as downloadable computer software. However, it ran only on computers using the Windows operating system, a significant disadvantage to users of Macintosh (Mac) operating systems.
In November 2005, the tool was released in a Web-based version that uses an Internet browser on a user's personal computer. No software is downloaded to the user's personal computer, so the tool now works on a computer using the Macintosh operating system as well as a computer using the Windows operating system. The only requirement is that the user have an up-to-date version of their browser software, which is widely available from multiple sources. The software for My Family Health Portrait was tested in current versions of Internet Explorer for Windows, Firefox for Windows and Mac, Netscape for Windows and Mac and Safari for Mac.
In January 2009, the tool was re-architected and modified in the following ways:
1. Standards-based: Leveraging work done by the American Health Information Community (AHIC), both technical and core data standards have been built into the FHH 2.0 design. This means an increase in interoperability and a diminished learning curve for consumers, practitioners and researchers.
2. Shareable: Information can be electronically shared by the consumer with family members and healthcare providers. This new feature allows consumers to collaborate with family electronically to develop a more robust family health history record.
3. EHR-Ready: Version 2.0 produces xml files that can be easily integrated into existing EHRs with little customization or IT support needed. It's as simple as copying an electronic file from one location into a new system.
4. Customizable: The tool can be downloaded for adoption under an organization's own brand. It is intended to be easily adaptable into patient care portals, thus allowing healthcare organizations to promote family health history taking under their own brand, use it within their own secure environment, and contribute to comprehensive "one-stop-shopping" online patient service portal.
Phishing
http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/phishing.aspx
Phishing
Quick Facts
Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. To avoid getting hooked:
* Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser — phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
* Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.
* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
* Don't email personal or financial information.
* Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges.
* Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
* Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
* If you've been scammed, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft.
How Not To Get Hooked by a "Phishing" Scam
"We suspect an unauthorized transaction on your account. To ensure that your account is not compromised, please click the link below and confirm your identity."
"During our regular verification of accounts, we couldn't verify your information. Please click here to update and verify your information."
Have you received email with a similar message? It's a scam called "phishing" — and it involves Internet fraudsters who send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal information (credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information) from unsuspecting victims.
According to OnGuard Online, phishers send an email or pop-up message that claims to be from a business or organization that you may deal with — for example, an Internet service provider (ISP), bank, online payment service, or even a government agency. The message may ask you to "update," "validate," or "confirm" your account information. Some phishing emails threaten a dire consequence if you don't respond. The messages direct you to a website that looks just like a legitimate organization's site. But it isn't. It's a bogus site whose sole purpose is to trick you into divulging your personal information so the operators can steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.
OnGuard Online suggests these tips to help you avoid getting hooked by a phishing scam:
* If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don't click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company's correct Web address yourself. In any case, don't cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser — phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
* Area codes can mislead. Some scammers send emails that appear to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card. And delete any emails that ask you to confirm or divulge your financial information.
* Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly. Some phishing emails contain software that can harm your computer or track your activities on the Internet without your knowledge.
Anti-virus software and a firewall can protect you from inadvertently accepting such unwanted files. Anti-virus software scans incoming communications for troublesome files. Look for anti-virus software that recognizes current viruses as well as older ones; that can effectively reverse the damage; and that updates automatically.
A firewall helps make you invisible on the Internet and blocks all communications from unauthorized sources. It's especially important to run a firewall if you have a broadband connection. Operating systems (like Windows or Linux) or browsers (like Internet Explorer or Netscape) also may offer free software "patches" to close holes in the system that hackers or phishers could exploit.
* Don't email personal or financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting personal information. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your personal or financial information through an organization's website, look for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure"). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some phishers have forged security icons.
* Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges. If your statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit card company or bank to confirm your billing address and account balances.
* Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them. These files can contain viruses or other software that can weaken your computer's security.
* Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. Most organizations have information on their websites about where to report problems. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
* If you believe you've been scammed, file your complaint at ftc.gov, and then visit the FTC's Identity Theft website at ftc.gov/idtheft. Victims of phishing can become victims of identity theft. While you can't entirely control whether you will become a victim of identity theft, you can take some steps to minimize your risk. If an identity thief is opening credit accounts in your name, these new accounts are likely to show up on your credit report. You may catch an incident early if you order a free copy of your credit report periodically from any of the three major credit reporting companies. See www.annualcreditreport.com for details on ordering a free annual credit report.
Learn other ways to avoid email scams and deal with deceptive spam at ftc.gov/spam.
prevention com magazine
http://www.prevention.com/cda/homepage.do
Take It Apart website
http://www.takeitapart.net/
Pesticides and Food:
Why Children May be Especially Sensitive to Pesticides
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/food/pest.htm
Infants and children may be especially sensitive to health risks posed by pesticides for several reasons:
* their internal organs are still developing and maturing,
* in relation to their body weight, infants and children eat and drink more than adults, possibly increasing their exposure to pesticides in food and water.
* certain behaviors--such as playing on floors or lawns or putting objects in their mouths--increase a child's exposure to pesticides used in homes and yards.
Pesticides may harm a developing child by blocking the absorption of important food nutrients necessary for normal healthy growth.
Another way pesticides may cause harm is if a child's excretory system is not fully developed, the body may not fully remove pesticides. Also, there are
"critical periods" in human development when exposure to a toxin can permanently alter the way an individual's biological system operates.
What can you do to protect your children from pesticide exposure? One of the most important things parents can do to protect their children is to read and follow label directions whenever using a pesticide. The interactive label will help consumers understand the label components.
Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/child-ten-tips.htm
These simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home:
1. Always store pesticides and other household chemicals, including chlorine bleach, out of children's reach -- preferably in a locked cabinet.
2. Read the Label FIRST! Pesticide products, household cleaning products, and pet products can be dangerous or ineffective if too much or too little is used.
3. Before applying pesticides or other household chemicals, remove children and their toys, as well as pets, from the area. Keep children and pets away until the pesticide has dried or as long as is recommended on the label.
4. If your use of a pesticide or other household chemical is interrupted (perhaps by a phone call), properly reclose the container and remove it from children’s reach. Always use household products in child-resistant packaging.
5. Never transfer pesticides to other containers that children may associate with food or drink(like soda bottles), and never place rodent or insect baits where small children can get to them.
6. When applying insect repellents to children, read all directions first; do not apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin; do not apply to eyes, mouth, hands, or directly on the face; and use just enough to cover exposed skin or clothing, but do not use under clothing.
7. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. If you plan to remodel or renovate, get your home tested . Don’t try to remove lead paint yourself.
8. Ask about lead when buying or renting a home. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead hazards in houses or apartments built before 1978.
9. Get your child tested for lead. There are no visible symptoms of lead poisoning, and children may suffer behavior or learning problems as a result of exposure to lead hazards.
10. Wash children’s hands, toys, and bottles often. Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces to reduce possible exposure to lead and
pesticide residues.
Last updated on Monday, March 17th, 2008.
Based on information Haier products are distributed in the Philippines by Continental Sales
Toaster Oven/Broilers Recalled by Haier America Due to Burn or Electrical Shock Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09199.html
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2009
Release #09-199
Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 927-4810
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Toaster Oven/Broilers Recalled by Haier America Due to Burn or Electrical 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: Toaster Oven/Broilers
Units: About 106,000
Importer: Haier America Trading L.L.C., of New York, N.Y.
Manufacturer: Lun Dar Electric Ind. Ltd., of Taiwan
Hazard: Electrical connections in the toaster oven/broilers can become loose, posing electrical shock and burn hazards.
Incidents/Injuries: Haier America has received two reports of minor burns and one report of a minor electrical shock to consumers, and one report of minor property damage.
Description: This recall involves toaster oven/broilers with model number RTO1400SS. The units are stainless steel and black plastic. “Haier” is printed on the front and the model number is printed on a label on the back of the toaster oven/broilers.
Sold at: Mass merchandisers and specialty retailers nationwide from September 2006 through January 2009 for approximately $20 to $40.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toaster oven/broilers and contact Haier America to receive a free replacement toaster oven/broiler.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Haier America at (866) 927-4810 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.haieramerica.com
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
http://www.nice.org.uk/
housesmarttv com
http://www.housesmartstv.com/#/Manfredini_Minutes/
supermarketguru web site
http://www.supermarketguru.com/
The Humane Society of the United States
http://www.hsus.org/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Security lapse at Robinsons Place Ermita, on April 23, 2009
Security lapse at entrance to Robinsons Place Ermita on April 23, 2009.Because of said lapse, I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into said mall.
open letter
to
Makati Mayor Binay
If you care about the welfare of the people in Makati, I have details of security lapses at entrances to shopping areas in Makati. Because of said lapses, I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into said areas.
I have a complaint vs. a person identified as a member of Makati Public Safety Agency, which was identified as being under you/
open letter
to
Manila Mayor Lim
If you care about the welfare of the people in Manila, I have details of security lapses at entrances to shopping areas in Manila. Because of said lapses, I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into said areas.
open letter to the President of Concepcion Industries
For the benefit of the customers, please soonest inform whether said corporation allows owners of Carrier brand airconditioners to choose which of the
authorized service providers they will use.
web sites with useful, free information:
http://www.jcsd.org/burglary_prevention.htm
http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/burglary.htmBurglary Prevention
Burglary victims often wonder why the burglar picked on their house. To find out you need to consider:
"How does a burglar's mind work?"
Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured:
* side gates open
* accessible windows open
* ladders left out, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows
* garden tools available to force entry
* untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance
Each of these makes access to the building far simpler and is an indication to the prospective burglar that it's worth a second look.
Residents of multi occupancy dwellings or flats should be mindful not to grant entry to people via an entry phone system, if they do not know them, and to be cautious of people seeking to 'tailgate' them into buildings.
The question is, are the occupants in?
* milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep
* newspapers and mail in the letter box
* unlit houses after dark
* all windows shut in very hot weather
These are signs telling the burglar that he is unlikely to be disturbed in the course of his work. Naturally, circumstances may arise when such situations may be unavoidable. If we can take measures that tell the burglar that this building is too difficult or too risky a target, he will hopefully move on.
Are you leaving a thief the key to your house?
* never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places
* prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door
* do not label your house keys in case you lose them and they fall into the wrong hands.
Remove temptation
* where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows.
Make it look as though your house is occupied
* install timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically.
* have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letter box or doorstep.
* encourage a neighbour to park on your drive.
* if going out after dark, draw the curtains, leave some lights on and a radio playing.
If you are away for extended periods.
* cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers
* disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer.
* enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries.
* if you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbour/relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night. If snow is on the ground a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited.
* check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days.
* set your burglar alarm.
* if you do not have an alarm, consider investing a few pounds in a dummy alarm box. It may well deter the opportunist thief.
Remember: Remove the Opportunity - Prevent the Burglary
http://www.memphispolice.org/
http://www.bayou.com/~captjim/cheklist.html
open letter
to
Makati Mayor Binay
If you care about the welfare of the people in Makati, I have details of security lapses at entrances to shopping areas in Makati. Because of said lapses, I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into said areas.
I have a complaint vs. a person identified as a member of Makati Public Safety Agency, which was identified as being under you/
open letter
to
Manila Mayor Lim
If you care about the welfare of the people in Manila, I have details of security lapses at entrances to shopping areas in Manila. Because of said lapses, I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into said areas.
open letter to the President of Concepcion Industries
For the benefit of the customers, please soonest inform whether said corporation allows owners of Carrier brand airconditioners to choose which of the
authorized service providers they will use.
web sites with useful, free information:
http://www.jcsd.org/burglary_prevention.htm
http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/burglary.htmBurglary Prevention
Burglary victims often wonder why the burglar picked on their house. To find out you need to consider:
"How does a burglar's mind work?"
Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime. A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with the fewest number of obstacles in his way. A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted than one which is properly secured:
* side gates open
* accessible windows open
* ladders left out, allowing access to otherwise inaccessible windows
* garden tools available to force entry
* untrimmed hedges or high fences preventing natural surveillance
Each of these makes access to the building far simpler and is an indication to the prospective burglar that it's worth a second look.
Residents of multi occupancy dwellings or flats should be mindful not to grant entry to people via an entry phone system, if they do not know them, and to be cautious of people seeking to 'tailgate' them into buildings.
The question is, are the occupants in?
* milk bottles or parcels on the doorstep
* newspapers and mail in the letter box
* unlit houses after dark
* all windows shut in very hot weather
These are signs telling the burglar that he is unlikely to be disturbed in the course of his work. Naturally, circumstances may arise when such situations may be unavoidable. If we can take measures that tell the burglar that this building is too difficult or too risky a target, he will hopefully move on.
Are you leaving a thief the key to your house?
* never leave a spare key concealed anywhere near the front door - burglars know all the hiding places
* prevent letterbox burglaries by storing keys away from the front door
* do not label your house keys in case you lose them and they fall into the wrong hands.
Remove temptation
* where possible, try to keep valuables out of sight from windows.
Make it look as though your house is occupied
* install timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically.
* have a neighbour or friend pop round to clear your letter box or doorstep.
* encourage a neighbour to park on your drive.
* if going out after dark, draw the curtains, leave some lights on and a radio playing.
If you are away for extended periods.
* cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers
* disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer.
* enlist the help of a neighbour, friend or relative to keep a regular eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries.
* if you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbour/relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night. If snow is on the ground a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited.
* check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days.
* set your burglar alarm.
* if you do not have an alarm, consider investing a few pounds in a dummy alarm box. It may well deter the opportunist thief.
Remember: Remove the Opportunity - Prevent the Burglary
http://www.memphispolice.org/
http://www.bayou.com/~captjim/cheklist.html
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Advisories vs. eateries: Jollibee, ChowKing, McDonald's, Wendys, Tokyo Tokyo, Red Ribbon, Italianni, Pancake House, Tang City, Bacolod Inasal, Karate Kid,
Bacolod Inasal, Kenny Rogers, KFC, Burger King, Aristocrat
Advisories re hospitals & Clinics: St. Luke's Medical Center, Makati Medical, Manila Doctors Hospital, Manila Medical Center, etc.
Advisories vs: Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, Globe
Advisories vs. grocery stores: SM Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Rustan's supermarkets, Shop Wise.
Advisories vs. and security lapses at following department stores: SM department stores, Robinsons department store, Rustan's.
Security lapses at following malls: Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Makati, The Landmark, Power Plant, Harrison Plaza, Robinsons Place Ermita, SM North EDSA,
Trinoma, Market! Market
Advisories re appliance stores: Abenson, SM Appliance, etc.
Advisories vs. miscellaneous companies: Concepcion Industries, National Book Stores,Octagon computer store, Compex, Complink, Villman Computer Systems Inc., Electroword, Asus, HP, Acer, NT Computer, Canon Marketing, Handyman, Electronics Boutique, Hairway; Bruno's Barbers, Electronics Boutique
Advisories against and security lapses at following hardware stores: Handyman, Ace Hardware, True Value
Advisories regarding products: Creative Zen; Asus Eee PC,
Advisories re government officials: The Ombudsman, Department of Trade and Industry officials, The Commissioner - Civil Service Commission,
The Secretary - Department of Interior and Local Government, Mandaluyong Mayor and Vice Mayor, Makati Mayor and Vice Mayor, Manila Mayor and Vice Mayor, Quezon City Mayor and Vice Mayor, Pasay City Mayor and Vice Mayor, Taguig Mayor, Health Secretary, DENR Secretary Atienza, Bureau of Food and Drug Director, Postmaster General etc.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Open letter to Department of Trade and Industry undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya:
Regarding the price tags of products, should they be checked to confirm whether or not the prices reflected there are already inclusive of taxes, discounts
or hidden charges? What do you recommend buyers should do if they determine that the price reflected in the price tag of a product is not inclusive of
tax, discount, or hidden charges? Regarding house brands, please soonest provide me with a complete list, if any, of the house brands that went through the the same DTI inspection and registration process that branded products went through.
For the benefit of customers of Philippine Postal Corporation who have complaints about the Postmaster General and poor service of said corporation,
which government agency accepts complaints vs. said corporation?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For persons who are thinking of buying any Canon brand camera distributed locally by Canon Marketing, to find out what, if any, support or assistance, said company will provide you once you have bought said product, ask said corporation for a complete
list of firmware uogrades, etc. regarding said cameras.
open letter to Canon Marketing:
I use a Canon G10 camera. Please soonest inform me if there is a firmware update for said camera. You may send said information to: consumerstipsphils@yahoo.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
open letter to the Commissioner - Civil Service Commission:
I have complaints vs. Manila: Mayor Lim and the Manila Vice Mayor, etc. I believe they violated R.A. 6713. I don't trust the Ombudsman. Please soonest inform
me which government agency accepts complaints vs. said persons. You may send your reply, if any, to: consumerstipsphils@yahoo.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bacolod Inasal, Kenny Rogers, KFC, Burger King, Aristocrat
Advisories re hospitals & Clinics: St. Luke's Medical Center, Makati Medical, Manila Doctors Hospital, Manila Medical Center, etc.
Advisories vs: Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, Globe
Advisories vs. grocery stores: SM Supermarket, Robinsons Supermarket, Rustan's supermarkets, Shop Wise.
Advisories vs. and security lapses at following department stores: SM department stores, Robinsons department store, Rustan's.
Security lapses at following malls: Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Makati, The Landmark, Power Plant, Harrison Plaza, Robinsons Place Ermita, SM North EDSA,
Trinoma, Market! Market
Advisories re appliance stores: Abenson, SM Appliance, etc.
Advisories vs. miscellaneous companies: Concepcion Industries, National Book Stores,Octagon computer store, Compex, Complink, Villman Computer Systems Inc., Electroword, Asus, HP, Acer, NT Computer, Canon Marketing, Handyman, Electronics Boutique, Hairway; Bruno's Barbers, Electronics Boutique
Advisories against and security lapses at following hardware stores: Handyman, Ace Hardware, True Value
Advisories regarding products: Creative Zen; Asus Eee PC,
Advisories re government officials: The Ombudsman, Department of Trade and Industry officials, The Commissioner - Civil Service Commission,
The Secretary - Department of Interior and Local Government, Mandaluyong Mayor and Vice Mayor, Makati Mayor and Vice Mayor, Manila Mayor and Vice Mayor, Quezon City Mayor and Vice Mayor, Pasay City Mayor and Vice Mayor, Taguig Mayor, Health Secretary, DENR Secretary Atienza, Bureau of Food and Drug Director, Postmaster General etc.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Open letter to Department of Trade and Industry undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya:
Regarding the price tags of products, should they be checked to confirm whether or not the prices reflected there are already inclusive of taxes, discounts
or hidden charges? What do you recommend buyers should do if they determine that the price reflected in the price tag of a product is not inclusive of
tax, discount, or hidden charges? Regarding house brands, please soonest provide me with a complete list, if any, of the house brands that went through the the same DTI inspection and registration process that branded products went through.
For the benefit of customers of Philippine Postal Corporation who have complaints about the Postmaster General and poor service of said corporation,
which government agency accepts complaints vs. said corporation?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For persons who are thinking of buying any Canon brand camera distributed locally by Canon Marketing, to find out what, if any, support or assistance, said company will provide you once you have bought said product, ask said corporation for a complete
list of firmware uogrades, etc. regarding said cameras.
open letter to Canon Marketing:
I use a Canon G10 camera. Please soonest inform me if there is a firmware update for said camera. You may send said information to: consumerstipsphils@yahoo.com
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
open letter to the Commissioner - Civil Service Commission:
I have complaints vs. Manila: Mayor Lim and the Manila Vice Mayor, etc. I believe they violated R.A. 6713. I don't trust the Ombudsman. Please soonest inform
me which government agency accepts complaints vs. said persons. You may send your reply, if any, to: consumerstipsphils@yahoo.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Security lapse on April 21, 2009,at entrance to Robinsons Place, Manila
Security lapse on April 21, 2009 at entrance to Robinsons Place Ermita, Manila.
Customer advisory re Slimmers World which has branches in different areas in Metro Manila.
Customer advisory re Caesars coffeeshop at Makati Palace hotel, P. Burgos St., Makati City.
security lapse at Aristocrat restaurant
On April 9, 2009, lax security at entrance to Aristocrat restaurant at Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The operator of said restaurant was identified as Roxas Food Ventures, Inc. and the president of said corporation was identified as Victor Reyes. Because of said lax security by guard, identified as "Voltaire Manalo", I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into said eatery. While there, I submitted a written complaint to a person identified as "Edmund Briones". While there, I also paid for an order of bangus belly. The receipt issued at said restaurant for said food bore the words: "152 CONSTANTINO, E. TBL 8/1 CHK 1047 . . . APR09' 10:07 AM "
customer advisory re Airborne Access Corporation prepaid internet access cards
For their own protection, it will benefit buyers of said cards to, before buying said cards, require said corporation to (1) provide them with a complete updated list of the alleged wi-fi hotspots from where customers can access the internet; (2) the speed of the signals available at said hotspots; (3) provide them with information as to whether said said corporation will compensate them if no access to the internet is available at any of said wi-fi hotspots. The address of said corporation was identified as:
3rd Floor, Topy's Place, Calle Industria cor. Economia St.Bgy. Bagumbayan, Libis Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1110
customer advisory vs. Burger King restaurant
at SM City Manila mall. On April 6, 2009, I saw twice live moving fly insect at dining area of said restaurant. While I was at said restaurant, I received Burger King restaurant official receipt Number 6973. I also saw what were named as toys being offered for sale. I didn't see any visible indication that said toys were certified, by either the Department of Trade or the Bureau of Food and Drug, as safe for children
customer advisory re Cafe la Carmela, 38 Jupiter St., Makati City
advisory vs. local importer(s) of Apple brand computers, etc.
Up to April 21, 2009, I have not seen in any local newspaper any announcement regarding Apple Computer Inc. announcement regarding recall of batteries. Undersigned saw said information on the website of what was identified as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs:
public service advisory regarding Novartis products and Ching Alano
It will benefit potential buyers of Novartis products to withhold belief about therapeutic claims about said products unless said claims have been approved by the Philippine Bureau of Food and Drug. Said claims were published in the November 7, 2008 issue of the Philippine Star newspaper in a column identified as written by Ching Alano. The Novartis products mentioned in said newspaper were: GenTeal, Vitalux, Vitalux Plus.
Warning vs. Shopwise supermarket, Handyman, Robinson supermarket.Evidence available.
web site with useful, free information:
American Psychological Association Help Center
http://apahelpcenter.org/
lens reviews com web site
http://lens-reviews.com/
Customer advisory re Slimmers World which has branches in different areas in Metro Manila.
Customer advisory re Caesars coffeeshop at Makati Palace hotel, P. Burgos St., Makati City.
security lapse at Aristocrat restaurant
On April 9, 2009, lax security at entrance to Aristocrat restaurant at Roxas Boulevard, Manila. The operator of said restaurant was identified as Roxas Food Ventures, Inc. and the president of said corporation was identified as Victor Reyes. Because of said lax security by guard, identified as "Voltaire Manalo", I could have brought dangerous weapons/deadly weapons into said eatery. While there, I submitted a written complaint to a person identified as "Edmund Briones". While there, I also paid for an order of bangus belly. The receipt issued at said restaurant for said food bore the words: "152 CONSTANTINO, E. TBL 8/1 CHK 1047 . . . APR09' 10:07 AM "
customer advisory re Airborne Access Corporation prepaid internet access cards
For their own protection, it will benefit buyers of said cards to, before buying said cards, require said corporation to (1) provide them with a complete updated list of the alleged wi-fi hotspots from where customers can access the internet; (2) the speed of the signals available at said hotspots; (3) provide them with information as to whether said said corporation will compensate them if no access to the internet is available at any of said wi-fi hotspots. The address of said corporation was identified as:
3rd Floor, Topy's Place, Calle Industria cor. Economia St.Bgy. Bagumbayan, Libis Quezon City, PHILIPPINES 1110
customer advisory vs. Burger King restaurant
at SM City Manila mall. On April 6, 2009, I saw twice live moving fly insect at dining area of said restaurant. While I was at said restaurant, I received Burger King restaurant official receipt Number 6973. I also saw what were named as toys being offered for sale. I didn't see any visible indication that said toys were certified, by either the Department of Trade or the Bureau of Food and Drug, as safe for children
customer advisory re Cafe la Carmela, 38 Jupiter St., Makati City
advisory vs. local importer(s) of Apple brand computers, etc.
Up to April 21, 2009, I have not seen in any local newspaper any announcement regarding Apple Computer Inc. announcement regarding recall of batteries. Undersigned saw said information on the website of what was identified as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs:
public service advisory regarding Novartis products and Ching Alano
It will benefit potential buyers of Novartis products to withhold belief about therapeutic claims about said products unless said claims have been approved by the Philippine Bureau of Food and Drug. Said claims were published in the November 7, 2008 issue of the Philippine Star newspaper in a column identified as written by Ching Alano. The Novartis products mentioned in said newspaper were: GenTeal, Vitalux, Vitalux Plus.
Warning vs. Shopwise supermarket, Handyman, Robinson supermarket.Evidence available.
web site with useful, free information:
American Psychological Association Help Center
http://apahelpcenter.org/
lens reviews com web site
http://lens-reviews.com/
Monday, April 20, 2009
Security lapses on April 20, 2009, at entrances to the following shopping areas at Ayala Center, Makati: Park Square 1, Glorietta, National Book Store
Security lapses on April 20, 2009, at entrances to the following shopping areas at Ayala Center, Makati: Park Square 1, Glorietta, National Book Store, The Landmark.
Warning & evidence against KFC restaurant
at The Landmark building, Ayala Center, Makati. On April 20, 2009, I was at said restaurant, which was identified as operated by Tummy-Bliss Corporation and I saw chicken strips produced by said restaurant. The chicken strips were exposed and were placed on the same plate as a container containing sauce and wrapped rice. So the germs from said container and said wrapping could contaminate the exposed chicken. The OFFICIAL RECEIPT issued by said restaurant, for said chicken strips, was numbered 4259 and was dated 042009. The customer in said receipt was identified as Macario Silva. I am said Silva. The money paid for said food came from me. However, on said receipt the handwritten initial/signature on the space below the words "Received the above goods in good order and condition." is not mine. I did not authorize another person to sign his name on said receipt. Below said words are the words "Customer's Signature". Because of said initial/signature on said space, I could no longer complain if I found something objectionable about said food. I asked a person identified as Grace Velez, who was working at said store, for the complete name and complete address of the president of said Tummy-Bliss Corporation. She did not provide me with the information I requested.
web sites with useful, free information:
American Museum of Natural History science bulletins
http://www.amnh.org/sciencebulletins/
EPA's National Bed Bug Summit
http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/2009/bed-bug-summit.html
For Release: March 18, 2009
On April 14-15, 2009, EPA will host the National Bed Bug Summit in Washington D.C.
Meeting participants will share information on topics including the expanding impact of bed bugs on the housing, hospitality, and other sectors; factors contributing to the growing problem; and the response of the public health community and government agencies. The meeting will provide a venue to communicate with others in the diverse community affected by the increasing problem of bed bugs. Participants will also identify ideas and options for bed bug prevention, control, and management; create strategies for outreach and education; and develop recommendations for action.
Protect the Environment: At Home and in the Garden
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm
FDA Proposes New Rule for Sunscreen Products
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01687.html
Reader's Digest magazine Australia
http://www.readersdigest.com.au/
http://www.readersdigest.co.nz/
Reader's Digest New Zealand
Sunburn Protection Factor (SPF)
http://www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/OTC/understanding_spf_sunscreen.htm
SPF is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases.
There is a popular misconception that SPF relates to time of solar exposure. For example, many consumers believe that, if they normally get sunburn in one hour, then an SPF 15 sunscreen allows them to stay in the sun 15 hours (i.e., 15 times longer) without getting sunburn. This is not true because SPF is not directly related to time of solar exposure but to amount of solar exposure. Although solar energy amount is related to solar exposure time, there are other factors that impact the amount of solar energy. For example, the intensity of the solar energy impacts the amount. The following exposures may result in the same amount of solar energy:
* one hour at 9:00 a.m.
* 15 minutes at 1:00 p.m.
Generally, it takes less time to be exposed to the same amount of solar energy at midday compared to early morning or late evening because the sun is more intense at midday relative to the other times. Solar intensity is also related to geographic location, with greater solar intensity occurring at lower latitudes. Because clouds absorb solar energy, solar intensity is generally greater on clear days than cloudy days.
In addition to solar intensity, there are a number of other factor that influence the amount of solar energy that a consumer is exposed to:
* skin type
* amount of sunscreen applied
* reapplication frequency
Fair-skinned consumers are likely to absorb more solar energy than dark-skinned consumers under the same conditions. The amount of sunscreen applied also impacts the amount of solar radiation absorbed, because more sunscreen results in less solar energy absorption. Because sunscreens wear off and become less effective with time, the frequency with which they are reapplied is critical to limiting absorption of solar radiation. The reapplication frequency is also impacted by the activities that consumers are involved in. For example, consumers who swim while wearing sunscreen need to reapply the sunscreen more frequently because water may wash the sunscreen from the body. In addition, high levels of physical activity require more frequent reapplication because the activity may physically rub off the sunscreen and heavy sweating may wash off the sunscreen. In general, more frequent reapplication is associated with decreased absorption of solar radiation.
Because of the various factors that impact the amount of solar radiation, SPF does not reflect time in the sun. In other words, SPF does not inform consumers about the time that can be spent in the sun without getting sunburn. Rather, SPF is a relative measure of the amount of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. It allows consumers to compare the level of sunburn protection provided by different sunscreens. For example, consumers know that SPF 30 sunscreens provide more sunburn protection than SPF 8 sunscreens.
American Psychological Association Help Center
http://apahelpcenter.org/
Warning & evidence against KFC restaurant
at The Landmark building, Ayala Center, Makati. On April 20, 2009, I was at said restaurant, which was identified as operated by Tummy-Bliss Corporation and I saw chicken strips produced by said restaurant. The chicken strips were exposed and were placed on the same plate as a container containing sauce and wrapped rice. So the germs from said container and said wrapping could contaminate the exposed chicken. The OFFICIAL RECEIPT issued by said restaurant, for said chicken strips, was numbered 4259 and was dated 042009. The customer in said receipt was identified as Macario Silva. I am said Silva. The money paid for said food came from me. However, on said receipt the handwritten initial/signature on the space below the words "Received the above goods in good order and condition." is not mine. I did not authorize another person to sign his name on said receipt. Below said words are the words "Customer's Signature". Because of said initial/signature on said space, I could no longer complain if I found something objectionable about said food. I asked a person identified as Grace Velez, who was working at said store, for the complete name and complete address of the president of said Tummy-Bliss Corporation. She did not provide me with the information I requested.
web sites with useful, free information:
American Museum of Natural History science bulletins
http://www.amnh.org/sciencebulletins/
EPA's National Bed Bug Summit
http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/cb/csb_page/updates/2009/bed-bug-summit.html
For Release: March 18, 2009
On April 14-15, 2009, EPA will host the National Bed Bug Summit in Washington D.C.
Meeting participants will share information on topics including the expanding impact of bed bugs on the housing, hospitality, and other sectors; factors contributing to the growing problem; and the response of the public health community and government agencies. The meeting will provide a venue to communicate with others in the diverse community affected by the increasing problem of bed bugs. Participants will also identify ideas and options for bed bug prevention, control, and management; create strategies for outreach and education; and develop recommendations for action.
Protect the Environment: At Home and in the Garden
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm
FDA Proposes New Rule for Sunscreen Products
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01687.html
Reader's Digest magazine Australia
http://www.readersdigest.com.au/
http://www.readersdigest.co.nz/
Reader's Digest New Zealand
Sunburn Protection Factor (SPF)
http://www.fda.gov/cder/Offices/OTC/understanding_spf_sunscreen.htm
SPF is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases.
There is a popular misconception that SPF relates to time of solar exposure. For example, many consumers believe that, if they normally get sunburn in one hour, then an SPF 15 sunscreen allows them to stay in the sun 15 hours (i.e., 15 times longer) without getting sunburn. This is not true because SPF is not directly related to time of solar exposure but to amount of solar exposure. Although solar energy amount is related to solar exposure time, there are other factors that impact the amount of solar energy. For example, the intensity of the solar energy impacts the amount. The following exposures may result in the same amount of solar energy:
* one hour at 9:00 a.m.
* 15 minutes at 1:00 p.m.
Generally, it takes less time to be exposed to the same amount of solar energy at midday compared to early morning or late evening because the sun is more intense at midday relative to the other times. Solar intensity is also related to geographic location, with greater solar intensity occurring at lower latitudes. Because clouds absorb solar energy, solar intensity is generally greater on clear days than cloudy days.
In addition to solar intensity, there are a number of other factor that influence the amount of solar energy that a consumer is exposed to:
* skin type
* amount of sunscreen applied
* reapplication frequency
Fair-skinned consumers are likely to absorb more solar energy than dark-skinned consumers under the same conditions. The amount of sunscreen applied also impacts the amount of solar radiation absorbed, because more sunscreen results in less solar energy absorption. Because sunscreens wear off and become less effective with time, the frequency with which they are reapplied is critical to limiting absorption of solar radiation. The reapplication frequency is also impacted by the activities that consumers are involved in. For example, consumers who swim while wearing sunscreen need to reapply the sunscreen more frequently because water may wash the sunscreen from the body. In addition, high levels of physical activity require more frequent reapplication because the activity may physically rub off the sunscreen and heavy sweating may wash off the sunscreen. In general, more frequent reapplication is associated with decreased absorption of solar radiation.
Because of the various factors that impact the amount of solar radiation, SPF does not reflect time in the sun. In other words, SPF does not inform consumers about the time that can be spent in the sun without getting sunburn. Rather, SPF is a relative measure of the amount of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. It allows consumers to compare the level of sunburn protection provided by different sunscreens. For example, consumers know that SPF 30 sunscreens provide more sunburn protection than SPF 8 sunscreens.
American Psychological Association Help Center
http://apahelpcenter.org/
Sunday, April 19, 2009
security lapse at entrance to Robinsons Place Manila on April 19, 2009.
security lapse at entrance to Robinsons Place Manila on April 19, 2009. Because of said lapse, I could have brought dangerous weapons into said mall.
Advisory re "Rissa M. Mananquil" who claimed, in a column, under her name, which was published in the April 8, 2009 issue of the Philippine Star newspaper,
that: the swimwear brand Pualani (available at R.O.X, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig): has swimwear that features a four-way stretch European fabric that will never lose its shape and fade after a few washings; The soft lining also never stretches or peeks out; The premium=quality elstic in the bikini keeps your suit from riding up; The swimsuit designs are actually tried and tested by surfer girls in Hawaii."
If said product is not as described as by said Mananquil, will she help customers who bought said product? Regarding the claim that said the swimsuit designs are actually tested by surfer girls in Hawaii, did said Mananquil witness said alleged testing?
Advisory re R.O.X. store, whose address was identified as: Bonifacio High Street, Taguig. According to Rissa M. Mananquil, the swimwear brand Pualani "available at R.O.X., Bonifacio High Street, Taguig".
For their own protection, before buying said brand swimwear from said store, obtain written certification from said store that: said brand of swimwear feature a four-way stretch European fabric that will never lose its shape and fade after a few washings; that the lining of said brand of swimwear is soft and never stretches or peaks out; that the elastic in the bikini is premium quality and keeps your suit from riding up."
American Museum of Natural History science bulletins
http://www.amnh.org/sciencebulletins/
Protect the Environment: At Home and in the Garden
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm
* EPA Home
* Resources
* Protect the Environment: At Home and in the Garden
Tips for home safety, avoiding potential risks, and preventing pollution by recycling and conserving water and energy.
* Saving Energy
* Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
* Conserving Water
* Reducing, Reusing and Recycling Materials
* Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
* Improving Indoor Air Quality
* Using Toxics and Pesticides Safely
* Reducing Your Exposure to Harmful Substances
* Pollution Prevention
* Buying and Maintaining an Environmentally Friendly House
* Lawn and Garden Care
Saving Energy
Find Energy Star products for your home - Choosing energy-efficient products can save families about 30% ($400 a year) while reducing our emissions of greenhouse gases. Whether you are looking to replace old appliances, remodel, or buy a new house, you can help. ENERGY STAR is the government's backed symbol for energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR label makes it easy to know which products to buy without sacrificing features, style or comfort that today's consumers expect.
More steps you can take:
* Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
* Use the microwave to cook small meals. (It uses less power than an oven.)
* Purchase "green power" for your home's electricity. (Contact your power supplier to see where and if it is available.)
* Have leaky air conditioning and refrigeration systems repaired.
* Cut back on air conditioning and heating use if you can.
* Insulate your home, water heater and pipes.
Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Addressing air pollution in your home - The choices you make at home affect the amount of pollution outside your home as well as inside. Learn what you can do to pollute less and all the while save some money.
Climate change: what you can do at home and in the garden - Making a few small changes in your home and yard can lead to big reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and save money.
Conserving Water
Choose water-efficient products and test your WaterSense - A family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day. EPA's WaterSense program helps conserve water for future generations by providing information on products and programs that save water without sacrificing performance.
More steps you can take:
* Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
* Take short showers instead of tub baths.
* Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
* Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher; wash only full loads.
* Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
* Buy high-efficient plumbing fixtures & appliances.
* Repair all leaks (a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day).
* Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best).
* Water plants differently according to what they need. Check with your local extension service or nurseries for advice.
* Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only – not the street or sidewalk.
* Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs.
* Keep your yard healthy - dethatch, use mulch, etc.
* Sweep outside instead of using a hose.
* Landscape using "rain garden" techniques to save water and reduce stormwater runoff.
Video: "Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In"
Reducing, Reusing and Recycling Materials
Practice the three R's: first reduce how much you use, then reuse what you can, and then recycle the rest. Then, dispose of what's left in the most environmentally friendly way. Read the tips below and explore the Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste.
* Reduce:
o Buy permanent items instead of disposables.
o Buy and use only what you need.
o Buy products with less packaging.
o Buy products that use less toxic chemicals.
* Reuse:
o Repair items as much as possible.
o Use durable coffee mugs.
o Use cloth napkins or towels.
o Clean out juice bottles and use them for water.
o Use empty jars to hold leftover food.
o Reuse boxes.
o Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
o Participate in a paint collection and reuse program.
o Donate extras to people you know or to charity instead of throwing them away.
* Recycle:
o Recycle paper (printer paper, newspapers, mail, etc.), plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. If your community doesn't collect at the curb, take them to a collection center.
o Recycle electronics.
o Recycle used motor oil.
o Compost food scraps, grass and other yard clippings, and dead plants.
o Close the loop - buy recycled products and products that use recycled packaging. That's what makes recycling economically possible.
Learn more:
Reducing and recycling wastes, including syringes and other medical wastes, and used oil.
Recycling and disposing of hazardous materials properly - Find out how to recycle compact fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and other common household wastes that contain hazardous materials.
Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
Actions You Can Take to Reduce Lead In Drinking Water - This publication offers information and solutions to many common questions surrounding lead in your drinking water.
Cleaner Water through Conservation - Explains the relationship between the quantity of water and its quality and discusses how developing water-use efficiency programs can help states and local communities achieve cleaner water through conserving water.
Drinking Water - The home page for the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.
Drinking Water and Health: What you need to know - This EPA publication (EPA 816-K-99-001) answers many basic questions about drinking water systems.
Drinking Water Contaminants - EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. This Web site contains more detailed information on specific contaminants.
Private Drinking Water Wells - Learn how to test and protect your private well water.
Water on Tap - How safe is my drinking water? Where does my drinking water come from, and how does it get to my home? What can I do to help protect my drinking water? This publication examines these questions and offers information on protecting your drinking water.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Asbestos in Your Home - This online pamphlet will help you understand asbestos: what it is, its health effects, where it is in your home, and what to do about it.
Indoor Air Quality in Homes - While pollutant levels from individual sources may not pose a significant health risk by themselves, most homes have more than one source that contributes to indoor air pollution. There can be a serious risk from the cumulative effects of these sources. Find out about how to protect you and your family.
Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems (PDF) - (15 pp, 1.6MB, About PDF) This fact sheet discusses problems caused by microbial growth, as well as other potential effects of flooding, on long-term indoor air quality and the steps you can take to lessen these effects.
Reduce Risks of Radon : Test and Fix Your Home - You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. Get information to reduce radon levels in your home.
Secondhand Smoke - This site discusses the health risks to children and adults from secondhand smoke with particular regard to immediate health effects with links to publications.
Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and immediate first aid techniques provided in this document can save your life or the lives of your family.
Using Toxics and Pesticides Safely
What is a Pesticide? - This document explains what is and what is not a pesticide.
What are Biopesticides? - Different from conventional pesticides, biopesticides are a group of pesticides that are sometimes controversial and make their way into the media. This web page helps to educate the public on this class of pesticides.
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) - This site provides a wide variety of pesticide-related information as well as a toll-free number for further information.
Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings around the Home - These simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home.
* Spanish Version
Protecting Pets - Learn how to protect your pets from pests and potential pesticide risks by following product label directions and understanding the precautions.
Controlling Pests - Learn how to reduce the need for pesticides and how to use pesticides safely
Disposing of toxics and pesticides - Common household items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides contain hazardous components. Although we cannot completely stop using hazardous products, we can make sure that leftovers are managed properly. The best way to handle household hazardous waste is to give leftovers to someone else to use.
Many communities have set up collection programs to keep hazardous products out of landfills and combustors. More than 3,000 household hazardous waste (HHW) collection programs exist in the United States. Find out more about HHW.
Reducing Your Exposure to Harmful Substances
Asbestos - Wondering whether your home might contain asbestos? or what to do if you know materials in your home contain asbestos?
Lead and Indoor Air Quality - Humans are exposed to lead in many ways; through air, drinking water, food, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint, and dust. This publication explains the dangers from lead, suggesting ways to reduce your exposure. Learn more about lead
Mercury - Mercury is contained in some of the fish we eat, whether caught in local lakes and streams or bought in a grocery store. Mercury is also contained in some of the products we use, which may be found in your home, at the dentist, and at schools.
Mold - Learn how to control moisture and mold in your home, and how to cleanup moldy areas.
Pesticides - Find out how to use pesticides safely in your home.
Radon - Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.
Sun Safety: Learn about the UV Index - Do you know that a few simple precautions can help protect you and your children from skin cancer and serious eye injury?
Pollution Prevention
Household Waste Management - This program can be used online to find reliable information about reducing the waste consumers generate and dealing with hazardous wastes in the home.
Recycling - This document provides an overview of recycling including what is in our trash and steps you can take to recycle at home.
The Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste - This booklet describes how people can help solve a growing problem...garbage! Individual consumers can help alleviate America's mounting trash problem by making environmentally aware decisions about everyday things like shopping and caring for the lawn.
Where Can I Take My Computer? - EPA's Product Stewardship website has information on opportunities for donating and recycling computers and other electronics.
Used Oil Management Program - Provides information about changing motor oil, recycling used oil, and changing and recycling used oil filters.
Buying and Maintaining an Environmentally Friendly House
Energy Efficient Homes and Heating and Cooling Systems - This resource discusses home products such as air conditioners, furnaces, and thermostats, and illustrates the savings for homeowners who buy Energy Star products.
Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon - This Guide answers important questions about radon and lung cancer risk. It also answers questions about testing and fixing radon hazards for anyone buying or selling a home.
How to Buy an Energy Efficient Home - This document describes the Energy Star Homes Program and how you can reduce pollution by saving energy.
Residential Energy Efficiency - This program shows effective ways to reduce home energy consumption and allows users to calculate how much they will save by making their homes more energy efficient.
Lawn and Garden Care
Lawn and Garden and Tips for a Waste-Free Lawn and Garden - Learn about many things you can do to reduce waste and conserve resources from caring for you lawn and garden equipment, to greenscaping.
Your Yard and Clean Air - This document provides tips on how you can prevent pollution in your own backyard by adopting practices that will help protect the environment now and in the future.
Green Landscaping with Native Plants - This site provides a wizard that answers commonly asked questions about landscaping with native wild flowers and grasses in the Great Lakes region.
The Hidden Hazards of Backyard Burning (PDF) (2 pp, 272K, About PDF) - This EPA publication (EPA 530-F-03-012) informs citizens of the health hazards of burning household waste in burn barrels and open piles and providing alternatives to burning.
Natural Landscaping - Online publication explaining natural landscaping ideas.
Greenscaping - EPA's GreenScapes Program can show you how to reduce the environmental impacts of landscaping your lawn and property by grasscycling, mulching, and composting.
Composting - Discusses what composting is, what compost can be used for, and other related topics.
Compost Yard Trimmings and Some Food Scraps - Food scraps and yard trimmings can be turned into natural additives for lawns and gardens, and can significantly reduce the amount of waste that goes in a landfill.
The Natural Landscaping Alternative: An Annotated Slide Collection - Native plants provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance landscape while benefiting the environment. This Annotated Slide Collection contains fifty slides selected for their ability to define natural landscaping and explain its benefits, to illustrate applications of natural landscaping, and to demonstrate installation and management techniques.
Resources for Concerned Citizens
Tips for home safety, avoiding potential risks, and preventing pollution by recycling and conserving water and energy.
Protect the environment at home and in your garden >>
At Work
Information about preventing pollution in your workplace, and raising awareness of health and safety issues.
Keep work environments safe
On the Road
Consumer information about the environmental impacts of transportation plus tips on cleaner cars, saving gas and improving mileage, boating pollution prevention tips, and more.
Learn about the environmental impacts of transportation
At School
Whether you are a student or a teacher in a class about the environment, EPA has lots of educational resources to offer you.
Keep school environments safe
While Shopping
Find helpful information on how to choose purchases that will reduce pollution, save energy and money.
Learn to be an environmentally-savvy shopper
In Your Community
Learn how to protect your neighborhood's natural resources, and get information on air and water quality in your community.
Protect the environment in your community
Think Globally, Act Locally.
Learn about environmental issues that impact our world, and about programs, opportunities, and tools to help you get involved and make a difference in your community.
Advisory re "Rissa M. Mananquil" who claimed, in a column, under her name, which was published in the April 8, 2009 issue of the Philippine Star newspaper,
that: the swimwear brand Pualani (available at R.O.X, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig): has swimwear that features a four-way stretch European fabric that will never lose its shape and fade after a few washings; The soft lining also never stretches or peeks out; The premium=quality elstic in the bikini keeps your suit from riding up; The swimsuit designs are actually tried and tested by surfer girls in Hawaii."
If said product is not as described as by said Mananquil, will she help customers who bought said product? Regarding the claim that said the swimsuit designs are actually tested by surfer girls in Hawaii, did said Mananquil witness said alleged testing?
Advisory re R.O.X. store, whose address was identified as: Bonifacio High Street, Taguig. According to Rissa M. Mananquil, the swimwear brand Pualani "available at R.O.X., Bonifacio High Street, Taguig".
For their own protection, before buying said brand swimwear from said store, obtain written certification from said store that: said brand of swimwear feature a four-way stretch European fabric that will never lose its shape and fade after a few washings; that the lining of said brand of swimwear is soft and never stretches or peaks out; that the elastic in the bikini is premium quality and keeps your suit from riding up."
American Museum of Natural History science bulletins
http://www.amnh.org/sciencebulletins/
Protect the Environment: At Home and in the Garden
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/home.htm
* EPA Home
* Resources
* Protect the Environment: At Home and in the Garden
Tips for home safety, avoiding potential risks, and preventing pollution by recycling and conserving water and energy.
* Saving Energy
* Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
* Conserving Water
* Reducing, Reusing and Recycling Materials
* Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
* Improving Indoor Air Quality
* Using Toxics and Pesticides Safely
* Reducing Your Exposure to Harmful Substances
* Pollution Prevention
* Buying and Maintaining an Environmentally Friendly House
* Lawn and Garden Care
Saving Energy
Find Energy Star products for your home - Choosing energy-efficient products can save families about 30% ($400 a year) while reducing our emissions of greenhouse gases. Whether you are looking to replace old appliances, remodel, or buy a new house, you can help. ENERGY STAR is the government's backed symbol for energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR label makes it easy to know which products to buy without sacrificing features, style or comfort that today's consumers expect.
More steps you can take:
* Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room.
* Use the microwave to cook small meals. (It uses less power than an oven.)
* Purchase "green power" for your home's electricity. (Contact your power supplier to see where and if it is available.)
* Have leaky air conditioning and refrigeration systems repaired.
* Cut back on air conditioning and heating use if you can.
* Insulate your home, water heater and pipes.
Reducing Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Addressing air pollution in your home - The choices you make at home affect the amount of pollution outside your home as well as inside. Learn what you can do to pollute less and all the while save some money.
Climate change: what you can do at home and in the garden - Making a few small changes in your home and yard can lead to big reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and save money.
Conserving Water
Choose water-efficient products and test your WaterSense - A family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day. EPA's WaterSense program helps conserve water for future generations by providing information on products and programs that save water without sacrificing performance.
More steps you can take:
* Don't let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
* Take short showers instead of tub baths.
* Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
* Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher; wash only full loads.
* Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
* Buy high-efficient plumbing fixtures & appliances.
* Repair all leaks (a leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day).
* Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best).
* Water plants differently according to what they need. Check with your local extension service or nurseries for advice.
* Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only – not the street or sidewalk.
* Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs.
* Keep your yard healthy - dethatch, use mulch, etc.
* Sweep outside instead of using a hose.
* Landscape using "rain garden" techniques to save water and reduce stormwater runoff.
Video: "Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In"
Reducing, Reusing and Recycling Materials
Practice the three R's: first reduce how much you use, then reuse what you can, and then recycle the rest. Then, dispose of what's left in the most environmentally friendly way. Read the tips below and explore the Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste.
* Reduce:
o Buy permanent items instead of disposables.
o Buy and use only what you need.
o Buy products with less packaging.
o Buy products that use less toxic chemicals.
* Reuse:
o Repair items as much as possible.
o Use durable coffee mugs.
o Use cloth napkins or towels.
o Clean out juice bottles and use them for water.
o Use empty jars to hold leftover food.
o Reuse boxes.
o Purchase refillable pens and pencils.
o Participate in a paint collection and reuse program.
o Donate extras to people you know or to charity instead of throwing them away.
* Recycle:
o Recycle paper (printer paper, newspapers, mail, etc.), plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans. If your community doesn't collect at the curb, take them to a collection center.
o Recycle electronics.
o Recycle used motor oil.
o Compost food scraps, grass and other yard clippings, and dead plants.
o Close the loop - buy recycled products and products that use recycled packaging. That's what makes recycling economically possible.
Learn more:
Reducing and recycling wastes, including syringes and other medical wastes, and used oil.
Recycling and disposing of hazardous materials properly - Find out how to recycle compact fluorescent bulbs, pesticides, and other common household wastes that contain hazardous materials.
Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
Actions You Can Take to Reduce Lead In Drinking Water - This publication offers information and solutions to many common questions surrounding lead in your drinking water.
Cleaner Water through Conservation - Explains the relationship between the quantity of water and its quality and discusses how developing water-use efficiency programs can help states and local communities achieve cleaner water through conserving water.
Drinking Water - The home page for the Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.
Drinking Water and Health: What you need to know - This EPA publication (EPA 816-K-99-001) answers many basic questions about drinking water systems.
Drinking Water Contaminants - EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. This Web site contains more detailed information on specific contaminants.
Private Drinking Water Wells - Learn how to test and protect your private well water.
Water on Tap - How safe is my drinking water? Where does my drinking water come from, and how does it get to my home? What can I do to help protect my drinking water? This publication examines these questions and offers information on protecting your drinking water.
Improving Indoor Air Quality
Asbestos in Your Home - This online pamphlet will help you understand asbestos: what it is, its health effects, where it is in your home, and what to do about it.
Indoor Air Quality in Homes - While pollutant levels from individual sources may not pose a significant health risk by themselves, most homes have more than one source that contributes to indoor air pollution. There can be a serious risk from the cumulative effects of these sources. Find out about how to protect you and your family.
Flood Cleanup: Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems (PDF) - (15 pp, 1.6MB, About PDF) This fact sheet discusses problems caused by microbial growth, as well as other potential effects of flooding, on long-term indoor air quality and the steps you can take to lessen these effects.
Reduce Risks of Radon : Test and Fix Your Home - You can't see radon. And you can't smell it or taste it. But it may be a problem in your home. Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk from radon. Get information to reduce radon levels in your home.
Secondhand Smoke - This site discusses the health risks to children and adults from secondhand smoke with particular regard to immediate health effects with links to publications.
Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Knowing the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and immediate first aid techniques provided in this document can save your life or the lives of your family.
Using Toxics and Pesticides Safely
What is a Pesticide? - This document explains what is and what is not a pesticide.
What are Biopesticides? - Different from conventional pesticides, biopesticides are a group of pesticides that are sometimes controversial and make their way into the media. This web page helps to educate the public on this class of pesticides.
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) - This site provides a wide variety of pesticide-related information as well as a toll-free number for further information.
Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings around the Home - These simple steps can help you save children from environmental hazards around the home.
* Spanish Version
Protecting Pets - Learn how to protect your pets from pests and potential pesticide risks by following product label directions and understanding the precautions.
Controlling Pests - Learn how to reduce the need for pesticides and how to use pesticides safely
Disposing of toxics and pesticides - Common household items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides contain hazardous components. Although we cannot completely stop using hazardous products, we can make sure that leftovers are managed properly. The best way to handle household hazardous waste is to give leftovers to someone else to use.
Many communities have set up collection programs to keep hazardous products out of landfills and combustors. More than 3,000 household hazardous waste (HHW) collection programs exist in the United States. Find out more about HHW.
Reducing Your Exposure to Harmful Substances
Asbestos - Wondering whether your home might contain asbestos? or what to do if you know materials in your home contain asbestos?
Lead and Indoor Air Quality - Humans are exposed to lead in many ways; through air, drinking water, food, contaminated soil, deteriorating paint, and dust. This publication explains the dangers from lead, suggesting ways to reduce your exposure. Learn more about lead
Mercury - Mercury is contained in some of the fish we eat, whether caught in local lakes and streams or bought in a grocery store. Mercury is also contained in some of the products we use, which may be found in your home, at the dentist, and at schools.
Mold - Learn how to control moisture and mold in your home, and how to cleanup moldy areas.
Pesticides - Find out how to use pesticides safely in your home.
Radon - Radon is a cancer-causing natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Its presence in your home can pose a danger to your family's health. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.
Sun Safety: Learn about the UV Index - Do you know that a few simple precautions can help protect you and your children from skin cancer and serious eye injury?
Pollution Prevention
Household Waste Management - This program can be used online to find reliable information about reducing the waste consumers generate and dealing with hazardous wastes in the home.
Recycling - This document provides an overview of recycling including what is in our trash and steps you can take to recycle at home.
The Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste - This booklet describes how people can help solve a growing problem...garbage! Individual consumers can help alleviate America's mounting trash problem by making environmentally aware decisions about everyday things like shopping and caring for the lawn.
Where Can I Take My Computer? - EPA's Product Stewardship website has information on opportunities for donating and recycling computers and other electronics.
Used Oil Management Program - Provides information about changing motor oil, recycling used oil, and changing and recycling used oil filters.
Buying and Maintaining an Environmentally Friendly House
Energy Efficient Homes and Heating and Cooling Systems - This resource discusses home products such as air conditioners, furnaces, and thermostats, and illustrates the savings for homeowners who buy Energy Star products.
Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon - This Guide answers important questions about radon and lung cancer risk. It also answers questions about testing and fixing radon hazards for anyone buying or selling a home.
How to Buy an Energy Efficient Home - This document describes the Energy Star Homes Program and how you can reduce pollution by saving energy.
Residential Energy Efficiency - This program shows effective ways to reduce home energy consumption and allows users to calculate how much they will save by making their homes more energy efficient.
Lawn and Garden Care
Lawn and Garden and Tips for a Waste-Free Lawn and Garden - Learn about many things you can do to reduce waste and conserve resources from caring for you lawn and garden equipment, to greenscaping.
Your Yard and Clean Air - This document provides tips on how you can prevent pollution in your own backyard by adopting practices that will help protect the environment now and in the future.
Green Landscaping with Native Plants - This site provides a wizard that answers commonly asked questions about landscaping with native wild flowers and grasses in the Great Lakes region.
The Hidden Hazards of Backyard Burning (PDF) (2 pp, 272K, About PDF) - This EPA publication (EPA 530-F-03-012) informs citizens of the health hazards of burning household waste in burn barrels and open piles and providing alternatives to burning.
Natural Landscaping - Online publication explaining natural landscaping ideas.
Greenscaping - EPA's GreenScapes Program can show you how to reduce the environmental impacts of landscaping your lawn and property by grasscycling, mulching, and composting.
Composting - Discusses what composting is, what compost can be used for, and other related topics.
Compost Yard Trimmings and Some Food Scraps - Food scraps and yard trimmings can be turned into natural additives for lawns and gardens, and can significantly reduce the amount of waste that goes in a landfill.
The Natural Landscaping Alternative: An Annotated Slide Collection - Native plants provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance landscape while benefiting the environment. This Annotated Slide Collection contains fifty slides selected for their ability to define natural landscaping and explain its benefits, to illustrate applications of natural landscaping, and to demonstrate installation and management techniques.
Resources for Concerned Citizens
Tips for home safety, avoiding potential risks, and preventing pollution by recycling and conserving water and energy.
Protect the environment at home and in your garden >>
At Work
Information about preventing pollution in your workplace, and raising awareness of health and safety issues.
Keep work environments safe
On the Road
Consumer information about the environmental impacts of transportation plus tips on cleaner cars, saving gas and improving mileage, boating pollution prevention tips, and more.
Learn about the environmental impacts of transportation
At School
Whether you are a student or a teacher in a class about the environment, EPA has lots of educational resources to offer you.
Keep school environments safe
While Shopping
Find helpful information on how to choose purchases that will reduce pollution, save energy and money.
Learn to be an environmentally-savvy shopper
In Your Community
Learn how to protect your neighborhood's natural resources, and get information on air and water quality in your community.
Protect the environment in your community
Think Globally, Act Locally.
Learn about environmental issues that impact our world, and about programs, opportunities, and tools to help you get involved and make a difference in your community.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Advisory vs. Philippine Postal Corporation; Etc.
Advisory vs. Philippine Postal Corporation
I sent a registered letter addressed to the Postmaster General of the Philippine of the Philippine Postal Corporation. Based on the return card for said letter
said letter was received by said person's agent. A reasonable time has passed but I have not received any reply to said letter from said person or his agent.
Many times I did not get the service I paid said corporation for. I sent letters via registered letters with return cards through said corporation. Despite
the instructions on said cards, many times said cards were returned to me without visible (to unaided eye) indications on the dates when said letters were received
by the addresses or their agents.Most of said letters were sent through what was identified as a branch of said corporation at Robinsons Ermita.
An employee of said Philippine Postal Corporation, identified as "Jeffrey B." who was working at what was identified as Robinsons Ermita branch of said corporation, was watching what was identified as a video, during business hours.
Advisory vs. SM City Manila
On June 29, 2008, a person, identified as Mapril Cheung, who was working at SM Department store at SM City Manila, received my written report of a security
lapse on said date at said mall.Up to April 16, 2009 no one connected with SM has provided me with information as to what action was taken, if any, regarding said security lapse.
Advisory vs. Jollibee PGH Taft
On April 16, 2009, I saw live moving insect fly at dining area of said restaurant.The presence of said fly at said
area is considered as an indication of an unclean restaurant. While I was there, I bought food and was given a receipt bearing the words
"PARMESAN CHEESE FOOD EXCHANGE INC. Jollibee PGH Taft OFFICIAL RECEIPT No. 2198 Date: April 16, 2009, 1540 Anglo Bldg., Taft Ave.
Security lapse at Robinsons Ermita on April 16, 2009. Because of said lapse, I could have brought dangerous/deadly weapons into said mall.
On April 16, 2009, 7-Eleven store at Taft Ave., corner P. Gil, sold a product which was identified as imported and bore the words "Pik Nik shoestring
potatoes" but did not bear (visible to unaided eye) name and address of the importer of said product. I believe the Consumer Act of the Philippines was violated.
About sunscreens:
A local dermatologist gave the following tips on suncreens: buy sunscreen with SPF 50; don't buy clear sunscrens.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/sun072407.html#sunscreen
On this page:
* Reduce time in the sun
* Dress with care
* Be serious about sunscreen
* Tips for applying sunscreen
* Don't forget the eyes
* Sunlamp products
* Tips for tanning indoors
* So-called "Tanning Pills"
* Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
* Check For Skin Cancer
Sun safety is never out of season. Summer's arrival means it's time for picnics, trips to the pool and beach … and a spike in sunburns. But winter skiers and fall hikers need to be as wary of the sun's rays as swimmers do. People who work outdoors need to take precautions as well.
The need for sun safety has become clear over the past 20 years, with studies showing that excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Harmful rays from the sun—and from sunlamps and tanning beds—may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you unsightly skin spots and wrinkles, or "leathery" skin.
Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which reaches us as long wavelengths known as UVA and short wavelengths known as UVB. UVB radiation can cause sunburn. But the longer wavelength UVA is dangerous too, as it can penetrate the skin and damage tissue at deeper levels.
Tanning is a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some—but not nearly enough—protection against sunburn.
No matter what our skin color, we're all potential victims of sunburn and the other detrimental effects of excessive exposure to UV radiation. Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, people who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have
* pale skin.
* blonde, red or light brown hair.
* been treated for skin cancer.
* a family member who's had skin cancer.
If you have an illness and take medicines, ask your doctor about extra sun-care precautions, because some medications may increase sensitivity to the sun.
Cosmetics that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) also may increase sun sensitivity and susceptibility to sunburn. Look for FDA's recommended sunburn alert statement on products that contain AHAs.
Reduce time in the sun
This is especially recommended from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible throughout the day.
Dress with care
Wear clothes that protect your body. Cover as much of your body as possible if you plan to be outside on a sunny day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and long pants. Sun-protective clothing is now available in stores. However, FDA does not regulate such products unless the manufacturer intends to make a medical claim.Consider using an umbrella for shade.
Be serious about sunscreen
Check product labels to make sure you get
* a "sun protection factor" (SPF) of 15 or more—SPF represents the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn. The higher the number, the better the protection.
* "broad spectrum" protection—sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB.
* water resistance—sunscreen that stays on your skin longer, even if it gets wet. "Water-resistant" does not mean "waterproof." Water-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied as instructed on the label.
Tips for applying sunscreen
* Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
* Check the label for the correct amount of time to apply it before you go out.
* If the label doesn't give a time, allow about 15 to 30 minutes.
* If you don't have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
* Reapply at least every two hours. Read the label to see how often.
* Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a doctor before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
* Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they
go out.
Don't forget the eyes
Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand or water further increases exposure to UV radiation, increasing your risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts.
Long hours on the beach or in the snow without adequate eye protection also can result in a short-term condition known as photokeratitis, or reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition--also known as "snow blindness"—can cause temporary loss of vision.
* When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99-100% UV protection. This assures that the glasses block both forms of UV radiation.
* Eyewear should be labeled "sunglasses." Be wary of dark or tinted eyewear sold as fashion accessories that may provide little or no protection from UV or visible light.
* Don't assume that you get more UV protection with pricier sunglasses or glasses with a darker tint.
* Be sure that your sunglasses don't distort colors and affect the recognition of traffic signals.
* Ask an eye care professional to test your sunglasses if you're not sure of their level of UV protection.
* People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses.
* Consider that light can still enter from the sides of sunglasses. Those that wrap all the way around the temples can help.
* Children should wear real sunglasses—not toy sunglasses—that indicate the UV protection level. Polycarbonate lenses are the most shatter-resistant.
Sunlamp products
Sunlamp products emit UV that is similar to, or more powerful than, that emitted by the sun. Therefore, exposure to sunlamp products can also lead to skin cancer. Some experts argue that artificial tanning is less dangerous because the intensity of light and the time spent tanning are controlled. There is limited evidence to support these claims. On the other hand, sunlamps may be more dangerous than the sun because they can be used at the same intensity every day of the year—something that is unlikely for the sun because of winter weather and cloud cover. They can also be more dangerous because people can expose their entire bodies at each session, which would be difficult to do outdoors.
FDA requires manufacturers of sunlamps to develop an exposure schedule and establish a maximum recommended exposure time based on the UV emission characteristics of their products.
UV and the intense visible light emitted from sunlamp products can also damage the eyes, so it is important to wear proper protective eyewear while tanning indoors.
Tips for tanning indoors
If you use indoor tanning equipment, follow these steps to reduce the dangers of UV exposure:
* Wear the goggles provided. Make sure they fit snugly and are not cracked.
* Start slowly and use short exposure times to build up a tan over time.
* Don't use the maximum exposure time the first time you tan because you could get burned, and burns are thought to be related to melanoma.
* Because sunburn takes 6 to 48 hours to develop, you may not realize your skin is burned until it's too late.
* Follow manufacturer-recommended exposure times on the label for your skin type.
* Stick to your time limit.
* After a tan is developed, tan no more than once a week. Because sunburn takes 6 to 48 hours to develop, you may not realize your skin is burned until it is too late.
So-called "Tanning Pills"
No tanning pills of any kind have been approved by FDA.
However, there are companies that market products they call "tanning pills." Some of these pills contain a color additive known as canthaxanthin, which, when ingested, can turn the skin a range of colors from orange to brown. Canthaxanthin is only approved for use as a color additive in foods and oral medications, and only in small amounts.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
Some tanning sprays contain DHA, a color additive that interacts with the dead surface cells in the outermost layer of the skin, to darken skin color. It is commonly used in "sunless tanning" lotions, creams, and spray-on products.
DHA is approved by FDA for use in coloring the skin, but it is limited to external application. The industry has not provided safety data to FDA to consider approving it for other uses, such as applying it to your lips or the area of your eyes, or inhaling it. Therefore, the risks, if any, are unknown. FDA recommends that if you visit a spray tanning salon, take precautions to protect your eyes and lips and avoid inhaling the spray.
Some tanning products on the market do not contain sunscreen. FDA requires these products to carry a warning statement.
Check For Skin Cancer
Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. Look for changes in the size, shape, color or feel of birthmarks, moles and spots. If you find any changes or find sores that are not healing, see your doctor.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.
For More Information
Talk to your doctor or health care professional, or visit:
Safer Sunning in Seven Steps
www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/sunsafty.html
CDRH Tanning Web site
www.fda.gov/cdrh/tanning/index.html
Tanning Products
www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-sun.html
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: Sun Exposure
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sunexposure.html
Date Posted: July 24, 2007
Updated: September 5, 2008
horizontal rule
FDA Consumer Health Information
Consumer Updates archive
FDA Home Page | Search FDA Site | FDA A-Z Index | Contact FDA | Privacy | Accessibility
FDA Website Management Staff
I sent a registered letter addressed to the Postmaster General of the Philippine of the Philippine Postal Corporation. Based on the return card for said letter
said letter was received by said person's agent. A reasonable time has passed but I have not received any reply to said letter from said person or his agent.
Many times I did not get the service I paid said corporation for. I sent letters via registered letters with return cards through said corporation. Despite
the instructions on said cards, many times said cards were returned to me without visible (to unaided eye) indications on the dates when said letters were received
by the addresses or their agents.Most of said letters were sent through what was identified as a branch of said corporation at Robinsons Ermita.
An employee of said Philippine Postal Corporation, identified as "Jeffrey B." who was working at what was identified as Robinsons Ermita branch of said corporation, was watching what was identified as a video, during business hours.
Advisory vs. SM City Manila
On June 29, 2008, a person, identified as Mapril Cheung, who was working at SM Department store at SM City Manila, received my written report of a security
lapse on said date at said mall.Up to April 16, 2009 no one connected with SM has provided me with information as to what action was taken, if any, regarding said security lapse.
Advisory vs. Jollibee PGH Taft
On April 16, 2009, I saw live moving insect fly at dining area of said restaurant.The presence of said fly at said
area is considered as an indication of an unclean restaurant. While I was there, I bought food and was given a receipt bearing the words
"PARMESAN CHEESE FOOD EXCHANGE INC. Jollibee PGH Taft OFFICIAL RECEIPT No. 2198 Date: April 16, 2009, 1540 Anglo Bldg., Taft Ave.
Security lapse at Robinsons Ermita on April 16, 2009. Because of said lapse, I could have brought dangerous/deadly weapons into said mall.
On April 16, 2009, 7-Eleven store at Taft Ave., corner P. Gil, sold a product which was identified as imported and bore the words "Pik Nik shoestring
potatoes" but did not bear (visible to unaided eye) name and address of the importer of said product. I believe the Consumer Act of the Philippines was violated.
About sunscreens:
A local dermatologist gave the following tips on suncreens: buy sunscreen with SPF 50; don't buy clear sunscrens.
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/sun072407.html#sunscreen
On this page:
* Reduce time in the sun
* Dress with care
* Be serious about sunscreen
* Tips for applying sunscreen
* Don't forget the eyes
* Sunlamp products
* Tips for tanning indoors
* So-called "Tanning Pills"
* Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
* Check For Skin Cancer
Sun safety is never out of season. Summer's arrival means it's time for picnics, trips to the pool and beach … and a spike in sunburns. But winter skiers and fall hikers need to be as wary of the sun's rays as swimmers do. People who work outdoors need to take precautions as well.
The need for sun safety has become clear over the past 20 years, with studies showing that excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Harmful rays from the sun—and from sunlamps and tanning beds—may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you unsightly skin spots and wrinkles, or "leathery" skin.
Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which reaches us as long wavelengths known as UVA and short wavelengths known as UVB. UVB radiation can cause sunburn. But the longer wavelength UVA is dangerous too, as it can penetrate the skin and damage tissue at deeper levels.
Tanning is a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some—but not nearly enough—protection against sunburn.
No matter what our skin color, we're all potential victims of sunburn and the other detrimental effects of excessive exposure to UV radiation. Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, people who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have
* pale skin.
* blonde, red or light brown hair.
* been treated for skin cancer.
* a family member who's had skin cancer.
If you have an illness and take medicines, ask your doctor about extra sun-care precautions, because some medications may increase sensitivity to the sun.
Cosmetics that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) also may increase sun sensitivity and susceptibility to sunburn. Look for FDA's recommended sunburn alert statement on products that contain AHAs.
Reduce time in the sun
This is especially recommended from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible throughout the day.
Dress with care
Wear clothes that protect your body. Cover as much of your body as possible if you plan to be outside on a sunny day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and long pants. Sun-protective clothing is now available in stores. However, FDA does not regulate such products unless the manufacturer intends to make a medical claim.Consider using an umbrella for shade.
Be serious about sunscreen
Check product labels to make sure you get
* a "sun protection factor" (SPF) of 15 or more—SPF represents the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn. The higher the number, the better the protection.
* "broad spectrum" protection—sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB.
* water resistance—sunscreen that stays on your skin longer, even if it gets wet. "Water-resistant" does not mean "waterproof." Water-resistant sunscreens need to be reapplied as instructed on the label.
Tips for applying sunscreen
* Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
* Check the label for the correct amount of time to apply it before you go out.
* If the label doesn't give a time, allow about 15 to 30 minutes.
* If you don't have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
* Reapply at least every two hours. Read the label to see how often.
* Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a doctor before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
* Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they
go out.
Don't forget the eyes
Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand or water further increases exposure to UV radiation, increasing your risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts.
Long hours on the beach or in the snow without adequate eye protection also can result in a short-term condition known as photokeratitis, or reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition--also known as "snow blindness"—can cause temporary loss of vision.
* When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99-100% UV protection. This assures that the glasses block both forms of UV radiation.
* Eyewear should be labeled "sunglasses." Be wary of dark or tinted eyewear sold as fashion accessories that may provide little or no protection from UV or visible light.
* Don't assume that you get more UV protection with pricier sunglasses or glasses with a darker tint.
* Be sure that your sunglasses don't distort colors and affect the recognition of traffic signals.
* Ask an eye care professional to test your sunglasses if you're not sure of their level of UV protection.
* People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses.
* Consider that light can still enter from the sides of sunglasses. Those that wrap all the way around the temples can help.
* Children should wear real sunglasses—not toy sunglasses—that indicate the UV protection level. Polycarbonate lenses are the most shatter-resistant.
Sunlamp products
Sunlamp products emit UV that is similar to, or more powerful than, that emitted by the sun. Therefore, exposure to sunlamp products can also lead to skin cancer. Some experts argue that artificial tanning is less dangerous because the intensity of light and the time spent tanning are controlled. There is limited evidence to support these claims. On the other hand, sunlamps may be more dangerous than the sun because they can be used at the same intensity every day of the year—something that is unlikely for the sun because of winter weather and cloud cover. They can also be more dangerous because people can expose their entire bodies at each session, which would be difficult to do outdoors.
FDA requires manufacturers of sunlamps to develop an exposure schedule and establish a maximum recommended exposure time based on the UV emission characteristics of their products.
UV and the intense visible light emitted from sunlamp products can also damage the eyes, so it is important to wear proper protective eyewear while tanning indoors.
Tips for tanning indoors
If you use indoor tanning equipment, follow these steps to reduce the dangers of UV exposure:
* Wear the goggles provided. Make sure they fit snugly and are not cracked.
* Start slowly and use short exposure times to build up a tan over time.
* Don't use the maximum exposure time the first time you tan because you could get burned, and burns are thought to be related to melanoma.
* Because sunburn takes 6 to 48 hours to develop, you may not realize your skin is burned until it's too late.
* Follow manufacturer-recommended exposure times on the label for your skin type.
* Stick to your time limit.
* After a tan is developed, tan no more than once a week. Because sunburn takes 6 to 48 hours to develop, you may not realize your skin is burned until it is too late.
So-called "Tanning Pills"
No tanning pills of any kind have been approved by FDA.
However, there are companies that market products they call "tanning pills." Some of these pills contain a color additive known as canthaxanthin, which, when ingested, can turn the skin a range of colors from orange to brown. Canthaxanthin is only approved for use as a color additive in foods and oral medications, and only in small amounts.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
Some tanning sprays contain DHA, a color additive that interacts with the dead surface cells in the outermost layer of the skin, to darken skin color. It is commonly used in "sunless tanning" lotions, creams, and spray-on products.
DHA is approved by FDA for use in coloring the skin, but it is limited to external application. The industry has not provided safety data to FDA to consider approving it for other uses, such as applying it to your lips or the area of your eyes, or inhaling it. Therefore, the risks, if any, are unknown. FDA recommends that if you visit a spray tanning salon, take precautions to protect your eyes and lips and avoid inhaling the spray.
Some tanning products on the market do not contain sunscreen. FDA requires these products to carry a warning statement.
Check For Skin Cancer
Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. Look for changes in the size, shape, color or feel of birthmarks, moles and spots. If you find any changes or find sores that are not healing, see your doctor.
This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.
For More Information
Talk to your doctor or health care professional, or visit:
Safer Sunning in Seven Steps
www.fda.gov/opacom/lowlit/sunsafty.html
CDRH Tanning Web site
www.fda.gov/cdrh/tanning/index.html
Tanning Products
www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-sun.html
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: Sun Exposure
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sunexposure.html
Date Posted: July 24, 2007
Updated: September 5, 2008
horizontal rule
FDA Consumer Health Information
Consumer Updates archive
FDA Home Page | Search FDA Site | FDA A-Z Index | Contact FDA | Privacy | Accessibility
FDA Website Management Staff
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Security lapse on April 11, 2009, at entrance to Harrison Plaza mall
Security lapse on April 11, 2009, at entrance to Harrison Plaza mall at Malate, Manila. Because of said security lapse by security guard at said entrance, I could have brought dangerous/deadly weapons into said mall. After I entered said
mall, I entered SM department store and Shopwise store without my luggage being inspected. Evidence available.
Summer Diseases Advisories from DOH
Diseases / Conditions to watch out during summer time:
• Food and Water-borne Diseases
1. Typhoid
2. Cholera
3. Hepatitis A
4. Food Poisoning
5. Other Diarrheas
• Sore Eyes
• Measles (Tigdas)
• Mosquito-borne Diseases
- Dengue
- Malaria
• Other Conditions
- Sunburn
- Prickly Heat
Health Tips
Food and drinks
• Cook food properly
• Preferably, food must be eaten immediately after cooking (while still hot)
• Leftover food should be refrigerated and reheated before being eaten
• Food handlers should wash their hands before and after food preparation
• If sick, avoid preparing food for others
• Avoid drinking water and iced beverages of doubtful quality
• If water quality is doubtful, boil drinking water for at least 2 minutes
• Peel and wash fruits / vegetables before eating
• Wash hands before and after eating
At the beach
• Do not allow children to swim without the company of an adult
• Avoid staying under the sun without scanty clothes for more than 3 hours as this predisposes to sunburn, heat exhaustion and worst, heat stroke
• Drink plenty of ?uids to avoid dehydration, especially during exercise & sports activities
While on the road
• Check vehicle well before going on a trip
• Bring repair kit with you
• When drunk, never attempt to drive
What is U.S.FDA Advising Consumers Regarding Pistachios and Pistachio Products
Updated: April 7, 2009
FDA is advising consumers not to eat pistachios or food products containing them (such as pistachio bakery goods and pistachio ice cream) unless they can determine that the products do not contain pistachios from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., ("Setton"). The FDA consumer alert is available at this link: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01982.html. Until FDA is able to provide more information, consumers should not eat any Setton pistachios or products that contain them.
How Can Consumers Get Information About Which Products Contain Pistachios from Setton?
Consumers can contact the retailer from whom they purchased the product or the manufacturer of the product to ask if the product contains Setton pistachios. Consumers also can obtain the latest FDA advice on pistachios and information about what products have been recalled from the FDA website. The agency has established a special webpage to provide the latest information, including a searchable database of products under recall. The webpage is available by clickable icon on the opening page of the FDA website, and at this direct link: http://www.fda.gov/pistachios/. The page is updated frequently with information about additional products being recalled, but does not reflect all products that contain pistachios from Setton.
Are the number of products being recalled expected to grow?
Yes. On March 30, 2009 Setton announced it was recalling selected lots of pistachios processed on or after September 1, 2008. However, on April 6, 2009, Setton announced that it was expanding its recall to include all roasted in-shell pistachios, roasted shelled pistachios, and raw pistachios from the 2008 crop that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale. It is expected that this will result in additional recalls by companies that used Setton's pistachios in their products.
What Should Consumers Do With Pistachios and Pistachio Products They Have on Hand?
Consumers should store pistachios and pistachio products in their homes, away from children, until it can be determined whether or not the products contain Setton pistachios. At this time FDA is advising consumers not eat any Setton pistachios or products that contain them. FDA will update this advice as its investigation progresses.
Should Consumers With Pistachios on Hand Use Them in Other Food Products Like Cookies and Cakes?
FDA recommends that consumers not use pistachios on hand in making home-baked goods or in other food items prepared in their homes, unless they determine that the pistachios are not from Setton.
Are any Consumer Sicknesses Connected with Setton Pistachios?
At this time, neither the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor state health departments have reported any consumer illnesses directly connected with Setton pistachios. FDA, in cooperation with the states and CDC, is increasing public health surveillance for any illnesses that may be directly associated with pistachios from Setton. FDA has received several consumer complaints of illness after eating pistachio products, and the agency is investigating these reports to determine if any of them are associated with pistachios from Setton.
Why is FDA Taking This Action?
Salmonella bacteria have been detected in pistachios processed by Setton. The company has stopped distribution of roasted pistachios in the United States and has recalled approximately one million pounds of its products. However, the recalled pistachios were widely distributed, and FDA expects that Setton pistachios and products containing them remain on the market and in the supply chain. Further, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional recalls.
What is FDA Doing to Investigate?
FDA and the California Department of Public Health are working together conducting an investigation to determine the extent of the contamination, how it occurred, and to identify recipients of the pistachios under recall, including companies that may have used pistachios from Setton as ingredients in their own products. The joint team has taken environmental and product samples from the firm's facility to analyze for the possible presence of Salmonella, and is reviewing records provided by the firm.
What are the Symptoms of Salmonella Infection?
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately or go to an emergency room for evaluation.
FDA Approves Benzyl Alcohol Lotion for the Treatment of Head Lice
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01993.html
FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2009
Media Inquiries:
Rita Chappelle, 301-796-4672
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA
FDA Approves Benzyl Alcohol Lotion for the Treatment of Head Lice
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new prescription medication for the treatment of head lice ( Pediculosis capitis ) infestation. Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, received full market approval as a prescription medication, for use in patients 6 months of age and older.
Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, is the first head lice product approved by the FDA with benzyl alcohol as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
“Head lice are a problem that impacts more than a 1 million children each year and is easily transmitted to others,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This drug is an effective first line treatment to eliminate lice infestation, and minimize disruption in the daily routines of families.”
The safety and effectiveness of Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, was demonstrated in two studies of 628 people, 6 months of age and older, with active head lice infestation. The subjects received two, 10-minute treatments of either Benzyl Alcohol Lotion or a topical placebo, one week apart. Fourteen days after the final treatment, more than 75 percent of the subjects treated with Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, were lice free.
Common side effects of the medication include irritations of the skin, scalp, and eyes, and numbness at the site of application. As with all medications, it is important to use benzyl alcohol, 5%, as labeled to maximize benefits and minimize risks. The product should be applied only to the scalp or the hair attached to the scalp. It is not approved for use in children younger than six months. Use in premature infants could lead to serious respiratory, heart- or brain-related adverse events such as seizure, coma, or death.
Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, is distributed by Sciele Pharma Inc., a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Shionogi Company.
ALA Great Web Sites for Kids
http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm
wholeliving web site
http://www.wholeliving.com/
thelancet com web site
http://www.thelancet.com/
MedlinePlus News in April 2009
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html
*
April 2009
o Thursday, April 9:
+ Air Pollution Exposure May Slow Fetal Growth (HealthDay)
+ As Work Stress Rises, So May Depression (HealthDay)
+ Birth Control Pills Linked to Lupus Risk (HealthDay)
+ Extra Pounds in Mid-Life Affect Later Mobility (HealthDay)
+ FDA Panel Snubs Seroquel As 1st Choice Depression Treatment (HealthDay)
+ Growth Hormone Slows Age-Related Loss of Strength (Reuters Health)
+ High Blood Lead Levels Linked to Heart Deaths (Reuters Health)
+ High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy a Heart Risk (Reuters Health)
+ New Drug May Help Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (HealthDay)
+ Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Pulled From U.S. Market (HealthDay)
+ Sprout Recall Due to Potential Contamination with Listeria (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Stem Cell Breakthrough May Lead to Multiple Sclerosis Treatments (HealthDay)
+ Teen Pregnancy Boosts Girls' Risk of Getting Fat (Reuters Health)
+ Three Drinks a Day Doubles Risk of Tremor (HealthDay)
+ Unapproved Liquid Morphine Can Still Be Sold in U.S. (Reuters Health)
+ U.S. Making Little Progress on Food Safety (Reuters Health)
o Wednesday, April 8:
+ Acid Reducers May Not Help All with Asthma (HealthDay)
+ "Brown Fat" May Help Adults Lose Weight (Reuters Health)
+ Caffeine May Lessen Exercisers' Muscle Pain (Reuters Health)
+ Coartem Approved to Treat Malaria (HealthDay)
+ Common Industrial Chemicals May Not Boost Cancer Risk (HealthDay)
+ Doctors Urged to Get Aggressive to Help Smokers (HealthDay)
+ FDA Statement on the Voluntary Withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. Market (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Flu Strikes a Milder Blow This Season (HealthDay)
+ HIV Treatment Should Start Earlier (Reuters Health)
+ Large Waist May Boost Heart Failure Risk (Reuters Health)
+ Larger Men at Greater Risk for Atrial Fibrillation (HealthDay)
+ Pot-Smoking Drivers Tied to Range of Road Accidents (HealthDay)
+ Rapid Test to Detect Bird Flu in People Approved (HealthDay)
+ Sports May Ease Activity Decline during Teen Years (Reuters Health)
+ Stress Management Battles Prostate Cancer Anxiety (HealthDay)
o Tuesday, April 7:
+ Certain Diabetes Drugs May Pose Eye Risk (HealthDay)
+ Cognitive Behavior Therapy Eases Anxiety for Older People (HealthDay)
+ Exercise Is Safe, Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart FailureFrom the National Institutes of Health (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
+ Exercise Might Benefit Some with Heart Failure (HealthDay)
+ Heart Transplant Failures More Likely in Poor, Minority Kids (HealthDay)
+ Home-Based Program Extends Seniors' Lives (HealthDay)
+ Intensive Early Treatment Doesn't Help Bladder Cancer Survival (HealthDay)
+ Kids' Sleep Issues May Affect Mental Ability Later (Reuters Health)
+ Obesity Linked to Heart Failure Risk (HealthDay)
+ Parents Worry That 'Alcopops' Encourage Teen Drinking (HealthDay)
+ Single Cell May Produce Multiple Lung Cancer Tumors (HealthDay)
+ Very Obese Adults Almost Completely Sedentary (Reuters Health)
+ What Is FDA Advising Consumers Regarding Pistachios and Pistachio Products (Food and Drug Administration)
o Monday, April 6:
+ Alzheimer's Gene Changes Brain Early, Study Finds (Reuters Health)
+ April Is STD Awareness Month (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
+ Broccoli May Ward Off Serious Stomach Ailments (HealthDay)
+ Colon Screenings Don't Follow Guidelines, Study Suggests (HealthDay)
+ Dietary Changes Shield Latino Teens from Diabetes (HealthDay)
+ Early Psychiatric Issues May Predict Suicide in Boys (HealthDay)
+ Evidence Weak on New Cholesterol Tests (Reuters Health)
+ Experts Find Gene Trigger for Deadly Skin Cancer (Reuters Health)
+ Kids Who Lack Self-Control May Be Prone to Weight Gain (HealthDay)
+ Male Infertility Treatment Boosts Sperm Count (HealthDay)
+ More U.S. Kids Taking Diabetes, Blood Pressure Drugs (HealthDay)
+ One Easy Remedy for Overweight Kids -- Water (Reuters Health)
+ Pot Belly Boosts Risk for Restless Legs Syndrome (HealthDay)
+ Prom Tips for Health and Safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
+ Psychotherapy Can Ease Post-Surgical Depression (HealthDay)
+ Researchers Profile the 'Light' Smoker (HealthDay)
+ Teen Drivers: Safe to and from Prom…and Beyond (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
+ That's the Spot: How Scratching Brings Relief (Reuters Health)
+ Topical Spray Helped Men with Premature Ejaculation (HealthDay)
+ Triple Therapy Boosts Quit Rates in Sick Smokers (Reuters Health)
+ U.S. AIDS Program Saved Million African Lives (Reuters Health)
o Sunday, April 5:
+ Obesity Boosts Gum Disease Risk (HealthDay)
o Friday, April 3:
+ Accumulated Lead May Affect Older Women's Brains (HealthDay)
+ Black Women at Risk of Deadly Breast Cancer Type (Reuters Health)
+ Brain Scans Might Help Spot PTSD (HealthDay)
+ Hispanic Children More Likely to Have Hearing Loss (HealthDay)
+ Mothers' Bereavement Does Not Raise Autism Risk (Reuters Health)
+ Muscle Mass Won't Grow in Women Over 80 (HealthDay)
+ Nicotine Replacement May Help Smokers Quit Gradually (HealthDay)
+ Poor Kids Exposed to More Secondhand Smoke (HealthDay)
+ Post-Op Painkillers Tied to Deaths After Spinal Fusion (HealthDay)
+ Post-Traumatic Stress Common in Migraine Sufferers (Reuters Health)
+ Prescription Painkiller Relieves Shingles Pain (Reuters Health)
+ Scientists Uncover New Weapon Against Huntington's (HealthDay)
+ Sports Drinks May Be Tough on Teeth (HealthDay)
+ TV Time May Not Be Benign (HealthDay)
o Thursday, April 2:
+ Antioxidant-Rich Foods Lose Nutritional Luster Over Time (HealthDay)
+ Asperger Syndrome Tied to Low Cortisol Levels (HealthDay)
+ Daily Naps May Raise Older Women's Death Risk (HealthDay)
+ FDA Alerts the Public to Uncle Chen and Lian How Brand Dry Spice Product Recall (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Fewer Sugary Drinks Key to Weight Loss (HealthDay)
+ Flu Shot Advised for Travelers to Southern Hemisphere (Reuters Health)
+ For Some, More Costly Care Is Not by Choice (HealthDay)
+ Gene May Explain Women's Heightened Lupus Risk (HealthDay)
+ Hospital Services Vary Widely across U.S. (Reuters Health)
+ Human Heart Can Make New Cells (HealthDay)
+ Methanol Poisoning Damage Is Likely Permanent (Reuters Health)
+ New Antibiotic Could Shorten Tuberculosis Treatment (HealthDay)
+ Prognosis Excellent in 'Broken Heart' Syndrome (Reuters Health)
+ Starting HIV Therapy Earlier Saves Lives (HealthDay)
+ Typical Binge Drinker Is Young White Male (HealthDay)
o Wednesday, April 1:
+ Atkins Diet Tougher on Heart After Weight Loss (HealthDay)
+ Early Growth Predicts Diabetes Later in Life (Reuters Health)
+ Enzyme May Reduce Benefit of Cholesterol Drugs (Reuters Health)
+ Erbitux May Help Some with Colorectal Cancer (HealthDay)
+ FDA Approves Generic Topamax to Prevent Seizures (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Gene Mutation Doubles Risk of Aggressive Colon Cancer in Blacks (HealthDay)
+ Heart Rhythm Device Studies Yield Mixed Results (Reuters Health)
+ High Rate of Rehospitalizations Costing Billions (HealthDay)
+ Insomnia Linked to Suicidal Thoughts, Attempts (HealthDay)
+ Kidneys from Donors Older Than 70 Still Viable (HealthDay)
+ Living Near Major Road May Boost Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk (HealthDay)
+ Mom's Smoking May Lead to SIDS (HealthDay)
+ Mothers of Multiples May Face Higher Depression Risk (HealthDay)
+ Protein-Folding Problem May Help Spur Alzheimer's (HealthDay)
+ The Dark Side of Vegetarianism (HealthDay)
mall, I entered SM department store and Shopwise store without my luggage being inspected. Evidence available.
Summer Diseases Advisories from DOH
Diseases / Conditions to watch out during summer time:
• Food and Water-borne Diseases
1. Typhoid
2. Cholera
3. Hepatitis A
4. Food Poisoning
5. Other Diarrheas
• Sore Eyes
• Measles (Tigdas)
• Mosquito-borne Diseases
- Dengue
- Malaria
• Other Conditions
- Sunburn
- Prickly Heat
Health Tips
Food and drinks
• Cook food properly
• Preferably, food must be eaten immediately after cooking (while still hot)
• Leftover food should be refrigerated and reheated before being eaten
• Food handlers should wash their hands before and after food preparation
• If sick, avoid preparing food for others
• Avoid drinking water and iced beverages of doubtful quality
• If water quality is doubtful, boil drinking water for at least 2 minutes
• Peel and wash fruits / vegetables before eating
• Wash hands before and after eating
At the beach
• Do not allow children to swim without the company of an adult
• Avoid staying under the sun without scanty clothes for more than 3 hours as this predisposes to sunburn, heat exhaustion and worst, heat stroke
• Drink plenty of ?uids to avoid dehydration, especially during exercise & sports activities
While on the road
• Check vehicle well before going on a trip
• Bring repair kit with you
• When drunk, never attempt to drive
What is U.S.FDA Advising Consumers Regarding Pistachios and Pistachio Products
Updated: April 7, 2009
FDA is advising consumers not to eat pistachios or food products containing them (such as pistachio bakery goods and pistachio ice cream) unless they can determine that the products do not contain pistachios from Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., ("Setton"). The FDA consumer alert is available at this link: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01982.html. Until FDA is able to provide more information, consumers should not eat any Setton pistachios or products that contain them.
How Can Consumers Get Information About Which Products Contain Pistachios from Setton?
Consumers can contact the retailer from whom they purchased the product or the manufacturer of the product to ask if the product contains Setton pistachios. Consumers also can obtain the latest FDA advice on pistachios and information about what products have been recalled from the FDA website. The agency has established a special webpage to provide the latest information, including a searchable database of products under recall. The webpage is available by clickable icon on the opening page of the FDA website, and at this direct link: http://www.fda.gov/pistachios/. The page is updated frequently with information about additional products being recalled, but does not reflect all products that contain pistachios from Setton.
Are the number of products being recalled expected to grow?
Yes. On March 30, 2009 Setton announced it was recalling selected lots of pistachios processed on or after September 1, 2008. However, on April 6, 2009, Setton announced that it was expanding its recall to include all roasted in-shell pistachios, roasted shelled pistachios, and raw pistachios from the 2008 crop that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale. It is expected that this will result in additional recalls by companies that used Setton's pistachios in their products.
What Should Consumers Do With Pistachios and Pistachio Products They Have on Hand?
Consumers should store pistachios and pistachio products in their homes, away from children, until it can be determined whether or not the products contain Setton pistachios. At this time FDA is advising consumers not eat any Setton pistachios or products that contain them. FDA will update this advice as its investigation progresses.
Should Consumers With Pistachios on Hand Use Them in Other Food Products Like Cookies and Cakes?
FDA recommends that consumers not use pistachios on hand in making home-baked goods or in other food items prepared in their homes, unless they determine that the pistachios are not from Setton.
Are any Consumer Sicknesses Connected with Setton Pistachios?
At this time, neither the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor state health departments have reported any consumer illnesses directly connected with Setton pistachios. FDA, in cooperation with the states and CDC, is increasing public health surveillance for any illnesses that may be directly associated with pistachios from Setton. FDA has received several consumer complaints of illness after eating pistachio products, and the agency is investigating these reports to determine if any of them are associated with pistachios from Setton.
Why is FDA Taking This Action?
Salmonella bacteria have been detected in pistachios processed by Setton. The company has stopped distribution of roasted pistachios in the United States and has recalled approximately one million pounds of its products. However, the recalled pistachios were widely distributed, and FDA expects that Setton pistachios and products containing them remain on the market and in the supply chain. Further, the investigation at the company is ongoing and may lead to additional recalls.
What is FDA Doing to Investigate?
FDA and the California Department of Public Health are working together conducting an investigation to determine the extent of the contamination, how it occurred, and to identify recipients of the pistachios under recall, including companies that may have used pistachios from Setton as ingredients in their own products. The joint team has taken environmental and product samples from the firm's facility to analyze for the possible presence of Salmonella, and is reviewing records provided by the firm.
What are the Symptoms of Salmonella Infection?
Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Individuals who are experiencing these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately or go to an emergency room for evaluation.
FDA Approves Benzyl Alcohol Lotion for the Treatment of Head Lice
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01993.html
FDA News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2009
Media Inquiries:
Rita Chappelle, 301-796-4672
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA
FDA Approves Benzyl Alcohol Lotion for the Treatment of Head Lice
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new prescription medication for the treatment of head lice ( Pediculosis capitis ) infestation. Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, received full market approval as a prescription medication, for use in patients 6 months of age and older.
Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, is the first head lice product approved by the FDA with benzyl alcohol as the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
“Head lice are a problem that impacts more than a 1 million children each year and is easily transmitted to others,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “This drug is an effective first line treatment to eliminate lice infestation, and minimize disruption in the daily routines of families.”
The safety and effectiveness of Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, was demonstrated in two studies of 628 people, 6 months of age and older, with active head lice infestation. The subjects received two, 10-minute treatments of either Benzyl Alcohol Lotion or a topical placebo, one week apart. Fourteen days after the final treatment, more than 75 percent of the subjects treated with Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, were lice free.
Common side effects of the medication include irritations of the skin, scalp, and eyes, and numbness at the site of application. As with all medications, it is important to use benzyl alcohol, 5%, as labeled to maximize benefits and minimize risks. The product should be applied only to the scalp or the hair attached to the scalp. It is not approved for use in children younger than six months. Use in premature infants could lead to serious respiratory, heart- or brain-related adverse events such as seizure, coma, or death.
Benzyl Alcohol Lotion, 5%, is distributed by Sciele Pharma Inc., a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Shionogi Company.
ALA Great Web Sites for Kids
http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm
wholeliving web site
http://www.wholeliving.com/
thelancet com web site
http://www.thelancet.com/
MedlinePlus News in April 2009
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html
*
April 2009
o Thursday, April 9:
+ Air Pollution Exposure May Slow Fetal Growth (HealthDay)
+ As Work Stress Rises, So May Depression (HealthDay)
+ Birth Control Pills Linked to Lupus Risk (HealthDay)
+ Extra Pounds in Mid-Life Affect Later Mobility (HealthDay)
+ FDA Panel Snubs Seroquel As 1st Choice Depression Treatment (HealthDay)
+ Growth Hormone Slows Age-Related Loss of Strength (Reuters Health)
+ High Blood Lead Levels Linked to Heart Deaths (Reuters Health)
+ High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy a Heart Risk (Reuters Health)
+ New Drug May Help Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis (HealthDay)
+ Psoriasis Drug Raptiva Pulled From U.S. Market (HealthDay)
+ Sprout Recall Due to Potential Contamination with Listeria (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Stem Cell Breakthrough May Lead to Multiple Sclerosis Treatments (HealthDay)
+ Teen Pregnancy Boosts Girls' Risk of Getting Fat (Reuters Health)
+ Three Drinks a Day Doubles Risk of Tremor (HealthDay)
+ Unapproved Liquid Morphine Can Still Be Sold in U.S. (Reuters Health)
+ U.S. Making Little Progress on Food Safety (Reuters Health)
o Wednesday, April 8:
+ Acid Reducers May Not Help All with Asthma (HealthDay)
+ "Brown Fat" May Help Adults Lose Weight (Reuters Health)
+ Caffeine May Lessen Exercisers' Muscle Pain (Reuters Health)
+ Coartem Approved to Treat Malaria (HealthDay)
+ Common Industrial Chemicals May Not Boost Cancer Risk (HealthDay)
+ Doctors Urged to Get Aggressive to Help Smokers (HealthDay)
+ FDA Statement on the Voluntary Withdrawal of Raptiva from the U.S. Market (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Flu Strikes a Milder Blow This Season (HealthDay)
+ HIV Treatment Should Start Earlier (Reuters Health)
+ Large Waist May Boost Heart Failure Risk (Reuters Health)
+ Larger Men at Greater Risk for Atrial Fibrillation (HealthDay)
+ Pot-Smoking Drivers Tied to Range of Road Accidents (HealthDay)
+ Rapid Test to Detect Bird Flu in People Approved (HealthDay)
+ Sports May Ease Activity Decline during Teen Years (Reuters Health)
+ Stress Management Battles Prostate Cancer Anxiety (HealthDay)
o Tuesday, April 7:
+ Certain Diabetes Drugs May Pose Eye Risk (HealthDay)
+ Cognitive Behavior Therapy Eases Anxiety for Older People (HealthDay)
+ Exercise Is Safe, Improves Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Heart FailureFrom the National Institutes of Health (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
+ Exercise Might Benefit Some with Heart Failure (HealthDay)
+ Heart Transplant Failures More Likely in Poor, Minority Kids (HealthDay)
+ Home-Based Program Extends Seniors' Lives (HealthDay)
+ Intensive Early Treatment Doesn't Help Bladder Cancer Survival (HealthDay)
+ Kids' Sleep Issues May Affect Mental Ability Later (Reuters Health)
+ Obesity Linked to Heart Failure Risk (HealthDay)
+ Parents Worry That 'Alcopops' Encourage Teen Drinking (HealthDay)
+ Single Cell May Produce Multiple Lung Cancer Tumors (HealthDay)
+ Very Obese Adults Almost Completely Sedentary (Reuters Health)
+ What Is FDA Advising Consumers Regarding Pistachios and Pistachio Products (Food and Drug Administration)
o Monday, April 6:
+ Alzheimer's Gene Changes Brain Early, Study Finds (Reuters Health)
+ April Is STD Awareness Month (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
+ Broccoli May Ward Off Serious Stomach Ailments (HealthDay)
+ Colon Screenings Don't Follow Guidelines, Study Suggests (HealthDay)
+ Dietary Changes Shield Latino Teens from Diabetes (HealthDay)
+ Early Psychiatric Issues May Predict Suicide in Boys (HealthDay)
+ Evidence Weak on New Cholesterol Tests (Reuters Health)
+ Experts Find Gene Trigger for Deadly Skin Cancer (Reuters Health)
+ Kids Who Lack Self-Control May Be Prone to Weight Gain (HealthDay)
+ Male Infertility Treatment Boosts Sperm Count (HealthDay)
+ More U.S. Kids Taking Diabetes, Blood Pressure Drugs (HealthDay)
+ One Easy Remedy for Overweight Kids -- Water (Reuters Health)
+ Pot Belly Boosts Risk for Restless Legs Syndrome (HealthDay)
+ Prom Tips for Health and Safety (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
+ Psychotherapy Can Ease Post-Surgical Depression (HealthDay)
+ Researchers Profile the 'Light' Smoker (HealthDay)
+ Teen Drivers: Safe to and from Prom…and Beyond (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
+ That's the Spot: How Scratching Brings Relief (Reuters Health)
+ Topical Spray Helped Men with Premature Ejaculation (HealthDay)
+ Triple Therapy Boosts Quit Rates in Sick Smokers (Reuters Health)
+ U.S. AIDS Program Saved Million African Lives (Reuters Health)
o Sunday, April 5:
+ Obesity Boosts Gum Disease Risk (HealthDay)
o Friday, April 3:
+ Accumulated Lead May Affect Older Women's Brains (HealthDay)
+ Black Women at Risk of Deadly Breast Cancer Type (Reuters Health)
+ Brain Scans Might Help Spot PTSD (HealthDay)
+ Hispanic Children More Likely to Have Hearing Loss (HealthDay)
+ Mothers' Bereavement Does Not Raise Autism Risk (Reuters Health)
+ Muscle Mass Won't Grow in Women Over 80 (HealthDay)
+ Nicotine Replacement May Help Smokers Quit Gradually (HealthDay)
+ Poor Kids Exposed to More Secondhand Smoke (HealthDay)
+ Post-Op Painkillers Tied to Deaths After Spinal Fusion (HealthDay)
+ Post-Traumatic Stress Common in Migraine Sufferers (Reuters Health)
+ Prescription Painkiller Relieves Shingles Pain (Reuters Health)
+ Scientists Uncover New Weapon Against Huntington's (HealthDay)
+ Sports Drinks May Be Tough on Teeth (HealthDay)
+ TV Time May Not Be Benign (HealthDay)
o Thursday, April 2:
+ Antioxidant-Rich Foods Lose Nutritional Luster Over Time (HealthDay)
+ Asperger Syndrome Tied to Low Cortisol Levels (HealthDay)
+ Daily Naps May Raise Older Women's Death Risk (HealthDay)
+ FDA Alerts the Public to Uncle Chen and Lian How Brand Dry Spice Product Recall (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Fewer Sugary Drinks Key to Weight Loss (HealthDay)
+ Flu Shot Advised for Travelers to Southern Hemisphere (Reuters Health)
+ For Some, More Costly Care Is Not by Choice (HealthDay)
+ Gene May Explain Women's Heightened Lupus Risk (HealthDay)
+ Hospital Services Vary Widely across U.S. (Reuters Health)
+ Human Heart Can Make New Cells (HealthDay)
+ Methanol Poisoning Damage Is Likely Permanent (Reuters Health)
+ New Antibiotic Could Shorten Tuberculosis Treatment (HealthDay)
+ Prognosis Excellent in 'Broken Heart' Syndrome (Reuters Health)
+ Starting HIV Therapy Earlier Saves Lives (HealthDay)
+ Typical Binge Drinker Is Young White Male (HealthDay)
o Wednesday, April 1:
+ Atkins Diet Tougher on Heart After Weight Loss (HealthDay)
+ Early Growth Predicts Diabetes Later in Life (Reuters Health)
+ Enzyme May Reduce Benefit of Cholesterol Drugs (Reuters Health)
+ Erbitux May Help Some with Colorectal Cancer (HealthDay)
+ FDA Approves Generic Topamax to Prevent Seizures (Food and Drug Administration)
+ Gene Mutation Doubles Risk of Aggressive Colon Cancer in Blacks (HealthDay)
+ Heart Rhythm Device Studies Yield Mixed Results (Reuters Health)
+ High Rate of Rehospitalizations Costing Billions (HealthDay)
+ Insomnia Linked to Suicidal Thoughts, Attempts (HealthDay)
+ Kidneys from Donors Older Than 70 Still Viable (HealthDay)
+ Living Near Major Road May Boost Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk (HealthDay)
+ Mom's Smoking May Lead to SIDS (HealthDay)
+ Mothers of Multiples May Face Higher Depression Risk (HealthDay)
+ Protein-Folding Problem May Help Spur Alzheimer's (HealthDay)
+ The Dark Side of Vegetarianism (HealthDay)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
image of registry return receipt of letter addressed to Makati councilor J. J. Binay
