Monday, May 31, 2010

poolsafely gov web site
http://www.poolsafely.gov/


Recreational Water Illness (RWI)
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols of, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, hot tubs, water parks, water play areas, interactive fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans.

RWIs can be a wide variety infections, including gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections. The most commonly reported RWI is diarrhea. Diarrheal illnesses can be caused by germs such as Crypto (short for Cryptosporidium), Giardia, Shigella, norovirus and E. coli O157:H7. In the past two decades, there has been an increase in the number of RWI outbreaks associated with swimming.

It is important to learn the basic facts about RWIs so you can keep yourself and your family healthy. CDC's Healthy Swimming program offers information and resources to raise awareness about RWIs and how to prevent them.

For more information on recreational water illnesses, including brochures, posters, and educational materials, please see the Resources and Publications page.

Health Promotion Materials

Below you will find a variety of resources to help you learn more about recreational water illness (RWI), healthy swimming, pool chemical safety, and other water-related disease prevention topics.

* Brochures
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/resources/brochures.html
Printable brochures for distribution to swimmers and the general public to educate them on healthy swimming and recreational water illnesses.
* Fact Sheets
Printable fact sheets on important recreational water-related topics.
* Podcasts
Audio podcasts about recreational water illnesses, healthy swimming, and water-related disease prevention.
* Posters
Printable posters about healthy swimming behaviors, pool chemical safety, and hygiene topics for for distribution or public display at pools.
* Videos/TV
Videos and television segments on healthy swimming and recreational water topics.



How to Get Through the Line Faster For Travelers
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm

Passengers are asked to bear in mind the following advice to help make their passage through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible.
Pack Smart

* Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers – a layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help transportation security officers see what's in your bag. Innocent items can actually appear to be potential threats in an X-ray image, simply by the way they're packed.

* Do not pack oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in your checked baggage when possible. However, please be advised that you will be required to remove these items from your carry-on bag and submit them separately for x-ray screening. Click here for "checkpoint friendly" laptop bag procedures. Small electronics, such as iPods, can remain in your carry-on.
* Prepare your 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag of liquids before arriving at the airport. For more information on liquid rules: 3-1-1 for carry-ons, click here.
* Pack all your coats and jackets in your checked baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection.
* Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wait until you've reached your final destination to wrap gifts.
* Film. Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. You will able to declare film that is faster than 800-speed to a transportation security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.
* When in doubt, leave it out. If you're not sure about whether you can bring an item through the checkpoint, put it in your checked bag or leave it at home. Click here to see the list of prohibited items.

Dress the Part

Transportation security officers have to identify any metal that is detected at the checkpoint. If the metal detector alarms when you pass through, you will be required to undergo additional screening. This includes a hand-wand and pat-down inspection.

Items that might set off an alarm on the metal detector include:

* Keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)
* Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
* Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
* Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
* Belt buckles
* Under-wire bras

Body Piercings. Certain metal body piercings may cause you to alarm at the metal detector, which will result in you getting additional screening. If additional screening is required, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.

Head Coverings. You are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process. You may be directed to additional screening if your headwear or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items. For more information, click here.

Shoes. Travelers are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection. This allows officers to see if the shoes have been tampered with in any way.
Have the Following Ready
Acceptable Documents


The items you'll need to present to a Transportation Security Officer at the checkpoint are:

* Boarding pass
* Identification

We encourage each adult traveler to keep his/her airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID available until exiting the security checkpoint (children are not required to show identification).

If you do not have identification (if it is lost, stolen, etc.), you will be required to provide the document checking officer with some information to help verify your identity. This will slow down your screening process and will result in additional screening.
Hassle-Free Security Tips

* Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
* Wear slip-on shoes. This will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly, without having to sit down.
* Pets. Please remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
* Children. Please take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector. For more information traveling with children, click here.
* Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.

Helpful Videos

Make your screening experience as smooth as possible. Select a video to help you understand the screening process.

* Step-By-Step Screening (WMV, 3 MB)
* Female business traveler (WMV, 3 MB)
* Male business traveler (WMV, 3 MB)
* Traveling with a baby or small child (WMV, 3 MB)
* Travelers with special needs (WMV, 3 MB)


CPSC Issues Final Mandatory Rule on Infant Baby Walkers
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10247.html

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2010
Release #10-247 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC Issues Final Mandatory Rule on Infant Baby Walkers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted (5-0) to issue a final mandatory rule under section 104(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for infant walkers.

The rule adopts the applicable voluntary industry standard, ASTM F 977-07, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Infant Walkers, and adds the following more stringent requirements:

* using the actual weight of a walker in a calculation to determine the launching distance for the stair fall test,
* specifying equipment used in the stair fall test,
* adding a parking brake test for walkers equipped with parking brakes.

These changes were made to strengthen the standard and reduce the risk of injury from these products. There has been an 88% reduction in injuries from 1994 to 2008, which may be attributed to the addition of a stair fall requirement included in the 1997 version of the ASTM voluntary standard.

The final infant walker rule would take effect six months after publication in the Federal Register. This is the effective date that was proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR). Consistent with the proposed rules recently published for toddler beds and bassinets, the effective date would apply to products manufactured or imported on or after that date.

Section 104 of the CPSIA, Standards and Consumer Registration of Durable Nursery Products, requires the CPSC to study and develop safety standards for certain infant and toddler products, including infant walkers.

Statement (pdf) from CPSC Commissioner Thomas H. Moore on the new federal safety standard for infant walkers.
http://www.cpsc.gov/pr/moore05262010.pdf


CPSC Launches National Campaign to Change the Way People Think and Act about Pool and Spa Safety
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10241.html
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2010
Release #10-241 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC Launches National Campaign to Change the Way People Think and Act about Pool and Spa Safety
Pool Safely Campaign Aims to Reduce Child Drownings and Entrapments
CPSC, Olympians Hold Press Event to Release New Death and Injury Data

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today kicks-off the Pool Safely campaign (www.poolsafely.gov), a first-of-its-kind national public education effort to reduce child drownings and non-fatal submersions, and entrapments in swimming pools and spas. At a press conference at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex today, Olympic swimmers Jason Lezak and Janet Evans joined Inez Tenenbaum, Chairman of the CPSC; U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL); and Nancy Baker, mother of Virginia Graeme Baker, to officially launch Pool Safely and release the CPSC's annual submersion and entrapment reports.

Today, CPSC released its annual reports on children's submersion and entrapment incidents which showed:

* From 2005-2007 there was an annual average of 385 pool and spa-related drownings for children younger than 15; about 78 percent, or 299, of these children were younger than five.
* From 2007-2009, there were an estimated average of 4,200 pool or spa emergency department-treated submersions for children younger than 15; and children between the ages of 12 to 35 months represented 47 percent of estimated injuries for these years.
* About 54 percent of the estimated injuries for 2007 - 2009 and 74 percent of the fatalities for 2005 - 2007 involving children younger than fifteen occurred at a residence.
* Most reported fatalities occurred on the day of (73 percent) or within a week of (additional 23 percent) the submersion incident. Just four percent of fatal victims survived beyond a week of the submersion; these victims had severe injuries and required intensive medical care.
* There were no reported entrapment fatalities for 2009. CPSC did receive eight reports of entrapment incidents in which seven people were injured during 2009.

For the complete reports see: Pool and Spa Submersions 2010 (pdf) and Circulation/Suction Entrapments 2010 (pdf). The years for reported injury and fatality statistics differ as a result of the lag in fatality reporting.

"It is important to keep in mind that these numbers represent family tragedies. Preventing child drownings year round is a priority for the CPSC," said Chairman Tenenbaum. "The Pool Safely campaign will start a national conversation with parents and children, pool owners and operators and industry professionals about the simple safety steps they can take to protect themselves and their families in and around pools and spas. These incidents are preventable, so our mission is to change the way families think and act about pool and spa safety."

The Pool Safely campaign is a key part of the CPSC's efforts to carry out the requirements of Section 1407 of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act), federal legislation signed into law in 2007 mandating new requirements for pool and spa safety. It includes a requirement for a national public education campaign designed to raise public awareness, support industry compliance, and improve safety at pools and spas.

"I have been involved in the issue of pool safety throughout my career and today marks a key milestone in the ongoing fight to reduce accidental drowning," said Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, author of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. "Educating communities on the potential dangers of swimming pools is a critical tool in saving the lives of our children. I am so pleased to have worked with my colleagues in Congress to provide the funds needed for implementation of this important campaign."

The Pool Safely campaign will deliver an important and simple message: just adding an extra safety step in and around the water can make all the difference. Your greatest water safety assurance comes from adopting and practicing as many water safety measures as possible, including: barriers that completely surround the pool with self-closing, self-latching gates; staying close, being alert, and watching children at the pool; learning and practicing water safety skills (knowing how to swim and perform CPR); and having the appropriate equipment (compliant drain covers, alarms, barriers and sensors).

The campaign will highlight the need to implement a "personal system of safety" that consists of adding as many proven water safety practices as possible in and around pools and spas.

"As a parent of young children, I know there's no single, sure-fire way to ensure their safety around pools and spas," added Janet Evans, five-time Olympic medalist in swimming. "Whether it's enrolling them in swimming lessons or simply watching them at all times, there is always one more thing I can do. The Pool Safely campaign offers a variety of simple steps we can all take to protect our children in pools and spas."

Pool Safely will serve as an information hub delivering campaign tools and resources to various outreach channels. CPSC has taken the lead by partnering with national, regional and local organizations in the children's safety and drowning prevention communities. By engaging key partners, the campaign will reach the widest possible audience and build a sustainable network that will ensure the campaign's messaging is delivered for years to come.

"Knowing how to swim helped me win gold in the water, but it takes adding as many water safety steps as possible to ensure a safe environment for children in and around pools and spas, " said seven-time Olympic medalist in swimming Jason Lezak. "No matter how responsible you already are, there is always one more safety step you can take to protect your child. That is how you can Pool Safely. "

"I understand the need to bring together the public and dedicated partners in the water safety community to begin a national conversation about water safety," said Nancy Baker, the mother of Virginia Graeme for whom the Act is named. "I am honored to be involved in the Pool Safely campaign and look forward to working together to promote additional water safety steps we all can take in protecting our loved ones in and around pools and spas. Simple steps save lives."

The Pool Safely campaign - a national public education effort by the Consumer Product Safety Commission - is proud to partner with leading organizations, including American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, Safe Kids USA, National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), World Waterpark Association (WWA), and Abbey's Hope. For more information, visit the website at www.poolsafely.gov or follow the campaign on Twitter @poolsafely

http://www.poolsafely.gov/

About PoolSafely.gov and CPSC

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. In addition to Pool and Spa Safety, the CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard.
Accessibility | Privacy/Security | Open Government | cpsc.gov


News

* Pool Safely: check out water safety steps in the San Diego Union Tribune -- http://tinyurl.com/38xfkbv #poolsafely #pools 41 minutes ago
* Pool Safely: check out water safety steps by the San Diego Union Tribune -- http://tinyurl.com/38xfkbv #poolsafely #pools 42 minutes ago
* Pool Safely: Learn how to swim and learn and practice basic CPR www.poolsafely.gov #poolsafely #pools about an hour ago
* To sign up for email updates from Pool Safely, CPSC's pool and spa safety campaign, go to: http://poolsafety.gov/signup.aspx #poolsafely about 3 hours ago
* Going to the pool this Memorial Day weekend? Learn how to pool safely here: www.poolsafely.gov #poolsafely #pools about 5 hours ago
* Pool Safely: Have life-saving equipment such as life rings or floats available for easy use www.poolsafely.gov #poolsafely about 20 hours ago
* Pool Safely: Ensure any pool or spa you use has compliant drain covers; ask if you do not know www.poolsafely.gov #poolsafely about 21 hours ago
* Pool Safely: Install a 4-foot fence around your pool and spa and use self-latching and self-closing gates www.poolsafely.gov #poolsafely about 22 hours ago


Although swimming is a physical activity that offers numerous health benefits, recreational
water (for example, water in pools) can also spread germs that cause illness.

simple steps pool operators and swimmers can take to prevent the spread of germs in recreational water. The germs that cause RWIs are spread by swallowing, breathing in the mists or aerosols from, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, interactive fountains, water play areas, ponds, lakes, springs, rivers, or oceans.
To ensure a healthy swimming experience for everyone, operators of recreational water venues (for example, community pools) need to properly filter and disinfect the
water. Pool inspectors check to make sure pool water and pool facilities meet standards that decrease the risk of RWIs, but they can't be at every pool every day. To
help promote a healthy and safe swimming experience each time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging swimmers to take an active role in
stopping the spread of germs by following the Triple A's of Healthy Swimming: Awareness, Action, and Advocacy.

Awareness

* Visit CDC's Healthy Swimming website to learn more about staying healthy while swimming.
* Learn how to protect yourself from RWIs and follow the Six Steps for Healthy Swimming (listed below)

Action

* Check pool water yourself using test strips purchased at your local hardware or pool supply store. CDC recommends the following water quality levels to kill germs:
o free chlorine levels at 1–3 parts per million (ppm)
o pH 7.2–7.8

*Free test strip kits can be ordered at www.healthypools.org\freeteststripsExternal Web Site Icon

* Ask the pool operator these questions:
o Are the free chlorine and pH levels checked at least twice a day and more often when the pool is heavily used?
o What is the latest pool inspection score?
o Has the operator completed specialized training in pool operation?



* Encourage pool operators to take steps known to kill germs:
o Add ultraviolet or ozone technology to water treatment or
o Hyperchlorinate (add additional chlorine to the pool) regularly

* Educate other swimmers about RWIs and promote healthy swimming (see the "Six Steps for Healthy Swimming" listed below)

Learn more about the Triple A's of Healthy Swimming.

To learn more about pool inspections and common pool code violations, read CDC's report, "Violations Identified from Routine Swimming Pool Inspections --- Selected States and Counties, United States, 2008."
Keep Germs Out of the Pool

In addition to following the Triple A's of Healthy Swimming, the best way to prevent RWIs is to keep germs out of the pool in the first place. Everyone can help create healthy swimming experiences this summer by following the Six Steps for Healthy Swimming:

* Don't swim when you have diarrhea.
*.Don't swallow pool water.
* Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
* Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.
* Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
* Wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.

Healthy Swimming Resources

To help get the message out about RWI prevention, CDC's Healthy Swimming Program has developed the following educational materials:

* Healthy swimming brochures available in English and Spanish
* New fact sheets on frequently asked RWI questions
* Two videos, "In the Swim of Things" (3:52 minutes long) and "Healthy Swimming is No Accident" (30 seconds long), reminding swimmers to play it safe and stay out of the water when ill with diarrhea
* Seven podcasts on preventing illness and injury while swimming

For in-depth information on healthy swimming, go to the Healthy Swimming Web site.

For information on safe swimming at beaches, see The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Beaches Web siteExternal Web Site Icon.
Think Healthy. Be Healthy. Swim Healthy!



Hoover Recalls Upright Vacuum Cleaners Due to Fire and Shock Hazards
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10248.html

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2010
Release #10-248 Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 891-2054
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Hoover Recalls Upright Vacuum Cleaners Due to Fire and Shock Hazards

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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Hoover® WindTunnel T-Series™ Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners with Cord Rewind Feature

Units: About 108,000

Importer: Hoover Inc., of Glenwillow, Ohio

Hazard: The power cord is not properly routed or securely seated in the cord rewind assembly allowing the power cord to be pulled loose. This poses fire and shock hazards.

Incidents/Injuries: Hoover has received three reports of minor burns to carpet and furniture and one report of a minor burn to a consumer's hand.

Description: This recall involves Hoover® WindTunnel T-Series™ Bagless Upright vacuum cleaners with the cord rewind feature. This feature enables the cord to wind inside the vacuum for storage. The following model numbers and manufacturing codes are included in the recall.
Model Numbers Manufacturing code
ends with...
UH70110 UH70120
UH70200 UH70205
UH70210 H09A I09A
J09A K09A

Vacuums with the manufacturing code K09A followed by a green dot are not included in this recall. Vacuum cleaners with the cord rewind feature sold after November 2009 and with any other manufacturing code are not included in this recall. The model number and manufacturing code can be found on a label on the lower rear part of the vacuum cleaner.

Sold at: Mass merchandisers, department stores and independent vacuum retailers nationwide and online from August 2009 through May 2010 for between $100 and $160.

Manufactured in: Mexico

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled vacuum cleaners and contact Hoover for a free repair.



May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Protect Your Skin
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/SkinCancer/
While you enjoy the outdoors this summer, protect yourself from skin cancer by using sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing sunglasses, a hat, and sun-protective
clothing.

When you're having fun outdoors, it's easy to forget how important it is to protect yourself from the sun. Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays in as little as 15 minutes. Yet it can take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure.

Photo: A mother applying sunscreen on her son.Even if it's cool and cloudy, you still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not block UV rays; they filter them—and sometimes only slightly. Remember to plan ahead, and keep sun protection handy in your car, bag, or child's backpack.

Tan? There's no other way to say it—tanned skin is damaged skin. Any change in the color of your skin after time outside—whether sunburn or suntan—indicates damage from UV rays. Using a tanning bed causes damage to your skin, just like the sun.
Types of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types, called basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, are highly curable. But melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is more dangerous.
Risk Factors

Anyone can get skin cancer, but some things put you at higher risk, like having—

* A lighter natural skin color.
* A personal history of skin cancer.
* A family history of melanoma.
* Exposure to the sun through work and play.
* A history of sunburns early in life.
* Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
* Blue or green eyes.
* Naturally blond or red hair.

How to Protect Yourself

Take precautions against sun exposure every day of the year, especially during midday hours (10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage. UV rays can reach you on cloudy days, and can reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.

* Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
* Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.
* Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
* Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
* Put on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
* Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. The UV rays from them are as dangerous as the UV rays from the sun.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

evidence vs. National Book store
On October 28, 2007, a person at the entrance to National book store branch, which was opposite SM Makati building at Ayala Center, Makati, didn't inspect my luggage/subject my luggage to scanning with metal detector. Said luggage
was large enough to contain deadly weapons.An employee, identified as Emily P. Serrano, who was identified as an employee of said store, received my written complaint regarding said security lapse. Up to May 28, 2010, nobody from said National Book store has provided me with a reply to said report of said security lapse.




On May 29, 2010:

Nobody inspected my waist bag which was large enough to contain a deadly weapon:
(1) When I entered Robinsons Ermita via the Adriatico entrance.
(2) and my luggage, when I (a) entered National Book store at said mall. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons (b) when I entered Robinsons supermarket within said mall. While I was at said supermarket, there was no visible required: (1) express lane for senior citizens in the customer area
of said store; (2) required sign in the customer area of said store re privileges of/for senior citizens.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
cancer about com web site
http://cancer.about.com/
____________________________________________________________________________________ FDA Drug Safety Communication: Completed safety review of Xenical/Alli (orlistat) and severe liver injury
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213038.htm

Safety Announcement
Additional Information for Patients and Consumers
Additional Information for Healthcare Professionals
Data Summary


Safety Announcement

[05-26-2010] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a revised label for Xenical to include new safety information about cases of severe liver injury that have been reported rarely with the use of this medication. The agency is also adding a new warning about rare reports of severe liver injury to the OTC Drug Facts label for Alli and is working with the manufacturer to ensure that consumers can understand this new warning.

Xenical and Alli are medications used for weight-loss that contain different strengths of the same active ingredient, orlistat. Xenical (orlistat 120 mg) is available by prescription and Alli (orlistat 60 mg) is sold over-the-counter without a prescription.

This new safety information, originally announced in August 20091, is based on FDA's completed review that identified 13 total reports of severe liver injury with orlistat; 12 foreign reports with Xenical and 1 U.S. report with Alli (see Data Summary).

The following factors make confirming a cause-and-effect relationship between orlistat and severe liver injury difficult:

* One U.S. case with Alli and 12 foreign cases with Xenical reported between April 1999 and August 2009 out of an estimated 40 million people worldwide who have used Xenical or Alli.
* Some patients in the reported cases also used other drugs or had other conditions that may have contributed to the development of severe liver injury.
* Severe liver injury can occur in people not taking drugs and without a distinct cause.

At this time, a cause and effect relationship of severe liver injury with orlistat use has not been established. Because of the seriousness of severe liver injury, FDA has added information about reported cases of severe liver injury to the label of Xenical and Alli to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of liver injury and the need to see a physician promptly should they occur. The agency is also working with the manufacturer of Alli to ensure that consumers can understand this new warning


Additional Information for Patients and Consumers

* Be aware that cases of severe liver injury have been reported rarely in people taking Xenical and Alli.
* Contact your healthcare professional if you develop itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, loss of appetite, or light-colored stools. These may be signs of liver injury.
* Talk to your healthcare professional about any concerns you have with these medications.
* Report any side effects with Xenical or Alli to FDA's MedWatch program using the information at the bottom of the page in the "Contact Us" box.


Additional Information for Healthcare Professionals

* Be aware that postmarketing cases of severe liver injury with hepatocellular necrosis or acute hepatic failure have been reported rarely in people using Xenical and Alli. Some of these cases resulted in liver transplant or death.
* Weigh the benefits of weight-loss with Xenical and Alli against the potential risks when determining if these medications are appropriate for patients.
* Instruct patients to report any symptoms of hepatic dysfunction (anorexia, pruritus, jaundice, dark urine, light colored stools, or right upper quadrant pain) when using these medications.
* If liver injury is suspected, orlistat and other suspect medications should be discontinued immediately and liver function tests and ALT and AST levels obtained.
* Report any adverse events with Xenical or Alli to FDA's MedWatch program using the information at the bottom of the page in the "Contact Us" box.


Data Summary

The decision to include information about severe liver injury in the drug label for Xenical and Alli is based on FDA's comprehensive review of all available data (pre-clinical, clinical trial, postmarketing, and drug utilization) on severe liver injury associated with Xenical through August 7, 2009, and a review of postmarket data on Alli through October 1, 2008. There were no signals of significant liver injury in either the pre-clinical studies or clinical trials data.

FDA identified 12 postmarketing cases of severe liver injury reported with the use of Xenical and one case reported with the use of Alli. In some of these cases, other factors or drugs may have contributed to the development of severe liver injury.

Of the 13 cases:

* Twelve were foreign reports of severe liver injury with Xenical.
* One was a U.S. report of severe liver injury with Alli.
* Two patients died from liver failure.
* Three patients required liver transplantation.


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Related Information

* Questions and Answers: Orlistat and Severe Liver Injury2
5/26/2010
* FDA: Rare Cases of Liver Injury Reported with Use of Xenical, Alli3
FDA press release (5/26/2010)
* Weight-Loss Drugs and Risk of Liver Failure4
FDA consumer update
* Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review Orlistat (marketed as Alli and Xenical)5
8/24/2009
* Orlistat (marketed as Alli and Xenical) Information6

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-
Labeling and Regulatory History from Drugs@FDA

* Xenical (orlistat) Prescribing and Labeling Information7
* Alli (orlistat) Prescribing and Labeling Information8
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FDA: Rare Cases of Liver Injury Reported with Use of Xenical, Alli

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today advised consumers and health care professionals about potential rare occurrences of severe liver injury in patients taking the weight-loss medication orlistat, marketed as Xenical and Alli.

The FDA has approved a revised label for the prescription drug Xenical. The agency is working with the manufacturer of Alli on label revisions to reflect this rare occurrence.

Both Xenical and Alli are medications contain the same active ingredient, orlistat. Xenical, available only by prescription, contains 120 milligrams of orlistat. Alli, sold over-the-counter without a prescription, contains 60 mg of orlistat. An estimated 40 million people worldwide have taken either Xenical or Alli.

The FDA’s safety information and labeling changes are based on a review of cases of severe liver injury reported in individuals taking orlistat. The agency has identified 13 cases of severe liver injury, 12 of which were reports from outside of the United States. The only U.S. report of severe liver injury involved Alli. At this time, a cause-and-effect relationship of severe liver injury with orlistat use has not been established.

People who take Xenical or Alli should be aware that liver injury with orlistat – while rare – has been reported. Those taking the drug also should be aware of the signs and symptoms of liver injury, which include itching, yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, loss of appetite, or light-colored stools.

For more information:

* FDA Drug Safety Communication on Orlistat1
* FDA Questions and Answers about Orlistat2
* Consumer Update: Weight-Loss Drugs and Risk of Liver Failure3
* FDA August 2009 Early Communication on Orlistat4

RSS Feed for FDA News Releases5 [what is RSS?6]

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Links on this page:

1. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213038.htm
2. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213040.htm
3. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm213401.htm
4. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm179166.htm
5. http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/PressReleases/rss.xml
6. http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/ContactFDA/StayInformed/RSSFeeds/ucm144575.htm

Page Last Updated: 05/26/2010






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Food Safety for Moms-To-Be
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/ucm081785.htm
foodborne illness is a serious health risk for pregnant women and their unborn babies. You'll find accurate, easy-to-understand information about foodborne illness.

(In English and Spanish1 / En inglés y español2)
At-A-Glance3

Here you'll find top line points about food safety during pregnancy. It's a great reminder of ways to keep you and your baby safe!
Before You're Pregnant4

Thinking about becoming pregnant? Before the test is positive, here's how to give your baby a healthy start!
While You're Pregnant5

Congratulations - you're pregnant! Here are answers to your frequently-asked questions about foodborne illness.
Safe Eats6

Is sushi safe? What about "smoothies?" This easy-to-use section provides a food-by-food guide to selecting, preparing, and eating foods safely.
Lifelong Food Safety7

Good food safety practices are important during your pregnancy and for a lifetime! This section shows you how to prevent foodborne illness in four easy steps: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
Highlights8

Entertaining All Year - Enjoy social events while keeping your unborn baby safe from foodborne bacteria.
A Special Note: As you learn more about food safety, you may discover that there are things related to safe food handling that you should have done differently in the past. Don't worry, you and your baby are probably okay! But if you do have health concerns, see your doctor or health-care provider.
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GENE PATTERN MAY IDENTIFY KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WHO DON'T NEED LIFE-LONG ANTI-REJECTION DRUGS
.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Injection Safety FAQs for Patients
http://www.cdc.gov/injectionsafety/patients/patient_faqs.html
* What is injection safety?
* What are some of the incorrect practices that have resulted in transmission of disease?
* For what types of procedures have these incorrect practices been identified?
* Can some of these incorrect practices also result in transmission of bacterial infections?
* Do medication vials have a preservative in them to prevent contamination?

What is injection safety?

Injection safety, or safe injection practices, is a set of measures taken to perform injections in an optimally safe manner for patients, healthcare personnel, and others. A safe injection does not harm the recipient, does not expose the provider to any avoidable risks, and does not result in waste that is dangerous for the community. Injection safety includes practices intended to prevent transmission of infectious diseases between one patient and another, or between a patient and healthcare provider, and also to prevent harms such as needlestick injuries.



What are some of the incorrect practices that have resulted in transmission of disease?

Practices that have resulted in transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV) include the following:

* Using the same syringe to administer medication to more than one patient, even if the needle was changed;
* Using the same medication vial for more than one patient, and accessing the vial with a syringe that has already been used to administer medication to a patient;
* Using a common bag of saline or other IV fluid for more than one patient, and accessing the bag with a syringe that has already been used to flush a patient's catheter.



For what types of procedures have these incorrect practices been identified?

Unsafe injection practices that put patients at risk for HCV, HBV and other infections have been identified during various types of procedures. Examples include the following:

* Administration of anesthetics for outpatient surgical, diagnostic and pain management procedures;
* Administration of other IV medications for chemotherapy, cosmetic procedures, and alternative medicine therapies;
* Use of saline to flush IV lines and catheters;
* Administration of intramuscular (IM) vaccines.

The involved medications were in single-use vials, multi-dose vials, and bags. What they had in common was the vials or bags were used for more than one patient and were entered with a syringe that had already been used for a patient; or the syringe itself was used for more than one patient.



Can some of these incorrect practices also result in transmission of bacterial infections?

Yes. These incorrect practices put patients at risk for bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.



Do medication vials have a preservative in them to prevent contamination?

Most multi-dose medication vials that are intended for several medication administrations have a preservative in them to prevent bacterial growth. Single-use vials do not contain a preservative. The preservative has no effect on viruses. Safe injection practices and appropriate aseptic technique are necessary to prevent bacterial and viral contamination of medication vials that can result in patient infections.




USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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landscaping about web site
http://landscaping.about.com/
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NIH STUDY FINDS THAT OVERWEIGHT GIRLS WHO LOSE WEIGHT REDUCE ADULT DIABETES RISK
http://us.mc768.mail.yahoo.com/mc/welcome?.gx=1&.tm=1274973290&.rand=2kitfroqn1rta#_pg=showMessage&sMid=8&&filterBy=&.rand=200089951&midIndex=8&mid=1_31068831_AHd7bHwAAVXKS%2F5yHQuAkk91GrQ&fromId=olib@OD.NIH.GOV&m=1_31073254_AHB7bHwAAEonS%2F6ECQofhTuz7V0,1_31071942_AHh7bHwAATqHS%2F59PAFKZiP09e8,1_31072681_AHd7bHwAACsXS%2F59wA1iegvWy0c,1_31071098_AHd7bHwAABCES%2F57JgULvWCFjsg,1_31070125_AHN7bHwAAWoRS%2F539wjrzx8KUUc,1_31068831_AHd7bHwAAVXKS%2F5yHQuAkk91GrQ,1_31067244_AHZ7bHwAAGsFS%2F5nEQqjb1m5Ns0,1_31066656_AHR7bHwAAThxS%2F5mYApCRwYlvzU,1_31065078_AHB7bHwAAJehS%2F5bIQqnFVXjeu0,1_31066010_AHN7bHwAAIVwS%2F5bcAAbXFHqOZg,1_31064455_AHh7bHwAAB6VS%2F5aMA7E4EU2YAE,&sort=date&order=down&startMid=0&hash=f6449381ebb048f3206d11d49534dee4&.jsrand=2014913


____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Questions and Answers: Orlistat and Severe Liver Injury
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm213040.htm

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Safe Injection Practices Prevent Infections
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/InjectionSafety/

Most people are surprised to hear that in the United States today, healthcare providers still make mistakes in giving injections that lead to the spread of
infections. Learn what you can do to protect yourself.

Learn About Safe Injection Practices

Safe Injection Practices are a set of recommendations that all healthcare providers should follow in any situation where injections are given. A key recommendation
is that providers should use one needle and one syringe only a single time. People don’t often think about it, but injections must be given in a certain way to
prevent patients from getting infections. These infections can be serious and life-threatening.

Some examples of unsafe injection practices include:

1. Reusing a needle or syringe to give medicine to more than one patient
2. Reusing a needle or syringe to take out medicine from a vial that is used for more than one patient.

Both the needle and syringe must be thrown away once they have been used. It is not safe for healthcare providers to change the needle and reuse the syringe – this
practice can spread disease.

Reusing a needle or syringe puts patients in danger of getting hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, HIV, and other infections.
Ask Questions

Healthcare providers are responsible for making sure that every injection they give is safe. You can help protect yourself by asking your healthcare providers what
steps they take to ensure that needles and syringes are never reused and that medicines do not become contaminated.

Remember

Patients and healthcare providers should insist on nothing less than One Needle, One Syringe, Only One Time for each and every injection. This practice will lower the
risk of getting hepatitis and other infections through injections.

One Needle, One Syringe, Only One Time is the slogan of the One & Only Campaign, a public health campaign led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and the Safe Injection Practices Coalition (SIPC), to raise awareness among patients and healthcare providers about safe injection practices.

More Information

* One & Only Campaign
* CDC Injection Safety Website
* CDC Safe Healthcare Blog
* CDC Viral Hepatitis Website
* CDC HIV/AIDS Website
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
U.S. FDA New and Generic Drug Approvals

May 26, 2010

* Ciclopirox Shampoo, Nycomed US Inc., Approval
* Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) Tablets, GlaxoSmithKline, Labeling Revision
* Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets, GlaxoSmithKline, Labeling Revision
* Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets, Biovail Technologies, Ltd., Labeling Revision
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Possible Increased Risk of Bone Fractures With Certain Antacid Drugs
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm213240.htm
There is a possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine if you take certain drugs for heartburn, acid reflux, or ulcers, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The drugs belong to a class of medications called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. They are available both as prescription and as over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

The prescription PPIs treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, and inflammation of the esophagus. The PPIs available over-the-counter are used to treat frequent heartburn.

The prescription PPIs are

* Nexium
* Dexilant
* Prilosec
* Zegerid
* Prevacid
* Protonix
* Aciphex
* Vimovo

The over-the-counter PPIs are

* Prilosec OTC (omeprazole)
* Zegerid OTC (omeprazole)
* Prevacid 24HR (lansoprazole)

Advice for Consumers

* Do not stop taking your PPI unless you are told to do so by your health care professional. PPIs are effective in treating a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.
* Be aware that an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine have been reported in some studies of people who use PPIs. The greatest increased risk for these fractures was seen in those who receive high doses of these medications or use them for a year or longer.
* Read and follow the directions on the “Drug Facts” label when considering the use of an over-the-counter PPI.
* Be aware that the over-the-counter PPIs should only be used as directed for 14 days for the treatment of frequent heartburn. If your heartburn continues, talk to your health care professional. No more than three 14-day treatment courses should be used in one year.
* Talk to your health care professional about any concerns you may have about using PPIs.
* Report any side effects from the use of PPIs to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail, by fax, or by phone.
o Online4
o Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed FDA form 35005
o Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
o Phone: 1-800-332-1088

FDA Actions

FDA has reviewed seven published studies, six of which reported an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of PPIs. Based on the available data, it is not clear at this time if the use of PPIs is the cause of the increased risk of fractures seen in some studies. FDA is working with the manufacturers of PPIs to further study this possible risk.

Most of the studies evaluated individuals 50 years of age or older, and the increased risk of fracture was seen mainly in this age group.

As a precaution, FDA is revising the labels for both the prescription and the over-the-counter PPIs to include new safety information about the possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of these medications.

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Updates page6, which features the latest on all FDA-regulated products.

Date Posted: May 25, 2010
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For More Information

* FDA Drug Safety Communication: Possible increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine with the use of proton pump inhibitors7

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HealthyVision/
Vision impairment becomes more common as people age. Women, minority groups, and people with chronic diseases like diabetes may be at higher risk for having vision impairment. The number of Americans 40 years and older with diabetic retinopathy and vision threatening retinopathy will triple in 2050; from 5.5 million to 16 million and from 1.2 million to 3.4 million respectively. While some eye conditions, like cataract, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, can cause vision loss and even blindness, others, such as refractive errors, are common problems that can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

Vision health is an important public health concern because vision loss is associated with falls, depression, social isolation, and overall poorer health. Quality of life may be comprised because people with vision loss may have difficulties with activities such as reading, meal preparation, and driving a car.

Regular eye exams are important for good eye health as well as overall health. A comprehensive dilated eye examExternal Web Site Icon is a painless procedure in which an eye care professional examines the eyes to look for common vision problems and eye diseases, many of which have no early warning signs. People with diabetes need a comprehensive dilated eye examination at least once a year. Early detection, timely treatment, and appropriate follow-up may prevent vision loss and blindness.

Here are some tips to help you protect your visionExternal Web Site Icon:

1. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam
2. Know your family’s eye health history
3. Eat right to protect your sight, particularly dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or collard greens and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Wear protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home
6. Quit smoking or never start
7. Wear sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation
8. Clean your hands and your contact lenses properly to avoid the risk of infection
9. Practice workplace eye safety

For more information about vision health, visit the VHI Web site. The VHI team works with an array of partners to implement a public health framework that promotes vision health and quality of life for all populations, through all life stages, by preventing and controlling eye diseases, eye injury, and vision loss resulting in disability. The VHI is located in CDC's Division of Diabetes Translation.





MEDICAL GROUPS DARE NEW ADMINISTRATION TO CURB SMOKING AMONG THE YOUTH
http://www.doh.gov.ph/node/2659.html

Press Release/21 May 2010

Medical groups challenged the new Administration of President-elect Noynoy Aquino to decisively act and prevent more youth from getting hooked to smoking addiction amid increasing efforts of the tobacco industry to storm the market with cigarette promotional activities in stores, concert & sports events and other entertainment circles.

In a statement issued to the media, the medical doctors belonging to the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) expressed their alarm over the 2009 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) released recently by the World Health Organization and the Department of Health.

“Our young generation will continue to be the hapless victims of the tobacco industry’s conscious efforts to lure them to smoking. They continue to bombard the stores with promotional materials, cigarette brand signages that are most accessible to our young’s near schools, malls and other major point-of-sale establishments,” said Dr. Eugene Ramos, PCP President.

Ramos cited the GATS results that show seven out of ten Filipinos aged 15 years old and above noticed cigarette advertisements. These were seen mostly in stores, posters, leaflets and calendars. About three in every ten Filipinos surveyed said they noticed pro-cigarette promotions in the form of brand names and cigarette logos in clothes.

“We call on our newly-elected President to support the efforts of the Department of Health to protect our children from the onslaught of tobacco promotions and advertisements. The Health Department needs to provide our children with health information that will effectively compete with the sophisticated marketing strategies of the tobacco industry,” said Dr. Abundio Balgos, PCCP President.

Balgos said the children need to be informed of the real consequences of smoking on their physical well-being and these are not effectively addressed in the existing health warning placed in cigarette packs.

The groups urged the DOH to provide more effective health information in cigarette packs because these are most accessible to tobacco users.

“In the marketing parlance, the youths are called ‘replacement smokers’ and they are the ones now being targeted by these tobacco companies. The battle against the tobacco industry for the hearts and minds of our children is tough and the government has no choice but to intervene on behalf of the health of the future generation,” said Balgos.




DOH ISSUES ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER REQUIRING GRAPHIC HEALTH INFORMATION ON TOBACCO PACKAGING
http://www.doh.gov.ph/node/2661.html

Press Release/24 May 2010

The Department of Health (DOH) today reaffirmed its commitment to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and issued Administrative Order No. 2010-0013 requiring graphic health information on all tobacco packages and to adopt measures to ensure that tobacco product packaging and labeling do not promote tobacco use by any means that are false, misleading, deceptive or likely to create an erroneous impression.

The issuance of the AO is considered a monumental achievement in government efforts to curb tobacco use and reduce its gargantuan socio-economic costs. It is estimated that smoking exacts a P200 billion toll on the country due to health costs and productivity losses, in comparison to the P30B revenues gained from taxes paid by the tobacco industry.

The required graphic health warning information on all tobacco packages reflect findings that warning labels must be noticeable, relevant and memorable in order to be effective. At least 38 countries and territories are already implementing picture-based warnings on tobacco packaging. These include Canada, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Venezuela, Jordan, Australia, Uruguay, Panama, Belgium, Chile, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Romania, United Kingdom, Egypt, Brunei, India, Taiwan, Malaysia, Peru, Djibouti, Switzerland, Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Mongolia and Iran.

The European Union has also recommended that all their 27 member-states implement graphic health warnings. Other countries in the process of implementing picture-based warnings include France, Iceland. Ireland, Latvia, Macau, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, the United States, and member-states of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Caribbean Community.

Most of the gains in reducing consumption are estimated to come from the youth sector who will likely be discouraged from smoking due to the graphic health information. This is very relevant considering that smoking prevalence among young Filipinos aged 13-15 has increased by approximately 30% over the past two years, according to the Philippines’ 2007 Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

Bills have been filed in both the Senate (SB 2377) and the House of Representatives (HB 3364) that will mandate the use of picture-based warnings instead of mere text warnings on no less than 50% of both the front and back sides of the tobacco packages. However, these legislative initiatives have met strong opposition from the tobacco industry, which has used its influence on legislators, especially those from the Northern bloc of tobacco-growing provinces.

“The passage of these bills into law must be prioritized considering that an average of 1 Filipino dies every 6 minutes due to tobacco-related diseases”, said Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, adding that as of September 2008, the Philippines is already in violation of its treaty obligations under the FCTC.

“I am appealing to the leaders of the next administration to ensure their passage into law in order to save more than 17.3 million current smokers in the country aged 15 years and above from further addiction and exposure to major health risks”, Cabral said. She also noted that tobacco companies such as Philip Morris, Fortune Tobacco and Mighty Corporation already produce cigarette packages with graphic warnings for export to other countries. “There’s no reason why they cannot do it for us here”, she concluded.

Noting that the Arroyo Administration, in its concern for tobacco farmers has provided funds to the Philippine Tobacco Authority (PTA) to develop alternative crops and livelihoods for the tobacco farmers, Secretary Cabral expressed her appeal to the PTA to fulfill its obligations to tobacco farmers and to make a report on how it has spent the money allocated for this purpose. At the moment, the profits of tobacco companies and their middlemen have kept increasing whereas tobacco farmers have unfortunately been kept poor as they have always been. Perhaps it’s time for tobacco farmers to shift to growing more high value crops from which they can earn a better living.



HP Expands Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10240.html
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2010
Release # 10-240 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 202-4320
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HP Media Contact: (281) 514-6552
HP Expands Recall of Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Fire 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. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Lithium-Ion batteries used in Hewlett-Packard and Compaq notebook computers

Units: About 54,000 (70,000 units were previously recalled in May 2009)

Importer: Hewlett-Packard Co., of Palo Alto, Calif.

Hazard: The recalled lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Since the May 2009 recall, HP has received 38 additional reports of batteries that overheated and ruptured resulting in 11 instances of minor personal injury and 31 instances of minor property damage.

Description: The recalled lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are used with various model series of HP and Compaq notebook computers. The chart below includes all notebook model numbers associated with batteries recalled to date. The computer model number is located at the top of the service label on the bottom of the notebook computer. Not all batteries matching the bar codes are being recalled.
Notebook Model Number Battery Bar Codes (^ in the code
can be any letter or number)
HP Pavilion dv2000, dv2500, dv2700
dv6000, dv6500, dv6700
dx6000, dx6500, dx6700 62940^^AXV^^^^, 65035^^B7U^^^^,
65035^^B7V^^^^, 65035^^BGU^^^^,
65035^^BGV^^^^
dv9000, dv9500, dv9700 65033^^B7U^^^^, 65033^^B7V,
65033^^BGU^^^^
Compaq Presario A900
C700
F500, F700
V3000, V3500, V3700
V6000, V6500, V6700 62940^^AXV^^^^, 65035^^B7U^^^^,
65035^^B7V^^^^, 65035^^BGU^^^^,
65035^^BGV^^^^
HP G6000, G7000 62940^^AXV^^^^, 65035^^B7U^^^^,
65035^^B7V^^^^, 65035^^BGU^^^^,
65035^^BGV^^^^
HP Compaq 6510b, 6515b
6710b, 6710s
6715b, 6715s 65000^^B5V^^^^
6720s 67059^^V8U^^^^, 67059^^V8V^^^^

Sold at: Computer and electronics stores nationwide, hp.com and hpshopping.com from August 2007 through July 2008 for between $500 and $3,000. The battery packs were also sold separately for between $100 and $160.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the batteries referenced above from their notebook computer and contact HP to determine if their battery is included in this recall (even if the battery was previously checked). Consumers with recalled batteries will receive a free replacement battery. After removing the recalled battery from their notebook computer, consumers may use the AC adapter to power the computer until a replacement battery arrives. HP recommends that only batteries obtained from HP or an HP authorized reseller be used with HP notebook PCs.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, visit the HP Battery Replacement Program website at http://www.hp.com/support/BatteryReplacement or call (888) 202-4320 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.




ngm nationalgeographic com your shot web site
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/your-shot/your-shot



Boating safety
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/BoatingSafety/
Stay Safe on the Water

Everyone, on all types of boats, should wear properly-fitted life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFD). By wearing a life jacket, you can dramatically decrease your chances of drowning in a boating incident.
Know the Facts

Recreational boating——can be a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. And making boating safety a priority can ensure that it stays fun.

Consider that:

* In 2008, 3,330 people were injured, and more than 700 died, in boating incidents. Of those who drowned, 9 out of 10 were not wearing life jackets.
* More than 7out of every 10 (72%) of fatal boating incident victims drowned in 2008.
* Alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating incidents.

Reduce Your Risk

Whenever you are headed out on the water, keep these tips from the U.S. Coast Guard in mind:

Wear it. Properly fitted life jackets can prevent drownings and should be worn by everyone on any boat, at all times. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are now better looking and more comfortable.

Don't Drink. Alcohol use affects judgment, vision, balance, and coordination. Reports suggest that alcohol was a contributing factor in about one in five boating fatalities.

Take a Course. People operating boats can help keep their passengers safe. Boating education courses teach the regulatory and statutory rules ("Rules of the Road") for safe operation and navigation of recreational boats.


Know about carbon monoxide (CO). All internal combustion engines, such as boat engines and onboard motor generators, emit CO, an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas.
In the early stages, the symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to seasickness, but CO can kill in a matter of minutes. To avoid CO poisoning, be aware of the risk,
ensure sufficient ventilation, properly install and maintain equipment, and use CO detectors, especially in living and sleeping areas. See "Prevent Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning on Your Boat."


In an effort to raise parents' awareness about the leading causes of child injury in the United States and how they can be prevented, CDC has launched the "Protect
the Ones You Love" initiative. Parents can play a life-saving role in protecting children from injuries.

The following resources offer information that can help you stay safe on the water:
CDC Resources

* Facts and Resources about Water-related Injuries
* Protect the Ones You Love: Drownings Fact Sheet
* Healthy Swimming and Recreational Water Facts
* Download or listen to a podcast
o Protect the Ones You Love from Drowning [PODCAST - 3:05 minutes] (2008)
o Staying Safe in the Water [PODCAST - 5:38 minutes] (2008)
o Staying Safe on the Water [PODCAST - 3:45 minutes] (2008)



External Resources

* National Safe Boating CouncilExternal Web Site
* North American Safe Boating CampaignExternal Web Site
* U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating SafetyExternal Web Site



http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/results.cfm?rcl_id=10V218000&searchtype=quicksearch&summary=true&refurl=rss
Report Date : May 23, 2010 at 07:52 PM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 10V218000
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
LEXUS / LS460 2009-2010
LEXUS / LS460L 2009-2010
LEXUS / LS600H 2010
LEXUS / LS600HL 2010
Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAY 21, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V218000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3800
Summary:
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 LEXUS LS460 AND LS600 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 20, 2009 THROUGH MAY 13, 2010. A PROGRAMMING CHANGE OF THE STEERING CONTROL ECU FOR THE VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING (VGRS) SYSTEM CAN CAUSE IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM PROTECTION LOGIC DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE SYSTEM WHEN LARGER THAN NORMAL STEERING INPUTS ARE APPLIED AT A FULLY TURNED POSITION.
Consequence:
IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM PROTECTION LOGIC CAN CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME OFF-CENTERED UP TO 90 DEGREES. THIS MAY OCCUR AFTER THE DRIVER HAS FULLY TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL IN ONE DIRECTION THEN QUICKLY ATTEMPTS TO TURN IT BACK TO THE CENTER POSITION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING, THE RISK OF A CRASH IS INCREASED.
Remedy:
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND LEXUS DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING CONTROL ECU FREE OF CHARGE. TOYOTA HAS NOT DETERMINED WHEN THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Advisory vs. Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant at Robinsons Place, Ermita, Padre Faura Ermita Manila:
On May 16, 2010, I went to said restaurant. While I was at said restaurant, there was no visible required Senior Citizens Express lane at the customer area of said restaurant. Also, while I was at said restaurant, there was no visible required sign re privileges of/for senior citizens in the customer area of said restaurant. Also, the employee who received my order and payment for food didn't have the required
health certificate in the required position on the clothing he was wearing.Also, said employee, who was identified as Christopher, didn't give me priority even after I showed him my senior citizen ID card. I believe said store violated the
implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003. I have Kenny Rogers official receipt No. 1671 dated May 16, 2010

On May 16, 2010, the washroom/comfort room for handicapped at the 2nd floor (near the Robinsons department store) at Robinsons Place Ermita, was not available for my use. Also,the washroom/comfort room at the second floor at what was identified as the P. Gil wing of said mall, didn't have a usable faucet.

On May 16, 200, nobody inspected my luggage at an entrance to Robinsons grocery at Robinsons Ermita Manila. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons. Also, while I was at said grocery, there was no visible required express lane for senior citizens in the customer area of said store. Also,there was no required sign,
in the customer area of said store.I believe said store violated the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003.

psychcentral web site
http://psychcentral.com/


evidence vs. Eskaya beach resort and spa
I sent a letter to said entity, requesting information regarding the services offered by said entity. Said letter was designated as
registered letter No. 6471. Based on the registry return for said letter, said letter was received on 6/15/2009 by the authorized agent of
said addressee. Up to May 16, 2010, said entity has not provided me with a reply to said letter.

On May 17, 2010:

Nobody at McDonald's restaurant at Harrison Plaza, Malate, Manila, inspected my luggage/subjected said luggage to scanning with metal detector. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons. to contain deadly weapons.While I was at said store, there was no required express lane for senior citizens in the customer area of said store and no required sign re privileges of/for senior citizens.
Then,when I went from said store to the main part of Harrison Plaza building, nobody inspected my luggage/subjected said luggage to scanning with metal detector. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons.

When I went to the shoe and bag repair store at the 2nd floor of Harrison Plaza building, there was no required express lane for senior citizens in the customer area of said store and no required sign re privileges of/for senior citizens.

When I entered SM Department store via the second floor entrance, nobody inspected my luggage/subjected
said luggage to scanning with metal detector. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons.

When I entered Chowking store at Harrison Plaza, nobody inspected my luggage/subjected said luggage to scanning with metal detector. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons. there was no required express lane for senior citizens in the customer area of said store and no required sign re privileges of/for senior citizens

When I entered Shopwise store at Harrison Plaza, nobody inspected my luggage/subjected said luggage to scanning with metal detector. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons. there was no required express lane for senior citizens in the customer area of said store and no required sign re privileges of/for senior citizens.


.




.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

On May 15, 2010
Security lapses at entrances to the Landmark building at Ayala Center, Makati. Said lapses were at entrance opposite Glorietta and from the second floor entrance
from Power Books store. At the first entrance, the guards at said entrance didn't
inspect/subject to scanning with metal detector my luggage and waist bag, which were large enough to contain deadly weapons. At the second entrance,the guard said
he didn't have a metal detector. He didn't inspect said luggage and
waist bag.


The employee at the package counter of the Landmark building accepted my luggage without first examining the contents of said luggage.Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons.


Nobody at the entrance to the Landmark grocery at said Landmark building inspected my waistbag, which was large enough to contain a deadly weapon.


Regarding the Chowking restaurant within said Landmark building, employee at said restaurant didn't have the required health certificate at the proper position on the clothing he was wearing.Also, there was no visible required senior citizen
express lane at said restaurant. Also, there was no visible required sign at said restaurant regarding privileges of/for senior citizens. I believe said store violated the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003.




Nobody at entrance to Park Square 1 building, Ayala Center, Makati, subjected my luggage and waist bag to inspection/scanning with metal detector/sniffing by dog.


Nobody at entrance to SM Makati building at Ayala Center subjected my luggage and waist bag to inspection/scanning with metal detector. Said luggage
was large enough to contain deadly weapons.The person at the package counter of
SM Supermarket at SM Makati didn't inspect my luggage before accepting said luggage for deposit.Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons. Nobody at the entrance to the inner part of said supermarket inspected my waistbag, which was large enough to contain deadly weapon.





Employee at Tokyo Tokyo restaurant at food court in SM Makati building at Ayala Center, Makati, didn't have the required health certificate at the proper position on the clothing he was wearing.Also, there was no visible required senior citizen
express lane at said restaurant. Also, there was no visible required sign at said restaurant regarding privileges of/for senior citizens. I believe said store violated the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003.



_____________________________________________________________________________________
U.S. FDA WARNING LETTER to McNeil Consumer and Specialty Pharmaceuticals
Said company was identified as owned by Johnson and Johnson, Inc.
At present, there is a Johnson and Johnson corporation in the Philippines


http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm197811.htm
January 15, 2010

WARNING LETTER
SJN-2010-01

CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

Mr. Peter Luther, President, NA OTC
McNeil Consumer Healthcare
7050 Camp Hill Road Mb # 204
Fort Washington, PA 19034

Dear Mr. Luther:

This is regarding an inspection of your pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, McNeil Healthcare LLC, located at Road 183, Km. 19.8, Sector Montones, Las Piedras, Puerto Rico 00771, conducted by investigator J. Lopez and chemist R. Gonzalez and concluded on January 8, 2010. The inspection identified significant violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations for Finished Pharmaceuticals, Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Parts 210 and 211. These violations cause your drug products to be adulterated within the meaning of Section 501 (a)(2)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) [21 U.S.C. § 351(a)(2)(B)] in that the methods used in, or the facilities or controls used for, their manufacture, processing, packing, or holding do not conform to or are not operated or administered in conformity with CGMP regulations. In addition, our inspection revealed that you failed to submit NDA Field Alert Reports (FARs) to FDA in compliance with 21 C.F.R. § 314.81 (b)(1)(ii), as required by section 505(k) of the Act [21 U.S.C. § 355(k)].

Specific violations observed during the inspection include, but are not limited, to:

1. Failure to thoroughly investigate any unexplained discrepancy or the failure of a batch or any of its components to meet any of its specifications whether or not the batch has already been distributed. In addition, you failed to extend the investigation to other batches of the same product and other products that might have been associated with the discrepancy as required by 21 C.F.R. § 211.192.

Your company has determined that the "uncharacteristic odor" complaints, some of which were associated with adverse event reports (gastrointestinal distress), for several of your OTC drug products are due to 2,4,6 Tribromoanisole (TBA) contamination in the product and/or bottles. TBA, which has a musty, mildew-type odor, is a known degradant of 2,4,6, Tribromophenol (TBP). TBP is a pesticide and flame retardant used to treat wooden pallets for transporting packaging materials and finished product. TBA is organoleptically detectable at parts per trillion. You are currently attributing the cause of the uncharacteristic odor to be contamination of the drug product containers from TBP treated wooden pallets. You have concluded that TBP from the wooden pallets degraded into TBA, which contaminated product containers and the finished product in those containers.

The contamination, first noted in 2008, occurred again in 2009, leading to recalls of several lots of Tylenol Arthritis Relief caplets, 100 count bottles, 650 mg. More recalls are being conducted including multiple other OTC drug products.

We are aware of the complaint information available to your company, the sequence of events, and the extent of your firm's follow up measures during this period. We have concluded that your company did not conduct a timely, comprehensive investigation.

Your initial investigation into the root cause of the odor was unjustifiably delayed and terminated prematurely. Numerous complaints were received over a four month period in 2008 before they were considered a trend and before actions were initiated to determine the root cause. When microbiological testing in August 2008 did not support an initial speculation that microbial contamination was the root cause of the odor, the investigation was closed. No other possible root causes were pursued. Your firm lacked adequate justification for this decision.

Complaints of uncharacteristic odor were reported again in April 2009. Approximately 112 similar complaints were received by August 3, 2009. Although your firm had test results indicative of contamination with TBA as the source of the off odor on the complaint samples since September 2009, these results were not shared with FDA until after the initiation of the inspection and following several requests for this information made by the district office.

In October 2009, you concluded that the most probable root cause of the odor in the Tylenol Arthritis Relief caplets was the exposure of drug product bottles to wood pallets chemically treated with TBP. You did not expand the scope of the investigation to other lots and products potentially affected by this deviation. This would include, for example, products packaged in bottles from the same supplier that used the same type of wooden pallets, and other products manufactured by your facility for which odor complaints were received.

2. Failure of your Quality Control Unit to ensure a thorough investigation in accordance with 21 C.F.R. § 211.192 with conclusions and follow up accomplished as required by 21 C.F.R. § 211.198. As described above, the timing and depth of your investigative efforts regarding
uncharacteristic odor complaints were insufficient to meet good manufacturing practice. Your firm's management, including the Quality Control Unit, was not proactive in response to consumer complaints. In addition, during the 2008 examination of complaint samples, your
firm's analysts noted that the tablets, once removed from the bottle, did not have an unusual odor but the bottle retained a strong odor. Nonetheless, you did not pursue chemical testing at that time.

Your firm's quality management should have ensured the start of chemical testing far earlier. Failure to do so prolonged identification and resolution of the problem, resulting in continued consumer exposure. Quality problems must be thoroughly investigated, root cause determined, and appropriate corrective and preventive actions implemented as quickly as possible to limit exposure of the public to substandard drugs.

3. Failure to submit NDA-Field Alert Reports (FARs) within three (3) working days of receipt of information concerning any bacteriological contamination, or any significant chemical, physical, or other change or deterioration in the distributed drug products as required by 21 C.F.R. § 314.81 (b)(1)(ii).

Your firm received numerous uncharacteristic odor consumer complaints during the period of April 2008 through September 2008 for your product Tylenol Arthritis Relief caplets. Nevertheless, you failed to submit a FAR to FDA within three working days to inform the
Agency of the nature of the problem and the steps that you were taking to address it. You did not submit the FAR until September 18, 2009, after again noting an adverse, continuing trend of numerous complaints over the course of a several month period.

The Agency is concerned about the response of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to this matter. It appears that when J&J became aware of FDA's concerns about the thoroughness and timeliness of McNeil's investigation, whether all potentially affected products had been identified, and whether the recall was adequate in scope, J&J did not take appropriate actions to resolve these issues. Corporate management has the responsibility to ensure the quality, safety, and integrity of its products. Neither upper management at J&J nor at McNeil Consumer Healthcare assured timely investigation and resolution of the issues.

Neither this letter nor the observations noted on the FDA-483 is intended to be an all-inclusive list of the deficiencies that may exist at your facility. In addition, the Agency may send further correspondence based upon continued review of the inspectional findings. It is your responsibility to ensure that your operations at this facility and all other facilities under your control are in full compliance with all applicable requirements of federal law and FDA regulations. You should take prompt action to correct the violations cited in this letter. Failure to promptly correct these violations may result in legal action without further notice, including, without limitation, seizure, and injunction. Other federal agencies may take this warning letter into account when considering the award of contracts. Additionally, FDA may withhold approval of requests for export certificates, or approval of pending new drug applications listing your facility as a manufacturer until the above violations are corrected. A reinspection may be necessary.

Within 15 working days of receipt of this letter, please notify this office in writing of the specific steps that you have taken to correct violations. Include an explanation of each step being taken to prevent the recurrence of violations, as well as copies of related documentation. If you cannot complete corrective action within 15 working days, state the reason for the delay and the time within which you will complete the correction.

Please contact the District Office to schedule a meeting to discuss your proposed corrective actions and time frames, as well as your plan for ensuring timely and meaningful involvement of corporate management (local and global) in resolving significant public health issues in the future. Please contact Margarita Santiago, Compliance Officer, at (787) 474-4789 to schedule a meeting at the FDA, San Juan District Office.

Your reply to the Warning Letter should be sent to the Food & Drug Administration, San Juan District Office, 466 Fernandez Juncos Ave., San Juan, PR 00901-3223, to the attention of Margarita Santiago.

Sincerely,

/S/

Maridalia Torrres
District Director
San Juan District


Cc:
Mr. William C. Weldon, CEO, Johnson & Johnson
Ms. Nuria Ramirez Ordonez, General Manager, McNeil Healthcare, LLC, Las Piedras, PR


U.S. FDA April 2010 Drug Safety Labeling Changes: 44 Medical Product Labels with changes to Boxed Warning, Warnings, Contraindications, Precautions, Adverse
Reactions
http://us.mc768.mail.yahoo.com

Friday, May 14, 2010

Regarding the Vicki Belo medical group:
It will be advantageous for prospective customers of said group to obtain, in advance, the following:
a complete list of all the branches of the Belo Medical Group and the addresses of all said branches, a complete list of all the services offered by said Group and
the prices of all said services; a complete list of all the medical doctors employed by said Group and the corresponding list of the learning institutions where said
persons graduated and the corresponding number of years that said persons have been practising. An article, identified as originating from said Vicki
Belo which was published on May 12, 2010, in the Philippine Star newspaper, contained the following statements:"most sunblocks are "fragrance free".
What are the specific names of sunblocks which are allegedly fragrance free.? "Belo Essentials SunExpert has created a sunblock that has complete UVA and UVB
protection". Ask for certification from a reputable independent authority that said sunblock has complete UVA and UVB protection.
"The product has been tested by independent (non-Belo) dermatologists who are accredited by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
What are the complete names and addresses of said alleged dermatologists and proofs, if any, that said persons are accredited by said FDA?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
On May 12, 2010.
Nobody at the SM Department store at SM City Manila inspected my luggage/subjected my luggage to scanning with metal detector.
Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons. Didn't see required express lane for senior citizens inside said store. Inside said store, didn't
see required sign re privileges for/of senior citizens. I believe the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act were violated by
said store.

Nobody at Ace Hardware store at SM City Manila inspected my luggage, which was large enough to contain deadly weapons.
Didn't see required express lane for senior citizens inside said store. Inside said store, didn't
see required sign re privileges for/of senior citizens. I believe the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act were violated by
said store.

Nobody at SM Supermarket at SM City Manila inspected my luggage, which was large enough to contain deadly weapons.
Didn't see required express lane for senior citizens inside said store. Inside said store, didn't see required sign re privileges for/of senior citizens. I believe the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act were violated by said store.



Nobody at Camerahaus store at SM City Manila inspected my luggage, which was large enough to contain deadly weapons. Didn't see required express lane for senior citizens inside said store. Inside said store, didn't see required sign re privileges for/of senior citizens. I believe the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act were violated by
said store.



Nobody at Chowking store at second floor at SM City Manila inspected my luggage, which was large enough to contain deadly weapons. Didn't see required express lane for senior citizens inside said store. Inside said store, didn't
see required sign re privileges for/of senior citizens. I believe the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act were violated by
said store.


Nobody at Casa Reyes restaurant at SM City Manila inspected my luggage, which was large enough to contain deadly weapons. Didn't see required express lane for senior citizens inside said store. Inside said store, didn't see required sign re privileges for/of senior citizens. I believe the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act were violated by
said store.



While I was at KFC restaurant at SM City Manila I didn't see required express lane for senior citizens Didn't see required sign re privileges for/of senior citizens. I believe the implementing rules and regulations of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act were violated by said store. Employee, identified as "Jonalyn" didn't have required health certificate at the proper location on clothing she was wearing.
The O.R. issued bore the number 113-249102



The CR for men, near Ace Hardware store, at the second floor of SM City Manila had a compartment without a locking or barring device
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Dog Bite Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Dog-Bites/biteprevention.html
There are ways to make dog bites less likely and to help prevent children from being bitten by dogs.

podcast
http://www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=11206

How can dog bites be prevented?

Dog bites are a largely preventable public health problem, and adults and children can learn to reduce their chances of being bitten.

Before you bring a dog into your household:

* Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn what breeds of dogs are the best fit for your household.family walking their dogs
* Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.
* Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your household.
* Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.

If you decide to bring a dog into your home:

* Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
* Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
* Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling).
* Properly socialize and train any dog entering your household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose the abdomen and giving up food without growling).
* Immediately seek professional advice (e.g., from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders) if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.



To help prevent children from being bitten by dogs, teach the following basic safety tips and review them regularly:

* Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
* Do not run from a dog or scream.
* Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
* If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like a log").
* Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
* Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior to an adult.
* Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
* Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
* Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
* If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.

A Community Approach to Dog Bite Prevention
Prepared by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Task Force on Canine Aggression and Human-Canine Interactions*
Dog bites are a serious public health problem that can inflict considerable physical and emotional damage on victims and be extremely costly to communities. Decreasing dog bites requires active and ongoing community involvement; passive or periodic attention will not solve this problem. This task force report is intended to help state and local leaders find effective ways to reduce the dog bite problem in their communities. The report covers:

* Representative national statistics on the existing dog bite problem
* How to mobilize a community and the infrastructure needed to establish a program
* Specific prevention recommendations
* Recommendations for dog bite reporting
* Educational and communication approaches and targets

In summary, the report contains everything community leaders should consider when starting a dog bite prevention program. Also included are a model dog control ordinance and model legislation for the control of dangerous dogs. The report is available as a PDF on the American Veterinary Medical Association website (pdf icon 500KB 18 pages).
http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/dogbite.pdf

# Page last reviewed: May 14, 2009
# Page last updated: May 14, 2009
# Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
# National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
_____________________________________________________________________________________
U.S. FDA

New and Generic Drug Approvals

May 11, 2010

* Acephen (acetaminophen) Suppository, G and W Laboratories, Inc., Labeling Revision
* Blenoxane (Bleomycin sulfate) Injection, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Labeling Revision
* Catapres-TTS (clonidine) Patch , Boehringer Ingelheim, Labeling Revision
* Colcrys (colchicine) Tablets, AR Holding Company, Inc., Labeling Revision
* Creon (pancrelipase) Delayed-Release Capsules, Abbott Products, Inc., Patient Population Altered
* Femara (letrozole) Tablets, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.. Efficacy Supplement with Clinical Data to Support
* Hyphanox (itraconazole) Tablets, Stiefel Laboratories, Inc., Approval
* Irinotecan Hydrochloride Injection, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Ltd., Approval
* Midol Liquid Gels (ibuprofen) Capsules, Banner Pharmacaps Inc., Labeling Revision
* Norvir (ritonavir) Oral Solution, Abbott Laboratories, Labeling Revision
* Remicade (infliximab) Intravenous Injection, Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc., Supplement
* Ritalin LA (methylphenidate hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp., Labeling Revision
* Ritonavir Tablets, Abbott Laboratories, Labeling Revision
* Sandimmune (cyclosporine) Capsules, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. , Labeling Revision
* Sandimmune (cyclosporine) Injection, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. , Labeling Revision
* Sandimmune (cyclosporine) Oral Solution, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp. , Labeling Revision
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NIOSH HomeNIOSH Publications and Products
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pubs/all_date_desc_nopubnumbers.html
May 2010 Occupational Injuries & Fatalities Due To Falls
May 2010 Injuries & Fatalities From Contact with Objects
Apr 2010 NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitoes
Apr 2010 NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Poisonous Plants
Apr 2010 NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Stinging Insects
Apr 2010 NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Sun Exposure
Apr 2010 NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Heat Stress
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Allergens
http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/allergens/index.html
Allergens such as nutsFood allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body's immune system. Allergic reactions to food can sometimes cause serious illness and death. The foods that most often trigger allergic reactions are:

* Fish and shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab
* Peanuts
* Tree nuts, such as walnuts
* Eggs

Understanding Food Allergy (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
Excellent introduction to food allergies including:

* Quick Facts
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodallergy/understanding/pages/quickfacts.aspx

* What Is Food Allergy?
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/understanding/Pages/whatIsIt.aspx

* Food Allergy or Food Intolerance?
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/understanding/Pages/foodIntolerance.aspx

* Diagnosis
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/understanding/Pages/diagnosis.aspx

* Treatment
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/foodAllergy/understanding/Pages/treatment.aspx
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image of registry return receipt of letter addressed to Makati councilor J. J. Binay

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