advisory re Kenny Rogers restaurant at Robinsons Ermita; web sites with useful free information

Advisory vs. Kenny Rogers restaurant at Robinsons Ermita. On December 19, 2008, I saw a live moving insect near food dishes at said store.

FDA Requires Warnings about Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior for Antiepileptic Medications
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01927.html
FDA News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 16, 2008


Media Inquiries:
Sandy Walsh, 301-796-4669
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

FDA Requires Warnings about Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior for Antiepileptic Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it will require the manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs to add to these products' prescribing information, or labeling, a warning that their use increases risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality). The action includes all antiepileptic drugs including those used to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches and other conditions, as well as epilepsy.

The FDA is also requiring the manufacturers to submit for each of these products a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, including a Medication Guide for patients. Medication Guides are manufacturer-developed handouts that are given to patients,
their families and caregivers when a medicine is dispensed. The guides will contain FDA-approved information about the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with the class of antiepileptic medications.

"Patients being treated with antiepileptic drugs for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior,” said Russell Katz, M.D., director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “ Patients who are currently taking an antiepileptic medicine should not make any treatment changes without talking to their health care professional.”

The FDA today also disseminated information to the public about the risks associated with antiepileptic medications by issuing a public health advisory and an information alert to health care professionals. Health care professionals should notify patients, their families, and caregivers of the potential for an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors so that patients may be closely observed.

The FDA's actions are based on the agency's review of 199 clinical trials of 11 antiepileptic drugs which showed that patients receiving antiepileptic drugs had almost twice the risk of suicidal behavior or thoughts (0.43 percent) compared to
patients receiving a placebo (0.24 percent). This difference was about one additional case of suicidal thoughts or behaviors for every 500 patients treated with antiepileptic drugs instead of placebo.

Four of the patients who were randomized to receive one of the antiepileptic drugs committed suicide, whereas none of the patients in the placebo group did. Results were insufficient for any conclusion to be drawn about the drugs' effects on
completed suicides. The biological reasons for the increase in the risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior observed in patients being treated with antiepileptic drugs are unknown.

The FDA alerted health care professionals in January 2008 that clinical trials of drugs to treat epilepsy showed increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. In July 2008, the FDA held a public meeting to discuss the data with a committee of
independent advisors. At that meeting the committee agreed with the FDA's findings that there is an increased risk of suicidality with the analyzed antiepileptic drugs, and that appropriate warnings should extend to the whole class of medications. The panel also considered whether the drugs should be labeled with a boxed warning, the FDA's strongest warning.

The advisers recommended against a boxed warning and instead recommended that a warning of a different type be added to the labeling and that a Medication Guide be developed.

Acting under the authorities of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA), the FDA is requiring manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs to submit to the agency new labeling within 30 days, or provide a reason why they do not
believe such labeling changes are necessary. In cases of non-compliance, FDAAA provides strict timelines for resolving the issue and allows the agency to initiate an enforcement action if necessary.

The following antiepileptic drugs are required to add warnings about the risk of suicidality:

Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
Clonazepam (marketed as Klonopin)
Clorazepate (marketed as Tranxene)
Divalproex sodium (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene)
Ethosuximide (marketed as Zarontin)
Ethotoin (marketed as Peganone)
Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
Lacosamide (marketed as Vimpat)
Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
Mephenytoin (marketed as Mesantoin)
Methosuximide (marketed as Celontin)
Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal) Phenytoin (marketed as Dilantin Suspension)
Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
Primidone (marketed as Mysoline)
Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
Trimethadione (marketed as Tridione)
Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)
Some of these medications are also available as generics.



Study Finds Much of Private-Sector Consumer Medication Information Not Consistently Useful
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01926.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2008


Media Inquiries:
Sandy Walsh, 301-796-4669
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

Study Finds Much of Private-Sector Consumer Medication Information Not Consistently Useful

A study released today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that the printed consumer medication information (CMI) voluntarily provided with new prescriptions by retail pharmacies does not consistently provide easy-to-read, understandable information about the use and risks of medications.

The study, Expert and Consumer Evaluation of Consumer Medication Information, showed that while most consumers (94 percent) received CMI with new prescriptions, only about 75 percent of this information met the minimum criteria for usefulness as
defined by a panel of stakeholders. In 1996, Congress called for 95 percent of all new prescriptions to be accompanied by useful CMI by 2006.

"The current voluntary system has failed to provide consumers with the quality information they need in order to use medicines effectively and safely," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

"Because the congressional goals have not been met, the FDA intends to seek public comment on initiatives that can be used to meet the goals."

CMI has been defined as being useful if it includes scientifically accurate, unbiased information that is presented in an understandable and legible format. Specifically, CMI should include the drug name and uses, how to monitor for improvement in the condition being treated, contraindications (situations when the medicine should not be used), symptoms of serious or frequent adverse reactions and what to do, and certain general information, including statements encouraging patients to talk
to their health care professional.

"We need to work with pharmacy operators, drug manufacturers, health care professionals, and consumers to come up with a sensible, comprehensive and more effective solution," said Woodcock.

In early 2009, the FDA Risk Communication Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the study's findings. In addition, the FDA has created a Web site to receive public comment on the study and solicit feedback on the best ways to
provide useful prescription information to consumers.

The FDA regulates prescription drug labeling written for health care professionals and Medication Guides and Patient Package Inserts written for consumers, but the agency does not review or approve CMI leaflets. The agency's role, as set forth by
Congress, has been to encourage the private sector to provide this information, supply the companies with the necessary guidance and evaluate the private sector's progress.

The FDA-sponsored study was conducted by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy through a subcontract with researchers at the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy. Shoppers trained to simulate patients visited pharmacies randomly selected throughout the United States. The shoppers gave the pharmacists prescriptions for two commonly prescribed drugs, metformin and lisinopril, and collected the CMI provided with the prescriptions. Expert and consumer panels evaluated the quantity and quality of this information.

There were some improvements shown by the new study when compared to a similar evaluation of CMI in 2001, Evaluation of Written Prescription Information Provided in Community Pharmacies, 2001. That study revealed that 89 percent of patients
received written information when their new prescriptions were filled, but only about 50 percent of the CMI met minimal criteria for usefulness.

For information:
Expert and Consumer Evaluation of Consumer Medication Information, 2008
http://www.fda.gov/cder/news/CMI/default.htm



about the Pill:
http://abcnews.go.com/

about Tamiflu
http://news.yahoo.com/


web sites with useful free information:

Conversations with History
http://globetrotter.berkeley.edu/


cellphones lovetoknow web site
http://cellphones.lovetoknow.com/

about children on the first day of school:
http://abcnews.go.com/

security lapses at entrances to SM City Manila; U.S. FDA comments re hypoallergenic cosmetics; web sites with free information regarding new year reso

Security lapses at entrances to SM City Manila mall on December 18, 2008. When I entered said mall on said date, the security guard at the entrance I used, didn't inspect my trolley luggage, which was large enough to contain deadly weapons. Later, at the San Marcelino St., entrance ro said mall, I saw that the security guard at said entrance, didn't inspect well the bags of the people who were entering.

U. S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics and Colors information regarding hypoallergenic cosmetics

"HYPOALLERGENIC COSMETICS

Hypoallergenic cosmetics are products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. Consumers with hypersensitive skin, and even those with "normal" skin, may be led to believe that these products will be gentler to their skin than non-hypoallergenic cosmetics.

There are no Federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term "hypoallergenic." The term means whatever a particular company wants it to mean. Manufacturers of cosmetics labeled as hypoallergenic are not required to submit substantiation of their hypoallergenicity claims to FDA.

The term "hypoallergenic" may have considerable market value in promoting cosmetic products to consumers on a retail basis, but dermatologists say it has very little meaning."

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/cos-224.html
U. S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Office of Cosmetics and Colors Fact Sheet December 19, 1994; revised October 18, 2000


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

web sites with free information on new year's resolutions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/
http://pittsburgh.about.com/
http://www.usa.gov/
http://www.goalsguy.com/
http://www.123newyear.com/
http://www.mygoals.com/about
http://www.umm.edu/
http://www.ehow.com/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/
http://www.healthyminds.org/

advisory re Chow King restaurant at U.N. Avenue near corner Taft Avenue
On December 17, 2008, there was no visible sign of a lane for senior citizens. Also, I saw a live moving insect fly on a dining table.

about holiday stress:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/

about dirty foods:
http://shine.yahoo.com/

web sites with information on holiday etiquette:
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/
http://www.emilypost.com/
http://www.realtor.org/
http://businessgifts.1800flowers.com/
http://sbinformation.about.com/
http://www.cnn.com/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
http://insidetoronto.com/article/60322
http://ezinearticles.com/

about kids and healthy eating:
http://www.naturalnews.com/

About Abestosis and other diseases
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5749a1.htm

center for environmental health
http://www.ceh.org/

advisory re Internet Explorer
http://tech.yahoo.com/

about holiday parties:
http://ezinearticles.com/

womensblogscore org web site
http://womensblog.score.org/

Advisory re Jollibee restaurant at P. Faura St., Ermita, Manila. On December 16, 2008, I saw a live, moving insect fly at one of the dining tables at said restaurant.

Advisory re 7-Eleven store at P. Faura St., Ermita, Manila. On December 16, 2008, I went to said store and gave an employee of said store a Sky Cable statement of account and payment for said account. However, the proof of payment given to me by an employee of said store was not for Sky Cable but for Globelines.

Security lapse at entrance to Robinsons Ermita on December 16, 2008. The security guard at said entrance didn't inspect well my luggage, which was large enough to contain deadly weapons.


MPD warns vs FX taxi robbers
The following was published on December 17, 2008 in a local newspaper:
Yesterday morning, the suspects robbed six passengers, mostly women, of an FX taxi bound for Quiapo. (The police) said the two men, boarded the . . . taxi along Philcoa in Quezon City.
The cab driver decided to make a detour on Quintos Street . . . where the two suspects announced the heist. (The police) said the suspects too P50,000 worth of cash and valuables . . .

The following was published on December 17, 2008 in a local newspaper:
PASG zeizes P50-M fake branded shoes
The Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group (PASG) raided yesterday 94 stalls inside the Harrison Shop Plaza in Pasay City and seized around P50 million worth of smuggled and fake branded shoes and apparel.
The raid was prompted by intelligence reports confirming the presence of the illegal and fake goods bearing the brand names Nike, Adidas,Lacoste and World Balance.
.
Child safe local TV programs
The following was published locally: "Seventy programs found child sensitive by 2, 497 jurors nationwide. The list of winners:
ABS-CBN: "Busog Lusog"; "Cedie, Ang Munting Prinsipe"; "Julio at Julia"; "Kabuhayang Swak na Swak"; "Maayong Buntag, Kapamilya"; "Matanglawin"; "Northern Catch"; "Pilipinas, Game Ka Na Ba?"; "Rated K"; "Salamat Dok"; "Sharon"; "Sirit"; "Swiss Family Robinsons."
NBN: "Business @ 10"; "Equilibrium"; "GSIS Members' Hour"; "Kapayapaan - Atin Ito"; "Lakbayin ang Magandang Pilipinas"; "Negosyo, Atbp"; "One Morning"; "Pilipinas Ngayon Na"; "Power to Unite"; "She . . . Ka"; "Young Once"; "Youth Voice."
ABC: "Barney and Friends"; "Blues Clues"; "Bob the Builder"; "Chalkzone"; "Dora, the Explorer"; "Go, Diego, Go"; "Spongebob Squarepants"; "Wonderpets."
GMA 7: "Art Angel"; "Battang Bibbo"; "Kapuso Mo. Jessica Soho"; "Kay Susan Tayo"; "Lovely Day"; "Wish Ko Lang."
RPN: "RPN Jr. Newswatch";
QTV: "Ang Pinaka"; "Balitanghali"; "Bannertail"; "Pairezz"; "Go Negosyo"; "Hired"; "KaBlog"; "Kids on Q"; "Little Pony"; "Make Way for Noddy"; "Miya"; "Planet's Funniest Animal;";
IBC: "Biyaheng Langit"; "Buhay Pinoy"; "Gabay at Aksyon"; "Healthline";
Studio 23: "5 and 1/2 TV Show"; "28th National Quiz Bee"; "Math Tinik"; "Sineskwela"; "Y Speak";
Net 25: "Gabay sa Kalusugan"; "I-Balita"; Kapatid sa Hanapbuhay"; "Moments"; "Newsbeat"; "Spoon"; "Tribe"; "Weekend Report"; "World Report".

Use Caution With Ayurvedic Products
http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/ayurvedic101608.html
Date Posted: October 16, 2008

* Concerns About Heavy Metals
* A Priority for FDA
* Advice for Consumers

Ayurvedic medicine is a traditional system of healing arts that originated in India. It involves using products such as spices, herbs, vitamins, proteins, minerals, and metals (e.g., mercury, lead, iron, zinc). Some preparations combine herbs with minerals and metals. These products are commonly sold on the Internet or in stores and are represented as "Indian" or "South Asian."

"Consumers should know that Ayurvedic products are generally not reviewed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)," says Mike Levy, Director of the Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance in the Office of Compliance, part of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). Most Ayurvedic products are marketed either for drug uses not approved by FDA or as dietary supplements. As such, consumers should understand that these products have not been approved by FDA before marketing.

"The bottom line," Levy says, "is that consumers need to be on guard when purchasing any product using the Internet, especially medical products." This is an area that is challenging to regulate.

Concerns About Heavy Metals

The presence of metals in some Ayurvedic products makes them potentially harmful. A study published in the August 27, 2008, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), demonstrated that one-fifth of U.S.-manufactured and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic products bought on the Internet contained detectable lead, mercury, or arsenic.

Researchers found 25 Web sites selling Ayurvedic products. After identifying 673 products, they randomly selected 230 for purchase. Of those, they received and analyzed 193 products. Nearly 21 percent were found to contain detectable levels of lead, mercury, or arsenic.

All metal-containing products exceeded one or more standards for acceptable daily metal intake. The researchers concluded that several Indian-manufactured products could result in lead and/or mercury ingestions 100 to 100,000 times greater than acceptable limits.

This study followed a previous study published in JAMA on December 15, 2004, which found that one out of five Ayurvedic "herbal medicine products" produced in South Asia and available in South Asian grocery stores in Boston contained potentially harmful levels of lead, mercury, and/or arsenic.


A Priority for FDA

"This issue has been and will continue to be a priority for FDA," Levy says. The agency has had an import alert on certain Ayurvedic products in place since 2007. This import alert allows FDA personnel to prevent these products from entering the United States.

"Through this import alert, the agency is able to stop commercial import shipments of these products," Levy says, "but individual Internet purchases are harder to monitor."

In light of recent reports, FDA is re-evaluating its existing import alert and considering possible enforcement actions related to Ayurvedic products manufactured in the United States.


Advice for Consumers

* Be aware that Ayurvedic products do not undergo FDA review. In accordance with current law, FDA does not evaluate these products before they are marketed. This means their safety, quality, and effectiveness cannot be assured by FDA. Certain populations, including children, are particularly at risk for the toxic effects of heavy metals.
* Use caution when buying medical products on the Internet. FDA urges consumers to beware of unregulated Internet drug sellers. Many of their products could pose direct or serious indirect health issues, or could contain toxic substances.
* Tell your health care professional about all alternative products. Some herbs, minerals, and metals can interact with each other and with conventional medications.

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.


Tips for seniors during holidays
http://news.yahoo.com/

advisory vs. Pancake House restaurant; info on bone health

customer advisory vs. Pancake House restaurant at Robinsons Ermita.
On December 15, 2008, while I was eating at said restaurant, I saw a live, moving fly insect on the table on which the food I ordered was placed. Proof of purchase is Pancake House, Inc official receipt No. 0923 dated 12/15/08

Bone Health
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/bone_health_for_life.asp
Updated January 2008
Bone Health for Life
Easy-to-Read Information for Patients and Families
Why Does Bone Health Matter?

Our bones support us and allow us to move. They protect our brain, heart, and other organs from injury. Our bones also store minerals such as calcium and phosphorous, which help keep our bones strong, and release them into the body when we need them
for other uses.

There are many things we can do to keep our bones healthy and strong. Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, getting plenty of exercise, and having good health habits help keep our bones healthy.

But if we don’t eat right and don’t get enough of the right kinds of exercise, our bones can become weak and even break.

Broken bones and fractures can be painful and sometimes need surgery to heal. They can also cause long-lasting health problems.

But the good news is that it is never too late to take care of your bones.

* What Is Osteoporosis?
* Who Gets Osteoporosis?
* Am I Really at Risk?
* How Do I Know if I Have Osteoporosis?
* What Can I Do to Make My Bones Healthier?
* Will I Need to Take Medicine for My Bones?
* How Can I Join a Research Study?
* Where Else Can I Go for Help?

Information Boxes

* Sources of Calcium
* Calcium Chart
* Vitamin D Chart

What Is Osteoporosis?

There are many kinds of bone diseases. The most common one is osteoporosis (AH-stee-oh-por-OH-sis). With osteoporosis, our bones become weak and are more likely to break. People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the wrist, spine, and hip.

Our bones are alive. Every day, our body breaks down old bone and puts new bone in its place. As we get older, our bones break down more bone than they put back. It is normal to lose some bone as we age. But, if we do not take steps to keep our bones healthy, we can lose too much bone and get osteoporosis.

Many people have weak bones and don’t even know it. That’s because bone loss often happens over a long period of time and doesn’t hurt. For many people, a broken bone is the first sign that they have osteoporosis.

People with osteoporosis most often break bones in the wrist, spine, and hip.

Who Gets Osteoporosis?

There are many things that can increase your chances of getting osteoporosis. These things are called “risk factors.” Some risk factors are things you can control, and some things are outside of your control.

Risk factors you can control

* Diet. Getting too little calcium can increase your chances of getting osteoporosis. Not getting enough vitamin D can also increase your risk for the disease. Vitamin D is important because it helps the body use the calcium in your diet.
* Physical activity. Not exercising and not being active for long periods of time can increase your chances of getting osteoporosis. Like muscles, bones become stronger – and stay stronger – with regular exercise.
* Body weight. Being too thin makes you more likely to get osteoporosis.
* Smoking. Smoking cigarettes can keep your body from using the calcium in your diet. Also, women who smoke go through menopause earlier than those who don’t smoke.

These things can increase your risk for osteoporosis.
* Alcohol. People who drink a lot are more likely to get osteoporosis.
* Medicines. Certain medicines can cause bone loss. These include a type of medicine called glucocorticoids (gloo-ko-KOR-ti-koids). Glucocortiocoids are given to people who have arthritis, asthma, and many other diseases. Some other medicines that prevent seizures and that treat endometriosis (en-do-me-tree-O-sis), a disease of the uterus, and cancer can cause bone loss, too.

Risk factors you cannot control

* Age. Your chances of getting osteoporosis increase as you get older.
* Gender. You have a greater chance of getting osteoporosis if you are a woman. Women have smaller bones than men and lose bone faster than men do because of hormone changes that happen after menopause.
* Ethnicity. White women and Asian women are most likely to get osteoporosis. Hispanic women and African American women are also at risk, but less so.
* Family history. Having a close family member who has osteoporosis or has broken a bone may also increase your risk.

Am I Really at Risk?

Because more women get osteoporosis than men, many men think they are not at risk for the disease. Many Hispanic and African American women are not concerned about their bones either. They believe that osteoporosis is only a problem for white women.

However, it is a real risk for older men and women from all backgrounds.

Also, people from certain ethnic backgrounds may be more likely to have other health problems that increase their risk for bone loss. If you have one of the following health problems, talk to your doctor about your bone health:

* Alcoholism
* Anorexia nervosa
* Asthma/allergies
* Cancer
* Cushing’s disease
* Diabetes
* Hyperparathyroidism
* Hyperthyroidism
* Inflammatory bowel disease
* Lactose intolerance
* Lupus
* Liver or kidney disease
* Lung disease
* Multiple sclerosis
* Rheumatoid arthritis

How Do I Know if I Have Osteoporosis?

Since osteoporosis does not have any symptoms until a bone breaks, it is important to talk to your doctor about your bone health. If your doctor feels that you are at risk for osteoporosis, he or she may order a bone density test. A bone density test measures how strong – or dense – your bones are and whether you have osteoporosis. It can also tell you what your chances are of breaking a bone. Bone density tests are quick, safe, and painless.

What Can I Do to Make My Bones Healthier?

It is never too early or too late to take care of your bones. The following steps can help you improve your bone health:

* Eat a well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include low-fat dairy products, and foods and drinks with added calcium. Good sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, saltwater fish, liver, and milk with vitamin D. Vitamin D is also made by the skin when people are in the sun, but not all people can get enough vitamin D this way. Some people may need to take nutritional supplements in order to get enough calcium and vitamin D. The chart below shows how much calcium and vitamin D you need each day. Fruits and vegetables also contribute other nutrients that are important for bone health.

Sources of Calcium:

* Tofu (calcium fortified)
* Soy milk (calcium fortified)
* Green leafy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, brussels sprouts, mustard greens, kale)
* Chinese cabbage or bok choy
* Beans/legumes
* Tortillas
* Sardines/salmon with edible bones
* Shrimp
* Orange juice (calcium fortified)
* Pizza
* Bread
* Nuts/almonds
* Dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt)


Calcium Chart
Your Age How Much Calcium You Need Each Day
0 to 6 months 210 mg
7 to 12 months 270 mg
1 to 3 years 500 mg
4 to 8 years 800 mg
9 to 18 years 1,300 mg
19 to 50 years 1,000 mg
Over 50 years 1,200 mg

Vitamin D Chart
Your Age How Much Vitamin D You Need Each Day
0 to 50 years 200 IU
51 to 70 years 400 IU
Over 70 years 600 IU

* Get plenty of physical activity. Like muscles, bones become stronger with exercise. The best exercises for healthy bones are strength-building and weight-bearing, like walking, climbing stairs, lifting weights, and dancing. Try to get 30 minutes of exercise each day.
* Live a healthy lifestyle. Don’t smoke, and, if you choose to drink alcohol, don’t drink too much.
* Talk to your doctor about your bone health. Go over your risk factors with your doctor and ask if you should get a bone density test. If you need it, your doctor can order medicine to help prevent bone loss and reduce your chances of breaking a bone.
* Prevent falls. Falling down can cause a bone to break, especially in someone with osteoporosis. But most falls can be prevented. Check your home for dangers like loose rugs and poor lighting. Have your vision checked. Increase your balance and
strength by walking every day and taking classes like Tai Chi, yoga, or dancing.

Will I Need to Take Medicine for My Bones?

There are medicines to help prevent and treat osteoporosis. Your doctor may want you to take medicine if your bone density test shows that your bones are weak and that you have a good chance of breaking a bone in the future. Your doctor is more
likely to order medicine if you have other health concerns that increase your risk for breaking a bone, such as a tendency to fall or a low body weight.

Where Else Can I Go for Help?

For more information on osteoporosis and bone health, contact any of the following organizations:

*
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center

2 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3676
Phone: 202–223–0344
Toll Free: 800–624–BONE
TTY: 202-466-4315
Fax: 202-293-2356
Email: NIAMSBoneInfo@mail.nih.gov
Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/bone/default.asp

The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center provides patients, health professionals, and the public with an important link to resources and information on osteoporosis and other metabolic bone diseases.
*
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3675
Phone: 301-495-4484
Toll Free: 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
TTY: 301–565–2966
Fax: 301-718-6366
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov

NIAMS, a part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads the Federal Government research effort to support research into and disseminate information about the causes, treatment, and prevention
of diseases of bones, muscles, joints, and skin. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a public service sponsored by NIAMS.
*
National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF)
1232 22nd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037-1292
Phone: 202-223-2226
Email: patientinfo@nof.org
Website: http://www.nof.org

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) is a nonprofit, voluntary health organization dedicated to promoting lifelong bone health in order to reduce the widespread prevalence of osteoporosis and associated fractures, while working to
find a cure for the disease through programs of research, education, and advocacy. NOF provides information and resources on osteoporosis for patients and the public. It also provides resources and professional relations and education programs on the
disease for health professionals.

For Your Information

This publication contains information about medications used to treat the health condition discussed here. When this booklet was printed, we included the most up-to-date (accurate) information available. Occasionally, new information on medication is released.

For updates and for any questions about any medications you are taking, please contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at 1–888–INFO–FDA (1–888–463–6332, a toll-free call) or visit their Web site at www.fda.gov.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Toll Free: 888-INFO-FDA (888-463-6332)
Website: http://www.fda.gov/

The mission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health (NIH), is to support research into the causes, treatment, and
prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases; the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research; and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases. The National Institute of
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a public service sponsored by NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. Additional information can be found on the NIAMS Web site at www.niams.nih.gov.

This booklet is not copyrighted. You can make copies of it and give out as many as you want. Additional copies of this booklet are available from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, NIAMS/National Institutes of Health, 1 AMS Circle, Bethesda, MD 20892-3675, and on the NIAMS Web site at
www.niams.nih.gov.

NIH Pub. No. 08-6412

Recognizing The National Bone and Joint Decade 2002-2011
NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center
2 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892-3676
Phone: 202–223–0344
Toll Free: 800–624–BONE
TTY: 202-466-4315
Fax: 202-293-2356
Email: NIAMSBoneInfo@mail.nih.gov
Website: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/bone/default.asp

The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center provides patients, health professionals, and the public with an important link to resources and information on metabolic bone diseases. The mission of NIH ORBD~NRC is to
expand awareness and enhance knowledge and understanding of the prevention, early detection, and treatment of these diseases as well as strategies for coping with them.

The NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases ~ National Resource Center is supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases with contributions from:

* National Institute on Aging
* Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
* National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
* National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
* NIH Office of Research on Women's Health
* DHHS Office on Women's Health.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).




Web sites with information on how to choose a gym

http://www.blogher.com/

http://www.bodybuilding.com/

http://www.teenbodybuilding.com/danial12.htm

http://www.bodybuilding.com/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/

http://www.isnare.com/

http://controlyourweight.info/

http://exercise.about.com/

http://munfitnessblog.com/

http://www.zenfitchick.com/

http://www.pitchvision.com/

http://www.associatedcontent.com/

http://myheartmind.blogspot.com/

http://northtarrantnow.com/

http://www.life123.com/

http://exercise.lifetips.com/c



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

CPSC's 2008 list of dangerous toys; tips on surviving the loss of a loved one; web sites with useful free information

http://www.cpsc.gov/
CPSC’s List of Dangerous Toys 2008
Every year, parents and grandparents want to know what the best and worst toys are for the coming holiday season. While CPSC isn’t in the business of evaluating what’s hot and what’s not, we can provide parents with vital and important shopping tips.
One way to evaluate toy safety is to look at what’s been recalled due to safety defects or violations. From the beginning of the calendar year, CPSC has recalled about 50 toys, which can be categorized by toy type.

Parents can keep the holidays fun by being safety-savvy shoppers; by looking for age-appropriate toys; and by reading all the warning labels carefully. Gift givers should also follow these important tips:
• Kids less than 8 years old in the house? Avoid toys with magnets or magnetic components small enough to swallow.
• Only adults should charge remote-controlled toys following manufacturer instructions; never overcharge.
• Watch for small parts around infants and young children.
• Sign up for free recall notifications by e-mail. As soon as there’s a recall,you’ll know what’s affected and what to do.

(63% of units recalled) Toys with strong magnets that can be swallowed by children: Magnets can fall out of their housing or be found in small, ingestible plastic components. If more than one magnet or a magnet and a metal object are swallowed, they can forcefully attract each other through intestine walls causing serious injury, infection and death.
#
1
About 1.3 million magnetic toy figures were recalled on March 17, 2008.
(20% of units recalled) remote controlled toys and accessories, which can pose fire and burn hazards: Rechargeable lithium batteries (lithium-ion or lithium polymer) are increasingly being used in toys because the technology is lighter and has a lot of energy in a small package, but overheating,fires, burns and explosions have occurred.
#
2
About 685,000 remote-controlled helicopters with lithium batteries were recalled on July 24, 2008. (12% of units recalled) toys with small partsrts that can come loose posing an immediate choking or aspiration hazard to infants and toddlers.
#
3
About 300,000 plush toys with small parts were recalled on April 7, 2008.



Suggestions for someone who survived the loss of a loved one:

Prepare
The ambush of emotions can occur at any time; prepare.

Accept
Remind yourself that it will pass. Be honest with family and friends; tell them things might be different this year. Limit social, family and church commitments to your energy level.

Socialize
Socialize, even a little. Feelings of insecurity may tempt you to isolate yourself but force yourself to go out, even briefly.

Lower your expectations
Avoid movies and songs that paint an unrealistic feature of the holidays. Turn off the radio or change the channel if a song or show triggers sadness.

Don't anesthetize
Dont anesthetize the pain with drugs or alcohol. Numbing emotional distress with chemicals creates greater depression.

Trimmings
If old ornaments or trimmings cause too much pain, don't hang them this year.

Get up and move
Take care of your well being. Healthy foods will give you strength; fattening and sugar-filled foods can worsen your depression. Exercise produces natrural stress reducers.

Coping
Commit to call someone if negative thoughts get fierce. A note to those with friends in grief: Short phone calls mean a lot. Usually you only need to ask the person how he or he is doing.
If you are calling, it is very important you mention the loved one. You may even share a memory you have of that person. The survivor doesn't want to forget the loved one; he or she doesn't want you to forget the person either.

Invitation
Invite a new (same-sex friend) friend to see a movie, have dinner, or help decorate the house.

Set boundaries
Explain to family and friends what you are capable of doing this year and what you aren't. Don't let others make you take on more than you can handle.

Reach out
Reach out to others by discovering people who might be alone during the holidays. Despite the sadness, Christmas reminds us there remains much to be thankful for. It gives us hope to move on and persevere.



web sites with free information regarding surviving the loss of a loved one:
www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/
http://ohioline.osu.edu/
http://findarticles.com/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/a


web sites with useful free information:
Canadian Mental Health Association web site
http://www.cmha.ca/

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

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

security lapses on December 11, 2008 at Ayala Center, Makati; web sites with free useful information

Public service advisory regarding security lapses on December 11, 2008 at Ayala Center, Makati.
On December 11, 2008, because of security lapses by guards, I could have brought a deadly weapon into the following buildings at said center: Greenbelt 5, Glorietta, SM Building, Greenbelt 1, The Landmark Building, Park Square 1.
Details and evidence available from consumerstipsphils@yahoo.com .

Senior citizen advisory vs. the following stores at Ayala Center, Makati. On December 11, 2008: Rustan's grocery at Greenbelt 1 and Chowking fast food store at SM Building did not have visibly marked lanes for senior citizens.

About ID Theft Awareness and Avoidance
http://www.krollfraudsolutions.com/

About Jet Lag
http://news.yahoo.com/

About Mucus and Phlegm
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/

families first web site
http://www.families-first.com/

Family First: Parenting Magazine Website
http://www.nbc15.com/familyfirst/

about obesity risk
http://news.yahoo.com/

familyfirst net web site
http://www.familyfirst.net/

about Colonoscopy
http://news.yahoo.com/

about Age Spots
http://news.yahoo.com/

One effect of Secondhand Smoke
http://news.yahoo.com/

Beware of crime at local malls: web sites with free useful information

Beware of crime at malls

The following was published in a local mewspaper:
"A number of incidents that clearly show a pattern have been circulating the e-malls. Some of the incidents in the e-malls are reproduced in this column. We hope that parents will be vigilant not only in reminding their children on how to
deal with harassment, but also taking measures such as discouraging the kids from bringing expensive items to the malls.

some modus operandi
The simplest case is described by one parent as follows: "At Timezone (Mall of Asia) a teen-aged boy started harassing my kids as they busily played a car racing video game .. . Later on, we discovered he was succesful at 'pickpocketing' my kids wallet and cellphone. The next is more complex, and was sent by another parent. "Ashley was
victimized at Timezone in Glorietta. She was with her friend while we were waiting for her at Jollibee.
"A woman approached her and said that she was her mom's friend and that her mom asked her to bring her to try on some clothes. She also asked for the cellphone of Ashley's friend which the girl gave. She was brought to SM Makati and was asked
to try on some clothes while she held on to Ashley's bag. She even asked for the diamond earrings which Ashley was wearing.
"When Ash looked out, the girl was gone already."
This third incident already has harassment involved. Familiarize your kids with how these criminals work. "My son was playing with four of hi friends at Timezone (Greenhills Theater Mall)> A guy then approached my son and started scolding him
that he was destroying the machine and he could be penalized for P100,000.
"The guy told my son to go with him to the Greenhills office to clear his name. They went out of Timezone and went to the V-mall food court . . . The guy told my son that he could not bring his things to the Greenhills office, so he brought out a plastic bag and asked him to put his PSP, cell phone and wallet into the plastic bag.
"He asked my son to seat and wait for him. The guy then went to talk with one of the personnel in Quantum, making it appear that he is depositing my son's things with the Quantum personnel. My son waited for maybe 10 minutes and the guy disappeared.
My son approached several Quantum personnel and asked if somebody left a plastic bag with him. The Quantum personnel told my son that he was robbed and the guy will not come back anymore. Realizing that he had been fooled, my son rushed back to our store in Promenade."
Finally, the most harrowing experience is shared by this parent. "Renzo and three of his classmates were going to practice at our home. Their meeting place was Trinoma Mall at 1 p.m. Renzo was accompanied by his elder brother till the time that Renzo was with his classmates. Renzo, already with two classmates, Ram and Aaron, waited for Richard, the third classmate at Olympic Village on the 4th floor.
"While waiting, they went through soccer balls and boxing gloves. Soon after they received a text message from third classmate Richard who was now waiting for them at Seattle's Best, 1st floor. They proceeded to meet Richard and as soon as they were complete, they headed for our home but then a man approached them and identified himself as an employee of Olympic Village and even flashed an ID to the boys. The man informed them that they damaged an item and that they should follow him back to the store.
"The man narrated every move the boys made, and true enough, and true enough one of them accidentally dropped a soccer ball. Before leaving Seattle's Best, Richard, the last classmate to arrive was told to stay behind and wait for them to return.
"The man then brought the three boys ro the 4th floor cinema area. Ram and Aaron were told to give Renzo all their belongings (three cell phones including Renzo's, an iPod, a PSP and two wallets) and were ordered by the man to go to the restroom to wash their hands before the investigation. The boys followed as ordered. When they returned, Renzo and the man were no longer there.
"At home, I received a phone call that every parent feared: "Ma'am, thisis Ram, Renzo's classmate. Ma'am, si Renzo po is missing." . . . I quickly headed to Trinoma to meet with them. I was scared; I called on the Lord, my dad and my mother-in-law to please keep my son safe. When I arrived at the Security office, my prayers were answered. There was Renzo, scared, pale, shaken up and in tears but most importantly safe and unharmed."



web sites worth checking out:

excite today web site
http://today.excite.com/joke.html

mewsmax web health
http://www.newsmax.com/health/

NERDTESTS.COM (www.nerdtests.com)

punofthe day web site
http://www.punoftheday.com/



web sites with useful information:

about secondhand smoke:
http://www.newsmax.com/health/

about prevention of bladder cancer
http://www.newsmax.com/health/

Take It Apart website
http://www.takeitapart.net/

Locally published articles you might find informative:
1. "Your total guide to healthy, hassle-free holidays"
The Philippine Star newspaper December 9, 2008 issue, page D-1
2. "Dreaming of a green Christmas" The Philippine Star newspaper December 9, 2008 issue, page D-4.

Steps to Take if your phone falls into water:
http://www.friedbeef.com/5-steps-to-take-when-your-phone-drops-into-water/

about depression:
http://www.beliefnet.com/

American Pain Foundation web site
http://www.painfoundation.org/

About discontent:
http://news.yahoo.com/

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

DO It Yourself web site
http://www.doityourself.com/

Eat Right to Help Lower Your High Blood Pressure
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/food/lowrblod/lowrblod.htm

National Institutes of Health
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

National High Blood Pressure Education Program
NHLBI Obesity Education Initiative
What is High Blood Pressure?

"My doctor told me I have high blood pressure."
"What is high blood pressure?"

"It means that my heart has to pump harder than it should to get blood to all the parts of my body. This raises my chances for a stroke, and heart and kidney problems."

"Does that mean you could have a stroke, heart attack or kidney failure?"

"Yes. But if I lower my pressure, I will lower my chances. You should ask about your blood pressure too."

"That is a good idea. I will go and get my pressure checked."
You Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

"If it is high, can you really lower it?"

"Yes. That is the good news. The doctor told me to:

* lose weight, since I weigh too much.
* be more active.
* eat fewer foods high in salt and sodium.
* cut back on alcohol.

The doctor told me what foods to eat and gave me a booklet. This will remind me what to do - to eat some foods more often and others less often."
"I feel better knowing that you can lower your blood pressure."
Lose Weight

"First I need to lose weight. Here is what I need to do:

* eat less fat and calories. This is a good first step.
* cut back on foods high in sugar like soda and candy.
* eat smaller amounts of foods at meals.
* eat fewer snacks during the day.

My blood pressure will probably go down when I lose weight."
Foods High in Fat

* Fats and oils (like butter margarine, vegetable oils, lard, fat back, salt pork, meat drippings, gravy)
* Fatty meats (like hot dogs, bacon, bologna, salami, corned beef, regular ground beef, ribs, sausage)
* Whole milk, 2% milk, cream, ice cream
* Most cheeses (like cream cheese, cheddar, American)
* Many snack foods (like chips and nuts)
* Fried foods (like fried chicken and French fries)
* Most cakes, pies, and pastries
* Many cookies
* Most fast foods


Be More Active

"Next, I need to be more active. Being more active also will help me to lose weight and help my blood pressure go down."
To Be More Active Everyday

* Take a walk
* Use the stairs
* Get off the bus one or two stops early
* Park farther away from the store
* Go for a bike ride
* Work in the garden
* Go dancing

"These are things that would make me feel better too."
"For sure. Doing them with a friend will help me to do them. We can start today. How about taking a walk with me after dinner."

Fix Foods The Low-Sodium Way

"I need to cut down on salt and salty foods. Eating less salt and sodium also can help my blood pressure go down."
"I know about salt. But what is sodium? I see it on labels all the time."

"Sodium is a part of salt. It also is a part of mixtures used to flavor and preserve foods."

"How can we fix good tasting foods with less salt and sodium?"

"Listen to these tips:

* Try to cook from 'scratch.' Start with foods low in salt and sodium.
* Use herbs, spices, and fruit juices to season food.
* Do not add salt to your food when cooking or at the table.
* Rinse canned foods like tuna and canned vegetables to remove salty juices."

Shake On The Herbs and Spices

* basil
* bay leaf
* chili powder
* cinnamon
* cumin
* curry powder
* dry mustard
* garlic powder, not garlic salt
* onion powder, not onion salt
* oregano
* paprika
* parsley
* pepper, black and red
* poultry seasoning
* thyme
* no-salt spice blends (try the recipe for Hot 'N' Spicy Seasoning)

"Some of these herbs and spices sound good. Tonight, I will bake the chicken with some lemon juice and oregano. And in the rice, I will add lots of parsley instead of salt for flavor. Adding herbs will help us to cut back on sodium. And, the food will still be tasty so we won't miss the salt."
"Fixing foods this way seems easy enough. I bet we can have some pretty good meals."

"This recipe for Hot 'N' Spicy Seasoning also sounds good. Maybe I will try it next week."
Hot 'N' Spicy Seasoning

¼ cup paprika
2 tablespoons oregano
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper
½ teaspoon dry mustard

Mix all of the above in a bowl.

Store in airtight container.

Tastes good on meat, poultry, or fish. Instead of salt, sprinkle some on the food and then cook it as you usually do. Or, mix some with plain bread crumbs and then coat the meat with the crumbs. If you like it very spicy, use more.

"We could start packing our lunches and snacks for work. It is cheaper than buying lunch and this way we get what is good for us. A lot of food you eat out is high in fat, calories, and sodium."
Snack On... Instead of...

* Bagels, raisin toast, or English muffins with jelly and a little margarine
* Air-popped popcorn with no salt or butter
* Unsalted pretzels and crackers
* Low-fat cookies (animal crackers, fig bars, gingersnaps)
* Fruits,vegetables
* Fruit juices and drinks
* Nonfat frozen yogurt, sherbet, popsicles
* Hard candy, jelly beans



* Salted popcorn with butter
* Salted pretzels and crackers
* Salted chips
* French fries
* Pork rinds

"What about breakfast? I know sausage, bacon, and biscuits are high in sodium and fat."
"We can have some cereals, toast, and fruits for breakfast. They are quick to fix and easy to clean up. We could even have leftovers from dinner for breakfast."

"I like those ideas. We should think about how to put this together."
Menu Ideas

Breakfast
Shredded wheat with banana
Skim or 1% milk
Toast with a little margarine
Coffee with skim or 1% milk

Lunch
Lean roast beef sandwich on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato (easy on the mayonnaise)
Fig bar cookies
Apple
Skim or 1% milk

Snack
Orange

Dinner
Spaghetti with turkey meat sauce
Steamed green beans with oregano
Green salad with cucumber, tomato, carrots, and a small amount of oil and vinegar dressing
Skim or 1% milk
Nonfat frozen yogurt

Snack
English muffin with Jellyand a little margarine


Recipe

Spaghetti with Turkey Meat Sauce

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 can (28 ounce) tomatoes, cut up
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
1 pound spaghetti

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add turkey; cook for 5 minutes, stir a few times. Drain fat.

Stir in tomatoes with their juice, green pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, and pepper. Boil; turn down heat. Put lid on pan and let cook on low heat for 15 minutes. Stir a few times.

Take off cover; cook on low heat for 15 minutes more.

In another pot, cook spaghetti in boiling water for 15 minutes. Do not add salt. Drain well. Serve sauce over spaghetti.

"These meals sound like something I would like to eat."
"They do sound pretty good."
Buy Foods Low in Sodium

"Most of the foods in these meals are easy to find in the store. But, we will need to change some of the foods we buy."

"How do you know if foods are high in sodium?"

"Sometimes you can taste it. And sometimes you cannot. Your food will have more sodium if you add salt to it. Also, foods that you buy already made can be higher in sodium, like some TV dinners."

"I know foods like lunch meats and cheese are salty because I get thirsty after I eat them. They are also high in fat."

"When I shop, I always try to buy the food that has the least amount of sodium. I look on the label for the words 'sodium' or 'salt.' The food may be high in sodium if these words are listed first or a couple of times."
Ingredients: wheat flour,"salt," "sodium" sulfate, malt

"Also, the amount of sodium is listed on the label."
Nutrition Information
serving size...
calories...
fat...
sodium... 50 mg

"Foods marked 'no salt added,' 'low sodium' or 'reduced sodium' are good to buy."
Buy More Often... Buy Less Often...
Chicken and turkey (take off skin)
Fish
Lean cuts of meat
Skim or 1% milk, evaporated skim milk
Cheeses lower in fat and sodium (like low-fat cheddar, part-skim mozzarella)
Low-fat or nonfat yogurt
Margarine, vegetable oils, vinegar
Fresh, frozen, or canned fruit
Fresh, frozen, or no salt added canned vegetables
Plain rice and pasta
English muffins, bagels, loaf bread, tortillas, pita
Cold (ready-to-eat) cereal and cereals cooked on the stove
Spices and herbs Fatty cuts of meat
Smoked foods
Lunch meats, bacon, and sausage
Buttermilk
Most cheese spreads and cheeses
Most salad dressings
Fat back, salt pork
Toppings and sauces (like ketchup, mustard, butter, gravy, and barbeque, soy, and cheese sauces)
Regular canned soups, instant soups
Regular canned vegetables
Instant hot cereals
Pickles and olives
Salty crackers and salty snack foods
Garlic salt, celery salt, and onion salts


Cut Back On Alcohol

"The doctor also said I need to cut back on alcohol."
"How much do you need to cut back?"

"The most I can have is 1 or sometimes 2 drinks a day. A small glass of wine, one can of beer, or a shot of liquor counts as one drink. I really do not mind. Lowering my blood pressure is more important than having a beer."
You May Need Medicine

"What if your blood pressure does not go down?"
"The doctor said I will have to take medicine everyday to help lower my pressure. The medicine will work better if I lose weight, eat right, and be more active."

"I heard that the medicine can make you feel sleepy."

"If the medicine bothers me, the doctor can either change it or change the amount."

"Will the medicine cost a lot?"

"There are many kinds. I can ask the doctor to give me one that works for me and costs the least."
Speak Up and Ask

When the doctor gives any medicine for high blood pressure, ask about:

* when to take it.
* what to eat or drink with it.
* what other medicine is OK to take at the same time.


Expect Your Blood Pressure To Be Lower

"It seems like you have a really big role in lowering your blood pressure. You can eat foods lower in sodium, lose weight, be more active, cut back on alcohol, and take your medicine."

"And my doctor can help me too. I will have my blood pressure checked again in a few weeks to see how I am doing. I may have to make more changes if it is not low enough. I think I am well on my way to lowering my blood pressure."
Get More Help

Ask your doctor, dietitian, or nurse for more help in choosing foods and fixing meals.

You can also get more information from:
National High Blood Pressure Education Program
P.O. Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Foods To Choose When You Shop

Choose these foods more often.

Meat, Poultry,Fish,and Shellfish
Chicken or turkey
Fish
Lean cuts of meat
Beef: round, sirloin,chuck arm, loin
Pork: leg, shoulder, tenderloin
Lean ham and extra lean ground beef

Dairy Products
Skim or 1% milk
Low-fat or nonfat yogurt
Cheeses lower in fat and sodium

Fats and Oils (Use only small amounts)
Margarine (liquid, tub, stick, or diet)
Oils (like canola, corn, safflower, olive, peanut or sesame oil)

Sweets and Snacks (Don't choose these too often, if you are watching your weight. Some may be high in calories)
Popsicles, frozen yogurt, sherbet
Angel food cake
Fig bar cookies, gingersnaps, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, jelly beans, hard candy
Plain popcorn, unsalted pretzels

Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits (like oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, berries, prunes, peaches, melon, fruit cocktail)
Fresh, frozen or no salt added canned vegetables (like green beans, carrots, greens, zucchini, cabbage, tomatoes, broccoli, squash)
Fresh, frozen or canned fruit juices

Breads, Cereals, Pasta, Rice, Dry Peas and Beans
Sliced breads (like wheat, rye, or white)
Sandwich buns, dinner rolls,pita breads, English muffins, bagels
Taco shells, plain tortillas
Unsalted low-fat crackers (like graham crackers)
Cooked hot cereals (not instant)
Rice
Pasta (like plain noodles, spaghetti, macaroni)
Dry peas and beans (like split peas, black-eyed peas, chick peas, kidney beans, navy beans, lentils,soybeans)

Herbs and Spices

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health
October 1995

December 7, 2008 security lapse at Robinsons Ermita mall, web sites with free info re child first aid

On December 7, 2008, deadly weapons could have been brought into Robinsons Ermita mall because of lax security at P. Faura entrance to said mall. Details available from: consumerstipsphils@yahoo.com .

Advisory regarding Robinsons Supermarket at Robinsons Ermita.
On December 7, 2008, said store sold an imported food product which did not bear a visible (to unaided eye) name and address of the importer of said product. Evidence available.


child first aid

web sites with free information regarding child first aid:

kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/

pediatrics.about.com/od/firstaid/First_Aid_for_Children.htm

www.keepkidshealthy.com/WELCOME/firstaid.html

http://www.health24.com/child/First_aid/833-848.asp Health24.

www.redcross.ca/main.asp?id=019618

http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/safety.cfm

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&id=1567&np=285

www.safekids.co.uk/CPRChildren.html

http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/quizzes/l/bl_firstaid_qz.htm

http://resources.kaboose.com/kidslinks/science/first-aid/First_Aid.html

keepingkidshealthy.com

http://www.healthy.net/clinic/firstaid/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/

http://www.ynhh.org/pediatrics/emergencies/first_aid.html

www.health.harvard.edu/fhg/firstaid/heimlichChild.shtml

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2005/firstaid_parents.html


Tips on How to make your house safe for your child:
http://www.health24.com/child/Safety_in_the_home/833-851.asp

Children, Youth and Women's Health Service Child and Youth Health web site
http://www.cyh.com/Default.aspx?p=1

Questions to ask a Day-care service provider:
http://www.parent24.com/Content/Baby/care_nutrition/133/63d4edbd60634053a61e225b5a72cbcd//Day-care_checklist

Budget holiday gift tips
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/money/extreme-budget-holiday-gift-tips-322082/;_ylt=Ak3SIz8gtlpY8ERFDsqr89JabqU5

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

web site with free information regarding immune boosters:
http://www.webmd.com/

parent24 web site
http://www.parent24.com/

suggestions for the holidays:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/healthy-serene-holiday-6-tips.html

Advisory re Willi Hahn Enterprises, whose proprietor was identified as Will D. Hahn. Said store was at Park Square 1, Ayala Center, Makati. Said store sold an imported product which did not have a visible (to unaided eye) name or address of the
importer of said product. Also an employee of said store issued only provisional receipt No. 01317, although the buyer paid in cash.


http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/foodsafetytips111307.html
Food Safety Tips for Healthy Holidays

Parties, family dinners, and other gatherings where food is served are all part of the holiday cheer. But the merriment can change to misery if food makes you or others ill.

Typical symptoms of foodborne illness are stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often start a few days after consuming contaminated food or drink. The symptoms usually are not long-lasting in healthy people—a few hours or a few days—and go away
without treatment. But foodborne illness can be severe and even life-threatening to those most at risk:

* older adults
* infants and young children
* pregnant women
* people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or any condition that weakens their immune
systems

Combating bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other contaminants in our food supply is a high priority for FDA. But consumers have a part to play, too, especially when it comes to food handling in the home.

"The good news is that practicing four basic food safety measures can help prevent foodborne illness," says Marjorie Davidson, consumer educator at FDA.

1. Clean: The first rule of safe food preparation in the home is to keep everything
clean.
* Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling
food. "For children, this means the time it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday'
twice," says Davidson.
* Wash food-contact surfaces (cutting boards, dishes, utensils, countertops) with
hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before going on to the next
item.
* Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water and use a produce
brush to remove surface dirt.
* Do not rinse raw meat and poultry before cooking. "Washing these foods makes it
more likely for bacteria to spread to areas around the sink and countertops,"
says Davidson.

2. Separate: Don't give bacteria the opportunity to spread from one food to another
(cross-contaminate).

* Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood and their juices away from foods that won't
be cooked while shopping in the store,and while preparing and storing at home.
* Consider using one cutting board only for foods that will be cooked (raw meat,
poultry, and seafood) and another one only for ready-to-eat foods (such as raw
fruits and vegetables).
* Do not put cooked meat on an unwashed plate that has held raw meat.

3. Cook: Food is safely cooked when it reaches a high enough internal temperature to
kill harmful bacteria.

* "Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness," says Davidson. Use a food
thermometer to make sure meat, poultry, and fish are cooked to a safe internal
temperature. To check a turkey for safety, insert a food thermometer into the
innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. The
turkey is safe when the temperature reaches 165ºF. If the turkey is stuffed,
the temperature of the stuffing should be 165ºF. Make sure oysters in oyster
dressing are thoroughly cooked.
* Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a rolling boil when reheating.
* Cook eggs until the yolk and white are firm. When making your own eggnog or
other recipe calling for raw eggs, use pasteurized shell eggs, liquid or frozen
pasteurized egg products, or powdered egg whites.
* Don't eat uncooked cookie dough, which may contain raw eggs.

4. Chill: Refrigerate foods quickly because harmful bacteria grow rapidly at room
temperature.

* Refrigerate leftovers and takeout foods within two hours.
* Set your refrigerator no higher than 40ºF and the freezer at 0ºF. Check both
periodically with an appliance thermometer.
* Never defrost food at room temperature. Food can be defrosted safely in the
refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave. Food thawed in
cold water or in the microwave should be cooked immediately.
* Allow the correct amount of time to properly thaw food. For example, a 20-pound
turkey needs four to five days to thaw completely when thawed in the
refrigerator.
* Don't taste food that looks or smells questionable. Davidson says, "A good rule
to follow is, when in doubt, throw it out."

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.



cooking safety tips
web sites with free cooking safety tips:

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safey_guide/sg_kitchen_w001.aspx

www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/index.html

http://www.premiersystems.com/recipes/kitchen-safety/

http://www.premiersystems.com/recipes/kitchen-safety/fire-safety.html

www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/documents/ss/cookingsafety.pdf -

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/foodsafety/safetytips.shtml

http://parenting.ivillage.com/mom/kitchen/0,,cn8,00.html

http://www.homesafetycouncil.org/safety_guide/sg_fire_w001.aspx

http://www.consumersunion.org/food/0820nastdc898.htm

http://www.foodreference.com/html/turkeystrawr1.html

Recipe for Safer Cooking
Consumer Product Safety Commission. Document #558.
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/558.html

http://www.emaxhealth.com/2/75/26805/food-safety-tips-festive-holiday-season.html

http://www.tbnweekly.com/pubs/clearwater_citizen/content_articles/111908_cit-05.txt

www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dfs/osfm/pubed/flyers/cooking_safety.pdf - Similar pages

http://survivedisaster.info/disaster-preparedness/2008/02/03/cooking-safety-tips/

http://www.ul.com/newsroom/cooking/tips.html

Mental Fitness, web sites with free useful information

Mental Fitness:

web sites with free information regarding mental fitness:

http://www.cmha.ca/BINS/content_page.asp?cid=2-267-353

http://www.thementalfitnesscenter.com/

http://seniorhealth.about.com/b/2005/11/17/mental-fitness.htm

www.nps.gov/archive/edis/edifun/quiz/quizhome.htm - 2k -

http://fitness.suite101.com/article.cfm/mental_fitness

http://www.seekwellness.com/mentalfitness/

http://www.everydayhealth.com/longevity/index.aspx

http://www.thementalfitnesscenter.com/blog/mental-fitness-and-longevity/

www.gnb.ca/0131/pdf/w/HERG%20Mental%20Fitness.EN.pdf webpage

www.ntc.gov.au/filemedia/Publications/DYHFS9MentalFitnessMar2005.pdf

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1683042

http://www.sharpbrains.com/blog/2006/10/24/waltzing-your-way-to-physical-and-mental-fitness/

http://ezinearticles.com/?Mental-Fitness---

http://healthscience.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=62&Itemid=132

http://www.neurodevelopmentcenter.com/index.php?id=122

http://www.oup.co.uk/academic/medicine/manageyourmind/part/

http://ambafrance-do.org/positive-attitude/34303.php

http://www.thetranquilparent.com/detail/mental-fitness-a-simple-workout-routine-for-reducing-stress/

http://longevity.about.com/od/mentalfitness/Longevity_and_Mental_Fitness.htm


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



Three Basic Types Of Emotional Upsets
http://e-articles.info/e/a/title/Three-Basic-Types-Of-Emotional-Upsets/
Emotional upsets may be broadly classified under three basic headings:

(1) The Neuroses.

Less severe, the neuroses may permit a person to go to work daily. But some neuroses are more disabling than others. The

neurotic person suffers from "anxiety", a constant feeling of dread and indecision, of being unsettled and distracted. This

anxiety may manifest itself in depression, phobias, repetitive thoughts and acts and other such symptoms.

(2) The Psychotic.

The psychotic may be aware of his environment. Although he may be unable to deal with it satisfactorily, he is able to

recognise and identify it. In more severe situations, the psychotic substitutes an unreal world of his own making and reacts

to that safe and secure world rather than to the real world around him.

(3) Personality Disorders.

These are difficulties in adjustment that manifest themselves in disturbed behaviour, such as we see in the drug addict, the

chronic alcoholic and the delinquent. Hypertension, peptic ulcers and ulcerative colitis are frequently associated with this

type of disorder. There can be overlapping of these three basic types and a blurring of differences as well. The physician is

the only one who can make the diagnosis, and determine if nutritional therapy can be of help.


legal disclaimer

1) Our website is not responsible for the information contained by this article a
2) The E-articles directory team is not responsible for inaccuracies, falsehoods, or any other types of misinformation this

tutorial may contain and will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by a user through the user's reliance on the

information gained here.


About Living Longer
http://longevity.about.com/


About Obese children
http://news.yahoo.com/

About Tinzaparin
http://www.medpagetoday.com/

About Generic Cardiovascular Drugs
http://www.medpagetoday.com/

About Web sites touting stem cell therapies
http://news.yahoo.com/

About Toxic Toys:
http://abcnews.go.com/

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Trees

Many artificial trees are fire resistant. If you buy one, look for a statement specifying this protection.

A fresh tree will stay green longer and be less of a fire hazard than a dry tree.

Place the tree out of the way of traffic and do not block doorways. Use thin guy-wires to secure a large tree to walls or ceilings. These wires are almost invisible.


"Snow"

Artificial snow sprays can irritate lungs if inhaled. To avoid injury, read container labels; follow directions carefully.


Lights

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety. Identify these by the label from an independent testing

laboratory.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

Turn off al lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.

The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it.

Keep "bubbling" lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.

Candles

Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.

Always use non-flammable holders.

Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.

Place candles where they cannot be knocked down or blown over.


Trimmings

Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials.

Wear gloves while decorationg with spun glass "angel hair" to avoid irritation to eyes and skin.

Choose tinsel or artificial icicles or plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.

In homes with small children, take special care to:

* Avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable.

* Keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children. Pieces
could be swallowed or inhaled.

* Avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food. A child could eat them!


Paper

When making paper decorations, look for materials labeled non-combustible or flame resistant.

Never place trimming near open flames or electrical connections.

Remove all wrapping papers from tree and fireplace areas immediately after presents are open.



General Rules for Holiday Safety

* Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children.

* Avoid smoking near flammable decorations.

* Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that
each family member knows what to do.

PRACTICE THE PLAN!

* Avoid wearing loose flowing clothes - particularly long, open sleeves - near open
flames - such as those of a stove,or candlelit table.

* Never burn candles near evergreens. When dry, greens burn like tinder. Flames can
flare out of control, and send sparks flying into a room.

* Plan for safety. Remember, there is no substitute for common sense. Look for and
eliminate potential danger spots near candles, trees, and/or electrical
connections.


Christmas Safety Tips:

http://www.sosnet.com/safety/christmas.html

http://www.smfd.ca.gov/christmas.htm

http://www.rd.com/christmas-safety-checklist/article15322.html

http://www.kate.net/holidays/christmas/holidaysafety.html

http://www.nsc.org/resources/factsheets/hl/holiday_safety.aspx

http://www.ul.com/seasonal/opdec/light.html

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08104.html

http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_4862,00.html

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/citizens/all_citizens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/

http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/safetips/christmastree.htm

http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=296&URL=Research%20&%20Reports/Fact%20sheets/Seasonal%20safety/Christmas%20tr
ee%20fires

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Seasonal_Food_Safety_Fact_Sheets/index.asp

http://home-lighting.suite101.com/article.cfm/decorating_with_christmas_lights_safety_tips

http://www.irishhealth.com/article.html?level=4&id=4505

Deadly weapons into areas at Ayala Center Makati, Avoiding Drug Interactions

Deadly weapons could, on December 1, 2008, have been brought into the following areas at Ayala Center, Makati: Park Square 1, Glorietta, National Book Store, SM building. Details available. consumerstipsphils@yahoo.com

Advisory re Guerlain Desert Rose Flower Complex
According to "Jane Kingsu", Guerlain Desert Rose Flower Complex is available at Rustan's Shangri-La Plaza. Also, according to said Kingsu: "Guerlain, with the latest biotechnology, extracted the flowers' cells and came up with with the
Desert Rose Flower Complex. This new and improved Super Aqua-Serum formula stimulates natural hydration that boosts moisture, defends itself from environmental stress, and fights ageing, too." It will benefit potential buyers of said product to require the manager of said store to provide soonest, to them, proofs, if any, that said formula is new and improved, defends users of said product from environmental stress, and fights ageing in customers who use said products.

Avoiding Drug Interactions

http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/interactions112808.html

* Tips to Avoid Problems
* Drugs with Food and Beverages
* Drugs with Dietary Supplements
* Drugs with Other Drugs

Tips to Avoid Problems

There are lots of things you can do to take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications in a safe and responsible manner.

* Always read drug labels carefully.
* Learn about the warnings for all the drugs you take.
* Keep medications in their original containers so that you can easily identify
them.
* Ask your doctor what you need to avoid when you are prescribed a new
medication. Ask about food, beverages, dietary supplements, and other drugs.
* Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an OTC drug if you are
taking any prescription medications.
* Use one pharmacy for all of your drug needs.
* Keep all of your health care professionals informed about everything that you
take.
* Keep a record of all prescription drugs, OTC drugs, and dietary supplements
(including herbs) that you take. Try to keep this list with you at all times,
but especially when you go on any medical appointment. The Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has a Web site where you can get more information and
download a sample medicine record:
www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/my_medicine_record.htm



People often combine foods. For example, chocolate and peanut butter might be considered a tasty combination. But eating chocolate and taking certain drugs might carry risks. In fact, eating chocolate and taking monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitors, such as Nardil (phenelzine) or Parnate (tranylcypromine), could be dangerous.

MAO inhibitors treat depression. Someone who eats an excessive amount of chocolate after taking an MAO inhibitor may experience a sharp rise in blood pressure.

Other foods that should be avoided when taking MAO inhibitors: aged cheese, sausage, bologna, pepperoni, and salami. These foods can also cause elevated blood pressure when taken with these medications.

There are three main types of drug interactions:

* Drugs with food and beverages
* Drugs with dietary supplements
* Drugs with other drugs

"Consumers should learn about the warnings for their medications and talk with their health care professionals about how to lower the risk of interactions," says Shiew-Mei Huang, Ph.D., deputy director of the Office of Clinical Pharmacology in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).


Drugs with Food and Beverages

Consequences of drug interactions with food and beverages may include delayed, decreased, or enhanced absorption of a medication. Food can affect the bioavailability (the degree and rate at which a drug is absorbed into someone's system), metabolism, and excretion of certain medications.

Examples of drug interactions with food and beverages …

Alcohol: If you are taking any sort of medication, it's recommended that you avoid alcohol, which can increase or decrease the effect of many drugs.

Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice is often mentioned as a product that can interact negatively with drugs, but the actual number of drugs the juice can interact with is less well-known. Grapefruit juice shouldn't be taken with certain blood
pressure-lowering drugs or cyclosporine for the prevention of organ transplant rejection. That's because grapefruit juice can cause higher levels of those medicines in your body, making it more likely that you will have side effects from the medicine. The juice can also interact to cause higher blood levels of the anti-anxiety medicine Buspar (buspirone); the anti-malaria drugs Quinerva or Quinite (quinine); and Halcion (triazolam), a medication used to treat insomnia.

Licorice: This would appear to be a fairly harmless snack food. However, for someone taking Lanoxin (digoxin), some forms of licorice may increase the risk for Lanoxin toxicity. Lanoxin is used to treat congestive heart failure and abnormal heart
rhythms. Licorice may also reduce the effects of blood pressure drugs or diuretic (urine-producing) drugs, including Hydrodiuril (hydrochlorothiazide) and Aldactone (spironolactone).

Chocolate: MAO inhibitors are just one category of drugs that shouldn't be consumed with excessive amounts of chocolate. The caffeine in chocolate can also interact with stimulant drugs such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), increasing their effect, or
by decreasing the effect of sedative-hypnotics such as Ambien (zolpidem).


Drugs with Dietary Supplements

Research has shown that 50 percent or more of American adults use dietary supplements on a regular basis, according to congressional testimony by the Office of Dietary Supplements in the National Institutes of Health.

The law defines dietary supplements in part as products taken by mouth that contain a "dietary ingredient." Dietary ingredients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs or botanicals, as well as other substances that can be used to
supplement the diet.

Examples of drug interactions with dietary supplements …

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): This herb is considered an inducer of liver enzymes, which means it can reduce the concentration of medications in the blood. St. John's Wort can reduce the blood level of medications such as Lanoxin, the
cholesterol-lowering drugs Mevacor and Altocor (lovastatin), and the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil).

Vitamin E: Taking vitamin E with a blood-thinning medication such as Coumadin can increase anti-clotting activity and may cause an increased risk of bleeding.

Ginseng: This herb can interfere with the bleeding effects of Coumadin. In addition, ginseng can enhance the bleeding effects of heparin, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. Combining ginseng with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil or Parnate may cause headache, trouble sleeping, nervousness, and hyperactivity.

Ginkgo Biloba: High doses of the herb Ginkgo biloba could decrease the effectiveness of anticonvulsant therapy in patients taking the following medications to control seizures: Tegretol, Equetro or Carbatrol (carbamazepine), and Depakote (valproic
acid).


Drugs with Other Drugs

Two out of every three patients who visit a doctor leave with at least one prescription for medication, according to a 2007 report on medication safety issued by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Close to 40 percent of the U.S. population receive prescriptions for four or more medications. And the rate of adverse drug reactions increases dramatically after a patient is on four or more medications.

Drug-drug interactions have led to adverse events and withdrawals of drugs from the market, according to an article on drug interactions co-authored by Shiew-Mei Huang, Ph.D., deputy director of FDA's Office of Clinical Pharmacology. The paper was
published in the June 2008 issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

However, market withdrawal of a drug is a fairly drastic measure. More often, FDA will issue an alert warning the public and health care providers about risks as the result of drug interactions.

Examples of drug interactions with other drugs …

Cordarone (amiodarone): FDA issued an alert in August 2008, warning patients about taking Cordarone to correct abnormal rhythms of the heart and the cholesterol-lowering drug Zocor (Simvastatin). Patients taking Zocor in doses higher than 20 mg while also taking Cordarone run the risk of developing a rare condition of muscle injury called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to kidney failure or death. "Cordarone also can inhibit or reduce the effect of the blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin)," said Huang. "So if you're using Cordarone, you may need to reduce the amount of Coumadin you're taking."

Lanoxin (digoxin): "Lanoxin has a narrow therapeutic range. So other drugs, such as Norvir (ritonvair), can elevate the level of Lanoxin," says Huang. "And an increased level of Lanoxin can cause irregular heart rhythms." Norvir is a protease
inhibitor used to treat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Antihistamines: Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are drugs that temporarily relieve a runny nose, or reduce sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy watery eyes. If you are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or a prescription drug for

high blood pressure or depression, you should check with a doctor or pharmacist before you start using antihistimines. Some antihistamines can increase the depressant effects (such as sleepiness) of a sedative or tranquilizer. The sedating effect of some antihistamines combined with a sedating antidepressant could strongly affect your concentration level. Operating a car or any other machinery could be particularly dangerous if your ability to focus is impaired. Antihistamines taken in
conjunction with blood pressure medication may cause a person's blood pressure to increase and may also speed up the heart rate.

This article appears on FDA's Consumer Health Information Web page (www.fda.gov/consumer), which features the latest updates on FDA-regulated products. Sign up for free e-mail subscriptions at www.fda.gov/consumer/consumerenews.html.


For More Information

FDA's Drug Development and Drug Interactions Web site
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/drugInteractions/default.htm

Consumer Education: Ensuring Safe Use of Medicine
www.fda.gov/cder/consumerinfo/ensuring_safe_use_text.htm

MedWatch
www.fda.gov/medwatch/

Preventable Adverse Drug Reactions: A Focus on Drug Interactions
www.fda.gov/cder/drug/drugReactions/default.htm



Date Posted: November 28, 2008

Advisory vs. Jollibee restaurant; Holiday Tips; etc.

Advisory vs. Jollibee restaurant at Taft Avenue near corner P. Gil St., Manila
I was at said restaurant recently and I saw a live, moving fly at one of the dining tables.


about age and distractions and concentration
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081125/hl_afp/healthsenior_081125223020;_ylt=AvgNVWcS_5xLy0_Ic76LaeWJOrgF

Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood
http://www.commercialexploitation.org

Holiday Tips
http://www.commercialexploitation.org/holidayguide/membertips.htm

about metabolic syndrome risk
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081128/hl_nm/us_emetabolic_syndrome;_ylt=AqCOR9aSOmoRTWh4yKn0p.EQ.3QA

about physical function:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081128/hl_nm/us_extra_testosterone;_ylt=AkW0M.r2KQ7ri_u8mNsSgtQQ.3QA
Fri Nov 28, 1:49 pm ET

about baby formula:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081129/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/infant_formula;_ylt=ApTDV86feYh_UZYgrxONlk7VJRIF

about 3G Battery:
http://chris.pirillo.com/2008/11/27/how-to-double-the-life-of-your-iphone-3g-battery/

about battery in laptops:
http://www.dummies.com/


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

What to do when your mother or father has poor memory:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/11/25/family.thanksgiving.alzheimers/index.html

Security lapse on November 29, 2008, at entrance to Harrison Plaza mall at Malate, Manila.
Because of said security lapse, deadly weapons could have been brought into said building.
Also, the guard, at entrance to ShopWise store inside said mall, didn't inspect the luggage of a customer. Said luggage was large enough to contain deadly weapons.

About High Blood Pressure
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20081126/hl_hsn/healthtipbloodpressuretoohigh;
_ylt=AoH4etmudTckT90lb3qUqgMR.3QA

About Toxic Toys
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20081129/hl_hsn/bewareoftoxictoysthisholidayse
ason;_ylt=Agh5tj0yoPfqnVUOnjIAtY.3j7AB

about hand gels
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/11/28/superbugs.gel/index.html

November 26, 2008
FTC Rescinds Guidance from 1966 on Statements Concerning Tar and Nicotine Yields
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2008/11/cigarettetesting.shtm
The Federal Trade Commission has rescinded guidance issued in 1966 that generally permitted statements concerning tar and nicotine yields if they were based on the Cambridge Filter Method, sometimes called the FTC method. As a result, advertisers
should no longer use terms suggesting the FTC’s endorsement or approval of any specific test method. The Cambridge Filter Method is a machine-based test method that
“smokes” cigarettes according to a standard protocol. At the time the FTC issued its guidance, most public health officials believed that reducing the amount of “tar” produced by a cigarette could reduce a smoker’s risk of lung cancer. The Commission believed that giving consumers uniform, standardized information about tar and nicotine yields of cigarettes would help them make informed decisions about the
cigarettes they smoked. Today, however, the scientific consensus is that machine-based measurements of tar and nicotine yields based on the Cambridge Filter
Method do not provide meaningful information on the amounts of tar and nicotine smokers receive from cigarettes, and that the test method is sufficiently flawed to make statements of tar and nicotine yields as measured by the method unlikely to
help consumers make informed decisions. Thus, the underlying premise of the 1966 guidance is no longer valid. In addition, the Commission believes the statements of tar and nicotine yields as measured by this test method are confusing at best, and are likely to mislead consumers who believe they will get proportionately
less tar and nicotine from lower-rated cigarettes than from higher-rated brands. The Commission will not allow its stamp of approval on a test method that is confusing or
misleading to consumers. The Commission vote to rescind the guidance was 4-0, with Commissioners Pamela Jones Harbour and Jon Leibowitz issuing separate concurring
statements. In her statement, Commissioner Harbour wrote, “Now that the FTC has removed its apparent imprimatur from the testing method, I urge the scientific community to redouble its efforts. Scientists must develop a test that provides
consumers with a meaningful measure of the tar and nicotine yields of the
cigarettes they smoke. More importantly, I urge the next Congress to reintroduce S. 625, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.” In his statement,
Commissioner Leibowitz wrote, “Our action today ensures that tobacco companies may not wrap their misleading tar and nicotine ratings in a cloak of government sponsorship. Simply put, the FTC will not be a smokescreen for tobacco companies’
shameful marketing practices.”

(FYI Cigarette Testing)

Security lapses at: Ayala Center, Harrison Plaza mall, Robinsons Ermita, SM City Manila, Power Plant mall, Makati. Because of said lapses, deadly weapons could have been brought into said areas.

Several fast food stores in said areas did not have a visibly marked lane for senior citizens.

Ways to Stop Worrying
http://living.health.com/2008/11/01/3

-natural-ways-to-stop-worrying-now/


Jet Lag in Kids
http://pokedandprodded.health.com/2008/11/23/happier-holiday-travel-8-ways
-to-minimize-jet-lag-in-kids/

Foods and Pain
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/story?id=6334458&page=1

ageconcern web site
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/

About mouthwash and hospitals
http://www.medpagetoday.com/ProductAlert/OTC/9377

about Breaking medicine tablets
http://www.ismp.org/consumers/Penny.asp

web sites with information about

child medications:
pediatrics.about.com/


kidshealth.org/

http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=b993588865e70110VgnVCM1
000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=ad29a155fe033110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD

http://www.childhooddisorders.com/children_medications.html

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/medication-children/http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_de
taillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZYLAKE03D&sub_cat=0

www.webmd.com/parenting/safe-use-of-medicine-for-children-8

http://www.cvshealthresources.com/topic/childmedsafety

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/medication.html

http://www.medicalert.org/Main/KidSmartPreventing.aspx

webmedia.nyp.org/childrensnyp/pdfs/tips_medications.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/features/196_kid.html

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/childrens-health/immunizations-and-vaccinations/vaccine-safety/v
accinations-for-children-4-07/overview/0704_vaccinations-for-children_ov.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5501a1.htm

http://www.goodpeds.com/getdbfile.asp?id=81

www.childrensnyp.org/mschony/patients/patient-safety.htm

http://www.parentsmedguide.org/

www.ucsfhealth.org/childrens/patient_guide/services/admissions.html

http://www.livemint.com/2008/10/27222200/OTC-drugs-risky-for-children.html


Drug Name Confusion_ Preventing Medication Errors
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/405_confusion.html
FDA Consumer magazine

July-August 2005 Issue
Drug Name Confusion: Preventing

Medication Errors

By Carol Rados

* The Problems
* The XYZs of Naming Drugs
* Satisfying the FDA
* Fixing the Problems

An 8-year-old died, it was suspected, after receiving methadone instead of
methylphenidate, a drug used to treat attention deficit disorders. A 19-year-old man showed signs of potentially fatal complications after he was given clozapine instead of olanzapine, two drugs used to treat schizophrenia. And a 50-year-old woman was hospitalized after taking Flomax, used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, instead of Volmax, used to relieve bronchospasm.

In each of these cases reported to the Food and Drug Administration, the names of the dispensed drugs looked or sounded like those that were prescribed. There have been others: Serzone, an antidepressant, for Seroquel, used to treat schizophrenia, and iodine for Lodine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Adverse events that can occur when drugs are dispensed as the wrong medications underscore the need for clear interpretation and better communication between the doctors who write prescriptions and the pharmacists who fill them. The FDA says that about 10 percent of all medication errors reported result from drug name confusion.

"These errors are not usually due to incompetence," says Carol A. Holquist, R.Ph., director of the Division of Medication Errors and Technical Support in the FDA's Office of Drug Safety. "But they are so underreported because people are afraid of the blame." Errors occur at all levels of the medication-use system, from prescribing to dispensing, Holquist says, which is why those people who receive the
prescriptions must take action, too.

"Everybody has a role in minimizing medication errors," she says.The Problems
Medication errors can occur between brand names, generic names, and
brand-to-generic names like Toradol and tramadol. But sometimes, medication errors involve more than just name similarities. Abbreviations, acronyms, dose
designations, and other symbols used in medication prescribing also have the potential for causing problems. For example, the abbreviation "D/C" means both "discharge" and "discontinue." The National Coordinating Council for Medication
Error Reporting and Prevention (NCCMERP) notes that patients' medications have been stopped prematurely when D/C--intended to mean discharge--was misinterpreted as
discontinue because it was followed by a list of drugs.Illegible handwriting, unfamiliarity with drug names, newly available products, similar packaging or
labeling, and incorrect selection of a similar name from a computerized product list, all compound the problem. And, although some drug names and symbols may not necessarily sound alike or look alike, they could cause confusion in prescribing errors when handwritten or communicated verbally, according to the United
States Pharmacopeia (USP). For example, Holquist says that several errors have occurred involving mix-ups with the oral diabetes drug Avandia and the
anticoagulant Coumadin. Although they don't look similar when typed or printed, the names have been confused with each other when poorly written in cursive. The first "A" in Avandia, if not fully formed, can look like a "C," and the final "a" has appeared to be an "n." The XYZs of Naming Drugs Names are part of developing a new
drug. And coming up with a catchy, snappy moniker that distinguishes one drug from another isn't easy. For the most part, drug companies want a name that will boost sales, while consumers long for some indication from the name of what the drug does.
The FDA, however, won't allow names that imply medical claims, suggest a use for which a drug isn't approved, or promise more than they can deliver. Naming a drug can be as complicated as creating a rhythmic cacophony of unpronounceable syllables and
emphatic-sounding letters, such as C and P. Other naming strategies include letters that when strung together sound like something high-tech--think Zyprexa, Lexapro,
and Xanax. But whether it's the sound of certain letters that manufacturers like, or
the vision that a name conjures up, the FDA says that selection must take into account concerns for reducing errors and for avoiding trademark infringement.
Because of today's tough trademark requirements, many drug companies are turning to a growing industry of "naming" consultants for the task. These consultants are charged with creating a unique name that will appeal to both doctors and patients,
particularly given the recent surge in direct-to-consumer advertising. "Global companies want a name to be a worldwide mark," says Doug Kapp, vice president of brand strategy at RTi-DFD, a market research company in Stamford, Conn. In helping
pharmaceutical companies set their products apart from others, Kapp says his company recognizes that the name must resonate with the market target and also must pass worldwide trademark requirements.That recognition, he says, drove his company to develop "relational asemantics," a name-generation process that assists physicians in
identifying the nature of a drug.