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/
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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
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
Saturday, December 6, 2008
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 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
Friday, December 5, 2008
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
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
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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/
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/
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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
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
Monday, December 1, 2008
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 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
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image of registry return receipt of letter addressed to Makati councilor J. J. Binay
