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June 2009 Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam Results

Louie — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:46:30 +0000

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Saturday night that 32,617 out of 77,901 nursing examinees passed the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination last June 6 and 7.

Golda Manto Yap of the Felipe R. Verallo Memorial Foundation in Bogo, Cebu topped the list.

The June nursing board examination was administered in Manila and 10 other regional offices including Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Legaspi, Lucena, Cagayan De Oro, Iloilo, Tuguegarao, Zamboanga, Pagadian, Tacloban, and Jolo.

The PRC noted that the latest results were 2.64 percent lower than that from the February 2009 exams, which had a 44.51 percent passing rate.

Congratulations!

Frequently Asked Questions about Influenza A H1N1

Louie — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:02:30 +0000

Below are from the FAQ about the Influenza A H1N1 virus.

What can I do?

Updated 11 June 2009

What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?

The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:

avoid touching your mouth and nose;
clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.

If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

When and how to use a mask?

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
rest and take plenty of fluids;
cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?

No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet.

Warning on purchase of antivirals without a prescription [pdf 35kb]

What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?

No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies – it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.

When should someone seek medical care?

A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).

Supportive care at home – resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches – is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.)

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.

source: www.who.int

WHO elevates Influenza Pandemic alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6

Louie — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:02:18 +0000

In less 6 weeks, Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization, announced that she elevated the pandemic alert from Phase 5 to Phase 6. It means that the Influenza A H1N1 virus have sustained community outbreak in many countries and in 2 different WHO regions.

“Moving to pandemic phase six level does not imply we will see increase in number of deaths or very severe cases,” said Chan.

However, WHO cleared that the the overall severity of the influenza pandemic is moderate. Moderate assessment connotes that most people recover from infection without the need of hospital care, hospitals can cope with the number of people seeking care and levels of influenza infection doesn’t differ to the local seasonal influenza season. There are still no recommendation on travel restrictions and border closures .

Curing Blindness Through Stem Cell Cultured Contact Lenses

Louie — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:49:06 +0000

Researchers found a way to cure blindness through contact lenses cultured with stem cells. Three patients had their sight restored in less than one month after undergoing the procedure. Stem cells were extracted from their good eye, cultured them in contact lenses for ten days, and were given to the patients. After using the cultured contact lenses for 10 to 14 days, the stem cells began recolonizing and repairing the cornea.

Of the three patients, two were legally blind but can now read the big letters on an eye chart, while the third, who could previously read the top few rows of the chart, is now able to pass the vision test for a driver’s license. The research team isn’t getting over excited, still remaining unsure as to whether the correction will remain stable, but the fact that the three test patients have been enjoying restored sight for the last 18 months is definitely encouraging. The simplicity and low cost of the technique also means that it could be carried out in poorer countries.

The procedure also works in patients who have had both eyes damaged. “One of our patients had aniridia, a congenital condition affecting both eyes,” said Dr Di Girolamo. “In that case, instead of taking the stem cells from the other cornea, we took them from another part of the eye altogether – the conjunctiva – which also harbors stem cells.”

What is Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome?

Louie — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:43:41 +0000

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is characterized by a triad of port-wine stain, varicose veins, and bony and soft tissue hypertrophy involving an extremity. The syndrome was first described in 1900 by two French physicians named Klippel and Trenaunay. They termed the syndrome “naevus vasculosus osteohypertrophicus.” In 1907, Parkes Weber, unaware of Klippel and Trenaunay’s report, described a patient with the 3 aforementioned symptoms as well as an arteriovenous malformation of the affected extremity.

The exact cause of Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome (KTWS) remains to be elucidated, although 4 theories exist:

Intrauterine damage to the sympathetic ganglia or intermediolateral tract leading to dilated microscopic arteriovenous anastomoses as the cause as described by
Deep vein abnormalities resulting to obstruction of venous flow that leads to venous hypertension, the development of varices, and limb hypertrophy
Mesodermal defect during fetal development causes maintenance of microscopic arteriovenous communications
Underlying mixed mesodermal and ectodermal dysplasia

There is no racial predilection is documented for KTWS and both genders are affected equally. It presents at birth or during early infancy or childhood.

Complete history and physical examination is required to diagnose KTWS. However, imaging studies such as arteriography and MRI can be useful in checking for complications.

Treatment of this syndrome can be medical and surgical. Medical interventions are conservative and symptomatic. Use of compression garments and limb elevation help reduce swelling and recurrent bleeding from the capillary or venous malformations. Heel inserts are used for limb discrepancies.

Laser treatments and debulking procedures are also practiced. However, these are very invasive and are generally only used as a last resort.

Complications such as skin breakdown and ulceration, bleeding, and secondary infection can be observed.

Well known copy editor and freelance writer Carla Sosenko and Professional golfer Casey Martin are some celebrities with KTWS.

Source: www.emedicine.com

What is Anal Cancer?

Louie — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:18:49 +0000

Last Friday, millions of viewers were inspired after watching Farrah’s Story on NBC. It’s a two hour documentary film about Farrah Fawcett’s battle with Anal Cancer.

Here are some facts about Anal Cancer

Anal cancer is a type of cancer that arises from the anus, the opening at the rear end of our gastrointestinal system.
The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for anal cancer in the United States are for 2009 are 5,290 new cases of anal cancer and 710 deaths from anal cancer.
Women get anal cancer slightly more often than men.
Anal cancer is found mainly in adults older than age 35.
While anal cancer is a serious disease, treatment is very effective. Most people with this cancer can be cured.
Risk factors (anything that increases a person’s chance of getting a disease) of Anal Cancer are infection with HPV (human papilloma virus), sexual practices, smoking, and people who have lowered immunity (transplant patients, HIV patients).
Common symptoms of anal cancer are bleeding or itching around the anus, pain in the anal area, change in the width of the stool, stool may be narrower than usual, swollen lymph nodes in the anal or groin area, and abnormal discharge from the anus
Rectal exam (the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus to feel for lumps or growths) and anal Pap (much like the Pap smear where anal lining is swabbed and the cells are looked at under a microscope) should be done routinely to people who are at risk of anal cancer.
Biopsy may be done if any suspicious mass
Further test to determine the extent of the cancer and its spread are achieved by ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, Chest Xray and PET Scan
The usual management of anal cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy
According to the SEER database of the National Cancer Institute, the 5 year survival rates (the percentage of patients who are alive at least 5 years after diagnosis) of anal cancer are the following: Localized (roughly stages I and II) 82%, Regional (roughly stage IIIA) 60% and Distant (roughly stages IIIB and IV) 19%.

Having cancer is a challenging experience. It’s an ideal time to seek out emotional and social support. Family and friends can offer you strength and comfort. The American Cancer Society provides information on local support groups.

source: American Cancer Society

Free Celebrex, Viagra for 12 months

Louie — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:06:49 +0000

Pfizer, the world’s premier biopharmaceutical company, announced today that they are giving away 70 primary care medicines to recently unemployed loyal customers and families for 12 months. The medicines include diabetes drugs, anti infectives, and antidepressants, plus brands such as Lipitor, Celebrex and even Viagra. People who qualify will receive their Pfizer medicines for free for up to 12 months or until they become re-insured (whichever comes first).

The inspiration for the new program, called MAINTAIN^TM (Medicines Assistance for Those who Are in Need), was generated by Pfizer employees who were witnessing friends, family and neighbors struggle to make ends meet after losing their jobs.

Eligibility requirements of the new program include:

Loss of employment since January 1, 2009
Prescribed and taking a Pfizer medicine for at least 3 months prior to becoming unemployed and enrolling in the program
Lack of prescription drug coverage
Can attest to financial hardship

This new program will help nearly 46 million Americans who lack health insurance coverage, and that number is increasing as unemployment rates reach their highest levels in 25 years.

For more information on the program, call (1-866-706-2400), visit www.PfizerHelpfulAnswers.com or www.pfizer.com

Mars Candy Giving Away Free Chocolate Coupons on RealChocolate.Com

Louie — Fri, 08 May 2009 19:58:09 +0000

Chocolate has always been in the top 5 comfort food of most people. It’s comforting to know that in these times of hardships, Mars is giving away free real chocolate to 250,000 people at realchocolate.com every Friday through September. We get to enjoy M&M’s, Snickers, Twix, 3 Musketeers, Milky Way and Dove for free!

Eating chocolate has plenty of benefits. It stimulates endorphin production that gives a feeling of pleasure. It also has serotonin that acts as an anti-depressant. Few studies have found that chocolate contains flavonoids, a type of polyphenol antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.

Update on Influenza A(H1N1)

Louie — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:16:35 +0000

As of 16:00 GMT, 5 May 2009, 21 countries have officially reported 1490 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection.

Mexico has reported 822 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection, including 29 deaths. The United States has reported 403 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death.

The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (140), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Colombia (1), Costa Rica (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (9), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (5), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (2), Spain (57), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (27).

It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.

WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.

There is no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Source: www.who.int

A closer look at A/H1N1 virus more commonly known as Swine influenza

Louie — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:14:49 +0000

As cases of swine influenza cases gradually rise, we must arm ourselves with the proper knowledge on how to reduce its transmission and illness severity. Watch these videos from the Centers of Disease Prevention and Control.

This video is intended for the general public. It demonstrates how to put on and take off disposable respirators that are to be used in areas affected by the influenza outbreak.

In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC’s Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.

In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with the CDC Influenza Division, describes swine flu – its signs and symptoms, how it’s transmitted, medicines to treat it, steps people can take to protect themselves from it, and what people should do if they become ill.