Protecting Your Hearing

Loss of hearing can be ruled out of the scenario if proper preventive measures are taken into consideration. Having your ears check regularly and staying away from loud music will help a lot in taking care of your precious ears.

Always use proper and tested head set or earpiece  and do not put volume too high as it may damage your ears seriously. Yu can have a look at different cool and great pieces at musician'sfriend.com . When exposed to loud sounds excessively, you can freely use earplugs to protect your ears and take a break from such surrounding.

Avoid using pointed objects, cotton buds or even over-the-counter ear drops in cleaning your ears. These may damage your ears or may lead to serious ear infection. Rule of thumb, leave your earwax alone.

Noisy appliances contributes in damaged ears. Do not run those appliances all at the same time. Put your washing machines or any other noisy appliances in rooms with doors so you can close it every time it's running.

Before taking any medication consult your doctor or pharmacist as some drugs can harm your ears.

Disclaimer: 

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader and NOT intended to replace the advice of a doctor. The owner of this site disclaims any responsibility for the decisions you make based on this information. If you have any health-related questions, persistent health condition or before taking any medication, please consult your health care provider.

FDA Advisory No. 2014-080

This post is published to help the FDA Philippines to inform the public about the FDA advisory No. 2014-080 released on October 28, 2014. The said advisory is all about the false, deceptive and misleading advertisement of My Jinga Juice that has been circulating in social media and internet.

According to the advisory signed by Atty. Nicolas B. Lutero III, CESO III (Assistant Secretary, OIC FDA Philippines), "My Jinga Juice" (categorised as food product) has made different health claims which violates RA No. 3720 as amended by RA No. 9711 and AO No. 2014-0030 clearly specified in VII. Misleading Declaration/ Represetation/Prohibited Claims.

Please be informed that any food products approved by the government agency shall not cure any symptoms or disease. In this regard, any health claims written in the packaging or advertisement must be read carefully and should be taken seriously. If in doubt of the food products bought in the market or any other vendor, you can freely contact FDA Philippines in their official email address at info@fda.gov.ph . Or if you want to report similar cases, please email FDA Philippines at report@fda.gov.ph .

The above case is currently under investigation.

Disclaimer: 

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader and NOT intended to replace the official advisory. We are only helping the FDA Philippines in disseminating these announcements.  The owner of this site disclaims any responsibility for the decisions you make based on this information. 

Just Saying: Clean As You Go

Whenever I do things I always consider, how can do it conveniently. It's annoying to do the tasks and yet there will be mess left behind. Obviously, it sounds more tasks to do.

Just like when you bake in your own kitchen and you choose to left trays and moulds unclean. Or when you shave and you didn't use the shaving stand for your shaving brush. 

At work, preparing paper tablets in the pharmacy will be a lot easier when all your tools are kept clean after every use. Imagine if your mortar and pestle are kept with residue of the previous medicines you prepared. Not only it's gross but also it will contaminate the next thing you will prepare. 

Keeping a tidy and neat pharmacy allows us to do our jobs more conveniently and efficiently. The risks of dispensing wrong drugs will be eliminated and every nice things will follow. 

Happy weekend.

FDA Advisory No. 2014-077 || Product Recall of Lot Specific Cefaclor (As Monohydrate) 50mg/mL Powder for Suspension (Oral Drops) with Brand Name CECLOBID

Distributors, retailers, hospitals, pharmacies and clinics that are in possession of affected lots of Cefaclor (As Monohydrate) 50mg/mL Powder for Suspension (Oral Drops) with brand name CECLOBID, are instructed by FDA to discontinue distribution, sale and use. 

The said drug woth registraion number DRP-2101 is a product of The Cathay YSS Distributors Co.,Inc and manufactured by EL Laboratories Inc. The affected lots are the following:  

140350

140351

140629

140630

141041

141042

The trader is voluntarily recalling the product because of the changes in physical appearance and decrease potency. 

Consumer are also advised by FDA Philippines not to buy the affected lots of CECLOBID. 

For any concerns and questions regarding this recall, you can contact Cathay YSS Distributor Co., Inc. at +632 892-5936 to 43. You can also email FDA Philippines at info@fda.gov.ph

Pharmacy Themed Wedding

It's nearly seven years since I got married. It was a simple civil ceremony surrounded by people we love. But husband and I are so hoping that we could have a church wedding in the future. The thought of planning a very special day is so overwhelming and exciting. If we agreed, the theme of our wedding will be our profession. So it will be a pharmacist and software engineer bonding. 

So many brilliant ideas are floating inside my head right now. I couldn't wait for every thoughts to happen. Like our invitation will be like a prescription type and souvenirs will be mixed pharmacy and IT stuffs. 

When it comes to our wedding band, using our old ones are okay. But I'm also thinking of 

platinum wedding rings.

Okay, this is all for the future. For now, we probably need to save for it and hope that God will allow it to happen. 

Just Saying: Music Helps

Music really plays an important role as relief from stress and pains. Lately, I had a lot of back pains due to pregnancy. But when I listen to my favorite music, the pain slowly go away. Just like yesterday, the short trip to the park gave me the opportunity to enjoy the sun while listening to live brass band. It made me forget how all the awkward feelings I have especially after tiring day at work. They simply brings joy to everyone's heart.

How about you? What’s the effect of music to you?

Gestational Diabetes

During pregnancy, many women may suffer from different minor health issues. In some case, there are more serious pregnancy complications that may arise. It's important not to neglect these complications as they may lead the mother and baby to trouble if not treated right. 

Monitoring blood sugar level 

One of these complications is called Gestational Diabetes. It is a form of diabetes that arises during pregnancy. This is  a condition in which a body cannot produce enough insulin to cope with the increased blood sugar levels. The main complication of having this condition is that baby can be very big making the delivery through vagina a difficult one. 

What are the risk factors of Gestational Diabetes?

• over 35 of age
• overweight
• Asian
• have a parent or sibling with diabetes
• if you had it before
• if previous baby was born with abnormality

What are the symptoms of Gestational Diabetes?

• easily get tired
• there's sugar in urine
• excessive thirst
• excessive urination

How to treat Gestational Diabetes?

• sugar free-diet / well-balanced meal
• oral medications
• insulin injections

If you found out that you have gestational diabetes, do not panic. Hospitals have a diabetic team that will help you through this. If you can attend one of those lifestyle intervention to guide you on what foods to avoid, what to eat and what else you can do to control your blood sugar. Aside from following a free or low sugar diet, exercise plays an important role in managing diabetes. Always ask your, midwife or doctor what exercise routine that's best for you.

Health Risks of Sharing Microphones

Singers, broadcaster, reporter and other people that use microphone in their work are at great risk of acquiring germs and viruses that can be passed on through microphones. It only takes few seconds before another person can caught symptoms of flu and cold transferred via microphones. 

Staying healthy is not a problem if you know how to prevent catching diseases.

• Always clean your hands properly especially after handling a microphone. 
• If microphones are shared among group of people or passed on from one person to another, make sure to clean them afterwards.
• If you can afford and if possible, have your own personal microphone. You can buy cool cheap microphones and you'll be miles away from grabbing the Streptococcal bacteria.
• During flu and cold season, get a flu shot.
• If ever you are sick, stay at home until you are well enough to face other people again. 

Food and Drinks Avoid During Pregnancy

When you are pregnant, you should always start to think of eating foods best not only for you but also for your baby. Accompanied with your extra care on your diet, there are some foods that you should stay away while you are carrying your most precious baby. 

• Unpasturized milk and other dairy products like brie and mould-ripened cheese

• Pâté  both meat and vegetable kinds

• Raw eggs and foods with uncooked eggs

• Caffeine

• Alcohol

• Too Much Vitamin A and Liver

• Swordfish, marlin and shark

It is recommended to read the labels of food you are about to buy to ensure appropriate food for you and your baby.  It is very important to make sure that all your food are properly cooked. Make sure that all meats, fish and poultry are thoroughly cooked before eating. Raw meats are not good for you. It's better to stay away from dining out as well. If cannot be avoided, choose the right foods and request for well-done meat.

Positive Health Effects of Playing Guitars

It is proven may years ago and even nowadays that music can make a huge positive effects to one's health. It is undeniably true that many people choose to turn to music when troubled or stress. Listening to your favorite music can help you relax in ways you can not explain. The effects are countless when you choose to play instruments like guitars, pianos or violin.

Postive Effects of Playing Guitars:

1. Reduce or even eliminate stress
2. Boost brainpower
3. Reduce excruciating pain
4. Helps you relax by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure
5. Triggers the release of dopamine that helps one feeling good and happy

So the next time you go to a music store, try to consider of getting yourself the best conklin bass to achieve the mentioned effects.

Eating Well When Pregnant

When you are pregnant, it is truly vital that you eat proper and well-balanced meals everyday. You need all necessary vitamins and minerals to stay healthy during the course of your pregnancy. Within the period of first trimester, it is understandable that you cannot eat accordingly because of the "morning sickness". You don't need to force yourself to eat for two during the early weeks. It is pretty common to feel sick and nauseated which might affect your eating pattern. Don't worry you have time to cope up when you enter the second trimester. Though you have to ask your doctor or midwife what vitamin supplements you should take.

Before you get pregnant, you may be advised by your doctor to take 400 mcg of Folic Acid every day. That is recommended until 13 weeks of pregnancy. After such period, you may stop it or you may be advised to take different vitamins which is quite essential for you and your growing baby.

During the second and third trimester, adding 200 to 300 calories a day is needed.It is not required to double the daily recommended allowance because you surely don't want to gain extra pounds. Gaining too much weight comes with not so good effects like having hard time in delivering your baby or other health problems.

Other vitamins and minerals pregnant woman needs are the following:

1. Iron
2. Vitamin C
3. Calcium
4. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

These are readily available in right foods. You may ask your Dietician about it for accurate recommendations. Prenatal vitamins sold in different drugstores also have these important vitamins but before taking anything make sure you are properly advised by your doctor.

How to Select Student Houses around a University

Are you a parent with a teenager graduating from high school this year? Start looking into houses around University right now. First-class projects fill up really fast. The apartments are in high demand, because they are convenient, secure, and affordable. What should you be looking for when starting your research? Here are 5 issues to consider.

Convenient Location 

Unless your child has a vehicle and can afford the insurance and gas, it would be best to find a place in walking or biking distance from the school. Being close to the university saves time. It is also safer when studying late. Look for student villages. Chances are that other students returning home late will go in the same direction. They can keep each other company.

Private Rooms 

Student houses have several occupants. Each one should have a private bedroom with a personal bathroom. This allows students to spend time with others, but also have a place they can study without disturbances. If roommates do not respect your son or daughter’s privacy or make too much noise, you should be able to request a transfer, even in the middle of the year.

Local Services

It is an unhealthy attitude to expect that students should have their nose stuck in books 24/7. They need leisure activities and a chance to socialize with friends. Make sure that there are coffee shops, restaurants, and grocery stores nearby. Even if your young adolescent does not like to cook, no amazing skills are required to put cereal in a bowl in the morning or make a few sandwiches for lunch. It saves time and money.

Housing Amenities 

Students should not have to travel across town when they want to work out, go for a swim, or play tennis. That should all be available to them when joining an all-inclusive student housing complex. Most campus villages maintain a website. Explore all the pages, as some of them contain pictures of the buildings, rooms, and recreational facilities.

Affordability

A higher education has a hefty price tag. That means students and parents need to weigh all their options carefully. Contact several facilities supplying student houses. Ask for a price list and availability. Compare the data once all estimates are in. It will be easier to make an informed decision.

Benefits of Reading Eye Surgery Testimonials

If you are ready to have surgery on your eyes to better your vision, read up on eye surgery testimonials so that you can gain a better understanding of the process and feel more comfortable in reading what others have to say about the surgical process.

Music and Your Baby

During pregnancy, we heard not just once that music helps in stimulating babies' brains. Aside from the fact that music can help moms relax and stay calm especially when backache is too much or other symptoms of pregnancy arise.

One good thing we should know is that mom don't need to use headphone to transmit sound to the baby. The amniotic fluid is a very good conductor of sound. So just play the sound in your stereo as you go along your day. Using headphones can overstimulate the babies.

If you are using high-end devices in your home like m-audio profire 610, you can very well control the volume of the music for you and your baby. Stay away from too loud music or any other household sounds. Keep the volume below 50 dB. It's the safest volume for you and your baby.

Some household appliances create sounds louder than we required to hear. So the next time you are running the washing machine, keep a good distance from where it is. Don't also attempt to use the hair dryer in maximum speed as it produce 60 -95 dB. Leave the hoovering to your husbands as vacuum cleaner's noise is not only annoying but too loud for you and your baby.

Just word of advice, play the music because you enjoyed it and not because you are attempting to make your baby smarter. 

Brain Foods For Children

Foods play important role in development of brains. It helps improve the kids concentration and memory.

Music Towards Good Health

This is probably not the first you will hear that music can do great things in a person. It is most certain that music can brighten one's day but the effect towards good health is far more better than we thought.

Exercising while listening to fast beat music can increase endurance. It even helps in boosting mood therefore allowing you to attain your target. Music can even make go on without feeling the discomfort caused by strenuous work out. 

Another thing is that music can help one relieve from annoying back pain. The slow beat music can help in slowing down your heartbeat to normal range and later allows you to breathe normally. Then it leads to reduction of muscle tension on your back, shoulder and neck. 

Not just in one side of world that music is accepted to help people in so many ways. Other companies abroad even hire musicians as owners believe that music will not only means good business to them. They also believe that they are contributing in approach to good health of people by bringing them good music. So the next time you go to the airport and you see people carrying instrument case , don't be surprised. Music is truly high demand all over the world. 

How to Increase Your Chance of Getting Pregnant if Suffering From PCOS

If you have PCOS, there are several ways to increase your chance of getting pregnant. Don't close the door yet even if you've waited for years. 

1. Watch your diet. Stay on low-glycemic foods. 

2. Stay active and maintain ideal weight.

3. Keep away from stress and take life easily.

4. Consider taking vitamins and minerals but with approval of your doctor. 

5. Drink the recommended water intake per day.

6. If you are smoking, stop now. 

7. Stay away from alcohol and late nights.

The most important thing to do to increase your chance of conceiving a child is to search for professional advice. Consulting your doctor is the best move. 

Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Music

Sousaphone

The two important benefits of music in an individual are the following:

1. Helps in reducing levels of stress

2. Helps in improving the function of the body's immune system

There are studies stating that playing music and even listening to music can keep one away from disease because his/her body is producing more antibodies capable of fighting germs and bacteria.

If you wonder how does it helps one to be relieved from stress? Again, playing and listening to music helps in lowering the level of stress hormone called cortisol.

This is very true to me. Whenever I can feel headache is coming, I’ll just turn on my favorite Kenny G album and after a while, I feel more relax and re-charge.

I guess, whether we are listening to a classical album music or playing instruments like saxophone, piano or cheap sousaphone , the vital thing is that we enjoy every note. In that way, we can easily benefit from it.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is very well condition of woman who's having irregular periods. This is because she is not ovulating monthly and that the male hormones are higher that usual. 

Getting pregnant when suffering from PCOS is hard but not impossible.

Most women (but not all) suffering from PCOS  manifest different signs and symptoms:

1. Overweight
2. Irregular menstrual period
3. Increase growth  of hair especially in areas such as upper lip, chest, torso and chin.
4. Appearances of acne 
5. Abnormal levels of insulin
6. Difficult to conceive a child 


There are numerous ways to diagnose whether a woman is suffering from this condition. It is very important to contact your doctor if you at first you have an abnormal cycle especially if you are trying to get pregnant.

Your doctor may request blood test or ultrasound to check your case. In the event of deeper or complicated case, you will then referred to a consultant who can do further investigation. This way, your doctor can properly plot an appropriate approach to your condition.

Avoid to self-medicate because one medicine is not applicable to everyone. Always take medicines approve and advice by your doctor and pharmacist.