Daily Happy Thoughts

Part of the benefits of blogging that I have come to enjoy is the added chance to get to know whatever subjects there is out there. Through blogging, I have come to learn a lot of things, from the trivial, to the more general subjects. Yup, learning that is unconfined to the bounds of the 4 walls of the classroom.

Uhmmm..come to think of it, its been ages (and I mean ages) since I have stepped within the familiar walls of a classroom. So in a way, it has taken a bit of an adjustment on my part, but one which I have welcomed with open arms.
 

Anyway, back to the subject at hand: Botox. What is it and what is it for?

Before writing this post, I am pretty sure I have heard it before, but like the average person, I guess it didn’t quite strike my curiosity before, which explains why I have never exerted effort to learn whatever it is.
So, for the benefit of the average person (including me) out there, let me share with you what I have learned.

Botox (botulinum toxin) is a purified protein that belongs to a class of compounds known as neurotoxins. It was first approved by the FDA for the eye muscle disorders strabismus and belpharospasm in 1989 and has been used in other conditions where muscle hyperactivity is an underlying problem. The mechanism of action of Botox has been thought to be weakening or paralysis (depending on dose) of muscles by preventing the release of acetycholine, a signal that the nerves need to cause muscle contraction. This is the same substance which is produced in spoiled food and causes the illness known as botulism. However, in medical use, the Botox is injected directly into the muscles involved rather than absorbed into the bloodstream, and the doses used are much less than those which cause botulism. Because Botox is a neurotoxin, there are concerns about its safety. However, it has had a remarkable good record since its introduction in 1989. Because it is injected into muscle and not absorbed into the system, side effects that occur frequently with other migraine preventives, such as drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, and mental changes, are not seen with Botox. Some mild pain at the injection site for a day or two is about the only side effect our patients notice. Drooping of the eyelid is a common side effect but can usually be avoided by proper injection technique, and when it occurs, lasts only a few days.

So there you have it. However, I did more research, regarding the use of this on the treatment of migraines, and here’s what I found. The question the next paragraph aims to answer is the question on the use of Botox for migraines:

“Why does it work on migraines?”

Based on the mechanism of action of Botox, it is unlikely that anyone would have thought to try it for migraines. Its success in treating some patients has caused problems for those who would attempt to explain why it would work in migraine. One possibility is that muscle tension may act as a trigger for migraine in the same way that light and odors do. By reducing muscle tension, Botox would be eliminating an irritant to the nervous system, which would then reduce the chances of a migraine developing. More recently, studies have shown that Botox may affect other nerve cell signallng systems that have to do with the perception of pain. In an animal model of pain, injection of Botox under the skin resulted in decreased response to painful stimuli. Traditionally, scientists have thought that the pain of migraine was due to swelling and inflammation of blood vessels, but perhaps muscle tension is more of a factor than previously appreciated.

Equally important in considering the beneficial effects of Botox, one should also consider other concerns, such as safety issues. Currently, Botox is not approved by the FDA for headache treatment. The decision to use Botox should be based on a discussion with your physician. Failure to respond to standard migraine preventives or side effects from them should be an important consideration. Since the effect of Botox lasts about 3 months, one can weigh the costs of the injections versus the amount that would be spent on headache treatment during that time.

I do hope this little research of mine has given you an insight on this particular subject, I hope you have learned something useful. I know I have.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Summer is almost out, and yet we haven’t had a chance for a summer getaway this year. This may be due to a lot of factors. For one, we are saving up for our upcoming wedding, and that remains right up there at the top of our list. Add to that our weather, which easily makes one think, “Is it summer still, or what?” Still, deep down, I do get pretty envious when I see the other blogs feature their fun filled pictures of their summer getaway. Too bad, we don’t have anything to post where that subject is concerned.

Well I can always continue to feel bad and down, or I can change my attitude and instead, look forward longingly to that day when we would be able to relax and let our hair down. A royal caribbean cruise would sound really nice for a honeymoon, don’t you think? A lil’ something like this.

Popularity: 19% [?]

I woke up this morning with an utterly disordered surrounding. The heavy rain since last night made me stay on my bed a little longer than usual after waking up this morning. Hence, the better observation towards my own space of refuge.

The first item that was tackled in my unkempt room were my washed and ironed clothes, which were on a table since last Tuesday (look how time travels so fast!). They are now neatly tucked away in my cabinet. A pat on the back for me! Next eyesore to be dealt with is the coiled CAT5e on the left side of my bed. See, 2 months ago, Nai and I window-shopped for a Category 5e cable (CAT5e) and bought one for my Internet connection (see picture below).

We bought 25 meters to be sure we’d not ran out of length. We sure didn’t! “Better extra than lacking,” Nai said when I showed him the coiled extra CAT5e 3 weeks ago. I requested him to cut it short for me, just enough length as allowance for any movement. Unfortunately, as of this writing, it is still here on the floor - dusty and coiled. I wonder when Nai will be able to cut this short because I’m not trusting myself attacking this thing. I might end up without an Internet connection (LOL).

Popularity: 44% [?]

It is exciting to go to the same destination with your family or friends. The travel is surely jam-packed with laughters and stories. However, like a soldier who prepares before going to battle, it is a wise move to have your trip covered with an insurance plan.

Two years ago, purchasing a travel insurance plan was foreign to me. It was just last year (the year when I made the most number of air travel) that I learned how important insuring one’s trip is. Getting a travel insurance provides adventurous travellers like me coverage on trip cancellation or delay cost, missed connection, baggage, domestic or international medical treatment expenses while travelling, and other offers depending on the country of origin. So for your next travel, acquire a travel insurance that is appropriate for your family’s and your needs, whether it’s emergency evacuation, flight accident insurance, student travel insurance or international medical insurance. You may also check other deals offered by Travel Insurance Center.

Popularity: 47% [?]

Right.

That was the title of the post that immediately entered my mind (talk about being a blogging addict LOL) when I heard of the funny story recounted to me about our brother Andrew just this morning.

You see, Andrew has been on a mission to lose weight and he has been regularly working out as well as watching his diet in order to achieve it. Now, in the gym where he works out, an officemate of mine, Danny, also regularly works out there too. Danny’s is about 160lbs, and his build is nowhere close to the size of Andrew, who weighs around 210lbs. We have been teasing Andrew because his regular bench press load is just around 80lbs while that of Danny is around 120lbs.

Now here is where the funny part comes in. Continue Reading »

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Did you know that asbestos exposure can cause cancer? Furthermore, did you know that you can be exposed to asbestos right in your very own home?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers which then became lodged in the body. Because asbestos fibers are essentially indestructible, the body’s immune system is powerless to break them down. Mesothelioma, like all asbestos-related diseases, is a progressive disorder that, once it takes hold, severely compromises the body’s immune system as well as the particular areas where the malignancy originates from.

Continue Reading »

Popularity: 62% [?]

After 20 years of taking good care of me and 8 years (and counting) of real-life guidance, I wanted to return back the favor and let them experience their fruit of hard labor my own way.

My parents, who are residing in Davao for 13 years now, never failed to make a side trip to Dumaguete and visit me whenever they are headed to Siquijor or Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte (mom’s and dad’s hometown, respectively). Even with the demands of my work, I make it a point that I can spend quality time with them when they’re here. Hence, I made an itinerary for them during the most recent visit.

Thursday: Dinner at Le Chalet (Dad was amazed at how big their servings were)
Friday: Bank transaction
Saturday: Shopping at Lee Plaza (1700-1900 [their own choice of products; payment assumed by me) then dinner at one of my favorite after-badminton hangouts, Qyosko (19:30 [Mom loves the way they serve their Kitang fish here])

For the duration of the shopping spree, mom chose only a pajama, a clear bra strap (“for my blue blouse,” she said) and a coin purse. Had I not known my mom, I would have gotten vexed by her actions but I did not. My mother is the type of woman who is not comfortable with being spent upon because she is not used to it. This may be also due to the fact that it was she who used to have to buy things for us when we were small. On the other hand, Dad was busy looking for an outdoor sandal that would fit him and looked like he doesn’t need help; so I went after Mom and acted as her assistant. I insisted that she had to select more items, which she did with much prodding from me (picked 3 more blouses with colors and design that go well with her skin tone and body type). Yey!

My next project is to buy down comforters for them, which will give them better insulation at night, lightweight comfort, allergy-free (for mom) and one that’s just right for Philippines’ mild to moderate climates. I want to buy one for them like the one shown at the left. This one costs $129.99, which is OK for my budget.

For me, nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time and love they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”

Popularity: 37% [?]

What is a good posture?

Posture is the position in which you hold your body upright against gravity while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture involves training your body to stand, walk, sit and lie in positions where the least strain is placed on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement or weight-bearing activities. In a way, it involves carrying yourself well.

A proper posture:

• Keeps bones and joints in the correct alignment so that muscles are being used properly.
• Helps decrease the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in arthritis.
• Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
• Prevents the spine from becoming fixed in abnormal positions.
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing the body to use less energy.
• Prevents strain or overuse problems.
• Prevents backache and muscular pain.
• Contributes to a good appearance.

In our family, we have been quite fortunate and have been blessed with good posture and without any abnormality in our back anatomy. I remember having a classmate in high school that had scoliosis, and he had to wear these very cumbersome back braces, which really looked quite uncomfortable. I have learned since that there already are new technologies to deal with posture correction. These technological advancements have helped a lot in improving the quality of living of those with abnormalities on their posture.

Popularity: 41% [?]