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.

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.

Simple. I told her to simply no longer think of it and just get some rest.

Anyway, it’s already midnight. The rain has just about stopped. It has been going on the whole day. When I got off work today, we had to travel the long route to Bacolod because our usual route was blocked by a landslide. To add to that, when we got home (about 30 mins later that our usual travel time), there was a blackout that lasted until around 8pm. We were already seriously contemplating on taking our dinner with just candlelight for illumination when the lights went on, thank God. Anyway, still, these things are so petty and pale in comparison to what happened in China, where an earthquake has killed about 12,000 people, and left around 6,000 missing, their worst earthquake in 3 decades.

As for me, I am going to offer a prayer for all those unfortunate souls who lost their lives in that tragedy, and thank God for the previous rainy day. Thank you Lord for all the blessings. Good night.

The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or psychological. Physiologically, erection is a hydraulic mechanism based upon blood entering and being retained in the penis, and there are various ways in which this can be impeded, most of which are amenable to treatment. Psychological impotence is where erection or penetration fails due to thoughts or feelings (psychological reasons) rather than physical impossibility; this can often be helped. Notably in psychological impotence there is a very strong placebo effect.

Today, however, there have been numerous medical breakthroughs that tackle this dilemma. One of these is Generic Cialis. which is taken orally and helps men suffering from erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection. It works in much the same way as Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra), but is much faster, lasting up to 36 hours. Tadalafil was initially introduced into Europe, and is now available worldwide.

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).

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.

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. Perhaps our constant teasing has struck a nerve in him, as this morning, he tried upping his load to 120lbs. For his first 15 repititions, he had no problem. Normally, after that many repititions, a break was needed to rest the muscles. However, he tried pushing further and was on his 17th repitition with the bar close to his chest when he found out that he could no longer lift it, and was in danger of being buried under it. At this point of the story, we all burst out laughing as we could almost vividly imagine the sight of him perspiring and under the mercy of the weight. LOL!! I couldn’t help it. Even as I am writing this post, I still can’t help but laugh at his ordeal earlier. Good thing it didn’t take the trainor too long to see that he was in trouble and was quick to bail him out. Weightlifting, in this case, indeed is dangerous to the health.

With all the trouble he’s having at losing weight, I might just recommend that he try these weight loss pills. From what I’ve researched about those online, I found out that these pills works in three (3) ways. First, it contains ingredients that increase one’s metabolic rate, thereby helping you burn more calories. Second, it contains active ingredients that gives more energy, causing more calories to be burned during exercise. Lastly, these contain ingredients that suppress appetite. Now this is quite significant since in a survey conducted, appetite control has been the major factor 70% of dieters cite as the reason why they fail in their diet.

I do hope he will be open to this option as he is still quite pissed at me for repeatedly teasing him and mimicking the sight of him under the weights.

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.

The most common site for development of mesothelioma is the pleura, which is the membrane that surrounds and protects the lung. Upwards of three-quarters of all mesothelioma cases are pleural mesotheliomas. Mesothelioma can also develop in other parts of the body, with the abdominal (peritoneal) area of the body the next most common origin site. Mesotheliomas of the pericardium (the protective lining around the heart) and the reproductive organs are also possible, but are quite rare.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can lead to the development of asbestos-related disease.

While a rare disease in the general population, with between two thousand and three thousand new diagnoses every year, mesothelioma is not rare among the workers, and their families, of certain trades and industries, such as the construction or maritime industries. Those at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma include workers handling or installing insulation, roofers, electricians, miners, and others. However, asbestos fibers are so toxic that industrial and trade worker’s families are also at risk for developing mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure.

ASBESTOS EXPOSURE IN THE HOME
Exposure to asbestos can also occur in the home. Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos; however those frequently used prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. If these products were mixed, grinded, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise manipulated, banged or damaged, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 10-70 years later.

It’s a dangerous world out there. Having the right information can help us avoid these potential hazards. I do hope this information has been helpful.

Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you’ve had a baby…somebody doesn’t know that once you’re a mother, “normal” is history.

Somebody said you learn how to be a mother by instinct…somebody never took a three-year-old shopping.

Somebody said being a mother is boring…somebody never rode in a car driven by a teenager with a driver’s permit.

Somebody said if you’re a “good” mother, your child will “turn out good”…somebody thinks a child comes with directions and a guarantee.

Somebody said “good” mothers never raise their voices…somebody never came out the back door just in time to see her child hit a golf ball (or any ball) through the neighbor’s kitchen window.

Somebody said you don’t need an education to be a mother…somebody never helped a fourth grader with his math.

Somebody said you can’t love the second child as much as you love the first…somebody doesn’t have two children.

Somebody said a mother can find all the answers to her child-rearing questions in the books…somebody never had a child stuff beans up his nose or in his ears.

Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labour and delivery…somebody never watched her “baby” get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten or on a plane headed for military “boot camp.”

Somebody said a mother can do her job with her eyes closed and one hand tied behind her back…somebody never organized seven giggling Brownies to sell cookies.

Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married…somebody doesn’t know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a mother’s heartstrings.

Somebody said a mother’s job is done when her last child leaves home…somebody never had grandchildren.

Somebody said your mother knows you love her, so you don’t need to tell her…somebody isn’t a mother.

Today, as I did, hug your mother, tell her “I love you” and “Thank you”. Treat her with a meal she likes or call her if you’re not anywhere near her geographically. Greet all the “mothers” in your life (whether you call her “Mommy”, “Mom”, “Eomeoni”, “Mama”, “Imma”, “Mamang”, “Inang”) and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn’t just about being a mother; it’s about appreciating the people in your life while you have them….no matter who that person is.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Another one captured off of the lawn at home. Happy weekend everyone!