I am in Mindanao's Top 100 Bloggers!

It is new year once again and I am so happy with the blessings I received before the closing of 2007. One of those blessings is I am listed as one of the top 100 bloggers in Mindanao! (no. 37 to be exact) I am so glad to see my name in the list. Thanks to all of you! Thanks to www.mindanaobloggers.com!

New Year's Day Food Traditions

It is New Year once more! And it means doing the good old traditions to bring luck and good fortune to us. There are so many different traditions around the world and here are some:

In the Philippines, it is important to have food on the table at midnight in order to insure an abundance of food in the upcoming year.

It is a Cuban tradition to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. The 12 grapes signify the last twelve months of the year.

Eating noodles at midnight is customary at Buddhist temples in Japan.

The Italian people eat a traditional New Year dish called cotechino con lenticchie: pork sausage served over lentils. Cotechino sausage is a symbol of abundance because they are rich in fat; while lentils symbolize money (being both green and coin shaped). This New Year food promises a double-packs of luck!

In the southern United States, it is believed eating black eyed peas on New Year's eve will bring luck for the coming year.

Boiled Cod is a New Year's Eve must in Denmark.

A German/Pennsylvania Dutch tradition is to eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year's day for good luck.

The Greek tradition of eating Vasilopita (a cake baked with a coin inside). The person who bites into his piece of cake and finds the coin will be blessed with good luck in the coming New Year.

Another tradition from the Philippines is to collect 7 different types of round fruits. The round shapre of the fruits signify money and seven is believed to be a lucky number. Set on the dinner table on New Year's eve, the fruits are believed to bring prosperity and sound financial status for the coming year.

Which is Better? QWERTY or DVORAK?

Did you know that there is another useful keyboard lay out than QWERTY? It is called as DVORAK. According to wikipedia DVORAK is a keyboard layout patented in 1936 by Dr. August Dvorak, an educational psychologist and professor of education[1] at the University of Washington in Seattle, [2] and William Dealey as an alternative to the more common QWERTY layout. It has also been called the Simplified Keyboard or American Simplified Keyboard, but is commonly known as the Dvorak keyboard or Dvorak layout.

Although the Dvorak Simplified Keyboard ("DSK") has so far failed to displace the QWERTY standard, it has seen an increase in popularity in recent years especially among computer programmers and others whose jobs require them to do extensive amounts of typing. It has become easier to access in the computer age, being included with all major operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux and BSD) in addition to the standard QWERTY layout. It is also supported at the hardware level by some high-end ergonomic keyboards.

I have been practicing DVORAK right now and of course it is not easy to switch from the usual QWERTY layout. But I noticed that less than a month my wpm is increasing and almost surpasses my QWERTY speed or wpm. It also helped me to be a touch typist because in the first place most of the computer keyboard layouts are in QWERTY so I need to memorized the DVORAK layout because the only thing I can change is the setting. It has been proven that persons who shifted from QWERTY to DVORAK typed faster or even doubled their speeds.

If you want to try DVORAK, change your language setting. Go to CONTROL PANEL click REGIONAL AND LANGUAGE OPTION select the LANGUAGE tab click DETAILS then click ADD check KEYBOARD LAYOUT select UNITED STATES DVORAK. Then try it...

Here is what DVORAK layout looks like:

SideDrip: Christmas Party at Shangrila Makati!

We enjoyed the party so much! Food was great and the presentations of each departments were spectacular! We had fun dancing the night away! And during the raffle, I was so lucky to won a mountain bike!

Merry Christmas to all!

I want an Ireland Adventure!

Ever dreaming of an Ireland adventure? It is one of the most romantic places I wanted to visit and have fun!. Since I was a child, I always wish to see real castles that I can only read in most fairy tales. And in Ireland, I can make this wish came true. There I can see the famous Dublin Castle which is one of the oldest surviving architectures in the city, also The Castle, built by William the Conqueror’s son, Robert Curthose and of course the Cardiff Castles with a Victorian clock tower on it. There are so many popular historical landmarks and buildings around Ireland which makes the place well-known and well visited.

I am also hearing about the Kilmainham Gaol, the most disuse prison which was built in 1792, and the Temple Bar where the best night spots and great restaurants are located for that endless fun that can make the vacation worth remembering!

There are also various museums around to witness interesting exhibits like the Royal Armouries Museum, Temple Newsam, Thackray and the Medical Museum.

I can’t wait the time I can have the opportunity to have my greatest vacation in Ireland!

Thanks to http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/!

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances, the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed.

Risk Factors:

• possible autoimmune
• more common: 20-50 y.o.
• ? association with swine flu immunizations
• frequently preceded by mild respiratioy or intestinal infection

-progress rapidly or over 2-3 weeks

-minimal muscle atrophy

-symmetrical paralysis causes problems with:

• respiration
• talking
• swallowing
• bowel and bladder function

-begins in lower extremities and ascends bilaterally :

• weakness
• ataxia
• bilateral paresthesia progressing to paralysis

The "SuperHumans"

Did you know that some people can see colors or taste it when hearing a sound? It is a condition called SYNESTHESIA. According to wikipedia, Synesthesia is a neurologically based phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway.

I was amazed as I have watched their episodes about "Real Superhumans" at Discovery Channel. The show featured 4 different gifted people around the world. A blind man since birth from Turkey who can paint nature, animals, objects and almost everything in accuracy. A man who can control his core temperature and can withstand cold environment at -18 degree for hours. And a man from Russia who has been called as the "human calculator" who can calculate so quick using only his mind even a great mathematician cannot explain how. And believe it or not, he failed math 3x when he was in grade school. I was really astounded how these people defy human nature.

Elisabeth on the other hand, started to discover her ability one day when she was dining out with a friend. They were seated outside the restaurant having their lunch when suddenly the rain pours. Elisabeth then saw different colors as the raindrops keep falling around them. She asked her friend if she can see colors but her friend said she didn't see any. At that point, Elisabeth started to experience her gift. Each sound she hears has a specific colors and different taste corresponds to it. Bus sound, whistle, footsteps, even the sound of your name and etc. And yes, she can taste the sound as well! Elisabeth is called as SYNESTHE.

Up to now, scientist are still researching what really causes these "superpowers" Some said it is a brain defect, other said it is genetic. But whatever the reason or the cause of this, it only proves one thing, that superhumans really do exists...

And hey, you'll never know, in time you will also discover that you are gifted because these people above have known their abilities during adulthood...

Purchasing Insurance Leads

Selling insurance is one of the prime industries now. Agents are competing to sell different excellent insurances. But with thousands of insurance leads around, it is not easy to get leads that the clients are after.

Insurance marketing is a big factor if an agent wants to get a bunch of clients to avail the sort of insurances they need. The marketing strategy should not only be convincing but very easy to understand. At QuotesAction.com, they have real time Internet insurance leads that are very competitive. Agents have the liberty to choose which insurance leads they actually needed and the site has a 24/7 help desk to assist agents with everything they need.

Insurance clients usually search the Internet to get quotes from different companies for best options. At QuotesAction.com, the prospective clients will be asked to sign a virtual form if they will request for a quote and sooner after, the agents can contact them for some detail explanations. Agents can make their jobs a lot easier with the website’s lead generator system. So, it means more income for them with less effort.

Online insurance marketing really is a huge help for both the clients and the agents to get the type of services they each needed. A Client desires the most excellent and suited insurance needs while an agent wants the finest system to satisfy their client’s requirements.

SideDrip: Christmas Spirit Around the Corner

Christmas trees in different versions! So modern and colorful. I miss our old Christmas tree at home. It reminded me of my joyous childhood days...

Mnemonic Series No. 16: Assessment Tests for Fetal Well-Being

BIOPHYSICAL PROFILE

first choice for follow up fetal evaluations

Assess Fetal Variables

• movement
• muscle tone
• amniotic fluid volume
• FHR
• Breathing

Each has a possible score of 2 and maximum of 10

4= immediate delivery

------------------------------------------------------------

A- Amniocentesis

L- L/S ratio

O- Oxytocin test

N- Non stress test

E- Estriol Level

Protecting Myself From Danger

I always imagine myself being able to have skills in self-defense techniques. Being an independent woman, I do sometimes feel frightened walking down the street on my own at night. As a nurse, I don’t have a choice but to work on a different shifts and that includes night duty. I really wanted to enrol in a martial arts class for a close combat training to at least make me feel confident that I can protect myself in danger.

Why I choose to learn martial arts? Well, the truth about martial arts is that, it is a well developed form of fighting techniques which is very easy to learn especially by women. And learning close combat training can also teach me a sense of discipline as well.

In this crazy world we have, I have to be extra cautious and alert at all times. As much as possible, I don’t have to trust people around me to the great extend. I am not trying to act as paranoid but after all we don’t have nine lives to live.

Puzzled with a PUZZLE!

I had a final job interview yesterday (after that whole day english tests, essays, and a loooot more!) with the assistant training officer. I wanted to try working in an environment which is new to my profession (I will keep it a secret for now... :-) ). Anyways, the interview went well but he had given me (actually all of those he interviewed) my last test. And my gosh! It was a mechanical puzzle and he wanted me to solve it. I really tried thinking hard and I felt that my brain cells started to swell! Honestly, I never had that kind of puzzle before, all I know was a jigsaw and a picture puzzles! Well, I just pretended that I had some solution in my mind well in fact, I have no damn idea how to remove that ring placed in between a handcuffs!

To have an idea, here is the picture of the mechanical puzzle he let me try to solved: [...] Well, until I gave up. I guess I look so idiot in front of him and he solved it by hiding his hands under the table to keep me from seeing the solution. And he showed me that the two items were separated and then he returned the ring again in between the handcuffs. I was so curious with the solution so I searched it on the Internet and I felt dumb knowing how easy that f****** puzzle to solve! Click here to see the solution. My gosh! I was ashamed thinking how the other applicant solved it as I heard her telling it to her friend who was waiting for her at the reception area. Hahaha!

In the end, I am glad to discover that kind of challenge. At least I learned something new yesterday. And by the way, in case you want to know, I was hired and soon I will be starting to work with them, if I wont change my mind... -:)

The Law of Attraction

Do you believe in Law of Attraction? That you can get something by just thinking of it? Do you want to know if Law of Attraction Accelerator might change your life?

There has some proof that law of attraction exists since early years. Until now some people is using this as a guide to do the right thing. That the mind has the power to control the things you want to happen in reality. There are four things according to the believers that a person must practice in order to control energy. These are:

• Know what one desires and ask the universe for it. (The "universe" is mentioned broadly, stating that it can be anything the individual envisions it to be, from God to an unknown source of energy.)
• Focus one's thought upon the thing desired with great feeling such as enthusiasm or gratitude.
• Feel and behave as if the object of one's desire is already acquired.
• Be open to receiving it. (wikipedia)

There are many criticisms everywhere about Law of Attraction. But I guess, if following its principles will make a positive effect in one’s life, and then let it be your guiding light to a better life ahead.

If you want to understand deeper about Law of Attraction visit http://www.attractionaccelerator.com/

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This is a paid post.

Get Paid At Bloggerwave!

Hey guys! I have found an additional way of getting paid thru blogging! I know many of you really want to have several incomes while experiencing the bliss of putting your thoughts into writing. And I bet, you have been searching and looking everywhere how to make money out of it.

Here's bloggerwave, they give you opportunity to monetize your blog at no cost from you. Signing up is very easy and sooner enough, you can start writing for them and gain some bucks! I really never imagined that finally, time had come I can be paid simply by doing what I like.

Now, what are you waiting for? Start making money out of blogging! And more than the green bucks, doing a review, a campaign or a buzz is cool!

Eating Whole Wheat And Loving It!

Wheat is the most important cereal crop in the world. Wheat, in its natural unrefined state, characterizes a host of important nutrients. So better include whole-wheat-made products in your daily diet to enjoy its benefits. These are just some of the many health benefits we can get from whole wheat.

Women Who Consumed Whole Wheat Gain Less.

A study whether eating whole wheat or refined wheat would help in maintaining healthy body weight was done at American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. They found out that women from 38-63 years old who consumed whole wheat are less likely to gain 49% of their weight compared to those eating foods from refined grains..

Reduce Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

First we were told, "Don't eat fat, and you'll stay trim." After following this advice only to see obesity expand to never before seen proportions, we're told by the food gurus, "Eating fat is fine. Shun carbohydrates to stay slim."

There is a latest research that consuming more refined grains and the foods that are made of them, such as white bread, cookies, pasta and rice are now being linked to increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome. And while eating whole grain foods can protect us from all these diseases. .

Lowers Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Whole grains are a rich source of magnesium, a mineral that acts as a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body's use of glucose and insulin secretion.

The FDA permits foods that contain at least 51% whole grains by weight (and are also low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol) to display a health claim stating consumption is linked to lower risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Now, research suggests regular consumption of whole grains also reduces risk of type 2 diabetes. (van Dam RM, Hu FB, Diabetes Care).

Helps Prevent Gallstones

A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology shows that eating foods high in insoluble fiber, such as cereals and breads made from whole wheat, can help women avoid gallstones by 17% and a 5-gram increase in insoluble fiber intake dropped risk to additional 10%. Insoluble fiber reduces secretion of bile acid, increases insulin sensitivity and lower triglycerides (blood fats).

It Gets You Going

Wheat bran is a popular bulk laxative. A third of a cup per day is all that is needed. Research studies support this popular practice. A fiber-rich diet, primarily composed of whole wheat breads, cereals high in bran and supplemental "millers bran" was shown to alleviate the symptoms of diverticular disease (pain, nausea, flatulence, distension, constipation, etc.) in 89 percent of patients enrolled in a study which examined the effects of fiber on bowel regularity. Diverticular disease, a condition often marked by inflammation and lower abdominal pains in which chronic constipation and excessive straining results in a sac or pouch in the wall of the colon, is typically treated with dietary roughage such as cereal fiber (i.e., wheat bran), fruit and vegetable fiber, and plenty of fluids.

Promotes Women's Health and Gastrointestinal Health

Wheat bran is also been said as an anti-cancer agent. It is thought to accelerate the metabolism of estrogen, which is a known link in developing breast cancer.

Interestingly, whole grains such as wheat also contain lignans, which are phytonutrients that act as weak hormone-like substances. Lignans occupy the hormone receptors in the body, thus actively protecting the breast against high circulating levels of hormones such as estrogen. By accelerating the metabolism of estrogen and occupying estrogen receptors in the body, the components of wheat appear to have a dual function in protecting women against one of the leading causes of cancer death.

Abundant in all whole grains, insoluble fiber is also found in nuts and the edible skin of fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, cucumbers, many squash, apples, berries, and pears. In addition, beans provide insoluble as well as soluble fiber.

Ventricular Tachycardia Algorithm

www.basiclifesupport.net

Persistent VF/VT after defibrillation

Secondary ABCD survey

A Airway – place airway device ASAP (100% O2)

B Breathing – Confirm placement of airway device (by exam and confirmation device)

B Breathing – Secure airway device

B Breathing – Confirm effective oxygenation and ventilation

C Circulation – Establish IV access 0.9%NaCl at 200 ml/hr

C Circulation – Identify rhythm--->monitor

C Circulation – administer appropriate drugs for the rhythm & condition

D Differential diagnosis – search for and treat identified reversible causes

EPINEPHRINE 1 mg IVP (or equivalent ET) Dosage: 1.0 mg IV every 3-5 mins.

OR

VASOPRESSIN: Potent vasoconstrictor: Improves coronary blood-flow. Dosage = 40 units (2 ml) IV

Note: One dose / no other vasoconstrictor (e.g. epinephrine) for 10 mins after the initial dose of vasopressin. Must be the first vasoconstrictor used or not used at all.

Attempt to defibrillate at 360 joules (or equivalent biphasic) after each drug

AMIODARONE: Class IIB or LIDOCAINE: Class IIB indeterminate (no proven efficacy)

MAGNESUM SULFATE (IIb if hypomagnesemic)

PROCAINAMIDE (IIb for intermittent/recurrent VF/VT --- May give 100 mg bolus for VF

Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator

Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACSs) are clinical conditions that involve the rupture or erosion of plaque. Acute myocardial Infarction is one of its types. This is the leading cause of death in US and Western Europe. Mortality is high when treatment is delayed.

Psychological Stress and intensive physical exertion triggers MI attack. ACS commonly results when thrombus progresses and occludes blood flow. Occlusion of a vessels progresses through three stages:

1. Ischemia- blood flow and oxygen demand are out of balance. It can be resolved by improving flow or reducing oxygen demand.
2. Injury - when the ischemia is prolonged enough to damage the area of the heart.
3. Infarct- myocardial cells have died.

Thorough assessment is very essential and must be done quickly and so diagnostic test to be done can be determined and perform immediately.

MONA

M orphine

O xygen

N itroglycerin

A spirin

Above mnemonic is the common treatment to any patients experiencing ischemic chest pain or suspected ACS.

Complication of ACS may include: ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. If this complication occurs, there are separate treatment for this and more or less more invasive and massive.

Implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) is now considered as the first-line treatment and/or prophylactic therapy for patients who are at risk of developing ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. This is a device entrenched near the shoulder and one or more leads connecting the device to the heart. It delivers life-saving therapy to people who are in jeopardy for abnormally rapid heart paces that can cause abrupt cardiac arrest.

In the year 2004, Sprint Fidelis Defibrillator Leads which is an ICD was introduced to the market but was recalled last October 15, 2007 because a small number of fractures have been detected. When the lead breaks (fractures), it may cause unsuitable shocks or result in a loss of therapy, such as pacing or shocking. This Defective Defibrillator Leads had been linked to five deaths that used the device and the family of the victims filed a law suit against the manufacturer.

As of now, Medtronic Recall Lawyer is asking those with Medtronic Spring Fidelis lead to come out and consult them for free to know their rights as users of this defective device.

Giving The Elderly A Better Care

In Europe, there is an increasing number of men and women who are 60 years old and above. The rising growth of elderly became the number one concern right now in this country. Thousands of nursing homes or home health care facilities are established due to this reason.

Most of us, I think have an elderly love ones who need proper care and in some cases, treatment. We tend to think that asking help from a professional or placing our mom, dad, grandma or grandpa to a nursing home is an act of abandonment. In this busy world we have, even how we wanted to personally take care of them, there are things that only professional caretakers can do. We love them so much that we want to give the best care for them that we cannot fulfill.

Choosing the right care homes for our love ones is not easy. We need to research on the Internet and read some news or articles related to these matters, so that we can understand further their needs, and we can select what is the finest for them. We have to consider their specific needs and concerns. We have to ask them what they want and what are their expectations. And we make sure the care homes we choose should meet these important aspects. Comfort of our love ones should also be considered. As much as possible, the comfort they can receive is closest to home.

Cheesy Spaghetti Twirl

Since Christmas is coming, and everyone is in the mood of thinking what to put on the table during Noche Buena, I am sharing to you my own version of the traditional Christmas menu which is spaghetti. Here it is!

500gms spiral/shell (colored) pasta

500gms ground beef

200gms chicken hot dog/cheese dog, sliced

1 small can of sliced mushroom

400 gms Italian/mushroom spaghetti sauce

1/2 of small pack of Nestle cream

1/2 of a small can/pack of tomato paste

1 regular size quick melt cheese, shredded

1 regular size of ordinary cheese, shredded

2 medium size carrots, shredded

2 medium size onion, chopped

1 clove of garlic, chopped

2 medium size red bell pepper, chopped

2 medium size green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 tablespoon of ground pepper (to taste)

1 tablespoon of kikkoman soy sauce

1/2 tablespoons of brown sugar

5 tablespoon of corn/vegetable oil

salt to taste

Procedure:

1. Cook the pasta according to instruction. Set aside. 2. Fry the chicken hot dog in an oil then set aside. 3. At the same pan, saute garlic, onion, carrots, red and green pepper. Follow the ground beef until well cooked. 4. Add ground pepper, kikkoman, and sliced mushroom. Simmer for 1-2 minutes. 5. Add the spaghetti sauce, 1/2 of the shredded ordinary cheese. 6. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt and sugar to taste. 7. Add the tomato paste then the Nestle cream. 8. Remove from the heat 1 minute after putting the nestle cream. 9. When ready to serve the spaghetti, In a serving dish place 1/4 of the shredded quick melt cheese(or you can slice it than shred it if you want) then add the pasta, then the sauce on top. 10. Place the remaining ordinary cheese after, then the hot dog and lastly the shredded quick melt cheese. 11. Put in in the oven or microwave just enough to melt the cheese. 12. Serve it warm.

I included the carrots because I don't eat much of it. If it is shredded and combined with other ingredients, the taste will not be noticed. So this is good trick for those children who doesn't like carrots as I do! I will post picture if I will cook this recipe this week.

Enjoy!

Payday Loan as Easy as A-B-C!

Looking somewhere to borrow money and no one wants to lend you some? Look no more, www.paydayloansabc.com can easily solve your financial problems when salary is still days far from today. Although, there is higher interest rate for these kinds of loans but think of how convenient it is in times of emergency or personal needs.

There are thousands of websites offer this kind of services worldwide and payday loan ABC can provide you numbers of lenders to choose from. It is quicker, no hassle and dependable. If you need 100usd up to 500usd you can have it immediately. It's faxless and everything is done online. Filling up the secure virtual form is easy as A-B-C! In just a matter of minutes you can get your cash direct to your account. And the website has also the latest news and articles when you want to learn more about payday loans.

It is common to most people nowadays to have a loan of money in whatever amount. And there is nothing wrong with that. We sometimes experience hardship in life and come across circumstances that would force us to come up with some amount of money in an instant. Come to think of how suitable these online payday loan advance in these times. The only reliable way for that on the spot financial solution. ==================================================== This is a paid post.

Survey on "Feminism"

I tried doing this survey and I find it interesting and at the same time I will be paid without any cost for me. This survey took me only a minute to answer and this one is worth 0.97 cents. Sounds small but you can answer and post 5 surveys each day. Click the survey for more information if you want to generate more income to your blog.

Mnemonic Series No. 15: SCI and Levels of Spine Nerves

Spinal cord injury causes myelopathy or damage to white matter or myelinated fiber tracts that carry sensation and motor signals to and from the brain. It also damages gray matter in the central part of the spinal, causing segmental losses of interneurons and motoneurons. Spinal cord injury can occur from many causes, including:

• Trauma such as automobile accidents, falls, gunshots, diving accidents, war injuries, etc.

• Tumor such as meningiomas, ependymomas, astrocytomas, and metastatic cancer.

• Ischemia resulting from occlusion of spinal blood vessels, including dissecting aortic aneurisms, emboli, arteriosclerosis. • Developmental disorders, such as spina bifida, meningomyolcoele, and other.

• Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Friedreich's ataxia, spinocerebellar ataxia, etc.

• Demyelinative diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis.

• Transverse myelitis, resulting from spinal cord stroke, inflammation, or other causes.

• Vascular malformations, such as arteriovenous malformation (AVM), dural arteriovenous fistula (AVF), spinal hemangioma, cavernous angioma and aneurysm.

This clue will help you memorized specific symptoms of SPINAL CORD INJURY depending on what level in the spinal cord is affected. At the same time will also help you recall how many cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral normally we have.

A Little of Manic-depressive Disorder

Manic-depressive illness as we commonly address bipolar disorder, is a psychiatric condition that causes odd changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. The characteristics of a person having this disorder are very different from a normal person’s emotion of happiness and sadness (ups and downs). The reasons of developing a bipolar disorder is multi factoral; genetic, ability to cope stress, are just but many to consider.The symptoms are severe and it should be presented with one or more mood episodes, at least one of which is manic, hypomanic or mixed state.

Signs and symptoms of mania (or a manic episode) include:

Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood

Extreme irritability

Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another

Distractibility, can’t concentrate well

Little sleep needed

Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers

Poor judgment

Spending sprees

A lasting period of behavior that is different from usual

Increased sexual drive

Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications

Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior

Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.[...]

Signs and symptoms of depression (or a depressive episode) include: Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood

Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, including sex

Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue or of being “slowed down”

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Restlessness or irritability

Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep

Change in appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain

Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms that are not caused by physical illness or injury

Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

Treatment:

Bipolar disorder usually respond with psychotherapy like:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family/Marriage Counseling, Gestalt Therapy Group Therapy Psychoanalytic Therapy

Pharmacological intervention such as:

Anti-Anxiety and Sedatives, Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, Mood Stabilizers Calcium Channel Blockers

There are a lot of types, differential diagnosis, treatment regimens, studies about Bipolar disorder more than these. Search the Internet if you want to know deeper this kind of brain disorder.

I was Tagged

Got tagged by Rey , just find time to read my non sense answers! hehehe:

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night? Donna

2. What were you doing at 0800? out to buy something at 7/11

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago? ate lunch at chowking

4. What happened to you in 2006? Passed the NCLEX-RN.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud? Syet na Malagket! hehehe.

6. How many beverages did you have today? Red Ice Tea, Coffee, coke light (3)

7. What color is your hairbrush? pink and white

8. What was the last thing you paid for? siomai and tofu at chowking.

9. Where were you last night? At my room watching HBO

10. What color is your front door? Let me look....

11. Where do you keep your change? cup.

12. What’s the weather like today? Cloudy.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor? for me, PISTACHIO

14. What excites you? New opps! hehehe.

15. Do you want to cut your hair? BIG NO.

16. Are you over the age of 25? BIG Yes.

17. Do you talk a lot? With the RIGHT person, YES.

18. Do you watch the O.C.? NOPE.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven? Spielberg. hehehe

20. Do you make up your own words? adododo adadada ahaha! wowowee! hehehe!

21. Are you a jealous person? A little.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Amy Jane, a HS friend.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Karol Ronie.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list? no number.

25. What does the last text message you received say? Andyan na si Mam.

26. Do you chew on your straw? Yes, yuck.

27. Do you have curly hair? Sometimes, using curling Iron. hehehe.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to? Davao City this christmas and new year!

29. Who’s the rudest person in your life? One from SPC.

30. What was the last thing you ate? cashew nuts

31. Will you get married in the future? Yes, I guess.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? none!

33. Is there anyone you like right now? No one in particular

34. When was the last time you did the dishes? Awhile ago.

35. Are you currently depressed? A little.

36. Did you cry today? Nope.

37. Why did you answer and post this? got tagged and I am in the mood in doing it!

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey: KR, donna, vanessa, shela , lisa

Are You Poor in Writing?

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5 Best-selling Plastic Surgery Procedures

Cosmetic surgery today is very popular and it seems as it is as easy as going to your dentist for a root canal. Although there are still protocols and procedures to undergo before going under the knife, we cannot deny that it is easier done these days.

Here are the top 5 cosmetic surgery procedures ever done.

1. Rhinoplasty/Nose Lift.

(Greek: Rhinos, "Nose" + Plastikos, "to shape")

is a cosmetic surgery procedure that reshapes the nose to a natural-looking form that fits with your other facial features.In some cases, the surgeon may shape a small piece of the patient's own cartilage or bone to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose. Client usually can go home immediately after the procedure and will comeback for follow up check up.

Anesthesia: general or local

Position: supine

2. Abdominoplasty/Tummy Tuck

is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to remove redundant skin and underlying subcutaneous fat from the abdominal area and the repair of the rectus muscle as necessary.The umbilicus is incised in a diamond shape and preserved for later replacement.

Anesthesia: General

Position: Supine with arms extended on board.

3. Liposuction

is a cosmetic surgery of removal of subcutaneous fat deposits employing a high-pressure vacuum-suctioning device.it is done it specific area such as the hips, thighs and abdomen. This procedure is may be done together with abdominoplasty and the procedure is now then called as Lipoabdominoplasty.

Aesthesia: General

Position: usually Supine

4. Augmentation Mammoplasty/ Breast Augmentation

is a surgical procedure of placing a saline-filled or silicon-gel-filled implant in the breast to enlarge its size. Incision is made discretely usually below the breast in the inframammary fold.

Anesthesia: General

Position: Supine with arms extended on board

5. Rhytidectomy/Face Lift

Literally, surgical removal of wrinkles, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to give a more youthful appearance. It usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the redraping the skin on the patient's face and neck. Face lifts are commonly combined with eye surgery (blepharoplasty)

Anesthesia: General

Position: Supine

Terminating Termites

One of the biggest problems when owning a house is termites. It slowly eats the house or furniture without you noticing it. Termites eat cellulose, the building block of wood. The owner of the house cannot see this insects because it hide deep in wood and soil. They look very diverse and they are in colony so you need to see some pictures of termites to know how these insects seem like. Termites are not easy to detect and very difficult to eliminate if you are not an expert on this matter.

You spend a lot of money in building or buying a house and if termites will just destroy it, the house will lose its worth on the long run. Investing some amount of money in termite control will save and preserve that dream house we built. Think of it.

Thank you http://www.killthetermites.com/ for this post.

Top 5 Foods for Women by Joan Raymond

Here are the top 5 foods for all women out there! I find this article very helpful to us, women so I am sharing this with you...

Cranberries

They earn super status for their ability to help fight off nasty urinary tract infections. About 10 ounces of juice a day does the trick. Plus, recent research shows that cranberries might also help fend off colds and fight stomach bugs, gum disease, and certain types of cancer. Add a little unsweetened cranberry juice to smoothies, and sprinkle some dried berries into cereal and muffin mix[...]

Walnuts

These nuts are rich in omega-3s, which help reduce inflam-mation and increase good cholesterol. They may even help with depression and reduce your risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Top your salad with 1/4 cup or try them in pesto.

Beans

The humble legume may prevent heart disease and help head ?off colon cancer. Rich in two heart-friendly phytochemicals, beans are packed with magnesium, potassium, folate, and fiber. Get a 1/2 cup five to six times per week by adding canned kidney and garbanzo beans (rinse and drain first) to salads, burritos, and dips.

Fish

Studies show that eating seafood rich in omega-3s at least twice a week could reduce your risk of heart disease. And the reports say women of childbearing age and nursing mothers can safely eat as much as 12 ounces of seafood a week if they avoid high-mercury swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel; albacore tuna should be limited to 6 ounces a week.

Tomatoes

Loaded with the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes and ?cooked tomato products pack a big health punch (at 32 milligrams, 1 cup of spaghetti sauce serves up the day’s recommended intake). Studies show that women with lycopene-rich diets can have as much as a 50 percent lower risk of developing breast cancer. The antioxidant can also lower your blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and may even reduce your risk of getting macular degeneration and a host of cancers.