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

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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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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!

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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.

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Survey on "Feminism"

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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.