The Pantene Shampoo Scam

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Earlier this January 2013, a man came into my work place at the drugstore to offer some big tubes of Pantene shampoo, a hair product owned by Procter and Gamble. I was with a colleague that time. He showed us his company ID and asked if we would want to buy shampoo products which was excess order from a grocery nearby. My friend and colleague got interested since she can get the product in a wholesale price. However, the salesman was selling his merchandize by 6’s the least. My colleague only wanted one big tube of the Pantene shampoo. So, in the end, she didn’t buy anything from the man.

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Will You Advice Your Child to Punch Someone?

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Violence is never a good thing. Generally, educated and sensible people settle arguments in a diplomatic way – though talking. Yet, there are some cases to consider. Some people would rather take action – using their fists instead of their mouth to solve problems. In schools, as bullying can be openly popular, talking to the aggressor may not be efficient especially when their superiors (teachers) would choose not to intervene.

Interestingly, some parents would let their children fix their own problems by fighting back.

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Putting an Annoying Drinker to Sleep with MSG

MSG is monosodium glutamate. It is probably the most popular flavor enhancer throughout the globe. Discovered by Professor Kidune Ikeda of Tokyo Imperial University in the 1908, MSG has created an unhealthy reputation because of its undesirable effects on some people.

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The FDA has categorized MSG as GRAS or Generally Recognized as Safe. However, monosodium glutamate (MSG) has been cited to cause migraine, insomnia, depression, anxiety and cognitive disorders. It is also linked to obesity as it can be very addicting in food. MSG can also cause palpitation, hypotension or hypertension, stomach pains, blurred vision, dizziness and even hives.

In Asian countries, MSG has remained a favorite. Interestingly, in some parts of the Philippines, MSG is also used to sedate talkative drunk individuals.

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Medical Mission Volunteer Benefits

Medical missions are something to wait for. While it is actually intended for the poor, the middle class and even the rich people can also benefit from its services. Locals may admire volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists and other health professionals for their free service, but is it really free? What can these people gain as volunteers for a medical mission?

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Medical missions are common in developing countries. These are generally organized by Catholics or Christians. While there are international groups such as the American Leprosy Missions and the CMMB’s Medical Volunteer Program, there are also the local groups. In the Philippines, the most recognized medical mission groups are the St. Charles Borromeo Philipine Medical Mission and H.O.P.E Foundation International.

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Ladders and Passageways Dream Interpretation: Are These Bad?

A friend of mine used to dream about a big and old scary house. In her dream, the house was actually hers. The house was really big and appeared seemingly more spacious because of its lack of furniture. She had this dream on two to four occasions – always the same gloomy house.

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What’s disturbing about it, was her always on a run from someone. She would end up on a small room or a kitchen and from there; she would find a secret passageway – a ladder leading down. She would endlessly climb down into the bottom, then up again into a different passageway. She would get tire at one time, only to discover that she had lost herself in the maze of tunnels and ladders.

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Are You In Love With a Ladies Man?

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We tend to meet a ladies man once in a while. They can be popular guys we know or some stranger with the most appealing personality we meet. With a notorious name and face, there is an advantage. We know what kind of person he is, we’ll think twice before getting involved. But with a new guy possessing the most solemn face and the nicest words, that’s a dilemma.

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Where Are The Doctors?

In the Philippines, while rich and powerful people get the most privileges, little people are deprived of almost everything- and would you believe even with their government doctors?

I work as a pharmacist in a generic drugstore designed for people who want cheaper medicines. Every day, I talk to customers explaining to them the difference between the generic and branded drugs. Most of my customers are from the lower class- still ignorant and in need of assistance regarding the concept of medicine. Sadly, these people usually undergo self medication- bad that they are not being diagnosed by a registered physician and worse that they are always buying the wrong medicine for their ailments.

No money

With the crisis going on, most drugstores in the Philippines normally let customers buy OTC medicine and even Rx drugs, providing them with proper instructions and information about the medications they are buying. But when it comes to serious conditions, customers are being advised to see a doctor first, specifically if a young child or infant is involved.

Unfortunately, eight out of ten of these people would risk their health by buying unfamiliar medicine suggested by friends rather than seek help from a real doctor. Two reasons: Private Doctors are expensive and government doctors are hard to find.

No doctors

The Philippine government provides health care units for every municipality. These health units consist of doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives. The aim of these facilities is to provide health education, free medicine and other medical services for its people, particularly for those who couldn’t afford these necessities. While some of these facilities are still unavailable in some parts of the country, in particular those beyond the reach of the government, those towns with these services still fail to support those people who needed help.

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Just recently, we have been receiving prescriptions made by midwives. In the absence of the physician, these can be acceptable. The funny thing about it was that, ‘the prescriber’ seemed no to know the drug he was recommending. The capsule was abbreviated cup instead of cap; The teaspoon was abbreviated TBSP for tablespoon, when a four year old child should be taking it; No strength indicated, the pharmacy personnel would have to ask how old the person taking it and one must understand that the dosage of the drug also depends on the weight of the patient and severity of the disease; And more disturbingly, the generic name of the medicine didn’t make sense with the brand.

Now, we may ask? Where was the doctor? Took a stroll somewhere while the midwives performed the job for him?

Can’t afford people waste their time and wait in line just to be diagnosed by midwives? It is no wonder; these people would definitely turn to self medication.

Then again, being thoughtful, government doctors could have been on a seminar or they could have some emergencies elsewhere, every week. It is really unfair for them not to have time for themselves with the exemption of Saturday and Sunday offs. And whatever happened to the Hippocrates oath?

Considering the problem closely, we may ask the government, is the salary of our government doctors not enough for them to do their job well? And is this also the reason, why most of them fly to other countries to become nurses instead of serving their own people?

No hope?

I am not a political person. My only concern is the well being of my customers- their right for a proper health care. But it seems like, any problems involving people are always linked to its government.

Political leaders are not perfect. Most of them make bad impressions by enjoying some privileges they deserve. How can they resist depriving themselves of a luxurious dinner in a foreign country while hundreds of Filipino people young and old die of hunger? And did I mention that they ate with the country’s money?

They say that people make their government. It is not the fault of the leaders of whatever ill fate befalls to its country. It is always the decision of the people. But how can a sick, illiterate or a jobless person make a wise decision? As it would turn out, he will only be bought by some influential shark.

(c) Phoenix Montoya 2010

Lovable Songs You Would Hate to Sing

Bed of Roses maybe an English expression, which means an easy and peaceful life, but with the Bed of Roses by John Francis Bongiovi Jr, it’s a different thing. 

It’s not about the Bon Jovi band being a hard rock band, it’s in the lyrics. Bed of Roses is an over-radio played song in the 90’s when metal and hip hop groups would clash. Then again, Bed of Roses is neither the song for the metal groups nor the hip hops.

Try singing it yourself and find out.

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Bed of Roses is one of the  seven songs with catchy tunes and lovely melodies, but queer ideas that will make you think twice.

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How To Deal With Odd or Weird People

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Some of us as of now, could be living with the emotionally disturbed people or we may encounter some of them from time to time. They can be sometimes threatening or annoying. But, we can do well with them by through respect and understanding.

• Don’t make fun of them

They can do things that can really be hilarious and some people, as nut as they are, participate with these mental patients by provoking them to make much a fool of themselves.

• Give a helping hand

Abandoned mental patients are usually dirty and they can be repulsive. They normally ask for money. However, if you have food or clothing, these will be much of a help for them.

• Report them to the authorities

Authorities may find suitable places for the mentally ill and some them may be individuals separated from their families. Special children or demented old people normally wander away from their homes. The authorities can definitely help in notifying the families of these people.

• Do not judge them as bad

Mental illness may have resulted from addiction and yes, we may think, it’s their fault and it’s the verdict they must face. But remember everyone deserves another chance.

• Ask help from an expert

Some emotionally disturbed people can really have a fit or could go amok. Don’t try to face them when you know they cannot be dealt with. Phone the police instead. For some reason, disturbed people usually listen to authority.
In the case of a kin, seek help from his doctor or to someone he would pay attention to.

• Understand more

It annoys you much when a sister of yours is very much afraid of bugs. You may think, what’s the big deal, it’s so small? Then again, think that she probably had gone something tragic about that harmless thing. Just be thankful that you are not having a problem same as hers.

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Senna As a Slimming Herbal Tea

When senna cleanses and eliminates the toxin through defecation, it also takes out the fatty and oily food from inside the body. Its laxative composition flushes the food out of the body, minimizing the absorption of calories.

While senna tea can be brewed at home, there are prepared branded types that can be bought in drugstore outlets and groceries. Some commercial brands of senna tea include Biguerlai, Biofit and Bija Gentle Senna.

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One cup of senna tea is indicated once a day.

Senna tea is not to be given to an individual who has a heart disease, to someone who has intestinal obstruction or bowel disorders like ulcerative colitis. It is also to be used in precaution with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. In addition, children under 12 years old are also not advised to take senna tea.

The common side effects of senna tea include stomach pains, nausea and diarrhea.

Senna tea can interfere with the effect of lanoxin, a heart medication and it should not be used with diuretics to avoid lessening of potassium. 

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Stay Beautiful, Stop Smoking Cigarettes

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 This article was originally entitled 'Seven More Reasons to Quit Smoking' published by Phoenix Montoya under the user name phoenix35.

It was copy pasted by different blog sites:

 http://www.dailynewsbrief.net/2011/03/seven-more-reasons-to-quit-smoking.html


http://sridharmodel.blogspot.com/2011/03/seven-more-reasons-to-quit-smoking.html


http://www.braininjuryinfo.info/blog/


http://www.globalregulatoryaffairs.net/reasons_quit_smoking/


http://www.acne-advisor.com/reasons_quit_smoking/

from its original website Bukisa

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/354399_seven-more-reasons-to-quit-smoking

The Main Article:

We all know that cigarette or tobacco smoking is bad for the health. It arises many risks such as pulmonary diseases, emphysema, heart attacks, stroke, cancer etc. In spite of these complications, many people, particularly those belonging to the younger generations, think of smoking as part of being cool. While some believe that smoking adds appeal to a man’s rogue effect, women who smoke are regarded as sophisticated. Not all can have the same opinion to these, yet one thing is quite agreeable, that smoking can be very bad for the body’s physical features. Smoking can robe a person’s good looks and youth.

Smoking kills but if you are vain about your looks. The following facts can be more frightening to you that death.

• Dry and fragile skin

Smoking reduces the water content of the skin’s outer layer.

• Wrinkles around the nose and mouth

Chemicals in cigarette or tobacco such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar and lead reduce blood flow to the skin, reducing circulating of oxygen and break down the skin’s collagen and elastin.

• Risk of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a disease that causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. It can be usually seen in the skin of the elbows and knees, but can also affect any area including the scalp and genitals.  Studies reveal that the risk of psoriasis was 37% higher among past smokers and 78% higher among current smokers.

• Skin cancer

Smokers are more than three times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma of the skin than non-smokers. Smoking induces skin cancer by holding back the immune system. And patients with suppressed immune systems are more susceptible to squamous cell carcinoma in many locations, including the skin.

• Hair loss

Hair is able to grow because of hair follicles. The dermal papilla, which are near the bottom of hair follicles, are responsible for creating new cells. The new cells shove themselves upward, moving the old cells upward. When the cells reach the middle of the hair follicle, they die out and become hard. They become the central core of the hair follicle and afterward, become the new hair shaft. Smoking prevents dermal papilla from growing. This hinders the hair from growing.

• Yellow teeth

Nicotine and tar leaves a sticky residue on the teeth. Even with one inhalation of cigarette smoke, stains are left behind. There are brands of cigarettes that contain more nicotine and tar than the others. The higher the ratio of nicotine and tar, the more the teeth will be stained by the cigarette.

• Yellow nails

Tar and nicotine are also components of cigarette or tobacco that cause yellow fingernails.  These two stain the fingernails and the skin surrounding the fingers that hold the cigarette.

There is nothing cool about smoking. So, if you love your looks, stop smoking cigarette.  It can definitely rob one's youth and beauty.

(c) Phoenix Montoya @ September 14, 2010

Issue: Sleeping on the Job

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Eight out of ten employees - security guards, nurses, teachers and office workers, admit that one to four in the morning and afternoon are the sleepiest hours. Model employees try to resist sleep. They would try to keep doing their work then discover themselves dozing off.

Some companies understand the value of sleep. They give ten to fifteen minute nap allotment to their employees. These companies believe that a few minutes break can help an employee freshen up to do their work better.

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Playing Plants VS Zombies – Free Online Game

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Like the game Angry Birds, Plants VS Zombies is also one of the most popular games loved and enjoyed by most people, young and old. While its full version is down-loadable, interested individuals tend to pay 99 pesos, about two dollars for this game. Of course, we can also play Plants VS Zombies for free.

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Issue: The Jack-O-Lantern Story

While vampires, witches, ghouls and other nocturnal creatures are the usual symbols for Halloween, pumpkins – specifically Jack-o-lanterns are always visible too.

Jack-o-lanterns have always been a part Halloween for centuries. This tradition has originated from an Irish legend Stingy Jack. 

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As the story goes, Jack’s stinginess had given him his dark faith. While with a devil in a bar, Jack had managed to trick the devil to turning into a coin that they can have drinks. But, instead of paying for the drinks, Jack cunningly put the devil  inside his pocket. The devil was not able to regain his true form because Jack had placed a silver cross with the devil. But after a while Jack did let go of the devil under the oath that this devil won’t bother him for a year and if Jack would die during that period, the devil won’t claim his soul. 

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However, the next year, Jack had tricked the devil once more. This time he made the devil promise that he won’t bother him for ten years and if Jack should die, the devil won’t claim his soul.

Eventually, Jack did die. He was not welcomed by the heaven because of his misdeed. And hell wouldn’t have him either because of the devil’s oath.

So, Jack was set off to wander the dark earth with only a burning coal to light his way.

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The Irish had recognized the ghostly figure as ‘Jack of the Lantern’ and soon enough they began carving off scary faces in pumpkins, then placing them into the windows and doors to drive away ‘Stingy Jack’ and other wandering evil spirits.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Setting Aside Who's The Boss Around Here

 I am one of those lazy pharmacists who refuse to attend seminars or conventions. For one reason, these are costly for I don't usually get some drug representative to sponsor for me. And another thing, I find the topics irrelevant. But last March 5, I had to attend a seminar at Queen Margaret hotel, Lucena city for some licensing issues.

Mercifully, the seminar became worth-while. Not to mention, I also enjoyed the company of dear colleagues.

 The subject focused mainly on professional relations involving doctors, nurses and pharmacists. I had to agree, having an experience in working with a doctor. Sometimes, it is really difficult to tell them when  they have the wrong idea on some things. Doctors are like bosses. It is so awkward to made an inquiry when they wrote an instruction of taking a cotrimoxazole 4 times a day when they should have written it twice a day only. It could be a common mistake but sometimes doctors have their own reasons in giving a medicine based on the severity of the disease. They could have written an Rx right... or wrong.

Patients would believe physicians more instead of listening to pharmacists or nurses. Naturally,a patient's  safety is in their hands.

The thing is (at least for me and my colleagues coz most people consider us as shy lol) we must be assertive in telling a doctor or  a fellow health professional  on a certain health care matter.This may offend them or probably will not matter at all ,but  we must remember that the patient's health is  always at stake.

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A Prescription for Condoms?

In Barangay Ayala Alabang in Muntinlupa City, people will need a prescription to buy a condom. That means if someone would want to buy a condom, he or she will need a prescription from a physician, with the name of the doctor and the patient on it. Pharmacies cannot just sell condoms among the soap and the shampoo and vitamins. It has to be sold behind the counter and with a prescription.

Residents may buy condoms in another place and bring the condoms into Ayala Alabang, but they are not allowed to sell it or give it away if they are within the territorial jurisdiction of the barangay.

Violators of the ordinance's provisions will be fined an amount no less than P1,000 but not exceeding P5,000 for the first offense. A second offense will be fined not less than P5,000 and will merit imprisonment for not less than one month but not exceeding six months. Violators will also be held civilly liable to the offended party.

Sounds Funny?

This is actually in response of the RH bill- a prolife action other than contraception. The barangay ordinance cites the following:

• any person who advertises, promotes, sells or distributes for free any kind of abortifacient will be penalized.

• abortifacients are defined as any device, medicine or substance that may damage or interfere with the natural development or cause the expulsion or death of an unborn child.

• The use of barangay funds for the purchase or provision of contraceptives is also prohibited.

• According to the ordinance, the barangay views contraceptive pills, hormonal contraceptives, and IUDs as products that can kill children and injure the health of women who use them.

My response? OMG!!! Contraceptives do not kill. 

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• Related article: Condom Advertisements: Banned in the Philippines