The Essence of Destiny

Watch your thoughts for they become your Words. Choose your words for they become Actons. Understand your actions for they become Habits. Study your habits for they will become your Character. Develop your character for they will become your Destiny.

by Anonymous

Do what you Love

Doing what you love is not a recipe for an easier life,

It is a recipe for an interesting life ... :-)

- Andrew Matthews -

Serenity

To walk when others are running;

To whispher when others are shouting;

To sleep when others are restless;

To smile when others are angry;

To work when others are idle;

Ta pause when others are hurrying;

To pray when others are doubting;

To think when others are in confusion;

To face turmoil, yet to feel composure;

To know inner calm inspite of everything;

This is the test of serenity.

Taking full Responsibility

I want to share my thoughts about this, because this has something to do of how we act in a situations or how do we see ourselves when we need to protect someone? How do we handle peer pressure? Do we usually avoid conflict? Do you speak truthfully? Afraid to tell the truth because you like just the safe answer. These what we call taking full responsibility.

Judas, the one who betrayed his friend Jesus (Mathew 26:47-49) for thirty silver coins were seizes with remorse, hanged himself because he has no courage to carry the full consequence of what he did. (Mathew 27:4-5). In this scripture Mathew 27:11-26 Jesus was accused of being a criminal, Pontius Pilate who was the most influential man during that time could have been release Jesus from accusation. Pilate knew from the very start that Jesus was an innocent man since his wife warned him about it but because of the uproar of the people, he took the water and washed his hands to please the crowd, instead Pilate sentence Jesus to put to death on the cross without taking full responsibility of his action and decision. What is the lesson here? Pilate missed the opportunity to a take a stand for what he feels is right. He missed the beauty and privilege to care enough, to give justice and to be a person of integrity when he make his own discretion.

The Beauty of Change

"There is no growth without change, there is no change without fear or loss and there is no loss without pain. Every change involves a loss of some kind. You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new.

By Rick Warren

To be honest, I think for me, "change" is the most scary word. Why? Maybe because sometimes it's hard to be humble up and accept things. Naturally, we are resistance when people criticize us and tell us something we need to change. When we are in the comfort zone in our work and our boss ask us to change something in our system. Of course when there are not so good changes happen in our relationships.

On the other hand, change is the only way to unfold hidden things. I know that I need to be bold enough to accept change for every aspects of my life. In a godly perspective change means growth and opportunities. We should be positive and open for the call of change in our life, even for people who called us to change for something. It is better to be criticize and take it in a positive way, than no one dare to notice us and say nothing about us that means they don't care. So let go and let's open the door for change.

Your Good Investment

Happy Year 2010!

"When God wants to make a mushroom, he does it overnight, but when he wants to make a giant oak, he takes a hundred years. Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering. Be patient with the process. "

By Rick Warren

Have you wonder why we have to struggle of something in our life? I thought sometimes life has lot of strange or surprise challenges. When I am in the midst of sufferings or something really hard situations, I would try to comfort myself. I will even talk to myself in the mirror. I would say, "Hey, there is always end of this, sure there will be sunshine and you will afford to smile one day, don't worry". I focus on other things, like I give, share, smile and help whatever I can do. I decide to do good to others maybe praying for them and build them up and humble up. That makes my day up. So don't envy with people who seems has no problem. Everyone has each own, when you are facing one, God is doing the good work in you. Great day!

Faith Lift

Mathew 1:18-25

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about [a]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, [b] because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" [c] (which means "God with us").
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

(Please read continuously the whole Chapter 2, book of Mathew)

The birth of Jesus Christ was never been easy. Even from what Joseph and Mary his parents had gone through to fulfill the calling of God. Imagine the time before Christ, the Holy Spirit intercede with the man and the angels of the Lord speaks to dreams to deliver their message to a normal people. In the life of Joseph and Mary who has both great fear in God, you will see in the scriptures the deliverance and the work of God in their lives. That’s incredible!

I was trying to meditate the story of Joseph and Mary based from the bible. And I realize how much the faith they need to have that time to gone through their marriage and for Mary being a virgin to carry the plan of God to become the mother of Jesus Christ. Was it difficult? Yes.

Do we have difficult times too? The year 2009 was also never been good for me I confess, even in the very beginning. I still remember the dilemma, the first week of the month of January. It was a situation that everyone will never wish to happen as you were being deceived. Because the big amount of money I carried that day on my bag was stolen unknowingly. I was really crying on my way to office coming from the bank that I supposed to deposit the money. In the office, I called right away my close friend and I felt I'm really in grieve and shared my hurt to her. It's really painful? You have trusted that every people you will encounter were safe but not, for me it’s a traumatic experience. Really that broke my heart and makes me cry whenever that thing pops up on my mind. Maybe that whole month I was in a mess spiritually and emotionally. I was like in a restless battle inside me. Little did I know, I had come up with a lot of questions on my mind towards God and with my faith, same with my family and my personal a lot of things were happening. I continually search for an answer from God on my prayers despite of all. But it was already September 2009 that I was still receiving a message from above. It was the time when a great storm hit the whole Manila. I never thought I will be facing other difficult situations, when I was caught with almost 4 feet flood in the street going home. I was so afraid that I thought I would die anytime. God was so good that he send someone to help me get through the flood. When I finally got home, I went in my room at once and burst into tears and really struggled emotionally that I couldn’t even pray.

Alright, I will stop from there because I finally got an answer from all those lingering questions on my mind. God made me gone through those sufferings and challenges for only one reason, to help me build my faith on Him. As I was writing this as my last article this year 2009, I can say and feel that God gave me a different spirit. He had blessed me a lot of things this year that fades my disappointments and replace it with a lot of appreciation of His love and peace. God is great.

Sometimes we never know that sufferings is an avenue to have faith that simply trusting God. We all want to transform our faith. Isn't it? I think only through unceasing prayers and complete reliance on God that we will experience "Faith Lift".

The Five Love Languages

I remember her gestures. She’s a wonderful child, a lovely girl. Tanya is smart like her Mom. Bethink our bonding time we were playing, she’s crawling on my bed and her laughs sounds like an angel. She’s holding a doll and I’m trying to pull it from her and playfully place it on her back. In her small hand and body, she would try reach the toy and If I won’t allow her to tap my hand, she will bite my knee with her giggles on her face. I do remember those moments with her because her facial reactions were really funny . She was just about 8 months old baby girl that time. She has set her own routine. Around 6pm, she has already taken her solid food, then give her bath, prepares her for sleep and lastly gave her a bottle of milk until she sleep. In exactly ten in the evening, the room was already dark because we’re both ready for sleep.

In the morning she’s pretty early to wake up than me. I’ll get her from the baby’s crib and place her on my bed. While I’m still about to wake up. I will set her up to watch her favorite cartoons or watching TV and let her play the remote button of the television. I noticed that she’s very smart girl because she can transfer from one channel to another while looking at the remote control. I would observe her face reactions and she enjoyed doing it every morning. I will not forget the day on her 11th month from crawling, she took her first step and slowly walk. It’s a great joy to see her walking and try reaching my hand in the end of the steps. Truly I feel proud to be part of Tanya’s life. I am sure she will grow as bright and obedient child to her parents.

I compare this story of mine with the love languages of love. Generally a child has their own love language that you adult have to speak to them in their developing stage. These love languages are embrace, kisses, hugs, affection and quality time with them. It is not the material things that sometimes the normal parents are trying to give to their child as their trying to speak their love language. It’s the attention and affection you have shown and made them felt in their young age that will sink in. When you as parents speak that kind of love, you are building the future emotional stability of your child and their security. I think for me, I listen to the child sincerely and attentively.

This book I would like to recommend to everyone to read is entitled "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. I have finish read it and it's a great book. It say's there we are all human that we naturally want and need to feel love by the people we loved. These five languages are:

- Words of affirmation
- Quality time
- Receiving gifts
- Acts of Service
- Physical touch

Our expression of love should speak on these languages or there might be a miscommunication according to the book. The goal of this book is that everyone to learn to speak each other love language to a significant being whether to a child and especially to the couple or lovers.

What do you think is your love language? What would you wish your partner will do to make you feel love? The book says speaking each other love language is the important key. Happy day!

What's there in Life? (Part 2)

It’s around eleven forty midnight, I look around at the corner of the room, on my hand is the small toy made of cloth that looks like a plant in the pot with a smiling face flower, when you grip the toy, it will talk like saying “'ya lyublyu tebya” which means “ I love you. I move closer to the baby’s crib, she’s sleeping tight with her hands on the pillow. I touch her hands for the last time, rub her forehead and kiss her little foot.

Slightly, I feel nervous and take my deep breath, release all my tension. I recalled my sentiments the first time I’ll be separated from my family and friends, the church I had been attending for more than a decade, it ‘s really hard. That time I’m uncertain of what’s going to happen in my life for one year. On my sit while looking at the clouds over the window of the plane, I’m asking myself, what would I expect from the place I am about to go. For the first time, I made a radical decision for my life, doing things that I have not done before, leaving my family, and having a new friends around me. All I know, I prayed for this and was heard.

About exactly twelve midnight I close the door of my room, say goodbye kiss with grandmother and Ms. Jenia. I keep all their warm gestures of love and concerns for me. Then pick up my suitcase and finally get in to the car to bring me to the airport. It’s midnight and I’m afraid that time because it ‘s only their body guard that’s with me on the car. So while were a few distance from the house, I’m thinking a while ago and after a few seconds, I hear a very loud music inside the car. I asked Alexander, the bodyguard “ What’s going on? ” I said, “Your music is so loud”, we can’t even hear each other and he drive so fast that I need to tight my sit belt and hold to my sit. And he said, “ You know we are flying!” What? I got scared of him and thought this man was acting unusual. So I prayed a little, to help me get to the airport safe. We are living in the hills, so normally the streets are little dark and houses are in distant. We travelled just almost forty minutes, which normally that take an hour and half going to the city where the airport was located. We finally slow down when we saw the building lighting up the Siberia airport. I get out from the car and say thanks and goodbye to the body guard, I tried to forget all weird things I thought of this bodyguard, the most important now I reach the airport safe and sound. I hurried to go to the boarding room, arrived thirty minutes before my departure time.

There were uncertain feelings I had before going back home. I don’t even care my exhausted look at that time, but still carrying smile, maybe on my face was marked of anxiety because of whole day stress. As I get off from the plane, I saw my whole family and relatives waiting for me for almost five hours. It was two o’clock in the morning when our plane goes on board to the NAIA airport. I was very tired coming from almost 16 hours travel time, running from one airport to another, but when I saw the kids also waiting for me, and they were all happy and excited to see me, I was overjoyed when I saw all of them and I thought my joy was complete. Kids were all excited to receive their gifts and chocolates as well as the adult one. So funny that it caused me a problem because my one bag of chocolates I bought in Siberia is not enough. Chocolates in Siberia are best and really cheap that is something I will not forget from that country. So I list down all the names of my family, friends and church mates, they are a lot! I got a headache that time dividing my gifts huuuh! 

It was really great reminisce those tremendous memories that was part me. When I think about it right now, I would smile and be grateful. I know for me, those transitions happened in my life was because I know in my heart, I’m trying to complete something that I know God has left for me to do and He pave the way.

How about you? Do you have something in your heart that you think the chances is calling you to do it right at this moment? Of course doing things with your clear consience towards God. What are we really looking for in life?

For me, I conclude that life is like a maze. We are all incapable to build it. Our life is a constant journey, with the help and our faith in God, we will know that satisfying and successful life is when you make your life surrounds with what you know you consider true treasures.

What's there in Life? (Part I)

For a long time, I have kept this small notebook of mine on my shelf. I was thinking to put up my notes on that notebook to my computer files for keep sake. I also thought I would need this in the future and would serve as reminder for me when I had my rigid training in a hospital.

On the other hand, I decided to write these notes on my web page blog for my compilations. Also for others who would have a chance to read could have at least ideas about what is in this training.

Yes, I do have three to four months caregiver training in one of the prestigious hospital here in the Philippines. I had finished a short training program in a caregiver school. I studied hard and I even got the “Duty Award” the highest grade earned from duty on my batch in our school. I remembered the night shift duty from eleven in the evening until six in the morning and each night, our Nurse trainer would give us quiz in our 30 minutes break, which is always after each student finish reporting the research done about the illness of the patients assigned to him/her on the duty. So of course, I better listen to the reporter or else I don't have anything to write on my paper. We usually assigned to a different patients each day, definitely I was exposed to different patients with atypical health conditions. I felt a little good about myself every time I do my job for the patients. I thought this is what I like to do. For the mean time I will stop here and will continue on Part II.

The following reports written below are just my notes from training. It only serves as a reminder and a guide. You may consult to a medical books or your doctor about the illness. So don't get panic when you're reading this post...hope you just enjoy being informed. God bless you all!

*CEREBRO VASCULAR ACCIDENT – stroke or brain attack. The three important parts are:
Cerebro – having to do with the brain
Vascular – having to do with the blood vessels
Accident – something unpredictable and unexpected.

Stroke or brain attack is when brain cells in the area affected and do not get oxygen and nutrients. Brain cells or tissue die and the brain damage occur. The functions controlled by that part of the brain are lost or impaired.

Manifestation:
CVA occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is stopped due to a blocked blood vessel.

The four main causes are:

1. A blood clot can form elsewhere in the body, travel to the brain and lodge in a small vessel. This is called embolus – or wandering embolus. Embolus is a clot carried by the circulatory system from its place of formation to another site, usually causing an obstruction.

Embolism – wandering air or blood clot – could be air embolism

2. A blood clot can form in the brain itself and remain there. This is called thrombus.

A plaque can accumulate in the blood vessels and eventually close them. Plaque or the Atherosclerosis – accumulation of fatty deposits within the blood vessels attached to the vessel walls or arteries.

Arteriosclerosis – hardening of fatty deposits

3. A blood vessel can burst causing a hemorrhage. This is most common in people who have hypertension.

Signs and Symptoms or Disorder of CVA
- Transient Ischemic Accident (TSI) – temporary interruption of blood supply in the brain.
- Sudden numbness or weakness of one side of the body which they call hemi paresis or Hemiplegic
- Nausea, vomiting and memory loss
- Unconsciousness or noisy breathing
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
- Difficulty in speaking
- Loss of speech or aphasia
- Problem with balance
- Sight disorder in one or both eye
- Loss of sensitivity

Results of CVA:
Cerebral hemorrhage – bleeding. Bleeds often result of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, aneurysm. Bleeds within the arteries that burst or dilatation of arteries.
Cerebral infarction – death of brain tissue due to lack of blood supply in the brain.

Management:
- Position the patient in recovery positions
- Loosen slight the clothing
- Turning the patient every two hours
- Elevate the head without flexing the neck the neck (semi- fowlers)
- Safety

*ISCHEMIA – Insufficient blood supply to an organ or tissue. A condition in which the blood flow is restricted to a part of the body.

Cardiac Ischemia – occurs when there is lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle (myocardium)

Silent Ischemia– people have ischemia without pain and they may have a heart attack with no prior warning.

Angina pectoris – chest pain, may have silent ischemia

Arythmia – difficulty in breathing

MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION (MI) – obstruction, death of part of the heart due to a blockage in a blood vessel as a result of a lack supply of oxygen and other nutrients.

Infarction - means the death of tissue due to lack of blood supply or lack of oxygen supply.

Myocardial refers to heart muscle.

Symptoms of Cardiac Ischemia:
- Chest Pain
- Neck or jaw pain
- Arm and shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Shortness breath
- Nausea and vomiting

Doctor diagnosis of cardiac ischemia:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Stress test
- X-ray of coronary arteries (coronary angiogram)

Treatment:
- Medication
- Exercise
- Angioplasty – heart operation, putting a small tube to dilate arteries in the heart
- Bypass Surgery
- Coronary Artery Bypass
- Pacemaker – electronic device use to get of the impulse of the heart
- Open Heart Surgery – use cardio pulmonary machine, due to congenital defects
- Closed Surgery – bloody surgery in which invaded big vessels or arteries

Management:
Apical pulse – two fingers below your nipple from left of the heart, to check if there is heart problem

Apical Radical Pulse Deficit – Usually apical is higher than radical pulse

*CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE (CAD) – is a chronic disease in which coronary arteries are hardened and narrowed (atherosclerosis) or lack of blood supply to coronary arteries.

Causes:
- Fatty plaque narrows the coronary arteries
- Plaque calcifies causing the arteries to become harder and suffer

Symptoms:
- Chest pain (angina)
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting

Prevention:
- Learning family medical history
- Eating heart healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Controlling diabetes
- Control high blood (hypertension)

*Untreated CAD usually continues to worsen and can eventually lead to a heart attack or over cardiac arrest in which the heart stops beating.

Prevention:
- Aspirin a day (with Doctor’s prescription)


*ATRIAL FIBRILATION (AF) – is a disorder found in the hearts of two small upper chambers (the atria) quiver instead of beating effectively, the blood isn’t pumped completely out of them, so it may pool and clot. If a piece of a blood clot in the atria leaves the heart and becomes lodged in an artery in the brain, the result is stroke.

Aorta – left and right coronary artery

Treatment:
- Medication
- Electrical cardio version
- Drugs
- Radio frequently oblation
- Surgery
- Atrial pacemakers

Medication: Warfarin, Aspirin


*ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION – is the cause of cardiovascular disease and associated with an increase risk of stroke and heart attack.

Risk
- Coronary Artery Disease 33%
- Stroke 10%
- Renal Failure 15%

HYPERTENSION – a condition in which blood pressure is consistently above 140/90, which means systolic (heart beat) is consistently above to diastolic (heart at rest)

Systolic – heart beat
Diastolic – heart at rest

Types of Hypertension:

1. Essential hypertension – 95% common. It could be genetic factor or environmental factor due to food intake.

2. Secondary hypertension –
Causes:
- Adrenal gland tumor
- Cushing’s syndrome – patient with DM
- Kidney disorder
- Glomerulonephritis – inflammation of kidney
- Who take medication
- Oral contraceptives

Factors/Causes of Hypertension:
- Volume of water
- Salt content of the body
- Condition of kidney nervous
- Blood pressure

Prevention:
- Lifestyle changes
- Lose weight if overweight
- Exercise improve cardiac fitness
- Dietary adjustments

NOSOCOMIAL PNEUMONIA - is an infection acquired during hospitalization. The major cause of these infections is gram negative bacteria or bacteria in blood stream.

Mostly affected:
- Patient with weak immune system
- Blood dyscrasia (development disorder of blood)
- Burn
- Trauma

Prevention:
- Awareness of the possible risk of infection among hospital patients.
- Correct hand washing


PNEUMONIA - Inflammation of alveoli damage and excessive accumulation of fluids in the lungs

PNEUMOCOCCUS – causes over 50% of bacterial pneumonia

Ways in which Pneumonia are classified:
- Acuity : acute, sub acute or chronic
- Transmission: infections or non- infection
- Acquisition: community acquired or hospital acquired
- Agent : Bacterial (aerobic or anaerobic)
- Distribution : Lobular (Bronchopneumonia or interstitial)

Risk Factor:
- Chronic illness
- Debility (condition of feebleness, weakness and lack of physical ton)
- Immobility
- Alcoholic & drug users

Signs and Symptoms:
- Cough productive spectrum
- Leukocytosis – presence of bacteria
- Fever

Management:
- Management of antibiotics
- Adequate ventilation
- Appropriate treatment of any underlying or pre-existing disease
- Adequate nutrition
- Hand washing to prevent spreading the infection

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE - disease that cause irreversible damage to the lungs over a period of time. This cause permanent damage to the lung tissue.

Causes:
- Cigarette smoking
- Air pollution, infection and allergies

Signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chest discomfort
- Ankle, feet and leg swelling

Treatment:
- Limit your exposure to pollution
- Vaccination
- Exercises
- Medication
- Nebulizer
- Good nutrition

DIABETES MELLITUS or DM – disease in which the pancreas produce little or no insulin. The glucose level builds up in the blood and urine causing excessive urination, thirst and hunger.

Insulin – hormone that absorbs glucose in our body

Vasopressin – hormone that controls the amount of urine secreted

Types:

INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS IDDM (Type I) – the body doesn’t produce insulin. Occurs under 20 years of age, occurs on puberty like 10 to 12 years old in girls and 12 – 14 years old in boys.

NON INSULIN DEPENDENT (Type II) – not functioning pancreas or pancreas can’t produce insulin.

HYPERGLYCEMIA
- Secondary to DM and contribute micro vascular complication like kidney and eye disease. Micro vascular complication could be Myocardial Infarction and stroke.
- Increase in glucose, decrease in sugar

HYPOGLYCEMIA
- Decrease in glucose and increase in sugar.
- Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia can lead to coma or death chronic

Management:
- Oral medication
- Exercise
- Balance diet
- Monitoring
- Awareness and education


HYPONATREMIA – water content of the body is greater

HYPERNATREMIA – water content of body fluid is deficit

CHRONIC HYPERNATREMIA – organic osmolytes start appearing inside the neurons.

Causes of Hypernatremia:
- Decrease cellular volume of water due to little water intake
- Too much salt

Types:
- Hypovolemic hypernatremia – water deficit, sodium deficit
- Hypervolemic hypernatremia – sodium gains, water gains
- Euvolemic hypernatremia – water loss is from intracellular and interstitial

General Symptoms:
- Irritability
- High pitched cry
- Seizures
- Fever

Pathophysiology occurs in the following 3 ways:
1. Pure water depletion
2. Sodium excess (salt poisoning)
3. Water depletion exceeding sodium

DERMATITIES OR ECZEMA – Inflammation of the skin. Outermost skin layer appear thickened and the skin may take on leathery appearance.

Forms:
Atopic Dermatitis – Allergic condition involves activation of cells of the immune system whose job is to protect against invaders.

SCABIES – a microscopic tiny 8 legged mice that attached to the skin – attracted to warm site of the body.

Main Cause: Poor hygiene

Signs and Symptoms:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blistering
- Skin is crusty or scaly

Treatment:
- Application of moisturizers and emollients
- Oral antihistamines – relief from itching

HYPOKALAEMIA – serum potassium concentration is less than 3.5 ml.

HYPERKALAEMIA – excess of potassium

Clinical Features:
- Weakness
- Muscle Fatigue
- Respiratory paralysis

Clinical & Monitoring
- Cardiac Rhythm
- Continues monitoring of potassium

PARAPLEGIA/QUADRIPLEGIA – result from injury or trauma to spinal cord.

Paraplegic – damage is lower extremities to a person.

Quadriplegic – person’s damage is in upper and lower extremities.

Autonomic hyper reflexia – severe paraplegic

Causes:
- Motor accident
- Diving mishap
- Fall
- House accident
- Sports accident

Symptoms:
- Pain
- Loss of sensation

Problems occurred:
- Frequent urinary track infection
- Kidney stones
- Muscle spasm
- Pressure Sores
- Wide & rapid fluctuation in body temperature

CATARACT – loss of vision

Types:
1.Senile – develop in the elderly because of change in the chemical state of lens protein
2.Congenital – new born or genetic due to maternal rebulla
3.Traumatic – develop after a foreign body injures, the lens with sufficient force to allow aqueous or vitreous humor to enter the lens
4.Complicated Cataract – detached retina of the eye, occur secondary to glaucoma
5.Toxic Cataract – due to chemicals of medicine intake, result from drug or chemical toxity

Signs and Symptoms:
- Gradual blurring
- Loss of vision
- Black pupil turns to milky white
- Poor reading vision
- Poor vision in bright sunlight

GLAUCOMA – the most preventable cause of blindness, abnormally increase intra ocular pressure which may produce severe and permanent vision defects obstruction of ducts.

Kinds:
1. Chronic Open Angle – Over production of aqueous humor or obstruction to its outflow through the orbicular network

2. Acute or Chronic Closed Angle – obstruction to the outflow of aqueous humor due to anatomically narrow angle

Signs and Symptoms:
- Mild aching in the eyes
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Seeing halos around the light
- Reduced visual acuity, especially at night

SCHIZOPHRENIA – is personality disorganization.

Four Types:
1. Paranoid – shows less regression of mental faculties’ emotional response.
2. Catatonic – most outstanding characteristics is his overwhelming of will, usually obedient
3. Hebephrenic – most severely disorganized personality and has no contact with reality
4. Simple – lacks of the irrational thoughts, begins in early childhood

Causes:
- Biochemical
- Sociologic
- Physiologic

Treatment: Therapist theory

Signs and Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Headache

Friendship Tips

When the matter is about friendships. I always take a look and read the article, whether its blog or magazine or a book, for me its interesting topic why, because you‘re always have a room to learn and grow as a person. Isn't it? I like the tips show up, join the group, form a group because I'm applying these now. Tips from the Happiness project website. See the full article here. I believe, if you are looking for happiness in your life, you rather do something about it. And guess what, you will enjoy what you're doing, additional benefits of taking time in building friendships to others.

See the photos above. I'm proud to say she's one of my best friends in the whole world! Can you notice something in common in the pictures? Your comment is highly appreciated.

Kirk Cameron from being a celebrity to real life's Faith

Kirk Cameron who played Caleb in Fireproof movie, was happily married with six kids by now. I want to share with you guys this you tube video. See the link here. Kirk highlight interview on CBN cable network. In his young age, he was a famous hollywood teen celebrity for hit sitcom series Growing Pains in America and have a very successful career.

What struck me in this video, is how Kirk boldly shared his life to the public. How God moved his life in a powerful way and in the way how his heart was changed by God, when he heard the good news about the gospel of Christ. From being an atheist to becoming a believer for Christ, he shared the incomparable joy that he was experiencing right now by knowing God.

I decided to write this short post for this interview because from the man like Kirk, who has everything in this world, like fame, material things, money, good career, he knew he still needs God to lead his life. What a spiritual human being. I salute you Kirk!

FIREPROOF is still generating heat

Highlight news from CNN.com Entertainment Cable News network’s Website, the film “Fireproof” was also an unexpected hit, since it was the church third movie for Sherwood Church Baptist in Albany Georgia also the maker of “Facing the Giants”.

“In September it debuted at No. 4 at the box office, eventually bringing in $33.5 million and spawning two books: a novelization, also called “Fireproof" which is the The New York Times’ best seller list’s Top 20; and companion to the movie, “The Love Dare,” which has sold more than 2 million copies.”

As I was reading this article, I was really amazed and dazzled of the success of the movie. What does faith and prayer can do in the life of people who believed. According to one of the pastors behind the film Alex Kendrick, they didn’t expect that Fireproof will be a big blast, but he said it was even two years ago before they come up with the film, the Sherwood pastors gathered together prayed and asked God to give them idea for the next movie it came out “Fireproof” was the answer. See full article here.

FIREPROOF

Its Valentines Day once again, flowers, red ballons are around the corner and trully love is in the air especially for lovers and married couples who stayed inlove. But one good thing in this special event, wether your single, committed or not everyone remembers this day religiously, because this is such a great time to show their gestures of love to a special someone.

Just this week, my group friends and I had watched this DVD movie entitled “FIREPROOF” with theme song “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. It was really a great and wonderful movie. This is highly recommended for the married couple. Now FIREPROOF DVD was officially arrived and is out on DVD stores – have your copy as your best gift for yourself. People from around the globe most especially couples have high remarks on this movie and they said this film made a great impact on their marriage.

Caleb who was the main character was upset to Catherine her wife because of unmet expectations. After seven years of their marriage, their relationships became sour and cold. Each day they see at home, they're always nag and find faults. Until the time comes that everything they do was a burden anymore.

When this happened to a relationships the tendencies were to slack off the love and respect for your spouse, eventually lose the trust and end up with divorce. The truth is, it's not overnight process to just vanish your affection to someone whom you vow to love for the rest of your life. But only because of each pride and resentment, marriage culture when there was already conflicts usually resolve in separation or what we call painful divorce. Reality bites, but this was really happening nowadays. I assume this is a traumatic life moment for the person who experience these.

Catherine because of so much pain she felt towards their marraige, she decided to be out in the relationship and file a divorce. Caleb who was almost giving up was contemplating to accept it. But his father asked him a very significant question. If he has anything he can do to save his marriage. So his father sent him a diary book written there was a forty days challenge to save his relationship with his wife. Doing each challenge is not easy for Caleb because of constant rejection from his wife. The hardest thing for him now, is winning back again the heart of her wife and her trust.

Each day he reads the diary book, in print there are all encouragement from his father and reminders from God’s word. In this course of challenge, his father showed Caleb the unconditional love of God for him. That despite of all his weaknesses and offenses, God accepted him and still loved him so much. Until Caleb learned God’s unconditional love, he began to understand what true love means (Romans 5:6). He knew what it really means to honor and to love his wife. It's amazing of what God can do in our relationships. When Catherine got sick, Caleb took the opportunity to humble up and ask deepest apologize from her wife. Teary eye with tender care, in front of Catherine’s face he said: “God has given me a love for you that I have never had before… ” – the most dramatic, and my favorite part of the movie.

We really enjoyed the movie and everyone was laughing and clapping their hands after they saw it. Happy hearts day!

Value of friends

With my busy day, I manage to organize my things. I usually spend a minute to place everything in order. I was scanning some stuff in my shelf and this piece of paper caught my attention. I saw the two pages of short bond paper, written there was a beautiful message from a friend. I recalled the cheerfulness I had before when she gave this piece of paper to me. Can’t help but smile and reminisce the grace of our friendships, we became best of friends. I remember and feel the warmth and gratitude she had when we met. She was emotionally down, left by his boyfriend and she needed a friend to take time to listen to her. My calling was obviously to stay on my foot.

I think of her and the acquaintance we made from scratch, it’s amazing. I remember meeting her in a shopping mall. I was looking for clothes to wear in our upcoming party, when I’m about to turn in the other corner because I saw a big banner “SALE” I was hasten to get over in the sale corner, unintentionally we bump each other’s side. Eventually we talked and I learned that she was also looking for a dress to wear for the party. Humorous story in the end. Well, now I haven’t seen her for a long time, we just communicate on line or sending post mail. Right now she was happily married and living in Australia. Truly the joy and the happiness brought by this friendship was a gift from above. This is how it goes her message:

People in Your Life

“People come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime, when you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a Reason…
It is actually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a God send – and they are. They are there for a reason you need them to be… then, without warning, any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, they will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die, sometimes they walk away, sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What you must realize is that your need has been met, your desire was fulfilled, and their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a Season…
It is because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But this people were only for a season.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons…
Those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people anyway, and put what you have learned for good use in all other relationships and areas of your life. Thank you for being part of my life! “

A good habit

"I can live for two months

on one good compliment."

Mark Twain

The Real You

There is a saying action is the measure of a true leader. I usually admire a person with good personalities and values, and would love to listen to their kind of speech. What I remember the speaker would frequently share their experiences and their accomplishments. They will share their formulas what made them successful, that will intrigue their audience. Of course the highlight of their speech was how they were triumphant in all their endeavors in achieving their goals and dreams in life despite of all the struggles on their way. In my mind, that what makes them a good a speaker perhaps.

A sense of motivation is good enough to drive us to achieve our aspirations in life. But I think the most challenging factor is when leadership involves our selves. The truth is leading “You” yourself alone, is what it takes of strong leadership. We have to lead ourselves the way we think, we act or react with others. In the other way around, leadership is how we learn self discipline and self control, how we practice gentleness to our own life itself. Bottom line is we really need to understand ourselves, the real you - our key to success. I presume this for all the women like me.

Here are six principles on how you lead yourself and others, our avenue to successful leadership as women from Angie Morgan author of Leading from the Front.

1. Leaders constantly set goals to help them achieve the life they want to live. They have vision. Challenge yourself to dream big, rather than settling for what others think you deserve. Set large goals.

2. Recognizing the work of those around you, rather than claiming credit for yourself, is the sign of a true leader. Such selfless acts produce gratitude, loyalty, and respect, which can make you an even more effective and successful leader in the long run.

3. When you overreact, you alienate your team and lose their trust and respect. Extreme emotions are a roadblock to success, learning to control them is essential to your success as a leader.

4. When you feel your emotions rising, take a step back or go away for at least a few minutes to regain your composure. Taking some time to clear your head and analyze the situation will help you be more effective when making your points. Once you’ve calmed yourself, have level head discussions. Don’t allow feelings of anger, frustration or sadness to dictate how you respond to situations that rise. An even temper is a sign of a true leader.

5. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by a goal, break it down into smaller steps that you can easily accomplish. Then complete the first one. Don’t worry about other things. Concentrate and just focus, then go to the second. Soon you’ll be amazed at the progress you’ve made.

6. Always lead as you are. When you try to change your personality to become more likable, you lose respect and credibility. You’re not a leader in that situation because you’re not being true to who you are. The more authentic you are, the more likely it is that you will earn the respect of others.

Secret of Success

According to Dr. Ed Becker co-founder of Econotech Ltd. providing technical support for pulp and paper companies, the key to a successful business and personal life is setting a proper foundation, a foundation which is dependable, fervent and secure. “Our foundation is the basis for the priorities in our lives both at home and at work.” If our life is center on us, our drive for success is focalize only for our own accomplishment and or most, to satisfy our ego and needs. This footing is weak and can result us of being drained or sooner be exhausted, but when we set God as our guild in life we are confident and better equipped.

In my own point of view, I unanimously agreed to pattern God in making our life success. In this way, our acquired happiness from our relationships, possessions and endeavor to something is lasting and will turn to joy. The truth is: it’s sweeter to taste the road of prosperity when you know you’re in the right track both physical and spiritual.

Count your blessings

Welcome 2009! I guess I was late sending my greetings to all but greeting you now a ‘Happy new year!’ is better than never.How was your new year's resolution? If you haven’t thought of it yet, you better start now.

Frequently, beginning of the year we have mixed of emotions, sensations towards the year ahead. Like for me, so many things happened just this week. Either good or bad, these should not spoil my 2009. I think it’s vital and good for us to appreciate good things happened from our foregoing experiences in life and get inspired and be motivated by it, instead of you giving in to negative thoughts or be annoyed with your weakness or failures.

January 1, I pause for a while and think of what are those I’m thankful for from the past year 2008. I presume the new set of friends I have, my happiness project I’m working with right now. Just late September last year, I carefully scrutinize what are the things I want to do in life and I started listing it down. I’m glad to say that I’m hitting it one by one. And lastly I’m grateful with those answered prayers.

Year 2009 is your opportunity to set new goals, reaching your joy and becoming optimistic once again. That’s how I count my blessings. It’s never too late to shape up your own life and search for your happiness.

I suggest that you get your own little notebook or planner. Write down your three important, attainable goals you want to see this year. Make it part of your daily prayers and watch out what will happen. At my surprise those three goals I set, eventually happened before the end of the year.

What is Christmas to you?

How do we celebrate Christmas of today? In the midst of poverty and turmoil can we still grasp the meaning of Christmas in our heart?

Sometimes, we reflect Christmas as how many gifts we received from our peers and friends or from incentives or bonuses we've gotten from our companies. Reality bites. I thought the other way of celebrating Christmas.

I think it’s not always about gifts, money or how many possessions you have. But Christmas is about reconciling of hearts; it’s about giving, sharing whatever you have. It could be your moral support, your encouragement or your presence and thoughtfulness to your loved ones.

Celebrating meaningful Christmas is remembering Jesus Christ. God had shown his love and care for us through Christ, in many ways. The truth and most satisfying celebration of Christmas is nothing less but to experience peace, contentment and real happiness by knowing in our hearts, God is with us all through out our life.

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, they will call him Immanuel -- which means, " God is with us." Mathew 1: 23