THE DANGERS OF SIDE EFFECTS PRESENTED AS MAIN EFFECTS

                In the medical world, proper use of words is highly called for because a simple mistake could complicate things usually unwanted for the patients. Because this field has full of jargons that mostly are too technical to not easily be sifted and digested by the general public, putting them in a layman’s term is indeed helpful.

                A good example of which are the words “side effect” and “main effect”. These, are more often than not, interchanged or used instead of the other. Doing so is not just wrong but also dangerous to the people’s health.

                A side effect of any substance pertains to the result beyond the main or primary action that is intended by the physician giving drug prescription. The doctor, likewise, foresees this extra consequence.

                For instance, the patient might not be conscious of the side effect of unwanted hair growth elsewhere on the body while using vasodilator drug called Minoxidil to treat hypertension. The physician, nevertheless, is very well aware about it, as well as other implications, such as burning or irritation of the eye, itching, and redness or irritation at the treated area. By and large, doctors suggest that patients should ignore the side effects unless serious and often alert the sick persons about their likelihood.

                But not all the side effects are boon. They are bane, too, hence, they are often used as a therapeutic benefit in the pharmaceutical industry. Like the Minoxidil which, initially was developed to treat high blood pressure. People taking it reported an unusual side effect: Hair began to grow on various parts of their bodies. In this case, the downside of the drug is controlled and employed for a beneficial and therapeutic effect judiciously. It is noted that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription of two percent (2%) Minoxidil topical solution for hair loss in men in 1988 and for women in 1992.

                An adverse effect, on the other hand, is identified as an outcome wherein the reaction occurs over and beyond the main and wanted action of a medicine. Both the physician and the patient don’t know about it as a consequence of taking such treatment. It can happen simply due to incorrect dosage. Undesirably, this is very harmful as it can exacerbate the prognosis of the disease. Occasionally, if the adverse effect is too serious, there might be a need for hospitalization.

                Just like the Sildenafil Citrate— a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Its most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash. Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts over four hours. Patients should stop Sildenafil Citrate and seek medical care if a sudden decrease or loss of hearing and also that of vision in one or both eyes.

                Since side effects paired with adverse effects can be fatal and need to be reversed or given antidote immediately, a very extra cautious effort not to interchange them with the main effects in the prescription process must be always observed. After all, it’s the lives of patients at stake here.

                It’s ironic to note that people who seek treatments for their ailments or to prolong their lives become sicker or morbidly end up six feet underground simply because of such medical error. So, it’s still best to deal with health conditions like hair loss the natural way, especially with NOVUHAIR that offers the safe and natural effects.  

               With 19 natural ingredients—mostly standardized herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients—it does not only help prevent the hair loss malady, but also aid in stimulating growth of the “crowning glory.” Set aside those chemical-based topical scalp solutions out there. Choose natural, choose NOVUHAR!

                Join NOVUHAIR’s survey and win tickets to the musical SOUND OF MUSIC staging at The Theatre Solaire from September 27 to October 22. For more information, visit Novuhair’s Facebook page: Novuhair Official.

                NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information visit www.novuhair.com, like the brand’s official Facebook Page, Novuhair Official, and follow on Twitter at @NovuhairNatural. You may also call NOVUHAIR hotlines at 4136570 and 09228830575 and order online through lazada.com.ph and regaloservice.com.

Bring Your A-game This Payday

Have you ever worried about how to manage your savings until the next payday? While payday often calls for a well-deserved treat, watching your spending habits is key to properly managing your hard-earned money. Smarter spending means getting your money to go farther. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your earnings and make the most out of your next paycheck:

1. Sort out the necessities first. First rule of payday spending: budget wisely. Schedule the payment of bills such as electricity, water, and communication ahead of time. Don’t forget to prioritize groceries and other home essentials, since needs should always go before wants. By putting your necessities first, you won’t have to worry about getting your subscriptions cut, or being faced with an empty fridge. 2. Do not forget the piggy bank. Every month, have the discipline of setting money aside for your savings. Consider this your long-term fund for future use. Whether it be for your dream car, house, or retirement setup, a growing savings fund is a must for every earning individual. 3. When it comes to vacations, a bit of research can go a long way. Long weeks of stress can often make you feel like you deserve to go on a vacation – and by all means, you do! Just do not fall into the trap of spending on a whim because your wallet is feeling fully-loaded from payday. Set money aside for that trip you’ve been wanting to take, and wait for the best times to buy -- research for non-peak rates, wait for airline promos, and scan booking sites before you buy. Oftentimes, putting in a bit of effort in your research can make a big difference. 4. Shop at your convenience, on your own terms. Nowadays, payday is synonymous to traffic. People are out in the streets or in malls looking to maximize their payday gains. If you jump on the bandwagon, you risk spending unnecessarily on higher surge prices and stacked parking fees. Why not make a good, home-cooked meal, and treat yourself to online retail therapy instead? From August 15-18, Lazada Philippines will be hosting a Payday Sale – don’t miss up on this opportunity to maximize your payday spending at the comfort of your own home. 5. Keep an eye out for special deals and promotions. Spend your money where you will get the most out of it. Another great thing about online shopping through Lazada is that the company always offers the best deals that will give you more bang for your buck. In partnership with your favorite brands and trusted banks, a discount, promotion, or freebie is always up for grabs at Lazada! A promotion you may want to keep your eyes out for this period is Mastercard Debit’s Lunchtime Deals -- get up to P400.00 off on your purchases between 12NN – 2 PM when you use your Mastercard Debit card for a minimum purchase of Php 1,500.00 6. Widen your search. In this day and age, the surest way to find the best deals is to simply search for them! Browse for your favorite items online and compare prices. Don’t limit yourself to what’s available in the local market because Lazada Philippines opens you up a world of shopping options (literally!). And since Lazada now accepts Cash-on-Delivery for items shipped from abroad, there are really no limits to where you may find your next best deal.

At the end of the day, payday celebrations are well-worth it, as long as you know how to keep your spending in check. Apply these 6 nifty tricks during Lazada’s Payday Sale on August 15-18, and you’re sure to have your payday a-game on!

About Lazada Group Present in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines, Lazada is the number one online shopping & selling destination in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, Lazada helps more than 80,000 local and international sellers connect with over 560 million potential customers across the region. Lazada is the top-of mind e-commerce space for both buyers and sellers alike, mostly due to its high regard for customer experience and flexible payment methods. Just recently, Lazada Philippines opened its Cash-on-Delivery payment option for items shipped from abroad. Now, Filipinos can choose from over 17 million products across the globe, and choose to pay in the way that works for them.

Sino Ako? Why we must unite now!

Christians in the Philippines like in many countries move independently of each other. Many have successful projects within their grounds that others do not know or have no access to it. If Christians unite and consolidate efforts to empower the youth, together, we can help shape this country with better students who excel and are rooted in good morals and values.

The timing is relevant as statistics give us an alarming rate of drug abuse, suicide, and leap in HIV/AIDS cases among High School students. It is the critical hour.

SUICIDE 

In 2014, the US-CDC reported suicide as the second leading cause of death, among teenagers from 13 to 18 years old. Those in High School are the most vulnerable. While the Philippines may not share the same statistics, undocumented reports of suicide cases are steadily rising.

Cyberbullying is also a growing threat among the youth that resulted to suicide. A recent online game challenge “Blue Whale”, led to several suicides. Teens are exposed to this threat each time they go online.

HIV/AIDS

In 2008, only 1 person was getting infected daily. This jumped to 17 per day in 2014 and 25 as of 2016. (2016, DOH)

HIV STATISTICS 2016

● 97% are male
● Heterosexual contact 20%
● Homosexual contact 80%
● Bisexual contact 35%
● Ages 15 to 24 years old (Grade 9 to college)
● 25 HIV infections daily
● Cases are getting younger

The Department of Health is now actively pushing DepEd to distribute condoms in High School because of the alarming rise in infection. Our millennials are dubbed as the “HIV Generation.” As of January 2017, 29 new cases of HIV are recorded every day.About 82% of them are “men having sex with men” from 15 to 24 years old. Someone you dearly love could be next.

AS OF JANUARY 2017, 29 NEW CASES OF HIV ARE RECORDED EVERY DAY.

DRUG REHABILITATION

Drug abuse has become endemic in our society. The war against it should not only be a government initiative. Loving Christians equipped with Biblical foundation can best minister to them.It should inspire believers to know that the Philippine government has taken a bold step in introducing “Faith-Based Programs,” authored by Evangelical Christians, to accomplish the task of eliminating the drug problem in the country.

SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCE

In the US, 88% of teens have access to cell or smartphones. About 90% of them use SMS or messenger apps to communicate, according to Pew Research. Their landscape of communication is shifting.

What this means is that much of the information they absorb daily mostly comes from the internet. This is not bad, but what should worry parents is what other information they can access by demand, and in the privacy of their room. Satan dominates the internet through music, video games, and vanity.Social media is shaping the character and attitude of the millennials but towards the negative. We can help counter this by educating students and their parents on what measures they can take to disarm the effects of “bad social media.”

#SinoAko, a project of John15.Rocks aim to help through social media campaign and organize other Christian organizations to reach out and help. Join us and volunteer online.

This is not your ordinary chicken eggs– (Laminine)

In 1929, Dr. John Ralston Davidson from Canada discovered a way to extract the life essence from a nine-day old Fertilized Avian Egg. It was later dubbed as “Young Tissue Extract” by another egg researcher, Dr. Bjodne Eskeland, who took on the discovery some 50 years later.

After studying at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Davidson returned to practice medicine in Winnipeg. The discovery of Dr. Davidson was highly controversial. The treatment for cancer involving a high-vitamin diet even became a subject of the House of Commons debate in 1944.

His treatment was subsequently investigated by a four-man medical commission appointed by the province later in 1944, which discounted its efficacy. Unfortunately, Davidson died on April 15, 1948, and his research and development rested for decades. (Source – History of Laminine - https://www.altheadistributor.com/laminine-history/)

Although Dr. Davidson and Dr. Eskeland never met, their contribution in egg research is shaping how scientists understand the benefits from taking Fertilized Avian Egg Extract that contains FibroBlast Growth Factor or FGF.

Dr. Eskeland is known as the ‘Founder of Young Tissue Extract’ or YTE. He hypothesized that fertilized avian eggs contained a special combination of amino acids, peptides and protein fractions that could help provide an incredible array of health benefits when consumed by humans.

This included vitamins, minerals, and proteins, as well as important defense elements, growth factors, hormones and other biologically active components.

The extract is known today as Laminine which was first marketed in the USA, then to the rest of the world beginning in Canada, Australia, the UK, Philippines, and soon inSingapore.

Laminine has positive effect on memory focus, skin, libido, energy, joints, muscles, stress, sleep and emotional stability.

It boasts of benefits supported by clinical studies. This includes, the supports for faster wound healing, reduces stress, positive effect on blood sugar levels, cholesterol, triglyceride, and uric acid.

Although these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, there are powerful testimonies that include recovery from cancer, diabetes, COPD, lupus, crohn's, and kidney problems.

Generation Z, it is your time, your place (John15.Rocks)

The 102M population of the Philippines indicates that Generation Z (those born between 2000 to 2015 on average estimate) are approximately 35% of the total population. It’s a big number which is good news because we need more of them to make this country great.

Before the US became a great nation, they had a great (spiritual) awakening. The industrial revolution carried with it the name of Jesus and praying publicly was a norm.  America sent thousands of missionaries all over the world to teach biblical morals. They believed that all blessings come from God and their leaders made sure each citizen know this by heart - “In God we trust,” they were conservative.

Times have changed. Most Americans actively pursue ‘extreme tolerance’, that ‘no tolerance is actually tolerated’. From the ‘great awakening’ to the ‘great fallacy’.

The enemy within

Having a strong youth force is good for the country, especially now that being traditional or conservative is said to be the new counterculture. The youth should veer away from what the west calls liberty in form of extreme tolerance, when it fact its moral degradation.

There is an enemy who will attempt to snatch your children, your friend, or classmate. Their most effective tool is the social media, YouTube, and internet pornography. If the enemy can’t make you an atheist, they will turn you into agnostics, in the face of liberalism.

Agnosticism is rising and the notoriety of the Muslim extremists is pushing the enemy’s agenda, that there is no one true God.However, there is extreme hope, there has always been.

Christians can make a difference by intentionally helping others and doing actively what Jesus commanded – ‘Love one another.’

Help us reach out

This is what John15.Rocks hopes to accomplish, to reach out to the millennials, generation Z, and their parents who needs help, prayers, counseling, and equipping.

There are many Christian church activities that are practical and beneficial to the society, but few have access to it.

Help us campaign for goodmorals, values, and provide an avenue of support to those who have emotional or moral struggles. We needonline counsellors – we need online missionaries.

Be part of the school club mission, volunteer

John15.Rocks wants to help and equip students in their values formation and academic excellence. This can be done through the John15.Rocks School Club on the pipeline, but they need volunteers to help and mentor students.

John15 Rocks Club have collaborated with the Crossroads curriculum (Campus Crusade), that will teach students Values Formation & Alternative Learning System (ALS), that is DepEd recognized.

PSC-PSI and USANA Join Forces to Help Raise Over-All Health Program Elite Filipino Athletes to Benefit from USANA Nutritionals

Manila, Philippines - 02 August 2017- USANA Health Sciences, a global nutritional company, announced today that its Philippines subsidiary UHS Essential Health Phils. Inc. (locally known as USANA) has entered a partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Sports Institute (PSC-PSI) for the health improvement of 300 elite national athletes.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez says the partnership is in line with the commission’s vision to promote sports and athletics among our youth as well as improve the national athletics program.

“The timing of this partnership with USANA could not have been more perfect. We are in full swing with our preparations for the upcoming international competition and adding USANA’s high-quality nutritional supplements to our athletes’ health program will help in their training while reaching optimal health as well,” says Chairman Ramirez.

USANA-PSC-PSI Ceremonial Turn-Over (left to right): front row – Divine Wally (Wushu); Wilhelmina Lozada (Fencing); Josephine Medina (Para Table Tennis) receiving the USANA products from Lerwin Onanad, USANA Field Development Supervisor; Rubilen Amit (Billiards); Lizbeth Jose, Field Development and Marketing Director, USANA Philippines and Marc Edward Velasco, National Training Director, Philippine Sports Institute. (Back row, left to right): Rick Maano and Cristian Jude Queco (Karate); Eugene Torre (PH Grand Master and National Coach Chess Team); William Ramirez, PSC Chairman; and USANA Vice-President for Philippines and Indonesia, Aurora Mandanas-Gaston.

“It is a privilege to work with the PSC-PSI in their goal to get our athletes ready to represent our country in the international sports arena. We are proud that we are able to provide Filipino athletes the same pharmacy-grade, safe, NSF-certified and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-approved nutritional products being enjoyed by world-class athletes,” says Aurora Gaston, USANA Vice-President for Philippines and Indonesia. “This partnership is our commitment to the Philippine market who has helped our company become the leader in nutrition here and abroad.

USANA will provide their three top products namely Essentials™ Pack, CoQuinone^®30, and Procosa® to the identified beneficiaries for two years.

PSC-PSI Enters 2-Year Partnership with USANA. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremonies seal the 2-year partnership between the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Sports Institute (PSC-PSI) and UHS Essential Health Phils. Inc. (locally known as USANA). The partnership was formalized by (left to right) Marc Edward Velasco, National Training Director, Philippine Sports Institute; Philippine Sports Commission Chairman, William Ramirez; USANA Vice-President for Philippines and Indonesia, Aurora Mandanas-Gaston; Lerwin Onanad, USANA Field Development Supervisor and was witnessed by national athletes (standing left to-right) Josephine Medina (Para Table Tennis) and Rubilen Amit (Billiards). 

The USANA Advantage

USANA Essentials™ work from the most basic building blocks — at the cellular level — with the right amount of nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants every day to improve your health from the cell up.

CoQuinone^®30 is all about energy, on the cellular level. USANA combined alpha-lipoic acid with coenzyme Q10 to create CoQuinone 30, a fantastic supplement of these energy-supporting nutrients. The benefits associated with these nutrients include sound muscle function, healthy nerve function, and good cardiovascular health.

Lastly, Procosa® supports optimal joint health and activates the cell's natural ability to protect and renew itself. The combination of glucosamine and Meriva in the InCelligence Joint-Support Complex helps to influence the signaling pathways that proactively promote an optimal immune and inflammatory response to restore normal function after exercise. nutrients include sound muscle function, healthy nerve function, and good cardiovascular health.

“These 3 products have proven their effectivity by athletes around the world, and we are happy that our fellow countrymen will have them during their training,” added Gaston.

To foster transparency on the implementation of the partnership, the products will be distributed directly to the 300 national athletes throughout the two-year partnership.

This is not the first-time that the nutritional company has given its support to the Filipino athlete. Through its Team USANA Pilipinas campaign, over 30 national athletes in the past and until now have received sponsorship from USANA, namely Rio Olympics weightlifting silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz, SEA Games Gold Medalist Nikko Huelgas,  Philippine Azkals top footballer Misagh Bahadoran,  Star Hotshots player Peter June Simon, Ginebra San Miguel Beer's LA Tenorio and former world pool champion Rubilen Amit, to name a few.

This sponsorship is an additional initiative to USANA’s on-going advocacy in helping some 3,000++ elite athletes in 20 other countries.

USANA first started working with athletes in 1999 when USANA partnered with U.S. Speedskating and Speed Skating Canada. Since then, USANA has provided thousands of elite and professional athletes around the world with high-quality nutritional supplements to help them perform at their best. These groups include: the Women’s Tennis Association, the US Ski and Snowboard Association, members of the Korean Speedskating Team and National Judo Team, and more. Visit Team USANA for more information.

*The mentioned athletes are either distributors or dedicated users who have received compensation for their partnership and/or complimentary USANA products.