2012 London Olympics Health Information

For further advice on how to have a safe and healthy Games, including advice on finding the right health services and information for visitors from overseas, go to the NHS website

Leaflets are also available to download and read: 

Get set for a healthy London 2012 offers advice on what to expect when visiting the UK and how to prepare for your trip

Get set for a healthy 2012 london olympic games from Mark Fredderick Abejo.

Stay healthy during London 2012 provides important tips and information on choosing the right health service for you.

Stay healthy during london olympics 2012 from Mark Fredderick Abejo.

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Health Benefits of Being Single

Human beings are said to be social by nature. We need someone or the other in our lives to share our real life experiences and emotions. While most people feel the need of a good partner to make the most of their social life, there are others who prefer to lead a solo life. That being said, being single doesn’t imply that a person is all alone or completely lonely in life. It’s comes as no surprise to learn that there are herds of individuals out there who have stayed single for several years without being unhappy at all. Being single would at times mean enjoying your own company. Some people have simply mastered the art of living single without any hiccups in life. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of being single.

Freedom

It won’t be an understatement to claim that solo life and freedom goes hand in hand. Extreme freedom is one of the benefits that an individual can enjoy by leading a single life. One can take their own decisions, go anywhere without seeking approval and live life as one wants. The fact that you are not answerable to anyone is a merit in itself. In a way, you will be the master of your own life. Men don’t have to worry about missing sports event or any other favorite shows for the sake of their partner, who has other interests. Women can also enjoy similar benefits, where they won’t have to seek permission from their partner for every activity they intend to do.

More Time for Old Pals

More than often, those involved in a relationship find it extremely difficult to find time for their old pals. On the other hand, if you are single, you will find ample time for your old pals. One can venture outside for picnic and other activities without worrying about leaving his/her partner behind.

Better Control Over finances

Any relationship out there requires time, effort and money to prosper. In today’s world, money is one of the key factors that can determine how good two individuals will fare in a relationship. Being single enables one to have greater control over their finances. There is no need to spend money on expensive gifts and birthday presents. The overall cost of living is very less leading a solo life as compared to living with a partner.

Better Control Over Time

In this time-pressed world, we often complain about lack of time. More than often, long term and short term plans take a hit due to lack of time, especially for those who are involved in a relationship. Usually, most people have to encounter loads of hardship to find quality time for themselves and their family members. However, those who are single do not generally face this problem. They find time for their hobbies, friends and other pleasurable activities. In other words, it enables one to broaden their horizons of life in a positive manner.

More Freedom To Take Risks

Those who are single find more room to take risks in their lives, which is often difficult if you are involved in a relationship. Commitment towards your partner often forces you to take baby steps in various walks of life. In some cases, several fruitful opportunities take a hit due to one’s inability to take risky plunge in different aspects of life.

Less Stress

Today, it won’t be an understatement to claim that relationship and stress goes hand in hand to a great extent. Negative relationship can cause excessive mental and physical stress. There are many personality traits and thought differences that could collide and result into quarrels when two individuals choose to live together. When single, an individual is immune from the stress that is usually involved in a committed relationship.

Source:  Colleen Crawford  of www.healthguidance.org

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Pres.Aquino State of the Nation Address (SONA 2012)

Courtesy of GMANetwork


HIGHLIGHTS OF PNOY 2012 SONA

• President Aquino mentioned perks for GOCCs, PAGCOR ‘coffee scam’, and secondhand helicopters sold to PNP as brand-new.
• Aquino cited economic achievements, including the $1 billion loan the Philippines granted to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Free education - 4.57 million students who could not go to school before due to poverty are now able to study.
• 85% of Filipinos are now Philhealth members.
• Government expanding health services; PhilHealth extends coverage to cancer and leukemia patients.
• More than 30,000 nurses deployed to over 36,000 barangays.
• DOST Secretary Mario Montejo and DOH Secretary Enrique Ona lauded for the success of mosquito traps in bringing down the number of dengue cases in the country.
• Congress urged to to pass sin tax reform bill to raise taxes on cigarettes and liquor.
• Backlog of over 2 million chairs to be addressed by 2012; backlog of over 66,000 classrooms to be addressed by 2013.
• The president received applause, standing ovation upon mention of responsible parenthood bill (or RH Bill).
• State universities and colleges will get a 43.61% budget increase in 2013.
• TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva commended for reforms and effective implementation of technical education scholarships and other vital programs.
• Inherited 8% unemployment rate has reduced to 6.9%.
• During Aquino’s term, 3.1 million jobs were created.
• Construction of Bohol airport in Panglao, Legaspi airport in Daraga, and Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental in 2016 mentioned.
• LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension Project has started in June 2012.
• NAIA-3 structural defects to be addressed.
• SLEX-NLEX connector to be completed by 2015.
• Better implementation of bidding process at DPWH cited; infrastructure being improved without raising taxes.
• Target of 4.6 million tourists for 2012 set.
• DOT’s “It’s More Fun In The Philippines” tourism campaign lauded.
• Pres. Aquino hopes that country can export rice in 2013.
• Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program cited.
• 1,520 sitios have been provided with electricity within 90 days.
• When he assumed office, 45% of policemen had no guns; 74,600 new guns to be added for the police force.
• On the AFP modernization: Hi-tech and better quality patrol and war ships; new helicopters, radio and communication equipment, frigates, light aircraft will be acquired.
• VTRs of housing and Conditional Cash Tranfer (CCT) beneficiaries shown during the SONA.
• No more cash advances allowed in government agencies.
• Voters list cleaned up; no more ghosts voters; officer-in-charge Governor Mujiv Hataman commended for reforms in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
• DOST/PAGASA’s Project NOAH cited, disaster preparedness in the country has improved.
• By 2013, 600 rain gauges and 422 water level sensors will beinstalled at 18 main river basins.
• 1.5 million hectares of trees to be planted by 2016.
• Executive Order on mining cited.
• Illegal loggers warned: “Kayong mga isinusugal ang buhay ng kapwa Pilipino: maghanda na kayo. Tapos na ang maliligayang araw ninyo.”
• Pres. Aquino assures government workers of provision of benefits; unveils ‘performance based incentives’ for state workers.
• Bonus of goverment workers this year will be based on achieved targets.
• Old-age and disability pensioners will receive at least P5,000 per month.
• Progress will continue with fairness, consistency in governance.
• Territorial dispute with China particularly in the West Philippine Sea mentioned.
• Aquino said Philippines will protect and uphold its national sovereignty and territorial authority.
• “Forgive and forget ang lahat ng atraso ng mga naglubog sa atin sa bulok na estado? Ang magpatawad, maaari; ang makalimot, hindi.”
• PNoy also mentioned the filing of plunder charges against former-president Gloria Arroyo, the impeachment of Renato Corona as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the search for the latter’s replacement.
• Pres. Aquino likewise lauded Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for fighting graft.
• PNoy called on Congress to pass amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA).
• President Aquino tackled electoral reforms for the 2013 polls.
• Aquino: Filipinos made change possible; change comes from the citizenry.

The SONA and joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives ended at 5:30 pm.

FULL TRANSCRIPT OF PNOY 2012 SONA

PNOY SONA 2012 from Mark Fredderick Abejo

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Top 12 Break Up Reasons

1. Broken promises, lying, cheating, stealing. These violations of trust almost always result in relationship problems, and is an obvious reasons a relationship fails. If the basic trust in a love relationship is repeatedly broken, problems accumulate and the motivation to stay together decreases. Couples in loving relationships can learn to reconcile their differences – and even survive a physical or emotional affair without anger or bitterness. 

2. Imbalance of power in relationships. Couples may be more likely to break up when one partner has more decision-making power than the other. When one person makes all the decisions about activities, friends, financial matters, household matters, and vacations, the relationship isn’t balanced or loving, and quickly becomes unstable. Both partners should equally share the decision-making power. 

3. Acceptance of stereotypes in relationships. This was once a more common reason relationships failed, but it still exists today! Mistaken gender myths include beliefs such as “Men should earn more money than women” or “Women should stay at home and raise the kids.” If couples believe these stereotypes, they create false expectations that can lead to splitting up. 

4. Isolation from friends and family. This reason for splitting up is based on fear and insecurity; new couples may isolate themselves from other people because they’re “in love and want to be together.” A brief period of cocooning is normal for many couples, but it’s far healthier to interact with other people regularly. 

5. Lack of self-knowledge for couples. If one or both partners aren’t in tune with their own interests, needs, desires, future plans, goals, values, and preferences, then it’s difficult for them to build a better marriage or healthy love relationship. Self-knowledge helps partners communicate who they are and what they want in a relationship, which can prevent problems. 

6. Low self-esteem, insecurity, and lack of self-confidence. Relationships fail because one partner feels unworthy of being loved. This insecurity can lead to possessiveness and dependence, which isn’t healthy for either partner in the love relationship. Couples break up because of insecurity and jealousy. 

7. Excessive jealousy – one of the most common reasons relationships fail . “Jealousy is cited as one of the most frequent causes of the breakup of romantic relationships,” writes Hock. Delusional jealousy can trigger abuse and violence, which can (and should) be why a couple breaks up! Delusional jealousy isn’t as common as “normal” jealousy, but both can cause serious relationship problems. 

8. Ineffective communication. Both partners need to be able to share their thoughts, feelings, opinions, values, needs, frustrations, and joys. Sometimes couples avoid speaking honestly and hide their true selves, which may not always lead to a break up…but it doesn’t strengthen their bond! 

9. Control issues. If one partner is trying to control or manipulate the other, the relationship can become weak or destructive. Controlling behaviors include checking up on the partner, name-calling, threatening the partner, requiring the partner to check in all the time, or not allowing any deviations from the schedule. These signs of obsessive love may not cause the couple to break up, but it is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. 

10. Unhealthy physical behavior – which shouldn’t be part of a love relationship! This is an obvious relationship problem that should lead to an immediate break up! Physical, intimate, and emotional abuse are attempts to gain total control over a partner. Though relationships like this should end immediately, couples stay together stay for various reasons.

11. Love is gone. Love doesn’t have an expiry date and it can really last for life but unfortunately this isn’t frequent. When you see that you are not that much in love with each other, you can revive your love and your relationship but you need to be realistic if this is possible and feasible.

12. Pressure from relatives and friends. Happy are those couple where there are only two of them. Unfortunately, we are social beings and we have friends and relatives. If they don’t like our or our partner’s choice, they start putting pressure on the relationship, ultimately breaking it.

Source: Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen of  www.theadventurouswriter.com

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Health News: Stem Cell Therapy

WHAT IS STEM CELL? 

Stem cells are defined by two properties. Firstly, they can ‘self-renew’, that is they can divide and give rise to more stem cells of the same kind. Secondly, they can mature or ‘differentiate’ into specialized cells that carry out a specific function, such as in the skin, muscle, or blood.

There are many different types of stem cells. These include embryonic stem cells that exist only at the earliest stages of development; and various types of ‘tissue-specific’ stem cells (sometimes referred to as ‘adult’ or ‘somatic’ stem cells) that are found in various tissues in our bodies. Recently, cells with properties similar to embryonic stem cells, referred to as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), have been engineered from specialized cells such as skin cells.

WHAT IS STEM CELL THERAPY

Stem Cell Therapy is the process of obtaining stem cells from an adult patient; concentrating them and administering them back into the patient’s own body. To be clear, these are non-embryonic stem cells, they are adult adipose stem cells. This process of actively obtaining and concentrating stem cells has shown to have beneficial effects in degenerative joint diseases and sport injuries, such as with knees, shoulders and elbows.

Clinical trials have shown that adult adipose stem cells have the potential to:

• Increase the healing time of injured or damaged tissues
• Regenerate tissue that has been damaged or lost by disease or trauma
• Promote circulation by producing new blood vessels
• Decrease inflammation and pain
• Have the ability to become other cell types (heart cells, muscle cells, liver cells, bone cells)

Stem Cell Therapy is being used worldwide in a very successful manner to treat multiple diseases that were considered to be chronic. The stem cells (whether derived from fat or bone marrow) have the ability to repair and regenerate tissues like tendons, cartilage, muscle and bone. When stem cells are injected into the site of injury, they initiate and promote cellular healing, a regenerative process can’t be recreated with traditional medications or surgical procedures.

Stem Cell Therapy for aesthetic and orthopedic conditions. After a thorough medical history, physical and imaging evaluation, our specialized physicians will determine if you are a good candidate for our procedure. Cell therapy is an alternative approach and is usually combined with other treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), IV Vitamin Therapy and Body Sculpting.

After a medical evaluation, the patient is prepared for the procedure. The procedure consists of 3 steps: harvesting, isolation and injection. The stem cells are harvested under local anesthesia making it a very comfortable and well-tolerated procedure. Then, the isolation process takes place. During this time, the fat or bone marrow undergo minimal manipulation to isolate the stem cells. This process usually takes about 90 minutes, during which the patient is comfortably relaxing. When the stem cells are ready, they are injected back to the patient all within the same procedure. There is very little downtime and because the cells are autologous (meaning from the patient’s own body), there are minimal risks of allergic or adverse reactions. Stem Cell Therapy restores the body’s natural balance and at the same time maximizes the cells’ healing potential by regenerating new tissues.

WHAT STEM CELLS USE TO TREAT PATIENTS?

As a matter of fact, there are many different types of stem cells which are applicable for different types of conditions. Here it is most important to differ between blood-forming and non-blood forming stem cells. Blood forming stem cells are typically administered by IV (Intra Vascular Injection) and enter the body via the cardiovascular system. They find their use in various treatments for conditions to the body, e.g. Diabetes, treatment for Renal function or treatment for Kidney function. Examples of blood-forming stem cells are autologous stem cells or mesenchymal stem cells. 

Separate from the cardiovascular system is the central nervous system. The central nervous system is completely separated from the rest of the body, and is completely constructed out of non-blood forming cells, so in order to guarantee a safe treatment, only non-blood forming stem cells are applicable for treatment. Treatment for all neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson's, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis) fall into this category. The preferred type of stem cells here are so-called Nervous Progenitor Cells, typically derived from fetal stem cell sources.

TYPES OF STEM CELLS

There are many different types of stem cells, and it is quite easy to confuse them or mix them up if their differences are not known. Some of these stem cells are very useful within stem cell treatment, whereas others are less useful or potentially harmful. In the following we would like to introduce the most common types of stem cells for your reference:

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells are what you might call the purest form of stem cells. These cells are derived from embryos typically between two to four weeks old. These cells have the ability to form into any other type of cell and to multiply as needed. Unfortunately, impossible to control their growth and multiplication. During treatment this means, that they run a high risk of turning into cancerous cells, which makes them unfit for any type of stem cell treatment.

Fetal Stem Cells

Fetal stem cells are derived from a fetal source, typically not more then 2 months old. Similar to embryonic stem cells, they are very young and have great potential to differentiate and multiply. However, in addition to this it is actually possible to specialize these stem cells, by harvesting them from different parts of the fetus and differentiating them in-vitro, in the laboratory. So while using fetal stem cells in their pure form carries the same risks as using embryonic stem cells, once they are specialized, they have very high potential within stem cell application.

Nervous Progenitor Cells

These stem cells are actually a type of specialized fetal stem cells. They are harvested from the part, which later on will form the fetal brain. This makes them not only predestined to become nervous cells (e.g. neurons) but also guarantees that 100% of these cells are non-blood forming, which makes them very successful in applying them within the central nervous system. They are specialized cells, unlike other stem cells they cannot become any type of cell - they can only form into nervous cells. This also completely excludes them from the risk of forming into cancerous cells and makes them the prime choice for treatment within the nervous system.

Autologus Stem Cells

This is the type of stem cell which we typically describe as adult stem cells. These cells are found throughout the body of every human, mostly within the bone marrow. Typically our body uses these stem cells to replenish our blood, which makes them very high in blood forming stem cells. About 97% of these cells are blood forming which makes them unsuitable for any type of treatment for the central nervous system. Due to the fact that these cells typically have to be cultured from the patient’s body, and then re-injected into the same, which puts great stress on the stem cells. They are also not very effective in treating other conditions. However, there are some technologies which activates these stem cells in-vivo (within the body) without the need of culturing them. In these types of treatments they are mainly used as supporting stem cells for other types of stem cells.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal Stem Cells are typically derived from the umbilical cord blood. Due to the fact that they are easily cultured and differentiated, they are often the preferred choice for stem cell treatment for various conditions to the body (e.g. diabetes, renal function). Still, the majority of these cells, over 80%, are blood forming stem cells, which makes their application within the central nervous system very difficult. However, their intra-vascular application has proven to be very successful.

CURRENT TREATMENTS

Due to the on-going nature of research, the number of diseases that we can treat with stem cells is constantly changing. Below is a current list of diseases that we can treat and have treated successfully. If you cannot find your current condition on the list, then please contact us and we can let you know if we are able to help.

Neurological Diseases including:

• Peripheral nerve related: GuillainBarre Syndrome (GBS), Brachial plexus injuriesand facial paralysis, etc.
• Spinal cord related: myelitis and spinal cord injury (SCI), etc.
• Brain vascular diseases: cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, and abnormal vascular nets disease and brain injury etc.
• Infectious diseases: viral encephalitis, encephalitis post bacterial infection, cerebral parasitic disease.
• Demyelinative diseases: multiple sclerosis, ophthalmoneuromyelitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, diffuse sclerosis and leukodystrophy.
• Movement disorders: Parkinson's disease, chorea minor, hepatolenticular degeneration, Huntington disease and Twitching Tourette's syndrome.
• Nervous system degeneration diseases: motor neuron disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
• Epilepsy
• Diseases which cause abnormal development of the nervous system, hereditary diseases and metabolic disorders including: Batten disease and hereditary ataxia, etc.
• Neuromuscular junction disease: myasthenia gravis.
• Muscular diseases: muscular dystrophy, inflammatory myopathy and myotrophy etc.

Autoimmunity Diseases including:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Sicca syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Polyarteritisnodosa
• Reynolds syndrome

Diabetes mellitus: types 1 and 2

Eye Disorders including:

• Optic nerve atrophy
• Macular degeneration
• Retinitis pigmentosa
• Optic neuritis
• Optic nerve hypoplasia
• Diabetic retinopathy

Anti Aging Treatment

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Health Talk: Call Center Agents Health Risk

In most third world countries in Asia, one of the most lucrative jobs is connected to BPO (Business Process Outsourcing). These are jobs which 1st world countries like the United States, Canada and other European countries get from 3rd world countries in Asia mainly because they are cheaper in cost. You may not know it but job as like being a Customer or Technical Support Representative commands a higher pay than some white collar jobs in these Asian countries.

Call centers began in the Philippines as plain providers of email response and managing services, these have industrial capabilities for almost all types of customer relations, ranging from travel services, technical support, education, customer care, financial services, and online business to customer support, online business to business support.

The call center industry is an up-and-coming industry in the Philippines. Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) is regarded as one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The Philippines is also considered as location of choice due to its less expensive operational and labor costs. In 2007, The Philippines remain as a top BPO destination for the estimated $150-billion business process outsourcing industry.

According to the Call Center Directory of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), the Philippines now has 788 call centers over 20 key locations.

The job isn't pitiful although most people don't realize the health risk involve with this kind of jobs. Most of the time call center agents need to work in night to graveyard shifting (11pm-6am) schedules 5-6 days a week. The work isn't a simple walk in the park either. As a call center agent you need to tough it out when face with angry or impatient customers. Some call center agents even quit the job because they couldn't stand the emotional gravity involve in it. Well let's face it, some customers don't give a damn to the person they are talking to. They don't care about the feelings of the person as if they are talking to a voice box!

Health diseases like high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, low blood pressure due to lack of sleep, insomnia and other stress related diseases can endanger the career of any call center agents who don't care about their personal health. Late night shifts and periodical changes in schedule may disrupt one's biological clock and may cause related diseases like insomnia, migraine, headache, tension and fatigue. This will further lower one's immune system that could lead to other serious illnesses.

One must be aware of these impending threats to one's health before entering these types of jobs. Yes, it may bring you and your family extra cash to buy things but it may also bring you disease that could potentially ruin your career and stash away your life's savings.

Among the top 12 illnesses on the list are high blood pressure, anxiety, depression/boredom respiratory problems, ear infection, voice problems, anemia, insomnia, UTI, ulcers, malnutritions and carpal’s tunnels syndrome.

1.      High blood pressure/ Hypertension

     Many customer services representatives as young as 20-26 years old old and above already have this kind of diseases after subduing themselves in heated verbal conversation with erring customers.  Most have a blood pressures of 160/120, 190/100 and other alarming Bps. Contributing factors are the lifestyles of most call center agents where trace from the stress brought by work, smoking, unhealthy habits and lack of exercises.

2.  Anxiety

This commonly happens to most call center agents since all of them are being monitored in terms of their work performances. A low score means memos pasted on the agent’s desk. More memos might cause someone’s job so it causes anxiety to most of call center agents. This happens probably because it’s really hard to get hired in the Philippines and losing a job is one of the things that should not happen to most Filipinos.

3. Depression and Boredom

Have in mind that an agent’s job is pretty much repetitive – answering calls, addressing complaints, providing solution, ending call and then after a few seconds, another call would come in. Due to this routine, call center agents become more bored and it sometimes affect their social and personal life. What attitude they gather from their work place is what they unconsciously apply in their world outside work. Even worse, because this kind of attitude produces less brain exercise, it might lead to loss of memory and brain power.

4. Respiratory Problems

     Most respiratory problems encounter by call center agents are due to bronchitis, pneumonia, Asthma and allergic reactions primarily because of frequent smoking and exposure to 2nd and 3rd hand smoke. It may be due partly with the environment of the call center itself being subdued for longer working hours in centralized air conditioned, carpeted floors, and proximity of each agent’s to each others are the breeding grounds for any communicable diseases. 

5.  Anemia

      Studies show that bone marrow produces more blood at night and working during graveyard shift in a call center resulting in anemic body. Thus, many call center agent are more prone to iron deficiency anemia. Many women also collapse or faint due to deprivation of oxygen in the body.

6.  Ear Infection/ Acoustic Shock

       According to the Call Centre Management Association (CCMA) the basic cause of acoustic shock is a sudden, unexpected noise, often delivered at a very intense frequency. Call center operators subject to this noise from a variety of sources. Telephone equipment used in call centers produces electrical feedback, latent sonic energy spikes, together with faulty telephone lines, non compliant switchboards, turrets, and headsets. Obvious causes are the caller’s abuses such as screaming, shouting, blowing, whistles, background interferences at the caller location, or ambient noise in the operator’s location.

7.  Voice Loss

      Call center agent are prone to suffer from voice loss, resulting in increase of absenteeism.  According to the Royal College of Speech and language therapist, increasing numbers of call center workers have been referred to speech therapist because they are losing their voices. Long hours and little opportunity given time to rest their voices, drink water or pee are some of the contributing factors. In severe cases, vocal strain can produce inflammation of the larynx, swelling of the vocal chords, or the appearance of vocal nodules, tumors or ulcers and removal of gall bladder. Other causes includes Sore throat and severe cough.

8. Ulcer

     Long hours of working deprive call center agent to eat on time. Even miscellaneous break are often disallowed until the shift is over. Their should be an allotted time given for short nap or stretching the body or having a back or neck massage in a few minutes before heeding to work as this would lessen the stress by giving ample time which is non-existent in most call center company where the time is very valuable and any delay is detrimental to the company reputation and customer satisfaction as the first priority over the welfare of their employees where in fact they are the main assets and should be given due care.

9.  Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A ten-minute break allows an agent to do all the things he needs to do like urinating. However, having this ten-minute job interval every few hours is not enough for a typical employee. Well, an agent can get used to this routine eventually but what they don’t realize that their system might adjust to the break but their bladder won’t. That’s why there are common cases of UTI on some call center agents, especially women.

10. Malnutrition

One gets exposed to junk food and poor diet because most of the workers are in a graveyard shift, 24-hour stores, bars and QSR restaurants are the only options when one craves for something to eat. What most agents don’t realize is they are abusing their body by consuming unhealthy food almost everyday. Not to mention other unhealthy vices and beverages like cigarette and coffee.

11. Insomnia

The inability to sleep on the normal time could lead to insomnia. Especially when one have no choice but to follow the tight working shift schedule. This could affect the body biological clock as the normal sleeping pattern are lost.

12.  Carpal Tunnels Syndrome 

Longer time spend in front of the computer and using a mouse for a long time result in fingers numbness or carpals tunnels syndrome where median nerves is pinched within the tunnel causes pain to the the fingers, numbness of the wrist or hand which is a result of repetitive motion such as painting or typing. Also other causes of absenteeism includes, fever, cold, flu, and severe headache

Working in a business process outsourcing firm is not that easy. Aside from the stressful work that one has to deal with, there are a lot of things that should be passed through like shifting lifestyle and adjusting body clock. If these problems are not provided any solution, many call center agents will suffer in the near future.

Sources: http://www.method1.com.ph

               http://healthmad.com

               http://EzineArticles.com

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UPDATES: Job Openings for Nursing Graduates and RN's

1.  LEILA`S MANPOWER SERVICES (Search / Recruitment Firm)

     POEA License#: 030-LB-110609-R

Pricipal/Project : AL EMADI HOSPITAL (PRIVATE HOSPITAL)

Job Order: Registration No. 10183384   Validity Mar 31, 2015

  

NURSE RECEPTIONIST

Qatar - Doha

Requirements:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree , Nursing or equivalent.
• At least 1 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
• Applicants must be willing to work in doha.
• Female, 21 - 35 years old
• Must be hardworking, honest and responsible.
• Can work with minimum supervision.
• With good communication skills.
• 7 Full-Time position(s) available.

LEILA'S MANPOWER SERVICES

POEA License No. :030-LB-110609-R

Ist. Flr. 1676-D DIAN ST. BRGY. SAN ISIDRO

Makati City Metro Manila

Tel. No. :2399378

Website :http://www.lmsmakati.webs.com

www.vineyardchristianfellowship.webs.com

Accepts walk in from M-F 9-6PM

2. EAST ORACLE

NURSES FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL INSURANCE

PHP 15000 - 35000

National Capital Reg - MAKATI, ORTIGAS, PASAY, QUEZON CITY

Responsibilities:

Interact with customers to provide and process information in response to inquiries,

concerns and requests about products and services.                         

Requirements:

TO BE A HEALTHCARE CALL SPECIALISTS U MUST BE:

• A Graduate of any 4-year course OR
• Minimum 2-years college level education with at least 6 months relevant work experience gained in a customer service-oriented environment
• Has very good customer service orientation
• Has very good communication and interpersonal skills
• Has very good analytical and problem solving skills
• Knowledgeable in MS Office and internet browsing
• Operating schedule: any 8-hour shift between 8PM-8AM, Mondays to Fridays (weekends off!)
• Experience in the health insurance business will be an advantage (but not required) 
• Nurses are welcome

Fresh graduates and entry level applicants are also encourage to apply

College Undergraduates may join us too!

80 Full-Time position(s) available.

Interested applicants may send us email at careerwell@eastoracle.com or text us at 09155852011 or

visit our office at East Oracle at LPL Mansions San Agustin St. Salcedo Village, Makati City

3. YMC INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SERVICES (Search / Recruitment Firm)

POEA License#: 160-LB-092010-R

GENERAL NURSE

Iraq - KURDISTAN

Requirements:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree , Professional License (Passed Board/Bar/Professional License Exam), Nursing or equivalent.
• At least 1 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
• Applicants must be willing to work in KURDISTAN.
• Able to work independently and posses good interpersonal skills.
• Good communication skills in English both verbal and written.
• Hard worker and Self-motivated.
• Full-Time position(s) available.

Email to: ymcims_kurdistan@yahoo.com

or call: 522--8602/-522-8596

Accepts walk in from M-F 10-5PM

4. JVR PLACEMENT COMPANY, INC. (Search / Recruitment Firm)

POEA License#: 129-LB-071211-R

REGISTERED NURSES- Female

Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - LIBYA

Requirements:

• Candidate must possess at least a Professional License (Passed Board/Bar/Professional License Exam), Nursing or equivalent.
• Required language(s): English
• At least 2 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
• Applicants must be willing to work in LIBYA.
• Preferably 1-4 Yrs Experienced Employees specializing in Healthcare - Nurse/Medical Support & Assistant or equivalent.
• Full-Time position(s) available.

JVR PLACEMENT COMPANY INC.

POEA License No. : 129-LB-071211-R

3rd Floor 7493 Brofar Bldg. Bagtican St.(near Pasong Tamo) S.A.V.

Makati City Metro Manila

Tel. No. : 7942231

Website : http://www.jvrplacement.net

APPLICANTS MUST SEND THEIR CV'S AT

EMAIL:  jvrapplicant@gmail.com

5. BISON MANAGEMENT CORPORATION  (Search / Recruitment Firm)

POEA License#: POEA-254-LB-121010-R

Principal Name: RIYADH OASIS HOME HEALTHCARE (Nursing Assistant) 

Urgent Female Nursing Assistant

PHP 18000 - 20000 + Food Allowance,Overtime

Saudi Arabia - Riyadh

  

Requirements:

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor's/College Degree , Nursing or equivalent.
• At least 2 year(s) of working experience in the related field is required for this position.
• Applicants must be willing to work in Riyadh.
• Preferably 1-4 Yrs Experienced Employees specializing in Healthcare - Nurse/Medical Support & Assistant or equivalent.
• 20 Full-Time position(s) available.
• Willing to deploy immediately

BISON MANAGEMENT

CORPORATION

POEA-254-LB-121010-R

#3963 BMH Centre Yague Street Bgry. Sta.Cruz Makati City Metro Manila.

Tel. No. :758-1159/60/61/63/64

Email: apply@bisonph.com

Website :http://www.bisonjobs.com

APPLY NOW! From Mondays - Fridays

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Health News: DOH Alarmed by Rising Dengue Cases

Dengue is fast emerging pandemic-prone viral disease in many parts of the world. Dengue flourishes in urban poor areas, suburbs and the countryside but also affects more affluent neighbourhoods in tropical and subtropical countries.


Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing a severe flu-like illness and, sometimes causing a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue. The incidence of dengue has increased 30-fold over the last 50 years. Up to 50-100 million infections are now estimated to occur annually in over 100 endemic countries, putting almost half of the world’s population at risk.


Severe dengue (previously known as dengue haemorrhagic fever) was first recognized in the 1950s during dengue epidemics in the Philippines and Thailand. Today it affects Asian and Latin American countries and has become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children and adults in these regions.


According to the Department of Health (DOH), around 32,193 cases of dengue infection were documented between January and June this year.This is 3.89 percent higher than the 30,989 cases recorded in the same period last year. The National Capital Region had 7,670 cases, Central Luzon had 5,552 cases, and Calabarzon had 4,508 cases.


To prevent the spread of dengue fever, you must first prevent the breeding of its vector, the Aedes mosquito. The Aedes mosquito is easily identifiable by its distinctive black and white stripes on their body. It prefers to breed in clean, stagnant water easily found in our homes. You can get rid of the Aedes mosquito by frequently checking and removing stagnant water in your premises.

The guidelines below will give you an overview of how you can prevent the Aedes mosquito from breeding.

At All Times

• Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter.
• Remove water in plant pot plates. Clean and scrub the plate thoroughly to remove mosquito eggs. Avoid the use of plant pot plates, if possible.
• Loosen soil from potted plants to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water on the surface of the hardened soil.
• Do not block the flow of water in scupper drains along common corridors in HDB estates. Avoid placing potted plants and other paraphernalia over the scupper drains.
• Cover rarely used gully traps. Replace the gully trap with non-perforated ones and install anti-mosquito valves.
• Cover bamboo pole holders after use. Rainwater can potentially accumulate in these bamboo pole holders if they are uncovered and create a habitat.
• No tray or receptacles should be placed beneath and or/ on top of any air-conditioning unit so as not to create a condition favourable for mosquito breeding. 

Every Other Day

• Change water in flower vases. Clean and scrub the inner sides of vases. Wash roots of flowers and plants thoroughly as mosquito eggs can stick to them easily.

Once A Week

• Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in your scupper drains and garden. These leaves could collect water or cause blockages to the drains, thus resulting in the buildup of stagnant water. 
• Clear any stagnant water in your air cooler unit.

Once A Month

• Add prescribed amounts of sand granular insecticide into vases, gully traps and roof gutters, even if they are dry. 
• Clear away fallen leaves in roof gutters and apron drains. If structurally feasible, remove the roof gutters.

DOST "OL Mosquito Trap": The Science of Mosquito Control and Dengue Prevention

Dengue Fever

Source: nea.gov.sg

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