ENDING HER AFFAIR WITH STICKS & BOTTLES

Today, doctors found crater-like sores of about 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch in diameter in the lining of my stomach which meant I need to modify my lifestyle.

For the past 15 years, I have been smoking cigarettes. I've drinking alcohol as well for the same years and I must admit, they have been more than moderate because of the lifestyle I have chosen for myself where stress comes along with it all.  Although I tried to make sure I am physically fit by getting into sports and do healthy activities, the constant smoking and drinking of alcohol throughout the years finally sent me a billing statement with excruciation pain that it sent me writhing and cringing for days!

Yes.... I have ulcers and finally, it's time for me to end my affair with sticks (cigarettes) and those phallic-shaped objects (beers, wine, alcohol). I know it's not gonna be easy. I will be tempted to do so once in awhile but if I think about the medicine prescribed to me (that costs about 2 venti Frappucinos from Starbucks a pill) that I had to take 4 times a day for 2 weeks just to help me treat my ulcers, I have to really quit on them.  


It's sad to let go of things that were my mouth's constant companion but, as I feel the gnawing or burning pain in my abdomen specifically between the breastbone and my navel, I have to bid them adieu for the good times and the bad times they have been with me. I have let them rule over my dying intellectual braincells for years. I still have a few left which are all now rejoicing... throwing their micro hands up in the air screaming, "Yay! The mistress will finally let us rule the world!" 


As my braincells rejoice and perhaps all my other body parts, I weep. It's hard to say goodbye but   its better now before my affair with my sticks and bottles  makes me suffer all the more. 

IT IS DEFINITELY GOOD TO CRY

When life becomes too harsh or too good enough to make me cry, I succumb... I whimper and I cry hard. 

I would shed my tears all out... knowing that if I cry my heart out, I'll be better the next days... shedding tears make me tougher and stronger because after each and every cry, I feel cleansed... like my heart and mind consoled each other to feel better.  William Shakespeare once said, "To weep is to make less the depth of grief." and I truly believe it does.

Is crying good for us? Here are some of the 5 reasons why I believe, people should cry once in awhile...

• Crying is cathartic... It's purifying and a very good therapeutic technique to release emotions and stress we endure.
• Crying build relationships... When we cry with friends around, the bond becomes stronger. I myself am astounded by the resounding support of my friends and the level of intimacy exchanged among us. Crying simply forms communication and connection... bringing us closer to people in our lives.
• Crying cleanses our eyes... tears lubricate our eyeballs and eyelids which helps our eyes avoid dehydration. When our eyes our not lubricated well enough, we can't see things clearly, right?
• Crying manages stress...It relieves us of tension, reduces blood pressure and removes chemicals that are built up in our bodies due to stress like endorphins, prolactin and many more.
• Crying helps kill bacteria... Say goodbye to wet wipes! Our tears contain lysozyme! Tears can kill 90 - 95% of bacteria in just a few minutes! 

Crying is not a negative thing as other people perceive it to be because it has a lot of benefits in awaiting for us. Some people control themselves from crying thinking that they can be tough, look tough in the eyes of others but no... it just adds up worries. Suppressing a cry is bad. 

Shedding a tear or two relieves us from worries, stress, etc. It is just normal for us to cry and crying is not being weak. Not only does it make us feel we co-exist with others, it just simply proves we are human.

THE SUPER VIRUS THAT KILLED MY BABY FILIA

06.29.2010, 13:49
I have been away because I have been mourning from the recent loss of my baby Shih Tzu, Filia Maxine Lobangco.



I had Filia last December (see top photo... she was just one month old here and healthy partying with me.. I was her first mom till I had to give her to my good friend Rachel Lobangco as I can not keep her at the place where I used to live. Filia brought so much joy and happiness to the Lobangco family.... she became the darling of Rachel and her daughter Leona for her sweet look, beautiful black hair and perfect eyes which is rare for a shih tzu.



This was Filia at 8 months old. A few days after this photo was taken, she succumbed to a deadly canine virus called Parvovirus. Parvo is a highly contagious disease characterized by diarrhea that is often bloody. Prior to 1980, most canine parvovirus that caused disease was Type 2 (CPV-2). After 1980, CPV-2 was replaced by CPV-2a became more common and in 1986, another variation called CPV-2b appeared. In the past few years, a new strain, CPV-2c has been detected. Today, CPV-2b has largely replaced the previous strains as the most common parvovirus causing disease in the dog. There is currently some discussion that there may be other strains that are beginning to emerge and have yet to be formally identified. Current vaccinations have helped to control the spread of this disease but despite being vaccinated, some dogs still contract and die from parvo. There is much that we do not know about the virus or the best way to control the disease, but we are learning new information daily. Misinformation about the disease, its spread, and vaccination is widespread. We hope that with a better understanding of the disease, pet owners will be able to make good health decisions for their dogs that will help prevent and reduce the spread of this disease.



How is parvovirus spread?

Parvovirus is spread through contact with feces containing the virus. The virus is known to survive on inanimate objects - such as clothing, food pans, and cage floors - for 5 months and longer in the right conditions. Insects and rodents may also serve as vectors playing an important role in the transmission of the disease. This means any fecal material or vomit needs to be removed with a detergent before the bleach solution is used. The bleach solution should be used on bedding, dishes, kennel floors and other impervious materials that may be contaminated.

The normal incubation period (time from exposure to the virus to the time when signs of disease appear) is from 7-14 days. Virus can be found in the feces several days before clinical signs of disease appear, and may last for one to two weeks after the onset of the disease.


What are the symptoms of parvovirus infection?

There is a broad range in the severity of symptoms shown by dogs that are infected with parvovirus. Many adult dogs exposed to the virus show very few, if any, symptoms. The majority of cases of disease are seen in dogs less than 6 months of age with the most severe cases seen in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age. There are also significant differences in response to parvovirus infections and vaccines among different breeds of dogs, with Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Labrador Retrievers being more susceptible than other breeds.

The most common form of the disease is the intestinal form known as enteritis. Parvovirus enteritis is characterized by vomiting (often severe), diarrhea, dehydration, dark or bloody feces, and in severe cases, fever and lowered white blood cell counts. Acute parvovirus enteritis can be seen in dogs of any breed, sex, or age. The disease will progress very rapidly and death can occur as early as two days after the onset of the disease. The presence of gram negative bacteria, parasites, or other viruses can worsen the severity of the disease and slow recovery.



How is parvovirus infection diagnosed?

Not all cases of bloody diarrhea with or without vomiting are caused by parvovirus and many sick puppies are misdiagnosed as having 'parvo.' The only way to know if a dog has parvovirus is through a positive diagnostic test. In addition to the more time consuming and expensive traditional testing of the blood for titers, a simpler test of the feces with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen test (ELISA), commonly called the CITE test, is also available through most veterinary clinics. Testing of all suspect cases of parvo is the only way to correctly diagnose and treat this disease. A complete physical exam and additional laboratory tests such as a CBC and chemistry panel help to determine the severity of the disease.

How is parvovirus disease treated?

The treatment of parvovirus is fairly straightforward and directed at supportive therapy. Replacing fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea is probably the single most important treatment. Intravenous administration of a balanced electrolyte solution is preferred, but in less severe cases, subcutaneous or oral fluids may be used. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary. Antibiotic therapy is usually given to help control secondary bacterial infections. In those dogs who have severe symptoms, antiserum against endotoxins may be given. Corticosteroids may be given if the animal is in shock. In cases of severe vomiting, drugs to slow the vomiting may also be used. After the intestinal symptoms begin to subside, a broad spectrum de-worming agent is often used. Restricting the food during periods of vomiting is also necessary and parenternal nutrition (providing nutrients intravenously) may be necessary.

Undertaking the treatment of affected dogs and puppies without professional veterinary care is very difficult. Even with the best available care, the mortality of severely infected animals is high. Without the correct amount of properly balanced intravenous fluids, the chance of recovery in a severely stricken animal is very small.

All parvoviruses are extremely stable and are resistant to adverse environmental influences such as low pH and high heat. Exposure to ultraviolet light and sodium hypochlorite (a 1:32 dilution of household bleach - ½ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water) can inactivate parvovirus. The bleach solution can be impaired by organic matter and needs to have adequate exposure time and proper concentrations to work effectively.

Conclusion

In summary, parvovirus is a very common problem that is a huge killer of puppies. Due to its ability to be transmitted through hands, clothes, and most likely rodents and insects, it is virtually impossible to have a kennel that will not eventually be exposed to the disease. Modified live vaccines are safe and effective, but despite the best vaccination protocol, all puppies will have a window of susceptibility of at least several days where they will be at risk. In addition, the newer CPV-2c strain presents new challenges since it is less detectable in laboratory tests and current vaccines may not be as effective in providing protection against it. Prompt treatment by a veterinarian will increase survivability in infected puppies and working with your veterinarian on a vaccination program that is best for your puppy is important.

This virus killed my beloved Filia last June 25, 2010 and I'm spreading this blog so other dog lovers out there will be aware of the danger of this killer virus amongst canines. Hope this is informative enough. The loss of a pet is horrible but if you guys can have your pets avoid this, then good.

To Filia... you are greatly missed.

Author's note: These images of my Filia is my personal property and of Vincent Garrucho.

SEX CAN STILL BE BEAUTIFUL AT 60++

Don't you ever wonder if old people really do have sex and/or still got the drive? I sat staring at my round light in the ceiling for a few moments wondering if they really do.



This thought was brought about when I suddenly remembered a friend's dream of retiring at 60 and traveling the entire Europe on a fully-equipped trailer.

I had a big laughing moment about it because he said his friends thought this is a crazy idea. I thought of it as something great and beautiful that I managed to crack a joke... that he can even have random sex at every single town, city or country he passes by! So, remembering that conversation today, I wondered if people at 60 and ++ really do get the sex drive?

Disclaimer: Please don't throw up by starting to think about wrinkly private parts early this morning. This is a good read for you and well... you never know... you just might remember this article when you reach the golden age.

Recalling my Nursing studies at the University of St. La Salle Bacolod plus reading materials of people's experiences, news, etc., throughout the life of us normal, healthy people, there are ups and downs in our sexual desires. Really! People who are harried, worried or under extreme emotional stress often feel flat or nothing about sex and as we grow older we can still enjoy sex but sometimes the drive is somewhat muted. Various physical factors affect sex drives. There are specialists in the field who can be consulted eventually regarding this. Guidance counselors, sexologists and neurologists have means of assisting those concerned about the problem. At our new age and generation of advance technology, these professionals even have online services about this thus; making it convenient for everyone.

However, I think it is important to note that sex is not the only way to demonstrate love as couples mature. This may often achieve intimacy through other physical contact such as hugging, holding hands or massaging each others' back.

Back in the day, I remember talks that sex is no longer "suitable" for the older age group. I am sure you all have heard poor jokes and negative publicity that were given to "dirty old men" who showed an unseemly interest in copulation.

Today, with advanced studies and of course with the help of medical discoveries, it is understood that the sex drive remains with us almost throughout our lives and is a part of the human makeup at all stages. Nevertheless, there are good physiological reasons why women after menopause may be less turned on than their male partners and it is well that both husbands and wives understand these reasons. Then if there is still a great desire to rejuvenate the fountain of youth, there are experts who can give assistance.

Age need not rule out a satisfying sex life. If I am 60 and I get to talk to Spongebob Squarepants, he will only say one thing... "It's all about IMAGINATION."

Props to Jomi Garrucho for the photo :))