Three Acts of Kindness from Strangers

The other day was my lucky day. Three events of kindness from strangers made my day.

Every week, my wife( Macrine) and I attend physical therapy so that Macrine's improved her gait in walking and develop muscle flexibility to prevent more falling as a result of her PD. While waiting in the Physical therapy office for our turn, I started coughing because of an itchy throat. I usually carry with me Halls throat lozenges, but that day I forgot. To my surprise, an elderly lady( about my age ) offered me a lozenge, exactly the same brand that I like. I accepted it with out hesitation and give her a million thanks.

After the therapy session, Macrine decided we pass by the grocery store to buy Pastrami and Havarti cheese( our favorite sandwich filling) in the deli section of the Raley store. There was a long line so I hesitated for a few seconds to get a number. A young stranger saw me hesitating and without any hesitation, he got a number and gave it to us. He commented that the line is getting long and we need to get serve fast. I gave him a look of appreciation as he walk away. The guy is Caucasian and must be in his early 30's. I will probably not recognized his face the next time I see him. Any way thanks, young man!

The last act of kindness occurred also on our way to check out from the store. We have less than 20 items. A lady customer ahead of us, asked if we are in a hurry. I said yes, because I was getting hungry and my head was starting to ache. She ask if we want to go ahead of her. I said yes and give her a million thanks and an appreciative smile.



Have you ever experience a similar act of kindness from strangers before? The three act of kindness from complete strangers we will never forget. Will I experience this kindness if we reside in the Philippines. Probably not, specially in Manila or in Makati, but perhaps in the provinces, may be even in Marinduque. Filipinos are noted for cutting in line!

I Have Mild Food Poisoning, Yesterday

Last night, I was vomiting, was nauseated, no appetite, and had stomach cramps. I vomited all the lunch ( fish and chips)that I have and was feeling slightly dizzy. After throwing up I felt better. I took a cup of tea and went to sleep. This morning, I feel better and am back to my normal activities( writing this post). I believe I know what caused my mild food poisoning experience. The other day, after our trip from the Casino, I took the Fish and Chips that I barely consumed ( my wife and I had another dish that we shared). I placed it the refrigerator as soon as we arrived, but forgot to eat it till the next day. I am lucky my food poisoning symptoms was mild. Because of this experience, I did a little internet search on this subject and here's what I learned.

"Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness. Typical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea that occur suddenly (within 48 hours) after consuming a contaminated food or drink. Depending on the contaminant, fever and chills, bloody stools, dehydration, and nervous system damage may follow. These symptoms may affect one person or a group of people who ate the same thing (called an outbreak).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States, 1 in 6 people becomes sick from eating contaminated food. In 2001, the CDC estimated that food poisoning causes about 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and up to 3,000 deaths each year.

Norovirus and salmonella are the most common infectious forms of food-borne illness. Salmonella causes the most deaths followed by Toxoplasma and Listeria. Worldwide, diarrheal illnesses are among the leading causes of death. Travelers to developing countries often encounter food poisoning in the form of traveler's diarrhea or "Montezuma's revenge." Additionally, there are possible new global threats to the world's food supply through terrorist actions using food toxins as weapons.

Increased virulence of known pathogens has caused deadly outbreaks such as the E. Coli STEC outbreak in Germany in 2011".

Reference: http://www.livestrong.com/article/81362-mild-poisoning-symptoms/#

Note: This week Northern California is on triple digits temperature. With this heat, viruses that cause food poisoning grow fast, so food may be easily contaminated. Just be careful, because food poisoning could be deadly.

Time for Some Inspirational Music-The Prayer

I have heard several versions of the Prayer, with Celine Dione, Charlotte Church, Susan Boyle etc...Bot this video of Charice Pempengco(1) with the Canadian Tenors(2) is I would say, one of the best rendition of these very popular piece of music. View it and let me know if you agree or disagree. Just in case you have not heard of Charice and the Canadian Tenors, a brief description is printed below.



(1)Charmaine Clarice Relucio Pempengco was born on May 10, 1992. She is popularly known by the mononym Charice. She is a Filipina singer who rose to popularity through YouTube. Dubbed by Oprah Winfrey as "the most talented girl in the world", she released her first international studio album Charice in 2010. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number-eight, making Charice the first Asian solo singer in history to land in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 albums chart.

She released the single "Pyramid" which featured singer Iyaz. It is her most successful single to-date, charting within the top 40 in a number of countries, and debuting on The Oprah Winfrey Show where she sang live vocals. Crossing over to acting on television, she joined the cast of TV series Glee as Sunshine Corazon.[4] She has released a new lead single, "Before It Explodes", written by Bruno Mars, from her international sophomore studio album, Infinity. Her latest single "Louder" was written by Andy Thi Hy in 2011. In March 2012, she signed on to be one of the four judges of the Philippine version of The X Factor, which began to air on ABS-CBN in June. She was in the news recently for admitting she is a Lesbian.

(2)The Tenors (formerly known as The Canadian Tenors) are a vocal quartet (originally a vocal trio) consisting of Remigio Pereira, Victor Micallef, Fraser Walters, and Clifton Murray, with Murray replacing earlier member Jamie McKnight. They perform operatic pop music that is a mixture of classical and pop, featuring songs such as "The Prayer" and Panis Angelicus from the former genre, and Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah from the latter. The venues they have performed in include the Tel Aviv Opera House, and the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. They have also appeared on the 2009 Grey Cup broadcast and on CBC Television’s Holiday Festival of Ice.

Botanical Drugs versus Botanical Dietary Supplements

Do you know the differences between botanical drugs from botanical dietary Supplements? Please read on even if you know the answer.

There are only two botanical drugs approved by FDA as of today. Last January, FDA approved Fulyzaq, the first anti-diarrheal drug for HIV/AIDS patients. Fulyzaq (crofelemer) is only the second botanical drug approved by FDA. The drug is made from the sap of the Croton lechleri plant. It is indicated for the treatment of watery diarrhea due to the secretion of electrolytes and water in the HIV/AIDS patients gastrointestinal tract. FDA reported that a recent clinical trial of 374 HIV-positive patients established the safety and efficacy of the drug. In the study, nearly 18 percent subjects taking Fulyzaq twice daily experienced clinical improvements.

FDA approved the first botanical prescription drug, Veregen, in 2006. VEREGEN® is indicated for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts (Condylomata acuminata) in patients 18 years and older. It is formulated as an ointment.
Approval of this first botanical drug came about two years after FDA issued a guidance for the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) in 2004. Prior to my retirement from FDA, I was a member of a Committee that drafted this guidance.

Two important distinctions between botanical drugs versus supplements are product claims and designated uses. In some cases the formulations of botanical drugs and botanical dietary supplements can be similar, but labeling has to be different.

Moreever, a botanical drug can claim to treat, prevent, cure, mitigate or diagnose a disease, but a supplement cannot. Therefore in order to become a botanical drug, the manufacturer/marketer must obtain pre-market approval from FDA by submitting an IND application, and then move on to the extensive NDA process to confirm safety and efficacy.
(http://theintellectualmigrant.blogspot.com/2011/11/simplified-overview-of-new-drug.html)

In the United States, a dietary supplement is defined under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) as a product that is intended to supplement the diet and contains any of the following dietary ingredients: a vitamin, a mineral, an herb or other botanical (excluding tobacco), an amino acid, a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combination of any of the above or a substance historically used by humans to supplement the diet.

Furthermore, it must also conform to the following criteria: intended for ingestion in pill, capsule, tablet, powder or liquid form, not represented for use as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal or diet, and labeled as a "dietary supplement"

Based on the Dietary Supplement Health And Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements as a category of foods, and not as drugs. Therefore, pharmaceutical companies are required to obtain FDA approval, which involves assessing the risks and benefits prior to their entry into the market, dietary supplements do not need to be pre-approved by FDA before they can enter the market. Thus approval of new botanical drugs is a slow and tedious process, whereas dietary supplements are freely available for the consumers.

In September 2012, a report said sales of herbal dietary supplements in the United States rose by 4.5 percent in 2011. That report estimated 2011's U.S. sales as US$5.3 billion, whereas sales of the two botanical drugs approved was poor and sluggish.

I hope more botanical drugs are approved by FDA in the future. Botanical drugs in general have less side effects compared to the synthetic drugs.

Exotic and Bizarre Foods of the Philippines

I would never call the balut bizarre or exotic, since I am a Filipino-American. But if you are not a Filipino, I will not blame you. I have eaten the balut more than a hundred times when I was growing up in the Philippines, numerous coconut-rice cakes, fried crickets, stuffed frogs, cow internal organs, blood pudding but not the coconut and mangrove worms and the chicken intestines.

Balut is very delicious and nutritious and consider a brain food. When I was a student at the University of the Philippines, I will buy 4 baluts and gorged on it before my final examination in Chemistry. I dare you to try one, if perchance you have the chance to visit the Philippines in the future. The segment in the video about the underground river in Palawan is informative. This is an excellent video series by Andrew Zimmern.

Have You Heard of Siquijor Island, Philippines?

While I was searching for Herbal Medicine in the Philippines, I accidentally found this video about the Healing Festival in the Island of Siquijor. Do you know where Siquijor is? Siquijor [siki'hor], is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the municipality also named Siquijor. To the northwest of Siquijor are Cebu and Negros, to the northeast is Bohol and to the south, across the Bohol Sea, is the island of Mindanao.



Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country, in terms of population as well as land area (after Camiguin and Batanes). For a time it was part of Negros Oriental. During my teenager years, it was still a part of Negros Oriental, but I have already heard that is an island for witchcraft, magic and the prowess of the local medicine men and women. My interest in Siquijor Island have always been in my mind since my teenager days. The following video is a must view if you are interested in healing and alternative medicines practices in the Philippines.



Thousands of tourists and visitors flocked to the mystical island of SIQUIJOR for the annual healing festival held at Bandilaan Mountain View Park. This province has become known worldwide as the center that promotes natural healing. Tree bark, roots, herbs, dirt, insects and other 'secret' ingredients are thrown into a large cauldron filled with coconut oil. It is believed that supernatural forces roam the earth and share their healing powers to those who seek their assistance. Some sorcerers concoct 'love potions' or make amulets that are know to make their owners invisible! The videographer have personally witnessed and videotaped four healings and cures right before his eyes.! Thank you, Mr. videographer for info@globalvideoprotv.com for this excellent and informative video.

Herbal Medicine of the Philippines

Herbal Medicine in the Philippines is one of several scientific subjects also very closed to my heart. Thus in both of my undergraduate and graduate degrees, my minor subject was in natural products chemistry but my major subject was Analytical Chemistry. In FDA I was involved in the various committees promulgating requirements for the approval of botanical drugs.(http://pu.blish.us/article/585/a-brief-overview-of-new-drugs-development-in-the-united-states#).

As a tropical country the Philippines is a good and an abundant source of plants with medical benefits. Regulation of these products are under the guidance of the Philippines Department of Health (DOH).

The following are the ten Medicinal Plants in the Philippines endorsed by the Department of Health:

1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called "ringworm bush or schrub" and "acapulco" in English, this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.

2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Common names include "bitter melon " or "bitter gourd " in English. This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties.

3. Bawang (Allium sativum) Common name in english is "Garlic". Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat infection with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood.

4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "Guava" in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.

5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known as "5-leaved chaste tree" in english is used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.

6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine known as "Chinese honey suckle". This Philippine herbal medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites.

7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: "Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor" is a Philippine herbal medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension

8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - English :"Wild tea" is a Philippine herbal medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth

9. Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Phillipine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating arthritis and gout.

10.Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites

Types of herbal medicine

Medicinal plants can be used by anyone, for example as part of a salad, an herbal tea or supplement. Many herbalists, both professional and amateur, often grow or wildcraft their own herbs. Making your own herbal medicine preparation is not only fun, but can be cost-effective. In using the above mentioned herbal medicines, some may require some degree of skill, you have to use your own judgement if you decide to use one. Below is a list of general ways on how to prepare your own herbal medicine. The list is not all inclusive and you have to see individual articles for the herb you use so that you will know how to prepare them.

Herbal teas: There are two methods of making herbal teas, infusion and decoction. Infusion is steeping lighter parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, light stems) in boiled water for several minutes. Decoction is boiling tougher parts, such as roots or bark for a longer period of time. Herbal teas are often used as a home remedy, and as an alternative to tea and coffee.

As a general rule unless recommended by a herbalist, Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every 1 cup of water. Let it steep in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain the herbs out and drink 3 to 4 times a day.

Herbal tinctures: Steeping a medicinal plant in alcohol extracts the alcohol-soluble principles into a liquid form that can be stored for long periods. Herbalists may mix several herbal tinctures to form an individualized prescription for each patient. Plant tinctures are also the basis for many homeopathic medicines.

To prepare your herbal tincture you will need:

8 ounces of finely cut dried herbs,
1 large glass jar that can hold 4 cups of liquid
2 cups of vodka

Instructions:: Put the dried herb into a large, glass jar and pour in equal amount of liquid, making sure the herbs are completely covered (this is very important). Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, preferably 4. Make sure to shake the mixture every day. When ready to use, filter the mixture using a cheesecloth bag, coffee filter, or fine cloth, capturing the tincture liquid below in another container. Store the tincture in clean, dark glass containers, out of the sun. If stored properly the tincture will be preserved for two or more years. Vinegar tinctures should be refrigerated.

Note: A drop of tincture is equal to 1 tsp of herb juice.

For Vinegar Tinctures, use 1 ounce of herb per 5 ounces of vinegar.

Fluid extracts: Fluid extracts are stronger than herbal tinctures, and can be made with alcohol or glycerin.

Herbal poultices: Poultices are a solid, vegetable fat based mixture used externally. They have the shortest life span of any herbal remedy and must be made fresh for every use.

Powdered herbs and tablets: Herbs that are dried and (sometimes) certain parts are separated out then diced to powder fine consistency. Powered matter can then be compressed or put in an empty pill coating to form a tablet

Herbal creams and ointments: An ointment usually is mixed with beeswax (or something similar) to make it more applicable to outside the body, such as on a cut or scrape.

Essential oils: Extraction of volatile liquid plant materials and other aromatic compounds from plants gives essential oils. These plant oils may be used internally in some forms of herbal medicine as well as in aromatherapy and generally for their perfume, although their medicinal use as a natural treatment (alternative medicine) has proved highly efficacious in the treatment of headache and muscle pain, joint pain and certain skin diseases

Herbal supplements: Herbal supplements tend to be commercial products in tablet or capsule form manufactured and marketed by the health food industry for sale in retail outlets to the general public, although there are some types that are sold only to healthcare practitioners for prescription. Herbal supplements are often standardized to contain stated levels of active phytochemicals. Some herbalists may not agree with the standardization of active ingredients, preferring instead to use the whole plant.

Source: www.medicalhealthguide.com/philippinesherbalmedicine.htm

My First Vegetable and Beef Soup Dish

I cooked my first Vegetable Beef Soup dish yesterday. Ever since (about 7 months ago) when my wife was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, I was forced to help in the kitchen. I have never cooked in my life before my first dish, a Filipino Chicken Vegetable soup (Tinola) that I described in my blogs about a month ago. Today, I enjoy cooking and am learning a few cooking tips everyday.

Yesterday, I cooked my first Vegetable Beef soup dish. I purchased 1.5 lbs beef shank, 2 lbs soup bones and ½ lbs of beef stew meat. After washing the meat, I placed it in a boiling crock pot containing about 12 cups of water. I added salt and garlic powder and one sliced onion. I continued the boiling until the meat was soft. I added 1 lb peeled taro roots cubes ( gabi roots in Philippines), then ½ lbs of washed fresh green beans cut about 6 inches. I continue the boiling until the taro roots were cooked then add one sliced green pepper and two hot sliced jalopenos ( seeds removed). The Jalopenos will give the soup a spicy taste. Omit the jalopenos, if you do not want a spicy flavor.

When all the vegetables were cooked, I added 10 bok choy stalks( washed) and simmer the pot for another 5 minutes. Add additional salt and pepper to suit your taste. Served with steam rice. Bon Apetit!

Note: If the soup is not salty enough to your taste, add patis ( fish sauce). In my case, I add hot pecante sauce, since I love hot and spicy dishes. The two jalopenos above did give the soup a spicy taste, but not spicy enough for those who love hot and spicy dishes. If taro roots are not available in your area, you may substitute it with potato cubes.