Winter Season's solutions?

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Guillain-Barre is a rare disorder of the nervous system. It is usually defined as ascending paralysis of muscles, that would include respiratory muscles which might hinder the patient's basic capacity to breathe. In this situation, this might require the use of a mechanical ventilator. Winter Season is here, and vaccination opponents would seem purvey a causal relationship betweenGuillain-Barre and swine flu. Vaccination proponents argue that it has been 30 more years since America had the Swine Flu Vaccine Fiasco. USA today states: "
The 1976 swine flu program was "overwhelmingly recalled as a 'fiasco,' a 'disaster,' or a 'tragedy,' " wrote Fineberg and co-author Richard Neustadt, the late founder of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

The government signed off on developing a vaccine and using it at the same time, without ever reassessing the need for immunizing against the unpredictable flu virus." Vaccination proponents asserts that the making of the vaccine has already been refined., and the CDC is in a watchful waiting process for any side effects.

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One can say that what seems to be a solution to a problems, would not be the a solution, but would likely cause a burdensome aggravation to the problem. For instance, Newser.com annotated the problems the health reform may cause

$$$: "Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations."
* More $$$: "Penalties of up to 2% of your annual income" if you don't buy insurance.

* Yet more $$$: Coverage mandatory for some who can't afford "$11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums."
* Anti-choice: The bill is "designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade."
* Worse care: Taxes on existing employer plans will decrease benefits.
* No returns: Taxes would start now, but advantages don't materialize until 2014.
* 300%: That's how much more the elderly could be charged.
* Drugs: Big Pharma gets a handout, and you get charged more.
* More drugs: No importation of cheaper alternatives.
* $$$, again: "In 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now."


http://www.newser.com/story/76646/10-ways-senate-health-reform-hurts-you.html

Problems, and problem and problems. One can say that 100 years ago from now, people may be minding problems that do not deserve to be given too much attention.
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One can say that the month of December can also be a month for break-ups. Wolstenholmes Solicitors LLP states: "Around 140,000 couples divorce each year in England and Wales. This is the highest divorce rate in Europe. According to recent statistics, the busiest time of the year for people – especially women – to initiate divorce proceedings is straight after Christmas." Others argue that January is the time for a clean slate and a fresh start. Hence, prospective divorcees would seem to proceed with this belief.



Sources:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-05-swine-flu-1976_N.htm

Situation

Situation
I have been in a situation. A situation where my feelings did acts of betrayal with my thoughts. This is when rationalization and reason seems to be a deviation og all other sorts. When all I want to do is to give in to my feelings. I never should have expected or even assumed. I never should have thought all the could-have-beens and what might-have-beens. But then, like all other acts of betrayal, my feelings expected, assumed, and dreamt. They wandered as if there are hopeless romantics finally experiencing the joys of romance, the lavish exhilaration of summers, and the warm embrace of winter. Nathaniel Hawthorne states: ""Caresses, expressions of one sort or another, are necessary to the life of the affections as leaves are to the life of a tree. If they are wholly restrained, love will die at the roots." How can affection can be necessary if it seemed to be grown out of betrayal?

Scary Swines and Morbid Messengers

Scary Swines and Morbid Messengers

The swine flu pandemic would seem to be on the rise. Arguably, the 2009 fall season can be one of the worst seasons in the last few years. Moreover, the mass media, especially the local news would seem to tip the panic scale of the people: by sensationalizing reports of the shortage of the vaccine. The script would run: “With the vaccine running on short supply, parents scramble.. the risk are in children and pregnant women...” This type of reporting would seem to work in eliciting fear and mild panic.


October 11, 2009- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, had around 400,000, and accounted for 4735 deaths. The mass media would capitalize on these deaths to paint and exaggerate a morbid reality.

One would say that this type of reporting can be one of the manifestations that Barry Glasner asserts: cultivating the culture of fear in America. Vaccines are important especially for the immuno-compromised and the fragile population: children, pregnant and the elderly. The Mass Media acknowledges that there is shortage in the vaccine, and purposely cultivates fear. Why don't they focus on patient education to reduce the risk of acquiring the flu? They should consult a features documentary on how to prevent the swine flu. Vaccination is one of the MANY methods to prevent transmission. The mass media may like to portray that vaccination is the only viable choice.

Lastly, Edgar Wallace - The Clue of the Twisted Candle (1916), asserts: “Fear is a tyrant and a despot, more terrible than the rack, more potent than the snake." It would seem that the snake caretakers are the morbid messengers of the mass media. One has to realize that vaccination is not the only way to prevent H1N1. I could have mentioned handwashing, eating a healthy diet, supplements for the immune system and the like. The people are not out of options as the major networks would like to portray as such.

Sometimes in September

Sometimes in September
(blog processed on September 30, 2009-- after the typhoon Ondoy's rampage)
September is notorious for its rainy season. Typhoon Ketsana-- local Filipino name-- Ondoy has its collateral damage. One cannot be sure on the actual periods the victims can recover. During these trying times, one can say that the bayanihan effect has its scientific basis. It is called Mirror Neurons.



Some people argue that mirror neurons and empathy are simple. When one person perceive an action or emotion of another person, a number of neurons that would become active should we ourselves be conducting that action or expressing that feeling begin to fire. Thus, we simulate the actions and emotions of those we observe (serendip.brynmawr.edu-- Mirroring Emotions: The Role of Mirror Neurons in Empathy).


This may explain that when people see television clips of individuals and properties facing danger under the wrath of typhoon Ondoy, a certain part of some people's brains would fire up and would communicate empathy. People watching the telecast may feel sorrow, compassion, pity and the like. In this way, Mirror Neurons may also explain why there is “bayanihan” among Filipinos in the country and abroad.






One may argue that in this time of recession, empathy on people may be running out of stock. It maybe compared to a currency running out of monetary value. However, the very existence of motor neurons may prove that empathy is something intrinsic, organic, and biological. In a way, humans are created to do something benevolent.



Work Cited Links

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/2334

Images from: http://seizedmoments.blogspot.com/

Religion's Return

Religion's Return

Public Radio International recently showcased the radio documentary "God is Back." One might say that the recent economic downturn would let people introspect and realize that there can be a Divine Providence. Most people may also realize that what matters are not the ephemeral, transient, and the material, but something spiritual, redeeming, and enlightened. This is not to ignore the fact that there are people who do not subscribe to the existence of God. One may contend that the secular subscription to a God is Someone who has Infinite Intelligence, but non-interventional and non-interfering. This can be a God that some skeptics may give reasonable doubt, but not entirely. For the of consistency, one can stick to the 1st Amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech [...]" Some would contend that a decline in prosperity would be a time to turn to religion: Be it Allah, God, Eloha, Yahweh, Mohammed. Siddaharta and the like. John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge states on their book "God is Back" : Religion is even ( re-)emerging as a force in the very heartland of secularization. Europe is still a long way behind America: for instance, only one in ten French people say that religion plays an important role in their lives. But nevertheless there are signs that the same forces that are reviving religion in America — the quest for community in an increasingly atomized world, the desire to counterbalance choice with a sense of moral certainty [...]" One may posit that although religion skeptics seemed to refute religion, one may not deny that religion is an aspect of most people's lives.
*******
The month of August 2009 may have lost one of the hallmarks of democracy in Asia. The demise of Corazon Aquino seemed to have caused the weeping of millions of Filipinos. Cory may have been the epitome of a motherly love, to her children and to the nation. In the 1980s, she is one of the key characters who trampled the tyranny of martial law under the Marcos Administration. The People Power Revolution appeared to have taught the nation that revolt can happen in a peaceful manner. She became the first woman president in Asia. In a time when religion seems to be returning, one can say goodbye to Cory Aquino by remembering her words: "Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope.”

Dreams and Needs

Dreams and Needs

Some may have moments of utter desperation. When someone is in need of a problem's solution, and the solution is as elusive as the current volatile global market, one may resolve into unexpecred circumstances. There maybe some things that one may lament. For instance, the current economy shed 467,000 jobs this June. This resulted to unemployment rise to 9.5% (Associated Press). This seems to be a disappointing scenario.

This writer recently obtained a house. This writer does not want to delve with this is the fulfillment of the “American Dream.” One must not engage in the propagandistic and commercialistic deeds of greedy realtors and investors. The hasty pursuit of this dream is what put the nation, and the world even, in this long term economic mess. Three years ago, some even called owning a home as “the American dream on steroids.” As it turns out, one may say that this type of dream seems to be corruptible.

This writer obtained a home because of needs. As Abraham Maslow contends, obtaining a house is a safety need. It is in the second level of the pyramid, and such may deem the matter necessary. Moreover, the American Dream is a cliché, and this writer shuns away from cliches.

In this regard, there are many things this writer has to be grateful: supportive family, a job, friends, a house-- are things too few to mention.

SideNote:

It seems to be ironic how the corporate media hero-ify a person they previously condemn and vilify. Rest in peace- Michael Jackson.

Weather Woes

Weather Woes

The weather has been erratic lately. Spring should have come forward with its shiny and warm façade. The sunrise should have been toiling on every weekend, bringing the glorious role of outdoor activities. All the should-have-been’s seems to be just rhetoric. The sun-seeking behavior of Californians appears to have been dashed because of the June Gloom. According to Meteora.edu, the coastal clouds may remain all day but often give way to some hazy afternoon sunshine. The number of days during this two month period that are gloomy vary from year to year.

Into this writer’s surprise, the June Gloom may have been a blessing. The haze of the California sun needs to have its break. A lot of introspection during this rare phenomenon may occur. Moreover, the cold weather seems to be the anti-thesis against the marketing/corporate agenda that spring should be spent outdoors, or out of the country even. One may also find that the weather is associating itself with the bleak economic forecast as of press time. In this regard, a lot of things maybe under the weather, slowly breaking away from the rigid routines of spring and being gloomy as to its entitlement.

Some people may have emotions germane to loneliness and solitude once May Gray/June Gloom occurs. This can be a viable scenario. Once the weather promotes inactivity and introspection, such type of emotions maybe revived like a very earnest and courageous survivor. Like all other seasons, the weather as of press time needs to runs its own natural course. The same would apply with the gloomy emotions attributed to it. It would seem that time would be the only ally, to let the gloominess pass by, and let the sun lighten up someone’s weary soul.

Possession

Possession

“Possession,” by Sarah Mclachlan would seem to be one of her remarkable and realistic songs. Borrowing the lyrics from the song:

"Listen as the wind blows

From across the great divide

Voices trapped in yearning

Memories trapped in time

The night is my companion

And solitude my guide

Would I spend forever here

And not be satisfied

And I would be the one

To hold you down

Kiss you so hard

I'll take your breath away

And after I'd wipe away the tears

Just close your eyes dear."

She wrote the song for her stalker. One can say that this can be a mild case of Stockholm syndrome. As such, this is what makes the song realistic and ethereal. Arguably, one can feel the sense of longing on this song, and even symphatize with Sarah's stalker. In a nutshell, this can be called a masterpiece.

Sarah McLachlan - Possession
Uploaded by Vinz91 - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

What I Treasure Most in Nursing

• This essay earned me a Nursing Spectrum CEU Gift Card from Citrus Valley Health Partners-- as of May 22, 2009
  

This is my entry for "Nurses's Week 2009." Citrus Valley Health Partners have this essay contest. My essay skills would seem to be a little rusty, and it needs some polishing. Joining the essay contest for nurses week may sharpen those skills. - as of May 10, 2009

The contest has a prompt on "What You Treasure Most in Nursing."

What I Treasure Most in Nursing

The looming economic crisis would seem to be eroding this country's resources. Treasures maybe hard to find in the times of foreclosures, bankruptcy and recession. However, I believe that nursing is a profession with intrinsic and indispensable treasures. What I treasure most about nursing is its resiliency to deliver compassionate caring despite obstacles and changes.

Some people might view that nursing is a profession exempted from recession and depression. Ostensibly, this argument can be valid. However, one may find that the nursing profession is also suffering from the economic downturn as manifested by the frozen hiring of nurses. Such situation could result to under-staffing and overworked nurses. In this regard, one may mistake the profession's exemption from economic recession and depression to the nursing profession's resiliency. Resiliency is the adaptation to any adversity. This is one of the things I treasure most about nursing. Despite the hurdles of under-staffing and fatigue, nurses try to adapt to deliver the optimal nursing care with compassion.

Another instance where the nursing profession exhibits resiliency is on the realm of laws and technology. Legal issues seem to bombard the nursing profession. Corporate compliance and HIPAA are some of the issues. In this regard, the nursing profession seem to address these issues with resiliency, and still provide compassionate caring to patients. Information technology is seemingly becoming an aspect in the delivery of health care. Nursing is not an exception. For instance, nurses used the Meditech software for charting. They also used Computer-On-Wheels for medication administration. Initially, some people find technology to be cumbersome and an obstacle to nursing care. However, the nursing profession is resilient to any changes. Moreover, the integration of technology and nursing has greatly improved in the last decade. Since the nursing profession is resilient to the changes in health trends, the intrinsic and indispensable facet which is compassionate caring seems to remain the same.

I would reiterate that the basic component of nursing is compassionate caring. Arguably, the nursing profession is resilient to changes, and this basic component seemed to have never been lost. Changes would include economic decline, financial instability, technology and legal issues. I could have mentioned changes in nursing ethics, Sentinel Events ( Medication and Drug Injuries), Nursing malpractice, Safe staffing issues and many more. Nurses can say: "Bring on the changes, " and the nursing profession would still remain resilient to deliver optimal nursing care under the banner of compassionate caring. With all the adversity and changes, compassionate caring is one of the most basic components of nursing, and it would never go out of style. As Lexie Saige asserts: "A nurse is compassion in scrubs." A nurse is the personification of compassionate caring. Hence, this is what I treasure most about the nursing profession: its resiliency to deliver compassionate caring despite obstacles and changes.

Of Truth, Consequences, and Re-kindled friendships

Of Truth, Consequences, and Re-kindled friendships

Some people are alienated when one would speak of reunions. One can see how movies and TV shows have depicted families to be dysfunctional when it comes to family reunions, and friend reunions. Hollywood would seem to depict such gathering as confrontational, acrimonious, and chaotic. Such depiction would seem to be a disservice to the central core of reunions. This writer attended a reunion of his elementary classmate in the Philippines. Arguably, one may differentiate the Filipino style of reunions.

In reunions, there would seem to be roadblocks. One may say that arriving late is one of the most common hindrances. Arguably, in a crowd, someone would assume the role of a latecomer. This could have been an issue. However, patience and understanding was in an abundant supply. Hence, all was forgiven.

This writer is not in the habit of mentioning names. Accordingly, a Hemingway-esque type of description may suffice. The participants in the reunion would include but are not limited to:

1. functionally clueless– someone who can be absent-minded e.g.- losing car keys, hotel keys etc.

2. injured knee

3. work-oriented

4. post conservatism- one who is against the “Maria Clara” character

5. dehydration phobia- one who has a fear of not having enough fluids in the body, and who carries a water bottle most of the time

6. Size 0- it's for women, whatever it means.

One of the highlights of the reunion is the truth and consequences game. Consequence would include biting toenails, wearing underwear over the head, licking a thumb, toes, kissing uncovered and covered part of a body, wearing make-up,shaving body hair, and the, like. The purpose of this blog entry is from a mere suggestion. A reunion participant suggested that one must memorialize the funny moments of the reunion, hence, here it is.

In a nutshell, one can say that the weekend in the dwindling days of February 2009 is one of the warmest and happiest reunion that happened. Richard Bach states: “Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” Accordingly,it was the process of re-kindled friendships which made the week meaningful. It may surpass the moments and lifetimes of goodbyes.

Silver Cup

Silver Cup

Some people is indignant towards the month of February. Such indignation may come from lonely people, single people, divorced people and the like. Some would say Valentines is just 24 hours. Arguably, February is a month of diminishing returns. 28 days in a month may not be enough. Having 29 days may not even be a consolation. Superstition asserts that those people born in the month of February can be ill-tempered and pickle-minded, because the month is lacking on days.

Hollywood seem to only dedicate the month of February for lovers and loving. This is to prove that Hollywood is almost always wrong. February can be for the lonely people and single people. As Jars of Clay asserts:

This is for all the lonely people
Thinkin' that life has passed them by
Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup
Ride that highway in the sky

This is for all the single people
Thinkin' life has left them dry
Don't give up until you drink from the silver cup
You'll never know until you try

In this aspect of life where even loving someone can be a pressure, a burden, and a generic commercial, one must think of the silver cup. Silver cup signifies the silver lining in every situation. Hence, this signifies all the love and hope in the world.

Random Thoughts 2009

“Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.” John Betjeman

Random Thoughts

The current economic recession would seem to be becoming a bleak scenario for the nation. Almost every institution and companies are streamlining and cutting costs. According to Rachel Bernstein, “Nine out of 10 companies have put cost-cutting strategies in place — from hiring freezes to furloughs — in hopes of weathering the recession gripping the U.S. economy. The most often-used cost-cutting initiative was reducing travel expenses, cited by 67 percent of survey respondents. It was followed by hiring freezes and reductions, which are used by 58 percent of companies surveyed.” This is arguably one of the dark hours of adulthood.

This seems to be the sounds and smell and sights that adulthood might face. This is where the looming dark hours of reason are on the process of bombardment. Slumdog Millionaire would seem to show the contrast of the growing dark hour of reason. One may argue that the scene where Jamal Malik jumped on the vat of feces to get an autograph of his favorite actor can be a literal measurement of the smells and sights of childhood. Most Mumbai residents would oppose the inaccurate portrayals of the movie. They contend that the movie projected and magnified a minor aspect of Mumbai.

Source

http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2009/01/26/daily17.html