My Pineapple and Pineapple Guava Plants

Here are photos of my potted pineapple plant and pineapple guava shrub with fruit ready to be harvested. The pineapple guava shrub( feijoa Sellowiana) is also known as the strawberry-guava shrub, since the ripe fruit taste like a cross between a strawberry and guava.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pineapple-guava/feijoa-pineapple-guava-info.htm

Meanwhile, enjoy the photos of my okra plants on their last days of warmth weather.

Again, let us welcome to Planet Earth Jean Jambalos Maeda  first grandson, Alexander Bernard Chilan

Que Lindo, Hermoso and Guapo

List of Medications for High Blood Pressure

I was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure (HBP) since I was 40 years old. My physician had tried several types of HBP medications to stabilize my BP. Today after 45 years I am taking a combination drug that controls my BP with the least side effects.    

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a term that is used to acknowledge that a person’s blood pressure is above what is considered normal. High blood pressure is also called hypertension.  Measuring somebody's blood pressure gives us an indication of how effectively their heart is working to pump blood around their body. If their heart and blood vessels are working efficiently, then their blood pressure will be normal or slightly below normal. If their heart is having to work very hard to pump blood around their body, then their blood pressure will be high.
Blood pressure is composed of two measurements.

• The first recording is called the systolic pressure and it measures the force the heart must pump against to get blood to flow around the body. It can indicate how flexible or stiff the blood vessels are. During this measurement, the blood pressure cuff inflates to a certain extent and records what pressure around the arm stops blood flow.
• The second recording is called diastolic pressure. This measures the resting pressure when the heart relaxes between heartbeats. It is recorded while the blood pressure cuff is deflating.

Most experts consider a normal blood pressure to be 120/80 mm Hg. Ideally, everybody’s blood pressure should be below 130/80 mm Hg. If the first number is above 130 or the second number is above 80 then a person is said to have high blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Most people experience no symptoms when their blood pressure is high. Sometimes people may develop a headache or feel unwell; however, most do not connect these vague symptoms as having to do with their heart.
If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can damage the blood vessels and increase a person’s risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. It also causes the heart to enlarge and weaken because it essentially wears itself out from having to work so hard to push blood around the body. People with high blood pressure are also more likely to develop high cholesterol, kidney and eye problems, and have poor circulation in the legs and feet.

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

It is not uncommon for your blood pressure to go high occasionally; however, it is persistently high blood pressure that is a concern. For this reason, if a doctor or nurse takes your blood pressure and it is high but you don’t have any risk factors or symptoms, then at least two other separate measurements should be taken before you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Before getting your blood pressure taken you should avoid the following for at least an hour before the measurement:

• Strenuous exercise
• Smoking
• Caffeine
• Eating
• Stressful situations.

Sit down for at least five minutes before the reading is taken and don’t talk while it is being measured.
Other tests may be ordered if your doctor concludes you have high blood pressure. These may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and sometimes a chest x-ray.

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

Treatment depends on how high your blood pressure is. For people whose systolic reading falls in the range 120 to 129 and the diastolic reading is equal to or less than 80, lifestyle changes are usually recommended over medications. These may include:

• Losing weight if you are overweight
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Eating less salt
• Eating less saturated fats
• Increased physical activity
• More physical activity
• Limiting alcohol.

If treatment is considered necessary, sometimes more than one medication is prescribed. Medications for high blood pressure include:

• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin-receptor blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha-blockers.

  Drugs Used to Treat High Blood Pressure

						Drug name Rx / OTC Preg CSA Reviews Rating Popularity lisinopril Rx D N 464 5.5 amlodipine Rx C N 417 4.5 losartan Rx D N 388 5.0 hydrochlorothiazide Rx B N 124 5.6 metoprolol Rx C N 193 6.0 Norvasc Rx C N 76 4.6 atenolol Rx D N 103 7.2 Benicar Rx D N 102 7.7 Cozaar Rx D N 53 6.5 Metoprolol Tartrate Rx C N 12 5.1 Avapro Rx D N 35 5.4 carvedilol Rx C N 67 4.3 Diovan Rx D N 59 6.8 furosemide Rx C N 11 6.5 Bystolic Rx C N 177 6.3 Lopressor Rx C N 9 6.1 hydrochlorothiazide / lisinopril Rx D N 57 6.4 clonidine Rx C N 76 6.3 Toprol-XL Rx C N 30 7.6 Lasix Rx C N 7 6.9 Vasotec Rx D N Add 9.0 enalapril Rx D N 11 6.3 Prinivil Rx D N 10 5.3 Zestril Rx D N 11 7.8 valsartan Rx D N 105 6.1 Source: https://www.drugs.com/condition/hypertension.html Meanwhile, enjoy this beach view and relax, it will lower your blood pressure. View from the balcony of the Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

My Involvement with the United States Pharmacopeia(USP)

 

Press Release, Philippine News, August, 1995

USP is not as well known as the FDA to an average American. I know this as a fact, because my neighbors and a few of my friends and relatives whom I consider average Americans have heard of FDA and some of its responsibilities, but have no idea about USP and its functions.   This article summarizes my personal involvement with USP in Rockville, Maryland for 10 years.

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My involvement with the United States Pharmacopeia(USP)started in 1995 and ended in 2005. In 1995, I was first elected to USP Council of Experts, Standards Division in the Antibiotics and Natural Products Committees. My first term of 5 years ended in 2000, but I was reelected to another five years term in 2000 ending in 2005. As an elected member of the Council of Experts, I was responsible for establishing standards of identity, safety, quality, purity of drug substances and drug products as well as in-vitro and diagnostic products, dietary supplements and related articles used in health care. Just in case you have not heard of USP...

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the official pharmacopeia of the United States, published dually with the National Formulary as the USP-NF. The United States Pharmacopeial Convention (usually also called the USP) is the nonprofit organization that owns the trademark and copyright to the USP-NF and publishes it every year. Prescription and over–the–counter medicines and other health care products sold in the United States are required to follow the standards in the USP-NF. USP also sets standards for food ingredients and dietary supplements.

My complimentary and autographed copy of USP 24-NF 19

My election to the USP Council of Experts was a very selected process. In 1995, there were more than 700 scientist nation-wide from academia, government and private industry who volunteered to serve. USP selection committee narrowed it down to 256 final nominees. Of the 256 final nominees, only 128 were elected.


Election to the Council of Experts ( formerly known as the Committee of Revision) confirms that the person elected is both the national and international expert in the field of election. My field is in Antibiotics and natural products( botanical drugs).

As far as I know I was the first Filipino-American elected to USP since its inception in 1820. Approved drugs and new drugs to be marketed in US must comply with the USP requirements with regards to identity, safety, quality and purity. The USP/NF is used by pharmacists, chemists, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals as well as consumers. I am very proud of my ten years of involvement with USP during my active working years as an Analytical Chemist for four private companies and as a Chemistry Team Leader in FDA for 12 years.

Lastly, the University of the Philippines Chemistry Alumni Newsletter congratulated me on my election to the USP/CE with this note. " We join with your colleagues and your family in congratulating you for this singular honor, which bring prestige to the Philippines as well."

Meanwhile, enjoy the following songs-some of my favorites:

https://youtu.be/zuyb7zhcxIg

Nine Herbal Remedies for Arthritis

I have arthritis on the knee and I am taking turmeric capsules. I found it effective. I found the following article helpful and love sharing it with you.

Arthritis symptoms can keep you from going about your everyday activities. The pain and inflammation may still persist despite medical intervention. To get relief, more and more people with arthritis are seeking a natural approach by using herbal remedies.

Certain herbs may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by reducing pain in all forms of the disease. Still, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting such claims. Before you treat arthritis the “natural” way, make sure you talk to a doctor first to avoid life-threatening side effects.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the most commonly used herbs in alternative medicine. Known for its healing properties, it’s popular for treating small skin abrasions. You may already have a bottle of aloe vera gel in the medicine cabinet from a past sunburn. This same type of product may be applied topically to soothe aching joints. Aloe vera is also available in whole form from the leaves of the plant. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source says that oral aloe vera can cause decreased blood sugar and gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea. Topical aloe vera, on the other hand, does not cause any side effects and should be safe to try for arthritis.

2. Boswellia

Boswellia, also called frankincense, is praised by alternative medicine practitioners for its anti-inflammatory capabilities. It’s derived from the gum of boswellia trees indigenous to India. This herb is thought to work by blocking substances (leukotrienes) that attack healthy joints in autoimmune diseases such as RA. The NCCIHTrusted Source acknowledges promising evidence of boswellia in animal studies. But it notes a lack of human trials. Boswellia is available in tablet form and topical creams.

3. Cat’s claw

Cat’s claw is another anti-inflammatory herb that may reduce swelling in arthritis. This herb is from a tropical vine, and its usage dates back to Incan civilizations. Traditionally, cat’s claw is used to boost the immune system.
In recent years, the immunity powers of the herb have been tried in arthritis. The downside is that cat’s claw may overstimulate the immune system and make arthritis pain worse. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a study showed cat’s claw can help with RA swelling. But there’s no proof that this herb can prevent further joint damage.

4. Eucalyptus

Like aloe vera, eucalyptus is widely available in Western markets. It’s used in oral medications, and topical oil extracts are used for a variety of conditions. Topical forms of eucalyptus leaves are used to treat arthritis pain.
The plant leaves contain tannins, which may be helpful in reducing swelling and the pain arthritis causes. Some users follow up with heat pads to maximize the effects of eucalyptus on swollen joints. Be sure to test yourself for allergies before using topical eucalyptus. Put a small amount of the product on your forearm. If there is no reaction in 24 to 48 hours, it should be safe to use.

5. Ginger

You may have ginger in your spice cabinet for cooking, but this herb is also a staple in many alternative medicine cabinets. The same compounds that give ginger its strong flavor also have anti-inflammatory properties.
The NCCIH says that early studies in reducing joint swelling with ginger in RA are promising. But more human trials are needed to better understand its action. In folk medicine and Chinese medicine ginger is used to increase blood circulation, which brings heat and healing properties to the affected area. Research shows promise for the use of ginger in all types of arthritis.

6. Green tea

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, and has been used to reduce inflammation in the body. It’s possible that green tea can be used to treat arthritis inflammation in the form of beverages, tablets, or tinctures.
In a 2010 study, the NCCIH found that green tea might help people with osteoarthritis (OA) and RA. But many more studies are still needed to prove the potential benefits of green tea.

7. Thunder god vine

Thunder god vine is one of the oldest herbs used in Chinese medicine. Extracts from skinned roots are known for suppressing an overactive immune system. This makes thunder god vine a possible alternative treatment for autoimmune diseases such as RA. It’s best to apply directly to the skin in a topical form. Thunder god vine may work best along with conventional RA medications.
Use extreme caution with this herb, as it can be poisonous if extracts are derived from other areas of the vine.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow powder made from the related flowering plant. It’s used in cooking to make curry. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Lab studies on rats have also found this herb may slow the progression of RA. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been used in folk medicine for years. Unlike other types of herbs, the NCCIH found turmeric may work best in fighting joint pain when taken orally. There still needs to be more studies done on the safety of turmeric, but its use is promising.

9. Willow bark

Using willow bark is one of the oldest treatments for inflammation. In fact, people during Hippocrates’ time (fifth century B.C.) chewed on willow bark to help treat inflammatory conditions. One study reported that the herb shows promise in relieving OA-related joint pain, particularly in the knees, back, hips, and neck. This treatment is taken orally, either by tea or tablet. Getting the right dose is crucial. An overdose can cause rashes and other forms of inflammation. Do not use willow bark if you take blood thinners or are allergic to aspirin.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/herbs-arthritis-pain

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of my cactus plant on my kitchen window.

How Most Filipinos Celebrate All Souls Day

 

My sister Amor and Husband Pol visit our Parents Mausoleum on All Souls Day, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines

Every November 2^nd, people in most parts of the world celebrate All Souls’ Day. It is the day when we remember our loved ones who have passed away. How do Filipinos honor the dead?

Most Filipinos go to the cemetery to visit the graves of deceased relatives and friends. Some prefer to go on Oct. 31^st or Nov. 1^st, while some go to the cemetery for three straight days. Others would spend the night at their loved ones mausoleum. Once we arrive, we clean the tombs, light up candles, offer flowers, and say a prayer for the souls of the departed.

The largest cemetery in the Philippines is the Manila North Cemetery. This is where some of the country’s past presidents and other politicians are buried. It is also the final resting place of many popular celebrities. (Photo from philippines-travel-guide.com)

During this time, schools are on their semester break so it is also an opportunity for families to spend time together. Children would play with their cousins as the adults would exchange stories and play cards or mahjong (a game that originated in China). Back in the 80s, flying kites and catching dragonflies were favorite activities among the young. Filipinos, known for their love of singing, also bring guitars to serve as a means of entertainment while at the cemetery.

As lunchtime approaches, everyone sets the table for the various dishes cooked for that day. It usually includes the deceased loved one’s favorite dish. We place a plate of food in front of the tomb or grave as offering for the soul of our relatives and friends. Priests would also go around the cemetery to offer prayers and bless graves.

(Photo from sanantonioabadparish.com)

Many people go back to their home provinces for All Souls’ Day. If they can’t, they go to the church to light candles. Special masses are also held in memory of the departed.

Aside from honoring the dead, Filipinos also use this time to unwind. On Oct. 30^th or 31^st, many establishments and private companies hold a Halloween party. Malls, hotels, and villages also host trick or treat events for the kids. Some Filipinos go to the beach to relax and recharge.

–

Article by Manette Tuvida

Source:https://primer.com.ph/tips-guides/2015/10/31/how-filipinos-celebrate-all-souls-day/ 

Here's an article on superstitions and beliefs of Filipinos on All Saints/All Souls Days

https://www.aswangproject.com/superstitions-and-beliefs-surrounding-all-saints-souls-day-in-the-philippines/ 

Meanwhile Enjoy a Rendition of Bayan Ko from London, UK  

/https://www.facebook.com/Phils.Best/videos/2456168688042554/

Marinduque's Putong or Tubong ( The Crowning)

David III Putong, Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, 2002

Putong Ceremony on my 60th Birthday, Colesville, MD, 1994

The tubong or putong, is a ceremony indigenous to the island of Marinduque, Philippines.  Literally, the  word “putong” means to crown, is a song of thanksgiving, hope and prayer for a long, blessed life.  According to beliefs, the patron saint rejoices at this kind of celebrations and intercedes for the honoree in his wish for long life, happiness and safety from accidents and bad luck. Commonly performed to welcome guests and to wish them good life, health and luck.  It is also done during birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or any special events that a person is thankful of and praying for a blessed path in life.

(https://themixedculture.com/2013/10/14/tubong-putong/)

Meanwhile enjoy this video of the modernized version of Putong danced by the youth of Marinduque during a recent MIMAROPA Agricultural Fair for Trade and Tourism in Manila.

https://www.facebook.com/polynuh/videos/2428913563871608/

This version is the Traditional Style:

https://www.facebook.com/freedomecoadventureparkPH/videos/1222848597855357/

We were honored with Putong during our first Medical Mission in Marinduque, 1990