REPOST: 6 Diseases To Be Cautious During Floods

I've got this important message from my Facebook wall, it is actually from Samitevej Expat Club, where I am one of the members of the said group. I thought about reposting it here to help someone who needs this kind of information. Specially, now that we are experiencing this flood crisis here in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Technically, my family and I are still on the safe grounds, no floods (as of now).. But, we aren't sure of what's gonna happen tomorrow. Atleast, we are prepared on how to prevent getting sick by reading and understanding what was listed below:

Anyway, PREVENTION is still better than cure.


6 Diseases to Be Cautious During Floods



1. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an epidemic which is contracted from animals. It is caused by the bacteria called Leptospira which is present in animals’ urine such as mice, cows and buffaloes. Human being can be infected by leptospira bacteria through open wound or through skin that has been in the water for a prolong period of time. The bacteria can also enter the body through the mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth.

Symptoms: Leptospirosis has two different types of symptoms. The less severe one has the symptoms of a normal cold with headaches, fever and muscles aches. This can be cured if the patient acts early and seeks medical attention right at the beginning of the illness. The more severe one has the symptoms of red eye infection, watery eyes, unable to tolerate bright lights. When the infection spread to the brain, the patient will become delirious, slip into coma. And if the disease infects the entire body, it may cause internal bleeding which can result in death.

Prevention: Avoid walking and swimming in trapped flood water, especially children, who enjoy treading or swimming in flood water. If you cannot avoid walking through the flooded areas, try to walk quickly and try not to stay in the water for too long as the skin become soft and tender and can be infected more easily. You should wear rubber boots every time you walk in the water to prevent foot injury and to prevent pathogens from contacting the wound on the foot or leg as well as prevent being bitten by animals in the water. People who have an onset of a headache and fever, must immediately see their doctor, do not wait until the symptoms become more serious as it may be too late for treatment.


2. Cholera

This disease is caused by bacteria Vibrio Cholera which is spread in drinking water and food. The flies are carriers of this disease. The disease is contracted by drinking and eating food swarmed by flies that are infected with cholera bacteria and by eating uncooked food.

Symptoms: The patient has watery stool several times a day. He may have abdominal pain or vomiting. But if the infection is severe, the patient will have diarrhea of enormous volume that looks like rice-water and smells fishy.

Prevention: Eat clean and freshly cooked food and drink boiled water; wash and clean your hands and food containers. Do not use flood water to wash food containers and avoid contact with cholera patients. If you contract the disease, you must seek medical advice and follow the medical instructions.


3. Typhoid fever

This is caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria which may be present in water and food similar to cholera disease. It is spread by contaminated drinking water and food.

Symptoms: When first contracted with this disease, the symptoms will not be apparent immediately. The symptoms will be obvious after about 1 week. The patients have headaches, loss of appetite, have high fever, diarrhea, some develop rash on the body, stomach bloating. The symptoms may go away within 1 month by itself. However, the patients should still seek medical advice if they contract this disease to prevent complications such as contracting pneumonia.

Prevention: Avoid food that may be contaminated. This means that you eat clean food from a clean container including washing your hands before every meal. You should also avoid street food in an area that is unclean or high risk for contamination. Alternatively, you can get vaccinated against typhoid fever.


4. Hepatitis A

The inflammation of the liver cells causes the liver to function abnormally.Virus that causes inflammation of the liver during the flood period is hepatitis A. This illness can be caused by eating dirty or uncooked food.

Symptoms: In the first week, the patients have mild fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, pain around the right rib cage, urine of dark tea color as well as an onset of jaundice and yellow eyes. The patients may be back to normal within 2-4 weeks.

Prevention: Eat clean and cooked food. Do not share the same drinking glass and spoon with others.


5. Conjunctivitis

This is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis and Bacterial Conjunctivitis. It may be due to allergies or exposure to toxic materials, often caused by rubbing the eyes with dirty hands or with a towel or handkerchief.

Symptoms: The patients have itchy eyes. Some may feel so itchy that they have to rub their eyes all the time. Some may feel only minor irritation and have more discharge than usual. The discharge is pus like and makes the eye sticks shut in the morning. Their vision may be unclear or blurred. Some may have eye sore.
Prevention: Wash your hands, do not share cosmetics, towels, handkerchiefs with others. Avoid touching your eyes in all cases, do not share eye drops with others. If your eyes start to feel itchy or irritating, consult a pharmacist or doctor without delay.


6. Dengue Fever

This is caused by virus infection with aedes aegypti mosquitoes as the carrier. The disease is frequently found in children. The outbreaks are common in the rainy season which is the breeding season for these mosquitoes.

Symptoms: Patient has high fever for 2-7 days, loss of appetite, vomit with some brownish materials, muscle pain, reddish skin, rash, red blood spots on the skin. In the advanced stage, the patient will have low fever, cold hands and feet, rapid pulse rate, small amount of urination. They may vomit frequently and may have a shock.

If they experience these symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately.

Prevention: Try to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by applying mosquito repellent. This is the best method. And do not leave containers with water around the house because they will become breeding ground for the mosquitoes. If you are contracted with this disease, you must avoid mosquito bites as they will spread the disease to others.

                                           Photos by: Cecille Cruda via Facebook


My special thanks to Cecille for these photo shots that I grabbed today. I'm glad she's safe notwithstanding this flood crisis. I hope and pray that this will end up soon.

Flood Hunting In Bangkok 2011

I got this article via CNN today:


Bangkok faces worst flooding yet, governor warns

October 26, 2011|By the CNN Wire Staff

Bangkok faces the highest flood levels yet and is preparing for the worst, the governor of the Thai capital told CNN Wednesday.

Residents are urged to flee the rising floodwaters, which have already forced the closure of Bangkok's Don Muang airport and the evacuation of flood victims who have taken refuge there.

Thailand's government has declared a five-day public holiday in flood-affected provinces to try to encourage people to seek safety elsewhere before high tides expected this weekend.

But Bangkok Gov. Sukhumbhand Paripatra told CNN the authorities could not evacuate a whole city and it was difficult to persuade the Thai people to leave their homes, despite the risk.

==================================================================



All the 50 districts of Bangkok will be flooded according to Thaivisa.com and many people are scared about this. People everywhere are panic buying everyday. Those who have cars/vehicles decided to park on the fly over bridges. Most houses and offices have sand bags in front of their houses and fences as high as 1 meter. And some just have it fixed with concrete cement as wall so that their house or office entrance will be safe from floods.

We also made some preparations like putting our appliances and furnitures upstairs to the 2nd floor of our entertainment room. It is good to have a two storey house because we have more rooms to put and keep our valuable things safe from flood. In addition, We made sure that the breaker downstairs was switched off to avoid short circuit or damage of our electric system and appliances. We usually use electric cooker/stove and grill for our cooking. But, we also have a gas stove (LPG), just in case, the electricity will be cut off anytime. We have stocks of drinking water, too. All these were ready since 2nd week of October! But, Thank GOD! No floods in our Village.

Everyday, we go out to buy things that we need or go places just to kill boredom. I mean, who's going to be happy spending time the whole day at home. My partner has got two weeks off and sad to say, we couldn't go outside Bangkok because of this flooding situation here. His vacation has been extended due to flooding.

I wake up everyday with a thankful heart that we are safe from flooding and still continue praying that tomorrow will be the same. I just got lucky that I didn't have to cancel my part time job (tutorial) with all these flooding. We were thinking about moving out last August, but Thank GOD! We didn't. Because, if we do.. we won't probably be safe. Now, we have learned to appreciate what we have.

When we go out of our Village, there is no flood. When I go to my part time job, there is no flood. The Ramkamkeng Road Keha has no floods. I go flood hunting every day and night, checking downstairs if there is flood coming into our house. I worried about my hubby's car, though. I'll just leave it all to God.

I am praying for the victims and those who are going to be affected by this flooding. This is really alarming as half of Bangkok has been submerged in water. It will soon reach our place, too (but, I hope not).

==========================================================

The following are excerpts from Press Release No. 15 dated 24 October of the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC):
"At the FROC in Don Mueang, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said that since flood water is passing through Bangkok before being released into the sea, Bangkok residents might be affected by the huge volume of water.

"Even so, she said, flood water in the city is likely to be between 50 centimeters and one meter high, depending on the situation in each area.

"Minister of Science and Technology Plodprasop Suraswai said that, based on an assessment, stagnant flood water would remain for about one month, or one month and a half. The most critical period would be this week when the water level is high."

Based on reports, the "critical period" starts on the 27th, Thursday.


THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW:


1. Stock up on water, lots of water using every available container. If you have bath tubs, fill them up with water too.

2. Make sure your cell phones are fully charged at all times.

3. Put your passports and other vital personal documents in a safe place. Wrap them in sturdy plastic to keep them from getting wet.

4. Call the Embassy hotlines (Philippine Embassy 08-9926-5954 or 08-4360-8405) at the slightest hint of an emergency.


God bless, Bangkok.. Let's pray for everyone, everyday. Take care.

International School Library Week @ RAIS

Earlier this morning, I've received a phone call from the Principal's office of Ramkhamhaeng Adventist International School to cover a class (again) because the same teacher last time was absent. I had no clue about the subjects for today, but I was glad everything was ready.

I was told to come at 7:40am. But as usual, I was early because my boyfriend offered me a ride this morning and I was so excited, happy and ready to teach.

I taught the same class yesterday... Grade 1-A and Grade 1-B. My subjects were English (spelling quiz), Math (problem solving), Religion (color the pictures). The last period was called "adventure", where they watch a short cartoon via LCD projector.

There were 10 students in my class (5 were absent). I told them to make a line and we went to the Bldg. C together, I had to guide them as they're running, shouting and pushing on our way to the hall ways and the floors. It was tiring but fulfilling job. When we got there, I checked them all if they're all there and once in awhile told them to remain silence and just watch and listen to the program.

The program was about the "International School Library Week" which is celebrated on October 10-14, 2011. The objective of the program is to introduce the new way of learning not only through books but the use of the internet in researching and studying, they called this new system as "Britannica Online School Edition for PREk-12". They were taught to use it (username and pasword)Encouraging the students to read more books and stories everyday.

There was a story telling activity held by Teacher Lily (adviser of Grade 1-B, an American from Alabama). She was also the host of the trivia contest about "library and books". Students are really smart and could speak good english. I could tell the differences because I taught students of the same grade level in a government school. Children enjoyed watching the show and so was I.

After the program, we went back to the room. Our next subject was Math. Then, we had our lunch at Canteen's Cafeteria. Teacher Lily and I talked about many things about school and her country. She's fun to be with!

Classes ended at 2:40pm. It was raining hard and the flood... made me panic that time.

WARNING: Borrowing Or Lending Money Can Ruin Friendship!

I have been yearning to write this topic so much for a very long time. There's nothing wrong about borrowing IF you have the exact money to pay for what you owe AND at the RIGHT TIME. Although, the latter may be negotiable, this MUST NOT be HABITUAL! (read my lips~ H A B I T U A L).

Sometimes, it is not difficult to lend money if the person is really paying on time. But, it is not just the issue. Yes, you pay on time alright! Wait a second... DO YOU REALIZE.... ? If not, think again.


1. Where is s/he getting the money to lend you?

a. So, you think it's because s/he has enough money because s/he is rich or someone is supporting his/her needs... you assumed that s/he won't need it anymore, anytime that you need it? Wake up?! Money is essential to everyone! rich or poor, young or old, etc.

b. You will borrow money from unmarried, single friends because you think that they have no obligations, whatsoever like you do? Think again... Who doesn't need money, thesedays?

c. Oh, you have a very, very super close friends and you just believed in yourself that no matter what you tell (that you need money/or lies just to borrow), s/he will understand ALWAYS because s/he cares for you. Come on! Do not ABUSE your friend because of (borrowing) MONEY. Shame on you!

d. Your friend has a stable or many part time jobs and that gives you a hint to borrow INSTANT money like an ATM! Again.... SHAME ON YOU!


2. Did you atleast double check if she is willing to lend you or forced because of your "FRIENDSHIP"?

In some cases, people who are forced to lend money in the name of friendship are those who knew that they are being abused because it becomes "habitual"; know that the person is not actually in NEED but used alibis (lies) to support his/her vices (drugs, shopaholic, discoholic, womanizing/manoholic, gambling,etc.); doesn't want to let his/her "friend" down (try to please); know that payment will be delayed (way too much!); know that the person has just payed but will lend again and again (it's a cycle); always have a money problem everytime, if not everyday...


3. How much trouble are you creating for borrowing money from a friend?

a. it can destroy your friendship (if not paid the exact money on time and if you do it frequently)

b. s/he will definitely lose control of the budget because you borrowed the money intended for something else which may be important to her/him.

c. you're problem about money, eventually becomes his/her PROBLEM (whew!)

d. what if s/he doesn't really have enough money to lend you but because you made her/him believe that you NEED the money for so and so... Now, s/he was forced to borrow money to anyone just to help you out.

e. what if s/he needs the money on time and you couldn't pay for it? wouldn't you be ashamed of it?


I am not saying that borrowing or lending money is bad. I am not saying either that we should not borrow or lend money when we need it the most. What I am trying to point out is that... Friendship should not be treated like when you need money or something you will run to your friend and ask him/her to lend you some. Friendship is not about money or material things. They are your friends because you need something from them. Although, friendship is about SHARING we should remember that it works both ways not a "one way street". Abusing your friend because you knew s/he is generous not to say "no" to you is also WRONG!


There's nothing wrong about lending and borrowing money from a friend. I am sure there's a valid reason sometimes when we ask for help, right? It is between LIFE and DEATH situation.


What about these reasons?


1. I need 3k baht for my condo's advance and deposit fee, I will pay on next pay day, next month

take note:borrowed the money 1st week of the month and the salary will be the 30th of next month which will be delayed 2-3 days, as usual. The person has already transferred 15 days ago or less, how come this person was able to move in without the deposit/advance payment. In the first place, why is this person too brave to move without enough money?


2. I need money again, my brother's girlfriend got a caesarian operation.

Duh! Is this LIFE and DEATH situation? I don't think so! The brother and the girlfriend must have saved money for that... They have 9 months (more or less) to prepare for the money. Getting pregnant doesn't happen just wink of an eye!


3. I have a favor, can I borrow money from you because I need it, badly...

Then, the next days... this person is having a good time with other friends clubbing, partying anywhere and you can see the new clothes, shoes, accessories and new hairstyle... As if this person has no problem about money or anything. But, when this person called for help, s/he will think of you first. This person only remembers you when "money problem" arises (tsk,tsk,tsk!)

4. The person will call you and say... "Huhuhu, I have a big problem, my pseudo bf didn't call or SMS me back. I'm sick now because of that and my work place is so terrible and now I'm in the hospital by myself.." Can you lend me money please?

Why in the first place did she go to the private hospital without enough money? The issue is a little petty to me, but come to think of it... She won't allow you to visit her (I don't see any reason why?) or maybe she was lying. I'm afraid this person, whenever she gets sick... She remembers me! She remembers to borrow money from me! (oh my!)


5. Can you do me a favor? (I'm getting nervous on the next sentences after this) ...Can you let me borrow 2k baht? I'm totally broke right now.

It was 16th of the month! A day after the pay day (gosh!) Where is this person taking the money? It's not bad celebrating and enjoying your singleness but please do not bother other people just because of luxuries you cannot afford/sustain. Be financially responsible for yourself!


5. I need money, bro. I wanna buy LCD TV or the famous Sony Internet TV, can I borrow money?

Whoa! Really? Have you asked yourself if the person has got one at home?! You're really borrowing money for that because you think it is a "need"? Don't you think it's a little annoying, rude and selfish thinking your need? Be sensitive.


As much as possible, refrain from borrowing or lending money to a friend so as to preserve your friendship. Furthermore, both of you will have self respect and concern for one another when you put yourself into his/her own shoes. Lending money is a generous act but not too much, or too often, for people will abuse your generosity. Borrowing money shows humility but it can be the other way around when time flies. And so the friendship ends too soon...


If the friendship matters to you and you can't avoid to borrow money:

- don’t always ask the same person on money (that is too annoying!)

- don’t ask for large amounts of money that you knew you couldn't afford
to pay back in FULL (you may end up in court or you may lose a friend or both)

- don’t act more interested in him/her because s/he lend you money, act normal.

- don't remember your friend just because you're in need of money

- don't treat your friend as ATM (that you can borrow any day any time, any place for whatever reasons)

- don't tell lies just to give in to luxuries of your life

- be sincere and keep your promise to pay on time (it matters a lot!)

- remember to thank your friend after you got the money and when you have money to pay it.

- make an initiative to pay it and don't wait for your friend to remind you of it.

- if your friend will not let you borrow his/her money eventhough s/he can, don't get angry or back fight because s/he has the right not to.



If you can't help but lend money to your friend, consider these:

- since you've helped him/her all the time, anytime.. don't be surprised if s/he will borrow the next time, until you get tired of doing it.

- do you know that by lending him/her money anytime, you only encourage the person to depend on you.

- it's difficult sometimes to say "no, you can't" but if you try atleast, s/he will realize that it's not always okay to borrow money from you.

- when you can't lend money to your friend, beware not to hurt his/her feelings or ego. You can say it in a nice way without being rude or mean.

- learn to examine your friend if s/he has initiative to pay money on time so that you won't be harassed when you need the money at the right time. If s/he can't keep her/his promise all the time, that is code red that s/he will do it again and again.

- remember that lending money to a friend is actually taking "big risk" of either not getting the money back (in full and on time) or/and could lead to ruining your good friendship.

- we should not feel guilty if we cannot lend money to our friends, we don't have money all the time and even if we do... we'd rather give the money to them so that we won't have troubles of expecting the payback.

Don't Judge Life By One Difficult Season

I just got this post from Facebook via The Book of Revelation group. It did hit me right in my head to ponder things about LIFE... I don't know who originally wrote this or thought about putting these into words... But for sure, I apreciated my life even more. Special thanks to Tonny John, you are truly blessed!

Don't Judge Life By One Difficult Season


There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.


The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall. When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.


The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted. The second son said, “no – it was covered with green buds and full of promise”. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen. The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.


The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree’s life.


He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.


If you give up when it’s winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.


Moral: Don’t let the pain of one season destroy the joy of all the rest. Don’t judge life by one difficult season. Persevere through the difficult patches and better times are sure to come some time or later.