Libre, Clothing for Dialysis Patients

Seeing patients undergoing hemodialysis in air-conditioned dialysis centers, I can imagine how they must be feeling in the cold environment of the room. I thought there must be a clothing line that can address this problem. I just found in the internet that there is indeed a clothing line that makes comfortable functional clothing which can keep dialysis patients warm without resorting to wearing sweatshirts with ugly holes deliberately made for treatment access.

It is called Libre which refers to the openings in the clothing for arm access, leg access or even chest access. They are equipped with strategically-placed zippers which allows the patient to wear the clothing outside as well as inside during dialysis or chemotherapy treatment as access can be obtained. You can see how these zippers work here.

You can also view the video below made by Libre Clothing to have an idea what the clothing line is.

I believe this clothing line will be helpful also for polycystic kidney patients who will undergo dialysis. For more details regarding this clothing line including orders, you may visit the Libre Clothing website.

Harolds Hotel Supported Visayas Blogging Summit 2011

As one of the organizers, I still cannot get over the joy of being a witness to the success of the Visayas Blogging Summit last November 26, 2011 and one group to thank for making this particular event a success is Harolds Hotel.

Mr. Francis Dexter Bandala, Director for Business Development of Harolds Hotel  (center, left) with  some of the members of the Board of Trustees of the Cebu Bloggers Society

Mr. Francis Dexter Bandala of Harolds (left, seated) signing the MOU with  Visayas Blogging Summit (VBS) 2011 Chairman Ruben Licera Jr. with VBS Vice Chairman Bjorn Bernales (standing, right) looking on.

Harolds Hotel is a A 12-storey Hotel with world-class services aimed to match international hotel standards.

Harolds is a 90-guestroom Hotel carefully designed to best meet any guest’s personal style whether his stay is for business or for leisure. The hotel has 36 Superior rooms, 45 Deluxe rooms and 9 Deluxe suites, all of which are have room sizes far bigger that everyone else. Much attention has been given to each room to ensure that it is at par with an international hotel.

With the Sinulog festivities approaching in January, you may want to consider them as a destination. It is located in Gorordo Ave., corner Rosal St., Lahug, Cebu City, not far from the center of the city.

Once again, thank you Harolds Hotel.

Realizations during the Visayas Blogging Summit 2011 in Cebu

Blogging has helped me a lot in dealing with my PKD. I cannot really explain the fact that when I became active with blogging, I did not experience depression anymore because of my PKD.

Unlike before, i don't feel sick and blogging has gave me a positive outlook in life. And so it is but appropriate that I gave back to blogging by contributing all I can in my own little way to ensure the Visayas Blogging Summit (VBS) 2011 was a success.

With the help of the entire Cebu Bloggers Society with VBS Chairman Ruben Licera Jr. at the helm of the event, thank God it became a success.

1. From start to finish, the participants stayed.
2. Many big sponsors helped making it possible.
3. Idol Darren Rowse tweeted wishing he was in VBS that day. 
4. Miss Earth beauties dropped by. (making a lot forget Mayor Mike Rama was also in the house).
5. The hashtag #vbs2011 was one of the top trends that day
6. Chris Ducker was in his element.
7. The rest of the speakers are also.
8. Mainstream and new media mixing with one another.
9. Even Ms. Gina Lopez dropped by and inspired the audience.
10. The giveaways, gifts and prizes were overflowing and cool! Roundtrip plane tickets, Hotel stays, VIP Passes and an awesome Android phone!
11. Krispy Kreme! Krispy Kreme! Krispy Kreme!
12. Geiser Maclang need I say more!

It was really a wonderful day for bloggers. Much more for me.

I realized that day, that if bloggers unite and do their part, we could accomplish things that seem impossible to do and achieve. 

Imagine what bloggers can bring not just for businesses. 

Bloggers are becoming an influence in other areas. Imagine what bloggers also can do for certain advocacies like fighting HIV in Cebu through social media campaigns. Spreading awareness on Polycystic kidney disease. Promote tourism. Promote groups like Cebu Chamber Singers in events like VBS making them trend in twitter (in the same way as what happened to the hashtag  #vbs2011) or make participants talk about them and upload their videos at the same time in youtube after listening to them sing in VBS. 

Actually it was not just the talks and the topics that highlighted the VBS theme "Blogging and Beyond". The participant turnout, the overwhelming support of sponsors (thank you) and the hardwork put on by Cebu Bloggers Society members/VBS organizers showed that VBS indeed is not just anymore about blogging.

It can even go beyond. May VBS be the start of greater things to come for the Visayas Blogging community.

Things I Look for in a Cebu Beach Resort Hotel

The beach is one of the most relaxing places to be in. I seem to forget all my problems as I breathe the fresh air. I cannot recall the last time I went to a beach resort in Cebu that I like. Last September though, I got the chance to experience a glimpse of what it is like to stay not just in a beach resort in Cebu but a wonderful beach resort hotel.

So what do I look for in a beach resort hotel?

1. Of course, a relaxing atmosphere with a nice view of the beach.

Above 2 photos by Narciso Tapia

2. Spacious accommodation with own mini-pool, comfortable beds and a relaxing hot bath, perfect for couples

3. A wide range of delicious food choices

4. An exercise area complete with gym equipment and other sports facilities. (Indoor badminton and outdoor volleyball court not shown in photo)

5. Entertainment and music area to unwind, sing and hangout with friends,

6. An opportunity to be pampered with a relaxing massage.

7. Friendly, warm, smiling, hospitable and accommodating staff

Crimson Beach Resort Hotel and Spa in Mactan is a relatively new Cebu beach resort hotel that seems to meet my requirements during my short stop there.  But that visit was even only for a few hours and was in the evening. I wish I could experience all of these in an entire day of stay with my wife. Looking forward to go back to this hotel.

All Souls' Day Reflections

by Henry L. Yu, M.D.

As we observe All Souls' Day and remember our dearly departed who have gone ahead of us to the Great Beyond, let us remind ourselves of our own mortality - of the fact that whether we like it or not, we will all be saying goodbye to this earthly life someday. 

Yes, this earthly life is just loaned to us by the One above. We are all but passing visitors on a limited visa. 

Amidst fame and fortune and all these material things, let us not be proud and arrogant for having them, acting like we are immortal, as if there's no end to living la vida loca.

As much as possible, let us refrain from hurting people. Let us make it a point to bring sunshine into their lives by saying and doing good things while there's still time. Let us not wait till tomorrow what we can do today for tomorrow might not come. We might not have the chance to do things for them, to show how much we care. 

In this busy world where we are preoccupied with so much work to do, catching up with time, leading a fast-paced lifestyle, we tend to forget one important aspect of life - and that is, to give ourselves time to reflect on the real meaning and purpose of life and living, our ways, our relationships, etc. 

Once in a while, let us give ourselves some moments of silence to reflect on the purpose of life, of who we really are, on what we have done or have not done, especially to those people who have played a great significance in our lives once upon a time when we were down and out and we needed a helping hand. 

Let us remember that life is too short with so many things to do in a lifetime. So let us not make it shorter by bearing grudges or hatred towards people, or saying negative things about them. Instead, let us spend the remaining days of our lifetime loving them and caring for them. 

As one author would put it "We only live once, so whatever good I can do to a person, let me do it now for I may not pass this way again." 

Why we should thank our teachers

There are many reasons to thank our teachers for. Among them:

1. Teachers especially in the Philippines relatively do not have big salaries and yet a lot bring their work even at home. Teaching is their passion and they show genuine concern for their students.
2. Teachers are one of the most patient persons in the world.
3. Teachers act as our second parents. 
4. Teachers help us prepare to face life.

An Opportunity to Learn Other Passive Income Sources in Money Summit, Cebu

Being a patient with chronic kidney disease, I have to think of other sources of income while I am not yet in dialysis. Current income obtained from my teaching profession is barely enough to shoulder the cost of various medications for my condition  and the cost is expected to rise as the years come by.

And so the upcoming Money Summit and Wealth Expo to be held at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel (Philippines) on the 30th of  September till the 1st of October comes as great news. It provides me and others with an opportunity to learn from the success stories of experts (not just motivational speakers) who will share their strategies to help participants add at least one more source of income -- passive income to supplement their earnings. Passive income is money one continuously earns without having to work more for it. One earns passive income even on his sleep

The event will be from 830AM to 530PM.

The line-up of speakers includes:

• Tomasito Academia, PAREB Chairman
• Noli Alleje, The Property Forum Founder
• Jake Bare, The Business Incubators
• Juanis Barredo, CitisecOnline VP for Sales & Marketing
• Bryant Cuison, Avida Land Head of Corporate Sales
• Ian del Carmen, Fireball Group of Companies Founder
• Eireen Diokno-Bernardo, E-Commerce Specialist
• Hanz Florentino, The Business Incubators
• Jan Mckingley Hilado, The Business Incubators
• Jerome San, Laurus Enterprises Founder
• Mark So, Forex Club Asia Founder
• Maria Rhoda Villaseñor, BPI-Philam Head of Training
• JP Villegas, Nu Skin Diamond Executive

Rates are as follows:

Standard Pass: 
- seat only
- no lunch, no workbook, no access to Money Summit Manila videos
Early bird rate (Sept. 1-23): P3,995

VIP Access: 
- with lunch for 2 days
- with workbook
- access to Money Summit Manila videos
- plus 1 FREE Standard Pass (upgradable to VIP Access -- just add P500)
Early bird rate (Sept. 1-23): P5,495
Regular rate (Sept. 24-30): P7,995

I am planning of attending this to supplement passive income earned from Google Adsense in my blogs. It is a good thing that my organization, the Cebu Bloggers Society is a supporting organization of this money summit.

You can visit the Money Summit website for more details if you plan also to attend.

Global Velezian Medtech Reunion USA Main Event in Las Vegas on October 21

Velez College Medtech Alumni out there in the United States! The long-awaited USA Reunion Event will push through and your fellow alumni are excited to see you there.

It will start on the 21st of October, 2011 at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Saloon C, 4000 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas Nevada.

The activities are posted in the Velez College BSMT grads Facebook group page. Aside from the Main Dinner Event, there will be a sight-seeing tour to the Grand Canyon, Breakfast-Brunch at the WYNNS Hotel.

Invitation to the Reunion is still OPEN. Please come. Contact Mr. Deogracias Delfin or Ms. Hydee Almendras or Ms. Flor Manalili Black. Invite friends.

An Old Man's Wish to the Blessed Virgin Mary

In the occasion of the Blessed Virgin Mary's birthday, I would like to feature a poem written by my 69-year old father pertaining to our Mother Mary. I actually encourage my father to keep on writing to keep his mind sharp and this is one of his recent poems. This poem is in Tagalog.

Wish Ko Lang Kay Maria

Sa aking paglalakbay sa dagat ng mundo

Malapit na akong gulang magpitumpo,

Tila isang pangarap, subalit totoo.

Langit ay abot-tanaw, pagkat kasama ko

Birheng Mahal na Ina ko, Ina ni Kristo.

Maalon man, mararating din sa tanglaw mo,

Mayayakap ko rin ang Sanggol na kalong mo!

Sa aking katandaan, dami naranasan,

Nakilala ko aking mga kahinaan.

Sa ina ko natutuhan, paano magdasal.

Mi pagsamba, pagpupuri, pasasalamat,

Loob ng Diyos Ama, laging nais matupad.

Patawad sa mga sala’y hiling igawad,

Samo ring matanggap mga kailangang hanap!

Wish ko lang Maria, sana Diyos ay magbigay,

Pitong kaloob ng Espiritu’y lumakas,

Sa akin at mga kapwa ko ay pumukaw.

Dunong, unawa, paghatol at kaalaman,

Tapang, lapit-loob at takot sa Maykapal,

Hatid nito ay biyayang bunga sa buhay,

Pagtitiis, pag-ibig at kapayapaan!

Happy Birthday to our Dear Mother!

Tubo Cane Juice in Cebu, refreshingly healthy

Yesterday, I had the chance to taste Tubo Cane Juice in a stall in Parkmall, Cebu. The variant I tasted was the one mixed with calamansi, which according to the lady in the counter, is the best seller.

Fresh sugarcane is fed into an extractor machine which squeezes out the raw natural sugarcane juice.

One could have his Tubo Juice with calamansi, pineapple among other variants. Tubo Juice can also be taken pure.

Tubo Juice is sugarcane juice which is completely different from your refined sugar.  Raw sugarcane juice did not undergo refinement thus it is not stripped of its natural nutrients and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium .Unnatural chemicals are absent in raw sugarcane juice. It has a low glycemic index thus release glucose to the bloodstream more gradually. This is good news for those who are mindful of their calories. Articles in the internet has mentioned it as a good substitute for refined sugar as a sweetener.

After drinking Tubo Juice, I feel so refreshed as if it had a cooling effect on the body.

Instead of taking in soda drinks, why not try Tubo Juice?

Event Alert: For the first time ever, Disney show in Cebu

When I was a kid, I used to watch regularly the TV show "The Wonderful World of Disney" which features Disney cartoons and movie classics. I sat in front of the TV set and wait for Tinkerbell to cast her magic on the Disney Castle to signal the start of the TV show. There was Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Pluto, Goofy, Donald Duck, Minnie and of course, Mickey Mouse. I love them that I would imitate their sounds or voices even before and until now.

As years passed, the Little Mermaid, Alladin and the Toy Story characters were brought to life and they also became hits for me and for many others. Each time I watch a Disney film, the kid in me comes back to life.

Now your favorite and my fave Disney characters are coming to Cebu...LIVE and for the FIRST TIME EVER!

From the Producers of Disney on Ice comes Disney LIVE! Mickey's Music Festival. Featuring a line-up of more than 25 Disney characters bringing to you the biggest concert experience to hit live family entertainment.

Hear once again and re-live the greatest hits from the blockbuster movies of Alladin, the  Little Mermaid and Disney/Pixar's Toy Story remixed to rock, reggae, pop, hiphop, jazz and country among others. Everyone knows watching Disney films that their music is superb and worth listening to again and again. Expect also dizzying acrobatics, flying carpets, magical transformations and wonderful set designs. Expect only the best from the award-winning team of choreographers, performers, designers and of course the trademark wonderful Disney music.

Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival is presented in the Philippines by Vivre Fort Entertainment, Inc. and is set to be staged in the Philippines including Cebu from September 23-25, 2011 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel. In Metro Manila, it will be at the Araneta Coliseum from October 5-9.

Tickets for the Cebu show are available at SM Tickets (032 231-3876) located at SM Cinemas, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel (032 232-6888), Ayala Center Cebu and also at Ticketnet. Tickets for the Manila show are exclusively available at Ticketnet and the Araneta Coliseum.

Visit www.disneylive.com.ph or call Vivre Fort Entertainment at (02) 470-6956 for more details.

Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival is brought to you by Araneta Coliseum, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, Araneta Center, Gateway Cineplex 10, Alimall Cineplex 4, SM Cinemas, Discovery Suites, Businessworld, Sunstar, Cebu Daily News, Crossover 105.1, Power FM Cebu and Love Radio 97.9.

The Time to Act is Now: June 19-25 is PKD Awareness Week

US Senate Resolution 205 championed by Senators Herb Kohl and Orinn Hatch designated the week of June 19 to 25 as PKD Awareness Week to increase awareness of PKD especially among Congress and to spread the message that there is urgent need for treatments and a cure.

You could take action and play an active role by writing your Senators and Representatives if you are a US Citizen. You can compose your message with the help of the PKD Advocacy Network.

Priorities for this year as enumerated by the PKD Foundation include:
    

• Funding for PKD research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) 
• Support for the Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act, which will extend coverage of vital immunosuppressive drugs to Medicare transplant patients beyond the 36 month limit.
• Support for the MODDERN Cures Solutions Act that will seek to streamline the regulatory system in drug development process to help move potential treatments to PKD patients faster and more efficiently. 

If you are a Non-US Citizen, then I am here to inform you that there is such a hereditary disease called polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and it may be under-reported in your country because of poor awareness. PKD may manifest as elevated blood pressure in the young, recurrent urinary tract infection, hematuria, kidney stones, flank pains just to name some manifestations.

PKD is a difficult disease to have but there is still life after PKD and there is hope if only we could help make other people aware so that there would be more researches toward a cure.

If you have PKD or have a relative with PKD then maybe we can have a network here and share experiences and learn from them. Let us support each other and our friends.

Webinar on Cardiovascular Issues and PKD on June 8

Cardiovascular disease may be overlooked by some PKD patients. Ironically, some of them are discovered to have polycystic kidneys because of elevated blood pressure at a relatively early age. Some may not realize that part of taking care of one's kidneys is by taking care of one's cardiovascular health including maintaining the blood pressure.

It comes as good news that once again, PKD foundation is facilitating patient education through webinars such as the one coming on June 8 7PM CDT or June 9 8AM CST (Philippine Time). The webinar is entitled, "Cardiovascular Issues and PKD". The presenter is Robert Weis, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Cancer, UC Davis- Davis CA; Chief of Nephrology Sacramento VAMC, Sacramento, CA.


To join the webinar, register here. 

Generic drugs work as well as their branded counterparts

Having kidney disease is very expensive. There are several medications to maintain. To name some, they may include anti-hypertensives, urine alkalinizers, allopurinol and occasionally antibiotics which can cost more than a hundred pesos (or more than 2 USD) per tablet especially for some brand name drugs.

A Potential Problem for PKD: Kidney Stones

It is not surprising to have kidney stones for patients having polycystic kidneys. With the urine tending to be more acidic than normal, the stones which favor an acidic environment are expected, example of which are uric acid stones.

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection, a Difficult Problem to Address

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI for patients with Polycystic Kidneys like me is not a simple problem. It is considered a complicated case of UTI when UTI happens to males, what more when that male person has Polycystic Kidneys. And it is recurring from time to time. And also, the culprit organism is difficult to recover from urine culture even when taken during a prolonged antibiotic-free state.

What makes UTI difficult to treat for patients like me is because the culprit organisms are not easily accessed by antibiotics. They may hide in the numerous cysts. And only few antibiotics are said to penetrate the cysts. Quinolones, a class of antibiotics which includes Ciprofloxacin and Norfloxacin is a good antibiotic for UTI in this case. But instead of the usual 1 week duration of treatment, what is recommended for my case is at least 14 days or longer. After which a prophylactic dose is given once a day at night to prevent the UTI from recurring for quite some time. All of these is done with a nephrologist's supervision of course. During the treatment course, I take a probiotic drink to supply my gastrointestinal tract with good bacteria that may have been killed also by the antibiotic.

However, the threat of superbugs or antibiotic-resistant bacteria is very real and that is the disadvantage of prolonged antibiotic treatment.

And that is the dilemma here.

If I don't take antibiotics for a long time, I end up with UTI which sometimes result to hematuria with numerous pus cells also.

If I take it really for a long time also, I risk making the bacteria resistant to what I am taking.

I hope studies regarding the use of antibiotics in UTI of patients with ADPKD or ARPKD will be conducted also.

For now, the right balance of taking antibiotics for a long period of time and having an antibiotic holiday should be determined with this in mind.

In relation to the Holy Week, it really feels like a cross that I always carry with me knowing I have this UTI. But with the cross comes salvation, and I know these will all come to pass. I offer everything to Him.

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