Dengue is an acute fever caused by a virus. It occurs in two forms:

1.      Dengue Fever

2.      Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever

Dengue fever is marked by the onset of sudden high fever, severe headache and pain behind the eyes, muscles and joints.

Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more severe form, in which bleeding and sometimes shock occurs – leading to death. It is most serious in children. Symptoms of bleeding usually occur after 3-5 days of fever.

The high fever continues for five to six days (103 – 105 OF or 39- 40 OC). It comes down on the third or the fourth day but rises again. The patient feels much discomfort and is very weak after the illness.

Dengue spreads rapidly and may affect large number of people during an epidemic resulting in reduced work productivity, but most importantly causing the loss of lives.
 

RECOGNITION OF DENGUE FEVER

Sudden onset of high fever

Severe headache (mostly in the forehead)

Pain behind the eyes which worsens with eye movement

Body aches and joint pains

Nausea or vomiting
 

RECOGNITION OF DENGUE HAEMORRHAGIC FEVER AND SHOCK
 
Symptoms similar to dengue fever plus, any one of the following:
 
(1)               Severe and continuous pain in abdomen;
(2)               Bleeding from the nose, mouth and gums or skin bruising;
(3)               Frequent vomiting with or without blood;
(4)               Black stools, like coal tar;
(5)               Excessive thirst (dry mouth)
(6)               Pale, cold skin
(7)               Restlessness, or sleepiness
 

TREATMENT
 

There is no specific medicine for the treatment of the disease. However proper and early treatment can relieve the symptoms and prevent complications and death. Aspirin and Brufen should be avoided in dengue fever, as it is known to increase the bleeding tendency and also it increases the stomach pain. Paracetamol can be given on medical advice. If one or more signs of Dengue Haemorrhagic fever are seen, take the patient to the hospital immediately. Give fluids to drink while transferring the patient to the hospital.

BASIC FACTS ON DENGUE
 

How dengue spreads?
Dengue is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito Aedes aegypti. The mosquito gets the virus by biting the infected persons. The first symptoms of the disease occur about 5-7 days after an infected bite.
There is no way to tell if a mosquito is carrying the dengue virus. Therefore, people must protect themselves from all mosquito bites.
 
Where does the mosquito live?
The mosquito rests indoors, in closets and other dark places. Outside, they rest where it is cool and shaded. The female mosquito lays her eggs in water containers in and around homes, schools and other areas in towns or villages. These eggs become adult in about 10 days.
 
Where does the mosquito breed?

Dengue mosquitoes breed in stored exposed water collections. Favoured breeding places are:

Barrels, drums, jars, pots, buckets, flower vases, plant saucers, tanks, discarded bottles, tins, tyres, water cooler, etc. and a lot more places where rain-water collects or is stored.
 

PREVENTION OF DENGUE
 
All efforts of control should be directed against the mosquitoes. It is important to take control measures to eliminate the mosquitoes and their breeding places. However, the efforts should be intensified before the transmission season (during and after the rainy season) and at the time of the epidemic.
 
PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES:
 

-Dengue mosquitoes bite during the daytime. Protect yourself from the bite.
 
-Wear full sleeve clothes and long dresses to cover the limbs;

-Repellent – care should be taken in using repellents on small children and the elderly;

-Use mosquito coils and electric vapour mats during the daytime to prevent Dengue;

-Use mosquito nets – to protect babies, old people and others, who may rest during the day. The effectiveness of such nets can be improved by treating them with permethrin (pyrethroid insecticide). Curtains (cloth or bamboo) can also be treated with insecticide and hung at windows or doorways, to repel or kill mosquitoes.

-Protection of people sick with dengue – Mosquitoes become infected when they bite people who are sick with dengue. Mosquito nets and mosquito nets and mosquito coils will effectively prevent mosquitoes from biting sick people and help stop the spread of dengue
 
PREVENTION MULTIPLICATION OF MOSQUITOES:

-Mosquitoes which spread dengue live and breed in and around houses.

-Drain water from coolers, tanks, barrels, drums and buckets, etc.;

-There should be no water in coolers when not in use;

-Remove from the house all objects, e.g. plant saucers, etc. which have water collected in them;

-Remove water from refrigerator drip pans every other day;

-All stored water containers should be kept covered all the time;

-Discard solid waste and objects where water collects, e.g. bottles, tins, tyres, etc.
 
ALWAYS REMEMBER
 
-Dengue is a serious viral disease transmitted by the bite of the mosquito;
 
-Dengue infection occurs in two forms: Dengue fever and Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever;
 
-Dengue fever is a severe flu like illness that affects older children and adults but rarely causes death;
 
-Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a more severe form, in which bleeding and occasionally shock occur, leading to death, mostly in children;
 
-Persons suspected of having dengue fever or DHF must see a doctor at once. Dengue haemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease and early recognition and treatment can save lives. Unless proper treatment is given promptly, the patient may go into shock and die.
 
-Severe abdominal pains (black stools), bleeding on the skin or from the nose or gums, sweating, cold skin are danger signs. If any one of them is noticed take the patient to a hospital immediately. Give fluids to drink during transfer to the hospital;

-Give nutritious food and fluids to drink to the patients;
 
-Dengue mosquitoes bite during the day;

-The patient should be kept under a mosquito net or in a screened room during the period of illness;
Screen your rooms against mosquitoes or use mosquito nets or use mosquito repellent;
 
-Discard objects in which water collects, e.g. tins, cans, coconut shells, etc. Do not allow water to collect in pits around your houses. All stored water containers should be covered all the time. This will prevent breeding of Dengue mosquitoes, and
 
-Doctors and health workers treating cases of dengue fever should also notify the health authorities.

Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life.

What is the 90/10 Principle?
10% of life is made up of what happens to you.
90% of life is decided by how you react.
What does this mean?
We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us.
We cannot stop the car from breaking down.
The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off.
A driver may cut us off in traffic.
We have no control over this 10%.
The other 90% is different.
You determine the other 90%.
How? By your reaction.

You cannot control a red light, but you can control your reaction.
Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.
Let's use an example.

You are eating breakfast with your family.
Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt.
You have no control over what just what happened.
What happens when the next will be determined by how you react.
You curse.
You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.
She breaks down in tears.
After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for
placing the cup too close to the edge of the table.
A short verbal battle follows.
You storm upstairs and change your shirt.
Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy
crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school.
She misses the bus.
Your spouse must leave immediately for work.
You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school.
Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit.
After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at
school.
Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye.
After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your
briefcase.
Your day has started terribly.
As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse.
You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home, you find
a small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.
Why? Because of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is D.
You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.
Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you.
Your daughter is about to cry.
You gently say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next
time."
Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs.
After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase,
you come back down in time to look through the window and see your
child getting on the bus.
She turns and waves.
You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff.
Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.
Notice the difference?
Two different scenarios.
Both started the same.
Both ended different.
Why? Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens.
The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge.
Let the attack roll off like water on glass.
You don't have to let the negative comment affect you!
React properly and it will not ruin your day.
A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting
stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?
Do you lose your temper?
Pound on the steering wheel?
A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off!
Do you curse?
Does your blood pressure skyrocket?
Do you try and bump them? WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at
work?
Why let the cars ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job.
Why lose sleep and get irritated?
It will work out.
Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.

The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day.
Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant?
She has no control over what is going on.
Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.
Why get stressed out?
It will just make things worse.

Now you know the 90-10 principle.
Apply it and you will be amazed at the results.
You will lose nothing if you try it.
The 90-10 principle is incredible.
Very few know and apply this principle.
The result?
Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials,
problems and heartache.
There never seem to be a success in life.
Bad days follow bad days.
Terrible things seem to be constantly happening.
There is constant stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships.
Worry consumes time.
Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed to the
fullest.
Friends are lost.
Life is a bore and often seems cruel.

Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged.
You can be different!
Understand and apply the 90/10 principle.
It will change your life.
live well.. laugh often.. love much.. have a good life!

Fighting Fever, Colds and Flu
AAAAACHOOOO! We all recognize the symptoms, right. The runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, headaches or that nasty "bunged up" feeling, yes my friend, you’ve got the sniffles.

A cold is caused by one of many viruses, called rhinoviruses that can infect the upper part of the respiratory system. The flu - or - Influenza has similar symptoms but tends to be a more severe illness. Fever occurs when the body's internal "thermostat" raises the body temperature above its normal level usually around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or about 37 degrees Celsius.

Although a cold can make you feel miserable and downright cranky or even lethargic, colds are usually "self limiting". This means the body fights off the infection with its own SWAT team called antibodies and the cold is cured without the need for specific medical treatment.

Did you know? There is no cure for colds or flu. Antibiotics, which only treat bacterial infections, do not work on viruses. Medications prescribed by your physician only relieve the symptoms of the cold or flu but does not cure it completely.

Most people have to take flu shots yearly. Why? That’s because the influenza virus changes from time to time. This year’s flu virus is literally different from last year’s strain.

How do you catch colds and flu?
The viruses responsible for colds and flu are spread from person to person as droplets in the air. Sneezing or coughing produces more droplets and helps to spread the infection. Touching infected surfaces, such as door handles or shaking hands and then passing the virus from the hands to the mouth is another means of infection.

Infected people can spread the viruses from two days before the symptoms of the illness even start and up to four days afterwards. Colds can occur all year round but are more common in the rainy months. On average, adults catch two to three colds each year. School age children can have more in a year.

Prevention
Since there are no known cures for colds and flu, prevention must be your goal. A proactive approach to warding off colds and flu is apt to make your whole life healthier.

1. Wash Your Hands
The viruses can live for hours -- in some cases weeks -- only to be picked up by the next person who touches the same object. So wash your hands often.

2. Don't Cover Your Sneezes and Coughs with Your Hands
When you feel a sneeze or cough coming, use a tissue, then throw it away immediately. If you don't have a tissue, turn your head away from people near you and cough into the air.

3. Don't Touch Your Face
Cold and flu viruses enter your body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching your face especially your mouth is a major way to catch colds.

4. Drink Plenty of Fluids
Water flushes your system, washing out the toxins as it re-hydrates you. A typical, healthy adult needs eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. How can you tell if you're getting enough liquid? If the color of your urine runs close to clear, you're getting enough. If it's deep yellow, you need more fluids.

5. Get Fresh Air
A regular dose of fresh air is important, especially in cold weather because it makes your body more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. Also, during cold weather more people stay indoors, which means more germs are circulating indoors.

6. Do Aerobic Exercise Regularly
Aerobic exercise speeds up the heart to pump larger quantities of blood; makes you breathe faster to help transfer oxygen from your lungs to your blood. These exercises help increase the body's natural virus-killing cells.

7. Don't Smoke
Statistics show that heavy smokers get more severe colds and more frequent ones.

Even being around smoke profoundly zaps the immune system. Smoke dries out your nasal passages and paralyzes cilia. These are the delicate hairs that line the mucous membranes in your nose and lungs, and with their wavy movements, sweep cold and flu viruses out of the nasal passages.

8. Cut Alcohol Consumption
Heavy alcohol use destroys the liver, the body's primary filtering system, which means that germs of all kinds won't leave your body as fast. Heavier drinkers are more prone to initial infections as well as secondary complications. Alcohol also dehydrates the body -- it actually takes more fluids from your system than it puts in.

9. Relax
If you can teach yourself to relax, you can activate your immune system on demand. There's evidence that when you put your relaxation skills into action, your interleukins -- leaders in the immune system response against cold and flu viruses -- increase in the bloodstream. Train yourself to picture an image you find pleasant or calming. Do this 30 minutes a day for several months. Keep in mind, relaxation is a learnable skill, but it is not just doing nothing.

10. Eat foods containing Phytochemicals.
"Phyto" means plants, and the natural chemicals in plants give the vitamins in food a supercharged boost. So put away the vitamin pill, and eat dark green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits instead.

Symptoms

Colds
Typically, there is a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and a cough. There may also be a fever, aching muscles and fatigue. The symptoms normally usually last for a week.

Flu
The symptoms are similar to colds but the muscle aching is usually more severe and the fatigue may last for a few weeks after the illness has cleared up. There is likely to be a fever and there may also be loss of appetite, nausea and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, especially in children.

Fever
Contrary to popular belief, fever is not a disease. Fever is a symptom of a disease or infection. Fever helps the body fight infections by making the body's defense systems work more efficiently. Some bacteria and viruses cannot live at higher temperatures and are killed by fever. If you have a fever you will look flushed, though may complain of feeling cold and shivering.

Treatment

1. Drink enough fluids (water and natural fruit juice) to prevent dehydration.

2. For adults, paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen can help to relieve fever and pain. Always follow the instructions carefully and take care to stay within the safe daily doses. It is easy to accidentally exceed these by using more than one product (eg tablets, candy or pastilles, hot lemon drink) containing the same active ingredient, such as paracetamol.

3. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms – and particularly fever – without first speaking to your doctor. Paracetamol or ibuprofen are suitable alternatives and come in liquid formulations for younger children.

4. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine may clear congestion. Ask your pharmacist for advice on products that contain a decongestant.

5. Steam inhalations with menthol or eucalyptus, or herbal products such as chamomile, may help.

6. Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise.

7. Avoid smoking.

8. Supplements of vitamin C and zinc.

9. Eat foods containing Phytochemicals. Eat dark green, red, and yellow vegetables and fruits instead.

10. Cut alcohol consumption.

When to call the doctor
If the following symptoms develop with a cold, you should always consult a doctor, practicing nurse or pharmacist for advice:
• severe vomiting or diarrhea
• earache
• difficulty breathing
• skin rash
• uncontrollable cough
• cough with yellowy green or rust-colored phlegm
• extreme lethargy or drowsiness

1. Sunshine Committee - (for social activities of PODD)


Email: comm.sunshine@poddcorp.com

Members:




1. Celeste.Opolentisima


2. Christine.Rom


3. Andreas.Montano


4. Cecile Eguia


5. Kaye.Valmoria


6. Ericson.Gonzales


7. Butch.Reyes


8. Patrick.Pacaña


9. Dexter.Consunji


10. Niel.Quisaba


11. Rachael.Barria


12. Joanne.Alignay


13. Jagat.Rubio


14. Vanessa.Amper


15. Raquel.Montecillo


16. Astrid.Blanco


17. Amuer.Butron


18. Rowell.Niez


19. Niño.Quijano





2. Emergency Committee - (for life-threatening concerns)


Email: comm.emergency@poddcorp.com

Members:




1. Ramsie.Salazar


2. Christine.Rom


3. Andreas.Montano


4. Cecile Eguia


5. Kaye.Valmoria


6. Eo.Cedeno


7. Celeste.Opolentisima


8. Rachael.Barria


9. Robert.Martinez


10. Ryan.Anin


11. Vanessa.Amper


12. Roderich.Hallasgo


13. Farrah.Dy


14. Ace.Cabos


15. Rowell.Niez


16. Jill.Huyoa


17. Aji.Mechilina


18. Antoliano.Lao


19. Roco.Jaro





3. Security Committee - (Presidential Guards of PODD)


Email: comm.security@poddcorp.com

Members:




1. Ramsie.Salazar


2. Christine.Rom


3. Andreas.Montano


4. Cecile Eguia


5. Kaye.Valmoria


6. Ice.Rom


7. Peter.Tabotabo


8. Ericson.Gonzales


9. Gerard.Ledesma


10. Roderich.Hallasgo


11. Roco.Jaro


12. Robert.Martinez





4. Guidance/Descipline Committee - (Committee on Behavior)


Email: comm.guidance@poddcorp.com

Members:




1. Chad.Adlawan


2. Christine.Rom


3. Andreas.Montano


4. Cecile Eguia


5. Kaye.Valmoria


6. Mae.Capalla


7. Eo.Cedeño


8. Ericson.Gonzales


9. Jagat.Rubio





5. Growth Committee - (Determines Trainings and Seminars)


Email: comm.growth@poddcorp.com

Members:




1. Chad.Adlawan


2. Christine.Rom


3. Andreas.Montano


4. Cecile Eguia


5. Kaye.Valmoria


6. Leo.Guevarra


7. Ramsie.Salazar


8. Ericson.Gonzales


9. Celeste.Opolentisima


10. Jagat.Rubio


11. Raquel.Montecillo


12. Mae.Capalla


13. Francis.Sinson


14. Joan.Angalot


15. Roco.Jaro

Home turns one this year, and we're celebrating it with a bang! If you have the free time and you're an art enthusiast or simply a curious onlooker wanting to know what Cebuano art looks like, you may want to come to the office (7th Floor, Keppel Center, Cebu Business Park, C.C.) at 9am-9pm from January 16-20, 2006 and witness our humble exhibit, featuring the works of the following Cebuano artists: Nunelucio Alvarado - Philip Morris Awardee and National Artist nominee Florencio Cinco - Philippine Morris, Metrobank, and National Council for Cultural Arts awardee Dr. Jet Florendo - Cebu-based sculptor Vic Abellana - sculptor and butterfly art mosaic virtuoso Our very own graphic artists, representing digital art, will showcase various works as well. Click here for more details. ::: For inquiries, please email info@poddcorp.com.