Friday, December 23, 2011

Technology, the Internet and how Santa made my little boy cry...


Technology and the Internet have played a very important role in shaping the World as We know it and the way We will see the future. No longer is the Internet confined within the 4 corners of our homes and offices. but is now virtually everywhere.  The Internet is now part of our daily lives and has become an effective tool which joins family and friends together even to the far corners of the world. 

Recently, I came upon a website called the Portable North Pole TV (www.portablenorthpole.tv). The website allows you to make a personalized Christmas message for family and friends this Christmas season, personally given by the one and only Santa. The website allows you to make messages for both kids and adults in a fun and whimsical manner.  You can either choose to place someone on Santa's naughty or nice list.  I had loads of fun creating personal messages for my family and friends. Placing them in the naughty list made for lots of laughs as the messages were both witty and funny.  Out of curiosity, I decided to make a personal message for my son and decided to place him on Santa's naughty list.  I wanted to see how much effect Santa has on my little boy.  It was funny the first half as my son fully believed that Santa would grant him his wish this Christmas.  However, as Santa told my son that he was on the naughty list, tears began to flow on my little boys eyes.  Good thing Santa told him that it was still early and he still had some time to get to Santa's Nice boy list. I guess Santa's still got his magic, may it be on person or through the Internet.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to All...

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Aches and Pains, Modern medicine, and Acupunture Manila


I’m personally not a fan of going to the hospital and getting pricked by needles.  I'd tolerate just about any type of ache or pain, as long as it doesn't require any immediate medical attention.  So it’s very ironic for someone like me to consider trying Acupuncture.  Acupuncture has been here for as long as modern medicine.  Acupuncture consists of inserting a series of needles into certain pressure points in the body.  Even some medical doctors do prescribe Acupuncture, but only as a supplement to medical treatment.  Acupuncture, when administered properly has been said to relieve certain aches and pains.  Acupuncture also improves body circulation and proper absorption of medication.  Acupuncture has little know side effects as there are no need to use chemicals.  My wife actually introduced me to Acupuncture. She has been experiencing excessive vomiting and nausea during her pregnancy and was prescribed by her Obgyne to try Acupuncture.  After inquiring and researching through the internet she found an Acupuncturist located in front of Ospital ng Maynila. Fortunately, the Acupuncturist is also a medical doctor.  After a few sessions my wife’s condition gradually improved.  Ultrasound and laboratory results show that she was doing fine and there were no side effects.  During one of her sessions with the Acupuncturist, my wife suggested that I personally try the treatment as I was stressed out from work and experiencing recurring cough and cold.  Though not a firm believer of Acupuncture, I decided to humor her and try it out for  myself.  After all, if little children and pregnant women can do it, so can I.  Besides if Acupuncture was totally bad or destructive to your health it would have been banned or outlawed years ago.  I was first asked regarding the symptoms I was experiencing while my pulse was being checked.  If your afraid of getting an infected needle, don’t worry as they use fresh needles sealed in blister packs and used needles are properly disposed.  Though I could feel the needles going into my skin they were not as painful as getting a shot for vaccination.  After all the needles were inserted, I counted about 14 pcs., I think. I was asked to relax for 15 -30 mins.  I didn’t want to move, as I was afraid that the needles might sink deeper or get dislocated.  Actually, I felt relaxed and had a certain urge to sleep.  However, I wanted to observe myself for the last few minutes.  After the treatment, I felt a little better and my coughing settled down a bit.  I didn’t expect any drastic changes after the procedure, after all treatments need to be done over a period of time to regulate the body and to work properly.  All in all, it was a great experience and I will definitely return for another session if my schedule permits it.

Teresa Chu-Uy, MD
Acupunturist
PHYSICARE MEDICAL CLINIC
Unit B Manila Bay Arcade
Cortabitarte St. Cor. M.H. Del pilar St. (Infront of Ospital ng Maynila)
Malate, Manila, Philippines
Tel. No.: (02)5741524