Preparing for the Survival of an Earthquake

Every year, the United States Geological Survey records about 20,000 earthquakes or about 50 earthquakes a day. On the average, 134 of which have magnitudes between 6 to 6.9 while magnitudes 7 to 7.9 and 8 and higher and having average annual episodes of 15 and 1, respectively.

Earthquakes, the trembling of the earth's surface, can be a devastating phenomenon depending on some factors such as its magnitude, duration and other environmental hazards around us. And despite having the best and latest technology, it is sad to say that there is still no proven way of predicting an earthquake. Because of its unpredictability, the best weapon that people have against this natural force of nature is to prepare for it.

The fact is an earthquake itself is not the real cause of deaths. Most of the time, fatalities are the result of secondary factors such as collapsed buildings, falling objects, shattered glass, fire and so on.

Therefore, one of the first things to consider when readying for such event is assessing the surrounding environment. Information, such as the strength of the buildings and the placement of some things around the house such as chemicals or heavy objects, are vital.

When planning ahead, it is important for each family member to know what to do and where to go when an earthquake happens. It also necessary to keep an emergency kit consisting of non-perishable foods such as canned goods, clean drinking water, flashlights, medicines, first aid kit, blankets, batteries and battery operated radio.

Another crucial consideration is to check all the flammable chemicals at home and make sure that these items are placed on low-lying cabinets and that they do not easily tumble and catch fire.

During an earthquake, it is most important to remember to try not to panic so that you will be able to think clearly on what to do. When the earth starts to shake, remember to practice "DUCK, COVER AND HOLD". This means to lower the head, cover it with the arms and hide under a sturdy table or desk and hold on to it. If there is no furniture, try to move into an open area such as hallways or stay near the house posts or walls and stay away from stairs, windows, high cabinets, appliances and heavy furniture. If you happen to be outdoors, stay outside and just remember to move away from buildings, trees or any possible falling objects.

Keep in mind to stay calm as possible during the shaking and stay in that position until the trembling stops and then check to see if anyone is hurt or if there is fire. Move carefully from your position and always use stairs when going down.

Strong earthquakes are extremely serious phenomena that can be devastating and horrifying. But instead of just being afraid, what we can do is to empower ourselves by educating ourselves and preparing so that we know what to do during these devastating events.

Breast Augmentation: What You Should Know About

According to the 2010 report of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation remains to be the top cosmetic surgical procedure of 2009. In 2008, an estimated 307,000 cases of breast augmentation were filed and although there is a 6% decrease in 2009, this surgical procedure still remains on top of the list.

Breast augmentation, otherwise known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to enlarge (or augment) breasts in order to achieve a fuller appearance. Others opt for this procedure for breast reconstruction purposes to restore breast volume, which may have been lost due to mastectomy, trauma, or congenital deformity.

In order to augment breasts, implants are used. Implants are breast-shaped prosthesis that are made of silicon covering and either silicone gel or saline (salt water) filling. 

Typically, the procedure is done on an out-patient     basis which usually takes two hours. The process starts with administering anesthesia which can either be under local or general anesthesia. Incision is then made around the areola, in the armpit or under the breast, depending on the type and size of the implant. The method by which the prosthesis is inserted also depends on the said conditions and after which, the incision will be closed.

As with any surgery, breast augmentation surgery has associated risks which include bleeding, infection, unfavourable scarring or fluid accumulation. Other risks associated with the surgery may be related to the implant itself such as obstructed mammography or capsular contracture, where a firm scar forms around the implant. And although most mortality cases are associated with anesthesia or medication errors, death associated with breast augmentation are extremely rare. Another important consideration that women should take note is that there are no lifetime guarantees with breast implants. And so before going into the procedure, women should weigh the pros and cons and decide, “Are you a good candidate for breast augmentation?”

Aromatherapy and Its Important Benefits to the Mind and Body

Aromatherapy is an alternative form of medicine that is used to relieve pain and stress.  This form of treatment employs essential oils for its aromatic properties that are believed to influence a person’s mood, thinking, mind-set and function.

The first known use of aromatherapy dates back to more than 5000 years ago. Back then, the people from Egypt pay tribute to the Egyptian gods by burning herbs, spices and woods in order to send their prayers to the heavens through the risen smoke.

Today, aromatherapy is used because of its medicinal value. Although it has not been proven that aromatherapy cures major diseases, it is on the other hand, known to be effective in lessening the pain and discomfort that are related to such conditions.

Aromatherapy can be used in three different ways. First is by applying it directly to the skin, also known as topical application. This is the method of application used for massage and baths like those from the spa. Topical application of aromatherapy benefits you in one of the following ways:

• Tissue and muscle repair of lesions, injuries, cuts or abrasions.
• Muscle relaxation
• Better sleep at night
• Improved circulation of blood
• Relief from inflammation
• Enhanced skin suppleness

Second, aromatherapy can be infused through inhalation of oil or infusion vapors. This is beneficial to the body such as:

• Relief of nasal congestion
• Relief of Lung infection that may be caused by bacteria and fungus
• Aids in expectorating phlegm
• Better sleeping pattern

Lastly, diffusion of oils in the air is another way to infuse aromatherapy. This method allows the aromatic smell to be utilized by circulating the aroma through the air. The smell may help the body and mind by:

• Alleviating headaches
• Energizing the mind and body
• Producing calming effects

In addition to that, aromatherapy is advantageous to the mind and body in a lot of ways. It helps relieve mind problems such stress, anxiety and depression and this in turn may also lower the blood pressure. With aromatherapy, you will also improve the circulation of your blood which in turn helps eliminate unwanted toxins and improve wound healing process.

Your immunity against certain illnesses and infections is also improved with this alternative medicine by improving your resistance. Aromatherapy also results in enhanced digestion. For women, you can also get relief from menstrual cramps.

There are a lot of oils and infusions that can be used in Aromatherapy. You can choose from a broad range of essential oils based from the scent you prefer and healing properties of each kind of oil. Simply put, aromatherapy has a long list of benefits to the body. It is a great, natural, inexpensive and effective way to alleviate certain signs, symptoms and conditions. And with practically no known disadvantage of its use, Aromatherapy is definitely one great alternative medicine that is worth a try.

March 11's Japan 9.0 Quake

It was March 11, 2011,around 2 o'clock here in the Philippines, when I got a phone call from my eldest brother from the United States. I picked up the phone and said "Hello! How are you?," in a good-to-hear-from-you tone of voice. But instead of saying "I'm fine.," he asked me to turn on my TV and watch CNN and said that a magnitude 8.9 (later on increased to 9.0) earthquake struck Japan and that a tsunami alert was raised in the country. A few minutes after, he hung up the phone and said he will call back in a while.

For many viewers, maybe, it was a horrifying scene to watch, just like in the movies. It was unbelievable how an earthquake with that strength be real. To make it worse, it was a heart-breaking moment to watch and see how the estimated 77.4 feet tall tsunami engulfed everything in its path. Once again, my brother called and told me that the tsunami was currently devastating the coastal areas of Japan.

For my family and I, the anxiety was actually even worse. It was because my brother's children were in Japan when these events happened and to add more, we were clueless as to what town or city they were at that time and I could only cry and pray that they were far away from the towns that were affected.

During the first few hours of learning about the situation, I tried doing my research on their whereabouts, made phone calls, sent messages and it was only a few hours after, that we got a news that they were safe and that they were at the southern part of Japan. It was a big sigh of relief and I could not thank God enough that they were safe and that they are almost a thousand miles away from Sendai...Thank God.

To this day, it is still hard to believe how three catastrophic events (earthquake, tsunami, radiation exposure) happened in a particular part of Japan, simultaneously. Being far away, we can only help in very little ways such as donating money (that I'm sure will go a long way) to organizations conducting rescue and relief efforts and of course, Pray for Japan, most especially those who were devastated, who lost their loved one, who are still looking for their missing loved ones, who lost their homes and have no house to go home to and those who are threatened by radiation exposure.

Japan, our prayers are with you.

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Earthquakes (the shaking of the earth), are unpredictable forces of nature which can be devastating, depending on its magnitude (strength), duration and other hazards around us.

"Strong earthquakes are extremely serious phenomena that can be devastating and horrifying. But instead of just being afraid, what we can do is to empower ourselves by educating ourselves and preparing so that we know what to do during these devastating events."

For Tips on Preparing for the Survival of an Earthquake click here.

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For Resources Related to Japan Crisis (Missing Person Finder, Donations, Alert and Status, etc.) visit Google Crisis Response.