1 Out of 7 Billion
The world is getting smaller everyday but a lifetime is not enough to explore it. My adventure starts in Singapore.
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Sickness/Healing ; Deformity/Transformation
May 9, 2009 — 2 Comments
The Lord will Understand
The Archbishop of Singapore has issued instructions to all church goers as a precautionary measure against the spread of the H1N1 virus. I was told by my friends that this is similar to when Singapore was hit by SARS several years ago.
I would normally hold the hand of the people beside me to sing, “Our Father” and shake hands during the Sign of Peace so it feels different not to be able to do so at least for a few weeks. However, I respect such decision and will obey as it is for the good of all.
Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Let’s admit it. In a world filled with commercialism and pretense, we can’t help but notice how people look from head to toe. Love at first sight, etc. However, not all good looking people are best friend material (and I am not trying to be like Paris Hilton here).
It takes time to get to know a person and even if we reach an acceptable level of trust, trust is betrayed and we are back to square one.
I was touched by the story of Connie Culp’s transformation and resilience as the US’ first ever face transplant recipient.
Let me quote Yahoo news on the background: “Culp’s husband, Thomas, shot her in 2004, then turned the gun on himself. He went to prison for seven years. His wife was left clinging to life. The blast shattered her nose, cheeks, the roof of her mouth and an eye. Hundreds of fragments of shotgun pellet and bone splinters were embedded in her face. She needed a tube into her windpipe to breathe. Only her upper eyelids, forehead, lower lip and chin were left.”
After 30 operations :
parts of her ribs –> cheekbones
one of her leg bones –> upper jaw
skin from thighs –> grafted onto face
and a 22-hour operation in December:
bones, muscles, blood vessels from another woman who had just died –> 80% of her face
Cost likely to be absorbed by the clinic : US$250,000 to 300,000
Before the accident
Now
Culp said she wants to help foster acceptance of those who have suffered burns and other disfiguring injuries.
“When somebody has a disfigurement and don’t look as pretty as you do, don’t judge them, because you never know what
happened to them,” she said. “Don’t judge people who don’t look the same as you do. Because you never know. One day it
might be all taken away.”
True, true. A story of hope, courage, and faith. Looks may change in an instant but the values shaped by our upbringing and the pureness of our hearts are what will matter in the end.
Swine Flu
April 29, 2009 — 2 Comments
I hear about swine flu daily and I am beginning to get worried.
Guess you are worried too so here are some FAQ’s.
WHAT IS SWINE INFLUENZA?
Swine Influenza (or Swine Flu) is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus (Influenza type A H1N1 virus).
CAN HUMANS CATCH SWINE FLU?
Swine Flu viruses do not normally affect humans. However, sporadic human infections with Swine Flu have occurred. Mostly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs.
HOW DOES SWINE FLU SPREAD TO HUMANS?
Swine Flu spreads to humans mainly through contact with infected pigs, which shed the virus through their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces. Human-to-human transmission of Swine Flu can also occur in the same way as seasonal flu does, which is mainly through coughing or sneezing from people infected with the virus.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU IN HUMANS?
The symptoms are similar with that of the seasonal flu which include high fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with Swine Flu also have reported experiencing runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
CAN PEOPLE CATCH SWINE FLU FROM EATING PORK?
No . Swine Flu viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot contract Swine Flu from eating pork or pork products that have been thoroughly prepared and cooked.
HOW CAN HUMAN INFECTIONS WITH SWINE FLU BE DIAGNOSED?
To diagnose Swine Flu, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding the virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for up to 10 days or longer. Diagnosis requires sending the specimen for laboratory testing.
IS THE H1N1 SWINE FLU VIRUS THE SAME AS THE HUMAN H1N1 VIRUS?
No. The H1N1 Swine Flu viruses are different from the human H1N1 viruses (seasonal flu). Hence, vaccines for the human seasonal flu would not provide sufficient protection from the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.
WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO TREAT SWINE FLU INFECTIONS IN HUMANS?
At this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with Swine Flu viruses.
TIPS TO PREVENT SWINE FLU :
1. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing.
2. Wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth if you are caring for someone with flu.
3. Avoid visiting patients in hospitals.
4. Stay at home if you are suffering from the seasonal flu. Wear a mask if you need to leave home.
