tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007855281015920582024-03-14T02:11:19.167+08:00kwurteewread & writeEarlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03673519726812052158noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300785528101592058.post-73834645724205176072013-06-02T08:41:00.000+08:002013-06-03T23:14:20.080+08:00Idja-idja, Aho-aho!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="353" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eczBC4GTv_A?rel=0" width="628"></iframe><br />
<br />
<em>CHILD OF THE SUN: Idja-idja, aho-aho!</em><br />
<em>by Ting Tiongco/MindaNews</em><br />
<em>Tuesday, 28 July 2009</em><br />
<em>(Speech of acceptance as one of the Ten Outstanding Boholano Award (Tobaw) delivered at the Tapok Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan awarding ceremonies on 25 July).</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Source: <a href="http://minda2010.timonera.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6749:child-of-the-sun-idja-idja-aho-aho-by-ting-tiongco&catid=39:child-of-the-sun&Itemid=104" target="_blank">Minda News</a></em><br />
<br />
<span class="drop-cap">T</span>AGBILARAN, Bohol (MindaNews/28 July) — I accept this award both with great pride and humility. I dedicate this award to my late parents who came from Bohol; my father from Bilar, and my mother, a Manigque from Tagbilaran. My mother, who died a few months ago, lived 63 out of her 86 years in Mindanao. But she died a true Boholana, speaking Binol-anon to the end. I was not born in Bohol. Neither did I grow up here. My parents made it clear to their children who were growing up in Mindanao that we are Bol-anons. Ang Bolanon, murag Amerkano. Maskin asa ka ma tawo, basta Amerkano ang imong tatay o nanay, Amerkano ka lang guihapon. Ang Bol-anon, mao sad. Maskin asa ka matawo, basta Bol-anon ang imong kaguikan, Bol-anon ka lang guihapon. Mailhan man gud ang Bol-anon sa uban, kay tag-as man ug ilong.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Ang Bolanon, murag Amerkano. Maskin asa ka ma tawo, basta Amerkano ang imong tatay o nanay, Amerkano ka lang guihapon. </blockquote>I was often puzzled, growing up as Bol-anon in Davao where a welter of cultures flourish; the moment my companions knew I was Bol-anon, I was immediately set apart as different from the rest. I was puzzled by the saying ‘ idja-idja, aho-aho!’ often said in jest by classmates. And this was usually followed by the declaration that Bohol was ‘outside da Pilipins’. Predictably there ensued a typical schoolboy fistfight. Sinumbagay!<br />
<br />
I often asked my mother what all this was about but she only told me to be proud of such things. There was a history and a culture behind this that she did not bother to explain because perhaps she knew that sometime in my life I would realize what it meant.<br />
<br />
And indeed, I did. It happened the first time I came to Bohol to set up a health cooperative. I was warned that the Bol-anon attitude of ‘idja-idja aho-aho’ was against the basic principles of cooperativism. But setting up a hospital and health services cooperative in the land of my parents, ang akong yutang guinikanan, was a promise I made my father before he died.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">I was puzzled by the saying ‘ idja-idja, aho-aho!’ often said in jest by classmates. And this was usually followed by the declaration that Bohol was ‘outside da Pilipins’.</blockquote>So 15 years ago I landed in Tagbilaran, walked to a restaurant, and unthinkingly ordered more lunch than I could consume. I had the rest packed in a brown paper bag to give to a hungry street child.<br />
<br />
Outside, I met a raggedy malnourished little boy and wordlessly handed him the brown paper bag. He looked suspiciously at me and asked what was in it. Learning it was food, he immediately ran away, shrieking ‘Di ko!’ (No!)<br />
<br />
I was surprised, a bit disheartened. So I walked to the cathedral where I expected to find beggars. There I found an old woman sitting on the ground by the main door, in the heat of noon, clutching a rosary. This time I was more circumspect. I explained to her that I had ordered too much for lunch and I was loathe to see so much food wasted and I was wondering if she would accept the rest, assuring her that it was clean. She gladly took the brown paper bag, thanking me profusely. Then, as I was leaving, happy that no food was wasted, she called after me.<br />
<br />
‘ Doy,’ ingon siya, ‘ pila man ni?’ (‘Doy,’ she asked, ‘how much is this?’)<br />
<br />
I was floored. Only then did I realize what ‘idja-idja, aho-aho’ means.<br />
<br />
It means the Bol-anon does not beg!<br />
<br />
It means that I belong to a noble culture that believes Man must provide for himself and the community he belongs to. It means that we are free of the humiliating cultural muck of Mendicancy that the rest of our country is drowning in.<br />
<br />
It means that we believe in ourselves. In our own capacity to provide for our own needs through our own resources.<br />
<br />
Happily, this is what cooperativism is all about. Self-sufficiency and pride in one’s own.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">It means the Bol-anon does not beg!</blockquote>Then this could be very well our battle cry: ‘idja-idja, aho-aho!’. With this, from ‘outside da Pilipins’ we may be able to rebuild the Philippines, flattened by financial crises, sucked dry by unscrupulous politicians, debased in its own eyes by cultural pollution and disoriented by a demented media that foists the ‘Wowowee’ mentality on Filipinos in massive daily noontime doses.<br />
<br />
Idja-idja, aho-aho!<br />
<br />
Mabuhi ang Bol-anon!<br />
<br />
Mabuhi and Filipinas!<br />
<br />
<em>[Dr. Jose “Ting” M. Tiongco, chief executive officer of the Medical Mission Group Hospitals and Health Services Cooperative-Philippines Federation, writes a column, Child of the Sun, for MindaNews. He is author of two books, “Child of the Sun Returning” (1996) and “Surgeons Do Not Cry” (2008). The second book is available at UP bookstore, National bookstore and MindaNews]</em>Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03673519726812052158noreply@blogger.com3Tagbilaran City, Philippines9.672948 123.873002199999979.547721 123.71164069999998 9.798175 124.03436369999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300785528101592058.post-42988305459220057042013-06-01T09:15:00.002+08:002013-06-12T11:59:07.650+08:00I Believe In What Tourism Can Do <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7XUFf5EN-k/Ubfx7KhpShI/AAAAAAAAC9A/KAFqaVA5nBI/s1600/Brand-Philippines-Logo-Hi-Res1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d7XUFf5EN-k/Ubfx7KhpShI/AAAAAAAAC9A/KAFqaVA5nBI/s1600/Brand-Philippines-Logo-Hi-Res1.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><br />
<em>by </em><a href="http://clarechronicles.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/this-is-because-i-love-to-travel-i-love-the-philippines-and-i-believe-in-what-tourism-can-do-and-i-don%e2%80%99t-have-a-real-title/"><em>Claire DG. Amador</em></a><br />
<em>Reposted with Permission</em><br />
<br />
“Tourism is not just the physical movement from one place to the next, but a positive shift from one mindset to another. It is also a way of seeing the world and finding your place in it.”<br />
<br />
<span class="drop-cap">T</span>his is a paraphrased thought combined from two authors whose names escape me right now (sorry, Sirs). Usually I start YTRIP* talks with it because it puts things in perspective: tourism is not just an industry, but a way of seeing things. It is about experiencing and living life.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
I believe that tourism cuts across all sectors: it is very much economic, social, cultural, and political. It’s the kind of industry where everyone’s a participant. It’s also the kind of activity (for lack of a better term) that would transform (take note, transform and not just change) lives and outlooks and people. It can cause a revolution – it transcends cultures, connects stories, uplifts (or destroys) lives, and best of all, converts people. I use “convert” loosely because I always believe in the way traveling makes people better than they were when they left their bases. I also focus on people because at the end of the day – it is our decisions and actions that define the present and the future, the economy and the countries.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>I believe that tourism cuts across all sectors: it is very much economic, social, cultural, and political. It’s the kind of industry where everyone’s a participant.</blockquote>I have always believed that tourism will be the saving grace for the Philippines and it is one of the reasons why I fervently hope the government and the citizenry would give it the attention (and understanding and study) it deserves. A lot of countries and cities are investing so much in tourism – Budapest for instance, has it as its biggest contributor to the economy. Ethiopia is exploring it as its main economic driving force. California, as a state, recognizes it as a primary industry. For us, my question is, do we have what it takes to make tourism our main industry, our driving force? But first, do we want it?<br />
<br />
<b>Simplicity Is Not Always Beauty</b><br />
<br />
If there is one thing that truly amazed me over the ruckus with DOT’s Pilipinas Kay Ganda campaign – it was the amount of attention and reaction it generated. People actually cared about tourism (finally!). We are no longer bystanders and passive participants – this time around, and with much thanks to technology – we are involved. I thought that was a good thing. The fact that a lot of people would like to help craft the country’s tourism campaign shows how much we care about how we project ourselves to the world. It shows there’s greater consciousness of who we are, who we ought to be.<br />
<br />
The reaction was so much that I decided to keep quiet and just watch – to see where it would lead to and how far it was going to go. I was astounded by how serious it was to a point where a very good and capable man had to resign his post. That was our loss, I thought. You don’t find a lot of Enteng Romanos willing to give up their corporate, private lives to work in government.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons, I think, why the Kay Ganda campaign elicited so much negative reaction is its simplicity. It is basic and plain. Maybe a lot of people thought it was too easy – a tourism campaign has got to be better than that: more colorful, more depth, maybe? A lot of people attribute to Wow Philippines (which did have a measure of success) and I particularly liked the ‘more than the usual’ slogan because that’s what tourists and travelers are after – however – beneath the surface, do we believe that we are, in fact, WOW?<br />
<br />
When Pilipinas Kay Ganda was launched, I was in the US where I met a lot of people who did not know much about us. I tried, of course, to talk them into exploring our country but admittedly, top of mind – we’re not within the horizon of choices for their trips. We’re too far, we’re expensive, and we’re not in the radar (not even a tiny blip). Some of the Filipinos I met there complained about the weak marketing we employ and I agree to a certain extent BUT it’s not just that. I think it’s because we have not fully decided yet on how serious we want to be about tourism in the Philippines.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">Being serious in tourism means investing not only in infrastructure but also in education and in developing a culture of tourism amongst us.</blockquote>By serious, I do not just mean numbers and statistics, massive marketing and developing island resorts. Being serious in tourism means investing not only in infrastructure but also in education and in developing a culture of tourism amongst us. A culture that would enable us to develop infrastructure and MAINTAIN it well; a culture that would enable us to provide genuine openness, honesty, and warmth to our visitors (and to each other) without making it seem like work; a culture that would allow us to become our own ambassadors and enable us to speak about who we are eloquently; a culture that would enable us to appreciate, protect, and sustain our natural and cultural resources and understand why it’s important for us to do so; best of all, a culture that supports the community through thick and thin.<br />
<br />
<b>The Missing Spark</b><br />
<br />
Another reason why I think there was so much hoopla over the proposed Kay Ganda slogan is that it was flat; it did not inspire. There seems to be no fireworks when you say it and it is hard to explain. As beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, how can one explain the beauty of the Philippines exactly? In truth, I do not see a problem with the slogan – but there would be a problem with the person who will explain it. It is abstract. We can go on and on about our mountains and beaches and food, but WHY is it beautiful? If we cannot answer a basic question like that, it will frustrate us, especially as it is such a common adjective. And here’s a thought: I learned that inspiration comes from within, it is a spark triggered by an external factor that reflects an inner value. The Kay Ganda slogan may not have sparked inspiration in many probably because the value which it hoped to connect to was not there.<br />
<br />
And I think the Kay Ganda slogan hit the core: can we say, in our own words and genuine interest, how beautiful this country is and why? I don’t think we are versed as a people to market – let alone wonderfully explain – the Philippines ourselves. To be eloquent and go beyond the Chocolate Hills, beyond Boracay, beyond sinigang, bagoong, and mangoes – there has to be more to us. And it is not even just about the words we will speak – but it will be in how we speak them. Do our eyes brighten up when we talk about the Philippines? Saying you’re Pinoy with just your mouth is different when you say it with your eyes and your heart.<br />
<br />
My exposure in tourism has allowed me to see what other countries are offering. Guess what? We all offer the same thing. Watch any tourism ad and it will be the same things over and over, regardless of location, climate, and history. The categories are the same. One’s choice of destination is a deductive exercise based on economics, PR, and philosophies. One’s choice of spending, staying, and returning though is based on a very important factor: Experience. And experience rests on the story and the storytellers – the people. How connected are we to the message we relayed to the world? How much of what we promised did we make real? And how authentic is our message, how authentic are we?<br />
<br />
The curious thing about us is that what sets us apart from everyone else is the same thing that’s tearing us apart: OURSELVES.<br />
<br />
I am amazed and overwhelmed by the way the people rallied against the Kay Ganda campaign – but I personally think conclusions were jumped at too soon, demands were too high, and the reactions a little harsh. Historically, we have always been quite hard on ourselves and it mars whatever greatness we can muster.<br />
<br />
Manny Pacquiao was on the cover of American Air’s in-flight magazine and I was proud that he was. I remember though when he was rising as a star and I brushed him aside because I thought he was overrated. I saw his most recent fight and felt ashamed of myself: he really is fantastic – he is one heck of an athlete. Despite that, who among us laughed or even thought him ridiculous when he spoke after the fight in his attempt at English? I know a few people who did and it hurt to hear it.<br />
<br />
And here we are: DOT comes out with a slogan, we disagree, criticize and demand.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">The curious thing about us is that what sets us apart from everyone else is the same thing that’s tearing us apart: OURSELVES.</blockquote>It’s great that now we know we deserve better, and the good part this time is we ask for more. I think it’s good that people, in their heart, felt obligated to speak up. Maybe the new slogan just did not resonate with how proud they are of the country or how wonderful they feel about the Philippines. It wasn’t enough to define who and what we are. Personally, the slogan was not enough for me – I didn’t mind it being simplistic. I minded it being abstract and common. But my point is, as we raise the bar for the slogan so should we raise the bar for ourselves. We tend to support Pinoys in the international scene especially when we compete with other countries. And then at home, we compete with each other. Manny wins a fight in Vegas, and even before he could bask in his glory, we focus on his broken English.<br />
<br />
On hindsight, it wouldn’t hurt to support each other, too – not just during the wins, but also at times when we’re broken.<br />
<br />
<strong>It's Time For Commitment</strong><br />
<br />
I do not have a proposal on what slogan or marketing program the DOT could employ. That’s not up my alley. As an advocate for local sustainable tourism though, I would like to hope for a campaign that would embrace all Filipinos and be able to inspire us to fall in love with our own reflection, our history, our heritage. I like the idea of having Manny Pacquiao as a tourism endorser (hey, California had Arnie) BUT it should NOT just be him and about him. We Filipinos are always distracted by the shiny, the temporary, and the famous. Maybe this time around, we can have something more lasting, more fundamental… more authentic. Let’s have a campaign that we’d love to be married to, to be committed to – a campaign that we like not just because it’s colorful or astig, but because it speaks to us, it reflects our truth, and that we actually mean it (in citizen action, government policy, and for the tourism industry).<br />
<br />
One of the campaigns I like was Secretary Aspiras’s, The Philippines – (the islands) where Asia wears a smile. Somewhere in the past we also had a line that said ‘Come home to the Philippines’ which I think showed the authentic side of our country: we pretty much feel like home to everyone. ‘Islands Philippines’ is also easy to recall – 7107 on low tide, and I should ask Charlene Gonzales on high tide. I brought these up because for me, these messages floated characteristics that showed who we really are: we are a smiling, happy, hospitable people (in a continent where we seem out of place, which makes us stand out); we are home to everyone, and we are also a rich archipelago of funny and charming people. Simple, but hearty and true. (Parenthetical notes are mine, by the way).<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">We Filipinos are always distracted by the shiny, the temporary, and the famous. Maybe this time around, we can have something more lasting, more fundamental… more authentic.</blockquote>I would also like to hope that as we demand for a more encompassing tourism campaign, can we as a people also demand more from ourselves and embrace (and actually live out) the values that will be presented in the new campaign and sustain it? And let’s go beyond marketing: let’s look at the program- is it pro-poor, pro-communities? Is it sustainable and responsive to the needs of the environment and the communities? Are we now going to maintain our destinations well? Are we now serious with peace and order? Are we now supporting cottage industries? Are we now going to be responsible travelers, and in that sense, responsible citizens?<br />
<br />
This may seem naïve or idealistic, but if we can have a tourism campaign and program that would capture the imagination of most (if not all) of our 90 million people plus the Pinoys abroad – imagine the possibilities and the potential for national and cultural transformation. I would not mind working harder for a country that embraces its greatness even more. It would be a country that knows its place in the world. Tourism, for me, could do that.<br />
<br />
It is not just a line or a campaign this time. It’s like coming out with our biography. If we cared so much about a slogan, it might not hurt to care a little bit more about the whole country.<br />
<br />
A very good friend of mine said that the best way to see a place is to be with the people who love it. What lenses do we use when we see ourselves and the Philippines? Let’s own and love this country sincerely, and together let’s fix home. Maybe we can stop shooting ourselves (and each other) in the foot.<br />
<br />
-end-<br />
<br />
post-script: I note that tourism marketing programs are geared for the international audience and then there’s another degree for the domestic market, but I have always hoped that any tourism program would capture the locals first. If there’s a buy-in at the local level – you gain a nation of allies that will help you spread the word to the international market. Not to mention, a nation that authentically lives what you’ve set your visitors to discover. And yes, I do and always will have a bias for domestic tourism.<br />
————————<br />
<em>*YTRIP is a youth-led non-government organization that promotes sustainable local tourism and responsible travel to develop love for country, heritage, and everything else Pinoy.</em><br />
<em>**This is an opinion piece and does not reflect the views of YTRIP as an organization or any other organization I belong to. These thoughts are my own. Thank you for taking time to read this. It was initially meant as a private journal entry which got converted into a full blown note.</em>Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03673519726812052158noreply@blogger.com0Tagbilaran City, Philippines9.672948 123.873002199999979.547721 123.71164069999998 9.798175 124.03436369999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300785528101592058.post-45082294502921245872013-05-30T11:30:00.000+08:002013-07-13T20:42:50.545+08:00Wear Sunscreen<iframe width="628" height="471" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xfq_A8nXMsQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Wear Sunscreen.<br />
<br />
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.<br />
<br />
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Do one thing every day that scares you.<br />
<br />
Sing.<br />
<br />
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.<br />
<br />
Floss.<br />
<br />
Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">Do one thing every day that scares you.</blockquote><br />
Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.<br />
<br />
Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.<br />
<br />
Stretch.<br />
<br />
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.<br />
<br />
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.</blockquote><br />
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.<br />
<br />
Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.<br />
<br />
Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.<br />
<br />
Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.<br />
<br />
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.<br />
<br />
Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.</blockquote><br />
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.<br />
<br />
Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.<br />
<br />
Respect your elders.<br />
<br />
Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.<br />
<br />
Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">Respect your elders.</blockquote><br />
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.<br />
<br />
But trust me on the sunscreen.Bohol Interactivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10631354206809657484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-300785528101592058.post-80493776749916234562013-04-16T23:39:00.001+08:002013-06-02T21:23:44.793+08:00Tuberculosis FAQs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W95V3zx2aaM/UatB5T3rgiI/AAAAAAAAC64/X4yFP9CY-Ks/s1600/TB+FAQ.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="443" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W95V3zx2aaM/UatB5T3rgiI/AAAAAAAAC64/X4yFP9CY-Ks/s1600/TB+FAQ.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><br />
Tuberculosis is often misunderstood and the following FAQ will provide anybody the information they need regarding TB. Tuberculosis is treatable and free medications are available at hand at your local health center. Educating one's self about Tuberculosis is the first and important step.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<strong>What is Tuberculosis?</strong><br />
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.<br />
<br />
<strong>How does one get TB?</strong><br />
A person gets infected with TB if he inhales the TB bacteria released from air droplets when a person with TB coughs, sneezes or spits.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are the signs and symptoms of TB?</strong><br />
A person is suspected to have TB when he/she has cough of two weeks or more, with or without the following: weight loss, back or chest pains, afternoon fever and night sweats, hemoptysis or blood-tined sputum, weakness and loss of appetite.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can a person die of TB?</strong><br />
Yes, if the disease is not diagnosed early enough and if a patient does not comply that treatment regimen of daily intake of TB medicines for 6-8 months.<br />
<br />
<strong>Is TB hereditary?</strong><br />
No, TB is not hereditary. Bacteria causing TB come from air droplets from a person with TB when he/she coughs, sneezes or spits.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can one contract TB from doing heavy work?</strong><br />
NO, but if heavy work leads to a lowering of body resistance, the probability of catching the disease becomes higher when a person inhales the TB bacteria.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can one contract TB from too much drinking and smoking?</strong><br />
No, but excessive drinking or smoking may weaken a person's body resistance and, therefore, the probability of catching the disease becomes higher when a person inhales the TB bacteria.<br />
<br />
<strong>Is there a need to separate the personal belongings, especially utensils of the TB patient?</strong><br />
No, because TB is transmitted mainly through inhalation of air droplets.<br />
<br />
<strong>Does TB afflict only the thin, the elderly and the poor people?</strong><br />
No. Everybody is at risk of getting TB especially those with low body resistance due to poor nutrition, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer. Those in close contact with TB patients also have a high risk of getting TB.<br />
<br />
<strong>Why is there a need to undergo sputum examination and not chest x-ray right away?</strong><br />
A sputum examination is more reliable in diagnosing TB than a chest x-ray because a chest x-ray may indicate lung conditions other than TB.<br />
<br />
<strong>Why is there a need to give three sputum specimens?</strong><br />
This is important to ensure accurate diagnosis.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can TB be cured?</strong><br />
Yes, TB can be cured with compliance to correct and continuous treatment regimen of daily intake of TB medicines for 6-8 months plus nutritious food and adequate rest.<br />
<br />
<strong>Is a TB patient still infectious after taking anti-TB drugs?</strong><br />
Most TB patients are no longer infectious after taking anti-TB drugs for at least two weeks. However, they still need to complete the 6-8 months of recommended treatment.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can a TB patient engage in sex?</strong><br />
Yes, in most cases, a patient is no longer infectious after two weeks of proper medication.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can a cured TB patient contract TB again?</strong><br />
Yes, if he/she inhales TB bacteria when the body resistance is low.<br />
<br />
<strong>Are anti-TB drugs available for free?</strong><br />
Yes, anti-TB drugs are available for free at the health center for the entire duration of treatment of 6-8 months.<br />
<br />
<strong>Are the anti-TB drugs prescribed by private physicians more effective than the ones from the health center?</strong><br />
No. Effectiveness does not depend on who prescribes the anti-TB drugs. The truth is, some of the anti-TB drugs prescribed by private physicians are the very same ones given at the DOTS centers.<br />
<br />
<strong>Should an x-ray positive person already take anti-TB drugs?</strong><br />
No. Even if a person x-ray positive, he/shee still has to undergo sputum examinations. If sputum examinations yield positive results, he/she will be given anti-TB drugs. If sputum results are negative, this and the x-ray plate will be sent to the TB Diagnostic Committee (TBDC) for evaluation.<br />
<br />
<strong>Why can't the patient be given at the start all the anti-TB drugs he/she will need for the entire duration of the treatment?</strong><br />
In the DOTS strategy, it is very important that a patient's daily intake of medicine is supervised by a treatment partner.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can a patient who is moving to another place be given complete anti-TB drugs?</strong><br />
A patient who is moving to another place will be given an NTB Referral Form that should be presented at the DOTS center of his new place of residence.<br />
<br />
<strong>Is it alright for a patient who is taking the pill or oral contraceptive to take anti-TB drugs?</strong><br />
Yes, following consultation with a clinician, a woman taking anti-TB drugs while taking oral contraceptive pills has two options: 1) take an oral contraceptive pill containing a higher dose of estrogen, or 2) use another form of modern family planning method. Rifampicin may reduce the oral contraceptive's protective effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can pregnant women take anti-TB drugs?</strong><br />
Yes, many anti-TB drugs are safe for pregnant women, but some may have harmful effects on the fetus. Pregnant women should consult a clinician before taking anti-TB drugs.<br />
<br />
<strong>Can a patient breastfeed while on treatment?</strong><br />
Yes, a TB patient can breastfeed while undergoing treatment even if breast milk changes color - often yellow or red orange. All anti-TB drugs are compatible with breastfeeding.<br />
<br />
<strong>What is the benefit of giving BCG vaccination?</strong><br />
BCG should be given at all infants because studies have shown that BCG can prevent sever forms of TB.Earlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03673519726812052158noreply@blogger.com0Tagbilaran City, Philippines9.672948 123.873002199999979.547721 123.71164069999998 9.798175 124.03436369999997