Allergy 101

Allergy 101

Are you having troubles with allergy problems and want some relief? Are you looking for some answers on how to prevent and treat allergy? This article will provide you very helpful information, guide and tips to help and arm you with your battle with allergies. By reading this article you will be able to help other people or yourself from the entire burden caused by allergy.

An allergy is a physical reaction to substances that usually don not bother most people. It is non-transmittable from person to person, allergies occur due to heredity and a weakened body defense.

ANIMAL ALLERGY

Pet allergy is provoked by the allergens found in the saliva of cats and dogs. Cats cause the most allergic reactions because they preen themselves more than other furry pets. This preening coats the fur with saliva which when dried up, releases allergens into the air.

Animal allergies can take two years or more to develop and may not subside until six months or more after ending contact with the animal. Pet allergens in carpets and furniture can remain for 4 to 6 weeks. These allergens can also stay in the household air for months after the animal has been removed. Therefore it is wise for people with animal allergies to check with the landlord or previous owner if furry pets had lived on the premises.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Food allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system to an otherwise harmless food. True food allergies affect only a relatively small percentage of people: two percent of adults and from two to eight percent of children. Food allergens, those parts of food causing allergic reactions, are usually proteins. When the allergen passes from the mouth into the stomach, the body recognizes it as a foreign substance, producing antibodies to halt the invasion. As the body fights off the invasion, symptoms begin to appear throughout the body.

• Most common symptoms of food allergy

Mouth: Swelling of the lips or tongue, itchy lips

Digestive tract: Stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea

Skin: Hives, rashes or eczema

Airways: Wheezing or breathing problems

Although some food allergies last a lifetime, some older children and adults may lose their sensitivity to foods such as nuts and fish, if the responsible food allergen can be identified and completely eliminated from the diet. Smoking during pregnancy has also been found to increase the possibility of allergies in a baby.

DRUG OR MEDICATION ALLERGY

It is important to remember that all drugs have the potential of causing an allergic reaction, even anaphylaxis (a violent reaction from allergy affecting different parts of the body at the same time). The usual drugs that cause an anaphylactic reaction are antibiotics, hormones, diagnostic agents and horse serum vaccines.

SKIN ALLERGY

Hives are itchy raised welts resembling mosquito bites that vary greatly in size. They may occur on any part of the body.

Angiodema are large localized swellings that may occur suddenly, especially about the eyes, mouth and tongue, as well as other parts of the body. Hives and angiodema are mostly caused by food and drug allergy or by a severe reaction to an insect sting.

Contact dermatitis is an itch rash caused by direct skin contact with a substance in the environment to which the patients is sensitive. The most common example of contact dermatitis because of sensitivity to the oil of the poison ivy plant. Large blisters may come from and ooze and when they break.

TREATMENT OF ALLERGIES

Medication

For people who find they cannot adequately avoid allergens, the symptoms often can be controlled with medications such as antihistamines, topical nasal and inhaled steroids, and cromolyn sodium (always check with the doctor first).

Antihistamines counters the effects of the substance histamine, which is released by specials cells in the body (called mast cells) and contributes to allergy symptoms.

Topical nasal and inhaled steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that stop the allergic reaction. They also reduce the number of mast cells in the nose as well as reduce mucus secretion and nasal swelling.

Administered as nasal or oral spray, cromolyn sodium stops allergic reactions starting.

Allergy shot or immunotherapy

Immunotherapy or a series of allergy shots is the only available treatment that has a chance of reducing allergy symptoms over the long haul.

With this treatment, patients receive injections of increasing concentrations of which they are sensitive. These injections reduce amount of IgE antibodies (allergy-causing antibodies) in the blood and cause the body to make a protective antibody called IgG.

Experts advice people who are susceptible to anaphylaxis to carry injectible epinepherine, a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone adrenaline, with them at all times. Epinepherine designed for emergency home use comes in two forms: a traditional needle and syringe kit known as Ana-kit, or an automatic injector system known as Epi-Pen. Doctors can instruct patients with allergies on how to self-administer epinepherine. Such prompt treatment can be crucial to survival.

HELPFUL TIPS TO TREAT ALLERGIES

• Move to a place where the offending substance does not grow and where it is not present in the air.
• Remain indoors on hot and windy days when pollen concentration is high
• Wear a face mask to keep pollen from reaching nasal passages
• Take vacations where exposure is minimal
• Clean out molds from bathrooms, houseplants and seldom used rooms
• Use a dehumidifier to dry out the excess humidity in your home
• Dust proof your bedroom
• Use a vacuum with a high efficiency air filter or water filter
• Dust frequently with a damp cloth or mop.
• Buy washable toys and furnishings
• Cat lovers should bathe their pets at least once a week
• Avoid irritants
• Know the ingredients of the food you are eating
• Know what medicines you’re taking

_Reference:

_{Good Housekeeping, June 1999, pp. 69-71}

TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INSURANCE POLICY

TIPS ON HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INSURANCE POLICY

Need some guide to get insured? Preparing for the future is extremely important. Putting your money in an insurance policy is a sound investment move. This article will help you make that decision on how to choose the perfect insurance policy for you and your loved ones. It includes a basic introduction of each kind of insurance policy and guides on what to consider when choosing one.

Home insurance:

Home insurance protects homeowners against losses caused by man-made or natural disasters.

How do you assess your needs?

• Could you replace your house if destroyed?
• What happens if a fire eats up all your home furnishings?

Questions your insurance agent asks:

1. About the house
• What type of materials were used to construct the house?
• What type of house is it?
• What are the divisions of the house?
• How many square meters does the house occupy?

2. About the contents

· What are the items located in the rooms or divisions of the house

3. About the people

How many people occupy the house and who are they?

Private Car Insurance

Car insurance protects you against the risks associated with owning and driving a car. Private car insurance entails motor vehicle protection if your car is stolen or under repair due to an accident. The two basic categories of auto insurance coverage are liability and physical damage.

How do you assess your needs?

The following factors are considered to assess the how much liability coverage is needed:

· Driving record of covered drivers

· Anticipated use of cars

· Distance travelled each day

· Current market value of the car (year, make and model)

Questions your insurance agent asks

1. About the car
• When was the vehicle manufactured?
• What is the model type, color and seating capacity of the vehicle?
• What is the engine type, engine number and chassis number of the vehicle?
• What mileage has the vehicle completed?
• Any accessories?
• Was the vehicle imported?
• Is the car used for domestic, social or business arrangements?

2. About the driver

· Who drives the car?

· Does the driver have any medical disability?

· Have you been in any accident or have you been in connection to one?

· Have you been convicted of any offense or incurred a penalty in connection with a motor vehicle?

· Have your driving licensed been suspended any time?

Personal Medical and Accident Insurance

Life insurance covers anything from hospitalization due to illness, disability or sever injury as funeral arrangements due to accidental or anticipated death.

How do you assess your needs?

An effective life insurance plan identifies the existence of risks. Once this is done, the financial impact of disability or premature death is defined according specific peso cost. The methods of computing this varies from one insurance company to another.

Questions your insurance agent asks:

1. How fit are you?
• Do you have any history of illness or disease in the family?
• Have you been confined in a hospital for an ailment or an operation?
• Do you have any deformity or impairment?
• Do you engage in hazardouse sports?

2. How well do you take care of yourself

3. What’s your lifestyle?

· How is your worklife?

· How is your homelife?

· How do you use your leisure time?

4. How is your emotional health?

· How strong is your self-esteem?

· Are you in a loving relationship?

· What is your attitude towards work?

· How are you coping with the world?

_Reference:

_{Good housekeeping, June 1999, p 78}

Banking 101

BANKING 101

How to Choose the Right Bank for You

This article will provide tips and guides that you will need in selecting the best bank for your money. End your confusion and torment! One should consider several factors before choosing a bank.

Willing and Stable

Obsercers say large bank offer more services at lower costs while the smaller ones reel you in with their more personal service. The reverse can also happen. Of course, the bottom line here is stability. It speaks a great deal abou a bank’s track record and staying power.

• Find out how long this has financial institution been in business.
• Annual reports and statements of conditions provide you so much information regarding timelessness of its products.
• Ask how the deposits are insured.

At your service

Before you open an account, make sureyou know the bank’s quality of service.

• Experts say it’s wise to develop a history with a bank that offers the services you may need in the future.
• This is not just about products. This is about ease of transaction and the bank personnel’s people-first orientation.
• Ask around to know how contented other clients are with your target bank. An A-rating from satisfied clients means you will get the same superior service.

Convenience Banking

Covenience is critical especially for supermoms who juggle countless responsibilities at any given time. Rate you prospect’s accessibility

• How far must you travel to get there and go about your banking needs?
• Is phone/internet banking available?
• Are its ATMs strategically placed and do they work most of the time?

_Reference:

_{Good housekeeping, June 1999, p 76}

Text Smileys

TEXT SMILEYS! SMILEYS that can be use in cellphones or sms. You can use these smileys to show if your happy, sad, joking or any other moods you have. It’s a funny way of conveying your feelings. Here are some examples.

(,”) Hi there!

(‘.’) Who are you?

c”,) Hi again

(“.) Yup

:-x No comment

:’u oops

:-p You're so stupid

>;-(‘ Im mad

<:-( Moron

8-i Geek

% Male

<> Female

;-9 Lick it up

c:-I Headache

Memorization Techniques

If you are seeking to improve your memory you have come to the right place. This article will provide you memorization techniques that are effective to use in quick retention, recall and in retrieving or remembering the information. After reading this article and following the techniques, your memory will be a lot better and memorization will be a lot easier for you!

The brain can store information on events easily if the information is transformed into images. Greek and Roman orators used this kind of memory system in delivering their speeches. They associated an idea in each part of the speech with a part of their houses. The opening part of a speech might be linked to a porch, the second idea to the front of the room and so on. There are other memory system and techniques that can be used aside from transformation imaging.

The Letter Code

First provide initials or letters of the alphabet; some form words themselves, others have no meaning in themselves. The letters or initials can stand for an organization or something else, as in these examples:

IRS: Internal Revenue Service

ASAP: as soon as possible

PMA: positive mental attitude

EENT: ears, eyes, nose, throat

SASE: self-addressed, stamped envelope

Rhyming

You can memorize by putting the information you wish to remember into rhyme, as in this well known example:

Thirty days hath September,

April, June, July and November,

All the rest have thirty-one

Sound-Alike Words

To remember new vocabulary or a word in a foreign language, connect it to a word that you already know and which sounds like the new word. Whether you’re an American or Canadian or any other citizenship, you must associate the foreign word with a word in your own language, such as an English word that has a similar sound.

Example:

Spanish Word English Word Meaning Word Code Sentence

Casa Cash House I need cash to buy a house.

Mesa Mess Table This table is a mess.

Ventana Bent Window I bent one of our windows

Here are examples of sound-alike words which don’t need word code sentences:

Spanish Word English Meaning

Fonografico Phonographic

Fosforico Phosphoric

Sexo Sex

Remembering Names

To remember names of people or things, you must associate them through comparison or contrast with familiar names and things. If you wan to remember a certain person and you can not form an image of him or her, substitute a word or phrase (or in your own language, if English is not your first language) to remember the name. You may remember Johnson by thinking of a street in your own or city. You may remember the name Bautista by substituting the name Baustista (if you ever heard of him) , who was once a dictator of CUBA.

You need to know these techniques in order to remember characters in literature and well-known men and women in history and world affairs.

Remembering Historical Dates and Events

Here are two examples:

Event and Date	Retrieval Word Codes
1864: Abraham Lincoln reelected President of the United Stated	I dreamed of Lincoln in (1964) when my oldest son was two years old.
1870: Italians entered Rome and named it their capital city	I was in 70 (1970) when I visited Rome

In these examples, I used the so-called link system. In this way I have to remember only the last two digits because it is understood that these events could not have happened in the 1800s. In other words, I coded 1870 as 1970 because I wasn’t alive in 1870, so I could not have visited Rome in that year. Memorize only the last two numbers of a particular date

(36, instead of 1836 or 1936), unless of course, you’re talking about the medieval ages.

I created the codes and linked the dates with actual or imaginary events in my life. I can not forget them because I related them to things involving myself. Of course, your codes or key words will be different from mine.

In remembering events, picture the actual scenes in your mind, together with the characters from the time in history, and let them play their own parts skillfully. Visualize the dramatic actions step by step. Anything visualized is not easily forgotten. If you’re learning about Napoleon Bonaparte engage in a fierce battle with his enemies, you may see the dashing actor who has played the part of the general in the movies.

BE RIDICULOUS and FAMILIAR!

To memorize thins you can associate them with events, persons, numbers or things familiar to you. Some memory experts suggest the use of exaggerated or ridiculous images or pictures. The rule of thumb is to be creative! Weird things are very easy to remember so create a funny or weird stories or statements so you can instantly retrieve them from your mind.

Codes and keywords are important in storing or retrieving information in your mind. You don’t have to burden yourself with a lot of things to memorize. By using keywords and codes, memorization will be simplified. Associate things to memorize with well known personalities or your idol or crush. Human memory is far better than the latest computer! Make the most out of it.

The Link System

When you’re memorizing information, take a word or two from each sentence or paragraph and form another sentence or story to link the main and secondary ideas.

• Understand concepts and formulas. Let your mind make connections between concepts.

• Be creative and imaginative. Visualize the words, equations, etc. As you try to memorize them.

Amazing Math Trivias

Here are some collections of Math trivia that can amaze everybody in all ages! The following Math trivia helps us to better understand the nature of Mathematics. These Math trivia will surely awaken your interest in Mathematics. Enjoy Math!

• Odd Numbers and Even Numbers

Did you know how the idea of odd numbers and even numbers came to be? The history of odd and even numbers were traced in ancient China. The Chinese use to divide numbers into male and female. In one of the Chinese ancient classics, written around 1159 B.C., numbers were divided into two sets. This concept was later used to differentiate odd numbers from even numbers.

• The Discovery of Zero

Zero was first used in a Hindu engraving around 876 A.D. It was considered one of the most important finding in the history of mathematics.

• The Origin of the Hindu-Arabic Numeral System.

The numbers we used today were invented by the Hindus. The Arabs spread the system to other people in other times. This is the reason why we call our numeral system the Hindu-Arabic system.

===Reference: Math Talino G1, Vol. 3 Issue # 2 , page 3===

• Biggest Number?

What is the biggest imaginable Number? It is actually very difficult to think one. Edward Kasner,Ph.D., author of mathematics books, made up one number called a googol which is a 1 followed by a hundred zeroes. His nephew suggested an even bigger number called googolplex. The googolplex is 1 followed by as many zeros as one can write.

===Reference: Math Talino G1, Vol.3 Issue # 3 , page 3===

• The Creation of the First Coins

Did you know that the first coins ever made were in the shape of beans? They were made of lumps of a metal called electrum, a mixture of gold and silver. The coins were stamped with the king’s head to guarantee their value. The first coins were made in place in Turkey called Lydia; thus, they were called Lydian coins. Other countries soon got the idea and made their own coins.

===Reference: Math Talino G3, Vol.3 Issue # 1 , page 3===

• Chinese Tangrams

One of the most popular puzzles in the 19^th century was the Chinese tangram. The earliest known reference to it was in a Chinese book dated 1813. The tangram was made up of seven pieces with the following shapes: (Dear hanap ka nang picture nang tangrams tapos paki paste na lan po)

===Reference: Math Talino G3, Vol.3 Issue # 3 , page 3===

• Why Do People Wear Their Watches on Their Left Lower Hand?

Did you ever wonder why people wear their watches on their lower left hand? This is mainly because of tradition. People in earlier times used watches with a stem ( the round part of your watch) close to number 3. In this position it would be awkward to wind the left hand, thus one would have to use the right hand. So, people have decided to place their watch on the left hand to make their winding easier.

• Numbers of Hours in a Day

Did you know that the numbers of hours in a day last five million years ago was only 22 hours? Because of the slowing down of the earth’s rotation, a day lasts 24hours now.

• Why is Friday the 13^th Unlucky?

Friday the 13^th is considered an unlucky day because, historically, Friday is a day of calamity. Jesus died on a Friday. And the great flood in the Bible began on a Friday. The number 13 is a catastrophic number. The Greek philosophers and mathematicians scorned on it as the imperfect number.

• Magic Squares

In all magic squares, the sum across, down or diagonally is the same. The earliest appearance of a magic square is about 2200 B.C. in ancient China. It was called lo-shu. Legend has it that Emperor Yu rode on the back of a divine turtle on the bank of the Yellow River and from there he made the first magic square.

In the West, magic squares were first mentioned in the work of Theon of Smyrna. In the 19^th century, Arabian astrologers used them in their horoscope calculations.

• The Origin of the Term Algebra

Have you ever heard of the word algebra? The origin of the term algebra can be traced in the middle east. The world algebra came from the elderly mathematician Al-Khwarizmi. He lived somewhere in the middle east. Very little is known about him. His family seems to have come from Persia (today Iran), and he became part of the scientific academy in Baghdad, Iraq.

His famous book was called Hisab al-Jabr wa-al-Mugabala. The word algebra came from the al-jabr.

===Reference: Math Talino G3, Vol. 3 Issue # 3 , page 23===

Magic Tricks with Math & Numbers

Enjoy and have a fun way of learning Math and Numbers!. Here are some Number puzzles and Math magic tricks that you can share with your friends and have a great time. Math can be so fun! Try these games and activities with friends and your kids to discover the amazing world of mathematics and numbers!

• Number Puzzle

Impress your friends by this number puzzle. Do the following:

1. Ask your friends to think of a number.
2. Tell him to add seven to it.
3. Multiply the sum by two.
4. Then subtract two.
5. Ask your friend to tell you the answer and you will give him the number he thought of.

Here’s how the magic works:

Divide the answer given by your friend by two and subtract six.

===Reference: Math Talino G2, Vol. 3 Issue # 4 , page 19===

• Multiplication and Product Magic Trick with Your Friends!

Ask your friend for his lucky number between 1 to 9. If he says 8, tell him you’ll show him multiplication problem that will give a product whose digits are all made up of 8s.

12, 345, 679

X 72

__________

888,888,888

Try another number. Say 4

12,345,679

X 36

__________

444,444,444

===Reference: Math Talino G3, Vol. 3 Issue # 2 , page 19===

Magic Three!

Give your friend a calculator. Ask your friend to choose any 3-4 digit number. Tell him to keep this in mind because it will be needed later. Instruct him to do the following to the number.

Add 221. Multiply by 2652. Subtract 1326. Divide by 663. Subtract 870. Divide by 4 and subtract the number he started with. Tell him that answer is 3!

===Reference: Math Talino G4, Vol. 3 Issue # 1 , page 19===

How to Choose a Good Builder for Your House

Are you looking for the right builder for your dream house? Choosing a builder for your house is one of the most crucial decisions that you will make in your life. This article will provide you basic and helpful tips and guidelines on how to choose a good builder for your house. We are here to help you on how to make that right decision.

BUILDING SCHEDULE

A competent house builder should be able to complete your house in a reasonable period of time. Costs can accumulate due to delays – interest on loans, rent on your present dwelling, wages of carpenters and others – so it is important to set a reasonably tight schedule and stick to it.

COMPETENCE and SKILL

The builder’s skill or competence is another important consideration. If possible, see other houses he has built so you can examine his workmanship, especially in the finishing details that will have an important bearing on how well you like your house. Nearly all builders do a good job on the basic structure of the house, but some do far better job than others of fitting trims and moldings properly, finishing the floors attractively and other details. You should find a builder who will take just as much pride in the finished product as you will.

RELIABLE and RESPONSIBLE

How reliable or responsible is the builder? Find out his background.

Background Checklist

• How long has he been in the business?
• How many homes has he built that are similar to yours?
• What do his previous clients think of him?

IMPORTANT AGREEMENT WITH THE BUILDERS

• Liens:

It is possible for you to pay the builder for the materials or labor than he has not actually paid for. One way to protect you is to require him to produce valid receipts before he can be paid.

• Payment Schedule:

Most workers will ask to be paid on a weekly basis. There is room for more quality work where the builders are not in a hurry – where they are given reasonable time to complete their work. In any case, arrange it so that the control of funds is in your hands.

• Completion Schedule:

The agreement schedule should include if possible, a definite schedule for construction to be completed, and provisions for you to be compensated in some reasonable manner if any excessive delays occur that are the fault of the provider.

• Arrangement for “EXTRAS”:

As construction progresses, you will probably think of small details you want to add or change. The builder may also want to introduce a few changes himself. You should be both open about this.

Everything should be ironed out between you and the builder as early as possible. The sooner he can finish your new house within your budget, the sooner you and your family can enjoy the pleasures that living in your own home can give.

Tips on House Building

Basic Steps on How to Build Your Own House

Are you planning to have your own house? Do you want some tips or guidelines to help you with budget, legal and other concerns? This article will provide with the basics on how to make that dream house for you and your family.

Step 1: Pick a lot

A house for a small family will fit on a lot as small as 150 sq. meters. But if your family needs a large house, a property measuring at least 300 sq meters is needed. More so if you plan to put up a lawn or a garden. Buy only from reputable dealers.

Checklist for the site or location of the house:

· Is it conveniently located near your place of work, hospital, market, school and church?

· Is there available public transportation, water and electricity, waste disposal and security?

· Does it flood easily when rain falls?

· Is it safe from the breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and other pests?

· Is there any factory nearby that could emit harmful gas, noise or foul smell?

Step 2: Analyze the space requirement of your family

One bedroom may be enough for a newly married couple; but a two-child family may need three bedrooms. If you must entertain guests often, perhaps you need a large living room or lanai. Any special needs, such as sewing room, music room or photo darkroom.

Be practical. Planning saves you from unnecessary expenses. You can have that dream house that fits your budget and needs if you make best use of your available resources.

Step 3: Determine what budget you can afford

Ensure that your family will have that dream house without sacrificing their other basic needs. List down your monthly take-home pay from all resources, minus taxes etc. Next subtract your family’s average monthly expenses for non-housing needs: food, clothing, transportation, tuition fees, recreation, etc. What is left is the income available for housing expenses.

Step 4: Choose the model that you like

Consult an architect, other housing institutions or read materials such as magazines or other publications about house plans and designs. It would also be better if you can incorporate your personal preferences in the design and plan of the house. Some design or plans may be good but need some modification to be more suitable for you needs and choice. You must prioritize the security and safety of the design in order to ensure that you are protected from any unlikely circumstances.

Step 5: Go find the money

You can approach financing institutions to ask for a housing loan. Be sure that you are completely armed with the required documents such as the house plan, Bill of Materials and the Specifications of Materials and Construction. To increase your paying capacity you may look for a co-applicant (can be a relative or not) with sufficient income.

Step 7: Secure a building permit

Get one from the city hall ( or any other government offices in charge of providing a building permit) of the locality where you will build your house. Be sure again that you have the complete required documents for this purpose.

Step 8: Recruit your builders

Read the accompanying article, “ How to Choose a Good Builder”.