Floods not the only problem but Leptospirosis also

In recent weeks, different parts of the country experienced floods. It may be safe to say that sadly, floods are a common sight in Manila especially when there is rain....ordinary rain...not just during typhoons.

I was a witness to this in my days in UP Manila. When it really rains, flood waters start to form and establishments in Taft become "floating" buildings. Then one will see "padyak" or pedicab drivers braving the floods to take advantage of the chance to earn higher take home cash for that day. One will also observe people making a make-shift "bridge" for people to cross charging a good amount of money.

Waters may even reach knee-high but both pedicab drivers and people who put make-shift "bridges" ignore the possible free Leptospirosis that may come with their "jobs".

Beware of "WILD" diseases

I know. When one hears of something wild, people tend to flock together and see what that "wild" thing is. In this case, you wouldn't want to mess with this type of "wild".

With the onset of the rainy season officially confirmed by the national weather bureau, the Health department has cautioned the public to beware of the WILD...the WILD diseases.

WILD stands for water-borne diseases, influenza (interesting pronounced as influentia by one TV reporter), leptospirosis and dengue.

Pipe leaks may facilitate the entry of waterborne pathogens in the drinking water causing diarrhea. When water is thought to be unsafe, it is not enough to simply heat the water. Boiling is preferred. Fluid and electrolyte replacement is key to managing diarrhea, not the usual antidiarrheals.

Meanwhile influenza vaccines are now available some offering protection against H1N1 but many are still afraid (including some healthcare workers) to have themselves immunized for fear of side effects. Influenza vaccines are still one of the safest vaccines around.

Leptospirosis on the other hand is acquired especially when one wades in flood waters. In last year's typhoons especially Ondoy, the floods resulted to an outbreak of Leptospirosis which killed many. I could just imagine the risk taken by pedicab drivers plying the streets of Manila braving the floods when heavy rains pour. They too are at high risk for Leptospirosis. Even without a skin break, these leptospires may possibly enter through the skin pores.

Dengue is particularly high in Cebu despite the recent hot weather. From January 2010 to May 15 of this year, 532 cases with 6 deaths were reported. In the same period last year, there were around 300 cases but with 10 deaths.

Dengue prevention entails covering water containers which may become possible breeding grounds for mosquitoes carrying dengue virus and providing personal protection through mosquito repellents among other things. Fever especially in children should not be taken lightly and dengue should not be immediately ruled out.

Warning: Your Kid's School Supplies Might Be Toxic

Yesterday, watching the news broadcast reminded me that the school opening is fast approaching and many parents are now busy buying school supplies for their kids. I imagine children being excited about what notebooks, lunch box and pencil case they will have. Some would prefer to find in their school supplies perhaps their favorite actor's or actress's photo or their favorite cartoon character. Parents might choose these supplies based on appearance not knowing the potential dangers.

That danger is PVC.

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is dangerous to human health (associated to cancer, hormone disruption and severe health problems) and a danger to the environment as well.

I came across these tips from http://www.mtp2.org/healthy_schools_files/PVCFree.pdf and the following should be avoided because they most likely contain harmful components like polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate and polystyrene plastics collectively considered toxic plastics:

 AVOID:

1. Notebooks containing metal spirals encased in colored plastic. (Oh no! I used this before when I was a kid till high school)
2. Backpacks with shiny plastic design.
3. PVC rainwear (will tell you later what identifying marks will point to something as made of PVC)
4. Colored paper clips
5. Shiny and colorful plastic umbrellas
6. Lunchbox made of PVC which are said to be many
7. Some plastic drinking containers

PVC products usually have the three-arrow "recycling" symbol with the number 3 and or the initials PVC or the label "vinyl" on the packaging. However some products are not properly labeled.

USE INSTEAD

1. Notebooks with uncovered metal spirals
2. Stick to plain metal paper clips
3. Use nylon umbrellas
4. Use cardboard, fabric-covered or polypropylene binders
5. Use cloth or metal lunch boxes
6. If cannot avoid plastic, use plastics of the polystyrene or polycarbonate type

So parents beware of PVC products. Now you know.