BIOLOGY Buzz | April 2022

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COVID-19 AND OTHER COMMON HEALTH ISSUES TODAY HEALTH BOOKLET

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SPECIAL ISSUE

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

COVID-19 AND OTHER COMMON HEALTH ISSUES TODAY

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OTHER COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS

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HOW CAN WE COMBAT AND PREVENT THESE DISEASES?

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PROPER USE AND STORAGE OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES

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PULSE OXIMETER

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DIGITAL THERMOMETER

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OXYGEN TANK AND ITS REGULATOR

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NEBULIZER

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FACE MASK

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CDC-RECOMMENDED FACE MASKS

The Philippines welcomed year 2022 with a relative increase in COVID cases daily; and with the worsening effect brought about by the rampant and rapid spread of Omicron variant, the country, most especially the densely populated city of Metro Manila, continues to face an overwhelming growth in daily reported cases of the said infection.

In the beginning of February 2022, The Inquirer reported that the country registered a current record of more than 9,000 new COVID-19 cases. This brings the country’s overall record to a total of over 3.6 million cases of infection, in addition to 54, 211 deaths from the virus.

COVID-19 AND OTHER COMMON HEALTH ISSUES TODAY

Due to these situations, it is of utmost importance that we prioritize our health and safety in stricter and more efficient ways possible.

Observe proper implementation of COVID protocols by: 1. Ensuring to wear masks.

2. Implementing social distancing.

3. Getting vaccinated or boosted as soon as vaccines are made available.

4. Disinfecting hands before anything else.

5. Home-isolating once you get COVID symptoms.

“Trade a little of our freedom for the greater good of all people.”

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OTHER COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS

Alongside COVID-19, we are also facing several health issues that are currently common among Filipinos. Because of the isolation situation that altered people’s lifestyle in significant manners, people continue battling through different medical conditions as a resulting consequence.

2 Diabetes

1 Obesity

3 Hypertension

Due to lack of physical activities and poor diet, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) reported that obesity is a top nutrition concern in several Metro Manila cities. This unhealthy situation can most likely lead to more severe diseases that could greatly jeopardize the health of people.

According to medical experts, obesity can lead to diabetes among adults and children. This and an inactive lifestyle are two of the most known causes of the disease, most especially of type 2 diabetes, which is the most common one. The Inquirer, as a matter of fact, reports in 2021 that 1 in 14 Filipino adults live with the said health condition.

Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension is also among the common diseases resulting from lack of body exercises and improper diet (high intake of salt and cholesterol). Survey conducted by the Philippine Heart Association showed that hypertension has the highest incidence among all cardiovascular diseases recorded.

HOW CAN WE COMBAT AND PREVENT THESE DISEASES? 1

Ensure to allot at least 30 minutes of our time for physical activities.

2

Minimize the amount of calories consumed each day so as to maintain a balanced weight.

3

Water intake should be regularly prioritized and observed.

These medical conditions all share common grounds for necessary prevention, and while specific medications may vary, it is highly critical and encouraged for people to engage in a more active lifestyle and healthier diet in order to prevent and/or cure these diseases.

“Move more. Eat healthier.

Drink as much water as possible.”

PROPER USE AND STORAGE OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES

PROPER USE

1

Open the pulse oximeter to expose the probes.

2

Firstly, warm up your fingers and then insert one inside the device. Fingernail should not be covered with nail polish, and it should be pointing in a direction where the LED light or screen is exposed and observable.

3

Ensure that your hand is relaxed and held below the level of the heart.

4

Sit still. Wait for at least half a minute until the digital reading stops and displays one steady number on the screen.

READING INTERPRETATION The reading on the screen would display pulse rate and oxygen saturation percentage of the blood. The normal oxygen saturation percentage is between 95% and 100%. Any reading below 95% indicates the need to contact our health provider and seek medical help.

PROPER STORAGE Make sure to turn off the pulse oximeter before storing in a room temperature condition.

PULSE OXIMETER

PROPER USE

1

2

3

DIGITAL THERMOMETER

Turn on the thermometer by pushing the on/off button placed at the opposite tip of the thermometer.

Place the thermometer sensor (usually silver in color) in the middle portion of the armpit.

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Leave the thermometer against the armpit until you hear the “beep” sound that indicates it’s done reading your temperature.

5

Remove the thermometer and check the recorded temperature displayed in the digital screen.

Tuck the arm closely against the body in order to prevent the thermometer from falling off.

READING INTERPRETATION

PROPER STORAGE

The average normal temperature of the body is 37°C. Additionally, studies show that this normal temperature may also range from between 36.1°C to 37.2°C. On the other hand, a temperature of over 38°C often indicates that you have a fever.

Store your thermometer inside its case and keep it in a dry, cool condition.

PARTS OF AN OXYGEN TANK REGULATOR

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An oxygen tank has a regulator that attaches onto the on/off valve at the top of the tank. It has a gauge that displays how much oxygen is stored inside. Green indicates it is full, while red indicates it is empty.

This regulator also has a control at the tip that adjusts the flow oxygen to the prescribed liters per minute.

The pointed outlet attached to the regulator’s body is a nasal cannula, which is a plastic tube that contains two tiny prongs at one end, and delivers steady oxygen into the body.

These prongs are to be inserted in your nose, then the tube rests over the ears to hold it in place while the other end connects to your body’s oxygen supply.

PROPER STORAGE

PROPER USE

1

Attach the regulator onto the on/off valve at the top of the oxygen tank. The tank comes with a cylinder wrench, which is used to open and close the valve and also to tighten the regulator.

2

Using the cylinder wrench, turn the valve (found on top of the tank) to the left in order to turn the oxygen tank on. You will notice the dial in the regulator move up to the green portion if it is filled with oxygen.

3

Adjust the control in the regulator to the prescribed oxygen flow. Make sure to listen and feel the oxygen flow before touching the attachment site for nasal cannula.

4

Now, insert the nasal cannula’s prongs inside the nostrils of the patient. Make sure that it is pointing downwards when placed inside the nose, not upwards.

5

Secure the plastic tube by placing it above the ears and tighten it under the chin using the rectangular slide bolo.

Ensure that all valves are closed and tightened before storing the tank in a dry and well-ventilated area, where it is also at least 20 feet away from combustible (fire-catching) materials. Avoid storing the tank in lockers or closed cabinets because a leak can result in gas buildup that in turn will trigger a fire hazard.

OXYGEN TANK AND ITS

REGULATOR

NEBULIZER

PROPER USE

1

With clean and dry hands, pour the doctor-prescribed liquid medicine into the medicine cup.

2

Tightly attach the provided cup piece to the medicine cup in order to avoid spills.

3

Attach the top piece with the mouthpiece/mask to the upper attachment of the cup piece as well.

4

Attach one end of the plastic thin tube or hose to the medicine cup and the other end to the air compressor machine.

5

Put the mask or mouthpiece securely on your face and get ready to inhale the medicine.

PROPER STORAGE

6

Turn on the air compressor.

7

Breathe at a regular and normal rate.

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Ensure to keep your lips firm around the mouthpiece in order for your lungs to fully absorb the prescribed medicine, and to also hold the nebulizer in an upright position to prevent the fluid inside from spilling.

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Breathing through your mouth takes about 10 to 15 minutes until the fluid in the medicine cup is all used. It is advisable to use a nose clip in order for you to efficiently do the breathing process through your mouth.

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Turn off the compressor once you are done and wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece.

Dry the nebulizer before storing both it and the compressor in their designated pouch, then put it in a cool, dry place.

PROPER USE

1

Sanitize hands using soap and water (or alcohol) before picking and touching the unused mask to be worn.

2

Before wearing the mask, inspect its surfaces and ensure that there are no tears or holes in any of the cloth areas.

3

Identify the proper orientation of the mask. The colored side is supposed to be facing outwards.

4

Place the mask to your lower face, covering both your mouth and nose, by securing the side bands of the face mask into your ears.

5

Pinch the metal strip and mold it to your nasal area to keep the mask secured and tightened upon your face.

6

Make sure that there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

7

Do not touch the mask while you are wearing it; but if you do, make sure to clean your hands afterwards.

PROPER DISPOSAL

When you notice that the face mask is damp or slightly wet, immediately replace it with a new one. Remove the mask from the side bands and not from the frontal area to avoid contamination. Discard immediately in a closed trash can and wash hands with alcohol or running water and soap.

FACE MASK

CDCRECOMMENDED FACE MASKS BEST MASKS:

N95, KN95 and KF94 masks are proven to be the most effective masks. We need not to wear any additional face coverings on top of these masks in order to secure our health.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) informs the public of the most and least recommended types of face mask in terms of protection against COVID and other viral diseases:

BETTER MASKS:

Surgical masks (aka blue masks) are less effective than N95, KN95, and KF94, but can be made more effective by wearing another layer of cloth mask over the surgical mask, which makes the fit of the mask tighter.

Medical officials don’t recommend wearing two surgical masks.

GOOD MASKS:

Cloth masks, although proven the least effective among all mask types, can still “work well if they are tightfitting and made of materials that filter out small particles”, according to the Los Angeles (LA) Times.

Nevertheless, any cloth mask is still of course better than no face mask at all.

EDITORIAL BOARD: CHLOE MARGALAUX VILLAFUERTE

GABRIELLE LAVITORIA

KAYE CARMEL SARCAOGA

PATRICIA GABRIELLE BELTRAN

REFERENCES: Medicover Hospitals Contributors. (2020). How to use a pulse oximeter correctly. Medicover Hospitals. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-CWTqKiIhQ Medline Plus Contributors. (2022). Body temperature norms. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001982.htm Medline Plus. (2020). How to use a nebulizer. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n. d.). Preventing type 2 diabetes. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventingtype-2-diabetes National Jewish Health Contributors. (2015). Using a nebulizer. National Jewish Health. Retrieved from: https://www.nationaljewish.org/conditions/medications/asthma-medications/devices/nebulizers/instruction Safety and Health Magazine Contributors. (2014). Handling and storing compressed gas cylinders. Safety and Health Magazine. Retrieved from: https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/11309-handling-and-storing-compressedgas-cylinders#:~:text=Store%20cylinders%20at%20least%2020,in%20a%20dangerous%20gas%20buildup.

Sison, J., Divinagracia, R., Nailes, J. (2020). Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns in the Philippines (a country report). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32108413/ Strangio, S. (2022). Omicron driving COVID-19 wave to new heights in the Philippines. The Diplomat. Retrieved from: https://thediplomat.com/2022/01/omicron-driving-covid-19-wave-to-new-heights-in-the-philippines/ U. S. Food and Drug Administration Contributors. (2021). Pulse oximeter accuracy and limitations: FDA safety communication. U. S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safetycommunications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication World Health Organization Contributors. 2020. How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask. World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/epi-win/how-to-use-mask-v0-1-print.pdf

American Lung Association Contributors. (2019). How to properly use a nebulizer. American Lung Association. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEKFKZiLNaA Baclig, C. E. (2021). Diabetes: A bitter health crisis for Filipinos. The Inquirer. Retrieved from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1461980/diabetes-a-bitter-health-crisis-for-filipinos CDC Contributors. 2022. Types of masks and respirators. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html Children’s Hospital Colorado Contributors. (2019). Instructions for using your oxygen tank. Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoTZuYleYAU Cudis, C. (2021). Diabetes among top killer diseases in PH. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139440 Department of Health. 2020. How to use and dispose a medical mask? Republic of the Philippines Department of Health. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/node/19948#:~:text=After%20use%2C%20take%20off%20the,bin%20immediately%20after%20use%3B%20and

Dumain, T. (2020). Home oxygen therapy: What to know. Web MD. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/lung/lung-homeoxygen-therapy Food and Nutrition Research Institute. (2021). Overweight and obesity is top nutrition concern in 8 Metro Manila cities-FNRI Survey. Department of Science and Technology. Retrieved from: https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/programs-andprojects/news-and-announcement/769-overweight-and-obesity-is-top-nutrition-concern-in-8-metro-manila-cities-fnrisurvey Gonzales, C. (2022). 9,493 new COVID-19 cases recorded, lowest since Jan. 5. The Inquirer. Retrieved from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1548309/9493-new-covid-19-cases-recorded-lowest-since-jan-5 Health Link BC Contributors. (2021). How to take a temperature: Children and adults. Health Link British Columbia. Retrieved from: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/how-take-temperature-children-and-adults Lin RG. 2021. Omicron surge means it’s time to upgrade your mask. Here’s how. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-12-28/omicron-surge-means-its-time-to-upgrade-your-mask-heres-how Maragakis LL. 2022. Coronavirus face masks FAQs. John Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-face-masks-what-you-need-toknow

HEALTH BOOKLET

APRIL 2022

NOT FOR SALE