Some Statistics of My Eleven Years of Blogging

Photo Credit: 99firms.com

Its November 30-end of the 11 month of the year. Time for some stats data on my blogging activities. It had been a busy and fun eleven years of writing.

Here's some data of my eleven years of blogging activities ( starting in the summer of 2008):

Year     Number of Articles   

2011              264

2014              259

2013              239

2016              161

2015              142

2017              138

2018              124

2019              115

The Bridge of Love at Twilight, Chateau Du Mer, Marinduque, Philippines

My Productive Months for 2019


Month        Number of Articles

November           15

October             22

September         14

June                  11

Our Second Home-Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Topics or Subjects ( Number of Articles):  For the Month of October, 2019

Drugs and Medications (5)

Personal Relationships (4)

Blogging activities  (3)

Filipino-American History (2)

Book Reviews (2)

Gardening and Health (2)

Genealogy (1)

Personal Activities (2)

Political Commentary (1)


Meanwhile, enjoy this piano rendition of Romance by Rubinstein's -a favorite piano piece of Macrine.  

https://youtu.be/Dx_-Q8wezcM

No Pinoy Dishes for Thanksgiving This Year

The Jambalos-Katague Clan of Northern California Thanksgiving lunch yesterday  was organized by Jean* this year.  Yuka and Alex were supposed to have this gathering in their new home in Roseville which will also welcome and introduced one month old Alexander Bernard to the Clan.  However, since Macrine will not be able to attend the gathering because of her physical health, The clan decided it to have the Pot-Luck lunch here in our residence in Fair Oaks.   Our special guests this year were Luis and Monse Chilan- parents of Alex-visiting from Guayaquil, Ecuador. 

This year lunch is all American Dishes.  There was no steam rice for a change. However the following dishes were abundant and delicious.   

The Honey baked Ham and Prime Rib was still warming in the Oven when I took this photo

Main Dishes: Turkey, Honey-baked Ham, prime rib and shrimp platter
Salads and Vegetables: Greens, potato, green beans, fruit salad
Carbohydrates: Bread, macaroni Cheese
Desserts: Ice Cream, Pecan and Pumpkin Pies
Drinks: Beer, Wine and Soft Drinks, Champagne

Alexander Bernard -Welcome to the Clan!

Macrine delighted to see the Baby- first Grandson of Jean

Wesley, Samantha and Dad- Alex Chalfin

Let me conclude this blog with another thanksgiving prayer:

Lord, on this special day of thankfulness,
we thank you not only for the delicious food,
lovingly prepared and presented,
but also for special gifts
you’ve given to this family —
loved ones we cherish dearly,
a comfortable place to live,
the beauty that surrounds us,
material pleasures,
health, spiritual wealth,
and so much more.
How can we show our gratitude for
the countless blessings you’ve provided?
We thank you for giving us clear direction,
through your holy word
on how to show our appreciation,
by obeying Your commands
and by loving and serving our neighbors.
Thank you, Lord.
— Joanna Fuchs

*The party ended at 4PM. The surprise event of the day was the absence of the organizer. Alexander Bernard was welcome by the clan. He was awake for a few minutes during the party and I was able to to take his photo.

A few of the Jambalos-Katague Clan- Thanksgiving Day, 2019 ( not in the photo-David III and Lanie)

It is Snowing Now in Northern California

It is snowing now in Northern California! But will it snow in Sacramento? Read the latest weather forecast here:

https://www.sacbee.com/news/weather/article237785759.html

Meanwhile enjoy my first winter and snow experience in the US in 1960:
Photo taken from the Picture window of Our Residence in Colesville, MD

Photo Credit:msn.com

Another Stage in Our Aging Years

Dodie and Family with Us ( without Philip)

The other day, Macrine and I had a visit from our oldest son (Dodie) and his wife(Ruth). He officially informed us, he will early retire next month (last month was his 61st birthday) on December 20 ( my 85th birthday). After one year, he has an option to go back for part time work. Dodie said he will work part time next year if he needs tuition  money for Marina's( his youngest daughter) post graduate studies. During his retirement, he plans on finishing his second novel as well as continue his and Ruth's world-wide travel activities.

Macrine and I were so happy of their visit ( not too often). Dodie has a  successful career as a Prosecuting Attorney for Contra Costa County for more than 25 years. A few of his cases are well publicized in the local newspapers.

Here's Dodie Linkedin Page.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dodie-katague-83ab6a18

Here's what I wrote last year on Dodie's 60th Birthday. 

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2018/10/i-am-getting-old-my-oldest-son-will-be.html

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my Garden:

My trumpet vine first bloom

My Two Favorite Recipes for Tuna Sandwiches

Once in a while, Macrine and I loved to eat tuna sandwiches for lunch. My favorite recipe is: to mix the tuna with chopped Vidal sweet onions, chopped celery, sweet relish and a tint of mayonnaise and minced fresh oregano.

Here's my other favorite recipe without mayonnaise

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/202115/mayo-free-tuna-sandwich-filling/

Nutritionist recommends to eat less tuna but more sardines, since tuna usually contained more mercury and other metal contaminants compared to sardines.

Do you have a favorite tuna sandwich recipe? Please share!

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of our recent breakfast:

Mangoes Anyone?

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

Just recently a closed relative while in the hospital learned that his blood magnesium level was very low. He was immediately treated with IV containing magnesium. This event aroused my interest on the symptoms and effects of low magnesium if not treated. Here's a summary of what I learned.   

Magnesium deficiency is a widespread health problem. Some studies suggest that 75% of Americans do not meet their dietary requirements for magnesium. However, true deficiency is much less common — less than 2%, according to one estimate.

The symptoms of magnesium deficiency are usually subtle unless your levels become severely low. Deficiency may cause fatigue, muscle cramps, mental problems, irregular heartbeat and osteoporosis.

If you believe you may have a magnesium deficiency, your suspicions can be confirmed with a simple blood test. You should speak with your doctor to rule out other possible health problems. Whatever the outcome, try to regularly eat plenty of magnesium-rich whole foods, such as nuts, seeds, grains or beans.

These foods are also high in other healthy nutrients. Including them in your diet not only lowers your risk of magnesium deficiency, but it also promotes your overall health.

For details read:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnesium-deficiency-symptoms#section9

However, magnesium is not listed as one of the 11 essential minerals that our body needs. It is time to change the list from 11 to 12. 


Meanwhile, enjoy this photo from my collection:

Dangers of Hyperglycemia

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2019/10/list-of-drugs-for-diabetes-save-on-your.html

A close relative went to the ER just recently after a visit to Urgent Care showed  his blood sugar was 400 mg/dl. He had been lethargic before his check up at the Urgent Care Clinic and had an infection.  So I did some search on the dangers if your blood sugar level is above 300 milligrams per deciliter. Here it is:

"A blood sugar level of 300 is considered too high and may lead to extreme thirst, increased appetite, weight loss or fatigue, according to WebMD. If blood sugar levels continue to increase above 350 milligrams per deciliter, a patient may become unconscious or lethargic.

Mild high blood sugar is described as a blood sugar level between 200 and 350 milligrams per deciliter, explains WebMD. A blood sugar level higher than 350 milligrams per deciliter is a more serious problem that can lead to more severe symptoms such as blurry vision, drowsiness, light headedness, vomiting, rapid breathing and a weak pulse.

Patients with high blood sugar that continues to rise may lose consciousness, become confused or act extremely lethargic. Diabetics can avoid high blood sugar levels by taking their insulin or diabetes pills exactly as recommended. When high blood sugar occurs in spite of proper medication use, a patient should contact his doctor immediately. A change in medication or meal plans may be required.

Even though diabetics may not show any obvious symptoms, a sustained high blood sugar level has a number of long-lasting effects on the body, explains Mayo Clinic. Blood sugar coats the red blood cells, making them sticky and allowing cholesterol to build up on the insides of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. High blood sugar also leads to eye problems, kidney damage, gum disease and nerve damage in many patients ". 

 

For details read:

https://www.reference.com/health/could-happen-blood-sugar-over-300-b3ad4f8af6a77964

Here's what to do if your blood sugar is Higher than 300.

 

https://www.diabetesselfcaring.com/blood-sugar-over-300/

 

 Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my collection:

 

Super Moon in Fair Oaks, CA

 

Some Memorable Photos of Our Days in the Washington DC Area

1999 Philippine-American Festival Gala and Ball

Macrine as Chairwoman of Fil-American Independence Day Celebration, 1999

VP Gloria Arroyo visit to DC and Candelarios visit to our residence at Hammonton Rd, Colesville, MD

The Marinduquenos Ladies at the Parade

Letter of Invitation from the President of the Philippines via Philippine Ambassador  in Washington DC

My Parangal Award in Science-Chemistry, 1998

Macrine enjoying Cherry Blossoms at the Mall, 1997

Meanwhile, enjoy this video of the Monuments in the Mall:


https://youtu.be/QTZQ9bta31w

Getting tired and angry of Putos #45 Impeachment Public and Private Hearings?
Take a few minutes break to view memorable photos of our 12 years in the Nation's Capital. 

White House Christmas Tour, 1995

Top 25 Most Popular Medications for Pain

Prescription painkillers are powerful drugs that interfere with the nervous system’s transmission of the nerve signals we perceive as pain. Most painkillers also stimulate portions of the brain associated with pleasure. Thus, in addition to blocking pain, they produce a “high.”

The most powerful prescription painkillers are called opioids, which are opium-like compounds. They are manufactured to react on the nervous system in the same way as drugs derived from the opium poppy, like heroin. The most commonly abused opioid painkillers include oxycodone, hydrocodone, meperidine, hydromorphone and propoxyphene.

Oxycodone has the greatest potential for abuse and the greatest dangers. It is as powerful as heroin and affects the nervous system the same way. Oxycodone is sold under many trade names, such as Percodan, Endodan, Roxiprin, Percocet, Endocet, Roxicet and OxyContin. It comes in tablet form.

Hydrocodone is used in combination with other chemicals and is available in prescription pain medications as tablets, capsules and syrups. Trade names include Anexsia, Dicodid, Hycodan, Hycomine, Lorcet, Lortab, Norco, Tussionex and Vicodin. Sales and production of this drug have increased significantly in recent years, as has its illicit use.

Meperidine (brand name Demerol) and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) come in tablets and propoxyphene (Darvon) in capsules, but all three have been known to be crushed and injected, snorted or smoked. Darvon, banned in the UK since 2005, is among the top ten drugs reported in drug abuse deaths in the US. Dilaudid, considered eight times more potent than morphine, is often called “drug store heroin” on the streets.

There are 1308 medications for pain, I found in the Internet. Below are the top 25 most popular based on The number of User Reviews.

Drug Name	Indication	Type	User Reviews
hydrocodone-acetaminophen	On Label	RX	3938 Reviews
tramadol HCL	On Label	RX	2932 Reviews
tramadol HCL ER	On Label	RX	2932 Reviews
oxycodone HCL	On Label	RX	1965 Reviews
oxycodone HCL Solution	On Label	RX	1965 Reviews
oxycodone HCL ER	On Label	RX	1965 Reviews
oxycodone tablet, oral ONLY	On Label	RX	1965 Reviews
Percocet	On Label	RX	1532 Reviews
Vicodin	On Label	RX	1421 Reviews
Norco	On Label	RX	746 Reviews
naproxen	On Label	RX	741 Reviews
naproxen tablet	On Label	RX	741 Reviews
naproxen Suspension, (Final Dose Form)	On Label	RX	741 Reviews
Ultram	On Label	RX	727 Reviews
oxycodone-acetaminophen	On Label	RX	674 Reviews
Lortab 2.5 mg-500 mg tablet	On Label	RX	651 Reviews
Nucynta	On Label	RX	580 Reviews
Dilaudid	On Label	RX	552 Reviews
morphine SULFATE	On Label	RX	505 Reviews
morphine SULFATE ER	On Label	RX	505 Reviews
morphine SULFATE ER tablet, extended release	On Label	RX	505 Reviews
morphine SULFATE ER Capsule, Extended Release Multiphase 24 hr	On Label	RX	505 Reviews
morphine tablet,oral only, extended release	On Label	RX	505 Reviews
ibuprofen	On Label	RX/OTC	271 Reviews
ibuprofen Suspension, (Final Dose Form)	On Label	RX/OTC	271 Reviews
INFANTS ibuprofen	On Label	RX/OTC	271 Reviews
Ibuprofen Tablet, Chewable	On Label	RX/OTC	271 Reviews Source:  https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/condition-3079/pain  Meanwhile enjoy this photo My trumpet Vine in Bloom

Sardines and Scrambled Eggs for Breakfast

Yesterday, Macrine and I had Tome' Sardines, scrambled eggs and fried rice for breakfast.  We have not eaten sardines for quite a while, so the taste of sardines followed by Papaya from Mexico (Maradol) was a gastronomic delight.

Mexican Papaya( Maradol) is not as sweet as Philippines Papayas, but it is much cheaper here in Northern California and available all year round.

The breakfast was prepared by Macrine's caretaker- a Filipino-American who also like sardines. The above brand of sardines is in olive oil with pickle flavor and pepper. I purchased it at our local Pinoy grocery store.   I like canned sardines in olive oil and a little bit spicy instead of in tomato sauce or in water.

The name “sardine” refers to more than twenty types of small, oily, saltwater fish in the herring family. They may be eaten fresh or preserved.  Sardines are incredibly nutritious. For just one tin of Atlantic sardines (3.75 ounces, at about 191 calories), you get about 23g of protein, 10.53g of healthy fats (rich in omega-3 fatty acids), as well as vitamin D and tons of vitamin B12, not to mention a long list of other vitamins and minerals. Moreover, sardines are relatively low in contaminants such as mercury. For canned sardines, look for those packed in water or olive oil. For more details read:

https://www.precisionnutrition.com/encyclopedia/food/sardines 

For top 10 rated sardines for 2019 read:

https://www.foodsharkmarfa.com/best-canned-sardines/ 

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo from my recent breakfast

Mangoes Anyone?

Latest Documentary on Imelda Marcos

There are several documentaries and movies on the Ferdinand Marcos Clan in the Internet.  I have seen them all. But this latest documentary by Lauren Greenfield, Imelda Marcos in "The Kingmaker" tops them all. This documentary examines connections between the Marcos family and the country's current President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte.  Here's the trailer of the documentary.

 https://youtu.be/3AozuQ6ckH4

Here's the site for details.


https://www.indiewire.com/2019/10/imelda-marcos-documentary-the-kingmaker-1202179217/

Here's an interview of Lauren Greenfield as related to the making of "The Kingmaker".

https://variety.com/2019/film/features/lauren-greenfield-imelda-marcos-documentary-1203387662/


Other older documentaries and movies on the Marcoses:

https://youtu.be/DfwwikuMJ-E 

https://youtu.be/nYgbmdJM9cs 

https://youtu.be/GvYuTpVSI2E 

My Father was a Dental Officer in the USAFFE

Dr. David Jamili Katague, Dental Officer, USAFFE

Today is Veterans Day, here in the US. It reminded me of my Father who was a Dental Officer in the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) during the Japanese-American War in the Philippines. His assignment covered the islands Of Panay and Romblon.   As a USAFFE officer, he received a back pay after 1946.  My Mother and Dad used his back pay money as payment for a commercial lot at Iznart St, Iloilo City where they later built the KATAGUE Building.

The Katague Building, Iznart St. Iloilo City, Philippines

Chapter 2 of my autobiography described my experiences as a child accompanying my father during his dental visits in Romblon Island,

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/2011/12/chapter-2-memories-of-romblon-1945.html

Here's an excerpt: 

Marble Cliffs of Romblon Island

"In late 1945, just after the end of American-Japanese War in the Philippines, my father who was a captain and dental officer for the Philippine-US army took me and my Mom for a month to Romblon Province. He was in-charged of all the dental needs of army personnel in the whole island of Panay as well as in Romblon. I remember we took a PT boat owned by the US navy from Iloilo to Romblon. I was only about 11 years old that time, but very knowledgeable of US history. One of my hobbies was to read US history. I have memorized all the 48 capitals of US states( yes, at that time there are only 48 states in US).

My father's dental assistant was a white sergeant from Oklahoma City. He used to quiz me of my knowledge of the capital city of all the US states. If I get it right he gave me chocolates and cookies as a prize. There came a time when he ran out of chocolates, since I have never made a mistake. One capital I almost made a mistake was the capital of California. Most people think at that time the capital city is either LA or San Francisco. Even today, there are still a lot of Filipinos that do not know that Sacramento is the capital of California. The same thing with the capital of Illinois. Most Filipinos at that time believe it is Chicago( the biggest and most populated city in Illinois-not Springfield)" .


Here's some information on USAFFE from Wikipedia:
 
United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) (Filipino: Hukbong Katihan ng Estados Unidos sa Malayong Silangan/HKEUMS) was a military formation of the United States Army active from 1941 to 1946.  The new command's headquarters was created on 26 July 1941, at No. 1, Calle Victoria, Manila, Luzon, the Philippines, with General Douglas MacArthur as commander. The Chief of Staff was Brigadier General Richard K. Sutherland and the Deputy Chief of Staff was Lieutenant Colonel Richard J. Marshall. The core of this command (including MacArthur, Marshall, and Sutherland) was drawn from the Office of the Military Advisor to the Commonwealth Government.

Creation of this command led to the subordination of the headquarters of the Philippine Department of the U.S. Army, as a service command, since planning and tactical control were now under USAFFE control. MacArthur recommended that Philippine Department commander Major General Grunert be reassigned, as his services were no longer needed. On 23 October, Grunert returned to the United States and MacArthur was temporarily appointed as the Philippine Department's commander.  USAFFE was formally dissolved in the lead-up to Philippine independence on 4 July 1946.

Here's a related topic on Filipino Veterans of World War 2.

https://priceonomics.com/how-filipino-soldiers-were-written-out-of-the/

Happy Veterans Day to All!

My Pineapple and Pineapple Guava Plants

Here are photos of my potted pineapple plant and pineapple guava shrub with fruit ready to be harvested. The pineapple guava shrub( feijoa Sellowiana) is also known as the strawberry-guava shrub, since the ripe fruit taste like a cross between a strawberry and guava.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pineapple-guava/feijoa-pineapple-guava-info.htm

Meanwhile, enjoy the photos of my okra plants on their last days of warmth weather.

Again, let us welcome to Planet Earth Jean Jambalos Maeda  first grandson, Alexander Bernard Chilan

Que Lindo, Hermoso and Guapo

List of Medications for High Blood Pressure

I was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure (HBP) since I was 40 years old. My physician had tried several types of HBP medications to stabilize my BP. Today after 45 years I am taking a combination drug that controls my BP with the least side effects.    

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a term that is used to acknowledge that a person’s blood pressure is above what is considered normal. High blood pressure is also called hypertension.  Measuring somebody's blood pressure gives us an indication of how effectively their heart is working to pump blood around their body. If their heart and blood vessels are working efficiently, then their blood pressure will be normal or slightly below normal. If their heart is having to work very hard to pump blood around their body, then their blood pressure will be high.
Blood pressure is composed of two measurements.

• The first recording is called the systolic pressure and it measures the force the heart must pump against to get blood to flow around the body. It can indicate how flexible or stiff the blood vessels are. During this measurement, the blood pressure cuff inflates to a certain extent and records what pressure around the arm stops blood flow.
• The second recording is called diastolic pressure. This measures the resting pressure when the heart relaxes between heartbeats. It is recorded while the blood pressure cuff is deflating.

Most experts consider a normal blood pressure to be 120/80 mm Hg. Ideally, everybody’s blood pressure should be below 130/80 mm Hg. If the first number is above 130 or the second number is above 80 then a person is said to have high blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Most people experience no symptoms when their blood pressure is high. Sometimes people may develop a headache or feel unwell; however, most do not connect these vague symptoms as having to do with their heart.
If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can damage the blood vessels and increase a person’s risk of having a stroke or a heart attack. It also causes the heart to enlarge and weaken because it essentially wears itself out from having to work so hard to push blood around the body. People with high blood pressure are also more likely to develop high cholesterol, kidney and eye problems, and have poor circulation in the legs and feet.

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

It is not uncommon for your blood pressure to go high occasionally; however, it is persistently high blood pressure that is a concern. For this reason, if a doctor or nurse takes your blood pressure and it is high but you don’t have any risk factors or symptoms, then at least two other separate measurements should be taken before you are diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Before getting your blood pressure taken you should avoid the following for at least an hour before the measurement:

• Strenuous exercise
• Smoking
• Caffeine
• Eating
• Stressful situations.

Sit down for at least five minutes before the reading is taken and don’t talk while it is being measured.
Other tests may be ordered if your doctor concludes you have high blood pressure. These may include blood tests, an electrocardiogram, and sometimes a chest x-ray.

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

Treatment depends on how high your blood pressure is. For people whose systolic reading falls in the range 120 to 129 and the diastolic reading is equal to or less than 80, lifestyle changes are usually recommended over medications. These may include:

• Losing weight if you are overweight
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Eating less salt
• Eating less saturated fats
• Increased physical activity
• More physical activity
• Limiting alcohol.

If treatment is considered necessary, sometimes more than one medication is prescribed. Medications for high blood pressure include:

• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Angiotensin-receptor blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha-blockers.

  Drugs Used to Treat High Blood Pressure

						Drug name Rx / OTC Preg CSA Reviews Rating Popularity lisinopril Rx D N 464 5.5 amlodipine Rx C N 417 4.5 losartan Rx D N 388 5.0 hydrochlorothiazide Rx B N 124 5.6 metoprolol Rx C N 193 6.0 Norvasc Rx C N 76 4.6 atenolol Rx D N 103 7.2 Benicar Rx D N 102 7.7 Cozaar Rx D N 53 6.5 Metoprolol Tartrate Rx C N 12 5.1 Avapro Rx D N 35 5.4 carvedilol Rx C N 67 4.3 Diovan Rx D N 59 6.8 furosemide Rx C N 11 6.5 Bystolic Rx C N 177 6.3 Lopressor Rx C N 9 6.1 hydrochlorothiazide / lisinopril Rx D N 57 6.4 clonidine Rx C N 76 6.3 Toprol-XL Rx C N 30 7.6 Lasix Rx C N 7 6.9 Vasotec Rx D N Add 9.0 enalapril Rx D N 11 6.3 Prinivil Rx D N 10 5.3 Zestril Rx D N 11 7.8 valsartan Rx D N 105 6.1 Source: https://www.drugs.com/condition/hypertension.html Meanwhile, enjoy this beach view and relax, it will lower your blood pressure. View from the balcony of the Chateau Du Mer Beach House, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines