reflective journal 2

DAY 2 (November 5, 2012)

Today, my patient was posted for debridement of the gangrenous lesion in his right heel. One of his co-workers had visited him and was asking about his condition. They had a short conversation but I can observe that he was happy and thankful about it that finally someone visited him and that someone cares. But I knew he would be happier if his family is here to support him. Since they were all in Pakistan, no one will be here for him today. No one will be able to tell him that everything will be okay. Although, I can do that for him, it will not be the same as his family’s support and assurance. I feel bad for his condition. I knew he can get through with it but the situation would be easier for him if they are here. 

His situation brings me to a realization that “there are some walks in our life that we have to take alone.” There are some decisions that we need to decide on our own. Although we have our support system, our family and friends to be there for us, there will come a time that we will be facing some problems and issues alone and we should decide for ourselves. Is it part of growing up or reality itself? I don’t know. I really don’t know. Whatever it is, whenever it will come, we should be prepared for it.

I grew up with my parents who were very supportive with what I want and what I do. They were always there to stand for every decision I make. They were there to give their opinions and what they think is right. I always ask for their guidance but sometimes because of so much support from them I feel do dependent. I was once faced with difficulty in deciding for myself. I find it hard to decide alone. That’s why I fear that day when I will be walking and taking a step by my own. I don’t know if I would be prepared for it, I knew I need to be.

I wanted to be there for my patient, I wanted him to feel that he is not alone. But who am I to him, probably he is thinking that I was just a student nurse who was there for just the sake of completing my requirements. If only I could communicate with him a little deeper. If only I can fully express to him that I know what he feels right now, maybe he will feel a little better.

Charo Adame

Dapithapon

“A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and 

dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture.”

--Abraham J. Heschel

Most of us have this feeling of not wanting to grow old. Personally, growing old is one of my many fears. Hair loss, wrinkles, poor vision, lessened hearing ability and decreased functioning are just some of those many changes that comes with old age but it is not the reason why I am scared of becoming old. These physical changes are inevitable part of the aging process and everyone will experience it someday. 

What is it that I fear about growing old?

After watching the documentary film "Dapithapon", I was finally able to answer myself. Growing old alone is what truly frightens me! Having no one to share your sentiments in life can be very depressing and lonely. 

Looking at the life of Lola Anching and Lola Lydia on how in a very old age they still manage to earn a living is deeply hurting. With their condition, they should be just relaxing and enjoying the rest of their days but because of poverty they couldn't just sit around. Just like in the case of Lola Anching who is hoping to somehow help her family by selling goods in the street. I was greatly moved how she is sacrificing to sleep in the doorstep of their house because there was no more room 

for her to stay in.

The film does not only portray the issue of poverty but as well as the lack of care and concern of the

family for the elderly. It was also shown in the documentary the life of many abandoned elderly inside the home for the aged center wherein they are being taken care of strangers instead of their own relatives. Being part of the family, our grandmothers and grandfathers have the right to be loved and cared of.

Lessons Learned:

• Patience and respect is what they really needed. Taking care of the elderly will really test our patience so by putting ourselves in their position can somehow help us to understand them better. Let us make them feel that they are appreciated and well respected by listening in whatever they have to say.

• Be thankful for everything. In spite their unfortunate living condition, Lola Anching and Lola Lydia has still something to be thankful of: they are still surviving!

Care for the elderly: family or government's responsibility?

Both the family and the government have the responsibility of giving care and assistance to the older population. According to the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines Article XV The family Section IV, "The family has the duty to care for its elderly members but the state may also do so through just programs of social security. The government has vital role in encouraging the families to care for the elderly by formulating and implementing policies.

Should they be discouraged from earning their living?

The government has the duty to assist those senior citizens who still wishes to work and is capable to do so by providing them of information and services which will help them to be productive. Training programs to develop or enhance their skills will be implemented by some of the government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

If they still have the capability to work and if that is really what they want then let us give them the opportunity to be fruitful but not to the point that the burden of supporting the family for a living will still be on their shoulder.

other videos: 
Dapithapon (2 of 5)
Dapithapon (3 of 5)
Dapithapon (5 of 5)

References:

• Natividad, et al (2005). Caring for the Older Person. UP Open University.
• Philippine Constitutional Law. Retrieved from http://www.chanrobles.com/article15family.htm
• Republic Act no. 9257. retrieved from http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno9257.htm

Let's talk about the Ageing Population

Population ageing is considered to be a global trend which can affect the social and economic aspect of the country.  It has also a great impact on the health of the people. As mentioned in the modules, population ageing is addressed by countries in a different way as influenced by their own culture.

UAE at a glance

I am working here in United Arab Emirates for almost 4 years now and I can say that the local people here are very fortunate because they are well taken cared of by the government. When it comes to Education, housing and health care, UAE Nationals are almost free. Almost every services are funded by the government. Cost of Health care for all ages is never an issue for them.

Just like in a typical Filipino culture, the family has full participation in taking care of their elderly members. For them, senior citizens can be a great source of guidance and wisdom. One can learn from their experiences that is why most often the advices from the elderly matters a lot to them. There are also available government programs for them which give a comprehensive health care services including social security. 

Home care services are also offered to elderly people. This is catered by a team which includes nurses, medical technologists, physical therapist and doctors. They visit elderly at home to follow-up their health care. Wound care for pressure sore and diabetic foot ulcer, checking of vital signs and blood sugar, physical therapy and laboratory exams are just some of the services provided.

Philippine scenario

Elderly are faced with numerous health problems so they require assistance and special kind of care and unfortunately not all of them are lucky to receive it. That is very true in the Philippines, wherein not everyone can afford the health care services and the country’s resources is not enough to support the needs of these people.

Somehow, efforts had been made by the government to ensure adequate health care for the elderly. According to the Expanded Senior Citizen’s Act of 2010, senior citizens are entitled to a 20% discounts with VAT exemption. But let’s face it; this medical discount for senior citizens is not enough guarantee that the elderly are getting appropriate and quality health care. I pity those elderly who has no resources and no family at all. Who will ensure that they will get the appropriate care they need?

In addressing the challenges of the aging population, the government and the people should work hand in hand with each other. Here are some of the possible solutions:

• The government should continue to provide programs which will protect the well being of the older population. Collaboration with the private sectors in providing a more accessible health care for the elderly population in an affordable cost.
• We should continue to uphold our culture which values strong family ties. Love, understanding and care must be extended to the elderly member of our family. 
• While we are still active and able to work, take the opportunity to save for the future.

References:

1.      Natividad, et al (2005). Caring for Older Person. UP Open University.

2.      Enriquez, K. G. (2010, February 26). RA No. 9994: The Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010. Retrieved from http://www.pwc.com/ph/en/taxwise-or-otherwise/2010/RA-9994-expanded-senior-citizens-act-2010.jhtml

3.      Seniors in Abu Dhabi. Retrieved from http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p_citizen_en_homepage_hidenav&did=279778&lang=en#279780

4.      Gaston, G. World Population Collapse: Lessons for the Philippines. Retrieved from http://lifeissues.net/writers/gas/gas_01populationcollapse.html

not-so-good-comments from not-so-good-people

why do people gossip too much? its fine if they will talked about something positive. Personal opinions and comments that are inspiring, motivating, pleasing to the ear. but what if its about something that is degrading, offensive and humiliating... super negative thoughts that will not only hurt your emotions (as if stabbing you directly in the heart) but will injure your soul as well?

Its just very easy for us to comment negatively to someone but sometimes we need to think about it whether its proper to say it loud. we are all free to express our opinions on something about life and anything whether its positive or negative but somehow consider the feelings of the people around you. its okay if its just constructive criticism...atleast the "not-so-very-good-comment" of yours will serve as a challenge to improve someone's life.

Sad to say but gossip is already part of our society. its a habit for some who doesnt have to do anything about their life so they find it interesting to talk about other's life, perhaps maybe they're not personally happy with their own and can't tell it to their face that their "life sucks." yah their life sucks and they cant do anything to change it so they make yours suck more so they will suck less. waaaaahhh. stupid right?

i hate such people. its just fine if they will tell it to your face. but what if not and the "stupid-ignorant-you" doesnt know anything at all...finding out one day that you're the talk of the town because of such gossip from such "super mean people". grrr. isnt that very irritating? why cant they just simply shut up? why do they need to talk about you? what will they gain out of it? huh?

-cha-

the choice

“For an instant, she thought she’d simply turn and leave. But again their eyes met and held for just a beat too long, and before she realized what was happening, Travis placed a hand on her hip, his lips neither soft nor hard against hers. It took an instant for her brain to register what was happening, and then she pushed him back.”
-the choice-
nicholas sparks

i cant swim.

... i woke up suddenly. wahhhhh earthquake!. i thought it was just part of a bad dream. i didnt move an inch, i just stayed in my bed thinking if its real or not. it was not the earthquake that frightens me but the darkness in my room. Few minutes after it happened my dad was rushing out from his bedroom to check on me. i immediately went out of my room also. i sat beside him and we chatted for a awhile. He told me that he was too worried because "i cant swim!" waaaahhhhh. My dad is very futuristic. he was thinking of "tsunami". very thoughtful right.
anyway, dont know if i will be able to sleep again...

about me

random things about me…

1. Loves chocolates. Yummie! but lately ive been controlling myself not to eat too much. huhuhuhu. so sad.

2. My favorite colors are red, pink and blue.

3. PSP addict!

4. Wishes to be a famous painter someday. i used oil and watercolor mostly for my artworks.

5. Its been long time since i watched movie in theatre. As far as i can remember the last movie i watched was Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire last 2007.

6. My BF hates me for being so childish. but he also admit that it is one of the many reason why he fell in love with me.

7. Loves challenges but not critisms.

8. Likes to read books: novels, fantasy fiction, adventure and mystery books… when i was in high school i was addicted with “Hardy Boys” and “Choose your own adventure”.

9. i dreamed of going to Paris someday.

10. Papa’s girl and Kuya’s girl.

11. Loves to have a very long hair. Right now its down to my waist already.

12. Currently inspired by the song “Nothing’s gonna stop us now” by MYMP.

13. LOves to take pictures.

14. Loves wearing T-shirt, jeans and shorts.

15. Always laughing out loud.

16. Trying to be a good Christian by attending mass regularly (but lately unable to do so) and taking part in some religous organizations.

17. im lazy to take a bath every day. waaaahhhh!

18. Very emotional sometimes.

19. i used to tease my dad too much thats why most of the time he is irritated. hehe

20. Proud to be a nurse. Before i used to say that my parents just forced me to take up nursing but now honestly im so thankful for what they did. Love what im doing now. haha

21. I promised my BF not to drink alone without his presence.

22. I usually experience deadly nightmares (Bangungot).

23. Loves to swim but doesnt know how to swim. I drowned during the final exam in my swimming class in college. It was very embarrasing because before that i used to practice everyday for almost 2 weeks but luckily my professor didn’t failed me.

24. i cry a lot.

25. LOves to be happy.

childhood obsession

Princess Sara is back.

Probably, I was in grade 2 then when i first saw the cartoon version of this story which was translated in Filipino. I like to watch it everyday but sometimes it is very hard for me to do so...not bcoz we don't have TV in our house in Mindoro. It's bcoz of the rules in using the TV..hahaha "It should only be use during night...to watch news..." So there's no way i could watch it there. What i used to do then is to go down to my Aunt's house (her house is on the first floor, ours on the 2nd floor...) But if my lola is there i never tried to go down. She was very strict and disciplinarian (no wonder where my dad got that "not-to-do-this-not-to-do-that" personality). So what i always do is to peek in our floor (yes, i know that no matter how hard i peek in i wont see anything...) but at least i can hear their voices.

I became obsessed. When i was already in Saint Mary's (Pasay), I used to research about this story...I found out that it was actually a novel written by Frances Eliza Hodgson (same author who wrote "The Secret Garden", which is also one of my favorite). Its original title was Little Princess...and this and that...hahha ( ofcors i know u knew that already...hahaha)...
I also borrowed one book of that in our library and read it as if i didnt have any idea about it...i enjoyed reading it over and over again. I also watched the japanese version of that film..hahha...even when Camille Prats played the role of Sara...(that time i still liked her...hahha).

Now, ABS CBN come up with the same project and Sharlene San Pedro was chosen as the "new" Sara Crewe. When i searched for reviews about this...found out that many didnt want her for the role...Some even commented that it will be better if it will be played by someone with a mestiza looks just like the younger sister of Angelica dela Cruz...

For me no matter who will take the role of sara, i will still definitely watch it... If in case in the near future there would be an arabic version of this story...just let me know...haha

PRC is far more better than Ministry of Health

Today (Oct. 28, 2007) is the first day of the registration of the exam in the Ministry of Health in Dubai. We anticipated that many would be there so we left Khorfakkan around 4 30 am for us to be the first in line...but when we got there (6 00 am)...Grabe! Many people are already there, mostly Indians and only few Filipinos. We've been waiting outside the building for almost 2 hours....

When they finally open...hay naku lahat gustong mauna! everyone became aggressive as they forcefully push those in front of them! kawawa ako! kala ko magkaka stampede dun! ngenge! Buti nlng nasa dulo kami kasi dun nag umpisang mabigay ng number...grabe nung una di tlaga me makahinga sa sikip dun! pati mga lalaking Indians eh nanunulak! mga wla silang awa! huhuhuhu! Pro ok lng kas i was # 9 ...swerte parin ako! haha!

So after getting the number...they gave us an application form then pagtapos i-fill up un pipila ka ulit! wwwaaaaahhhh! They are very strict about the requirements...buti nlng dala ko lahat ng papers ko...they even asked for my elementary diploma...lucky i have it all in my bag! ....if u dont have the document then you should have to return the following day!

Thank God we finished the registration!

first timer

...narito ang salaysay ng isang first timer...

ako nga pala si charo isang simpleng mamamayan ng bansang Pilipinas n minsang nangarap n makapaglakbay sa ibang bansa ....ibabahagi ko sa inyo ang kauna unahan kong karanasan....(wag kaung mag isip ng malaswa hindi un ang tinutukoy ko...) Nais ko pong ibahagi ito sa salitang kinalakhan ko kaya magtiis kau kasi pure tagalog ito..hindi pala pure...may halo din hehehe....hahahahaha

Opo mga kaibigan at minamahal ko...nagkaroon ng katuparan ang pangarap n iyon...sa mga sandaling ito ay nasa malayong lugar n po ako... Hindi ko inaasahan n dito pala ako mapapadpad sa mundo ng mga arabo! hahaha....

Ang ibabahagi kong ito ay tungkol sa mga first time....First time sa airplane, first time mag isa...first time maglakbay...basta lahat first time...hahahhaa...so tara na! HANDA NA BA KAYO???

Nag umpisa ang kwento ko sa unang araw ng aking paglisan.... JUNE 17, 2007! kasama ko ang aking ina nung araw n iyon...nyahahahaha...hindi ko inaasahan na magiging memorable pala ito...talagang hindi ko ito malilimutan...mga kaibigan hindi po ako nakaalis!...... kasi expired ang visa ko....9 days n palang expired ang pinakaiingatan kong visa (***kung alam ko lang na expired n un eh hindi ko na nilagay sa folder at plastic envelope...hahahha) first time ko pong maharang sa airport dahil sa expired visa! hahaha Dahil ganun n nga ang mga pangyayari, wala n akong magagawa kundi umuwi ng bahay at kalimutang paalis pala ako...Hay naku, ganun pala ang feeling ng mareject! halo halong emosyon ang naramdaman ko...((((masaya=kasi my time p akong makasama ang aking tatay, kuya, mga pinsan at bunsong utol ko)))), ((((malungkot=kasi hindi p ako makakasakay ng eroplano)))), ((((nahihiya=kasi malamang aasarin ako ng mga kaibigan ko ***lalo na si aldrich! ***kasi nag pa despedida party pa ako hindi n mn pala tuloy)))).

Si mommy lamang ang nakaalis nung araw n iyon...(JUNE 17, 2007) ako naiwan n nmn sa pilipinas...hahaha...

makalipas ang ilang araw ay nalaman n ng buong mundo ang kwento ko...bakit kaya???? malamang kasi alam ni adich at ng mga bakla (tere at beki!)! hehehehe...hehehe
hindi p po nagtatapos ang kwento ko...umpisa p lang po yan!

to be continued....