If you happened to see this halo like figure surrounding the sun on the sky yesterday at around 12 noon, this is called a Parhelic Circle. My friend took this shot yesterday at Valeria St., Iloilo City. But what are Parhelic Circles?

The Parhelic circle is a white band circling the sky and always at the same height above the horizon as the sun. Most of the time only fragments are seen, usually extending from sundogs in the directions away from the sun. When you see these long tails it is worth checking carefully all around the sky because the colourless Parhelic Circle can at first be difficult to distinguish from cloud.

Millions of ice crystals with their vertical faces each mirroring the sun around the sky form the circle.

Source: http://www.atoptics.co.uk/halo/parcirc.htm

Why classes are canceled in schools with students suspected and/or confirmed of having H1N1virus? Well, it’s not giving students more time to visit malls, but rather one of the preventive measures to minimize if not stop the spread of the virus. Believe me, prevention is always better than cure.

The main route of transmission of the new Influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:

• avoid touching your mouth and nose;
• clean hands thoroughly with soap and water,
• or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
• avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
• practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

(source:WHO)

No doubt about it, you are looking at one of Iloilo’s finest restaurants: Pacchettos Ristorante, Times Square, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City is one of the newly opened restaurant in Iloilo City. Some of my friends said, the dryrun was good; the opening and blessing, perfect; the food and service, awesome. Check it out and i’m sure it will leave you something to talk about!

PACCHETTOS Ristorante is a sparkling dining gem and definitely worth the foodie trip what with its comfy location at the ground floor of the upscale Times Square Building on General Luna St., overlooking the picturesque view of the historic Iloilo City river dahlings!

The Italian word “Pachettos” means a full package, so it goes then with its unique menu offerings in one pack meal at a very affordable prize – all in one stop international cuisines. The extensive international menu also includes delicate risottos, tasty pastas or the heavenly Japanese sushi. The service is impeccable, as the waiters know the menu— including the specials—by heart dahlings! If you have a special lunch or snacks and dinner planned, this quaint resto with conducive music and al fresco interiors is the best dining venue.

(source: the Daily Guardian)

When we go over all the symptoms related to H1N1, its very much like having a common and seasonal flu. These  are fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. So, how can we really be sure when we have the H1N1?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

• stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
• rest and take plenty of fluids;
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
• if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
• use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
• inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
• If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

When should someone seek medical care?

A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).

Supportive care at home – resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches – is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.)

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.

If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly after wards.

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

(source: WHO Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response)

Rainy season is here again and after the tragic incident that has been brought by typhoon Frank last year, it is now time to be aware of what is really happening in our environment. We should prepare and be alert all the time. The lack of information is always an alibi that has been over used. Nowadays, waiting for the authorities is just not enough. We too should take responsibility. Here are some typhoon survival tips for your family.

The truth is, preparing for a typhoon or storm is a serious thing. To be able to prepare, it is better if you list all the things that your household will need if ever you’re family is just going to stay at home.

The first and most important thing that should never be take for granted is securing a clean water to drink. Before the storm hit your place, you can secure clean water by buying some or filling your jars with a clean one. Make sure that you have prepared this before the storm begins because it might not be safe to drink water from the tap once the storm starts. This is necessary to prevent contamination because you will never know if ever the local water supply may be contaminated some bacteria or viruses. The fact is it could be sewage, chemicals, soil, or many other factors.

The next thing that you should secure is food. No doubt that your family will be needing plenty of food to eat. This foods can be pre-packaged food that does not have to be cooked. Take note to buy foods that can easily be prepared because there is a big chance that electricity will go out. This depends but it is better to be prepared.

A battery powered radio is the next thing that you might prepare. This item is very useful especially if the power goes out. A radio will keep you aware of the latest updates or on what is happening on the outside as well as some other important things that you should know.

It is also a good idea to have a first aid kit in your home in case an injury will happen. You can initiate a first aid. This is actually advisable whether there is a disaster or not. Other things that a household should prepare are of course batteries, a flashlight, a rain coat and boots. Lastly, make sure that you have some cash with you just in case you will be needing it.

Take note of these basic typhoon survival tips and be alert all the time.