Maniolas

A systematic review of previously published research from 1946 to January, 2014 to has shown that when it comes to the manual pelvic exam, the risks outweigh the benefits.© TDHster/shutterstock.Com (WASHINGTON–AFP) – A manual pelvic examination in which gynecologists use their hands to feel around for potentially cancerous masses is not needed for most women, a leading doctors’ group said Monday. The American College of Physicians said women should still see their doctors annually for regular Pap smears and cervical exams to screen for cancer and sexually transmitted infections. However, a systematic review of previously published research from 1946 to January, 2014 to has shown that when it comes to the manual pelvic exam, the risks outweigh the benefits, said the findings in the Annals of Internal Medicine. “Routine pelvic examination has not been shown to benefit asymptomatic, average risk, non-pregnant women,” said co-author Linda Humphrey. “It rarely detects important disease and does not reduce mortality and is associated with discomfort for many women, false positive and negative examinations, and extra cost.” The pelvic exam occurs when the doctor inserts his or her fingers in the patient’s vagina, then uses the other hand to feel the outside of her abdomen for bumps or masses. Rather than doing a pelvic exam for every woman, doctors should limit it to women who have symptoms such as vaginal discharge, abnormal bleeding, pain, urinary problems or sexual dysfunction, said the ACP. Already, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says a pelvic exam is Read More …

Senator Jinggoy Estrada arrives at the Sandiganbayan in Quezon City on Monday, June 30, for his arraignment over the plunder charges filed against him and businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles in connection with the alleged P10-B pork barrel scam. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Monday called the charges against him “rushed” in a bid by the administration to boast that it was able to detain senators charged over the pork barrel scam. After his arraignment before the Sandiganbayan on Monday, Estrada added that the charges against him were “politically motivated.” Estrada was reacting to the special prosecutor’s move to amend the charge sheets of the senators. The prosecutors eventually withdrew their motion to amend Estrada’s information when told the senator would be released. “The cracks are showing. The recent developments are indicative of the fact that the cases against us were rushed and railroaded and that due process of law was not observed…” Estrada said as he read his written statement after his arraignment. “Gusto kasi nilang magpasikat at ipakita sa taumbayan na kaya nilang magpakulong ng tatlong senador kaya naman naghain agad sila ng information kahit alam nilang wala naman talagang kaso at walang matibay na ebidensiya laban sa akin,” he added. (The administration wanted to show off and show to the nation that they are capable of detaining three senators, that’s why they filed the information immediately even though they know they don’t have a strong case and evidence against me.) Estrada added that because of Read More …

LOS ANGELES – Clocks are ticking; days are passing by so amazingly quickly as departure nears for the more than 250 participants of the 9th Ambassadors, Consuls General and Tourism Directors Tour to the Philippines. Preparations are at a frenzy not only at all Philippine Consular Posts across the United States but also in Manila as the team from the Tourism Promotions Board shifts to high gear to make this year’s ACGTDT another exciting and memorable experience for everyone. A tour of Malacanang Museum, an audience and a photo session with President Benigno Aquino III, and lunch at the historic Heroes Hall of the Palace will highlight the four-day tour. Activities awaiting this year’s ACGTDT participants include a welcome dinner to be hosted by the Tourism Promotions Board, running tour of Manila and Makati area, visit to the centuries old University of Santo Tomas, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and Ayala Museum, a full day out of town tour with a Grand Barrio Fiesta lunch and cultural presentation at the famed Hamilo Coast, Pico de Loro in Nasugbu, Batangas, a historic wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park, and a farewell dinner to be hosted by Western Union. However, the Basic Tour is just the start of more exciting tours that are available for the participants to choose from.  Post tours to other popular destinations in the countryside are especially prepared for the interested participants that they may fully explore and enjoy the many beautiful and exotic places in the country. From July Read More …

Vigan Los Angeles – Philippine officials, including Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Loren Legarda, joined the City officials of Vigan in calling on the public to vote for Vigan City as one of the New7Wonders Cities of the world. The heritage city of Vigan is the lone candidate from the Philippines vying for the spot in the New Seven Wonder Cities of the World List.  There are a total of 28 cities contending for the seven slots.  (Additional information regarding the mechanics for the online voting, as well as a brief profile of the countries nominated, panelist and the organization can be accessed through this link: www.7wonders.com/en/cities.) “Vigan reflects the Philippines rich culture and history.  As Filipinos proud of its own heritage, let us help make Vigan our very own world wonder.  This is an opportunity for us to showcase the beauty of our country, and motivate others to protect and preserve their cultural legacy so future generations will be able to appreciate and cherish it,” according to Vice President Binay. Senator Loren Legarda cited the city’s well-preserved, centuries-old structures that seemed to bring people back in time, yet its prosperity shows how the residents and the local government worked well and made good use of its autonomy. Vigan Calle Crisologo Legarda said Vigan is the only UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) world heritage city in the Philippines and was awarded the Best Practice for world heritage site management in November 2012. “The best practices that the people of Vigan have carried out to preserve Read More …

By Jason Gutierrez U.S. Marines board a KC-130J Hercules aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, to depart for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan, Nov. 11, 2013. The Marines are assigned to the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. David N. Hersey ANGELES  (AFP) – When the last US ship pulled out of the Philippines’ Subic naval base more than two decades ago, a desperate young woman’s hopes of finding her father sailed away with it. Beirut Calaguas, now 44, is among the tens of thousands of “Amerasians” fathered by US soldiers who served in the Philippines, home to the US military’s biggest overseas bases until they closed down in 1992. Like so many others, Calaguas has endured a life of discrimination and poverty, while battling the mental trauma of having been abandoned and not knowing either of her biological parents. “When the Americans left, my heart broke, I resigned my fate to never finding my father,” said the fair-skinned, brown-eyed Calaguas at her ramshackle home in a rundown suburb close to the former US bases. “I used to cry every night. It’s very difficult to feel so alone in the world, and long for a father whose face you’ve never seen.” Despite one study estimating there are as many as 250,000 Amerasians and their offspring in the Philippines, they are a largely forgotten community. Their plight, however, is gaining fresh attention with the United States Read More …