I no longer want to visit Tibet in China

In 2006, I was greatly inspired by the photos of Tibet taken by LD (2004) in travel and documentary style.
Then, I seriously put time and efforts to learn photography on my own and from good photographers around me.
The blue sky, the white clouds that seem touchable, the colorful flags, and the gold-covered Potala Palace make Tibet sounds like a heaven on earth.
You can be so close to the sky (and heaven) in Tibet.

For the new year of 2007, I told one of my best friends KS that as a traveler in my life, I want to visit 1 of 3 main destinations.
We dream and set goals, then we realize our dreams.

Do not entirely believe photographers.
They are a combination of artists, engineers, scientists and magicians.
Those who are madly in love can make mundane places look so dramatically beautiful.
A friend of mine told me that the photos of magic hours that I took look more beautiful than real scene.
The simple secret is long exposure.
To me, this is “seeing beyond seeing”.
How I wish I know the secret of “living beyond living”.
We are all on journey.

In 2011, HM – a charming girl from Sichuan whom I like, visited Tibet.
Her SLR-produced photos of Tibet appear normal to me.

In summer 2012, I firmly decide to substitute my dream to visit Tibet with a better dream – a better destination, according to my perspective.
I review the photographs by LD that inspired me. They were fresh to me because of his style of using wide-angle lens, again allowing me the possibilities of “seeing beyond seeing”.
But now I am uninspired.
So what?
What has happened to me?

I wonder if my global wandering for the past several years to multiple countries, my diligent research and reviewing on how to produce beautiful photographs that the professionals achieve, have driven myself to be so perfectionist.
Being perfectionist is tough to live, I do not mind to raise my standards of work, but I feel that we need the act of balancing.

Tibet is situated on high altitude, beyond 3000 meters (risk of altitude sickness).
Honestly, I am concerned of altitude sickness.
Health and lives are the most important.
Though I am a risk-taker, I am a calculated risk taker.
The longer one lives, the more fearful one can be.
I have always attempted to overcome my fear.
See https://blueroselady.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/how-to-overcome-fear

While we visited Zhongdian, we had our first encounter with a Tibetan. He is our tour guide. He could be funny and cruel at the same time.
He force people to pay $ to join a dinner of RMB 260 per head.
It is an expensive dinner by the standard in China.
The Shanghainese middle-aged lady sitting in front of me was not aware of the “compulsory” dinner as her tour agent did not tell her about this.
Lesson: when we travel, we have to do research, at least check the travel forum for safety precaution or “compulsory” things.
At a foreign land, we are at the mercy of the locals.
I witnessed how our Tibetan tour guide purposely elbowed her head after she refused, he forced her to call her tour agent, and he moved on to collect $ from us.
The Tibetan tour guide declared that anyone who did not pay for the dinner had to get down of the bus immediately.
He said every Tibetan tour guide will do the same thing.
OK, perhaps tour guides worldwide are in tough economic situation (due to increasing competition, economic recessions that make people less keen to travel).
Really?
For that dinner alone, the Tibetans collected
4 buses x 50 people x RMB 260 = RMB 52,000 ~= USD,8,200.
Now, I understand why our tour guide can afford to wear foreign branded sport shoes. Branded things (in particular foreign brands) are luxuries in China.

According to our Tibetan guide:
1. The Tibetans can carry knives around, including at schools.
2. The Tibetans can freely and are given money to attend schools. He once studied in Kunming and no matter he scored 100 or 0, he would graduate.
3. The Tibetans marry at the average age of 13. Our guide said he was late for marrying at the age of 14.
4. The Tibetans do not have to pay taxes.
But based on my limited observations, the Tibetans sell same products more expensive than the shops in Yunnan.

I am curious on the Tibetan medicine and spiritual teachings.
Most likely, I will learn them outside Tibet, through the perspectives of overseas Tibetans, Westerners, and Chinese.
I succeeded to learn on using chopstick in Canada, so I believe that I do not have to be physically present in Tibet in order to learn all these.

Tibetans living at high altitudes have no more oxygen in their blood than other people, they have 10 times more nitric oxide and double the forearm blood flow of low-altitude dwellers.
NO = blood vessel dilator.

Bye Tibet!

Cervical cancer vaccine

@~@
Are you getting a vaccine?
Blueroselady must go to Pap test after marriage.

@~@
From Mayo Clinic

Most cervical cancers are caused by the sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus (HPV). Widespread HPV immunization, however, could reduce the impact of cervical cancer worldwide. Here, Bobbie Gostout, M.D., an HPV infection expert and gynecologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., discusses the cervical cancer vaccine.
What does the cervical cancer vaccine do?

Various strains of HPV, which spread through sexual contact, cause most cases of cervical cancer. Two cervical cancer vaccines have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in the U.S. — Gardasil and Cervarix. Both vaccines can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if given before a girl or woman is exposed to the virus.

In addition, both can prevent most vaginal and vulvar cancer in women, and Gardasil can prevent genital warts in women and men.
Who is the cervical cancer vaccine for and when should it be given?

The cervical cancer vaccine is recommended for girls ages 11 to 12, although it may be given to girls as young as age 9. It’s important for girls to receive the vaccine before they have sexual contact and are exposed to HPV. Once a girl or woman has been infected with HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective.

In addition, Gardasil can be given to boys between ages 9 and 26 to help prevent genital warts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends catch-up immunization for girls and women ages 13 to 26 who haven’t received the vaccine or who haven’t completed the full vaccine series. The cervical cancer vaccine isn’t recommended, however, for women older than age 26.

Both vaccines are given as a series of three injections over a six-month period. The second dose is given one to two months after the first dose, and the third dose is given six months after the first dose.

The cervical cancer vaccine isn’t recommended for pregnant women or people who are moderately or severely ill. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies, including an allergy to yeast or latex.
Why are three doses of the cervical cancer vaccine needed?

Researchers don’t yet know what antibody levels provide adequate protection from HPV. In early clinical trials, researchers observed that women’s antibody levels continued to increase with each of the three doses of the vaccine. Since antibody levels inevitably fall once you stop getting a vaccine, it makes sense to start with high antibody levels and attempt to get the greatest HPV protection for the longest possible time — years or even decades.

Over time, however, researchers may find that three doses of the vaccine aren’t necessary — or that a booster shot is needed years later.
Does the cervical cancer vaccine offer benefits if you’re already sexually active?

Yes. In clinical trials, Gardasil and Cervarix were effective in groups of sexually active women age 26 or younger, some of whom had already been infected with one or more types of HPV. However, Gardasil and Cervarix only protect you from specific strains of HPV to which you haven’t been exposed. The more sexual partners you’ve had, the greater your chance of having been exposed to multiple types of HPV.

Does the cervical cancer vaccine carry any health risks or side effects?

Overall, the effects are usually mild. The most common side effects of both HPV vaccines include soreness at the injection site (the upper arm), headaches, low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms. Sometimes dizziness or fainting occurs after the injection, especially in adolescents. Remaining seated for 15 minutes after the injection can reduce the risk of fainting. In addition, Cervarix may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain.

Serious side effects — including a severe allergic response (anaphylaxis), and neurological conditions, such as paralysis, weakness and brain swelling — have been reported in a small number of women. The FDA continues to monitor all such reports. To date, however, almost all reports of such adverse side effects appear to have occurred by chance around the time of immunization. They don’t appear to have been caused by the vaccine itself.
Is the cervical cancer vaccine required for school enrollment?

The cervical cancer vaccine — either Gardasil or Cervarix — is part of the routine childhood vaccines schedule. Whether or not a vaccine becomes a school enrollment requirement is decided on a state-by-state basis.
Do women who’ve received the cervical cancer vaccine still need to have Pap tests?

Yes. The cervical cancer vaccine isn’t intended to replace Pap tests. Routine screening for cervical cancer through regular pelvic exams and Pap tests remains an essential part of a woman’s preventive health care.
What can you do to protect yourself from cervical cancer if you’re not in the recommended vaccine age group?

HPV spreads through sexual contact. To protect yourself from HPV, use a condom every time you have sex and limit your number of sexual partners. In addition, don’t smoke. Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer.

To detect cervical cancer in the earliest stages, see your health care provider for regular pelvic exams and Pap tests. Seek prompt medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer — vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause, pelvic pain, or pain during sex.

How to reduce redness from acne (pimples) scars?

Why acne (pimples)? When pores and oil glands get clogged, the result is a pimple.
When pus-filled pimples appear on the body and face, there is a chance that scarring may occur. This outcome is often helped along when an individual doesn’t properly care for their face. Picking at and squeezing infected pimples only increase the chances of suffering scars.

@~@
How to treat?
exfoliation or laser treatment. No $ 😦
When orange peels are pounded and combined with water, an effective home treatment for pimples is created. Apply to affected areas and watch the results.
Apply lemon juice to pimples to reduce their size and intensity.
tea bag after a cup of hot tea + lemon.
put a dab of toothpaste on it to help dry it out.
Honey is a great remedy for pimples and acne. It kills bacteria and leaves the skin pimple free.
Drink plenty of water and vegetable or fruit juices. Use cucumber or other fruit and vegetable packs to cure pimple scars. Maintain a diet that is rich in cottage cheese, fish and yoghurt. These help to cleanse your system and ward off pimples.
To avoid transferring bacteria and germs, clean your pillowcase, washcloths, towels, make-up brushes and applicators frequently.
To avoid pimples,wash your face with cold and hot water alternatively and note that you must end with cold water.
consult dermatologist.

I dare not try this acid treatment:
take vinegar and dilute it with water. Start of with 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar. Rub it on the red marks in the morning and evening with a cotton swab.

Wear sunscreen when you go out in the sun. This will reduce the redness that will be left from current acne.

@~@
Apr 10, 2011
A recipe:
dried chrysanthemum flowers
dried lavender flowers
干草片
boil and drink the water

I am still coughing

What are the drugs I have to consume?
ketotifen (to be more accurate: ketotifen hydrogen fumarate)
prednisolone 5 mg
codipront

Ketotifen oral form, it is used to prevent asthma attacks. Side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, irritability, and increased nosebleeds.

Prednisolone: for inflammation, swelling, allergy. a corticosteroid drug with predominantly glucocorticoid and low mineralocorticoid activity.
Possible side effects include fluid retention of the face (moon face, Cushing’s syndrome), acne, constipation, and mood swings.

Codipront: for cough, itchy throat.
Phenyltoloxamine is an antihistamine with sedative and analgesic effects. It is a member of the ethanolamine class of antihistaminergic agents and an anticholinergic.
Common adverse effects are those associated with most anticholinergics, effects are more pronounced in children and the elderly.

My cough

It takes very long years to be a doctor!
No wonder my housemate has encountered those who do not care, perhaps the years of training have worn them off.
But we encountered a kind one this evening.

My medications:
promelix syrup
serratiopeptidase

Serratiopeptidase is present in the silkworm intestine and allows the emerging moth to dissolve its cocoon.
Some alternative medicine proponents claim that serratiopeptidase is beneficial for pain and inflammation but “existing trials [have been] small and generally of poor methodological quality.
warning against ignoring safety issues with use of biological agents.
Serratiopeptidase is supposed to be particularly helpful with arthritis or other pain (inflammation).

promelix syrup: Contents
Per 5 mL Codeine phosphate 9 mg, promethazine HCl 3.6 mg
Category C: Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Codeine phosphate is a type of medicine called an opioid. Codeine is a mild painkiller, but also has cough suppressant and anti-diarrhoeal actions.

In treating pain, codeine works by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors. Codeine mimicks the action of natural endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.

In treating cough, codeine works by reducing the nerve signals sent from a part of the brain called the coughing centre to the muscles that produce coughing. Coughing is a reflex response to irritation of the airways. It is useful for clearing mucus, dust and other particles from the throat and lungs. It is important because it reduces the amount of mucus, dust and bacteria in the airways that would otherwise make breathing difficult. However, sometimes, coughing can become overstimulated even when there is no mucus to clear from the lungs or throat. In this situation coughing serves no purpose and can become painful and frustrating. Codeine phosphate can be used to block the cough reflex in situations where the cough serves no purpose, ie when no plegm is being coughed up.

Superbug killer product from bacteriophages

superbug MRSA = Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureaus.
bacteriophage = virus.
StaphTAME = P128 protein = a key protein from bacteriophage.
When the phage, the virus that kills bacteria, first interact with a bacterial cell, they damage the cell wall in order to insert their genetic material.
Company: GangaGen
Personnels: Janakiraman Ramachandran
Reference: http://www.biospectrumasia.com/content/170810ind13508.asp

Acid Reflux

WHAT IS ACID REFLUX?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), gastric reflux disease, or acid reflux disease is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of stomach acid to the esophagus. A typical symptom is heartburn.

My doctor gave me Omeprazole 20 mg
WHAT IS OMEPRAZOLE? It it a proton pump inhibitor, functions to reduce gastric acid secretion.
It was first marketed in the US in 1989 by AstraZeneca under the brand names Losec and Prilosec, and is now also available from generic manufacturers under various brand names.
Omeprazole is a racemate. It contains a tricoordinated sulfur atom in a pyramidal structure and therefore can exist in equal amounts of both the S and R enantiomers. In the acidic conditions of the stomach, both are converted to achiral products, which reacts with a cysteine group in H+/K+ ATPase, thereby inhibiting the ability of the parietal cells to produce gastric acid.
Some of the most frequent side effects of omeprazole (experienced by over 1% of those taking the drug) are headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, trouble awakening and sleep deprivation, although in clinical trials the incidence of these effects with omeprazole was mostly comparable to that found with placebo.

DIET WATCH-OUT:

Acidic fruit or juice, fatty foods, pretzels, coffee, tea, onions, peppermint, chocolate, or highly spiced foods are to be avoided, especially shortly before bedtime.
While there are clearly other health-related benefits associated with dietary interventions, a zealous recommendation for dietary restrictions is not evidence-based, and there is stronger support for reducing the symptoms of acid reflux found in behavioral changes such as eating less and elevating one’s head while sleeping.
Eating within 2–3 hours before bedtime may exacerbate the symptoms of GERD.
Having smaller, more frequent meals reduces GERD risk, as it means there is less food in the stomach at any one time.
Milk and milk-based products containing calcium and fat, within 2 hours of bedtime, may exacerbate the symptoms of GERD.

From: http://www.healthcastle.com/acid_reflux.shtml
Myth 1: Drink milk
A lot of people try drinking milk to ease acid reflux before sleep. But often, milk ends up causing acid reflux during sleep. To understand the whole situation, we have to realize that the problem roots from eating too much at dinner time. Eating a big meal at dinner causes excess stomach acid production. Drinking milk could be a quick fix to the acid reflux problem. Unfortunately, milk has a rebound action and would eventually encourage secretion of more stomach acid, which causes the acid reflux. To solve the problem, try adjusting your diet by eating a small meal at dinner and have a small snack such as crackers before sleep.

Myth 2: Avoid coffee, citrus fruits and Spicy food
We have been told for years that coffee, acidic fruit as well as spicy foods can aggravate acid reflux. Therefore, we should avoid these in our daily diet in order to reduce acid reflux. A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in May 2006 showed that none of these myths hold true. Researchers from the Stanford University found that the only two behavioral changes can reduce symptoms of acid reflux – eating less and elevate your head while sleeping.

* First of all, try to eat small, frequent meals instead of three big meals a day. Small amounts of food each time would exert less workload on the stomach and therefore requires less acid secretion for digestion. Make sure to include foods that are high in complex carbohydrates in each meal. These foods, such as rice, breads and pasta, are able to tie up excess stomach acid and are often easy on the stomach.
* Avoid high-fat meals such as those from the fast food chains. High fat foods will remain in the stomach longer, thus causing the need for more stomach acid in order to digest them.
* But remember, don’t overeat! Eating too much of any foods will stimulate the stomach to secret more acids for digestion.
* Avoid or limit alcohol.
* Maintain upright position during and at least 45 minutes after eating.
* Try elevating the head of bed six to eight inches when lying down.

Don’t think that beverages just quickly flow through your stomach without affecting acid production. Surprisingly, a lot of beverages stimulate acid secretion such as beer, wine and pop. The worst of all is beer. It could double your stomach acid within an hour.

Sore throat-Flu-cough with phleghm

Many viral syndromes start with a sore throat or cold symptoms, often followed by a cough. It’s not technically “flu,” or influenza. True influenza is caused by influenza viruses. Certain drugs will make it less severe or may prevent your getting it.

What to do when you’re definitely sick?
1. The first thing is to beware overuse of cough and cold remedies!
2. Get plenty of fluids
3. A humidifier is very helpful, especially with a heating system that dries out the air. Since you’re often breathing through your mouth when sleeping with a stuffy nose, your lungs get even drier

What is your phlegm color? If it’s clear, white, or pale, the infection may still be viral, and antibiotics may not be necessary. If it’s yellow, green, brown, or bloody, or if you are having fevers, chills, chest pains, or have other health problems, you might need antibiotics.

Watch for high fevers not responsive to aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetominophen; shortness of breath; coughing up blood; or painful breathing.

Natural remedies for cough:
1. Licorise root
2. Garlic and honey
3. Aloe and honey
4. Ginger cayenne tea

Aloe and honey is to fight dry cough. Consult a doctor if you are taking any of the following as there are possible interactions with aloe: Antidiabetic Medications, Digoxin and Diuretics.

Garlic and honey
Method
* If you are averse to strong garlic, simmer the garlic until soft
* Muddle one clove garlic with one tbsp honey
* Stir in one tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
* Consume

Why garlic works
The combination of garlic and acidic vinegar or lemon juice really opens up sinus passages and, along with the honey, breaks up phlegm. Garlic and honey are also loaded with vitamins and have antiseptic properties.

How to cure sore throat using natural remedies?

I have tried: (1) vinegar (2) lemon + honey. I need to sleep earlier and worry less. God has plan for me, God loves me.

P.S. I kept the lemon skin as air-refresher in our room. You could try it too!

A sore throat is an infection that can be either viral or bacterial. It is most commonly caused by a contagious viral infection (such as the flu, cold or mononucleosis), although more serious throat infections can be caused by a bacterial infection (such as strep, mycoplasma or hemophilus). Bacterial sore throats respond well to antibiotics while viral infections do not. For viral infections, there are many natural remedies that you can take to cure a sore throat. Some of these folk remedies work within an hour or two, others take effect overnight.

Hot Tea for sore throat:
1/2 large lemon
dash powdered cayenne
dash powdered ginger
1 tsp. manuka honey

2 cups before bed took away my sore throat completely. I’ve tried this in the past but never with so much lemon. I enjoy sour and this was almost too much for me but did the trick amazingly well. I knew it was working from the pleasant burn during and after drinking it.

02/15/2008: Stacy from Delhi, california writes
easy steps to get rid of your sore throat. this really works!!!
rub vicks vapor rub on your neck and wear a scarf.
drink hot tea with lemon and honey.
get lots of sleep
rest your voice
to keep you distracted from going out watch tv
take hot showers the steam helps

10/06/2006: Anj from London, UK writes: “Equal amount of lemon juice/ fresh ginger juice/ honey/ fresh onion juice mix everything together have a tablespoonful every hour for two to three days. This cures a cold/ cough/ sore throat. Mum used to keep a bottleful in the freeze and you had to make an effort do drink about six to eight times a day, has a nice taste. People who don’t like onions can make it without.

Apple cider vinegar. This is a popular folk remedy, and doctors suggest it has some basis in fact: the acidity of the vinegar should kill sore-throat-causing bacteria on contact. To use this remedy, mix a teaspoon to two tablespoons (as strong as you can take) of vinegar in with water. Gargle and then swallow two times every hour. Remember to rise your mouth with water after gargling to prevent the acidity in the vinegar from damaging your tooth enamel.

Honey is often used as an additive to help soothe the throat. Try it with a spoonful of lemon juice, in hot chamomile or lemon herb tea, or mixed in with the hot apple cider vinegar remedy.

Licorice. For this cure, you’ll be using a real licorice twig–not a candy licorice stick. Peel the skin from the stick, then suck or chew it. The herb should soothe your sore throat over time.

Soy sauce and lime. This is a Javanese cure that’s a different take on the honey and lemon cure. Combine the juice of one lime with a teaspoon to a tablespoon of soy sauce, and drink it. Those who recommend this cure say that it should take only a spoonful of the mixture to cure a mild sore throat.

Rashes again

So far, my only solution is applying wet powder to my skin to stop the itchiness.

I had severe rashes in summer 2008.
Terms: Rashes / uticaria / hives.
4 tubes of blood were extracted by doctor for examination: white blood count, inflammation, kidney liver check, bacterial infection at throat
I also took a steroid immunosuppressant drug.
Allantoin powder helps.

I am looking for the list of medicines that I took in summer 2008. Where is it?

@~@
I wrote this below on July 28, 2008:

The conception that antibodies, which should protect against disease, are also responsible for disease, sounds at first absurd. Clemens von Pirquet (1906)

Now my protectors have decided to go against me. Consequently, I got to go A. Hospital (it’s the 2nd time within these 2 months), got to take sedative sleeping anti-H in the midst of exam and dues.

It is thought that my another Godparent, immunosuppressors such as Il-10 and TGF-\beta do not fully develop or are lost as living standards advance. Genetically predisposed souls like me develop TH2-responses to normally-harmless environmental allergens, or perhaps from strawberries …oh berry. Beautiful sweet little things can be dangerous.