I'm O+

I'm positive, I'm O+

I missed writing a blog post as much as I missed drinking a cup of coffee while doing this. It's been a week or so after that attempt of mine to donate blood. Donating blood here is like every elsewhere (legitimate, of course), you need to pass different screening steps before you're given the clearance to donate blood. I passed the first three-fourths of this process only to find out that I can't donate, at least that time.


Reminiscing, I was busy that time preparing the medications that I needed to give to the patients that I handle. On the way to make the usual requisition before getting the RIGHT drug at the pharmacy, my attention was caught by a certain doctor, "doktora" to be exact. She asked me if I can donate blood for one of the patients who needed several packs of platelet concentrate. It was then that I realized that she is actually referring to one of the patients that I handle whose platelet levels are much lower than the normal range.


At one moment, I thought she was just kidding. I mean, how can you ask for a person to donate blood without asking his/ her blood type first? It's like borrowing a gun without even  exerting an effort to know if it has bullets. Good thing that this question bubble that I've had in my mind was popped by the coincidence that the patient (they should actually be referred to as "clients" according to one of my past mentors) was actually blood type O and Rh-positive too (Rhesus factor). There's one big problem though, I'm not really sure about my blood type since my first and last time to be tested was like 2 years before that time. Remembering that it was only done by an MT student made it even harder for me to decide. 


I don't want to add any additional burden, financial to be exact, to the patient. I know that if I consent to be screened, the patient will have to pay for the procedures to be done to me and the blood itself that I will donate, like what's usually happening here in cases when certain blood components aren't available in nearby blood banks. The outcome, which is the possibility that I can help save the life of the patient, outweighed the aformentioned burden though. With 3 of my colleauges going with me through the process, I said "yes." Then, blood sample for CBC (Complete Blood Count) and blood typing was collected, vital signs were assessed and many questions were asked. Blood type, compatible! Rh type, compatible! Things are going satisfactorily, until... 

Hamster Accessories and Toys (Part IV)

Hamster Accessories and Toys

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Hamster Accessories and Toys (Part IV)

·                     Recommended Hamster Supplies

·                     Hamster Accessories

1.                  Exercise wheel

2.                  Exercise ball

3.                  Gnawing Toys

4.                  Other Toys

5.                  Harness

6.                  Special insecticide

7.                  Bathing supplies

·                     Playtime

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Recommended Hamster Supplies (9)

Hamsters need a water bottle, a dry food dispenser and a dish for treats. For their bed choose from plastic, wood, or grass houses and/or a hammock or sleeping bag. They need an exercise wheel, and also enjoy tubes, climbing toys such as ladders, ropes, and branches, and chew toys. (6)

Hamster Accessories (17)

1. Exercise wheel

The exercise wheel is not a luxury item but a NECCESITY for the hamster. Hamsters are naturally active and a lack of exercise might result in paralysis, where an afflicted hamster will spend most of its time hunched over, often unable to raise its head. (16)

There are many kinds of exercise wheels available in the market today. Metal/wire wheels provide a strong base but rust easily if the hamster chews on them. They are prone to squeaking when a hamster runs on them but this can be easily remedied by rubbing some Vaseline or vegetable oil on the joints of the wheel. Similarly, a plastic wheel can be easily chewed away. Wheels with bars should be avoided as a hamster's feet might get caught in them. Opt for a gnaw-proof plastic base wheel instead. Electronic wheels that record the distance your hamster runs daily should be avoided if your hamster have a tendency to urinate on the wheel. (16)

2. Exercise ball

The exercise ball allows your hamster to run all over your room without you having to worry that it might get lost or be attacked by other animals. It is also ideal when you wash the cage, for putting the hamster in the ball makes its wait more fun and bearable. (16)

To avoid exhaustion and dehydration, you should not put your pet in the ball for more than 20 minutes. Urine and droppings can penetrate the holes in the ball designed for air circulation, so you should supervise the area that your hamster runs on. In addition, make sure that the hamster does not roll the ball near stairways, deep holes, and other dangerous obstacles in the house. (16)

For added value, get an exercise ball that can be used both inside and outside the cage. (comes with a stand) (16)

3. Gnawing Toys

Gnawing toys satisfies your hamster need to gnaw and your pet will be less inclined to gnaw on other objects in the cage such as the water bottle or its toys. As a hamster's incisors are always growing, gnawing helps to keep their teeth trim and sharp. There are many kinds of