8/9/17

The Acid Rain Conundrum

In our houses, we use countless cleaning supplies to make our home feel and look as clean as possible. From Baygon, for killing insects, and to Pledge, for removing dusts. We use these items daily in our houses without regard to their possible adverse effects not only to ourselves but also to the environment and one of the household products that has adverse effects to our environment would be the “magical” cleaning material, Bleach. 

Bleach, also known as Sodium Hypochlorite, is a household product with a chemical equation of NaOCl + H2O -> HOCl + NaOH. This household product has large-scale uses since it not only removes stains and dirt, but it also disinfects surfaces, and it keeps the Ph in certain areas levelled. 

But how exactly is bleach created? Bleach is made when a direct electrical current is sent through a sodium chloride solution creating the split of atoms leaving chlorine and caustic soda or lye. Individually, these two chemicals are already extremely dangerous. These two chemicals then reacted together  to create bleach or sodium hypochlorite. 

In the reaction given above, bleach produces a gas or fume which is not just hazardous for the environment but for also us humans. Based on an article from the website, LiveStrong, bleach has three main effects on the environment. First, it has adverse effects on our water systems. For when it is released to our water systems, chlorine reacts with different minerals in the water forming dangerous toxins. Second, it has massive impact on wildlife populations. For the by-products of bleach is persistent and the toxic materials would just accumulate over time in soil and water thus letting organisms consume affected resources which would affect the whole food chain. Finally, it greatly affects our air. For bleach produces fumes that contribute to air pollution, of which is one of the causes of acid rain. 

With that said, bleach affects acid rain by contributing to the creation of air pollution that then reacts with the water in the atmosphere in therefore creating acid rain, which has a lot of negative effects to our environment.

Acid rain, particularly, affects aquatic life because it increases the pH level in our water systems wherein aquatic animals grow thus creating an environment that is toxic for our aquatic organisms. Acid rain, also, according to Marshall Cavendish Education Chemistry Matters 2nd Edition, eats away marble and limestone. An example of this was when the Statue of Liberty became badly corroded, due to its exposure to acid rain, which then caused the American Government in 1983 to launch a campaign to restore this figure. Other than that, acid rain also affects the growth of plants since it causes the release of substances that are toxic to trees and other plants, such as aluminium, into the soil and it also dissolves the nutrients and helpful minerals within the soil and then washes them away before trees and other plants can use them to grow. 

Frequent exposure and occurrence of acid rain would only worsen the scenarios stated above and unfortunately chances of acid rain does get higher every time La Niña, a phenomenon wherein the Trade Winds are stronger and thus creates a cooler than average temperature which results in an increase in rainfall, occurs since increase in chances rainfall means increase in chances of acid rain precipitation which means worsening of acid rain’s adverse effects. 

Acid rain of course is not an impossible problem to solve. It can be lessened and even stopped if we were to act on it. There are many ways to limit or reduce the effects of acid rain. First, would be to limit the usage of bleach at home and just increase the usage of alternative cleaning materials such as baking soda and vinegar. Another way would be the usage of catalytic converters, a machine that converts harmful pollutants into harmless substances via redox reactions, and Flue-Gas Desulfurization, a set of technologies that removes sulphur dioxide from the final product of the reaction by reacting the polluted air with the calcium carbonate creating a gas mainly made of carbon dioxide and air, for large scale removal of pollutants which are the main factors of acid rain. Reducing fossil fuel emissions would also highly help in lessening the creation of acid rain. 

As the residents of our planet, we have a duty to take care of environment and the other living organisms in it. If we do not take care of it, then we would be the cause of our own destruction. Our planet is already experiencing a lot of problems and negative changes. Acid rain is just one of them. Reducing acid rain is just one of the steps to help our planet and all of us should partake in it. 

The Female Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System

I. The Functions of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system provides us several functions that are essential for the female body or reproducing. 
o Produces the female egg cells in the ovaries called ova or oocytes.
o Provides a fertilization site for the sperm.
o Produces female sex hormones that maintain the reproductive cycle.
o Produces female sex hormones called estrogen for puberty to occur.

II. The Structures of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is divided into two parts, the internal structures and the external structures.
The internal organs of the female reproductive system are all located in the lower third of the abdomen. The ovaries store and release eggs, which pass along the fallopian tubes into the uterus. The vagina connects the uterus to the outside of the body. 
The visible external organs are collectively known as the vulva and consist of the sexually sensitive clitoris surrounded by folds of skin called the labia, which protect the entrances to the vagina and the urethra. Inside the entrance to the vagina lie the two Bartholin’s glands, which secrete a fluid that contributes to lubrication during intercourse.

III. The Functions of Each Part of the Female Reproductive System
The function of the external female reproductive structures (the genitals) is twofold: To enable sperm to enter the body and to protect the internal genital organs from infectious organisms.

The main external structures of the female reproductive system include:

Labia majora: The labia majora enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs. Literally translated as "large lips," the labia majora are relatively large and fleshy, and are comparable to the scrotum in males. The labia majora contain sweat and oil-secreting glands. After puberty, the labia majora are covered with hair.

Labia minora: Literally translated as "small lips," the labia minora can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. They lie just inside the labia majora, and surround the openings to the vagina (the canal that joins the lower part of the uterus to the outside of the body) and urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body).

Bartholin's glands: These glands are located beside the vaginal opening and produce a fluid (mucus) secretion.

Clitoris: The two labia minora meet at the clitoris, a small, sensitive protrusion that is comparable to the penis in males. The clitoris is covered by a fold of skin, called the prepuce, which is similar to the foreskin at the end of the penis. Like the penis, the clitoris is very sensitive to stimulation and can become erect.

While the main internal structures of the female reproductive system include:

Vagina: The vagina is a canal that joins the cervix (the lower part of uterus) to the outside of the body. It also is known as the birth canal.

Uterus (Womb): The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that is the home to a developing fetus. The uterus is divided into two parts: the cervix, which is the lower part that opens into the vagina, and the main body of the uterus, called the corpus. The corpus can easily expand to hold a developing baby. A channel through the cervix allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit.

Ovaries: The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands that are located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones.

Fallopian tubes: These are narrow tubes that are attached to the upper part of the uterus and serve as tunnels for the ova (egg cells) to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Conception, the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then moves to the uterus, where it implants into the lining of the uterine wall.


Physiology of the Female Reproductive System

I. The Menstrual Cycle
Females of reproductive age (beginning anywhere from 11-16 years of age) experience cycles of hormonal activity that repeat at about one-month intervals. Menstru means "monthly"; hence the term menstrual cycle. With every cycle, a woman’s body prepares for a potential pregnancy, whether or not that is the woman’s intention. The term menstruation refers to the periodic shedding of the uterine lining.

It all starts with your endocrine glands because they produce the hormones that determine when you get your period, the amount of menstrual flow and what happens to your reproductive organs. The area of the brain called the hypothalamus connects your nervous and endocrine system by way of the pituitary gland, which also is in the brain, and controls the hormones necessary for reproductive health and your period.

The menstrual cycle is a hormonal driven cycle; day 1 is the first day of your period (bleeding) while day 14 is the approximate day you ovulate and if an egg is not fertilized, hormone levels eventually drop and at about day 25; the egg begins to dissolve and the cycle begins again with the period at about day 30.

When periods (menstruations) come regularly, this is called the menstrual cycle. Having regular menstrual cycles is a sign that important parts of your body are working normally. The menstrual cycle provides important body chemicals, called hormones, to keep you healthy. It also prepares your body for pregnancy each month. A cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next period. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long. Cycles can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days in adults and from 21 to 45 days in young teens.

In the first half of the cycle, levels of estrogen (the "female hormone") start to rise. Estrogen plays an important role in keeping you healthy, especially by helping you to build strong bones and to help keep them strong as you get older. Estrogen also makes the lining of the uterus (womb) grow and thicken. This lining of the womb is a place that will nourish the embryo if a pregnancy occurs. At the same time the lining of the womb is growing, an egg, or ovum, in one of the ovaries starts to mature. At about day 14 of an average 28-day cycle, the egg leaves the ovary. This is called ovulation.

After the egg has left the ovary, it travels through the Fallopian tube to the uterus. Hormone levels rise and help prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy. A woman is most likely to get pregnant during the 3 days before or on the day of ovulation. Keep in mind, women with cycles that are shorter or longer than average may ovulate before or after day 14. A woman becomes pregnant if the egg is fertilized by a man's sperm cell and attaches to the uterine wall. If the egg is not fertilized, it will break apart. Then, hormone levels drop, and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed during the menstrual period.

Menstrual Cycle: Day by Day
o Day 1 starts with the first day of your period. This occurs after hormone levels drop at the end of the previous cycle, signalling blood and tissues lining the uterus (womb) to break down and shed from the body. Bleeding lasts about 5 days.
o Usually by Day 7, bleeding has stopped. Leading up to this time, hormones cause fluid-filled pockets called follicles to develop on the ovaries. Each follicle contains an egg.
o Between Day 7 and 14, one follicle will continue to develop and reach maturity. The lining of the uterus starts to thicken, waiting for a fertilized egg to implant there. The lining is rich in blood and nutrients.
o Around Day 14 (in a 28-day cycle), hormones cause the mature follicle to burst and release an egg from the ovary, a process called ovulation.
o Over the next few days, the egg travels down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. If a sperm unites with the egg here, the fertilized egg will continue down the fallopian tube and attach to the lining of the uterus.
o If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels will drop around Day 25. This signals the next menstrual cycle to begin. The egg will break apart and be shed with the next period.

II. Hormones 
The female reproductive system includes five hormones that are responsible for the development and function of the female reproductive system.

Estrogen
o Estrogen plays a role in the development of secondary sex characteristics. These characteristics appear during puberty. Estrogen helps regulate the menstrual cycle. It promotes rapid growth of cell in the lining of the uterus for preparation for pregnancy.
o There are three types of estrogens: Estradiol, Estriol and Estrone. Estradiol is almost always present in the female reproductive body, responsible for breast development and fat distribution to breasts, hips and legs. Estriol is abundant during pregnancy. Estrone is the least abundant estrogen among the three.
o Estrogen also has non-reproductive functions such as abnormal blood clotting prevention and helps retain calcium in bones to keep them strong.

Progesterone
o Progesterone keeps the uterine lining healthy during pregnancy. It also encourages the growth of milk-producing glands. 

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GRH)
o The GRH initiates the monthly hormonal changes and development of a mature egg. It also stimulates the production of FSH and LH.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
o The FSH controls the first half of the menstrual cycle. It is responsible for the stimulation of estrogen and progesterone production during the menstrual cycle. 

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
o The luteinizing hormone controls the second half of the menstrual cycle. It also controls the production of eggs and the menstrual cycle although, it’s difference with the FSH is that the FSH has control over the development of primary sex organs while the LH has no role in the development of primary sex organs. 


III. Phases of Menstruation-Follicular, Luteal, and Ovulatory Phase
The day count for menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation when blood starts to come out of the vagina. In this section, the length of menstrual cycle has been assumed to be 28 days (which is the average among women). The entire duration of a menstrual cycle can be divided into four main phases:

1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1 – 5)
The menstrual phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts till the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. The following events occur during this phase:
o Two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are released from the brain and travel in the blood to the ovaries. 
o The hormones stimulate the growth of about 15-20 eggs in the ovaries, each in its own "shell," called a follicle. 
o These hormones (FSH and LH) also trigger an increase in the production of the female hormone estrogen. 
o As estrogen levels rise, like a switch, it turns off the production of follicle stimulating hormone. This careful balance of hormones allows the body to limit the number of follicles that will prepare eggs to be released. 
o As the follicular phase progresses, one follicle in one ovary becomes dominant and continues to mature. This dominant follicle suppresses all of the other follicles in the group. As a result, they stop growing and die. The dominant follicle continues to produce estrogen. 
o The uterus sheds its inner lining of soft tissue and blood vessels which then exits the body from the vagina in the form of menstrual fluid. o Blood loss of 10 ml to 80 ml is considered normal.
o Abdominal cramps, which are caused by the contraction of the uterine and the abdominal muscles to expel the menstrual fluid, also occur.

2. Follicular Phase (Day 1 – 13)
This phase also begins on the first day of menstruation, but it lasts till the thirteenth day of the menstrual cycle. The following events occur during this phase:
o Two hormones, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are released from the brain and travel in the blood to the ovaries. 
o The hormones stimulate the growth of about 15-20 eggs in the ovaries, each in its own "shell," called a follicle. 
o These hormones (FSH and LH) also trigger an increase in the production of the female hormone estrogen. 
o While the egg cell matures, its follicles secretes a hormone that stimulates the uterus to develop a lining of blood vessels and soft tissue called endometrium.
o As estrogen levels rise, like a switch, it turns off the production of follicle-stimulating hormone. This careful balance of hormones allows the body to limit the number of follicles that will prepare eggs to be released.
 o As the follicular phase progresses, one follicle in one ovary becomes dominant and continues to mature. This dominant follicle suppresses all of the other follicles in the group. As a result, they stop growing and die. The dominant follicle continues to produce estrogen. 

3.    Ovulation Phase (Day 14)
The ovulatory phase, or ovulation, starts about 14 days after the follicular phase started. The ovulatory phase is the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, with the next menstrual period starting about 2 weeks later. During this phase, the following events occur:
o The rise in estrogen from the dominant follicle triggers a surge in the amount of luteinizing hormone that is produced by the brain.
 o This causes the dominant follicle to release its egg from the ovary.  o As the egg is released (a process called ovulation) it is captured by finger-like projections on the end of the fallopian tubes (fimbriae). The fimbriae sweep the egg into the tube. 
o Also during this phase, there is an increase in the amount and thickness of mucus produced by the cervix (lower part of the uterus.) If a woman were to have intercourse during this time, the thick mucus captures the man's sperm, nourishes it, and helps it to move towards the egg for fertilization. 

4.     Luteal Phase (Day 15 – 28)
This phase begins on the fifteenth day and lasts till the end of the cycle. The following events occur during this phase: 
o Once it releases its egg, the empty ovarian follicle develops into a new structure called the corpus luteum. 
o The corpus luteum secretes the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterus for a fertilized egg to implant. 
o If intercourse has taken place and a man's sperm has fertilized the egg (a process called conception), the fertilized egg (embryo) will travel through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterus. The woman is now considered pregnant. 
o If the egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates. The hormone that causes the uterus to retain its endometrium gets used up by the end of the menstrual cycle. This then causes the menstrual phase of the next cycle to begin.


Extra Info about the Female Reproductive System
I. Female Breast Anatomy
The breast is the tissue overlying the chest (pectoral) muscles. Women's breasts are made of specialized tissue that produces milk (glandular tissue) as well as fatty tissue. The amount of fat determines the size of the breast.
The milk-producing part of the breast is organized into 15 to 20 sections, called lobes. Within each lobe are smaller structures, called lobules, where milk is produced. The milk travels through a network of tiny tubes called ducts. The ducts connect and come together into larger ducts, which eventually exit the skin in the nipple. The dark area of skin surrounding the nipple is called the areola.
Connective tissue and ligaments provide support to the breast and give it its shape. Nerves provide sensation to the breast. The breast also contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, and lymph nodes.

II. Breast Development (Tanner Scale)
A breast development of a woman happens in different stages of her life. A human female's breasts develop long before they start to nurse it to their child since this is a vital part of reproduction for humans. Girls follow a defined path to maturity and that path covers a wide range of physical maturity. A wide range of physical maturity could be resulted from genetics, nutrition and other environmental factors, activity levels, stress, additives and other foods. 

Tanner Scale of Breast Development
The Tanner scale is a scale of physical development that states the different physical measurements in adolescents based on secondary sex characteristics; such as: size of the breasts, genitalia, development of pubic and axillary hair and etc.

1. Prepubertal (Approx. 8 – 11 years old)
- Breast development starts in the prepubertal stage. Here, the hypothalamus notifies the pituitary to begin balancing the puberty process. This is also when ovaries start to enlarge internally and girls start to have their period.
10

2. Breast bud stage with elevation of breast and papilla; enlargement of Aureoles (Approx. 8 – 14 years old) 
- This stage makes the first sign of puberty be physically visible through the further development of the breast. Height and weight also grows same as with the pubic hair.

3. Further enlargement of breast and Aureoles; no separation of their contour (Approx. 9 – 15 years old)
- This stage focuses more on the continuation of the height and weight growth from puberty. Although visible signs are not very much present, hormonal changes internally are being made.

4. Aureoles and papilla form a secondary mound above level of breast (Approx. 10 – 16 years old)
- Stage 4 is when the girl’s menstrual cycle begins along with ovulation. Ovulation does not work the same way to those in the early stages of puberty. Aureoles start to darken and separate into a second mound above the rest of the breast and pubic hairs extend to a more adult triangular pattern.

5. Mature stage: projection of papilla only, related to recession of Aureoles (Approx 12 – 19 years old)
- Stage 5 is when full height is reached, young women are ovulating already, pubic hair is filled and when breasts are fully developed.


III. Benefits of Breast Feeding
Breast milk is milk from a woman’s breast. It is made of nutrients in the mother’s bloodstream and bodily stores. It has an optimal balance of fat sugar, water, and protein that is needed for a baby’s growth and development. Aside from that, it also has longchain polyunsaturated fatty acids which help with normal retinal and neural development.

The act of feeding a baby using breast milk is called breastfeeding, also known as nursing. Breastfeeding begins within the first hour of a baby’s life and continues as often as much as the baby wants. This usually lasts 10 – 15 minutes for each breast. 
Many health organizations, including the American Academy of Paediatrics, the World Health Organization, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, highly recommend breastfeeding since it has a lot of health benefits, which infant formula lacks, not only to the baby but also to the mother. With that said, the following are some of the benefits of breastfeeding.

Benefits of Breastfeeding to the Mother
1. Better healing post-delivery o Breastfeeding releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size and may reduce uterine bleeding after birth.

2. Helps in weight loss o Nursing burns extra calories, therefore helping the mother lose pregnancy weight much faster.   3. Delayed return of menstruation and fertility o Breastfeeding causes the release of prolactin, which keeps estrogen and progesterone at bay so ovulation isn’t triggered. 

4. Prevention of postpartum depression o Nursing aids maternal physical and emotional heath. Mothers who breastfeed are less likely to obtain postpartum depression.

5. Mothers who breastfeed have lower risks of breast and ovarian cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis o Breastfeeding can lower the risk premenopausal breast and ovarian cancer. Also, nursing lowers the risk of osteoporosis because a woman’s body absorbs calcium much more efficiently when she is lactating.


Benefits of Breastfeeding to the Baby
 1. Babies who are breastfed are more likely to gain the right amount of weight as they grow. o The average breastfed baby doubles its birth weight in 5 to 6 months. Breastfed babies tend to be leaner than formula-fed babies, which improves the former’s long run health. 

2. Breastfeeding is linked to higher IQ scores in later childhood. o Studies conclude that breastfeeding is associated to increased cognitive development in childhood. 

3. Less hospital trips o Breast milk contains antibodies that would help the baby fight off viruses and bacteria. 

4. Breastfed babies have lower risks of allergies, asthma, childhood leukemia, childhood obesity, diarrhea and vomiting, ear infections, eczema (atopic dermatitis), Iliac disease, necrotizing enterocolitis, sudden infant death syndrome (SID), type 1 and type 2 diabetes o Breastfeeding triggers biochemical reactions which allows for the enzymes, hormones, growth factors, and immunologic substances to effectively defend against infectious diseases for the infant.


References
Goldstein, S. (n.d.). Progesterone. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from http://www.healthywomen.org/condition/progesterone.
Kindersley, D. (2010). Structure: female reproductive system. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://www.aviva.co.uk/health-insurance/home-of-health/medicalcentre/medical-encyclopedia/entry/structure-female-reproductive-system/.
Lucia, C. (n.d.). 20 breastfeeding benefits for mom and baby. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from http://www.fitpregnancy.com/baby/breastfeeding/20-breastfeeding-benefitsmom-baby. 
Major Differences. (n.d.). Difference between fsh and lh. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from http://www.majordifferences.com/2014/04/difference-between-fsh-andlh.html#.WHYPovl97IU.
Menstrupedia. (n.d.). Phases of menstrual cycle. Retrieved January 14, 2017, from https://menstrupedia.com/articles/physiology/cycle-phases.
Norstrom, O. (2011). Progesterone deficiency symptoms. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/84741-progesterone-deficiency-symptoms/.
Tanner, J. (n.d.). Puberty and the Tanner stages. Retrieved January 14, 2017, from http://www.childgrowthfoundation.org/CMS/FILES/Puberty_and_the_Tanner_Stages.pdf
The Female Reproductive System. (2013). The female reproductive system. Retrieved January 10, 2017, from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/the-femalereproductive-system.
WebMD. (n.d.). Estrogens. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/women/estrogens#2.
WebMD. (n.d.). Breastfeeding overview. Retrieved January 11, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/nursing-basics#1-3.
WebMD. (n.d.). Normal menstrual cycle – normal menstrual cycle. January 14, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/normal-menstrual-cycle-normal-menstrual-cycle.
WebMD. (n.d.). Picture of the breasts. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-breasts#1.
WebMD. (n.d.). Your guide to the female reproductive system. Retrieved January 14, 2017, from http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/your-guide-femalereproductive-system.

Barangay Ordinance Project


BARANGAY ORDINANCE NO. BO-002: S-2017


INTRODUCED BY ALL PHILHEALTH BOARD MEMBERS


AN ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING THE “SPECIAL CASE BANK” POLICY FOR ALL PHILHEALTH CARDHOLDERS.

WHEREAS, there is a demand for better healthcare assistance in the Philippines and PhilHealth, being the main corporation in charge of the health insurance of Filipinos, has the responsibility to meet this demand.

WHEREAS, all PhilHealth Board Members acknowledge the fact that the current benefits being received by PhilHealth cardholders are not sufficient enough to completely meet the needs of the cardholders and their dependent, especially during special cases such as cancer, stroke, and etc.

WHEREAS, this policy can be extremely beneficial to PhilHealth cardholders since the Special Case Bank gives cardholders a source of funds when the main money in their account is not enough.

WHEREAS, the Special Case Bank will be helpful in the keeping, managing, and raising the deposited money of its cardholders.

WHEREAS, the money that the cardholders will deposit in their Special Case Bank account will be strictly used only for surgery, therapies, and terminal cases.

NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY OF , IN BODY ASSEMBLED:

SECTION1. TITLE: This ordinance shall be known as the “SPECIAL CASE BANK ORDINANCE OF PHILHEALTH CARDHOLDERS”.

SECTION2. SCOPE AND APPLICATION: This ordinance shall apply to every member of the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines who is currently a PhilHealth cardholder.

SECTION3. DEFINITION OF TERMS: The terms below shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section. Any words or terms not defined shall be given their plain and customary meaning.

* Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) refers to the corporation who is in charge of the health insurance of the Filipinos who availed the program.

* Cardholder refers to any person who applied for a PhilHealth account, regardless if it’s personal or part of the benefits they’ll receive as an employee.

* Dependents refer to the people stated by the cardholder who can avail the money insured in the cardholder’s account when necessary.

* Contribution refers to the amount of money the cardholder gives to the company monthly, quarterly, or annually that will be insured under his/her account

* Health concerns refer to any serious health problem that may be a threat to the life of the person, such as cancer, and any procedure to treat the said problem, such as therapies and surgeries.

* Health Maintenance Organization refers to a plan where you partner with a primary physician who will recommend you to other doctors or hospitals when necessary

SECTION4. IMPLEMENTING BODY: The Philippine Health Insurance Company
(PhilHealth), in coordination of a bank and hospitals, shall implement and enforce the said ordinance.

SECTION5. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS:

In addition to the powers and function provided by the law, the PhilHealth Inc. shall have the following powers and functions to wit;

1. To receive, investigate, and hear complaints in relation to any/all violation/s of this policy.

2. To coordinate with NGOs and government agencies necessary for the implementation of this policy.

3. To impose penalties to violators of this policy—whether it be a company or individual.

SECTION6. PROHIBITED AND PUNISHABLE ACTS:

1. Unauthorized or unofficial replicas of the PhilHealth insurance card is prohibited and will be punishable by law, according to the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines— Republic Act No. 8293.

2. Forging of cardholder’s signature is unacceptable and will be banned from using any PhilHealth-related services. (See more: Section 7)

3. Giving false information due to unreached requirements will be punishable, and detained for a period of time.

SECTION7. PENALTIES / SANCTIONS:
1. Failure to pay the monthly fee for 4 consecutive months will lead to the deactivation of the user's account. However, this can be reopened once the user pays the missed billings.

2. If the user applies with unauthorized or unofficial replicas of the PhilHealth insurance card, he/she will be fined Php 40,000-120,000 depending on the severity of the case.
3. Forging signatures will ban the account holder from using any PhilHealth-related services.

4. Using any false information will lead to a fine of Php. 50,000-130,000 and will be sentenced to detainment for 7 months - 3 years depending on the severity of the case.

SECTION9. EFFECTIVITY:
The program will be effective on __________ once all the required preparation is accomplished. Furthermore, the program will continue until it is deemed to be unconstitutional or un applicable.

Research Paper (Debate)

Motion: This house would use faith based rehabilitation in prison. 

Side: Government 

 Definition:  
Faith Based Rehabilitation Centers 
1. Same therapy and tools as non-spiritual facilities but teaches spiritual principles. 
2. Doesn’t focus on religious dogmas, but on universal principles of love, faith, forgiveness, and healing. 
3. Participating in religious programs is optional. 
4. Belief in a Higher Power plays an important role. 
5. Focuses on moral transformation. 
6. Relies on volunteers. 
 
 Recidivism 
1. Tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
 
 Parameters (scope): 
1. This debate only includes criminals who graduate from the program. 
 
 Argument 1: Faith Based Rehabilitation is beneficial to not only the patients but also to the state.
Evidences:
1. Reliance on volunteers would mean the state wouldn’t have to spend money on hiring people. 
2. Inmates who undergo faith based rehabilitation end up becoming good citizens after their incarceration. (i.e. Charles Colson – During his time in prison he became a born-again Christian and after his release, founded non-profit organizations such as Prison Fellowship Ministries and Justice Fellowship.)  
3. Most Faith Based Rehabilitation graduates end up serving the community.  
4. Faith Based Rehabilitation is inexpensive. (i.e. A study by O’Connor and Perreyclear stated that the yearly cost of religious services was between $150-$250 per inmate while correctional programs cost $14,000 per inmate.) 

 Argument 2: Faith based rehabilitation is more effective than secular rehabilitation. Particularly, inmates who undergo faith based rehabilitation have a smaller chance of recidivism. 
Evidences:
1. According to a study by Johnson, Larson, and Pitts, inmates who were most active in Bible studies were significantly less likely to be rearrested during the follow-up period. 
2. Teen Challenge, a faith based rehabilitation program, according to Time Magazine is far better than secular treatments, as it has a 70 percent success rate.  
3. According to a study by O’Connor and Perreyclear, as religious involvement increased the number of inmates with infractions decreased. 
4. Faith Based Rehabilitation improves prison discipline.  
5. Misconduct decreased by 68% and recidivism fell by 66% at Darrington Prison, Houston once they started implementing seminary programs. 
 
 Argument 3: Spirituality helps people experience positive emotions and is beneficial to their health. Thus, it is effective in helping inmates undertake the road to change, recovery, and purpose.
Evidences:
1. Studies indicate that those who are spiritual tend to have a more positive outlook and a better quality of life. 
2. The seminary program in Angola Prison, Louisiana is credited for impacting the lives and environment of most of its inmates. (i.e. According to Warden Burl Cain, the number of violent accidents decreased as much as 80% since the seminary accepted its first students.) 
3. According to Grant Duwe, a director of research for the Department of Corrections in Minnesota, Christian Theology is very compatible with a pro-social, law-abiding lifestyle.  
4. Faith Based Rehabilitation which emphasizes faith gives inmates hope and gets them started on a path towards changing their lives. 
5. According to Joshua Hays, a research associate, religious programs can bolster values and that religious faiths instill values, such as integrity, trustworthiness, accountability, and personal responsibility that are helpful in rehabilitation.  

Argument 4: Spirituality gives people a sense of purpose and would thus be helpful in the reintegration of the inmates to society. 
Evidences:
1. Two major factors predict recidivism: How former inmates think and who they associate with. Faith Based Programs tackle both factors. 
2. Faith-based rehabilitation offers a way of thinking that is not aggressive. 
3. The 24/7 availability of the volunteers to the inmates creates a social, supportive, and nurturing working environment.  
4. Spirituality gives people a sense of identity and purpose. (i.e. Justin Singleton - After undergoing Faith Based Rehabilitation, became a pastor for another prison church group and is now a lead mentor at the Angola Prison’s small engine repair school. “Before I came to this place (Angola Prison) I didn’t have an identity. When I was called to the seminary, God told me that even though I was in prison serving a life sentence, my life still mattered, I still had a purpose and He expected me to fulfill my purpose regardless where I am.”) 
5.  The community of volunteers contributes to lower recidivism. The inmates are easily accepted by the community after their rehabilitation. This makes it easier for inmates to reintegrate themselves into society since it gives them “somewhere” to go. 

1/1/17

Special Case Bank Proposal


INTRODUCTION
I. What is the National Health Insurance Act?
Republic Act 10606 or the National Health Insurance Act was made to cater the health concerns and needs of Filipino citizens. This act is currently being implemented via PhilHealth. This act insures money for health emergencies, procedures, doctors’ appointments, and assistance for medical bills for the cardholders and their dependents.
II. The Flaw of PhilHealth
PhilHealth is great and is beneficial to its users but it has a flaw. What’s that flaw? Well, Philhealth benefits do not suffice in attending to the holders’ needs during special cases such as cancer, stroke, and etc. Aside from that, eligibility to receive said benefits requires at least 9 months of payment. 
PROPOSAL
I. “Special Case” Bank
The “Special Case” Bank is like a savings account where PhilHealth card holders can withdraw from when the money that they receive from the regular PhilHealth account is not enough to pay for their treatment or medical bills. This bank would also help in keeping, managing, and even growing their funds for health-concerned emergencies. The “Special Case” Bank is mostly aimed for the working class or the Formal Economy members
II. Goal of the “Special Case” Bank
The goal of the “Special Case” Bank is to make sure that its users reap the benefits and financial assistance that they deserve and saved for.
III. Time Table
A.      January 2017
1.       Finalization  of Budget Plans, Benefits, and Policies
2.       Submission of Final Proposal
B.      March 2017
1.       Go-Signal from Gov’t and PhilHealth
2.       Attainment of Permits
3.       Partnership plans with Hospitals
4.       Partnership plans with DOH
C.      May 2017
1.       Start of Branch Creations
2.       Search for IT Firm that will create an Online Payment System
D.      July 2017
1.       Start of the Creation of the Online Payment System

E.       September 2017
1.       Trial of Online Payment System
2.       Finalization of Partnerships with Hospitals
3.       Start of Employee Search
F.       November 2017
1.       Finalization of Online Payment System
2.       Training of Employees
3.       Expected 4/6 Completion of Branch Construction
4.       Start Introducing the “Special Case” Bank to the Masses
G.     January 2018
1.       Expected 5/6 Completion of Branch Construction
2.       Gathering of Potential Availees
H.      March 2018
1.       Expected 6/6 Completion of Branch Construction
2.       Completion of Employee Training
I.        April 2018
1.       Opening of Branches
2.       Start of “Special Case” Bank Program
POLICY
I. Requirements
1.       Member and Patient Information
2.       Medical Records
3.       Valid PhilHealth Card
4.       Valid ID
5.       Employment Certification
6.       1x1 ID Picture
7.       Birth Certificate
8.       Initial Deposit of 500 Pesos
9.       “Special Case” Bank Registration Form
II. Guidelines
1.       Membership for the Special Case “Bank” is optional but once it is availed, the user has to deposit at least P500 to their account monthly in order to maintain it.
2.       This will be deducted from their salary to make sure that they will deposit monthly.
3.       The user’s dependents can also deposit into the account through extension cards to help the principal cardholder with their financial needs.
4.       This will be regulated by PhilHealth as well – it’s like an extension of the main account they applied for.
5.       It will be partnered with Department of Health to help the cardholders look for alternatives to recover faster.
6.       If they wish to deposit more than the Php 500 deducted from their salary, they may deposit more through ePay.
7.       This can be implemented by 2018 because it will still undergo the process of approval in the government and polish the program they will use in ePay.
8.       If they encounter the situation, they will be given the choice to use the money in their bank – they can decide if they’ll claim their deposit right away or just let it stay in the bank so they can claim more in the future.

Ohm’s Law through Circuit


Abstract –
Keyword – circuits, Ohm’s law, voltage, resistance, current.
I. INTRODUCTION
Ohm’s Law is one of the most basic laws in the realms of electrical engineering.

II.OBJECTIVES
By the end of the experiment, the experimenter should be able to:
·         Verify and observe Ohm’s Law.
·         Create series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.
III. HYPOTHESIS
Ohm’s law is very important. Idk man i dont even know the purpose of this experiment.
IV. METHODOLOGY
A. Materials

·         Laboratory Materials
Ø  Multitester
·         Other Materials
Ø  2 yards Connecting Wires
Ø  3 Size 8 Illustration Boards
Ø  3 Switches
Ø  8 2V-3V Lightbulb w/ Sockets
Ø  10 AA Batteries
Ø  Cutter
Ø  Electrical Tape
Ø  Long Nose Pliers
Ø  Screwdriver
B. Experimental Procedures
·         Series Circuit
Ø  First, stick two AA batteries to one of the size 8 illustration boards using the electrical tape. Arrange the set-up of the circuit, the length of the wires that will be used for a particular circuit will depend on the its set-up. For the series circuit, two light bulbs and one switch will be used.
Ø  Cut up four pieces of connecting wires using the long nose pliers then, individually, remove atleast half an inch of the insulations  from both ends of the wires using the cutter and the long nose pliers. Make sure that the wire itself does not get damaged when the insulations are being removed.
Ø  Next, bend each of the exposed ends of the wires into a U-shape using the long nose pliers and then using the screwdriver loosen the screws on the two light bulbs and the screws on the switch’s terminals.
Ø  Insert one of the wires onto one of the screws on the switch’s terminals and then tighten it using the screwdriver. Connect the other end of the wire to the positive terminal of the battery and secure it using the electrical tape. 
Ø  Insert a wire onto the remaining screw of the switch’s terminals and then tighten it using the screwdriver. After that, insert the other end of the wire to one of the screws on the first light bulb and then, using the screwdriver, tighten it.  
Ø  Next, connect the first light bulb, via the unused screw in its socket, to the second light bulb the same way the switch was connected to the first light bulb.
Ø  Insert a wire onto the remaining screw of the second light bulb and tighten it using a screwdriver. Connect the other end of the wire to the negative terminal of the battery and secure it using the electrical tape.
Ø  Check if the circuit is working and if it doesn’t work, check the wires and make sure that they are all properly connected.
Ø  Lastly, use the multitester to measure the voltage, current, and resistance of the circuit. Make sure to record the data.
·         Parallel Circuit
Ø  First, stick four AA batteries to one of the size 8 illustration boards using the electrical tape. Arrange the set-up of the circuit, the length of the wires that will be used for a particular circuit will depend on the its set-up. For the parallel circuit, three light bulbs and one switch will be used.
Ø  Cut up eight pieces of connecting wires using the long nose pliers then, individually, remove atleast half an inch of the insulations  from both ends of the wires using the cutter and the long nose pliers. Make sure that the wire itself does not get damaged when the insulations are being removed.
Ø  Next, bend each of the exposed ends of the wires into a U-shape using the long nose pliers and then using the screwdriver loosen the screws on the three light bulbs and the screws on the switch’s terminals.
Ø  Insert one of the wires onto one of the screws on the switch’s terminals and then tighten it using the screwdriver. Connect the other end of the wire to one of the screws on the first light bulb but do not tighten it yet.
Ø  Insert a wire onto the same screw that was used on the previous step and then tighten it using the screwdriver. After that, insert the other end of the wire to one of the screws of the second light bulb but do not tighten it yet. Do the same process for the remaining bulbs and for the other terminal of the switch.
Ø  For the last light bulb in this circuit, insert a wire on each of its screws and then tighten it using a screwdriver. Connect the two wires to the positive and negative terminal of the battery, respectively, and then secure them using the electrical tape.
Ø  Check if the circuit is working and if it doesn’t work, check the wires and make sure that they are all properly connected.
Ø  Lastly, use the multitester to measure the voltage, current, and resistance of the circuit. Make sure to record the data.
·         Combined (Series-Parallel) Circuit
Ø  First, stick four AA batteries to one of the size 8 illustration boards using the electrical tape. Arrange the set-up of the circuit, the length of the wires that will be used for a particular circuit will depend on the its set-up. For the combined (series-parallel) circuit, three light bulbs and one switch will be used.
Ø  Cut up seven pieces of connecting wires using the long nose pliers then, individually, remove atleast half an inch of the insulations  from both ends of the wires using the cutter and the long nose pliers. Make sure that the wire itself does not get damaged when the insulations are being removed.
Ø  Next, bend each of the exposed ends of the wires into a U-shape using the long nose pliers and then using the screwdriver loosen the screws on the three light bulbs and the screws on the switch’s terminals.
Ø  Insert one of the wires onto one of the screws on the switch’s terminals and then tighten it using the screwdriver. Connect the other end of the wire to the positive terminal of the battery and secure it using the electrical tape. 
Ø  Insert a wire onto the remaining screw of the switch’s terminals and then tighten it using the screwdriver. After that, insert the other end of the wire to one of the screws on  the first light bulb, but do not tighten it yet.
Ø  Insert a wire onto the same screw used in the previous step and then tighten it. Insert the other end of this wire to one of the screws in the second light bulb along with another wire and then tighten it. Insert the end of the other wire into one of the screws of the third light bulb along with again another wire and then tighten it. Leave the other end of this specific wire alone for a while. 
Ø  Go back to the first light bulb and insert a wire onto the unused screw along with another wire, whose other end will be connected to the unused screw of the second light bulb, and then tighten it.
Ø  Insert the other end of the wire from the previous step along with another wire, which will be connected to the third light bulb, to the loosened screw of the second light bulb, and then tighten it. After doing so, take the unused end of the other wire from this step and insert it onto the loosened screw of the third light bulb and then tighten it.  
Ø  Go back to the wire from the sixth step and then connect it to the negative end of the battery’s terminal and secure it using the electrical tape.
Ø  Check if the circuit is working and if it doesn’t work, check the wires and make sure that they are all properly connected.
Ø  Lastly, use the multitester to measure the voltage, current, and resistance of the circuit. Make sure to record the data.
C. Safety Precautions
·         Handle the lightbulbs with care in order to avoid breakage.
V. DATA
TABLE I
QUANTITATIVE OBSERVATIONS
Circuit
Measurements
Voltage
Current
Resistance
Series



Parallel



Series-Parallel (Combined)




VI. ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Ohm’s Law was created by German physicist, George Ohm and is considered as a basic electrical engineering law.
In fact, most of the other electrical engineering laws use Ohm’s law in their applications and aside from that, Ohm’s Law’s practical uses also extend from small and simple lab circuits to rocket and control systems.
Example of this law’s practical applications would be items like DC Power Supplies, electric heaters, kettles, mobile phone and laptop chargers, and etc.
That being said, Ohm’s Law is basically like a bedrock in the field of electrical engineering.
Ohm’s Law deals with the relationship   between voltage, which is the electrical potential energy per unit, current, which is the flow of electric charge,  and resistance, the hindrance to the flow of the charge.
Ohm’s Law states that current has a directly proportional relationship with voltage and a inversely proportional relationship with resistance.
The Ohm’s Law formula is V = I x R. Wherein, V is the potential difference between two points which include a resistance, R, while I is the current flowing through the resistance.
Being a basic electrical engineering law, Ohm’s Law deals with electrical circuits and is considered as the most fundamental formula in electrical circuits. An electrical circuit is a path in which electrons from a volatage or a current source flows.
Ohm’s Law also states that the electrical current passing through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference across the conductor.
The voltage in a series circuit is shared by all the other terminals in the circuit. Therefore, the terminals dont get the same voltage as the others. Also, when one of the terminals is taken out the others will not function.
However, in a parallel circuit the electrons have
What happens to the voltage in a series-circuit? What about the current? (Use Data Here)
WHAT DATA THERE IS NO DATA

What happens to the voltage in a parallel-circuit?
THERE IS NO DATA
What is the significance of Ohm’s Law in electrical circuits as regards proper handling and safety?
Ohm’s Laws significance in terms of proper handling and safety can be seen through the usage of extension cords. Knowing how much current an extension card can take can be the defining line between safety and danger.
It is also important to know how to derive the current from the resistance. Especially since sometimes it is only the resistance that is shown and not the actual possible input current of the cord.


VII. CONCLUSION
OHMS LAW IS IMPORTANT OKIE