Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong

EVER had a bad online shopping experience?

Maybe you ordered one thing but got another.

Or that new company never shipped your order, despite charging you. So, what do you do?

If you can relate, you’re not alone. In 2022, online shopping scams were the second-most reported type of scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The good news is you have rights, and there are steps you can take.

If something didn’t arrive or you didn’t accept it, and now the company won’t refund your money, dispute the charges. If products show up that you never ordered, you don’t have to pay for them. Federal law protects you.

To try to stay ahead of these problems, if you haven’t shopped with a company before, start by searching online for the company’s name, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people are saying.

And no matter where you shop online, remember:

Check refund and return policies Sellers often have different (and stricter) refund and return policies for sale items, and dishonest sellers will use tricky disclosures and fine print to deny refund requests.

• Use a credit card for online purchases, if possible Credit cards offer the most protection against fraud compared to other types of payments including the right to dispute charges if there are problems with your purchase.

• Always save your receipts and confirmation emails If something goes wrong, these can help you get your money back from the seller or file a dispute with your credit card company.

Learn more about online shopping. Or if you want to learn more about last year’s top scams, visit ftc.gov/data.

And if you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Andrew

Rayo/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC) n

Walking vs jogging

WHILE cheetahs, gazelle, horses, deer, and other animals in the wild were obviously born to run, it is becoming clearer, medically, that we humans were born to walk, not to jog or run. While jogging became popular since the late 60s, forty years thereafter, the negative health effects became obvious, overshadowing the health benefits.

Jogging traumatizes the body, including the muscles, joints, heart and kidneys, especially when done excessively. Running thickens the heart tissue, causing fibrosis (scarring) that can cause atrial fibrillation. It also leads to cardiac diastolic dysfunction and stiffening of the large arterial walls. Other injuries include shin splints and stress fractures. More obvious and more common are injuries to the spine, hips, knee, and ankle joints, leading to arthritis of those joints and chronic pain. Some seniors eventually require hip or knee replacement.

Current research reveals that walking 8,000 brisk steps or more per day confers great health benefits, practically equal to the benefits from jogging, minus the attendant injuries from running. More importantly, most seniors are only able to brisk walk or walk but not jog anymore. Indeed, brisk walking is in.

has factual scientific data. The population-based study “found no evidence of an increased risk of cardiovascular events at 21 days among the recipients of the bivalent vaccine versus recipients of the monovalent vaccine, including strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism and all four events combined.”

This is welcome news, especially to those immunocompromised and seniors with health issues, since the spring booster (bivalent) is recommended by the CDC, because those who had the original booster, with or without having been infected, are all recommended to have a spring booster. The items, certainly benefit women with endometriosis, as pointed out in the British Medical journal Open in 2020. This diet, together with prescribed therapy by a gynecologist, will make life a lot more comfortable to women with endometriosis.

Toxin triggers MS

Seaweed, fish and nuts contain a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and are found to be helpful when added to the diet. Seaweed has been long proven to benefit women with endometriosis, alleviating their symptoms. Adding more vegetables, particularly cruciferous ones, legumes, and fruits, providing rich antioxidants and fiber also help.

Brisk walking is defined as walking 3 miles an hour: If one can recite lyrics of a song, with a pause (to breathe) between phrases, but unable to sing them, they are walking briskly.

The new study demonstrated that “walking just one to two days is still associated with significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.” Each additional day of walking provides even greater health benefits.

“People taking just 8,000 steps one or two days a week are also less likely to die over a ten-year follow-up period, 14.9 % less likely to die compared to people who were sedentary, and 16% reduction for those who walked 3 to 7 days a week,” concludes the study published in JAMA Network. This is, indeed, a wonderful finding, which would inspire and encourage everyone, especially seniors, to take those 8,000 steps to better health. And add another day at their own pace and comfort every week or two till they reach their goal.

For those with medical issues, consult your physician before embarking on any exercise regimen.

Spring COVID booster?

There has been fake news on television and social media that claimed the bivalent COVID-19 booster was unsafe, causing cardiovascular sideeffects. Thanks to a new French study, the world now reason is the immunity of those who had the first booster, and even those who have natural immunity from getting the infection have protection that would have waned by spring. Natural immunity is less stable, less consistent, and less effective than immunity from the vaccines. At any rate, the bivalent booster has been proven all over again to be safe and effective. Getting the bivalent booster this spring will confer safety from a serious residual COVID-19 infection and as of Monday, April 3, 2023, there were still more than a million (1,066,175) active cases, and 10 new deaths.

Seaweed and endometriosis

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (like omerga-3 and omega-6) reduce proliferation of endometriosis lesions and are most beneficial in managing this common female illness where tissues that line the inside of the uterus grow outside the womb and in places they do not belong (like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowels, or even the lungs and the brain). It causes abdominal pains and irregular and painful period, among other symptoms, as well as pain during intercourse or bowel movements.

Seaweed, fish and nuts contain a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and are found to be helpful when added to the diet. Seaweed has been long proven to benefit women with endometriosis, alleviating their symptoms. Adding more vegetables, particularly cruciferous ones, legumes, and fruits, providing rich antioxidants and fiber also help. Dietary changes, adding those items listed above plus ginger, turmeric, and gluten-free

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council have designated “Juneteenth,” which commemorates the end of slavery, an official paid holiday for City of San Diego employees. On Tuesday, March 21, the City Council unanimously approved the Mayor’s recommendation to make Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, a paid day off for all city staff starting in 2023.

“The official acknowledgment and recognition of this significant day in American History is an important step for the City of San Diego,” said Mayor Gloria. “The ending of slavery is a pivotal moment that should be honored and celebrated. I encourage San Diegans to set aside time on Juneteenth to reflect on our country’s history, including the parts that are painful, and to help us work towards designing a more equitable future without systemic racism.”

Making Juneteenth a paid holiday for city workers is part of Mayor Gloria’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive San Diego and celebrate the city’s diversity. Alongside Mayor Gloria, Council President pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe and Councilmember Vivian Moreno were the chief proponents of making Juneteenth a paid holiday for the City of San Diego, initiating the process in 2021.

“By honoring Juneteenth in our city, we choose to recognize

photo/www.sandiego.gov

the insidious history of our country and the sacrifices to achieve freedom for Black Americans,” said Council President pro Tem Montgomery Steppe, who represents Council District 4. “Today, our city made positive strides to realize the fight for true freedom among Black San Diegans.”

“As the City Councilmember representing San Diego Council District 8, I am proud to support the recognition of Juneteenth as a city holiday,” said Councilmember Vivian Moreno. “It is imperative for us not to forget the stain of slavery and the impact it has had on countless Black Americans. It is well past due that the city officially recognize the importance of Juneteenth by establishing it as a city holiday so that our employees and communities can better commemorate it with neighborhood celebrations, educational opportunities and family gatherings.”

Historically, Juneteenth was only celebrated at City Hall in the form of a presentation through District 4 and the City of San Diego’s Black Employee Association. For the first time ever in 2020, a Juneteenth flag was hung commemorating Juneteenth at City Hall. In 2021, the flag was raised outside of the City Hall building for the first time ever as Mayor Gloria, Councilmembers Montgomery Steppe and Marni von Wilpert joined community members in proclaiming Juneteenth in the city.

June 19, 1865, is the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced to over 250,000 enslaved Black people that they were free by executive decree – two years after the U. S. government had declared them freed. President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475 on June 17, 2021, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1655 on September 29, 2022, establishing it as a state holiday. (City of San Diego Release) n

SD County Board of Supervisors approve anti-tobacco grant funding

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that afflicts the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness and vision problems, as the immune system stacks the outer coating of the nerve cells to the eyes. MS most often victimizes young adults between the ages 20 and 40, also seniors, more in women than men. There are about 2.8 million individuals around the world living with MS. The cause of MS is still a mystery. A new study has determined that “a toxin from a common bacterium may trigger MS in people with a genetic susceptibility.” This recent discovery would lead to more scientific investigation worldwide to eventually find a prevention and/ or cure for multiple sclerosis, a gravely debilitating disease. Do fish drown? When thrown back to a body of water, fish do not drown. However, they do drown (suffocate) when the water does not have enough dissolved oxygen in it, like in eutrophication (too much nutrients or harmful chemicals in water), or drought. They also drown following the removal of their fins (as in harvesting sharks’ fins for Chinese soup delicacy). Throwing back sharks after fin removal results in their suffocation since they need their fins to swim. When their gills are damaged by predators, they also drown. So, technically, fish do drown too.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

STRENGTHENING efforts to prevent youth smoking, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 4 approved the acceptance of more than $1.6 million in funding from the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program. The grant will fund enforcement-related activities ensuring businesses in unincorporated San Diego County follow the proper protocols required to maintain their license to sell tobacco products. The funds will be distributed over three years, ultimately reducing the opportunity for kids to illegally purchase tobacco products. The money will allow more staff to conduct decoy operations to test tobacco retailers, ensuring they do not sell to youth or sell flavored tobacco products. It will also provide educational outreach to businesses.

“This funding is vital to continue work to reduce smoking and protect the next generation of San Diegans,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Smoking is one of three behaviors that lead to a significant number of deaths in our community, and we want to do everything in our power to keep children and others from becoming addicted.”

All eligible businesses were visited at least once during fiscal year 2021-2022 and more than 80% were out of compliance at the first visit. More than half sold tobacco products to an underage decoy and nearly a third sold prohibited items or were not following the minimum price or minimum pack size requirements.

The funding will also go toward developing a new data management system to track license applications, payments and level of compliance. It will also be used to create a multiagency tobacco retail licensing task force to identify and address local enforcement issues.

The funding comes as smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, including in

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

California. In 2022 the County of San Diego lost 4,000 people to smoking-related illnesses. This is one of three behaviors that contribute to four chronic conditions resulting in nearly half of all deaths in San Diego County, also known as the 3-4-45 principle. This is a significant stride compared to 20 years ago. To date, and due in part to the County’s efforts, the region has seen a 17 percent reduction in the percentage of deaths associated with preventable death threats. Tuesday’s approval is another step toward building a healthier San Diego where everyone has the opportunity to Live Well.

(Cassie Klapp/County of San Diego Communications Office)n

Jamie Rivera heads ABS-CBN’s new...

PAGE 9 write and to inform the people or to remind them that there are three persons in one God,” she continued.

The Inspirational Diva dedicated the ditty specially to the children, saying, “Marami pa ring hindi nakaalam, that’s why I want the children to know this.”

Jamie made the track “very, very light” and “very understandable,” using simple words for the younger listeners, just like what she did in her previous songs Jubilee Song, Only Selfless Love and Heal Our Land.

“There’s a music video, hand movements, ganyan na nakaka-relate ang mga bata. So I said, uulitin ko yan. Sila yung mga gustong kong matuto because we, the older ones, somehow, we knew it already. We just have to be reminded,” she further shared.

“Most of the kids, nakulong sila, nasa computer lang sila. Unlike before na face-to-face, there’s so many opportunities to share this to the kids… I said we should teach the children about the Holy Trinity.”

She expounded that “God the Father is our Creator,” “God the Son is our Savior who died to save us,” and the “Holy Spirit is someone you will call when you are confused or when you are about to do something that is not quite right.”

“You need guidance or meron kang hindi naiintidihan, you call on the Holy Spirit and you will be enlightened,” she added.

“But the wonder of it, all are in one. So hindi mo kailangan tawagin ng isa-isa lahat yan na God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The moment you say Lord, the moment you say God, please help me, sila na yun. To the rescue na silang tatlo.”

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo remarked that the vision of

Jamie Rivera ABS-CBN photo

Inspire Music, as the title suggests, is to “inspire people.”

Jonathan shared that they want to uplift the listeners through the songs that will come out from the label. “We want to inspire them kahit ano man yung pinagdadaanan nila sa buhay (and) whatever is the context of their personal stories. There’s part of the lyrics na mag-mi-minister na kung ano man yung life journey nila at the moment,” he stated.

“If that will be the impact on the audience, we feel that we are successful because that is our goal, maging companion siya ng listeners in their own personal listening time. They are able to breathe and they will feel better by just listening to the songs under the Inspire (Music) label,” he added. n