Halitosis: Reputation killer

Yes, tooth infection can cause the bacteria in the mouth to circulate in the blood stream to infect the heart valve, causing bacterial endocarditis, most especially in people who may have had rheumatic heart disease when they were young. This condition affects and weakens the heart valves, making them susceptible to infection. And those with artificial heart valves are even more prone to infection originating from tooth decay or infection in the mouth. What can be done for stubborn halitosis? If there is no tooth decay or any infection in the mouth or throat, the bad breath may be coming from sinusitis, emphysema or from the stomach (as in esophageal reflex, where the controlling valve between the stomach and the food pipe is not closing – water-tight – properly). A dental, or even medical, evaluation may be needed to ascertain the specific cause of this persistent halitosis. Can mouthwash eliminate bad breath?

No, mouthwash alone cannot do the trick. First, the food particles that can rot must be removed from in-between the teeth immediately after each meal (by dental flossing, since toothpick alone will not do the job). Then, brushing teeth and the tongue, using toothpaste (that contains fluoride and other ingredients like Poly (methylvinylether) maleic acid coplymer and triclosan) for added tooth protection, is essential at least 3 times a day, after each meal. Mouthwash with stabilized Chlorine can be used as a last step in this routine as an added regimen. A study made on 15 mouthwashes showed that most only masked the bad breath for a few minutes, only a few were still effective after a few hours. Most of the products sold over the counter do not eliminate halitosis. The effective ones are those with stabilized chlorine.

What are the other bacterial dental problems?

Besides bad breath, the other problems caused by germs in our mouth include cavities, gum problems, plaques and tartar formation, and heart problems. Yes, cardiac problems. Therefore, the routine regimen of dental flossing (to eliminate food particles that will rot and harbor bacteria), tongue-scraping, toothbrushing (to scrub food elements, juices and stains from the teeth, and protecting the teeth and gums with those ingredients in the toothpaste), and gargling (with mouthwash that contain bacteria killing, and plaque-and tartar-preventing ingredients – stabilized chlorine), and visiting your dentist at least every 6 months will not only eliminate bad breath but lead to a healthier dental and oral state and cardiac health. Can rinse containing alcohol cause cancer?

Yes, according to a 1991 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which stated that mouthwashes “containing more than 25% alcohol could increase the risk of oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer by 50%”. Fortunately, most, if not all, mouthwashes in the market contain less than 15% alcohol.

How effective are breath-freshener capsules?

If taken as directed, and as a part of the comprehensive regimen we have discussed above, these breath-freshener capsules could be of help, especially for those with gastrointestinal reflux.

How about chewing gum?

Not by itself, but if added to the daily oral hygiene regimen we recommended above, chewing (sugar-free) gum can be of help in achieving a fresher and kissable breath.

Do you have bad breath?

It is odd but most people with chronic halitosis do not even know they have it. Their own sense of smell is so conditioned to the bad breath in their mouth to the point that they do not even perceive it. And their friends and relatives (including most spouses) will not even tell them, to “spare” them from the embarrassment (which actually leads to greater embarrassment because other people are offended by this offensive odor.) So, the next time you see your lover or friend, or relative, beg him or her to be candid with you. This honesty might change your reputation and love life forever.

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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.

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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.

* * * 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.

First-time dads share Father’s Day 2023 celebrations

EVEN celebrities were not spared from getting emotional last Sunday for Father's Day celebrations.

First-time parents John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Markus Paterson and Angelica Panganiban shared their sentiments on being parents to their first offsprings.

Luis made a video of him with his daughter, Isabella Rose.

"I love being your Papa Peanut!" wrote the actor-host on his Facebook video post.

Peanut is the nickname he and his wife, actress Jessy Mendiola, gave to their daughter.

Cruz, meanwhile, simply posted a gallery of his photos with Elias, his son with actress Ellen Adarna.

Angelica shared how lucky she and her daughter Amila to have her husband Gregg Homan by their side. The actress' colorful life is no

Leaving Sin City

Corin raMoS lujan

AFTER more than 50 years in America, my father retired permanently in the Philippines in late 2020.

“I’ve lived in the States for a long time already,” he told me a few days before his flight to Manila. “It’s time for me to go back home.”

His decision to go back to the Philippines surprised me and my sister and mother, even though deep down we probably knew it was coming. My father started having mobility problems about five years earlier, in his late 70s. My mother was his primary caregiver, until they had to move to assisted living.

Although he was fairly healthy and didn’t need additional services outside of the standard care, the monthly cost was staggering. In-home care wasn’t much better. Besides, we already ruled out that option, as my mother hated having strangers in her home, let alone living there. We suspected the costs of his health care played a major role in my father’s decision to go back to the Philippines. He had worked hard and saved all his life here, and didn’t want to spend a good chunk of his life savings just on health costs, as many Americans have had to.

My family was the quintessential example of the American dream come true: my parents’ careers as engineers, then business owners and homeowners. My sister and I graduated from top universities, and embarked on fulfilling careers ourselves.

Is the new American dream leaving America?

Americans opting to retire in the Philippines cite lower cost of living and better quality of life bright smile. It’s because he gets all the care and attention he needs and deserves, attention that we can’t give with our American lifestyles here.” pressure, high cholesterol,” said Huryn, who lived on the beach in Bohol during his first two months before settling in Dumagete in Negros, Philippines. “I walked on the beach every day, I was able to decompress. My blood pressure issue is gone; I no longer take medications, and I’m a more calm individual.

According to the U.S. State Department, about 10 million Americans live abroad permanently; over 300,000 Americans live in the Philippines, excluding military personnel. The numbers are only growing. Expats cite lower cost of living and better quality of life in the Philippines, versus the U.S. With a majority of the population speaking English and familiarity with western and American culture also rank high as reasons why Americans are choosing the Philippines. Do a search for “retiring in the Philippines” on YouTube, and over 800,000 videos on the topic immediately pop up, making “Vloggers” (video bloggers) on the Philippines among the highest rated and viewed of its kind on the platform.

One of the popular channels is “Mike’s Philippine Retirement,” hosted by former Las Vegas resident, Michael Huryn. After much research, including watching numerous YouTube videos on the Philippines, Huryn moved to the Philippines in February 2022.

In one of his episodes, Huryn disclosed an itemized breakdown of his monthly budget of about $1,500 in the Philippines. “Money isn’t an issue anymore!”

Another major attraction for retiring in the Philippines is the culture of respect for its seniors, explained Huryn. “What I love about the Philippines is that there is so much respect for the elders!”

Philippine senior citizens also get 20 percent discount on almost everything, including restaurants, movies, and other personal services.

“That discount is a really huge factor,” said Joseph. “Can you imagine that being the same case here in the U.S.? People would be ecstatic!” secret, and her post generated many likes as they can relate to her pouring her heart out.

"Mula noon pa, kung saan saan ako naghahanap ng ibig sabihin ng pagmamahal ng isang ama. Madalas napapanood ko lang sa mga pelikula, nababasa sa mga libro, o paminsan nakikita ko sa mga kaibigan ko. Hindi ko akalain na magiging mapalad ako ngayon, na nakikita at nararamdaman ko na siya.

Napaka swerte ni Amila at ikaw ang una nyang pag ibig, kalaro at dada. Maraming salamat sa pag ganap ng buong buo at higit pa. Mahal na mahal ka namin. Happy Father’s day daddy," Angelica wrote on Instagram.

Markus Patterson posted a photo of him with Jude, his son with actress Janella Salvador. He also posted a photo of his father. "The best role I’ve ever had #fatherhood. To all the fathers out there (new and seasoned) wishing you the best. Special shout-out to the king on the second slide," the actor wrote. (Philstar.com)

Back in the Philippines, my father still had his ancestral home in Pateros Rizal, about 30 miles outside Metro Manila. He has a live-in caregiver and a maid; both at a fraction of the cost of his care in the U.S. More importantly, his house is surrounded by other homes in the compound, or “looban,” occupied by family members, including his only surviving brother.

I will admit, that greatly helped assuage the guilt of not being able to personally care for him, or even visit more often when he was still living here.

“This country is not a good place for elderly people,” said Joseph*, a Filipino American attorney based in Los Angeles.” It’s too expensive, and too lonely and sad. I see my own parents dealing with the challenges of growing old, and the pervasive loneliness of aging here is inescapable.”

On a recent trip to the Philippines, Joseph said he met with his 94 year-old uncle who is personally cared for by his cousins, “almost no caregiver.” “He looks wonderful!” said Joseph. “He has youthful skin,

“After watching other YouTube’rs, I was convinced that I could live in the Philippines and have a better life than in Las Vegas,” explained Huryn, 69. “Las Vegas was becoming unaffordable. I was paying $1,300/month for a two-bedroom apartment. I was worried my pension wouldn’t be enough.”

With inflation and rising cost of housing and homeownership, that sentiment is echoed by many other Americans, including Lydia*, a Filipino American who has lived in Las Vegas for over 25 years.

Lydia, a retired nurse, was preparing to sell her 2-story home and buy a single story home. After looking at several homes, she was shocked at the prices as well as high interest rates. “I’m going to sell my home here and not buy anymore. I’m going to buy a house in the Philippines!”

Housing costs weren’t the only reasons for leaving America. For Huryn, the perpetual rat race driven by financial concerns had taken its toll on his health as well as mental well being. It was enough for the self-proclaimed “blue collar guy” to leave America for good.

“In the US, I had high blood