Editorial, January 12-18, 2011

Quest for Fulfilment

During the last one hundred years mankind has made some remarkable advances in science and technology. Despite this advances, neither science nor technology can ever provide a solution to the human condition. It maybe that technology can make our lives a little more comfortable, but at the same time technology can often make our lives more complex.

It may be that science can develop more efficient ways of producing food, but inevitably there will be some who have more than enough food whilst others are left to starve.

There is also a more ominous side to technology, because for every positive aspect of technology there is invariably a negative application too. New roads for instance can be used to transport food and medicines to those in need, but they can also be used to transport weapons whose purpose is to destroy.

The discovery of nuclear fission now allows us to build nuclear power stations which produce a clean form of energy without emitting harmful greenhouse gasses.

This same technology also enables nations to create nuclear weapons with which to threaten other nations, and also gives rise to the possibility of nuclear materials falling into the hands of terrorists with unimaginable consequences.

Nor will mankind ever be satisfied by material things alone. He will always want more. Someone who is poor will dream about becoming rich, whilst someone who is already rich will dream about becoming richer still. This is the condition of man.

Man has become defined by his constant quest for satisfaction, but only a satisfaction which is constant will succeed in quenching his insatiable thirst. It may be that material things will offer some satisfaction, but only for a while, and this same thirst will simply re emerge again.

Just as this thirst for satisfaction originates within us, the solution too can only be discovered within./TE

Braun wins 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan

by: Boy Ryan B. Zabal

(inset pic) Newly crowned Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan Caren Retamar Braun (center) is flanked by first runner-up Mae Ann Manipud (left) and second runner up Charmaine Ling Chue (right) during the pageant and coronation night at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex/Photos by Boy Ryan B. Zabal.

KALIBO, Aklan - Caren Retamar Braun of New Washington, Aklan won the 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan on Wednesday evening held at the jampacked Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex here.

The first runner-up was Mae Ann Mariano Manipud of Nabas, Aklan while Charmaine Ling Palomata Chua of Kalibo, Aklan was second runner-up.

Organized by Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) and the local government of Kalibo, 12 dazzling ladies competed in the pageant where Braun took home the “Ambassadress of Goodwill and Tourism” title after the long gown, swimwear and interview portions of the competition.

Following in the footsteps of her sister 2009 Miss Earth Philippines Air Michelle Martha Braun, the 17-year old five foot and six inches beauty was declared Best in Swimwear, Best in Talent and corporate awards for Miss Maxi Peel and Miss Ever Belena aside from the prestigious title of Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan this year.

Manipud was awarded Best in Long Gown. Chua was conferred the corporate awards for Miss Ponds, Miss Skin White, Miss Personality and Miss Globe.

Braun received the crown from Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Kalibo mayor William Lachica and Kalibo vice mayor Madeline Regalado.

Other winners of special awards were Janine Magbiro Ilio for Best in Production Number, Frendisol Catherine Villanueva Yco for Miss Photogenic, Sheen Mae Bagnate Zafra for Miss Friendship and Jecca Rosales Tenaja for Best in Interview.

The winners of corporate awards were :

* Miss Sunsilk Jecca Tenaja
* Miss Diet Coke Sheen Mae Zafra
* Miss LBC (Hari ng Padala) Mary Vhic Baltazar Mandal
* Miss E-Looks Frendisol Catherine Yco
* Miss Close-Up Jona Ili Sweett
* Miss Perfect 5 Beauty Frendisol Catherine Yco
* Miss KHM Camille Alyssa de Leon
* Miss Careline Mary Vhic Mandal

Tight security for Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival – PNP

by: Nida L. Gregas,PO2,PIO

Kalibo - Close to 250 police personnel from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deployed for this year’s Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival.

Aklan provincial police director Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. has requested the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) for additional police force to implement the operation plans for tight security during the festival.

Bragais said the APPO will establish nine community police assistance centers (compacts) in the capital town of Kalibo to ensure the safety and security of tourists, devotees and revelers and keep the traffic flow smooth throughout the main streets of this town.

APPO will also put up additional checkpoints and chokepoints to maintain police visibility during the weeklong Ati-Atihan festival.

Bragais stressed that the augmentation force from the PRO-6 and the Philippine Army and the 200-strong APPO personnel deployed will be on alert to guard thousands of visitors, both foreign and local, expected to join the renowned Ati-Atihan festival in honor of Senor Sto. Nino.

Also, the Kalibo police auxiliary, volunteers, reservists and communication groups served as force multipliers for the anti-criminality and peace and order campaign of the PNP.

The festival, slated on January 10 to 16, features the traditional Ati-Atihan contest, paeapak or pahilot, search for Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan nights, Day of the Drums, religious procession, nine days novena, pilgrims’ mass, product showcase and exhibits, blessing of children and dawn penitential procession, Higante and Aklan Festivals Parade and Kaean-an sa Plaza.

No. : 2011-01-03 Security plans for Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival in place
The Aklan Police Provincial Office is ready to implement the security plans for the famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival in honor of Senor Sto. Nino starts January 10-16, 2010.

Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. said the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) has presented its security plans at the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) today.

Some 250 policemen from PRO-6 would be fielded in strategic areas to help maintain order around the town of Kalibo and to ensure the security of devotees, tourists and revelers of the religious festival.

Bragais also bared the additional security such as auxiliary police force and volunteers are prepared for the upcoming Ati-Atihan events slated January 10 to 16, 2011.

”Aside from the PNP, the local Philippine Army personnel and reservists will also be deployed for the strict implementation of security measures,” Bragais said.

In the past Ati-Atihan festivals, the police set-up checkpoints and community police assistance centers to provide tight security for thousands of revelers and guests. Bragais said the security preparations are now in place since the APPO through the Kalibo police station have already met with the festival peace and order committee for the security, traffic and peace and order plans.

Meanwhile, festival organizer Kalibo Sto. Nino Foundation, Inc. (KASAFI) is busy preparing a series of colorful and festive activities to attract devotees and tourists next year.

Higante contest and Aklan Festivals Parade, search for Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights, festival exhibits, Balik-Ati and Modern Tribal groups contest, Kaean-an sa Plasa, Ati-Atihan product showcase, pilgrims’ mass and traditional religious procession and paeapak or pahilot are part of the much-anticipated celebration of the most renowned Ati-Atihan Festival..

‘Greener’ Iloilo City seen in 2011

Iloilo City – Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog is bent on making this city a healthier and cleaner place this 2011.

“I want to see our environment in a good state of well-being, our people to be physically fit, and our spiritual side to be in excellent shape,” he said.

For the New Year, the mayor wishes “Iloilo and its citizens to remain healthy.”

For this, Mabilog is implementing “green” programs and projects for the city this year.
Among them is the use of electric jeepneys or e-jeeps which will ply the city’s streets coinciding with the Dinagyang Festival on January 23.

Two of the 10 e-jeeps, donated by Ilonggo businessman Rommel Ynion, already arrived here last week.

The use of e-jeeps is in line with the city government’s thrust of promoting renewable energy and clean air.

Pupils from public schools and the elderly will be the main passengers of e-jeeps once they start operation in the city.

Meanwhile, City Hall is likewise going “green” with the use of solar panels.

“We aim to place solar panels so that we can save on energy,” Mabilog said.

Construction of the new City Hall building in Plaza Libertad is expected to finish in August 2011.

Mabilog also vowed to continue the strict implementation of anti-littering and anti-smoking ordinances geared toward protecting the environment and its citizens.

“We just need a lot of discipline and political will to implement all these,” he stated. (PNA)/TE

Kalibo Eyes to Put CCTV Cameras in Public Places

KALIBO - The local government of Kalibo is planning to put CCTV (close circuit television) cameras in the major thoroughfares of this town.

Kalibo mayor William Lachica said that the council is currently studying the proposal and that many private firms have already expressed interest to the plan.

“The plan of putting up CCTV cameras might be funded by 2012 and will be implemented immediately when the funding is available,” Lachica said.

Among the public areas identified where the CCTV cameras will be installed are the Kalibo Public Market, crossing Banga-New Washington at the Rotunda here, the town plaza, the municipal hall, Kalibo-Numancia Bridge and Roxas Avenue.

“Through this, we could be able to minimize both the traffic and criminal incidents in this town,” he said.

The Kalibo police and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has also earlier expressed support to this plan. (PNA)/TE

Business Group Plans Boracay to Become Asia’s Premier Tourism Destination

BORACAY ISLAND - The Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) plans to make this resort island a premier tourism destination in Asia.

Loubell Cann, BFI president, said that among their priorities for thiAs year is the marketing and promotions of this resort island. Currently, this resort island stands as a premier tourism destination in the country.

“But we will continue our programs on environment preservation and protection. We will do or support other groups or events in the promotion of sports tourism, culture, and arts. We also will create more programs for child protection through our ‘Bantay Bata Boracay’ committee,” she said.

The BFI is one of the prominent business organizations in this resort island with more than a hundred members.

Currently, they are also an active partner of the local government of Malay in ensuring environmental protection of this resort island.

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT), more Asian tourists are coming to Boracay, among those are the Koreans, Chinese, and Taiwanese.

Recently, Boracay was also given the Best Leisure and Travel Destination (short haul) award by the Travel Weekly China Travel and Meetings Industry Awards online travel competition. Because of this development, more Chinese tourists and other Asian neighbors are expected to come to this resort island. (PNA)/TE

Kalibo gears for Ati-Atihan Festival

Kalibo, AKlan – This premiere town’s Ati-atihan Festival, observed in the week of January every year, is considered as the mother of all Philippine Fiestas.

Its 2011 edition is all set to present a weeklong spectacular show this week until its culmination on January 16.

Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica as announced that preparation are all set for the spectacular Kalibo Ati-atihan 2011.

Lachica said the success of this year’s Ati-atihan has been assured with the active cooperation of various organizations, particularly the Kasafi Foundation, cultural and civic organizations, the business sector, Sto. Niño religious groups, and the municipal and barangay (village) officials.

“It is heartening to note that the whole capital town’s people are enthusiastically setting up preparations to welcome guests and tourists,” the new Kalibo Mayor said.

Kalibo Vice Mayor Madeline Ang Regalado disclosed that officials and members of the Kalibo Sanguniang Bayan (SB) are mobilizing all efforts to insure the success of the 2011 Kalibo Ati-atihan .

Among those expected to attend the weeklong festivities during the Kalibo Ati-atihan are members of different Aklan associations throughout the United States (US), Canada, Europe, The Middle East, and other countries, diplomat and cultural attaches of embassies, consulates and delegates from the different countries, journalists from various parts of the country and special guests of some Aklanons.

Dedicated to the Sto. Niño (Infant Jesus), who is known to generously bless His devotees with good health and prosperity, the 2011 Kalibo Atyi-atihan will feature parade of different tribal contingents with amazing colorful costumes.

Organized groups participating the Ati-atihan received substantial awards of recognitions and cash prizes for winning its contests.

Juliuet T. Melgarejo, acting head of the Municipal Economic Enterprises and Development Office (MEDO), under which the local tourism operates, said this town is leaving no stone unturned to insure the success of the Ati-atihan which will redound to the economic, social and cultural enhancement of His town in particular and Aklan and its people as well.

Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez, for his part, has been mobilizing the resources of his office and the provincial government and has initiated the installation of lighting facilities and other needed modern amenities in this capital town to ensure the success of its 2011 Ati-atihan. (PNA)/TE

A Dream of Unity now in the Road to Reality

For many years that the alumni of Pook Elementary School had for many years been trying to organize a homecoming for the early and current graduates of the school. On January 8 their dream of unity came to fruition.

Through the leadership of the new principal, Mr. Joray Ignacio, encourage the staff and the Parent Teachers Association to focus on this project. They then elected officers and board of directors for Pook Elementary School alumni Association (PESAA) and the event on January 8 was the result of their collective and cohesive efforts. Through good coordination, everyone who came to this event had their first taste of an old fashion welcome and fun.

Though the rain poured all day the organizers did not lost heart. The motorcade went as planned followed by a thanksgiving mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Frederick G. Malacas, one of Pook’s graduates.

A plenary session was held in the presence of all the attendees who could not be bothered to go home as the event was a whole day and a whole night session.

In the early afternoon the recognition and appreciation of the retired Pook Elementary School teachers and administrators were given. At four p m. the first part of the grand raffle draw was held while searching for Hari at Reyna of the PESAA.

In the evening the crowning of the Hari at Reyna, was left in the hands of Mayor William Lachica, who is also one of the alumni of PES. The King and Queen of the PESAA are Mr. Guillermo Peralta and Ms. Ninia Villanueva Benedictos who flew in from Australia to be able to connect with her old Alma Mater.

The committee of the PESAA headed by Mr. Antonio Sarabia who is also a balikbayan were very happy with the result of their hard work. Their plans? Oh, yes, to help the school rebuild their Home Economics Building. This building was destroyed when Typhoon Frank visited Kalibo three years ago and since then, the children cooked their food for the laboratory outside under the scorching sun and of course no project when the rain is pouring.

Now the children, the teachers and the headmaster himself will have something to look forward to as the PESAA officers are determined to put a clean and sincere effort to rebuild the Home Economics Building. And the PESAA will continue to raise funds for the benefit of the children of Pook. They have no library, no canteen and most of the roofs are leaking.

So waiting for the grace from the DepEd might take a century and while waiting these hardworking PESAA officers are happy to do as much as they can. Kudos to all of you!/TE

Ikamayad it Boracay ro Marina Project

by: Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino

Kalibo, Aklan – Gin pahayag ni Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino nga ikamayad it Boracay ro “Marina Project” o ro natawag Proposed Renovation/Rehabilitation of the Caticlan Passenger Terminal Building and Jetty Port, Enhancement and Recovery of Old Caticlan Coastline, Reclamation of a Portion of Foreshore (Marina Project) in Malay, Aklan.” Ro “Marina Project” ginapatikasog it gobierno provincial it Aklan sa pamuno ni Gobernador Carlito S. Marquez.

Ginsunod man ag gintapos eon ro kinahang-eanon it 2.64 hectares nga proyekto rason nga gintaw-an it “clearance” sa Philippine Reclamation Authority nga mapadayon in “reclamation project” ro Caticlan Jetty Port. Hataw-an man ko DENR Environment Management Bureau ro proyekto it “Environmental Compliance Certificate” ko Abril 27, 2010 pagkatapos nga nasumitir ro Environmental Impact Assesment. NAkag consultasyon man ro “Provincial Management Cpmmittee” nga napamunu-an ni Governador Carlito S. Marquez sa gobierno municipal it Malay Sangguniang Bayan it Malay, Barangay Caticlan Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) ag ro “tri-media”. Raya dugang nga hinambae ni Atty. Tolentino.

Si Atty. Allen S. Quimpo ag si Atty Ronquillo C. Tolentino nakipagkita man it daywang beses sa tri-media sa Café Latte ag sa ginhiwat nga kapihan sa Aklan. Ko Disyembre 11, 2011 nakipag conferencia si Atty. Allen Salas Quimpo sa mga “municipal officials” it Malay idto sa Boracay hanungod sa Marina Project.

Hinambae ni Atty. Tolentino owa eon it “legal question” ro “Marina Project” ay hasunod tanan nga requirements”. Ro “Marina Project” hay sa ikamayad man it Boracay ag ro “scientific findings” nagapahayag ag gasakay nga owa man rto proyekto it ginata-o nga halit o problema sa Boracay. Eabaw sa tanan ro ikamayad it Boracay sa dugang nga employment” ag makapanan-aw man it publiko ag privado nga “partnership” sa gobierno probinsyal sandig man sa “development agenda” it national government, hambae pa ni Tolentino.

Sandig sa Republic Act 7160 o ro Local Government Code it 1991, ro mga probinsya ang mga ciudad ro maka sueod sa “reclamation”.

Ro “reclamation” hay nabuhat it mga naciones. Hinambae ni Atty. Tolentino nga ro United Kingdom nga na componehan it England, Northern Ireland, Wales ag Scotland hay sigedas ro “reclamation”. Sa ka-aeamon nahanungod sa nag-aging mga natabu o “history” o “reclamation” sa United Kingdom hay nag-umpisa pa ko “6th B.C.”. Sige man ro “reclamation” sa France ro pagpaobra it mga dueongka-an it barko. Ina man ro “reclamation: sa Singapore”, hambae ni Tolentino.

Gindugang pa ni Tolentino ro mga “reclamation: sa pagpa-obra it Hongkong Disneyland ag Hongkong International Airport, ro Japan International Airport, ro Palu Diera sa Dubai nga imaw ro pinakamabahoe nga isla sa kalibutan nga halin sa “reclamation”. Imaw man ro Kansai International Airport sa Osaka Japan ag ro famoso ng Changi International Airport sa Singapore. Ina man ro “Sunken Garden” sa Vancouver Canada.

Dagaya pa nga mga “reclamation projects sa bug-os nga kalibutan.

Hinambae ni Atty. Tolentino nga ro pakipagkita nanada ni Atty. Allen S. Quimpo sa “tri-media” sa Aklan, mahambae naman nga observasyon it “media” sa Aklan ag sa anda man nga pangutana ag panaw sa ibang banwa sa Aklan, ina eon ro claro nga pagsuporta it Aklanon sa Marina project ni Gobernador Carlito S. Marquez./TE

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

Aquarius

January 21- 19 February

Uranus was discovered by Sir William Herschelm0n nMarchb13 1781. This occult and revolutionary heavenly body is a rule-breaker and has often been referred to as the ‘Planet of Destiny. However, if Aquarians are children of Fate, they are4 also children of Opportunity by being ‘All Things to all Men’.

It is said to be the sign of Freedom and yet, strangely enough, also of Friendship. Therefore, Aquarians make friends easily, loathe and detest any form of snobbery, class distinction and injustice. And, what is more, they do everything in their power to alleviate suffering. They are social reformers, standard bearers and truth seekers.

‘In this world you must be a bit too kind in order to be kind enough,’ said Pierre Marivaux born on February 4 1688.

Aquarians make their entrances at a time when ‘Winter lingers and Spring delays her coming’. Birds and animals search for food- and yet, “still do children,’ says a Victorian writer, ‘and common care-laden people seek the faithful and beloved violet family in their sequestered haunts, and draw from them their comfort, inspiration and hope they are so well fitted to impart.’ But Aquarians are not shrinking violets- they are Rainbow People and no sign produces so many mystics and missionaries as well as rebels and misfits.

Aquarians however be nauseatingly sentimental, irascible and melodramatic, and at times not much fun to live with. But he cared about the underdog, the poor and under privileged, and moved the hearts and minds of those who were indifferent to cruelty and injustice.

Yet deep down Aquarians are romantics; why else would St Valentine’s Day-m the day when birds were believed to begin mating- fall on 14 February? The eleventh house of a solar horoscope represent an individual’s hopes and wishes. But it is imperative when dealing with an Aquarian to see the light- their light- without being dazzled by it. For, like bossy Leos, their opposite in the Zodiac, given a chance they take one over. Sometimes the Water Bearer not only douses but also almost drowns newfound friends with affection.

Uranus, the planet of change and rebellion, also marks them out as role-models-movers, shakers and trend – setters- marvellous when they are expected to be monsters and monsters when they are expected to be marvellous. Fascinating, in turn attentive or aloof, vulnerable or independent but never boring.

Aquarius is an Air sign and like Geminians and Librans, Aquarians are born communicators. They enjoy exploring the world of words. Unlike those born under the Twins and the Scales, the Water Bearers bring new concepts to everything they touch. In mythology, Uranus was the God of the Heavens and the Father of Saturn- but it does not do to dwell on his odd behaviour.

‘Almost all our misfortunes in life comes from the wrong notions we have about the things that happen to us. To know men thoroughly, to judge events sanely is, therefore, a great steps towards happiness,’ and, ‘A very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love,’ according to Stendhal, born on January 20, 1783./TE


The Road to Better Health

COMMON ASTHMA TRIGGERS
1. House dust mites
2. Exercise
3. Birds
4. Mold
5. Trees
6. Grass
7. Weed
8. Cockroaches
9. Tobacco soke
10. Smog
11. Car exhaust
12. Cold Air
13. Aerosol sprays
14. Other air polututants
15. Strong odors (like those from paints perfumes or flowers)
16.HOUSE, householded cleaners
17. Hot showers
18. Illness such as colds, Flu, Sinus Infetions and bronchitis
19. Certain food additives (Like sulfhites)
20. Certain medications (Like aspirin or Ibuprofen)
21. Emotional or physical stress
22. Cats, dogs, and otherfurry animals

Editorial, January 5-11, 2011

An Exploding Population

It came as a great relief to hear the Pope proclaim last year that contraception was now considered acceptable by the Roman Catholic Church.

n a recent interview with Dr. Roger Marten, a specialist in the area of population control, he expressed concern about countries such as Uganda whose population is currently expanding at an alarming rate. When asked about his area of greatest concern he replied without hesitation “the Philippines.”

he Philippines has one of the highest birth rates, if not the highest birth rate in the world, and the current rate of expansion of our population is simply unsustainable. As a country we are not even able to grow enough rice to feed the current population, so what hope do we have to feed future generations?

he current population of the world is around 6 billion, but this figure is estimated to rise to 9 billion by the year 2050. Some countries such as China have lower birth rates, Chinese people being prohibited by law from having more than one child per family. In some European countries the birth rate is actually going down.

n the Philippines there will probably be between two to three times as many people by the year 2050. Did you ever stop to wonder where the food will come from to feed all these additional mouths? We should remember that the birth rate is increasing in many other Asian countries too, each of which will have less and less rice to spare for export in the coming years.

As food becomes more scarce the crime rate will undoubtedly soar as people become more and more desperate. Civil order might well break down and be replaced instead by the order of the gun. Only the strongest and most ruthless will survive. Is this what we want for our children, and for the succeeding generations of Filipinos?

If we as a country wish to climb out of the poverty from which so many of us are compelled to endure today, then one essential prerequisite is to reduce our current birth rate.

Should we fail to do so the consequences will not only be dire, but they will also be irreversible./TE

Aquarius

The 11th sign of the Zodiac is Aquarius. Ruled by Uranus and symbolised by the ‘Water Bearer’.

Of all the twelve signs, this seem to be the most praiseworthy. Idolised and fashionable at the moment, even though whatever is meant by the ‘Dawning of the Age of Aquarius’ does not appear to be making the world a happier place to live in for Aquarians or anyone else. But the very first thing to remember when considering the nature or characteristics of those born during the latter part of January, or the first three weeks of February, is that they are a law unto themselves, unconventional, unpredictable, and way ahead of their time.

The greatest mistake is trying to be more agreeable than you can be, remarked one Walter Bagehot, born on February 3 1826. But then Lord Byron, Stendhal, Robbie Burns, Lewis Carroll, Colette, Norman Mailer, Germaine Greer, James Joyce and J. S. Perleman- the list is endless- either believe like Charles Lamb, born on 10 February, 1775,”Sentimentally, I am disposed to harmony, but organically I am incapable of a tune’, or agree with Germaine Greer, “Every time a man unburdens his heart to a stranger he reaffirms the love that unites humanity”.

Young, middle- aged and old Aquarians have a lot to say for themselves, argue the toss, take risks, espouse causes, re4solutely refuse to conform to others’ standards but, above all, say what others are unable, afraid or ashamed to convey. Maybe it is because this is the only birth sign that is ruled by the revolutionary planet Uranus. However well- organised the foundation of life maybe, life must always be full of risks’- Havelock Ellis, born on 2 February 1859./TE

THE ROAD TO A BETTER LIFE

by: Dr. Felma R. Dela Cruz

PROPER BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT

Proper measurement & interpretation of the BP is essential in the diagnosis & management of Hypertension (HPN). Incorrect technique of BP measurement results to false readings, unnecessary treatment, and inappropriate treatment follow-up.

Techniques of Blood Pressure Measurement:

1. Patient position:

* BP usually taken in sitting position; lying position increases SBP & decreases DBP by 2-3 mmHg.
*Lying, sitting & standing BP are to be taken to detect postural hypotension (lowering of BP in different position) seen the elderly & diabetics.
* Patients should sit quietly for 5 minutes before BP is taken: apprehension causes elevation in BP & 20-30 % of patients with clinic HPN are normotensive at home, called White Coat HPN.

2. Steps in Recording Blood Pressure:

•Sit patient in a quite room in a chair, with back supported, feet on the floor
( no cross legs) & arm resting with palm of the hand exposed upward & elbow flexed at heart level. Remove tight or restrictive clothing.
* Patient should not be talking while BP is measured
•Put him at ease ( 5 min before measurement)
•Place manometer at eye level- close enough to read the calibrations marking the gauge.
•Locate the brachial artery by palpation (inner upper arm)
•Wrap the cuff smoothly & snugly around the arm ( just enough for 2 fingers to fit in) and the center of the bladder over the brachial artery (find the center of the bladder by folding it into half).
•The lower margin of the bladder should be 1 inch or 2.5 cm above the elbow line (reduce noise from contact of stethoscope with cuff).
•Inflate cuff rapidly up to the level of maximal inflation, i.e. 30mm Hg above disappearance of the radial pulse. (to detect “Auscultatory Gap”)
•Place the bell lightly over the brachial artery & deflate slowly at a rate of 2-3 mmHg per heart beat or per second
•Record systolic & diastolic Blood Pressure to the nearest 2 mmHg mark.
•Record the first sound as the Systolic BP & the last sound as the Diastolic BP.
•Intensify the sounds by opening & closing the hand 10 X before inflation of the bladder.

3. Technique of Measurement:

* Measure BP initially on both arms & use arm w/ higher BP on next measurements.
•Take BP at least twice on each visit allowing 1- 2 min interval between measurements. May count Pulse Rate while waiting.
•Do additional measurements if a difference of more than 5 mmHg exist between 2 consecutive measurements
•Recorded BP should be the average of the last 2 measurements.
•The measurement can be repeated after 15 seconds without significantly affecting accuracy.(Let the mercury fall to zero level before inflating the cuff again).
•Pressing the stethoscope too firmly against the artery will give erroneously lower DBP
Record the pressure, patient position, the arm, & cuff size( for example 140/100 mmHg, seated, right arm, large adult cuff)

4. Instrumentation:

a) Sphygmomanometer:
* Mercury: Standard of all BP measurements; there should be no leaks,no break on the glass, & mercury level should be at zero mark. Will be phased out due to the concern of toxic spills.
* Anaeroid: No cracks on face, needle at zero mark, no stop pin at “O”, should be calibrated with a mercury manometer every 6 mos, less reliable & easily becomes inaccurate.
* Digital BP cuffs
* Electronic Devices: are non- mercurial manometers, the future BP measurement device.
* 21 % of mercurial & more than 50% of anaeroid manometers are inaccurate
b) BP Cuff : proper sizes for pediatric & adults (average or fatter arms )
c) Inflating-Deflating Device: Bulb
•Must achieve pressure of 200 mmHg after 3-5 secs of rapid inflation
•Must deflate smoothly at 2-3 mm/sec
•Deflation should not be jerky, not too rapid, nor too slow: 2 mm/ heart beat
d) The Stethoscope:
•Earpiece should face forward in the ear canal
•Must have thick tubing 12-15 inches in length

* Use the bell to detect low-frequency Korotkoff (K) sounds.

The following should be avoided 30 minutes before BP measurement:
1.food intake
2.exercise
3.intake of caffeine or smoking
4. full urinary bladder
5. cool environment ( 12 C or 54 F) –causes vasoconstriction/TE