Surviving shots

I WAS in a chair beside a stretcher where my buddy was writhing in pain in the CHC emergency room at 3 a.m. three days ago when a couple of nurses came in.  My buddy was suffering from gastro acidity and the “cocktail” the nurses gave him earlier did not lessen his pain.

“We’re going to give him fluids now,” one of the nurses addressed me, and I visibly paled. He started to roll up the left sleeve of my buddy’s jacket and got everything ready for the intravenous shot. I cringed and started to shake inwardly as I fought the weakness that started to crawl from my knees and to the rest of my body.

I always have this fear of needles, even if I’m just watching someone getting a shot. I gripped my buddy’s right elbow not to comfort him but to control my shaking as the needle went through his left hand and the nurses finally had the dextrose and another bag of liquid for gastro acidity in place. Weak-kneed, I watched the liquid trickling slowly from the bags and into my buddy’s arm and was able to breathe normally again only when his breathing finally became even and he started to snore softly.

But the worst was yet to come. A little boy was admitted in who would not not stop crying when nurses and hospital staff pinned him to the bed to give him a shot. I peered through the curtains but one of the nurses waved me away. Seeing my buddy having IV injections and hearing the boy wailing was an ordeal I had to endure for the next couple of hours.

“You were so pale I thought we had to administer the IV on you instead,” one of the nurses told me when we checked out that morning. They did not know that I nearly fainted from fighting my fear of needles.

I know I’m not alone. Thousands of other people all over the world would wish to disappear each time a doctor asks them to roll up their sleeves to get a shot. Thousands are suffering from fear of needles so that they would rather suffer and endure the pain and not see a doctor until they have to.

“We have patients who would rather suffer toothache instead of seeing the dentist because they are afraid of injections,” Dental Care resident dentist Fred Gogan said.

According to Dr. Ken Pierson of the Saipan Seventh Day Adventist Dental Clinic, “Sometimes, patients who have fear of needles try to endure the pain and wait until it’s too late for us to save their teeth.”

Both dentists said the fear of needles is something that can be conquered.

Tips to survive shots

Here are some tips from the www.kids.org website and other sources on how to survive shots or conquer your fear of needles.

•    Distract yourself while you're waiting for your shot. You can listen to music, answer puzzles, read a book or bring a movie player so you will be distracted from thinking about the shot.
•    Take slow, deep breaths all the way down into your belly to help you relax. Breathing exercises can help you relax.
•    Talking to a friend for support can also help you distract your attention. Talk about pleasant topics such as coming activities and plans.
•    Focus your full attention on something in the room. It can be a poster, a picture or a sign on the wall, or anything. Concentrate on the details. For example you are looking at a picture, study the colors, the setting or whatever it takes to take your mind off from the shot.
•    While taking a needle shot, don’t’ look at it. Turn your face toward the opposite direction or to a wall or anything away from your arm.
•    Relax. If you are tense, it will only make you feel more hurt. Don’t move your arms or make any sudden movements that will only make the experience more traumatic for you.
•    Don’t think of the needle before or after your shot because it will only add up to the anxiety and fear you have of the needle.
•    Do not hesitate to tell your doctor or nurse that you are afraid of needles. They deal with people like you every day and can help you relax.
•    Condition your mind that the jab of a needle is just one tiny quick bite.
•    Remember that the shot can help you get well or for your own good.
•    If you feel faint or lightheaded after a shot, rest for a few minutes.

Getting shots is an experience that can be tough not only for parents and kids, but for a lot of adults too. It may help to know that your fear is not unique and you are not alone.

The tips to survive shots are easier said than done and it’s more tempting to skip the shots but the good news is you can challenge yourself to face the fear. (This article was first published HERE)

NMI’s first ‘Bully Show’ draws hundreds of spectators

HUNDREDS of excited spectators flocked to watch the first  PitBull Bully Show at the Garapan Central Park on Saturday afternoon.

The show brought together for the first the best pitbulls from the CNMI and Guam, presented by the Marianas PitBull Alliance and Alpha Dogg Productions of Guam.

Gracing the event to judge the show were Randy Haina from Hawaii American Bully Kennel Club and special guests from Guam: David Crisostomo of Irondogs Pitbull Kennels and Cris Castro of Bullies of Barrigada Heights.

Children and adults alike enjoyed catching a glimpse of the different pitbulls prior to the Bully Show.

The spectators also enjoyed the display of big bikes and big cars outside the Round House where the show was held.

Sponsors for the event are Budweiser, IT&E, Aquarius Beach Hotel, Megavision El Drako Tattoo, Alamo/National Car Rental, J’s Restaurant, Paradise Island Animal Hospital, Power 99, Shell and Saipan Apparel.

The winners for the different categories in Saturday’s first Bully Show who went home with various prizes were:

Standard Pre-Novice Puppy class (3-6 months female)
1st place - El Drako Kennels Zilla’Ani
Standard Pre-Novice Puppy (Class 3-6 months male)
1st place - El Drako Kennel’s Brockzilla (owned by Norman Del Rosario)

Standard Novice Puppy (6-9 months)
1st place - Marianas Pacificu Kennels Amu-Pacqiao

Standard Class (9-12 months)
1st place - Kulan Zamu Kennelz Buddy-Zamo
2nd place - Figu Kennels Chaife-Matatnga                                           
3rd place - Judge (owned by Francis Mendiola)

Standard Class (Junior 1-2 years old)
1st place - El Drako Kennels True Bull “Chubbs”

Standard Adult (2-3 years old)
1st place - El Drako Kennels G-Force aka Junior
2nd place - FPK’s Magas (owner- Ed Guinto)

Standard Senior Class (3 & up years old)
1st place - El Drako kennels Makoa
2nd place - Kulan Zamu Kennelz Bubba Junior

Best Overall Male and Best of Show: Kulan Zamu Kennelz Purple Ribbon Buddy Zamo (owned by Vinnie Sablan).

For more information about taking care of pitbulls or to join the MPBA, call Norman del Rosario at 287-2875. (published HERE)

For more photos, please check out my facebook page HERE

Saipan’s Torres wins $1,400 in Pika Festival poker tournament

Saipan’s Jack Torres went home $1,400 richer after he won the Pika Festival Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament hosted by the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino on Saturday evening.

Torres bested 45 other players in the game that started at 10 p.m. and finished at past 3 a.m. on Sunday.

Coming in second and bagging the $450 prize was Motetsu Gaja, followed by third place winner of $300 Ernesto Rivera, both from Tinian.

Fourth place winner Sim Tae Seob and fifth placer Sim Tae Seob won $100 and $50.

Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino marketing manager Chell Funtanar said the turnout was good despite the fact that they did not reach their targeted number of players.

She said some of the players who had already registered for the poker tournament backed out because the tournament started out so late and they were already playing at the slot machines in the casino.

“Some of them were already winning at the machines and did not want to leave their games anymore,” Funtanar said.

They plan to hold more Texas Hold ’ Em poker tournaments within the year to entice more people from Saipan and Rota as well as tourists to come to Tinian.

Tinian Dynasty scheduled the Texas Hold ’Em Poker tournament on Saturday in time for the two-day Pika Festival or hot pepper festival at Tachogna Beach.

“We made the timing so that our players can also have the chance to experience the island’s famous hot pepper festival,” she said.

A Baccarrat Challenge is slated for March 12-13. Over the weekend, the casino also re-launched its Paradise Slot Club, the island’s premier player’s club. Frequent casino players can sign up to earn benefits such as free meals, free hotel accommodation, airline passes, invitations to parties and special events, free entries to tournaments, gift certificates at Monster Pizza or Dynasty gift shops, and more.

Membership is free. Benefits add up each time  points are earned playing slots, video, poker or Sega horse race. 

For more information, contact Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino at 328-2233, fax number 328-1133, email tinian.dynasty@pticom.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.tinian-dynasty.com.

Cultural dance

Members of the Taotao Taga Dance Academy entertain hotel staffers and guests with their performances at a  recent gathering at the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.

Tinian talents shine in first Showtime Challenge

THEIR talents varied from singing, dancing, sketching, drawing and other skills. They all did their best as they vied for the top prizes in the first ever JC Café’s Showtime Magpasikat (Be Famous) Challenge on Tinian last week.

Before the night was over, three contestants got the nod of the judges and grabbed the top three places.

Marilyn Papio went home $150 richer for winning the first place with her rendition of “The Power of Love.” Erwin Carlaje’s rendition of “Paano ang Puso Ko” (What About My Heart) won him $100 for  second place, while Jaylo’s on-the-spot graphic sketch of a lady model won him $75 for third place.

The event, which was JC Café’s pre-Valentine presentation, was held on Feb.11, 2011 at JC Café-Tinian. It turned out to be an evening of fun and entertainment   for everybody, even those who claimed having no special talents. JC Café’s staffers opened the show with a dance performance.

The judges for the contest who were not spared from showing their individual talents on stage were Elvira Morgan of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, Julian Hofschneider of Tinian High School and Joey Lenteja of Tinian Health Center.

Lucky individuals who joined the audience talent showdown and whose performances rocked the house with loud laughter also went home with various prizes such as stuffed toys, gift certificates, grocery items, and personal accessories.

An intermission of non-stop music — trance, hiphop, techno, chacha-reggae, Palauan R&B, Electric Slide, New Wave and Pinoy beat — set everyone in a party mood.

Julio and Estenza Mojica, owner of 3K’s Market, were chosen as this year’s 2011 Couple of the Year, a traditional award given by JC Café each year. Couples also received fresh roses during the night.

As its newest feature, a search for “Face of the Night” was held and Aida Juma-oas of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino emerged as the winner.

Cellphone cards were also given out to the guests who texted their comments about the food and services at JC Café.

With the success of the first Showtime Challenge, JC Café manager Lot G. Bunao said they will be holding monthly contests set for March 12, April 9, May 7, June 4 and the grand finals on July 9.

Monthly prizes will be $100, $75, $5 for the first, second and third placers.  Grand Finals prizes would be $250, $100 and $50 for the top three places.

Sponsors for the event were Pacific Amusement, Pacific Quick Print, Triple J Saipan, Truong’s Restaurant, H-Mart, Dolphin’s Wholesale, Taro Sue, Island Florals & Gifts, Gizelle Salon, Crystal Clear-Tinian, Huang Shun Corporation, Lucky Qiang, Johnson’s Airconditioning, M/M Bill Cing, Sallyfin Catangay, Vannesa Talavera and Leny Marcelo.

Event hosts were Barnard Maraon and Isabel Barrios.

Published HERE

Profile: DeLinda D. Wills:The other side of surgery

SHE was in her early twenties, a successful chemist and laboratory technician for Mobile Cicero Lube Plant in Illinois.

One morning, Dr. DeLinda D. Wills, a U.S. board certified general surgeon, woke up dizzy with a blurry vision and with a loud buzzing in her ears.

Alarmed, Wills consulted a doctor who told her it was infection. She stayed in bed for three days thinking that she was going to die. On the fourth day, she got up, got a book on anatomy and physiology and read it from cover to cover.

That book changed her life forever. Wills decided to go into medical school right then and there. She handed her resignation to her employer and bid goodbye to a well-paying job she had for six years. Her employer refused to accept her resignation and gave her three months to “think it over,” assuring her the job will be there when she returned. Wills knew there was no going back.

Medical school was an upward battle for Wills, who was then already in her late 20’s. She was no longer on scholarship like she had in college, and suddenly she was scrimping and going into debts to survive. But she loved every minute of it.

Wills finished medical school and completed her general surgery residency at the Louisiana State University of Shreveport in 2007. She answered a call to serve as a doctor at the LBJ Tropical medical Center in American Samoa.

She came to Saipan and worked as a general surgeon at the Commonwealth Health Center for two months in 2008, went home and back for another two months in 2009. She came back to work for CHC for the third time in Feb. 2010 and finally opened Aulelei Medical to fulfill one of her dreams.

Dream job

In April last year, Wills opened the Aulelei Medical clinic on the third floor of the Marianas Business Plaza, and life and her medical career took on another new meaning.

Although she still works as a surgeon at CHC on weekends, Aulelei Medical is her haven, where she takes people under her wing and makes them feel beautiful.

She said Aulelei Medical is her other side of her career.

“I’ve always been vain, and I wanted to take off the haggard looks from people and make them look fresh and young all the time,” Wills said.

“Helping people on the aesthetic side is like planting something and seeing it grow and blossom and that brings unequalled satisfaction,” she added.

Wills operates a one-man clinic, doing everything by herself to cut on operating costs.

Since last year, people have been coming to her for skin consultations and customized treatments for all kinds of skin problems, and she is more than happy to help.

“I want to get the impression out of the people’s minds that going for a facial or skin treatment and rejuvenation is expensive. Money is only good as long as what you do with it, and if you want to do something, go after it because it is the only to have it. If you save money now and not pay attention to your body now, it may be too late when you finally decide and you will end up spending more,” she said.

Wills spends her weekdays treating skin problems of men and women — acne, oily or dry skin, hyperpigmentation, melasma,  rosacea and does Botox cosmetic and Juvederm consultation, Botox cosmetic, and Juvederm dermal fillers.

Aulelei Medical Clinic is located at Suite 315 of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe. Visit www.auleleimedical.com, e-mail drwills@auleleimedical.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 235-7314 for appointments.
(published HERE)

Watabe Wedding opens newest location at the Hyatt

WATABE Wedding, one of the wedding coordinators and boutiques that have been operating on island for over 15 years, opened the doors of its newest location in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Saipan on Monday evening.

Watabe Wedding general manager Kentaro Egawa said they have been doing business here since 1994, but the Hyatt is their third location.

“We grabbed the chance to move to the Hyatt because we want to be accessible to where the tourists  are,” Egawa said.

Watabe Wedding first opened shop at the Grand Saipan Hotel then moved to the fourth floor of the Bank of Guam Building where they stayed for the past 10 years.

Egawa said they cater mostly to tourist weddings at an average of about 300 a year.

“The wedding business on island is not that good, but still we manage to get by,” he said.

Watabe Wedding plans for resort weddings and parties, including the details of wedding gowns, dress and tuxedos for men, wedding photos and even the honeymoon.

Egawa said  Saipan is a very ideal place for weddings and honeymoons.

“It has a beautiful weather and spectacular views. We also have clients who want to celebrate their anniversaries here,” Egawa said.

Wedding gowns shipped  from Vietnam in various designs are available at Watabe Wedding. The gowns can be rented at a cost of $700 and up, or bought and altered to fit anyone.

“We have over 180 designs to choose from, and if you want to customize your own gown design, we can do it for you,” Egawa said.

Included with the gowns for rent are shoes, veil, gloves and free makeup. Accessories are not included but Watabe Wedding has a wide selection of wedding accessories on display.

Watabe Wedding has a comfortable make-up room where a makeup specialist will take care of the bride and groom before the wedding.

Watabe Wedding is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information,  visit Watabe Wedding in the Hyatt lobby, call 235-9332 or go to www.watabe-wedding.co.jp. (published HERE)