"Staying Healthy in the Philippines: Insider Tips from an Expat
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Staying Healthy in the Philippines: Insider Tips from an Expat@paulinthephilippinesolddog9234
Welcome to our CZcams channel! In this enlightening video, we will discuss essential tips and guidance on how to avoid medical disasters in the Philippines. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, understanding and navigating potential health hazards is crucial for your well-being. In "Surviving Health Hazards in the Philippines: Your Guide to Avoiding Medical Disasters," we delve into the prominent health risks present in this beautiful archipelago. Throughout this video, we address prevalent health concerns such as infectious diseases,, and various other challenges that may arise during your stay in the Philippines. By educating yourself about these risks, you empower yourself to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to optimize your health and safety. Our video also highlights practical tips and preventive measures to help you mitigate potential medical disasters. We emphasize the importance of maintaining personal hygiene,. By adopting these preventive measures, you significantly minimize the likelihood of encountering health emergencies. Being aware of the nearest medical establishments can prove instrumental in times of medical crises. At the end of this video, you will feel equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to avoid medical disasters while in the Philippines. We encourage you to stay proactive, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Don't let unforeseen medical emergencies dampen your experience in this tropical paradise. Join us now and discover the key steps to avert health hazards in the Philippines. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our channel for more informative videos on how to stay safe and healthy during your travels.
Great video Paul. As a former Medic in the U.S. Army, very good advice for over here. I havebeen here almost 5 yrs. If Iget even the smallest wound/scrap it get treated with Hydrogen Peroxide, then with an antibiotic cream,then coveredfor 24 hrs. There are some strange things here that we are not immune to.
@@Arthur88 POOL BLEACH ... FOLLOWED BY BACARDI !
@@Arthur88 Yeah , NO 💩!
Yup! Experienced same in Iraq and then Afghanistan soon after. Back to back stressed my immune system so much got my first MRSA after being back in US (gotta love septra!) Fast forward to PI and a staph infection 2nd month from a spider bite and didn’t waste a day getting to doc here and cured/gone within 8 days. Lots of things here that can kill you quickly, yet I see expats putting off doc visit, like one who recently cut his toe and Finally ended up back in Oz where they amputated his foot.
YES - Great video
& good basic advice to be careful. (& seek treatment)
MAYBE if he'd treated / cleaned the wound & kept it protected .... it *MIGHT* have gone away (early in the wounds existence) _BUT_ ......
I had something similar happen to ME.
a shin wound. it *_BEGAN_* to heal, then I "itched it" (like HE did to his)
I reopened it ..... & it just went to *HELL* on me
I ended up in a doctors office bc of it
my body couldn't cope. IF I'd been living remotely in far far rural areas. it could have killed me.
OR at the very least.... you lose a limb & survive / if you're lucky
@@Arthur88 only suitable to dis-infect scrapes and small wounds, once they get infected it is'nt strong enough to kill the infection, i used Hydrogen peroxide along with anti-biotics
I learned early when I retired in Thailand that you have to take care of any scratched or cuts to avoid serious infection. Be safe.
It took you until retirement to learn you need to clean your wounds, my brother?
@@vintagepennies6899 Hot tropical environments are basically an incubator for nasty things. Something that would be no big deal in the US can develop very quickly into a serious infection. Learned this playing in the jungles of Panama. Seen some nasty infections from a simple cut.
@@vintagepennies6899 Not really but in Canada most often with long pant our small injuries were more protected and cleaning the wound was properly done.
@@thaimaxcan i gotch. Best wishes.
Gotcha*
Paul, thank you for doing this video! I lost my father 10 years ago to sepsis brought about by cellulitis. Pretty much completely preventable. Hope everyone listens. God speed!
This is an important topic for most of us guys who avoid doctors and do our own thing. Thanks for bringing this subject to the forefront for expats who think they can tough small injuries out
True, we are not immune to the germ in the Philippines. The first year I was here I had an ear infection, skin infection and was attacked by mosquitoes until I developed immunity. The roads, sidewalks and stairs are another story. Be careful. 🇺🇸🗽
I remember the same issues from Haiti in the early 80s.
I've had alot of ear infections, conjunctivis, and respiratory infections.
That's pretty nice you got immune to all the germs in the Philippines after a year.
That's why I don't dari smoke cigarettes anymore. Smoking in a tropical country is a recipe for pnuemonia.
Good information. Thanks for sharing
Just a quick point Paul, the most probable vector for the infection was probably the water from the shower more than the flies. There is bacteria in that water that your Filipina can drink it with little to no after effects but get that in a foreigner and a bad case of the runs is the least of your worries if you have an exposed cut. Cellulitis is a bacteria that most of us have on the outside of our skin all the time, what it needs to take root is a hole in the skin and a weakened immune system. Good luck and always see a Doctor if you can.
I hear you loud and clear. Similar thing happened to me in Thailand. The climate here in the Philippines/Sth East Asia is a breeding ground for any scratch or cut to thrive. When I shave and nic myself I’m like a hemophiliac!!! So glad you are on the mend Mark. Paul thanks for sharing! 🙏
Great video. One of your best. Thank you for sharing this with. Take care.🤙
Four years ago I binge-watched House, MD and now I am an excellent diagnostician. Go ahead and ask me to diagnose your condition.
These issues can happen anywhere even in the US especially in the south like Florida. Although rare,flesh eating bacteria(necrotizing fascitis) can infect open wounds and cause life threatening situations. I'm glad you're okay now.
Possibly one of the most important videos you've done. Much appreciated, it was tough to hear but I'm glad Mark is doing okay now and learns his lesson
Good advice, quite possibly life saving, thank you Paul & Mark 👍
You don’t want to get sepsis you will most likely die from it my father did ‘ it’s actually a great subject to touch on to help raise awareness as not everyone understands the importance off how serious this is ‘ it’s actually a medical emergency 🚨 emergency 🆘
EXCELLENT video!!! I think the vast majority of foreign people are not going to think to much about a cut/scratch. And in the USA many doctors say to leave the cut uncovered so it dries and heals faster/better exposed and gets air. Great PSA that everyone should take heed, and ensure as you said, to have Neosporin (or equivalent) at the house with a box of bandaids with a variety of sizes. Might even make sense to carry a tube of Neosporin in the motorbike so you always have it when away from the house.
Unless you're allergic to 1 of the 3 ingredients in Neosporin:; figured that out the hard way eventually: Only use Polysporin now
US doctors do not leave cuts scapes uncovered when you seek care...if one does they are no longer medically fit.
Yes, about staying healthy! During my decade in the Philippines, I was often pre-occupied with the question as to how the climate affected my health. During the dry seasons, I didn't have any serious problems. However, during the rainy seasons, I was often plagued with afflictions like colds, fever, cough, skin infections and so on ... even mysterious insect bites like something on my neck (perhaps from an evil spider?) that became an abscess the size of a golf ball and had to be operated on. I never did find the answer as to whether I am particularly susceptible to this kind of weather or whether others experience similar problems, but it was an influencing factor in deciding to return to Canada.
I've heard a lot of stories about Filipinos not going to a doctor because they don't have the money. I personally know two who died (one of them was a 4-year-old child) because they waited too long to get medical help. I never expected that an American or any other westerner, who does have the money to get treated, would postpone that treatment for so long. I hope your video opens the eyes of some other expats, Paul.
Can't fix stupid. Maybe he learned a lesson, maybe not.
I'm thinking most foreigners who love it here have a somewhat gungho mentality, I know I do, what sensible mature serious thinking dude would leave the comforts of their own country to come live in a "developing" nation....hehehe....foreign dudes here tend to be a little less sensible than the ones that stay at home....but HAPPIER!!!!!!
Staph infection is no joke. Great to see you were able to stick around 👍👍
Tiger balm and antibacterial gel helps. I bring the latter from the USA and buy 2 or more large containers of the balm for 150 pesos each. Both are lifesavers for cuts and scrapes. Also, get some bandages from the Mercury drugstore chain. 😊 I have known Filipino people who passed away sadly from a simple cut on the leg and foot, resulting in infection of vital organs. So have some stuff available to u.
I have to tell everyone. After watching this video last night, I emailed my doctor about what might be a problem with my toe. They said stop in because the photo showed an infection under the toenail. I am on antibiotics for 10 days. On the 10th day from now I get on my flight to the Philippines !!!! Thanks Paul and Mark :)
Just happy you are ok!
Thanks for this. I can’t imagine the “stuff” western bodies aren’t used to - scrapes, cuts, food, gut bacteria, etc. always worth the reminder!
Basically he did everything wrong and survived. So what you are saying is there is hope for me. I feel better. Thanks.
very interesting
Wow, this happened to me, but thank goodness I hit Bangkok Hospital 5 days after it happened, but that delayed cost me three months recovery, in Australia, yes it was expensive 😢
Thanks again for the content!
Good to know,thanks Paul
Thanks Paul
It's absolutely an important video and public service announcement. It's just hard for people to change their typical operating procedures. Always a good reminder.
Great point
Excellent reminder Paul !
I read every comment. Holy cow, this has opened many eyes 👍🏻👍🏻. Diabetic’s, neuropathy, skin tear’s easier with age, tetanus shots, antibiotics, drunk on stairs & f-ed up sidewalks, walking pneumonia, sepsis, etc…. Thank’s Mark & Paul! This has been a Public Service Announcement.
Thank you guys for sharing
Hi Paul, Exellent advice. I lived on the Bataan Peninsula and we lived in the Rainforest. Everything is moldy or rotting. Every cut or scratch or even insect bite should be treated as serious. In the Rainforest your susceptible to skin infections and boils. There are so many bitey, stingy insects trying to make a meal out of you. The monkey's and giant lizards are another story. Also, note in the ocean if you get cut or step on a sea urchin or something, infection is over night. I always wear foot protection in the ocean. Remeber the Philippines is still kind of primitive, why its so beautiful. The other thing is us old timers dont heal so fast. Have a great day
I live in Florida, by a very large lake with a forest behind me. Yes fungal infections can happen during the summer rains. Mosquito bites, spider bites, yes we have them all. Best thing is use DIAL soap and wash any cut, scrape, bite immediately.
Great information 👍
As always, useful and interesting.
Perfect update and great advice.
Awesome video. Thank you for posting this experience.
Important vudeo...thanks for the heads up😮
Very good,,Thanks
Great subject, all is true
Good video Paul thanks again 👍 😊
Good evening Paul. Just getting my day started with you. 12 hours difference. Stay safe !!
Great health tip Paul
Paul Thanks For This Much Needed Reminder Of What Can Happen in The Philippines.
I Do Have a Point to Make About What He Said About Broken Ribs.
Yes, It Is True There is Little They Can Do ( Outside of Wrapping Them) Yet He Has Kind of Suggested That Because of That, We Might Skip Seeking Care if We Feel We May Have Broken a Rib or 2.
Let's Skip over The Fact for a Moment, He May have Done Other Damage That They Could Take Care Of.
But If You Believe You Might Have Broken a Rib, It's Still Not Wise To Self Care Here, As Ribs Can( and Often do) Puncture Other Areas of The Body.
Just A Point I Think We All Need to Remember Here. Self Care in These Cases, Maybe Not The Best Idea.
Absolutely agree. I got complacent from breaking ribs 3 times before and it all went well. i was just lucky. See a Dr.!
Thanks for the heads up. Like Mark, I brush off minor cuts repeatedly but hopefully would be smart enough to get medical help sooner than later.
Good video. You guys are saving lives.
Thank you for this GREAT video! Here is my true story. I'm from the USA and I have a Filipina girlfriend. Back in April this year, I went to visit her. While there, we flew from Manila to Iloilo, and then traveled three hours by bus to the province to visit her relatives. They live a primitive existence out in the boonies. You all know... the cinder-block house with tin roof, and only two rooms. Chickens, a couple of pigs, and outdoor CR equipped with a big bucket of water. They pump water from a well using a hand pump, they cook by making a fire outside, etc. While there, I fell and scraped my leg on a tree stump. It was bleeding just a slight amount. I thought nothing of it, and I wasn't going to do anything about it, but the relatives noticed it and IMMEDIATELY took action to take care of this small wound. They cleaned the area, disinfected it and dressed it. I thought they were WAYYYYY overreacting and making a big deal out of nothing, simply because I was a foreigner, and a guest. But NOW... and ONLY NOW, I see why they were so alarmed and why they took immediate action regarding my (seemingly insignificant) wound!!
I often see a local with a handkerchief, t shirt, bandana, whatever, tied around an arm or leg.....seemed like overkill to me at first, but after having an open wound on my ankle that got infected, now I know exactly why the locals take care of these things. In my case, I'm fairly sure it was the flies landing on the wound that transferred the bacteria or whatever it was that turned a simple problem into something more worrying, I went to see a somewhat crazy American guy on Friendship Highway in Angeles City who had a "medical facility" selling lotions and potions, reportedly he had been a Doc in the US but had lost his license somehow, anyhow he cleaned out the wound and gave me some capsules with a dark green powder inside, instruction were to consume one capsule daily and open a second capsule and pour the contents into the wound, very cheap, a few bucks, worked like a charm, a week later it was fine, although to this day I still have a scar when the wound was.
I'm living in Cambodia, any time I leave the city and travel I carry a first aid kit with me. You just never know
Good for you and that was my recommendation in my comment above, get a first aid kit and add neosporin to it.
Great video Paul! Impeccable timing also. I got a very small scrape here up in Pangasinan. A week later it was infected. Bought some Bactroban (Mupirocin) and by the time we got to Dumagete it was healing but was still swollen. Had another spot act up while in Dauin. Agree 100% keep it covered and critters can’t land on it. At night indoors let it get some air. Your video was a great service to tubers! Please consider a video at the Cata-al WWII museum in Valencia?
wow good info
Thanks Paul for this important informative video.
Keep up the great work.
Good info folks… listen up it might save your life!!
Great video!
Very important information, than you so much guys!
That is some good info, you people better listen to this one.
Medical provider for 35 years, retired USN, lived in Guam, Hawaii, Philippines and visited many tropical areas. Tropical diseases are medical specialty. The Philippine Drs are very good at treating infections. Ive seen very small infections skin breaks in the tropics lead to serious infections, cellulitis, sepsis ( blood infection) and death. If you cut yourself or have broken skin or blister…stay out of the ocean…the ocean is loaded with bacteria. If you get cut in the philippines i suggest you go to a local pharmacy and get iodine, peroxide, and sterile saline solution and irrigate it out well. If you see it getting inflamed red and streaking up your skin…see a Physician immediately for assessment and possible antibiotic treatment. I once had a 50 y/o man in Guam squeeze a pimple on his nose but cross contaminated it from either dirty hands or bacteria living on his skin. From this it became infected, he delayed evaluation but was admitted in hospital for rule out sepsis, ended up in the ICU, eventually intubated and full multi organ failure and died from sepsis…also a young healthy 28 y/o man in hawaii fell in the Ala Wai Canal after a night of drinking and gashed his leg. His drunk friends brought him home and not to hospital because of the intoxication. Next day he had serious fever and was eventually brought to hospital…he later died of sepsis intubated, multi-organ failure in ICU. Stay our to the ocean with any cut or wound‼️Most people old people who die in the ICU die from sepsis from an being immunocomprimised from age and succumb to bacterial blood sepsis.
Yeah, I agree! And we should have those items (iodine, hydrogen peroxide, etc) available at home or better yet, get something like an emergency kit with those items and more, in case we need it. I hope everyone in Paul's channel, especially new expats, read your comment. It's very informative and good advice as well.
A good message for all, that's one of the reasons I get my finger and toe nails taken care of on a regular basis. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, quite the story! Had a similar issue, ignored it, almost went septic myself. I won't take scratches/bites for granted ever again! Hope you heal quickly friend.
Great info Paul and good luck to Mark!
Great video as always Paul , thanks Mark for sharing. 🎉
Wow😮scary stuff… Thanks for sharing…..
Great info. It’s always the little things that get you especially with our egos thanks. 😊
Very good video, thanks so much
Important PSA.
Hey Paul, thank you for another informative/educational clip. More often than not, I find your clips filled with wisdom and entertaining at the same time. God Bless & stay happy.
Hi Paul good interview Mark did a good explanation on his incident. I learned alot he wasn't a corsman in the service thanks that he was able to talk about it. ❤
Paul, thank you for this video! Thank you Mark as well in addition to your service! This is such an important video, I mean that. I go to dumaguete about every couple of years to visit my wife's family and this last time I got a hangnail (on my toenail) and boy I thought that thing was going to take me out!
good to know, thanks Paul and Mark, hear this everyone? skin problems in the Philippines, don't overlook what seems like nothing back home. get to a doctor, don't die from a scratch. thank you for your service Mark.
Very good
Good information understanding your feelings about subject but it is real information and true
Great one Paul, something we don't think about until it's too late. Once again, thanks for sharing these great tidbits of information.
Great video. Dr. Paul...very good advice.
Good vid Paul
Great info guys. Thanks. I'm here in the Philippines too. We have to be mindful there's bacteria here that we are not used to . That's not just in the Philippines. Every new destination, is a new bacteria.
Lesson learned, wash, clean, bandage any cut.
Repeat daily.
Seek medical attention STAT
Thanks
Great information today and I hope people listen to this video. And plus a video here the hospitals here are not that good. Not like back in the states
Good video with great advice. Well done, especially for us stubborn Americans like myself.
Thanks... will be more aware.. I am/was an , it will get better guy.. until now..
Hey Paul, thanks for the video, heads up on infections! Good job, thank U!
Had a friend die about 4-5 years ago. And they said it was an infection! But no name, cure for it! So medical can be useless here in this so great country. Lots about infections are not known! Even in this so-called great country!
Excellent Video/Interview Paul 😊. Mark had good information 👍. I will make sure that I bring plenty of First-Aid when I move there.
Stay Safe 💕 💞 🙏 🙏
I know a guy in Canada who stubbed his toe and it got infected. Long story short, the infection killed him and that's in a first world country.
Great resolution 1080p
Be well, Mark. Safe travels.
Appreciate it brother
I grew up in the province of the Philippines, Bicol. What my Lolo always says. "Clean that wound with alcohol or boiled guava leaves immediately." Wound Infection is a killer. To this day, now living and working in NY, I have hydrogen peroxide in our bathroom cabinet for scrapes and cuts and band aids.
Thank you, Paul for reminding the expats out there. We learn from each other. Take care.❤
Wow, visiting a travel clinic this week getting all my shots. Will bring a first aid kit or buy one!
Here n Fruitland Idaho USA a few months ago I was shocked (and the whole town)to hear my young orthapaedic shoulder surgeon I just visited last fall MD got sepsis I think in back of one of his legs and was gone in just 3 days at just 47 yrs old.
Trajically he Left a wife and 5 young children suddenly
Tragic so great video to bring attention to infections and take very seriously anywhere you are
Would never have crossed my mind. Living in a rural area of the USA we get cuts and scrapes along with bug and spider bites all the time. Good tip!
Hydro Seal bandaids are fantastic. They seal out the outside gunk and really speed up healing plus you can keep them on for up to a week, shower, etc. Also, use some antiseptic with lidocaine to clean out the road grunge thoroughly.
Great Public Service Announcement.
Great information ! Thx 🙏 bringing a first aid kit on the next trip
Great service. I got my medical degree in the Philippines. Infection is the enemy. Bacterial or viral. Mark is lucky. This could happen to anyone. Take care of open wounds.
I agree, had a blister in Dumaguete, kept it clean, but it did go abit funny, go5 back home and it is ok
Paul, two days after watching this video, (5 days ago )I was swimming in an underground limestone cave on Bantanyan Island where I live 8 months of the year. As I d9g paddled back to the edge I scraped two of my toes on some rough rocks. Very minor scraps, no big deal. I immediately thought of your video. Put some antiseptic cream on and bought some baidaids. 1st day I even wondered should I bother, now day 3 I think it's ok with daily changed bandages etc but it has become sore and a little more open. This I wouldn't even think about back in Australia but I'm monitoring it closely. Thanks for the video because first sign of any increased redness etc 8m off to the doctor. Take care.
Yeh.. Good information Paul..and it should be common knowledge.. but Especially in hot Asian countries any small cut or abrasion does need the 5 star care asap!
Paul & Mark, thank you, this video is really good and important. It might well save somebody's life. I probably would have done the same thing... 😂😮
Absolutely right. Our immune system isn’t use to the bacteria here. My example…picked my nose and got infection. 3 times. Biggest advice I can give is wash your hands constantly. Keep alcohol on hand. Yep, even a little scratch I got started getting infected. Alcohol and neosporim are a must. Great video
Thanks Paul for the information. I use Iodine Tincture for cuts and scrapes. Burns like hell but it works good👍
Great video Paul and Mark. Thank you for sharing this info. I was recently there in Duma and experienced the uneven construction first hand. You definitely have to turn up the gain on your radar and watch yourself. I will be returning to Dumaguete in a few weeks to live there so Neosporin will be added to my travel kit. Rather be safe then sorry. Thanks again for the great content.
Take DIAL soap too against fungal infections. Cheap and recommended by dermatologist.
Good topic . Sepsis is no joke , a lot of people die of that here in the West too. Thanks 🙏
"Pride goeth before the fall" and all that. Take care of #1 first - no shame in using that ounce of prevention - doesn't cost much, guys. Great cautionary tale and glad to hear things worked out. Thanks for the PSA. Stay safe.
I’ve had sepsis and it most certainly can be deadly. Tiny blister on my foot from a new pair of sneakers got infected overnight and it turned into a 10 day stay in a hospital.
Thank God thats all it was