Reality (Nonfiction) versus Fiction on Anti-Aging Agents

 

In my two previous blogs, I wrote about my unpublished novel, The Intellectual Migrants. In this fictional story the hero, Derek Belleza Katigbak was the first Filipino-American scientist that won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry because of his research on Anti-Aging Agents and Therapies.

The other article, I wrote was about the current research and clinical studies on Metformin- An approved drug for Diabetes 2- a very, very cheap and affordable drug.

I received a few comments on these two articles recently. Most of my readers were surprise but hopeful that the metformin research may yield positive results. The search for the Fountain of Youth will End if the results is Positive, 

So I am reposting these two blogs in case you missed reading them.

Fiction:     

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/10/my-unpublished-novel-intellectual.html

Reality: 

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/10/current-research-on-anti-aging.html

I hope you find this ant-aging research interesting. Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my album: Sitka, Alaska by Ditas

 

Finding the Right Home Care Aide that Fits your Needs is Not an Easy Process

Last week, I started searching for home care aide services that serves my area. So I searched on the Internet, and here's the response from Agingcare,com.

David,

Thank you for verifying your information with us. Here are the home care agencies in your city, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about home care, and a printable worksheet of interview questions for you to use during your conversations with each company.

One of our Care Advisors from AgingCare at A Place for Mom will follow up with you in about one week to make sure you have everything you need. In the meantime, if you have any questions or need any further assistance please feel free to reach out to us directly and we will be happy to help!

Home Care Companies Serving Fair Oaks, California

Golden Years In-Home Senior Care (916) 333-0383   Kindred at Home Sacramento (916) 826-1509   ActiveCare Services Inc (916) 993-6298   Pinkheart Limited Liability Co. (916) 412-3391

The four agencies above talked to me and gave their standard speech to convince me. The deal breaker was my need for a Filipino-American Aide. The only one that provides that requirement was Golden Years. Golden Years have over 100 aides, but only one Filipino-American. My need is only for Light housekeeping and transportation services to errands and doctor/dental appointments. The home care can provide services as listed in the above photo. Today, the Case Manager of Golden years visited me to officially sign for service next week, with 2 weeks of service deposit. I refuse to sign in until I could talk in person to the only Fil-Am aide they agency had. We have a date for Monday. In case you are curious, the cost of service is $35/hour with 15 hrs minimum per week required. It is not cheap, Two years ago, I paid $25/hr for Macrine. She needed more attention, bath, dressing help and feeding. I do not need medical care but just light housekeeping and transportation services. Wish me Luck for this Search! I hope this Fil-American  Aide and I are compatible.

 

Risks versus Benefits of Accutane for Acne Treatment

 

A close relative is currently getting treatment with Accutane. Thus this article. If I am to decide the risk of taking this drug is more than its benefits. Read the article at the bottom of the page and judge it yourself. Here's a summary of the article.https://www.drugwatch.com/accutane/side-effects/

Accutane Side Effects

Common side effects from taking Accutane (isotretinoin) are dry skin, chapped lips, vision issues and joint pain. The most severe side effects are rare and include birth defects, mental health problems and stomach issues. Some effects end after treatment, but others can be permanent.

What Are Common Side Effects of Accutane?

The most common side effects from Accutane are chapped lips (90% of users), dry skin and itching (80%) and dry nasal pages or mild nosebleeds (80%). Only 15 % of users have joint and muscle pain. These issues start between two to four weeks after starting the medication.

The prescribed dosage may determine the severity of any effects. People who take lower doses may not experience any issues, while those on higher doses may have more effects — and more serious ones.

Common side effects of Accutane (isotretinoin) include:

• Back pain, joint pain
• Chapped, dry lips
• Dry eyes
• Dry nose, nosebleeds
• Dry skin, rash
• Itching
• Thinning hair
• Vision problems

When you start taking isotretinoin, your acne may worsen temporarily before it gets better.

Most side effects from Accutane go away in a few days or weeks after you stop taking the drug. In some people, the effects lessen in the first few months of treatment, while in others they last the duration of treatment. If your side effects last more than a few weeks after you stop taking isotretinoin, talk to your doctor.

The medication also has some severe side effects. Left untreated, they can cause permanent problems.

Serious Side Effects of Accutane

Serious side effects from Accutane are far less common. Only 1 in 500 people report being affected severely after taking the medication.

Though rare, increased pressure in the brain, gastrointestinal disorders and other potentially life-threatening maladies have been reported. Accutane can cause permanent damage even if someone stops taking it.

Serious side effects of Accutane (isotretinoin) include:

• Birth defects and premature birth
• Miscarriage or infant death
• Depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Prolonged buildup of pressure on the brain can lead to long-term vision and hearing problems. In rare cases, permanent loss of eyesight and even death have been reported.

Other long-term issues from taking Accutane include erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, mental health problems, problems with bones, muscles and joints, blood sugar irregularity and diabetes. Babies whose mothers took Accutane while pregnant women have an increased risk of birth defects.

Serious side effects have led people to file Accutane lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer.

 https://medshadow.org/9-facts-about-your-acne-drug/

 

October is Filipino American History Month

Filipino American History Month (FAHM) is celebrated in the United States during the month of October. In 1991, Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) board of trustees proposed the first annual Filipino American History Month to commence in October 1992.

October was chosen to commemorate the arrival of the first Filipinos who landed in what is now Morro Bay, California on October 18, 1587. It is also the birth month of Filipino American labor leader Larry Itliong.

In California and Hawaii, where many Filipino Americans reside, Filipino American History Month is widely celebrated. Many Filipino American organizations in these states often initiate their own independent celebrations. 2006 was a pivotal year as it marked the centennial celebration of Filipino migration to the United States.

In honor of October as Filipino American History Month, the Asian Journal spoke to several Fil-Ams working across the  Biden-Harris administration — from the Executive Branch to various agencies that keep the country running. 

The Asian Journal in their Oct 12 issue published Part 1 of a List of  the recent Biden-Harris appointees. My youngest daughter Ditas Macrine Katague is in that list. I am indeed a very proud father. 

Here's a reprint of the article on Ditas. I highlighted phrases that makes me very proud of her accomplishments.   

Ditas Macrine Katague

Associate Director for Communications
U.S. Census Bureau

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

An expert in multi-ethnic outreach and civic engagement, Katague is responsible for leading internal and external communications activities of the nation’s largest statistical agency, the Census Bureau. Prior to joining the Census Bureau, Katague was director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office, the outreach and communications campaign that worked to ensure a complete population count of historically undercounted Californians.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

As a Filipino American, I am drawn to work that allows me to reach under served populations to ensure they have a voice in decision and policy making. During my University years, I witnessed the People Power revolution and was inspired by the power that people working together can have to impact their future. My parents both instilled a sense of service to community and encouraged me to pursue a career in public service.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

Having the opportunity to serve the Biden-Harris Administration at the Census Bureau allows me to take the 25 years of experience leading California’s Census outreach and communications to the national level. My expertise reaching under served populations will help connect the Administration’s policy efforts to the communities who need their voices heard – including the Filipino community. Here at the Census Bureau, I hope to be a continuous voice regarding the dis aggregation of data for our communities.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

I am proud to have a Filipino American History Month in addition to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. Filipino American History Month allows me to take the time to recognize and appreciate my father who immigrated to the U.S. for better education and a brighter future for his family. This month also helps highlight the path many Filipino Americans have taken and the impact they have had on the U.S.

For the other Fl-Am names listed read the site as follows: 

https://asianjournal.com/usa/dateline-usa/meet-the-fil-ams-working-in-the-biden-harris-administration-1/ 

https://asianjournal.com/usa/dateline-usa/part-ii-meet-the-fil-ams-working-in-the-biden-harris-administration/

A Jeopardy Question: What ( Who) are Filipinos

https://interaksyon.philstar.com/celebrities/2022/10/19/231903/what-are-filipinos-marvel-actor-simu-liu-calls-out-fellow-celeb-jeopardy-player-with-humor/

 

Current Research on Anti-Aging Agents- Metformin

In my recent blog, My Unpublished Novel, the hero of the story Derek won the Novel Prize in Chemistry because of his work on anti-aging agents. The story is indeed my work of fiction and just a product of my vivid imagination.

In this blog I will try to summarize a few current thoughts and research on Anti-aging agents. There are a few articles on the Internet on this subject, but several on Metformin has been published just recently. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFbghkE0WYo 

 

Since I have been taking Metformin for my Diabetes 2 for the last 3 decades, does it mean that the drug is proof that it is an effective anti-aging agent?  Here are some references on Metformin for your reading pleasure.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31405774/  Metformin as Anti-Aging Therapy

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/agm2.12135  Clinical Perspectives and Concerns of Metformin as an Anti-aging Drug

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.718942/full%20 A Critical Review of the Evidence that Metformin is a Putative Anti-Aging Drug

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.718942/full%20 

Metformin and Aging: A Review

For more information on anti-aging drugs read:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13659-022-00339-y

 If you are taking Metformin now watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX4jZ38J8Hs 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my collection.

 

 

 

My Unpublished Novel- The Intellectual Migrants

 

In 2002 after my retirement from FDA, I drafted a semi-autobiographical novel. I have the summary/outline and chapters all drafted, but today it is still an outline draft and I have no energy or inspiration to finish it. Currently, all my writing energies are concentrated in my blogs. 

After Dodie's ( my oldest son) novel, The Cloyne Court was published, I felt no desire in finishing this novel. The unexpected thing was that the hero of Dodie's novel was Derek, also the name of the main character in my draft. Dodie does not know of my draft story. A very unexpected coincidence, I may say.

The other main character in my draft was named Martina. Martina and Derek were married for over 62 years and have 2 adults children - Donato and Daniela. There is a 3rd major character in my novel, the villain named Dante. Several minor characters are in my draft named Isabel, Manuel, Austin, Rowena, Renato and Martha ( all semi-fictional).  The names are some of Derek and Martina's friends during their over 62 years of married life and residence in Chicago, Illinois, Kansas City, Missouri, Silver Spring, MD, Modesto and Pinole, CA.

The first scene in the novel was on the Airplane, on United Airlines from the US to Stockholm, Sweden. Derek was on his way to receive his Nobel Prize Award. Derek is the first Filipino-American to win a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Dr. Derek research on the botanical extracts from a rare plant in the Philippines that lead to the development of a pill that retards the aging process was the main reason he won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.  During his flight flash backs and reveries of his life from childhood in the Philippines until his retirement in the US dominated his memory. This is the main theme of the novel.

The draft of my novel has plenty of scenes of sexual nature- hetero, homo and bisexuality as well as group sex. All these scenes are fictional indeed, but in my mind if I want this novel to be a best seller it has to have plenty of sex of all kinds. 

The novel also discuss Filipino culture and traditions and the adjustment of Filipino immigrants to life in the US.  It describes the life of  Derek as a Graduate Student in US, his marriage and courtship of Martina and finally Derek and Martina involvement with the Filipino-American Communities in the Tristate Area of MD_VA -DC, California, Missouri and in the Philippines.    

The last two chapters outline the life of Derek and Martina's two adult and accomplished children,-Donato and Daniela . Donato became a lawyer specializing in cyber crime and a published writer; Daniela became a famous painter and later became the first Filipino-American to be a Presidential Appointee. 

The location of the novel are in the Philippines, Illinois, California, Missouri, Washington DC and Maryland. Other locations are in Southern Spain, London, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Cancun, London and Rome. 

There  is a chapter on Chateau Du Mer in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines.  I was hoping I could write a novel that is not only that entertaining but also educational. I was also planning the novel to be a little bit trashy and incorporate the 7 common sexual fantasies, so it will sell and perhaps become a popular novel.  

The Novel ends when Derek woke up from his reveries when the plane landed in Sweden. Derek could hear the audience thunderous applause as he receives his Award as he walks out of the airplane.

The draft of this novel had been in my possession for two decades. Again, I do not have the energy, inspiration and determination to finish it. So like Schubert's Unfinished Symphony, The Intellectual Migrants will be my Unfinished Story.  

Meanwhile enjoy these two photos the artistic creation of Mariano(Anoy) Catague in the Philippines- A Painter and Sculpture. Anoy is a distant relative whose ancestry originated from Antique Province, Philippines. Anoy is now a resident of Davao City.

For Mariano Catague artistic accomplishments, read his Face Book Page.

 

" ALIGN "

acrylic on canvas

4' X 4'

Anoy Catague

2022

 

Alaska and the Denali National Park

This blog is inspired when I heard that one of my closed relative is going to Alaska ( Anchorage and Sitka) for business travel next month. When I was a teenager, the word Alaska I associate as cold, desolate, and wild frontier. As I grow to adulthood, my association with Alaska changed to Eskimo, Dog Race, Bering Strait, Mt McKinley( Denali) National Park and Palin. 

My first personal experience in Alaska, was my 3-hour stopover in Anchorage (via Northwest Airlines) on my way to the East Coast from the Philippines in 1959 to start my graduate studies in the US. The stopover was my first day in the US. It was not monumental, but I will never forget the memories of my first few hours in the US. I was scared traveling alone but filled with high hopes for my future in the US.

Here's a few facts about the Geography of Alaska from Wikipedia.

Alaska is by far the largest U.S. state by area, comprising more total area than the next three largest states (Texas, California, and Montana) combined. It represents the seventh largest subnational division in the world. It is the third-least populous and the most sparsely populated state, but by far the continent's most populous territory located mostly north of the 60th parallel, with a population of 736,081 as of 2020—more than quadruple the combined populations of Northern Canada and Greenland.  Approximately half of Alaska's residents live within the Anchorage metropolitan area. The state capital of Juneau is the second-largest city in the United States by area, comprising more territory than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware. The former capital of Alaska, Sitka, is the largest U.S. city by area.  

Alaska is located at the northwest corner of North America, the northernmost and westernmost state in the United States, but also has the most easterly longitude in the United States because the Aleutian Islands extend into the Eastern Hemisphere. Alaska is the only non-contiguous U.S. state on continental North America; about 500 miles (800 km) of British Columbia (Canada) separates Alaska from Washington. It is technically part of the continental U.S., but is sometimes not included in colloquial use; Alaska is not part of the contiguous U.S., often called "the Lower 48". The capital city, Juneau, is situated on the mainland of the North American continent but is not connected by road to the rest of the North American highway system.

The state is bordered by Canada's Yukon and British Columbia to the east (making it the only state to only border a Canadian territory); the Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean to the south and southwest; the Bering Sea, Bering Strait, and Chukchi Sea to the west; and the Arctic Ocean to the north. Alaska's territorial waters touch Russia's territorial waters in the Bering Strait, as the Russian Big Diomede Island and Alaskan Little Diomede Island are only 3 miles (4.8 km) apart. Alaska has a longer coastline than all the other U.S. states combined.

Alaska's size compared with the 48 contiguous states (Albers equal-area conic projection)

At 663,268 square miles (1,717,856 km²) in total area, Alaska is by far the largest state in the United States. Alaska is more than twice the size of the second-largest U.S. state (Texas), and it is larger than the next three largest states (Texas, California, and Montana) combined. Alaska is the seventh largest subnational division in the world, and if it was an independent nation would be the 16th largest country in the world, as it is larger than Iran.

With its myriad islands, Alaska has nearly 34,000 miles (55,000 km) of tidal shoreline. The Aleutian Islands chain extends west from the southern tip of the Alaska Peninsula. Many active volcanoes are found in the Aleutians and in coastal regions. Unimak Island, for example, is home to Mount Shishaldin, which is an occasionally smoldering volcano that rises to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) above the North Pacific. The chain of volcanoes extends to Mount Spurr, west of Anchorage on the mainland. Geologists have identified Alaska as part of Wrangellia, a large region consisting of multiple states and Canadian provinces in the Pacific Northwest, which is actively undergoing continent building.

One of the world's largest tides occurs in Turnagain Arm, just south of Anchorage, where tidal differences can be more than 35 feet (10.7 m).

Alaska has more than three million lakes. Marshlands and wetland permafrost cover 188,320 square miles (487,700 km²) (mostly in northern, western and southwest flatlands). Glacier ice covers about 28,957 square miles (75,000 km²) of Alaska. The Bering Glacier is the largest glacier in North America, covering 2,008 square miles (5,200 km²) alone.

Here's are 3 tour videos of the Denali National Park and Preserve-About 240 Miles North of Anchorage

The photography is stunning and mesmerizing worthy of 18 minutes of your time. Enjoy! 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my collection:

Coconut Lobster and cucumber/tomato salad for lunch, Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, 2004
 

 

 

Photo Memories of Ditas Younger Years

I found this article I drafted last May.  She had moved to Alexandria, VA and Carenna has started her first year of college experience at the Elliott School of International Affairs, so I missed their regular personal visit here in Fair Oaks.  Anyway here are some photos of Ditas during her younger years. Memories, Indeed!

"Ditas will be moving to the Washington DC area this July. She got a Senior Executive Service (SES) Federal job in the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census.  I will be missing her frequent personal visits, but I am sure we will continue our chats via Messenger in Face Book. Again, my Congratulations and Have Fun in your repeat Adventure in the Federal Government.

While cleaning the garage and David E room, Dodie and I found several photos of Ditas during her younger and fun years as follows:

  Pinole Valley High School, Cheer Leading Activities

Presidential Summer Internship for Ditas, Washington DC

Who is This Lady?

Four of the Seven Snowball Queen Candidates, Richmond Unified School District, 1982

Meanwhile, Me and Ditas- elected as the Pinole Valley High School Queen and the Richmond Unified District, 1982

Newspaper Write-up of Ditas Winning the Snowball Queen Title, 1982 

There were 7 contestants ranked and rated for Talent, Poise and Beauty. For the talent portion, Ditas played three classical piano pieces, including one she wrote herself in ninth grade. Macrine and I were at the Richmond Auditorium during the crowning ceremony attended by several hundreds students and their families.

Meanwhile, here a photo of my feline companions taken last May.

 

My Donation to the UPV Library Fund to Honor the Memory of David E Katague III

 

The University of the Philippines Visayas, Iloilo City Branch. I attended this school from 1951-1953.  This was also the school where I enjoyed 2 years of the Fernando Lopez Scholarships.( https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2016/01/photo-memories-of-my-college-years-in.html )

Today I sent a check ($10K) to the University of the Philippines Medical Association Society of America (UPMASA). This donation is part of the 25K budget for the construction of the Archives Room of the Library at the University of the Philippines Visayas( UPV) in Miagao, Iloilo. Today (see attached), I have received a letter of confirmation and acknowledgement for a plaque honoring the memory of David E, my youngest son who passed and joined his Creator last March this year at a young age of 59. Here are some E-mails of how this donation finally become a reality.   

Hi David,

I am happy to know all is well with you. So far donations are coming in. I think the last time I heard from Dr. Cabellon, $7,000 was raised so far. It looks like the $25,000 will be achieved soon. Dr. Cabellon is a hard worker UPMASAn. He was the Chair of the recent Medical Science building auditorium fund raising project. Funds of P364,000 plus was raised and donations are still coming in. So for sure

the UP Visayas Archives library room project will be come to fruition. Your donation will make the fund raising near completion.

I will share your message with Ms Linaugo so she can send you a confirmation letter regarding the plaque of acknowledgement in memory of your son David and the Katague family.

Best wishes, Nerita

P.S.- So glad your daughter is in a good place and my congratulations. Someday we will invite her to our local UPMASA chapter gathering.  

My Response: To: E-MAIL ALERT <nulep@aol.com>
Sent: Fri, Sep 30, 2022 12:55 pm
Subject: Re: Proposed Donation

Nerita: The check ($10K) is ready, but before I send it, I want to be sure that the proposed library project will proceed. Are there any other contributions or funds available to proceed with the proposed $25K budget?  I also need a confirmation letter from UPV library officials regarding my request for a plaque of acknowledgement in memory of my son David E Katague. 

My daughter has settled in Alexandria, VA enjoying her new job as Associate Director for Communications, Bureau of Census, Department of Commerce. Thank you for your inquiry. Talk to you soon. David      

 

Today's Letter and My Response:

 

Dear Mam Nerita and Dr. Katague,

Good day.

Thank you for all this update and facilitating our approved project.

As we previously discussed, we will assure you of the plaque of acknowledgement and the name carve on brass plates for all the donors, including your son.

We already received the draft of the MOA. We will facilitate this first and all other needed documents so that we can prepare to start the project.

Thank you again for all your support and assistance to our project. Once finished, everyone will be highly appreciated and recognized.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Best regards,

-- ANALIZA S. GALANG-LINAUGO University Librarian University of the Philippines Visayas Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines

 

My Response: Ms. Linaugo/Nerita; Today, I am sending the $10K check to DR Batiller, UPMASA as I promised. Let me know when the MOU is finalized, the start of the project and proposed time of completion. I will post this donation in my blogs. David B Katague, Ph.D. Retired, Chemistry Team Leader, USFDA. 

 

Lastly, I am thanking UPMASA for facilitating this donation specially to Nerita Estampador Ulep for her personal involvement of this donation. Also to Dr Josefino Ceballos for his guidance and advice regarding this donation.   

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of the Moon Over Western Marinduque-Venue of Our Second Home in the Philippines, Chateau Du Mer. Photo Credit: Dave Caruana

The Chateau Du Mer Beach House and Entrance to the Main House