[COLUMN] On being a prayerful family and community
“MY eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord.” These were Simeon’s words in this Sunday’s (December 31) Gospel, upon seeing the Christ-Child in Mary’s arms as he was presented…
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[COLUMN] Damage control
THE holidays may soon be behind us but their physical effects, among others, will linger a while. Medically speaking, it is actually a time for “damage control” for those of…
[COLUMN] Christmas ailments
WHAT is Christmas Disease? This name does not have nothing to do with the Christmas season. Christmas Disease is a blood disease, also known as Hemophilia B or factor IX…
[COLUMN] Let’s live in peace, not wait till we ‘rest in peace’
This year which will soon bid us farewell has given me great lessons and priceless experiences both physically, emotionally and spiritually at this time of my life. It is filled…
[COLUMN] Celebrating Christmas in the spirit of Mary
WE are filled with joy as Christmas approaches. In just a few hours, we will be celebrating the Christmas liturgies: the Vigil Mass and Midnight Mass. Mary accompanies us in…
[COLUMN] Give yourself the gift of ‘self care’
You’ve heard it said, many times in many ways: loving yourself is essential in finding true happiness. And of course what better way to do that but by investing in…
[COLUMN] Christmas ailments
WHAT is Christmas Disease? This name does not have nothing to do with the Christmas season. Christmas Disease is a blood disease, also known as Hemophilia B or factor IX…
[COLUMN] On finding Christ and proclaiming Him anew to all people
“Who are you?” “What are you?” “Are you the Prophet?” “Who are you so we can give an answer to those who sent us?” These are the inquiries posed by…
[COLUMN] Unhealthy drinks
WATER is vital to life. Without water, there won’t be life as we know it on earth. Our body is 50-75 percent water, averaging around 57 to 65 percent. Infants…
[COLUMN] Advent: A call to conversion
The overarching message of Advent is one of hope. However, hope can only emerge through the commitment and willingness of individuals to change their ways, to undergo a deeper conversion…
[COLUMN] The cellphone-cancer debate
THE controversy about the increased risk of brain cancer and other health concerns among avid users of cellular phone is upon us once again. The internet is flooded with claims…
[COLUMN] Christ in our hands
“Father, I love your article this Sunday, but I’m sorry that you have to write and remind us of the problems of the world all the time,” a concerned parishioner…
[COLUMN] Plant-based foods
WHILE cardiovascular mortality rates the past decades have gone down, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has remained the leading cause of death in the United States. Several clinical studies have shown that…
[COLUMN] UVC destroys viruses
ONE of the great advances in medical science is the discovery that Ultraviolet C (UVC) rays effectively kill bacteria, and neutralize viruses, fungi and molds. This has led to the…
[COLUMN] God’s purpose for us
God has created each of us for a purpose, grounded in Christian principles of knowing, loving, and serving Him. But He didn’t stop there; He has endowed us with many…
[COLUMN] Queries from read
IS COVID-19 gone? No, COVID-19 is still with us. This fall, there is a rise in the number of cases and number of hospitalizations of this evolving virus. COVID-19 dangers…
[COLUMN] On seeking God’s wisdom
It’s not only that we long for God; we also thirst for and seek His wisdom to guide us in all the challenges of our lives. We pray to God…
[COLUMN] Where is my America?
In 1936 when I was born, my parents knew I was a boy and that I was a he, for people then had common sense and accepted natural order. Today,…
[COLUMN] Here’s how to get your excessive underarm sweating under control
(and finally rock those fall outfits you’ve been wanting to try) I will cut to the chase and say it now: sweating excessively is never pretty and you can do …
[COLUMN] Praying to the God of all people
It’s the month of November when we experience the changing of seasons marked by the onset of cold weather, falling autumn leaves, and shorter days. If you’re like me, you’ll…
[COLUMN] Let’s pray for peace
THE conflict in the Middle East is escalating and people around the world are anxious and fearful that this could accidentally lead to World War III, which could literally annihilate…
[COLUMN] On loving one’s neighbor
Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) wrote the iconic lines that begin with “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” These words resonate with many people, as love is…
[COLUMN] The ‘Ionizer’ scam
AS far as health is concerned, the majority, if not all of us, want the best health minus the sacrifices needed to achieve it effectively and safely. We want to…
[COLUMN] Welcome Bishop Albert Bahhuth!
WE warmly welcome our newly ordained auxiliary bishop, Most Reverend Albert Bahhuth, the Episcopal Vicar of the San Fernando Region, to our parish. It brings us great joy to have him…
[COLUMN] Snoring impacts brain
MY wife, Farida, and I have just been on a river cruise on the Vikings to historic Rouen, Omaha Beach, Normandy, and Paris (where the Faculty of Medicine at the…
[COLUMN] Praying for the end of Israel-Gaza war
Greetings! I am blessed and happy to be back from leading a Holy Land pilgrimage. I am happy because my group and I arrived home safely after nearly being caught…
[COLUMN] Physician suicide
BETWEEN 300 to 400 physicians in the United States kill themselves each year, or about one a day. The rate of suicide is highest among anesthesiologists, general practitioners, psychiatrists, and…
[COLUMN] Food as medicine
TODAY’S column on food contains some data contributed by my classmate and wife, Farida I. Chua, MD, a retired Northwest Indiana pediatrician, an avid reader/researcher, and a fellow in our…
Part 2 of 2: The rippling waters of giving and reaching beyond ourselves
Focus: Rev. Pastor Adiel DePano and Legay Square in Santa Ana “The joy in loving is guaranteed by loving one another as Jesus loves us. God’s love goes round and…
[COLUMN] Medical gems
SIBO Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a not too well-known disease entity that is becoming more evident and more popular. The symptoms are gastrointestinal in nature: sense of epigastric…