health department

10 Philippine Herbal Medicines Endorsed by the Department of Health

Herbal medicine is the use of leaves, barks, roots and flowers of plants for the treatment or prevention of ailments or the promotion of good health. Like China, the Philippines is another country long known for using herbal medicines long before its popularity in the west. In recent years, medical researchers, organizations, pharmaceutical companies and government health agencies took a serious look at folkloric herbal medicines often used by Filipinos in rural areas.

Research and studies by the academe, industries and government confirm the effectively of certain herbs in the treatment of diseases. Many of these herbs also proved to have health benefits in addition to their curative value. The Philippine Department of Health, after thorough evaluation and years of clinical trials have endorsed 10 herbal plants as alternative medicines for various diseases ranging from asthma, hypertension to diabetes.

The 10 herbs endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health are:

1. Akapulko for fungal infections.

2. Ampalaya for diabetes.

3. Bawang for hypertension.

4. Bayabas as antiseptic.

5. Lagundi for asthma

6. Niyog-niyogan for intestinal infestation

7. Sambong as a diuretic

8. Tsaang Gubat for intestinal motility

9. Ulasimang Bato for gout

10. Yerba Buena as analgesic

Caution however is advised to those who wish to try herbal medicines. A lot of research is still to be done and standards of dosage have to be established. Many of the commercially available herbal medicines are listed as supplements and have not passed the stringent standards required by the Bureau of Food and Drug Administration. Some herbal medicines also react to prescription & nonprescription drugs. Always consult your doctor before taking any herbal medicine.

3 Permits to Operate a Food Cart

One of the things to consider before buying and setting up a food cart business is to acquire pertinent permits and licenses from the local government. Some states have more lenient regulations for running a cart business while some like California observe stricter laws to protect both the food vendor and the buyer.

The cost of these permits and licenses vary, depending on what the state or city requires. But generally, they are under $100. And the permits that an aspirant food cart vendor should obtain are the following:

* Business permit

At the early stage of a cart business, you are required to register with your local government. You will be asked about the details of your business as follows:

* The kind and type of food are you going to sell
* The type of food cart are you going to use
* The name of the business
* The area where you are going to operate
* The details on your tax payment

It is a must for you to provide your city government all this information before they can give you the license to operate. More so, they might still have other procedures for you to follow but that depends on the city you are going to put up your cart.

The cost of this license ranges from $60 to $400. This will depend upon which city you will run your business in. If you intend to establish your cart in a big and busy city like New York, expect that the license will cost you more than in a lesser populated city. Regardless, keep in mind that without the City Business License, it is impossible for you to carry on your business.

* Health permit

Before you can apply for a local health permit from your City Health Department, you must complete the necessary food safety training first. And during your application, the health authorities might also ask about the specifications of your cart like the manufacturer, built and make, schematic and special features, if any.

It is also possible that their food inspectors would physically inspect the cart. This is very important because they want to make sure that your cart meets all their health code requirements. Moreover, your cart may still be subjected to future physical inspection and surprise visits even after you start your food stand business.

So, you are advised to make sure that you are operating legally. Practice the safety food handling and procedures at all times. You don’t want to be caught red handed, so better adhere to the strict guidelines and regulations of your local health department.

* Special police permit

If you intend to set up your vending cart business in a public place, you must obtain a permit to operate from your local police department. However, if you are eying for a privately owned property, you have to get permission or authorization from the owner.

Police permit is only given to those individuals who would want to set up their food stand on public areas such as the following:

* amusement parks
* beaches
* playgrounds
* fair or carnival grounds
* bus and train stations

On the other hand, privately owned properties are also great locations in setting up the food cart, and the best places to put up your food cart are in the following:

* big retail stores
* big factories
* business complexes
* car wash stations
* downtown street corner
* parking lots near other businesses
* truck stops or service stations

Pennsylvania CNA Information – Requirements, Salary, Training, Renewal and Reciprocity

Certified Nursing Assistants are highly needed throughout the State. To be included in state’s nurse aide registry, one must follow the regulations set by Pennsylvania Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry. There are many work opportunities awaiting for those qualified CNAs who wish to work in Pennsylvania.

Requirements to work as a CNA in Pennsylvania

Has an active CNA certification A good standing employment record Good record during criminal background check Physically equipped

Salary Average for Certified Nursing Assistant in Pennsylvania

Between $21,000 to $33,000 $8.65 – $10.87 per hour typically (Hourly rate will increase by experience)

Training program criteria in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania CNA training program must have at least 120 hours or more both classroom and clinical training. Some state – approved training programs may differ when it comes to number of hours in classroom and practical training.

Renewing Certification in the State of Pennsylvania

To renew CNA Certification in Pennsylvania:

(1) A pre-printed re-certification form will be mailed out to the CNA 2- 3 months prior to your expiration date. If you still do not receive any notice, you may obtain renewal form by contacting Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry or visiting the State Registry’s website.
(2) Requirement for renewal is that you must have worked and be paid for at least 8 hours for any nursing or nursing related duties in the past 2 years.
(3) Completed form with required documents and fees must be mailed to the address indicated in the form.

To renew Expired CNA Certification in Pennsylvania:

(1) Contact Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry.
(2) If registry provide form, completed form with required documents and fees must be mailed to the address indicated in the form.

Applying for Reciprocity in Pennsylvania

If an approved CNA moves to Pennsylvania from their home state, applicant must contact Pennsylvania registry to obtain reciprocity form. He or She must have current and active certification and be listed good standing in his or her home state. Completed form with required documents and fees must be mailed to the address indicated in the form.

State Contact Information for CNA Certifications
For more detailed information contact them at:
Division of Nursing Care Facilities

Room 526, Health & Welfare Building
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Toll Free #: 800-852-0518
Phone #: 717-787-1816

Pennsylvania Department of Health Nurse Aide Registry

Managed by Pearson VUE
P.O. Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Toll Free #: (800) 852-0518

Lackawanna College – Continuing Education
Main Campus – Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania

Cost is $2595 plus books and fees Consist 200 hours of classroom and clinical training.

Schuylkill Technology Center

Mar Lin PA

Cost is $1250 (Includes book, CPR certification, pin, & fee for state examination) Consist 140 hours of classroom and clinical training. Five to Eleven Weeks of Training

Beaver County Career and Technology Center

Monaca, PA 15061

Costs is $515 Consist 135 hours of classroom (85) and clinical (50) training

Steel Center Area Vocational Technical School

Jefferson Hills, PA

Cost is $600 Consist 150 hours of classroom and clinical training Nine weeks of training

Northampton Community College

Bethlehem, PA

Cost is $900 Consist 128 hours of classroom and clinical training

Sun Area Technical Institute

New Berlin, PA

Cost is $852 includes tuition, textbooks and state exam fee Consist 150 hours of classroom (100) and clinical (50) training.