Nurse Says

13/02/2022

Guys. It’s possible that 36 people (!!) on this earth are walking around with remnants of my blood in them 👻🩸

Cuz I’ve donated 12 times since 2017, and 1 bag of blood (~400mls) can be “split” and given to 3 different people!

Anyway! This post is a little different from my usual - my purpose is to show you how fun it can be to donate blood, especially when you go with family and friends!

Not pictured here: the very first time my friend and I donated blood without our parents knowing (we were over 18!) and she almost fainted HAHAHAHAH. I HAVE NO PIC. And another time I went to donate at a mobile blood drive in JC andddd one time I donated after a Chem practical exam and I got so tired I couldn’t climb up an overhead bridge ☠️

More info can be found on the HSA or Singapore Red Cross blood donation website! 🙂

https://www.hsa.gov.sg/blood-donation/can-i-donate

Some tips when you donate (especially for first timers):
🩸 Eat green leafy veggies and other iron-rich food a few days leading up to the donation
🩸 Eat and drink well right before you donate!!!
🩸 Check your eligibility on the HSA website - you may not be eligible for a period of time after travelling/taking certain meds/disease exposure etc
🩸Set an appointment online to avoid wait times
🩸If it’s your first time - go with a friend! It will be much more fun and you can take care of each other.

What happens during a blood donation?
1. Registration
2. Check iron levels (tiny finger prick)
3. Chat with doctor (to ensure you’re good to go!)
4. Donation time
5. Free food!!! There’s lots of snacks to eat after 😛

🙌🏻 You can donate every 3 months for normal blood donation! I honestly love treating it as a fun outing every time I’m eligible to donate again 🤗

Drop a 🩸🩸🩸 if you’re already a blood donor or you’re planning to go for the first time!

Any questions? ✨

01/11/2021

I wrote an article about empathy in the healthcare profession!

Thank you NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine for the opportunity ♥️

• MediCine Issue 40 (November 2021), Pages 30-33
How Do You Care? Sympathy and Empathy in Healthcare
by Paula Say, Year 4 student at NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies
https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/newsletters/issue40/nursing/how-do-you-care-sympathy-and-empathy-in-healthcare/

• Full Issue 40 (pdf version) 🌟
https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/NUSMed-Newsletter-Issue40-optimised-2.pdf

“I have no time to talk to you.” That was what I heard a healthcare provider tell a patient’s relative, as they hurriedly moved on to the next patient during...

10/10/2021

A few weeks ago, I heard my mom and some of her friends talking to each other about this "TCM supplement". Friend X claimed that it's being widely used in China for treatment/prevention of COVID-19, and everyone's buying it from TCM shops here in SG. Friend X shared the name, dosages, where to buy, etc.

Now you need to understand that we Filipinos are used to taking naturalistic/herbal stuff from young. And some of them do work, and are even the basis of some western medicine/techniques currently.

Anyway, point is, Filipinos usually believe in things like this, especially when someone says "it worked on my (insert relative) before!".

I mouthed "no no no" to my mom while this friend was sharing - to let my mom know that I disapproved. Not wanting to be impolite, I didn't butt in to their conversation.

I also had a lot of trust in my mom. Having a nursing student daughter who LITERALLY uses social media for public health education, and my family having gone through my dad's cancer journey, I had faith that my mom will just smile and wave and forget about this "anti COVID-19 pills".

Lo and behold!

One day I heard my mom on zoom with another friend, AND EVEN THOUGH SHE HERSELF DIDN'T BUY IT, my mom was echoing every single thing that Friend X said about this drug - that it'd treat and prevent COVID-19, telling this new friend where to buy it, how much to take, what it looks like, etc.

One of the top brain explosive moments I've ever had in my life.

I can't even begin to verbalize the shock, anger, and overall panic that I felt in that moment.

1. My mom (kind-heartedly but naively) disseminated information she thought would help but could actually KILL others

2. She didn't even feel the need to try it, or google it, or confirm any information with ME, HER NURSING STUDENT SLASH DAUGHTER, she just took her friend's advice at face value and shared it with others

3. She saw no harm in doing so

That was the moment I realized that it's not enough to passively hint to your parents "no no no" cuz they may not have the intellectual initiative to fact-check. The "credibility" from their friends is enough for them to propagate this kind of info.

Now regardless of whether these supplements work or not (likely not), the issue lies in the fact that you may be digging the grave of your own friends by recommending such things to them.

I know this post may not reach main target audience which are the parents and generally "boomer generation", you guys can help by just checking in on your parents.

Like the girl in this news article, you may initially have small fights with your parents or whatever but if it's to save their lives, it would be very worth it.

Help them :(

And share this with your friends to reach more young people like us.

10/09/2021

Like and share if you are not a ✨horse✨ 🐴

THIS IS MY FIRST EVER TIKTOK HAHAHA I ever said that I don’t think I’d create one but I thought it has its merits too, for certain things/topics 😆

Due to its video length limit, I can’t channel my inner teacher spirit there so I’ll still explain stuff here on insta ☺️✊🏻

Let’s talk about this horsey business.

People are group-buying Ivermectin from overseas in hopes to prevent catching COVID-19. I can’t.

This med is usually used for livestock. Some are even buying animal-grade Ivermectin to administer to themselves.. idk man they must have forgotten their true identity… ✨a human✨

Let’s simplify.

❌ Since so many people are doing it, I should group-buy Ivermectin with my friends!

✅ FACT: Ivermectin has not been proven useful to treat nor prevent COVID-19 infections. If it has, doctors would surely be prescribing them now. THEY ARE NOT 🙂 you are wasting your money.

✅ NUHS conducted a study on the use of Hydroxychloroquine, Povidone-Iodine throat spray, Vitamin C, and Ivermectin in preventing COVID-19. (This is the kind of thing you should be googling) Results showed that Ivermectin ain’t very useful; it’s as good as Vitamin C. But the first 2 mentioned definitely are. Go read the journal paper published.

❌ I googled that Ivermectin is also used in humans what. Why can I not take it?

✅ FACT: Other than the fact that it ain’t useful for COVID-19???? Unless you have some parasitic infestations like head lice, scabies, etc, you are just putting yourself in unnecessary danger. These pro-Ivermectin peeps are encouraging people to take LARGE DOSES of Ivermectin, which can be dangerous and CAN KILL YOU. Ivermectin is a freakin DRUG not just some supplement that you can overdose on 😭 u r not a doc….

🐴 Remember, you ain’t a horse

🐴 You join these peeps in group-buying, you might very well be getting an animal-grade product

🐴 If you see your parents joining these groups, educate them and then report those groups to .gov.sg

🐴 Please do not put yourself in this kind of danger

✊🏻🤡 Get jabbed 🤡✊🏻

instagram.com/nursesays
instagram.com/nursesays

tiktok.com/.says
tiktok.com/.says

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/why-you-should-not-use-ivermectin-treat-or-prevent-covid-19

https://www.nuhs.edu.sg/sites/nuhs/NUHS%20Assets/News%20Documents/NUHS%20Corp/Media%20Releases/2021/Oral-hydrochloroquine-and-povidone-iodine-throat-spray-can-reduce-spread-of-covid-19-in-high-transmission-settings.pdf

24/08/2021

Meh, bleh, and elrgh. If the past 1.5 years of my life was a movie, that’d be the title 🤡

instagram.com/nursesays
instagram.com/nursesays
instagram.com/nursesays

I feel sian but restless at the same time. I constantly low-key whine about being cooped up at home for 1.5 years, but reject my friends’ invitation to meet-up, hike, cycle, gym, go out, etc.

I miss all my friends terribly, and those who know me know how much of a chatterbox I am, but I can’t even bring myself to reply to messages (I’m sorry everyone 😭), let alone go out.

EVEN THOUGH I’M SO S I A N AT HOME!!!

The reason for rejection is multi-factorial - I gained like 8kg (literally) from last year, had a bad pimply break-out (it’s over thank heavens), and I’m a huge homebody (but bring me to a plane and I’d gladly skydive).

Or maybe I just love my weighted blanket especially in this cold, cozy weather.

Those “excuses” aside, I finally found a name for this feeling.

✨ LANGUISHING ✨

It’s the feeling of just floating, but not with the flow. There’s no flow. Just, you know, floating aimlessly, in a stagnant body of water 💩

It’s very different from the void of depression, and definitely very different from the high of flourishing. It’s just.. bleh. Hahahahah.

Just read the post to understand it better!

I personally feel like these feelings COULD be a precursor to/trigger for depression if nothing is done.

So gotta drag myself out.. of.. my 7kg blanket…

Let’s wish the little chemicals in our brain 🧠 the best! Please don’t create an imbalance 😭

📌 How does “languishing” look like for you?

📌 Did “languishing” explain what you’re feeling? Your turn to share!

Drop your thoughts in the comments below 👇🏻

20/06/2021

Ever wondered why you’re born (biologically) male or female? Weeeelll… it’s got something to do with your dad! And a lot of “luck” on the fertilizing s***m’s side 😆

My sister only found out about this fact a few years ago from X-Men/the DC universe - so if you only found out today that you’re male/female because of the “winning” s***m, it’s okay! No judgment! 👽

Fun fact: if a different one among the 39-928 MILLION s***ms fertilized the egg, you wouldn’t exist. An entirely different person will be in your place 🥳

Thanks, dads! Happy fathers’ day!!

📌 How old were you when you learnt this fact?

📌 Tag a friend to enlighten them below 😝👇🏻
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05/05/2021

So I see people saying “isn’t it more dangerous being vaccinated, since vaccinated people will be asymptomatic?” 🥵🥵 trolls in facebook comments… anyway

https://instagram.com/nursesays

🚨 That’s why we are aiming to vaccinate EVERYBODY who’s medically eligible to take the vaccine.

🚨 Again, this particular vaccine may not prevent onward transmission (spread) of the virus from one person to another, but it definitely prevents symptomatic and severe COVID-19 disease, as clinical trials and real data from Israel (and this cluster!) have shown.

🚨 This vaccine is our only hope for now!

P.S. the U.S. FDA is looking to approve the Pfizer vaccine for 12-15 year olds. That’s so promising, especially since schools are such high risk places for transmission, too! Hopefully real world data is promising so that Singapore can consider doing this too 🙂

02/05/2021

Hello. Let’s remember who bears the brunt during this critical time - our hospital staff. The least we can do is to not add on to the burden of the healthcare team and all other frontliners ♥️

https://instagram.com/nursesays

‼️ Hospitals’ Accident and Emergency departments are meant for CRITICAL cases

🚫 Do not go to the A&E dept for non-emergency cases

✅ Seek medical care at the appropriate level

Please adhere to the reinstated social distancing rules, wear masks, and register for your vaccination!
Latest info: Ministry of Health, Singapore

29/04/2021

Vaccinated nurses, doctors, patients testing positive for COVID-19. Is the vaccine really working? 💉🔥

Https://instagram.com/nursesays

🚫 = Misinformation
✅ = Facts

🚫 If I’m vaccinated, I won’t get infected with with the virus
✅ Vaccinated (Pfizer and Moderna) people are 20x less likely to get infected by the virus than those not vaccinated. Like all vaccines, it is not foolproof. Furthermore, it takes a few weeks (depending on the brand) after the 2nd dose to have the full immune response offered by the vaccine.

🚫 Since it’s not 100% effective, I shouldn’t take the vaccine
✅ The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines prevent severe COVID-19 symptoms that require hospitalizations, and severe cases that lead the death. You are helping to save hospital resources for those who need it more, AND you’re saving your life. Case in point: 🔥 Israel 🔥 - data in the post above

🚫 When I get the vaccine this time, that’s it, it’s done!
✅ Sadly, nope. Some viruses seemingly disappear within a few months (Ebola, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, etc). However, from the way this virus is behaving (mutations, mechanism in the body), scientists believe that we will likely need booster shots or a different vaccine every few months/years. This is if the COVID-19 virus stays like the common flu virus. Case in point: stock of flu vaccines in clinics are changed every 6 months cuz different seasons = different strains of the flu vaccine are dominant = different vaccines needed. If COVID-19 stays like the common flu, annual COVID-19 vaccinations could very well be the new norm.

Anyway, let’s hope for the best!

Regardless, the vaccine is our best weapon right now.

‼️ Follow for more healthcare tips ‼️

07/04/2021

I kept a secret...

I got my first dose of HPV vaccine 2 weeks ago! 😝

Really milking the super amazing healthcare system of Singapore and ✨ scientific advancements ✨ that are allowing us to prevent diseases with just a simple jab. And of course, special mention to our very smart immune system for knowing what to do with vaccines we receive 😎

✨‼️ Follow for more healthcare tips ‼️✨

Here I explain what cervical cancer is. HPV vaccine info will come in my next post! I want you guys to understand what the vaccine will be used for, first ♥️ so look out for that!

👸🏻 Drop any qns/comments you have down below, or in the question box on my IG/FB stories!

Https://instagram.com/nursesays

—

I’m sorry for the short hiatus, I started my Year 3 final(ish) hospital posting and though that’s been going well, my body physically just wants to sleep or chill after every shift 🙈 I am trying to be BACK!!

18/03/2021

I always do things passionately, impulsively. In a maverick sort of way - unorthodox, always with a rather silly, stubborn need for independence (thank ü dictionary).

Anyway that’s exactly what happened a year ago! I sent this to a friend on the 16th of March, cuz I just couldn’t sleep the night before.

There was a lot of misinformation at that time (there still is), plus I was a little triggered when an acquaintance shaded that I probably shouldn’t be sharing tips on my own Instagram account to the public. The last straw was the Philippines’ presidential spokesperson, Panelo, claiming on national TV that eating bananas would kill the novel coronavirus (search it up he said that on 16 March 2020) 😔🍌

That night, my sister and I set up my phone and filmed my first ever video. I didn’t sleep till I finished editing it, and I put out my first ever official content on 18 March 2020 ♥️✨

And it just went on from there!

I wasn’t that consistent with my posts last year. I was busy with school, and when I was gearing up to be more consistent, my dad was hospitalized and eventually passed on.

But oh how proud he was when I released that first video. He sent it to everyone he knew and shared my fb/insta/youtube pages to everyone. And I know he’s doing the same now, at Home ☁️✨


Anyway I hope you guys know how grateful I am for all of you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, asking qns, interacting with me! And most importantly: sharing posts.

Why am I so thankful for all your qns and shares? Well always remember:

✨ We’re educating people together ✨

I don’t get anything out of this except pure joy knowing that I’ve helped in one way or another. And that’s priceless.

This is just the start. More to come! ♥️✨