"Staying Healthy in the Philippines: Insider Tips from an Expat

[@patrickbarnes5531]

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.

[@charlesHUECKSTAEDT-e8p]

@@Arthur88 POOL BLEACH ... FOLLOWED BY BACARDI !

[@raycatlin3554]

@@Arthur88 Yeah , NO 💩!

[@NICKLEBACK991]

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.

[@AutomationDnD]

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

[@johnnygwapo.Lapu-Lapu]

@@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

[@ghostshell438]

Glad I watched this. I thought about getting tattoos in PH. I already planned on washing them with bottles water but even at that I feel like I’d have to stay inside with it covered for like 2 months lol.

[@thaimaxcan]

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.

[@vintagepennies6899]

It took you until retirement to learn you need to clean your wounds, my brother?

[@steveharris7116]

@@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.

[@thaimaxcan]

@@vintagepennies6899 Not really but in Canada most often with long pant our small injuries were more protected and cleaning the wound was properly done.

[@vintagepennies6899]

@@thaimaxcan i gotch. Best wishes.

[@vintagepennies6899]

Gotcha*

[@CaptainJackSparrow110]

Four years ago I binge-watched House, MD and now I am an excellent diagnostician. Go ahead and ask me to diagnose your condition.

[@grinniesayer7057]

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.

[@NM-gr1iq]

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

[@mikeknowles4421]

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!

[@edv1261]

Good information. Thanks for sharing

[@markblackman6013]

That is some good info, you people better listen to this one.

[@condocord7544]

very interesting

[@dann547]

Basically he did everything wrong and survived. So what you are saying is there is hope for me. I feel better. Thanks.

[@fishonaquabid]

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 :)

[@markingtime9723]

Just happy you are ok!

[@tryscience]

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

[@robertstephenson8107]

Good advice, quite possibly life saving, thank you Paul & Mark 👍

[@KevinVenturePhilippines]

Very important information, than you so much guys!

[@kevink1214]

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.

[@dosbaggos5575]

Unless you're allergic to 1 of the 3 ingredients in Neosporin:; figured that out the hard way eventually: Only use Polysporin now

[@finspiration2666]

US doctors do not leave cuts scapes uncovered when you seek care...if one does they are no longer medically fit.

[@oncall21]

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! 🙏

[@garyjohn]

Great video. One of your best. Thank you for sharing this with. Take care.🤙

[@ragjamrock]

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.

[@timdieffenbach9399]

Excellent reminder Paul !

[@ChrisHiltonSr]

Important PSA.

[@WhenTheManComesAround]

Staph infection is no joke. Great to see you were able to stick around 👍👍

[@TheCatfish1975]

I go to Belchris. There is a huge step, I avoid it and use the ramp

[@jamesgough1887]

Good video. You guys are saving lives.

[@juancarlosvaldes4538]

Great info Paul and good luck to Mark!

[@floribertosousa2251]

Thanks Paul for this important informative video. Keep up the great work.

[@danwright6234]

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.

[@JMRsDesk]

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.

[@talktimewitheddiej]

Great health tip Paul

[@knarlisrocks]

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.

[@rocketrob333]

16:45 Im not a doctor, but worked in surgery for many years, and the first treatment to scrape cut is to clean it with Hydrogen Peroxide, i carry it with me at all times. In the OR we clean the incision site with Chlora prep or Betadine, this is very very important to avoid any kind of infection

[@marcrichard7251]

Wow😮scary stuff… Thanks for sharing…..

[@danielwarnes7231]

As always, useful and interesting.

[@samlolham2327]

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.

[@ToGoPhilippines-uz1qe]

Perfect update and great advice.

[@coco19661]

Very good

[@martw5306]

wow good info

[@gordonanderson816]

Very good video, thanks so much

[@genevive272]

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.❤

[@jwhite2847]

Great Public Service Announcement.

[@kensanders0088]

Good info folks… listen up it might save your life!!

[@hanglee5586]

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.

[@dustbusterz]

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.

[@markingtime9723]

Absolutely agree. I got complacent from breaking ribs 3 times before and it all went well. i was just lucky. See a Dr.!

[@kitkatz9984]

Important vudeo...thanks for the heads up😮

[@johnadams2001]

Great resolution 1080p

[@stevenb2114]

Awesome video. Thank you for posting this experience.

[@alannemeth3293]

Great information 👍

[@stevesteve6322]

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!

[@dashley2525]

Paul and friends Hello from San Miguel, Two days ago I viewed this while sick as hell. My back, neck, all my joints ached like hell. My head pounded and was listless with no energy and a steady fever. I was on my 3rd day of antibiotics and saw this video which spoke straight to me. That damn stubbed toe from 3 weeks ago had to be the problem! I had not told the Doctor about it 4 days ago and I thought I had the flu or a cold. No coughing was what puzzled me. So this fine Monday morning I took my Asawa to help translate to get his opinion on that toe. It looked okay to me but still I wanted his opinion after seeing your video. He immediately told me the thing was very infected and he needed to remove the toe nail or I would likely lose the toe, foot and or die.. It looked okay to me. Ten minutes later with the toe nail gone I felt 100 % better. Now, 2 hours later, I have an appetite, I am fully awake for the first time in weeks and all the body pain is gone. It is hard to imagine how that toe was so very much poisoning my whole body ! So I just want you to know your video inspired me to do the right thing and was part of saving my foot or even my life.

[@richardhaughton4303]

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 😢

[@randypi91]

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?

[@live4powderhound834]

Great video!

[@Joe-ff1oh]

Dettol is the great antibacterial solution, there is soap and liquid that you can wash off the wounds 👍🏽

[@michaelkennedy6580]

Great point

[@BarakTheWonderer]

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.

[@peterforner3823]

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.

[@HexFlex-ss9rm]

Great video as always Paul , thanks Mark for sharing. 🎉

[@ronfrederico7251]

Great subject, all is true

[@daviddemars9924]

Great video! You just can't be too careful here. The Philippines is basically a giant Petri dish - germs and bacteria everywhere. So you must treat even the smallest cut or scrape as a big deal.

[@Mark-db6gt]

Good to know,thanks Paul

[@davea3329]

Good topic . Sepsis is no joke , a lot of people die of that here in the West too. Thanks 🙏

[@omegoa]

"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.

[@christophermcrobb4975]

Thanks Paul

[@edwinandhelenbyers3552]

I just had a round with cellulitis it started with a small scratch on my foot Serious stuff !!!! Great video

[@homebasebelgium359]

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.

[@dontaylor3493]

Can't fix stupid. Maybe he learned a lesson, maybe not.

[@brendandoherty2159]

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!!!!!!

[@tmb3131]

Paul, you yourself warned me over Tom-N-Toms coffee about having surgery in the Phillippines. YOU were right. I'll tell you about it sometime... been the longest fkn year of my life trying to recover. "Todd from Seattle"

[@tomcataleno9128]

Very good,,Thanks

[@thomasrudy6132]

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.

[@lynnkain]

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!

[@JW-xe4mg]

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

[@sandrabentley8111]

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.

[@AussieTonythemexican]

I agree, had a blister in Dumaguete, kept it clean, but it did go abit funny, go5 back home and it is ok

[@johngrisham3703]

I was in Philippines 30yrs ago and we knew then to get cuts n scratches n bruises checked out and weekly, but I can see some expats not knowing this, but excellent vlog and informative.

[@margarettownsley9500]

Thank you guys for sharing

[@danielroque8504]

Lesson learned, wash, clean, bandage any cut. Repeat daily. Seek medical attention STAT

[@leonardmarlin4330]

Good video Paul thanks again 👍 😊

[@bernardknowles8421]

Good information understanding your feelings about subject but it is real information and true

[@scottramey4443]

Good vid Paul

[@bradleymiller7375]

Hey Paul, thanks for the video, heads up on infections! Good job, thank U!

[@bradleymiller7375]

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!

[@tedjohnson4451]

I get Cellulitis about every 18 months, WITH pretty good Wound Care. Yes, I'm a Diabetic. [Controlled by oral meds & diet] I'm a K-8 Head Custodian, so I get in all sorts of muck & mire. So I keep a Course of Antibiotics on hand at my doctor's suggestion. It isn't like they are going to expire! His story gave me the 'cold shudders'.

[@saulgoodman7221]

Good evening Paul. Just getting my day started with you. 12 hours difference. Stay safe !!

[@johnclark7973]

Love your handle! I just have a few episodes left, on Netflix,In your final season. 😆

[@saulgoodman7221]

@@johnclark7973 Yup. I’m in big trouble. 😂 thanks !!

[@johnclark7973]

@@saulgoodman7221 🤣👏👍

[@fornoeyesonly3870]

"The Big Red 1" Ooorah!

[@seattle40]

Thanks... will be more aware.. I am/was an , it will get better guy.. until now..

[@glorgau]

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.

[@rickylee6129]

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 💕 💞 🙏 🙏

[@RafaelGil2022]

Great video. Dr. Paul...very good advice.

[@margarettownsley9500]

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 🆘

[@garyxyz4400]

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.

[@yoyojoe9240]

11:49......(it is transfered by your own blood......)

[@ouibaril58]

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!

[@ChrisB-sv1gz]

Wow, visiting a travel clinic this week getting all my shots. Will bring a first aid kit or buy one!

[@rogergardner7740]

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

[@genejordan9983]

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

[@surfersrest4447]

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!

[@pauldrew1130]

Thanks again for the content!

[@lindaripp5902]

Thanks

[@garyburgmylifeandtimes6354]

Great one Paul, something we don't think about until it's too late. Once again, thanks for sharing these great tidbits of information.

[@judekidder]

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. ❤

[@marichuarmodia2375]

Healthy life is to be happy nd full Of energy smile and full of happiness blessings healing health from our God almighty saviour. And without stress so be positive as always guys ❤😊

[@mick-berry5331]

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... 😂😮

[@stevebergh7303]

Be well, Mark. Safe travels.

[@markingtime9723]

Appreciate it brother

[@Loretta_Lynn]

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.

[@johnnydamaged7117]

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.