Rikki-Tikki-Tik

Ceasefire Day 92 | Day 130 US-Israel war with Iran (Operation Epic Fury / Operation Roaring Lion) - July 8, 2026

1. Iran War has resumed.

2. U.S. President Donald Trump declared an end to the ceasefire with Iran.

3. Trump threatened to reinstate a naval blockade.

4. The U.S. launched “powerful strikes” in Hormozgan Province and the port city of Mahshahr, following attacks on three ships in the Strait of Hormuz, including Qatari and Saudi tankers.

5. In response, Iran claimed to have targeted “85 U.S. military installations” in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Updated cumulative deaths/injuries/displaced people in Iran War as of July 8, 2026:

Iran (3,636-6,000+/26,500+/ 3,200,000), Israel (69/9,161), US (18/548), Lebanon (4,297/12,196/ 1,200,000+), Hezbollah / PMF (2,500), UAE (13/229), Kuwait (11/182), Bahrain (3/51), Iraq/PMF (119+/370), Oman (18/23), Saudi Arabia (17/29), Jordan (0/29), Qatar (14/87); Turkey (3/0); Syria (6/4); Serbia (1/0); France (1/7); Spain (0/2); UK (1/0); Azerbaijan (0/4); Palestine West Bank (14/15); Kurdistan (18/93); UNIFIL in Lebanon [French (2/3), Indonesian (7/2), Serbian (1/0)]; Southeast Asian Workers: Philippines (2/0), Bangladesh (2/1), Pakistan (1 death), Nepal (1 death), Chinese national (1 death in Iran); Seafarers: India nationals: (4/0) Indonesian (6/1); Iranian sailors (87/32, 61 missing from US submarine sinking of IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka).

Get well soon!

Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini 🇮🇹 has been diagnosed with chronic hip pain, forcing him to withdraw from upcoming clay-court tournaments in Gstaad and Kitzbühel to rest ahead of the U.S. hard-court swing.

​Berrettini first felt acute discomfort in his left hip while serving during his quarterfinal match at the 2026 French Open, which ultimately forced him to retire from the match.

​The pain persisted through Wimbledon, leading to an official diagnosis of chronic hip pain in early July.

​Rather than a single traumatic accident, his chronic pain stems from long-term, repeated wear-and-tear on the rigorous serving on the professional tour.

​The intense rotational movements, explosive power required for serving, and constant jumping or lunging in tennis place massive, repetitive stress on the core and hip joints, leading to prolonged inflammation and soreness.

Hip Pain: Causes and Treatment

https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/hip-pain-causes-and-treatment

#HipArthritis #HipPain #Osteoarthritis #Medicine #SportsMedicine

Two-day journey to two different hospitals as an out patient to consult an internal medicine (IM) doctor to check up the sciatic pain of the calf on my left leg.

I wasn't able to see the doctor on my first hospital visit since the doctor who was assigned to me on a previous medical procedure was not available on that day.

So I just had my blood pressure and Random Blood Sugar (RBS) taken. Both my blood pressure and RBS were normal.

The following day I went to the second hospital. Luckily, junior resident doctors were available during weekdays.

Sciatica (direct nerve compression) is the term used to describe pain or neurological symptoms such as tingling or numbness that travel along the path of the sciatic nerve.

My sciatica symptom was mild but it was persistent and severe in the past two days.

This sciatic nerve compression on the left leg is similar to the Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Pain & Stiffness) which I experienced a decade ago.

Both sciatica and cervical spondylosis are largely driven by aging and spinal wear. Over time, spinal discs dry out and lose their cushioning. The body may form bone spurs.

Cervical spondylosis affects the neck. Sciatica, on the other hand, is usually a symptom of lumbar spondylosis, which affects the lower back.

In the neck, bone spurs can pinch nerves running to the arms. In the lower back, these changes can pinch the sciatic nerve, causing pain to shoot down the leg.

Ultimately, the doctor advised me to alternate between heat and ice during sciatica flare-ups and to keep up with exercise. I was prescribed a pain reliever to use only as needed, alongside a daily vitamin B-complex tablet (containing B_1, B_6, and B_{12}) to support nervous system health.

What is Sciatica?

https://www.ansellchiropractic.com.au/what-causes-sciatica-type-pain/

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-spondylosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20370787

#Sciatica

STILL PROUD OF YOU, ALEXANDRA THE GREAT! 🎾🇵🇭

Alex Eala’s historic Wimbledon run ended in the Round of 16, falling to Italy’s Olympic doubles gold medalist Jasmine Paolini, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Eala became the first Filipino ever to reach this stage of a Grand Slam, a remarkable achievement.

Alex Eala makes history once again! 🇵🇭✨

Eala secured a historic victory after defeating world No. 3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6 (11-9), 6-2, in the third round Wimbledon. With this triumph, she becomes the first Filipino player to reach the Round of 16 at any Grand Slam. 🌱🎾

The Philippines enters flu season as COVID-19 infections climb in Quezon City, with 146 cases recorded in 2026, driven by a 265.22% spike over three weeks.

According to the

Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Division (QCESD), confirmed cases rose significantly from 23 (between May 21 and June 10) to 84 (between June 11 and July 1, 2026).

However, COVID-19 cases in the country have declined significantly, with infections dropping by 80% per DOH. As of June 20, 2026, 719 cumulative cases were reported, compared to 3,579 cases during the same period from January to June 2025.

Follow these steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

✅ ​Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing using a tissue or your elbow, and dispose of the used tissue properly.

✅​ Wear a face mask if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or a respiratory infection.

✅ ​Make it a habit to wash your hands using soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

✅ ​Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are dirty.

✅ ​Maintain a safe distance from others if you are experiencing symptoms.

✅ Stay at home if you are sick to prevent the spread of infection.

✅ ​Parents are also advised to immediately have their child checked at the nearest health center if they are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness.

✅ For the elderly and those with weak immunity, it is important to consult a doctor immediately at the first signs of illness to avoid serious complications.

The Airbender’s journey continues! Aang’s mastery of the elements inspires courage and balance. Can’t wait for Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 3 release on @netflix! 

Filipino-American Friendship Day! 🇵🇭 🇺🇸

Happy Fourth of July America 🇺🇸

Alexandra Eala has made history by becoming the first tennis player from the Philippines 🇵🇭 to reach the third round of the women's singles at Wimbledon. 🙌

The 21-year-old's incredible run has captivated fans back home in a nation traditionally focused on boxing and basketball. Next up, the 29th seed will face defending champion Iga Swiatek. 🇵🇱

Ceasefire Day 86 | Day 124 US-Israel war with Iran (Operation Epic Fury / Operation Roaring Lion) - July 2, 2026

1. The U.S. and Iran concluded indirect technical talks in Doha, Qatar, on issues related to the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, including one addressing alleged U.S. ‘violations’ and another concerning the release of $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds.

2. Iran announced that a ‘communication channel’ will be established with the Trump administration to report and discuss breaches of the MoU.

3. Iran also lodged a protest at the United Nations over Israel’s latest threat against Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, describing it as ‘state terrorism.’

4. Oil prices continued to fall after Qatar announced that Iran and the U.S. had made ‘positive progress’ in indirect talks in Doha.

5. Israeli forces continued launching attacks on southern Lebanon despite existing ceasefire agreements.

Updated cumulative deaths/injuries/displaced people in Iran War as of July 2, 2026:

Iran (3,636-6,000+/26,500+/ 3,200,000), Israel (69/9,161), US (16/548), Lebanon (4,246/12,190/ 1,200,000+), Hezbollah / PMF (2,500), UAE (13/227), Kuwait (11/182), Bahrain (3/42), Iraq/PMF (119+/370), Oman (9/18), Saudi Arabia (3/29), Jordan (0/29), Qatar (14/87); Turkey (3/0); Syria (2/1); Serbia (1/0); Spain (0/2); Azerbaijan (0/4); Palestine West Bank (14/15); Kurdistan (18/93); UNIFIL in Lebanon (2 French, 4 Indonesians death, 1 Serbian/15 injured); Southeast Asian Workers: Philippines (2/0), Bangladesh (2/1), Pakistan (1 death), Nepal (1 death), France (3/9); Chinese national (1 death in Iran); Seafarers: India nationals: (4/0) Indonesian (6/1); Iranian sailors (87/32, 61 missing from US submarine sinking of IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka).

‎In House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 2, the Iron Throne looms over a court in crisis. Sitting upon it, King Aegon II unleashes his fury following his son's murder, defying his council's caution. The jagged, melted swords mirror the fracturing Targaryen dynasty as the Greens use the tragedy to solidify their claim, turning the seat of power into a focal point for an impending, brutal civil war.

‎

📈 2025 Top Health Concerns Among Filipinos

The Philippine Statistics Authority reports the top 5 causes of death in the country for January to December 2025 (Provisional as of 30 April 2026). 

The top 5 causes of death:

❤️ Ischaemic heart diseases

🔬 Neoplasms or cancers

🧠 Cerebrovascular diseases

🌬️ Pneumonia

🩸 Diabetes mellitus

The top three causes of death in the country from January to December of 2025 were ischaemic heart diseases, neoplasms, and cerebrovascular diseases, consistent with the same period in 2024, and are classified as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). 

Two other heart diseases are included in the top 10., ie., No. 6 Hypertensive diseases and No. 9 Other heart diseases. 

PSA 2025 top 10 causes of deaths in the Philippines:

1. Ischaemic heart diseases 122,339 (19.7%)

2. Neoplasms 70,688 (11.4%)

3. Cerebrovascular 60,947 (9.8%)

4. Pneumonia 43,106 (6.9%)

5. Diabetes Mellitus 37,978 (6.1%)

6. Hypertension 34,702 (5.6%)

7. Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases 22,625 (3.6%)

8. Respiratory Tuberculosis 20,827 (3.3%)

9. Other Heart Diseases 17,943 (2.9%)

10. Diseases of the Genitourinary System 16,233 (2.3%)

Stay healthy. 💙 

#Philippines #Filipinos #health #healthcare 

https://psa.gov.ph/node/1684083741

Rest in Peace 🕊️

Milly Alcock crushed it in Supergirl! The sci-fi revenge vibe is fresh, fun, and visually spectacular. Plus, that brief look at her dynamic with David Corenswet’s Superman has me so hyped for their future adversarial, sibling-like team-up. The DCU is officially soaring!

Avatar the Last Airbender Season 2 premiered on @Netflix on June 25, 2026, including returning figures like Prince Zuko & Fire Nation forces.