Dreams for long life

Hilda Co Ong wanted to be a doctor when she was young.  When her family was unable to support her dream, she settled for a course in accounting at the University of Santo Tomas.  Little did she know that her painful journey would lead to her life’s dream. 

Hilda’s battle with cancer is not her own.  Her high school sweetheart and husband, Jonah, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer (cancerous tumor at the back of the nose toward the base of a skull) early in marriage.  This prompted Hilda to devote most of her time tending to her husband’s medical needs for the next five years.  While the hospital became their second home, Hilda self-studied on the disease and closely worked with doctors to help ease her husband’s suffering.  Sadly, in 1990, Jonah finally succumbed to his ailment.

In the same year, Hilda’s health suffered and she underwent radical hysterectomy.  She also sadly witnessed the demise of her brother, Jarvis, and sister-in-law, Ediren, also due to cancer diseases.  After her recovery, Hilda was asked to work again to the family’s business.  Hilda spent several years working for the electrical supply company.  While the work provided for her two children, Jhon Henson and Jeff Hanzen, she felt confined with the clerical and administrative work.  With sheer determination and strength, she left the company and ventured on to support her family on her own.

For the following years, Hilda was able to put up and manage two hair salons.  While financially stable, Hilda felt the calling of a higher purpose.  Guided by years of experience spent caring for her husband and relatives, she now sought to help other patients suffering from cancer.  To this end, Hilda created Long Life Distributor Pharmaceutical to make available alternative medicine and food supplement to cancer patients.

 

“At Long Life, we import alternative medicine and herbal food supplements for cancer patients.  We want to teach patients and caregivers the best care when undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.  It is also important for cancer patients not to lose hope and employ positive thinking when fighting cancer,” shares Hilda.  “This way, we can ease the pain and agony of cancer patients.”

“These are my goals right now.  I will not stop searching for the best alternative for preventing cancer.  Cancer patients or their relatives can come for my advice any time,” says Hilda.  Interested parties can come to Long Life Distributor Pharmaceutical, Inc. at 913 Benavidez Street, Binondo, Manila.  Listeners can also check Hilda’s “Health & Travel @ Serbisyo Publiko” radio program over DWBL 1242 and DWDD 1134 kHz.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month

On breast cancer, Dr. Rachael Marie B. Rosario, Executive Director of Philippine Cancer Society Inc, stressed the need to strengthen advocacy efforts on early detection among Filipino women. “Breast cancer is a curable disease when detected, treated and managed early,” she said.

Early detection of breast cancer need not be tedious.  Right after the menstrual cycle, women should undergo breast exams regularly and look for changes or signs out of the ordinary.  This type of exam, that takes only several minutes, can also be done to one self.

BSE when laying down.

My take:  Be a sister and spread the awareness and information on breast cancer.  Please encourage and teach other women to conduct the breast self-exam.  If you have a daughter in her 20s, it is time to teach her this important life lesson.

As women we should be aware of how our breasts normally look and feel.  If there are noticeable changes even at the slightest, these are to be reported to a medical professional immediately.  However, please take note that a breast change does not necessarily mean it is a sign of cancer.

For a step by step guide on how to conduct the breast self-exam (BSE), please refer to www.cancer.org.

The instructional piece describes how to perform the BSE correctly right at the comfort of your own room.  The BSE should be done while lying down and standing up in front of a mirror.

From the 2010 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates released by the Philippine Cancer Society, breast cancer remains at first rank among women, accounting for almost 30 percent of all female malignancies.  The data also shows that with breast cancer, the 5-year relative survival rate for Pinays is at 47 percent.  The incidence rate of having breast cancer starts rising steeply at age 30.

On the same note, the data reveals that three out of every 100 Filipinas are likely to develop breast cancer in their lifetime and that one out of every 100 is likely to die from the disease before age 75.

Hot Tip:  Before conducting the BSE, I suggest you place yourself in a relaxed mood, take your time and do not breeze through the process.

Lifting Weights to Lose Weight

Most women gym-goers spend most of their time doing cardio exercises.  Cardio exercises are usually held in groups doing aerobics, taebo, hi-low, bench, hip hop dance and zumba routines.  Others join spinning classes, yoga, and pilates sessions.

My take:  It is not true that you will look less feminine because of the muscle bulk brought by lifting weights.  It takes a lot of work for women (compared to men) to build muscle mass because our bodies are engineered to host more fat than men (in preparation to child bearing).  Lifting weights twice or thrice a week on a regular basis will give you muscle mass, cuts and tone but not the build you are afraid of, the kind that are entered in to fitness competitions.

It is easy to understand why women favor this type of exercise routines.  They are simply fun, easy to learn and leave you sweaty as most of us equate sweat as having burned lots of calories.  (This is not necessarily true, though.  More on that later.)  Plus, the group energy easily entices you to pump up more adrenalin and move more as you execute the movements as a group.

There is practically nothing wrong about doing cardio exercises day in and day out.  This type of exercise strengthens your heart, burn calories and gives you a natural high, thanks to the endorphins released during exercises.  Thus, cardio exercise is very much part of any weight loss program and so is weight lifting or strength training.

This part of the gym, where the weights are, is scarcely filled with women.  Surprisingly, there are elderly women who often accompany me when I fill my weight-lifting quota.  I observed that the rest rarely or never set foot near the weights.

DJ does strength-training.

Lifting weights, compared to cardio routines, admittedly, can be pretty boring.  Most of the time, it is an individual workout involving cold dumbbells and exercise machines while you mentally count your repetitions and sets.  But I stay motivated because of its many benefits and continue to slave away with guys grunting, flexing and sweating along this side of the gym.

First of all, weight lifting burns calories just like any aerobics class.  With less rest periods in between repetitions and sets, your heart rate goes up as you lift, pull, and push weights.  The bonus part is that the burn lasts a full hour at most after the exercise session.

Second, weight lifting builds muscles.  You need muscles to improve your performance during cardio classes.  Muscles shape your body resulting to a better looking physique and better fitting clothes.  Muscles take less space that fat thus, you may weigh the same but with less fat.  A big bonus is that muscles burn calories even when at rest! 

Third, weight lifting strengthens bones and connective tissues.  This is important to fill up your bone bank.  Lifting weights encourages the utilization of calcium thus making the bones stronger and denser.  This can protect your body from injuries from your daily routine as we grow older.

Fourth, weight lifting enhances balance and stability.  Again, you need this to perform your daily routine involving work and leisure and/or other exercise routines.  Your poise and the way your carry will dramatically improve, too.

Hot Tip:  Work your way up to lifting heavier weights with less repetitions when you want to bulk up.  Lift lighter weights with more repetitions when you simply want to tone up your muscles.  Do not skip on the warm-up and cool-down sessions to lessen muscle pain.

Breastfeeding is on the Rise; Lactation Stations for Working Moms

Breast milk is BEST for babies.

As mandated by law, every August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and we are especially happy to note of reports that the country “gained significant increases in exclusive breastfeeding rates”. 

The reports from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI-DOST) that showed exclusive breastfeeding rates have raised from 36 percent in 2008 to 47 percent in 2011.  Figures also noted that the initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of delivery has increased from 32 percent in 2008 to 52 percent in 2011.

While the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO) appreciated these developments, these organizations encouraged the country to work on the challenges of breastfeeding upon the re-entry of Filipino mothers in their respective workplace.

My take:  As mom, I am proud to say that I have breastfed both of my two daughters for as long as two years.  With my first child, I was working with a non-governmental organization then thus my work set-up fully supported my breastfeeding schedule.  On the second time, I was working on a freelance project that only required spending several hours, three times a week at the office so I had no problem with breastfeeding my daughter.  Now that I am working full-time, I am doubtful I will be afforded to breastfeed if ever I chose to have a third child.

Under Republic Act 10028 or the “Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009,” signed by President Arroyo last March 16, 2010, government offices and private establishments are required to set up “lactation stations” where working mothers can breastfeed their babies or store their breast milk in refrigerated containers.  Lactation stations must be equipped with fixtures (comfortable seats, small table, lavatory for hand washing) and facilities (refrigerators, electrical outlets) for breastfeeding and storing breast milk.

The WHO advocates exclusive breastfeeding for six months as key to curbing malnutrition and infant mortality. Studies have proven many times over that breastfeeding remains the “unequaled way of providing ideal food for the healthy growth and development of infants.”

Government offices and private establishments have yet to comply with the law and encourage mothers to continue exclusively breastfeeding their babies even after their maternity leave and during her work assignment.  Pro-women and pro-babies establishments that abide by this law can avail of tax deductions for private firms or additional budget for government offices.  With these incentives, hopefully, we will get to see more and more establishments very soon both in public and private sectors having lactation stations as common as your office tables and chairs.

Hot Tip:  Under the Milk Code or Executive Order 51, signed by President Corazon Aquino in 1986, breastfeeding women in the workplace are to be compensated for lactation breaks of not less than 40 minutes during an eight-hour work period.  This break, allotted for breastfeeding or expressing milk, is on top of the regular breaks and lunch hour.

Keep your Children Safe from Rainy day Diseases

During the rainy season, our kids are prone to infectious diseases like the common cold, cough, flu and pneumonia.  While we, as parents, do what we can at home to protect them from sickness such as providing healthy food, vitamin supplements, lots of rest, warm clothing and shelter, we can only hope that our kids will be spared from serious downtime due to sickness.

Nothing beats playing under the rain.

My take:  The fun never stops when children play under the rain.  As much as we want them to enjoy over an extended amount of time, it is prudent to let them play and soak with rainwater for fifteen minutes at most.  After taking a bath with lukewarm water, let them wear warm clothing to beat out the chill.  

Instead of fretting while they are at school or simply enjoying the outdoors, it is best to teach them how they can protect themselves from disease-causing germs throughout the day with these four easy steps:

Sneeze or cough into a tissue or handkerchief
You should teach your kids to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading germs into the air, infecting other kids around them. With germs ever present, it is easy to transmit bacteria to other kids as they tend to explore their environment and accomplish tasks with their hands.  

Give them the necessary shots
The rainy months are more than just cold weather and cancelled classes—it’s also the season for particular diseases for children. The flu and the good old cough and colds are the two biggest disease risks that children can catch, and one good way to prevent it is to get them vaccinated.

For coughs and colds, get them on a nutritious diet along with the necessary supplements to keep their immune system strong.

Frequent hand washing
The frequent hand-to-mouth activity and excessive curiosity of the children in school
is a common concern. Teach your kids to wash their hands frequently with soap and water. It is the most effective way to avoid getting sick from harmful germs and bacteria. After playing games on dirty classroom floors, the use of mechanical friction and soap and water is useful in removing microorganisms and other contaminants. You should instill in your kids the importance of hand washing as the basic requirement for proper hygiene.

Use a trusted hand sanitizer
For the most part of the day, your kids maybe frequently on the move and may not have a ready access to running water to keep their hands clean. To keep them protected anytime, anywhere, the next best thing would be to have a hand sanitizer within their reach. Hand sanitizers can be found just about everywhere, whether in school, at home or in the grocery store.


Hot Tip:  According to scientific studies, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers by children significantly reduces the transmission of gastrointestinal disorders. The studies also found a positive correlation between increased use of hand sanitizers and decreased risk of respiratory illnesses.   Additionally, hand sanitizers have been shown to kill bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Streptococcus pneumonia.

More on Leptospirosis

Following the heavy rains and flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces like Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga and Rizal, the Department of Health recently raised a leptospirosis alert.

Mostly of us, who have found ourselves wading through the flood, must be aware of how deadly this disease could be.

My take:  News report said that a pharmaceutical company recently raised the price of a drug usually prescribed to the treatment of leptospirosis.  Obviously, this company raised its profit margin in the expense of flood victims and rescue personnel who had no choice but come in contact with flood water.  Instead of making a fast buck, we should show compassion and charity during calamities.

According to medicinenet.com, leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete. leptospirosis can be transmitted by many animals such as rats, skunks, opossums, raccoons, foxes, and other vermin.

It is transmitted though contact with infected soil or water that is contaminated with the waste products of an infected animal. People can contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, and mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil.

The first phase of symptoms includes flu-like symptoms like headaches, muscle pain, eye pain when exposed to bright lights with chills and fever.  There could be watering and redness of the eyes that may seem to improve by the fifth to ninth day.

The second phase of symptoms may begin a few days of feeling well and these are:   recurring fever and aching and stiffness of the neck.  Other symptoms are serious inflammation of the nerves to the eyes, brain, spinal column and other nerves.  There could also pain in the right upper abdominal area.

For information sake ONLY on the treatment of this disease, I found this post from a MA student who is a medical doctor.

For Post-exposure prophylaxis for leptospirosis (single exposure to flood water WITHOUT wounds/ cuts/skin lesions): Doxycycline 100mg/cap 2 caps single dose within 24-72 hours; 

(single exposure WITH wounds/ cuts/ skin lesions): Doxycycline 100 mg/ cap 2 caps once a day for 3-5 days to be started immediately within 24-72 hours;
(CONTINUOUS exposure with or without wounds): Doxycycline 100 mg/ cap once weekly until the end of exposure.

Word of caution:  Doxycycline is CONTRAINDICATED in children, pregnant women, breast feeding or in those allergic similar drugs (tetracycline, minocycline). There may need dose adjustment for those with liver of kidney disease.  DO NOT TAKE with iron supplements, multivitamins, calcium supplements (including milk or dairy products) within 2 hours before or after taking it.

Hot Tip:  Please be advised that the above information does not take place of a proper prescription from a medical doctor.  It is heavily advised to seek professional advice from your doctor before the intake of any medicine.

Hepatitis C: Even ordinary people can get infected

Most Filipinos take for granted Hepatitis C as an infectious disease.  More often than not, the majority thinks that only people who abuse drugs or who are sexually promiscuous can be infected with Hepatitis C.  This is far from the truth.

My take:  Patients need understanding and support more than pity or prejudice.  They can seek out organizations that are dedicated to counseling and assisting patients.  These groups also pool resources and pertinent information to make treatments manageable and bearable to both patients and their families.

Hepatitis is an infectious liver disease.  It is a deceptive illness because of its long incubation period.  “One of the most devastating aspects of Hepatitis is that it is a silent killer.  Infected people may carry the virus unknowingly for years without symptoms until it causes serious – and even irreversible and fatal – liver damage.  Thus, prevention and early detection are our best weapons against the disease,” said Dr. Diana Payawal, president of the Hepatology Society of the Philippines.

Risk factors for Hepatitis include blood transfusions and organ transplants (particularly those done before 1992, when blood screenings became more rigorous), illegal drug use via needles, getting tattooed in non-licensed facilities, having unprotected sex with multiple partners, long-term dialysis, and being born to infected mothers.

Symptoms that can occur with the infection include fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal pain or swelling, dark urine, nausea, vomiting and yellow skin or jaundice.

Dr. Jose Sollano Jr., past president of HSP and Asia Pacific Association on the Study of the Liver explained that “some people have the misconception that hepatitis afflicts only drug users or people who are promiscuous, which is absolutely untrue. Ordinary people can get infected, even though everyday activities such as pedicures, as well as lifestyle activities such as tattooing.”

With 1.1 million to 1.9 million people with chronic Hepatitis expected to die prematurely of cirrhosis or liver cancer, prevention and early detection are crucial.  However, because of the stigma related with disease, many opt to keep their medical condition secret.

Patient talks about her struggle and hopes to recovery.

Take the case of a 54-year old stay-at-home mom.  She dedicated her life building a home for her husband and kids with social activities confined to the usual gatherings and celebrations with friends and family members. 

Imagine her dilemma when she found out her disease, a fact she has to reveal to her husband, an overseas worker.  Because of the stigma, she kept silent for a time until her friend and doctor convinced her to talk to her family.  She got infected with a tainted instrument used during a caesarian section more twenty years ago.

Today, Esperanza Masangkay (in photo) is undergoing treatment with the loving support of her family and friends.  Their overwhelming understanding and love surprised and erased her doubts and fears.  Recently, she bravely faced a crowd of strangers in an effort to educate and eradicate the stigma that patients face when dealing with Hepatitis C.

“I think what you do once you’ve been diagnosed is more important than how you became infected.  Do not lose hope.  Talk to your doctor and seek medical help,” said Masangkay. 

Hot Tip:   MSD, a pharmaceutical company, launched its Patient Education and Persistence Program last year with the goal of providing hepatitis B and C patients with easier access to treatment.  In their Integrated Cure Campaign, patients can avail of as much as 50% discount on MSD viral hepatitis drug.  They also provide free HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA testing to patients.  On top of this, they also provide free ribavirin to Hepatitis C patients on pegylated interferon alfa-b.  All patients prescribed with these drugs can automatically avail of MSD’s pricing schemes.

Filipinos eat less vegetable

Recent reports show an alarming trend:  Filipinos on average are eating less and less vegetables per day in the last three decades.  It is said that from 145 grams per day of vegetables in 1978, consumption has decreased to 110 grams per day in 2008.

Veggies in PHL.

My take:  “As an advocate of healthy, well-balanced meals, I make sure to eat vegetables everyday.  Aside from its nutritional benefits, vegetables help me maintain/lose weight, avoid constipation, keep a younger-looking skin, and feel light as against feeling heavy and bloated.

During mealtime, I never get tired of coaxing my husband and daughters to eat their vegetables because I know the many benefits of doing so.  Plus, I would rather spend on healthy food than medicines.”

In 2005, a study by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute showed that Filipinos eat very little vegetables due to the following reasons:  influence of family members who do not eat vegetables; dislike for vegetables because of taste and texture; preference for meat than vegetables; cultural beliefs about vegetables such as that eating squash can cause leprosy; vegetables are expensive; fear of chemicals and pesticides; vegetables require more time to prepare; preference for fast foods and instant foods; lack of supply; and lack of knowledge on nutritional and health benefits of vegetables.

As we celebrate Nutrition Month this July, here are some of the health benefits of eating vegetables:  Vegetables as part of a healthy diet can help prevent major non-communicable diseases.  According to the World Health Organization, adequate consumption of fruit and vegetables reduces the risk for cardiovascular diseases, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer.   Studies also report that deficiencies in intakes of calcium, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and vitamins A and C can be improved through increased vegetable intake.

Tip:  Aim to have 1/3 of your meal composed of vegetables to satisfy daily requirement.

Zits, zits away: Acne Myths busted!

Stop before you think that zits or acne are purely teenagers’ stuff.  Actually, acne can occur before the age of ten up until the graceful years of 50!  Acne is associated with excessive oil production deep in the follicles of our skin.  Once that happens, zits are here to stay.  No wonder those ugly bumps and blemishes come up before an important date or event, right?

Picking on Acne Myths

Good hygiene can prevent acne. 
False!  Acne is caused by internal factors deep in our skin and to stop acne, we need to disrupt the cycle of events that leads to this common skin disease.

Chocolate or greasy food can cause acne. 
False!  According to studies, there is no conclusive evidence that shows the connection between diet and acne.

Oily skin is prone to acne. 
False, the third time!  Regardless of skin type, acne will occur when the cycle starts and you have excessive oil trapped in the pores.

The Anatomy of Acne

Many factors have been attributed to cause acne such as hormonal fluctuations (puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause), heredity, increased stress, physical stress and irritation.
 
Our skin produces oil or sebum from the sebaceous glands that are just underneath the skin’s surface.  Once oil is produced, it travels up through the pores and lubricates the skin.  Dead skin particles usually slough away but with acne-prone skin they get trapped in the pores and lock in the oil.  With the continuous oil production, the blockage grows as acne.

There are two simple ways to be free of pimples and pimple blemishes:  keep pores from blockage; and reduce excess oil.  Dead skin cell normally falls off from the face but with excess oil they accumulate in the pores. 

To prevent acne, here are more helpful tips:

Clean your cell phone and desk headset with an antibacterial cleaner daily to avoid dirt and bacteria transferring to your face.

Remove makeup before sleeping.  This can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Avoid touching your face throughout the day.

Exercise regularly.  This reduces stress and increases oxygen to the skin, which may help reduce acne.

Try to shower as soon as possible after exercise and wear ventilated clothing to help prevent chest and back acne.

Drink several glasses of water every day to flush out toxins in your body and skin.

Do not pick, pop or squeeze.  Squeezing blemishes or whiteheads can lead to infection or scarring. The results are worse than acne!

Wash your pillowcase often and always use clean face towels. Dirty towels and pillowcases can harbor bacteria and germs that can make acne worse.

Pull your hair away from your skin when you sleep. Your hair contains oils as well, and can contribute to breakouts.

Clean cosmetic brushes regularly in soapy water and throw out old, contaminated makeup.

Keeping the zits away

Mary Kay Inc. is known to be one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics and their three-way system is highly recommended for acne-prone skin with best results in the least amount of time.

The new Mary Kay System for Acne-Prone Skin helps skin to stay clear and acne-free with its 2% salicylic acid formulation that penetrates to the pores to unblock trapped oil and debris.  The three-way system also contain the botanicals Canadian Willowherb, sea heather and burdock root that soothe your skin.

The Clarifying Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
The lightweight cleanser removes excess oil and dead skin particles without leaving any residue.  With a clean and refreshed skin, you are now ready to apply the second step.

The Pore-purifying serum for Acne-Prone Skin
For oil control, apply this silky serum and let your skin absorb this formula.  The serum reduces the appearance of large pores and shine of your face.

Spot Solution for Acne-Prone Skin
For spot medication, use this formula to clear-out blemishes and prevent future breakouts.  This also gently exfoliates your skin and leaves no residue.

Mary Kay promises that you will see improvement in skin appearance in just three days.  Now, that is a good deal!  But be mindful that Mary Kay System for Acne-Prone Skin is intended treatment for mild to moderate cases of acne, however, for severe acne, please consult your dermatologist.


First posted on May 28, 2010.

Abs-solutely possible: the Easy Way to Get Rid of the Belly Bulge!

Photo courtesy of The Zen Institute www.thezeninstitute.com

With all the crunching, flexing and sweating in the gym, you have finally reached your goal – your ideal weight and body fat percentage.  But, why is it your body still carries around a belly bulge, saddle bags or flabby arms?

After shedding those extra pounds, our bodies have the tendency to maintain five percent of body fat that is equally distributed all over the body.  Those fatty deposits are even made more stubborn with trapped toxins from unhealthy eating habits and exposure to environmental pollution.  The answer to this concern:  body sculpting or spot reduction program.

Thru the Resonax technology, stored fats in specific parts of the body are dissolved, reabsorbed and eventually, flushed out of the body.  Developed in Italy, Resonax uses quantum molecular resonance frequency that delivers controlled, intensified heat.  Each session last less than an hour with no downtime at all so you can go and in out of the clinic.  Under a weight program and nutritional counseling, results are readily visible after treatments only after a week’s period. 

For faster results, this is best combined with a mesotherapy program.  And before you know it, you are back sporting those tank tops, skinny jeans and that skimpy bikini.

First Posted on May 31, 2010.

Healthy living in your 40s

Living a healthy life is quite simple if one if motivated enough to follow simple rules.  Healthy living improves the one's life span as well the quality of life wherein one can still enjoy the different pursuits alongside their family and friends during those extended years.  A major plus of being healthy is having beauty inside and out.  Here are ways to achieve healthy living:

Eat healthy food. Strive to eat a balance meal with fresh fruits and vegetables.  Proper nutrition provides the body and the heart the necessary nutrients not only to nourish but also protection from many diseases including heart ailments.  Healthy eating also promotes good skin, body structure and well-being.  In turn, avoid fatty foods especially those that are high in saturated fats. 

Aim for less salt.  Even if one do have a normal blood pressure, it is better to lessen the intake of salt or foods with high sodium content.  Salty foods can contribute to high blood pressure that increases the risk of having a stroke.  Processed food is most likely to contain a lot of sodium.  Limit your salt intake to 1 teaspoon of salt (2300 mg of sodium) per day.

Get moving.  Exercise keeps our bodies younger-looking and working properly.  Aim to raise one’s heart beat by brisk walking, jogging or simply dancing for at least 30 minutes a day.  A regular exercise regimen will help keep off the pounds and maintain your weight.

Manage stress.  Studies have shown that stress makes one prone to heart diseases or lead to other illnesses.  Try to reduce stress by relaxing at least an hour each day.  Laugh with friends, see a movie or sing your favorite tune to bring down stress levels.  A positive outlook in life radiates for a more beautiful and fresher look.

Quit smoking.  Smoking can cause high blood pressure thus adding to the risk of having cardiac arrests and strokes.  This habit deprives blood vessels the needed oxygen for the heart to function well.  People who smoke are four times likely to suffer a heart attack than those of non-smokers.  Smoking also dries out the lips and facial skin.   

Get more sleep.  The body also benefits from a night-long sleep.  A full night's rest helps the body recuperate from daily stresses and decreases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure.  Set a regular schedule for sleeping to avoid baggy and dark circles around the eyes. 

Know your numbers.  Watch the weight and keep tabs on your blood pressure.  As one’s weight increases so does the risks of having lifestyle diseases.  Lose the extra weight by being active and eat sensibly.

Regularly monitor the body’s blood pressure.  One’s normal reading is different from the next person so do keep a tab of your numbers.  A high blood pressure put one at risk of having a stroke or heart attack.

Have a medical check-up.  Set an annual medical check-up, especially if your family has a history of cardiovascular diseases.  Keeping a personal medical history can help you and your doctor detect early signs of illnesses or lifestyle diseases.


First posted on October 11, 2011.

Make-up Coverage: It's All About the Primer!

Yes, ladies, we need coverage on our faces!

Honestly, I am not really fond of make-up.  To those who really know me, they remember me as someone who usually goes out of the house with no hint of make-up at all.

Yes, I do wear make-up when I find it absolutely necessary when there are client meetings, events to attend to both for business and social purposes, and photo shoots.

When I do need coverage on my face, I usually have a hard time keeping the make-up on.  Since my skin is dry, the make-up simply falls off leaving me exasperated with retouch sessions from time to time in the ladies room all day long.  The make-up foundation and colors usually fades away pretty quickly until I have discovered the make-up primer.

This make-up primer prepares my skin before applying the foundation.  It creates a flawless canvas that other make-up products adhere to.  Whether it's liquid foundation, mineral powder or even color products, the Mary Kay foundation primer does the job.  When applied, the primer leaves make-up products smoother and stay longer on the face.

With it's gel-like consistency, the Mary Kay foundation is not sticky and is quickly absorbed by the skin.  I like it because this primer lets me wear a minimal layer of make-up without having to settle with minimum color effect.  Aside from its staying power that colors cling on to, the primer also protects the skin from clogging so there's no need to worry about pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.  Best of all, the primer can be used on any type of skin.

So, remember, ladies, put your primer on before rolling out the foundation (pun intended...oops!).

First posted September 9, 2011.

The Right Fit of Running shoes

As more and more Filipinos are taking the conscious effort to be fit and healthy, running had become more than a fad.  Early morning fun runs are now staged throughout the year in most cities while some are even staged at night during the summer months.

Studies have shown that running is one of the best aerobics exercise for the heart and lungs.  As one runs, the movement helps in the blood circulation that distributes much needed oxygen throughout the body.  Aside from improving one's stamina, running also increases bone density.  Since running burns lots of calories, it is also a perfect aerobic activity for those who are trying to lose weight.  Running, as an exercise, is also a great stress-buster.

Before heading-out to join the thousands in a fun run, be sure to have a pair of sensible, running shoes that can keep up with the activity.  Do not scrimp and settle for any rubber shoe or loafer.  So much technology have already been invested to develop good running shoes that can protect one's feet and joints as well as improve one's movements on the track. 

Running shoes should provide cushioning, flexibility and stability to increase running performance and comfort.  The flexible features of the shoes must follow the natural moves of the feet when running.  Engineered to stabilize the feet, these shoes have exceptional bending capacity and weight distribution in aid of shock absorption.  The traction of its soles enable the runner to run on any surface.

When choosing for a good pair of running shoes, first determine your foot type.  This can be done with a simple Wet Test, wherein your wet foot imprint on a piece of paper tells you if you have normal, low or high arch.

For those with a high arch, it is best to have the cushioned running shoes.  Since the normal arch provide a good stride, these running shoes are not so much with stability but provide great cushioning.

With the low arch, it best to have the stability running shoes to compensate for over pronation of the feet.  This means that the feet roll too far inward which can lead to injuries.  Stability shoes manage the weight impact and provide cushioning as well.
 
Those who are flat-footed need motion control running shoes.  These shoes are heavier in weight and have stiffer mid soles to provide stability to the over pronation of the feet. 

After determining the type of feet you have, make sure that your new running shoes fit properly.  A proper fit must be snug but not tight.  Make sure that the shoes have enough room at the top, middle and back without having your heel sliding up and down.  During the fitting, walk, jog or run on your shoes to get their feel in action.  The worst mistake to avoid is having to run on shoes that are too small for your feet. As more and more Filipinos are taking the conscious effort to be fit and healthy, running had become more than just a fad.  Early morning fun runs are now staged throughout the year in most cities while some are even staged at night during the summer months.


Photo shows the latest Diadora Women's Mythos Samurai III.
First posted on November 2, 2011.

Anti-aging technology that resets your genes!

Now that 2011 is weeks away, do not fret, ladies, about getting older.  Technologies are continually evolving in search of the "fountain of youth" or the ultimate anti-aging formula.  Unlike Hollywood who spend millions of dollars to retain their youthful looks, we already have technologies available within our wallet's reach.

Yes, Nu Skin is taking the battle against aging, literally, on cellular levels with ageLOC.  Used daily, the ageLOC system targets aging at its source with four products that work together to reveal younger looking skin.  Its amazing skin benefits include youthful skin, smoothness, even skin tone, unnoticeable fine lines or wrinkles, radiance, smaller pores, reduction of skin discoloration and hydration.  The ageLOC system features a toner, serum, moisturizer and night cream.

Now before you dismiss ageLOC as another over-the-counter anti-aging skin product, please appreciate its merits for addressing skin matters at the genetic level.  In collaboration with experts on genetics, Nu Skin has identified 'youth gene clusters' – the key group that influences how we age.  Thru ageLOC system, these gene clusters are reset to reflect a more youthful skin.  Nu Skin has learned that gene expression is crucial in retaining youth and that is why they have partnered with Stanford University to extend the research and deepen the company's understanding.

So what can we expect from ageLOC?

The toner cleanses and prepares the skin for the initial infusion of the ageLOC formula.  This single step, at the same time, leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed.  The silky serum delivers maximum concentration of the formula that targets aging at its source while the daily moisturizer promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as much as 45 percent.  With SPF 22, the preparation protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays while it works on your skin even under make-up. The transforming night cream with its ultra-mild ingredients mimics the skin's structure and stimulates youthful cell turnover by 85 percent.  With a significant dose of ageLOC, the cream dramatically reduces all signs of skin aging.

Dare I say these all true or not?  Well, one thing I know is that Nu Skin delivers what they sell.

When I first sampled the Galvanic Spa system, I had to stare at my face in the mirror for a couple of moments to make sure I am really seeing what I am seeing.  It was unbelievable, at first, to have such results in a matter of minutes but there is no denying that existing lines on my face were less defined after undergoing the Galvanic spa facial.  This is certainly no gimmick at all that is why I can swear by their products.  And yes, one downside could be that their product line is pricey but, hey, if you want to invest in your self then it is just a matter of making it available for you.  After all, given it's the season of giving and sharing and after making sure everybody is filled with cheer, surely you can spare some holiday spirit for the one staring back at the mirror.

Here's an interesting note on ageLOC:  Last September, Nu Skin was honored with the Best New Product of the Year 2010 International Business Award for its ageLOC Transformation daily skin care system.  Nu Skin was also named as distinguished honoree in five additional categories including Product  Development Team of the year.  Nine months after the product launch, the skin care system garnered $150 million in sales.

First posted on December 17, 2010

Anti-aging cream for the neck and down

I bet you have already seen a beautiful face set on a turkey neck, dry and patchy body skin with wrinkly hands.  Not really a pretty sight, isn't it?  Even more frightening is the fact that most of us may also look that way given our habit of having beauty creams and anti-aging preparations applied solely on our faces.    

Dermatologists call the decollete a dead giveaway for one's physical age.  Just like the face, the neck is also exposed to the sun on a daily basis.  Just think about the scooped necklines, v-neck and razorback tops you wear.  This leaves the decollete vulnerable to damaging rays of the sun.

The palms of our hands can withstand a lot of use but the skin on the back is relatively fragile just like of that around the eyes.  This makes the hands susceptible to early signs of aging, like uneven skin tone, crepiness and lack of tone.  Add to that the times you wash your hands, and it's easy to see how hands can become dry and robbed of essential moisture.  Remember the Tim Burton's movie, Corpse Bride.

Now, Mary Kay, a global beauty leader, have formulated a preparation specifically-designed to address age-fighting from neck down.  The TimeWise Body Hand and Decollete Cream SPF 15 combines key ingredients that deliver significant benefits to address past damage and prevent future effects of sun exposure.  By boosting collagen and elastin, the cream minimizes the appearance of crepiness and hydrates the skin.  This makes the skin look firmer while making lines and wrinkles less noticeable.

For both daytime and nighttime use, this cream has active sunscreen ingredients that protect the skin from broad spectrum UVA/UVB rays.

For the hands and body, the TimeWise Body Targeted-Action Toning Lotion is a super-charge skin lotion that tones and tightens the skin.  Its moisturizing action last for 24 hours.  This lotion helps energize skin cells for optimal performance and minimizes sun damage.

The TimeWise lotion delivers more than any other lotion because it strengthens the skin's supportive network.  The integrity of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ), that's the point where the uppermost two layers of the skin meet, determines how young and tight your skin looks.  Naturally, the DEJ weakens as we age.

The exclusive mix of TimeWise help stimulate the proteins vital to DEJ.  Its botanical ingredients include extracts from Acai Berry, Pumpkin and Argan seed extracts, caffeine and coffee Arabica Seed Extract, Hawthorne Berry extract and Vitamin E.

With continuous use, the TimeWise products produce significant results that is clearly visible only after two weeks.  Other benefits will be readily noticeable after four weeks.  Since these products are hypo-allergenic, it is suitable for all skin types and skin tones.

First posted on December 27, 2010.

Breast exams: I like it on somebody else's hands!

This October, random posts were on Facebook to increase awareness on Breast Cancer Awareness month.  Shout outs such as "I like it on the couch", "I like it on the kitchen counter", "I like it on the dresser" piqued the curiosity of netizens.

If you did not receive a message to do so, obviously, you are not in the loop.  Time to shout out to include you.  Why?

Because breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the Philippines, taking at least 16 percent of the 50,000 cases diagnosed with cancer as declared by the Health department.

According to a Philippine Breast Cancer Network report, Philippines now has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in Asia and placed on 9th highest incidence rate in the world today.

To date, breast cancer is still the leading cause of cancer among women, accounting for 28 percent of the total cases.  One out of four who are diagnosed with breast cancer die within the first five years, and no less than 40 percent die within 10 years.

With the incidence of breast cancer rising, all women are at risk and anyone can be a victim – mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends regardless of age, race, social or economic status.

Efforts to educate the public on this fatal disease should be intensified with prevention and early detection as main focus.

Self-examination on the breasts is easy, simple with no costs at all.  It is easy to find information on how to properly conduct this exam and this should be done monthly.  And, if you find anything remotely out of the ordinary with your breasts, please, please do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about it. 

These simple acts, for all we know, maybe life-saving.

Lastly, yes, I do like on somebody's else hands!  My husband gladly participates, you know.

First posted on October 22, 2010.