Facts on Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflamed, swollen and narrowed airways, making breathing difficult. Although no cure has been found for asthma, it can be controlled.

If you are asthmatic, you have sensitive airways that react to certain factors such as stress, infection (flu, common colds), dust, mites, feathers, cigarette smoke, and changes in the weather. These can trigger the swelling and the narrowing of your airways.

What causes Asthma?

No one really knows exactly what causes asthma. In asthma, the irritation of your ultra sensitive airways results to the three changes:

• cells in your air passages produce excessively thick and sticky mucus that tends to clog your airways
• your air passages swell or become inflamed
• the muscles in your airways constrict and tighten

These changes cause your air passages to narrow or constrict, causing difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

What do you do in case of asthma attack?

• take only asthma medications prescribed by your doctor
• do not take cough medicines
• if your attack is caused by a bacterial infection, take the appropriate antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
• if your symptoms persist, or you are experiencing a moderate attack or a severe one, get emergency help right away.

What to do to minimize or prevent an asthma attack?

• take controllers (as prescribed by physician)
• know the signs and symptoms of an incoming acute asthma attack
• know what trigger your asthma attack
• avoid triggers

What are the sign and symptoms of an incoming acute asthma attack?

• coughing a lot during exercise or even during rest after exercising
• shortness of breath
• wheezing when breathing
• tightening of the chest

What triggers an asthmatic attack?

There are numerous causes that "trigger" your asthma attack. However, these can be divided into three major groups:

Allergens - the largest group includes common "triggers" like pollen, molds, mildew, cockroaches, feathers, and dust mites.

Irritants - this group are found in common household items such as acrosol sprays, cleaning products, and perfumes. Tobacco smoke, air pollution and industrial chemicals also belong to this group.

Physical Conditions - this group includes exercise, weather changes and emotional stress. It also includes viral infections like common cold and flu.

How do you know you are having an asthma attack?

Asthma attacks may start suddenly, or may take days to develop. Attacks range from mild, moderate to severe.

Mild-to-moderate attacks - are more common. There is a feeling of tightness in your chest and you may start coughing and spitting out mucus or phlegm. You may also feel restless or irritable and have difficulty sleeping. You oftentimes make a whistling or wheezing sound when you are breathing air in and out, which may be due to narrowed air tubes.

Several Attacks - during severe attacks you may become breathless and may have difficulty talking. Your neck muscles become tight as you breathe. Your lips and fingernails may have a grayish and bluish color. Your breathing becomes more forceful, usually accompanied by the upward movements of your chest.

Source: Department of Health

Dealing with Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a general term that refers to an infection of the lungs, which can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

Often pneumonia begins after an upper respiratory tract infection (an infection of the nose and throat). When this happens, symptoms of pneumonia begin after 2 or 3 days of a cold or sore throat.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia vary, depending on the age of the child and the cause of the pneumonia. Common symptoms include:

• fever
• chills
• cough
• unusually rapid breathing
• breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds
• labored breathing that makes a child's rib muscles retract (when muscles under the rib cage or between ribs draw inward with each breath)
• vomiting
• chest pain
• abdominal pain
• decreased activity
• loss of appetite (in older kids) or poor feeding (in infants)
• in extreme cases, bluish or gray color of the lips and fingernails

Sometimes a child's only symptom is rapid breathing. Sometimes when the pneumonia is in the lower part of the lungs near the abdomen, there may be no breathing problems, but there may be fever and abdominal pain or vomiting.

When pneumonia is caused by bacteria, an infected child usually becomes sick relatively quickly and experiences the sudden onset of high fever and unusually rapid breathing. When pneumonia is caused by viruses, symptoms tend to appear more gradually and are often less severe than in bacterial pneumonia. Wheezing may be more common in viral pneumonia.

Some types of pneumonia cause symptoms that give important clues about which germ is causing the illness. For example, in older kids and adolescents, pneumonia due to Mycoplasma (also called walking pneumonia) is notorious for causing a sore throat and headache in addition to the usual symptoms of pneumonia.

In infants, pneumonia due to chlamydia may cause conjunctivitis (pinkeye) with only mild illness and no fever. When pneumonia is due to whooping cough (pertussis), the child may have long coughing spells, turn blue from lack of air, or make a classic "whoop" sound when trying to take a breath.

Description

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by different types of germs, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Although different types of pneumonia tend to affect children in different age groups, pneumonia is most commonly caused by viruses. Viruses that cause pneumonia include adenoviruses, rhinovirus, influenza virus (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza virus (which causes croup).

Incubation

The incubation period for pneumonia varies, depending on the type of virus or bacteria causing the infection (for instance, respiratory syncytial virus, 4 to 6 days; influenza, 18 to 72 hours).

Duration

With treatment, most types of bacterial pneumonia can be cured within 1 to 2 weeks. Viral pneumonia may last longer. Mycoplasmal pneumonia may take 4 to 6 weeks to resolve completely.

Contagiousness

The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious and are usually found in fluid from the mouth or nose of an infected person. Illness can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes on a person, by sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils, and when a person touches the used tissues or handkerchiefs of an infected person.

Prevention

Vaccines can prevent infections by viruses or bacteria that cause some types of pneumonia. Kids usually receive routine immunizations against Haemophilus influenzae and pertussis (whooping cough) beginning at 2 months of age. (The pertussis immunization is the "P" part of the routine DTaP injection.) Vaccines are now also given against the pneumococcus organism (PCV), a common cause of bacterial pneumonia.

Children with chronic illnesses, who are at special risk for other types of pneumonia, may receive additional vaccines or protective immune medication. The flu vaccine is strongly recommended for kids with chronic illnesses such as chronic heart or lung disorders or asthma, as well as otherwise healthy children ages 6 months through 19 years.

Because they're at higher risk for serious complications, infants who were born prematurely may be given treatments that temporarily protect against RSV, which can lead to pneumonia in younger children.

Doctors may give prophylactic (disease-preventing) antibiotics to prevent pneumonia in kids who have been exposed to someone with certain types of pneumonia, such as pertussis.

Antiviral medication is now available, too, and can be used to prevent some types of viral pneumonia or to make symptoms less severe.

In addition, regular tuberculosis screening is performed yearly in some high-risk areas because early detection will prevent active tuberculosis infection including pneumonia.

In general, pneumonia is not contagious, but the upper respiratory viruses that lead to it are, so it is best to keep your child away from anyone who has an upper respiratory tract infection. If someone in your home has a respiratory infection or throat infection, keep his or her drinking glass and eating utensils separate from those of other family members, and wash your hands frequently, especially if you are handling used tissues or dirty handkerchiefs.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if your child has any of the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, but especially if your child:

• is having trouble breathing or is breathing abnormally fast
• has a bluish or gray color to the fingernails or lips
• has a fever of 102° Fahrenheit (38.9° Celsius), or above 100.4° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) in infants under 6 months of age

Professional Treatment

Doctors usually make the diagnosis of pneumonia after a physical examination. The doctor may possibly use a chest X-ray, blood tests, and (sometimes) bacterial cultures of mucus produced by coughing when making a diagnosis.

In most cases, pneumonia can be treated with oral antibiotics given to your child at home. The type of antibiotic used depends on the type of pneumonia.

Children may be hospitalized for treatment if they have pneumonia caused by pertussis or other bacterial pneumonia that causes high fevers and respiratory distress. They may also be hospitalized if:

• supplemental oxygen is needed
• they have lung infections that may have spread into the bloodstream
• they have chronic illnesses that affect the immune system
• they are vomiting so much that they cannot take medicine by mouth
• if they have recurrent episodes of pneumonia

Home Treatment

If your doctor has prescribed antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, give the medicine on schedule for as long as directed. This will help your child recover faster and will decrease the chance that infection will spread to other household members.

Don't force a child who's not feeling well to eat, but encourage drinking of fluids, especially if fever is present. Ask the doctor before you use a medicine to treat your child's cough because cough suppressants stop the lungs from clearing mucus, which may not be helpful in some types of pneumonia.

If your child has chest pain, try a heating pad or warm compress on the chest area. Take your child's temperature at least once each morning and each evening, and call the doctor if it goes above 102° Fahrenheit (38.9° Celsius) in an older infant or child, or above 100.4° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) in an infant under 6 months of age.

Check your child's lips and fingernails to make sure that they are rosy and pink, not bluish or gray, which is a sign that the lungs are not getting enough oxygen.

Source: kidshealth.org

How to Lose Weight...

I have friends who have gained weight after they gave birth or went on a holiday or simply loves to eat like me. Speaking of holidays, another big celebration is coming up soon, Christmas. To prepare myself to more parties, buffet, social gatherings, cocktails, I feel I should go slow now on carbs, soda and my all time favorites, chocolates. And I should use our old stationary bike here, which hubs is bugging me to use. Better yet, I would follow these weight-losing tips;

*Replace fizzy drinks with water.

*Swap whole milk for semi-skimmed, or semi-skimmed for skimmed.

*Eat less lunch than usual. For example, make your own sandwich and limit the use of margarine/butter and full-fat mayonnaise (store-bought sandwiches often contain both).

*Stop taking sugar in tea and coffee.

*Have smaller portions of the food you enjoy.

*Avoid having a second helping at dinner. Limit your rice intake.

*Cut out unhealthy treats such as confectionary, sugary biscuits and crisps between meals.

*Eat more veggies and fruits.

*Cut down on beer, alcohol or soda.

*Walk your way to the nearby church, grocery/mall.

*Spend some time to exercise, burn some calories. Do house chores. Go biking with your kids. Or walk around your place with hubby or friends.

Or if you're not the type who goes to the gym, who have no time to exercise or do some walking, and still you don't want to skip your meals. Try this,



The Weight is Over!

You’ve probably tried a few diets in your time… the “miracle of the moment” diet… the celebrity-endorsed diet… maybe even a starvation diet or two.

And you even may have lost a few pounds. But remember the aftermath?

Slimplicity® Weight Loss System offers a safe, healthy, simple way to shed the weight and keep it off… for life.

This Time is Different

Slimplicity revs up your body’s weight loss machinery with cutting-edge ingredients to block and burn fat, boost your metabolism and squelch your appetite. Then it helps keep those pounds off with a support plan that shows you how to integrate smarter choices into your everyday life simply, easily, for good.

Two Simple Steps to Lasting Success:

No more weighing, measuring, calculating or starving. Slimplicity breaks down weight loss into two simple steps:

1. Replace lunch with a deliciously satisfying Slimplicity shake.

2. Adopt a smarter lifestyle by adding steps to your day and eating healthy, flavor-filled, well-balanced meals and snacks.

Imagine a slimmer you looking back in the mirror. You’re on your way to a healthier, more radiant you! Slimplicity. The weight is over!

To order, please email me at thesweetlife318@gmail.com or send a message/text at 0921-5473375.

The Reliv Wellness Products

For the past two weeks now, we're taking the Reliv Wellness products and we can already see amazing results on our health. I've also attended business opportunity meetings with regards to these products and I've heard people's testimonies how the products cured them of their illnesses. So we gave it a try. We are taking the Reliv shakes (mix with cold water) twice a day. Now, I can truly say, we feel healthier. And my migraine attacks are gone. My kids are not sleepy in school anymore, they're more energetic and asthma-free. For more info on the company and the testimonials please click here and here.

Posted below are the basic products, considered as food supplements.



Relìv Now® For Kids

By the early teens, most children receive less than 50% of the RDI of key nutrients. Relìv Now® for Kids bridges this nutritional gap with a broad base of essential vitamins, minerals and micronutrients necessary to keep growing bodies healthy, and to help boost energy and mental performance. Fortified with cell-protecting antioxidants, 5 grams of non-GMO whole bean soy, plus the “brain-building” nutrients DHA, PS and PC. One shake a day is all it takes. Ideal for children ages 2–12.

* Chocolate or vanilla flavor.



The “original.” With Relìv Classic®, you’ll be providing your body with the combination of nutrients it needs to operate at maximum efficiency. You’ll feel the difference that proper nutrition can make. Unlike single supplements which may not work properly in the absence of other vital nutrients, Relìv Classic® provides nutritional balance and contains the following:

* Significant amounts of every vitamin and mineral recommended by the U.S. Government as part of a daily diet

* A combination of vitamins, minerals, proteins, herbs and Beta Carotene

* An herb complex which provides essential phytonutrients

* This formula is vegetarian, certified Kosher and Halal, ideal for those with lactose intolerance, and contains no animal compounds, artificial preservatives or trans fat.



Reliv Now® delivers a powerful, synergistic array of nutrients designed to bridge the nutritional gap created by on-the-go lifestyles. Featuring the nutritional advantages of non-GMO soy protein, which retains all of the phytonutrients, isoflavones and antioxidants, that give soy its natural health-promoting power.

* Vegetarian

* Lactose free with no artificial preservatives

* Halal Certified

* Vanilla flavor


Note: This is not a paid post.

For inquiries where to buy or attend business opportunity meetings, email me at thesweetlife318@gmail.com or send an SMS (text) at 0921-5473375.

An Apple A Day: Facts and Tips

The old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" has been justified by its many health-rich properties. Apples are excellent detoxifiers and apple juice can destroy viruses in the body.

In one recent study , Riu Hai Liu of Cornell University, has found although apples has only a small amount of vitamin C, eating 100 grams of apple provides the same amount of antioxidant activity as taking 1,500 milligrams of the same vitamin.

Just make sure you do not take too many apple seeds because it could be toxic if taken in large amount.

Benefits of Apples

1. Apple cleans teeth and strengthens gum

2. Will make the cholesterol level lower

3. Detoxify the body and has an antiviral property

4. Apple will also prevent constipation because it helps digestion

5. One large apple supplies almost 30% of minimum amount of fiber that should be consumed daily

The use :

1. For people who suffer from gout and rheumatism, eat apple regularly because it will aid healing

2. Eating 2 apples a day will reduce your cholesterol level up to 10 %

3. Drinking an apple juice, 3 times a day, is said to prevent virus from settling in the body.

4. Another benefit of apple is for those who have problem with their stomach. If you have problem with indigestion, eat apples before meals.

5. Grated apple, when mixed with live yogurt may be helpful in cases of diarrhea

Tips :

1) Never buy apples that have not been kept cold since they can be over-ripe in a few days.

2) Apples should be hard. If you can dent an apple with your finger, DO NOT BUY IT.

3) Keep your apples refrigerated. If not, it will decay fast.

4) To prevent browning, rub the cut surfaces with a mixture of lemon juice and water.

5) Canadian researchers analyzing eight popular varieties found that the old standby, Red Delicious, and an apple called Northern Spy contain more disease-fighting antioxidants in their skin and flesh than any other studied. In English this means red apples are better than other apples.

6) Instead of drinking coffee (for call center people or students studying for exams), apple can make you stay awake on night time.

Belo Services and Fees

A few months ago, I was curious on how much Dra. Belo charges for the various services she offers on her clinic. I've only tried (several times) their facial treatment at Forever Flawless. So I emailed them and asked for different procedures and fees. Actually my kid has a scar on her back from a major operation when she was barely a year old. The scar is growing as she grows. It's below her nape. I'm kinda' worried that it would affect the skin on her back. Anyway, here's the reply on my queries.

Cost information on AQUA LIPO:

Upper Abdomen= Php 33,600.00
Abdomen= Php 33,600.00
Waist= Php 33,600.00
Hips- Php 33,600.00
Arms= Php 44,800.00(both arms included)
Wings= Php 16,800.00
Back= Php 33,600.00
Chin= Php 28,000.00
Inner Thigh= Php 33,600.00 (both thighs included)
Outer Thigh= Php 33,600.00
Anterior Thigh= Php 33,600.00
Buttocks= Php 33,600.00

Others:
Armpit= Php 22,400.00
Chest= Php 33,600.00
Breast = Php 33,600.00
Knees= Php 16,800.00
Calves= Php 33,600.00

{Additional 20% for professional fee of Dr. Belo}

Smartlipo for the face=Php56,000
+ Anaesthesia= Php 11,200
+ Binder= Php 5,600

Cost information on SMART LIPO:
Upper Abdomen= Php 33,600.00
Abdomen= Php 33,600.00
Waist= Php 33,600.00
Hips- Php 33,600.00
Arms= Php 44,800.00(both arms included)
Wings= Php 16,800.00
Back= Php 33,600.00
Chin= Php 28,000.00
Inner Thigh= Php 33,600.00 (both thighs included)
Outer Thigh= Php 33,600.00
Anterior Thigh= Php 33,600.00
Buttocks= Php 33,600.00

Others:
Armpit= Php 22,400.00
Chest= Php 33,600.00
Breast = Php 33,600.00
Knees= Php 16,800.00
Calves= Php 33,600.00

Smartlipo for the face=Php56,000
+ Anaesthesia= Php 11,200
+ Binder= Php 5,600

Laser Hair Removal
Beard & Mustache- Doctor's Discretion with regards to pricing
Upper lip: PhP2,800
Armpit: PhP5,600
Bikini: PhP5,600
Face:PhP 8,400.00
Lower leg: PhP13,440
Nipple: PhP2,800.00
Others: PhP2,800.00
Whole leg: PhP22,400.00

Waxing:

Armpit: PhP 425.60
Bikini: PhP 560.00
Bikini (Brazilian): Php 952.00
Upper lip: Php 280.00
Eyebrow: Php 425.60
Half Leg: Php 739.20
Full Leg: Php 952.00

THERMAGE- Only available in Medical Plaza- Makati & Tomas Morato Q.C

Face- Php 112,000.00
Neck- Php 39,200.00
Forehead- Php 39,200.00
Eye area- Php 67,200.00 plus Php 5,600 for the anaesthesia
Face and Eye- Php 184,800.00 plus php 11,200 for the anaesthesia

BODY SCRUB WITH BLEACH - Php2,240.00 per session- (for women only)

A combination of sea salt, honey and almond scrub gently removes dead, dry,
rough skin leaving skin, baby soft and smooth, followed by an application of
a natural bleaching agent made from grapeseed extract, AHA and licorice to
whiten the skin naturally. The procedure takes 45 minutes and can be done as
often as one to three times a week. This treatment, when done regularly,
will help even out skin color all over the body and improve skin texture
giving it a natural glow.

POWER PEEL/MEGA PEEL Php 2,800 per session

Scar lightener:

For scars, especially keloids, it would be best if you visit one of our
clinics so that the proper assessment can be done.

For versapulse laser:
PhP6,720 depending on the size and deepness of the scars.

V-Beam- for red raised scars that are often caused by surgery, trauma, or
burns (hypertropic scars and keloids). Minimum price is Php7,840 and is
available only in Makati branch only.

Consultation with Dr. Belo is Php896 and with her associate doctors, Php448.
For active consultants (for blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, breast
augmentation and tummy tuck),Php560.

Note: This is not a paid post.

For more queries, visit the Belo Medical Group

Doctor, Doctor We Are Sick...

A week ago, me and my kids are all sick. Blame it on the weather, too much heat in the morning 'til afternoon, then, it rains by night time. My kids had asthma attacks, the youngest got dehydrated, and I had a bad cold which triggers my migraine too. We went to see a doctor, had our laboratory tests (CBC, urinalysis, X-ray) and bought medicines at the Mercury Drugstore. I also surfed the net for "2nd opinion".

I took Sinutab for my colds, Norgesic for my migraine and Vitamin C & E. While my kids had Neozep Syrup (for colds), Biogesic syrup (for fever), Ambroxol (for cough), Pedialyte (for dehydration) and Asmalin (Salbutamol) nebule for their nebulization. Kids are also taking Ceelin and Appebon with Iron as their vitamins. We all drank gallons of fruit juice, ate veggies and slept almost the whole day for one week. I didn't send my kids to school so they can rest.

Thank God, we're all ok now.

Remedies for Bad Colds

For one week now, I'm having a bad cold. I've been takings meds, drinking lots of juice and taking vitamin C as well. I've consumed tons of tissue paper. My cheekbones hurt already each time I blow my nose. This cold is making my head aches too. What more should I do? Instead of going to the doctor, I surfed the net, here's what I've found....

Cold remedies: What works

If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for about a week. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. These remedies may help:

• Water and other fluids. You can't flush a cold out of your system, but drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.

• Salt water. A saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

• Saline nasal sprays. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.

• Chicken soup. Generations of parents have spooned chicken soup into their sick children. Now scientists have put chicken soup to the test, discovering that it does have effects that might help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining. So which is better, homemade or canned? Researchers at the University of Nebraska compared homemade chicken soup with canned versions and found that many, though not all, canned chicken soups worked just as well as soups made from scratch.

• Over-the-counter cold medications. Nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that parents avoid such cold medicines for children younger than age 2. And they are evaluating the safety of these medications in older children.

  Keep in mind that acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses. It's common for people to take it in addition to flu medications that also contain acetaminophen, which can lead to drug overdoses. Read the labels of any cold medication carefully to make sure you're not overdosing.

• Humidity. Cold viruses thrive in dry conditions. Dry air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home, but it can also add mold, fungi and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Change the water in your humidifier daily, and clean the unit at least once every three days.

Allergies- -13 Ways to Feel Better

My kids have developed allergies mostly due to dairy products, fur or the unseen dusts mites around. Worse, these allergies trigger asthma attacks also. The worried mommy always makes sure there's always an antihistamine in our home. Though there are simple things to avoid the occurence of allergies. The following tips are designed to help reduce the discomfort caused by the most common allergies.

Avoid the culprit. The best way to reduce the discomfort of an allergy is to avoid exposure to the allergen as much as possible. Take all practical measures. If you are allergic to cats, avoid visiting homes of friends who own them or make the visit as short as possible. Avoid eating food (that you know you're allergic to) that would cause all those itch and hives in your body.

Rinse your eyes. If your eyes are itchy and irritated and you have no access to allergy medicine, rinsing your eyes with cool, clean water may help soothe them.

Try a warm washcloth. If sinus passage feels congested and painful, a washcloth soaked in warm water may make things flow a little easier. Place the washcloth over the nose and upper cheek area and relax for a few minutes.

Use saline solution. Irrigating the nose with saline solution may help soothe upper-respiratory allergies by removing irritants that become lodged in the nose, causing inflammation.

Wash your hair. If you've spent long hours outdoors during pollen season (abroad), wash your hair after you come inside to remove the pollen.

Take a shower. If you wake up in the middle of the night with a coughing, sneezing allergy attack, a hot shower may wash off any pollen residues or dusts you've collected in your body the whole day that you're out.

Wear sunglasses. It may help shield your eyes from airborne allergens.

Beware of the air. Air pollution may augment allergies and may actually induce people to have allergies. As much as possible, stay indoors.

Make your house a no-smoking zone. Don't allow smoking in your home. Tobacco smoke is a notorious irritant causing respiratory allergies.


Keep the windows shut. Closed windows keep unclean air and dusts from going inside the room.

Dust with a damp cloth. Avoid using feather dusters, instead use a damp cloth in cleaning.

Dehumidify. Dust mites grow very well in humid areas. Try investing in dehumidifier, air conditioner or an exhaust fan will do.

Bust the dust. Wash your beddings, clean your bedrooms at least every other day, avoid overstuffed furniture. Choose washable curtains. Don't use the bedroom as storage space and clean out your air-conditioners and heating ducts.


Source: The Home Remedies Handbook

Skin-Clearing Tips

The past few days I’ve been catching up on more readings. I was actually cleaning our book shelves and saw some books (gathering dusts) which I need to read especially the ones on health care. I would like to share some helpful tips I’ve read. This post is all about acne simple home treatments and helpful tips. I remembered my sister who had the same problem when she was in college. She also has oily skin and therefore more prone to acne, tried going to several dermatologists and spent quite a fortune. As she finished her pre-med course, she already knew a lot of stuff especially how to treat her stubborn pimples just by reading health books. All we need is to read, do research so we don’t have to pay so much or lessen visits to a dermatologist for our facial problems. Hope this post helps.

SKIN-CLEARING SOLUTIONS ON ACNE

Do No harm – don’t pick, press, rub or manipulate those pimples. You risk spreading the bacteria and increasing the chances for scarring.

Use Benzoyl Peroxide – this helps break up the plug of dead skin cells, bacteria and oil in pores and cuts down on the bacteria as well. Start with the lowest concentration, and work your way up, especially if you have sensitive skin, because the higher concentration, the more irritating it may be. Use it once or twice a day. If it dries the skin too much, apply a moisturizer.

Go easy on your face. – Kids with oily skin use hot water, a washcloth, and a drying soap and think they can wash their acne away. Washing removes oils from the surface of the skin, not from within the plugged ducts. Wash properly, use a mild soap (Dove unscented, Tone or Neutrogena). Or use a soap with benzoyl peroxide for its drying properties. Rub lightly with your fingertips and warm water. Do not use a washcloth. Just pat it dry with clean face towel.

Don’t expoliate – that refers to removing the top layer of dead skin cells. Don’t use brushes, rough sponges, cleansers with granules or walnut hulls or anything else that would damage the delicate facial skin.

Watch out for oily products – that also goes for oily pomades on your hair, heavy oil-based moisturizers and even oily cleansers.

Use water-based makeup – opt for powder blushes and loose powders

Forego the facial – most people giving facials aren’t trained to treat acne-prone skin properly and may end up doing more harm than good.

Don’t rest your chin on your hands – try not to constantly touch your face.

Soak up the oil – some cosmetic companies make a paper product that can be pressed onto the skin to soak up oil.

Screen out the sun – too much sun can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. Protect the skin with sunscreen that has high protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Look for one that’s oil free.

Watch out what you eat – if you notice a correlation between something you eat and your face breaking out, avoid the offending food.

A Touching Story

When I've read this article, I know I just have to post this in my blog. It's really a touching story involving a near-death experience, of giving time to our precious kids, that we all have a mission in this life and that indeed, there's life after death with our Creator.

God’s message to my patient
MIND YOUR BODY By Willie T. Ong, MD
Tuesday, April 8, 2008- Philippine Star

As a doctor, you never know who will come next to your clinic. Each patient has a unique story to tell and I take the time to get to know the person well. And so, when Joaquin came to my office some time ago, I wasn’t quite ready for what I was about to hear.

Joaquin said he came for a checkup because his heart had stopped.
“Uh, what do you mean ‘stopped’?” I inquired.

He explained,“I underwent a routine gallbladder operation and my doctors said that my blood pressure suddenly dropped for unknown reasons. I died and was clinically dead for a few minutes before my doctors revived me.”

“Ooohh, another near-death experience,” I thought to myself as I recalled other patients I’ve seen with near-death experiences or so-called NDEs.

Before I became a doctor, I had read voraciously on the subject, starting with the seminal book by Dr. Raymond Moody in the ’70s, to several New Age books in the ’80s, up to the definitive near-death experience by best-selling author Betty J. Eadie in the ’90s.

As the first one to popularize NDE, Dr. Moody had interviewed hundreds of patients who died but were revived. Curiously, the events are similar: First, it’s dying and leaving the physical body. Then you may spend some time hovering over your body, watching the doctors frantically work on you. Next, you find yourself being drawn into a long dark tunnel, moving at high speed. You hear a rushing sound and after some time, you see a glimmering light at the end of the tunnel. You move closer to the light, and it becomes brighter and brighter. The light warms you, soothes you, and comforts you unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. And suddenly, you are with a great being of light. You are overwhelmed and then you know you are in the presence of God.

“You know, Doc, it’s very confusing for me,” Joaquin interrupted my thoughts. “I still don’t know what to make of it. You see, during the operation, I knew something was wrong. Then I felt I had left my body and went through a dark place, like a tunnel. And then, I met this being. He was shining..,” Joaquin paused.

“So, who was he?” I asked as I sat at the edge of my seat.

“I don’t know who he was. I’m not a religious person, but he was a being of light and he was very kind and loving. What I do know is that this person told me that my death was premature. That it was not my time yet to die. He said I had a mission to fulfill in this life.”

Joaquin’s voice raised a pitch as he continued, “So, I asked this being what kind of mission I could possibly have. I had been an ordinary hotel waiter on Roxas Boulevard for 20 years. I could barely support my wife and kids. At 46 years old and just a high school graduate, there was no hope I could ever find a better job. My work did not exactly qualify as the ‘world-saving’ type.”

From his words, I gathered that Joaquin, like so many others with NDE, had wanted to be with this being of light in that heavenly place. He could not see the meaning of his apparently meaningless existence.

Then, the being of light revealed to Joaquin his true purpose: Your mission on earth is to take care of your two children, to raise them, and be a good father to them.”

Joaquin’s words struck me like a bolt of lightning. Here I was, a doctor, sometimes wondering about my existence, about my purpose in life. And I was suddenly aware of my own guilt of not giving enough time to the most important persons in my life, my two daughters.

Joaquin’s revelation almost made me cry. Here was the Supreme Being not asking for earth-shattering discoveries or sacrifices, but to simply care for your children, like the loving Father that He is.

An hour had passed and my other patients were frantic and couldn’t wait. God’s message doesn’t come too often. I told Joaquin that I would like to help him in his mission. And since I knew he was hard up, I said I promised to treat him and his family for free as long as he needed me.

Joaquin smiled, but his mind was in another world. He wasn’t listening to me because he asked how much my fee was. “No, no, nothing,” I stammered, “You have paid me already. You have paid me more than you can imagine.”

Joaquin’s experience echoes the messages of inspirational books, both old and new: No matter how ordinary your job is, there is a God-given purpose for your work and you must do it well.

Spend time to improve family relationships, especially with your parents, children, and relatives. Loving the family and healing broken relationships are part of our purpose in this life.

Have faith. A big kind of faith. No matter how bad our situation may look like, there is always reason to hope. As Joaquin found out, God is constantly working in ways we can’t see. He’s in control and His immense love and compassion will see us through.

Dealing with Aging

5 Essential Strategies to Combat Aging
By: Gary Small

Most of us protest against the idea of aging in the way our parents did and vow to fight the process as long as possible. We are looking for a safe, convenient, medically sound way to live longer, empower ourselves, and remain healthy and fulfilled throughout that long life — what I refer to as "quality longevity."

To achieve quality longevity, we have more control than we think. Genetics accounts for only one-third of what determines our health as we age. That means that simple everyday lifestyle choices have a major impact on how well and how long we live.

Empowering ourselves for the future requires learning new skills as well as honing the ones we already have. Try some of these strategies to live longer and feel and look younger.

Strategy 1: Sharpen your mind
With a sharp mind, we're more inclined to stay fit, have good relationships, eat well and live a healthy lifestyle. Doing mental aerobics can improve memory and lower your risk for Alzheimer's disease. A recent UCLA study found that when we keep our minds active, brain efficiency increases dramatically, even after just a few weeks.
Consider these tips to sharpen your mind:

• Try different approaches to expanding your mental horizons, whether it's traveling to new destinations, learning a musical instrument, taking up ballroom dancing or going back to school.

• Learn and use the three basic memory techniques:
o Look — focus attention on what you want to remember
o Snap — imagine a mental snapshot of the information
o Connect — link the snapshots together in your mind's eye

• Stay mentally active through puzzles, games, reading and other stimulating hobbies, but be sure to train and not strain your brain — find the level of challenge that keeps you interested without frustrating or exhausting you.

Strategy 2: Cultivate healthy relationships

Socially connected people have longer life expectancies than isolated individuals. Cultivate intimacy with your partner since good sex makes for a longer life. Not only does it bring people closer together, it lowers blood pressure, reduces pain, promotes restful sleep and boosts the immune system so we are better able to fight off infections.

Empathy — our ability to understand another person's emotional viewpoint and to express that understanding — is the social glue that keeps us together. Although not everyone is an empathy expert, we can improve our skills through simple exercises that teach us to express our empathic responses.
Try this attentive listening exercise: Ask your mate or friend to talk about a feeling or issue important to him and just listen without interrupting or interpreting. Maintain eye contact and stay focused. After five minutes, talk to each other about how it felt.

Strategy 3: Reduce stress

We can't completely eliminate stress from our lives, but we can learn healthier responses to it. Here are some steps we all can take to minimize stress to live longer and better.

• Control clutter in your home and in your life. Sometimes we have people cluttering our lives that we need to cut loose so we have more time for those we really care about.

• Get more realistic about how much you take on each day. Try eliminating just a few items from your to-do list.

• Watch for multitasking. Slow down and take one thing at a time.

• Learn to meditate. Regular meditation not only reduces stress but boosts the immune system and promotes healing of various medical conditions, from arthritis to chronic pain.

• Empower yourself with the word no. When we don't say no enough, we take on too many responsibilities and feel anxious, resentful and trapped. When you say no to a request, you are saying yes to something else that is more important to you.

Strategy 4: Think positive

Optimists have a greater life expectancy than pessimists.

• Make an effort to see the cup half full. Recent studies show that we can learn optimism when we set our minds to it.

• Discover your spiritual life. Attending a house of worship once a week is associated with a seven-year-longer survival compared with never attending.

• Take care of your needs. Satisfied people are twice as likely to survive compared with dissatisfied individuals.

Strategy 5: Manage your environment

Our environment has a big influence on how we feel and how long we live. Whether it's traffic, noise, smog or other aspects of the environment at large, or more personal environmental issues such as aesthetics or bedroom temperature, our quality longevity requires that we not only adapt to these influences but learn to shape them to meet our individual tastes and needs. Consider the following personal solutions for environmental issues.

• Bear in mind function and aesthetics when designing your home and work space. Control clutter and noise and arrange the bedroom in a way that enhances sleep and restfulness.

• Minimize your exposure to sun, smoke, mold, smog and other airborne toxins.

• Stay safe on the road — let someone else drive if you can't handle it.

• Make your workplace safe and comfortable: Consider ergonomic designs for comfort and safety.

• Manage your technology to avoid information overload.

Source: iVillage Total Health

A Burning Warning...

I have a very stubborn neighbor, who always burn their discards such as old notebooks, dirty rags, diapers, food wrappers, milk cartons, cans, plastic bags, old tires and even fallen leaves.

Came upon an article in The Philippine Star, have it printed. I gave it to my neighbor this morning. I really cannot stand the smoke from the burning trash plus the fact that all my kids have asthma. Don't want them to get sick again.

Here's the edited article-

A burning warning: Don’t play with fire
CONSUMERLINE By Ching M. Alano
The Philippine Star

"Don’t play with fire. Burning trash is dangerous to public health and the environment." EcoWaste joins the Bureau of Fire Protection in raising public awareness and action to prevent fires. The environmental group particularly draws attention to the hazards of open burning and the availability of ecological alternatives to burning trash, according to Rei Panaligan, EcoWaste Coalition coordinator. Open burning (when was the last time you burned garbage and assorted leaves in your backyard?) remains a serious public health and environmental threat in both urban and rural communities, despite the fact that it is outlawed by Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

According to EcoWaste, open burning goes unchecked in dumpsites, farmlands, backyards, and even in street parks. You may not know it but the deliberate or spontaneous burning of discards is a "silent killer," discharging minuscule pollutants that can trigger headaches; irritate the eyes, throat, and skin; impair respiratory functions; and even cause cancers. Some of the toxins discharged from burning commonly discarded household items were identified by the EcoWaste Coalition. Burning plastics and chlorinated papers, for instance, releases dioxins, halogenated carbons, and volatile organic compounds. Burning batteries discharges heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury, while burning leaves emits hazardous carbon monoxide and benzopyrene.

There are at least five good reasons why the public should not burn their discards. The waste and pollution campaign network enumerates them, as follows: 1. Open burning is unlawful. R.A. 9003 prohibits the open burning of waste and requires the ecological management of discards that will not harm the environment. Violators can be fined from P300 to P1,000, or imprisoned from one to 15 days, or both. Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act of 1999 likewise bans and penalizes the incineration of municipal, biomedical, and hazardous wastes. 2. Open burning is toxic. Burning trash releases a cocktail of toxic chemicals, some of which are targeted for global elimination under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as dioxins and furans. Burning plastics can be very problematic, with PVC plastic specifically contributing to high emissions of dioxin, a proven human carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. By-product smoke, filth, and ash from open burning are known to contain particulate matters and harmful substances. 3. Open burning pollutes the food supply. Dioxins and other chemicals released when trash is burned are deposited on leafy plants that are eaten by farm animals and ingested by fish. Studies show that dioxin accumulates in fatty tissue and is passed to humans through our consumption of dairy products, eggs, meat, and fish. 4. Open burning wastes resources. By setting discards ablaze, we squander valuable resources that could have been repaired, reused, recycled or composted. Fallen leaves and yard trimmings, for instance, could be turned into compost to nourish depleted soils. 5. Open burning causes fires. Open burning can cause residential, forest and brush fires, especially during the scorching summer days.

And here are 10 alternatives to the harmful practice of burning trash, as prescribed by EcoWaste, which emphasizes the need to consume responsibly, waste less, and recycle even more. • Reduce your waste, prevent noxious odors, and keep flies, roaches, and rodents under control by not mixing discards. • Reuse and recycle non-biodegradable discards such as papers, bottles, and cans as many times as you can. • Turn your biodegradable discards, such as kitchen and garden trimmings, into compost that can enhance soil fertility and health. • Use second-hand, repaired, and recycled products whenever available. • Check for things that can be repaired or reused before deciding to purchase new ones. • Bring bayong or other reusable carry bags when you shop; refuse plastic bags. • Reduce unnecessary packaging by buying in bulk or choosing items with the least packaging. • Avoid throw-away items. Choose products that can be washed, stored, and used again. • Repair rather than throw or replace broken things. • Give away unwanted stuff to neighbors or charities (what’s your favorite charity?) instead of putting them into the waste bins. Finally, this eco-friendly reminder from EcoWaste that comes like a breath of fresh air in the middle of a hot summer day: "For healthier neighborhoods, let us not litter, burn or dump our trash. Let us rekindle the bayanihan (communal spirit) to build Zero Waste communities."