Category: health

Preparing for the great summer exposure

Ellen Leave a comment

We are reprinting this article,first published last year,as we prepare to have the most fun this summer.

By Ellen Tordesillas, VERA Files

Video by Mario Ignacio IV

The heat tells us summer is almost here. Time to prepare our bodies for the summer exposure.

Three physical fitness personal trainers – Angie M. Miranda and Jensen G. Centeno of Fitness First, Mall of Asia, and Christian S. Cerezo, formerly of Fitness First Southmall and now a freelance PT, share tips, that coupled with proper diet, will help you achieve the body worth a second glance when on the beach. In the video, they show several variations to the basic exercises like lunge or squat in order to give options, depending on one’s capability to perform the activity.

Miranda demonstrates variations of lunge and squat to work on the legs, buttocks, and arms.

The perfect squat by Angie M. Miranda.

The perfect squat by Angie M. Miranda.

To do a lunge, position one leg forward with knee bent and foot flat on the ground while the other leg is positioned behind. Do it alternately.

To do a squat, start from a standing position. Move the hips back and bend the knees and hips to lower the torso and accompanying weight, then return to the upright position.

Centeno shows several variations of planking, including the spiderman push up. The most common is the front plank which is done holding a push-up position with the body’s weight borne on forearms, elbows, and toes. The plank does wonders to the abdominal muscles, back, and shoulders.

Centeno also demonstrates crunch to tone the abdominal muscles. To do a crunch, lie down face up with knees bent. Curl the shoulders towards the pelvis. You may place your hands behind or beside the neck or crossed over the chest.
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Smile! It’s a month of love and dental health

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Focus on overall oral hygiene is of utmost importance this February because aside from being the love month, we are also celebrating the National Dental Health Month.

”Dental hygiene plays an important role in love and romance as well as in day-to-day living,” stresses Me-Ann Achacoso, Philips Consumer Lifestyle Business Development Manager for Health and Wellness.

Always, a smile is the first thing people notice when we are introduced, and this creates a lasting impression. And a great smile owes largely to white teeth. We are often beguiled by white teeth in a smile, and rightly so. This is a sign of good health and nutrition and proper dental hygiene. Evolutionary science explains to us that this a good sign in finding a mate. But a smile and white teeth also play subtle but important part in everyday life.

The importance of a smile

“Flashed at the right time, a smile can help make favorable impressions during job interviews and similar situations,” says Achacoso. “White teeth are a good sign of health as well as your commitment to maintaining it.”

Moreover, she also says that knowing that you have white teeth boosts your confidence, making you self- assured, and people respond to you positively and smile back.

“Thus, it is important we keep our teeth white,” the Achacoso avers.

However, it is inevitable that teeth can get yellow over time, she says. This is aggravated if you smoke a lot or drink lots of coffee. Also, dental hygiene is sometimes neglected.

The dental clinic regularly offers teeth whitening services, and there are a wide range of products at the stores that promises teeth-whitening effects. One is advised to visit a dentist for professional dental recommendations and feedback.

Zooming on whiteness

“Many reliable dentists use and recommend Philip Zoom,” Achacoso says.

“Patients have different needs when it comes to whitening, and Philips Zoom is expertly designed to address these needs,” she explains. “Many patients request their dentist to use Philips Zoom. In fact, over 10 million patients have already used Zoom to achieve brighter, healthier smiles.”

One can opt for a chair side whitening treatment in a dental clinic with Philips Zoom. This is the quickest and easiest way to effectively whiten your teeth. It uses a patented Zoom Whitening gel and a Philips Zoom lamp to bleach the teeth, bringing out a bright sparkling white smile that makes a big impression. Philips Zoom is the only chair side whitening system that has variable intensity setting so each treatment can be customized to maximize patient comfort. The procedure also includes desensitizers to help minimize sensitivity and protect your enamel. This dentist-supervised procedure is safe, effective and clinically proven to whiten up to eight shades in just one visit.

“For whitening at home, Philips offer Zoom DayWhite and NiteWhite,” Achacoso informs. “These products can whiten teeth in seven to 14 days. Moreover, they are the only at-home whitening products to contain amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), which is clinically proven to reduce sensitivity, protect enamel and help improve the luster and smoothness of the teeth.”

Zoom at-home whitening products are completely customizable. Your dentist creates a custom tray made just for you and can tailor the formula concentration and wear times to your sensitivity and lifestyle.

To maintain white teeth between treatments, Philips recommends the Zoom Whitening Pen, which maintains whiteness with just two applications a day.

Maintaining white teeth is not just vanity, says Achacoso. It should be part of your daily health habits, and you reap the rewards in many ways.

Maintaining that great smile

For continued stain removal and maintaining healthy teeth and gums, a range of Sonicare power toothbrushes are available for your choice. One is Sonicare EasyClean. It is proven remove plaque better than manual brushes.

Sonicare EasyClean is an important arsenal in combating decay that may ruin your smile as well as your overall health.

Brushing must be a part of the daily hygiene to keep the teeth white and the mouth healthy, but one has to do it properly to reap its benefits. Dentists recommend doing it at least twice a day with a good toothbrush with gentle bristles. And each brushing must be done for about two minutes, taking care to clean every tooth thoroughly. With the fast pace of living nowadays and unmindfully, most adults are not able to achieve the required time in brushing as well as do it properly.

But with the help of Sonicare EasyClean power toothbrush, the unsavory consequences of our sweet indulgences can be prevented. This rechargeable power toothbrush enables one to keep track of the length of time in brushing. Moreover, it has a host of features that promises to remove up to twice more plaque than a manual toothbrush so that you can further enjoy life’s sweet luxuries and help remove and reduce stains on your teeth for a brighter smile.

Firstly, the Sonicare EasyClean has a unique dynamic cleaning action that gently and effectively reaches deep between teeth and along the gum line, driving fluid between the teeth. This ensures a thorough cleaning. It can reach a speed of up to 31,000 brushstrokes per minute, something that is hard to do manually.

For those hard-to-reach areas, Philips Sonicare EasyClean brush head neck is angled, making it easier to reach back teeth and other areas.

A Quadpacer interval timer further encourages thorough brushing. This is a 30-second interval timer which indicates when you have completed each quadrant of your mouth and signals for you to move on resulting in more consistent cleaning throughout your mouth. And to ensure that you brush your teeth at the recommended amount of time, it has a timer set to two minutes.

First-timers need not fret as Philips Sonicare EasyClean has an easy-start program to acclimate yourself to the Sonicare experience. It gently increases power over first 14 uses until you feel at ease. People with braces, dental restorations and periodontal pockets may rest well as it is clinically proven safe and gentle even with these conditions.

With consistent use of Philips Sonicare EasyClean, you can get rid of those stubborn plaques easier and more effectively, helping improve the health of your gums, and experience whiter teeth as it can whiten teeth up to two shades in two weeks!

The love month’s indulgence need not make a crack on your dental health as long as you observe proper dental hygiene and use Philips Sonicare EasyClean. You can indulge your sweet tooth as often as you want with Philips Sonicare EasyClean at hand. Now, that is something to smile about.

Medicard – Being in love and its health benefits

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One of the best feelings in the world is being in love. But did you know that aside from giving one that giddy, happy feeling, being in love also helps keep one healthy? There are various medically-proven health advantages that come with having a strong affection for someone special. MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization, celebrates the month of love by sharing with you the health benefits of being in love.

Reduces stress

Ever wonder why people who’ve been hit by Cupid’s arrow always have that grin on their face? That’s probably because when you’re love, your body produces lower levels of cortisol, a hormone that induces stress. That’s why those who are in love are most likely to be in the best mood – all smiles and laughs that makes them more optimistic and energized.

Helps maintain a healthy lifestyle

You will notice that having a loving partner inspires you look good. Women tend to stay longer in front of the mirror, fussing on their faces, skin and hair. Men, on the other hand, become more inspired to hit the gym and tone those muscles.   Plus, it’s a proven fact that people who are in love  are less likely to be depressed and rely on the bad habits of smoking or drinking which takes a toll on your health.

Lengthens life

A happy relationship lets you live a longer life. The feeling of “being loved” feeling also contributes in work of the body system. It increases your heart rate and enables a healthy circulation of the blood; the sense of touch that is handy in dealing with pain by the simple hugs and holding of hands.

This Valentine’s Day, don’t forget to say how much you love the people around you and make their heart skip a beat. You can also encourage them to start a healthy lifestyle by simply eating the right food, getting regular exercise and going to the doctor for regular check up.

Be beautiful with Bauch’s Blooming G

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Bauch Phils. Laboratories Corporation strengthens its commitment in the Philippine pharmaceutical industry with the launch of its flagship product, Blooming G, a nutraceutical and organic supplement developed to deliver a host of wellness and beautifying benefits for today’s active women.

Blooming-G taps the wonders of Borage oil, a type of essential fatty acid that contains high amounts of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), also known as omega-6. Borage or starflower has a high stem with oval shaped leafs pointed upwards, and small bright blue or pink flowers with five triangular petals, arranged in the shape of a star. Its extraordinary oil, which comes from its seeds, contains a significant amount of omega-6 fatty acids that promotes overall body wellness.

But how does GLA or omega-6 really bring out the healthy glow from within? Basically, it plays a significant role in the development of skin cells. For the body to naturally produce this substance, first it must have linoleic acid (LA), an essential fatty acid that our body is unable to make.  However, we can get plenty of linoleic acid in our daily diet since it is commonly found in various vegetable oils.

Once linoleic acid is ingested, it is acted upon by an enzyme called Delta-6- Desaturase (D6D) which converts LA into GLA. This is how we normally get our daily fix of GLA. Consequently, a lack of this substance leads to dry, unhealthy skin. This is where Blooming-G comes in. It targets to retain adequate moisture levels and also protects skin cells from damage.

Alongside these crucial effects on the skin, are other health benefits of omega-6 in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, such as brain development, strong bone structure, and active metabolism. With these benefits, Blooming-G truly goes beyond the concept of superficial beauty by focusing on overall vitality.

A living proof of Blooming-G’s total effect is brand endorser, Sunshine Cruz, who lives up to her name by constantly showing such outstanding radiance. A mother of three who works in the demanding world of show business, Sunshine has successfully maintained the physical assets that initially elevated her to stardom: long, vibrant locks, slender figure, flawless skin, sculpted cheeks, Julia Roberts smile, and notably flawless skin. Her secret? Knowing how to manage stress. “Stress causes unhealthy lifestyle, and it will make you age fast. So I really need something to help me maintain that natural glow, like Blooming-G”, she adds.

On the other hand, Florinda San Antonio, founder of Bauch Laboratories, underlines the effects of Blooming-G, not only on physical wellness, but on a holistic approach as she explains, “Blooming-G is developed to help today’s women live happier, more meaningful lives through its health and beauty benefits. When a woman feels good about herself, she gains the confidence to do more and standout. That is our goal; to improve the quality of life through products that are trustworthy”.

A company that was established in 2005, under ANFLO Group of Companies, Bauch Laboratories is primarily engaged in manufacturing ethical, consumer, and nutraceutical products. Along with the corporate goals of providing the best quality products and maintaining a family-oriented organization, is Bauch’s enthusiasm towards environmental preservation.

With this in mind, it is no longer surprising how the company was able to utilize natural substances instead of using chemicals that will further harm the ecosystem, thus the birth of Blooming-G.

There may be a lot of supplements that aim to revitalize the mind and body, but there are only a few of them that dare to keep it organic. This is indeed the season to bloom, and Bauch helps today’s active women achieve that healthy glow through the beautifying power of nature.

 

Premature babies at risk of blindness find hope in Pacific Eye and Laser Institute

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Parents of Carmela Angela, Diane and Christopher Veluz express their sincerest thanks to PELI.

There are an estimated 1.4 million visually impaired children in the world, many of whom are either born blind or lose their eyesight before their fifth birthday, according to World Health Organization studies. As much as 40 percent of the causes for childhood blindness are preventable or treatable, including retinopathy of prematurity, an eye disease that affects premature babies.


“When a baby is born prematurely, the blood vessels in his retina may not have developed fully, putting them at risk of having retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP,” explained Dr. Pik Sha Chan-Uy, one of the expert doctors of the Pacific Eye and Laser Institute. “It occurs when the formation of normal retinal vessels is not yet complete and there is subsequent development of abnormal blood vessels, which can progress and pull on the retina. This causes retinal detachment, or when the retina detaches from the back of the eye, leading to loss of vision.”

ROP is classified into five stages, ranging from mild (Stage 1) to severe (Stage 5). Stages 1 and 2 may resolve without any treatment, but can progress to the more serious stages. More severe cases, on the other hand, require surgical treatment right away. “It’s best to catch ROP at Stage 3. Immediate and proper treatment are required at this point, to improve the baby’s chance for normal vision,” added Dr. Chan-Uy. As ROP has no outward sign or symptoms, the only way to detect it is through an examination by an ophthalmologist. “Parents of premature infants need to be very proactive and vigilant,” said Dr. Chan-Uy, a Harvard-trained doctor who specializes in cataract, retina, strabismus, children’s eye diseases and laser surgery. “The effects of untreated ROP are devastating—it’s a lifetime of blindness. We can’t prevent retinopathy of prematurity, but we can often avert its serious consequences through careful screening and treatment.”

 

A vision of healthcare expertise. Christopher and Diane Veluz were overcome with worry when they found out that their daughter, Carmela Angela, had ROP. “Since our baby was born prematurely, her pediatrician advised us to have her eyes checked by an ophthalmologist,” said Christopher. “Our pediatrician recommended that we go to PELI.” Committed to delivering top-quality, comprehensive eye care, PELI aims to be one of the premier eye-care centers in Asia. Boasting of the most advanced equipment, it is composed of highly skilled ophthalmologists who are trained at prestigious schools such as Harvard, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and Johns Hopkins University. Among its resident experts is Dr. Chan-Uy, who has the distinction of being the first graduate to complete the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus fellowship program at the world-famous Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary of the Harvard Medical School. She also received training in retinal diseases and surgery from the University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics.

Carmela’s parents took her to the PELI Surgicenter in Makati for an eye checkup, which confirmed that she had ROP. “We felt really sad and distressed because we didn’t want our baby to suffer and lose her eyesight.” Carmela was given immediate treatment on the same day. “At first, we were worried because we weren’t ready. We didn’t have any money to pay for it,” said Christopher. “But Dr. Chan-Uy allowed us to pay with a promissory note and just told us to pay whenever we can.” Dr. Chan-Uy monitored Carmela’s development and gave her a check-up every week. “We didn’t mind traveling all the way from Quezon province weekly. We just wanted her to get better,” Christopher said. Now four months old, Carmela is recovering well. “Dr. Chan-Uy said she’s doing great. From weekly checkups, we’re now down to once a month,” the parents shared. “PELI has helped us save Carmela’s eyesight, thanks to their medical expertise, efficient service, and genuine care for our daughter. We’re very thankful for everything that they’ve done for our baby.”

Constant care. Dr. Chan-Uy advises parents to bring their babies, even those who were not born prematurely, to an ophthalmologist for an eye check-up. “This is a must especially for infants who had medical problems after being born, such as those who had infection and those who needed blood transfusion. They should have an eye examination one month after birth,” she said. The doctor also stressed the importance of vigilant monitoring and timely intervention. “A lot of parents are not aware of ROP. Sadly, we sometimes see patients who already have severe ROP and it’s too late to save their eyesight.” Full-term babies are not exempt from eye problems, Dr. Chan-Uy cautioned. Parents must also monitor whether their children exhibit any behavior like no eye contact for babies or wanting to watch TV close. “We recommend that they bring their babies for routine eye checkup when they reach six months old, so that the doctors can detect whether they have any eye condition and administer proper treatment as early as possible. If there is a family history of error of refraction or eye diseases, then they should bring the baby in for an evaluation as early as possible.” The Pacific Eye and Laser Institute Surgicenter is located at 50 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati City. PELI also has clinics in Quezon City and Binondo, Manila. For more information about PELI’s services and to find out more about retinopathy of prematurity, visit www.pacificeye.com.ph.