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27Oct 2016

Blog Giveaway: Breast screening with Health Cube Tomosynthesis Mammogram

Health Cube Tomosynthesis Mammogram produces a 3-dimensional view of the breast that helps identify and characterize individual structures without confusion of overlapping tissue.

I can’t leave you yet. God, don’t let me die.

I cried in bed and my thoughts went to my mom during the days she suffered from the ravages of breast cancer. My first mammogram 20 years ago showed suspicious findings. After the surgery, I was overjoyed to know that the breast mass was benign.

It’s been 40 years since my mom died of breast cancer. Technology for early breast cancer detection is in place. Even the medications increase chances of survival. October is breast cancer awareness month and it is important that women educate and empower themselves with the right tools and knowledge to fight this disease.

A mammogram is used to check for signs of the disease in women who may or may not have any symptoms. Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer, but it can detect early signs and thus save lives.

I am grateful that I got to attend “Fight Like A Girl – Check & Protect with Health Cube ‘s Breast Cancer Awareness Event.

Through this event, I hope to share with you to be aware of regularly monitoring themselves of potential risks such as Breast Cancer and Osteoporosis. It will be my first time to check out the 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram (the first of its kind here in Manila) and the Whole Body Densitometry test.

Early detection is important.

The only way you can fight this sickness is early detection by self-checking, monitoring, and having a regular check-up which includes a mammogram especially for those who are at risk (40 years old and up, with family history, had early menstruation, late menopause, smoking, alcohol, no children or no children before 35 etc).

The Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO) recommends that “women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of regular health exams by a health-care professional about every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and every year for women 40 years of age and over.”

PSMO further adds that “women age 40 and older should have a screening mammogram every year and should continue to do so as long as they are in good health.”

The Health Cube 3d Tomosynthesis Mammogram

Health Cube, offers the latest in breast screening with its 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram. This test produces a 3-dimensional view of the breast that helps identify and characterize individual structures without confusion of overlapping tissue.

Also called breast tomosynthesis, this new technology allows the physician to see thin mammography sections of the entire breast and gives a clearer image thus, decreasing the need for further examinations. 3D mammography is better at detecting changes earlier that regular 2D scans. It can help distinguish superimposed tissue from real abnormalities, leading to less anxiety for women whenever they are due for a breast examination.

I was able to try the breast tomosynthesis and it takes only 10 minutes or so. There is a bit of pain but nothing like the pain of giving birth.

A Health Cube 3d Tomosynthesis Mammogram is Php3,200

Bone Densitometry to measure the strength of your bones

The rate of bone loss speeds up after menopause when estrogen levels fall. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone, a medical condition in which bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue or calcium and or Vitamin D deficiency. Since I am over 50 years old, it is important to check my bone density so I can can take steps early to slow its progress and prevent complications.

Bone Densitometry, also called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is an enhanced x-ray technology that measures the strength of your bones. It can detect serious bone loss, otherwise known as osteoporosis, thus leading to prevention of fracture and disability. The procedure is completely painless and is easily performed with minimal radiation exposure. This procedure can identify problems early, enabling you to start treatment and prevent further bone loss.

The Health Cube Whole Body Densitometry procedure takes 10minutes and costs Php5,000

Blog giveaway : One free 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram from Health Cube

Remember breast cancer maybe cured if detected early. Surgeon and breast cancer advocate, Dr. Sherry Lee shared some things to remember:

Not all lumps are breast cancer
Early detection is the best prevention
Breast cancer spares no one.

I want one of you, my dear women readers , at least 35 years old , a chance to get a free 3D Tomosynthesis Mammogram .

To join my blog giveaway is simple

Contest is open to those living in the Philippines but if you are outside Metro Manila, transportation expense is not included to get the test at Health Cube.
Follow me on instagram at @momblogger
On your instagram post something on “I believe in Pink”. Only one post per user is needed to join the raffle. Don’t forget to tag me on instagram. Use hashtags #FightLikeAGirl #CheckandProtectWithHealthCube #FightBreastCance
Comment below this post and add the link to your instagram post.
Contest starts October 27 till November 2 at 11:59 PM. I will close the comment section when the deadline is met.
I will select one winner only, and I will base this on the most creative instagram entry. Winners will be announced on November 3 at 12 noon (Philippine time).

Health Cube Check and Protect

Health Cube helps in the fight against women’s diseases by offering medical tests using state-of-the-art equipment and premium services for women at the new Health Cube Women Center located at the Health Cube Advanced Medical Imaging Unit.

HEALTH CUBE CONTACT

Health Cube Greenhills Inc

Basement 1 Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City
Tel: 650-1111
E-mail: clinics@healthcube.com.ph

Health Cube Advanced Medical Imaging Unit
Ground level, BTTC Centre, 288 Ortigas Avenue cor. Roosevelt Street,
Greenhills San Juan City
Tel: 650-2222
E-mail: imaging@healthcube.com.ph

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/healthcubephilippines/
Website: www.healthcube.com.ph

25Aug 2016

Medical City’s robotic surgery offers minimally invasive option

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Here I am exploring the world of robotic surgery at the Medical City. I have been operated twice in this hospital: fix my broken ankle and the removal of my gall bladder. I never knew they had robotic surgery since 2010. If you have had surgery or medical operation , you would know what a pain it is , literally. My two surgeries followed the traditional surgical procedures which are invasive in nature. Good thing I did not have complications except incisions that took time to heal.

The latest advancements in medical technology allow us to opt for a less traumatic approach to their care. The introduction of robotic surgery or robot-assisted surgery easily avoids all the complications brought about by most operations. Getting to understand robotic surgery required me to visit the surgery room but I had to dress up properly for such a sterile environment with a cap, shoe cover, mask and the scrub gown.

It was strange seeing media in sterile gowns but we were eager to learn more about the future of surgical procedures. The Medical City (TMC) has been offering robotic surgeries since 2010 for procedures that target difficult and hard-to-reach areas. . Doctors at The Medical City have been using this innovation for urological, colorectal, and gynecological procedures, which focus on sensitive parts of the human body.

Dr. Julius Cajucom, TMC Urologist and head of the Robotics Surgery Program of The Medical City, explained that prostate surgeries target a “tight area” in the body. “The degree of difficulty is so great,” explains Cajucom. “The area is very tight, and movements are so limited.” The use of the robot makes the operation in the said areas more convenient and easier.

console of the Da Vinci surgical system

The advantages of robotic surgeries are manifold. Compared to open surgeries, it only makes tiny incisions on the patient’s body where holes are made, as in laparoscopic procedures.

Through these holes, the arms of the machine are inserted to perform the needed operation within the patient’s body.

The doctor operates the robot through a console that allows him to see the inside of the patient without having to open him up. Since the patient has smaller incisions, the chances of infection from external causes are minimized.

“It is less traumatic, less bloody, causes less pain post-operatively, and promotes faster recovery,” says Cajucom.

Dr. Kristine Katimbang, TMC Robotic Gynecologic Surgeon, says robotic surgery is beneficial for many gynecological procedures, such as hysterectomies, myomectomies, and excising ovarian cysts, endometrial cancer and cervical cancer. Katimbang adds that many patients who undergo robotic surgery leave the hospital in just a day or two.

“Since there is no pain, they can move easily. They can eat well after a procedure, which isn’t the case compared with an open surgery,” she says. “Since there are no long incisions, there is less pain, less stress, and less agony. You cannot imagine how doctors feel when they see their patients with smiles on their faces after robotic surgery.”

Vision system

Take a look at the incisions of a hysterectomy using Open surgery, traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy, and da Vinci Single site hysterectomy .

The Medical City highly-qualified personnel trained with the leading health institutions abroad. While the procedure is presently available for urologic, colorectal, and gynecological operations, Katimbang says it can also be utilized for head and neck, trans-oral, thoracic, and vascular surgeries. Patients no longer need to fear surgeries and their after effects on their bodies with robotic surgery.

If you want to consider surgery, there are options now. Robotics surgery provides an alternative to both traditional open and conventional laparoscopic surgery, putting the doctor’s hands at the controls of a state-of-the-art robotic platform. It enables physicians to perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision. Benefits to the patient includes

Shorter hospitalization
Reduced pain and discomfort
Faster recovery time and return to normal activities
Smaller incisions, resulting in reduced risk of infection
Reduced blood loss and transfusions
Minimal scarring

It is best to talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of robotic surgery and how it compares with other techniques, such as other types of minimally invasive surgery and conventional open surgery.

22Jul 2016

Unleash Yourself: Achieve your fitness goals

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

The greatest wealth is health. After all , “it is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”. The entire Step Diet premise is simple: Walk 10,000 steps a day and trim your portions by a quarter and you will lose weight, simple as that. Move more, eat a little less.

I met those goals so I was excited that Samsung Gear offers a better and more affordable wearable for you to start a fitness regimen.

I am sure some of you may have tried working out and you can say it’s easier said than done. I know because I have been there. It’s already hard enough to set aside ample time and reserve so much energy into staying fit, but it gets even harder when things are holding you back from giving it their best.

It takes a lot of motivation and inspiration. I love walking with sounds because it moves me to walk faster. Any fitness animal knows the struggle is real when they need to switch songs through their smartphone just to get the right song that keeps them pumped up for their workout, all on top of having limited movement because of earphone cords that always get in the way. Not only that, but anyone who’s tried keeping track of their progress know that looking through their smartphone risk tripping, especially when running.

Samsung all-new Gear Fit2 and Gear IconX can help you reach your fitness goals, and keep pushing for greater performance, too.

See the all-new Samsung Gear Fit2 beside my Fitbit Surge? Not that I am ditching my FitBit, but you might want to compare wearables. The Gear Fit2 is a GPS sports band that promises a bulk-free and advanced fitness experience. There lies the difference. The Gear Fit2 looks elegant on my wrist unlike the bulky Fitbit Surge. There’s no need to bring around a heavy smartphone for progress tracking because the Gear Fit2 will help keep you motivated to outdo your last fitness record – may it be in terms of length of time, number of reps, or calories burned.

With its stand-alone GPS tracking capabilities, the Gear Fit2 can help fitness animals easily monitor not only location, but also their burned calories, distance, speed, route, time, hours of sleep, and stress levels to keep them fit and healthy.
With its Social Challenge capabilities, the Gear Fit2 also allows fitness animals to challenge one other into doing fitness routines that can help create motivational friendly competition amongst friends, pushing themselves more and outdo their best records.

Worried about water or sweat breaking your device? Don’t be. The Gear Fit2, with its IP68 rating, is water and dust resistant, all wrapped into a sleek and lightweight band-type design compatible with any style.

Thanks to other features available on the Gear Fit2 like a 2GB storage capacity to store up to 500 songs, and a curved Super AMOLED Display for easy viewing of their fitness data, the Gear Fit2 is truly an essential companion for fitness animals.
However, being able to track one’s workout progress is not enough for fitness animals to achieve their goals. Movement and focus are equally important. Imagine doing a 10km run with wires hitting the face. That would immediately distract a fitness animal from truly focusing on his or her full goals.

I like that the Gear Fit2 has exercise options. When I did the squat in the right position, it would register the count. I did 29 squats in one minute.

The all-new Samsung Gear IconX helps with just that. Having a truly wireless design, these cord-free fitness earbuds and help motivate fitness animals to push themselves more with its in-ear fitness tracker, something the market hasn’t seen or any other earphone device can do, with real time updates on time, distance, speed, heart rate, calories burned, etc. Equipped with audio feedback, the cord-free earbuds provide fitness animals with a coach’s voice in their head – literally – to push them further into achieving their goals and the most effective training they long for.

But it doesn’t stop there: The Gear Icon X allows fitness animals to listen to up to 1,000 songs on its 4GB storage. Now if you use Spotify, you can connect your smartphone’s bluetooth to the ear pods. Controlling the music player is done much easier, too, thanks to its Smart Touch function: users will be able to control the volume, or select play, pause, and skip with just a few simple taps on a Gear IconX earbud.

Samsung has also taken into consideration the safety of its Gear IconX users. The cord-free earbuds have an ambient noise feature that allows fitness animals to still hear their surroundings and be aware of their environment without sacrificing the need for a seamless music experience.

One of the best things about Gear Fit2 and Gear IconX is their compatibility beyond Samsung, working with Android 4.4 or above and 1.5GB RAM devices. Both fitness devices have the ability to function without the other. Too bad for iOS users like me but I have a second Android phone.

Anyway, I should stop writing now and work my way to 15,000 steps to wealth. Health is wealth after all. Do you agree? Join me.

The Samsung Gear Fit2 and Gear IconX are now available at Samsung Experience Stores and authorized dealers nationwide for only P8,490 and P7,990, respectively.

27Jun 2016

Tips to Keep Your Health and Wallet Healthy

by webs ⋅ Leave a Comment

The saying ‘health is wealth’ is common to us. A good health is a treasure by itself especially nowadays with the emergence of new diseases and the rising medical costs.

It is also known to us that when we’re young, we usually sacrifice our health to earn wealth. However, as we age and grow old, it’s the other way around. We usually sacrifice our wealth in order to regain back our health. Read More →

30May 2016

10 interesting things to do for the healthy mom

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

“Find the love you seek, by first finding the love within yourself. Learn to rest in that place within you that is your true home.”
– Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

How could I say no to a Healthy Mommas Retreat from Michelle and Sab of Mothers Who Brunch (MWB) ? The election month of May had been especially hectic and toxic . My body was craving for a well-deserved and pampered break . MWB whisked a bunch of fun and inspiring moms to Cintai Corito Gardens in Batangas to mark their first year as a community . What a fitting choice for our weekend retreat in this Balinese-inspired sanctuary . The Indonesian word “cintai” means “love.” It reminded me of the importance of loving myself first.

We, the mommas and the gracious friends of MWB spent the day learning about healthy food, body positivity, being a body positive parent and a bit of pampering in this refreshing getaway.

I love the place. The Balinese-inspired sculptures and statues scattered around Cintai, as well as the lovely garden is the ideal place to unwind, relax, and meditate.

In this haven of restful tranquility, I affirmed my healthy lifestyle choice as MWB prepared a day of activities and goodies. I want to share some of these interesting finds that you might want to consider in your shopping list.

1. Switch your metabolism over to Green

Eating healthy never tasted this good. The best way to ensure my body stays in tip-top shape is to be gentle with what I feed it. So yes to green juice and smoothies. Mish and Sab prepared a lot of smoothies for us using Severin Multimixer + Smoothie Mix & Go.

Using the Braun multi quick hand blender, Mish prepared hummus. The Hummus recipe is to die-for with that sharp garlic twist.

It must have been my lucky day because, I get to bring home the same blender where I will prepare not only hummus but homemade pesto and omelettes.

Check out facebook.com/Colombophils for other detox products to help you stay fit and healthy.

2. Take Kombucha, the living drink.

They say , you are what you eat but you are what you digest as well. Kombucha (Kahm-BOO-cha) has so many health benefits : boosts the Immune System; Natural Detoxifier; Rich in Vitamins and Enzymes ; Energy Boost; Increased Metabolism ; PMS Relief and Relief from Arthritis and Joint Pain.

Pattie Palma Gil, Corito’s owner and manager, shares how she prepares kombucha in her blog. I am so inspired to make my own kombucha that I ordered a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) .

In her blog, she describes that “Kombucha starts out as a sugary tea, which is then fermented with the help of a scoby. “SCOBY” is actually an acronym for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.” It’s very close cousins to the mother used to make vinegar. ”

When I took a drink, it tasted pleasantly like apple cider. Pattie recommends kombucha in moderation. Start with 4 oz. a day and increase to 16 oz. limit. If you are interested to know more about kombucha, read Pattie’s blog post. You can also order Kombucha through these suppliers.

3. Shop at the Super Food grocer to jumpstart your green smoothie

“There’s no better way to live than to have a strong, vibrant, healthy body in fighting form — regardless of age, weight, or any other starting point.” I am glad there is the Super Food Grocer where you can easily jumpstart your health with a Green Smoothie.

They even have a free ebook which includes recipes ,common newbies mistakes, FAQs and super tips. Check their website, the Super Food Grocer .

4. Eat Healthy Hatch Free-range brown eggs

I can’t eat whole eggs if it is not free-range brown eggs . I am glad Healthy Hatch free-range eggs are antibiotic free and growth hormone-free. I just know when it is not free-range eggs. Some eggs sold in the groceries are not free-range. You cannot tell just by the looks . I know it by the taste. (Sometimes I think , the supplier just dips the egg in some coloring.)

The Healthy Hatch chickens are raised in a barn-type farm where they can freely roam making the stress-free. They are fed with natural feeds, Azolla, Duckweeds, Moringa and Madre de Agua making the lay eggs with thicker shells that are resistant from bacteria and have bright yellow-orange yolks. You can visit their The Healthy Hatch Facebook page.

5. Loving yourself needs a little boost with Up & Up Skin refining and priming serum.

Beautique Manila introduced us to Up & Up Skin Refining and Priming serum, as a non-surgical solution to various skin concerns associated with aging like sagging eyelids, eye bags, inelastic cheeks, crow’s feet, enlarge pores and hidden neckline.

Up & Up is made of Green Tea Extract, Ade Aluminium Erijissel Sump Extract, Trehalose, Adenosine, Dynalift, Chamomile Extract, Hyaluronic Acide, and Aloe Vera Extract. It is easy to use. Simply mix using the syringe container, and apply the serum to your skin.

The serum was applied to my sagging skin on my cheekbones for testing. A bit of skin tightening was observed but I will test it more in the coming days. Up & Up Skin Refining and Priming serum is available in PCX branches. Check out Beautique Manila facebook page.

6. Use Beyond Borders Cocktail napkins, handmade by Ilocano women and men on antique looms

A glass of green juice and smoothies go hand in hand with a dainty cocktail napkin. There is no greater feeling than buying local and helping the men and women of Ilocos who weave these Beyond Borders cocktail napkins. They use antique hand looms with techniques handed down to them by their elders. They are so beautiful.

I love companies like Beyond Borders who take pride in the Filipino culture and its traditions, and a sincere desire to preserve them. Visit the Beyond Borders Facebook page.

7. Pamper yourself with Green Mama organic perfume and lip balm

Simple and clean green living not only lies in our food intake but on what goes on our skin . Andrea Fernandez Reloza, the owner of Green Mama “researched and was alarmed to find out that the items contained a lot of carcinogens so she decided to concoct alternatives to create a safer home environment especially for her children.” I am loving her Rose Vanilla organic perfume. The lip balm is perfect for my chapped lips.

Green Mama can be found on Facebook at Green Mama Organic and Natural Products and Instagram at @Greenmama_ph

8. Get refreshed with infused water from the Juice Barista

There’s nothing like infused water to quench my thirst on our way to Batangas. The Juice Barista Infused Agua is made of fruits, veggies, herbs, spices and edible flower.

Check out the Juice Barista Facebook page for more of their infused agua .

9. Remember to Sip Hydrate with the Juice Barista Agua Timer On-The-Go glass bottle.

Why not track your water intake and make it easier with time marks to help hit your daily water goals? This is perfect for those who are serious about hydrating.

10. Cool yourself with Hann’s Ice towel on the go

What a perfect buddy during my workout and walking my way to my daily 10,000- 15,000 steps a day goal. Just wet, shake and chill! The cooling lasts for hours . It is also completely reusable – just re-wet and shake!

What great finds not only for the moms but for everyone. Pamper yourself today. Nothing says “love me” better than some peaceful “me time” with the cool and soft breeze caressing your face.

11Apr 2016

iRegalo: Health as a gift

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

The quote ‘health is wealth’ is common to us. I realized this when I was 46 years old and raring to get back to the corporate world. During the course of a pre-employment checkup , the cardiologist discovered some abnormal findings in my heart. Fortunately, I had a health maintenance organization (HMO) card that covered the diagnostics required to see if my heart had a blockage or not. This discovery would not have happened if I had bothered at to use my HMO for preventive health care. The good news was there was no blockage in my main arteries. I decided to live a healthy life by making it a choice.

How many Filipinos even have preventive health care? For overseas Filipinos, is there a way to ensure their family’s well being despite being far from them? Let me share iRegalo.ph, a start-up that targets the health care of overseas Filipinos. I am quite excited about this new e-commerce player because of the value it provides to health care aside from other online products and services.

iRegalo assembles a comprehensive health care lineup that assures our kababayans their earnings are really spent on their family’s specific medical needs.

iRegalo introduces a new way of sending gifts, something that was not easy to do, nor even available online before. For the first time , there is a gift service offers healthcare choices for the overseas Filipino.

iRegalo’s health care

Health care packages cover dental, optical and general medical care.

One package helps keep their teeth and gums healthy for a whole year. Another provides a consultation with a licensed optometrist plus a new pair of glasses perfectly fitting the requirements of the patient.

With iRegalo General Medical Exam (GME) packages, she could have her regular check-up done at any of the 350+ iRegalo partner clinics nationwide.

Though there are three areas that are covered for now, iRegalo will continue to add services, ensuring that their families in the Philippines get the healthcare coverage they need.

Security built-in

When I first shared iRegalo a few weeks back, the main question was “is online payment secure?” iRegalo took the necessary steps to secure the entire process, using encryption that has been rated A+ by Qualys SSL Labs, an independent testing service.

“We made sure that not only are our packages compelling, but that the entire process is worry-free,” said Gilbert Paras, iRegalo CFO.

iRegalo also accepts the following secure payment options namely: PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, UnionPay, and Discover Network.

With just a few clicks at their website at iregalo.ph, Filipinos can send healthcare packages to family and friends anywhere in the Philippines. These packages are honored at hundreds of medical, dental and optical clinics nationwide.
We must always keep our health in good condition because no matter how wealthy we are, if we are not in good physical condition, then all our wealth will only be in vain. Aside from health care packages, you can also send flowers and the latest smartphones and laptops, too.

iRegalo users will be able to send gifts from participating supermarkets and other merchant types all over the country. The various categories in iRegalo is a big step in providing choice and convenience, compared to what is currently available in the market.

02Jan 2016

The greatest wealth is health, right?

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Exactly a year ago, I wrote 10,000 steps to wealth. My goal then was to reach 10,000 steps a day. After all , “it is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”. The entire Step Diet premise is simple: Walk 10,000 steps a day and trim your portions by a quarter and you will lose weight, simple as that. Move more, eat a little less.

I was only using the “Pacer” iOS app to track my steps. While I was at the gym, I discovered my 30 minutes workout at the treadmill was 3,599 steps. I never attained the 10,000 daily average steps. I learned 10,000 steps a day was too much for me. Though the body is willing to walk more, I experience pain on my toes after walking an hour or so.

On November 6, I decided to buy a Fitbit surge for an accurate measure of my fitness goals. I bought my fitbit from a local supplier found in facebook. My friend who owned a fitbit flex, lost 10 pounds just by walking 10,000-15,000 steps a day. That’s so inspiring. Though I learned of Fitbit a few years back, I thought it was expensive. But health is wealth and I decided to invest in the more pricey Fitbit Surge. Unlike my friend, I did not aim to walk that much. I can easily reduce my calorie intake coupled with a goal of 7,500 steps. Counting steps and number of calories motivates me.

My goal was to lose 10 pounds. I decided to lower my goal to 7,500 steps and 1,300 calorie intake because it was reachable. Those are my minimum goals but I can always aim higher. At the gym, my fitbit measured only 3,000 steps for a 30 minute treadmill exercise. Walking around the house takes around 2,000 steps. I took extra steps walking inside the gym and the mall. I don’t have a conducive walking environment in the neighborhood because of stray dogs littering the streets. But this did not deter me from looking for ways to walk.

The UP Academic oval is such a beautiful place to walk. I can imagine the oxygen I breathe in. All these lovely trees brings so much positive vibes. I can only go here during the weekends because there is just so much traffic during the weekdays.

There have been four instances that I reached 10,000 steps a day but I met my goal of at least 7,500 steps a day. And the result? I didn’t expect to lose weight in less than two months. Well, I have lost seven pounds. The fat from my belly is slowly disappearing. I guess I am happy that I only have three pounds more to go, but no, I want to lose nine more pounds. Those nine more pounds are vanity goals. The last fats to go will always be my flabby arms. There also is a friends’ option where you can see their progress. Of course you want to look good in front of your fitbit “friends.”

I face many challenges while walking. There is still that toe pain after walking 10,000 steps. I feel breathless sometimes. Though my angiogram in September showed insignificant clogging, I am taking it easy. I don’t run or walk too fast. I take aspirin before I walk. At times , my blood sugar level becomes too low that I feel dizzy and get blurred vision. I bring candy with me all the time. I may need to see my endocrinologist to adjust my diabetes medication.

My fitness goal for 2016 is to reach an average of 8,000-9,000 steps a day. Walking gives me a happy feeling that I look forward to. When I need additional steps and can’t walk outside for some reason , I turn on the video, Jane Fonda: Walking Cardio Workout : Level 1. I know some of you will laugh “JANE FONDA”. She is a role model for prime time women like myself. When I was 23 years old , I followed her exercises and lost 20 pounds back then. I love her. If you want to start increasing your steps, this article “How Many Steps Per Day to Lose Weight?” is a good start.

Anyway, I should stop writing now and work my way to 8,000 steps to wealth. Health is wealth after all. Do you agree?

11Jun 2015

Give peace a chance #YogaForPeacePH

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Who does not want peace? Even in my own household, I hate it when conflict is not resolved peacefully. Oh yes, problems crop up now and then causing arguments among family members . Peace is always the answer. Pride has to take a backseat. In our own country, peace is a reality if the whole country enjoys it. For many years, Mindanao continue to struggle through conflicts that have created for the island a reputation of fear and distrust.

“Peace is possible”, shares Nameeta Dargani, Chapter Coordinator for Art of Living Foundation (AOLF). She adds that “regardless of where we are in the nation or the world, everyone has the ability to contribute to it through nurturing our internal peace”. Peace starts within us,

Benefits of Yoga

Some tools to unify the body and mind, creating peace and inner well-being is through yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. “Awareness on the rhythm of one’s breath and on the movement of the air coming in and out of the body can make a big difference.” adds Ruth Owen, AOLF’s Breath and Sound Therapy (BeST) instructor. Indeed, it’s something we can do anywhere and it helps us relax and find our center.

There are so much benefits of yoga as a medium towards achieving and spreading peace among people of all ages and from all walks of life.

June 21 is International Day of Yoga

No wonder there is now a special day for Yoga. On December 11, 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga, supported by 175 countries around the world.

Addressing the UN General Assembly on 27 September 2014, the Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi had said: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help us deal with climate change. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”

For me, peace is about connecting with the quiet, calm nature within and that feeling of being at home. Love is such a positive emotion. Having an International Day of Yoga will bring awareness that yoga is a tool to to discover inner peace.

Wave of Peace from Manila to Mindanao and Mindanao to Manila

Right here in Philippines, the Art of Living will use Yoga as a platform to spread peace in a simultaneous yoga and meditation event at their center in Salcedo Village , Makati and at the Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. These events are free and open to the public.

AOLF interest in Mindanao started when Sendong hit parts of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in 2011 because they were among those who set up trauma relief workshops at evacuation and relocation centers. The workshops taught simple breathing and meditation execises to adults and children to relieve the trauma from the disaster and help the survivors to move on with their lives. The youth of Mindanao also benefited from meditation and breathing techniques through the Philippine Marines’ Football for Peace Program. Owen who spearheaded the program with the Marines shared , ” Like all our other events, we simply want Yoga for Peace event on June 21 to inspire change and positivity. Session include yoga, breathing techniques and meditation. The collective energies from the session can work to create waves of peace that will spread from one person to another. Together , we can meditate as one for Mindanao” .

The Art of Living Foundation is an international, non-profit, educational charitable and humanitarian organization dedicated to serving society by strengthening the individual. Learn more about the event and their other activities by visiting their website at http://www.artofliving.org or contact 09178400049 or 02-6222-566 or 09175275466

02Jun 2015

QualiMed Clinic in UP Town Center : Quality care within reach

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Wasn’t it just a year ago that mom bloggers visited QualiMed clinic at UPM-PGH compound? Qualimed is a network of healthcare facilities (multi-specialty clinics, day surgery centers and hospitals) owned and operated by Mercado General Hospital, Inc. (MGHI) in partnership with Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI). Their brand promise is “alagang abot-kaya” or “quality care within reach” . They cater to the needs of all markets , yet their affordability makes their services accessible to the broad C socio-economic class.

I have used the diagnostic services of QualiMed when my daughter and I had our digital mammogram taken two months ago. Much as I love the facilities and expertise of QualiMed at the UP-PGH , I find it quite far. There is good news for those who live in Quezon City and surrounding cities. The seventh addition to the QualiMed network is the 186 square meter clinic in the ground level of the UP Town Center in Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. It is very near residential villages, colleges, and two big universities. Last week, mom bloggers visited the inauguration of QualiMed’s newest clinic.

I remember a time when my two girls who used to study in UP and Ateneo respectively , would visit a doctor at the distant Medical City. The Qualimed Clinic in Diliman is focused on providing preventive and promotive primary care for the whole family. Special attention is being given to delivering family wellness through medical consultations and diagnostics checkups; pediatric checkups and adult vaccinations and maternal wellness package.

I am sure you want to know the people behind Qualimed. Dr. Edwin Mercado, is a close friend of Dr. Rodney Dofitas, a surgeon and married to my sister, a dermatologist. Even before QualiMed, Dr. Mercado was already serving affordable health care in their hospital in Tanuan, Batangas. I can tell you with confidence that you are in good hands with QualiMed only because I know the doctors behind this. QualiMed evaluates and selects strategic vendor partners for the most appropriate healthcare systems. They align with DOCTOR PRACTICE GROUPS for long-term relationships to provide medical care through well-qualified and reliable doctors. To partner with QualiMed, practice groups such as AlphaHealth (represented by my brother -in-law during the launch) , Asian Eye Institute, MetroDental, ImageDx Radiology Consultants and University Pathologists Specialists, Inc. (UPSI ) have undergone and passed a strict credentialing process.

(Left to right: Dr. Rodney Dofitas of AlphaHealth and Dr. Edwin Mercado of QualiMed with mom bloggers)Dr. Dofitas and Dr. Mercado took us for a tour around the brand new multi-specialty clinic. The facility format features multi-specialty doctor’s clinics, laboratory, radiology, ECG, drug testing and vaccination services among other services.

My sister, a dermatologist will hold clinics here every Friday from 9:30 am to 4 PM. Other specialists will also hold clinics here such as Family medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Obygynecology/Infertility, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Dermatology, Cardiology, Pathology, Surgeon. It is best to call beforehand as schedule can change without prior notice.

QualiMed clinic offers the following services: multi-specialty doctor consultations, laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging services, medical and wellness packages, special procedures , dental procedures and eye care services. Isn’t that Xray machine just child-friendly?

Asian Eye Family Vision center offers eye care services for children and adults such as

1. comprehensive eye checkup,
2. Optical services: contact lens and eyeglasses, sports eyewear
3. Management of lazy eye, eye movement and focusing disorders
4. Basic cataract and LASIK screening
5. Pre-screening for cataract, glaucoma, and retinal diseases

Metro Dental is operated under internationally trained , board certified specialists committed to high quality service and who are continually educated in the latest dental treatment and procedures.

If you live near UP Town Center, drop by for a visit.

Contact details:
QualiMed Clinic
Lower Ground Level
UP Town Center, Diliman, Quezon City
( in front of National Bookstore)
Tel. No. (02) 904-1406 or 02- 962-4776
Clinic hours: 7:00 am-9:00 PM

Other QualiMed Clinics:

1. QualidMed Surgery Center Manila
UPM-PGH Faculty Medical Arts Building (FMAB)
PGH Compound,
Taft Avenue, Manila
Tel. No. (02) 7080000

2. QualiMed Surgery Center , Fairview Terraces
Third Level Fairview Terraces
Novaliches, Quezon City
Tel. No (02) 9508334

3. QualiMed Clinic, Trinoma Mall
Ground Level, TriNoma Mall
EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. (02) 950-4777

4. QualiMed Clinic- Makati
Ground Floor, McKinley Corporate Exchange Corporate Center
McKinley Road, corner EDSA, Makati City
Tel. No. (02) 8610517

31May 2015

What Women Need (to know about Cervical Cancer)

by webs ⋅ Leave a Comment

Written by Amihan Euza Mabalay as originally posted at the Philippine Online Chronicles.

Women play an important role in our families and society. They are our mothers and sisters who nurture children and homes. When women who are in their most productive years get sick, the entire family is affected not only economically but also emotionally and psychologically.

Cervical cancer is one of the world’s deadliest cancers in women, claiming the lives of about 270,000 each year, 85% of which are from developing countries, according to the World Health Organization. It commonly affects women who are in their productive years — aged 30 and above. In the Philippines, 12 Filipinas die of this disease each day, as per government data.

It is disheartening that our women could have protection and assurance to longer and quality health if the cancer is detected in its early stage, since cervical cancer is highly preventable. Health authorities say that with early diagnosis and proper treatment, the success rate of those affected with cervical cancer is at ninety percent.

This month, health institutions and women around the world observe the Cervical Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. Let all of us be informed on how we can save ourselves, and the women in our lives from this deadly disease.

Basic facts

Cervical cancer affects the entrance to the uterus or the womb, often referred to as the neck of the uterus. Cancer cells grow in the cervix due to different risk factors, but the highest risk, accounting for 90%, is caused by the affected by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which is sexually transmitted. At high risk are those who had/have multiple partners and those who had first sexual contact at early age. Since HPV is sexually transmitted, it is important to note that a woman can acquire HPV even if she only had one sexual partner.

But having cervical cancer does not mean that a woman acquired this through sexual practices, there are other risk factors such as smoking, giving birth at a young age, several pregnancies and a weak immune system. Studies also cite long term use of contraceptive pills, long-term mental stress and genetic factors.

Cervical cancer is asymptomatic in the initial stage, which means the woman may not feel any symptoms during its development which may take 10 to 15 years. Symptoms for the developed stages include persistent pain in the pelvic area, painful intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge,

Defense against cervical cancer

WHO strongly advises women, 21 years and above, particularly those who have engaged in sexual intercourse at an early age to undergo annual pap smear and cervical cancer screenings once in 3 to 5 years. The screening is done through VIA (visual inspection using acetic acid). Acetic acid will be applied to the cervix and will be then observed for changes such as appearance of pre-cancer lesions.

As protection, the WHO recommends women to be vaccinated against HPV. There are different types of HPV vaccine which can be given to females as early as 9 years old.

The Department of Health has a program of vaccinating Grade 4 female pupils aged 9 to 13, the age bracket where the HPV vaccine is considered most effective because girls at this age are not yet sexually active. The DOH also provided free HPV screenings as part of its prevention awareness campaign.

Eating healthy can also greatly reduce the risk of the disease. According to Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), consumption of fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants reduces the risk of cervical cancer.

Researchers found that women with HPV induced lesions (seen at the initial stage) who consumed more antioxidants reduced their chances of developing cancer. These particular beneficial antioxidants are ?-carotene, found in pumpkins and carrots, and ß- cryptoxanthin, which is found in pumpkin, sweet red peppers, and papaya.

Images: Girls and Women from Flickr.com. Some rights reserved.

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Purple lips against cervical cancer

In commemoration of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, GSK Philippines launched its partnership with cosmetics manufacturer VMV Hypoallergenics at a press event entitled Put On Your Power Pout!, held last May 28^th at Makati Shangri-La Hotel. The partnership introduces a twist on spreading awareness: encouraging women to join the movement by wearing purple lipstick to show their support for the advocacy on cervical cancer prevention.

“Cancer is quite a distant concept for women who are well. What might be more important to them is keeping up with the latest trends, especially in fashion and beauty. The lipstick is a woman’s own—when she wears it, she makes a statement about herself. Through this partnership with VMV, we hope to drive women to make a statement against cervical cancer,” says Mark Castillo, GSK product manager.

Jacklyn Remo, assistant marketing manager for VMV Hypoallergenics, supports the movement: “We are fully committed toward this partnership with GSK Philippines. At VMV Hypoallergenics, we promise the safest, most proven effective care on the planet—and that extends to beauty. This unique combination of science, wellness and beauty means we also strongly stand for advocacies that help women, their health and happiness.”

JOIN THE MOVEMENT NOW—take a photo of yourself wearing VMV Hypoallergenics’ Tutu or Chorus Line lipstick (or a photo of you holding your kiss mark from the lipstick) and post it on Instagram and Facebook with the hashtags #PowerPout and #PowerOverCervicalCancer!

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