My real life broom misery

I use broom or walis tambo when cleaning household chores. Cleaning is a nice exercise and I am always pleased when I clean the house. But not with a broom, when I'm almost done cleaning, most of the time the dirt comes back over and over again.

Okay fine. I will use a dust pan to keep the dirt away from coming back. But is it enough when you have a dust pan? Still not, because you still cannot pick the smallest particle of dust. I wish I had a vacuum cleaner instead so that it can pick up those tiny particles.

Picking those tiny dust particles is the most annoying thing.
And the most hard to reach areas are in between sofa cushions and car seats. Sadly, I have no choice because I really need to clean those areas. This becomes my real life broom misery.

I am so tired of busting my back while cleaning our house, I feel so doomed with the broom!
I need change! I want to start the Doom of the Broom! I need Help!

Ngiting Mister Donut: Mister Donut’s new smile

Ngiting Mister Donut pertains to the new approach to food, service and the overall Mister Donut experience. People behind Mister Donut worked hard to ensure that everything is done to delight its customers. This can be seen through the new store décor, people and the deliciously innovative products tailored for Pinoys young and old.

Mister Donut’s Bavarian Frost in Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla flavors:
Mister Donut is the perfect snack to keep you company wherever you are. Grab some donuts on your way to work with a hot cup of coffee. Munch it in heavy traffic to lighten the mood. Feeling down and hungry? Bite into a Mister Donut for a quick pick-me-up. For those headed for the beach, grab a box and enjoy it with the barkada. You may spend hours on the road but at least you’ll have fun getting there.

The new Bavarian Frost:
Made with the highest quality ingredients, the Bavarian Frost is filled with mouthwatering Bavarian crème and glazed with your choice of either a rich chocolate, strawberry or vanilla icing. It is the perfect all-day feel good indulgence and a great pasalubong for the family.

New Shop Design:
When you visit Mister Donut today, a lighter, merrier store awaits boasting of bold and bright colors to complement the courteous crew’s upbeat energy. Donuts are kept and handled in a hygienic manner to ensure total food safety. And with each order comes a Ngiting Mister Donut, a warm and simple gesture that comes straight from the heart.

Where to catch the Ngiting Mister Donut:
Mister Donut is available at malls, markets, bus and jeepney terminals, LRT and MRT stations, 7-Eleven convenience stores, SM Cinema booths, Shell and Petron gasoline stations or any of the more than 1,000 Mister Donut branches found all over the country.

Uniting Your Body, Mind, and Soul helps in Loosing Weight

Do you know what it takes to unite your body, mind, and soul? If you did, do you realize that you would be able to achieve the balance that nearly everyone wishes they had in their lives? Do you know what you need to do for yourself in order to bring about this balance? And this becomes useful in loosing weight.

Part of uniting these three elements of your person is knowing what makes you passionate. Knowing what makes you passionate will help you get in touch with your soul, to feel creative energy, to feel truly alive. Spiritual or creative passion can help you to achieve those feelings. Whether it’s through faith, music, or some other type of artistic expression, you must find what will awaken your soul in order to strike balance in your life. Here are some tips to guide you:

• What are your goals for the future? What would you like to ultimately achieve in your life? Is it spiritual enlightenment? Is it social status? Or is it merely to be the best person you can be, and make a contribution to society? What is important, though, is the process by which you attain your ultimate goal. That is what will generate your passion.
• Try to focus on the positive, and do not dwell on the negative. Recall you accomplishments and good deeds. Doing this will help keep you positive, and keep your spirit up. If you constantly remind yourself of your mistakes, you will find it harder to succeed down the road, and your mind, body, and soul will work against you.
• You’ve heard of finding your “happy place” right? This form of meditation helps you take your mind and spirit to a comfortable place that fills you with happiness. This is an ideal thing to do when you are in the middle of a stressful day at work or with the kids; it provides the perfect opportunity to regroup.
• Spark a change. Plan a vacation, even if it is just for a weekend. Nothing does the body, mind, and soul better than a little change of scenery. Go where you will be happy, and be able to let loose and have some fun. Try it on your own. It might sound scary, but you will be surprised at how relaxed and refreshed you will be after a weekend all to yourself!
• Try some daily affirmations. Pick four things that you can say out loud in the mirror that will help you stay centered, positive, and focused. Saying something often enough has the power to make it true for you. Remember not to dwell on the negative, focus on the positive. Four basic affirmations that you can work from include:
“I am safe and secure.”
“The Universe gives me everything that I need.”
“My income will continue to increase.”

"I will loose weight."

A Natural Herbal Way of Loosing Weight

Natural herbal remedies are drawing the attention of many traditional medical practitioners to rapidly recognize the ability of the hundreds of thousands of known herbs that have the ability to treat and prevent various human and animal illnesses, as well as properties that can enhance mental attitude, appearance, and performance.

Many centuries of experimentation by many cultures, for example Indian herbal medicine (Ayurvedic), Chinese herbal medicine, and western herbal medicine have created many uses for plants either singularly or in compounds, and sometimes animal by products to prevent and treat various conditions and illnesses.

A natural remedy can be anything from tea, to complex preparations of herbal compounds used in hospitals and clinics. These formulas come in many forms such as capsules, pills, ointments, and gels.

You may be using some of the common herbs as a food in your home such as:

* Garlic--natural antibiotic and helps reduce cholesterol

* Cinnamon--lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglycerides

* Ginger--prevents motion sickness and lowers risk of blood clots

* Chamomile Tea--calms nerves and help relieve digestive problems

* Peppermint--Treats many digestion and gastrointestinal problems

These common herbs may be mixed with other proven natural products to achieve a particular result.

Traditional medicine is very useful for diagnosis, emergencies, trauma and surgery, but often does not cut it for preventing disease from occurring. The time and wait needed to visit a doctor to get a prescription, and the ever growing cost of medicine is allowing an opportunity for many people to try to get help from natural products.

Many traditional medicines are showing many adverse side effects. Natural, is not necessarily safe, and may have unwanted side effects just as with conventional medicines, however a large ever growing number of the population has been using herbals, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for many years with very favorable results and no adverse effects.

Natural herbal products are now available for use by adults, children, and pets to remedy countless conditions from Angina and Arthritis, to skin care remedies, thyroid treatment, urinary tract infection and an unlimited number of other disorders.

Many new products have been compounded to remedy conditions other then disease, such as smoking cessation, removing unwanted hair, eliminating wrinkles and many other conditions.

One of the many natural herbal remedies could be your answer.

Easy Tips on Loosing Weight if you have Arthritis

Think you can't stop that arthritis pain? Great news! You can act now. Get super easy and effective tips on Loosing Weight if you have Arthritis and make your life with arthritis a little easier now.

Protect your joints. Don't keep your joints in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Balance your rest and work throughout the day. Use the strongest joints available for the job.

Stretch it. Stretching should be part of every arthritis patient's daily routine. A good stretch helps prevent injuries by warming up muscles and tendons which are more limber and less likely to tear. Spend at least 10 minutes each day stretching, and work each major muscle group.

Cool it down. Stop physical activity. Rest in a cool/shaded environment. Spray with a mist of cool water or wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a towel and apply it to reduce arthritis pain and swelling.

Get moving. Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility and muscle strength. It can also help with weight control, stress management, and make you feel better overall. The Arthritis Foundation also offers water exercise and other classes.

Get a massage. Massage therapy can relieve your pain, soothe stiff sore muscles, reduce inflammation and swelling. Make sure you use oil or cream on your fingers to make it mroe gentle. Work the area for five to ten minutes a day if possible.

Keep your weight in balance. Being overweight, even just moderately, impacts weightbearing joints and can increase the pain of arthritis. Studies have indicated that losing extra weight lowers the risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee. Losing weight can help slow the progression of arthritis too.

Get a diagnosis. If you are experiencing symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling for more than 1 weeks, you should consider seeing your doctor and getting a diagnosis. Remember that there are more than 100 types of arthritis. It is important to get the specific diagnosis for the type of arthritis you have.

Take your medication the right way. Don't stop taking your medication just because you feel it is not working. Check with your doctor first. You need to understand that it may take several days to several months for a medication to become effective.

Look out for new options. Recently FDA has approved some new drugs for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritis diseases. If feel that the current medication doesn't work well, check with your doctor about possible new options.

Keep educating yourself. It is important to learn something new about arthritis. Find some good websites online and subscribe to their newsletter if they have it. Join one of two active online arthritis communities like forums or bulletin board. Never hesitate to see your doctors and ask questions.

Alaska Run Fest 2011

Running is an activity you can spend with your kids. Because the family that runs together stays forever.
Alaska is giving you and your kids the chance to run together this coming May.

How to Loose Weight this Holy Week

1. Biking

Biking is a good exercise. A few days ago I joined the massive bike ride of the 13th tour of the fireflies. I lost 2 lbs. after biking for almost 5 hours. Medyo masakit sa puwet pero I am happy because we also did it for clean air.




2. Running

Yes it's true that running can help you loose weight. I lost 1 lb. during the Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2011 last April 10, 2011 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig



3. Playing Ultimate Frisbee

When I have free time I go to UP Sunken Garden to play Ultimate Frisbee, it's an effective way to loose weight because it involves a lot of running, so you really sweat a lot when you play this.



4. Swimming

And of course, swimming. Nothing beats a natural way of loosing weight with swimming. My friend Jayson Biadog swims and this is his way of loosing weight.



How about you what do you do to loose weight?

Coughing myths and cures

[caption id="attachment_1476" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The best home remedies are 1) increased fluid intake, 2) eating healthy, and 3) getting lots of rest."][/caption]
Coughing is one health condition we have encountered at least a dozen times in our lives. Some people even go to the extent of using various remedies and treatments available in their quest to relieve their cough.

However, there are many misconceptions and non-scientific practices in the treatment of cough, which may even prove detrimental to our health in the long run.


One popular practice is eating hot soup to help cure coughs and colds. While this practice does help soothe an irritated throat, it does not, unfortunately, help cure one’s cough.

Reliance on chemical medications may be second-nature to most people, but there are hidden hazards to such a practice. Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com), a respected medical research organization of around 2,500 physicians, warns against giving children “two medicines with the same active ingredients, such as an antihistamine, decongestant, or pain reliever.” “Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose,” it says.

There are likewise certain ingredients in some chemical-based cough medications that may cause serious and even life-threatening effects in children.

Codeine, which is found in cough suppressants, for example, may have adverse effects on the central nervous system. Dextromethorpan (DXM), meanwhile, may lead to serious side effects such as brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness and irregular heartbeat if not formulated properly.

Cough preparations such as Carbocisteine have valid use only in persons suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD).


The Philippine College of Chest Physicians recommends and advocates the following as best home remedies against cough : 1) Increased fluid intake; 2) lots of rest and 3) good nutrition. However, there may be times when you need added help to reduce the severity and duration of your cough, without necessarily resorting to chemical-based medicines that may have side effects. Your natural remedy? Take Lagundi.

Philippine traditional medicine have long proven the efficacy of the Lagundi plant in treating cough, as well as other common ailments such as fever, headache, toothache, asthma, and even superficial bleeding. Through the years, modern science has also validated Lagundi’s power as an effective and safe cough and asthma remedy, through various clinical studies.

So what’s your best solution against cough? It’s the proven combination of nature and science— made from 100-percent Lagundi leaves, like ASCOF Lagundi.
Clinical trials show that Lagundi is much safer because it does not have the harmful side effects usually associated with chemical cough medicines. It works in three ways : one, it opens up the bronchial tubes to facilitate airflow, therefore making it easier to breathe; two, it dissolves mucus so it’s easier to expel; and three, it reduces the inflammation in the respiratory passages due to its anti-histaminic action.
ASCOF’s efficacy and safety as a cough remedy is backed by two decades of research and analysis conducted by the National Integrated Research Program of Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), a consortium of top medical and academic institutions and scientists in the country.

What’s more, ASCOF Lagundi, a product of Pascual Laboratories, Inc., is a convenient remedy for cough. It is available in tablet, capsule and syrup formats, and are available at leading drugstores nationwide.

So the next time you treat your cough, separate the myths from the true cure – reach for the natural and safe remedy that will effectively relieve you without any worries.

Are you Broken Hearted?

It takes long to heal a broken heart, but there are studies that art can be an outlet or tool for fixing it. It's hard when your heart is aching, you job, your hobbies or even your friends doesn't give you joy anymore.

I noticed that some of the great songs of famous artists were inspired by their love stories, and most them were about heartaches, yes it's true that great love songs came from an idea of an artist's broken heart.

I think this also applies to art. When your heart is aching and you feel like drawing, then by all means go ahead. You can have your pen and paper and express what you feel into it.

You can easily move on when you divert things you can't accept into something that you do appreciate. Because you know that when you give your best to it you'll learn to see things you love. And that is something that will never break your heart anymore.

So Love your Art and Learn to Move On.

easy and effective arthritis pain relief tips

Think you can't stop that arthritis pain? Great news! You can act now. Get super easy and effective arthritis pain relief tips from arthritis experts and make your life with arthritis a little easier now.

Protect your joints. Don't keep your joints in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Balance your rest and work throughout the day. Use the strongest joints available for the job.

Stretch it. Stretching should be part of every arthritis patient's daily routine. A good stretch helps prevent injuries by warming up muscles and tendons which are more limber and less likely to tear. Spend at least 10 minutes each day stretching, and work each major muscle group.

Cool it down. Stop physical activity. Rest in a cool/shaded environment. Spray with a mist of cool water or wrap an ice pack or cold compress in a towel and apply it to reduce arthritis pain and swelling.

Get moving. Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility and muscle strength. It can also help with weight control, stress management, and make you feel better overall. The Arthritis Foundation also offers water exercise and other classes.

Get a massage. Massage therapy can relieve your pain, soothe stiff sore muscles, reduce inflammation and swelling. Make sure you use oil or cream on your fingers to make it mroe gentle. Work the area for five to ten minutes a day if possible.

Keep your weight in balance. Being overweight, even just moderately, impacts weightbearing joints and can increase the pain of arthritis. Studies have indicated that losing extra weight lowers the risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee. Losing weight can help slow the progression of arthritis too.

Get a diagnosis. If you are experiencing symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling for more than 1 weeks, you should consider seeing your doctor and getting a diagnosis. Remember that there are more than 100 types of arthritis. It is important to get the specific diagnosis for the type of arthritis you have.

Take your medication the right way. Don't stop taking your medication just because you feel it is not working. Check with your doctor first. You need to understand that it may take several days to several months for a medication to become effective.

Look out for new options. Recently FDA has approved some new drugs for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritis diseases. If feel that the current medication doesn't work well, check with your doctor about possible new options.

Keep educating yourself. It is important to learn something new about arthritis. Find some good websites online and subscribe to their newsletter if they have it. Join one of two active online arthritis communities like forums or bulletin board. Never hesitate to see your doctors and ask questions.

Ways to Boost Your Energy

It's everyones goal - to be more energetic during the day. By nature you go through periods of higher activity which contrasts with times of relaxation. The problem occurs when more energy and concentration is required more than we can give. Or when we try to sleep and can’t.

Ways to Boost Your Energy

1) Stay on a regular sleep schedule. You can’t stay up late during the week-end and suddenly on Monday morning wake up refreshed. If you do enjoy later nights on Friday and Saturday vow to get to bed early on Sunday to wake up rested.

2) Avoid sugar and caffeine. Eat some protein and foods with a bit of fat in the morning. The brain needs protein and the body does not store it. You don’t have to eat very much- a glass of low fat milk, a piece of cheese, or a handful of nuts will get you going instead of pure carbohydrates like a plain bagel.

3) Take a 5-10 minute power nap around lunch. Even if you just close your eyes and let your mind drift you will be refreshed for the afternoon. This is also effective anytime you feel yourself not concentrating, reading the same material over and over. Give in to the urge and completely relax for a few moments.

 

4) Drink more water and liquids. I know, everyone says to drink more fluids. But most Americans are in a constant state of dehydration from filling up on coffee, tea, and sodas with caffeine. This is very stressful to the kidneys and can cause irritation to the bladder. Keep a sports bottle filled with your favorite flavored water or just plain and keep it with you at all times. Set a goal- empty by lunch, refill, empty again by the time work is over. Carry plenty of water in the car too for you and your family.

5) Live Positively, Exercise regularly. This is easier said than done with a busy schedule. A poor conditioning level causes you to be short-of-breath and your heart to race when just doing simple things like climbing a flight of steps or doing household chores. Park farther away when shopping and walk Dust off that exercise machine or get an exercise tape to play when weather is bad. Set an example for the rest of your family and maybe they will join in too!



6) A joke a day keeps the doctor away. Laughter has many beneficial effects on the body. The brain chemicals for experiencing pleasure, happiness, and peace increase with good, hearty laughs. Live alone? Get a funny movie or watch a light-hearted comedy on tv. Nothing sarcastic or put-down, however.

7) Avoid confrontations and situations with negative people.

You know who they are. They are not going to change but they will bring you and your mood down. The complainers, gossipers, and generally unhappy souls we all have to deal with on a day-to-day basis drain our energy if we allow them. Be polite but avoid arguing or getting hooked into listening to their constant problems.

8) Take regular, daily supplements of the highest quality.

Our food and diets simply do not meet the amounts needed for maximum health. There is a difference between avoiding nutritional deficiencies and optimum performance.

 

 

 

AVIDA Land Corp. breaks ground at Bonifacio Global City, moves in at the home of passionate minds

[caption id="attachment_1457" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="(L-R) Dez Cruz, Residential Buildings Head; Divine Lopez, Chief Finance Officer; Leo Montenegro, President; Bong Filart, Construction Management Group Head; Bobby Dy, Ayala Land Senior Vice President and Residential Business Group Head; Chris Maglanoc, Vice President and Project Strategic Management Group Head; and Mr. Ferdie Mangali, Human Resources and Customer Care Group Head. "][/caption]

Amidst the recognition it earned as it marked its 20th anniversary last year, Avida Land Corp. still won’t rest on its laurels. The company is in fact looking towards expanding its territory even further and breaking new grounds with new developments, as well as a new headquarters in its lineup.

As of 2010, Avida has produced around 40,000 fully constructed house and lot and condominium units, transformed close to 800 hectares of idle land into idyllic communities, and launched an impressive 38 projects in 16 locations across the country.

Good turnout in 2010
“There was a tremendous market turnout last year across the board that we have decided to revise our original plans to accommodate growing demands,” says Rex Mendoza, senior vice president of Ayala Land, Inc., the mother company of Avida.

Last year alone, it made around 10,000 units available to the market and added 102 hectares to its total land development.

Avida president Leo Montenegro agrees that the past year had been a good one for the property market as a whole.

“There were more launches from different companies, ergo more buyers. It also became more challenging to sell because of the competition,” he says.

Avida successfully overcame that challenge, banking on the talent and skills able group of men and women who have tirelessly worked towards making Avida what it is today.

And as a testimony to its faith to its products and people, Avida will soon relocate its headquarters in one of the most coveted addresses in the country—Bonifacio Global City.



[caption id="attachment_1459" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Avida employees proudly pose beside the scale model of Avida Towers Global City"][/caption]

Aiming higher
Dubbed as “the home of passionate minds”, Bonifacio Global City will serve as the perfect venue for Avida employees to hone their skills and passion in delivering quality and affordable homes to the country’s hardworking middle class.

Avida, in fact, is likewise introducing a community at the very sought-after location—Avida Towers Global City. Here, one will find quality condominium units amidst an exciting and pulsating environment surrounded by posh lifestyle establishments and dining destinations. It is an address, too, that is quite accessible through public transport and just a few minutes’ drive away from the Makati Central Business District.

Avida’s new headquarters will occupy two floors of Avida Towers Global City’s podium. It is expected to be finished by the end of 2012.

And as it continues to expand its territory and break new ground, expect more idyllic homes and communities for generations of Filipinos to enjoy.

[caption id="attachment_1461" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The soon-to-rise Avida Towers Global City offers affordable living in one of the most sought-after addresses in the country. "][/caption]

Why moms trust ASCOF Lagundi Syrup

[caption id="attachment_1452" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="“I don’t want my children to take any cough medicine that might have side effects, so I give them ASCOF Lagundi Syrup, says mommy Rosanna."][/caption]

When it comes to administering medicine to their children, moms are quite meticulous. After all, they want to give the best to their kids, while making sure that they don’t suffer from side effects that some chemical cough formulations may cause in the long run.

 

And when it comes to treating their children’s cough, moms Charmaine Niduaza, Rossana Singson-Kawpeng, and Allen Hernandez have found an effective and safe cough remedy in ASCOF Lagundi Syrup.

“My kids’ health is my top priority. I trust only ASCOF Lagundi Syrup because I know it’s safe for their health,” says the 26-year Niduaza, who is mom to two kids.

Forty-one-year old Singson-Kawpeng adds, “I don’t want my children to take any cough medicine that might have side effects, so I give them ASCOF Lagundi Syrup.”

ASCOF Lagundi is made from 100% Lagundi leaves. Clinical trials have shown Lagundi to be equally effective as other chemical-based over-the-counter cough medications, but without their potentially harmful side effects.

ASCOF Lagundi works in three ways: one, it opens up the bronchial tubes to facilitate airflow, therefore making it easier for the child to breathe; two, it dissolves mucus so it’s easier to expel; and three, it reduces the inflammation in the respiratory passages due to its anti-histaminic action.

Aside from its efficacy and safety, these mothers also laud the fact that it is easy to have their kids take ASCOF Lagundi syrup because it comes in flavors that children love—strawberry and ponkan.

“It’s difficult for kids to take medicines that taste bitter. Good thing ASCOF Lagundi has deliciously flavored syrup variants,” Hernandez says.

For older kids, there’s ASCOF Lagundi Forte Syrup in menthol and sugar-free menthol variants, recommended for kids age 13 years old and above.

Singson-Kawpeng shares that ASCOF Lagundi Syrup has made taking cough medication easier for her two children.

[caption id="attachment_1453" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="It’s difficult for kids to take medicines that taste bitter. Good thing ASCOF Lagundi has deliciously flavored syrup variants,” Mommy Allen says."][/caption]

“My two daughters love the yummy flavors of ASCOF Lagundi Syrup. They say it doesn’t taste like medicine at all,” she explains.

Hernandez, meanwhile, concludes, “It pains me to listen to my kids cough all day and through the night. I’m glad there’s ASCOF Lagundi that helps cautious moms like me relieve our children of their cough – the safe and natural way!,” Hernandez concludes.

Things You Should Know About Brain Tumor

[caption id="attachment_1447" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Some members of the Gamma Knife team—(from left) registered nurse Mel-Ross Caleda, Medical Physicist Eliseo Dela Cruz, Dr. Monserrat Velasquez, and registered nurse Mario Louis Bumatay"][/caption]



The right place to go

One of the most populated areas in the world is Manila. It’s the capital city of the Philippines that is why this metropolitan area attracts foreign visitors and overseas workers. Now healthcare system is one of the places visitors are looking forward on us.
Just recently I was able to attend a media briefing on Philippine Gamma Knife Center at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, the only hospital that offers noninvasive brain surgery, meaning it minimizes the possibility of developing complications. Above all its harmless.
Upon visiting here I learned the things I should know about brain tumor.
In the past years, several modern procedures for the treatment of brain disorders have been made available in the Philippines. Generally, there are several different types of brain disorder.
It is important to know and understand that treating a brain disorder should be considerable to you. It means it is important for the treating doctor to consider your age, as well as any and all health complications that you may experience. And this should be the ideal medical standard for these cases.

[caption id="attachment_1446" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Dr. Ted Vesagas"][/caption]

Medical professionals should also consider the type of brain disorder that you suffer from, Let say a brain tumor, since it is the primary disorder Gamma Knife Center is treating. Consider the location of the tumor, as well as the general size of the abnormal growth.

To give an idea here are the different types of brain disorder treatment that you may choose from in order to treat the health complications that you suffer from.

 
Radiation Treatment
Radiation therapy is a treatment that many individuals with tumors select to participate in after being diagnosed by their doctor. Machines that emit rays that are filled with a high level of energy work to effectively destroy tumor based cells. This treatment is also effective in reducing the possibility that the cells will grow and continue to multiply in the body.
In most instances, radiation therapy will completely stop the growth and reproduction process of cancerous cells in the brain and other locations in the body. This is an appropriate treatment for those that are not capable of undergoing treatment. Many patients prefer this treatment as it is considered to be local. This means that it only targets cells that are cancerous and not healthy cells.
However, patients may experience hair loss, loose of appetite, fatigue and some patients get bloated.
Chemotherapy
Many patients chose the treatment of chemotherapy. This type of treatment incorporates the use of drugs in order to effectively destroy tumor cells. Medical professionals will use a combination of several drugs, but there are many that will use only one type of medication when issuing chemotherapy.
This treatment is typically given in what is referred to as a "cycle". This means that a person is issued the medication on an intensive level. Typically, the patients that undergo chemotherapy experience many different challenging and uncomfortable symptoms. Many individuals actually describe these symptoms as being unbearable such as nausea, mouth sores, loose of appetite and loss of hair.

It will also require you to keep on coming back, because, chemotherapy is usually done for three or more sessions.
Gamma Knife Surgery
It’s still considered a surgery but without incision. Following the patient’s admission, a stereotactic frame is attached to the patient’s head, then, neuroimaging such as MRI, CT Scan or cerebral angiography is performed. A marker on the stereotactic frame allows the Gamma Knife team to localize the tumor or vascular malformation with exact precision on a state of the art computer work station. When the plan is complete, actual treatment will follow which usually last a single day.
How exactly does Gamma Knife works?
The Gamma Knife uses ionizing radiation (gamma rays) produced by 201 cobalt-60 sources to target and destroy a tumor, a blood vessel abnormality such as an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) within or adjacent to brain tissue, or to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and trigeminal neuralgia (an excruciatingly painful facial condition) with extreme accuracy. Since each individual gamma ray is of relatively weak intensity, the normal brain tissue surrounding the abnormality is protected as the full dose of radiation is focused only at the point where all 201 beams converge. This explains why side effects are rare and usually temporary. Since the procedure is non-invasive, or “bloodless”, the risks of post-operative complications, such as infection and hemorrhage, are eliminated.
A multidisciplinary team consisting of a neurosurgeon, a radiation oncologist, and a radiation physicist accomplishes treatment with the Gamma Knife. The referring physician is an active partner in the treatment process, and patients accepted by Gamma Knife treatment remain in their primary physician’s care. Providing regular reports on patient status, the Gamma Knife team maintains ongoing communications with referring physicians through evaluation, treatment, follow-up, and outcome studies.
The speed with which the treatment takes effect depends on the type of tumor (its tissue type, or histology). Fast-growing tumors, such as metastases, respond very quickly (weeks), whereas slow-growing tumors, such as acoustic neuromas, have slower response times (months, sometimes years). The Gamma Knife can be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiotherapy.
Now, the best option if you don’t want to suffer from the effects of Radiation Treatment and Chemotherapy is the Gamma Knife Surgery. And the only hospital in the Philippines that offers this kind of treatment is the Philippine Gamma Knife Center at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center. They prioritize quality of life, making it sure that they give quick recovery time to patients. It saves your time and money, because it prevents you form keep on coming back to the hospital.

Why Gamma Knife is the gold standard in non-invasive brain surgery

In the past years, several modern procedures for the treatment of brain disorders have been made available in the Philippines.



These have given Filipinos easier access to procedures that they have otherwise gone abroad for and all the incidental expenses for travel and accommodations to think of.

 

One such procedure is the Gamma Knife Radiosurgery pioneered by the Philippine Gamma Knife Center at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center. It was established in 1998 to provide the Filipino patient access to neurosurgical technology that was difficult to access. It was created to become a center of excellence for Stereotactic Neurosurgery and Radiosurgery.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery represents an advance in the field of Stereotactic Neurosurgery and is considered as the gold standard in noninvasive brain surgery. It was the result of a relentless pursuit by Dr. Lars Leksell, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, to develop less invasive methods of cranial surgery.  Dr. Leksell developed the Gamma Knife as a noninvasive procedure for performing stereotactic functional neurosurgery.

The respect accorded to Gamma Knife Radiosurgery is based on three reasons: its guaranteed quick recovery time, its high performance rating among experts and patients alike, and the team of experts who perform the procedure.

 

Quick recovery time

Gamma Knife minimizes the possibility of developing complications.  Following the patient’s admission, a stereotactic frame is attached to the patient’s head, then, neuroimaging such as MRI, CT Scan or cerebral angiography is performed. A marker on the stereotactic frame allows the Gamma Knife team to localize the tumor or vascular malformation with exact precision on a state of the art computer work station. When the plan is complete, actual treatment will follow which usually last a single day.

 

“Compared to conventional open surgery, Gamma Knife allows the patients to return to his daily activities quickly and cost effectively. Because the Gamma Knife requires no incisions, and in most cases requires local anesthesia, many of the risk associated with conventional surgery such as infection, hemorrhage, adverse reaction to anesthesia and death are actually eliminated.

 

 

 

 

The procedure is accomplished within a very brief time frame. It is usually performed as an out patient basis with no associated convalescence. Most patients resume their normal activities after discharge from the center.

 

Safer and more effective

But more than quick recovery time, what is being commended by doctors and Gamma Knife patients alike is the accuracy with which Gamma Knife treats a brain disorder. In fact, there is no other procedure that can claim to have greater acceptance among the world’s leading hospitals and medical practitioners when it comes to the non-invasive treatment of brain disorders than Gamma Knife.

Here, no scalpels are required and no blood is shed. Patients undergoing the Gamma Knife procedure will have their brain disorders treated, instead, through the delivery of a high single dose of radiation to that area that is affected. That makes it safer as surrounding tissues will not be affected during or after the procedure.

 

Patients whose lives have been changed after a Gamma Knife treatment also number in hundreds of thousands around the world. The technology involved in this procedure ensures its precision in treating a brain disorder. It has been proven to be one of the most successful radiosurgery weapons in the fight against brain disorders such as Arteriovenous malformation, benign intracranial tumors including acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, pineal tumors, malignant tumors such as metastatic carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Other candidates for Gamma Knife Radiosurgery include patients with residual lesions left unresected by previous open neurosurgical procedure, patients at high risk for surgical complications due to age or underlying medical problems, and patient who refuse craniotomy. This is why it is preferred by the experts. Morbidity is low and mortality is none.



Expertise

Since its clinical start-up in 1998, the Philippine Gamma Knife Center has performed over 1700 radiosurgical and open stereotactic procedures. The safety and effectiveness of the Gamma Knife procedure is ensured by a multi disciplinary team of medical professionals which are all trained in Stockholm, Sweden.



The team is composed of Neurosurgeons, headed by Dr. Vesagas who currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Asian Leksell Gamma Knife Society, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Physicist, Anesthesiologist and Neurosurgical Nurse with years of experience behind them. Averaging 130 cases a year, the Stereotactic Neurosurgery team at the Philippine Gamma Knife Center is the most experienced in the country, bar none.

 

Need to know more about how Gamma Knife can help you? Just visit the PGKC at the Cardinal Santos Medical Center or visit their website at www.gammaknife.com.ph or call 7259254;7237575.

 

Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition's newest fitness experts

Coach Jim Saret and model Chinggay Andrada were now the two world-class specialists for the Philippine franchise of the Biggest Loser entitled “The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition” which will be shown soon on ABS-CBN.

Chinggay was a former TV sports host, a radio DJ, boxing instructor and professional model. She was also the cover girl of FHM Philippines twice while.

Coach Jim is a Sport Medicine and very well known to be an Olympic atheletic trainer.

Now the both of them will guide the contestants as they aim to lose weight.

Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition will be hosted by health and health rumor icon Sharon Cuneta.

A Bigger NatGeo Earth Day Run kicks off April 10

A bigger NatGeo Earth Day Run (EDR) awaits thousands of students, professionals, athletes, health buffs, and celebrities as the event kicks off with an added 21-kilometer race on April 10, 2011 at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

“We were encouraged by last year’s huge turnout that’s why we are putting up the 21K race,” said Jude Turcuato, Fox International Channels territory director. “It looks like we are going the have twice the participants this year from the 5000 runners in last year’s inaugural race as more and more people are taking up running as a sport.”

Aside from the 21K race, the NatGeo EDR features 3K, 5K, and 10K categories. A limited edition NatGeo EDR technical shirt is included when you register with each distance having an assigned color.

The NatGeo EDR is an annual event aimed at creating awareness about caring for the planet and helping save the environment. It is part of the National Geogrpahic Channel’s (NGC) global thrust in support of Earth Day on April 22 this year.

Apart from encouraging Filipinos to care about the planet, NGC also plans to help bring a constellation of stars in the Mind Museum’s Universe Gallery by asking NatGeo EDR online registrants to sponsor a star. Details and mechanics can be found through the EDR website.

Sponsors will receive an electronic “Donor’s Certificate” and a sponsorship badge that they can post on Facebook. Their names will also be posted at the Mind Museum website.

Online registration is available at www.natgeorun.com until March 27, 2011. On-site cash registration is accepted at the NatGeo EDR booth at the left wing ground floor of Greenbelt 3 in Makati City until April 3, 2011.

What your child’s cough might mean

Coughing 101: What your child’s cough might mean

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Coughing is a reflex that serves several functions. It helps protect the lungs by clearing airways of secretions and foreign particles. In most cases, coughing may also be a symptom of an underlying condition or illness.

 

How would you know if your child's cough is simply a case of the body doing its job, or a sign of a more serious ailment? It all depends on the type, character and severity of the cough, and how long it lasts.

Common types of cough

Basically, there are two types of cough : productive and non-productive.

Productive cough is usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. This type of cough expels the phlegm which was formed in our respiratory passages so abnormal amounts of mucus and germs are eliminated from the respiratory tract making breathing easier. This type of cough is commonly seen in asthmatics where it is accompanied by “wheezing” sounds due to constriction of the respiratory passages due to infection, fever may ensue.

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Non-productive cough is dry, tickling and irritating. This cough can be caused by phlegm that is so viscous that it is not loosened and expectorated. It may have an allergic or neurotic origin and in worst cases caused by an underlying disease. This type of cough is commonly seen in “smokers” due to the irritation of the respiratory passages to the inhaled smoke.

Natural and safe remedy for cough
In some cases, the cough will just run its course and get resolved after complete rest, fluid intake, and proper nutrition. However, there are instances when medication is necessary, especially when it reaches the point of discomfort. In these cases, a natural medication like ASCOF Lagundi Syrup is a dependable and effective cough remedy.

Made from 100% Lagundi leaves, ASCOF Lagundi works in three ways : : one, it opens up the bronchial tubes to facilitate airflow, making it easier for the patient to breathe; two, it dissolves mucus to make it easier to expel from the body; and three, it reduces the inflammation in the respiratory passages due to its anti-histaminic action.

Because it is natural, ASCOF has an advantage over chemical cough medicines because it does not have the negative side effects commonly seen in chemical-based medicines. Clinical tests indicate no adverse reactions among those who use ASCOF. This means that in the long term, ASCOF Lagundi is safer to use than chemical cough formulations. Furthermore, some studies indicate that using chemical cough medicines are potentially dangerous to children as it may cause respiratory distress and can even make some children hyperactive and irritable.

When it comes to figuring out your child's cough, it pays to listen. How a cough sounds like—along with its accompanying symptoms—will tell you a lot about its cause so you will be able treat it properly.

Using a natural cough remedy like ASCOF Lagundi will not only help your child feel better – it will also make moms like you feel more safe. And remember, if the cough persists, it is still best to consult your doctor.

How to make your kids take their medicine

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Parenting tips on How to make your kids
take their medicine

 

As a parent, you know that making your children take their medicine can pose quite a challenge. That’s because most of the time, children find their medicines to be bad-tasting, so they will do practically anything to avoid having to take them.

Don’t give up. Knowing this fact already brings you one step closer to finding out how you can make them take their medicine instead of forcing or fighting with them. Here are some things that can help you:

Talk to your kids. Explain to them why they need to take their medicine. Be firm yet patient in telling them that taking their medicine is an important step to making them better.

Some mothers use the airplanes and spaceships trick in putting the spoon or dropper into their kids’ mouth. While this is fun and cute, it is not strongly recommended as children may begin to associate medicines with playing games.

Choose good-tasting medicines. Toddlers and older children shun food that do not taste good. The same principle applies to medication. Yummy-flavored medicines are a lot easier to take than those that taste bitter or have flavors that are too strong.

When it comes to cough medications, it’s a good thing there’s ASCOF Lagundi Syrup. Made from 100% Lagundi leaves, it comes in delicious flavors such as strawberry, ponkan and menthol. And because it is natural, you can be sure that it is safe to give to children.

Give medicines that are easy to take. Some medicines are difficult for kids to swallow. As much as possible, choose something that is in syrup form so it’s easy for children to take.

Because it is available in syrup format, ASCOF Lagundi Syrup is convenient toadminister. . Just put the recommended amount of ASCOF syrup in a spoon or dropper, or use the dosage cup that comes free with every bottle.

Stick to the schedule. Skipping your child’s medicine intake schedule may give them the impression that they no longer need to take their medication. Sticking to the schedule will avoid confusion and will also help your children be more prepared in taking their medicine.
Do not mix medicine with food. : This tactic used by some parents in giving medication is not encouraged, because your child may not be able to take the entire intended dosage if he/she does not finish his/her food. Not only that, your child may begin to refuse any food given in the future, thinking that it may contain medicine.

Always have a positive attitude. Smile and be cheerful when administering medicine, so that your child will see the activity as something pleasant.
Say something like “It’s time for your medicine” in a happy voice, to reassure your child and give him/her the impression that there is nothing to worry about.

With these tips and further advice from your pediatrician, you can make your children take their medicine without the drama, and ensure that they recover from their illness much faster.