Our active protection against Dengue

Athletes don’t leave any stones unturned.

Take football hero Anton del Rosario for instance.

With training that lasts until late in the afternoon six times a week, there is no question with regard to Anton’s commitment in being the best in the game.

Being outdoors for such a lengthy period of time and in various weather conditions—from scorching heat to pounding rain—poses a host of challenges, such as heatstroke and physical injury.

Another is being bitten by dengue-lamok and contracting the dreaded disease. The risk inevitably increases when athletes have to compete in various sports venues across the country and Asia.

Because of dengue, his ex-teammate from Azkals OJ Porteria missed the AFF Suzuki Cup, the tournament which Anton played in 2010.

He may have been born and raised in the United States, but Anton, who has lived and played football in the Philippines for more than a decade, is aware of the threat of dengue. “Dengue is out there; it could reach anyone,” he says. “Athletes, although we are in shape and supposedly fit, are still vulnerable to those fatal mosquito bites.”

Dengue recently hit close to home when Anton’s little niece contracted the dreaded disease. She was actually given 10 percent chance of survival, Anton says thoughtfully. “She got lucky because she pulled out of it.”

Because of his personal encounter with dengue, Anton considers it as scary and “nothing to be messed around with.” With dengue having no vaccine and being indiscriminate of its victims—from a young girl to a robust athlete—Anton maintains that, “Protection is very important. You have to take all your precautionary measures to avoid it.”

This is why Anton, who hopes to play again for the national football team Azkals next year, regularly uses Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion Active Protect. It is specifically designed for people like Anton who are always outdoors, travel a lot and work hard. “It’s something that people should be using, especially those who are active,” he says. “Falling ill during a football season could make you lose a game, even a championship.”

Anton likes the fact that Green Cross Insect Repellent packs an unbeatable maximum 10-hour protection against both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus - the two dreaded dengue vectors that bite during the day and night. “It’s day and night protection for me against both types of mosquitoes in just one product,” he says. “I like putting it on because it has a cool, non-greasy feel, unlike other insect repellent lotions I’ve tried. It has a great, fresh scent too.”

Just like his dad, Myles is already showing signs of following in the footsteps of his father. He likes to run around and kick a ball in the playground. “I always make sure he has mosquito protection on him,” Anton says. For Myles, it’s Green Cross Insect Repellent in Gentle Protect, which is most suitable for children’s skin.

Anton says that it is important to have both the parents and their kids protected from dengue-lamok. “Let me put it this way, the kids need their parents,” he says. “Nothing offers better peace of mind than a healthy and active family.”

Listen to your body and do not ignore its cry for help

Your Body’s Cry For Help Your boss just called you to say that you’re stepping in for a crucial meeting in two hours. It’s unexpected but you’re still confident that you can handle it. One hour later, your mother calls you to take care of a bank emergency. A few minutes later, an email from your son’s day care teacher pops in and shares concerns about your child. The day goes on to get progressively worse. You get one bad news after the other and before you know it, you have a nagging headache, you feel the tension creeping in your neck and you already have the urge to either escape or punch the person nearest you.

That is a sign of chronic stress. And more importantly, your body’s way of sending out a cry of help. According to the American Psychological Association, stress is defined as a feeling of being overwhelmed, worried or run-down from unpleasant events. Unlike regular occasional stress, which is sometimes considered as beneficial, chronic stress is constant and persists for a prolonged period of time. You need to remember that not managing this has far-reaching consequences on your health – in both the mental and physical aspect. In fact, some of these consequences may not be easily seen right away including: • Changes in your brain: Previous imaging and postmortem studies have reported a lower brain volume and a smaller size and density of neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD)1.

• Increased risk of heart attack: St. Luke's Mid America Heart Institute revealed that those suffering from chronic stress are at greater risk of developing heart problems. Stress is also linked with a 42 percent higher risk of dying two years after a heart attack2.

• Depression: Some stress can keep you motivated and alert, although researchers from the US National Institute on Mental Health found that chronic stress could lead to depression in sensitive people3.

So how do you help your body cope with stress and improve your health? “Well, the road to good health starts with a positive mindset and the determination to make better life choices,” notes Dian Yu, Product Manager of Enercal Plus, an adult nutritional supplement made by Wyeth.

The following are some of the things you can start off with:
• Do your lifts and push-ups. Or at the very least, make sure that you have some form of physical activity or exercise. An ideal time frame is 30 minutes, for at least three times in a week. • Reduce your caffeine and sugar intake. We know that nothing beats a sugar or caffeine rush; but be mindful of the fact that the “highs” that they provide often end with a sudden crash in mood and energy. • Say no to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. All these may provide an easy escape from stressors; but the respite they give is at best, temporary and at its worst, ultimately debilitating. Always remember that it’s always best to deal with everyday life with a clear mind. • Eat healthy! Start the day right by eating breakfast (don’t skip it!) and keep your energy up throughout the day by eating nutritious meals. Remember that the key word to eating healthy is “balance” – too much or too little of anything can be bad for your health. Drink a glass of Enercal Plus to help make sure that you get the nutrition that your body needs. Enercal Plus, a product developed by Wyeth Nutrition Philippines, contains Nutri-Life Plus, which is a balanced source of 28 essential nutrients for immunity, strength, and heart health. It contains whey and soy protein that is a good source of amino acids needed by the body, which is easily absorbed to support muscle synthesis. Enercal Plus also contains vitamins A, C, and E to support the immune system, calcium and vitamin D for bone strength, and has 0g transfat for a healthy heart.

So listen to your body and do not ignore its cry for help! Start on ways to improve your health right now! For more details, photos & updates, visit facebook.com/EnercalPlusPH

Makati After Dark - Halloween’s Biggest Street Festival

Happy Halloween!

I really love my job. That’s why I work hard on weekdays. And before the month ends I will make sure to keep a work life balance by joining a Halloween event. Makati After Dark is something to look forward because it sounds fun and interesting. I'd like to run with the zombies.

Halloween’s Biggest Street Festival

On October 31, Halloween night, hordes of the undead will rise and party with the living as J.R. Usi Presents-- MAKATI AFTER DARK: RUN & SURVIVE HALLOWFEST-- the grandest and most exciting Halloween party of the year.

With 3,000 zombies in a “FANTASY RUN” designed and directed to feel like a movie set, the run promises to give participants the most thrilling experience right at the heart of Makati’s financial business district.

Coinciding with the FANTASY RUN is an ALL-NIGHT STREET FESTIVAL adjacent to the race course featuring several TOP LOCAL BANDS, DJ’s, CAR SHOW, GTMACCON PINOY KOMIKS and COSPLAYERS CONVENTION, MERCATO CENTRALE FOOD FEST, and several other side pocket events to keep you up ‘til sunrise!

The Halloween Fest has already received the endorsement of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay as well as the Makati Tourism Office. “MAKATI AFTER DARK is an event that can greatly help promote Makati as a top events destination that will attract more local and foreign visitors to the city.”

On his part, promoter J.R. Usi said, “Makati, has always been the preferred venue for pioneering events, whether its fashion, food, arts and culture—and even for some advocacy and political rallies—making it the perfect place to launch our “After Dark” series.”

Beyond the festivities, however, the underlying advocacy of Makati After Dark is to gather funds for the displaced families affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol and Cebu. “We’ve all seen the damage and how the calamity has affected its residents, especially the children that is why we will be donating part of the proceeds in the relief efforts, we hope this would greatly help them recover and return to their normal lives,” Usi explained.

CONCERT PERFORMERS

Headlining the bands that will be performing at MAKATI AFTER DARK are CALLALILY, SANDWICH, 6CYCLEMIND, CHICOSCI, GRACENOTE, MOONSTAR 88, and several other surprise guests—each one promising to perform their biggest hits and newest songs.

In addition, a separate DJ setup will also be in place for those who’d rather dance the night away with other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance and join in the festivities.

HALLOWEEN “FIESTAVAL”

Foodies are also in for a treat as MERCATO CENTRALE will be holding one of its biggest Food Bazaars at the venue and will offer party goers a wide array of choices that will satisfy all your cravings.

See coolest and sleekest cars in a special CAR SHOW that will showcase some of the most pimped out rides, exotic cars and numerous high-end custom cars.

Kicking off the festivities will be GTMACCON 3 Pre-Event where Pinoy Komiks artists and Pinoy Komiks Cosplayers can meet and interact with their fans.

Other side events include Zombie Movie Marathons, street performers such magicians, stilt-walkers, mimes, fire breathers, dancers, exciting LAN Games and many more.

Visit www.makatiafterdark.com for more information and sign up either as part of the Human Survivors or be among Zombie Horde. Registration Fee of Php1,000 includes souvenir event shirt, race bib, life belt, swag bag with Halloween treats, event wrist tag, and access to Hallow Fest event grounds. Registration centers are located at TOBYS ARENA GLORIETTA 2, TOBYS ARENA SM MOA, TOBYS SPORTS SHANGRI-LA MALL, and RUNNR TRINOMA. For non-runners entrance to the Festival Grounds, concerts and Hallow Fest is only P500. Tickets are now available at Ticketworld Outlets and at the venue.

Like Facebook.com/makatiafterdark. Follow them on Twitter @makatiafterdark and share your photos on Instagram: makatiafterdark and use the hashtag #makatiafterdark

I Work Hard...Play Harder

I really love my job. That’s why I work hard on weekdays.

From Monday to Friday, it’s grind time. But I’m not a machine, I’m human. So on weekdays, that’s the time I relax and unwind. I live for those 48 hours of playing hard. In fact last weekend, I made the most of those two days. Here’s how I spent those precious 48 hours.

Last Saturday morning, I woke up and went straight to Forbeswood Heights swimming pool. I did a couple of laps on the water to improve my cardiovascular strength. After finishing the last lap with butterfly strokes, I got off the pool, showered and went back home. At home I had a power breakfast and rested to prepare myself for a yoga session in the afternoon.

In the afternoon, I drove to the Options Studio for Yoga Pilates sessions. Options Studio in RCBC is definitely a place to relax and revitalize. It’s the best place to do yoga. The place is a sanitary heaven and the people there are nice and friendly. So after an hour set of Pilates exercise with Teacher Joella Bustamante, I felt rejuvenated and perhaps even stronger.

Wheatgrass C.A.N. Christmas Gift Pack

The FAMILY PACK X'mas gift pack only at P2,013 (promo price). All these are FDA-approved - - wheatgrass pure (powder), honey-flavored wheatgrass (powder), Skywheat Wheatgrass Plus (best food for the heart), ready-to-drink wheatgrass beverage. Order na kayo para sa pamilya, kaibigan at ka-upisina. For more details, call or text Carl Valenzona at 0917-5693279 & 0918-9512008.

Easy Pha-max wheatgrass For a Healthier You

Worried about gym fees? Weeelll, run or jog sa neighborhood mo, if you're looking for effective weight-bearing exercise(s). Good for strengthening leg muscles and bones -- pang-counter osteoporosis as the years go by. For beginners at saka yung mga sobrang taba, go slow then build up in your next running moment. 

Drinking Easy Pha-max wheatgrass juice before and after gives you energy.