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I have not been out much lately, what with motherhood taking much of my time. But when I do get the chance to go for a motorcycle ride, I’m afraid that it has not been much of a pleasant experience. I’ve ranted on how the pollution levels have gone up in the city in one of my previous columns, but it seems that it has gone up noticeably more since the last time I wrote about it. Smoke belching from all sorts of vehicles has become a very horrific reality in this city! Dilapidated and the not-so-dilapidated motorcycles, tricycles, cars and buses proudly give off thick, dark gaseous emissions that are a surefire way to breathing hell. It is fast becoming apparent that Dumaguete has an air pollution problem and something has to be done about it before it spirals out of control and we go the way of Manila, our very urban sister. Moreover, this problem has to be addressed because majority of our population either walk or ride motorcycles or tricycles which offer no protection against the onslaught of contaminated air.

To make things more concrete, let’s look at some pertinent data given by the Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia: 1) Mobile sources principally the automobile is considered the “greatest source of emissions.” 2) There are more deaths worldwide due to air pollution than to automobile accidents. 3) Exposure to too much air pollution is a leading cause of deaths the world over. The website Greenfacts (www.greenfacts.org) also offers a lot relevant information that we ought to consider in our quest for cleaner air: Quoting from a World Health Organization study, the site tells us that exposure to nitrogen dioxide—the main source of which is vehicular traffic—brings with it accompanying health hazards which range from mere cough to asthma to a decrease in lung function and an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, especially in children.

In addition to nitrogen oxide, suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide—emitting pollutants found in combustion engines of transport vehicles also impact public health in more negative ways. Carbon monoxide lessens the amount of blood that enters our body, thus impairing brain and cardiovascular functions “slowing our reflexes” and “making us confused and sleepy.” Sulphur dioxide in the air leads to lung diseases and disorders which include among others “wheezing and shortness of breath.” “Suspended particulate matter consists of dust, fumes, mist and smoke… [which] when breathed in lodge in our lung tissues and cause lung damage and respiratory problems.” (Source: http://edugreen.teri.res.in)

Whether we like it or not, Dumaguetenos need to realize that our city is growing. More people translates to more vehicles which translates to more pollution which when allowed to go unchecked translates to all sorts of health problems for everyone. Is there a city ordinance on smoke belching? If there is, then it should be enforced. The necessary penalties ought to be imposed on those who violate it. If no such ordinance exists, then those in legislation ought to do their jobs and legislate one. As for the rest of us, let’s be responsible enough to check our vehicles and have them repaired when necessary and get them tuned up regularly. And when we can walk to where we need to go, then there’s no reason to crank up the motor, right? We not only save on gasoline, we get to exercise too.

It’s time we really step up the campaign for cleaner air and take concrete steps to address it. Let’s go gentle on our air and reap the benefits of better health—for us and our children.

They’ve been featured on Fox and now, Zenni Optical has also been cited on the New York Times. In an article entitled “Seeing Straight Without Breaking the Bank,” Lesley Alderman writes 9 tips on how one can save precious dollars on eye care these days. Helpful advise include, among others, is to tell your eye doctor that cost matters to you, to get a copy of your prescription, and to shop around for prices of frames. And Zenni Optical, with eyeglasses that cost as low as $8 was one of those mentioned as having one of the most affordable prices in the market today.

ZenniOptical is an online marketplace for those who want to shop for quality yet way cheaper alternatives for their eyeglasses. They have a variety of lenses to choose from at prices that suit each of your budgets- aluminum alloy frames, bendable titanium frames and children’s frames, among others. One of my personal favorites (whose picture appears below) is a rimless, flexible, multiple wire hinged frame that can come in blue, silver, grey or black with a burgundy center. It costs about $35, and its modern design suits my personality just right.

So for sleek, stylish yet durable eyeglasses that suit your budget in these economically challenging times, check out ZenniOptical for hundreds of other design options to choose from.

Detoxification. That’s the buzz word for clean living today. Meditation, exercise and adequate intake of water and healthful foods that enable us to make daily trips to the bathroom are all forms of cleansing that reinvigorate and reenergize us. However, let’s face it: The stresses of everyday life and the busy lifestyles that we all lead make detoxification a continuous challenge for us. It’s next to impossible to shun fastfood that are full of grease and unhealthy additives with our hectic schedules. As a result, our colons suffer and if this neglect goes on for a long period of time, then disease and illness sets in.

Thankfully, products like the Colon Cleanser is available in the market to aid healthy bowel movements. Formulas like Dual Action Cleanse purifies your system and reduces the toxic load of the liver and kidneys while unclogging the residue and dirt that are built up in your colon. Their formula is blended from natural herbs that eliminate toxins so you feel light and healthy.

To detoxify now, visit the link above for more information.

A smile always breaks barriers. Whenever I meet someone who gives me a friendly nod and a genuine smile, I feel uplifted, even if only for a time. It is truly a common gift shared by the whole of humanity. However, when our pearly whites aren’t as pearly as they ought to be, smiling can be such an effort. Thankfully, you don’t have to keep hiding behind a fan or a handkerchief any longer. Revolutionary products that whiten not-so-bright teeth are already available for use. They range from laser whitening done under the expert hands of a dentist and home treatments which we can do ourselves like teeth whitening gels and strips.

Celebrity Sexy White is one such product that help correct stained teeth, giving one that much sought-after celebrity smile. Used with a well-thought out dental plan, this product can help whiten teeth in about a month, according to one user. It’s also easily applied. One thus emerges from treatment with that winning smile.

To start your journey to pearlier whites today, just click on the link above.

I have been feeling pain and extreme numbness in my left arm lately. The lingering pain that starts from my shoulder, goes down to my elbow and to my fingers have awakened me every night for the past two months. If I wasn’t a cancer survivor, I’d probably think that it’s due to the cold or to the washing that I do every morning or attribute it to other chores. Unfortunately, other things like bone metastases of my existing carcinoma come into the picture in light of my status as a Big C champion (yes, I’d like to believe that I have won over this illness; positive thinking yields positive results , after all). Yes, a recurrence is always a possibility with cancer.

But no matter. Life goes on, and whatever the medical outcomes may be, I trust in the good Lord’s provisions. I know He won’t leave me alone with all my doubts and uncertainties, and yes, to a point, my insecurities as well. My arms might feel numb but my heart is burning with fervor- a faith that feels deep to the core of my bones that somehow, everything will be all right.

Beauty is a gift. But how one defines beauty is a matter of values. Whether being beautiful means having long blond hair, an aristocratic nose or deep-set eyes or whether it means the gem that emanates from a kind and pure soul is simply an individual choice. The old adage “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder” still holds true as well. More important, being beautiful on the outside and the inside should be a matter of personal preference. I believe that no one- not even media or popular icons today- should dictate the standard of beauty.

Thus, if you feel that you want to improve certain aspects of your personality in order to feel more beautiful, then that’s entirely up to you. And one of the ways to make yourself look and feel amazing is through cosmetic surgery at MYA, headed by John Ryan and his most elite team of cosmetic surgeons. They offer, among others, breast enlargements. More commonly known as ‘boob jobs,’ these are a simple procedures intended to create larger and well-shaped breasts. Breast augmentation is an hour-long cosmetic option for those who feel less-than-beautiful with their naturally small or sagging breasts.

With over 25 years of cosmetic surgery experience, MYA assures their clients that they are in the most skilled of hands. They also provide an extensive aftercare service to guide their patients on the road to recovery. Click on the link above to learn more about MYA and their services.

We accumulate toxins in our bodies everyday. As we move farther away from what is natural, and gravitate towards what is synthetic and man-made, we expose ourselves to its harmful effects and ultimately put our health in peril. The food we eat, for instance, can make or break us. If we constantly ingest processed and packed food stuffs, undigested matter can clog up our digestive tract which, if not checked, could later on cause illness. I should know. Before I got diagnosed with the Big C, I couldn’t move my bowel for four days, whereas before I used to go at least once a day.

Body Detox thus becomes essential to health and well-being in this day and age when we are constantly bombarded with hazardous substances. One product that I’ve encountered which could help in cleansing unwanted waste in our colon is Dual-Action Cleanse. Their Colon Clear Formula, Total Body Purifier and Dual-Action Maximizer is a blend of fibers and herbs that promote 2-3 bowel movements per day, thus ridding the body of toxins and promoting overall health. With more consistent bathroom trips everyday, Dual-Action Cleanse products claim to give their users more energy and a trimmer figure.

So, if you’re interested to “start living a new healthy lifestyle today” click on the link above to learn more about this fresh and innovative product.

Every year, I make it a habit to craft a new set of new year resolutions. At the end of each year, too, I end up going back to my old habits and not fulfilling most of what I resolved to do at the beginning of the year. This year, I decided to change tactics and instead of having resolutions, I decided that I’d welcome 2009 with more positive vibes by making my own mantra and repeating it with as much conviction and fervor as humanly possible. Alternative health and wellness gurus teach that mantras reach the subconscious where majority of our brain’s potential lies untapped. It is up to us to stimulate that and derive its immense benefits. Well, there’s no harm in trying, is there? So I’ve decided that there are three things that I really need most in my life right now: health, wealth and happiness, and I’ve crafted my mantra to welcome these into my life.

“Health, wealth and happiness is pouring into my life.”  This is my mantra for 2009, and I’m praying that it bring forth all the positive energies into my life. So, if having new year’s resolutions don’t work for you

Year 2009 has finally arrived. While we acknowledge that the world has grown more technologically advanced than ever before, the challenges and difficulties of modern-day lifestyle has necessitated a paradigm shift: A lot of people are “going back to basics.” For some, this means simplifying, taking out the clutter that stresses us no end. For others, this means going back to nature, especially where treating diseases are concerned.

Forces of Nature (http://www.forces-of-nature.net) is a website that offers natural medicinal formulas for various conditions. From simple acne treatments to soap for hemorrhoids to Genital Warts formulas, Forces of Nature lays claim to 100% natural certified organic treatments. The company, headed by Peter Klapper, had its beginnings working as volunteer for Action Agains Famine where they were able to collaborate with doctors and scientists as they visited exotic locations and studied and learned of natural cures. Their products use essential oils and plant extracts which they claim “consistently demonstrate to be stronger, more effective, and much safer, when treating viruses, bacteria and fungus than any chemically derived drug.” Believing that everything we need to protect us from disease- or cure us from them- is essentially found in nature, the company offers only products that are grown without herbicides or perticides in farms away from pollution sources.

Natural healing is just a click away. For a detailed information on their products as well as product testimonials, just visit their website.

I love the outdoors. Before I got sick with the Big C, I used to enjoy hiking, swimming, and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells that communing with nature brings. I immensely enjoyed my work as a research assistant for a sustainability research project back when I was still a fresh college graduate since it enabled me to explore places that were off the beaten track. While savoring the good and bad experiences that it brought, I learned lessons along the way that I still hold dear until now.

While loving the outdoors has its share of fun, it’s also important to keep one’s safety in mind. Having the right adventure gear is essential to a great outdoors experience. Ensuring that you have the right equipment not only prevents mishaps, it’s also vital if one wants to make the most of the adventure- whether on sea, or on high ground.

Sierra Adventure Gear (www.sierraadventuregear.com) offers a variety of products for those who love the outdoors. From bags and backpacks to emergency tools to GPS, they have the stuff for those who love to trek, camp, swim and climb. One hot find in this online haven for those who want to get out there is the Luminox Watch which they sell for a far cheaper price than other stores. You can also browse by brand in their easy-to-navigate website.

So before you get down and dirty, make sure you have all the right gear. Check out Sierra Adventure Gear before you head out.

I grew up in Dumaguete, the City of Gentle People. When I was in elementary, I remember calesas (horse-drawn carriages) trekking the city streets. Back then, only single motorcycles and pedicabs ruled the streets, and traffic jams were unheard of. You could get from one place to another in less than five minutes with your hair and breath intact.

Yet now, there’s actually traffic here! People actually have to stop their vehicles and wait in line in one long snake-line before being able to get where they want to go. And the belching? It’s gone worse! To further aggravate the situation, our streets are still the same narrow ones from long ago.

Perhaps the increase in the city’s population have worsened matters. But, if Dumaguetenos could adapt to healthier lifestyles- e.g. walking instead of riding, leaving their vehicles at home when they could take public transportation, making sure that their vehicles don’t belch- then the traffic situation in the city along with the pollution problem it brings wouldn’t be as bad as it has become today. If our city officials would go as far as implementing the coding system just to ease traffic, then things would certainly have gone downhill. God forbid!

The last two months of this year was a showcase of ill health for myself and my two year old baby girl. In November, she was admitted in the hospital for intestinal amoebiasis. It was a rough time for everyone in the family. Amazingly, though, Carmela braved two separate intravenous insertions on both her tiny hands since the IV line got dislodged and had to be reinserted. Doctors and nurses commended her for being a “good girl” everytime she would obediently lie still or sit still or drink her medicine dutifully. The only time she cried was when a nursing aide (who probably had good intentions but had little sense) performed “flushing” on her IV line to get the bubbles out but ended up creating more bubbles and a lengthy backflow of blood. It was a horrendous experience which we had to report to the chief nurse of the hospital.

I also had a severe bout of asthma and just when I was getting better, well what would you know, Carmela again had to contend with bacterial pnemonia (and I thought her pneumo immunization was enough protection). Thankfully, we were able to manage it at home, and now she’s all right.

These successive bouts of illnesses left us crippled financially and drained us emotionally. And yet, despite all these challenges, I am still thankful that now, we are healthy. Christmas is a time for good cheer, after all, and these trials in our lives only serve to remind us that God is constantly present in our lives.

Here’s a toast to good health for this year and the years to come!

Eyewear, whether it’s prescription or fashion, has to be great. In all aspects, that is. Because eyeglasses are an extension of one’s personality- they can either make or break your look- it is important to have one that fits. The problem with the “perfect” glasses is that most of the time, they cost way too much. And, with the rising cost of everything these days, splurging on eyewear just isn’t practical. Or so we thought.

Optical4Less is an eyeglass wholesaler and retailer based in Asia, primarily in Hongkong, that offers affordable eyeglasses, tinted sunglasses, bifocal reading glasses, progressive reading glasses and photochromic sunglasses online. From as low as $15 U.S., you can get quality prescription eyewear. They have a huge variety of frames to choose from: alloy frames at $29 U.S., rimless frames at $39 U.S., and would you believe it, bendable titanium frames that return to its original shape even after it is bent at only $59 U.S. They ship internationally for free if you order more than one pair. Plus, your orders include for free such features as anti-reflective coating, UV protection coating and a hard case, among others.

Click on eyeglasses to view their products.

As one who has survived cancer, I understand the importance of detoxification. Getting rid of unwanted toxins in our system is one important factor in staying fit and healthy. In this day and age, cleansing our physical body is just as important as keeping our minds healthy.

One of the novel ways by which detoxification can be achieved is through the Infrared Sauna. Developed by MidWest Saunas owned by Dr. Stuart and Barb Hoover, the far infrared sauna uses Carbon Wave 360 panels which distributes heat more efficiently. At a temperature that operates between 60 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the infrared sauna enables one to endure longer therapy sessions that lead to more sweat production. Benefits include relief from pain and rheumatoid arthritis, weight loss, cardiovascular health, skin beautification, tissue elasticity and stress relief and relaxation, just to mention a few.

Follow the links in this post to learn more about this revolutionary product.

If one is to survive the Big C, I believe that a major change in both attitude and diet is required. I was heavily into sweets, processed and fastfood from the time I was in high school, and by the time I joined the workforce, chocolates, burgers, noodles and sodas became my food staples. Leafy greens never had any place in my food regimen before, despite knowing what its health benefits were.

But it was even more challenging to slow my pace down, and let go and let things be. It was easier to just succumb to the illness instead. However, being pregnant and later on, bearing a child, became my inspiration to go on- to have and maintain a positive attitude that I will be all right so that I can still rear my daughter. And I’m truly thankful to the Almighty for giving me another lease on life to do just that.

Eating healthy, thinking positively, praying ceaselessly and loving endlessly, of course- these are keys to beating the Big C.

When I got diagnosed with cancer sometime ago, the idea of stem cells was a fairly new one. In fact, information about it was not as widespread as it is now. Moreover, it was a very expensive option and a risky one at that since harvesting stem cells required invasive procedures. Bottomline, it wasn’t easily accessible to everyone.

I’ve already written about the revolutionary stem cell research and technology by Cryo-Cell in this blog. They offer women a non-invasive process of collecting stem cells from their menstrual blood right in the privacy of their homes. These are then processed and preserved for medical, cosmetic or other cellular therapies in the future. While research and clinical trials for this technology is still underway, preliminary studies have demonstrated that menstrual stem cells “are a novel cell population that may be routinely and safely isolated and provide renewable source of stem cells from child-bearing women,” according to Julie Allickson, Ph.D. of Cryo-Cell International. An April 14, 2008 report by the company also found out that menstrual cells are “stromal cells, meaning they have the capability to differentiate into important cells, such as bone, cartilage, fat, nerve and cardiogenic cells. The study also found out that the cells divided rapidly and plentifully, indicating a possible therapeutic value.” More exciting is the preliminary finding that indicates that aside from the donor, stem cells may also benefit other familiy members who are genetically related to her. This new technology thus empowers women in more ways than one, allowing her to take control of her health and her future.

With this, C’elle is now holding a for a limited time, the “Caring is Sharing” promo. “A woman can purchase C’elle for herself and give a meaningful gift of life to her best friend, sister or loved one for free. To purchase C’elle online go to www.Celle.com and use special promotion code: 241.”

Click on C’elle Client Testimonial to learn more about this exciting health innovation.

It’s my fourth year of surviving the Big C, and I’ve been feeling quite upbeat physically, emotionally, spiritually. Until yesterday, that is, when the physical side decided to succumb to the common cold. Yep, the common cold had the power to put me to bed and relegate the babysitting of my little girl to other members of the family.

Having a cold really puts a damper on things. Not only do I have to keep on sneezing and clearing my nasal passages, I have to constantly psyche myself to fight the headache and the “down in the dumps” feeling that threatens to engulf my body entirely.

I credit the fact that I’m able to go online to sufficient doses of Vitamin C, calamansi juice, pineapple and kalamunggay as well as the sheer willpower to continue with my normal routine as much as possible. If I can beat the Big C, the common cold ought to be a cinch.

I am now running my fourth year in my battle against cancer. Compared to how I felt in 2005 and 2006 while I was still undergoing my chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, I’m feeling much better, more energized, more alive. I can at least play with and run after my little girl, although I always tire out first; and do a little bit of grocery shopping by myself even if I have to wear a face mask whenever I go out of the house.

But see, the thing with surviving the Big C is that the feeling of “being better” and “being able to do things normally” doesn’t always last. It’s a fickle thing, really. And like cancer, the idea of recurrence becomes a stark reality- the proverbial sword of Damocles turned tangible, palpable, touchable.

I am blessed, I suppose. The tumor that sits on my heart has shown no signs of metastasizing. But it has shown no signs of getting smaller either. Despite my apparently healthy exterior, I can’t go back to teaching or get a regular job because I palpitate at the smallest hint of stress or even at the tiniest bit of bad air and dust that gets into my system. But at least, it’s (my tumor, that is) is on a status quo, and as long as it stays that way, I’m content.

Now, prayer is my armor, and the undying belief that I will get better everyday, my anchor. I have everything to live for, after all- a daughter who still needs me and a husband who loves me wonderfully.

It’s mind over matter, I suppose. As long as my mind tells the rest of my system to be well, then it will. Ever since I got the Big C, I’ve always held on to the idea that the mind is a very powerful tool for healing. It just has to stay on top of things, otherwise, if it succumbs to the disease, then there is little hope of getting better. Sure, it takes a lot of discipline and determination, but putting the mind over matter is well worth it in the end.