Dealing with Grief INSIDE OUT

Holidays and special days have been really tough for me and today is one of those days. 

The past 6 months had been a blur. I am not really sure how I was able to go through with it but here I am still breathing. I am thankful for everyone who cried with me and had been checking on me from time to time. I appreciate you. 

It has been really hard but I am thankful for this special person who shared a secret with me. She said that when the time comes when I have more control over my grief, I will be able to talk to my mom and we will have the same conversation as when she was alive. There is no explanation for this but one will know when that happens. She is just waiting until I am ready. 

I have been praying for my Mama every night but honestly, I haven't really tried talking to her since the day she left. I don't have any good reason why but I guess I wasn't ready to accept that she is now in heaven. Perhaps my mind is still trying to trick me into thinking that she is just on vacation that's why she's not at home. However, since it was her birthday today, I greeted her and talked to her for the first time. I am not sure if it was just my imagination but I felt her holding me again just like in this photo. I cried a river after... 

"Mama, thank you for loving me unconditionally. Your arms were always open when I needed a hug. Your heart understood when I needed a friend. Your gentle eyes were stern when I needed a lesson. Your strength and love has guided me and gave me wings to fly.
 

You may not be here physically but I feel your love everyday and this is why I miss you more.  A lot of people have been telling me to stop crying because you won't be happy seeing me this way but I just really miss you. 

How I wish I was ordering your birthday cake and lechon today instead of the flowers and candles I bought for you.

Happy Birthday in Heaven, Mama! 

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Dealing with grief has been a rollercoaster ride. There are days that you feel that you feeling a little bit okay and there are days that it slaps you hard that you are back on the bottom so low. 

We watched the movie INSIDE OUT 2 today and I am hoping that it can help me process my emotions since they have really been overwhelming. So far, here are my takeaways from the movie. 

1. Anxiety is there to protect ourselves but it can be destructive if not managed well. 

I know I have been anxious about losing my loved ones and it's actually starting to take a toll on our lives. This is something that I need to work on. 

2. The good and bad make who we are. We should never push back all the negative emotions and try to forget them. 

There are times that I have been in denial or I just want to forget everything that had happened but I know that there is a greater reason why we have to experience this. 

3. Despite what we go through, we should never lose ourselves. 

I have been starting to lose interest in the things I love. I  have been neglecting all my plans. It seems that nothing excites me anymore.  I realized that no matter how long it takes, I need to find myself again. 

4. When you are anxious about the future, think about the present. 

This one is self-explanatory but this reminds us not to let the fear of the future stop us from living at all. 

5. Happiness is a Choice. 

Remember the scene towards the end of the movie where gold particles were navigating towards Joy. That was Riley choosing to be happy. We have the choice to be happy despite all the problems, challenges, and pain that we have.

We owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to try to live a good life and be happy. 

The Truth Behind Misconceptions on Generic Medicine

When it comes to therapeutics, Filipinos have many misconceptions surrounding generic medicines. According to a survey, more than 70% of Filipino respondents prefer branded medicines while only 15% prefer generic drugs. This study also found that only 7% of the participants know the correct definition of “generic drug” and almost half or 48% believe that generic medicines are less effective than branded medicines.

A homegrown heritage brand and a pioneer in the generics industry, RHEA Generics’ goal has been to empower Filipinos to prioritize their health and wellness within their means. Furthermore, the company advocates the use of relatively affordable medicines that could help Filipinos prevent illnesses or boost their immunity as much as branded medicines could.

With this, here are some of the top misconceptions about generic medicines debunked by RHEA Generics:

THE MYTH: Generic medicines are not as effective as branded medicine

The TRUTH: Generic medicines are as effective as branded medicines because both use the same active ingredient. The Philippine Law on Generics also known as the Generics Acts of 1988 defines active ingredients as the chemical component of medicines that is responsible for the therapeutic effect of any pharmaceutical product thus, emphasizing that the composition of both generic and branded products are equally potent and efficient.

THE MYTH: Generic Medicines are not safe

The TRUTH: Through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all medicines, whether it is branded or generic, go through a series of inspections and approval processes, usually taking around 60 days up to six months, to assure that these drugs are safe and of the highest quality.

Likewise, the FDA regularly ensures that pharmaceutical products and establishments in the market comply with high-quality standards with good manufacturing practices. Through the post-marketing surveillance, FDA inspects drug establishments verifying that all products are FDA-registered and safe for consumption.

As a trusted Filipino medicine brand, RHEA Generics also goes through the same rigorous process to assure that all medicines distributed are safe and of world-class quality.

THE MYTH: Generic Medicines are sold at a low price because it is low-quality

The TRUTH: Generic medicines are cheaper since these drugs are distributed without patent protection making them much cheaper than branded medicines. Patent protection provides an exclusive right for the distribution of a certain product. This simply means that generic drugs are based on a developed branded medicine whose patent protection rights have expired thus, cutting a huge cost in developing and marketing new medicines.

In a report by the Department of Health, it was revealed that 99% of Filipinos refuse to buy their prescription medicines because of their expensive price with 71% allotting less than P1,000 for their monthly medical supplies.

With the goal to help Filipinos attain affordable healthcare, RHEA Generics provides world-class quality and safe health products. 

RHEA Generics has partnered with some of the world’s best pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Viatris, Sanofi, GSK, Otsuka, Merck, Fresenius Kabi, AstraZeneca, OEP, Lundbeck and Boehringer Ingelheim to assure world-class-quality medical products for every Filipino.

There are many other misconceptions about generic medicines that we still believe today but we definitely can’t risk our health because of it. When in doubt, we encourage you to seek medical professional health to ensure proper diagnosis and medication.

To know more and purchase RHEA Generics medicines, visit the nearest Mercury Drug store near you.

8 Health Essentials That You Need To Have This Summer

Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to make plans with loved ones to enjoy the great outdoors. A day spent outside the home is fun, but the intense heat can affect anyone’s health.

Watsons encourages families to stock up on health essentials that can help combat the harmful effects of sun exposure and high temperatures. With over 60 million people affected by El Niño, there is a high chance of disease outbreaks. This also causes heat stress and respiratory diseases, among a wide range of health problems.

Since prevention is better than cure, here are the must-haves that the leading health and beauty retailer recommends:

Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects the skin and helps prevent sunburn and premature aging, and more alarming conditions like skin cancer.

When looking for sunscreen, it’s important to choose broad-spectrum products that protect the skin from both the Ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays of the sun. Another consideration is the sun protection factor or SPF. This is a number that tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays will turn the skin red after applying sunscreen. Minimal exposure to the sun needs an SPF of 15 or higher, while longer time spent outdoors needs at least 30. It is recommended to use sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors and to reapply every two hours.

Facial mist

Complement sunscreen with a generous spritz of facial mist. This product serves a dual purpose: it hydrates the skin and helps it absorb other products like serums and moisturizers. Facial mists have other benefits depending on the ingredients. Some have essential oils for aromatherapy, while others have antioxidants.

Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals that damage the cells. It also controls infections and heals wounds. The vitamin plays an important role this summer: when used as a serum, it can hydrate and brighten the skin, protect against sun damage, and promote collagen production to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that reduces damage caused by free radicals. It’s also an essential vitamin during the summer because it cares for the skin and hair. Vitamin E creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture. Additionally, it supports the scalp and adds shine to hair.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that helps make the heart, bones, muscles, and nerves operate at their best. It even regulates body temperature. Thankfully, the mineral is available as a supplement that can be easily bought at health stores.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that helps the immune system. It aids in wound healing, blood clotting, and the optimal functioning of the thyroid. A shortage of zinc may lead to pneumonia, skin changes, and even hair loss. The heat can damage hair so a zinc supplement may help address that.

Collagen

Collagen is a type of protein that helps cells grow, provides a protective layer for organs, and gives elasticity to the skin. It’s also available as oral and topical products that help with signs of aging such as wrinkles and dehydration. These can be caused by the summer heat so it’s advisable to take collagen this summer.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant that fights off oxidative stress, which may lead to diseases like diabetes and cancer. Its oral and topical supplements may help lighten dark spots and free radical damage to the skin caused by the sun.

All these health essentials are available at Watsons. The global brand in health and beauty retail offers a complete and wide range of vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter or prescription medicines, personal care products, and other essentials in its network of 1,000+ stores in the Philippines.

Watsons makes the shopping experience more convenient with its added services. Customers can choose Click & Collect Express, where they can purchase online and pick up their orders from their selected store in 30 minutes or less. They may also try the Home Delivery Express, which delivers orders right to their doorstep within three hours.

“Filipinos are making the most out of the summer by spending more time outdoors or traveling. The right health products can help them ease their worries so they can focus on celebrating and enjoying the season. Let Watsons remove the burden of shopping by visiting our wide network of stores and availing of Click & Collect Express and Home Delivery Express,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Customer Director. 

RHEA Generics Shares Practical Tips to Avoid Silent Heart Risks

In a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) – or diseases of the heart and blood vessels – are responsible for more than 30% of deaths in the Philippines in 2021. Often referred to as ‘silent killer’, these are diseases that cause minimal or no symptoms and are capable of causing death if not treated, such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Most people are not even aware that they have it consequently, and do not know how to protect themselves against it.

Now, more than ever, actions must be taken to prevent these silent killers, and understanding how to take care of our hearts' health can be the first step. RHEA Generics, one of the Philippines’ most trusted names in the field of generic medicine, shares some healthy lifestyle changes that will improve your heart health:

Stay away from tobacco

Chemicals in cigarette smoke cause the cells that line blood vessels to swell and inflame which can narrow the blood vessels and lead to various cardiovascular conditions. One of the effective ways to live a heart disease-free and healthy lifestyle is to stop smoking or using smokeless tobacco. RHEA Generics suggests that even if you’re not a smoker, you need to veer away from secondhand smoke. After a year of quitting, the risk of heart disease is about half that of a smoker. Fifteen years after quitting, the risk of heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker.

Prevent alcohol use

According to the WHO, alcohol consumption has been linked to more than 200 diseases and injury conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. While most Filipinos report their alcohol drinking occasionally, binge drinking is common in the country. There is no safe level for drinking alcohol, so RHEA Generics recommends that it is better to avoid drinking alcohol altogether to protect your heart.

Keep a healthy weight

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) mentioned that 28.7% of Filipino adults aged 20 to 59 years old are overweight while 9.3% are obese. Being overweight — especially around the middle of the body — increases the risk of heart disease. Excess weight can lead to conditions that increase the chances of developing heart disease — including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. With this, RHEA Generics emphasizes stress reduction, healthy eating, exercise, and regular exercise.

Be active by increasing physical activities

Improved levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids, as well as improved blood pressure and weight management, are all benefits of physical activity. RHEA Generics recommends that even as part of their regular daily routines, inactive adults might begin with small amounts of physical activity and gradually increase its duration, frequency, and intensity. Adults are advised to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical exercise each week (such as brisk walking, stair climbing, dancing, gardening, or household chores that may cause a mild increase in heart rate).

Get regular health screenings

Normal blood pressure and blood sugar check by a health professional are crucial in maintaining a healthy heart. Some people do not exhibit symptoms even if they already have high blood pressure – and it can hurt your heart. RHEA Generics encourages discussing any behavioral concerns with your healthcare provider, such as an unhealthy diet, a lack of exercise, or the use of alcohol or tobacco, so they can help you plan the lifestyle changes you need to make to improve your heart health.

Eat a heart-healthy diet

One's risk of developing heart disease can be minimized by consuming a balanced diet that prioritizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean proteins while limiting saturated and trans fats, added sweets, and sodium. That said, RHEA Generics promotes eating healthy by avoiding the consumption of processed, canned, and fast food. Replace sweetened snacks such as doughnuts, cookies, and the like with fresh fruit and vegetables and if thirsty, substitute sweetened beverage sodas and sweetened juices with water.

However, access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life often comes at a high cost.

On top of this, most basic healthcare services are sometimes inaccessible and expensive. In fact, 99 percent of Filipinos are unable to buy prescription medications due to their price, according to the Ulat ng Bayan September report of Pulse Asia released by the DOH.

To help Filipinos attain affordable healthcare, RHEA Generics remains accessible and affordable without compromising its world-class quality and safe health products.

“Every Filipino has the right to accessible quality health care which is why we at RHEA Generics make sure that our products remain affordable. We continue to innovate and improve our product to reach every Filipino family,” said Philusa Corporation President and General Manager Neogin Evangelista.

RHEA Generics recently partnered with international pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Sanofi to ensure that Filipinos have access to medicines, especially for hypertension, heart attack, and stroke prevention assuring every Filipino that their partner in healthcare is associated with reliable medical professionals around the world.

To know more, you can drop by the nearest Mercury Drug store near you. Always make sure to only purchase medicine with a doctor’s prescription, as medicine taken without one can be harmful.

How To Choose The Best OTC Cough Medicine

For many people, coughing is one of the most annoying symptoms of a cold or flu. Naturally, we seek relief to end our discomfort and feel better. But which over-the-counter medications are the most effective? This short guide explains what you need to know about colds, flu, and coughing. You'll also learn about options in homeopathy medicine for dry cough.

Why We Cough When We're Sick

You may be surprised to learn that coughing does have a purpose. Its primary job is kicking out foreign invaders. Our central nervous system triggers the coughing reflex when it detects unwanted stuff in our airways — stuff like smoke, dust, pollen, food particles, and excess mucus.

When nerves in our airways detect foreign bodies, they send signals up the vagus nerve to the brain stem, which then signals back down the vagus nerve to activate the diaphragm and muscles near the ribs. Those muscles contract, the lungs fill will air and the epiglottis closes. Once the pressure in the lungs is at its highest point, the epiglottis reopens. That built-up air exits through the airways and the mouth, taking the foreign bodies out with it.

Consider Your Symptoms

Symptoms don't occur without causes, especially with upper respiratory infections. Coughing is meant to protect us from foreign invaders, including viruses and bacteria. These pathogens are extremely small, some measuring less than 0.1 microns in diameter. So, how does coughing help? Well, it's not coughing alone that does the job: Coughing plus mucus equals an eviction notice for viruses and bacteria.

Our immune systems prompt our bodies to produce more mucus in the upper respiratory tract, effectively sweeping up pathogens in a sticky tide of water, salt, proteins, lipids and loose DNA. Wet coughing expels all this mucus plus the microbes trapped inside. By comparison, dry coughing results from irritation in the airways. Wet coughing is productive: Dry coughing is not.

As you browse through cough pills online, you'll want to keep your symptoms in mind. Unproductive dry coughing can be addressed with a cough suppressant plus an antihistamine to calm overactive immune system responses. If coughing isn't the only reason for your discomfort, a multisymptom medication may be your best bet. Besides coughing, they also target congestion, running noses, watery eyes and body aches.

Understanding Labels

Checking out medication labels is always a good thing, especially with cough suppressant drugs. Traditional over-the-counter medications contain compounds like dextromethorphan, a common cough suppressant, and guaifenesin, an expectorant that thins and breaks up mucus. However, some of these come with side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and stomach upset. Other compounds, such as the vasoconstricting decongestant pseudoephedrine, aren't recommended for people with chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Fortunately, alternatives to standard OTC meds can provide symptom relief without side effects. Some contain botanicals like echinacea and eucalyptus to target symptoms and boost immunity. Others, like Cough Control from Brillia Health, use antibodies to substances our bodies manufacture. Cough Control includes antibodies to bradykinin and histamines, two chemicals that can trigger coughing and chest congestion. Targeting these substances not only reduces symptoms, but they can also speed up recovery.

Stop Being Anxious About the Small Things

I have been worried about missing the bus or being late to work.

I have been worried about losing my cell phone or simply misplacing my keys.

I have been worried about forgetting to return a call or failing to reply to an email.

I have been worried about missing a deadline.

I have been worried whenever I had to decline a request no matter how valid the reason is.

I have been worried that I do not meet other people's expectations or that others wouldn't like me.

I have been worried about what other people might say and many times I stop myself from doing what I want.

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, nervousness, and inability to relax.

I know that feeling anxious is normal and that I was dealing with it okay.

However, the past few weeks allowed me to experience a different kind of anxiety. The fear of losing a loved one is such a dreadful feeling. Seeing them sick each day is just awful and worse, there is nothing you can do about it. It's heartbreaking. The fear was real.

This experience made me realize that I have been anxious about so many little things in life when in fact, these are just material things or temporary concerns that we can fix or change. Petty things as some will call them.

I realized that it is time to go easy on ourselves. Learn to let go of the small, irrelevant concerns that cause you anxiety. Let your efforts be enough. Life doesn't have to be perfect. You don't even have to please everyone.

It is important that we learn to choose our battles because there are far bigger monsters and challenges that we should be worried about.

NOVUHAIR® supports healthy bites for the hair

NOVUHAIR^®, the country’s leading natural hair loss solution, supports the nation in highlighting the importance of a healthy and balanced nutrition amidst the ongoing health crisis. 

NOVUHAIR^® partnered with Chefy Wifey’s Kitchen and cooked up something, literally. Consistent with the brand’s advocacy, the “Food for the Hair” mini-program shall offer four (4) video demo episodes on how to prepare practical, nutritious and easy-to-do meals at home, focusing on ingredients that support healthy hair and prevent hair loss.

The initial episode features VIP Nutrition Coach Michelle Co-Huertas’ Chicken Afritada with Boiled Egg, a Filipino staple recipe loaded with nutrients and vitamins essential in achieving the best hair growth goal.

Chefy Wifey’s Kitchen prepared with TLC 100 packs and donated them to the hospital medical staff of the Philippine General Hospital in the city of Manila.

Try this healthy bite recipe and make happy faces at home: https://bit.ly/2BOnqoU

Discover more at https://bit.ly/3e9N2tv

Why we can't practice too much distancing?

Last March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the coronavirus outbreak known as COVID-19 as a pandemic. The virus has spread to every continent except Antarctica where confirmed cases are rising daily in Africa, America, Europe and Asia. 

This infectious disease is caused by the recently discovered coronavirus and spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It can also spread when a person touches a surface or thing that has the virus on it, then touches his/her eyes, nose, or mouth. 

As of June 17, 2020, there has been a total of 7,914,404 confirmed cases and 434,796 deaths worldwide. While in the Philippines, there has been a total of 27,238 cases and 1,108 deaths recorded.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for or vaccine against COVID-19. Thus, the Department of Health (DOH) continuously advises the public to frequently clean or wash hands, cover cough with a tissue or the bend of the elbow, practice social distancing and minimize any form of social contact. 

The government also ordered the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine where the movement of people is severely restricted, with most only allowed to leave their homes for essential trips such as to buy food or medicine. Group gatherings were not allowed.  Graduation, weddings, and other social events were canceled as well. 

The key was to stay away from others and observe social distancing from others in order to stop the transmission of the virus.  

In our case, my family and I decided to simply stay at home. Work was not an issue since I had been working from home for the past 5 years. 

We also decided to stop going out even for errands. Thus, all our basic needs such as food, groceries, medicine, water, and other necessities are purchased via home delivery. Bills payment and other bank transactions are also done online. 

To be honest, I have been in home quarantine for 150+ days. I was not able to go out since February but I am willing to make this sacrifice since STAYING AT HOME is our biggest contribution in this fight against COVID-19.

Am I okay with it? Yes, I am okay with it since I made this decision voluntarily even before the government-mandated quarantine. However, it won't change the fact that... 

I miss the outside world. 
I miss going out with friends. 
I miss our coffee dates.
I miss eating out with family.
I miss shopping.
I miss being with other people. 

I realized this is why we can't afford to practice too much distancing. 

Humans are social beings. We have the need to interact with each other.  We love to sing, dance, have fun, and attend social gatherings. We prefer the sense of community than isolation. We enjoy a friendly atmosphere. It brings us joy.

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the third level of human needs is social and it involves the feeling of belongingness. We have a strong need for interpersonal relationships that motivates our behavior. 

Thus, social distancing is impossible no matter what the circumstance is. We can instead practice physical distancing but we can never be socially distant from one another. 

This is the primary reason why my husband and I initiated the A.V.E.N.G.E.R.S. project in Negros Occidental. No, it's not about Iron Man, Captain America or the Hulk. Instead, the project stands for Addressing Various Needs and Establishing Security through Network and Group Building using Emerging and available Technologies as Response to Social and Health Crisis (A.V.E.N.G.E.R.S.)

The initiative aims to create an online community or group in response to the health crisis brought about by coronavirus. 

Inspired with what T’Challa/ Black Panther said “In times of crisis, the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we are one single tribe.”

In our case, we created a community called Bacolod Food Supply and Sources

Today, we have over 7k+ members and through the project, we can look after our fellow Negrense. We share information on where we can source of basic needs. We support local sellers and businesses. We share food ideas and recipes. We give tips and advice that can be helpful in the current times.  We have a sense of community and belongingness. 

Here are some of the feedback from our community members:

This project made me realize that we can still do so much for others even if physically apart. Thus, we also hope to inspire you to explore your creativity on how you can help your own community. YES TO PHYSICAL DISTANCING but no to SOCIAL DISTANCING. 

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This story is an entry to ComCo Southeast Asia’s “Write to Ignite Blogging Project”. The initiative is a response to the need of our times, as every story comes a long way during this period of crisis. Igniting and championing the human spirit, “Write to Ignite Blog Project” aims to pull and collate powerful stories from the Philippine blogging communities to inspire the nation to rise and move forward amidst the difficult situation. This project is made possible by ComCo Southeast Asia, co-presented by Eastern Communications and sponsored by Electrolux, Jobstreet, and Teleperformance.

Discover what’s standing between you and your success in preventing hair loss

There comes a time in your life that you have to stand up and say, “Enough is enough.” And that’s the day when you decide to change your life for the better. Who doesn’t want to become accomplished? Even the “gifted” and brilliant ones have to pay the price so as to realize their goals in life.

When we fail to eat on time, get enough exercise or sleep between seven to nine hours a day, we’re compromising our health and wellness as we reduce the maximum extent that our body must function. Consequently, the effects in our body may extend and manifest as early warning signs of hair loss.

Take it from celebrity beauty and salon expert Fanny “TF” Serrano, who once personally experienced such an ordeal. For him, avoiding harsh synthetic solutions and choosing to use the right products with natural ingredients is a must and still the best way to deal with mane problems like losing or thinning of the hair. 

With this in mind, embracing natural healthy lifestyle is so important to achieve optimal health, best physical condition and healthy full head of hair. Health products made out of natural ingredients are way effective for better healing and maintaining our body’s lifelong function than those of synthetic ones. Rather than investing in those branded shampoos or other hair treatments, there’s a natural way to help arrest hair loss and help remedy its four early symptoms, namely, excessive hair shedding, thinning hair, receding hairline, and bald patches. This is none other than NOVUHAIR, nature’s answer to hair loss.

Watch this video of Abby Asistio

By the way, here’s a special promo exclusive at all participating Watsons stores nationwide.

For every purchase of NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack at P5,280, you’ll get one 200ml. bottle of NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo worth P1,100 for FREE! That’s 21% savings! 

The suggested retail price of NOVUHAIR 3-in-1 pack is P5,280.

Check out more details via this link or visit their website, www.novuhair.com.

The Downside of Freelancing - Are you Guilty?

I love working at home. If you have been following my blog, you may have read my story on why we took the leap from the corporate world to freelancing. However, despite the good things and perks of working at home, one cannot deny that there is also a downside to our story. 

One of the common health problems of freelancers is brought about by our sedentary life. Without the need of a daily commute, one may just jump out of his/her bed and directly to his/her workstation. Exercise may easily be neglected where walking has been very minimal.

Aside from the lack of exercise, having a regular and healthy diet has been challenging. With no fixed schedule, skipping meals then binge on snacks after the shift has been a part of many freelancers' daily routine. 

And guess what? I am 100% guilty. 

After getting sick and realizing that health is indeed wealth. One must never too busy for a healthy lifestyle. We should never forget that our body needs regular exercise and a balanced diet. After all, it takes time and commitment to stay healthy. Here are some tips on how we can have a healthier life as freelancers. 

1. Exercise for at least 10 minutes a day - Ten minutes of push-ups, squats and lunges a day can help. Consistency is very important so do it on a daily basis. 

2. Eat small meals - Instead of skipping meals, try to eat five (5) small meals divided throughout the day. 

3. Have healthier food choices - Eat more fruits and vegetables. Replace processed white bread and pasta for whole wheat bread to increase fiber intake. 

4. Get more dietary fiber daily - As recommended by the Philippine Food and Nutrition Research Institute, adults need 20-25 grams of dietary fiber daily. Since I have very limited access to fiber-rich food, we can also take dietary fiber supplements. 

So, no matter how comfortable we are at home, don't forget to choose a healthier lifestyle. 

Reminders to all Online Workers and Freelancers

Some realizations about life, work, and sickness. :)

• Do not overwork yourself. Health is wealth. The money that you worked for will just go down the drain once you get hospitalized.

• Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep weakens your immune system. If you have a weak immune system, everything else follows.

• Have PHILHEALTH coverage, it helps with the hospital bills. If you can get an HMO, then it's much better.

• Inform your client, let them know your situation. They will understand. 

• Be prompt with your tasks, make sure you don't have backlogs. So that in cases that you have a bit of "downtime," it's still manageable.

• Lastly, build your passive income streams. Find a way to earn even if you're not really "working." There are a lot of options such as financial investments, affiliate marketing, blogging, etc.

HIS & HERS: Good Things Come in Pairs

There’s a thin line between the idea of being thoughtful and practical when choosing the perfect gift for couples. Striking a balance can be a real challenge. You have to consider their shared interests and make sure that you pick up something neither of them owns. Novuhair is here to help you decide and make the process simpler. 

Introducing 2 gift ideas that fit couples of all forms and are guaranteed to be loved and used by your favorite duo. These gifts are perfect for couples who share the same passion to couples celebrating major milestones together such as engagement, housewarming, and anniversary to name a few. 

NOVUHAIR Travel Kit 

Promo duration: October 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019
DOH-FDA-CCRR Permit No. 0929 s. 2018
*NOVUHAIR TRAVEL KIT SRP: Php 4,220 (Save Php 202.25)

Two of the country’s leading brands packed in one travel kit exclusively available at participating Watsons stores nationwide and online: 

• NOVUHAIR, nature’s answer to hair loss, the No.1 hair loss treatment brand in the Philippines

• NAFLORA, made delicate for your generation, the No.1 most prescribed feminine hygiene wash in the Philippines

HIS: Experience nature’s makeover at home 

NOVUHAIR 2-IN-1 PACK contains one 200ml bottle each of the Topical Scalp Lotion and Herbal Shampoo, highly recommended if HE is – 

• experiencing hair loss - excessive hair shedding, thinning hair, receding hairline and bald patches
• in need of a natural solution to help prevent hair loss, keep healthy hair and scalp, and stimulate hair growth
• opting to regain hair luster and vibrancy
• looking for a natural alternative solution to help prevent dandruff and scalp itchiness
• in need of scalp cleansing and detoxification

NOVUHAIR TOPICAL SCALP LOTION has a unique combination of 19 natural ingredients that work in synergy to help prevent hair loss and is clinically proven safe and effective. 

NOVUHAIR HERBAL SHAMPOO cleanses and prepares the scalp in an optimal way prior to the application of NOVUHAIR topical scalp lotion and helps enhance the effect of the topical scalp lotion. 

HERS: Experience a special protection made for your delicate flora 

NAFLORA PROTECT is a feminine wash formulated for women of reproductive age and in need of special care to help maintain and protect their natural flora during monthly periods and everyday use. It is formulated with antimicrobial ingredients that help prevent vaginal irritations and infections. 

To order NOVUHAIR Travel Pack visit https://www.watsons.com.ph/topical-scalp-lotion-herbal-shampoo-free-naflora-protect-feminine-hygiene-wash-travel-organizer-pouch/p/BP_50002150

NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 Plus 1 Promo Pack 

HERS: NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 Pack

NOVUHAIR Herbal Conditioner has been formulated especially to complement the use of NOVUHAIR Topical Scalp Lotion and NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo.

Regular use of NOVUHAIR Herbal Conditioner and NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo helps prepare the scalp for the application of NOVUHAIR Topical Scalp Lotion in order to maximize its effect, improve the overall cosmetic qualities of the hair, giving it a shinier, softer and supple look.

HIS: NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo (free)

Chemical-based shampoos contain ingredients that may seem to clean the hair but does not preserve its natural texture. These harsh chemicals strip off the hair’s natural protective layer making it more prone to damage.

A good herbal shampoo like NOVUHAIR herbal shampoo may help leave a stronger, healthier-looking hair and aid in preventing excessive hair shedding which may lead to hair loss. This will be a healthier alternative for him.

NOVUHAIR 3-IN-1 PLUS 1 PROMO PACK contains one 200ML bottle each of the Topical Scalp Lotion, Herbal Shampoo, and Herbal Conditioner plus another extra 200ml. bottle of NOVUHAIR Herbal Shampoo for FREE exclusively available at participating Mercury Drug stores nationwide.

Without being too cheesy, these couple gifts are fun and surprising, a perfect way to express how much you value their gift of friendship - a gift that may keep them both well-groomed and well-protected. It may not be the best gift in the world but it’s the thought that really counts, agree? Anyways, that’s what friends are for.

To learn more about NOVUHAIR, visit www.novuhair.com

Be Insured Against Dengue Fever!

Here is a follow-up post about insurance for dengue since I got quite a number of inquiries after writing about my personal experience about Dengue Fever. 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and I am not in any way connected with Pioneer Life. 

To give you a background, Pioneer MediCash, from Pioneer Life is a brand of health insurance products that provide medical cash assistance in the event the insured is diagnosed with the specifically covered disease –Dengue even if the insured is not hospitalized.

Once the insured is diagnosed with the covered disease – Dengue even without hospital confinement, the insured can claim medical cash assistance of P10,000 lump sum. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Who can be insured? 

Anyone between 1 – 70 years old 

2. What is the coverage period and effective date? 

Coverage is one year from the Effective Date or from Effective Date up to Claim. Once a claim is paid coverage terminates. This means that you can only use this once, As there are no medical tests required, a 15 day waiting period from Effective Date is in effect. This means that no signs or symptoms of the disease should be observed and that the initial doctor's consultation should not have occurred during the waiting period.

3, How to file a claim? 

Claims can be processed online via email or Viber. I submitted 3 easy requirements: 

• Valid ID
• A claim form to be signed by your attending physician
• My dengue NS1 lab result. 

I believe that if you did not take the Dengue NS1 test.You may opt to submit your CBC lab results. 

4. How long does it take to process a claim? Processing of claims is at 3-5 working days but based on my experience, it was deposited to my bank account after 6 days. 

5. What is the mode of payment of the claim? 

Claims will be deposited on your preferred bank account (BPI, BDO, Metrobank, etc) for faster processing. It can also be in a form of a check by request.

6. Is it transferable? 

No, it is not transferable. The registered name on the card is the only person who files a claim. The price is Php 350 good for 1-year coverage. 

So, if you are interested to purchase the Medicash for dengue. You may visit any local Pioneer Insurance office in your area or you may order online via this link.