Saturday, August 30, 2008

Immunizations Aren't Just For Babies

Although our immune system grows stronger as we grow older, we might still be at risk of catching infectious diseases. There are factors that make us more susceptible to illness, such as aging, chronic illness, poor nutrition, unhealthy environment, or a genetic predisposition. Sometimes, our behaviors makes us more likely to get infected -- eating unclean food, leading a stressful lifestyle, sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, travel, extreme sports, or not seeking medical care when ill.


WHY IS IS GOOD TO GET THOSE SHOTS?

To fight off infectious diseases. No one wants to get sick. It feels bad; it cuts productive time; you can't be close to people you might infect. Why risk suffering, disability, or even death?

To stop the spread of communicable diseases. Infectious disease jumps from one vulnerable person to another. Because you can't infect other people when you are disease-free, you break the cycle of transmission, and slow down what could be a raging epidemic. The technical term for this is herd immunity. If a high majority ( as much as 90 percent) of a population is vaccinated against a disease, then the disease can't go very far and everyone (even the unvaccinated ones) is protected.

To ensure health and safety at work. Health care workers are at high risk for getting a wide variety of serious infectious diseases every day, and must receive all the important vaccines. If your work involves close contact with people, you should get vaccinated. If you have a physically demanding job that carries some risk of injury, make sure your tetanus immunization is current. Advocate for inclusion of vaccinations in your employee benefit package.

To ensure health and safety at play. Look closely at your hobbies, interests, and sports. Tetanus vaccine is important if you engage in physically demanding adventure sports like climbing, camping, hiking, or scuba diving. Your immune status should also be solid if you do volunteer work for people who might be sick.

For extra insurance while traveling. If you travel overseas, it's important to check on the immunization requirements of the country you are visiting. The longer you plan to stay, the more important it is to decrease your risk of catching a communicable disease. As an overseas contract worker, ask your recruiter or prospective employer about vaccination requirements. Costs might even be included in your employment benefits. Get your shots at least a month before the trip to give your body time to build up immunity.

To protect your unborn child.
You can decrease the risk of miscarriage or birth defects by building up your immunity before you get pregnant. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, measles/mumps/rubella, chicken pox, pneumococcus, and polio can't be given during pregnancy because they might harm the fetus. Have the immunizations scheduled many months before a planned pregnancy. After immunization, make sure there is no possibility of pregnancy for several months. There are three vaccines that are relatively safe to receive even while pregnant: hepatitis B, influenza, and tetanus+diphtheria.

For your peace of mind. You know your body and lifestyle best. If you are at risk for certain preventable diseases, then get those vaccinations done.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Twist Your Tongue!



Tongue Twisters are excellent for sharpening enunciation -- to give a statement or speech that explains something clearly. They make your lips, jaw, and tongue exercise and increase your ability to articulate. These exercises are very simple and can be interesting and fun!


Tongue Twisters For: B, P, M, and W

These consonants demand Active Lips! Say "Boom". Explode that "b". Bring those lips down hard, quick, and sharply for B, P, M. For the W, pucker the lips.

FOR B: A big black bug bit a big black bear, made a big black bear bleed.
FOR P: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, where is the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?
FOR M: Military malarkey makes monstrous madmen into maligned martyrs.
FOR W: If a woodchuck would chuck wood, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck would? But if a woodchuck would chuck wood, how much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could and would chuck wood?

Th (thing) and TH (thou)

Touch the tip of the tongue to the rim of the upper teeth. The tongue tip should protrude ever so lightly.

FOR TH: Theophilus Thistle, the thistle sifter, sifted a sieve of unsifted thistles. If Theophilus the thistle sifter sifted a sieve of unsifted thistles, where is the sieve of sifted thistles Theophilus the thistle sifter sifted?
What dost thou think of those that go thither?

S, Z, and WH

These sounds require extremely tenuous coordination. To pronounce "S", you raise your tongue, groove it, and arch it toward the hard palate. Force the breath through the narrow fissure. The same for the "Z" -- except it is vocalized. For "Sh" and "Zh" the fissure is broader. For "Wh" purse the lips as you blow the breath through the extended fissure.

FOR S: Suzy Schell sells sea shells by the seashore.
FOR Z: Moses supposes his toeses are roses, but Moses supposes amiss. For Moses knows his toeses aren't roses as Moses supposes.
FOR WH: What whim led Whitney White to whittle near a wharf where a whale might wheel and whirl?

T, D, N, L, and R

A lazy tongue will get you in trouble with these twisters. The first four of these consonants are made alike. Your tongue should snap as a whip. The tip of it should SHARPLY TOUCH the hard palate-- just above the upper teeth.

On the R, he entire tongue arches itself along the roof of the mouth-- without touching it.

FOR T: Thomas Tattertoot took taut twine to tie ten twigs to two tall trees.
FOR D: Double bubble gum bubbles double. Non double bubble gum doesn't bubble double.
FOR N: A snifter of snuf is enough snuff of a sniff for the snuff-sniffer.
FOR L: Likeable Lillian loves lovely luminous aluminum linoleum.
FOR R: Around the rugged rock the ragged rascal ran.


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Debts Slashing Tips


When debt gets out of hand, it becomes a major source of stress. But with patience, determination and these 15 strategies, you can be debt-free in no time!


1. KNOW HOW MUCH DEBT YOU HAVE.
How much do you owe? List down all your debts and make a repayment plan. Finish paying the debt with the highest interest rate, and so on. A debt is "healthy" if the total amount you owe is about a third of your net take home pay or net income. Although you can pay more to close the debt, you need a buffer in case of an emergency or an increase in interest rates.

2. MAINTAIN A BUDGET.
Debt is borrowing against the income you expect to receive. So don't overspend. Record your income and projected expenses to keep yourself in check.

3. SET ASIDE MONEY FOR LOANS BEFORE SHOPPING ON PAYDAY.
Make sure that your debt gets paid before you make any more purchases.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR CREDIT CARD'S FLOAT.
That's the time between your purchase and its apearance on your billing statement. You may only need to pay for the item up to 51 days from the date of purchase.

5. DON'T BORROW MORE THAN YOU CAN AFFORD.
Credit cards can give you a false sense of wealth. Put off that purchase until you're ready or you can afford it. A debt is "healthy" if you believe you can recover the amount you borrowed; earn a reasonable return or profit off a loan; and secure goods or services you ned now.

6. UTILIZE CREDIT CARD INTEREST-FREE INSTALLMENT DEALS.
Buy appliances and gadgets through this promo. You have the luxury of paying for them in fixed amounts over a set period of time.

7. IF YOU CAN, PAY THE FULL AMOUNT DUE ON YOUR CREDIT CARD BILL.

8. ALWAYS PAY ON TIME.
You will be charged about five percent or at least P500 for late payments. If you can't pay the entire amount, then at least pay he minimum.

9. SHOP AROUND.
Look for credit card companies and banks with low rates. Check if they have longer repayment periods, faster processing, fewer requirements, more flexible terms, and better customer service.

10. CUT BACK ON SPENDING.
Citibank's Use Credit Wisely booklet advises to reduction in spending by five to ten percent a month.

11. SELL SOME OF YOUR STUFF.
Organize sales to help pay off your loan. Jewelry, unused furniture, books, and an extra car are some of the things you can turn into cash.

12. DIVEST YOUR INVESTMENTS.
Divest your investments in time deposits, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. It's likely that you're earning less than what you owe. So it doesn't make sense to hold on to your investments.

13. TRY TO INCREASE YOU INCOME.
Citibank's Use Credit Wisely booklet also suggests improving your salary or taking on a second job.

14. REFINANCE YOUR LOAN OR DEBT.
Devise a repayment plan with your creditor's help. Tell them you want to pay but need more time.

15. TRANSFER BALANCES TO A LOWER RATE ALTERNATIVE.
Read the fine print and check if you will really get a lower interest rate. Consider getting a lower-priced loan like the one from SSS to pay off your debts.

source: Good Housekeeping




Monday, August 25, 2008

Building Self-Confidence and Self-Worth to a Child

Being mothers, we play a great role in raising our kids with confidence and self-worth. From “I’ll be the parent, you be the kid” by Paul Kropp, he has pointed out the following guidelines on how parents can help their kids in building confidence and self-worth.


IN BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE

  • Include your child in what you're doing. Let the child yearn from experience. Remember that not every nail in the deck has to be straight.
  • Don’t set the hurdles too high – kids must learn to build a bird-house before they tackle a grandfather clock.
  • Don’t rescue too soon – give your child a chance to feel honest frustration first.Make sure there are challenges outside the home – Scouts, swimming teams, music lessons.
  • Within reason, praise the final results. When you can see in your children’s eyes that they think something is good, put it up on the metaphorical fridge.

IN HELPING THEM DEVELOP A REALISTIC SENSE OF SELF-WORTH


  • Pay attention to what your child does and says – you don’t necessarily have to agree, but you do have to listen.
  • Find plenty of time to work together on projects, keeping the child’s abilities in mind.
  • Remember that activity and success build the self, not false praise.



Secrets on How To Live Longer


In his article “How to Live Forever – Secrets of longevity from the Island of 100-year-old men”, John Hodgman shared facts on why Sardinians managed to live a longer life.


DON’T WORRY, BE GRUMPY. Sardinian’s Centenarians expect little and take what life offers with fatalistic equanimity. They do however, exhibit a deep sense of duty to those around them – and a sense of humor as dry as their wine. It’s theorized that this wry blend of existential altruism lowers stress and protects the arteries. The day’s work will disappear, but family, town and a good joke go on forever.

EAT LIKE A SARDINIAN. Everything the Sardinian Centenarians ingest is the very definition of organic. “Organic produce has much less water than the standard supermarket variety, and less water means more nutrients,” says Chris Speed, dietician for the Oldways Preservation Trust, a Boston-based group that advocates traditional Mediterranean eating. “And with meat and cheese, the difference in healthy compounds is even more dramatic.”

EAT 10 TO 20 PERCENT LESS. The example of the Sardinian Centenarians suggests that you may be able to prolong your lifespan significantly by eating as much 8000 or even 8800 kilojoules a day. It comes down to figuring out how much your body ideally wants to eat, and then trimming that amount by 10 to 20 percent. Spend a month cutting out junk food and paying careful attention to eating only until you’re full. What you’re eating at the end of the month is your ideal diet. Now you can start counting kilojoules and gradually adjusting the setting down by ten percent.

A GLASS OF MOUNTAIN WINE. In 2002, British scientist Roger Corder spent two weeks hiking the Sardinian Hills drinking wine. At 600 meters, the altitude of some of the vineyards he studied, grapes protect their skins against UV radiation by pumping out more of polyphenols, the antioxidants that promote health and stimulate production of sirtuins, the same life-extending enzymes sparked by kilojoules’ reduction.

DON’T EXERCISE SO MUCH. To live long life, don’t waste time competing in marathons. Stick with the relatively modest activity loads that let you realize the health benefits of exercise with less stress on your body. In the world-famous Harvard Alumni Health Study, for example, the biggest longevity bounce – associated with a reduction of as much as 40 percent in heart disease, colon cancer, and stroke – came from burning as little as 4000 kilojoules via exercise per week.



Sunday, August 24, 2008

A Simple Pause Can Make A Difference


There comes a point in our lives that we need a pause from all that’s happening; from all that we do in routine; from all that we encompasses as days go by. Being a mother and a homemaker is not an easy responsibility after all.

As moms, we touch our kid’s lives, trying our best to give them all that they need to have a better life. We guide them to become the most passionate and good-hearted person that they can be. We nourish them with much love and affection to grow up with passion and positive outlook towards life and their journey.

As homemakers, we make sure that everything in the family is in order. We are trying everyday to be the superwoman that we could be. We organize things in such a way that every member of the family would be in their utmost comfort. We make sure to make each day a healthy and happy day for everyone around us.

But, what if there comes a point when we feel that every thing we do seem not good enough? As if, our day is not much of a typical day without any stress in it? As if we feel that we are not giving the best shot in all our duties and that not all are into its proper places?

At times like these, we need to pause for a while -- just a pause -- to recharge ourselves of all the emotions and feelings that we are trying to convey to others. Just a very short break to think only of ourselves, and nothing else. We can’t give something that we don’t have. And we can’t touch other’s lives by not touching our own.

Our heart beats to its finest when we don’t rush doing things but instead, moving on with life with calmness and moderate phase. Our muscles function to its best as well when we don’t push so hard on things even beyond what it can actually capable of.

There are times when we best enjoy life by embracing it as it is. Sometimes, it's better to have a sit with your hubby and kids, make sharing time together, have a blast of laughter over shallow things, or play crazy game with wacky themes as a family, than trying so hard to make a difference in this world – thinking the "how"s and the "must"s of life, then getting back on realities and finding ourselves saddened once again on how the world became chaotic, or thinking whether or not our children in the next years to come can still breath (or would even know by experience the definition of) a single fresh air.

Amidst all that's happening, life in general is still the most beautiful journey of all. It is still a special gift from the Creator that we received. It's still the greatest novel and the best-selling book of all time. There are still so much blank pages to fill in -- Let's be the best author that we can be, and make each page heart-warming and enjoyable to read.



Wednesday, August 20, 2008

A Recipe For A Miserable Marriage

Here are some surefire ways to sabotage a marriage:

  • Stay committed to your right to be right. Argue for your point of view, making sure you never entertain the possibility that your spouse may have a valid point of view.
SOLUTION: Often in a marriage, there is a choice: You can be right or you can be happy, but not both. Choose wisely. As a friend of mine said after his first year of marriage: “I finally figured out that the sun will come up tomorrow if we do it her way.”

  • Make it up as you go along. Don’t talk about any of the important stuff, such as how you want to handle children, money, the future, in-laws, where to live, etc. Believe things will just work out.
SOLUTION: Talk about the important stuff. If you get stuck, ask or hire someone to help. Crate a relationship vision by asking the question “If we could have it exactly like we want, how would it be?” Build from there.

  • Never forgive. Remain convinced that staying angry will actually help your partner change.
SOLUTION: Forgive as much as more than you would like to be forgiven. Forgiveness can release you from the pain of the offense.

  • Complain and criticize. A lot. Raise it to an art form. Make sure that each and every time your spouse messes up, you not only throw the current issue in his or her face but also bring up every mistake ever made, in detail
SOLUTION: Celebrate what you want to see more of. Appreciation can go a long way.

  • Always put yourself first. Selfishness is a sure and rapid marriage killer. Believe that the marriage exists to meet your needs. Become offended when your needs are not met.
SOLUTION: This is radical, but it works. Commit to out-serving your partner. If one of you does this, it can be nice. If both of you do this, you’ll create a great place to be.

  • Compare your partner to others. “I wish you were more like (whomever)” worked so well when your parents said it to you; surely it will work on your spouse.
SOLUTION: Create an environment where your spouse can grow to his or her full potential. Focus on strengths and encourage your mate in the areas in which he or she struggles.

  • Believe that because you know how to talk, you also know how to communicate. If someone does not understand you, it must be his or her fault. They even might be stupid.
SOLUTION: Two sentences: “What I think you’re saying is… did I miss anything? And “Please, tell me what you think I just said.”

  • Blame your partner for any problems. Get your friends and relatives to see it your way.
SOLUTION: In 20 years of doing marriage counselling, I’ve yet to see a problem that didn’t have two sets of fingerprints all over it. Take responsibility to change your contribution to the problem, whether it’s what you are doing or how you are responding to what your partner is doing.

  • If things are not going well, refuse to get help. Hold onto the notion that you can solve this all by yourself.
SOLUTION: Everybody needs a coach. Go find one. It’s a lot less expensive than divorce, financially and emotionally.

Source: Recipe for a Miserable Marriage, by Jeff Herring (a marriage and family therapist and clinical hypnotherapist in Tallahassee, Fla.



Friday, August 15, 2008

Make Healthy Food Choices


Making sure that our family is healthy and always in good shape is one of our major concerns being mothers and homemakers. A matter of choosing the right and healthy foods is not so difficult to maintain good health. Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes tend to be low in fat and have no cholesterol. Most are also good sources of dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates and vitamins.

The American Heart Association suggests that you eat foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Some kinds of soluble fiber, such as pectin and oat bran, when eaten in large amounts in a diet low in saturated fat, may reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.


Here are some tips of healthy eating:
  • Coconut is high in saturated fat; olives and avocados are high in monounsaturated fat and calories. Use these items sparingly to avoid getting too many calories from fat.
  • When vegetables, grains and legumes are cooked or processed, saturated fats or cholesterol are often added. For instance, egg yolks may be added to breads and pastas.
  • Canned, processed and preserved vegetables also may contain added sodium. And in some people, too much sodium (Salt) can lead to high blood pressure. Some food companies are canning vegetables with less salt. “No Salt Added” varieties are also available. Look for these in the market or choose fresh or frozen vegetables.
  • Nuts and seeds tend to be very high in fat and calories, but most of the fat is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated (e.g. walnuts, almonds, pecan). Some varieties, such as macadamia nuts, are also high in saturated fats, so check the label. Nuts and seeds don’t have cholesterol and are good source of protein.
  • Canola, corn, olive, sunflower, sesame, soybean and safflower oils are low in saturated fat. There are good to use in limited amounts for cooking or dressings.
  • Peanut oil has slightly more saturated fat. Don’t use it as a major cooking oil. You can use it now and then for flavoring.
  • Vegetable oils are hydrogenated for use in margarines and shortenings. Hydrogenation adds trans fat, which may partly offset some of the benefits of using polyunsaturated or monounsaturated vegetable oils.
Source: American Heart Association site





Thursday, August 14, 2008

Children and Watching TV

Time spent watching television takes away from important activities such as reading, school work, playing, exercise, family interaction, and social development. Children also learn information from television that may be inappropriate or incorrect. They are influenced by the thousands of commercials seen each year, may of which are for alcohol, junk foods, fast foods, and toys. Children who watch a lot of television are likely to:

  • Have lower grades in school
  • Read fewer books
  • Exercise Less
  • Being overweight

Violence, sexuality, race and gender stereotypes, drug and alcohol abuse are common themes of television programs. Young children are impressionable and may assume that what they see on television is typical, safe, and acceptable. As a result, television also exposes children to behaviors and attitudes that may be overwhelming and difficult to understand.

Active Parenting can ensure that children have a positive experience with television. Parents can help by:

  • Viewing programs with your children
  • Selecting developmentally appropriate shows
  • Placing limits on the amount of television viewing (per day and per week)
  • Turning off the tv during family meals and study time
  • Turning off shows you don’t feel are appropriate for your child. In addition, parents can also help by doing the following:
  • Don’t allow children to watch long blocks of TV, but help them select individual programs.
  • Choose shows that meet the developmental needs of your child. Children shows on public TV are appropriate, but soap operas, adult sitcoms, and adult talk shows are not.
  • Set certain periods when the television will be off. Study times are for learning, not for sitting in front of the TV doing homework. Meal times are a good tie for family members to talk with each other, not for watching television.
  • Encourage discussions with your children about what they are seeing as you watch shows with them. Point out positive behavior, such as cooperation, friendship, and concern for others.
  • While watching, make connections to history, books, place of interest, and personal events.
  • Talk about your personal and family values as they are watching with real events.
  • Talk about the realistic consequences of violence.
  • Discuss the role of advertising involved in hobbies, sports, and peers.

With proper guidance, your child can learn to use television in a healthy and positive way.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Learning to Improve One's Listening Skills


In our daily lives, we probably spend more time using our listening skills than any other kinds of skill. Like other skills, listening also takes practice to improve.


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REALLY LISTEN?

Real listening is an active process that has 3 basic steps.

HEARING.
Hearing just means listening enough to catch what the speaker is saying.

UNDERSTANDING.
This part of listening takes place when you take what you have heard and understand it in your own way.

JUDGING.
After you are sure you understand what the speaker said, think about whether it makes sense. Do you believe what you have heard? Are there factual supports on it?



TIPS FOR BEING A GOOD LISTENER

  • Give your full attention on the person who is speaking. Don’t look out the window or at what else is going on in the room.

  • Make sure your mind is focused, too. It can be easy to let your mind wander if you think you know what the person is going to say next, but you might be wrong! If you feel your mind wandering, change the position of your body and try to concentrate on the speaker’s words.

  • Let the speaker finish before you begin to talk. Speakers appreciate having the chance to say everything they would like to say without being interrupted. When you interrupt, it looks like you aren’t listening, even if you really are.

  • Let yourself finish listening before you begin to speak! You can’t really listen if you are busy thinking about what you want to say next.

  • Listen for main ideas. The main ideas are the most important points the speaker wants to get across. They may be mentioned at the start or end of a talk, and repeated a number of times. Pay special attention to statements that begin with phrases such as “My point is…” or “The thing to remember is…”

  • Ask questions. If you are not sure you understand what the speaker has said, just ask. It is a good idea to repeat in your own words what the speaker said so that you can be sure your understanding is correct.

  • Give feedback. Sit up straight and look directly at the speaker. Now and then, nod to show that you understand. At appropriate points, you may also smile, frown, laugh, or be silent. These are all ways to let the speaker know that you are really listening. Remember, you listen with your face as well as your ears.


THINKING FAST

Remember that time is on your side. Thoughts move about four times as fast as speech. With practice, while you are listening you will also be able to think about what you are hearing, really understand it, and give feedback to the speaker.



Tuesday, August 12, 2008

7 Tests For A Perfect Diet

How many diet schemes have come out nowadays? Some says, “Eat low-carb.” Some says, “Eat low-fat”. There are even plenty of exercising machines and other weight-loss products being introduced in the market from time to time. But the question of what really, among these diet plans and products, will best fit you, or will be the most effective, that really depends on each individual.

Researchers say that there is a notion that no two individuals lose weight the same way, for each person has a hidden key to weight loss. One of the most important pointers though, is to have a plan, or the healthy way of eating, that you can be sure to live with in a long-term. Experts suggest an inventory of physical and psychological factors, based on the following self-exams:


1. THE GLYCEMIC INDEX. C. Wayne Callaway, an endocrinologist and weight specialist at George Washington University say that if you tend towards abdominal fat, crave starches and sugars, and have a fasting blood-sugar count of more than 100 (measured in a routine blood test), you may be insulin resistant. You’ll probably respond best to a low-carb diet, because cutting back on simple carbohydrates – specially sugars and starches – can often help stabilize blood-sugar and insulin levels.


2. THE EXERCISE EQUATION. David Schlundt, an associate professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University specializes in weight disorders says that active people might consider a low-fat diet that includes complex carbs. He advises that active people need glycogen for athletic performance, and it’s harder work for your body to take in a lot of protein and convert it to glucose. One thing all researchers agree on, however, is that everyone who wants to lose weight should get some exercise. People who exercised as well as dieted lost more fat and less muscle. The one similarity among dieters catalogued in the Weight Loss Registry, says James Hill, is that they all combined eating with regular exercise.


3. THE MEAL MONITOR. Do you hate breakfast? Avoid lunch? Skipping meals or under-eating slows your metabolism and blurs the chemical signals for hunger and fullness. Callaway says that a person can stabilize his neuropeptide Y levels, the ‘hunger’ chemical, by eating at least a third of your kilojoules at breakfast and another third at lunch. Complex carbs are good, especially early in the day. They rev up the metabolism, replenish the body’s need for glycogen and they digest slowly, which keeps a person feeling full longer.


4. THE BROCOLLI BAROMETER. What foods do you love and hate? You can’t disregard this factor or you’ll never be able to live with your diet. Vegetarians, for instance, will have a hard time following Atkins because of its reliance on meat. You’ll do better with a kilojoule-controlled, low-fat diet that allows fruit, vegetables and complex carbs. On the other hand, if you’d rather give up rice than beef, pick a low-carb option.


5. THE ALL-OR-NOTHING QUESTION. Some people do best depriving themselves of food they crave, so they aren’t tempted, which may be why some bread and cereal lovers are converts to a low-carb plan.


6. THE STRESS TEST. If you feel hungry often and like to snack, or if you tend to use food for comfort, consider a low-energy-density plan like the one endorsed by the Mayo Clinic. Although suitable for anyone, this diet is particularly good for people who are emotional eaters. Donald Hensrud, a weight-management specialist at Mayo explains that people eat until they are satisfied or full. He points out, that you can eat more in terms of volume on this plan. The clinic has come up with its own healthy weight pyramid, emphasizing fruit, vegetables and whole grains. An emotional eater, says Sclundt, will also do better reaching for low-energy-dense snacks like fresh fruit, a treat that might be off-limits for a low-carb dieter.


7. THE CONVENIENCE QUIZ. The Mayo Clinic is also studying a Slim-Fast-based diet to see if busy people will do better on a simple, ready-made plan. If you want a no-brainer diet, a meal-replacement regimen or a system such as Jenny Craig’s could be right for you. Remember too that gender makes a difference for men tend to have an easier time losing weight because they usually have more lean muscle mass, which means they burn more kilojoules. This could be frustrating when a couple diet together, and he loses weight faster. Another truth, Hensrud adds, is that women who are dieting seem to enjoy group support like a Weight Watchers Programme, while men may prefer being tough and doing it on their own.


In their maintenance phase, successful dieters follow four rules:


1. Eat breakfast
2. Eat a kilojoule-aware, moderately low-fat diet that features complex carbs.
3. Get plenty of exercise at moderate intensity. (Go for a walk!)
4. Self-monitor through frequent weigh-ins and keep a food and exercise diary.

Monday, August 11, 2008

It's Quoting Time!


My mother’s menu consisted of two choices: TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT
-–buddy hackett


Be thankful for what you have – you’ll end up having more.
-–oprah winfrey

There are three words that I would like to repeat to myself:
GLASS HALF FULL.
Just to remind myself to be grateful for everything I have.
-– goldie hawn in good housekeeping

One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.
-– luciano pavarotti, my own story



Sunday, August 10, 2008

A Crossroad: Make Your Choice


Why can't someone be pessimistic when things get worse not because people can't do anything about it but rather some are doing something to worsen it? And how can't he be cynical when somewhere along the line, situations laid on the table are solidifying facts of how things really work... To what should someone base his judgment? To where should people cling their values? To whom should a person pattern his perspective? Most may say, "DUH! who cares?!"


This isn't naive years anymore, when all seem so easy and living is as simple as strolling in the park... This isn't a baby's routine either, wherein a bottle of milk can pacify hunger, or a diaper change can soothe irritation. The fact that people live in this world means having to equip themselves with steel armor to survive. Even the basic needs like water and air have lost its purity due to mankind's cruelty. The world, given as supposedly free human residence, has turned into a very huge waste container. Too bad, there are still unborn generations who will about to reside on this haven. Apparently, this is not heaven -- not yet.

Whether or not to continue the risk of losing all that has freely given to mankind depends on each individual's choice. A choice to continue its destruction or to begin its rehabilitation. Whether or not to possess positivism in thought and in deed also depends on one's freewill. A choice to be righteous or to greed. A choice to be humane or to be cruel. A choice between heaven and hell...

If not for a person's sincere and genuine effort to stay upright beyond every evil encounter; If not for his conscious effort to uphold the truth amidst one's worldly being; If not for his firmness to his positive grounds despite every compulsive instinct... who can possibly be godly?

No one is perfect and it may be impossible to undo what has done. But there is still hope to make this world a better place to live and to be better individuals... As long as people have the freewill to decide, as long as there are still options to choose from, as long as people still breath, making things better is not too late...


Saturday, August 09, 2008

Awareness: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE


As mothers, it is as always a natural feeling for us to be so protective of our family. We are always at hand to provide them with love, care and affection. If any of our love ones get hurt, it is us who are hurt even more. As much as we wanted to give the most comfortable environment to our family, it is also our duty to give ourselves the same comfort. Otherwise, we can’t give so much of what we don’t have.

Was there any instance that we felt violated? Was there a time that we felt that we hadn’t received the respect from anyone at home? Has there been a time that our self-respect and self-confidence are somewhat shaken by anybody close? Was there a time that we felt that we are domestically violated?

Having reflections on this matter, it would be essential to shed ourselves more by some facts on DOMESTIC VIOLENCE as follows:

United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women defined “Violence Against Women (VAW)” as: "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."


VAW is categorized, but is not limited to the following:

  • Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non-spousal violence and violence related to exploitation.
  • Violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forced prostitution.
  • Violence perpetrated or condoned by the State, wherever it occurs.


There are different FORMS OF ABUSE. These are as follows:

  • Physical Violence - any physical action toward another person (pushing, hitting, whipping, throwing, slapping and spanking) can produce bruises, broken homes and broken lives. When another human being hits a person, it is demeaning, it is a message of worthlessness and the victim may think, “I’m no good; hence, I deserve to be hit.” It creates tremendous burden on the person’s ability to cope with life.
  • Emotional Violence - is far more than the usual cursing, blaming, threatening and manipulating. It is putting her down or making her feel bad about herself. Its scars go deep as physical wounds and actually take longer to heal. This is not directly observable but can have long-lasting effects on the personality of the victim.
  • Verbal Abuse- Can become a prison, a humiliation and deprivation; conversations that tear down self-esteem; calling her names.
  • Economic Abuse- trying to keep her from getting or keeping a job; making her ask for money; giving her allowance; taking her money; controlling the financial aspects of the family.
  • Sexual Abuse- making her do sexual acts against her will; marital rape; forcing unwanted and sadistic sexual acts; treating her as a sex object; physically attacking the sexual parts of her body; making demeaning and sexually suggestive remarks. These would mean Rape, Sexual Harassment, or Incest.

Violence can be repetitive or can be a never ending CYCLE. There is a sort of a pattern that tends to occur when violence is part of the couples interaction. Such pattern consists of several phases:

  • Tension Building Stage - A phase where tension builds up in a relationship and the couple cannot overcome by talking it out. One partner controls and dominates the situation while the victim (usually the woman) is frightened to do anything and is eventually powerless to prevent a violent outburst.
  • Violent Outburst/Battering Incident - Violence may not always be physical. It may involve extreme physical harm to the victim, or emotional scarring which is not visible to the casual observer. The batterer (usually the man) justifies his behavior as teaching the victim a lesson.The victim usually has no control of the outburst-only a safe hiding place. She may even deny seriousness to appease the batterer and to end the abuse.
  • Pursuit Phase/Honeymoon Stage- They abuser may feel remorse or sorrow for his behavior and may be fearful that his partner will leave him. He attempts to recover lost ground by asking forgiveness, giving presents, making promises about the future and modifying his behavior.
  • When forgiveness has been sought, it may be a time of great closeness for the couple. However, given the problems of daily life, tension will rise again and may gradually lead them back to the build-up phase and the cycle begins again.

Source: femalebattle.net




Thursday, August 07, 2008

FoR aLL the AmazingLy WondeRfuL MoMs...

Before we even became moms to our own children, we were once the child of our own respective mothers.

Years back, have we, even just for a moment, ever thought of how much we have loved by our moms and how much they have done for us?!

Had we reminded ourselves then, that inside her womb, she carried us, she nourished us? That on the day she gave birth, she lay on deathbed, grimacing in pain and with superhuman courage and endurance, delivered us into this world?

And even though we were breathing on our own, somehow having the independence, we’re never really truly apart from her. She continued to pamper us with care, and encompassed us with her warmth and understanding. Day in and day out, she toiled to help us be strong in all aspects of life and somehow attained the totality of being a righteous individual.


A mother’s love is a parasol in the pouring rain, a warm blanket on a cold, chilly night, or a soothing cool breeze in a hot and humid afternoon.

A mother is always there to lend a helping hand.

When we soar to greater heights and take hold of our dreams, wouldn’t our mom be there to rejoice with us?

But when we lose our grip and stumble, wouldn’t she be always ready to break our fall?

And when we were down and sad, wouldn’t she be the first to shed a tear?

All thru her life, she is there for us with her un-relentless counsel and support.


BUT, AGAIN, have we ever stopped for a while, and looked her in the eye, and whisper to her, that we appreciate her love, and that we do LOVE her also?

If not, I guess it’s never too late…

We may not repay nor will equal the love she has given, but we can always appreciate and treasure it. Let us immortalize our mother’s love in our hearts…

In fact, we are even blessed that we can do a lot of ways to do so…

WE are MOMs now after all…




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