My Sugar Free Sweet Life

Just sharing a press release from Cenovis Fish Oil.

With an aim to raise awareness and understanding on the role and use of omega-3 in one’s health, the Omega-3 Academy Asia was formally launched today by a distinguished panel of medical experts from various fields as well as key executives from sanofi-aventis, makers of Cenovis Fish Oil.

Established by a multi-disciplinary panel of professionals from fields like clinical nutrition, cardiology, family health and diabetology, the Omega-3 Academy Asia is comprised of expert panel of medical professionals from across Asia, who have come together to increase understanding and education on the role and use of omega-3.

Sponsored by sanofi-aventis Consumer Health, the Omega-3 Academy Asia is an Asia-specific organization chaired by Professor Andrew Sinclair from Deakin University in Australia, with members from Korea, Thailand and the Philippines’ Dr. Tommy Ty-Willing, an endocrinologist and Dr. Eugene Reyes, a cardiologist. The Omega-3 Academy Asia is committed to increasing awareness and understanding of omega-3 by undertaking a number of initiatives to highlight the impact of decreased omega-3 intake in current Asian diets and convey the associated health benefits of increasing omega-3 consumption.

Omega-3 Fish Oil is a type of polyunsaturated ‘good’ fat that is important to our health. However, omega-3 can’t be made by the body, so it needs to be obtained through our diets. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods such as fish and plants, with shellfish and oily fish providing the highest quantities. Omega-3 can play a role in achieving good health and can protect against a number of diseases.

Omega-3 fatty acids DHA & EPA are needed for every cell in the body and are particularly important for the health of vital organs such as the heart and brain. Omega-3 fatty acids DHA & EPA can play a role in achieving optimal health and protection against disease by influencing the way cells and tissues in the body respond to external signals.

Many clinical studies since the early 1970s have shown a link between high consumption of oily fish and lower levels of heart disease, prevention of heart conditions, vision impairment and joint diseases such as arthritis.

Omega-3 is also essential for brain growth and development as the brain contains EPA and DHA, and has been shown to be important for an unborn child’s brain and age-related cognitive decline.

International guidelines recommend that an adult should consume 500 milligrams of fish oil per day. This can be achieved by eating 2-3 servings of oily fish per week. For people with heart disease, double this amount is recommended (1,000 milligrams of fish oil per day).

Omega-3 intake across the Asia region is considered to be below daily recommended guidelines, yet specific intake levels vary greatly from country to country, and there is a specific lack of clinical data on omega-3 Fish Oil intake in the Philippines. To address this, the Omega-3 Academy Asia will soon begin an investigation into the omega-3 intake of people living in Korea, Thailand and the Philippines by conducting new clinical research and reviewing existing data. The findings will hopefully be available in 2012. As a first step, the group wants to establish a baseline on the current intake of omega-3 Fish Oil in the three countries, before commencing educational and awareness-raising initiatives designed to increase Omega-3 consumption in the near future.

Says sanofi-aventis marketing manager Rachelle Gamboa: “In addition to the significant research and development (R&D) that is invested into the production of effective healthcare solutions, sanofi-aventis Consumer Healthcare invests a great deal of time and resource into providing vital consumer and healthcare professional information and support to improve the health and well‐being of people across Asia, and the rest of the world. We are optimistic that Filipinos will find the Omega-3 Academy Asia to be a great resource as far as their health and well-being is concerned.”

Please visit www.omega3academy.com for further information.


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Have you ever been turned down by a life insurance agency? Then, guaranteed issue life insurance is for you. Guaranteed life insurance is perfect for people who cannot apply for the usual life insurance. Usually, what these insurers ask is your age. There are no medical documents asked whatsoever (except if you're living in a medical facility).

However, guaranteed issue life insurance is more expensive than the usual life insurance. I read that it can go as high as five times than the usual life insurance. Also, you may not get the full insurance benefit should you die within two years after buying the insurance. You only get to refund the amount that you paid.

Still, it's still good to know that we have an option when it comes to life insurance, right?

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I usually hold give-away prizes over at my mommy blog, The24HourMommy.com. I send the winnings through LBC because it's the courier nearest my place. I normally spend at least Php 145 for one parcel and it's fine with me. However, it becomes too expensive when I give-away more than one gift pack. I asked around and one of my blogger-friends recommended Xend Business Solutions.

Yesterday, I created my account and immediately made waybills for the two parcels I'm sending. I quite had a difficulty waiting for the Xend website to load but I was able to successfully schedule for pick-up in a few minutes. This afternoon, the parcels were picked up and I only spent Php 129 for the 1.3kg parcel I'm sending to Cavite and Php 89 for the small parcel I'm sending to a reader of mine in Bukidnon (Mindanao). I was told that, since it's a Saturday, my parcels will be delivered on Monday and will be received by their respective recipients a day after.

I'm inspired to set up an online shop because of the convenience of sending packages via Xend. Any suggestions on what to sell? Trade show table covers perhaps? Or maybe some baby clothes and stuff? What do you think?

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Calling all Gleeks! (I know I am!) We only have two weeks to catch the whole gang sing their hearts away in Glee The 3D Concert Movie. Created by Ryan Murphy, Glee touched the hearts of kids, teens, and adults alike with the realistic way it depicted the issues that teenagers face in life. I'm already a mom to a tween and my boy and I watched the entire two seasons together. That's how addicted to Glee we are so just imagine our excitement to catch the 3D concert movie.

I'm so glad to know that it's rated General Patronage (GP) by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) so I can still get to watch with my boy just like at home. The movie was even found to be a “wholesome concert on people who feel comfortable about themselves with poignant life stories and issues that allow and encourage people to be more tolerant of one another; issues like dwarfism, having asperger’s syndrome, being gay, wearing glasses, being physically disable and the like. An excellent concert movie that is suitable for children and adults, abled and disabled, straight and gay, big and small.”

Glee The 3D Concert Movie was filmed during their tours so viewers can also see how the fans went gaga over the whole cast. Members belted out their signature ballads, show tunes, and pop songs including include Paul McCartney’s Silly Love Songs, Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream and Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ which was Glee’s first hit.

Exclusively released in 3D digital screens by 20th Century Fox thru Warner Bros, Glee The 3D Concert Movie will open nationwide on September 21, 2011 for two weeks only in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bohol, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, GenSan, Tagbilaran, Pampanga, Angeles and Baguio.

All images courtesy of 20th Century Fox.


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This is my entry to Electrolux's "My Shirt Story Blogging Contest."

In 2008, my Alma Mater, the University of the Philippines, celebrated its centennial year. Everything was special in UP during that year, especially the events that were held in the different campuses throughout the school year. Being alumni, my husband and I made it a point to attend these gatherings and events. One of the events we attended was the Feb Fair held at UP Diliman and that was where I bought this shirt.

But that's just part of the story. There's a more meaningful story behind that souvenir shirt. The shirt is special because it reminds me of what UP has brought me. I owe UP a lot, not only my undergraduate and graduate education but also the lessons that were revealed to me outside the classroom.

I was part of UP Manila's Ugnayan ng Pahinungod (UP Oblation Corps). I was already on my third year and I wanted to do something more meaningful before I leave the school. The summer before I enrolled for my senior year, I signed up for the Summer Immersion Services Program (SISP) of the org. It sounded fun, plus the fact that I get to spend my summer traveling to some distant place in the Philippines for free.

Much to my dismay, I was only sent to Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal which was only three towns away from my town, LOL! Still, it did not dampen my spirit and I was still enthusiastic with the trip. I found it an advantage since it was nearer to Manila and, most probably, would have all the facilities that were available in the city.

I was wrong. It was already 1998 and yet parts of the island still lived in darkness. There was no hospital in the island and the sick needed to be ferried across Laguna Bay to avail of medical services in the town capital. There were health centers but there were little to no supplies. There were still malnourished children and mothers who do not have a single clue what family planning is all about.

My buddy and I were instantly transformed into health workers. The locals sought our help whenever there's a medical emergency. We were both 18 and only underwent a quick 3-day leadership and medical training before we were deployed. Yet, we can't let the people down.

With the help of our foster families, we went around the island to do what was needed to be done. We held nutrition seminars for the mothers and health care volunteers. We taught the children to brush their teeth. We administered first aid to a lady who had a heart attack. And before the summer ended, we circumcised over a hundred boys in the island. Up to now, when I visit the island, some men cannot look me straight in the eye, haha!

This shirt has the words matatapang (brave) and matatalino (smart) on it. It would have been more apt if makatao (public spirited) was included. I believe that, having been privileged to enjoy a subsidized education from the State, we UP graduates should do, at the very least, one single act of devotion to public welfare. May this shirt remind us of that fact.

I love this shirt! Now I want someone else to love it,too! I support the Electrolux Wash-athon Clothes donation Advocacy.



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Now on its 2nd year, Unilab taps the youth to promote health and wellness in communities through Unilab Ideas Positive. This idea-generation contest was launched in 2010 to help address problems in communities such as hygiene and sanitation, nutrition, disease prevention and intervention, and environmental care and protection.

Do you hate getting bitten by pesky dengue fever-causing mosquitoes? In my family, it's always me who always gets bitten by mosquitoes. I dunno know if there's any connection with me being a diabetic. All I'm sure is, mosquitoes love me. Gah!

I used to spray anti-mosquito repellent all the time until I read about the dangers of being overexposed to DEET. I tried using citronella oil but it doesn't work well on me. I recently discovered Guard Insect Repellent and it incredibly works well for me and my boy. The best thing is, it is DEET-free and it uses picaridin as its active ingredient. Picaridin is recommended by the World Health Organization in avoiding mosquito bites without the harmful effects. See the infographic below to see how safer picaridin is compared to DEET.

Click the photo for a larger view.

Using the waterproof* Animas® Vibe™ insulin pump and CGM system, people with diabetes participate in Channel Swim Relay.

HIGH WYCOMBE, 21 July 2011 – Six swimmers congregate along the Dover coastline today, to participate in a 17-hour relay swim across the English Channel to France. The relay event, sponsored by Animas®, aims to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and celebrate people with diabetes performing at their best. To date, the relay team has already raised more than £1,900 for the JDRF, through their ‘Just Giving’ website at: www.justgiving.com/animas-swimmers.

Three of the swimmers participating in the Channel Swim Relay are people with Type 1 diabetes, and will not only have to overcome the physical exertion of the challenge and cold water temperatures, but will also fight to keep their blood sugar levels under control throughout this long, arduous swim. Each has lived with Type 1 diabetes for more than 10 years, and is able to participate in the event and control their blood sugar levels thanks to the help of their Animas waterproof* insulin pump.

“Our team has spent the last seven months training for this exciting event, and we look forward to making history as we show the world that people with diabetes can truly live a life without limits,” said Mark Blewitt, an experienced long distance Channel swimmer and captain of the Channel Swim Relay team. “I have been living with Type 1 diabetes for many years, and am thrilled that my Animas® waterproof* insulin pump is enabling me to participate in this long-distance swim, while closely monitoring and controlling my blood sugar levels.”

The Channel Swim Relay will begin near Shakespeare’s Cliff/ Samphire Hoe (which is between Folkestone and Dover), and ends near Cap Gris Nez, between Boulogne and Calais. The total swimming time can be from 12 to 17 hours depending on the current. The temperature of the sea in July will be approximately 15-18 degrees celcius. Swimmers will also have to endure a few water hazards, such as seaweed, and jellyfish.

“I’m excited to be taking on this major challenge,” said Matt Cox, a member of the Channel Swim Relay team. “My son was also diagnosed with diabetes and I want to show him that he doesn’t have to adjust his goals in life because of his diabetes. I'm hoping this challenge will help Jack and other people with diabetes strive to achieve exactly what they want in life.”

Cox added, “I feel confident about the swim challenge ahead. The waterproof* element of both the Animas® 2020™ and Animas® Vibe™ is a bonus to me as I can carry on with my training feeling reassured that I can continue to control my blood sugar levels. Since wearing an Animas® pump, my daily lifestyle has improved and I have much more freedom now that I don’t have to carry around syringes to take my insulin doses.”

More than 2.6 million people in the UK are currently living with diabetes, with approximately 10% of those having type 1 diabetes. [1] If the condition is not managed properly people can develop a complication called hypoglycaemia, as a result of blood sugar levels dropping below the normal range, leading to unconsciousness if left untreated. [2] Fear of hypoglycaemia is the strongest barrier to regular physical activity in adults with type 1 diabetes. [3]

“We are delighted to be working in collaboration with Animas to celebrate people with diabetes performing at their best,” said Sarah Johnson, director of policy and communications at the JDRF. “This relay proves that you don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer to achieve goals like this. We want to continue to encourage people with Type 1 diabetes to feel in control of their condition. Advances in pump tools have made it easier for people to administer insulin and monitor their blood sugars more closely so that they can effectively manage their disease.”

To find out more about the Channel swimmers, please visit www.facebook.com and search for the ‘Animas® Channel Swim’ group page. To pledge your support for the Channel Swim Relay and the JDRF, please visit the ‘Just Giving’ website at: www.justgiving.com/animas-swimmers.

About JDRF

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation exists to find the cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications, and is the world’s leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research. At a global level JDRF volunteers and staff have been responsible for raising over £850 million to support type 1 diabetes research since the charity’s inception. www.jdrf.org.uk

About Animas®

As part of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies, Animas is dedicated to creating a world without limits for people with diabetes through a wide range of products, including the Animas® Vibe™ and Animas® 2020 insulin pumps, and ezManager® software. Animas, from the Latin word meaning “true inner self or soul,” has been committed since 1996 to meeting individual patient needs through the development of life-performance technology and customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. To learn more about Animas, visit http://www.animascorp.co.uk/ or email AnimasUK@its.jnj.com.

About Animas® Vibe™

Animas® Vibe™ marks the first integrated product offering from Animas Corporation, makers of high-performance insulin pump technology and Dexcom, Inc., a leader in continuous glucose sensing technologies. Unique features include:

- The latest technology available from Dexcom – Dexcom G4™, a tiny, round and flexible sensor with the smallest introducer needle as compared to Abbott Freestyle Navigator® and Medtronic Sof-Sensor®
- Advanced high-contrast colour pump screen technology, that displays glucose trends with coloured arrows and lines showing where and how fast glucose levels are shifting
- Dexcom sensor technology approved for up to seven days of wear, delivering more days of CGM data than those approved for a shorter duration
- Waterproof durability up to 12 feet (3.6 metres) for 24 hours for the insulin pump, with a Dexcom G4™ Transmitter that is waterproof at 8 feet (2.4 metres) for 24 hours
- Customisable alarms to indicate high and low glucose levels including a hypo-safety alarm fixed at 55 mg/dL (3.1mmol/L)
- Low basal increment (0.025 U/hr) across all available ranges for precise dosing
- Compatibility with Diasend® communications software, enabling patients to store, review and print both CGM and insulin pump data

Animas® Vibe™ received CE Mark approval in Europe in June 2011. It is not approved in the U.S. or anywhere outside of Europe.

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I've been wearing eyeglasses since 2006. My glasses are not high-grade but corrective because I was diagnosed with astigmatism. Astigmatism is an eye defect that causes blurred vision. The symptoms I experienced before, along with blurred vision, were headaches, nausea, and motion sickness.

From the time I was prescribed with my eyeglasses, I have eye check-ups every six months to see if my condition has improved. Well, it hasn't, and I'm still wearimg coreective glasses until now. I cannot avoid wearing it unless I want to suffer headaches and nausea once again.

Eyeglasses are so expensive nowadays. Optician Jobs are also in demand abroad. It makes me think about being an optometrist as a second career because it looks promising, hehehe.

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