Mauie Flores

As I tried shooting a photo in one event I attended recently, I suddenly felt a sharp shooting pain on the lower right side of my back. It was so intense, like a leg cramp, that I wasn't able to move for a minute or so. I, then, remembered that I twisted my lower back muscles when I jumped from the floor to the couch after seeing a small mouse the other night. Hilarious, I know! But my back pain's the issue here, hahaha!

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Research on cardiovascular disease began in earnest in the mid-1900s. Jerry Morris did studies with occupational data on health for heart disease. Doctors and scientists joined the cause and by the 1970s, the numbers of people dying from some form of cardiovascular trouble dropped dramatically in many parts of the world. The trend of fighting heart disease by medical treatment and healthy lifestyle habits has spawned an industry promoting heart health. While heart disease is still common in many countries around the world today, people are dying at a much slower rate than before the 1970s in a big part because of the coordination of medicine and healthy lifestyle products and incentives currently on the market.

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I've been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome after my son was born thirteen years ago. This explains why Rap is an only child. We tried to get pregnant but, I guess, God has other plans for me. If you are like me who's having problems in conceiving, then the activities prepared for this year's Fertility Awareness Week is for you.

Fertility Awareness Week 2013 is an awareness campaign endorsed by the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) & Philippine Society of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (PSREI) in collaboration with Merck Serono to improve knowledge surrounding fertility and recognize the issue of infertility.

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Living with diabetes is no joke. It takes so much effort to be able to manage our blood sugar levels effectively so as to avoid further health complications. Aside from having myself checked up often and checking my blood sugar regularly, I also take advantage of opportunities that I know can help me manage my diabetes easily. One such opportunity is the Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge.


The Abbot Glucerna® 1-2-3 Challenge is a free 12-week program that was specifically designed for people with diabetes.  It incorporates 1) a healthy meal plan; 2) exercise; and, 3) specialized nutrition with Glucerna® Triple care to help diabetics manage their blood sugar levels, reduce weight and waist line, and support heart health.

Click on the image for a better view.

The program has online and mobile versions that diabetics can easily use. Both contain lists of recipes and exercises, and other online tools that make diabetes management easy as 1-2-3.

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Committed to bringing quality health services to women and children, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) has been awarded the Certificate of Commitment as a Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital by the Department of Health Center for Health Development of the National Capital Region (DOH CHD-NCR).

The Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI) is a global program of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund being implemented by the DOH.

Standing from LEFT: Ms. Kristine Fabi (AHMC Clinical Nutritionist), Ms. Marissa Nero (AHMC Charge Nurse for Huggery), Ms. Fatima Hornilla (AHMC GNU Manager), Mr. Ernesto Adolfo (Vicente Sotto Medical Center), Ms. Maternidad Cadenas (Vicente Sotto Medical Center), Ms. Josefina Serneo (DOH Nurse), Dr. Jerome Ngan (AHMC House staff), Dr. Marilou Viray (Vicente Sotto Medical Center), Ms. Chit Fajardo (AHMC GNU Manager), Dr. Alberto Diaz (DOH Representative)     Sitting from LEFT: Dr. Lilibeth Espinosa (Vicente Sotto Medical Center), Ms. Carol Buhain (AHMC Nursing Director), Dr. Elizabeth Morales (Vice Chairman, AHMC Dept. of Pediatrics), Dr. Juan Rosas (AHMC Chief Medical Officer)

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I have always been open to alternative methods of healing. So when Third Eye Wellness invited me, along with other bloggers and media people, to experience ThetaHealing®, I said yes right away. I wasn't that familiar with ThetaHealing® but, from what I read, I gathered that it has to do something with the emotional healing.


ThetaHealing® is a method of healing that allows a patient to get in touch with his/her emotions and thoughts to transform negative belief systems into positive thoughts. Sanaiyah Gurnamal, founder and owner of the Third Eye Center in Dubai and Manila, mentioned that "most, if not all diseases are rooted in our emotions." Negativity blocks energy which makes the body weak. I strongly believe in this premise. Remember when I said goodbye to teaching and to "emotional vampires" to lessen my daily stress? Managing diabetes has been easier after I did those.

But before we were further introduced to ThetaHealing®, we were first treated to a relaxing back massage at the center's Transcend Spa & Nails.


What really caught my attention was the rack of Sparitual vegan nail polish by the entrance. I'll definitely come back and have a nail treatment here because of the vegan nail polish.


While waiting for the others to have their back massages done, I went around and checked the rooms where the therapies are done. Interestingly, the rooms are named after the elements: Fire, Air, Water, and Earth.



Then, I lingered for a while at the Chakra Cafe chitchatting with Badet of TheMisisChronicles.com. We were served warm Funky Lemon Peach Tea.


By the time we went to the room where Sanaiyah introduced ThetaHealing® and The Third Eye Wellness, my senses were already fully relaxed and rejuvenated.


Sanaiyah came across ThetaHealing® in 2009, which she saw as a perfect blend of science with spirituality. Inspired to share its miraculous physical, mental and spiritual results with the world, she pursued a Master’s Degree from the ThetaHealing® Institute of Knowledge in the United States, learning from Vianna Stibal who had designed the technique to cure herself of cancer. Today, she is a ThetaHealing® Master Practitioner and Instructor; a holder of the Certificate of Science, the highest certification in ThetaHealing®, and is currently the only expert practicing in the Philippines.

After her short talk, we were then partnered with healers and had our ThetaHealing® session. The core process of ThetaHealing® begins with deep meditation that activates the Theta brain wave, connecting the patient to the Creator of the Universe, or their personal Higher Power. This state of mind allows the patient to tune into the energy of Creation, the ultimate catalyst for change in physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

My healer, Nina, had a voice that's so friendly and relaxing that I did not hesitate in opening up because it was as if I was talking to a bestfriend. I told her that I have a problem with my ovaries and I want to get pregnant again and she started helping me remember how the problem started. It was very much like a therapy session with a shrink but with deep meditation. I was seeing colors while my eyes were closed and the colors changed as we went deeper into my memories.

I think my session took almost an hour because, when I opened my eyes, there were only few people left in the room! It was really very relaxing and it was a relief talking about that painful childhood memory. Was I healed of my polycystic ovaries? I'm not really sure. But the following day, I had a runny nose and I was coughing like crazy. I asked a friend who has already tried ThetaHealing® and she said that it could be that I'm releasing. I know that I would need more ThetaHealing®sessions to be fully cured.

The Third Eye Wellness not only offers healing services but workshops and classes as well. If you're interested in trying out ThetaHealing® or becoming a Theta Healer yourself, you may visit www.thirdeyeonline.com or Facebook.com/TheThirdEyeWellness.

The Third Eye Wellness is located at 600A, 6th Floor, 20th Drive Corporate Center, 20th Drive, Mc Kinley Business Park, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

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Deadlines, piled up tasks, and never-ending stress. That's the life of a freelancer like me. Oftentimes, I wish that I had more than 24 hours in a day just so I could finish everything I need to do. It would be normal for me to sleep at 12 midnight and wake up at 4:30 am to help the boys prepare for work and school. I try not to get sick because it would be surely chaos here at home when I do so I supplement with Vitamin C. Lately, taking Vitamin C is not enough to boost my immunity.

I learned that to really be immune from diseases, I should also strengthen my white blood cells. Why? Watch the video below:

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We all know that living longer and looking younger requires eating healthy food. However, in these times, it's easier said than done. I myself am guilty of not buying enough healthy stuff for our household. But I'm not getting any younger (and healthier, tsk!) so I better start eating more healthy food.

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The sin tax law has finally been signed and has been in effect starting the first day of 2013. I am one of the people who are happy with this historic development because I strongly oppose smoking and dislike second-hand smoke like it's the plague. I know that, somehow, with the higher taxes that the government is now imposing on cigarettes and liquor, less Filipinos will get into the habit.

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"My back is killing me!"

This has been my favorite line lately. My activities nowadays have not been kind on my back, not to mention I always carry a heavy back. Massages do work for a while but it's always prevention that's better than the cure. So read on if you're also having back problems like me.

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With the increasing decline in the sale of sodas, the demand for tasty and healthier drink options has grown. This is due mainly to the awareness and growing interest in physical fitness and healthier life styles. One of the beverages for which interest is rising is coconut water. This is a tropical drink, which offers healthier benefits, especially when used fresh rather than processed with preservatives and additives. As a nutritious and delicious drink, coconut water is fast becoming a popular beverage among those who exercise for recreation and weight loss. With all the advantages and nutritional value that coconut water offers, you have many compelling reasons why you should switch from soda to coconut water.

Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water

In comparison to sodas, coconut water offers many nutritional benefits. Some of the main pluses for drinking coconut water are as follows:

• Fat-free and low in calories
• Tasty, refreshing and a good thirst-quencher
• High in potassium, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
• Easy to digest and improves your body’s metabolism
• Helps to replace lost or reduced electrolytes in the body due to diarrhea and other gastro-intestinal conditions
• Helps to lower blood pressure and offers anti-aging and anti-cancer properties

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Many people don’t realize how vital spinal health is to the rest of their lives. The spinal cord connects the brain to the rest of the body, and any back problems can interrupt the transmission of messages from the brain to the nerves. Backaches, headaches, muscle pain, and even soreness in the legs and arms can be signs that something in the back is out of whack. Supplements can help maintain the health of muscles and joints.

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My C-Lium Lose More, Live More journey has finally come to an end. The past six weeks of regularly taking C-Lium Fibre, exercising, and monitoring my calorie intake has greatly improved my health.

This photo taken during our initial weigh in at the Medicard Lifestyle Center last July 26, 2012.

For the benefit of those who read about my weight loss challenge with C-Lium, below are the highlights of the first four weeks. You can click each week title to read the full post.

• WEEK 1: The initial physical check-up and lab test done in July 26 revealed that I weigh 189 lbs and have a BMI of 37.2. Fasting blood sugar level was 5.2 mmol/L and LDL (bad cholesterol) level was 212 mg/dLwhich was 62 points above the normal range.
• WEEK 2: I started to dance an hour of Zumba everyday and monitor my calorie intake through the MyFitnessPal app (free for Android and iOS). My blood sugar and blood pressure showed signs of improvement.
• WEEK 3: I was introduced to the 4-minute MetaFIT exercise routine. I also started to do the cardio and strengthening exercises posted on the C-Lium Fibre website.
• WEEK 4: I and the other blogger ambassadors did CrossFit training together with C-Lium Fibre brand ambassadors, Angela Lupangco and Art Mendoza. Nadine Tengco, resident nutritionist and chef of Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition also taught us the right way to diet plus showed us how to make snacks using C-Lium Fibre.

We had our final weigh in and blood screening tests last September 7. I am so happy of results because I lost 6 pounds which means I lost a pound a week. My blood pressure that morning was 130/100 mmHG but it lowered to 120/90 mmHG by the time I was about to go on the treadmill. Then a few days after, the lab test results came in and it showed that from 5.2 mmol/L in July 26, my fasting blood sugar level went down to 4.8 mmol/L. Also, from 212 mg/dL, my LDL level went down to 204 mg/dL. Take note that I did not take my maintenance meds (Metformin, Simvastatin, and Amlodipine) in the six weeks that I was on this challenge.

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The most awaited third leg of the Run Rio Trilogy is finally happening on September 16, 2012! If you already run for the previous legs, Run United 1 and Run United 3, you should never miss Run United 3!

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My month long weight loss challenge is almost done and we're scheduled for our final weigh in next week. Now on my fourth week, I have already lost 5 pounds thank goodness! I regularly took my C-lium Fibre, did the exercises (when I can, haha!), and cut my calorie intake. There's one thing I forgot to do though, and it's to take multivitamins. I've been sick these past few days which really surprised me because I seldom go down with the flu.

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The 4th week of of C-Lium Lose More, Live More challenge has been both the most anticipated and most dreaded week. This week, we all meet again, together with Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Season 1 finalists, Art Mendoza and Angela Lupangco, at CrossFit Manila in Taguig. Thinking about CrossFit weeks before that sent me the shivers because I knew that it would be thrice as intense as the MetaFIT routine I've been doing.


Similiar to MetaFIT, CrossFit is a fitness program that has a variety of exercises that are repeated over a span of time. Typically, CrossFit training does not go beyond 30 minutes. Our work-out session, on the other hand, consisted of 7 repetitions each of Wall Balls, Push-ups, Box Jumps, and Burpees all done over and over for 10 minutes.

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How's everyone? The torrential monsoon rains have caused major flooding in my beloved town once again. It was like having Ondoy happen all over again. And because it's inevitable for most of us to walk in the flood, I thought of sharing with you this infographic on how to prevent infection from leptospirosis.

Please click the photo for a larger view. Photo courtesy of the Health Sciences Program of Ateneo de Manila University.

Leptospirosis has been noted as the fourth top disease outbreak in the Philippines and this has been attributed largely to Typhoon Ondoy. Symptoms in the advanced stage include hemorrhages in the skin and the mucous membranes which is why it can be deadly.  

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For those who have been following me and my blog ever since, you would know how many times I have tried to lose weight. I took orlistat, did the Wii Fit challenge, tested countless crash diet fads, yet here I am still obese. It's been months since I last made an effort to exercise.

And so here I am, once again, back to where I began when I started my weight loss journey in 2006. I am obese, diabetic, and hypertensive. If only I were single and responsible only for myself, I wouldn't care. But I can't afford to be unhealthy like this anymore because my boys need me.

I'm taking charge of my life and I now commit myself to lose more to live more.




 

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Summer had me going out more often than I used to. I was the one who brought my boy to his summer activities. Since it was summer, I found it the perfect time to show off my wedges. But being the heavy weight that I am, I wasn't able to balance myself one time and sprained my ankle.

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Last year, a routine laboratory blood test revealed that I had hypertension and the level of uric acid in my blood almost went beyond what was normal. Too much uric acid can cause uric acid stones that can result in gout or kidney stones.

My doctor had me taking amlodipine (for the hypertension) for a month and I bought a sphygmomanometer so I can monitor my blood pressure at home. I was also advised to take a low purine diet to lessen the uric acid in my blood and avoid the development of uric stones.

The low purine diet given to me consists of three food groups:

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