Michi Photostory

It was only last month when we had our pneumococcal vaccine. I decided to have this vaccine for added protection while waiting for the COVID19 vaccine for kids and teens. It took us a long time to get our vaccines so I did not expect that my son will have his vaccine this year. 

Almost two years had passed and until now, we still have community quarantine restrictions. And because of this pandemic, a lot of my plans have been affected and canceled and to be honest, I felt stressed about the things that I cannot do because of the COVID19 restrictions. There are so many plans that I delay because I am afraid to go out but I realized that if I will wait for this pandemic to be over, wala na ko magagawa. So I need to learn to live with this virus.

For the past several months, I’ve been seeing a lot of posts about the flu vaccine and pneumonia vaccine but I just ignore them because I don’t want to go to the hospital yet. My son and I rarely go out of the house so I just felt that we don’t need those vaccines. It was funny because I thought my son has Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine or PCV7 (now PCV13) so booster shot na lang naman ang need niya but when I checked his baby book, my son has no PCV7 pala. 

Living in times of Coronavirus is no joke, it’s been more than a year of being confined in the four corners of our house and no one can tell when it will end. Just when I thought that everything would be back to normal, we are suddenly back to MECQ/ECQ. The never-ending cycle of community quarantine. 

Since January 2020, we are dealing with COVID19 and no one can tell when this will end. Thirteen months of being stuck at home are no joke because every day we are feeling overwhelmed with all the physical, mental, financial, and emotional stress in life. 

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, more of us are thinking about our health. What we eat, how much we exercise and our lifestyle choices have all come into question since we’ve had our mortality highlighted due to the spread of the virus.

Despite COVID-19 being a new threat to our health, for many, the threat of developing cancer is still a considerable concern. There are many different types of cancer, with the most common being prostate, breast, skin, and of course lung cancer. Thanks to advances in technology and the constant evolution of medical understanding around cancers, we no longer have to consider cancer as a death sentence. With new treatments being used all the time and cancers being caught much earlier, more people are surviving than ever before.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer, and sadly many people still aren’t aware of the signs or even what can trigger this devastating disease to develop – click the link to learn more and to find a lung cancer lawyer.

So, with this in mind here we’ll explore why people might develop lung cancer and discuss the most common causes.

Workplace Risks

If you work in an industrial type role, or you’re dealing with harsh substances then you’re more likely to be exposed to the chemicals that can trigger lung cancers.

If you work with fuel engines and you spend most of your time exposed to exhaust fumes (like drivers or a mechanic might) then you could be at a higher risk. Working with substances such as silica – often used in glassmaking and bricklaying – can also increase your risk. And anyone who is working with asbestos – even in old buildings – can increase their chances of developing lung cancers.

Smoking

Of course, we all know that smoking can cause lung cancer and it's hardly surprising. Around 7 out of 10 lung cancer diagnoses are smoking-related. The chemicals found in tobacco smoke such as ammonia, carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide (yes, cyanide) increase your risk of triggering lung cancer development. Even if you're just passively smoking, you're still increasing your risk and harming your health. If you haven’t already, quit!

Air Pollution

We're all familiar with how pollutants in the air are damaging our environment. But did you also know that air pollution can be incredibly damaging to your health? Of course, the risks associated with air pollution and lung cancer are quite minimal, but it's not unheard of and should be taken seriously.

Your Family History

Some cancers, including lung cancer, can be hereditary, which means if your family has a history of lunch cancer, then you could be at risk. If you have a close relative that has battled the disease then you should take additional steps to preserve your health. Recognizing the early signs of lung cancer will also help you.

- A continuous cough that won’t go away
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness and fatigue
- Coughing up blood
- Reoccurring infections like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Final thoughts…

If you’re worried about lung cancer, reach out to your doctor for more advice.

Last year, my son was complaining about his tooth and when we checked it, parang meron nang sira so I informed the dentist about it. But the dentist told us na “hayaan na lang daw na matanggal kasi baby teeth naman daw and baka masira kasi yung alignment ng teeth”. She also informed us about the sealants.

Dental Sealants 

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the premolars and molars to prevent tooth decay. The sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years which is 6 to 14 years old. It is a painless process but painful for my pocket, hehehe! We paid PHP800 for each tooth so a total of PHP3200 for his dental sealants.

Few months had passed and my son complained again about his tooth so I just told him that we will go to the dentist pag-uwi namin sa Pinas. So we scheduled an appointment but to my disappointment, the dentist canceled his appointment two days prior to his schedule at may mahaba daw procedure so hindi na niya magagawa yung sa anak ko.


Simple Tooth Extraction 

We don’t want to wait anymore so we just go to other Dental Clinic kahit magbayad na kami. Three years ago was my son’s first tooth extraction experience, we went to a Pediatric Dentist to do the procedure. Mukhang wala naman trauma anak ko, ako lang natrauma sa expense. Lol. Since my son is already 10 years old and I feel na matured na siya so sa regular dentist na lang kami nagpunta for simple tooth extraction. Free sana because of our health card but the dentist rescheduled his appointment so napunta kami sa ibang clinic.

Read: My Son’s First Dental Check-up  
My Son’s Experience with Pediatric Dentist 
Simple Tooth Extraction by Pediatric Dentist  

Anyway, a child needs a tooth extraction if 

1. Tooth decay is too extensive for restoration
2. Preparation and space management
3. Baby teeth fail to fall out before permanent come in
4. Removal of chipped or damaged teeth that cannot be repaired

In my son’s case, may butas na daw kaya sumasakit. Ayaw namin mahawa pa yung ibang teeth so tinanggal na talaga. I thought it will only take a few minutes like nung first tooth extraction niya but I was wrong, depende din siguro sa cases. The dentist took a long time din to remove his premolar tooth, she even said na parang hindi baby tooth yung sa anak ko sa tigas. Hehehe!

She also advised me to have an x-ray before my son hit 12 years old, kasi ang dami pa daw baby teeth ng anak ko. Para daw macheck namin kung need tanggalin yung baby teeth para makalabas yung permanent teeth or hayaan na lang. May cases din daw kasi na wala talaga permanent teeth so aalagaan na lang yung baby teeth.

We paid PHP600 for his tooth extraction, mas mura talaga compared sa Pediatric Dentist. Since it was just a simple tooth extraction, no need for an antibiotic. She just informed us to drink paracetamol. She also shared some information on how to take care after extraction or surgery.


Tooth Extraction Aftercare 

1. Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times for the first 24 hours.
2. Take your medicine as prescribed.
3. If pain persists after 3 days, see your dentist.
4. Avoid strenuous activities. No flying or diving for at least two days.
5. Avoid sucking on anything for at least a week.
6. Do not take hot liquids for 24 hours.
7. Do not smoke for 48 hours.
8. Avoid spitting for 24 hours. Wipe your saliva with a tissue.

My son just took a rest for one day and nagkaroon ng reason para kumain ng kumain ng ice cream. The following day nakapag-Landers na nga kami and he can eat regular food na, parang walang nangyari.

Read: DIY Tooth Pocket 

We all know that health is wealth and we always hear these three words. But after what happened last year, it made me realized that health is indeed wealth. It is very significant to give importance to our health because it can deplete your wealth. No matter how much you save for the future, that money may not be enough to pay for the hospital bills, treatment, therapy, medicine, and other medical expenses. 

And because of that health scare, last quarter of the year we spent most of our time in the hospital and clinic for a check-up, lab test, and therapy. I was so paranoid about my health and for my husband’s health. Cancer runs in my husband’s family, 9 years ago my sister-in-law lost her battle with colon cancer and last year, two of my in-laws were diagnosed with cancer. It was hard to accept but life must go on and we’re praying for healing and provision.

I wanted my husband to try colonoscopy because prevention is better than cure but he was hesitant because of the price of the colonoscopy. While I was browsing Deal Grocer site, I saw the Colon Cleanse promo of Centro Holistico so I told my husband about it. He watched some videos about Colon Cleansing and parang nagdalawang isip pa lalo. But after few days, pumayag din so I bought One Session of Colon Cleanse P1375, the regular rate is P2000. There are two branches, one in Pasig and one in Alabang and I chose the latter.

It’s been years since the last time I bought a voucher from Deal Grocer so I was surprised when I learned that I can pay via Paypal. I think yung huli kong bili, credit card payment and USD pa yung currency nila. I bought Crosswinds Resort Suites and Nurture Wellness Village voucher before.

To give you an idea, let me share the description of Colon Cleanse from Deal Grocer 

1. Toxins in the body could be the cause when you’re feeling bloated and fatigued. You can flush them out effectively with this all-natural treatment.
2. Colon cleanse is also called the “ultimate detox treatment”, it will rid your body toxins, harmful chemicals, and buildup in the colon. It uses an organic solution of Barako coffee to aid in the process.
3. The mixture triggers the liver to produce enzymes like glutathione to target free radicals and speed along the detoxification. It also helps lower inflammation, prevent constipation, prevent reabsorption of toxins, and reboot gut.
4.Added benefits such as weight loss, an improved immune system and radiant skin due to the increased production of glutathione. It is also known to reduce the risk of colon cancer.

The voucher is redeemable from Monday to Saturdays only, from October 29, 2018 to January 2019 but not valid from December 23, 2018 to January 2, 2019. So after our Batanes trip, my husband called Centro Holistico to reserve and ang available na lang is last week of January. Buti, umabot pa bago mag-expire so it is better to use your voucher immediately.


Fast forward to my husband’s Colon Cleanse Session, off we went to Centro Holistico at Commercenter Alabang. It was only 11:30AM and 1PM pa yung appointment so my husband just showed his voucher and ID and nag-ikot-ikot muna kami. After one hour, we went back to the clinic and the staff gave him a form.



1. Fill out the form
2. The staff check his blood pressure and weight
3. After that, the staff called my husband for an interview daw. The doctor will verify the information that you’ve written in the form and also asked about the medical history.

My son and I waited for him pero nung 1PM na at hindi na lumabas, we went out the clinic na and we had lunch at The Farm Organics.

According to my husband, there is a private room for the colon cleanse. You have to change your clothes, the nurse will explain the procedure and the colon cleanse session will take more or less 60 minutes. About 5 gallons of water are flushed through your colon using a tube that was inserted into your rectum. I don’t want to overshare but my husband told me, medyo nakakailang din kasi minamassage yung tummy niya nung nurse during the procedure and nandun lang talaga hanggang matapos. After the session, they gave him tea. My husband felt, lumiit daw tiyan niya. Sana nga daw, nagsukat siya ng before and after.




There are pros and cons about this treatment and I’m still thinking if I will buy this every year and I’m contemplating kung ita-try ko din ba. hehehe! I hope may promo ulit sa Deal Grocer. Have your tried colon cleansing?

Centro Holistico
2/F Commercenter Alabang, Commerce Ave. , cor.
Filinvest Ave., Filinvest Corporate City,
Alabang, Muntinlupa
(02) 828 8863, (0917) 581 2990
Mondays to Fridays, 10AM - 7PM; Saturdays, 11AM - 7PM

These days whenever people come together, one of the common topics is about healthy diets and staying healthy and fit. People are feeling pressured to lose weight, recommended different ways to lose weight and try different types of diets by well-meaning friends or those out to produce the health diet products.

People diet for many different reasons. Those who are heavily overweight will need to pay extra attention to their eating habit and are encouraged to exercise more regularly and seriously. For some, they want to lose some weight in order to look better and younger. Others may just want to maintain their physical condition by dieting and keeping healthy and fit. If we really need to lose weight, we can use the safe and healthy weight loss method that is by improving our eating habits, with proper exercise and taking of supplements that will help us more than any diet.


For those who would like to find out more about how to eat right and what to eat and what not to eat, there are many wellness websites offering tips and advice with guidelines. Some even feature healthy recipes and healthy supplements such as the collagen on keto supplements.

What is collagen? 

It is a non-inflammatory protein found in the bones, skin, and tendons. Collagen is essential for energy production, detoxification, digestion, rebuilding of joints and tendons. Some collagen is also essential for skin elasticity, healthy joints, and beautiful hair. Collagen is like the glue that holds our bodies together.

What are the benefits of collagen on keto supplements? 

Collagen supplement helps make the diet easier and more accessible by making you stay full longer. Not only that, it also makes you feel better throughout the day and with more energy for your morning workout. There are many scientific pieces of evidence to prove that collagen gives you these powers and it also promotes better recovery. Collagen supplement can be taken in any way you want to eat it. You can add it to water, blend it into a fruit smoothie, your regular coffee or your regular glass of milk, etc.

Do you know that there is World Psoriasis Day? Yes, this is a worldwide event where people around the world celebrate the WPD to give voice to millions of people who have psoriasis and I’m one of those people who have psoriasis. 

In the Philippines, we have National Awareness Week from October 23-29 since 2011 via Presidential Proclamation. But before that, PsorPhil is already celebrating World Psoriasis Day every year. People who have psoriasis, doctors, family and other supporters gather together to spread awareness about this skin condition.

This year, it will be celebrated on October 29, 2017 at San Andres Sports Complex. I haven’t joined all the parade but I was able to attend 2010, 2012, 2014 and hopefully this year, I can attend WPD event. 

If you have psoriasis or if you know someone who has psoriasis, let them know that there is a PsorPhil group or different clubs around the Philippines where you can join so you won’t feel alone. I am a member of Asian Psorclub so if you live in Laguna, Cavite, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Paranaque or anywhere in South, you can join our group. 

Anyway, since this is National Awareness Week let me inform you about psoriasis. I saw this flyer while I was cleaning. This is the flyer that we’re giving away during our Word Psoriasis Day walk.



Psoriasis in Numbers

Psoriasis affects 1-3% of the world’s population. (Clin. Dermatol. 2006;24;438-47) 
1.8 million Filipinos may have psoriasis. Psoriasis affects adult males and females equally. 
Studies have shown that 36-71% of patients with psoriasis have one relative who is also affected by psoriasis. 
Up to 10-20% of patients with plaque psoriasis also experience psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis develops in persons aged 35-55 years old. 
Approximately 50% of psoriasis patients >65 years old have at least 3 comorbidities and -67% have 2 or more comorbities, -10% of patients have ocular signs (blepharitis, conjunctivitis) which is more common in men than in women. (R. Arffa, MD, emedicine.com 2009) 
On the average, people with severe psoriasis have shorter life span of 4 years than patients without psoriasis, 3.5% years for men and 4.4 years for women. (Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(12):1493-1499)

Facts about Psoriasis 

What is psoriasis? 

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disorder with a strong genetic basis. It is characterized be red, raised, itchy patches, with silvery scales, which can occur on any part of the body. 

Psoriasis is not an infection and therefore is not contagious. 

What causes psoriasis? 

The exact cause of psoriasis is still undetermined. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Again, psoriasis is not caused by an infection and not contagious. 

What triggers psoriasis? 

The development of psoriasis has undoubtedly a genetic component, but certain environmental factors may also trigger the disease. These factors may include physical trauma, infections, stress, drug, alcohol, and cold climate. 

Is there a cure for psoriasis? 

At present, doctors cannot cure the disease, or even modify the course illness. Current treatments do not affect disease activity. This means that if the disease is active, then relapse will occur as soon as treatment is discontinued whatever therapy is used. 

However, psoriasis can be cleared with treatment that is currently available. 

Other Important Information about Psoriasis 

Psoriasis, being a common, chronic, complex inflammatory disease shares immunological features with other serious health disorders. 

Recent studies suggest that moderate to severe psoriasis is associated with comorbidities like metabolic syndrome and its components (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia), cardiovascular disease, Chron’s disease, chronic obstructive lung disease, depression, and inflammatory arthritis among others. 

Considering the link between psoriasis and comorbidities, it pertinent that a patient be aware of importance of regular follow-ups to their health care providers in order to be monitored for the said risk factors. It is also important for patients to adapt healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, to help prevent the development of comorbidities. 

Aside from these serious medical disorders, people with psoriasis are faced with a psychological and emotional burden aggravated by lack of awareness regarding the disease. Many of them face discrimination in public places like the hair salon, riding public transportation, workplace, swimming pools, and the like. It is important that people be made aware that psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be passed on by physically interacting with a person with psoriasis. Psychological and social support from family members, friends and support groups are very significant in decreasing the isolation of patient feels and increasing his/her confidence in living well with psoriasis.

I’m pretty sure that most of us have our own medicine kit at home. I cannot stress enough having your own first aid kit because it is really important especially for emergency cases. We have our own home medicine kit but there was a time when my son had a fever and when I checked the fridge, our Paracetamol syrup is only good for two intakes. My husband was out of the country and I don’t want to bring my son to the drugstore at masama na nga pakiramadam. Good thing that my friend volunteered to buy the medicine for me.


And because of that, I really make sure that I have stock of vitamins and medicines at home. One friend even suggested, have at least two bottles of Paracetamol so I don’t need to go out anymore if ever maubusan. Di bale na maexpire kaysa mamoblema ko sa pagbili at maghanap ng open na pharmacy.

I’m not saying that you need to buy all the vitamins or medicines that you think you might need. In my opinion, just buy those vitamins and medicines that you most likely use in daily basis or emergency cases.

What inside my home medicine kit? 

I have two boxes of medicine kit, one is for oral medicines and one for topical medicines and wound care supplies. Some medicines are inside the fridge. :)

1. Pain medications
2. Fever medications and fever pads
3. Stomach medications
4. Antihistamine medications
5. Decongestants for colds
6. Cough Medicine
7. My medicine for psoriasis
8. Antiseptic Solutions
9. Topical creams or ointments for burns, itching, insect bites.
10. Wound Care Supplies

Don’t forget to check your medicine kits regularly. Always check the expiration date, throw expired products and replace it. My husband has his own medicine kit too that he always brings whenever he travels. The company nurse is the one who put the medicines, he just needs to return it after the trip. Whenever we travel, I also bring medicines, I just put it in a pouch.

Anyway, if you are looking for affordable vitamins or medicines that you can put in your kit. Check the following products of United Home, these are pre-natal medicine, non-acidic vitamin, fever and pain medication and cough medication.

1. Women’s Health

United Home Fersulfate Plus 

Ferrous Sulfate + Folic Acid
For pregnant mothers
It is used for prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia and prenatal hemanitic. It promotes healthy pregnancy for the mother and baby health blood and avoidance of birth defects.
SRP P3.50 per piece

2. Vitamins 

United Home Ceetab Premium

Non-acidic vitamin C supplement
It is used for prevention and treatment of Vitamin C deficiency. It increases the body’s resistance. SRP P4.50 per piece

3. Prevention and Cure 

United Home Broncho 

It used for relief of cough characterized by excessive or sticky sputum or phlegm. It helps treat respiratory tract disorders such as acute or chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
SRP P4.50 per piece

United Home Fevertab 

It is used for fever reduction and relief of minor aches and pains.
SRP P1.50 per piece

How about you what is inside your medicine kit?

Statistics show that in the US alone there are over 15 million people that practice meditation and the number is constantly growing. The ancient practice that has been promoted in Asia for centuries is now being embraced all around the world and many that do not know much about it wonder why. The truth is that the main reason why people start meditating and stick to it is that it works. World class meditation retreats appear in many different countries because of the main benefits associated with meditation. It has been shown that meditation has many benefits, including: 


Better sleep
Improved inner tranquility and peace
Reduced chronic pain
Attention boost
Helps to lose weight
Memory boost
Immunity boost
Lowering blood pressure
Improved heart health

Besides the benefits that were highlighted, we should also focus on some others that are much lesser-known. 

Meditation Anti-Aging Benefits 

Meditation has been shown to increase DHEA. This facilitates hormone production and increases metabolism speed. 
Melatonin increases appear. Melatonin will act as a strong antioxidant in your body, helping to fight depression and improving the immune system. 
Cortisol decreases – Cortisol, the stress hormones, makes your body retain dangerous fat, thus leading to diabetes and heart disease. 

Improved Relationships 

Many relationships end during periods of strong stress. Couples end up arguing and eventually the gap that is created is so high that it is impossible to go over all the damage that appeared. Meditation helps the individual to keep anger in check. At the same time, it is going to help a lot in aiding the body to respond better during stressful periods. 

As the person that meditates becomes calmer, arguments are much easier to solve. You listen to the partner more and find it much easier to make good decisions that help the two of you as a couple. If both meditate, the connection that is established is even stronger. 

Reduced Anxiety And Stress 

We already talked about stress and meditation is really good at helping people deal with stress but another thing we should all know is that meditation automatically helps to reduce anxiety. As the number of people that suffer from anxiety is growing, so does the number of people looking for solutions. Meditation is highly effective at calming the mind and the body. This makes it easier to focus on what happens around you. Anxiety is much easier to cope with and that means decisions made will be better. 

Final Thoughts 

Meditation is definitely helpful and it can be said that it does have associated benefits for most people from around the world. The simple fact that it is easier to deal with problems and stress can help out a lot in the modern society that is governed by a fast pace when doing practically anything. However, this is only possible when meditation is done right. There are many gurus out there that are not legit and that take advantage of people in bad situations. Do be sure that you learn meditation from someone that has your best interest in mind and is not looking for your money.

Vitamin D is very important to our health, not a lot of people pay too much attention to this until they find out that they have vitamin D deficiency. 

Importance of Vitamin D are 

• Vitamin D fights serious diseases by keeping vital organs like hearts, lungs, brain, and bones functioning healthily.
• Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption among infants for stronger bones and teeth. 
• Vitamin D increase fertility, prevent breast cancer, and avoid PCOS for women. 

Do you know that 7 out of 10 Filipinos are Vitamin D deficient? It is so surprising because we live in a tropical country, we are getting enough sunlight compared to other countries. Vitamin D deficiency can happen to you and your family so check the following ways to avoid it. 



4 Ways to Avoid Vitamin D Deficiency

1. Sun Exposure 

Vitamin D is also known as Sunshine Vitamin because our body produces vitamin D when our skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Even kids know that we can get Vitamin D from the sunlight, in fact, it is one of my son’s lessons in their Health subject. 

Sometimes when my son and I walk, he tells me to bring an umbrella because it is hot but I will not bring one because I know that we need the sunlight. Though sunlight is a very good source of sunshine vitamin, too much sun is not good for our skin. You cannot stay under the sun for so long because it will hurt and burn your skin. 

2. Eat food with Vitamin D 

There are only few foods that contain vitamin D and some of these foods are fortified so make sure to include these foods in your diet. You can get vitamin D by eating salmon, tuna, sardines, mushrooms, beef liver, shrimp, egg yolks, cod liver oil, fortified cereal, and fortified yogurt. Drink fortified milk and fortified orange juice. 

3. Ultraviolet Lamps and Bulbs 

Some people are having a hard time in getting sufficient amount of vitamin D. There are a lot of factors that may affect them such as the latitude where they live, color of the skin, air pollution, weight, age, spending more time indoors, and even the use of sunscreen. 

So sometimes, doctors recommend the use of ultraviolet lamps and bulbs. Two years ago, I suffered from severe psoriasis and I had phototheraphy session for few months to clear my lesions. This is very expensive and it takes so much time because you need to go to the hospital two to three times a week.

4. Vitamin D Supplement

It is difficult to obtain enough vitamin D from sun exposure, food alone and it is expensive to undergo phototherapy so the easiest way to get vitamin D is through food supplements. Two years ago, when I suffered from severe psoriasis, I also took Vitamin D food supplements because vitamin D is good for controlling psoriasis. I forgot the price of one bottle. Anyway, I just recently learned that Unilab has a vitamin D supplement. 

Forti-D Vitamin D Supplement 

Generic: Colecalciferol/Cholecafiferol 800 IU Vitamin D3 
Launched: February 2014 
Price: P6.50 per capsule 
Adult Dose: One soft gel capsule once per day 

Signs that you have vitamin D Deficiency 

1. Tiredness or Fatigue 
2. Muscle and joint weakness or pain 
3. Stress fractures 

Whether you have these signs or not, it is very significant to get enough vitamin D. Prevention is better than cure so start serious protection today with Forti-D.

Pregnancy boosts your appetite and because of this, you feel hungry all the time. Even you just ate your meal, you are craving for more food. It is a challenge to limit your calorie intake and it is a struggle to maintain a healthy diet.

Moms-to-be need to consider the baby inside the womb so they should eat foods that are packed with nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. But let’s admit that we also crave for something sweet or salty like chocolates and chips. Fret not, Unilab is now offering a healthy snack for moms-to-be.


Crave Healthy is the first snack product in the Philippines that is specifically designed for the pregnant woman by doctors and nutritionists. It’s nutritious because it contains essential nutrients – Folic Acid, Iron, and Calcium that are critical for both the mom and her growing baby. It also has reduced salt and just the right amount of calories that give the pregnant woman that extra energy she needs daily.

It’s delicious because it tastes just like her regular snack. Crave Healthy is currently available in Sweet Corn flavor and does not have any aftertaste of nutrient fortifications. It helps support the nutritional needs of pregnant women and their developing fetus. A healthy way to satisfy hunger and food cravings of pregnant women!

Crave Healthy Price

A pack of Crave is worth Php 25.00 at 30 grams each. It’s available online at www.cravehealthysnacks.com, select Med Express branches, and select Robinsons Supermarket outlets.

Women like men have a very active lifestyle, whether you are single, working mom or full-time mom. Most of the time we are so busy with our activities, routines or events in our life that we tend to forget to check our health. 

We all know that it is very important to have a balanced diet. According to study, women need to eat foods that provide energy, iron, folic acid, and calcium. Speaking of calcium, women need to drink milk in order to keep the bones strong and prevent osteoporosis. 



No Other Milk Understands you Better

Unilab offers Athena for women who are always on the go, seek to strike a balance between work and personal time to be able to enjoy life to the fullest. it will help you to stay fit and attractive, look good and feel good whenever you can. 

The first time I’ve learned about this product was five years ago. I got a coupon from my BDJ planner and of course, I did not waste my time and I immediately claimed my FREE gift pack. It comes in two flavors, which is milk and choco.

Athena Milk is specially formulated to meet your special nutritional needs. 

High Calcium - essential for optimum bone health. It is also a source of Vitamins D and K, Magnesium and Phosphorus - nutrients to help maintain strong bones. 

Low in Fat - so you can enjoy this beverage without the risk of high caloric intake. 

Source of Anti-Oxidants such as Vitamins A & E and Zinc to help maintain healthy skin and promote optimum immune function. 

Athena is available online at www.athena.com.ph and in store at Mercury Drugstore, Watsons, and Southstar. 

Athena Milk Price
Milk P130 - 180 grams P273 - 400 grams 
Choco P130 - 180 grams

Almost two weeks ago, while we were studying, my son was complaining about his itchy back and he asked me to scratch his back. I slightly scratched his back and put some baby powder. I asked him, what happened to his back and he said, maybe ant bites. I saw few red bumps on his hand and legs too, napaisip pa ko kung san nakagat ng ants. Nag-garden ba sila? 

Then the following day, while we’re studying, I saw the red bumps again on his body and I asked my son, kung ano ba ginagawa nila sa school? San ba siya nagpupunta at bakit may mga rashes siya sa katawan. He said, sa room lang daw sila. I was a little bit worried because it doesn’t look like an ant bite and nakikita ko lang siya sa hapon and dumadami sa gabi. I gave him an antihistamine. I started searching the internet because I was really clueless. 

When we woke up, I did not see the red bumps anymore so he went to school. When he got home and we started studying his lessons, I saw red bumps again and he kept on sneezing, as in non-stop na naluluha na siya. After dinner, I gave him an antihistamine. I was in panic mode already because the red bumps were all over his face and body. From Wednesday, padami siya ng padami. I messaged my husband about this but because of the time difference, he was not answering. I messaged my friend and she said, it happened to her son too and she even rushed her son to the ER. She advised me to monitor my son and just call her if I need to go to the hospital.


I could not sleep because I was observing the red bumps. I kept on asking my son kung hindi ba siya hirap huminga. He has colds too, so paranoid ko baka hirap huminga. My husband messaged me na baka “hives” daw. I started searching the internet because I really have no idea kung bakit nagkaroon siya. We ate bistik tagalog, tocino, daing na bangus and adobong chicken for that week. 

The following day, I did not see the red bumps but I told my son that we would go to the hospital. My son was worried, “How can we go to the hospital?” daw. My husband was not home so we had no choice but to commute. I know how to go to the Asian Hospital but the problem is, I don’t know how can I go home. Yes, that is my dilemma, di ko alam san sasakyan pauwi. I asked my friend for directions, kung san ba terminal ng jeep.

 Anyway, the doctor examined my son and he asked me kung ano kinain namin. He said, my son has “Urticaria”. So my husband was correct when he said, baka hives. The doctor prescribed me a new “antihistamine” and he said, to avoid eating foods with preservatives. In my son’s case, feeling namin yung tocino ang dahilan. So I told him, bawal muna ang tocino sa lunch niya. He likes tocino and lechon macau kasi sa baon. My son will take the medicine twice a day for seven days and tomorrow is the last day of intake. So far, after two days of taking the antihistamine, wala na siya red bumps.

According to Wikipedia, hives or urticaria is a kind of skin rash with red, raised itchy bumps. It can occur as a result of allergic reaction to a medication, food, insect bites, cold temperature, or psychological stress. 

Before going home, my son and I ate at Shakey’s. Napagod at nagutom kami sa biyahe. Matagal pa paghihintay namin na mapuno ang jeep kaysa sa travel. My son kept on saying “Mommy, ang tagal” or “I’m so bored” (repeat for the nth time). He wanted to go home na and hindi umaalis ang jeep. Imagine, more than an hour kami sa terminal ng jeep. Waah! 



Anyway, we ordered a Bunch of Lunch and Pannacotta. The presentation is not nice, ang layo niya sa picture. Tunaw na nung serve sa amin and the taste is just ok. It is not worth it for P115.