Misa de Gallo

It was already a tradition for every Christians to attened "Simbang Gabi" But what is really Simbang Gabi? What is the significant of it for every Filipino Christians?

One of the greatest gifts that the Spanish people imparted during colonization to the Philippines was the bringing of Catholic Faith. It has rooted the life and culture of the people the Catholic beliefs and practices, one of which is the "Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi. It is the integral part of the Christmas celebration of every Filipino Christians. It refers to the tradition of celebrating Mass during the early dawn on each of the nine days before Christmas. The mass starts at 4:00 am., and begins on the 16th of December and ends on the 24th of December which is the midnight mass.

NTP Christmas Party

Last Saturday December 13, 2008 we had our NTP Christmas Party held at the ND/HRM Mini Hotel UIC. Every departments are required to have a Christmas presentation. For my seven years at UIC, it was my first time to join in the presentation (as in dancing)!. I really don't have the confidence in dancing (modern) because looking back to my elementary days all I knew was folk dance. But to tell you every closing ceremony of our school, I was one of the dancers (char!). And after so many years it was only now that I joined in dancing. I can tell that I can dance pala. We only have one day practice for the presentation, and we really don't expect to win because of the lack of time but to our surprised we won the second prize. We were so happy despite of the lack of time for practice. And just this morning I received a call from Ate Caring the Vice President of the NTP telling us to prepare for the coming Institutional Party because we will also present after the ITRZ and Laboratory group who garnered the first prize. Actually, it was already a practice that the one won the first prize will be the one to present during the Institutional Party but then they like our presentation and they even wondered why we only got the second prize. Anyway, that's the decision of the judges.

On Buying Shoes

Do you know that one of the weaknesses of a woman is buying a pair of shoes if not everyday but at least in a month? Girls have you wondered why that sometimes when you fit a shoes and you feel it already fitted to your feet but when its time for you to wear it during the day you feel uncomfortable because it's too tight to your feet. The reason is, the best time to buy a shoes is during the evening because our feet are already tired and expanded to the maximum. Therefore, it will tell you which shoe gives you the maximum comfort. But you can still buy during the day, just keep a one-inch allowance between the big toe and your shoe tip if you buy it in the morning and half an inch if you buy in the afternoon.
I hope this tip will help to all women out there who loves to buy shoes always.

Say Hello

Hello guys! I'm back again, have you wonder why my blog is not updated? It's just that I have my 2-months leave and reported only last November 14. So, to start with this new come back I want to share to you the many ways to say "hello".

1. Japanese - "konnichiwa" (koe-nee-chee-wha)
2. Spanish - "hola" (OH-la)
3. Mandarin Chinese - "ni hao" (nee-how)
4. Hebrew - "shalom" (sha-LOHM)
5. France - "bonjour" (bohn-JOOR)
6. Italy - "ciao" (chow)
7. Swahili - "jambo" (JAHM-boh)
8. Arabic - "marhaba" (MAR-hah-bah)
9. Russians - "privet" (preev-YEHT)
10. Hindi - "namaste" (nah-mah-STAY)

Healthful Facts About Water

I would like to share this healthful fact of water and how important it is in our body. I got this from lone of the article in lutongbahay.com. Of course we all know it but even if we know the importance of it in our body yet, we tend not to drink the required number of glasses, just because we dislike it. For one reason, it’s tasteless. Even I don’t really drink the minimum requirement of 8 glasses until I had my UTI which really requires me to drink more glasses to flush away the bacteria present.
Believe it or not, water is a micronutrient. Oprah doesn’t like it that much. However, she does admit that she takes it in almost every way presented: with lime, lemon, orange, and even flavored. What is it? It’s none other than water.
Not surprisingly, most of us share her impartiality to this liquid. The common reason given is that it’s a boring drink and quite tasteless. No doubt, we would appreciate a glass of water more if it’s a precious commodity. Since the earth is covered by ¾ water, however, we tend to disregards its uses. And what are these uses?
For one, water cleansed the body. Drinking water flushes out harmful toxins and substance from the body. You can see this in the healthy glow of individuals who take as much as 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Although water breaks are a problem, the body soon manages to control water retention. Thus posing no problem to individual drinking lots of clear stuff.
Another reason why water is good is that it helps people lose weight. No, water doesn’t magically enable individuals to melt fat away. What water provides is that “full” feeling that helps individuals fights their craving for food.
Lastly, not a lot of people may know this, but water is considered a micronutrient. This is because it is essential in how individuals expend energy on a given day.
So drink water. It’s really good for you.

My Colonoscopy

This is an interesting story about the parts of the body. They are arguing of who will be the leader or shall we say the most important part of the Human body.

All the organs of the body were having a meeting, trying to decide who was the one in charge."I should be in charge," said the brain , "Because I run all the body's systems, so without me nothing would happen.""
I should be in charge," said the blood , "Because I circulate oxygen all over so without me you'd all waste away.""I should be in charge," said the stomach," Because I process food and give all of you energy."
"I should be in charge," said the legs, "because I carry the body wherever it needs to go."
"I should be in charge," said the eyes, "Because I allow the body to see where it goes."
"I should be in charge," said the rectum, "Because I'm responsible for waste removal."
All the other body parts laughed at the rectum And insulted him, so in a huff, he shut down tight.Within a few days, the brain had a terrible headache, the stomach was bloated, the legs got wobbly, the eyes got watery, and the blood Was toxic. They all decided that the rectum should be the boss.
The Moral of the story?The asshole is usually in-charge.

source: forwarded message from email

Papaya Juice: Cure for DENGUE

I would like to share this interesting discovery from a classmate's son who has just recovered from dengue fever. Apparently, his son was in the critical stage at the SJMC ICU when his pallet counts drops to 15 after 15 liters of blood transfusion.
His father was so worried that he seeks another friend's recommendation and his son was saved. He confessed to me that he give his son raw juice of the papaya leaves. From a pallet count of 45 after 20 liters of blood transfusion, and after drinking the raw papaya leaf juice, his pallet count jumps instantly to 135. Even the doctors and nurses were surprised. After the second day he was discharged. So he asks me to pass this good news around.
Accordingly it is raw papaya leaves, 2pcs just cleaned and pound and squeeze with filter cloth. You will only get one tablespoon per leaf. So two tablespoon per serving once a day. Do not boil or cook or rinse with hot water, it will loose its strength. Only the leafy part and no stem or sap. It is very bitter and you have to swallow it like Won Low Kat. But it works.
Papaya Juice - Cure for Dengue
You may have heard this elsewhere but if not I am glad to inform you that papaya juice is a natural cure for dengue fever. As dengue fever is rampant now, I think it's good to share this with all.
A friend of mine had dengue last year. It was a very serious situation for her as her platelet count had dropped to 28,000 after 3 days in hospital and water has started to fill up her lung. She had difficulty in breathing. She was only 32-year old. Doctor says there's no cure for dengue. We just have to wait for her body immune system to build up resistance against dengue and fight its own battle. She already had 2 blood transfusion and all of us were praying very hard as her platelet continued to drop since the first day she was admitted.
Fortunately her mother-in-law heard that papaya juice would help to reduce the fever and got some papaya leaves, pounded them and squeeze the juice out for her. The next day, her platelet count started to increase, her fever subside. We continued to feed her with papaya juice and she recovered after 3 days!!! Amazing but it's true. It's believed one's body would be overheated when one is down with dengue and that also caused the patient to have fever papaya juice has cooling effect. Thus, it helps to reduce the level of heat in one's body, thus the fever will go away. I found that it’s also good when one is having sore throat or suffering from heat.
Please spread the news about this as lately there are many dengue cases. It's great if such natural cure could help to ease the sufferings of dengue patients. Furthermore it's so easily available. Blend them and squeeze the juice! It's simple and miraculously effective!!

source: forwarded email

Brain Damaging Habits

Most of us really know the importance of our brain and yet we tend to do or practice things and even skip or forget the must to do things to keep our brain healthy. Below are the usual or shall we say common practices of people especially those who are in a diet.
1. No Breakfast
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level. This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.
2. Overeating
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
3. Smoking
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.
4. High Sugar Consumption
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.
5. Air Pollution
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body. Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.
6. Sleep Deprivation
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. Head covered while sleeping
Sleeping with the head covered, increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
8. Working your brain during illness
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.
9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.
10. Talking Rarely

Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain The main causes of liver damage are:
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil. Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
9. Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts. Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.



We should prevent this without necessarily spending more. We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals according to "schedule." Because: Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.
Evening at 11pm - 1am: is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state. Early morning 1 - 3am: detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state. Early morning 3 - 5am: detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process. Morning 5 - 7am: detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.
Morning 7 - 9am: absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.
Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.

TAKE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!

source: forwarded email

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

source: from a forwarded email

How Colors Impact Moods, Feelings, and Behaviors

What Is Color?

In 1666, English scientist Sir Isaac Newton discovered that when pure white light is passed through a prism, it separates into all of the visible colors. Newton also found that each color is comprised of a single wavelength and cannot be separated any further into other colors. Further experiments demonstrated that light could be combined to form other colors. For example, red light mixed with yellow light creates an orange color. A color resulting from a mix of two other colors is known as a metamer. Some colors, such as yellow and purple, cancel each other out when mixed and result in a white light. These competing colors are known as complements.

Color Psychology - The Psychological Effects of Color
While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, there are some color effects that have universal meaning. Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference.

Color Psychology as Therapy
Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced chromotherapy, or using colors to heal. Chromotherapy is sometimes referred to as light therapy or colourology and is still used today as a holistic or alternative treatment. In this treatment:
Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.
Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.
Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.

Most psychologists view color therapy with skepticism and point out that the supposed effects of color have been exaggerated. Colors also have have different meanings in different cultures. Research has demonstrated in many cases that the mood-altering effects of color may only be temporary. A blue room may initially cause feelings of calm, but the effect will be dissipate after a short period of time.

Choose A Color to Learn More
Black

White
Red
Blue
Green
Yellow
Purple
Brown
Orange
Pink

Source:By Kendra Van Wagner, About.com

Satan's Deadliest Strategy

SATAN'S MEETING: (Read even if you're busy)
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
"We can't keep Christians from going to church."
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their
savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."
"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners,
BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with
Jesus Christ.."
"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital
connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes
to occupy their minds," he answered.
"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work
6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty
lifestyles."
"Keep them from spending time with their children."
"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the
pressures of work!"
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small
voice."
"Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive." To
keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see
to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music
constantly."
"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."
"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."
"Invade their driving moments with billboards."
"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and
every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services
and false hopes.."
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands
will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become
dissatisfied with their wives. "
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night."
"Give them headaches too! "
"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to
look elsewhere."
"That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the
real meaning of Christmas."
"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and
power over sin and death."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."
"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send
them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies
instead."
"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"
"And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and
small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power
from Jesus."
"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health
and family for the good of the cause."
"It will work!"
"It will work!"
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere
to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families.
Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

LOVE and Letting GO

When you think of your past love,

you may view it as a failure.

But when you find a new love, you view the past as a teacher.

In the game of love, it doesn't really matter who won or who lost.

What is important is you know when to hold on and when to let go!

You know you really love someone

when you want him or her to be happy,

even if his or her happiness means that you're not part of it.

Everything happens for the best.

If the person you love doesn't love you back,

don't be afraid to love someone else again,

for you'll never know unless you give it a try.

You'll never love a person you love unless you risk for love.

Love strives in hurting.
If you don't get hurt, you don't learn how to love.

Love doesn't hurt all the time,

though the hurting is still there to test you and to help you grow.

Don't find love, let love find you.

That's why it's called falling in love because you don't force yourself to fall.

You just fall. You cannot finish a book without closing its chapters.

If you want to go on, then you have to leave the past as you turn the pages.

Love is not destroyed by a single failure or won by a single caress.

It is a lifetime venture in which we are always learning, discovering and growing.

The greatest irony of love is letting go

when you need to hold on and holding on when you need to let go.

We lose someone we love only

when we are destined to find someone else

who can love us even more than we can love ourselves.

On falling out of love, take some time to heal and

then get back on the horse.

But don't ever make the same mistake of riding the same one

that threw you the first time.

To love is to risk rejections;

to live is to risk dying, to hope is to risk failure.

But risk mustbe taken because

the greatest hazard in life is risking nothing!

To reach for another is to risk involvement,

to expose your feelings is to expose your true self;

to love is to risk not to be loved in return.

How to define love: fall but do not stumble,

be constant but not too persistent,

share and never be unfair,

understand and try not to demand,

hurt but never keep the pain.

Love is like a knife.

It can stab the heart or

it can carve wonderful images into the soul

that always last for a lifetime.

Love is supposed to be the most wonderful feeling.

It should inspire you and give you joy and strength.

But sometimes the things that give you joy can also hurt you in the end.

Loving people means giving them the freedom

that they choose to be and where they choose to be.

For all the heartaches and the tears,

for gloomy days and fruitless years,

you should give thanks, for you know,

that these were the things which helped you grow.

Loving someone means giving him

the freedom to find his way,

whether it leads towards you or away from you.

Love is a painful risk to take

but the risk must be taken no matter how scary or painful, f

or only then you'll experience the fullness of humanity and that is love.

Only love can hurt your heart,

fill you with desire and tear you apart. Only love can make you cry

and only love knows why.

If you're not ready to cry,

if you're not ready to take the risk,

if you're not ready to feel the pain,

then you're not ready to fall in love.

There was a time in our lives

when we became afraid to fall in love

because every time we do,

we get hurt, then I figured that's why it's called falling in love.

When you decide to love, allow it to grow.

When you promise to love, refuse to let it die!

Source: from email

Bedtime Tips and Rituals for Babies

Does uttering the phrase "bedtime" send your toddler into squeals of hysterical protest? Do you sink onto your sheets in grateful exhaustion each night, only to hear the plaintive call of "Mommy" as your child creeps through your bedroom door? Then you are in desperate need of these terrific tips, designed to end every mom's epic struggle for a good night's rest.

Below are helpful tips to be considered:

1. Keep bedtime and the ritual that surrounds it consistent to establish a familiar routine,
security, predictability, and an end to negotiations.
2. Build active play and exercise into your child's day to ensure that by bedtime he's ready to
sleep.
3. Have a calm period after dinner, whether that means reading before bed, cuddling, telling
stories, or taking a bath. Make the half an hour before bed a transition time that quiets down
your child and prepares him for bed.
4. Give your child plenty of notice as bedtime approaches, so he can begin the transition and end
at his pace whatever activity in which he's involved.
5. Set a timer for starting the bedtime routine if you find yourself engaged in power struggles.
6. Give your child some control over his bedtime routine - allow him some choices, like between
two books or pairs of pajamas.
7. Make a chart with pictures of everything that needs to be done before bed. This way your
child can start working on these himself, from putting on pajamas to brushing his teeth, to
picking up toys on his bedroom floor.
8. As a treat for your child in the winter, warm pajamas in the dryer for a few minutes to make
them cozy, but make sure buttons and other metal parts don't get too hot.
9. Set a time for lights out, and stick as close to it as possible.
10. If you work, resist the urge to allow your child to stay up later to spend time with him. This
will only make him cranky if he has to get up early for school or day care. Even on a weekend,
this will throw off his schedule.
11. Move bedtime earlier if your child has difficulty getting up for day care or school in the
morning.
12. Tell your child when a special occasion is coming that allows or requires him to stay up later
than usual, and let him know when bedtime will return to normal again.
13. Do not offer a later bedtime as a reward for good behavior or an earlier bedtime as
punishment for bad behavior, to ensure that your child does not begin to associate sleep with
punishment. Keep the message clear that sleep is a way to let your child's body energize itself
for the next day.
14. If your child habitually gets out of bed after having been tucked in for the night:
15. Make sure he has water nearby if he is thirsty, and a night-light or low-watt light on if he's
concerned about the dark.
16. Immediately lead your child back to bed, quietly remind him it is bedtime and tell him you
will check back in awhile.
17. Minimize contact and conversation. Repeat the process as many times as necessary without
making a production of it.
18. If your child wants you in the room with him, compromise by offering to stay in the hallway
until he falls asleep.
19. Reward him with stars, stickers, and extra stories at night for not getting out of bed.
Communicate the message that you refuse to waver on bedtime, and that pleas and
entreaties will not buy more stories, television, play time, or grown-up attention.

Stacy DeBroff is the best-selling parenting author of The Mom Book Goes to School: Insider Tips to Ensure Your Child Thrives in Elementary and Middle School, and founder of www.MomCentral.com.

Blueberry Pancake

These Blueberry Pancakes will brighten-up even the darkest mornings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 05 minutes
Ingredients:
1-3/4 cups flour
2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1-3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) blueberries
Preparation:
In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients with wire whisk. In a small bowl, with an electric mixer, combine eggs, milk and oil. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Hand mix only until large lumps are gone. Gently fold-in blueberries.
Heat griddle or frying pan. Grease pan lightly. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup to form each pancake in pan. Bake until bubbles appear and edges are brown. Flip pancakes and cook for a minute or so longer.
Makes about 16 4-inch pancakes.

Source: www.about.com

Foods to Keep You Slim

Yes, believe it or not, there are many foodstuffs and dishes that can actually help you lose weight. Here are a few:
FRESH VEGGIES AND FRUITS. You can eat a lot of fresh veggies and fruits for only a few calories–as opposed to a hamburger, a serving of which can already give you your daily caloric requirement.
SOUPS AND FRESH FRUIT JUICES. Sometimes, some people misconstrue thirst for hunger pangs. Being hydrated is as important in dieting as lower caloric intake. Eating soup for one before every meal can give you that full felling as it has lots of liquid-thus, making you eat less. Fresh fruit juices on the other hand - aside from giving you a full feeling - provide fiber as well.
EAT WHOLE WHEAT, EAT BEANS. Fiber is good and can make you fell full. This is also true in bread - despite its reputation for being crab rich. Whole wheat bread provides one the fiber needed for being full and for digestion. Beans also provide the same service with the added benefit of being a very good protein source.
GOT MILK? DRINK IT? Believe it or not, recent studies indicate that the calcium in milk may actually help inhibit the storage of fat in the body! Indeed, this was observed in people who are already eating a well-balanced and low-fat diet. The calcium also seems to target the midsection. Thus, making a person less fat in that area.

Source: www.lutongbahay.com

Special Cassava Cake Recipe

Carbohydrates may come cheap but they are the chief source of energy. They provide most of the energy in the diet and supply an appreciable amount of protein. About 50-57% of our calories should come from carbohydrates, to supply us with energy to keep us alive, alert, awake and enthusiastic. Root crops that have high starch content include cassava. Cassava has the biggest amount of starch (34% ). Cassava is commonly served as suman or boiled, topped with sugar and grated coconut. It can also be served into a special treat during parties yet economical. Cassava cake is delicious and provides significant amounts of carbohydrates to supply the energy needs of the active child, growing teener, busy housewife and working father. Below is the recipe for special cassava cake:
Ingredients:
5 cups cassava, grated
2 cups sugar
1 cup powdered whole milk
2 eggs, beaten
5 cups coconut milk
Toppings:
Cheese, grated
Condensed milk
Procedure:
Mix thoroughly the first four ingredients.
Add coconut milk and mix well.
Pour into a greased baking pan.
Bake in moderate heat for about 45 minutes or until the top is almost dry.
Remove from oven.
Pour condensed milk evenly on top of cassava cake then sprinkle with cheese.
Bake again until golden brown ot until cheese and milk melt.
Source: May-June 2004 issue Health and Home

My First Vehicular Accident

Every seconds of our life really counts, because we never know what will happen to us anytime. I never expect this to happen in my life, it’s really my first time ever. It happened last July 27, 2008 at 7:28 in the morning. We were on our way home from Bankerohan; we were riding a motorcycle with my husband and daughter when a taxi cab suddenly had a U-turn which made us bumped into it. We felt into the road. As if I was out of the world for a second since I don’t know what happened next, what was my position when I felt down, all I remembered was when I was helped by my husband to stand up, my lips was bleeding my left knee was bleeding also, my child was crying and she had contusion on her head, my husband had a bruise on his right arm. Thanks be to God those were the only injuries that we had. We were brought to Davao Medical Hospital for check up and treatment. Though my injury was a little bit small but it was so painful even up to this time because it was on the knee. I was advice by the doctor to rest for 1 week. I really suffered the pain, I can’t walked properly even I took up already medicines and antibiotics. I was only healed by boiled guava leaves as cleansing. I can really testify the effectiveness of a guava leaves for cuts and wounds as cleansing because for about 2-3 days of using it, my wounds was healed.
Up to this time I cannot imagine myself having a vehicular accident. There are “what if” questions at the back of my mind and it makes me tremble whenever I remember the incident.

Top 10 Board Exam Passers

A total of 27,765 or 43.07 percent of the 64,459 who took the nursing licensure exam last June 1 and 2 passed it, the Board of Nursing of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) said Thursday evening.

Below is the top 10 students with corresponding schools where they came from. CONGRATULATIONS!

Top 10 Nursing Board Exam Passers

Top 1
• Aira Therese Salamanca Javier, University of Santo Tomas -- 86.00%

Top 2
Alrin Flores Falgui, Far Eastern University-Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation -- 85.80%

Top 3
• Kristine Maravilla Mendoza, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Memorial School -- 85.60%
• Joanna Jacob Quirante, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.60%

Top 4
• Ana Rica Chan Gutierrez, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.40%
• Dalfon Silvio Babular Navaja, Cebu Institute of Technology -- 85.40%
• Maria Alyssa Yee Policarpio, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.40%
• Aileen Grace Yu Sotyco, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.40%

Top 5
• Michelle Cruz Amoroso, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 85.20%
• Ma. Regina Basa Ang, Our Lady of Fatima University-Valenzuela -- 85.20%
• Michelle Joyce Cheung Encarnacion, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.20%
• Lyka Abalajon Gede-Y, Riverside College -- 85.20%
• Jason Albia Go, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.20%
• Katherine Rose Rodrigo Raquel, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Health Science Campus -- 85.20%

Top 6
• Regina Krys Villaflor Cabanilla, Cebu Normal University (Cebu State College) -- 85.00%
• Aster Annie De Jesus Calma, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 85.00%
• Tracy Michelle Buan Catacutan, Centro Escolar University-Manila -- 85.00%
• Diana Justo Cupino, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.00%
• Rachel Mae Tabuena Daigdigan, Mindanao State University-Marawi City -- 85.00%
• Karen Marie Galvez Flores, Trinity University of Asia (Trinity-QC) -- 85.00%
• Elaine Esther Saldua Funtanar, Cebu Normal University (Cebu State College) -- 85.00%
• Marion Delos Santos Llauder, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.00%
• Kevin Bryan Uy Lo, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.00%
• Anne Lorraine Trinidad Lorenzo, University of Perpetual Help Rizal-Las Piñas -- 85.00%
• Louie Jhon Erracho Lunaria, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 85.00%
• Joanna Roxas Maala, Our Lady of Fatima University-Valenzuela -- 85.00%
• Patrick Paras Mejia, University of Santo Tomas -- 85.00%
• Kristine Valino Picadizo, University of Perpetual Help Rizal-Las Piñas -- 85.00%
• Eiren Oro Rebute, West Visayas State University-La Paz -- 85.00%
• Rizza Armas Tamayo, Colegio De Dagupan (Computronix College) -- 85.00%
• Anna Mae Maquiling Trinidad, Mindanao State University-Marawi City -- 85.00%
• Jennifer Laggad Ugalde, Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College-Q.C. -- 85.00%

Top 7
• Ma. Leonor Galvan Barbosa, Mindanao Sanitarium & Hospital College of Med -- 84.80%
• Jennifer Baguio Gait, Velez College -- 84.80%
• Ariane Castañares Llevares, Cebu Normal University (Cebu State College) -- 84.80%
• Neil Anthony Esmilla Manzano, Our Lady of Fatima University-Valenzuela -- 84.80%
• Oliver Naval Mendoza, Saint Bernadette College of Health And Sciences -- 84.80%
• Maricor Cortez Montalbo, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 84.80%
• Tara Patawaran Patawaran, Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College-Q.C. -- 84.80%
• Roger Carlo Payawal Pineda, Dr. Yanga's Francisco Balagtas College -- 84.80%
• Bartolome Arthur Marcaida Quincina, Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College-Q.C. -- 84.80%
• Marion Katrina Lara Raguini, Far Eastern University-Manila -- 84.80%

Top 8
• Ma Cristina Diesta Arroyo, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Mem. Medical Center -- 84.60%
• Lance Lambert Gatdula Ayson, Bulacan State University (Bulacan Coll. of Arts & Trades) -- 84.60%
• Carla Emille Dalangin Barbon, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 84.60%
• Rosauro Cruz Briones, Manuel S. Enverga Univ. Foundation-Lucena City -- 84.60%
• Jan Paolo Santiago Caparas, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Health Science -- 84.60%
• Sozein Soliel Bacena Bustamante, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.60%
• Lourdes Claire Rodriguez David, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.60%
• Ana Joy Almie Cruz Dizon, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.60%
• Lorrainne Yu Embay, University of the Visayas-Mandaue City -- 84.60%
• Kristine Marie Lee Indiongco, Perpetual Help College of Manila -- 84.60%
• Imee Loren Chan Lim, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.60%
• Sim Pama Paniza, West Visayas State University-La Paz -- 84.60%
• Rochelle-Anne Ordinanza Primavera, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.60%
• Raichel Faye Mallari Ringor, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.60%
• Roxan Salvadora Roman, Our Lady of Fatima University-Valenzuela -- 84.60%
• Czarina Ann Arellano Sevilla, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.60%
• Jeffrey De Justo Silva, Saint Paul University-Iloilo -- 84.60%
• Zyena Joyce Palines Untalasco, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 84.60%
• Paola Sarona Young, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Mem. Medical Center -- 84.60%

Top 9
• Blake Warren Coloma Ang, Cebu Doctors’ University -- 84.40%
• Trisha Carmelli Gonzales Bautista, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 84.40%
• Danica Bianca Bernad Cagalawan, Saint Michael's College-Iligan City -- 84.40%
• Janna Bianca Albano Cajigal, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.40%
• Kathryn Kaye Aquino Carpio, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.40%
• Glynnis Doreen Olegario Corpuz, Capitol Medical Center School of Nursing -- 84.40%
• Katrina Rae Limjoco Daza, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.40%
• Jean Daisy Camacho De Guzman, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 84.40%
• Fritzie Praxidio Dela Cruz, University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna -- 84.40%
• Willenburgh Wong Ducusin, Manila Central University-Caloocan City -- 84.40%
• Gwen Atienza Legaspi, Saint Paul University-Manila -- 84.40%
• John Philip Tecson Lim, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.40%
• Stephanie Anne Chan Lopez, De Los Santos-Sti College,Inc-(Delos Santos S.N.) -- 84.40%
• Myron Marco Miranda Mariano, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.40%
• John Vincent Lim Omo, Holy Name University (Divine Word-Tagbilaran) -- 84.40%
• Maria Wella Balbona Pichon, University of the Visayas-Cebu City -- 84.40%
• May Stephanie Go Pua, Naga College Foundation -- 84.40%
• Daryle Joie Masocol Ragasa, Manila Doctors’ College -- 84.40%
• Girlie Lazaro Repuyan, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.40%
• Meludee Joy Madrigal Roche, Cebu Normal University (Cebu State College) -- 84.40%
• Maria Aileen Custodio Santiago, Dr. Carlos S. Lanting College-Q.C. -- 84.40%
• Arthur Michael Aris Camu Sunico, Far Eastern University-Manila -- 84.40%
• John Hirogie Abad Toku, Trinity University of Asia (Trinity-QC) -- 84.40%
• Angela Solayao Tiu, Velez College -- 84.40%
• Catherine Dasmariñas Uy -- Southeast Asian College (UDMC) -- 84.40%

Top 10
• Romina Paula Parreño Barrameda, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.20%
• John Robert Razote Bautista, Trinity University of Asia (Trinity-Qc) -- 84.20%
• Jeriel Bayhonan Besagas, Cebu Normal University (Cebu State College) -- 84.20%
• Marienne Sungcad Bravo, STI College Cebu, Inc -- 84.20%
• Evelyn Cuares Caseñas, University of Bohol -- 84.20%
• Bridgel Avila Galorio, Cebu Normal University (Cebu State College) -- 84.20%
• Ma. Bernadette Valdivia Lopez-Dee, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.20%
• May Flor Llego Marcolino, Larmen De Guia Memorial College -- 84.20%
• Kristian Santos Noche, Centro Escolar University-Manila -- 84.20%
• Dianne Mae Lagman Notario, Our Lady of Fatima University-Valenzuela -- 84.20%
• Kristine Ann Tagupa Panal, Mountain View College -- 84.20%
• Marnela Kathleen Veluya Pasamba, Sacred Heart College of Lucena City, Inc. -- 84.20%
• Ruby Joma Fadri Rafanan, Adventist University of the Philippines -- 84.20%
• Razeille Kristine Asistio Razon, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.20%
• Darra May Rapada Riano, Far Eastern University-Manila -- 84.20%
• Jomar Pacleb Ronquillo, Columban College-Olongapo City -- 84.20%
• Jeffrey Ramos Salazar, University of the Philippines-Manila -- 84.20%
• Frederick Abad Sampang, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.20%
• Marnelee Grace Rivera Semilla, Trinity University of Asia (Trinity-QC) -- 84.20%
• Janelle Grace Teo Sia, University of Santo Tomas -- 84.20

Source:http://nursingcrib.blogspot.com/

http://www.boardexampassers.com

World's Healthiest Foods

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO HUNGRY TO BE HEALTHY

Below are the foods we can find from around us which gives us a healthy body that do not need us to spend much.

BANANAS

Need a quick food fix without too much calories? There's a perfect food for you-the banana. A banana contains 62 calories and is rich potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and fiber. It also contains starch, which is converted to sugar, making it ideal for people suffering from low blood sugar.

ARTICHOKES

Artichokes are difficult to find fresh in the country as they are not really grown here. However, if you can find a reliable source of this delightful vegetable then be sure to stock up on them as they are a good source complex carbohydrates and non-digestible fiber (great for people who are experiencing bowel problems!). it also has iron, potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese, as well as smattering of vitamins.

BROCCOLI

Although not a very favorite veggie with kids, the broccoli is simply a wonder foodstuff which current studies indicate might be helpful in preventing cancer. It has also been proven effective in lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. Although it's colored green, broccoli is rich in beta carotene, calcium, iron, folate and zinc. As an added bonus, it has tryptophan, an amino acid that aids in sleep and relaxation. As such, if you want a good night's sleep and calm nerves, eat broccoli.

GARLIC

Garlic has long been known to be very good in lowering hypertension, aside from its antibacterial properties. Like broccoli, recent studies indicate that garlic may be able to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Dieters should also rejoice because unlike other foodstuffs, garlic is a good source of manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and calcium.

ONIONS

The healthful qualities of onions are nothing to be teary-eyed about. Onions are very good sources of fiber, potassium and B vitamins. Like broccoli and garlic, recent studies indicate that onions may help in reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke and bronchial congestion.

BARLEY AND RYE

These ancient grains are receiving much attention nowadays because of their healthful properties. Barley and rye contain more fiber and have been shown to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes. These grains also have tryptophan which contributes to restful sleep.

QUINOA

This is one of the oldest grains on record and has been a staple of the Incas for centuries. Unlike other Andean crops, however, the popularity of the quinoa (pronounced Keen-wa) was long in coming as it is only now that it is gaining in renown. Anyway, this grain contains manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and a host of other nutrients that made observers call it the "grain of the future."

CHESTNUTS

You don't have to wait for Christmas to partake these nuts. Chestnuts contain beneficial carbohydrates and (sorry dieters) great for people who want to increase their weight. Despite this "weight-y" attribute, chestnuts are cholesterol free, low in sodium and are surprisingly rich in dietary fiber. One should not eat chestnut is equivalent to at least five whole nuts (any kind). The best way to eat them is by baking them first.

Source: www.lutongbahay.com

by: celebrity recipes magazine

A Tomato A Day, Keeps The Doctor Away

Believe it or not, the "love apple" is good for one's health. Of course everybody knows that tomatoes are good for the health. For instance, it contains calcium, Vitamin C and lycopene that are good for such diseases and conditions as cancer, heart disease, and high cholesterol. Here are some surprising information on the healthful attributes of the "love apple".

Background.

Tomatoes are loved for their fresh taste and the versatile role they play in cooking. But research indicates there may be another reason to love them --- they're loaded with lycopene (LY-ko-pene). Lycopene is a plant chemical (phytochemical) that gives tomatoes their red color. It also appears to offer potential health benefits.


Inside your tomato.

Tomatoes contain many nutrients, among them vitamins C and B complex and the minerals iron and potassium. Also in the mix are carotenoids (kuh-ROT-uh-noids). These include lycopene and beta carotene, which are converted into vitamin A by your body.
Lycopene gets high marks from researchers for its apparently potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are thought to neutralize harmful substances in the body called free radicals. These molecules, which result from normal cell metabolism as well as other causes, may increase your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.


Possible health benefits.

Research into dietary lycopene suggests it may lower risk of:
Heart attack. A study of more than 1,300 European men suggested that those consuming the most lycopene from foods had about half the risk of heart attack as men who consumed less.
Prostate cancer. A 5-year study of 48,000 men found that those eating 10 servings a week of cooked tomato products had the lowest risk of prostate cancer. Their risk was one-third that of men eating less than two servings a week. Other studies suggest that lycopene may play a role in reducing the risk of other cancers, including colon, rectal and breast cancers.

Source: www.lutongbahay.com
by: celebrity recipes magazine

Household Tips 101

Here are some easy househhold tips and practical solutions and more that will help us save time, money and energy.

• When pressing pants, it is best that you iron the top part on the wrong side and the legs on the right side. Doing this would give the pockets and waist band a smooth look.
• To clean ceiling fan the easy way, cover your hands in a pair of olds socks. Dip them in warm sudsy water and run your hand over top and bottom of each blade. To keep dust from clinging to your electric fan, apply a thin coat of floor wax.
• Spray the lightbulb in your room with perfume. When the light is turned on a light scent will be done.
• For a fresher laundry basket, put a fabric softener at its bottom. Sprinkling some aking soda in the basket's bottom will also absorb odors.
• When washing dishes by hand, add vinegar tot he rinse water for a cleaner and brighter shine.
• To cut hard-boiled eggs in smooth slices, dip the knife first in water.
• Choose lemons that are heavy for their size and have smooth skins.
• Remove carrot tops before storing them. Tops draw water from carrots causing them to wilt.
• Dip the spoon in milk or water and the pancake batter will drop off the spoon easily.
• Test fro freshness by mixing one teaspoon of vinegar with one teaspoon of cornstarch. the mixture will bubble if the cornstarch is fresh.
• When only half of the onion will be used, used the top half and store the root end. The root end stays fresh longer.

They are very simple but in some other way it lightens our burden of work and the same time save time.

Source: Health and Home july-Aug. 2007 issue

High-Fiber Diet

Do you have difficulty moving your bowel? Then you go for a high-fiber diet. A high-fiber diet is a modified balanced diet with higher fiber content. This is effected by including more fruits, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains in meal preparation. Fiber helps reduce the amount of fats and sugar in the bloodstream. It makes the elimination of waste products faster, thus preventing constipation. Fiber can only be taken from fruits, nuts, vegetables, cereals, whole grains and legumes. The more the food is in its natural form (unrefined), the higher is its fiber content. Below are some simple tips to prevent constipation:
1. Establish a regular eating schedule.
2. Eat three good meals daily with breakfast as the heaviest and supper as the lightest.
3. Take time to enjoy your food.
4. Use unrefined foods instead of processed or refined products.
5. Substitute meat and fish with legumes and nuts.
6. Include leafy vegetables in meals as much and as frequent as possible. 7. Increase fluid intake. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily between meals.
8. eat fruits, vegetables, cereals and grains with seeds, skin and membrane when possible.
9. Avoid apple, banana, guava, star apple, and the like if you have constipation. Instead, eat papaya, pineapple, prunes, oranges, watermelon.
10. Include a variety of foods from meal to meal. Avoid tea, coffee and alcoholic and carbonated beverages.

Reference: Health and Home -March-April 2007 issue

Styllish Eyeglasses Online

Do you have problem looking for an optical clinic which sells an affordable yet durable pair of eyeglasses? Then ZenniOptical.com is the answer. Incredible Stylish New Frames From Zenni are available online. In fact Zenni Optical was on FOX news! You can choose a variety of styles the cheapest style is the Zenni Optical $ 8 Rx Eyeglasses. So hurry!

Laugh Your Way to Health

Did you know that laughter helps reduce natural killer cells, a type of white cell that raises the antibody levels. which fight infections. It suppresses the release of stress hormones and acts as a natural painkiller. It also lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Laughter increases circulation and strengthens organs, helping the body become more resistant to infections.

Laughing is also is an aerobic workout for the diaphragm and inreases the body's ability to use oxygen. A six year old laughs an average of 300 times a day. The adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day. That's why children can easily adjust stress because they are always laughing. So we really need to laugh to release our stress and also makes us look younger and minimize wringkles, we just have to forget our problems for a while inorder to feel us good. A popular saying says that "Laughter is the best medicine".

Reference: Health and Home March-April 2004 edition

The Nine Habits of Highly Healthy People

For years, business and motivational gurus have known that there are basic habits that seem to predict professional success and excellence. Books like The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by motivational speaker and business guru Stephen Covey, which has sold over 15 million copies alone, shows that people are hungry for the secrets of success.
We don't yet have the perfect formula for long life, happiness, and physical health, but a little careful distillation of the massive amount of research on health and longevity reveals that cultivating nine basic habits will significantly increase the odds of your living long, well, and happily -- in a robust, healthy, weight-appropriate body.
1. Eat your vegetables. No kidding --and I'm talking at least 9 servings a day. Unless you're following the most stringent first stage of the Atkins Diet, you should be able to consume 60-120 grams of carbs a day (depending on your weight and exercise level), and you'd have to eat a stockyard full of spinach to get to that amount. Every major study of long-lived, healthy people shows that they eat a ton of plant foods. Nothing delivers antioxidants, fiber, flavonoids, indoles, and the entire pharmacopeia of disease fighting phytochemicals like stuff that grows in rich soil.
2. Eat fish and/or take fish oil. The omega-3's found in cold-water fish like salmon deserve the title of "wellness molecule of the century." They lower the risk of heart disease, they lower blood pressure, they improve mood, and they're good for the brain. And if you're pregnant, they may make your kid smarter!
3. Connect. And I'm not talking about the internet. In virtually every study of people who are healthy and happy into their 9th and 10th decades, social connections are one of the "prime movers" in their life. Whether church, family, volunteer work, or community, finding something you care about that's bigger than you, that you can connect with and that involves other people (or animals) -- will extend your life, increase your energy, and make you happier -- always.
4. Get some sun. At least 10-15 minutes three times a week. Interestingly, a recent study showed that the four healthiest places on earth where the people were longest-lived, were in sunny climates.1 Sun improves your mood and boosts levels of cancer-fighting, performance-enhancing, bone-strengthening vitamin D -- a vitamin most people don't get nearly enough of.
5. Sleep well. If you're low in energy, gaining weight, grumpy, and looking haggard, guess what? Chances are you're not sleeping long enough or well enough. By sleeping "well," I mean uninterrupted sleep, in the dark -- without the television on, in a relaxing environment. Nothing nourishes, replenishes, and restarts the system like 7-9 hours sleep. Hint: start by going to bed an hour early. And if you've got a computer in the bedroom, banish it!
6. Exercise every day. Forget this 20 minutes three times a week stuff. Long-lived people are doing things like farm chores at 4:30 in the morning! Our Paleolithic ancestors traveled an average of 20 miles per day. Our bodies were designed to move on a regular basis. New studies show that merely 30 minutes a day of walking not only reduces the risk of most serious diseases, but can even grow new brain cells!2
7. Practice gratitude. By making a list of things you're grateful for, you focus the brain on positive energy. Gratitude is incompatible with anger and stress. Practice using your under-utilized "right brain" and spread some love. Focusing on what you're grateful for -- even for five minutes a day -- has the added benefit of being one of the best stress-reduction techniques on the planet. 8. Drink red wine or eat grapes. The resveratrol in dark grapes is being studied for its effect on extending life, which it seems to do for almost every species studied. (So does eating about one third less food, by the way.) If you've got a problem with alcohol, you can get resveratrol from grapes, peanuts, or supplements. (And if you're a woman, and you choose the alcohol option, make sure you're getting folic acid every day.)
9. Get the sugar out. The number one enemy of vitality, health, and longevity is not fat, it's sugar. Sugar's effect on hormones, mood, immunity, weight, and possibly even cancer cells is enormous -- and it's all negative. To the extent that you can remove it from your diet, you will be adding years to your life and life to your years.

Source: Total Health Breakthroughs

By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

Prayer to Saint Benedict

Today July 11 is the feast day of Saint Bendict and I would like to share this prayer and novena to the devotees. A Patron Against Poisoning and a Patron of Religious1


Admirable Saint and Doctor of Humility, you practiced what you taught, assiduously praying for God's glory and lovingly fulfilling all work for God and the benefit of all human beings. You know the many physical dangers that surround us today often caused or occasioned by human inventions. Guard us against poisoning of the body as well as of mind and soul, and thus be truly a "Blessed" one for us. Amen.
Dear St. Benedict, you are a "blessing" indeed, as your name indicates.
Practicing what you preached, you founded the monastic tradition of the West by joining prayer to labor for God---both liturgical and private prayer. Help all religious to follow their Rule and be true to their vocation.
May they labor and pray for the world to the greater glory of God. Amen.
Glorious St. Benedict, sublime model of virtue, pure vessel of God's grace! Behold me humbly kneeling at your feet. I implore you in your loving kindness to pray for me before the throne of God. To you I have recourse in the dangers that daily surround me. Shield me against my selfishness and my indifference to God and to my neighbor. Inspire me to imitate you in all things. May your blessing be with me always, so that I may see and serve Christ in others and work for His kingdom.
Graciously obtain for me from God those favors and graces which I need so much in the trials, miseries, and afflictions of life. Your heart was always full of love, compassion, and mercy toward those who were afflicted or troubled in any way. You never dismissed without consolation and assistance anyone who had recourse to you. I therefore invoke your powerful intercession, confident in the hope that you will hear my prayers and obtain for me the special grace and favor I earnestly implore (mention your favor).
Help me, great St. Benedict, to live and die as a faithful child of God, to run in the sweetness of His loving will, and to attain the eternal happiness of heaven. Amen.

NOVENA TO SAINT BENEDICT

Glorious St. Benedict who taught us the way to religious perfection by the practice of self-conquest, mortification, humility, obedience, prayer, silence, retirement and detachment from the world, I kneel at your feet and humbly beg you to take my present need under your special protection (mention here). Vouchsafe to recommend it to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace to one day meet God face to face, and with you and Mary and all the angels and saints to praise Him through all eternity. O most powerful Saint Benedict, do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to heaven, there to worship and enjoy the most holy and adorable Trinity forever and ever. Amen.
Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, and 1 Glory Be.

How Alcohol Affects the Body

Alcohol extracts a heavy price from personal health. This goes for teens as well as adults. Young people who grow up in nonalcoholic homes are less likely to have problems with alcohol when they reach adulthood. A parent's example can make a big difference. So how does alcohol affects the vital parts of our body:
The Brain: Alcohol, even in small amounts, causes irreparable damage to brain cells; some die and others are altered.
The Heart: Alcohol increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, and damage to heart muscle.
The Lungs: Alcohol depresses respiratory functions.
The Reproductive System: In men, alcohol can damage cells in the testes, causing impotence, sterility, and possibly enlarged breasts. In women, alcohol can cause irregular menstrual cycles and malfunctioning of the ovaries. Alcohol has been linked to birth defects in infants and to fetal alcohol syndrome.
The Liver: Because the liver filter alcohol from the blood, alcohol affects it more than any other organ of the body:
* Excess calories in alcohol are stored as fat in the liver.
* Functioning liver cells die from alcoholic poisoning.
* Scar tissue replaces dead cells, causing cirrhosis.
The Immune System: Alcohol weakens the body's defense against infection and breast cancer.

Most likely that's the terrible effects of drinking too much alcohol. So as early as possible we should stop if not moderately drink alcohol so that we weill not suffer in the end.

Source: Health & Home- May-June 2004 issue

The # 1 Secret of Brain Longevity

Did you know that you can boost your brain power right now and prevent memory loss later?
This notion of creating a lifetime of peak mental performance is what I call "Brain Longevity," and has been the focus of my medical practice and research for over 15 years. In fact, because of my pioneering work in this area, I'm often referred to as "The George Washington of Brain Longevity," the father of the field.
So I'm very excited to have you join me as we embark on a voyage to the essence of your being: your brain, your mind, and your memory. The journey of brain longevity will perhaps be the most fascinating and enlightening of your life, as you discover new, heightened levels of brain fitness.
During this extraordinary adventure, I'll be revealing all the latest medical research, which you can apply right now to be at your best.
Yes, you'll have the brain and memory of a much younger you.
You may even feel like a kid again.
When you experience that renewal, you'll probably feel like a new person. You'll no longer feel as you do now -- like your old self. But you won't be a different self. You'll be your real self -- the one you know is there deep inside of you, and the one that has been with you since the day you were born.
That self may have been beaten and bruised by stress, exhaustion, abuse, toxins, or painful emotions such as frustration, fear, or anger. Nonetheless, after all of this punishment, it's still there waiting.
And you'll be able to use what you learn in this ongoing column to absolutely shine again.
My own medical journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. In the beginning, my work was actually ridiculed by ordinary doctors and the conventional medical establishment.
"This is absurd," they'd say.
"Nothing can be done for the brain."
But of course they were wrong. There are many things that can be done to boost your brain power, starting right now. The reason why many ordinary doctors were in a fog, and why many still are, is that they didn't know the # 1 secret of brain longevity.
What's the secret?
Your brain is flesh and blood, just like the rest of your body.
Now, for a few of you this idea may seem mundane. But for many others it will be a revolutionary epiphany. Why? Because I know from experience that many people think of the brain as a mysterious computer. But remember, your brain isn't a computer; it's a flesh and blood organ just like your heart, for example.
And just as there are many scientifically proven, health-giving measures that benefit your heart, there are many ways to benefit your brain as well.
Because your brain is flesh and blood like the rest of your body:
Poor nutrition hurts your brain.
Chronic, unbalanced stress ruins your memory
Lack of physical exercise ages your brain and your body.
Lack of stimulating mental activity accelerates brain aging.1
The other day I was reading an article in a leading medical journal.2 They were discussing the predicted, rapidly emerging epidemic of Alzheimer's disease. Ten million baby boomers will develop this horrible mind-robbing illness, they revealed. But when it came time to discuss something hopeful, they drew a blank. All they could do was sing that same old tired song about genetics and the search for a magic bullet drug.
Well, let me tell you right here and now: the era of magic bullet drug therapy is over. When it comes to a flesh and blood organ like your brain, there never has been and never shall be one magic bullet drug.
And what about genetics?
While you certainly can't ignore your genes, the most recent research, which was just revealed at a leading-edge conference I attended at the UCLA Center on Aging, showed that genetics accounts for only 30% of all cases of cognitive decline. The other 70% is related to your life-style.3
Yes, you read correctly. How you live your life today will go a long way towards determining the state of your mind and memory tomorrow.
As my cutting edge work reveals, and as I'll be sharing with you in this and future articles, you can protect and repair your brain with your lifestyle choices. Memory loss can even be reversed using what I call, The Four Pillars of Brain Longevity
Here they are:
Diet and supplements: The food you eat makes a big difference in your memory function. Certain high fat foods, such as grain-fed beef clog up your brain cells, while fish such as fresh frozen Alaskan salmon and some vegetables and fruit actually protect it. Moreover, there are a number of memory-specific supplemental nutrients that can make a big difference as well.
Stress Management: This is critically important, because, as we'll see in future articles, chronic, unbalanced stress kills brain cells in the hippocampus, your brain's memory center. The practice of regular relaxation techniques and social activity can help.4
Exercise: The latest research clearly shows the fundamental imperative of physical, mental, and mind/body exercise in maximizing your memory. Exercise may even grow new brain cells, recent research denotes.6
Anti-aging hormone replacement therapy. There may be a place for the artful replacement of certain hormones to help maintain not only optimal physical health, but brain health as well.5
That's what it's all about: creating ultimate cognitive vitality now and preventing memory loss later. We'll be covering a lot more of this timely subject in the coming months. Topics will include the latest immediately useful information on diet, supplements, meditation, physical and mental exercise, and much more.
It's going to be a "how to" mind-expanding experience.

Author:Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D.

Ten Nutritional Guidelines for Filipino

In the Philippines, July is declared as the month of Nutrition. Diffierent agencies and schools both private and public have each own program or way of celebrating the said event. Every year there is always a theme, and for this year the theme is especially dedicated to pregnant mothers"Sa Wastong Nutrisyon ni Mommy, Siguradong Healthy si Baby". It's because during pregnancy what the mother is eating it goes directly to the baby inside the womb. Therefore mom should eat healthy and nutritious foods.

To achieve good health there are 10 basic nutritional guidelines in which not only mothers should know but for the information of everybody:

1. Eat a variety of foods everyday.

2. Breast-feed infants exclusively from birth to 6 months, and then give appropriate foods while continuing breast-feeding.

3. Maintain children's normal growth through proper diet and monitor their growth regularly.

4. consume fish, lean meat, poultry or dried beans.

5. Eat more vegetables, fruits and root crops.

6. Eat foods cooked in edible or cooking oil daily.

7. Consume milk, milk products or other calcium-rich foods such as small fish and dark green leafy vegetables everyday.

8. Use iodized salt, but avoid excessive intake of salty foods.

9. Eat clean and safe food.

10. For a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.

Source: ND/HRM Program bookmark

The Straight Facts on Carbs

If you're a carb lover, now's the time to get a handle on how many carbs you should be eating every day. This information is not just important for your waistline. It's also important to control the potential for disease-causing inflammation that increases with high levels of circulating insulin and blood sugar -- and that may cause cancer.
That was the result of a recent analysis of 39 studies that found that the greater a person's intake of high glycemic index and high glycemic load foods, the greater the risks of certain types of cancer (endometrial and colon).
Every time you eat a carbohydrate-rich food like pasta, rice, potatoes, table sugar, pure glucose, cereals, or even whole grain bread it raises both your blood sugar and insulin levels. The potential for inflammation, insulin resistance, and obesity increases when these foods are eaten in quantities beyond those our bodies can use.
Total daily activity, current body weight, and nutrient status all influence how well our body can process these foods. When you eat high carbohydrate foods, the amount of carbohydrate it contains is either used immediately for energy or stored as fat, depending on those factors.
If you're sitting in a meeting eating bagels or donuts, chances are that most of your energy-rich breakfast is circulating in your bloodstream looking for a home. If you're overweight, the scenario turns bleaker. In overweight people, insulin, the hormone needed for glucose entry into the cells for energy, is less efficient and causes blood glucose to rise and remain elevated for a longer duration.
Physical activity helps you utilize extra blood sugar, but for those of us who sit at a desk for most of the day or who get only a half hour on the treadmill per day, there is not nearly enough activity to utilize excess blood sugar. In fact, it would take days of hard physical labor to process the amount of carbohydrates consumed by much of the American population.
To make matters worse, reduced intake and body stores of nutrients like magnesium, chromium, zinc, and alpha-lipoic acid that aid the body in carbohydrate metabolism also contribute to insulin resistance and even a reduced ability to burn carbs during exercise. We have seen patients exercise intensely with the help of a personal trainer for 1 to 2 hours, five or six days a week and still not lose weight. Once we can replete them with these nutrients, they often lose weight with less exercise.
So how many carbs should you eat? At LMI, we have used a guideline of no more than 20 to 30% of calories as carbs for years. This is not too restrictive and is successful in most of our clients. The best way to determine how well your body is handling carbs is a post-prandial glucose and insulin test which measures blood glucose and insulin levels after eating a specified high carbohydrate food.
If one or both of these values are elevated, glycemic load intake should be immediately reduced. Taking the nutrients mentioned above has also helped many of our patients to eventually increase their carbohydrate intake somewhat without negative effects on their weight, blood glucose, or insulin levels.
Eating a diet rich in non-starchy vegetables like lettuce and kale, high-fiber legumes like lentils and beans, organically raised meats, and high-quality fats will help you burn fat, lose weight, and reduce your risk for many inflammatory conditions.
So swap your pasta, sweets, and excessive fruit for a few extra servings of vegetables and know that you're making a difference not only in your weight but in your overall health.


Source:"Total Health Breakthroughs" <support@totalhealthbreakthrough.com
Author:James LaValle, RPh, ND, CCN

Tragedy in the Sea

Just a week ago some parts of the Philippine archipelago experienced a strong typhoon name “Frank”. The typhoon leaved a very disastrous and even took away lives of hundreds of people. The most fatal one was the sunken ship of M/V Princess of the Stars owned and managed by Sulpicio Lines. A tragic incident that killed hundreds of people and until now the authorities can’t still determine how many are the survivors and how many are dead out of the eight hundred crews and passengers of the ship. The coast guard told that it will take them month to retrieve bodies inside the ship since they will not be able to get into the entrance and exit of the ship because it is blocked. They can see dead bodies inside but they are tangled by the wirings of the ship. Some are hoping for possible survivor inside the ship for there are spaces of the ship that can provide them for shelter. I hope God will have a miracle that there are still survivors inside and the retrieval team will be given a signs for life of the sunken ship.
I just hope that the relatives of the passengers will be able to accept the tragedy and go on with their normal life, though it’s painful but we can never foresee when God will take our lives. The point is that we should always be ready for anything that will happen in our lives and most importantly we should not forget to “PRAY”.