Therapist vs Psychologist

     BetterHelp.com can connect you with a therapist, counselor, or psychologist quickly, but people often wonder what the differences between the three actually are. It is a good idea to know the differences so that you can navigate through all of the mental health professionals and find one that is right for you.

     The differences between the three can actually be somewhat confusing. To understand, it is best to look at what each one is.

Therapist vs Psychologist

Love Your Heart: Hope for the Failing Heart

     Hello dearies! How's everyone, how's your heart if I may ask? February is the month where we celebrate Valentine's Day and many of us celebrated the 14th day with love, flowers, and chocolate. We always associate our hearts when we speak of this day because of the emotion or feeling that we feel towards our family, friends, and special someone. But have you ever thought about how your heart health these days?

     A healthy heart is important if you want to live a longer life but there are factors that can lead to heart failure especially if you are living with unhealthy lifestyle. But the good news is that heart failure can be treated and even prevented. To raise conversation and awareness, AstraZeneca Philippines hosted a webinar to discuss the latest developments on heart failure. A panel of experts from the Philippines and around the world discussed how the approval of AstraZeneca’s Dapagliflozin as a treatment option can make a difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos. Know more about this promising brand that "gives hope for the heart" below.

Love Your Heart: Hope for the Failing Heart
image from pexels.com

Boost Your Immunity Daily with GROWRICH VCO

     While virgin coconut oil is known as the world’s healthiest dietary oil, for some, there are issues in drinking VCO in its original form. It could be the taste or the texture of VCO, and exposure to air can result in the oil having a rancid taste, making it unpalatable. In cold weather, it could also harden or freeze.

     Introducing GROWRICH Virgin Coconut Oil Capsules, the first and only VCO in capsule form to be approved by the Food and Drugs Administration. GROWRICH Virgin Coconut Oil Capsule is the VCO you can easily pop into your mouth. Read more about the benefits of taking virgin coconut oil after the jump :)

Boost Your Immunity Daily with GROWRICH VCO

Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe

     I was browsing the Instagram explore feed when I stumbled upon a banana bread recipe. I love bananas and bread that's why I decided to click on the photo and check the recipe. To my surprise, it's not the regular banana bread that's perfect for afternoon tea or coffee. It's vegan! Have you tried this kind of food yet? According to healthline.com, Veganism is currently defined as a way of living that attempts to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, be it from food, clothing, or any other purpose. 

     Therefore, the simplest explanation is that vegan food simply equates to plant-based. In order for you to cook vegan food, all the ingredients must be animal-free, and using plants like fruits, vegetables including nuts, seeds, whole grains, and beans to name a few is what all you need. This vegan banana bread is so easy to make and made up of five ingredients. It's filling because of the whole grains used instead of the usual bread flour. So without further ado, here's my version of Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe, read more below.

Chunky Monkey Vegan Banana Bread Recipe 

Mistakes People Make During Winter and How to Avoid Them

     It’s getting colder, and many of us still don’t know how to prep our homes for winter. Especially when we live in an area prone to colder temperatures and snow. These mistakes apply to your home, your car, and your lifestyle. Before it gets too cold, here are some mistakes people make that you should avoid doing.

Mistakes People Make During Winter, and How to Avoid Them 

Panasonic nanoe X technology

     We are all waiting for this pandemic to be over. It has been 8 months since we stayed at home and followed strict health protocols and sanitary measures in order to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But as the saying goes, life must go on that's why we are now trying to cope with this new normal way of living.

      While we treat homes as the safest place we can be in during these challenging times, now more than ever is the time we should pay closer attention to the air quality in our residences. If you're a clean freak like me, I bet that you are now thinking of investing in an air purifier and great news because Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC), the manufacturer, importer, and distributor of Panasonic products in the country announced weeks ago that, in collaboration with a global contract research organization Texcell*1, Texcell has verified the inhibitory effect of the nanoe™ X technology with the benefits of hydroxyl radicals on the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Sharing more information about this technology below.

Panasonic nanoe X technology

Feature: Sekaya Organic Moringa

     Mothers are simply extraordinary. We have multiple roles at home, at work, and other tasks in between. We have lots of energy, right?! But sometimes you may ask, from where do we really get all the strength and energy every day. Sometimes we forgot that being busy takes a toll on our emotional and mental wellness.⁣

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     I remember that it's more challenging when I was breastfeeding my son. It lasted only for a month because I can’t produce enough breastmilk to feed my baby. I was frustrated and disappointed during that time. My mother told me that there are ways to enhance the supply of breast milk and one of them is by taking a moringa supplement.⁣ Years ago, only a few brands are available in the market and we are not sure if those non-organic sources came from pure ingredients. Fast forward today, I’m glad to know that there’s a European Union certified organic moringa from Sekaya.⁣ Know more about this brand after the jump!

Feature: Sekaya Organic Moringa

"For Your SweetHeart” Campaign via “Healthy Heart At Home" Online Event

     Staying at home is one of the protocols that we need to follow in preventing the spread of COVID-19 but it also leaves us susceptible to a sedentary lifestyle. It’s dangerous because there's an increased risk of diabetes due to a sedentary lifestyle. We can't deny the fact that staying at home for more than 8 months has disadvantages, especially in our health as some of us became couch potatoes and gadget slaves. 

     Diabetes and its life-threatening complication hit close to home that’s why I committed myself to a healthy lifestyle. In order to help spread awareness on this, I joined "The Healthy Heart @ Home: Online Fitness Class last October 24, 2020 that was virtually hosted by fitness gurus Coach Jim and Toni Saret on their Facebook Page. More about the online event and "For Your SweetHeart” Campaign after the jump.

"For Your SweetHeart” Campaign via “Healthy Heart At Home" Online Event
Healthy Heart at Home Online Fitness Class Outfit 

TRAINING WITH T: Get to Know More of Tatiana Lampa

     Hello dearies! Today, I'm so excited to share with you this article because the topic is close to my heart- Fitness. I decided to commit to a healthier lifestyle a year ago and sharing all things related to health and wellness is something that I will always do to inspire you. 

     Today, I'm featuring one of the trainers who recently launched an exciting fitness app called TRAINING WITH T, meet Tatiana Lampa- a NYC based trainer and is taking over the online space with her signature program - MOVE BETTER. Get to know more about Tatiana as she answers some of my burning questions with regards to strength training and cardio after the jump!

TRAINING WITH T: Get to Know More of Tatiana Lampa

Feature: Tolak Angin for the Modern Filipino Family

     I bet, you've heard "Prevention is better than cure" countless times, and "Health is wealth" since time immemorial. These two popular sayings have been a word of mouth when we talk about one's physical and mental state, including one's social well-being. Health is one of the aspects of life that matters most, the number one priority that is non-negotiable for me, and in this uncertain time, a healthy body is an investment. We can't afford to get sick that's why eating nutritious food, staying active, taking vitamins and supplements, and rest are essential these days. True enough that when you have a healthy body, there will be no hospital trips and the need for medication. 

     But there will be times that you will suddenly feel generally unwell- feeling under the weather or that feeling sick for no reason at all. Maybe you're just too tired from work or from doing house chores, or you have eaten something that made your stomach feel upset. When these situations arise, we always check our first aid kit for quick relief and this is where I can say that motherhood and titahood takes place, reaching for herbal products as instant remedies when in need. "Having that said," I recently discovered an herbal supplement called Tolak Angin. The brand caters to modern solutions to health concerns in light of these challenging times and the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharing more information about the latest addition in their product line that I'm sure will be a mainstay in your health care essentials.

Feature: Tolak Angin for the Modern Filipino Family

Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 Winners

    One brand proved Robert Schuller's quote that tough times never last, but tough people do in the recently concluded Century Everybod Superbod 2020. The most anticipated health and fitness event of the year was also a momentous occasion as it set the standards for future online events in the new normal. This year's winners are a nursing student and ESL instructor Samantha Ashley Lo and fitness coach and professional model Sam Ajdani made a strong and successful finish amid the pandemic 

     Held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City, the finals event followed strict adherence to the FDCP-DOH-DOLE safety protocols for film and audio-visual shoots. Century Pacific Food Inc. EVP & COO Greg Banzon said that they needed to rise up to the challenge. They knew it was going to be tough but they stayed focused and if they're able to pull this off successfully then at least they were able to provide a template for the industry to learn from and use. He also added that “It’s important to stage the event to provide inspiration and a good benchmark for the country to put health, wellness and fitness as the top priority.” Sharing highlights of Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 after the jump!

Century Tuna Everybod Superbod 2020 Winners

AIA Philam Life Med-Assist for Children

     I just realized that life insurance is essential when my father was in and out of the hospital a few years ago. It never crossed my mind that I'll be needing it too for my family especially for my child. In this time of uncertainty, protection from financial burden in time of sickness is non-negotiable and getting one today is the key to peace of mind among others.

     It's true that for most parents, getting medical insurance for their child rarely crosses their minds. The more pressing matter, especially for first time parents, are immediate physical needs. But the truth is, a child’s medical needs can be costly, and with 54% of health expenses coming from the household budget, this can be a burden to many.

AIA Philam Life Med-Assist for Children
Nico and Solenn Bolzico with daughter Thylane

The Future of Eye Care at Taiwan Excellence Online Product Launch

     Four Taiwan Excellence Award winners from the ophthalmic medical equipment industry in Taiwan demonstrated their most innovative products during an online product launch held recently. The event was jointly organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the foremost trade promotion body in Taiwan, and Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade.

     According to estimates from IEK Consulting of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, the global ophthalmic medical equipment market is estimated to reach US$ 58.4 billion by 2023. The three major areas of this market are vision care, surgery, and diagnosis and monitoring. Bulk products of significance are optical lenses, contact lenses and “fundus” cameras, a complex optical system designed for imaging of the eye’s retina.

The Future of Eye Care at Taiwan Excellence Online Product Launch

High Protein Low-Calorie Milk Brands in the Philippines

     Milk is one of my favorite drinks. It's packed with important nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, B vitamins, potassium, vitamin D, and an excellent source of protein. ⁣Drinking milk and dairy products may prevent bone fractures, osteoporosis, and even help you maintain a healthy weight.⁣

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     I usually combine a glass of milk to my Herbalife Formula 1 Shake for added creaminess and protein. In order for me to achieve the required protein amount based on my macronutrient count or macros, (protein is very hard for me to achieve with just eating alone) I incorporate this muscle gainer daily in my drinks too. Can you guess my top 2 fave milk brands in the photo below? Sharing a short feature and review of the milk brands that I highly recommend if you're into weight loss and building muscle after the jump!

High Protein Low-Calorie Milk Brands in the Philippines

How to Properly Care For Your Eyesight

     The eyes may be small yet; they are a vital part of the body. While many people function and live amazing lives after losing an eye or both, it would make life much easier to see the world. If you still have yours, that means it’s not too late to take care of them. 

     If you don’t have a proper eye care routine yet, then here’s how to care for your eyesight properly. With all these in the bag, you can prevent loss of vision and also promote optimum functioning.

How to Properly Care For Your Eyesight

Product Review: Safeguard Gentle Micellar Body Cleanser

     Skincare junkies, hear ye, hear ye! Say hello to the all-new Safeguard Gentle Micellar Body Cleanser that's perfect for sensitive skin! I’m so excited to share this because it’s a breakthrough in germicidal soaps. We all know that anti-bacterial soaps tend to be harsh on sensitive skin making it dry. The all-new Safeguard Gentle Micellar Body Cleanser gently lifts up to 99.9% of germs, dirt, and oil with its Micellar technology- tiny balls of oil cleansing molecules suspended in water to draw out dirt and impurities without overdrying your skin.

     Did you know that sensitive skin is more vulnerable to germs? This is due to a weaker skin barrier vs normal skin that's why if you have sensitive skin, you need a germ-protecting soap like Safeguard Gentle Micellar Body Cleanser series that's also paraben-free, and dermatologically tested. The three variants are already a staple in the household. I’m currently hooked with Berries & Pear variant while my son uses the unscented one that's perfect for his sensitive skin. ⁣Sharing my thoughts on the all NEW Safeguard Gentle Micellar Body Cleanser below.

Product Review: Safeguard Gentle Micellar Body Cleanser

Stay Safe, Say No To Fake!

      This pandemic has caused so much stress that many of us are experiencing fear and anxiety. Many people lost their jobs, closed down their businesses, got depressed, and a whole lot more. We are still in a tough battle with the unseen enemy. Aside from everyday struggles and battles, different stressful news related to the virus have been circulating in my Facebook newsfeed recently.

     While we are trying our best to protect ourselves and our families against the virus by following government protocols like social distancing, handwashing, and wearing a face mask, I've read a news about fake 'Made in Taiwan' Face Masks that's made in China and now are being sold in Philippine shores. It's alarming because the proper wearing of face mask is one of the defense against the virus but now that fake China products are here, there, and everywhere, how can we be so sure that we are protecting ourselves and our loved ones? Sharing more things I recently discovered and why we need to be more vigilant in this difficult time.

Stay Safe, Say No To Fake!
image from pixy.org

How Poor Sleep Affects Your Body and How to Fix It

     Lots of us have heard that the amount of sleep we get can have a huge impact on our mood and the amount of energy we have. But, did you know that not getting enough sleep can also have some severe consequences for your health? Sleep deprivation can put you at risk of a number of medical conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Research has also suggested that it can decrease your life expectancy. 

     So, now we know that a good night’s sleep is critical in order to maintain good health, how do we go about achieving it? Keep reading below to find out all about how to spot sleep deprivation, how it affects your body, and how you can fix it.

How Poor Sleep Affects Your Body and How to Fix It

Feature: Arla Organic Powdered Milk Drink

    Every parent wants the best for their child that's why in the early stage of child development, we give utmost importance to every aspect of their life. We don't stop worrying about different issues that will arise as they grow every single day. From nutrition, education, health, and socialization, we always make sure that these aspects of life are well-taken care of. My family's health is non-negotiable that's why I make sure that my son is eating right. My husband cooks a wide variety of go, grow, and glow foods that are highly recommended for Kenzo's growth and development. 

     Speaking of grow foods, I make sure that he still drinks the daily recommended servings of milk every day and my recent discovery is a promising brand. Arla Foods, one of the world’s leading farmer-owned cooperatives and also known as the world’s largest producer of organic dairy products, marks a significant milestone as it expands its footprint in Asia with its entry in the country.  Now, Filipino families can enjoy the delicious and nutritious taste of Arla Organic Powdered Milk Drink as it hits grocery shelves nationwide.

Feature: Arla Organic Powdered Milk Drink

#StayStrongStayBeautiful with Watsons

     The new normal has definitely changed the way we live. We are now more conscious of what's happening in and out of our homes, more vigilant of the surroundings, taking extra care and precaution of the things that we do in order for us to stay sane and safe at all times.

     Our lives have changed so much in the past four months. We've hurdled many challenges but we've also learned to be stronger mentally and emotionally. We've strengthened our bodies and built up our immunity. As we continue with our new way of life, Watsons is here by our side. Here are some tips and product recommendations on how we can stay strong, stay beautiful, despite the challenges we continue to face.

#StayStrongStayBeautiful with Watsons