How EMDR Therapy Works—And Is It Right For You?

     Talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy are usually the most common things that people think about when you bring up the subject of therapy. But there are many forms of therapy out there that can offer more tailored results based on what mental health condition you’re looking to treat.

     We’ll be focusing on EMDR, a more recent form of treatment that focuses on PTSD and emotional trauma as a whole, which has proven to lead individuals with debilitating trauma to manage their symptoms and lead fuller lives. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here’s an insight into what you can expect if you consider the EMDR route with your mental health treatment.

How EMDR Therapy Works—And Is It Right For You?
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6 Simple Stress-Relief Tips For Teenagers

     As adults, we might look back on our teenage years and long for the times when we didn’t have to pay bills; our biggest worry was our social reputation or getting into college, and going to be early was just an afterthought. Yes, in hindsight, those experiences seem trivial, but take a moment to revisit the immense pressure you may have felt when you were in the throes of high school.

     If you’re a teen yourself or have a teenager in your life that you care about, here are some easy tips to stop feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.

6 Simple Stress-Relief Tips For Teenagers
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Product Review: DHC Vitamin C 60 Days Supply

     We are now on the second year of this pandemic and most of us have adapted the new normal way of living. I presume that you already mastered the basics when it comes to Covid-19 safety protocols and have strictly imposed these in your homes. The pandemic has taught me a lot when it comes to health and wellness and one of them is making sure that I take my daily dose of vitamins and supplements.

     My number one vitamin on the list is vitamin c. This immune booster and powerful antioxidant can neutralize harmful radicals in the body. It helps heal wounds faster, fight coughs and colds to name a few that's why there's always a supply in my stash for a month or two. Having that said, I've tried different brands of vitamin c even before the pandemic that I also shared here on the blog. For this review, let me share my current brand of vitamin c from one of the favorite Japanese brands in the vitamin and supplement department, DHC (Daigaku Honyaku Center)- a Japanese manufacturer dealing in cosmetics and health food supplements headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. More information about DHC Vitamin C and my thoughts after using it for more than a year now below.

Product Review: DHC Vitamin C 60 Days Supply

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis

     Bacterial vaginosis, or BV for short, is a condition that many women suffer from. It is a common vaginal infection that can be caused by various factors. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that about 30% of US women suffer from bacterial vaginosis. This article will discuss the most common symptoms and risk factors of bacterial vaginosis and the most common and effective treatment and prevention methods.

Common Causes and Risk Factors of Bacterial Vaginosis
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AIA Brings Community Together Through Live Better Expo

     Since 2017, the Live Better Expo has been an experiential platform for the recently rebranded AIA Philippines (formerly AIA Philam Life) to fulfill its promise to help people live healthier, longer, better lives.

     This year, AIA Philippines brings the Live Better Expo online, sharing tips and insights on how Filipinos can live healthy everyday through its Brand Ambassadors Gary Valenciano, Solenn Heussaff, Nico Bolzico, Raymond Gutierrez, Wil Dasovich, and Anton del Rosario.

AIA Brings Community Together Through Live Better Expo

AIA Philippines Total Health Solution

     How's life lately? I'm hoping and praying that you are all safe and sound. We are down to the last two months of the year and a lot of things happened already because of Covid-19. Amid the global pandemic, we find ourselves today, taking care of our health has become more important than ever. Unfortunately, with everything we have on our plates now, it can be challenging to always put one’s health first.

     AIA Philippines, the country’s premier life insurance company, recently introduced Total Health Solution, its ecosystem accessible through a single touchpoint platform that allows customers to access all of its services that can help them live better, protect better and get better. Read more information about this promising offering from AIA Philippines below.

AIA Philippines Total Health Solution

     Last October, I was invited to an afternoon of all things health and wellness as AIA Philippines introduced a new way that will help us Live Better, Protect Better and Get Better so we can achieve this goal, no matter what our health starting line may be.

We at AIA Philippines understand the importance of staying healthy especially during the pandemic,” AIA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Leo Tan said. “We all have different health needs but we have the same goal, which is to be the healthiest we can be. The Total Health Solution ecosystem will help our customers achieve this. Insurance companies used to be just about providing protection products. With Total Health Solution, we are there to help them live better so they are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle, protect better so they have peace of mind that they are prepared for life’s uncertainties, and get better, giving them access to healthcare needs should they find themselves unwell.”

     To make the launch more exciting, they sent us special kits with items that will help jumpstart our journey towards a healthier, longer, and better life. 

AIA Philippines Total Health Solution

Live Better

     AIA Philippines customers can find the support they need to sustain a healthy lifestyle in the Total Health Solution ecosystem. It houses the AIA Vitality program, the Company’s game-changing program that incentivizes customers with rewards for knowing and improving their health. It’s also where healthcare partners such as EZ Consult can be easily accessed, allowing customers the means to consult nutritionists with a few clicks of a button.

Protect Better

      “As a life insurance company, our mission is to race against risk to protect more Filipinos. And at the end of the day, that is at the core of what we do. Through Total Health Solution, we are able to fulfill this mission by providing them the means to be protected, and more importantly, stay protected,” Tan explained.

     Within the ecosystem, customers have clear visibility on their policies, and allows them to make changes. With these details on hand, customers can be reminded regularly when their premiums are due, helping them avoid missing their payments.

Get Better

     With Total Health Solution, customers have the support they need anytime, anywhere. Healthcare needs such as teleconsult, medicine purchase via delivery, vaccine administration, and discounted laboratory procedures are easily accessible.

The pandemic has increased the need for healthcare solutions among Filipinos. As their partner in health and wellness, we want to be able to address that need. These days, it can be a strain to schedule a consultation or a lab procedure, especially if you don’t know where to go. Having the Total Health Solution ecosystem reassures our customers that they will be supported for everything related to their health care needs,” Tan expounded.

     The journey to helping Filipinos live better began in 2017 and with Total Health Solution, AIA Philippines has come full circle. “This is one of the many innovative solutions we have developed to take care of our customers as part of our transition to AIA Philippines. Through Total Health Solution providing the means for us to be with our customers every step of the way, we bring to life our purpose of helping more Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives,” said Kelvin Ang, AIA Philippines Chief Executive Officer.

     For more information on AIA Philippines,

visit their official website: http://www.aia.com.ph/

email customerservice.ph@aia.com, or call (02) 8528-2000.

Like them on Facebook: AIA Philippines 

COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits Now Available at Watsons

     Recognizing the importance of widespread testing, Watsons will sell FDA-certified COVID-19 antigen test kits with a price range of P399-P500 at select stores in Metro Manila starting October 25 and will be available in all stores nationwide by November 25. The testing kits are for administering by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and medical technologists and will require medical prescription. 

     The required specifications set by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) are at 80% sensitivity and 97% specificity and these test kits can deliver at least 95% sensitivity and 99.2% specificity. "As more people head out to work, school and gatherings, Watsons knows that antigen test kits are important in helping reduce transmission," said Maita A. Santiago, Watsons Philippines Customer Director.

COVID-19 Antigen Test Kits Now Available at Watsons
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Product Review: Mikrozid Surface Wipes

     In this time of uncertainty, it’s comforting to know that there’s one thing you can trust in keeping you safe, anytime, anywhere! Thanks to Mikrozid- the trusted surface wipes used by hospitals worldwide. I'm surprised that it kills Covid 19 virus in just 15 seconds! Yes, you’ve read that right! For a clean freak and OC mom like me, disinfection is an everyday thing even before the pandemic that’s why I have different kinds of wipes at home.

      I’ve tried different brands before and nothing compares to Mikrozid!!! This surface disinfecting wipes is heaven-sent and music to my ears when I saw that it kills coronavirus in just 15 seconds!!! I have to emphasize this because my family’s health is non-negotiable and I have to repeat this over and over again for those who are neglecting the virus. Hear, hear that proper handwashing and effective surface disinfection are a must these days!!! More information about Mikrozid Surface Wipes and my thoughts about this brand after the jump!

Feature: Mikrozid Surface Wipes

Herbalife Virtual Run 2021

     The pandemic and mandatory quarantine have confined us in our homes for more than a year already. Some of us became less productive when it comes to physical activities while others stayed focused on their health and wellness journey. Apart from eating healthily, I always make sure to move my body first thing in the morning. As much as possible, I avoid sitting down unless I'm working on content creation. This kind of physical activity doesn't end there as I also include yoga or weight lifting in my exercise routine five times a week.

     This month, I'm so excited to incorporate another kind of physical activity in the form of running. It's my first time to join a run hosted by Herbalife Philippines called Herbalife Virtual Run that started last October 1 until 31, 2021. Now in its second year, the challenge is part of the premier global nutrition company’s Get Moving With Good Nutrition campaign that seeks to give people the push toward healthy active living. More details and tips on how to prepare for this run below.

Herbalife Virtual Run 2021

AXA Health Care Access

     I always believe in the saying that "Prevention is better than cure" that's why now more than ever, securing our family's health must be our number one priority. According to a report on health spending released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in late 2020, paying for one’s medical needs grew in the country by 11% in recent years. 

     On this spending, a staggering 48% of the expenses came from “household out-of-pocket”—meaning Filipinos have resorted to digging into their hard-earned savings or worse, turning to loans from well-meaning family, to be able to pay for the cost of hospitalization or other medical expenses that they did not have the capacity to cover. In a separate report from the National Economic Development Authority, it was cited that 96% of Filipinos are concerned about their own and their family’s health, but only 16% are prepared to pay for medical costs. But it does not have to be this way. Here's something worth getting these days because of the pandemic and other unavoidable situations that may arise in the future.

AXA Health Care Access

Practical Ways to Manage Stress from Herbalife Nutrition Experts

     When I ask someone the question "how's life going lately?" The immediate answer I always get is the word stress. We are all experiencing stress because of the pandemic and it's been affecting our well-being. Stress is part of daily living, but it can become a major cause for concern when it starts to affect one’s health. There are several ways to manage it, and we can start by being more mindful of the food we eat, and taking better care of our mental health.

     Last July, I was invited to the monthly online media engagement of Herbalife Philippines to join  Herbalife Nutrition Institute Chairman Dr. David Heber and Herbalife Nutrition Global Fitness Advisory Board Member Shayamal Vallabhjee as they share ways how to deal with stress. Both Dr. Heber and Vallabhjee have been speakers in separate Herbalife Nutrition eWellness Tour events presented by Herbalife Nutrition Philippines. The monthly forum aims to promote nutrition education by inviting experts from the fields of science, nutrition, health, and fitness to talk about the importance of good nutrition and having a healthy active lifestyle in achieving overall health and wellbeing. Read more highlights of this online event below.

Practical Ways to Manage Stress from Herbalife Nutrition Experts 
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Free Doctor Consultation with National mWellness Day on August 28-29

     The first nationwide medical mission in the Philippines is National mWellness Day on August 28- 29, 2021. mWell, the country’s first fully integrated health and wellness mobile app brings another radical move to provide healthcare access to millions of Filipinos especially with heightened restrictions throughout the country due to the spike of COVID-19 cases brought about by the Delta variant.

     In an unprecedented first in telehealth consultation, patients anywhere in the Philippines—Luzon’s outlying regions Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region, or Cagayan Valley, as well as distant and hard to reach islands in the Visayas, and Mindanao’s southernmost Soccsksargen—will have quality free doctor consultation. mWell, by Metro Pacific Health Tech, gives users the added sense of security and medical support with this latest innovation.

Free Doctor Consultation with National mWellness Day on August 28-29

mWell Health and Wellness App Launch

     Last July 23, 2021, Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI), transforms the digital health care ecosystem with the launch of mWell, an all-in-one app meticulously created for the Filipino’s holistic well-being, providing professional consultations, wellness programs, products and delivery services. 

     Headed by MPIC Chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan is truly confident and excited with MPIC group’s newest foray in digital health care, “Through a collaboration with trusted health experts, mWell will develop an ecosystem to bring integrated digital health care closer to every Filipino, even beyond the pandemic. mWell will empower every Filipino to be in control of their health with just one app.”

mWell Health and Wellness App Launch

National mWellness Day National Vitrual Medical Mission

     Better healthcare access for Filipinos becomes a reality as mWell, the country’s first fully integrated health & wellness mobile app by Metro Pacific Health Tech, makes history with the first and largest nationwide virtual medical mission in the Philippines - the National mWellness Day.

     This two-day virtual event, an unprecedented first in the telehealth and healthcare industry, will be held on August 28-29, 2021. During the National mWellness Day, mWell app users anywhere in the country can avail of free online teleconsultations from a roster of specialized doctors including dermatologists, gastroenterologists, doctors of internal medicine, gynecologists, pediatrics, and psychiatrists, among others.

National mWellness Day National Vitrual Medical Mission

What Causes Depression in College Students?

     Students and people from the scientific world are more likely to suffer from mental disorders. Every year, universities spend millions on maintaining mental health among students and staff. And parents and researchers periodically ask the question: does education harm a healthy state of mind?

     Almost always, experiences affect the physical state of the body: depression is accompanied by loss of appetite, weakness, inhibition in actions, reactions, and speech, problems with sleep and concentration. Some people have impaired bowel function and sexual needs, headaches, heart or stomach aches, and skin diseases.

What Causes Depression in College Students?

Watsons' Most Loved are the Products YOU Picked

     Watsons is back with its Most Loved products for the second year. These are the items that Watsons has recognized as the top brands shoppers picked & recommended from their counters and shelves. With over 800 physical stores nationwide and a mobile app, Watsons is available to many Filipinos anytime, anywhere, who was very definite about their health, beauty and wellness find.

     The Most Loved line-up includes Best of Health & Beauty, People's Choice, and New Favorites. While we're used to shopping at Watsons, only to be overwhelmed by the number of choices (all of them good), take a look at the best brands this year.

Watsons' Most Loved are the Products YOU Picked

Product Review: Emma Sleep "The Emma Original Mattress" Philippines

     In a random conversation with my husband months ago, we reminisced our childhood days. We talked about the things that we missed the most and the things that we somewhat regret not doing those days. It's funny that we both missed our favorite foods, the things we do in school during our extra-curricular activities, and the daily routines from day til night. FUN FACT: We're classmates from Grade 2 to Fourth Year High School that's why we can relate and agree on trending or cringing topics from way back. Fast forward today, there's one thing that we somewhat regret not doing the most and that is having long hours of sleep when we entered junior high school. Yes, we were told that sleeping seven to nine hours a day is important, but teens like us in their growing up years kind of ignored it. 

     Now that we're in our late 30's, we are experiencing sleep problems and it's affecting our mind and body. There are many factors why an individual may experience an insufficient amount of sleep, it can be their lifestyle, age, current health condition, and stress. In my case, I'm a self-confessed coffee addict that's why when I drink coffee at night, chances are I'll be up until the wee hours of the morning. I also love chocolates and eating them after dinner has an impact too in my sleeping pattern. I've tried different ways on how to get quality sleep like listening to sleep music or watching those calming videos, drinking melatonin, applying lavender oil in temples, and turning off the lights but I still find it hard to fall asleep soundly at night. I've read in an article that having a comfortable bed, mattress, and pillow can also affect sleep that's why when Emma Sleep invited me to try their mattress, I accepted it even if there are things that I have to consider because I really want to experience quality sleep that my body is longing for years now. So without further ado, here's my honest-to-goodness review of Emma Sleep after sleeping on The Emma Original Mattress in Queen Size for three weeks.

Product Review: Emma Sleep "The Emma Original Mattress" Philippines

Can Diet Boost Your Immune System and Provide Better Health?

     Your immune system is responsible for fighting off diseases and infections that threaten your well-being. And with the coronavirus still posing a threat, many have thought of different ways to boost their immune system and prepare it to fight this virus in case they ever get exposed. However, this system is a complex one with different cells, receptors, organs, and antibodies that work as a team to protect the body from diseases and infections.

     But sometimes, our immune system fails and can’t seem to protect us from threats, so we fall ill – which makes us wonder,” how can we boost our immunity well enough to avoid sickness?”

Can Diet Boost Your Immune System and Provide Better Health?
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Smart and Healthy Snacking with Gullón

     Did you know that one of the secrets to healthy eating is to eat frequent small meals throughout the day rather than indulge in one or two big meals? Snacking provides energy boosts in-between meals and helps curb your appetite so that you are less likely to overeat when mealtime comes. 

     No, don't go for junk foods, sugary and salty options during snack time because you can also enjoy snacking the healthy way. Smart and healthy snacking are great for managing blood sugar levels, after-exercise meals, and a better mood. Be smart about your snacks and they will even help you lose or maintain your weight and give you nutrients for a fitter, healthier you!

Smart and Healthy Snacking with Gullón

Comparing Your Long Island IV Therapy Options

     As New York inches closer to community immunity, many Long Islanders are looking to resume their pre-pandemic health routines, including IV therapy. But which option would work best for life in the New Normal? Read on to learn more about your Long Island IV therapy options.

Comparing Your Long Island IV Therapy Options
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