It’s possible to pay back those sleep hours you’ve lost.

If you’ve got a run of parties and functions over several nights, you’ll probably have to forfeit at least a few of the recommended seven or eight hours sleep a night. The problem is, a few late nights in a row can lead to ‘sleep debt,’ leaving us fatigued, irritable and unfocused.

The good news is that sleep debt can be repaid. Firstly, if you know you have a few big nights ahead, try to tack an extra hour onto your nightly sleep pattern so that you have some sleep hours in the bank. Once the merry-go-round has stopped, make sure you get some catch-up sleep again, by getting a couple of early nights in a row and making sure you get a minimum of seven to eight hours in the nights following.

source:  Reader’s Digest Apr2009 issue, pg140

Speaking of debt, if you’re in debt, not with sleep but with your credit card, it is better to find the best credit card deals as early as possible and begin saving.  It’s a must especially during these financially challenged days.

On Feb17, Tuesday, the GMA Kapuso Foundation is having another bloodletting program.  This is open to healthy people between the ages 18 and 65.  If you took part in last year’s event which was held in August, you are safe to come back again. You may go directly to Ever Gotesco Commonwealth on Feb17 at 9am to 5pm, or call GMA Kapuso Hotline at 9284299 or 9289351 for more info or visit Philippine National Red Cross’s website.

See you there, people of Metro Manila

This is ugly.

You may have seen this poster in hospitals, schools and other places.  It has been around for years.  I am sure that many are already familiar with it - smokers and non-smokers alike.  But did all smokers quit when they saw it?  No.  So, here is a brief list on the effects of smoking and why you should quit.  Check it out and do your research

1.  Hair loss

2.  Cataracts

3.  Wrinkling

4.  Hearing loss

5.  Skin cancer

6.  Tooth decay

7.  Lung ailments

8.  Osteoporosis

9.  Heart disease

10.  Stomach ulcers

11.  Discolored fingers

12.  Cervical cancer (for women)

13.  Deformed sperm (for men)

14. Psoriasis

15.  Buerger’s disease (death of body tissue which may cause amputation)

16.  Cancer

I told you it’s ugly . . . . .

You wouldn’t usually associate diabetes with children and adolescents but diabetes is now one of the most common chronic childhood diseases.  Globally, an estimated 500,000 children under the age of 15 live with Type1 diabetes.  Type2 diabetes, once considered an adult health problem, is growing at an alarming rate in children as well.

Come November14, the International Diabetes Federation and WHO together with the United Nations will commemorate World Diabetes Day.  A two-year (2007 and 2008) focus on children hopes to raise awareness of the warning signs of diabetes and to promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent Type2 diabetes in children.

With huge increases in the number of children developing diabetes, chances are you may know an affected family.  Here are some of the signs of diabetes to look out for:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Increased hunger
Weight loss
Tiredness
Lack of interest and concentration
Blurred vision
Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)

source:  Reader’s Digest Nov2008 issue, pg146
image from: Mail Online

Others feast . . . . .

While others can’t . . . . .

Whatever you insist on and what life seems to shove on your face are two different things.

image from: Syllabus:  Ethics and World Hunger, City-Data.com and World Hunger Project respectively (last 3 photos only)

NOTE: Edited to add the first 3 photos to send the message more clearly.

. . . . . is the color you won’t see me wearing.  I don’t even get close to things pink.

Because I was so busy last week with school projects and all, I wasn’t able to start October ‘right’.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I am so happy that I finished the last project last night, I thought of changing my theme to something . . . . . pink . . . . . for a change.  To show my support to this world awareness campaign, I wanted to go pink for this month.

I was googling for pink themes this morning but I can’t find something I like.  Or maybe I really just can’t put into action what I planned.  Aside from that, the thought of rearranging the sidebars to make it look nice for a new theme really makes me weak.  I am so afraid I might step on to something that will ruin this layout.

But at least I got this ribbon!

I don’t diet. In fact, when asked if I do, my answer is a quick ‘Diet? What is diet?’ I eat a lot! I guess I’m just lucky I don’t get too fat (source: vital statistics section on the right ).

Below is a list I found in my RD. I thought of publishing it here so people get some tips. You see, there are dieters who follow rules easily, and then there are also those who find it hard to keep on track. Well, whether you fall on the first or the latter, here’s something for you.  Personally, I do #10 when I’m tight on budget.  I feast one day, then lighten up the next to make my spending limit ‘even’.

Ten Tips for Eating Well Without Having to Diet

1. Eat for pleasure and good health, not for weigh loss.

2. Start the day with oats and you won’t be hungry for hours.

3. Eat more fish, chicken vegetables and salads, and less red meat, pork, pasta, pastry and potatoes.

4. Use a plastic squeezy bottle for olive oil and sauces – it helps you use less.

5. Use yoghurt instead of cream.

6. Snack on fruit and nuts instead of chocolate and crisps.

7. Steam instead of grill, grill instead of roast, roast instead of fry, shallow-fry instead of deep-fry.

8. Eat carbs, like pasta and potatoes for lunch instead of in the evening.

9. Drink better, drink less and drink only with the evening meal.

10.If you really want something, enjoy it without guilt, then lighten up the next day.

source: Reader’s Digest Aug2008 issue, pg109

image from: Old-fashioned Oats

And so I came yesterday. I was one of the first people to arrive. Like last year, many police and military men and women were there. And since it was still early (the mall opens at 10am, and I was lucky to enter at a little past 9), there weren’t much people yet. To make the long story short, GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Sagip Dugtong Buhay bloodletting project for 2008 was successful! As Ms. Mel Tiangco said at 24 Oras last night, they were able to collect more this year than last year. Thanks to all the kind people who came.

Here are some photos I took using only my mobile phone. I think I should take the Nagging101 class now and learn how to nag my husband to get me a digital camera already

A policeman and a civilian in the blood screening area.

That’s my hand. They’re checking my blood type. It’s the common O+, in case you want to know.

While waiting for my turn, I took some photos of the MIBs (Men in Beds)

My turn!

That’s my blood bag she’s holding right there. Now I’m 49kilos less 350ml

Ms. Mel Tiangco is one of the respected TV newscasters and hosts here in the Philippines. Her birthdate is Aug10 - one of the reasons why they hold the annual bloodletting program every August. Another reason is that she herself needed a blood transfusion few years ago due to heart attack and this is one of her ways to say her thanks to the Lord.

I got free snacks and this pin. The snacks were donut, chips and Yakult, plus a pack of sardines. I drank the Yakult in one gulp and decided to bring home the rest for Jeff; but on my way home, I saw this poor old lady on the footbridge and gave them all to her instead. Haaayyyy! Wish I could give more . . . . .

Final shot of the wonderful people who came.

Look at the design of this plaster. What do you see?

At first, I thought they were flowers

But upon closer look, I found out that they were FLIES! Pretty clever, huh?

Well, I guess that’s it for now, people. Time for me to rest. Bye for now!

This year, the annual bloodletting project of GMA Kapuso Foundation called Sagip Dugtong Buhay will be on Aug08, Friday. This project, which is supported by the Philippine National Red Cross, will be held at Ever Gotesco Commonwealth and will start at 10am. And I’m going to be there!

Who are eligible to donate?
This is open to healthy individuals who meet the following requirements:
1. 18 to 65 years old
2. weigh at least 50kilos or 110lbs.
3. blood pressure not lower than 90/60 and not over than 180/100
4. haven’t had a tattoo done for the past 12months prior to donation
5. haven’t been pierced (body piercing) for the last 24months (but may be accepted if done by a professional and instruments used were sterile or disposable)
6. no sexually transmitted disease, of course (AIDS, HIV, Hepatitis, etc.)
7. for additional information on blood donation, please check out the following websites:
GMA Kapuso Foundation (specifically for this project)
The Philippine National Red Cross
Department of Health

Remember, a blood donor should not take any alcohol and medications within 24 hours prior to donation.

Other helpful websites:
RedCross.org
GiveLife2.org

(edit: Also, a donor should take enough rest/sleep (thanks for this important reminder, Atniz ). For more info on what to do before, during and after donation, please click the links above or ask your local health departments as eligibility guidelines may vary depending on the state/city you live in. For anything you would like to add to inform those who would like to donate, you are all welcome to share it here. Thanks, people!)