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.

Just like before, I was one of the early people to arrive. And my favorites were there, too . . . . .

        
(The Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Marines, the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (not in photo) respectively)

Wondering why they are my favorite people?  When I was a kid,  I dreamt of being one - the army to be specific.  In fact, I never liked dolls.  I played toy guns and most of the time imagining myself driving an army truck very fast chasing the bad guys while shooting at them.  Until now, romance and drama movies are last on my list.  I like action (one of my favorite actors is Wesley Snipes).  But then, things turned out differently and though I still think of the ‘what if’s’, I am happy with my life outside it.  I have my wonderful husband, Dario, whom should I joined the army, I wouldn’t have met, and of course, our sweet little man, Jeff.  Btw, Jeff’s dreams are to be in the air force and to play professional basketball.  Now I’m, wondering . . . . . does it run in the blood?  My late father was a policeman . . . . .

That’s my feet and my Converse

Anyway, going back to the bloodletting program, if you missed this, the people of Quezon City may come directly to the Philippine National Red Cross branch at Quezon City Hall.

Don’t forget the GMA Kapuso Foundation’s bloodletting program tomorrow. Please come at Ever Gotesco Commonwealth between 9am and 5pm to donate. For more info, click here.  See you there, people of Metro Manila!

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