Before an angel arrives

Pregnant women used to caught my attention because of the wondrous stage they are going through. They must have imagined how their tiny angel would look like and how would it feel to hold them in their arms. Before their baby is born, this is the perfect time to prepare themselves and their home for the drastic changes ahead. If you are a mom/dad, a soon to be mom/dad, or a man/woman who dreams to have a baby, this article is perfect and timely for you!

Several ways can be undertaken to ensure a healthy pregnancy. This includes regular prenatal check up with an obstetrician/gynecologist, cessation of cigarette, alcohol or other medications, proper intake of multivitamin tablets, balanced nutrition rich in whole grains, vegetables and low fat foods, and protection from potential infections. It is also important that the recommended weight of 25-35 lbs. for the entire pregnancy is adhered by a normal weight woman. Otherwise, being under/overweight would adjust to consume less/more calories to meet the healthy weight.

Now, months had pass and one of the crucial dilemma of soon to be parents is what should their baby wear or I would say what are the "must have" clothes that their baby would need just in time.

To be specific, the basic clothing needed are the following according to "The Children's Hospital Guide to Your Child's Health and Development" book:

• 4 - 8 undershirts
• 4 pairs of socks or booties
• 4 sleepers, either blanket sleepers, or gowns
• 4 snap-front playsuits with feet
• 2 sweaters or jackets
• 4 snap-crotch rompers
• Bibs
• A warm outer garment, bunting, or snowsuit
• 1 - 2 hats

It is also essential that the following gears are present:

• Receiving blankets
• Crib/bassinet blanket
• Changing table
• Petroleum jelly
• Diaper rash ointment
• Thermometer
• Infant stroller
• Infant car seat
• Rubbing alcohol
• Cotton balls
• Antibiotic ointment for cuts
• Rehydration, electrolyte fluids for infants
• Calibrated dropper for measuring medicine doses
• Liquid children's acetaminophen
• Infant bath
• Mild soap
• Baby shampoo
• Baby nail scissors or clippers

Here are further tips to ensure your baby's safety:

•  For infant car seat, choose a seat manufactured after 1981. It must be rear-facing, reclining seats with a five point harness. Make sure the straps are snug against the body.

        

• For baby's crib, slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart and not be missing or cracked. The crib mattress should be firm and fit securely into the crib. Pillows, quilts, comforter or any toys are not advised to be on the crib because of possible SIDS.

• A changing table for diapering and clothing would be beneficial. It should be padded to make the baby comfortable and the diaper pail is placed right next to the table.

I'm pretty sure that the moments after birth would be very exciting. My next posts would still be about babies, their behavior, talents and alot more. Happy reading!

A Beautiful Mind

This is a story of a genius mathematician who worked at Princeton University in the later part of his life. Having diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, it does not stop him from winning the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

Here is one of the most sought after and must see movie in the field of health and psychiatry. A beautiful mind starring film artists Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Christopher Plummer and Paul Bettany portrayed their roles with excellent twists and captivity to viewers. Although criticized as inaccurate to the real experiences of John Nash, it has won several awards and has continue to provide exemplary education and entertainment to public audiences.

Our minds are precious gift from God. It will dictate the way we live, the way we think, and the way we see ourselves. It is where dreams begin to sprout and with proper diligence, realities are not far behind....  

DARE TO THINK BEAUTIFUL!

Let's talk about herbals

It is inevitable that people get sick for various reasons. Several factors would include poor eating habits, unhealthy environment, lack of exercise, unhygienic practices, change in weather, refusal to medical adherence and so on. Any of these can alter our body's functioning to carry out our day to day activities. Hence, we need to be on guard in every possible way although there is no such thing as 100% guarantee. To combat present ailments, medicines are created by intelligent minds and creative human hands but today I would like to talk more of God's given resources which are economical in nature and readily available. Yes it is none other than herbal medicines.


Herbals are collection of plants for medicinal purposes. In a community setting where money is often a problem, alternatives to prescribed medicines are being advocated to ensure health for all individuals. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) advocated and endorsed the ten most common and acceptable (10) medicinal plants which are:

1. Sambong - ( Blumea balsamifera)

Uses and Preparation:


 > Good for headache and fever - Apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples

 > Used as diuretics - Boil chopped leaves in a glass of water for 15 minutes until one glassful remains. Divide decoction into 3 parts, drink one part 3 times a day.

 > For cough

2. Acapulco - ( Cassia, alata L.)

Uses and Preparation:

> Anti-fungal (tinea flava, ringworm, athlete’s foot and scabies) - Fresh, matured leaves are pounded. Apply soap to the affected area 1-2 times a day.

> Mouthwash in stomatitis – Soak and boil for10 – 15 minutes.

3. Niyug - niyogan - ( Quisqualis indica L.)

Uses and Preparation:

> Anti-helmintic - The seeds are taken 2 hours after supper. If no worms are expelled, the dose may be repeated after one week. (Caution: Not to be given to children below 4 years old)

> Relieve toothaches – Fruits

4. Tsaang Gubat - ( Carmona retusa)

Uses and Preparation:

> Diarrhea - Boil chopped leaves into 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Divide decoction into 4 parts. Drink 1 part every 3 hours

> Stomachache - Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain.

5. Ampalaya 

Uses and Preparation:

> Diabetes Mellitus (Mild non-insulin dependent) - Chopped leaves then boil in a glass of water for 15 minutes. Do not cover. Cool and strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals.

> Disinfects and heals wounds and burns – Apply warm leaves to afflicted area.

> Remedy for cough and fever – Drink juice a spoonful daily.

6. Lagundi - ( Vitex negundo)

Uses and Preparation:

> Asthma, Cough & Fever - Decoction ( Boil raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes)

> Dysentery, Colds & Pain - Decoction ( Boil a handful of leaves & flowers in water to produce a glass, three times a day)

7. Ulasimang Bato/Pansit-pansitan - ( Peperonica pellucida )

Uses and Preparation:

> Lowers uric acid (rheumatism and gout) - One a half cup leaves are boiled in two glass of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Divide into 3 parts and drink one part 3 times a day

> For skin disorders like abscesses, pimples and boils – Pound the leaves and/or stalks and make a poultice. Boil in water for a minute or two then pounded then applied directly to afflicted area.

8. Bawang/ Garlic

Uses and Preparation:

> Hypertension - Maybe fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 15 minutes. Take 2 pieces 3 times a day after meals.

>Toothache - Pound a small piece and apply to affected area

9. Bayabas / Guava - ( Psidium guajava L.)

Uses and Preparation:

> For washing wounds - May be use twice a day. Fresh leaves may be applied to wound directly for faster healing.

> Epistaxis – Densely roll bayabas leaves then place in nostril cavities.

> As gargle and for toothache - Warm decoction is used for gargle. Freshly pounded leaves are used for toothache. Boil chopped leaves for 15 minutes at low fire. Do not cover and then let it cool and strain. Leaves can also be chewed for toothache.

> Uterine hemorrhages, swollenness of legs and other parts of the body

10. Yerba Buena - ( Mentha cordifelia)

Uses and Preparation:

> Pain (headache, stomachache) - Boil chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Divide decoction into 2 parts, drink one part every 3 hours.

>Rheumatism, arthritis and headache - Crush the fresh leaves and squeeze sap. Massage sap on painful parts with eucalyptus

>Cough & Cold - Soak 10 fresh leaves in a glass of hot water, drink as tea. (expectorant)

Additional Info:

In decoction, it is advisable to use clay pot without covering. It has a lifespan of 2 days and for it to last for a week, 1 cup of decoction may be added with 5 tbsp. of sugar. Presto! You now made a herbal syrup.

A Government Lie. A Woman's Secret. A story that must be told. MISS EVERS' BOYS

A must - see movie based on a true to life story of a brave, dedicated, and strong willed nurse who faces an ethical dilemma in human experimentation. This does not only portray medical controversies but shows the large disparity between races that often results to injustice.

Myths vs. Realities

10 Common Health Myths

Not so long ago, I used to believe on the same health beliefs we commonly hear from our mom and dads and even our late grandparents. With all due respect, I count them helpful as I came to discover the truth about health and the real score of its implication. It is my desire to share some of the things I learned in nursing school to which I hope we all would benefit from this day on.

False Myth # 1. You can have appendicitis if you jump and exercise right after meals.

               

As a child, I often hear my mom saying I should not play after eating because of the chance of having appendicitis. That scares me because my Dad had appendectomy too. As I grew up and decided to pursue a nursing career, I learned that an inflammation of the appendix is not caused by this old belief. Rather it is caused by invasion of bacteria, obstruction of stool or foreign body within the appendix itself, and genetics in some cases. Hence, the lesson of the story is to do the right prevention such as to eat plenty of dark leafy vegetables, consume more whole grain products and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

False Myth #2.  Eating sour foods should be avoided because it will cause pain while you are menstruating. 

Alright this sounds like a feminine issue but I am pretty sure that men heard this belief too. In the past, I tried to avoid these foods but now I am an active fruit seeker to which most have sour taste.  When a woman is menstruating, she loses an average of ¼ cup of blood and some iron contents are also eliminated.  Those who lose more often feel weak and fainting. It is advised then that women consume more iron rich foods. For it to be utilized in the body, its absorption can perfectly occur by eating adequate amount of Vitamin C. Hurray girls! Having a glass of juice would save you at all.

False Myth #3.  Strange food cravings of a pregnant woman would make her baby look like these cravings.

Ask any woman who had been pregnant if she associated her babies physically to the foods she ate before. My mother used to tell us that she usually craves for java plum or “duhat” while she carries my eldest brother. It turned that he appeared slightly dark in complexion and she associated it with the fruit. My second brother, on the other hand, has fair complexion to which she remembered that jicama or “singkamas” was her favorite fruit. 

The truth is genetics is the sole factor that influence the physical attributes of a person. Certain genes from the mother or father or their respective family trees determine how their children would look or act like. Foods are not responsible to such appearance although they play a crucial role in a child’s growth and development. 

False Myth #4. The remedy for dog and snakebite is the "cut and suck" method and tying of the affected area.

This old folklore is still practiced today but according to research it aggravates the victim's condition. This will not prevent the spread of venom to the entire body. The first home remedy is to wash it with running water and soap. You may flush it with betadine or hydrogen peroxide then secure a clean dressing. For safety purposes, it is best to bring the victim at the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.

False Myth #5.  Carrying spoils a baby.

I heard stories that some mothers are warned not to carry their babies frequently because it would spoil them at an early age. Wrong notion. During infancy, trust is something that babies need to be provided for. They are in constant look for comfort, security, and closeness  to a new world they are facing. At this age, they cannot reason out so there is no worry of spoiling them. As they move down to another stage of their lives, their needs will eventually change and new demands arise. They will only become a baby once so don't miss the opportunity to hold and cuddle them, making them feel that they are loved and accepted.

Lady J's Challenge: Spread these truths to your friends and neighbors and together let us build a conscious and healthy world! ^_^,

Have the right views!

To be continued...

Sleep tight tonight

IT'S ONLY A DREAM...
Have you ever experienced at one point wherein you are in the middle of a great dream and suddenly for some reason you are awakened? Not a good feeling right? Today I am going to write about the human sleeping cycle, its types and stages, and from there explain how dreams take place during our reduced consciousness. But before that, let me give an accurate definition of sleep. 

Sleep is a naturally recurring state characterized by reduced or lacking consciousness, relatively suspended sensory activity, and inactivity of nearly all voluntary muscles. It helps in conserving energy yet decreases metabolism at about 5 - 10%. (www.wikipedia.com)  According to studies, it takes at least one third of our lives or 25 years in doing this very routine activity.  Here are some cute pictures of people having a sound sleep.                                                                                
                                                          
                                                          

Normal sleep has two definite phases: rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. They both occur at about 90 minute interval in a cyclical process.

It is during the REM sleep phase where most of our dreams are recalled. In children, they have fewer REM sleep periods and have longer stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep. Older adults, on the other hand, have lesser stage 3 and 4 NREM sleep and have more waking periods. 

During REM sleep, it is difficult to arouse a person and becomes longer in the process. If then aroused, he or she may recall an animated and bizarre dream. Unpleasant dreams or nightmares, however occur in NREM sleep. The same happens on sleep walking among children. 

To end this up, here are practical ways to promote a good sleep:

1. Sleep at a specific time at night and arise at a specific hour in the morning. This conditions the mind and body to anticipate sleep and waking.

2. Remember grandma's old time remedy. Drink warm milk before bedtime.

3. Perform your own bedtime rituals such as night shower, read a book, or listen to music before  sleep. In doing so, you are unwinding mentally.

4. Eliminate loud noises and destructive sounds.

5. Avoid caffeinated foods and drinks 6 hours before bedtime.

6. Avoid heavy meals or strenous exercise before sleep. Indigestion can interrupt sleep.

Sweet dreams! Have a sound sleep!

Care for your brain

12 RANDOM FOODS TO OPTIMIZE YOUR BRAIN
Don't let stress and toxins eat your brain! 

The human brain has its amazing and extraordinary function that comes all thoughts, judgment, memories, and behaviors. It has a unique role of receiving and interpreting stimuli, not to mention its subdivisions which are responsible for effective usage of language, movements, vision, hearing and balance, human senses, consciousness etc. The brain's physiology is truly matchless to any famous invention or even rising innovation that this world can offer. Indeed, it is only the mighty hand of God that made this breakthrough possible.

Just like any part of the human body, the brain has natural defenses against foreign substances to prevent health related problems. And for it to function well, it needs constant supply of blood and adequate nourishment from food supplies. Here are some of the foods that can optimize and increase your brain function:

1. Egg yolk

     It has choline property which is responsible for brain development and function. The amount of cholesterol is about 200 to 250 mg. so a person can adjust his egg intake from other sources as well.

FUN TRIVIA: 
1. It is rare, but not unusual, for a young hen to produce an egg with no                         yolk at all.
2. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the record for throwing a fresh egg without breaking it is 317 feet, 10 inches.

2. Yellowfin tuna or other fish sources

         It has a rich source of omega- 3 fatty acids that can enhance learning capacities, boost energy, improve problem-solving skills, and smooth communication between brain cells. 

FUN TRIVIA: 
1. The yellowfin is a member of the mackerel family and the most brilliantly colored of the tunas.
2. Their age can be determined by counting the rings that develop in the otoliths (inner ear bones).

3. Strawberries

               One study shows that strawberry- eaters have higher learning capacities and better motor skills than non- eaters. Notably, it is of great help to people of various ages to have better memory recall.

FUN TRIVIA: 

1. Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.

2.There is a museum in Belgium just for strawberries.

3. Folk lore states that if you split a double strawberry in half and share it with the  opposite sex, you’ll soon fall in love

4. Chocolates

            It is a common belief that chocolates are beneficial to brain and can enhance one's mood. Endorphins released can improve focus and concentration. Dark chocolate has flovanols which boost blood supply to the brain and help improve cognitive skills. Milk chocolate can improve verbal and visual memory; boost impulse control and reaction time.

FUN TRIVIA:
1. In Hershey, PA, the street lights on the main street are all shaped like Hershey kisses.
2.The country that consumes the most chocolate per person per year is Switzerland.
3. Chocolate can be lethal to dogs.

5. Soy

         Soy is rich in choline, lecithin and isoflavones. Lecithin prevents deposits of plaques in the brain while isoflavones improve cognitive function, category fluency, logical memory, spatial cognition and memory recall.

FUN TRIVIA: 
1. Tofu is commonly called meat without bones.
                         

           

6. Green Tea

            It is the best bet to a good and relaxed mental condition and can keep one's wits sharpened and even combat mental fatigue.

FUN TRIVIA:
1. Lu Dong, a Daoist priest was inspired by a poem Chajing that he decided to spend his entire life looking for the perfect tea preparation.

7. Whole grain products

            It has a soothing effect to the brain. This would include whole grain breads, cereals, brown rice and oatmeal. They are better choices than white breads, pastries and pasta due to its possible lethargic effect.

FUN TRIVIA: 
1. January is also an oatmeal month.
2. Astronauts from Apollo 11 boosted their brain power while in space with a cereal breakfast.

8. Dark leafy vegetables

             It is a high caloric food yet a very smart choice of food because of its nutritive value. They can help retain memory and even boost brain power.

FUN TRIVIA:  
1. In 1929 Popeye the spinach loving sailor first appeared in the comic strip 'Thimble Theatre.' Elzie Segar created Popeye.

9. Nuts and seeds

              Often called the brain foods because of its rich source in Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, folate, Omega 3-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. All contributes to the slow aging, improve mental condition and brain development. It is an excellent source of nourishment to the brain

FUN TRIVIA: 
1.Two peanut farmers have been elected President of the United States: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.

10. Iron rich foods

                Since iron carries oxygen in hemoglobin, it is essential for brain nourishment and its normal functioning. Iron plays its role to metabolism and use of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. They affect mood, attentiveness and calmness. 


FUN TRIVIA: 
1. Most food folklore suggests that New Year's celebrations should include pork and sauerkraut to ensure good luck in the coming year. 
2.The  beefiest day of the year is consumed on Memorial Day.

         

11. Calcium rich foods

                Foods rich in calcium can be effective tranquilizer. It releases serotonin which has a calming effect and helps prevent anxiety. Ideal consumption is more than 1000 mg per day for all its other health purposes. 

FUN TRIVIA: 

1. Turophilia is a love of or obsession with cheese.

2. A giant wheel of Cheddar cheese was given to Queen Victoria (1837-1901) for a wedding gift. It weighed over 1,000 pounds.  

12. Sweet potatoes

                 It is packed with carotenoids which give its tint of rich orange color. Carotenoids act as antioxidants which prevent inflammation or protect cells from damage. It aids in the formation of Vitamin A, which is important in helping to bring new neurons together and form new connections from nerve impulses. 

FUN TRIVIA: 

1. The Tater Day Festival, one of the few festivals devoted to sweet potatoes, is held in Benton, Kentucky annually.
2. The Spanish who brought sweet potatoes back from the West Indies called them by their native name batatas. 

And lastly, never forget to consume 8-10 glasses of water to combat dehydration. It prevents the release of cortisol which shrinks dendrites, the branches of the brain that store information. 

Have a healthy brain!