That thing that sprouts in places where you least expected… Looks like a pimple at first that’s why you ignore it but after days… It becomes bigger and painful, with redness and pus inside… You don’t know what to do with it and you’re too shy to tell anyone because of that “invasive” spot. Little did you know that it spreads in some other places that is very uncomfortable… you can’t walk, you can’t talk about it and just bear the pain inside…

Here comes Online Doktora…

Online Doktora is a Filipino podcast that discusses and explains topics concerning overall health and wellness. Your ONLINE DOKTORA, Anna Katharina Garcia-Peña, RN, MD, MPH, will always be ready to answer your questions about health and wellness. All podcast episode is in Filipino (Tagalog) format that made it unique and listener friendly made for Filipinos here and abroad. You can also e-mail her for your questions and get the chance to be aired in her next episode…

Going back to the issue above… listen and be aware… (Click the link below)

http://www.bncast.com/onlinedoktora/paulit-ulit-na-pigsa/

Just a brief background of the host…
Anna Katharina Garcia-Peña is a registered nurse and a licensed physician in the Philippines. She also holds a Master of Public Health degree and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. She is currently a university professor teaching nursing courses.

And Yes, She’s my mom!

Catch her at www.annakatharinamd.com and www.onlinedoktora.bncast.com

Check if they are nurses… if they are. This post might give answer to your query.

The “BLACK-OUT” is in support for AYNLA’s (Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders & Advocates International Inc.), a national registered organization of nurse leaders & advocates in the Philippines—- Nurses Black-out campaign 2011.

This is for every nurses’ endeavour, cause or advocacy…

They came up with the advocacy particularly to utilize social media as a tool for nurses’ rights awareness building, initiate social & mass mobilizations in relation to the protection of nurses’ rights and to garner support from individuals, organizations and communities to end all forms of discrimination and abuse to nurses in the workplaces and communities.

Increasing number of nurses has always been a problem (or shall I say, is becoming a crisis) but why just now? According to PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) our country already produced 200,000 unemployed and underemployed RN’s in the year 2010.

It is ironic that the Philippines is one of the top exporter of their own skilled, professional nurses but the country, itself is lacking of many nurses to take care of the communities and the society.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities acknowledge their shortage of nurses but fails to hire more because of proclaimed budget constraints. This leaves dozens of nurses flooding in workplaces other than in the field of nursing like call centers.

Many new nurses, wanting to gain hospital/clinical experience as a presumed key to international employment, offer their professional nursing services to the hospitals without getting paid. [Please insert my name here...] —Yes, we are called “Volunteer Nurses” “OJT Nurses” “Nurse Trainees”… And yes to the fact that we pay for a “3-month” or “6-month” hospital experience.

This campaign period is from January 01 – 11, 2011. I know it’s a bit hard to change your profile picture to BLACK but it is for a good cause so why not join the cause?

VOLUNTEER NURSE AKO KAYA BLACK ANG PROFILE PICTURE KO… XD

Philippine Nursing Opportunities Conference and Expo presents:

The very 1st NURSE’S FUN RUN 2010 PARA SA KINABUKASAN on December 5, 2010 at the CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Manila.
This is not only for Licensed Nurses but also for nursing student or nursing graduate.

The event aims to promote camaraderie among nurses and those in the nursing career, health and wellness through a fun activity and most especially, raise the awareness on the “challenges” faced by nurses in our country…

The registration fee for the FunRun is 600 pesos per pair— which means that the event is a “buddy” system Fun Run where pairs compete for a 3.5 km. run. The pair should start and finish the race together.

Here are the steps for those who are interested to join:

1. You may pre-register online, pay the registration fee at any Metrobank branches (Metrobank Savings Account No: 3-168-08523-1; Account Name: Elite Consultancy / Emma San Juan

OR

Participants can also register and pay the Registration Fee at any of the Rachell Allen branches:
Rachell Allen Taft branch
3rd Flr. E, 1428 Joshua Center Bldg., Taft Ave. Manila (in front of PGH) (look for Muz, Tel No: 527-3168)
Rachell Allen Ortigas branch
2604 Raffles Corporate Center, F. Ortigas, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (look for LA, Tel No: 914-1379)
Rachell Allen Sucat branch
2nd Flr, 8133-8135 Leo’s Bldg., Dr. A. Santos Ave., Sucat, Parañaque City (look for Jen, Tel No: 487-6974)

2. Claim the Fun Run kit at any Rachell Allen branches or during the actual event. Just present the pre-registration form and deposit slip.
3. Text your full name with the code NRSFUNRUN and the date / Metrobank branch where you made the deposit, to 0921-3792810 for confirmation.

Take note that participants should be at least 16 yrs. Old and one member of the team must be either a nursing student, nurse graduate or licensed nurse; just present a nursing student ID or PRC license during registration

This is a great event if you don’t have something to do or you might want to come with your friends for bonding or your special someone.

For more information about the event please click here.

See you at the finish line nurses! :]]

Humans experienced technology at its best during Internet’s breakthrough. We can access everything in just one click. In contrast to the old times, wherein you really have to be physically there to actually know about what you want to know about.

The wonders of Internet have brought to us OLX. It is an online portal where you can buy and sell cars, gadgets and other stuff, canvass for prices, shop, look for a job, advertise and more in the Philippines and abroad. If you are into online shopping, wants to purchase items that are rare to find, into bargains, wants to find tickets for leisure and entertainment, wants to advertise your business, into real estate… OLX is a perfect website for you.

This website is very advantageous for people applying /looking for a job because OLX contains a vast Classified Ads depending on your needs. The great thing about it is that, you can post your own advertisement and even advertise yourself for free!

I actually had fun browsing and reading different ad placements in the Health Care section since I belong to the “unemployed nurse” status though I am currently studying after I graduated college. I was hoping to look for a vacancy as a nurse but to my dismay, I just found faces looking for the same thing.

Oh well, on the bright side, you can actually save money by just exploring OLX because instead of going to the busy offices in Makati and fight for jobs in Quezon City you just have to sit back, connect to the web and do some clicking. What an awesome relief right?

Nutrilite, the world pioneer in vitamin and mineral supplements celebrates its 75th Anniversary. In celebration of their success they bring out their new products:

Rhodiola (an herb supplement to boost energy and mental alertness), a natural supplement designed to combat stress and improve performance. A tablet perfect for both men and women on the go, this organic supplement’s main ingredient is rhodiola, an Arctic herb used as an all-purpose tonic since the ancient times.

Strive+ (a rehydration drink) is for those who engage themselves in extreme physical activity. Blending carbohydrates, electrolytes and 100mg of Red Orange Complex (which contains recuperative and rejuvenative properties), Strive+ helps your body protect itself from physical activity, the natural way. Just open a pack of Strive+, mix with water, and you’ve got an isotonic drink that not only rehydrates and energizes your body, but helps it recover from muscle fatigue as well.

FitH2O a drink which hydrates and nourishes the body for light activity to combat stress and fatigue. A low-calorie, low carbohydrate mix FitH2O contains powerful antioxidants, Niacin, B6, Pantothenic Acid, B12, C and E vitamins to help fight free radicals. One FitH2O stick added to 500mL of water gives you a healthy dose of anti-oxidants to keep you and your body fatigue-free.

These products are made from natural, whole plant concentrates and combine the best of nature with the best of science to provide you with the fastest way to jumpstart your path toward optimal health plus of course, the proper diet and exercise and you’re good to live your long, fulfilling life.

Nutrilite has emerged from a young, start-up company to become the biggest leader in vitamin and nutrition supplements in the world. The event happened last November 12, 2009 at SM Mall Of Asia Music Hall. There were photo exhibit of Nutrilite athletes, such as champion bowler Paeng Nepomuceno and FIFA World player Ronaldinho, line one part of the venue to serve as inspirations for all of us. Guests are also given the opportunity to experience the Nutrilite way of living, via free bone density, cholesterol and BMI (Body Mass Index) check-ups as well as nutrition consultations.

Nutrilite is the only global vitamin and mineral brand in the world that delivers high-quality products that are environmentally friendly and produced in its own certified organic farm, from seed to serve. All Nutrilite products are deeply anchored in scientific development and research, with over 100 scientists, researches and educators behind its development—comprising the biggest scientific staff in the industry.

It’s never too late to start the road to health. Jumpstart your path towards living your best–Nutrilite gets you on gear.

Nutrilite is the world’s leading brand of vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements with $3 billion in sales in 2007. For 75 years, Nutrilite is grounded on the most advanced research and technology and is exclusively distributed locally by Amway Philippines. For product inquiries or to be an Independent Business Owner, please call 814-8181.

About 4 months ago, my life as a bummer started after I have passed the Nursing Licensure Exam. My life is so sedentary that I recently noticed that my clothes especially my shorts and parts were not in its perfect fit on my body or waist shall I say. One indication that I am gaining weight. I mean, I am eating the same but I am being less active and less productive. I had breakfast, lunch, merienda, dinner and midnight snack for 1 day (yeah, LARGE frequent feedings. LOL),we always have “Fastfood Friday” in our home and a night out with friends that all we do is to drink, laugh, sing and dance a little. So most probably, I deserve the weight and the figure I have now.

The remedy for the aforementioned dilemma is not a work-out, exercise and diet  (yes, I got time but got no one to do it with plus, enrolling to a gym needs $$$ , which apparently, I dont have. Poor me LOL) but a deceiving clothes and picture pose and angles trick. I wear clothes that are mostly layered, which can cover-up the “flabs” and make wacky poses when there’s picture taking. What a remedy right? Hmmm…

Last October 23, 2009, Del Monte Fit ‘n Right launched its newest campaign Dare to be Fit ‘N Right in Taste Asia at the SM Mall of Asia. The Dare to be Fit ‘N Right launch featured the revolutionary F.I.T workout by sports scientist and Master Coach Jim Saret. Coach Saret.

If burning calories is difficult, gaining them is as easy as putting on a pair of shoes—the combination of a fastfood sandwich, large fries, a cup of ice cream and a large glass of soda is equal to 2,300 calories.

The F.I.T Workout or the Fast Interval Training is a four-minute workout that makes you burn at least 400 calories and continues to burn even when you’re done with the workout! Plus, you don’t have to be a gym buff to enjoy the workout. It doesn’t require much space and equipment. It’s scientific, very visual, designed for non-athletes, with measurable results and it’s easy!

And, if you partner your F.I.T workout with your Fit ‘n Right fruit juice drink, you’ll see faster results for Del Monte Fit ‘N Right contains the breakthrough L-Carnitine that helps burn fat and B Vitamis 1, 6, 12 that help speed up metabolism.

I think most of us complains of gaining weight easy but loosing weight the heaviest task on earth but with that great information above, We (bummers who are sedentary) have HOPE indeed. LOL! With that, I planned to cut down my meals, try out this 4-minute miracle work-out and of course drink Del Monte Fit ‘n Right (I love Fit ‘n Right Four Seasons flavor–Mum gets pissed when we she discovered we consumed her Fit ‘n Right)

But, the F.I.T. Workout is only the beginning. Running is arguably the popular sport these days. Del Monte Fit ‘N Right continues its commitment in promoting a healthy lifestyle with the Dare to be Fit ‘n Right culmination fun run on November 22 in SM Mall of Asia. Official race call time is at 4 AM and Gun Start is 6AMin front of SM MOA Music Hall.

The 3K/5K/10K Men and Women Open will benefit the victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng, among others, through the SM Foundation.

For a registration fee of P300, runners can get their race packet with the Dare to Fit ‘n Right Fun Run singlet, race bib, Fit ‘N Right products, etc. Interested participants can register at the following areas:

• CEMG Office – Unit 3A Vernida I Bldg., Amorsolo St., Legaspi Village, Makati City/ Look for Marianne Tapales (892.5842/09155498282)
• Dare to be Fit ‘n Right booths in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig and in selected SM Hypermarkets: Mall of Asia, Sucat, Pasig, and North EDSA
• Fitness First branches on November 16, 2009.

1st, 2nd and 3rd place runners from each division will win P10, 000, P5, 000 and P3, 000, respectively. All registered runners will also automatically qualify for the raffle, where they can win a Lenovo laptop.

Registration period is from October 21 to November 16, 2009. Late registrants will be charged additional P100.

Since, I haven’t attended any run for a cause event, my friends and I plans to join this cause because not only we can help but also we can loose those tremendous calories/fats stuck in our bellies. LOL! So see you on the race?:))

Look out for event posters and flyers or visit the Fit ‘n Right Facebook page

The Dare to be Fit ‘n Right is co-presented by SM.

Dare to be fit and right with Del Monte Fit ‘N Right!

I am guilty, Guilty of just LOVING EATING. (Well, who doesn’t right?)

Last October 24, 2009, Doña Elena Cuisinera Club sponsored the first Celebrity Cook –off Challenge held at Annabel’s Restaurant at T. Morato Quezon City. Some bloggers, other media, chefs, and Cuisinera Club loyal members were ale to witness the said event filled with new knowledge and excitement.

The competition was between two teams composed of 1 chef adviser, 2 cuisinera club members, 1 member from the media and 1 celebrity guest. The 2 teams battled in preparing a nutritious and delicious dish/meal using the new Doña Elena Pure Olive oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil as well as other Doña Elena products.

The celebrity quests were Gladys Reyes and Bernadette Allison. Ms. Bernadette Allison’s team won the contest.

Since Doña Elena advocates the use of Olive Oil, I would like to give some “nice-to-know” facts about Olive Oil:

• Pure Olive oil is used for frying or when it involves heating
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil is best used for fresh food preparation example are salads
• Organic olive oil is also filled with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that may protect you against illnesses.
• Protect You from Heart Disease
• Promote Healthy Digestion
• Balance the Fatty Acids in Your Body
• You can re-use the Olive Oil as long as you use it for the same ingredient meaning (fish with fish, chicken with chicken) and with proper storage.

Cuisinera Club aim to encourage and teach cuisineras easy ways on achieving a healthier lifestyle through better nutrition, which can be achieved by using olive oil in their daily cooking. Be member! You can also visit their Facebook account.

Well as for my cooking, GOOD LUCK TO THAT. Hahaha:D

5. Read about water-borne diseases. Know it so that you can prevent it. What are the common water-borne diseases:
A. Diarrhea
B. Amoebiasis
C. Dysentery
D. Cholera
E. Acute Gastroenteritis
F. Typhoid Fever
4. Cook food properly. Avoid raw foods, vegetables, fruit, meat that are not properly cooked because it may have been in contact with contaminated water that can cause disease when ingested.
3. Clean environment. Make sure that garbage, animals are away from your drinking water source. More often, the feces of animals have parasites that can contaminate your water and will lead to disease.
2. Clean drinking water source. There are many ways to clean your drinking water such as boiling, filtration, purification and distillation. If you have extra money, you can buy water from drinking stations per liter or bottles. As much as possible do not share drinking bottles/glasses.
1. Proper Hand washing. This may be a cliché but it is the simplest way in order to prevent the spread of disease causing microorganisms. Poor hygiene is one of the major cause of water-borne diseases and main culprit of acquiring hookworms and pinworms from contaminated sources.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

Disease awareness (news, posters, ads)

Hand washing (Soap and Water/Alcohol/Hand Sanitizer)

P.S This is the OC-OC side of me, I always bring alcohol wherever I go…

Isolation and Quarantine

Thermal Scanning

P.S The first time I went back to FEU after months, I was nervous because the guards are checking the temperature and the night before, I had a fever. Good thing I was able to get inside and I was negative. LOL!

Immune System Boosting (Vitamins and Nutritious foods)

Avoidance to crowded places

P.S I think I was already exposed to the virus since I am always taking the LRT and during the outbreak, my friends and I went to the airport going to Palawan

Personal Protective Equipment (face masks)

The country was able to fight the Pandemic and served as an aid in increasing the people’s awareness to such health situations.

Few weeks ago, I was thinking about AH1N1 because it doesn’t make it to the news anymore unlike the previous months then, It was like I became a psychic or a coincidence that a few days after I thought about it, Department of Health (DOH) warned the Philippines about the possible second wave of Influenza AH1N1. It was said to be more virulent than the previous strain since it is also a flu season. DOH has been preparing and monitoring cases of AH1N1 present in the country.

For now, let us pray that we can surpass this disease and do our part in preparing ourselves in acquiring this virus. How? Just look above…:))

For those who weren’t able to attend the general orientation last September 3, 2009 but who wants to participate on the said event YOU NEED TO CONTACT THE FOLLOWING COORDINATORS first for you to be registered

For each location, there are sub locations but I wasn’t able to get it so it is up to you to contact each coordinator.

You might not be entertained when you come on September 6 if you didn’t contact the coordinators first because they want to maximize and designate the volunteers per location

Deadline for registration is TODAY, September 4, 2009.

PLEASE SPREAD THE CHARITY VIRUS… :]]

FOR MORE INQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT
Sir Jojo- 09175617609 or 7814079
Dra. Suzette Salazar- 092991159017 or 7416718

(Sorry for the late post…)