an ounce of prevention

Aside from the 46 confirmed cases of A (H1N1) in the country, dengue hemorrhagic fever is one disease I am worried about because of the wet season. There have been cases of dengue here in our area before, and so we are taking extra caution especially with Joaqui who likes to play outside the house.

According to the Department of Health, the disease is transmitted through a day-biting mosquito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water. Because of this, we are observing the following prevention and control methods:

• Cover water drums and water pails at all times to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
  
• Replace water in flower vases once a week.
  
• Clean all water containers once a week. Scrub the sides well to remove eggs of mosquitoes sticking to the sides.
  
• Clean gutters of leaves and debris so that rain water will not collect as breeding places of mosquitoes.
  
• Old tires used as roof support should be punctured or cut to avoid accumulation of water.
  
• Collect and dispose all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that can collect and hold water.  
  

For more information on dengue, you can visit http://www.doh.gov.ph/healthadvisories/dengue

and for A (H1N1) http://www.doh.gov.ph/h1n1/.

lapband for weight loss

Lap band is a term I usually encounter in my profession as a medical transcriptionist, which is a weight loss surgery that uses an adjustable gastric band to help reduce food intake. It utilizes an FDA-approved Lap-Band System silicone belt that goes around the top of the stomach and results in the ability to control hunger and achieve a feeling of fullness.

Obesity carries the associated risks of other co-morbidities like high blood pressure, diabetes respiratory problems and high cholesterol, and for morbidly obese persons these pose a very high risk for premature death, with the prevalence of obesity continues to be a health concern for adults, children and adolescents in the United States.

The Lap-Band System is the least invasive and the only adjustable surgical treatment for morbid obesity in the U.S. It has a very high likelihood of success and is performed around the world. Although lap band is a minimally invasive procedure, it is best to be informed of the risks and benefits of this weightloss procedure, and to do research on whether the Lap-Band System is right for you. Further information on lap band can be found just by dialing 1-800-GET-SLIM, and surfing the internet for the lap band advantages, lap band testimonials, and success stories of lap band before and after.

anywhere hot tub

When I've been working too much and my muscles are sore, I always think of soaking in a hot tub and just relax. Hydrotherapy, or warm water massage in a hot tub has many health benefits and it reduces stress and increases blood circulation. Hot tub hydrotherapy on a regular basis provides physical health benefits and whether you are experiencing joint or muscle pain, having trouble sleeping, or stressed out, spending time in hot tub spas can provide therapeutic benefits.

But going to the spa to have hydrotherapy is not at all that convenient plus it is a little expensive too. It's true that you can avail of spa services while in the comforts of your home, but it is usually just massage, a foot spa or a body scrub. Now with lazyspa one can enjoy a hot tub not only at home but anywhere. It is a highly portable hot tub that has features found only on expensive hot tubs such as circulation pump, heater, 600w turbo massage blower and digital control panel. The lazyspa hot tub can comfortably seat four adults, yet it can fit through a standard door because it is inflatable. And as an added feature, this has multi-coloured underwater lights for a party mood!

Keep your investment in your luxurious hot tub. If you're renting or if you ever decide to move from your current home, you can easily take your lazyspa with you. It is designed for convenience and easy transportation, so you can just enjoy all the benefits of warm water therapy...anytime, anywhere.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer remains a significant health concern for women throughout the world. It is the leading killer of women ages 35 to 54 worldwide and more than a million women develop breast cancer without knowing it and almost 500,000 die from it every year. The Philippines has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer in Asia and is today considered to have the 9th highest incidence rate in the world. Risks for breast cancer include a family history, atypical hyperplasia, delaying pregnancy until after the age 30 or never becoming pregnant, early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), current use or use in the last 10 years of oral contraceptives, and daily consumption of alcohol. Early detection of breast cancer, through monthly breast self-exam and particularly yearly mammography after age 40, offers the best chance for survival.

October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Education is empowerment. Learn the ways on what tests you can do to determine your breast health.