Defeat Dengue thru Allied Against Dengue Movement + Dengue FAQs

7 years ago when I was 7 months pregnant with our eldest, I got really sick. My OB's diagnosis was UTI so she prescribed medicines and sent me home to rest. Two days after, I still wasn't feeling any better in fact I was feeling even more sick, severe headache, fever was still there, my cough and colds was giving me a hard time breathing and I was feeling really weak. And that's when we decided to rush to the emergency room where I was admitted right away. We were all worried especially for the baby inside me, because if I don't get better I might give birth prematurely. A machine was attached to me to closely monitor my baby.  Several laboratory tests were also done until we found out the culprit. My IgM test came back positive for dengue fever! It was a scary news, but I was relieved to learn that it wasn't the hemorrhagic fever which is considered as the severe one. We stayed for a couple more days in the hospital until I was feeling all better. I just then visited my OB frequently to monitor my baby. Thank God everything went well and I was able to deliver my baby healthy and full term.

It was my first personal and scary encounter with dengue, I can't imagine the pain and fear I've been through. Despite being a Nurse who is knowledgeable about the disease and was able to care for dengue patients before, experiencing dengue personally was a totally different thing. I am hoping that no one else in my family gets to experience it too so I'm doing my best in order to prevent it. That is why I'm glad that I was invited to become an Ally against dengue and got to attend the launching of the Allied Against Dengue Movement last July 12, 2016.

DOH Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag, Philippine Pediatric Society Vice President Dra. Salvacion Gatchalian, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau Director Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, GlaxoSmithKline General Manager Heather Pelier, and Calpol mom Jolina Magdangal-Escueta.

The Allied Against Dengue Movement was founded by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines Inc. (GSKCH), united with Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Pharmacist Association Inc. (PPHA), Mercury Drug Corporation (MDC), Smartparenting.com.ph and CNN Philippines to create a non-profit open platform with the aim to empower healthcare providers, organizations and communities; and reduce the impact of dengue on the nation in a holistic manner from prevention and control to management. 

Dengue infection is prevalent in the world and Southeast Asia is the Epicenter of dengue mosquito breeding due to its tropical climate. Here in the Philippines, the disease outbreak is spreading to more areas and impacting more lives. In 2015 there were 200, 415 reported dengue fever cases, a 60% increase over 2014 which had 121,000 cases. This year, the incidence rate even shot higher with cases escalating 33% in the first quarter compared to the same quarter last year.

Proud Allies against Dengue, Top/Seasoned Blogger Rowena Lim of www.animetric.net and Celebrity Calpol mom Jolina Magdangal-Escueta sharing advises and insights about Dengue

The movement aims to lead change and create a bigger impact to society through collaborative partnerships with the DOH, private institutions, healthcare providers, media influencers, and community leaders to help bring down the incidence rate of and deaths caused by dengue fever. And with the deployment of a robust nationwide education campaign through multiple channels, Allied Against Dengue seeks to curb the incidence growth rate and ultimately, make a real difference to the lives of Filipino. The coalition strategy will include: 

1. Distribution of 50,000 DOH primers to at least 5 public schools in dengue hotspots in Metro Manila
2. Distribution of 15,000 leaflets to 1,000 pediatricians and general practitioners
3. Education of proper dengue fever prevention and management to 20 health centers for Baranggay outreach programs
4. Implementation of Continuous Pharmacy Education (CPE) Program in identified chapters targeting 200 pharmacists
5. Education and recruitment of at least 1000 Allies Against Dengue through employee engagement, online and on-ground activation.

Through this Allied Against Dengue Movement I learned more about this dreaded disease and as a Proud Ally against dengue I pledged to do my part and share with you this learning.

FAQs about Dengue

1. What causes Dengue Fever?

• Dengue fever is a virus infection caused by the dengue virus which is acquired through a bite of an infected female Aedes Aegypti or the yellow fever mosquito. 

2. What are the Characteristics of the Aedes Aegypti?

• They have white stripes
• Drawn to warm skin
• Drawn to victims who move a lot
• Victims bitten on side or back of the body
• Capable of travelling 50 to 300 meters from breeding area
• Day biters, with biting peaks 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset. 
• They are abundant during rainy season
• Lifespan of 20 to 30 days
• They lay eggs after blood meal

3. How many strains of Dengue virus are there?

• There are 4 Strains of the Dengue Virus and you only get immunity from the particular virus you got infected with. This means you are still susceptible to acquire dengue fever from the other 3 dengue viruses.

4. How can we prevent Dengue?

• During the launch of the Allied Against Dengue Movement, DOH Undersecretary Dr. Enrique Tayag encourages everyone to use their 4 S strategy:

1. Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites. 
2. Self protection measures like choosing repellents or using mosquito nets during daytime. 
3. Seek immediate consultation. 
4. Say NO to indiscriminate fogging and YES during outbreak only.

• Clean your house everyday paying attention on the gutters and spaces/holes that can accumulate stagnant water. Cover water storage and drums.

5. What re the symptoms of Dengue?

• High continuous fever that lasts for 2-7 days
• Hemorrhagic manifestations such as bleeding of the nose or gums
• Nausea/vomiting
• Skin Flushing and Rashes
• Loss of Appetite

6. What can we do at home?

• There is no medicine or antibiotic that can treat dengue, only symptom management. For fever avoid giving Aspirin or Ibuprofen or NSAIDS as these may aggravate gastritis of bleeding in dengue fever. World Health Organization recommends Paracetamol only like Calpol which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines Inc.
• Get enough bed rest
• Take plenty of fluids
• Perform tepid sponge baths

7. What are the warning signs of Dengue?

There is no need for hospitalization unless you observe this warning signs then you must seek immidiate medical attention:

• Fever for more than 2 days
• Severe abdominal Pain
• Bleeding Nose and Gums
• Persistent Vomiting with/without blood
• Drowsiness, confusion, seizures
• Difficulty Breathing
• Pallor, Cold/Clammy Hands or Feet
• Sleeping most of the time

 Thank you GSK and #AlliedAgainstDengue for inviting me to be part of this movement.

Now that we are equipped with the right information we can totally make a big difference and save not just ourselves but the people around us. I invite everyone to become Proud Allies Against Dengue, share this information to everyone you know and together lets defeat Dengue! 

For more information on Allied Against Dengue and how to be an ally, contact GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines Inc. at 1800-14441-0884/ 1800-8908-8275 or email them at ph.customer-relations@gsk.com

My SEOULfully Delightful Shopping Experience and Haul at Mall Of Korea + Giveaway!

Here in the Philippines, anything South Korean has become a big hit! Admit it or not, but we sing along to K-pop music even without understanding the lyrics right? Haha. We religiously tune in to Koreanovela's, good thing they are being aired in local channels and are dubbed in Tagalog. Kimchi, Bibimbap? name it, Korean food are yum yum! I'm sure I am speaking on behalf of the majority of Filipinas when I say that Korean's spotless and flawlessly beautiful skin are to die for, that's why most of us patronize their skincare and cosmetic products, don't we? And don't forget about their charming and trendy fashion style! 

I can go on and on talking about this Korean craze but here's three words that will surely get you hyped; Mall Of Korea! It is a fashion retail haven for everyone who loves anything Korean and the good news is, they finally opened their first ever branch here in the Philippines! No need to shop online, with the constant worry of not getting the right product or the right size, the waiting game before it gets to your doorstep and of course the amount of shipping you have to shell out. Hooray!

Mall of Korea held their soft opening last July 14, 2016 and I was among the lucky ones who got the first dibs on what they have to offer. We also got to meet the person behind Mall Of Korea, Nina Lee who is a Korean designer since 1975. She was also the Director of Korea Business Association from 1987 until 1992. Nina Lee opened her first branch in Myeongdong, Korea. She now has more than 60 shops and now she proudly brings authentic Korean Shopping experience here in the Philippines! 

It wouldn't be fun without these 2, Eihdra and Lhyzie!

 It's been a while since we last saw each other.  

Mall of Korea has everything for everyone from stylish clothes, accessories, cosmetics (soon! as they are still awaiting approval from BFAD) and other fabulously interesting finds. It carries all-original and branded apparels, collection of designer products from Nina Lee, Luisa Spagnoli and many more! The prices are least expensive compared to the leading malls since the products are directly imported from Korea. For the budget conscious people they also have the SALE Section but don't worry because the quality are all excellent!

Whether it's casual wear, everyday wear, party dress, name it you'll find them all here. The place is also spacious enough so you'll definitely enjoy shopping with your friends.

They also have Disney apparels for kids! 

Photo from Mall Of Korea FB Page

Guys need not to worry as there's also something for them too!

Pretty "Mommy and Me" set for the moms and daughters.

Cutesy jewelries and accessories from OBBA Seoul 

This is my first Authentic Korean shopping experience and probably one of my best shopping experience ever. I went crazy over the adorable and trendy pieces. I spent a good amount of time shopping and totally forgot about my dysmenorrhea and my aching legs. Lol! I even went in the fitting room with my two hands full of clothes. If only I can take them all home with me! Haha.

Here are some of the pieces I was able to try on. I really like the first one, too bad the top was kind of loose on me. The jump-short on the middle photo is so nice and comfy, I'll be back one day and get it. I bought the pink skinny pants and the flowery dress-like top on the third photo and some other pieces which I wasn't able to take photos anymore.

Indeed it was a SEOULfully delightful shopping experience, I can't wait till my next visit! 

And, I would also love for you to experience a SEOULfully Authentic Shopping spree at the first ever Mall of Korea here in the country so I'm giving away 2 MOK Cash Cards. Each Cash Cards are in 300 denomination only so 1 winner will get a chance to win 900 and 1 winner of 600 MOK Cash Card. To enter the giveaway please follow the easy steps on the rafflecopter below. 

Note: Please follow mandatory steps to make your entries valid. This giveaway is open to all participants nationwide as long as you can claim your prize personally at the Mall of Korea located at the 2nd Floor of Metrowalk Complex, Ortigas Pasig City. Store is open from 10AM until 11PM daily.

Good luck everyone! 
UPDATE: Congratulations to Emcel F. - 900 MOK Cash Card and Liberty F. - 600 MOK Cash Card. Please email me your Complete name, address and contact number at pearlipaguio@gmail.com for you to claim your prize! 

I Dared to Get Whipped at Whipped Sugar Waxing and Scrub Salon

There's nothing I like more than trying out new things! For the past years and months, I've lived a pretty mundane life as a full time mom. I'm not making any excuse here, I love being a mom but motherhood perhaps is one of the reasons why I've fallen off the bandwagon. However, as cliche as it may sound I realized that being a mom should be the reason, and not an excuse for me not to feel good and look good. Remember the adage "Happy Wife. Happy Life"? It's true, when mommy/wife is happy everyone in the family benefits from it, right mommies? 

So, aiming to break the monotony, I've started working from home. To balance it out, I do blogging as a hobby and attend blog events for my social life where I get to meet people from all walks of life and through blogging I get to discover and try out new things, which is really fun! 

In line with this, few weeks ago I discovered Whipped Sugar Waxing and Scrub Salon and they dared me to change my usual hair removal habit into a sweet, fun and new concept; Sugaring or Sugar Waxing!

I get rid of unwanted hair through shaving but I also tried Hot Waxing once before so Sugar Waxing really sounds new and interesting! So I excitedly accepted the dare, scheduled an appointment and went to their branch at Alabang Town Center. They share store with Kitchenails.

Upon seeing their salon, I became more excited! It looks looks like a candy store, with the pastel colors and girly theme I thought to myself, the owner Ms. Bing Fabi,  must be very sweet and chic herself!

The staffs were also nice and accommodating, I was then taken into 1 of their 3 waxing room, it was actually 4 rooms but I guess they used the other one as a storage room. Each room was spacious enough, it has 1 single bed in it and a side table with some essentials, like alcohols, tissues and gloves. 

After asking which service I'll avail, ate Alyssa my sugaring technician left me in the room to prepare the sugar wax.

What is Sugar Wax made of?

Sugar wax is made of all natural food-grade ingredients mainly sugar, lemon juice and water. Sounds yummy right? Well aside from that, it is definitely a wise and green choice, it's safe for you and for the environment. Hot wax on the other hand are also made of natural ingredients like essential oils but also contains chemicals and preservatives that could be irritating especially to those who have sensitive skin. 

Aside from Sugaring, they also offer the following services:

The process: 

So I availed the brow and underarm sugaring. They started with brows which doesn't need shaping anymore since I already had it tattooed before. It only needs grooming, you see I honestly don't know anything with brows,  I don't know how to apply make up on it, I don't pluck it, I only have it shaved or threaded in salons. It's my first time to have it sugar waxed and surprisingly, it's least painful compared to threading, and probably plucking. The procedure for both my brows lasted for about 15 minutes only and the remaining small hairs were just plucked with tweezers.

Next was my underarm. Ate Alyssa noticed that the hair on my pits was thick and coarse she knew I was shaving it. I also have chicken skin which she said is the other negative effect of shaving. I also don't have a light/white underarm, which is probably caused by using different kinds of deodorant and maybe caused by pregnancy that's why I was happy when she said that sugaring has a lightening effect. (crossing my fingers on that lol) The underarm sugaring doesn't hurt at all and it lasted around 15 minutes as well. Afterwards she advised me not to wet my brows and underarm for the next 4 hours. 

Verdict:

I love it! Aside from the fact that it's made of all natural food-grade ingredients, sugaring is more gentle as it only attaches to the dead skin cells. Sugaring is also applied cold or at room temperature so its less likely to cause skin burning. It's also not sticky and if there are any wax residue left, it can easily be removed with water as it is water soluble. Most of all it's not really painful and although it might cause a mild redness or blister it subsides in no time. I also give my sugarist a thumbs up as she was very nice and conversational. Will I come back again? Surely I will and I'm excited to try out their other services especially the sweet treats! 

Ladies and gents too, if you want to experience the new craze in hair removal and body scrubbing, check out Whipped Sugar Waxing and Scrub Salon and dare to get Whipped!

Visit their branches:
1. 3rd Floor, Ayala Fairview Terraces
2. 2nd Floor, Commerce Avenue Wing, Alabang Town Center
3. 2nd Floor, Eight Forbes Town Center. 

You can also check them online on Facebook for promos and updates: Whipped

#YummerWithWhipped #WhippedItOut #StrippedWithWhipped #SmootherWithWhipped #WhippedATC #WhippedAFT #WhippedETC #DareToGetWhipped #GetWhippedNow #WhippedMNL #OnlyAtWhipped

What’s it like Working with Mom?

She carried me in her womb for 9 months. Brought me into this world, cared and nurtured me during my early years. She's my teacher, my first best friend, my number one fan and my personal nurse; these are just among the many roles she does as my mother. 

I was the youngest among four siblings, thus I was very close with my mom. I was inseparable from her. However as I grew up, the special bond and attachment I had with my mom changed little by little. Growing up, I would seek for independence and freedom and this would cause conflict between us. I have committed a lot of mistakes, even terrible ones but I never got judged by my mom with my poor judgement. But yes my mom would scold me. She could go on and on talking about what I did which is kind of irritating (if you know what I mean lol) but then again she only hopes to instil lessons on me and help me make better judgements in the future. 

Mothers are amazing right? And now that I’m already a mom, I understand and appreciate my mom even more. All the constant nagging and the persistence was all for me, because indeed mothers only want what’s best for their children. 

Every mother does their best to make this world a better place to live in for all their children, but would it be the same if we are working with mom in the same workplace?

I know this isn’t a common situation as most companies don’t allow mother-child, girlfriend-boyfriend or any relationships in the workplace just like in the previous company I worked for. But I am entertained when I learned that there are still companies who allow this. And it just suddenly crossed my mind, what’s it like working with mom?

Well, I really couldn’t tell since I haven’t experienced it personally but I have been thinking about this because in my previous work, I have colleagues who are mothers too and I’ve seen how motherly they are to everyone. Also relating it to how my mom is, I can already imagine how it’s going to be like. So I came up with this list.

1. You got a piece of “home” at work- Admit it or not but not everyone really like their job/work, sometimes it’s just the people in the workplace that makes them enjoy going to work. Now imagine having your mom in the office, it’s like having a piece of home and comfort in the workplace.

2. You have a cheerleader- You know when situation at the workplace gets challenging and you feel like giving up? Well, working with mom is a totally different thing. She’ll be there cheering for you. Go go go! Y-O-U-C-A-N-D-O-I-T-! 

3. Free lunch, everyday!- Remember when you spent almost your entire salary because you reached your credit cards limit? Or running out of budget perhaps? Worry no more, because working with mom means free lunch and yes it can be every single day!

4. Free ride to and from work- Got no wheels? No cash for public transport? Here comes mom to the rescue!

5. Save more - So you get free lunch and free rides. You won’t be spending as much as you use to.

6. Stronger bond with mom- Regardless of living with your mom in the same house or not, working with mom in the same workplace will surely strengthen your bond not just as mother and grown child but as friends too!

Working with mom could both be a blessing and sometimes a challenge especially when personal issues get their way into the workplace. But every problem has a solution. Everything will eventually be alright. And with all the positive side of working with mom in the same workplace, I’m sure the negative side will be outweighed. 

How’d you like the idea of working with your mom? Are you ready to enjoy all its perks and surpass its challenges? 

Thermogenic Treatment at SvelT'i Beauty and Wellness Center

One of the things many hard-driving professionals know that sweating in order to detoxify is what they have to do daily in order to de-stress and remain healthy. Burning calories to reduce the amount of fat in their body is another. Unfortunately, many of them find it hard to squeeze in a trip to the gym or a morning walk around the block into their busy schedule. For weekend warriors needing to break out some serious sweat, one convenient, comfortable alternative – which can also allow them 30 minutes of precious shut-eye time – is the Thermogenic treatment in SvelT’i’s beauty and wellness center in Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

The experience is something similar to being in a steam room, with three crucial differences: the experience is private and individual, unlike the more socialized steam room which is designed to hold several people; and the patient can choose to relax and/or sleep while the machine steadily softens fats and makes them leave as sweat out through skin pores.

Sweat and burn calories while you sleep? How is it possible?

The Thermogenic machine emits into the patient’s body Far Infrared Rays or invisible waves of light that have the ability to penetrate our tissues, muscles, and bones. It can warm our body without heating the air. Unlike Ultraviolet light, Far Infrared Rays do not cause sunburn; nor do they damage the skin. With the absorption of the FIR deep into the cells, the body generates heat and stimulates the increase in energy consumption which triggers a boost in metabolic process. This will result to the breaking down of fat cells, cellulite, waste, and other forms of toxic substances in the body. Thermogenic can burn 600-800 kcal per treatment.

Prior to undergoing the treatment, the patient also steps on a state-of- the-art weighing scale that within minutes lets her know her personal health-related information which allows the clinical specialists to determine the fatty areas that need reduction. This information includes the following:

•  weight, 
• body fat 
• hydration rate
• body mass index
• muscle mass
• visceral fat
• and metabolic age

Visceral fat can also indicate the amount of fat that may be wrapped around some of the patient’s physiological organs; the higher the amount of visceral fat, the greater the risk the patient has in developing medical conditions like hypertension.

“The metabolic rate also indicates the speed or slowness by which the patient burns calories in her body, even if you are just in your thirties, but your metabolic rate is like that of a 50-year- old, thenchances are you will tire easily and not produce the amount of energy you need for your daily activities. On the other hand, you may be 50 years old, but your metabolic rate is that of a twenty something, then chances are you have a lot of physical energy which makes you more active than people half your age.” said Dra. Lalaine Salazar, SvelT’i’s Medical Director.

Thermogenic also speeds up a patient’s metabolic rate, which makes it a faster way to jumpstart your process in fat reduction and weight loss if you had been physically inactive for weeks or months. The first session will induce a significant amount of sweat; eight to ten sessions are recommended to see the results. Thermogenic also improves the patient’s blood circulation, cellular oxygenation, and skin condition. It promotes relaxation and better sleep during her rest hours, while energizing your body during the day. Sessions are likewise best taken any time of the day.

To know more about SvelT’i’s Thermogenic, please inquire at (02)332-7546 / 09188-SVELTI (783584) or visit the clinic at 5F South Insula Condominium #61 Timog Avenue, Quezon City from Mondays to Fridays from 9am-6pm and Saturdays from 8am-1pm. You may also visit SvelT’i FB page at www.facebook.com/sveltiph and IG account @SVELTI_PH.