Give the gift of health with the MediCard online store

This Christmas season, aside from love and togetherness give your loved ones the gift of health as MediCard, a leading health maintenance organization (HMO) provider, introduces the MediCard online store.

With the MediCard online store, you can buy high-quality healthcare plans and give these as Christmas gifts for your loved ones. There’s a Medicard plan that suits every age and lifestyle including MediCard Family/Individual, MediCard VIP, MediCard RxER, MediCard Healthplus,MediCard Kabayan, MediCard Select and MediCard Health Check.

For individuals and families who want to have coverage for hospitalization, outpatient procedures, preventive healthcare, emergency, financial assistance, and dental care, MediCard has the Family/Individual plans. For those who want to have more comprehensive healthcare coverage, MediCard VIP plans are also offered. On top of the extensive hospitalization, outpatient procedures, preventive healthcare, emergency, member’s financial assistance and dental care coverage, MediCard VIP plans also come with healthcare assistance during an emergency abroad.

Designed to give members utmost value and convenience, RXER offers a specialized healthcare maintenance service that covers emergencies for trauma cases, preventive and outpatient care. Best of all, there’s no age limit, no medical check-up required and hierarchy is waived. For the Healthplus plan, members can avail of preventive and outpatient coverage in MediCard free-standing clinics for one year for only P1,100.

Created for overseas sponsors, the Kabayan card provides superior health coverage for beneficiaries in the Philippines. For those who want to have healthcare coverage for minimal access fee, service fee and fixed fund, try MediCard Select, a breakthrough product that takes care of healthcare needs and allows returns of unused fund.

The MediCard Health Check Card gives your loved ones unlimited check-ups for only P500. These include check-ups with MediCard’s primary care physicians and select specialists, 20% discount on labs and tests, plus one-time annual physical exam. This plan is valid for one year at any MediCard free-standing clinic where the card was bought. 

MediCard has various accessible free-standing clinics and satellite clinics nationwide, including MediCard Lifestyle Center, MediCard McKinley, MediCard Makati, MediCard Sta.Rosa, MediCard Alabang, MediCard Cavite, MediCard Calamba, MediCard Fairview, MediCard Ortigas, MediCard Clark, MediCard Sta. Lucia, and MediCard Cebu City.

Give your loved ones the best gift this Christmas with MediCard’s high-quality healthcare plans. Visit https://www.medicardphils.com/medicard-online-membership. To learn more, check out www.medicardphils.com and https://www.facebook.com/MEDICard.Philippines/. All products are subject to terms and conditions.

Old Orchard Cranberry’s 5 Simple Lifestyle Tweaks for a Healthier Lifestyle

It's the last day of November, next thing we know it's already Christmas then New Year. Together with New Year is that undying New Year's Resolution which I'm guilty of making yearly. I'm sure you all can relate to this, right? And, one of the most common resolution is staying fit and healthy. . Being fit and healthy should be a lifestyle and not just a resolution, however, while others may be successful others are still striving for many reasons.

Striving for a healthier lifestyle can actually be refreshing and easily achieved with the help of the American juice brand, Old Orchard Cranberry Juice. Did you know that Cranberries are distinguished in the nutrition world because they boast various health benefits? This gives consumers better options and alternatives on how to care for their bodies and live a healthy lifestyle.

A couple of weeks ago, I got a bottle of Old Orchard Cranberry Juice together with other Fly Ace Products.

One of the main health benefits of drinking Cranberry Juice is that it helps prevent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) from occurring and worsening, as cranberries are a rich source of Flavonoid and Phytonutrient contents called hippuric acid and proanthocyanidin, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits. Considering that UTI is one of the 2nd most common infections in the body, it’s amazing that a small fruit like cranberry could help prevent infection and permanent damage to the kidneys if not taken care of. So if you’re looking for other ways to give your urinary system some TLC, take heed of these advices from Philippine-USA registered dietitian-nutritionist Cheshire Que, RDN:

1. Level up your hydration status. “It is human nature to seek water in variety of forms to quench thirst and cool the skin simply because the body is made up of 45 to 75 percent of water”, asserts Que. However, this simple tip is harder than you think since it takes discipline and conscious effort on a daily basis. “Water helps flush out bacteria that saves your bladder from infections, so keep yourself hydrated throughout the day by consciously drinking water whether or not you are thirsty. We can also add various types of beverages aside from water, but practice moderation on drinking liquids that contain sugar, fat, and alcohol,” adds Que.

2. Prioritize your “pee” time. We’ve heard it many times before and let us say this again: Don’t put off your pee the moment you feel it as to prevent bacteria from colonizing in your bladder. Que prescribes: “Urinating helps regulate blood pressure and removes the body’s waste product called urea--so fully emptying your bladder with adequate fluid intake can ward off not just UTI but kidney stone formation”. 

3. Practice good hygiene. Unfortunately, women are more prone to UTI than men so ladies should learn this technique on how to properly keep their nether region clean: Wipe your intimate area from front to back all the time and opt for a cotton underwear since it’s more breathable than any material.

4. Give your immune system a boost. Different external factors such as stress happens and can take a toll on our mind and body, which compromises our immunity. That’s why Que’s advice is to load up on nutrient-rich foods such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and berries coupled with at least 7 hours of sleep and exercise that help strengthen your defense against bacterial infection.

5. Sip cranberry juice. Don’t get bogged down thinking that cranberries are just for your cocktails; cranberry juice is one of the best diuretics out there. It’s also good to know that drinking cranberry for UTI isn’t just an old wives’ tale. According to Que, “Cranberries contain phytochemicals and antioxidants that help prevent UTI. Its bioactive compounds called proanthocynidins flush out bacteria, specifically E. Coli.” 

Old Orchard Cranberry Juices are grown, harvested, and packed in a modern facility in Michigan, USA, where the great-tasting and perfect blends of juices are whipped up daily. You can be sure that every drop is healthy and stable before even reaching your glasses. Old Orchard Cranberry Juice is available in 3 delicious variants: Cranberry, Apple Cranberry and Cranberry Raspberry. There are also diabetic-friendly variants that contain 75% less sugar and only 20 calories: Healthy Balance Cranberry and Healthy Apple Balance. Coupled with a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet, there is no shortage of fun and flavorful ways of protecting and loving your bladder while nourishing your whole family.

Tips on How To Age Well featuring Nutrawell Collagen with Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid

Aging is inevitable, and together with aging is the physical signs of it, fine lines, wrinkles, crow's feet and more. But we can always choose how we age by taking care of our health. Taking care of our health and beauty go hand-in- hand. In fact, the foundation of nurturing and maintaining your youthful vibrancy relies on adopting daily health habits. To help you get started on living a better life while ageing with grace, here are simple health and beauty tips that will keep you radiant.

Eat Healthy Food

Enjoying plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday goes a long way in maintaining your youthful glow. Coupled with whole grains and lean proteins, a diet rich in these natural goodies can help the skin maintain its healthy complexion. Including organic sources of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet also contributes to keeping the skin strong and elastic. On the other hand, eating food rich in anti-oxidants bolsters the body’s ability to combat the effects of sun damage and pollution on the skin. As an added bonus, anti-oxidants also fight free radicals that lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Maintain an Exercise Routine

While the benefit of exercise on keeping your desired weight has long been known, it also has a direct effect on keeping skin beautiful. Exercise increases blood flow, ensuring enough nutrients and oxygen reaches your skin. The blood flow also helps skin cells flush away toxins and waste products, helping the body in its natural detoxification process through the liver. Regular exercise also tones your muscles, helping boost your overall look. Just remember to avoid excess tension when you exercise, especially on your neck and chest area. Prolonged tension will pull-down your facial muscles, making you look less youthful.

Keep Everything Clean

It is absolutely important to keep yourself clean. Regular cleansing washes away dead skin cells and any toxic build-up on the skin that could lead to blemishes and poor complexion. But you must remember to be gentle! Use mild soaps and cleansers with warm water, this way you don’t strip away essential oils from your skin. After cleansing, remember to use a moisturizer to keep your skin supple. Most importantly, your bed has to be clean too. If you don’t change your sheets often, any dirt or bacteria on your bed can cause unexpected breakouts.

Manage Your Stress

Stress causes wrinkles, fine lines, acne breakouts and other skin blemishes. In some cases, stress even leads to eye bags, dry skin, grey hair, and hair loss – especially when it is uncontrolled and left unchecked. While the most immediate way to be rid of stress would be through regular massages,

there are more practical methods to alleviate stress that can be done in your own time without any

additional cost. Daily stretching and meditation sessions do a great deal in reducing stress levels. Spend at least 20 minutes a day calming yourself while breathing deeply to keep stress at bay. It will help you look more refreshed and beautiful.

Avoid What Damages Your Skin

Other than processed food, refined sugars, alcohol, and cigarette smoke – the sun is among the leading sources of skin damage. Even when you’re indoors, the sun’s harmful UV rays can still take a toll. That is why it is incredibly important to always use sunscreen. At the bare minimum, use sunscreen with SPF 15– and they must be reapplied every two hours. When it’s especially sunny outside, it’s best to use protective clothing that can block ultraviolet rays. Another important tip is to always drink water, to offset any moisture and hydration lost from heat exposure. Constant hydration also helps the body cleanse itself while keeping the skin supple. 

A great way to support your daily routine would be to boost it with all-natural food supplements, giving your body all the nutrients it needs to strengthen itself and maintain its youthful vibrancy. While the choice of food supplement is best decided between you and your Physician, there’s one readily available, over-the- counter product tailor made to manage the ageing process. Generika Drugstore’s Nutrawell Collagen helps the body repair and protect the skin, keeping you beautiful as you age. Certified as organic under the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), it contains key components that nurture the skin from within. 

I attended its launch last October where I get to know more about this product. With the many Collagen drink in the market today, what makes Nutrawell different? - It has Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid. 

Nutrawell Collagen is a powder mix that can either be taken on its own or mixed in your favourite drink or food. It has 5000mg of marine Collagen that rejuvenates skin firmness and radiance. Its 60mg of Hyaluronic Acid helps prevent osteoarthritis, cataracts, infections, and skin dryness. The 70ug of Astaxanthin helps protect the skin from UV damage. It is a powerful carotenoid anti-oxidant that helps promote eye health while also aids in preventing cancer. Research also suggest that Astaxanthin is a potential aid in cardiovascular health by possibly lowering down triglycerides, raising good cholesterol and improving blood flow.

Nutrawell Collagen also contains Elastin which helps the skin remain elastic, Biotin which boosts skin, nails and hair health plus it also helps to ease eczema and dermatitis and L-Cystein which can lighten one’s complexion. Of the powder mix’s components, Vitamin C is among the most critical as it is an anti-oxidant that helps the body strengthen its tissues, keeps the heart healthy, and boosts the body’s ability to produce and repair collagen.

So happy for this, thank you so much Generika and Nutrawell!

Healthy habits paired with the right food supplements can help you keep fit and age with grace. Through these healthy tips and Generika Drugstore’s latest age-management innovation, you can enjoy more out of life while retaining your youthful vigor.

To learn more about Nutrawell Collagen with Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid and/or Generika Drugstore, simply visit http://www.generika.com.ph/ or like its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Generika.com.ph.

Tupperware Brands Philippines Blogger Meet Up Featuring New Products

Who doesn't know about Tupperware? Ever since it was introduced here in the Philippines about 50 years ago, it has become a household name. I believe you or your mom own at least one Tupperware product at home, right? Funny thing is, that even non-Tupperware brand products are called it, you probably made the same mistake. Haha!

Last October, I together with my fellow Mommy Bloggers, attended the Tupperware Brands Philippines Bloggers Meet Up, at their headquarter in Five E-Com Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. The Blogger Meet Up intends to showcase their latest innovation, the Speedy Chef. The program was just short with a quick actual demo on how to use the Speedy Chef, wherein we also got to personally try it. It was really fun!

Ms. Melody Yap, Marketing Manager for Tupperware Brands performed the actual demonstration by making meringue using the Speedy Chef.

The meringue looks perfect!

After the actual demo, Ms. Yap taught us another recipe using the Speedy Chef, Speedy Chopper and other Tupperware products. This time we went live on Facebook so Tupperware Brands Philippines followers on Facebook got to watch us we whip our own 30-second choco-peanut mousse.

The Speedy Chef works like a manual mixer, it efficiently whips  small or large quantities of food - one loop is equivalent to 113 times mixing.

The Speedy Chopper, chops different herbs and small vegetables. Creates dips, sauces and purees too.

Here's the video:

Not to exaggerate, but yes the recipe only takes 30 seconds to make, of course less the preparation of the ingredients. But honestly, since I'm still not used with the products and the recipe, it took me more than 30 seconds. Nonetheless, I had fun the entire time!

I've always wanted to have my own mixer, I'm really not good in baking but I can bake, thanks to Google haha. Ever since I learned how to bake, I was only able to bake, banana, bread, bread loaf and cake without the icing because, I don't have a mixer. And, it was like an answered prayer when Tupperware Brands Philippines let us take home all the products on our table, yey! Now, I can bake a cake with icing, haha! On the other hand, the Speedy Chopper makes chopping garlic, onion and other spices so much easier and tear-free! Thank you so much Tupperware Brands Philippines!

By the way here's the recipe for the 30-second choco-peanut mousse, which you can easily whip up using The Speedy Chef and the Speedy Chopper:

30-second choco-peanut mousse

After the event, they also toured us to their mini-Christmas Store featuring products from their Christmas Catalog which you can check here. 

To know more about Tupperware Brands Philippines latest product offerings visit their website: http://www.tupperwarebrands.ph/ and follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tupperwarebrandsph/?qsefr=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tupperwarebrandsph/

Maldives Now Within Reach with Citi Credit Cards!

As part of its #LovetoClick promotion, Citi Credit Cards recently launched a new offer for a sweet escapade you can’t resist. Avail of a deal at one of the largest hospitality and leisure companies in Asia Pacific, MINOR Hotels, and save up to 40% off your next getaway!

MINOR Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 151 hotels and resorts in 22 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean, is pleased to announce a new partnership and offer with Citi Philippines.

By using any of your Citi cards, hide away from the world with sun-soaked paradise, plunge into crystal waters from the private deck of your villa, and discover the Maldives! The special offer with MINOR Hotels rewards travelers with a 40% discount off best available rates, plus 20% off dining at participating restaurants, as well as a complimentary breakfast for two at any of the Maldives luxury resorts.

If you have a different destination in mind, choose your ideal escape from three unique MINOR Hotels’ brands in a range of stunning destinations and enjoy up to 20% discounts for stays and dining worldwide. Anantara offers authentic luxury and original cultural experiences. AVANI provides all the details that matter in refreshing contemporary style. Per Aquum exudes luxury that dares to be different through bold and imaginative concepts.

The special offer is available from now – 30 November 2016 at www.anantara.com/citiph, www.avanihotels.com/citiph, and www.peraquum.com/citiphm using the promotion code CITIPH.

Plus, you can also book your desired vacation via email at reservations@minorhotels.com. Don’t forget to mention the promo code when booking!

Experience luxury at its finest in the pristine beaches of the Maldives or at a faraway island resort of your choice through Citi and MINOR Hotels.

For more information about this exciting program and to know more about other online privileges exclusive to Citi cardholders, log on to www.citibank.com.ph/lovetoclick or call the 24-hour CitiPhone at 995 9999.

From Carcass to Table: Lowdown of Meat Industry’s Delivery System

We all know by now that parents only wants what's best for their family, especially for our children, right? As parents we want our family to be in tip top health, and on my previous post I shared with you how Danica Sotto- Pingris secures her family's health. Danica shared tips including choosing the right supplement and practicing healthy habits such as eating healthy and nutritious food. But how can we really make sure that the food products we buy are fresh and at its best?

Producing safe food should be the ultimate goal of any agri-food system enterprise. By the time the meat reaches the consumer’s kitchen, they should be assured of the many safety measures taken by these companies to deliver fresh and quality meat. Big brand names are not enough to guarantee the viability of the meat we purchase.

The problem lies with the company’s delivery system. Most companies contract third parties to deliver freshly slaughtered meat with no proper monitoring systems on the trucks' temperature and travel time. It is common knowledge that some of these contractors turn off the truck’s refrigeration system during travel to lessen fuel costs. Proper handling of products during delivery also plays a key role in maintaining quality. Dropping of products directly to the floor, or carrying carcasses on the bare backs of handlers are common practices, which compromise the product.

The meat supplier’s delivery system is usually where it falls short. Meat producers may have the best plants with state of the art facilities but if they have a poor delivery system, the whole process to keep the quality of the meat is compromised.

With this in mind, I would like to share with you how RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. (RDFFLFI) delivery process goes and how they properly handle it in making sure the quality of their meat products. 

RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. is a local producer that has gained the growing trust of Filipino meat consumers. It  has introduced a unique cold chain process to ensure the quality of meat they sell. From the slaughterhouse or dressing plants to dispatching to the delivery of animal protein, RDF guarantees its freshness.

Livestock and poultry are prepared differently at the start of the cold chain process.

For pork, the cold chain process starts in the slaughterhouse where carcasses are placed in a refrigerated 10-wheeler truck that transfers carcass to the central depot. This process cools down the internal temperature of hot carcasses. At the central depot, the internal temperature of the carcasses reaches 36 to 39 degree Celsius. It will then be stored in the holding room with the room temperature of -10 to -15 degrees Celsius to cool down the carcass internal temperature to 7 degrees Celsius below before cutting.

Pre-cooled holding room

The holding room is pre-cooled an hour prior to the arrival of the carcasses. After pre-washing and sanitizing using chlorinated water at 0 to 3 degree Celsius, carcasses are transferred to the pre-cooled holding room and stored for 14 to 16 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of less than 7 degree Celsius. The carcasses are then sent to the fabrication area, cooled at 10 to 15 degree Celsius, for primal cutting.

Dressing plant

For chicken, the cold chain process starts in the dressing plant. Dressed chickens are passed through two chilling vat washers to sanitize the carcasses and cool the chicken internal temperature down to 4 degrees Celsius. The first chilling vat has chlorinated chilled water with a temperature of 8 to 12 degrees Celsius. The second vat has chlorinated water cooled to 0 to 3 degrees Celsius. Chilled dressed chicken will then be placed in crates lined with plastic and filled with crushed ice.

For beef, the holding room is pro-cooled an hour before the arrival of the carcasses. After pre-washing and sanitizing with chlorinated water at 0 to 3 degrees Celsius, the carcasses are transferred to the pre-cooled holding room.

After the initial process, all items are then stored in a freezer. Warehouse men will then prepare the orders from each store, all done under a room temperature of 10 degrees. Ordered items will then be stored in the anteroom, cooled to 10 degrees Celsius. An assigned personnel regularly monitors the temperature of all products in the storage area. Proper storing of products in crates and proper spacing per crate is strictly monitored to ensure that there is a balanced cool airflow inside the room.

Dispatching

During the dispatching process, items are checked by the dispatcher, drivers and crew to make sure that items declared on the document have the same weight as that of the actual product. This process happens in a temperature-controlled room, pre-cooled prior to the actual dispatch.

Prior to loading, trucks are pre-cooled up to 4 degree Celsius. Products are then carefully transferred to the trucks. During the trip, the temperature of the truck’s refrigeration is monitored through a GPS system with random checks by the staff during the entire trip.

When the products reach the retail outlets, stocks are placed in a 6-door storage chiller freezer, while items for selling are displayed in 3-door freezers to maintain the cold chain process.

RDF facilities from production to delivery and retail outlets are all owned and operated by the company. Customers can be assured that RDF has control in every part of the cold chain process. RDF has also Quality Assurance field representatives to regularly check the products sold in the stores.

The cold chain process is very important for consumers to ensure their safety when buying meat products. Perishable goods are temperature sensitive, any interruption in the process will greatly affect the quality of the product. The cold chain process reaffirms RDF’s commitment to the consumers of bringing safe and quality food to their tables.

Mommies and daddies, I hope you find this article helpful for your next trip to the grocery and supermarket. Look for RDF Feed, Livestock & Foods, Inc. tag to ensure that the meat products you buy are fresh and at its best! 

Healthy Upbringing according to Danica Sotto - Pingris

As a mom, my children always comes first. It's my passion to provide them with the best of everything. On top of that, their health is of utmost importance. I'd do anything and everything in my power to ensure that my kids are always well-protected from any kind of sickness or ailment. And, just like any other parent in the world, this is the number one priority for celebrity mom, Danica Sotto - Pingris.

When it comes to her two kids, Aniella Micaela and Jean Michel, Danica secures their well-being with a healthy and active lifestyle.

Importance of Health

For Danica, it’s incredibly important to instill in her kids the practice of healthy living. “As early as now we want our kids to know that they should be mindful of what they eat and how to take care of their bodies,” she explains. Although, the actress admits that she sometimes allows her kids to eat sweets and other treats, she makes sure it’s taken in moderation.

The couple actuates this belief by engaging their kids in various activities that’ll help work up their heart and strengthen their bodies. Danica adds, “We engage our kids in sports like basketball, gymnastics and ice skating. They also sometimes join us when we go for short jogs around the village.” Danica believes that by doing this, she and Marc will be able to strengthen their children’s resistance against sickness – “Living an active and healthy lifestyle will help us live longer, decrease our risks from certain illnesses or cancers.”

She encourages moms everywhere to continuously promote healthy living within their respective families. She even went so far as to give mothers everywhere some tips as to how they can achieve this:

1) “Create healthy habits for your children.”

2) “Enjoy meals with them and engage yourself in some of their activities.”

3) “Take care of yourself, [because] a healthy mom is a happy mom!”

In addition to all of this, Danica suggests giving your children the ideal Vitamin C supplement. In her case, she has chosen to give her children the most awaited Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C supplement

for kids from the makers of FERN-C,– FERN-C kidz!

Choosing FERN-C kidz

Danica chose to give her children a Vitamin C supplement that allows them to keep up with their day-to- day activities, as well as, give them that extra protection from sickness and disease. Danica exclaims, “I'm so happy that I've discovered a Vitamin C supplement that helps boost my kids' immunity and because they have a really good Vitamin C [supplement], they don't easily get sick.”

Because FERN-C kidz is made with the same Sodium Ascorbate found in the Subok Na brand, FERN-C, it is safe for children to take on a daily basis and you are assured of its quality. More than that, each bottle of FERN-C kidz is marked with the Quali-C seal, which certifies it of quality and effectivity. This ensures every mom out there, including Danica, that this Vitamin C supplement is safe, secure and efficient.

FERN-C kidz also contains Zinc for added protection. Danica says this ingredient assures her of her children’s resistance against sickness. That’s why Danica can now say that her children have a “stronger immune system” and are not “sakitin.”

Lastly, FERN-C kidz comes in a delicious orange flavor, which makes it easier for kids to take and enjoy. Danica even says that her kids enjoy drinking their Vitamin C supplement. “Mic and Caela love their Vitamin C [supplement]. They even remind us that it's time to take FERN-C kidz,” she expounds.

Over-all, Danica is satisfied with her decision to promote a healthy, active lifestyle with her kids. She’s even happier now that she’s got FERN-C kidz to help support her goal of letting her children live a positive, active and healthy life.

So, moms, now’s the time to start instilling a healthy and active lifestyle among your children. To do that, you’ll need the help of a Vitamin C supplement that’ll ensure your children’s protection and resilience, FERN-C kidz. Because with FERN-C kidz, your children will truly be “resistensaya, lusog-saya.”

FERN-C kidz is now available in leading drugstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and Fern kiosks nationwide. FERN-C kidz is from the makers of FERN-C and a quality product of FERN.