Health Care Tips

'Our People's Health, Our Nation's Wealth'

'Our People's Health, Our Nation's Wealth' - this slogan appeared at the 2007 Calendar of Mercury Drug-Philippines. What really astonishing in this issued calendar is that every month they included healthcare tips and additional information that will help the readers broadens their knowledge regarding health awareness. I would like to share what transcribed in the said calendar. Here are as follows:

January 2007
New Year, new life!
Here are a few healthcare tips for expectant mother:

>Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs.
>Avoid soft drinks and caffeine.
>Avoid x-rays, hot tubs and saunas.
>Avoid infections.
>Arrive for pre-natal check-ups on schedule.
>Eat a well-balanced diet, including a vitamin supplement that contains folic acid.
>Exercise regularly with your doctor's permission. (You should, however, stop if you feel dizzy, faint, overheated or in pain).

February 2007
How well do you know your heart?
This season, learn more about how one person can succumb to one of the deadliest disease in the world heart attack.

There are two types of major risk factors for heart disease:
1. Uncontrollable: Heredity, Gender, Age
2. Controllable: Smoking, High Blood pressure, Blood cholesterol levels & Stress

Other contributing factors:
Obesity, lack of exercise & diabetes. You can still do your part to avoid the risk of having a heart attack. Avoid eating salty foods, exercise regularly, reduce stress, have regular blood pressure checks and quit smoking.

March 2007
It's Women's Health Month - A perfect time to discuss a heath issue that is exclusive to women like PreMenstrual Syndrome or PMS.

Fast Fact about PMS:
>Almost 75 percent of menstruating women experience some forms of PMS.
>Less than 10 percent of women experience symptoms so severe that is disrupts their daily lives.
>The exact cause of PMS is unknown
>Some PMS symptoms have been linked to deficiencies in calcium and vitamins A, E and B.
>Lack of physical activity increases the risk of PMS.


April 2007
Summer's here! Before you go to that much awaited beach trip, check out this list of must-have items to protect you from harmful ultraviolet rays this summer:

1.Water resistant sunscreen, with SPF 15 or higher.
2.Medicated lip balm, with SPF 15 or higher.
3.Wide-brimmed hat for hair & face protection
4.Spray-on sunscreen for hair.
5.Cold sore/ fever blister treatment.

Don't let the sun ruin your summer vacation. Stocks up on these vital summer products at your nearest convenience store.


May 2007
Want to glow this Flores de Mayo?
Here are 5 beauty tips flourish this month of May.

1.Use an AHA. Built-up dead skin cells can make skin look dull. Slough them of with a wild alpha-hydroxy acid cream.
2.Moisturize. Add natural dewiness to dry skin with a light layer of lotion.
3.Wear gel blush. Its sheer, see-through color looks fresh and authentic.
4.Go for gloss. Super-shiny lips add light to the rest of your face. Apply gloss in plum, peach, or rose.
5.Blush brighter, go one step brighter than the muted shade you are used too. Apply to apples of checks for a fresh looks.


June 2007
It’s back-to-school season! Here are few “ Staying Healthy “ tips for students:

1.Never skip breakfast- students need to be both mentally and physically prepared to take on their tasks. They can’t do it with an empty stomach. A bowl of Cereal or oatmeal will suffice if you’re on a rush.
2.Replace junk foods with fruits for snacks – Junk foods are high on MSG and have no nutritional value. Pack on fruits much-needed vitamins during snacks.
3.Don’t over study – Sometimes it only works against you. You need to be fully rested to concentrate on that exam. Review early so you can sleep early. Do not cram.


July 2007
Rainy Season is here again, and so are 2 of the most common “rainy day diseases.”

Leptospirosis
>Caused by bacteria that enter the skin through open wounds when a person gets in contact with floodwaters contaminated with rat urine.
>Symptoms: muscle pain, fever and headache. Can be fatal when the liver, kidney and brain get affected.
>To avoid this disease, it is best to stay away from wading in floodwaters, or wear rubbers boots if it can’t be avoided.

Dengue
>Transmitted by bites of the mosquito species called Aedes Aegypti, which bites during the day and thrives in clean but stagnant waters.
>Symptoms: high fever for 2 to 7 days, joint pains, skin rashes. In its advanced stages, dengue victims suffer massive bleeding that could be fatal.
>To avoid this disease, clean up all possible mosquito-breeding sites such as vases, empty coconut shells, tin cans and old tires. Fogging is also very effective.


August 2007
The Department of Health declared August as National Lung Month. Here are few tips for building good lung health:

1.Don’t smoke.
2.Eat your fruits and vegetables. Drink lots of water.
3.stay away from polluted areas.
4.Get your flu and pneumonia immunization.
5.Do cardio exercise.
6.Play sports.
7.Avoid exposure to toxic fumes. (pain and other chemicals). If you must, wear a mask.


September 2007
The “ber” months are here! Christmas is in the air, the weather is getting colder. To some people, however, it spells disaster. Is it really true that cold weather causes cold and flu?

Myth: You can catch the flu or a cold from going outdoor in cold weather.
Fact: Exposure to cold weather does not bring on a cold or flu. It can, however, cause pneumonia, which can come about when someone already has the flu. This is the most serious complication of the flu and is more likely to occur in the elderly and people whose immune systems have been weakened by other medical conditions.

Myth: An upset stomach is a symptom of flu.
Fact: Stomach distress is rarely a symptom of the flu. Other viruses, bacteria and food poisoning are more common causes of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Myth: Large doses of vitamin C can prevent colds and cure them quickly.
Fact: This is not proven, although consuming the daily requirement of vitamin C is good for overall health.


October 2007
The DOH declared October 15 to 21 an Osteoporosis Awareness Week. Here are a few things you should know about the disease.

What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to the bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist.

How it can be prevented?
Building strong bones during childhood and adolescence can be the best defense against developing osteoporosis later. There are five steps, which together can optimize bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. They are:

>A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.
>Weight-bearing and resistance-training exercises.
>A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake.
>Talking to one’s healthcare professional about bone heath.
>Bone density testing and medication when appropriate.


November 2007
November 5 to 11 is Skin Disease Detection and Prevention Week, and when you talk about skin diseases, Acne ranks on the top of the most popular list.

What you need to know:
>Acne is the term for pimples and complexion problems, which occur, in young people and some adults. Pimples usually occur on the face, but may involve the neck, chest, back and upper arms.
>Acne is built into your genes; it runs in families.
>In women, acne frequently worsens at he time of menstruation.
>Food does not cause acne. In some people, certain foods will make acne worse. The most common ones are chocolate, nuts, carbonated beverages and milk.
>Do not pick or squeeze your pimples, as it can leave scars.
>Acne may become worse under stress.
>Cosmetics make acne worse. If cosmetics are used, they should be oil-free.
>If a moisturizer is used, it should be labeled non-comedogenic, meaning it does not cause pimples.


December 2007
The holidays are here! Its that time of year again for Noche Buena, a hearty feast shared with the family and relatives. Christmas may not be a good time for anyone to be on diet, however, it need not mean you can overeat and struggle through January to compensate. Here are ways to keep your diet health during the Christmas season. Remember, moderation is the key:

>Use a smaller plate – your mind will consider it a full plate regardless of its size!
>Where there are choices, take a little of many things rather than lots of one thing. This ensures you are getting a balanced meal and not overloading on a fatty food.
>For every glass of alcohol or soft drinks, have a glass of water. Water refills you up. It has no calories or side effects. It is the cheap and will help wash out the excesses.
>Help clear the table as soon as everyone finished eating rather than sitting and picking at leftovers.
>Make your own mixed drinks with real fruits juice instead of canned drink.

For additional guidance on health tips, consult your doctor.