by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 21, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Variety is the spice of life, and this is what the new Ever Bilena Lipstick sets offer. For the Christmas season go for polished and corporate chic with three nude lip essentials from High Heels during the day and switch to the bold and vivid colors of City Romance at sundown.
These limited-edition lipsticks are quick-dry and transfer-proof. Wear these shades with confidence. Available exclusively at Watsons and SM Department Stores. To learn more about Ever Bilena and its products, visit www.everbilena.com.ph, and follow www.facebook.com/everbilenacosmetics.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 19, 2017 | Health and Wellness
It’s the season of gift giving, and one of the most grueling parts of the holidays has finally come upon us – choosing just what to buy for our loved ones! While the amount we spend on someone shouldn’t reflect how we feel about them, it’s still important to be able to budget our spending on gifts.
Along these lines, we’ve prepared some great gift ideas for your loved ones that we’ve laid out into two popular budget ranges. Check them out and get ready for Christmas!
Under Php2500
Good earphones
The gift of high-quality music is precious. So do a little research and find a pair of great earphones that’s within budget for your music-loving friends.
Fountain pen
Once you’ve tried a fountain pen, you’ll never want to go back. Fountain pens are characterized by an incredible smoothness in the way they write, and will last forever if you take care of them.
You can get a really great fountain pen for Php1000-1500 – throw in a bottle of ink for about Php300-500 and you’re still under the budget!
If you buy it at Lazada you can get it for even less than P1,000. 🙂
Prepaid healthcare – Php2199/1599
They say that gifts are a way of showing someone that you care about them. You can translate that thoughtfulness into literal care with the MyMaxicare LITE prepaid healthcard!
For a one-time payment of Php2199, the recipient of this gift can get up to Php25,000 coverage for any of 8 common diseases – dengue, chikungunya, malaria, typhoid and paratyphoid, cholera, gastroenteritis, leptospirosis, and pneumonia – valid for 1 year, and for patients between ages 2 and 60 years old.
Cardholders are covered for room and board, lab tests, professional fees and more, and even get additional discounts at select health services. You can also opt for a Php1599 card that has all of these benefits, though excluding access to major hospitals.
Under Php1000
Power bank
A good power bank with a thin and light profile but a big capacity like 5000 or 10000mAh will help your loved ones stay in touch with you – or at least allow them to play a few more rounds of Candy Crush.
Dashcam
These little dashboard-mounted cameras are soon going to be an essential part of driving around the slow and furious streets of the Philippines. They’re an amazing gift for anyone who drives regularly.
Prepaid healthcare – Php549/749
Even at this lower price range, you can find great prepaid healthcare options. Maxicare’s EReady prepaid health card provides up to Php15,000 coverage on emergency medical conditions, inclusive of ER fees, dressings, casts, and sutures, IV fluids and blood products, and more.
It’s valid for up to 1 year from the activation date, and cardholders are eligible if they are between the ages of 15 days old and 65 years old. EReady can be purchased for a one-time payment of Php749 for access to major hospitals, and Php549 without this access.
Prepaid healthcare services
With Maxicare’s EReady and MyMaxicare LITE prepaid cards, the HMO opens up new, more flexible opportunities for Filipinos who can’t afford the monthly dues for a more traditional healthcare plan.
These innovative programs ensure that a greater number of people are able to access healthcare, leaving no one behind when it comes to what matters most.
To buy Maxicare prepaid healthcards, just log on to www.maxicareprepaidhealthcare.com.ph. EReady and MyMaxicare Lite are also available in all Robinsons Department Stores (Business Center) nationwide and via IRemit.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Dec 7, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Can’t get enough of the recent 3-Day Flash Sale for RxER? Grab this second chance to give the gift of health!
Get 1 RxER for only P1,500 (original price P1,998) when you apply online on December 8 to 10, 2017 and pay at any 7-Eleven and other ECPAY merchants nationwide. Please see list of 7-11 branches and EC Pay merchants by clicking this link: http://www.ecpay.com.ph/partner-outlet-finder/
Designed to give members utmost value and convenience, the RxER offers a new and specialized health care maintenance service that covers emergency, preventive and outpatient care. Best of all, there’s no age limit, no medical check-up required and there’s no hierarchy to be followed.
Patients requiring care for emergency trauma cases in MediCard-accredited hospitals will have an overall limit of P20,000. In addition, emergency care charges include an ER fee, professional fees and emergency medications directly related to the illness for the following cases, subject to conditions under exclusion: trauma cases within 6 hours from the time of the incident; burns; animal bites and accidental chemical poisoning.
Members can avail of emergency services for the above mentioned cases more than once as long as the limit is not yet consumed and the incident happened within 6 hours.
Outpatient services are availed in all MediCard free-standing clinics (FSC) and UROIC. Members can enjoy unlimited free consultations with primary care physicians and some specialists at FSC such as general surgeon, obstetrician gynecologist (for non maternity related cases), pediatrician, family medicine, general practitioner and general internist.
Moreover, members are eligible to enjoy a flat rate of P350.00 for consultations with other specialists and 30% discounts on the following procedure done at MediCard free-standing clinics: all laboratory and diagnostic tests, surgeries, and dental procedures. Dental consultations are free including a one-time prophylaxis.
In addition, members also get financial assistance of up to P50,000 for accidental death and disability.
Membership for this 3-day flash sale is only P1,500.00 per person, who will enjoy no provisions for hierarchy, status and family relationships. This membership is already good for one year.
Just fill-out the online application form and pay for the corresponding amount at 7-11 and any EC pay merchant. Please click this link to see the list of 7-11 branches and ECPAY merchants: http://www.ecpay.com.ph/partner-outlet-finder/.
Once validated, you will receive your RXER virtual card via e-mail in 5 to 7 working days. Payment should be made within the promo period only.
To know more about the RxER, call our Customer Care Hotline at 884-9999 or email in*****@***********ls.com.
Don’t forget to view Terms and Conditions here.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 20, 2017 | Events, Health and Wellness
Nikka Garcia, LJ Moreno-Alapag and Isabel Oli-Prats have many things in common, among them, being devoted wives and doting mothers to their children. Nikka is married to actor Patrick Garcia and mom to Chelsea and Nicole; and she is also a mommy blogger. LJ is wife to retired PBA player and now Meralco Bolts assistant coach Jimmy Alapag, mother to Keona and Ian, and runs a pastry business, The Lollicake Factory. They are also both expectant mothers. Isabel is married to actor John Prats and mother to Lily Feather.
All ladies have one important thing in common: they are thankful to have been blessed with husbands who are hands-on fathers.
During the Tribute to Moms by Cetaphil held in SM Makati on August 27, they shared how they manage to strike a healthy home-life balance and stay looking and feeling great.
The Balancing Act
LJ Moreno-Alapag and husband, Jimmy Alapag
LJ says that she has learned to maximize her time. “You have to be strict with time management, otherwise, you won’t get things done. I’m lucky because now both [my kids are] in school, so I get some ‘me time’. Lately, what we’ve been doing is [whenever possible], Jimmy and I will drop them off at school, then we have breakfast [together], then go home and he gets ready for his practice and I have my quiet time, and I check on my commissary downstairs. After having kids, my priorities changed.
What I decided to do after I got pregnant was move [the commissary] to the ground floor of the house, good thing we had space. At least I am able to check on the business and be with the kids because they always want to be with me. And if I bring them to the office, I won’t be able to get anything done. Now that it’s at home, they have their playroom upstairs and I can bake downstairs.
Even my workout, I moved to the house because I can’t go to the gym anymore. I compiled Zumba videos and even now [that I’m pregnant], I do prenatal yoga [guided by] videos. You have to manage your time well and be strict with it.”
Husband, John Prats and Isabel Oli-Prats
Isabel says splitting parental duties with her husband is a great help. “My husband is an actor and his schedule is really hectic and there are days when he is not busy. So it is hard to adjust. When my husband is home, he’s very hands-on, so nakakagalaw ako. I can leave the house or I can cook.”
Husband, Patrick Garcia and Nikka Garcia
According to Nikka, she has found that changing her perspective has improved the time she spends with her family. “I’ve learned that I just have to put my heart into what I’m doing at that particular time. When I’m giving my eldest attention, I’m there. Pag lumipat ako sa youngest ko, kumpleto din siya. When I spend time with Pat, kumpleto din siya. I’ve learned to just be in the moment with good time management and focusing my mind and my heart at that particular time. I’ve been able to accomplish more, it’s more than spending time, it’s quality time.”
Getting “Me Time”
The celeb moms agree that being a wife and mother does not mean you have to give up being yourself. According to Isabel, she makes time to work out when Feather is asleep. Nikka treats herself to pampering with an hour in the salon or by having a massage. LJ makes the same concessions. She also added that she wakes up earlier than her two babies so she can have quiet for her prayer time in the morning.
Using the science of gentle
The three mothers have amazingly clear skin — how do they do it? They each confess that their skincare regimen is simple.
“I’m really lazy when it comes to going to the dermatologist. So I just make sure that I really wash my face and moisturize hanggang leeg before going to sleep.” LJ says.
Nikka says that “As much as possible, I don’t apply makeup every day. I use the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser to wash my face and moisturize. It’s so gentle. Especially now that I’m pregnant, your skin dries up. It’s what has worked.”
According to Isabel, “College pa lang, I use Cetaphil talaga. My dermatologist prescribed it for me. Even when I was pregnant, my doctor told me to use it. [As celebrities,] we’re always wearing makeup pag nasa labas, make sure really clean before going to sleep. I use the Cetaphil Lotion also.
Nakakatuwa, my baby has sensitive skin, so sabi din ng doktor, ‘yun yung puwede sa kanya. So I just use Cetaphil Lotion, Cetaphil Massage Oil, Cetaphil Shampoo, Cetaphil Body Wash.”
LJ, Nikka and Isabel are mothers, like many mothers out there. Real women who try to the best of their abilities to strike a healthy balance of being wife and mother without sacrificing time to take care of themselves. They have found an ally in gentle skincare in the full range of Cetaphil products.
Cetaphil is the most prescribed skin care product by dermatologists and pediatricians. Cetaphil is available in department stores, supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 7, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Turning 40 can make women start feeling old. To beat the creeping signs of aging such as wrinkles and graying hair, they invest in anti-aging cosmetics and aesthetic products to give them a younger and fresher look.
But some women overlook another natural part of aging – near-vision blurriness or presbyopia. They don’t want to wear eyeglasses with bifocal lenses which seems to be obvious signs of aging.
Bifocal lenses have distinct lines that sit horizontally across the lenses for two areas of vision correction, near and far. Older people whose eyesight has grown dimmer wear them.
Essilor, the world leader in ophthalmic optics and a key player in visual health, offers an age-defying solution that not only gives a youthful and modern look, but also corrects presbyopia and gives people freedom and comfort to live life to the fullest. Varilux® progressive lenses provide women the confidence to face the daily challenges of aging by eliminating all visible lines or points of focus for the eyes.
Near or far, Varilux®, the world leader in progressive lenses, gives dynamic clarity whatever the distance. It is also perfect for those with active lifestyle. All Varilux® lenses are tested to ensure satisfaction, including fast and easy adaptation.
Turning 40 is not to be feared. It can be the best time to explore new opportunities to look better while also seeing better! Correct presbyopia while maintaining a sharp, sophisticated look with Varilux®.
For more information, visit Essilor’s website at www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Essilor
The world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission is to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet his or her unique visual requirements.
To support this vision, the Company allocates over €160 million to research and development every year, in a commitment to continuously bring new, more effective products to market. Essilor’s flagship brands are Varilux®, Crizal®, Crizal Transitions® and Crizal Evezen®.
It also develops and markets equipment, instruments and services for eyecare professionals.
Essilor reported consolidated revenue of €4.9 billion in 2012 and employs around 50,700 people in some 100 countries. It operates 19 plants, a total of 390 prescription laboratories and edging facilities, as well as several research and development centers around the world.
Essilor was classified by Forbes magazine as being among the world’s 30 most innovative companies.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Nov 4, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Many people have a fear of cholesterol, thinking that it is entirely harmful. However, recent studies have revealed that the body actually needs some cholesterol to maintain good health.
According to Dr. Nicky Montoya, president and CEO of MediCard, “People cannot live without cholesterol. Health risks increase when there is more bad cholesterol than good cholesterol in the body.”
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance that is produced by the liver. The body transports cholesterol from the liver by encasing it in a water-soluble “bubble” formed by proteins called lipoproteins.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are responsible for carrying cholesterol to the tissues and are often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. High levels of LDLs are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
In contrast, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) transport excess cholesterol back to the liver for processing and excretion. The higher the levels of HDLs, known as “good” cholesterol, the lower the risk of heart disease.
Do we need cholesterol in our bodies?
Contrary to popular belief, the body requires a significant amount of cholesterol to function properly. The liver produces about 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol each day, which is the amount the body needs.
Cholesterol is crucial for cell structure, healthy brain development, and the production of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones. It also plays a role in metabolism, as cholesterol helps the body produce vitamin D. Additionally, cholesterol produces bile acids that aid in the digestion of fats and the absorption of essential nutrients.
Dr. Montoya states, “A healthy HDL level may protect against heart attacks and strokes. The more HDL you have, the lower your risk of developing heart disease.”
Conversely, excessive levels of LDL can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits or plaques that narrow arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High LDL levels can result in atherosclerosis, a dangerous buildup of cholesterol and other substances in the arterial walls, which restricts blood flow. This condition can cause chest pain and heart attacks if it occurs in the heart’s arteries, or strokes if it affects the arteries in the brain.
Low cholesterol levels can also pose health risks. “Some pregnant women with low total cholesterol are more likely to give birth prematurely and have babies with low birth weight. Low total cholesterol levels have also been associated with cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, anxiety, and depression,” Dr. Montoya explains. He recommends maintaining a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), which is approximately the average for adults.
What can you eat to stay healthy?
Keeping cholesterol levels within a normal range is crucial for a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to a longer life. Diets that are high in saturated fats—often found in fatty meats, processed meats, junk foods, and baked goods like cakes, biscuits, and pastries—can raise cholesterol levels.
To improve cholesterol health, it’s recommended to include lean meats and fish in your diet at least twice a week. Additionally, engaging in at least two and a half hours of exercise each week can help lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol levels.
Dr. Montoya highlights the importance of avoiding smoking because it damages the walls of blood vessels and contributes to the accumulation of fatty deposits. Additionally, he recommends having regular cholesterol tests to measure the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Regular testing is especially important for individuals who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight, consume alcohol frequently, smoke, or have conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, or an underactive thyroid. It is advisable to start these tests every five years beginning at age 20.
To help individuals understand their cholesterol levels, MediCard operates clinics in major cities across the country that provide blood cholesterol tests and consultations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check their website, www.medicardphils.com, for further details.
It’s the season of gift giving, and one of the most grueling parts of the holidays has finally come upon us – choosing just what to buy for our loved ones! While the amount we spend on someone shouldn’t reflect how we feel about them, it’s still important to be able to budget our spending on gifts.
Even at this lower price range, you can find great prepaid healthcare options. Maxicare’s EReady prepaid health card provides up to Php15,000 coverage on emergency medical conditions, inclusive of ER fees, dressings, casts, and sutures, IV fluids and blood products, and more.
With Maxicare’s EReady and MyMaxicare LITE prepaid cards, the HMO opens up new, more flexible opportunities for Filipinos who can’t afford the monthly dues for a more traditional healthcare plan.
Can’t get enough of the recent 3-Day Flash Sale for RxER? Grab this second chance to give the gift of health!
The celeb moms agree that being a wife and mother does not mean you have to give up being yourself. According to Isabel, she makes time to work out when Feather is asleep. Nikka treats herself to pampering with an hour in the salon or by having a massage. LJ makes the same concessions. She also added that she wakes up earlier than her two babies so she can have quiet for her prayer time in the morning.
Nikka says that “As much as possible, I don’t apply makeup every day. I use the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser to wash my face and moisturize. It’s so gentle. Especially now that I’m pregnant, your skin dries up. It’s what has worked.”
Turning 40 can make women start feeling old. To beat the creeping signs of aging such as wrinkles and graying hair, they invest in anti-aging cosmetics and aesthetic products to give them a younger and fresher look.
Near or far, Varilux®, the world leader in progressive lenses, gives dynamic clarity whatever the distance. It is also perfect for those with active lifestyle. All Varilux® lenses are tested to ensure satisfaction, including fast and easy adaptation.
Turning 40 is not to be feared. It can be the best time to explore new opportunities to look better while also seeing better! Correct presbyopia while maintaining a sharp, sophisticated look with Varilux®.
The world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, Essilor designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. Its corporate mission is to enable everyone around the world to access lenses that meet his or her unique visual requirements.
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