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.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 18, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Photo shows French ambassador to the Philippines Christian Hue getting an eye check-up from Essilor Philippines General Manager Dr. Emelita Roleda.
Essilor Vision Foundation and Delfingen Foundation joined hands recently to provide free eye screenings and free prescription glasses for 700 Delfingen employees and their family members.
Held in Delfingen Cebu plant, the event was graced by French ambassador to the Philippines Christian Hue, Delfingen CEO Bernard Streit and Essilor Vision Foundation president Aicha Mokdahi.
This initiative aims not only to provide vision care to Filipinos, but also to raise awareness of the need for adequate eye care and the importance of regular eye checkups. For more information, visit www.essilor.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 16, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Mark this date on your calendar – October 17, 2017 … this is the day when we celebrate National Pampering Day!
You work long hours everyday and often forget about pampering yourself. Well, tomorrow is the day to indulge. From 10am to 1pm get yourself a FREE manicure, or footspa, or foot massage at any Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa branch.
Visit www.nailaholics.com to check their services and find the branch nearest you. Get updates through their Facebook Page Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Twitter @_nailaholics and Instagram @_nailaholics.
Nailaholics is an urban destination that offers its customers an escape from the daily grind through its exceptional interiors and exceptional pampering service.
It currently has more than 50 branches nationwide, including in Gateway Mall, Eastwood Citywalk, Cash and Carry Makati, Harbor Point Mall Subic, SM Cebu, SM Bacolod, and SM Lanang. See the map below to guide you to the many branches.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Oct 4, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Desperate times call for desperate measures. When you’re losing tufts of hair or seeing bald patches on your scalp, it’s but natural to feel the need to do something about it.
Will you tell a friend or go immediately to a doctor? Will you hide the “shame” under the guise of a wig?
While it’s quite hard to decide, there’s no way but people still find themselves falling in line over-the-counter (O.T.C.). And what’s on their hands? Chemical-based hair loss products. Here are some of the reasons why they impulsively buy these items:
- They claim to be effective.
- They say the healing effects are felt quickly.
- They are widely available.
- They appear to be cheaper.
- They claim to be safe.
Sounds tempting, though, be wary enough that once you delve into the nitty-gritty of these products available to allegedly promote hair growth, you’ll see why they may not exactly be a perfect fit. These are some of the negative possibilities when you use chemical treatments:
- Serious side effects like tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and swelling of the hands and feet. These are actually some of the possible side effects of the hair loss drug Minoxidil, which is said to cease hair loss and promote hair growth.
- Most chemical products say they can “treat” alopecia, but reading the fine print will lead you to discover that it actually just slows the progress of hair loss. Little is said as well about these chemical treatments actually promoting hair growth.
- These products or “treatments” usually contain a variety of chemicals that may or may not cause allergic reactions. It pays to check the labels. Some chemical-based products may actually be presenting the side effects as the main effects. Let the internet help you on your personal research.
Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion
There may be safer and effective alternatives out there, but NOVUHAIR is a stand out among the rest. It has 19 natural ingredients—standardized herbal extracts, essential oils and co-factor nutrients that work in synergy and have been clinically proven to help stop the progression of hair loss, aid in stimulating hair growth, and reduce excessive hair shedding.
NOVUHAIR is available in the Philippines at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide, Seafood City supermarkets and other Filipino/Asian stores in the USA and online at www.novuhair.us and at BeeOrganic in Kuwait.
International online orders are also possible through regaloservice.com. For more information, you may visit www.novuhair.com or contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575.
Don’t make yourself fall as the next victim of the trap. Be smart; choose natural.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 26, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Ramen lovers in North Metro can now enjoy Japanese culture in a bowl as Hokkaido Ramen Santouka brings its authentic, passionately-cooked ramen recipe to UP Town Center on Katipunan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka opens its 11th branch at the UP Town Center to give residents of the area and neighboring communities a taste of the unique family ramen recipe developed in 1988.
Santouka’s ramen offerings are masterfully made with imported ingredients — from the noodles down to the soup, which is cooked for 20 hours daily to keep it fresh and healthier but delicious to the last drop.
The opening of the new branch features special discounts available until October. Students can truly say TGIF (thank God it’s Friday) every Friday from September 22 to October 13 as they enjoy 20% discount on Santouka’s new offerings: fried chicken tsukemen and tonkatsu tsukemen upon presentation of a valid student ID.
They may also treat themselves with the buy one, get 30% off on second order of a regular takoyaki or cheese takoyaki promo.
Soft-Shell Crab Salad and Sushi
From September 23 to 30, diners at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka UP Town Center can avail of the soft-shell crab salad and sushi promo with free matcha ice cream with every order. Currently, the soft-shell crab salad and sushi, regular takoyaki, cheese takoyaki, fried chicken tsukemen and tonkatsu tsukemen are only available at the UP Town Center branch.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka photo credit to thebaginvestigator.com
Visit Hokkaido Ramen Santouka at UP Town Center and experience the best, carefully prepared ramen.
Get to know more about Santouka. Visit its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RamenSantoukaPH and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SantoukaPh, or go to any Hokkaido Ramen Santouka branch near you.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 25, 2017 | Health and Wellness
Natural beauty takes center stage as Lazada holds its Naturals Beauty Fair from Sept. 27 to 30. The nature-based campaign led by Unilever will bring out your inner glow with your most-loved naturals beauty finds at a steal.
Give your hair the de-stressing it needs with TRESEMME’s Detox & Nourish Range for as low as P106. TRESEMME’s Detox & Nourish Shampoo 170ML will have a promo price of P106 while the conditioner will be available for P110 during the sale.
Enjoy up to 30% off on ST. IVES’ body wash. Both of ST. IVES’ Purifying Sea Saltand Smoothing Apricot Body Wash will be priced at P168 during the campaign period – a 30% discount from its SRP of P240.
St. Ives Natural Glow Kit
Also to launch first in Lazada is the Natural Glow Kit. For only P171, you’re getting not only the 170-gram ST. IVES Apricot Scrub but also a 28-gram travel-sized Apricot Scrub tube.
Other brands to participate in the Naturals Beauty Fair include DOVE which will have limited edition gift sets for only P99 and POND’S with its limited edition Washable Cold Cream gift sets.
SIMPLE will also have as much as 50% off on its products and VASELINE will offer as much as 15% off. To top it all, you will also get an extra 10% off with the voucher code NATURALBEAUTY with a minimum purchase of P700 on participating Unilever products.
So mark your calendars and visit http://www.lazada.com.ph/naturals-beauty-fair/ from Sept. 27 to 30 to take advantage of these beauty treats!
Will you tell a friend or go immediately to a doctor? Will you hide the “shame” under the guise of a wig?
You must be logged in to post a comment.