Cervical Cancer

May is cervical Cancer Month and I got a chance to attend a talk by Doctor Riyal and former Binibining Pilipinas – Universe Abbygale Arenas-de Leon last Tuesday at the Davao Doctor's Hospital about Cervical Cancer. The talk was part of the WOMEN FIRST & BRAVEHEARTS CARAVAN. Ms. Abbygale is the president of the Bravehearts Philippines, a Non Profit Organization dedicated to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention through education, screening and vaccination.

Ahmmmwe looked like Hobbits...My Abbygale was soo tall! 
Photo Courtesy of Vanessa (www.myteenagekidandme.com)

While listening to the talk I remembered our MBA Professor Ms. Christine Rizardo-Omar.  She was one of my favorite professor because I learned a lot from her and had fun in her classes. She was so hilarious and had so many things to share with us. When I was her student she was already battling Cancer but I really thought she would overcome the disease because despite hair loss and being physically weak, she was bursting with life. Even though she was undergoing therapy she would still come to our classes once she's well enough. After I stopped MBA I learned that she succumbed to Cervical Cancer last December 2009. I've heard about Cervical Cancer before but that was the time I knew of somebody who died because of it.

Cervical Cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide, with over half a million new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year. In the Philippines, everyday 12 Filipinas dies of Cervical Cancer. This means a Filipina dies of it every 2 hours. 

Cervical cancer at its early stages does not have any signs or symptoms. It is an uncommon type of cancer that develops in a woman’s cervix. The cervix is the entrance to the womb from the vagina.Therefore, all women are at risk. 

But there's one good thing about Cervical Cancer....IT IS THE FIRST CANCER THAT HAS A VACCINE! Meaning if you get immunized you will be protected from it. When I learned that our company is offering a discounted fee for this vaccine, I did not hesitate and immediately got myself vaccinated last 2011. It is a bit costly though at P2000 per dose and you need three doses but it is such a small price to pay for securing your health. I want to be healthy and live a full life because I have a son and family to look after. That is why I really want to encourage my friends and everybody else who gets to read this to be vaccinated. Ask your OB Gyne about it.

Human♥Nature's Bug Shield

I have been always paranoid of getting bitten by Dengue or other disease carrying mosquitoes even before I became a mother.I always make it a point to apply bug repellent when I go on trips outdoors. I used to buy one of the popular brands in the market but learned that it contains DEET. DEET is N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide. It is a slightly yellow oil used as an active ingredient in insect repellents  However there are reported adverse effects of prolonged exposure to DEET such as seizures. It kills brain neurons and affects the central nervous system. Sounds scary huh? I don't want to expose myself, my family esp. my son to that kind of chemical.Good thing that I've discovered a bug repellent that is safe to use for myself and especially for my two year old son that is very effective. I use the Human♥Nature Bug Shield. It uses 100% Natural ingredient which is the Citronella.Citronella oil is a renowned plant based insect repellent because of its strong aroma. I was so impressed with Citronella's repellent powers that we planted several of it in our garden.

There are two variants of the Human♥Nature Bug Shield which are the Oil/ Bug Spray and lotion. I used the Bug spray before but when the Lotion came out of the market I instantly preferred it because it smells better than the oil. Citronella smell is similar to Lemongrass but it is a bit stronger. 

Photo Credits HumanHeartNature website

However Human♥Nature released this May an improved version of their Bug spray and added soy bean oil and eucalyptus oil for added protection and better scent. It also has a new look with a better pump.

Photo Credits HumanHeartNature website

I got the new Bug Shield Oil from the Human♥Nature Davao bloggers event and May Magalogue turnover,a big Thank You by the way! I immediately tried the improved Bug Shield Oil and found that it doesn't smell as strong as the old version. Now I am using both the Bug shield Oil before my son goes out of the house and then carry the Bug Shield Lotion for re-application. Well what can I say,I love both variants! 

I know that I can't protect my son from mosquitoes a 100%. I would have wanted to wrap him in plastic  or put him inside a bubble but of course  I can't. But I am more confident now to let my son play outdoors because I know I provided him with the best insect repellent there is.

Avoiding Dengue Fever

One of the disease that I really dread is Dengue fever. I have been really paranoid lately because I keep hearing about dengue cases through friends and read about it on FB. Just last week the husband of a dear friend got dengue and thankfully he was cured after a week. Some may not be as fortunate as him. Some die because of Dengue. A three year old distant relative in Manila died recently because of dengue. Young and old alike are not spared from Dengue.  I hate the fact that you can contract it through a mosquito bite anytime because you can never protect yourself a 100% from those darn mosquitoes. Of course you can still do something to avoid it and here are somethings I've learned while scouring the net for info:

1. Educate yourself. Learn about the disease so you will be aware if any symptoms will arise and what to do. Search the internet or ask your physician about it.

2.Clean up your surroundings to ensure that there will be no breeding ground for mosquitoes. They breed on clean water so make sure to remove any cans, bottles, tires and etc in your area that can accumulate rain water.

3. As much as possible do not expose yourself to mosquito bites.Wear long sleeved clothing when going out at night esp. in beaches,lakes and outdoor areas. 

4.Apply mosquito repellent lotion and oils.Choose a DEET free repellent.I will post soon about the repellent we use even for our son.

6. Use mosquito net at night.

7. When you suddenly have a high grade fever esp. that isn't related to cough or colds don't hesitate to immediately consult your doctor and request for a CBC analysis to check your blood and  number of platelets. 

I really hope that through this post I can help spread the word about Dengue and how to avoid it as much as we can.