4 Awesome Gifts for Seniors

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Our senior citizen parents very much deserve to receive awesome gifts during christmas or their birthday. But it doesn't have to be just any gift that we can grab at the last minute. It should be something that would make their eyes sparkle with excitement once they receive it. They gave us all the happiness and love they're capable of giving so it's also right that we give them something in return.

Here are some gift suggestions:

Scapbook

They love to go down memory lane. When my grandmother turned 90 years old, I thought of giving her a picture scrapbook. I got my sister's help, we looked for pictures of everyone in the family and made picture collage. We also included her travel pictures and a dedication page where everyone in the family wrote a short love letter for grandma.

Exercise Machine 

They're not as strong as they used to but they still need to exercise regularly albeit shorter and not as rigorous as when they were younger. A threadmill or a stationary bike are the most appropriate machine that they can use at home. Although their eyes might not light up with excitement when they see your gift, I'm positively sure they will thank you later on.

Gardening Tools and Books

Most seniors believe they have a green thumb. So why not buy them the most high-tech gardening tools and newest books that you can find. It's ok to splurge, you might get lucky, they might volunteer to do your garden next.

Tablet

Some older people I know are online 24/7. They have their own accounts on facebook, twitter, google plus and some other social networking sites. Aside from chatting with relatives in other countries, who are also their age, they're especially a big fan of facebook and online games. They will love you even more with this gift. Just don't input your credit card information on that tablet.

Hot pink healthy juice

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I wanted to try Juju Cleanse but decided not to when I found out that a 1-day cleansing is worth Php2,500. I also can’t find Red Juice, endorsed by Cory Quirino, in a Mercury drugstore near our place.

So I decided to make my own cleansing juice.

It’s a mixture of 15 fruits and vegetables. It has bitter melon, garlic, onions and ginger but it was still sweet because of the sweet fruits like mangoes, apples and oranges. Will explain more about this weird but healthy mixture on my health blog.

Smoke in a Non-Smoking zone

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My Dad is a heavy smoker. He smokes every 30 minutes or so. He does step out every time he feels like taking a puff but the wind still blows the cigarette smoke inside the house. I get headaches all day long because I really don’t like the smell of cigarette smoke.

There are days when he likes smoking inside the bathroom. Because the house is an old fashioned model, there’s only a small window instead of an exhaust fan. So yes, the smoke from the cigarette stays for hours.

I found an answer to my Dad’s addiction. The e-cigarette. It apparently doesn't emit an offensive odor that results in lingering bad smell on clothes and breath.

I’ll research more on this so-called e-cigarette. Will put this on my Christmas gift list for my Dad.

Invest for your family's health

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I don't have a health insurance. That wasn't one of the benefits offered by the company where I previously worked. I realized that I should get a health insurance for me and my family. With the never ending increase of health care cost, now is the time to get one.

I researched about different health plans to be able to choose one that will be a good fit for my family's needs. The detailed explanation Medicare in Wikipedia helped me better understand the said health care program.

I found out based on my research online that not all of the amount of medical costs are usually covered in full by health insurance companies. This is where supplemental insurance can be of help. Medicare Supplemental Insurance is a policy provided by private insurance companies that fill the gaps in coverage that the basic Medicare Part A and B doesn't cover. The gaps usually covered by the said policy includes deductibles and a lot of other expenses. These expenses can sometimes add up to huge amount of money if not covered properly.

I am still in the process of comparing different health care companies and their respective health plans.  It's a must to compare several plans since each plan has different premiums and offers different benefits.

why one needs to have a yearly physical checkup

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I was saddened with the news that a cousin died last Saturday. She was diagnosed with brain tumor twelve years ago. She went to New York in 2007 for a brain surgery. She was only a few years older than me. The more sad part is her mom doesn’t know that she’s gone already. The family is planning to keep it a secret from Aunt M because she’s also sick. She already had two heart attacks.

This reminds me that I need to have a medical checkup. A physical exam depends on the age, sex and health of a person. 

Is a yearly physical exam really necessary? I read this on a WSJ (Wall Street Journal) article dated 8 January 2009.

Ned Calonge, a family doctor and chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, there is no study to show that the best way to deliver effective preventive services is through an annual physical. But, he said, there’s probably no harm in having one either. “A reasonable way for patients to approach preventive services is to ask their doctor what they need,” he told us.

But as the saying goes, Prevention is better than cure. It’s still better to be aware of a disease or an illness on its early stage. To stop it from spreading and to have more time in curing it.

sleepy and tired

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I had an early start today. I was still dreaming about the best pre workout supplement, randomly followed it while visiting other sites last night, when the cellphone alarm woke me up at four-thirty in the morning. I was still very sleepy, hit the sack at around 11:30 pm the previous night, but we have a flight to Bicol at six-thirty. I had no choice but to pry my eyes open.

rd

I already have ugly dark circles under my eyes. I don't like to look like a walking zombie anymore. I know I've planned this a few months back but I will definitely start this tonight. I will start sleeping early.

my cup of tea

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I read an article about the benefits of drinking a cup of tea a day. Based on studies, one of the secrets to living a longer life is to drink tea everyday.

I am a coffee person. As soon as I open my eyes in the morning, first thing I do is drink coffee or I'll be a walking zombie the whole day. I drink 2-3 big cups of coffee a day. More makes me sick and sleepless at night.

I have been trying to convert my coffee addiction to drinking tea. But my taste buds like coffee more. Until I found Lipton's Herbal Collection.

All the different varieties taste good! There's a bit of tea-taste but the natural flavors are more dominant. Based on the number of times I've tried drinking tea, every variety from Lipton and other brands, I obviously don't like it. But since I've tried Lipton's Herbal Collection, I have been drinking it almost every night after dinner or before going to sleep.

Not a tea-drinker? Try this, you'll love it.

breakfast cravings

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This, I tell you, is not good! Chicharon with vinegar is not good for breakfast! I don't just need Mesothelioma for my not-sexy-anymore? body. With all the cravings going on in there -my head needs one too.

pinoy-ofw

When I go grocery shopping, I try to avoid passing by the chips section. Marty's Vegetarian Chicharon is one of my favorite companion while watching television. Although it has "vegetarian" on it, I'm not convinced that everything on it is good for the body. Still, as I've said, my favorite -so the more I should convince myself I shouldn't pass by the chips section.

This is the last one, I promise.

Red Ribbon's Tiramisu Meltdown. A heavenly three-layer cake of choco chiffon and cream cheese filling,dappled with a hint of coffee liquor.

Okay, that's it! I'm heading out the door and buying myself these yummy treats. I'll just starve myself tomorrow.

tokyo electric power company plans to release radioactive water

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Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is planning to release radioactive water, from its crippled Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear station, into the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday. The government approved to release water with low radioactive contamination into the sea to make room for liquids with higher radiation levels.

voanews

“We didn’t have any other alternatives,” Edano told reporters in Tokyo today. “This is a measure we had to take to secure safety.” ~businessweek

The Japanese government says this poses no major health risk.

the best time to go running

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Early morning or when Mr. Sun has gone out for the night already. In my opinion, that's the best time to go running in an open field.

Some people though are very brave running under the heat of the sun. Don't they care about the damage it's causing their skin? Hopefully they're wise enough to put on sunblock to avoid any skin damage from the sun's harsh heat.

My son usually swims at 330 in the afternoon. Right across the pool is a track oval. I've seen local celebrities, like Edu Manzano and Will Devaugn, hit that oval under the heat of the scourging sun. I guess they're trying to avoid the thousands of runners frequenting the place after sundown.

They should check if getting very sick, due to dehydration, is covered by their health plan though.

falling hair problem

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Every single day, usually while combing my hair after taking a bath, I can't help but worry that sooner or later I have to buy a wig. I have this really huge problem with falling hair. I remember reading an article that hairfall, even a hundred strands a day, is normal. But my crown-of-glory is not that thick so I worry, a lot!

I've been reading lots of good reviews about Sunsilk Hair Fall solution. I see the television commercial everytime I watch TV so I got curious if it can really help solve hair fall problems. Since it was co-created by no less than a world reknowed dermatologist, I decided to try it out.

First wash, more than the usual hairfall while rinsing my hair. Although my hair smells good, I can't help but think "Who's the dermatologist again? Will google her later."

Second wash, more hairfall! I can now make a wig for my niece's bald dolly! It was a good decision to buy a small bottle but overall decision to try it out -not very good.

Should I try it again? Maybe third time's the charm. Throw it in the garbage? Maybe I should just give it to our condo's maintenance girl, 40 pesos for a 100ml bottle is not that cheap.

What do you think?

Michelle Obama: First Lady, Health Book Author

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United States First Lady Michelle Obama signed a deal with the Crown Publishing Group, a unit of Random House publishers, for a book about the famous White House vegetable garden and her efforts to promote healthy eating.

msnbc.msn.com

The book, which is currently untitled, will be published in April 2012, Crown officials said in a statement Wednesday.  The book will feature photographs of the garden in all four seasons. The first lady also plans to share some of her family’s healthy recipes and showcase community, urban and school gardens from around the country, Crown officials said. Chigaco Tribune

The First Lady received no advance and has opted to donate the proceeds, and will donate all proceeds to to an undetermined charity foundation.

healthy mind and body

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I have a new baby. Introducing my new blog, Healthy Mind and Body 101.

I have been trying to live a healthy lifestyle since giving birth to my son. Not that I'm into bad vices -- well, I do indulge on chips and sodas once in a while. But when I gave birth to my son I decided that it's time to replace chips and sodas with more healthier snacks. Also to add more fruits and vegetables on our table.

And exercise at least 30 minutes to an hour everyday.

My new blog is all about being healthy in mind and body. But it's still empty, no posts yet. I hope you can help me list down some health topics that can be of help to those who wants to live a more healthy lifestyle.

The Importance of Water. That's one of the topic that I want to talk about because I myself don't want to drink water. I don't like the tasteless taste of good-old-H2O. But lately I've been drinking a few glasses each day... a good way to start the new year right?

What about you? What topic would you like to see on my health blog once it's up? I'll put a link to your blog on the article that you suggested as a way of saying thanks.

sleeping early is good for me

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...and for you too.

I now sleep early. How'd I do it? I stopped drinking coffee at night. I now feel alive in the morning because of that. I feel normal again.

                                                pharmaprojects

I usually go to bed at 1 or 2 am the whole year of 2010. I even had to wake up at 530 am to help RJ prepare for school. I feel like a zombie, while preparing breakfast, and can't wait to go back to bed. As soon as RJ's school service picks him up, I'm snoring before my head even hits the pillow.

But now, I feel normal. I miss drinking coffee at night but I'd choose normal anytime than looking like a zombie in the morning.

what I hate about Christmas

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Celebrating christmas eve in the Philippines is never complete without a Noche Buena feast. Yes, a feast. Not just two or three dishes but all kinds of food are prepared for noche buena. Who can resist taking a bite (or two, or more?) of mouth-watering food? I am no saint when it comes to eating yummy food.

Actually, the whole time we were on vacation, all I did was eat! So yes, I gained a few pounds during our christmas vacation in the province. What's really horrible is that those few pounds settled on the wrong places! That's what I don't love about christmas, I eat too much. Top selling diet pills are now available over the counter and also online. But I will try to lose weight by exercising and eating the right amount of food. If diet and exercise fails, hello diet pills!

now and then

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Because of technology, more kids wear prescription eyeglasses these days. The culprits are television, handheld games, video games, cellular phones and computers. When I was in grade school, more than 20 years ago, there are only a handful of good shows for kids. And it's not even appealing to watch those shows because our television set was black and white.

We do play video games once in a while. But compared with thousands of exciting games now, the games available then were only a few. Computers and cellular phones were not necessities during those times also. Because of that, I still have 20/20 vision.

Although technology has bad effects to us, we shouldn't ignore the fact that it also has good effects. What we can do is use technology wisely. Use it to our advantage and not to our destruction.

toothache

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Ouchy! My gum is very swollen. Now I know why I wasn't feeling well. I went to three dentists just to make comparisons with diagnosis/advice and their prices. Everything in this world is very expensive!

The tooth was root canaled years ago. The first dentist said that I only have two choices: root canal (again!) or have it extracted. She wanted me to think about it and not make a hasty decision right away. But if I have it extracted, a "new"tooth is woth P12,000!!

The second dentist scheduled me for xray the next day. If the tooth can still be saved, the dentist wants to root canal it again. P10,000 to root canal one tooth, P8,500 for a "new" tooth if I want it extracted. But the cost of extraction and xray is still not included yet.

Third dentist wants to extract my tooth right then and there.

I'd rather have the tooth extracted. This tooth has caused me a lot of time and money already. I have to look for a dentist that doesn't charge so much though.

bothering me this early?

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I think I'm going through an early menopause. I have always been an impatient person and I get angry easily. But it got worse lately -the past week. I get annoyed real easily. Worse is if I don't get to shout-out my anger and frustration, I can't calm down. I have been having pain and palpitation lately too.

                                                                                       popsessive

Is this menopause? I am just in my early 30's. Or is this just stress?

waistline: 24

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I remember going back to my pre-pregnancy size after just a few months of giving birth to my son. That was 9 years ago. Although there are lots of diet pills that really work to choose from, I decided to try eating a balanced diet and rigorous exercise first.

I exercise when RJ is asleep. In the morning, I do an hour of aerobics. In the afternoon, I do strength training. Abdominal workout is scheduled before sleeping at night.

                                                                                        dietsinreview

I was a lot more disciplined then. Maybe because I have all the time in the world to exercise. I can't go out because all RJ does is sleep, sleep and sleep. With regards to food, since my son's diet at that time is purely milk, I get to eat healthy meals of mostly fruits, veggies and white meat. I don't have to think of what RJ would not hate to eat and I survived without rice for many months.

Please God, help me be more disciplined just like before. I'm dying to fit in my size 0 jeans again.

unclean mineral water

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I've been having doubts, for quite some time now, whether the mineral water delivered weekly in my house are indeed clean. I've read articles about unclean bottled water and unsanitary water refilling stations. Because a low start-up capital is needed, rapid growth in the number of new water refilling stations was recorded in the country. The government should also protect the consumers and make sure that these water refilling stations are not giving unclean water to its consumers.

I've been thinking of replacing my faucet sink with new faucets and at the same time installing a water purifier. I just have to research about it first since there are a lot of brands to choose from.