what’s the matter mishlek? September 28, 2008

 Its almost 2AM, Philippine time that is and still very much wide awake.

 My duty was till 9pm but I went off a little bit earlier to attend to a birthday party that I now just realized I wasn’t able to greet the celebrator.  Imagine that!  I am pretty much embarrassed by the thought of it.  My bad, really!  Good Lord what’s happening to me?  What a day or it should be what a week!  Yap! I am not much of myself these past few days.  I am getting more matampuhin and makulit too, as what he says.  Or maybe it is a sign of early menopausal stage? Naah!  I am still young for that.

“Burn out”… that’s what I’ve been feeling these past few days.  I am getting tired of the monotonous way that I am having every single day.    He says I am getting over too sentimental on small things.  No I am not! Okay, maybe I am, a little perhaps.  But for me everything matters, even the small ones.   And these past few days I do feel like I am the “small one” and I don’t matter at all.

Starbucks anyone? September 28, 2008

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 Hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.  When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.  He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar.  He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.  He then asked the students again if the jar was full…they agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.  Of course, the sand filled up everything else.  He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”  The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the Empty space between the sand.  The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.  The golf balls are the important things – God, family, children, health, friends, and Favorite passions — things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.  The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car.  The sand is everything else — the small stuff.  “If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life.  If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

So…

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. “Take care of the golf balls first — the things that really matter.  Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked”.  It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

Kape tayo!

The silent killer September 25, 2008

High blood Pressure (BP), also known as hypertension (HPN), is a medical condition that occurs when arteries are narrowed thus causing the heart to work harder to pump blood.  It is often called the “Silent killer”; HPN is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs and symptoms until it causes heart disease, kidney disease or stroke.  By any means a modification of one’s attitude and practices is necessary for effective control of HPN.  Here’s how…

Stop smoking… smoking injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries.  All I can say is “If you don’t smoke, don’t start and if you smoke, quit”. I know it’s not as simple as that and self control is really needed on this.  But hey I know someone who quits smoking just like that.   

Control weight and Eat right… ouch! This is where I am guilty off.   I love eating! We all do right!  I’m more of the carbo one’s than the sugar rush lovers yet nevertheless both of them were a no-no.   Extra weight makes the heart work harder and raises BP.  Losing even 10 pounds can help lower your blood pressure especially when you’re overweight and already hypertensive.  Eating the right is a must.  Salt and fat on foods may elevate BP, so do caffeine and alcohol.  Plan meals and TRY to eat more fruits, veggies and high-fiber foods.

Cut down on salt and alcohol… salt causes fluid retention and subsequently puts more pressure on the blood vessels.  Drinking more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day increases BP as well.

Involve your family physician… yap you read it right.  Regular visits to the doctor ensure periodic examination for possible complications and monitoring of maintenance medications.  Take the team approach in controlling HPN.  Remember prevention is better than cure.

Note your medicine intake… taking regular medication as directed by the physician is a vital one.  Even if you feel well, take it.  Do not stop unless advised by your doctor.

Lastly, exercise daily… choose an activity you enjoy like brisk walking, dancing, biking or badminton.  Exercise need not be strenuous.

 

How is Blood Pressure measured?

Before having it taken…

Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes in a chair, with feet on the floor and arm supported at heart level.  Make sure the temperature of the room is just right.  Do not cross your legs or talk before and during the procedure.

Systolic Pressure is the highest pressure measurement: it is caused by blood as it travels in the vessels while the heart is contracting.

Diastolic Pressure is the lowest pressure measurement: it is caused by blood as it travels in the vessels while the heart is relaxing between beats.

BP = Systolic / Diastolic

Ex. 120 mmHg/80 mmHg

Reads as “120 over 80”

 

 Health is Wealth!