Mommy Practicality

Friday, August 28, 2020

How Social Media Detox Can Save You From Depression and Anxiety

Hello! It's been a while since I've written something very personal on my first digital love - my blog. I am glad I am typing away my vulnerability, openness, and honesty. I may be someone you know or maybe not. I maybe an inspiration to some, a source of strength and encouragement, but I am also human and just another regular mom - experiencing the same things that you do, day in and day out.

I recently experienced social media or digital anxiety - I'm not sure if there's such a thing. But that's what I've been through these past couple of weeks.

To be exact, I felt overwhelmed, fearful, unsure, worried, insecure, and it seemed like all my efforts were not enough.

I battled with all those feelings or mental state in the days and weeks that went by. You may or may not notice it but if you know me well - you'd know that I took a break.

Yes, I was still present, but if you could read between the lines of some of my posts, you'd know there's something quite off.

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CARRYING A HEAVY LOAD? Mid-week thoughts from a busy, overwhelmed, peace-yearning, and tired momma. It's always the way we carry it, isn't it? These past few days, I've been quiet here and there. I'm carrying a load of all sorts. I've been re-chanelling my energies and attention to things that make me happy - my family, my plants, my small biz, my oils, my cooking, and also my Kdramas. I'm shying away from the noise, from the pressure some people put on another. I'm shying away maybe from you who's still reading this. It's not you, it's me. Haha. I know exactly why I'm doing this and my pausing and slowing down is intentional. It's the way I am carrying the load. It's the way I'm coping. I'll be back, stronger, happier, more energized, more focused, and more open. We all cope with what's going on in our lives in different ways. Let's cope and not give up. If you're tired, rest. If things are moving on a fast pace that you couldn't keep up, pause. If there's too much on your plate, select the healthy ones and save the others for later. Prioritize, delegate, you can even decline. The important thing is to cope. Lastly,never think you're all alone in carrying all the load, God's with you every step of the way. Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NLT Have a great week ahead!

A post shared by LOUISE-Mom & Lifestyle Blogger (@mommypracticality) on Aug 12, 2020 at 1:04am PDT

I'm the person people come to for consultation, for encouragement, for good vibes, and inspiration. I'm that person and yet, there I was needing those things I give to others.

No one really noticed, unless I kind of gave some clues through my posts.

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MENTAL HEALTH Do what makes you happy. Divert your attention elsewhere if you think where you are isn't working well for you or when what used to bring you joy now tires you. Step back. Pause. Detox. But don't quit. Don't lose hope. Just take a break. As shared in my last post on coping these days. I've been refocusing my energies on things that make me really happy. My family is already a given. Sharing with you what's keeping me busy these days in case you're wondering what I've been up to. I'm just here, just detoxing. There's too much noise, still getting used to it again. I am coping. I'm taking care of my mental health as well. So these past few weeks were spent most on learning new skills. I baked my first-ever choco cuppies, baked more chocolate chip cookies, tended to my lovely plants (to which I was baptized a new title by my husband at home - a budding botanist), my small retail biz (reselling trolleys and UV Care products), and my YL oils too How have you been loves? Hope all is well with you.

A post shared by LOUISE-Mom & Lifestyle Blogger (@mommypracticality) on Aug 12, 2020 at 9:43pm PDT

But that's okay, because I didn't battle this anxiety alone, I had an ally fighting with me - I have GOD. I battled everything in prayer. I wasn't really alone.

The first practical thing I did to help me with my mental health was - Social Media Detox. What is it? My personal definitions are any of the following:

It's taking a conscious and intentional break from your regular social media groove to take care of your mental and emotional health.
It's a much-needed pause when you feel there's too much noise or things are going too fast that you can't live your real life.
It's practically putting your depleting digital energies somewhere or to something else (before it becomes empty) so you could recharge.
It's simply staying away from social media to be more busy with your offline life.

I can go on and on or you could even add to my definition. But basically, it's all that to me personally. This detox helped me in more ways than one and I am sure, it will help you cope with social media anxiety or depression too.

How Social Media Detox Can Save You From Anxiety And Depression

It makes you tune in to yourself. Breaking away from the noise that social media brought to me during the time of detox made me focus on myself. As I cover my ears, I heard nothing else but my heartbeat. I heard myself. I focused on getting better (detoxing from something is like having too much of something, right?). I was able to know what makes me happy and what challenges me.
It lets you appreciate people and things you have at present even more. Because I had lesser time online, I had more time offline. I became more present (physically, mentally, and emotionally) to my husband, my kids, and myself. I started to notice all the things I am blessed with. I even realized how cluttered my house is already because of accumulated items also due to my online work (I am not complaining at all - I feel really blessed) - that I plan to give them away. I became more appreciative than ever.
It lets you explore and pursue other interests you thought you'd never do. Because I spent less time on social media, I had more time to pursue other interests that truly made me happy and busy. My stories now are all about me and my interests which are: Plants, Baking, Essential Oils, and my small business. It was all about me. The detox made me play different roles I never knew I could do. It was like the same excitement I got when I was starting to blog. I could maybe say, honeymoon stage feeling for these new ventures or interests I had time to do and be busy with as I took a pause.
It helps you accomplish many things in many areas. Because of my last point, this detox made me accomplish great things (according to my personal standard). I hit my target sales for two months. I hit a certain rank in my essential oils business journey in a month. I perfected my all-time favorite raisin oatmeal cookie, and lastly, I've never been more caring and meticulous when it comes to my plants. I realized, I could do so much more!
It helps you slow down and live life without pressure. To be honest, one of the reasons of my social media anxiety is feeling overwhelmed and pressured. It can get really busy and competitive that you can't breathe. I am sure a lot of content creators feel or felt the same at some point. I know so because I was able to speak to a number of friends in the digital industry who are on the same boat as I am. So ladies and gentlemen - not everything you consume or see on social media is real. Sometimes behind those posts are people who maybe going through something. That's why kindness, respect, and love for digital content creators go a long way.
It realigns you to your purpose why you're doing what you're doing online (for bloggers/content creators like me). Taking a break made me look at myself as a content creator from afar or outside of the box. I took a mindful time away to see where I am, what I am really good at, what am I not doing right, and what should I do to be better. It made me see why I am doing what I am doing in the first place. It made me reminisce the times when I was starting eight years ago. It was an accidental strategic planning break so I could come back with a stronger and more sound purpose. I don't intend to be back with a bang. I just want to be back and not give up.
It let's you develop stronger relationships with your loved ones. Spending less time online made me spend more time with my offline life. Truly this pause made me a better and more intentional mom, a better wife (I hope!), and made me more mindful of my own needs. I had a kinder and forgiving relationship with myself and for me that's one of the most important gifts this social media detox gave me.
It encourages you to start or fortify your personal and loving relationship with God. This tops my list of how social media detox saved me. Apart from being kinder and loving to myself, the break made me count on only God. Of course my husband, my life partner, my supporter, my everything is there all throughout and I thank him for letting me just do what I need to do for my mental and emotional health. But even without him, and he knows this, I have God. I battled this anxiety with prayers. I battled this restlessness, stress, overwhelming pressure, feelings of insecurity, and exhaustion with God. Without God in my life, I would have given up and thought I am not good enough. But I know God made this exhaustion happen so I could rest upon Him and just depend on Him alone during those times. It came to a point that I didn't want to post anything anymore because what for (I thought!). But there's beauty in brokenness. God made sure this would happen to me so He could show His mercy, His love, His forgiveness, His grace, and His greatness to me. That I should come running back to Him again to cry like a child. And that's what I exactly did.

Sometimes in life, stepping back or seeing ourselves from a different perspective is healthy. It will make you realize many things, assess where you are and where you want to go, it will let you discover that YOU ARE MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK YOU ARE, and that whatever happens, whether you decide that you want to exit from the digital limelight or press on, that YOU ARE ENOUGH and that you are where you are for a PURPOSE.

So if you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, take a break and detox from what stresses you. Don't quit, don't lose hope. Breathe in deeply, breathe out.

Then carry on.

Friday, August 21, 2020

Nourishing Teenagers' Well-Being in the New Normal of Learning

Mapúa University conducted a free webinar entitled “Nourishing Your Teenager's Well-Being in the New Normal of Learning,” to help mommy attendees learn how to nourish teenager's well-being in the new normal of learning. My eldest is an incoming senior high school and since he was little, I've been an intentional mom to him. If you still have your young children and toddlers with you whom you wish would grow up soon, I tell you, having a teenager is a different ball game.

In my experience of being a teenager mom, I can say that their phase is more complicated compared to younger ones. I know you know that so well because you were once a teenager right? They have different beliefs and you can't easily sway their decisions of influence them because they listen more to peers at this stage.

One thing I learned is to build a strong and open communication with them while they are young. This way, they can't help open up issues or emotions with you even when they are teenagers. That's the kind of relationship I have with my teenager son. Praise God.

But even if I think I know my son so well, Mapua University's webinar was still an eye-opener to me especially in the area of studying or learning. What makes it even timely and valuable is that our teenagers are also coping with the new normal of learning because of the pandemic. I want to share with you some important key takeaways from the talk.

The webinar discussed topics ranging from assessing Filipino students’ readiness for online learning, mental and emotional challenges during online learning, nourishing the students’ well-being to adapt to the new normal of learning, as well as Mapúa’s Center for Guidance and Counseling (CGC) programs in enhancing the well-being of students.

Self-Regulation/Self-Regulated Learning

This depends on the student's behavior and performances in online education. According to Dr. Edward Jay M. Quinto, an associate professor at the Mapúa’s School of Social Sciences and Education, self-regulated learning is multi-component and that these components include goal setting, environmental structuring, time management, task strategies, help seeking, and self-evaluation. We need to know our children really well in order to know what learning styles fit them. What are your teenager's talents, special skills, or how is he or she unique? As parents we should also know if they are introverted? extroverted? This also includes even their time management skills, do they prepare ahead of time or are better when cramming? How about learning environment, do they study better in their room, on the bed or traditional desk and chair? Also on goal setting when our kids don't do well especially in compliance, we should be able to explain how things are done and why they should be done that way. Are they are help-seeking or self-reliant? Their personalities dictate what kind of learner are they and knowing this help us as parents to efficiently boost their confidence in learning in this new normal.

Things can ask our teenagers:
- What are their learning style or what method of learning helps them better?
- Do they work better when tasks are given daily or for projects do they want open deadlines?
- Do they feel more confident when they ask their classmates or teachers regarding their lessons or can they do self-study or work better alone?

Mental and Emotional State of Students

The pandemic has clearly affected our teenagers and may affect their learning capabilities or readiness. that's why the compassion survey conducted among students by Mapua University was helpful in providing insights on intervention techniques that can be used by both parents and educators. Dr. Jonathan V. Macayan, the dean of the School of Social Sciences and Education pointed out that the responsibilities of the school in addressing the mental and emotional well-being of students include the design and implementation of academic and school policies that are sensitive to and supportive of the mental health and well-being of students, the development of a school–parent collaboration system that will aim to monitor and ensure students’ well-being in online learning, as well as the development and implementation of necessary student support services.

Things we can ask our teenagers:
- What are they uncertain of?
-  Do they sometimes feel alone or helpless?
- Can they identify themselves well when at home? With peers?

Fostering Resilience

The third speaker is the University’s program chair for Behavioral and Human Science, Prof. Jasmine Nadja J. Pinugu, who points out that fostering resilience is critical to a teenager’s well-being during difficult times. She said that the key to nourishing students’ well-being is by fostering resilience, and one can do this by maintaining a positive self-regard for themselves, teaching them life skills such as positive coping and problem-solving skills, enabling them to have a sense of purpose and agency, maintaining positive social connections, as well as emotional regulation. “At this time of pandemic, there should be stronger collaboration between the students, parents,

and the teachers,” Pinugu said.

How we can help as parents:
- Teach them kindness and forgiveness not only of other but of themselves.
- Teach them life skills by making them decide on certain matters at home to encourage critical thinking.
- Show interest in what they do and asking how they are doing.
- Train how to make daily or weekly plans and sticking to them.
- Teach importance of complete sleep and teaching mindfulness in every thing they do.

Arlene V. Clarete-Macatuggal, Mapúa’s director for student advising and counseling, shared how the University has been responding to the needs of its students while learning in an online environment. She explained that Mapúa CGC offers various services for its students to help them cope with the new normal. These services include counseling, coordinating, appraising, and consulting services. “We just don’t wait for students to come to us, but we schedule them for counseling through Blackboard or [Facebook Messenger] to help them with their needs,” Macatuggal said.

I personally learned a lot after attending the webinar. My favorite topic was THE PLACE that our teenagers go to (a part of their persona - where they can identify themselves as a unique individual from one place to another). As parents, we really need to be in constant communication with our teenagers. We need to be intentional in getting to know them. This will signal us whether they are okay or are in trouble because their overall well-being affects how they will perform in the new normal of learning.

Through the webinar, Mapúa University aims to best equip parents with the tools needed to help their children have a productive, engaging, and safe learning experience remotely. It is imperative that parents, students, and the academe work together to provide a seamless academic experience for children via the online learning journey.

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Ready for All What If's with BDO Life

Moms like us always make sure that in everything we do in our lives, for ourselves or for our families, we always have a plan. If Plan A doesn't work, we have Plans B, C, and so on. That's how moms think most of the time.

I am really hoping that it's the same mentality when it comes to protection for ourselves and our families as well. When I say protection, I mean emergency funds, savings, and also life insurance. Yes, for me, those are smart and practical decisions to make in order to prepare ourselves for life's What Ifs.

What if I get sick?

What if my husband gets sick?

What if the children get sick?

What if my children want to become a doctor?

What if I retire early?

What if I want pursue my own dreams?

What if...

For all of our life's What Ifs, BDO Life got our back.

Not everything that happens in our lives are desirable right? Our choices in our lives affect the outcome which can either be good or bad. We all pray it's always the good that happens, but we can't control life. Question is, are we ready and prepared to make the right moves?

One expert who advocates the necessity of financial protection for “what if” moments is Mr. Renato A. Vergel de Dios, President and CEO of BDO Life Assurance Company, Inc. He explains how we can make “what if” moments work to our advantage with the correct mindset.

“When we are faced with a ‘what if’ moment, we are also confronted with potential benefits and risks. The most reasonable course of action is to make a decision that maximizes the potential benefits and minimizes the potential risks,” he says.

Vergel de Dios points out that the entire country experienced a crucial “what if” moment when the pandemic struck. “On top of dealing with our own survival, we also have to help others. Taking an ‘every-man-for-himself’ attitude is unacceptable. We are all in this together. As they say, ‘we must heal as one,’” he says.

A protection mindset

According to Vergel de Dios, “We expose ourselves to greater risk if we don’t understand a potential threat or choose to ignore it. For example, now that COVID-19 is here, are we going to behave like before? Will we refuse to wear masks, touch our faces with unwashed hands, or gather together in a closed environment? Those who ignore current health protocols neither recognize nor accept the consequences of the threat to themselves and others,” he adds.

This is why Vergel de Dios advocates a way of thinking and living that is proactive as well as protection-oriented. Insurance awareness and belief is about having a mindset that recognizes the risks and uncertainties of life, accepts that such perils could harm us, and compels us to act in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

From the ludicrous to the serious

Vergel de Dios has probably heard all the possible reasons of people who don’t want to adopt this protection mindset when it comes to insurance. To get them to think otherwise, he sometimes resorts to ludicrous analogies that drive home the real wisdom of his point.

“When you buy car insurance, do you pray to have an accident so you can get your money’s worth? How about fire insurance? When it’s time to renew your coverage, do you ever feel bad your house didn’t burn down? Of course not,” he says.

Insurance as a financial protection instrument, Vergel de Dios says, has an ironic side. “Life insurance is something you need but would rather not use. Sure, there’s a cost to pay for such protection, but would you rather that your family pay a higher price when you fail to maintain adequate insurance coverage.”

Vergel de Dios continues: “You get insurance primarily for financial protection. Some insurance products also provide investment opportunities. To me, the potential investment earning component, while is highly desirable, is a bonus. By this, I mean that you shouldn’t relish the bonus benefit more than the primary benefit. Think of it like a cake. The investment feature is the icing while the protection coverage is the body. You share and enjoy the entire cake. The icing is just the extra satisfaction on top,” he says.

Insurance helps achieve our dreams

Now that we are in a period of crisis, it’s time to re-examine our beliefs and plans. Your specific future goals in mind such as buying a house, having the funds to finance your children’s education, family overseas trips, or retiring securely—that’s your Plan A, your offense strategy. Vergel de Dios asserts that insurance should be part of one’s overall financial preparedness program. It’s your Plan B, your defensive strategy that will ensure that your aspirations can be achieved even if untoward situations should arise.

“If you secure insurance as part of an overall life goal or dream that you want to realize, then you will see it as part of a greater context: that of achieving the life you want for yourself and those you love. Whatever may come next, your ‘what if’ moment moves forward, broadens, and becomes a source of hope instead of anxiety.”

“With insurance, the ‘what if’ worries and consequences of dying too soon become a way to move forward with optimism and security. And even if the risk passes without having to avail of your insurance protection, it doesn’t mean you lost money. Rather, because you remained healthy, safe, and protected, you had the time, energy, and fortitude to fulfill your financial goals,”

Such is the power of a “what if” that is turned from a risk into an opportunity.

BDO Life has financial advisers ready to help you turn the “what ifs” in your life into a way to make your goals and dreams a reality: whether it’s buying a house, getting an education, protecting your health, or providing a secure and worry-free future for your loved ones. It’s so easy. You can get in touch with them at www.bdo.com.ph/bdolife/connect-financial-advisor

Monday, July 27, 2020

Mary Kay's Start Up Packs, Only PHP 600 To Start a Beauty Business!

These days, online selling, marketing, and even starting any business is a practical decision. What more if a company allows you to take charge of your future by entering a beauty business and turn your life around with just a Php600 Start Up Pack? Yes, Mary Kay makes life more beautiful and hopeful with this timely and wonderful opportunity.

Mary Kay’s perfect combination of beauty and business is what makes it the successful direct-selling beauty empire that it is today, but the real purpose of the company goes way beyond the perks. It’s all about enriching women’s lives and inspiring them to become their own girl boss—and with the newest Start Up Pack, all possibilities seem endless.

Similar to their old Starter Kit, the Start Up Pack gives women the chance to experience what it’s like to pursue their dreams with Mary Kay, as well as an opportunity to take control of their own future. With PHP600, they can get their own Start Up Pack, start their own business, and be presented with great career opportunities.

But given the current situation, the company had to make a few adjustments to ensure the safety of their beauty consultants. “Our mission is to empower women in whatever situation we may be in,” Sobee Duenas-Choa, General Manager, Mary Kay Philippines. “And that goes with giving them the right work arrangement. We’ve adopted ways to make sure they can continue their sales without risking their health.”

Instead of meet-ups, you can have your very own Start Up Pack delivered right at your doorstep! It comes with:

Foil packet samplers of the Clear Proof Charcoal Mask, TimeWise 3D Miracle Set, and TimeWise Liquid Foundation
Glossies and brochures like the company’s very own Applause, Mary Kay Philippines’ monthly issue, The Look, a leaflet on products and accessories
Get Started Flyer.

You can also hold one-on-one consultations and workshops via video calls so you can tick every box in your Mary Kay Datebook—a checklist of things to complete in your first eight weeks. There’s also the Moving Up to Success Brochure, a guide to personal and career growth, and many more tools that will help you get a headstart on your business.

Along with the products and magazines, you can also redeem as much as PHP2,000 worth of Cash Vouchers whenever you place an order.

Being a beauty consultant comes with a lot of career opportunities and incentives awarded by the global cosmetics company. These include endless earning potential, flexible home-based business model, business ownership, exclusive business workshops, ‘Cinderella’ gifts, such as jewelry, bags, and clothes, and travel incentives, among many others.

To get started, visit http://bit.ly/MaryKayIBCLocator and let us get you connected with an Independent Beauty Consultant! Don’t let this opportunity pass and grab your own Start Up Pack now!

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Sun Life Launches Rise Together Campaign To Empower Filipinos

We all didn't expect this pandemic to happen. In the past four months, we've seen many shift from office work to work from home. There were a lot who lost their jobs. Businesses closed down. Parents panicked and worried about their children's education. Lastly, almost everyone fears both their health and financial conditions - and their family's future.

This personal observation of mine from the news on radio and TV and social media was echoed by Sun Life's own survey. During the online launch of Sun Life's Rise Together Campaign, they shared that they ran a survey through their clients to know how the pandemic has affected them so the company would know how to respond to their needs. Results showed that their top concerns were the physical health of their family (71%), the health of the economy (71%), their children's education (69%), providing support for an elderly member of the family (61%), and the ability to save for the future (63%).

In a separate survey they did, respondents said they are putting in place recovery plans by starting to save more, build emergency funds, seeking financial advice, and investing in family's health. Indeed this pandemic has made many of us realign our priorities in life after realizing that life is short and unpredictable.

This inspired Sun Life to launch Rise Together Campaign.

“We would like to help Filipinos channel their energies towards actions that would help them prepare for the future. While there is still much uncertainty as our country continues to deal with the pandemic, there are steps that they can take now to make sure they and their loved ones can look forward to brighter days,” Sun Life Chief Marketing and Client Officer Mylene Lopa said. “Through this campaign, we want to show Filipinos how they can emerge from this pandemic stronger, healthier, and financially resilient, so they may look forward to a brighter tomorrow.”

Financial Literacy

I've always believed in preparing for the future because we can never tell what may happen. I made a practical decision back in 2012 when I had myself protected and at the same time got an investment too. I became more interested in insurances and investments so I educated myself through friends who are experts in this field and through free talks. Later on, I invested in several mutual funds.

I have a Sun Life mutual fund and I also got a VUL for my husband and my eldest. Soon, I'll get for my two youger boys.

I'm glad Sun Life launched Sun Talks, a series of online financial literacy sessions held in webinar format and as Facebook live streams.

The webinar series featured Wealth Coach Chinkee Tan, Life and Personal Finance Guru Randell Tiongson, Sun Life Chief Business Development Strategy Officer Michael Manuel, and Sun Life Distribution Support and Strategy Head Jenny del Mundo, who shared how Filipinos can pursue their financial goals and what financial instruments such as insurance and investments they can utilize. Meanwhile, health and wellness took center stage in the webinars with Dr. Anne Louise Gabriel-Chan of Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, Dr. Candy Drilon-Dalman of Centro Holistico, Life and Corporate Coach Kimi Lu, and Sun Life Health and Accident Head Lirio Ang-Torres.

Meanwhile, Sun Life Brand Ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guidicelli, Enchong Dee, and Inigo Pascual were featured in Facebook Live events, where they shared about learnings amid the pandemic as they faced issues specific to their respective life stages. Experts from Sun Life were likewise on hand in each session to give practical tips on how viewers can stay on track in their financial journey. These talks, along with other relevant content and tools, are available in a hub called STORES or Sun Talks Online Resource at www.sunlife.com.ph.

Going Digital

In response to the needs of Filipinos these days and adapting to the new normal of doing and accomplishing things online, Sun Life recently launched a digitally-enabled sales process where clients can connect virtually to get professional financial advice from Sun Life advisors.

Don't have a financial advisor yet but interested in financial products of Sun Life? They have advisormatch.sunlife.com where you could connect to one for a free consultation.

You may also explore their website sunlife.com.ph, where you may utilize their free tools such as Life Insurance Calculator, Investment Calculator, and e-Quote, which can help users check their progress in their financial journey.

Plus, some Sun Life products are also available on Lazada! YES! You love online shopping right? You may want to also add to cart a protection for you and your family as well.visit www.lazada.com.ph/sunlife. As for those who wish to invest in mutual funds, they may go to www.sunlifefunds.com to open an account and start investing in the Sun Life Prosperity Funds.

So mommies, let's all Rise Together above all our challenges during this time of pandemic. We now have realized many things and now see the importance of the people and things we usually neglect like family, health, and protection.

For more information, visit Sun Life's website and social media channels @SunLifePH.

Monday, July 20, 2020

Order Cakes Online Through CakeRush.Ph (FREE Delivery)

Sunday, July 05, 2020

Purchase Baking Ingredients Online With PayMaya + Recipe for the Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

Monday, June 22, 2020

Quarantine Safety Tips For Your Family Using PayMaya

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Boost Your Business Today With PayMaya Negosyo App

Monday, June 08, 2020

My Key Takeaways On Nutrition and Diseases from the #StayHomeSeries by PLDT Home and Mommy Mundo

In my last blog post on things we do these days to ensure our family is kept safe and healthy these days, I invited you to tune in to PLDT Home's #StayHomeSeries Stay Healthy Program over at Mommy Mundo's Facebook Page. The live talks they produced were relevant and timely because moms these days could get anxious about their children's health.

As a mom, have you asked these questions?

Is it safe to bring my child out for a check up?

My child has a slight fever and is coughing, should I bring him to ER?

Is it safe to self-medicate my sick child?

How do I know if my child is getting the right nutrients, vitamins and minerals he needs for his age?

It's normal for us moms to worry about our children's health especially this time of pandemic. That's why I didn't miss the chance to watch the two LIVE talks on Mommy Mundo's Page about this popular topic.

Here were my key takeaways that will surely help many moms too:

A child's FIRST 1000 DAYS nutrition is most crucial. This starts from conception until the child reaches two yeas of age. This is critical because nutritional damage that occurs during this time is irreversible. So make sure that you eat well so your child will eat well too.
Immunity is the capability of the body to resist harmful microorganisms from entering it.
There are two types of NUTRIENTS:

Essential are nutrients required that can't by synthesized by the body and must be obtained from a dietary source.
Non-essential are nutrients synthesized by the human body so they need not be obtained directly from food.

5210 Every Day! - You heard this right! This means 5 or more fruits and vegetables; 2 hous or less recreational screen time; 1 hour or more of physical activity; and 0 sugary drinks - moe of water and low fat milk. Some more inputs, canned and frozen fruits/veggies are just as nutritious as fresh. As parents we should walk the talk.
Increase Immunity in 2 ways

Natural - by eating and drinking healthy, sleeping smart, exercising, and laughing a lot.
Supplements - by getting it from "food supplements" or what moms usually call multivitamins and minerals. Important vitamins/minerals: Zink, DHA/AHA during first 1000 days, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D3, Vitamin C, and Probiotics.

Bacterial and Viral Infections are totally different

Viruses are smaller than bacteria (smaller than our red blood cells)
Bacteria has a cell wall Viruses has no cell wall - both have genetic material
Bacteria can reproduce itself (moisture and heat). Viruses need a living organism o host cell.

Antibiotics are made for bacterial infections. This just simply means one cannot take just any antibiotics without checking if the illness is caused by bacteria or virus.
Never self-medicate - there's a correct prescription of the medicines to take depending on the progression of the disease.
Strictly practice the following:

Proper hand washing - at all times. This is the most effective way of sanitizing vs applying alcohol or alcogel
Food safety - wash food for cooking, separate raw from cooked food, etc.
Avoid close contact when you have cough
Avoid spitting in public

Seek medical attention immediately when symptoms show.
Good nutrition, exercise and breastfeeding - all help in staying fit and healthy.
Vaccination is the most important and effective weapon against bacterial and viral diseases

Viral:

Polio
Measles
Rotavirus
Japanese encephalitis
Mumps
Rubella
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis A

Bacterial

Pneumococcal
Diphtheria
Pertussis
Tetanus
Typhoid

I learned so much from PLDT Home and Mommy Mundo's #StayHomeSeries Stay Healthy Program. As moms, we're always busy making sure the house is clean, they learn and discover new things each day with our guidance. But the most important of all is to make sure we are all intentional in keeping a tab on their over-all health. :Some of what I learned from the FB Live videos were known to me before but I admit to not adhering to all of them. I'm grateful there are webinars such as these that educate us moms on taking charge on our kids' health, especially during these times. Follow PLDT Home on Facebook and Instagram for more #StayHomeSeries.

Mommy, will you be interested to join me so we could learn together about all things mom and our kids' health? Mommy Mundo is constantly bringing experts to talk on many topics that help us with motherhood, parenting, and even self-love. Follow Mommy Mundo on Facebook and Instagram. too.