Meatless Mondays the Filipino Style

Supporting the Meatless Monday campaign is another way of supporting healthy living for Filipinos.

Meatless Monday is now being adapted in the Philippines. This is also known as Luntiang Lunes. The government is encouraging everybody to eat healthy vegetables during Mondays and resume the regular meaty meals the next days. Monday because it is believed to be the start of the working week so you must be energized to start a happier healthy week.

I am starting my Meatless Mondays tomorrow and getting excited what to cook. I have decided to cook eggplant salad or ensaladang talong.

This is how to make this simple recipe. There are lots of variations of making it and this is how I'll making them tomorrow.

• Grill two medium sized eggplants. Peel and set aside. Chop onions and tomatoes (bite-size cubes). mix the three ingredients. Add a spoonful of white vinegar, salt and ground pepper to taste. Add ginisang bagoong (optional). then mix. Serve and enjoy.

I know this is usually used  as a side dish but I eat them as viand.

I am also imagining meatless mungbean soup or shall I call it luntiang monggo na may kamatis :)

• Soak mungbeans/monggo overnight or atleast three hours. Boil it until  cooked. Strain and set aside. Cut onions and mince garlic.Saute onions and garlic. Add cooked monggo.then mash atleast 2/3 of the monggo to create a thick soup texture. Add 1 1/2 cup of water . Add slices of tomatoes then let it simmer for ten minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. I also add chicken cubes or ginisa mix to flavor the soup. You can also add green leafy vegetables if you want such as pechay. Serve hot with steamed rice.

I think I am ready for Meatless Mondays. By that time, I might be encouraged to consider Meatless Wednesday too.

How about you? What will be your Meatless Monday Recipes?

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How to Treat Stomatitis (Singaw)

Stomatitis or singaw is commonly described as painful mouth ulcers that could be found on the gums, inner sheeks, tongue, lips or palate. This tiny little enemy in the mouth causes you losing appetite and and even talking.

There are different causes of stomatitis. It could be viral, bacterial, simply mouth irritation, or cold sores. Unlike the first three causes, cold sores (also known as fever blisters)  are contagious. This is caused by herpes simplex virus type 1.

Treatment of stomatitis should be depended on the root cause of the sore. Below are the different treatment for the common symptoms of stomatitis.

To ease the pain and inflammation, try applying the following strategies :

• avoid spicy foods, hot beverages, and citrus fruits and drinks
• suck on ice popsickles or gargle on cold water

To treat the possible infection, you may do the following:

• rinse mouth with 1 cup of cold water with a tablespoon of salt. Do its as often as you can. Salt acts as an antiseptic.
• using hydrogen peroxide is also one way of killing bacteria. with 1:1 ratio of hydrogen peroxide and water, you already have an antibacterial mouthwash
• baking soda with water (1:1 ratio) is also one suggested treatment for mouth ulcers
• antiviral medications as recommended by physician. 

To relieve the pain,  you can you the following as per physician's advise :

• tylenol
• topical anesthetic agent such as lidocaine, or xylocaine
• topical corticosteroid preparations.

Boost your immune system with:

• Adequate fruits and vegetables
•  proper exersice and adequate rest and sleep

Stomatitis, or mouth ulcers should no longer than 2 weeks , even without treatment. If still persists, you better have an appointment with your physician about proper assessment and management.  Some patients with mouth ulcers needs deficiency test for vitamin B 12 or folate.

However, the most important thing to do is to perform frequent mouth care not only concerning your teeth but also to your gums, palate, and tongue. Soft bristled toothbrush is advisable to clean your teeth and slight sweeping on the gums and tongue. Proper mouth rinsing is also recommended. Also, you must avoid alcohol based mouthwashes..

Thanks for reading.

Please check also out  Yvonne Tuguinay to learn more about me and what I do. Thanks.
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SWA Pay Plan 1 and Pay Plan 2 Combined

To those people who are excited like me about what Supreme wealth Alliance can offer, here's the pay plan 1 and pay plan 2 combined. Enjoy watching this animated video...

Myths About The Nursing Profession

“I know you've heard it a thousand times before. But it's true - hard work pays off. If you want to be good, you have to practice, practice, practice. If you don't love something, then don't do it.”
Ray Bradbury (born 1920);Author

As a nurse, I am bothered  with the different rumors about the nursing profession. Parents and students are mislead to the following myths. They enroll themselves to nursing from a wrong idea.

 From the myths that I'll be mentioning below, you might be NOT be surprised at all. Probably, a lot of you would agree with. These myths are more applicable for Filipino nurses.

1. It is a guarantee that after passing the NLE, I'll immediately have a nursing career due to nursing shortages.  Passing the board exam does not necessarily mean that you are what the employer is looking for. Expertise/ knowledge about the nursing job is important. Interviews would always ask for experiences that would prove that you are ready to apply for the job. However, showing willingness to learn and respect for your superiors will always show humility and dedication which works for some employers. It is always best to continue education by attending masterals or even joining significant and updated seminars related to nursing skills.

2. Nursing career will make you rich. It is not the career which will make you rich but your attitude towards success. Some nursing jobs abroad offers high paying nursing positions but this means you have to have significant years experiences and knowledge towards the jobs. Not all nurses who work abroad are high-payed. Newly graduate nurses who have no paid experiences (even how long your volunteer experience will not be considered) have lesser salary compared to nurses with paid experiences. Remember that there is always a beginning for everything.

3. You must be a volunteer to become nurse. In the Philippines set-up, most newly graduate nurses are into volunteering works in government hospitals. But, not all of the hospitals who accept volunteers would make you a regular staff nurse. However, I am not saying that volunteering work is not encouraged. Some volunteers use this opportunity to learn the skills in a hospital set-up working with real patients and equipments.

4.  Nurse shortages guarantee more nursing job offers. Philippines have large numbers of Filipino nurses and increasing every year. It is true that a lot of the hospitals have low number of nurses but it does not necessarily mean that they are offering/ accepting nurse applicants. This is the reason why some nurses go abroad to continue their nursing career. While, some nurses practice a different job not related to nursing such as call center agents, medical representatives, and ESL teachers,etc.,

5. A nurse always practices in a hospital setting. The hospital is just one of the areas where a nurse can practice her profession. Nursing can be as exciting and flexible for you can work as a nurse in different places. Nurses can work as an Company Nurse/ Occupational Nurse, Clinic Nurse, Travel Nurse, Nurse Corp, and many more.

Nurses, let not these myths hinder you from reaching your dreams. Nursing Profession has a lot to offer. It is true that this is not an easy job. This job needs dedication just like other profession. Nursing needs nurses who truly care and who aims for the good of her patients.

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Life after Nursing Licensure Examination

It's been four years after I took the Nursing Licensure Exam. I began to ask myself where am I now?

Being a nurse in the Philippines is somewhat challenging. Aside from thousands of graduating nurses every year, competing with experience, intelligence and surviving the unending requirements from the agency are just some of the stressors of a newly graduate nurse.

 Do we really have to plan what to do next after the licensure exam? I didn't have much plans before. Ending in a stable job was my goal but I really have never known how to start this career.

It took me a year to volunteer in the different hospitals in our town, both public and private. I also worked as an on-call clinic nurse and a private duty nurse. I'm glad I worked with good and and highly skilled nurses. With them I was able to enjoy those unpaid services I've made. In return, learning by experiencing theories with the real patients was the real catch.

Thanks to the unending love and support from my mom. I was able to pay my lunch, pay my fare,  uniforms, and too many to mention (not to mention the registration fee for the volunteering).

Luckily, Jordan Hospital and Medical Center hired Filipino nurses and I was one of them who landed the job. Three years contract! But I still took it. The job is located in the Middle East but  I still said yes. I'll be away from my family but still accepted the job.

Till now, I never had a vacation in my country. I have to pay my plane tickets on my own if ever I want to, which would be equivalent to 4-5 months salary. Okay let's stop to that. No more complaining. Ten months more then I'll be home sweet home.

So here I am in my first paid job. I really never expected to be like this. Sabi nga, walang trabahong madali, ganito pala ang maghanap-buhay. Smile, another complaining.

 Anyway, I love nursing. For now, I'm too young to quit. I'm so energized  to lose hope. I'm hungry for new learning (sad to say, I did not attend the free ACLS lecture today). My skills are sayang if I will quit (naman!). My pledge (oath) as a professional nurse has to remain as a pledge at least 7 times I will renew my license.

Suzzane Gordon states “Nursing is a package of medical, technical, caring, nursing know-how — that nurses save lives, prevent suffering, and save money.”

save lives, prevent suffering, and save money

Save money! Oh, yes! Nurses must know a lot of remedies while the medication is not at hand, before a diagnosis and treatment of an ill should be made. Understanding what the environment can offer to decrease high body temperature. Instructing patients that handwashing should be a habit. Some fruits and vegetables which are high in vitamin C must be eaten. These are just examples of saving money for the patients or patients to-be.

Life after the NLE is to become a nurse. However, I'm not saying it's a must. A lot of Filipino professional nurses ended up as a rich call-center agent, excellent richer ELS teachers and some richest networking marketers. These were their choice but ended happy and contented. For the surviving nurses on the nursing field, just keep competing!

Be motivated! There is so much ahead of us. Breathe. Attend to your needs. Eat for atleast 20 minutes. Empty your bladder atleast 2 times your shift! Imagine a nursing job that pays you satisfaction.

Be educated! Don't stop learning. Attend seminars. Read books. Watch related videos about a skill. Ask your seniors about updates. Read new branded medications. Sacrifice atleast 10 minutes for research.

Be inspired! think about your family. Connect with them when you are away.Think of the places you want to travel. Read hirings  for nurses which is suitable for your needs. Connect with people who are humble and  generous of their time to teach you new things.

Learn to do new other things besides nursing the sick. Plan for small business. Save money for adventures. Earn for your future family. Invest. Think wide. Plan for an early retirement.

Build a positive attitude! Cleaning the poop is not the only thing we can offer. There's more. Let us smile and be fruit full of our work. Refrain from complaining even if you want to tell the patient,  "it's already end of my shift, let the next shift nurse help you about it(I've tried that and it didn't feel good at all)".

These are just some of the things we should focus on. Love our selves as we love our work. The patients gave us our job. Yes, I have to remind myself all of these things. let us motivate each other.

Attention nurses, take full advantage of whatever opportunity has to offer.

If you want to know what I do besides nursing, please check more About Me

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ARE YOU READY TO DONATE BLOOD?

Yesterdays blog was about the benefits of Blood Donation. Are you curious how is the actual donation? Before that, you must ask yourself first if you really are into it!

 Be prepared!

Ask the following questions to yourself. If your answer is yes then you are ready to donate :)

 1. Are you ready for a large bore needle? :) Don't worry. That pain/ sacrifice can make a difference! It can take you around 20 minutes to fill a blood bag. And it takes a lifetime to feel great about saving a life.

2. Are you willing to donate without monetary incentives? This is a voluntary work. Consent are being taken before the procedure.

3. Are you 18 year old and above? If no, consent must be taken from your parents to allow you to donate.

4. Are you happy of helping other people to make a difference?

5. Do you think you are fit enough to donate? No infectious blood related diseases?

If all of your answers are yes! then You might be the one the red cross is looking for!

Join us now!

Also check:  The Benefits of Donating Blood

If it happens that this article helped you in some way, please like my fan page below ;)

I have decided to blog more about health related topics to promote health education. As a nurse in an Arab country, I have a hard time imparting my knowledge about health related issues specifically on nursing care due to the language. Blogging is one way of supporting information dissemination so I decided to start writing about health issues. If you want to know more about me, please don't hesitate to check my ABOUT ME PAGE

 

BENEFITS OF DONATING BLOOD

My 22-year-old sister  was awarded as a "Blood Galloner" for donating blood more than 5 times (probably 7 times already), since 2010. I was  able to donate blood two times. My sister and I are encouraging 'the capables' to donate blood for the sick. And for youself.
  

 All blood types are needed all over the world!

Don't you know that donating blood can give you benefits?

Let me tell you some of the benefits of donating blood.

 1. It can lower the risk of heart diseases. Letting go of blood means letting go of excess iron in the body. Iron hastens (speeds) the oxidation of cholesterol leading to damage of arteries which can cause cardiovascular diseases. This is one reason why some researchers believe that men have higher risks for cardiovascular diseases than of women. This is probably because women more likely loses blood during menstruation and pregnancy. 

2. Giving blood can stimulate your kidneys and bone marrow to produce new blood. That's the good news. The body can produce millions of red blood cells every second. The kidneys sends off a special protein called erythropoietin, passes through the blood stream going to the bone marrow. The erythropoietin sends a message to the stem cell (produced in the bone marrow) to produce more red blood cells. 

3. You will feel great helping a person who will live with your blood. Millions of people die due to loosing of blood. Donating just 470 ml from your 4.7 Liters- 5 Liters (for an average adult) won't be that much. This is giving you the choice of helping a sick from the heart. By the way, this is a voluntary act. You are unpaid for this action.

4. The red cross offers non monetary benefits such as priority in case of blood shortage, first aid kits, t-shirts or other things which the red cross organization in your community have decided to give as a sign of recognition. In Italy, they can have a paid holiday upon donation day (I hope that this happens also in the Philippines). The Malaysian Government also offers free outpatient treatment for every blood donation.

5. Free juice and cookies (sometimes bread). The blood donation centers also have funds for recognizing the generous blood donors. This small incentive is not to encourage people to donate but to simply acknowledge them for their generosity.

6. Free measurement for Blood Pressure, Blood Typing and also to check whether the person has infectious blood like Hepatitis and HIV or AIDS. This is mainly for the donor and the recipients safety. Some are deferred in donating blood due to health risks. Some donors don't know they have blood related diseases and just by donating blood, these were detected.

7. Giving blood to people who needs your blood and prioritizing yourself having blood bags for you in case you need them.

Okay, are you ready to feel great about donating your blood?

If it happens that this article helped you in some way, please like my fan page below ;)

I have decided to blog more about health related topics to promote health education. As a nurse in an Arab country, I have a hard time imparting my knowledge about health related issues specifically on nursing care due to the language. Blogging is one way of supporting information dissemination so I decided to startwriting about health issues. If you want to know more about me, please don't hesitate to check my ABOUT ME PAGE

 
Below are some of the websites you can look at to read more about the benefits of donating blood:

http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood
http://www.quora.com/Blood-Donation/How-long-does-it-take-the-human-body-to-replace-a-pint-of-donated-blood
 http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/06/04/giving-blood-may-provide-health-benefits-for-obese/

 

 

What not to Wear!

I have been crazy watching females transforming into their best look in What Not To Wear as co-hosted by Stacy London. Stacy London is a fashion consultant and has been a fashion editor in a popular American Publication Vogue. Aside from co-hosting with Clinton Kelly of What not to wear, she also has a segment 'Ask Stacy'. I can say that Stacy London is one of my stylish icon as of the moment. As a grown up woman, I would like to dress up like her showing the real me; evaluated with good criticisms and not be misinterpreted with my clothes.

All I am saying is that everybody needs makeover. A real makeover to put you simply at your best . Actually,  I  be can be a prospect as 'guilty' for this show. I don't follow the rules of dressing because i really don't know what suits me. I'd love to be their guest and I'll be ready to embrace whatever Stacy and Clinton have to say.

Let's get to the point, here are some of the rules I've learned from Stacy and Clinton:

1. V-necks can make your neck longer. If you felt that you are showing too much skin, you can use a  necklace to fill in that "negative space" as quoted by Stacy. Wearing a lace camisole underneath is also a great option. That's one way of what they call "layering".

2. One basic must have, Little Black Dress (LBD). You can have it short just above the knee. Above the knee-length dresses are wearable from daytime to semi-formal wear.

3. An hour glass shape of your body should be emphasized. You can achieve this by accentuating the narrowest part of your waist. You can simple use a belt or your waist. Or wear a high waisted pencil skirt emphasizing the narrowest and widest part of your hip. Wrap around dresses are also best in achieving an hour glass shape.

Till here for now. If in some way this helped you have ideas on dressing. please like my fanpage below :

If you want to read more about what I do? PLease check my  ABOUT ME PAGE

 

 

Solution to Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums?

If you experience seeing the spitted toothpaste colored dark brown or reddish on your lavatory, be warned. That could mean that you have gum diseases or you have been using the wrong tooth brush, unless you had eaten or drank a red-tinged food or drink that caused the alarming color in the spits after brushing.

I experienced the same thing for the past three months. I was alarmed but never had the chance to go for a check-up. That’s the time I have been searching the net for answers.

Using the right tooth brush for you is very important. Soft bristled toothbrush could be the best for everybody. I changed by toothbrush into a children’s toothbrush. I did not have bleeding gums anymore.

Some of us would think of whitening their teeth by using a hard-bristled brush. You might be using the wrong method. Toothpaste, bleaching agents, and avoiding beverages that stain teeth are solutions for whitening. Tooth brushing is an important method of removing plaques, preventing cavities, and maintaining a fresh breath.

FACT: Dentists say that plaques are soft and should be remove without force.

Using soft bristled toothbrush is best recommended. Nevertheless, its size should be enough to reach the farthest teeth at the back of your mouth.

Forcing and the use of hard toothbrush can result to gum irritation which results to bleeding. However, this is not the only reason for gum bleeding. It could be gingivitis ! If you think that changing your tooth brush did not relieve bleeding and you find your gums looks reddish or grayish, GO FOR A CHECK-UP.

*note: I am not a dentist. I am a nurse. These information written above were advised to me by my dentist and readings thru internet.  Want to know more about me? Check my About me Page. Click here

 

My Stand for the RH Bill

I am Catholic, a nurse, a woman and a Filipino. I think this qualifies me to have an opinion about the controversial RH bill.

I say NO to RH bill. Maybe many would agree with me and some would not. For those  who plan to disagree with me, this is what we call FREEDOM of speech. I am encouraging you all to think and believe in yourself that you can make a DECISION for yourself and for this popular matter. And that would be I think a good thing for all of us Filipinos. Bringing out how other people feel and letting them think would be a good purpose of this article.

I am just making my choice! Being a 24 year old who can manage to VOTE my president is another thing that qualifies me to make an opinion about this.

The Catholic Church made their minds! They even threatened The President Aquino that they will retrieve their support for him if this will be passed. On the other side, the President said that he is not promoting the bill. He is a Catholic himself. He stated that he is promoting responsible parenthood rather than reproductive health .read more

How about YOU? Mr. President Aquino had already stated his stand ( yet not clearly). Are you saying Yes? No? Still can't decide? It could be difficult when you do not know what is in it. Read! try to  click this. This was the first article I read after searching the internet. This has a summary of the anti-RH bill and pro-RH bill. A lot of citations can also be found here linking you to other articles regarding the matter. Or check out

University of Santo Thomas Publication criticized the bill. click the link for more info- l
visit this

Garin, Ilo-ilo First District Rep,  says we need to debate on RH bill rather than protest rallies. To read about this article .click this

These are just some to help you understand why others oppose and why others support the RH bill. But you need to read more. Have a full understanding of yourself and of the topic.

I won't be giving my ideas YET on the RH bill. Before I tell you why I made my choice this way, you must also tell me yours. I encourage you to make your own blog about issues like this. If you want to know more about blogging just email me - january29mae@gmail.com / yvonnetuguinay@yahoo.com.

I hope that this has awakened you to get involve regarding a Church and State issue. The RH bill is blending in. :)

Still, until nobody has proven me that contraceptives are hundred percent pro-life and it can  solve sexual promiscuity, I'll still say NO to RH BILL. This is my freedom of speech.
 If you are ready to tell your opinion- click this  :  and you can say your opinion about it.

Say YES to words of FREEDOM/ WISDOM

P.S. <br /><br />The above post is brought to you by Yvonne Tuguinay, who likes helping people achieve their dreams with the help of the internet. Click here to learn more about Yvonne Tuguinay</a>.

Tithe or not to Tithe

I was amazed by how beautiful the Churches of Iglesia Ni Cristo is. When I was younger, my mom told me that the members of the said Church practice tithing strictly. That is how tithing was introduced to me.I decided, I want to tithe someday and on that 'someday', I'll be rich yet generous. During those times, I was still a student so I never had the chance of tithing.

Guess what! I am already practicing tithing. I am earning 340 Jordanian dinar (try multiplying it by 58-60, then that is what it's equivalent to peso), while working here in Jordan. It's not that much from what is being expected from an OFW nurse. I'll be telling you more later on my blogs how I am starting to save from this salary of mine. Hush! Yes I am giving it back to the Lord.

Ages ago, tithing was in a form of what has been produced in their farms or in the form animals. They call it as a sacrifice. Tithing has been practiced since before which can be supported by bible verses in the old bible. Nowadays, Christians have divided views. Some says it is not necessary to give tithe as long as you don't neglect love, honesty, etc. Christian duties. Some would say that, this is an act of FREE WILL. It is just a matter of sharing a tenth of your wealth to God as a sign of gratitude.

I am a Catholic by Religion. Personally, I haven't heard our priest about obligating us to tithe. Charities (such as donations of cash or kind to the poor, abandoned, and the sick, etc,.) has been mentioned more than the word tithing. However, I often heard tithing in the television when I watch some Catholic spiritual guides such as The Word Exposed and The Light of Jesus Community.

In Islam, they are practicing Zakat, or alms-giving,  giving the poor a certain amount from their income for charitable purposes. It may be in a form of agriculture, money or poultry.

A lot of people have testified that tithing has changed their value for money and even changed their lives in general. They were blessed with abundance and financial stability.

I am writing not to encourage you to tithe. My purpose is remind you that we also have a responsibility to give back to God what has been given to us. These elements has been given by God and we can give it back to God by helping others who are in need.

Thanks for reading.

Yvonne Mae A. Tuguinay
january29mae.blogspot.com
maenee.posterous.com

P.S. <br /><br />The above post is brought to you by Yvonne Tuguinay, who likes helping people achieve their dreams with the help of the internet. Click here to learn more about Yvonne Tuguinay</a>.

NEW ONLINE Business

IF you are busy and can't look for another side line to support your financial needs, try this. watch the video below: If you are interested, then you can add me as a friend in facebook and personally message me :)