Know Your Health

Did you know...

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are a leading cause of varicose veins.

Obesity, genetics and prolnged standing also affect the chances of developing varicose veins.

Being a woman makes you more likely to develop varicose veins, but men get them too.

Regular exercise can elp to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins.

Are You Losing Sleep?

Take note women! I've read a fact about a medical finding from sleep specialist Charlene Gamaldo of Johns Hopkins about a sleep apnea research.

Sleep apnea has been mostly focused on men. It may not hold true for women who have commonly cited symptoms such as excessive snoring at night and daytime sleeping and who are more likely to complain about trouble falling and staying asleep.
That means that these women are frequently misdiagnosed and their sleep complaints often blamed on anxiety or insomnia.

According to Dr. Gamaldo, if you experience insomnia-like symptoms, feel irritable during the day and have trouble concentrating, it's worth seeing your doctor to ask about a sleep study.

Kmart is Back with BlueLight Specials!

Hey, Kmart shoppers! You've got to hurry and be sure to check Kmart Bluelight specials! This will be a great chance for you to get big savings while doing your shopping needs at Kmart. The big sale will be good for one day only on August 15, 2009. It's an all-day Saturday affair with lots of special offers on all items from furnitures to grills and jewelries at Bluelight special prices.
The other piece of good news is that both online shoppers and actual store shoppers can avail of these more than 40 Bluelight specials throughout the day.
You can get really affordable school items as well such as kids backpacks for more than half the price! Also, you can purchase two 70 counts notebooks and get one free. Patio furnitures are 70% off and another extra 20% off during bluelight sale, and an American Fare Vita-Water for a dollar!
For jewelry lovers, you'll gonna love Kmart more :)!. Just check on their diamond jewelry items which are 70% off this week plus an extra 10% discount during bluelight specials.
As I've said, this is a big sale for only a day. Hhmmmm...I think I have to check it tonight. I'm driving up to Kmart to see what's in there so I would be ready for the BIG day tomorrow, lol! I am actually 5 minutes away, isn't that great? - Wow!
By the way, don't forget to follow or subscribe to Kmart on Twitter.

Have a Cancer-Free Skin!

Don't you think we should be protective about our skin care? Perhaps, the following recommendations might be of great help courtesy of dermatologists from John Hopskins :).

• Slather sunscreen. - apply liberally and frequently with an SPF of 30 or higher.

• Decrease exposure. - avoid long periods under the sun, particularly between 10am and 3pm.

• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. - despite manufacturer's claims, there is no such thing as safe UV radiation!

• Screen your skin. - a strange looking mole or a family history of skin cancer warrants a visit to a dermatologist.

Enjoy the summer!

Powerful Tools for Investors

Are you a stock trader or perhaps an avid options trader and still searching for various ways for a better way of finding stocks that look promising as well as finding the best options?
Then, why not check options screener by PowerOptions? It offers an effective array of tools that help many investors make money. With PowerOptions, it provides you essential data you need to invest with stock options through their options screener tools that help you find the best returns. With the help of their SmartSearchXL options screener technlogy, you can best find, compare, analyze and make money on stock option trading.
You can try and check the system for a free 14-day trial and see it for yourself. Check the site and you can even read about investment articles for free.

Philippines' Ex-President Cory Aquino is Gone!

Yes, to many Filipino people, Cory Aquino maybe gone physically, but her memories will live forever. She finally joined her creator on August 1, '09 (Philippine time) and it was overwhelming to see her supporters, friends, colleagues and families are all there. She was just a sweet mother to many, and I am a witness to that. I was there when the peaceful revolution took place, she became the president.

The past few days, I was touched watching her eulogies and the funeral. I spent some tears infront of the TV, lol!

Her life had been very colorful and full of history, and for sure, she will be a hero to many!

Hubby's Birthday!

Today is hubby's birthday. I have some gifts that I bought for him couple days ago, and he didn't know it! So, I will surprise him tonight! I can't drive yet, so it would be obvious to buy something for him if I would let him drive for me going to the store and buy something for him for a surprise, lol! He's always inquisitive, so I don't wanna run out of words :). So, all I did was to order online!

Well, thank goodness, he loves those shirts! Perfect for summer wear. I also thought of taking him to a nearby community night out just to see small things and a short walk.

So, I will have a date with my birthday boy tonight! ;)

Back To School Give Away!

Charter is getting better and better! Following the successful promotion of their HDTV Sweepstakes, Charter has a new promotion called Laptop-a-Day Sweepstakes and they are giving away laptops daily to lucky winners! Please take note, this new promotion has been extended for two more months! Isn't that cool !? :)
Let's face it, this promo is just perfect for both students as well as business people, who are always on the go. Almost everybody is using computers nowadays and laptops are so helpful since they are mobile and can be carried everywhere!.
Lucky daily winners will get an HP 550 Notebook 15-inch with Window Vista that comes in a Neo Tec Compu Backpack. The contest runs from July 15 - September 15.
Furthermore, you can also win a free gift card ranging in value from $25-$100 with Charter's special online deals! There are dozens of gift cards to choose from, just check the details on the homepage for more options. Many gift cards are from major retailers such as restaurants, clothing, home furnishings and accessories, plus a lot more. By visiting the link, you can check all the complete details..
Don't forget to follow Charter on Facebook , or you can add Charter on Twitter for more updates.
Join and register for free to get the hot deals and cool prizes just in time for school.

Driving Lessons...

This summer, I guess I should be putting myself on the driver's seat in preparation for my DL. It's been long overdue, but I felt this is the only chance and time that I am convenient doing it. Besides, if not the endless trips that I have almost every month, I should have been driving by myself already. Well, if many would think it is just easy to get DL, not in Maryland! They require new drivers to complete 60 hours of actual driving with supervision before you can take the road test to DMV.

Gosh, I hate parallel parking!

Precious Metal Investment

There is nothing much better than this site online where you can find the finest rare coin values in the world but Monaco Rare Coin. You can check the site at zoomcoin.com and find more of what Monaco rare coin offers. Monaco Rare Coin has proven itself as a highly trusted coin dealer for almost forty years. As part of the Monex family of companies, it has helped thousands of investors to invest more than $25 billion in hard asset investments which includes rare coins.

Monaco has an established two-way buy-and-sell market for rare coins and precious metals that you can rely on. You will never have doubts in choosing and putting your investment with this company because of its proven expertise and experience of their highly knowledgeable staff of professionals willing to help you with your needs by which they provide you wide range of investment programs to choose from to fit your budget.

Monaco rare coin continues to give its customers better products, better prices, and the best service...all guaranteed! Don't forget to check their internet specials as well.

Did You Know?

It's always a good thing to at least update ourselves with health facts, don't you think? To think that many people are going careless about their health, I guess it's not a waste of time to at least read and know the basic stats of health.

Did You Know that:

• more than 95 million American experiences some kind of digestive problem?
• more than 10 million are hospitalized each year to treat digestive problems?
• digestive diseases rank 2nd among all causes of disability due to illness in the US?
• annual sales of prescription and over-the-counter drugs for GI problems is about $2.5 billion?

Well, isn't it time to slow down eating unhealthy foods? Watch out for your tummy!

Tips to Avoid Fat When Dining Out

It's a challenge when you are eating in a restaurant compared to when you are at home. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Don't be afraid to ask how dishes are prepared and if they can be made differently. Many restaurants take requests to serve foods the way you like such as asking to have fish grilled without butter or oil.
2. Ask for dressing, sauces and gravy on the side so you can use less. Also, you might wanna ask your server if low-fat-salad dressings are available.
3. Avoid deep fried foods. Go for foods that are broiled, grilled, roasted, steamed, paoched or stir fried instead.
4. If you order poultry or meat, trim off all the visible fat.
5. Eat the same amount of food you would if you were at home. If the restaurant meal includes larger portions, set some of it aside and take it home.
6. Choose pasta with tomato based, rather than cream based, sauces.
7. Order dishes with vegetables as key ingredients.

Have a veggie-delish eating!

What Do You Bring To Life With Charter?

Today's technology has changed a lot of people's living lifestyles. Many people and even business companies, public or private have become so much dependent on the use of today's digital tools. Communication has been a lot more easy and convenient because of digital technology.
Thanks to the communication providers of today such as Charter, the fourth largest cable operator in the United States and considered to be a Fortune 500 company. As many know, Charter Communications offers advanced entertainment and communication services that "bring your home to life."

Here's the good news! If you are a Charter Communications user, - phone, internet or cable, you can now start sharing your own story about how you live your digital life, something like what have these digital tools done to you compared to before when you had nothing. By telling your story, you might be one lucky customer to win some great prizes each week. A 15" laptop or a 52" HDTV will be given to one lucky customer each week who share their story. All you have to do is visit them online at charter.com/yourlife and submit your story with your photos and videos showing how you are using your digital tools. At the end of the promo, Charter will be giving away a package prize of one 52" HFTV, one 15" laptop and a free year of charter bundle subscription which includes digital cable with HD and a DVR, a charter high speed internet and telephone.
Don't forget to catch Charter on Facebook too.
Add your story today!

Migraine, Migraine Go Away!

Migraine can really ruin your day! If you think you have it (like I do), always seek your doctor's help.
If there is a banging, clanging gong between your ears, it could be a migraine. Often, this triggers such certain foods that are to be blamed. These include:

• alcohol
• chocolate
• dairy products
• monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food additive
• nuts
• pickles
• processed meats

Skipping meals or bright or flickering lights can also spark migraines. Other factors include weather changes and loud noises. Stress is often the leading cause, but so can the letdown after a period of stress, such as the weekend following a hard week of work. Tiredness or changing sleep patterns are other triggers too.

Summer Denims

Most bottom wardrobes that I have are mostly denims. It's probably because denims are ideal for all-season outfit. Another thing is that, I find denims more sturdy and tough against dirts, stains, etc...the reason why I would always wear them for travel.

I'm glad I saw Armani Exchange. I saw their most recent offer "New Premium Denim starting at $98". Well, not bad for a price too! :). Come to think of it. Denims are considered to be highly durable by many, much more if it's an Armani brand! ;). I don't mind the price as long as it's reasonable and worth it.

I like Armani's two of its special edition styles. I would love to wear this cropped sequin skinny fit denim. I usually prefer skinny fit denims for me because it looks better on me when I can wear it either with open sandals or closed boots in the cooler weather.

I also love the Harem Jean because of its trendy style. (capri style too). You see, I love wearing capris too, and I still buy capri jeans with unique designs as well. I think I look good with capri!

And speaking of the low rise design, I still want to choose the A|X Wing Skinny Fit style. It's good and perfect to pair with both sandals and high rise boots.

And here's some more good news for you! You can get te chance to win a pair of denim daily for the month of July by joining their text A|X contest promo. Just text the keyword "DENIM2" to ARMANI (276264). And if you purchase a full price pair of denim from Armani Exchange either online or in any of its store outlets from July 7-19, 2009, you will receive a gift card of $20 off on your next purchase of $100 or more. The card is valid July 30-August 15, 2009.

So, hurry up! Who doesn't want to own an Armani inspired street-chic culture designs? Isn't it nice to have one free being the lucky one? Try your luck.

Suggested Link:
A|X Blog

Tips For Improving Your Memory

Being forgetful lately? Perhaps the following tips can help:

• Choose a spot. If you're forever losing your keys, eyeglasses, etc..., designate a spot to keep them when you're not using them.
• Make a list. It's OK. Even the simple act will help reinforce your memory.
• Talk to Yourself. Saying "I've shut the garage" to yourself after you've done it gives you an extra verbal reminder-in case you forget.
• Visualize. Create a visual image in your mind to make incoming information more memorable.
• Use mnemonics. Mnemonics are memory aids - rhymes and acronyms, for example-that can help you remember lists, name, addresses and so on.
• Get your ZZZs. Studies show that people remember recently learned information if they've had a good night's sleep.
• Get Moving. Keeping up the blood flow to your brain enhances its cognitive functioning.
• Eat for your brain. Hear-healthy foods also protect the brain. Fruits and vegetables, cold-water fish, and nuts such as almonds, pecans an walnuts may help keep your memory strong.
  

Market Communications

There are lots of telecommunication providers today, but Market Communications is worth checking out ;). It is due to the fact that tis company is no ordinary telecommunication provider because it specializes in turn-key solutions such as IP solutions/PBX, high speed data, voice recoding solutions, wireless solutions, and many more.
Market Communications, based its headquarters in New York offers 24x7 full service and provides responsive, timely and cost effective technical support and maintenance alternatives to IPC trading systems.
Most common today being used by many business establishments, public or private is the highly in demand use of wireless solutions. They have wireless Mesh Network solution which avoids the hassles of dealing too much wires. It guarantees the ease of use featuring automatic configurations as well as the firetide mesh network can operate as a virtual switch. Well, it's basically avoiding all the hassles and messes! :).
Come check more of their products and services and see for yourself what fits your needs.

Tips in Returning Items Purchases Online

Purchasing an item online may be simple, easy and convenient, but some shoppers encounter problems when returning the items purchased on the web. The BBB Code of Online Business Practices advises merchants to clearly disclose their return or refund policies on their website including how customers can make returns or exchanges; obtain refunds/credits; or cancel a transaction; and any associated time limitations or fees. If such information is not posted, here are the tips:

• Find out which location to return the items. Does it go back to a mailing address or can you return it to a retail store? If the company's return policy is not listed on the site, call or send an email to request specifics.
• Don't delay. Many sites have time limits for returns. Notify the company by email to let them know that a return is on the way. Put the time and date in the body of your email message and type "return" or "exchange" in the subject line of your email. Print or save the email message and any response you may receive.
• Expect to pay some fees. Companies that have web-only businesses typically charge customers a restocking fee or shipping and handling fee on returned merchandise. If you're a long time customer or purchased the item using the merchant's credit card, mention that fact and ask for a waiver of the fees.
• Keep the original packaging. If you know you don't want the gift, don't open the box or break the manufacturer's seal. If you have already opened the box, make sure you return all parts and packaging materials in the original box.
• Be patient, but persistent. If the merchant ignores your requests or communications, file a complaint online with the BBB.
  

It's a Blu World!

I bet by now, too many are starting to get crazy about BluFrog. Why? You better check out the most recent surprises you can win on the given link. BluFrog is currently conducting a contest called "It's a Blu World" and is giving away five (5) Blu prizes!

The best thing in the contest is that you don't need to purchase anything to join the contest or claim your prize, and neither buying can help you get better chances.

As long as you are a legal resident of the US and is at least eighteen (18) years of age, you are eligible to join. There are three options you can do to join.
First, you can place your comments on their contest page, (the link is provided on the Contest Official Rules page). You can reflect on your comment which experience you want to win and why.

Second, use the twitter to tweet out why BluFrog is better in 140 characters or less. You must include a link (also provided on the official rules page) from your tweet in order to be registered for the contest.

Third, if you are a blogger and loves to write, this is your chance to write a blog post about the contest telling about which experience or prize you want to choose if you won. Take note that each comment, tweet and post counts as one registration. So, you can register up to three times! Cool, isn't it?...and much more exciting :).

You can further check the grand prize on the contest page. Be ready to become a jet setter if you are one lucky guy, because the prize will be trip tickets to the place of your choice. That would be one true awesome fun to do, right?

Have fun with BluFrog! :)

Happy Philippine Independence Day!

I am at least 9,000 miles away from my beloved country, but being in here in America for a little of more than 3 years, I still have a strong patriotic heart for the Philippines. Of course, I still be finding myself going home and visit Philippines from time to time just to lessen my homesickness...ahhh, it's still my strong thinking to remember the time when my country learned to stand on its own...the first time she got freedom, and the sweet taste of it.

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

Tips For Sleeplessness

If you are having episodes more than 3 nights a week for longer than a month, you should see a doctor. But if occasional sleepless night is your problem, Dr. Smith recommends these tips:

• Back off caffeine. Especially watch for the hidden caffeine in so-called energy drinks.

• Avoid alcohol during bedtime. Eventhough it's a sedative, alcohol may make it difficult to stay asleep.
• Stay away from over-the-counter sleep aids. They're counterproductive and can lead to a habit.
• Stick to an exercise routine. But not within an hour or 2 before bedtime.
  

Losing Sleep?

Take note women:

Sleep apnea research has been mostly focused on men. The commonly cited symptoms such as excessive snoring at night and daytime sleepiness may not hold true for women, who are more likely to complain about trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. That means, that these women are frequently misdiagnosed and their sleep complaints often blamed on anxiety or insomnia.

If you experience insomnia like symptoms, feel irritable during the day and have trouble concentrating, it's worth seeing your doctor to ask about a slep study.

You don't have to count sheep!!! Let the experts uncover what's keeping you awake at night.

Phishing - Don't Be A Victim

"Phishing" is a form of social engineering. Phishing attacks use email, malicious web sites or even your telephone to solicit sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. Whether by telephone or online, phishers masquerade as a trustworthy source, such as your employer, your bank or your credit card company. When the target of these scams responds with the requested information, the attacker can use it to gain access to the victim's accounts. When phishing is done online, a victim may be tricked into opening email attachments that contain malicious software or into visiting innocent looking web sites that are designed to put malware on the victim's computer. Malware is a term used to describe a wide variety of software designed to infect your computer and steal your information.

Attackers may employ a highly targeted phishing attack known as "spear phishing". In spear phishing attack, the emails sent to potential victims contain enough personal or organizational information to make them appear legitimate and genuine. These emails target a smaller pool of potential victims and the likelihood of a victim falling for the scam is greater. The attacks are designed to acquire information which will allow the attacker to gain access to other computer systems or even an entire network.

General Precautions:

• DO NOT trust unsolicited emails that ask for personal or sensitive information.
• DO NOT click links in unsolicited email messages.
• Treat ALL email attachments with caution.
• Pay attention to the address of a website. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the address may use a variation in spelling or a different domain.
• NEVER reveal personal or financial information in a response to an email request, no matter who appears to have sent it. Legitimate organizations don't ask for this information via email.
• NEVER reveal personal information, financial information, or information about your computer credentials at work in a response to a telephone call without verifying the legitimacy of the call.
• If you receive an email message that appears to be from a legitimate source but is suspicious, call the person or organization listed in the From line before you respond to the message or open any atached files. Do not use any phone number listed in the email. Call a known legitimate number, such as found in Outlook, the phone book, on your account statements, or on the back of your credit card. Area codes in phishing messages can be misleading. Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund". Because they use internet-based telephony, the area code you call does not necessarily reflect where the scammers really are.
  

Want to Ride Manta?

Have you checked Seaworld's newest attraction yet? This newest ride has just recently been opened this May, so you might wanna check it out! To all Seaworld fans out there, here's another thrilling ride for you! How do you like it to be spinning and gliding and skim and fly like a giant ray once you are on this flying roller coaster ride? Take note, this is considered to be one of its kind in the world.
This head-first, face-down thrill ride is called Manta. Here's the real catch. You can join the manta quiz by checking out the "Participate and Win" section. Just follow the six easy steps of activities and feel free to participate. By doing all the six activities you can get your own "front-of-the-line" pass to Manta at Seaworld in Orlando.
It's learning and fun at the same time, don't you think? By the way, when you complete at least 2 of the Manta site activities, you will earn one complimentary electronic photograph from your Manta ride experience. Of course, completing the six activities will get you straight ahead to "front-of-the-line" pass as mentioned previously.
So, who loves roller coaster rides? Manta is somewhat unique from other roller coaster rides. It's like you're riding with the manta ray...but on steel rails! :). The 32 riders are attached securely to the manta's belly, lying prone and face down. Of course, you will be on a real thrill ride at highway speeds, - flying, gliding, soaring and spinning.

Go, go, go thrill riders!... you're next!

Stress Attack

Physical and emotional stress has yet another downside in its cause-effect arsenal: a faux heart attack, also called broken-heart syndrome. Medical researchers report that people who undergo severe emotional or physical stress have all the symptoms of a heart attack-except it's not.

Those stressors might include the loss of a loved one, for example. Or they might include severe migraines, stroke or asthma flare-ups. The good news is that unlike a real heart attack, a broken heart syndrome attack doesn't have any lasting damage-but it can be just as frightening. What's happening is the sudden release of neurohormones into the bloodstream-up to 20 times what is normal. This basically stuns a person's heart, making it look injured and weak. But within 2 or 3 weeks, the heart is back to normal. That's unlike an authentic heart attack in which damage to the heart is permanent.

It's Show Time! - How To Create Your Backyard Cinema

1. Find a Screen. If you don't happen to have a big white garage, buy blackout cloth from a fabric store. Roll it up after the show.

2. Keep it Simple. Leave most of your indoor system intact by sending the signal off a laptop or portable DVD player.

3. Skimp on Sound. Some empty lot isn't the place to show off those 900-watt cherrywood floor standers. Use powered computer speakers.

4. Prevent trips. Keep cords neatly together and hidden by splitting a garden hose lengthwise and using it as a conduit for cables.

There you go, guys! Enjoy the show :).

When Should You Go To The Emergency Room?

Dr. Lamm says if you have difficulty breathing, chest or upper abdominal pain that persists, fainting, changes in your vision, uncontrolled bleeding from any site, coughing or vomiting of blood, neurological changes such as trouble speaking, or suicidal feelings, it's time to go to your emergency room ASAP!

Shark-Fishing, Anyone?

Gear up! Here are your shark-snaring essentials.

1. Shakespeare Tidewater Bigwater Rod - tested for 130 pounds of weight, this fiberglass fish stick with heavy-duty stainless-steel guides can drag in almost anything that dares to take a bite. Just make sure your guns are pumped or else you'll be in for a frustrating afternoon of tug of war.

2. Mustad Circle Hook - Want to avoid ripping open the stomach of your catch - potentially killing a fish you don't even bring on board? Try a circle hook, which slides out of the shark's stomach and pierces his jaw.

3. Penn Special Senator Reel - To pull aboard a sea monster that's been ruling the deep for thousands of years, use a precision-machined spinner that won't fail you at the last second.

4. Alutecnos The Pro Fighting Harness - If you think those puny appendages you call arms can haul in an eight-foot tiger shark all by themselves, go ahead and try, tough guy! If your rod doesn't get yanked overboard, strap on this back-reinforcing harness to help pull in your prey.

The Best Cure For Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that is stimulated by moisture. Avoid it by not sharing footwear and making sure you don't wear the same shoes every day. Let things dry out. Should you catch it anyway, Lamisil and other over-the-counter products work effectively.

The fungus causes a break in the skin. Scratching introduces bacteria, which can cause cellulitis and require hospitalization.

How To Surround-Sound a Small Apartment

1. Buy a single system. According to Keith Claytor of Klipsch Audio Technologies, mismatching means, "if a plane flies by on your TV, it'll go from sounding like a fighter jet to a Cessna."
2. Place them properly. Try to make a triangle between where you're sitting and the left and right speakers. The center channel should be as close to the TV as possible.
3. Decorate. Adding a carpet or curtains absorbs some sound, so you don't get as many reverberations. Think of it like talking in an empty room-furniture will soften the echo."
4. Don't overdo it. A 6.1 or 7.1 system steers the sound to specific locations in a room. Or you can get a good 5.1 system with bookshelf speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer.