Be vigilant, tell your doctor and nurse to wash hands

As professionals who are in charge of our health when we are in the hospital, it is part of the doctors' and nurses' duty to observe proper hand hygiene. Every time they touch you or your kid, they risk spreading harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. That's why it is important that they wash hands before and after touching a patient or a patient's environment.

 

In the event that you or your child becomes hospitalized, it is within your right as patient to remind them to wash their hands before touching you. Please read on the advisory released by Asian Hospital and Medical Center.

 

 

 

 

 

How to make your kids love eating vegetables



[Photo courtesy of Dreamstime. (C) Andrei Zdetovetchi]

Most kids don't like to eat vegetables because they associate them with bitter taste. This is one of the most persistent problems that mommies have to deal with, at least until our kids grow old enough to weigh the pros (i.e., good health, glowing skin, better bowel movement, etc.) and cons (i.e., bitter or undesirable taste) of eating vegetables. The problem is, we usually carry what we usually dislike to eat during childhood to adulthood. That's why it is important that we teach our children to eat -- no, to love eating -- vegetables.

 

Here are some tips to help mommies succeed in this challenge:

1. Use sauces and dressing. A delicious sauce or dressing is immensely helpful in creating an irresistible vegetable dish. To make basic salad dressing, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. You may also add crushed garlic, herbs, and a bit of pureed raspberries, leaving it to marinate in the fridge as you use it, for a richer flavor. If you want to go for a rich and creamy dressing without dairy, puree some avocado with water, a pinch of salt, and whatever seasonings you like. If you like Asian flavors, a dressing of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a touch of toasted sesame oil is wonderful.
2. Choose mild-flavored vegetables. The stems of broccoli, for example, has less bite than the florets and red and yellow peppers are sweeter than the green variety. Young vegetables also have softer flavor so baby spinach, zucchini, and others can be helpful in introducing and helping the kids develop a taste for the fully-grown ones. You can also mix vegetables and root crops that have more sugar or have sweet underlying taste like squash, butternut, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets with other varieties to make them easier to eat.
3. Camouflage. If all else fails, camouflage the vegetables by blending them into soups; hiding them in a dip; and grinding and mixing them in meatballs, pies, or smoothies. For example, you can add a few leaves of lettuce to a banana-peach smoothie and see if you can get away with it.
4. Marinate. Some of the bitter vegetables can be marinated before cooking to reduce their bitterness. Vegetables like eggplant, broccoli, and turnip are particularly bitter and are much more appealing when you rub them with some salt and let sit for 15 minutes before cooking. You can also add soy sauce to the marinade to give them savory flavor and to neutralize the bitterness. Balsamic vinegar and other flavorful sauces are also excellent marinades.
5. Choose your cooking method. Some vegetables like broccoli are better blanched while some are better roasted so do some research before preparing your dish. Also, avoid overcooking. Some vegetables, especially those that belong to the cabbage family, become more bitter when overcooked.
6. Make it look fun. Put some love in your presentation! Make a colorful bento or arrange the vegetables on their plate so that they will be encouraged to use their imagination and create stories while enjoying them.
7. Teach by example. Let them see you eat vegetables -- make it evident that you are enjoying them while you're at it -- during family meal time. When you go to the supermarket to buy groceries, tell them fun trivia about the vegetable that you're buying. That will help them appreciate vegetables more. :)

Double the love with home-cooked adobo

My family loves adobo, be it chicken or pork or combination of both meat. There simply is no dish that reminds us of Filipino hospitality and warmth of home better than adobo.

However, as a working mom, I sometimes find it too time-consuming to go through the usual process of cooking a traditional adobo. So I tried to make my own recipe. It's a one-pot adobo that I can leave to cook for 35 minutes while I do other things.

Ingredients:

8 pieces chicken drumstick (you may choose other chicken parts or substitute it with pork cubes, depending on your preference)

2 thumb-size ginger, thinly sliced

5 cloves of garlic, crushed

1 piece long green pepper (optional)

3 pieces laurel leaves (optional)

2 tablespoons ground pepper (optional)

2 cups soy sauce

1 cup cane vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar (for healthier option, you may use 1 can of pineapple juice)


How to cook:

1. In a pot, combine all ingredients and massage the mixture on the meat.

2. Cook over medium heat for 35 minutes or until the mixture has caramelized.

3. After 25 minutes, turn the meat over to make sure that they are evenly soaked in the mixture.

3. Serve with brown rice for a delicious, fiber-rich meal.

Treat the fam to FREE French Vanilla Latte this Oct. 27-29

Starbucks is giving October a sweet ending! Treat the family to a romantic blend of French Vanilla Latte from October 27 to 29 at any Starbucks store in the Philippines. See the mechanics below.

 

 

SHARE A STARBUCKS LATTE MOMENT

Promo Mechanics:

1. The “Share a Starbucks Latte Moment” will run from October 27 to 29, 2014 in all Starbucks stores in the Philippines.
 
2. Customers who will purchase a French Vanilla Latte (hot, iced or blended) will receive a second French Vanilla Latte for free.
 
3. Offer is limited to a maximum of two (2) purchased French Vanilla Lattes per transaction.
 
4. This promotion cannot be combined with other offers or promotions.  
 
5. Beverage Star(s) will be earned for the purchased beverage(s) when paid using the Starbucks Card.

Per DTI-FTEB SPD Permit #5361, Series of 2014

Bring the kids to their doctor even if they're not sick

[Photo courtesy of Dreamstime. (C) Angela Farley]

The latter part of the year, especially during the -ber months, is when children get sick more often. More children catch colds, cough, and flu as the temperature changes from hot and humid in the summer to cold and wet starting July onward. To keep our kids healthy, we need to make sure that their immunity is strong. 

Doctors often say that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Preventive measures (i.e. getting proper amount of sleep, eating a balanced diet, engaging in physical activities, taking of supplements, etc.) are cheaper and easier to apply. There is really no need for us to risk our children having complications later on, which can easily cost a fortune and endanger their lives,  by being complacent about their health.

Bringing our kids to their pediatrician, even if they are not sick, is important in safeguarding their health. A complete physical exam, including eye and ear check up, can help your doctor identify if your child has any abnormalities or if he/she is at risk of developing any health problems. The pediatrician will also keep you informed on what immunizations your child needs.

If you don't have a family pediatrician yet, here are some tips that you might want to consider when choosing a doctor:

• Ask a family or trusted friend for referrals.
• Make sure that the doctor is board-certified. It will help if you can find out his/her affiliations and training background.
• Choose a doctor that has a clinic in a hospital. This will make it easier for you and your child in case he/she need to be admitted or have laboratory tests and procedures done.
• Find out if the doctor can be reached during holidays and after clinic hours for advice and other medical matters. Clarify if there will be extra charges for these kinds of service. Also, ask if the doctor can refer you to another physician nearby if an emergency happens and he/she is not in town
• Make sure to find out the doctor's professional fee. Don't forget to ask if the doctor is covered by your healthcare plan, PhilHealth, or insurance.

Why I'd take my son to Belcuisine, Alabang

When preparing meals for my family, it is important for me to use fresh, natural, clean, and safe ingredients and just the right amount of salt or sugar and other spices. As much as possible, we try to stay away from drive thrus and fast food because of the unhealthy -- often oily and salty -- food they serve. That's why whenever we go out, I'm always on the lookout for restaurants that serve good quality food products that me and my family can enjoy.
 

Yesterday, my colleagues and I had the opportunity to try Belcuisine in Commerce Center along East Asia Drive in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. We were curious because their materials claim that they serve full course meal with royal service.

Ms. Rosalie Borlado, the Sales and Marketing Manager of the restaurant, welcomed us and guided us to our table. The dining area has a clean, simple but elegant look. The chairs are well cushioned for the comfort of their customers and the place has an easy ambiance that encourages light and bubbly conversations. I personally like the simple floral centerpiece because it made me feel cozy without being too distracting.

The first to come out was a curious appetizer composed of beef ball and boiled egg with dressing. The beef ball was excellent; it was crispy on the outside but creamy and savory in the inside. I immediately thought of Milliard. I just know he'd love it.

 

After we finished the appetizer, they served the chicken soup. It was light with just the right amount of minced vegetables and chicken meat. Make sure to take your time enjoying it so that you won't feel too full come the main course.
 

For the main course, we had braised pork rib with mashed Belgian potatoes, which I easily fell in love with because of its very tender texture and full, savory flavor. The beef dish reminded me of the Filipino adobo but with a twist. It's went well with the crisply fried unsalted potato fries.
 

Ms. Rosalie shared that one of the secrets of Belcuisine's flavors is their ingredients. They only use fresh produce from select suppliers.

"Our potatoes, for example, are not the common variety that you usually find in the markets. We only use Belgian potatoes. Same with our seafood. You'll see the difference. If you try our mussels, for example, you'll know that it's not the same as you commonly buy outside," she shared.
 

Belcuisine's chefs also make sure that the food they serve is always cooked as soon as they receive the order. This is to avoid reheating the food and preserve the flavors and nutrients of the dish.

Our trip to Belcuisine was a good gastronomic experience. I plan to bring my husband and son there sometime soon. I think I'll try their fruit wine next time. The waiter also recommended their pasta for kids so I'll let Milliard try one when we go there for a family date.

 

The only disadvantage is that Commerce Center is not readily accessible. You have to drive there or hire a cab to get there. But, for special occasions, I think it's forgivable and worth the effort.

If you're interested to see their offerings, you may click on the menus below:

 

 

 

Teach your kids to practice good oral hygiene

[Photo courtesy of Dreamstime. (C) Chronis Chamalidis]

We all know that plaque is the natural enemy of our teeth. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria on the surface of our teeth. When it gets in contact with starchy and sugary food, plaque produces acid that can damage the teeth over time.

So how do you teach your kids to protect their gums and teeth?

1. Give them a balanced diet. Eating the right amount of food from the three main food groups allows your child to get important nutrients needed to develop strong and healthy gums and teeth.
2. Keep their snacks nutritious and at a minimum. Our mouth produces less saliva, acid's natural neutralizer, during snack time so avoid giving your kids starchy and sweet food. Choose light snacks that are not sticky, can be easily dissolved, and high in vitamins and minerals.
3. Make your kids brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Use a toothpaste with fluoride and that has been approved by that the Philippine Dental Association and the American Dental Association. When choosing a toothbrush, select a toothbrush that is small enough to comfortably fit in your kid's mouth. Replace the toothbrush every three to four months when the bristles are frayed.
4. Visit your family dentist at least once every six months for cleaning and detailed dental examination.

Don't do what I did, spare your kid from having bad teeth

One of the things that I regret in my seven years of mommyhood is my failure to keep my son's teeth healthy and white.

Yes, my son has many of his teeth eaten away, partly, by cavities. Here are some of the wrong things I did because of ignorance:

I bottle-fed my son with formula milk. I was not educated on exclusive breastfeeding. When I became pregnant with Milliard, there were no visible breastfeeding awareness campaign going around unlike these days. I thought I just happened to be one of those unlucky mothers who do not have capacity to produce enough breastmilk. Now, after learning more about breastfeeding (which I will share with you on another post), I realized that the reason my breastfeeding failed was because I was doing everything wrong. Mommies, there's a reason why breast milk has been identified as the best food for babies up to six months. It's complete, highly nutritious, and only gives your baby what it needs. It also helps prevent many diseases including infections, diabetes, and obesity among others. Breastfeeding also reduces the chance of your child getting ear infection and faster tooth decay, which are often the result of leaving the feeding bottle on the baby's mouth until he/she falls asleep.

I followed the toothpaste fad. Don't get carried away by advertisements on new toothpaste formulas. Dentists still recommend toothpaste with fluoride for better teeth protection.

I let him bring juice to school for everyday baon because he likes it. Juices, especially those that are commercially prepared or are made from powdered fruit juice mix are acidic and high in sugar. Let your child get used to drinking water instead. If it's inevitable for your child to drink juice, teach him to drink water afterward to wash away the remaining acid and sugar in his/her mouth.

I didn't bring him to the dentist regularly. I thought that it's okay because they are just baby teeth; that we should take his teeth seriously when the permanent teeth came out. When his first permanent teeth came out, we brought him to the dentist for cleaning. The dentist was so shocked to see so much cavities on Milliard's teeth. She recommended some treatments to prevent further damage; however, due to financial limitations, we weren't able to comply with the order, which could have been  avoided if we only strictly and consistently taught him to practice proper oral hygiene during his early years.

Dentists recommend that the first examination be done at the time of the eruption of the first tooth and no later than 12 months of age. This is to monitor the development of the child's teeth. "Early detection and management of oral conditions can improve a child’s oral health, general health and well-being, and school readiness. Delayed diagnosis of dental disease can result in exacerbated problems which lead to more extensive and costly care," says the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

So don't repeat my mistakes. Save your children's teeth by doing the following:

• Teach your children to brush their teeth properly and to clean their inner cheeks and tongue as well.
• Help them floss. Children 10 years old and above can already be taught how to floss by themselves.
• Use toothpaste and mouth rinse with fluoride. Make it clear that when they do, they have to spit the toothpaste and the rinse out.

• Make drinking of water after taking in of sweet or acidic food and beverages a habit. 

• Visit your dentist for cleaning and check up at least once every six months.

Baga Manila on cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit in children

Baga Manila, the organizer of the successful food bazaar in Makati Avenue, Makati City, Philippines, launched today a flea market "by the kids, for the kids" at their new venue in Lakefront, Sucat. The Kids Flea Market allows kids to sell their old but usable toys, clothes, accessories, musical instruments, etc.

Seeing that this is a good opportunity for our son to learn how to value money, my husband and I decided to let Milliard participate.

An afternoon of entrepreneurial training

Overall, the Kids Flea Market was a good experience. Milliard met new friends and became aware of the need to earn and save money and to spend them wisely. When asked, Milliard said that he plans to use the money that he earned at the bazaar to help us fix our old desktop computer.

Journey of parents with AD/HD children

Last year, my family joined an outreach program. There were several people who pitched in and came to help during the event as well. One family came with a boy as old as my son. Seeing that there's another kid that he can hang out with, Milliard immediately asked for permission to play with the other boy. We let him go and went on to prepare the gifts that we were going to give away. A few minutes later, he came back and told us that he didn't want to play with the kid anymore because he keeps hitting him. I didn't know what the whole story was so I asked him maybe he was being too aggressive. I suggested to introduce himself first and then ask nicely if there's a game that the other kid would want to play. If he doesn't want to play, maybe they could just chat or draw. Milliard went away again and did as I suggested. After a while, he came back frustrated and discouraged. Apparently, he received the same response. I didn't give much thought about it and dismissed it as the boy having a bad mood. I advised him to just let it go and do something else.

Looking back, I think I should have done more than just talk my son out of trying to connect with the boy. As it turned out, the child has a special condition known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD).

According to the Centers for Disease, Control, and Prevention, ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

Until October 08, 2014, I could honestly say that I have no idea what that means. We were invited to be part of  the 7th National Conference of the AD/HD Society of the Philippines in the University of the Philippines Diliman on that day, which ended my ignorance on the matter. The sessions were very enlightening for me. During the lectures and the open forum, the discussion became emotional as parents of children with AD/HD sought advice from the panel of experts and shared their own experiences. I felt ashamed for my ignorance and at the same time grateful for the opportunity to expand my understanding of it.

The journey of parents of children with this condition is long, challenging, life-changing, enlightening, humbling, and beautiful. According to Dr. Nemencio Santos, Jr., Associate Professor at Far Eastern University and father to a child with AD/HD, there are 9 themes that can describe the parental experiences:

1. Unending Journey

The child with AD/HD is a unique individual with unique needs. The long journey towards raising a chance with AD/HD is a big challenge to all parents. Parents have their own share of unforgettable experiences with their child, which helped them to accept reality, cope with the situation, and become a better person.

2. The Heart that Endures the Countervailing Wind

To learn that your child has AD/HD is very painful. Parents would often blame themselves, thinking that they must have done something that lead to their child's suffering. Then comes despondency. As parents who repeatedly had to defend their child against prejudice, to deal with misunderstanding caused by their child's impulsive behavior, and to struggle against the accumulating stress that result from behavioral seizures of their child, they could help but feel helpless, tired, and depressed. One parent in the forum shared how she and her husband had to keep transferring their child from one school to another because the schools they've been to couldn't understand what their child is going through and didn't have the capacity to help their AD/HD children. She was in tears when she uttered, "Until when are we going to do this? How many times should we explain before they would understand?"All these challenges cause tremendous anxiety, not only for what their child is going through but for what awaits him/her in tge future. However, being parents of children with AD/HD is not all about sadness and despair. It is also a joyful, enriching, and meaningful experience. Despite their condition, children with AD/HD are the most sensitive and loving human beings and they have the ability to make people who love them see the hidden beauty of the things they touch and see the world in a unique way.

3. Driving Towards a Crossroad

Parents often feel like they are crossing a crossroad, especially when it comes to the way of teaching and disciplining their child. They are also often torn between what they feel that they should do and what the people around them expect them to do.

4. A 360 Degree Turn

Parents experience a complete change in perception, attitude, and expectations once they understand and come to terms with the condition of their child. Once they have accepted that their child has AD/HD, they can begin to move forward and find ways to best help their child and themselves. Their relationship with their child and spouse improve as they enrich their lives through seminars, support groups, advocacy, spiritual enlightenment, and other activities.

5. Facing the Hurdles of a Rough Journey

There are many problems that make raising a child with AD/HD extremely challenging. First, there's financial obligations that parents should fulfill. In the Philippines, a consult with psychiatric pediatrician costs an arm and a leg. That, along with therapy sessions, medications, and maintenance of the child's special needs require a huge amount of money and could drag the family into a financial crisis in the long run. There's also the conflict that arises within the family. Sometimes, it takes time before the relatives could understand and accept the child's condition. Because of that, they might try to interfere with the parents' decisions, go against their way of disciplining the child, or unintentionally isolate the child from the rest of the family members. It takes a lot of strength to face these hurdles. Each parent should prepare for a long, arduous  journey if they want to help make their child with AD/HD a functional member of society.

6. The Rocks on a Bumpy Road

It takes determination and a special kind of courage and strength to be able to carry on diespite the many bumps on the road of raising a child with unique needs. The behavioral problems of the child, parenting problems, teaching-learning problems, medical management problems, and financial problems all make the journey very difficult. Parents should brace their heart and and prepare their mind for this long, arduous endeavor. The unconditional love of parents for their child is the best weapon and shield that they have in their armory for this lifelong battle.

7. Embracing Tomorrow's Purpose

Parents worry about their child's future and well-being. Questions like "What will happen to my child?", "Will he be able to finish school and have a career?", "Will he find happiness?", "Can he have a family of his own?, etc. often pop up in our minds. They are also concerned about their child's learning and skills development, safety, and social relationships. Indeed, there are many reasons to be anxious about. The first and most important step to overcome this is through acceptance. By coming to terms with the situation, parents can begin to move forward, set proper and reasonable expectations, seek professional help, and create feasible plans to help manage their child's AD/HD symptoms.

 

8. Muddling Through a Difficult Path

While going through the challenges of raising a child with AD/HD, it is important to remember that you are not alone nor you ever have to be. There are many free resources online that can help you expand your knowledge on the condition. There are also support groups and organizations that can help, guide, and provide you with moral and financial support. More importantly, your family, relatives, and friends can serve as your intimate source of encouragement and affirmation. You just have to help them understand and appreciate your child and your situation better by involving them in the care of your child, engaging them in activities that exposes them to the different sides of your child's personality, and letting them feel that they, too, have roles to play in your child's life.

9. An Extraordinary Roller Coaster Ride

Parents who have children with AD/HD have different memorable, life-changing experiences that helped them become better people. A mother shared during the open forum that because of her child, her perspective in life changed. She became humble, generous, and more appreciative. She is now supporting organizations that help children with special needs. The mother admitted that their lives were indeed full of challenges but, even if she's given another chance, she would still choose to have her son and go through the whole journey again.

I am happy that I was given the chance to have a glimpse of the journey that parents of children with AD/HD go through. I believe that knowing is an important step towards breaking the veil of indifference and changing the world to make it a better place for children with AD/HD to live in.

On teaching our children to go places

Why do we send our children to school? Is it to better their chance of having high-paying job in the future? To give them a legacy? To fulfill our obligation to them as parents? Personally, I just want to equip my son with the values, knowledge, and skills so that he could become a functional member of our society. At the same time, I want him to appreciate how wonderful life is so that he would want to learn more about it, to experience it to the fullest, and to explore the possibilities it presents.

The video that I want to share with you is titled "Above and Beyond." Uploaded on July 27, 2011 and created through the collaboration of members of Partnership for 21st Century Skills and the talented folks at FableVision, it shows what happens when communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity take center stage in schools and how it transforms learning opportunities for kids.

Above and Beyond has been adapted into a children's book called "Going Places." Written by Paul Reynolds and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds, the book was published by Antheneum Books for Young Readers in 2014.

If you can't see the player below, you can watch it directly on YouTube by copying the following URL on your browser: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7KMM387HNQk. Enjoy!

5-year old girl with autism paints amazing images

I came across this news at CNN.COM about a five years old girl with autism. She paints breathtaking images that show the grace, vibrancy, and beauty of life and nature.

I know that raising a happy child in this world full of hate, indifference, and discrimination is very hard to accomplish, more so if the child has a special condition. I was easily filled with admiration for her parents. They must have loved her so much that see came to see the world in a most beautiful way and inspire her to express that perception through art.

What I learned about breast cancer in I Can Serve Foundation's mall event

October is the month when breast cancer advocates and support groups are most visible. This is probably because this is the time when various breast cancer awareness campaigns and programs around the world are activated and receive generous attention from different media organizations.

 

I attended the I Can Serve Foundation, Inc.'s event at the Festival Supermall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City today, which was made possible in partnership with the Gender and Development Office of the City Government of Muntinlupa and the Office of Cong. G. Biazon and in cooperation with Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Makati Medical City,  St. Luke's Medical Center, and the Philippine Army. During the event, Ms. Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, breast cancer survivor, President and one of the founding members of the I Can Serve Foundation, urged women to stay vigilant all year round. She hopes that whatever the women learned during Breast Cancer Month would help save many more from breast cancer by passing on valuable information about the disease and supporting programs on breast cancer.

Ms. Kara also emphasized that the women are the foundation of every home; they labor to keep the home together and care for the family. Without them, everything will fall apart. It is for that very reason that they should give more regard to their health and take their breast health to heart.

One of the speakers, Dr. Roel Tolentino, immediate former President of the Philippine Society of Oncology, talked about breast cancer signs, symptoms, and myths.

For the benefit of the moms who read this blog, the signs that women should watch out for are:

• Lump in the breast
• Dimpling of the skin of the breast
• Discharge coming out from the nipple when not lactating
• Redness in the skin of the breast
• Orange peel skin / the skin of the breast looks shiny and with large pores
• A non-inverted nipple that starts to go inward
• Breasts that starts to become uneven in shape or size

Remember, any change in your breast that bothers you is enough reason to see a doctor. 

Dr. Tolentino also debunked some rumors on breast cancer such as:

• wearing underwired bras and using deodorants can cause breast cancer - they do not cause cell mutation and have nothing to do with breast cancer
• breast cancer is contagious - breast cancer can be inherited but it is not contagious
• herbal medicines and supplements can cure breast cancer - there hasn't been any herbal concoction proven to kill cancer cells; they can help boost your immune system but they cannot cure cancer
• lump in the breast means breast cancer - some lumps are normal; for your peace of mind, have mammogram screening
• women without family history of cancer will not get breast cancer - all women are at risk of having breast cancer, the chance of it happening is simply higher in women with risk factors like family history of cancer
• women with breast cancer will die of it - breast cancer can be cured especially if found at an early stage
• breast implants cause breast cancer - they don't cause breast cancer but implants may make it harder to detect lumps in the breast, contributing to delayed detection of breast cancer signs and symptoms

Aside from the lecture, I Can Serve Foundation offered free breast screening to hundreds of women from the community of Muntinlupa during the one-day event.

Why moms should take breast cancer seriously

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a very important matter for mothers because breast cancer is a disease that all women should care about, especially women who have families depending on them.

The World Health Organization identified breast cancer as the leading cancer in women globally. Three years ago, over half a million women died of from this disease. That number is continuously rising as life expectancy, urbanization, and high-risk lifestyle increases.

I never gave breast cancer a serious thought until last month. Last September 13, I had the opportunity to be part of a breast cancer lay forum organized by one of the country's premier hospitals, Asian Hospital and Medical Center. There, I was able to learn from experienced breast surgeons and oncologists and breast cancer survivors. After hearing the experiences of breast cancer survivors or "conquerors" as they call themselves, I realized that I don't ever want to undergo what the had to go through. More than fearing for my life, I dread how it will affect my loved ones, especially my very young son. If I succumb to such disease, who will take care of Milliard? Who will help him with homework or hug him when he's sad? Who will remind him when he had too much time playing with his tablet or cheer for him when he gets a perfect score in school? I know that my husband will be there to support and love me but he would be heartbroken and that's something that I never want him to experience. My mother and father, my siblings, and friends will be hurt, too. My dreams and the life that I worked so hard to build will be crushed.

According to Dr. Aldine Basa, the Head of Asian Hospital's Breast Center and one of the leading breast surgeons in the Philippines, we are at risk of having breast cancer simply by being a woman. She said that this disease cannot be avoided but we can increase our chance of survival if ever we develop breast cancer through early detection.

How do we protect ourselves and ensure that we don't get defeated by breast cancer? One is to familiarize ourselves with our breasts. Yes, getting to know the shape, color, size, and feel of our breasts through breast self-exam can increase our chance of detecting breast cancer early and save our lives. Women who are 20 years old are advised to do that once a month. When we turn 30, we should see our doctor at least once a year for annual clinical breast exam. At 40 years old, having regular digital mammogram and breast ultrasound along with breast self-exam and clinical breast exam is strongly recommended.

For more information on breast cancer, you may download the educational material prepared by the American Cancer Society.

The day my son learned to swim

We went out of town to have a short, relaxing break away from the house routines and the monotony of the neighborhood. I believe that it is healthy to inject such simple interruptions in our lives from time to time because it allows the family to release the tension that we have accumulated from weeks of working and caring for the family and, for my son, studying.

The place that we went to was a hot spring resort with outdoor and indoor pools and a private jacuzzi for those who just want to plunge in the mineral-rich water. My son loves being in the water so we spent most of the afternoon and early part of the evening in the pools and the jacuzzi. We had a great time together but, most importantly, we succeeded in teaching Milliard how to swim.

Seeing our son learn to swim is a milestone for us. The truth is, Milliard likes to play in the water BUT he doesn't like any activity that involves submerging his head underwater. He has fear of swimming.

To help him overcome his fear, I invited Milliard to play seahorse (a.k.a. mom) riding. I made him ride on my back while wading in the part of the pool that he was already familiar with. Then I asked if it's okay with him if I carried him farther toward the deeper part of the pool. I assured him that I will never let go of him no matter what. He agreed. We pretended to be cowboys chasing the sun.

The activity established in him that being able to swim allows people to explore more places in the pool, which means bigger area for play and more fun. It also reinforced his confidence because I never let him fall off in the water throughout the whole ride, just as I promised. So when I told him that daddy and I will teach him how to float on his back, he was scared but not as resistant as he would have been.

I asked him to rest his head on my hand and keep his body straight and relaxed. He followed, stiffly at first but as he felt more confident and secured, he started to loose up. Before long, he became comfortable to the idea of floating that he would be the one to ask us to help him float on the water. From there, my husband taught Milliard some breathing exercises to familiarize him with the feeling of being underwater and then simple diving techniques. Before the day was over, Milliard was already diving in the pool by himself, totally forgetting the fear of swimming that had until that afternoon.

Looking back, I think our effort succeeded because we always try to be consistent when it comes to Milliard. We don't show double standard when disciplining him; "no" means "no" and "yes" means "yes". We also keep our word and established early on that a promise should always be kept no matter what. That allowed him to trust our word and be confident in what we told him to do, even if it's something that he was strongly afraid of.

We wrapped up our little vacation shortly before lunch the next day, tired but happy, satisfied, and re-energized.

How to maximize your child's field trip experience

Yesterday, I accompanied my son to Clark, Pampanga for a one-day educational trip. Their school does this once a year so it was definitely not my first time. However, we usually just go to neighboring cities. The field trip yesterday was the farthest they've been away from school.

I noticed that a lot of his classmates didn't join this year. One of the moms from a different class said that some parents of her son's classmates also decided to skip this year's trip because they already anticipated the journey to be tiresome and costly.

Preparing for a long trip may take some time and could cost a hefty amount of money. However, my husband and I think that the experience and learning that our son will accumulate during these trips are worthy of all the hassle so we make sure to let him come as much as possible.

My son had gone to five educational trips since he started going to school. Here are some tips that I have learned during those journeys.

1. It doesn't hurt to bring extra. For me, bringing extra supplies is a necessity, especially towels, clothes, money, and battery/power bank. Children will always want to run around on a trip, especially if they're with friends, so be prepared for plenty of perspiration and soiled clothes. Bring extra cash in case you will need to hire emergency transport or buy medicines, snacks, tickets for side activities, etc. If possible, take with you an extra cellphone and/or camera battery or power bank to make sure that you will have means of communication throughout the trip and that you will never miss to capture any of your child's memorable moments.

2. Anticipate. You know that it will be a long, hot journey so bring enough drinking water for you and your child. If the trip will last for more than two hours, have your child take medicine for motion sickness (if he or she has no contraindication for it) an hour before the trip. Bring plastic bags that can serve as vomit bag, trash bag, or stash bag for soiled towels and clothes. It also helps to have a small bottle of alcohol and plastic strips on hand in case of emergency. Don't forget to bring umbrella in case the weather takes a bad turn. Also, for long trips, it's okay to bring neck pillows and small blankies.

3. Know the location. Do a background check on the destination of the field trip. Having an idea of what to expect will help you set your priorities and create a contingency plan. Check the public transportation available in case you and your son need to take them for any reason.

4. Know your contact person. Make sure that the teacher and class aid have your number and that you have theirs as well. If possible, get the tour facilitator's and the bus driver's mobile number.

5. Have fun. Don't hover around your child like a mother bird and refrain from being too stiff or strict with him/her. Encourage your child to experience and participate in every part of the trip. Let him/her go with other children in his/her class while keeping your child within visual contact. Most importantly, you should also try to have fun. Mingle with other parents and take the chance to have a casual conversation with the school teachers. After all, a field trip is meant to be a fun-filled learning activity, not just for the students but to their companions as well.

Recipe for the Family Cheat Day: Crispy Pata Slices

Once a month, we allow the family to indulge in sinful food to pacify our cravings for the crunchy, oily, and oh-so-savory meat dishes. Today, I prepared crispy pata slices, my own version of the Filipino favorite, Crispy Pata. I made them using ordinary non-stick pan and pot but you may also use pressure cooker if you like. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

4 slices of pata or pork leg (choose the area with lean muscles and thin fat layer under the skin)

1 thumb-size ginger (feel free to add more if you want stronger aroma), sliced

1 tablespoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon iodized salt

2 medium chayote, cut into chunks

2 medium carrots, cut into chunks

300ml cooking oil (just enough to fill half of the pan you're using to fry the meat)

4 cups water

1. In a pot, pour water and add the meat slices, ginger, pepper, and salt. Boil for 30 minutes or until the meat is tender.

2. Remove the meat and set aside. Put in the chayote and carrots and continue to cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked.

3. Heat the cooking oil in a pan and fry the meat until crispy and golden brown.

4. For dip, you may want to mix ground black pepper, sliced ginger, crushed chili peppers, crushed garlic, minced onions, soy sauce, and vinegar.

Estimated preparation time: 1 hour

Wake up call for a busy mom

I was browsing through my Facebook wall today when I saw a shared article from one of my friends. The article was from huffpost.com and it talked about how a mother's response to her children's seemingly petty requests subtly and slowly opened a gap in their relationship.

It caught my attention because I have a 7-year-old son. Being an only child, he spends most of his time at home around me, my husband, and our house companion. He's in that age where he feels the need to share everything that he does to me or his dad. He loves to talk non-stop about the cosmos, human body, and robots. He spends hours building jointed robots using Lego blocks while asking my opinion on whether I liked the new formation better than the previous one. He draws doodles for me that comes with a whole history of you-know-whys and you-know-whats. He likes to call out my name just to say "I love you, mom." He's a very sweet kid and simply because he does those things everyday, I started to take them for granted without realizing it.

One night, he called out to me. I was busy folding away the linens while thinking about the mountain of clothes that are waiting to be ironed out. It was a stressful day for me. I heard him but I didn't reply. He called out again and then once more, each time with more volume. Receiving no reply, for the third time, he ran to my side and said. "Mom, didn't you hear me? I was calling you." All I wanted was to finish what I was doing so I can move on to the next chore. Holding back my annoyance, I groaned. "What is it, Milliard? I'm busy." "I love you, mom," he said as innocently and affectionately as he had always done. But during that time, I was too busy to notice those little details. I just wanted him to leave me alone. "Okay," I said coldly. I thought he would be satisfied and go back to building Kre-o but he didn't move. When I looked at him, I caught a glint of sadness in his eyes. "You used to be so happy when I tell you that I love you," he said, almost in a whisper.

I felt like a bucket of iced water poured down on me. Guilt pinched my heart and tied my stomach in knots. Since when did I stop listening to his voice? How have I become too busy to even respond to his little acts of affection?

I took a deep breath to compose myself, put down the linen on the bed, and motioned him to come closer. I hugged him tight and apologized. I told him that hearing him say that he loves me makes me very happy and that I was sorry if I made it look like it doesn't. I asked him to be patient with mommy because sometimes, mommies can be so distracted with little things that they fail to appreciate the more important things.

I am not a perfect mother. Oftentimes, I give in to the beck and call of the selfish human persona inside me. But after that realization, I learned to be more expressive with my feelings. I make more effort now to let my son know that he is important to me and that I love him no matter what. If I really can't join him for a game of domino or cards, I try to negotiate for another schedule. I spare even just a few seconds to look at his new robots, enough to at least know the difference between the new and the previous designs. Hopefully, these little changes will help heal the gap that started to appear between us.