FAT. F-A-T. FAT.

I was reading the newspaper yesterday and I came across this article on "How to burn body fat." When I read it, it made me wonder, "Am I doing it right?" "Is this the reason why there's no visible change yet?"...until I did the computation...

How to burn body fat
Jim Saret's Sports Exercise

Manila Standard Today
30 May 2007

As a conditioning and fitness coach, I’m usually at the gym training athletes every day. While at the gym, I would often see a group of familiar faces hunched on the stair climber, gliding on the elliptical rider, or running as fast as they can on the treadmill. I’ll see the same familiar faces again on the same cardio machines the next day, and the next, and the next.

One of the major reasons a lot of us have a hard time burning body fat is because we don’t really understand how fat works (you’re probably thinking that as long as we exercise, we will be burning fat right?) Believe it or not, burning calories is easy, but to burn calories from fat will require patience, and a little help with math. Follow the two simple guidelines below, and you’ll have better success in your quest to fight fat.

First. Take your time. Literally. Our bodies have three major sources of energy: carbohydrates, fat and protein. During the first 20 minutes of movement or exercise, the body uses carbohydrates as the primary source of energy. Only after 20 minutes will the body switch to fat and use it as the major energy source.

No matter how hard or how slow you run, pedal, or pound the stair master, if you do it for less than 20 minutes, you will only have burned carbohydrates and not fat. Doing it for 30 minutes would have made you burn 10 minutes of fat and 20 minutes of carbohydrates. Try to stay longer if you can to maximize the fat burning stage (you shouldn’t count the first 20 minutes of your cardio as fat burning).

Second. You have to exercise in your “Fat Burning Zone.” This is the number one reason why people never seem to lose weight even if they do cardio regularly. You can run or bike all you want but if you’re heart rate isn’t even reaching your minimum Fat Burning Zone, then all the energy and effort you’re putting in will not account for much.

The Fat Burning Zone is 60 to 75 percent of your Target Heart Rate. Reaching this zone is your guarantee that you are working out at the right intensity to burn fat. Anything below it means that you didn’t even get a good workout and that you just wasted your time.

To find your Target Heart Rate:
Target Heart Rate = 220 – your age
To find your Fat Burning Zone:
Target Heart Rate x .60 = Lower fat burning range

Target Heart Rate x .75 = Upper fat burning range
Example: Age: 20 years old
Target Heart Rate: 220 – 20 = 200 bpm
Fat Burning Zone:
Low Range: 200 bps x .60 = 120 beats per minute
High Range: 200 bps x .80 = 160 beats per minute

Make sure that he is burning fat, a 20-year old person will have to exercise for 30 minutes or longer, with his or her heart rate between 120-160 beats per minute. Anything below his Fat Burning Zone won’t give him the results that he wants. Good Luck.

(Jim Saret is one of the top conditioning coaches and fitness experts in the country. He has a Master’s Degree in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine from Brigham Young University in the US. He is a member of the Men’s Health Magazine Advisory Board, and hosts a fitness radio show on DZ Sports Radio every Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m. Email at olympictrainer@gmail.com)

Fast 89 Lia 25

1. I HATE MATH. While choosing a course in college, I tried to avoid all courses with heavy math subjects. Therefore, business courses were out, engineering courses were out too. I didn’t like science subjects, so the sciences were out too. Uhmmm, that leaves AB courses...Great. Which one is the most interesting? Political Science, Philosophy, History, Literature, Com Arts. Found them all boring. How about Psychology? Why not, it’s like crazy people to study why crazy people are crazy.

2. So, my first choice was AB Psychology but my grades weren’t good enough to enter the program. I had to shift to AB Behavioral Science. I cried real hard when I got home after finding out.

3. I failed two subjects in college, INVESMA (Investment Math) and ELESTA1 (Elementary Statistics 1). I was able to get a 2.5 grade for both when I took them again (if you get 2.5 or higher, the failing marks will not appear in your transcript). Btw, my mom is an accountant.

4. I had to extend a term because of that ELESTA1. Grrrrr!!!.

5. In our PARAPSY (Paranormal Psychology) class, we had past life exercises (not sure how you call it). We’d be hypnotized by our professor and we were instructed that kung ano yung makita mo, yun ka nung past life mo. As for me, I saw a woman giving birth but died. Yun kaya dahilan kung bakit takot ako mabuntis at manganak?

6. I never dropped a subject.

7. I was just an average student.

8. When my brother found out that one of my block mates is a good friend of his girlfriend (now his wife), he didn’t like the idea anymore of me going to the same university, because he said, he won’t be able to date other girls in school.

9. My mom found a pack of cigarettes inside my bag. She scolded me nonstop after that.

10. For one term, I hitched with my brother going home, I would wait at Agno house parking lot where I made good friends with the parking attendants.

11. We were once sent to the Discipline Office because of “boisterous laughing.” Am not sure if it was Mang Jack or some other DO who caught us.

12. There were only 5 or 6 guys in our block. We’re 40+. (BORING TALAGA!!! KAYA NGA NAG COED E. HMPHHH!!!).

13. Two of my block mates were T. So and S. See. So during attendance taking, the professor would go, “See,” “So” (as in see-saw) *grin*

14. Out of curiosity, we went to the library to look for Randy Santiago’s yearbook to see what he looks like without the shades. Problem was, the page was torn off (probably Randy did it himself).

15. After going out for drinks, we’d usually go to Dean’s Street Café for coffee (along Pasay Road). Funny thing was, kung sino yung mga taong nakakakasabay namin sa mga bars, they’re the same people na nasa Dean’s Street. There were no Starbucks or Figaro back then.

16. There was a pasta pizza place we frequented along Taft. It was called Mama Penny’s *naughty grin*

17. In our yearbook “Green & White ’92”, me and my close friends in our block (around 12) all have “LS2” somewhere in our write-ups.

18. I had a crush on Ali Atienza (yeah, he’s the one who ran for mayor of Manila but lost). He was a member of the Taekwando Team (mas cute at payat pa siya non hehehe).

19. When the 16th South East Asian Games were held in Manila in 1991, the swimming competition was held at the nearby Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. We cheered for swimmer Leo Najera.

20. My bestest friends were Jik, Jen, and Ennif.

Weekend #21

Saturday
Last week, my sister asked me if I wanted to watch “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.” I readily said yes but added that we have to make sure that somebody will be with mama if both of us will be going out. We then thought that that would not be a problem since all the Ate (2 house helps plus 2 yaya) will be there. Around afternoon of Saturday, I was already bugging my sister that if we wanted to watch now, we should watch now, or else… To make the long story short, we weren’t able to watch Saturday *me disappointed*

Geena is Star Struck Again
Around 10:00pm that night, heard my sister and her friends downstairs having drinks, playing billiards, just catching up with each other. My sister texted me saying that our niece, Geena, who is turning 4 on 30 October, went down from their room to say “Hi” to her friends. Actually, the reason why she went down was to have her picture taken with one of my sister’s friends, Say Alonzo. After a while she went back to their room because it was getting really late. But guess what, after a few minutes, she came back with her mom’s camera hanging on her arms. So another picture taking session took place.


Did you know that she also has a picture taken with Shaina Magdayao and Bea Alonzo in Shangri-la Plaza Mall (she approached their table and posed infront of them)? And also another with her then ultimate crush Sam Milby (in Metro Walk)? Showbiz na showbiz hahahahaha!

Sunday
After hearing mass in the morning, I told my sister that we should watch "Pirates" today since I won’t have time to watch during the week. So we decided to catch the 3:20pm screening at Shangri-la. When we arrived, no more seats were available so we just settled for the 4:20pm screening.

While going around the mall, we saw a new store, TMV or Touch Music and Video. There were some people outside checking out the place. At first we thought it was a downloading station because there were I think around 20 touch screen monitors but they explained to us that it’s actually a record bar without the CDs. You still receive the CD but you get to listen to all the songs first before you make any purchase. So for kicks, I tried it out.

On the screen, 4 different CD covers (with the price) flashes every few seconds, if you see what you like, just touch the screen and all the songs will appear below it (and you get to listen to all songs). You can also view the CD covers by genre (R&B, Jazz, Pop, etc). Or if you already have something in mind, just choose “Search” and a keyboard-like screen will appear. You can search by Artist, Album or Song. I searched for Fergie (for Fergie – The Dutchess CD), three listings appeared, all from compilations, “Fergalicious” and 2 entries for “London Bridge.” Unfortunately, they didn't have the CD (-1 point). Next, I searched for Nelly Furtado’s Loose. Great, they have it (+1 point). I then clicked on “Add to Cart” and then some last step button appeared to confirm the purchase. It then said, “You are customer no. 25, please approach the counter to pay and claim CD.” The chinito looking guy (cutie ha +1 point) at the counter smiled (+1 point again) as I approached the cashier. As I was paying, he asked me what I thought about the store. I told him that it looks like the store’s stock is not complete yet because I was earlier looking for Fergie’s The Dutchess CD and they didn't have it. He mentioned that they opened last Monday and they are still completing/inputting more from their inventory. So that explains it. Buti na lang cute siya *grin* After the cashier handed to me my CD, he said, “Please come back ha.” I just said, “Sure.” *wink*
The store’s on Level 5, just beside Trattoria Gourmet. Check out the cute guy, err, I mean, the store.

Of Pirates and Weddings

Finally, we were able to watch the movie. Like its predecessors, I also enjoyed the third and last installment. It started out eerie but full of action all the way to the end. The story has a lot of sub-plots, full of betrayals (just to show that pirates will always be pirates) and at times I got a bit scared, amused, even confused (all at the same time). I love all the funny one-liners from the minor characters. As always, Johnny Depp is hilarious as Captain Jack Sparrow. My favorite part is the wedding. It's a must see!

Tip: Stay until the end of the final credits!!!

HS

1. My group was called WHIF (Wow Hanep It’s Friday). Other groups were called IFIF (It’s Friday, It’s Friday), ASIF (Ay Salamat, It’s Friday), TIIM (T*** I**, It’s Monday).

2. Megamall and Galleria did not exist yet, only Greenhills. Tia Maria was the nearest bar.

3. I was supposed to join the volleyball team but I was asked to join the softball team instead. I played right fielder. My jersey number was 4.

4. I failed one subject in all of HS (for one quarter only): Practical Arts (sabi kasi “practical” kaya hindi ako nag-aaral).

5. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Limson (I think she’s still teaching in CSB – or retired na?)

6. I cheated once and got caught. Subject: Religion. (I was baaaaad!)

7. Hindi ako nakikisabay sa uso. When everybody was wearing St. Michael’s socks (from M&S), I preferred to just wear my old socks.

8. I took entrance exams to 3 schools only. UST (Medical Technology), UP (Business Administration), DLSU (Psychology).

9. Our favorite graduation mass song was “Anima Christi”.

10. My bestest friends were Pam, BJ and Patty.

Reminiscing Grade School...

1. I did not attend nursery or kindergarten. I went straight to Grade One. My mom explained that she forgot to enroll me for nursery and kindergarten. So I had to attend a special summer class to determine if I was ready for Grade One.

2. I rode a school bus to and from school. On the first day of school each year, my mom would go with me. The following days, I rode the school bus. Once, I got left behind (being new and all, the driver and conductor forgot about me). I remember sitting all alone on the stairs of the grade school building waiting for the conductor to get me. But it was already getting dark, around 6pm. One sister, bless her soul, saw me and brought me to the convent or wherever, and gave me ice cream. Fortunately, my mom’s officemate whose kid was also attending the same school saw me (same batch too). They brought me home.

3. I used to sell Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet posters to my classmates in grade school. I buy these from Gibson’s (or was that Goodwill?) in Makati. It used to be where Shangri-la Makati now stands. Rizal Theatre and Dulcinea also used to be there. I always tagged along with my uncle every time he would pick up my mom from her office in Makati (Ramon Cojuangco Building aka PLDT). Dulcinea was beside the bookstore. I remember Dulcinea because it was always filled with mestizo looking people every time I go inside to buy rhum cake *wink*.

4. When I was in grade 6, my crush was Rick Springfield (Love Somebody, Jessie’s Girl, Taxi Dancing—one of my favorites).

5. I was bitten by our Japanese Spitz “Peewee” on my upper lip (my left), twice on the left arm, all in 5 seconds. The dog was lying down on the edge of the bed. As I was about to kiss my mom good night, all of a sudden he went after me and bit me on my lip. I raised my arm to shield myself but bit me there twice. I was rushed to the hospital and was stitched up. They used local anesthesia so I was awake the whole time. Although the dog just stayed inside the house and got his shots regularly, the doctors still suggested that since I was bitten on the upper part of the body (head, very near the brain), I should get anti-rabies shots, just to be sure.

6. I miss and love the spaghetti (with toasted bread) served in the restaurant inside the Makati Supermarket (in the 80’s). Myum!

7. I miss our old Toyota Hi-Ace (the family car we had when I was in grade school until high school).

8. I remember my lolo (my dad’s father) would go to our house every weekend and bring us egg pie (from the nearby bake shop) and tamales. (My lola, from my father side, died young).

9. My lola (my mom’s mother) would go to our house (she’d walk) everyday to look after us while our parents went to work.

10. There were times that we did not have helpers. Kaya ako, I know how to prepare the table, cook, wash clothes (using the washing machine), wash the dishes, etc. Kaya totoo yung sinasabi nila na napabayaan ako sa kusina.

My Gym Playlist

Just want to share my gym playlist (been uploading since Saturday and just finished this morning before leaving for work). I can lend you my CD/s (if they're with me and as long as you give them back right away) if you find something that interests you (or if you have your own "ripping" preference - I like mine at 128kbps). But apart from this gym playlist, I thought I’d make my own Top 10 gym songs:

1. Baila – JLo
2. Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing – John Legend
3. Jump & Move (from Happy Feet) – The Brand New Heavies/Jamalski
4. Hey Ya – Outkast
5. Overload – Sugababes
6. Get the Party Started – Pink
7. Let's Get Loud – JLo
8. Love Shack – B-52’s
9. If You Had My Love – JLo
10. Get Me Bodied – Beyonce

There are actually other songs I really like from BEP, PCD, B-52’s, Beyonce, Madonna, etc. that I consider very helpful or “encouraging” while at the gym, but I don’t think it’s still going to be a top 10, more like top 100.

I so love

...Nestle vendo’s Cappuccino (Without Sugar), I think I’m addicted to it. Even though I have to go 4 floors down to buy one, I really don’t mind.

A few weeks ago, to my disappointment, the machine went out of order. To satisfy my craving, I checked the locations of the other vending machines with cappuccino on the intranet and found one other machine. It’s on the 6th floor, west core pantry area. Like an addict, I walked from east core (where my workstation is) to the west core and down one floor, only to find out that it was also not working. Feeling dejected, I went back to my floor and got myself a Nescafe Black (no sugar). Everyday, I would go down to check whether it’s already working.

After a few days, I was so happy to discover that it was up and running. Wahoo! I excitedly dropped my two 5 peso coins and two 1 peso coins and raised my finger ready to press the big red button. Found the Cappuccino with Sugar at the very top and that means the Cappuccino Without Sugar is not far behind (actually, it should be at the bottom). You can just imagine my excitement building up. As I was about to press the big red button below it, I FROZE. It just said “Cappuccino”. I suddenly got a bit confused. All I remember saying was “Oh sh*t.” Anyway, it’s still Cappuccino. Right. So I pressed the big red button, but not as excited like a few seconds ago. Fortunately, it didn’t have sugar.

I really think I looked stupid but I was actually expecting to see “Cappuccino without sugar” just like what it used to be before it went out of order. It’s like my brain’s conditioned to see “Cappuccino without sugar.” “CAPPUCCINO” on top and “WITHOUT SUGAR” right below it. I later on admitted to myself it was a no-brainer. “Cappuccino With Sugar“ is cappuccino with sugar and “Cappuccino” is just cappuccino (obviously no sugar) *sigh*

Every time I think about it, I don’t know if I should laugh at myself or hit myself with a stapler or blame Philippine Vending Corporation!!! PEACE!!!

Birth Test

What do these guys and myself have in common? Read on.

I was deleting old emails this morning and this was one of those I haven't opened yet (got this 3 months ago - too busy? or trying to look busy?). So, why not? e di patulan!

I computed for my "number": February 24 1972. So that would be 2 + 24 + 1972 = 1998. 1 + 9 + 9 + 8 = 27. Therefore, my "number" is 9. hmmmm.. what does this mean. It says,

#9 THE PERFORMER = 9s are natural entertainers (comedians? show-off?). They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help (how I wish I had a dollar account hahaha). With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them (I guess that’s true). They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them (hmmmmm…). They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in (sneeeeeaky?? me?!??!?). They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation (loving foundation? What could that mean?).
{Famous 9s - Albert Schweitzer (smart and talented guy. go ahead, google him), Shirley MacLaine (Rumor Has It..., Mrs. Winterbourne, Guarding Tess, Postcards from the Edge, Steel Magnolias, Terms of Endearment) , Harrison Ford (of Indiana Jones and Jack Ryan fame), Jimmy Carter (39th US President), Elvis Presley (who doesn’t know the KING?)}

Hey, I'm in good company =)

Let's see what's your number...
**************
Birth Test
Our Birth Date describes who we are, what we are good! at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing. To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the Birth Date together, like in the following example, until there is only one digit.
A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight.
Example: March 20, 1950
3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973
1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20
2 + 0 = 2
Keep going until you end up with a single digit number. 2 is the Birth Number to read for the Birth Date in the example.
#1 THE ORIGINATOR
#2 THE PEACEMAKER
#3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
#4 THE CONSERVATIVE
#5 THE NONCONFORMIST
#6 THE ROMANTIC
#7 THE INTELLECTUAL
#8 THE BIG SHOT
#9 THE PERFORMER
===============================================
# 1 - THE ORIGINATOR - 1s are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them labeled as being stubborn and arrogant. 1s are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded.
{Famous 1s - Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raquel Welch.}

#2 - THE PEACEMAKER - 2s are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy, they sh ould learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off.
{Famous 2s - President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopie Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.}

# 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY - 3s are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view.
{Famous 3s - Alan Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster}

# 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE - 4s are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fu lly understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves.
{Famous 4s - Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey}

# 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST - 5s are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions.
{Famous 5s - Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter, Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller and Mark Hail.}

# 6 - THE ROMANTIC - 6s are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6s should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot.
{Famous 6s - Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn}

#7 - THE INTELLECTUAL - 7s are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is "slow and steady wins the race." They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what is not in the world at large.
{Famous 7s - William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana, Vince Ricciardi}

# 8 - THE BIG SHOT - 8s are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good jud gment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss. They should learn to base their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want.
{Famous 8s - Edgar Cayce, Barbra Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostradamus}

#9 - THE PERFORMER - 9s are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation.
{Famous 9s - Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Presley}

Reprint from My Multiply account.

15 Years...

that's how long he's been with us. Sorry, I'm referring to the 1989 Toyota Corolla that I have been using for the longest time, is gone... My brother just sold him the other day. Di man lang ako nakapag-goodbye...
My dad bought that car for my brother in 1992 replacing the Toyota Celica he was using. I remember my dad asking me to search the classified ads. I also had to call each one of them to ask how much, if the quoted price was negotiable, the mileage, why they're selling it, what color, etc. I think this one's with the lowest mileage because it's only used by the owner's son to and from school (UP). We were told that the car can be viewed at one of the motels in Pasig (duhhhhh!!!). So off we went to see the car. It turned out that the seller is the owner of the flower group of motels and one of those famous shoe & bag repair shops. I remember I was so embarassed because that was the first time I've set foot in a motel. Good thing the car was not parked inside one of those garages (sayang hahahahaha). I went with our trusted mechanic and my uncle. I remember seeing cars entering the motel and passing us. It was I think middle of the afternoon (I guess they can't help themselves *naughty grin*). Anyway, once we got the okay from our mechanic, I talked to my dad on the phone, then we paid for the car right there and then.
I know my brother loves that car. We even went together to Banawe to have the car tinted, and had new equalizer and additional speakers installed. It was loud, man! I thought it was the coolest car.
I have a lot of fond memories with that car, the gimmicks, the out of town trips with family and friends, and the "adventures" *wink wink* But I guess it's about time that we let him go. After all, it's been 15 years.

...on Being Single

I am not sure why my friend Gladdys gave this to me (hehehehehehe). She said it was given to her by a friend in 1993 (before getting hitched). I remember a friend asking me on a car ride going to a dinner, "Do you still want to get married someday?" I readily replied, "Oo naman." But I told her that I'm not in a hurry. If he comes, well and good. If he doesn't, well and good, too.

I'm now used to being single, that the last time I had a boyfriend, I felt too "nasasakal" in our very first week, I had to break off with him. tsk! tsk!

Oh well, if he comes, well and good. If he doesn't, it's not my loss.

The D word (Part 2)

My mother has it. I have it.

I did have that "I will never have it" or the "that will never happen to me" syndrome. I never realized I was no wonder woman until I had it, and little did I know that I had the perfect combination for it: its in my genes, I had no exercise, I love sweets-soft drinks, cakes, ice creams (but hey, who doesn't?).

How did I find out. One of the benefits in the company I work for is the free annual physical exam which is done on our anniversary month (I got hired in February, a day after my birthday in 1998). After doing all the tests, we're given a final assessment (clinical examination, review and comment of tests, and advice). In 1999, in my medical history form (after the interview), the doctor noted that I should see a doctor "for consultation due to glucose findings" which was 10+ which I later found out was quite high.
From then on, I was given maintenance medicines--Diamicron MR & Glucophage 500. The Diamicron MR is taken everyday, 30 minutes before I eat breakfast and Glucophage 500 twice a day, one tablet 30 minutes after breakfast and then another tablet 30 minutes after dinner. My FBS (fasting blood sugar - no food or liquid 10 hours before blood extraction) is taken once a month to test my BS. Another test, HB1AC, is taken to measure my BS average for the last 3 months. That's how they find out if I'm taking my medicines or not (or if I'm eating right or not). Urinalysis is also routinely taken.
Having high BS level is not the only problem. I also have had hypoglycemic episodes, especially if I miss a meal. I know when my BS is low when I tremble, literally. I would slowly feel weak and would have that heavy feeling. That's a sign that I should eat something, right that very moment.
Seriously, it's not a disease that should be taken lightly. Just remember that there's no cure for it. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to heart problems, kidney failure and even worse, death.
So far, everything's been okay with me. I have been trying very hard to be more disciplined by lessening my intake of my favorites. My doctor said that I don't have to give up food that I love, but instead they should be taken in moderation. Although this is a big change for me, but for the sake of my health, I have to do it.
I must admit, it's hard to "try" to lead a healthy lifestyle, but I guess I just have to get used to it. I know it's boring but I eat oatmeal for breakfast (sometimes with coffee or just hot water). For lunch, I eat what I want (but of course I have to choose what I eat) plus water (I still do drink colas or juices once in a while but only during special occasions or if there's no water available and, if ever, just half a cup). If I get invited to a buffet treat, I choose what I eat and not fill myself too much.
My doctor also said that as long as I take my medicines, see her regularly, diet and exercise, eventually lose weight, I should be okay.

PS. Was just at the clinic yesterday morning, I saw all my tests and am happy to say that I passed them all with flying colors (in other words everything's UNDER CONTROL).

The D word (Part 1)

DIABETES is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. (www.diabetes.org).

My mom is a diabetic. All I know is that she got diabetes when she gave birth or was pregnant with my younger sister. That was 31 years ago. I knew she had it but wasn't aware of the consequences if not controlled. I had always thought that she was fine because of all the medicines she was taking. And that I was sure that she goes to her doctor at her company clinic for check up.

After her early retirement 10 years ago, I always thought she was okay, she did social work with the women in our community (she was president) and was able to put up a family business (M1B2S). She and my uncle would accept contracts as a supplier. They would advance the payment and wait for the client to pay up (usually took months). She had also acquired a farm somewhere in Tanay and had planned to develop it as a weekend getaway for us.

But there have been times that she would not feel well and we would have to take her to the hospital. One time, the reason why she wasn't feeling well was that she had not been taking her medicines for sometime and did not tell us about it. We had to "scold" her. That she should tell us if her medicines had already ran out or if she needs or wants something.

Now, after her heart attack 2 years ago, I feel I should have been more vigilant. I should have been more aware of what was happening to her or what she was feeling. I regret not having gotten her a medical insurance in the company I work for so I don't have to think twice if my siblings and I have the money to pay every time she has to be rushed to the hospital or have a check up with her doctors or if she needs to buy medicines.

She started dialysis a month ago, every thursdays at the dialysis center near our place. I think she's gaining weight which is good. She had a few hypoglycemic episodes the past few days, so we had to go to her endocrinologist. So now instead of 12"u" of insulin in the morning (before breakfast), we need to take her blood sugar before each meal. If her blood sugar is below 100 mg/dl, no need for insulin. But if its 100 mg/dl and above, we need to inject 3"u". Our good doctor explained to us that since the blood is being cleaned during dialysis, her blood sugar would be affected, making her blood sugar almost normal. But if continously given insulin, her blood sugar will obviously go down the normal level.

In a nutshell, I don't want to keep on regretting things that I should have done in the past. The past is past. No use sulking or whining about it. Live for the present. I don't want others to pity what we have gone through. I would rather want to think about it as a learning experience that I could share with my friends, for them to share to people who're closest to their hearts.

There are still some things to be grateful about. I thank God that everytime my mom needs to be hospitalized and we need a big amount of money, it would always fall near my bonus. God is good.

You know, I pray to God to give us more strength and give us even more faith in HIM. I keep hoping and praying for a miracle that my mom gets well soon.

God may not always answer us, but in His time -- and His idea of time is not the same as ours -- He always does.