The Super Momma

ATC Fish Oil; Secure your heart

The Super Momma 9:45 AM 0 Comments

The heart represents a lot of beautiful things - affection, love, and even life. Imagining a life without heart, and all the things that it represents, makes us feel useless, more so, dead (literally and metaphorically). Without our hearts, we will not be able to live and even love. And ATC Healthcare is one with you in protecting what guards your life and all its meaning – ATC Fish Oil.

ATC Fish Oil has Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA which are essential nutrients for a healthier heart. This combination helps lower blood pressure, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.

Aside from that, ATC Fish Oil also boosts the immune system, enhances cognitive function, improves blood circulation and reduces joint inflammation. This is beneficial for athletes as it allows them to train harder and recover faster.

ATC Fish Oil is also known to slow the development of plaque in the arteries and reduce the chance of abnormal heart rhythm. EPA, or eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, found in ATC Fish Oil are nutrients extracted from cold water fishes and these are also beneficial for the brain and eyes. With ATC Fish Oil, you can protect yourself against life-threatening diseases such as heart attack, stroke and other heart problems.

For an affordable price of SRP P6.00 per capsule, protect yourself from the risk of heart disease; arm yourself with ATC Fish Oil every day. ATC Fish Oil is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide.

Secure your heart with ATC Fish Oil

The Super Momma 9:13 AM #metrobuzzbloggers #atchealthcare , 0 Comments

Baby Boy is finally home!

The Super Momma 8:56 AM 0 Comments

The thought of me finally getting some sleep after the long night in the OR and recovery room was the most awaited. But I was wrong. This time the pain was just so different, I had piercing pain on both sides due to to the additional procedure. I couldn't sleep it off and it was really bothersome. Nurses made their rounds every now and then and kept asking me about the pain and I was also continuously asking for my IV pain medicines but they don't seem to care. It was the most painful procedure I ever had considering that pain killers were every 6hrs interval.

I thought to myself, I should help myself in moving or at least turn to sides on my day 1 so that I could slowly ambulate and be able to visit my son at the nursery. Again, I couldn't even move myself to sides on my own. I have to seek help from my husband every now and then, and that really frustrates me. If only nurses could give the pain meds on time then it would really be really a great help on my ambulation.

24hrs after the procedure, I was really getting hungry. Few ice chips and swish of water is not really helping and I have to pass gas! But then again it all boils down to ambulation and then again to the excruciating pain. I told my OB that I am very hungry but couldn't pass gas on my own but the sensation is there. She ordered suppository so it could at least ease me in passing gas. I told the nurses to wait for my go signal if I could pass gas on my own before administering the suppository. Few minutes after, a nurse knocked on my door with gloves and an opened suppository on her hand. Okay, really?! Honestly, I have no energy to get furious and just let her administer the suppository. But the thought I had suppository really bothers me because I want to do my bowel movement in the restroom. Anyway, I had soft diet then, but all I asked was soup and milk to make me full and lots of water.

On the third day, I was really happy because of the much awaited removal of the foley catheter. Finally, I could now dangle my legs and try to ambulate inside the room. But mind you, the excruciating pain is still there. During the night shift I requested that my foley be removed in the morning. But I didn't know that they didn't drain the pee inside the bag and because it was already heavy, I felt my urine bag dropped on the floor and the ball sensation of the foley inside my bladder. Great just great! Thanks to the night shift nurses who did so well with their duties.

So I asked the husband to call the nurse who will remove my foley catheter so I can now ambulate and so as not to aggregate the situation. Finally, catheter is out and yes, I can start moving inside the room. Yes! How did it go? It was liberating and at the same time I had to make silent prayer whilst seated at the end of my bed so I can have energy to stand on my own. And yes, I did but I felt really weak from two days lying on the bed. Finally, I was able to do my hygiene and it was so refreshing.

I was able to ambulate inside the room on the third day without assistance. Thanks heavens for my loads of courage and for the husband's strong arms in helping me move around from time to time.

Fourth day, finally we are already for discharge and I can now enjoy the smell of my little boy and be able to stare at him all day. Finally on the fourth day, we are discharged and we are home!

Deja Vu-Ceasarian Section

The Super Momma 8:51 AM 0 Comments

One day before the scheduled big day, we made the most of the time. We dated over a tall frappuccino, got myself a haircut and did other errands. We also went to buy pastries to snack on after our usual dinner.

I was able to feed the kids, gave them a bath, and prepared them for bedtime. Few minutes after, I went to the restroom and suddenly felt the urge to poop. But after 5minutes of sitting, I felt a shooting pain to my legs. I immediately stood and tried to rest but the pain on the abdomen area has suddenly intensified. It was the only time that it dawned on me, I am in labor! All the while I thought because it was already my third child, never will I ever experience labor pain. My first pregnancy I only had "show" and the second was nothing at all, but this one, I did.

Mom immediately informed my OB and we all rushed to the hospital. I had the usual ER routine and dreaded the pain again from needles! Yes, needles scare the hell out of me! When I was wheeled to the OR, it just felt like deja vu again except for the fact that I was in a different OR and hospital. They already administered the anesthesia and started the procedure.

Few minutes after, I felt them pushing my tummy and heard the very music to my ears, my little boy's first cry. It was just so priceless and suddenly felt thankful for another gift of life.

The anesthesia was slowly wearing off and felt that my hands were slowly shaking. I must admit that I really hate the feeling of it but there is no other way but to go through it. I heard them finally closing me while the nurses were talking about what they want to eat on their midnight snacks. The shaking just won't stop and they wheeled me to the RR. Then the RR nurse did skin testing on my arms for my medicines and again dreaded the pain from it.

She then gave me one pain killer and then the shaking suddenly stopped. It was quite a relief. After two hours of monitoring in the Recovery room, she wheeled me to my room. The presence of my husband and my mom made me feel so secured. And yes, finally I can now sleep after the very long night.

Part three of my birth story will be on the next post.

Singapore Zoo's First Giraffe Calf in 28 years Finally Makes Debut

The Super Momma 2:33 PM press release , 0 Comments

SINGAPORE, November 2015 — Singapore Zoo proudly welcomed its first giraffe calf in 28 years on 31 August this year. At a statuesque 1.9 metres, he is the tallest SG50 baby, and is a symbol of Singapore soaring to new heights in the years following its Jubilee celebration.

The calf is the first offspring of both mom Roni and dad Growie, which arrived in Singapore Zoo in 2005, from Israel and the Netherlands respectively. The unnamed calf has since grown 40cm, and now stands at 2.3 metres.

During the calf’s first month, he was separated from the rest of the giraffe herd to allow mother and baby to bond, and to ensure the calf was nursing properly. The exhibit was also baby-proofed as a safety precaution before allowing the calf to explore its new surroundings. Existing barriers had to be modified to ensure the baby can explore the exhibit safely.

Gradually, mother and baby were reintroduced to the other two giraffes in the herd—Growie, the father, and Lucy, an unrelated female, which arrived in Singapore together with Roni. The conditioning process took close to three weeks, to ensure the herd would accept the calf. All four are now comfortably sharing the exhibit and can regularly be seen grooming each other to strengthen their bonds.

Aside from the mother’s milk, the calf can now be seen nibbling on leaves and chopped vegetables such as carrots. He now spends his days exploring and running around in the exhibit at the Zoo’s Wild Africa zone. While he’s starting to get used to passing trams and visitors, he will still race back to the safety of mom’s towering presence when faced with something unfamiliar.

“Animal babies are always a cause for celebration as they are a good indication that the animals under our care feel comfortable and secure enough to breed in the environment that we’ve created for them. We hope the calf will tug at visitors’ heartstrings and inspire them to find out more about giraffes, and other animals that thrive in the same environment as these majestic creatures,” said Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Chief Life Sciences Officer, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

Although listed as least concern on the IUCN* Red List of Threatened Species, habitat destruction and fragmentation are threats to giraffe populations. To a lesser degree, they are hunted for their meat, coat and tails. The tail is prized for good luck bracelets, fly whisks and string for sewing beads, while the coat is used for shield coverings.

There are plans to conduct a naming contest to find a suitable name for the little one in coming months.

Those visiting Singapore Zoo are encouraged to take photos of the new addition and upload them with the hashtag #sg50babygiraffe.Visitors can follow updates on the baby giraffe’s development at www.zoo.com.sg/sg50babygiraffe.

*IUCN: International Union for the Conservation of Nature

Futuristic, magical Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens brings Christmas vibe to Makati City

The Super Momma 7:53 AM press release , 0 Comments

A futuristic, magical Christmas. Makati brings the magic of Christmas with the Festival of Lights show, transforming the Ayala Triangle Gardens into a fairyland of futuristic lights dancing with beloved Christmas songs, rendered in three different genres--—the Big Band music of New Orleans, the festive rhythms of Africa, and electro dance music. The theme of this year’s show is Beats and Hues, executed by Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia, Jazz Nicholas and Mikey Amistoso. Joining the annual festivities are Ayala Land executives led by Ayala Land executives along with partners, HSBC and MasterCard. (L-R: Mr. Wick Veloso, CEO of HSBC Philippines;Mr. Bobby Dy, President and CEO of Ayala Land Inc.; Ms. Gigi Pio de Roda, SVP of HSBC Philippines; Mrs. Beatriz Zobel de Ayala (wife of Jaime Zobel de Ayala); Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Chairman Emeritus of Ayala Corporation; Patricia Zobel de Ayala Honorary Consul of the Philippine in Monacco; Kit Zobel de Ayala (wife of Fernando Zobel de Ayala); Jo-Ann Camacho, VP of MasterCard Philippines; Meean Dy, Senior VP of Ayala Land; Meean Dy, Senior VP of Ayala Land)

The Festival of Lights runs from November 9 through January 4 every 30mins from 6 PM to 10 PM nightly. Daily thanksgiving Masses and the Makati Inter High School Christmas Caroling Competition complete the holiday festivities.

Makati City is all set to blanket the city in a blaze of lights with a fantastic light and sounds display to welcome the holiday season—a grand spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss.

This year’s Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens, which premiered last November 9, is both dazzling and upbeat with three shows to get everyone into the Christmas vibe. Ayala Land, together with its co-presenter HSBC and partner Coca-Cola, presents the Festival of Lights every 30 minutes nightly, from 6pm to 10pm, until January 4, 2016.

“For five consecutive years, we have been giving world-class entertainment at Ayala Triangle Gardens that people have come to love and anticipate. Now an annual tradition, the Lights and Sound show will continue to brighten the Christmas celebrations of Filipinos this year,” said Manny Blas II, Ayala Land Vice President and Project Development Head for Makati.

“More than the spectacle of lights, we have created a signature Makati attraction with the Ayala Triangle Gardens Lights and Sounds show that brings families, friends, and the whole community together, giving the perfect setting for holiday bonding and shared memorable experiences.”

This Festival of Lights finds itself in distinguished company with the likes of the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark, the holiday lights display at the legendary Champs-Elysees in Paris and Japan’s Kobe Luminarie—that made the Conde Nast Traveller’s Seven Most Spectacular Lights in the World.

The spectacle is sure to get everyone into the holiday spirit as music fills the air and dancing lights transform the place into a Christmas wonderland. Ushering the magic of Christmas and filling spectators with child-like wonder and awe, visitors can immerse themselves in this fairyland that combines futuristic lights with beloved Christmas medleys that are refreshingly rendered in different genres. The theme of this year’s show series is Beats and Hues.

The Festival of Lights features favorite Christmas songs in three themes - taking the old classics and presenting these through new arrangements and musical ideas. The first show takes us to the streets of New Orleans, fusing big band music with jazz tones into a festive Christmas medley. The second showcases the rhythms of Africa, inspired by drum beats and musical instruments indigenous to the land, fusing modern and traditional African music. The third, a mix of techno and electronic dance music, takes a modern feel and vibe to favorite Christmas carols. Indeed, with the harmonious mix of diverse sounds and music, the Festival of Lights promises a refreshing new experience.

All around, the landscape is covered in a blaze of lights, with four full-color laser lights, and full-color LED string lights wrapped around the trees. The Gardens are wrapped in pixel lights and decked with pixel spheres and meteor lights, covering the grounds in a canopy of colors that glisten as colored laser lights and sparkling flash pods create an almost ethereal effect.

The Festival of Lights is expertly directed by award-winning Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia. Musical score is by musically acclaimed musicians and composers Jazz Nicholas and Mikey Amistoso of Watusi Manila.

Take selfies in especially designated spots that would allow you to capture the magical background into your timeline. Upload your photos on Instagram accounts using the hashtag #ATGFestivalofLights2015 and #MakeItHappenMakeItMakati to let everyone know.

From the gardens, one can admire the beautiful light installations replicating ten of the oldest and most historic Philippine Churches across the country. Each one is bedecked in parols and thousands of lights that capture the magnificence of a traditional Christmas in the Philippines. The street lights design is developed by the Makati Team together with designer Zenas Pineda.

“As the country’s premier city for business, lifestyle and entertainment, Makati prides itself in being the city where it all happens. It is our intent to liven up and truly celebrate the Christmas season with the denizens of Makati by providing them with a traditional and inspiring Christmas experience,” said Mr. Blas.

The Festival of Lights runs daily from November 9 to January 4, every 30 minutes from 6PM to 10PM. There will also be Thanksgiving Masses at the Ayala Triangle Gardens Fountain Area every 6PM from December 15-23. The Makati Inter High School Christmas Caroling Competition will be on December 17 also at the Ayala Triangle.

For more holiday activities, head over to Circuit Makati, the newest and most dynamic entertainment enclave, where you will find the tallest Christmas Tree in Metro Manila. With the spirit of gift-giving inspiring everyone, check out the biggest outdoor Christmas Bazaar, showcasing hundreds of merchants and amazing finds from November 27 to 29.

Christmas is indeed the season that never fails to delight even the busiest of people, who all anticipate and delight in Makati’s yearly holiday tradition. Once again, Makati promises a memorable and delightful holiday festivities.

If you want to get into the holiday vibe, drop by the Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Grounds for a spectacular way to celebrate the Christmas season.

For more information about the city that makes it happen, visit www.makeitmakati.comor like and follow MakeItMakati on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Domex #WorldToiletDay2015 Giveaway

The Super Momma 7:28 AM advocacy , giveaway 0 Comments

Even before I became a mom, I am very keen to cleanliness most especially the loo. There is some comfort to it when it smells fresh and most especially sparkling clean. Now with the kids, I let them enjoy their bath time so I always make sure that they are safe in our own home from germs.

Domex leads the fight against diseases caused by unsanitary toilets through the 1M clean Toilets Movement. In celebration of World Toilet Day, Domex leads a toilet clean-up in East Avenue Medical Center, symbolizing our commitment in helping people, especially those who have been afflicted, to fight disease through clean toilets.

To support the 1 Million Clean Toilets Movement and World Toilet Day, I pledge to properly clean my toilet, to protect my family from disease caused by unsanitary toilets.

So here is the best part, by simply joining me in the clean toilet movement, you can win yourself 2 months worth of cleaning from Domex. In order to qualify, you simply have to do the following:

1. All you have to do is simply answer these questions;

Who do you protect from disease causing germs?

Who inspires you to keep your toilet at home clean and germ-free?

2. Post a photo of your loved ones doing a check mark hand gesture using their left hand, don't forget to tag me on my FB Page (Nurse's Diary),Twitter (@thsupermomma.ph) or IG (thesuper.momma) and use the hashtag #WorldToiletDay2015 #1MCleanToilets.

Easy right? Ten winners will be chosen on November 13 and have to pick up the prizes at Legaspi Village, Makati City. Winners can claim their prizes until December 15, 2015.

Global toilet sanitation problem leads to 443 million missed school days

The Super Momma 6:32 AM advocacy , 0 Comments

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), children around the world miss an estimated 443 million school days each year because of diseases caused by poor sanitation and hygiene practices, including using unsanitary toilets. Simply put, this number of sick days is equivalent to all grade school and high school classrooms in the Philippines being empty for one month. This sanitation-related concern hinders the children’s learning and significantly reduces their quality of life.

Illnesses due to poor toilet sanitation include diarrhoeal disease and parasitic worm infections which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, physical and mental stunting, and death. Every day, millions of children in rural communities and urban households nationwide are exposed to these health problems by using dirty toilets populated by disease-carrying germs.

According to Dr. Luisa Efren of the Philippine Public Health Association (PPHA), the simple act of proper toilet sanitation can help prevent the spread of these germs. However, children continue to be at risk from these deadly diseases because many households still use ordinary laundry bleach to clean their toilet bowls, which is not enough to kill all toilet germs.

“A toilet that looks clean to the naked eye may not necessarily be free from germs and bacteria. So, it is very important to properly sanitize all surfaces using a germ-kill expert with proven efficacy in eliminating bacteria, and not just any ordinary laundry bleach,” Dr. Efren warned.

For the past three years, Unilever Philippines through its germ-kill expert brand Domex, has been working with UNICEF and PPHA to champion the One Million Clean Toilets Movement. This advocacy program aims to educate Filipinos on proper toilet hygiene and the need for sanitized household toilets to keep their families safe against disease-causing germs.

On November 13, World Toilet Day, join the One Million Clean Toilets Movement in the fight against disease causing germs to save lives, one clean toilet at a time. To learn more about Domex and how you can stay safe from disease with a germ-free home, visit Domex Philippines on Facebook.

You can also help the 1 Million Clean Toilets Movement fight against disease by spreading awareness on the sanitation issue caused unsanitary toilets. Watch and share the “Sick Days” video to help keep your family and friends germ-free.

Being a mom part three

The Super Momma 10:58 PM musings , 0 Comments

Life was perfect; I have two kids, a boy and a girl. Then when my little girl turned three, I suddenly missed the smell of a baby and imagined how our life will be if I have three kids.

Exactly 10months ago I learned I was pregnant again. My first-born was already 4 years old and my little girl was three. My life back then was beginning to fall back into pieces. We were enjoying our bike dates, strolling at the malls without having to tug along strollers and lesser whining kids.

But then, having another child is a blessing. It was what I imagined exactly a year ago. When I learned I was pregnant, I suddenly felt deprived again of my freedom. A selfish feeling of me but hey, I am being honest. It was a bittersweet feeling needless to say. Weird? I know.

When my EDD draws near, I suddenly felt really excited. I started to research again because it felt like I was a first time mom all over again. I joined support groups and spent hours in the internet reading articles. It was more than three years since my little girl and there was so much improvement with regards to cloth diapers. It was also later on that I learned that my carrier I used for baby wearing was not recommended. There came to a point really that there was so much information and my mind just want to scream. But joining these groups really helped a lot!

Now, I felt really ready about my birthing and all. I was sort of ready about everything well except again for another pain and recovery, which is different in every pregnancy by the way. Will share with you my birthing story in a separate entry.

Stay with me. Okay?