Category: health

Posted in corona virus, life

Wearing is Caring

Posted on by M Artisans

Have you heard of this campaign?

Wearing is Caring….

It makes common sense right? Wearing masks has become an emblem of this recent pandemic. The mask is now a public etiquette in the fight against this terrible disease.

Corona Virus causes the Covid-19. It is highly contagious and has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives all around the world. Anyone can be a carrier as some can be asymptomatic – not showing symptoms or presymptomatic – period before the symptoms.

“feeling healthy doesn’t mean we don’t have it.”

people inside a bus wearing masks
Photo by zydeaosika on Pexels.com

How does a Mask can help prevent the spread of Corona Virus?

The small particles of Corona Virus can spread when people breathe, talk, cough or sneeze. It is said to remain suspended in the air for quite a time.

“After attending a choir practice in Washington State in early March, dozens of people were diagnosed with or developed symptoms of COVID-19 even though they had not shaken hands or stood close to one another. At least two died. After dining at an air-conditioned restaurant in China in late January, three families at neighboring tables became sickened with the virus—possibly through droplets blown through the air.” 

Some new evidence suggests that talking can be a significant mode of viral transmission. A minute of loud speech could generate more than a thousand of virus containing droplets that could hang in the air for minutes.

In most parts of Asia like Hong Kong where outbreak is kept under control, masks are worn by the majority of population. Tells us why is it a must to do so.

“Masks can play a big role in reducing the virus spread, as long as they’re worn properly” – Doctor Aaron Hamilton of Cleveland Clinic.

people-wearing-protective-face-masks-vector

It is strongly advised to wash cloth masks and should be dried on high heat or discarded for single-use face masks.  It is equally important to wash your hands after removing or handling used masks.

Masks are our extra layer of protection. And if you are overwhelmed which type to wear, maybe this article can help.

Thanks for reading 🙂

 

 

 

Posted in covid 19, health

Anti-Covid Masks, everything you need to know

Posted on by M Artisans

Wearing Face Mask has become a global trend. Its importance is being backed by professionals in the fight against Covid-19. Came across an update from South Korea with their own Kf94 mask. They made their own in response to the high demand and shortage of mask. But first, let us review the different masks in the market.

WHO – World Health Organization strongly advise the use of mask as protection against Corona Virus as it can be transmitted via close contact droplets between people. It is almost similar with airborne transmission but this virus should not be taken lightly. As of this writing, there are 3,428,422 confirmed cases and 243,831 deaths worldwide. Bringing even the most powerful countries to its knees.

 

 

Surgical/Medical Mask

Surgical masks are disposable, loose fitting masks that cover your nose, mouth and chin. Filters as much as 60-80% of small particles under lab condition. It is often flat and rectangular in shape with pleats or folds. Since it is for one time use only, a lot of people are using this now and throw on rivers and other bodies of water.

 

Homemade Cloth Mask

Affordable and reusable, anyone can make at home. Though it offers little protection especially if it has no filter inserts, it’s better than not wearing anything. The risk lies from providing a false sense of security. User of Cloth Mask should remember that it doesn’t replace other protective measures like frequent handwashing and social distancing.

 

N95

This kind of mask is more tight fitting and has oval or circular design. Can filter out 95% of very small particles like viruses and bacterias. Some types have exhalation valves which can help in breathing and humidity. Please make sure there are no gaps between your skin and edge of the mask so no particles can enter. 

photo of person wearing face mask

 

kN95

kN95 is designed in China. kN95 and N95 are almost identical on the features important in Covid-19 protection. Both masks capture 95% of tiny particles about 0.3 micron to be exact. Again, reminders on finding a good fit and comfy enough for you.

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Pitta Mask

US has N95, China has kN95, while Japan has Pitta Mask. It is sleek and incredibly popular with celebrities wearing one with matching OTDs. Claims to filter PM 2.5 or smaller particles of matter. It is made of sponge-like material. Elastic, light and comfortable to wear. 

pitta mask

 

PM2.5

As the name suggest, PM2.5 mask filters PM 2.5 or smaller particles just like Pitta Mask. PM stands for Pollutants in Micrometers. PM 2.5 is equivalent to 0.001 millimeters. Highly comfortable too, shape is similar to kN95.

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kF94

Pardon if I’m biased to this. Not because I’m a K-pop fan but I’ve grown accustomed to wearing one. South Korea solved their mask shortage by creating their own. kF94 stands for Korea Filter. This is their protection level and filters 94% of particles. It has quadruple filters and has ergonomic 3D design that allows breathing space for nose and mouth. 

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Sponge Mask

A dupe for Pitta mask, it is breathable and comfortable. Great for those allergic to synthetic fibers of Surgical/medical mask (like me) since it’s skin-friendly. Washable and reusable, too! A good alternative to cloth or surgical masks.

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Antibacterial Face Masks

One particular brand – BioMask – is a revolutionary face mask that inactivates 99.99% of viruses/bacteria with the surface of the mask. BioMask has a hydrophilic plastic coating that rapidly absorbs aerosol droplets away from the outer surface of the mask. The first and second layers of the mask are treated with different compounds that inactivate viruses. Some types use Carbon for their antibacterial property. Taiwan made one under the brand – Blue Eagle. 

 

So there you go, summed up all masks in the market. Wear mask when going out. That’s because studies show that people can spread coronavirus even if they don’t have symptoms (called asymptomatic) or before they have symptoms (called presymptomatic).

Please do remember that wearing mask is just one way to protect yourself. It is equally important to practice social distancing and frequent handwashing. 

Stay Safe everyone!

 

Posted in Family health, health

Household products that can kill Corona Virus

Posted on by M Artisans

Stores are running out of alcohol and sanitizers as supply came short while demand continues to escalate. You may worry how to disinfect your home and protect your family in the absence of these two, so read this article for some tips.

Corona Virus like any other viruses, is easy to kill. Just use the right product, follow the recommended usage and bid adios to corona!

Common household products that you can use;

Soap and water

It is the most effective among all products and can literally wash away this pesky virus. FYI, anti-bacterial soap is only effective against bacteria not viruses.

Bleach

CDC or The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one part concentrated bleach to 3 parts water – diluted solution against virus disinfection. Well known brands of bleach available in the Philippines are: Zonrox, Clorox, Ajax, Domex, etc. (I’m not being paid for this haha 😅)

Hydrogen Peroxide

According to the CDC, hydrogen peroxide (3%) is a powerful disinfectant that deactivates rhinovirus. Rhinovirus is the virus that causes common cold. And is much tougher to destroy than Corona Virus. That means hydrogen peroxide is one mighty killer!

Multi-surface Cleanser Sprays

Mainly use on hard surfaces like kitchen counters, tiles, toilet. This is my go-to cleanser next to bleach and hydrogen peroxide. Just spray and wipe with clean cloth or tissue, make sure to discard the tissue after use.

There you go, wishing everyone to stay healthy and corona virus free!

Thanks for reading! 😊

Posted in health, life

covid-19 stats

Posted on by M Artisans

As of April 1, 2020 Covid-19 statistics:
Worldwide: 859,032 confirmed cases

  1. USA 189,445
  2. ITALY 105,792
  3. SPAIN 95,923
  4. CHINA 81,554
  5. GERMANY 71,808
  6. FRANCE 51,487
  7. IRAN 44,606
  8. UK 25,150
  9. SWITZERLAND 16,597
  10. TURKEY 13,531

PHILIPPINES 2,084 cases

#angelpharmacy

https://google.com/covid19-map/

Posted in Family health, health

Alcohol vs. Hand Sanitizer

Posted on by M Artisans

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends frequent handwashing as one of measures to protect yourself from Covid-19 and stop the spread of it. This pandemic has been wrecking havoc across the globe.

But what if there’s no soap and water available and access seems impossible? Having rubbing alcohol or sanitizers are instant savers.

Here’s what you need to know about these two;

Alcohol

Variations: Ethanol/ Ethyl, Isopropyl, Propanol

Pros: It is a fast-acting disinfectant. Kills 99% of microbes, bacteria and viruses and has been the most popular first-aid or disinfectant in medical facilities such as hospitals

Cons: Flammable, drying and unfriendly to skin

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Hand Sanitizer (alcohol based)

I am biased to this one and prefers bringing a tiny bottle in my purse.

Variations: Scented and unscented

Pros: Skin friendly because it’s partly gel & moisturizer, effective in killing most bacterias and viruses

Cons: Must contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective and must be used properly and with sufficient amount for effectivity

Hope this is helpful. Remember nothing beats handwashing. Let us fight Covid-19 together!

Stay Safe everyone!

Posted in Family health, health, life

What is Social Distancing

Posted on by M Artisans

Social Distancing – is one of the measures we are now using to stop or slow down the spread of Covid-19.

Since Covid-19 is a highly contagious disease that can be transferred via close droplet transmission. Measures include limiting large groups of people coming together and canceling events that would gather a crowd.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended against any gatherings of 50 or more people over the next eight weeks, in an effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Many schools, libraries, universities, places of worship, and sporting and cultural institutions have also shut down for the next few weeks.

These measures are an attempt to enforce distance between people, a proven way to slow pandemics.

Experts advised maintaining at least 3 feet or 1 meet away from each other

Experts have also been urging people to practice voluntary “social distancing.”  And term is now trending all over Social Media.

Sharing is Caring. Let us do our part and fight Covid-19.

Posted in health

Ten facts about Corona Virus

Posted on by M Artisans
  1. Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). 
  2. The Source of Corona Virus is believed to be a “Wet Market” in Wuhan, China that sells both live and dead animals.
  3. A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.  
  4. World Health Organization announced its official name – coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease.
  5. Formerly known as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”
  6. It is zoonotic – transmitted between animals and people.
  7. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
  8. In severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. 
  9. Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include frequent hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
  10. It can be transmitted by droplet contact – bacteria/viruses that can travel on relatively large respiratory droplets that people sneeze, cough, drip, or exhale.

Articles:

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

https://www.drgreene.com/articles/droplet-transmission

https://www.facebook.com/angelpharmacyph/

 

 

Posted in health, natural medicine, women’s health

vitex on endometriosis

Posted on by M Artisans

Vitex or chasteberry is a female friendly herb that’s been used for centuries. It is proven effective and in scientific studies, too.

Vitex is one of the most popular herbal remedies for PMS and cramps. In fact, one study published in the Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine found that after being treated with vitex for three menstrual cycles, 93 percent of patients reported a decrease in the number of PMS symptoms or a complete end of PMS complaints. (1)

As with every herbal I take, I make sure I read reviews, facts, history and testimonies if there’s any. To lessen mistakes, wastage and to save money. Plus, I’m doing the homework for you, saving you time on research & mobile data, you’re welcome 🙂

If you are like me who’s in 1 out ten. Taking tried and tested herbs could be beneficial for us. To lessen symptoms, alleviate pains and discomfort, and help in normalizing of our hormones. I’m currently into injectable type of hormones (luprolex) and thus gives me menopausal like symptoms, the more reason I should take vitex together with my other supplements including Organic Spirulina, Vitamin B-complex, non-acidic vitamin C and Evening Primrose Oil.

Please keep in mind that vitex is not a hormone, it’s a medicinal plant or fruit that reminds our bodies to produce the actual hormone – progesterone.

There are other herbal remedies available and are mentioned in my previous post https://mypanoplies.com/2018/05/31/herbal-supplements-for-endometriosis/

Posted in Family health, health, health & fitness, natural medicine

the Best Anti-Inflammatories you should eat

Posted on by M Artisans

Inflammation is our body’s natural response as discussed in previous post – What are food – inflammatories? 

Here, we will talk about the best foods that fight inflammation.

 Whether you are an endo-sufferer or simply health-conscious, you will get some helpful recommendations in this post.

Nowadays, people get sick easily and there more cases of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Also known as modern-day metabolic diseases. My grandmother rarely falls ill because in their time they’re taught to eat veggies and fish.

Stress, environmental toxins, pandemic lack of sleep, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to inflammation.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of good nutrition. 

Even the bible have spoken a lot about it. “He gives food to every creature, His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:25

As promised here are the best anti-inflammatory foods;

  • green leafy vegetables

  • fruits like anti-oxidant rich berries

  • herbs and spices including turmeric, cinnamon, etc. 

  • spirulina

  • fish

  • whole grains

  • nuts

assorted vegetable lot
Pexels.com

*Broccoli is an example of cruciferous vegetables. It is highly nutritious and is rich in sulforaphane – an anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory that fights inflammation by reducing levels of cytokines and NF-kb. Sulforaphane is a sulfur-containing compound that gives it a bitter bite. Another superfood is spinach. No wonder it’s the favorite of popeye 🙂 Spinach is packed with anti-inflammatory carotenoids – pigments that give them it’s color (1,2)

*Fruits like berries are packed with anti-oxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Berries have anthocyanins which are effective anti-inflammatories and improve immunity. Polyphenols reduce the risk of chronic metabolical diseases and give the fruit its beautiful bright colors. (3)

abundance agriculture bananas batch
Pexels.com

*Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA & DHA. Great choices are wild salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and anchovies. Omega-3 is mentioned in what to do when you have both endometriosis & adenomyosis (4)

 

close up cooking cuisine delicious
Pexels.com

*Whole grains are considered whole foods. Our stomach digest grains slowly, thereby minimising sudden spikes in blood sugar that promote inflammation. They are also a good source of magnesium. (5)

 

brown nut lot
Pexels.com

*Amino acid tryptophan on nuts lower pain sensitivity and examples of nuts are almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and so on. High in omega-3 fatty acids, some of the phytonutrients in walnuts are hard to find in other foods. (6)

 

almond nut organic unshelled
Pexels.com

Spirulina, turmeric and other herbals will be separately discussed in future post.

This type of assortment is very similar to a Mediterranean diet, while others call it Paleo diet. According to Harvard studies, chronic inflammation has been strongly linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression and Alzheimer’s.

Best way to fight inflammation is with a healthy diet. 

 

Articles:

https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-topics/nutrition

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18541602

 

Posted in health, natural medicine, women’s health

What are food – inflammatories?

Posted on by M Artisans

Food that can trigger an inflammation is considered an inflammatory. Women with endometriosis/ or adenomyosis should stay away from these inflammatories to lessen flare up & discomforts we experience regularly. 

Inflammation – is our body’s immune response, a natural response to protect itself from harm.

When our body is in continuous inflammation due to stress, bad habits & unhealthy eating, it becomes “chronic” manifesting into various symptoms such as; fatigue (loss of energy), digestive problems like diarrhea or constipation, skin issues, allergies, asthma, depression, anxiety, & high blood glucose levels.

With body in constant inflammation, our cells start attacking our body (auto-immune response). This results to many illnesses, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, heart diseases and cancer.

 

So what are these inflammatories that we should get rid from our diet?

  • refined carbohydrates

  • processed foods

  • fast food

  • saturated and trans fatty acids

  • GMO food

  • conventional dairy

  • alcohol & caffeine

  • sodas & other drinks with artificial sweeteners

 

food alcohol beer foam
Photo by Tookapic on Pexels.com

 

After that very painful attack recently, I’ve made a decision to really eliminate the inflammatories in my diet. In our international community we call it – endodiet. 

I thought I was going to die in severe pain, while vomiting everything I ate that day. Perhaps, this is life-changing for me, optimistic as always, dealing with endometriosis while helping fellow endo-sufferers by sharing my story, learnings and researches. 

 

Usual expression, but it is true – food is medicine. 

Since inflammation can have so many triggers and there are inevitable factors such as pollution, injury or sickness. We have the power to control and be mindful of what we eat/drink to stay healthy or pain-free. Join me for further studies on how to help and manage our unique condition.

Next post we will discuss the best anti-inflammatories. 

 

 

Read more:

Having Endometriosis & Adenomyosis; avoiding hysterectomy by lifestyle/diet change

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-foods-that-cause-inflammation#section2

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php