My Work Sucks...Healthwise

Sitting in front of the computer for about 8-12 hours can pose hazard to one's health. I can attest to this because I''m beginning to harvest the negative effects of working in front of the computer for a very long time.

I am in my early 30s, but I feel like I am already in my 50s or 60s. Some of the health implications of working too long and too hard in front of the computer are the actuality that my back hurts, my head throbs, my eyes complain, and my wrist also suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome. But, I guess that I don't have a choice. It's part of my job. I have to research and read for all the articles that I have to write. I have to use the computer for all my data entry tasks. It sometimes sucks to think about all the work and all the long hours of sitting and staring the computer monitor. But, I have to work in order to survive...I have to provide for my family, for my daughter.

Ever since I got my laptop, I became addicted to the internet. In my spare time, I just love to surf and read on new things. If there's a new word that I can not understand, I simply can not just sit down and keep on ignoring that unfamiliar term. Maybe I am just an OC, but that's the way I am. Internet is my life these days. If there's a new recipe on T.V. that I want to cook for my family, i just google it. If I want to buy a new bag or clothes, I just search online to find about the latest trend for the current season and where to get it the cheapest way possible. It's not only my bread and butter, but it's also my channel to release and reduce my everyday stress in life.

With my sore back and strained wrist, I can not just stop working. Maybe I just need a new chair and a new table which are comfortable to avoid further injury. I am sometimes guilty of working while sitting down in our bed and I must confess that it's a bit awkward and torturing.I have a scoliosis, but I kept on forgetting that I have this condition. That I need to maintain a good posture and not indulge my back in any strenuous positions or activities.

I am not getting any younger anymore. I need to take care of my health because as they say, "Heath is wealth."

High-Risk Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a very blissful moment for a couple, especially for the woman.  But, sometimes pregnancy is not as easy as others might experience it to be.  There are certain situations that mothers may want to re-evaluate to steer clear of dangers and reservations concerning high-risk pregnancy. 

What is high-risk pregnancy? Who can have this condition? Should all women be alarmed of this?  Many questions can be asked, but what is important is that all women should at least be informed of what high-risk pregnancy is all about to protect not only herself but also the baby's well-being.  Women who are in higher-than-average risk of developing serious complications during pregnancy or birth are said to be having a high-risk pregnancy. This should be taken seriously because this can lead to physical and emotional trauma, both for the mother and the child.

Some common medical conditions that can cause difficulty during pregnancy are kidney problems, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, Rh incompatibility, tuberculosis, Crohn's disease, sickle cell anemia, ulcerative colitis, cancers, and sexually transmitted infections. Other factors such as the mother's age (young or old maternal age), medical problems experienced during previous pregnancy, weight (being overweight or underweight), and height may also pose dangers. Also, there are fetal factors such as contact to certain infections and exposure to drugs, medications, and other addictive substances that can also lead to serious threat to the child.

It is a bit frightening having a condition such as a high-risk pregnancy, but also remember that not all high-risk pregnancies will lead to serious complications.  It is very important for a woman to be informed of the risks involved in high-risk pregnancy.  She must develop a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits to prevent certain complications that may arise during pregnancy and after birth. High-risk pregnant mothers should also need special attention and care than those women with normal pregnancy. Regular visits with her healthcare provider should be done to monitor her condition. Asking questions involving this situation can also help to better understand and help cope with whatever restrictions this condition might bring.  Routine check-ups and laboratory tests should also be advised to track complications that may arise and determine if medications should be changed or additional treatment must be given.

Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates...

I never imagined in my eight years of being in a relationship that I would encounter this hurtful circumstance in my life. As of now, I'm still in the process of grieving and questioning my decisions a year ago.

Is it really my fault that my marriage life did not work out the way I planned it to be? I've really tried my best to keep my life in place. I once had a successful career as a financial officer and my dream to migrate to Manitoba had been approved. I just have to pass an English language examination and go to the Canadian Embassy to process my papers. Suddenly, unexpected things happened. I had to make an important decision. Will I pursue my flourishing life and career opportunities or settle in my hometown to build a family of my own? I had to weigh my priorities now and stick to it no matter what.

Now, it's time for a reality check. Marriage life is not always being in a bed of roses. There are things that you would discover about your partner that's really irritating. It's a fact that nobody is perfect. But, would he be willing to change to please you? Is he not over with his dishonesty, partying ways, and early morning arrival from drinking and going out with friends? Can you tolerate this annoying habits? If you can't, you still have time to reassess your relationship. You have to clear some issues with your partner. If things don't work out, don't cling on it and bear with being gloomy for the rest of your married life.

Of course, you will feel blue at this stage in your life. You just have to be strong and have faith that everything will be alright soon. Let negative things go out of your system; confide to a friend or a sibling. Learn to accept that life is indeed a box of chocolates; you'll never know what you are going to get. Just pray that you will get by from this stormy chapter in your life.

Emotional Imbalance During Pregnancy

Emotional imbalance is a psychological condition that hampers a person's emotions usually presenting an unexpected change in temper and lacking interest to certain activities. While most expectant mothers feel blissful for the coming of a child, many pregnant women suffer short-lived mental stress or depression especially during their first trimester or even after the baby's delivery.  Depression during pregnancy occurs due to the fact that a woman's hormone levels change rapidly. These fluctuations can influence the activities in the brain that affects the moods of pregnant women. Also, family history of psychological disorder, fertility treatments, high-risk pregnancy, and awful experiences faced by the mother before or during pregnancy, such as physical and emotional trauma, previous abortions and miscarriage, broken relationships, unsupportive family or partner, and unhealthy domestic environment can contribute to the depression and feeling of low self-worth.

Expectant mothers usually exhibit signs and symptoms such as feelings of sadness, loneliness, guilt, or worthlessness with no reason at all, frequent change of moods, insomnia, fatigue, irritability, and loss of interest or pleasure to fun activities and social functions engaged in before. Other symptoms may include loss in appetite, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms may not automatically be indications of a mental disorder, but, still, caution should be observed as this may result to depression.

Depression during pregnancy poses risks both for the mother and the baby. A woman that is depressed can develop suicidal tendencies, poor eating habits, drinking, smoking or drug problems and experience pre-term birth, preeclampsia or even abortion.  The growing fetus will also be endangered as maternal stress can cause emotional and behavioural problems, physical deformity, serious medical condition like high blood pressure, and poor development of the nervous system. Some of these conditions may not be seen right away after birth, but many studies have shown that the mother's stress during pregnancy can have significant effects on the child's behaviour in the future.

There are different styles of managing emotional stress among pregnant women.  Each individual requires a unique therapy management depending on the patient's ability to cope with stress, history, and experiences. Some patients experience only mild and short bouts of depression. Others may suffer severe mental stress that requires serious attention and therapy as it might result to post partum depression. To cope with mild depression, a very strong support system from loved-ones is important and also counselling to help address the condition. Many pregnant women are prone to this psychological condition because sometimes they feel they are alone and single-handedly go through the whole ordeal of motherhood. During the first three months of pregnancy, medical experts usually just advised interpersonal psychotherapy and psychoanalysis to cope with stress but do not give pharmaceutical treatment as this may affect the development of the fetus. After the first trimester and if depression symptoms still persist and worsen, antidepressants such as Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be prescribed. For patients who have not responded to the treatments mentioned above, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is given as a last-resort treatment for severe cases of depression.

I'm a Bag-a-holic

I simply can not resist the temptation of buying bags. It seems that someone is whispering into my ears saying, "Please buy me! I will make you happy!"

I am not a brand conscious kind of girl. The most important factors when buying a bag for me is the style, color, and size. If I saw something that I know would look good on me, I simply bookmarked that item and visit it again the following morning. If I can't sleep through the night thinking of that specific bag, then I know that I must buy it. Yeah, I must admit that I'm an online shopping junkie especially for bags. Just ask my husband, and he'll simply confirm about my passion for bags.

As of now, I have about 15 bags-- all in good condition. I really love and take good care of my bags as if they're part of my family. I want all of them to look at their best every time I would wear them.

My current favorite is my latest Gucci Brown Bag. I super love it! It's a bit pricey, but I simply cannot resist the enticing power of this bag.

Well, I said to myself that the Gucci Brown Bag will be my last purchase this year. I hope this promise will not be broken. I still have other essential things to buy, especially stuff for my baby. Til my next purchase!!!. lol

Christ the Redeemer Monument

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one of the world's famous and most visited tourist attractions is the statue of Jesus Christ the Redeemer with open and welcoming arms. It is known to be an icon of Brazil and a symbol of Christianity for most Brazilians declare Catholicism as their religion. It is located at the summit of Corcovado Mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park. It stands 38 meters and weighs 635 tonnes. It offers breathtaking views of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain and Copacabana and Ipanema Beaches. At the base of the iconic monument, a small chapel was erected which can accommodate 150 people.

The huge statue was designed by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa and created by French monumental sculptor Paul Landowski. It was constructed using reinforced concrete with the outer layers made from soapstone. Other designs which were considered before the final design was chosen were representation of the Christian Cross, a statue of Jesus with a globe in his hands, and a pedestal symbolizing the world. The construction of the famous landmark took nine years to complete from 1922 to 1931. The cost of the monument was approximately about $250,000 with funds raised from donations.

This large Art Deco-style statue of Jesus was inaugurated on October 12, 1931, the day of Our Lady of Aparecida by President Getulio Vargas and Cardinal Dom Sebastiao Leme. It was declared as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on July 7, 2007.

Life Is Too Short

I got a very sad news yesterday. It shocked our whole batch, including me. A friend passed away....

Why so sudden? She's so young and full of life. But, I know that she is in good hands now. I know that she wanted us to laugh instead of grieve and be sad. But, I can't help it. One way or the other, death is something painful. Even though, some people say death is something to be celebrated about for the departed will join the kingdom of God, or it is only the beginning of a new and everlasting happiness, I just can't help but cry.

I was teary-eyed and speechless for a while. Then, reality struck me. Indeed, life is too short for all of us. We will never really know when we will be gone. One day, it is a happy day for all of us, and the next day will be gloomy. That's why, I reflected for a moment and think about things and people around me. Did I do any harm towards other people? Did I say "Thank You!" or "I Love You!" to important people in my life? Did I do something great to help others? Even though, this is just simple stuff, I think that we should really make the most out of our life every day because we can never tell.

I know that my friend is in a happy place right now. I thank God because she did not suffer much. She did live a happy and amazing life. I will surely miss her. But, I know she's just around guarding me, guarding all of us who dearly love her. For now, farewell my friend!