It’s the time of the year again when we celebrate and honor the special women of our lives.
However, 2023 may yet, prove to be challenging in terms of observing this occasion here in the Philippines. The reason? An unexpected case of double whammy that can lead to developing, or worsening a long-term illness: Diabetes.
Heat Index and Diabetes
According to medical experts, high temperatures and humidity can cause dehydration and affect insulin sensitivity, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
COVID-19 and Diabetes
Several studies have suggested a link between COVID-19 and the development of diabetes. According to research published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, COVID-19 can cause acute insulin resistance, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Diabetesand Mother’s Day
Diabetes can have a significant impact on women’s health, from pregnancy and cardiovascular disease to sexual and reproductive health and mental health. Therefore, as a means to honor our mothers, we want every woman to have the proper know-how to prevent or worsen diabetic conditions.
MaketheMost,TreatYourselfWell
This Mother’s Day, show your appreciation to the moms in your life and share information that greatly reduces the risk of diabetes even if exposed to conditions like extreme heat, and COVID-19. Here are four wellness tips to make the most of the occasion as we take our mothers on a journey to #TreatYourselfWell:
l StartWell
Check your overall health if you are prone to or already developing symptoms of diabetes. Start by knowing if you are at risk by simply taking the DiabeTest.
l MoveWell
Physical Exercise and fitness help improve overall health. For diabetics, added value includes lowering blood glucose levels, boosting the body’s sensitivity to insulin, and countering insulin resistance.
l EatWell
Boosting your immune system with much-needed nutrition is key to preventing diabetes and resisting Covid-19. Follow a healthy diet to greatly reduce the risk.
l ThinkWell
Be mindful and maintain healthy habits. Look for ways to supplement your lifestyle with safe and trusted nutrition interventions that will help you #TreatYourselfWell.
Nutritional supplements like Diabetasol can deliver key benefits that will not only help you keep your blood sugar levels stable but also help reinforce your immune system. This brand of nutrition powder is complete with calcium, fiber, 11 vitamins, and 6 minerals. It comes in three delicious flavors: vanilla, chocolate, and cappuccino; and it is ideal for diabetics and a great choice for those who want to prevent diabetes risks.
Ceremonial signage lighting at Healthway QualiMed Santa Rosa is the first in a series of events celebrating the launch of the new Healthway Medical Network (HMN).
Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. (AC Health) launches Healthway Medical Network (HMN), marking the integration of all its hospitals and clinics under the Healthway brand. With the promise to deliver “Care Beyond Cure,” Healthway Medical Network aims to create a comprehensive patient journey across all its touchpoints, focusing on holistic and patient-centric healthcare.
The new identity of AC Health’s hospitals and clinics group was announced last May 8 at the ceremonial signage lighting of Healthway QualiMed Sta. Rosa. The momentous occasion was attended by key executives from Ayala Corporation, AC Health, and HMN, as well as local government officials, representatives from various sectors of the community, and existing patrons of QualiMed Sta. Rosa.
From L-R: Moderator Dr. Isabel Nabor-Umali, Patient-Caregiver Mrs. Tess Valero, Patient Representative Mr. Sebastian Schaffer, Obstetrician Dr. Rani Cadiz of Healthway QualiMed Hospital Santa Rosa, Women’s Health Center, and Chief Public Health Officer and Chief Operations Officer of Healthway QualiMed Manila Dr. Ma. Carissa Alejandro.
“At Healthway, we believe that care beyond cure is not simply an empty slogan, but a guiding principle,” said Jimmy Ysmael, President and CEO of Healthway Medical Network. “We understand that our patients are more than just a set of symptoms or a medical condition. They are people with unique stories, experiences, and emotions. Through the integration of our clinics and hospitals, we will strive to provide the highest quality of care, focusing on treating the whole person, not just the illness.”
During the event’s round table discussion, AC Health Chief Public Health Officer and QualiMed Manila Chief Operating Officer Dr. Rizzy Alejandro shared how Healthway plans to deliver on its brand promise through its “Connected Care Circles.”
“We want to provide holistic care to our patients, and this is where Connected Care Circles come in,” explained Dr. Alejandro. “Our goal is to provide seamless care from one point to another, regardless of where the patient is in their healthcare journey.” “Connected Care Circles” is Healthway’s innovative healthcare approach to providing patient-centric end-to-end care.
From L-R: Ayala Corporation Board of Director Mr. Eric Francia, AC Health President, and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Paolo Borromeo, Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas, Ayala Corporation Adviser to the Board, Mr. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Laguna Municipal Health Officer Dr. Odie Inoncillo, Healthway Philippines Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jaime Ysmael, and QualiMed Health Network Group Chief Operations Officer, Ms.Margaret Bengzon.
Aside from HMN, AC Health’s subsidiaries include Generika Drugstore, IE Medica and MedEthix, and KonsultaMD in partnership with Globe’s 917 Ventures.
The brand launch signifies an exciting chapter of growth and progress for the Healthway Medical Network. Borromeo shared that HMN is also integrating its processes, including procurement and other shared services, and its IT platform, with the launch of a unified EMR and clinical information system later this year. HMN plans to further expand its footprint in clinics and hospitals.
In 2022, the network successfully inaugurated 3 new multispecialty centers. This year, HMN plans to open 3 additional clinics in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, expanding its network to a total of 15 outpatient centers. The long-awaited Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, the first of its kind in the country, is also set to open in September 2023.
Present at the event was Ayala Corporation’s Fernando Zobel de Ayala, who reaffirmed the group’s commitment to continue investing in healthcare. “The integration and launch of the Healthway Medical Network and its promise to deliver care beyond cure exemplifies Ayala’s relentless pursuit of excellence in its unwavering commitment to nation-building,” said Zobel. “At Ayala, we believe that every Filipino deserves access to quality healthcare and we are committed to helping make this a reality.”
The launch of the Healthway Medical Network marks a significant milestone for AC Health in its mission to improve healthcare for all Filipinos. With its human-centered approach, innovative healthcare solutions, and integration of clinics and hospitals backed by the entire AC Health ecosystem, Healthway Medical Network is well-positioned to deliver holistic and high-quality care to patients across the country.
For more information on Healthway Medical Network, you may contact HMN’s integrated contact center at (02) 7751 4929 or (0917) 6296584,orthroughe-mailatcare@healthway.com.ph.
As part of its Sustainability Program, Watsons Philippines has entered a collaboration with Plastic Bank to help reduce plastic pollution and alleviate poverty by creating livelihood.
Plastic waste is a big problem for the environment and humanity in general: Every minute, one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into the ocean. If this continues unabated, there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans in 30 years. Sadly, the Philippines is one of the top 3 contributors to this plastic problem.
Sustainability has always been part of the Watsons DNA. Recognizing that the ocean stores a quarter of CO2 from the atmosphere and up to 93.4% of heat caused by the greenhouse effect, Watsons is committed to reducing the overall impact of its own brand plastic packaging so that it may contribute to ocean protection.
The A.S. Watsons Group has banned the use of microplastics in its own brand of rinse-off cosmetics or personal care products since 2014. By the end of 2019, this ban has been extended to all brands so no rinse-off cosmetics or personal care products from any brand are sold at any Watsons stores.
(Watsons – PR and Sutainability Director) Ms. Viki Encarnacion
(Plastic Bank Asia – Head of Sales) Mr. Giovanni Bottazzi
(NEDA – Undersecretary of Regional Dev. Group) Usec. Mercedita Sombilla
(DTI – Director of Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau) – Atty. Marcus Valdez II
Watsons Philippines offers its customers four Sustainable Choices: Clean Beauty (mindfully created products without “unwanted” ingredients), Refill and Reduce (refilling bottles and reusing containers), Better Ingredients, and Better Packaging.
Through its Impact Program Collaboration with Plastic Bank, the health, wellness, and beauty retailer will continue to Do Good for the Oceans by committing to the prevention of 50,000 kg of plastic bottles from entering the world’s oceans – the equivalent of 2.5 million bottles over the first 12 months.
“At the heart of Look Good, Feel Great is Do Good. Watsons has always been at the forefront of sustainability and this collaboration with Plastic Bank only further reinforces our commitment to helping make this world a better place,” said Viki Encarnacion, Watsons PR and Sustainability Director.
Plastic Bank Philippines
“We are happy to team up with Watsons Philippines – a company that shares our vision on creating a regenerative economy. This collaboration showcases our unified goal of stopping ocean plastic while creating more opportunities for people living in vulnerable coastal communities,” said David Katz, Founder, and CEO of Plastic Bank.
How a simple thing such as a scent can transport your mind to a happier, calmer state is something that this lady believer of aromatherapy tries to share with other people.
Indian-American author and alternative medicine advocate, Deepak Chopra once said that “Aromatherapy is extremely useful. If you want to go to sleep at night, and you have an aroma that calms your mind, it will help you sleep.”
In fact, it’s not only Chopra who believes in the efficacy of aromatherapy. Tina Marie Wise Gamutan, the owner and enterprising young lady behind Tia’s Aromatherapy & Specialty Girftshop has always been fascinated by it and has incorporated it into her life.
Inside Tia’s Aromatherapy & Specialty Giftshop
“Why to treat a trivial ailment with medicines and chemicals when it can be easily healed by something natural,” she rationalizes. “Don’t get me wrong though! Aromatherapy is not a replacement for mainstream medicine. Please don’t try healing a broken bone with frankincense. Whilst I am an advocate for the ‘natural way’ and I fully support modern medicine too!”
How a simple thing such as a scent can transport your mind to a happier calmer state is something that she tries to share with other people. “The use of aromatherapy oils for stress, skincare, sleep problems, cleaning have been around for thousands of years and it’s all offered to us by Mother Nature,” she quips.
Prior to opening her shop in 2012, she used to work in a corporate office. Together with her best friend, they would dabble in making room sprays to clear the negative aura that tends to linger in such a fast-paced environment.
“We would spend the afternoon eating Japanese food purchased that morning from Cartimar market then we would settle down with our crystals, sage, tarot cards, and our accumulated collection of essential oils,” shares Tina.
She admits that this practice has always been a place of healing for her which is why up to this day she’s still doing it. “We always talked about how my purpose is to help others and now that is exactly what I’m doing through the use of my essential oils,” she shares.
Two years ago she became pregnant and got conscious of the things she would put in her body. Luckily, she had a smooth pregnancy apart from the terrible acid reflux. She admits to being extremely wary about purchasing over-the-counter medicine so she turned to peppermint oil and used it in a diffuser.
“I literally can’t live without it now,” she quips. “During my pregnancy, I had a lot of spare time so I started making my sprays again and selling them among friends. The sprays soon turned into soap making, massage oils, beauty products, and candles.”
By this time, she was sitting at home heavily pregnant and every surface had some sort of aromatherapy product on it. This is when she decided to open her own wellness shop.
Aside from the products she made personally, her shop is also an official distributor of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy. The essential oils are imported from Alberta Canada and the range of products has been formulated by a pharmacist with over three decades of experience. These oils are 100 percent natural and organic and each one is sourced from their country of origin.
Below are the oils that Tina considers as her “go-to remedies”:
What is it? Peppermint oil
Benefits medicinally: This oil has been found to eliminate harmful bacteria, it can relieve muscle spasms and disinfect and soothe inflamed skin.
Benefits when used in Aromatherapy: It has natural expectorant properties which aid in clearing the nasal passage and receives congestion. It is also believed to soothe feelings of nervousness and enhances focus.
How to use:
-Dilute with virgin coconut oil and rub on soles of feet for a natural fever reducer or use it to relieve sunburn. You can also rub it behind the ear to reduce feelings of nausea
-Inhale to relieve the symptoms of headache
What is it? Lavender Oil
Benefits medicinally: Known for eliminating bacteria, soothe inflamed skin, relieves muscle spasms, soothes bug bites, and speeds up healing of irritated and scarred skin.
Benefits of Aromatherapy: It has mild sedative properties so it is known for reducing stress by lowering cortisol levels. High cortisol levels have a direct correlation to lower immunity therefore lavender essential oil supports the immune system by reducing feelings of stress.
Due to these calming properties, you can use lavender as a sleep aid especially if you suffer from insomnia. This super oil also has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial & anti-microbial properties.
How to use:
Use in a diffuser so the particles can be inhaled more effectively
Dilute with a carrier oil and use topically. Can be used as a moisturizer or help to relieve insect bites.
Provides soothing relief to minor burns and cuts
Can be used to improve the condition and look of eczema, psoriasis.
Can be used in the hair to combat lice and fights dandruff
What is it? Tea Tree Oil
Benefits medicinally: This oil is a powerful antiseptic immune system stimulant that is beneficial in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It can be used in cosmetics, household cleaning, aromatherapy. It is known to soothe topical allergic reactions, burns, dandruff, acne, and much more. Used topically Tea Tree oil can heal skin issues making it an excellent additive when making homemade beauty products such as soaps, toners, face washes, body washes.
Benefits in Aromatherapy: Tea Tree has natural expectorant properties so applying a few drops to a pillow can relieve congestion. You can also add a few drops of this oil to a steaming bowl of water and inhale deeply to aid the healing of a sinus infection.
How to use:
Dilute with a carrier oil of your choice and use topically. You can use it on burns, cuts, sores, rash
Tea tree has the potential to restore the skin’s complexion so dilute with aloe vera and distilled water and use a facial mist. You can also use it in your hair to fight dandruff or lice.
Dilute and use it as an air freshener. It is natural, anti-microbial, non-toxic. It can remove bacteria, viruses, and mold from the environment.
Best-selling products
“Sleep Easy” Sprays
Sleep Easy Spray
Tia’s Aromatherapy has a range of Essential Oil Room and Linen sprays which are really popular. These are non-toxic, natural, and have a myriad of uses.
The most popular spray is “Sleep Easy.” It combines the healing properties of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lavender to promote a feeling of well-being, ease, and restfulness.
This blended scent paves the way for a zen-like environment and state of mind. You can spray directly onto your bathroom tiles so the steam from the shower picks up the droplets and turns them to steam. Alternatively, you can spray on your countertops to keep the ants away.
Strengthen and restore leave-in hair conditioner with vitamin
Hair Conditioner
This all-natural hair miracle works wonders within ten days. You can see a visible change in the overall health and appearance of your hair. The combined ingredients moisturize, fights dandruff, promote hair growth, UV protection, and are overall designed to bring life back to those locks. It can be used as part of your daily hair routine. Just spritz 6-8 times on damp hair. Your hair will be left with the heavenly smell of lavender.
Tea Tree toner
Tea Tree toner
This unique herbal-based formula is ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The tea tree extract is anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties that fight acne and keeps it at bay. The aloe vera aids in soothing and moisturizing and the L- glutathione supports the skin’s natural antioxidants to heal the appearance of blemishes. This toner adds a layer of protection to the skin by closing pores and tightening cell gaps after cleansing which leaves your skin with a clean, matte, healthy-looking appearance.
“Although essential oils can be used to treat various ailments they should not be used as a replacement for modern medicine,” she says. “I advise you use aromatherapy products in a supportive role to the medicines prescribed by doctors.”
All throughout this pandemic, Tina has been using a synergy of aromatherapy oils to boost her immune system. “Thieves oil, tea tree, and eucalyptus to name a few – these can be placed in a diffuser for maximum inhalation effect,” she concludes.
Put 4 drops of Youth Serum on your face every night for 5 minutes. Ultimately, your inner beauty is your best makeup. You won’t depend on makeup to feel beautiful.
“Cleopatra’s Youth Serum with Argan Oil has given a fresh look to my skin and improved the texture,” shared Ms. Aditi Ahuja, Mrs. Universe Joy-Generosity 2018, a philanthropist, artist, entrepreneur, style icon, and event consultant. “A youthful skin compliments a youthful spirit, hence, supports me in all my endeavors in society. So, if you want to stay naturally beautiful, use Cleopatra oils! Stay fresh, stay young!”
(From right): Judith Barran, the owner and founder of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy; Ms. Aditi Ahuja, Mrs. Universe Joy-Generosity 2018, a philanthropist, artist, entrepreneur, style icon, and event consultant
Hundreds of happy moms, working women, stay-home-moms, women entrepreneurs, and daughters are satisfied users of this “miraculous serum” called Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy Youth Serum with Argan Oil.
Judith Barran, the owner, and founder of Essence of Cleopatra Aromatherapy considered her essential oils as her “fountain of youth.” She’s grateful to share these amazing product lines created and formulated by her husband, Lloyd Barran, a pharmacist, chemist, and aromatherapist with over 20 years of experience.
Ms. Judith Barran with Tia Belle’s owner, Ms. Evelyn Dayao Wise, the newest distributor of Cleopatra Aromatherapy in Sta.Rosa area.
Put 4 drops of Youth Serum on your face every night for 5 minutes. Ultimately, your inner beauty is your best makeup. You won’t depend on makeup to feel beautiful.
