Friday, October 28, 2011

Living With Osteoporosis at 24

Careless and carefree. That's what I am, filled with life's ambitions and dreams that I seldom care about my health until October 22, 2011. Our 
company held its Annual Family Day, I took advantage of the  free Bone density scan, [its more like an ultrasound with the gooey transparent jelly but its swiped on the side of  your wrist] I never really cared what the result would be because I'm a low-fat milk drinker, I have a very good posture and I'm confident enough that I didnt give a damn. 

The technician gave me the printed results and said "Ma'am, you need to go to your primary doctor so you can have your prescription for Osteoporosis. At that moment, horror engulfed me. Speechless, I just nodded at the technician. It was so surreal, It never crossed my mind that I would have this disease at an early age. I rarely smoke and I often drink alcohol, where did I go wrong? 

Prevention is better than cure. Right now, all I have is cure. 

Heres the ever reliable WebMD for more Osteoporosis Overview.

That's my bone on the right. Nasty.
Photo from WebMD

What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis means "porous bones", is a serious condition that can  result in tremendous pain with fractures. You might not even realize you have Osteoporosis until you have a fracture or an obvious change in your posture. Infact, you could have significant bone loss without even knowing it.
Does everyone get Osteoporosis?
Bone loss is a natural part of aging, but not everyone will lose enough bone density to develop Osteoporosis. However, the older you are, the greater your chance of having Osteoporosis. Women who are thin and have a small frame are more likely to develop Osteoporosis. Heredity plays a role, and so does ethnicity.
Testing: What your T-Score Means
Testing compares your cone mineral density (BMD) with that of a healthy 30 year old, since that's when bone amss is at its peak. The results come
as a T-score in these ranges:
a. -1.0 and higher is norml bone density
b. Between -1.0 and -2.5 shows low bone density (osteopenia) but not Osteoporosis
c. -2.3 or below indicates osteoporosis. As your bone density decreases, your T-score gets lower.
Thats my T-Score right there.
Photo from Sony Cybershot DSC-W520

-2.8. Fail
Photo from Sony Cybershot DSC-W520

That check mark slapped me in face
Photo from Sony Cybershot DSC-W520

Treatment: Bone-Boosting Drugs
If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, you may be prescribed a biophosphonate: Actonel, Boniva, Fosamax, or Reclast. They can reduce  bone loss and fracture risk and may actually help build some bone density. Those taken by mouth can cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers in the esophagus, acid reflux, and nausea. Injectable bisphosphonates, given one to four times a year, can cause brief flu-like symptoms. Bisphosphonates may increase risk of jaw bone death.
Treatment: Hormones
Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that slows bone loss. Two synthetic versions, Miacalcin and Fortical, are used against osteoporosis. Given as a nasal spray or injection, they can slow bone thinning in postmenopausal women and reduce risk of spine fractures. Side effects include a runny nose, headache, back pain, or nosebleed. The injection may cause flushing, nausea, allergic reactions, or skin rashes. Forteo, a synthetic parathyroid hormone, requires daily injections and actually builds new bone. Leg cramps and dizziness have been reported with Forteo use.
Treatment: Estrogen Agents
Hormone replacement therapy, once used widely for menopause symptoms, is an option for osteoporosis, but it's used less than other medications because of concerns about the risk of cancer, blood clots, heart disease, and stroke. Evista is not a hormone but can provide similar bone-strengthening effects to estrogen without the cancer risks. Risks include blood clots and increased hot flashes.
Treatment: A Biologic Alternative
Prolia is a lab-produced antibody that slows the breakdown of bone. Given as an injection twice a year, it is for postmenopausal women at high risk for fractures who can't tolerate other osteoporosis drugs or who haven't been helped by other drugs. Side effects include back pain, muscle pain, bone pain, a higher risk of infections, and lower calcium levels.

My BFF's for life
Photo from Sony Cybershot DSC-W520

Which Foods Have the Most Calcium?
Drinking a glass of vitamin D-fortified milk is one of the best ways to get your calcium. Other dairy products vary in their calcium content. Yogurt and cheese are better choices than ice cream or frozen yogurt. Fish, such as sardines and salmon, are good sources. Fortified foods, such as cereals and orange juice, can also provide a lot of calcium.
Living With Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis doesn't have to interfere with your life. In fact, being
inactive or immobile will worsen your bone health. So get out and walk,
and enjoy leisure activities.

This is  my happy battle.


XX,
Aya

Disclaimer: All data provided on this site  [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

One Braveheart

Our company held its annual Family Day last October 22, 2011. Free lunch and all that family stuff, from medical to livelihood to leisure.
So, they had this small little booth where all women are queued, since I'm curious as a cat, I also lined up and that's where I found out that its a registration for Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination. I said, "WTH, this is salary deduction anyway." After a minute, I already have these cute baller bands on my wrist. =)
I'm not medically trained, so here's WebMD to help me out.
 What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix  grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer can often be cured when it's found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through a Pap test.
What causes Cervical Cancer?
Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. You can get HPV by having sexual contact with someone who has it. There are many types of the HPV virus. Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Abnormal cervical cell changes rarely cause symptoms. But you may have symptoms if those cell changes grow into cervical cancer. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:
1. Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, or a change in your menstrual cycle that you can't explain.
2. Bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, such as during sex or when you put in a diaphragm.
3. Pain during sex.
4. Vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
As part of your regular pelvic exam, you should have a Pap test. During a Pap test the doctor scrapes a small sample of cells from the surface of the cervix to look for cell changes. If a Pap test shows abnormal cell changes, your doctor may do other tests to look for precancerous or cancer cells on your cervix. Your doctor may also do a Pap test and take a sample of tissue (biopsy) if you have symptoms of cervical cancer, such as bleeding after sex.
How is it treated?
Cervical cancer that is caught early can usually be cured. If the cancer is caught very early, you still may be able to have children after treatment. The treatment for most stages of cervical cancer removes the cancer and makes you unable to have children. These treatments include:
1. A hysterectomy and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes.
2. Radiation therapy.
3. Chemotherapy.

Get vaccinated now!
Join us as we take a stand against this preventive disease, one Braveheart at a time.



Photos from Sony Cybershot DSC-W520

XX,
Aya

Disclaimer: All data provided on this site  [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] is for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this site are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.


Sunday, October 16, 2011

Day Trip in Bohol (June 2010)

Welcome to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Please forgive our haggard-looking faces, we didnt have much sleep because of excitement. =)

Man-made forest--going to Chocolate Hills


Chocolate Hills' entrance going up the stairs.

Going up the peak on the hill. It's a long way up like, more 100 steps, trust me. Just by going up is uberly exhausting.

Finally!

See how happy we were? =)

Picture-picture

And more pictures.

I don't know what we were trying to do here.

Butterfly Sactuary

Butterfly Sanctuary-trying to meditate

Bohol's finest-The famous Tarsier
This was all taken last year, I know its too late but I just had to blog it for the fact that I was not a blogger back then. LOL. You might be wondering why we were all wearing purple/violet, that's because I was with my Boyfie's family, cousin Precious, Uncle Arvin, Arvin's girlfriend Shiela and his Aunt Rose who is a wedding coordinator and events planner so even though it's just a family vacay we had to go by her planning rules-aside from the fact that she paid for everything. Hehe.
6am bound for Tagbilaran via Oceanjet P800 roundtrip (open air accomodation) but they do let you go in the airconditioned cabin below if there are less people inside. But if you prefer to take pictures of the sea and the islands, I suggest you go for open air.
Once you reach the port, there's a lot of drivers waiting for customers.
Van rental P2,000. It should be P3000 but hey, we're good in haggling. =)
Car rental P1,000. Good for 2-4 persons.
First stop, Jollibee. You don't wanna get hungry along the way right?
Second Stop, Man-made forest. Just Google for more pictures, sorry.
Third Stop, Chocolate Hills.
Fourth Stop, Loboc River. P300+ for buffet at the Floating Restaurant. But we ate our lunch somewhere else.
Fifth Stop, Butterfly Sanctuary
Sixth Stop, Tarsier Sanctuary
Seventh Stop, Baclayon Church. One of the oldest Churches in the Philippines. They have to give you shawls if you're wearing sleeveless tops and short shorts. On the 2nd floor is a museum with centuries-old religious relics, artifacts and other antiquities, dating back to the 16th century. We're not allowed to bring the camera inside the church and the museum unless you try to sneak in.
Eight Stop, Bohol's Blood Compact Site, most cmmonly known as "Sandugo"
Last stop, Pier. I bid farewell to the Philippines little paradise around 5pm.
I will definitely go back, there's a lot more to see like other old churches, Panglao Beach, The Plunge in Danao, Bohol, Prony the snake and etc. Next visit would be 2-3 days stay, for sure. 

XX,
Aya

 Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

For the love of Corsets

Been drooling over these fab tops for the past month. I may not be the so-called fashionista since I always go for shirts and jeans but when I saw these tops online, they are to die for. Really. Seeing yourself [and I'm referring to a female] wearing that top or that dress won't let you feel less feminine. I waited almost 2 weeks for my order and I finally got the parcel last Thursday. Yay me! I was at first torn between the dress and the yellow bustier top, however, I'm not really the type who wears dresses and secondly, the yellow top is out of stock, so I ordered the Bloom Garden bustier top instead, [upper left of your screen] thanks to Twins Closet-my gorgeous bustier top supplier. Will be posting a photo of me wearing the top soooon. =)


P580 + shipping fee for the bustier top
P680 + shipping fee for the bustier dress
Check out her facebook page for varieties. Twins Closet.

XX,
Aya

 Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.




Monday, October 3, 2011

No Other Woman

                                                   
                    Cristine: Tsaka ano ba ang mas madaling kalaban? Ang putang mahirap o ang putang mayanan?
                    Carmi: Pare-parehong puta lang yon!     
          PAAAAAAKKKKKKK!        

         For more No Other Woman lines click HERE.  =)     

XX,
Aya

Disclaimer: All data provided on this site  [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.


Booze after Massage

South Wing of SM Cebu

Lobby

Duyan (Swing) on the right, Massage beds on the left

Another Duyan

Me before getting a back massage

San Miguel Apple Flavor. Tastes like Cali Shandy with a little bit of alcohol.

San Miguel Light


We were just supposed to watch No Other Woman at the movie house at exactly 8:45pm, first, we ate our delish dinner at Max's then we were supposed to go to Osh Kosh B'gosh to check on some kids stuff. However, we passed by at the Weighless Center where they offered back massage for P20 for 10 mins. Suweeet! So, we had our backs massaged by females masseuse-the boys loved it of course! Then we headed to the movie house, we left the mall around 11:30pm and they decided to chill at Captain A's located at the back of Skyrise 1, Asiatown, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu.
P160 each for the movie tickets
P20 each for the back massage
P50 SanMig Apple
P35 SanMig Light
Photos from Blackberry smartphone.

XX,
Aya

Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.

Sunday dinner at Max's, SM Cebu

Boyfie's Platter Meal
P199 + 35 (extra rice)

 Fiesta Plate
P195

Bon with his Fiesta Plate

Everything Max's (condiments)

My Fiesta Plate
195
Instead of rice, I replaced it with rolls and I thought its the same as Shanghai rolls. Little did I know its bread and butter. Meh! I will not replace rice with rolls again. :|
       Photos from Blackberry smartphone.

XX,
Aya

 Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

HAUL: Seiko Silver Watch ☺

Seiko Watch

Fits perfectly
Photos from Blackberry smartphone.

XX,
Aya

 Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page  are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.

Cupcake Overload

58th with Boyfie 09/20

Tara's Birthday
Ordered from Fuzzy Wuzzy. You can reach them at these numbers: 0917-467-1776 (Globe) and 0933-558-1486 (Sun).
P360 1 dozen /  P180 6pcs. (With filling and frosting)
Free Delivery for every 1 dozen ordered. They do meet ups too.
Photos not mine

XX,
Aya

 Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.

Worst

I've been wanting to blog about this for weeks now. To start off,  I'm really a Nestle yogurt addict, especially the flavored yogurt; mango-peach, mango tidbits, buko pandan--you name it. Then, I purchased this Creamy Yogurt from our local supermarket thinking this would taste yummy as the others, so I brought it at the office, tried it and ULK! Tastes like spoiled milk! Gaaahd! Good thing, me and my colleague Tara has 4 packs of brown sugars (that brown sugar from coffee shops), we poured all 4 brown sugars and we somehow sweetened the taste of this yogurt. And to think, I was supposed to buy the big size. This is by far, the Worst. Yogurt. Ever.
Photos from Blackberry smartphone.

XX,
Aya

Disclaimer:  All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist--Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu.

Entering Simala

Entrance

Simala

With my WTF face

Boyfie


Me, Boi, Bon

Mama Mary

Church at the top floor

Stairs

Simala is located in the South of Cebu, it is known for the miraculous Virgin Mary where people from all over the place usually go to pray for the success of their careers and pray to healed. The place is really scenic, it has a pond, it has a lot of statue, different statues of the Virgin Mary, Jesus and the Saints. It has a room full of testimonies of people who went there, prayed and whose wishes were granted. I bought 3 candles, 1 luminous rosary which is blessed  and 1 Simala ointment--kinda like 'Lana".
I really don't know how much it would cost to go to Simala, its almost 3 hours away from Cebu City. All I know is we went there using a private car, there were 5 of us and each of us contributed P200 for the gas. =)

Photos from Blackberry smartphone.

XX,
Aya

Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted.


My kind of breakfast

Tuna, cheese, bread, potatoes and orange juice

Eggs, hotdogs, bread, cocoa drink and mango float on the side.

Yum

Calories are fun and fattening!
Photos from Blackberry smartphone.

XX,
Aya

 Disclaimer: All data provided on this site [www.readmyhappythoughts.blogspot.com] are for informational purposes only. This is a PERSONAL BLOG, all opinions expessed on this page are solely mine---not from anyone else, unless otherwise noted. 

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