Health : Five simple ways to love your lungs

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Lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease

(An educational article sponsored by MSD.)

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified tobacco use as the cause of 70 percent of lung cancer deaths, those who do not smoke are equally at risk of developing the disease. A study conducted on Asian patients with advanced adenocarcinoma affecting the lungs has even shown that non-smokers have a higher chance of forming tumors compared with regular smokers.1

According to the WHO, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.2The same is true in the Philippines where it is the top cancer killer among Filipino men, and the second most common cancer killer among Filipino women.3 Aside from tobacco use, lung cancer may develop due to family history, exposure to industrial and chemical carcinogens, as well as indoor and outdoor air pollution. The WHO also identifies unhealthy habits as a leading cause of cancer.4

“There is a popular notion that lung cancer is a smoker’s disease, but even those who are already leading healthy and active lifestyles may still be exposed to its other risk factors,” said Dr. Ena Ang of MSD Oncology. “That is why vigilance is necessary to protect ourselves against lung cancer.”

For smokers, quitting is the necessary first step to avoiding cancer. As for non-smokers, certain habits and practices can help minimize risk for the disease. Below are just some of these to ensure good lung health:

1. Avoid heavily polluted areas

Increased exposure to particulate matter and air pollution increases the likelihood of lung cancer, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, emitted from sources such as construction sites, power plants, industries, automobiles, and fireworks.5

If you work in or near areas that emit large volumes of PM, wearing protective equipment is advised. If you can’t avoid going to heavily polluted areas, you can wear a mask recommended or provided by your doctor.6

2. Keep indoor air clean

Indoor air pollution from solid fuels like wood, charcoal, and coal used for cooking causes approximately 17 percent of annual premature lung cancer deaths in adults, according to the WHO.7Households can reduce this risk by switching to cooking technologies that are safer to human health. Because homes are also susceptible to outdoor particulate matter due to air leaks, air purifiers are recommended to improve indoor air quality.8

3. Eat more fruit and vegetables

Diet plays a central role in keeping the body healthy against diseases, including cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight off cancer, while diets heavy in protein and fat increase the risk for the disease.9Regular exercise, as well as abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, maximizes the benefits of a healthy diet.

4. Exercise more

According to the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physically active individuals have a lower chance of developing lung cancer by up to 20 percent.10If you already exercise regularly, it’s important to avoid working out in or near heavily polluted areas to keep your lungs safe and healthy.

5. Seek medical assistance for symptoms

In many cases, lung cancer is already in the advanced stages by the time it is diagnosed as the symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses. An early symptom of the disease can be as simple as a cough. When you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, fatigue, and loss of weight and appetite, see a doctor right away. Coughing up blood is already a serious sign that could indicate advanced lung cancer.

Immediate diagnosis could prompt early action especially if the cancer is still in its early stages. This does not mean, however, that the disease is no longer manageable once it is already advanced. At this point, advanced treatment options are available to help in managing Stage 4 lung cancer to increase the rate of survival.

1 A Prospective, Molecular Epidemiology Study of EGFR Mutations in Asian Patients with Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer of Adenocarcinoma Histology (2014)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4132036/ Accessed January 28 2016.

2 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/ Accessed January 28, 2016

3 Globocan 2012 http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx Accessed January 28, 2016

4 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/Accessed January 28, 2016

5 United States Environmental Protection Agency http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/particlepollution/basic.html Accessed January 28, 2016

6 Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Understanding_COPD/hic_Preventing_Respiratory_Infection_and_Avoiding_IrritantsAccessed January 28, 2016

7 World Health Organizationhttp://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/ Accessed January 28, 2016

8 Vijayan, V. K., Paramesh, H., Salvi, S. S., & Dalal, A. A. K. (2015). Enhancing indoor air quality –The air filter advantage. Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society, 32(5), 473–479. http://doi.org/10.4103/0970-2113.164174

9 Healwithfood.org http://www.healwithfood.org/lungcancer/diet.php Accessed January 28,2016

10 National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet#q7Accessed January 28, 2016

The Voice Season 10 welcomes the return of Judge Cristina Aguilera

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Sweet and feisty Cristina Aguilera returns to one of the chairs for the tenth season of the Voice. Staying put also are its male judges: Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Pharrell Williams.

Flying high from fantastic ratings from Season 9, this latest installment promises to once again keep its audience at the edge of their seats as it showcases the best singing talent across the USA. Watch as each judge take tips from their own phenomenal careers and use them to mentor every competitor in the show.

Still known to be the show that revolutionized singing competitions across the globe, The Voice enjoys critical acclaim and a loyal worldwide following.

The All New Season 10 airing every Tuesday and Wednesday on AXN.

AXN is seen on Cable Link Channel 38, Cignal Digital TV Channel 61, Global Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Channel 20, Gsat Channel 12, SKYCable Channel 49.

www.AXN-Asia.com

Celebrate National Flip-Flops Day with Havaianas!

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Check this out! Havaianas is officially opening summer as we celebrate National Flip-Flops Day on March 11.

It's hot in the Philippines most of the time but there's still something about summer that makes it a season to look forward to. The backdrop is more vibrant and the skies appear to be bluer.

Summer also has another meaning for every Havaianatico - National Flip-Flops Day is coming! Every year, Havaianas is front and center in officially welcoming the most beautiful season. On March 11, 2016, everyone is invited to join in the fun of wearing Havaianas wherever you're headed to! 

As we say hello to brighter and more laid back days, Havaianas is treating you to a full day of festivities and special offers: 

20% OFF!!!

Life is truly better in flip-flops and Havaianas is giving you a sweet deal so you can grab a new pair for the summer season. All flip-flop styles are on a 20% discount just for one day at select participating retailers nationwide. Too busy to go out? Get your flip-flop fix at shophavaianas.ph. Free shipping on all orders just on National Flip-Flops Day. 

Havaianas Foot Truck

This year's National Flip-Flops Day promises to be more exciting as we bring you the Havaianas Foot Truck! Touring around some parts of the Metro, this truck will surely bring new levels of Havaianas joy! Receive a complimentary flip-float just by taking an individual or group selfie by the Havaianas Foot Truck and uploading it on Instagram with the hashtag #NationalFlipFlopsDayPH. Simply visit the truck and get to cool down with a Havaianas popsicle! Talk about great deals on wheels!

In-store treats

Sweet treats are also up for grabs through-out the day at selected All Flip-Flops stores and Havaianas retailers. To get the celebration going, a complimentary milkshake from Cupcakes by Sonja will be distributed in All Flip-Flops Trinoma, Megamall and BHS. The sweet treats don't stop there, shoppers who will pass by later in the day will get complimentary LED cotton candy sticks. 

Summer Getaway Bag

This summer, it's time to chase your adventures with Havaianas! For 2 regular-priced pairs or Php 1,500.00 worth of Havaianas merchandise, customers can avail of the bag for only Php 395.00. 

Selfeet contest 

Upload your most creative selfeet on Instagram and be 1 of the lucky 5 winners to receive a special prize from Havaianas. 

For the full mechanics and updates regarding National Flip-Flops Day, check out HavaianasPhilippines on facebook, and @havaianasphils on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat with the #nationalflipflopsdayph hashtag. To shop online, visit www.shophavaianas.ph.

Fine Japan’s Premium HyC150 formulation wins the 2015 Monde Selection International High Quality Award

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 Premium HyC150, touted as the country’s modern-day “fountain of youth,” recently showcased its world-class quality formula of Hyaluron & Collagen + Ubiquinol by winning the International High Quality Trophy under the Diet and Health selection during the Monde Selection Quality Awards for 2015.

Fine Japan’s Premium HyC150 sold only in the Philippine market

The International High Quality Trophy is awarded to a product after having achieved three consecutive years of high level of quality and a grand gold and/or gold award, which HyC150 already achieved since its introduction in the Philippines. HyC150’s superior “lifting” formula regains youthful vitality in your skin by renewing its elasticity and firmness. As Fine’s newest conceptualization, its lifting supplement aims to incorporate skin and body beauty into your daily lifestyle effortlessly and effectively. 

Fine Japan’s Hyaluron, Collagen+Ubiqui

HyC150 also won the prestigious Monde Selection Gold Award in 2014. Monde Selection, created in 1961, is an annual non-competitive award open to food and drink products. It is run by the commercial company, International Institute for Quality Selections, based in Brussels, Belgium. Consumer products are tasted and tested in order to grant them a quality label. Monde Selection states that “this bronze, silver, gold or grand gold quality label can be compared to the quality stars of a hotel or those of the Michelin Guide.”

The award thus highlighted HyC150’s proven effectiveness in improving overall health and restoring undeniable youthfulness that emanates from within.

HyC150, manufactured by FINE Japan Co., Ltd., has since become the Filipina woman’s secret weapon when it comes to looking young and vibrant, living a physically fit life, and a “feel good and confident” mentality overall. It provides the modern Filipina of today the ability to stay beautiful inside and out, and the vigor and vivacity to help her get through a busy and challenging day whether at work or at home.

Potent supplement drink HyC 150 contains three youth-inducing elements to achieve overall health and vitality: Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ubiquinol, plus other active ingredients such as Vitamin C, Biotin, Elastin and Pearl Coix.

Collagen, one of the plentiful proteins in the body, is found in the skin, muscle, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bones and keeps the body structurally sound since 70 percent of our skin is composed of collagen.

Hyaluronic Acid, on the other hand, is nature’s moisturizer. It nourishes and hydrates the skin so it looks younger than ever, plus lubricates joints and eye tissues, regenerates healthy gums, plus supports, nourishes and hydrates the scalp for healthy and glistening hair. It even aids in the absorption of nutrients in the body and helps regulate protein for better wound healing.

Finally, Ubiquinol is the body’s natural protector and fighter against harmful environmental toxins that may enter the body. It also helps keep the body’s vessel walls, nerve tissue and organ linings from weakening due to physical stress, pollution, poor diet and the usual physical “wear-and-tear” due to advancing age.

This unique supplement drink is thus far the only beverage that excellently fuses together these three potent ingredients to give unmatched benefits to the body. According to clinical studies done in Japan, North America, and Europe, around 93 percent of users stated marked improvements in their bodies when it comes to their hair, nails and skin with continued use.

HyC150 is manufactured by FINE Japan Co. Ltd. and is distributed in the Philippines by Bright Ray Enterprises. For more information, visit our website at www.HyC150.com; “Like” us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HyC150); follow us on Twitter (#HyC150) or Instagram (@HyC150), or call (02) 5467297, 09177750779. HyC150 is available at selected Watsons stores nationwide and online at Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph). 

"Mahalagang Paalala: Ang HyC150 ay hindi gamot at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang uri ng sakit."

Singapore Airlines first to introduce 'Companion App' for Inflight Entertainment System

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Singapore Airlines is raising the travel experience to an exciting new level with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind mobile application that offers customers greater control over their in-flight entertainment (IFE) experience - even before boarding the aircraft.

The companion app, which was developed for Singapore Airlines by Mobile Travel Technologies (MTT) in conjunction with Panasonic Avionics, enables customers to review the IFE video and audio content that will be available on their flight, create pre-selected favourites lists, and control the seat-back IFE system – all using their personal electronic devices. The app is now available on iOS and Android tablets, with availability on iOS and Android mobile phones in the second quarter of 2016.

Sample Screenshots of How to Access Companion App

To make use of the app, customers can install the SingaporeAir tablet application on their device prior to the aircraft’s departure. Once on board, they can link their device to the IFE system using the aircraft’s in-flight WiFi network. Connecting to KrisWorld, the Airline’s award-winning IFE system, will then allow for movies, TV shows or music to be launched on the seat monitor, directly from their list of favourites or from the entire media list. 

Linking the app to the IFE system also enables the personal device to be used as a remote control, to pause, play, or skip through media content. SIA will be the first airline in the world to enable this on a Panasonic in-flight entertainment system. Customers will be able to multi-task, thereby maximising their experience of KrisWorld, such as by browsing through the index of KrisWorld content on their device while watching a movie on the seat monitor. Customers can even access real-time information on the flight progress and flight path without interrupting their movie viewing.

Current features of the companion app will initially be available on the Airline’s new fleet of Airbus A350-900s, with plans to progressively roll it out to the Boeing 777-300ERs and other aircraft in future.

“With the proliferation of personal mobile devices and the arrival of our new Airbus A350 fleet, this latest innovation will help enhance the in-flight entertainment experience for our customers,” said Singapore Airlines Senior Vice President Product and Services, Mr Tan Pee Teck. 

“It offers more information and greater control both on the ground and in-flight, and we are excited to be the first airline in the world to offer such an application to our customers.”

Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld IFE system offers up to 295 movies, over 470 TV programmes and more than 450 CD albums each month.