I am the kind of person who is very particular with details. Maybe it has become a course of habit due to being exposed to situations and responsibilities that entail details. Being the eldest child in the family with one sibling to take care of, a former teacher of preschoolers, and now being a full-time mom exposes me to situations that need to keep people dear to me safe. Hence, I've listed down the basics in preventing home accidents that I always practice .

- Avoid using electrical appliances near a bathtub, pail, or basin full of water.

- Never use an electrical appliance while barefoot, standing on a wet floor, while taking a shower or bathing in a tub.

- Never plug an electrical appliance with wet hands or while being barefoot.

- Turn-off the light switch when replacing a light bulb. Using a thick dry cloth or gloves can also keep you protected from being electrocuted. 

- Place a non-skid mat in the bathroom to refrain yourself from slipping.

- Always clean as you go. Wipe water, powder, grease, or oil on the floor to avoid slipping.

- Don't put containers of hot liquids like soup, coffee, tea, on top of the table covered with a table runner with the edge running down. Someone might accidentally pull the cloth and can scald himself or anyone near the area.

- Make sure that the handles of the pots are not protruding out while cooking to keep them away from children's reach. By doing this, you keep yourself from bumping into it accidentally.

- Keep all sharp objects like knives, pairs of scissors, blades, needles, tools, cutters out of children's reach. The best way to keep them is inside a cabinet with key and lock.

- Janitorial needs and chemicals must be kept in a place where they can't be reached by children. The best way to store them is on a top portion of the storage area and must be secured and locked at all times.

- Using a fan is not recommended when mixing chemicals especially when you do it inside a room with less ventilation. More chances of poisoning may happen if you do.

- Mix chemicals using disposable cups, plates, or spoons and never reuse food and beverage containers to avoid accidental ingestion.

- In case you forget a pan with oil on the stove, never put water to stop the fire. Oxygen in the air causes the fire to rise. Cover the pan to make the fire stop then turn off the heat.

- If very curious young kids are present at home and have the tendency to plug appliances, make sure to use electrical plug covers. 

- Protect yourself and your loved ones especially the young ones from bumping into table and furniture edges by placing edge guards.

- Place a double lock on top of the door, difficult for small kids to reach to refrain them from opening the door without your help.

- In purchasing an electric fan, check if small fingers can fit into its guard, otherwise, don't purchase it.

- Cosmetics are attractive to kids die to their colors and they should be placed in areas where they can't be reached easily.

I will keep updating this list. How about you? Do you have other suggestions in preventing home accidents?

When I was very young, I began to be conscious of my body image at age 10. I heard my friends talking about menstruation, baby bra, pubic hair (Yes, they were talking about it.), spray net, body mists, and deodorants. I was so hesitant to ask my mom about that stuff. All I remember was she taught me to use Avon's Feeling Fresh Deodorant after taking a bath or shower because I was complaining that "Tawas", the antiperspirant/deodorant recommended by my grandmother, made my armpits sweaty and sticky. "Feeling Fesh" became my best partner in keeping myself free from body and armpit odor aside from using an antibacterial soap, Safeguard, to wash my body, and Palmolive Shampoo to wash my hair. These three products worked for my body chemistry and helped me to become free from body odor especially armpit odor at a very young age. That's why when I became a mom, I did the same thing with my boys. Like my mom did, starting them young worked.

Kuya and Bunso would easily get sweaty and their armpits would smell stinky or "maasim" when they reached the age of three. Paps and I encouraged them to use Arm and Hammer Deodorant after taking a bath using Safeguard Pink because after trying and testing, we discovered that these two brands suited their body chemistry. They would always stay fresh for the whole day. During that time when Arm & Hammer Advance Original would easily go out of stock, I would let them use Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder, which they would usually apply on their feet before putting their shoes on.

Preventing Armpit Odor

Our family uses Arm & Hammer Advance Original and Milcu Underarm & Foot Deodorant Powder as deodorants for years. Why? They are safe to use, easy to find (Arm & Hammer doesn't go out of stock anymore.), versatile, don't stain clothing, keep the armpits dry and fresh-smelling, and protects the armpits from bacteria build-up and odor for 24 hours.

Instilling good grooming and hygiene in all forms should be done during our kids' formative years. Reminding them constantly and teaching by example are two of the best means to educate kids on practicing good grooming and hygiene. In doing so, they can never forget the importance of keeping themselves clean, neat, and well-groomed. Forming a habit can lead to better body image projection and not feeling inferior.

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The contents of this article were lifted from my messages to two teenage boys who asked me about my recommended deodorant brands a few years ago. To know some details about it, you may visit #AskAAPM for details.

If having a sickly family member or a loved-one being admitted in the hospital is unusual, I guarantee that if it happens all of a sudden, it can cause panic especially if you don't have someone to depend on. Preparing for the things to bring can take time if you are not used to it. As an experienced hospital companion of a sickly family member, preparing for it takes me less than thirty minutes. My mom would always say whenever it happens, "Anak, kabisado mo na lahat ng dadalin, ha?"

Indeed, packing for things to bring in the hospital is quick and easy for me and it's not easier said than done unlike to some people. To help you ease your worries as you plan to admit a sick family member in the hospital, I have here a Hospital Bag Checklist for an Adult Patient.

• Patient's Valid ID
• Philhealth Card
• HMO card
• Cash
• ATM card

Make sure to bring your very own IDs and cash too. Unlike before, the hospital billing section will not ask you to acquire Philhealth's Membership Data Record (MDR), a form that shows your number of contributions from your employer. It is already available online. If you are employed, just in case that the record shows that your employer is non-compliant in remitting your Philhealth contributions, the hospital is going to ask you to acquire a Claim Signature Form (CSF) to be accomplished by your employer's Human Resource Department with an attached Certification of Philhealth Contribution. Hope and pray that your employer is compliant so that it will be less hassle for you.

• Pen
• A pair of scissors or Swiss knife

It pays to be ready when you need to fill-up or cut something.

• Bath soap
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Tissue Paper
• Wet wipes
• Cotton buds
• Shaver
• Nail cutter
• Comb or hairbrush
• Foot powder/spray (to keep your feet dry and non-sweaty)
• Deodorant
• Rubbing alcohol
• Facial wash (optional)
• Baby Oil (optional)

• Moisturizer
• Lotion
• Lipbalm

Staying in an air-conditioned room for a long time makes your skin and lips dry. Keeping them moisturized all the time is a must.

• Feminine wash, sanitary pads, and panty liners 
• Small makeup kit

If you and the patient are females, sickness or taking care of the patient should not hinder both of you to look good and fresh during the entire stay. Your makeup kit must have the basics: tinted lip balm, moisturizing lipstick, tinted moisturizer or pressed powder, brow comb, facial skin care aids, etc.

• Medicine kit (multivitamins, any existing maintenance medications) including a thermometer

• Hot pack
• Urinal or bedpan (if you already kept the one you purchased from a previous hospitalization)
• Small basin 
• Extra blanket or pillow (if the hospital allows)

Bring your own so that you avoid paying an extra charge. If the patient is under a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), miscellaneous items are not included in your privileges.

• Electric kettle 

It's very useful especially when the room bathroom has no heater. You can also heat water for the hot pack.

• Hand Soap preferably liquid soap with dispenser
• Dishwashing Liquid and sponge
• Detergent

• Lysol/Disinfectant 

This is very important when the patient is highly contagious. You may use this to disinfect your bathroom/toilet/sink.

• Towels (2pieces) 
• Face Towels (2 pieces)
• Hand Towel
• Kitchen towel (to dry the dishes)

I recommend AquaZorb or microfiber towels because they are absorbent and very easy to dry. You may wash them with detergent at night and hang them to dry inside the hospital room and surely they become dry overnight.

• At least four sets of comfy clothes (basic cotton shirt without buttons or embellishments, underwear, trousers/pants/shorts)

Bringing four sets of comfy clothes for you and the patient is already good for a week or less. Just in case that you stay in the hospital for too long, most hospital peripheries have coin-operated laundromats where you can load, leave, and get your clothes for washing for at least one and a half hours. Why do I recommend bringing a basic cotton shirt without buttons or embellishments? Aside from being cool and comfy, x-ray machines detect buttons and embellishments. The radiological technologist will not instruct the patient to take off his or her shirt when he or she is wearing a basic cotton shirt without buttons or embellishments.

• Slippers

Use slippers while staying inside the hospital room and your shoes when you go out. It lessens the possibility of acquiring nosocomial infection and bringing in more dirt and germs from the outside.

• Plate, fork, spoon, bowl, cup, reusable food container with a lid (at least 2)

Bringing your own reusable food containers, plates, and utensils are handy for leftovers or when you order food from the hospital canteen or nearby food stores to lessen waste disposal.

• Crackers
• Bread
• Granola bars
• Fruits
• Potable Water

You will become very busy as the patient is admitted. Having your own food (those who doesn't stale easily) and water with you at the moment can keep you nourished and hydrated. Most hospitals have their own hot and cold water dispensers in their respective nurse's stations but it is best to have your own potable water with you. I don't recommend that you bring energy drinks, coffee or caffeinated drinks to keep you awake. Drink lots of water instead or do some stretching exercises when you feel lethargic. Please refrain from bringing salty, too sweet, or junk food. You have to keep yourself healthy by eating the right food and rest while the patient is resting or sleeping to regain your strength.

• Cellphones
• Chargers
• Powerbank
• Extra prepaid load 

Means of communication must be ready all the time.

To organize your things per category, you may use pouches or zip locks to locate them easily. For bulky items that won't fit pouches and zip locks, you may place them in huge eco or reusable bags. Place all these except IDs and other personal items (make-up kit, tissue, wet wipes, cash, ATM) in one to two huge bags. Refrain from bringing a lot of small bags to carry because you are assisting a patient. Bring two extra eco or reusable bags to have something to use to place your dirty clothes, even if you plan to have them laundered in the nearby laundry shop or just to store them, and items when you have a quick trip to the supermarket, drugstore, or market when you already lack supplies. 

Take note:

• Bringing travel-sized items saves you from carrying bulky and heavy bags. 

• It is expensive to attend to a sick relative or family member but doesn't ever, ever settle for anything less. Buy food from a reputable source and liters of purified water from the nearby convenience store or supermarket to avoid getting sick too and creating more problems.

• Purchase medicine from a reliable drugstore in case that the hospital doesn't carry the specific brand that the doctor prescribed. If you are under an HMO, request for a "special purchase" because all the medicines prescribed except multivitamins which to be consumed within the patient's period of confinement is shouldered by the HMO. It saves you from spending more.

• The tips that I've mentioned above is made specifically for patient companions who have no relatives or someone to depend on. Like for example, your husband gets hospitalized, you have a very young child to take care of and nobody is going to do that for you, make sure to bring his clothes and needs, a few of his favorite toys or books to keep him busy while you do your wife duties.

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Going on vacation or picnic, fetching your kids, doing a quick dash to the market, or simply going for a simple ride with your little ones are simple joys that many families enjoy. Memories from such happenings linger and define many aspects of our kids. On your end as parents, hauling all those stuff that your kids need for a trip or any event becomes a logical nightmare. That is why choosing the right or adequate car is essential for your family. 

Here are some points to consider in choosing the perfect car for your family.

1. Family Budget

Either you are paying in cash or acquiring your family car from a loan, buying a car may have long term effects on your family budget and cash fluidity. Before finalizing your purchase, it might be better to check on your financial capability of maintaining one. You may consult your financial adviser or use an auto loan calculator for advice. Always bear in mind that you are purchasing your family car to make your life and mind more at ease and not the other way around. 

2. Age and Number of Kids

Let's be honest and realistic, your car becomes a mobile home for your kids or rather the entire family. Such that the younger your kids, the greater the amount/number of things that they need. From the baby bag, stroller, diapers, and other needs, this stuff requires a particular type of vehicle. However, such requirement changes as the kids grow-up since the amount of stuff that you pack for them becomes less since they can already look after themselves.

3. Functionality and Safety

Your family mechanics should be considered in choosing your family car. For starters, safety features that the car of your choice boost is something you have to look into. Other than the information given by the salesman, it may be best to do research on the other features and safety standards and reviews of your chosen car such that they can help you better in making your purchase decision. It is also important to make sure that the car has enough room to place the newer and bulkier car seats in order to ensure the utmost safety.

4. Cost and Fuel Efficiency 

Maintaining a car is like taking care of another child. It adds cost to your daily expenses so might as well purchase one coming from a reputable brand but doesn't break the bank when it comes to fuel efficiency. According to businessdictionary.com, fuel efficiency is "that proportion of energy released by a fuel combustion process which is converted into useful work. For vehicles, it is measured in miles per gallon or kilometers per liter." So in buying a perfect family car, you should get one that has good fuel efficiency to help save your family money in the long term.

Do you have more tips in choosing the perfect family car? Feel free to share them with us by commenting below.

It is part of life that sometimes we experience moments that are not favorable to us, circumstantial scenarios that we don’t want to happen but still they do. It’s like having a bad hair day. No matter how many times we fix and comb it, it just wouldn’t budge.

There are no problems that we can’t solve. As I always say, “Ang pagsubok ay parang birthday lang, dumarating at lumilipas din.” Undergoing tough situations builds our character. We become stronger, wiser, and victorious.

Keeping the lessons of our bad experiences in mind and moving forward are also like facing the factors that cause our hair’s bad shape. We can definitely do something about it. NOVUHAIR has practical tips for us to stay sane while managing life’s stress-causing factors that contribute to hair loss.

Eat healthy.

Eating the right food can alter our mood. Having low-level of folic acid in our body can cause anxiety, hence, food such as asparagus, avocado, salmon, and almond are recommended to fight stress hormones.

Stay calm.

Listening to comforting music and reading feel-good stories can help us switch to a calm mood.

Exercise daily.

Exercise releases endorphins that can relieve stress and anxiety.

Take supplements.

Taking in vitamins such as B-complex can alter mood swings.

If we succumb to anxiety, it definitely shows up to our hair follicles and this can lead to more hair loss. Hectic schedules, pressure from work, and pollution can easily make us feel uneasy and irritable. We should learn to slow down, have fun, and relax. There’s no better way to begin with our hair.

Tip 1:  The stroke of a comb can gives a soothing feeling while, at the same time, help unleash the hair’s natural oil.

Tip 2:  Stay away from getting pigtails, hair weaves, braids, and tight hair rollers, which can pull and stress the hair.

Tip 3: Avoid perming, straightening or coloring because they contain toxic chemicals that could cause damage to the locks.

Tip 4: Choose natural. Use NOVUHAIR topical solution. Apply liberal amount onto the scalp and hair. Massage it gently for 10 minutes to help permeate deeply from root to tip. NOVUHAIR is packed with 19 natural ingredients that help promote hair growth, nourishment, and rejuvenation.

#ChooseNatural! I guarantee that #NovuhairWorks!

NOVUHAIR is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide. For more information, please contact hotlines 4136570 and 09228830575 from Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM or visit www.novuhair.com.

I hope that this list can help you choose the best Halloween Trick or Treat venue for your kids. Have a Spooktacular Halloween!

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You may also like to read the articles about Halloween that I've written for PSST.ph.

BEST HEALTHY AND PRACTICAL HALLOWEEN TREAT ALTERNATIVES

FIVE BEST ONLINE RESOURCES FOR EASY DIY HALLOWEEN FOOD, DECOR, AND COSTUME IDEAS

2017 BEST HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT VENUES IN THE METRO

My loved-ones like my brother and mom-in-law always give me perfumes as gifts. Lucky me!

There was an instance when I had an embarrassing experience in wearing the wrong perfume. I was riding a jeepney on my way to school when two female passengers sat right in front of me. First, they were whispering to each other and suddenly they conversed loudly.

.

Woman 1: "Grabe, ang tapang naman ng amoy no'n!"

Woman 2: "Alam mo na kung sino 'yon! Ang sangsang ng amoy!"

And they were staring at me. They were not tactful enough to consider my feelings. I felt so ashamed! Ouch!

A Guide on How to Choose the Right Perfume for Your Body Chemistry by Fashionisers 

I know that it is a dilemma when we wash our clothes especially during rainy season when we can't hang our clothes outside for sun drying or when we have a small laundry area and space for air drying that our clothes tend to smell really horrible, "amoy kulob at lumlom, hindi natuyo sa araw", as if they are not dried properly.

I've tried a lot of ways to avoid this. After months of figuring out what's the best solution, I am so glad that I've found two ways to avoid this problem.

First, I found out that the previous laundry detergent that I used didn't fit our body chemistry. By the way, choosing the right detergent is like choosing the right perfume. Moreover, I started trying different brands of laundry detergents. When I washed our clothes, my sons' and mine would smell good while my husband's clothes would smell awful after drying. Then I tried another brand, ours became stinky while my husband's smelled good instead. I even used different fabric conditioner brands but it made the problem even worse. After episodes of trial and error, I found a brand that suited all our body chemistry and that was TIDE with FRESHNESS OF DOWNY. All our clothes smelled good and our white clothes became whiter. Hard to remove stains could be easily removed. The fabric conditioner (Downy) component made our clothes softer and I did not have piles of clothes to iron. 

I buy this pack to avoid the hassle of measuring. It is also economical for budget-conscious like me.

Second, I discovered a cheaper and effective way to make our clothes free from bacteria that could cause them to smell bad. I used one capful of ZONROX COLOR SAFE BLEACH in rising our clothes. It was intended for colored clothes but this also helped in maintaining the whiteness of white clothes. This would also reinforce the cleaning action of TIDE with FRESHNESS OF DOWNY. 

By the way, these are the detailed steps on how I wash our clothes: