Recreation Room To De-Stress

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but this year – we’ve done a lot of things different in our lives – we made more them for ourselves and we are exercising more and I’m also sleeping earlier than usual – and not working as much as we did last year.  In the basement – our recreation room – we also intend to put a billiard table – so that the spouse and his friends can come over and shoot some balls to de-stress instead of going to the pub to do it.  The reason why I don’t want to go either is because of all the smoking going on in the pub and the drinking involved.   Investing in a billiard table and  billiards supplies is going to prove a lot more useful than wasting our money to go to the pub or a billiard room.  Once we get a good price for both billiard table and supplies – I’ll post up more pictures – can’t wait to shoot some pool.

An Appointment With My Dental Hygienist

So I went to clean my teeth today -  it was ok – but I feel really bad for my hygienist because she had to work so hard to get out all those tar and gunk on my teeth.  But I’m glad I went – even though I was charged more – I think it may be because of having to do more work on my teeth.  Now that my teeth is healthy and white – I can’t wait to get back to doing my step aerobics and yoga everyday.  If all else failed before May’s wedding – I’m going to get some weight loss pills -  desperate situation, requires desperate action.   Poor PB a $135 poorer.  Wish me luck everyone.

Teenage Pregnancy

When I first arrived in this town of Canada – Mr Moo and I was driving to work – I saw a kid – maybe 16 or 17 – pushing a stroller with a baby in it and she was puffing a smoke away.  I told Mr Moo – that the babysitter wasn’t such a good sitter eh?  In which, Mr Moo replied that – she was the mother and not the sitter *slap forehead*.

In my many years in this town – I’ve heard and seen teenagers as young as 13 years old getting pregnant and they are darn proud of it.  If I was a pregnant during my teens – my mother would have disowned me and published on the local papers to disown me.

Anyhow – according to recently studies on the students here – aged between 15 to 19 – 52% are having sexual activities regularly and 14% before the age of 15 are also doing it and with more than one partners and with no condoms usage.  According to the study – students with low aspirations and rarely attend religious services or those who do not live with both parents are the ones who fall victim of teenage pregnancy.

More than half of this town do not have both parents together – more than half of this town’s parents have more than 1 sexual partner themselves – so how can their children be different.  To some kids – having a kid is a way out of their parents place and going into welfare.  Over here in Canada – there are lots of subsidies and money from the government for young kids who have kids and no place to stay.  And once they are in the system – they never get out of it – nor want to work.

I do feel so sad for these kids – for the world is so huge – there are so many things to see – so many things to experience – and yet – they just want to sit around this small town – not work and smoke their life or drink their life away.

Slow Cooker With Timer For A Healthier Meal

It’s the new year and I’m going to get healthier – not only because of myself but because of my family.  In order to do that – I first need to be able to eat healthy.  I have been eating a lot of fish of late but that’s not enough because I eat lots of noodles too.  I’m deterred about using the slow cooker – because the timing needs to be right – when I cook – because i dislike leaving the cooker on – when I’m not home – or overcook or under cook the stew or soup.   So I made it a point to look for a slow cooker with timer – that way i have no excuse to cook healthy meals for me and Missy Moo.

This morning – I found one at Walmart – and it was roll back price – at only $40!  but alas ! the girl at Walmart – don’t even know where are they!  *sigh* – so we got a rain check – and as soon as they come in – I can get one at $40 – so no more excuses for not cooking and eating take outs.   Hopefully this helps eliminate eating nonsense and fried food or too much pasta or rice.

We Need Doctors & Medical Staff

If there is anywhere that need doctors and medical staff most – it has to be this town.  So if you are in this line of work and doing a  medical job search you should consider working in this town – Canada.  But having said that – this town is pretty small – but definitely have lots of benefit once you become a Canadian.  The school system is not as competitive as they are back home for one and your kids – do not need to go bonkers over competing with his best friends.  Life is a lot more slow here – not so fast pace – and cars are way cheaper than in Asia too.  Plus comparing the property market back in Asia and here in Canada – you can get a bigger and better home here with what you are paying back in Asia.  So yes! if you are a doctor or a medical personnel – you have to consider this.

Driving Insurance For People With Health Issues

As you all know – I have several health issues – and I haven’t been driving a car for a long time – because I was afraid that my anxiety problem may caused me to get into an accident when I am driving.  But now that I’m on medication for the anxiety attacks – I feel a lot better now – so I’m thinking of taking my driving lessons and test all over again – and get a license – so that I can zip around town without having to wait for Mr Moo all the time.  But what about the  car insurance rate I wonder?  will i be charged more because of my health issues?  I better go get a car insurance quote or talk to my insurance guy before I go get all my lessons and license – to only find out that insurance might cost me a bomb eh – now that would be devastating.  So yes!  Car insurance quote and a chat with my insurance guy is in my agenda as soon as the Christmas rush is over.  For those with health issues like mine – what are your experiences?  pray tell.

FluMist Review In Canada

So our pharmacist was in the other day at our store to rent a movie and had asked me about the Flumist and Chloe taking it – how we make out.  So here is what we went thru’ with FluMist.  Missy Moo loves it – no fuss.  Did she have a reaction?  a slight one – she came down with a little sniffle – about a week – but other than that – she was ok.

Flumist was only approved in Canada a few months ago – so i am thinking we are the first people who used it – but if you are thinking of using the Flumist and worried that it is a live vaccine – don’t worry – because everything went A – OK!  next year Mr Moo and I will be using the Flumist instead of the needle.  Oh ! another thing Canadians have to know – is the Flumist is not covered by the MSI – so you will have to pay for it.  The cost of a vile is $28 – so it’s not so bad but since it is the first time Missy Moo is using it – she needed 2 viles.  The FluMist has the H1N1 vaccine in it as well – so once used – you are protected against the H1N1 flu virus – so they said.

First Flu Shot

So we all got our flu shots today – Missy Moo got a Flumist that goes up into her nose – because she freaks right out hearing the word needle.   So what happened after we took our shots?  we were told to stay around the waiting area for 20 mins and then we just left.

Our arms hurt a lot the first day – that evening I took tylenol to help me sleep.  The second day wasn’t so bad – and the third day – it was alright.  But just we all had our sniffers and stuffy noses.  How did Missy Moo do?  not too bad – no complains nor any fever – thank God.  Just so you all know – the Flu Mist is not covered by MSI – so if you are getting it for your kids – you need to get a prescription from the doctor first and then pick it up from the pharmacy – and then bring it with you to the doctor’s office.

FluMist

FluMist is a nasal vaccine that protects against infection with the influenza virus or the “flu.” FluMist contains live influenza virus that has been weakened so that it causes minimal or no symptoms. When FluMist is inhaled, the body responds to the weakened viruses in FluMist by developing antibodies that fight influenza viruses. These antibodies protect against later infections by the naturally-occurring influenza virus. FluMist is effective only against the strains of influenza virus that are included in it, and the strains of virus change from year to year. FluMist has no effect on the flu  once infection has begun. FluMist should be given shortly before the flu season begins to allow time for antibodies to be produced and for protection throughout the entire flu season. FluMist does not prevent 2009 H1N1  virus infection. The FDA approved FluMist in June 2003.

A Doctor’s Appt On Remembrance Day

Yes! i got to see my family doctor on Remembrance Day – it was for a regular check up and I also asked her for new prescriptions to my medication.  I need to do my regular blood test for my glucose next month – and she wanted me to get the flu shot today with Missy Moo.  Of course, Missy Moo freaked right out – and we weren’t prepared for it – as she pukes each time she gets a needle.  But I too was chicken and didn’t know if we should take the flu shot – but i think this year we should as we are in contact with so many people during the winter months.  So what is your take on flu shots?  let me know coz’ I’ve heard some people getting sick because of it.

Breast Cancer Week

Yes! you can lower your breast Cancer risk by examining your breast often – but the most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early.   And the most effective detection is a mammogram – but what is a mammogram? A simple way to explain a mammogram is – it is like an x-ray – but this x-ray uses a low does amplitude to examine your breast.   But it is a little uncomfy – because the machine compresses your breast a little in order to take the breast x-ray in a certain angle. But it is encouraged for those who are in their 50 onwards to get a mammogram – every 2 years till they are 70 – but I’m starting early – so I’m going for mine.  What about you?

A Visit To QEII, Halifax

I don’t really like going to hospitals – who does right?  Whether they are brick building are metal building they still feel a little bit cold to me – what about you?  but these days – hospital are quite different and even here in this province – I can see a huge change – when it comes the hospital in the city like the QEII in Halifax.  The hospital buildings back home are state of the art – they even have a business center at the hospital – so that – if you needed to work – you can still get connected.    We have the Starbucks at home in the hospital and many other different little shops – even a hairdresser  – hhaha!!  but sick people still  wanna look good right?   I certainly hope that things will rapidly change for our town’s hospital too – and instead of a cold ward/building  – we will see a more vibrant environment and people shouldn’t be afraid to visit hospitals.   Inviting – is what i look forward to – people should not make to feel that they are sick.

Hospital Upgrade

Every year the local hospital plans for several charity event and although I am not active here for our local hospital – I am back home.  You see my uncle was the head of the nursing department back home – therefore – the partnership with the hotels I used to work for – linked me to the hospital back home very closely.  The local hospital approached our store – with an ongoing event every year – but this year they are upgrading a few things from some Industrial pc to a new ultra sound machine for the labor ward.  You would think that the hospital with so much funding wouldn’t need for any charity event right?  but I guess I’m wrong.  Last year – they were raising fund for a MRI and like most fund raiser they have had – it’s always big amount of money they needed.  Wonder how much is the new 4D ultra sound machine and the industrial PC will cost the hospital?  but whatever the cost – i guess it is for a good cause no?  so yes – we will donate and even attend the charity ball – which is a black tie event.

Lost 3Kg In 1.5 Months

Woohoo!! i went to my family doctor for a new prescription for my anxiety medication and Metformin and was told that I lost 3Kg in 1.5months.  My family doctor thinks that I’m making it good – and besides the exercise – and the infrared sauna – and eating moderately – it was a lot of hard work.   So to keep the weight steady and losing it steadily I had asked for her opinion on some safe diet pills that work – as a supplement.  I won’t depend on it fully – but it’s good to have a supplement – just so I know I am being pro-active at it.  I’m determined this time to lose some weight.  Wish me luck eh.

Customer Service @ The Local Hospital

This is our local hospital in this town -  not as big as the one in the city nor the many we have back home.  But one thing for sure – and that I know is that customer server at any hospital is very important – in fact much more important than in the hotel industry or the retail industry.  Why?  because you are dealing with many emotional folks – folks that are sick – folks who have loved ones who are sick – or recovering from an illness or even those who are having a baby – can be a very emotional experience as well.

And I have to applaud the local hospital in this town – for they must have selected these individuals with great care because customer service jobs are not easy in a  hospital.  They are afterall, the first people that the patient or their family come in contact with as soon as they get into the hospital.  And I have to say that the many department that I’ve been to – they are awesome folks.  They really make you feel good – when you are not feeling good – and they try their utmost to help you when you need any information.  They never raise their voices – and they are awfully patient with everyone.  Whether you are slow – or messy – they still smile at you.  So yes!  they do really well – in this area – especially the emergency department – these days – when they see Missy Moo – they always take care of us first.

I’m Diabetic – What Do I Do?

Yes! so you found out that you are a diabetic – Type 2 – so what do you do?  Panic? depressed?  life is over – you are thinking?  you can’t eat anything from now on?   Yes – we all go thru’ this stage – where we feel so lost and we don’t really know what we can do – to help ourselves.  You are not alone – i went thru’ the same thing too.

If you think you are going crazy – you are not alone too – but you will survived – I did!  Being a diabetic is not the end of the world !  you now have to calm yourself down – easier said than done – i know – but once you’ve gotten over your initial disbelieved that this should happen to you – someone who don’t like sweets or eat a lot of it – you will realized that diabetes can be controlled.  How?

Medication – eating right and exercising !  these are the 3 things you need to combine and do it simultaneously.  You can still eat some of your favorite things – but not everything in one go – meaning you cannot eat fruits, candies and then a donut all in one sitting. Everything in moderation will have to be your motto in life from now on.   When you have never craved for sweets before – you now craved for it more.  It’s understanding – it’s the forbidden fruit now – so if you do eat some chocolate now – don’t kill yourself and hate yourself – you will get over it – and stick to some form of resistance/routine.  Of course, the other important thing to look into is your medical plan – if you don’t know if you are covered or not – it’s best you find out right away.  As a Canadian resident – you can be covered by blue cross or if your income isn’t so high – you can apply for the medical assistance from the government.   Check that out – more on my next post!

My Experience With The Infrared Sauna

I haven’t taken a picture of the infrared machine that I have been using since Monday of this week – i used it like 5 days already and am quite comfy using it.  You see – the spa near my work place had a package for $140+ tax for 20 sessions – that means it cost like $7 a session.  My main intention is to unclog my pores in my body and release some toxins out – and make exercising work for me to lose some weight.

Yes ! i’m pretty serious about getting healthy this time.  So have i lost much with the infrared sauna? not really !  because even though parts of my upper body does sweat the lower part don’t seems to have done much.  Anyhow – next week – i will be going for 3 times a week and then once a week – thereafter – i will upkeep by going once a week and continuing with my exercises.  The most important i know is the exercising and the eating part.  So the infrared sauna should only be used to aid the process and make me healthier.  They claimed that you lose like 10,000 calories for every 30mins spent in the infrared sauna – but it’s not true – because as soon as you drink water – you know that the weight comes back.  If there are any changes – i will continue to write here.

Anxiety Attack Medication

So I finally went to see my doctor about my anxiety attacks that i had a few weeks ago.  It was a civic holiday here in Canada and the doctor was there till noon.  My appointment was at 9.30am – so I took a cab there instead of making Missy Moo and Mr Moo get up so early to bring me there.  As soon as I got into the cab – i tried to get the windows open but it wouldn’t open.  I felt like i was going to have another attack there and then.  But managed to calm myself down.

After chatting with the doctor ( a new one – on training), my family doctor came to review my consultation with the new doctor.  I am just as happy I’m able to identify that i need help – as my doctor said.   So another medication on my list for try out for 2 weeks and I have to go for therapy too.  I started my “depression” medication yesterday – I guess we’ll have to wait for a few days to see how it is working.  The only reason why I figured i needed medication is because i don’t wanna traumatize Missy Moo should have i one of the attacks – i forgot to tell the doctor that the last time i had the attack bad – i had raised my voice at Missy Moo – because she asked for more noodles – and i so don’t like that.  So there you have it – should i be ashamed of myself for needing medication?  no of course not – a lot of ppl are shy to tell people that they are on medication – but I won’t – because would you be ashamed to tell people you have a cold or a flu? it’s the same thing yet not quite – but being upfront and taking control of one’s health is very important – because in the long run – it not only benefits me but my entire family.

Children’s Wish Foundation

The town is currently celebrating summer with Seafest for the last couple of weeks and today – we see the Children’s Wish Foundation at the waterfront too.  For those who are not aware of what the Children’s Wish Foundation does -  they grant wishes to children who are diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  And how can one not donate right?  and i applaud the girls who were manning the counter – to collect and raise money for the Children’s Wish Foundation – and I would have recommended them to a good online printing services for doing their brochures and even their Spin A Wheel game.  I’m not saying they are not good enough – but had I known earlier – I would definitely contact one of my many sponsors and work something out for them – and make it even more impressive.  That’s alright though – Missy Moo and I played some games and did our part – maybe next year eh.

Anxiety Attacks

No i don’t get this way – when i have one – i’m just afraid for Missy Moo because i’m at home alone with her.  This week – it had been even worst than usual – i know what triggered it – i’m guessing – but do i go to the doctor and get some medication – because i am very worried that it might scar Missy Moo.

My only fear is for Missy Moo – how my attacks may affect her – and since I feel that i no longer can control my feelings – I should see the doctor and tell her about it.  Yes – i feel irritated extremely – my tummy feels lousy and i start to feel hot behind my neck.  My emotions go topsy turvy – for years I’ve been able to control it and i thought i was getting better.  But could it be that i hear my aesthetician talk about taking meds – so i wanna take it too?    Mr Moo isn’t too keen about me taking more meds – because i’m already on so many – but I’m making an appointment no matter what to see what the doctor has to say.