Health & Home (July-August 2020)

ISSN 0115-0839

Forever faithful

EDEN ELISAN: Animal Rescuer

STUDYING AWAY From School

PANSIT-PANSITAN:

Pain Reliever, Antioxidant

LIES LIARS Believe

CONTENTS July-August 2020

FEATURES

8

Potato Sticks, Panic, and Providence Omar Miranda

The problem with comfort food

18

Liars, Cheaters, Thieves, and I Rod Arters

Lies swallowed, lust followed

24

A Place That Rocks: Biri Island Travel Guide

Angel C. Suarez

Summer in Samar

26

Guide to Baking Substitutions Janet R. Tolete

Baking soda for baking powder?

28

Animal Care Extraordinaire

34

Pansit-pansitan: Herb of Humility

Eden L. Elisan

Around Taal Volcano, even in the Metro

Arlene May G. Corpus

The weed with a punch and a crunch

36

Fighting FOMO Bjorn Karlman

Not tagged; why not?

38

Steam Inhalation Herminia D.G. Ladion

Water therapy for natural decongestion

39

Words of Hope Health & Home Staff

Quarantine inspiration

12

REGULARS

3

Notes From the Frontlines Athena Marie A. Sayson

A Total Package

4

iContact Michelle Anne P. Diamante

“Forever Yours, Faithfully”

6

Finance Rose Fres-Fausto

How Salaried Employees Can Manage Money During the COVID-19 Crisis

10

Grace in the Act

14

Education

22

Letters From the Heart

Elma V. Hera

Security in Uncertainty

Teofilo C. Esguerra, Jr.

Learning at a Distance

Ellen G. White

Faithfulness in Courtship

Arts & Crafts

32

Czarina V. Budayao

42

Jecsoon O. Mariñas

Tie-dyed Shirt

Echoes of Life Continuing Productivity Amid ECQ

43

Word for the World

44

The Power of Hope Series

46

Parenting Portrait

Mamerto M. Guingguing II

An Anchor for Sure

Julián Melgosa & Michelson Borges

How Stressed Are You? To Love Again Author Unknown

Poem for stray cats

Melo Sales

Dad’s Choice

Coming up… Forever Thankful • Freedom in Prison • A Day at the Pharmacy •

Impugnation of Filiation • Relationship Rules • Homeschooling • Solid Liquid, Liquid Solid

47

Word Play

47

Book Review

Jecsoon O. Mariñas

Ladder of Knowledge

Notes From the Frontlines

Subscribers Section has taken on an expanded form. Notes From the Frontlines features our loyal readers and our dedicated distributors who are at the forefront of our mission to share “healthy, happy, and holistic living to the glory of God and the blessing of humankind.”

A Total Package

Ma. Rizaline C. Alfanoso

By ATHENA MARIE A. SAYSON

The Ministry of Healing

COLUMNS

5

Here and the Hereafter Leonardo C. Heyasa, Jr.

13

Forever Faithful Consult Your Lawyer Atty. Silvino L. Sumagaysay, Jr.

Foreign Decree of Divorce

17

Personal Answers Sheryll Ann M. Castillo

Husbands Ask

21

Dear Doctor

31

Food for the Family

33

Standpoint

40

Children’s Corner

Linda L. Varona

Chronic Kidney Disease

Miriam R. Estrada

Microgreens: Tiny But Mighty

Nathanlie M. Baldoza

A House of a Million Sorrys

Janet R. Tolete

Brown Around

Animal Advocate. Eden Elisan shares a light moment with one of her adoptees—Veggie, the vegetarian dog. Read her animal rescue adventures on p. 28.

Cover photo by Karl V. Acebedo Photos and illustrations in this issue are from shutterstock.com unless credited otherwise.

All aspects of life are discussed, giving me the Health & Home ︱ 3 ︱July-August 2020

impression that Health & Home is a total information package.

In effect, my relationship with God has deepened and my relationships with other people have been strengthened, giving me a sense of wholeness.

Other books published by Philippine Publishing House have also opened my mind to really take good care of my health, especially after my father died of colon cancer.

We are God’s temple and we have to make sure that we preserve our body, mind, and spirit so we can appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and serve Him well.

As a teacher-librarian, it is my passion to acquire such quality books and create a mini library in our own home. My collection is now a legacy for my sons and their offspring.

Indeed, the right reading materials, of which Health & Home is a prime example, can bring out the best in us.

Athena Marie Alvarado-Sayson, M.S.L.S., has been subscribing to Health & Home for 27 years. She is chief librarian at Binalbagan Catholic College in Negros Occidental.

photo courtesy of author

ABOUT THE COVER

I

n 1993 the late Tiyoy Daniel Dollosa introduced this magazine to me when he visited our school.

The first time I scanned the contents I was immediately impressed. I have been happily subscribing ever since.

When Tiyoy Daniel became unable to continue being a book dealer in our school, he introduced me to Analyn Santiso, the new dealer.

Analyn and I established a good friendship, sharing life’s experiences with each other.

Through what I have learned from Health & Home, I have been able to share pieces of information and advice with my colleagues, friends, and acquaintances.

I continue to subscribe to this wholesome magazine because: • It provides information about health and wellness. You can consult the doctor here for free.

• It is family-oriented, often featuring topics like the respective roles of parents and children in maintaining harmonious relationships.

• It tackles issues on spirituality and morality.

• It emphasizes our share as God’s stewards of His creation.

• It also always features legal matters.

iContact

By Michelle Anne P. Diamante

“Forever Yours, Faithfully” Despite flying alone during winter and migration, a long-distance relationship doesn’t seem to be a problem for eagles. Every time breeding season comes, they reconnect with their mates.—mentalfloss.com

A male vole (a kind of small rodent) only mates with one female vole. Male voles attack female voles that are not their mates.—livescience.com

In one study, European beavers were found to be faithful with each other for life. The researchers found that, in one colony, all the offspring had the same father and mother.—bbc.com

Michelle Anne Pedernal Diamante is editorial assistant of Health & Home.

Health & Home ︱ 4 ︱July-August 2020

illustration/Harold Bryan L. Namoca

While some monogamous animals still cheat from time to time, research shows that dik-diks (small antelopes) hardly mate with another from outside the relationship. Interestingly, another study shows that dik-dik males can be quite jealous and possessive of their females.—earthtouchnews.com

A couple of shingleback lizards will move about together and live in the same place for six to eight weeks before they begin mating. The following year, once mating season arrives, the same male and female will mate again. If they get separated, they will look for each other.—bluetongueskins.net

Grace in the Act

By Elma V. Hera

in Uncertainty FEBRUARY

2004

I decided to resign from my job for health reasons. Although I earned a degree from a reputable institution and had a well-paying job, my husband and I decided that I would have to quit working after I had two miscarriages. Since we really wanted to have a child, my “temporary” leave from work lasted for almost 10 years. But it was worth it. We were blessed with two kids: a boy and a girl.

JUNE

2013

Praying for an opening His salary was extended for only up to six months after his confinement. By then, I had been telling God that I wanted to work again as we have kids to support. I prayed for job opportunities within our locality since my previous employment was in Cebu.

Sadly, although there were job offers, they were very far from our place and required me to stay away from my family.

Health & Home ︱ 10 ︱July-August 2020

NOVEMBER

2013

My friend told me that her niece’s employer was in need of accounting models not subjects of article

My husband, a seafarer and our sole breadwinner, was hospitalized for hypertension and an elevated blood sugar.

He then had to stop working due to health problems. Although he was a seafarer, we did not have enough savings as he was not earning much as a rankand-file crew.

After his recovery, he tried applying for another job contract, but the company only promised him that they would call him as soon as there was a vacancy. Although he knew that his employer strictly valued the health of everyone who will be onboard international vessels, my husband kept applying for a job.

With only a verbal assurance that he would be

informed anytime his service would be needed, my husband and I both grew worried about how to stretch our budget to meet our growing needs. How long will our budget last?

Education

By Teofilo C. Esguerra, Jr.

Learning at a

D i s t a n c e

T

he world will remember the first quarter of 2020 onward as a time when people all over the world stayed at home in quarantine to safeguard against the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.

The global event quickly grew from a health issue to one that affected the economy, the communities, and education.

Different schools responded by providing alternative means of learning to complete the academic year. Most schools went ahead and implemented distance education online, quickly transforming the educational landscape, especially in the Philippines.

What is distance education?

Distance education, or distance learning, is a mode of delivering the teaching and learning process over geographical boundaries. Learners who engage in distance learning can belong to any age (young children, adolescents, adults).

In contrast to traditional face-to-face (f2f) learning, distance education is free from the confines of time.

Historically, the postal system was used to deliver resources and materials to distance learners. The learners then would send back, again through courier, answer sheets, tests, and other evaluations needed to certify that they have completed the learning materials. The couriers were able to reach remote areas that had learners benefiting through distance learning, especially when there were no formal schools around.

Technology later enhanced the delivery of learning resources. Radio and television were able to broadcast programs that distance learners could use to further understand their lessons while still using traditional resources such as textbooks and study guides.

One characteristic of distance learning is the principle of many-to-one, where there are many “teachers” (those who prepare the materials and

Health & Home ︱ 14 ︱July-August 2020

Personal Answers

By Sheryll Ann M. Castillo

HUSBANDS ASK My wife’s doctorate studies are getting in the way of our family life. While her career advancement will directly benefit our family, I can’t help but feel jealous, inadequate, and overwhelmed with carrying most of the burdens of raising two children as a house husband.

My wife and I no longer enjoy each other’s company. Since we often end up fighting over even the most mundane things, we prefer being with our own friends instead. Frankly, the thought of separating no longer makes me sad.

I

arried couples usually experience a period of losing the “spark” that once fuelled their marriage. What you feel about your spouse is a typical marital glitch, but it does not mean that your marriage is already a failure.

Marital success is not about compatibility but about hard work. The Lord commands that “a wife must not be separated from her husband . . . and the husband must not divorce his wife” (1 Corinthians 7:10, 11, New International Version).

Even if the thought of separating no longer makes you feel sad, decide daily not to make separation an option.

Talk to your wife. In a nonjudgmental, honest, and calm way, express how you feel about your relationship and how you desire to reconnect with her. Agree together to work this out. Pray that the Holy Spirit will impress your wife to cooperate with you on this matter.

Regularly spend time with each other. The more you spend time with your respective friends more than with each other, the more you will grow apart.

This may breed further problems. You need to break away from this habit by intentionally spending more time together on a regular basis.

Go out on scheduled dates—not to discuss marital issues but to discover more about each other. This may be difficult at first but with deliberate effort, you will be surprised to find there’s a lot more to know and appreciate about each other.

John Gottman says you don’t have to be interesting; you have to be interested.

appreciate you for being honest about your feelings.

It takes true “manly” courage for a man to accept and express that he feels jealous and inadequate.

To what extent does your wife’s studies get in the way of your family life? Is she being less of a wife to you? Does she neglect her motherly duties? Does she discredit your role as the head of the family because of her level of education?

If this is the case, talk to your wife in a loving way.

Affirm your support for her but encourage her to fulfill her duties to the family.

Remember that as the Bible commands the wives to submit to their husbands, husbands must also love their wives (Ephesians 5:22, 25). If you view your relationship in this mutual, noncontrolling, and supportive context, it will make you value the uniqueness and essence of your roles. The key is good, graceful communication.

Your current setup, however, may not be the problem but the way you view things and how it affects you as a husband.

Will things be better if she does not pursue her doctorate degree? Should your wife stop pursuing her dreams for the family? Is there a chance that you have had the feelings of jealousy and inadequacy even before your wife started advancing in her career?

If you choose to look at things differently, your feelings about the situation will also change. How about highlighting the fact that having an intelligent, able, and successful wife depicts how wise you are for making such a choice? How about owning her successes, too? How about discovering the joys and advantages of spending more time with your kids?

Be productive. Cultivate your skills. Many opportunities are available for you to grow as a person.

Do not allow your insecurities to limit your capacity to grow.

May the Lord continue to shape you into the husband and father He desires you to be!

M

Reference John M. Gottman, et al., Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love (New York: Workman, 2019).

Sheryll Ann Mañese-Castillo, Ph.D., R.G.C., L.P.T., is assistant professor and guidance counselor at Adventist University of the Philippines in Silang, Cavite. Would you like to seek advice on something that is troubling you? Email castilloshefm@gmail.com.

Health & Home ︱ 17 ︱July-August 2020

photos courtesy of author

ANIMAL CARE EXTRAORDINAIRE

By EDEN L. ELISAN

A

day after Taal erupted last January, my newsfeed was flooded with reports of abandoned animals in affected areas. I came across a post asking for volunteers to feed and rescue them. Although I knew I would be putting myself in danger due to lack of preparation, orientation, and security, I volunteered immediately.

When our group reached the affected areas, we saw how animals tried their best to survive the suffocating ashfall, frequent earthquakes, and human abandonment.

Chickens and doves chased us, begging for food and water. Two chicks jumped up to our vehicle as if asking to be given a home. Weeks-old puppies that had just opened their eyes ate food straight from our hands. Another dog had eaten her newborn puppies because of hunger. Chicks that died of hunger and thirst lay silent in their coop. It must have felt like heaven as we poured water for those still living.

To say it was challenging is an understatement.

Coordinating with local government units, gaining entry into areas under lockdown, and endangering our own health were not easy. We even encountered hostility from the disoriented animals themselves.

Because we wanted to take as many animals as possible but ran out of cages, we transported them with our bare hands and placed them on our lap and beside our feet while traveling to the animal shelter.

It was one of the longest days of my life. I don’t even remember if I was able to eat properly, drink enough, or maintain my composure. My mind was preoccupied with the task of saving, rescuing, and attending to their deafening cries.

We cannot talk with animals, but that day felt like our hearts were bound together. Their eyes spoke to us, saying, “We need your help” or “Thank you for helping us.” These made our day. It felt like our sacrifices paid off.

Health & Home ︱ 28 ︱July-August 2020

Fighting

By BJORN KARLMAN

models not subjects of article

2000 likes

3012 likes

1168 likes 1547 likes

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huge source of anxiety in the digital age is the fear of missing out, or, as it’s known on social media, FOMO. Whether we’ve just heard of a productivity hack that promises a tenfold increase in efficiency at work, an awesome food truck that every hipster in town is raving about, or the amazing holiday photos everyone else seems to be plastering on Instagram, it often feels like we’re getting left behind.

Unfortunately, the most common way most of us deal with FOMO is to create more of it for others. Desperate to prove we aren’t missing out, we document our trendiest meals, celebrate our priciest purchases with just the right photo filter and “humblebrag” about our achievements, working in #blessed if we’re part of a faith community. We are meticulous about curating the perfect social

media profile where we airbrush the reality out of life and, instead, make it look like our days are endless highlight reels.

Marketers use FOMO relentlessly to keep us buying their stuff. It’s great for business.

Social pressure keeps us consuming. To keep on purchasing, we run faster on the hamster wheel at work to make more so we can spend more money on more conspicuous consumption.

FOMO is exhausting. Unless you deliberately decide to rebel and fight back, it never ends.

Enter JOMO Fortunately there’s a growing countermovement known as JOMO, which stands for the “joy of missing out.” The BBC Worklife webpage

Health & Home ︱ 36 ︱July-August 2020

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