Is work stress driving your blood pressure up?

 

Headaches and stiffness in the neck are all typical symptoms of stress, which drives up blood pressure. 

Hardworking, dependable, resilient, and resourceful – just four of the many words used to describe what Filipinos are like on the job. In its 2021 report, Gallup, the global analytical firm, added another word to the list: stressed. According to Gallup, Filipino workers are the most stressed in Southeast Asia.

The occasional pressure can be good, motivating you to overcome challenges or go above and beyond your limits. But when the stress is chronic—meaning, it’s brought about daily by a demanding profession or terror boss—it can have detrimental effects on your health. “You know you’re stressed because you can feel it,” says Ramon D. Francisco, MD of the Department of Cardiology of the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Headaches, nausea, upset stomach, and pain and stiffness in the neck are all typical symptoms of stress.”

There are also signs of stress that tend to go unnoticed until it’s too late. “High blood pressure is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it often poses no symptoms,” explains Dr. Francisco. “You’ll only know you have high blood pressure when you have your blood pressure taken—or when you suffer a heart attack or stroke.”

Stress is one of the factors as it pushes the body to release hormones that make your heartbeat faster and elevate your blood pressure, adds Dr. Francisco. “Stress can also lead you to pick up unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, stress-eating unhealthy food, and living sedentarily that can make you develop high blood pressure.” MakatiMed suggests maintaining healthy blood pressure levels with these ideas for managing a stressful work environment.

Go exercise by taking a walk during your lunch break or forming a running club with colleagues and training regularly so you can join a 5K, suggests Dr. Francisco. “Yoga, with its slow and gentle movements, is a good way to unwind from a hectic day. Standing up and pacing around the office for a few minutes is enough to shake off some tension.”

Eat well by replacing chips and soda with healthier alternatives like water, peanuts, or fresh fruit. “Try joining health challenges like Meatless Mondays, a global campaign to reduce your intake of meat for the sake of your health and the planet,” says Dr. Francisco. “Little changes in your diet can have a big impact on your weight and the numbers on the blood pressure machine and your next blood test.”

Sure, binging on the latest K-drama counts as destressing, but nothing beats getting quality sleep. “You’ll reap more rewards by sleeping for the recommended 7-9 hours,” reminds Dr. Francisco. “When you sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure slow down, and your brain rids itself of unnecessary information while storing new ones. Sleep is also the time when the body repairs muscles and regenerates skin cells making you think sharper and ready to face another tough day ahead.”

“Sometimes, it’s all about mindset. If work is toxic and has begun to affect you physically, mentally, and emotionally, consider leaving. No job is more important than your health and wellbeing,” states Dr. Francisco. “If you can accept the work situation for what it is, just focus on doing your best and on being positive, helpful, and kind. That attitude will not only reduce your stress (and your blood pressure), it will also create a lighter, more pleasant, and hopefully, less stressful work environment.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

Theater Review: Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical

Going Home to Christmas concludes Repertory Philippines' Full Season for 2024

Repertory Philippines has once again captured the hearts of theatergoers with its latest original musical, "Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical. This heartwarming production, set against the backdrop of a bustling airport during the holiday season, weaves together a tapestry of stories that resonate with the spirit of Christmas.

'Manong Juan' the airport janitor played by Alfritz Blanche 

Going Home to Christmas: A Jose Mari Chan Musical was far more than I imagined. The musical masterfully intertwines Jose Mari Chan's timeless classics with a compelling narrative. From the moment the overture begins, audiences are transported to a world of nostalgia and joy. The familiar melodies, expertly arranged and performed by a talented cast, evoke a sense of longing and anticipation.

The cast during the curtain call

Set against the bustling background of an airport, it cleverly intertwined the lives of several people—a father and son returning home for a reunion, a busy couple on a much-needed vacation, and employees spending Christmas apart from their loved ones, to mention a few.

Carla Martinez, Gary Junsay, and the young boy who played' Kevin'

The quartet of carolers at the airport lobby ---Dina (Julia Serad), Terry (Roxy Aldiosa), Jaime (Johann Enriquez), and Zid Yarcia (Mikko) -- all dressed up in Christmas costumes gave the audience amazing performances with their perfect musical harmony. Their songs gave me goosebumps! It felt so surreal. But they were so good as carolers, like cherubims and seraphim who went down from heaven.

 JR (Neo Rivera), Raya (Justine Narciso) and airport flight attendant Mona (Krystal Kane) 

Josie (Neomi Gonzales), Arnie (Lorenz Martinez), Flight Attendant Pat (Carla Guevara Laforteza), Pilot Richard (Noel Rayos), Auntie Em (Mayen Bustamante Cadd) and  JD (Floyd Tena) 

The three writers—Joel Trinidad, Luna Griño-Inocian, and Robbie Guevara—had unique storylines, thus this might have been a collection of vignettes. Congratulations to these three for weaving amazing links and connections to allow characters to interact and create a seamless slice of life at the airport. 

Jose Mari Chan's classic songs featured in the musical include "Hahanapin Ko," "Constant Change," Can We Just Stop and Talk a While," Philippine Airlines' iconic jingle “Love at 30,000 Feet," "Please Be Careful with My Heart," "Beautiful Girl," and, of course, "Christmas in Our Hearts"—the country's 'official' Christmas song, among many others. 

“Going Home to Christmas” tells stories of missed connections and rerouted destinations. Of flights that are missed, delayed, late, and miraculously, on time. This has something for everybody with a special appeal for balikbayans who haven’t been home in a long time. 

This is Repertory Philippines returning to its strengths: wonderful music with even better singing, amusing comedy, and eliciting tears where it matters. Repertory Philippines' much-anticipated inaugural full season comes to a close with this outstanding musical. 

My husband and I are grateful and blessed to have seen this play on its last day. Looking forward to more amazing performances from REP next year. 

How to Keep Stress and Anxiety Down During the Holiday Season

 

The holidays are finally here, which means traveling to a picturesque destination and going back home to spend time with our loved ones. But holiday travel isn’t always pleasant. First, there’s that dreaded bumper-to-bumper traffic that’s achingly slow enough to stress anybody out. Add crazy big crowds at the airport in the mix too. It’s enough to beg the question: is it really the most wonderful time of the year?

Jon Edward B. Jurilla, MD of the Section of Psychiatry at the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) shares that the stress and tension you get during holiday trips could be a unique feeling called travel anxiety. “Travel anxiety is characterized by the tension that comes from visiting an unfamiliar place or even just the stress of traveling,” Dr. Jurilla explains. “Combine this with the mad rush of frenzied crowds at any airport, terminal, and road and it makes for a not-so-happy holiday.”

As Dr. Jurilla points out while these unpleasant feelings might put a momentary damper on your holiday spirit, they don’t have to stay there forever. You can start out by identifying your stress or anxiety triggers and planning ahead. “For example, are you worried about a last-minute change in your hotel reservation? Be sure to double-check your accommodation details and call ahead to verify their accuracy,” the doctor says. “While it doesn’t guarantee there will be no bumps in your plans, planning ahead helps you feel in control.”

Even starting out with ‘micro-exposures’ to your fears is part of planning ahead. If you have a fear of large, noisy crowds at the airport, you can gradually acclimate yourself by visiting your local mall during peak hours and staying there for a few minutes. Do this a handful of times before the day of your big trip. “This is called habituation. The key is to habituate yourself slowly, by going through it multiple times so that when the real situation comes, it won’t feel as overwhelming and scary,” says Dr. Jurilla.

The holidays are also an opportunity to master self-soothing practices, especially when you find yourself suddenly nervous before takeoff or during turbulence. Dr. Jurilla recommends the 4-7-8 breathing technique for anxiety. “Simply inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds,” advises Dr. Jurilla. “This helps boost oxygen in your organs and tissues.”

Another calming method is to distract yourself as soon as you feel a wave of panic coming on. Fortunately, this is easier than ever thanks to smartphones. Put on some calming music through your headphones or take on a low-intensity activity like solving crossword puzzles.

It also helps to set aside alone time that’s just meant for you to relax. Even if it’s just 15 minutes in a quiet space, use this time to write down your thoughts in a journal or read a nice book. What’s important here, according to Dr. Jurilla, is choosing an activity that relaxes your body, calms your mind, and re-energizes you right after.

Remember, the holidays are meant to be the most wonderful time of the year. And for many adults like you, this actually means simply enjoying a stress-free break from the daily grind more than anything else. You deserve it, too.

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.

Sprinkle more joyful cheer on your holidays with DQ’s Festive Brownie Sprinkles Collection

 

This holiday season, it’s time to take the festive cheer to the next level with the latest Blizzard of the Month offering from DQ that combines the indulgence of chewy and fudgy brownies and the playful touch of colorful candy sprinkles—the new Festive Brownie Sprinkles Collection, featuring seven different treats to enjoy, available for a limited time only!

Start your holiday celebrations with a bang with the new Festive Brownie Blizzard Cake, a 100 percent ice cream cake made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve and cake crunch center. Chunks of rich and fudgy brownies are embraced in delectable cake frosting and finished with a festive piping design topped with candy sprinkles—for a shareable dessert that’s sure to be the centerpiece of any feast!

Christmas party for one? Then the new Berry Brownie Sprinkle Tin Cake is perfect for you! Treat yourself to a 100 percent ice cream cake made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve, rich and fudgy brownie chunks, and strawberry topping, and finished with cake frosting, candy sprinkles, and even more brownie chunks, all housed in a reusable tin can, so you can enjoy it at your own pace!

For another joyful treat that you can enjoy with family and friends, there is the new Festive Dilly Bar, a Christmas tree-inspired Dilly Bar made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve coated in a velvety chocolate shell and made even more delectable with a dash of colorful candy sprinkles. The Festive Dilly Bar also comes in a box of 6, which can be gifted or brought to a potluck. That’s guaranteed to bring a little more sparkle to your festivities!

Of course, it won’t be complete without three new limited-edition Blizzard flavors! First, there is the new Strawberry Brownie Sprinkles Blizzard, made with soft and rich brownie chunks and tangy strawberry topping mixed into DQ's signature vanilla soft serve, and topped with a generous amount of candy sprinkles.

For chocolate and cookie lovers, there is the new Oreo Brownie Sprinkles Blizzard, made with chunks of decadent brownie pieces and crunchy Oreo cookie crumbs mixed into DQ's signature vanilla soft serve, which is then finished with candy sprinkles.

Rounding off the newest Blizzard flavors is the Caramel Brownie Sprinkles Blizzard, made with DQ's signature vanilla soft serve mixed with rich brownie pieces and luscious caramel topping, and then topped with candy sprinkles.

Finally, there’s the new Berry Matcha Brownie Parfait, made with layers of DQ's signature vanilla soft serve with matcha sauce, strawberry topping, and rich brownie chunks in between. The new Strawberry Brownie Sprinkles, Oreo Brownie Sprinkles, and Caramel Brownie Sprinkles Blizzards start at P99. The Berry Matcha Brownie Parfait is priced at P179. The Festive Dilly Bar is priced at P79 each. The Berry Brownie Sprinkle Tin Cake is priced at P439. Finally, the Festive Brownie Blizzard Cake starts at P749.

DQ's Festive Brownie Sprinkles collection is available for dine-in and take-out in all DQ stores nationwide. You can also order for delivery via the 8911-1111 hotline, www.dairyqueen.com, or DQ's official delivery partners GrabFood, food panda, and Pickaroo (prices may vary).

Don't forget to follow and give DQ a like on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) so you won't miss out on the latest updates, offers, and deals this holiday season!

Finishing Strong and Starting Fresh with Books Below P100: Big Bad Wolf Books Calls on Kagay-anons for the Final Hunt of 2024!

 

The clock is ticking to 2025, so Kagay-anons, get ready to close out the year with great reads! 2024 has only a few weeks left, but it’s not too late to dive into books and accomplish your reading goals for the year. 

Want to reach your target book count or discover a hidden gem to complete your reading checklist? Big Bad Wolf Books is ready to help you realize those goals. Come find the ultimate year-end reads at the Big Bad Wolf Cagayan de Oro Book Sale on the 5th floor of SM CDO Downtown until December 16, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

As you get ready to say “Goodbye, 2024” and “Hello, 2025,” Big Bad Wolf Books presents a Wolfie’s playbook for the perfect hunt to help you catch up on your reading goals! 

Short, Powerful Reads

The countdown to the new year is about to start, and time might feel tight for Wolfies who are a bit behind on their target book count. But, fear not! Big Bad Wolf Books prepared a fantastic collection of quick yet impactful reads. Whether it’s a self-help book that inspires immediate change or a powerful short story collection that delivers deep insights in just a few pages, you'll find exactly what you need at the book sale.

Mixed Genres

After being immersed in countless great stories, even the most avid readers might occasionally find themselves in a reading lull. If you’re in a reading slump, a shift in genres might be just what you need to reignite that spark and make reading exciting again before the year ends. With over 2 million titles from every genre imaginable available at the book sale, Big Bad Wolf Books ensures that you’ll be able to find books that will refresh your reading journey. To get you started, check out these books below P100! 

If you’ve got a little more room to splurge for the last stretch of the year, here are some great finds below P300!

Wrap Up the Year with Exclusive Promos from Big Bad Wolf

The end of the year is not just about closing out a chapter, but it’s also a sign that a brand new one is about to begin! For Wolfies who are ready to embrace new experiences and make 2025 a year of growth and exploration, now is the perfect time to discover reads that will broaden your perspective, spark creativity, and inspire meaningful change. With unbelievable discounts and an extensive selection of books, Big Bad Wolf Books will help you secure a batch of new reads that will set the tone for a fulfilling year ahead.

End the year with excitement and step into new beginnings with one last hurrah at the book sale. To help Wolfies secure all the goods, Metrobank offers its credit cardholders an exclusive deal of 0% 3-month installment promo for single-receipt purchases worth at least P3,000. This special offer helps attendees to stock up on books to celebrate the holiday season and to kickstart the new year with a fresh reading list!

Don't miss out on Big Bad Wolf Books' Weekdays Special from December 9 to 12, and on December 16, book sale goers can buy 5 books and get the 6th one FOR FREE. For every 5 books purchased, Big Bad Wolf Books is tossing the lowest-priced book in for FREE! That's not all, returning customers who shop on or before December 16 with minimum purchases of P2,000 will earn 10% on their next purchase. To claim the discount on their next visit, they only need to bring their receipt from any purchase made from December 6 to 16. Check out Big Bad Wolf Books' social media pages for more details on these amazing prizes.

It’s the last call to join the book sale for the final leg of Big Bad Wolf Books’ mission to reach 1M new readers this year. Many Wolfies have returned, and Big Bad Wolf Books is ready to welcome even more newcomers to come discover the power of books at the last Big Bad Wolf Book Sale of the year in Cagayan de Oro. 

Staying true to its mission of making books accessible to everyone, Big Bad Wolf Books is keeping its Red Readerhood counters open for donations. Attendees can choose books from the book sale to donate for the Red Readerhood Program. Collected books will be handed over to DSWD for distribution to its beneficiaries. Through this movement, attendees can join Big Bad Wolf Books in bringing quality books to children, schools, and other communities who have limited access to reading materials.

Kagay-anons, there’s no time to waste! A massive selection of books at unbeatable prices and incredible promos are waiting for you at the Big Bad Wolf Cagayan de Oro Book Sale. Close the year strong and begin a new one with a bang. Head over now to the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale until December 16. Follow Big Bad Wolf Books’ social media pages to know the latest news and updates.

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)