Volume 16 • No. 22 • November 16-30, 2020 Publication Mailing Account #41721512
Marian Rivera
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All of Manitoba at Pandemic Level Red
All parts of Manitoba were raised to the Critical Level (red) on the province’s Pandemic Response System on Thursday November 12. With five more deaths and more than 200 people in hospital with COVID-19, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, Dr. Brent
Roussin, made the announcement on Tuesday November 10. Premier Brian Pallister said, “We are at a critical point in our fight against COVID-19, and we must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable Manitobans and ensure our health-care system is there for
Manitobans, when they need it. … By taking these measures seriously, we are going to save lives.” Initially, the new red level restrictions prohibited social contacts outside the household, and social gatherings were not See MANITOBA p7
10 Lolit Solis, Mr. Fu & Cristy Fermin
Photos courtesy of Marissa Dumangan
Mask mouth
Good oral hygiene is the best defense against the effects of “mask mouth.” A phenomenon called “mask mouth” is a real thing, according to several Canadian dental associations. It is the side effect of bad breath from wearing a facemask for long periods of time.
Wearing a facemask can cause bad breath for a number of reasons but the main offender is poor oral hygiene. An increase in plaque and tartar, which is bacteria, can cause bad breath underneath the mask.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced dental offices across the country to close for almost three months in this year, many Canadians missed their See MASK p7
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On October 30, 2020, Marco Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship tabled the 20212023 Levels Plan. The plan sets forth the immigration targets for the next three years: 2021. The numbers represent an increase over the number the Minister announced in March of this year for 2020 to 2022. Canada was going to welcome one million permanent residents over these years before COVID-19 pandemic made its impact. Days after the spring announcement Canada shut its borders. One result is that Canada will fall well short of the early forecast of 341,000 landings set for 2020. The new Levels Plan is intended to correct this shortfall and ensure that the numbers for the next three-year increase dramatically to make up the shortfall. Canada needs to maintain high levels of immigration to offset the negative economic and fiscal impacts of an aging population and a low birth rate. Canada has one of the world’s oldest populations with almost 18 per cent of the population in the 65 years of age and older group. The Canadian birth rate is 1.47 births per woman. The numbers underline Canada’s need for more immigrants to support the labour force and economic growth.
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Canada has historically relied upon new immigration to provide the demographic needs of the country but the numbers were limited. Since 1867, Canada has only welcomed 300,000 or more immigrants in a year just five times. The country has settled into a pattern of welcoming about 0.9 per cent of its population, which, in relative terms, is still three times higher, than the per capita newcomer’s intake of the United States. Until the announcement, the country had not met the record number of 401,000 arrivals in 2013. The new Levels Plan is set to increase the following year arrivals to this record standard. The 2021-2023 Levels Plan will welcome 411,000 in 2021, 421,000 in 2022, and 421,000 in 2023. This represents an increase over the March plan of 351,000 in 2021 and 361,000 in 2022. The health and safety of Canada continues to be a priority but the multi-level plan recognizes the importance of not only admitting needed skilled workers to fuel economic growth but also facilitating family reunification and Canada’s global commitment to protecting persons at risk through refugee resettlement. The highlights of the plan include: • A noticeable increase in admissions over the next three
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The 2021-2023 Levels Plan is released years to make up for the 2020 shortfall; • A continuing emphasis upon economic growth, with roughly 60 per cent of targeted admissions coming from the economic classes, including the provincial nominee programs; • A focus on innovative and community driven approaches that addresses specific labour and demographic needs across the country; • Continued reliance on digital transformation of the immigration application system to support operations affected by COVID-19; • Increasing numbers of French speaking candidates under Express Entry to ensure the commitment to a bilingual Canada, Française and English; • Increasing refugee arrivals to 500 for the next two years through the Economic Pathways Project, intended for qualified refugees; and • A pathway to permanent residency for eligible asylum claims who were working on the front lines between March 13 and August 14, 2020. The individuals would include those providing direct care to patients in healthcare institutions. The 2021-2023 Levels Plan is intended to ensure Canada remains a choice destination in the world,
providing the country with needed skilled workers for economic growth, reuniting families with loved ones and fulfilling our international humanitarian commitments. “Immigration is essential to getting us through the pandemic, but also to our short term economic recovery and our longterm economic growth. Canadians have seen how newcomers are playing an outsized role in our hospitals and care homes, and helping us to keep food on the table. As we look to recovery, newcomers create jobs not just by giving our businesses the skills they need to thrive, but also by starting businesses themselves.” Minister Mendicino explained in his press release. “Our plan will help to address some of the most acute labour shortages and to grow our population to keep Canada competitive on the world stage.” Michael Scott is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC, R525678) who has 30 years of experience with Canada Immigration and the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program. He currently works as a licensed consultant with R.B. Global Immigration Consultants Ltd. 204-691-1166 or 204-227-0292. E-mail: mscott. ici@gmail.com.
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Creating Health Chiropractic The Manitoba government has shown its support to both the Chiropractic profession and Massage Therapists by allowing us to stay open for the needs of our patients.
Our patients need our help. Due to high levels of stress, poor ergonomics from working at home, challenged fitness levels due to reduced recreation options, our patients are sore, tight and
expressing all kinds of nerve system irritations. We are masked, social distancing as much as possible and cleaning consistently to ensure your safety. You will be
asked screening questions upon booking, but this is to keep every one safe. Our team is here for you! Dr. Crystal Paculan and Dr. Gerald Tole
Call us at 204-253-1900 Creating Health Chiropractic 100-600 St. Anne’s Road Winnipeg, Manitoba
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The New England Journal of Medicine and two scienceoriented magazines, Nature and Science, recently reported on two extra-ordinary pharmaceutical achievements in the USA – a COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and an antibody treatment from Eli Lilly. Pfizer’s vaccine Pfizer’s vaccine, codeveloped with the BioNTech company and deemed 90 per cent effective without safety concerns, has been shown to prevent COVID-19 infection and disease. While scientists have recognized its landmark value – the first compelling proof that a vaccine can prevent the disease – they seek answers to some questions. To what extent does the vaccine prevent the most severe cases? Does it stop asymptomatic carriers from spreading the disease? How well does the vaccine work in different age groups? Also, vaccine availability to the general public usually takes six months to a year. Its impact on public health requires a public that is willing to be vaccinated. Eli Lilly’s antibody treatment Eli Lilly’s antibody treatment, “bamlanivimab,” is aimed to stop mild or moderately ill patients from worsening to a severe condition requiring hospitalization. These two promising prescriptions should not lead us to let our guard down on the urgent realities of today’s pandemic situation, but should motivate us even more to comply with public health directives and, thereby, harvest the benefits of these medical advances. Two exciting developments, but neither promise will be realized anytime soon! Face mask, face mask, face mask! Hence, the necessity to continue wearing a facemask in addition to complying with other public health directives while waiting for the two promises. This is not meant to dampen our enthusiasm, but to be conscious of today’s urgent realities. November 10 update On the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the community use of cloth masks to control the spread, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-USA) has recently updated its statement and recommendations: 1. Infection is transmitted predominately by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. 2. Community use of masks, specifically non-valved, multi-layer cloth masks, is recommended. 3. The prevention benefit of masking is derived from the combination of a) source control
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and b) personal protection for the mask wearer. 4. The relationship between source control and personal protection is likely complementary and possibly synergistic, so that individual benefit increases with increasing community mask use. 5. Masks are primarily intended to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets (“source control”), which is especially relevant for asymptomatic or presymptomatic infected wearers who feel well and may be unaware of their infectiousness to others, and who are estimated to account for more than 50 per cent of transmissions. 6. Masks also help reduce inhalation of these droplets by the wearer (“filtration for personal protection”). 7. The community benefit of masking for control of the COVID virus is due to the combination of these effects; individual prevention benefit increases with increasing numbers of people using masks consistently and correctly. 8. Adopting universal masking policies can help avert future lockdowns, especially if combined with other nonpharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, hand hygiene, and adequate ventilation. Body of evidence Seven observational and epidemiological studies have shown the real-world effectiveness of community masking. Combined with mass testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine, and treatment, plus targeted lockdowns when still feasible, would reinforce each other as a collective public health tool. A sad narrative It is perfectly understood when a group, for wholly medical reasons or very young age, is unable to don a face mask. It is another thing when some public health officers and government leaders surrender their sound grounding in public health policy and science and side with, admittedly, a small minority of the community who would not accept a directive to wear mask when indoors in public places. It is even more unfortunate when political leaders would argue that mandating use of facemasks would infringe on a citizen’s personal freedom. Indeed, there is a clear danger when a public health directive says one should wear a facemask “if one chooses to” or masks are not mandatory but “feel free to wear one if you wish.” Such a type of directive is at once weak. It lacks resolve. We cannot allow a public health order that vacillates in clarity and firmness. Even the doctrine of personal freedom does not lend support
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Follow public health while waiting for the promises
Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto Chief Medical Officer of Health, announces the city would enact stricter measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, November 10, 2020. (screen grab) for a permissive compliance directive, contrary to the claim of some premiers and a minority of the citizenry. It is not a valid argument. Citizens know or ought to, as contributing opinion writer Michael Tomasky of the New York Times recently reminded us and re-echoed by columnist Andrew Leach of CBC News on the birth of this doctrine. John Stuart Mill wrote in his 1859 essay On Liberty: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others…Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign… The principle requires liberty of doing as we like, subject to such consequences as may follow; without impediment from our fellow-creatures, so long as what we do does not harm them even though they should think our conduct foolish, perverse, or wrong (bold print my emphasis). By action or inaction (refusing to don a mask), an ‘infected’ citizen may not infect others.” Here I quote US Presidentelect Joe Biden who spoke eloquently on the importance of wearing face masks: “I view wearing this mask not so much protecting me, but as a patriotic responsibility. All the tough guys say, ‘Oh, I’m not wearing a mask, I’m not afraid.’ Well, be afraid for your husband, your wife, your son, your daughter, your neighbour, your co-worker. That’s who you’re protecting having this mask on, and it should be viewed as a patriotic duty, to protect those around you.” Let me add: recent study has shown that use of face masks protects the wearer as much as it protects others. A mix of headlines and insightful commentaries
Mixed with the good-news announcements, the preceding half month has seen the following headlines – some alarming, others uplifting – and commentaries (items 1 to 17): 1. “Rapid response team sent to Winnipeg care home after 8 deaths in 48 hours” – Mason DePatie, CTV News, November 7. 2. “Social gatherings banned; non-critical businesses closed as all of Manitoba moves to red alert level” – Bryce Hoye, CBC News, November 10. 3. “Experts fear Alberta hospitals will be unable to cope with COVID surge” – Hannah Kost, CBC News, November 10. 4. “Manitobans told to batten down the hatches” – Carol Sanders, Winnipeg Free Press, November 10. 5. “Hundreds of Alberta doctors, 3 major health-care unions join calls for ‘circuitbreaker’ targeted lockdown” – Joel Dryden, CBC News, November 12. 6. “Manitoba posts recordtying 9 COVID-19 deaths and 474 new cases on Thursday” – CBC News, November 12. These headlines capture the alarming number of patients and deaths that have placed a nearly unbearable burden on the availability of hospital beds and intensive care units and on doctors, nurses and other frontline health care workers. They reflect the distressing concerns of public health officials witnessing the enormous spread of the virus that can only continue to spread at an exponential rate unless more severe restrictions are mandated, which are palpably resisted by some political leaders. These headlines also reflect the frustration of health care providers who have been pushed to openly and publicly make their
deep concerns about increasing caseloads and a shortage of staffing known to the government. Indeed, the situation has prompted editorial boards and columnists to make their insights and criticisms known through their thoughtful commentaries as conveyed in the editorials and opeds below: 7. “Canada needs a more aggressive COVID strategy to break the cycle of lockdowns” – Editorial, Globe and Mail, November 8. 8. “You cannot slow the spread of the coronavirus by loosening restrictions” – Andre Picard, The Globe and Mail, November 8. 9. “The pandemic is picking up speed, but the Ford government is easing restrictions. It makes no sense” – Editorial, Globe and Mail, November 9. 10. “Bonnie Henry contained B.C.’s first wave of the virus. The second wave is hitting much harder” – Editorial, Globe and Mail, November 10. 11. “On COVID-19, Jason Kenney refuses to take responsibility” – Columnist Andrew Leach, CBC News, November 10. 12. “COVID action needed” – Editorial Board, Edmonton Journal, November 12. These editorials and commentaries are balanced, fair and called for. They have raised the need for clarity in public health communication and for timeliness in adopting needed public health measures. They have asked for more direct measures rather than simply banking on the goodwill of the public, important as it may be. They reject the fallacy that “it is either choose to protect people from the virus or protect the economy.” Means exist to do both. And where they felt public See MEDISINA p7
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MEDISINA... From page 6 health officials in a municipality have taken the bold and wise decision beyond the provincial initiative, they have duly acknowledged such displays of courageous leadership as in the op-ed below: 13. “Lawyers be damned: Toronto needed some courage. Dr. Eileen de Villa and John Tory provided it” – Bruce Arthur, Toronto Star, November 10. Uplifting news has been reported, such as when announcements about a vaccine and antibody treatment were made, viz: 14. “What has Pfizer’s COVID vaccine trial found, and is this a breakthrough?” – Science, November 9. 15. “US authorizes first antibody treatment” – Nature, November 9. At the same time, they have been prompt to inject guarded optimism following such good news announcements: 16. “There’s new hope for a coronavirus vaccine, but let’s not celebrate too quickly,” – Columnist Andre Picard, Globe and Mail, November 9. 17. “But easy is not part of the viral vocabulary,” – Editor Paul Samyn, Winnipeg Free Press, November 10. The Winnipeg Free Press wrote, “Fortunately, Manitoba
MANITOBA... From page 1 permitted, however, the province retracted that rule on Wednesday as it would have been almost impossible to enforce. The public health orders “can only go so far as a legal document,” said Roussin. “What we need Manitobans to do is to follow both the letter and the spirit of these new restrictions, and that is to stay home whenever possible, and not to socialize with people outside their household.” The public health order now sets the maximum indoor and outdoor gathering size at five people, not including people who reside in a household. Film and TV production was also supposed to stop, but the public order was changed to allow work to continue if shooting started before 12:01 a.m. on November 12. The current red level rules include: • Travel to and from northern Manitoba is restricted and nonessential travel is discouraged. • Retail businesses listed as critical services, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, can remain open at 25 per cent capacity.
PILIPINO EXPRESS Premier Brian Pallister gets it. So too, does U.S. president-elect Joseph Biden. It would have been easy for both to put more stock in Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine announcement than the tools in hand to deal with the task we all face. But easy is not part of the viral vocabulary.” And the Free Press noted the twin messages from both Manitoba Premier Pallister and US President-elect Biden. Pallister said, “It takes time. Don’t let your guard down because you think there is a vaccine right around the corner.” US President-elect Biden echoed, “This is why the head of the CDC warned this fall that for the foreseeable future, a mask remains a more potent weapon against the virus than the vaccine…Today’s news does not change this urgent reality. Americans will have to rely on masking, distancing, contact tracing, hand washing and other measures to keep themselves safe well into next year… That is the reality for now, and for the next few months.” The current Canadian reality The country is in the midst of the second wave. The numbers below provide the basis for immediate action, as of November 13, 2020. Total cases: World – 53,678,557 Philippines – 404,713 USA – 11,036,282
Canada – 285,794 Total deaths: World – 1,307,909 Philippines – 7,752 USA – 249,739 Canada – 10,821 Total cases by province B.C. – 20,368 Alberta – 36,405 Saskatchewan – 4,437 Manitoba – 9,782 Ontario – 89,784 Quebec – 119,894 New Brunswick – 356 Nova Scotia – 1,134 PEI – 68 Newfoundland/Labrador – 298 Yukon – 24 NWT – 11 Nunavut – 3 Across Canada and the world Across Canada and the other 190 countries of the world, the pandemic continues to exact its toll on human lives and the economy. Professor Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, has this to say: “The best option, for the health of people and that of the economy, is to pursue a ‘maximum suppression’ approach, which means pushing numbers low enough to avoid a repeated cycle of lockdowns. Crucially, this doesn’t mean an actual lockdown, but a strategy similar to that seen in East Asian Pacific countries (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan): 1. stronger border measures to prevent re-importation of the
• Retail businesses not on the list are able to provide e-service, curbside pickup or delivery services. • All personal service businesses, including hair salons, barbers and sites offering manicures, pedicures and other esthetic services, must close. • Gyms and fitness centres must close. • Religious and cultural gatherings must close or be provided virtually only. •Restaurants must close to the public and may be open for delivery, drive-thru or takeout only. •All recreational activities, sports facilities, casinos, museums, galleries, libraries, movie theatres and concert halls must close. Fines for breaching or failing to comply with public health or emergency orders have recently been increased to $1,296 for individuals and $5,000 for corporations. Along with the announcement of the province-wide restrictions, the government again strongly encouraged Manitobans to focus on the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19: • Stay home if you are sick or
when any member of your family is sick. • Reduce your contacts to your household only and avoid closedin or crowded spaces. • Wash/sanitize your hands, cover your cough and physically distance when you must be with people outside your household. • If you cannot physically distance, you should wear a mask to help reduce your risk. • Get a flu shot. Roussin said Manitobans should plan for the red-level restrictions to be in place for at least four weeks, or two incubation periods for COVID-19.
MASK... From page 1 regular checkups and cleaning appointments, causing some to neglect oral hygiene. Extended mask usage can affect the balance of bacteria in the mouth. When people breathe while wearing a mask, there’s a risk it can increase the amount of bacteria in their mouth over time. The saliva in your mouth is designed keep the mouth neutral, but if the bacteria start to
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virus, 2. good guidance to the public about how to avoid crowded settings and, 3. most importantly, a robust system of testing, tracing and isolating, and 4. financial support, generously paying those who test positive with the virus to stay at home. And what kind of leadership do we need? Integrity, competence, kindness, compassion, empathy, vision and hard work: these seem to be the core traits of the leaders who have won the trust of their populations and led their countries effectively through this crisis.”
Rey D. Pagtakhan, P.C., O.M., LL.D., Sc.D., M.Sc., M.D. is a retired lung specialist and professor and a former Member of Parliament and cabinet minister. He graduated from the University of the Philippines and University of Manitoba (UM) and trained at the Children’s Hospital of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Children’s Hospital of the UM Faculty of Medicine in Winnipeg. Widely lectured, he spoke on “The Global Threat of Infectious Diseases” at the G-8 Science Ministers/Advisors Meeting held in Berlin in June 2003. reypagtakhan@gmail. com.
overwhelm it, the acid level can increase and cause bad breath. Aside from eating strongsmelling foods, a dry mouth, which can be the result of not drinking enough water while wearing a mask, can also lead to bad breath. Although bad breath may not seem like a serious problem, the increased bacteria in the mouth and poor oral hygiene in general can have serious consequences such as an increase in the number of cavities, decay, cracked teeth, and broken fillings. There are simple ways to prevent these problems while still wearing a facemask during the pandemic – and they are not much different from the usual dental recommendations. Tips to avoid “mask mouth” • Brush your teeth at least twice a day. • Floss between your teeth every day. • Brush your tongue, too. • Use mouthwash before putting on a mask. • Stay hydrated; drink lots of water throughout the day • Avoid alcohol, smoking, marijuana, and vaping because they can cause dry mouth,
inflammation, enamel damage, teeth staining, and even oral cancer. • Avoid sugary foods and acidic drinks. • Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva flow. • Regularly wash your reusable facemask or replace disposable masks. • Eat a balanced and nutritious diet.
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Ways to help manage depression and hopelessness with feng shui A recent study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that there has been a dramatic increase in suicide among teens, particularly teen girls. This increase is merely a reflection of what many people today are coping with: depression. And, what’s the bedfellow for depression? Hopelessness. Both of these are symptomatic with societal ills such as stress, anxiety, disconnection, and lack of a positive feeling for what the future holds. Many times, depression and hopelessness can be rooted in a lack of purpose or fulfillment. And, at one time or another, almost everyone has experienced some sort of despondency, whether through health worries, relationship or job difficulties, or problems that seem insurmountable. I know I have gone through my own low periods. A period of the blues that lingers, though, is unhealthy. A despondent outlook can often show up in our homes. The home of a depressed person may depict outward signs of internal struggles. There may be excess shopping, a lack of cleaning, unmade beds, isolating, dark interiors, or clutter. There are often signs of maintenance issues, such as dripping faucets, dead plants, or peeling paint. Can feng shui help? Yes, especially when combined with other efforts such as diet, socializing, connecting with nature, and finding things to do that you enjoy. Your eyes take in the world, and when you see your dark home with unmade beds, a sink full of dirty dishes, and dead plants by the front door, this can serve to reinforce a depressed state of mind and feeling of hopelessness. Here are ways to use feng shui to lift your home’s energy and improve your feeling of happiness and help you to feel hopeful again. 1. Start every day strong. One of my favourite shows was Downton Abbey. I loved how it showed the house come alive in the mornings. The fires were lighted, the curtains thrown open and sunlight streamed in. The cleaning and cooking began in earnest, and bells rang when breakfast was being served or requested. Take a cue from this TV show and start your day strong. Get going by establishing a set time to get up and getting a start on the day. Try getting up earlier and having coffee or tea leisurely. Open the curtains, read a newspaper or your tablet. Next, get dressed. Do your hair, put on make-up and look your best, even if you’re staying at home. When you look better, you feel better. Once you’re dressed, make your bed, and open
the curtains in your bedroom. Go to the kitchen and make yourself breakfast, do the dishes and put them away when you’re done. A strong start to the day is a good way to shape your mind in a positive direction. And then at the end of the day, you’ll be getting into a made bed. That always feels better. 2. Unstick your home’s chi. The energy in your home can get stuck, and that can cause you to feel stuck in your life. Look around your house to where your clutter zones are. Maybe it’s a stack of mail you haven’t gotten around to sorting. Clear off the tops of your kitchen counters, tackle any piles you have around the house, such as piles of clothes in the closet, or bathroom counters that you can’t see because there’s so much stuff. One way we feel stuck is when our eyes have no room to roam. Picking up rugs, cluttered countertops and piles will help speed up our home’s chi and lift your spirits by giving your eyes open space. Your eyes are a fire element, and smothering from clutter and lack of visual space, can literally “put your fire out.” The eyes and heart and connected – that’s how we fall in love, right? Give your eyes some space and your heavy heart will get a lift. 3. Lift your burden. Our homes are the repository of our lives. The happiest – and the saddest – moments are often contained in them. Yet, many homes are houses of pain. They hold the wedding dress you wore but kept even after your divorce, they hold the clock from your grandmother who has passed but stopped working years ago, or maybe it’s the ashes of pets or loved ones you can’t part with. Whatever brings your energy down does not belong in your home. Learn to let go of old obligations to things that lower your energy and serve as reminders of what or what didn’t happen in your life. I give you permission to throw them away, donate them, or put them on the curb with a sign that says free. 4. See things differently. Too often we get in a rut in our lives because our homes look the same all the time. The picture over the sofa is always over the sofa. When you need a different picture for your life, change the pictures in your home. Take them all down and then one by one begin putting them in a different place. This will force you to see your home – and your life – in a completely different way and help you out of a visual rut. Remember, our eyes and hearts are connected. 5. Watch for water. Water is the element of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. When there is depression, there is often an
excess of water. That could be symbolized by a dripping faucet, a running toilet, or even too many blue or dark colours. If there is any water that pools or an area of your yard that stays wet, this can cause your energy to lower. Look around for dark colours, dark rooms, and sources of water or wetness. A good place to look is under bathroom and kitchen sinks. You may not even know you have a leak until you look for one. Get it fixed to help stop the drip, drip, drip of sadness. 6. Add movement, light, and sound. Feeling depressed can sometimes be alleviated by movement. Turn on fans, a TV, or your stereo with some happy music playing. Getting movement going, can get your chi going, and that’s good for your heart and spirit! Don’t forget about turning on the lighting. Realtors know that during a showing, every light in the house should be turned on (there’s that fire element again!). This lifts the energy of the house – and a home with lifted energy is one that’s appealing to the owners and buyers. Keep the light on in the foyer and the living room. Another important area for lighting? The kitchen. This room represents fire and it should never be allowed to go out. Add a small lamp that you keep turned on night and day, or a small night light on so that the fire element is always present. Make a daily practice of ringing a bell in your home to help clear stuck, stagnant energies. Sound cuts through old energies. Start every day ringing a bell at your front door, going in a clockwise direction, and then coming back to the door. Encircle the door three times with the bell and you will have cleared and energized your home. 7. Connect with nature. Make sure all your houseplants are healthy and lush. Look around your yard for any shrubs that have grown over the windows and cut them back. Dirty or overgrown windows will make your outlook suffer, so keep these clean and plants trimmed. Try planting a small garden or add a pot or two of flowers to a porch. Make it a point to buy fresh cut flowers each week to give your home a touch of nature. Endeavour to spend at least 30 minutes outdoors a day, even if that’s just taking a walk so you can observe the trees, the sky, birds, and the natural world to help you reconnect yourself to nature. Better still, exposure to sunlight helps improve your outlook. Many of the happiest places are ones that are sunlightfilled, such as Hawaii. Make sure you spend time outdoors, get your Vitamin D levels checked,
and get some sunshine chi daily. 8. Brighten and lighten up. If you have dark or watery colours on the walls and furniture, try lightening up your home with a coat of bright paint. Sunshine or lemon yellow, bright white with colourful accents or furniture with light-coloured upholstery can help brighten your home and lighten your mood. Bright colours are known mood enhancers so pick some vibrant shades to enliven your home. 9. Make a plan, keep a schedule. There’s something about accountability for how it can keep us anchored. Keeping a schedule makes us have a sense of continuity and control, something that’s so important for our outlook. Planning is another way to help keep yourself feeling hopeful, like a star twinkling that you can set your eyes on. During the pandemic, we’re motoring down the freeway of life with our eyes at the end of the hood of our car instead of watching into the distance. The distance in front of us is the future that seems so uncertain, and that short field of vision can lead us to become despondent or hopeless. That’s when we need to put certainty back into our lives, even if it’s a simple certainty. This can be a plan for a drive to the mountains for a long weekend, a trip to a nearby city, and a vision board of ideas to work on around your house or garden. Make plans and keep schedules to stay connected and
looking toward the future. 10. Elevate the mundane. Simple things can take on greater meaning by changing their energy from something simple to something sublime. You could try this by taking something ordinary and make it eventful. Instead of buying flowers with your weekly food shopping, make a special trip just to buy flowers. If you normally watch TV in the evenings, how about making one night a week next to a fire pit making smores? Turn Spaghetti Saturdays into a night on the piazza in Rome. Buy some fresh pasta and Parmesan, come home and add a red-checkered tablecloth, a candle in a bottle, some Italian music for ambiance. Look for an hour-long music video like “Italian Music–Background Chill Out” that has some of everyone’s most loved Italian favourites. Finding ways to do small things in a bigger more conscious way that elevates (energizes?) them feels more special – and that’s good feng shui. Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in authentic Chinese feng shui. She has over 20+ years of feng shui study, practice and professional consultation. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more visit www. redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 9
TELUS Gives Back to over 4000 local community organizations sa buong Canada para sa mas maliwanag at maunlad na kinabukasan. Giving back to communities matters now more than ever. Taos puso naming pinasasalamatan at ipinagbubunyi ang aming team sa pagbigay ng higit isang milyong volunteer hours bawat taon. Mula sa pag stock ng food banks, hanggang sa pag-alaga ng mga isolated seniors, sa paghahanda ng care kits para sa mga komunidad na nangangailangan at iba pa, we give back to create stronger communities. Together, we can make the future friendly. Para malaman kung paano kami nakakatulong sa komunidad, punta lang sa
telus.com/GivesBack
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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
• John Lloyd Cruz – Mahusay humawak ng pera, may beach house sa El Nido • Kris Aquino – Nagpalutang na naman ng kayabangan at pagiging bratinella • Direk Bobet Vidanes – Wala raw iwanan, bakit nagresign sa It’s Showtime? Siguro nga ay mas malalim ang hinahanap na kalayaan at kapribaduhan ng buhay ng mga personalidad na maagang nagsimula sa pag-aartista. Ninakaw na kasi ng trabaho ang kanilang panahon. Palagi na lang silang nakaharap sa mga camera, parang kagamitang de-buton na kailangang lumuha kung iyon ang hinihingi ng ginagampanan nilang papel, halos wala na silang oras para sa kanilang sarili. Ganoon ang nakikita naming nagaganap ngayon kay John Lloyd Cruz. Maaga siyang nagartista, teenager pa lang siya ay puro camera na ang kaharap niya, kaya ngayon pa lang siya bumabawi sa mga panahong inagaw sa kaniya ng pagiging aktor. Sa Cebu, noong maayos pa ang kanilang relasyon ni Ellen Adarna ay madalas siyang makita ng mga tagaroon na palakad-lakad lang sa matataong lugar sa lunsod. Nagba-bar hopping din siyang
mag-isa, masayang-masaya ang kaniyang itsura, dahil ngayon nga ay nalalanghanp niya na ang hangin ng kalayaan. Ngayon ay madalas naman siya sa Palawan, may ipinatatayo siyang beach house sa El Nido, isang eksklusibong beach doon na dinadayo ng mga bukod na pinagpala para sa kanilang pagbabakasyon. Sabi ng isang source na malapit kay JLC, “Marunong siyang humawak ng kinikita niya, properties ang tinutukan niya noon, marami siyang nabili.” Enjoy na enjoy ngayon si John Lloyd sa pamumuhay na walang mga kamerang nakatutok sa kaniya. Pakain-kain na lang siya ng fishball, ng kwekkwek, paa ng manok at iba pang pagkaing nabibili sa kalye. Iyon ang mahabang panahong hindi niya nagawa, iyon ang kinasabikan niya nang ilang dekada, bumabawi siya ngayon. *** Si Kris Aquino ang sentro See CRISTY p11
Manay Lolit Solis, Mr. Fu & Nanay Cristy Fermin
Tadhana celebrates third anniversary This month, GMA Network’s award-winning drama anthology program Tadhana, hosted by Marian Rivera, celebrates its third anniversary with month-long specials airing every Saturday afternoon. Tadhana offers viewers more true stories of adventure, hope, dreams, and sometimes even the challenges being faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The series of anniversary specials kicked off with the two-part episode, The One That Ran Away featuring guest celebrities Kim Molina, Paolo Contis, Edgar Allan Guzman, Dave Bornea, and Didong. On November 21 and 28, Tadhana features 55 (Hindi pa Huli ang Umibig). The two-part episode includes Cherie Gil, Jon Lucas, Rochelle Pangilinan, Aira Bermudez, and Cecil Paz. Tadhana’s month-long third anniversary special was directed by Rember Gelera.
Kris Aquino
John Lloyd Cruz
Marian Rivera
John Lloyd Cruz, his son Modesto with Mon Confiado
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
CRISTY... From page 10 ng paksa sa istoryang ito. Si Kris na minsan pang nagpalutang ng kaniyang kayabangan at pagiging bratinella. Si Kris na ilang taon na ngang nagsusumamo sa mga network na bigyan siya ng programa pero palagi siyang bigo. Nagsisimula pa lang siyang ibenta ng nagtutulay sa kaniya ay no na agad ang sagot ng mga ehekutibo. Maraming kabiguan na ang kaniyang naranasan, ilang bagsak at bangon na nga siya, pero hanggang ngayo’y kipkip pa rin niya ang pagpa-power trip. Dati na siyang ganoon, kung
PILIPINO EXPRESS
ano ang gusto niya ay palaging kailangang masunod, pero akala nami’y nagbago na siya dahil ilang taon na nga siyang walang proyekto. Sabi nga, mabuti pa ang taong matakaw at may kabusugan, pero ang kayabangan ay walang gamot na katumbas. May inilatag na proyekto sa amin si Salve Asis, ang PM namin sa Take It, Per Minute… Me Gano’n, kinukuha raw kami ng Puregold para sa isang programang si Kris Aquino ang aming makakatrabaho. Nag-meeting na sina Manay Lolit Solis, Mr. Fu, Chuck Gomez, Salve Asis at ang mga kinatawan ng Puregold. Wala See CRISTY p13
Direk Bobet Vidanes
PAGE 11
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SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
Prima Donnas returns Following its half-year hiatus, GMA Network’s drama series Prima Donnas began to air its much-awaited new episodes on November 9. Prior to the suspension of tapings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, viewers were on the edge of their seats with the riveting plot twists in the family drama. The original series continues with cast members Katrina Halili, Wendell Ramos, Chanda Romero, Benjie Paras, James Blancom and Elijah Alejo. Aiko Melendez together with Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan, Vince Crisostomo, and Will Ashley expressed what they feel about their experiences during the 21-day lock-in taping, and what’s in store for the Kapuso viewers as
the story continues. “Dahil maraming nabitin na eksena, lahat ng mga katanungan masasagot na sa fresh episodes. Lalo po itong pinaghandaan ng buong production,” said Katrina. “I’m very grateful and excited dahil mapapanood ng viewers ang aming pinaghirapan. Taping under the new normal was such an experience and also very challenging for the whole team,” adds Wendell. Chanda expressed her admiration towards her co-stars’ professionalism, “As an actor, bumilib ako sa lahat ng members ng cast. We stopped taping months ago noong mag-lockdown dahil sa pandemic. Pero hawak pa rin nila ‘yung roles na ginagampanan nila. In fact, See PRIMA p13
Will Ashley, Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan & Vince Crisostomo
The cast of Prima Donnas
The Hows of Us becomes first Filipino film to be on Cineplex Store in Canada Following its recent release on iTunes and Google Play, the biggest Filipino box-office earner in 2018, ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s romantic drama, The Hows of Us is now the first Filipino film to be released on the Cineplex Store. A leading entertainment and media company, Cineplex is Canada’s largest and film exhibitor representing approximately 75 per cent of Canada’s box office revenue. TheCineplex Store offers over 8,000 titles, from new releases, top rentals to countless See HOWS p13
Kathryn Bernardo & Daniel Padilla
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
HOWS... From page 12 classics, from Hollywood, Canadian and international studios. Directed by award-winning director Cathy Garcia-Molina, co-writing the screenplay with Carmi G. Raymundo, Crystal S. San Miguel and Gillian Ebreo, The Hows of Us stars Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo. For her performance, Bernardo won Best Actress at the 35th PMPC Star Awards for Movies and Entertainment Editors’ Choice Awards for Movies (EDDY’S) in 2019. More good news is that the couple also has a new digital movie series entitled, The House Arrest of Us, which is now available to viewers worldwide on iWantTFC and TFC IPTV, with a new episode dropping every Sunday (Manila time). You can watch The Hows of Us instantly at CineplexStore.com.
SHOWBIZ SHOWBUZZ PILIPINO EXPRESS
napahinga ang character ko. Medyo kinakabahan po ako kung mapo-portray ko pa ba siya nang maayos o kung kilala ko pa ba ‘yung karakter ni Donnabelle.” Meanwhile, Vince is delighted with the camaraderie formed between the team during their lock-in taping, “Mas naging close kami sa isa’t isa, mas nakilala ko pa sila individually, and nakakatuwa ‘yung nabuong samahan. But of course, with the added safety precautions na kailangan namin sundin para na rin sa ikabubuti ng lahat.” “Excited dahil after ilang months may bagong episodes nang mapapanood ang mga sumusubaybay sa amin. Of
course, masaya rin dahil makikita nila ‘yung effort and team work naming lahat,” added Will. Director Gina Alajar described how the team braced themselves for the new normal taping. “We had a series of meetings. Pinag-usapan namin kung anoano ang mga dapat namin gawin to take care of ourselves. We also talked with the actors and everyone concerned in the show of what’s going to happen kaya when the protocols and guidelines came out, we were kind of ready na.” The Kapuso abroad can watch Prima Donnas via GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com.
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Elijah Alejo & Althea Ablan
PRIMA... From page 12
mas intense ang performance nila ngayon, mas may kulay ang characters.” “Masaya kami sa lock-in taping. Ang nagustuhan ko lang ay very organized ang buong staff. Alaga kaming mga artista. Naging close kami lahat. The only challenge is being away from my family that long,” shared Benjie. James, on the one hand, hinted at the direction of his character, “Abangan nila ang papel ni Ruben sa buhay ni Lilian. Mabait ba o masama ang kaniyang karakter.” Elijah teased viewers, “Dapat po nilang abangan kung ano pa pong gagawin ng mag-inang Kendra at Brianna sa mga Claveria. Abangan din po nila si Brianna 2.0 dahil sigurado po akong kaiinisan po nila ulit ako.” “Masaya na may nerbyos at kaba but confident na magugustuhan ng mga viewers ang aming pagbabalik kasi talagang pinaghirapan ng lahat. Mula sa crew, staff, artists at directors,” assured Aiko. Jillian hopes for the continuous support from their fans, “Super happy po and at the same time medyo anxious since eight months po kami nawala sa TV. Sana po ‘di pa rin bumibitaw ang viewers namin lalo na po at marami pang mas exciting na mangyayari.” Althea also admits feeling tested with the circumstances upon returning to work, “Challenging po talaga ‘yung unang scene ko dahil matagal-tagal din
Katrina Halili & James Blanco
CRISTY... From page 11 kami sa meeting, kinailangan naming umuwi agad para sa work from home naman namin sa Cristy Ferminute, ikinuwento na lang nila sa amin ang magiging takbo ng palabas. Nasa Mga Obra Ni Nanay kaming tatlo nina Manay Lolit at Mr. Fu, nasa opisina naman ng Cornerstone si Kris sa loob nang apat na Linggo, sa panglima hanggang sa pangwalo ay samasama na kami sa Cornerstone. Plantsado na ang lahat. Maayos ang usapan. Pati ang talent fee namin ay napag-usapan na. wala nang problema. Pero isang araw ay lumutang ang hindi magandang kuwento. Ayaw ni Kris na makasama si Mr. Fu. Hindi raw niya kilala ang may sarili nang tagasuportang radioTV host, at hindi raw namin kalevel si Mr. Fu, ayon kay Kris. Ipinaglaban ni Manay Lolit si Mr. Fu, nasa meeting ang inaayawan ni Kris, sana’y nilinaw na noong una pa lang na hindi pala kasama sa proyekto ang aming kasama sa TIPMMG. Solido ang aming samahan sa digital talk show, buong pakete ang pinagkasunduan, bakit
biglang inilaglag ni Kris si Mr. Fu? Wala lang. Hindi raw kasi niya kilala si Mr. Fu, saka hindi namin ka-level ni Manay Lolit, sa pakiusap ni Manay Lolit ay pumayag na rin si Kris pero parang OJT lang si Mr. Fu para sa apat na episodes. Hindi naging maganda sa aming panlasa ang ginawa ni Kris. Heto na naman siya, pinaiiral na naman niya ang kasabihang “What Kris wants, Kris gets.” Sabi ni Mr. Fu pagkatapos nitong mabasa ang mahabang text ni Kris kay Manay Lolit, “Huwag ka nang magalit, ‘Nay, carry ko ‘yan. Gagawin ko ang show para sa inyo ni Manay Lolit.” May bikig sa lalamunan ng aming kasama, napakasakit tanggihan lalo pa’t alam mo namang may magagawa ka rin namang maganda para sa show, parang ninakawan ni Kris ng tiwala sa sarili si Mr. Fu. Mapakla iyon sa aming panlasa, kaya ilang oras lang pagkatapos ng TIPMMG ay tinawagan na namin si Salve Asis, tinanggihan na naming gawin ang show na kasama si Kris. Nang malaman ni Manay Lolit ang aming desisyon ay ayaw na rin nitong gawin ang show,
Cheryl Cosio & Aiko Melendez
lalo naman si Mr. Fu na minenos at minaliit ni Kris ang kapasidad, ibinasura na namin sa aming isip ang show. Umaapela si Chuck Gomez, kahit isang Sunday lang daw sana ay pumayag kami, pero mas matibay ang hawak naming prinsipyo sa pagtangging makatrabaho si Kris Aquino. Hindi pa rin siya bumababa sa kaniyang pedestal, akala ni Kris ay nasa ituktok pa rin siya ng kasikatan, akala ni Kris ay puwede pa ring umandar ang kaniyang pagyayabang. Humihingi kami ng paumanhin kay Ms. Susan Co ng Puregold, pinili nila ang Take It, Per Minute… Me Gano’n para maging bahagi ng kanilang proyekto, pero hindi natuloy. Talaga lang pong hindi namin masisikmurang makatrabaho ang isang taong walang respeto at pagpapahalaga sa kaniyang kapuwa. Eto pa… Mahirap kalaban si Kris Aquino. Parang bagyo ang takbo ng kaniyang utak—malikot, walang direksiyon. Kung ano ang gusto niyang sabihin at gawin, hari man ay mawawalan ng boses, ang kapritso pa rin niya ang mamamayani.
Si Dindo Balares ay anakanakan namin na malapit kay Kris. Kapag nasasangkot sa kahit anong isyu ang TV host ay agaran nang nagte-text sa amin si Dindo, ipinadadala ang mensahe ni Kris, “Kuya Dindo, please call Nanay about this.” Maraming beses iyon. Noong ilabas ni Jay Sonza na bakla si Bimby, noong upakan siya ni Mocha, nang magdemandahan sila ng kaniyang dating staff na si Nicko Falcis. Marami pang ibang giyerang sangkot siya. Pero alam ni Dindo ang katotohanan. Kapag nasa tama si Kris ay saka lang namin siya ipinagtatanggol pero kapag siya ang nagmamalabis ay siya ang pinipitik namin. Noong araw… Totoo ang pahayag ni Kris Aquino na hindi siya kumibo noong pagsalitaan namin siya nang masakit na sa paglalarawan niya’y mula ulo hanggang sa talampakan niya. Naganap iyon sa pinagpistahang kontrobesiya nila ng kaniyang dating karelasyong si Mayor Joey Marquez. Nasa panig kami noon ng aktor-puliitko dahil maraming butas ang mga kuwento ni Kris sa kaniyang oneSee CRISTY p16
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OUR HEALTH PILIPINO EXPRESS
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
Link between extra pounds, severe COVID-19 illness grows stronger The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has expanded its coronavirus risk warning to include people who are considered overweight. Obesity and severe obesity have been included on the CDC’s list of conditions that put people at in increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. However, now, the CDC is saying adults of any age who are simply overweight might be at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Dr. Donald Hensrud, director of the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, explains why obesity, with its complications, increases the risk of COVID-19 exponentially. “Obesity by itself is associated with a number of complications: diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and heart disease. That was all present before COVID-19. In addition, over two-thirds of the population is overweight or obese,” says Dr. Hensrud. “Now COVID-19 comes along, and we’ve got all the issues we had before plus some additional ones. Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and an effect on our immune system. This affects our susceptibility to COVID-19. People who are obese are more likely to develop COVID-19 and complications from it, including dying, than people who aren’t obese. In addition, people with diabetes and some of the other complications from obesity are also at increased risk. So obesity and its complications independently take the risks of COVID-19 and elevate them significantly.” The definition of overweight is having a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9. A BMI of 30 or greater is classified as obese. Dr. Hensrud says it’s been interesting seeing the variability of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected people’s eating habits. “I’ve had patients who have gained a lot of weight because they’re less active. They’re eating comfort food. They’re stressed out. And all this has caused increased weight gain and contributed to obesity,” says Dr. Hensrud. “On the other hand, I’ve had patients who’ve lost weight. They’re eating out less. They’re cooking more at home. They’re eating healthfully. They’re trying to get in some activity, and, so, they’ve lost weight. The variability of how this has affected people is really wide.” Dr. Hensrud says it takes a little time, planning and effort, but there are several things people can do to manage their weight and improve their health to maximize their chances if they become infected with COVID-19:
• Try to get in a little activity every day. That doesn’t have to mean going to the gym and could be as simple as taking a walk. • For those working from home, try to take breaks every 30 minutes to move, whether that movement is stretching or walking around. • Make healthy food choices, whether it’s takeout or cooking at home. While improving health in these ways is important, Dr. Hensrud stresses making small changes and not going to extremes. “We know that before COVID-19, New Year’s resolutions, for example, people try and do something with exercise that they haven’t done in years, and it doesn’t work. Similarly now, I think we have to be realistic about what they can do. In fact, losing too much weight, if people lose more than 10% of their body weight in six months, that can adversely affect immune function. It’s important to do what we can to improve health but not go to extremes,” says Dr. Hensrud. Packing on pounds during COVID-19 and how to turn it around If you’ve gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic, you aren’t alone. The “Quarantine 15” — referring to weight gain some people have experienced since stay-at-home guidelines went into effect — is likely due to a disruption in daily routine and habits. “People’s habits have changed quite a bit since we’re spending more time at home,” says Dr. Donald Hensrud, medical director of Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Living Program. And those changes in habits can lead to health and medical issues down the road. Dr. Hensrud shares his thoughts on the disruption of habits and how people can find new habits. “Now, I want to make a point for some people: getting enough food, getting enough calories and maintaining weight may be an issue,” says Dr. Hensrud. “Some people may have to worry about maintaining their weight not unintentionally losing weight. But for many of us, our habits have changed.” Change in movement “For example, people think about exercise right away, and they should,” says Dr. Hensrud. “Fitness centers are closed, people may be doing less exercise and burning less calories through activity that way. What people don’t think quite as much about though is low-level activity throughout the day. Even if we have a desk job, we have to walk at least to our car to get to work. We may walk throughout the day; we may walk to lunch. And, so, for spending time at home, that
low-level activity may be causing us to burn fewer overall calories.” Consuming more calories “We may be consuming more calories. On the good side, we’re eating out less at restaurants. Sometimes that can be highcalorie. We still may be taking takeout at home, so there might be a little bit of a good thing there, a decrease in calories. However, many people are stocking up frozen foods and processed foods that have a long shelf life. Many times, they’re higher in calories and less healthy. On the flip side, for example, fruits and vegetables. They don’t last as long, and we may be consuming less of them. There are a number of reasons why we might be at risk for weight gain through our habits that have changed, both in burning activity and in consuming more calories,” says Dr. Hensrud. Why weight gain matters “A few pounds short term may not make a difference. It could be fluid. It might be just a little weight gain while we establish new routines. Obviously, the more weight we gain and the longer it’s maintained, the more it affects our health,” says Dr. Hensrud. “For children, for example, it’s been shown that children’s weight tracks to some extent. If children establish those habits, or lack of healthy habits when they’re young and they gain weight, that might persist as they go into adolescence and adulthood.” “Similarly, with adults, as we maintain those habits, if we can establish a new routine, the longer this goes on, then we can arrest that weight gain and try and maintain a normal weight. It’s more important for some people than others. For example, people who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Just a modest amount of weight gain in some people, if they’re sensitive to that, can
increase their blood glucose and blood pressure, and they won’t have as well a good control over these factors, over these conditions. So, it depends on the individual, it depends on their health conditions, and it depends on long-term habits or routines,” says Dr. Hensrud. Establish new habits “With all habits, it takes time to establish them, so everybody is getting accustomed to this new normal. I’d encourage people to establish those new healthy habits now. You have to be a little proactive about this, and that’ll make it easier in the long term. Break out of your comfort zone,” says Dr. Hensrud. “Instead of giving in to large amounts of comfort food, this can be an opportunity to take foods that we may not think of as
healthy — you can make burritos, bean burritos or even pizza. If you make it in the correct way, it can be a healthy food. Invest some time. Planning is a real key here if you plan ahead rather than just grabbing something at the last moment. Try and raise your culinary skills and do a little bit more cooking. It’s an opportunity for that, too. So, if we can embrace this, embrace our new normal, look for opportunities to establish new healthy routines.” “Eating healthy and eating well don’t have to be drudgery. It can and should be an enjoyable way to live. And if we can do that, then we can better manage our weight and our overall health during this pandemic,” says Dr. Hensrud. – Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
OUR HEALTH PILIPINO EXPRESS
PAGE 15
More COVID-19 myths to debunk As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a surge of infections is happening across Canada and the U.S. Midwest, including many communities served by Mayo Clinic Health System in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. Some of those locations have activated hospital emergency surge plans to manage the number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infections. With news about upward pandemic trends, it’s important to have accurate information. Below are several debunked myths about COVID-19, that you could share with family and friends. Myth: Cold weather and snow can kill COVID-19. Fact: There is no scientific evidence to believe colder weather can kill COVID-19 or other viruses. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5 C to 37 C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. Use these practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities: • Wear a mask in public. I wear a mask to protect you. You wear a mask to protect me. • Keep your physical distance — 6 feet or about two arms’ lengths apart from other people. • Avoid in-person gatherings. • Wash your hands with soap and water. It’s simple and effective. • Stay home if you do not feel well.
• Get a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms. Call your local health care provider to schedule a test. • Self-isolate if you have been around someone who is sick or tested positive. Myth: COVID-19 is no worse than the seasonal flu. Fact: During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may have heard that COVID-19 is similar to the flu. It is true both are contagious respiratory diseases caused by viruses, and people with COVID-19 and the flu may share some common symptoms. However, after closer comparison, the viruses have been found to affect people differently and have differences. Symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu appear at different times. COVID-19 symptoms generally appear two to 14 days after exposure. Flu symptoms usually appear about one to four days after exposure. With COVID-19, you may experience loss of taste or smell. COVID-19 appears to be more contagious and spread more quickly than the flu. Severe illness, such as lung injury, may be more frequent with COVID-19 than with influenza. The death rate also appears to be higher with COVID-19 than the flu. COVID-19 can cause different complications than the flu, such as blood clots and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
Another difference is the flu can be treated with antiviral drugs. No antiviral drugs are currently approved and available to treat COVID-19. Researchers are evaluating many drugs and treatments for COVID-19. Some drugs may help reduce the severity of COVID-19. Myth: I’m currently taking an antibiotic, so this may prevent or treat COVID-19. Fact: Antibiotics treat only bacteria, not viruses. COVID-19 is caused by a virus. Therefore, antibiotics should not be used for prevention or treatment. However, some people who are hospitalized for COVID-19 may receive antibiotics because they have a different bacterial infection at the same time. Myth: Fabric masks don’t protect yourself or others from COVID-19. Fact: Simply put, wearing a cloth mask helps decrease the spread of COVID-19. Research shows that a significant number of people with COVID-19 lack symptoms or are considered asymptomatic. These people may not know they are transmitting the virus to others when they talk, sneeze, cough or raise their voice (e.g., singing or shouting). You should wear a cloth mask to reduce the chance of transmitting respiratory droplets (spit) to others around you. You should wear a mask to protect others, and they should wear a mask to
You should wear a cloth mask to reduce the chance of transmitting respiratory droplets (spit) to others around you. You should wear a mask to protect others, and they should wear a mask to protect you.
protect you. Myth: Children who develop COVID-19 don’t become critically ill. Fact: Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, some children get severely ill from COVID-19. They might require hospitalization, intensive care or a ventilator to help them breathe. In rare cases, they may die. Although the CDC reports
What to do if you have any Covid-19 symptoms Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate and visit www. manitoba.ca/covid19/ to use the online screening tool, or call Health Links–Info Santé at 204788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888315-9257 for health guidance on how to seek testing.
Symptoms may include: • Cough • Headache • Fever/ chills • Muscle aches • Sore throat/ hoarse voice • Shortness of breath/ breathing difficulties • Loss of taste or smell
• Vomiting, or diarrhea for more than 24 hours • Poor feeding if an infant • Runny nose • Fatigue • Nausea or loss of appetite • Conjunctivitis (pink eye) • Skin rash of unknown cause
While many people will develop only mild symptoms, some groups appear to be more vulnerable to COVID-19. Those at higher risk typically develop more serious, even fatal, symptoms such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure.
fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared with adults, children can be infected and become ill with the virus that causes COVID-19, and also spread the virus to others. Children, like adults, who have COVID-19 but have no symptoms (asymptomatic) can still spread the virus to others. Staff at the Mayo Clinic Health System wrote this article. Courtesy – Mayo Clinic News Network
High risk groups include those: • 60 years of age and older • living with chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart, renal or chronic lung conditions) • with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer) Symptoms of COVID-19 or other coronaviruses may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.
EH KASI, PINOY!
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
KROSWORD
NO. 356
Ni Bro. Gerry Gamurot
PAHALANG 1. Pang-matamis 5. Papel, halimbawa 12. Ilista 13. Bintang 14. Trabaho 16. Handog 17. Baylarina 18. Notang musikal 19. Tipo ng dugo 21. Isalag 25. Banta 27. Uling 29. Inapi 31. Liwasan 32. Binubulyawan PABABA 1. Tabing-ilog 2. Lagis 3. Buhat 4. Bihasa 6. Iwasto 7. Amen 8. Biyaya ng langit 9. Patnubay 10. Oda
11. Kabiyak 15. Bulilit 18. Sobra 20. Bahagi ng taon 21. Pananong 22. Wika 23. Pasyal 24. Nakaw 26. Gapas 28. Unang bilang 30. Simbolo ng arsenic 31. Parental guidance
SAGOT SA NO. 355
CRISTY... From page 13 on-one interview kay Korina Sanchez. Binaligtad niya ang maraming aspeto ng kuwento, inilaglag niya ang lalaking nagmamahal sa kaniya nang dahil sa sobrang pagseselos, winasak niya ang pagkatao ni Mayor Joey sa buong mundo. Ang ikinabigla namin ay ang pagtawag ni Kris sa amin isang umaga. Katatapos lang niyang magpaopera noon sa klinika ni Dra. Vicki Belo, pinalagyan niya ng kurbada ang kaniyang likod at balakang na ayon sa kaniya’y parang waterfalls ang agos ng dugo, hindi raw siya makatayo. Pinakiusapan niya kaming tawagan si Mayor Joey, sabihin daw namin sa aktor-pulitiko na ito ang gusto niyang magtayo sa kaniya, nagimbal kami dahil ilang buwan pa lang iyon pagkatapos niyang ipangalandakan sa buong mundo na hinawahan siya ng tulo ni Mayor Joey. Nag-usap kami ni Mayor Joey, sinabi namin sa kaniya ang pakiusap ni Kris, matindi at madiing hindi ang kaniyang sagot. Eleksiyon. Tumakbong kongresista si Mayor Joey sa Paranaque. Ginamit na armas ng kaniyang kalaban ang humahagulgol na video ni Kris habang inilalantad ang kaniyang rebelasyon na tinutukan daw siya ng baril ng pulitiko. Kitang-kita raw niya ang mismong butas ng baril dahil napakalapit lang sa kaniyang mukha. Gabi ng bilangan, tumawag siya sa amin, kakausapin daw niya si Mayor Joey. Ayaw pang kunin ni Mayor Joey ang aming telepono, pero nagpilit kami, kilala namin si Kris. Hindi niya kami tatantanan sa katatawag hanggang hindi sila nagkakausap. Tinanggap na ni Mayor Joey noong mga oras na iyon ang kaniyang pagkatalo, kipkip nito ang lungkot, sinabi sa kaniya ni Kris na kung makapagpapasaya sa kaniya ang kasal ay handa si Kris na pakasalan ito anumang oras. Magkatabing-magkatabi lang kami ni Mayor Joey, ang sabi nito, “Nobody loves a loser.” Ang lakas-lakas ng boses ni Kris sa
kabilang linya, parang napupunit na lata iyon sa lakas ng kaniyang pagkakasabi, “No!!!! Tell me, I’m gonna marry you anytime!” Sa pagkabigla ay nasabi ni Mayor Joey, “Di ba, kayo pa ni Mayor Mark (Lapid)?” Napakabilis ng sagot ni Kris, “I made him governor na!” Paano namin panghahawakan ang mga salita ni Kris Aquino na mas masahol pa sa walang direksiyong bagyo ang pagpapalipalit ng utak? *** Pinagpipistahan ngayon sa bakuran ng ipinasaradong network ang pagre-resign ni Direk Bobet Vidanes sa It’s Showtime. At hindi lang sa noontime show, bumitiw na raw siya sa network, ang bakurang nagbigay sa kaniya ng lahat ng oportunidad para matupad ang kaniyang mga pangarap. Sabi ng aming source, “Nasaan na ngayon ang sinasabi niyang walang iwanan? Di ba, tuwing anniversary nila sa noontime show, e, siya pa ang nangunguna sa pagsasabi na wala silang iwanan? “Ano ang nangyari? Kung sino pa ang nagpapasimuno sa chant nilang walang iwanan, e, siya pa ang unang nang-iwan?” sarkastikong komento ng aming kausap. Sabi naman ng isa pang nakausap namin, “Si Bobet Vidanes ang direktor na napakahilig sa camera. Ongoing ang It’s Showtime, ha, pero natututukan siya ng camera na nasa floor, naka-pose, feeling artista siya?” sabi nito. Balitang lumipat na ang direktor sa Brightlight Productions ni dating Congressman Albee Benitez pero may mga impormasyon ding lumipat ang direktor sa Viva. Naging cameraman, technical director at director ng ABS-CBN si Direk Bobet Vidanes na ang napangasawa ay ang ehekutibo ng network na si Ms. Cory Vidanes. Umalis na rin sa ABS-
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020 CBN ang direktor na ang misis ay ehekutibo ng istasyon, pero matagal na silang hiwalay, may kani-kaniya na silang buhay. Maraming taga-Dos ang nagkokomento na walang utang na loob ang direktor na panaypanay ang pagsigaw ng “walang iwanan!” pero nang maharap sa matinding paghamon ang network na gumawa ng milagro sa kaniyang pangarap ay siya pa mismong naunang lumundag palabas ng istasyon. Kuwento ng aming source, “Siya raw ang nagbuo ng It’s Showtime, kaniya raw ang buong concept ng show. Utak daw niya ang gumana sa Showtime,” unang impormasyon ng aming kausap. Pero bakit nga ba nagdesisyong magbitiw na si Direk Bobet sa programang inaangkin niya? Ang malaking kaltas nga ba sa kayang talent fee ang dahilan? “Given na iyon. Malaki kasi ang ibinawas sa talent fee nilang lahat. Pandemya na, ipinasarado pa ang network nila, maiintindihan naman natin iyon. “Pero may ibinigay siyang reason. Siya raw ang nagbuo ng noontime show, kaniya raw ang kabuuang concept, pero hindi na raw siya ang nasusuond. “Kung ano raw ang gusto ni Vice Ganda, iyon na ang kailangang sundin. Kumbaga, nasasapawan na siya ni Vice sa magiging takbo ng show nila. “Tingnan mo nga naman, di ba? Sa malayuan, e, parang napaka-close nila, nagsusumpaan pa silang walang iwanan sa ere, ganito pala ang magiging katapusan ng lahat,” napapailing na kuwento ng aming source. Consultant ng Lunch Out Loud ang sinasabing posisyong hinahawakan ngayon ni Direk Bobet, pero malakas ang ikot ng balita na papalitan niya na bilang direktor ng noontime show ng TV5-Brightlight Productions si Bjoy Balagtas, na mula naman sa kampo ni Direk Johnny Manahan. –CSF
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
PILIPINO EXPRESS
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Rizal’s last letters In 1892 Rizal was trying to set up a Filipino colony in North Borneo. The Spanish consul in Hong Kong, knowing that this would produce bad publicity about the colonial administration in the Philippines, persuaded Rizal to return home. Against the advice of all who cared about him, Rizal left the safety of Hong Kong for an uncertain future in the Philippines. As Rizal had boarded the ship bound for Manila, the Spanish consul sent a coded telegram to the governor-general with the message: “The rat is in the trap.” “Subversive” papers were “found” in his luggage when he arrived, and to make a long story short, during an audience with the governor-general he was placed under arrest, brought to Fort Santiago in the governor’s own carriage, and later exiled to Dapitan for four years. I’m sure Rizal must have seen his whole life flash before him on the morning of December 30, 1896: this was the end of the line. He was given breakfast of three hard-boiled eggs. He was said to have taken the plate and the eggs to a corner of his death cell, saying: “This is for the rats, let them have a fiesta, too!” I got these “rat” stories while
reading and rereading Rizal’s last letters to his family, trying to picture him during his last days. In a letter to his family, he instructed them to “bury me in the ground. Place a stone and cross over it. My name, the date of my birth and of my death. Nothing more. If later you wish to surround my grave with a fence, you may do so. No anniversaries. I prefer Paang Bundok.” Rizal would roll in his grave if he could because none of these instructions were followed, except for the fact that there is a fence around his grave. He is not buried in the ground but under a stone monument; no cross on his grave, too. He is not buried in Paang Bundok where the Cementerio del Norte is now located, but in the Luneta near the spot where he was shot. The grave marker says more than he wished, and every year the president of the Philippines and other groups inflict a death-anniversary Rizal Day program on a man who didn’t want any! I went to the Lopez Museum to view of all things, a religious book, Ancora de Salvacion, which Rizal inscribed and gave to his sister Trinidad, to whom he entrusted his alcohol burner that
concealed the Ultimo Adios. What were the books that Rizal had on his side table during his last days? The crafty Jesuits gave him a lot of religious books in a last-minute effort to bring him back to the fold. I wonder if Rizal read these religious books at all. Rizal gave his copy of Thomas a Kempis’ Imitacion de Cristo to Josephine Bracken with the inscription “To my dear and unhappy wife Josephine,” which contrasted with the second-tothe last line of the Ultimo Adios: “Adios dulce extranjera mi amiga alegria” [Farewell sweet foreigner my darling my delight”]. Rizal not only immortalized his sweetheart, but he also gave us a puzzle that has kept Rizal scholars arguing for decades – did Rizal marry Josephine or not? Did Rizal love Josephine enough to make a retraction of religious errors? Josephine was never accepted by some members of the Rizal family; thus down to his last moments, Josephine’s “darling Joe” would appeal to his family to “Have pity on poor Josephine.” No one seems to mind these seemingly innocent notes and gifts that are enigmatic enough
to keep us thinking of Rizal way past the centennial of his death in 1996. Rizal wrote two letters to his brother and to his father, asking their forgiveness for the trouble he had caused them. To Paciano, he said: It has been four years and a half that we have not seen each other, addressed each other in writing or orally. I don’t think this is due to a lack of affection on my part or yours but, knowing each other so well, we had no need of words to understand each other. …I think of how you have worked to enable me to have a career. I believe I have not tried to waste my time. Brother, if the fruit has been bitter, it’s not my fault; it is the fault of circumstances. I know that you have suffered much because of me, I am sorry. I assure you that I am innocent of this crime of rebellion. If my former writings had contributed towards this, I should not deny it but then I believe I have cleansed myself of this with my exile. Tell our father I remember him, but how? I remember my whole childhood, his tenderness, his love. Ask him to forgive me for
the pain I caused him unwillingly. The letter to Francisco Mercado says basically the same thing. I wonder what Rizal’s relationship to his father was like, because the latter wrote to his son. Paciano had become a second father to Rizal. Somehow these letters will give us a clue to Rizal, the man because they were written at a time when he was most vulnerable. Why the long apologetic letters to his brother and father, when all he wrote his mother was: A mi muy amada Madre: Sra. Da. Teodora Alonso Alas 6 de la mañana del 30 de Diciembre de 1896 Jose Rizal. Perhaps there really is a bond that links mother and son, making mere words superfluous. Rizal’s last letters to his family reveal more than meets the eye. Ambeth Ocampo is a former Chairman of the National Historical Institute of the Philippines and an associate Professor in the Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University. He writes a widely read editorial page column, Looking Back, for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
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PILIPINO EXPRESS
NOVEMBER 16 - 30, 2020
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