Notepad Corner

It has been roughly a year since the spread of COVID-19 virus in the Philippines. This pandemic is the greatest challenge we have faced in this lifetime. Adjusting to the new normal was tough, as the first months have been plagued with confusion and fear. Many businesses have shut down since then, and most are considering implementing the “Work from Home” (WFH) model. Unfortunately, as said by David Leechiu, written in this  Manila Bulletin article , the Philippines is not suitable for the WFH model. He cites poor telecom connectivity, too many relatives, and lack of proper housing to be the few major reasons why WFH would not work. The last time I wrote an article about finding the right housing property was last 2015 . A lot has changed since then. The sharp drop in economy contributed much to the price growth of condominium and house properties. Finding an affordable condominium in Manila is now a lot more difficult as prices soared almost double. In the spirit of preparing fo...

Being a parent is a major responsibility.  It takes a lot of work rearing a child.  We protect and take care of our children until they are old enough to take care of themselves. Making the home a child proof is one of the first steps we need to consider as soon as our child begin to crawl or walk. Though, home childproofing may not be 100% effective against unwanted injury, taking extra safety measures is needed to reduce the risk of unintentional injury by hazards in and around the home. Here are some ways to childproof your home that will keep your family safe. Door knob covers Using door knob and door handle covers will prevent kids from entering areas and rooms with possible risk or danger. Cabinets and Drawers safety latches Installing safety locks or latches on cabinets and drawers especially in the kitchen can help prevent access to sharp objects, household cleaners and medicines. Playpen A playpen is a form of childproofing . It will allow you less ch...

Wearing a face mask together with the face shield has become the new norm. It is required to be worn at all times in public places as a barrier to slow down the spread of the Covid-19 virus that spreads through respiratory droplets. However, constantly wearing a mask can develop skin issues and breakouts, and this condition is known as Maskne or mask acne. Maskne is a common side effect of using a face mask. According to Healthline , it doesn’t simply cause pimples, it may result to other skin issues like irritation, bumpiness and redness. Skin conditions caused by wearing face mask Acne . Sweat, make up, oil, dead skin cells can clog pores which can cause blackheads or whiteheads and pimples. Rosacea . Wearing a face mask can flare-up rosacea - the skin condition that produce small, red, pus-filled bumps and causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. Contact dermatitis . Not all face mask may suit your skin. If you have a sensitive skin, the material of your mas...

Adapting, adjusting and embracing the new normal could be a difficult challenge for all of us. The Covid-19 virus and its mutated strains global pandemic is ceaselessly impacting our way of life and drastically forced us to establish new habits. Different types of Covid-19 vaccines have been developed by internationally legendary scientists and researchers like Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Pfizer, Sinopharm and more. These vaccines were developed to prevent the illness, suppress transmission and scale back mortality. However, we all know that these were all newly developed vaccines, though proven effective in clinical trials, still most of us are worried in their possible side effects particularly to people with underlying health conditions. Still the choice is yours if you wish to be immunized. One thing is certain, we are living in a situation that has never happened in this lifetime. Embracing the new normal, the sudden shift in our way of life can be challenging. Her...

With a wide array of available choices for residential fence design, some homeowners find it difficult to choose the best fence style that will complement their yard or landscape. Thus, if in doubt, it will be a wise and smart move to seek the advise of a professional who can help you choose the right fence design that can meet your requirements. A fence can complement your home in some interesting ways while confining it. Some of the benefits of owning a fence are as follows: Fence for child and pet safety Most fences are installed for security purposes.   Building a fence around your house provides extra protection if you have kids around. It can protect your pets as well from from pet thieves and accidents. Privacy Enhance home safety in style with a good fence. A simple or ornate fence can add more privacy to your property. Fence Style for Architectural enhancement Fences with traditional designs can enhance your outdoor landscape , thus can add property value. A fence...

              Image source: pexels.com Before the universal occurrence of online scams, senior citizens had already been victims of other con tricks via phone calls or face-to-face.  It is highly unjust for the elderly to lose their entire life savings and hard-earned assets due to fraud.  The cost of loss each year for senior citizens alone reaches up to $328 million.  Con artists target the elderly regardless of their economic status –the scam problem spans all income levels . This being said, scammers do not exempt the elderly population with average savings to be one of their victims. There are many considerations to watch out for involving financial abuse. They often come in many forms –some are easier to spot, while others are more difficult. The good news is: there are many preventive ways to combat scams that target the elderly. Let’s explore them below to support our older relatives in making sound decisio...

StockSnap. ‘Yoga.’ Pixabay.com. Copyright-free. There are genetic and DNA tests for almost any purpose you can dream of. However, not all genome testing is completed with the same level of diligence and integrity. There are two main types of DNA tests: medical and commercial. Medical gene and DNA tests are more thorough and specifically tailored to suit a patient. The costs associated with genetic tests, therapies, and gene counselors are significant. Many insurance companies will not cover the fees associated with these developing treatments. Consumer DNA tests range from quality screenings with reliable results to educated guesses that are more like entertainment than genetic research. Before exploring what these commercial DNA tests can do to protect and improve your health, it is wise to visit the objective DNA Weekly website where you will find honest reviews and helpful resources that aid you in buying the test best suited for your needs.  Precision Medicine One of the most ...