Suob, Pinoy Folk Remedy

Filipinos have a long history of folk remedies like the village albularyo (a herbalist who also dealt with the paranormal), ventusa, herbal teas, and suob. They were handed to us from old medicine men who practiced the science and art of it at a time when modern medicine hasn't reached our shores -- or barrios (rural villages) -- yet.

Suob means to burn incense in Tagalog, and it's a folk remedy that helps speed up healing from influenza (trangkaso), fever, colds, and general body malaise. Hubby and I swear by it because, as kids, our parents added this to our post-flu recuperation therapy.

Ventusa, Cupping Therapy Pinoy Style

If there's one thing that I've always loved, it's a regular full body massage and ventusa.

Ventusa is a Filipino adaptation of the Chinese's cupping therapy. It's supposed to suck out bad qi and restore balance to your body. Pinoys use ventusa to take out all the lamig (cold) from the body to restore and rejuvenate.

5 Complete - and Completely Free - Cardio Workout Videos Online

Who doesn't like free, right? We all do! Which is why YouTube is my BFF when it comes to exercise stuff, girl.

And you’re in luck because today, I’m going to lead you to my favorite free cardio workout videos online -- completely gratis and downloadable, too!

What’s best, you can do these cardio exercises indoor, right at home. You won’t need to sweat it out with those nubile young bodies at the gym. All you need is a PC, a cable to connect your PC to your TV, and you’re good to go.

Of course, it’ll be best if you can get your girlfriends to do these aerobics cardio workout with you. Studies show that losing weight with a friend is more effective in achieving weight loss goals than going solo.

A word of caution: Before starting any of the routines in these workout videos, make sure you get your doctor’s go ahead first.

Especially for women who may have heart conditions or other medical issues, it’s always wise to consult your doctor so you're sure your body can bear the stress.

1. Walk at Home for 2 Miles with Leslie Sansone

This cardio workout video from Leslie Sansone is one of the gentlest (and totally free!) cardio workout videos online that I always return to. I love it because I can do an aerobics cardio workout right at home. I use this free workout video as a two-week lead up to more energetic workouts.

What are Your Signature Top Strengths?

I'm a deeply reflective person. Although I can't say that I think long and hard about what I say or do before I open my mouth or do something, you'll always see me picking apart my words and actions afterwards to learn from them.

So most of the time I'm clear about my motivations. As a young kid who had to fight her schoolyard bullies, I learned the art of subtlety. You have to hide where you're coming from so they won't expect a strike...but you always have to know what moves you so you're always right with yourself. Kind of a scary thing for a kid to know, huh?

But I knew my strengths, and I played on them. Pretty soon, the bullies were leaving me alone. Besides, it helped that I had cousins and siblings who taught me how to give as good - or better - as I got, heh.