The Camelean Academy: An Excellent Choice for Pre-School Education

My grandson Amo started Nursery school at the Camelean Academy. I know, it seemed just like a few weeks ago that he was still learning to walk and talk, and now he is starting school! Where did all that time go?

Choosing an institution for early childhood education is not an easy task. There is the concern about proximity to the home, the curriculum, safety at school, and tuition fees. Parents also tend to inquire if the school has accreditation from the Department of Education. The Camelean Academy is only 500 meters from our home. Although it is just a small school, I love the security it provides, the presence of "nannies" who take care of helping the little ones with their snacks, wiping their faces, and taking them to the toilet if the need arises. The school's method of teaching is both progressive and traditional. The teachers are very pleasant with the children. Smiles and hugs are the norm. About tuition fees? I think they are reasonable reasonable enough.

For children attending school for the first time, the Camelean Academy requires summer classes for one month prior to the regular school year. It allows children to have a "feel" of how it is to be in school, to stick to a morning schedule, and to allow them to socialize with other kids their age.

I am happy that my daughter and son-in-law chose this school for my grandson. My little Amo is happy and eager to go to school every morning, saying "I want to see Teacher Myla."

Here are some of his photos during his summer class and his first week in regular Nursery school.

Summer class

First day of regular Nursery School

If you live anywhere near the Katipunan area, Blue Ridge, or Project 4, you may consider enrolling your child at the Camelean Academy.

Here's their address and contact information:
The Camelean Academy
10 J. Ocampo Street, Project 4, Quezon City, Metro Manila
+63 2 421 2595

Three Diagnostic Questions to Help You Describe Your Hearing Loss

Whether you’re just started to notice changes in your hearing, or you’ve been dealing with hearing loss for a while, it’s helpful to know how to describe your condition to your medical professional. These questions will help you describe your hearing loss for an accurate diagnosis.

Photo by kyle smith on Unsplash

How severe is your hearing loss?

This straightforward question is commonly asked by audiologists, but (for obvious reasons) can be quite difficult to answer. How are you supposed to know how severe your hearing loss is? You can only hear what you can hear! Audiologists will frequently use descriptors on a spectrum from mild to profound, with a large grey area in between. In general, if you’ve experienced mild hearing loss a conversation will be easily heard if there is not much other noise in the room and you are sat quite near to the person you are talking to. However, if there is music or other noise going on in the background, you may not hear so easily. Severe or profound hearing loss means you’re unlikely to catch what anyone is saying regardless of background noise.

What types of sounds are audible to you?

The most common form of hearing loss is known as high frequency hearing loss. The fancy name for the condition is presbyacusis. Elderly people often suffer from this. The effect for the sufferer is to make speech sound muffled and difficult to comprehend. While you may hear the words being said, you may not necessarily understand the meaning of the statement. Low-frequency hearing loss is the other side of the coin. It’s also possible to experience a loss of all frequencies in roughly equal proportions. You may find that you are especially sensitive to loud noise. Each different arrangement of frequencies that you can or cannot hear will affect your ability to understand speech and follow conversations. An audiologist may use words like sensory, conductive, or mixed, to evaluate your hearing ability and gesture towards which area of your ear has sustained damage. 

What’s that ringing sound I can hear?

Ironically, one of the most common symptoms of hearing loss is a ringing sound in the ear that does not come from an environmental source. The sound is internal. What is even stranger is that you are the only person who can hear it. A doctor may be able to diagnose the condition (tinnitus) but it will be purely based on your report, as they will not be able to hear anything themselves. Tinnitus can be debilitating at first, but once you learn skills to help you navigate your anxiety, the condition can be easily managed. Seek out professional help from your GP or an Audiology clinic in your local area. Mindfulness meditation practices have also been shown to be effective for tinnitus relief, as they help relieve anxiety.

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

Unlike visible disabilities that cause reduced mobility, hearing loss is an invisible disability that is often left undiagnosed. This can make it difficult for you or your loved one to adjust to the limitations. Why the delay in diagnosis? Because if you are suffering from hearing loss, the chances are that you’re the last to know. If you would like to better understand your hearing loss, or the hearing loss being experienced by your loved one, these questions will help you get to grips with this difficult issue.

Dealing With Hearing Loss? These Tips Will Help

Picture Credit

One of the unfortunate aspects of getting older is the possibility of losing our hearing. Unfortunately, there is no way of telling whether you will be affected or not, although there are a few ways you can minimize your risk. For instance, you can limit your exposure to loud music and noise. Even if you do all you can to prevent this risk, there is still a chance that you might be slightly affected by deafness in the future.

If you do end up with even the smallest amount of hearing loss, it can still be very frustrating and will no doubt have an impact on your life. Thankfully, there are ways you can manage it. Read on to find out more.

Speak To Your Doctor

One of the first things that you need to do is speak to your doctor. You should let them know about your experience so that they can give you a hearing test. They might need to refer you to a hearing specialist depending on how bad things seem to be. This test will then show whether in fact you are suffering from any loss in hearing. If that is the case, your doctor should be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Find A Reliable Hearing Aid

It could also be worth investing in a hearing aid. Again, this is something that you can discuss with your doctor and they might even be able to recommend you a specific kind that can help with your specific type of hearing loss. It might be worth looking for one that uses all of the latest Bluetooth technology as you will really benefit from all of its extra connectivity. For instance, you would be able to connect it to your TV so that you can hear your favorite movies and programs a lot clearer!

Let Your Friends And Relatives Know

It is also important that you are open to your relatives and close friends about your hearing loss. They might have even noticed it themselves! Once you tell them, then they will certainly do their bit to help you understand and hear them a lot more clearly in various situations. If they themselves suffer from hearing loss, they might even be able to give you a few tips that they use.

Use Some Alerting Devices Around The Home

One thing that a lot of people have trouble hearing when they are slightly death is whenever someone is knocking on their door. Thankfully, there are a few alerting devices you can use that will flash a light as well as play a louder knocking sound. You will also be able to buy fire and carbon monoxide alarms that will flash a blinking light when they go off as well. It’s important to find these kinds of device, especially as your hearing worsens, so that you are always alerted to all kinds of household situations.

As you can see, your hearing loss doesn’t have to impact your life too much!

3 Things To Remember As You Drive On The Roads

For anyone of any age, driving on the public roads is something that you need to be very careful about. It is clear to anyone that it is the kind of thing which can be very dangerous, and which you need to put a lot of focus into if it is to go right, and the more that you can approach it in that way, the better off you will be. The truth is that driving can be made a lot simpler by ensuring that you approach it in a certain way, and that is what we are going to take a look at in this article. Here are three things that it is worth remembering as you drive on the roads, to ensure that you enjoy it more and that you are as safe as can be.

Image source

Accident Protocol

It is important that you have a good sense of what you would need to do in the case of some kind of accident. If you fail to understand this as fully or properly as you can, then it might mean that you struggle to survive an accident as fully as you would probably hope to. There are certain things you should always do after an accident. One of the first is to make sure that nobody else is hurt. If they are, call an ambulance. You probably also want to call the police if it is that serious. You are then going to want to call Hadley Law Firm, or whoever else might be representing you, as well as your insurance provider. Knowing the protocol will actually mean that you have more confidence as you drive around, so this is hugely important to think about from time to time.

Confidence Is Everything

When you are driving, you will find that being able to have a lot of confidence is absolutely always going to help you drive better. Those who drive with confidence tend to have fewer crashes, and they tend to enjoy the process more as well, which is no bad thing in itself. If you are not currently all that confident, then you can improve this by simply getting a lot more practice in. you can do that through merely driving normally, or you can consider taking further lessons than strictly necessary in order to develop your driving skills. However you do it, developing your confidence is going to help a lot when you are driving.

Image source

Slow & Steady

Remember that driving is one of the most dangerous things you will ever do. That attitude is the right one, as it ensures that you are going to take seriously the power of the vehicle you are behind, and that you will therefore be more likely to take it easy. Taking it slow and steady is going to ensure that you drive with much greater purpose, and that you are much less likely to be involved in any accidents, so this is definitely something that you will want to make sure you are doing from the start.

Taking a Pet-Stop: Make Sure You Have More Quality Pet Time

Owning a pet is a big responsibility these days, but it can also be one of the most important things in life. More and more households these days are introducing pets into the family home, and this is really improving things for them. As such, it is important for you to make sure you are doing what is right for your animal, and this generally involves spending time with your furry friend.

Pet owners need to make sure they take time out of the stresses of daily life to make time for their pets. However, this is something that can be more difficult to achieve than you might think, and this is certainly something to consider. These are some of the best ideas to make use of when you come to make more quality time for your pet.

Get Out of the House

One of the best places to start with this is getting out of the home. An animal like a dog doesn’t do well being cooped up all day, so you need to get out and take them for a walk. This is a great way of keeping active, and it keeps you healthy and active at the same time. Having a happy and healthy pet is something that makes a big difference to their life and yours. And these are some of the best ways you can achieve this right now. 

Link

Bring Your Pet on Vacation

Of course, it depends on where you choose to go, but it could well be the case that you will be able to take your pet on vacation with you. This would be ideal if you are going somewhere that allows you to be outdoors a lot. You might need to check about things like pet-friendly hotels, and what the deal is if you are looking to fly. There is accepted etiquette for vacationing with pets, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with this so that you can get the best possible outcome. 

Regular Check-Ups

Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to take care of the health of your pet, specifically, when it comes to their physical well-being. And this means taking them for regular check-ups at the veterinarian and ensuring you keep on top of any health problems. Pets can live long and healthy lives provided they are well looked after and taken care of, and this is something you should be doing on a regular basis as a pet owner. The more regularly you visit the vet, the easier it is to keep on top of problems and identify health issues when they arise.  

Picture

As you can see, there are a lot of things that you can do that are going to help you improve the time you have together with your animal. Taking the steps to do this effectively is so important, and you have to be sure you are doing what is right for them. This sometimes means getting a little more creative with stuff, and you need to make sure you put your animal first as much as you can.

Helping a Loved One to Adjust to Life with Reduced Mobility

As we get older, our bodies change. We can’t always do the things that we used to be able to. We tire more easily, our joints don’t work as well as they once did and our muscles start to weaken. If we’re lucky, it’s nothing more than a gradual and natural part of ageing. But, for some people, it’s more than this. The changes aren’t always gradual, and for some, they begin to present much sooner than is the norm. When this happens, life can become harder, and day to day tasks can’t be completed as easily as they once were. 

If you have a loved one who has suddenly found their mobility reduced, or is finding life more painful than it used to be, they might be feeling very helpless as everything becomes more difficult. But, they might not be ready to move into care or an assisted living facility. Let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do to help them adjust and live in their own home, as comfortably as possible. 

Pixabay

Make Changes Around the Home

Reduced mobility doesn’t mean that your loved one is no longer capable of living alone. Nor does it mean that they need full-time help, or that they are going to have to stop doing things for themselves. In most cases, there are plenty of changes that you can help them to make around the house, that will make life easier and more comfortable. Some of these changes are big things like having wheelchair ramps installed. Others are much smaller, like moving the things that they use daily on to lower shelves that are easy to reach. 

Help Them In Public Spaces

One of the challenges that people with limited mobility can face is interacting with the public and infrastructure in public spaces. As a loved one, you should do your best to anticipate this and help them learn to navigate both these challenges. Society has come a long way in accommodating people with limited mobility, such as a disabled parking permit allowing you to park close to amenities. Access ramps and lifts are also widely available. The key to success here is to teach your loved ones how to spot the infrastructure built to help them.

Explore Their Options

There are always options. Changes at home should certainly be the first step, but that might not be the only change that they want to make. Look into home help with them, as well as exercise classes, therapy and physio. But, remember, you are there to help them learn more about these options, not to take over or make the decisions. 

Let Them Talk

When facing reduced mobility, or a sudden change to health, it’s not just the physical changes that can be hard to adjust to. They might be feeling lonely, scared and upset. What they might need more than anything else is someone to talk to and share their emotions with. Be that person if they need you to be. 

Help them to Find New Hobbies

A great way to help them to adjust to what life has thrown at them is finding ways to show them that this isn’t the end. They can still have a wonderful quality of life. They can still find new hobbies, make new friends and even find things that they are good at. They might just need a little push to find these things and someone to hold their hand as they explore new interests and hobbies. Take a look online for groups and activities in your local area and even look for support groups nearby.

Care Options for Your Aging Loved Ones

Image source

As your parents grow older, it’s important to make plans for the type of care they may need over the coming years. There are many options to consider as you make this monumental decision, and it’s important to have a plan in place before the need arises. As you prepare for this next phase of life, here are the most common scenarios and the key factors you should take into consideration.

Retirement and Nursing Homes

Sending an aging parent or loved one to a new environment may seem overwhelming, but these highly specialized centers may be the best option, especially if someone is in need of frequent medical care or attention. Many offer treatments for the elderly, including memory care Denver, physical therapy and 24-hour medical staff. Some facilities are also designed to make life as normal and enjoyable for residents as possible, including amenities like movie theaters, salons and cafeterias set up like restaurants.

Most nursing homes are wholesome facilities, where the elderly are treated with respect and taken care of. However, there have been incidents where they have been abused in some nursing homes. If this ever happens to your loved one you can hire a nursing home abuse lawyer to help you.

Professional Home Care

If your parent prefers to stay in their current home but requires frequent medical evaluation and help with everyday tasks, hiring a professional home caregiver may be your best option. This service usually comes with a much lower price tag than moving to a retirement or nursing home, but still allows the client to receive the specialized care they need. Caregivers can help run errands, administer medications and prepare healthy meals.

Personal Family Care

If you have a close relationship with your aging loved one and the time to help, caring for them yourself may be an option. Be sure that your schedule truly allows you to provide the care and attention they will need. You'll also need to consider proximity and make sure someone can get to them within just a few minutes in the event of an emergency. Though it can be stressful, some do find it very rewarding.

Whatever you choose, make sure to be realistic about your parent's needs and desires. With a good plan in place, you can rest easy knowing your loved one will have the care they require.

Repairing vs. Replacing Your AC

Image source

Summertime is in full swing, and that means your air conditioner is probably going full throttle — that is, unless it's not working correctly. Before you start searching "AC repair near me" though, it is important to consider whether you truly need repair, or whether your home would benefit from an entirely new unit.

 How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?

The first thing you should consider when working through the "repair vs. replace" debate is the gave of your HVAC unit. Of course, there is no steadfast age that makes a unit too old to repair, which is why some experts use a dollar amount instead. To determine if your air conditioner is too old to repair, consider its age as well as how much the repair cost is. Multiply them, and if the number is more than $5,000, consider replacement instead. For example, a 10-year-old unit that is going to cost $500 to repair will equal to exactly $5,000, so it may be best to replace it instead. However, a 5-year-old unit at $350 will only multiply to $1,750, so it is fine to repair.

Is Your Current Unit Energy-Efficient?

Energy efficiency matters as well. Even if your HVAC unit is technically repairable, it could still be costing you hundreds of dollars each year if it lacks any energy efficiency. Energy Star recommends purchasing an energy-efficient unit if your current unit is 10 years old or older, and even HVAC technicians recommend replacement after 15 years. The average lifespan of a unit is 14 years, so if yours is on the brink of old age, now is the time to purchase something more efficient.

Whether you decide to hire someone to repair your current unit or replace it with a brand new, energy-efficient model, it is important to hire technicians who are licensed, certified, and insured. This not only saves you money but ensures the safety of you and your property since HVAC work requires being around dangerous electrical or gas components.

LeBlanc Hotel and Resort: Great Choice for a Family Staycation

My sister celebrated her 50th birthday by booking a staycation for the entire family at a hotel in the outskirts of the city.

We checked in at the LeBlanc Hotel and Resort, USA. Nope, not United States of America, but "Upper Side of Antipolo." It took us about an hour to drive from our home in Quezon City to get to the place.

The hotel is nestled in the hills of Antipolo, Rizal. We arrived there at around 3 pm and waited for 20 minutes in the car until we were ushered in. Upon entering, I noticed the hotel was clean and the staff was friendly. 

We stayed in twin deluxe rooms on the 3rd floor. It was rather small, but it was clean and the beds were really comfy. It had a mid-size TV, a small desk/dresser, a closet with a safe, and toilet and bath with a hot/cold shower enclosure.

The floor to ceiling window of the rooms offered a great view of the pool.  Once we were settled in our rooms, the kids started changing into their swim wear and could not wait to get into the pool. I can't blame them. Summers in the Philippines can be brutally hot and humid.

The hotel's pool is not big, but the size was ample enough for the kids to swim and play, and for adults to just soak the heat away. The poolside staff was readily available to provide towels, and take your orders for food or refreshments from the Bistro.

We had dinner at The Bistro, located on the ground floor of the hotel. The dining area was nice and clean. The food was okay. Our tummies were happy.

This hotel also has function rooms for events and corporate meetings, and a rooftop area for weddings or private parties.

To summarize, the LeBlanc Hotel is a perfect family getaway not too far from home. Great for weekend staycations to celebrate special occasions. It is also a nice hotel to book a stay if you simply want to unplug and unwind.

How to Choose a Valve Lock System

Image source

When it’s time to perform maintenance or repairs on a pressurized valve, it’s necessary to shut off whatever material is in inside. Valve locks perform this critical role, one which can prevent potentially harmful accidents. But before you install one, it’s important to know that valve locks are not one-size-fits-all. There are several different types which are engineered for specific valves.

It’s more likely than not that your valve is one of the three most common: Ball valves, butterfly valves, or gate valves. Here’s how their corresponding valve lock systems work:

Ball Valve Locks

Ball valve lock systems combine an outside handle with an interior ball to control flow through the valve. You simply shift the handle to the off position to do so. They typically range from one half to eight inches in diameter and will work on a wide variety of pipes, including ones constructed of stainless steel, brass, bronze, chrome, titanium, PVC, CPVC and others.

Butterfly Valve Locks

Butterfly valves themselves are discs positioned in the center of a pipe. When given a quarter turn, they control flow. They are generally cheaper than ball valves because of their lighter weight. Butterfly valve locks, like ball valve locks, can be used on different sizes of pipes, but have a more limited range of 2.5 to 4 inches in diameter.

Gate Valve Locks

Gate valve locks work by blocking access to valve handles. They are thermoplastic covers in the shape of half circles. After they’re installed, a padlock or hasp can be used to secure them in place. Gate valve locks are mostly used with larger pipe diameters (from 2" to the largest pipelines).

Valve lock systems have a wide range of applications: manufacturing, mining, utilities, municipal service, and oil and gas. But before choosing one, always make sure it is the right fit for the valve you need to shut off.