Health Benefits of Weighted Blanket-Filipino Dinner Tonight

Sometimes, the simplest comfort can have the most profound effects on the body. Scientists have found that weighted blankets do more than provide cozy warmth, they actively influence your hormones to promote relaxation, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.

The secret lies in the gentle, even pressure the blankets apply to the body, a technique known as deep pressure stimulation. This tactile pressure encourages the brain to release oxytocin, the “bonding hormone” , and melatonin, which signals the body that it’s time to sleep. Simultaneously, cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, decreases, allowing your nervous system to shift into a state of calm.

Studies show that using a weighted blanket can reduce heart rate, ease restless tension, and improve sleep onset, duration, and quality. Participants report feeling more grounded, less anxious, and better able to relax after a long day. Even short naps under the blanket produce measurable hormonal changes that support overall well-being.

This isn’t just comfort psychology; it’s biological. The pressure from the blanket stimulates touch receptors that communicate directly with the brain, creating a physiological response similar to a calming hug. The body interprets this as safety and security, reducing fight-or-flight signals and encouraging restorative sleep cycles.

Whether you struggle with insomnia, anxiety, or just need a better night’s rest, a weighted blanket could be a simple, non-invasive tool to help your body and mind recover naturally.

Because sometimes, the path to calm and restorative sleep isn’t in medications or routines, it’s in the quiet, steady pressure that lets your body relax into balance.

Meanwhile, here's a more detailed and reflected write-up on the above topic:

The Gentle Pressure of Calm: Health Benefits of Weighted Blankets

In recent years, the simple act of sleeping under a weighted blanket has gained quiet popularity among people seeking comfort, better sleep, and a sense of calm. What was once used mainly for children with sensory sensitivities has now become a wellness tool embraced by adults, seniors, and anyone looking for restful nights in an anxious world.

Weighted blankets are filled with tiny glass beads or pellets that distribute gentle, even pressure across the body. That steady pressure—known as deep touch stimulation—mimics the feeling of being hugged or held. For many, that sensation helps melt away the tension of the day, inviting a deep sense of relaxation.

From a scientific perspective, the benefits are real. Studies have shown that weighted blankets can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing serotonin and melatonin—chemicals that regulate mood and sleep. This physiological response explains why many users fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more rested.

For those of us who live with chronic pain, anxiety, or sleeplessness, the comforting pressure of a weighted blanket can offer relief in ways that medication sometimes cannot. People with restless leg syndrome, fibromyalgia, or even mild insomnia have reported fewer night awakenings and longer stretches of uninterrupted rest.

I’ve also heard from older adults who use weighted blankets as part of their evening routine—paired with quiet music, deep breathing, or meditation. The blanket’s gentle weight seems to ease both body and mind, providing a kind of grounded stillness that many find deeply healing.

Of course, it’s not a magic cure for sleepless nights. The right blanket weight matters (usually around 10% of one’s body weight), and it may take time to adjust to the sensation. But for those who find comfort in touch, warmth, and routine, a weighted blanket can be a soothing addition to a healthy lifestyle—especially during the colder, reflective months of the year.

As we age, our sleep patterns often change. Nights can grow shorter, and rest can become elusive. A weighted blanket, with its gentle embrace, reminds us of something timeless: that comfort, security, and peace of mind are as essential to health as medicine itself.

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Research Notes

• A 2020 study published in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that adults with insomnia who used a weighted blanket for four weeks reported significantly lower levels of anxiety and better sleep maintenance.

• Research from Occupational Therapy in Mental Health (2015) showed that 63% of participants using a 30-pound blanket reported reduced anxiety and an increased sense of calm.

• A 2021 Swedish study found that weighted blankets increased sleep time and lowered nighttime movement among people with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and ADHD.

• The concept of deep touch pressure therapy, first explored in the 1980s, remains the scientific foundation for understanding why gentle, consistent weight on the body can promote relaxation and parasympathetic nervous system activation.

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Personal Reflection

At this stage of my life, when I value rest and comfort more than ever, I find small rituals like these carry deep meaning. A warm blanket, soft lighting, and a quiet room remind me that peace doesn’t have to come from grand gestures—it can be found in the steady rhythm of nightly routines. The weighted blanket, in its gentle silence, feels almost like a reassuring hand on the shoulder—an invitation to let go, rest deeply, and greet tomorrow with calm strength.

Meanwhile,

In a remarkable medical case, a terminal cancer patient has shown unexpected signs of recovery after being treated with a repurposed anti-parasitic drug. The medication, originally designed to combat parasitic infections, is now being studied for its potential anti-tumor properties, which appear to interfere with cancer cell metabolism and growth.

Doctors monitoring the patient observed a dramatic reduction in tumor size and improved organ function within months of starting treatment. Early lab research suggests that some anti-parasitic compounds—like fenbendazole and mebendazole—can starve cancer cells by disrupting microtubules, structures essential for cell division, without harming healthy tissue.

While experts caution that this is not yet a proven cancer cure, the case highlights the growing interest in drug repurposing, where existing medicines are tested for new therapeutic uses. Clinical trials are now being proposed to verify safety, dosage, and long-term effects. If validated, this approach could revolutionize cancer therapy—offering affordable and accessible options where traditional treatments fail.

Finally, My Reel of the Day:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1306060241261592

THD Personal News: I saw the photo of Vanessa De Guzman as the new Activity Manager in the Front Desk last night. This morning the photo disappeared. From her photo and name, I guessed she has Filipino ancestry. My guess is correct, she was born and raised here in the US. She can not speak, Tagalog, but understand a few words. Another Filipino-American in the front desk is Linda Orias. She is also born and raised here in the US and has an Engineering degree. Today is Linda's second week work here at THD. I welcome both Vanessa and Linda, and hope they will have a long employment here at THD. If this happens-it will break the curse of rapid employee turnover here at THD. Let us hope for the best.

Looking forward to the Special Filipino Dinner tonite. I have received a few thank you and positive comments on my role for having this dinner born to reality. I talk to Joel before lunch and everything is ready to Go. He had just finished cooking the Dessert Biko, and the Lumpia will be delivered just in time for our dinner tonite. Let me know if you like the Food.

The Transformative Power of Gratitude

Gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it changes your brain and body.

Scientists have discovered that practicing gratitude actually rewires the brain and can even influence how your genes behave. Neuroscience studies show that when you focus on gratitude, it activates the medial prefrontal cortex—a region linked to emotion control, moral reasoning, and reward processing.

Even short moments of genuine thankfulness light up this brain area on fMRI scans, strengthening empathy and improving decision-making.

But the effects don’t stop there. Gratitude boosts dopamine and serotonin, the chemicals responsible for happiness and emotional balance, while also reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, these neurochemical shifts can reshape how your body handles stress.

Even more fascinating—research in epigenetics suggests that gratitude can modify how certain genes are expressed, particularly those involved in inflammation and immunity. This means that consistent gratitude practices like journaling or mindful reflection could be fine-tuning your biology from within—turning good feelings into measurable health benefits.

A few minutes of daily gratitude might be doing more than lifting your mood—it could be reprogramming your mind and body for resilience.

Source: “Effects of gratitude meditation on neural network functional connectivity and brain–heart coupling,” Scientific Reports (July 11, 2017).

Meanwhile, here's a more personal and reflective write up on the Transformative Power of Gratitude

Every morning when I open my eyes, I take a deep breath and whisper a simple phrase to myself: “Thank you.” It’s a small ritual, but one that has profoundly changed how I experience life — especially in these later years. Gratitude, I’ve come to realize, is more than a fleeting feeling; it’s a mindset that reshapes the brain, the heart, and even the soul.

The image above captures this truth beautifully: “Regularly practicing gratitude alters the brain at a molecular level.”Science now confirms what ancient wisdom has always known — that thankfulness can rewire the brain’s neural pathways, fostering calmness, empathy, and resilience. In essence, gratitude is not just an emotion; it’s a form of mental exercise that strengthens our inner being.

For me, gratitude isn’t limited to big achievements or life milestones. It’s often found in the quiet, ordinary moments — a good cup of coffee in the morning, the laughter of a friend over a game of Mahjong and Bridge or the comforting rhythm of my daily walk around the community. Each of these small blessings reminds me that life, even in its imperfections, is still profoundly good.

As I’ve aged, I’ve come to see that gratitude also softens the weight of loss and illness. Living with a chronic condition has its challenges, but acknowledging what remains — the kindness of caregivers and friends, the love of family, the gift of another sunrise, the magic touch via my weekly massage — keeps me grounded. It allows me to focus not on what’s fading, but on what continues to shine.

I’ve also noticed that gratitude is contagious. When I express it openly — whether through a smile, a thank-you note, or a kind word — it often evokes warmth and connection in others. It creates a shared sense of humanity, a quiet reminder that we are all in this together.

In the end, practicing gratitude doesn’t just change how we feel; it changes who we are. It rewires our perception, renews our spirit, and, as science suggests, even reshapes our brains. For that reason alone, I make it a daily habit to pause, reflect, and give thanks — for the past that shaped me, the present that sustains me, and the future that still holds possibilities.

Because gratitude, I’ve learned, is not just a way to see life — it’s a way to live it.

Finally, Did You Know that....

Scientists from Kyoto University have discovered that human cells can actually respond to sound waves changing gene activity, physical behavior, and even decisions about becoming fat. When researchers played pure tones, like 440 Hz and 14 kHz, directly into cell cultures, the cells reacted within hours. Over 140 genes linked to inflammation, stress, and repair altered their expression, suggesting that sound isn’t just noise it’s a physical force our bodies can feel and interpret.

Even more fascinating, continuous sound exposure reduced the activity of two key fat-forming genes (Cebpa and Pparg) by more than 70%. In other words, the tones stopped stem cells from turning into fat cells. While it’s still early research, this study opens the door to exploring how sound could influence healing, metabolism, or even future acoustic therapies showing that the language of life might also be spoken in vibrations.

Source/Credit: Kyoto University / Biophysical Journal (2024) 

Finally, My Food For Thought For Today:

Farewell Ted- New Activity Manager Photo Posted on the Front Desk

Ted Treat during our Sausalito Lunch and Excursion last June 

I received the following e-mail from Ted Treat today. He requested I forward this to all my Fellow Residents here at THD as well as in my blogs. 

If you have read my blogs, you probably know that Ted was the one that got me interested on AI.  This is the reason why I will never forget Ted. He was the best Activity Director since my move here at THD 28 months ago. He was smart, industrious and had empathy with the seniors citizens like me and the rest of about 150 residents here at THD. I have no doubt, he will succeed in any endeavor he will pursue in the future. I will missed you, TED. 

Here's his Linked-in page and his private e-mail is ted@tedtreat.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-treat-62115ba5/

Speaking of Activity managers, I saw in the Front desk a few minutes ago, the photo of a woman named Vanessa De Guzman. She looks like a Filipino-American. 

I have not met her yet, but I wish to welcome her and hopefully she will stay long. If she does, she will be breaking the curse of rapid employees turnover💚 here at THD the last 3 years especially in the Activity and Services Section ( Drivers and Front Desk).  

   " It’s with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to all the amazing people I’ve had the privilege and honor of getting to know at The Heritage. There are so many wonderful residents and friends I’ve met here, and each of you has touched my life in ways I’ll never forget.

When I first joined, my role was in leasing. Shortly after, Cidney, who was leading activities, chose to move on after growing exhausted with the management. She took the time to show me the ropes and warn me about what lay ahead. Yet I’m grateful I stayed, because what truly mattered were the people, all of you. You made it worth showing up every day. Taking on activities gave me the chance to connect with you, and that became the most meaningful part of my experience.

I didn’t know how much joy I’d find in the role. Every event, every outing, every craft session... it was never about the activity itself, but about being together. The laughter, the stories, and the shared moments made each day special. You brought warmth and fun into my work, and I can’t thank you enough for that.

So while this may be goodbye for now, I hope it’s just “see you soon.” Thank you for making my time at The Heritage something I’ll always treasure. With love and gratitude,Ted"

Meanwhile, here the references on my previous articles on Rapid Employees turnover her at THD. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/10/rapid-turnover-of-thd-employees.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/09/effects-of-toxic-leadership-my-personal.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-effects-of-micromanagement-my.html

💚Personal Note:  No Betting Allowed:

I will not accept any bets on how long will the new Activity Director be employed here at THD. The last time I bet, I lost. 

 

How to Cook Lumpia: Special Filipino Dinner This Wednesday

This posting is inspired by my recent posting on THD Special Filipino Dinner, in connection with Filipino-American History Month Celebration for the Month of October, tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29.   The Lumpia appetizer was omitted in the above menu, but it will be served. It is my treat to all my Fellow THD residents, because this dinner is special as we celebrate Filipino-American History Month(FAHM) here in the THD (US) and my Filipino-American heritage.  

So a number of my fellow residents have asked me, What Is Lumpia, Sinigang, Adobo and Biko ? The following posting will answer your query. 

Lumpia are fried spring rolls that are found in Filipino and Indonesian cuisines. The rolls traditionally feature a thin pastry skin (a.k.a. a lumpia wrapper) and are often stuffed with a savory mixture of ground pork and vegetables.

This is the  step-by-step recipe:
1. Make the filling: Cook the pork until crumbly and set aside. Drain most (but not all) of the grease. Cook the onion and garlic in the remaining grease. Return the pork to the pan and stir in the veggies, cilantro, and seasonings. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Assemble the lumpia: Place three tablespoons of the filling on the wrapper and follow the instructions to roll and seal the lumpia. Repeat until all the rolls are assembled.
3. Fry the lumpia: Heat oil ( medium) in a skillet. Fry the lumpia three to four rolls at a time. Turn until all sides are brown. Drain on a paper towel.
How to Serve LumpiaLumpia is often served with a sweet chili dipping sauce (this 5-ingredient Hot and Sweet Dipping Sauce is an excellent choice). If you're sensitive to heat, you could try with a classic Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Make it a meal by pairing your lumpia with Garlic Fried Rice or serving it as an appetizer for a traditional Filipino main dish, such as Caldereta.

How to Store Lumpia 
Allow the rolls to cool, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. Store the lumpia in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can You Freeze Lumpia?  Yes, but it's best to freeze the lumpia before you fry it.

To freeze un-fried lumpia: Arrange the cooled rolls on a baking sheet, then cover with storage wrap. Freeze for a few hours or up to overnight. When the lumpia are frozen solid, transfer the rolls to a zip-top freezer bag (don't forget to squeeze out the excess air) or another freezer-safe container. Wrap in foil for added protection. Lumpia can be frozen for up to three months.

There's no need to thaw — just go ahead and fry the lumpia from frozen.

Ingredients

1/2X

1X

2X

Original recipe (1X) yields 15 servings

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 pound ground pork

• ½ cup chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• ½ cup minced carrots

• ½ cup chopped green onions

• ½ cup thinly sliced green cabbage

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (Optional)

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 30 lumpia wrappers

• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add pork; cook and stir until crumbly and no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove pork from the pan and set aside. Drain grease from the pan, leaving just a thin coating.

2. 

   Add onion and garlic to the pan; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3. 

   Stir in cooked pork, carrots, green onions, cabbage, and cilantro. Season with pepper, salt, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Remove from the heat, and set aside until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes.

4. 

   To assemble lumpia: Place 3 heaping tablespoons of filling diagonally near one corner of a lumpia wrapper, leaving a 1 ½ inch space at both ends.

5. 

   Fold the side along the length of the filling over the filling, tuck in both ends, and roll neatly and tightly to close.

6. 

   Moisten the other side of the wrapper with water to seal the edge. Transfer to a plate and cover with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Repeat to assemble remaining lumpia.

7. 

   Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes. Slide 3 to 4 lumpia into the hot oil (medium), making sure the seams are facing down. Fry, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Repeat to fry remaining lumpia.

8. 

   Serve immediately. Enjoy!

9. 

Reference:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/35151/traditional-filipino-lumpia/

My Personal Variation of the Recipe: 

My own variation of the recipe: I add chopped jicama or water chestnuts to the 1:1 mixture of ground beef and pork. In some recipes, I prepare a vegetarian lumpia with just mixed chopped vegetables, and bean sprouts. The tricked is the crispy and thin lumpia wrapper than you buy in the Filipino store. The Chinese wrapper is thick and not as crispy and yummy as the Philippine lumpia wrapper.       

 

Fry in Medium Heat: Use High Grade Olive Oil or Equivalent for Better Nutritional value. 

Meanwhile, here's the description of the other dishes to be served this Wednesday at our Special Filipino Dinner,

Beef sinigang and chicken adobo are two iconic Filipino dishes, each representing a distinct culinary tradition in the Philippines.

The Soup: Beef Sinigang

Beef sinigang is a Filipino sour soup, traditionally made by simmering beef (such as brisket, shank, or short rib) in a broth flavored with a souring agent—usually tamarind, but sometimes guava, green mango, or calamansi. The soup is enriched with a variety of vegetables, commonly including tomatoes, onions, spring beans, eggplant, okra, daikon radish, and water spinach (kangkong). The hallmark of sinigang is its tart, tangy, and refreshing flavor profile, usually served hot with steamed white rice.​

The Main Dish: Chicken Adobo

Chicken adobo is a classic savory Filipino dish featuring chicken pieces braised in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. The meat is first marinated in the blend, then simmered until tender, creating a rich, salty, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that is deeply infused into the chicken. Some variations include the addition of brown sugar, onions, or coconut milk. Chicken adobo is typically served with white rice and is recognized for its simple preparation method and signature flavor.​

Summary Table

Dish	Main Protein	Cooking Method	Distinctive Flavors	Typical Vegetables	Key Ingredients
Beef Sinigang	Beef	Simmered in soup	Sour, tangy, fresh	Tomatoes, kangkong, okra, etc.	Tamarind (or guava), vegetables
Chicken Adobo	Chicken	Braised in vinegar/soy sauce	Savory, tangy, salty, mild sweet	Usually none (garnished only)	Vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay

Both dishes are much loved and staple comfort foods in Filipino homes, with each evoking regional twists and family secrets for maximum flavor and satisfaction.​

Finally, for the Dessert:

Biko is a Filipino sweet sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and dark brown sugar, and is often topped with a caramelized coconut topping called latik. Sticky sweet rice is the type of rice, also known as glutinous rice, that gives biko its chewy and sweet texture after being cooked with the other ingredients

My Food For Thought For Today:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2059700201466311