WHEN you see your daughter or a friend’s daughter or any female friend wincing whenever she’s having a period, especially if the pain is excruciating and agonizing, you might want to have it checked.
CANCER continues to be one of the top medical issues among Filipinos, with breast cancer being the most common among women in the Philippines.
THOUGH it may sound sci-fi-ish or futuristic, telemedicine has been around for quite some time already, long before a certain virus emanated from a certain area called Wuhan in China and changed our world and the way we do things forever.
ACCORDING to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ischemic heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and neoplasms continue to be the top three leading causes of deaths in the country for the period January to September 2022.
FOR almost four decades now, or from 1984 up to March of this year, a total of 97,792 cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV were recorded, with about 5,548 fatalities. In March of this year alone, 1,539 individuals were tagged as confirmed HIV-positive, according to the HIV/AIDS & Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) Registry of the Philippines or HARP.
WHEN someone calls you the next chairperson, he may not be referring to you as being the top honcho in a company or organization. The reference may be something like you’re being “horizontally challenged.”
HOW important is Christmas to Filipinos? Well, it’s a question that many feel does not deserve to be asked anymore. Being the only predominantly Catholic nation in Southeast Asia and one of only two in Asia (the other being Timor-Leste), the Philippines celebrates the start of the Christmas season the moment the “’Ber” months kick in.
IT’S been 32 months and two weeks since the pandemic was declared in the Philippines. Though it’s a lot easier nowadays with more people going out to do more things than they did prior to the pandemic, many are also suffering in silence. Many are still not well, many are still harboring negative thoughts of being uncertain of what the future holds. They feel irritable and disconcerted, and hardly sleep or eat.
NOW that traffic is getting tighter, it’d be correct to guess that after just a few months shy of three years of the Covid-19 pandemic, people—commuters, whether workers, students and what have you—are back on the road, traversing the main thoroughfares to get to their destinations.
LAST October 28, 2022, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 7 that allows the voluntary wearing of face masks, whether indoors or outdoors, except when in hospitals, medical or public transport vehicles. It also reiterated the continued observance and implementation of minimum public health standards.
YES, the fear of Covid-19 has somewhat diminished, proof that more people are now going out to work, to travel to be with relatives in the province or for that much-needed vacation, and even kids are going back to a full face-to-face class setup, at least in the public schools and in some private ones.
HOW many times have we read screaming headlines about motorcycle riders being involved in road crashes? It may be too many to count because it is too many to count.
Why are the eyes important? The moment we wake up, our eyes are the first to tell our brains what we see. They also keep us away from any potential danger because we can see what or who they are since 80 percent of what we perceive comes through our sense of sight.
Many people believe that the liver is not susceptible to certain medical issues unlike the heart or the kidney.
THE World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that a healthy diet or food intake “helps to protect against malnutrition in all its forms, as well as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.”
The year 1981 marked the first known appearance of a disease that did not have a name, no clear origin and with no known procedure on how to test it, much more treat it. And the saddest part of it all is that patients die in a span of a few months.
Children are back to school for face-to-face classes. Though learning is still in “hybrid” mode, or a mix of face-to-face and virtual learning on certain days of the week, many parents are still apprehensive. And since the order of the Department of Education (DepEd) already calls for a full face-to-face, onsite learning setup by November 2022, the disquietude is perfectly understandable.
The number of cases of people with hearing problems is on the rise. The University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery said that in the Philippines in 2020, those with moderate to severe hearing loss are at about 15 percent.
“Has it come to a point in your life that you wondered why you are still to be blamed why you were raped, or why your partner hit you or did something bad to you? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror and thought that you don’t know yourself, and the bad things you did because you were in pain and because you were undergoing great trauma? It is really difficult thinking that bad things were done to you yet you are the one to be blamed for all the wrongdoings, but it’s more difficult thinking that you yourself is part of the problem.”
The minimum wage in the National Capital Region (NCR) was increased to P570 last June.
While the first monkeypox case has already been recorded in the Philippines, the public should not panic too much as the Department of Health (DOH) has already issued a memorandum as early as May of this year on how to respond to this new public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
While many Filipinos understand the concept of self-care, not too many of them practice it properly.
There is nothing more dangerous than a calamitous event related to the climate, and this is true in every country in the world. Even earthquakes, a geologic event not connected to the climate, or a volcanic eruption, can cause monumental and disastrous effects such as damage to infrastructure and loss of lives.
THE Covid-19 crisis has disrupted many sectors, particularly the medical field, where the training of doctors, nurses, dentists, and other health professionals experienced unprecedented roadblocks.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been ongoing for more than two years. With gloomy reports of deaths at the height of this global health crisis, it was still not the leading cause of death among Filipinos.
ON Tuesday, there were 1,841 new Covid-19 cases recorded in the country, according to the Department of Health (DOH), the highest since February 19 when the Philippines logged 1,923 new infections.
A Philippine Eye Disease Study done in 2018 revealed that the prevalence rate for vision impairment and blindness in the country was at 1.98 percent, which is about 1.1 million Filipinos with cataract, about 400,000 with uncorrected error of refraction, around 300,000 with glaucoma, and at least 200,000 with maculopathy or diabetic retinopathy, which is common for people suffering from diabetes.
Many societies see the man as the household’s pillar of strength. He works to provide for the family, makes the major decisions and protects the household from harm. Anything that should require brawn and muscles around the house, the man is “the man.”
When diabetics are asked what they really miss in life, it is the sweet things, particularly food. Perhaps not one diabetic would answer otherwise.
A STATE-of-the-art cybercrime laboratory was launched on Friday by the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) that will focus initially on crimes related to Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC).
THIS is that time of the year, the wet season as we call it, when dengue, that viral disease spread by mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti kind, appears from around May to November. Rains bring volumes of water, where much of it becomes stagnant in homes whether in cans, rain gutters, pails, tires, even puddles in the backyard. These then become the home of infected mosquitoes that spread dengue to humans through their bite.
We all know what chickenpox is. It is that highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that can cause an itchy, blister-like rash on the chest, back, and face, and eventually the entire body.
AT present, about 73 percent of the country’s public schools are already holding face-to-face classes. In the next academic school year, the Department of Education (DepEd) is looking at 100-percent implementation of face-to-face classes in public schools nationwide.
The state weather agency Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) already declared the official start of the rainy season two weeks ago.
In April, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted an acute hepatitis case whose origin is unknown and afflicted children below 16 years of age. This prompted the conduct of liver transplant procedures in many countries.
THE country’s Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) has already recommended the administration of a fourth dose or Booster Shot Number Two to the immunocompromised population 18 years old and above. Immunocompromised are those receiving cancer treatment or immunosuppressants, and also those with advanced or untreated HIV infection, among others.
FOR nine long days from May 15 up to May 23, 2022, expect the colorful and progressive City of Biňan to pull out all the stops to make the “12th Puto Latik Festival 2022” the best of them all and highlight the city’s best talents, its human resource, in terms of innovation, creativity and resiliency.
Two years have passed since the start of the pandemic. A lot of people have managed to overcome and survive not just the physical but also emotional effects of the dreaded Covid-19 and are now enjoying a rejuvenated lifestyle.
IT’S been more than two years since the Covid-19 pandemic started and hit the Philippines in March 2020.
JUST like any other elections in the past, opinion or pre-election polls (or “surveys”) are released to help provide voters a clear picture of how people perceive candidates for national or even local posts, and help aid voters in their decision-making when choosing the country’s next leaders.
JUST a day before Easter, Jose Javelona “Boyet” Sison, a sports commentator, news anchor and music DJ, succumbed to cardiac arrest after his surgery to remove the blockage in his large intestine. He was a young 58 years old.
AS the Philippines starts opening more schools, a global advisory panel on education made suggestions on how to address learning gaps due to the long school closures caused by the pandemic.
NOW that the majority of the country is already under the lowest alert level classification, the next thing to do now is for the workers to slowly return to work so that the country’s economic wheel can turn again and provide a hint of normalcy.
WITH the country’s population growing dangerously every year, the amount of garbage likewise grows, but even more lamentably, not too many know how to dispose of it.
Whenever people have sore throat, there are a lot of remedies available and readily used by most people. There’s the trusted (mostly reliable) ginger concoction called “salabat,” while some would simply use a saline solution (warm water and some salt) and gargle to get rid of bacteria that causes sore throat, and of course, the ever-trusted over-the-counter lozenges to help relieve sore throat problems and manage coughs and colds.
The elderly or the senior citizens were the most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. They are at the most risk, the most vulnerable in contracting Covid-19. Many have comorbidities that would be fatal, either in terms of severity or even death, if they contract the disease. Our culture values our elderly so much that is why extra layers of precaution were taken to ensure their safety, especially in terms of isolation and in prioritization as soon as Covid-19 vaccines.
THE pandemic is slowly subsiding but mental health problems among Filipinos are reportedly on the rise and perhaps may stay even longer compared to the infection. Some mental health issues like depression, anxiety, even suicide, were seen to increase globally, and some data mentioned that 20 percent of Covid-19 survivors experienced mental health issues within three months of the infection, most likely because of stress, the impact of lockdowns, and the fear of even their loved ones testing positive of the dreaded disease.
It was never a secret that those suffering from diabetes are among those who are highly vulnerable to getting Covid-19.
THERE is no denying that the discovery of a tumor, whether in the brain or the spine, can cause anxiety and worry on anyone, or even unrest or turbulence in a family. And having a tumor in the brain or the spine can be absolutely terrifying for anyone, especially during this time of a pandemic, where even going out of the house can already be traumatic.
THE Philippines’ pharmacy retail market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3 percent, according to the “Philippines Pharmacy Retail Industry Outlook 2025” of Ken Research, an India-headquartered research-based management consulting company.
The past few weeks saw the emergence of a surreptitious subvariant of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which experts called “stealth.”
THE idea of hospitals surviving the almost two years of this debilitating pandemic was something for the record books. Everyone knows how hospitals, the medical frontliners worked hard to care for those who contracted the dreaded Covid-19 and other ailments despite the challenges in mobility, sanitation, better understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the corresponding Covid-19, and other circumstances. It was totally understandable because even the global medical community never knew what hit them. No one really knew.
Doctors have said that self-medication is dangerous, especially in these times that the pandemic is still in our midst. Just because someone recommended a certain type of medication does not mean it’s effective and safe, not unless they are doctors.
WHILE the Covid-19 pandemic rages, punctuated by the arrival in the country of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, unemployment in the Philippines continue to be a concern. In December 2021, unemployment rose to 6.6 percent, a tad higher from 6.5 percent a month earlier, the lowest since January 2021, while unemployed Filipinos stood at 3.27 million compared to 3.16 million in November.
As Filipinos started to feel the Christmas spirit last year, the Omicron variant of Covid-19 hit with a bang. Not only that, 2021’s strongest typhoon named Odette, with winds of at least 250 km, crossed the Philippines with much viciousness reminiscent of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
There is no denying that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continue to be considered one of the champions of the Philippine economy. Their remittances remain to be a strong factor and consistent bright spot in setting the pace for economic recovery.
If there’s any area in any hospital that will run 24/7 and should not stop operating for any reason, it must be the Emergency Room.
The Covid-19 response team of the national government has already announced that the inoculation of children five to 11 years old will start on February 4, 2022 as the vaccine supply for this age group is set to arrive last week of January.
Some experts said this latest variant called Omicron (or B.1.1.529) of Covid-19 may have been lurking around for months even before it was discovered, as reported by The Associated Press.
Not too many people are aware that there is a condition called goiter, commonly known as the enlargement of the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located in front of the neck, with a smaller part located in the middle, then two wing-shaped portions around the side of the throat.
When many thought the Delta variant was the end of it, here comes the Omicron variant, which supposedly originated in South Africa. It is touted to be more deadly than other variants in terms of transmissibility and severity, though these are still to be clearly determined.
WHILE the whole world grappled with an infectious disease, it was not just the infection that people had to deal with. The pandemic forced many to stay at home to be safe from a debilitating virus and to control its spread. However, being at home and preventing social interaction brought about not only mental stress; women and children became easy targets for abuse and many forms of violence because of mobility restrictions.
Ever since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, many have reiterated the call for the government to intensify its Covid-19 testing capabilities. As more people became exposed to the virus at the start, testing became paramount to determine if an individual was exposed to the virus so that the appropriate medical action could be taken.
ANGLO-SwedeN pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca introduced its breakthrough drug that showed impressive results in both prevention and treatment of Covid-19.
The medical care system was the most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Hospitals in the Philippines suddenly grew ill as they had to deal with the huge number of people with Covid-19 brought to them daily. With the constant influx of Covid-19 patients, they became worried about how to take care of the non-Covid-19 ones as well.
As massive amounts of vaccines continue to arrive in the country, talk about booster shots became stronger, even the issue of “mix-and-match.” Are “booster” shots the same as “third shot?” Is it safe to use a different vaccine after being fully vaccinated with another? Who should be prioritized in getting extra shots?
Growing up, most adults have experienced what it’s like to be vaccinated by numerous vaccines against ailments and help prevent unnecessary deaths among children. Many have mixed experiences, primarily because of the needles and not really because of the vaccines.
There is no doubt anymore that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a great impact on every one’s lives, particularly education, livelihood, employment and job security, and other implications.
Everyone who has been infected by Covid-19 and are already vaccinated twice are asking—what about booster shots?
The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly affected the conduct of classes for students who are enrolled in health science courses. Some of these courses require students to undergo face-to-face classes so that they can apply what they have learned.
Vaccination continues to be one of the most cost-effective interventions available to protect the elderly against infectious diseases.
A COMPANY that distributes China-made Sinopharm anti-Covid shots said the bio-medical facility that manufactures Sinopharm vaccine in China could churn out at least 2 billion vaccines per year.
Work-life balance continues to be at the center of everything we do, be it how we live, learn or work in the “next normal.”
As it marks the 40th anniversary of its research and development (R&D) facilities in Singapore, Nestlé said it will continue playing a key role in developing innovative products and technologies, including more sustainable packaging, for Southeast Asia and beyond for both its retail and out-of-home business.
First it was the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, then the much dangerous Delta, and now the Lambda, all variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Remember finding out or reading stories of people talking about their prostate problems? Some even passed away because they didn’t pay much attention to it. A vast majority of men probably don’t even know about prostate or prostate cancer or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Is it dangerous to one’s health? Is this ailment exclusive to men?
There is another surge happening around now. With many hospitals almost in full capacity, whether in the National Capital Region (NCR) or other provinces, the presence of the new Delta variant is deemed the culprit of this new uprising in the number of cases.
Another lockdown, more weeks of quarantine where no one can go out except when buying essential items or for medical needs, remains to be a cause of concern.
During the “Stop Covid Deaths” webinar by the University of the Philippines titled “Laging Handa: World Class Filipino Covid-19 Innovations,” it presented various innovations in healthcare management, all locally made with local materials, to help in the fight against Covid-19 as well as other ailments or applications in other sectors in the future to help revolutionize medical care in the Philippines.
It was in the middle of March 2021 that the National Capital Region (NCR) started experiencing a “serious surge” in Covid-19 infections.
The past few weeks have seen a bit of a decline in Covid-19 cases but still, this is not the time to be complacent, according to public health experts.
Healing from the dreadful Covid-19 is just one thing; recovering is another.
The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic definitely overwhelmed the country’s health-care system with the deluge of patients suffering from Covid-19 confined at many hospitals and other medical facilities. However, it also forced those with other ailments to take a back seat, particularly in terms of face-to-face consultation with their doctors at hospitals or even clinics, for fear of contracting the disease.
A senior citizen sector representative said she is actively campaigning that senior citizens be vaccinated because it helps protect not just the individual but their entire family as well.
