Abbott’s Growth Watch Empowers Parents to Beat Childhood Stunting

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Global statistics show childhood malnutrition is still a persistent health burden, including in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health, 1 in 4 children aged five and below are short for their age or stunted.  Abbott is increasing awareness and working together with mom celebrities and communities to tackle stunting among children in the Philippines.

Abbott’s Growth Watch initiative shines a light on childhood stunting, a form of malnutrition. It aims to empower parents to screen for and recognize stunting in their children so that they can improve their children’s nutrition, if needed.

Stunting can challenge a child’s development, impact their overall health and limit their future potential. Children affected by stunting can be at risk of significant immune deficiencies, compromised cognitive function, behavioral problems, diminished bone health, and decreased muscle mass. The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028 identified poor feeding practices and low nutrition literacy among the causes of malnutrition in the country. Additionally, 2 in 3 Filipino moms don’t recognize stunting as an important child development issue.

Dr. Jose Dimaano Jr.

“There is a clear need to educate parents on the prevalence and impact of childhood stunting on growth and development,” explains Dr. Jose Dimaano Jr., nutrition medical affairs director for Abbott in Pacific Asia. “Early identification of growth issues and quick intervention for children found to be at risk of nutrition deficiency can have a profound impact on the fight against stunting. This is why Abbott is taking a multidisciplinary approach in supporting parents by working with communities and healthcare practitioners to provide tools and information to spot the signs of malnutrition and take action.”

In collaborating with celebrity moms Chesca Kramer, Nadine Samonte, Divine Lee, Nina Corpuz, influencers and online mom communities, Abbott intends to increase awareness of stunting and support parents with tools and educational resources that can help children reach their full growth potential.

”Since its inception in 2021, Growth Watch has educated and reached more than 161,000 families, and the goal is to double the reach by the end of next year,” said Angelico Escobar, general manager of Abbott’s nutrition business in the Philippines. ”Abbott is driven by our mission to help children have a healthy start and reach their optimal growth. We know that malnutrition is complex and affects children’s growth across all socioeconomic classes. The work of Growth Watch is one of Abbott’s efforts to fight global malnutrition and to help children achieve their growth potential through measurement and proper nutrition.”

In 2021, Abbott launched the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions, an initiative to reduce malnutrition. The center, a collaboration between Abbott and external experts and partners, is focused on the identification, treatment and prevention of malnutrition for the most vulnerable populations in the world including children, aging adults and under-resourced populations. The Growth Watch initiative also contributes toward Abbott’s 2030 Sustainability Plan goal to transform care for malnutrition, chronic and infectious diseases.

As part of the Growth Watch initiative, parents and guardians are invited to join mom communities to establish the habit of measuring their children’s height, and provide proper nutrition to safeguard the growth, well-being and development of children across the country. Tools and resources available include:

● PediaSure Plus Growth Calculator

● PediaSure Plus Height Chart

● Free growth assessment and nutrition counseling

Nutrition plays a crucial role in addressing malnutrition and stunting challenges. Addressing undernutrition early can help mitigate growth issues and ensure children reach their full developmental capacity. For children who do not get enough nutrients through food alone, nutrition supplements, such as PediaSure Plus, can help fill some of the gaps. The oral nutritional supplement, recommended by doctors, is formulated with 37 key growth nutrients including natural vitamin K2 and arginine to support 1.5 times faster growth in 8 weeks and strong bones.

For more information on the growth tools and resources, visit https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/pediasure/tools-and-resources.html.

For free growth assessment and nutrition counseling, register online or by calling Abbott’s

Careline – Metro Manila: (02) 8995-1555 and PLDT toll free hotline: 1-800-10-995-1555.

Keeping up with Mr. Pure Energy - Gary V on his diabetes journey and living freely

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Gary Valenciano, an icon, well known as Mr. Pure Energy, shared how he manages his journey while battling diabetes for more than four decades now.

A roundtable webinar conversation was held with the Mr. Pure Energy, Gary Valenciano, regarding his new diabetes journey, shares his ways of managing the disease and he also revealed his secret weapon in fighting it.

Gary has been battling type 1 diabetes since he was 14 years old. “I was diagnosed with it. I was fourteen years old. My sugar level hit 700-something plus. At least during my time, from what I know, the normal level goes from 80 to 120. I don’t know if that has changed because a lot has changed. But, when I’m within that level, I’m fine.”

The biggest challenge for him when it comes to diabetes is “self-monitoring.” Ogie Alcasid's daughter adviced him to have of the CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) to monitor his sugar level. And that helped Gary to monitor his sugar level. Doing old methods like finger pricking and it was a relief to have continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

"Actually, I felt like a chemist because there is no such thing as finger pricking of blood. It was actually done with a test tube, a tablet, and urine. And I would have to gather a few drops into a dropper and drop it in and I would determine how high or low my sugar was, depending on how the tablet responded," said Gary.

“Traditional glucose monitoring uses finger pricking which can be quite painful for some patients. But now, glucose monitoring devices have been revolutionized and innovative technologies have come in, resulting in the development of CGMSs,” Dr. Michael Villa, immediate past president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism shared. 

“Then, years went by. I started finger pricking. And, I did that for a long time. In fact, my skin in my fingertips would start getting thick. When I would actually need to use my fingers for the touchscreen later on, sometimes, it would not recognize that. So, I had to use another set of fingers in order to do that,” as Gary continued his story.

Gary V on living freely with FreeStyle Libre

“The technology started advancing and I’m so thankful for that. All the more, it spurred me on to carry the advocacy and helping Filipinos living with diabetes,” Gary said.

FreeStyle Libre comes along and helped him finally live freely with his diabetes journey.

The FreeStyle Libre system is a new revolutionary way of glucose monitoring. It replaces the conventional way of measuring glucose using finger pricks.

Through strict monitoring, proper diet, and a healthy lifestyle, he has been living a full and active life since. Gary said that the Freestyle Libre CGM by Abbott makes it easy for him to ensure that his blood sugar is at healthy levels during the day.

The Freestyle Libre uses a discreet sensor that is attached to the back of the arm. This is then paired to a portable device. The sensor is easy to apply and lasts for up to 14 days. It is also water resistant so it can be worn even while bathing, swimming, and exercising.

Meanwhile, the reader can scan through clothing. Once paired with the device, the Freestyle Libre reader provides up to 8 hours of glucose monitoring per day with a trend arrow and graphs showing glucose levels throughout the monitoring period. It can also hold up to 90 days of glucose data which can be shown to doctors during the scheduled checkups.

“Diabetes is a condition that requires an almost 24-hour maintenance system. I’m just thankful for Abbott’s Freestyle Libre for allowing me to face life with a smile. The device has really helped me and my family in addressing diabetes and living life to the fullest,” Gary shared.

To know more details about FreeStyle Libre and learn how to manage your diabetes easily, visit their website.

Give long term benefits of good gut health in children! Check out Abbott's New Similac Gainschool Ready to Drink on Shopee's Brand Spotlight this April 21!

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Level up your child's problem-solving skills with the nutrients they need for cognitive development. 

Milk contains lots of nutrients that are essential for growing babies and children. Having strong bones in childhood lays a foundation for bone health throughout life. Kids with strong bones have a better chance of avoiding bone weakness.

As a parent, you can help by making sure kids get the key ingredients for healthy bones: calcium, minerals, protein, and vitamins, that help their body grow, develop and stay healthy. Investing in your child’s gut health in their early years will not only improve their overall health in the short term but will also set them up for good health later in life!

Discover the latest products, exclusive bundle deals, and exciting discounts from your favorite brands at Shopee's Brand Spotlight!

Check out Abbott's New Similac Gainschool Ready to Drink on Shopee's Brand Spotlight this April 21!

Similac Gainschool Ready to Drink Bundles:

1. Similac GainSchool Ready to Drink Vanilla 110ML Bundle of 32 

https://shope.ee/6zedM78dgC

2. Similac GainSchool Ready to Drink Vanilla 110ML Bundle of 24  

https://shope.ee/3KlKzqfxLc

Similac GainSchool Ready to Drink Vanilla 

• Comes with HMO, an important immune-nourishing ingredient that is essential in protecting child’s gut and beyond.

• Contains a unique combination of DHA, Lutein, and RRR (Natural) Vitamin E. DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function.

• 10 Key Brain Nutrients with Eye-Q Plus like DHA, AA, Omega 6, Taurine, Choline, Iron, Zinc, Vitamins B1 B2 and B3 help support child’s overall cognitive development.

• High in Protein, Calcium, Vitamins K and D which are essential in developing stronger bones for your child.

Help your kids maximize their potential with the right nutrients! Don't miss out on Abbott's latest launch, the New Similac Gainschool Ready to Drink this April 21!

#alagangabbott

Abbott and Shopee Celebrate Nutrition For The Whole Family

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MANILA, 11 May 2021 — Abbott, a global healthcare company and Shopee, a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, are coming together to help improve nutrition at every stage of life for people in the country. Nutrition for the Whole Family, a regional initiative across six countries including the Philippines, will be held on Shopee Super Brand Day this May.

The Nutrition For The Whole Family campaign aims to nurture families to live fuller lives through good nutrition, and through this program, families will receive nutrition tips, engage with a nutritionist and get to select a range of Abbott’s science-based nutrition products for children and adults.

Consumers are prioritizing their health by being more mindful of their diets. Eating is no longer just about taste and sustenance – nutrition has become a key element in living better and healthier. 

According to Abbott’s annual brand health study, Filipino consumers are engaging in outdoor activities like gardening, as well as taking vitamins and minerals to supplement their health and wellness habits.

More people are shopping for health-related products such as nutritional supplements online, with the Health category on Shopee growing year-on-year. To meet the growing demand online, Abbott and Shopee want to support families in choosing the right nutrition products for their needs. 

Abbott brands participating in the campaign include Similac GainSchool, Similac TummiCare, PediaSure Plus, Ensure Gold, and Glucerna. Through Shopee's suite of engagement tools, consumers can look forward to fun ways to improve their nutrition.

“Proper nutrition is the foundation for living your best life. That’s why Abbott strives to strengthen communities around the region through the power of science-based nutrition as we believe that with good nutrition, every stage of life can be a healthy one. Through our partnership with Shopee, we can empower more families to choose nutritious food by providing valuable information and tips as well as a range of specialized nutrition products to eat healthy,”says Dr. Jose Dimaano, Medical Affairs Director Asia-Pacific at Abbott.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, says, "It is crucial for consumers to get access to reliable information when shopping for health-related products. As such, we’re happy to work with Abbott, a globally trusted brand, to launch this campaign that educates consumers on nutrition in a fun and interactive way. We invite consumers to join us and learn about science-based nutrition tips, as well as shop for Abbott’s high-quality nutritional products through this Super Brand Day.”

Starting May 12 until May 14, shoppers can access special content features, including:

Nutrition Tips: A healthy immune system is supported through good nutrition. Consumers can receive nutrition tips on the Alagang Abbott Facebook page to discover the different nutrients and how they help fight against illnesses and infections.

Shopping Guide: Good nutrition starts with making smart choices in the store. Abbott product listings on the Shopee platform will feature the nutrition benefits of the products to help consumers select the right specialized nutrition supplement according to their needs.

Find out more about Abbott’s Nutrition for the Whole Family at www.facebook.com/AbbottNutritionPH/. Click here www.shopee.ph/abbottph to purchase on Shopee.

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About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 109,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

About Shopee

Shopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia & Taiwan. Shopee connects shoppers, brands and sellers across Asia and other fast-growing markets, empowering anyone to buy and sell anywhere and at any time.

Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. It offers a wide product assortment, supported by integrated payments and logistics, as well as popular entertainment features tailored for each market. Shopee is also a key contributor to the region’s digital economy with a firm commitment to helping brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.

Shopee is a part of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE), a leading global consumer internet company. In addition to Shopee, Sea’s other core businesses include its digital entertainment arm, Garena, and digital financial services arm, SeaMoney. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology.

Abbott and Shopee Celebrate Family Nutrition Day by Encouraging Families to Eat Right and Live Healthy

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Abbott, a global healthcare company and Shopee, a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, are coming together to help improve nutrition at every stage of life for people in the country. Nutrition for the Whole Family, a regional initiative across six countries including the Philippines, will be held on Shopee Super Brand Day in May.  

The Nutrition For The Whole Family campaign aims to nurture families to live fuller lives through good nutrition, and through this program, families will receive nutrition tips, engage with a nutritionist and get to select a range of Abbott’s science-based nutrition products for children and adults.

Today, consumers are prioritizing their health by being more mindful of their diets[ ]. Eating is no longer just about taste and sustenance – nutrition has become a key element in living better and healthier. According to Abbott’s annual brand health study, Filipino consumers are engaging in outdoor activities like gardening, as well as taking vitamins and minerals to supplement their health and wellness habits. 

More people are shopping for health-related products such as nutritional supplements online, with the Health category on Shopee growing year-on-year. To meet the growing demand online, Abbott and Shopee want to support families in choosing the right nutrition products for their needs. Abbott brands participating in the campaign include Similac GainSchool, Similac TummiCare, PediaSure Plus, Ensure Gold, and Glucerna. Through Shopee's suite of engagement tools, consumers can look forward to fun ways to improve their nutrition.

Dr. Jose Dimaano, Medical Affairs Director Asia-Pacific at Abbott, says, “Proper nutrition is the foundation for living your best life. That’s why Abbott strives to strengthen communities around the region through the power of science-based nutrition as we believe that with good nutrition, every stage of life can be a healthy one. Through our partnership with Shopee, we can empower more families to choose nutritious food by providing valuable information and tips as well as a range of specialized nutrition products to eat healthy.” 

Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director at Shopee, says, "It is crucial for consumers to get access to reliable information when shopping for health-related products. As such, we’re happy to work with Abbott, a globally trusted brand, to launch this campaign that educates consumers on nutrition in a fun and interactive way. We invite consumers to join us and learn about science-based nutrition tips, as well as shop for Abbott’s high-quality nutritional products through this Super Brand Day.” 

Starting May 12 until May 14, shoppers can access special content features, including: 

- Nutrition Tips: A healthy immune system is supported through good nutrition. Consumers can receive nutrition tips on the Alagang Abbott Facebook page to discover the different nutrients and how they help fight against illnesses and infections.

- Shopping Guide: Good nutrition starts with making smart choices in the store. Abbott product listings on the Shopee platform will feature the nutrition benefits of the products to help consumers select the right specialized nutrition supplement according to their needs.

Find out more about Abbott’s Nutrition for the Whole Family at www.facebook.com/AbbottNutritionPH/.

Click here www.shopee.ph/abbottph to purchase on Shopee.

Get Ready for Cecon Vitamin C Day: Here Are Five Things You Need to Need to Know About Vitamin C

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Over a year into the new normal, Filipinos continue to adapt to the various changes due to the current pandemic situation. For most, one of the biggest concerns is to keep their family protected against harmful illnesses, viruses, and even stress.

Despite this growing concern, a huge percentage of Filipinos still lack the daily recommended nutritional intake to fortify their immunity. In 2020, 87.3% of Filipino working adults were reported to be getting an inadequate amount of Ascorbic acid, more commonly known as Vitamin C.[1]

Ensuring right levels of Vitamin C is more important than ever, as vitamin deficiency is often associated with poor immunity and a higher risk of getting infected by illnesses and serious diseases like pneumonia.[2]

To address this, Abbott launches the very first Ascorbic Acid Cecon Vitamin C day on May 2, 2021. Abbott joins forces with leading influencers in the Philippines, such as super mom Bianca Gonzales, to help shed light over the importance of regular vitamin C intake for overall health and immunity.

But what makes Vitamin C so essential? Here are a couple of facts you probably do not know about Vitamin C:

1. Vitamin C can be found in foods aside from oranges

Admit it, when you hear Vitamin C, the first thing that comes to mind are oranges. Though the citrus family has long been the poster kids of anything related to Vitamin C, higher concentration of the vitamin can actually be found in other food sources.

For instance, one green chili pepper can provide 55% more vitamin C compared to a medium-sized orange.[3] Other great sources of Vitamin C include guavas, broccoli, kale, and herbs like parsley and thyme.

2. It fights off memory loss as you age

As we get older, it is more challenging for various nerve cells to protect themselves against free radicals, or damage-causing atoms. When free radicals get out of control, cells get damaged faster than they can be repaired.

The good news is that Vitamin C is such a powerful antioxidant that regular intake can help protect our nerve cells and improve cognitive functions even as we age.[4]

3. Vitamin C can aid in weight loss

Did you know that taking an adequate amount of Vitamin C can help in managing body fat? A study done by nutrition specialists reported that the amount of vitamin C in the blood stream is directly related to fat oxidation.[5]

Of course, best results are achieved with a healthy regular Vitamin C habit combined with a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

4. It accelerates healing

Before antibiotics, Vitamin C was the go-to in terms of curing various diseases. Due to its ability to regenerate collagen in bones, joints and the face, Vitamin C speeds up wound healing as well.[6]

With its role in collagen regeneration, Vitamin C can also reduce skin aging as well as ease arthritis.

5. Humans cannot store Vitamin C

While extremely essential, the human body does not have the ability to produce Vitamin C. The nutrient cannot be stored either and instead gets flushed out of our system within 24 hours.[7]

This makes eating more fruits and vegetables as well as building a habit of taking Vitamin C daily even more important.

Abbott’s Medical Director in the Philippines, Dr. Joel Lao, also stressed the importance of supplementing a healthy diet and active lifestyle with the intake of Vitamin C: “With the increased health risks around Filipinos need to be more aware of the role a daily intake of Vitamin C can have in supporting overall immunity. As an effective antioxidant, a good supplement to retain other nutrients in the body[8] [9], Vitamin C should be an essential part of our daily routine. Cecon Vitamin C Day is a great opportunity to underscore that, along with the importance of having a healthy diet and lifestyle.”

“Abbott’s driving force is to support people live their lives to the fullest. With Cecon’s wide range of products, it is now more convenient for families to maximize their immunity potential through Vitamin C. Whatever your age or lifestyle, there is a Cecon product that can play a role in enhancing one’s overall well-being to help people keep doing what they love and live a full, healthy life,” Dr. Lao added.

Ascorbic acid (Cecon) is a chewable, non-acidic Vitamin C and has a full range of products that address the Vitamin C need of each family member: Ascorbic acid (Cecon 500mg) for adults, Ascorbic acid (Cecon Junior 100mg) for kids, and Multivitamins+Zinc (Cecon Plus) for the added protection needed by adults.

 

To know more about Cecon Vitamin C Day on May 2, tune in to Bianca’s Instagram @iamsuperbianca for announcements and exciting giveaways.

Ascorbic acid (Cecon) is available online via Lazada and Shopee.

 

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[1] Angeles-Agdeppa, I. (2020, March 2). Food Sources and Nutrient Intakes of Filipino Working Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32268583/

[2] Carr, A. (2017, November 3). Vitamin C and Immune Function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/

[3] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6

[4] Perrig W.J. (1997, June 4) The relation between antioxidants and memory performance in the old and very old

[5] https://news.asu.edu/content/vitamin-c-depletion-has-links-lower-fat-oxidation-not-weight-loss

[6] https://www.woundsource.com/blog/vitamin-c-do-daily-mega-doses-accelerate-wound-healing

[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#why-we-need-it

[8] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#other-benefits

[9] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm