The Medical City presents the winners of “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate" poster-making contest on good nutrition

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L-R: 3rd place Jason Oliver Bacas from Lourdes School, 1st Isabella R. Hilario from St. Paul College and Patrice Sebastien M. Olaguera, Lourdes School

“TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition” winners were awarded last July 27, 2016 at the TMC Auditorium.

Winners received plaques, gift certificates and gift bags, while a special prize given to the entry with most likes on The Medical City’s Facebook page. The winning designs were used by The Medical City for internal posters and educational materials.

Advocating proper nutrition through arts, the Medical City raises awareness on proper nutrition through a poster making contest dubbed as "TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate."

The Medical City Nutrition Management Services, together with the Center for Developmental Pediatrics, have taken heed of this concern by launching a poster-making contest dubbed “TMC for Kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster-making contest on good nutrition.” 

This project is also in line with the “Pinggang Pinoy” campaign of the Department of Health (DOH) in celebration of the National Nutrition Month 2016. The contest was opened to all Grade 5 students and each school sent their five best entries. A total of 25 posters have already been entered into the competition. 

“We are glad of the turnout and the number of entries that we received, which means more and more people are now realizing the fact and the dangers of unhealthy eating, especially among kids. We are happy as well that people responded to this contest, which is aligned with the DOH’s National Nutrition Month campaign and serves as a vital part of the hospital’s advocacy on healthy eating that should start at an early age,” declares Dr. Marianna Sy-Quia Sioson, Head of the Nutrition Management Department of The Medical City.

The impact of good nutrition early in life can reach far into the future.

The right nutrition in the first 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday builds the foundation for the child’s ability to grow, learn and thrive.

However, recent surveys showed a significant rise in malnutrition among Filipino children, making the situation truly alarming. Without a doubt, undernutrition still exists and remains a national priority but pediatric overweight and obesity have both become a growing concern among medical practitioners and should be of importance to mothers and would-be mothers.

The Medical City (TMC) is a world-class hospital healthcare organization with 48 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. With its main facility located along Ortigas Avenue, TMC boasts of experienced and esteemed medical experts of various fields with modern facilities that offer the highest standard of healthcare quality as accredited by the Joint Commission International, a prestigious accrediting body for international healthcare organizations.

Chef Rob, A Food Rebel with a Cause

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All of us must maintain a healthy lifestyle - to live life to the fullest and enjoy a wonderful life. If we are having healthy diet, it’s important to be able to understand the nutritional information of the foods you eat. You should be able to get the majority of vitamins, minerals and nutrients your body needs from a healthy variety of foods. Of course, we must know what food we should be eating - - and what we should be avoiding. 

The Filipino taste is highly selective and conservative when it comes to tradition. Even with food, our palate is very discerning as we always yearn for that Filipino flavor no matter where we are around the world. But there is one rebel who is brave enough to shake up the status quo. He has revolutionized the local cuisine by challenging stronghold traditions and infusing intercontinental culture and heritage into his food—a feat that he has accumulated through his years as a global chef. And he has done so successfully with pure ingenuity and nerves.

Chef Rob Pengson

Chef Rob Pengson -  An award-winning chef, a mentor, a business owner, a TV host, a creative, a risk-taker, a rebel in the food scene, and now a brand ambassador, he does all of these for his most important role: a husband and a father. 

‘My family is everything to me. I strive to be the multifaceted individual that I want to become because I want to give the best to them,’ shares Chef Rob when he is asked about the cause of his revolutionary approach in and out of the kitchen. 

‘Of course, my family is the top force that drives me to keep going in life. But I also need a partner that can keep up with my busy and active lifestyle. A partner that can provide me with mental and physical energy to literally keep me going! Good thing I have discovered Pharmaton!’

Pharmaton combines vitamins and minerals with ginseng G115® and deanol for improved mental and physical performance. This dual combination helps combat stress and fatigue, and raise body’s immune system for better protection from viral and bacterial infection, while managing inner physical and mental energy. Moreover, it also improve overall mood, memory, and attention. Along with other vitamins and essential ingredients combined, you’re guaranteed to keep going in life!

‘As a chef, ingredients are key in transforming any dish into a lavish cuisine. I also apply the same principle when choosing my multivitamins,’ Chef Rob describes. He further explains, ‘I’ve tried a lot already, but nothing compares to Pharmaton. With vitamins + minerals + ginseng G115® + Deanol, what more can you ask for?’

When asked what’s next for Chef Rob, he shares - 

‘I want to continue to innovate the Filipino cuisine that I serve in my restaurants. Perhaps think of new concepts with my wife. She’s also a chef and a Pharmaton user. So you can just imagine how energetic our brainstorming is!’ 

With this surplus of energy, Chef Rob even has the bandwidth to also spend quality time with his family. This is the meaning of work-life balance for him – sharing his successes, time, and energy to people who mean the world to him.

Chef Rob is just one of the many users who have strived for success with Pharmaton as their partner. And now, you can start your own success story too. 

Why investing in beauty is the first step to success

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(Left to right sitting )Dr. Jose Rivera ( Treas ), Dr. Ma. Angela Lavadia ( VP ), Dr. Daisy King - Ismael ( Pres ), Dr. Rosalina Nadela ( Immediate Past Pres ), Dr. Jasmin Jamora ( Sec )

At the back standing from left to right ( Members of the Board of Directors ): Dr. Roberto Pascual, Dr. Ma. Purita  Paz - Lao, Dr. Blossom Chan, Dr. Donna Sarrosa, Dr. Julie Pabico, Dr. Krissinda Dim-Jamora, Dr. Arnold Yu

Investing requires the right timing, management, and strategic planning.

Still, investing remains risky for some. 

What if there’s an investment where you never lose, an investment that gives you more than an ROI, an investment that gives you the power to become better and achieve greater. Would you take the risk? 

Investing in Beauty is a bet you can’t lose, not when your end goal is Success. 

You’ve hustled and you’ve hustled hard, now that you’re on your way to the top all eyes will be focused on you---leaving no room for mistakes. Not even a blemish.

You’ve invested in your education, experience, shoes, bags, and everything that make up your power look. The next step, earning the power and confidence to face and shape any situation the real world gives you---and only real experts understand this. 

That’s why Philippine Dermatological Society, the Real Beauty Expert recently launched its newest campaign that supports and empowers the go getters of today. 

Philippine Dermatological Society is the only specialty society for dermatology accredited and recognized by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) making them Real Experts in Beauty. 

Unlike other beauty institutions, PDS doctors undergo 3 years of training in PDS accredited hospitals making them skin, hair, and nail experts. Aside from knowledge, PDS doctors are also well-quipped with the technology and skill to make everyone beautiful from the face to the body. Only Real Beauty Experts can give the best care and treatment when it comes to key issues and concerns of women such as wrinkles and sagging skin, pigmentation, and body and face contouring. With the message #BeautyIsPower, PDS assures to give you nothing but the best expert care as you make your way to success. 

Investing in beauty makes a huge difference in your life, personally and professionally. It shapes the way you interact with others and it reflects the opinion you have of yourself. Success is decided by how much you’re willing to invest in yourself, so go ahead, take the leverage of Beauty, invest now, trust PDS, the #DermAuthority. 

Be scar less and flawless with Vine’s CO2 laser

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Scarring is part of the body’s healing process but scars need not stay on your skin forever. The same goes with skin hyperpigmentation. But through innovative solutions discovered by dermatologists, many patients are now faced with several alternatives on how to improve their skin condition.

One of the latest methods out there is the fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment. According to Dr. Emehly Sevilla of Vine Holistic Medical Aesthetics, both young and old may undergo the treatment. In fact, her youngest patient was seven years old. Indications of the CO2 laser treatment include deep scars, big pores, stretch marks, fine lines, and skin conditions like syringomas, milias, warts, keloids, melasma, freckles, and hyperpigmentation in the face, underarm, under butt, knees, elbows, fingers and toes. It can also treat dark lines and ‘chicken skin’ on underarms.

Aside from erasing marks and blemishes, it is also a good anti-aging tool and can be done along with other treatments. Vine’s extensive and simple programs work in synergy for optimum effect. Dr. Sevilla said she erases wrinkles with fractional carbon dioxide laser and proceeds with the Botox procedure.

“If the patients do not have skin problems but want to tighten their pores, wants to have skin rejuvenation and remove fine lines, fractional carbon dioxide laser can do that. It’s a good maintenance as well. Even some 25-year olds already have mini-lines on their forehead because of the lifestyle today, so this treatment is the answer,” said Dr. Sevilla.

In the past, doctors only based their evaluation on the visual and history of the patient (background of what really happened) to know how deep the problem is. With the new fractional carbon dioxide laser machine, its skin analyzer can accurately assess the skin problem and recommend the ideal operation. It can tell if the skin is moist or dry and will set itself to the safest setting that the patient needs. However, Dr. Sevilla said that the new machine can also be set manually if the doctor wishes to. 

"If you overset the treatment for a certain problem because you’re only visually only looking at it, it may cause inflammatory hyperpigmentation that will leave dark marks,” noted Sevilla.

The advantage of fractional carbon dioxide laser treatment is that it is measurable, precise and safe. “The problem with peels is that you cannot control its absorption. There are patients where you put this percentage and they would absorb and peel so much, but if you apply the same percentage to other patients who have thicker skin, they won’t peel that much,” explained Dr. Sevilla.

Furthermore, she said that with needling procedures, doctors can only base on the visuals and history taking so it may not be precise.

For safety, the doctor, nurse and patient wear goggles during the whole procedure which usually lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. If the area to be treated is near the eyes, they use micropore tape so that the eyes remain closed.

“Laser is okay with treating eye bag area but for safety reasons, we don’t recommend treating on the upper eyelid (on top of eyeballs) even if the depth can be controlled,” remarked Dr. Sevilla.

Before the procedure, anesthesia cream is applied on the skin. It takes 30 minutes to numb the face and one hour for extremities. A slight discomfort may be felt on the first session. But none of that will happen in the succeeding sessions, said Dr. Sevilla. She explained that the tip of the machine emits air and distracts the patient from any possible pain.

The procedure will leave the patient with pinkish skin. To go back to their daily activities, patients need to undergo cryoporation before leaving the center to close the pores, relax the skin and infuse more serum. Post laser cream is given to enhance cell repair. 

After getting the laser treatment, avoid eating chicken, seafood and eggs. Do not wash the face or put on makeup for at least 12 hours after the treatment but sunblock lotion can be used as long as the skin has already absorbed the serum. Patients can come back for another session as early as two weeks but normal protocol is a month.

However, not everyone can just go and get the procedure. Contraindications include chronic skin diseases like psoriasis, allergies, fungal infection, eczema, rashes, measles and chicken pox. “Treat the skin problem first before doing the laser. But if the area to be treated is far away from area with disease, laser can be done,” related Dr. Sevilla.

Vine Aesthetics is located at Unit 2H Mezzanine Level, Grand Hamptons Tower II, 1st Ave. cor. 31st St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For inquiries, call tel. nos. 09178590642, 217-2687, 843-3023, email vineaesthetics@gmail.com or visit www.vineaesthetics.com.

Oscar Winner graces the small screen in new medical drama

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Photo : Sony Channel Phils

Academy Award winner for Best Actress Marcia Gay Harden (Polllack) stars in Code Black, a new medical procedural drama inspired by Ryan McGarry’s critically acclaimed documentary of the same title. 

Every episode presents extraordinary medical cases in creative but very authentic perspectives. Events unfold in the nation’s busiest ER, where medical professionals are the heroes. In a perpetual race against time, they solve one medical case after the other using limited resources. This is far from your usual medical drama. Get ready to be hooked as it fires up adrenaline, intrigues the mind and ultimately compels the heart.

Follow Leanne Royer (Harden), the gritty resident who leads her medical team through seemingly insurmountable odds.Completing the cast are Bonnie Sommerville (NYPD Blue), Raza Jaffrey (Homeland), Luis Guzman (Oz), Melanie Kannokada (Love, Lies and Seeta), Harry M. Ford, Benjamin Hollingsworth, and William Allen Young. 

Michael Seitzman, Marti Noxon, Ryan McGarry, and David Semel are the executive producers of this series that premieres on October 7, Wednesday, 8:50pm (same week as the US), first & Exclusive at Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

About Sony Channel

Sony Channel is the premier destination for female-skewing entertainment with the biggest and best of Hollywood. Designed for the socially connected viewer, Sony Channel features some of the most captivating and talked-about drama, comedy, lifestyle and reality programs on TV, all airing close to the U.S. telecasts, together with popular feel-good movies. 

Fresh, confident and stylish, with a dash of clever wit, Sony Channel is visually stunning with a brand identity that perfectly complements its line-up of high calibre programming. Sony Channel appeals to a female-skewed, male-inclusive audience who loves to escape, engage and lose themselves in premium content. Viewers are modern, social, stylish and aspirational.

Sony Channel is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates pay-TV channels AXN, beTV, Sony Entertainment Television, Animax, ONE and GEM. See www.sonychannelasia.com, as well as follow www.facebook.com/SonyChannelPH and https://twitter.com/SonyChannelPH for more. 

Johnson & Johnson (Phil.), Inc., Phil. Medical Association Unveil New Pharmaceutical Insights Factbook

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PMA-JnJ Dr. Robert Salvino, Asec Paulyn Ubial, Dr. Suzette Lazo and Mr.Wigbert Funtanilla

Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc (JJPI), in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), recently introduced a new/novel factbook that discusses key issues surrounding the current state of pharmacological interventions.

Titled Pharmaceutical Insights for the Well-Informed Clinicians, the factbook has been designed to enable healthcare professionals make informed decisions in the selection of medicines. The factbook reveals the lifecycle of a drug and the many facets surrounding drug development, manufacturing, supply chain and drug product regulation, among others. The book has been developed in alignment with the principles of medical ethics and all other activities related to therapeutic interventions.

For years, JJPI has remained steadfast in the service of patients by providing innovative quality medicines for their treatment. Committed to help further improve the country’s healthcare system, the company recognizes that the success of pharmacological intervention largely depends on the integrity of the processes that a medicine goes through from the time of manufacture to its use by the patient as intended in its regulatory approval. 

Mr. Wigbert Funtanilla, Hospital Channel Country Director of JJPI.

“At Johnson & Johnson, patient well-being is at the forefront of everything we do. The factbook is intended to assist doctors in making an informed decision in the choice of the most appropriate medication for the patient,” said Mr. Wigbert Funtanilla, Hospital Channel Country Director of JJPI.

“We also understand that our physicians are under considerable pressure meeting busy schedules, hence JJPI has designed the narrative in a manner that facilitates easy reading for all. This factbook is a sincere effort toward making a difference in the lives of our patients by empowering our doctors in Philippines to become well-informed healthcare professionals,” he added.

Dr. Minerva Calimag,
President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

Seeking to help physicians, the book includes challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry in bringing lifesaving medicines to the market and regulatory efforts. It highlights the work of the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that drugs in the market are safe and effective. 

“Practicing pharmacovigilance is aimed at improving the care given to patients and protecting their lives. In order to prevent unnecessary suffering by patients and to decrease the financial burden brought about by the adverse events related to medicines, it is essential that all healthcare workers should be the frontliners in advocating pharmacovigilance by reporting all suspected cases especially when the reaction is unusual, potentially serious or clinically significant,” said Dr. Minerva Calimag, President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).

A case in point, she said, is a doctor monitoring an adverse drug reaction (ADR) case and submitting a report to the hospital and FDA, keeping in mind that this simple act of pharmacovigilance can improve the practices related to drugs within the hospital and most importantly, can save the life of the patient.

During the launch event, PMA President Dr. Minerva Calimag, Department of Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn Ubial, and Dr. Suzette Lazo, former Philippine FDA director, were on hand to shed light on drug regulation updates and understanding the importance of drug development and utilization at the bedside, respectively.

Because of its importance in the clinical practice of the doctors, the factbook will be launched as part of the on-line module of the Philippine Medical Association for their On-line Web-based Learning Partnerships for Medical Advancement (OWL@PMA). 

To know more about the Pharmaceutical Insights for the Well-Informed Clinicians factbook, visit www.owlpma.com.

ReSET: The Science of Renewed Beauty

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America's Favorite Dermatologist, Dr.Tess Mauricio during the media presentation of SkinCell ReSET – which stands for Rejuvenating Skin Enhancement Technology – an innovation that combines the technology of the internationally-renowned Time Machine ProcedureTM (TMP).

Given the seemingly endless choice of skin care products, anti-aging treatments, and beauty regiments being introduced in the market, one can easily be persuaded by testimonials and anecdotal evidence. While actual user feedback provides invaluable insights, the scientific and clinical basis for aesthetic procedures should be the foremost consideration.

Indeed, only proven technology can successfully bring about a transformation to revitalized, rejuvenate, and ReSET our beauty. It is precisely this passion that inspired SkinCell Advanced Aesthetic Clinics to bring the latest breakthrough in dermatological science to Manila.

SkinCell ReSET – which stands for Rejuvenating Skin Enhancement Technology – is an innovation that combines the technology of the internationally-renowned Time Machine ProcedureTM (TMP) and SkinCell’s aesthetic expertise to virtually rewind and impede skin aging. This non-invasive treatment has been continuously credited with making its patients look five to ten years younger, all without going under the knife.

The main building block for ReSET is the TMP, which already has countless success stories and proven effectiveness overseas. By adding years of knowledge and expertise to the equation, SkinCell has made its own enhancements to tailor fit the process to Filipino and Asian skin.

ReSET is a non-surgical procedure with minimal downtime, thus making it ideal for individuals whose busy lifestyle cannot accommodate extended recovery periods.

Moreover, ReSET has been purposely developed to ensure that patients never end up looking overdone, or having the same facial profile as others.

Given that the medical consultants and staff of SkinCell are intensively trained in the latest aesthetic technology, ReSET truly represents the perfect fusion of science and art.

Aside from ReSET, SkinCell Advanced Aesthetic Clinics also offers a wide range of state-of-the-art skincare services which includes Medical and Bridal Dermatology, Advanced Laser Treatments, Golfer’s Hour treatment, Acne Solutions Program, Laser Hair Removal, and other Laser and Light Treatments.

To learn more about ReSET and Skincell’s other services, you may visit www.skincellph.com or visit the SkinCell Advanced Aesthetic Clinics at the San Antonio Plaza, Forbes Park, Makati, or at the New Bocobo Center, Ermita, Manila.

Flawless Healing When Scar's The Limit

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Health and beauty are gifts from nature. Beauty from within is essential, but taking care of our outside appearance is also important.

As our skin is what the world sees of us, we all want our skin to look good. If your skin is clear and healthy looking, it makes you feel good about yourself. For most people, effective skin care is actually a pretty simple process.

But having scars makes people very conscious. Scars are unsightly things that should be hidden or removed as much as possible.

Dr. Hector M. Santos, Jr.

Even small injuries can leave unsightly scars. Severe scalding can easily lead to lasting scars. A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure that leaves a scar. pimples are found on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne is not a serious health threat, but it can cause scars.  Acne is the most common skin disease. Even the removal of a birthmark always leaves a wound behind, which can lead to the occurrence of an unsightly scar.

There are emotional and psychological burden experiencing by most people. Scars often have a stronger impact on especially, women.

A whirl of emotions can develop around a scar. 

- Uncertainty, fear, anger, hopelessness. Scars can start to restrict daily life and damage confidence.

- Insecurity when the scar is visible to others

- Fear that a fresh scar could become infected

- Anger about the cause of the scar

- Worry about the loss of beauty

- Pain both physical and emotional

- Feelings of guilt about having allowed the injury to happen

- Disgust when seeing or touching the scar

- Sadness about the limits the scar places on everyday life

Dr. Christopher Christian P. Aro / Dr. Jose Joven V. Cruz / Dr. Hector M. Santos, Jr.

Here are the reasons why there are patients who avoid undergoing surgery. Women with scars, particularly, often feel a loss of attractiveness and femininity, associate negative emotions with scars, and feel insecure in their own skin.

Studies have shown that scars can affect a person's physical comfort and functioning, self-acceptance, acceptance by others, social functioning, emotional wellbeing, and confidence in the nature and management of the condition.

When exactly is the right time to start scar treatment? And how long do I have to treat a scar? Early treatment is the best way to prevent scars. Your doctor may suggest over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs. Some acne medicines are put right on the skin. Other medicines are pills that you swallow. The doctor may tell you to use more than one medicine.

For many years, Contractubex has been found to be very effective in treating inauspicious and movement restricting scars.

The gel can be used to treat both recent and old scars caused by a phyical accidents, a burn or scald, an acid burn, a vaccination, acne or operation.

Contractubex is a highly effective treatment for all scar types. It actively promotes the healing process of the skin and reduces scarring from within.

The scar gel with the triple effect:

- Prevents the formation of excessive scar tissue

- Reduces redness, itching and the feeling of tension

- Makes the scar smoother and improves elasticity

For best possible results, start treatment as soon as the wound is closed or the stitches are removed. This ensures that your scar will become so fine that you will hardly see or feel it.

Treatment depends on the scar size, freshness of scar and the conditions of scars etc. Large, hard and old scars may need 3-6 months or even longer treatment. Treatment of scar requries a high degree of persverance and active participation by patient in order to achieve a noticable result.

Every year, over 200 million incisions are made on children and adults worldwide. About 30% of those procedures result in pathologic (hypertrophic or keloidal) scars. If the wound healing is undisturbed, one may end up with a normal "fine line" scar. Unfortunately, alterations in the healing process could result to ugly scarring.

Dr. Gene Gerald San Juan Tiongco / Dr. Hector M. Santos, Jr. /  Ms. J. Ann Mirasol / Dr. Jose Joven V. Cruz / Dr. Christopher Christian P. Aro 

Dr. Hector M. Santos, Jr., currently the president of the Phil. Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon. and his colleagues had the assembly recently held at the Makati Shanrila Hotel. During the talks of Dr. Santos, he said that surgery is only half the battle because patients should continue healing with an effective scar treatment for a successful recovery.

Dr. Santos, Jr., also shared to us during the interview, "scarring could be prevented if a wound is treated at the right time with the right product."

Extract Cepae + Heparin Sodium + Allantoin (Contractubex) has been used to treat scars successfully for over 50 years in over 60 countries. It is regularly recommended by doctors all around the world with its efficacy already proven in numerous clinical studies. Its unique combination of three active ingredients works its way deep into the scar to reduce the mark from within and results to a nearly invisible blemish.

Dr. Hector M. Santos, Jr.

Dr. Santos recommended and stressed that the gel should be applied on a closed and non-infected wound. This is a very effective preventive measure especially for individuals who are prone to developing keloids.

"Start applying about a week after your operation, two to three days after the stitches were removed," he said.

"It is importatnt using Contractubex at the right time," he added. The product is well-tolerated, even when used for long periods, and local adverse reactions are very rare. 

Treatment can be started just days after wound closure, or 8-10 days after an operation.

For old and hard scars, it is recommeded that the scar be covered with Contractubex and a bandage overnight to enhance deep prenatration of the active ingredients.

Dr. Santos said that Contractubex could still be applied on old scars as iit could help improve scar appearance but results are not as good as when applied on fresh scars. Contractubex is more than 75% effective in avoiding having itchy red scars.

Regarding big scars, however, they can be surgically removed and treated with Contractubex to greatly improve how they look.

Fresh scars should never be exposed to direct sunlight. The scar formation process is not yet complete, and the sun's rays may adversely affect the sensitive scar tissue while it is forming.

This scar gel can 

- reduce the size of scars

- reduce the difference in color between the scar and surrounding skin

- prevent excessive scar tissue formation

- improve symptoms such as itching, tension, and pain

- reduce the likelihood of hypertrophic scars or keloids developing.

It is generally used after abrasions, cuts or lacerations; surgeries; burns or scalds; and laser treatments such as tattoo removal.

Whether you're concerned about scarring from a cut, scrape, stitches, or even a small surgical wound or acne, here are the two simple resolutions will ensure successful treatment:

Resolution 1: Use Contractubex as soon as the wound has closed or the stitches have been removed.

Resolution 2: Use Contractubex 2 to 3 times a day for at least 3 to 6 months.

Treating scars successfully by Contractubex.

Contractubex is manufactured by Merz Pharma Group, a company with a passion for research and innovation in the areas of aesthetic medicine and dermatology as well as in the field of neurologically induced movement disorders. 

Contractubex is distributed and marketed in the Philippines by Merz's local partner, Zuellig Pharmalink.

It is available in leading drugstores nationwide. 

Maintaining a healthy relationship, Happy Wife, Happy Life

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Maintaining a good and healthy relationships require care and work to maintain closeness. Common components found in successful relationships include - communication, respect, trust, love, sharing, individuality and self-care.

Do your best to treat your partner in a way that says, "I love you and trust you, and I want to work this out."

Express wants and needs. A clear message involves a respectful but direct expression of your wants and needs.

Always I believe, to be aware of what you and your partner want for yourselves and what you want from the relationship.

Realize that your partner will not be able to meet all your needs. Some of these needs will have to be met outside of the relationship. Be willing to negotiate and compromise on the things you want from one another.  You don't have to demand that a partner change to meet all your expectations. Work to accept the differences between your ideal mate and the real person you are with.

Try to see things from the other's point of view. This doesn't mean that you must agree with one another all the time, but rather that both of you can understand and respect each other's differences, points of view, and separate needs. Where critical differences do exist in your expectations, needs, or opinions, try to work honestly and sincerely to negotiate. Seek professional help early rather than waiting until the situation becomes critical.

Emotional support involves accepting your partner's differences and not insisting that he or she meet your needs only in the precise way that you want them met.

Respect your partner's rights. In healthy relationships, there is respect for each partner's right to have her/his own feelings. Resolving conflicts requires honesty, a willingness to consider your partner's perspective even if you don't fully understand it, and lots of communication.

Healthy communication is critical, especially when there are important decisions regarding sex, career, marriage, and family you made.

Now, let's talk about sexual intimacy

Intimacy is always important, always a key factor in a partnership. 

When it comes to sexual intimacy, couples need to be more open with their partners about what satisfies them.

Given that the two of you share a special bond, there's no reason for you to not be comfortable about discussing what you like - and don't like about sex. After all, an activity that is meant to be enjoyed, should provide fulfillment for both parties.

Last Saturday, January 10, I was invited, and attended an interesting event for wives, and husbands, a launch of an advocacy campaign regaring sexual intimacy. Menarini Philippines who continues to promote its Community to Control PE advocacy campaign this 2015 with its Happy Wife, Happy Life event.

Menarini Philippines together with the Philippine Urological Association, boldly launched its Commit to Control PE Advocacy campaign last year to address one of the more pressing issues regarding sexual intimacy - premature ejaculation.

The campaign is meant to make couples more comfortable about discussing their intimacy concerns with each other, without it being a cause of insecurity or dissatisfaction.

This is because premature ejaculation can gravely affect one's relationship when left undiscussed - and untreated.

In relation to this, Menarini Philippines held a talk, aptly called Happy Wife, Happy Life, which was held last January 10 at the Satin Room of the Seda Hotels in BGC, hosted by popular celebrity columnist RJ Ledesma and was attended by local bloggers. It aimed to shed better insight about what premature ejaculation is all about, and that it is not something to be embarrassed about because it can be controlled.

And this advocacy campaign event featured a very insightful talk from sex and relationship guru, Dr. Margarita Holmes. It was the first time I met in person, Dr. Margie Holmes, with a very lively insightful talk - "Love and lust that last." I have watched and admire her in many TV guestings she had. 

Dr. Dennis Serrano

Also present at the event was Dr. Dennis Serrano, who talked about the “basics” of premature ejaculation to help the guests have a better understanding of this condition. 

Menarini Philippines strongly believes in this advocacy which is often left untreated because it is a topic that is usually considered taboo even in these modern times.

The pharmaceutical giant hopes to make a stronger impact among Filipino couples on their campaign this year with more events like this.

Really, intimacy is always important. It doesn't matter if you're 18 or 88, intimacy is always a key factor in a partnership. Couples stay intimate long into their 80s and 90s. In fact, many couples have increased satisfaction the older they get, because they are more and more skilled! Keep learning and experimenting - the best is yet to come.

About the Menarini Group

Menarini is the world’s largest Italian biopharmaceutical company with a heritage of over 128 years and over 16,000 employees in over 100 countries. Here in Asia-Pacific, Menarini’s vision is to be a leading provider of important healthcare brands to improve the lives of people in the region. Menarini Asia-Pacific operates across the entire commercial value chain, from regulatory approval and product launch to lifecycle management with a diverse portfolio of proprietary and partnered brands in key therapeutic fields, including Dermatology, Primary Care, Allergy/Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Select Specialty Care, Men’s Health and Consumer Health.

For further information, please visit: www.menariniapac.com.

Manila Doctors launches new Siemens Symbia Intevo xSPECT: The world’s best Gamma Camera with CT Scan

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New Siemens Symbia Intevo xSPECT is the world’s best Gamma Camera with CT Scan. Symbia Intevo's faster imaging solutions improve patient comfort and satisfaction. 

Manila Doctors launched and introduced the new Siemens Symbia Intevo xSPECT during the press conference held last September 23, 2014. 

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(From left) MDH Nuclear Medicine Department Chair Dr. Antonio Garcia, SVP for Medical Affairs Dr. Dante Morales, Siemens Healthcare Clinical Marketing Advisor Dr. Partha Ghosh and MDH Medical Director Dr. Mario Juco introduces to the member of the press the new Symbia Intevo xSPECT - the first xSPECT system in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia .

Manila Doctors Hospital partners with Siemens in bringing the world’s best xSPECT system to the Philippines and in Southeast Asia - the new Symbia Intevo which provides physicians with the ability to not only image disease, but also to leverage the high resolution to see the unseen for more confident interpretations. Its unique quantitative capabilities provide the ability to monitor and adjust treatments earlier by accurately measuring even small differences. 

To support patient safety and increased efficiency, Symbia Intevo was designed to administer the lowest dose while imaging patients faster than ever.

Symbia Intevo is the world’s best Gamma Camera with CT Scan and the first system of its kind in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia to allow easy, accurate and reproducible quantification, making treatment follow-up possible.

(In this photo MDH Nuclear Medicine Department Chair Dr. Antonio Garcia explains to the patient the machine's unique imaging features.)

Faster and more accurate cardiac imaging 

The increase in demand for faster myocardial perfusion imaging has been one of the key trends in nuclear medicine. With Symbia Intevo, cardiac imaging becomes 75% faster and more comfortable and accurate than ever before. The innovative IQ.SPECT makes cardiac imaging 4 times faster for patient comfort and improved image quality.

Molecular Imaging is now Quantitative

Accurate and reproducible quantification supports physicians’ ability to more confidently interpret clinical images, enabling early modification of treatment and potentially reducing the cost for skeletal such as assessment of bone graft function and retention, hip joint replacement follow-up, assessment of meniscal pathology and grading and follow up of renal osteodystrophy. The scanner may also be used for other applications such as infection, inflammation, lung perfusion, renal cortical mass, liver and autoimmune disease.

Through this latest acquisition, Manila Doctors Hospital in its thrust to provide world-class quality and affordable healthcare to its stakeholders aims improve patient well-being, reduce costs and increase productivity. Symbia Intevo may give physicians the ability to make progress in diagnosing and treating the most challenging diseases, and to make more accurate treatment decisions.

Manila Doctors Hospital

One of the leading centers of health and wellness in the Philippines, MDH is a Metrobank Foundation healthcare affiliate. The Foundation actively supports the Hospital’s operations and provides funds for a wide array of social services—which includes subsidies for in-house charity patients, surgical missions, outreach programs and health-related interventions, projects in adopted communities and schools—and research. MDH is certified as an ISO 9001:2008 institution and recognized as the first private hospital in Asia to be accredited by Accreditation Canada International.

Your baby’s precious CORD blood can save his precious life

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As mothers, you will do anything for your child. Even way before they are brought into this world, your instincts kick in and you tirelessly worry about your baby. You want to learn everything there is to learn and more importantly, you want to protect them from anything and everything that can harm them be it the common cold or a fever; and if you had your way, you would gladly get sick for your child. 

And your anxiety is not without reason, since there are many childhood diseases that can be harmful or even fatal to children.

Niña Corpuz, popular reporter, decided to bank with Cordlife, she knew it was an investment in her baby’s and her family’s future. Like any mom, Niña wants to give her baby the best that life has to offer and her baby’s long-term health and well-being was the primary reason for her to consider banking her baby’s cord blood and cord lining. 

“Having my child was the most fulfilling moment of my life. I never thought I’d be capable of so much love and sacrifice until I gave birth to my wonderful kids.” said Corpuz. “Every day is just a joy and as early as now, I think of the many things my child and I will do, experience, and share. I invested in my baby’s cord blood and cord lining because I want to be sure that my baby is given the best investment I could ever give.”

Leukemia is perhaps the most common type of cancer compromising 47.8% of all childhood cancers1. Hodgkin’s Disease1 or non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is the third childhood cancer comprising 9% of childhood cancer. Aside from these types of cancers, certain brain disorders are also common in children. These include cerebral palsy and neuroblastoma. Cerebral palsy severely impairs the development of the motor functions and afflicts 1-2 percent of the Philippine population2. Neuroblastoma, on the other hand, causes the sufferer to lose the ability to empty the bladder, experience paralysis of the hips, feet, legs and uncontrolled movement.

Research into the use of cord blood and cord lining stem cells have been ongoing since the 1980s and has shown promise of saving lives and treating life-threatening diseases. More than 30,000 cord blood stem cell transplants3 have already been performed since 1988. 

“The strides made in cord blood transplantation has made this manner of treating diseases more widely accepted by people,” said Dr. Arvin Faundo, Cordlife Philippines Medical Director. “Currently, umbilical cord blood transplant is considered as one of the standard forms of treatments for leukemia, among others. Also, many clinical trials4, 5 worldwide are ongoing for which the results are encouraging. In fact, Duke Medicine is studying the use of umbilical cord blood stem cells6 to treat autism and related brain disorders. While the trials are still in the initial phases, we are hopeful that these will yield positive results.” 

Last June, Duke Medicine received USD 15 million funding by Atlanta-based Marcus Foundation. Apart from treating patients based in the United States, Duke Medicine has also opened its door for possible participants from outside of the country provided they meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria7 to be considered, patients must be aged between 24 months and 72 months old. The patient would also need to travel at least three times to Duke Medicine in the United States – at the infusion, the six- and 12-month follow up stages. A stipend worth U$1,000 will likewise be provided to the trial participant per trip to help defray travel expenses.

Today, Cordlife has served over 3,000 families in the Philippines alone and is trusted by 100,000 parents8 worldwide.

“We are definitely seeing a growing acceptance and openness of the Filipino market to the idea of umbilical cord lining and cord blood banking because I believe that the parents are now more proactive in finding better means to complete their family’s health protection plan.” said Michael Arnonobal, Cordlife Philippines Managing Director. “More importantly, today’s mothers see investing in their children and families as paramount to ensuring their legacy and their well-being.”

For more information, download Cordlife’s free infopack @ www.cordlife.ph or call (02) 3321888 to know how you can invest in your children’s future.