Health Talks: New observational, non-interventional clinical study-a giant leap for taking care of peripheral neuropathy sufferers

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Clinical study shows benefits on symptoms of peripheral neuropathy 

Manila, Philippines, March 2018 - Merck, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials hosted NENOIN Symposium, a new clinical study shows benefits on symptoms of peripheral neuropathy with Dr. Rizaldy Pinzon last March 21, 2018 held at Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas, Manila.

Peripheral neuropathy sufferers treated with a combination of three neurotropic B vitamins have experienced improvement on all neuropathy symptoms observed in the study independently from the cause of their neuropathy.

NERVES 

The nervous system allows us to perceive, comprehend, and respond to the world around us. It coordinates voluntary actions like walking and involuntary actions like breathing and swallowing, Nerves, the components of the nervous tissue, enable impulses sensation and motion between the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the body.

Dr. Rizaldy Pinzon and host Gelli Victor 

SENSORY PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY 

Peripheral Neuropathy is a disorder affecting nerves, impairing them in their function of transmitting information and potentially affecting millions of people worldwide. Peripheral Neuropathy can cause various body discomforts, such as tingling, increased or decreased sensitivity to vibration, hot or cold, numbness, muscle weakness and even burning pain. Peripheral Neuropathy can cause "typical symptoms" which appear more often and "atypical symptoms, which are less frequent and can be overlooked or misinterpreted.

Example of symptoms of Peripheral Neuropathy: 

PARESTHESIA, NUMBNESS, BURNING PAIN, 

SHARP PAIN

 Dr. Rizaldy Pinzon

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can seem innocuous but have an impact of the patients' well-being and their quality of life. Early detection and treatment are crucial as well as effective treatment options, which relieve patients from their symptoms without having to suffer from significant side effects.

OBSERVATIONAL, NON-INTERVENTIONAL CLINICAL STUDY CONFIRMS THE BENEFITS OF A UNIQUE TREATMENT FOR ALL

A new clinical study (Asian Journal of Medical Sciences, lan 2018) has brought a major step forward for nerve health: it has demonstrated that an effective treatment helps relieve all neuropathy symptoms (observed in the study), regardless of the cause of peripheral neuropathy. 

Whether the patients were suffering from numbness, pain or paraesthesia (usually painless sensation like tingling or itching, often felt in the arms and feet, they experienced relief on all these symptoms. It was also observed that the longer they used the treatment, the more relief the patients felt from these symptoms. 

Finally it is also very reassuring to see that the treatment has shown a good tolerance profile over the whole duration (3 months).

Neurobion

Neurobion is a B complex vitamin supplement that containing vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12

Neurobion contribute to nerve health and help provide relief for people who suffer from: -peripheral nerve problems -anyone at risk of vitamin B deficiency ( eg over-55 years old, vegetarians, diabetics and pre-diabetics and others.) 

Neurobion helps to enhance and prolong quality of life when people start experiencing the signs of an impaired nervous system – numbness, tingling or even a sensation of pins and needles can be some of the first external signs. The risk for this condition can increased with age.

Neurobion is highly recommended by Doctors because the effectiveness of the Neurobion is clinically proven to help nerve fibers work well and to relieve the symptoms of damage to the nervous system (neuropathy).

“Bridging Baby Steps” gives education on infertility and raise awareness on IVF ( in-vitro fertilization)

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The advancement of technology in the medical field and availability of improvised technique has given a ray of hope to millions of childless couples across the world.

Merck Philippines, one of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, remains committed to changing lives of couples with fertility problems. As they continuously spreading awareness to help couples who are having problems conceiving, “Bridging Baby Steps” symposium was held at the Shangrila Hotel, Manila on October 21, 2017. 

Through the Fertility Awareness Campaign, now on its fifth year, Merck Philippines held the “Bridging Baby Steps,” to continue education on infertility and raise awareness about the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods available in the country through seminars and information dissemination. 

Infertility, is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Not all couples are suffering from fertility problems. Data from a Synovate survey in 2011 shows that one out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from infertility. 

At the symposium “Bridging Baby Steps” we have learned a lot about In vitro fertilization treatment that has given a lot of respite to couples from various parts of the country and abroad, who are facing infertility disorders.

Aside from marrying age, educational status, professional goals, and other socio-cultural practices affect a couple’s ability to procreate, infertility can also be traced to issues affecting both the female and male reproductive systems, and medical conditions that compromises the quality of egg and sperm cells. 

Dr. Gia Pastorfide talks about Egg freezing

Anthony Marc B. Ancheta

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common and most effective type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to help women become pregnant. In the simplest description of IVF,  is the process of joining of a woman’s egg and a man’s sperm in a laboratory dish.This procedure involves fertilizing an egg outside the body, in a laboratory dish, and then implanting it in a woman's uterus.

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) involves a significant physical, financial, and emotional commitment on the part of a couple. Psychological stress and emotional problems are common.

As it commonly known as Test Tube Baby, IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo(s) is then transferred to the uterus.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment procedure enables multiplication of ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the process, embryos will be formed outside the body of a female patient and will be transferred once the cultures are successfully formed. Patients who are suffering from severe sperm deficits, blocked fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders can be candidates for this treatment.

Fertility medications are prescribed to stimulate egg production. Multiple eggs are desired because some eggs will not develop or fertilize after retrieval. A transvaginal ultrasound is used to examine the ovaries, and blood test samples are taken to check hormone levels.

Eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure that uses ultrasound imaging to guide a hollow needle through the pelvic cavity to remove the eggs. Medication is provided to reduce and remove potential discomfort.

The male is asked to produce a sample of sperm, which is prepared for combining with the eggs.

In a process called insemination, the sperm and eggs are mixed together and stored in a laboratory dish to encourage fertilization. Through this procedure, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg in an attempt to achieve fertilization. The eggs are monitored to confirm that fertilization and cell division are taking place. Once this occurs, the fertilized eggs are considered embryos.

The embryos are usually transferred into the woman’s uterus three to five days following egg retrieval and fertilization. A catheter or small tube is inserted into the uterus to transfer the embryos. This procedure is painless for most women, although some may experience mild cramping. If the procedure is successful, implantation typically occurs around six to ten days following egg retrieval.

The success rate of IVF clinics depends on a number of factors including reproductive history, maternal age, the cause of infertility, and lifestyle factors.

Mr. and Mrs. Basilio shared their story on how blessed they have now two babies after IVF.

There are a number of questions to ask regarding the cost and details of specific centers and fertility programs. To further equip yourself with information of fertility, and IVF in the Philippines, visit Facebook page www.facebook.com/fertilityawarenessphilippines.  

Health Talks: Merck Philippines on its 5th year of Fertility Awareness Campaign presents “Bridging Baby Steps" program to give means and ways to combat infertility

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Merck Philippines remains true to its legacy of its continuous advocacy on fertility awareness. On its 5th year of Fertility Awareness Campaign, Merck remains committed to changing lives of couples with fertility problems. 

The local arm of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, Merck Philippines has been proactive in their fertility awareness campaign since year 2013. 

This year, the campaign, which is aptly named “Bridging Baby Steps,” aims to continue education on infertility and raise awareness about the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods available in the country through seminars and information dissemination. 

World Health Organization (WHO), defined Infertility as “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.” 

Turning Dreams to Reality 

Infertility is related to a person’s socio-cultural practices, including the marrying age, educational status, and professional goals. Data from a Synovate survey in 2011 shows that one out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from infertility. 

Dr. Virgilio M. Novero Jr., head of St. Luke’s flagship Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Infertility (CARMI) said that a couple’s fertility can also be affected by issues in the female and male reproductive systems, as well as various medical conditions that can affect the quality of the egg and sperm cells.

The ART of Procreation

Infertility should not be the be-all and end-all for couples, as there are means and ways to this. 

One available method for childless couples is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). This treatment procedure enables multiplication of ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the process, embryos will be formed outside the body of a female patient and will be transferred once the “cultures” are successfully formed. Patients who are suffering from severe sperm deficits, blocked fallopian tubes, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders can be candidates for this treatment. 

With regards to IVF being risky, Dr. Novero shared that the success rate of such procedure has grown tremendously over the past years. He said that about six million children around the world were born via IVF. 

Dess Cartaῆo, Sales & Marketing Manager for Fertility, Merck Philippines said:  “As they say, ‘where there’s life, there’s hope.’ We, at Merck Philippines, understand the heartaches of couples who can’t conceive a child. We want to let them know that there are means and ways to combat infertility. ” 

Join “Bridging Baby Steps” on October 21, 2017 at EDSA Shangri-La Manila.

 

Visit www.facebook.com/fertilityawarenessphilippines to know more about infertility and IVF in the Philippines, 

Merck steps up awareness campaign against thyroid diseases

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In time for the International Thyroid Awareness Week (ITAW) 2017, leading science and healthcare innovation company Merck, joined forces with the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA), Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PSEDM), and the Iodine Global Network (IGN), to raise consciousness against thyroid disorders. 

You and your thyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that sits in at the lower front of the neck. It plays a key role in one’s overall health and well-being by producing thyroid hormones that help keep the body use energy, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs in tip-top condition. 

Thyroid disorders are some of the most common diseases worldwide. In the Philippines, one in every 11 adults suffers from goiter or other thyroid disorders. 

Thyroid problems are more common in women. Figures show that women are four to seven times more likely to have thyroid disorders than men. They are also at risk of hypothyroidism by 10 times. Moreover, women who recently gave birth and those who are in the menopausal stage are more vulnerable.  

But why are thyroid diseases usually left undetected and misdiagnosed? Blame the symptoms. Tiredness, anxiety, weight fluctuations, difficulty in sleeping – these are some of the telling signs of a thyroid problem. Unfortunately, more often than not, people usually attribute these to merely having poor lifestyle choices. This is why the theme of this year’s ITAW is: “It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid”.

It’s Not You, It’s Your Thyroid

Since its primary role is to control the metabolism, disorders may occur when there’s little (hypothyroidism) or overproduction (hyperthyroidism) of thyroid hormones. 

Patients with hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone, tend to have slower metabolism: they gain weight despite not eating much, move and speak slowly, feel tired and have depressed thoughts, cannot tolerate cold, and have irregular menstrual periods. On the other hand, patients with hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone, will have hyperactive metabolism: they lose weight despite having good appetite, have heart palpitations, irritable thoughts and insomnia, have sweating and heat intolerance, and can have tremors in their hands. 

The diagnosis of thyroid disorders can easily be made by checking the levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in the blood. Treatment brings the level of thyroid hormones back in balance, restoring normal metabolism to the body.

For more information, visit www.thyroidaware.com

 or follow “Unmasking Your Thyroid” on Facebook (www.facebook.com/thyroidph). 

About Merck

Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company with headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. Merck is a leading science and technology company that works to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions

Give Life to Dreams, Merck continues advocacy on fertility awareness

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For some Filipino couples, dreams of having and raising a baby together are dashed by fertility issues, which, unknown to many, is actually a disease recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization describes infertility as “a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.”

Merck Philippines, the local arm of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company, joined forces with St. Luke’s Medical Center – Global City for a public information project that promotes awareness on infertility, as well as the different medical solutions that can give life to the dreams of Filipino couples. This project coincides with the fifth year of St. Luke’s flagship Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Infertility (CARMI).

“As of a Synovate survey we conducted in 2011, one out of ten Filipinos are suffering from infertility.  This condition is related to our socio-cultural practices, including the marrying age, educational status, and professional goals,” said CARMI head Dr. Virgilio M. Novero, Jr.

Aside from socio-cultural factors mentioned by Dr. Novero, a couple’s fertility can also be affected by issues in the female and male reproductive systems, as well as various medical conditions that can affect the quality of the egg and sperm cells. 

“Instead of just giving up their dreams of having a child, there are modern and effective ways to address infertility,” explained Dr. Novero. “A couple can come in for a series of basic and ancillary tests to determine the root cause of their fertility issues, and we can help develop a treatment plan that will deliver their desired result: pregnancy.”

The science of ART

One of the medical solutions that childless Filipino couples can explore is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), which is an umbrella term that refers to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and its variants. This special fertility treatment procedure stimulates multiple ovarian follicles and facilitates egg cell retrieval. During the course of treatment, embryos will be formed outside of the female patient’s body—and once the “cultures” have formed successfully, they will be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

ART is recommended for patients suffering from blocked fallopian tubes, severe sperm deficits, unexplained infertility, mild endometriosis, and ovulation disorders, among others.

Though not unheard of for Filipinos, IVF is often seen as risky, needlessly expensive, exclusive to those who can get the procedure done abroad, and worse, ineffective. Dr. Novero explained that ART has made significant improvement in efficiency over the years.

“In the past, doctors can only recommend IVF to a select few,” said D, r. Novero. “But in the recent years, technological advances, including new knowledge in hormonal treatment, improvement in video technology and other medical equipment, has boosted IVF’s efficiency.”

Dr. Novero mentioned that the success rate of the procedure has also recently seen a significant rise—today, over six million children are born all over the world after their parents have undergone an IVF procedure.

“Our success rates are now at 35 to 50 percent for pregnancy, and 20 to 25 percent for live births,” Dr. Novero said proudly. “The success rates depend on the patient’s profile, the competence of the medical staff, the quality and standards of the IVF lab, and of course the use of cutting-edge technology. At CARMI, our patients can be assured that we have a team of highly trained and experienced medical staff, a state-of-the-art IVF lab, and modern technology that can increase the success rate of pregnancy and live birth.”

“With the help of Filipino doctors and specialty groups, Merck has been able to propagate more information on infertility,” said Dess Cartaño, Senior Product Manager for Fertility, Merck Philippines. “At this point, we want to provide fertility-challenged couples with actual, effective, and efficient solutions that will give life to their dreams of a family once more.”

To know more about infertility and IVF in the Philippines, Merck Philippines will be holding a seminar on the science and possibilities of IVF on September 24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ortigas.