6 million nurses needed amid the pandemic says World Health Organization

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Nurses in the Philippines can take advantage of the rising demand for their services around the world by pursuing a lucrative and fulfilling career abroad.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the global shortage of nurses—a challenge that the medical industry has been dealing with since 2016. According to the “State of the World’s Nursing”, a report released by the World Health Organization, there was a global shortage of 5.9 million nurses in 2018, a statistic which has been highly exacerbated during the pandemic.

Now more than ever, the world needs nurses – at least 6 million – to fill the global shortage, and consequently meet the global development goals on health, which are to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages, including the provision of universal health coverage.

With the increased demand for nurses in various parts of the world, Filipino nurses who are aspiring to work abroad can seize this opportunity to finally fulfill their dreams of having a lucrative and successful career abroad. While applicants may think that it takes a lot of paperwork to get started on applying for a position overseas, TrueProfile.io, a platform that provides Filipino healthcare professionals around the world with tools they need to secure a lucrative career abroad, offers everything that Filipino healthcare workers need to make the move abroad. Some of the services that are hosted on the TrueProfile.io platform include international job opportunities, document verification, licensing services, English language training and exclusive informational resources.

To get started, aspiring healthcare workers must collect all the basic requirements which include either a 1x1 or 2x2 ID picture, PSA-authenticated birth certificate, resume, college diploma, transcript of records, employer contract, marriage contract (if applicable), NBI clearance, passport (valid for at least six months), as well as license and certifications.

Next, since many foreign employers will want to make sure all these documents are authentic and valid, applicants must have their credentials verified. This step can easily be done with the help of TrueProfile.io. By signing up to become a member, TrueProfile.io offers its members with a number of career solutions including a free digital CV that can be shared with employers, regulators and recruiters and can also be showcased on social media.

For interested applicants, simply create an account on TrueProfile (https://member.trueprofile.io/register), build a myTrueProfile page, and then set contact settings to the ‘Recommended’ option in order to attract new career opportunities.

To know more, visit https://www.trueprofile.io/

About TrueProfile.io

TrueProfile.io works with employers and international job applicants to enhance human resource processes through a fully digital, on-demand Primary Source Verification (PSV) solution. TrueProfile.io removes the friction of ever-repetitive background checks and replaces it with a broadly accepted standard that connects applicants with employers in a secured and trusted environment. We do this by using cutting-edge blockchain technology to securely verify applicant qualifications for prospective employers. The PSV process ensures that all of the candidates’ credentials are authentic and issued by an accredited institution.

TrueProfile.io is part of the DataFlow Group, a leading global provider of specialized PSV solutions, background screening and immigration compliance services. Headquartered in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), the DataFlow Group has been delivering PSV services to regulators and governments in Asia and Europe since 2006.

https://www.trueprofile.io/

Upcoming 27th PR Congress Puts Spotlight on Mental Health in the Workplace

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Makati, Philippines – Mental health is the third most common disability in the country, with about 6 million Filipinos living with depression and/or anxiety, according to WHO. Lack of data fails to present an accurate and complete picture of the status of mental health in the Philippines today, but previous studies by WHO, the Philippine Statistics Office and other bodies indicate mental health is a serious – and growing – concern.

The pandemic is further aggravating the anxiety of many Filipinos already worried about their livelihood and uncertain about the future

As the pandemic continues to unsettle the country, constricting the economy, causing deaths and job losses, disrupting education and work, and painting an even more uncertain future for Filipinos, the number of people with anxiety and other similar mental health concerns is estimated to have risen further. The National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) reported a marked increase in calls received during the pandemic than before, with the monthly average from March to May last year more than double the monthly average from May 2019 to February 2020 or before the pandemic. Calls received by the NCMH related to suicide likewise spiked.

The upcoming 27th National Public Relations Congress, an annual gathering of communication practitioners from across the different industries and sectors of society, will tackle this pressing matter this February 17 to 19. Mental health in the workplace, in particular, will be a hot topic scheduled for the third day, which will be dedicated to deep diving into narratives punctuating many of today’s business actions and discussions, especially on social media, such as the environment, equality, diversity and leadership.

Jane Fordham, a strategic people consultant with two decades of experience in agencies and the creative industries, will share her insights on how to ensure mental health in the workplace, noting how the PR industry is often perceived as very stressful. The discussion will try to look into ways of detecting mental health needs among office and work team members, how organizations and businesses can create an atmosphere of positivity and collaboration in the workplace, and what measures or programs should be in place to assist team members with mental health needs.

Themed Transcend, the 27th National PR Congress hopes to enjoin communication practitioners to work more closely together to contribute to addressing social issues and make a lasting impact on the nation in line with PRSP’s 2020 theme of PR for Good. The annual conference will likewise explore the outlook for the PR industry as it rebounds from the setbacks resulting from the pandemic and gears up for the challenges and opportunities in this new decade.

PRSP President Norman Agatep, APR, said: “As we revisit our business plans and strategies for this new year and decade, we must also look into how we can better work with the society to address concerns that impact not just businesses and the economy but the whole nation. That is part of our commitment as the industry storytellers.”

Ana Pista, PRSP vice president for external affairs and Congress chair, added: “As in previous congresses, we want this annual conference to be a platform for meaningful discussions and exploring solutions to our problems as an industry and nation. Mental health is a serious matter, one of many issues we need to prioritize, and we hope that through the Congress we can help start the discussion on how to ensure we have the right programs in place for our people.”

For more information about the 27th National Public Relations Congress, visit the event website or Facebook page or contact Lessa Azcarraga at lessa.azcarraga@ardent.com.ph.

GE and Cardinal Santos Memorial Center Presents Future of Cancer Care

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This Wednesday ( March 8 ) GE Philippines together with Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) held a media discussions where key Healthcare Stakeholders share their views on the following topics:

• The current state of cancer care in the Philippines
• The need for more education around cancer prevention and seeking treatment early
• The technologies and treatments available to help detect and treat cancer in the Philippines 

Health experts share view on current state of cancer care in the Philippines. 

• Cancer is one of the Philippines’ top causes of death, claiming 56,000 lives per year.
• Increasing number of new cancer cases worldwide is alarming and becoming more pressing for institutions like Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMS) to pursue strategic interventions.
• CSMC’s latest effort to meet the Philippines’ needs on cancer care is the installation of the GE Discovery™ PET/CT 710, which features high sensitivity, advanced protocol flexibility, and high-definition image reconstruction to help doctors recommend the best possible tailor regimen for patients, while minimizing radiation.

Early diagnosis key to preventing cancer, experts advise

Despite the increasing number of cancer deaths worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterates that between 30-50 percent of cancers can be prevented by interventions such as lifestyle changes and early screening. ¹

In the Philippines, cancer claims the lives of 56, 000 Filipinos a year, making it one of the country’s top causes of death.² Top cancer killers in the Philippines include breast, lung, colorectal, liver and cervical cancers. ³

According to the World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for nearly 8.8 million deaths in 2015, a number that could reach 17 million by 2030.⁴

“The increasing number of new cancer cases worldwide is alarming and it becomes more pressing for us to pursue strategic interventions,” said Dr. Christine Gruenberg of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC).

Diagnosed too late

Cancer symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, and skin changes are often mistaken for common illnesses that by the time of diagnosis, the tumors have already spread to other parts of the body.⁵

Though one third of cancer deaths are due to behavioral and dietary risks namely high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use, factors such as family history, physical environment, and infectious agents like HPV also contribute to the rise of cancer incidence worldwide.⁶

Patients’ survival chances also get slimmer when their cancer is diagnosed at a late stage. Aside from lower likelihood of survival, delayed diagnosis also causes serious treatment-related side effects and higher healthcare costs.⁷

PET/ CT Inauguration ( Cardinal Santos Medical Center)

Better cancer outcomes

The WHO identified three steps that can help improve diagnosis: improving awareness, capacity building, and ensuring treatment access. ⁸

Treatment methods cannot begin, however, if there is no pathologic confirmation of the disease. This is why the availability of advanced healthcare technology matters in improving diagnosis, said GE Healthcare Philippines Country Manager Ivan Arota.

“Just like all other health challenges, addressing the burden of cancer requires a multi-sectoral approach. Our work as a healthcare solutions provider does not stop with the development of innovative medical equipment,” Arota said.

“We help build on the diagnostic capacity of healthcare workers pursuant to the recommendations of the WHO,” he added.

CSMC’s latest effort to meet the Philippines’ needs on cancer care is the installation of the Discovery™ PET/CT 710. The Discovery PET/CT 710 features high sensitivity, advanced protocol flexibility, and high-definition image reconstruction to help doctors recommend the best possible tailor regimen for patients, while minimizing radiation.

A PET-CT scan is an invaluable diagnostic tool in cancer care that simultaneously performs two individual tests to detect cancer and determine its stage. The highly sensitive PET scan detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells - a key element in the diagnostic process; while the CT scan creates a detailed image of abnormal cancerous tissues inside the body, including their location and size.

To identify any abnormalities, a radiopharmaceutical marker called Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is injected into the patient. The PET scanner picks up the signal produced by the marker, creating images of the FDG distribution in the body. Combined, a PET-CT scan provides doctors with comprehensive information on the disease and allows them to plan treatment effectively.

“When healthcare providers recommend treatment options to cancer patients, they rely heavily on data generated by equipment and other tools. We can’t compromise quality and efficient monitoring because lives are at stake,” said CSMC Medical Director Dr. Zenaida Javier-Uy.

“The addition of a PET/CT in CSMC’s range of equipment and services will help us in our commitment to provide improved cancer care and better clinical outcomes for our patients,” Dr. Javier-Uy added.

About GE:

GE (NYSE: GE) is the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solutions that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the "GE Store," through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, markets, structure and intellect. Each invention further fuels innovation and application across our industrial sectors. With people, services, technology and scale, GE delivers better outcomes for customers by speaking the language of industry. www.ge.com

1 World Health Organization Media centre http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/

2 World Health Organization Cancer Country Profile Philippines http://www.who.int/cancer/country-profiles/phl_en.pdf?ua=1

3 International Agency for Research on Cancer GLOBOCAN 2012 http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx

4 The global burden of cancer: priorities for prevention https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802672/

5 American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer.html

6 World Health Organization Media centre http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/ ; American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/signs-and-symptoms-of-cancer.html

7 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/en/

8 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/en/

Sanofi Pasteur Presents Updates and Truth About the Dengue Vaccine

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Sanofi Pasteur, the world leader in human vaccines, recently presents updates and truth about Dengvaxia, known as Dengue Vaccine. Sanofi Pasteur has invested in the research and development of a dengue vaccine for about 20 years.

Dengue is a high-profile and ongoing public health concern in the Philippines. During the press conference on Friday, October 21, held at The Dusit Thani Manila Hotel, Makati City, Sanofi Pasteur, presents full data and updates on dengue.

Dengue cases rose to epidemic levels in 2015 with an average of 220 reported cases per day.

The first known epidemic of severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever anywhere in the world was recorded in Manila in 1953.

By the mid-1970s, severe dengue had become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in the region. Between 2004 and 2010, the Philippines experienced the seventh highest number of dengue cases in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

2016 data suggests an increasing trend in reported dengue cases

In 2013, DOH reported 204,906 cases of dengue, the highest number recorded since the establishment of the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program in 1993. More than 200,000 dengue cases were reported in the Philippines in 2015, 80,000 more than were reported in 2014. In both September and October 2015, the number of reported cases rose above the epidemic threshold. 

Although the number of reported dengue cases slightly decreased in 2014, the 2015 data suggest an increasing trend in cases in the coming years. Recent data gathered by the Department of Health from January to 24 September this year shows an increase of 11.5 percent year on year across the country, with total dengue infections at 142,247 compared to 127,525 last year and 604 recorded fatalities 

Based on Philippine surveillance data collected between 2011 and 2015, an average of 220 dengue cases were reported in the country every day. In 2015, almost 50% of reported cases came from three most urbanized regions: Region 3 (17.6%), Region 4 (17.3%), and the National Capital Region (12.6%). Cases stemming from all four serotypes of dengue were reported in 2015.

Disease burden: US$345 million per year

The economic burden of dengue in the Philippines is substantial. A study published in 2015 estimated that between 2008 and 2012, clinically diagnosed dengue cases in the Philippines were associated with a direct medical cost (in 2012 US dollars) of $345 million annually. 

The study calculated the average cost of treatment per case to be $409, representing 16% of the Philippines’ 2012 per capita GDP. Sixty-five percent of cases were treated in inpatient hospitals, representing 90% of direct costs.

In addition to dengue’s burden on a household, the illness can adversely impact a country’s economy through a loss of productivity caused by the illness and pre-mature death, increased healthcare costs and a possible reduction in tourism.

Seasonality and global climate change

Dengue has become a year-round threat in the Philippines. However, data suggests that the number of dengue cases increases one to two months after the onset of the rainy season, resulting in a peak of dengue cases between July and November each year. 

The Philippines is severely affected by extreme weather events and is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Vector-borne diseases like dengue may be particularly sensitive to both periodic fluctuations and sustained changes in global and local climates. Additionally, a study examining data from eight Asian countries including the Philippines over 18 years revealed a strong correlation between regional dengue epidemics and elevated temperatures associated with El Niño.

DoH implements a step-wise public vaccination program in 2016

The Department of Health announced on 4 January 2016 that one million (1M) nine-year-old Filipinos enrolled in government schools in Region 3, Region 4-A and the National Capital Region will be the first beneficiaries of the government-procured dengue vaccine. 

In a recent dengue vaccine cost-effectiveness study performed by Professor Hilton Lam of the UP-National Institutes of Health, a nationwide annual routine vaccination of nine-year olds starting in 2016 would lead to an estimated 24.2% reduction in dengue cases in the country over a five-year period. This would translate to 775,053 avoided cases of dengue, 502,000 avoided hospitalizations, 22,010 avoided deaths and almost Php 21 billion in avoided cost to society.

Beyond the Vial: A Social Value Business Model For Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengue Vaccine

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Dengue is a serious and complex disease. Dengue is an infection caused by a virus. You can get it if an infected mosquito bites you. The mosquitos that transmit dengue indiscriminately pass the disease amongst people of all ages and socio-economic levels. Aedes aegypti has been identified as the main dengue-carrying culprit, biting between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Another one is Aedes albopictus, has been discovered to have peak biting hours from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. In tandem, these mosquito strains now make dengue a round-the-clock concern.

Dengue is a major public health priority. Dengue vaccination is a critical addition to the integrated disease prevention efforts needed to more effectively manage dengue burden. The tide of dengue could be better controlled through enhanced international collaborations in public health, and an innovative social business model with a vaccine at its core.

What's the best line of defense against dengue? About half of the world’s population lives in areas where dengue is endemic, and millions suffer its seemingly bone-breaking pain and severe fevers, each year. 

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi,  is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Sanofi discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs.

Dr Su-Peing Ng, Global Medical Head Sanofi Pasteur and Professor Tikki Pang from Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (2012 ) and at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland as Director of its Research Policy & Cooperation department (1999-2012)

A media round table talks las September 20, 2016 held at The New World Hotel with with Dr Su-Peing Ng, Global Medical Head Sanofi Pasteur as she talks about Combatting Dengue with World's First Vaccine: From Innovation to Implementation and Professor Tikki Pang explains health Impact and value of dengue vaccination.

It was twenty years ago when the global healthcare leader, Sanofi Pasteur identified the potential scale of the dengue problem at its early stages, and began to put in place a set of innovative scientific and industrial solutions. In 2015, the dengue vaccine received its first market approvals. 

In July 2016, after more than two years of review processes and inputs from clinical trial data and from top global dengue and infectious diseases experts, the World Health Organization issued its recommendation that countries where the dengue burden is high should consider vaccine introduction as part of integrated dengue prevention and control measures.As of September 14th 2016, the vaccine was licensed in 9 endemic countries in Asia and Latin America and public immunization programs are underway in Brazil and the Philippines, while the vaccine is also available on the private markets in those countries as well as in Mexico and El Salvador. 

The story behind the vaccine is one of hard-earned research and development – but you’ve heard that story before. This story goes beyond the vial, as well: It’s about a new, social value business model that Sanofi Pasteur has built in collaboration with dengue-endemic countries and global health institutions. In time, it can help control dengue. But as importantly, it can help to support better healthcare outcomes in emerging markets by accelerating access to needed innovations. 

When Sanofi Pasteur first identified a viable dengue vaccine candidate, we saw the opportunity todevelop a health solution specifically for the countries where the dengue burden is highest. We wanted to make sure that people who lived in grip of dengue’s threat were the people for whom the vaccine is designed and delivered primarily. It sounds simple enough but in traditional pharmaceutical business models, this is often not the case. More often than not, travelers and other select groups of individuals from high-income countries have access to new preventive tools against tropical diseases first, at a premium, before these solutions are made available, often as many as 10 years later, in less rich economies, even if this is where the disease burden is heaviest. 

Our faith in this“flipping the model” approach was inspired by the scale of the dengue problem. Vaccines are widely considered among the most effective healthcare interventions against infectious diseases. They often confer protection against a disease that extends beyond the vaccinated to also the unvaccinated population. Given dengue’s massive spread, a vaccine could help national authorities in dengue-endemic countries achieve WHO 2020 objectives for dengue reductions in mortality (50%) and morbidity (25%) if it is implemented in large-scale public health programs1. 

We anticipated this, and began building robust public health collaborations and industrial resources essential to success. The global clinical development program of the vaccine included 40,000 participants in 15 countries across Asia and Latin America.  We invested in extensive skills training for healthcare personnel, upgraded healthcare facilities and increased prevention and education efforts. We captured new scientific insights into dengue epidemiology and transmission which is shared with host governments. In parallel, Sanofi Pasteur built a dedicated dengue-vaccine production facility that will allow large and cost-effective supply to support optimal uptake of the vaccine as needed around the world. 

Successful implementation of dengue vaccination programs can help governments in dengue-endemic countries to take control over the disease. Mathematical modeling of the vaccine’s impact indicate that if countries take up broad public vaccination programs in highly dengue-endemic countries like those that participated in the Phase III development of the vaccine, vaccination can help cut the burden of disease in half over five years. Healthcare systems’ loads can be lightened and they can attract further outside public health investment with demonstrated program results. Successful vaccination programs therefore have the potential to be catalysts for social and economic progress. Today, states like Paraná in Brazil are taking up the lead in this effort. Public program introduction of the dengue vaccine in Mexico has been recommended by CONAVA, that country’s National Vaccination Council. Countries like these that have participated in the clinical development of the vaccine can see the value in the entire process as well as in the potential future results. 

At Sanofi Pasteur, we welcome enhanced support and investment in the robust public-private collaborations that ensure broad reach for innovative health solutions like the dengue vaccine. Working together to establish balanced trust and long-term commitment to new ways of bringing innovation to people is critical to unlocking innovative business models’ fullest potential for improving public health worldwide.

Dengvaxia is the first vaccine licensed for the prevention of dengue in the world. The vaccine is produced in a dedicated production site in France with planned full-scale production capacity of 100 million vaccine doses annually. 

Additional information about Sanofi Pasteur’s dengue vaccine is available on the web at www.dengue.info. 

Health : Five simple ways to love your lungs

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Lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease

(An educational article sponsored by MSD.)

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified tobacco use as the cause of 70 percent of lung cancer deaths, those who do not smoke are equally at risk of developing the disease. A study conducted on Asian patients with advanced adenocarcinoma affecting the lungs has even shown that non-smokers have a higher chance of forming tumors compared with regular smokers.1

According to the WHO, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide.2The same is true in the Philippines where it is the top cancer killer among Filipino men, and the second most common cancer killer among Filipino women.3 Aside from tobacco use, lung cancer may develop due to family history, exposure to industrial and chemical carcinogens, as well as indoor and outdoor air pollution. The WHO also identifies unhealthy habits as a leading cause of cancer.4

“There is a popular notion that lung cancer is a smoker’s disease, but even those who are already leading healthy and active lifestyles may still be exposed to its other risk factors,” said Dr. Ena Ang of MSD Oncology. “That is why vigilance is necessary to protect ourselves against lung cancer.”

For smokers, quitting is the necessary first step to avoiding cancer. As for non-smokers, certain habits and practices can help minimize risk for the disease. Below are just some of these to ensure good lung health:

1. Avoid heavily polluted areas

Increased exposure to particulate matter and air pollution increases the likelihood of lung cancer, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air, emitted from sources such as construction sites, power plants, industries, automobiles, and fireworks.5

If you work in or near areas that emit large volumes of PM, wearing protective equipment is advised. If you can’t avoid going to heavily polluted areas, you can wear a mask recommended or provided by your doctor.6

2. Keep indoor air clean

Indoor air pollution from solid fuels like wood, charcoal, and coal used for cooking causes approximately 17 percent of annual premature lung cancer deaths in adults, according to the WHO.7Households can reduce this risk by switching to cooking technologies that are safer to human health. Because homes are also susceptible to outdoor particulate matter due to air leaks, air purifiers are recommended to improve indoor air quality.8

3. Eat more fruit and vegetables

Diet plays a central role in keeping the body healthy against diseases, including cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight off cancer, while diets heavy in protein and fat increase the risk for the disease.9Regular exercise, as well as abstinence from tobacco and alcohol, maximizes the benefits of a healthy diet.

4. Exercise more

According to the National Cancer Institute of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physically active individuals have a lower chance of developing lung cancer by up to 20 percent.10If you already exercise regularly, it’s important to avoid working out in or near heavily polluted areas to keep your lungs safe and healthy.

5. Seek medical assistance for symptoms

In many cases, lung cancer is already in the advanced stages by the time it is diagnosed as the symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses. An early symptom of the disease can be as simple as a cough. When you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, fatigue, and loss of weight and appetite, see a doctor right away. Coughing up blood is already a serious sign that could indicate advanced lung cancer.

Immediate diagnosis could prompt early action especially if the cancer is still in its early stages. This does not mean, however, that the disease is no longer manageable once it is already advanced. At this point, advanced treatment options are available to help in managing Stage 4 lung cancer to increase the rate of survival.

1 A Prospective, Molecular Epidemiology Study of EGFR Mutations in Asian Patients with Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer of Adenocarcinoma Histology (2014)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4132036/ Accessed January 28 2016.

2 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/ Accessed January 28, 2016

3 Globocan 2012 http://globocan.iarc.fr/Pages/fact_sheets_population.aspx Accessed January 28, 2016

4 World Health Organization http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/Accessed January 28, 2016

5 United States Environmental Protection Agency http://www3.epa.gov/airquality/particlepollution/basic.html Accessed January 28, 2016

6 Cleveland Clinichttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases_conditions/hic_Understanding_COPD/hic_Preventing_Respiratory_Infection_and_Avoiding_IrritantsAccessed January 28, 2016

7 World Health Organizationhttp://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/ Accessed January 28, 2016

8 Vijayan, V. K., Paramesh, H., Salvi, S. S., & Dalal, A. A. K. (2015). Enhancing indoor air quality –The air filter advantage. Lung India : Official Organ of Indian Chest Society, 32(5), 473–479. http://doi.org/10.4103/0970-2113.164174

9 Healwithfood.org http://www.healwithfood.org/lungcancer/diet.php Accessed January 28,2016

10 National Cancer Institute http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet#q7Accessed January 28, 2016

Cancer cases expected to rise among Filipinos

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Cancer, regarded as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, can also be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated at the earliest time possible.

To improve and transform cancer care and management here in the Philippines, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) will launch the Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) this July 23, 2015. ACI was created with the aim of providing modern services and advancing the rate of world-class scientific solutions, research and treatment for cancer patients.

Cancer is affecting more and more Filipinos everyday. Here in the country at least 98,200 patients are diagnosed with this affliction every year. Of this number, over 59,000 individuals eventually die because of the disease, according to the Philippine Cancer Society.

From L-R: Asian Hospital and Medical Center - Asian Cancer Institute (AHMC-ACI) Team Leads --- Surgical Oncologist Dr. Karl Morales; PR & Communications Head Mr. Noli Garcia; Senior Manager for Corporate Communications Ms. Pinky Demaisip; Coordinator for Conquer C Center Dr. Johanna Cañal; President & CEO Mr. Andres Licaros, Jr.; Clinical Director Dr. Corazon Ngelangel; Occupational Medicine Specialist Dr. Rumalie Corvera; Senior Manager Clinical Operations Ms. Judy Tonolete; Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Manager Dr. Nelsen Guanzon; Corporate Affairs Director Ms. Hennesy Lou Miranda.

This number is still expected to rise dramatically as the World Health Organization (WHO) forecasts that cancer diagnosis will rise by 70 percent in the next two decades. This translates to more deaths related to cancer in the coming years.

What is more alarming is that the WHO says that over 60% of the world’s total new cases come from the continents of Africa, South America, and Asia, home of some of the world’s poorest populations. Patients from these geographic locations also account for 70 percent of the global deaths because of cancer.

Here in the Philippines, WHO estimates that 28,700 males and 27,900 females died of cancer last year. For men, lung cancer (24.3%), liver cancer (14.7%), and colorectal cancer (12.8%) were the deadliest. While breast cancer (27.7%), colorectal cancer (10.4%), and lung cancer (9.9%) are the most fatal types of cancer. In Asia, the Philippines has the highest case of breast cancer according to the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology.

Several factors can also heighten the chances of getting cancer. These include, tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity. Cigarette smoking is the most dangerous of these risk factors and accounts for about 20 percent of the total cancer deaths worldwide. But if one leads a healthy lifestyle, WHO says that cancer deaths can be lessened by 30 percent.

Cancer and mortality can also be significantly lessened if it is detected and treated at the earliest time possible. The most common types of cancer such as breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, oral, and prostate can be cured when detected early and treated according to globally-accepted best practices.

Changing the way we tackle cancer through integrated and multidisciplinary care.

To improve and transform cancer care and management here in the Philippines, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) will launch the Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) this July 23, 2015. ACI was created with the aim of providing modern services and advancing the rate of world-class scientific solutions, research and treatment for cancer patients.

“It is an integrated and multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care….given that all the disciplines and the services are housed in Tower Two of the Asian Hospital and Medical Center. In this center we’re putting everything together in one place. It’s from preventive oncology to end-of-life care,” Dr. Corazon Ngelangel, Director of ACI said.

This multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and care is the most important facet of ACI. From day one of consultation with ACI, a team of experts coming from different fields sit and discuss every patient’s case, saving the patient from skipping from one doctor to another to make sure that their diagnosis is correct. This novel approach is also advantageous because all possible modes of treatment are laid out to a patient.

Apart from its mission to improve the way we treat and manage cancer, ACI also provides compassionate care to every cancer patient and a healing environment that comforts and heals the body as well as the spirit. The patient is assisted in every way possible with support groups, psychosocial support, and even spiritual advice. These are offered to both the patients and their family members.

“For multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care, you’re not only talking to one doctor with one specialty but you are talking to many doctors with different specialties who need to be caring for you. Cancer is multi-faceted in its treatment. You need surgery, you need drugs, you need support. So everything should be there at first diagnosis,” Ngelangel said.

ACI boasts of four different but integrated centers of excellence. These are the Emmanuel Center which provides screening, diagnosis, and surgical care to patients with different malignancies; Conquer C Center mainly includes oncologists with specialized expertise in radiation therapy, nuclear oncology and interventional oncology; Chrys Center 1 provides Medical-Hematology-Pediatric oncology services, the area of cancer dedicated to treating adult and pediatric patients, by using medications taken by mouth, injection, or infusion, including internal medicine and pediatric medicine interventions; and Chrys Center 2 which is dedicated to providing the highest quality Integrative, Supportive and Palliative Care Services.

Dr. Ngelangel said that these centers house everything that may be needed by the patient. This facility will be home to unparalleled medical expertise coming from some of the best medical professionals in the country. This is further enhanced with the promise of compassionate care for every cancer patient and their family. Because as Ngelangel puts it, “in cancer you often comfort and you sometimes really cure. That’s how oncology is, that’s how cancer management is.”

ABOUT THE ASIAN HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTER

Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMC) is a tertiary hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world’s most prestigious accrediting body for health care organizations.

AHMC is a part of the Metro Pacific Hospital Group, the largest private hospital group in the Philippines managed by the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the local unit of the First Pacific Group headed by Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Opened on May 11, 2002, the hospital with 289-bed capacity stands on a 17,250-square meter campus, carefully planned and specially designed to provide a healing environment, care and comfort, and ensure the safety of the patients, guests, and staff. There are also over 900 expert doctors from the different specialties who have been trained in top institutions worldwide and more than 300 nurses whose specializations include hemodialysis for patients requiring routine and intensive care; diagnostic procedures for breast lesions; supportive home care, pain management, and palliative medicine; cardiovascular surgery; and intensive care for cardiovascular and neurosurgical patients. Asian Hospital also has over 1,000 highly skilled employees and staff who provide high quality and compassionate patient care.

ABOUT THE ASIAN CANCER INSTITUTE

The Asian Cancer Institute (ACI) is a one-stop, integrated, multi-disciplinary cancer prevention and management facility. It provides state-of-the-art, innovative, and evidence-based treatment by a group of expert medical and allied cancer specialists. The facility has four 4 Centers that offer easy access to screening and diagnostic procedures as well as individualized yet comprehensive cancer therapy and management. It focuses on compassionate care where every patient is totally cared for in a healing environment that comforts and heals the body as well as the spirit.

How many people face infertility?

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Infertility can be a difficult situation for couples.

According to Diaperchamp.com about 10 to 15% of couples in the United States are facing infertility.

There were times we were holding counseling, and prayer meetings among us friends, especially couples. Married couples opening and sharing their life activities and happenings, even family and personal problems. And we had one couple friend, as 5 year - married don't have kids. I still thinking of what to say, to advice what to do to be pregnant, to have kids. I just tell them to be happy with partners in life even without children. 

We continued to pray and told them both to try to stay positive, I am sure that everything happens for a reason, and it will happen in God’s time.

There were members among us, knows medical subjects, gives advices to them, sometimes, one-on-one. Actually, up to now, I didn't know what the real score, meaning who among them, the man or the woman has a medical problem, as they were facing Infertility. 

How many people face Infertility? 

First, what Infertility means? Is infertility a common problem? Is infertility just a woman's problem? Or couple's or partners, man's and woman's?

Some say that infertility means not being able to become pregnant after a year of trying.

The World Health Organization defines infertility

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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 (and there is no other reason, such as breastfeeding or postpartum amenorrhoea). Primary infertility is infertility in a couple who have never had a child. Secondary infertility is failure to conceive following a previous pregnancy. Infertility may be caused by infection in the man or woman, but often there is no obvious underlying cause.    ”

In general, infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year of unprotected sex. Women who do not have regular menstrual cycles, or are older than 35 years and have not conceived during a 6-month period of trying.

One of the main causes of infertility in women is anovulation. 

Anovulation is a condition where a woman’s ovary is not producing eggs, making it difficult to conceive. One of the main reasons for anovulation is stress. 

Stress causes hormonal imbalance, especially the hormones responsible to stimulate ovulation.

On the other hand, low sperm count and sperm motility is the leading cause of infertility in men. Men need to be able to make sure they take care of their sperm by avoiding smoking and taking lesser alcohol. Hot tubs and saunas are also known as sperm killers and men should avoid these as much as possible.

If both partners are young and healthy and have been trying to conceive for one year without success, a visit to a counselor, physician could help to highlight potential medical problems earlier rather than later. They may also be able to suggest lifestyle changes to increase the chances of conceiving.

Both, partners in life may consider making an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist—an infertility specialist. These doctors may also be able to help women with recurrent pregnancy loss—2 or more spontaneous miscarriages.