The Medical City Expands its Cardiac and Vascular Catheterization Laboratory

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The Medical City Cardiac and Vascular Catheterization Laboratory (TMC Cath Lab) acquired its second Artis Zee, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose imaging system. The equipment allows for clearer, more accurate images of the arteries of the heart, brain, internal organs, and limbs. 

The Cath Lab hopes to address the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies in a more effective and timely manner as recently expanded its capabilities. With the addition of a second imaging system, Interventional cardiologists can perform longer vascular procedures without compromising access to an emergency procedure if needed.

In 2013, the Cath Lab performed more than one thousand coronary procedures, more than any other Cath Lab in a private institution in the country. 

Dr. Gregorio Martinez, Jr., Head of the Cardiac and Vascular Catheterization Laboratory and the Cardiovascular Center, clarifies that responding to cardiac cases, especially heart attacks, is time sensitive. Delays in treating a heart attack patient impact on the size of the damage to the heart muscle, and ultimately on the patient’s prognosis. Prompt diagnosis and right treatment within the specified time frame is vital.

“Those who depend on us to take care of their cardiac patients can continue to rely on us for excellent care,” says  Dr. Martinez.

“The TMC Cardiovascular Center has an Acute Myocardial Infarction Program which targets a 90 minute Door-to-Balloon time. This means that a heart attack patient who walks through the doors of our emergency room should have the blocked coronary artery opened in the Cath Lab within 90 minutes. TMC’s expanded Cath Lab capacity, backed by experienced and highly competent interventional cardiologists and support staff who are trained to handle such complex cases, can assure patients of the best possible and the most timely cardiac care,” explains Dr. Martinez.

“The expansion of TMC Cath lab will raise the bar for cardiac care at The Medical City,” says Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Michelangelo Sabas.

“Adding a second Cath Lab system not only provides us with the latest technology but will also allow us to care for more patients and reduce the backlog of patients waiting for diagnostic testing. It enables us to care for multiple urgent care patients at once. We can see more patients with less disruption of patient care with this second Cath Lab system.”

Interventional procedures done in the TMC Cath Lab are minimally invasive treatments where doctors use catheters, introduced through a small skin puncture, to access the heart, the coronary arteries, the arteries to the brain and various organs in order to treat abnormal conditions. Furthermore, the TMC Cath Lab offers state of the art technology for coronary angiography and angioplasty, valvuloplasty, pacemaker implantation, peripheral vascular angiography and angioplasty, embolization procedures, cerebral angiography and coiling of intracerebral aneurysms.

It has enhanced capabilities for Fraction Flow Reserve (FFR), Thrombectomy (AngioJet), and the visualization of implanted stents (CLEARstent). FFR measurements, which are done during the angiogram procedure, help identify lesions that restrict blood flow to the heart and therefore serve as accurate guides on whether a borderline narrowing should be opened up with a stenting procedure. Thrombectomy is a procedure to extract blood clots and therefore restore blood flow to arteries and veins clogged with clots (thrombus), while CLEARstent is a stent visualization enhancement tool that makes possible the placement of stents in complex coronary angioplasty.

The TMC Cath Lab is the leading Cath Lab in the country for coronary angiography and angioplasty via radial artery approach. Angioplasty via the radial artery approach makes use of the wrist artery instead of the groin artery as access. This enables patients to go home the same day after the procedure and resume their normal activities the next day. Approximately nine out of ten coronary procedures in the Cath Lab are done via the wrist artery.

“At the TMC Cath Lab, we have a comprehensive range of cutting-edge equipment that can be utilized for more accurate diagnosis and effective and safer treatment. At The Medical City, we treat each patient not as a ‘case’ but as a unique individual who deserves the best informed medical care. This is why acquiring technology which can give us a clearer, more accurate assessment of each patient’s individual case is paramount,” says Dr. Martinez.

For more information about The Medical City Cath Lab, you may contact tel. nos. 988-1000 or 988-7000 ext. 6278.–end-

About The Medical City

The Medical City is a tertiary care hospital with over 40 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. Its world-class health care complex serves some 40,000 in-patients and 400,000 out-patients annually. TMC has a medical staff of over 1,000 physicians who are established experts in their various fields of specialization. This core of professionals is complemented by a 2,200-strong human resource complement, engaged in allied medical, administrative and support services. TMC is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), the world’s most prestigious accrediting body for international health care organizations.

The Medical City is located along Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City.

For more information about The Medical City and its services, call (+632) 988-1000 or (+632) 988-7000 or email at mail@medicalcity.com.ph or visit www.themedicalcity.com.

“Suite Indulgence” at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts

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Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts reveals a suite offer that promises to deliver the ultimate luxury escape.

Guests can take advantage of personalised service and the finest accommodations with the "Suite Indulgence" package, which includes a 20% discount off the best available rates of suites and triple GC points for Golden Circle Members, plus access to Horizon Club lounges and benefits where available. 

For Shangri-La properties with an exclusive Horizon Club Lounge, additional amenities include complimentary breakfast; tea or coffee delivered with a morning call; evening cocktails and canapés; a selection of snacks and beverages throughout the day; Club concierge service; two hour use of a meeting room daily; and complimentary suit pressing.

From Asia and the Middle East to Europe and North America, Shangri-La's suite options will suit understated, elegant and opulent tastes. Guests may opt for views of Hong Kong's recognisable skyline at Kowloon Shangri-La, marvel at street activity high up from Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai or settle for the tranquil turquoise Oman waters off Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa.

Whatever the destination, the group's suite collection addresses a business trip to an indulgent romantic break for two or a luxurious family resort holiday while delivering 'hospitality from the heart' for which the brand is renowned all over the world.

For more information about "Suite Indulgence", which is valid 1 September through 31 October 2014 at more than 80 Shangri-La properties, and to make a reservation, visit http://www.shangri-la.com/offers/.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages more than 80 hotels under the Shangri-La brand with a room inventory of over 34,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of 'hospitality from the heart.' The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. 

For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

National Wellness Summit 2014

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The National Wellness Summit will be on August 28, 2014 at the SMX. This is co-located event of the International Beauty, Health and Wellness Expo (IBHWEX). 

It is hoped that by the increased awareness workers and employees will become more productive at work as they adapt corporate wellness in their organizations.

With the following key learning topics:

Psychosocial Health and Culture of Care by Dra. Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang of Ateneo De Manila University. 

Incentives and Outcome-Based Wellness Programs

From Bandage to Liberation, Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Organizational Spirituality

Small Steps for Sound Physical Awareness and Social Shift

This event is organized by People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) and Management Association of the Philippines (MAP). 

For more information and registration, call telephone. no. 643-3887. 

Baby & Family Expo Philippines this 2014 anticipates 20,000 visitors

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Following the success of its first series in 2013, with over 12,000 visitors, 207 exhibitors and 246 brands, the second edition of Baby & Family Expo Philippines 2014 (BFE) - Shop, Learn & Play!  anticipates 20,000 visitors this year and is set to take center stage when it opens at the SMX Convention Center Manila on December 05-07, 2014.

The successful first series of Baby & Family Expo in 2013, with over 12,000 visitors, 207 exhibitors and 246 brands in SMX Convention Center.

MEDIACOM Solutions, Inc., organizer of the Baby & Family Expo 2014 strives to make the biggest baby, children, pregnancy & family event of the year successful. They wish to formally announce the final date and venue of the Baby & Family Expo 2014 (BFE) which will provide more benefits to its valued exhibitors and guests.

The SMX Convention Centre is known to be a venue for international exhibitions, large-scale trade events, industry conventions, and corporate and social functions. It’s one of the leading establishments of the Philippine MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Industry which is situated in the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.

“This 3-day expo will coincide in the month of December, a good and fun time to showcase products and services to a larger targeted audience who will come with their entire family and friends,” says David Abrenilla, MEDIACOM President and CEO.

The BFE will also arrange a business matching service that will facilitate meetings between buyers, sellers, investors, distributors, importers and exporters.

This year, the BFE will introduce The Philippine Family Summit which will give parents and expecting parents the opportunity to learn the latest trends and tips from the country’s experts on various talking topics such as pregnancy, maternity, newborns, infants, toddlers, kids, parenting, marriage and relationship, education for children, money and health.

Mark your calendars for the only trade show dedicated to provide Filipino families with innovative products and services related to the baby, children, pregnancy, parenting and family industry and get valuable advice on topics related to pregnancy, babies, children and active parenting from the experts to make lives better.

20,000 visitors are getting ready to SHOP+LEARN+PLAY... DONT MISS AN EVEN BIGGER BABY & FAMILY EXPO PHILIPPINES THIS 2014.

Angel Locsin on Mastering the Craft, Nurturing the Gift, and Loving the Job

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One of country’s leading performers on the Philippine silver screen, Angel Locsin is one named Best Actress in the 29th PMPC Awards for Movies in 2013, and has been considered as one of the most awarded dramatic actresses today. From a television and film actress, she has diversified into various media in the entertainment business: as a commercial model, film producer, fashion designer and product endorser. 

Angel was recently unveiled as one of the talented gurus who will be molding the next generation of child performers in this season’s Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp. She will be joining the star-studded panel of esteemed mentors backstage: choreographer and G-Force director, Georcelle Dapat-Sy and divine diva Zsa Zsa Padilla. As mentor, Angel will be steering i-Shine participants through the acting workshops.

For 25 years, Promil Pre-School has been well known for talent development, raising awareness for parental participation, proper guidance and good nutrition as factors that play major roles in bringing preschoolers to their full potential. The Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp is one of Promil Pre-school’s advocacies, in which the talents of Filipino children nationwide are engaged. Angel is excited to see how this year’s mentees will fare under her tutelage.

Continuously mastering your craft

One of her most remembered roles is her rendering of the iconic superheroine Darna in the TV adaptation of Mars Ravelo’s classic character. But despite her fame, Angel knows that she didn’t just wake up one morning to success; she had to learn the ropes and work on her craft assiduously – a painstaking process that she knows all budding talents must go through, like the tiny tots of the Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp who will be entrusted into her care.

“Paulit-ulit kong sinasabi na iba yung honor na binibigay sa akin nito bilang isang artista... Yung ma-appreciate ka sa talent mo at yung oportunidad para ma-experience at ma-ishare mo sa mga bata yung mga natutunan mo – yung mga tinuro rin sa akin nung mga naging mentors ko when I was young (I always say that this is a great honor for me as an artist… That of being appreciated for your talent and the opportunity to experience and share to the kids what I’ve learned – those things that I’ve learned from my own mentors when I was young),” she says. “Bawat talent, bawat show, bawat acting piece na ginagawa mo, meron at meron kang nadedevelop na kailangan mo pang i-enhance… Continuous process kasi yung acting (Each talent, each show, each acting piece that a person does, you get to develop something that you would still have to enhance… Acting is a continuous process),” she adds.

The importance of proper nurturing and guidance

While she feels that talent plays a big role in how a child stands out, it’s really the combined effort and diligence taken by the child, parents and teachers that make a difference. “I think there are many talented individuals; but it’s really the masisipag (hardworking) that beat them in the end. So, kailangan talaga ng perserverance (You really need perseverance),” she points out. 

Angel also understands how crucial mentoring is in the life of a child. “Natatandaan ko pa yung nursery teacher ko nung bata ako – Hindi ko makakalimutan yung pangalan niya. (I remember my nursery teacher when I was young – I will never forget her name.) That’s how much of an impact she had on me. Nakaka-flatter na baka ganun din yung mangyari sa mga bata. (It’s flattering to think that that could also happen to these kids.) Actually, challenge ito para sa akin na mabigay ko talaga yung dapat matutunan nung mga bata sa maikling panahon (It is actually a challenge for me to give my best so the kids will get the learning they need in such a short amount of time).”

And she doesn’t discount the importance of family support, which she cites as an important factor in her own development as an artist. “I am very blessed na sila yung naging magulang ko sa lahat ng pinagdaanan ko. Hindi kami galing sa showbiz family. Napakasimple lang ng pamilya ko, pero nag-adjust talaga sila ng lifestyle for me para magawa ko ‘tong gusto ko. Napakaswerte ko sa pamilya ko (I am very blessed to have the kind of parents that I have. We are not a showbiz family. My family is simple, but they adjusted their lifestyle for me so that I could reach this far. I’m really lucky to have them).”

And this is why she likewise hopes that the i-Shine finalists will receive the same kind of support from their own. “Sana itong mga bagets natin dito sa i-Shine, sana ganun din yung mga magulang nila na nakasuporta dun sa gusto nung mga anak nila. Hindi dahil sa gusto nila, pero dahil ito yung pangarap nung mga anak nila. Sana i-encourage nila yung mga bata kung papaano mahalin lalo ‘tong craft na ‘to, at i-enjoy pa ‘to kasi mga bata rin naman sila, diba? Ayokong iparamdam sa kanila na ‘this is work’ diba? (I hope the parents support their kids’ interest because this is what their child dreams of doing, not because this is what the parent wants. They should encourage love for this craft and for this kind of work and teach the child how to enjoy it. The kids shouldn’t go through the experience thinking that ‘this is work’ because they are children after all, aren’t they?)” she shares

Achieving success in performing arts through encouragement

Angel has played many popular roles in the past, but her role as the acting mentor for Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp 3 is a first for her career. “Gusto kong bigyan ng opportunity yung mga bata to shine. Sana mahalin nila yung craft, yung industry, at hindi nila isipin na trabaho lang siya (I just want these kids to be given the opportunity to shine. I want them to learn how to love the craft, the industry, and not treat it as just a job),” she shares. “Challenge talaga siya na maturo ko sa mga bata yung kailangan nilang matutunan sa maikling panahon, pero the least I can give them is yung suporta at encouragement na kailangan nila para maabot nila yung full potential nila (It will definitely be a challenge to be able to teach these kids all that I know in such a limited time, but the least I can give them is the support and encouragement that they need to reach their full potential),” she adds.

This season’s i-Shine Talent Camp 3 is hosted by Dimples Romana, Matteo Guidicelli, and Xian Lim. The Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp is also giving away over Php 1 million worth of prizes and a contract from ABS-CBN and Promil Pre-School to the grand winner. The previous year’s Promil Pre-School Grand i-Shiner, Yesha Camille, has received quite a number of television appearances after winning the feat, and is now involved in an upcoming series with her i-Shine mentor Piolo Pascual.