DOH: Dengue cases now 491 in Cordillera towns

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera regional office of the Dept. of Health here bared fever cases in the region dropped by 19 percent first five weeks of the year compared to cases recorded same period last year.

    Victoria Malicdan, Nurse V of the DOH-CAR’s regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, said that from January 1 to February 1, 2025, there were already 491 dengue cases that were reported in the different parts of the region compared to the 605 cases reported during the same period last year.
    For this year, Benguet had the highest number of dengue fever cases with 137 followed by Baguio City with 116 cases, Apayao – 91 cases, Kalinga – 48 cases, Mountain Province – 43 cases, Ifugao – 36 cases and Abra – 20 cases.
    Last year, Benguet still recorded the highest number for dengue fever cases during the same reckoning period with 218 followed by Baguio City with 97 cases, Ifugao – 78 cases, Apayao – 72 cases, Mountain Province – 70 cases, Kalinga – 40 cases and Abra – 30 cases.

    The DOH-CAR official claimed that while dengue cases are decreasing in the region, there is also a concerning increase of cases in Apayao, Kalinga and Baguio City.
    Based on the data made available by the DOH-CAR, 34 barangays had clustering of cases that warranted the implementation of appropriate interventions from the concerned health offices in the affected areas.
    Further, 276 dengue-afflicted individuals or 56 percent of the reported cases had been admitted in the different health facilities in the various parts of the region where they were provided with the necessary medical treatment.
    Malicdan said that the health department remains committed in implementing increased awareness on the appropriate preventive measures, particularly the 4s strategy, to protect the members of the vulnerable and marginalized groups from contracting the deadly virus that might compromise their health condition.
    Moreover, she assured that there will be a coordinated response among concerned government agencies and local governments in ensuring the implementation of the necessary programs, projects and activities that will protect the people from the prevalence of the said illness. - PIO

 

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Baguio Mpox cases 4; warning out on many sex mates, male to male

BAGUIO CITY — Two new Mpox cases have been recorded in this city, bringing to four the number of laboratory-confirmed infections.

Donnabel Panes, chief of the city health services office’s epidemiology and surveillance unit, said the new cases, both 21 years old, have been isolated and are nearing recovery.

Panes said the patients are being closely monitored and contact tracing is being conducted to prevent the spread of the disease.

She said there is no cause for alarm, adding that the public should learn more about Mpox, its risk factors and how to prevent getting infected.

The World Health Organization has identified five risk factors for contracting Mpox: having multiple sexual partners, engaging in MSM or men having sex with men, having a housemate diagnosed with the disease, exposure to health workers and traveling to countries with high Mpox cases.

Mpox can be transmitted through close physical or skin-to-skin contact, respiratory secretions and contact with objects contaminated with fluid or blood of an Mpox patient.

The public has been reminded to wear face masks, sanitize with alcohol when outdoors and wash hands regularly to avoid contracting the disease.

 

 

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Cordillera measles cases increase by 110 percent

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera Dept. of Health regional office here reported measles rubella cases in the region increased 100 percent first five weeks of the year compared to similar cases recorded during the previous year.
Victoria Malicdan, Nurse V of the DOH-CAR’s regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, said that from Jan. 1 to Feb. 1, 2025, there were 12 measles rubella cases that were reported from the different parts of the region compared to the only six cases that were recorded during the same period last year.
    Benguet had the highest number of measles rubella cases with four followed by Abra and Apayao with two cases and Baguio, Mountain Province and Kalinga with one case each while Ifugao had no case to date.

    Last year, Benguet also recorded the highest measles rubella cases with three followed by Baguio City with two cases and Kalinga with one.

    Ifugao, Abra, Apayao and Mountain province and no measles rubella cases during the first five weeks of 2024.
Malicadan said age range of cases was from seven months to 52 years old where six of the cases tested negative of measles or rubella.
    Ten of reported cases or 83 percent were males while the rest of the cases were females.
    There were no measles rubella-related deaths that were reported during the two reckoning periods.
    Rubella is a contagious viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults. The virus is the leading vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects. Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome.
    Among signs and symptoms of measles rubella are low-grade fever, headache, mild pink eye (redness or swelling of the white of the eye), general discomfort, swollen and enlarged lymph nodes, cough and runny nose.
    Most children and adults who get rubella usually have mild illness with a rash starting on the face. Up to 70% of women who get rubella may experience arthritis.
    The most serious complication from rubella infection is the harm it can cause a developing baby. -- PIO 

 

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Cordillera to produce more doctors to barrios thru BSU

By Liza Agoot

 

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – More doctors will soon be available to serve Cordillerans as Benguet State University (BSU) - College of Medicine here accepts an initial 50 students in the first semester of school year 2025-26.

Dr. Kenneth Laruan, BSU president, said 13 slots will be allocated for students from Benguet. They will later serve far-flung barrios (communities).

“We will prioritize the 13 medical student scholars of Benguet who have passed the screening of the province and will receive a fund for the completion of their studies,” he said in a press conference aired on social media Tuesday.

BSU will be charging P70,000 per semester, which Laruan said is 50 percent lower than in other schools in the region offering the same course.

Laruan said scholarships are also available.

He said the first batch of students under the College of Medicine will use the Nursing Building, but noted that about P120 million has been allocated for the program under this year’s national budget.

Dr. Florence Poltic, BSU medical officer and a member of the Technical Working Group for the College of Doctor of Medicine program, is hopeful that other provinces will also have scholarship for medicine students at BSU. 

She said Kalinga State University is also in the process of establishing a medicine course.

“Maganda iyon lalo na at may Universal Health Care Law na naglalayong maging accessible sa lahat ang medical services (That is good news especially with the Universal Health Care law that aims to make medical services accessible),” she added. -- PNA

 

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‘Complete blood count’

WELLNEWS

Victor Dumaguing

In most laboratory requests, it is written as CBC, which a lot of patients, even professionals-except perhaps those in health sciences, take the letter “c” to mean “complete; thus patients who gave 5ml of their blood-venous- go home thinking that the results would include their blood levels of sugar, cholesterol, uric acid, BUN, creatinine etc and be disappointed of the “incomplete results.”
    Most doctors or their medical secretaries write the words, “cbc differential” if they want to know the immune capabilities of the patient in terms of his/her white blood cells-soldiers of the body- with the word “differential” meaning how much each of the different leukocytes are there per 100 white blood cells counted.
    An adult human has 5000 ml of blood within his/her circulatory system, some amounts of the 5 liters are extracted depending on the clinical needs of the patient. For patients in serious conditions in which there is a big concern about the relationship off oxygen and carbon dioxide affecting the ph of the blood, the doctor would request ABG-arterial blood gases; the sample is carefully extracted from arteries- radial in the wrist, femoral in the groin and at times, carotid in the neck.
    In medical missions sponsored by civic organizations with the participation of generous pharmaceutical companies, the so-called screening laboratory tests-usually for blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid etc, blood samples are for the most part done thru aseptic, sterile finger pricking –capillary blood- by the doctor or medical technologists or a trained health professional, with the results available after a few minutes, with the appropriate prescription made immediately.
    For CBC differential, venous blood is extracted from the vein in the ante-cubital area, or the area opposite the elbow. Normal WBC is 5000-10,000 cu mm, neutrophils 60-65, lymphocytes 25-30, monocytes 0-2, basophils 0-1, eosinophils 2-5 with slight variations but the total should always be 100 white blood cells counted. 
    At this juncture, it must be emphasized that different laboratories have normal values depending on their unit measurements; example, some use the mo don’t be surprised if the normal WBC count is from 4.0-11.0 in your result, the good thing about laboratory results now include the “normal ranges” of results whether white blood cells sugar, cholesterol and other clinical parameters.
    An elevated or high WBC count means “infection”; so the “differential would provide useful information. A High WBC, and neutrophils-also called PMN for polymorphonuclears- indicate an “acute” infection- infection which has a sudden onset, meaning earlier the patient is well, the all of a sudden, he/she is not well, example is a pupil caught in the rain going home and after a few hours, complains of sore throat, difficulty of swallowing and starts running a fever. A doctor consult yields big tonsils, with a diagnosis of “acute tonsillitis. Our professor in microbiology had emphasized that the level of WBC is a reflection of the virulence or pathogenicity of the microbe, while the level of neutrophils indicates the ability of immune system of the patient to cope up with the infection, thus the presence of young neutrophils in the blood- stabs and bands- means the body is trying its best to mount a defensive response.
    Lymphocytosis or elevated levels of lymphocytes-smallest white blood cells- means that the patient is suffering from chronic- long standing lingering illness- an example is tuberculosis, leprosy or in certain cases, viral infections.
Monocytes-the biggest WBC- with is unique horse-shoe or kidney-shaped form- is within normal levels in most microbial infections, except in certain rare forms of leukemia.
    Basophils too should normally 0-2 in most CBC differential; with the added fact that, aside from mast cells, basophils could also be a source of histamine.
    Eosinophils deserve some focus because an elevated level should make the doctor ask questions as to whether the person has some allergies to food/meds, asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema/atopic dermatitis and with a lot of tact and diplomacy, request for a stool exam because the patient might be having helminthiasis, that’s parasitism in simple terms, yes, worms.
    By the way, the complete blood count differential request, does NOT include anemia concerns-red blood cell, hemoglobin hematocrit- and for those worried about dengue, chikungunya- NOT platelet count.
    Dear readers, this article is for general information only and does not claim to be the standard by which your lab results should be evaluated for or against. In clinical practice, there are myriad variations and combinations in the ratio of different white blood cells or leukocytes depending on the peculiar health status of the patient. Thus, an open, honest candid communication between you and your family physician is of paramount importance.
      

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DOH: Eat healthy this holiday season

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Dept. of Health (DOH) reminded Filipinos to consume healthful food and drinks during the holidays to avoid non-communicable illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

    “Eat a balanced, well-moderated and varied diet. Let’s limit ‘ma’ foods -- maalat, mataba at matamis (salty, fatty, and sweet),” Health Secretary Teodora Herbosa said in media forum last week.
    Processed foods such as junk foods, sweetened beverages, and oily dishes must be eaten in moderation if they cannot be avoided, he added.
    Vegetable salads and fruits are the best replacements of such foods, he said.
    Latest data from Philippine Statistics Authority show that ischemic heart disease remained the leading cause of death among Filipinos from January to November 2022 with a total of 121,558 cases, or 18.3 percent of the death toll for that period.
    It was followed by cerebrovascular diseases with 57,411 deaths and neoplasms with 57,354 deaths.
    Meanwhile, diabetes ranked as the fourth leading cause of death among Filipinos for the same period with 32,339 deaths recorded.
    In its "Ligtas (Safe) Christmas" campaign, the DOH advised the public to avoid alcohol consumption, drink lots of water, have enough sleep, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day amid holiday celebrations.
    “We’re encouraging the public to wear masks if you’re experiencing symptoms or stay at home if you have acute respiratory illnesses, coughs, colds even if you are [Covid-19] negative,” Herbosa said.
    The DOH also opted for safe and age-appropriate gifts that are suitable to the child’s capabilities for their overall development.
    “Please avoid giving toys containing harmful chemicals. Some of the cheaper toys use lead-containing paint. Always check the labels and packaging of the gifts you’re buying,” Herbosa added. -- PNA
 

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Wearing mask not mandatory but encouraged – health execs

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Health authorities in Cordillera region urged the public to wear masks when in public places to reduce the chances of virus transmission, as the weather gets colder.

    “It is not mandatory but we encourage the public, especially if you have flu or is not feeling well, to wear a mask to avoid transmission of any illness to loved ones and the public when going out of your residence,” Dr. Rio Magpantay, director of the Dept. of Health Cordillera, said in a recent interview.
    He said people should always remember the experience during the pandemic when the use of masks was mandatory to avoid being infected or infecting others.
    “We all know what masks do to protect us, let us not forget that,” he said.
    Marie Ruby Magsino, a nurse at the city health office, in a phone interview, said Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes encouraged residents and visitors to wear face masks as respiratory and influenza-like illnesses are expected, especially when temperatures drop during the "ber" months until February of the following year.
    The Baguio station of the weather bureau recorded 13°C, the lowest temperature in this city so far this year, on Nov. 20 and again on Dec. 15.
    The daily average temperature in this city is at 17°C. -- PNA
 
 

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Ilocos Region records 11 ‘cracker-related incidents

Victims suffer burns, eye injuries 

By Hilda Austria

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Authorities have reiterated their call to avoid unauthorized storage and use of firecrackers in welcoming the New Year as the Ilocos Region has recorded 11 firecracker-related incidents from Dec. 21 to 26 this year.
    The latest incident occurred on the night of Christmas Day in barangay Malued in Dagupan City where unauthorized storage of firecrackers led to an explosion, injuring five individuals and causing damage to 21 houses in the area, according to Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) public relations officer Capt. Renante dela Cruz.
    “Kahit personal use hindi pupwede dahil according to Executive Order (EO) 28 signed in 2017 na authorized lamang na tao at kung saang lugar lamang pwede mag-imbak (Even if it is just for personal use, it is not allowed to store firecrackers because according to EO 28 signed in 2017, only authorized persons and areas would be allowed for storage),” he said in an interview on Wednesday.
    The firecrackers stored at a house under construction in Barangay Malued exploded when one of the victims lit a cigarette during a drinking session, he said.
    Based on the initial investigation of the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection Dagupan City, the impact of the explosion has affected 21 houses with their window glasses and other parts of their houses broken.
    They are now investigating who was responsible for illegally storing those firecrackers.
    Meanwhile, Department of Health Center for Health Development Ilocos Region medical officer Dr. Rheuel Bobis, in a separate interview, said seven more firecracker-related incidents were reported in Pangasinan, three from La Union and one from Ilocos Sur.
    The 11 victims suffered burns and eye injuries, said Bobis.
    Bobis and Dela Cruz have called on parents and guardians to look after their children amid the busyness of the holiday revelry.
    “Dapat hindi binibigyan anumang uri ng paputok ang mga kabataan or mga matatanda. Ang nirerecommend nga po natin ay yong mga alternatibong pampaingay or pagsama sa community fireworks display (We should not be giving any kind of firecrackers to the young people or children or even the elderly. What we recommend are the alternative noisemakers or joining community fireworks, instead),” Bobis said. -- PNA
 

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Cholesterol: Good, bad and ugly?

 

WELLNEWS

Victor Dumaguing

All of the above; from a clinical perspective, indeed cholesterol could be good, bad and yes, really ugly. With all the celebratory activities of the Holidays, when it’s impossible to put self-control, discipline and health awareness in one sentence, hopefully, the article puts some sense into the gustatory delights of our dear readers without diminishing their fun of the wonderfuL season. 

    This article is our modest and sincere desire to share with our dear reader basic simple data in understanding and controlling cholesterol, some details were culled from a booklet of the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Stroke Association (ASA)

    Keeping cholesterol levels under control is important for everyone; that means men and women, formed, younger and older folks, people of all ages, with or without heart disease.

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in all of the approximately 75 trillion cells of the adult human body.

    It must be emphasized and stressed that 2/3 of the cholesterol in the body is synthesized, manufactured and formed by the liver. The structural and functional integrity of the membranes or walls or borders of cells is maintained by cholesterol. Cholesterol is an important component in the synthesis of sex hormones and steroid hormones.

    Estrogen is the primary female hormone responsible for development of female sexual characteristics like ovary, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina as well as breast; and on the aesthetic side, lustrous shiny hair as well as clear dewy skin. Progesterone is the secondary female hormone which has a quieting effect of the pregnant uterus allowing for a full-term delivery of the baby within 38-42 weeks.

    Testosterone is the male hormone which is responsible for the spurt of growth of boys into young men during adolescence with obvious increase in height as well as in their reproductive organs, with embarrassing cracking of voice due to enlargement and thickening of the vocal cords. Cholesterol is also needed in the formation of hormones from the adrenal glands particularly its cortex; cortisol which is a stress hormone and aldosterone which helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the blood.

    The bad side of cholesterol occurs when the person consumes food as well as drinks which exceed the supposed just 1/3 dietary source of cholesterol; the major source of which are meats of animals like beef, lamb and pork.

    Atherosclerosis is the deposition of layers of cholesterol on the inner lining of blood vessels; sometimes called arteriosclerosis referring mostly to the involvement of arteries, which together with the much smaller capillaries are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the body.

    If the situation is not controlled, the deposited cholesterol would eventually evolve from its soft slimy consistency into a semi-gel and finally into a solid hard plaque which now significantly decrease the luminal diameter of the blood vessel thus there would now be physical obstruction to the flow of blood.

    The word “ischemia” refers to a significant progressive diminution of blood flow to a vital organ. The word “infarction” is a worse situation in which there is an acute or abrupt stoppage of life-saving oxygen because the plaque would have already completely blocked the blood vessel.

    Then, the ugly aspect of cholesterol would manifest itself clinically. In the heart, the condition is called CAD or coronary heart disease (coronary arteries are the blood supply of the heart); in the brain, it is called CVA or cerebrovascular accident/apoplexy in the form of cerebral; and in the kidneys-organ which receive 20% or 1/5 of total blood volume (5 liters), there would already signs and symptoms of renal thrombosis.

    It’s easy to have high cholesterol and not know it because initially there may be no symptoms that the person can see or feel, that’s why it’s important to have it measured. As per advice of both AHA and ASA, if you are 20 or older, have cholesterol measured at least every five years. However if other factors put you at higher risks like family history, lifestyle habits (couch potato) and vices like alcohol and smoking on top of a stressful domestic and work environment, then the interval may be shorter.

    A blood test called “lipoprotein profile” measures cholesterol in milligrams per deciliter of blood(mg/dL) Even if you do not have a lipoprotein profile, you should know your total cholesterol, LDL(bad cholesterol) and HDL(good cholesterol)

    Please be reminded that different laboratories may show their results in mg/dL, other labs in millimoles which is standard practice using the SI or System Internacional. Fortunately, with every result, there is a range of normal values for each test, with some lab even putting the letter H for elevated/high. And for a better more accurate lab test results, please consult

Your family physician what preparation to undertake like fasting for how many hours and the best time to be in the lab for blood extraction.

    That said, have a Happy Healthy Holidays

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

 

 

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Free condoms set in DOH toilets

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Free condoms will be made available in all Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region toilets soon to address the rising cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as in the region.

    "Do not be surprised if you see condoms in the toilets of the DOH offices. They are free to the public as part of the implementation of the HIV-free workplace policy of the DOH-CAR," Darwin Babon, DOH-CAR HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome coordinator, told journalists Tuesday.
    Babon said the policy is aimed at ending HIV-related stigma and discrimination in workplaces through constant information and education campaign activities, which include discussions on basic information on HIV/AIDS, modes of transmission and means of prevention, confidential information and privacy, promotion of non-discriminatory and non-stigmatizing attitudes towards people living with and affected with the virus.
    He is hopeful that other offices will also adapt the implementation of HIV/AIDS-free workplace program.
    Citing latest data, Babon said there are 18 new HIV cases recorded in August 2023 alone, 38 percent higher than the 13 cases in the same month of 2022, with three in every 10 cases involving those aged 15 to 24.
    As of end-August this year, 99 new HIV cases were recorded, with 41 of the individuals belonging to the 25 to 34 age bracket, followed by those from 15 to 24 years old, with 34 cases; 35 to 49 years old, 21 and 50 years old and above, three.
    Since the government started to monitor HIV/ AIDS cases in 1984, the region recorded 1,034 cases and 54 percent of these were recorded from 2018 to the present.
    Babon said 81 percent of the 75 municipalities and two cities in CAR have recorded cases.
    He said 98 percent of the cases were sexually transmitted, making it important to advocate for safe sex -- abstinence, loyalty to a partner, or protection using a condom.
    “We are not relaxing with the information campaign because we do not want the illness to take us by surprise. And we will be more aggressive to be able to abet the transmission and protect those who are uninfected,” he added. -- PNA

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Scientist raises concerns about unverified probiotic products

By Leilanie Adriano

LAOAG CITY - A scientist from the University of the Philippines - Los Baños has cautioned consumers on the proliferation of health and wellness products that allegedly promote health benefits despite the lack of scientific evidence.
    Dr. Rodney H. Perez, in a presentation at the start of the three-day Asian summit on probiotics and functional foods in Batac City, Ilocos Norte on Monday, said there is danger in consuming these products as these may do the opposite.
    Probiotics is a widely misused term and some manufacturers are exploiting it without meeting the required criteria, the expert from UP’s National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (NIMBB), said.
    Perez enjoined members of the academe and institutional partners to push for a harmonized guideline on the establishment of minimum requirements for a microorganism to be qualified as a probiotic for its efficacy as well as the safety of the consuming public.
    The multi-awarded biotechnologist said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have prescribed guidelines on probiotics in the Philippines but he raised the need for these to be updated, with the help of the academe and the Philippine Society for Probiotics and Functional Foods, Inc. (PhilProFF).
    Perez is a recipient of the Young Asian Biotechnologist Prize from the Society for Biotechnology, Japan (SBJ) in 2021 for his exemplary research in the fields of Food Microbiology, Microbial Technology, and Biotechnology, particularly on bacteriocins. He is the first-ever Filipino to receive this title. -- PNA
 

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Cordillera LGUs set up health networks

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Ninety percent of local government units (LGUs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region have set up their health care provider network (HCPN), deemed essential in the full implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, the regional Department of Health (DOH) office reported Wednesday.

     “Nearly all provincial, municipal, and city governments in the region have established their HCPN with Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province already having their formal agreements with the health care providers,” Dr. Rio Magpantay, DOH-CAR regional director, said in a press briefing here Wednesday.

    HCPN is an essential component of the health care system as it is expected to improve patient navigation and referral system, streamlining provisions of health services, according to Magpantay.

    It is composed of public or private secondary and tertiary health care providers offering people-centered comprehensive care in an integrated and coordinated manner, with the primary health care provider acting as navigator and coordinator of health care within the network.

    “It will lead to a quality of care through collaboration and sharing of good practices if they are working together as one,” Magpantay said.

    He said that through the HCPN, the healthcare providers’ readiness in terms of equipment, infrastructure and human resources will be assessed.

    “The LGUs have committed as integration sites for UHC, which entails them to upgrade their local health systems into province or city-wide health systems,” he added.

    In the implementation of UHC, the rural health units and primary care providers in villages will be strengthened, allowing them to cater to the basic health needs of the public without the need to proceed to apex hospitals. --PNA

 

 

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DOH: Eat healthy this holiday season

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

The Department of Health (DOH) reminded Filipinos to consume healthful food and drinks during the holidays to avoid non-communicable illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

    “Eat a balanced, well-moderated and varied diet. Let’s limit ‘ma’ foods -- maalat, mataba at matamis (salty, fatty, and sweet),” Health Secretary Teodora Herbosa said in media forum last week.
Processed foods such as junk foods, sweetened beverages, and oily dishes must be eaten in moderation if they cannot be avoided, he added.
    Vegetable salads and fruits are the best replacements of such foods, he said.
    Latest data from Philippine Statistics Authority show that ischemic heart disease remained the leading cause of death among Filipinos from January to November 2022 with a total of 121,558 cases, or 18.3 percent of the death toll for that period.    
    It was followed by cerebrovascular diseases with 57,411 deaths and neoplasms with 57,354 deaths.
    Meanwhile, diabetes ranked as the fourth leading cause of death among Filipinos for the same period with 32,339 deaths recorded.
    In its "Ligtas (Safe) Christmas" campaign, the DOH advised the public to avoid alcohol consumption, drink lots of water, have enough sleep, and exercise at least 30 minutes a day amid holiday celebrations.
    “We’re encouraging the public to wear masks if you’re experiencing symptoms or stay at home if you have acute respiratory illnesses, coughs, colds even if you are [Covid-19] negative,” Herbosa said.
    The DOH also opted for safe and age-appropriate gifts that are suitable to the child’s capabilities for their overall development.
    “Please avoid giving toys containing harmful chemicals. Some of the cheaper toys use lead-containing paint. Always check the labels and packaging of the gifts you’re buying,” Herbosa added. -- PNA
 
 

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SM Foundation turns over health center to Baguio LGU/ SM Bears of Joy campaign

 SM Updates

Josie Lyn Galario

BAGUIO CITY -- A remodeled and modernized health center here was recently handed over by SM Foundation and SM City Baguio to the local government unit headed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
    Medical services for the newly renovated Lucban Health Center will be offered to 26 barangays with a population of 38,163 individuals. Services include general consultation, prenatal check-up, child immunization, TB DOTS, family planning among others.
    The newly renovated health center includes consultation and post consultation room, pharmacy, triage area, minor OR/treatment room, autoclave area, sputum collection corner, physician’s room, pantry, lounge, handwashing area, nursing office and garbage collection area on the first floor while the second floor has a family planning room, prenatal and vaccination room, dental & adolescent room and midwife office.
    Sustainable solutions were integrated in the physical infrastructure such as the installation of a rainwater catchment system, energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures and also utilized inverter appliances to optimize consumption.
    SM Foundation also provided the health center with a mobile play cabinet for children, and a breastfeeding room to ensure the comfort of mothers as they breastfeed their babies in the center.
    The Lucban Health Center is the 201st improved health facility all over the country and the 3rd wellness center for Baguio.
    The health center’s renovation took almost two months to complete. 
    “Sa kapwa po aking mga health workers ngayon, kami po ay nagpapasalamat at binigyan niyo po ng mas maraming kulay and isang health center na magbibigay po ng basic services lalong lalo na sa district ng New Lucban” said Dr. Celia Flor C. Brillantes/City Health Officer
    Among those present during the inauguration and turnover ceremonies were: Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong; SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs Connie Angeles; SM Foundation Executive Director for Education, Carmen Linda Atayde, Albert Uy SM City Baguio Asst. Mall Manager Michael Jason Pena; SM Regional Operations Manager Rona Vida Correa; SM Baguio Mall Manager, Philip Baysac; Baguio City Health officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes. They were joined by Baguio City Health Office staff.
    ***
With the holidays fast approaching, 2023 BPOP Bears of Joy, inspired by KPop /PPop theme makes a perfect gift for friends and family.
    They not only bring joy to your loved ones but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need.
    These huggable plushies come in four designs, BPop Squad 2023 namely, Eya (the rapper), Bin(the dancer), Rina(the leader) and Ace(the vocalist). Whether you're young or young at heart, these plushies are the perfect companions to bring comfort, joy, and warmth to your life.
    What sets this campaign apart is the commitment to giving back. 
    By purchasing one Bears of Joy, you not only get a lovely companion but also play a significant role in contributing to the welfare of children in the community. One plushie is going towards a charitable cause that supports children in need.
    SM encourages everyone to participate in this heartwarming campaign. Together, we can make a difference, one plushie at a time.
    Bears of Joy are available at SM City Baguio, visit the Bears of Joy booth at Ground Level near SM Store.
    For more information about the "Bears of Joy" campaign, visit SM City Baguio (official) FB Page.
 
 

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Wearing mask not mandatory but encouraged – health execs

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – Health authorities in Cordillera region urged the public to wear masks when in public places to reduce the chances of virus transmission, as the weather gets colder.
    “It is not mandatory but we encourage the public, especially if you have flu or is not feeling well, to wear a mask to avoid transmission of any illness to loved ones and the public when going out of your residence,” Dr. Rio Magpantay, director of the Dept. of Health Cordillera, said in an  interview last week.
    He said people should always remember the experience during the pandemic when the use of masks was mandatory to avoid being infected or infecting others.
    “We all know what masks do to protect us, let us not forget that,” he said.
    Marie Ruby Magsino, a nurse at the city health office, in a phone interview, said Acting City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor     Brillantes encouraged residents and visitors to wear face masks as respiratory and influenza-like illnesses are expected, especially when temperatures drop during the "ber" months until February of the following year.
    The Baguio station of the weather bureau recorded 13°C, the lowest temperature in this city so far this year, on Nov. 20 and again on Dec. 15.
    The daily average temperature in this city is at 17°C. -- PNA
 

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100-yr.-old man in Tinglayan shares secret to long life

 Health

TINGLAYAN, Kalinga -- A 100-year-old man of this town who recently received a P100,000 centenarian incentive from the government shared his secret to a long and happy life.
    Lolo Andrew Amog Maldis from Barangay Old Tinglayan disclosed in an interview that his diet is his key to longevity.
Lolo Andrew only eats rice with vegetables as his meal. It is only during ‘Pusipos,’ a ritual for sick elders that he gets to taste meat.
    The vegetables the old man has been feeding himself come from those they usually grow in their village. These include beans, cabbage, gabi, chayote, and 'pikaw'—a wild edible taro-like plant that usually grows in moist areas, among others.
    With the topography of the area where he lives, the elderly man walks and hikes, which becomes a regular exercise.
Larae Lactao, the Municipal Information Officer, said that the senior citizen can still walk without a walking stick.
    “During diay napanan da [nagalaan diay cash assistance], ket napigsa pay suna nga magmagna. Saan pay agusar sarukod,” she recalled.
    As part of the implementation of Republic Act No. 110868 or the Centenarians Act of 2016, the Department of Social Welfare and Development grants centenarians cash gifts and a letter of felicitation to those who have reached 100 years old and above.
    The awarding of the cash gift to Lolo Andrew by the DSWD-Cordillera, alongside the Municipal Social Welfare Development Office, transpired last Nov. 28.
    Lolo Andrew is the sixth centenarian to have received cash assistance from the MLGU since the program started in 2019.
The first recipient of the program is Apo Whang-od, dubbed the “oldest and last-surviving hand tap tattoo artist” (mambabatok).
 
 

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DOH: 7,296 influenza- like cases in Cordillera

Public warned: Take precautions 

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Health in the Cordillera Administrative Region Thursday reminded the public to boost their immune system due to the cold weather in this summer capital.
    Victoria Malicdan, DOH-CAR senior health program officer, also urged the public to adopt the same protective measure practiced at the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic for added health protection.
    “You have to mask up especially if you are not feeling well, especially the youth, the immunocompromised like those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, heart ailment,” she said during a press briefing here at the regional health office.
    Malicdan said that when going to crowded places, which is unavoidable, alcohol will come in handy as a protection from possible infection.
    The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit here recorded 7,296 cases of Influenza-like illness (ILI), and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) from Jan. 1 to Nov. 15 this year.
    The number is higher compared to the 4,277 cases in the same period last year.
    Apayao recorded a 644 percent increase from 41 cases to 305; Baguio City with an 87 percent increase from 1,204 to 2,256; Benguet logged a 98 percent increase from 1,363 to 2,695; Ifugao with an 82 percent increase from 307 cases to 559; and Kalinga with 56 percent increase with 643 cases to 1,003 ILI and SARI cases this year.
    On the other hand, Abra recorded a decrease from 473 cases compared to 260 cases this year, while Mountain Province also logged an 11 percent decrease from 246 cases last year to 218 cases this year.
    Overall, the region recorded a 71 percent increase, Malicdan said, noting that after an initial increase in May, the number of cases stabilized before rising again.
    Last Nov. 20, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration measured a temperature of 13.5 degrees Celsius in this city, marking the lowest temperature since the onset of the cold season this year.
    Baguio City and the rest of the CAR record a low temperature starting in November, which usually extends until the last week of February and sometimes until March of the following year. -- PNA
 

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Skin lightening products dangerous to pregnant women: BAN Toxics

By Thony Dizon

Amidst the bustling holiday shopping season, BAN Toxics issues a cautionary advisory against the purchase and usage of skin-lightening products containing toxic chemicals, readily available in local markets and online platforms.
    The toxic watchdog expresses grave concern over the proliferation and ‘bargain’ sales of these hazardous beauty products due to their profound adverse health and safety effects, particularly among pregnant women.
    Despite being banned in the country and worldwide, mercury-containing whitening products are easily available for sale over the internet, promoted online on social media sites, and sold through mobile apps and local markets. Lightening products that do not contain mercury may contain other hazardous substances, such as hydroquinone, found in over-the-counter products used to correct skin discoloration.
    Since 2017, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), in collaboration with the Zero Mercury Waste Working Group (ZMWWG) and BAN Toxics, has gathered and analyzed data from testing and official sources. The findings underscore the alarming absence of effective controls, allowing the unhindered production and online sale of mercury-laden skin-lightening products.
    In its October 2023 report, 213 skin-lightening products (SLPs) were acquired from 23 online platforms across 12 countries, including the Philippines. Alarmingly, 191 of these products (90%) surpassed the 1 ppm limit mandated by governments and the Minamata Convention, with mercury concentrations ranging from 1.18 to 74,800.00 ppm.
    Ongoing online market surveillance of BAN Toxics likewise reveals a persistent presence of products containing mercury, a known hazard to human health. Recently, rebranded Pakistan-made Goree Gold Beauty Cream 24K products have surfaced in local beauty shops. Those identical products are also sold at discounted prices on shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada, priced between P150 and P350 each.
    "Government should put an end to the illegal trade of mercury-added skin lightening cosmetics in both online and on-site markets. BAN Toxics urged the regulatory agencies to crack down on smugglers of these prohibited products," said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
    The growing popularity of the skin whitening industry in the country is unfortunately increasing the exposure of pregnant and non-pregnant women to the most common environmental pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with various health impacts. 
    “The existing health and e-commerce regulations in the country should prevent online shopping platforms from continuous marketing of banned and prohibited whitening products. We have to safeguard the safety of the consumers, especially pregnant women, against toxic mercury exposure,” Dizon added.
    Adverse health effects of the use of mercury and hazardous substances in cosmetics include kidney damage, skin rashes, skin discoloration and scarring, reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, anxiety, depression, psychosis, and peripheral neuropathy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 
    The exposure of expecting mothers to harmful toxic substances is particularly worrisome due to the potential transfer of these chemicals from the mother to the fetus through both the placenta and breast milk. Such exposure during fetal development and infancy could lead to lasting health risks.
    “BAN Toxics reiterates its appeal to regulators to take action against the unethical and illegal promotion and sale of skin whitening cosmetics with undisclosed mercury content on online shopping and social media platforms,” the group added.
    Online businesses must adhere to the country's laws and regulations, including safeguarding online consumers against health and safety risks, as outlined in Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 22-01 Series of 2022.
    This order, established by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, and the National Privacy Commission, provides guidelines for online businesses to follow.
    To protect the public from the negative effects of hazardous chemicals in skin-lightening products, it is high time for the government to implement robust compliance and enforcement strategies, including identifying importers, manufacturers, and other supply chains, particularly within e-commerce sites. Health agencies should conduct public awareness campaigns and national advocacy to inform consumers about the health risks of skin-lightening products.
 

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PhilHealth increases stroke patients’ benefits to P76-K

By Ma. Teresa Montemayor

State insurer Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has increased the benefits for people suffering from stroke.
    In a public advisory, the PhilHealth said stroke patients spend a high cost for treatment expenses and recovery.
    The state insurer increased the benefit package for ischemic stroke from P28,000 to P76,000.
Ischemic stroke is characterized by the presence of blood clots or clogged nerves leading to the brain.
    It also increased the benefit package for hemorrhagic stroke or bleeding in the brain due to nerve rupture from PHP38,000 to PHP80,000.
    Stroke is second among the most common causes of death among Filipinos with a 0.9 percent prevalence rate.
    About 70 percent of these stroke-related deaths are classified under ischemic stroke while the remaining 30 percent is under hemorrhagic stroke. -- PNA
 

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Patients now go for alternative medicine

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – A medical doctor who practices both modern and alternative or traditional medicine said many patients are now appreciating both practices in handling their health needs.

    Dr. Joseph Alunes, a family and community medicine practitioner at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), in a recent press conference here, said a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) 20 years ago showed only 20 percent of the population go for alternative medicine.
    “The latest study of the WHO in 2022 shows that 88 percent of the population opt to receive traditional medicine in treating their illness,” he said.
    Alunes said he supplements modern medicine with acupuncture, the most common traditional medicine that his patients prefer.
    He said there are also herbal medicine practitioners, “hilot” or those using the traditional Filipino art of healing through massage, and even moxibustion, a form of therapy that utilizes the burning of mugwort leaves.
    “The DOH is giving licenses to practitioners,” he said.
Alunes, however, said more research is needed to have additional basis on use of traditional medicine in science and allow it to be fully accepted.
    He said he was hopeful a department of traditional medicine will be established at the BGHMC, noting that the conduct of the summit on traditional health care here has opened up several avenues where practitioners were able to bring out products of research like wine with therapeutic characteristics, healing oils, and others.
    He also expressed confidence that with the existence of a law providing for the training of practitioners of traditional medicine, more medical practitioners will also be enticed to practice this.
    “There are now 10 herbal medicines which are DOH-Food and Drugs Administration recognized,” he added. -- PNA
  
 
 
 
 
 

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