Event | mWell To Provide Free Doctor Consultation with National mWellness Day August 28 -29

Makati, Philippines, August 20, 2021 – The first nationwide medical mission in the Philippines is National mWellness Day on August 28- 29, 2021.

mWell, the country’s first fully integrated health and wellness mobile app brings another radical move to provide healthcare access to millions of Filipinos especially with heightened restrictions throughout the country due to the spike of COVID-19 cases brought about by the Delta variant.

The Delta variant is surpassing other variants of concern in the country according to studies from the UP-Philippine Genome Center. With nearly 2 million COVID-19 infections to date in the Philippines, stricter quarantine measures are imposed to mitigate the spread of the highly infectious variant.

In an unprecedented first in telehealth consultation, patients anywhere in the Philippines—Luzon’s outlying regions Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region, or Cagayan Valley, as well as distant and hard to reach islands in the Visayas, and Mindanao’s southernmost Soccsksargen—will have quality free doctor consultation. mWell, by Metro Pacific Health Tech, gives users the added sense of security and medical support with this latest innovation.

On this online event, all mWell app users and patients can avail of free online and teleconsultations from a roster of primary care and specialty doctors nationwide.  Booking fees and doctor fees are waived for this special event.

Simple and accessible, National mWellness Day gives Filipinos the chance to get much-needed access to health professionals from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Dr. Angela Fernando-Villasenor, Pediatrician, volunteers for the National mWellness Day “to help our fellow Filipinos. I will also, in a little way, be helping my co-frontliners because there will at least be one patient kept away from the hospital. I would like to invite my fellow doctors to join me in giving free consultation on August 28-29 via the mWell PH app.”

Doctors and clinics all over the country are welcome to be part of the National mWellness Day to reach more patients nationwide and provide them with accessible, responsive and convenient medical care even beyond the pandemic. “

Kara David, healthcare advocate and founder of Project Malasakit, will be hosting the FB Live discussion about National mWellness Day on August 28 at 5PM on the mWell FB page. She’ll be talking with volunteer doctors, patients and special guests on how mWell brings healthcare closer to Filipinos.

mWell transforms the country’s digital health landscape by providing professional consultations, medical diagnosis, care and treatment plans as well as personalized fitness, nutrition and wellness programs, and even smart parenting solutions from pregnancy to family health management. Other products available through the mWell app’s online health shop include e-pharmacy services by South Star Drug, and over 3,000 health and wellness products SKU’s that range from food delivery to skin and body care. Through mWell’s partnership with PayMaya, in-app transactions and payments are fast, secure, and hassle-free.

Take control of your health. Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, register online and be part of National mWellness Day.  For more information, visit https://www.mWell.com.ph. 

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Be part of this online medical mission to maintain your health.

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Digital Lifestyle | National mWELLness Day: A Virtual Medical Mission

There are still a lot of uncertainties going out from our own homes, especially that there are variants of concern of covid that we are currently experiencing, going to the clinics for consultation makes the people hesitant. Good thing that mWELL is now available to cater medical consultations with the use of a mobile application. Great to know that mWELL will have NATIONAL MWELLNESS DAY by the end of the month!

Here's a story about the National mWELLness Day:

mWell, PH’s First Fully-Integrated Health & Wellness App Rolls Out the first Nationwide Virtual Medical Mission

Makati, Philippines, August 6, 2021 - Better healthcare access for Filipinos becomes a reality as mWell, the country’s first fully integrated health & wellness mobile app by Metro Pacific Health Tech, makes history with the first and largest nationwide virtual medical mission in the Philippines - the National mWellness Day.

This two-day virtual event, an unprecedented first in the telehealth and healthcare industry, will be held on August 28-29, 2021. During the National mWellness Day, mWell app users anywhere in the country can avail of free online teleconsultations from a roster of specialized doctors including dermatologists, gastroenterologists, doctors of internal medicine, gynecologists, pediatrics, and psychiatrists, among others.

Doctor consultations are free of charge and booking fees are waived! mWell gives Filipinos a gift of wellness especially in this period of heightened restrictions, enabling users from all over the country to get much needed access to health professionals from the safety and comfort of their own homes.

Aside from all-day video consultations with doctors, users can access fitness and nutrition program, wellness, and parenting solutions from pregnancy to family health management. The mWell app’s online health shop includes over three thousand health and wellness products SKU’s ranging from food, baby products, to skin and body care.

mWell is a high-performance mobile app backed by a powerhouse of top names in the healthcare, wellness and tech industries. CareSpan's Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools and data for mWell doctors and patients. LotusFlare’s multi-awarded cloud-native, IT digital enablement platform ensures a seamless, end-to-end customer experience. Ping An's healthcare technologies enables mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments. TELUS, world-leading communications technology company and Canada’s leader in digital health technology. Philcare, a pioneer in the HMO industry and leader in digital service. Keralty, offering integrated, high quality and cost-effective medical care, and Paymaya for secure, hassle-free payment transactions, to name a few.

mWell is calling all doctors nationwide to be part of the country’s first ever nationwide medical mission. By donating a few hours of their time on August 28-29, they can set up their virtual clinic on the mWell app and reach Filipinos who need them the most in these trying times. To be a volunteer doctor of the National mWellness Day, you may register through https://www.mwell.com.ph/partner-doctors

To be a part of mWell’s National mWellness Day, download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://www.mWell.com.ph. 

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This is another bayanihan of Filipinos from the healthcare sector to help Filipinos maintain a better health, amidst the challenges. Hopefully, you guys can also download the application and have yourself checked virtually by our friendly doctors. See you on the National mWELLness Day!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Event | mWell, PH’s First Fully Integrated Health & Wellness App launches via Virtual Press Conference

Screenshot from Zoom event

Makati, Philippines, July 23, 2021 –  Today is a milestone as Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI), transforms the digital health care ecosystem with mWell, an all-in-one app meticulously created for the Filipino’s holistic well-being, providing professional consultations, wellness programs, products and delivery services.

Headed by MPIC Chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan is truly confident and excited with MPIC group’s newest foray in digital health care, “Through a collaboration with trusted health experts, mWell will develop an ecosystem to bring integrated digital health care closer to every Filipino, even beyond the pandemic. mWell will empower every Filipino to be in control of their health with just one app.”  

mWell is a high-performance mobile app backed by a powerhouse of top names in the healthcare, wellness and tech industries.  CareSpan's Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools and data for mWell doctors and patients.  LotusFlare’s multi-awarded cloud-native, IT digital enablement platform ensures a seamless, end-to-end customer experience.  Ping An's healthcare technologies enables mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments.    

Complementing the technology partnerships, mWell teams up with award-winning fitness experts like Active8me, for personalized daily fitness, nutrition and wellness programs; and theAsianparent, for smart parenting solutions from pregnancy to family health management. Powered by PayMaya for fast, secure, and hassle-free transactions, over three thousand health and wellness product SKU’s are available for mWell app users at the online health shop by Adobomall.

Joey Lim, MPIC’s President and CEO also expresses confidence that this fully-integrated healthcare management is a game changer, “Together, we will build an ecosystem that will provide easy access to integrated digital healthcare. We invite doctors and health practitioners to digitize their practice, partner with us and be part of mWell’s mission. With our combined strength, we can empower our countrymen to be in control of their health.”

The mWell launch today signals the opening of this new digital health ecosystem.  Currently in partnership with CareSpan, Philcare and Keralty Clinic, a whole gamut of doctors and health practitioners have joined the mWell roster comprising of general practitioners and specialty doctors to enable much needed access to health professionals during this pandemic.  Doctors are able to easily manage digital appointments, keep patients’ confidential medical records and issue e-prescriptions. And with the partnership of Medicard, users can book COVID-19 testing services.

Doctors, clinics, and hospitals all over the country are welcome to be part of mWell. Doctors can set up their own mWell virtual clinic for free. There are no set-up or membership fees. Doctors will be given a quick and easy training to be able to access the mWell suite of services and can immediately digitize their practice, reaching more patients nationwide. “Through telemedicine, accessible healthcare can be promoted and the anxiety of going outside would be reduced, not only for us doctors, but for patients as well,” shares Dr. Lovely Garcia. Clinics and hospitals can set up virtual labs and accept booking via the mWell app.

“At the heart Gabay Kalusugan’s advocacy to bring healthcare to our kababayans,” states Chaye Revilla, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. “mWell is our response to Filipinos’ call for a better, more responsive, highly convenient healthcare platform. It is a fully integrated ecosystem that will deliver their health and wellness needs.” Revilla added.

Starting August, mWell will provide a more enriching journey as users can access the e-Pharmacy service that will allow them to buy South Star Drug OTC and Prescription medicines and have these delivered to their homes, or buy PhilCare health insurance products for dengue, accidents, and emergencies. Also in August, mWell will launch a nationwide medical mission, an unprecedented first telehealth virtual event in the Philippines highlighting partnerships and collaborations with clinics and doctors nationwide. Come September, mWell, in partnership with Aktivolabs, will enable its users to monitor, track and improve their Wellness Score through Aktivo's® proprietary algorithm that weighs a user's physical activity and sleep daily and provides personalised information on what an ideal healthy physical lifestyle is, to improve health and longevity.

For its initial offering, PLDT Home customers may avail of a free consultation with mWell doctors. There are more services waiting to be launched with each new feature adding concrete benefits to the health of every Filipino. Get started on your health today. You can download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://www.mWell.com.ph. 

Digital Lifestyle | Official Launch of m-WELL App Today!

mWell App

Makati, Philippines, July 15, 2021 -  Today is a milestone as Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI), transforms the digital health care ecosystem with mWell, an all-in-one app meticulously created for the Filipino’s holistic well-being, providing professional consultations, wellness programs, products and delivery services.

MPIC Chairman, Manny V. Pangilinan is truly confident and excited with MPIC group’s newest foray in digital health care, “Filipinos will now have better access to healthcare with mWell making available online healthcare solutions through a wide and sustainable network of medical experts and services.  With just a few taps, users can do a virtual check up with doctors, select health and wellness programs, buy medicines, and do a lot more as we strengthen the mWell integrated digital health care ecosystem.”  

mWell is a high-performance mobile app backed by a powerhouse of top names in the healthcare, wellness and tech industries.  CareSpan's Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools and data for mWell doctors and patients.  LotusFlare’s multi-awarded cloud-native, IT digital enablement platform ensures a seamless, end-to-end customer experience.  Ping An's healthcare technologies enables mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments.    

Complementing the technology partnerships, mWell teams up with award-winning fitness experts like Active8me, for personalized daily fitness, nutrition and wellness programs; and theAsianparent, for smart parenting solutions from pregnancy to family health management. Powered by PayMaya for fast, secure, and hassle-free transactions, over three thousand health and wellness product SKU’s are available for mWell app users at the online health shop by Adobomall.

Joey Lim, MPIC’s President and CEO also expresses confidence that this fully-integrated healthcare management is a game changer, “mWell empowers Filipinos to be in full control of their well-being even from the comfort of their own home through innovative healthcare solutions. We invite health practitioners, consumers, and businesses to be part of the mWell ecosystem.”

The mWell launch today signals the opening of this new digital health ecosystem.  Currently in partnership with CareSpan, Philcare and Keralty Clinic, a whole gamut of doctors and health practitioners have joined the mWell roster comprising of general practitioners and specialty doctors to enable much needed access to health professionals during this pandemic.  Doctors are able to easily manage digital appointments, keep patients’ confidential medical records and issue e-prescriptions. And with the partnership of Medicard, users can book COVID-19 testing services.

Doctors, clinics, and hospitals all over the country are welcome to be part of mWell. Doctors can set up their own mWell virtual clinic for free. There are no set-up or membership fees. Doctors will be given a quick and easy training to be able to access the mWell suite of services and can immediately digitize their practice, reaching more patients nationwide. Clinics and hospitals can set up virtual labs and accept booking via the mWell app.

“At the heart of mWell lies our passion to bringing healthcare closer to every Filipino,” states Chaye Revilla, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. “mWell embodies the group’s efforts to put health at the core of its advocacies towards nation building and growth hinged on sustainability. “ Revilla added.

Starting August, mWell will provide a more enriching journey as users can access the e-Pharmacy service that will allow them to buy South Star Drug OTC and Prescription medicines and have these delivered to their homes, or buy PhilCare health insurance products for dengue, accidents, and emergencies. Also in August, mWell will launch a nationwide medical mission, an unprecedented first telehealth virtual event in the Philippines highlighting partnerships and collaborations with clinics and doctors nationwide.

For its initial offering, PLDT Home customers may avail of a free consultation with mWell doctors. There are more services waiting to be launched with each new feature adding concrete benefits to the health of every Filipino. Get started on your health today. You can download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://www.mWell.com.ph. 

Tech Lifestyle | m-WELL Offers Free Online Consultation with PLDT Home

Using m-WELL with PLDT Home

In our previous post about m-WELL, the application is introduced as the Philippines' first integrated health and wellness application. With m-WELL's launch, one of its services is to give online health and wellness consultation. Here's a good news: m-WELL offers free online consultation with PLDT Home!!!

Here's the story...

mWell, PH’s first integrated health app offers free online consultation with PLDT Home

Makati, Philippines, July 7, 2021 –Philippine healthcare now becomes more accessible with mWell, the country’s first fully integrated, health & wellness app designed to transform the way healthcare is delivered to every Filipino.

PLDT Home provides digital services that enable families to do things better at home powered by the fastest broadband connectivity. Through this partnership, PLDT Home-connected families get free online check-up and consultations with mWell doctors in the areas of primary care, pediatrics, internal medicine, ob-gyn, cardiology, gastroenterology, dermatology, and COVID-19, that they can conveniently book and so have safer consultations.

Soon to be launched by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), mWell is an all-in-one app set to transform the demand for treatment and care, during this pandemic through online doctor consultations, health education, wellness programs, online pharmacy services, and more.

MPIC President and CEO Joey Lim

“The fully-integrated experience empowers patients to be in full control of their health and well-being with just a few clicks, in the comfort of their own home. It truly is a game changer in healthcare management.” said MPIC President and CEO Joey Lim.

The mWell app is powered by an ecosystem of partnerships by top names in healthcare and tech industries:  CareSpan’s Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools, capabilities, and data for mWell doctors and patients; LotusFlare’s cloud-native, agile IT digital enablement platform provides for a seamless, end to end customer experience; Ping An's healthcare technologies enables mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments. Leading HMO, Medicard, provides access to COVID-19 testing services, and CareSpan, Keralty Clinics and Philcare, a pioneer in the HMO industry and leader in digital service delivery, have introduced a gamut of doctors into the mWell ecosystem.  

Simple and accessible in just a few clicks, mWell app users can not only do video consultation but also buy medicines, access personalized fitness and nutrition programs including Covid-19 assessment, pregnancy trackers, buy wellness products at the shop by Adobomall with the use of PayMaya for fast, secure, and hassle-free transactions.

PLDT President and CEO Manny V Pangilinan

MPIC Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan added, “Even before the pandemic, Filipinos needed better access to healthcare. Many challenges and limitations hinder medical care and treatment, more so during this COVID-19 crisis. We are truly excited with mWell, the MPIC group’s investment in digital health care."   

MPIC Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer Chase Revilla

“At the heart of mWell is our passion of bringing Healthcare closer to every Filipino. As we continue to build this health ecosystem, more and more services will be within reach in just a few taps on their phone”, Chaye Cabal-Revilla, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer of MPIC.

Get started on your health today! Download the mWell PH app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://www.mwell.com.ph 
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So, hopefully you have you m-WELL with you now, especially with your PLDT Home!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Tech Lifestyle | mWELL: Philippines' First Fully Integrated Health and Wellness App with MPIC

The Philippines, especially the previous year, continuously adopt the use of digital technologies to reach customers who chose to shop and receive services through e-commerce platforms. Not only that shopping applies to goods like clothing, utensils, home decors and groceries, but it includes health and wellness services and products. With the use of an app, it still gives an opportunity to receive health and wellness services and products to customers.

Here's a story about mWELL, MPIC's offering to deliver healthcare services through an app:

MPIC Set to Transform Healthcare Delivery with mWELL, PH’s First Fully Integrated Health & Wellness App

Makati, Philippines, June 28, 2021 - Healthcare in the Philippines now becomes more accessible with mWell, the country’s first fully integrated, one-stop health & lifestyle app aimed at transforming the way healthcare is delivered through online doctor consultations, health education, wellness programs, online pharmacy services, and more.

Soon to be launched by Metro Pacific Health Tech Corporation (MPHTC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (PSE: MPI), mWell is an all-in-one app designed for every Filipino’s demand for treatment and care during this pandemic where connecting patients with doctors and medical professionals has become very challenging.

Center: PLDT President and CEO Manny V Pangilinan
Right: MPIC President and CEO Joey Lim
Left: MPIC Chief Finance and Sustainability Officer Chase Revilla

PLDT President and CEO, Manny V. Pangilinan states, “Even before the pandemic, Filipinos needed better access to healthcare. Many challenges and limitations hinder medical care and treatment, more so during this COVID-19 crisis. We are truly excited with mWell, the MPIC group’s investment in digital health care." 

Aside from online video consultations with licensed doctors from different specializations, mWell app users can gain valuable health information about a wide range of topics from COVID-19 to chronic disease management, pregnancy issues, online fitness, nutrition, and wellness programs. The mWell app also provides patients with the option to order medicines and healthy products via its e-pharmacy and online shop.

MPIC’s President and CEO, Joey Lim added, “The fully-integrated experience empowers patients to be in full control of their health and wellbeing with just a few clicks, in the comfort of their own home. It truly is a game changer in healthcare management.”

Transforming TeleHealth  in the Philippines

mWell is a high-performance mobile app powered by top names in the healthcare, wellness & tech industries. CareSpan's Clinic in the Cloud™ integrates digital care tools, capabilities, and data for mWell doctors and patients. LotusFlare’s cloud-native, agile IT digital enablement platform for a seamless, end to end customer experience. Ping An's healthcare technologies has enabled mWell to address Covid-19 concerns, diagnosis, care, and treatments. Leading HMO, Medicard, provides access to COVID-19 testing services.

For OTC medicines and more, South Star Drug, one of the country’s top health retailers, is mWell’s first e-Pharmacy partner. CareSpan, Keralty Clinics and Philcare, a pioneer in the HMO industry and leader in digital service delivery, have introduced a gamut of doctors into the mWell ecosystem.  

The mWell app has an outstanding roster of primary care physicians, pediatricians, endocrinologists, internal medicine practitioners, ob-gyns, psychiatrists, COVID-19 specialists, and several credentialed providers such as nutritionists. Doctors and Healthcare professionals considering signing up are not charged any set-up fees. There are also no recurring charges and deductions from their professional fees. With this innovative platform, doctors can easily manage digital appointments, access patients' medical records, and issue e-prescriptions.

A One-Stop Health & Wellness Shop

mWell partnered with dedicated specialists for a comprehensive care and support like active8me, an award-winning all-in-one digital health and wellness platform for personalized daily fitness, nutrition and wellness programs, and theAsianparent, a go-to platform for smart parenting solutions from family health and wellness to pregnancy development articles. mWell users can shop in over three thousand health and wellness products at the e-shop by Adobomall and  powered by PayMaya for fast, secure, and hassle-free transactions.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve Filipinos all around the country in the area of digital healthcare. At the heart of mWell lies our passion to bring health care closer to every Filipino” adds Chaye Revilla, Chief Finance & Sustainability Officer of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.

As an initial offer, PLDT Home customers will enjoy free doctor video consultation with mWELL doctors.  After the online check up, mWell users can purchase over-the-counter medicines from South Star Drug via the e-pharma in the mWell app and have it delivered to their preferred address.

Get started on your health today! Download the mWell app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. For more information, visit https://www.mWell.com.ph.

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Indeed, health is wealth! We still need healthcare services even at the comforts of our homes as we avoid contracting a dreaded infection. Plus, we also need to buy our prescribed medications and having an app like mWELL will surely help us make our transactions for our health and wellness needs with less physical contact. More power to MPIC!

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Public Health | Immunization in the Philippines Situation

Immunization in the Philippines, at an all-time low rate
DOH, experts call for continued immunization amid pandemic

Immunization is one of the public health services given primarily by our health centers to prevent any outbreak of known public health diseases that can also spread communicably. However, due to the current pandemic and measures of lockdown, there is a huge concern over an all-time low rate of vaccination now in the Philippines, according to a Department of Health (DOH) official.

With this happening, the DOH and other medical experts are calling for continued immunization despite the quarantine explaining that the country could not afford an outbreak within a pandemic.

The DOH National Immunization Program manager, Dr. Maria Wilda Silva, said that from January to March, vaccination coverage has dropped to 7 percent which is an all-time low. This number is way below the ideal 24 percent coverage for the country to reach the 95 percent target by end 2020.

“This is very low because of the disruption from both the supply and demand side,” Silva said in the recent online Kapihan of Samahang Plaridel.

The call for immunization is strongly aligned with the statements released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF which also highlighted the importance of continuing vaccination at this challenging time said that the benefits of immunization clearly outweigh the risks at this time.
“Don’t be afraid because children must get immunized. They are at higher risk of getting measles, polio, pneumonia and other vaccine-preventable diseases,” according to Dr. Lulu  Bravo said, Executive Director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination.

“Let us all be reminded that first, if children and other vulnerable sectors are not vaccinated, they can get sick and can die from these vaccine-preventable diseases,” she adds.

Silva shared that one of the vaccine-preventable diseases, pneumonia, remains the number one killer disease among children 5 years old and below. The tender for the child pneumococcal vaccine—between PCV 10 and PCV 13-- is currently being reviewed by the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) for comparability and cost effectiveness.

Asked on the new evidence presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) saying that the two PCVs in the market are equally effective in protecting the children from pneumonia, Silva said:  “When we did the cost effectiveness analysis, they are both cost effective. The price of PCV10 and PCV13, they fall on that range na cost effective sila pareho. But, of course, there is another benefit when we chose the PCV13 because it contains the three sero-types that are not found in PCV10 before. But now with the new evidence, this was now presented to National Immunization Committee and then it was brought up to the HTAC for further review and we are waiting for the review.”

The PCV tender is massive, which is even bigger than that of the controversial Dengvaxia procurement.

“Currently, there is only one available pneumococcal conjugate vaccine available in the market (PCV 13). It is a very expensive vaccine and its eating up more than 60% of the budget of the national immunization program. Mahal talaga pag isang produkto lang ang nasa merkado, ” Silva said.
The HTAC Review of the PCV vaccines is expected to be completed this June.

For her part, Dr. Mary Ann Bunyi, president of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP), said that like COVID-19, “each opponent virus has its own effective weapon of infecting vulnerable individuals, especially children which is why, vaccination is critical even during a pandemic.

“Sa ngayon, meron na tayong mabisang bala para sa tigdas, polio, tusperina, flu, pulmonya, pagtatae at iba pang mga sakit. So, labanan natin at sugpuin natin ito upang mapanatili nating malusog ang ating mga bata. Sama-sama, tulong-tulong tayong ihayag sa mga magulang kung gaano kahalaga ang magpabakuna.” (For now, we already have an effective defense weapon against measles, polio, pertussis, flu, pneumonia, diarrhea, and many other illnesses. We need to fight and beat these to ensure the health of our kids. We should all together make parents aware how important it is to get vaccinated.)

Comment: Yes, as a nurse, there are a lot of highly proven effective vaccines given already to the public. Usually, those who receive these vaccines are the newborns and children who are part of the vulnerable population. With the current crisis, I just hope that there will be means to reach these population aside from going to the centers. I also hope that other public health programs will not be set aside because of the current pandemic. Let us protect our vulnerable population while protecting our health care workers, too. :-)

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

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Lifestyle | 6 Simple Things to Do to Fight CoViD-19

Me wearing a mask, advised to wear mask in public spaces

With the continuous rising numbers of confirmed CoViD-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) worldwide, there are very easy to do things to help flatten the curve of the infection. It is easy, doable and needing the utmost cooperation of everybody in the community. This will surely help your community, city, country and the region in combating the infection.

As a nurse by profession, there are several infection control measures that can be done to avoid the spread of an infectious disease. There is a chain of infection that has to be noted, to wit: 1) Portal of Exit (where the bacteria or virus will come out from an infected person), 2) Mode of Transmission (how will the infection be passed to another person), 3) Portal of Entry (where will the bacteria or virus enter your body), 4) Susceptible Host (who are the possible recipient of the infection), 5) Causative Agent (what bacteria or virus that causes the disease/illness), and 6) Reservoir (where the bacteria or virus can survive and multiply again). To fight a microscopic enemy, there should be ways to cut the chain of infection. In the case of CoViD-19, some standard precaution methods against any disease or illness will apply, plus some efforts to maintain a healthy physique will definitely be a great thing to do, too.

So, here are some ways to cut the chain of infection for CoViD-19.

First, HAND WASHING! For a droplet transmission through a close contact mode of transmission, the microorganisms can be transferred to a susceptible host when it is touched. Then, the microorganisms carried by your hand or fingers can enter the body when it reaches a body opening such as the nose or mouth. Hand washing can save you from getting infected! Doing it approximately 20 seconds or that’s singing two “happy birthday” song with soap and water will greatly remove the microorganism such as the corona virus. Without available soap and water, but you have a supply of hand sanitizer or alcohol, do a hand rub using those pharmaceutical products. Hand washing is important and equally washing your feet too will do some miracles upon reaching home coming from your day’s work.

Second, COUGH ETIQUETTE! The portal of exit of CoViD-19 is through coughing or sneezing. We can cut the chain of infection if we are used to covering our mouth when coughing, and covering both our nose and mouth when sneezing. There are items that we can use to cover our nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, it can be a handkerchief, tissue paper, the sleeves of our shirt, inside the shirt we wear and even our hands. It should be part of the manners that everyone should practice because it is applicable not only with CoViD-19, but to other respiratory diseases, too. Then, after sneezing and coughing, do not share your hanky, dispose the tissue properly, and do the hand washing.

Third, SOCIAL DISTANCING! We are highly sociable individuals who wants to hug, kiss, shake hands and talk very near, but to refrain from getting the infection, we are advised to do social distancing. It is just temporary! You may have sneezed or coughed on your sleeves or shirt, and getting close with somebody without hand washing and cough etiquette, there’s a high probability that you’ll share some microorganism unwanted in the body. So, keep a safe distance.

Fourth, TAKE YOUR VITAMIN C! Vitamin C or the ascorbic acid is the most common immunity booster and antioxidant we have in the market. It is also one of the pharmaceutical products easily out of stock right now. Taking your Vitamin C or any multivitamins can help your body have its adequate immunity booster. It will help you to avoid being a susceptible host where the virus can take advantage as a reservoir. If ever you have acquired the virus, the body can have the adequate fighting mechanism to get rid of the infection and you may be asymptomatic. In absence of the Vitamic C in the pharmacy, let the magic of calamansi do miracles. 

Fifth, HAVE ADEQUATE REST AND NUTRITION! In line with the fourth one, having an adequate rest and nutrition will help you to have a healthy body to fight against the infection. Again, a healthy body can fight the manifestation of the disease.

Sixth, WEAR YOUR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE), when necessary! The World Health Organization emphasizes the use of PPE for the healthcare workers, especially those who are frontliners and giving care. The PPE will involve a mask, gloves, goggles, body covering and feet cover. However, for lay people, using mask can be prioritized for the sick people to have a reverse isolation approach. It will help the supply of masks be given to those much needy. But when certain protocols are in placed for the use of PPE, we shall then follow it. The use of PPE will help in the protection against the virus in entering the body.

So, there you have it. You can observe that when a part of the chain of infection is cut, the infection cycle will not continue. Those mentioned six things are only some of the things we can do against the CoViD-19 while at home or going towards our workplace. I hope it helps!

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#PlsSaveMe : A Medical Burden Can Consume Your Savings

Dialysis Machines

Every day, we are not getting young. Every day, we live a lifestyle that we think is right. Every day, we need bigger than yesterday.

A breadwinner like Efren, 40, hurdles the challenge to support a family. He works as a licensed professional teacher with master’s degree. He earns well enough for the family and still able to do some extra curricular activities. It is indeed a simple and comfortable life for him and his family plus he is able to save enough, but a medical condition of her mother changed their way of life.

Efren’s mother got a chronic renal failure. It is in fact a rising condition among Filipinos of having kidney failure wherein more and more people need to have a session at a dialysis center, but if not a hemodialysis, it will be a peritoneal dialysis. Dialysis centers are even spreading around to serve clients who need it. Most of the time, the cause of the kidney failure comes as a complication of other lifestyle diseases like diabetes, sometimes with uncontrolled hypertension, and sometimes due to excessive intake of antibiotics that are sometimes nephrotoxic. In the case of Efren's mother, she has diabetes and hypertension; and she is prescribed for dialysis sessions three times a week. That means to say, she needs to have 156 sessions in a year to support her; that is to cleanse her blood from bodily wastes and go on with life. With the numerous dialysis centers, they opted to have her sessions near their vicinity South of Davao City, and a private institution for convenience and less traffic.

It has become Efren’s nightmare, but they have to adhere with the medical needs of her mother. Slowly, Efren’s savings is eaten up. Aside from the fact of having to pay for a session when the Philhealth package runs out of free sessions (usually 90 sessions per year), there are needs like buying for a dialyzer (temporary kidneys) in case of it being consumed or got damaged because of the blood too thick during cleansing, supplement of epoetin, nutritional needs and maintenance medications. It is indeed a heavy burden without financial support.

I felt the burden of Efren upon discussing the matter, but he said, they need to go on with life since it is already there. He even added that some subsidies from government agencies he thought can help all throughout are limited and not really free. One should find more options to support the condition that could be from LGU’s counterpart and other solicitations. Indeed, a journey that anyone will get tired of.

As a former nurse in a dialysis center, I have seen different pictures of people who avail the services. We even tag the dialysis center as a "luxurious rest room" since body wastes are being flushed through the machines. The condition is not choosing those who are poor but it can be seen with those who are professionals and even big names in their industries. To help aid the financial burden of this condition, I have seen patients selling some goodies during their sessions or their watchers doing it for them. I have seen also a battle of negotiation, trying to be included in a session even payment isn’t completed yet, especially when Philhealth package is consumed. It breaks my heart, but I have to be among those strong people who can impose rules and regulations, as well as empathize with the clients - sad but true!

Efren is already on the 4^th year doing the routine to support her mother. It is very noble and humbling, but tiring as well. Efren hopes that there will be expanded program for this in the government, but he can only hope for it for now. He was able to save and still earn but not so much to support their monthly needs now.

Thus, it is really important that as early as yesterday, we should have saved bigger. It is also important to note that we should have a precautionary healthy lifestyle so that we will not experience medical burden in the future and get rid of the idea of being in a "luxurious rest room". I know it is easier written than done but a habit of saving is what we should cultivate to prepare ourselves in any life's battle.

Lifestyle | Sun Life Highlights Health and Wellness Thrust in IronMan Davao 2019

Sun Life Tri-team

In the Alveo IronMan 70.3 Davao this year, Sun Life Financial Philippines participates and highlights its health and wellness thrust. It is a way that the company can encourage more Filipinos to have better and healthier lives.

Piolo Pascual and me

Groufie with me, Jan Michael Chiu and Toniel Ty

Piolo Pascual is one of the ambassadors of Sun Life and he will be proudly wearing the colors of the company as part of the Sun Life Tri-Team - doing the bike leg which constitutes 90 kilometers. Together with him are other triathletes, Jan Michael Chiu for the swim (1.9 kilometer swim) and Toniel Ty for the run (21 kilometers run). It is going to be the first time of the team to participate in the IronMan leg in Davao and they expressed much excitement. There are other Sun Life representatives in the person of Herbert Juaneza, Sun Life’s Business Development Manager, and Aslagan Cuyugan, Sun Life Training Manager, for their individual category.

Toniel Ty answering during the presscon

A presscon has been conducted to share the excitement of the Sun Life team. It has also allowed the triathletes to share how they prepared for the race. It is indeed a team to look for during the race!

Sun Life will also hold a free workout for members of GoWell, its health and wellness community. GoWell has tapped certified Pound instructor Marge Camacho to lead a Pound workout, a full-body drumming workout session that combines cardio, conditioning, and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements. It is performed to the beat modern music using Ripstix, drumsticks designed specifically for the said workout.

Athletes and guest who will visit the IronMan Expo are also encouraged to visit the Sun Life booth at the Azuela Cove from March 21 to 25 to avail of giveaways. It will also be a first time that Lazada will give some vouchers for Life Armor, a digital Sun Life insurance product exclusively offered to registered Lazada members.

Earlier this week, Sun Life has held the GoRide GoWell Meet, where participants were not only briefed about the IronMan Davao bike course, but were also treated to a free financial planning session. 400 participants were also given Sun Life jerseys, which they donned during the Sun Life Bike Out.

On the race day, Sun Life will be providing IronMan athletes with sports bottles for hydration.

This is really one of the initiatives that the Sun Life has to encourage more Filipinos to have healthier lifestyle which can also give positive results in the finances.

Photo opportunity of the Sun Life team and Mr. Aportadera

For updates on the Sun Life Tri-Team’s Ironmen race, follow @sunlifeph and @gowellph on Facebook and Instagram. Check out the official hashtags #sunlifeironman2019 and #livehealthierlives.

Also, by next month, Sun Life will be doing 5150 race in Naga, Cebu. Another triathlon that the country will be seeing and still a Sunrise Production.

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