by magnolia_eic | Aug 7, 2010 | Headlines, Health and Medicine, Local News / Bohol Balita
KEEPING the four ‘o clock habit is still the most effective contribution a community can do against the onslaught of deadly dengue, says Philippine National Red Cross (BNRC) Board member Romeo Teruel.
Newspaper reports quoting the Department of Health last week bared that dengue has been noted in almost all the towns here in Bohol and has claimed at least 7 lives from January to July.
The same reports also said that the Provincial health Office has noted about 787 cases of possible dengue including those treated or suspected of the disease brought about by the Asian tiger mosquito, aedes aegypti.
Inspect vicinities of our homes every 4:00, empty all those containers which may be venues for the mosquitoes to breed, lid every water container and destroy all potential homes of mosquitoes, Teruel advised.
Teruel, whose concern also includes supporting PNRC generate blood to help patients, pointed out that dengue has become a recurring problem so that PNRC could not just be passive. He stressed that PNRC is going out of the way to be ready in any eventuality.
Dengue then used to be only noted during some months, but seemingly, the mosquitoes have also adapted to the conditions and made them perennial threats, a medical practitioner shared.
PNRC has been the most immediate source of blood support for transfusions but recent data showed that the blood bank’s storage capacity may not be enough to respond to the current need, revealed Ms. Nenita Briones, Red Cross Administrator.
The most important is that while we are urging people to donate blood, while we are preparing, the community’s involvement is most needed, Teruel intoned at the recent Kapihan sa PIA aired on dyTR.
According to Dr. Annabella Oncog of the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, dengue can be manifested in the form of fever, coupled with lack of appetite, headaches, vomiting even if a patient does not have coughs or cold.
However absent any competent practitioner in the towns that can run confirmatory tests for dengue, Dr Ancog advised that if parents are not certain as to the patient’s fever, they must see their doctors immediately.
Ancog also said the most critical period for dengue is when the disease has affected the body’s capacity to allow blood to clot due to lowered platelets.
While a dengue detection kit for patients can be bought at local drugstores, Ancog said the best thing still is to see a doctor. (racPIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | May 24, 2010 | Headlines, Health and Medicine
THE Department of Health (DoH) announced Monday an administrative order mandating the use of graphic health warnings on the packages of tobacco products despite strong lobbying from the tobacco industry to stop its issuance.
In a statement, the Department of Health (DoH) said the tobacco industry “has been attempting to derail this issuance and have been approaching politicians and other personalities in order to prevent the Department’s formal announcement alleging lack of consultation with them.”
DoH Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral said under Article 11 on packaging and labeling of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a three-year deadline from ratification was imposed and they are already two years behind schedule.
“Without preempting our formal announcement, what the Department intends to do is merely to comply with our obligations under an international treaty,” Sec. Cabral said. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Apr 13, 2010 | Announcements, Headlines, Health and Medicine, National News
HEALTH Secretary Esperanza Cabral reiterated on Monday that all drugstores and hospital pharmacies should comply with the Government-Mediated Access Price (GMAP) program of the government to help ease the burden of the poor in accessing medicines.
In August 2009, the DOH through its regional Centers for Health Development and in coordination with various agencies and institutions, implemented the first round of GMAP and the Maximum Drug Retail Price (MDRP).
On March 31, another set of 98 products were offered for price cuts under the GMAP initiative by eleven (11) manufacturing firms.
Penalties imposed on violators are based on Republic Act No. 9502 (Cheaper Medicines Law) and its Implementing Rules & Regulations.
As of April 6, 123 drug retail outlets and hospital pharmacies in Metro Manila (78 drugstores and pharmacies) and other regions (45) were found to have violated the MDRP and GMAP since their implementation in August last year. As a consequence, these outlets have already been issued Cease and Desist Orders. Administrative fines ranging from P1,000-P50,000 per drug violation for the GMAP and MDRP have been imposed. Repeated violations of the GMAP and the MDRP can incur penalties of as much as P50,000-P5,000,000 with accompanying suspension or revocation of their Licenses to Operate, depending on the gravity and extent of the violation. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Apr 13, 2010 | Announcements, Health and Medicine, World
Washington — A study released Monday, has shown that certain food combinations, such as fish, fruit, and nuts are linked to a reduced risk of contracting the dreaded Alzheimer’s disease.
The study, published in the online edition of the journal, Archives of Neurology, also found a link between a decrease in the risk of Alzheimers to fewer consumption of high-fat dairy products, red meats, organ meats and butter.
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