The Guy with the Lamp

Health Promotion for Pregnant Women

2009-09-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

According to the 2000 Philippine Health Statistics, 24 out of 1000 women who gave birth die due to pregnancy complications. 25% of these could be accounted to hypertension, 20.3% to postpartum hemorrhage (severe bleeding), and 9% to pregnancy related to abortion.
The underlying causes of maternal deaths are delays in taking critical action, seeking care, making referral, and providing medical management. Other factors that contribute to this situation is closely spaced births, frequent pregnancies, poor detection, poor access to health care facilities and management of high risk pregnancies (Public Health Nursing in the Philippines, 2007)

That is why health promotion among pregnant women is very important. Much like a make or break , do or die situation which poses great risks for the soon-to-be mothers. A way of health promotion not only for the mother but also for the baby is the prenatal check up. Ideally, the first visit to the clinic or health center is during the first four months or as early as detection and confirmation of pregnancy. The second visit should be done during the 2nd trimester (4-6months) while the 3rd visit would be on the 3rd trimester. Upon reaching the 8th month of pregnancy, the mother is advised to visit the clinic every 2 weeks to be assessed for labor readiness.

Since the pregnant mother provides nutrients for herself and for the baby, micronutrient supplementation is advised to prevent Vitamin A deficiency, anemia and other nutritional disorders. In the same light, pregnant women are advised to take in Vitamin A supplements to be given twice a week and Iron supplementation daily. However, Vit. A supplementation are contraindicated for women below 4 months of pregnancy as it may cause congenital problems for the baby.

Pregnant women are more susceptible to diseases. In line with this, immunizations are of utmost importance especially the Tetanus Toxoid vaccine that combats the disease called tetanus that could be passed down to the baby. Tetanus Toxoid immunization comprises of 5 doses, 3 of which act as booster shots, administered parenterally. After immunization the woman is now called a “fully immunized mother or FIM”

After following all these tips and procedures, it is rest assured that the mother could now better manage a safe and clean delivery.

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Gloria says, "A FILIPINO IS WORTH DINING FOR..."

2009-08-29T22:27:00.000-07:00

Ninoy Aquino said, "A filipino is worth dying for...", President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo says "A filipino is worth DINING for..."

I'm talking about the expensive dining of PGMA at the Le Cirque, New York along with a "large entourage". Reports later showed the actual tab amounting to about 20,000 dollars nearly equivalent to 1,000,000 bucks in the Philippine currency. After the media enjoyed its publicity, no concrete action was made leading to its silent fade out. A question still remains inside my head, "What conscience does she have? " Its purely inhumane, knowing that a lot of people in the country are dying of hunger and malnutrition. Its immoral in any sense you perceive it. I believe not far from now, she and her entourage will feast on the Prisons's Tasting Menu. What do you think?

Here's a picture of Le Cirque, New York:

2007 Philippine Demographic Profile with Analysis

2009-08-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

What is a Demographic Profile? It is a statistic record of a country, province or city with regard to its population, average life expectancy, dependency ratio (ratio of people who are economically functional and those people who are below the minimum working age), territory, population density, growth rate and vital statistics on health such as mortality(death), fertility(births), and mobidity(diseases).

Here's a copy of the latest Philippine Demographic Profile Retrieved from the CIA World Factbook:

Population - 97,976,603 (July 2009 est.)
Age structure
· 0-14 years: 35.2% (male 17,606,352/female 16,911,376)
· 15-64 years: 60.6% (male 29,679,327/female 29,737,919)
· 65 years and over: 4.1% (male 1,744,248/female 2,297,381) (2009 est.)
Median age
· total: 22.5 years
· male: 22 years
· female: 23 years (2009 est.)
Population growth rate
1.957% (2009 est.)
Birth rate
26.01 births/1,000 population (2009 est.)
Death rate
5.15 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)
Net migration rate
-1.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2009 est.)
· country comparison to the world: 133
Urbanization
· urban population: 65% of total population (2008)
· rate of urbanization:;; 3% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Sex ratio
· at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
· under 15 years:;; 1.04 male(s)/female
· 15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
· 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female
· total population: 1 male(s)/female (2009 est.)
Infant mortality rate
· total: 20.56 deaths/1,000 live births
· country comparison to the world: 104
· male: 23.17 deaths/1,000 live births
· female: 17.83 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
· total population: 71.09 years
· country comparison to the world: 133
· male: 68.17 years
· female: 74.15 years (2009 est.)
Total fertility rate
3.27 children born/woman (2009 est.)
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate
less than 0.1% (2003 est.)
HIV/AIDS - People living with HIV/AIDS
8,300 (2007 est.)
HIV/AIDS - deaths
fewer than 200 (2007 est.)
· country comparison to the world: 119
Major infectious diseases
· degree of risk: high
· food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
· vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis
· water contact disease: leptospirosis (2009)
Nationality
· noun: Filipino(s)
· adjective: Philippine
Ethnic groups
Tagalog 28.1%, Cebuano 13.1%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.4%, other 25.3% (2000 census)
Religions
Roman Catholic 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, other Christian 4.5%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.6%, none 0.1% (2000 census)
Languages
Filipino (official; based on Tagalog) and English (official); eight major dialects - Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan
Literacy
· definition: age 15 and over can read and write
· total population: 92.6%
· male: 92.5%
· female: 92.7% (2000 census)
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
· total: 12 years
· male: 11 years
· female: 12 years (2006)
Education expenditures
· 2.5% of GDP (2005)

Based from the given data, we could see that our country is heavily populated, concentrated primarily urban areas (65% of the population). One reason for this are the economic opportunities whether be in education, trade and industry. Another surprising finding based from this record is the country's steady growth in the rate of urbanization which is 3% annually amidst the economic regression and the political hulabaloos, there must be something going right in our country.

If you also noticed, our population based on age structure comprises of 35.2% in the 0-14 age group, 60.6% in the 15-64 year age group and 4.1% in the 65 and above age group. This means that our population is concentrated on the 15-64 year old age group which is also the economically productive class. Therefore, we can say that in just a span of a few years, this population structure could be our advantage in terms of economics.

From the health care viewpoint, we could also determine the focus of our care in the population, which are the 0-14 and 15-64 age group which include the children and the women of reproductive age. It is also in the same light why the Department of Heath places Maternal and Child Health as one of the top priorities in health program formulation.

Aside from Maternal and Child health, the DOH also puts priority in the control of infectious diseases, mostly caused by unsanitary food handling and environment.

Top 10 Leading Causes of Mortality in the Philippines

2009-08-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

MORTALITY: TEN LEADING (10) LEADING CAUSES
Number and rate/100,000 Population Philippines
5-Year Average (2000-2004) & 2005

Cause	5 Year Average (2000-2004)		2005*
Cause	Number	Rate	No.	Rate
1. Diseases of the Heart	66,412	83.3	77,060	90.4
2. Diseases of the Vascular system	50,886	63.9	54,372	63.8
3. Malignant Neoplasm	38,578	48.4	41,697	48.9
4. Pneumonia	32,989	41.4	36,510	42.8
5. Accidents	33,455	42.0	33,327	39.1
6. Tuberculosis, all forms	27,211	34.2	26,588	31.2
7. Chronic lower respiratory diseases	18,015	22.6	20,951	24.6
8.Diabetes Mellitus	13,584	17.0	18,441	21.6
9. Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period	14,477	18.2	12,368	14.5
10. Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome and nephrosis	9.166	11.5	11,056	3.6

Note: Excludes ill-defined and unknown causes of mortality
(R00-R99) n=23,235
* reference year
** External Causes of Mortality

Source: www.doh.gov.ph

Presented above are the Top 10 Leading Causes of Mortality or deaths in the Philippines, notice the dominance of diseases brought about by excessive intake of foods or products of unhealthy practices (smoking,alcoholism,etc), these are called the Lifestyle diseases. The good thing about them is that they can actually be prevented by having an health lifestyle, balanced diet and adequate exercise. Moreover, some of these diseases could be passed on vertically, passing them to your children that is why prevention is very important not only for your own health but also for the future generations to come.

Night Shift: Isang Pagaaral ukol sa Student Prostitution

2009-08-29T07:00:00.003-07:00

UST Hospital Benavides Cancer Institute Holds 3rd Cancer Conference

2009-08-28T03:07:00.000-07:00

The UST Hospital Benavides Cancer Institute will be holding its 3rd Cancer Conference with the theme "Multidisciplinary Care of Gastrointestinal Malignancies" On August 26-28, 2009 at the BCI Auditorium. Members of the Thomasian community, different hospitals and medical institutions are most welcome to attend.

as copied from www.ust.edu.ph

Pinoy MD Program

2009-08-24T03:05:00.000-07:00

How many of us said during our youth years the line, "Gusto ko magging doktor"? (I want to be a doctor) Chances are, in one point in our lives we fell for that hard-to-reach ambition. Frankly speaking, how many of us Filipinos even live up to that ambition? - given the tantamount money we have to shell out just to get a title of MD or Medical Doctor.

That is why the government launced a Medical Scholarship Grant for Indigenous People, Local Health Workers, Barangay Health Workers, Department of Health Employees or their children to aid them in the pursuance of this goal or "dream". The Pinoy MD Program is a joint project of the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and several State Universities and Medical Schools.

For interested applicants see the PinoyMD flyer for the qualification and scholarship package details.

Department of Health Annual Calendar

2009-08-23T01:11:00.000-07:00

January 2009

Deworming of School Children (Grade 1-6)- Round
12-16 National Cancer Awareness Week
21-27 Goiter Awareness Week
25 – World Leprosy Day

February 2009

National Health Insurance Program Month Oral Health Month

2-6 National Mental Retardation Week
4 – World Cancer Day
3rd wk Leprosy Prevention and Control Week

March 2009

Burn Injury Prevention Month

8 National Women’s Day
22 World Water Day
24 World TB Day

April 2009

Cancer in Children Awareness Month

7 World Health Day
25 World Malaria Day
14-20 Garantisadong Pambata – Round 1
4th wk Head and Neck Consciousness Week

May 2009

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
Natural Family Planning Month

2 World Asthma Day
12-18 Safe Motherhood Week
17 AIDS Candlelight Memorial Day

31 World No Tobacco Day

June 2009

National Kidney Month
No Smoking Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

5 World Environmental Day
14 World Blood Donor Day
16-22 Safe Kids Week
23 DOH Anniversary

July 2009

National Disaster Consciousness Month
National Blood Donors Month
Nutrition Month
Deworming of School Children (Grade 1-6) Round 2
Schistosomiasis Awareness Month
National Disaster Consciousness Month

7 National Allergy Day
11 World Population Day
13-17 National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week
13-17 National Diabetes Awareness Week

August 2009

Family Planning Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Lung Month
National Tuberculosis Awareness Month
Sight-Saving Month

1-7 World Breastfeeding Week
1-7 Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Week
6-12 National Hospital Week
10-14 Asthma Week
11-17 Phil. National Research System Week
19 – National Tuberculosis day
3rd wk Brain Attack Awareness Week

September 2009

Generics Awareness Month
Liver Cancer Awareness Month

1-7 National Epilepsy Awareness Week
7-11 Obesity Prevention and Awareness Week
26- World Heart Day
28 World Rabies Day

October 2009

Breast Cancer Awarenss Month
National Children’ Month

1-7 Elderly Filipino Week
5-9 National Mental Health Week
6-12 National Newborn Screening Week
10 – World Mental Health Day
10 – World Sight Day
13-19 Garantisadong Pambata – Round 2
12-16 Health Education Week
12-16 National Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Week
15 Global Handwashing Day
20-26 food Safety Awareness Week

November 2009

Cancer Pain Awareness Month
Filariasis Awareness Month
Malaria Awareness Month
Traditional and Alternative Health Care Month

2-6 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Week
2nd Week National Skin Disease Detection and Prevention Week
7 National Food Fortification Day
9-13 Deaf Awareness Week
14 World Diabetes Day
16-20 Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week
23-29 Population and Development Week

December 2009

Firecracker Injury Prevention Month

1 World AIDS Day
6 National Health Emergency Preparedness Day
3-9 Ear, Nose and Throat Consciousness Week
10 National Youth Health Day

So please be guided accordingly.

PRC August 2009 Physicians Licensure (Board) Examination Results

2009-08-23T01:02:00.001-07:00

The result of the Philippine Physicians Licensure (Board) Examination, which was held in Manila, Cebu & Davao on August 8, 9, 15 & 16, 2009 has been released by the PRC. 1,680 out of 2,357 examinees passed the exam. The top 10 examinees are as follows:

August 2009 Physicians Board Exam Topnotchers

1. MELISSA PAULITA VILLAFLOR MARIANO, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - 88.17%
2. ERICK STA ROSA MENDOZA, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - 88.00%
3. KATRINA MAE SALCEDO GAMPONIA, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - 87.67%
4. TOM EDWARD NGO LO, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA - 87.58%
5. RIAVIC QUIDAY FUENTES, FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-NICANOR REYES MEDICAL FOUNDATION - 87.42%
6. JOSEPH BORROMEO VILLANUEVA, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - 87.17%
7. RICKY HELMUTH HIPOLITO, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - 87.08%
8. JAIME ALFONSO MANALO A HERRERA, DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIÑAS HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS - 87.00%
VINCENT BRYAN DE GUIA SALVADOR, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES-MANILA - 87.00%
9. HERBERT ZULUETA MANAOIS, UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS - 86.92%
ANA NOELLE MINGO MONISIT, CEBU INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE - 86.92%
10. MELANIE TIMBOY ESTOLAS, UNIVERSITY OF THE EAST RAMON MAGSAYSAY MEMORIAL MEDICAL CENTER - 86.83%

Diabetes Awareness Program in Powerpoint Presentation

2009-08-22T22:37:00.001-07:00

Expanded Program on Immunization

2009-08-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

Children need not die young if they receive complete and timely immunization. Children who are not fully immunized are more susceptible to common childhood diseases. The Expanded Program on Immunization is one of the DOH Programs that has already been institutionalized and adopted by all LGUs in the region. Its objective is to reduce infant mortality and morbidity through decreasing the prevalence of six (6) immunizable diseases (TB, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio and measles)

Special campaigns have been undertaken to improve further program implementation, notably the National Immunization Days (NID), Knock Out Polio (KOP) and Garantisadong Pambata (GP) since 1993 to 2000. This is being supported by increasing/sustaining the routine immunization and improved surveillance system.

*more information soon*

Botika ng Barangay Program

2009-08-22T22:30:00.000-07:00

The Botika ng Barangay (BnB) refers to a drug outlet managed by a legitimate community organization (CO/non-government organization (NGO) and/or the Local Government Unit (LGU), with a trained operator and a supervising pharmacist specifically established in accordance with Administrative Order No. 144 s.2004. The BnB outlet should be initially identified, evaluated and selected by the concerned Center for Health Development (CHD), approved by the National Drug Policy-Pharmaceutical Management Unit (NDP-PMU 50), and specifically licensed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) to sell, distribute, offer for sale and/or make available low-priced generic home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and two (2) selected, publicly-known prescription antibiotic drugs (i.e. Amoxicillin and Cotrimoxazole).

The BnB program aims to promote equity in health by ensuring the availability and accessibility of affordable, safe and effective, quality, essential drugs to all, with priority for marginalized, underserved, critical and hard to reach areas.

Do Not Get Sick This Rainy Season - DOH

2009-08-22T22:28:00.001-07:00

The Department of Health (DOH) today warned the public against diseases that may come with the rainy season. Apart from dengue, other illnesses such as influenza, leptospirosis and water-borne diseases like diarrhea are also common during this season.

“The rainy months bring in a plethora of diseases that are, fortunately, preventable. The most common of this band of illnesses is dengue, which is already downing people since the early part of the year, making it a disease to watch out for not only during this wet season but also during summer and other dry months as well,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

To date, the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the DOH has already reported 12,734 dengue cases with 130 deaths nationwide since January up to July 28 this year. This figure, however, is 1.5% lower compared to the same last year, which listed 12,932 cases.

To win the battle against dengue, Duque advised the public to continue following the 4-S campaign of the DOH, which is to Search and destroy possible breeding grounds of dengue-carrying mosquitoes like old tires, broken vases and bottle caps; wear long sleeve shirts and pants for Self-protection; Seek health professionals for fever that is already two days or more; and Saying no to indiscriminate fogging.

Meanwhile, the health chief said that the public should also watch out for other diseases that are also predominant during rainy season. “Influenza is very common during this season because this is the period where the climate changes from hot and humid to cold and rainy, people who get caught in heavy rains can catch the disease,” Duque said.

The DOH said that once a person catches influenza, he could easily infect others through coughing, talking and sneezing. To prevent from spreading the flu, they said that a sick person should cover his/her mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing.

“To avoid getting influenza, stay away from crowded places or distance yourself from people who are coughing or you suspect to be sick with influenza,” Duque noted.

The DOH said that another usual rainy season disease is leptospirosis. It is an illness that a person who has leg or feet wounds can get through wading in floodwaters, mud and vegetation contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rats.

To avoid contracting it, the public must refrain from swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water or floodwaters and must use proper protection like boots and gloves when work requires exposure to contaminated water. Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain and reddish eyes. Early consultation is advised when symptoms set in.

On the other hand, the DOH also warned against water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, hepatitis A and typhoid fever this season.

“There are many ways to avoid these illnesses. Drink only safe and clean water. Boil your drinking water, if you must. Keep food away from insects and rats by covering it. Wash and cook food properly. Use toilet properly and clean it regularly. Keep surroundings clean to prevent flies and other insects and rodents from breeding. And most importantly, wash hands with soap and clean water after using the toilet and before eating,” Duque advised.

Generic vs. Branded Medicines

2009-08-22T22:16:00.001-07:00

Over the years, the use of medications had become an invaluable aspect in health care. Medications used to treat acute(short term) and chronic(long term) diseases have been available to consumers. Given these uses, can we really say that medicines are beneficial? – given the high cost of these drugs

First, let us talk about how these drugs come to reach their market prices. Once a drug has been hypothetically discovered, it would go through a series of tests before it would be recognized by the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD) as a scientifically-proven therapeutic drug. Then the drug would be patented and the manufacturer would have its sole rights as producer,marketer, and distributor of the drug. Fortunately, the patent of these drugs become expired in a decade or so. Once they expire, other manufacturers may reproduce the same drug but with a different brand name or they may opt to reproduce the drug and sell it using its generic name.

What’s the difference of the brand and generic name? A generic name is the official medical name of the active ingredient of the drug that produces its therapeutic (desired) effect. While the brand name is the trade name the manufacturer gives to the medicine. The brand name is chosen by the manufacturer, usually on the basis that it can be recognized, pronounced and remembered by health professionals and members of the public. An example would be Alaxan FR - this is the well-known brand name given by United Laboratories (UniLab) to the generic medicine ibuprofen. (Brand names are capitalised; generic names are not.)

Usually, branded medicines are more costly compared to their generic counterparts simply because of the additional expenditure that the manufacturer spends on the drug’s research, advertising, packaging, etc.

With regard to their quality, they are identical with the branded ones in terms of strength, dosage, form, safety, characteristics, and intended use as long as they follow the set government’s standard. However, some manufacturers produce these drugs illegally and sold at prices cheaper than that of generic drugs while compromising on its quality. Good thing the government now sponsors the Botika ng Bayan, a government-run pharmacy that provides the public with quality generic medications. Another is the Generics Pharmacy, although I am not certain if this is also under the administration of the government.

If you still have any questions about buying branded or generic medicines over-the-counter, it is still best to ask your pharmacist for advice.

Affiliate Websites

2009-08-22T22:14:00.005-07:00

JR Quiambao of Animosity

Wan to be an affiliate? Message me at this post.

Requirements:
a. Must have a blog at least 3 months of age
b. Regular posting (at least once a week)
c. Must provide a link to The Guy with the Lamp
d. Must be 18 year old and above

Partners

2009-08-22T22:14:00.003-07:00

CONTACT

2009-08-22T22:14:00.001-07:00

** no data entry

History

2009-08-22T22:13:00.005-07:00

** no data entry

Mission and Vision

2009-08-22T22:13:00.003-07:00

MISSION

To provide accurate and accessible information dissemination to the people by means of posting articles pertinent to health care and socio-economic/ environmental factors that may affect wellness.

VISION

To become the leading advocate in health promotion and information dissemination in partnership with the Philippine Department of Health and related organizations/agencies.

The Author

2009-08-22T22:13:00.001-07:00

** no data entry

About The Guy with the Lamp

2009-08-22T22:12:00.001-07:00

The blog's title, The Guy with the Lamp is actually a play of the title, "The Lady with the Lamp" given to the first nursing theorist, Florence Nightingale. As she stated in her Environment Conservation theory the foundations for good health which were:

decent housing;
clean water and air;
good nutrition;
safe childbirth ;
good child care and no child should ever be in a workhouse

Parallel with Nightingale's view the author of this blog aims to promote and educate not only the Filipinos but also people of different races on the different aspects of health, its maintenance and promotion. As you read along, this blog will also cover socio-economic issues that may affect healthcare.

This is a health and wellness blog that aims to inform people about the current health situation, breakthroughs and alternatives in medicine,and other health-related concerns. Its moderator is Raymond John S. Naguit a student nurse from the University of Santo Tomas,Philippines.

The Guy with the Lamp is a non-stock, non-profit website. The author does not claim full ownership of all the articles and pictures posted here.

SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2009-08-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Site still under contruction. Our sincerest apologies. Thank you for visiting SirHealth!

The Guy with the Lamp is a health and wellness blog that aims to inform people about the current Philippine health situation, breakthoughs and alternatives in medicine, and other health-related concerns. Its moderator is Raymond John S. Naguit, a nursing student from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila. Through this blog, I would like to take pride in contributing health promotion among the community.