Creating a better environment for cancer patients and their families

In line with the WHO’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which aims to improve outcomes for children with cancer around the world and give them the best chance to survive and have a better future, organizations including the Kythe Foundation, Department of Health, National Integrated Cancer Control Council (NICC) and more, collaborated through a panel discussion titled, “Strategic Collaboration Towards Attaining the Goal of Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer”.

 

The EON Foundation, EON Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility Wing, has been a long time partner of the Kythe Foundation which aims to improve the quality of life among hospitalized children with cancer and other chronic illnesses. “One of the many things that make Kythe Foundation an admirable organization is that it does not only strive to promote a positive hospital experience for children, but also thinks of ways to help improve family resilience and empower them. We are grateful for platforms like the 1st Cancer Control Stakeholders Virtual Summit where Kythe is able to contribute insights and create awareness on better cancer care programs,” says Mr. Junie Del Mundo, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of The EON Group.

 

During the summit, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo discussed the need for the DOH and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to work together in order to strengthen health leadership and governance programs for local officials. Stakeholders are needed to change behavior and champion programs for cancer. She states that there is a need to invest more on health, particularly childhood and cancer prevention programs.

 

She also highlights the patients’ tagline, “Nothing about us, without us” which emphasizes strengthening patient engagement in the health system where patient leaders and groups are empowered. Aside from this, she mentions the importance of recognizing patient organizations at the provincial levels as this will enable patient groups to be a part of the implementation of the childhood cancer control and prevention program on the ground. 

Department of Health (DOH), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), held the 1st Cancer Control Stakeholders Virtual Summit with Special Focus on Childhood  with the theme “Better Survival is Achievable #ThroughOurHands”. Kythe Foundation's Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ms. Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo was one of the panelists included in the discussion on attaining the goal of a global initiative for childhood cancer.

 

Lastly, Ms. Lorenzo states that they hope to fully integrate child life services in the treatment of childhood cancer in the hospital. According to the National Integrated Cancer Control Act, child life services are developmentally appropriate interventions for children and youth, which include therapeutic play and other modalities, preparation and education about the illness, and medical procedures that reduce fear, anxiety, and pain. Hiring full-time child life specialists will enable children to learn, play, and grow even if they are confined in the hospital.

 

“It takes a village to raise a child and it also takes a village to control and to cure cancer. Reflect on what you can do or offer to help in any way you can. Kung ano ang abot kaya, abot puso, abot kamay, yun ang ibigay mo,” says Ms. Lorenzo.

 

 

Boy Abunda talks about Healthy Lifestyle and Tocoma Supplement

When I was overweight a decade ago, I experienced constipation everyday of my life. I was prescribed laxatives and into medicines just to regulate my journey to the bathroom. Until, the doctor told me to exercise, incorporate fiber foods in my diet, lose weight and watch my diet. After a grueling 6 months of going to the gym, eating greens, and cutting on sodas that was when I feel lighter and relax. Up to this day, I got that discipline to maintain my ideal weight. If I ever indulge in food with bad cholesterol, too much sugar, and dairies, I worked it out by running or long walks at the mall.

Eating more foods that are high in fiber adds bulk to your stools while keeping them soft, making them easier to pass. Aim to consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day from foods like whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation. If youre the type of person, who doesnt eat vegetables, there is a supplement to cure your constipation and that is Tocoma,  a fiber-rich herbal supplement from Malaysian health firm, Healol Pharmaceuticals.

Boy Abunda together with Dr. Dennis Ngo and Tocoma Executives launches Tocoma to the media last June 23 at Luxent Hotel, Timog QC.

Boy Abunda is involved in a project that he feels very strongly about. It is not just a public health issue that affects many Filipinos, but touches directly on the lives of two persons whom he admires deeply.

 The initiative has something to do with helping people become more aware of the dangers of Colon Cancer, the same ailment that both President Corazon C. Aquino and Pope John Paul II battled for a long time.

 According to the Department of Health this form of cancer, which is also known as colorectal cancer, is among the top five cancers in the country for both sexes. Global estimates even reach as high as 1.4 million new cases every year, of which 50 percent may develop into advanced stages.

 In a health bulletin, the DOH says that "the disease’s signs and symptoms include constipation, or intermittent constipation and diarrhea, difficult bowel movement or change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, nausea or vomiting, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, and gas pains or cramps. Rectal bleeding or anemia may also occur in persons over 50 years old."

 But despite all the warnings, what is truly concerning from a public health stand point is the almost complete lack of awareness by many Filipinos about the easy steps that can be taken to help prevent this disease.

 According to health experts, colon cancer can be avoided by the simple expedient of having a fiber-rich diet of fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activities on a regular basis, and keeping the consumption of red meat in moderation. Smoking and too much alcohol should also be avoided.

 To help spread awareness of the dangers of colon cancer, Boy agreed to be the brand ambassador for Total Colon Management, or Tocoma, a fiber-rich herbal supplement from Malaysian health firm, Healol Pharmaceuticals.

Because colon cancer attacks the intestines, keeping them clean through regular bowel movement is essential. Tocoma provides the necessary fiber and other essential nutrients in our diet, making this easier for our bodies to perform.

 Part of Boy's role with Tocoma is that he will be touring the country to talk about the health risks of colon cancer and the benefits of a healthy  lifestyle.

 Together, they hope to educate Filipinos on how they can better take care of themselves.

Paracetamol Calpol helps fight against Dengue

When I was still working at a tertiary hospital in Manila, one of my colleagues was admitted for Dengue Type 3, she was black and blue and unconscious for 2 days with an on and off fever. We thought were going to lose her. She got blood transfusion, Paracetamol every 4 hours, and the doctor had her platelet count checked every 4 hours or so.  I remember her mother praying,  gave spongebath and stayed throughout the confinement. I could still picture her in that hospital bed, skin scaled to ashen gray, with blue nail beds, blue lips,  2 IVs were hooked and unconscious. We prayed for her recovery, after days, and bags of blood, her platelet went to normal,  She was released from hospital, after her condition became stable with a 37 temperature. We became aware of dengue and its complications and we dont want that dreaded disease to happen to any of our family members.

Dengue fever is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines. Especially now that the rainy season is upon us.

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol, joined forces with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society in spearheading a campaign called “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program” and Barangay Caravan  last August 29, 2014 at Makati Shangri-la, Manila. Hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera.

Dr, Sally Gatchalian, Secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society, told the media of what to do in cases of dengue. self protection measures were observed. If there is a persistent fever of two days duration, one should seek medical attention. Have lots of fluid intake. Take Calpol paracetamol for kids and Panadol tablet for adults. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as these drugs may trigger bleeding.  Say no to indiscriminate fogging. If one had contacted dengue, there is always a possibility of second episode. Take extra precautions of second episode, as this will be the worst especially when patient vomitted blood, according to Dr. Gatchalian.  Always have Paracetamol like Calpol for kids and Panadol for adults at the comfort of your house.

The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever.

Calpol, a product of GSK, contains Paracetamol specially designed to offer effective relief from the discomforts of pain and fever among children. Calpol also has the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol so you can be assured that it won’t harm your child when used as directed.

“Dengue is a worldwide health issue. Based on WHO records, there have been 100 million dengue cases recorded and 5 percent resulted in death,” points out Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.

“Last year, the DOH recorded 204,906 dengue cases resulting in 660 deaths while in 2014, there have been 24,900 cases which have resulted in 100 deaths,” Dr. Tayag added.

Dengue continues to spread due to globalization, urbanization, climate change, increasing population, pollution problems, inadequate mosquito control and lack of community support to fight this disease.

“But the truth is, dengue can be prevented and stopped. The important thing is to know the facts about the disease,” said Dr. Tayag.

Aside from fever, other signs and symptoms of dengue include headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, rashes, and bleeding manifestations. If any of these symptoms are present, the patient must seek their doctor’s advice immediately.

 “While there is no specific medicine to cure Dengue, we can, however, alleviate the pain felt by the child by at least managing their fever, like giving them Paracetamol Calpol which provides soothing fever relief you can rely on, ” says Jeofrey Yulo, GM of GSK consumer health care. “When a child has fever, they feel weaker and lack the energy to enjoy life. So when fever strikes, it’s like they are putting their life on hold. In these times, you need a reliable partner to help provide a feeling of ginhawa that your sick child needs.”



The DOH enagaged with selected barangays in  facilitating the training of health practitioners to discuss new dengue incidence and disease trends as well as updates on its prevention and treatment guidelines. The PPS health committee will then cascade these dengue modules based on DOH guidelines with the selected barangays. On its part, GSK will be bringing doctors to these areas to lead the Dengue information campaign to help Filipinos protect their families and loved ones from this deadly menace.

“You can protect your loved ones by knowing more about this debilitating disease, its prevention and management. At the onset of dengue-related symptoms immediately seek the advice of your family physician. In cases of fever, (paracetamol) Calpol  is the Filipino mom’s partner in providing effective , soothing fever relief that is suitable for children.” adds Yulo.  “And because nothing works faster on fever than the Paracetamol in Calpol, you are assured of your child going back to his normal, playful self again”.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.  For more information about (Paracetamol) Calpol and its Dengue campaign, visit www.calpol.com.ph  or like on Facebook at http://facebook.com/CalpolPH .