NABH International Accredits Cabrini Medical Center as its first in Southeast Asia

The National Accreditation Board for Hospital International (NABH International) continues to support the Philippines in gaining international accreditation in the field of healthcare. The latest accreditation was awarded to St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center. A non-profit organization, NABH International is recognized by International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua). One of the organization’s main objective is to redefine healthcare quality in the developing worlds but at the same time, providing accreditation with an affordable cost. St. Frances Cabrini Medical Center, located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, has always held on to their mission statement which is to passionately strive in providing healthcare needs and deliver high quality healthcare service to improve lives.

The organization has seen their main objective being imbibed by this world-class provincial medical center.

It has also been the chosen venue for international medical missions targeting indigent people of Region IV and V that do not have access to proper medical care. These missions support the hospital’s advocacy and that is to ensure that they extend the same quality of service to everyone who goes inside their hospital doors who is in need of medical care.

The hospital has aimed to provide excellent service to the entire Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region. They have achieved various milestones one of which is to be one of the only four hospitals in Southern Tagalog accredited as a Center of Excellence by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

St. Frances Cabrini is the only hospital who is a participant in the United Nations Global Compact Initiative. An organization that is anchored in the practice of human rights, fair labor practice, and protection against corrupt practices.

“St. Frances Cabrini has complied with all the standards of NABH International. This ranks them at par with the best hospitals in the world in terms of patient care and patient safety.” NABH Director Dr. BK Rana stated who was also one of the assessors.

Joyce Socao-Alumno, NABH Philippines Representative and Country Head of Aster DM Healthcare says, “Accreditation is beyond licensing which is the basic requirement for hospitals and even more than ISO certification. Accreditation is a tool that is meant to assist hospitals achieve excellence by benchmarking with the best of the best. A hospital cannot claim it is world-class if there is no third party expert to say that what they are indeed of global standard. NABH International, just like JCI, is recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQUA) as an accredited agency that audits hospitals against the global standards of patient care and patient safety. These assessors were trained and licensed to do the audit. The NABH International assessment is more than lip service. It involves audit of the entire organization of the hospital from the CEO down to the lowest ranking staff, and every nook and corner of the facility.”

"Although our hospital had all the universal equipment and qualified specialists all these years, the hospital achieved NABH accreditation only when it thoroughly started following all the NABH norms of documentation, patient safety and patient education. The NABH accreditation is actually more for the interest of the patients’ care and safety as it ensures best treatment for patient," said Dr. John Cresencio F. Alonzo, SFCMC President/COO.

“This accreditation does not only target city hospitals. NABH International also provides accreditation to small health care organizations, wellness centers and blood banks to name a few. Each category has a set of standards that they need to comply with. These organizations may apply under the relevant accreditation program that depends on the services that they offer. Hopefully, more hospitals and wellness centers in the Philippines will achieve international accreditation in order for the Philippines to gain global acceptance in the field of healthcare,” Alumno added.

Having an international accreditation also gives the Philippines the opportunity to explore the medical tourism industry that is currently on an uptrend. St. Frances Cabrini is the first to be proclaimed as a Medical Tourism Special Economic Zone. Another achievement under the hospital’s long list of distinctions.

The NABH International plans to continue extending their international accreditation to the Middle East and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.

The process may be tedious but once the organization completed and passed the assessments, they will be accredited for three years.

Good Medication Adherence Plays Part in Controlling High Cholesterol

Healthcare experts suggest the importance of a well-balanced lifestyle in curbing illnesses. However, a study found another important factor in easing diseases, including those that are triggered by high cholesterol. Based on the most recent survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), one in every ten Filipino adults has high cholesterol, while 21 in every 100 are in borderline high. While it is important to keep proper nutrition and lifestyle in check, a study published in the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America suggested that successful treatment of diseases require consistent intake of medications as indicated by doctors.

“Proper medication adherence is found to be an effective way of managing, if not averting, known diseases,” said Tomas Marcelo Agana III, president of Pharex HealthCorp. “That’s why for people with high cholesterol, we want them to bear in mind that good compliance to medication will keep their cholesterol levels at ease and eventually, improve the quality of their lives.”
Almost one-third of patients discontinue their medication earlier than instructed, leading to “poor clinical outcomes, high healthcare costs and lost productivity.” However, for some people who wish to continue their medication, Agana noted that certain factors like budget constraints may keep them from doing so. This is why Pharex HealthCorp., the most prescribed generic brand of medicines, offers its 15-day Compliance Pouch for high cholesterol.

The new Pharex 15-day Compliance Pouch for high cholesterol is designed to help patients comply with their medication while saving on costs. It helps patients maintain their cholesterol at its normal and desirable levels, keeping them from acquiring the worst consequences of high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in blood that plays vital roles in the body system’s day- to-day functions. However, too much of it can clog and harden arteries, the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart. Because of this, the normal blood flow is suppressed, affecting one’s body system. High cholesterol triggers the development of different cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack, and other health problems like renal failure.
“This product is specially produced to fight low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is often referred as ‘bad’ cholesterol,” said Agana. “With the new Compliance Pouch for high cholesterol, patients can continue their medication without worrying about ceiling-high costs.”

Agana concluded, “Complying to your medication is a high priority, but while healthcare providers give the best advice to ease cholesterol levels we are no less responsible for our own health. On top of proper medication, we also have to prioritize proper diet and exercise. At Pharex HealthCorp., we will aim to provide the best possible care that every Filipino deserves.” The new Pharex Compliance Pouch is available in all leading drugstores.
For more information, please contact 4338088 (local 820).

FatOut’s The Royal Treatment Fans Day with Kim Chiu

One of the today's brightest stars came from humble beginnings, from a teenage girl who dreamt of being a celebrity, finally blossomed into one of the brightest stars in the industry of showbiz. Kim Chiu has proven that a simple girl from Cebu can achieve superstar status. It’s almost too easy for her to captivate anyone with her style of acting and her bubbly personality and thanks for her wide support of her fans, she is now dubbed as the Chinita Princess.

It’s time to give back to the millions and millions of fans who have supported Chinita Princess, Kim Chiu throughout her bright career. FatOut’s The Royal Treatment Fans Day is a day for you, by ATC Healthcare and Kim Chiu. So unroll your sleeves, loosen up and give yourself a kind of relaxation fit for a royalty. FatOut’s The Royal Treatment Fans Day will be a day filled with royal relaxation and a royal performance from, none other than, Chinita Princess herself, Kim Chiu! What else are you waiting for? Grab your tiaras and join this awaited FatOut’s The Royal Treatment Fans Day.

Have you been waiting for your Fairy God Mother? Then wait no more! FatOut is giving you the Ultimate Royal Treatment with The Chinita Princess, Kim Chiu! Get ready to be pampered and meet your Idol, FatOut’s newest endorser Kim Chiu! What are you waiting for? Go hit the nearest Drugstore and buy FatOut now! Don’t forget to keep the receipt so you can register online to make your entry and tickets valid! Register on this link: http://bit.ly/FatoutFansDay

Dermcare: A Total Health, Beauty and Wellness Center

Dermcare is one of the Philippines’ leading skin, hair, and wellness centers. There you can indulge with a relaxing and therapeutic facials, or retreat to their luxurious spa for a soothing massage that will stimulate your body’s own healing process. Their lavish body scrubs and signature skin and body treatments, are sure to delight and make you feel good all over.

Indulge in one of their transforming cosmetic skin services that will result in fresher and youthful looking skin. As a total center for wellness and beauty, they also have specialized services for the hair, and other Dermatological treatments provided by duly-licensed physicians and therapists.

This is an opportunity to make a difference in your own well being that you truly deserve. Come to Dermcare Professional Skin, Hair and Spa, your trusted partner for more than 20 years now.  Here you’ll certainly love the unique Dermcare touch and pampering. Escape from life’s daily stresses, and bask in pure body and soul pampering and visit a Dermcare center near you today! 

Washing the Skin with Guava Leaves

Much has been said and written about the medicinal value of various plants in the Philippines.

The Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act of 1997 which promoted and advocated the use of traditional and alternative health care modalities through scientific research and product development was signed by then President Fidel Ramos. And since then, the Department of Health has endorsed 10 medicinal plants which can be used as herbal medicines in the Philippines because of its proven health benefits. These are Lagundi (Vitex negundo), Yerba Buena (Mentha cordifolia Opiz), Sambong (Blumea balsamifera), Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa), Ampalaya (Momordica charantia), Niyug-niyogan (Quisqualis indica), bayabas (Psidium guajava), akapulko (Cassia alata), Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida), and Bawang (Allium sativum). Many of them are already available in commercial preparations.

One of the more popular traditional medicines is the guava, scientific name is Psidium Guajava, “Bayabas” in Filipino. This plant has been used for many generations and recognized by arbolaryos (herbalists) and those who practice natural medicine. 

Boiled, chopped or pounded guava leaves have been used and accepted as an antiseptic for wound disinfection.It helps clean off bacteria and germs found in the wound in order to prevent complications and infections. To prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum infection, boiled guava leaves can also be used as a mouthwash.

As a skin wash to clean skin and help accelerate healing and prevent infection one has to boil leaves for 15-20 minutes, cool and use as a soak, a wash or a bath rinse for wounds or prickly heat or fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.

However, with the urbanization of more areas. There are lesser guava trees. Thus, the leaves aren't as readily available. Now there is Guavawash. Guavawash takes away the hassle of looking for guava trees to get their leaves. One has to just mix a Guavawash sachet in warm water. Made from guava leaf extracts, Guavawash also contains other natural extracts recognized for its skin care benefits eucalyptus for its cooling effect, lavender, known as antiseptic and for aromatherapy. lemon grass as an anti-microbial, fungicidal, mint to soothe itchy skin, rose root as an anti-oxidant and to prevent premature wrinkles.

The effectiveness of all these herbal ingredients go as far back as the heydays of the albularyo. Now, they are all found in Guavawash - a natural and convenient skin wash. Guavawash is available at major Mercury Drugstore and Watsons branches.

Pfizer Strengthens Global Campaign on Bone Health, Calls on Filipinos to ‘Love Your Bones’

It is easy, or seemingly involuntary, to take things for granted when living in today’s fast-paced world. Health is almost secondary, as work is often given high priority. But to keep the body going, one needs food and nutrients for sustenance—the same goes for the need for strong bones to ensure continuous mobility and support.

Sadly, food and bone health, although considered vital life components, are still largely ignored, be it due to poor lifestyle or lack of awareness.

To help address this growing health problem, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare (PCH) partnered with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) to spearhead the local celebration of World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) on October 20.

Aptly themed “Serve up Bone Strength,” WOD 2015 focuses on the importance of adopting a bone-healthy diet throughout a person’s lifetime to optimize bone strength. The campaign highlights the point that poor nutrition is one of the critical risk factors for developing bone-related diseases.

“It conveys the message that the first step in osteoporosis prevention begins in youth, when nutrition can help maximize our bone-building potential, and continues throughout life as we strive to maintain strong bones at older age,” explained IOF, the global organizer of WOD. A key date in the bone, muscle, and joint community agenda, WOD is an occasion when people around the globe unite to put the spotlight on the immense burden caused by osteoporosis and other musculoskeletal diseases, and the actions that can be taken to prevent and treat them. It aims to put bone, muscle, and joint health on the global health agenda.

In the Philippines, PCH has remained a solid supporter of this global movement and has advocated various activities in the past to raise awareness on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.

The Silent Disease

According to IOF, osteoporosis affects over 200 million people worldwide. Approximately one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone (also known as osteoporotic fracture) due to this silent disease. Fractures, specifically hip fractures, can cause loss of function and independence with 40% of patients unable to walk independently; 60% requiring assistance a year later; 33% being totally dependent on or in a nursing home. Moreover, hip fractures cause the greatest morbidity with reported mortality rates up to 20-24%

in the first year after a person suffers a hip fracture.

“We at Pfizer Consumer Healthcare support the IOF in its advocacy to inform the people about osteoporosis and the fact that it can be prevented,” says Dr. Egbert Dorado, senior medical manager at PCH. “We echo IOF’s key message: Adequate intake of the right nutrients contributes to bone health at all ages, and is a first step in osteoporosis prevention. For those who already have osteoporosis, a bone-healthy nutrition should be part of their treatment and rehabilitation program.” Three of the major nutrients that help optimize bone health are: calcium, vitamin D, and protein, with recommended daily allowances varying throughout life.

“Regulating calcium levels in the body promotes better bone mass density (BMD), alongside improving muscle performance and balance. Taking a calcium supplement with adequate levels of Vitamin D3 also helps maximize calcium absorption,” adds Dr. Egbert. While proper nutrition works, it is also important to have a holistic approach to osteoporosis prevention and management.

“It is indeed crucial to build strong bones early in life by following a healthy diet as it is the key ingredient in helping a person achieve peak bone mass, and maintaining it throughout life. But it is equally important to avoid other modifiable risk factors including sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and alcohol use,” explains Dr. Egbert.

Osteoporosis is an incurable disease, but controlling its risk factors and complying with treatment regimens where prescribed can ensure a mobile, independent, and fracture-free life.

For more information on osteoporosis and World Osteoporosis Day 2015, visit www.worldosteoporosisday.org, follow IOF on Instagram (@worldosteoporosisday) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/worldosteoporosisday), or subscribe to its YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/iofbonehealth).

BITTERGO: Decrease Your Risk of Diabetes

Diabetes, the 8th leading cause of death in the Philippines, is painful to endure in so many ways. The physical and psychological agonies that diabetic patients have to bear are simply overwhelming. Lifetime medications, kidney dialysis that requires at least three sessions per week, regular checkups and insulin injections are just some of the mandatory requirements to manage diabetes. Aside from the ever-present worry of keeping healthy, financial considerations are also astronomical. Diabetes is certainly not a disease to take on lightly. As the folks always say, ‘masakit sa bulsa’. We certainly agree. 

At least P3,000 is needed for a single session of dialysis which must be sustained thrice a week, about P800 for a shot of insulin, and top up other maintenance drugs needed. That costs about at least P9,000 per week—all for the management of diabetes, and not for cure. Indeed, diabetes is a costly disease.

Given all these expenses, what would be the best ways to avoid diabetes? Just avoid eating more than you can consume and exercise frequently. It is also important to quit vices like smoking and drinking alcohol beverages. All these healthy measures may lead you to a diabetes-free life. Another thing to help keep your diabetes at bay? BitterGO – a combination of different vegetable extracted sought out by ATC Healthcare International Corp. and fit into one convenient capsule. To boost more of your resistance against diabetes and a food supplement that regulates blood sugar - BitterGO. 

BitterGO is an all-natural food supplement that helps in preventing diabetes as it contains four healthy ingredients that are beneficial in managing the blood sugar level in the body. One of its contents is ampalaya, known worldwide for its anti-diabetic properties and is recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) as a medicinal herb. Other components of BitterGO are medicinal herbs like banaba, luyang dilaw and garlic, which is present only in BitterGO. 

Regular intake of BitterGO may help in lowering blood sugar levels, managing frequent urination, handling excessive sweating, reducing blurred vision and tingling sensation in the extremities, stimulating the pancreas, spleen and liver to intensify absorption of food in the gastrointestinal tract, purifying blood and in maintaining good and clear skin.

For only SRP P7.50 per capsule, you can free yourself from the worries of diabetes with the help of BitterGO. Take BitterGO daily and stay better, not bitter! BitterGO is available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide.