Engaging in health research activities and promoting research results are definitely a must for health researchers in the country.

This is why, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), as the national coordinating body for health research, offers grant and scholarship services to develop and strengthen capacities for health research as well as ensure the dissemination and utilization of health research outputs.

Here are four grant and scholarship services that health researchers should know:

1. Research and Development (R&D) Grant

The Council funds research proposals aligned with the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA), the national template for health research and development efforts in the country which specifies the areas and topics that need to be addressed in line with global and national initiatives influencing the health sector.

 
2. Scholarship Grant

PCHRD supports scholarship programs for MS/PhD to sustain much needed health research human resource. In line with the Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Council evaluates applications and monitors progress of qualified scholars under the health sciences category.

 
3. PCHRD Scholar’s Society

With 300 graduates in medical and allied health disciplines produced, the Scholarship Program of the Council became a major strategy to develop a critical mass of health researchers in the country. 

The PCHRD Scholar’s Society (PSS) was also organized and launched in 2007 to promote research productivity among new graduates and provide a venue for networking and exchanging health research information.

 
4. Regional Research Fund 

Regional Research Fund (RRF) encourages new researchers to be actively involved in health research activities without having to compete with more experienced researchers. RRF projects are intended to increase capabilities of individual researchers in designing, implementing, and managing health research projects.

PCHRD also supports projects and activities on research dissemination such as publication, paper presentation, and events. To apply for grant/support, visit www.projects.pchrd.dost.gov.ph.

Filipinos are not just good in singing, dancing, acting, boxing, and representing the country in several international sports and contests. Aside from being talented, creative, and strong, Filipinos are also known for being smart and innovative people.

As the national coordinating body for health research, the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has continued supporting local programs on health and health research that provide and strengthen healthcare delivery and the healthcare industry of the country.

Here are five local technologies and innovations on health, supported by DOST-PCHRD, that will make you proud to be a Filipino.

1. Axis Knee System

Developed by Orthopaedic International Inc., the Axis Knee System is the first and only knee system designed in the ASEAN region which allows access to knee replacement as it is 40-50% cheaper than imported brands.

Its innovative instrumentation and surgical technique also allows more surgeons to perform knee surgery without the need to undergo one year fellowship program.

2. RxBox

RxBox is a device which captures medical signals through built-in sensors, stores data in an electronic medical record (EMR), and transmits health information via internet.

Jointly developed by the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman and Manila, the device reduces unnecessary travels and hospitalizations as it enables diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients from geographically isolated and depressed areas of the country.

3. eHATID

Developed by Ateneo De Manila University, the eHealth TABLET for Informed Decision Making of LGUs (eHATID LGU) is an android application that provides real time health information and a facility for direct communication between local chief executives and rural health units (RHUs).

Works even without internet connection, eHATID provides decision-making support to local government units (LGUs) in creating sound and evidence-based health policies and programs.

4. Biotek-M

Biotek-M, a confirmatory test for dengue diagnosis, is as accurate as the currently available Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology yet less costly as it is locally developed.

Developed by the UP Manila National Institutes of Health Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, the kit saves resources for both hospital and patients as it allows less admission for dengue-suspected cases.

5. OL Trap 

OL Trap is a simple but effective vector control method to lower the population of dengue Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, thus reducing dengue cases and controlling dengue transmission.

Developed by DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), OL Trap works by trapping the eggs and larvae of A. aegypti in their laying site with active organic solution and killing them in the process before hatching and going to adult stage.

 
For more information on PCHRD-supported technologies, visit www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph.

Want to learn updates on dengue? Want to read some indigenous practices on health?

Whether you’re a professor, student, health researcher looking for grant and/or information, or simply a person who wants to learn something new, take note of these four information services or websites maintained by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). You never know, these websites might be useful in the future!

HERDIN

The Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN) is an online database that enables online publishing, exchange, and dissemination of quality health information. It provides quick and easy access to more than 50,000 citation and bibliographic information from published and unpublished health researches in the country.

Access HERDIN at herdin.ph!

TKDL

The Philippine Traditional Knowledge Digital Library on Health (TKDL) is the national database on traditional knowledge and practices on health of indigenous people (IP) which aids in developing culture-sensitive health information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. The data gathered in its website supports creation of health policies and programs for improving the health status and health services delivery of IP communities.

Access TKDL at www.tkdlph.com!

PHRR

The Philippine Health Research Registry (PHRR) is a publicly accessible database on health researches and clinical trials being conducted in the country allowing researchers to input and update data entries. It aims to track the kinds of on-going and newly-approved researches, avoid duplication of researches, and ensure equal access opportunity for prospective clinical trial participants.

Access PHRR at registry.healthresearch.ph!

PCHRD Project Management System

Project Management System is an online submission, review, approval, and monitoring platform for health research proposals/projects. Applicants interested to apply for research grant may submit proposals through the system.

Access the Project Management System at www.projects.pchrd.dost.gov.ph!

New year, new life! Whether you’re done plotting your New Year’s Resolution or not, we’re very sure that being healthy is one of your priorities for 2017. Some of you might be thinking of losing weight while some maybe the opposite. Some of you might have promised yourself to be stress-free this year while some might be thinking of getting a gym membership.

Hataw Agham 2016

To help you achieve your health goals this year, here are some tips from researches and experts on health.

10. Don’t go on a diet

According to Authority Nutrition, “diets are notoriously ineffective, and rarely work well in the long term.” Instead of going on a diet, adopt a healthier lifestyle. Instead of depriving yourself, focus on nourishing your body. “Weight loss should follow as a natural side effect of better food choices and improved metabolic health,” the website emphasized.

9. Eat more fruits and vegetables

A diet rich in vegetables reduces risks of developing many types of cancers. Likewise, fruits are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories and are sources of many essential nutrients such as Vitamin C.

8. Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday

Drinking water is as important as eating fruits and vegetables. According to Salamat Dok’s Willie Ong, drinking water prevents kidney infections, headaches, and constipation. “Drink water for beauty, health, and long life. It’s the best advice, so take it,” he added.

7. Move more, sit less

It’s difficult for the working class who spends most of their time in front of their computers. However, WebMD cited that you will likely burn more calories if you increase the time you’ll spend on exercising. “Make healthy choices by being more physically active. Park at the end of the lot when grocery shopping. Change your TV channel manually. Take the stairs at work. Go on a long walk with your kids or grandkids. Raining outside? Walk or run in place while watching TV,” the website advised.

6. Sleep at least 7 hours a day

Boosting your energy requires sleep and rest. Willie Ong also cited that when you’re tired, you should take a 15-minute rest to replenish your strength. “At night, try to go for eight hours of sleep. If you can’t sleep, just lying in bed and thinking happy thoughts can relax your mind and body, too. It’s not as good as sleep, but it’s the next best thing,” he added.

5. Take care of your friends and family

Authority Nutrition cited that people with close relationships with friends and family are healthier and live much longer than those who are not. Denver physical therapist Rick Olderman also noted that “if you have personal relationships with people who have unhealthy habits, it is often an uphill battle. The healthiest people are those who have relationships with other healthy people.” Be healthy together!

4. Laugh More

As they said, laughter is the best medicine. A study cited by Dr. Willie Ong reports that after watching a funny video, the viewers’ mood improved dramatically, depression and anger dropped by 98%, fatigue fell by 87%, and tension was reduced by 61%. When we laugh, stress hormones (cortisol) decreases while good hormones (endorphins) increases. Ong explained that “endorphins are natural substances in the body that make you happy and boost your immune system.”

3. Be enthusiastic about work (or school or both)

Remember the quote “choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life?” Then that’s true. You should try to find ways to enjoy your work (or school or both). As Dr. Willie Ong emphasized “be creative; think long-term; an enthusiastic attitude can make a difference.”

2. Avoid stress

Stressed out all the time? According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, stress causes a person to overheat, feel tired, and not want to do anything. To reverse the effects of stress, the Institute advised to practice deep breathing, relax muscles one at a time, and try a new hobby that sparks interest.

1. Forgive yourself

If you fail to do all those tips stated above, then it’s okay. Learn to forgive yourself. As WebMD mentioned, allowing yourself time to enjoy few indulgences occasionally is acceptable. Let it go and start again! Life goes on! ■

References

Bruce, D. F. (n.d.). 10 Motivational Tips to Keep You Healthy. Retrieved from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/10-motivational-tips-to-keep-you-healthy#1

Gunnars , K. (n.d.). 27 Health and Nutrition Tips That Are Actually Evidence-Based. Retrieved from Authority Nutrition: https://authoritynutrition.com/27-health-and-nutrition-tips/

Gunnars, K. (n.d.). 27 Health and Nutrition Tips That Are Actually Evidence-Based. Retrieved from Authority Nutrition: https://authoritynutrition.com/27-health-and-nutrition-tips/

NIDDK. (2012, August). Health Tips for Adults. Retrieved from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/weight-control/better-health/Pages/better-health-and-you-tips-for-adults.aspx

Ong, W. T. (2015, September 1). Top 10 health tips. Retrieved from Philstar: http://www.philstar.com/health-and-family/2015/09/01/1494439/top-10-health-tips

Rouse, J., & Olderman, R. (2009, January 1). 15 Ways to be healthier. Retrieved from GAIAM: http://www.gaiam.com/discover/183/article/15-easy-ways-healthier/