: Latest News; 17 January 2017; Hits: 12234

5 health technologies that will make you proud as a Filipino

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.

: Latest News; 13 January 2017; Hits: 3573

10 ways to be healthy this 2017 according to experts and research

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/

: Latest News; 13 December 2016; Hits: 3318

PCHRD, to hold Medical Writing Workshop for young researchers in Region 2

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with DOST Cagayan Valley Region, will conduct the 11th National Medical Writing Workshop and 4th Writeshop for Young Researchers in Cauayan City, Isabela on 30-31January 2017.

Health researchers review their manuscripts with guidance from mentors at the 10th National Medical Writing Workshop

and 3rd Writeshop for Young Researchers last 8-9 August 2016 at Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan, Puerto Princesa City.

This year’s workshop aims to enable selected health researchers on preparing scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals. All participants are required to submit their draft journal articles for pre-evaluation. Evaluated articles will be revised during the small-group workshop exercises under the guidance of the faculty and mentor-facilitators.

Workshop mentors are composed of medical research writing experts here and abroad as follows: Dr. Jose Florencio Fabella Lapeña, Jr., Publons UK’s Most Prolific Editor, Dr. Wilfred CG Peh, Secretary-General, Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editor (APAME), and Dr. Cecilia Maramba-Lazarte, Editor-in-Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society of the Philippines Journal.

Three months after, participants are expected to publish their improved journal manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and contribute to the dissemination of Filipino research information.

Conducted twice a year, this workshop is a product of PCHRD’s partnership with APAME and the Philippine Association of Medical Journal Editors.

: Latest News; 29 December 2016; Hits: 3453

TB research consortium eyed in PH

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has partnered with the US National Institutes of Health on the possible establishment of the Regional Prospective Observational Research in Tuberculosis (RePORT) Consortium in the Philippines.

Dr. Peter Kim, US-NIH Deputy Director talks about research opportunities through the establishment of the RePORT Consortium during the RePORT Meeting
held last 20 December 2016 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City.

A business meeting held last 20 December 2016 served as a venue to discuss the research opportunities once the RePORT Consortium is established in the Philippines. Stakeholders from the academe, hospitals, national government agencies, TB research societies participated in the discussion.

The RePORT Consortium is an initiative to streamline tuberculosis (TB) research globally by providing a platform for standardized data management. According to Dr. Peter Kim, Deputy Director, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, US National Institutes of Health, RePORT establishes a formal platform for multicultural research partnerships where researchers perform the same data collection and analysis methods for easily validate TB research data.

Dr. Sonia Stoszek, Westat Senior Epidemiologist, shared about the common protocol used by RePORT consortia across the world. In her talk, Dr. Stoszek mentioned that a tool for data harmonization is vital in linking researchers facilitate merging and compatibility of TB data.

DOST has also signified its full support in TB mitigation through research. In her welcome talk, Usec. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara mentioned that research collaborations like RePORT would enable local researchers to upgrade their research capacities and contribute to the fight against tuberculosis. PCHRD Director Dr. Jaime C. Montoya also assured the body that the Council will always be in coordination with partners in health to continuously provide research opportunities to prevent and control the prevalence of TB and other diseases. A Memorandum of Understanding signing between DOST and US-NIH is slated in January 2017.

RePORT consortia have already been established in India, Brazil, and Indonesia.

: Latest News; 29 November 2016; Hits: 2850

PCHRD holds Health Forum 2016, turns the spotlight on HIV, drug discovery and nutrigenomics

QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA- As part of the 12^th National Biotechnology Week (NBW), the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), in partnership with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) held the Health Forum 2016 at Sulo Riviera Hotel.

Speakers of the NBW Health Forum

The Forum discussed the developments in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), drug discovery and development, genomics, and nutrition.

Speakers were Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana, University of the Philippines Manila Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Director, Ms. Iris Bea Ramiro, University of the Philippines Diliman Marine Science Institute Research Associate, Ms. Mildred Udarbe, FNRI Lifestage and Nutrition Section Senior Science Research Specialist, Ms. Marietta Rodriguez, FNRI Nutritional Genomics Section Senior Science Research Specialist, and Mr. Jacus Nacis, FNRI Nutritional Genomics Section Science Research Specialist II.

Dr. Jaime Montoya, PCHRD Executive Director, emphasized that Biotechnology is helping the country by harnessing nature’s own toolbox and using people’s own genetic makeup to heal and guide research.

“To prepare for and meet the society’s most pressing challenges, the recent advances in biotechnology has never been more relevant. Thus, it is imperative that we continue exploring ways to keep pace with the greater demand for biotechnology,” Dr. Montoya added.

With the overall theme “Bioteknolohiya: Kaagapay ng Mamamayan sa Kaunlaran, Yakapin ang pagbabago, Biotek na tayo!,” NBW highlighted the use of modern biotechnology as one of several means to achieve and sustain food security, equitable access to health services, and sustainable and safe environment. n

Page 16 of 57