Category: health

Road Safety Journalism Fellowship

Ellen Leave a comment

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VERA Files, a group I’m part of (we produce in-depth stories on subjects that matter) will be conducting a training for journalists on Road Safety.

Following is VERA Files’ announcement of the Road Safety Journalism Fellowship:

Road crashes are among the leading causes of death in the Philippines.

The 2015 World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety estimates 10,379 fatalities in the country a year, half of them motorcycle riders, followed by pedestrians.

Stories of road crashes that kill, injure and permanently disable people are regular fare in newspapers and in radio and television broadcasts. They grab the public’s attention and prompt authorities into action, especially in cases involving big numbers of fatalities or public figures. But in no time, the stories are forgotten, leaving the public with little or no learnings. And the cycle of routine reporting goes on. Road safety becomes a casualty yet again.

The World Health Organization, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and in partnership with VERA Files, is launching the Road Safety Journalism Fellowship to raise public awareness of road safety and promote policy and behavioral changes that will reduce and prevent road crashes.

The Fellowship aims to strengthen the capacity of journalists to produce comprehensive news and feature articles and translate statistics on road injuries and deaths to human and public interest stories. The Program aims to generate interest in road safety reportage that is thorough, exhaustive and contextualized; one that goes beyond breaking news, body counts and police reports but which instead frames road safety as a public health and development issue.

From youthfor safety.org

From youthfor safety.org

The Fellowship is part of the multi-country Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety 2015-2019 carried out by a consortium of international partners, together with national governments and local organizations.

The Program aims to engage journalists in the advocacy and promote the goals of the UN Decade of Road Action for Road Safety to stabilize and reduce by 50 percent road deaths by 2020.

Mechanics

We are calling for story proposals that will push road safety as an agenda and a shared responsibility of everyone in the community – policy-makers and law enforcers, road builders, vehicle manufacturers, motorists, the riding public, pedestrians and the public in general.

Fellows will produce a minimum of five well-researched stories/video productions that will be published in their own news organizations.

Story ideas can be developed from the following subjects, relating to major risk factors that influence the likelihood of a crash and the severity of its consequences: (1) speed; (2) use of seatbelts: (3) child restraint; (4) helmets for motorcycle riders; and (5) alcohol or drunk driving.

Stories can provide an in-depth analysis of data, behaviors, and impact of these risk factors and the presence (or absence) of policy and legislative-related actions and their impact and status and nature of implementation and enforcement. Other topics of emerging importance such as distracted driving and pedestrian safety may also be tackled.

The Fellowship will open with an Orientation/Training Seminar in March. The Fellows will participate in a Roundtable on Road Safety involving editors and other journalists in June.

Who can apply?

Chit Estella, a VERA Files trustee, who died in a road crash on Commonwealth Avenue in 2011

Chit Estella, a VERA Files trustee, who died in a road crash on Commonwealth Avenue in 2011

The 2015-16 Pilot Program is open to journalists from print and broadcast media, free-lance writers and bloggers based in Metro Manila and Luzon.

Journalists with at least three years of reporting experience are invited to submit three story proposals (each story idea explained in 150-200 words) they wish to work on for the duration of the Fellowship.

The professional qualifications of the applicants will be taken into consideration in the selection, but the quality and substance of the story proposals will be given greater weight.

How to apply

Applicants are to send in their updated CVs (no more than two pages), two samples of published articles/video clips, a letter of endorsement from an editor or producer, and a completed application form to roadsafety@verafiles.org or roadsafetyph@gmail.com.
VERA Files is also accepting online applications.

Deadline: January 31, 2016

For more information please visit http://verafiles.org/apply-now-road-safety-journalism-fellowship/

The inconvenient truth in convenience stores

Ellen Leave a comment

The petition

The petition


There’s a petition at Change.org initiated by the Philippine College of Physicians, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance, PH and Philippine Medical Association directed at the owners of three convenience stores to remove cigarettes from their stocks in branches near the schools.

The petition cites Section 10 of Republic Act No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003) which clearly states: “The sale or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one hundred (100) meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility frequently particularly by minors.”

Health officials led by Secretary Janette Garin, Undersecretary for Technical Services Vicente Y. Belisario and Undersecretary for Health Regulations Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go had written way back in July the owners of 7-eleven (Jose Victor Pardo), MiniStop (Robina Y. Gokongwei-Pe) and Family Mart (Anthony T. Huang) asking for their cooperation in enforcing the law.

In their letter, the DOH officials reiterated to the business leaders the rationale of the campaign against tobacco products. “Tobacco is a significant factor in the development of chronic conditions including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and lung diseases. Every year, around 6 million individuals die in the Global Tobacco Epidemic – more than malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV& AIDS combined.”

The officials said several key legislations have been passed to support the campaign against tobacco products that include raising taxes against tobacco, prohibition of smoking , and ban on tobacco advertisements, promotions and sponsorships.
The officials urged retail outlets including convenience stores “to exercise due diligence in observation of the prohibition.”
“Corporate social responsibility is necessary if any impact of this policy intended to protect and promote the health of Filipinos is to be felt,” they said.

That was five months ago and health advocates are dismayed that convenience stores near schools continue to sell cigarettes. Some do not display the cigarettes but customers can buy if they ask for it.

The petition also said, “Hindi po sapat na dahilan na di naman kayo nagtitinda sa mga kabataan, sapagkat ang mismong pagtitinda ng sigarilyo ay bawal, kung ang tindahan ay 100 metro mula sa mga perimeter ng paaralan. (It’s not enough that you are not selling to minors because the sale of cigarettes itself is prohibited if the store is within the 100-meter school perimeter.)

Health advocates are asking the support of the public through Change.org petition. As of today, 5,872 persons have signed the petition.

The Sin Tax law was passed despite heavy resistance from the business sector. The fight to save our people, especially the young people, from the ravages of tobacco is far from over.

Hypertension need not lead to strokes

PRNEWS Admin Leave a comment

More than 1.56 billion people worldwide are expected to have hypertension by 2025, making the disease more alarming to healthcare providers. However, most people diagnosed with the condition have no signs nor symptoms of the disease until they reach its life-threatening stages.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every five adults with high blood pressure—a more general term for hypertension—is unaware of his or her disease, making prevention to deadly consequences such as stroke more difficult than ever.

“Hypertensive patients may experience frequent headaches, shortness of breath or nosebleeds, but these signs won’t occur until their blood pressure rises to its peak,” said Dr. Amado Nazal, medical director of Pharex HealthCorp. “When left untreated, their high blood pressure may cause them serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke.”

About eight out of ten people who had their first stroke are diagnosed with hypertension, which is responsible for worsening the quality of lives of some 14 million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

“You can have high blood pressure for many years without symptoms surfacing every now and then—what people don’t know is that the disease comes like a thief in the night,” Dr. Nazal said.

He added, “This makes regular monitoring of blood pressure all the more important. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important whether you are already hypertensive or not; the challenge comes recognizing the disease and taking action before it leads to stroke.”

Uncontrolled high blood pressure may trigger excessive pressure on a person’s artery walls, damaging the blood vessels and the body’s organs. This is why Pharex HealthCorp., the most prescribed unibranded generics, emphasizes the vital role of lifestyle change in keeping high blood pressure at bay.

Dr. Nazal said, “The first step to achieving lifestyle change is to set an appointment with your healthcare provider. If you suspect that you have hypertension, nothing comes more important than having your blood pressure checked to address it immediately.”

Furthermore, prioritizing lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking and staying physically active will go a long way in preventing high blood pressure and its complications.

“Hypertension is both preventable and treatable, only if you follow the right treatment procedures as prescribed by your doctor,” he said. “When you’re at home, it is best to cut down on salt, eat a balanced diet, and avoid harmful use of alcohol. More importantly, taking your medication to curb hypertension will help you minimize it.”

For hypertensive adults, there is an abundance of high-quality medicines at very low prices that they need to adhere to. If patients will not comply with their medication, Dr. Nazal said that “their quality of life will pay the price.”

He concluded, “Non-compliance to your therapy will cost so much more. Once hypertensive patients learn how to control their blood pressure, it will be easier for them to go back to their normal lives without the fear of having stroke or other chronic diseases.”

More blood needed in preparation for natural disasters

PRNEWS Admin Leave a comment

Every two seconds, a person in the United States will need blood to recover from serious injuries, major surgeries, or chronic illnesses. What happens when natural disasters arrive in the Philippines where blood donations are more in demand than ever?

A person who gets into a car accident may require up to 100 pints of blood to stay alive. According to the American Red Cross, only one pint of blood can be donated by a person during transfusion, highlighting the potential imbalance between the need and availability of blood in times of public crises.

“We’re no stranger to earthquakes,” said Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical. “The recent earthquake in Nepal curtailed the lives of more than 8,000 people, and required them to seek more blood to treat those who are terribly wounded.” She added, “The same episode may happen to the Philippines given that there’s a rising fear of the 7.6-magnitude strong earthquake.”

Metro Manila is prone to earthquakes since it is surrounded by active faults—the West Valley and East Valley Faults. According to the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), residents in Metro Manila and nearby provinces should prepare for the “mega earthquake” which could put the lives of thousands of people on the line.

One donor could actually help save the lives of three people who need to receive blood transfusion, according to the American Red Cross. But de Leon said that “before Filipinos start rolling up their sleeves to prepare for blood donation, they must first understand what the process means, what it is for, and how it will also benefit them in the long run.”

Blood transfusion is an indispensable component of healthcare where the donor’s blood is added to the recipient’s own blood. During the process, certain parts of the blood are delivered through an intravenous (IV) line that’s connected to one of the veins in the arm.

While blood donation has been considered as an important pillar in saving millions of lives around the world during natural disasters—especially during earthquakes—de Leon said that not everyone can freely submit themselves to healthcare institutions to donate blood.

A person’s age and weight is generally considered prior to being allowed to donate blood. Other factors include considerations regarding factors such as body temperature, history of hepatitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, low and high blood pressure, and other blood related conditons.

The next step is to identify the donor’s blood type. Your blood will be tested to determine your blood type—A, B, AB or O—and your Rh factor. The Rh factor is identified by the presence (Rh positive) or absence (Rh negative) of a specific antigen in the blood. De Leon added, “In any emergency, people with type O negative red blood cells may transfer their blood to anyone especially during life-threatening situations.”

If you want to start donating blood, Healthway Medical—the most trusted and preferred mall-based clinic in the Philippines—offers laboratory blood tests to adults to help them identify if they are eligible for transfusion.

Donating blood is known for preserving cardiovascular health by reducing blood viscosity which eliminates the iron that possibly oxidizes in your blood, and minimizes the risk of acquiring cancer.

“The best way to guarantee that you are eligible to undergo blood transfusion is to keep a close watch of your health,” de Leon said. “This is why having enough sleep, eating right, exercising, and de-stressing (S.E.E.D.) is important. If you aim to give others the benefit to have a better quality of life, you also have to ensure your health round-the-clock.”

De Leon concluded, “When natural disasters take form in the Philippines, we’ve got no one else to hold on to but each other. While we still have time, we need to bank more safe blood from volunteers who have a strong commitment to save lives. And that person is you.”

More blood needed in preparation for natural disasters

PRNEWS Admin Leave a comment

Every two seconds, a person in the United States will need blood to recover from serious injuries, major surgeries, or chronic illnesses. What happens when natural disasters arrive in the Philippines where blood donations are more in demand than ever?

A person who gets into a car accident may require up to 100 pints of blood to stay alive. According to the American Red Cross, only one pint of blood can be donated by a person during transfusion, highlighting the potential imbalance between the need and availability of blood in times of public crises.

“We’re no stranger to earthquakes,” said Carmie de Leon, vice president for sales and marketing of Healthway Medical. “The recent earthquake in Nepal curtailed the lives of more than 8,000 people, and required them to seek more blood to treat those who are terribly wounded.” She added, “The same episode may happen to the Philippines given that there’s a rising fear of the 7.6-magnitude strong earthquake.”

Metro Manila is prone to earthquakes since it is surrounded by active faults—the West Valley and East Valley Faults. According to the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), residents in Metro Manila and nearby provinces should prepare for the “mega earthquake” which could put the lives of thousands of people on the line.

One donor could actually help save the lives of three people who need to receive blood transfusion, according to the American Red Cross. But de Leon said that “before Filipinos start rolling up their sleeves to prepare for blood donation, they must first understand what the process means, what it is for, and how it will also benefit them in the long run.”

Blood transfusion is an indispensable component of healthcare where the donor’s blood is added to the recipient’s own blood. During the process, certain parts of the blood are delivered through an intravenous (IV) line that’s connected to one of the veins in the arm.

While blood donation has been considered as an important pillar in saving millions of lives around the world during natural disasters—especially during earthquakes—de Leon said that not everyone can freely submit themselves to healthcare institutions to donate blood.

A person’s age and weight is generally considered prior to being allowed to donate blood. Other factors include considerations regarding factors such as body temperature, history of hepatitis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, low and high blood pressure, and other blood related conditons.

The next step is to identify the donor’s blood type. Your blood will be tested to determine your blood type—A, B, AB or O—and your Rh factor. The Rh factor is identified by the presence (Rh positive) or absence (Rh negative) of a specific antigen in the blood. De Leon added, “In any emergency, people with type O negative red blood cells may transfer their blood to anyone especially during life-threatening situations.”

If you want to start donating blood, Healthway Medical—the most trusted and preferred mall-based clinic in the Philippines—offers laboratory blood tests to adults to help them identify if they are eligible for transfusion.

Donating blood is known for preserving cardiovascular health by reducing blood viscosity which eliminates the iron that possibly oxidizes in your blood, and minimizes the risk of acquiring cancer.

“The best way to guarantee that you are eligible to undergo blood transfusion is to keep a close watch of your health,” de Leon said. “This is why having enough sleep, eating right, exercising, and de-stressing (S.E.E.D.) is important. If you aim to give others the benefit to have a better quality of life, you also have to ensure your health round-the-clock.”

De Leon concluded, “When natural disasters take form in the Philippines, we’ve got no one else to hold on to but each other. While we still have time, we need to bank more safe blood from volunteers who have a strong commitment to save lives. And that person is you.”