Cardinal Santos therapeutic robots—new hope for stroke rehabilitation patients

Neuroplasticity is the principle behind CSMC’s revolutionary robotic technology.

Experts used to think that when a region of the brain is damaged, its function is lost forever. However, new studies revealed that the brain can reorganize itself after injury so that when nerve cells die, their functions are taken over by other cells.

This is the principle behind neuro-plasticity which is also the science behind the ground-breaking In-Motion Robotic Therapy—a revolutionary technology that helps patients relearn arm movements that were affected by stroke.

Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) is now the Philippines’ first and only hospital that offers In-Motion Robotic Therapy. This breakthrough medical technology provides rehabilitation treatment for stroke survivors and patients with spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions.

CSMC Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Chair Dr. Ofelia Reyes explained that the In-Motion Robotics is a more cost-effective therapy because of its intensive nature such that results can be seen in a shorter period of time compared to standard stroke rehabilitation treatments. “And as proven by actual cases of our patients, the effects are long-term and longer lasting. The treatment gives stroke and other neurological patients new hope for a better quality of life,” she said.

The medical rehabilitation staff of CSMC has gained valuable experience in the use of robotics in the treatment of Filipino stroke patients.

The CSMC experience

The rehabilitation expert cited the experience of CSMC patient 26-year-old Stephen Escalante who suffered from spinal cord injury. After undergoing six months of In-Motion Robotic therapy, he felt significant improvements in his arms. “My arm became more flexible and stronger. It was a big help because no occupational or physical therapist can move my arm with that range for 960 times,” he shared.

Another patient, 55-year old Kwok Kwan Tan, suffered multiple damages in the brain after a stroke that paralyzed the left side of his body. He felt “depressed and hopeless” after undergoing a year-and-a-half of daily physical therapy treatments that only resulted in very limited movement of his arms and legs.

However, the In-Motion Robots enabled Tan to relearn arm movements in only two months. “I can now move my arms and hands faster, and I am improving every day. I will have my life back to normal,” he said.

Revolutionized rehabilitation

CSMC’s Department of Rehabilitation Medicine offers three kinds of In-Motion robots for patient rehabilitation: a shoulder-elbow robot for improving shoulder and elbow control, a wrist robot, and a hand robot for grasping, releasing and pinching exercises.

“We are happy to bring this newest advance in rehabilitation treatment to the country,” Atty. Pilar Nenuca Almira, president and chief executive officer of CSMC, said. “We’ve seen how robotic therapy has helped our patients improve their quality of lives and we hope to bring that same experience to more patients in need of rehabilitation.”

Beat the heat this summer with the coolest Lazada finds

Make staycations sweeter with your own slushie blend using the Moulinex LM09 Slushie Maker Blender from Lazada. Check outwww.lazada.com.ph/summer

As temperatures rise this season, those raring to make the most out of their vacation need summer essentials that can help them beat the heat. Thankfully, surviving the hot weather becomes easy with the latest finds from Lazada Philippines, the country’s leading one-stop shopping website.

Sweet staycation
With just a few changes to their living space, summer lovers can experience a satisfying vacation without leaving the house. No matter how hot the season gets, families can make the experience a little more indulgent by delighting in ice-cold drinks with the Moulinex LM09 Slushie Maker Blender for P4,475. There is nothing quite as refreshing as a freshly made slushie with a hint of orange or calamansi juice.

Capture breathtaking sights under the sea with the GE G5 12.0MP Waterproof Digital Camera from Lazada atwww.lazada.com.ph/summer

Exciting getaways
Summer is also the best time to explore the outdoors, whether engaging in adrenaline-filled activities or discovering the wonders of nature, avid travelers need to be armed with top-grade sun protection products. They can find the perfect travel companion with the Leyende Place in the Sun Face Sunblock. Down from P580 to P464, it contains an unscented, broad spectrum formula that has aloe extract to soothe skin and organic cocoa butter to keep it soft and non-greasy.

But it’s not just skin that needs protection¾gadgets too. Enjoy a worry-free holiday with waterproof gadgets like the GE G5 12.0MP Waterproof Digital Camera sold for a discounted price of P7549 and the Speedo Aqua Beat Water Proof MP3 Player that’s currently at a 52% discount, now priced at P3799. Protect them from getting wet when hitting the poolside with the OtterBox Pursuit/40 Expedition for P2,150. Featuring a high-quality polycarbonate shell, the waterproof and crushproof case keeps smartphones safe from the elements.

Go on a hassle-free and refreshing summer and order everything you need at Lazada, the online destination that offers the simplest and easiest shopping experience. Head over to www.lazada.com.ph/summer today.

12 steps to a fantastic beach body

By Ellen Tordesillas, VERA Files
Video by Mario Ignacio

You have your plane tickets. You have made the hotel reservations.

You are all set for fun in the beach. But, is your body ready for it?

Three physical fitness personal trainers – Angie M. Miranda and Jensen G. Centeno of Fitness First, Mall of Asia, and Christian S. Cerezo, formerly of Fitness First Southmall and now a freelance PT, say it’s never too late to start getting in shape.

Centeno says the lure of the summer breeze is a good excuse to start going to the gym. Or to those who regularly workout, intensify one’s exercise regimen.

The three share tips, that coupled with proper diet, will help you achieve the body worth a second glance when on the beach. In the video, they show several variations to the basic exercises like lunge or squat in order to give options, depending on one’s capability to perform the activity.

The perfect squat by Angie M. Miranda

The perfect squat by Angie M. Miranda

Miranda demonstrates variations of lunge and squat to work on the legs, buttocks, and arms.

To do a lunge, position one leg forward with knee bent and foot flat on the ground while the other leg is positioned behind. Do it alternately.

To do a squat, start from a standing position. Move the hips back and bend the knees and hips to lower the torso and accompanying weight, then return to the upright position.

Centeno shows several variations of planking, including the spiderman push up. The most common is the front plank which is done holding a push-up position with the body’s weight borne on forearms, elbows, and toes. The plank does wonders to the abdominal muscles, back, and shoulders.

Centeno also demonstrates crunch to tone the abdominal muscles. To do a crunch, lie down face up with knees bent. Curl the shoulders towards the pelvis. You may place your hands behind or beside the neck or crossed over the chest.

Jensen G. Centeno performs Leg Raise with toe touch

Jensen G. Centeno performs Leg Raise with toe touch

She also does the leg raise to work on the lower abdominal muscle. To do a leg raise, lie down on your back with your legs stretched out in front of you. Slowly raise your legs keeping your toes pointed. Slowly lower your legs to about an inch off the floor. Slowly raise your legs back up to the ceiling.

For added fun, Miranda and Centeno, who are both nurses, perform wood chop and sit up with the use of a medicine ball.

Wood chop, inspired by the farmhand’s act of chopping wood, works on abdominals, lower back, quads, and shoulders. To do wood chop, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees in line with your feet. Hold the weight (you can use a dumbbell or other kinds of weight) with both hands on the side of the thigh, then twist your torso to the side. Lift the weight up and across your body with straight arms. For those who want to push further, Centeno adds burpee, a four-step squat thrust.

Sit up begins in a lying position with the arms stretched out straight behind your head. Simultaneously flex at the hips and curl the abs to raise the legs and torso off the floor. Bring the hands to meet the feet.

Repetition is the key to effective exercise. Miranda and Centeno suggest that the exercises be done 10 to 15 times in three sets.

Cerezo, who is a physical therapist, demonstrates Bicep Curl, Shoulder Press, Bent Over Row, Bench Press and Triceps Kickback, which target the upper body.

Bicep Curl. It can be done with either barbell or dumbbell. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet as wide apart as your hips. Let your arms hang down at your sides with your palms forward. Curl both arms upward up to shoulders. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to your sides.

Shoulder Press. Position dumbbells to each side of shoulders with elbows pointing towards the floor. Press dumbbells upward until arms are extended overhead. Lower to sides of shoulders and repeat.

Bent Over Row. Using a barbell, bend knees slightly and bend over bar with back straight. Pull bar to upper waist. Return until arms are extended and shoulders are stretched downward.

Bench Press. Lower the weight (barbell or dumbbell) to your chest. Press it back up until your arms are locked.

Christian S. Cerezo demonstrates the Triceps kickback

Christian S. Cerezo demonstrates the Triceps kickback

Triceps Kickback. Holding a dumbbell in each hand with the palms facing your torso, bend your knees slightly and bring your torso forward, by bending at the waist, while keeping the back straight until it is almost parallel to the floor.

Bring your arms back so that they are straight by your side, also parallel to the floor. Inhale as you bend your elbows bringing the dumbbells forward to your shoulder. Exhale as you straighten your arms back up.

Cerezo recommends to do each of the five exercises eight times in drop sets – a technique of doing the exercise in three sets continuously using a lighter weight for each successive set. Example: start with 15 lbs, then 10 lbs, and lastly, 5 lbs.

For a more effective workout, it’s best to get a personal trainer to design and closely supervise your exercise program.

Cerezo says discipline and focus are important in keeping fit. “Set a goal and focus on achieving that goal even if it’s just shedding off a few pounds in a period of time,” he says.

Miranda says one should make it a habit to work out four to five times a week. Centeno adds that time spent in the gym “nurtures the passion for fitness.”

Once you are out there under the sun, Cerezo says, “Forget about weight, shape or size. Just enjoy. Feel good and you will look good.”

Miranda stresses that keeping fit should not end when summer is gone. “Continue the habit of working out to maintain good health,” she says.

(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”)

(Miranda and Centeno’s exercises were shot at Fitness First MOA while that of Cerezo were done at Doc and Dex Smart Body Gym at BF Resort, Las Piñas.)

Check out these related articles:

Six ways to keep fit during election campaign

Zumba: Exercise made easy and sexy

Why go to the gym

Six ways to keep fit during election campaign

By Ellen Tordesillas, VERA Files

Photos and video by Mario Ignacio and Mario Espinosa

More important than winning the election, candidates should make sure they are able to survive the grueling 90-day campaign.

The same reminder applies to the staff of political parties and members of media who are covering the campaign.

An election campaign is exciting and exhausting. Candidates try to maximize their provincial trips by meeting as many groups as they can squeeze in their waking hours. Rallies last up to midnight even early morning.The next day, members of the campaign caravan rush to the airport for the next destination.

Almost always after election, many of those involved in the campaign end up overweight due to irregular and unhealthy meals and lack of exercise.

In last year’s presidential election campaign in the United States, stand-up comedian and fitness guru Tony Horton came up with exercises for the candidates. He designed a 15-minute workout without any use of equipment, consisting of push-ups, running, crunches, lunges and squats. Horton’s more rigorous P90X workout program is being used by Paul Ryan— the fitness buff Republican vice presidential candidate.

In the next 12 weeks of the current political campaign, senatorial candidates and their entourage will be crisscrossing the country to the 80 provinces in their bid to win the hearts and minds of over 52 million voters.

Physical therapist Christian S. Cerezo, who is also a fitness personal trainer, suggests six simple exercises that candidates and campaign workers can do to keep fit. They can do these exercises anywhere: in the airport while waiting for their flight or their baggage to come out of the carousel. It can also be done during rallies.

Christian S. Cerezo demonstrates:With the bottled mineral water as weight, one can do biceps exercise while standing or sitting down or doing the tip toe (exercise for calf muscle), anytime, anywhere.

Bottled mineral water, which comes in different sizes, is a basic item in the bags of campaign workers and reporters. Cerezo said they can make use of it as a weight when doing biceps curl.

To make the exercise effective, Cerezo recommends doing each exercise 15 times in three sets. He said a 20-second pause should be enough in between sets.

1. Biceps curl using mineral water bottle.

This exercise works out the biceps muscle.

Instruction: Standing or sitting down on a chair, flex and extend the forearm. Do the three sets for each of the arm.

2. Dips to work out the triceps muscle.

While in a sitting position, place both hands beside the butt. Slightly move the butt into the edge of the chair or bench. Position the legs together. Align the ankles to the knee, flexed at 90 percent. Then slowly bend elbows about 90 per cent. Then extend it again slowly.

3. Standing up and sitting on the chair to work out butt area and thigh.
Stand up slowly. Sit down slowly. Place hands on waist or let them hang on the sides.

4. Tip Toe. This exercise, which is done while standing, works out the leg muscle, especially the calf muscle.

5. Shoulder front raise to work out the shoulder muscle.

Standing or sitting down, slowly raise arms forward and slowly put them back to the starting or resting position on the side.

6. Knee- to-chest position to work out core (primarily abdominal) muscle.

This exercise is done sitting down. Position the butt near the edge of the chair or bench. Place hand on the back, holding the chair then lean the body backward. With legs in front, raise feet together then slightly bend knee toward the chest. Maintain the leaning backward position for balance.

Regardless of the numbers come election day, the priceless victory is staying fit and healthy.

(VERA Files is put out by veteran journalists taking a deeper look at current issues. Vera is Latin for “true.”)

Check out related links:

http://www.ellentordesillas.com/2012/07/25/zumba-makes-exercise-easy-and-sexy/

http://www.ellentordesillas.com/2012/06/13/why-go-to-the-gym/

http://www.ellentordesillas.com/2013/02/10/made-for-tv-campaign-rallies/

Drivers for TB Awareness in QC

Ride a bus, be TB aware: The Caltex TB awareness campaign has spread to reach commuters of QC public buses plying EDSA

Caltex and QCHO train jeepney and bus drivers as volunteer TB treatment partners

To beat tuberculosis (TB), early detection and treatment are crucial. Fortunately, with the “Caltex Labanan ang TB, para Tsuper Healthy” TB awareness campaign, more than 10,000 jeepney and bus drivers plying Metro Manila are now TB aware and are pro-active fighters of this endemic disease.

Of these, at least 52 public transport drivers were trained by the Quezon City Health Dept. (QCHD) as volunteer TB treatment partners. As treatment partners, the drivers are qualified to teach colleagues the facts about the disease, dispel myths and encourage their siblings in the industry to seek medical assistance early, thereby helping stop the spread of TB. The driver-trainors also help in patient treatment by making sure medicines are taken daily. This effort will hopefully reduce the number of attrition cases which in turn lead to patients becoming more drug resistant – and more difficult and more expensive to cure.

To broaden the reach of this awareness campaign, Caltex uses a TB awareness bus where trainors can hold onboard seminars, distribute posters, flyers, stickers and promote the Caltex TB helpline (865-1010). The seminars focus on correcting common misconceptions, emphasize prevention, early detection and cure.

TB kills 75 Filipinos every day and is the sixth leading deadly disease in the country. Worldwide, the Philippines ranked as the 22nd country with the highest number of TB cases while it is second only to China in Western Pacific region (www.who,int/tb).

Dr. Antonieta V. Inumerable, head of QCHD, said, “We welcome and support the efforts of Caltex to eradicate TB in the country. QC has a large population that public transport workers serve. If we can raise the health of our drivers, then their passengers are protected as well from TB.” Aside from the training of driver volunteers, Dr. Inumerable has also pledged that QCHD will help monitor, report and test drivers referred by the campaign.

Prior to the awareness drive, Chevron donated US$5 million to fight TB in the Philippines. As a result, almost 8,175 service deliverers were educated in providing quality TB services. More than 6,144 health care providers were trained in community care and treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB were provided to about 1,778 patients who were no longer responding to first line anti-TB drugs. MDR treatment costs more than P200,000 for at least 18 months of treatment.

Through its Anti-TB Helpline 381-1010, Caltex also established a link between the public and free TB treatment facilities such as Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) centers. People who call the helpline are directed to the DOTS center nearest where they reside.

Peter Morris, country chairman of CPI, said, “Chevron places the highest priority on the health and safety of its people including customers and communities that host its facilities like Quezon City, home to more than 30 Caltex stations.”

The campaign had its pilot site in Makati and Manila where almost 5,000 jeepney drivers and their families where engaged. In QC, Caltex also partnered with bus companies that endorsed the campaign to their employees as part of their occupational safety program ordered by the Department of Labor. A growing number of bus companies are also showing the TB awareness video on their buses as they ply their routes along EDSA.

“This information drive highlights Caltex’s unwavering commitment to being a good partner focused on building productive, collaborative, trusting and beneficial relationships with customers and host communities,” adds Morris. Caltex is working with Department of Health, the QCHD, public transport groups, and other relevant agencies in this campaign.

Zeny Maranan, president of Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) and 1-UTAK partylist representative, said, “Caltex has always delivered good programs for public transport drivers like this health campaign. So I tell my drivers to always listen to Caltex and get tested for TB now if you love your families.”

Chevron Philippines Inc. is the marketer of high quality brand of Caltex fuel and lubricants.