Research Utilization

D.O.H. STRENGTHENS CAMPAIGN VS. THYROID DISORDERS

H OW important is iodized salt in preventing thyroid disorders such as goiter? The Department of Health (DOH) said that iodized salt is "vital" to prevent thyroid disorders as the department led the nation in observing the Goiter Awareness Week (GAW) 2019, with the theme, "Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin." Partners and stakeholders like the Philippine Thyroid Association, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Iodine Global Network, National Nutrition Council and DOST-FNRI will also disseminate information and educate the public on the effects of iodine deficiency. According to the 2012 Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study, the prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities in the Philippines is 8.53 percent among the adult population, and among the thyroid disorders, goiter is most common with a prevalence rate of 10.12 percent. Meanwhile, the 2013 National Nutrition Survey revealed that about 5.8 million Filipinos were afflicted with thyroid disorders in different clinical presentations. These manifest as goiter, thyroid malignancy, mental deficiency, physical deformities, congenital hypothyroidism, cretinism and reproductive failure. If untreated, these disorders could lead to the detrimental reduction of intellectual and physical capacity, and even death among susceptible individuals. People with goiter often have an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can lead to the appearance of a mass or swelling in the neck. The signs and symptoms of goiter can be varied and may include tiredness, a decrease or increase in weight, low or increased appetite, depression, dryness of skin and hair, sleepiness, diarrhea or constipation, and menstrual irregularities (for women). People who experience these symptoms should immediately see a doctor. Since iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter in the Philippines, people are advised to use iodized salts in their meals and to eat food rich in iodine such as dairy products, seafood (shellfish and seaweeds), meats, bread and eggs. Special attention should be provided to pregnant women because iodine deficiency during this critical period can cause premature birth, miscarriage or delivery of a baby with low intellect. To address this health concern, the DOH, in collaboration with different organizations, conducted a Partner's Forum and Basic Thyroid Course on January 23 in Baguio City at Venus Parkview Hotel. The campaign aims to disseminate the ill effects, prevention, and signs and symptoms of goiter or bosyo in Filipino. GAW is observed every fourth week of January of every year declared under Presidential Proclamation 1188 on December 11,2006. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

D.O.H. STRENGTHENS CAMPAIGN VS. THYROID DISORDERS

Patient's forum gathers health and advocacy leaders to care for rare

THE Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD) gathered key agency leaders and advocates in a patientcentric. event held last month in Manila to discuss ways on how to address, support and protect people with rare diseases. Leading the discussion were agency representatives from the Department of Science and Technology (DSOT), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and PhilHealth joined by patients and their families. With the theme "Easing the Burden of Rare Disease,” the PSOD Patient’s Forum was organized last Dec. 12 at Best Western Hotel La Corona, Manila to discuss the plight of the patients and their needs for medical assistance and how local agencies can contribute to the patients. The forum was not just to help patients with rare diseases, but to also enable a new understanding of the principles behind rare disorders and the development of new treatments. PSOD is a non-profit organization whose mission is to uphold the primary concerns and welfare of individuals with rare disorders in the Philippines. The organization directly addresses, supports and protects the health and general well-being of people with rare disease. Continued on C3 Dr. Carmencita Padilla (2nd from right), Founding Chairman of PSOD, Dr. Jaime Montoya (3rd from right), Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research and Development and Cynthia Magdaraog (rightmost), President of PSOD, together with Rare Disease patients during the Easing the Burden of Rare Disease Forum rf------------------------------------------------ Patient's... From C4 According to DOST's representative Dr. Jaime Montoya, Executive Director of Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, promoting research that addresses unmet necessities of people with special needs will help develop government policies that aid this special population of rare disease. “We must help each other to find solutions to help people with rare disease and their families, even if it’s just to reach one objective: understand better the regional and global situation to enhance policies and uplift the lives of our patients,” said Dr. Montoya. On the other hand, Sheena Manuel, Senior Education Program Specialist of DepEd mentioned certain programs and projects to strengthen special education: the establishment of learning resource centers, training of teachers, administrators and supervisors of SPED, provision of technical assistance, health and allied medical personnel, a transition program, monitoring and evaluation, and distance education. Massive job generation is also a possible solution to shield rare disease families. DOLE’S primary program, Dole Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) was cited to provide workers with additional income and alternative employment. A According to Eloisa Santos of DOLE, this is DOLE’S contribution to the government agenda of inclusive growth. Moreover, PhilHealth has been working behind the scenes for rare diseases. Dr. Adelina Mesina, Medical Specialist from PSOD shared that PSOD and PhilHealth have been working on health benefit proposals for rare disorder patients. The agency presentation was followed by a video presentation on how mothers are coping with raising children with special needs and the problems they hope can be addressed. The parents also had the chance to ask the agencies questions to provide better understanding of this health condition and how to provide better support for their loved ones afflicted with such disease. To conclude the forum, PSOD President Cynthia Magdaraog gave a heart- warming closing remarks thanking everyone in attendance. Participants joined patients and their families in singing “Family is Love" to officially close the event. The PSOD Patient Forum was successful in giving hope to families to raise their concerns and get access to innovative ideas, alternative learning programs, and medical assistance for rare disease patients. PSOD will continue to focus on patient care, family support, awareness and advocacy. As Dr. Montoya of DOST stressed, “We must all work together in easing the burden of rare disease. It is not rare to care. ”

House approves bill using marijuana for medical purposes

The House of Representatives, with a vote of 163 for and five against, Tuesday approved on third and final reading a proposed law legalizing use of cannabis or marijuana for medical purposes.

House Bill No. 6517 or the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis principally filed by Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III will be sent to the Senate for approval.

Albano said the bill does not decriminalize the use of marijuana except for medicinal purposes for qualified patients certified by doctors who have assessed their medical history.

The bill does not allow smoking of cannabis and its recreational use continues to be prohibited by law, Albano said.

The Department of Health (DoH) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) proposed safeguards be put in place to ensure the medicinal use of marijuana would not be abused.

According to Albano, marijuana “has been confirmed to have beneficial and therapeutic uses to treat chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition.”

These include cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy; and severe and persistent muscle spasms,including but not limited to those associated with multiple sclerosis, Albano said.

Help strengthen a child’s resistance against sickness

Children at a young age are bound to encounter new things that will pique their curiosity and interest. As they explore the world around them, it is important that they develop a strong immune system early on especially in a country with an unpredictable weather condition. Together with other factors, a weak immune system may make children more vulnerable to sickness when they go out of the house – either when they go to school or when they play with their friends.

According to the 8th National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute - Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), four out of five school children suffer from lack of iron, two out of five from lack of zinc, and seven out of ten from lack of vitamin C. This is called micronutrient deficiency. Without adequate intake of these key nutrients, children may become more susceptible to getting sick. To help protect your child from illnesses, here are a few tips to remember.

Prepare them with necessary items to face the erratic weather.
No matter what the weather is, your child must be prepared with the right items when they leave home. Prepare a kit where they can keep an umbrella or a jacket in case of sudden downpours, cap for sunny days, daily sunscreen, an extra shirt when they need to freshen up, and a water bottle to ensure they stay hydrated by drinking the recommended amount of water throughout the day.

Have them practice good grooming and hygiene.
Teach your child to wash his hands regularly and thoroughly to avoid catching and spreading diseases. It also helps to send a bag of personal hygiene essentials like soap, towel, toothbrush, and toothpaste for your kid to use when needed.

Give them balanced meals every day.
Nutritious and balanced meals are critical for a child’s strong immune system. To help you prepare their meals, follow the Pinggang Pinoy guideline in the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos developed by FNRI-DOST. This will make sure your child has enough Go, Grow, and Glow foods to provide them the energy and nutrients they need for a strong body.

Provide a glass of fortified milk for them every day.
Aside from balanced meals, make sure your child drinks milk that is fortified with nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin C. Remember to choose milk that has been developed by experts to help fight micronutrient deficiency.

BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Milk Drink has TIBAY-RESISTENSYA Nutrients 100% Vitamin C, 3x More Available Iron and High Levels of Zinc. BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Milk Drink is the only proven and studied milk drink (test conducted in 2016 by FNRI-DOST) developed with FNRI-DOST’s recommended nutrient levels to help fight micronutrient deficiency amongst Filipino Families.