Philippine Heart Center advances cardio thoracic surgery education in the country

The Philippine Heart Center (PHC) and the Children’s Heart Foundation, in partnership with B. Braun Medical Supplies, recently launched the country’s first advanced Cardio Thoracic Surgery Skills Lab at the Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Training and Education, which is poised to advance the medical education on cardio thoracic surgery in the Philippines.

The opening of the Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Training and Education is a testament to PHC’s commitment to elevating the standard of healthcare in the Philippines. This new center will serve as a skills and surgery training center, which will be equipped to provide skills simulation, proctorship, and observation, as well as live surgery.

Apart from this, the Philippine Heart Center is also taking strides towards addressing common healthcare services problems, including long waiting lists and recovery periods of patients, long operation times for surgeons, and reducing the turnaround time of the health care process and surgery altogether.

With the new training center, the PHC does not only aim to promote continuing medical education for medical personnel, particularly with regard to minimally invasive cardio thoracic surgery, it also hopes to improve the overall experience of Filipino patients from consultation to recovery.

“With cardiovascular diseases rising as one of the top causes of death in the country, it is only apt that we tap into various partners in the private sector to leverage on their expertise and technology in order to improve our health care system and provide better services to Filipinos,” said Dr. Gerardo Manzo of Philippine Heart Center. “We are optimistic that opening the training center, in partnership with the B Braun Medical Supplies, will allow us to improve the quality of life of patients and elevate the standard for cardio thoracic surgery in the Philippines and the whole Asia-Pacific region.”

The short courses designed by both B. Braun and the Philippine Heart Center will be taught by faculty comprised of Philippine medical professionals as well as foreign experts from ASEAN and European region.

In order to facilitate the medical education at the Center of Excellence in Cardiovascular Training and Education, the facility will be equipped with B. Braun Medical Supplies’ latest innovations—the AESCULAP® 3D EinsteinVision® and the AESCULAP® Valve XS.

These technologies aim to equip medical professionals with improved visualization and depth perception of the operating field, which makes it possible for cardiac surgeons to perform open heart surgeries through smaller incisions. This means that patients are now able to recover faster, as compared to conventional open-heart procedures.

“B. Braun Medical Supplies believes that providing continuing medical education among Filipino medical professionals will allow to boost the overall health in the country, especially that the rate for cardio thoracic surgeries is increasing in the Philippines,” says B. Braun Medical Supplies Managing Director Lih Chyun Yeong.

To date, 21 medical professionals have been trained at the newly inaugurated center found at the 5th floor of the Medical Arts Building of the Philippine Heart Center, and will continue to train more in the coming months, as well as potentially establish more health center in other provinces.

LANGNESE HONEY LETS YOU FIND THE HONEY THAT MATCHES YOUR MOOD AND LIFESTYLE NEEDS

Do you know that Honey is never simply just honey? With its unique and nuanced taste profiles, honey has long been considered liquid gold and food for the gods. Langnese Honey, Germany’s unrivaled honey company, aims to hit the sweet spot in the Philippines with its five delectable honey flavors: Golden Clear, Acacia, Wild Lavender, Wildflower and Black Forest.

With these five honey variants, you can ‘Find Your Honey’ to match your mood. “Langnese Honey enhances one’s mood when one knows the right variant that perfectly complements the food. It is known for its purity and versatility, which makes it a kitchen staple that can warm the hearts of Filipino consumers, Whatever your lifestyle needs are, there is a Langnese Honey for you.” said Emie San Beda, Senior Product Manager of Fly Ace Corporation.

Honey is the perfect complement to our food and drinks. You can use it for your meals from start to finish, from appetizers to desserts.

Eating a hearty breakfast is always the perfect way to start the day, especially when you slather Acacia Honey over your breakfast food. Its sweet and subtle taste pairs well with pancakes, breakfast cereals, fruits and spreads, which will make you feel optimistic about the day ahead.

For those who need a little boost and a pick-me-up, the Black Forest Honey with its dark color and full-bodied taste renders itself easily as a luxurious quality honey that makes one feel strong.

Wild Flower Honey is collected by bees from numerous wild blossoms in the sun-drenched natural countryside of Germany, which give this honey the bright golden color and lightly balanced taste.  You will feel delighted as it is the perfect ingredient for those who love to cook and bake.

For those people who are looking to eat healthily and feel light, a drizzle of Wild Lavender Honey will add a delicate and mildly sweet floral taste to your salad.

At the end of a busy workday, there is nothing like unwinding with coffee or tea and adding a teaspoon or two of Golden Clear Honey to your drink will make you enjoy your cup more. This has been a popular favorite among generations of honey lovers since 1927.

Langnese is the German market leader for high-quality honey that has passed strict EU food standards.  The No.1 German honey brand is all-natural and unfiltered, so it retains the natural goodness of honey without compromising its taste and nutritional benefits. Langnese Honey products are distributed in 45 countries and the Philippines is one of the first Asian markets Langnese has selected to bring its topnotch harvested honey to.

Langnese Honey variants are available in supermarkets nationwide. It comes in five delicious flavors: Golden Clear, Wild Flower, Acacia, Black Forest, and Wild Lavender. Langnese Honey is “the brand that stands for nature.”

For more information, visit their website at https://langnese-honey.com/about-us/. Follow Langnese Honey Philippines on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LangnesePH/ and Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/langneseph/.

Redefining Cardiovascular Management through Connections that Matter

Finding the right connection can be the key in preventing and predicting devastating health events like a heart attack. Through its partnership with Zuellig Pharma Corporation, Amgen Philippines Inc aims to help improve awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) woth educational initiatives to achive the goal of changing the way the disease is managed and prevented.

Family support and connection are key to helping patients impacted by health challenges. When equipped with more information about cardiovascular diseases such as hyperlipudemia, family members can help patients take action to prevent health risk and overcome their condition better.

In the philippines, there over 130,000 deaths related to Cardiovascular diseases in 2016. CVD is a complex dieases with many risk factors that affects how it develops. One such risk is dyslipidemia, which occurs when one has abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. Lipids, or fats, are essential in providing energy to the cells while cholesterol is vital in the production of hormones and bile acids for healthy digestion.

There are two kinds of cholesterol in the body: "Bad" cholesterol and "good" cholesterol. Elevated bad cholesterol, also knwon as low-density lipoprotein (LDC-C), in the blood increases a person's risk of developing atherosclerotic plaque depositQs which can block the arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke. Lowering LDL-C also lowers a person's chances of developing CVD.


The standard treatment for lowering LDL-C are statins, but there are cases when statins are not enough. Having acces to new and innovative treatments in the management of dyslipidemia can make a difference for patients who are not able to achive their lipid goals with statin alone.

With the patient at the heart of what we do, Amgen Philippines Inc. and Zuellig Pharma Corporation are commited to improving the lives of patients struggling with dyslipidemia by helping them and their families to take the necessary action to prevent and manage their health risks.

Sweet truth be told: honey as a kitchen staple in Filipino households

Honey is a good alternative to satisfy one’s sweet tooth cravings sans the guilt. This ancient golden medicine, which has withstood the test of time, is not only considered as the perfect alternative to sugar but has also evolved its role in every household because of its natural health benefits.

If there is one thing that sets honey apart when it comes to the sweetener category – it is the product’s versatility. Honey is widely known for its medicinal properties; and its various uses not just as a sweetener for drinks and desserts, but also for cooking. In fact, September is celebrated as a National Honey Month in the US.

Here in the Philippines, there are many honey products that are now available in the market. The viscous liquid – which is a byproduct of bees using the nectar from flowers – has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose, and glucose that give it its sweetness and richness in terms of flavor. It also has vitamins, enzymes, and minerals that could help in addressing some health issues. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends honey as a natural cough remedy. Using honey as a staple ingredient in the kitchen, whether for food or drinks, has been a common practice nowadays. In its pure and untreated state, it packs in a lot of nutrients good for the throat and the stomach; it can also help lower cholesterol levels; and is said to facilitate better memory and better sleep.

Emie San Beda, Senior Product Manager of Fly Ace Corporation – the Distributor of German product, Langnese Honey, in the Philippines – says that “the booming honey industry in the Philippines and globally has made people realize the importance of honey for one’s health and wellness. Honey can also enhance one’s mood. That is why choosing a good quality of honey is important if one wants to maximize its benefits.” An important thing that consumers have to look for when choosing honey, she adds, is to know the process of how it was made – i.e., a good honey should be 100% pure, raw, unfiltered, and unheated, among others.

“Langnese is one of the few brands in the market that is all-natural, which meets the highest quality standards, especially as it follows strict regulations of the European Union,” San Beda concluded.

Additionally, some people have discovered the healing and antibacterial properties of honey that have also been found to help achieve a healthier and clearer skin, especially among women. Whether used alone or mixed with other ingredients, honey is now a star ingredient to use for DIY face masks that can be used to combat acne and deeply moisturize the skin.

Whether it be for culinary use and as an alternative sweetener/natural medicine or as a beauty product, honey is absolutely the sweetest thing that has happened to mankind.

FamilyDOC launches movement to beat Diabetes

FamilyDOC, the country’s largest chain of primary care clinics, under Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), recently launched its advocacy campaign, D’BEAT Movement (D’BEAT), to promote diabetes prevention and management to more Filipinos.

Diabetes prevention and management made even more affordable and accessible through FamilyDOC’s D’BEAT Movement. The campaign promotes diabetes awareness, prevention, and management at the primary care level to help lessen complications. Visit any FamilyDOC clinic for free blood sugar testing.

D’BEAT aims to educate Filipinos on the management of Diabetes and its complications, and to advocate early detection, active and healthy lifestyle, and proper medical support through online promotions, and community lectures. FamilyDOC is also offering free blood sugar screening (RBS) across its 68-clinic network to encourage more people to take the first step in knowing their health status.

FamilyDOC General Manager, Raymund Paul Darroca said that the advocacy campaign is FamilyDOC’s contribution to raise awareness on Diabetes.

“While Diabetes is now the 5th leading cause of death in the Philippines, we would like to inform everyone that the disease is preventable and manageable, through proper education, adherence to medication, and regular blood sugar monitoring,” Darroca said.

“As the community’s primary healthcare facility, it is our duty to ensure that we prevent diabetes as early as possible and provide quality care to those who have been diagnosed,” Darroca added.

D’BEAT offers affordable programs and packages for both high-risk patients and diagnosed diabetic patients. The Diabetes Care Program (DCP) package, intended for diagnosed diabetes patients includes unlimited doctor consultation for a year, and quarterly laboratory examinations, which includes HBA1c, FBS, SGPT, Lipid Profile, and Creatinine. The package also includes discounts on diabetic wound care, rewards, and access to exclusive member activities, for P2,400.

On the other hand, a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) package for high-risk diabetes patients can also be availed at FamilyDOC, which includes 6-month unlimited doctor consultation, and a set of laboratory test for P1,000.

Darroca said they are partnering with the local government, various diabetes support groups, and other companies that can provide additional benefits for DCP and DPP members.

For more information about DCP and DPP, visit FamilyDOC’s official Facebook page, FamilyDOCPh or call its customer service hotline at (02) 754-3131.

FamilyDOC, Transportify pave the way for healthier drivers

FamilyDOC, the country’s largest chain of primary care clinics, under Ayala Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), recently partnered with Transportify, a full-service logistics marketplace, to promote primary healthcare behavior to over 20,000 drivers.

IN PHOTO: (L-R) FamilyDOC Sales and Marketing Manager, KC De Leon, Transportify Head of Sales and Marketing, Noel Abelardo, FamilyDOC General Manager, Paul Darroca, Transportify Regional COO and Co-Country Director, Paulo Bengson, and FamilyDOC Operations Head, Dan Vilda.

Through the partnership, Transportify drivers will be eligible to avail of FamilyDOC’s institutional product- Unli Konsulta Card (UKC), which will enable them and two of their chosen dependents of an unlimited free consultation for a year. The UKC is also preloaded with 1,500 Peso points, which can be used to avail of products and services at any FamilyDOC branch.

“At FamilyDOC, we continue to develop programs and products that will respond to the needs of every Filipino patient. Our UKC aims to address the lack of health insurance among most employees and their families. We also made this product more flexible since the priority card holder can choose his preferred dependents, regardless of relationship and age,” said Paul Darroca, FamilyDOC’s General Manager.


Meanwhile, Transportify Regional COO and Co-Country Director, Paulo Bengson said that partnership with FamilyDOC can help them ensure the primary health coverage of their drivers and their families.

“We wanted to provide our drivers other benefits, aside from income, that can help improve their quality of life. The UKC is an important product because it addresses one salient need of Filipinos, which is primary healthcare,” Bengson added.

Transportify is also planning to give UKC as a benefit to top performing drivers.

Aside from Transportify, FamilyDOC is continuously partnering with other microfinance institutions, and cooperatives, to increase the number of families covered by UKC.

FamilyDOC is a 3-in-1 primary care clinic chain, which provides the combined services of a clinic, diagnostic facility, and imaging, all under one roof. To date, FamilyDOC currently has 68 clinics located in Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Taguig, Pasig, Pateros, Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and Manila, and has served over 370,000 unique patients.

Stop the common cold in its tracks! Stop the common cold in its tracks!

With the rainy season fast approaching, the risk of catching a cold or the flu is not far behind.

As much as you want your kids to experience the happiness of playing in the rain, your motherly instinct kicks in and keeps you worried that they might catch the flu or a cold. Studies show that an adult can get (2) two to (4) four episodes of the common cold annually while kids can get (6) six to (12) twelve episodes, but you can prevent that from happening! As every wonder wo-mom knows, a little prevention goes a long way. We've got you covered with seven items you need to have to help stomp out the sniffles.

1. A bottle full of water
Drinking lots of water will help decongest airways and keep the throat moist. Keeping your family hydrated is one of the best things you can do for their bodies while their immune system is gearing up for a fight against the cold.

2. A pack of immunity-boosting snacks
Consuming immunity-boosting food items on a regular basis will help prevent many illnesses including the cold and flu. If you are keen on living a healthy life, chow down on fresh fruits, yoghurt, and other healthy snacks. Doing so can save you and your kids from an unnecessary visit to the doctor.

3. A handy-dandy hand sanitizer
Here’s another thing that can keep the entire family healthy: hand sanitizers! Bacteria and viruses are everywhere so it’s better for your kids to always have a bottle of hand sanitizer or even a good ole’ bottle of isopropyl alcohol in the bag. Keeping their hands clean is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illnesses.


4. A lot of tissue paper
When the cold and flu season hits, you’re going to need more tissue paper than you think. Always have a box of tissue paper because “lots” is never enough for a family. Just always remember to dispose of them properly and clean your hands after blowing your nose. By following this you and your family can help effectively stop the spread of viruses.

5. A stylish scarf
Of course, you’d want your family to be protected from allergens and viruses outside your home. Give them something to cover themselves with! May it be a nice handkerchief, a stylish scarf, or a sterile face mask, you should always be prepared most especially when the fambam is going to a crowded place.

6. A ton of patience, love, and understanding
Being a mom to sick kids can really be a test of patience. They all have their own quirks and nursing them can really wear you down so it’s always good to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for the battle. Remember to ask for help, pray for love and patience, and most importantly, keep yourself healthy.

7. A trusted cold defense nasal spray

Aside from having tons of patience and understanding, you need to have a trusted companion in keeping your family healthy. Hold the cold off before it worsens by using one of the leading and most trusted antiseptic brand in the country that is BETADINE®4,5,6. It has a whole line of upper respiratory care products that are proven to be safe and effective including BETADINE® Cold Defense Nasal Spray.



By using BETADINE® Cold Defense Nasal Spray at the onset of sickness, you can shorten the duration of cold symptoms by up to two (2) days and keep the viruses from spreading further and the colds from worsening. Its formulation includes Carragelose®, a natural active ingredient that has antiviral effects and is clinically proven to eliminate 99% of the common cold and flu viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, and influenza A virus which are common causes of respiratory infections. BETADINE® Cold Defense Nasal Spray is recommended for children 1 year old and above. Plus, it is natural, steroid free, drug free, and has contamination-proof nozzle.

Don’t let common cold and flu hinder your family from creating many wonderful memories together. Always remember to stock up on BETADINE® Cold Defense Nasal Spray for Kids and Adults and stop cold and flu-like illnesses from the get-go.

Measuring the holistic development of every learner: Indicators of a Whole Child

We live in the 21st century, and its conditions of living are getting more complicated with each new change that comes into play. The way we approach problems and try to provide sustainable to meet the demands of our changing world has paced up, given how the global stage now requires a new approach to education that can fully prepare students for going to college, pursuing their careers, and fulfilling their roles as citizens of our nation. With the Whole Child approach, we believe that every young Filipino learner has a chance to be developed and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

In this article, we discuss how holistic development for every learner can be checked and assessed with the use of indicators and the components that match each of their categories. Through these, the corresponding matches provide a glance of how each tenet can be grounded through indicators. All these are based on the basic tenets of the Whole Child approach which ensures that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Further, we look into the sustainability of each standard in terms of how it comprehensively improves the whole community.

Every school must sustain a culture that supports and reinforces the health and well-being of each student. This extends to each school's health education curriculum and instruction support being designed to prioritize and reinforce the push towards a healthy learning environment, not just in terms of physical health, but also with the mental, emotional, and social dimensions of health. This means that each component of health is integrated into the holistic approach: lifelong achievements are supported through adequate knowledge of basic fitness, positive attitudes and behaviors, and basic life skills that promote a healthy balance for young learner's developing minds and bodies. Having a healthy environment, in this sense, should also comprise of well-integrated professional development and assessment practices that help support and address the health needs of everyone in the learning community: from teachers, to the staff members, to parents, and to the young learners themselves. This means having, setting, and aspiring to reach realistic health goals for students and school staff that are built on accurate data and sound science: from healthy eating patterns to food safety and nutrition, to routine food services and special programs for students and staff.

A safe environment means a happy and positive environment for learning. When we consider the school as a learning environment, the first thing that comes to mind is how it is built and designed with the learner's safety as its priority. The grounds, playground equipment, vehicles, and details of the internal and external spaces of the school must be secure and must meet all established safety and environmental standards. The structures must be well-built, with good flowing spaces for walking and adequate spaces for vehicles like bicycles and other automotives. The school must also bear in mind the needs of those who are physically challenged: properly placed ramps and holding rails must be made and polished without defects. With these physical safety measures in place, the definition of safety can now be extended with further indicators that help build a space where students can feel valued, respected, and cared for. Every school that aspires to create a holistic learning environment must take into account that the behavioral and social aspects of development are also important in providing a safe space for young learners. Practicing social-emotional skills like effective listening, conflict resolution, problem solving, personal reflection and responsibility, and ethical decision making helps shape the way young learners develop their perspectives of the world and the community around them.

Learning in a rapidly changing world can be complicated, and one thing that runs through a holistic learning environment is this: connection. Broader and stronger connections between a student, the school, and the whole community that they live with is key to creating and sustaining active learning strategies and new modes of cooperative learning and project-based learning. This helps schools offer and provide a range of opportunities for every young learner to contribute to and learn within the community at large: from service learning to internships with industry partners, apprenticeships with renowned professionals in a young learner's chosen field, to civic and social volunteering projects that widen a young learner's awareness of the world around them. With the wider awareness brought about by these initiatives, young learners can now begin to be active citizens, voicing their concerns over problems that bear a relevance to their local situations and further reflect on the changing needs of a global world. When a young learner knows how their decisions resonate with the world at large, they begin making more responsible decisions that help them throughout their lives.


Personalizing learning means growing a set of strategic goals tailored for each student, one that foresees the outcomes of how a student will progress with a framework for decision-making that is based not only on what the future demands from each learner, but also on what each student's potential can bring forward, as shaped by a holistic approach to education. With the Whole Child approach, supporting a student means balancing the academic and social goals in such a way that a young learner's formative years are spent with as much freedom and fun as possible, one that promotes their growth in all aspects of life. From curricular, instructional, and school improvement decisions to the management of student performance information, every school that aspires to create a holistic learning environment must take into account how their respective school's vision and mission reflect with their policies and goals. These ideas must be communicated properly and shared as guiding values that help propel everyone forward.

The way we create what we teach is as important as how we serve them to young learners. A school that aspires towards the holistic development of every learner must make an effort to ensure that every student receives a challenging and comprehensive curriculum that covers all content areas needed for 21st century learning. Aside from having a wide-ranging curriculum, a school must also provide opportunities for young learners to hone their capacity for critical thinking and reasoning, two skills that help improve their problem-solving competency and proficiency when it comes to interacting with technology. By exposing students to worthwhile experiences like community-based programs for extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, schools provide them with hands-on knowledge that become relevant as they transition to higher education, to their respective careers, and towards their roles as citizens of a nation moving forward.

SUSTAINABILITY

To make sure that a school's integration with the Whole Child approach remains sustainable in the long run, we must foster collaboration and coordination. Implementation is key, and the way we gather data and analyze its different factors weighs in on how we decide for our learning communities. As decision-makers in the field of education, the role of professional development for school administrators, school staff, and teachers cannot be neglected. It must be individualized in the same way that the Whole Child approach creates individualized efforts to sustain a young learner's needs. Schools following the Whole Child approach must regularly review whether they are still aligned with the policies and practices promoted with the initiative to push holistic learning forward: to sustain health, safety, engagement, support, and challenge for every young Filipino learner. With organization in mind, schools must also strive to connect with local communities and agencies that foster the young learner's capacities, helping each other meet specific goals for students through active collaboration and coordinated intervention.

A NOTE FOR THE FUTURE

By sharing and opening this new approach to everyone from the students, to their families, and the schools and communities that shape their learning environment, we hope that today's students can be better equipped and improved to take on the challenges of living with the radical changes that the 4th industrial revolution has brought about. With this transition from a previously myopic focus on what is loosely considered as "academic achievement" to one that promotes the long-term development and success of every young learner, the Whole Child approach aims to support educators, families, community members, industry leaders, and policymakers to change the way they think about education through sustainable and collaborative action.

Learn more about holistic development of every learner here: https://www.rexpublishing.com.ph/infographic/2018/07/whole-child/

Getting a better ZZZ’s Is What’s Cool (and Healthy)

Do you know that "Sleep" is a very important part of our lifestyles? Did you know that an adult should be getting about seven to eight hours of sleep every day to properly recharge? Getting an appropriate amount of rest has a number of benefits including improved memory function, a stronger immune system, better concentration, and even weight loss. On the other hand, losing an hour of sleep from the recommended number of hours significantly reduces an individual’s ability to function at their maximum capacity.

Humans generally spend 1/3 of their lives sleeping. Moreover, it is an activity considered to be just as important as following a healthy diet and exercise. On the other hand, trivia shows that humans are also the only mammal that willingly delays sleep.

True enough, getting proper zzz’s is something most of us often take for granted. A shocking worldwide statistic has ranked the Philippines as the fifth country with the worst sleepers, with individuals getting an average of only six hours and 22 minutes of sleep. Sleep deprivation in the country affects about 50 million Filipinos, making the problem a national issue.

Regular loss of proper sleep can lead to circadian rhythm disorders. The circadian rhythm is a term that refers to a person’s internal body clock that regulates the 24-hour cycle of biological processes. It’s the body’s very own timer that triggers the body’s natural sleep and wake cycle. For adults, a dip in energy commonly occurs in the middle of the night and after lunch time. Noticeable big dips on this routine commonly means that an individual is sleep-deprived and is not getting enough rest.

Circadian rhythm disorders happen when there is a mismatch on the internal body clock due to the continuous disruption of sleep patterns. One of the most common disorder falling in this category is delayed sleep, which causes a person to feel tired at a later time than the usual. Individuals with this kind of disorder are the night owls, or those who feel more productive, alert, and creative late at night.

The opposite of this is advanced sleep phase disorder which is characterized by regular early bedtimes (6PM to 9PM), a habit that is very common among the elderly. In the Philippines, however, one very common sleep problem is shift work disorder caused by irregular sleeping patterns from night shifts. Common among business processing outsource (call center) employees, the disorder arises when the circadian rhythm cannot properly adjust to changing sleep patterns. Shift work disorder can often lead to problems like excessive sleepiness and insomnia.

But what makes a good sleep? According to the World Association of Sleep Medicine, there are a number of ways one can do to improve their sleeping patterns. The following are tips you can follow:

1. Refraining from using your bed for regular activities (e.g. eating, working, etc.)
2. Avoiding intake of caffeine six hours before bedtime.
3. Eating a light meal for dinner.
4. Limiting naps to not more than 45 minutes.
5. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment (using the right mattress and bedding, keeping the room dark and well-ventilated).

With sleep deprivation being a real concern in the country, several big names in the industry have jumped into action to help solve the problem. Among the leaders in the pack are The Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM) comprised of physicians and sleep doctors, and the World Sleep Society, an association of sleep specialists focused on advancing sleep health worldwide by encouraging education and promoting sleep-focused research. Partnering with them is Uratex, The Sleep Specialist, the leading manufacturer of innovative sleep solutions. The company has been focused in creating quality sleep innovations like specialized mattresses and pillows that can help improve an individual’s rest.

These names have been proactive in furthering sleep education and awareness in the country. This month, they are coming together once more for World Sleep Day, an annual event that celebrates sleep importance and tackles issues like better sleep education. Organized by the World Sleep Day Committee, the event will be held on March 16 (today) and will feature talks on better prevention and management of sleep disorders.

Sleep deprivation should be considered a major national issue that should be swiftly addressed. With proper education and the support of thought leaders and action takers in the industry, the country is taking a progressive step towards achieving proper zzz’s.

Is your child safe from inheriting your family’s diseases?

Are you worried that your child may inherit illnesses that afflict your family? Now you have the chance to prevent it from happening. Thanks to the constant dedication of health experts, mothers can now reshape their child’s future by acting early to lessen the risk of having childhood obesity, which can lead to onset of inheritable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and allergies. Fortunately, the risk of developing these diseases may be significantly lowered by paying attention to the milk that your child consumes.

Milk is vital to the growth and development of a child as it contains protein and nutrients which are crucial to a child’s growth and development. When choosing the right milk, it is important to provide the one with optimized protein. Optimized protein is high quality protein at lower quantity that offers the right kind and amount of amino acids that promotes appropriate weight gain and helps reduce the risk of obesity and other non-communicable lifestyle diseases. Moreover, optimized protein with hydrolyzed whey has been proven to help reduce the risk of allergies by 50%.

This most advanced protein can be found in NANKID OPTIPRO FOUR and NANKID OPTIPRO HW FOUR. And now, NANKID gives children a better chance for a healthier future through the NANKID Family Health Screener.

The Family Health Screener is a user-friendly interface that can be accessed through the NANKID website. Parents can simply input information about their health history (blood type, allergies, weight, height, diabetes history, etc.) to learn the possibility that their child may be at risk for food allergies, asthma, diabetes, and obesity, among others. These results can be shared with their doctors to know how to best address their child’s health needs by leveraging on the power of optimized protein.

Help reshape your child’s future health today. Take the Family Health Screener test today to learn more about your child’s possible health risks and discuss with your pediatrician. The sooner you know, the more options you can choose to help build a strong nutritional foundation for life.

To learn more about optimized protein and the NANKID Family Health Screener, visit their website at www.nankidoptipro.com.ph.  

Powdered milk drinks suited for healthy children above 3 years of age, Nestle's NANKID OPTIPRO FOUR and NANKID OPTIPRO HW FOUR are formulated with optimized protein to ensure age-appropriate weight gain. It also has partially hydrolyzed whey for protection against allergies.