Pertussis, colloquially known as Whooping Cough, silently prowls the corners of the Philippines, instilling fear in families across the nation. Understanding its symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment options is essential to safeguard our loved ones against this health threat.

Symptoms of Pertussis:

Pertussis often starts innocuously, resembling a common cold. However, it swiftly reveals its true nature with a barrage of symptoms including:

• Persistent Coughing Fits: The hallmark symptom of Pertussis, characterized by prolonged bouts of coughing that can persist for weeks, sometimes leading to vomiting or exhaustion.

• "Whooping" Sound: During coughing fits, individuals may emit a distinctive "whooping" sound while gasping for air, which gives the disease its colloquial name.

• Fever: Mild to moderate fever may accompany the coughing spells, often mistaken for flu symptoms.

• Fatigue: Exhaustion and lethargy are common due to the strain of frequent coughing, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

Prevention is Paramount:

In the face of Pertussis, prevention takes precedence. Shield yourself and your loved ones with these preventive measures:

• Vaccination: Ensure timely administration of the DTaP vaccine for infants and young children, offering protection against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. Adults should receive a Tdap booster to maintain immunity.

• Hygiene Practices: Promote good hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing to minimize bacterial spread.

• Avoiding Close Contact: Minimize close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of respiratory illness to reduce the risk of transmission, especially in crowded spaces or gatherings.

Treatment Arsenal:

When Pertussis strikes, prompt action is imperative. Treatment typically involves a multi-faceted approach:

• Antibiotics: Healthcare professionals often prescribe antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin to combat the bacterial infection and reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. Early administration is crucial to prevent complications and limit spread.

• Cough Relievers: Cough suppressants and expectorants may provide temporary relief from the relentless coughing fits, easing discomfort and promoting restful sleep. However, use caution, especially in children, and consult a healthcare professional before administering any medication.

A Whisper of Fear:

Though Pertussis may initially seem benign, its repercussions can be devastating, particularly for vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and the elderly. Complications may include pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, and even death, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures and prompt medical intervention.

Consulting with a Doctor:

In the battle against Pertussis, your healthcare provider is your greatest ally. Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect Pertussis or experience symptoms such as severe coughing fits, difficulty breathing, or cyanosis (bluish skin discoloration). A healthcare professional can provide accurate diagnosis, tailored treatment plans, and vigilant monitoring for complications, ensuring optimal recovery and reducing the risk of transmission within the community.

In conclusion, Pertussis casts a long shadow over the Philippines, but armed with knowledge, vigilance, and proactive healthcare measures, we can conquer this silent scourge. Let us unite in the fight against Pertussis, fortifying our defenses and protecting the health and well-being of our nation for generations to come.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Signs and Symptoms. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/signs-symptoms.html

World Health Organization (WHO) - Pertussis (Whooping Cough). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pertussis

Mayo Clinic - Pertussis (Whooping Cough). Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whooping-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20378973

Are you ready to dust off your running shoes and embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle? Join us on August 13, 2023, at the iconic UP Diliman Academic Oval for the RUN FOR WELLNESS fun run! This exciting event, organized in collaboration with Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation, aims to promote overall well-being and encourage participants to live their best lives. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting your health and wellness journey, this event is for you!

Run for Wellness is not just a run; it's a celebration of embracing a healthy lifestyle and nurturing a positive mindset. We believe that by taking care of our physical and mental well-being, we can unlock our full potential and live life to the fullest. This fun run provides an opportunity for participants to take a step towards a healthier future while enjoying an exciting and energetic atmosphere.

Everyone is welcome to join the Run for Wellness regardless of your fitness level or age. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a pro runner, or just starting your health and wellness journey, this event is designed to cater to all participants. Choose from three different distances: 3KM, 5KM, or 10KM, based on your preference and fitness level.

Run for Wellness promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and fun. As you make your way through the scenic UP Diliman Academic Oval, you'll be cheered on by enthusiastic fellow runners. But that's not all! Look forward to live music, energetic warm-up sessions, engaging activities, and brand partners offering amazing freebies.

To secure your spot in this fun-filled event, visit our registration site to register online. Participants can also register by purchasing at least one participating item in-store at Southstar Drug with a minimum spend amount. Check the list of participating stores here. Register early to guarantee your slot and receive an exclusive event kit filled with goodies to enhance your experience.

Run for Wellness is proud to be a brand alliance between two healthcare giants, Southstar Drug and Maxicare Healthcare Corporation. This collaboration reflects their shared commitment to promoting health, wellness, and a better quality of life for all participants. 

“Work-life balance.” These are the words that most individuals often use to emphasize the need to focus both on work and personal responsibilities. However, aiming for a work-life balance takes a lot of effort given our everyday stressors such as long queues, mounting bills, traffic jams and more.

While it’s hard to acknowledge the impact of stress on our behavior, it is essential to pay attention to how stress affects our decision-making process, particularly in managing tasks and responsibilities at work.

A constant atmosphere of stress can lead to giving up on the goals you want to achieve. There is a higher chance of developing unhealthy habits while being stressed at work, resulting in physical health issues like hypertension, GERD, acid reflux, or fatigue.

However, some individuals have learned the other way. They remain calm and composed even during heated arguments with their employers or clients. They manage to accomplish tasks to a high standard without sacrificing quality.

We can shift our mindset and approach these stressors from a different angle. By doing so, we can not only reduce the negative impact of stress on our physical and mental health but also find new opportunities for growth and learning.

Defining stress management

Stress arises from the interaction of our bodies and minds with pressure, and its impact can vary depending on how we perceive a situation and our ability to cope with it. Unfortunately, many people fall victim to stress due to their mindset. Some individuals allow stress to linger and worsen, leading to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyles.

It is necessary to practice healthy coping mechanisms even though stress can also be a motivator to overcome challenges in the workplace. You can feel some physical symptoms such as lower back pain or heartburn anytime, but there are ways to reduce this risk to maintain a productive work culture.

Stress management refers to the strategies and techniques that can be used to effectively cope with stress and the challenges of daily life. By developing and utilizing these tools, individuals can reduce the negative impact of stress on their physical and mental health, and promote overall well-being.

There are numerous ways in which stress management can be beneficial. Here are four examples:

Identifying your stressor or the cause of stress

It is common for the corporate world to have papers piled up on the table, some employers pass their emotions to their subordinates, and multi-tasking becomes an overwhelming skill. But as time goes by, your body starts to drain its energy and you become less productive at work due to exhaustion, anxiety, dizziness, and even develop serious heart conditions.

Take breaks and allow your body to reset and carefully identify the root cause of your stressors, no matter how small they may seem to manage your workload and avoid burnout.

Perform physical and relaxation activities

Performing physical and relaxation activities can help reduce stress by releasing tension in the body. However, there are people who might not be able to do much physical work because of high blood pressure as it may trigger some recurring illnesses. Some indulge themselves with snacks and sweets but ignore the level of sugar intake or high cholesterol regardless if they are  obese or not.

Nonetheless, there are various physical activities that can help alleviate stress, including yoga, walking, swimming, and other forms of exercise. Meanwhile, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can be performed with minimal physical movements.

Practice cognitive techniques

Cognitive functions such as understanding, self-awareness, planning, problem-solving, and creativity, among others, enable individuals to learn new things and make informed decisions. However, past experiences may influence these cognitive functions and impact one's ability to manage stress, particularly for individuals who have experienced stroke or diabetes.

Despite these challenges, there are simple cognitive techniques that can be used to manage stress. These include starting a diary or journal, pampering oneself, counseling, discussing emotions and feelings with your trusted colleagues, and practicing time management.

Schedule a visit with your doctor

Even if one appears composed in a difficult situation, there may still be inner turmoil that affects the mind and body. Some people may experience an increase in blood pressure and digestive disorders without realizing it. It is important to remember that a doctor can help in managing stress and provide the appropriate medication to prevent the need for generic medicine.

Conclusion

Today’s fast-paced work environment values progress and development but affects the stress levels of employees who work around the clock. As individuals, it is important to prioritize our well-being through stress management. So that at the end of the day, everyone becomes more productive, live a healthy lifestyle and a better self.

Always remind yourself that you have a beautiful life and a world worth living in. There are days when people encounter life situations that hit them differently until they reach the breaking point and experience depression. Aren’t we supposed to live life to the fullest?

Many people have brought their voices to the community and all over the internet advocating mental health awareness. Some organizations establish programs and medical consultations to help those patients with anxiety, attempted suicide episodes, and those who have been in a room of sadness and loneliness.

As you read through this article about mental health, it is crucial to fully understand this and to help you bring the proper care to the people in need.

Identifying depression and anxiety

Anxiety and depression are two different mental conditions and may happen at the same time. The amount of care that you need will lead to success in recovery and coping with your environment. If you’re stuck in an event that ignited the feeling of sadness for a longer period, you may not function well and may acquire an unfit physical and emotional state of yourself.

An anxiety disorder may cause depression in 25% of those who have experienced epilepsy based on studies. Not to mention the other 24.2% causes and symptoms of a major depressive disorder. People who usually feel neuropathic pain or constraints in peripheral neuropathy may not be able to perform or respond normally. Depression comes at hand if no proper treatment is done because of a lack of medical care and knowledge of their current mental health situation.

Here are some signs of depression that a person may encounter:

• Difficulty in sleeping
• Always feeling anxious and worried
• Easily gets frustrated even if there are some positive events
• Afraid to do adventure or anything for amusement
• Always feeling tired and a frequent tingling sensation even after a sufficient sleep (nagkakaroon ng pangangalay, pamamanhid, o kinukuryente na pakiramdam)
• No proper appetite
• Changing in sleeping patterns
• Difficulty in decision-making, lack of focus, and always in a hurry
• Recurring body pains that do not respond to medical treatment
• There is guilt and a motive to hurt one’s self or attempt suicide

These symptoms or signs do not mean that a person is having a deep and serious mental illness or depression. It is still best for you to consult professional help and psychological counseling to get the right diagnosis for you and some recommended medicine.

Always start the right way of nourishing your physical fitness and emotions and give priority to your mental health at all times possible. 

3 simple ways to take good care of your mental health

What happens when you become aware of the importance of mental health? You start doing the things you love the most and set goals for your day-to-day activities. So, here are some tips to help you protect your mental health.

Practice self-awareness

Knowing yourself the way you wanted to is a skill. Other people can judge you for who you are but none of them knows the real you. That’s why if you master self-awareness, you begin to understand yourself from your strengths down to your weaknesses.

Work on your goals

There are times people become futuristic and forget about the things they need to do at the present. There will be standards and expectations that are not realistic. To prevent this during your recovery, work on your goals slowly. Make a list of the things you need to do and refine them to the goals you are willing to accomplish without stretching your time and energy.

Visit your doctor

Treating a serious mental health condition is not easy. There may be motivational videos, podcasts, and articles from medical experts, it is still important that you visit a doctor personally.

In case you’re given some pieces of advice from your medical support, start their prescriptions for your goals by being responsible in taking them or target to follow their instructions.

Let’s help each other!

A stroke is defined as a crucial health problem that needs immediate attention from family members and doctors. According to the World Stroke Organization, there are already more than 110 million stroke patients from different parts of the globe. Stroke can be a cause of prolonged physical and psychological impairments.

There are different types of stroke that a patient may experience. It can be atherosclerotic events wherein there is a plaque or fat build-up on the artery wall and ischemic or hemorrhagic. A patient may also be diagnosed with a peripheral arterial disease or PAD, if there is numbness or weakening of the legs making the patient hard to walk or climb.

No matter what a stroke patient (nakaranas ng bara sa utak) had undergone, it is important for  primary caregivers (instead of nurses) to manage the critical situations of post-stroke patients with the correct medical care. This article shares the basics of assisting a post-stroke patient to guide you in planning how to make them feel better.

Here are 7 ways to take care (instead of nurse) a stroke patient:

Regular physical activity

The most evident aftermath of stroke is the inadequate motor skills of the patient. Identify the locations and the size of the affected part of the body to know what specific (instead of medical) attention the patient needs. One major reason that a patient cannot move easily is because of spasticity. Thus, exercise is one activity that is essential for recovery and preventing another heart attack (o bara sa puso) or disease in the future. Spasticity can still be treated through a medicinal drug, some toxin injections, and physiotherapy.

Check the body's sensory functions

After a stroke, the patient may or may not recognize how the body actually works because of a loss of sensation, ( suggest to remove this part: especially after an ST elevation that may lead to myocardial infarction if left untreated) Caregivers (instead The nurses) must be able to help the patient by placing all the moving body parts like the arms and legs in the proper position to prevent further injuries. And yes, they must still attend physiotherapy sessions.

Evaluate the pain

There are levels of pain that a patient can still experience even after a stroke incident or ACS w/o NSTEMI because of spasticity, arthritis, contractures, and excessive muscle strain in areas that were not supposed to be affected. Cautiously evaluate the pain and give necessary medications for pain as prescribed by the physician (suggest to remove: and identify the possible causes as part of the patient’s rehabilitation. Then, you will perform the necessary tests or give painkillers as needed to ease the pain.)

Get a balanced diet

Patients need nutrients to help cope with post-stroke events so they can shield themselves from having another stroke episode. As a caregiver (instead of nurse), you need to ensure that patients eat healthy foods and are hydrated at all times to maintain their energy. (suggest to remove: Lastly, always refer them to a dietitian for an appropriately balanced meal.)

Follow the doctor’s prescriptions

Having a key role in taking care of post-stroke patients, it is a huge responsibility to assist and encourage the patient to take the prescribed medicines by the healthcare professionals. Create a schedule of medicine intake including the dosage, description, frequency, and time per day.

Schedule a regular check-up

Always remember to visit or schedule a meeting with the assigned doctor to exchange updates on the health status of the ( instead of your patient). Steadfast monitoring of the patient is what they need to give better care, medicine, and bring awareness.

Lift up one another

People tend to have anxiety that could fall into depression because of their disability to move freely. As you watch over your post-stroke patient at home or in the hospital, always bring positive and happy memories to the table. Aside from being the guide, you also need to be healthy and physically fit so your patients can depend on you at all times.

You got them!

Taking care of a post-stroke patient takes work. It takes a lot of effort to help them recover physically and emotionally. As a caregiver (instead of nurse), train and attend medical workshops available in the community (suggest to remove in which you live and the industry that shaped you.)  After all, you will always be part of your loved ones’s recovery which is worth the hard work.

In a tropical climate like that in the Philippines, the rainy season brings nice cool weather that many people welcome. However, the cozy sweater weather also carries some inconvenience, especially for commuters. They may have challenges going to and from their destination because many roads become flooded and unpassable. They also risk getting drenched and possibly sick if caught in the rain unprepared.

Thankfully, can now buy medicine online in the Philippines drugstores in case you do happen to fall ill for any reason. However, it’s still best to be ready to ensure you arrive at your destination safe and dry. Here are five things you need to remember when commuting in the rain. 

Stay Updated with Road Closures

Before you leave the comfort of your home or return from your workplace, make sure to check if there are any major road closures. Due to heavy rains, some roads, alleyways, and avenues might get flooded and be closed off to commuters. Remember to listen to traffic advisories or ask local officers for updates about nearby streets whether they’re passable or not. Doing so allows you to plan out your commute and help you make changes to your route should you need to.

Be Ready with Quality Rain Gear

The weather can be unpredictable in the Philippines. One minute it’s bright and sunny, the next thing you know it’s pouring hard. That said, you must always be ready to protect yourself from the rain with the right gear. At the very minimum, bring an umbrella and a waterproof jacket to keep yourself dry.

When buying an umbrella, pick a sturdy one that won’t just shield you from the rain but can also withstand strong winds. If you need something you can pack inside your bag, opt for a foldable umbrella. You can also look for an automatic umbrella that you can quickly open and close with a push of a button. It’s very convenient to use, especially when your other hand is busy carrying other items.

As for the rain jacket or raincoat, you have various options to choose from in department stores. They carry different styles and designs, and at varying price points. If you’re searching for something compact, get a waterproof jacket or coat that can easily fold flat so they won’t take up so much space in your bag. With the right rain gear, you can avoid getting drenched or catching a cold.

Take Care of Your Feet

Apart from protecting your head and body from the rain, you also need to be mindful of your footwear when commuting in the rain. It won’t just protect your feet from getting wet but also ensure you won’t slip and fall. That said, swap your heels or suede loafers for rain boots or leather shoes with rubber soles that won’t get damaged when they get wet.

But even if you wear the proper footwear, your feet can sometimes still get wet from walking in a bit of floodwater. If this happens, wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water. If you can’t get to a bathroom right away, use alcohol because exposure to floodwater can cause skin rashes, wound infections, tetanus, or leptospirosis. It’s also a good idea to consult a doctor about staying healthy.

Keep Your Things Dry with a Waterproof Bag

While keeping your body dry is important, you also need to think about the condition of the items you’re bringing with you when commuting. This means investing in a quality water-repellent bag. Ideally, you get a backpack so you can keep your hands free to hold up your umbrella while walking.

If you’ll be carrying your laptop or other gadgets in your bag, put them in waterproof cases as extra protection against water damage. Similarly, you want to protect important documents inside a plastic envelope. You might also want to bring a couple of resealable plastic bags where you can put wet items so the rest of the things in your bag stays nice and dry.

Bring Spare Clothing

If you’ll be braving the rain, it’s a good idea to bring some extra clothes, footwear, and a towel. This way, you can change into something dry and be presentable in case you get caught in a downpour while on your way to work or an important appointment. Aside from your appearance, changing into dry clothes can reduce the risk of catching a cold or getting sick. If possible, leave an extra set of work clothes in the office so you’re always prepared.

While the rainy season gives Filipinos comfortable weather, it can also put commuters at a disadvantage. Fortunately, there are different ways you can improve your commuting even if it’s raining. Take your cue from the reminders mentioned here along with other precautions. Unless it’s necessary, stay home and don’t attempt to go out during heavy rains and thunderstorms. After all, your health and safety should always be your priority.