SENATOR MAR ROXAS yesterday sponsored the consolidated version of the Quality Affordable Medicines Bill, which the Senate has ratified immediately after. "We are hopeful that this will lead towards the lowering of prices of medicines. This is not the be-all and end-all towards providing the people affordable and quality medicines and healthcare, but certainly this is an important and major first step," he said.

The said act did not contain the House versions' proposal to include a 'generics only' provision and the creation of the drug price regulatory board (DPRB). It was earlier reported that the House will not push for the 'generics only' provision but it was only a few days ago when word had spread that the draft to be presented to the bicam conference committee did not include the DPRB as well. As such, the new act encompasses that the President, upon the recommendation of the Health Secretary, is the only one who has the power to dictate the price of medicine when and where it is needed.

The Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008 has already been ratified in the House of Representatives and the Senate and only awaits the signature of the President GMA. The new act is hoped to be signed by the President before Labor Day, which is tomorrow, to serve as a 'gift' to Filipino workers.


Transcript of Senator Mar Roxas' speech on the adoption of the bicam report on the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008.

Dressing Room, Elevator, Balloon, at chicharon Bulaklak

These four 15-second plugs is part of the healthy lifestyle campaign by the Philippine Heat Association and Novartis. The plugs are aimed at increasing the awareness on hypertension, a medical condition afflicting approximately 10.5 million Filipinos (five million of which are aware that they have hypertension but from that, only one million are able to control the disease). In short, only 2 out of 10 Filipinos taking medications for hypertension are able to control the disease. Hypertension, termed "silent killer" is a condition that can't be treated but can be controlled. If you or anyone you know has a blood pressure of 140/90, please go and consult your primary care physician (or cardiologists) immediately.

If you would like to help in increasing the awareness about hypertension, please repost this video entry. As a doctor has put it, "Use and abuse this video in any way you can as long as you will make sure that it will reach more and more people."

Start:	Mar 9, '08 06:00a
Location:	NBC Tent, Fort Bonifacio, Global City

An All Women's Run Race featuring 1.6k, 5k and 10k distances, plus an All Day Expo on Health, Wellness, and Beauty, and exhibits of our Various Advocacies on Women, Health, and Environment. We will also have mini activities throught the course of the day in the NBC Tent, including a Run Clinic and Salon Makeovers for Women Cancer Patients and Survivors. You may contact bikeforhope@yahoo.com for early registration inquiries.

Most of the articles that I get to write aren't so lay anymore coz the conventions I attend are also becoming more and more technical and medical. So, I'll just share with you an article I got from suite101.com. It was written by Austin Bradely Heath. Enjoy and learn something new. :p

Five easy steps to improve vitality, strength, and overall health without going out of your way.
As we continue to see a large amount of obesity in our country, many of us want to find a more healthy lifestyle, and still be able to do the things we love. Whether you’re wanting to lose some weight, or just looking to feel better, these tips may help.

1: Take the stairs.
Cardio workouts are very beneficial to the human body, but it’s a hassle to lug yourself to the gym, wait for a machine, and get sweaty in public. A much better idea (and convenient too) is to use what’s around you. If you work in an office building, take the stairs. It’s just like using the Stair-Master at the gym, and you don’t have to make the trip. Favorite show on? Do some sit-ups while you watch.

2: Drink, but Think.
Whether it is fast-food at lunch or a nice sit-down restaurant on the weekends, many of us eat out on a regular basis. One of the easiest ways to cut an unhealthy habit is to forget carbonated sodas. Now don’t put this article down because you don’t want to hear that your beloved Coke or Pepsi may be bad for you. Listen to this. Recent studies have shown that carbonation depletes a large amount of calcium in the human body, so much so, that companies like Coco-Cola and Pepsi have released products containing extra minerals and calcium. Don’t let this fool you. While there is a small amount of calcium in the beverages, it is only enough to sustain your present level, not improve it. So the next time you walk into a restaurant, think twice before you order that super sized coke.

3: Antioxidants = Anti-sick
Drinking or eating many antioxidants, whether its tea or dark chocolate, is extremely beneficial to a healthy life. With a large amount of antioxidants in your diet, it improves your chances of missing out on the flu and not catching that annoying head cold. One of the best beverages for this is green tea. Many retailers have started to carry this drink just for its wonderful source of antioxidants. So before you order a coke, try a nice iced tea, and think of the difference your making in your body.

4: Portion Control
Another great way to cut back, and still be able to enjoy your favorite foods, is to use portion control. One of the best techniques is to ask for a doggy-bag as soon as your food arrives. Take HALF of the food on your plate, no matter what it may be. Meat, vegetables, or grains, take half of each serving. This way, if you’re a “clear the plate” eater, you won’t eat too much, and you won’t feel like you’re leaving something behind. Plus, if you follow this method with regularity, you won’t feel guilty about eating the WHOLE desert. Not to mention, you’ll have a whole meal waiting in the fridge.

5: Eat Whole Foods
Try to cut out eating processed foods. While you don’t need to go completely organic, simple changes will help immensely. For example, instead of drinking a glass of apple juice, eat an apple. Mashed potatoes? A nice baked potato. With this trick, you’re making improvements, and not sacrificing any taste.

These five steps can make you more energetic, skinnier, and maybe have a better outlook on life. These are just tips though, and by no means medical facts, so consult your doctor before going on a serious diet. Remember these tips, and enjoy the life you live.

Start:

Mar 6, '08 12:00a

The Philippine Glaucoma Society pioneers the observance of the first-ever World Glaucoma day on March 6 2008 with the aim of educating the public on glaucoma which is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world. It is also the leading cause of irreversible blindness and it's prevalence is rising. Globally, the number of cases is expected to rise from 60 million in 2010 to 80 million in 2020.

World Glaucoma Day is spearheaded in the Philippines by the Philippine Glaucoma Society and globally by the World Glaucoma Association and World Glaucoma Patient Association.

For more information on this event, do not hesitate to call Roy Espiritu at 811-1861 or 09196067006 or email roy@pinoypiper.com

This video is a teaser presentation for the QEFF. This video is set to encourage advocacy and support for the film festival and to increase awareness on the current health system of the country.

If you are interested in watching the films, documentaries, and narratives included in this film festival/amateur film making competition, just go to UP Diliman's Cine Adarna from Feb 18-20 at 5pm to 9pm. Admission is free.

Every year, 3500 Filipino children are diagnosed with cancer. And every year, only about 10 to 20 percent of these children are accounted for in the hospitals and are expected to achieve long-term survival. This number automatically translates to about 2800 children who suffer from cancer without a good chance of treatment and medical attention.

Among the most common cancers (40 to 60 percent of all childhood cancers seen among Filipino children) are acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and retinoblastoma [cancer of the eye]. The number of childhood cancer patients are significantly increasing due to the lack of knowledge about the disease, lack of pediatric oncologists (doctors specializing in childhood cancer) in the country, geographical locations of medical facilities, and ultimately, the very expensive cost of treatment.

The Philippine Children's Medical Center (PCMC), Philippine Society of Pediatric Oncologists (PSPO), Project: Brave Kids [a volunteer group whose aim is to help children with cancer and their families], and Sanofi-Aventis Philippines [a multinational pharmaceutical company] are all working together in the advancement of the My Child Matters Campaign in the Philippines.

The My Child Matters Campaign is intended to raise awareness and fight the disease, to encourage information and create training programs in prevention, early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood cancer.

Project: Brave Kids was formed by Mr. Paul Perez and his wife, Mrs. Sigrid Perez after their son, Seve Augusto was diagnosed with ALL. Seve has undergone chemotherapy since 2005 and is now waiting for his last chemotherapy session on February 9, 2008.

If you are interested in helping Project: Brave Kids to help children afflicted with this deadly disease, please call 0917-811-KIDS (5437) or email them at projectbravekids@yahoo.com.

Start:	Feb 18, '08 5:00p
End:	Feb 21, '08
Location:	Cine Adarna, UP Diliman / Philam Life Auditorium

Amateur film making competition spearheaded by Mu Sigma Phi fraternity form the UP Manila College of Medicine. Feb 18-20 will be the screening of documentaries, short narratives and experimental films with topics/stories centered on health and Philippine society. Feb 21 will be the gala/awards night.

Admission is free. Tickets can be obtained at the venue or for sat reservations, call or text 09174917179, 09054289036, 09276991147 or email at qefilmfestival@yahoo.com.

Start:	Feb 13, '08
End:	Feb 15, '08
Location:	Crowne Plaza Galleria Manila, Quezon City

13th Joint Annual Convention

"Resolving Controversies in Hypertension, Atherosclerosis and Dyslipidemia"

Giornale Medico (Medical Journal)
I'll be using this title for every medical event or conference that i'll have a chance to write about. Including updates in the world of medicine and health. Esp tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle. So stay tuned. :D Work is still toxic these days so I'll have to postpone posting of my articles coz i haven't written them yet. haha.

PressCons
I was out today covering two press conferences, one with the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) in their weekly health forum. The topic was the film festival in health (organized by Mu Sigma Phi fraternity of UP Manila College of Medicine) and one with GlaxoSmithKline, in connection with their launch of a certain drug for advanced breast cancer (details of both will be posted in Giornale Medico, soon). Back in the office, I drafted questions for tomorrow's interview and wrote the article on childhood cancer. Hai. I pity the children.

Now, it's dinner time with ate nix and afterwards, 27 dresses with Jed. Great day!

This is me. Welcome to my world.