What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas. What’s worrisome is that two in three Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. This is caused by persistent infection with the cancer causing human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV on Women 

We can be infected with HPV. In fact, it was estimated that 80% of women will be infected with it in some of our lives. Most of this infections may come and go but if the immune system is weak,the HPV infections may persist and may eventually lead to the development of cervical cancer.

HPV Transmission

• sexual intercourse
• skin-to-skin genital contact

Cervical Cancer symptoms

Cervical cancer has no signs and symptoms in its early stages. It the event that symptoms will occur, the following may be expected:

• irregular bleeding between periods or abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• back, leg, or pelvic pain
• fatigue
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• vaginal discomfort or odorous discharge
• a single swollen leg.

Who is at risk of Cervical Cancer? 

Women who:

• are ages 15- 19 years old
• had first sexual intercourse at a young age
• have given birth for multiple times
• have or have had sexually transmitted diseases
• have HIV or whose immune system is weakened
• a smoker
• long-term use of oral contraceptives for 5 years or more
• those who rarely or have not yet had any pap smear.

Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer

The World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old.

It is recommended that starting age 21, women should undergo screening to detect cervical abnormalities that precede actual cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination, according to studies, is still beneficial for older women to prevent HPV infections. The risk risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old.

Power Over Cervical Cancer

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), in recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, furthers its advocacy to increase cervical cancer awareness efforts with the Power Over Cervical Cancer “You Can & You Will” campaign.

It aims to encourage Filipinas to realize that they have the power to protect themselves and their dreams—simply by consulting their doctors and asking about ways to prevent cervical cancer.

“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting cancer may be a distant concept for women who are well and at their prime, but they should be aware that even the healthiest can be at risk,” says, Dr. Leah Manio, GSK Medical Affairs Manager.
In the Philippines, it is estimated that the financial cost of preventing cervical cancer through screening and vaccination could be 20 times more affordable than the cost of treatment,” she adds.

“The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands, and NOW is the best time to consult with your physician and have yourself screened,” Dr. Manio stated.

GSK remains true to its commitment of increasing access to preventive healthcare through its initiatives to improve access to information through its disease awareness efforts.

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Power Over Cervical Cancer Page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/POCCPh) and the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube (www.youtube.com/ProteksyonPortal) containing information and short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.

Did you know that today is World Health Day?

World Health Day is celebrated globally every year on April 7 to bring awareness to public health issues. In celebration of World Health day this year, Safeguard launches Heath Watch. It a series of lecture aimed to equip Filipino moms with the information and the skills that they need to continue to keep their family healthy.for

In the first Safeguard Health Watch lecture yesterday among mommy bloggers, UNICEF shared figures about the state of Filipino Children’s Health.

Health Watch: World Health Day

Here are some of the figures and health concerns discussed during the first ever Safeguard Health Watch:

Global Health Report

Globally, nearly half of child deaths are attributed to malnutrition*. It is also same here in the Philippines. In 2015, UNICEF studies show that 45% of child deaths are attributable to malnutrition, i.e, 95 deaths per day.

The second largest cause of death globally is Diarrhea where as 1,600 children dies every day.

Top Threats Diseases Among Filipino Children

In the 2015 countdown report*, the top 3 child mortality causes are:

1. Neonatal conditions- 45%
2. Pneumonia- 18%
3. Injuries- 8%
4. Diarrhea- 7%

In the same report, the 42 countries where 90% of child deaths occur, the leading causes of death are:

1. Neonatal conditions- 33%
2. Diarrhea- 33%
3. Pneumonia- 21%

Mom’s watch

As a mom, are you aware of the simplest and most cost- effective solutions for some of the most critical diseases?

In Newborn Deaths, the most effective preventive measure is breastfeeding? Reports show a decrease on newborn deaths since the government implemented the Unang Yakap campaign. It is a newborn care practices that consist of 4 core steps:

1. Immediate and thorough drying of the newborn
2. Early skin to skin contact
3. Properly time cord clamping
4. Early initiation of Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding remains a key to prevent deaths from Pneumonia and Diarrhea. Safe water, sanitation and proper hygiene is also critical in preventing both illnesses.

Water, Sanitation and Health Program 

Procter & Gamble, through Safeguard, partners with UNICEF to address this problem by implementing its Water, Sanitation and Health (WASH) Program, which includes health and hygiene education among children.

Safeguard also recognizes the importance of health in the context of everyday activities at home. In celebration of World Health Day, Safeguard highlights the role of proper hygiene in keeping families healthy.

Mommies present during the event were taught about First Aid basics, including proper wound care, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

What Moms Should Know About Proper Wound Care

1. Washing of wound for 5 minutes with soap has been beneficial in reducing infections among children
2. First aiders should also wash their hands with soap before giving treatment.

It is really important, specially for mommies like us to learn about proper care and  health studies and reports like this one. It gives us the edge in protecting our family and keeping them healthy. And when it comes to family germ protection, Safeguard is my partner.

*Sources: World Health Organization and Maternal and Child Epidemiology Estimation

School year officially ends last March 30.. graduate na si Kuya ng elemtary!! May high school student na akooo waaaah. It was alo Sati’s moving up ceremony.. she’ll be Grade 1 this coming school year! Ang bilis talaga ng panahon no?

Summer time na talaga and alam nyo yan, summer means swimming and more time to play! But whether you’re going to the beach, going out of the country or just staying at home with your family, tandaan na hindi lang ang init (at laki ng electric bill) ang dapat nating ipag worry. In a recent event sponsored by GSK, moms were given expert advice on how not to let cough and allergies stop their family from enjoying the sunny season.

GETTING TOUGH ON COUGH

Cough and colds are quite common even during the summer because of erratic weather patterns that causes a shift in temperature.

Coughing is a natural reflex and is usually a sign that your child’s body is trying to rid itself of an irritant, such as mucus or a foreign object.

Most common cause of cough:

• upper respiratory tract infection from one of more than 100 cold viruses1
• infection
• asthma
• allergies/sinusitis or pollution

Cough is quite common but when a cough is caused by a viral infection, it can be passed on to other kids. It can be passed when an individual makes direct contact with an infected individual, or even infected surfaces such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, and gadgets and then touching their nose and mouth.

There are generally two kinds of cough; dry cough and productive cough (cough with phlegm)2.

For productive cough, pediatricians can recommend protussives such as Ambrolex® (Ambroxol), to enable the cough to get rid of excess mucus in the airways3.

Unfortunately, a lot of cough medicines have a bitter aftertaste, which children dislike and often spit out, making medicine time difficult for moms. Ambrolex®, however, has a sweet blackcurrant flavor that kids will love, making cough medicine time easier for moms, and allowing their children to get better, faster.

Should moms or their husbands also suffer from cough, Ambrolex® comes in thrice-a-day tablet and once-a-day capsule formats for adults that are both easy on the budget.

READY FOR ALLERGIES
Another common problem of children during summer is allergies. To have allergies is to have the body’s immune system overreact to foreign substances or even a change in the environment.

When the body detects a foreign or potentially harmful substance, it produces antibodies and histamine, which are then released into the blood stream to fight it off. At that point, an inflammatory reaction happens. Some of the common symptoms of allergy are asthma-like symptom such as rapid, shallow breathing, wheezing, and cough. Other symptoms that can be observed are sneezing, itchiness, or development of rashes4.

Allergic reactions may also be triggered by allergens or substances:

• food such as peanuts, milk, eggs, seafood
• plants
• pets
• house dust mites
• mold spores
• medications, especially antibiotics4.

Of course, allergies are not limited to children — moms and their husbands can develop allergies too. When allergy happens, use the antihistamine that is trusted for 20 years, Virlix® (Cetirizine). It contains Cetirizine, an antihistamine that helps you manage the symptoms of your family’s allergies.

“Allergies don’t have to ruin your family’s summer fun. All you have to do is take note of what causes allergies among your family members and try to avoid them, so as to manage your allergy symptoms”, says Dr. Sheila Chua, GSK’s Medical Affairs Manager, and a practicing Dermatologist. “It also helps to always have a trusted allergy medication in your bag whenever you travel so you can easily address the symptoms of allergies when they occur.”

GSK EXPERT MOMS

Led by celebrity-host and Expert Mom herself Rica Peralejo, the campaign seeks to educate mothers on how to correctly and promptly address cough and allergies for the entire family.

“As a mom, I want to make sure that summer would become a memorable time for the whole family. My husband and I always make sure we take care of ourselves first so we can take care of our son, Philip. Being in tip-top shape allows our whole family to have the best summer and enjoy our vacations. Of course our priority is to keep Philip healthy, so we always make sure we are prepared with the necessary medications whenever we travel just in case he gets sick.

I think being an Expert Mom is all about ensuring that the whole family is happy, healthy, and free from disease. I’m very happy to be part of the Expert Moms campaign because I think it’s exciting to meet other moms who are keen on keeping themselves healthy in order to take care of their families,” says Rica.

To know more and share tips on how to be an Expert Mom, visit: www.facebook.com/MommyDoc

About GSK
GSK is one of the world’s leading, research-based pharmaceutical companies with the mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. At the core of GSK’s business model is the use of knowledge and development of intellectual property. We create value by researching, manufacturing and making available products that improve people’s health and well-being. A healthier society enables people to live life to the fullest, allowing them and their communities to prosper. A sustained flow of innovative products enables our business to grow and replenish our value to patients and consumers.