Posted in Advocacy

Solane Outreach Program in Batangas

Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, in partnership with Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC), recently conducted a medical and dental mission at the Shell refinery in Tabangao, Batangas.

Over a thousand residents from nearby communities availed of the free medical and dental services. The outreach program was attended by Solane’s Isla Gas Terminal, Inc. (IGTI) staff, plant operations executives, as well as representatives from Shell. Solane has been supporting the annual activity since 2014, providing basic supplies such as tents, snacks, and refreshments for all the participants. 

In photo were Solane staff (from left to right) Nerissa Valencia, Max Manalo, Anthony “Val” Balmes, Jorry Alandria, Robenson Bosque, Wenelyn Gega, and Ryan Merlin with Solane mascot.

World Class Medicine At An Affordable Price With RHEA Generics

RHEA Generics celebrated its partnerships with some of the biggest names in the drug industry at a recent trade launch series held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Libis, Quezon City last May and June 2017.

With its mission to provide world-class quality medicine at affordable prices, Philusa Corporation partnered with some of the most respected names in the pharmaceutical industry including Pfizer, Sanofi, GSK, Otsuka and Merck. 

“It was a strategic, innovative, and noble partnership and we hope to enhance the life of the Filipino patients by ensuring that these high-quality medicines are within their reach,” Philusa President and General ManagerNeogin A. Evangelista said.

Aside from the already available products of RHEA Generics in the market like their over-the-counter vitamins, they ventured into providing medication that addresses some of the most prevalent diseases like diabetes and hypertension, and life-saving antibiotic medicines. 

“These are medications that can help improve the quality of life of Filipinos. We are proud that together with our partners, we are able to bring to Filipinos drugs that are of world-class quality and at prices that they can afford,” Evangelista added.

Even Mel Tiangco, a highly-respected news anchor and multi-awarded actress Angel Locsin have joined in and supported RHEA Generics being the brand’s two newest endorsers. “I like RHEA Generics because of their world-class quality medicines. Yes, we need more affordable medicines, but we also want to make sure that these are safe and of the best quality. Rhea Generics provides that,” Mel Tiangco said.

It is expected that more products will be added in the future to provide more options for patients, championing their mission of giving accessible & world-class quality generics medicines to all Filipinos.

RHEA Generics medicine are available in the country’s leading and most trusted drugstore, Mercury Drug while other products of RHEA Generics like the OTC vitamins are available at Mercury Drug and other leading drugstores nationwide

Asthma 101 For World Asthma Day

What is asthma?

Asthma is a common and potentially serious chronic disease. It causes the narrowing and inflammation of the airways, making it hard for sufferers to breathe.

Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a cough that can vary over time in occurrence, frequency and intensity. Recurrent asthma symptoms frequently cause sleeplessness, daytime fatigue, reduced activity levels and school and work absenteeism.

Fortunately, asthma can be effectively treated and most sufferers can achieve good control of their asthma. However, failure to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to asthma symptoms may result in an asthma attack, unplanned doctor/hospital visit and even death.

What is an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swell, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs².

How many people suffer from it?

  • 20% of the world population suffers from allergic disease such as allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis
  • 300 million patients have asthma, and this is expected to increase to 400 million by 2025
  • In more than 50% of adults and 80% of children, their asthma is allergic4
  • Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children
  • Patients with asthma reported 14.2 million visits to a doctor’s office and 1.3 million visits to hospital outpatient departments

What can trigger the symptoms of asthma?

Although the fundamental causes of asthma are not completely understood, there are several, inhaled risk factors that can lead to the development of asthma² and may trigger its symptoms.

These include:

PM 2.5

These are microscopic air pollutants, with size below 2.5 micrometers, and long-term exposure to them can trigger pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation. This damage is associated with the primary development of asthma and COPD. People with heart or lung disease (asthma and COPD) are under increased risk because these particles can aggravate the disease process.

Bacteria and Viruses

Inhalation of viruses or bacteria can cause influenza, common cold, tuberculosis and other infections and increase the risk at asthma or COPD symptoms.

Allergens

  • Mold Spores: these can produce irritants and potentially toxic substances, which when inhaled by sensitive people, may trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms
  • Pet dander: contain allergens that can cause allergic reactions or trigger asthmatic attacks
  • Dust mite: the waste they produce is a potent trigger for asthma

Dry Air

Around sixty percent of the human body is water. Indoor, dry air draws water out of skin and hair cells, causing itchy skin, chapped lips, brittle hair and redeye. It can aggravate allergies, asthma and other respiratory conditions, and ruin a good night’s sleep.

What you can do if you suffer from asthma? 

Medication

There are two types of asthma medication:

  • Long-term control medications are preventive, taken daily to achieve and maintain control of asthma symptoms
  • Quick-relief medications are used to treat asthma attacks. They relieve symptoms rapidly and are taken on an as-needed basis

Avoiding asthma triggers

Reducing contact with the triggers of asthma can help to reduce the severity of its symptoms. This can be done by:

  • Keeping a diary of your symptoms. This will help you and your healthcare professional to get a clear idea of what may be triggering your asthma.
  • Using an air purifier to reduce allergens and control their levels. Philips air purifiers all feature VitaShield IPS, which is proven to be effective against PM 2.5, bacteria, viruses and allergens, even removing particles as small as 20 nanometers.
  • Managing your stress can help keep your asthma under control – find an approach that works for you, such as relaxation, exercise etc.
  • If a beloved pet is part of your family, try to keep them out of your bedroom and off furniture. If possible, pets should be bathed frequently.
  • Keeping the humidity in the air in your home between 30 and 50 percent can help asthma symptoms. Philips Humidifiers feature Philips NanoCloud, a unique humidification technology that maintains comfortable moisture levels in the home using a natural process that doesn’t use artificial additives.
  • If you have any concerns about your asthma or the triggers that may affect it, speak to your healthcare professional.

Not All Glasses Are Created Equal

When you visit the eye doctor to get prescription glasses, you spend some time choosing the frame that suits your face shape and personal style. But do you also take time to choose the type of lens appropriate for your eye problem and lifestyle?

“Wearing just any kind of glasses is not enough. It is important to choose the right lens to get the best protection,” explains Emelita Roleda, general manager of Essilor Philippines, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company.

Dr. Roleda explains that there are two types of lenses: uncoated and multi-coated lenses. “Uncoated lenses are prone to damage and don’t provide protection against elements that threaten healthy vision. Using multi-coated lenses enhance the performance, quality and life of glasses. Invest on high quality lenses as it will really pays off in the long run, in terms of benefits to one’s eyesight.”

Meanwhile, multi-coated lenses are more advanced and tightly controlled due to computer processes. These lenses are evenly layered, can withstand high temperature and offer more improved performance.

Essilor’s Crizal® Prevencia is a multi-coated lens made with smart technology that filters out harmful blue-violet and UV lights emitted by the sun, gadgets, LED TVs, LED lights and fluorescent lights. On top of preventing long-term vision damage, it allows good light that helps regulate sleep and mood, and boosts brain activity.

“Do consult your eye doctor because they can recommend the best lenses suitable to your needs and lifestyle,” Dr. Roleda adds.

Learn more about Crizal® Prevencia by visiting your preferred eye doctor or leading optical shop, or by logging on to www.essilor.com.ph.

Grab Welcomes New Senior Citizen Teammates

Did you know that Grab Philippines has customer experience consultants who are at least 60 years old and above? To welcome the New Year, the leading ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia prepared something for Filipino senior citizens to keep them busy with fun and exciting activities.

“Senior Citizens have always been close to the hearts of Filipinos including the Grab PH team’s. Most of us grew up going to Lolo and Lola’s house every Sunday for lunch and from that, we realized that there are many retirees out there looking for something new and fun to do,” said Brian Cu, Grab Philippines’ Country Head.

Grab Philippines has just on-boarded a handful of Senior Citizens to help out their Customer Experience team. According to Cu, their tasks will mostly be email support for passengers, including inquiries on the recently rolled out Senior Citizen Discount.

“Actually, that’s where the idea came from. After rolling out the 20% GrabCar discount for Senior Citizens, we received a lot of feedback and we realized, who better to answer and inspire them but someone from their own circles,” Cu said.

Lina, a 62 year old grandmother to 2 grandchildren and 5 mini pinchers, expressed her excitement about the new challenge in her life. “I’m very happy that a company like Grab has given us Seniors the opportunity to work with a very fun and energetic team. I see this as a new and unique challenge to succeed in, and I very much welcome it.”

Grab’s initiative to employ Senior Citizens is currently on a dry run to make sure the former retirees adapt well to their new jobs. The Seniors are currently undergoing training and are shadowing their counterparts in the Customer Experience department.

The Senior Citizen team is on the job, Mondays to Fridays, with customizable shifts that were tailor-fitted to their lifestyles. With a lot of spare time in their hands, many senior citizens have explored finding jobs to fight boredom but have difficulty doing so primarily because of their age. Imbibing the Filipino tradition of putting value on one’s elders, Grab Philippines promises a fun and exciting activity that will welcome and accommodate senior citizens.