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Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino cluster undergo Basic Research Methods Training

The Cagayan Valley Health Research and Development Consortium (CVHRDC) in collaboration with the Region II Trauma and Medical Center (RIITMC) successfully conducted the first batch of the Basic Research Methods Training held at RIITMC, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, January 28-31, 2019.

The three-day activity aimed to refresh and strengthen the knowledge of the participants on foundations of good health research as well as to capacitate them to conduct more complex researches significant to the enhancement of health and health-related services in the region.

Said event was spearheaded by the BRM Core Team, Dean, CSU-CAHS and CVHRDC Executive Director, Dr. Julius T. Capili, Faculty, QSU and CVHRDC-Research Management Committee and Technical Review Board Chairperson, Dr. Melfei E. Bungihan, and Faculty, CSU-Andrews, Prof. Hilaria M. Barsabal.

The activity was attended by 45 participants from the Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino cluster namely: Region II Trauma and Medical Center (RIITMC),Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Hospital (NVPH) Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU), Quirino State University (QSU), St. Mary’s University ( SMU), Aldersgate College (AC) and Philippine Association of Medical Technologist (PAMET) Nueva Vizcaya Chapter.

Meanwhile, participants were also tasked to present their capsule proposal to the core team for critiquing and coached them to enhance their capsule research proposals. With this, the consortium expects to receive more capsule proposals ready for evaluation and funding coming from said participants.

CVHRDC Conducts First Quarter Meeting

Cagayan Valley Health Research and Development Consortium (CVHRDC) members discussed their 2018 accomplishments and reviewed the 2019 line of activities during the first quarter meeting held at Region II Trauma and Medical Center, Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya on January 27, 2019.

Member institutions also presented their 2018 health and health-related activities that can assist the consortium in their future activities for its member institutions. Furthermore, the consortium also agreed to reorganize the committee members to increase efficiency and to capacitate the members by involving them with other committees of the consortium.

Meanwhile, Engr. Jonathan R. Nuestro, Provincial Director, PSTC Nueva Vizcaya highlighted the Tuklas Lunas Development Center located in CSU-Carig. With the presence of such facility, he encouraged the attendees to conduct more researches this 2019 primarily on natural products.

On the other hand, Ms. Carissa C. Pagulayan, DOH-ROII R&D Vice-chairperson, presented the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Department of Health in funding Research proposals.

DOH LEADS OBSERVANCE OF GOITER AWARENESS WEEK (GAW) 2019

The Department of Health (DOH) today leads the nation in observing the Goiter Awareness Week (GAW) 2019 with the theme, “Goiter Sugpuin, Isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin,” which aims to highlight the vital role of iodized salt in preventing thyroid disorders such as goiter. Partners and stakeholders like the Philippine Thyroid Association, Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Iodine Global Network, National Nutrition Council and DOST-FNRI will also disseminate information and educate the public on the effects of iodine deficiency.

According to the 2012 Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study (PhilTiDes-1), the prevalence of thyroid function abnormalities in the Philippines is 8.53% among the adult population, and among the thyroid disorders, goiter is most common with a prevalence rate of 10.12%.

Meanwhile, the 2013 National Nutrition Survey revealed that about 5.8 million Filipinos were afflicted with thyroid disorders in different clinical presentations. These manifest as goiter, thyroid malignancy, mental deficiency, physical deformities, congenital hypothyroidism, cretinism, and reproductive failure. If untreated, these disorders could lead to the detrimental reduction of intellectual and physical capacity and even death among susceptible individuals.

People with goiter often have an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland which can lead to the appearance of a mass or swelling in the neck. The signs and symptoms of goiter can be varied and may include tiredness, a decrease or increase in weight, low or increased appetite, depression, dryness of skin and hair, sleepiness, diarrhea or constipation and menstrual irregularities (for women). People who experience these symptoms should immediately see a doctor.

Since iodine deficiency is the most common cause of goiter in the Philippines, people are advised to use iodized salts in their meals and to eat food rich in iodine such as dairy products, seafood (shellfish and seaweeds), meats, bread and eggs. Special attention should be provided to pregnant women because iodine deficiency during this critical period can cause premature birth, miscarriage or delivery of a baby with low intellect.

The campaign aims to disseminate the ill effects, prevention, and signs and symptoms of goiter or bosyo in Filipino.

Goiter Awareness Week is observed every 4th week of January of every year declared under Presidential Proclamation 1188 on December 11, 2006.

Source: Department of Health. DOH Leads Observance of Goiter Awareness Week (GAW) 2019. Retrieved from:https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/16406

I had a black dog, his name was depression

Depression is sometimes referred to as the "Black Dog". Just like a real dog, it needs to be embraced, understood, taught new tricks and ultimately brought to heel.

Depression can happen to anybody. If you are in difficulty, never be afraid to ask for help. There is absolutely no shame in doing so. Recognizing depression and seeking help is the first and most critical step towards recovery.

Source: World Health Organization Philippines. (16, January 2019). I had a black dog, his name was Depression.Retrieved from: https://www.facebook.com/whophilippines/

Statement on the Signing of the Philippines HIV/AIDS Act

Secretary of Health Francisco T. Duque III released the following statement today on the signing of the Philippine HIV and Aids Act by President Rodrigo Duterte:

“The signing of the Philippine HIV and Aids Act is a huge step forward in responding to the growing HIV epidemic in the Philippines.
Ngayon ay mabibigyan na natin ng tamang suporta ang mga Pilipinong may HIV-AIDS. Kaya naman lubos ang aming pasasalamat kay Presidente Duterte sa pagbibigay niya ng prayoridad at aksyon laban sa HIV-AIDS.

The law provides comprehensive education and prevention programs for PLHIV and their families. It also enables minors 15 years of age to get tested for HIV.
While the new law has been enacted, our next step is to be able to properly execute the law by developing an Implementing Rules and Regulations to guide executive officials in implementing the law, as well as the public in how to comply with the law.

A stronger collaboration is key to attaining our vision of an HIV-free country. The road ahead will be long and our climb will be steep, but we will thrive and win against HIV and AIDS.”

Source: Department of Health (Philippines).(2019, January 10)STATEMENT ON THE SIGNING OF THE PHILIPPINE HIV/AIDS ACT. Retrieved from:https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDOHgov/posts/2328237850520787