Writing for a scholarly journal publication is entirely different from thesis-writing. While the aim of your thesis is to present everything you know and discover on a particular topic, the goal of a journal article is to present research findings in a shorter and more focused format that scientists and researchers can read despite their hectic schedules. Moreover, journal editors sift through several submissions every publication cycle and would not bother reading an article that lacks clarity and brevity. 

In the recently concluded 11th National Medical Writing Workshop and 4th Writeshop for Young Researchers held January 30-31 at the Isabela State University – Cauayan Campus, journal-writing experts from the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors, together with proficient mentor-facilitators from different health fields, trained health investigators in developing/refining manuscripts that are worthy of a scholarly journal publication. Here are few practices researchers should avoid when writing a scientific journal article as pointed out in the writeshop*:

Mr. Diomerl Baldo, Bicol University, reviews the draft journal article of his groupmate during the small-group exercises at the
11th National Medical Writing Workshop and 4th Writeshop for Young Researchers held January 30-31
at the Isabela State University – Cauayan Campus

 Writing only in the active voice

More often, research writing guidelines encourage writing sentences in the active voice rather than in the passive voice. Recently, journal editors encourage writing in both the active and passive voices depending on what section you are working on. Writing in the passive voice would enable you to focus more on the results of your study. e.g. (active) The researcher classified vapor as gas. (passive) Vapor was classified as gas. 

Presenting data in both narrative and illustration forms


Avoid redundant data presentation when writing for journals. This can be achieved by carefully choosing which presentation form would best express your data. If data cannot be explained in three to four paragraphs, it is best to use illustrations. Graphs effectively present trends and relationships among variables.

Using statistical terms that have common meanings

Using the statistical words such as random, correlate, significant, and normal in non-technical parts of your journal article may confuse readers into what the meaning of your statements. Save statistical words for your materials and methods prose. All statistical terms should be defined if used in the Results section. 

Presenting all the results of your research

Only include results that are relevant to your stated problem whether or not they support the hypothesis. This technique would also make a journal article more focused and specific.

Including only the references that agree with your research

Journal manuscripts can be venues for discussion and scholarly disputes. Try to argue and provide enough data on why you don’t agree with previously published results and contribute another perspective to existing research. 

Using one writing style for all your journal submissions

Journal articles should be short, sharp, and swift, says Dr. Jose Florencio Lapeña, President of the Philippine Association of Medical Journal Editors during his talk. A clear and concise journal manuscript is your best bet to get published. 

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD), as the national coordinating body for health research, recognizes health researchers and health research groups for their exemplary research efforts and contributions in enhancing our country’s health research capabilities.

The following are three awards created specifically for our health researchers:

1. Alberto Romualdez, Jr. Outstanding Health Research Award (AROHRA)

AROHRA encourages researchers to be sensitive to the scientific and technological requirements of the health delivery system as well as rewards those whose research has contributed significantly to addressing prevalent health issues.

Given by PCHRD, in collaboration with the Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) partners, the award gives recognition to a research program or project that demonstrates the link between research and practice through the utilization of research findings in the health delivery system.

 The call for nominations is ongoing, visit http://bit.ly/2fcA9T0!

 
2. Best Mentor in Health Research Award

The Council recognizes the vital role of the research mentor who selflessly shares knowledge and skills, instills values and attitudes, and inspires those involved in the research process.

The award is offered biennially to reward mentors in health research who built the capacities of researchers in the health sector and propelled significant advances in the PNHRS thrusts, as identified in the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA), the country’s template for health research and development efforts.

The call for nominations is ongoing, visit http://bit.ly/2fxKpJ5!

3. DOST-PCHRD-Gruppo Medica Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis in Herbal Medicine

PCHRD, in collaboration with Gruppo Medica Inc. (GMI), gives the award to provide motivation for students to view undergraduate thesis not merely as an academic exercise, but as an excellent opportunity to contribute to national interest.

The award recognizes relevant and innovative research works on herbal medicine that have potential practical and/or commercial applications.

For more information on PCHRD Health Research Awards, visit www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph.

How was your 2016 like healthwise? What are your health goals this 2017? In between what was and what is to come lies the crucial stage of reflecting on the year that has gone by and learning from it before planning for the next one.

When it comes to ensuring general wellbeing, nothing beats the tandem of a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. There are a great too many factors, however, that negatively affect these two, which compromise overall health. We are not just talking about weight problems per se rather the condition of the body, as well as the mind.

There are things beyond food and physical activity that affect our health, ergo the quality of our lives. These are things often unseen but very much felt or experienced. A person may look physically fit yet suffer from hypertension or high cholesterol and blood sugar even without being genetically predisposed. One may also suffer from insomnia or unexplained body aches and pains, even fatigue. What could be the culprit behind these? Stress? Yes, stress causes your body to release hormones like cortisol, which increases bad cholesterol and blood glucose in the body. Stress also causes your blood pressure to shoot up. Or it could also be something else that lies deep within one’s heart that it needs a lot of humility and open mindedness for it to be found.

As we begin anew this year, examine your heart and reflect on your life for the past year. Being honest with yourself will pave the way for a healthier 2017.

Unforgiveness — this is one of the most painful things to let go of, especially when you have been deeply hurt to the point of being unable to mend the shattered pieces of your heart. This contributes to the decline in your health because it eats you alive from within.

Now think about this: Forgiving someone does not mean everything is okay or we should suddenly develop amnesia and just go on with life forgetting what happened in the past. Forgiveness is making a decision to give up the right to hurt back despite how you feel (but of course justice and the law must prevail at all times).

Begin by thinking about the ways to help yourself heal instead of obsessing about how to get even. You’ll save yourself from so much hate and fill that empty space with peace, which will calm your senses, lower your vital signs, and keep your body organs sound.

Want to lower your blood pressure, get a good night’s sleep, and regain your energy? Find it in your heart to forgive. Here are five things that could help make it easier for you.

Think of small things you are grateful for amid the trials.

Flee from negativity and embrace positivity.

Pray and meditate, most especially when your heart or mind is troubled.

Find your purpose that will benefit others and enhance your life.

Be generous with your time and energy.

source: Manila Bulletin

http://lifestyle.mb.com.ph/2017/01/03/paving-the-way-for-a-healthy-2017/

With the New Year, the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines suggested five resolutions for a healthier 2017.

According to WHO Philippines, these resolutions would lead to a healthier and happier 2017:

1.    Have a healthy and balanced diet

2.    Quit smoking

3.    Exercise

4.    Drink less alcohol

5.    Visit your local health center regularly

WHO Philippines said that having a healthy diet balances the calories a person consumes and the amount the body uses. It suggested eating more fruits vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts and reducing salty, fatty and sugary food. It said that a healthy and balanced diet will protect against obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

The agency also emphasized that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of heart disease to half and improve breathing. It can also reduce the risk of stroke and cancer.

Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:

Meanwhile, the agency said that regular exercise will help with weight control and strengthen the muscles and bones.

"A healthy, active lifestyle can do wonders for both the mind and body," WHO Philippines said.

The agency added that cutting down on alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of liver diseases and cancer. It can also lighten the mood and lessen the chances to become overweight.

Finally, WHO Philippines advised visiting health centers regularly for check-ups to prevent problems before they even start. 

"By getting the right health services, screenings and treatments, you are well on your way to a longer, healthier life."

source: Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/health-and-family/2017/01/02/1658930/who-suggests-5-new-years-resolutions-healthier-2017