🏁 The results are in!

The true statements are:
🌙 - Fasting during Ramadan is compulsory for adult Muslims, but exemptions exist for individuals who are sick, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating, or traveling.
⚖️ - Research suggests that fasting during Ramadan can lead to improvements in body weight, blood glucose, blood cholesterol, and blood pressure.

We asked you to identify which of the previous statements was a lie.

The statement that is a LIE is... 🥁
🚭️ - Nicotine patches are not allowed to be used while fasting in Ramadan.

Nicotine patches are actually allowed to be used while fasting according to Islamic scholars.

No one got the correct answer this time!

—

How to fast safely during Ramadan – what the science shows
Here's what science tells us about fasting during Ramadan, including its benefits when done safely, and reminders for those who are infirm

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/science/life-health/how-fast-safely-during-ramadan-what-science-shows-the-conversation/

DOH loses P338 million due to alleged hospital project irregularities in Albay
The bungled project could have increased the bed capacity of the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center from the current 450 beds to 1,050

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/doh-loses-funds-alleged-hospital-project-irregularities-albay/

🎲 Play our daily Rappler games every 7:00AM, 12:00PM, and 6:00PM Philippine Time (GMT+08)

🏁 The results are in!

We asked you to identify which of the previous statements was the truth.

The statement that is TRUE is... 🥁
💸 - The project at BRHMC resulted in an overpayment of P213.103 million due to discrepancies in payments and actual work completion.

The true statement highlights the significant financial losses incurred by the health department as a result of the project's irregularities.

No one got the correct answer this time!

—

DOH loses P338 million due to alleged hospital project irregularities in Albay
The bungled project could have increased the bed capacity of the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center from the current 450 beds to 1,050

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/nation/luzon/doh-loses-funds-alleged-hospital-project-irregularities-albay/

It breaks my hear to see a fellow furarent

Nakakalungkot :(

Sana mabigyan ng justice, kasi grabe talaga.

Just also wanted to note that your insights may be used for a social media graphic or an article on Rappler. Let us know if you have any concerns or questions on this.

Hanggang kailan lang po ang entry po ng insights po?

No deadline naman, @Mark. Just feel free to share as much thoughts as you have! :)

Noted po. Will share my insights later.

Here's some of the insights we got from this chat and social media. We hope to get more of your insights for future articles, @here!

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/filipinos-online-reaction-suggestions-protect-pets-after-killing-dog-killua/

Gloomy youth pull US and western Europe down global happiness ranking
Finland keeps the top spot in the annual World Happiness Report, followed closely by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Afghanistan and Lebanon hold the bottom two spots.

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/world/world-happiness-report-rankings-2024/

🎲 Play our daily Rappler games every 7:00AM, 12:00PM, and 6:00PM Philippine Time (GMT+08)

🏁 The results are in!

We asked you to identify which of the previous statements was the truth.

The statement that is TRUE is... 🥁
😞 - The United States dropped out of the top 20 in global wellbeing rankings, with a decline particularly in the happiness of Americans under 30.

The article highlights how the United States fell to 23rd place in the global wellbeing index, with a significant decrease in the sense of wellbeing among Americans under 30 years old.

No one got the correct answer this time!

—

Gloomy youth pull US and western Europe down global happiness ranking
Finland keeps the top spot in the annual World Happiness Report, followed closely by Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden. Afghanistan and Lebanon hold the bottom two spots.

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/world/world-happiness-report-rankings-2024/

Sad news for today, @here.

Physician and mental health advocate Gia Sison died on Thursday, March 21. Her death was first confirmed by the ​​Asociación de Alumnas de Poveda. She was 53. Her husband Rogin and daughter Angela also confirmed the news through online tributes. 

She will be remembered for her bravery and advocacy.

https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/physician-mental-health-advocate-gia-sison-dies/

Good evening! In a few minutes, we will start a community chat with Quezon City head of epidemiology and disease surveillance Dr. Rolly Cruz about the pertussis outbreak! Get ready with your questions! @here

hello!!

Hi everyone! Welcome to Dr @rollycruz who is on top of Quezon City's response to the pertussis outbreak! We're also joined by @BertApostol of the Quezon City communications arm. Thank you sirs!

this is what we know so far about pertussis. hoping to learn more from our chat today! https://www.rappler.com/philippines/things-to-know-pertussis-or-whooping-cough/

We also have with us @Kaycee Valmonte , Rappler's health reporter! Happy Friday sa lahat kahit seryoso ang ating topic. But we're here to stay protected and ensure our loved ones are safe.

Hi, Pia, we have no new cases reported today. The number is still the same, 23 cases with 4 case fatalities. We are doing contact tracing and outbreak immunization activities in Payatas B and Tatalon.

That's good to hear, na no additional cases so far. @rollycruz What is the most important aspect of pertussis that you think people should know about to keep themselves protected?

The most affected are children less than 1 yrs old with no or incomplete vaccination against pertussis. Parents must see to it that their children has complete doses of pertussis containing vax.

Pending vaccination, Doc, what can parents do to protect their kids, lalo na babies? Ano yung protective measures during the time they are not yet able to bring their kids to get vaccinated?

Medyo iba sa covid-19, pag bata ang may sakit talagang dinadala natin ito sa doctor.

That's true! Iba ang behavior pag mga bata na, which is a good thing. Though of course we need good health care seeking behavior for all ages!

Sir @rollycruz , does pertussis manifest the same way with children aged below 1? DOH said po their symptoms are a bit different.

If hindi pa complete ang vaccination, dapat avoid contact sa crowded areas and sa family or household members with symptoms

Also, sa mga nandito sa chat room, feel free to send your questions here! Walang formal structure ang Q and A dito :)

Pag sobrang bata meron na ito difficulty of breathing and sometimes vomting

May immediate first aid po bang pwedeng ibigay ang parents bago sila idala sa hospital? @rollycruz

It still best to call a family doctor para initial remediies.

How about the elderly @rollycruz ? What kind of precautions po para sa kanila and are they particularly vulnerable the way they were with COVID-19?

Adults usually have mild sypmtoms, the best way to protect them, especially mga elderly to make sure they dont get exposed sa mga merong symptoms.

Will vaccinations be made more available in health centers po for both children and adults?

Eto yung challenge ngayon, sa QC we limited suppllies of Pentavelent vaccine in our health centers.

Ah bakit po nilimit yung vaccine supplies? What was the rationale and how are you dealing with that? @rollycruz

How is QC handling that po? May priority group po for vaccinations?

Ang vaccines kaseh natin ay coming from DOH, meron tayo supply issues

Pero QC can acquire vaccines naman po ba on its own? Lalo na po na may Mandanas ruling?

Yes, QCGOV is trying to find local suppliers of pertussis containing vaccines

Pero for now po, can QC accomodate all residents who ask for a vaccine? Or naka hold po ba muna until more arrive

Unfortunately what we have in our centers are for those who have been given their initial doses. We dont have enough for 1st dose clients.

I see po. How many doses po ba yung vaccine?

DOH provided 1500 doses, this allocated sa barangay with pertussis outbreak.

And QC is prioritizing what age range for these limited doses @rollycruz ?

Sa mga under 2 yrs old na wala bakuna or incomplete pa ang bakuna

For those just joining, feel free to backread this conversation!

@rollycruz-qcesd what should families do po if someone gets pertussis? Should they be quarantined and for how long po kaya?

If someone in the family magkaroon ng Pertussis, appropriate antibiotics must be given usually in the hospital. Mag isolate yung patient hangang matapos nya yung treatment usually 5 days. Yung mga close contacts bibigyan din dapat ng prophylaxis.

At what point @rollycruz does QC decide to escalate measures? So 23 cases so far, and 4 deaths. May number of cases po ba that signals a need to escalate response?

Outbreak

But given that QC has declared an outbreak, may gradients of response po ba within that declaration? Would there be a criteria for when we'd have to introduce COVID-level restrictions?

Contact tracing, immediate isolation of cases and quarantine of close contacts is critical to the response. Mabilis dapat ito nagagawa.

We can do last two questions for @rollycruz before ending our live chat!

We were advised that new supplies from DOH will arrived between June and July this year. We are targeting to purchase aroung 4 months supplies of pentavalent vaccines, at least for 1st dose.

Siguro po reminders for the public kasi next week is Holy Week and people will be traveling @rollycruz if crowded places cannot be avoided, what should people do? Are there vaccines rin po pala for adults specifically?

We are hoping to get final timelines of our own purchase by next week.

Maraming maraming salamat @rollycruz @BertApostol for making this community chat happen and being open to our questions! We will be compiling and summarizing the info you have shared with us and turning them into social media art cards that we will post on our social media pages.

US surgeons perform first pig-to-human kidney transplant
The kidney was provided by eGenesis of Cambridge, Massachusetts, from a pig that had been genetically edited to remove genes harmful to a human recipient and add certain human genes to improve compatibility

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/science/life-health/surgeons-perform-first-pig-to-human-kidney-transplant/

‘You are limitless’: She Talks Asia Summit 2024 champions breaking stereotypes
With the help of speakers like Karen Davila, Leni Robredo, and Eugene Domingo, the She Talks Asia Summit 2024 sent off its attendees with the richest insights

Read the full article here:
https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/health-and-wellness/she-talks-asia-summit-2024-champions-breaking-stereotypes-reclaiming-narratives/

ah sayang di ko naabutan yung chat with doc rolly of QCESU (big thanks sa kanya sa paghandle sa QC noong acute phase ng COVID 19) glad to know the city will be responding well sa current pertussis outbreak. question: sa abx po ba, is it the same problem as the pentavalent pertussis vaccines (supply)? tqtq

👋 quick update on pertussis from the Department of Health:

📈 28 new pertussis cases were recorded from March 10 to 16
⬆️ this brings the total number of whooping cough cases in the country in 2024 to 568:
- 356 of the patients are infants below 6 months of age; 270 of these infants are either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination history
- 58 cases are from Metro Manila
- there have since been 40 deaths reported

🏙️ regions with increasing number of cases: Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Western Visayas, MIMAROPA, and Central Visayas.

‼️ some reminders:
- vaccination is key. The DOH is expecting 3 million more pentavalent vaccines to arrive "at the soonest possible time." For older children and adults, the department advises to consult a doctor for the appropriate vaccine.
- pertussis or whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics. The DOH said: "A doctor will prescribe a course of treatment that should start as early as possible... treatment may run from 4 to 14 days."
- the DOH advises the public against self-medicating

can it be asked whether it is advisable to ask our doctor if we are suitable for Tdap vaccine (adult) regardless of vaccination status? thank you

Hi @RJ Mendoza! Yes, I think it's best to consult your doctor. There are guidelines for the vaccine depending on your age range and if you've completed your childhood DTap series

According to the Philippine College of Physicians:
- Adults aged 19 to 64 years should get a single Tdap booster
- Adults aged 65 and above who did not get a Tdap booster should get 1 booster dose "particularly if contact with infants is anticipated" @RJ Mendoza

As an advocate of healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition I joined this group to share my insights and gain further knowledge and address the misconception about proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

Good aftie, I joined health and wellness because I wanna learn a lot when it comes to health not just physical health but also mental health. I wanna speak up about those whose disregarding pips suffering from their inner self dilemma.

Welcome to the channel, @Rogiekun @Janice @Paul Boleche @ode @RK_02436 @Nenenggay ! :)

Welcome to the channel!! 🫶🏼 @mitcheann22 @legionsophia

I wish for a water-proof laptop that can float while I work in the pool. 😁

Hi, @here Mark your calendars 🌞 tomorrow, April 4, we will chat with Dr Tony Leachon about how the hot weather can impact our health!

Our chat will start at 5 pm, but if you can't join us and you have questions - feel free to send them on this channel and I'll ask about it on your behalf!! 👋

Welcome, @bluejay !

Hello @kayceevalmonte happy to be here! 😄

Hi. Hello guys 🙂

Hi @here 👋🏼 we’re starting the chat in a few minutes with @drtonyleachon-0730 🌞 feel free to chime in any time with your questions!

🙂💦💧 are you cool ?

Alright, everyone! Hello, I’m Kaycee Valmonte, Rappler’s public health reporter.

Good affernoon. I am Dr. Tony Leachon
Independent Health Reform Advocate

Past President ,
Philippine College of Physicians

Thanks for joining us, doc! Ang init kasi lately - doc, how does the heat affect our bodies? What are the effects of being overexposed to the heat and the sun?

Heat can cause cramps, exhaustion and to a certain degree heat stroke which can be fatal.

Doc, how about for babies po - since they cannot speak for themselves, what are signs parents should look out for, na they are already uncomfortable na sa init?

Every Filipino citizen should be educated , engaged and empowered about health related matters.

@drtonyleachon-0730 Is a bad stomach or LBM a symptom of heat stress or not really?

Dry mouth and lips. Don't have many tears when crying. They aren't going to the bathroom as much – or don't have as many wet diapers. Eyes look sunken.

Also, how can people who depend on walking and biking to commute protect themselves vs heat stress?

Hello @Dr. Tony Leachon! Is working out outside (running, etc) advisable in this heat?

@piaranada it could be a sign too but it can aggravate heat stroke due to dehydration. Re LBM

@drtonyleachon-0730 may special precautions rin po ba for those who are pregnant?

@kayceevalmonte - almost the same but be extra careful due to the baby. What to Drink While Pregnant
Drink milk and fruit juices. They contain lots of water.
Vegetables and fruits contain water, too. Eat more of them.
Drink water often. You should rarely feel thirsty.
Avoid going out in the heat.
Exercise indoors

Doc, aside from these - how else can heat affect our health? Lumalala po ba yung allergies (like allergic rhinitis), asthma attacks in this weather?

I suggest survival kit for each person eg back pack or small bag - water , hat, umbrella foldable, juices, extra shirt etc. A checklist

I also can’t imagine studying in this weather. It’s not conducive for learning

Right. I agree. Medium term - school curriculum, water fountains , potable drinking water , good rest rooms , well ventilated rooms

Doc, when it comes to drinks, the DOH advised against iced tea, caffeine, etc, (if I remember correctly). Are electrolytes recommended din po ba to help cool/hydrate?

To teach , to heal, to plant and to lead.

Ay, doc, what are the signs of dehydration? And how should the public deal with it po?

In first world countries in Asia, we see huge trees in all urban and rural areas to provide shed and shelter for people. Planting trees must be a must

Yes, so it’s a bit easier to get around and also po helps make the air cooler :(

Exactly. We need to plan well.

Doc, are there a lot of dehydrated patients at this time of the year?

Yes. A lot. Riders , athletes, vendors , farmers , fishermen

Good idea po yung survival kit you mentioned earlier. Thinking of packing one already

A person can experience heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion and “extreme caution” is recommended. Let us be ready with a survival kit. Japanese kids or adults are prepared.

Doc, for those hitting the beaches too. Would you have any tips/reminders?

It is preventable. No one should die ! In the most severe cases, heat stroke can lead to ventricular tachyarrhythmias or irregular beats and cardiac arrest.

Yes, doc, agreed! It can also start by helping communicate the risks of high temperature and fixing (for the lack of a better term) our shared spaces - making them more appropriate for our climate

@kayceevalmonte Whether you're relaxing on the beach, riding your bike or farming , or trying to sleep without air conditioning the heat can get to you. That's why it's important to know the symptoms of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so you can recognize right away when it's time to cool off.

Doc, pahabol lang! How do you treat sunburn po? When should people go see a doctor po?

Kids died in vehicles - Pampanga – Two children were found dead inside a car in Barangay Malabanias, this city, on Friday, March 22. 🥲🥲🥲

Oh no!! 😢

@kayceevalmonte Sunburn. Sunblock always. Shaded areas. You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. ...
Clothing. When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays. ...
Hat. Head gears.
Sunglasses.

Got these, @drtonyleachon-0730 ! 😁 thank you for joining us, doc! Do you have final reminders for our members?

@kayceevalmonte Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. Every Filipino should be with 3 E ‘s : Educated, Engaged and Empowered.

Thanks again @drtonyleachon-0730 🙏🏼☀️ for those @here who missed our chat, feel free to scroll through and let’s continue the conversation!! 😁

❗️ good news ❗️ philheath increased the Z benefits package for breast cancer to P1.4 million, effective march 30, 2024. The package previously only covered P100,000.

Welcome to the channel, @joshm @poldeleon 👋🏼👋🏼

thank you! i just had my tetanus booster last year kasi. eh minsan I have interactions with children through various groups and gatherings. this helps, thank you

i had probable heat stroke many years back. i thought i was about to die, no joke. took me a while to recover

Oh wow! If you don't mind, can you share with us how it went? From hospitalization to recovery?

thankfully i didn't need to go to the hospital, but i knew it was bad as soon as i went off the bus at navotas one time. stayed there for a while and went home. next thing i know, i was very feverish and doing my best to cool myself off. i was already feeling unwell during the trip, but i initially dismissed it as hunger and thirst (spoiler: both did not help). i think it took me about five days to completely recover.

Glad you were able to recover!

ICYMI: One of Rappler's Aries Rufo Journalism fellow, Jerry Yubal Jr., wrote about the spread of health & wellness misinfo on Tiktok. Sharing his story here: https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/how-tiktok-spreads-false-cures-hopes/

Have you noticed how influencers have recently been marketing random products for weight loss, among others? Let me know your thoughts 💭

thank you. never again, gosh. whenever i feel like it, i buy a bottle of electrolyte drink, especially when hot.

Same here! I bring a mini bottle of Pocari sweat now whenever I need to head out for coverage.

Very helpful read. Thanks for sharing.

https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2024/04/20/2348998/pyramid

Hello, everyone! @hzFab @Joy @powly @Urim @Bugs @Z E R O @Cha Cañizares @mark grande ! Welcome to the health and wellness channel 🍃 I'm Kaycee, I cover public health for Rappler :)