SheMatters Support Cervical Cancer Awareness

Every 2 minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer. It is the second most common disease among Filipino women, next to breast cancer.

Cervical cancer is an ongoing challenge for all women regardless of age, race and status. However, its impact on victims, survivors, and families in Philippine society – and the fact that this cancer is preventable, are not widely known. Why is this? Denial and the lack of knowledge and resources are among the main reasons that suppress women to take action in combating cervical cancer. There is a need for a shift of consciousness among women and changes in behavior and mindset for all genders.

Facts About Cervical Cancer
- It is the 2nd most common cancer among Filipino women today
- Cervix is located in between the uterus and the vagina
- Due to misconception nobody wants to talk much about the disease.
- HPV 16 & 19 Human Papilloma Virus infection is the cause
- HPV is very common. 80% of women will likely get it once in their lifetime. But both men and women will not know they have it. And to most women, HPV clears on its own. To some, they stay later on develops into cervical cancer if not detected and treated early on.
- It is sexually transmitted. Men passes it on to women through sexual intercourse, without knowing it. Plus, there is no HPV test for men.
- Early cervical cancer usually DOES NOT show any symptoms
- Early detection is prevention. When detected early, cervical cancer is treatable.
- Hava a Pap Smear & Ensure your cervix is healthy


A Cebu based non profit organization She Matters Cervical Cancer Foundation Inc.(SMCCFI) with its founder Emee Y. Aquino launch a awareness campaign about Cervical cancer and how to prevent it.

SMCCFI MISSION

We are committed to raise awareness among men and women about cervical cancer and to promote self care for all women at risk.

SMCCFI VISION

We envision a country where women live healthy lives, free and protected from cervical cancer.

Though I am a guy, I learned a lot about cervical cancer like you can prevent it by just performing Paps mear once a year and keep a healthy lifestyle like eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, also avoid smoking and excessive drinking.

The biggest factor probably in preventing detection of cervical cancer is having the right attitude in approaching the checkup like being shy to perform test or just plain "bahala" Filipino character in which they will just ignore it and put the rest to destiny and fate.

Also the perspective of people when they see one that has cervical cancer as a bad person with many partners that resulted to the disease.

If you want to help and volunteer regarding Cervical Cancer Awareness, you can visit http://shematters.com.ph for more information
 

Cebu Motorists to Brace for Heavier Traffic on Monday

As repairs on the First Mactan-Mandaue Bridge will start on Monday 25 February 2013, motorists going to or coming from Lapu-Lapu City are advised to brace for heavy traffic.

The Department of Public Works and Highways will implement the repair of the first bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge in 70 days.  But the works on the two bridges will not be done simultaneously.

Phase one of the repair of the first bridge, which  will cover the left side of the first lane will be from February 25 to March while the second phase, which is the repair of the left side of the second lane, will be from March 5 to March 12.

Repairs on the Marcelo Fernan Bridge will start on March 13 and is expected to be done by May 21.

Engr. Eda de Guzman, chief of the Maintenance Section of DPWH-Sixth Engineering district said that if the weather cooperates, the number of days for the repair of the two bridges will be lesser.

The repair includes removal and replacement of asphalt pavement including the repair and replacement of extension joints.

Motorists will not be allowed to enter the old bridge during the repair and have to take the Marcelo Fernan Bridge

Filipino Physical Activity Guide for Everyone

Below is a guide that could help YOU and/or your Team Mates plan on your Physical activities.

On each activity you will find calories burned per minute per kilogram of your Body weight ( example : . The Day to Day activities such as Taking the stairs instead of the elevator , taking stretch breaks are recommended since we spend almost half of the day at work. Not only  they are easy, accessible and convenient to everyone but more so if done daily/habitually for even 10 minutes at a time will provide metabolic efficiency by increasing your total energy expenditures. And if you want to lose more weight  ...On top of your day to day activities Add any of theRegular Activities such as Yoga , Aerobic Dancing/ Zumba , Jogging & Brisk Walking etc. which our Wellness Club offers.

 

 

It's time to get rid of of that sedentary lifestyle that increases our chance of becoming overweight and developing chronic diseases and start with being Physically Active and Be A Healthy Workforce .

Christmas Tips For Holiday Food Safety

BACTERIA MULTIPLIES - Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, which can grow and multiply on food when the food is handled in a place that is not clean, when it is stored or cooked improperly, or in some cases, when it is eaten raw. These bacteria make the food go "bad," and will make people sick if they eat the contaminated food.

IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE - Age and health status can affect how sick a person becomes, or how long food illness lasts; young children, seniors and those in poor health are at highest risk. It is important that you inform your family doctor if you suspect you are suffering from food poisoning, especially if the symptoms (usually nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) seem serious. See a doctor for advise.

HANDLE FOOD WITH CARE - To protect yourself and your family from possible food poisoning, always choose, store, handle and prepare food with care.

The two most important points to remember in order to avoid food poisoning are:

 1) handle food in ways that will keep it from being exposed to bacteria, and

2) kill bacteria by heating or cooling food; bacteria thrive in room temperature. Avoid keeping foods in the Danger Zone - the unsafe temperatures between 40-140 degrees Fahrenheit.

CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN -- You can't see, taste, or smell them. They're sneaky little critters, and they can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, utensils, sponges, countertops and food. They're food-borne bacteria - and if eaten, they can cause food-borne illness. So on your mark, get set, go...clean!

Thoroughly wash hands with warm, soapy water, rinse well and dry with clean towels before and after food preparation. Cover cuts or sores on your hands and/or use plastic gloves.

Avoid using wood cutting boards. Thoroughly wash cutting boards with warm soapy water, rinse with hot water, then disinfect with weak bleach solution (1 teaspoon chlorine bleach in 1 quart of water and rinse again.

Wash fresh fruits and vegetables with water - keep a special brush handy for this. Using a kitchen disinfectant cleaner or a mixture of bleach and water on surfaces can provide some added protection against bacteria. Wash out lunchboxes or totes every night. Wipe up spills immediately.

SPECIAL REFRIGERATOR CARE - Clean refrigerator surfaces with hot, soapy water. Periodically check temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to be sure they are correct: Refrigerator 40 ?F (5?C) Freezer 0 ?F (-18 ?C).

RAW, FROZEN, THAWED - Take your groceries directly home after shopping, and promptly store all cold items. Store eggs in the original container in the main section (not in the door) of the refrigerator.

Thaw meat, poultry and seafood in the refrigerator or microwave oven. Do not leave on the counter at room temperature. Promptly cook thawed foods.

Strictly follow recommended cooking times. Thoroughly cook ground meat and poultry so that no redness remains and juices run clear. Avoid eating raw clams and oysters and undercooked meats and poultry. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs. Cook eggs until both the white and yolk are firm and not runny.

LOOK AFTER LEFTOVERS - Thoroughly reheat to boiling previously prepared food. Promptly refrigerate leftover foods in sealed containers. Maintain proper temperatures for all food while serving, especially during the warmer months.

As a rule, "keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold" and do not allow either to be out longer than two hours.

Do not eat any food that has been unrefrigerated for more than two hours. Another golden rule: "When in doubt, throw it out."

If any food looks or smells unusual, do not eat it or give it to your pets. They can become sick also. Contamination may be present and may not yet be detectable by just looking at it or smelling it.

AIESEC Cebu

AIESEC is the world's largest student-run organisation. Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, AIESEC offers volunteer abroad opportunities and international internships in over 113 countries and territories. 

Young people have the opportunity to become global citizens, to change the world, and to get experience and skills that matter today and tomorrow.

Present in over 113 countries and territories and with over 86,000 members, AIESEC is the world's largest student-run organisation. www.aiesec.org

Focused on providing a platform for youth leadership development, AIESEC offers young people the opportunity to be global citizens, to change the world, and to get experience and skills that matter today.


How to Engage with AIESEC

For Students
International Exchange
- Global Community Development program
- Global internship program

Leadership Opportunities
-Team Leader Program
- Team Member Program

For Organizations and COmpanies

- AIESEC offers flexible and customized programmes to provide talent that fits with your company's culture and processes. As a global partner of AIESEC, you will enrich your work force with globally mind young professionals, looking to make a difference in your company.

Global Exchange Program
- Access International students and take them on as interns to support your organizational needs and initiatives.



Email info@ai.aiesec.org
Website http://www.aiesec.org
Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/AIESECglobal

Tags: AIESEC Cebu, 

Responsible Pet Ownership by Island Rescue Organization (IRO) Cebu

One of the advocacies here in Cebu is the humane and responsible ownership of animals. Fortunately, there is an organization here in Cebu which is composed of volunteers dedicated to helping the plight of animals in the region through rescue, education and advocacy. The IRO (Island Rescue Organization) is a SEC registered non-profit organization where its goal is to promote responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals, rescue homeless companion animals, and establish the first rescue center and sanctuary in Cebu.

Their Mission Statement is:

To promote responsible ownership and humane treatment of all animals through cooperation, outreach and education.
To promote a symbiotic relationship between animals and humans, pursuant to the laws of the Philippines.
To advocate the development and enforcement of humane and effective animal welfare laws.
To rescue abused, abandoned, neglected and tortured animals.
To provide a healthy, loving, truly no-kill sanctuary for these animals.
To promote fostering of these animals while waiting for adoption.
To promote the adoption of these animals in loving, forever homes.

If you want to know more about the organization and contribute and even volunteer with their activities and their cause. Here are their contact details

Address: 15 Pearl Street, Silver Hills, Talamban,Cebu City, Cebu, 6000, Philippines.
Contact info
Phone IRO Hotline Number: 09325621672,
Donation Hotline: 09053543448/ 09322826312,
Adoption Hotline: 09158535672
Email helpiro@gmail.com
Website http://islandrescue.org/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/IslandRescueOrganization/

Tags: IRO Cebu, Island Rescue Cebu, Pet Owners Cebu, Cebu Pet Organizations, Pet Advocacy Cebu, Pet Adoption Cebu, Dog Adoption Cebu

Rotavirus Information Fact and Prevention in the Philippines

Rotavirus is the leading cause of diarrhea in the Philippines and worldwide. Every minute, 1 child dies of diarrhea worldwide. In the Philippines, at least children under five years old die every day.

In recent months, Secretary Enriqyue Ona of the Department of Health has announced to the media the inclusion of Rotavirus Vaccination as part of the Expanded Program for immunization (EPI) in 2012. This is aligned to P-Noy Administration's direction and goal of Universal Health Care and moves the Philippines forward in achieving Millenium Development Goal 4 (Reduce Child Mortality in 2013)

The Philippines has become the very first Aisan Country to implement Rotavirus Vaccination in the EPI.

Some of the countries that have Rotavirus Vaccine in the EPI/UMV: USA, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, Germany Mexico, Peru, South Africa, and GAVI eligible countries-Bolivia, Honduras.

Diarrhea a Very Serious and Deadly Disease

Diarrhea is the second leading killer of children aged less than 5 years old in the Philippines and Worldwide (1)(2)

- This means that each day 1,500 children die of diarrhea annually
- It's burden is greatest in the developing countries of Asia and Africa.
- In Developing Countries Rotaviral Diarrohoea and Vomiting Kills a Child Every Minute
- In the Philippines, more than 13 Filipino children die due to diarrhea every day. This accounts for at least 12% of deaths among children under five in the country.
- Rotavirus is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in children worldwide and the Philippines
- About 13-79% of diarrhea cases in the Philippines is due to Rotavirus - Asian Surveillance Network data (ARSN Publication)

Diarrhea also leads to serious long term effects to a child's development?
Recurrent diarrhea may lead to long term effects of a child's development in terms of Height, Energy Levels and Cognitive abilities.

- Diarrhea affects nutrient absorption and leads to lasting impact on the growth and development of a child.
- Growth shortfalls of up t0 8.2 cm by age 7 years have been attributed to early childhood diarrhea long-lasting
- Profound effects on fitness, cognition, and schooling are also observed

*What are the direct and indirect costs associated with diarrhea?
- Hospitalization due to acute gastroenteritis/diarrhea bears very serious impact on the patient and parent's quality of life as well as their livelihood, working caregivers had an average of 1,00 income loss per day. Amongst working caregivers, almost all missed 1-3 days of work or more.

*Rotavirus vaccination in the Expanded Program for Immunization of the Department of Health is Aligned to P-Noy's direction Universal Health Care Program. specifically reduction of infant mortality rate.

What are the ways to prevent diarrhea?

-Diarrhea caused by rotavirus is not effectively prevented through improved sanitation or water supplies.

Improvements in water and sanitation do not significantly reduce rotavirus diarrhea burden, which is why in developed countries like Australia, USA, Spain and UK rotavirus still contributes around 50% of the diarrhea cases and rotavirus vaccination has been successful in reducing the burden by as much as 75.6% reduction hospitalization due to rotaviral diarrhea.

Rotavirus Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent diarrhea related childhood deaths under 5 years of age.

Diarrhea is the 2nd leading killer of children under 5

More than 13 Filipino Children die due to diarrhea everyday. This accounts at least 12% of deaths among children under five in the country.