By Isabel Berenguer Asuncion
LAST WEEK, hundreds of guests trooped over to Bonifacio Global City to attend the inauguration of the new St Luke’s Hospital. And well attended it was. Despite the large lobby and wide hallways, the main floor was filled to the fringes. The inauguration was highlighted by the “tours” around the hospital premises by its friendly and proficient staff of nurses, technicians and doctors, showcasing in-patient suites, laboratories, clinics and state-of-the-art equipment that by far, only this hospital can boast of having. World-class indeed.
This now all the more makes me a proud patient of the hospital, having given birth to all my three children in their original Quezon City facility, the same one where my father goes for all his medical needs as well.
The Global City premises though, surpass that of Quezon City several fold. In many ways, its sheer size alone has allowed it to provide for many other services and amenities. Its large lobby has a café on the ground floor and a piano lounge on its second floor. Its hallways, though simple and streamlined, are colored in uplifting palettes and are brightly lit.
It is the only hospital in the country with a separate emergency room for pediatric cases. And hanging on its walls are original artworks by Filipino artists which include a beautiful depiction of the medical field by Jon Santos at the main reception lobby, and a Bencab and Ramon Orlina at the Medical Arts Building lobby, and photos by Wig Tysmans at the suite floor.
Wellness Center
One of the many other things this hospital can boast of is their Wellness Center on the seventh floor. Responding to the call for better health services for the baby boom generation, the new wellness facility is a one-stop shop for executive checkups (or any individual checkup or test, for that matter). Traditionally, patients going in for checkups stay the day or are taken in for overnight preparations and procedures, and are wheeled around to various laboratories.
This Wellness Center integrates all these activities into a 3,000-square-meter space, reducing not only the need to travel through hospital floors, but reducing waiting time as well. Moreover, this facility breaks away from the conventions of healthcare institutions and introduces a modern welcoming and comforting “hotel-ish” environment. We are quite proud of having designed it, with the hospital proponents supportive of the innovations introduced.
Save for the diagnostic areas and laboratories, the Wellness Center is quite unlike what most hospital facilities have to offer. For one, it welcomes guests with a large lounge that is fitted out with the offerings of an airline lounge and the esthetics of a spa-like environment. And because it is situated along the building perimeter, it is bathed in the warmth and brightness of natural light.
To add to this feel of airiness are the high ceilings and large openings quite uncommon to healthcare facilities. Inside, it does away with harsh cool white lighting in all its hallways and public spaces, and instead uses warm lighting for a less clinical and more comforting environment.
While wallwashers are used to highlight artwork (which aren’t there yet, and thus my curiosity is piqued, considering what’s already hanging on the other walls of the hospital) cove lights slice along the hallway ceilings and set a sight line for direction and movement. Even the guest toilet and bathroom facilities, though fitted with cove lights, make the most of natural light by having full-smoked windows. Pocket gardens within the facility bring the outdoors into the interior corridors, and soften the very linear architecture of the spaces.
Infection control
Despite the not very hospital-like environment that will cater largely to people who are going for routine preventive healthcare, St. Luke’s didn’t throw caution to the wind. Infection control was a paramount concern in this wellness center. Vinyl floor sheets were carefully selected as to not harbor germs and bacteria, fabrics were shunned due to their habit of holding on to dirt. Because it had to adhere to local government and international standards for healthcare, hallways were designed to meet specific clearances and handrails and bumpers were integrated into the walls.
Fortunately, because corner guards and bumper rails were carefully selected to match wall colors, the walls are clean and do not appear to be full of patchy wall band-aid. The stainless steel finishes in the form of handrails and wall skirtings give the place quite an edgy look. When combined with the very earthy taupes and greys that dominate the walls and the wood finishes for the doors and cabinetry, one tends to forget stainless steel’s association with surgical hospital tools all together. For auditory comfort, the ceilings in all areas are partially done in acoustic tiles, cleverly installed without runners or frames, looking sleek and smart and so unlike acoustic tiles.
My last blood chemistry test showed very good results, but if ever I will need to go for my checkups, this wellness haven will have me, for sentimental and practical reasons, and mostly because I won’t feel like I’m going for my checkup.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Managing stress helps prevent diseases
By Cory Quirino
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HERE IS A YEAR-ENDER ON WELLNESS.
Body
You are exactly what you eat. For every morsel of live green food, as in vegetables, the more life you put into your body.
Keep it fresh and raw. Uncooked vegetables and fruits are packed with life-giving enzymes. The more raw food you eat, the more energy you will have. Remember that raw food is your best defense against lifestyle diseases like cancer, hypertension and diabetes.
Keep calories down by not drowning your salad with dressing. Try a simple mixture of 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, squeeze of lemon, 1 anchovy fillet (or one tsp bagoong isda run through the blender, optional) and sprinkle of herbs.
Anti-aging simply means you can delay the aging process by avoiding toxic food with chemicals, preservatives, coloring or artificial seasoning. And one of the surest ways to become young-looking and vibrant is to exercise.
Go easy on your exercise program. Slow but sure is better than quick and intense (unless you’re an athlete). Know that exercise produces free radicals. This is why you need to load up on antioxidant-rich foods.
Wherever you dine, one can never be too sure about the way food is prepared—overcooked/undercooked, reused oils, hygiene, kitchen presentation/sanitation, etc. So always remember your Vitamins A, B, C, E and minerals zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium. These basics can fortify one’s immune system.
Sleep the sleep of angels, as they say. Nothing can replace a good night’s sleep. And never forget that one night’s sleep lost is difficult to make up for. You can literally age overnight. Practice the art of napping twice a day—it’s rejuvenating.
Make probiotics a part of your daily regimen. Two tablespoons of kefir daily is all you need to ensure great health.
Overeating, alcohol consumption, antibiotics and unclean food can cause hyperacidity and amoebiasis (bad bacteria in the gut). Try kefir power from Bukidnon with 14 strains of good bacteria. Call World of Wellness at 7233878, 3323864.
Green blood is in. Taking wheatgrass everyday will fortify one’s body with iron, magnesium, calcium, fiber and enzymes. Its high-alkaline benefits cut stomach acidity instantly and restore balance to one’s system. It is super food. Weight-conscious people should take one sachet of tea 30 minutes before meals to control appetite. Call 8901111, Easy Phamax.
Mind
The mind is so connected to the brain that most experts do not know where their boundaries belong. Is there an overlap?
Stress-free—If you can manage stress, then half if not most of your illnesses will disappear. Doctors believe stress is a major cause of disease. The mind is directly connected to the body. Therefore a stressed mind will depress the immune system. Thus, if you can adopt a calm and positive attitude in life, chances are your vitality and strength are guaranteed. Stress management should be a major component of many health/wellness regimens. Take deep, long deliberate breaths to ease pressure on the mind and heart.
Adopt a “tomorrow will be better” attitude. Reciting this in your head is enough. If you want to magnify its power, read it out loud then watch the good things come your way.
Spirit
There is no discounting the power of a prayerful heart. When the spirit moves you, it also moves mountains. Make time for meditative prayer everyday. If you can achieve harmony in all its aspects, then you have discovered the true meaning of wellness.
Affirmation: “I am fit to live and fit to love.”
Love and light!
Philippine Daily Inquirer
HERE IS A YEAR-ENDER ON WELLNESS.
Body
You are exactly what you eat. For every morsel of live green food, as in vegetables, the more life you put into your body.
Keep it fresh and raw. Uncooked vegetables and fruits are packed with life-giving enzymes. The more raw food you eat, the more energy you will have. Remember that raw food is your best defense against lifestyle diseases like cancer, hypertension and diabetes.
Keep calories down by not drowning your salad with dressing. Try a simple mixture of 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, squeeze of lemon, 1 anchovy fillet (or one tsp bagoong isda run through the blender, optional) and sprinkle of herbs.
Anti-aging simply means you can delay the aging process by avoiding toxic food with chemicals, preservatives, coloring or artificial seasoning. And one of the surest ways to become young-looking and vibrant is to exercise.
Go easy on your exercise program. Slow but sure is better than quick and intense (unless you’re an athlete). Know that exercise produces free radicals. This is why you need to load up on antioxidant-rich foods.
Wherever you dine, one can never be too sure about the way food is prepared—overcooked/undercooked, reused oils, hygiene, kitchen presentation/sanitation, etc. So always remember your Vitamins A, B, C, E and minerals zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium. These basics can fortify one’s immune system.
Sleep the sleep of angels, as they say. Nothing can replace a good night’s sleep. And never forget that one night’s sleep lost is difficult to make up for. You can literally age overnight. Practice the art of napping twice a day—it’s rejuvenating.
Make probiotics a part of your daily regimen. Two tablespoons of kefir daily is all you need to ensure great health.
Overeating, alcohol consumption, antibiotics and unclean food can cause hyperacidity and amoebiasis (bad bacteria in the gut). Try kefir power from Bukidnon with 14 strains of good bacteria. Call World of Wellness at 7233878, 3323864.
Green blood is in. Taking wheatgrass everyday will fortify one’s body with iron, magnesium, calcium, fiber and enzymes. Its high-alkaline benefits cut stomach acidity instantly and restore balance to one’s system. It is super food. Weight-conscious people should take one sachet of tea 30 minutes before meals to control appetite. Call 8901111, Easy Phamax.
Mind
The mind is so connected to the brain that most experts do not know where their boundaries belong. Is there an overlap?
Stress-free—If you can manage stress, then half if not most of your illnesses will disappear. Doctors believe stress is a major cause of disease. The mind is directly connected to the body. Therefore a stressed mind will depress the immune system. Thus, if you can adopt a calm and positive attitude in life, chances are your vitality and strength are guaranteed. Stress management should be a major component of many health/wellness regimens. Take deep, long deliberate breaths to ease pressure on the mind and heart.
Adopt a “tomorrow will be better” attitude. Reciting this in your head is enough. If you want to magnify its power, read it out loud then watch the good things come your way.
Spirit
There is no discounting the power of a prayerful heart. When the spirit moves you, it also moves mountains. Make time for meditative prayer everyday. If you can achieve harmony in all its aspects, then you have discovered the true meaning of wellness.
Affirmation: “I am fit to live and fit to love.”
Love and light!
Australian research says TV can kill
Agence France-Presse
SYDNEY- People who spend more than four hours in front of the television each day have a far higher risk of dying early than those who limit their viewing, an Australian study said Tuesday.
Watching the small screen for prolonged periods is also bad for your heart, according to the research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
"Compared to people who watch less than two hours of television per day, people who watch more than four hours per day have a 46 percent higher risk of death from all causes," researcher David Dunstan told AFP.
They also have an 80 percent increased risk from cardiovascular disease, he said.
Sitting down for long periods stops the body from using its muscles and adequately processing sugars and fats, Dunstan said.
The findings come from a six-year study into the viewing habits of some 8,800 Australians which stripped out the influence of other health factors such as age, sex, smoking, weight and exercise.
Australians watch an average of three hours a day, said Dunstan, a researcher with the Melbourne-based Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.
The study found that even people who exercised regularly were potentially hurting their bodies by sitting down for extended periods, he said.
"What these findings suggest is that in addition to regular exercise, people need to consider avoiding prolonged periods of sitting; whether it's in front of the television, working long hours or driving for prolonged periods.
"And for TV, a specific message could be: switch off, stand up and keep moving," the researcher said.
SYDNEY- People who spend more than four hours in front of the television each day have a far higher risk of dying early than those who limit their viewing, an Australian study said Tuesday.
Watching the small screen for prolonged periods is also bad for your heart, according to the research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
"Compared to people who watch less than two hours of television per day, people who watch more than four hours per day have a 46 percent higher risk of death from all causes," researcher David Dunstan told AFP.
They also have an 80 percent increased risk from cardiovascular disease, he said.
Sitting down for long periods stops the body from using its muscles and adequately processing sugars and fats, Dunstan said.
The findings come from a six-year study into the viewing habits of some 8,800 Australians which stripped out the influence of other health factors such as age, sex, smoking, weight and exercise.
Australians watch an average of three hours a day, said Dunstan, a researcher with the Melbourne-based Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute.
The study found that even people who exercised regularly were potentially hurting their bodies by sitting down for extended periods, he said.
"What these findings suggest is that in addition to regular exercise, people need to consider avoiding prolonged periods of sitting; whether it's in front of the television, working long hours or driving for prolonged periods.
"And for TV, a specific message could be: switch off, stand up and keep moving," the researcher said.
One-third of gov’t employees have mental problems
By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—As many as three out of 10 government employees have mental health problems, a recent survey has found out.
The most common mental disorders found among state workers were depression and anxiety disorder, which require professional intervention, said Dr. Edgardo Tolentino Jr. of the Philippine Psychiatric Association.
He said the 2007 survey, an initiative of the Department of Health, used the diagnostic tool Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association to get a picture of the mental health of Filipino government workers.
Employees of major government departments based in the National Capital Region were covered by the survey.
“Surprisingly as much as 30 per cent of the respondents were found to have mental health problems. There was one or two who were even possibly suicidal,” Tolentino said at a forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians on Tuesday.
“We think that people are just normal, but they are actually harboring mental health problems which could be picked up by a diagnostic tool,” continued Tolentino, who practices at the Makati Medical Center.
He explained that depression is not to be confused with the sadness caused by the loss of or separation from a loved one.
“Depression is an illness triggered, even without any loss or separation... (by) brain chemical imbalance. It has to be treated because of the danger of suicide. So we help non-psychiatrists detect this,” Tolentino said.
Dr. Tante Delia of the PPA who practices at the Philippine General Hospital, said the recent findings jibe with the findings made more than a decade ago by the late Dr. Antonio Perlas, then one of the country's leading practitioners of mental health care.
Perlas' 1994 survey conducted in communities in Region VI with 3,000 respondents showed that 14.3 per cent or nearly two out of 10 persons suffered from a range of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, phobia and general depression.
“They needed professional help, medication or psycho-therapy,” Delia explained.
Tolentino said a nationwide survey is being planned to get a bigger picture of the mental health among Filipinos.
He said the findings of the 2007 survey indicated that those who showed mental problems were those with less formal education and those in difficult family situations.
“The more stressors you have and if you don't have enough resources to deal with the problem, it may turn to be a mental health problem,” Tolentino said.
He stressed the “life-saving” importance of diagnosing mental disorder.
In some celebrated cases of suicide, the “psychological autopsy” revealed that the suicidal person had given out several warning signs which were unfortunately undetected.
Tolentino cited one case where the suicide left not only a note but gave his bank automated teller machine PIN number to his staff to give to his family after his death.
“There were a lot of signs but the people around them didn't detect that there was already depression. It's life-saving to detect depression. It's preventable, there's something we can do to prevent it,” he stressed as he noted the high number of patients suffering from anxiety attacks.
“Over the past 10 years, there's a high incidence of anxiety among Filipinos. We are an anxious people,” Tolentino said.
But he also noted how Filipinos use humor as a coping mechanism during times of disaster and national upheavals.
“Is it good or bad? It could be good. But the mature way of coping is if we can use it to find a solution,” he said.
The Philippine Psychiatric Association is lobbying Congress to pass a mental health bill to strengthen and institutionalize services for mental health care.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—As many as three out of 10 government employees have mental health problems, a recent survey has found out.
The most common mental disorders found among state workers were depression and anxiety disorder, which require professional intervention, said Dr. Edgardo Tolentino Jr. of the Philippine Psychiatric Association.
He said the 2007 survey, an initiative of the Department of Health, used the diagnostic tool Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association to get a picture of the mental health of Filipino government workers.
Employees of major government departments based in the National Capital Region were covered by the survey.
“Surprisingly as much as 30 per cent of the respondents were found to have mental health problems. There was one or two who were even possibly suicidal,” Tolentino said at a forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians on Tuesday.
“We think that people are just normal, but they are actually harboring mental health problems which could be picked up by a diagnostic tool,” continued Tolentino, who practices at the Makati Medical Center.
He explained that depression is not to be confused with the sadness caused by the loss of or separation from a loved one.
“Depression is an illness triggered, even without any loss or separation... (by) brain chemical imbalance. It has to be treated because of the danger of suicide. So we help non-psychiatrists detect this,” Tolentino said.
Dr. Tante Delia of the PPA who practices at the Philippine General Hospital, said the recent findings jibe with the findings made more than a decade ago by the late Dr. Antonio Perlas, then one of the country's leading practitioners of mental health care.
Perlas' 1994 survey conducted in communities in Region VI with 3,000 respondents showed that 14.3 per cent or nearly two out of 10 persons suffered from a range of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, phobia and general depression.
“They needed professional help, medication or psycho-therapy,” Delia explained.
Tolentino said a nationwide survey is being planned to get a bigger picture of the mental health among Filipinos.
He said the findings of the 2007 survey indicated that those who showed mental problems were those with less formal education and those in difficult family situations.
“The more stressors you have and if you don't have enough resources to deal with the problem, it may turn to be a mental health problem,” Tolentino said.
He stressed the “life-saving” importance of diagnosing mental disorder.
In some celebrated cases of suicide, the “psychological autopsy” revealed that the suicidal person had given out several warning signs which were unfortunately undetected.
Tolentino cited one case where the suicide left not only a note but gave his bank automated teller machine PIN number to his staff to give to his family after his death.
“There were a lot of signs but the people around them didn't detect that there was already depression. It's life-saving to detect depression. It's preventable, there's something we can do to prevent it,” he stressed as he noted the high number of patients suffering from anxiety attacks.
“Over the past 10 years, there's a high incidence of anxiety among Filipinos. We are an anxious people,” Tolentino said.
But he also noted how Filipinos use humor as a coping mechanism during times of disaster and national upheavals.
“Is it good or bad? It could be good. But the mature way of coping is if we can use it to find a solution,” he said.
The Philippine Psychiatric Association is lobbying Congress to pass a mental health bill to strengthen and institutionalize services for mental health care.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
The good and bad sides of herbal medicines
Neal Cruz opinion@inquirer.com.ph
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Daily Inquirer
WE HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS about herbal medicines being advertised and sold. We have also been offered these herbs, complete with anecdotal stories about the scores of people that the “miraculous” herbs have “cured.” Some time ago, I read a story in the papers that Health Secretary Francisco Duque had ordered the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate the claims of those companies manufacturing, advertising and selling herbal medicines to guide the public. The people may be misled by the extravagant claims, he said. At a forum of the Kapihan sa Manila the FDA head assured me that they were testing the efficacy of the herbal medicines being sold. That was a long time ago, but until now the FDA has not released any of its findings, if any.
The rise of the herbal medicines started during the term of a previous health secretary who used to be a country doctor. Because of the high cost of medicines, his administration encouraged the sale of medicinal herbs which can be had for free in the countryside.
Of course, herbal medicines have been used in China for decades but it is still new in the Philippines.
The herbal revolution started with ampalaya leaves as a “cure” against diabetes, supposedly after a test made by a doctor. The health department seized on this and immediately boarded the ampalaya bandwagon. It turned out that the sampling was very limited and the ampalaya leaves came only from a small farm on Mt. Makiling. And there was—and still is—no proof that they can cure diabetes. I asked endocrinologists about this and they all shook their heads.
But there was no stopping the herbal bandwagon. Other herbal medications purporting to “cure” the most deadly diseases: cancer, heart disease, high-blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, name the disease and there is a herbal medicine for it.
The public has looked to the FDA and the health department to guide them on the use of herbals. But there was no such guidance, and there being none, not even any warnings, the people embraced the sales pitch of the herbal companies. Companies producing, promoting and selling herbal medicines sprouted like mushrooms. And judging from their frequent newspaper advertisements, television commercials using celebrity endorsers, and giant billboards, these companies must be raking it in. After all, what were they selling but leaves and herbs that they gather almost free from the countryside. Yet these are sold at handsome prices in different forms: capsules, tablets, liquid, tea leaves, etc.
The good and bad sides of herbal medicines
Every few months, a new flavor of the month, a “miraculous” plant from some exotic place, emerges and is promoted by their sellers like they were the Black Nazarene of Quiapo. One time it was mahogany seeds, another time it was an exotic fruit whose name I cannot remember. After a few months, these “miraculous” cures were forgotten, only to be replaced by others.
It turned out that some of these are toxic. A journalist friend (of all people) habitually chewed on mahogany seeds. It lowered his blood pressure, he said. The mahogany seeds did not only lower his blood pressure, it stopped his heart. The seeds were toxic, the health department found out later. But it was too late. He was dead.
My sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas and she was told to undergo chemotherapy. Instead, she was persuaded by a friend to take a herbal concoction. In the beginning, she claimed she was feeling better, but she died soon after. Of course, it could have been the cancer that killed her but that is the trouble with herbals. Because of the extravagant claims of their promoters without any scientific basis, many patients forego the advice of doctors and take their chances with herbals.
It is the responsibility of the government to guide the people on whether or not certain medications are good or bad for their health. We have the FDA for that. But the herbal companies escape government scrutiny by putting on the packages of their herbal medicines, “No therapeutic claims,” meaning they are not making any claims that their herbs have any therapeutic value.
But that is exactly what their advertisements and commercials and literature do: they claim that their herbs cure any disease known to man: cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, diarrhea, women’s diseases, etc. They were like the “snake oil” of old that traveling salesmen sold door to door after performing some magic tricks and acrobatic acts in the street to attract a crowd. Actually, the snake oil was nothing but colored coconut oil scented with menthol and had no curative value at all.
The FDA claims it has no jurisdiction over herbals because they are not medicines but food supplements. But they are being sold as medicines and in capsule, tablet, liquid forms or as tea. They are sold in drug stores; they are packaged as regular medicines; they are endorsed by doctors and other celebrities.
There should be a law to punish any endorser of a medicine, herbal or regular, that brings harm to any patient.
The DOH and FDA are being negligent by not investigating the herbals more closely. They should outlaw the sale of these herbals until each and every one of them has been tested as to the truth of their claims. And if any of them harms a patient, the company and endorsers should be punished and made to pay damages to the patient or his family.
These irresponsible herbal companies are happily raking it in without facing any consequences if they made a mistake. It is time we changed that and protected the public.
The rise of the herbal medicines started during the term of a previous health secretary who used to be a country doctor. Because of the high cost of medicines, his administration encouraged the sale of medicinal herbs which can be had for free in the countryside.
Of course, herbal medicines have been used in China for decades but it is still new in the Philippines.
The herbal revolution started with ampalaya leaves as a “cure” against diabetes, supposedly after a test made by a doctor. The health department seized on this and immediately boarded the ampalaya bandwagon. It turned out that the sampling was very limited and the ampalaya leaves came only from a small farm on Mt. Makiling. And there was—and still is—no proof that they can cure diabetes. I asked endocrinologists about this and they all shook their heads.
But there was no stopping the herbal bandwagon. Other herbal medications purporting to “cure” the most deadly diseases: cancer, heart disease, high-blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, name the disease and there is a herbal medicine for it.
The public has looked to the FDA and the health department to guide them on the use of herbals. But there was no such guidance, and there being none, not even any warnings, the people embraced the sales pitch of the herbal companies. Companies producing, promoting and selling herbal medicines sprouted like mushrooms. And judging from their frequent newspaper advertisements, television commercials using celebrity endorsers, and giant billboards, these companies must be raking it in. After all, what were they selling but leaves and herbs that they gather almost free from the countryside. Yet these are sold at handsome prices in different forms: capsules, tablets, liquid, tea leaves, etc.
The good and bad sides of herbal medicines
Every few months, a new flavor of the month, a “miraculous” plant from some exotic place, emerges and is promoted by their sellers like they were the Black Nazarene of Quiapo. One time it was mahogany seeds, another time it was an exotic fruit whose name I cannot remember. After a few months, these “miraculous” cures were forgotten, only to be replaced by others.
It turned out that some of these are toxic. A journalist friend (of all people) habitually chewed on mahogany seeds. It lowered his blood pressure, he said. The mahogany seeds did not only lower his blood pressure, it stopped his heart. The seeds were toxic, the health department found out later. But it was too late. He was dead.
My sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas and she was told to undergo chemotherapy. Instead, she was persuaded by a friend to take a herbal concoction. In the beginning, she claimed she was feeling better, but she died soon after. Of course, it could have been the cancer that killed her but that is the trouble with herbals. Because of the extravagant claims of their promoters without any scientific basis, many patients forego the advice of doctors and take their chances with herbals.
It is the responsibility of the government to guide the people on whether or not certain medications are good or bad for their health. We have the FDA for that. But the herbal companies escape government scrutiny by putting on the packages of their herbal medicines, “No therapeutic claims,” meaning they are not making any claims that their herbs have any therapeutic value.
But that is exactly what their advertisements and commercials and literature do: they claim that their herbs cure any disease known to man: cancer, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, diarrhea, women’s diseases, etc. They were like the “snake oil” of old that traveling salesmen sold door to door after performing some magic tricks and acrobatic acts in the street to attract a crowd. Actually, the snake oil was nothing but colored coconut oil scented with menthol and had no curative value at all.
The FDA claims it has no jurisdiction over herbals because they are not medicines but food supplements. But they are being sold as medicines and in capsule, tablet, liquid forms or as tea. They are sold in drug stores; they are packaged as regular medicines; they are endorsed by doctors and other celebrities.
There should be a law to punish any endorser of a medicine, herbal or regular, that brings harm to any patient.
The DOH and FDA are being negligent by not investigating the herbals more closely. They should outlaw the sale of these herbals until each and every one of them has been tested as to the truth of their claims. And if any of them harms a patient, the company and endorsers should be punished and made to pay damages to the patient or his family.
These irresponsible herbal companies are happily raking it in without facing any consequences if they made a mistake. It is time we changed that and protected the public.
Formula for wellness
By Cory Quirino
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, ONE CAN BE driven to excess.
Here are some questions from readers on how to keep a healthy lifestyle despite all the celebrations:
How can I determine if what I am eating isn’t fattening? Are low-calorie foods better than regular table food?
An excess of calories causes weight gain. Sometimes it isn’t so much the kind of food you eat as it is the amount of food on your plate. For example, a small bowl of ice cream is equal in calories to a big bowl of low-calorie food. With an overindulgence in food, one’s body will likewise be faced with a big problem—what to do with the excess in calories. Your metabolism will ask, “How do I burn this?” If you don’t engage in some form of exercise, this food overload will lead to weight gain. In short, big meals and no exercise equals weight problems. Burn what you eat. It’s the best way to stay trim and healthy.
I have a mild heart condition but have heard about the exciting antioxidant properties of green tea; but each time I drink it, I experience palpitations.
Green tea raises one’s metabolic rate as it contains caffeine. And while its antioxidant properties are immune boosters, it is not recommended for those with heart problems. If you wish to enjoy the benefits of green tea minus the caffeine, visit a health food store with caffeine-free green tea.
Is it really that important to de-stress?
Reducing stress in our lives may be easier said than done. However, once you realize its health benefits you will set aside relaxation time despite your busy schedule.
These include: Reduction of inflammation (caused by fine radicals) in the body; reduced heart disease; improved flexibility and mobility; reduced psoriasis.
Please give me a formula for wellness.
Here is a 10-point plan:
1. Boost your immune system. Eat nutritious food.
2. Take in more antioxidants.
3. Reduce your body fat.
4. Exercise. Increase your physical activity.
5. Reduce stress.
6. Balance work and relaxation.
7. Get enough sleep.
8. Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water daily.
9. Forgive.
10. Be happy. Share your love.
I wish to get started on an excess regimen. How do I begin?
This message is simple. The more you raise your activity level, the less sickly you will become. Start now. If you’re serious, you will, after reading this column, go for a brisk 30-minute walk.
Affirm now: Today is the start of a new me.
Love and light!
Special Christmas sale on wellness baskets is ongoing at World of Wellness, (7233878/3323864).
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, ONE CAN BE driven to excess.
Here are some questions from readers on how to keep a healthy lifestyle despite all the celebrations:
How can I determine if what I am eating isn’t fattening? Are low-calorie foods better than regular table food?
An excess of calories causes weight gain. Sometimes it isn’t so much the kind of food you eat as it is the amount of food on your plate. For example, a small bowl of ice cream is equal in calories to a big bowl of low-calorie food. With an overindulgence in food, one’s body will likewise be faced with a big problem—what to do with the excess in calories. Your metabolism will ask, “How do I burn this?” If you don’t engage in some form of exercise, this food overload will lead to weight gain. In short, big meals and no exercise equals weight problems. Burn what you eat. It’s the best way to stay trim and healthy.
I have a mild heart condition but have heard about the exciting antioxidant properties of green tea; but each time I drink it, I experience palpitations.
Green tea raises one’s metabolic rate as it contains caffeine. And while its antioxidant properties are immune boosters, it is not recommended for those with heart problems. If you wish to enjoy the benefits of green tea minus the caffeine, visit a health food store with caffeine-free green tea.
Is it really that important to de-stress?
Reducing stress in our lives may be easier said than done. However, once you realize its health benefits you will set aside relaxation time despite your busy schedule.
These include: Reduction of inflammation (caused by fine radicals) in the body; reduced heart disease; improved flexibility and mobility; reduced psoriasis.
Please give me a formula for wellness.
Here is a 10-point plan:
1. Boost your immune system. Eat nutritious food.
2. Take in more antioxidants.
3. Reduce your body fat.
4. Exercise. Increase your physical activity.
5. Reduce stress.
6. Balance work and relaxation.
7. Get enough sleep.
8. Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water daily.
9. Forgive.
10. Be happy. Share your love.
I wish to get started on an excess regimen. How do I begin?
This message is simple. The more you raise your activity level, the less sickly you will become. Start now. If you’re serious, you will, after reading this column, go for a brisk 30-minute walk.
Affirm now: Today is the start of a new me.
Love and light!
Special Christmas sale on wellness baskets is ongoing at World of Wellness, (7233878/3323864).
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