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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Health Bulletin:The heart disease that silently kills

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Unlike rheumatic and congenital heart diseases, aortic aneurysm – despite its fatal consequences – is not commonly known and discussed. And often, people who have this cardiovascular illness do not know about it until it’s too late. 

According to the medical professionals of the Aortic Endovascular Unit at the Heart Institute of the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center, the number of Filipinos at risk of aortic aneurysms continuously increases but the awareness on it remains low. 

There are two kinds of aortic aneurysms: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or AAA, which occurs in the abdominal area, and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm or TAA, which happens in the chest area. The condition develops when the wall of the aorta deteriorates and weakens due to cholesterol deposits. The main artery then enlarges and becomes thinner, thus becoming vulnerable to rupture. 

Aneurysms can develop quietly and slowly over the years, usually without symptoms, until the aorta begins to leak or expand to 6-cm in diameter. Without warning, it can rupture and cause death. Aortic aneurysms have a near 50 percent fatality rate upon rupture. 

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This raises the urgency for screening, especially for those who have hypertension, high level of cholesterol, existing clogged arteries, history of the condition in the family and lead a sedentary lifestyle. “If one has any of these risk factors, he or she is a candidate and is advised to get a diagnosis through vascular screening,” urges Dr. Timothy Dy.

Those who who test positive for the disease should go through Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) for abdominal aneurysms, or Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) – and both procedures are available at CGHMC. 

While aortic aneurysms are generally asymptomatic, there are signs that may hint of this such as: hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, pain in the chest, back, side for TAA or stomach with pain ranging from mild to severe for AAA. 

The experts, however, assert that no two cases are alike and stress the need for proper screening. “There are cases where the aneurysm is small and can be addressed with monitoring, medication, and with the patient choosing an overall healthy lifestyle. Earlier diagnosis is still the optimal course of action,” reiterates Dr. Dy.

Losing weight is more fun when done with friends

They say one of the effective ways to truly lose weight and commit to your plan is to tell your friends about it so you’ll feel accountable. Support from people close to you will also strengthen your resolve to stick with your goal. But wouldn’t it be more fun if you actually have people who will join you on your journey?

BodyKey by Nutrilite, a weight management program from Amway, is calling groups of four friends to participate in the 60-day weight management challenge. The prizes? Losing those pesky extra pounds and an all-expenses paid luxury cruise to China, Japan and Korea.

BodyKey by Nutrilite is a personalized weight loss program. It starts with an extensive assessment and follows with a recommendation of meal plans based on nutrition guidelines endorsed by the Nutrilite Health Institute and exercise strategies. To jumpstart your weight loss, the program also comes with scientifically formulated meal replacement shakes in chocolate or vanilla flavors, Nutrilite All Plant Protein Powder, Nutrilite Nutri Fiber Blend Chewable Tablets and Nutrilite Double X (31-Day Supply).

Those who will avail the program and interested to take the challenge only need to share their story. The team that shows the most dramatic results wins a six-day luxury cruise. Other prizes include iPad minis for the 1st runners up, and iPod touch units for the 2nd runners up.

Registration is open until November 30, 2015.  For more details on the contest mechanics and criteria, go to:   http://www.bodykey.ph/en_us/get-started/challenge-activities.html

5 myths and facts about diabetes

Diabetes has become one of the leading chronic diseases in the world as well as here in the Philippines. In fact, the World Health Organization reveals that our country is one of the world’s emerging hotspots of the metabolic condition. Proof is the 2012 survey of the Philippine Council for Research and Development Library which found that 11 million Filipino adults had diabetes or pre-diabetes. 

Diabetes is a serious, life-long condition with grave consequences such as blindness or diabetic retinopathy, foot amputation due to nerve damage, kidney failure and cardiovascular diseases. However, there are many misconceptions regarding the disease that only make people misinformed and paranoid. Hence, Dr. Nicky Montoya of MediCard Philippines sets the record straight. 

Myth: Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.

Fact: Not directly. Drinking sugary drinks such as sodas has been linked to excess weight and people with excess weight or have 23 and up BMI (body mass index) are at risk of developing diabetes. However, it is not yet proven that too much sugar in itself causes the disease. 

Myth: Diabetics should never consume alcoholic drinks.

Fact: One drink a week is fine. People diagnosed with the disease are advised against drinking alcohol since it may lead to a major drop in blood sugar. But several studies posit that one drink is allowed once week, depending on one’s health condition. 

Myth: People with diabetes should not eat rice.

Fact: Rice, especially the white variant, is avoided because it’s tagged as a bad source for carbohydrates. But carbohydrates, broken down into glucose, are the body’s primary source of energy and total restriction will result in complications. The key is to get the right amount of carbohydrates by consuming the right amount of its food source. 

If you can’t give up rice, opt for brown or black rice instead.

Myth: Women with diabetes should not get pregnant. 

Fact: Women who manage their diabetes well can have a normal pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. It is, however, crucial for the expectant mother to keep her blood glucose within the target range, before she becomes pregnant and during pregnancy to avoid long-term diabetes problems for the mother and birth defects for the infant.

Myth: Diabetics cannot donate blood. 

Fact: Diabetics are eligible to donate blood as long as their sugar level is controlled, are in good health, their blood pressure is below 180/100, and are not anemic. On the day of the blood donation, they need to eat an adequate meal, drink extra fluids, and avoid drinking caffeinated beverages. 

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