Hypertension is the leading contributing factor for global death. An estimated 10-million lives are lost each year due to elevated blood pressure which increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. In the Philippines, the incidence of hypertension alone, which remains a leading cause of death, continues to rise, with deaths linked to it hitting 34,500 in 2020. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases account for a third of deaths in the country.

Unfortunately, the number of Filipinos afflicted with hypertension continues to increase as many of them are unaware that they have raised blood pressure. Some of them only find out they are hypertensive after they had a stroke or heart attack, and other cardiovascular complications. However, the rising number of hypertensive Filipinos and deaths are actually preventable. Awareness about elevated blood pressure and its dangers, and improved health practices are necessary to prevent hypertension.  

This year, the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), alongside OMRON Healthcare, Servier, and the Department of Health (DOH), spearheaded the May Measure Month (MMM) campaign which encouraged individuals to have their blood pressure screened with OMRON’s clinically validating blood pressure monitoring available in select locations from May 17 (World Hypertension Day) to July 31, 2023. PSH will offer free blood pressure screenings and further raise awareness about the risks posed by hypertension.

The MMM initiative has screened about 5-million people in 100 countries. It also aims to screen more Filipinos across more municipalities nationwide with the support of local health organizations and volunteers.

This year’s campaign will also teach people about the proper method of taking blood pressure readings to enable them to monitor their blood pressure accurately in the comfort of their homes. This goal of raising awareness about proper blood monitoring and promoting better health has been the core of the MMM campaign since it started in 2017. Besides, given the opportunities of the hybrid setup, the campaign empowered people to measure their blood pressure through home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM), and doctors present at the event demonstrated the proper positioning on how to get accurate blood pressure measurement.

“May Measure Month is an opportunity and a reminder for Filipinos to take charge of their health not just this summer but every day. We also hope it will encourage more Filipinos to learn more about the risks associated with hypertension. We want to raise awareness and promote new methods to spread awareness about this silent killer and help people make lifestyle changes that can lead to better heart health,” said Dr. Dolores Bonzon, PSH president.

The data collected from the blood pressure monitoring devices across the different screening sites can be submitted and collected in three ways: 1) physical/ printed forms provided in screening sites, 2) Google forms made by the PSH which can be accomplished online by a volunteer healthcare professional or by the participants themselves, or 3) the patients themselves logging in their measured data at the MMM official website or the MMM mobile app. The PSH encourages the use of the first two methods to allow them to keep track of data submitted from the Philippines. These data are used to gather scientific knowledge to help influence worldwide blood pressure screening policies and make screening more widely available globally.

To offer trusted and clinically validated HBPM, OMRON Healthcare’s recently clinically validated HEM 7120 and HEM 7121 are equipped with a cuff wrapping guide to assist the user in properly fitting the arm cuff for an accurate and reliable blood pressure measurement. The products’ IntelliSense Technology automatically inflates the cuff to the optimal amount to provide precise results while still being comfortable. If the measured systolic or diastolic pressure is outside the standard range, the Hypertension Indicator feature sends a signal. These features are very important for obtaining reliable readings when blood pressure fluctuates.

“OMRON Healthcare remains committed to improving lives and contributing to a better society, especially since we have reached the 50th anniversary milestone of OMRON’s blood pressure monitors. OMRON has also transformed the way people measure blood pressure, making it simple and accurate for anybody, wherever in the world. Now more than ever, we have to be conscious of our general physical health. This year’s MMM will not just encourage Filipinos to integrate blood pressure monitoring in their lives to detect early signs of hypertension but also inspire them to make the necessary lifestyle changes to achieve better health,” said Yusuke Kato, general manager for OMRON Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd – Philippine Branch (Healthcare Division).

The MMM campaign is a call to action for all Filipinos to take control of their health and work toward a healthier future for themselves and their families. As the world shifts to the new normal, OMRON Healthcare will continue to work with other organizations to promote hypertension awareness and empower Filipinos to achieve better health and an improved quality of life.

A fitness routine is essential to good health. An activity as simple as walking, when done frequently, can have tremendous benefits to the body.^[1] Some benefits of a regular fitness routine include weight loss or maintenance, the improvement of physical functions, and the strengthening of bones and muscles. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and several common cancers.^[2]

Kim Atienza, popularly known as Kuya Kim, is a fitspiration to many because of his physique. His fitness journey, however, had a rocky start. The TV host had a stroke in 2010, followed by a life-threatening disease called Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2013. These incidents pushed Kuya Kim to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Today, Kuya Kim runs, cycles, and swims. He has competed in several triathlons and races in the Philippines and abroad. When he’s not competing, he swims and runs twice a week early in the morning. He also does Crossfit.

While he has a rigorous routine, he believes that health doesn’t have to be complicated. According to Kuya Kim, “Good health is an accumulation of small but meaningful changes. A sport or a workout is helpful but something as simple as changing how you move can lead to better health,” says Kuya Kim.

The TV host shares some elements in his fitness routine:

Starts the day with stretches

Kuya Kim starts his day with stretching, especially when he can’t squeeze in a workout in the morning. Stretching lengthens the muscles and reduces tension, increases blood flow to improve mobility, and brings on feelings of positivity.^[3]

To help keep his fitness in check, Kuya Kim does “intermittent fasting” or “IF”. In simple terms, this diet allows 16 hours of fasting, and eating what you want for the remaining 8 hours of the day. Because of this, he only gets to eat breakfast occasionally. But when he does, it’s still on the healthy side. 

“There’s truth in the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I make sure to have a nutritious and filling breakfast that can power me throughout the day,” says Kuya Kim. He eats a balanced breakfast that has protein and fiber, such as eggs, Greek yogurt, and oatmeal. For the rest of the day, he minimizes sugar and eats mostly vegetables.

Uses the stairs instead of the elevator

Elevators and escalators may get you to your destination faster but there are more benefits to taking the stairs. Climbing stairs can strengthen the muscles and increase body resistance, burn body fat, and improve heart and lung function.^[4] Kuya Kim shares, “I take the stairs when I can, especially when I only have to go to the second floor.”

Walks or bikes to a nearby destination instead of taking the car

“I walk or bike when the opportunity presents itself,” says Kuya Kim. That means leaving the car at home when running simple errands like doing the groceries or going to nearby locations like a favorite restaurant or a friend who lives nearby.

The TV host adds, “Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay fit and can be done by anyone, anywhere. You don’t need special clothes or any kind of equipment.”

Ends the day with a quiet meditation and stretches

Kuya Kim ends his day the way he starts them: with more stretches and meditation. He finds a comfortable spot at home, closes his eyes, and watches his breath. Frequent meditation reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and strengthens the immune system.^[5] The TV host reveals, “I want to end my day on a good note, and a few minutes of meditation improves my mood so I can readily face future challenges.”

Helping Filipinos with their fitness journey

Kuya Kim, who is an ambassador for the Watsons Brand Vitamin B Complex, trusts the leading health retailer for his fitness journey.

Watsons is committed to being the Filipino’s partner by offering a complete and wide range of products, such as fitness equipment, multivitamins and overall wellness items, health drinks, and supplements for digestive detox, and immunity and energy.

Filipinos can access these through Watsons’ network of over 1,000 stores in the Philippines, all of which offer expert care through in-store pharmacists, specialists, and staff.

They may also download the Watsons app to browse prescription and over-the-counter medicines and personal care products. For added convenience, customers can purchase online and pick up their orders from their selected store in 30 minutes or less, or have them delivered to their doorstep within three hours.

Download the Watsons on  iOS and Android for access to products that can help you with your fitness journey. For more information, please visit https://www.watsons.com.ph/.

^[1] 5 surprising benefits of walking. (2022, Aug 25). Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/5-surprising-benefits-of-walking. Accessed 29 March 2023.

^[2] Benefits of Physical Activity. (Last reviewed 2022, Jun 16). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm#:~:text=Regular%20physical%20activity%20is%20one,ability%20to%20do%20everyday%20activities.. Accessed 29 March 2023.

^[3] The Special Benefits Of Stretching In The Morning. (2022, May 12). Bustle, https://www.bustle.com/wellness/stretching-in-the-morning-benefits. Accessed 30 March 2023.

^[4] Benefits of Stair Climbing. (2020, Jan 6). Centre for Health Protection, https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/static/90006.html. Accessed 30 March 2023.

^[5] 10 Science-Backed Benefits Of Meditation. (Updated 2022, Oct 20). Forbes Health, https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/benefits-of-meditation/. Accessed 30 March 2023.

Hospital Management Asia (HMA) 2023 Conference, the premier event for hospital owners, C-level executives, directors, and healthcare leaders, returns on September 5 and 6 at the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.

Industry leaders and professionals from around the world, including Philippine-based speakers Stephen Tan, Hospital Administrator at University of Cebu Medical Center and Roxannie Alejo, Centre for Patient Experience Head at The Medical City, will be sharing their expertise and insights at the upcoming healthcare conference.

The conference will feature hospitals that have leveraged the latest digital and smart technologies, seen as pivotal in healthcare’s continued quest to improve quality of patient care and operational efficiencies. Healthtech companies and startups with innovative healthcare ideas and technologies will be providing valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in the field.

Attendees can expect panel sessions showcasing how leading hospitals in Asia are utilising digital technology to create innovative solutions for critical issues – from the global nursing shortage to medication errors, patient falls and hospital-acquired infections. Topics that will be covered include automation of nursing tasks; the role of data mining and analytics in quality and patient experience improvement; developing integrated digital systems to enhance care access and patient-centricity; and adoption of cybersecurity measures to ensure resilience of digital systems against cyberthreats.

Dr. Anton Decker, President of International at Mayo Clinic, will deliver a keynote speech on the significance of using data, AI, and connectivity in healthcare. Other key speakers at the event include Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, Minister of Health of Malaysia, Stephanie Bayer, Senior Director Patient Experience at Cleveland Clinic in the US, Dr. Ben Widaja, President Director of Mandaya Hospital Group in Indonesia, Dr. Asawin Puwatanasan, Deputy Hospital Director at Bangkok International Hospital in Thailand, Benedict Tan, Group Digital Strategy Officer and Chief Data Officer at Singapore Health Services in Singapore, and Monojit Mitra, Facility and Biomedical Director at FV Hospital in Vietnam.

“Our conference is designed to connect healthcare leaders from across Asia and facilitate important discussions,” said Pinky Fadullon, HMA Project Director. “With the theme ‘Embracing Change for More Efficient Healthcare,’ we aim to inspire hospitals to leverage digital technology that will improve patient outcomes.”

Registration for HMA 2023 is now open with early bird rates available until June 8. Attendees can register online through the HMA website.