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Monitoring blood pressure at home can help reduce risk of brain stroke
Various international trials on blood pressure lowering and stroke prevention state that for every 5 mm Hg decrease in SBP, the expected risk reduction of stroke and heart attack incidence and mortality was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12-24%) in individuals younger than 55 years, 9% (5-12%) in those aged 55-74 years, 9% (4-13%) in those aged 75-84 years, and 1% (-13; +12) in those aged 85 years and older.
A new data review, conducted by OMRON Healthcare Singapore, has revealed that monitoring blood pressure at home can help in reducing risk of brain stroke. According to the review, people who monitor their blood pressure at home are more likely to detect and manage hypertension – one of the leading causes of stroke.
The review is based on an active user base of around 340 people, and more than 43,000 blood pressure readings across Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam over the period from November 2021 to October 2022.This base consists of users who are regularly using OMRON Bluetooth-connected digital BP monitoring device and tracking their blood pressure with the OMRON connect app, as well as OMRON’s Health Gift program within the app.
The monitoring and analysis of their readings over the pre- and post-registration period (3 months before, and the 1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th month) reveals average Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) improvement of 10mmHg among hypertensive people with a baseline SBP of 135mmHg and above, within 12 months. The study also shows that 80% of this group of users were able to control their blood pressure, with 55% achieving normal SBP by the 12th month of tracking.
Various international trials on blood pressure lowering and stroke prevention state that for every 5 mm Hg decrease in SBP, the expected risk reduction of stroke and heart attack incidence and mortality was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI], 12-24%) in individuals younger than 55 years, 9% (5-12%) in those aged 55-74 years, 9% (4-13%) in those aged 75-84 years, and 1% (-13; +12) in those aged 85 years and older.
Thus, the data review reiterates that home blood pressure monitoring and tracking with the help of an app help in identifying abnormal changes in blood pressure. If the changes are addressed and managed with the help of physicians, before they become severe, it can be an effective support for stroke prevention, especially among people who have a family history of hypertension or stroke.
“I believe that monitoring of blood pressure at home is an essential aspect of controlling hypertension and managing co-morbidities like stroke, heart attack, and dementia. Regular monitoring aided by accurate digital devices allows for early detection of potential health issues and empowers patients to take control of their own health by making informed decisions under the guidance of their physicians. It’s important to incorporate monitoring in your daily regime to achieve optimal health and prevent potential complications in the long run,” said Valery Feigin, Professor of Neurology & Epidemiology and Director of NISAN.
OMRON Healthcare, one of the leading players in home healthcare monitoring, has been at the forefront of promoting the importance of home blood pressure monitoring. The company has been developing innovative, connected, and affordable digital blood pressure monitoring devices that are being used by people across Asia Pacific to monitor their blood pressure at home. This year, the company celebrated the 50th anniversary of the launch of blood pressure monitors, and will continue to work towards its vision of contributing towards “zero cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease (zero events)” around the world.
“Digital home blood pressure monitoring is a game-changer in the fight against stroke. It starts with managing hypertension — stroke’s biggest risk factor,” says Yusuke Kato, General Manager, OMRON Healthcare Philippines. “Our devices are connected, accurate, and user-friendly, making it easy for people to monitor their blood pressure regularly and also keep their physicians and caregivers easily informed with the help of the OMRON connect app. This enables them to take more effective and timely decisions, rendering better management of their health and leading to fewer unexpected health events. Thus, helping us to drive our vision of “Going for Zero” events,” he added.
The added rewards to users via OMRON Health Gift program are recognized by the company as an effective tool to motivate users in building and keeping up a healthy habit of regular blood pressure monitoring.
Reports highlight that hypertension is the most powerful modifiable risk factors for stroke, heart attack, and dementia; lowering blood pressure substantially reduces the risk of morbidity and mortality. However, it continues to pose a significant burden in Asia, with poor awareness and undertreatment reported in many Asian countries and regions. It is estimated to cause nearly 3.7 million deaths each year in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. Considering the asymptomatic nature of hypertension and the significant disease burden, it is essential to measure blood pressure regularly. Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is recognized as a valuable tool to monitor blood pressure and facilitate effective detection of hypertension. Combined with the right drugs treatment, it can play a significant role in preventing stroke, heart attacks, and dementia.
To this end, OMRON has joined the mission to promote blood pressure screening through device donations via the May Measurement Month program. Since 2017, OMRON has donated approximately 23,000 units of blood pressure monitors to various medical associations of hypertension globally, to support screening and diagnosis.
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Fullerton Health celebrates two years of advancing preventive healthcare in PH
As more Filipino professionals navigate increasingly demanding careers and lifestyles, preventive healthcare is becoming less of an afterthought and more of a necessity.
From routine executive health screenings to proactive wellness programs, a growing number of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and working professionals are prioritizing early detection and long-term health management as part of their everyday lives. The shift reflects a broader understanding that staying productive, achieving personal goals, and maintaining overall well-being require more than treating illnesses when they arise—they require preventing them in the first place.
This evolving mindset is something Fullerton Health Philippines has witnessed firsthand.
Now celebrating their second anniversary, the organization continues to champion preventive healthcare as an essential part of modern living, helping more Filipinos take proactive steps toward better health through executive health screening, advanced diagnostics, and personalized wellness solutions.
“Our mission has always been to empower individuals to take control of their health before illnesses develop or progress. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on helping more people live fuller, healthier lives through preventive care,” said Carmie de Leon, Country General Manager of Fullerton Health Philippines.
The growing emphasis on prevention has fueled Fullerton Health Philippines’ growth over the past two years. Since opening its doors, the organization has established itself as a trusted partner in executive health by combining advanced diagnostic capabilities, efficient patient experiences, and comprehensive health screening programs designed to offer efficient, fast, and seamless preventive healthcare experience.
A significant highlight in Fullerton Health Philippines’ journey this year was the recognition received at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2026, where they were honored as Specialty Clinic of the Year (Executive Health) – Philippines. The award recognizes the organization’s excellence in executive health screening, mainly in offering advanced diagnostic imaging technologies, evidence-based healthcare practices, and patient-centered care designed to support early detection and better health outcomes.
Fullerton Health Philippines has also expanded access through strategic partnerships with major HMO providers, healthcare organizations, and digital health platforms, making executive health screening more convenient for more Filipinos.
The company has also broadened its preventive health offerings through initiatives such as packages bundled with wellness perks that is also attractive for medical tourism, reflecting its belief that long-term well-being is supported by both preventive healthcare and holistic wellness experiences, as well as offering discounts in partnership with major payment networks to provide a more affordable option for Filipinos.
With this, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to receive consistent five-star reviews from clients. The strong satisfaction ratings reinforce the company’s position as a trusted partner in
preventive healthcare.
For Founder and Chairman of COL Financial Group, Inc., Edward K. Lee, preventive healthcare is an essential investment in maintaining both personal well-being and the ability to lead with confidence.
“Running a business means making decisions that prepare you for the future, and I believe the same mindset should apply to your health. Undergoing regular executive health screenings means I’m taking proactive steps to stay healthy for myself, my family, and the people who depend on me,” said Lee.
Similarly, President of Upgrade Energy Philippines Inc., Ruth Yu-Owen, who balances leadership responsibilities in the renewable energy sector while championing initiatives that create opportunities for Filipino women, sees preventive healthcare as an important part of sustaining both her personal well-being and professional pursuits.
“Being able to undergo a thorough health check-up provides me with the opportunity to improve my diet and make necessary lifestyle changes. Most importantly, it gives me peace of mind,” she shared.
These personal experiences reflect a broader shift toward proactive healthcare, where prevention becomes a cornerstone of long-term wellness rather than a response to illness.
Guided by its advocacy to help individuals to Live Fuller, Fullerton Health Philippines continues to champion a future where preventive healthcare is not just an option, but an integral part of everyday life.
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New IKEA PS Collection brings playful functionality into your home
With the pairing of Scandinavian design DNA, IKEA’s democratic design philosophy and sense of fun, the result — starting with the first PS Collection in 1995 — is a collection of playful forms and practical living.
Experts agree that emotional design is the difference between a house that simply functions and a home that makes you smile, creates connections, and moments to remember. It’s the lamp that infuses soft lighting in the bedroom when you read the kids a bedtime story, the utility cart that holds their crayons and drawings, the chair where you relax after a long day.
IKEA agrees with this philosophy and brings it to life with its new PS Collection. With the pairing of Scandinavian design DNA, IKEA’s democratic design philosophy and sense of fun, the result — starting with the first PS Collection in 1995 — is a collection of playful forms and practical living.
Considered as the “experimental playground” for the past 26 years, the collection has had nine editions released since then, each one exploring the future of Scandinavian design and producing some of IKEA’s most loved and enduring pieces.
In 2026’s modern spaces, the PS collection — the tenth edition — centers on useful, functional designs that give you what you need with an unexpected element of playfulness. Think an inflatable chair in bright green with chrome framing; a table clock that looks like a periscope to fire up the imagination; a chair that seems like a plywood puzzle that you solved; and so many more pieces — more than 30 pieces, will be available at the IKEA store in Mall of Asia and online.
Without losing their main function, the pieces were designed to have that happy duty to make people feel good too. “Less is more, simple but not a bore” is evident in the striking aesthetics, playful innovation and, equally important, the commitment to bring these pieces to the many in new ways.
IKEA’s famous and super affordable rice-paper pendant lamp, for instance, is now a half-moon lamp that’s almost three feet in size, casting soft glow to any room; the usual layered utility cart for decor and serving snacks now comes in a fun shade of blue with circular trays; storage solutions are made more stylish via the pink glass cabinet and multipurpose rattan ottoman. Each PS Collection piece brings a sense of spontaneity to any room.
With IKEA’s new PS Collection, spaces become playgrounds for kids, furniture pieces turn into memorable moments in the family’s history, and everyone becomes part of what the future of emotional, joyful design looks like.
Visit IKEA Pasay at Mall of Asia or log on to ikea.com.ph to shop online.
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Manulife China Bank Life expands access to cancer care solutions
As part of the program, eligible customers will have access to Guardant Health’s Shield multi-cancer detection (MCD) laboratory developed test (LDT), following Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health announced earlier this year. The offering will also soon be available through Manulife Philippines.
Manulife China Bank Life (MCBL), the strategic alliance between Manulife Philippines and China Banking Corporation, is expanding access to cancer care solutions through ManulifeMOVE Cancer Care, a program designed to help customers take a more proactive approach to their health and support longer, healthier lives.
As part of the program, eligible customers will have access to Guardant Health’s Shield multi-cancer detection (MCD) laboratory developed test (LDT), following Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health announced earlier this year. The offering will also soon be available through Manulife Philippines.
Under Manulife’s exclusive partnership with Guardant Health, Inc. a leading precision oncology company—Manulife became the first insurer in Asia to offer the Shield MCD test to customers in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines. The program expands access to innovative, proven health solutions at a time when cancer remains one of the country’s top causes of death and a significant barrier to longevity for Filipino families. This partnership aligns with the Manulife Longevity Institute, a global research, thought leadership, innovation, advocacy, and community investment platform that aims to advance action on helping people live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives.
This program is powered by Manulife’s partnership with AC Health, a leading integrated healthcare network in the Philippines. At the heart of the network is Healthway Cancer Care Hospital (HCCH)—the Philippines’ first dedicated and comprehensive cancer hospital. This collaboration between the parties brings together Manulife’s ambition to become the most trusted partner for health, wealth, and longevity, HCCH’s expertise across the full spectrum of cancer care from early cancer detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment and survivorship, and Guardant Health’s commitment to helping individuals live longer and healthier lives through blood-based cancer testing.
“Far too many Filipino families are confronted with life‑altering decisions only after cancer is detected too late, when options are limited and financial pressures intensify,” said Rahul Hora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Philippines. “By bringing Shield MCD to eligible customers of Manulife Philippines and MCBL, we’re helping move that decision point earlier by encouraging timely medical conversations and better-informed choices. This can help reduce treatment complexity and cost over time, while we strengthen health and longevity outcomes for more Filipinos.”
With just a blood draw, the Shield MCD test screens for 10 of the most common cancers, many of which have high mortality rates in Asia and the Philippines. The test received Breakthrough Device Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2025.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Manulife by bringing the Shield MCD test to their customers in the Philippines,” said Simranjit Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Guardant Health AMEA. “Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges for Filipinos, and Shield MCD offers a powerful new way to tackle this—detecting multiple cancers through a single blood draw. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to putting innovative health solutions within reach, and we look forward to the difference we can make together in the Philippines.”
“Wider access to early, convenient screening can help more Filipino families take a proactive approach to their health and support their journey toward longer, healthier lives,” said Amy Gochuico, President and Chief Executive Officer, MCBL. “Through our extensive bancassurance network, we are helping bring innovations like Shield MCD closer to more communities, supporting a more proactive and continuous approach to cancer care.”
“We believe one of the greatest opportunities in cancer care is identifying risk and disease earlier, before symptoms appear and treatment becomes more complex,” said Dr. Ramy Roxas, Chief Operating Officer of Healthway Cancer Care Hospital. “We strongly encourage Filipinos to be proactive about their health and participate in appropriate cancer screening, as early detection can significantly improve outcomes and expand treatment options. At Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, our goal is to support patients across the entire cancer journey—from prevention and early detection to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.”
Eligible customers of MCBL, and soon, of Manulife Philippines, will be contacted by their financial advisor or financial sales associate to learn more about the Shield MCD test.
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