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Pandemic likely to cause long-term health problems, Yale School of Public Health finds

The research showed that at one, four and 12 years after the hurricane, the exposures most strongly associated with posttraumatic stress, psychological distress, general health and physical health symptoms were those most common to the current pandemic. The pandemic continues to cause widespread death and sickness, as well as job loss and severe economic hardship for many.

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The coronavirus pandemic’s life-altering effects are likely to result in lasting physical and mental health consequences for many people–particularly those from vulnerable populations–a new study led by the Yale School of Public Health finds.

Assistant Professor Sarah Lowe and colleagues studied low-income women from New Orleans who were surveyed the year prior to, and at intervals after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. The women reported a range of traumatic experiences during Katrina, many of which are similar to those now occurring during the pandemic, including bereavement, lack of access to medical care and scarcity of medications.

The research showed that at one, four and 12 years after the hurricane, the exposures most strongly associated with posttraumatic stress, psychological distress, general health and physical health symptoms were those most common to the current pandemic. The pandemic continues to cause widespread death and sickness, as well as job loss and severe economic hardship for many.

“This pandemic is likely to have profound short- and long-term consequences for physical and mental health,” said Lowe. “These impacts are likely to be even larger than what we have seen in previous disasters like Hurricane Katrina, given the distinctive qualities of the pandemic as a disaster.”

The study did not include other exposures that are taking place during the pandemic, such as financial losses and unemployment, which are also likely to have additional and significant impacts on public health.

The study is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study results suggest that, in addition to promoting actions to reduce COVID-19 transmission and addressing longstanding health disparities contributing to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, public health measures should also prevent and mitigate exposures that will have indirect effects on mental and physical health. This includes preventing lapses in medical care and medication access.

Additionally, another key exposure in the study was fear for one’s own safety and the safety of others. As such, public health messaging should provide tips for managing anxiety and fear, in addition to promoting efforts to increase safety from COVID-19 transmission. Supplemental health services should be provided to those who are bereaved or are experiencing clinically significant fear and anxiety related the pandemic, Lowe said.

Although a large body of previous research has shown that greater exposure during a disaster is associated with adverse mental and physical health outcomes, most studies have relied on counts of different disaster-related exposures rather than separately examining specific trauma and stressors upon which policymakers and practitioners can intervene, Lowe said. Moreover, few studies have adjusted for preexisting health conditions or socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

“This study represents a step toward disentangling the health consequences of disasters, while also recognizing more longstanding factors that contribute to health disparities,” she said.

Lowe authored the paper with colleagues from Brown University and Harvard University.

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NewsMakers

Pru Life UK solidifies position as top life insurer in PH

Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

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Pru Life UK ranks number one in the life insurance industry in the Philippines, garnering the highest New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) as reflected in the recently released Insurance Commission (IC) report as of 31 December 2023.

The report shows that Pru Life UK achieved an impressive NBAPE of Php 10.54 billion for 2023 representing 11% growth. The company broadened the gap with the closest competitor by a margin of Php 472 million. NBAPE serves as the universally accepted performance metric used to assess sales performances of the life insurance industry in the Philippines.

Owing to the company’s innovative offerings, Pru Life UK also leads in total premium income from variable life insurance products, amounting to over Php 45.7 billion as of 31 December 2023.

With over 42,000 digitally empowered agents and 1.7 million lives assured, Pru Life UK strengthens its market leadership reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to being the most trusted partner and protector of many Filipino families.   

More than numbers, Pru Life UK also attributes its industry success to good corporate governance which guides the business to lead with transparency and integrity. A Golden Arrows awardee for five (5) consecutive years since 2018, Pru Life UK has cemented itself as a beacon of responsible business practices in the Philippines.

It is with great pride and honor that we achieved the country’s number one life insurer position in 2023, ” said Francis Ortega, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Pru Life UK. “We express our heartfelt appreciation to our customers, partners, employees, and agency force for their collective efforts that have driven us to achieve this significant milestone. Our purpose, “For Every Life, For Every Future,” guides us in providing innovative and accessible solutions to every Filipino. We aim to be the most trusted partner and protector for this generation and generations to come by providing simple and accessible financial and health solutions.”

The consistent growth of Pru Life UK is aligned with that of its parent company, Prudential plc, which recorded a 45% increase in new business profit to USD 3.1 billion as of 31 December 2023. As it further strengthens its commitment to providing financial solutions addressing the evolving needs of Filipinos, the company recently launched PRULove Wealth, a single premium product designed to provide Filipinos life insurance coverage while also allowing them to earn returns with rates comparable with those from high-yielding time deposits. The plan uniquely offers 4% guaranteed annual cash payout, 100% cashback, and up to 125% insurance coverage.

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Siemens Healthineers turnover Letters of Intent to PH gov’t

Each of the three (3) LOIs reinforces the commitment Siemens Healthineers has in becoming a valued partner to contribute to further developing and revolutionizing the country’s healthcare sector.

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Siemens Healthcare Inc. (Siemens Healthineers), a medical technology company, turned over three (3) Letters of Intent (LOI) to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual in the presence of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The ceremony took place during the German-Philippine Business Forum in Berlin, Germany attended by Philippine cabinet members, representatives, and business leaders from both countries.

Each of the three (3) LOIs reinforces the commitment Siemens Healthineers has in becoming a valued partner to contribute to further developing and revolutionizing the country’s healthcare sector. The first LOI is centered on developing a partner hospital to become a training center to support training needs and address the skills gap in the field of radiology. A comprehensive program will be developed to further improve healthcare quality such as a curriculum on the various aspects of mammography screening – including anatomy, pathology, imaging techniques and interpretation, safety, and patient care.

The second LOI is focused on the development of an Innovation Think Tank (ITT) hub and spoke model to address the strategic target of an inclusive innovation ecosystem in the Philippines. Through collaborations, the ITT is set to gather students, researchers, and working professionals to create and identify disruptive innovation opportunities and improvement areas in healthcare.

The third LOI is intended to explore the opportunities for strategic and digital partnerships in healthcare with the Department of Health with the goal of revolutionizing healthcare in the country. The digital partnership aims to develop and enhance the Philippines’ healthcare infrastructure through proven digital solutions such as eHealth and digital health and AI capacity-building and training.

“At Siemens Healthineers, we aim to foster a future for the Philippines where advancements in healthcare open new possibilities. The three LOIs underscore our unwavering dedication to creating a lasting impact, transforming the healthcare landscape, and fostering a healthier future for the generations to come – for every Filipino in every part of the country, sustainably,” said Michael Schmermer, President and Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers in the Philippines.

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Meat-free wonder with Pizza Hut’s flavorful seafood options

Make your Lenten season more meaningful with these meat-free meal combos featuring Pizza Hut’s bold and flavorful seafood dishes, available until 2PM every day (plus a pizza combo that you can enjoy anytime).

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If you want to go meat-free this season, it’s never too late to start, and if you’re looking for a satisfying meat-free lunch, then Pizza Hut’s got your back!

Make your Lenten season more meaningful with these meat-free meal combos featuring Pizza Hut’s bold and flavorful seafood dishes, available until 2PM every day (plus a pizza combo that you can enjoy anytime).

First is the SEAFOOD LUNCH FOR 2 set, where you’ll get 1 Regular Seafood Supreme Mega Crunch Pizza, 1 Regular Pasta Shrimp Arrabbiata, 1 order of Mozzarella sticks, and 2 servings of ice-cold Pepsi for only P699.

Going solo? Then you’ll surely love the SEAFOOD LUNCH A set, which comes with 1 Regular Pasta in your choice of either Shrimp Arrabbiata or Shrimp Ala King, and 1 serving of ice-cold Pepsi for only P249.

If you prefer pizza for your solo meal, there’s also the SEAFOOD LUNCH B set, available exclusively for dine-in. It comes with your choice of either 1 Personal Cheese Lovers Pan Pizza or 1 Personal Veggie Lovers Pan Pizza, 2 pieces of Salad Roll in your choice of either Shrimp or Crab, and 1 serving of ice-cold Pepsi for only P199.

Finally, there’s the SEAFOOD PIZZA PAIR, available all day, every day. It comes with 1 Seafood Supreme Mega Crunch Pizza and 1 Cheese Lovers Pan Pizza for only P599 for Regular and P899 for Large.

The SEAFOOD LUNCH B combo is available exclusively for dine-in. Meanwhile, the SEAFOOD LUNCH FOR 2, SEAFOOD LUNCH A, and SEAFOOD PIZZA PAIR combos are available for dine-in and takeout in all Pizza Hut stores nationwide; and for delivery via the (02) 8911-1111 hotline, www.pizzahut.com.ph, the Pizza Hut mobile app, available for Android and iOS, and Pizza Hut’s official delivery partners GrabFood and foodpanda (prices may vary).

Give Pizza Hut a like and a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) so you won’t miss out on the latest news, updates, and offers.

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