NewsMakers
Watsons encourages public to stay protected against cervical cancer
In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among Filipino women, especially those aged 15 to 44 years old.

Health and beauty retailer Watsons encourages the public to stay protected against cervical cancer.
In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among Filipino women, especially those aged 15 to 44 years old.[1] 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly and from that number, 4,052 of them succumb to the disease.[2] What’s more, cervical cancer also puts women at higher risk of miscarriage and infertility.
Certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus or HPV are the main cause of cervical cancer.[3] It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. Sexually active people, even with just one partner, can get HPV. This can be passed on even when they have no signs or symptoms of the infection.[4] Fortunately, HPV is a vaccine-preventable disease.
“Vaccination provides an extra layer of protection. We are working to help build healthier communities by making vaccination more convenient and ensuring that customers always have access to accurate health information,” says Jared De Guzman, Customer Director of Watsons.
Symptoms
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix which connects the vagina, the birth canal, to the upper part of the uterus. Commonly known as the womb, the uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, and the risk grows with age as this occurs most often in people aged over 30.[5]
Unfortunately, cervical cancer may not show signs and symptoms in its early stages. More often than not, it’s already in the advanced stage when there’s bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is abnormal for you, including bleeding after sex.[6]
If you start noticing any of these signs, immediately see your doctor. The symptoms may be caused by something else, but the only way to know you have cervical cancer is to see your doctor.[7]
Prevention
Schedule your regular screening tests with your doctor. The Pap test, commonly known as Pap smear, looks for precancerous cells.[8]
You can also have a regular HPV test since it looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. But the greatest preventive measure against cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine.[9]
The HPV vaccine not only protects you against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer but also the types of HPV that cause vaginal and vulvar cancers. This vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years old but can be given at age 9, with your family doctor’s go signal.[10]
If you missed the HPV vaccine in your preteen years, you can still get it until 26 years of age. Although it’s not recommended for everyone older than 26, you can still talk to your doctor about it and get vaccinated until 45 years old.[11]
Cancer is a life-altering disease that everyone wishes to avoid. To ensure that the women in our lives live long and happy lives, we must encourage them to prioritize their health and choose to be protected against all preventable diseases.
As every Filipino’s health partner, Watsons makes it easier for you to have a good quality of life. You can easily schedule your HPV vaccination through the Watsons Health Hub or visit any of the 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide and ask their pharmacists. On your vaccination day, a free doctor’s assessment is included in their service.
Stay Protected
Through Watson’s amazing network, they’re able to provide you with different products and services to ensure that you can look after your overall health and wellness through accessible and affordable means. From June 15 to July 15, 2023, the Watsons Hub in SM North EDSA The Grand will offer free teleconsultation services to Watsons Pharmacy customers.
In partnership with The Medical City, the teleconsultation can provide patients with enhanced remote care through in-depth, physical examinations such as checking the heart rate, lung sounds, throat exam, ear exam, and taking temperature. After getting your diagnosis, you can buy the doctor’s prescription at the Watsons Pharmacy beside the clinic.
[1] Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2023. HPV Centre. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/PHL_FS.pdf?t=1593852267479#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20indicate%20that%20every,and%2044%20years%20of%20age. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[2] Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2023. HPV Centre. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/PHL_FS.pdf?t=1593852267479#:~:text=Current%20estimates%20indicate%20that%20every,and%2044%20years%20of%20age. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[3] Basic Information About Cervical Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[4] HPV Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm#:~:text=What%20is%20HPV%3F,including%20genital%20warts%20and%20cancers. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[5] Basic Information About Cervical Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/index.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[6] What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/symptoms.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[7] What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/symptoms.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[8] What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[9] What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[10] What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
[11] What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? Centers for Disease Control and prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm. Accessed on May 15, 2023.
NewsMakers
Research suggests drinking coffee may reduce the risk of frailty
Habitual coffee consumption of 4-6 cups and over* (with one cup measuring at 125ml) per day is associated with a reduced risk of frailty.

A new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition has suggested that habitual coffee consumption of 4-6 cups and over* (with one cup measuring at 125ml) per day is associated with a reduced risk of frailty.
The study, funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) is the first to analyze the relationship between coffee consumption and the underlying components of frailty.
Coffee consumption has previously been linked to reducing the risk of some of the natural symptoms of ageing, such as improving cognitive function2 and mitigating against inflammatory related diseases. This latest research adds to the growing knowledge base within this area, exploring the benefits of regular coffee consumption over an extended period of time.
For this study, researchers conducted a detailed analysis over a long seven-year follow-up period, surveying 1,161 adults aged 55+ years through the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA).
The relationship between coffee consumption and the presence and incidence of frailty was investigated. Frailty status was evaluated using Fried’s five-component frailty phenotype4,which is defined by the presence of three or more of the following symptoms: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slow gait (walking) speed, and low physical activity.
The results of this study indicate that higher habitual coffee consumption is associated with lower overall odds of frailty. These findings can be considered alongside the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) scientific opinion that up to 400mg of caffeine (3-5 cups of coffee) per day is a moderate and safe amount5.
The researchers explain that coffee’s effect on reducing frailty can partly be attributed to the role of antioxidants in coffee, which may help to reduce inflammation, sarcopenia (muscle loss), and prevention of muscle damage. Coffee may also help to improve regulating insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake in older people.
The study’s lead author, Margreet R. Olthof, Associate Professor at the Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, commented: “Drinking coffee is a key part of many people’s daily routine, and as people age they are constantly looking for ways to maintain their health. Our findings highlight the possible beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of frailty in later life in the older population. Coffee consumption may thus enhance healthy aging, but it is important we also explore further dietary interventions, to ensure older adults can continue to live fulfilling lives.”
* Moderate coffee consumption can be defined as 3–5 cups per day, based on the European Food Safety Authority’s review of caffeine safety.
NewsMakers
Landers opens first Cavite store in Vermosa
Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership store in the country, proudly marks another milestone with the grand opening of Landers Vermosa – its first-ever store in the province and its 15th store nationwide.

Premium membership shopping has finally arrived in Cavite.
Landers Superstore, the fastest growing membership store in the country, proudly marks another milestone with the grand opening of Landers Vermosa – its first-ever store in the province and its 15th store nationwide.
Conveniently located inside Ayala Vermosa’s sprawling estate and lifestyle hub in Imus, Cavite, the newest Landers store offers a fresh and elevated way of shopping for Caviteños, complete with massive savings, world-class finds, and exclusive membership perks, all under one roof. It is also the largest Landers store to date at 12,900 sqm, promising a bigger and better experience for every member who walks through its doors.
Welcoming Landers in Cavite
Landers Vermosa opened with an exciting grand launch that brought together members of the media, content creators, and special guests for a first look at the newest and biggest Landers Superstore. The attendees were in high spirits as they explored the spacious store and enjoyed exclusive product samplings and guided tours.
During the event, Landers Deputy Chief Executive Officer Bill Cummings delivered heartfelt opening remarks, expressing his excitement for the new store and his appreciation for the warm welcome from the Cavite community, noting that over 60,000 members had already signed up prior to opening day – a clear sign of the anticipation surrounding the launch.
The celebration also highlighted the strong collaboration between Landers Superstore and Ayala Land, along with the support of the city government of Imus, led by Mayor Alex Advincula. The event underscored Landers’ commitment to bringing world-class shopping experiences to more Filipino families, starting with the vibrant and growing community in Cavite.
What to expect at Landers Vermosa
At Landers Vermosa, members can look forward to filling their carts with high-quality local and imported products—from daily essentials to unique international finds. Beyond shopping, the store offers a host of exclusive perks that make every visit more rewarding. Members can enjoy free haircuts or blow-dry services at Federal Barbers, low-priced medicine and wellness products at Capital Care Pharmacy, up to P10 off per liter at Landers-Caltex gas stations, and up to 50% off on Solane LPG refills.
Members of Landers Vermosa will gain access to all of Landers Superstore’s massive sale events like Super Crazy Sale and 50% Off Produce Sale, which offer unbeatable savings on a wide range of products. To complete the experience, members can enjoy regular in-store activities every month and free product samplings that are perfect for the whole family.
Sign up for Landers membership
Be among the first to explore this exciting new shopping destination and enjoy all the perks that come with being a Landers member.
If you’re not yet a member, now’s the perfect time to sign up! Memberships are currently on sale at 50% off—just P350 for a full year of exclusive savings and benefits. Promo runs until May 31.
Looking for even more value? Apply for the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card and get up to 5% cashback on all Landers purchases, plus earn rewards wherever you shop.
Landers Vermosa is here with more perks, more savings, and more reasons to love shopping in the South. See you in-store.
NewsMakers
Cannabidiol therapy could reduce symptoms in autistic children and teenagers
The use of cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis extract can lead to meaningful benefits and improve the behaviour of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

New research presented at the 2025 European Congress of Psychiatry reveals that the use of cannabidiol (CBD) cannabis extract can lead to meaningful benefits and improve the behaviour of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children around the world and symptoms can include difficulty interpreting language, difficulty expressing emotions, and repetitive behaviour and routines.1,2
The meta-analysis included randomised, placebo-controlled trials on the efficacy or safety of CBD cannabis extracts in children and adolescents with ASD. Three studies were used in total with 276 participants with a mean age of 10.5, ranging in age from 5 to 21. The dosage of CBD cannabis extract started at 1 mg/kg per day and was titrated up to 10 mg/kg.
Key findings from the study include:
- CBD cannabis extract use shows moderate improvements in social responsiveness and small yet notable reductions in disruptive behaviours.
- CBD cannabis extract significantly enhanced social responsiveness and reduced disruptive behaviour.
- The use of CBD cannabis extract has a favourable safety profile as it did not increase adverse events compared to placebo
- There were no significant differences between adverse events in CBD cannabis extract versus placebo
Lara Cappelletti Beneti Branco, Lead Investigator, São Camilo University Center, University of São Paulo, said: “The global population prevalence of ASD diagnosis amongst children and adolescents is growing, but many treatment pathways are not effective. It is promising to see the effect of CBD cannabis extract on the study participants. However, there still needs to be considerable focus on further research with larger trials to clarify its efficacy and safety in managing ASD.”
Professor Geert Dom, EPA President, said: “ASD can be extremely frustrating for all involved; parents of children and adolescents with the disorder, the treating clinicians and of course the children and adolescents themselves. A large part of this frustration is down to finding a viable treatment option that works to reduce symptoms. It is with delight that we see the results of this meta-analysis and we hope to see further research into this so we can move towards a solution to the unmet need within this community”.
-
Product Showcase4 weeks ago
TCL marks 25th anniversary, unveils new products with health and environmental protection features
-
Product Showcase4 days ago
Nippon Paint unveils Weatherbond Quartz series
-
Destinations2 weeks ago
Checking out the not-that-cheap silog meals of Sulyap in San Pablo, Laguna
-
Product Showcase6 days ago
PepsiCo continues its plastic waste diversion in PH
-
Product Showcase6 days ago
Watsons work with its customers to offset 4,000 tons of CO2 to fight climate change
-
Product Showcase6 days ago
Cebu Pacific Catering Services (CPCS) pledges to source 100% cage-free eggs across its operations by 2030
-
NewsMakers6 days ago
Landers opens first Cavite store in Vermosa
-
Destinations1 week ago
Trying the offerings of Liam’s Lomi House in Lipa City, Batangas