NewsMakers
3 Vital purposes why there is a need to have a go-to medical shop
Medical Depot, a long-time medical supplier and among the reliable go-to medical shops in the Philippines, contributes to bridging this healthcare accessibility gap and consumer demand in many parts of the country by aggressively expanding its touchpoints to reach hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.

To address healthcare inequities and ever-changing public health demands, the attainability of medical equipment is necessary.
World Health Organization specified that access to high-quality, fairly priced, and appropriate healthcare products are critical – for universal health coverage, medical emergencies, and promoting healthier populations.
With this global concern, go-to medical shops exist to help communities around the world. These are retail shops offering a wide array of healthcare products, medical equipment, and supplies. Below are three vital purposes why there is a need to have a go-to medical shop.
Bridging the Medical Equipment Accessibility Gap and Demand
Amid the pandemic, a significant problem the world faces are the inaccessibility and shortage of healthcare product needs.
This issue will expect to rise in the next five years as “the medical devices market in the Philippines is currently in Growth Stage, with an increase in number of hospitals, high prevalence of chronic diseases, rising instances of heart and kidney failures…” (Ken Research, 2022) which means medical equipment is not only critical to modern healthcare today but will be even more critical in the future.
Medical Depot, a long-time medical supplier and among the reliable go-to medical shops in the Philippines, contributes to bridging this healthcare accessibility gap and consumer demand in many parts of the country by aggressively expanding its touchpoints to reach hundreds of thousands of Filipinos with a wide variety of medical needs from pharmaceutical, medical supplies, COVID-19 related products to hospital equipment that other prominent players in the medical industry do not offer.
Access to High Quality and Affordable Medicines
With the health and lives of millions at stake, the medical industry continues to evolve with innovations and products fit for the community. Having go-to medical shops in the country can ensure the public an access to high quality and affordable medicines, supplies, and equipment that can cater to their needs boost the health of the Filipinos.
“The end goal is for patients to receive the best available and affordable treatment for their illnesses.” (Harsono, Ng, 2018) With reliable and trusted medical shops available in the market today, there is more options for Filipinos to gain quality and affordable medicines that they need for everyday life.
Contributes to the Community
When enough medical supplies are accessible and near community medical facilities, it can address many of the community’s health concerns.
Through a go-to medical shop, local public and private clinics and hospitals can easily obtain affordable medical equipment that are needed to help them fulfill their healthcare and medical duties. Also, convenient reach and access of pharmaceutical products and medical equipment can boost community confidence in accepting healthcare treatments, which is foundational to improving healthcare outcomes (NRC Health, 2019).
While life may have slowed down during the pandemic, businesses have had to pivot fast to serve their customers.
This inspired Medical Depot in 2021 to pursue its e-commerce platform that help redesign the way they serve their customers and the local community. Easy access to online medical supplies, products, and equipment can help many Filipinos all over the country. To date, the company offers its solutions and products to the public through their e-commerce platform and 40 branches nationwide.
To learn more about what they offer and the latest updates, visit the Medical Depot PH website or their Facebook page.
NewsMakers
Women non-smokers around 50% more likely than men to develop COPD
Smoking is the principal cause of COPD. But despite significant falls in cigarette smoking over the past 50 years, it remains a leading cause of death, with the prevalence of COPD in women approaching that of men, say the researchers.

Women’ are around 50% more likely than men to develop COPD, the umbrella term for chronic lung conditions, such as emphysema and bronchitis, even if they have never smoked or smoked much less than their male counterparts, suggests observational research, published in the open access journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research.
The findings challenge the widely held belief that women’s increased vulnerability to cigarette smoke likely explains this disparity, conclude the researchers.
Smoking is the principal cause of COPD. But despite significant falls in cigarette smoking over the past 50 years, it remains a leading cause of death, with the prevalence of COPD in women approaching that of men, say the researchers.
Women with COPD tend to have more severe symptoms, and at a younger age, than their male counterparts, prompting the suggestion that the explanation may lie in a heightened susceptibility to the effects of cigarette smoke, explain the researchers.
To clarify the associations between gender, cigarette smoke, and COPD, and to update previous estimates of the prevalence and impact of COPD, the researchers drew on a large nationally representative US survey of adults from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Respondents (12,638 women and 10,390 men aged at least 40) were asked about their smoking history, what tobacco products they used, and whether they vaped.
Women reported lower rates of both current and former cigarette, cigar, and pipe smoking, and smokeless tobacco use than men, but similar rates of vaping.
The prevalence of COPD was just under 8% for women and 6.5% for men. Women with COPD were more likely to have never smoked cigarettes than men with COPD (26.5% vs just over 14%), and less likely to use other tobacco products except for e-cigarettes (26.5% vs 20%).
Women also reported smoking fewer daily cigarettes than men, averaging around 18 compared with around 22, and to have done so for fewer years. And they were less likely than men to have started smoking before the age of 15:19% vs 28%.
Yet the prevalence of COPD was higher among women who had ever smoked than it was among men: 16% vs 11.5%. And among women who had never smoked the prevalence of COPD was almost twice as high as it was in male non-smokers: just over 3% compared with just over 1.5%.
In further analysis, female gender was associated with a significantly (47%) higher risk of being diagnosed with COPD after accounting for potentially influential factors.
This gender difference in risk persisted, irrespective of smoking history: among those who had never smoked, women were 62% more likely to be diagnosed with COPD, and among those who had ever smoked they were 43% more likely to do so.
The researchers acknowledge that their study relied on self report rather than objectively measured data. And they lacked potentially important information on hormonal influences, family history, or infectious, occupational, and environmental exposures.
But they nevertheless suggest: “These findings should raise questions about whether differing susceptibility to tobacco smoke is the key factor driving the increased COPD prevalence in women in the USA.
“If women were more susceptible to the effects of smoking, we would not expect to see a nearly identical risk per 10 pack-year exposure, nor would we expect to see a similarly increased relative risk among those who had never smoked.”
And they conclude: “Our findings refine prior estimates of COPD among those without a smoking history and re-emphasise the high burden of COPD in women, underscoring the need for thoughtful efforts to prevent, diagnose, and treat their disease.”
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.
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