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 1^st, 3^rd, 6^th, and 12^th 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 12^th 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 50^th 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.

Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to make plans with loved ones to enjoy the great outdoors. A day spent outside the home is fun, but the intense heat can affect anyone’s health.

Watsons encourages families to stock up on health essentials that can help combat the harmful effects of sun exposure and high temperatures. With over 60 million people affected by El Niño^[1], there is a high chance of disease outbreaks. This also causes heat stress and respiratory diseases, among a wide range of health problems.^[2]

Since prevention is better than cure, here are the must-haves that the leading health and beauty retailer recommends:

Sunscreen

Sunscreen protects the skin and helps prevent sunburn and premature aging, and more alarming conditions like skin cancer.

When looking for sunscreen, it’s important to choose broad spectrum products that protect the skin from both the Ultraviolet A (UVA) and B (UVB) rays of the sun. Another consideration is the sun protection factor or SPF. This is a number that tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays will turn the skin red after applying sunscreen. Minimal exposure to the sun needs an SPF of 15 or higher, while longer time spent outdoors needs at least 30. It is recommended to use sunscreen 30 minutes before heading outdoors and to reapply every two hours.^[3]

Facial mist

Complement sunscreen with a generous spritz of facial mist. This product serves a dual purpose: it hydrates the skin and helps it absorb other products like serums and moisturizers. Facial mists have other benefits depending on the ingredients. Some have essential oils for aromatherapy, while others have antioxidants.^[4]

Vitamin C serum

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals that damage the cells. It also controls infections and heals wounds.^[5] The vitamin plays an important role this summer: when used as a serum, it can hydrate and brighten the skin, protect against sun damage, and promote collagen production to prevent fine lines and wrinkles.^[6]

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another antioxidant that reduces damage caused by free radicals. It’s also an essential vitamin during the summer because it cares for the skin and hair. Vitamin E creates a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in moisture. Additionally, it supports the scalp and adds shine to hair.^[7]

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that helps make the heart, bones, muscles, and nerves operate at their best.^[8] It even regulates body temperature. Thankfully, the mineral is available as a supplement that can be easily bought at health stores.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that helps the immune system. It aids in wound healing, blood clotting, and the optimal functioning of the thyroid. A shortage of zinc may lead to pneumonia, skin changes,^[9] and even hair loss.^[10] The heat can damage hair so a zinc supplement may help address that.^[11]

Collagen

Collagen is a type of protein that helps cells grow, provides a protective layer for organs, and gives elasticity to the skin.^[12] It’s also available as oral and topical products that help with signs of aging such as wrinkles and dehydration. These can be caused by the summer heat so it’s advisable to take collagen this summer.

Glutathione

Glutathione is an antioxidant that fights off oxidative stress, which may lead to diseases like diabetes and cancer.^[13] Its oral and topical supplements may help lighten dark spots and free radical damage to the skin caused by the sun.^[14]

All these health essentials are available at Watsons. The global brand in health and beauty retail offers a complete and wide range of vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter or prescription medicines, personal care products, and other essentials in its network of 1,000+ stores in the Philippines.

Watsons makes the shopping experience more convenient with its added services. Customers can choose Click & Collect Express, where they can purchase online and pick up their orders from their selected store in 30 minutes or less. They may also try the Home Delivery Express, which delivers orders right to their doorstep within three hours.

“Filipinos are making the most out of the summer by spending more time outdoors or traveling. The right health products can help them ease their worries so they can focus on celebrating and enjoying the season. Let Watsons remove the burden of shopping by visiting our wide network of stores and availing of Click & Collect Express and Home Delivery Express,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Customer Director.

^[1] El Niño Affects More Than 60 Million People. (2016, April). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/el-ni%C3%B1o-affects-more-than-60-million-people. Accessed 11 May 2023.

^[2] El Niño Affects More Than 60 Million People. (2016, April). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/el-ni%C3%B1o-affects-more-than-60-million-people. Accessed 11 May 2023.

^[3] All About Sunscreen. (Last updated 2022, Jul). Skin Cancer Foundation. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

^[4] The 16 Best Facial Mists for Every Skin Type. (Last updated 2022, Sep 26). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-facial-mist. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[5] Vitamin C. (Last reviewed 2023, Mar). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[6]  11 Reasons to Add Vitamin C Serum to Your Skin Care Routine. (Last updated 2023, Feb 3). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[7] How Vitamin E Can Benefit Your Hair. (Updated 2019, Mar 8). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-e-for-hair. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[8] ​​Magnesium. (Last reviewed 2023, Mar). Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/magnesium/. Accessed 3 May 2023.

^[9]  Zinc and your health. (Last reviewed 2021, Mar). Healthdirect Australia. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/zinc. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[10]  The 8 Best Supplements for Hair Growth, According to a Dietitian. (Last reviewed 2023, Feb 23). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamins-hair-growth. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[11] The 8 Best Supplements for Hair Growth, According to a Dietitian. (Last reviewed 2023, Feb 23). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/best-vitamins-hair-growth. Accessed 4 May 2023.

^[12]  Collagen. (Last reviewed 2022, May 23). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23089-collagen. Accessed 5 May 2023.

^[13]  Glutathione Benefits. (Updated 2023, Apr 18). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/glutathione-benefits. Accessed 5 May 2023.

^[14] Benefits and Side Effects of Glutathione in Skincare. (2023, Apr 4). Healthnews. https://healthnews.com/beauty/skin-care/glutathione-for-skincare/. Accessed 5 May 2023.

Ortigas Land has launched Olin at Jade Drive, its newest stand-alone mid-market residential offering at the heart of Ortigas Center.

The 52-story residential tower, strategically located in one of the country’s most dynamic central business districts (CBDs), houses 1,245 units in total, with 1,031 studio units and 214 1-bedroom units. Parking is also available as well as a retail area for quick access to essential services.

“Ortigas Land is well-known for its legacy of master-planned estates, continuously catering to the evolving needs of the property market. This newest development is very exciting for us as this launches our venture into the mid-market segment within the Ortigas CBD,“ said Ortigas Land Assistant Vice President and Residential Business Unit Head Jenna Belardo at a media briefing.

With the launch of Olin at Jade Drive, Ortigas Land aims to provide the market with a residential development that offers all the perks and benefits of living within a bustling business district, under the Ortigas Land brand, while maintaining affordability.

Geared towards young professionals in adjacent offices and students in nearby academic institutions, Olin at Jade Drive features modern amenities such as co-working spaces, gym, garden, lounges, pools, and function hall to cater to the modern city dwellers’ needs. Ortigas Land maintains quality assurance for the design, construction, and maintenance of this property.

A prime location

Olin at Jade Drive is situated within Ortigas Center which has one of the lowest residential vacancy rates (6.8%) alongside other major CBDs, according to the Colliers Q4 2022 Property Market Briefing — making it a sought-after and in-demand location in Metro Manila. Colliers also mentioned Ortigas Center’s low office vacancy rate (15.2%), further elevating the property’s value as it bridges the growing demand for residential developments within the area for office workers and possibly their families.

“We see great potential in capital appreciation for the development with its accessibility to commercial developments, corporate offices, and educational institutions, as well as mass transportation and ongoing infrastructure projects like the Metro Manila Subway and MRT Line 4,” Belardo added.

Olin at Jade Drive will offer flexible payment terms for up to 72 months, suitable for those interested in finding a home or valuable real estate investment within Ortigas Center.

Launched in April 2023 for priority selling, Olin at Jade Drive closed the sale with 536 units, which is equivalent to 43% of the property’s total inventory. To date, Olin has sold more than half of the total inventory of Olin equating to 671 units, generating a total of P5.5B in value.

Olin at Jade Drive is expected to be turned over by 2029. For more information, visit the Ortigas Land website at www.ortigas.com.ph.