Health is very important in every family. We, mommies, make sure that our families are not prone to any diseases. There are lots of ways for us to have a healthy family, one is that we need to eat healthy foods and practice a healthy lifestyle. And of course there's this called prevention. 

I am so glad that most of the event that I've attended lately were about health awareness. It really helps me learn more things to know about certain health problem and knowing it will help me and my family knows it. So what I am talking about? Well this March aside from the Women and Children's Month and Fire Prevention Month, it is also the Colon Cancer Awareness Month. So topic that was discussed during the event I've attended is the media briefing for the Colon Cancer Advocacy.  The discussion made by the expert doctors were really informative and did made its impact in me. They really made jargon medical terms to be explain in a simple manner. Though it was vulgar they made it sound like prim and proper.
The event was held at Diamond Hotel and it was sponsored by Wesmont, a division of UNILAB. The event was pushed through by the Philippine Society of Gastroenterologist. The media briefing is regarding Colon Cancer Awareness.
The main thrust of the organization is to make a noise regarding Colon Cancer, the myths people believed about it, and the initiative in calling the attention of the government to have every Filipino citizens above 50 years old to be screened. According to DR. FREDERICK DY, Gastronintestinal oncologist and a leading expert in endoscopy, "Colorectal cancer has certainly become a real concern in the Philippines. The growing number of incidence and mortality worldwide have put the disease as the third most common type of cancer for both men and women, after lung and breast cancers."
According to the recent statistics of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) foremost cancer research and statistics project, GLOBOCAN, there were 4,901 deaths of the 8,553 incidences of colorectal cancer in the Philippines in 2012, which means that more than half of those diagnosed have died from the disease.

It is unfortunate that the level of awareness about colorectal cancer here in the Philippines is much lower than that for other types of cancer such as breasts or lungs. Doctors also find difficulty in urging patients to adopt lifestyle changes for the prevention if colorectal cancer. The earlier the better it is prevented.

“Colorectal cancer us influenced by both modifiable and non-modifiable risks, one of which is lifestyle and diet. But as a lifestyle illness, it is also asymptomatic (displaying no symptoms) is the initial stage,” Dr. Dy says.



As what Dr. Dy mentioned, modifiable risk factors are those that can be changed like obesity, cigarette smoking, alcoholic beverage intake, physical inactivity and increased consumption of red meat. A diet rich in animal fat generally increases risk, while eating food rich in fiber and calcium may possible reduce the risk.

Aside from the modifiable risk factors there are also the non-modifiable risks factor in colorectal cancer. Some of these non-modifiable are the gender, age, and family history. According to Dr. Dy these are factors that cannot be altered. These factors are inherent in a person like the family history of the disease and gender.

With the increase in incidences, colon cancer is now among the deadliest, and recent data show that it's not slowing down either.





"Colon cancer doesn't begin as cancer immediately; it starts with pre-malignant precursors called polyps. If left attended, these polyps grow over time, eventually becoming cancer. For young people, the risk is low, but they are not immune to it. We have young adults developing colorectal cancer. The occurrence is generally uncommon, but if someone has symptoms referable to colorectal cancer, no matter the age, they need to see their doctor or better if they consult a gastroenterologist. Most of colorectal cancer occurs sporadically but some have a strong genetic background. There are also genetic syndromes that also develop a significant number of polyps at a younger age," said Dy.
As to what is always said "prevention is the best medicine" and for the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, they are aiming to inform every Filipino about colon cancer and encourages everyone to have themselves be screened, most especially and a must are those people ages 50 and up. It is preventable all is needed is the cooperation of every Filipino and of course through the help of the government and every individual.

So, Mommies be well informed about things like this matter, specially to those who have Parents ages 50 and above like me. I will definitely talk to my parents and let them know about Colon Cancer. It was really a big help attending this kind of advocacy. It gives enlightenment about the Colorectal Cancer.

The power to protect yourself from cervical cancer is in your hands. Every woman--- regardless of race, age, lifestyle or socio-economic status---is at risk. But it can be prevented. The World Health Organization recommends screening and vaccination as a form of preventive health care.

Few weeks ago, Power Wives Club which consists of spouses of seafarers were invited at Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Bagtikan St., Makati City to educate and learn more about Cervical Cancer. I am so thankful that I had an opportunity to cover this kind of event that gives me a lot of information about Cervical Cancer that mommies like me is prone of.
The event was hosted by Ms. Suzi Entrata and as part of the event attendees were taught on how to wrap their gifts and also how to put on make up. As we all know it's the holiday season and gift wrapping is now a must because of the holiday season. This will be of big help for moms like me who is busy now in preparing gifts for their loved ones. We can now wrap gifts creatively. On the other hand, looking beautifully is also a must and make ups help cover that blemishes or wrinkles. For sure we'll be the star of that gatherings. Mommies are thrifty right? This make up session is a big help for moms as they share tips on putting on make ups. A do-it-yourself move without the fuss and hassle of going to the parlor. A thrifty move for us mommies.

Power Over Cervical Cancer

Our culture celebrates our women as selfless and who always put their families’ interest ahead of their own. While selflessness is naturally an asset, we also want to imbibe to our beloved women the values of resilience, self-confidence and self-appreciation as we envision them to realize the fullness of their womanhood.
In this regard, leading research-based pharmaceutical company GSK continues to ramp up its cervical cancer awareness efforts with the patient—the woman—always a priority. In the Philippines, the Power Over Cervical Cancer campaign urges Filipinas to realize that they are empowered—that they can do something to prevent the disease from happening to them, so they can have the wonderful, meaningful and joyful life that they deserve.

The Power Wives

The key thrust of GSK’s 2015 cervical cancer awareness campaign, Power Over Cervical Cancer, revolves around empowering women when it comes to preventing cervical cancer.

To further advance this advocacy to embrace more women across all demographics, the pioneering Power Wives will be the Seafarers’ Wives, who will undergo a program that will include sessions on personality development, image building, personal resilience, financial management and self-care.

To date, there are about 400,000 Filipino seafarers deployed who render themselves and their families at greater risk for several diseases and infections due to their working conditions. While they are striving for financial stability as their idea of a bright future, GSK wants to bring into their consciousness the value of preventive health care.

Secure the Future

On a national scale, Filipino seafarers on board international fleets have greatly contributed to our social economic progress. Their foreign exchange remittances grow annually, notwithstanding that our seafarers comprise only 5 percent of the total OFWs working abroad.
In 2014, their contributions amounted to USD5.6billion out of the USD24.3 billion dollars aggregate OFW remittances or more than 20 percent thereof. Currently, we are also ranked number 4 among the biggest shipbuilders in the world.

Shipping clearly moves the world. The underlying truth is that Filipino seafarers play a major role in the shipping industry as a whole, with 1 out of 4 seafarers on board international vessels being Filipinos. This means they comprise 25 percent of the total global maritime professionals in the world.

“The significance of the Philippine maritime industry transcends both the global and national arena. Undeniably, 90 percent of world trade is still reliant on international shipping. This means that almost all the food we eat, clothes we wear, the things we buy, use, own, in one way or another, were shipped on board vessels before they got to us,” stated Capt. Ronald SJ Enrile, Senior Vice-President Maritime Management of Philippine Transmarine Corporation, the country’s biggest shipping-employment agency.

Securing the OFW families’ future is important. The future should not only mean financial stability but also health and wellness among the family members. Therefore, the need for health checkups and vaccination becomes more imperative.

Importance of early protection
Cervical cancer is a major problem for Filipino women: it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipinas, with seven dying of the dreaded disease every single day. What’s more worrying is that 2 in 3 Filipinas diagnosed with cervical cancer may die within five years, or up to 2,832 women dying in a year. In its early stage, it may have no signs or symptoms.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop and spread in the cervix, the entrance between the vagina and the uterus. The human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus, is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. It has been shown that 99.7 percent of cervical cancer patients are positive for HPV infection. It is also estimated that up to 80 percent of women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

While HPV is primarily transmitted via sexual intercourse, skin-to-skin genital contact is also a recognized mode of transmissionv. Beyond regular consultations and pap smears by your doctor, vaccines that protect against cancer-causing HPV are also now readily available.
The incidence of cancer-causing HPV infection is actually highest at the young ages of 15-19. This is why the World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (WHO-SAGE) on Immunization reiterates the importance of getting young girls protected through HPV immunization before their first exposure to HPV (i.e. before sexual contact), as young as 9 years old.

Older women are just as susceptible. The risk of persistent infection with cancer-causing HPV (which is necessary for cervical cancer to develop) increases with age, and is highest when a woman is over 66 years old. Vaccination remains to be recommended for older women who did not receive it at an earlier age. However, screening continues to be encouraged among older women as a matter of precaution.

Prevention is better than cure, I will definitely let my loved ones like my mother, my titas and my friends encourage them about the big help of Vaccination against Cervical Cancer. I'll share what I've learned on this event.

Because of this, I will schedule a to visit my OB-gyne and that's very soon. Vaccination against Cervical Cancer is now one of my priority for my self and for my family. 

To know more about cervical cancer, visit the Pangarap Mo, Protektado page on Youtube containing various short films conveying how protecting oneself against vaccine-preventable diseases is one important step in the achievement of one’s dreams.

ABOUT GSK
GSK is one of the world’s leading, research-based pharmaceutical companies with the mission to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. GSK manufactures and distributes more than four billion packs of products to 150 countries around the world. With this extensive global presence, GSK is striving to make our products as widely accessible as possible.

For further information, please visit www.gsk.com.

A thousand Filipinas & 100 hairdressers come together for the Matrix 8-inch Cut For Cancer Year 2 for the benefit of Filipino childred stricken by cancer.
Filipinos from all walks of life have said "yes" to a life-changing mission last September 19, 2015. In one of the most meaningful and successful haircut for a cause evens in celebration of the Child Cancer Awareness Month, #1 American Salon Brand in Asia, Matrix, in partnership with David's Salon - hosted the Matrix 8-inc Cut for Cancer which pooled together a thousand Filipinas who took the challenge of chopping off and donating at least eight inches of their hair for the benefit of children braving cancer treatments under the care of Kythe-Ateneo.

An initiative under Matrix's worldwide program called "Matrix Chairs of Change", which allows salon communities and stylists to make a difference through their craft - the second run of Matrix 8-inch Cut for Cancer campaign in the Philippines was powered by 100 hairdressers that day who pledged their time and talent for the cause.
"The Chairs of change global advocacy by Matrix is all about empowering hairstylists to create a positive change to the world, and uplift the lives of other people - their very own communities here in the Philippines - through their craft," shared Inah Ramos, Senior Product Manager of Matrix Philippines. "To see the coming together of these Filipinas and to witness the powerful transformations created by our talented hairstylists, it has been a productive and inspiring day for every single Filipino who came by, donated, and supported the adocacy all throughout."


Matrix Cut for Cancer celebrity ambassador, Maxene Magalona, who donated not just 8 but 10 inces of her hair last year, graced the event and made it even more special by passing on the orch to her sister, Saab Magalona-Bacarro. By giving a piece of her crowning glory, Saab reached out to the children who need concrete help and inspiration through an extraordinary way. During th event, the Magalona sisters shared how concrete help and inspiration through and extraordinary way. During the event, the Magalona sisters shared how this generous act of encouraging more and more Filipinos to participate and accepting the challenge made a clear statement that in more ways than one, everyone can help alleviate the plight of children diagnose with cancer.
"Matrix haw always been a brand that empowers change and inspires innovation. We believe that the Matrix Chairs of Change 8-inch Cut for Cancer campaign is one of the best ways to express what we stand for as a global brand and what we intend to bring forth in each local setting - and that is positive change. We are grateful to all the partners, ambassadors, social media influencer, and volunteers who have helped us in making this event a huge success," added Ramos. "These hair donations will definitely go a long way as they are turned into high quality medical wigs for the kids through Kythe-Ateneo. With this year's Matrix 8-inch Cut for Cancer challenge, we hope to fuel not just inspiration but concrete sources of confidence for these kids - a thousand fold,"
Take part in this movement and be one of the thousand Filipinos making a difference through the Matrix 8-inch Cut for Cancer Challenge. Missed the event? You can still join this advocacy! From September 20, 2015 to December 31, 2015, you may either send in your hair donation to the Matrix Philippines Office (Mezzanine Floor, Robinson's Equitable Tower, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City) or have your stylish haircut as donation continues in David's salon branches in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Regular hair cut charges will apply. For more information about the campaign, please visit www.MatrixCutForCancer.com