Learning Heart Care from the Indigenous Mangyan

By: Madonna T. Virola, RVAsia.org Badbad Mangday, 74, an Indigenous Hanunuo Mangyan, in a far-flung mountain in Mansalay, a southern town in Oriental Mindoro province, Philippines, wakes up at chicken crows, from a good night undisturbed sleep by what could be a “modern life” for those living in the lowlands. He would walk barefoot into […]

Iloilo’s remote islands battle heart disease; Struggles, costs, and healthcare gaps

By: Ma. Theresa Ladiao, PanayNews.net ILOILO — For 60-year-old Noel Parreñas, a fisherman from Tabugon Island, Carles, his encounter with hypertension was life-changing. “Sadtong mga lima ka tuig ang nagligad, naospital ako. Naagyan ko gid kung ano kabudlay. Halin sa isla asta sa banwa mga 30 minutos ang amon biyahe sa lawod. Nalipong ako gani […]

Before the Second Heart Attack: A Father’s Fight to Stay Alive for His Children

How one man’s near-death experience inspired a commitment to health, hope, and family. By: Katrina Benigno, Novartis StoryLab It was a regular workday for Tonyo, a 45-year-old father of four, when his life took an unexpected turn. A laborer in a sprawling banana plantation in the South, Tony had always been the backbone of his […]

What you need to know about cholesterol — the good and the bad

By: Kaycee Valmonte, Rappler.com Most people know that high levels of cholesterol can be unhealthy and, in some cases, may lead to serious illness or even death. But our body actually also produces a “good” kind of cholesterol, which helps the body process fats and “bad” cholesterol. Increased physical activity and proper diet can improve […]

Unmasking the silent killer, unfriending bad cholesterol

By: Mildred Galarpe, Sunstar.com.ph
 THE last thing Lau remembered were the cries of his grade three pupils, shaking him and tapping his legs before he totally lost consciousness. When consciousness came back, he was in his hospital bed in the intensive care unit of a local hospital. Lauron “Lau” Montezzola, a 38-year-old school teacher, had […]

Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Southern Leyte

Ruevivar Markines Reyes, Southern Leyte Times Southern Leyte, a province celebrated for its close-knit communities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and vibrant marine biodiversity, is facing a pressing health concern, the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Despite its serene environment, this province is grappling with a silent epidemic. CVDs, often linked to high cholesterol levels, have emerged […]

Deadly grip of cardiovascular diseases on Filipino families

Deadly-grip

By: Cristina Eloisa Baclig, Inquirer.net
 MANILA, Philippines—Think of your loved ones — your family, friends, people you work with, or even the people in your community. Can you name someone who has suffered a heart attack or stroke? Chances are, the answer is yes. Heart disease and stroke have long-lasting impacts on nearly every Filipino […]

Where Should You Go If You Feel Symptoms of a Heart Attack or Stroke?

When experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, knowing where to seek immediate medical attention can save lives. Many individuals mistakenly visit outpatient departments (OPD), delaying critical treatment. Instead, these emergencies require you to go directly to the emergency room (ER). Symptoms to Watch Out For Signs of a Heart Attack:1 Signs of a Stroke […]