Start Strong: Make Your Health a Priority This Year

Every new year, we hear it time and again: This year will be different.

It’s a chance to quit those bad habits, tackle long-standing goals, and build a healthier future. With each January, we’re inspired by the promise of a fresh start—an ideal time to stop smoking, adopt cleaner habits, and finally prioritize well-being.

Yet, more often than not, these resolutions fizzle out. Plans that feel achievable in the moment tend to fade, proving unsustainable or simply out of reach. The truth is, waiting for the perfect time often leads to wasted opportunities.

That’s why investing in your health now is the best course of action. Seize this moment to make lasting changes, because the future you’re working toward deserves more than a fleeting resolution. It's about building the foundation for a healthier, stronger life—not just for this year, but for all the years to come.

Here’s how you can do it:

●      Get screened for preventable diseases like the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases

●      Drink more water daily

●      Incorporate short walks into your routine

●      Get quality sleep

●      Be mindful of what you eat

●      Consult your doctor about vaccination

 

Drink more water daily

Water is essential for nearly every bodily function, from digestion to joint health. Try carrying a reusable water bottle with you, and aim for small sips throughout the day. Gradually work up to drinking about four to six cups daily, adjusting based on your body’s needs and activity level.

Incorporate short walks into your routine

Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise. Try a two-minute walk after meals; it aids digestion, lowers blood pressure, and even helps regulate your blood sugar. Over time, you might find yourself gradually increasing your walking time as it becomes a natural part of your routine.

Get quality sleep

If you feel irritated or can’t think properly, there’s a chance that you may not be getting a restful sleep. Try setting a consistent bedtime and winding down with a relaxing routine. Limiting screen time and caffeine before bed can also help you fall asleep more easily.

Be mindful of what you eat

A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins like vitamin C, D, B6, B12, Omega-3, calcium, and iron supports everything from immunity to hormones. Start by adding more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, into your meals. These nutrient-dense foods help fuel your body with what it needs for optimal function.

Additionally, be conscious of your sugar intake; you can gradually cut down by swapping one sugary drink or snack each day with a healthier option, like herbal tea or a piece of fruit.

Get screened for preventable diseases

Regular screenings, like those for HPV, diabetes, or cholesterol levels, are essential. Catching potential issues early means they can often be managed or treated effectively before they become serious. Make it a priority to schedule these screenings annually or as recommended by your doctor.

Consult your doctor about vaccination

Vaccines prevent serious health issues, especially for HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases such as anal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, penile cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer and genital warts.

Vaccination can significantly reduce your risk of developing HPV-related diseases. This simple step can help remove HPV from your list of potential health concerns, empowering you to focus on other aspects of wellness. Consult your healthcare provider about the HPV vaccine.

Starting with these small, sustainable changes can lead to significant improvements in your health over time. By investing in your well-being today, you’re laying the foundation for a healthier, stronger future. Learn more on how to invest in your health at https://guardagainsthpv.ph/. 

This is an educational message provided by MSD Philippines.

Advocates Light a Path for Better Cancer Care in PH

Advocates from various organizations gathered to light a path towards better cancer care at an event held last March 10 at Greenbelt 3. (From Left:  Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations President Fatima “Girlie” Lorenzo; Program Host Jing Castaneda; Patient Advocate Jojo Flores; MSD Philippines Market Access and Corporate Affairs Director Michael Andrew Blanch; MSD Philippines President and Managing Director Andreas Riedel; Cancer Commission Philippine College of Surgeons Director Dr. Ramy Roxas; Singer/Actor Marlo Mortel; MSD Philippines Business Unit Director Oncology Allan Ancheta; Department of Health Program Manager Dr. Clar Cairo; Greenbelt 3 Mall Senior Marketing Associate Manager Natasha Faustino; PHAP Executive Director Ted Padilla; Philippine Society of Medical Oncology President Dr. Arnold John Uson; National Council on Disability Affairs Executive Director Engr. Emer Rojas; and UHC Policy Development Senior Vice President Dr. Israel Pargas)

Health advocates gathered to call for better cancer care in the Philippines through a candle-lighting ceremony held last March 10 at the Greenbelt Activity Area in Makati City.  

A multi-sectoral group composed of members from the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry led by the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) in collaboration with MSD, recently came together for a landmark event titled Hope Matters: Lighting A Path for Better Cancer Care to ask for the implementation of the Universal Healthcare Law (UHC) and the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).  

The activity was attended by stakeholders who want to push for better cancer care, including Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Society of Medical Oncology (PSMO), Philippine College of Surgeons- Cancer Commission (PCS-CANCOM), Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO), MSD and Astra Zeneca. Aside from the symbolic gesture of lighting candles for cancer awareness, they launched a call for action through an online petition that is addressed to the National Government. Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality in the country. According to the 2018 Global Data on Cancer, more than 140,000 new cancer cases and more than 80,000 cancer deaths are expected in the Philippines every year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Filipinos, followed by lung, colon, liver, and prostate1. A study conducted by the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, finds that 89 of every 100,000 Filipinos are afflicted with cancer while four Filipinos die of cancer every hour2. 

The provisions of the NICCA, which was passed in 2019, will help mitigate the impact of cancer in the country. It ensures the provision of quality health services and financial risk protection to cancer patients. It emphasizes cancer prevention and improvement of survivorship, by improving related health services and care while including additional funding for cancer programs.  

Cancer survivor Jojo Flores explained the added challenges that patients have to overcome in order to receive their much-needed treatment, “For cancer patients, it is collision of the two big C’s -- Cancer and Covid. The treatment for cancer patients is time-bound, but because of the Covid situation, many have not been able to receive their treatments. Hospitals and doctors had to focus on CoVID-19 cases, and even transporting the patient to the hospital was a problem.” he said. Mr. Flores added that although NICCA may take time to implement in its totality, there are aspects of the law that can already help save many lives, especially with early detection.  

Flores is calling specific NICCA provisions to be implemented as soon as possible. These are:  

1. The immediate classification of cancer patients as Persons with Disabilities PWDs as soon as formally diagnosed.

2. Mandatory cancer policies in the workplace. 

3. The inclusion of innovative therapies among cancer treatments aimed at treating the disease and improve the patient’s quality of life; and

4. Coordinated cancer screening and detection programs at the community levels. 

During the forum, one of the points raised by PHAP Director Mr. Teodoro Padilla was the need for public support and private partnerships to enhance better cancer care. He added that as the government implements measures to make medicines more accessible, it is important to address certain bottlenecks to make treatments that are available in other countries also accessible for Filipino patients. 

The healthcare and pharmaceutical sector is extending its help not only in the call for the government’s implementation of the NICCA, through initiatives such as Hope From Within by MSD Philippines. The cancer advocacy program introduced the Cancer Game Plan, a health impact projection model that uses local data sets to uncover cancer outcomes and highlight how innovative treatment options such as immunotherapy may provide cancer patients quality of life and improve their overall survival.  

Andreas Riedel, President and Managing Director and the Country Leadership Team of MSD in the Philippines, expressed hope that the event will result in meaningful progress for the fight against cancer.  

“Cancer patients and their families are not alone in this fight. We at MSD are one with the community in championing a multi-stakeholder approach to promote information, education, and access to quality cancer care. Through Hope Matters: Lighting a Path for Better Cancer Care, we commit to continue doing our part in amplifying the voice of the Filipino Cancer patient and help usher them towards more hopeful tomorrows.”  

 

To support the call for better cancer care in the Philippines, scan the code and sign the petition

To sign the petition for the full implementation of the NICCA, visit change.org: https://www.change.org/p/department-of-health-sign-the-petition-to-fully-implement-the-national-integrated-cancer-control-act-nicca-now, and help more cancer patients receive quality and holistic healthcare services with the help of the government. (Note: Clicking on the link will lead to a third-party website, outside of the current publication. Said third party site is independent of and does not necessarily reflect the views of organizations featured in this story including MSD- Hope From Within.)

 

REFERENCES:

https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/implementing-rules-for-cancer-act-signed“Implementing Rules For Cancer Act Signed”. Accessed on 10th April 2022.

https://doh.gov.ph/philippine-cancer-control-program ”Philippine cancer control program”. Accessed on 10th April 2022.   

 

Saab Magalona on speaking to your doctor about vaccine-preventable diseases: Do it for your children!

 

For wife and mother of two, Saab Magalona-Bacarro, making the call to shots for her children is not even a question of getting it done or not. It is the most important thing to do for her children’s health. 

“It’s a few minutes of crying in exchange for long-term protection against life-threatening diseases so it’s very much worth it,” the content creator and podcast host said.

Saab and her husband, Jim Bacarro learned the importance of immunization through their own mothers whom they seek advice about parenting. “My husband and I are grateful our own parents have ingrained it (importance of immunization) in us enough to understand its importance in protecting ourselves and our future families.” 

Saab also shared the technique that she learned during the first time her baby experienced receiving a jab. “It wasn’t so bad! If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to feed them while they take the shot so they can be easily comforted.” 

Saab Magalona- Bacarro

She also believes that the children can feel their parent’s energy. “Stay calm and remember that it’s not about you, it’s about your child. If it makes you uncomfortable to see your child get injected, that’s something you will have to overcome.” 

“Also, don’t make a big fuss about how they’re so ‘kawawa’ or so brave for doing it. Just be there to hug and comfort them and move on to other things,” she added as she believes that this will help in normalizing vaccination. 

She also advised first-time moms to do their research and make sure it’s science based. Aside from that, it is best to seek advice from the pediatrician. 

For Saab, getting a shot should not be something to be afraid of. “It’s just a thing we have to do like getting our teeth cleaned at the dentist!” 

“Vaccination is a big factor in preventing illnesses and spreading disease,” she said. She also encouraged every parent to make the call and speak with their doctor. “Be proactive in your children’s health and make sure to put your vaccination schedules in whatever calendar you use.” 

Saab Magalona, Call the Shots

Just like Saab, MSD’s campaign Call the Shots also invites every Filipino parent to make their call and do the move to level up the protection for their children against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

Call the Shots PH is an awareness campaign to help protect parents and their children from vaccine-preventable diseases. This advocacy campaign is brought to you by MSD in the Philippines. 

For more information, visit the Call the Shots Facebook Page and consult your pediatrician on how to protect your children against vaccine-preventable diseases.