Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Watsons Encourages the Public to Take Action for Women’s Health


Leading health and beauty retailer Watsons supports cervical cancer awareness; highlights prevention through timely HPV vaccine


The Watsons Take Action for Women’s Health media education session featured a panel discussion facilitated by broadcast journalist Doris Bigornia; Sharon Decapia, SAVP - Marketing, PR & Sustainability, Watsons Philippines; Dr. Cecilia Llave, Trustee, Philippine Cancer Society; and Dr. Carolyn Zalameda-Castro, Fellow and Chair of Task Force on Women First, Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society. 

Leading health and beauty retailer Watsons conducted a virtual education session to raise awareness on cervical cancer and encourage the public to take preventive steps for their health. "Take Action for Women’s Health" highlights how the HPV vaccine can prevent Filipino women from acquiring cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female cancer in the world, and the second most frequent one in the Philippines.

Hosted by broadcast journalist Doris Bigornia, the event featured activities designed to engage and educate. This included the Cervical Cancer Mythbusters game where members of the media were challenged to identify common myths about cervical cancer and tweet out what they learned as the session progressed. 

Angel Enero,  Blogger

Blogger Angel Enero posts her TIL or Today I Learned from session: 99% of cervical cancer cases are due to chronic persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). 

For her part, Dr. Carolyn R. Zalameda-Castro of Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society highlighted the link between education and a woman’s health outcomes. 

“We empower our women against this disease and educate them to actively take action. With education, there is an improvement in the mother’s knowledge and perception of the importance of modern medicine for the care of the children.” Dr. Zalameda-Castro noted that initiatives like this improve the quality of life of the whole family. 

Dr. Cecilia Llave of the Philippine Cancer Society gave a short talk on cervical cancer. She highlighted  that getting an HPV vaccine along with regular screening and having a healthy lifestyle can help lower cancer risks. 


“Remember, cervical cancer can be treated if diagnosed early. It can be prevented with healthy living and (HPV) vaccination,” states Dr. Cecilia Llave. She also emphasized the need for timely screening: “do not wait for signs and symptoms, early screening is very important - cervical cancer can be treated if diagnosed early.” 

Data from the HPV Information Center reveals that “Current estimates indicate that every year 7897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4052 die from the disease. Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most frequent cancer among women in the Philippines and the 2nd most frequent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of age.” 

“As a leading health and beauty retailer in the Philippines, we aim to emphasize accessibility to the HPV vaccine. Awareness is the first step, second is availability. That's why we are rolling out our awareness efforts through media events," shares Sharon Decapia, Watsons Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing, PR & Sustainability. The HPV vaccine is available in over 200 Watsons stores nationwide. Customers can also avail of free doctor’s assessment on vaccine day. 

Watsons is actively promoting health literacy in the Philippines through its various initiatives and platforms. One of its key contributions is the online Health Hub, which serves as a comprehensive resource for health tips, information, and expert advice.The Health Supplement Advisor available on the Health Hub addresses concerns ranging from immune support, liver health, sleep, digestion, weight management, and joint care amongst others.. 

“Cervical cancer is a significant health concern that affects women worldwide, and it is vital to have accurate information and expert guidance to address this issue effectively,” Decapia adds.

Book Your Vaccinations at Watsons

Get vaccinated at Watsons. Register and pay via the Watsons Vaccine site ( https://www.vaccination.watsons.com.ph/

With over 200 Watsons stores offering HPV vaccination and easy booking via the Watsons Vaccination site (www.vaccination.watsons.com.ph), getting protected is now more convenient. Click here (https://www.vaccination.watsons.com.ph/Home/FAQs) to learn how you can get HPV Vaccine on August 17 - 20. 

 

About Watsons

Watsons is part of the Health and Beauty Store chain of A.S Watson, the largest health, beauty, cosmetics, and perfumery retailer in the world. Today, Watsons H&B Asia is the leading health and beauty chain in the continent with successful operations in 13 markets. In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings Inc., the Philippines' leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas).

Today, Watsons operates 1000+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 250,000 customers per day. Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality private labels and brands. With more than 1,000 brands ranging from medicines, cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise, Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty solutions to each and every customer.

Featured Post

Sunrise Trail Hike at Masungi Georeserve: An Empowering and Meaningful Birthday Celebration

Since I was a child, as soon as June approaches, I feel thrilled because it's my birth month. I don't eagerly anticipate gifts, but ...