Philippine Medics » Archive
PDAs and Smartphones: Clinical Tools for Physicians
Today’s cell phone technology has advanced to the point that a cell phone can do much more than just place calls. Along with the personal digital assistant (PDA), these devices can now play a major role in making clinical information portable and readily available. Robert Jones, MD, is a family practice physician with a subspecialty in sports medicine practicing in Charlotte, North Carolina. He serves as the medical director for the student health center of a … Read entire article »
Statements on the Role of Antibiotic Chemoprophylaxis against Leptospirosis
A. Pre-exposure Measures 1. The most effective preventive measure is the avoidance of high-risk exposure (i.e. wading in floods and contaminated water, contact with animal body fluids). 2. If high risk exposure is unavoidable, appropriate protective measures include wearing boots, goggles, overalls, and rubber gloves. 3. Pre-exposure antibiotic prophylaxis is NOT ROUTINELY RECOMMENDED. However, in those individuals who intend to visit highly endemic areas AND get exposed, pre-exposure prophylaxis may be considered. Pre-exposure prophylaxis regimen for non-pregnant, non-lactating adult: Doxycycline 2 capsules of 100 mg/ capsule once weekly, to begin 1 to 2 days before exposure and continuing through the period of exposure Currently, there is NO recommended pre-exposure prophylaxis that is safe for pregnant and lactating women. B. Post-Exposure Measures 1. Antibiotic prophylaxis in the prevention of leptospirosis is NOT 100% effective. 2. Factors that may … Read entire article »
Filed under: Health News
100 tons of food arrive from UN
MANILA, Philippines – The first of two of the largest high-energy food shipments from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) arrived in the country yesterday for victims of storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng.” Stephen Anderson, WFP country director, said the first 100-metric-ton shipment of nutritious biscuits was loaded from Turkey and flown to the Philippines on TNT’s Boeing 747-400 extended range freighter for immediate distribution to various evacuation centers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Anderson said another 100 tons of biscuits will arrive on Oct. 24, in a continuing effort to provide food assistance to flood victims. The shipment was another endeavor in the “Moving the World Partnership” between WFP and delivery firm TNT. He said the biscuits were fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for supplementary feeding to children, pregnant women … Read entire article »
Filed under: Safety and Rescue
Leptospirosis cases rise to 1,336; 93 deaths reported
The death toll from leptospirosis climbed to 93 after four more deaths were reported from Metro Manila hospitals during the weekend, the Department of Health (DoH) said on Saturday. The number of cases also increased to 1, 336 from 1, 027 recorded last October 15, or an addition of 309 new cases in barely two days. Dr. Yolly Oliveros, director of the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control (NCDPC), said the additional cases and deaths were received by the DoH-National Epidemiology Center (NEC) last October 16 from different state-run and private hospitals in the metropolis. “The rapid increase in the number of casualties is inevitable considering the volume of water that typhoon Ondoy dumped on most parts of Metro Manila last September 26,” Oliveros said in an interview. “If the NEC projection of … Read entire article »
Filed under: DOH, Health News
The 2009 PCP Mid-Year Convention is Cancelled
To Philippine College of Physician (PCP) members, The North Luzon chapter under the leadership of Dr. Manny Bautista had met with his team to have an accurate assessment of the impact of the recent disaster on the prospect of holding the PCP mid-year convention in Baguio as scheduled. They have wisely deemed it prudent and appropriate to cancel the mid-year convention that they had earnestly prepared for. At this time, focus has to be put on the on-going relief operations. The Board of Regents agrees with their assessment of the situation and has approved the recommendation to cancel the 2009 mid-year convention in Baguio. The recommendation to cancel the convention is thus carried out. Meanwhile, the people of north Luzon need help. We will be figuring out in the next few days the best way to help. We are one with … Read entire article »
Filed under: Doctors, Medical Updates
WHO BACKS DOH OVER BAN ON MILK PRODUCTS FOR ONDOY CHILDREN
MANILA, 2 October 2009—The World Health Organization (WHO) today applauded the Philippines Department of Health for its efforts to prevent donations of milk products to infants and young children sheltering in evacuation centres in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy. In a statement, WHO said donations of infant formula and other powdered milk products, while well-meaning, endanger children’s lives. It was a misconception that in emergencies, many mothers could no longer breastfeed adequately due to stress or inadequate nutrition. Dr Howard Sobel, acting WHO Representative, explained: “Stress is not likely to inhibit breast-milk production, provided mothers and infants remain together and are supported to breastfeed. Mothers who lack food or who are malnourished can still breastfeed adequately. Adequate fluids and extra food for the mother will help to sustain her health and … Read entire article »
Filed under: DOH
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