Prevent kidney disease thru annual urinalysis
By Fayette C. Ri�en
CEBU CITY, Nov 22 (PIA) -- Incidence of kidney diseases in Central Visayas is rising as nephrologist Dr. John Li advised that annual urinalysis is recommended to prevent the development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Li, who trained under the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), said 72 percent of Filipinos suffer from chronic kidney disease. “Most often, one does not feel anything. Usually, kidney dysfunction is felt during severe stage already or when symptoms appear,” said Li during the recent Kapihan sa PIA on "Renal Disease Prevention and Control."
“Just last week alone, three patients of mine were diagnosed as ESRD. Two of them were indigents,” added the private nephrologist.
Li said that as early as 18 years old, one should undergo yearly urinalysis while those who are at high-risk should have urinalysis twice a year or every six months. Those considered high-risk are people who have familial history of diabetes or hypertension, two major factors that could lead to kidney disease.
Urinalysis on the other hand, is the cheapest way of determining kidney problem, and early detection can prevent the progression of kidney dysfunction to ESRD, which is irreversible.
“For ESRD patients, they would need regular dialysis. But ideally, renal transplantation is needed to prolong the life of the patient and this is quite expensive,” said Li.
The NKTI-trained doctor said that regular urinalysis is a must as early detection can prevent renal failure with prompt medical treatment.
Incidence of renal diseases in Central Visayas meanwhile, is on the rise as evidenced by the growing number of dialysis centers in the region, disclosed Li.
“Presently, there are 18 dialysis centers in the whole region of which 11 centers are in Cebu,” said Li. This is a clear indication that kidney disease is a growing health threat which should not be taken lightly just because symptoms are absent.
Kidney disease is the seventh leading cause of mortality rate in Central Visayas and is also in the top 10 leading cause of deaths in the Philippines, according to Ma. Ligaya Moneva of the Department of Health (DOH) 7.
Moneva said that based on their record, there were 514 patients in Central Visayas undergoing dialysis in 2010. “But this figure are the recorded cases and do not take into account those that were undocumented. It is highly possible that the number of cases is much higher, added the DOH-7 health education and promotions officer.
Li on the other hand, said the number of patients on dialysis in the region has reached 600 today. “But this is just the rough estimate and only based on official record. The number of cases could be much much higher,” said Li. (PIA-7)
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Steering committee on environmental education formed
By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, November 22 (PIA) --- The regional inter-agency steering committee on environmental education (RIASCEE) recently convened here to reconstitute and identify possibilities and opportunities to generate collaborative interagency and multi-sectoral effort in trying to implement the national environmental education action plan.
This activity was initiated by the of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 led by regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo.
Carrying the intention to generate deeper partnerships and collaboration, DENR 7 gathered representatives from government agencies, non-government organizations, the academe, business sector and other stakeholders.
“This is to ensure a continuing integration and implementation of environmental awareness and education programs in all levels of school curricula and capacity programs,” Montejo said.
Among the topics discussed during the meeting were the status of air quality, surface water quality, and ground water quality. Updates on the solid waste management and national greening program implementation were also presented.
The committee also tackled issues on problems met by stakeholders and the academe in the conduct of environmental activities particularly in tree planting efforts.
Montejo stressed environmental education shall encompass environmental concepts and principles, environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, local environmental best practices, the threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human well-being.
He also underscored the responsibility of the citizenry to the environment and the value of conservation, protection and rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment in the context of sustainable development.
During the meeting, representatives from the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Academe Network, Central Visayas Studies Center – University of the Philippines- Cebu, and the University of San Jose Recoletos (USJR) actively shared and exchanged ideas on how to efficiently and effectively promote environmental education in Central Visayas.
Meanwhile, the participants were able to draw up a roadmap to Republic Act 9512 also known as the Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008 here in Region 7 including action commitments of the different sectors set to be implemented in 2013.(HFG/PIA-7/DENR-7)
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DENR cancels 15 cadastral survey projects in Central Visayas
By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, November 21(PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has ordered the cancellation of 15 cadastral survey projects in three provinces in Central Visayas.
This after an inventory made by DENR 7 showed the following results: certain contractors and geodetic engineers abandoned necessary activities and left them unfinished after the period stipulated in the contract; botched to correct survey defects within a prescribed period; and failed to return survey project records and other violations of the contract.
Based on the report released by the legal division, six are projects in Cebu, eight in Bohol, and one in Negros Oriental.
DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said the cadastral survey program is seriously pursued by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje as it is instrumental in efficient patent distribution and accelerating countryside development.
The cancellation stemmed from the inventory jointly conducted by the legal division and the office of the regional technical director (RTD) for land management services (LMS).
Montejo stressed the blacklisting and disqualifying of these contractors or geodetic engineers to participate in any future DENR activities, such as survey, mapping, among others, and all sums of money collectible or payable to these individuals are forfeited in favor of the government.
He also mentioned the filing of appropriate complaint for breach of contract in close coordination with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
Citing previous failed cadastral survey, Montejo replied, “we are sending a strong message to all our existing contractors that the DENR 7 will closely monitor all their activities and we want to make sure that deliverables on their part will be put to a critical evaluation.”
It may be recalled that Secretary Paje issued DENR Administrative Order No. 2011-05 directing the Land Management Bureau (LMB) to conduct an inventory and establish a database of abandoned cadastral survey projects.
Meanwhile, RTD for LMS Dr. Diana Apistar said they are requiring all their contractors to submit a report regularly to identify the extent of implementation.
In the order, Montejo said Secretary Paje has given the regional executive director (RED) the power to cancel abandoned survey projects, and to determine and impose the appropriate sanctions against the erring geodetic engineer or survey contractor.
“President Aquino has given the DENR a marching order to hasten and complete the cadastral survey of the country in support of the government’s various projects such as land titling, land use planning, taxation and internal revenue allotment (IRA) program for the different municipalities nationwide,” Montejo added.(HFG/PIA-7/FMGM DENR-7)
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Cebu power plants intensify CSR programs
By Amorganda A. Saludar
CEBU CITY November 21 (PIA) ---- The Cebu Energy Development Corp (CEDC) and the Toledo Power Company (TPC), subsidiaries of Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) in Toledo City, committed to engage the community in their programs and projects.
Coal-fired plants CEDC and TPC pledged to focus in implementing projects that would benefit their host city and other neighboring areas within the Cebu province.
Under their Community Social Responsibility (CSR), the GBPC with its subsidiaries CEDC and TPC, are implementing programs such as Kabilin, Amuma, Gasa, Abag Eskwela, Malubog Watershed Conservation Project, and the Mananga Forest Restoration Project.
Under the Kabilin program, the power plants partnered with the community in the implementation of livelihood projects like hollow blocks production involving the host barangay Daanglungsod in Toledo City and some neighboring villages.
The Amuma program, meantime, provided health care and other health-related services to the community, while the Gasa provided development projects to the host barangays and several neighboring areas.
The Abag Eskwela served as educational and scholarship support program for the community, wherein the power plants are now serving 50 scholars in elementary and high schools.
Aside from this, the power plants also provided school supplies and school rehabilitation and repair to schools situated within the city.
With the support of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – 7 and the local government unit of Toledo City, around 79, 000 Kabilin trees were planted in order to preserve the Malubog Dam.
This is seen to boost the eco-tourism of the 100-hectare dam site.
In partnership with the Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water (CUSW), the Mananga Forest Restoration Project covering 500 hectares is underway with the goal of planting 55,500 tress composed of fruit and forest trees in a span of five years starting 2010.
CEDC operations communication officer Mae Melchor said that they currently have planas to extend their CSR programs and projects outside Cebu. (rmn/AYS/FMGM PIA-CEBU)
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DOH accredits AVRC’s therapeutic massage training
By Hazel F. Gloria
CEBU CITY, November 22 (PIA) --- The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center II (AVRC II), a vocational training center by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VII (DSWD FO-VII) recently received its Certificate of Accreditation as a Training Institution for Massage Therapy from the Department of Health (DOH).
The accreditation was given after the Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy (CEMT) from DOH Head Office in Manila assessed the facilities, modules and pertinent documents of the center.
Presidential Decree (PD) 856 mandates that massage therapists must first acquire a certification issued by the DOH Committee of Examiners for Massage Therapy before practicing and applying their skills.
AVRC II based in Labangon, Cebu City is the second accredited training institution for massage therapy in the Visayas and first of the 4 vocational rehabilitation centers to be accredited as training institution nationwide.
AVRC is the region’s non-residential institution that provides rehabilitation programs and services to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other special groups to acquire skills and eventually find decent employment and other income generating activities.
Other AVRCs are located in Region I in Luzon, Region IX in Mindanao and in Quezon City under DSWD-NCR.(HFG/PIA-7/FMGM DSWD-7)
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Fast foods, herbal meds may cause renal dysfunction
By Fayette C. Ri�en
CEBU CITY, Nov 22 (PIA) --Eating fast foods and taking herbal supplements, among other unhealthy lifestyle practices, contribute if not aggravate, the development of kidney dysfunction, said private nephrologist, Dr. John Li.
Li who underwent training in the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), said the Filipinos’ penchant in adopting the western lifestyle such as eating fast foods is a major factor in the developing kidney diseases.
“Diet is very important in maintaining good health. If your diet frequently consists of fatty and salty foods, then you are in for a major kidney problem in the future,” saidd Li during the weekly Kapihan sa PIA that tackled on "Renal Disease Prevention and Control."
Li added that fast foods are high in fats and salt which can cause hypertension, the second leading cause behind kidney disease.
“In 2004, hypertension is recorded at 17 percent as the major factor behind renal disease. This year, it rose to 26 percent,” said Li, citing the records of the Philippine General Hospital and stated that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining normal blood pressure.
Likewise, fast foods are also rich in sugar which can increase blood sugar levels resulting to diabetes, which is among the top leading causes in the development of renal disease, revealed Li.
Taking herbal supplements is also a contributing factor behind renal problems, said the nephrologist. “There are people who may have kidney problems but opted to resort to taking herbal supplements rather than go see a doctor. Unfortunately, they do not know that herbal supplements can do more harm than good as most of these products do not state the complete ingredients and in case the ingredients are written, they are done in small letters which is difficult to read. So please beware of herbal supplements,” he added.
Li said early medical consultation is still the best policy rather than self-medication.
Li also advised to abstain from smoking which is harmful to one’s health and to drink alcohol in moderation. “For men, it is ideal to consume only two bottles or two shots of hard liquor a day and one bottle or one shot for women,” said Li.
The nephrologist further recommended that it is healthy to drink approximately eight glasses or two liters of water everyday and to exercise regularly. (PIA 7)