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Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by the parasite Schistosoma japonicum also known as the blood fluke. It remains to be endemic in the Philippines especially in the Samar and Leyte provinces and Negros Occidental in Visayas. In Luzon, there are few endemic areas such as Mindoro Oriental, Sorsogon and Cagayan.
How does an individual get Schistosomiasis?
The parasites are stored in snails that live in waters, rice fields or rivers. Small parasites leave the snail and travel in water to infect humans by entering broken skin such as wounds. Once the parasite enters, it travels in the blood to reach the liver where they can settle and reproduce for years without being detected. Once they have produced abundant amounts of eggs, the eggs can travel in the blood and into the intestines where they are excreted in the stools. Thus, parasite eggs can be transmitted when an infected person defecates in open water.
Who is at risk of having Schistosomiasis?
The risk is higher for individuals living in the above-mentioned endemic areas mostly in Mindanao. Males have greater risk due to frequent water contact. Children aged 5-14 years old who often play in rice fields as well as adults are at risk of getting infected.
Read more: January is Schistosomiasis Awareness and Mass Drug Administration Month
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This January, we are observing the National Deworming Month with the campaign theme: “Makilahok sa Oplan Goodbye Bulate para maging malusog, masigla, at matalino ang inyong mga anak!”. It aims to combat and reduce Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections (STH) through mass drug administration of anthelmintic medicines to at-risk populations such as children, pregnant women, food handlers, farmers and indigenous populations. This project is conducted twice a year every January and July and is headed by the Department of Health in partnership with the LGUs, DepEd, schools and communities. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school-based mass drug administration campaign for STH across the Philippines has been halted and an increase in STH infections is expected. Thus, other strategies for STH prevention such as proper water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) should be practiced to prevent further transmission of STH.
Who is at risk of having Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections?
Soil Transmitted Helminth Infections (STH) are parasitic infections from contaminated soil, food or water. It usually affects underprivileged communities with poor access to adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Preschool aged children aged 2 - 4 years and school-aged children aged 5-12 years old are the most vulnerable to infection.
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Christmas is just around the corner and food is a central component of every celebration or gathering with friends and family. With all the food around us, how can we serve healthier foods to our family and guests to promote health even during the holidays? The following are the must-try healthy cooking methods that you may apply in your kitchen:
1. Stir-frying. Stir frying uses a wok and high heat to quickly cook food to retain its maximum nutritional value, color and texture. This method is good for vegetables, small pieces of chicken or meat and even rice. Small slices of chicken or meat can be marinated in soy sauce, fruit juice, tomato puree, vinegar to tenderize them and to allow them to cook faster. Cook all ingredients into smaller pieces with uniform sizes to cook faster and evenly.
2. Steaming. Steaming uses high temperature steam from boiling water to cook food. It does not require any additional oil or fat to cook food - thus a good option for those controlling their calorie and fat intake. This method also preserves most of the vitamins and minerals within the dish. This method is good for steamed buns, rice cakes, siomai and dumplings.
Read more: Healthy Cooking Methods to Try this Christmas Season
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January 5 2022- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Davao Region, spearheaded by the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator (RNPC), Dr. Maria Teresa Ungson signed the Regional Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize its participation as one of EPAHP-Regional Convergence Team (RCT).
The MOU documents were presented by Ms. Angelie l. Rodriguez, Department of Social Welfare and Development Focal Officer- XI and through the execution of MOU, the participating regional agencies mutually agree to join hand in hand in implementing the EPHAP programs. It’s initiative to collaborate with different government agencies maximizes the results of the program’s objective which is to mitigate hunger, ensure food nutrition security, and reduce poverty in marginalized communities in line with the attainment of “Ambisyon Natin 2040”.
Read more: NNC Davao Region Formalizes Partnership with EPAHP
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December 1 is World AIDS Day and this year, we observe this with the theme: “Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone’s Voice” which aims to increase HIV awareness and knowledge, speak out against HIV stigma, and call for an increased response to end the HIV epidemic. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infects human immune cells which makes them dysfunctional and late progression leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) which is a condition that makes an individual susceptible to severe infections and may lead to death. It is transmitted via direct contact with infected body fluids such as blood, semen, pre seminal fluid, vaginal fluid and breast milk. Saliva, tears and urine do not contain enough HIV for transmission. In the US, sexual transmission and sharing needles related to illicit drug use are the most common modes of transmission. In terms of sex, the most common route of transmission among men is male-to-male sexual contact and among women is heterosexual contact. During the early HIV infection, the individual will initially produce antibodies against the virus and might experience physical symptoms such as fever, malaise, myalgia, pharyngitis, or swollen lymph glands 2 - 4 weeks after infection. Afterwards, an asymptomatic phase of up to 10 years occurs until it progresses into AIDS as immune cells slowly decline throughout the years. Once it has progressed to AIDS, the infected individual will become prone to infections, fever, chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and recurrent fungal or bacterial infection. This is why awareness and early detection is key to prevent early progression and prolong life. Currently, HIV is treated with Antiretroviral Therapy Drugs which has helped control the amount of virus in the body, prevent further transmission and prolong the lives of infected individuals.
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Every third week of January is celebrated as National Autism Consciousness Week- a time to raise awareness through sharing vital information about this lifelong neurological disorder and to bolster our commitment for the inclusion of people with autism. This annual celebration is conducted as a response to the increasing statistics of Filipinos diagnosed with this condition and has been supported by the Proclamation No. 711 signed on Jan. 4, 1996, by then President Fidel Ramos.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by social and communication deficits that impede optimal functioning. The cause of this condition has remained unknown yet has been linked to genetics. Some autistic people have difficulty in making eye contact, understanding or using spoken language and expressing emotions or feelings which sometimes lead to self-harming behavior, tantrums and aggression. These characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.
Read more: National Autism Consciousness Week: Ways to Promote Healthy Eating for Autistic People
