Metro Pacific Health (MPH), the country’s largest private hospital network, recently hosted a media roundtable to discuss its educational docuseries, Decode.
As part of Stroke Awareness Week, MPH emphasized the importance of health education, focusing on the latest episode of its docuseries, which delves into the complexities of stroke.
During the discussion, MPH Group Chief Medical Officer Dr. Benjamin Co emphasized the importance of health education in combating prevalent conditions like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. “In the Philippines, we continue to see a high prevalence of conditions like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes—illnesses that are often preventable with the right knowledge and proactive care,” said Co.
The roundtable also featured leading medical experts, including Dr. Saturnino Javier of Makati Medical Center, who discussed heart disease misconceptions, and Dr. Michelle Anlacan of Cardinal Santos Medical Center, who addressed common misunderstandings about dementia.
Dr. Javier also addressed the widespread misconception that heart disease only presents with obvious symptoms like chest pain or that being slim and active automatically protects against heart conditions.
“The truth is, heart disease can manifest in subtle ways, such as fatigue or shortness of breath. Less common symptoms might even include abdominal pain, back pain, and vision problems. Additionally, emotional stress and genetics are significant contributors to heart health. This is why it’s crucial not to ignore any signs, no matter how minor they may seem, and to prioritize regular check-ups regardless of physical appearance,” he explained.
Dr. Javier then reminded the audience about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, while managing stress effectively to prevent emotional strain on the heart.
On the other hand, Dr. Anlacan debunked the myth that dementia is inevitable as one grows older.
“Dementia is a disease, not an unavoidable part of aging. Early diagnosis and proper management are key to improving the quality of life for those affected,” Dr. Anlacan stated.
She also addressed the myth that dementia solely affects memory, highlighting that the disease can also cause significant behavioral changes, disorientation, and speech difficulties.
MPH’s Decode series aims to provide Filipinos with reliable health information and empower them to make informed choices. As part of its commitment to public health, MPH continues to expand its reach and produce episodes on critical health issues.
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