Tuesday, June 22, 2021

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/

Coronavirus variant detected in Mati City

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:28 AM PDT

NINE samples of confirmed Covid-19 patients from Mati City, Davao Oriental have been identified to have the more virulent lineage of B.1.1.28 variant (Gamma).

In a press release from the Mati City Information Office on Monday morning, June 21, 2021, the samples from the province were submitted to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) on June 10.

The City Government said a total of 991 samples were submitted by three Covid-19 testing facilities to the PGC for genome sequencing.

The result showed that samples from Davao Oriental have nine with the B.1.1.28 variant of the Sars-CoV-2, the virus causing the Covid-19. One has the B.1 variant, another one has the B.1.78, and another has the A.4 variant while the results of 69 samples are still pending.

The P.1 variant, which was first reported in Brazil, is a descendant of the Gamma variant. The P.1 lineage contains three mutations in the spike protein receptor-binding domain: K417T, E484K, and N501Y.

Experts said there is evidence to suggest that some of the mutations in the P.1 variant may affect its transmissibility and antigenic profile, which may affect the ability of antibodies generated through previous natural infection or through vaccination to recognize and neutralize the virus.

Mati Incident Management Team (IMT) commander Dr. Ben Hur Catbagan Jr. said the new variant could be the reason why there is a surge in the number of new cases not just in the city but in all other areas of the country as well.

Catbagan said they have observed faster transmission and severe symptoms from the new cases which are all traits of the new variants of Covid-19.

As of June 20, the City of Mati has 91 active cases which are 70 percent higher compared to the month of May. Four deaths have also been reported so far for this month compared to last month's two Covid fatalities.

There are also 12 clustering cases recorded mostly from health facilities, offices or workplaces, and family gatherings.

He said, though, that there are zero cases of infections coming from locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) including tourists. Catbagan said that in the past months, all new cases are from local transmissions.

The City Government said the surge of cases has resulted in more than 100 percent occupancy of the Covid-19 beds at the Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center.

Referral of moderate to severe Covid-19 patients to the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum City is also experiencing delays due to a surge in the latter's facility.

The surge has resulted in the putting up of an alternate care site in Milagrosa and other temporary treatment and monitoring facilities in the city are forced to accommodate moderate Covid-19 cases or those who are symptomatic with pneumonia, due to the limited bed allocations of referral facilities.

As part of the risk management interventions by the Mati IMT, they have begun utilizing the Davao Oriental State University (Dorsu) Dormitory as an extension isolation facility as of June 20.

Currently, around 15 confirmed mild cases have already been admitted at the facility.

The Mati government has also rented a private dormitory facility in Barangay Dahican which will serve as an isolation facility for Rapid Antigen Test positive or probable cases while awaiting RT-PCR confirmatory tests.

In addition, the City Extension Quarantine Facility located in Barangay Central will continue to serve as temporary quarantine quarters for ROF/LSI/local transmission (LT) who have no reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results to be shown upon entering the city.

All barangay isolation units will also continue to serve as backup isolation/quarantine facilities for ROF, LSI, LT, close contacts of confirmed cases, and tele-med patients exhibiting influenza-like illnesses waiting for testing.

Catbagan reiterated their call to continue the public's compliance of the minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and/or face shield, physical distancing from others, avoiding crowded places, and hand washing.

At present, seven percent vaccination coverage of the target population of 92,685 is already achieved. The Mati IMT aims to reach 10 percent by September, 40 percent by December 2021, and hopefully, 70 percent next year if supplies are adequate.

Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases classification, Mati and the rest of Davao Oriental are under modified general community until June 30. (With reports from Mati CIO)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Mayor: No talks yet on Davao City going into ECQ

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:27 AM PDT

PLACING the entire Davao City under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is not being discussed at the local government unit's (LGU) level, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said Monday, June 21, amid the continuing surge of active cases in the city.

This is the mayor's response to the statement made by Dr. Butch Ong of the Octa Research Group in an interview with RMN Davao on Thursday (June 17).

"Now that I am looking at your numbers, nasa (it is already) 397 [new daily case], perhaps by the end of the week or by the end of next week, kung hindi ito bababa ay baka kailangan natin i-upgrade ito sa (if this figure will not go down, maybe there is a need to upgrade it to) enhanced community quarantine," Ong said.

He added that according to their observation from last year's surge and from the experience surge in April at the National Capital Region (NCR) Bubble, which was placed under ECQ and modified ECQ (MECQ), the spike of cases were "arrested" and have continuously decreased until now.

Duterte-Carpio said the city will only abide by the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

"Wala ta'y discussions ana sa level sa (We do not have that discussed at the level of the) local government of Davao. We should remember na kanang (that) Octa Research is not a government research center. Ang ginasunod nato sa discussions sa community quarantine kanang sa IATF (We will listen to what has been discussed by the IATF with regards to the community quarantine). Kung unsa ilang ihatag o i-recommend na community quarantine status sa atong siyudad, ginasunod nato dira sa IATF (We will follow their recommendations on the community quarantine status of the city)," the mayor said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

Davao City was placed under MECQ from June 5 to 20 following the surge of cases in the city, resulting in the overwhelming occupancy of Covid-19 referral hospitals and temporary treatment and monitoring facility (TTMF).

The IATF has extended the MECQ until June 30.

Despite placing the city under a tight quarantine status, active cases in the city have continued to surge.

According to the Department of Health-Davao Region data as of June 20, Davao City has 4,669 active cases, currently the highest since the pandemic in March 2020.

When asked if the city is still able to control the surge of cases in the city, she responded, "With regard sa atoang action plan, kontrolado nato. But ang virus dili nato kontrolado kung asa siya padulong. (With regards to our action plan, we have things under control but what we cannot control is where the virus goes)."

Duterte-Carpio said the continuous surge is most likely due to the emergence of the new Covid-19 variants. But she said this has yet to be confirmed.

She also said the continued mobility of people coming outside their residences also attributed to the current surge in the city.

She added that there are also transmissions happening within households.

"Plus kanang infections nga mahitabo sa sulod sa balay kay sa sulod sa balay wala man gyud tas mask wala man tay distancing (Infections are happening within households because no one wears a face mask and distancing is not being observed), we don't practice minimum public health standards inside sa atoang mga balay (at home)," Duterte-Carpio said.

The mayor also clarified that the city is also not keen on reimplementing the food and medicine (FM) pass anytime soon.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

City to distribute ‘care kits’ for Covid-19 patients at home

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:26 AM PDT

THE Davao City Government is set to distribute "care kits" for mild and asymptomatic Covid-19 patients waiting to be transported at the city's quarantine facilities.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said in a radio interview on Monday, June 21, that this is the city's response to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases and the full capacity of isolation facilities.

Duterte-Carpio said the health response cluster will be rolling out care kits to positive patients who are self-isolating within their residence.

"We are readying care kits. Kani siya ginahatag didto sa mga [Covid-19 positive nga mga] tao nga naa pa didto sa ilahang mga balay and wala pa sila na pick-up or waiting in line sila, or puno na ang mga [Covid-19] facilities (This will be for Covid-19 patients who are waiting to be transported from their homes to the isolation facilities, which are currently full)," she said in an interview on 87.5 FM Davao City Disaster Radio.

The mayor said the kit includes instructions on what the patient needs to do while waiting to be transported.

This also includes a digital thermometer, pulse oximeter, 10 pieces of vitamin C, five pieces of paracetamol, disposable face masks, and alcohol.

Patients who are waiting for pick-up can also use the city government's "telemedicine" program, where they can consult with a doctor, via phone call, about their medical condition and what to do in case they will manifest symptoms.

Meanwhile, the care kits will not be rolled out to moderate, critical, and severe patients as they are immediately transported to the Covid-19 referral hospitals for immediate critical care treatment.

City Health Office Acting Head Dr. Ashley Lopez said in an interview on June 16, 2021 that Covid-19 patients waiting to be transported at the city's quarantine facilities have been advised to self-isolate in their rooms.

Lopez said they are having delays in transporting confirmed Covid-19 patients to temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMFs) due to a surge in cases in the city.

As of June 21, Duterte-Carpio said the city has a total of 1,957 isolation beds, of which 638 are still available, while out of the 443 quarantine beds, 227 beds are still unutilized.

The mayor said the city is planning to add four more quarantine facilities to augment the rising cases in the city.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Duterte-Carpio: Presidency is not for me

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:26 AM PDT

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said on Monday, June 21, 2021, that the presidency is not intended for a "woman" like her.

Duterte, in a radio interview, quoted her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, who said the "presidency is not a woman's job."

"President Duterte said that the presidency is not a woman's job, so particularly [it's] not for me. So if he decided to run for vice-president (VP), let's not expect that he will get me as his running mate [since I am a woman]," she said.

In March, members of the ruling PDP-Laban party urged President Duterte to run for vice president in 2022.

When asked about the possibility of joining the PDP-Laban as a guest candidate, the mayor said she has no plan to join the party.

"I have no plans of joining a national political party. As I said, I will stay with Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP) in Davao Region and Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod in Davao City," she said.

She also confirmed that there are individuals who signified interest to be her running mate should she decide to run for president in next year's polls.

"Yes, there are a lot of them who expressed their intent [to run for VP as my running mate], but I cannot answer them because there is no final answer yet," she added.

Despite the cold feet in running for the country's top post, the presidential daughter however thanked the continuous support poured unto her.

"To those who expressed their support, I thank you all for the trust and confidence you have given to me as a person and as a public official," she added. (PNA)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Ramirez lauds Gawilan's Berlin bronze feat

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:22 AM PDT

PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William "Butch" Ramirez hailed Tokyo Paralympics-bound Dabawenyo Ernie Gawilan for salvaging a bronze medal for the Philippines in the recently-concluded Internationale Deutsche Meisterschaften (IDM) Berlin 2021 World Para Swimming Series in Berlin, Germany.

Ramirez said he has already known Gawilan as a hardworking swimmer while the latter was still based in Davao City.

The PSC chief, who is currently in Davao City, said, "His attitude and focus brought him success in the paralympic team and international competitions. His discipline and vision for a medal in the Tokyo Paralympics is possible."

Ramirez added, "I saw his confidence after so many international exposures. As a Dabawenyo like him, we will cheer for Ernie to get that Paralympics medal, gold or bronze."

Gawilan clocked five minutes and 3.74 seconds (5:03.74) in men's 400-meter freestyle final to trail behind Arian Notretu of Romania and Marco Ozaeta Velasco of Spain who clinched the gold and silver, respectively. Notretu timed 5:02.10 while Velasco registered 5:00.41.

The 30-year-old Rio 2016 Paralympian earlier completed his review classification race in the 2021 World Para Swimming World Series, according to Philippine para-swimming head coach Tony Ong in a June 18 CNN report.

Gawilan, in a Facebook interview with this writer, thanked the Filipinos who cheered, supported, and prayed for him and his teammates who competed in Berlin.

"Daghang salamat sa ilaha Ma'am labi sa Ginoo nga maoy naghatag ug talent sa mga tawo ug salamat pud sa suporta sa Philippine Sports Commission, bisag pandemic andam gihapon sila sa pag-support sa national athletes (I thank all of them especially God who gives us talents and I also thank the support of the Philippine Sports Commission who, despite the pandemic, still readily gives support to the national athletes)," he said.

From an S8 classification since 2016, Gawilan saw action as an S7 in the men's 400m freestyle event in Berlin. The International Paralympic Committee defines S7 as para-swimmers with "one leg and one arm amputation on opposite sides, or a paralysis of one arm and one leg on the same side."

"Ang S8 mas gamay rag disability kaysa S7. Mas kusog pud sila kaysa S7 (The S8 have lesser disabilities than the S7. They are also stronger than S7 athletes)," the Asian Para Games 2018 triple gold medalist said.

He assessed that they were short in training time due to Covid-19 constraints since 2020.

The national para swimming team held a bubble training at the Victoria Sports Tower in Quezon City in May. Before returning to Manila for the team training, Gawilan stayed in his Island Garden City of Samal home where had had his land training. He held his water training in the sea since February 2021 due to inaccessibility of swimming pools during lockdown.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Lizada: Afternoons

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:22 AM PDT

NOWADAYS, days are long. Yet one of the highlights of our days comes in the afternoons between five to five-thirty. That is when one of our sons opens up the family group chat and all of us get to watch Marty, our granddaughter eats her dinner. Being seven months old, she can now take some solid food. Whatever we may be doing, they all come to halt because it is time to watch Marty eat her dinner.

The usual image is Marty in her chair with a bowl in front of her. Mushed vegetables and fruits are what she eats. She likes the avocado from our yard. But she likes getting messy even more. She begins like all babies do, with a clean shirt and a clean "desk." For some reason, she likes to handle the spoon so her father gives it to her. And because babies are babies she just pushes it to her mouth regardless of the food splattering over her mouth, cheeks, hands, bib, tray, floor, dog, and of course her parents. She is silent when she eats maybe because she likes to eat. You take away her spoon and she starts to complain. It starts with some sort of whimper which gradually becomes louder and louder until she bawls out with gusto. And all of us, parents, uncles, and grandparents smile and laugh. Marty is the only one who does not find this amusing.

This goes on for about fifteen to twenty minutes and in the meantime while we watch her slurp her food we have our daily bonding kind of thing. Well, sort of because our family does not really talk that much. The conversations are short and sporadic. They range from the dinners we plan to eat to work to just stuff. I guess the topics are really not important though. We just drone while we watch Marty eat.

When she is done we marvel at the mess she has created. But we all smile because she is our grandchild and niece and daughter. Marty likes to smile when is done. I cannot wait until she can eat "normal" food because she would probably like buffets. (Well that would be the perfect excuse too for me.)

We continue talking while she gets cleaned up. Depending on her mood, she likes and dislikes being cleaned. After the cleaning is done, she sits there listening to all of us. She likes to listen. After a few moments, it is off to the second part of the Marty show. The bath.

Her father picks her up and they prepare the bath. And that is our cue. Her bath time is private as it should be, so her father says," ligo na kami." And with that, we all log out and say, "bukas uli."

We have been doing this for some time now and it brings a sense of purpose really. And hope.

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

What are the symptoms of kidney problems?

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:22 AM PDT

DEAR Dr. Fritz,

Good day. Call me Bitoy. I have been having puffiness in my eyes for quite some time now. I am getting worried if I have kidney problems. What are the warning signs of kidney problems?

Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Bitoy 2021

***

Dear Bitoy 2021,

There are a lot of warning signs of kidney problems. Let me count the ways below.

Swollen Face and Feet

If your eyes are puffy, then, this can be because your kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein in the urine, which is an early sign that the kidneys' filters have been damaged, making a way for protein to the urine. And of course, when your kidneys can't get rid of sodium well, fluids build up in your body, leading to puffy hands, feet, ankles, legs, or a puffy face.

The best way to know is to see your doctor to check your kidney's health.

Low energy and foggy head.

When your kidneys don't work, toxins can build up. This could make you feel weak. You may even feel dizzy and have trouble with concentration and memory. This is because your kidneys make erythropoietin that tells your body to create red blood cells. If you have less of them, your blood can't give as much needed oxygen to your muscles and brain.

Poor Sleep

There has been studies showing a possible link between sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sleep apnea may damage your kidneys by preventing your body from getting enough oxygen. CKD, on its part may cause sleep apnea by constricting your throat and toxin buildup.

Well, there's more to tell, but, we are out of space right now. So, let's continue next time. Until then!

Dr. Fritz

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, "Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.". For your questions, you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don't wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

What makes Eyecare Deluxe different?

Posted: 21 Jun 2021 07:19 AM PDT

EYECARE Deluxe is the first and only non-surgical eye center in Davao City.

Dr. Lareen Dawn Tan, owner of Eyecare Deluxe, is a comprehensive eye specialist for adult and pediatric patients. She provides specialty treatments that are not available in other optometry and ophthalmology clinics and centers in the region. Some of these specialty visual and ocular corrections are neuro-vision therapy and rehabilitation for lazy eye, strabismus, and other neuro-vision disorders; orthokeratology for myopia control or for non-surgical LASIK alternative; corneal lenses and scleral lenses for patients with keratoconus, keratoglobus, corneal problems, very high astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia; color blindness therapy, particularly for seamen, police, pilots, and firemen, who fail their Ishihara tests; low vision rehabilitation for visually-impaired or legally-blind patients; as well as provides premium eyeglasses, contact lenses, eye drops, eye supplements, and other auxiliary eye care products.

Dr. Lareen Dawn Tan also pioneered the pediatric optometry practice in Davao City. Through her efforts she has organized the Davao City Pediatric Optometrists in Vision Development (DCPOD) last 2019 and has invited Dr. Teresita Yambot, past Chairman of the Board of Optometry and a well-known developmental and pediatric optometrist in Manila, to help train local eye doctors manage vision problems in pediatric patients.

She spearheaded the DCPOD Adopt-a-School-Program where she performed pediatric eye examinations with her colleagues at the Kapitan Tomas Elementary School and personally sponsored all the prescription eyeglasses that were given to the public-school beneficiaries. She has also organized two nationwide trainings for her fellow eye doctors all over the Philippines who wanted to learn about Gas-Permeable Lenses last 2019, and this year 2021. For these two trainings, she has invited international colleagues Gulnara Adrienko, a Russian ophthalmologist; Keith Parker, a Lifetime of Dedication and Service Awardee from the Contact Lens Manufacturers Association USA; Jane Bugno, contact lens consultant of the Children's Eye Physicians USA; and Derik Bugno, consultant of Advance Vision Technology, USA.

As a comprehensive eye specialist with vast experience in non-surgical specialty eye therapies and corrections and with her complete diagnostic ophthalmic facilities, the treatment and examination costs at Eyecare Deluxe might feel like a premium to some people. As much as they would like to serve everyone, they clearly understand that Eyecare Deluxe is not for everyone.

Want to go and visit them? Here is a breakdown of the type of fees that you may encounter when visiting Eyecare Deluxe.

1. Professional fee

Eyecare Deluxe is usually fully-booked, and cannot attend to walk-ins. They are strictly by appointment. Patients are advised to schedule their comprehensive eye exams at least two days in advance. Dr. Tan's professional fee is P2,000. This fee must be paid at least two days ahead to finalize the appointment.

Since Dr. Lareen Dawn Tan, is a comprehensive eye specialist who is affiliated with international specialty associations like the American Academy of Optometry, the Australian Council of Behavioral Optometry, College of Optometry in Vision Development, USA, College of Syntonic Optometry, USA, and the Optometric Extension Program, USA, it can be expected that Dr. Tan's professional fee may be higher than others. Nevertheless, Dr. Tan deducts the P2,000 professional fee from her patient's total bill on the day of their comprehensive eye exam.

2. Comprehensive eye exam fee

Dr. Lareen Dawn Tan performs comprehensive eye exams in keeping with a problem-based approach. Her comprehensive eye exams usually last two hours. Dr. Tan's comprehensive eye exam fee will depend on the complexity of the patient's eye and vision problems.

Rest assured, Dr. Tan never performs eye tests that are not necessary for her patient's eye condition, as performing unnecessary tests would take away her precious time for her other patients as well.

3. Treatment Fee

After the conduct of the comprehensive eye exam, Dr. Tan will discuss the specific treatments and corresponding prices that are applicable for her patient's eye condition. Eyecare Deluxe only includes the fees for the type of treatment that the doctor and patient have both agreed upon.

Eyecare Deluxe stands by the quality of all the products and services that they provide their patients. They also have a License to Operate from the Food and Drug Administration since they import medical devices and products from the USA, Russia, and Taiwan. They only work with Zeiss, Essilor, Nikon, Bernell, Good-Lite, Alcon, and other reputable companies.

All their eyeglasses' frames are also from premium brands and have a one-year free replacement warranty, no-questions asked. Eyecare Deluxe initially provides eye drops and supplements for free to start off treatment. To encourage compliance, Eyecare Deluxe provides their patients 20 percent discount for succeeding orders of their maintenance eyedrops and supplements.

4. Follow-up Fee

To maintain the quality of its services, guarantee the effectiveness of correction and treatments employed, as well as monitor the vision and eye health of the patient, Dr. Tan designates a schedule for follow-up that is ideal for the patient's eye condition.

Eyecare Deluxe waives some of its fees for VIP patients who have orthokeratology, scleral lenses, corneal lenses, and other specialty services.

The cost of ensuring high-quality treatments and services can be expensive for some but Eyecare Deluxe recognizes that their patients' vision is valuable and priceless. They are pioneering a premium alternative in vision and eye health with their evidence-based specialty eye treatments and premium eye care products and services.

Eyecare Deluxe is located at the 2F, Expansion Wing, Abreeza Mall, Davao City.

For more information about their clinic, you may visit www.eyecaredeluxe.com.

For appointments, you may call them through:

GLOBE 09954632319

SMART 09292279908

LANDLINE 0822259538

This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

End of Summer Sale ☀️😎

20% OFF Inside!🤯 ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏...