STIs and Heart Attacks Tackled in Media Kapihan

Lingayen - - Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Garantisadong Pambata and Heart Attacks were the hot topics discussed during the Media Kapihan held at Pedritos Restaurant on April 18.

Dr. Arthur Pitargue, a cardiologist, lectured on atherosclerosis or the hardening/narrowing of arteries in the heart as a result of accumulation of fatty materials like fat, cholesterol and other substances.

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, with the Bicol Region registering the highest number of heart attack cases, according to Pitargue.

The four major risk factors of atherosclerosis are: hypertension (HPN), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), smoking, and high cholesterol.

According to Pitargue, lifestyle modification helps prevent heart diseases.

“Smoking and high cholesterol in the diet are modifiable, meaning these can be changed by the person. HPN and DM on the other hand, are non-modifiable, especially if these two run in the family, that is why the need for check-ups,” according to Pitargue.  

Provincial Nutrition Officer Milagros Gutierrez discussed the implementation of Garantisadong Pambata program which is set every April and October.      

“We conduct Vitamin A supplementation and deworming to strengthen the immune system of children,” she said.

The office also implements iodine supplementation to improve mental development and recommends the use of a micro-nutrient powder supplementation as per memorandum of the Department of Health (DOH).

“The micro-nutrient powder is sprinkled in lugaw or oatmeal to prevent anemia in children,” Gutierrez added.

The Nutrition Office also reiterates the need for immunization and breastfeeding even as it gives importance on the Essential Health Care Package program which includes handwashing, drinking potable water, eating a balanced diet, among others.

Previously referred to as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), gonorrhea, syphilis and others, are now called sexually transmitted infections (STIs), according to Social Hygiene Clinic Officer-in-Charge Dr. Jocelyn Tongson of the DOH Region 1 Center for Health Development.

Based on DOH national figure, there are 8,850 reported cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the Philippines and out of this number, 985 have AIDS.

HIV refers to the virus that destroys the human body’s natural defense against any disease or infection while AIDS refers to the state or condition when the body manifests signs and symptoms of any disease because its immune system has been made deficient or destroyed by HIV.

Tongson said the modes of transmission of STIs are: unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles, blood transmission, and mother to child.

HIV however, can be prevented through abstinence, be mutually faithful to uninfected partner, careful sex (correct and consistent condom use), don’t use drugs, early detection and treatment.

The ELISA test is a screening test for AIDS and Western Blot is the confirmatory test.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Health Office and the Pangasinan Press Club (PPC) thru its president Atty. Gonzalo Duque, the kapihan aims to reach out to people through the discussion of relevant health concerns such as the nature and prevention of diseases.