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Two Biotechnology research studies were presented at the Health Forum on Biotechnology on May 7, 2018 at Tandang Sora Hall, Cebu Normal University in Cebu City.The conduct of the health forum is in celebration of the 3rd Annual Central Visayas Health Research and Innovation Conference with the theme, “Research and Innovations: Linking Theory and Practice.”

The Biotech studies explored on the Detection of the HIV Drug Resistance through Molecular Diagnostics and on the Population Database profiling through the use of DNA Sequencing.

Dr. Edsel Maurice T. Salvaǹa said, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mutates so fast which needs Genotype Testing to detect its drug resistance. There are 100 subtypes of HIV, and the treatment is only limited, this need “urgent research” to determine the treatment for all subtypes. “HIV intervention is not yet done, we need to pay attention and be vigilant,” Dr. Salvaǹa advised.

To expand the Philippine Population Database the National Science Research Institute – DNA Analysis Laboratory (NSRI-DAL) of the University of the Philippines Diliman utilized the DNA Fragment Analysis Capillary Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for Forensic Applications. Mr. Tyrll Adolf B. Itong, Science Research Specialists II of NSRI-DAL said,the use of the NGS technology can best establish genetic markers. He recommended to study additional groups for genetic variations.

The four-day conference was spearheaded by the Central Visayas Consortium for Health, Research and Development (CVCHRD) in partnership with Cebu Normal University.
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LEGAZPI CITY, April 21, 2018 -- The Philippine National Health Research System- Capacity Building Committee conducted a meeting with the Chairs of the Capacity Building Committee of the Regional Health Research and Development Consortia (RHRDCs), and RHRDC Regional Project Staff last 19-20 April 2018 in Xenia Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

This gathering aims to provide a platform for exchange of information and open discussion to ensure alignment and harmonization of plans on capacity building for health research system.

Each RHRDC presented their accomplishments in their respective regions including the new programs and strategies being conducted per region.

During the meeting, Dr. Marilou Tino, BCHRD-CBC Chair presented the Bicol Health Research Training program (Bicol HeaRT) and the Bicol One System for Health Research Environment program (B10SHARE), the new programs being implemented to encourage more researchers to conduct research.

After the presentation of each region, an open forum was conducted facilitated by Dr. Vicente Belizario, Jr., Chair, PNHRS CBC, to raise questions/ queries, recommendations and suggestions. Each region was commended for coming up with different programs to help the researchers in conducting their research.
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In celebration of the Hypertension Awareness Month, the Philippine Heart Association – Baguio-Benguet Chapter (PHC-BBC) will lead free Blood Pressure Monitoring in different sites in Baguio City and Benguet throughout the month of May, said Dr. Mylene Genuino of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) during the regular Kapihan sa Baguio in DOH Secretary’s Cottage, May 10, 2018.

Hypertension or high blood pressure occurs when there is a persistent increase in the force of blood that pushes against the walls of the blood vessels. The American Heart Association (AHA) redefined in November 2017 the high blood pressure measurement from 140/90 and higher, changed to 130/80 and higher. This medical condition may lead to stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.

History of hypertension in the family, smoking, high cholesterol level in the body, obesity, chronic stress, alcohol consumption, and increasing age are some of the causes of the condition. Called as a “silent killer,” Dr. Genuino explained that high blood pressure often has no symptoms. However, some patients with hypertension may develop headache, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, chest pain and shortness of breath.

As prevention, Dr. Genuino encourage screening and change in lifestyle to avoid complications.

For screening, the BGHMC will provide free blood pressure monitoring at their waiting shed and main lobby, 9AM – 4PM on May 16-17, 2018. She further informed that other hospitals will offer the same services on a different date and for pharmacies, free BP monitoring is available everyday. In case of failure to avail such services, the doctor encouraged the public to purchase digital BP monitors of good quality and take their blood pressure at the heart-level or in the upper arm.

For lifestyle management, regular exercise and eating nutritious, low-salt, and low-fat food are necessary for the maintenance of healthy weight. Drinking alcohol in moderation and quitting smoking must also be observed.
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LEGAZPI CITY, April 14, 2018 -- The Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development-Capacity Building Committee called for a meeting to prepare for the presentation during the PNHRS-CBC Regional Consultative Meeting Luzon Cluster last April 13, 2018, held at BCHRD Office, Climate Change Academy Building, Bicol University Compound, Legazpi City.

Among the agenda discussed are the following:

1. CBC Consultative Meeting in Clark, Pampanga

2. Strategic Plan and Operational Planning

3. Accomplishments and Best Practices of the consortium It was attended by Dr. Marilou D. Tino, CBC Chair (USANT), and Ms. Lhea Dyn Bellen (DOST), Ms. Quenly M. Galarosa,     BCHRD CBC Staff and BCHRD Director Michael V. Montealegre.

The meeting mostly tackled about the Bicol HeaRT and BIOSHARE as these are the two new programs of the BCHRD. The committee follows the template and guides sent by the PCHRD- CBC preparing the presentation for the event. Considering all the inputs of the committee, the presentation was ready for submission. The meeting ended at 12:00 noon.
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The No. 1 Contributing Risk Factor

for global health is raised blood pressure - causing strokes, attacks, and other cardiovascular complications.

10 MILLION

lives are lost each year needlessly due to elevated blood pressure

ONLY HALF

of people with high blood pressure know it

These deaths are PREVENTABLE……….And that’s the real tragedy

Read more: Know Your Numbers - May is the National Hypertension Awareness Month
  1. Researchers undergo writeshop for proposal preparation
  2. DOH Bicol to conduct measles immunization for 6 month to 5 year old
  3. DOH steps up campaign on HIV-AIDS awareness, prevention as cases rise in Bicol
  4. BCHRD-REC conducts meeting in USI

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