Free Hypertensive and Diabetes Medicines from DOH

Last December 11, 2015 , Department of Health announced that all patients with hepertension and diabetes can get their free maintenance medicines starting January of 2016.

This is such a great news for all Filipinos suffering from these two diseases. DOH Secretary Janette L. Garin have assigned the DOH regional rural units to facilitate the registration of patients on DOH Hypertension  and Diabetes Club. Having said that, a patient must go the nearest health centre or primary health care for them to be assessed and screened then managed afterwards.

Don't Just Take Medicines

This is just a simple reminder that medicines are made to help if taken correctly. If bought without prescription, talk to the pharmacist to check if you got the right drug or preparation and for the right dose. Take time to read the labels as well. Product inserts or leaflets are provided for important reason and that is to supply us of vital information we should be aware of.

Learn to Interpret Healthcare Jargon

Doctors, dentists, chiropractors and other practitioners in the healthcare field use language that seems confusing and complex to the average patient, but learning to decipher this type of technical terminology may be helpful in understanding a diagnosis or treatment option. While most practitioners will take the time to answer questions posed by patients, having a knowledgeable base to draw from may simplify the conversation. 

Take a Medical Terminology Class

Those who have a great deal of leisure time may want to consider taking a medical terminology course at a community college; not only will the class offer students an affordable way to learn the prefixes, bases and suffixes that make up the medical lexicon, but it is also an excellent way to meet future medical professionals that may end up serving in local hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

If enrolling in a medical terminology course is not feasible for some reason, consider just buying the book that is used for instruction in that class. Learners may be able to purchase such a book at the college bookstore, but it is likely to cost less to buy the same title online.

Read Publications Written for Practitioners

One of the quickest ways to begin decoding the seemingly complicated language that is used in medicine is to read the publications that are produced for those individuals who work in a specific healthcare field. For instance, patients who wish to take steps toward a better understanding of the language used by doctors or dentists may want to read the American Journal of Medicine or the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, respectively.

Take Advantage of Free Online Resources

Online medical terminology dictionaries are available to define specific words that a patient needs to understand, but those looking to take a broader approach to learning medical terminology online will find a host of free games, flashcards and even courses that they can access. While this type of learning is not for everyone, it is definitely a good option for those who are competent internet users.

Understanding Terminology May Improve the Healthcare Experience

Whether an individual's practitioner is thorough or lax about answering questions, learning to understand medical terminology improves the healthcare experience for the patient. After a establishing a knowledge base for medical jargon, patients will find that their immediate interpretation of a provider's words offer a clear path to medical communication.

New Pharmacy In Town

Popular drugstores tend to share bigger part of the pie in retail pharmacy. They are more equipped and well-marketed all over the country. Having said that, the emerging new pharmacies will be making a gamble when located in areas with big "M" (I know you know what I mean). 

In opening a new drugstore, the word of the mouth is important as well as gimmicks to attract customers. Give-aways, discounts, membership, and promotions will also do the trick. Sometimes music and mini buffet can call attention of people to check out the store. But free food and lively music is everyday. After that you must have a strong marketing plan to beat your competitors.

As for my personal opinion and experience, 4 P's must be maintained to keep you going.

P - price (price must be right and competitive)

P - professionalism (well-mannered, people oriented staffs)

P - products (availability of goods)

P - Pharmacist and Staffs (well-trained and loyal people that you can rely on)

Even before you open a pharmacy, another P is needed - Planning. Take your time, don't rush to make it right. 

Latest FDA Warning on "Do-it-youself" Braces

DIY is definitely not applicable when it comes to appliances attach to our body like braces. Our teeth, if not properly taken care of, are prone to serious complications. It is the same as to wearing braces without advice of orthodontics. FDA Philippines have issued their official advisory regarding this matter. 

Disclaimer: 

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader and NOT intended to replace the official advisory. We are only helping the FDA Philippines in disseminating these announcements.  The owner of this site disclaims any responsibility for the decisions you make based on this information.

Music To Make Things Lighter

It's very important in pharmacy to have a very relaxing and inviting surrounding. Having music played regularly helps in that aspect. Just so lately, I visited a local pharmacy and such visit made my day. 

It allows me to forget my worries and enjoy myself for a moment. Well, as we are all aware going to a drugstore is sometimes not pleasing especially when the staff hand us the price of what we are buying.

Good thing that our government is doing their great job in monitoring prices of medicines. I'm just so hoping the pharmacy owners and other big players are holding their end right on this matter. Just always consider buying generic drugs as they are made to make our life better without hurting our pockets.

Beware of Cosmetic Products with Lead and Other Heavy Metals

Majority of us, men and women alike, are using cosmetic products. Most of us knew as well that "lead and other heavy metals" are found in most of these products such as lipstick, concealer, whitening toothpaste, foundations, sunscreen, nail polish, eyeliner, eye shadows, blush and even eye drops.