Take a break for family health checks

MOST children are currently on school break. This gives us and our children time to do our annual check-ups. It was great for my kids and I to catch up physically with my children’s pediatrician last weekend. My children were able to complete any shots or boosters they missed during the pandemic. For us parents, especially mothers, it is also time for us to do our annual check-ups and see how we can better protect ourselves. In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer among Filipino women, especially those aged 15 to 44 years old, according to the HPV Center Fact Sheet 2023. 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly and from that number, 4,052 of them succumb to the disease. What’s more, cervical cancer also puts women at higher risk of miscarriage and infertility.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus or HPV are the main cause of cervical cancer. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. Sexually active people, even with just one partner, can get HPV. This can be passed on even when they have no signs or symptoms of the infection. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix which connects the vagina, the birth canal, to the upper part of the uterus.

Commonly known as the womb, the uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, and the risk grows with age as this occurs most often in people aged over 30. Fortunately, HPV is a vaccine-preventable disease.

“Vaccination provides an extra layer of protection. We are working to help build healthier communities by making vaccination more convenient and ensuring that customers always have access to accurate health information,” says Jared de Guzman, customer director of Watsons.

Unfortunately, cervical cancer may not show signs and symptoms in its early stages. More often than not, it’s already in the advanced stage when there’s bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is abnormal for you, including bleeding after sex. If you start noticing any of these signs, immediately see your doctor. The symptoms may be caused by something else, but the only way to know whether you have cervical cancer not is to see your doctor.

To be preventive, schedule your regular screening tests with your doctor. The Pap test, commonly known as Pap smear, looks for precancerous cells. You can also have a regular HPV test since it looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. But the greatest preventive measure against cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine not only protects you against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer but also the

If you missed the HPV vaccine in your preteen years, you can still get it until 26 years of age. Although it’s not recommended for anyone older than 26, you can still talk to your doctor about it and get vaccinated until 45 years old.

Cancer is a life-altering disease that everyone wishes to avoid. To ensure that the women in our lives live long and happy lives, we must encourage them to prioritize their health and choose to be protected against all preventable diseases.

You can easily schedule your HPV vaccination through the Watsons Health Hub or visit any of the 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide and ask their pharmacists. On your vaccination day, a free doctor’s assessment is included in their service.

Through Watson’s amazing network, they’re able to provide you with different products and services to ensure that you can look after your overall health and wellness through accessible and affordable means. Ongoing until July 15, the Watsons Hub in SM North Edsa The Grand will offer free teleconsultation

9th branch of superstore launched in Arca South Taguig

ALL roads lead to Arca South Taguig as Landers Superstore, the fastest-growing membership shopping store in the country, recently opened its 9th store in this up-and-coming business and lifestyle district. With its wide selection of world-class brands, exclusive deals and premium perks, Landers Arca South—located at ARCA Boulevard, Western Bicutan, Taguig City—is all set to become the next shopping hot spot in Metro Manila.

The new store is a standalone building situated in the heart of Arca South, a sprawling Ayala-owned estate slated to be the next BGC with its seamless integration of work, play and relaxed living. Key to its appeal is its accessibility thanks to its close proximity to major cities and thoroughfares like Skyway, SLEX and C5.

The façade features a fresh design and color scheme that blends in with surrounding structures—a first for any Landers store. As for the interiors, it sports the same modern yet elegant design seen in recently opened stores, making every visit truly Instagram-worthy. It also has a wide parking space, an expansive retail area, and a cozy dining spot with high, airy ceilings and beautiful accent lights.

The main highlight, however, is the diverse selection of topnotch imported and local goods you’ll find inside the store. From hard-to-find brands and specialty items to grocery staples and locally-sourced but high-quality produce, everything you need for every occasion can be found at Landers Arca South.

of infected mosquitoes. Due to the rainy season, the virus is commonly present in tropical and subtropical countries like ours. According to the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippines has an average of 185,008 cases of dengue over a five year period of 2012-2016, and an average death count of 732. As of April 29, a total of 39,947 dengue cases were recorded in 2023. Compared to the same period in 2022, this number is 43-percent higher.

The DOH advises that although there is no cure for dengue, the disease can be managed early and there are many ways to prevent getting infected by it. Watsons recommends using products that will keep you and your family safe like taking Vitamin C with Zinc to help strengthen our body’s defense and heal wounds faster by protecting and keeping your cells healthy, while also maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, and bones and cartilage. It is really great that Watsons makes it easier for our families to be preventive and have a good quality of life. n