MPH DECODEs Health Myths

Metro Pacific Health (MPH), the largest network of private hospitals in the Philippines, successfully hosted a media roundtable on August 22, 2024, to discuss its educational docuseries, DECODE.

The event tackled various learnings from both previous and new episodes, including the latest installment spotlighting stroke.

“In the Philippines, we continue to see a high prevalence of conditions like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes—illnesses that are often preventable with the right knowledge and proactive care,” said Dr. Benjamin Co, MPH Group Chief Medical Officer. “Health education is vital in this fight. By equipping Filipinos with accurate information and debunking harmful myths, we can empower them to make better decisions that lead to healthier lives and better health outcomes,” he added.

The interactive gathering, which also coincided with the national observance of Stroke Awareness Week, provided a platform for leading medical experts to debunk pervasive myths about some of the most common illnesses affecting Filipinos.

Revisiting Heart Health and Dementia: Debunking Common Myths

The roundtable began with a review of key topics from previous DECODE episodes, focusing on heart health and dementia—two critical health issues often misunderstood by the public.

Dr. Saturnino Javier, Co-President and CEO of Makati Medical Center, addressed the widespread misconception that heart disease only presents with obvious symptoms like chest pain or that being slim and active automatically protects against heart conditions. “The truth is, heart disease can manifest in subtle ways, such as fatigue or shortness of breath. Less common symptoms might even include abdominal pain, back pain, and vision problems. Additionally, emotional stress and genetics are significant contributors to heart health. This is why it’s crucial not to ignore any signs, no matter how minor they may seem, and to prioritize regular check-ups regardless of physical appearance,” explained Dr. Javier.

Dr. Javier then reminded the audience about the utmost importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking, while also managing stress effectively to prevent emotional strain on the heart.

The discussion then shifted to dementia; a condition often mistaken as a normal part of aging. Dr. Michelle Anlacan, Head of the Dementia Center at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, debunked the myth that dementia is inevitable as one grows older. “Dementia is a disease, not an unavoidable part of aging. Early diagnosis and proper management are key to improving the quality of life for those affected,” Dr. Anlacan emphasized. She also addressed the myth that dementia solely affects memory, highlighting that the disease can also cause significant behavioral changes, disorientation, and speech difficulties.

At the end of the day, Dr. Anlacan emphasized the value and urgency of proper treatment when it comes to dementia. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, addressing reversible causes like strokes or hypothyroidism, and improving quality of life through medication and non-pharmacological methods, with the likes of cognitive rehabilitation and therapy. Dr. Anlacan concluded by saying “intervention at the beginning stages and tackling risk factors, like chronic diseases, lifestyle choices, and social engagement, can help slow progression and generally just boost overall well-being.”

Unveiling the Truth About Stroke

The latest DECODE episode, which was premiered during the roundtable, focused on stroke—a leading cause of death and disability in the Philippines. The episode featured expert insights from Dr. Jennifer Justice F. Manzano, Program Director for the Asian Brain Institute at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Dr. Cymbeline B. Perez-Santiago, Chief of Neurology at Makati Medical Center, and Dr. Jessa Torrefranca-Castro, Stroke and Vascular Neurologist at West Metro Medical Center.

One of the most dangerous myths debunked in this episode is the belief that strokes are always painful or only affect older individuals. “In reality, strokes can occur silently and can affect people of all ages, especially those with underlying conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes,” explained Dr. Manzano.

The episode also highlighted the importance of recognizing early signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical attention, as prompt treatment is crucial for better outcomes.

“Metro Pacific Health is committed to serving stroke cases with urgency and expertise through our network of 24 hospitals, including 10 stroke-ready facilities strategically located across the country to ensure immediate and effective care for those in need,” added Dr. Benjamin Co.

The 10 stroke-ready hospitals—De Los Santos Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Manila Doctors Hospital, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Marikina Valley Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Calamba Medical Center, Davao Doctors Hospital, and St. Elizabeth Hospital Inc.—are currently fully equipped and ready to provide immediate and specialized care for all stroke patients.

Sharing Helpful Health Information: Empowering Filipinos Through DECODE

Throughout the roundtable, MPH emphasized its commitment to using DECODE as a platform for sharing essential health information that can empower Filipinos to take control of their health. By debunking myths and providing accurate, accessible information, DECODE aims to improve public health literacy and encourage proactive health-seeking behavior.

“DECODE is our way of setting the record straight on health myths that many Filipinos still believe. By addressing these misconceptions head-on, we aim to empower our community with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions,” said Jessica Abaya, MPH Group Chief Commercial Officer.

Expanding the Reach of DECODE

Metro Pacific Health’s DECODE series continues to serve as a vital resource for Filipinos seeking accurate health information and is part of MPH’s broader commitment to public health.

While the stroke episode took center stage at the roundtable, MPH also previewed an upcoming episode on colon cancer, underscoring the importance of regular screening and early detection to reduce the incidence of this disease in the Philippines.