NEWS
Love pets? Protect yourself and your furbabies from rabies
We can’t help but love our pets. They provide us companionship and comfort, which can benefit us in many ways especially now that we’re spending more time at home. But while pets are undoubtedly therapeutic, unfortunately, they also have the potential to pose a threat to our health. One of these is rabies infection.
A bite or even a scratch of an animal can transmit this virus to humans, which can put you and your pet’s life in danger.
According to the Department of Health, almost half of the annual rabies cases in the Philippines involve domesticated pets. This means that now more than ever, furparents need to be extra vigilant in protecting themselves and their pets.
There are current ways to prevent this such as vaccinating our pets, but it is still essential to know what to do once exposed.In celebration of World Rabies Day last September 28, ZP Therapeutics, a division of Zuellig Pharma Corporation, advocated for early prevention, proper treatment, and control of the disease.
During a virtual event entitled, “Review of Animal Bite Management”, the company took the opportunity to provide continuing education to the healthcare community while spreading information to the public.
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon Dr. Vinzon Valencia, FPSGS, FPCS, led the insightful discussion, which revolved around this year’s theme, “Rabies: Facts, Not Fear”.
It updated participants on the latest rabies information and clinical management. Ultimately, the event highlighted the importance of proper information and how that can greatly help us in our fight against rabies.
How is rabies transmitted?
Protecting ourselves from rabies starts with knowing and understanding the different ways in how it can be contracted. There are three categories of exposure, depending on the severity and area of exposure:
Category I, which is transmitted through:
- Feeding or touching the infected animal, licking of intact skin;
- Exposure to a patient with signs and symptoms of the infection by sharing of eating and/or drinking utensils;
- Casual contact and routine delivery of healthcare to the symptomatic patient.
Category II can be transmitted through:
- Nibbling of uncovered skin, with or without bruising or hematoma;
- Minor or superficial scratches or abrasions without bleeding, including those induced to bleed;
Category III can be transmitted through:
- Transdermal bites (such as puncture wounds, lacerations, avulsions) or scratches or abrasions with spontaneous bleeding;
- Licks on broken skin or mucous membrane;
- Exposure to a rabies patient through bites, contamination of mucous membranes or open skin lesions, and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation;
- Unprotected handling of an infected carcass;
- Ingestion of raw infected meat;
- Exposure to bats;
- All Category III exposures on the head and neck area.
What to do after possible exposure?
If you’ve been bitten, scratched, or may have been exposed to rabies via any of these three categories, immediately wash the wounded with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
This is the most reliable way to lower your chances of infection. Dr. Valencia advised against dressing the wounded area, as this will only favor the growth of bacteria and increase the likelihood of infection. Self-medicating is also strongly discouraged, though, for it’s best to just leave the situation to our healthcare professionals.
So if you are seeking help from traditional healers like manghihilot, tandok, or tawak, know that this will just even promote the spread of infection, and it won’t be of any help!
For Category II & III exposures, it is best to see a healthcare provider for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) within 24 hours.
Your healthcare provider will assess the patient and shall administer the necessary rabies vaccine or rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) shots. The schedule of these shots will follow WHO’s updated recommendations on the rabies vaccine regimen schedule, as discussed by Dr. Valencia. Make sure not to skip though, for your doses should be completed until Day 7, regardless of the status of the biting animal.
Are there any contraindications on Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIGs)?
Worried about getting your Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) after getting exposed? Don’t fret. According to Dr. Valencia, there are no contraindications for rabies vaccines and RIGs. This also goes for breastfeeding and pregnant women, and even someone who has recently received a COVID-19 vaccine.
In view of rabies infection’s risk to our lives, we should prioritize administration of PEP no matter what the case may be. Getting protected from rabies infection is always more important because it can save someone’s life.
Indeed, knowledge is key when it comes to dealing with rabies. As Dr. Valencia said, “Rabies is fatal and irreversible but it is avoidable”.
It can save your life, your loved one’s life, and of course, spare your furbaby from the dangerous disease. Join ZP Therapeutics in taking World Rabies Day as an opportunity to educate ourselves.
Even in the smallest way we can, by spreading facts and not fear, we can all make rabies a thing of the past.
NEWS
100 days to go before world’s best play in front of world’s best fans
May 18, 2023, 2:16 p.m.
In 100 days, the best players from the Philippines and all over the world will converge i Manila for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The Philippines – and its well-renowned most passionate fans – will play host to the USA and Serbia, as well as Lithuania and Greece, as four of the top ten-ranked teams in the world will be on our shores for the Group Phase in the world meet running from August 25 to September 10. Angola, Dominican Republic, Italy, South Sudan, China, Puerto Rico, Jordan, New Zealand, Egypt, Mexico, and Montenegro round out the visitors who will enjoy Filipino hospitality, with games set to be played at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
At the same time, Filipinos will grant enviable homecourt advantage to the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Team, as the team commences its campaign in the tournament’s first game at th colossal Philippine Arena on August 25.
To mark the countdown and engage the local market in the Philippines, a 100 Days-to-Go TVC will be aired on key channels & social media platforms while LED billboards along key sites in the Metro will also feature materials on display. Features on key news programs and video callouts from local ambassadors of the FIBA Basketball World Cup will also be shown on tv & social media.
This the first time in 45 years that the Philippines is hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup, albeit alongside Japan and Indonesia, and the co-hosts are promising the most memorable world meet yet.
According to Al S. Panlilio, President of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, “The event will be tremendous – the fan experience will be unprecedented, unmatched in its impact and truly memorable for all.”
Filipinos may very well watch the MVP-caliber play of Serbian Nikola Jokic and Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well as a bevy of NBA stars by taking advantage of alreadyavailable tickets with the Follow My Team Passes with access to all preliminary games of your chosen team, the Ultimate Fan & Super Fan passes, which give access to games from the Quarterfinals to the Finals, and the Two-Day Passes, which give fans the chance to watch 4 games on 2 consecutive days.
Single-Day Passes will also be available starting May 25 for basketball fans to get a chance to see their favorite basketball stars up close and personal. Fans can purchase their tickets to the biggest basketball event of the year via philippines.worldcup.basketball.
NEWS
INC Chronicles reboots visuals to better engage youth, public
May 1, 2023 2:42 p.m.
INC Chronicles, a weekly television feature-documentary that delves into the rich history and community-building efforts of the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s various local congregations, has recently undergone tech-driven enhancements to make the show more visually engaging in today’s fast-changing media landscape.
With sharper cinematography, spruced up digital graphics, and creative animation, the re-envisioned program aims to better connect with today’s younger audiences and those yet unfamiliar with the Church’s storied beginnings.
INC Chronicles’ new visually compelling episodes highlight the struggles, lessons, and timeless Christian values that marked the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s formative years in various communities around the Philippines and abroad.
The show seeks to create a deeper appreciation for the Church’s history and how its spiritual and humanitarian activities have been helping drive community growth and empowerment for over a century.
INC Chronicles is broadcast every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on INCTV, with reruns every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:00 p.m. It is a co-production of the Christian Era Broadcasting Service International Inc. (CEBSI Inc.), the religious media arm of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, and the INC Museum.
In an interview, INC Museum Director, Cornelio N. Cortez, emphasized the value of chronicling the story of the Iglesia Ni Cristo and expressed gratitude for the Church’s continued growth. “The hand of God is present during all those decades. We are thankful,” he stated.
According to Cortez, the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s dedication to preserving its history and cultural heritage is also reflected in the INC Museum which houses over 17,000 protected catalog items inside temperature-controlled and humidity-monitored rooms.
From its humble beginnings of preaching at riversides and small town houses in the Philippines to becoming a global religious institution, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has millions of members in over 7,000 congregations spread across 164 countries and territories worldwide.
NEWS
FIBA ambassador Luis Scola, US rapper Saweetie to banner FIBA World Cup Draw 2023
April 24, 2023 3:51 p.m.
The world’s biggest basketball tournament is about to unfold in Manila at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, with basketball legend Luis Scola gracing the much-anticipated draw with performances by American rapper Saweetie, Sarah Geronimo, and Billy Crawford this Saturday, April 29 at the Smart Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
Scola has won multiple medals as a member of the national men’s basketball team of Argentina. He played for Argentina’s national squad from 2001 until 2019, winning two silver medals at the FIBA World Championships, one each in 2002 and during his final tournament in 2019 at the age of 39. During the 2015 FIBA Americas Championship tournament, Scola became the all-time leading scorer in FIBA AmeriCup history and won his 4th tournament MVP.
On the live performance side, Saweetie is an American rapper who made a name for herself by rhyming over iconic tracks, giving a nod to those who came before while building her own catalog of fiery hits such as “My Type,” “Tap In,” and “Best Friend,” a collaboration with Doja Cat.
Meanwhile pop superstars Sarah Geronimo and Billy Crawford are expected to represent the Filipino side at the international event happening on Saturday, 7:30 at the Big Dome.
Ranked #40 in the world, the Philippines has gained an outright berth in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Games by being one of the host nations alongside Japan and Indonesia. This is the sixth time that the Philippines is playing on the world stage, and its second time as host nation following its hosting in 1978 where it finished in the top eight.
As a FIBA global partner, Smart is going all-out for the FIBAWC 2023 Draw Event as anticipation reaches a new high with all the 32 qualified nations receiving their country assignments during the spectacle. This year’s much-anticipated FIBA draw will finally announce the matchups and finalize which countries will be playing in the Philippines, giving Pinoy basketball fans time to plan which games and basketball greats they wish to see live in action.
Catch Ben&Ben live and win prizes from Smart at ‘FIBA in Manila’ in BGC
Basketball fans can also join the all-day festival party, “FIBA in Manila,” at BGC Uptown area, corner of 9th Avenue and 36th Street in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) from 10 am onwards, also on April 29.
Ben&Ben’s performance at the “FIBA in Manila” will be streamed live via Smart’s official Facebook page at 2pm.
Never miss a moment with the Smart LiveStream App
Smart subscribers can get hyped with non-stop FIBA basketball action by catching all the exciting happenings and the games, including those played in the previous windows, via the Smart Livestream App.
Using the app, fans can catch every minute of live basketball action at the 2023 FIBAWC from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10.
The Smart LiveStream app is downloadable on the App Store and the Google Play Store, and subscribers will only need to enter a valid Smart Prepaid or Postpaid mobile number to enjoy all the sports action.
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