Dr. Jumel V. Bornilla

09/02/2024

Happy Chinese New Year!

May this new year bring you luck and success in all your endeavors. Wishing you prosperity, good health, and happiness in the Year of the Dragon.

24/11/2023

Save the antibiotics for when you actually need them. 💊Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can be prevented by avoiding the misuse of antimicrobial medicines. Need to see a doctor? Call +632 8256 9396 for appointments.

23/11/2023

When was the last time I’ve seen you? For appointments, call (02) 82569396 or message me at +639178139724

23/11/2023

Do you need an ultrasound? Visit us at International Travelers Medical Center Unit 1403 at Centuria Medical Makati. For any questions, you may call +632 8256 9396

11/08/2023

🌟 DID YOU KNOW? 🌟 Tai Chi can significantly reduce the risk of falls among older people! 🧘‍♂️

Balance plays a crucial role in performing daily activities and preventing falls. Studies have revealed that tai chi, often referred to as "moving meditation," is a highly effective practice for improving balance. Through slow, gentle, and precise movements, coupled with deep breathing, tai chi enthusiasts work towards enhancing their sense of balance.

The benefits of tai chi extend beyond balance. 🙌 By incorporating this ancient practice into your routine, you may also experience improvements in bone and heart health. 💪 Additionally, tai chi has been shown to ease pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, enhancing overall joint health 🦴. Better sleep patterns and an overall sense of wellness are other positive outcomes reported by those who engage in regular tai chi practice.

🔆 If you're seeking a natural way to enhance your balance, why not give tai chi a try? 🌸 Incorporating this centuries-old practice into your daily routine could bring immense benefits to your life.

03/08/2023

🌟 Did you know that exercise doesn't have to be a long, continuous session to reap the amazing health benefits? 🤔 In fact, breaking it up into three or four 10-minute sessions throughout your day can be just as effective! 🏋️‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining good health, but we often struggle to find the time for a full-hour workout. That's where this fantastic news comes in! Research has shown that even shorter bursts of exercise can improve cardiovascular health, enhance mental well-being, and boost overall fitness levels. 💪

By incorporating just three or four 10-minute exercise sessions into your daily routine, you can easily achieve the recommended 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity. Whether it's a brisk walk during your lunch break, a quick dance session in the evening, or a set of bodyweight exercises between tasks, every bit adds up! 🌈

So, let's say goodbye to the idea that exercise has to be a time-consuming task. Instead, let's embrace the flexibility of incorporating short bursts of movement into our lives! 🙌

Remember, your well-being matters, and every step towards a healthier lifestyle counts! 💚✨

28/07/2023

📣 Did you know that an elevated waist circumference can indicate increased cardiometabolic risk?

For men, a waistline of ≥40 inches (102 cm) and for women, ≥35 inches (88 cm) could pose a potential health risk.

WHAT IS CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK?
Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) refers to factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing vascular events (STROKE OR HEART ATTACK) or developing diabetes.

Taking care of our bodies is crucial, and monitoring our waist measurement is a simple step towards better health! 📏💪
Stay proactive and prioritize your well-being! 💙

Let’s all have a great weekend ahead🙏

24/03/2023

What is the flu vaccine?

Vaccines can prevent certain serious or deadly infections. The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick with the flu. Vaccines are also called "vaccinations" or "immunizations."

The flu is an infection that can cause fever, cough, body aches, and other symptoms. There are different forms of the flu, including the "seasonal" flu, the 2009-2010 pandemic H1N1 flu (also called the "swine" flu), and the bird flu (also called the "avian" flu). All forms of the flu are caused by viruses. The medical term for the flu is "influenza."

Are there different forms of the flu vaccine?
Yes.
The flu vaccine comes in different forms, including:

●A shot that goes into muscle (usually in the upper part of the arm)
●A nasal spray

Your doctor can help you decide which vaccine is best for you.

Who should get the flu vaccine and when?
All people age 6 months or older should get the flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is especially important for certain people at high risk.

When is the best time of year to get the flu vaccine?

No matter where you live, do your best to get the vaccine soon after it becomes available in your area. Depending on how many doses they have had in the past, children ages 6 months through 8 years might need 2 doses of the vaccine for it to work best.

Why should I get the flu vaccine?

Getting vaccinated can help keep you from getting sick. Plus, being vaccinated can help protect those around you from getting sick. If you have been vaccinated but get the flu, the vaccine can also keep you from getting severely ill or even dying.

Some years the flu vaccine is more effective than others. That's because the people developing the vaccines can't predict exactly how the flu virus is going to change year to year, and it takes months to make a new vaccine.

Some people think the flu vaccine doesn't work because they have known people who got the vaccine and got the flu anyway. But that does not mean the vaccine does not work. Many people who get sick after getting the flu vaccine do not actually have the flu; they have a cold caused by a virus unrelated to the flu virus, so the flu vaccine can't help with that.

Even in years when the vaccine is less effective, it still helps prevent some cases of the flu and also helps to prevent serious illness and outbreaks of the flu.

Can I get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?

Yes.

COVID-19 stands for "coronavirus disease 2019." It is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. The virus first appeared in late 2019 and has since spread throughout the world.

In the United States, COVID-19 vaccines are available for people age 5 and older. It is important to get this vaccine as well as the flu vaccine. You can get both vaccines at the same time.

What side effects does the flu vaccine cause?
Often the vaccine causes no side effects. When it does cause side effects, it can cause:

●Redness, mild swelling, or soreness where you got the shot
●A mild fever
●A mild rash
●Headache or body aches

Vaccines also sometimes cause more serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions. But serious side effects are rare.

Does the flu vaccine cause the flu?

No, the flu vaccine does not cause the flu. People sometimes feel sick after getting the vaccine. But this is often because they were already starting to get sick with the flu or another virus before they had the vaccine.

Does the flu vaccine cause autism?

No. After doing many careful studies, scientists have not found any link between vaccines and autism. Many years ago, a study reported a link between autism and vaccines. But that study turned out to be false. It has been withdrawn.

What if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant, it is very important to get the flu vaccine. In pregnant people, flu symptoms can get worse quickly and be dangerous. The flu can even cause trouble breathing or lead to death of the pregnant person or their baby. That is why it is so important to get the flu vaccine if you are or will be pregnant during flu season.

What if I have an egg allergy?

People sometimes worry about this. That's because some forms of the flu vaccine contain small amounts of egg. But the amount is so small that it does not cause an allergic reaction. If you have an egg allergy, you should still get the flu vaccine.

What else can I do to prevent the flu?

In addition to getting the flu vaccine every year, you can:

●Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol hand rubs
●Stay away from people you know are sick
If you are exposed to the flu, antiviral medicines can help protect you from the flu, but those medicines are not appropriate for everyone. Also, antiviral medicines work only if you start them very soon after being exposed or as soon as you show symptoms.

To protect others, you should also:

●Stay home if you get the flu. Do not go to work or school until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours, without taking fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol. If you work in a health care setting taking care of patients, you might need to stay home longer if you are still coughing.
●Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

For your flu vaccination needs. Visit us at:

International Travelers Medical Center

Unit 1403 Centuria Medical Center Century City General Luna St. corner Salamanca St. Brgy Poblacion Makati City

Mobile Number: +63 917 124 0312
Landline Numbers:
+632 8256 9396
+632 8687 5288
Email Address: itmcmanila@gmail.con
Facebook: International Travelers Medical Center
Instagram: .official

Clinic Hours : 8AM-8PM (Mondays through Fridays
8AM-5PM (Saturday and Sunday)

Walk-ins are very much welcome. No need to set an appointment since we cater our patients on a first come, first served basis

We hope to see you again soon!

14/02/2023

Did you know that there's such a thing as Broken Heart Syndrome?

Yes! and it’s also coined as Stress Cardiomyopathy.

Stress cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that causes sudden chest pain, trouble breathing, or fainting (passing out). It happens most often in older females. It is often triggered by intense physical or emotional stress such as a sudden medical illness, the death of a loved one, or an argument. But it sometimes happens with without a clear trigger.

Stress cardiomyopathy is also sometimes called "stress-induced cardiomyopathy," "broken heart syndrome," or "takotsubo cardiomyopathy."

In stress cardiomyopathy, part of the heart stops working normally so the heart doesn't pump well. In most cases, the lower end of the heart, called the "apex," is involved. When this happens, this part of the heart gets bigger.

Because of this, stress cardiomyopathy is sometimes called "apical ballooning syndrome."
Even though this condition causes symptoms similar to a heart attack, it is different from a heart attack.

A heart attack happens most often in people with coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease). In a heart attack, an artery that supplies blood to the heart gets blocked. This causes part of the heart muscle to be damaged.

People with stress cardiomyopathy do not usually have coronary heart disease.
Stress cardiomyopathy is usually not long-lasting. Most people get completely better in 1 to 4 weeks. But sometimes, stress cardiomyopathy leads to serious heart problems, such as:
●Heart failure, which is a condition in which the heart does not pump well
●Heart rhythm problems that cause the heart to beat much faster or slower than normal
●Heart valve problems

What are the symptoms of stress cardiomyopathy?

The most common symptom is sudden chest pain. Some people have trouble breathing or faint (pass out).

Will you need tests?
Yes. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. Because the symptoms of stress cardiomyopathy are the same as those of a heart attack, your doctor will order tests to find out what's causing your symptoms.
These tests can include:
●Blood tests – During stress cardiomyopathy, the heart releases certain proteins. Blood tests can show whether these proteins are in your blood.

●A chest X-ray – This can show if there is fluid in the lungs. It also shows the general shape of the heart and large blood vessels in the chest.

●An electrocardiogram (also called an "ECG") – This test measures the electrical activity in the heart

●An echocardiogram (also called an "echo") – This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart as it beats

●Cardiac catheterization (also called "cardiac cath") – During this test, the doctor puts a thin tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in your leg or arm. Then they move the tube up to your heart. When the tube is in your heart or blood vessels, they will take measurements. The doctor might also put a dye into a tube that shows up on an X-ray. This part of the test is called "coronary angiography." It can show if any of the arteries in your heart are narrowed or blocked.

How is stress cardiomyopathy treated?

Most people are treated with medicines. Your doctor can prescribe different heart medicines, depending on your symptoms and the problems caused by your cardiomyopathy.

People usually take some medicines for a short time only, until their condition improves. But some people take the medicines for life.
Most people with stress cardiomyopathy get better within 1 to 4 weeks and do not get this condition again. But some people who have had stress cardiomyopathy get the condition again.

Stay in love and stay healthy. Have a stress free Valentine’s Day Everyone!

02/02/2023

What is cancer screening?

Cancer screening is a way in which doctors check you for some types of cancers before you have any symptoms. Screening also involves looking for areas that can turn into cancer, or "pre-cancers." The goal of cancer screening is to find pre-cancers and cancers as early as possible, so you can get treatment and have the best possible outcome.

Different tests can be used to screen for different types of cancers. The age at which screening starts depends on the type of cancer being screened for. That's because different cancers tend to strike at different times in a person's life.

Why should I have cancer screening?

Cancer that is found early often is small and can sometimes be cured or treated easily. Treating certain cancers early can help people live longer. Sometimes, screening finds cells that do not yet show cancer, but that might turn into cancer cells. Doctors often treat this pre-cancer before it has a chance to become cancer.

Does everyone have the same cancer screening?
No. Not everyone is screened for the same types of cancer. And not everyone begins cancer screening at the same age.

For example, people with a family history of certain cancers might begin screening at a younger age than people without a family history. People might have repeat screening tests at different times, too.

Ask your doctor or nurse:
●Which cancers should I be screened for?
●Are there choices to make about which screening tests to have?
●At what age should I begin cancer screening?
●How often should I be screened?

Does an abnormal screening test result mean that I have cancer?

Not always. An abnormal screening test result means that you might have cancer or pre-cancer. It does not mean that you definitely have cancer. If you have an abnormal result, your doctor or nurse will probably need to do other tests to find out for sure if anything is wrong. Try not to worry about having cancer until you follow up with your doctor or nurse.

Which cancers can people be screened for?

Some of the types of cancer for which screening tests are available are:
●Breast cancer – The main test used to screen for breast cancer is called a "mammogram." Doctors do not always agree about when people should start having mammograms. But most people start around age 40 or 50. People who have a strong family history of breast cancer might begin screening earlier. Work with your doctor or nurse to decide when to start breast cancer screening and at what age you might stop screening.

●Colon cancer – There are multiple kinds of screening tests for colon cancer. The choice of which test to have is up to you and your doctor. Doctors recommend that most people begin having colon cancer screening at around age 50. Some people have an increased chance of getting colon cancer, because of a strong family history or certain medical conditions. These people might begin screening at a younger age.

●Cervical cancer – There are several ways to have cervical cancer screening, but one of the most common tests is called a "Pap smear" or "Pap test." For people with a cervix, screening with a Pap test often begins at age 21, although in some cases, screening begins at age 25. Doctors might add or switch to another screening test, called an "HPV test", after age 30. People who are older than 65 might or might not need to continue cervical cancer screening. If you are older than 65, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep getting screened.

●Prostate cancer – The main test used to screen for prostate cancer is called a "PSA test." It is unclear whether getting screened for prostate cancer can extend a person's life or help them feel better. For this reason, most experts recommend that everyone with a prostate work with their doctor to decide whether screening is right for them. In most cases, people should start discussing prostate cancer screening around the age of 50. For some people, prostate cancer screening can begin around the age of 40 if they are at higher risk. This includes Black people, people who have a relative with prostate cancer, and people who have a certain abnormal gene. Most doctors do not recommend screening for people age 70 or older or for those with serious health problems.

●Lung cancer – The main test used to screen for lung cancer is an imaging test called a "low dose CT scan." For people at increased risk of lung cancer, screening can reduce your chance of dying from lung cancer. If you are 50 to 80 years old, and smoke ci******es or used to smoke ci******es, ask your doctor if you should be screened for lung cancer. The best way to reduce your chance of getting or dying from lung cancer is to stop smoking.

●Ovarian cancer – To screen for ovarian cancer, doctors can do a blood test, an imaging test called an ultrasound, or both. But these tests do not always find early ovarian cancer. Most people do not need ovarian cancer screening. Still, the tests are sometimes used in people with a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. For them, screening might begin at age 30 to 35. Screening is not recommended for people who do not have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

For inquiries. You may see oh ur doctor at

International Travelers Medical Center

Unit 1403 Centuria Medical Center Century City General Luna St. corner Salamanca St. Brgy Poblacion Makati City

Landline Numbers:
+632 8256 9396
+632 8687 5288
Email Address: itmcmanila@gmail.con
Facebook: International Travelers Medical Center
Instagram: .official

Clinic Hours : 8AM-5PM
Mondays through Sundays except SPECIAL HOLIDAYS

We hope to see you again soon!

04/01/2023

Are Essential Oils Good or Bad for Your Lungs? Experts Weigh in on the Safety of Diffusing Essential Oils

Are Essential Oils Good for Your Lungs?

“There just isn’t a sufficient body of evidence to support their routine use for the promotion of lung health,” says Dr. Russell Buhr, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine in the division of pulmonary and critical care at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in California. Dr. David Beuther, MD, a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, agrees: “They don’t appear to have much of any therapeutic benefit, so they’re not going to help you.”

If You Have an Existing Lung Condition Like Asthma, Read This

If you have a lung condition, hold up. Lung health experts are more cautious about the use of essential oils by people who have lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

According to Melanie Carver, vice president of community health services for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the evidence that essential oils could help asthma just isn’t there.

“In fact, breathing in the particles released by the oils may actually trigger airway inflammation and asthma symptoms,” she says. “The strong odors emitted by essential oils may contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. VOCs are chemical gases that worsen air quality and can irritate the lungs.”

Adds Dr. Neha Solanki, MD, a pulmonologist with the Cleveland Clinic Asthma Center in Ohio, “Specifically, diffused eucalyptus and lavender release terpene, toluene and benzene. We know that these compounds have respiratory side effects. For example, terpene can cause shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing.”

Fragrance is indeed on the list of common asthma triggers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with to***co smoke, smoke from burning wood or plants, mold, pets, dust mites and air pollution.

So, if you have asthma, you could unintentionally trigger an asthma attack by breathing one of those oils that’s been warmed up and diffused through the air.

Consider the Lack of Regulation for Essential Oils

Doctors regularly cite the lack of regulation as another reason to be cautious about using essential oils for your lungs, or in general. “These products are largely not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so there is no way to confirm what’s in the bottle is what they say is in the bottle,” says Dr. Buhr.

You could be getting a very diluted oil or one that’s much more concentrated—and it’s hard to know, adds Dr. Beuther. You might not be able to get the exact same concentration of the same oil from purchase to purchase.

That’s a big contrast to the medications that your pulmonologist will prescribe for you, says Dr. Solanki. “The medications that physicians use for asthma treatment are backed by the FDA,” she says. “This means that there are numerous clinical trials that have proven the safety and efficacy of the medications prescribed by medical professionals.”

Could the Evidence Change for Essential Oils and Lungs?

For now, doctors are suggesting people with lung health issues either avoid essential oils or approach them with extreme caution, due to a lack of solid evidence proving any benefit to the use of essential oils for lung health. But could new research make an impact? Perhaps.
“There is potentially some research that is still in early phases where they could still have some potential benefits,” says Dr. Buhr. But wait. Those “early phases” usually mean research that involves petri dishes or animals, not humans, he notes. “There’s definitely a role for continued exploration for the role of botanicals as treatment, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready for prime time” with current available preparations, he says.

The bottom line: it’s a good idea to be cautious about using essential oils if you happen to have a lung disease or condition. Talk to your healthcare provider before you start using anything new, including an essential oil or herbal supplement.

And don’t give up on any of the prescribed meds you’re taking without consulting your doctor first. If you’re concerned about a side effect of your current medication, your doctor may be able to find a different medication that might be better for you.

Sources
* Dr. Russell Buhr, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine in the division of pulmonary and critical care at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in California
* Dr. David Beuther, MD, a pulmonologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado
* Melanie Carver, vice president of community health services for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
* Dr. Neha Solanki, MD, a pulmonologist with the Cleveland Clinic Asthma Center in Ohio
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Common Asthma Triggers”
* BY JENNIFER LARSON

31/12/2022

Happy New Year!

24/12/2022

21/12/2022

Deaths from heart attacks peak during the holiday season. Please proceed to the nearest emergency room if you or anyone experiences any of these symptoms.

19/12/2022

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is when the acid that is normally in your stomach backs up into the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach

When acid reflux causes bothersome symptoms or damage, doctors call it "gastroesophageal reflux disease" or "GERD."

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
The most common symptoms are:

●Heartburn, which is a burning feeling in the chest
●Regurgitation, which is when acid and undigested food flow back into your throat or mouth

Other symptoms might include:

●Stomach or chest pain
●Trouble swallowing
●Having a raspy voice or a sore throat
●Unexplained cough
●Nausea or vomiting

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better?
Yes. You might feel better if you:

●Lose weight (if you are overweight)
●Raise the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches – You can do this by putting blocks of wood or rubber under 2 legs of the bed or a foam wedge under the mattress.
●Avoid foods that make your symptoms worse – For some people these include coffee, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, and fatty foods.
●Stop smoking, if you smoke
●Avoid late meals – Lying down with a full stomach can make reflux worse. Try to plan meals for at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.
●Avoid tight clothing – Some people feel better if they wear comfortable clothing that does not squeeze the stomach area.

How is acid reflux treated?

There are a few main types of medicines that can help with the symptoms of acid reflux. The most common are antacids, histamine blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. All of these medicines work by reducing or blocking stomach acid. But they each do that in a different way.

●For mild symptoms, antacids can help, but they work only for a short time. Histamine blockers are stronger and last longer than antacids. You can buy antacids and most histamine blockers without a prescription.

●For frequent and more severe symptoms, proton pump inhibitors are the most effective medicines. Some of these medicines are sold without a prescription. But there are other versions that your doctor can prescribe.

Should I see a doctor about my acid reflux?

Some people can manage their acid reflux on their own by changing their habits or taking non-prescription medicines. But you should see a doctor if:

●Your symptoms are severe or last a long time
●You cannot seem to control your symptoms
●You have had symptoms for many years

You should also see a doctor right away if you:

●Have trouble swallowing, or feel as though food gets "stuck" on the way down
●Lose weight when you are not trying to
●Have chest pain
●Choke when you eat
●Vomit blood or have bowel movements that are red, black, or look like tar

What if my child or teenager has acid reflux?

If your child or teenager has acid reflux, take them to see a doctor. Do not give your child medicines to treat acid reflux without talking to a doctor.

In children, acid reflux can be caused by a number of problems. It's important to have a doctor check for these problems before trying any treatments.

To learn more about Acid Reflux, visit us at

International Travelers Medical Center

Unit 1403 Centuria Medical Center Century City General Luna St. corner Salamanca St. Brgy Poblacion Makati City

Landline Numbers:
+632 8256 9396
+632 8687 5288
Email Address: itmcmanila@gmail.con
Facebook: International Travelers Medical Center
Instagram: .official

Clinic Hours : 8AM-5PM
Mondays through Sundays except SPECIAL HOLIDAYS

08/12/2022

Working on a holiday. Today, the country observes the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is a special non-working holiday. Stay blessed everyone 🙏