Dr. Aldea Telemedicine & Virtual Care

07/07/2025

What happens when you stop smoking?

23/05/2025

𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟬 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗼𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲—𝗗𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗙𝗡𝗥𝗜

One in 10 or 13 percent (%) of Filipino adults has elevated blood pressure (BP), the 2023 National Nutrition Survey of the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) revealed.

Elevated BP refers to a reading slightly above the ideal range. Blood pressure helps move blood through the circulatory system.

Having elevated BP causes the heart to work harder to pump blood which can strain the wall of the heart’s pumping chamber.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), while elevated blood pressure means that the systolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 140 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure is greater than or equal to 90 mmHg.

Several risk factors contribute to elevated blood pressure, including age, family history of hypertension, poor diet, obesity, and insufficient physical activity.

The same survey found that around 4 in 10 or 39.8% of Filipino adults are obese, using the Asia-Pacific body mass index (BMI) cut-off points (BMI: ≥25.0 kg/m²) while about 5 in 10 or 46.9% are insufficiently physically active.

The survey also revealed that elevated blood pressure is more common among men at 15.4% than women at 10.4%.

Elevated BP is also more prevalent in urban areas at 13.3% and among the wealthiest households at 29.1%, the survey results further revealed.

One of the dangers of elevated BP is that it often has no visible symptoms, earning it the title “silent killer”.

Left unmanaged, elevated BP can lead to serious health complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.

Thus, the DOST-FNRI strongly advocates for nutrition education and awareness campaigns on awareness and prevention of hypertension and other related diseases.

The Institute also recommends expanding efforts to improve access to healthcare and the quality of health services especially in remote and disaster-prone areas.

Community-based support groups for individuals with hypertension facilitated by healthcare workers trained in dietary and physical activity counseling are important.

It is also important to increase intake of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, reduce dietary fat, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption to prevent further complications.

Regular blood pressure monitoring is a must, especially for individuals who have been diagnosed with hypertension.

This allows timely intervention if hypertension or other forms of hypertension are detected.

Consulting with a healthcare provider is important in managing any concerns effectively.

For more information on hypertension and nutrition, contact us at dostfnri47@fnri.dost.gov.ph or visit our website https://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/.

16/05/2025

🗓️ May 16 is Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) Day

HAE is a rare & potentially life-threatening genetic condition that involves recurrent attacks of severe swelling which can affect the face, hands, feet, throat or abdomen.

Looking for an Allergist/Immunologist?
Visit the PSAAI website:
➡️ https://psaai.org

27/03/2025

☀️ PAGASA marked the beginning of the dry season - with this development, the day-to-day weather across the country will gradually become warmer.

🌡️ The heat index measures how hot it feels to the human body, factoring in humidity along with the actual air temperature.

🥵 A heat index between 42°C and 51°C is considered a “danger” category, posing health risks for experiencing heat-related illnesses which include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rash.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Signs & Symptoms

- headaches
- having a raised body temperature
- sweating heavily
- fatigue, weakness, and restlessness
- nausea and vomiting
- weak, rapid pulse
- poor coordination
- anxiety

☝️What to do if you or someone you know is showing the signs of heat exhaustion:

- stop what you are doing, go to a cool, shaded place and lie down with legs supported and slightly lifted
- slowly sip plenty of water or fruit juice, avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- cool down with a fan or an air-conditioner, cool water sprayed on skin or by having a cool shower or bath
- reduce body temperature by placing cool packs under the armpits, groin, or neck
- use massage to ease spasms or cramps, then use ice packs.

⚠️ Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.

🚑 If symptoms of heat exhaustion last for more than an hour immediately call for an ambulance or go to a hospital Emergency Department.

For more info:

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html

https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/healthy+living/protecting+your+health/environmental+health/healthy+in+the+heat/heat-related+illness+signs+symptoms+and+treatment

https://www.workplacepub.com/workplace-safety/heat-stress/first-aid-for-illnesses-caused-by-heat-stress/

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/weather/940636/6-areas-expected-to-hit-danger-level-heat-index-on-march-27-2025/story/

27/02/2025

“Its expensive to get sick, but even more expensive to get sick again.”

Economic burden
A leading Filipino insurance company estimates that the cost of managing an acute heart attack can reach approximately P1 million within the first ten years. This estimate includes:

- P98,300 for initial diagnosis
- P540,000 for treatments, including tests, procedures, and hospital admissions
- P342,000 for post-attack rehabilitation, which may involve physical therapy and maintenance medications.

For stroke patients, the economic burden is equally, if not more, significant.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2036841/breaking-hearts-and-the-bank-the-cost-of-heart-attack-stroke-in-ph-2

04/02/2025

Foods for a Healthy Heart classes being taught in English and Spanish across the Unites States this February—American Heart Month—will showcase the power of a plant-based diet to prevent, improve, and, in some cases, reverse heart disease.

30/01/2025

22/11/2024

🌬️ November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month! 🌬️

Lung cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in the Philippines, and early detection can save lives. We can take proactive steps to protect our lungs and ensure a healthier future! 🫁💙

✅ Tips for Healthy Lungs:
- Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Stay active with regular exercise to strengthen lung capacity.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants.
- Limit exposure to air pollution and harmful chemicals.
- Get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses like flu and pneumonia.

🩺 The Benefits of Screening and Early Detection:
- Lung cancer caught early is more treatable and can improve survival rates.
- Low-dose CT scans are effective in identifying abnormalities before symptoms appear for high risk individuals (people aged 50 to 80 years who: smoke or used to smoke AND have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking).
- Regular check-ups can help monitor and maintain lung health.

📋Visit your nearest healthcare provider for more information about screening and prevention. Together, let’s breathe easy and spread awareness. 🌟

15/11/2024

15/11/2024

Happy WORLD DIABETES DAY! November 14 marks the commemoration of the World Diabetes Day.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition with a growing prevalence in the country, affecting about 7.1% of adults. The condition is also seen in more young adults, with diabetes found in about 2.65% of individuals less than 45 years old.

With these current trends, the Philippines is predicted to be among one of the top 10 countries in the world with the highest number of individuals living with diabetes by the year 2035. (Ghisi et al, 2023; Uy, Jimeno 2021).

The thrust of this year’s PCEDM World Diabetes Day celebration is “Diabetes and Well-being: Communities at the Heart of Diabetes Prevention and Management.”

30/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/b6nrhcdJm6jDfivp/?mibextid=WC7FNe

A healthful diet and lifestyle can help reduce your breast cancer risk. 🎀

Our campaign centers around four steps:

1. Choose Plant-Based Foods
2. Exercise Regularly
3. Limit Alcohol
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

03/10/2024