RETIREMENT? THE PHILIPPINES GOT YOU!

They got me 26 years ago. Forever and ever. 

First and foremost, the benefits of retiring in the Philippines are that it's the Philippines! The beautiful sunny beaches, the wonderful food, and the welcoming people make the Philippines one of the most popular retirement destinations in the world. Indefinite stay with multiple-entry and exit allowances.

Getting old in bliss is almost everyone’s vision of the future. But one imagines that long-term satisfaction diversely; to live a peaceful and enjoyable life and feel the warmth and sense of belongingness in various facets will always be on the bucket list.

With 7,641 islands, the Philippines offers countless options to match your needs and prove that it’s truly more fun in the country. From beaches, mountains and natural wonders to historical landmarks, nature adventures and recreational places, the Philippines will suit your interests, tastes and wishes.

Love the beach? Come and visit Palawan. It was ranked as the no. 1 best island in the world in 2016 by a poll from readers of US travel magazine, Conde Nast. Aquamarine-colored water, captivating lagoons, and home the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of UNESCO’s Seven Natural Wonders,

Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte is also gaining popularity for possessing pristine sandbars that you must see with your very eyes.

If you aren’t fond of saltwater, let the beautiful waterfalls in the Philippines’ Queen City of the South, Cebu City, captivate you. Or pamper yourself in the hundreds of hot spring resorts in Laguna. Oh, did we mention hundred? Check out the marvelous Hundred Islands in Pangasinan.

The country is really rich in natural attractions, let alone the Chocolate Hills of Bohol or the perfect-shaped cone, Mayon Volcano in Bicol.

The Philippines is a tropical country and you will see the sun year-round. But if you want to be in a cool place any time of the year, Baguio and Tagaytay will always be there as your relief. The Banaue Rice Terraces in Benguet and an adventure destination lake in Caliraya might amuse you too.

If ever your kind of trip and gratification is unusual, spelunking in the caves of Sagada or Samar will be totally fun. Mountains located in Batangas and Rizal are just waiting for you to be trekked and climbed. La Union and Siargao Island are surfing destinations that offer a thrilling experience at a different level regardless of your age. Hop on an adventure in the currently flourishing Masungi Georeserve in Rizal that leaves its visitors extremely fascinated.

Live and appreciate the basics in Batanes, the country’s northernmost province. Rolling hills, old stoned houses and the very serene environment will give you peace and tranquility.

The Philippines also boasts of cultural heritage sites and restored historic infrastructures. Intramuros, the Walled City within the country’s capital city of Manila, and Vigan’s Calle Crisologo are just a few of those that will take you back to the old times.

Immerse in the local culture and get a taste of the exceptional Filipino cuisine. From local viands, mouth-watering fruits, and unique desserts, everything is a reflection of the provinces’ history, culture, and the people’s way of life. If you don’t feel the wanderlust yet, doesn’t it sound fun to experience riding the Jeepney and Tricycle that are purely “Pinoy” modes of transportation?

Manila is the country’s shopping mecca but major cities and towns are dotted with a variety of shopping malls that house international and local brands.

The booming economy and the low-cost of living will give you more value for your money. Indulge yourself for a fraction of the cost in your home country.

It is the ultimate “home” for everyone because of Filipinos who are known to be one of the most hospitable and the happiest people in the world. Locals abundantly give contagious smiles, genuinely touch lives, and will make your stay worthwhile. The flourishing medical tourism also just adds up to the reasons why you should choose the Philippines.

So why retire in the Philippines? With all the stated facts above and a thousand more that are yet to be expressed and discovered, the answer to that question would simply be, “Why not?”

A month or even a year of stay wouldn’t be enough to savor and relish the country. The Philippines is a good travel destination, isn’t it? Well, it would be best explored if you choose it as your home and your retirement haven. Let yourself experience the perquisites the Philippines has.

Popular Expat Cities Monthly Costs Population

Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental $925 134,103
Makati, Metro Manila $1,500 629,616
Subic Bay, Zambales $1,250 111,912
Tagaytay, Cavite $975 85,330
Baguio City, Luzon $950 366,358
Lipa City, Batangas $900 372,931
BGC, Taguig City $1,500 886,722
Davao City, Mindanao $1,100 1,776,949
Cebu City, Cebu $1,200 964,169
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental $1,050 600,78

Ivana Alawi: Dating but not in a relationship

 

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

August 22, 2024 | 12:00am

Ivana Alawi has transformed into a modern-day Barbie for the latest campaign of a luxury jewelry brand.

LVNA by Drake Dustin, the brand behind the campaign, received an offer from Mattel five years ago to come up with a Barbie-inspired collection. However, they couldn’t afford to secure the license until last year.

“Five years namin pinag-ipunan,” revealed LVNA (pronounced as Luna) founder Drake Dustin Ibay, adding that this international partnership is good for three years and that they are starting with a trunk collection.

Naturally, the face of the campaign is the company’s first celebrity endorser Ivana.

The actress and content creator is the face of the Barbie-inspired trunk collection of fine jewelry brand LVNA by Drake Dustin.

Like many young girls, the actress and content creator said she’s also a fan of the iconic doll. “It’s an honor and I have loved Barbie since I was a kid. Even the movie, I watched it. I really look up to Barbie,” she shared during a recent presscon.

“When I was growing up, (I felt like) kailangan minsan perfect. But yung napanood ko sa ‘Barbie’ (the movie)... the truth is you don’t have to be perfect because you have to be you. When I watched that movie, I said to myself, ‘What a beautiful storyline.’”

For Drake, nevertheless, Ivana made the perfect endorser for their campaign because “she’s our lucky charm.”

Ivana with the brand's young management team, led by LVNA CEO Drake Dustin Ibay and president Dannielle Louise Ibay (third and fifth from left, respectively).

“Ivana, (she) made LVNA,” Drake told The STAR, explaining: “She started everything. If it wasn’t for the endorsement she did over the pandemic, we would have perished.

“During the pandemic, all of us were uncertain of what’s gonna happen. What gave us the edge, more than the rising value of diamonds and gold, was Ivana’s endorsement of LVNA. That gave us awareness in the Philippine market online…. Because of that, we were able to open a lot of stores.”

He also recalled how Ivana made a trend out of “self-love” rings after she purchased the reportedly P12 million-worth diamond “engagement” ring that she wore for the endorsement photo shoot.

Looking back on that huge purchase, Ivana told The STAR, “Maybe because when I was younger, inaantay ko yung engagement ko. I told myself, 18 years old papakasal na ako, eh wala. I was 25 or 26 na ata nun. Alam mo, ayoko na mag-antay and gusto ko kasi yung malaking ring. Pangarap ko yun since I was collecting smaller rings when I was younger.

“When I wore that in our endorsement shoot, I said it’s so beautiful, kahit wala na akong TF (talent fee), parang this is my dream eh, yung ring na yun. I texted Drake, ‘Gusto ko siya, kasi ang ganda talaga.’

“When you see it and when you fall in love with a piece of jewelry, you can never sleep. Sabi ko, ‘Gusto ko, Drake.’ Sabi niya, ‘Ha? Sure ka?’ Na-in love ako eh. It’s now in my collection and it’s the most special.”

“Start basic. Like, what you will wear every day. The first purchase I made was a ring… (Choose) not naman in carat, especially if hindi pa kaya, but invest in a good stone,” she advised those who are starting to invest in fine jewelry.

Meanwhile, a real-life engagement ring would have to wait as Ivana gamely answered this paper’s question if she found her “real-life” Ken, the male counterpart doll of Barbie.

“Secret,” she responded quickly. “Hindi pa. ‘Di ako sure. I’m dating other people but (hindi ako) I’m not in a relationship.”

Ivana acknowledged that some men might feel intimidated by her independence and ability to buy things for herself. But she believes that relationships shouldn’t be based on material gifts.

“Ako kasi, I believe sa mga relasyon, hindi ka papasok para bilhan mo ako ng ganito or ng ganyan,” she said.

“I can buy myself the diamonds that I want. I can buy myself whatever I want, and that’s why I work hard and that’s why I’m inspired to keep working. Hindi naman ako papasok sa isang relasyon na dun ako aasa. Hindi dapat ganoon,” she further said.

Her type of guy has not changed since she last talked with this paper about the qualities she wants in a future lifetime partner.

She still prefers meaningful conversations and intelligence over attributes like physical appearance.

“Kung walang mapag-uusapan at saka wala naman kwenta, kunwari kung looks lang, ayoko talaga. Dapat talaga may utak,” she said.

She said that she’s been meeting people who are “okay,” meaning they’ve met her standards, and that she’s not being overly selective. Ultimately, she said, she’ll go with whoever her heart chooses.

“Meron naman akong nakikilalang okay and hindi naman nagtataas yung standards ko or whatever. Basta ako, kung kanino titibok yung puso ko, yun na lang.”

For potential suitors, Ivana had this to say: “Don’t be afraid to make the first move. ‘Wag kayo matakot sa babae na feeling mo successful or whatever. You’re enough.”

“Mag-message ka ngayon (Message me now),” she laughingly added.

Dengue surge prompts Philippine Red Cross to activate extensive outbreak response plan

 

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Amid rising dengue cases nationwide, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday, Aug. 21, announced that it has activated a comprehensive dengue outbreak response plan.

(Philippine Red Cross / Manila Bulletin) 

As the major blood supplier in the country, the PRC said that the implementation of the response plan aims to address the increasing demand for blood supplies and other critical needs of dengue-affected patients.

“As many areas in the country are declared under a state of calamity due to the alarming rise in dengue cases, we are implementing a response plan to assist government agencies during this crisis,” PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dick Gordon said.

Gordon also reiterated the PRC’s proactive approach. “I always tell my team the importance of the 4Ps: Predict, Plan, Prepare, and Practice,” Gordon said. “Just like in recent health challenges, this is not just PRC’s fight; it’s all of ours,” he added.

Steady blood supply

Based on the dengue response plan of the PRC Blood Services, the PRC will ensure a steady blood supply.

From Jan. 1 to Aug. 21 this year, the PRC has dispensed 3,180 blood units to 1,020 dengue patients, including those residing in areas under a state of calamity. 

The PRC noted that in Iloilo province, which was placed under a state of calamity on Aug. 20, a total of 826 blood bags were supplied to infected patients.

In Maasin, Southern Leyte, a total of 15 units of blood platelets were delivered from its Cebu Chapter.

Maasin was also placed under a state of calamity along with other places in Eastern Visayas.

Gordon explained that the 102 PRC chapters report the inventory of their blood supply daily. “Kaya very confident ako na kahit nasaan ka man sa bansa, kaya kang bigyan ng Red Cross ng dugo (So I'm very confident that no matter where you are in the country, the Red Cross can provide you with blood),” he added.

In addition to providing blood for transfusions, the response plan includes various programs and activities, such as online and on-ground dengue awareness campaigns, health caravans, blood donation drives, and cleanup initiatives to curb the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, PRC Secretary General Gwen Pang explained that the response plan also serves as a “compass” for the PRC national headquarters and its 102 chapters nationwide in conducting activities related to dengue mitigation. 

“With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the Philippines, we are confident that no patient will be denied access to blood,” Pang said.

For blood needs and assistance, the public can reach out to the PRC’s 24/7 hotlines at 1158 and 143.

Pilita Corrales turns 85

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Aug 21, 2024 02:06 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Now semi-retired from performing, Pilita observes her 85th birthday with her family, treasuring the quiet moments when she can look back at the beautiful memories of her incredible career.

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Pilita Corrales

Asia’s Queen of Songs, the legendary Pilita Corrales, turns 85 on Aug. 22, marking nearly 70 years as one of the country’s greatest entertainers.

Born in Cebu to Spanish parents, the young Pilita left her finishing school studies in Madrid to take up show business after her father's sudden death.  

Initial success came as a recording artist and television presenter in Australia.  Her recording of Come Closer to Me topped the charts and led to several albums and other shows.  She was so popular that a street was named after her in Victoria.

Back home in the Philippines, she went from radio star of La Taberna to the biggest draw in stage shows at the Clover Theater and the Manila Grand Opera House and the star of Manila’s posh nightclubs. 

She was also a favorite in the concert scene which included performances with The Beatles, Matt Monroe, Sammy Davis Jr. and other foreign acts.  She also performed in Las Vegas and joined Bob Hope on tour.

Pilita’s recording of A Million Thanks to You, composed by Alice  Doria Gamilla, became one of the few original Filipino songs to top the hit charts. This led to her own weekly TV show, Your Evening with Pilita, one of the highest-rated and most awarded in local television history.   

A pivotal moment in her career came with her recording of the album Philippine Love Songs.  The collection of old Filipino originals like Dahil Sa Iyo, Irog Ako ay Mahalin, Hinahanap Kita, and others is now considered the turning point of the local music industry.  

Pilita’s new versions, with its modern pop touch, brought the old songs to the attention of young music lovers.  This is believed to have provided the jumpstart to the golden age of Philippine pop music during the 70s era.

Philippine Love Songs included a song titled Kapantay ay Langit, composed by then-new songwriter George Canseco. This became Pilita’s other signature song and the apt vehicle for her famous backbend. 

Canseco also wrote My Daughter, which brought Pilita the Best Singer Award at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972. Pilita is also a movie and television actress and comedienne. 

Now semi-retired from performing, Pilita observes her 85th birthday with her family, treasuring the quiet moments when she can look back at the beautiful memories of her incredible career. 

Manila Philharmonic Orchestra performing 'Hamilton,' 'Star Wars,' 'Game of Thrones' tracks at 25th anniversary concert

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this October with a concert featuring special performances and guests.

The MPO's 25th anniversary concert is titled "Lights, Camera, Encore! — Music from the Stage and the Screen" as the orchestra led by founder and music director Maestro Rodel Colmenar performs iconic tracks from popular films, television shows and stage musicals.

These include "Hamilton," "Star Wars," "Les Miserables," "Game of Thrones," "La La Land," "A Star is Born" and select Studio Ghibli films, with more being teased.

Joining the concert as guests are Bituin Escalante, Lara Maigue, Arman Ferrer, the University of Santo Tomas Singers and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.

Tickets for "Lights, Camera, Encore! — Music from the Stage and the Screen," happening on October 29 (7:30 p.m.) at Makati's Samsung Performing Arts Theater, are already available via the Ticketworld website and outlets.

There are six sections to choose from: Upper Balcony (P2,500), Lower Balcony (P3,000), Loge Left/Right (P4,500), Loge Center (P5,500), Orchestra Left/Right (P5,500), and Orchestra Pit/Center (P6,500).

A portion of ticket proceeds will go to The PARC Foundation's PARC Aralan Project which helps underprivileged children through music and the arts.

Long weekend alert: What will the weather be?

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Aug 21, 2024 09:34 AM

  

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The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said “fair” conditions, with partly cloudy weather and a “high chance” of rain showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening, will prevail throughout the country until the approaching long weekend.

PAGASA Weather Specialist Obet Badrina said the southwest monsoon (habagat) is at the edge of the country and has little to no impact as of Wednesday, Aug. 21.

Meanwhile, he said the low pressure area located 1,215 kilometers east-northeast of extreme northern Luzon is now outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

Badrina pointed out that there is still a slim chance of a tropical cyclone developing within the PAR in the coming days.

He said the easterlies, or warm winds from the Pacific Ocean, will be the dominant weather system, bringing warm weather until noon and a high likelihood of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

In the next 24 hours, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may prevail over Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Davao Region due to the easterlies.

The rest of the country may also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers because of localized thunderstorms.

Badrina said similar weather conditions may persist until Friday, Aug. 23, during the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Day.

By Sunday, Aug. 25, he said the habagat may again affect parts of the country, especially Mindanao.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country is expected to continue to enjoy fair weather.

These conditions may persist through National Heroes Day on Monday, Aug. 26.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

 

Laughter is a pleasant physical reaction and emotion consisting usually of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the respiratory system. It is a response to certain external or internal stimuli.

The aphorism “laughter is the best medicine” has been attributed to the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones”. This ancient wisdom might also hold true for some medical conditions.

It’s true: laughter is strong medicine. It draws people together in ways that trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. Laughter strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner.

With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use.

As children, we used to laugh hundreds of times a day, but as adults, life tends to be more serious and laughter more infrequent. But by seeking out more opportunities for humor and laughter, you can improve your emotional health, strengthen your relationships, find greater happiness—and even add years to your life.

Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Laughter burns calories. Okay, so it’s no replacement for going to the gym, but one study found that laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn approximately 40 calories—which could be enough to lose three or four pounds over the course of a year.

Laughter lightens anger’s heavy load. Nothing diffuses anger and conflict faster than a shared laugh. Looking at the funny side can put problems into perspective and enable you to move on from confrontations without holding onto bitterness or resentment.

Laughter may even help you to live longer. A study in Norway found that people with a strong sense of humor outlived those who don’t laugh as much. The difference was particularly notable for those battling cancer.

More than just a respite from sadness and pain, laughter gives you the courage and strength to find new sources of meaning and hope. Even in the most difficult of times, a laugh–or even simply a smile–can go a long way toward making you feel better. And laughter really is contagious—just hearing laughter primes your brain and readies you to smile and join in the fun.

Laughter shifts perspective, allowing you to see situations in a more realistic, less threatening light. A humorous perspective creates psychological distance, which can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and diffuse conflict.

Laughter draws you closer to others, which can have a profound effect on all aspects of your mental and emotional health.

Laughter releases endorphins, known as 'feel-good hormones'. It increases the oxygen-rich air you take in and reduces stress hormones, bringing down your heart rate and blood pressure, and causing your muscles to relax.

Well, even if we think we don't have reasons to laugh during times today,we should try to express mirth spontaneously, and we should try to be merry or gay. We still have reasons to start with the softest form of audible laughter - the vocalized smile. This is what I learned and experienced from the first moment on while travelling in Asia since 1978, and being an expat living in the Philippines since 1999 for good. Keep smiling - even you are overloaded with huge problems.

Experts also say good humor works because it helps people feel easier in mind. The French psychotherapist Sylvie Tenenbaum stressed that, in her patients, laughter often signals the dawning of a wholesome awakening to reality. Gallow humor might be dubious in the eyes of others. But try to sing out loud, try to cry, but try to laugh!

As a devout Christian I love reading the bible. Ecclessiastes 3:1-4 say: "There is a time for everything ... a time to be born and a time to die ,,, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh!"

Frayna, Fronda, Canino impress in Germany

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

Aug 19, 2024 05:00 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• World Chess Olympiad-bound Janelle Mae Frayna, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Ruelle Canino made significant gains with solid performances in the Sparkassen Trophy tilt in Dortmund, Germany over the weekend.

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World Chess Olympiad-bound Janelle Mae Frayna, Jan Jodilyn Fronda and Ruelle Canino made significant gains with solid performances in the Sparkassen Trophy tilt in Dortmund, Germany over the weekend.

Janelle Mae Frayna

Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster thus far, downed German FIDE Master Timo Kuppers in the ninth and final round to finish with 5.5 points for a share of 37th place.

Fronda fell to German International Master Gerlef Meins in the last round and wound up with the same score as Frayna. 

From their performance, Frayna earned 23 elo rating points and should have her current rating increase to 2185 from 2162 while Fronda jumped from 2089 to 2140 after gaining 51 rating points.
It came more than a week after their impressive finish in Vlissingen, the Netherlands where Frayna finished in a share of 13th with 6.5 points and Fronda in a group at No. 16 with six points.

Canino, 16, for her part, was equally impressive as she ended up with five points despite defaulting her first three games after some travel hitch and losing her fourth-round duel with India’s Arun Manukonda.

She finished with five points though and earned 96 rating points and should improve from 1908 to 2004.

Next stop for the troika, whose trip is financed by the Philippine Sports Commission and backed by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, is the Open Internacional d’escacs Santis-Ciutat de Barcelona scheduled Aug. 23 to Sept. 1 in Spain.

From there, they’ll be flying back on home Sept. 3, rest and join with the national team seeing action in the biennial Olympiad edition scheduled Sept. 10 to 22 in Budapest, Hungary.

There is no health without mental health

Shattering the stigma

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Aug 20, 2024 00:20 AM

  

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Photo: Christopher Catbagan / Unsplash

By HONEY REYES 

 

A silent epidemic in Manila's busy heart shadows the vibrant Filipino life. Mental health challenges, once secret and shameful, now affect many.

Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can be overwhelming. They can leave people feeling isolated and hopeless.

Today, we call for a collective awakening. It's time to break the stigma around mental health and focus on every Filipino's well-being.

 

The pervasive nature of mental health challenges

Recent studies reveal a dire state of mental health in the Philippines. The WHO estimates that 3.3 million Filipinos have depression. Another 3 million suffer from anxiety disorders.

These numbers are a fraction of the actual burden. Stigma and a lack of awareness prevent many from seeking help. Untreated mental health issues harm more than individuals. They affect families, communities, and the nation.

Productivity declines, relationships suffer, and the economic cost is significant. It is time to acknowledge the urgency of this crisis and take decisive action.

 

Breaking the stigma

The first step to a healthier Philippines is to shatter the stigma around mental health. We must make open talks about mental health a norm everywhere: homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We must educate ourselves and others about mental illness. We must challenge harmful myths and stereotypes.

Fostering empathy can create a safe space. This will allow people to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.

 

Prioritizing mental wellbeing

Prioritizing mental wellbeing is not a luxury but a necessity. As we care for our physical health, we must also nurture our mental and emotional health. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet reshape our mental health. Additionally, it is crucial to seek professional help when needed. Mental health professionals can provide support, guidance, and treatment.

Building supportive communities is another crucial aspect of prioritizing mental wellbeing. Families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors can help create a safe, supportive space. It should be a place where people can share their struggles and seek help.

 

The role of government and institutions

Individual efforts are vital. We need a united effort from the government and institutions to tackle the mental health crisis. To create a healthier Philippines, we must invest more in mental health services, improve access to care, and implement mental health policies.

The journey towards a mentally healthier Philippines begins with each one of us. We can create a supportive society by breaking the stigma and prioritizing wellbeing.

It will empower everyone to seek help. Remember the WHO's words: "There is no health without mental health." Let us work together to break the silence.

Dengue is surging—here’s a refresher on this deadly infection

LIFESTYLEHEALTH AND WELLBEING

Essential information for dengue prevention

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Aug 20, 2024 00:34 AM

  

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The city of Ormoc has recently been placed under State of Calamity due to a dengue outbreak. The Department of Health in Eastern Visayas has been ringing the alarm on dengue deaths and illnesses in the province. There has been 13 deaths and 5,730 cases recorded from January to July this year, which means its 152 percent higher than the 2,273 cases and seven deaths in 2023. Dengue fever, recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the fastest-spreading mosquito-borne illness globally, affects approximately 400 million people each year and is prevalent in over 100 countries. 

Despite the growing threat, many myths and misconceptions continue to cloud public understanding of dengue. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for effective prevention and protection.

Here are some of them.

 

Myth #1: Dengue fever cannot be contracted more than once.

Fact: The dengue virus (DENV) has four distinct serotypes. Immunity from one serotype does not protect against the others, making subsequent infections possible and potentially more severe.

 

Myth #2: Dengue is contagious.

Fact: Dengue is transmitted through bites from infected female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti3. It cannot be contracted through human contact or respiratory droplets, making mosquito control essential.

 

Myth #3: An infected mosquito only breeds in dirty stagnant water. 

Fact: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes lay eggs in any stagnant water, whether clean or dirty. Common breeding sites include basins, pots, jars, and rain gutters. Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent mosquito infestation.

 

Myth #4: Dengue fever is only a risk during the rainy season.

Fact: While the rainy season can increase mosquito breeding sites, dengue fever is a risk year-round due to mosquitoes being attracted to carbon dioxide and heat.

Myth #5: The body can naturally recover from dengue fever without medical intervention.

Fact: Dengue fever usually presents as a week-long episode of severe headache, vomiting, and muscle pain. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as some individuals may require hospitalization despite initial recovery with rest and hydration.

With no specific cure for dengue fever, the focus must remain on preventive measures and accurate information. 

Tip: To help manage dengue, and the high costs that come with it, some insurance companies offer financial assistance for dengue medical care. For instance,   PruLifeUK’s protection products like PRUDengue Medcare and Medcare Pro offers coverage especially for dengue cases.