Aging brings about various changes in the human body. These normal changes, which may include reduced muscle mass and strength, decreased metabolism and digestion efficiency, decreased metabolism, and digestion efficiency, may have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.
While aging comes with its set of challenges, it shouldn’t stop you from living a healthy and fulfilling life.
There are numerous steps that you can take to manage your health, live as independently as possible, and maintain your quality of life as you age. Here are some practical tips:
1. Eat a nutrient-dense diet: Older adults require fewer calories - due to slowed metabolism- but still need the same amount of nutrients. So, you must eat a nutrient-dense diet to ensure that you consume enough nutrients for your body to function properly without excessive amounts of empty calories that can cause weight gain and other health problems.
Here are some key components of a nutrient-dense diet to keep in mind:
On the other hand, you should limit your intake of processed and refined foods (e.g., sugary beverages, highly processed snacks) which often contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium and calories with little nutritional benefit.
2. Stay physically active: Regular exercise can help maintain muscle mass, improve balance, and reduce the risk of falls. It can also help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, and improve brain function. To reap these benefits, try to incorporate the following exercises into your routine:
If you have a chronic condition, consult a health care professional about the types and amounts of activity appropriate for you. Remember to start slowly and work at your own pace. To get motivated and consistent with your exercise routine, do it with a friend or family.
3. Stay well hydrated. As we age, our sense of thirst may decline, leading to less fluid intake and an increased risk of dehydration. To prevent this, it's important to drink fluids consistently throughout the day. Keep your water bottles within reach to ensure you meet your daily fluid requirements.
4. Limit alcohol and tobacco: Excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use can have detrimental effects on health. You should aim to limit or eliminate these substances to promote overall well-being.
5. Get sufficient sleep: Getting adequate sleep among older adults can help improve memory, boost mood, and reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions according to experts.
The Sleep Foundation recommends that individuals aged 65 and older get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night on average. Here are some tips to ensure that you meet this recommendation:
6. See your doctor regularly. One of the most important steps to maintaining good health as you age is to ensure that you consistently go for your routine visits with your doctor/s (including eye doctor and other specialist healthcare providers). They can help you catch problems early and manage existing health conditions to prevent an even bigger problem. It is also important to follow their treatment plan and recommendations for screening and preventive vaccination, if any.
7. Engage your mind. Aging is not just about keeping our bodies active, but also about keeping our minds sharp. Engaging in activities that challenge your brain on a regular basis can help keep your mind active and healthy, while also slowing cognitive decline as you age. Try to do any of the following:
8. Socialize and stay connected: Maintaining an active social life can contribute significantly to mental and emotional well-being. In addition, research suggests that building strong social ties lowers the risk of dementia and blood pressure and increases life expectancy. To maintain social connections, you can:
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Alcohol is deeply ingrained in our social lives. Whether it's sharing a glass of wine with dinner or unwinding with a beer after work, many of us do enjoy the occasional drink. However, it's crucial to recognize that, as much as alcohol can provide pleasure and relaxation, it also carries the potential for significant health consequences when consumed excessively.
As we approach the upcoming holiday season, a time marked by increased opportunities for excessive alcohol consumption, it becomes ever more critical to understand the impact of alcohol on our health and to exercise mindfulness in our drinking habits.
Excessive alcohol consumption poses a wide range of risks that can impact various aspects of life. These risks can manifest both in the short term and the long term, affecting your physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
Short-Term Risks of Excessive Alcohol Drinking:
Long-term Risks of Excessive Alcohol Drinking:
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive alcohol use includes two main categories: binge-drinking and heavy drinking.
As a reference, one drink is equivalent to a shot of whiskey (1 ½ oz.), a glass of wine (5 oz.), or a bottle of beer (12 oz).
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for health. Regardless of how much you drink, there is a potential health risk associated with any alcoholic beverage. This means that not consuming alcohol at all is the safest way to go.
However, if you choose to consume alcohol, you can do so more responsibly. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the occasional drink without jeopardizing your health:
Remember that responsible alcohol consumption is not only a matter of personal health but also a crucial aspect of social responsibility. By understanding the risks associated with excessive drinking and adopting mindful drinking habits, we can enjoy alcohol in social settings while prioritizing our health and the safety of those around us.
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Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints – usually in the big toe but may also occur in the forefoot, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. Pain and swelling are often accompanied by redness, tenderness, and warmth around the affected joint.
The episodes of gout symptoms, known as gout attacks or flare-ups, often strike without warning, typically occurring at night or in the early morning.
Each gout attack can cause excruciating pain and discomfort but slowly resolve on their own even without treatment within a week or two. However, frequent attacks may lead to lasting joint damage, hard lumps under the skin (tophi), and other complications when not effectively managed.
Gout is mainly caused by having too much uric acid in the blood, a condition called hyperuricemia. When uric acid levels are high, they can crystallize into needle-like formations within joints, triggering inflammation, swelling, and pain—a gout attack.
Uric acid is a natural waste product that forms when the body breaks down purines - compounds present in various foods and naturally produced by the body. It normally does not cause any issues because the body can maintain balance by removing excess uric acid through the urine and sometimes stool.
However, in individuals with gout, the uric acid builds up in the blood either because the body produces too much uric acid or does not properly excrete excess uric acid through the kidneys.
The risk factors for gout can vary from person to person, but they all lead to the same thing: elevated uric acid level.
Here are some common factors that can contribute to gout development:
Gout attacks can vary in frequency. Some individuals experience infrequent or occasional episodes with long intervals in between attacks (1-2 times per year or even just a couple of times in their lifetime). Others suffer from frequent attacks occurring multiple times throughout the year, known as chronic gout. Chronic gout is often linked to significant joint damage and necessitates continuous medical management.
The frequency of gout attacks can be influenced by risk factors, lifestyle choices, and the effectiveness of gout management.
Gout attacks can be triggered by any factor that elevates uric acid levels in the blood, including stress (related to medical conditions, surgery, trauma, dehydration, or starvation), dietary choices (high-purine foods, alcohol), and certain medications (including aspirin and diuretics). It's worth noting that even medications used to lower uric acid levels can initially trigger gout attacks during treatment.
During a gout attack, the primary goal of treatment is to alleviate inflammation and pain. This often involves taking anti-inflammatory medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen), colchicine, or oral steroids for a few days to manage symptoms. Some self-management strategies can also help ease pain and swelling while waiting for medication to take effect.
Here are the things you can do if you experience a gout attack:
For individuals with chronic gout, the goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency of attacks and ultimately prevent complications. This typically involves long-term use of uric acid-lowering medications as prescribed by a healthcare professional and making lifestyle adjustments.
To prevent future gout attacks, you may be advised to do the following:
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by Amrit Chana of John Foord
In the realm of insurance, a cyclical pattern of hard and soft markets is a prevailing phenomenon. These market cycles pivot on factors such as capacity availability, heightened scrutiny, environmental shifts, and political dynamics. In hard markets, marked by constrained capacity and intensified scrutiny, businesses encounter hurdles in securing favorable insurance terms. Conversely, soft markets provide more lenient conditions due to expanded capacity.
Market volatility within the insurance industry can stem from various factors. Significant events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts play pivotal roles in driving volatility. Inflation emerges as a crucial factor, impacting insurers by simultaneously raising claims costs and boosting investment returns. Discrepancies between fixed asset inflation and investment returns can tighten margins. This phenomenon is particularly evident in property damage insurance, where inflation accentuates the disconnect between historical costs, current sums insured, and actual values at risk.
The ripples of market volatility extend across various cost components including equipment, materials, labor, and energy expenses, among others. Traditionally, businesses have relied on indices such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) to gauge asset values which can fall short in reflecting the complexities of specialized industrial asset replacement or reinstatement costs. It is generally known that CPI tracks consumer price changes for everyday goods, while PPI monitors producer and manufacturer price shifts across industries and both indexes do not account for specific context.
Amidst this backdrop, seeking regular, reliable, and defensible advice on sums insured remains imperative, especially with fluctuating material prices, labor rates, energy costs, and currency exchange rates – to ensure that current sums insured are accurate and robust.
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies between the various market factors is pivotal for making sound insurance decisions. Regular assessments and expert guidance are essential for ensuring accurate and current estimations of asset values. By embracing these proactive measures, businesses can effectively safeguard against the pitfalls of underinsurance, protecting their financial well-being in the face of uncertainty.
John Foord is an independent advisory firm that specialises in the valuation of commercial and industrial buildings, civils, structures, plant, and equipment across more than 70 industries ranging from hotels, energy, infrastructure, high-tech, manufacturing to telecommunications. They help support insurance companies, re-insurers, brokers, and owners by assessing current reinstatement costs to ensure that the declared values are accurate and defendable.
John Foord can assist on the following:
Trinity and John Foord can help you and your organization be prepared for unexpected market conditions and mitigate risks. Inquire now through this link: https://trinity-insures.com/collections/service-solutions/products/risk-management-and-loss-prevention
]]>If you are controlling your weight or managing your diabetes, you have likely encountered the advice to limit your sugar intake. Taking this advice to heart, you may have already made changes like reducing the sugar in your coffee or getting rid of those tempting chocolates stashed in your refrigerator.
While these efforts are commendable, did you know that other sugars sneakily lurk in many other foods we consume throughout the day? This means that even after eliminating some obvious culprits, it is still possible to unknowingly exceed your recommended sugar limits, potentially putting your health at risk.
In this article, we will talk about effective ways to limit sugar intake. But first, let’s talk about compelling reasons why doing so is crucial.
Not all sugars are bad. Some sugars, especially those found in natural foods like fruits and dairy products, can be part of a healthy diet. It is the added sugars – defined as sugars added to foods and beverages during processing or preparation – that you need to watch out for.
Added sugars enhance the taste, texture, and shelf life of foods. However, unlike naturally occurring sugars found in fruits or dairy products, which come with essential nutrients and fiber, added sugars provide calories with little to no nutrition.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when added sugars are consumed in excess, they can lead to weight gain and obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Because of the negative health impacts of added sugar, health experts recommend keeping added sugar consumption to a minimum.
The amount of added sugar considered acceptable can vary based on different health guidelines and individual health factors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that adults and children should reduce their daily intake of added sugars to less than 10% of their total energy intake. For someone with a 2000-calorie daily allowance, this 10 % is equivalent to no more than 50 grams (or less than 12 teaspoons) of added sugar. According to WHO, further reducing sugar intake to below 5% (roughly 25 grams or 6 teaspoons) of total energy intake per day would provide additional health benefits.
The American Heart Association recommends even stricter limits for added sugar intake:
It is important to remember that this recommendation on sugar limit also involves those present in honey, syrups, fruit juices, and fruit concentrates.
In order to stay within the recommended limit on added sugars, below are the following changes that you can make:
1. Limit intake of sugary beverages.
Sugary beverages like soda, sweetened tea, energy drinks, and fruit juices are among the top sources of added sugars in our diet. A 12-ounce can of cola, for instance, contains 39 grams of sugar – almost 10 teaspoons of sugar, which is already more than the daily limit for added sugar.
Aside from the high sugar content, sugar-sweetened beverages promote less satiety than solid foods. In other words, they don’t make us feel ‘full’ or satisfied, making it so easy for us to overconsume them.
Instead of drinking these sugar bombs, drink plain water, herbal teas, or unsweetened beverages to hydrate yourself. If you enjoy fruit juice, consider having whole fruits instead, as they contain fiber that slows down sugar absorption.
2. Plan your snacks.
Preparing healthy snacks in advance can prevent you from reaching for sugary treats when hunger strikes. Stock up on nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies, homemade popcorn, or plain yoghurt so that you can easily have them for snacks instead of sugary cookies or candies.
3. Gradually reduce sugar in recipes.
If you enjoy baking or cooking at home, try gradually reducing the amount of sugar in your recipes. You can often cut the sugar content by up to one-third without significantly affecting the taste or texture of the dish. Over time, your taste buds will adjust to the lower sweetness level.
4. Always check the labels.
When eating processed food items, take the time to read food labels carefully. You can find the amount of added sugar under ‘Total Carbohydrates’. Looking at the nutrition panel can help you in comparing 2 food items. For example, if one cereal brand has 10g of sugar per 100g and another has 5g of sugar per 100g, then the second option may be the better one.
You can also look at the ingredient list. Added sugars can be sneakily disguised under various names, such as corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, glucose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, lactose, malt syrup, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, and sucrose. If you see any of these names listed higher up on the ingredient list, this means that the food product can be high in added sugar.
5. Be mindful of condiments and sauces.
Some condiments and sauces, like ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings, can contain surprising amounts of added sugar. Check the labels and choose options with lower sugar content or make your own healthier versions at home.
6. Control your portion.
If you choose to still consume sugary treats, just eat smaller portions or have them less often. For example, if you choose to have a soda, just select a smaller size, and drink it only on special occasions. When preparing your coffee, add only one teaspoon of sugar instead of two.
By following these practical tips, you can significantly reduce your added sugar intake and, in turn, decrease your risk of health complications. However, it is important to remember that limiting added sugar intake is just one aspect of a larger picture.
To achieve overall health and well-being and minimize the risk of (or manage) health issues like diabetes, you must follow a holistic approach that also prioritizes balanced eating pattern, physical activity, and close coordination with your healthcare team.
For more information on diabetes management, you can visit the diabetes management article prepared by Trinity.
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Businesses and individuals rely significantly on electronic technology to streamline operations and daily tasks in today's quickly advancing technological world. These vital technologies, which include everything from computers and smartphones to specialized gear, play an important role in increasing production and efficiency. They are, however, vulnerable to a variety of threats such as theft, damage, or breakdowns. Electronic equipment insurance protects these assets by ensuring financial security and uninterrupted operations. In this post, we will look at the significance of electronic equipment insurance, the coverage options available, and the benefits it provides to policyholders.
Protecting Against Accidents: Accidents can happen at any time, and they can cause significant damage to your electrical gadgets. Whether it's a water spill on your laptop, a power surge that damages your electronic circuitry, or an accidental drop that fractures the screen of your smartphone, the price of repairs or replacements may add up quickly. Accidents involving electronic equipment are covered by insurance, reducing financial responsibilities.
Guarding Against Theft: Electronics are prime targets for theft due to their high resale value. Businesses may face significant losses if essential equipment like servers, computers, or office electronics are stolen. Electronic equipment insurance can help mitigate the financial impact by providing compensation for stolen items.
Covering Mechanical Breakdowns: Even with the best maintenance practices, electronic devices can experience sudden mechanical breakdowns. Repairing or replacing these complex components can be expensive and time-consuming. With appropriate insurance, policyholders can obtain timely repairs or replacements without worrying about the cost.
Business Interruption Coverage: For businesses that rely heavily on electronic equipment to conduct operations, a malfunctioning device can lead to significant business interruption and revenue loss. Electronic equipment insurance may include business interruption coverage, compensating for the loss of income during the downtime.
Financial Security: Electronic equipment insurance gives you peace of mind by protecting your valuable assets against a variety of risks. It keeps unanticipated maintenance or replacement expenditures from destabilizing your financial situation.
Swift Recovery: If a covered loss occurs, the insurance provider can expedite the process of repairing or replacing damaged equipment, allowing individuals and businesses to resume normal operations as soon as possible.
Customizable Policies: Insurance companies often offer customisable policies that are tailored to the unique needs of the insured. This adaptability ensures that you get the proper coverage for your specific electronic equipment portfolio.
Electronic equipment insurance is a vital safeguard against the uncertainties and risks associated with owning valuable electronic devices. For businesses, it can be the difference between a temporary setback and a prolonged business interruption. For individuals, it offers protection against expensive repairs or replacements. Investing in electronic equipment insurance is a prudent decision, providing financial security and peace of mind for all users of electronic equipment. To assist you in getting one, you may send us an email at trinity@trinity-insures.com.
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Cataract, a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide, poses a significant threat to our vision. In the Philippines, it remains one of the main causes of visual impairments among Filipinos. According to a recent study conducted by the Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI), approximately 1 million Filipinos are affected by cataract, and around 300 thousand require surgery to restore their vision.
In celebration of the sight-saving month, Trinity has prepared this article to help us better understand this condition.
Cataract is a condition that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and other visual impairments.
In a normal eye, the lens is transparent like clear glass. It mainly helps to focus light onto the back of the eye (retina), which then sends signals to the brain to process and form images. However, if a cataract clouds over the lens, less light reaches the retina. This leads to the disruption in vision and eventually blindness in affected individuals.
The good news is that cataract is reversible. Normal vision can be restored with safe and effective surgical treatment.
Most cases of cataracts are related to aging. The lens of the eye is mostly made up of protein and water. As we age, normal wear and tear causes the protein to break down and clump together, leading to clouding.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the normal changes in the eye usually begin after age 40, but the clouding usually starts to develop only after age 60.
Although most cataract cases are age-related, other factors also increase the risk of its development. These include:
In rare cases, cataracts can be present at birth (congenital) or develop shortly after. Additionally, cataracts may form because of eye injuries or as a complication following surgery for other eye conditions, like glaucoma.
Cataract typically develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. But as it progresses, the following symptoms may become more apparent:
If you experience any of the above symptoms and are worried that you may have cataract, visit an eye doctor to be properly diagnosed and given appropriate treatment as needed.
The only proven effective and permanent treatment for cataract is surgery. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is safe and has a high success rate in improving the vision of affected individuals.
However, surgical treatment is usually only recommended if the cataract has progressed to the point that it is interfering with normal daily activities. If you are still able to function properly, or if you are not yet ready to undergo surgery, the cataract may be left in your eye. In which case, you may just do the following measures to improve your vision:
Remember that cataract progresses. Your symptoms may be mild in the beginning, and the abovementioned measures may help provide relief. However, these measures are only temporary, and cataract can still eventually worsen. This is why it is still important to monitor yourself for increased visual symptoms and follow a regular check-up schedule. You and your doctor can discuss your symptoms and the possibility of doing surgical treatment as necessary.
Age-related and congenital cases of cataract may not be entirely preventable. However, there are certain measures that you can take to reduce your risk due to other causes or delay the need to undergo surgery. These measures include the following:
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by Xueli Ang of John Foord
In today's insurance landscape, businesses must prioritize accurate and robust sums insured. While it may be tempting to lower cost figures or underestimate replacement costs, this approach carries significant risks. Volatile costs can undermine insurance coverage adequacy, leaving businesses exposed to substantial losses.
It is crucial for businesses to remain vigilant of the conflicts that exist in loss situations potential damages that undervalued assets or outdated can cause when making insurance claims.
Inadequate insurance coverage exposes businesses to significant financial risks in the event of an insured event. However, it is essential to note that uninsured losses can also create legal challenges for directors and senior managers, leading to prolonged settlement processes.
Thankfully, advancements in technology have made regular valuations cost-effective and less disruptive, using modelling and on-desk analytics to provide accurate assessments efficiently.
In-house engineering teams and other business stakeholders often lack the depth of knowledge required to accurately assess replacement costs for insurance purposes. Relying on historical cost indexing or depreciating asset registers is insufficient for determining accurate replacement costs. Asset registers are often incomplete, exclude third-party assets, and lack the necessary detail for precise historic cost indexing. Furthermore, acquisition dates recorded in the accounts may not align with the actual purchase dates, creating discrepancies in asset valuation.
Companies often assume that their in-house teams' knowledge of assets will translate to accurate reinstatement cost valuations. However, there is often a misconception of reinstatement cost and base values used – such as the accounting net book values which are depreciated or other subjective judgement. Furthermore, limited resources and time constraints may prevent them from conducting detailed replacement cost assessments.
While some risk managers may consider independent valuations a low-priority issue, the insurance market's increased focus on underinsurance demands a proactive approach.
Underinsurance remains a focal point, the insurance market's increased focus on underinsurance demands a proactive approach. Regular independent valuations provide accurate assessments, mitigate legal liabilities, optimize insurance premiums, and offer valuable insights for business operations. By embracing these practices, companies can safeguard their financial interests and ensure adequate insurance coverage.
In recent years, the rapid surge of inflation, compounded by events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, has introduced volatility into the market. Rising energy prices, material costs, and labour expenses have complicated business operations. Many organisations are insuring their assets significantly below their true replacement values, unaware of the potential impact on business continuity.
Regular independent valuations provide accurate assessments, mitigate legal liabilities, optimize insurance premiums, and offer valuable insights for business operations. By recognizing the risks of underinsurance and securing accurate sums insured, businesses can protect their valuable assets effectively.
John Foord is an independent advisory firm that specialises in the valuation of commercial and industrial buildings, civils, structures, plant and equipment across more than 70 industries ranging from hotels, energy, infrastructure, high-tech, manufacturing to telecommunications. They help support insurance companies, re-insurers, brokers and owners by assessing current reinstatement costs to ensure that the declared values are accurate and defendable.
John Foord can assist on the following:
Trinity and John Foord can help you and your organization be prepared for unexpected market conditions and mitigate risks. Inquire now through this link: https://trinity-insures.com/collections/service-solutions/products/risk-management-and-loss-prevention
]]>The rainy season is here and with it comes a host of concerns, including the increased risk of certain diseases. Among these is leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial disease endemic in tropical countries like the Philippines.
According to the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), leptospirosis can occur at any time of the year. However, an increase in the number of cases is usually observed from June to August when most rains are experienced in the country.
Leptospirosis is a disease that humans can get from animals infected with a bacterium called Leptospires.
Many animals (i.e., cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs) can get infected with the bacterium, become natural carriers, and potentially infect humans (and other animals). However, the primary culprit for most human infections is rodents, particularly rats.
Leptospirosis only causes a mild, flu-like illness in the majority of cases. However, some people may develop a severe form of illness which can lead to kidney and liver damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), respiratory distress, or death, especially if left untreated.
Human infection occurs when cuts or open wounds in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) come in contact with the infected animal’s urine (and other body fluids, except saliva) or with soil or water contaminated with the urine. Drinking contaminated water is also a possible mode of transmission.
During the rainy season, the risk of human infection increases because animal urine in the soil and other surfaces gets into floodwater, contaminating it and potentially infecting anyone who comes in contact with it. The contaminated floodwater can also wash into rivers, lakes, and other natural water sources where people may bathe or get drinking water.
Symptoms of leptospirosis can vary widely and may resemble those of other illnesses. In some cases, people may not exhibit any symptoms at all.
Common symptoms of leptospirosis include the following:
If you experience these symptoms, immediately consult your doctor, especially if you have a recent history of direct contact with animal urine or with soil or water potentially contaminated with animal urine.
Your doctor may conduct a physical exam and order blood and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend proper treatment to reduce the duration of the illness and prevent life-threatening complications.
Treatment for leptospirosis typically involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, to kill the bacteria. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for supportive care and administration of intravenous antibiotics. Additional medical procedures may be required depending on the organs affected.
The following are the simple things you can do to prevent leptospirosis, especially this rainy season:
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Your kidneys are the unsung heroes in your body, tirelessly working around the clock to keep you healthy. Their main job is to filter the blood and remove excess fluids, wastes, and toxins for elimination in the urine. But they also perform other important functions such as maintaining a balance of fluids, electrolytes, and acids in the body, and producing hormones and enzymes that help regulate blood pressure, stimulate red blood cell production, and activate vitamin D. The bottom line is that your kidneys do a lot of things to keep you healthy, so if they malfunction, it can wreak havoc on your body and cause a wide range of health problems.
The most common problem of the kidneys is chronic kidney disease (CKD), a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
In celebration of National Kidney Month, Trinity has prepared an article about CKD including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as practical tips on how to maintain optimal kidney health.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition characterized by gradual decline of kidney function. It is called “chronic” because it is a long-term condition that typically progresses over many years before causing symptoms.
If the kidneys do not function as they should, it can cause several problems including anemia, bone disease, cardiovascular disease, and poor immune function.
Being a progressive disease, CKD gets worse over time. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure (also known as End Stage Kidney Disease) – a life-threatening condition wherein the kidneys are severely damaged and have lost all their ability to function properly. People who develop kidney failure will need to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive.
CKD is usually caused by health problems that damage your kidneys little by little throughout many years.
The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure which are responsible for two-thirds of CKD cases. Both of these conditions can strain the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a gradual loss of function over time.
Other conditions that can cause CKD include the following:
Certain risk factors can also increase your chances of having CKD including older age, smoking, obesity, family history of kidney disease, or long-term use of certain medications such as pain relievers (i.e., aspirin and ibuprofen).
CKD does not usually cause any symptoms in its early stages. This is why many people with CKD do not know that they have it and are diagnosed late in the course of illness.
Symptoms typically only begin to appear when the disease has progressed to its more advanced stage, at which point symptoms may include:
Signs and symptoms of kidney disease are often nonspecific which means that they can also be caused by other illnesses. See your doctor immediately if have persistent or worrying symptoms so that you can be assessed properly.
CKD is typically diagnosed through a combination of blood tests and urine tests.
If CKD is suspected, your doctor may also recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan, or a biopsy to assess the extent of kidney damage.
Because CKD does not always cause symptoms in its early stages, it is recommended that you get tested regularly, to know whether your kidneys are healthy. This is especially important if you have hypertension, diabetes, and other risk factors mentioned above.
CKD is not curable, but it can be treated to control the symptoms, minimize complications, and keep your kidneys working well for as long as possible.
Your treatment options depend on the severity of your condition and may include the following:
Dialysis and kidney transplant are usually necessary for advanced cases of CKD. Regular visits to the doctor are also recommended in order to monitor your condition.
You can reduce your risk of developing CKD by following these tips:
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The Philippines is prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters due to its geographic location, which often result to countless human deaths and property losses.
With this situation, along with climate change, typhoon preparation has become more challenging. To help you with that, Trinity prepared this article, compiled from several sources to provide you some tips on how to prepare for a typhoon..
Monitor weather updates from reputable news sources on radio, television, and the internet.
News programs on free radio and television and reputable news websites are constantly updating the public about the weather situation in affected parts of the country. Make sure to check out these programs to be apprised of the latest storm signals.
Inspect your home, office and/or business warehouse and check for damage that needs to be repaired.
An annual inspection of the structural integrity of your home/office building helps in identifying the parts that you need to get repaired. This includes checking the roof if there are any leaks and if it is secured in place. You may also want to check the drainage around your space to make sure that these are not clogged, to prevent flooding.
Prepare a 'go bag' or a disaster kit.
A disaster kit or a “go bag” contains important items like ready-to-eat food packs, water, clothes, and sanitation supplies, as well as flashlights, and medicine. This disaster kit can save you some time if you need to evacuate your community immediately.
Save emergency hotlines on your mobile phone.
During typhoons or floods, the following government agencies can be contacted:
Please keep in mind that the hotline numbers for these organizations may vary depending on your location. Also, most barangays post their emergency hotlines on their social media pages, and even on the walls of some barangay halls. Remember to save these numbers on your mobile phone to make sure that you can contact them in case of flooding.
Know designated evacuation sites in your barangay.
Community leaders in most barangays have prepared evacuation plans and designated places where people affected by typhoons can take shelter. Identify these places and plan how you and your family can get to those evacuation centers quickly and efficiently if needed.
Insure your assets.A strong typhoon can cause extensive damage to your assets that are financially devastating to repair. Purchasing asset insurance is a sensible investment because it can help you overcome your losses from a very daunting situation. With the following insurance, Trinity may be able to assist you in protecting your assets:
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The thyroid is a small but mighty gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces and releases important hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism– the process by which the food you eat is transformed into energy. This energy fuels many of your body’s metabolic functions such as breathing, blood circulation, muscle contraction, temperature control, digestion, brain function, and more.
Since the thyroid gland plays a crucial role in producing hormones that affect almost every part of the body, problems with this gland can have a wide-ranging impact on your health.
Several problems can affect the thyroid such as abnormal growths (lumps or nodules) or thyroid cancer, but the most common disorders of the thyroid are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormones. This causes the body to use energy more quickly than it should. In contrast, hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid becomes underactive and produces too little thyroid hormones. Too little hormones slow down your metabolism and cause your body to use energy more slowly than it should.
These conditions can cause uncomfortable but harmless symptoms in most people. However, if left undetected and untreated for a long time, these can lead to severe complications. For instance, long-term untreated or undertreated hyperthyroidism can lead to heart failure, osteoporosis, and thyroid storm –a life-threatening condition that can result in heart-failure, seizure, or coma. In contrast, untreated hypothyroidism can lead to myxedema coma, a rare but severe complication in which the body’s functions slow to a life-threatening point.
The good news is that thyroid disorders can usually be treated effectively before it leads to more severe cases. This is why it is important to spot the symptoms early and get yourself checked and treated.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of thyroid problems to watch out for:
1. Fatigue
Feeling tired and sluggish almost all the time is a common symptom of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
If you have an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), your metabolism slows down, causing fewer calories burned and ultimately leading to less energy to perform daily activities.
Having an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also cause fatigue but in a different way. When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, it overstimulates the nervous system, making it difficult for you to get a quality night’s sleep. The lack of sleep can leave you feeling tired and weak during the day.
2. Weight changes (without changes in eating or exercise habits)
The thyroid hormone plays a role in regulating metabolism, so when there is an imbalance in its production due to a thyroid problem, it can affect weight. In hypothyroidism, weight gain can occur due to a slower metabolism. Having a slow metabolism means that you are unable to burn enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.
In contrast, in hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces too much hormones, hastening your metabolism and ultimately causing weight loss.
3. Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperature
Metabolism not only produces energy but also generates heat that helps maintain the body’s normal temperature.
When your thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than your body needs, your metabolism speeds up and more heat is produced. This causes the body temperature to rise, leading to feeling hot and low tolerance for warm temperatures. Alternatively, when your thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormones, less heat is produced and your core temperature decreases making it hard for you to tolerate cold temperature.
4. Changes in Heart Rate
The thyroid gland directly affects your heart function, so a thyroid problem can cause changes in heart rate. An overactive thyroid gland can make your heart race, pound, or flutter, while an underactive thyroid gland can cause your heart rate to slow down. With hypothyroidism, you may experience symptoms such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, constricted blood vessels, and fluid retention (causes swelling). Heart failure may occur if those symptoms are left untreated.
5. Mood changes
The thyroid gland controls hormones in your body that are associated with mood. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience anxiety, irritability, and nervousness. The sleeping difficulty associated with hyperthyroidism can also contribute to changes in mood during the day.
Hypothyroidism can cause depression. If you are not responding to medication for depression and/or are experiencing an increased frequency of anxiety attacks or panic attacks, ask your doctor about thyroid disease.
6. Skin, hair, and nail changes
After prolonged, severe thyroid problems, you may notice changes in your hair, skin, and nails.
Your hair can become thinner and brittle. You may also experience hair loss from your head and even your eyebrows. In addition to hair issues, your skin can also become dry, pale, or itchy. You may also experience other symptoms such as swollen face and brittle nails with ridges.
7. Changes in Bowel Movements
If you experience frequent constipation despite maintaining a healthy diet, it may be a sign of hypothyroidism, as slower metabolism leads to a slower digestive process. In contrast, if you have an overactive thyroid gland, you may experience diarrhea or more frequent bowel movements.
8. Infertility and Menstrual Irregularities
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can affect the ability of women to get pregnant. This is because problems with the thyroid hormone can upset the balance of the hormones essential for ovulation. Hypothyroidism can also cause excess production of a hormone (prolactin) that prevents ovulation, which causes difficulties if you're trying to get pregnant.
Thyroid problems can also affect the menstrual cycle in women. If you have an underactive thyroid, your periods may experience frequent and heavy menstrual periods. You may also be at a higher risk for problems during pregnancy including pre-eclampsia and miscarriage.
Alternatively, if you have an overactive thyroid, you may experience irregular menstrual periods or having your menstrual cycle stop.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, schedule a medical appointment. Your doctor can perform a physical exam, evaluate your symptoms, and perform diagnostic tests to determine if you really have a thyroid problem and what type of thyroid problem it may be. This is important because, while the above symptoms may point to a problem with your thyroid, it is also highly likely that your symptoms may be caused by other conditions which may be even more potentially serious than a thyroid problem.
If your doctor finds that you really have a thyroid problem, he/she will work with you to develop appropriate treatment plan depending on the specific nature of your condition and the underlying cause. Possible treatments may include medicines, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery.
A thyroid disease is often a life-long medical condition. But with proper treatment, it can be effectively managed, allowing you to maintain good health and live a normal life.
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It’s the hot dry season in the Philippines once again. Despite the uncomfortable hot weather, it is the time of year when we tend to spend more time outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and participate in a wide range of activities. Unfortunately, the extreme heat and increased exposure to other elements outdoors make us susceptible to a lot of diseases, including an eye disease called conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known by Filipinos as sore eyes, is the inflammation of the conjunctiva– the thin layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This condition can make your eyes turn red and produce a discharge (thin or thick depending on the cause). You may also experience other symptoms such as a burning sensation in your eyes, a gritty feeling in the eyes, a sticky coating on the eyelashes – usually when you first wake up in the morning and an enlarged lymph node (gland) in front of the ear.
The most common cause of conjunctivitis is a viral and bacterial infection, but it can also be caused by allergens (i.e., pollen, dust, pet dander), or irritants (i.e., smoke, chlorine in pools, or chemicals).
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. They can spread from person to person mainly via hand-to-eye contact which happens when your hand gets contaminated with the virus or bacteria from the infected person, and then you touch your eyes with that same hand. Your hand can get contaminated if you have contact with infectious tears, eye discharge, fecal matter, or respiratory droplets from the infected person. You can also get infected if your eyes have direct contact with that contaminated object (i.e., contaminated make-up brushes) or if the respiratory droplets from an infected person's sneeze or cough can also get into your eyes directly. On the other hand, conjunctivitis caused by allergens and irritants cannot be spread from person to person.
Most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and clear up on their own in 1-2 weeks without specific medical treatment. Usually, the use of eye compresses or non-prescription lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) at home can help alleviate the symptoms. It is recommended, however, that you seek medical treatment if your condition does not improve after 2 weeks or if you experience other symptoms such as intense eye pain, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision which may indicate other serious eye problems.
While conjunctivitis is generally not a serious health threat, the fact that it is highly contagious and causes unpleasant and unsightly symptoms should be enough reasons for you to dread this condition. Fortunately, conjunctivitis is largely preventable.
The following are the simple things you can do to reduce the risk of getting conjunctivitis and spreading it to other people:
Wash your hands frequently.
One of the most effective ways to prevent conjunctivitis is to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. This is especially important if you have been in contact with someone who has conjunctivitis or with the items he/she uses; for example, you should wash your hands after applying eye drops to the infected person’s eye. You should also wash your hands if you are experiencing symptoms yourself to prevent the spread of infection.
Use soap and water and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to wash all surfaces, including between your fingers and under your nails. If soap and water are not available, use a hand-sanitizing solution that contains at least 60 % alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes.
You can easily pick up viruses and bacteria by touching contaminated objects or surfaces, so your hands can carry those “germs” that can infect your eyes. Do not touch or rub your eyes, especially if you haven't washed your hands recently, to avoid introducing viruses or bacteria to the delicate tissues of your eyes.
If you are the one with conjunctivitis, not touching your eyes prevents the spread of infection to your other eye or other people. If you have discharge or dried-up mucus around your eyes, clean it with a wet washcloth or fresh cotton ball instead of your bare hands. Dispose of the cotton ball after use and wash the washcloths with hot water and detergent.
Avoid sharing personal items.
If you or someone in your household has conjunctivitis, do not share towels, pillowcases, bedding, and washcloths to prevent the spread of infection. Regularly wash these items in hot water and detergent to kill any germs that may be present.
In the same way, do not share anything that may be potentially contaminated with viruses or bacteria such as makeup, makeup brushes, eye drops, contact lenses, or eyeglasses.
Follow proper hygiene and care practices when using contact lenses.
Contact lenses that are not cleaned and disinfected properly can cause bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to accumulate and cause infections, including conjunctivitis.
It is important to follow the advice of your optician for contact lens care, including proper cleaning and disinfection techniques, as well as proper storage of lenses and cases.
You should also wash your hands with soap and water, especially before handling your contact lenses. Additionally, always use fresh solution to store and clean your lenses, and do not wear contact lenses for longer than you should.
If you have allergies, avoid your triggers.
If your conjunctivitis is tied to allergies, avoid exposure to allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Consider using an air purifier and keep your home clean to reduce the number of allergens in the air.
Protect your eyes from irritants.
Remember that conjunctivitis can also result from irritation. This is why it is important to use protective eyewear when participating in activities that could expose your eyes to irritants. This may include wearing goggles when swimming (especially in a chlorinated pool), diving underwater, or dealing with chemicals at home or at work.
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Summer is finally here. It's a good time because the kids are out of school, the weather is pleasant, and we're inspired to have some fun and let loose. Many of us enjoy spending the summer planning vacations and visiting exciting destinations with friends and family. While the prospect of visiting a new location is exciting, it can also be a stressful activity. The stress of meticulously planning the perfect vacation can be taxing and weigh heavily on our lives. We even forget that the entire purpose of vacation is to relax and have fun. That being said, we've compiled a list of tips to keep in mind when planning your summer vacation and how to make it the most stress-free and enjoyable part of your summer.
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You may have been told as a kid to avoid running or jumping around after eating because it might give you appendicitis. And it probably led you to believe later in life that you cannot exercise immediately after eating for the same reason. However, these are deep-seated myths that need to be separated from facts.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the facts about appendicitis, including its real causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Appendicitis is a medical condition that occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed and swollen.
The appendix is a hollow, tubular organ attached to the large intestine. It is like an extending pouch of the colon located at the lower right part of the belly (abdomen). Unlike the other organs, the appendix does not have a clear function in the human body. However, recent research suggests that it may be a “safe house” for good bacteria and plays part in the immune system.
Regardless of its function, the appendix has a notorious reputation for its tendency to become inflamed (appendicitis). As the inflammation worsens, the appendix gets filled with pus, starts to swell even more, and eventually ruptures if left untreated. When the appendix ruptures, its infected contents leak into your abdominal cavity, which can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection. Because of this, appendicitis is considered a medical emergency.
In fact, according to the Philippine College of Surgeons, appendicitis is the most common medical emergency of the abdomen. It is also one of the most common conditions requiring surgery in the Philippines.
It is not clear what causes appendicitis, but experts believe that it is caused by a blockage in the appendix, usually by a hardened lump of fecal matter that finds its way into the appendix and lodges itself there.
Other possible causes include:
The telltale symptom of appendicitis is pain in the abdomen. The pain may start in the area around your belly button and then moves to the lower right portion of your belly where the appendix is located. The abdominal pain also worsens with movement, deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
Other common symptoms include the following:
There is no way to predict who will get appendicitis, so spotting the symptoms of appendicitis is vital for early diagnosis and prevention of serious complications.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the appendix can rupture 48 -72 hours after the manifestation of symptoms. When the appendix ruptures, the infection can spread to the abdomen, leading to a more serious condition called peritonitis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the inner lining of your abdomen (peritoneum). This is why, if you experience pain in the lower right side of your abdomen along with any of the symptoms above, it is important to talk to your doctor immediately.
Diagnosis of appendicitis is typically made through a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests (blood and urine), and imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan.
During the physical examination, your doctor will assess your abdominal pain by applying gentle pressure around the area. Your doctor may also look for a swollen, rigid belly, which can indicate that your appendix has ruptured.
A blood test can help check any signs of infection while a urine test can help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms as appendicitis, such as urinary tract infection or kidney stones.
Imaging tests may be required by the doctor to understand the cause of the symptoms better and confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis.
Treatment for appendicitis typically involves surgical removal of the appendix, called an appendectomy.
It can be done either through an open incision in the abdomen (called open appendectomy) or laparoscopically (laparoscopic appendectomy), wherein the surgeon inserts surgical tools and a small camera into your abdomen through small abdominal incisions to remove your appendix.
In general, laparoscopic appendectomy is less invasive than an open appendectomy but is typically performed only among patients whose appendix has not ruptured.
If your appendix has ruptured, and the infection has spread outside the appendix, you may be required to undergo an open appendectomy. This procedure enables the surgeon to thoroughly clean the abdominal cavity.
The recovery time for laparoscopic surgery can be as short as 24 hours, while open surgery might require up to a week of recovery. Regardless, both laparoscopic and open appendectomy are safe procedures, with a high success rate and minimal, if any, side effects.
Appendicitis is a serious health concern that requires prompt medical attention. If you experience symptoms of appendicitis, it is important to seek medical attention right away, as early treatment can help prevent rupture of the appendix and other serious health problems. With proper care and attention, most people are able to make a full recovery after an appendectomy, and can return to their normal activities in a relatively short period of time.
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Insurance policy audits are a common occurrence in the insurance industry. They can be used to verify coverage and ensure that all claims will be handled properly. Depending on the type of audit performed, premiums for your company's policies may increase or decrease. Trinity has prepared an article to help you better understand its significance.
An insurance policy audit is a process that helps you to identify areas of improvement in your current insurance policy. It involves reviewing all the terms and conditions of your cover, identifying gaps in it, and coming up with recommendations for improvement based on these findings.
Before purchasing or renewing your policy, it is best to have an audit performed. The main goal is to ensure that you have taken all necessary steps when purchasing an insurance policy, ensuring that you are always covered according to your needs.
Purchasing insurance has become an essential part of modern business. However, when purchasing insurance, it is also critical to ensure that your broker performs an Insurance Policy Audit to ensure that the coverage meets your needs. Trinity, with over 35 years of experience, ensures that its clients receive the protection they require at the most reasonable premium by actively performing an Insurance Policy Audit. With Trinity, you can be confident with your insurance policy.
To inquire about insurance products and services, please contact us through email at trinity@trinity-insures.com or via phone at (02) 8810-1653.You may also visit our Contact Us page.
You are probably aware that, when it comes to heart health, maintaining normal cholesterol levels should be a top priority. But did you know that there is another key marker of heart health that you should be keeping in check? They are called triglycerides.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having high levels of triglycerides in the blood can increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, especially when combined with low HDL “good” cholesterol and/or high LDL “bad” cholesterol levels. This is why doctors recommend that it should also be monitored and kept at normal levels especially if you have other risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking.
But what exactly are triglycerides? And how can we ensure that we keep the levels in the safe zone? Let’s find out in this article.
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat (lipid). They are closely related to cholesterol (another type of lipid) but serve a different purpose and are produced differently.
You can get triglycerides from dietary sources such as oils, butter, and fatty meats. Your liver also makes them out of excess calories. When you eat more calories – mainly from carbohydrate-rich foods such as sweets and refined grains – than your body needs, the excess calories are converted by the liver into triglycerides and then stored in fat cells for later use.
Triglycerides are primarily used by the body for energy. If you are running a long distance, for instance, they provide your body with fuel to keep you moving. If you suddenly lose appetite or are in a fasted state, the triglycerides stored in your fat cells can be accessed by the body and used as fuel to keep your organs functioning.
Given the important role they play, your body needs triglycerides. However, having consistently higher-than-normal-levels of triglycerides in the blood, also known as hypertriglyceridemia, can increase your risk for several health problems.
For good health, you should aim to maintain a triglyceride level of less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If your levels exceed 150 mg/dL and are left untreated or uncontrolled for a long time, your risk for heart disease increases.
Very high triglyceride levels can harm more than your heart. If your triglyceride levels reach over 500 mg/dL, you may also be at increased risk of developing painful inflammation of the pancreas, also known as pancreatitis. Pancreatitis causes severe belly pain, nausea, and vomiting. Left untreated, this condition can be life-threatening.
Measurement of triglycerides is often done as part of a complete cholesterol test, also known as lipid profile or lipid panel. This usually involves a blood test that determines levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides. To get an accurate measurement, you will be required to fast for 8-12 hours before the test.
High triglyceride levels usually do not cause symptoms until complications arise. This is why getting your triglycerides checked regularly is important to monitor your levels before they get out of hand.
Many factors can increase your risk of having high triglyceride levels. These include the following:
Since high triglyceride levels can be caused by several factors, the first thing that you should do is to talk to your doctor.
Your doctor can help determine the cause of your high triglycerides and develop a treatment plan to effectively lower your levels. If your doctor finds that the cause of your high triglycerides is one of the medications listed above, you may be given an alternative medication that won’t affect your levels. Medicines to lower triglyceride levels may also be prescribed if your triglyceride levels are very high.
However, regardless of other factors, making lifestyle changes are necessary for your treatment plan. The following are some general tips that you can do to lower your triglyceride levels:
Overall, improving your triglyceride levels requires a lot more than making necessary adjustments in your diet and lifestyle. You must also work closely with your doctor to keep track of your levels and take action when needed. By doing these things, you can effectively lower not just your triglycerides but also your overall risk for heart disease and other health problems.
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Hepatitis is a general term that refers to inflammation (swelling) of the liver. This inflammation can affect several important liver functions and lead to a wide range of uncomfortable symptoms in some people. Even worse, some types of hepatitis can progress to much more serious complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer and ever death, if not treated early.
Excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications and autoimmune diseases can cause hepatitis but at the root of most cases are viruses (viral hepatitis). Viral hepatitis is most commonly caused by Hepatitis A, B, and C viruses. And while these viruses all lead to liver disease, they vary in important ways.
In this article, we will look at the differences of the 3 most common types of viral hepatitis. By understanding these differences, you can take steps to protect yourself and others from any of these viruses, recognize symptoms and seek medical treatment if necessary.
Hepatitis A | Hepatitis B |
Hepatitis C |
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What is the cause? | Hepatitis A virus (HAV) that is present in the blood and feces (stool) of an infected person. | Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that is present in the blood and certain bodily fluids of an infected person. | Hepatitis C virus (HCV) that is present in the blood and certain bodily fluids of an infected person. |
How do you get infected? |
You may get infected with hepatitis A primarily by ingesting food or water that is contaminated with the feces of an infected person – even in very small amounts. Close person-to-person or sexual contact with an infected person can also be a mode of transmission. |
You can get infected when the HBV virus present in the blood, semen, or other bodily fluid of the infected person gets inside your body. This can commonly happen in the following ways:
Less common modes of transmission include needlestick/sharp injuries and contact with open sores of the infected person. |
You can get infected when the HCV virus present in the blood of the infected person gets inside your body mainly by sharing contaminated needles or syringes with an infected person for illicit drug use. Other less common modes of transmission include sexual contact with infected person, needlestick/sharp injuries and mother-to-child transmission. |
How long does it last? |
Almost all cases of hepatitis A are acute (short-term). Acute infections last only a few weeks to several months (less than 6 months). In acute cases, the immune system is able to successfully fight off the infection, so the virus is cleared from the body and the liver heals completely within 6 months. |
Hepatitis B can also begin as acute infections. However, in some people, the virus remains in the body and causes chronic, or long-lasting, infection that persists for more than 6 months. Chronic HBV infections that are left untreated for several years may lead to serious complications such as, cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver), liver cancer and liver failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic HBV infection is common in:
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Hepatitis C can also begin as acute infections. However, in some people, the virus remains in the body and causes chronic, or long-lasting, infection that persists for more than 6 months. Chronic HCV infections that are left untreated for several years may lead to serious complications such as, cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver), liver cancer and liver failure. More than 50 % (more than 5 out of 10) people infected with HCV will develop chronic (long-lasting) infection. |
How serious is it? |
Since hepatitis A only causes a short-term infection, most infected people recover without permanent liver damage. While most patients infected with hepatitis A recover fully, some people, typically those with pre-existing liver disease, experience severe liver damage that can be fatal. |
15-25 % of people with chronic HBV infection will develop complications such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. |
5-25 % of people with chronic HCV infection will develop cirrhosis in 10-20 years if left untreated. People who developed cirrhosis has 1-4% annual risk of liver cancer. |
How can it be treated? |
There is no medication or specific medical treatment for hepatitis A. Since it is a short-term viral infection that goes away on its own, the focus of treatment will be on supportive methods. You will be advised to have adequate rest, drink lot of fluids, eat a healthy diet and avoid alcohol. |
For acute HBV infection, the treatment is also mostly supportive in the form of adequate rest, hydration, and balanced diet. For chronic infection: Antiviral drugs may be prescribed to control the infection and reduce inflammation and liver damage. Regular monitoring for signs of liver disease progression will also be prescribed. |
A course of antiviral therapy that involve 8-12 weeks of oral medication is prescribed to both acute and chronic infections. It is estimated that over 90 % of people prescribed with antiviral therapy can be cleared of the virus. |
How to prevent infection? |
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There is currently no vaccine available against hepatitis C infection. Instead, you must do the following to prevent contracting the virus:
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Hepatitis A, B and C cause similar symptoms, but not everyone infected will experience it. If symptoms do occur during the acute phase, you may experience any or all the following between two weeks and six months following exposure:
With chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis, these symptoms can take decades to develop. By the time symptoms start to appear after several years, it is often a sign of advanced liver disease already.
Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are liver infections caused by three different viruses. Although each can cause similar symptoms, they have different modes of transmission and affect the liver differently. Hepatitis A is usually an acute infection that resolves within 6 months. On the other hand, both hepatitis B and hepatitis C can start as acute infection but may lead to chronic infection in some people. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections can cause serious complications liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer if left untreated.
Many patients with HBV and HCV are usually not aware that they are infected because majority do not have symptoms until they have developed complications such cirrhosis or liver cancer. For this reason, it is important to get screened for HBV and HCV especially if you are exposed to the risk factors mentioned above. This will help you get early diagnosis and timely and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Ask your doctor for the possible screening tests that you may take.
The best protection against hepatitis A and B is vaccination but everyone still needs to be vigilant by being responsible in hygiene, sanitation, and interaction with people. For hepatitis C, there is no vaccine available, and the prevention of infection is directed towards reducing the risk of exposure to the virus.
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It’s that time of the year again, the time when we attend parties, family reunions, and other holiday celebrations left and right. And of course, with these celebrations come great food and drinks we could hardly resist.
During these kinds of events wherein we are less mindful of what and how much food we are eating, uncomfortable digestive issues like acid reflux are highly likely to happen. This is generally not a serious problem, especially when it happens only once in a while. However, if acid reflux happens frequently, it could be indicative of a more serious form of a digestive issue called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is a condition that occurs when the stomach contents (acidic juices, food, and fluids) persistently flow back up the esophagus. An acid reflux that occurs after a session of binge eating or drinking is totally normal. But if the reflux occurs more than twice a week over a period of several weeks, you may have developed a chronic form of reflux which is GERD.
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (a muscular valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach) does not close properly after the food you ate arrives in the stomach.
Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter remains tightly closed. It only opens when you swallow food to let the food you ate pass through to the stomach but closes immediately after the food reached the stomach.
When the sphincter fails to close properly, the acid-containing contents of the stomach can travel back up the esophagus. This acid irritates the esophagus which can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms.
Several factors increase the risk of reflux. The following are the most common ones:
The classic symptoms of GERD include heartburn (burning sensation in the chest) and regurgitation (sour or bitter liquid to the throat or mouth). Sometimes these symptoms worsen when lying down or after eating a full meal.
In some cases, however, heartburn may not be present with GERD. Instead, you may experience atypical (less-common) symptoms such as asthma, a persistent cough, laryngitis, hoarseness, a persistent sore throat, dental erosions, and noncardiac chest discomfort.
If GERD is left untreated, the constant backward flow of acid can damage the sensitive lining of the esophagus and lead to further complications over time. The possible complications of GERD are as follows:
A physical examination is the first step in the diagnosis of GERD, during which you discuss your symptoms and medical background with your doctor. Sometimes, you may be prescribed treatment if you have heartburn and regurgitation, which are telltale symptoms of GERD, without doing any special diagnostic procedures.
However, in some cases, further tests may be needed. The following are the common tests that can be used to confirm diagnosis of GERD or check for complications:
The goals of GERD management are to minimize discomfort, reduce the recurrence of symptoms, and prevent complications.
Initially, your doctor may advise you to do certain lifestyle modifications and take nonprescription medicines to relieve symptoms. But if your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks, prescription medicines and additional tests may be required.
Medications along with lifestyle modifications are typically effective at treating GERD. But if these treatments still don’t help or you experience side effects from medicines, you have a large hiatal hernia, or you just simply want to discontinue long-term medical treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery instead.
The following are ways to manage GERD:
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With the reopening of borders to tourists and the lifting of travel restrictions, travelers are once again eager to set foot on new places, particularly during the holiday season. But before you plan your next vacation, we've compiled a list of useful tips from various sources to help you prepare better and make the most out of your upcoming holiday trip!
PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME
Making a travel essentials checklist before you leave is highly recommended. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport and realize you've forgotten a number of essential items. Make sure to have everything ready by considering these preparation tips:
AVOID OVERSPENDING
Limited spending doesn’t mean limited fun. Vacations are about making the most out of your time off and creating the best memories that will last a lifetime. Spend wisely on your next vacation by considering these tips:
MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY
Traveling can be thrilling and exhilarating, and one can easily be swept away with the idea of escaping to a foreign place. However, travel and safety should still be a priority. Here are some tips to make your travel memorable for all the right reasons.
PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE
Consider travel insurance to be an investment rather than an expense. It can actually save you a lot of money since you can use it in an emergency. By having insurance, you can avoid the expense of a medical bill or a lost piece of luggage. Consider putting your savings into an investment that will save you from hassle and distress! To get to know more about Travel Insurance, please visit: https://trinity-insures.com/collections/employee-benefits/products/travel-insurance
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Diabetes Mellitus, more simply called diabetes, continues to be a major public health problem. According to the 2021 Diabetes Atlas of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), 6.5% of the adult population in the Philippines, or around 7.2 million Filipinos, are diagnosed with the disease in the past year.
High blood sugar is the hallmark of diabetes, and it is more serious than it sounds. Left unchecked and untreated, high levels of sugar in the blood can lead to complications such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), nerve damage, kidney damage, lower-limb amputation, and even vision problems. Not only these complications are serious but also costly if not prevented.
The good news is, with a proper understanding of the disease, timely diagnosis, and careful management, the long-term consequences of diabetes can be prevented or delayed, and people diagnosed with the disease can still live a normal life.
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic (long-lasting) condition in which the body cannot produce enough insulin or does not effectively use the insulin it produces, causing your blood sugar to rise.
Role of insulin
Normally, after eating a meal, the body breaks down the carbohydrates present in food into sugar (glucose). This sugar is released into the bloodstream (causing a temporary rise in blood sugar after eating) and then enters the cells to be used as energy (or stored for later use). Insulin acts as a key that allows the sugar to enter the cells where it will be converted to energy or stored.
In people with diabetes, sugar cannot enter the cells either because no insulin helps move the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells or the cells just don't respond well to the insulin. This causes the sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and continue to rise after eating.
Types of Diabetes
There are several types of Diabetes, but the most common ones are Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce any insulin at all due to an autoimmune reaction. Neither its cause nor the ways to prevent it are known, but experts agree that genetics and environmental triggers (such as a viral infection) play a role in its development. Having a family member with type 1 Diabetes is also believed to increase one's chance of developing the disease.
Symptoms of Type 1 diabetes include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. These symptoms may occur suddenly and begin at an early age – child, teen, or young adult.
People affected with Type 1 diabetes need to administer insulin, either via injections or insulin pump, to control their blood glucose and survive.
Type 2 Diabetes is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90 % of Diabetes cases worldwide according to the IDF. In type 2 Diabetes, the body either doesn't make enough insulin or the body's cells don't respond normally to the insulin. Several risk factors contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, but the majority of cases are linked to excess body weight and a family history of the disease.
Symptoms may be similar to those of Type 1 diabetes but are often mild and develop slowly. As a result, the disease may be left undiagnosed for several years until complications have already arisen.
The cornerstone of treatment of Type 2 diabetes includes healthy eating and regular exercise. If healthy lifestyle changes are not sufficient to control blood glucose levels, oral medication may be prescribed to control blood sugar. People with type 2 diabetes may also require insulin injections when the doctor finds that oral non-insulin treatments are not sufficient to control blood glucose levels.
Effective and successful management of diabetes will require teamwork between you and your doctor/s. As part of the team, you must also do your part to manage your condition and avoid complications.
The following are the things that you can do to take an active role in your diabetes care:
Make healthy food choices. Eat more foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (instead of refined ones). These foods are not only high in fiber but also low in carbohydrates which can help keep your blood sugar levels more stable.
In addition to including healthier options in your diet, you must also work on limiting your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and added sugar by doing the following: choosing lean cuts of white meat, poultry, or seafood instead of red or processed meat; choosing unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, corn oil, or sunflower oil) instead of saturated fats (butter, animal fat, coconut oil or palm oil); and drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages (i.e., juice or soda).
Control your food portions. Aside from the type of food, you must also be extra conscious of the amount of food you are eating. One way to control your portion is to follow the Pinggang Pinoy model of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute. Just fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits and the remaining half of your plate should be evenly divided between lean proteins (i.e., tofu or chicken) and whole grains/starches.
If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly. Alcohol can either cause high or low blood sugar depending on the amount consumed and whether you consumed it with food. If you are to drink alcohol, limit to one drink a day if you are a woman and or a man over 65 years old or 2 drinks a day if you are a man under 65 years old. For reference, one drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits.
If you take insulin or other diabetes medications, be sure to eat before you drink, or drink with a meal to prevent low blood sugar. On the other hand, if you already have existing complications, be sure to check with your doctor whether it is ok to drink alcohol.
Increase physical activity. Exercise is an important part of diabetes management because muscles use sugar for energy, thereby reducing sugar in the blood. If you do it regularly, it could also help your body use insulin efficiently in the long run. Exercising can also help manage your weight.
You should include a combination of aerobic (i.e., jogging, swimming, cycling) exercises and strength training (i.e., hand-held weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises) each week. However, you must ask your doctor about the specific exercises that are right for you and the best time of the day to do them. This is important especially if you have been inactive for a long time, have other health conditions, or are taking medications/insulin.
Control your diabetes "ABCs". If you have diabetes, you should control all your "ABCs" namely A1C (a test that shows blood glucose over the last 2-3 months), blood pressure, and cholesterol with the help of your doctor to prevent or delay the health complications.
These 3 things must be controlled because when high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol team up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other serious complications. Below are the things to consider:
Follow all the advice of your diabetes treatment team. Take all your medications, both for diabetes and for any risk factors (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.), as directed. Keep regular appointments with your doctor so that your diabetes can be closely monitored, and complications can be carefully watched. If laboratory tests are required, complete all tests as ordered. You must also monitor your blood sugar as instructed by your doctor.
Find ways to manage your stress. Having a chronic condition like diabetes can be overwhelming and stressful. But when you are stressed, your body makes hormones that increase blood sugar levels, making diabetes even harder to manage. You are also less likely to follow your diabetes care routine which can aggravate your condition.
Learn relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to help you cope with stress. Avoid common stressors in your daily life as well, if possible. For other helpful stress management tips, check out CDC's 10 Tips for Coping with Diabetes Distress.
References:
Our back, specifically the lower back, bears most of the weight of our upper body. It also provides the body the strength and stability to stand, walk and lift and allows for complex motions such as turning, twisting, and bending. To put it simply, we constantly place great demands on our backs with our daily movements.
Due to constant and sometimes heavy use, the structures that make up our back – bones, muscles, ligaments, disks, and nerves – are quite susceptible to both injury and wear and tear over time, causing back pain in many people. This is why, whether you are an industrial worker who performs physically demanding tasks or an office-based employee who mostly sits in front of a computer, you most probably will experience back pain at some point in your life.
Back pain is usually nothing serious, and a trip to the doctor is not always necessary unless you have a major underlying issue. Although this is true, an episode of back pain can cause severe and debilitating pain that may disrupt day-to-day activities at work and at home and hence must not be taken lightly.
Fortunately, most cases of back pain are preventable. The following are the things we can do to protect our back and prevent or at least relieve back pain episodes.
While lifting seems like a very simple and risk-free activity, it can be potentially dangerous and may result to back injuries that may cause back pain. Lifting heavy loads at work puts you at greater risk, but even lifting grocery bags or laundry baskets can lead to lower back pain especially if you do it incorrectly.
If you do need to lift something, keep the following in mind:
As a rule of thumb, do not lift heavy objects on your own, especially if you are not used to heavy lifting. If an object is too heavy to lift safely, ask for someone’s help or use lifting devices, if available.
The spine has three natural curves - at your neck, mid-back, and low back- that looks like an S curve. To protect your back, maintain good posture by keeping this natural curve of your spine when you are sitting or standing.
When sitting
When standing
Sitting, especially for prolonged periods, is generally harder on the back than standing. And regardless of how good your posture is, being in the same position for too long will eventually become uncomfortable and can be hard on your back. If your work mostly requires sitting throughout the day, do not forget to change your position frequently in the following ways:
Driving for long hours can also result to back pain. If you have a long drive, take breaks so you’re not sitting in the same position for hours.
Even when you are sleeping, your spine should remain as close to its neutral position as possible. One way to achieve this is to sleep on a mattress firm enough that your shoulders do not sink, but soft enough that you feel comfortable sleeping on it. A medium-firm mattress typically offers the best comfort, but a firm mattress with a soft pillow top may also be a good choice.
Additionally, you can use a pillow to improve the alignment of your spine while you sleep. If you are sleeping on your back, place a pillow underneath your knees to help maintain the natural curve of your spine. On the other hand, if you usually sleep on your side, you may place a pillow between your knees to align your hips and spine and reduce twisting.
Sleeping on your stomach is not the most ideal position especially when you are sleeping on a saggy mattress. But if it is the only comfortable position for you, you can place a pillow under your pelvis or lower abdomen for support.
Improving your physical health with proper lifestyle also helps in preventing back pain by keeping your back healthy and strong.
Follow the tips below to ensure a strong and healthy back:
References
This article is in collaboration with Trinity’s global partner, B. Riley (written by Corey Gooch and John Bugalla).
Now that the recovery from COVID-19 has moved into high gear, leadership teams be re-evaluating their strategies as they are operating in a world filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Part of the recovery strategy should include a re-examination or implementation of an Enterprise Risk management (ERM) program.
ERM emerged almost two decades ago as a best practice alternative to the traditional approach to risk management – sometimes referred to as managing individual risks in stand-alone insurance programs or in functional business siloes. Traditional risk programs are useful. However, they are only one tool when it comes to managing the risk that will affect the ability of the company to protect its future or to achieve its strategic plan.
Most larger organizations, both the privately held and publicly traded, now have some form of ERM program. This trend is now moving to mid-size and family-owned businesses, as the traditional risk management tools do not always respond to the business needs. The biggest example is occurring now, where property and business interruption insurance programs provided virtually no coverage from the COVID-19 pandemic. While they were never intended to cover this type of non-physical damage risk, it was a big surprise to many organizations.
ERM takes a different approach to risk that answers the fundamental questions: “what strategic risks and uncertainties do we face as we strive to achieve our strategic plan?” and “does our risk assessment process give our leadership team both accurate visibility into strategic risks we face and sufficient value decision-making and management tool?”. Typically, an ERM program includes an organizational-wide risk assessment and prioritization process where the risk data is compiled into a “Risk Register” and/or a “Risk Map” was created. The different risks were assigned to various “risk owners” and they are responsible for on-going monitoring or mitigation efforts and then reporting the progress to executive management and the board of directors.
Some benefits companies receive by implementing ERM include:
Why should organizations consider updating or implementing ERM now? One result of the pandemic is that the strategic and operating landscape for organizations worldwide and entire industry sectors is currently in an accelerated transitional phase that will change forever how they manage risks with complex interdependencies. This includes everything from supply chains to talent management and information security. Looking back at how risks were being managed on the ground level is always going to be 20/20. In order to survive and grow, a new approach to risk is needed. The key for executives is to make sure that risks are being managed with a cockpit view and not a rearview mirror.
As mentioned above, the advent of COVID-19 and the dramatic changes to the operating environment over the last two years requires action from executives to re-examine and re-evaluate the fundamental decision-making within their risk management program. In order to be prepared to resume and recover operations in the new normal, a few critical steps than can be taken now include:
Step 1. Re-examine risk registers and reassess all risks.
Almost every organization had some view of their own risk universe before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has impacted work forces who were working remotely and were shuttered in place. Supply chains at every level were stress tested. New risks have emerged. The previously assessed financial risks should be re-evaluated based on the very real and now measurable costs associated with the current operating environment. When conducting risk identification and assessment process, side by side comparisons should clearly illustrate the differences between those identified risks prior to COVID-19 and after the pandemic.
Step 2. Consider risk mitigation alternatives.
After the reassessment is completed there may be a need to consider additional mitigation strategies if the assessment indicates that any given risk is above desired risk appetite levels. If there are any key risks that are above desired risk appetites, deep dives should be conducted to gain both greater insights about the risk and actions that may be considered to reduce or eliminate the risk. In some cases, the cost of risk mitigation is greater than the benefits of mitigation. Risk owners should clearly understand that the risk has been accepted and a budget for its acceptance may have to be created. Emerging risks that are known but not yet quantifiable should be on the new risk register and assigned to a risk owner in order to keep executive management and the board up to date on changing conditions.
Step 3. Re-examine business continuity plans.
Most organizations also have a crisis management plan, but how many have tested its effectiveness in advance of a global pandemic scenario? As we have seen, a pandemic did not represent a traditional business continuity risk. It challenged the way many organizations respond to risk. Physical assets (factories and systems) were available for use, but the employees, suppliers and customers were affected and not available. There was also the added pressure to the bottom line as traditional insurance coverages did not respond to business interruption in the case of a pandemic. Traditional business continuity plans address the most obvious physical threats but do not consider the intangibles such as the reliance on key workers and access to operating systems that might not be available, or without customer demand. However, an integrated approach to business continuity…one that is event agnostic…is key when responding to a threat. It is necessary to reduce complexity and maintain continuity of operations across an organization at a time when resources will be diminished.
Step 4. Communication is critical.
Management of information flow is a key challenge. Staff and customers are seeking information and reassurance at a time when messages transmitted by the media may be piecemeal, skewed in nature, and potentially melodramatic. Two-plus years on, we are just starting to see the restrictions on movement of people being lifted. And now there are conflicting messages provided by public authorities regarding the potential of a global recession. As a result, executive and senior management must play a key part of managing the workforce’s anxieties and concerns by maintaining an effective organizational response. Additionally, the potential reputational consequences of not having an effective crisis communication plan in place could be devastating.
Step 5. Plan for resumption and resiliency now.
Organizations need to fully recognize how the risks to their operations have changed from the pandemic and develop a resiliency plan before it is too late. Business resumption plans do not need to be just written down. They also need to be tested if they are to have the desired results following any event. Without considering the effect on key customers, suppliers, as well as the employees, there is no ensuring the ultimate post-crisis survival of the business.
COVID-19 was not an unknown risk. It has been listed on the annual Global Risk Report from the World Economic Forum for over 15 years. New decision-making will be required as organizations continue to recover and operate in a world where disruption is the new normal. Those decisions should be based on up-to-date information about their risks and opportunities. Companies need to develop their plan of action now. If risk management recommendations are seriously considered, the negative unexpected consequences from future risks could potentially be reduced or better managed.
Warren Buffet once quipped: “It’s only when the tied goes out that you learn who’s been swimming naked”. In a world where constant volatility is quickly draining financial and human capital resources, many executives will discover if their risk management program is just compliance driven or if they need an Enterprise Risk Management program to create value to support achieving their strategic plan.
Corey Gooch is Managing Director of Enterprise Risk Management at B. Riley Advisory Services based in Los Angeles, CA. John Bugalla is Managing Principal of Enterprise Risk Management at B. Riley Advisory Services based in Indio, CA.
Trinity and B. Riley can help you and your organization be prepared when the unexpected happens. Inquire now through this link: https://trinity-insures.com/collections/service-solutions/products/risk-management-and-loss-prevention
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Dengue is an acute viral infection that is caused by any of the four dengue viruses: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. These viruses are spread to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, mainly female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Dengue is common in tropical countries like the Philippines. Although it is now considered as a year-round disease by the Department of Health (DOH), the number of cases and risk of transmission usually peak during ––and immediately following– the rainy season, which typically occurs between May to November.
Most people infected with dengue are asymptomatic or only experience mild symptoms. However, in some cases, it can progress to severe dengue (also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever) which can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Severe dengue is a medical emergency and can lead to internal bleeding, shock, and even death.
There is no specific treatment for dengue, but it can be managed and resolved with early detection and access to medical care. While treatment is available, prevention is still the key to fighting dengue.
Here are some tips on how to prevent dengue and prevent dengue-related deaths based on the 4-S Strategy of the DOH.
1. Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites
Female mosquitoes can lay eggs in any space or container that holds clear and stagnant water. It only takes a very small amount of water to attract a female mosquito that even a bottle cap or old tire with accumulated water will make a great breeding site.
When female mosquitoes find an ideal breeding site, they can lay up to 100 eggs which can develop into an adult, flying mosquitoes in just 7-10 days.
Do not allow dengue-causing mosquitoes to multiply by doing the following:
2. Secure self-protection measures
Remember that the dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes; hence, aside from controlling the population of mosquitoes, you must also secure measures to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes. Below are some tips to protect yourself and your family against mosquito bites.
3. Seek early consultation
Seek early consultation if you experience high-grade fever accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
Many of the initial symptoms of dengue are similar to flu and even COVID-19; hence, seeking early consultation can help confirm dengue diagnosis. Early diagnosis helps you get prompt and appropriate medical care to prevent life-threatening complications.
In addition, if you are infected with dengue, mosquitos that bite you can go on to bite and infect other people. Seeking consultation and getting a confirmed diagnosis can help you practice self-protection measures early on before you can indirectly infect others.
4. Say yes to fogging
Fogging kills and repels mosquitoes. Support fogging especially in hotspot areas where there is an increase in cases for two consecutive weeks to prevent an impending outbreak.
References:
Digital devices such as laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, and tablets now play a significant role in our lives. These devices are arguably indispensable that most of us spend a considerable amount of time using them each day whether it’s for work, education, entertainment, or socialization.
While digital devices make our lives so much easier, relying so heavily on them for both work and play leads to excessive screen time that can be detrimental to our eyes.
Prolonged exposure to screens will not really ruin your vision permanently, but it might lead to an increasingly common condition called computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain, which can be aggravating and uncomfortable.
Digital eye strain is “a group of eye and vision-related problems that results from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and cell phone use”.
The most common symptoms associated with digital eye strain are headaches, blurred or double vision, burning or itchy eyes, and dry eyes. Along with these bothersome vision symptoms, one may also experience musculoskeletal-related problems such as pain in the neck and shoulders.
Many of the visual symptoms associated with digital eye strain are usually temporary and will decline after stopping computer work or use of the digital device. However, some people may experience continued reduced visual abilities, such as blurry distance vision, especially if they spend more than seven hours in front of a digital screen without an adequate break. This is because the eyes are not given enough time to relax and adjust. Blurry distance vision can make driving or walking difficult.
While digital eye strain does not really cause severe or long-lasting complications, it can be irritating enough that you lose the ability to concentrate at work, and you feel more fatigued in general.
Prolonged use of digital devices is the major risk factor for digital eye strain. According to the American Optometric Association, people who look at screens for two or more continuous hours in a row every day have the greatest risk of experiencing the associated symptoms. The level of discomfort also appears to increase with the amount of digital device use.
In addition to the length of time you spend using a digital device, several other factors also play a role in the development - and worsening- of digital eye strain. These include:
In today’s digital world, it is not easy and almost impossible to cut down on screen time, but these tips can help protect your eyes from excessive strain.
1. Follow the “20-20-20” Rule.
The simplest and easiest way to prevent digital eye strain is to take regular breaks away from the computer or other devices, especially if you are using them for long periods.
Here is how to take regular breaks using the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds.
It would also help to take a longer break of about 15 minutes every 2 hours you spend on your devices to give your eyes enough rest.
2. Make a conscious effort to blink often.
Humans normally blink about 15 times in one minute; this is the eye’s way of getting the moisture it needs on its surface. However, according to studies, people blink less often (5 to 7 blinks a minute only) while using computers and other digital screen devices.
Making a conscious effort to blink keeps the surface of your eyes from drying out.
3. Lubricate your eyes.
If you are often in a dry, warm room, you could try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air to decrease your risk of developing a dry eye when working on a computer. You may also consider using artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry, but you will need to ask your doctor what types of drops are right for you and how often you should use them.
4. Adjust your viewing angle.
When using a computer or other electronic devices, position the screen in such a way that your eyes are looking slightly downward, not straight ahead or up. Most people find it more comfortable to view screens that way.
To achieve the best viewing angle, the center of your monitor, tablet or phone should be 20 inches to 28 inches from your eyes (about an arm’s length) and 15 to 20 degrees (about 4 inches to 5 inches) below eye level.
5. Reduce glare from your screen.
Tilt the computer screen angle to avoid glare, particularly from overhead lighting or windows. If you are working from home, you may use blinds or drapes on windows and replace the light bulbs in desk lamps with bulbs of lower wattage.
If there is no way to minimize glare from light sources, consider using a screen glare filter. These filters will reduce the amount of light reflected by your device’s screen.
6. Adjust your computer display settings
Adjust your screen brightness to match the level of light around you. The screen of your device should be as bright as your surroundings. Otherwise, your eyes will have to work harder to see.
In addition, try adjusting the contrast in such a way that images or texts do not look overly sharp or pixelated.
7. Get regular appointments with your eye doctor
Your doctor can help you prevent and even treat eye strain in a number of ways. For one, if you have an uncorrected eye problem, your doctor can help address the issue to help reduce the strain on your eyes. Common issues like astigmatism or farsightedness could make your eyes hurt, whether or not you are staring at screens.
If you are already wearing glasses or contacts, your eye doctor can also help ensure that you always have the right prescription, so you are not putting unnecessary strain on your eyes. Your eye doctor can also modify your eyeglasses prescription to create customized computer glasses for the greatest comfort.
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It is common knowledge that donating blood voluntarily can help save a life and give hope to many whose situation may otherwise be hopeless. However, according to oneblood.org, despite being a vital solidarity action, only 5% – out of the 37% eligible people– roll up their sleeves to donate blood.
The number of blood donors have also significantly decreased in the past 2 years of the pandemic because of the concerns about health and safety. This has resulted in a scarcity of available blood supply in hospitals and blood banks.
This Blood Donor’s awareness month, give an invaluable gift to others by donating blood. Read this article by Trinity to know whether you are qualified to donate, why you should do so, and where you can donate.
In the interest of the safety of both the donor and the recipient (patient), some requirements must be met to become a qualified donor.
According to the Department of Health, if you are interested to donate blood, you must:
Some people are restricted to donate temporarily because of certain health conditions but may be allowed to after a certain period. In general, you should not donate blood if:
You will not be allowed to donate blood anytime if you have:
If you did not meet the eligibility requirements stated above, you will still be able to help others by recruiting a suitable donor that you know. Blood centers are always in need of volunteers to assist at blood draws or to organize mobile blood drives.
You can save up to 3 lives.
If you donate blood, it can be transfused in its original form and can help treat patients who need all components of blood such as those who sustained significant blood loss.
Whole blood can also be separated into its 3 main components (red blood cells, platelets, and plasma). Each component can be used for a specific medical need, in which case you may be able to save multiple lives – up to 3 lives.
With just a single donation, you can help women with complications during pregnancy and childbirth, children with severe anemia (often caused by malaria or malnutrition), cancer patients, people with blood disorders, trauma patients, and transplant patients.
There is a constant need for a regular blood supply.
Blood can be stored only for a limited period before use, after which it will become unusable. Thus, regular blood donation from several healthy people is needed to ensure that blood will always be available whenever and wherever it is needed.
Since blood donations had also slowed down in the past years due to the pandemic, regular blood supply from donors is needed now more than ever.
Blood donation improves cardiovascular health.
Blood donation benefits not only the recipient but also the donor. According to a several studies, regular blood donation is linked to lower blood pressure and a lower risk for heart attacks. This is because donating helps to lower the viscosity of your blood which has been associated with the formation of blood clots, heart attacks, and stroke.
Giving blood can reveal potential health problems.
Prior to blood donation, you will be required to undergo a mini-physical exam in which someone will check your pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, hemoglobin, and more. This can sometimes reveal health issues you don’t even know about, such as high blood pressure or a heart arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation. In addition, you’ll be screened for infectious diseases you may be unaware of.
You may not be able to donate blood if the checkup reveals a problem, but this could be your first step towards getting treatment.
The whole donation process is fast.
The whole process of blood donation from start to finish only takes an average of 30 minutes according to Philippine Red Cross.
It only involves four quick and easy steps: registration, a health screening, blood extraction, and recovery (rest). The screening and selection procedure will usually take about 10 to 15 minutes. The blood extraction itself will take about 5-10 minutes, after which you will relax for 10 more minutes with a drink and snack before leaving.
Blood donation is safe.
During the blood extraction, new and sterile disposable equipment is used for each donor, so there is no risk of contracting a blood-borne infection by donating blood.
In terms of the amount of blood to be collected, you can usually donate around 350-450 ml of blood (about half a liter) which only accounts for about 8% of the body’s blood (the average adult has 4.5 to 5 liters of blood). This amount is too little to endanger the body, so there is no risk of losing so much blood or getting weak as a result. In addition, your body replaces the lost fluids within a few days of a blood donation. And after two weeks, your body has replaced the lost red blood cells.
You also do not need to worry about not being able to function properly after the donation. Donating blood does not interfere with your ability to perform physically. You will only be advised to refrain from doing vigorous activities such as heavy lifting or strenuous workouts for the rest of the day after the donation, but you can get back on track the next day.
If you are concerned that your blood may not be safe because you contracted COVID-19 or got vaccinated for COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified that blood donations are safe from vaccinated individuals and those who tested positive for Covid-19. The health department also said that asymptomatic persons can donate at any time. However, symptomatic and recovering persons need to wait for 14 days before they can donate.
There are several blood service facilities nationwide where you can safely donate blood. To find the blood donation center nearest you, you may visit the blood bank locator of the Philippine Red Cross (https://redcross.org.ph/give-blood/), and then contact the blood center to find out more about the requirements.
Aside from blood service facilities, you can also donate during various mobile blood donation activities done in the community, participating government organizations, private Kabalikat agencies, and schools/universities.
The minimum interval between 2 donations is 12 weeks (3 months). This means that, if you are healthy, you can donate blood to blood service facilities or blood donation drives up to 4 times a year or every 3 months.
References:
Monkeypox is a rare human disease, but it is not new. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox has been around for several years, but it used to be endemic only in heavily forested areas in Central and West Africa.
]]>Monkeypox is a rare human disease, but it is not new. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Monkeypox has been around for several years, but it used to be endemic only in heavily forested areas in Central and West Africa.
What is new is that several cases of Monkeypox have recently been reported outside Africa, particularly in the European region and other parts of the world that don’t usually have or have never reported Monkeypox cases in the past.
With the outbreak spreading fast internationally, people are getting alarmed. But what exactly is Monkeypox? Is it really a cause for alarm? Read on to know the answers to several common questions about this disease.
Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by infection with the Monkeypox virus, a virus that belongs to the same family as smallpox.
Despite the name, monkeys are not the primary source of the virus. It is only called Monkeypox because two outbreaks of a pox-like disease (now known as Monkeypox) were first discovered in colonies of monkeys kept for research in 1958. The first human case of Monkeypox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
There are two strains of Monkeypox virus: the Central African strain (also known as Congo Strain) which tends to cause severe infections, and the West African strain, which is less severe.
According to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Monkeypox strain that has been causing the recent outbreak in countries outside of Africa is the less severe, West African strain.
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease which means that it primarily spreads from animals to humans.
Animal-to-human transmission occurs through broken skin when infected animals bite or scratch you. You can also get the virus from eating uncooked contaminated meat of infected animals or having direct contact with their blood, bodily fluids, or mucosal lesions.
Up to this day, the natural reservoir –normal location or carrier where the virus lives and multiplies– of Monkeypox virus remains unknown. But various animal species in Africa, which include squirrels and pouched rats have been identified to harbor the virus and infect humans.
Human-to-human transmission, although traditionally less common, is also possible. It can occur in three ways:
Unlike COVID-19 where virus particles can hang in the air for an extended period, Monkeypox is transmitted through large droplets (such as those exhaled by someone during sneezing) that don’t linger in the air or travel far. As a result, it will require prolonged, intimate contact before you get infected.
The signs and symptoms of Monkeypox are quite similar to smallpox but often less severe. During the invasion period (first 5 days), flu-like symptoms may appear such as:
In about 1-3 days after the appearance of fever, a rash will start to develop. This rash starts to appear on the face and then spreads to other parts of the body, typically in the hands, feet, arms, and legs.
The rash caused by Monkeypox changes in appearance throughout the course of infection. It starts as small, flat bumps and then turns into tiny blisters (bumps filled with clear fluid) similar to chickenpox. After several days, these then change into larger, pus-filled blisters that will crust and fall off before recovery.
According to the Department of Health, a person is considered contagious as soon as the first symptoms start to develop and until all the scabs have fallen off.
Monkeypox has a long incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms). It typically takes 6 to 13 days (but may range from 5 to 21 days) for the symptoms to occur after getting exposed to the virus. During this period, someone with Monkeypox is not yet contagious.
After experiencing the first signs and symptoms, most people recover in 2-4 weeks.
While Monkeypox infection is generally mild in most people, it can cause severe outcomes among vulnerable people such as those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.
There is currently no proven or safe treatment for Monkeypox. If you get infected, the treatment generally involves symptom management. But Monkeypox is a self-limited disease which means that, even without treatment, most infected people will recover within 2-4 weeks.
Those who develop secondary infections and local pain may be treated with antibiotics and analgesia.
There are vaccines available against Monkeypox, but mass vaccination is currently not required and recommended by WHO.
According to the new interim guidance of WHO on vaccine use against Monkeypox, vaccines are only recommended at this time for health workers at-risk for exposure, laboratory personnel working with orthopoxviruses, clinical laboratory personnel performing diagnostic testing for Monkeypox, and outbreak response team members.
The vaccines are also given to contacts of cases after exposure (within 4 days of first exposure) to prevent the onset of the disease.
Although there is still no confirmed case of Monkeypox in the country, it is important that we keep informed of the ways to protect ourselves, especially when outbreaks like this are spreading fast internationally. Here are the things you can do to protect yourself against Monkeypox:
Based on the available information on Monkeypox, there is no reason at this point to panic and be alarmed. But everyone is encouraged to be alert and keep informed especially since the situation is still expected to evolve.
Experts are still in the early stages of understanding this atypical outbreak, so our understanding of how it is spreading and how to properly contain its spread may still change.
Resources:
Prostate cancer is the 3rd most prevalent cancer among Filipino men, next to lung and colorectal cancer.
Despite the high prevalence of the disease, there is a lack of awareness and considerable confusion and misinformation surrounding prostate cancer.
Trinity believes that the prevention of diseases like prostate cancer begins with a greater understanding of the disease itself. In celebration of the prostate cancer awareness month, we have prepared this article to spread more awareness of this disease.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate – a gland present in men only, so only men can develop this type of cancer. The prostate gland produces some of the fluid that protects and nourishes the sperm cells.
Prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate grow and divide abnormally.
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but several risk factors have been identified to contribute to its development. Some of the common uncontrollable risk factors for prostate cancer include:
Prostate cancer is mainly asymptomatic during its early stages. Symptoms most often show up later, as cancer grows.
The most common symptoms that a patient may experience in the later stages include the following:
If you have these symptoms, book a consultation with your doctor immediately. Keep in mind, though, that these symptoms may also be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer.
Like most cancers, prostate cancer can be cured when detected and treated early. Early cancer detection is possible with a screening test. Screening helps find cancer before they have symptoms and while it is still easier to treat.
There are two screening methods commonly used to detect prostate cancer as described below:
When the doctor sees abnormalities in either the PSA levels or DRE test, a patient will be advised to undergo more targeted procedures such as ultrasound and prostate biopsy to confirm if there is really cancer. This is because abnormalities that may be found in both tests may also be caused by other conditions.
The decision to get screened for prostate cancer must be discussed properly with the doctor as there are many factors to consider including age, health, and family history.
For example, if a man is already old and in poor health, screening to find early prostate cancer may not be necessary and beneficial. This is because prostate cancer is slow-growing, and he may die from his other health condition before they could even treat the cancer after screening is done.
On the contrary, if a man is still relatively young but at risk, the screening will be recommended depending on the level of risk. The following are the considerations for screening according to the Philippine Cancer Society:
There are various treatment options for prostate cancer depending on the stage it is in upon diagnosis. Possible treatment options for each stage are as follows:
Prostate cancer is a complex disease, and doctors may differ in their opinions regarding the best treatment options. It is important to speak with doctors who specialize in different kinds of treatment to help sort through the treatment options. Together, weigh the benefits of each treatment against its possible outcomes, side effects, and risks.
Many men diagnosed and treated at the local or regional stages can be disease-free after five years. The distant stage of prostate cancer is no longer curable but undergoing treatment can help slow prostate cancer progression.
Since most of the risk factors for prostate cancer such as age and family history are uncontrollable, there is no surefire way to prevent the disease. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle might still help lower the risk of developing and even dying from cancer.
The healthy behaviors that can be done include avoiding tobacco products, achieving, and maintaining a healthy weight, staying active throughout life, and eating a healthy diet.
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This article is in collaboration with Trinity’s global partner, B.Riley.
Business Continuity Management, or BCM, is a framework for identifying an organization's risk of exposure to internal and external threats. The goal of BCM is to provide the ability to effectively respond to a variety of threats, such as natural disasters or data breaches, and plan for the prioritization and recovery of essential functions. BCM focuses on the operational aspect of an organization, in contrast to Disaster Recovery, which focuses on the restoration of key systems, networks, and access to data.
Among the clearest lessons since the emergence of COVID-19 is that disruptive events must be planned for as a core part of every organization’s long-term strategy. Until recently, continuity and resilience planning were viewed as the purview of compliance or internal audit functions, rarely reaching into strategic plans or Board of Directors agenda. However, the impact of COVID-19 has demonstrated that long duration events with a global reach can arise from a variety of sources. These include wildfires, climate shifts, cyber-attacks, as well as the ongoing threat from virus mutations.
Every organization needs to have a strong BCM and make it a strategic priority. BCM is about creating and regularly updating a plan to support operations during a disruptive event. To be effective, it needs to include involvement of senior leadership, board level updates, and regular planning sessions with key staff. Such planning allows an organization to understand its capabilities to fulfill its mission in the event of an unforeseen crisis.
An effective BCM program must include the following considerations:
The landscape for BCM planning has changed considerably since the appearance of COVID-19. The expected duration of an operational disruption has increased significantly from those prepared for in most plans. The increased risk of cyber events means that plans must contemplate loss of key systems for weeks and not mere days. The potential for extended supply chain disruption creates a need to affirm key vendors’ resilience capabilities or seek quickly accessible alternatives.
A key part of ensuring a BCM program remains effective is challenging the plan’s assumptions and continually improving the planning process. Experts external to the organization can assess the quality of the planning efforts against best practices. In addition, experts can lead a testing process that is objective and ensure that plan assumptions are in line with the risks faced by the organization. Finally, external expertise can readily share lessons learned by other organizations during recent crisis events.
A BCM program is a critical part of an organization’s risk planning progress. It can no longer be considered a back-office obligation but must be a core part of every strategic plan and be thoroughly communicated within the organization. The above considerations will provide for a dynamic planning process that is attuned to the priorities and requirements of key stakeholders and customers. During an operational disruption, the effectiveness of the recovery plan may determine the survival of the organization.
This is where one of Trinity’s global partners – B.Riley – can help your organization. A diverse financial services provider, B. Riley “helps clients in every industry sector to develop organizational and risk systems to prepare for, respond effectively to, and recover from operational disruptions and to develop the compliance systems necessary to support this capability. Their Compliance, Risk & Resilience team includes professionals experienced in enterprise risk management, cybersecurity compliance, business continuity, disaster recovery, crisis management, and operational resilience”. B. Riley believes that organizations should address these risks by “making operational resilience both a strategic imperative and a competitive advantage, and compliance an intended outcome”.
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