Dr. Deborah Ona, PSH President, demonstrates the proper way of taking the blood pressure on Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna as MMM 2021 country lead Dr. Alejandro Diaz describes it to the attendees.
PSH relaunches May Measurement Month, inaugurates new President
The COVID-19 pandemic has been the focus of the world’s attention for over a year already because of the immediate threat to health that it brings; however, this does not mean that the dangers brought by other diseases have already been resolved. Hypertension is a disease that affects about 26% of the world’s population – about 972 million people – and is expected to increase to 29% by 2025.1 It is a primary contributor to heart disease and stroke, which are the first and third leading causes of death worldwide.1 In the Philippines, hypertensive diseases ranked 6th among the top causes of deaths, while heart diseases and stroke also ranked first and third.2 It is therefore important that attention be given to the management of hypertension as well
The Philippine Society of Hypertension, under the leadership of its new president, Dr. Deborah Ignacia D. Ona, relaunched its annual May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign last 11 May 2021 at the Manila City Hall. The MMM is a global awareness campaign initiated by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) that highlights increased access to blood pressure screening as the most efficient method to reduce hypertension’s adverse effect on health.3
“We want our fellow Filipinos to be mindful of the symptoms of hypertension as they prioritize their health during these challenging times. Filipinos of all ages and across all backgrounds are susceptible to high blood pressure. The adverse effects of hypertension are what PSH and MMM are rallying to prevent”
PSH President Deborah Ignacia D. Ona, MD, MBA, FPCP
The MMM campaign was deferred in 2020 because of the prevailing COVID-19 situation worldwide, and in its relaunch in 2021, several changes were made to comply with the safety protocols implemented in participating countries, including the extension of its run 30 November 2021. The relaunch was made in partnership with the City of Manila, OMRON, and other concerned organizations.
“Aside from the extension of the campaign period, we are putting in place measures to ensure that we are promoting awareness not just about hypertension but overall public health as well (including ensuring that) our volunteers, partners, and participants can join without worrying about their safety and wellness,” stated Dr. Alejandro F. Diaz, MMM 2021’s Country Lead
“We in the City of Manila are one with (the PSH’s) advocacy and we will make the necessary efforts together with our City Health Department and all our 6 city-owned hospitals to help (in the) campaign. We have been committed to ensuring efficient medical attention and providing the best healthcare services to every Manileño,” said Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah Honrado “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan.
The Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) also inaugurated its new president, Dr. Deborah Ignacia D. Ona last 11 May 2021. Dr. Ona, who was previously the PSH Vice President, is also the Secretary of the Philippine Lipid & Atherosclerosis Society and Vice President and Assistant Chief Medical Officer of the St. Luke’s Medical Center. She is an alumna of the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and she obtained her Masters in Business Administration from the Maastricht School of Management.
Doc Debbie, as she is fondly called by her peers, is the 12th President of the PSH and follows the successful presidency of Dr. Leilani B. Mercado-Asis. She is expected to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation that the society has been known for in the field of hypertension in the country.
Reference:
1. Alexander MR. Hypertension. Medscape resource page. Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/241381-overview#showall. Accessed 7 June 2021.
2. Mapa DS. Causes of deaths in the Philippines (preliminary): January to December 2020. Philippine Statistics Authority resource page. Available at https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-december-2020. . Accessed 7 June 2021
3. International Society of Hypertension. May Measurement Month (MMM). MMM resource page. Available at: https://https://maymeasure.com/. Accessed 7 June 2021
