Category Archives: Health Advisory

Protecting Yourself from Covid-19 at Work

The Covid-19 pandemic has literally changed the world. In a matter of months, its spread has devastated the U.S. economy, infected millions, and cost a frightening number of lives. If you have remained at your workplace, or will be returning soon, a few simple precautions can drastically reduce your exposure and chances of infection.

Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash

Face Masks

Perhaps the most elementary and effective piece of personal protection equipment Washington in the fight against Covid-19 is a simple face mask. Medical professionals and frontline healthcare workers can and should use the most powerful form of surgical mask, the N95. For people in situations with an average level of risk, however, a disposable or cloth mask is remarkably effective at preventing transmission both to and from your nose and mouth.

Eye Wear

Our eyes are susceptible to airborne germs as they are both orifices and contain liquid. Wraparound goggles can do a nice job of sealing in your eyes, and many are designed with anti-fog technology, so you can see properly when wearing them in conjunction with a mask. Face shields can help prevent ocular transmissions, but it is critical that a mask is worn with them. They cover the eyes, but do not provide an effective seal around the mouth and nose.

A Note About Gloves

Many people think that latex surgical gloves are an important tool to fight Covid-19. Something very crucial must be understood about them: gloves do not kill the disease, and if you are touching multiple surfaces, you may actually cross-contaminate and spread Covid-19 if one of them is infected. Unless you are a medical professional who touches others, focus on handwashing, and leave the gloves at home.

It will take diligence from all of us to defeat Covid-19. Thankfully, these steps are simple and inexpensive. Make them a part of your day-to-day public life, and we’ll all be a little closer to returning to normalcy.

Be responsible this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, health practitioners are reminding adults to always practice safe sex.

In a Facebook post, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime-Philippines admitted that condom use is still unpopular, with only 38 percent of men who have sex with men (MSM) using condoms when having sex (IHBSS, 2018). A recent UNODC-Ph study disclosed that MSM who had experience using drugs where twice more likely to have condomless sex.

“While it may be awesome to make love without a condom, we are increasing the possibility of getting infected by HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections,” the FB post said.

As a Valentine’s Day reminder, the UNODC-ph encouraged the public to lower the risk of HIV and STDs by using condoms. “We can still enjoy making love while USING CONDOMS. They are free. Contact your nearest sexual health facilities.”

A total of 70,740 individuals have been diagnosed with HIV in the Philippines since 1984. Ninety-four percent are males. Sexual contact is the most common mode of HIV transmission.

Support community fireworks display

The government aims to achieve zero firecracker-related injuries this year through implementation of Executive Order No. 28 Providing for the Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices.

The law signed by President Duterte stipulates that the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties. Conduct of community fireworks display will also be continuously promoted as a strategy to, at least maintain the low injury status in the country.

Let us welcome 2018 without an injury due to firecrackers and support fireworks display in our respective communities.