Life after COVID-19: Stories of Survival

As of April 7, the Department of Health reported 414 new cases of the novel coronavirus disease in the country, raising the total number to 3,660. The Philippines now has 163 fatalities, and 73 recoveries. But while the number of deaths outnumber recoveries, most people who contract the virus go on to get better. That’s because 80% of people who contract the coronavirus will only experience relatively mild symptoms, or even no symptoms at all.

While most will recover from contracting COVID-19, the peculiar nature of recovery is it requires isolation. And patients, in addition to being sick, will oftentimes also experience great anxiety and afraid. According to the members of Public Health Communications Advisory Network (PHCAN), COVID-positive patients should be shown kindness and compassion, and not discrimination and fear.

As a follow up to their first FB Live session last April 4, PHCAN will be holding another Live session this Saturday, April 11 at 2PM, with Dr. Iris Isip-Tan together with COVID-19 survivors to discuss recovery, coping, and moving forward during this very challenging time. Follow the official PH CAN Facebook page for more updates and tune in to hear the stories of recovered COVID-19 patients.

About PHCAN

PHCAN is an official partner of the Department of Health (DOH) that seeks to drive a social movement to buy more time for the country’s healthcare system by communicating critical and verified public health messages on COVID-19 to families. It is composed of doctors and healthcare professionals, dedicated to empowering families and communities to care for their loved ones during these challenging times.

Why Keeping Your Home Clean and Disinfected can Play a Big Part in Preventing the Spread of COVD-19

With the imposed enhanced community quarantine, one of the means directed towards controlling the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 in the country, everyone has been forced to stay put and stay home. Yet, just because you are at home and isolated doesn’t mean you have to let your guard down and stay complacent. On the contrary, those at home can do their share by doing small things with significant impact; steps that are quite basic and easy to do.

For one, keeping your home clean and disinfected can help prevent the spread of infection at home. Frequently-touched surfaces and objects, once contaminated, play some important role in the transmission of disease, especially as COVD-19 is spread from person to person either when we cough or sneeze or through droplets.

Therefore, keeping these surfaces in our home properly disinfected and not just clean is an important step and one of the most essential things we should be doing right now.

Cleaning has the ability to physically remove organic matter such as dirt and germs. This is then best followed up by using a potent household disinfectant because while a surface may appear clean, it can still very much be host to illness-causing germs. This becomes ever more apparent as studies from the New England Journal of Medicine have shown that the COVID-19 virus can live for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces.

So, which frequently-touched surfaces should be regularly disinfected with a household disinfectant? Those often shared by members of the household like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, faucets, and the like. Kitchen surfaces for example can harbor foodborne bacteria as well as bacteria transferred from humans and other items. Likewise, phones, remotes, and laptop keyboards are also potential bacteria carriers.

Not to be missed out as well is the bathroom, where showers, toilets, and counters together with bathroom mats have to be disinfected too. In the bedroom, a disinfecting spray is well-suited for mattresses and pillows.

Above all these, do not forget of course to wash one’s hands with soap for minimum 20 seconds thoroughly.

So do keep in mind these tips—simple but very important steps one can and should undertake to keep everyone at home—and outside—healthy and safe.

THE LATEST SEASON OF SURVIVOR ON JACKTV TEST’S THE LIMITS

Emmy Award-winning reality competition, Survivor is now on its 38th season. Themed “Edge of Extinction,” this season features 14 new castaways divided into two equal tribes, the Manu Tribe and the Kama Tribe. With four returning players taking a second shot at the game. The returning castaways are Joe Anglim (“Worlds Apart,” “Second Chance”), Aubry Bracco (“Kaoh Rong,” “Game Changers”), Kelley Wentworth (“Second Chance,” “San Juan del Sur”) and David Wright (“Millennials vs. Gen-X”).

A new twist to this season is the introduction of the island known as “Edge of Extinction,” which severely tests the will of the castaways to be the Sole Survivor and what they are willing to endure to make that happen. Those who can endure the emotionally and physically difficult challenge will be given a shot for one of them to get back in the game and continue their quest to be the ultimate winner.

“Survivor continues to reinvent itself with new energy, and this season we’ve added a new secret game-changing twist” said executive producer and host Emmy Award winner Jeff Probst. “After being voted out, players will be faced with a decision to either go home or go to the ‘Edge of Extinction,’ where they will be pushed further than ever before for a chance to get back in the game.”

These new and returning castaways will be forced to compete against each other with the same ultimate goal: to outwit, outplay and outlast each other, and in the end only one will remain to claim the title of Sole Survivor. The show films in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji, and is hosted by Jeff Probst.

Survivor: Edge of Extinction airs every Thursday via satellite at 3PM with a prime time telecast at 8PM exclusively on JackTV.

For more details kindly visit JackTV on jacktv.ph and don’t forget to like us on Facebook at @solar.jacktv, follow us on Twitter @JACKTV and on Instagram @JACKTVNETWORK to get the latest updates on your favorite shows, promos, and upcoming events!

JackTV is seen on SKYcable Ch. 51, Cignal Ch. 126, Cablelink Ch. 36, GSAT Ch. 61 and EasyTV Ch. 2.

About JackTV

JackTV is a one of a kind channel, showcasing a youthfully characterized and urban cultured TV entertainment that plays as an inspiration to young adults and young at hearts who revel in their individuality and uniqueness. Its target market sees the world as its playground. They express themselves through music, arts, and other creative ways. JackTV wants to harness and associate creativity with its brand by showcasing content that is relevant to this type of market. It is designed to make us feel comfortable, encouraging us to let go of our suspicions and tap into our playful side.

United Against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer has become one of the leading types of cancer worldwide, with a projection that 1 out of 13 Filipinas will develop the disease in her lifetime, according to the Philippine Breast Cancer Society. To strengthen the fight against breast cancer, the Department of Health together with SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Prime Holdings, and SM City North Edsa holds Power in Pink, an event in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

With the theme “United we fight!”, attendees were comprised of different national support groups, doctors, families and friends of breast cancer advocacy supporters. The project aims to unify all groups nationwide to strengthen their network in raising awareness, early detection, and early intervention in the fight against breast cancer.

“As October is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SM Cares has been unwavering in spreading awareness about breast cancer. Earlier this month, we held Pink Ribbon Day, and today, Power in Pink. We remain persistent in reaching out and strengthening Filipino women around the country by letting them know that there is nothing to fear. The earlier you detect it (breast cancer), the faster it can be cured.” said Berna Velasco, program director for SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding, during the event held at the Skydome of SM City North EDSA.

Free clinical breast examinations by volunteer doctors were conducted. Power in Pink also featured a mall walkathon, introduction of all support groups and a lay forum, “Breast Cancer 101.”

SM Cares makes it a point to support women in communities where they are present. Some of their programs include program on Persons with Disabilities, Children and Youth, Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Environment Sustainability, Senior Citizens, and Overseas Filipino Workers (Global Pinoy). Breastfeeding stations across all SM Supermalls nationwide are provided as part of its program to allow mothers the convenience and freedom in nourishing their babies.

Through Power in Pink, SM Cares looks forward to strengthening partnerships with various government and non-government organizations in advancing the advocacy for women and the fight against breast cancer.

To know more about SM Cares, please visit www.smcares.com.ph, www.facebook.com/OfficialSMCares or email smcares@prime.com.