JobStreet.com Philippines joins Project Inclusion

Armed with its mission of improving lives through better careers and the advocacy of a job for every Filipino, JobStreet.com, the country’s number 1 job site, takes part in Project Inclusion. A program of Unilab Foundation, Project Inclusion champions the employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Joining the JobStreet.com contingent headed by Country Manager Philip Gioca (far left) are representatives of Unilab Foundation headed by Grant Javier (middle, in white), Project Inclusion’s Program Manager.       

Vaccination Myths and Facts

 

You may have completed your vaccinations when you were a child, but do you know that vaccines are not only for kids but for adults, too? Vaccines are among the most cost-effective health interventions available. They help ensure optimum health.

“Vaccines provide heightened protection against diseases, disabilities and even death. They prepare the body to fight diseases without exposing the person to the symptoms. Many believe immunizations are for children only. But you are never too old to get vaccinated. Newer vaccines are being developed and booster shots may be necessary to maintain the efficacy of certain vaccines. Vaccination is important especially if you have a chronic disease, are pregnant, sexually active, or if your work requires you to travel to places where you can be exposed to different diseases,” says MediCard president and CEO Dr. Nicky Montoya.

MediCard, a leading HMO provider in the country, debunks some myths on vaccinations:

Myth: Vaccines are for children only.

Fact: Vaccines don’t offer lifetime immunity to diseases; they stimulate antibody production. Almost all vaccines wear off after 5-10 years. Getting vaccinated as an adult is just as important as getting it when you are young because you might be at risk for a new or different disease. The vaccinations you need are determined by factors such as age, lifestyle, health conditions, travel, and previous immunizations. To find out what vaccines you need, consult your doctor.

Myth: Vaccines are ineffective and harmful.

Fact: Vaccines are effective and safe. They go through comprehensive testing before they are approved for general use. They are also continuously monitored for safety and effectiveness. For those who worry that vaccines will cause serious side effects, Dr. Montoya says such cases are very rare. Normal reactions to vaccination include redness, pain, and swelling in the body part where the shot was given.

Myth: Vaccines weaken the immune system.

Fact: Vaccines actually strengthen the immune system and help fight diseases. Vaccines strengthen the immune system by safely introducing an antigen, a substance that triggers the production of antibodies needed to neutralize viruses and bacteria. Vaccines also stimulate defense mechanisms that provide protection against specific diseases. Fears that vaccines can overload the immune system are unfounded because a healthy person’s immune system can recognize and handle thousands of organisms at once.

                                                                                                                          

Myth: Vaccinations are not needed if you live a healthy lifestyle.

Fact: Good hygiene, a balanced diet and an active lifestyle can help prevent the spread of diseases, but you are still exposed to germs and viruses. This is why getting vaccinated is encouraged, even if you live a healthy lifestyle, as it provides a significant level of protection from diseases.

                                                  

Learn more about vaccinations. MediCard has several free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations, tests and vaccinations. Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.

Unravelling Myths About Vision Changes

As we age, our senses tend to become less sharp. Our vision, in particular, undergoes significant changes. The eyes gradually lose the ability to adapt and change focus quickly. This naturally developing condition is called “presbyopia.”

Presbyopia usually starts around the age of 40 and affects even those without a history of vision problems. Essilor, the world’s leading ophthalmic optics company, estimates that those with presbyopia number more than 500 million worldwide

    “People with presbyopia have a hard time reading fine print and need to hold reading materials farther than arm’s length,” says Essilor Philippines general manager Dr. Emelita Roleda. “At the same time, they have problems seeing objects at close range. We recommend to those suffering from this condition to use progressive lenses to correct near and distance vision.”

    Although presbyopia is a natural age-related condition, there are misconceptions about it. As previously stated, one myth about it is that it is preventable. It is not a disease but a natural part of aging, thus unavoidable even for those with 20/20 vision. Some people also believe that correcting presbyopia can worsen the condition. But if untreated, presbyopia will only lead to eye fatigue and make daily tasks harder to do.

   

Another mistaken notion is that few solutions for presbyopia are available. But in this day and age, near vision blurriness is easily manageable. One can use reading glasses which basically aids in seeing print clearly. Eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive lenses are also available. A bifocal lens features two areas of vision correction, near and far, which are divided by a distinct line that sits horizontally across the lens. Progressive lenses are a more sophisticated solution because not only do they eliminate the visible lines found on bifocals, but they also provide a more natural correction of presbyopia.

Using advanced research and technology, Essilor offers an effective way to seamlessly correct presbyopia while at the same time providing updated aesthetics, giving the wearer a more youthful appearance. Varilux®, the world leader in progressive lenses, gives dynamic clarity and greater comfort in any distance. It’s perfect to use whether you read a book, use a computer, or look into the horizon while traveling.

    “Varilux® progressive lenses are specifically designed to give the wearer sharper, clearer and effortless vision every day,” says Dr. Roleda. “The lenses are sophisticated, bespoke creations designed with the most advanced technology to be a perfect fit according to the optical and facial profile of the wearer.”

    Correct presbyopia with proper lenses. Ask an eye care professional about the Varilux® progressive lenses suited to your needs. For more information, visit www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.