Happy Women's Month! We all know that us women play an essential
role in society. Studies have shown that women make
better leaders, bring about higher
returns to economies, and improve
the lives of people in communities.
Women’s position in
society means it is important to prioritize and understand their health. They
face a variety of health issues, with cardiovascular disease as the leading
cause of death for women around the world. According to The Lancet, 35% of deaths in women
worldwide are caused by cardiovascular disease.
Women are also at risk
for cancer, a leading cause of death worldwide. The World
Health Organization revealed that it accounted for 10 million
deaths in 2020 or the equivalent of nearly one in six deaths.
Breast
cancer
is the most common of its kind in the Philippines and the world. It is the
majority type of cancer that affects Filipino women at 31%. Additionally, it is
the third most fatal type of cancer in the Philippines, just behind lung and
liver cancer. Global figures are just as alarming: the disease is the most
common cause of cancer death in women.
Lowering the
risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer
“The risk of
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular issues and cancer can be
prevented. While some factors cannot be avoided, such as family history or age,
taking care of one’s health through preventive measures can lower the risk of
heart issues and cancer. As always, it is important to consult a health
professional when making lifestyle changes,” says Dr. Gia Sison, Head of Wellness Center at Makati Medical Center, a
mental health advocate, and a breast cancer survivor.
A key way to prevent
NCDs is to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can lead to conditions
like high blood
pressure and cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. A diet filled with
fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes such as lentils and beans
can fight malnutrition, cardiovascular
disease, and breast
cancer.
It’s important to pair a
healthy diet with regular exercise. Aside from helping maintain a healthy
weight, at least 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity can lower the risk of heart
disease and cancer.
Women are also advised to
not indulge in vices such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Tobacco contains chemicals
that damage the heart and blood vessels. Even those who do not
partake can be at risk due to secondhand
smoke.
Meanwhile, higher consumption of alcohol increases
the chances of breast cancer.
Lastly, it’s important
to get regular
health screenings. These can help women understand their bodies
better and see if they need to take action. For example, they can screen their
blood pressure and cholesterol levels, or get tested for diabetes 2. Women are
encouraged to do a breast
self-exam at least once a month and to consult a doctor when a lump
is detected.
The Philippine Commission on Women also stated in the past, “Women’s
health directly affects the health and welfare of families, communities, and
even the economy. Thus, in our every stride to pursue national development,
promoting women and girls’ health must be prioritized.”
“We must all take part
in promoting health literacy by being proactive in learning and sharing the right
health information, supporting bills and reforms that push for women’s health,
and aiding different health services and programs that are comprehensive,
culture-sensitive, and gender-responsive,” Atty.
Kristine Rosary E. Yuzon-Chaves, PCW Executive Director reiterates.
A partner in
health and wellness
Just recently, Watsons Philippines
launched the “Dare To Be” campaign to encourage young women to go beyond
stereotypes and stand with other women to discover the best version of
themselves. The campaign is aimed at supporting BRAVEHER, BOLDHER and STRONGHER Women in
a cause of gender equality that embraces women from all walks of life. This
includes striving to become every
woman’s partner in taking care of their health so they continue to look good,
do good, and feel great.
The leading global brand
in health and beauty empowers women with the best quality and widely-available
health, wellness, and personal care products at an affordable price. These
include vitamins and supplements, which can be taken with a doctor’s
recommendation, and over-the-counter and prescription medication.
Watsons is also home to health
monitors and medical implements and equipment to stay strong and able-bodied.
Women can visit Watsons’
network of over 1,000 stores in the Philippines, all offering expert care with
its in-store pharmacists,
specialists, and staff. They may also visit the website or download the App to
order medicine, vitamins, and supplements. To get health tips tailored-fit to
their health need, they can access the Watsons Health Hub to chat with
licensed physicians and Watsons pharmacists for professional advice.
“We have proven time
and again that women are strong individuals who can bravely face all the
challenges that come their way. Watsons empowers them with the best health and
wellness solutions available so they can continue to be amazing in everything
they do, whether it’s at home, in the workplace, or society,” says Jared De Guzman, Watsons Customer Director.
About
Watsons
Watsons is part of the
Health and Beauty Store chain of A.S Watson, the largest health, beauty,
cosmetics, and perfumery retailer in the world. Today, Watsons H&B Asia is
the leading health and beauty chain in the continent with successful operations
in 13 markets. In 2002, A.S. Watson Group joined hands with SM Prime Holdings
Inc., the Philippines' leading shopping mall developer. The partnership brought
about the first Watsons stores in SM Megamall and The Podium (Ortigas).
Today, Watsons operates
1000+ stores in the Philippines serving more than 250,000 customers per day.
Watsons strives to ensure that its customers get the best value for their money
through monthly promotions, special offers, and continuous consumer marketing
programs. Each Watsons store houses nothing but the best brands from top manufacturers
all over the world and also carries its own competitively priced, high-quality
private labels and brands. With more than 1,000 brands ranging from medicines,
cosmetics, and fragrances to personal care items and general merchandise,
Watsons Your Personal Store delivers only the best health, wellness, and beauty
solutions to each and every customer.
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