July 03,2011--sundayhttp://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/DOH_7_reports_fewer_dengue_cases_from_JanuaryJune_2011.

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DOH to risk-behavior population: Avoid unsafe sex to avoid HIV/AIDS MANILA, July 3 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) has been targeting risk-behavior population, particularly males having sex with males, to remind them of the danger of unsafe sex. Dr. Eric Tayag, DOH assistant secretary, said those under risk-behavior should be aware of the risk of getting HIV- AIDS, expressing alarm over the increase of HIV new cases from these population. The DOH's latest monitoring on HIV/AIDS in May alone reached 184 new cases or two percent increase compared to the same period last year of only 153. Reportedly, mode of transmission is high among males having sex with another males (83 percent), with ages 20 to 29. Of the 184 cases, two were already identified with HIV cases, both from males (28 and 35 years old) and acquired the infection through bisexual contact. Most of the cases came from National Capital Region, or 52 percent (96) of the 184 cases, with cases high in Quezon City, Tayag said. Meanwhile,30 of the 184 HIV/AIDS cases were Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) - 13, homosexual; 11, heterosexual; 6, homosexual. Furthermore, from January to May 2011, about 838 cases HIV/AIDS cases were reported. Twelve (12) were reported as AIDS cases, which acquired the infection through sexual contact - heterosexual, 2; homosexual 6; and bisexual, 4. "We are not just alarmed, but it just show that many of our people, especially in risky-behavior are not minding the dangers brought by HIV/AIDS," Tayag said. He noted that even the person who wants to use protection or use of condom, failed to put it on at the height of his "sexual emotions". "They have to keep guard on their emotions or have presence of mind before having the actual sexual contact," Tayag said, noting that annal sex is increasingly practiced, typically not using condom. Likewise, he said that they are coordinating on so-called males having sex with males clans serving as counselors to their friends texting or personally reminding them about the risk of having HIV/AIDS, especially if they are not using condom for protection. (PNA) DCT/SDT/jsd

More young Filipinas are now smokers - DOH ILOILO CITY, June 18 (PNA) - The Department of Health (DOH) has raised an alert that more young Filipino girls aged between 13 to 15 years old are smoking even in school campuses and that 1 out of 5 students are already smoking.

Department of Health (DOH) Regional Director Ariel Valencia said the DOH study showed more women smoke than men as a current lifestyle that adds risks to health and wellness. The study was collaborated by the Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) that showed working women and not only students are into smoking cigarettes especially those working in the business process outsourcing call centers. Valencia said DOH had imposed graphic warnings on cigarette packages but women usually ignore these warnings. The health official said there is an urgent need to start anti-smoking campaigns even in elementary schools. The DOH anti-smoking campaign is included in the Civil Service Commission (CSC) drive banning smoking in all government offices and facilities. Similarly, ICAST bans smoking in public places and establishments except in designated smoking areas in this city. Valencia said the smoking situation in Western Visayas has already reached alarming proportions and needs the unified effort of the community, schools, parents, government and the church against it. (PNA) LAP/LAM/LCPendon/vlo

DOH to coordinate with DTI on imported raw fruits, vegetables from

Germany, Europe amid E. coli reported cases MANILA, June 9 (PNA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) will coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) if the Philippines is importing raw fruits and vegetables from Germany or European countries affected by the reported E. coli cases that has so far killed 19 people. The move even as Health Secretary Enrique Ona appeased the public that the local raw fruits and vegetables in the country is safe for consumption. "We are looking into on issue on E. coli from raw fruits and vegetables from Germany and Europe, but I don't think we have it here or if we have I think it is very little (importation)," Ona said following warnings to avoid raw vegetables, particularly in Northern Germany. Meanwhile, European authorities have reassured the public that the spread of E. coli, a frequent cause of food poisoning, can be contained by washing vegetables and hands before eating or preparing food to avoid bacteria being passed on from the feces of an infected person. Reports said the possible source of contamination was caused by poor hygiene at a farm, in a transit or in a shop or food outlet. (PNA) DCT/FFC/SDT/utb

DOH 7 reports fewer dengue cases from January-June 2011 CEBU CITY, June 23 (PNA) A dengue update released by the Department of Health (DOH) 7 said there were 1,749 dengue cases with 15 deaths from January 1 to June 4 this year. The figure is lower by 59.34 percent compared to that of the same period last year, with 2,787 cases and 25 deaths. The cases were recorded in Cebu City, with 732 cases (41.9 percent); Mandaue City, 129 cases (7.4 percent; Lapu-Lapu City, 128 cases (7.3 percent); Talisay City, 77 cases (4.4 percent); and Dumaguete City, 59 cases (3.4 percent). DOHs disease and reporting units (DRU) said the age of dengue patients ranged from one month to 79 years old. DOH 7 recommends all local government units (LGU) to intensify their information campaign on dengue, especially how to eliminate the breeding places of mosquitoes.

DOH 7 also urges the public to participate in environmental sanitation activities, such as clean up drives. Dr. Susana Madarieta, DOH 7 director, said they are implementing an anti-dengue campaign called 4-S. Madarieta said 4-S represents the four steps to take against dengue: to search and destroy, to seek early treatment, to implement self-protective measures and to say no to fogging. Under search and destroy, parents are encouraged to check their surroundings and destroy mosquito breeding places. Under the seek early treatment step, parents are urged to immediately see the doctor if their children show early signs of the disease. Self-protective measures include bringing mosquito repellant at all times. Madarieta said the anti-fogging means chemicals should not be used indiscriminately in killing mosquitoes, as they are harmful to ones health. Last June 15, the Asean Dengue Day was celebrated all over the Southeast Asian region to promote awareness of the disease. (PNA) LAP/EB/re