Philippines’s medium-term macro-economic assumptions
THE PHILIPPINE economy is well-positioned to sustain the momentum of its growth and weather external shocks this year and in the medium term, state economic managers told lawmakers of the House of Representatives yesterday, even as they cited the need for more “structural changes” to sustain economic expansion. Read the full story.
GDP grows 7.0% in Q2 2016
THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY grew at its quickest pace in three years last quarter, possibly allowing it to regain its stature as one of Asia’s best performers. Read the full story.
Getting big by keeping it small
By Zsarlene B. Chua, Reporter
Sometimes rows and rows and rows of cubicles in an office space located on the 10th floor of some high-rise building just doesn’t cut it. Many companies now prefer a more novel approach to work spaces, going for co-working spaces which involves working in a shared environment with people from different business or industries.
PHL is losing war against diabetes
By Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman
A TOP diabetes doctor said the Philippines is losing the war against diabetes and its complications.
Dr. Augusto D. Litonjua, president of the Philippine Center for Diabetes Education Foundation, Inc., that there are two major causes why this is: the increasing number of fast food joints and call centers.
He said call center work results in a wayward body rhythm that causes stress and internal confusion. The normal body clock has people awake in the day and asleep at night, but call center agents do the reverse since they have to process calls at night from the US and Europe where it is daytime. This reversal of the normal body clock stresses their bodies. “Stress precipitates diabetes,” said Dr. Litonjua. In addition, the lack of sleep causes people to overeat and choose the more convenient options: fast food.
“Fast foods are high in fat and are calorie-dense… Can we eliminate the fast food joints in the Philippines? No,” he said.
Dr. Litonjua was speaking at a press conference during Sweet Escape: Hataw Galaw on Aug. 12 at Quezon City’s Fisher Mall. The event, which promotes public awareness of diabetes, also featured the Sweet Escape: Hataw Galaw Intercollegiate Urban Dance Competition, a Zumba party, diabetes lay forums, exhibition booths, and games for people living with diabetes, families, advocacy and support groups, magazine readers and diabetes specialists.
GROWING NUMBERS
The World Health Organization (WHO) says diabetes is the fourth leading non-communicable disease in the world. Cardiovascular diseases top the list followed by cancer and respiratory diseases.
“We’re more afraid of dengue, HIV, Zika virus, and AIDS,” said Dr. Litonjua, “when many [more] people die of diabetes.”
According to the WHO data, 415 million people have diabetes worldwide. One third, or 150 million people, live in the West Pacific Region (WPR) which includes the Philippines and 20 other nations.
Over six million Filipinos have diabetes in the total population of more than 100 million, a disease prevalence of 6.1%. Projections say that by 2040, the numbers will swell by 215 million victims in the WPR area alone, and 12 million of these will live in the Philippines.
Worldwide, one person dies of diabetes every six seconds said Dr. Litonjua. He attributes the increasing number of diabetes victims to three “Ka”: katabaan (obesity), katakawan (gluttony); and katamaran (indolence).
Dr. Joy C. Fontanilla, editor in chief of DiabetEASE magazine and the head of the diabetes center of Asian Hospital and Medical Center, said those with a family history of diabetes, those who are overweight, the sedentary, smokers, and those who have hypertension are at greater risk. She suggests losing 5% to 7% of one’s body weight by doing at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Moderate, she says, is when you can still have a conversation but are too exhausted to sing a song.
Dr. Litonjua suggests that everyone — especially those who already have the disease and those on the borderline — exercise in cold places. When we exercise in a hot room, he said we only lose water, and gets the liquid back when we drink. But when we exercise in the cold, he said body fat burns easier.
And eat food rich in fiber and not in refined or white sugar.
The secrets to booking a luxury trip to Cuba
By Nikki Ekstein, Bloomberg
THE HOTEL INGLATERRA has been one of the best places to stay in Havana since it opened in 1875. Its colonial façade and bright neon signage fit right in with the nearby capitol building and Gran Teatro, and its guest book includes such famous names as Cuban national hero José Martí.
Role-playing kid’s playground plans expansion as it marks its 1st year
By Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman, Reporter
KidZania Manila, a playland for kids four to 14 where they get to try out different professions, celebrates its first anniversary with a bang and more treats to come.
July was Earth’s hottest month in modern times
MIAMI — Soaring temperatures worldwide made July the Earth’s hottest month in modern times, setting a new high mark for global heat in 137 years of record-keeping, US government scientists said Wednesday.
Global database for women exposed to Zika
PARIS — Swiss doctors have asked thousands of colleagues worldwide to provide data for the first global registry of women exposed to Zika, the team’s lead researcher said Tuesday.
Toby Kebbell, the reluctant star finally shining
LOS ANGELES — He has worked for Oliver Stone and Steven Spielberg, playing lead roles in some of the biggest blockbusters of recent years, but you might not recognize Toby Kebbell in the street.