Philippine News

About Stress Awareness Month 2026 Stress Awareness Month, observed every April since 1992, is a crucial initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the causes, effects, and management of stress. In our increasingly fast-paced world, stress has become a common part of everyday life, yet it remains a topic often overlooked or misunderstood. Stress Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to break the stigma around mental health, promote stress management strateg

Life at sea is demanding. Long hours, isolation, fatigue, and high responsibility create a unique environment where unhealthy coping mechanisms, like smoking, can thrive. However, smoking is not just a personal habit but a serious risk in the environment onboard vessels. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. For seafarers, the risks are even greater due to limited access to medical care while onboard. Conditions such as heart disease, respi

After a heart attack, a stroke, a diagnosis of heart failure or a heart procedure, people are often leery about exercising. They may wonder: Can I? Should I? Will I risk another heart event? Yes, you can—and should—be physically active in all these cases, says Johns Hopkins cardiologist Bill McEvoy, M.B., B.Ch. “It’s a no-brainer,” he says. “After a heart problem, once people are able to get up a flight of stairs without symptoms, they can resume mild to moderate exercise.” J

How Homeowners Can Prevent Electrical Fires Electrical fires are among the most common risks in Philippine households. Homeowners should schedule regular electrical inspections to ensure wiring is safe and compliant with standards. Avoid overloading outlets and never use multiple devices on a single socket, including “octopus connections.” Using certified electrical equipment reduces the risk of short circuits and sparks, making this a key step in fire prevention tips for hom

Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. Mammograms can find cancer before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Symptoms There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms can include: Any change in the size or the shape of the breast. Pain in any area of the breast. Nipple discharge other

How Common Are Fire Incidents in the Philippines? Fire incidents remain a serious concern across the Philippines, with thousands of cases reported each year. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, residential fires, small business fires, and community incidents account for the majority of fire-related emergencies. These incidents often lead to significant property damage and economic losses, affecting both homeowners and business owners. Implementing proper fire preventi

Every year during March, Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines is observed to raise awareness about the dangers of fire and the importance of safety preparedness. This nationwide campaign encourages individuals, families, and businesses to learn practical ways to prevent fires and respond properly during emergencies. Through public education and safety programs, Fire Prevention Month highlights simple but effective fire safety tips residents can apply in their daily lives.

High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. High blood pressure is not usually something that you can feel or notice, and it can go undiagnosed because there are usually no symptoms. Regardless, high blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, stroke or a heart attack. Therefore, it's important you get your blood pressure checked regularly. Check with your GP or nurse how often to get it checked. 1. Regular physical

"Walking pneumonia" is an informal term for a common bacterial condition. It produces milder symptoms that appear more gradually than in other types of more serious pneumonia. Symptoms may include: Cough. Fever. Sore throat. Headache. Runny nose. Ear pain. Chest pain from coughing. Symptoms usually appear within two to three weeks of becoming infected and can continue for weeks. A cough could continue for months. With walking pneumonia, you may feel like you have a cold. But

Working in a seafarer job is a physically intensive profession, requiring strength, endurance, and agility. Lifting heavy equipment, handling ropes, and maintaining balance on a moving vessel demand a strong, well-conditioned body. Additionally in many maritime jobs, specifically those with longer contracts, long voyages and isolation can take a toll on mental health, making regular exercise an excellent way to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. When you wo

Being physically active is a major step toward good heart health. It’s one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke. It’s also true that different types of exercise are needed to provide complete fitness. “Aerobic exercise and resistance training are the most important for heart heal

MANILA — The outbreak of the Nipah virus in West Bengal, India has revived stronger border surveillance in several countries in Asia. In the Philippines, it brings back the collective fear of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the agency assured that it doesn't see the same thing happening with Nipah virus. Health authorities stress that correct information and preparation is key to curb the spread of the Nipah virus. WHAT IS NIPAH VIRUS? The Nipah virus is a zoonoti

MANILA — The flu-like illness that has affected many Filipinos over the past several weeks may persist until February, according to infectious diseases specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante. He says a possible factor behind the continued spread is the so-called “super flu,” or Subclade K of Influenza A. Symptoms of Subclade K, Solante explains, are largely similar to those caused by other influenza variants. “In terms of the length of the symptoms, more or less they are the same,”

Hearing someone cough in public places such as churches, markets, or public transportation can now easily trigger anxiety, especially amid reports of so-called “super flu” cases in the country. From Jan. 1 to Dec. 27, 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 63 cases of “super flu” nationwide. Health experts, however, stressed that the so-called “super flu,” like other influenza-like illnesses, can be prevented by observing simple yet effective precautionary measures. A

Have you searched the term “HbA1c meaning” after a doctor’s appointment? HbA1c, also known as glycosylated hemoglobin, is a measure of the average blood glucose concentration over the last three months. It is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes in adults. Here’s what you need to know about the HbA1c test in the Philippines. What is HbA1c Testing? HbA1c is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the last 3 months. It’s not the same as the blood gluc

In the Philippines, traditional practices and values have long supported a healthy lifestyle. These customs, passed down through generations, offer wisdom and practical tips for maintaining wellness. Here are some healthy lifestyle tips inspired by Filipino traditions: 1. Eat Fresh and Local Filipinos have always valued fresh, local produce. Traditional markets, or "palengkes," are filled with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and seafood. Incorporating more fresh and local fo

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday again warned the public against eating unhealthy food as well as smoking and drinking alcohol this holiday season, noting that it has already recorded an increase in holiday-related ailments. “What we commonly see is that, because Christmas happens only once a year, [people] say ‘it’s fine’ even if this is not allowed,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa warned. “They will eat ‘lechon’ (roasted pig). They will eat sweets even if they

As the holiday season is around the corner and alcoholic beverages may overflow during gatherings, a heart expert has raised the concern of binge drinking and the implications it may bring to health, particularly to the heart. Dr. Maria Encarnita Limpin, a medical specialist from the Philippine Heart Center, characterized binge drinking as the alcohol consumption of five or more standard drinks within two hours. She also noted that this is classified by the number of drinks c

The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public against the leading causes of illness or injury during the holidays: road traffic accidents, firework-related injuries, and heart disease. Teodoro Herbosa on Saturday said he will personally inspect public and private hospitals during the holiday season to assess how they are responding to holiday-related health issues, such as injuries from road crashes, fireworks, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). “Preparedness is import

December is here – and with many about to go partying and shopping, the Philippine National Police has drawn up 12 safety tips for the public. The PNP's Directorate for Police Community Relations drew up the "12 Safer Days of Christmas" to help people avoid being victimized by criminals during this season. Among the safety tips – which touch on shopping, social media and parties and even at home – are: Shopping 1. Ensure that doors and windows are properly locked when out sho