Connie Sison takes health advocacy online with 'Happy & Healthy': 'It is a form of public service'

November 14 ------ These days, you can learn almost anything online. From cooking a new dish to understanding a medical condition, information is just a few clicks away. So it's hardly surprising that more people are turning to the internet for answers about their health.

Veteran broadcaster Connie Sison sees this as an opportunity to reach people who may not otherwise have access to reliable medical information. She has since relaunched her YouTube program, "Happy & Healthy with Connie Sison," a health and medical magazine show.

For Connie, the program is a continuation of her work on "Pinoy M.D." and "Pinoy M.D. sa Dobol B" on Super Radyo DZBB. "It is an advocacy," she said of the program. "Gusto ko to reach more people, na hindi lang siya limited sa radio or TV."

Health and wellness have been part of Connie's work for 15 years, and the subject has become even more relevant to her over time. "I'm at that age where the usual conversation topic is health, so I love the idea of being educated in terms of health," she said. She does not claim to know everything about medicine. Instead, she sees herself as a curious journalist representing viewers who want to understand what experts have to say.

That role has become especially important at a time when health information is readily available online, but so is misinformation. "I see this as a form of public service, to educate people and create awareness. Lalo na ngayon na there's so much information available diba? So, what we want here is the truth according to experts," Connie said.

Her commitment is also shaped by the people who reach out to her programs. She recalled receiving calls and messages from people in far-flung areas who rely on the show because healthcare services are either too expensive or too far away. "Minsan naiiyak ako na may mga callers and texters kami from areas like Mindanao na ang access nila for their health concerns is the program. Kasi, either, walang-wala sila financially or napakalayo ng mga health centers. It pains me," she shared.

YouTube, meanwhile, gives her more room to explore health concerns than traditional television and radio, where airtime is limited. "On TV and on radio, we're kind of limited by time constraints," she said. "So, I like it that, online, we get to dissect matters more. Mas mahaba ang oras." She also enjoys the program's relaxed format. "It's like having an intimate conversation with friends," she said, adding that viewers can share their comments in real time as discussions unfold.

The work also extends beyond the screen. Connie said the team conducts medical missions, allowing the advocacy to go beyond interviews and discussions. For her, helping people does not necessarily mean entering politics. While she recognizes that connections with public officials can help expedite certain efforts, she has no personal interest in pursuing a political career. "Hindi naman kailangan you go to politics para makatulong," she said.

Her commitment to staying healthy also has a personal motivation: her children. "My driving force is my kids. I want to be there for them, that's why I try my best to keep healthy," she said. She believes, however, that taking care of oneself also means knowing one's limits. "Hindi dapat pinipilit. At a certain age, may limitations ka na," she said.

Through "Happy & Healthy with Connie Sison," she continues an advocacy she has pursued for years, now reaching viewers beyond the traditional boundaries of television and radio.

Source: mb.com.ph