Doulos Hope, floating book fair at Cebu Pier 5 from Oct.15 to Nov. 10

CEBU CITY -- Doulos Hope, an international floating book fair is coming to Cebu in partnership with Cebu City Hall and is open to the public at Cebu Pier 5 from October 15 to November 10, 2024 to share knowledge, help and hope.

The floating book fair opens on Tuesdays through Sunday at 1:00-8:30 PM but closed on Mondays.  Visitors to Doulos Hope are offered a selection of over 2,000 different book titles at affordable prices.

It covers a wide range of subjects including science, medicine, arts, languages, faith, hobbies, cooking, and sports. With children’s titles, academic texts, dictionaries, atlases, and more, a visit to the book fair is something the whole family can enjoy.

Visit its Facebook page @DoulosHopeThePhilippines for more information on when tickets will be made available and how to book.

Note that children must be accompanied by an adult and require their own tickets. Children under 12 and seniors are free, but they still need to have a ticket booked.  For all others, the entrance fee is 50 PHP (cash only) and this will be collected at the entrance to the book fair.

For more information, please contact the advance preparation team: Chieka Hanaoka, Email: douloshope.cebu@gbaships.org and at Facebook: DoulosHopeThePhilippines. (Photos: Doulos Hope)

Aventus: Early detection, key in battle against breast cancer

CEBU CITY -- Early detection is key in the battle against breast cancer and Aventus Medical Care is committed to providing women with the best screening tools including Mammogram and Ultrasound Services which Aventus offers at multiple locations in Metro Manila, while Cebu and Bacolod have breast ultrasound, using standard practices to ensure accurate breast cancer detection.

Dr. Liz Ginete, Associate Medical Director of Aventus Medical Care said that mammograms and breast ultrasounds, while both vital, serve different purposes. Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to detect early-stage breast cancer, including microcalcifications (tiny calcium deposits) which can be an early indicator of the disease. 

Breast ultrasounds, on the other hand, use sound waves to evaluate dense breast tissue or suspicious lumps found during a mammogram. This method is also useful in guiding needle biopsies for further investigation. Combining both methods improves detection accuracy, especially for women with dense breast tissue, reducing false positives and unnecessary procedures, Dr.Ginete bared.

"Mammograms remain the gold standard, but breast ultrasounds complement them to ensure more comprehensive breast health evaluation," Dr. Ginete explains. 

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk start annual mammograms at age 40, allowing earlier detection and better outcomes. For those with higher risks due to family history or genetic factors, mammograms may be recommended earlier. Dr. Ginete stresses the importance of discussing personal risk factors with healthcare providers to establish the best screening schedule. 

“We also provide comprehensive follow-up care to ensure any abnormal results are properly addressed with personalized treatment plans. Most accredited insurance partners support Aventus Medical Care’s services, making screenings accessible to a wider audience," Dr. Ginete said

For more information on costs, scheduling, or follow-up care, contact Aventus at (02) 8538-1050 or email inquiry@aventusmedical.com.ph. Hotline hours are from Monday to Saturday, 7AM to 7PM. (Photos: Aventus Medical Care Inc.)

Brizket, a new steakhouse now opens at Garden Wing, Ayala Center Cebu

CEBU CITY – Brizket Steakhouse now opened at the 4^th Floor, Garden Wing at Ayala Center Cebu on May 10 to give its customers a new steak dining experience with its signature luxury with affordability, the “Golden Steak” at the spotlight. 

Brizket Steakhouse owner Jaypee Labella invites everyone to come and visit the new Brizket Steakhouse here in Ayala. “We’re bringing the best steak to you, in a very convenient space here at Ayala.  I want you to experience our “Golden Steak” and a variety of steak and other dishes. Luxury in affordability,” Jaypee said. 

The Brizket also offers a variety of dishes like, Sisig, porkchops, salads, nachos and calamaris, cheese sticks, appetizers and desserts.  The restaurant has a countryside vibe, very comfortable and inviting ambiance with warm lights and attentive service.  Whether one is meat or vegan, there is something delectable for everyone to savor and enjoy.

“Do not eat your steak, savor it,” Jaypee advised his guests during the opening. “Eat Like a celebrity with a reasonable golden price with our signature creation of the Golden Steak,” he added.

One vlogger describes this dish as a succulent cut of steak covered in edible gold, the combination of premium quality beef that shimmers in gold topping creating a visual spectacle that is both elegant and enticing.

Jaypee also enticed his guests to try its French Porkchop, Greek Salad, Lenguine Steak Carbonara, Quartered Annatto Chicken and Steak Brazilian.  For appetizers, try its Parmesan Mushroom Al Ajillo, Nachos Calamaris, Sizzling Sisig and Cheese Sticks.

For more information, inquiries, reservations and orders follow its Facebook page Brizket or visit the restaurant at the 4^th Floor, Garden Wing, Ayala Center Cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman/Brizket-FB)

Aventus Ambulatory Surgical Center for outpatient surgery

CEBU CITY – Aventus Medical Care Inc. (Aventus) introduces its Aventus Ambulatory Surgical Center for outpatient surgical procedures that offers safe, efficient and patient-friendly alternative to traditional hospital surgeries, delivering the highest standards of care so patients experience top-tier treatment in a comfortable and convenient setting.

“The Aventus Ambulatory Surgical Center’s services include colonoscopy, ENT surgery, eye surgery, endoscopy, circumcision, minor surgery, and plastic surgery.  The doctors performing surgeries are board-certified specialists and are recognized by their respective specialty societies,” Dr. Edward Luna, Associate Director-Ambulatory Surgical Center explained.

These certifications are rigorously maintained and updated in compliance to the requirement of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).  All physicians and operating room (OR) staff have completed the Department of Health (DOH) required certifications, assessment and training to stay updated on the latest surgical techniques and safety protocols to ensure that every patient receives the best possible care, Dr. Luna added.

This Ambulatory Surgical Center is equipped with cutting-edge medical technology to support a range of surgical procedures such as phacoemulsification (phaco) machine, and an operating microscope for eye surgeries, a state-of-the-art gastrointestinal endoscopy machine which enables thorough examination of the digestive tract, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

Prior surgery, patients are required to undergo basic laboratory tests to evaluate their overall health. Screening is conducted based on DOH guidelines to determine a patient’s suitability for every procedure.

For those with underlying health conditions or who require sedation, a cardiopulmonary (CP) clearance is mandatory to ensure that they can safely undergo the procedure. To further prepare patients, the center’s staff contacts them a day or two before the surgery to provide detailed pre-operative instructions.

After their procedure, patients may be required to stay 10 minutes to 1 hour depending on their recovery.

“For post-op care, a patient is given a list of take-home medications, home management, scheduled follow-up, and provided with an assigned contact number in case of emergency. Recently, we launched a teleconsult through the TelAventusMD so patients can contact us anytime for their post-op care,” Dr. Luna said.

Appointment can be booked 2 days to 1 week before the preferred date. To avail of the ambulatory surgical services, contact the center through Customer Care hotline (02) 8538 – 1050, email appointmentsetting@aventusmedical.com.ph or through Aventus website aventusmedical.net. (Photos: Aventus/Maureen Mauritio)

Aventus introduces “MAV Card”

 CEBU CITY -- Aventus Medical Care Inc. introduces the “My Aventus (MAV) Card”- a unique way to enhance healthcare experience designed to offer a discount and loyalty incentives making it a vital addition for new and existing clients.

Aventus Vice President, Dr. Sally Gaspar bared that one can acquire the MAV card for only P49.00, pre-loaded with Php 5,000 worth of discounts for cardholders. Cardholders can enjoy a 10% discount on all transactions at any Aventus clinic.

This discount is deducted from the card balance, ensuring continuous savings on essential medical services. For every 100 pesos spent using the MAV Card, cardholders earn 1 MAV point.  Each MAV point is equivalent to 1 peso, which can be redeemed for a variety of services within the Aventus Clinics, enhancing the overall value of your healthcare spending.

The MAV Card is available to all. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can benefit from the card's advantages, Gaspar explained.  It does not require maintenance fees, making it an attractive long-term option for managing healthcare expenses.

The MAV cardholder can top up the card up to a maximum of P5,000.00 free of charge. It represents a significant step forward in enhancing patient experience through valuable savings and rewards.

Whether you are a new patient or a long-standing client, the MAV Card offers a host of benefits designed to make your healthcare journey more rewarding.  Get your MAV Card now and start experiencing Aventus Medical Care’s healthcare services perks.

Aventus offers TelAventusMD, a 24/7 Clinic in the Cloud

CEBU CITY – Aventus Medical Care, Inc. offers the TelAventusMD, known as the “Clinic in the Cloud,” that provides 24/7 teleconsultation service through a network of over 100 primary care and specialty physicians, in response to the changes of patient's preference for immediate and excellent medical care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a revolutionary approach to healthcare, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility without compromising the quality of patient care. TelAventusMD is the telemedicine platform that brings healthcare directly to your fingertips.

In addition to medical consultations, the service offers health and wellness counseling and referrals to Aventus multispecialty clinics. TelAventusMD also provides e-prescriptions, plans of care, referrals for laboratory tests, diagnostic and imaging procedures.

After each teleconsultation, TelAventusMD sends these documents to patient’s email address to ensure they receive follow-up care and medication promptly.  This service uses an automated follow-up process to ensure continuity of care. 

Physicians schedule follow-up consultations within the TelAventusMD system. These are noted in the patient’s plan of care.   A list of patients requiring follow up daily consultations is generated daily and the triage staff contacts these patients to confirm their next appointment.

Aventus prioritizes the security and privacy of patient records by investing in security infrastructure. These investments focus on access controls, encryption, audits, secure technologies, and surveillance.

TelAventusMD accommodates various payment methods to ensure accessibility. These include health maintenance organizations (HMOs) such as Intellicare, Avega, and Surehealth. Cash payments can be made through Gcash and bank transfer.

Patients can reach by sending a message to TelAventusMD official Facebook page, and through email to TelAventusMD@aventusmedical.com.ph.  They can also get in touch through the Intellicare Agora App or the Avega Agora App.

Another option is through the SelfServeLink by using the URL SelfServeLink - (https://telehealthlink.aventusmedical.com/teleconsult/selfservelink) or  via QR code.

TelAventusMD exemplifies the future of healthcare by combining accessibility, convenience, and quality medical services.

NNC7 joins nation celebrates 50th Nutrition Month this July

CEBU CITY—The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-Region 7 joined the entire nation in celebrating and launching the 50th Nutrition Month, starting July 1 at the SM Seaside City Cebu with the theme, “Sa PPAN Sama-sama sa Nutrisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat.

In Central Visayas, the 2024 Nutrition Month celebration is a platform to catalyze actions to popularize PPAN 2023-2028 to the 30 percent of Barangay Local Government Units and 70 percent of 31 regional line agencies within the month.

Members of the Regional Nutrition Council here took turns to address and inspire everyone to be mindful of healthy nutrition and lifestyle as contained in the Philippine Plan of Action in Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 which is the focus of this year’s 50th Nutrition Month.

Speakers’ messages centered around addressing malnutrition through multi-sectoral approaches, including government, civil society, and the private sector.

 “We encourage the public to join the regional launching activity and avail of the free nutrition services to show your support to promoting proper nutrition. Every individual has a valuable input in making sure that proper nutrition can be observed in every household which would impact the community as a whole,” NNC7 Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Dr. Parolita Mission said.

Rino Dominic Cabungcal of the Department of Science & Technology (DOST7) emphasized the need for policy reforms, improved access to healthy diets, and capacity building of health workers. It was also suggested that measures such as taxation of junk food and labeling of unhealthy products to promote healthier choices.

The Department of Health (DOH7) noted the importance of leadership activities, financial literacy, and physical activity in promoting healthy habits.

Part of the Nutrition Month launching was the turnover of stickers to SUN business members mobilizing 80 percent of its members to take action to contribute to the achievement of PPAN and RPAN objectives.

There were other activities during the launching that included the launching of the 50^th Nutrition Month Social Media Activities, putting together the PPAN commitment puzzle, participants reciting the nutrition pledge, ceremonial milk toast and the “PPANalo Caravan: Service Fair."

Entertaining the participants of the 50th Nutrition Month launching was the presentation of the PPAN 2023-2028 Nutri Jingle Contest from various nutrition councils in Central Visayas,

Nutrition and health initiatives in the Philippines

“Every July of every year, the President declares the month as Nutrition Month aiming to promote healthy habits among Filipinos. It also highlights 70% mobilization of regional agencies for malnutrition initiatives,” NNC-7 regional nutrition coordinator, Parolita Mission said.

Mission added that the Nutrition Month celebration also advocates for nutrition security and healthy living through policy changes and education and encouraging heads of national government agencies direct integration of nutrition interventions in policies and programs.

Mission also stressed on the need for collective action to improve nutrition awareness and security in the Philippines.  She highlighted the importance of promoting healthier diets, encouraging better practices and enhancing access to quality nutrition services and collective efforts for better nutrition in the Philippines. (Photos: MBCNewman)