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Music embodies the spirit of optimism for lung disease patients

To raise awareness on pulmonary fibrosis, members of Scleroderma Awareness Philippines (SAP) and Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders (PSOD), supported by Boehringer Ingelheim (Philippines) Inc., came together for the “Live Life with Strength” launch event. This activity served as an avenue for the patient groups to participate in community building and networking, as well as benefit from health lectures led by medical partners.

Also present during the event are the Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations (PAPO) and the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA). Both delivered messages of support to the patients highlighting the importance of seeking healthcare to manage their conditions and the essence of coming together as a community as a source of strength and emotional support.

Held at Seda Residences in Makati, the event was joined by Dr. Mae

Campomanes, chair for the Council on Occupational and Interstitial Lung Diseases at the Philippine College of Chest Physicians. Dr. Campomanes shed light on Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) and pulmonary fibrosis, allowing patients to understand their condition better and offer management solutions and treatment plans.

Pulmonary fibrosis, is a type of ILD, a rare disease, caused by inflammation and scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. This scarring leads to the thickening of the lung tissue, making it difficult to breathe and absorb the oxygen into the bloodstream. Common symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis are dry cough, fatigue, weakness, unexplained weight loss, and shortness of breath.

“This Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month is an opportune time for us to come

together and understand how we can rise above lung diseases,” said Dr. Campomanes “We aim to bolster public health by informing patients of early diagnosis, lung disease prevention, and the best of lung care practices.”

This year, a new campaign was launched hoping to help patients living with pulmonary fibrosis and ILD in their battle against the disease. One of its programs includes singing therapy sessions, which is becoming a popular form of pulmonary rehabilitation. Singing requires deep inhalation followed by long, controlled exhalation, which is very similar to the breathing techniques used to educate patients with breathing issues.

As part of the program, members of the SAP and PSOD came together and participated in a series of singing therapy sessions to produce an original song and music video embodying the spirit of optimism and resilience. The program and the song not only provided them vocal therapy, but singing together has helped them with lung health, social support, and quality of life.

boehringer-ingelheim.com

FRunning for breast cancer awareness

or the last 30 years, Avon has raised funds to support breast cancer charities and breast health screenings for millions of women across the world. For this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Avon hosted the fundraising event “Fun Run to Boob Love” at the CCP Complex in Pasay City to uphold its breast cancer promise of promoting breast health. Through the event, funds were raised for Avon’s longtime partner organization, the Philippine Cancer Society, to help advance knowledge and bring relief to those affected by breast cancer.

People from all walks of life ran and shared in a celebration of every woman’s breast care journey. Among those spotted in the starting blocks were 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, actor and model Enchong Dee, actress Kyline Alcantara, 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee, 2023 Miss Supranational 1st Runner Up Pauline Amelinckx, and 2023 Miss Universe Philippines Queens Christine Opiaza and Krishnah Gravidez.

Alongside a three-kilometer run and a five-kilometer run, the event featured a fair dedicated to breast health awareness and education. Event highlights included donation stations, a Zumba session, and a #Booblove pledge wall.

Throughout the race village, runners also got to play games that match their unique breast shapes with an Avon Intimate Apparel, learned tips on regular breast selfchecks, and more information on breast health and care. Other bestselling Avon products were also showcased on-site from its skincare, fragrance, makeup, and body care portfolios, most of which had a donation component when purchased.

“It was wonderful to see people run together in support of a cause that is dear to us at Avon,” said Avon Asia Pacific managing director and Avon Philippines general manager Razvan Diratian. “Together, we help create a better world for women, a world where women do not have to live in fear of breast cancer.”

bit.ly/avonbreasthealth