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Characterized by the inability for blood to clot properly, hemophilia is a hereditary medical condition that occurs in males more often than in females, and could affect the young as much as the elderly. In special cases, a change in an individual’s genes may also cause him to acquire it within his lifetime. Though hemophilia is rare, the World Federation of Hemophilia states that 75% of people around the world with bleeding disorders have not yet been diagnosed.

April is World Hemophilia month, and Blood Brothers Aid Inc., a non-profit organization based in the Philippines, aims to raise awareness about hemophilia in the country and to get more Filipinos to recognize the problem and help through blood or monetary donations.

Do you know someone who may suffer from hemophilia?

Following an injury, a person with hemophilia may take a longer time to heal from his wounds because his blood lacks the protein (clotting factor) instrumental in clotting.

The usual symptoms of hemophilia include deep bruising, joint pain and swelling caused by internal bleeding, spontaneous bleeding (e.g. nosebleeds), or prolonged bleeding from cuts, after surgery, or after a tooth extraction.

Hemophilia can be diagnosed by taking a blood sample and measuring the level of clotting factor activity in the blood.

Help bring treatment to the Philippines.

Hemophilia is mainly treated with replacement therapy. Clotting factor concentrates taken from healthy blood is injected into a hemophiliac’s bloodstream. Once it reaches the affected area, bleeding is expected to slow down and eventually stop. This treatment has to be done shortly after injury so as to avoid further pain, as well as damage to the person’s muscles, joints, and organs.

Clotting factor concentrates, however, are not readily available in the Philippines. International groups or volunteers ship medicine in from other countries, though supplies are minimal. In the absence of these drugs, a person in need of replacement therapy would require blood or plasma transfusions, and are at the mercy of the limited supply of blood available in hospitals. There are reported incidents of deaths among hemophiliacs due to the long wait for blood donations.

That’s why it is important for those who might show signs of having hemophilia to be diagnosed at the soonest possible time. It is also why more Filipinos need to be made aware of the disorder, so that we can help provide the support and treatments necessary for people who suffer from it.

Become a Blood Brother.

Take the first step into helping by joining the Blood Brothers Aid Inc. community through their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blood-Brothers-Aid-Inc/347564769650?fref=ts The page will guide you in learning more about hemophilia, how to help, where to donate, and how to spread the word.

Blood Brothers Aid Inc. Supports World Hemophilia Month

by Zheyme on 11:43 AM

Characterized by the inability for blood to clot properly, hemophilia is a hereditary medical condition that occurs in males more often th...

Every mom has her own story when it comes to feeding her child. Every meal times becomes a daily struggle but i believe that every moms knows how to cope with this problems. Some moms resort to bribing, giving treats or gifts whenever their child finishes his lunch while other transform into a monster moms and others just give in, thinking that eating unhealthy food is better than not eating at all.

Children are easily tempted by unhealthy food because it seems fun and exciting to eat and taste better because it has flavors, colors and textures. Ages 4-7 years old are the stage where kids learned to make their own choices and will tell you what they want. So, at this age the threat of the Diet Shift starts.

Wyeth Nutrition's AQIVA recognizes this problem, and has partnered with moms to help secure their children's nutrition and health. Recently, Aqiva launched "Food Talk", an event where mothers helped to educate how to fight the Diet Shift of kids and provided them with empowering solutions.

Its a mom-to-mom talk led by the celebrity mom and TV host Mikee Cojuanco-Jaworski. She also experienced the diet shift with her children. Child and health experts are also there to give advice and tips on how to deal with the Diet Shift. Dr. Bernadette Benitez, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Specialist and Ms. Luz Callanta, a nutrition Expert and Lecturer.

In a recent study done by Dr. Emilie Flores regarding the dietary characteristics of Filipino children, ages 1-6 years old from NCR, its is alarming to know that only 20% consumed fruits and vegetable at least once a day and meet the minimum acceptable diet standards based on the WHO indicators. Also, only a third received adequate amount of complementary & iron-rich foods. It is very unfortunate that this inadequacy in nutrient intake happens at the crucial age of a child's development.

During the event, mothers realized that to teach children how to eat healthy, they must understand why the unhealthy food appeal to children in the first place. That is why Celebrity Chef Jackie Laudico of Bistro Filipino helped the mothers and guest how to prepare their healthy meals that kids will enjoy. She said that she always plays around with three main elements which are the color, shape and texture when preparing meals for children. She showcased her techniques and allow guests to have a hands-on experience in preparing kid-friendly dishes.

She demonstrate how to prepare the Very Berry Pops - cake pops made from camote cake and berries, Vegan Burger - made from soy and grains with rice pilaf served with vegetable sticks and dips, and the Kiddie Canapes - whole wheat bread with cheese, veggies and grilled or baked fish and chicken cut and sliced in interesting shapes.

It was so much fun and I think children will love to have it because it has different colors, shapes and texture that are pleasing to their eyes. It will definitely caught their attention. With this healthy options drinking milks like Aqiva will adds nutrients for kids daily allowances.

For more information on Aqiva, parent may call the Wyeth Careline at 81-WYETH (81-99384) for Metro Manila and 1-800-10-884-2222 (toll-free) for provinces. Parents may also log on to www.facebook.com/AqivaPH.