It is no secret that we tend to neglect our sleep and the conditions that relate to it. We get checked for headaches, for various pain, but seldom do we seek consult because we cannot sleep properly, or we have sleep-related complications.

The Medical City Clark’s sleep specialists highlight the importance of a good rest to avoid disorders whenever we slumber. Contrary to popular belief, it is not true that adults can settle for lesser hours of sleep because we still need 7 to 8 hours of sleep. If we fail to complete this recommended amount of sleep, there is what we call the sleep debt, and like any debt, we need to repay our bodies that rest the next day so we can be recharged. 

It is one thing if we lack sleep, but another if we have a sleep disorder. One of the sleep disorders among all ages and genders is snoring, or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is the most common form of sleep-disordered breathing which results from the closure of the upper airway during sleep.

 Snoring is considered normal and not bad, but heavy snoring is worrisome and will need special health attention. 

If you have the following symptoms, then you may be a candidate for sleep apnea.

SYMPTOMS:

• Heavy Snoring
• Witnessed apneas or gasping and choking sensations that arouse the patient from sleep
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Sudden awakening with choking
• Accidents related to sleepiness
• Poor memory/concentration
• Delirium
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Mood/personality changes
• Night sweats
• Restlessness 
• Restlessness during sleeping
• Enuresis or bed-wetting (uncommon)
• Dry mouth on awakening
• Nocturnal or a morning headache
• Impotence
• Nocturnal epilepsy

Aside from the apparent indicators of snoring, there are obvious signs that specialists may notice physically in individuals that may have OSA. The texture and length of the soft palate and uvula, and the obstructions in the nasal passages can be signs associated with sleep apnea. 

Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Hypertension and other cardiovascular consequences are also linked to having obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition. If left untreated, serious potential consequences can occur, including complications of other organ systems. 

COMPLICATIONS

• Hypertension
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Depression
• Congestive heart failure
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Irregularity in the heart rate
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Traffic and industrial accidents
• Overall mortality

DIAGNOSIS

At The Medical City Clark, we advocate for our patient partners’ overall wellness. Snoring or being suspected of sleep apnea can disrupt your good rest, so we offer the most accurate diagnosis and the best treatment so you can finally doze off peacefully to sleeplandia.

Gearing towards the goal to have a truly comprehensive cancer program in Central and Northern Luzon, The Medical City (TMC) Clark begins operations of the Julius K. Quiambao Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Center.




The ISO Certified hospital now houses the Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Center which offers tests and procedures employing radioactive tracers or radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and treatment of benign and malignant diseases.




Apart from the existing services and centers for cancer such as the Breast Center, Liver and Pancreas Center, Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Chemo-Infusion Unit, Pain Clinic, Center for Integrative Medicine, and Genomics, among others, the newly-inaugurated center that has emerged in TMC Clark will allow the institution to further reinforce the appropriate treatment and care for patients who develop cancer.




During the launch on December 10, 2021, TMC Clark highlighted the diagnostics, services, treatments, and in-depth research of the Nuclear Medicine Center which includes the PET-CT Scan, Radionuclide Therapy, Radioimmunoassay, and Bone Densitometry.




“The launch of this center makes us one step closer to the completion of our ccomprehensive cancer program. This is just one innovative way to serve our patient partners and show that TMC Clark cares beyond boundaries, especially in the cancer care area,” Dr. Almario Jabson, President and CEO of TMC Clark said.




The health protocol-compliant ceremony was graced by the management of the TMC healthcare network enterprise, Bayambang, Pangasinan Mayor Cezar T. Quimbao, Pampanga Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, Clark Development Corporation President Manuel Gaerlan, Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center Chief of Hospital Dr. Froilan Canlas, and leaders from the Local Government Units of Pampanga and Tarlac.




Messages of support were also aired by Tarlac Governor Susan Yap, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Atty. Wilma Eisma, and the Association of Health Maintenance Organization of the Philippines (AHMOPHI) President Carlos Da Silva.




The event also highlighted other units that TMC Clark opened since 2019 which aims to “supplement and complement the current capabilities of the Region’s health ecosystem.”  




Standing true to its role as the “Referral Center of North and Central Luzon,” TMC Clark adds value to the practice of the medical community and recovery of their patients with the future advancements committed by the healthcare complex during the event.




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In photo: The Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Center team were all smiles during the launch of the newest center in The Medical City Clark last December 10.

TMC Clark’s Liver and Pancreas Center led the webinar which discussed topics on “Viral Hepatitis: A Silent Threat” and “Fatty Liver: A Modern Lifestyle Disease” by Dr. Maria Carla Tablante and Dr. Karen Latorre, respectively.

Dr. Tablante, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and IBD Specialist of TMC Clark, emphasized how hepatitis is an alarming health issue in the country with one out of seven adult Filipino acquiring the disease. She also cited how Hepatitis B in particular, is common among working adults.

Apart from the in-depth discussion which tackled the types, symptoms, and diagnosis of hepatitis, Dr. Tablante also highlighted the tests and imaging techniques for patients who wish to have their livers tested. These include CT scan, MRI, and TMC Clark’s new offering, FibroScan, a non-evasive machine which measures the stiffness and fatty infiltration of the liver.

Meanwhile, during her talk, Dr. Latorre, Head of Liver and Pancreas Center of TMC Clark, mentioned that liver diseases such as the Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease can be prevented, hence, it is TMC Clark’s advocacy to spread awareness and information.

“The best time to start taking care of your liver is now. Let us apply (in our lifestyle) the lesson of moderation–everything (must be) within limits and reason,” Dr. Latorre added.

All participants of the webinar were given free consultation vouchers while three attendees received free liver screenings after a raffle draw.

For 2021, World Health Organization commemorated the World Hepatitis Day with the theme “Hepatitis can’t wait.”

The Medical City (TMC) Clark will take the lead in the vaccination of employees of companies that procured Covid-19 vaccines through Zuellig Pharma Corp at the old passenger terminal building of Clark International Airport.

Under the agreement signed between Dr. Almario G. Jabson, TMC Clark President and CEO, and Bi Yong Chungunco, CEO of LIPAD Corp., the operator of Clark International Airport, TMC Clark has committed to provide 60 hospital personnel that will include doctors, nurses, ancillary and IT staff.

The hospital personnel will man two vaccination stations at the hub and will be stationed there from Monday to Friday from 7 am to 5 pm. The schedule will depend on the number of people to be inoculated and the number of available vaccines for that day.

The ceremonial contract signing was held June 30, 2021 Wednesday at the VIP Lounge of Clark International Airport. The rollout is scheduled to start on July 1, 2021.

“It is an honor to be part of this initiative as you all know TMVC Clark has been pushing for COVID-19 vaccination from the very start, Dr. Jabson said. “We hope the employees take advantage of this opportunity.”

The Department of Health had earlier approved and certified the old Clark Passenger Air Terminal as a mega vaccination hub.

With the goal of providing a holistic approach to healthcare, The Medical City (TMC) Clark recently launched the Center for Integrative Medicine which is located at the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC).

Led by Dr. Jessica Cueto De Leon, the Center for Integrative Medicine aims to provide a unique health service that complements conventional practices that contribute to the patient’s overall well-being.

“We are launching a new line of health services that offer a unique alternative to non-traditional, non-conventional services – the concept of integrative medicine,” explained Dr. Jose Ranilo M. Paule, TMC Clark ASC Medical Director.

“The newly constructed Center will serve as a landing venue and of course will provide a legitimate personality to our group of competent doctors who will offer their services here at ASC,” he added.

Johns Hopkins Medical Center defines Integrative Medicine as “an approach that uses the best evidence-based practices to enhance conventional care. It encompasses a broad range of therapeutic approaches to achieve optimal health and wellness for those who are ill or those who are concerned about disease prevention.”

Initially, TMC Clark’s Center for Integrative Medicine will offer massage therapy, medical acupuncture, nutrition and dietary supplements and IV Drips that include Myer’s Push, Immune Boost Therapy, Acne Therapy and Glutathione Therapy.

Among those who were present during the launch were TMC Enterprise President and CEO Dr. Eugene F. Ramos, TMC Enterprise Chairman of the Board Jose Xavier B. Gonzales and TMC Clark President and CEO Dr. Almario G. Jabson.

In his remarks, Dr. Ramos noted that while hospitals had all the latest equipment and diagnostic tools to diagnose all kinds of diseases, they are not equipped to look into how people think and feel.

“When we talk about integration, we talk about integration of mind and body. It has an impact on the systems of the body down to the level of the microcondia, how we generate energy and how we react to the stimulus and the integration again to the body goes in terms of the integration of the individual to the community,” Dr. Ramos said.

He also lauded TMC Clark for taking up the challenge to convince doctors and patients to be part of this fully integrated ecosystem.

“We do not want to lose sight of the fact that integrative medicine is not just about medicine the way Western Medicine has taught us which is basically pharmaceuticals. This is medicine that heals the mind and heals the body,” Dr. Ramos said.

For his part, Gonzales said he was happy that TMC Clark was also looking into the holistic approach in dealing with medicine and lauded the team for opening the center with minimal to almost no cost to the hospital.

“I don’t know what sort of convincing powers that Dr. Jabson had but I really don’t know how the hospital was able to open up this center with no cost at all,” Gonzales said. “TMC Clark was also able to beat the main hospital in putting up this center.”

The Medical City (TMC) Clark recently entered into a community partnership agreement with the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) in keeping with its mission to provide world class healthcare services to each and every Filipino.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr. Almario G. Jabson, TMC Clark President and CEO, and Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos, Jr., the NOLCOM Commander during ceremonies held at the TMC Ambulatory Surgical Center.

Under the agreement, TMC Clark will extend to NOLCOM personnel special discounted rates, both for in and outpatient services. These discounted rates will likewise be extended to the declared dependents of NOLCOM personnel.

Lt. Gen. Burgos expressed his gratitude to the TMC Clark management for acknowledging the sacrifice that our soldiers make in order to ensure the safety of the Filipino people.

“Apart from the discounts, the quality healthcare services that TMC Clark offers is already of great help to our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who are constantly putting their lives at risk to ensure that peace and development in Norther and central Luzon are sustained,” Lt. Gen. Burgos said.

He also recognized the strong bond between the medical practitioners and the military personnel in the fulfillment of their sworn duties.

“Aside from our mandate of defending our state and sovereignty and defeating the communist terrorists, your soldiers have been working with you hand in hand in the fight against COVID – 19. This challenging time has indeed established a strong bond between us. It is this bond that makes us more resilient, a bond developed under one common goal – to serve and protect the well-being of the people in this part of the country,” he said.

For his part, Dr. Jabson said the hospital has always believed that each and every Filipino has the right to avail of world class healthcare services and that it intends to extend this privilege to more people.

“TMC Clark aims to deliver quality care to our soldiers, the police, the teachers, and the marginalized in the society. TMC provides world class care to each and every Filipino. The partnership is in line with the Universal Health Care program of the government,” he said.

Learn more about the COVID-19 that the Pampanga provincial government will be acquiring and get yourself checked.

This was the advice given by Dr. Almario G. Jabson, President and CEO of The Medical City Clark, to members of the media during the hospital’s yearly media appreciation activity at the recently opened Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort.

In his message, Dr. Jabson noted that 2020 was a difficult year not only for TMC Clark but for the entire world. The COVID-19 pandemic led to many deaths, months of lockdown, the closure of many businesses and joblessness.

“In spite of this pandemic, I am happy to report that we at The Medical City Clark were able to retain all our personnel. We did not retrench anyone and we even managed to register a modest growth in revenues,” Dr. Jabson reported. 

To address the needs of patients who required medical attention but did not want to come to the hospital, TMC Clark came up with the so called New Normal Services. These services include a One-Stop Shop Outpatient Complex where a patient can have Laboratory, X-Ray, Family Medicine/Primary Care Consultations, Doctor’s requests, Medical Certificate Requests and a Cashier Express Hub all in one safe zone.

If the patient does not want to visit the hospital, we will bring the hospital to them through TMC Clark on Wheels. TMC Clark on Wheels provides ready access to safe and accurate laboratory and diagnostic services in the comfort of your own home. If patients needed to consult a doctor, they could do so through Telemedicine.

At the Ambulatory Surgical Center, TMC Clark launched an 11-chair dialysis unit to cater to patients who wanted to have their dialysis done outside of the hospital setting. Another recent acquisition was the Fibroscan, an ultrasound machine that checks on the status of a patient’s liver.

“You can expect TMC Clark to introduce more new services this year like the Molecular Laboratory, Nuclear Medicine Department, the expansion of the 5h floor of the hospital for the Wellness Center and the expansion of the Hemodialysis Unit,” he added.

However, Dr. Jabson noted that there are still a lot of people who are afraid to go to the hospital because of the fear of contracting the COVID-19 virus.

“There is a challenge we are still facing this year and that is to get people to take charge of their health once more and to get themselves checked,” he said.  “I would like to assure you all, and I hope you help us spread the news, that the hospital is probably the safest place to be in.”

He explained that TMC Clark had adopted a “One Hospital, Two System Strategy” where there are separate teams handling COVID-19 and non-COVID cases. The hospital is divided into different zones and COVID-19 patents are admitted in a different zone.

“It is also important that you are aware of the state of your health so that you will be ready for the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine. Many are hesitant to have themselves vaccinated because these vaccines were developed in record time. However, getting vaccinated will benefit you more. We have to vaccinate at least 80 percent of the total population so that we will be able to achieve herd immunity against the COVID-19 virus,” he said.

He added that the time to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines is now and that it is important to get vaccinated.

“Let’s use this time to learn more about the vaccines that Pampanga will be getting. I would like to call on each and everyone of you to help spread the word. Get vaccinated so that we can fight COVID-19 together,” he said