People across the country gathered in different hospitals and health centers to participate in the first-ever “Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Day” celebration last July 20.
Recently, President Arroyo, in Proclamation No. 1321, declared July 20 as PAD Awareness Day. This is to emphasize the need to educate Filipinos about PAD, recognize its risk factors, and prevent the hazards it will bring to one’s health and well-being.
PAD is one of many complications of diabetes which is often under-diagnosed and under treated.
Dr. Araceli Panelo, executive director of Institute for the Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc. (ISDFI) said, “In the Philippines alone, about 20 percent of the 87 million population is suffering from PAD. This is why we (ISDFI), together with Otsuka Philippines Pharmaceuticals Inc., are collaborating to expand our mission of preventing PAD through the PAD Awareness Day.”
The PAD Awareness Day is dedicated to patients with PAD or those who are at risk of PAD. Through this activity, patients received free ankle brachial index (ABI) screening, a patient-friendly, inexpensive technique that compares blood pressure between the patient’s arms and ankles. It is a very useful tool in detecting PAD.
Aside from free ABI screening, patients also got free sample medicine for PAD. There were lay forums conducted to educate them about PAD.
Several hospitals, health centers and diabetes centers participated in the event. Among were the Amang Rodriguez Medical Center in Marikina City, Pasig City Health Office, Antipolo City Health Office, Caloocan General Hospital, Mandaluyong City Health Office, and Pasay City General Hospital.
PAD is a problem with the blood flow in the arteries due to the build-up of fatty deposits. The most common symptom of PAD is claudication or leg pain. This happens when there is insufficient supply of blood in the muscles due to blockage.
Patients with diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol problems and even smokers are at risk of developing PAD.
PAD is also associated with a higher risk of heart attack, stroke and even premature death. Thus, early detection is needed in order to prevent PAD.
The PAD Awareness Day aims to improve the ongoing information and public education campaign of ISDFI and Otsuka to further benefit PAD patients nationwide.
For more information about PAD, call the i-PAD connect hotline at 811-i-PAD (811-4-723) for Metro Manila or 1-800-1-888-i-PAD (1-800-1-888-4-723) for provincial areas.