2nd PAD Day focuses on detection, prevention

Almost 300 diabetes patients from different diabetes clubs in Metro Manila, together with the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation, Inc. (ISDFI), Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine (PSVM) and Otsuka (Philippines) Pharmaceutical Inc., participated in the annual celebration of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Day at the Quezon Memorial Circle last July 20.

Patients and doctors partnered in this noteworthy endeavor that provided education on how to combat PAD, a silent killer disease.

Dr. Ricardo Fernando, ISDFI founder, gave his inspirational talk during the PAD Awareness Day event.

He stressed that PAD is a serious complication of diabetes considering that around eight million Filipinos are afflicted with diabetes and will likely double in the next 25 years. 

He also emphasized the need to go to specialized doctors with deep know­ledge in treating diabetes. Likewise, patients with diabetes are advised to take good care of their feet. “Value your feet,” Fernando said.

Fernando cited ways on how to prevent PAD and diabetes. First on his list is making exercise a regular habit. Stop cigarette smoking, and avoid alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and other fatty foods that cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol level and even high blood pressure.

He emphasized the need to control blood sugar level to avoid complications of PAD and diabetes. “Monitoring should be constant,” he said.

If one is a distant relative or a family member of a diabetic patient, it is best to be knowledgeable and be aware of the disease. “Don’t wait for diabetes to happen to you,” he warned.

Dr. Simonette Ganzon, vice president of the Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine, highlighted the importance of the observance of PAD Awareness Day.

“Spearheaded by the Institute for Studies on Diabetes Foundation Inc., we at the Philippine Society of Vascular Medicine support their aim to make PAD a common knowledge to Filipinos,” Ganzon said. 

PAD does not only cause amputation, it may lead to other complications, such as heart attack and stroke. Ganzon added that it is important to raise awareness about this medical condition. 

PAD involves problems with blood flow as it causes blockage in the arteries. It is one of the many serious complications of diabetes.

Moreover, PAD is a disease that leads to deterioration of an individual’s quality of life. Once it becomes severe, it causes gangrene, kidney damage, heart attack and stroke.

The PAD Awareness Day is an annual celebration under Presidential Proclamation No. 1321 issued by President Arroyo declaring July 20 as such.

The PAD Awareness Day event started with a parade within the vicinity of Quezon Memorial Circle. Members of D’ Original Band from Bacoor, Cavite joined the participants in the colorful parade. A thanksgiving Mass was offered and was followed by a short program hosted by ISDFI faculty members, Dr. Agnes Cruz and Dr. Edwin Liwanag.

Various exercises were performed and participated in by all patients from different diabetes clubs. Ferdie Manabat, a fitness instructor seen every Wednesday on ABS-CBN 2’s morning show Umagang Kay Ganda, and Anna Avecilla and Carl Tamayao from Fitness First Platinum led the exercise routines, which are essential for better blood circulation.

Patients were provided with free ABI (ankle brachial index) screening which is a 99-percent specific tool to determine and detect PAD, discount coupons from Cilostazol (Pletaal), and free H&L and DiabetEASE magazines to get updates on different health and diabetes concerns.

For other inquiries about PAD, call the i-PAD customer care hotline at 811-i-PAD (811-4723) for Metro Manila residents or 1-800-1888-i-PAD (1-800-1-888-4-723) for non-Metro Manila residents.