When should a woman see a doctor?
December 6, 2005 | 12:00am
When it comes to health issues, women are either in denial, shy, or simply clueless. In my case, for example, I do not know when to go to the doctor to have a checkup. Yes, you go to the dermatologist if you have skin problems like acne, splotches or allergies. But, when do you go to the ob-gyne? Do you really need a pap smear or a mammogram test? How do you check lumps on your breasts? What should you expect when you are expecting?
All these questions just show that what we learned in school about health isn’t enough. Maybe a little research from books, magazines, and websites could help in a way. But women need and deserve to know more about the female anatomy so they won’t be scared to face health problems. In this case, what they don’t know could hurt them.
This is the main reason why the Asian Hospital and Medical Center recently launched two modern healthcare facilities – the Dermatology Laser & Light Center and the Center for Women’s Health, which aim to address cosmetic needs and educate women about health.
"Since there was a demand in the community, we decided to put up these centers as another highlight of our continuous development at Asian Hospital," says Pamela Robinson, Asian Hospital president and CEO. "We also want to be at the forefront of providing the latest, state-of-the-art technology to our patients. These two healthcare venues are primarily designed for patients who seek quality cosmetic and gynecological services."
"People don’t need to go out of the country to seek expensive laser treatments because Asian Hospital has been updating its services to keep up with global, cutting-edge laser and light technology," says, Dr. Filomena Legarda, Dermatology Department chairman.
So expect this derma center to have the latest machines like the LV and WR Polaris, which are used to treat wrinkles, damaged skin, varicose veins, and acne scars. With its revolutionary electro-optical synergy, the Polaris WR tightens the skin, making it more supple and, of course, younger. It also rejuvenates dark, sun-damaged skin for a clear and luminous complexion.
To remove unsightly hair, the Light Sheer Diode Laser will be used to permanently reduce hair growth for most skin tones and hair types in unwanted areas such as the upper lip, abdomen, underarms, legs, or the bikini area.
"It is important to choose a good doctor and not because of celebrity endorsers," says Dr. Gio Dimayuga, noting that laser hair removal treatments usually burn the skin. "At Asian Hospital, the laser machine we use is suitable for Asian skin. So the risk of burning is reduced."
The great thing about this hair reduction treatment is that not only is it cheap and effective, it is almost painless. The most popular areas for this are the upper lip (P2,400 per session) and armpits (P3,800 per session), which should be done after two months, up to six times.
For various skin problems such as vitiligo, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema, Daavlin phototherapy, the ultraviolet box with UVA and UVB, will clear those stubborn skin conditions away. So, everything is cost-efficient yet effective, and done under skilled doctors accredited with the seal of excellence by the Philippine Dermatological Society.
"Asian Hospital envisioned a place where women can avail themsevles of health services and educate them to make the right choice," says, Dr. Maria Theresa Tangkeko-Lopez, chairman of the Department of Ob-Gynecology.
Thus, the birth of the Center for Women’s Health, a one-stop outpatient clinic offering services from physical checkups to STD and DNA testing, gynecologic screening, and diagnosis of pre-cancerous lesions.
Plus, it also conducts counseling sessions for women with gynecology concerns and general health matters. Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave asserts, "We want to focus on educating women and helping them be fit and healthy in a holistic way."
The most advanced equipment to grace the Philippine shores is the GE Voluson 730 Expert BT ’05 ultrasound machine, which is the first in Southeast Asia featuring real-time 3-D/4-D technology.
"This machine is the window to your baby’s world," enthuses Dr. Michael Angelo Sales Diaz. "Asian Hospital keeps a close watch on the needs of the mother, showing the proper development of the baby with great care."
The 3D/4D ultrasound machine is like a digital and video camera, which shows how the baby stretches, kicks, yawns, sucks thumb, and even smiles. Aww, how cute!
With just P4,200, you get a hard copy of your baby’s picture, CD, report, and five to 10 minutes of video. Who ever said pregnancy isn’t fun? Now, expectant mothers can expect to keep a treasure-trove of memories even before their babies are born. There’s another great thing about the Center for Women’s Health.
"This new center is part of Asian Hospital’s big effort to offer complete medical package especially to Filipino women. The center primarily considers the early detection and diagnosis of cervical and uterine cancer. Early detection means immediate treatment and higher survival from the disease," says Dr. Tangkeko-Lopez.
Women can now know and learn everything they need to know about health and avail themselves of these services with the highest quality and standards in a world-class environment.
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