Novartis, PSH launch photo contest on hypertension, diabetes prevention

MANILA, Philippines -  Research-based health care company Novartis and its partner stakeholders have launched the “Picture of Health: Photo Contest on Healthy Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar” to generate greater public awareness on the importance of preventing and controlling hypertension and diabetes. 

In partnership with the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH), Philippine Heart Association (PHA), Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), Philippine Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism (PSEM), and Department of Health (DOH), Novartis Healthcare Philippines launched the innovative photo contest as part of the 2011 World Hypertension Day (WHD) commemoration last May 17.

This year’s WHD theme was “Know your numbers and target your blood pressure.”

The photo contest is open to Filipinos and local residents aged 18 and above. Participants must fill out and submit an online entry form by logging on to the Novartis Philippines website www.novartis.com.ph, Picture of Health Facebook Fan page www.facebook.com/WHDpictureofhealth.photocontest and Twitter account www.twitter.com/WHDpicofhealth.

Photo entries can be taken by a mobile phone camera, SLR/DSLR camera, or digital “point and shoot” camera. They should creatively answer the question: “What can I do to reach and maintain my target blood pressure below 140/90 and blood sugar level below 100 mg/dl?” A short caption (less than 100 words) should accompany the photo.

Photo entries may be submitted through e-mail to [email protected], regular mail, or special courier to Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Salcedo corner Gamboa Sts., Legaspi Village, Makati City 1229. The contest period will be from May 17 to July 18.

Deadline for submission of entries will be midnight of June 18. Key criteria for judging are: creativity (25 percent), composition/overall impact (25 percent), relevance (25 percent) and photo caption (25 percent).

The panel of judges will be composed of the presidents/heads of PSH, PHA, PSN, and PSEM, a DOH representative, and key Novartis officials.

The first prize winner will receive P30,000 while the second and third prize winners will receive P15,000 and P10,000, respectively.

“We laud Novartis, PSH and partner medical societies for supporting the DOH’s healthy lifestyle campaign through this innovative photo contest,” said Health Secretary Enrique Ona.

“A healthy lifestyle includes eating a low-fat, low-salt diet rich in vegetables and fruits, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining optimal weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol intake,” Ona said.

“This year’s WHD theme — ‘Know your numbers and target your blood pressure’ — is very relevant in light of the alarming number of Filipinos with hypertension. We hope that this photo contest will help increase awareness on how to maintain optimal blood pressure and blood sugar levels,” said PSH president Dr. Dante Morales.

“Uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes can cause serious complications such as kidney disease, heart attack and stroke. So prevention and appropriate management of both conditions is critical,” said PHA president Dr. Eleanor Lopez.

“Results of a study conducted by the PHA on blood pressure control in the Philippines showed that BP control rate is only at 20 percent. Eight out of 10 hypertensive Filipinos do not have their condition under control. It is imperative to determine the reasons for these alarming statistics so that we can create a program to address this public health concern,” urged Dr. Eugene Reyes, scientific chairman of the PHA’s 42nd annual convention.

“Hypertension and diabetes are closely linked, and many patients with diabetes develop hypertension. Filipinos must take a more proactive role in caring for their health by going for regular blood pressure monitoring and periodic blood sugar testing, particularly for individuals at high risk for diabetes,” said PSEM immediate past president Dr. Leilani Mercado-Asis.

PSN immediate past president Dr. Benjamin Balmores Jr. agreed, saying, “Early detection of hypertension and diabetes is crucial because it enables initiation of appropriate treatment thereby preventing serious complications.”

“We are privileged to work with our partners in promoting a healthy lifestyle among Filipinos,” said Dr. Thomas Lameris, mass market and primary care head of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

“We have scheduled blood pressure screening activities in selected sites nationwide to support the 2011 WHD commemoration,” said Nilda Enguerra, CVM franchise head of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

“This photo contest is part of the Novartis Kaagapay program, which aims to enhance patient care and access to effective treatments. Aside from this photo contest, Novartis and its partners are implementing other innovative advocacy initiatives that promote hypertension prevention and control,” said Christine Liwanag, corporate affairs and market access director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

In 2009, Novartis Philippines and the DOH forged a groundbreaking public-private sector partnership called the DOH-Valsartan Access Program that provides low-income Filipinos with access to an effective and affordable anti-hypertension medicine.