Two gatherings that are worth noting this week are the Philippine Neurological Association (PNA) 38th annual convention at the Hotel Novotel Manila, Araneta Center, on Nov. 16-19 and the Women In Armour event at Kerry Sports in the Fort Shangri-La Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, on Nov. 19.
Both are about empowerment and in today’s modern world, that’s the name of the game. Fence-sitting isn’t an option when you’re confronted with issues that need to be resolved. You take a stand and make your position known. You are empowered with the mind to dissect and analyze, to make things happen and to improve your status in life. Nobody wants to get left behind in the race to progress.
In the PNA convention, the theme is “Enriching Knowledge, Enhancing Skills and Empowering the Filipino Neurologist.” Personally, I’ve become closely attached to the Department of Neurosciences at the Makati Medical Center for the care that it provides patients. In 2010, the department chair Dr. Regina Macalintal-Canlas played a key role in organizing a two-day seminar on “Boxing and the Brain” with the UP-PGH Department of Neurosciences and the American Association of Professional Ringside Physicians as lead convenors. Pro football Hall of Famer Carl Eller spoke at the seminar on the incidence of brain injuries among athletes on the grid. Boxing coach Freddie Roach, who has coped with Parkinson’s disease for nearly 30 years, recently paid a visit to the Makati Medical Center to confer with neurologists on the work that they do and the treatment of those similarly afflicted.
Because athletes may suffer brain damage in the course of their engagement in sports, particularly those in the contact category like boxing, mixed martial arts, wrestling, rugby and American football, I’ve taken a special interest in neurology. And with Dr. Canlas’ interest in sports, I’ve found a close ally in promoting the work of neurologists in treating athletes.
For the convention that opens tomorrow, the keynote speaker is Dr. Carlos Chua who also spoke at the “Boxing and the Brain” seminar. Dr. Jun-ichi Kira will deliver the Gilberto Gamez Memorial lecture on “Neuromyelitis Optica and Longitudinally Extensive Spinal Cord Lesions” while Health Secretary Dr. Paulyn Jean Ubial will close the event with an inspirational talk. This year’s overall convention chair is Dr. Romulo Esagunde. The Scientific Program Committee, headed by Dr. Rosalina Picar, has prepared an agenda in line with the theme to relate to everyday practice.
PNA president Dr. Arnold Pineda said among the topics to be discussed are Clinical Neurophysiology, Stroke Thrombosis, Implications of Updates in MS Pathophysiology in Clinical Practice, Neuro Immunology, Stroke: State of the Nation, Telemedicine In the Here and Now, Stroke Units: Not Just for the Big Hospitals Anymore, Autoimmune Encephalitis, Febrile Infection Related Epilepsy, Neuropsychology and Brain Imaging in the Early Detection of Dementia, Differential Diagnosis of Non-AD Dementia, Sleep: Basics and More, Sleep Apnea: The Hidden Enemy, Narcolepsy Revisited: Diagnosis and Treatment, New Challenges for the Neurologist: Incapacitating Biological Weapons and Toxins, Review of the Pathophysiologic Mechanisms and Management of Headaches, Brain Dead Criteria and Myoclonus: Etiology, Pathophysiology and Therapy.
Registration rates are for PNA fellows, P2,500, for consultants, P3,000, for allied professionals, P2,000 and for government doctors, residents and students, P1,500. For details, please contact the PNA Secretariat at 09215052243 or 7232102 or via email at philneuro@gmail.com.
The Women in Armour event will be from 2 to 5 p.m. this Saturday with fitness activities and talks by celebrity ambassadors in the program. It’s an assembly of “Women of Will” and a integral part of the Under Armour Women: Empowering Other Women campaign. For details on how to join the activity, check out the site ilovebdj.com.
Among Under Armour’s women endorsers are Canadian hunter Eva Shockey, ballet dancer Misty Copeland, professional golfer Alison Lee, World No. 25 female tennis singles player Sloane Stephens, soccer’s Kelley O’Hara, alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn, Brazilian fashion model and actress Gisele Bundchen, pro surfer Brianna Cope and sprinter Natasha Hastings.
Last Oct. 29, Under Armour – the brand endorsed by Golden State’s Steph Curry and NLEX’s Asi Taulava – staged an event to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through proper education and a healthy lifestyle. Under Armour affiliate trainer Kat Geronimo, fondly called “Mama Kat,” conducted a health fitness symposium that highlighted intense circuit training.
“Mama Kat” is a popular celebrity fitness mentor whose cast of clients includes Marian Rivera, Danica Sotto Pingris, Melissa Ricks, Megan Young, Bettina Carlos, Anne Curtis and Jessy Mendiola. A special guest at the gathering was Mendiola, recently hailed as the Sexiest Woman in the Philippines by FHM. Mendiola, 23, is known for her active lifestyle and her workout regimen in the gym includes mixed martial arts exercises and calisthenics.
The event also launched Under Armour’s highly-regarded ArmourCrossback Bra, which is tailor-fit for females with a dynamic everyday routine. The ArmourCrossback Bra has the super-smooth, double-layer HeatGear fabric that delivers superior next-to-skin feel as well as the Signature Moisture Transport System that wicks sweat to keep the user dry and light. The ArmourCrossback Bra’s introduction in the market coincides with the brand’s drive to empower women into playing a larger role in society.