Lay forums are generally very effective in educating the public on common medical problems such as cardiovascular diseases. The Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases Inc. (FLEHD), headed by renowned cardiologist Dr. Adolfo Bellosillo, has been one of the most active groups that go around the country emphasizing the importance of preventive measures to veer away from heart attacks and strokes, and the major risk factors like diabetes, cholesterol problems, smoking and sedentary lifestyle.
Last December, Dr. Bellosillo and the FLEHD were recognized as a Healthy Lifestyle Exemplar by the H&L (Health & Lifestyle) magazine during its 10th anniversary celebration. Rain or shine, come hell or high waters, Dr. Bellosillo and his colleagues in the FLEHD continue with their well-attended lay forums.
Another colleague told me that even when Dr. Bellosillo was confined for an illness, he requested to be discharged earlier so he could attend to one lay forum in Pasig City. At 78, he never shows any fatigue as he passionately delivers his lectures and generously shares his medical expertise with all those who come to their lay forums.
Since May 4 this year, the FLEHD, in collaboration with the Makati Medical Center Cardiac Rehabilitation and Preventive Cardiology Unit, has been conducting seminars on preventive cardiology for the public every other Saturday. With every session, the attendance got bigger since the attendees brought along their relatives and friends the following week. And as in all activities of the foundation, no registration fees were charged.
Remaining ‘young at heart’
The FLEHD faculty has already tackled the 14 topics in their module on preventing heart diseases. And on Saturday, June 29 (from 1 to 3 p.m.), the participants will be treated to a special type of an educational seminar. The important messages contained in the previous 14 lectures will be interpreted in the form of a 2-hour-and–15-minute show titled “How To Remain Young At Heart: In Words, Music and Dance.” This will be held at the auditorium, Tower 2 of the Makati Medical Center.
Dr. Bellosillo says that the musical has had 52 performances all over the country, including three which were staged in Italy, with music composed by Jeremiah Calisang of the University of the Philippines College of Music, and lyrics and libretto written by Dr. Bellosillo himself.
Highly acclaimed mezzo soprano Janet Sabas Aracama headlines the show along with members of the multi-awarded University of Philippines Concert Chorus, of which she is the conductor. The principal dancers of Liza Macuja’s Ballet Manila will interpret some of the numbers in a choreographed work by Ballet Manila’s assistant artistic director Osias Barroso.
The afternoon repertoire consists of around 34 original songs and dances, and there’s no doubt it’s a novel and very effective way to deliver what could be life-changing health messages. And as always, the FLEHD and organizers will provide the top-quality education and entertainment for free, with no strings attached.
His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle will join hundreds of health enthusiasts for this afternoon of music, dance and learning to help stem the tide of the epidemic of cardiovascular diseases, which remain the top killer in the country.
For those who are interested to join this activity, they may call or text 0918-9175348 to reserve seats.
MDH postgraduate course
Another learning activity, this time for doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals, is the postgraduate course being organized by the Department of Internal Medicine of the Manila Doctors Hospital on June 27-28 at the Hyatt Hotel in Malate, Manila. The two-day course will discuss in-depth common medical dilemmas encountered in out-patient clinical practice.
Dr. Pet Bravo, department chair and vice chair of the organizing committee, says they have invited top specialists in various fields of internal medicine for the course. They will all share practical pointers in handling common dilemmas like extremely painful joint and nerve pains, difficult-to-control hypertension, overlooked cases of abdominal pains, problematic skin rashes, and tough-to-treat coughs that won’t go away.
Those interested to attend may contact Dr. Angeline Bañez at 0917-8945230, 0932-4694980 or 0916-7351167.
Whether one has just been in practice a few years or is already considered a seasoned clinician, the organizers promise all participants practical take-home lessons that they can apply in their clinical practice. Medicine is really such a dynamic and ever-changing field, and doctors should never stop learning.