The Filipino Journal: Vol 20, No 11 p 25
June 4-20 2006 issue
Kumusta kayo, mga kababayan! It feels good to greet you in Tagalog. I’d like to introduce this column and myself. My name is Denise Marie Koh, and I am a physician here in Winnipeg. I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan of Filipino parents after they took up citizenship here in the 70s. Although my family has left the Philippines, the Philippines is still very much in us. Throughout my life, my family has always been actively involved with the Filipino community at many levels—in the social, religious, and creative/artistic spheres, to name a few. From a young age, I have continually been encouraged to be proactive and speak out on issues close to home. In Regina, as a Filipinas Youth Group Ambassador, I was involved with Philippine Folk dancing and the language school. When I moved to Winnipeg in 2003 to continue my medical training, my journey to understanding my roots kicked into high gear. Since my move, I’ve had an opportunity not only to plug into the culturally rich Filipino network and eat a lot more pancit, lumpia, and other goodies, but I have also gotten to work closely with many Filipinos. I got a good look at the health issues affecting our people, having seen and treated Filipino patients at the hospitals and outpatient clinics. I’ve noticed recurring themes in my medical practice, especially among the Filipino patient population. This was reinforced greatly by my medical mission to Catanduanes in January, 2005.
What an eye-opener. When the majority of the hundreds of patients I saw requested vitamins, I learned of a serious problem that makes my stomach turn. In this day and age, no one should suffer malnutrition. Ever. On top of limited essentials such as running water and electricity, I noticed a major lack of health care services and medications, and saw the problems inherent in this health care system, particularly compounded in rural areas. I learned only too well that the people who need the health resources the most in our and many communities, get the least by way of limited access, communication difficulties, and cultural barriers. This socio-cultural isolation is self-perpetuating—the perfect catch 22. I have seen certain illnesses and health issues that are common to our kababayan, and at the suggestions of some patients, I’d like to address those problems as a service to you. It is one of my life missions to educate and help Filipinos understand about their health and make a positive impact on their collective wellbeing. Simply put, I know I can help Filipinos lead a healthy and healthful lifestyle, and I am hoping to use this forum to do so. I plan to discuss such issues as gout, diabetes, sexual health, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, musculoskeletal injuries, drugs and alcohol, depression, nutritional supplements, common medications, and laboratory tests. A Q & A format would be most useful, and would ensure the column is tailored to what you, the readers, want. Despite my busy schedule, I am doing this with no expectation of remuneration (I'm not kidding, Tita Linda!). So please, feel free to ask me any health or medical questions—if I can’t answer you, I will find the right sources who can. Alagaan ninyo ang katawan at kalusugan ninyo! Take care, and mind your health!
written ~5/31/06
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