Honey, it's cold outside!

This photo describes how I feel about the cold weather in Europe.  Everywhere I go, I need to bundle up with everything covered and protected from the cold.

International Hospital Federation (IHF2023) Trip

We left Cebu on October 19, 2023 to head for Lisbon, Portugal to represent our hospital to receive an award from the IHF2023.  Considering that we are travelling at our own expense during our vacation leave, we decided to make a revenge European tour out of it.  With Atty Rey Cris Panugaling as our main travel agent and tourist guide, we look forward to an exciting amazing race traveling to 10 coutries in 15 days.

I start blogging about this now because I'vd been exhausted walking more than 20,000 steps a day just to keep up with the boys.  I'm so glad that Dr Reynette Ligaray is with us this time.

The highlight of our stay in Portugal so far was the visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima.  I prayed for everyone. I prayed for peace.

Crying Lady

I am saving this ugly crying photo of me to remind myself that there are days you just need to let it out and grieve.  Give yourself five minutes at most, then pick yourself up and move forward.

The Benefits of Travel

This chat is inspired by our upcoming travel to Europe to receive an award for our hospital from the International Hospital Federation, this time in Lisbon, Portugal.  We hope to maximize our trip to see as many countries within the Schengen area as possible.

Our first trip to Europe in 2021 to Barcelona, Spain was memorable considering its was still during the time of COVID19 pandemic.  Overthinking begot anxiety and anxiety increased stress levels.

I've also seen a lot of photos and Tiktok videos of OBGYN colleagues in Paris, France attending the FIGO where our very own Dr Lourdes Capito is awarded as Hero Outstanding Obstetrician-Gynecologist, representing the Philippines!

Our Department of Health Bureau of International Health Cooperation issued guidelines on international engagements of government healthcare workers.

I tried asking ChatGPT for the first time regarding the benefits of travel and here is an enumeration:

1.  Broadens your perspective: Travel exposes you to different cultures, people, and ways of life, helping you gain a broader understanding of the world. It challenges your assumptions and opens your mind to new ideas and experiences.

2.  Enhances cultural awareness: Through travel, you have the opportunity to experience and appreciate various customs, traditions, and lifestyles. This helps foster cultural sensitivity and understanding, making you more tolerant and respectful towards other cultures.

3.  Personal growth: Travel pushes you out of your comfort zone and encourages personal growth. It challenges you to adapt to new situations, problem-solve, and become more independent and self-reliant.

4.  Creates lifelong memories: Traveling allows you to create unforgettable memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. From witnessing breathtaking landscapes to engaging in unique activities, these moments become cherished stories that you can share with others.

5.  Expands your network: Travel provides the opportunity to meet people from different walks of life. Whether it's fellow travelers, locals, or expats, you can build meaningful connections and create a diverse network that may offer future friendship, collaboration, or support.

6.  Boosts mental health: Traveling can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. It provides a break from routine, offers new experiences, and promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.

7.  Promotes self-discovery: When you travel, you have the chance to reflect on your own values, beliefs, and desires. It allows for self-reflection and self-discovery, enabling you to better understand yourself and your place in the world.

8.  Enhances language and communication skills: Traveling to different countries exposes you to different languages and dialects. This immersion can improve your language skills and help you become a more effective communicator.

9.  Encourages lifelong learning: Traveling is a continuous learning experience. You learn about history, art, architecture, cuisine, and various other subjects. It keeps your mind active and curious, promoting a love for learning.

10.  Provides opportunities for adventure and exploration: Traveling allows you to embark on exciting adventures and explore new places. Whether it's hiking through scenic trails, diving into the ocean, or visiting historical landmarks, travel offers a range of thrilling experiences.

Join us tonight at 9PM MLA time on #HealthXPH to discuss the benefits of TRAVEL:

T1.  Share about your latest travel experience.

T2.  What impact did travel have in your life?

T3.  Where would you like to travel to next, and why?

CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION

Mental health has received a lot of support worldwide especially with isolation and anxiety brought on by the COVID19 pandemic.  In our country, there is a Philippine Mental Health Law to promote programs that support mental health and protect the rights of people suffering from mental illness.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual event observed on September 10th.  It was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Creating Hope Through Action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021-2023. This theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention.

During our institutional SOTTO LIVE Productions on facebook, The Side Notes VSMMC Documentaries episode on suicide prevention, on survivor shared her experiences with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation with a spiritual approach to salvation.  

One practical advice she mentioned is to simply ask people how they are doing, because one key message is that "we are not alone".  There is no shame in asking for help and there is an alternative to suicide.

Join us tonight at 9PM MLA time on #HealthXPH to discuss CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION:

T1.  What challenges did you face this week?  How are you today?

T2.  Share an experience of seriously talking with someone about your troubles, feelings and emotions.

T3.  What resources are available in your locality for suicide prevention and crisis intervention?

Social Media Management for Hospitals

Does your hospital have a social media presence?

I remember a time when the image of our hospital was that of "the hospital of last resort" for patients in life-threatening conditions when more often than not, doctors could not longer do anything because the patients are referred too late... I've heard of monikers like "The Mona Lisa Hospital" because they lie there and they die there.  However it was the COVID-19 pandemic that accelerated the hospital's social media presence due to daily updates on patient census and the emphasis on quality data management as well as transparency and accountability.

Creating a social media account for the hospital is both a privilege and a great responsibility.

When our hospital first created an official Facebook account in 2018, people were always posting their complaints and even wishing that the government close down the hospital.  However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we need to do what we can to intensify public information dissemination and to use what we have.  So we started Facebook Live sessions, and The Sotto Live Productions was born with its first ever broadcast on March 25, 2020 hosted by Dr Helen Madamba and Atty Rey Cris Panugaling with our very first guest Dr Van Philipp Baton from the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development, discussing responsible social media use.  Initially planning to conduct these sessions once a week, there was pressure to provide updates on a daily basis.

Later on, the hospital hired designated communications team to manage internal and external communication of the hospital.  It put pressure on data managers to ensure quality and accuracy in the information posted on social media accounts of the hospital.  It allowed the patients and stakeholders to peek into the hospital activities and to be more aware of the real situation on the ground to adjust their behaviors appropriately, but it also allowed supporters to provide feedback to the hospital for areas for improvement.

T1.  Do you think hospitals should have a social media presence?  Why or why not?

Social media has a lot of benefits connecting patients and their healthcare workers together despite geographic barriers and quarantine issues during the pandemic.  Patients are able to join virtual communities, consult with their healthcare providers and even participate in research.  Healthcare workers use social media to promote patient health care education.

T2.  What are the risks and benefits of hospital social media accounts?

#HealthXPH has always promoted healthcare providers to have a social media presence and advocated for hospitals to develop their own social media policies.  Dr Iris Isip-Tan helped author the social media policy for their hospital, but for those who also want to do the same, this needs to be adapted and approved by the hospital administration, disseminated to the entire staff with corresponding penalties for violations.

T3.  What tips can you give for social media management of hospitals?

Join us tonight on #HealthXPH at 9PM MLA time to discuss about social media management for hospitals!

Hello and Goodbye

Hellos and goodbyes are part of life.  People are part of your life for a reason, for a season and for a lifetime.

He was part of my life for a reason: to teach me not to be too trusting, and to be objective about giving instructions and being transparent about work outputs.

They are part of my life for a season, there to learn from one another, borne out of need not unsatisfied but there comes a point for farewells because we need to follow our heart's desires and go where God leads...

Those who stay are there for a lifetime, to provide comfort, to witness one's life journey and to share the milestones.