UP-PGH Division of Rheumatology Holds Month-long Celebration of World Arthritis Day
Text and Photo by Dr. Evelyn O. Salido, Dr. Janella Marice B. Acebu, and Dr. Beatrice A. Layog
The annual World Arthritis Day, celebrated across countries, raises awareness of the burden of arthritis, which affects people worldwide. The 2024 theme, “Informed Choices, Better Outcomes,” emphasizes the need to make evidence-based health decisions in a digital era where health education is potentially challenged by rampant false or misleading information. Joining this global initiative, the UP–PGH Division of Rheumatology curated a month-long line-up of events to inform the lay and healthcare workers about common rheumatic conditions and dispel myths about them.
The first in the series of activities was a Professorial Chair lecture by Dr. Evelyn Salido, division chair of Rheumatology, on the impact of low disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where he discussed the status of lupus in the country, strategies to achieve low disease activity, and its significance in improving the quality of life for patients with lupus.
For the 21st Lourdes Manahan Lecture on Rheumatology (LMLR) on October 8, a webinar was conducted by Dr. Auxencio Lucero, Jr., president of the Philippine Rheumatology Association, where he gave pointers on how to enable a comfortable life for persons with osteoarthritis. It was moderated by Dr. James Barte, Division faculty, and was attended by more than 400 attendees.
The centerpiece of a bone and joint statue created by Dr. Beatrice Layog, a rheumatology fellow, served as the centerpiece in an exhibit of infographics and visual abstracts at the PGH elevator lobby. The posters showcased must-knows for the general public about the common types of arthritis, such as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other rheumatic diseases like lupus and osteoporosis. It likewise featured the Osteoarthritis Multidisciplinary Clinic (OAMDC), conducted twice a month, and other services offered by the division. Division Chief Dr. Evelyn Salido, UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee, and PGH Director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi delivered inspiring remarks during the opening. Dr. Heizel Manapat-Reyes, UP Manila vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. John Añonuevo, chair of the Department of Medicine; and consultants and fellows of the Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology divisions graced the occasion. A looped video on osteoporosis do’s and don’ts and giveaway booklets about arthritis in Tagalog and Bisaya completed this educational display.
Closing the month-long celebration was a lay forum and pneumococcal vaccination drive for patients with lupus and arthritis. Dr. Evelyn Salido, in her opening remarks, discussed the importance of vaccination in patients with chronic rheumatic diseases. Dr. Yvonne Bernabe, a second year rheumatology fellow, led a dancercise to the tune of “Pantropiko” to show the need to move the joints to keep them healthy. Chief Fellow Dr. Janella Acebu delivered the key lecture on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where she explained AMR, its harmful effects, and prevention. UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee delivered the inspirational remarks.
This initiative was made possible through the efforts of the organizers led by Dr. Evelyn Salido, Dr. Geraldine Zamora, Dr. James Barte, Dr. Janella Acebu, and the rest of the team from the Division of Rheumatology: Dr. Anna Francesca Mulles, Dr. Nicollete Castillo, Dr. Carmela Pragados-Tandog, Dr. Jon Antigua, Dr. Yvonne Bernabe, Dr. Beatrice Layog, Dr. Eladio Anino, and Ms. Jonalyn Pacle. Supporting the team were the consultants of the division: Chancellor Michael Tee, Vice Chancellor Heizel Reyes, Dr. Angeline Santiago, Dr. Juan Rafael Gonzales, Dr. Eric Amante, Dr. Paulo Lorenzo, and Dr. Ester Penserga.
