30th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week celebrations led by College of PT

Last July 14 – 18, 2008 was a weekful of activities for the University as the College of Physical Therapy together with the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine – College of Medicine spearheaded the annual celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

The week was opened on Monday, July 14, 2008 with two inspirational guests, Ret. Col. Augusto Flores and Ms. Adeline Dumapong, both of Akapinoy. Ms. Dumapong, it should be noted, is a noted power lifter, a prodigy in athletics, who netted many national and international championships including a bronze medal in the last Paralympics. She will be representing the country in this year’s Paralympics in September 2008.

This year the theme, “Kapag May Access, May Success” is a reminder of the continuing need for the people to be aware of the importance of opportunities and what they mean especially for people with disabilities (PWDs).

Led by the drive of former College Secretary Dr. Josephine R. Bundoc, the activities of the week included lay forums, free medical services, Hataw Exercises and a symposium featuring foreign speakers.

Lay forums focused on two conditions that are frequently confused together. Dr. Geoffrey Battad of the UERM Department of Rehabilitation Medicine talked about osteoarthritis and its treatment. Dr. Laura Yumul of Villamor Air Base educated the people about the myths and facts of osteoporosis. She especially touched on its significance to postmenopausal women.

Together with various pharmaceutical companies, the College sponsored various free medical services, like Free ECG, FBS Screening, and in line with the Osteoporosis talk, an Osteoporosis Bone Screening.

Together with the correspondence of Ms. Roma Concepcion Verano (PT’02), Fitness First Fairview led two days of promoting a healthy lifestyle through exercise. GX Team Elite guided young beautiful people through rigorous routines of body jam, aero groove and aero combat, as done in Fitness First.

As a highlight of the week, two speakers from abroad were featured. Dr. Thomas Alexander Hale, Rehab Physician from Royal Melbourne Hospital talked about Diabetic Foot Management. He discussed new techniques, protocol and basic principles in treating this condition as performed in their unit in Melbourne. Dr. Gail Grisetti talked about Physical Changes in Adult Filipinos and the Role of the Physical Therapist. The symposium was held at the New College of Nursing Amphitheater.