#PHDigicon2022: “When I think about BOUNDLESS, I think that’s Magic Johnson!”

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After two years of holding the country’s most prestigious and one of the most sought-after thought leadership events in the Asia-Pacific Region virtually, PLDT Enterprise held the Philippine Digital Convention (PH Digicon) last October 27-28, 2022, face-to-face at the Marriott Grand Ballroom with a simultaneous broadcast online.

Highlighting the 2-day convention was the live interview with the legendary basketball icon Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson who strongly relates to the PH Digicon 2022 theme of BOUNDLESS. Hosted by PLDT Group Corporate Communications Head, Cathy Yap-Yang, Johnson fondly shares, “When I think about Boundless, I think that’s Magic Johnson!”



Raising awareness

In 1991, Johnson officially retired from his basketball career following the announcement of his diagnosis with HIV. In the same year, he founded the Magic Johnson Foundation, one of the most recognizable philanthropic organizations around the world today, which serves as a single-disease organization that works to raise funds for community-based organizations dealing with HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs.

Looking back, Johnson recalls the stigma and discrimination that used to rule the disease and how people talked in “hushed voices”. Now, people can openly talk about and discuss HIV/AIDS–all in the name of raising awareness of the disease.

Johnson’s ‘retirement’ didn’t hold him back to do what he loves most when he came back to play in the 1992 All-Star Game and won the All-Star MVP Award. He was also a part of the ‘Dream Team’ that won the Olympic gold medal in Barcelona during the 1992 Olympics.

“When I look at our team and our achievements, we changed the world when it comes to the NBA and when it came to basketball,” he says. “What we were able to accomplish in Barcelona, the way that the world accepted us, we’ve never seen anything like it. We won the gold medal, but we changed the game of basketball around the world forever. And I am happy to be part of that.”



Raising the next generation of entrepreneurs

Johnson is also the founder and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises, a global empire with a wide range of business endeavors that range from sports ownership, food service, to media and entertainment. He may have come a long way from bringing coffee shops and cinemas into Urban America, but he remains committed to his mission of creating jobs and opportunities for minorities and women-owned firms. When asked about retirement, the NBA Hall of Famer laughingly replied, “I am not built to slow down. I am a worker; I love to work, [and I bring] passion to my job every day.”

To prepare the next generation of dreamers and entrepreneurs, the NBA Hall of Famer, businessman, and philanthropist advised them about having a positive attitude despite setbacks, the importance of believing in one’s self, and having mentors–a role that he continues to play for many businesses, athletes, and his fans.

“My life is boundless. When I think of my journey, that’s the word I would use. I did everything that was not supposed to be done. When I think about boundless, I think that’s Magic Johnson! I was the first to go through a lot of doors, a man of color. Trust me, you can do it. Everybody out there, you can do it, you can have it, you can go do it, it’s all up to you.”

30 years later, after countless successful ventures, he shared, “Today, Magic’s court is the business world.”

Maintenance Medications 101: What They Are and How Do You Take Them Safely

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There are many types of medicines, based on a variety of factors. For example, if you base it on preparations, there are liquids, tablets, capsules, drops, and injections, among many others.

There are also over-the-counter or OTC medicines and prescription medicines. The former could be bought anytime, anywhere—you can even buy medicine online if you prefer this method of purchase. They are used to treat a variety of symptoms and minor illnesses. The latter, on the other hand, requires a valid prescription from a medical practitioner. You can also buy prescription medicines online; however, do note that not all online drugstores may have the facility to accept and verify digitally submitted prescriptions.

There are also medications issued based on whether the disease is acute or chronic. An acute disease or illness lasts for only a short while and can be treated with either OTC or prescription. Meanwhile, a chronic disease is a lifetime one with symptoms that are usually exclusively treated with prescription medications.

 

What Are Maintenance Medications?

The general term for medicines prescribed for chronic diseases is “maintenance.” This is because they are used to maintain the person’s health, while dealing with the symptoms of the illness. All maintenance medications are taken regularly, usually multiple times a day. However, there are also certain maintenance medications that may be reduced in frequency and dosage over time.

Most maintenance medications come in the form of tablets or capsules, although there are also a variety of preparations depending on the disease. For example, those living with asthma are usually given a corticosteroid inhaler.

Do note that there are both branded and generic maintenance medications. If you want to save a bit of money, you can opt for the latter. That said, some maintenance medications aren’t available as generics; if there are any issues with availability, make sure to ask your doctor about your options before buying any alternatives.

What Are Some of the Most Common Chronic Diseases or Health Conditions?

There are, sadly, plenty of chronic diseases. Even worse, there are times when two or more of these diseases can occur in one person.

Some of the most common chronic diseases that require treatment include:

● Alzheimer’s disease

● Acid reflux, ulcer, GERD, and similar gastric conditions

● Arthritis

● Asthma

● Allergies

● Depression

● Diabetes

● Fibromyalgia

● Gout

● Hypertension

● High cholesterol

● Immune disorders

● Parkinson’s disease

● Seizure disorders

How Do You Take Maintenance Medications Safely and Ensure Their Effectiveness?

As previously mentioned, maintenance medications are taken regularly. To make sure that they work as intended, you must follow the schedule prescribed by your doctor. You must also follow the correct dosage and administration method. If the instructions say the tablet must not be broken and must be allowed to dissolve on the tongue, do so. In case things are unclear, don’t be afraid to ask for clarifications from your doctor or the pharmacist.

Another important thing about maintenance medications is that you shouldn’t stop taking them abruptly or change the dose. Some drugs don’t have a discontinuation schedule, but most require tapering. So, before making any changes, talk to your doctor immediately so they can make adjustments to your prescription.

Here are other reminders to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your maintenance medications:

Take Your Medicine at the Same Time Each Day

If your doctor doesn’t give you any strict instructions as to when to take your medication, it’s best to take it at the same time each day so you don’t forget about it. Tie it with a habit, say after you wash your face in the morning or before you go to bed. This way, you’ll establish a routine that’s easy to follow.

In case you want to schedule your medication during mealtimes, make sure to check if the medicine should be taken on an empty or full stomach.

 

Use a Pill Container

It can be difficult to keep track of multiple maintenance medications. To help you stay organized, try using a pill container with compartments. Then, label each compartment with the day and time that you have to take the medicines.

Note that it’s not advisable to use pill containers for a large batch of medications, as this can compromise quality and stability. To avoid such a scenario, transfer only a few pills at a time to the container. In addition, make sure that your hands are clean and dry when making the transfer; wear sterile latex gloves if you must.

 

Use Visual Reminders

If you’re the type to need a reminder to take medications, try using visual cues like sticky notes. Place these in conspicuous places, such as the refrigerator door. Use bright colors and big letters so your reminders really grab your attention.

 

Keep Your Medications in Your Carry-On Luggage

For those who have to travel by plane, make sure to bring your medications with you in your carry-on luggage. This is important for a few reasons. First, you need access to your medications so you can take them on schedule. Second, a commercial plane’s cargo hold isn’t the most ideal environment to store medicines. Third, there’s always a risk that your luggage will be lost.

Aside from your medications, you should also bring a copy of your prescription with you. It’s also helpful to have a doctor’s note explaining what your medicines are and why you need them.

Medicines are effective ways to treat symptoms and ensure your good health even if you have a long-term condition. However, you need to use them properly in order to achieve their desired effects. Keep in mind the tips above and, when in doubt, consult your doctor.

Five Pinoys receive Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellowship in Public Service

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Five Filipinos were recently inducted into Singapore’s highest and most prestigious program, the Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellows in Public Service (LKYSF). The highly selective program only chooses a limited handful of Senior Fellows each year. Of the 56 leaders from across the world chosen for the Class of 2022, only five hailed from the Philippines – a testament both to the rigorous selection process as well as to the high caliber of the Senior Fellows themselves.

The LKYSF was developed and taught by world-renowned academicians and practitioners, exploring key issues of the decade and significant trends as well as critical insights into upcoming opportunities and challenges. It is tailored to senior-level leaders in public, private, and non-profit sectors, the rigorous curriculum works to develop the leadership and governance competencies of its Senior Fellows.

The Philippines was proudly represented by Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute President and Chairman Glenn Banaguas; Department of Information and Communications Technology Cybersecurity Bureau Director Maria Victoria Castro; Department of Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven; Securities and Exchange Commissioner Kelvin Lester Lee; and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce.

Collectively, the Philippine fellows represent many years of public service expertise across a variety of disciplines and vital sectors.

Banaguas is a distinguished scientist and science diplomat, and one of the leading experts in environment, climate change, and disaster risk in Asia. He is also the Chairman of the ASEAN Science Diplomats and the US-ASEAN Fellows for Science and Technology, and the Climate Diplomat of the EU-Asia Expert Panel for Climate Diplomacy and Environmental Security. He is currently an Executive Fellow of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy in Switzerland and concurrently serves as an adviser and consultant for the United Nations. Banaguas is a United Nations Sasakawa and The Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL) Laureate, as well as an Asia Leaders for Sustainability awardee.

Dir. Castro has been with the government for more than 25 years. She is the Head of the Cybersecurity Bureau of the Department of Information and Communications Technology and former Undersecretary of the Department. Prior to joining the DICT, she was with the National Security Council (NSC), where she handled matters of national significance. She has done public policy research in the area of crisis management and is an expert in the fields of food security, health security, non-proliferation, disaster management and monitoring, and most on-systems integration.

Atty. Joven is the Undersecretary for the International Finance Group of the Department of Finance. A CPA Board topnotcher, his services are highly sought-after in the areas of estate planning, corporate reorganizations, cross-border transactions, and tax advocacy. As a faculty member of the University of the Philippines College of Law, he has taught Wills and Estates, Income Taxation, Business Taxation, Credit Transactions, and Financial Accounting. He is licensed to practice law in the Philippines and the State of New York.

Atty. Lee is the Supervising Commissioner of the Markets and Securities Regulation Department and the Information and Communications Technology Department. He spearheaded the establishment of the International Affairs and Protocol Division and PhiliFintech Innovation Office of the Commission. He is a Philippine Representative to the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) and other international organizations. Prior to joining the Commission, Atty. Lee was an Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Executive Secretary, Office of the President (OP).

Atty. Ponce is presently the Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs. As the Legal Adviser of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations (UN) in New York, she commenced her work as Vice-Chairperson of the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee in 2018. Ponce is also in charge of the Philippines-Vietnam Joint Permanent Working Group on Maritime and Ocean Concerns, which focuses on marine scientific research and marine environment protection, and capacity-building activities among maritime agencies and institutions in the Philippines and Vietnam.

Following the completion of the Senior Fellow Programme, they have since returned to the country and are currently making plans for their respective organizations for the coming year.

Photo Caption 

1st row (Left to Right): Maria Victoria Castro (DICT), Glenn Banaguas (ECCRI), Maria Angela Ponce (DFA)

2nd row (Left to Right): Kevin Lester Lee (SEC) and Mark Dennis Joven (DOF)

Courtesy of: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore