In line with ongoing awareness campaigns in the fight against cervical cancer, the Belo Medical Group demonstrates its support by making HPV vaccination readily available in all its clinics.

Dr. Victoria Belo’s very own daughter, Cristalle Belo Henares, is the face to the campaign. Cristalle herself is a strong proponent of this cause, and she fully believes that being beautiful inside and out also entails taking care of one’s health. She is confident that the company’s popularity can help take this campaign a step further not only by creating awareness of the dangers of the virus, but also by reducing the number of Filipino women who are at risk of acquiring cervical cancer and other HPV related diseases.

Making HPV vaccination accessible to women

Admittedly, the vaccine is a step away from their core business of beauty. But the typical Belo patient is someone who is as conscious of maintaining her health as well as her looks. Hence, the company believes that by making the HPV vaccine more accessible to its current patient base and other young women, more women could protect themselves against cervical cancer and other diseases related to HPV, such as vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer and genital warts.

Now that awareness of cervical cancer has reached greater heights, and more young women are informed of the need to have themselves vaccinated, the Belo Medical Group is willing to take the next steps in supporting the cause – not just through the prevention of cervical cancer, but also in the treatment of patients who are suffering from this disease.

Belo Medical Group partners with CAREWELL

In partnership with the Cancer Resource and Wellness Community (CAREWELL), every dose administered by the Belo Medical Group translates into actual help to strengthen the campaign. Proceeds go towards the vaccination of young Filipinas and the treatment of indigent members of the Carewell Community with cervical cancer at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.

Taking the first step

Internally, the campaign was launched much earlier this year. Through the initiatives of Merck Sharp and Dohme Philippies, all the employees of the Belo Medical Group attended lay forums for cervical cancer and genital warts conducted by Dr Jennifer Co. In the seminar, she discussed the dangers of the HPV virus and the importance of being vaccinated against it. To pledge their belief in the cause, Belo employees themselves chose to be vaccinated. In its advocacy to help women become beautiful and healthy, the Belo Medical Group is doing its share by involving itself in spreading the knowledge and stopping the virus.

As a testament to their help in supporting the cause, the first fifty patients who avail of this vaccine at each Belo clinic will receive a cranberry colored baller band with the Belo Medical Group logo and the debossed message “I Just Did”.

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How does HPV affect me?

The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 70% of cervical cancer and 99% of genital warts.  HPV can also be a cause for vulvar, vaginal and other types of cancers.

Women in their teens and in their 20s are at a higher risk for HPV, but anyone can still get acquire the virus at any point in their life. It is said that at least 50% of sexually active people will get genital HPV.

Cervical cancer – Am I at risk?

In the Philippines, about 12 women die each day because of cervical cancer.  Globally, cervical cancer is second to breast cancer as the most common cancer in women and is the number three cause of death among women worldwide.

What can I do to protect myself?

Alarming as these figures are, it is good to know that right now, it is already possible to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.  Aside from getting regular Pap tests, vaccination is essential to protect yourself from various strains of the HPV virus.

In its advocacy to help women become beautiful and healthy, the Belo Medical Group is involving itself in spreading the knowledge and stopping the virus.  Belo believes that beauty isn’t just skin deep, it also means having a body that’s clean and healthy, inside and out.

Protect yourself. Protect your future. Get vaccinated at any Belo clinic today.

Visit http://ijustdid.belomed.com.

Call our helpdesk at 819-BELO or e-mail us at info@belomed.com.

To defy age is a mark of lasting beauty. No one knows that better than the Divine Diva, Zsa Zsa Padilla. Along with renowned beauty doctor, Dr. Vicki Belo, who remains ageless herself, Zsa Zsa talks about beating the signs of aging and keeping her skin young and vibrant through the years. Watch them in Salamat Dok this Sunday, July 19, at 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN.

Practically the modern-day “fountain of youth,” the Belo Medical Group offers a wide range of anti-aging treatments: Photogen, which combines radiofrequency and phototherapy for skin hydration, regeneration, tightening and firming; Ulthera, which uses ultrasould technology for effective skin tightening; and Cosmelan, which creates a light peeling effect that works for all types of melasma and acne, and is also great for skin rejuvenation.

Salamat Dok provides information on medical concerns, with free on-air consultation with the guest physician. Every third Sunday of the month, Dr. Belo guests in the program and discusses the latest treatments and procedures being offered by the Belo Medical Group. Cheryl Cosim hosts the show.