St. Luke’s postgrad course to tackle anti-stress measures

Survey upon survey show that Filipinos are consistently one of the happiest races in the world. Ironically, it is also the anti-thesis of happiness that is fast eating the health of many. Stress can cause psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.

“According to the World Health Organization, depression is projected to reach second place in the global burden of illness by year 2020. Depression is the leading cause of disability,” said Dr. Bernadette Arcena, consultant of the St. Luke’s Section of Psychiatry.

In an effort to know the real score in this emerging lifestyle problem among Filipinos, the St. Luke’s Section of Psychiatry is coming up with its third postgraduate course titled “Toxic Ka Ba?” to tackle the mounting cases of stress on March 5 at the Auditorium 1 at the Cathedral Heights building complex of St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City.

The forum covers an interesting array of subjects that underscore anti-stress measures in many aspects, which will be tackled by respected names in highly specialized multi-disciplinary fields.

Included in the discussion are the following: How Filipinos Experience the Stress of Illness?; Filipino Family Dynamics in Dealing with Chronic Illness; Culture and Stress; Pinay Sex Woes; Spirituality as a Means of Coping; and Money Matters in Clinical Practice.

A live demonstration of a practical self-help, anti-stress physical exercise will also be an added feature of the event.

Speakers include Dr. Monina Garduño-Cruz, head of St. Luke’s Section of Psychiatry; Prof. Felipe Jocano, an eminent anthropologist; and prominent psychiatrists Lourdes Lapuz, Agnes Bueno, and Alma Jimenez. Fr. Melchor Bernal, SVD, a priest with a degree in Psychology, will talk about how spirituality can help Filipinos cope with stress.

The postgraduate course is ideal for medical doctors, care­givers, nurses, psychologists, paramedical staff, and students. For inquiries, call the St. Luke’s Section of Psychiatry at 723-1103 extension 4303.