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November 5, 2010

Novartis, PSH supported by DOH, medical organizations announce World Hypertension Day 'dancexercise' contest winners

• May 17, 2010 marked this year's global commemoration of World Hypertension Day. With this year's theme "Healthy Weight, Healthy Blood Pressure," the Philippine Society of Hypertension in collaboration with Novartis Healthcare Philippines supported by the Department of Health, Philippine Heart Association and Philippine Society of Nephrology launched the Healthy Weight Dancexercise Contest.
• The 2008 National Nutrition and Health Survey revealed that 25.3% of Filipino adults have hypertension, while 27 out of every 100 Filipino adults are either overweight or obese.
• The Healthy Weight Dancexercise Contest aims to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among Filipinos and help them maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.

May 17, 2010 marked this year's global commemoration of World Hypertension Day. With this year's theme "Healthy Weight, Healthy Blood Pressure," the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) in collaboration with Novartis Healthcare Philippines supported by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) launched the Healthy Weight Dancexercise Contest.

"We are pleased to announce and personally congratulate the winners of the Dancexercise contest. We are happy with the tremendous reponse to the campaign. This is a clear indication that Filipinos from all age groups have been encouraged to maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure through dancexercise. It has always been Novartis' goal to help contribute to the health and wellness of the nation" said Mr. Eric van Oppens, President and CEO, Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

From May 17, 2010 to June 18, 2010 (deadline of submission of video entries), there were a total of 52 video entries consisting of 156 participants for the three categories: a) Young Adults (21 – 34 years old); b) Midlifers (35-59 years old); and Seniors (60 years and above).

The judges, headed by dance expert and celebrity Regine Tolentino, chose nine winning entries per category. Among the judges were PSH president Dr. Abdias Aquino, PHA president Dr. Eleanor Lopez; past PHA president Dr. Belen Carisma, DoH representative Ms. Prescy Cuevas, Novartis Healthcare Philippines corporate affairs and market access director Ms. Christine Liwanag; and Novartis senior manager for hypertension brands Mr. Bernard Arcangel.

"Viewing the video entires was really enjoyable, but choosing the top three winners was very difficult. All the entries were terrific. I would like to encourage more Filipinos to engage in regular physical activity, such as dancexercise, to stay healthy. Not only is it fun, it can also keep the weight down and help reduce the risk for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and other serious health conditons," said PSH president Dr. Abdias V. Aquino.

For the Young Adults category, "Premierobics" a group of six members from Nueva Ecija, headed by Ms. Laden Grace Centeno garnered the 1st prize. In the Midlifers category, Ms. Marichu Zablan, a solo participant who hails from Dela, Pasig City won top prize. For the Seniors category, a group from Pateros, Sta Ana called the "Pateros Class of 1961" headed by Ms. Camiole Tolentino, bagged the 1st prize.

On July 29, 2010 at the Acacia Party Place in San Juan City, the top three winners per category performed their winning dancexercise routine, while celebrity dance expert Ms.Regine Tolentino graced the event with a special dance demo.

In addition to the awarding ceremony, the Pancake House Group presented their initial offering of 'Low-salt' dishes in response to last year's WHD theme: "Salt and Hypertension" which was highlighted by the Low-salt recipe contest. The Pancake House Group is one of the food establishments that have shown tremendous support for the WHD campaign by helping curb the rising incidence of high blood pressure with their low-salt dishes.

"The DOH applauds the winners of this successful Dancexercise contest and is pleased to continue its partnership with Novartis and local medical societies in promoting better health through a healthy lifestyle. We urge all Filipinos to adopt a healthy, active lifestyle to prevent obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease," said DoH Head Executive Assistant Dr. Yolanda Oliveros. According to the 2008 National Nutrition and Health Survey, 25.3% of all Filipino adults have hypertension, while 27 out of every 100 Filipino adults are either overweight or obese.

WHD Dancexercise Awarding and Press Conference
During the global commemoration of World Hypertension Day held last May 17, the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) in collaboration with Novartis Healthcare Philippines supported by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Heart Association (PHA) and Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN) launched the Healthy Weight Dancexercise Contest in line with the 2010 WHD theme: "Healthy Weight, Healthy Blood Pressure." A total of 52 video entries consisting of 156 participants were received for the three categories: a) Young Adults (21 – 34 years old); b) Midlifers (35-59 years old); and Seniors (60 years and above). During the WHD Dancexercise Awards Ceremony and Press Conference held on July 29, the top three prizes winners performed their winning routines.

Other winners
Novartis Healthcare Philippines corporate affairs and market access director Ms. Christine Liwanag was happy to note the good turn out of the dancexercise contest. With the Dancexercise Contest as part of the Novartis Kaagapay patient access program, Ms.Liwanag was pleased to announce the other winners of the Dancexercise Contest who placed second and third per category. The full list of winners can be viewed at www.novartis.com.ph.