Public, Health Awareness Campaign, Youth and School-Based Programs

Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila

Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 1
03
Sep

On September 2 and 3, close to 800 students of Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila (located along Recto Avenue) participated in their scheduled annual student physical education examination. This two-day event was organized with the dedicated support of the school’s medical team, headed by Dr. Bogs Rivera, in partnership with faculty members who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of activities.

Dr. Rivera extended his heartfelt thanks to all teachers and staff who joined hands in this important health initiative for the benefit of the students.

Comprehensive Health Checks for Students

The examination went beyond routine checkups, focusing on preventive and holistic health assessments. Services included:

  1. Vision Testing – Students’ eyesight was screened using a modified Snellen chart. This helped identify those with poor eyesight, enabling recommendations for corrective glasses or preferential classroom seating so they could see the board clearly. Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 2 Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 3

  2. Vital Signs and BMI Monitoring – Blood pressure measurements and body mass index (BMI) checks were conducted to monitor general health and detect early risk factors for hypertension and obesity. Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 4 Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 5

  3. Smoking-Related Counseling – Students were asked pertinent questions regarding smoking, aligned with DepEd’s Department Order 48, s. 2016 (Policy and Guidelines on Comprehensive Tobacco Control). This policy emphasizes training school counselors to provide cessation support, referrals to intervention programs, and coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) for further guidance.

  4. Mental Health Screening – Students were asked relevant questions on mental health, underscoring the school’s commitment to addressing emotional well-being alongside physical health.

  5. Allergy and Asthma Checks – Data gathered will help guide the school clinic in stocking appropriate medicines to better respond to students’ health needs.

Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 6 Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 7 Over 800 Students Undergo Annual Physical Examination at Sudeco Polytechnic Integrated College – Manila 8

Emerging Health Concerns Among Today’s Youth

While examining the students, Dr. Rivera observed recurring health challenges faced by the younger generation. Among the most pressing were:

  • Lack of sleep and students going to school without eating breakfast.

  • Rising cases of obesity, particularly classified as Overweight and Obese I & II.

  • Hypertension in young students, some of whom are already prescribed antihypertensive medication.

  • Serious medical conditions, such as one student diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect.

“These are things I never saw among my peers growing up in Mabalacat, Pampanga more than five decades ago,” Dr. Rivera noted. “It is striking how much has changed over the years.”

Reflection

This annual physical examination serves as a wake-up call. Health concerns that were once rare in youth—such as obesity, hypertension, and heart disease—are now becoming increasingly common among students. The experience highlights the urgent need for continued health promotion, early detection, and stronger partnerships between schools, health professionals, and families.

Jesus Randy RIvera

A graduate of the esteemed Far Eastern University - Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, Dr. Rivera is a radiation oncologist by profession, equipped with specialized training in IMRT and prostate brachytherapy. His expertise has been honed through experiences at renowned institutions such as the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas and the Chicago Prostate Center in Chicago, among others. However, his contributions extend far beyond the clinical realm. Dr Bogs Rivera is the visionary founder of CerviQ, an advocacy group passionately committed to eradicating cervical cancer in the Philippines. Through innovative screening programs, leveraging artificial intelligence and remote diagnostic technologies, CerviQ strives to increase access to cervical cancer screenings in communities, facilitating early detection and potentially life-saving interventions. His leadership not only empowers healthcare professionals but also empowers communities, enabling barangay health workers to conduct screenings efficiently and accurately, with rapid turnaround times for results. Dr. Bogs Rivera embodies the intersection of medical expertise and humanitarianism, dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes and championing the cause of public health in the Philippines.