Pinoys urged to try new medical approach

Filipinos are encouraged to step into a new health paradigm called functional medicine which aims to detect and prevent illnesses in the earliest time and more personal way possible.

Functional Medicine, a modern medical practice that uses whole-body systems-biology perspective, was formally introduced to the Philippines on Wednesday by the ROMLAS Health Group (RHG).

Michael Genato, RHG chief executive officer, underscored the importance of identifying the root causes of diseases instead of just stopping its symptoms from recurring.

"Our focus is on the fundamental causes of health concerns and advocating healthier ways of living such that the approach is more preventive than reactive," Genato said.

For RHG, it is important to fully assess an individual's state of health and identify areas that need to be addressed instead of just focusing with only one symptom.

"Instead of viewing health problems based on symptoms, functional medicine treats the entire body, instead of just one organ relating to a particular symptom," Genato pointed out.

Meanwhile, Doctor Robert Luby, trained faculty member of the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency Program, deemed functional medicine as the "medicine of the 21st century."

How functional medicine works?

Functional medicine is different from other medical practices as it utilizes a "primary care approach that establishes a patient-doctor partnership which may result in sustainable outcomes."

Prior to consultation, a patient will first answer a comprehensive questionnaire which contains inquiries about health concerns, family history, environmental concerns and illnesses' symptoms.

After the consultation, the doctor will create a "timeline" for the patient to determine what kind of program will fit him/her.

"That program hinges on food, movement, stress and sleep, meaning and purpose, chronic untreated infections, supportive relationships, and toxic exposure," RHG said.

Doctor Raymond Escalona, director of medical education of the Lifescience Institute Business Unit, noted that concerned health groups are trying to make functional medicine more accessible and convenient for the public.

Escalona said health groups had conducted a total of 42 lectures in various hospitals across the metro to educate the public about functional medicine.

"I would love the concept to reach every clinic in this country," he said.

The RHG, moreover, ensured that this modern health system is "cost effective."

"Patient-practitioner partnerships continuously aim to address the root causes of chronic disease allowing for true preventive, participatory, predictive and personalized health care that reduces the cost of chronic disease treatment," the RHG said.

Practitioners

Some functional medicine practitioners expressed how they enjoy the new practice.

For registered nurse Charisma Rebadavia, it is "more refreshing" to be more involved with the lives of her patients.

Doctor Eca Lorenzo, on the other hand, bared that through functional medicine, she is able to teach her patients new skills which may "empower them in handling their skills."

The Department of Health, for its part, reminded functional medicine practitioners to always be accountable with the health outcomes of their patients.

"The idea of identifying the cause of diseases is not really new but maybe the manner is... I hope that we become successful because we need solutions to address our problems," said DOH Assistant Secretary Bernardita Flores.

"Functional medicine must be practiced with transparency and accountability," she added.  —KBK, GMA News