www.thefilipinochronicle.com
SEPTEMBER 16, 2023
COMMUNITY and WOMENS’ HEALTH Supplement
Filipinos’ Close Encounters with Suicide and Learning Prevention Strategies That Could Save Lives
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ARTICLES INSIDE
Hawaii Healthcare Still Hurting; Here’s What We Can DoS2 Breast Health Saves LivesS6 Understanding Vitamins: What You Need to KnowS7 Sjögren Syndrome: What Is It, Who Gets It, And How Is It Treated?S8 Ensuring a Meaningful Life S10 Got A Benefits Question? The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging is Here to HelpS11 Diabetes Technology: Modernizing Diabetes CareS13 Suicide: It’s Time We Start Talking About ItS14 Breaking the Cycle of Anxious Parenting S15
or our last issue’s cover story, we did a highly sensitive and often taboo subject – Filipinas and domestic spouse abuse (see thefilipinochronicle.com archives). In this special supplement issue’s cover story, we report on a crisis arguably even more sensitive and rarely discussed, which is death by suicide. It’s a public health concern on the rise. The statistics on suicide in the United States and Hawaii are staggering. They show suicide is the second-leading cause of death between the ages of 10 and 34. Mental health professionals say unlike many incurable diseases, suicide is preventable if we are 1) educated on the risk factors (situations that can influence suicide like financial trouble, loss of a relationship or lack of access to healthcare) and 2) aware of the warning signs/symptoms (for example being preoccupied with dying, giving away belongings and acting recklessly). Experts say to begin with we should talk about the subject with family and close friends. It could end up saving a life. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; and it’s a perfect time to educate ourselves, know the dangers and open dialogue. Mahalo to our Filipino interviewees who shared their sensitive stories in this cover story. We hope you enjoy our September Health Supplement.Story on S4