Latest news with #SSS
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DOLE reminds employers: Implement P50 wage hike in NCR
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday reminded employers in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the effectivity of the P50 wage hike in the daily minimum wage. DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol said the new wage hike will be deemed effective starting Friday, July 18, 2025. 'Effective ang bagong minimum wage sa July 18. Dapat ang ating mga employers ay mag-adjust na at makatanggap na rin by July 18 ang ating minimum wage earners,' Mirasol told Balitanghali. (The new minimum wage will be effective starting July 18. The employers should start adjusting then and provide the new daily minimum wage.) Last month, the NCR Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board granted a P50 wage hike in the region, bringing the daily minimum wage rate from P645 to P695 for the non-agriculture sector, and from P608 to P658 for the agriculture sector, service and retail establishments employing 15 or less workers, and manufacturing establishments regularly employing less than ten workers. Under the new rate, non-agriculture workers will have a monthly take-home pay of about P15,247 to P18,216 for a five-day and six-day workweek, respectively, inclusive of mandatory social welfare benefits such as 13th month pay, service incentive leave, SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG. Meanwhile, Mirasol said establishments affected by calamities or those involved in retail and services employing ten workers are exempted from the wage hike. 'Kapag hindi nag-comply ang ating employers, puwedeng dumulog sa DOLE-NCR o field offices…Online, puwede rin mag-request for assistance,' she added. (Should employers fail to comply, the employees may seek assistance from the DOLE head office and field offices. They may also request for assistance online.) —KG, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Running on 4-5 hours of sleep? Know about Short Sleep Syndrome and its symptoms
Short Sleeper Syndrome (SSS) is a rare and fascinating sleep condition in which individuals naturally need much less sleep than the average person. While most adults function best with 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, people with SSS can feel fully rested and energetic with just 4 to 6 hours, or even less, without experiencing fatigue or other negative effects. This isn't due to stress, insomnia, or poor sleep habits, but rather a unique biological trait. Though still not fully understood, Short Sleeper Syndrome has drawn interest for its potential genetic links and unusual impact on lifestyle and health. What is Short Sleep Syndrome (SSS) SSS is a sleep disorder charcterised by the ability to function normally on a reduced amount of sleep. People with SSS typically sleep for less than 6 hours per night, with some individuals sleeping as little as 3-4 hours per night. Despite the reduced sleep duration, individuals with SSS do not experience excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or other negative effects on their daily functioning. How common is SSS? Individuals with SSS are known as natural short sleepers (NSS). The exact number of people affected is unclear due to various factors influencing sleep duration. However, many people are linked to SSS due to various factors that affect their sleep. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dementia Has Been Linked To a Common Habit. Do You Do It? Memory Health Learn More Undo What causes Short Sleep Syndrome The exact causes of SSS are not fully understood, but research suggests that it may be related to genetic mutations that affect the body's sleep cycle. According to researchers, mutations in the DEC2 gene can lead to short sleep duration. Symptoms of Short Sleep Syndrome (SSS) The primary symptom of Short Sleeper Syndrome is the ability to function normally on a reduced amount of sleep. Individuals with SSS may experience some symptoms, such as: Reduced sleep duration: Sleeping for less than 6 hours per night. No excessive daytime sleepiness: Despite reduced sleep duration, individuals with SSS do not experience excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue. Normal daily functioning: Individuals with SSS can function normally in their daily lives, without any significant impairment. Implications of Short Sleep Syndrome While Short Sleeper Syndrome may seem like a desirable trait, it can have implications for overall health and well-being. Some potential implications include: Increased risk of sleep deprivation : Although individuals with SSS may not experience excessive daytime sleepiness, they may still be at risk of sleep deprivation and related health problems. Impact on relationships: Individuals with SSS may have difficulty understanding and relating to others who require more sleep. Potential health consequences: Research suggests that chronic sleep deprivation may have negative effects on cardiovascular health, immune function, and cognitive function. Also read | Why are women more prone to UTIs in the rainy season: Understanding UTI and its symptoms
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Modern Family' star Julie Bowen reveals having a pacemaker at 29; What is sick sinus syndrome, and what are the early symptoms
Julie Bowen , famously known as Claire Dunphy on Modern Family, recently shared a startling revelation: at just 29 years old, she had a pacemaker implanted due to sick sinus syndrome. What began as mild symptoms – like resting heart rates in the 30s – escalated after her sister, then a newly minted doctor, noticed an irregular heartbeat while they were on vacation. This diagnosis not only derailed her early career but also highlights a lesser-known cardiovascular condition. What happened? At age 29, Julie Bowen's life took an abrupt turn. On Michael Rosenbaum's Inside of You podcast, Bowen, now 55, revealed how – despite being an avid runner with a reportedly low resting heart rate – her resting heart rate dropped into the 30s, far below the normal 60–100 bpm range for women. Discovered by her sister Annie Luetkemeyer, Bowen was diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome (SSS), specifically hypervagotonia, a heightened vagus nerve response, and she underwent pacemaker implantation shortly after filming the pilot for Ed, even before Modern Family happened. JULIE BOWEN: Staying Accessible, Embracing Her Modern Family & Avoiding the 'Game of More' Initially traumatized, Bowen recalled thinking, 'Oh my God. My life is over. This is so weird. I'm gonna die.' In fact, doctors cautioned that she was at risk of fainting suddenly – possibly while driving – if left untreated, prompting her swift decision to get a pacemaker. Now, with three battery replacements behind her and virtually no lifestyle limitations, Bowen describes the pacemaker as 'completely forgotten' – and is preparing to return to screens with her upcoming project, the Happy Gilmore 2 sequel, set to release July 25. What is Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS)? Sick sinus syndrome, also called sinus node dysfunction, describes a group of disorders in which the sinoatrial (SA) node – the heart's natural pacemaker – malfunctions. This can cause excessively slow heartbeats (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or irregular. The SA node, located in the right atrium, generates electrical impulses that regulate the heartbeat rhythm. In SSS, these impulses may be delayed, skipped, or erratic due to age-related damage, scarring, inflammation, medication effects, or occasionally genetic factors. While SSS is most common in older adults, Bowen's case demonstrates that younger individuals – even athletes – can develop it too, especially when hypervagotonia exaggerates vagal tone, causing dangerously low heart rates. Early warning signs to watch out for Sick sinus syndrome often begins subtly, making early detection challenging. Common early symptoms include: Bradycardia – unusually slow heart rate (<60 bpm) Palpitations – sensations of skipped beats or fluttering Dizziness or lightheadedness – often from insufficient blood flow Pre‑syncope or syncope – episodes of near-fainting or passing out Fatigue or weakness – due to reduced cardiac output Shortness of breath – particularly on exertion Chest discomfort – less common, but present in some cases Confusion or cognitive issues – when blood flow to the brain is irregular Symptoms can be intermittent and mild initially – Bowen described feeling faint while watching TV – a subtle cue that her heart rate had dropped dangerously low. Causes and risk factors SSS may arise due to both intrinsic (e.g., degenerative fibrosis of the SA node, congenital ion channel mutations) and extrinsic factors (e.g., medications, metabolic imbalances, autoimmune disease). Common contributors include: Aging and degenerative changes Heart disease (factors like coronary artery disease or post-surgical scarring) Medications: beta‑blockers, calcium-channel blockers, digoxin Metabolic issues: hypothyroidism, electrolyte disturbances Inflammation/infiltrative disorders: e.g., myocarditis, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis Rare genetic mutations (notably SCN5A, HCN4) Bowen's hypervagotonia – a high vagus nerve tone – further suppressed her SA node function. Heart rate irregularities in SSS can lead to serious consequences: syncope can cause accidents, arrhythmias may worsen, and chronic underperfusion can strain organs. SSS is linked to atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke, and other cardiac complications. So, it is imperative to take note of these symptoms and consult with professional healthcare providers. Diagnosis and treatment Diagnosing SSS begins with an electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect slow, paused, or erratic heart signals. However, asymptomatic phases may delay detection. Extended monitoring via Holter or event monitors can capture intermittent episodes Treatment of SSS depends on symptom severity: Watchful waiting and lifestyle changes: If asymptomatic and mild, doctors may opt for regular monitoring. Medication review: Drugs that impair SA node function (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) may be adjusted. Pacemaker implantation: For symptomatic bradycardia or tachy-brady syndrome, a pacemaker is the definitive solution – much like Bowen's. Additional treatments: Address underlying issues (thyroid problems, sleep apnea) and consider anticoagulants if atrial fibrillation is present. In case of asymptomatic or mild cases, regular follow‑up and review of medications are essential. For symptomatic cases, pacemaker implantation typically becomes necessary. Bowen's pacemaker was programmed to maintain a minimum 45 bpm, effectively preventing dangerous bradycardia.
GMA Network
01-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos to study if legislated wage hike will result in layoffs — Palace
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. will study if a legislated wage hike would result in layoffs, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said Tuesday. ''Muli, pag-aaralan ito kung kakayanin ba talaga, kasi kung magdudulot naman ito ng lay-off dahil hindi kakayanin nung karamihan maliliit na mga negosyante, mas marami pong mahihirapang mga manggagawa dahil baka mawalan sila ng trabaho,'' Castro said at a briefing. (Again, he will study if this will result in layoffs if this can't be enforced by small businessmen, many workers might suffer as they may lose their jobs.) ''Kaya po itong lahat ng ito ay pag-aaralan, para sa ikabubuti po ng lahat,'' she added. (All of these will be studied for the benefit of all.) The proposed legislated minimum wage hike in the 19th Congress, which was pegged at P200 at the House and P100 in the Senate, did not pass into law because the two chambers of Congress failed to reconcile them on time. The bill then needs to be refiled in the 20th Congress. At least 1.2 million minimum wage earners in the National Capital Region (NCR) are set to receive higher salaries next month after the regional wage board approved a P50 increase in the daily minimum wage. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced that the NCR Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) issued Wage Order No. 26, which grants a P50 wage hike. The National Wages and Productivity Commission said the wage hike is equivalent to an increase of P1,100 per month for a five-day workweek, and P1,300 for a six-day workweek. Under the new rate, non-agriculture workers will have a monthly take-home pay of about P15,247 to P18,216 for a five-day and six-day workweek, respectively, inclusive of mandatory social welfare benefits such as 13th month pay, service incentive leave, SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Filipino Times
SSS president meets Filipino community leaders in Qatar, announces loan rate cuts and new pension coverage
The head of the Philippines' Social Security System (SSS), President and CEO Robert De Claro, met with Filipino community leaders in Qatar to discuss new developments in the agency's programs, including reduced loan interest rates and expanded pension loan coverage. The townhall-style meeting, held at the Migrant Workers Office in Doha, drew around 50 leaders from various Filipino organizations across Qatar. It was organized by the SSS Doha Foreign Office and supported by the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office. De Claro announced that the interest rate for SSS salary loans has been lowered from 10% to 8% annually. He also confirmed that, starting September 2025, the pension loan program will be extended to include survivor pensioners — a long-awaited move that aims to provide more financial support to qualified beneficiaries. The SSS chief reiterated the agency's commitment to enhancing programs for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), emphasizing that SSS is empowered by its charter to expand benefits and address the unique needs of members abroad. During the meeting, SSS Vice President for Benefits Administration Joy Villacorta presented an overview of the agency's services, which was followed by an open forum. The session also marked the official introduction of the SSS's new tagline: 'Sa SSS, Sigurado ang Bukas.' Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, who was also present, urged Filipino leaders to encourage their communities to contribute regularly to SSS. He emphasized two key points: the importance of starting contributions early to avoid regrets later, and the value of having a robust social security system that offers wide-ranging benefits. The delegation also included Atty. Jonathan Gary Jimenez and SSS VP for Management Services and Planning Colette Cordial. Labor Attaché Atty. Eduard Ferrer and Welfare Officer Luzviminda Tumaliuan represented the Migrant Workers Office.
