PHILIPPINES: Therapies and medicines help graceful aging, says pioneer

. INTRAMUROS, Manila / The Manila Bulletin / Wellbeing / September 14, 2009 Adding life to your years By Marane A. Plaza In a time and place where ageing gracefully is but a dream for most comes longevity medicine, a new field that focuses on recognizing and neutralizing primary age accelerators by applying cutting-edge science. Living a longer life is entirely possible with greatly reduced risk of developing age-related illnesses. “The Asian Institute of Longevity Medicine (AILM) is an institute that introduces new technologies from abroad to the Philippines, and research eventually. Our approach is always individualized, because every person has unique needs. It’s not an overnight therapy, and it could take longer,” says Dr. Quincy Raya seconded by Dr. Christopher Rex Gloria, pioneers and proponents of Longevity Medicine in the Philippines. The first and only institution in the Philippines dedicated to providing up-to-date therapies to prolong life, AILM addresses and treat defective genes, increased free radicals, tired and overactive immune system, chronic stress, improper diet and nutrition. Bio-identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT) Hormones play an important role in the aging process. Restoring and balancing hormones to their optimum levels assists in resettling the hormonal clock to delay the effects of aging. BHRT promises the following benefits: to promote good sleep and memory, increase muscle and bone mass, improve mood, enhance sexual function and libido and diminish body fat and wrinkles. “These bio-identical hormones are derived from natural sources and are available in oral or topical preparations. They are customized and tailored to doses that meet your body’s specific need,” tells Dr. Raya. She further stresses, “It actually addresses hormonal imbalances that has different types such as growth hormones deficiency that results to fatigue syndrome. You can also have the one very common during menopause.” Educating doctors Dr. Gloria, on the other hand, stimulates, “AILM is a clinic and institute, from which we not only take in patients, we also educate doctors. The clinic opened in 2007, and it was first called the Asian Aesthetics and Anti-Ageing Clinic. We decided to rename it since we’re now focusing on the longevity medicine, and we aim to slow down the rate at how the individual ages, increasing ‘health span’ and improving the quality of life.” AILM boosts its strength with its strategic technological partnerships abroad with institutions like TICEBA, a highly innovative life science company based in Heidelberg, Germany working in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Consequently, it is also a certified partner of GENOSENSE Diagnostics, which was founded in Vienna, Austria by a highly experienced group of professionals. Dr. Raya concludes, “Your genes make you unique and can tell you what illnesses you are predisposed to. Be guided by your genetic information towards the best lifestyle for a long and productive life.” [rc] The Asian Institute of Longevity Medicine, Makati City. www.A4clinic.com Marane A. Plaza E-mail: wellbeing@mb.com.ph Copyright 2009. Manila Bulletin