In a society deeply rooted in patriarchal values, expectations regarding masculinity often dictate men’s roles and behaviors. With its historical background of colonization, the Philippines, where I live, has fostered a set of traditional norms regarding how men must assert dominance, provide for their families, and adhere to…

When given as a prophylactic, or preventive therapy, or on an on-demand basis, FEIBA (factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity) was deemed safe and effective at lessening the number of bleeds in people with severe hemophilia and high levels of inhibitors. That’s according to four-year data from a real-world…

Dear 11-year-old me, Life might feel overwhelming at this moment, but remember, you are stronger than you realize. The road ahead will present challenges, but they will shape you into an incredibly resilient person. Your journey with your period has begun, and I know it’s tough. Those…

I recently had the pleasure of watching the “Barbie” movie with my husband and daughter. The experience not only provided us with enjoyable family time, but also left a lasting impact on me. Beyond the vibrant visual effects, comedic gags, and engaging storyline, the movie delivered a profoundly empowering…

The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance recommending that England’s National Health Service (NHS) should not cover the gene therapy Hemgenix (etranacogene dezaparvovec) for adults with hemophilia B. The recommendation is based on uncertainty surrounding the long-term efficacy of the…

Several of my recent columns centered on my frustration with hemophilia entering my sons’ lives at the most unexpected times. I wrote about some extraordinary moments we shared that, in the twinkling of an eye, were interrupted by an unforeseen health complication. A sense of failure would…

The piercing bug has bitten me again! After watching TikTok videos of teens and young adults with unconventional piercings, I decided to get a few more myself: a nose (septum) piercing, a center labret piercing, and a couple more ear piercings. My inner child is elated! My…

Last week, I stumbled upon the Tour de France while aimlessly flipping through TV channels. This annual professional bicycle race is highly esteemed and considered one of the most difficult events in the sport. Watching it was thrilling. The competition was captivating, and the incredible athleticism of the…

My husband, Jared, is a capable person. He has a degree in business management and excelled in elementary and high school, consistently ranking at the top of his class. He’s an accomplished swimmer, an excellent cook, a decent handyman, and a wonderful dad. I’m not biased as his…

Regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Europe are reviewing applications seeking the approval of fidanacogene elaparvovec, an experimental one-time gene therapy being developed by Pfizer for the treatment of hemophilia B in adults. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expects to complete the review process and…