UC-Medical Center introduces Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

CEBU CITY – The University of Cebu (UC)-Medical Center is expanding its wellness and healing with the introduction of its new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) available at its Skin & Wellness Center. 

“HBOT helps the body heal more effectively by delivering a higher concentration of oxygen in a pressurized environment.  When tissues receive more oxygen, the body can repair itself faster, strengthen its immune response against bacteria, and support tissue regeneration. It enhances the body’s ability to recover from certain injuries and conditions while supporting overall wellness,” explained Jennifer Tan, chairman of the UCMed Skin and Wellness Center.

HBOT delivers oxygen in a pressurized environment to support healing and recovery. While often linked to skin health, doctors stress that its benefits run deeper, enhancing the body’s natural ability to repair itself.  The increased oxygen supply stimulates cell repair, promotes the formation of new blood vessels, and reduces inflammation, key processes in recovery, Tan added.

This makes the therapy beneficial for individuals healing from surgery or injury, as well as those managing conditions such as infections, diabetes, and respiratory or circulatory concerns.  HBOT sessions can enhance healing in muscular tissue rehabilitation, ulcer, dementia and neurosis, migraine, hypertension, angina and renal failure.

It can also be beneficial in beauty care, anti-aging, and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, gangrene and burn.  Inside the hyperbaric chamber, patients sit comfortably as air pressure is gradually raised to up to twice normal atmospheric pressure. Here, the body absorbs more oxygen than usual, helping tissues recover faster and function more efficiently.

Each session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, during which patients may simply relax, read, or rest while oxygen circulates through their system.  It is non-invasive Each session lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, allowing patients to rest as the body under-goes a quiet but active process of repair.

For Dr. Armando Tan, UCMed medical director, the addition of HBOT reflects a broader direction in healthcare, combining treatment with prevention.  “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has long been recognized for its role in improving healing and tissue recovery,” he said.

Tan said that by bringing this technology to UCMed, the hospital is expanding how it cares for patients, not just when they are ill, but as they work to stay well. UCMed’s facility can accommodate two persons, allowing the option of a companion for added comfort.

Designed with safety in mind, it includes a two-way communication system and clear viewing panels to help patients feel at ease throughout the session.  Non-invasive and medically supervised, the therapy offers a science-backed approach to supporting recovery and overall health.

Patients are advised to consult with a physician at the UCMed Skin & Wellness Center to determine if HBOT is appropriate for their needs. It is located on the second floor of the hospital building   As more people explore ways to care for their health proactively, therapies that work with the body, rather than against it, UCMed is gaining ground.

“Sometimes the most powerful medicine is simply helping the body heal the way it was designed to. Oxygen plays a vital role in that process.” Dr. Tan said. (Photos:UCMed/Courtesy of Cerwin Eviota)

Sleep Health and Wellness Center opens at UC-Med in Cebu

CEBU – A Sleep Health and Wellness Center (SHWC) opened at Room 1206, 12^th Floor, University of Cebu-Medical Center (UCMed) in Mandaue City, with Atty. Augusto Go, UCMed Chairman, Dr. Armando Tan, Medical Director and Dr. Merci Angelie Letegio Uy, Head Pulmonologist, UCMed Sleep Health and Wellness Center leading the blessings and ribbon cutting ceremonies Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Dr. Armando Tan highlighted the importance of sleep health and the role of a sleep lab in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders and the prevalence of sleep disorders in the Philippines, noting it ranks third globally in countries with worst sleep habits, with an average sleep duration of 6.13 hours per night, according to a study by Onebed.

Dr. Tan and Dr. Uy mentioned the importance of sleep health and the role of a sleep lab in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, and the use of CPAP machines for treatment, the impact of weight on sleep, and the role of diet in sleep health.

“Sleep apnea, insomnia, and snoring are some significant issues, with snoring being a potential sign of obstructed airways.  The availability of pediatric pulmonologists and the importance of addressing sleep disorders early to prevent long-term health complications are equally part of Sleep Health and Wellness Center’s engagement services,” Dr. Uy said.

The Center provides sleep diagnosis, recommendations on foods and dietary habits that can improve sleep quality; explore the possibility of offering 24-hour sleep monitoring services for patients; ensure the availability of personnel to provide after-sales care and guidance on the use of CPAP machines and develop screening tools to help doctors identify patients who may benefit from a sleep study, Dr. Uy shared on the services of the center.

Prevalence of sleep disorders and their impact in daily lives

 Based on the study by Onebed, 56% of Filipinos experience sleep problems, making them the most sleepless people in Southeast Asia and 46% of Southeast Asians face sleep problems at least a few times a week. The most common sleep problems include--difficulty falling asleep at 49%; waking up often at night, 39% and irregular sleep and wake cycle, 38 percent.

Vulnerable groups of sleep disorders include medical students and residents report chronic partial loss of sleep and women factory workers are 32% more likely to experience mental health symptoms due to sleep problems.

 

Contractual workers or temporary workers are 2.33 times more likely to have frequent mental health symptoms, decreased sleep hours, poor sleep quality, and other health issues.

“These statistics highlight the need for awareness and action to address sleep disorders in the Philippines,” Dr. Tan said.

Dr. Uy explained the significance of having a Sleep Lab and its role in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, and even snoring, which can lead to serious health issues like hypertension and cardiac disease.

Sleep disorders and their impact on daily activities, leading to headaches, sleepiness, and even accidents, such as falling asleep while driving. Loud snoring can indicate obstructed airways, leading to oxygen drop and potential heart and brain issues, Dr. Uy said.

“It is very important to address sleep disorders early, especially in children, to prevent long-term health complications. Some patients can stop breathing for up to three minutes, leading to severe health risks like heart attacks and strokes,” the doctors explained.

The Sleep Health and Wellness Center, sleep lab and the use of CPAP machines are important tools for monitoring and treating sleep disorders, Dr. Tan said that the Center can provide prescriptions for machines and after-sales care to ensure proper use and maintenance.

The doctors at the Center underscored the need for a holistic approach to sleep health, including lifestyle changes and medical interventions and the need for comprehensive sleep studies to identify and treat various sleep disorders. (Photos: MBCNewman)