"Kalusugan sa Kapaskuhan" tips

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health wishes us all a safe and healthy holiday season.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona advised the public to watch out for their health during the Christmas and New Year festivities to prevent and control non-communicable diseases or lifestyle-related diseases.

Data from the 2006 Philippine Health Statistics revealed that non-communicable diseases are among the leading causes of death. These include diseases of the heart (ranked # 1), diseases of the vascular systems (ranked # 2), malignant neoplasms (ranked #3), chronic lower respiratory diseases (ranked #7), and diabetes mellitus (ranked #8).

“Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and diabetes mellitus, the four major non-communicable diseases in the country, are linked by four most common and preventable risk factors related to lifestyle – tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and alcohol use,” Secretary Ona elaborated.

A study conducted by the FNRI (Food and Nutrition Research Institute) National Nutrition Surveys revealed that from 2003 to 2008 hypertension and diabetes prevalence have increased; hypertension from 22 percent to 25 percent and diabetes from 3.4 percent and 4.8 percent. This study also showed an increase in the consumption of foods high in fats and sugars and a low level of physical activity among almost the entire adult population.

The health chief enumerated twelve ways of ensuring a healthy and stress-free holiday season. Ona encouraged everyone to:

1) Prepare early, avoid the Christmas rush to prevent stress.

2) Make sure to give children toys which are safe and appropriate to their age and abilities.

3) Buy only legitimate and registered products to ensure safety.

4) Prepare healthy food, including vegetables and fruits, for Noche Buena and Media Noche.

5) Make sure that foods to be served are unspoiled and fresh to avoid food poisoning.

6) Attend every festivity but make sure to eat moderately.

7) Avoid fatty and salty foods for a healthy heart.

8) Have fun and enjoy the holidays but stay sober and drink moderately. Do not drink and drive.

9) Engage in regular exercise like walking, jogging and dancing to keep fit.

10) Have enough rest and sleep.

11) Avoid accidents due to firecrackers/fireworks.

12) Have a safe Christmas and New Year celebration.

“We consider non-communicable diseases a major public health concern that entails lifelong treatment and major lifestyle changes. This is why prevention is the most effective way to deal with these diseases,” Ona pointed out, adding that this holiday season is the perfect time to start living healthy. — (FREEMAN)