DOH-7: Observe healthy activities

CEBU, Philippines - The health department has reiterated its advice to the public to observe healthy activities towards the New Year to avoid getting sick and be free from tension.

DOH-7 Director Jaime Bernadas said that every Christmas and New Year, activities must be planned first to prevent tension or stress and that they should be coupled with healthful practices, including protecting oneself from sudden changes in temperature.

Children and adults alike could easily catch colds, coughs and fever during temperature changes so all must be on guard.

“If your cough, colds and fever is more than five days, consult your nearest health station,” Bernades said.

He also reminded the public to have nutritiously-balanced meals at all times.

“Prepare a well-balanced noche buena and media noche meals. Make sure that vegetables and fruits are on the table together with your traditional ham and queso de bola,” he said.

He added that one must eat moderate amount of nutritious foods to sustain the daily activities, drink plenty of liquids, such as water and fruit juice, to facilitate good metabolism.

She further reminded the public about the benefits of having enough sleep. Regular exercise, including walking, running and dancing, enough sleep and a balanced diet are wise activities for the holidays.

 Crowded areas are good breeding places for bacteria, so Bernadas discouraged the people from going there as much as possible. He added that surroundings should be properly ventilated and Christmas decors must be environment-friendly and not fire hazards.

“Buy toys with no pointed or sharp edges; nor too small toys that can cause choking. Do not use fireworks and firecrackers during the holidays. One can make some noise even without fireworks and firecrackers,” he said

 Furthermore, the DOH also warned the public against excessive alcohol intake that may result in vehicular accidents, serious damage to the liver and heart or may induce stroke.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office has assured that all provincial and district hospitals are ready for the New Year revelry. PHO chief Cynthia Genosolango said that all the government health facilities are on Code White to ensure prompt emergency responses especially to firecracker-related injuries.

Under Code White alert, hospitals are required to have adequate manpower, drugs and medicines, vaccines, medical supplies and equipment at all times.

Genosolango, however, said she received no reports of firecracker-related incidents from the province-run hospitals during Christmas Day.

"But we still anticipate (during New Year) labi na mga bata nga kuryoso," she told reporters as she warned against part-fired or dud firecrackers since it would still cause amputations.

In 2012, Cebu province pitched in most number of firecracker-related injuries without amputation at 58 cases, followed by Bohol (four cases), and Negros Oriental and Siquijor with one case each.

Firecrackers commonly used by victims include kwitis, piccolo, pirate, sparkler, thick long, triangle, whistle bomb, hotdog, flying tiger, watusi, lantaka, and fountain. — (FREEMAN)