Alert raised vs Yule illnesses

MANILA, Philippines – Be careful of illnesses that may occur during the holidays, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public yesterday. 

DOH-retained hospitals, regional offices and other medical facilities were placed under Code White Alert, which puts its personnel on standby for deployment for medical and other services as the need arises.

“Cold weather usually triggers respiratory problems unless appropriate preventive measures are taken, especially in areas affected by Typhoon Nona,” Health Secretary Janette Garin said.

“Take care of yourself and your family against changes in temperature. Children and adults may become vulnerable to cough, colds and fever,” Garin said.

She said personal hygiene and hand washing are key to preventing illnesses. 

She said people should avoid wading in floods so as not to acquire leptospirosis. If it cannot be avoided, she said boots should be worn and exposed body parts immediately washed with soap and clean water.

“People who are staying in evacuation centers are encouraged to wash their hands with clean soap and water before preparing food and before and after eating. Also, wash your hands after using the comfort room. It is also best that water is boiled for at least two minutes before drinking,” she said.

Garin said breastfeeding, which is the best and safest food for babies, should be continued.

Those who attend Simbang Gabi or stay out late to attend parties, especially children and the elderly, should wear appropriate clothing to protect against the cold weather.

People who have fever, cold or cough should immediately seek medical attention and avoid crowded places in order to avoid complications, she added.

“Let’s protect ourselves and our families from accident or illness. Let’s help each other so that we will have a really merry Christmas,” Garin said.

Environment-friendly

Meanwhile, environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition appealed to the public to be “mindful of what they consume and dispose of” during the holidays.

“It is not waste until it is wasted… Please recycle to trim down on what you toss into the bins,” said Christina Vergara, EcoWaste Coalition zero waste campaigner.

Vergara  said “holitrash” or holiday trash, which piles up during weeks of shopping and partying, could be reduced, reused or recycled. These trash include kitchen and food waste, plastic and paper packaging materials, party supplies and leftovers as well as firecracker and firework residuals.

“We surely can do something to avoid our neighborhoods and other communities from turning into, to borrow a phrase from Laudato Si (Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment), ‘an immense pile of filth.’ We can and we must reduce, reuse, recycle and waste no more,” she said.

To minimize post-party garbage, the group urged the public to shun lavish parties, practice a no left-over policy to prevent food wastage, practice ecological party waste management and opt for reusable party essentials instead of disposable plates, cups cutlery and napkin.

EcoWaste Coalition recently organized “Green Christmas Ideas” which features eye-catching decorations out of discards and eco-friendly parties.             

The group also suggested using old bandanas, socks, magazines, newspapers, boxes and jars, as well as recycled pouch bags or bayong instead of the usual Christmas wrappers.  – Sheila Crisostomo, Rhodina Villanueva