Hospitals on alert for holiday heart syndrome

MANILA, Philippines — Hospitals across the country are on alert for a possible increase in “holiday heart syndrome” illnesses associated with binge eating and alcohol consumption during holidays or long vacations.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said public and private hospitals have been instructed to keep their personnel and facilities ready for such a scenario, under the Department of Health’s “Ligtas Christmas Hospital Preparedness and Response Rounds.”

He cited stroke as among the illnesses that may increase this holiday due to excessive alcohol drinking and eating of fatty and salty food, stress and lack of sleep, which could elevate blood pressure.

Herbosa said that at the Philippine Heart Center alone, seven cases of stroke were reported from Dec. 1 to 20 as against the 60 cases from July to November. He added that the number is likely to increase after Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In December 2023, the Philippine Heart Center documented 38 stroke cases, while 42 cases were recorded in January this year.

On the other hand, there were 110 cases of acute coronary heart syndrome in December 2023 and 115 in January 2024.

The DOH also documented 17 firework-related injuries from Dec. 22 up to yesterday or a week before the New Year’s Day celebration.

In a report, the DOH said ages of the victims ranged from seven to 37 years old. Of the 17 cases, only one was female.

“This is higher compared to the six cases recorded during the same period in 2023... These cases came from 62 sentinel sites being monitored closely by the DOH,” the DOH noted.

The DOH is reminding the public to avoid using any type of firecrackers. Instead, it encourages everyone to resort to “alternative noise-making devices” such as drums and hornpipe.

“Do not allow your children to play with firecrackers... We have to observe discipline for happy and safe celebration of Christmas and New Year,” the DOH said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Raffy Tulfo urged concerned government agencies to prioritize the safety, security and comfort of travelers during the Christmas season especially at ports, airports and bus terminals.

Tulfo, chairman of the Senate committee on public services, emphasized the need for stringent monitoring and enforcement at terminals to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper safety measures.

“We strongly remind all concerned government agencies to always prioritize the safety, security and comfort of our compatriots going home to the province,” Tulfo said as he highlighted the reported influx of travelers returning to their hometowns to celebrate the holidays.

“I don’t want to hear about passengers waiting in the hot room because there is no proper waiting area or about passenger boats and ships that are overloaded, lacking life vests or committing other violations like those I have seen in previous inspections,” Tulfo said.

Tulfo called on the Philippine Coast Guard to tighten its monitoring and inspections.

He directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office to rigorously inspect at bus terminals the roadworthiness of buses, especially those bound for provincial destinations.

Acknowledging the expected influx at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Tulfo stressed the importance of equal treatment for all passengers.

“There should be no VIP treatment for a few, and all must strictly go through security and verification processes such as frisking and x-ray machines,” he added.

Tulfo also pointed out the importance of uninterrupted toll operations, urging toll operators to ensure the proper functioning of RFID scanners and readers.

He warned against delays that could disrupt travelers’ journeys during this busy season.

“The safety of both passengers and drivers during these special times must be our priority. Everyone be careful!” Tulfo added.