A healthy lifestyle begins at home

MANILA, Philippines - Good health habits start at home. Everyone’s health habits stem from their parents, and good lifestyle choices are a reflection of child-rearing practices. These choices also shape a young person’s mindset about health through adult life.

Generally, moms are responsible for a child’s emotional growth and values. And as the old saying goes, “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Kathlyn Canor Fabian, known to many as Coach KC,  is a perfect example of such a mother. Often called “Superwoman,” she is a mother of three and currently the sports coordinator and adviser at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU). In a field dominated by men, Coach KC does not feel intimidated. “Sports is unisex. I don’t feel like a girl when I play sports. If I need to be rough, I will be,” she says.

An athlete most of her life, Coach KC excels in volleyball and also plays basketball, table tennis, and football. She has been a varsity player from elementary until her college years. Her passion for sports continued as she coached teams  tactics and skills in high school and college. When she started her own family, she encouraged her three children to lead an active lifestyle. Daughter Kyla, 14, is active in swimming and volleyball. Sons Jakob and Jovann play basketball, soccer, and volleyball. “It runs in the blood, having both parents in the field of sports,” Coach KC says.

Today, many Filipino families have come to rely on instant meals and fast food with artificial flavoring and little nutrients. Even less are exercising, since a hurried lifestyle is always followed by the remark, “No one has the time.” Kids are also spending what time they have on computer games and going online.

“For me, there’s just no room for laziness. I grew up independent and active,” says 35-year-old Fabian. “And from my experience, when you’re active, you’re not prone to getting sick.” She also believes that a proper diet is important to overall health. “It also depends on how you structure your diet because not everyone weighs the same,” Coach KC shares.

The Filipino diet is typically high in salt, which is three times higher than the recommended intake. Common ingredients in cooking include soy sauce, fish sauce, and shrimp paste. The prevalence of unhealthy food, combined with a sedentary lifestyle, has contributed to the rise in the country’s obesity rate. A study by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) showed that the obesity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) stood at 32.2 percent in 2008.

Cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are also urgent issues. The 2009 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) showed that 28 percent or 17.3 million Filipino adults, aged 15 and above, are current smokers. Globally, around six million people die each year because of smoking. “[People’s] mentality is that when they smoke, it relieves their stress. But it’s the hardest habit to quit,” says Coach KC.

Based on a study by the Department of Health (DOH), 11 percent of the Filipino population are regular drinkers, consuming alcohol at least four times a week. Regular drinkers are cautioned that long-term alcohol abuse leads to liver diseases, cancers of the mouth and throat, gastritis, ulcers, and alcohol poisoning.

With the radical changes in the Pinoy lifestyle, families are now confronted with a growing number of health issues, specifically non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These illnesses, while highly preventable, have become the leading cause of deaths worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes are responsible for more than 36 million deaths each year. According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), 100,908 Filipinos died in 2009 due to cardiovascular diseases, the country’s leading cause of mortality.

Poor diet, the lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption are associated with most NCDs. “You can just imagine how this will impact on those who are already very poor to begin with,” says Health Secretary Enrique Ona. “Sadly, this is always the story when it comes to non-communicable diseases. As a clinician, I’ve seen this so many times in my practice.”

This year, the Department of Health is spearheading a nationwide healthy lifestyle movement. The movement hopes to encourage Filipinos from all walks of life to form healthy habits and make a commitment to healthy living. Registration is ongoing at the website www.go4health.ph.

The emergence of the so-called “modern family” and changes in gender roles and responsibilities have only served to reinforce the importance of the family unit in maintaining the overall health of every Filipino. “Simple steps such as proper diet, moderate drinking, avoiding smoking and being active can help keep family members healthier and stronger,” Coach KC shares.