DoH advises public to watch out ones health during the Holidays

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Health in this region advised the public to watch out on their health this holiday session to prevent lifestyle-related diseases or the non-communicable diseases to have a safe and healthy holiday session, as lifestyle-related diseases are major public health concern that entails lifelong treatment and major lifestyle changes.


Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the leading causes of death that includes diseases of the heart, diseases of the vascular systems, malignant neoplasms, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus.
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.

Hypertension and diabetes prevalence have increased; hypertension from 22% to 25% and diabetes from 3.4% and 4.8%.
To ensure a healthy and stress-free holiday season, there are twelve ways to do, according to DOH.

These are prepare early, avoid the Christmas rush to prevent stress; make sure to give children toys which are safe and appropriate to their age and abilities; buy only legitimate and registered products to ensure safety; prepare healthy food, including vegetables and fruits; make sure that foods to be served are unspoiled and fresh to avoid food poisoning.

Attend every festivity but make sure to eat moderately; avoid fatty and salty foods for a healthy heart; have fun and enjoy the holidays but stay sober and drink moderately. Do not drink and drive; engage in regular exercise like walking, jogging and dancing to keep fit; have enough rest and sleep; avoid accidents due to firecrackers/fireworks; have a safe Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Aside from the DOH, the Philippine National Red Cross also advises the public to watch-out on the food that they eat due to several complications it causes like hypertensions.

PNRC added that with the variety of foods that are eaten during the holiday session it also hamper or causes for the low turn-out of blood donations as would be blood donors must have healthy body before donating blood.