ILOILO City – The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is urging the public to remain vigilant against potential health hazards while enjoying holiday festivities.
It recently launched its “Ligtas Christmas 2024” campaign with the theme “Tamang Pagkain, Ehersisyo at Disiplina, BiyaHealthy Ngayong Pasko” and “Iwas Paputok”. These initiatives focus on promoting health, safety, and responsibility to minimize holiday-related risks.
Regional Director Adriano Suba-an said the campaign seeks to educate and empower individuals to prioritize their well-being and that of their families during the holiday season.
“Remain vigilant about health hazards, including non-communicable diseases (NCDs), while enjoying the festive season,” Suba-an said.
Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
The campaign’s “Tamang Pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina” component emphasizes adopting healthy habits such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, and self-discipline to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
The public is encouraged to follow the “Pinggang Pinoy” model for balanced meals, engage in physical activities like walking or dancing, and avoid harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco.
Proper food safety practices, including hand-washing, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring clean drinking water, are also highlighted.
The campaign underscores the importance of sufficient sleep, mental health care, and self-care for overall well-being.
Ensuring Safe Travels
Through “BiyaHealthy Ngayong Pasko”, the DOH advocates road safety as a shared responsibility, particularly during the holiday travel rush. Travellers are reminded to use the BLOW-BAG-SET safety checklist: check battery, lights, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, self, engine, and tires.
Motorists are urged to avoid distractions, abstain from drunk driving, and wear helmets or seatbelts to ensure safe journeys.
Preventing Firecracker Injuries
The “Iwas Paputok” campaign encourages safer alternatives to fireworks, such as organized displays or using torotot, drums, and light sticks. Preparedness for emergencies is also emphasized.
In 2023, the region recorded 294 firework-related injuries, primarily burns or blasts without amputation, followed by eye injuries and amputations.
Regional Hospitals on Standby
DOH-6 assured the public that health facilities across the region are on heightened alert during the holiday season.
Dr. Ma. Femie P. Japitana, DOH-6 Medical Coordinator for the Food and Waterborne Diseases Program, said trauma teams, surgery, and orthopedics departments are on standby 24/7, with necessary logistics ready for emergencies.
The public is also encouraged to recall emergency hotlines and provide first aid in case of accidents.
A Call for Community Support
Aligned with the DOH’s 8-Point Action Agenda, the “Ligtas Christmas” campaign aims to foster healthier habits and safer practices to build a healthier Western Visayas, contributing to a “Bagong Pilipinas kung saan Bawat Buhay Mahalaga”.
“As we embrace the holiday season, let us prioritize the health and safety of our families through the principles advocated by the Ligtas Christmas 2024 campaign,” Suba-an said. “A safe and healthy Christmas is truly the greatest gift we can give to our loved ones.”/PN
