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BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Tuesday, February 14, 2017
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LOVE IS IN THE AIR. A young couple finds a cozy spot at the Iloilo Esplanade. This promenade on the bank of the Iloilo River is not only attracting tourists. It has become a favorite rendezvous of lovers, too. GUIJO DUEÑAS/PN
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ILOILO City – Instead of buying your sweetheart an overload of cakes, sweets and fatty food, why not give a more lasting gift? A poem, letter or message may be more romantic. And heart-healthy.
However you celebrate Valentine’s Day, be careful with your heart and choose healthy options, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Emphasizing the importance of good health this special day, DOH reminds the public to observe a heart-healthy lifestyle.
It has given today’s celebration a health-conscious theme: Gulay at Prutas Araw-Arawin; Matamis, Mamantika at Maalat Hinay-Hinayin (Eat Fruits and Vegetables Daily; Consume Sweets, Fatty and Salty Food Moderately). Its other heart-friendly tips are the following:
*If you choose to buy chocolates, choose dark chocolates with less sugar and caramel added. Dark chocolates should be made up of at least 60 to 70 percent cocoa. It has flavonoids and antioxidants which are good for the heart and blood vessels. Consume a moderate amount, approximately an ounce (around 30 grams) a day.
* Be active on Valentine’s Day. Plan an outing or walk around a park or mall. Walking for 30 minutes is good for your heart.
* Home cooking is healthier than restaurant food. Instead of an expensive restaurant date, why not cook at home and enjoy a romantic dinner. For example, you can eat fish like tuna, mackerel, bangus and salmon.
* Split your meal in two. If you still want to go to a restaurant for a date, splitting your meal can cut your calorie intake in half. Give fresh fruits. If you want to eat something sweet, local fresh fruits in season are the healthier choice.
* Don’t smoke. If your sweetheart is a smoker, encourage him or her to quit smoking. Smoking can lead to heart attack or stroke. Hence, quitting is the best Valentine’s Day gift for your loved one.
* Be faithful to your partner. Reduce your stress and enjoy life more.
“Be kind to your heart. Choose healthier options this Valentine’s Day. Maintain a regular diet and exercise,” says Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial of DOH.
NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Based on the World Health Organization report on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) in 2014, deaths related to NCD in the Philippines are attributed to cardiovascular diseases (33 percent), cancer (10 percent), diabetes (six percent), and chronic respiratory diseases (five percent).
The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) National Nutrition Survey also showed that there is an increasing prevalence in the following behavioral factors from 2008 to 2013 – diabetes from 4.8 percent to 5.4 percent and overweight among adults from 26.6 percent to 31.1 percent while decreasing trends for hypertension from 25.3 percent to 22.3 percent and current adult smokers from 31.0 percent to 25.4 percent.
DOH HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES CLUB
In 2016, DOH launched the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Club.
This will be scaled-up nationwide to enhance the initiatives in addressing NCD and will serve as a support group in communities to disseminate information and ensure that appropriate management is provided to all patients.
As of February 2017, more than 600,000 patients are registered in the club.
To be part of the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Club, the client needs to consult the nearest health center or primary health care facility to undergo assessment, screening and management using the Philippine Package of Essential NCD Intervention (PhilPEN) protocol.
Once the patient is diagnosed to have hypertension and/or diabetes, he/she will be enrolled to the club.
Member can access DOH drugs for hypertension (Losartan / Amlodipine / Metoprolol) and diabetes (Metformin).
They will also benefit from activities promoting healthy lifestyle./PN
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