ILOILO City – The Department of Health-Western Visayas (DOH-6) assured the government is looking after the health and wellness of the elderly sector.
Around 300 senior citizens gathered at a mall in Mandurriao district for the celebration of the Elderly Filipino Week on Oct.1.
Revolving around the theme “Healthy and productive aging starts with me,” the DOH-6 guided the elderly on how to live a healthy and fit lifestyle.
Cristina de Guzman, DOH-6 regional program coordinator for health and wellness, said the elderly sector was given health priority programs from the government.
“We are grateful for them because they have done a lot for this country. We cannot afford that our elders are sick. We want them to enjoy life and the fruits of their labors as retirees,” de Guzman said.
Among those discussed during the program were physical exercises, activities and food essential for maintaining wellness.
De Guzman said elders in the region entertained themselves through joining church organization, groups and playing socio-recreational games.
“It is good that they have these activities because we want them to become productive,” she added.
De Guzman said it is also important that elders take in less salt, sugar and oily food.
“They should also drink more water for the maintenance of good health and for them to cleanse. It is very important that every day, they have regular bowel movement,” she added.
Most of the diseases and health conditions the elderly suffer in the region are hypertension, diabetes and body aches.
“For those who may be diagnosed with hypertension or with diabetes, we have free medicine accessed at health centers. For them to access the medicines, they have to be registered for their maintenance and they have to consult every three months for the management of their diabetes and hypertension,” de Guzman said.
She added the elderly should also visit their dentists regularly to maintain healthy teeth and gums essential as they take in food.
“It is good that we have people here from the government. This is much appreciated and it makes us feel that we are recognized in the little things that we do,” Engr. Rodrigo Naval, president and chairman of the city’s Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines said.
Aside from the DOH, the Department of Social Welfare Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Labor and Employment and Social Security System updated the participants of their programs.(With a report from PNA/PN)
