CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-CVCHD) urged the public to take precautions when celebrating the yuletide season.
Dr. Shelbay Blanco, DOH-CVCHD medical officer IV of the Regional Health Emergency Management Section, emphasized during the Kapihan sa PIA forum on Dec. 18 that drinking and eating should be done in moderation, especially for individuals taking maintenance medications.
“After the party, we should avoid getting drunk to prevent accidents. If we have medications to take, particularly maintenance medications, we should not forget them to stay healthy and continue managing our health conditions,” Blanco said.
Explaining the goal of their Ligtas Christmas Campaign, Blanco also highlighted the importance of having a ‘Healthy Handaan’ (healthy feasting), particularly with the numerous gatherings happening this December.
“It’s really unavoidable to have lechon, humba, and processed foods, but we should consume these in moderation, as well as limit alcohol intake.
For our firecracker avoidance campaign, since we usually welcome the New Year with a bang, we must ensure safety by using alternative noisemakers. What’s most important is avoiding injuries or losing any part of our body,” Blanco added.
DOH is closely coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, local government units, and provincial and municipal health offices to support the ‘Iwas Paputok’ information drive.
Central Visayas has also been placed under Code White from Dec. 16, 2024 to January 2025.
This status ensures that all health facilities in the region are on standby to respond to untoward incidents during the yuletide celebrations and festivities. (MYP/PIA7)
