Department of Health 7 Medical Officer IV Dr. Joan Antonette R. Albito (right) discussing their agency’s activities in line with this year’s Hearth Month celebration, during the Kapihan sa PIA on Feb. 26 in Cebu City. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — In observance of this year’s “Philippine Heart Month,” the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) urged Filipinos to monitor their heart health and be cautious of their lifestyle to avoid heart-related diseases.
Joan Antonette R. Albito, medical officer IV of DOH-7, provided some health tips to the public to prevent cardiovascular diseases during the recent Kapihan sa PIA forum in Cebu City.
Albito emphasized the importance of lifestyle monitoring and lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy heart.
“It starts with lifestyle change, eating healthy, likayan ang sigeg kaon og fatty foods, ug if possible, likay usab sa high-salt diet,” said Albito.
(Avoid eating fatty food and if possible, avoid a high-salt diet.)
The DOH-7 official also encouraged the public to do more physical activities and avoid too much stress to decrease the likelihood of contracting cardiovascular diseases.
“It’s important to do regular exercise for 30 minutes a day, avoid excessive smoking, and then control your consumption of alcoholic beverages, manage your stress, and get enough rest or sleep,” she added.
According to DOH-7, heart or cardiovascular disease is the top leading cause of deaths in Central Visayas, with a mortality rate of 89 percent in 2023.
With this, the DOH-7 continues to strengthen their advocacy campaign in promoting heart health by conducting health lectures and fitness challenges.
They also offer consultation services in partnership with the local government units in the region.
DOH-7 also urged those who are experiencing symptoms of heart diseases to seek immediate medical attention and avail themselves of the free health services offered by the government, such as the PhilHealth Konsulta Package, where PhilHealth members can benefit from various health care services.
“We have the PhilHealth Konsulta Package that is free for the members, apil na sa Konsulta Package nato ang mga (included in the Konsulta Package) screening tests like X-ray, ECG, blood test. Just reach out to your nearest primary health care facilities to avail of the package,” she said. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)
