CEBU City, Cebu, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) Region 7 underscored the importance of monitoring heart health in time for the Heart Month celebration this February.

DOH-7 senior health program officer Filman Brobo disclosed during the recent Kapihan sa PIA program that cerebrovascular diseases remain one of the leading causes of deaths in the region. 

"For the last five years, heart-related diseases have been among the top causes of deaths in the region. In fact, it was in the top 2 in 2022," Brobo said.

He said monitoring one's heart health is one way to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

"Monitoring heart health is very important, and we can easily access blood pressure monitoring at our public health centers," Brobo added.

Modifiable risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases include obesity, smoking, stress, unhealthy diet, and lifestyle, while non-modifiable risk factors include age, heredity, and gender.

Modifiable risk factors can be mitigated by staying active, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

"As we age, we become more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases, and there's a hereditary component as well. Studies have also shown that it's more prevalent in men than in women," he explained.

"We have to take care of our hearts because we only have one, and it beats even when we sleep," he added.

Z Benefit Package

PhilHealth's Z-Benefit Package continues to provide comprehensive coverage for patients with heart-related diseases. 

PhilHealth-7 Medical Specialist Dr. Avril Tiu explained that the Z-Benefit Package, which was launched in 2012, covers pre-operation, hospital admission, and follow-up check-up. 

"We also need to ensure that the patient cooperates, especially during follow-up appointments," Tiu added.

Z-Benefit Package for heart surgery services in Region 7 are available at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, Perpetual Succour Hospital of Cebu, and University of Cebu Medical Center.

In Bohol, the contracted hospital, especially on rheaumatic heart disease, is the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Bohol. 

Patients from private hospitals can also access the Z-Benefit Package by bringing their laboratory results to one of the three accredited hospitals for evaluation based on the pre-selection criteria.

Tiu also reminded members to update their records, contributions, and avail of the Konsulta Package, which provides free consultation and medicine to eligible members.

The Kapihan sa PIA in Cebu is livestreamed every Wednesday over the PIA Region 7 official Facebook page and aired over Radyo Pilipinas Cebu every Saturday. (MYP/PIA7 Cebu)