SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Feb. 28 (PIA) – In line with Philippine Heart Month, the Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region, along with the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center and the La Union Provincial Health Office, held a comprehensive health activity in Barangay San Vicente here on Feb. 24, reaching over 300 residents.
 
Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, DOH-Region 1 regional director, highlighted the importance of preventative measures, emphasizing, "We need to take care of our hearts to avoid heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks. The heart is vital to our overall health, pumping blood throughout our bodies and supplying oxygen while removing waste."
 
Dr. Sydiongco urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, "We need to prevent the rise of non-communicable diseases by encouraging everyone to reduce risk factors like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets."
 
The event offered free health assessments, including urinalysis, blood tests, blood sugar tests, and cholesterol checks.
 
These assessments, according to Dr. Rodolfo Albornoz, DOH-Region 1 assistant regional director, provide crucial information about the community's health needs.
 
"This data helps us develop targeted health improvement plans, allocating resources efficiently to serve the community best,” Albornoz said.
 
Residents also received medical consultations, medication refills, smoking cessation counseling, and nutritional guidance.
 
Educational lectures on cardiovascular disease, nutrition, and general health were delivered.
 
Barangay officials and youth members participated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, equipping them with basic life-saving skills and raising awareness of recognizing cardiac arrest emergencies.
 
Additionally, residents diagnosed with concerning health issues received referrals to DOH hospitals for further evaluation and treatment.
 
Adding a fun element, three teams participated in a "Heart Healthy Merienda Cooking Competition" showcasing delicious and low-calorie recipes.
 
Winners received cash prizes, encouraging residents to embrace healthy eating habits.
 
This initiative demonstrates the DOH-Ilocos' commitment to bringing healthcare closer to communities, ensuring everyone has access to preventive care and vital health information. (JCR/AMB/PIA Region 1)