Health fair participants engage in a zumba session organized by the DOH-MMCHD in promotion of active lifestyle. (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR) 

QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Some 470 barangay health workers (BHWs), Marikina City Health Office representatives, program managers, and other stakeholders from the Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) participated in the “Ka-Heartner, Puso ang Piliin Health Fair” on Monday, March 11, at the Marikina Sports Center. 

The health fair centered on the holistic promotion of cardiovascular health as a culminating activity for the observance of Philippine Heart Month in February 2024. 

Heart disease remains to be the leading cause of death among Filipinos. 

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) during the period of January to July 2023 revealed that more than 65,000 cases or 19.1 percent of ischemic heart disease were reported in the country. 

MMCHD Regional Director Rio L. Magpantay highlighted the importance of making informed choices to maintain a stronger and healthier heart. 

“Life is always a choice. Nagkakaroon tayo ng pagkakataon pumili. Una, pumipili tayo ng gusto nating kainin. It’s related to lifestyle. Dapat alagaan natin ang ating puso. Ang diet, exercise, at paggawa ng anti-stress activities ay parte ng pagpili,” Magpantay explained. 

(Life is always a choice. We are given chances to choose. First, we are choosing what we eat. It’s related to lifestyle. We should take care of our heart. Diet, exercise, and doing anti-stress activities are all part of our choices.) 

“Iisa lang po ang layunin natin. Tayo po ay maging matatag, magaling, at malusog,” he added. 

(We only have one goal. That is for us to become strong, good, and healthy.) 

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, who also graced the collective event, meanwhile underscored the commitment of the city in terms of contributing to the advancement of preventive healthcare. 

“There should be a whole-of-government, a whole-of-nation approach to the delivery of health services. We are not only committed but we are truly in one in the delivery of proactive health services,” said the local chief executive. 

Teodoro also cited the different initiatives of the local government that support the promotion of active mobility and healthy lifestyle. These include the establishment of open public open spaces through its Comprehensive Parks Development Plan to provide exercise or recreation areas for constituents. 

In addition, Marikina City is actively encouraging the residents to use alternative modes of transportation, particularly bikeways and walkways, not only because of its positive benefits to health but also to the environment. 

The health fair featured various interactive activities that will impart essential learning about proper cardiovascular exercises, heart-healthy eating habits, substance-free lifestyle, and optimal mental well-being towards fighting against the key behavioral risk factors of heart disease. 

Participants were divided into four (4) groups for the four booth activities in the health fair. 

One of the activities is entitled “Let’s do the Cardio” that involves cardio exercises such as jumping jacks, jumping rope, hula hoop, and one-lap run. 

Other activities include “What’s on my Pinggang Pinoy?” which challenged the participants to categorize different food items in the go, grow, and glow categories, and the “Substance-Free is a Better Life to be!” bowling game representing the prevention of substance use with bowling pins serving as bottles of alcohol and packs of cigarettes. 

Players bowl their way to a set of bowling pins with pictures of alcohol and cigarettes. (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR) 

With stress as the one of the primary causes of heart disease, there was also an activity called “Be Kind to your Mind” where the participants practice meditation and breathing techniques. They were likewise given time to write their feelings on a notepad and stick these on the Mental Health mood board. 

Mayeth Embalsado (left), a BHW for 30 years, join a meditation activity, while other participants (right) place their notes on the provided mood board. (Photo by Janna Pineda/PIA-NCR) 

Mayeth Embalsado, a 60-year-old BHW from Barangay Fortune, said that the health fair gave her an opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of her profession to further improve the delivery of local health services. 

“Mahalaga ito kasi unang una, dito mo malalaman ‘yung mga dagdag kaalaman mo para alam mo ‘yung nangyayari sa sitwasyon. Katulad ng sa mental health, magkakaroon ka ng idea kung ano’ng nagiging sitwasyon na maa-apply mo rin sa mga kakilala mo saka sa mga constituents namin,” Embalsado cited. 

(This is  important because first, you will learn the supplementary knowledge to better grasp the situation. Like in mental health, you will have an idea about the situation that you can also apply to your circle and constituents.)

After each activity, the participants were given heart stickers on their “Ka-Heartner Card.” Upon completion, they received portable exercise equipment as an incentive. 

The Ka-Heartner, Puso ang Piliin Health Fair is just one of many initiatives of the MMCHD that are anchored on the promotion of heart health. 

For the whole month of February, MMCHD provided a lay forum for 2,383 participants and risk assessment activity among 335 employees. (JMP/PIA-NCR)