DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – In observance of National Lung Month this August, the Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) encourages the public to adopt the L.U.N.G.S. habit to prevent lung diseases and promote overall respiratory well-being.
This habit stands for:
L – Layuan ang yosi, vaping, at iba lang tobacco products
U – Ugaliing maging aktibo at mag exercise
N – Nourish your body with a healthy diet
G – Go for fresh air, iwasan ang polusyon
S – Seek vaccinations and early consultation sa primary care providers
To reduce these risks and improve overall respiratory health, boosting the immune system through adopting preventive measures is crucial.
“Ang paghinga ay nagbibigay sa atin ng ginhawa at sigla. Kaya kung may problema sa ating mga baga, maaapektuhan din ang ibang bahagi ng respiratory system natin,” Eugenio Carlos Paragas, tuberculosis-dengue-malaria coordinator of Pangasinan PHO, said.
(Breathing provides us with comfort and vitality. So, if there are problems with our lungs, other parts of our respiratory system can also be affected.)
By following the L.U.N.G.S. habit, it can significantly reduce the risk of lung diseases, including acute bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, common colds, lung cancer, pharyngitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and tuberculosis (TB) among people.
Meanwhile, Paragas said that TB remains the most commonly observed condition among patients during their rounds and active case-finding efforts.
“With TB being one of the most common lung diseases, the Pangasinan PHO is continuously conducting activities to reduce TB cases in the province,” Paragas said.
He said that their TB Mopping Operations are still ongoing, with 3,399 individuals having undergone X-ray screenings since January this year.
He disclosed, “Sa mahigit 3,000 na na-X-ray, 366 o 10.77 porsyento ang nagpositibo sa TB batay sa kanilang X-ray results.”
(Out of the more than 3,000 who underwent X-ray screenings, 366 or 10.77 percent tested positive for TB based on their X-ray results.)
Paragas assured all those who tested positive for TB are being further tested using GeneXpert at rapid TB laboratory centers to ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Paragas also urges the public to visit the nearest health center for a check-up if they notice any signs or symptoms of TB.
The Pangasinan PHO will continue the TB Mopping Operations in the municipalities of Umingan and Sto. Tomas on August 15 and 16, respectively. Further, they will be announcing additional schedules for the said operation once finalized.
Further, the Department of Health (DOH) provides free medications and antibiotics for TB.
Meanwhile, the health department also urged quitting smoking which is an important step in reducing the risk of TB and improving overall lung health.
Likewise, National Tuberculosis Day will be celebrated on August 19 with the theme: “Pilipinas! Para healthy lungs, pa-check ka lungs!”
Paragas said residents can contact 0917-574-3062 or 0933-813-8823 for health inquiries. (MJTAB/JCDR/KCC/PIA Pangasinan)
