“Study shows that men die earlier than women,” Dr. Nora Ruiz of the Provincial Health Office said during the one day Orientation on Healthy Lifestyle for Men and Men’s Involvement in Reproductive Health exclusively for all the men employed in the Provincial Capitol of Benguet on March 9, 2017 at the Benguet Sports Complex, Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet. “Thus, the PDOHO in partnership with the Benguet PHO, organized this activity to increase your awareness in nutrition and healthy living for you to live longer,” she further explained to the 100 men participants.
The one day seminar was still in support of the celebration of the Women’s Month though its main participants were men. “Men should be educated about the needs of women and their children because they play a vital role in parenthood,” explained Dr. Mercedes S. Calpito, the Development Management Officer V of PDOHO – Benguet who discussed about Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health.
Dr. Calpito further educated the men on how they can help in ending Violence Against Women in their simple ways like respecting women and girls in their home, workplace, and community. They can also join male groups promoting Anti-VAW efforts and participate in discussions to broaden your awareness on the advocacy. Men can further enlighten or advise perpetrators to seek help and join the male Anti-VAW supporters.
On the other hand, Mr. Darwin Babon, Peer Educator of BGHMC, discussed Sexually Transmitted Diseases Prevention and Treatment. He encouraged the participants to know more about the STDs and HIV AIDS because on the 296 cases of HIV AIDS in CAR, Benguet has contributed 28 cases. According to him, there are four body fluids with high concentration of HIV which are the blood, seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, and breast milk.
On the afternoon session, Dr. Shelly M. Aral, Head of DOH NCDPC, talked about the Healthy Lifestyle and Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment while Ms. Cirila Sabiano, Program Coordinator of PHO, discussed the benefits of Blood Donation. Further, Ms. Joynalyn Tadifa, Nutritionist of PHO lectured on proper nutrition and diet.
During the healthy breaks, the participants were assessed on their risk to develop stroke and heart attack using the Non Communicable Disease Risk Assessment Form by the PHO team led by Dr. Meliarazon Dulay. “This would help the employees learn about their health condition for them to determine ways on how to manage their lifestyles and diets,” said Hon. Crescencio C. Pacalso, the governor of Benguet.** Jobelle batanes
