BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — With the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH-CAR) prompts the public to have happy, healthy and safe family gatherings and merry making.
DOH Regional Director Dr. Rio Magpantay, in a Kapihan media forum here, reminded the public that as they plan for a happy vacation and celebrations with their families and friends, they must also push for safe and healthy festivities to ensure a healthy Pilipinas.
For a healthy celebration, Magpantay advised the people to protect themselves from the cold weather, use masks when in crowded or not properly ventilated areas, for the elderly and immunocompromised people, and those who are feeling sick not to go out for unnecessary reasons.
Also include healthy and nutritious food recipes on tables, avoid alcoholic drinks as much as possible or if not, at least only drink moderately, ensure proper food handling and storage, avoid stress and include physical activities in schedules, he added.
DOH-CAR Senior Health Program Officer Victoria Malicdan also advised the public to be wary of Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI), which are on the rise based on the regional disease surveillance.
ILI symptoms are fever, cough and sore throat. SARI has similar symptoms of ILI but includes shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing and needs hospitalization. Both illnesses can be transmitted through direct contact and airborne-mostly transmitted in crowded places and enclosed spaces. Increase in cases is usually recorded during cold or rainy days or with sudden change of temperatures, and affects all sexes and ages, especially those immune-compromised, Malicdan said.
Another disease to be wary of this festive season is acute bloody diarrhea, a food and waterborne disease. DOH-CAR data shows a total of 1,226 cases recorded as of November 25, a 46 percent increase compared to the 836 cases recorded in 2022.
On healthier food options, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center Nutritionist/Dietician Emma Abuan said the delicious lechon can stay on the table but people should opt for smaller servings, and steam chicken rather than fried or grilled.
For the usual meat barbeques, use grilling pans instead of direct fire, and garnish or add fruits and vegetables to add to nutritional needs. Preparing attractive and delicious fish recipes is also a healthy option.
Baguio City Health Services Office Mental Health Program coordinator Ricky Ducas also gave pointers on how to avoid holiday blues that can cause stress – physically, mentally and financially.
Ducas explained that holiday blues is not recognized as a psychiatric condition but a more relative recurring feelings of sadness that begins during the holiday season. Common causes are lack of sleep, excessive eating and alcohol use, financial stress, isolation and loneliness, and unrealistic expectations.
For a safe yuletide celebration, Magpantay also promoted the ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign.
“Firecrackers bring in injuries and are not good for the environment”, Magpantay stressed.
Bureau of Fire Protection-Cordillera Fire Control and Operations Chief FINSP Bernardo Bravo, in the same forum, also reminded the public to avoid using firecrackers during the Christmas and New Year revelries, as well as to ensure safety during bonfires and cooking. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
