DOH releases 12 health tips for the holiday season

In this season of Christmas parties and celebrations, the Department of Health (DOH) released a list of holiday season health tips to help the public stay healthy and protect themselves against non-communicable and lifestyle-related diseases.

 

DOH Secretary Enrique Ona released the list, which included the following tips:

 

Regarding gift-giving, Ona advised early preparation to avoid the Christmas rush and prevent stress. He also highlighted the importance of giving children toys that are safe, age-appropriate, and registered, to ensure safety.

 

On the topic of food, the health secretary recommended avoiding salty and fatty foods, as well as including vegetables and fruits in the Noche Buena menu.  

 

He also noted the importance of eating and drinking moderately and making sure that food is unspoiled and fresh. He added that it is important not to drink and drive.

 

As for holiday activities, he recommended engaging in regular exercise like walking and jogging to stay fit. He also recommended having enough rest and sleep.

 

Ona also said we must “avoid accidents due to fireworks,” particularly during New Year’s day.

 

According to Ona, data from 2006 Philippine Health Statistics revealed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are among the leading causes of death.

 

“Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and diabetes mellitus, the four major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country are linked by four most common and preventable risk factors related to lifestyle—tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and alcohol use,” he said.

  

Among these NCDs are diseases of the heart (ranked No. 1), diseases of the vascular systems (ranked No. 2), malignant neoplasms (ranked No. 3), chronic lower respiratory diseases (ranked No. 7), and diabetes mellitus (ranked No. 8).

 

National Nutrition Surveys conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed that from 2003 to 2008, hypertension and diabetes became more prevalent.

 

The same study also showed that consumption of fatty and sugary foods increased, while physical activity remained low among almost the entire adult population.

  

Reduce food wastage

 

Meanwhile, the EcoWaste Coalition released a 20-point “Pinoy Guide” that appealed to Filipinos to cut down on food waste, and minimize trash during the holidays.

 

The eco group noted that every Filipino wastes 22 grams of edible food per day, according to data from a food consumption survey by the FNRI.

 

The study also revealed that rice and its products comprise the biggest portion of food waste at 16 grams per person daily, amounting to about 1,200 metric tons of wasted rice per day.

 

To address the problem of food waste, the eco group produced the guide, which was based on input provided by advocates for sustainable consumption and pollution prevention.

 

It advised the public to plan party menus well so the food will just be enough for the number of guests. Should there be leftovers, the guide suggested they be shared to those who might need or enjoy it, such as neighbors, barangay personnel, or street dwellers.

 

Other leftovers, according to the guide, should be recycled if possible. They suggested using food scraps like left over ponkan and orange peels as air fresheners, or fermenting jackfruit, pineapple and other fruit peels into home-made vinegar. The guide also suggested composting food scraps to enrich garden soil.

 

The list also reminded the public to shop responsibly by preparing a food shopping list and checking their refrigerators and pantries to see what is already available.

 

When buying food items, the guide suggested choosing loose fruits and vegetables instead of those that come prepacked in Styrofoam trays. They also advised that reusable shopping bags be used, instead of plastic bags.

  

For potluck events, the guide suggested knowing the number of attendees and their contributions. It was also recommended that attendees be asked to put their contributions in recyclable bowls or trays.

 

For children’s party, the guide made the suggestion of including a reward for kids with the cleanest plates, to introduce the concept of zero food waste. –AL/KG, GMA News