DOH: Adopt healthy lifestyle this 2021

Biking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle amid the pandemic. (Arnold Almacen)

By Leonard T. Pineda I

 

The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) encouraged the public to adopt or maintain a healthy lifestyle beginning this year.

Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, Head of the DOH WV CHD-Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, said that the year 2020 has taught people the importance of health, the immune system, as well as their habits and hygiene.

 

“This 2021, this is the chance to evaluate our lifestyle – if it is healthy or not,” she said.

 

Natalaray said that the Department has implemented a nationwide healthy lifestyle movement dubbed “Pilipinas Go4Health”, which aims to control the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.

She said that Pilipinas Go4Health provides the following advice: Go Sigla, Go Slow sa Tagay, Go Smoke-free, and Go Sustansya.

The component “Go Sigla” encourages individuals to exercise regularly – at least 100 minutes a week or 20 minutes a day of moderate physical activities, such as brisk walking, dancing, Zumba, doing household chores, or gardening.

Meanwhile “Go Slow sa Tagay” emphasizes the effect of alcohol on people. While it may offer health benefits to some, it may actually impose a major health risk to others.

 

“Go Smoke-Free” reminds the public that smoking is dangerous to one’s health, while “Go Sustanya” advocates the consumption of healthy and nutritious food.

 

Natalaray said that the primary mortality causes in Western Visayas are hypertensive cardiovascular diseases including stroke and heart attack. She added that these diseases can be prevented by practicing a healthy lifestyle. (PIA)