The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to be wary of unhealthy habits during the Yuletide season.
“Because nowadays, our countrymen are using money differently. Instead of buying fireworks, they are buying lechon and alcohol. So that’s our problem,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
Herbosa cited a 2021 Norwegian study which said that three days after Christmas is the deadliest time of the year for cardiovascular related illnesses such as heart attack and stroke, or “holiday heart syndrome.”
According to Herbosa, this is similar to what the DOH is seeing in emergency rooms in the country.
“What we see is that there are a lot of heart attacks and strokes right after the holidays, and it’s actually simple, we can prevent all of that,” Herbosa said.
“But now, what I’m trying to warn our countrymen about is what’s called binge eating and binge drinking.”
According to Herbosa, due to consecutive parties that Filipinos attend during this season, people suddenly develop arrhythmia.
“Young males suddenly develop arrhythmia because of dehydration, high salt concentration, and high fat content. Their heart struggles, and eventually, they go into atrial fibrillation. So, arrhythmia can lead to death, and AF (atrial fibrillation) can also be fatal. It’s a deadly time of the year.”
People with diabetes, heart attack, and high blood make an exception to holiday season to ignore their diet, Herbosa.
The DOH secretary also said the DOH is focusing its campaign to promote proper diet, exercise, and discipline against alcohol, cigarretes, vaping, and drugs.
Herbosa meanwhile hank the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for their actions to decline the firecracker related accident cases from recent years.
Herbosa is also urging the PNP to tighten its campaign on minors buying alcohol and driving under the influence.
The DOH is also advising the public to not drive while under the influence of alcohol especially those riding a motorcycle.
