The Power of a Healthy Lifestyle Filipinos Urged to Take Control Amid Rising Deaths

The Power of a Healthy Lifestyle Filipinos Urged to Take Control Amid Rising Deaths

As the Philippines struggles with rising deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), Senator Bong Go has issued a clarion call, urging Filipinos to prioritize their health and adopt healthy lifestyle practices.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, over 600,000 Filipinos die annually from NCDs, accounting for approximately 70% of total deaths. Ischemic heart diseases, cancers, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes are among the top causes of death in the country. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the World Health Organization's (WHO) Western Pacific Region report, which notes that the Philippines stands out as an anomaly in the region with its increasing NCD-related mortality rate.

The Power of Healthy Lifestyle Habits

So, what can Filipinos do to reduce their risk of developing NCDs? According to Senator Go, it starts with adopting healthy lifestyle habits from a young age. He emphasizes the importance of

Eating a balanced diet
Shunning vices such as smoking and excessive drinking
Engaging in regular physical activity and sports
Having regular check-ups with healthcare professionals

These simple habits can go a long way in preventing NCDs. For instance, reducing ultra-processed food intake, increasing physical activity, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful practices like smoking and vaping can significantly lower the risk of developing chronic conditions.

Monitoring Health Markers for Early Intervention

For those already diagnosed with chronic conditions, monitoring health markers such as blood sugar and blood pressure is crucial. Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals can help identify potential complications early on, enabling timely interventions.

Government Efforts to Promote Accessible Healthcare

The government has taken steps to expand access to basic and specialized healthcare through legislation. Senator Go's authored and sponsored Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 is one such initiative. This law institutionalized the Malasakit Centers as one-stop shops to help poor and indigent patients reduce their hospital bills.

To date, there are 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide, which have already assisted over 17 million Filipinos, based on data from the Department of Health.

Conclusion

The power of a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated. By adopting simple yet effective habits and monitoring health markers, Filipinos can significantly reduce their risk of developing NCDs. As Senator Go emphasized, it's time to take control of our health and well-being. Let us prioritize preventive care and promote healthy lifestyle practices for a healthier Philippines.

Keywords Healthy Lifestyle, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Preventive Care, Malasakit Centers, Republic Act 11463

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.