By Ric Sapnu/PNA
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here spearheaded on Monday the celebration of the “Heart Month”, as part of its continuing effort to increase people’s awareness on the prevention and control of major non-communicable or lifestyle-related diseases.
With the theme, “Mahalin ang Pusong Nagmamahal: Mag-healthy lifestyle na,” Dr. Cindy Canlas, medical coordinator of the DOH Central Luzon Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, conducted a lecture on healthy lifestyle to control and prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, all forms of cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
“The month-long celebration will promote active participation of and gain support among individuals from various sectors, government and non-government organizations,” Canlas said.
She discussed the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Club, a scaled-up project of the department to enhance the initiatives in addressing non-communicable diseases.
The DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Club also serves as a support group in communities for dissemination of information and to ensure that appropriate management is provided to all patients.
To be part of the DOH Hypertension and Diabetes Club, she said the client needs to consult the nearest health center or primary health care facility to undergo assessment, screening and management using the Philippine Package of Essential NCD Intervention (PhilPEN) protocol.
“Once the patient is diagnosed to have hypertension and/or diabetes, he/she will be enrolled to the club,” Canlas said.
“Members can access DOH drugs for hypertension like Losartan, Amlodipine, Metoprolol and for diabetes such as Metformin. They will also benefit from activities promoting healthy lifestyle,” she added.
After the lecture, a zumba dance followed to promote “Go4Health”, the banner program of the DOH with four cornerstones — Go Smoke Free. Go Slow sa Tagay. Go Sustansya. Go Sigla.
