DOH-7: Stay healthy during holidays

CEBU, Philippines - With only 23 days more to go before Christmas, the Department of Health is reminding everyone the importance of a balanced diet.

While parties and celebrations bring an abundance of food and drinks, the public is reminded that it could also lead to health problems.

Doctor Joanri Riveral, Program Coordinator for Food and Water-borne Diseases in Central Visayas, said that with the many parties people are expected to attend this month, it is also important to be conscious of what they eat and most of all practice proper hygiene.

Lack of proper hygiene may lead to acquiring food and water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea.

Riveral stressed the importance of washing the hands before eating and cooking. If the meat is not properly cooked, Riveral said it could also cause more health problems.

Aside from proper food handling, Riveral also warned the public on excessive eating of foods that are high in cholesterol to avoid hypertension. In fact, she pointed out that after Christmas and New Year celebrations, a notable increase in patients suffering from hypertension has been observed.

She said that while celebrating the holidays, DOH-7 reminds the public to prioritize their well-being by having a balanced diet. (FREEMAN)