Public urged: Avoid salty, fatty food this Christmas

MANILA, Philippines – As Filipinos prepare for the Christmas and New Year holidays, reunions and vacations, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) is reminding everyone to be wary of salty and fatty foods that may lead to heart and diabetes problems.

Aurelia Leus, PHA director, said many wind up in the hospital from January to February, a few weeks after the holiday season, due to heart disease and diabetes.

In citing the two health conditions, Leus pointed to the Filipino tradition of “fiesta” food – often oily and sweet – as the probable culprit.

“We noticed from reports the increase in diabetes because people tend to eat more than the usual, which results in an increase in sugar levels and even lead to heart attack.

People also tend to forget their medications because of the many parties they have to attend,” Leus said during the weekly health forum in Quezon City.

The festivities and family reunions, she added, can also lead to depression after family members leave and go their separate ways after the holidays.

Leus reminded everyone to always aim for a healthy diet and to visit their doctor if they encounter problems.

Alex Junia, PHA president, also reminded partygoers to “limit merry eating.”

“Let us respect our bodies by not overstuffing ourselves... let us part with the year with a healthy heart and start the New Year with a healthy body,” Junia said.

Celebrity chef Rosebud Velasco also gave this tip to partygoers: do not starve yourself before attending parties so you will not be tempted to consume a lot of food; if you are hungry, always have the discipline to choose healthy or less-oily food, and do away with a cheat day.