IN DEMAND. Vendors at La Loma, Quezon City, known as the “lechon” (roast pig) capital, report a 30 percent increase in sales last week, with expectations of even higher demand as holiday parties continue. Meanwhile, health officials remind the public to moderate their intake of sweet, fatty, and salty foods. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) reported 71 cases of acute stroke from Dec. 21 to Dec. 27, as part of its monitoring during the holiday season.
DOH Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo shared the figures during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, noting that the data was collected from sentinel hospitals.
“Apatnapu’t isa ang nagkaroon ng acute coronary syndrome, at 46 iyong nagkaroon ng hika (Forty-one patients had acute coronary syndrome, and 46 had asthma),” Domingo said.
This year marked the DOH’s first systematic monitoring of stroke and heart attack cases, which tend to rise before Christmas and eventually decline after the holidays.
Domingo advised the public to avoid binge eating and drinking, as these habits could increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
For bronchial asthma, Domingo cautioned that cases might surge during New Year’s Eve due to firecrackers and gunpowder particles in the air.
“Maraming paputok at ang pulbura ay nasa hangin kaya ang mga may hika dapat po mag-ingat sa panahong ito na palapit tayo ng Bagong Taon (There are a lot of firecrackers and gunpowder in the air, so those with asthma must be cautious as the New Year approaches),” he said.
He reminded asthma patients to check their inhalers.
“Siguraduhin ninyo po na may laman po ang inhaler… check ninyo po kung gumagana at may laman (Make sure your inhaler isn’t empty, check if it is still working).”
The DOH also warned against holiday heart syndrome, caused by excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and unhealthy eating, which can elevate blood pressure and trigger arrhythmia, a risk factor for stroke. (PNA)
