DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 21 December) — Dabawenyos, especially those with hypertension and diabetes, are urged to watch their diet and alcohol consumption during Christmas and New Year celebrations to prevent stroke, the third leading cause of death in the Philippines.
Dr. Matthew Rex A. Madayag, a rehabilitation medicine specialist at Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), noted that while stroke cases don’t spike in December, hospital admissions surge post-holiday due to unhealthy eating and drinking habits. Speaking at Kapehan sa Dabaw on December 15, he highlighted that stroke risk factors—diet, lifestyle, and stress—are increasingly affecting younger adults in their 30s, partly due to excessive alcohol intake.
Madayag advised patients with hypertension or diabetes to maintain a low-salt, low-carb diet even during festivities. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that cerebrovascular diseases (stroke) ranked third among the country’s top causes of death in 2024, following ischemic heart disease and cancer. From January to August 2024, stroke accounted for 30,552 deaths (10% of total fatalities).
PSA emphasized that stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked or ruptured, potentially causing paralysis, speech impairment, or death. Risk factors include high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and family history. The agency urged Filipinos to adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced diets, exercise, and avoiding smoking.
Lifestyle writer and Pilates instructor Jesse Boga encouraged mindful movement during the holidays, stressing that staying active and making intentional choices can prevent overindulgence. Meanwhile, SPMC treats around 100 new patients weekly, including stroke survivors, using robotic rehabilitation tools like R-Gait, R-Force, and R-Touch to aid recovery. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
