by Jasper Marie O. Rucat
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Department of Health (DOH)-10 through the Non-communicable Diseases Cluster highlighted the celebration of Heart and Cancer Awareness Month through various competitions, particularly Mr. and Ms. Healthy Hearts, Sayaw Galaw Zumba Challenge, and Tiktok Ka Heartner Dance Challenge, February 28, at Centrio Mall, here.
Dr. Jose Llacuna Jr., regional director for DOH-10, said this is to encourage the community to be active and exercise regularly, to share information about the benefits of regular exercise, and to urge the community to support the seven healthy habits for a healthy community.
There were also topics discussed, particularly “Ways in Keeping Your Heart Holistically Healthy” by Dr. Clevan Teresita A. Belisario and “Cancer Treatment Trends: What’s in and Out in Region 10” by Dr. Bernadette Marie Dy-Olaer.
Olaer said 189 out of 100,000 Filipinos are diagnosed with cancer, while four Filipinos die of cancer every hour.
Non-communicable diseases have become the country’s top causes of death, which include cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes, and cancer.
“Although cancer is common, only 5 to 10% of it is hereditary, meaning an individual has inherited an increased risk for cancer from one of their parents,” said Olaer.
Risk factors that can be changed include things like smoking, drinking, diet, and physical activity.
“This is what we should be changing since this is part of our lifestyle,” the doctor added.
A total of 200 participants joined in the activity, including students in the medical field, national government agencies, local government units, and DOH hospitals in the region.
Meanwhile, various health services are provided at the venue, which includes the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC): Cardio Checkup; NMMC: free ECG; National Nutrition Council (NNC): free diet counseling; Liceo College of Medicine: cancer exhibit; and Anytime Fitness: free coach advice. (JMOR/PIA-10)
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