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MANILA, Philippines — It’s that time of the year when people overindulge in wanton feasts.
But Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa urged the public on Tuesday to be cautious about the food that they will consume over the holiday season, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death among Filipinos.
Based on a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority released on November 7, ischaemic heart diseases were the top causes of death in the country from January to May of 2023.
Neoplasms and cerebrovascular diseases followed it, said the report.
“What I worry about more is the lifestyle illnesses, so sabi ko bawal ‘yung mga ‘ma’ foods: bawal ‘yung mga mataba, maalat, at matamis. Masustansya rin ‘yung mga salad, fruits, and it’s also about moderation,” Herbosa said in an interview at Headstart.
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(I worry about lifestyle illnesses, so I say no to ‘ma’ foods: no to fat, salty, and sweet foods. Salads, fruits are also nutritious, and it’s also about moderation.)
“Yes it’s bawal, pero hindi rin bawal ‘yung tumikim. Once malasahan mo na edi okay na ‘yun, natikman mo na ‘yung food that was served. It’s nice to celebrate, but I don’t want the Filipinos to celebrate in the emergency room of hospitals,” he added.
(Yes, it’s not advisable, but it’s not forbidden to taste it either. Once you taste it, then okay, you’ve already tasted the food that was served. It’s nice to celebrate, but I don’t want the Filipinos to celebrate in the emergency room of hospitals.)
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Regarding precautionary measures against COVID-19 during social gatherings, Herbosa noted that people have already learned to protect themselves from the virus.
“I’m happy there are people wearing masks at religious gatherings and parties,” he said.
“People have learned how to behave in this COVID [situation] and how not to make it spread,” Herbosa added.
The Health Secretary then reminded the public that antigen tests are now more recommended than RT-PCR tests if a person is suspected of being positive for the virus.
According to him, antigen tests are more convenient than RT-PCR tests.
Herbosa said that those who will test positive in the antigen test need to self-isolate for five days and continue wearing masks for up to 10 days.