Execs give public tips to stay healthy, safe this Christmas

Government officials are reminding the public to put their health and safety first as they celebrate the holidays.

Dr. Susana Madarieta, regional director of the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7), said exposure to the cold front with the expected rainy season could lower one’s immune system, especially children.

“A low immune system can cause influenza, cough and colds and pneumonia,” Madarieta said.

Those who will continue to attend the dawn Masses or the Misa de Gallo and the Christmas Eve Mass should also avoid too much exposure to the cold.

They should wear jackets and bring umbrellas in case it would rain.

Madarieta said that small children should be covered with jackets and caps since they would be most vulnerable to the common diseases during the rainy season.

In case of floods, the public shouldn’t wade through the floodwaters to avoid getting leptospirosis.

After the rain, the public are also encouraged to practice search and destroy of water receptacles to eliminate possible breeding grounds for dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Madarieta also reminded the public to observe proper diet during the Christmas season and avoid fatty, salty and sweet food, which could cause diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular diseases.

She also advised the public to drink alcohol in moderation to assure safety when celebrating Christmas.

For travelers suffering from coughs and colds, Madarieta encouraged them to practice good manners to avoid spreading the disease.

When coughing, a person should cover his mouth and wash his hands afterwards.

Madarieta said that viral infection could easily be caught in crowded places and on planes and public vehicles.

“As much as possible, crowded places should be avoided because that’s where most of the diseases are,” she said.

Travelers should also refrain from buying food from vendors when they don’t know how it was prepared.

Raul Aguilos, regional director of the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7), said Christmas rush had already begun since last Wednesday.

He said they already launched Oplan Ligtas Krismas in the North and South Bus Terminals last Wednesday.

The operation will involve the LTO-7 operatives to conduct random drug testing of drivers in the bus terminals and conduct lectures on drivers road safety until Jan. 3.

Aguilos also advised traveling passengers to bring lots of water and avoid overpacking to make it easier for them to travel.

If they have complaints against the vehicles or the drivers, Aguilos also encouraged the traveling public to call the LTO-7’s hotline numbers 256-2745 and 256-3066.