The Department of Health (DOH) issued a sobering reminder about the risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) after confirming five fatalities during the recent holiday celebrations.
Holiday Season Sees Rise in NCD Cases
According to the latest data from its ten pilot monitoring sites, the DOH recorded a total of 288 cases of NCDs between December 21 and December 31. This figure represents a concerning five percent increase compared to the 274 cases documented during the same period in 2024.
Among these cases, the health department confirmed five deaths resulting from acute complications of non-communicable diseases. The breakdown of fatalities shows that three individuals died from stroke, while two succumbed to acute coronary syndrome.
Detailed Breakdown of Reported Illnesses
The data provides a clearer picture of the health issues faced by Filipinos during the festive period. The majority of cases, a total of 180, were diagnosed as acute stroke. A significant portion of these stroke patients, 53 individuals, were aged between 60 and 69 years old.
Following strokes, the second most common condition was acute coronary syndrome, with 77 reported cases. Similarly, the 60-69 age group was heavily affected, accounting for 28 of these heart-related incidents.
The report also included 31 cases of bronchial asthma, highlighting that respiratory issues remain a concern. Alarmingly, eight of these asthma cases involved young children aged 0 to 9 years.
Critical Health Advice from the DOH
In response to the data, the Department of Health has reiterated crucial prevention guidelines for the public. To reduce the risk of acute stroke, officials advise maintaining normal blood pressure, staying physically active, and seeking immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms like sudden numbness or weakness in any part of the body.
For the prevention of acute coronary syndrome, commonly linked to heart attacks, the DOH strongly recommends:
- Avoiding overeating, especially rich and salty foods.
- Refraining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Managing stress levels effectively.
- Going to a hospital immediately if feeling chest tightness or having difficulty breathing.
To manage bronchial asthma, the health department's guidance includes avoiding known triggers such as dust and smoke, keeping living environments clean, and ensuring that prescribed inhalers and medications are always on hand.
The monitoring of non-communicable diseases is a priority for the DOH during the holiday season, a time when changes in diet, activity levels, and routine can exacerbate underlying health conditions.
