The Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao is urging residents to be vigilant about their health during the festive season. The hospital warns that a predictable increase in stroke cases follows the Christmas and New Year celebrations, a period marked by excessive eating and drinking.
Holiday Festivities Lead to Health Complications
Dr. Matthew Rex Madayag of SPMC highlighted this concerning trend during a recent media forum. He stated that while current patient numbers are within the usual range, a surge is anticipated once the holiday season concludes. This pattern is directly linked to the lifestyle changes many adopt during the celebrations.
"For now, we have the usual number. But after Christmas, after the holiday season, it usually increases again because of diet," Madayag explained. He pointed to overindulgence in food and alcohol, coupled with a lack of sleep, as the primary culprits behind the post-holiday health crisis.
A Growing Threat to Younger Filipinos
Stroke remains a leading cause of death and serious illness across the Philippines. Alarmingly, Dr. Madayag noted that the demographic is shifting, with younger individuals now being admitted for stroke. He attributed this to risky lifestyle choices becoming more common among the youth.
"There are so many young people nowadays who drink until dawn. People are having strokes at a younger age now," he shared. This trend underscores the critical need for awareness and preventive measures across all age groups.
SPMC's Call for Prevention and Healthy Habits
In response to this annual health challenge, SPMC is intensifying its public information campaign. The hospital emphasizes that prevention is key and starts with individual awareness and commitment to healthier choices.
Dr. Madayag issued specific reminders for those with pre-existing conditions:
- Individuals with hypertension should strictly limit their intake of salty and fatty foods.
- Those with diabetes are advised to carefully moderate their carbohydrate consumption.
"Most likely after the holidays, we usually expect a surge in patients," Madayag concluded. The hospital's proactive warning serves as a crucial reminder for Dabawenyos to celebrate responsibly, prioritizing their long-term well-being over short-term holiday excess.
