A HEALTHIER YOU Exercising regularly and avoiding ultra-processed food are among the healthier habits being recommended by Healthy Philippines Alliance to kick-start the NewYear. —NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

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Health advocates have urged the public to adopt “healthier” habits in 2025, including replacing poor food choices to help prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cancer, heart disease and mental health illnesses.

According to Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), this can be done by avoiding ultra-processed food (UPF) like chips, hotdogs, sweetened beverages, and other instant or ready-to-eat products and switching to whole foods, including more fruits and vegetables.

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“Adopting a healthy lifestyle significantly contributes to preventing NCDs and maintaining overall physical and mental health. The habits we develop in childhood and adolescence often carry over into adulthood,” HPA Youth Network lead convener Alyannah Lagasca said.

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“As we embrace and pledge for a healthier year ahead, let’s remember our significant role in creating healthier environments and systems. By starting with ourselves and shifting toward lifestyles that promote good health and well-being, we can inspire the young, our loved ones and peers to do the same,” she added.

The public health advocacy network also stressed the importance of drinking more water, cutting back on alcohol, avoiding smoking or vaping, staying physically active and ensuring sufficient sleep.

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“We must protect Filipinos and their families from the burden of NCDs. We call on our national and local government officials to make a commitment as their New Year’s resolution to take decisive action and implement policy interventions that will address the urgent threat of NCDs and combat its risk factors such as smoking, vaping, and unhealthy diets to safeguard our nation’s health,” said former Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan, HPA lead convener and HealthJustice board member.

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The group reminded the public, particularly those living with NCDs, to stay mindful of their health, especially when eating during the holidays to better manage their condition and avoid complications.

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“We all want to enjoy the food and festivities for ‘media noche,’ but NCD patients need to take extra precautions especially in terms of their diet. We encourage them to keep an eye on their health, including their blood pressure, blood sugar or medications,” said Paul Mendoza, HPA member, International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations secretary and Psoriasis Philippines president.

READ: DOH records 3 deaths due to noncommunicable diseases from Dec 22-30

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“It would also be best to consult with their health care provider for proper monitoring and to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations,” he added.

Be heart smart

The DOH also urged the public to eat healthy food and stay active to protect their heart from diseases, particularly the so-called “Holiday Heart Syndrome (HHS)” amid the holiday festivities.

HHS is a condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption, stress, lack of rest and eating salty or fatty foods, which can increase blood pressure. Studies also show that HHS can occur even in individuals who rarely or never consume alcohol, but engage in binge drinking on occasion.

HHS may lead to arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythms, a key cause of strokes, which may lead to death if the patient is not treated immediately.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seven out of 10 deaths in the country yearly are caused by NCDs, mostly due to cardiovascular diseases.

The group’s revenue growth projection for this year will mark a 7 percent growth from the $35.5 billion recorded in 2023.

Prices will be reflected in the October bills of end users.

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In its report in Octobertamabet, the WHO Western Pacific Region raised the alarm over the worsening trend in the Philippines due to the growing number of NCD-related deaths, in contrast to the region’s decreasing numbers. INQ

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