Butuan City – In connection with the observance of the Philippine Heart Month and as mandated by the Presidential Proclamation No. 1096 of 1973, the National Nutrition Council conducted a webinar on Healthy Living for a Healthy Heart on February 17, 2022 via Zoom conferencing.

The webinar was attended in by 60 participants composed of local nutrition workers, partners of health, representatives from different provinces, representatives from the academe, and Caraga-wide citizens.

On his message, Dr. Nino Archie S. Labordo, the Officer-in-Charge of the National Nutrition Caraga highlighted the importance of choosing a heart-healthy gift or practice a healthy lifestyle and diet to keep one healthy.

Resource speaker, Ms. Charlaine Ayessa Rubillos, a Registered Nutritionist – Dietitian, the OIC-Municipal Nutrition Action Officer (MNAO) of San Francisco, Agusan Del Sur imparted insights on the cardiovascular risk factors, also emphasized the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF), provided comprehensive discussion on Kumainment #8, “Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty, and sugar-rich food to prevent cardiovascular diseases”, and Kumainment #9, “Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to prevent obesity and maintain good health”, and lastly, Kumainment #10, “Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages, and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle related NCDs”. In addition, a discussion included the nutrients and recommended intake (e.g. Saturated fat, Polyunsaturated fat, MUFA, Total Fat, Carbohydrate, and etc that is according to the American Heart Association (AHA) Diet/Lifestyle Guidelines. She also provided healthy cooking tips, advised the audience to practice healthy food choices, and modify their lifestyle.

Investing in healthy lifestyle at any age prevents the occurrence of any heart and cardiovascular diseases and lowers the risks of heart attack or stroke. Some other ways to reduce the number of heart diseases are the inclusion of heart disease management interventions in health and nutrition programs, increasing awareness, and promotion of healthy eating habits. Embracing healthy food choices in the early stage is more beneficial but turning from bad habits to good habits can make a huge difference.

NNC Caraga constantly calls for united efforts to realize the importance of good nutrition and to scale up Caraga-wide in enhancing the initiatives in addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).#PNFPJJVCarrillo