25 July 2019, Cagayan de Oro City - Non-communicable diseases known as NCDs is a condition that slowly progresses over a long period of time. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes. The underlying risk factors of NCDs are physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use and the harmful use of alcohol.
NCDs is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to WHO, 80% of all NCD deaths worldwide occur in the low and middle-income countries and estimated 67% of mortality is in the Philippines (World Health Organization - Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) Country Profiles, 2018). The report showed that low and middle income generating household has a higher susceptibility in developing NDCs which could led to death because they are in the greater risk on having unhealthy dietary practices, higher exposure to smoke, and limited accesses to health care service due to household budgetary restrictions to avail medical or health care assistance/services.
The increasing number of deaths over the years related to NCDs were worrisome but these are all preventable through effective interventions. The primary prevention of NCDs are promotion of proper nutrition, more physical activity and exercise, smoke-free individuals and environment, discourage excessive alcohol drinking, managing stress effectively and regular check-ups. The government extended its effort in the campaign against NCDs by issuing policies and programs to prevent and combat the increasing rate of NCDs such as (1) “MagHL Tayo” a National Health Campaign launched by DOH; (2) Pilipinas Go4Health Campaign: Go Smoke-Free, Go Sustanya, Go Sigla and Go Slow sa Tagay ; (3) Department of Education Order No. 12, series 2017: “Policies and Guidelines on Healty Food and Beverages Choices in School and in DepED Offices” to mention. These programs and efforts aims to target the risk factors and change the health-related behaviors.
Since physical activity and diet are two modifiable risk factors to NCDs, this year’s Nutrition Month Theme “Kumain nang wasto at maging aktibo… push natin ‘to!” campaigns to promotes the increase in physical activity and consumption of healthy diet. Physical activity prevents or delays, heart diseases, helps in the management of type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Physical activity can lower blood pressure and triglycerides and raise HDL or good cholesterol. Healthy diet emphasizes increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts. WHO recommended to consume at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day, reduce the intake of sugar to less than 10% of total energy intake, reduce intake of fats to less than 30% of total energy intake with less than 10% of total energy intake from saturated fats and less than 1% of total energy intake from trans-fats. Consumption of salt should be less than 1 teaspoon or 5 grams per day for additional health benefits.
The National Nutrition Council (NNC) promoted the National Guidelines for Filipinos developed by FNRI-DOST,which simplified into10 Kumainments to address and prevent malnutrition and diet-related non-communicable diseases. The messages are simple and easy to remember like “Kumain ng iba’t ibang pagkain”, “Kumain ng gulay at prutas araw-araw”, “Panatilihin ang tamang timbang”, and Maging aktibo. Iwasan ang alak; huwag manigarilyo.”, which encouraged to eat the right foods, exercise right and pursue a healthy lifestyle.
Every individual is accountable in reducing the major risk factors of NCDs which could reduce the number of deaths not only in the country but worldwide. Thus, everyone can contribute to better nutrition and physical activity for better health and overall well-being. (NO I Arlie Joy O. Damiles)
