Every February the first thing that always comes in our mind is celebrating Valentine’s Day which is properly observed as a day to celebrate love. But did you know that every February we also celebrate the Philippine Heart Month.
On January 9, 1973, the month of February was declared as Philippine Heart Month, through Proclamation No. 1096, series of 1973. The celebration seeks to promote awareness of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) as a serious and rising health problem in the country. It encourages people to give support and advocate in promoting cardiovascular health and wellness.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), one of the leading causes of death globally is cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) which accounts to 17.9 million deaths each year.
Philippine Statistics Authority reports ischemic heart disease as the leading cause of mortality among Filipinos with almost 60 thousand cases or 18.7 percent of the total deaths in the country. Ischemic heart disease also known as coronary heart disease (CHD), or coronary artery disease is a type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) commonly caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries also called as atherosclerosis this eventually leads to the narrowing of the coronary arteries which reduces blood flow to the heart.
This can be prevented by having a healthy lifestyle choice. To achieve a healthy heart, we must:
1. Consume healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean meat, fish rich in omega-3 and whole grains.
2. Limit intake of salty, fatty, and sugar-rich foods.
3. Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity.
4. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
5. Do not smoke tobacco products such as cigarettes.
This February, as we spread the love to our special someone, let us also spread awareness and promote cardiovascular health. Let us put up our hearts up for the Philippine Heart Month!
/CYJ
https://psa.gov.ph/content/causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-january-june-2021
https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1973/01/09/proclamation-no-1096-s-1973/
