DOH: Non-communicable diseases surged during holiday season

National

CASES of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increased during the holiday season, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

NCD is a kind of disease that is not transmissible directly from one person to another which includes, acute coronary syndrome, bronchial asthma, stroke, diabetes, chronic kidney disease among others.

In a statement, DOH said the number of stroke patients increased from 12 on December 23 to 103 on December 30.

“Dalawa sa nasabing bilang ang namatay. Naitala ang pinakamataas na bilang ng stroke patients na nasa 45 hanggang 64 years old,” the DOH said.

This data is from the eight hospitals across the country that serve as the DOH's sentinel sites to monitor the trend of stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and bronchial asthma cases.

The DOH said from the two cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACV) on December 22, the number rose to 62 on December 30, and one was pronounced dead. ACV is a disease that is related to sudden reduced blood flow to the heart which includes heart attack.

The health agency also monitored the increased cases of bronchial asthma due to smoke from fireworks, which are common during celebrations on holidays.

From the six cases on December 22, the number increased to 63 on December 30 wherein children from zero to nine years old were the usual patients.

DOH emphasized to the public that amidst celebrations on

holidays, where various foods are prepared, it is also important to mind what to eat and monitor health conditions to avoid getting sick.

The agency advised to have daily exercise, avoid oily and high sugar and sodium foods.(LAO)