SCHOOL-READINESS entails a gamut of preparation. After a two-month break, the thought of going back to school came with a mix of extreme excitement and some inconveniences to every student and parent.

Parents with their children usually start off with shopping school supplies, uniform, bag, foot wear, and protective gear. However, another must that most parents tend to overlook are preparing healthy “baon”, having regular check-ups for children, updated vaccination shots, and other health-significant concerns.

Moreover, in any case that some parents have a child with congenital heart disease (CHD), having a secured medical clearance for him or her and proper and complete communication with school staff regarding the situation were also deemed necessary.

A healthy home should be a family business. The school, which is considered as every student’s second home, should be kept both as a healthy environment and cradle of learning. No matter how excruciating the pain is for anyone who shares from the burden of a child with heart disease, the morale and grace should be kept high to keep their self-esteem ablaze.

These important reminders were tackled during the online Usapang Puso sa Puso (UPP) forum on Sept. 11, 2024 by the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), with its host, PHA Director and Advocacy Chair Dr. Avenilo Aventura, Jr., and guest speaker, Dr. Ceres Canto, a member of the PHA Council on Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).

In an episode of UPP titled, “Puso, Pasukan, Tag-ulan,” Dr. Canto emphasized the importance of informing teachers, school nurses, and administrators about the child's CHD. Canto suggested that a medical certificate containing the diagnosis, activity restrictions, and ongoing medications or treatment and plans is needed to be presented.

Moreover, schools must prepare a medical action plan and take note of the emergency contact details including who to call and where to bring the child in case of emergencies.

Upon the proper communication with the school staff, the educators should be aware on what sports or physical activities are only safe to be done by the student with CHD. Canto described the activities to be “moderate” and “supervised.”

“Children still need some exercise when capable for their health,” she said.

What is CHD?

Canto said CHD is a condition that a child or a baby has since he or she was born. Congenital means “existing at or dating from birth.”

“Ito ay mga abnormalities o aberya sa istruktura ng puso na meron na ang sanggol mula sa pagsilang,” Canto said.

CHD has two common types including the Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) and Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) in which the exteriors dividing atrium and ventricles were damaged and have holes. Meanwhile, a Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of four abnormalities, which makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood to supply the right amount of oxygen to the body. Moreover, Canto said that when a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), which should be closed right after the delivery of the baby, remains open, the blood flow will have abnormalities.

Canto said some symptoms of CHD include difficulty in breathing, weariness, bluish color of skin, lips, and nails, and slow physical development.

“Ang CHD ay kadalasang dulot ng kombinasyon ng genetic at environmental factors. Iba't ibang dahilan ang maaaring maging sanhi nito, tulad ng hindi tamang pag-develop ng puso habang nasa sinapupunan, mga genetic mutations, at ilang mga komplikasyon habang buntis,” Canto said.

The data also showed that one in 10 babies are born with CHD from which approximately 25% of it will be needing a heart surgery or other intervention to survive.

Healthy “baon” guidelines to avoid heart problems

Canto encouraged schools to follow the Department of Science and Technology- Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) recommendations regarding healthy food that should be prepared for children in school canteens.

“Kailangan rin natin in general i-emphasize iyong role ng school in the proper nutrition of students. Insert ko na riyan iyong pagpasok sa school ay kailangang healthy iyong available food for kids, it’s not only kids with CHD but all kids in general,” Canto said.

“Bawal na bawal iyong mga junk food, processed food and sweetened beverages,” Canto added.

She also suggested that it might be better if children just bring their own snack or lunch at school in order to ensure the complete and balanced diet in the food they eat.

Moreover, she emphasized that the food intake of children with CHD is not significantly different from the ones without the said condition except for a few minor adjustments.

“In general, iyong healthy food for kids with CHD is the same for kids na walang sakit sa puso, may mga kaunting adjustments, sometimes these kids, kailangang mas small and frequent feeding, otherwise, sometimes hindi nila kayang i-digest agad or hinihingal sila kapag malalaki iyong meal at one time, and number two, some children, depending on the assessment of their pediatric cardiologist, they may require more nutrients and energy din na oral supplementation but otherwise same lang din as kids na walang sakit sa puso—kailangan balanced and healthy diet,” Canto said.

In addition, Canto urged the parents and the members of the family to “lead by example,” in order for them to educate the children with proper nutrition.

Canto also mentioned the DOST-FNRI “Pinggang Pinoy,” which is a very simple visual aid to show the right proportion of the dish, explaining that fruits and vegetables that belong to the Glow food category should consume the half of the plate. Meanwhile, the other half should be allotted to bot the Go and Grow foods category.(Press Release)

• Tags
• #Healthy Baon
• #Food
• #Students
• #Congenital Heart Disease
• #Usapang Puso sa Puso