Acknowledging that almost 18 million people die every day due to cardiovascular diseases, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso led the World Heart Day 2019 celebrations in the city to instill awareness on taking “good care” of its citizens’ hearts.
The Philippine Heart Association said CVD is the leading cause of death and disability in the Philippines.
By 2030, the PHA said it is expected that 23 million people will die annually from CVDs. At least 80 percent of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors like tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity are uncontrolled.
Before he mingled with the crowd for his famous “selfies” and “groupies,” Moreno announced that he is joining the World Health Organization, the Department of Health, the PHA and the Manila Health in celebrating World Health Day with the theme, “Be a Hero, Make a Promise.”
A former undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Domagoso has vowed to give better healthcare services to Manilans
He has been going around public hospitals in Manila even at dusk to ensure that those needing medical attention are being attended to.
Towards the end of his brief message, Domagoso asked the participants in the celebration held at Bulwagang Katipunan at the Manila City Hall, if “he can enter their hearts.”
In his opening remarks, Dr. Gilbert Vilela noted that the country’s 17 regions are also having “the same program to remember our heart.”
He noted there are more people dying of CVDs even with the combined cases of those afflicted with tuberculosis and malaria, which is pegged at three million a year.
“This should not be ignored. The city government and the PHA are calling on everyone to take care of our hearts,” said Vilela during the celebration with the slogan, “My Heart, for Your Heart, for All Our Hearts.”
Dr. Rodney Jimenez of the PHA Council reminded the audience of the things that should be done to have a healthy heart like the one teaspoon limit of salt a day, the “hip-hop minute,” and avoiding iced tea and other sugary drinks and soft drinks.
He also warned the public against the harm of smoking to the heart, saying that a stick of cigarette means “minus one minute of your life.”
Dr. Rosalie Paje, head of the DOH Lifestyle Bureau, encouraged everyone to observe a healthy lifestyle. She noted that the number of patients with heart disease is on the rise.
“This is timely and appropriate. We need heroes and champions to inspire us to make healthy choices. We need to be heroes for ourselves and our loved ones,” she said.
Dr. Mark Denver Tiongson, PHA Council on CPR member also held a demonstration on applying CPR.
The PHA National and 13 chapters in various parts of the country are at the frontline of the yearly World Heart Day activities in the Philippines.
Through the years, PHA has collaborated with different government units in mounting a high-impact WHD activity
The WHF and PHA have been establishing and calling on the creation of heart-healthy environments and instigate change at community and society level.