The surge in diabetes and heart disease has alarmed many health experts, and now they are urging people to take care of their health more than ever.
During our two-year lockdown, most of us just stayed at home with little physical activity, baking and ordering food became one of our “hobbies” and the painful stress plunged us into a kind of inactivity lifestyle.
Now that the world is open again, a revenge trip to the beach is a thing, and a campaign for your sweetheart PH has led the conversation about the need for healthier habits in the new normal.
That’s as doctors and other health industry experts have warned of a surge in deaths from heart disease and diabetes over the past two years.
Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death in the Philippines in 2020 and 2021, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
In fact, that number has increased from more than 95,000 in 2020 to nearly 126,000 in 2021. Meanwhile, diabetes deaths will increase by 22% to 44,000 in 2021.
These findings were highlighted in the recent “Confessions of a Sweet Talker: How Your Sweet Tooth Causes Heartache” media briefing, a nationwide campaign of health industry advocates by Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines to raise awareness of Awareness of key issues. The link between diabetes and heart disease.
Panelists at the event cited lifestyle changes caused by pandemic trends and restrictions as one of the most likely reasons for the increase in these medical conditions.
“The pandemic lockdowns and quarantines have severely impacted the health of many Filipinos by restricting their movement and preventing them from exercising,” noted Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Secretary Dr. Rodney Jimenez. “This has been exacerbated by heightened anxiety and the availability of streaming services and social media.”
Online Health Risk Assessment Tool
High blood pressure and diabetes are preventable. In fact, people can use some simple online tools to learn about any health risks they may face.
One such tool, called the Framingham Assessment Test, is a web-based written test that calculates the risk of cardiovascular disease based on a range of information including cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The test is free and anyone between the ages of 30 and 74 can take the test to find out if they are at risk for a heart attack within 10 years.
“Accessible online tools such as the Framingham Assessment Test help to understand a person’s health before consulting a doctor,” said Ms. Leyden Florido, president of the Association of Diabetes Educators of the Philippines. “Results can be handed over to a doctor for proper interpretation and necessary action. “
Framingham Assessment Test in just 10 minutes www.foryoursweetheart.ph. Even people with no history of heart disease are encouraged to take it.
Back to regular consultation
Other panelists at the meeting pointed out that many people may not be aware that diabetes can lead to heart disease.
“Many Filipinos with diabetes don’t realize that if they don’t learn to properly manage their condition, it can lead to heart disease,” said Dr. Pasaporte, president of the Diabetes Association of the Philippines. “This is especially true for those with bad habits, high blood pressure, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles.”
He added that in order to manage medical conditions and reduce deaths from diabetes and heart disease, Filipinos need to return to their healthy lifestyle Or completely change their behavior.
“They also need to go back to the doctor,” added Dr. Carolyn Narvacan-Montano, president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM). “We are now in a new normal. While online consultations are still a good option for obtaining medical assistance, hospitals and clinics can re-admit patients with other medical conditions by developing policies and measures to protect the health and well-being of everyone who enters their buildings. Stay safe from COVID-19. The best way to learn how to manage diabetes and prevent heart disease is still to see your doctor regularly.”
First launched in 2020, For Your Sweetheart PH aims to continuously educate Filipinos about the correlation between diabetes and heart disease and how to properly manage the condition. This event is supported by the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PCEDM), Alliance of Clinical Endocrinologists (ACE), Philippine Diabetes Association (DP), Institute of Diabetes Foundation (ISDF), Philippines Association of Diabetes Educators (PADE) and Philippine Alliance of Patients Organization (PAPO).
