Gov't unveils program against non-communicable diseases

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government launched today a nationwide healthy lifestyle movement that aims to help prevent and control the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the program called as " Pilipinas Go4Health" seeks to encourage Filipinos from all walks of life to commit to a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, proper nutrition, and the prevention or cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption.

According to him, NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, which claim more than 36 million lives worldwide annually, while highly preventable, are on the rise mainly due to the lack of regular exercise, improper diet, and excessive drinking and smoking.

"There is abundant scientific and social evidence that addressing these habits is the path to better health," Ona said, adding that one of the keys to good health is through regular exercise.

Citing a report of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, the Health chief said that only seven out of 100 Filipino adults engage in vigorous exercise at least three or four times a week.

Aside from ensuring regular physical activity, a proper diet is a must, he added.

Pilipinas Go4Health also focuses on avoiding smoking and moderating alcohol consumption, Ona said, citing that 10 Filipinos die every hour because of illnesses related to cigarette smoking.

Smoking is directly linked to lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders.