Eat less this holiday season to stay healthy

CEBU, Philippines — This holiday season, regional health authorities warned people from eating too much particularly fatty and sugary food that may eventually cause chronic diseases.

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, Department of Health (DOH)-7 regional director, advised people to limit intake of unhealthy and fatty food like roasted pig, locally known as lechon, that may affect one’s health in the long run.

“Let’s try to taper down on our intakes especially fats… people can still enjoy parties but it’s better to avoid from eating too much. We should also look after ourselves and our diet this Christmas,” he told reporters.

He said households should also ensure that dishes are prepared carefully to prevent contamination.

Bernadas said parents must look after their children on the food that they are eating and prevent them from buying food displayed along the streets that has been a common scene during Christmas revelries.

Dr. Dino Caing, DOH-7 Non-Communicable Disease Section head, said a healthy lifestyle is still the key to a joyous celebration this Christmas and New Year.

The DOH-7 medical officer said too much of everything is disastrous to one’s health.

Caing said too much fatty food will lead to diseases of the heart and blood vessels while too much sugar will lead to diabetes.

He added the adverse effect of eating too much fatty and sugary food may not show instantly but chronic diseases may develop over time.

Dr. Anessa Patindol, focal person of the Healthy Lifestyle program of DOH-7, said the top three diseases that one may acquire eventually for eating these fatty and sugary foods are cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and stroke, hypertension and diabetes.

Patindol also advised the public to minimize drinking and eating unhealthy food.

 “People can still eat but just pick a little portion of something. For example for meat, the recommendable size is the same that of a size of a matchbox. People still need to be careful with what they eat because in the end, they themselves will suffer,” she warned.

Patindol said it pays if people will choose vegetables and fruits and drink water instead of soft drinks or any sugary juices.

She said people must also exercise to burn the fats and calories but they should start from the basic and avoid abrupt and rigorous workouts. (FREEMAN)