800 flock to World Heart Day fair
By Gynna P. Gagelonia
MAKATI CITY, Sept. 28, 2014
As early as 7 a.m., residents of nearby barangays and parishioners of St. John Bosco Church on Arnaiz Ave., cor. Amorsolo St. queued up at the registration area of World Heart Day (WHD) Fair and Medical Mission.
At least 800 adults and children availed of the screenings for cardiovascular risks (blood pressure taking, sugar and cholesterol tests, body mass index, ECG and chest xray, etc.) of adults and children.
This year's WHD theme is: Create Heart-Healthy Environments.
Health Asec. Enrique Tayag urged the public to adopt healthy lifestyle, adding children should be empowered to be heart-health ambassadors.
PHA President Dr. Joel Abanilla said "jumpstart your day with the 52-100 code." The 52-100 daily habit means 5 servings of fruits and/or vegetables, 2 hours maximum screen time for children, 1 hour of physical activity, 0 soda or sugary drinks and 0 smoking and second-hand smoke".
Dr. Raul Lapitan, PHA Secretary, reiterated the urgent call of the World Heart Federation (WHD) on the national and local governments, private sectors and the public to do their part in creating heart-healthy environments in the home, school and workplace or wherever they live or work.
The PHA is pitching its 52-100 code advocacy tagline alongside with the WHF campaign to prevent heart disease; bringing CPR to every Filipino home, workplace and public places; and the PHA is working on the passage of an ordinance or a law requiring the installation of automated electronic defibrillators (AEDs) in all establishments, government offices and public places.
The Philippines, through the PHA, is one of the 160 WHF member-countries that simultaneously observe WHD every last Sunday of September.