Thanks to modern technology, diseases can now be quickly identified and treated before they become life-threatening. Given the positive aspects of the pandemic, the health hazards associated with COVID-19 expedited the need for and increased our awareness of the value of technology that may make life easier for everyone by facilitating food delivery, online shopping, and much more. Through the development of telemedicine and teleconsultations, the pandemic also brought about a significant transformation in medical consultation.
Doctors and other professionals in the health sector are raising concerns about the recent increases in mortality from diabetes and heart disease.
Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in the Philippines in 2020 and 2021, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Office.
The data collected by PSO showed that the figure rose from over 95,000 in 2020 to nearly 126,000 in 2021. The number of deaths due to diabetes mellitus increased by 22 percent to 44,000 in 2021.
These results were discussed at the recent "Confessions of a Sweet Talker: How Your Sweet Tooth Can Cause Heartaches" media briefing of For Your Sweetheart Philippines, a national movement among health industry heavyweights started by Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines to raise awareness of the crucial connection between diabetes and heart disease.
One of the most plausible reasons for the rise in these medical disorders, according to the event's panelists, is lifestyle modifications brought on by pandemic patterns and limitations.
Diabetes and hypertension can be avoided. In fact, there are easy-to-use internet tools available that people can use to determine whether they may be at risk for any health issues.
Framingham Assessment Test
One such tool, the Framingham Assessment Test, is an online written exam and ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) calculator tool that determines a person's risk of getting cardiovascular disease using a variety of data, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Anyone between the ages of 30 and 74 can take the test for free to determine their risk of suffering a heart attack within the next ten years.
“Accessible online tools like the Framingham Assessment Test help provide a picture of one’s health prior to consulting a doctor,” said Ms. Leyden Florido, President of Philippine Association of Diabetes Educators. “Results can be brought to a doctor for proper interpretation and necessary action.”
Decision-making in the primary prevention of SCVD is guided by the use of Risk Assessment Tools.
The Framingham Assessment Test takes only 10 minutes and can be found at www.foryoursweetheart.ph. Even people without a history of heart ailments are encouraged to take it.
Pandemic trends
One of the most plausible reasons for the rise in these medical disorders, according to the event's panelists, is lifestyle modifications brought on by pandemic trends.
According to Dr. Rodney Jimenez, secretary of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), "pandemic lockdowns and quarantines have significantly harmed the health of many Filipinos by limiting their movement and preventing them from indulging in exercise." And the availability of streaming services and social media, together with increased anxiety, made this worse.
Even if such pandemic phenomena as Dalgona coffee, Ube Cheese Pandesal, fried dishes cooked in air fryers, and internet food deliveries may have intrigued us and piqued our taste senses, they may really be damaging to our health and put our blood sugar and cholesterol levels at danger.
And while you may believe that staying in shape during the pandemic is a great strategy to avoid contracting COVID-19, you should still visit your doctor before beginning any exercise, including jumping rope and indoor exercise, to make sure you are physically capable of doing the activity. Age ranges are appropriate for various types of exercise. Your discipline is needed for exercise.
Although trends depend on a person's lifestyle, it's important to remember to take your medication, exercise, and take care of your health even if you work from home in order to prevent diabetes and heart disease.
While you attempt to steer clear of or refrain from overindulging in the aforementioned trends, there are pandemic hits that had the endorsement of health industry stalwarts at the media conference. The medical community gave the thumbs-up to online pharmacies, botika on wheels, internet delivery, telemedicine, teleconsultation, and showing off your 1–2-minute dancing moves on TikTok. They agreed that TikTok is an effective stress reliever.