The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Dec. 30 urged the public to exercise caution as the holiday season continues, following a significant increase in cases of stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACV), and bronchial asthma over the past week.
From Dec. 23 to 30, the DOH said the number of stroke cases reported by eight sentinel hospitals across the country surged from 12 to 103. Two of these patients have died.
Meanwhile, majority of the patients were in the 45 to 64 age range.
The DOH’s monitoring also revealed an increase in acute coronary syndrome (ACV), from two on Dec. 22 to 62 by Dec. 30, with one reported death.
ACV includes conditions such as myocardial infarction or heart attacks, which result from sudden disruptions in blood flow to the heart. These cases mainly affected individuals aged 55 to 74.
The DOH has also observed a rise in bronchial asthma cases, particularly due to exposure to fireworks smoke.
From six cases on Dec. 22, the number of asthma cases increased to 63 by Dec. 30, with children aged zero to nine years old being most affected.
The DOH highlighted the importance of heart and lung care by advising the public to exercise daily, avoid fatty, sugary, and overly salty foods, and limit alcohol consumption.
It also stressed the need to avoid smoky environments, particularly those with gunpowder, and to consistently follow prescribed treatments and maintenance medications.
“Celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year should include careful decisions for our health. Let's prioritize the health of our loved ones as we welcome the New Year in a New Philippines where Every Life Matters,” said DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.