As the Department of Health (DOH) ramps up nationwide hospital readiness for the Christmas and New Year holidays, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa reminded the public to avoid excessive consumption of salty and fatty foods during the Yuletide season.

The DOH chief gave the reminder during an inspection of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) and the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) on Monday, Dec. 22, noting that healthier food choices can help prevent spikes in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as stroke, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and bronchial asthma during the holiday season.

“’Pag naghanda tayo hindi lang naman lechon ang handa. May salad din, may prutas din, mayroon mga healthy choices so it’s all about healthy choices. Sabi ko nga, very important na alagaan natin ‘yung katawan natin (When we prepare for a feast, it’s not just lechon that’s prepared. There’s also salad, there’s also fruits, and there’s always healthy choices. As I said, it’s very important that we take care of our bodies),” Herbosa said.

He warned against disregarding medical advice, especially during holiday gatherings.

“Kung tayo ay pinagsabihan ng cardiologist ‘uy bawal sayo ang lechon,’ wag ka nang magsabi na ‘once a year lang naman’ kasi famous last words ‘yan. Kung bawal sayo, bawal sayo. Mataas ang cholesterol mo, bawal sayo ‘yung matabang lechon. Kung gusto mong kumain ng lechon, yung lean meat ang kainin mo alisin mo yung taba (If the cardiologist tells us, ‘Hey, you can’t eat lechon,’ don’t say, ‘I’m just eating it once a year,’ because those are famous last words. If it’s not okay for you, it’s not okay for you. If your cholesterol is high, you can’t eat fatty lechon. If you really want to eat it, then just eat its lean meat and remove the fat),” he added.

Aside from diet-related health risks, Herbosa also inspected the hospitals’ emergency response capabilities in preparation for a possible surge in road traffic injuries and fireworks-related injuries during the holidays.

Based on DOH data, a total of 826 road traffic injury cases were recorded from Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 6, 2025, with more than half of the victims identified as motorcycle riders who were not wearing helmets.

During the same period, the DOH also logged 844 fireworks-related injuries, underscoring the need for heightened hospital readiness and public caution during year-end celebrations.

Herbosa also urged the public to be mindful of their words during reunions and parties, warning that seemingly casual remarks can affect mental health.

“Tatanungin ka ng kung ano-ano gaya ng ‘ang taba mo ngayon ah,’ tapos ‘kailan ka ikakasal?,’ ‘wala ka pang anak ang tagal mo nang kasal,’ yung mga tipong asar (You’ll be asked things like ‘how fat are you now,’ then ‘when are you getting married?’ ‘how long have you been married without a child?’ those are the annoying types),” he said.

“Let’s all be kind to each other. Let’s also be sensitive to how others will feel. Let’s be kind lalo na’t pasko tayo ngayon (Let’s be kind especially since it’s Christmas now),” he added.