MANILA, Philippines — The holiday season is approaching and just like in previous years, many are preparing for a year-end feast. The only difference is that gatherings are now limited by protocols against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
According to lifestyle and nutrition expert Dr. Dex Macalintal, being confined at home by months of community quarantine has led many into a sedentary lifestyle that contributed to weight gain and weakened immune system.
Dr. Macalintal recommends adding more fruits and vegetables to our menu this holiday season to balance our diet and prevent certain diseases.
Avoid too much sweets and choose lean meat like chicken instead of fatty foods.
“Nakita sa mga pag-aaral na sa epidimeology side, marami yung inaatake sa puso sa panahon ng mga December to January dahil sa mga kinakain natin. Nakita na yan wala nang rason para hindi tayo mag ingat,” Macalintal said.
(It has been observed in epidemiological studies that incidence of heart attack and stroke increase in December and January because of what people eat. That’s proven so we have reason to be cautious.)
Macalintal advises the elderly to regularly check their blood pressure as hypertension may lead to heart attack.
Also, the public should be aware of symptoms or signs of stroke.
“Maaaring yung sakit sa dibdib ay parang may naka dagan, dito sa inner side ng left arm ay maaaring may namanahid pati ang inyong left jaw,” Macalintal explained.
(You may feel chest pains or a feeling of heavy pressure. There’s numbness in the inner side of your left arm and left jaw.)
“Kapag ganyan ang atake pumunta kayo agad sa emergency room at magpatingin sa doktor dahil baka atake sa puso iyan para maagapan,” he said.
(When the condition is like that, go straight to the emergency room and seem immediate help from a doctor because that might already be stroke, so it may be prevented.)
The expert underscored the importance of exercise even when being cooped up inside the house.
Also, Macalintal reminds the public to be cautious in joining holiday gatherings as the risk of COVID-19 remains high.
He noted that family members could be meeting up with different people in their respective places, some of whom could be carriers of the virus.
It is still best, Macalintal said, to hold virtual gatherings through social media in consideration of the pandemic. MNP (with reports from Rey Pelayo)
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