DOH explains ‘holiday heart syndrome’ and tips for prevention this festive season

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Dec 23, 2024 01:50 PM 

Photo from Pixabay

As Filipinos celebrate the holiday season with family gatherings, festive feasts, and joyful reunions, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, Dec. 23 reminded everyone to be mindful of their health. 

During the “Ligtas Christmas” hospital preparedness and response rounds, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa highlighted the risks of “holiday heart syndrome,” a condition that can lead to serious health issues such as stroke, especially when individuals indulge in excesses during the festivities.

The DOH explained that holiday heart syndrome is a health condition triggered by a combination of excessive alcohol consumption, stress, lack of rest, and overeating rich, salty, or fatty foods—habits that are common during the holiday season.  

These factors can lead to high blood pressure, resulting in arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythms), which increases the risk of stroke. 

To prevent such health complications, the DOH continues to encourage every Filipino family to maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, regular exercise, and discipline during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

“The Department of Health cares for our fellow countrymen. Just as you take care of your loved ones, we remind you to avoid overeating salty, fatty, and sweet foods this holiday season. Eat more vegetables and fruits, which should make up half of your ‘pinggang pinoy’ (Filipino plate). Find time to exercise," Herbosa said.

Surge in stroke cases 

During the DOH inspection, the Philippine Heart Center (PHC) reported approximately 60 stroke cases from July to November.

Additionally, seven stroke cases were recorded before Christmas, from Dec. 1 to 20. 

The DOH warned that the number of stroke cases could rise further after Christmas and New Year if excessive alcohol consumption and food intake from consecutive holiday feasts are not controlled. 

PHC had already observed a similar increase in 2023. 

In December 2023, there were 38 stroke cases, which rose to 42 by January 2024, marking the highest number of stroke cases for the entire year. 

Similarly, 110 cases of acute coronary heart syndrome recorded in December 2023 rose to 115 by January 2024. 

The East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) also reported a continuous rise in stroke cases, particularly in December, from 2020 to 2023.

The number of stroke patients increased from 188 in December 2020 to 226 in December 2021, and further to 247 in December 2022.

In December 2023, the number of stroke cases at EAMC reached 328.

For the first time, the DOH included private hospitals in the hospital preparedness and response rounds.

In the activity, St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City also reported a rise in stroke cases.

In 2023, the hospital recorded 415 stroke cases, up from 295 in 2022.

From January to November 2024, the hospital discharged 339 stroke patients.

Why we should screen more classic films in theaters

Viewing Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece on the big screen

BY POCH EULALIA

Dec 7, 2024 10:19 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Human beings share the same common problems. A film can only be understood if it depicts these properly. —Akira Kurosawa 

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TRAGEDY UNFOLDS Akira Kurosawa's Ran follows the story of the Ichimonji clan's downfall after the father divides the rule of his kingdom among his three sons

Each year many folks look forward to the QC Film Festival for its various screenings of international and local films. One of its categories worth looking forward to is the re-screenings of classical movies. Last year, many were treated to a viewing of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon, and two of Wong Kar-wai’s works, Chungking Express and Fallen Angels. This year’s biggest re-screening was Akira Kurosawa’s Ran from 1985.

 

Ran is best known for its epic scenes showing full-scale battles and Kurosawa’s brilliant use of color. It follows the ill-fated tale of the Ichimonji clan, a tragic story loosely based off William Shakespeare’s King Lear, where the family sees its downfall after the father divides his kingdom among his three sons. As things play out, we see how greed and deception starts to stir among the once tightly-knit family as the two elder siblings grapple for power while casting away their own father. It also shows how the family slowly gets karma from the past ruthlessness of their father when he took over the kingdom.  

For one of the screenings held at Gateway, the theater was nearly filled to the rafters. There was an excitement for most in getting to see their first-ever Kurosawa film on the big screen. These were young audience members with a renewed appreciation for classic cinema, yearning for stories and scenes that the new medium of pure popcorn flicks and streaming algorithm movies cannot provide. If there’s anything we can pick up from this successful screening by the QC Film Festival, it’s that there is a market for restored classics being rescreened in theaters. 

 

Just imagine being able to visit the cinemas to catch international staples like The Godfather, The Seventh Seal, Citizen Kane, or local hits like Himala, Dekada ’70, and Anak, experiencing it just as audiences did before. It works as a wonderful way to keep classic cinema alive and pass it on to future generations. Plus, it can help support the cast and crew who previously worked on the film through the royalties they could receive from each screening. 

Aside from cultural enrichment, reshowing classical films is also good as many of the movies made before were made in response to global crises being faced at the time. It helps give us a better perspective of what people used to face and how similar it may be to the troubles we face these days. Think about all the countless war dramas and how they remain a stark reminder of why war is never meant to be glorified. Then, there are those that remind us of the negative stereotypes we have since moved on from. For instance, there’s Mickey Rooney’s racist portrayal of a Japanese man in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s important for us to remember these negative traits of early Hollywood to remember why we must not fall into the same pitfall of punching down on minorities in modern times. 

 

Overall, it’s wonderful to see full queues to catch important films from the past as it shows there are many who still have an appreciation for the films that got us here today. Who knows, maybe from these rescreenings we’ll end up inspiring the next Akira Kurosawa, Steven Spielberg, or Lino Brocka. 

Bianca Umali on how she takes care of her beauty and body

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY 

Nov 2, 2024 02:53 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The appeal of being "simple" enticed Bianca to accept her latest endorsement for Pina Beauty. 

Bianca Umali

Even though she's only 24, Sparkle artist Bianca Umali has figured it all out. This is evident when you hear her speak about dealing with criticism and dispelling other people's preconceived notions about her.

Having grown up in show business early on, Bianca revealed that she has learned to take negative comments in stride. 

"Naging malinaw sa akin ever since na you can never please everyone. At kahit na anong perfect mo, kahit pa anong polido mo o galing mo sa lahat ng ginagawa mo, meron at meron silang masasabi tungkol sa iyo," she pondered. 

(You can never please everyone - no matter how perfect you are at what you do, people will always have something to say about you.)

The Genz Z actress noted that getting older has given her a different perspective, especially when dealing with negative things.

"Regardless if maganda o hindi maganda ang sabihin tungkol sa akin ng mga tao, I respect that because opinion nila yun, just as much as they should respect my opinion as a person as well," she reasoned out.

(Whether people have good or bad things to say about me, I respect that because it's their opinion.) 

Bianca observed that she's often misunderstood because she's an introvert and her strong mestiza features make her look like a snob. But being self-aware, she has learned to turn these negatives into her own superpower.

Sparkle artist Bianca Umali (second from right) with officers of Fcoy 15 Trading Corp., the makers of Pina Glow soap and lotion

"A lot of people tell me that I have a strong presence but I actually see that now as a superpower. I tell myself: okay, when you walk into a room, people may feel you're too strong but  let them know you're not. Ikaw yung mag-approach, bumati ka, make the most out of it and make them know you all the more. Kasi yun yung masarap. Pag narinig nila na hindi ka pala masungit, masarap ka pala kausap, ganyan ka pala bilang tao. It feels more fulfilling."

If Bianca acts and thinks more mature than her years, blame it on the fact that she was orphaned early. Being raised as a young girl by her grandmother, Vicky taught Bianca the value of simplicity.

The appeal of being "simple" enticed Bianca to accept her latest endorsement for Pina Beauty. This all-Filipino skincare brand makes its unique soap and lotion infused with watermelon.

"I was never a fan of many steps (in skincare)  and always go for what is expensive because we trust that the name is what we pay for. Because of how my lola raised me, I'm very mindful, especially regarding budgeting. But at the same time, we want to take care of ourselves.  Brands like Pina stand for what a Filipina truly is.  Being a beautiful Filipina doesn't have to take so much hard work. It's not just a dream, we can achieve it," Bianca stressed.

It also helped that Bianca aligned herself with Pina's advocacy to espouse the welfare of Filipino soldiers. "I know who I am; I know what I stand for and believe in. I will endorse brands that I am confident align with things and my values," she stated.

Aside from her beautiful face, people can't help but admire Bianca's toned body now. She's doing this as part of the bigger picture because her mother died when she was only 5, followed by her father when she turned 10.

"I want to take extra care of my body so that when I have kids, I will be able to live longer and make more memories with them," she intoned.

Bianca credits her boyfriend of seven years, fellow actor Ruru Madrid, as a "big factor" in her "motivation" to be fit.

"We work out together, and it means so much that we live a healthy lifestyle together," she pointed out.

She added that she wants to be an excellent example to her followers and fans.  

"I want to share with the new generation that taking care of ourselves is important. It may be hard at first, but when you feel the change and understand what benefits you get from working out, from knowing which products are for you and prioritizing self-care, you will be happier. You will live your best life," Bianca stated.

Palace sets Nov. 4 as day of national mourning for 'Kristine' victims

BY ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS

Nov 2, 2024 10:05 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Marcos ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Nov. 4 on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.

• As of Oct. 30, 2024, Typhoon Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families or 7,033,922 individuals. It likewise caused 139 casualties nationwide. 

President Marcos has declared Monday, Nov. 4, as a Day of National Mourning for the victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine which ravaged several parts of the country last month.

MOURNING THE LOSS — Families of landslide victims due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine in Talisay, Batangas pay their last respect to their deceased loved ones at the Talisay Public Cemetery on Oct. 29, 2024. (Santi San Juan)

In his Proclamation No. 728, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Oct. 30, Marcos said he is one with the entire country in mourning the tragic loss of life caused by the storm.

"The nation deeply mourns this tragic loss and joins the families and loved ones of our departed brothers and sisters in this moment of immense sorrow," he said. 

"The onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine caused the loss of lives and tremendous destruction of property, including immense damage to agriculture and critical infrastructure lifelines, as well as the disruption of the means of livelihood, and the normal way of life of the people, especially in the affected areas," he added.

With this, the President has ordered that the National Flag be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Nov. 4 on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.

"[U]nder the... Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the Philippine Flag shall be flown at half-mast on all buildings and places where it is displayed as a sign of mourning during tragedies of national significance," he wrote.

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine ravaged several parts of the country from Oct. 21 to 25, bringing torrential rains and violent winds that triggered widespread flooding and landslides and drastically affected the lives of many Filipinos.

Based on a report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), as of Oct. 30, 2024, Typhoon Kristine affected a total of 1,788,630 families or 7,033,922 individuals.

It likewise caused 139 casualties nationwide.

Sanya Lopez and Ashley Ortega emotional on the issue of comfort women

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 24, 2024 11:27 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Guest speakers urged the public to support the cause and help restore dignity to the survivors while proactively promoting peace.

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Kapuso stars Sanya Lopez and Ashley Ortega share their thoughts on the issue of comfort women during the pandesal forum held at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe on Oct. 24.

"Pulang Araw" stars Sanya Lopez and Ashley Ortega admitted to shedding tears when they first learned about the issue of comfort women.

Sanya and Ashley shared their thoughts during an open forum, "Flowers for Lolas," sponsored by the 85-year-old Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City on Oct. 24. Both stars portrayed comfort women in the popular Kapuso primetime series.

"Napakabigat ng topic. Artista lang naman ako pero ramdam ko ang mga ipinaglalaban ng mga kababaihan natin," Sanya started as she got emotional. 

Sanya continued: "Sa totoo lang po, ganito rin ang naramdaman ko noong una ko silang nakasama. Sorry at emotional ako rito kasi totoong nangyari sa kanila ito noong World War II.

"Naimbitahan din ako sa isang organization para sa comfort women at nakakalungkot na dalawa na lang ang natira sa kanila roon.

"At nagsalita sila kung kailan nila matatanggap ang hustisya na nararapat para sa kanila. Konti na lang sila so kailan pa? Noong nakausap ko sila sobrang sakit sa puso na marinig yung kwento nila. Hindi po biro yun.

"Isa sa tumatak sa akin doon ay ang kwento ni Lola Isang. Sabi niya kapag nakikita ko yung mga kabataan ngayon, masaya siya. Siguro kung ako rin yung bata ngayon, ang saya-saya ko. Doon ko narealize sobrang swerte ng generation ko at hindi natin naranasan yung nangyari noon," Sanya also said. 

Sanya Lopez

Sanya mentioned that she was inspired to join the series after learning about the struggles of Filipino comfort women.

Ashley said she got nervous when the historical TV series was initially offered.

"I want to be honest na hindi talaga ako aware sa mga nangyari sa comfort women. But I am grateful na na-meet ko yung mga lola. I was heartbroken.

"Nag-iiyakan kami noon. Ngayon na ipinapakita ng 'Pulang Araw' ang storya ng comfort women, nakikita ko yung mga comments and they became aware of what was going on now.

"Ngayon lang nila nalaman na may ganito palang nangyari during World War II. Yun ng gusto talaga namin iparating sa mga hindi pa completely aware sa mga pinagdaanan nila.

"Now I am happy na yung mga students na nalaman na nila ang mga nangyari and I think it's about time. Para hindi maulit ang nangyari noon. 

"Kapag ginagawa namin yung mga eksena, hindi ko talaga maisip na nangyari yun. Masakit talaga sa puso. Pero I'm happy na naging voice ang 'Pulang Araw' at naging aware ang mga kabataan natin kung ano ang nangyari noong giyera," Ashley said.

Ashley Ortega

Wilson also commended Sanya and Ashley for their courageous portrayal of comfort women in the series and proposed a movie project for GMA on the same issue.

Set during World War II, “Pulang Araw” traces the intertwined lives of four childhood friends—Eduardo, Teresita, Adelina, and Hiroshi. As war ravages their homeland and Japanese forces occupy the country, their dreams, friendships, and loyalties are tested, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.  

Also in the same forum were Gabriela Congresswoman Arlene Brosas, Flowers for Lola's spokesperson Teresita Ang See, Lila Pilipina Director Sharon Cabusao-Silva, Malaya Lolas legal counsel Atty. Virginia Lacsa-Suarez, and activist Atty. Dennis Gorecho.

The same forum emphasized the need for collective action to honor comfort women victims, press for reparations, and ensure historical accountability. 

Guest speakers urged the public to support the cause and help restore dignity to the survivors while proactively promoting peace.

59 areas placed under tropical cyclone wind signals due to ‘Kristine’

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Oct 23, 2024 08:57 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, Oct. 23, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.

• Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.

• Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.

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Forecast track and intensity of Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) as of 8 a.m., Oct. 23, 2024 (Courtesy of PAGASA)

Twenty-six areas have been placed under tropical cyclone wind Signal No. 2 and 33 areas under Signal No. 1 as Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name “Trami”) approaches Luzon on Wednesday, Oct. 23, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

In the PAGASA’s 8 a.m. bulletin, Signal No. 2 was raised in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales, northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Infanta, General Nakar, Real, Mauban, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Calauag, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan), including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, and northeastern portion of Sorsogon (Prieto Diaz, City of Sorsogon).

Areas under Signal No. 1 include Metro Manila, Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Bataan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, the rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Calamian Islands, the rest of Sorsogon, Masbate (including Ticao and Burias Islands), Aklan, Capiz, Antique (including Caluya Islands), Iloilo, Guimaras, northern portion of Negros Occidental (Pontevedra, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Bago City, La Carlota City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, Bacolod City, San Enrique, Murcia, Silay City, City of Talisay, Enrique B. Magalona, Manapla, City of Victorias, Cadiz City, Sagay City, City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Salvador Benedicto, San Carlos City), northern portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City, City of Guihulngan), northern and central portions of Cebu (Alcantara, Argao, Dumanjug, Sibonga, Pinamungahan, Ronda, Liloan, Cebu City, Moalboal, Consolacion, Danao City, Borbon, Carmen, Daanbantayan, Tuburan, City of Bogo, Tabogon, City of Naga, Lapu-Lapu City, City of Carcar, Mandaue City, Catmon, Minglanilla, Toledo City, Cordova, Compostela, San Remigio, Balamban, Aloguinsan, San Fernando, Asturias, Barili, Medellin, Sogod, Tabuelan, City of Talisay), including Bantayan Islands and Camotes Islands, Bohol, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte (including Siargao-Bucas Grande Group).

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Kristine has maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts reaching up to 105 kph.

The storm’s center was located 310 kilometers east of Baler, Aurora, and is expected to move west-northwestward at 15 kph.

PAGASA said Kristine could make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Wednesday evening, or Thursday morning, Oct. 24, potentially as a severe tropical storm.

Heavy rainfall forecast

Nearly the entire country is expected to experience rainfall in the next 24 hours due to the vast circulation of Tropical Storm Kristine.

PAGASA warned of intense to torrential rainfall in Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Bicol Region, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quezon.

Moderate to, at times, intense rainfall is also expected in Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, Visayas, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte.

The trough or extension of Kristine may also bring moderate to, at times, heavy rains to Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and Soccsksargen.

The rest of Mindanao is likely to experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to Kristine’s trough.

PAGASA warned that these conditions may lead to flooding and landslides, especially in areas identified as highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards on hazard maps, and in areas with significant antecedent rainfall.

Kristine may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday, Oct. 25.