Saturday, March 23, 2024

DOH-10 stresses need for proper health guidance amid El Niño concerns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA/March 03, 2024) – “The phenomenon in the environment has an effect on the human body,” said Dr. Tristan Jedidah Labitad, head of the Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, who shared points and mitigations on El Niño effects on the health of the people during the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series on February 21, 2024, at Limketkai, Cagayan de Oro City

Labitad said El Niño is a phenomenon where certain parts of the surface water in the Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, and this increased heat has a ripple effect on the overall global climate. He added that waterborne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue (WILD) are diseases that can arise from such a phenomenon.

 

Labitad stressed the susceptibility of individuals of all ages, highlighting the vulnerability of everyone to these health risks. Despite the preparedness of health facilities to assist, he emphasized the role of consulting primary healthcare providers before heading to hospitals in cases of illness.

 

“Kung unsa’y gibati nimo nga dili maayo nga sakit, you seek medical consultation, diretso. Dili magpataka-taka og inom og any herbal supplements, I am not discounting any herbal supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate nga dili jud alternative sa imong gibati karon ang mga herbal, good kung naa ka pero dili i-neglect nga based japon siya sa research,” he said.

 

[If you feel that you are sick, you should seek medical consultation directly. Do not drink any herbal supplements; I am not discounting these supplements. However, conventional medicine would dictate that herbals are not an alternative to what you feel now; good if you have them, but don’t neglect those that are based on research]

 

The doctor strongly advised seeking medical consultation and undergoing a health professional’s check-up, especially for individuals with co-morbidities, cautioning against the indiscriminate use of herbal supplements without proper guidance.

 

As for enhancing their preparedness for potential disease surges in their respective areas, Labitad said local government units and healthcare facilities, including rural health units and centers, hold regular meetings to also determine ways to address health issues in communities.

 

To maintain good health, Labitad urged the public to only rely on credible sources of information, such as the Department of Health and other reputable health entities. “Let’s avoid being swayed by various anecdotes. Consult with healthcare professionals for any health concerns,” he said.

 

The Philippine Information Agency-10 holds the Kapihan sa PIA: El Niño Series once a month to address pressing issues related to the El Niño phenomenon in the region. (Patricia Aisabelle C. Rosales/PIA-10)

CDO, Bukidnon inflation rise, but regional rate remains low: PSA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (24 January 2024) – The inflation rate in Bukidnon province and this city increased in December 2023, but the overall regional rate in Northern Mindanao remained low

Dr. Janith Aves, Philippine Statistic Authority-Northern Mindanao (PSA-10) officer-in-charge, said Bukidnon had an inflation of 12 percent last month, compared to the 9.2 percent in December 2022.

In the same rating period, Aves said this city registered a 12.6 percent inflation, but is lower compared to the previous year’s 13.3 percent.

“When we say there is a lower inflation rate, it does not mean the prices of commodities instantly became lower, but it means the increasing of prices has slowed,” Aves said in a report Wednesday.

Of the five provinces and two chartered cities in the region, this city had the highest inflation rate, while Misamis Occidental had the lowest with 2.8 percent from last month’s rating.

For the Northern Mindanao region, the regional inflation rate in Dec. 2023 was 4.8 percent, compared to the Dec. 2022 rate of 7.8 percent. (By Nef Luczon/PNA)

CRC helps Bukidnon PDLs get access to digital connection

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – One of the jail facilities in Bukidnon has become a recipient of humanitarian aid that would enable persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) connect with their relatives and lawyers.

In a statement on Sunday provided by Amer Hassan Sanggacala, information officer of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) based in Iligan City, said the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Malaybalay City was given mobile devices in support of the government’s “E-Dalaw” project.

ICRC said the project gained momentum during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic when it was hard for PDLs to contact outside the jail facility, especially those with families who do not have access to digital technology.

“To help restore contact between detainees and their families and facilitate virtual court hearings, the ICRC has been supporting the government’s ‘E-Dalaw’ and ‘E-hearing’ programs by providing tablets and internet loads to places of detention,” ICRC said.

ICRC also said supporting PDLs is also part of its humanitarian activities, which aim to secure humane treatment and detention conditions for all PDLs.

Since 2020, more than 300 digital tablets have been distributed nationwide to BJMP’s 150 facilities, including the Malaybalay City Jail.

The ICRC’s goal is to provide over 500 tablets to nearly 200 detention facilities, in addition to phone and internet load to places of detention until 2023.

In 2022 alone, ICRC facilitated over 467,000 calls between PDLs and their families, 6,000 calls with lawyers, and at least 40,000 virtual court hearings. (Nef Luczon/PNA)