DOH: Avoid injuries in celebrating Xmas season

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Health and its partner health advocates launched the annual anti – fireworks campaign, “Oplan Iwas Paputok: Fireworks Display ang Patok,” in a recent media forum here.

             Dr. Jennifer Joyce Pira of DOH – CAR and Dr. Donnabel Tubera Panes of the City Health Officer advised the public to do away with the use of fireworks and instead join community fireworks display or use other safe merry/noise making devices. 

             Playing music,   family sing – along or using trumpets are some of the ways to have a safe and injury – free yuletide season.

              Pira said for the 2018 – 2019 Christmas and New Year revelries, 14 firecracker - related injuries were recorded in the region with 10 recorded in Abra and two each from Apayao and Ifugao.

            Though lower compared to the 22 cases recorded in the previous year, the goal of Oplan Iwas Paputok is to achieve a “zero” or injury- free yuletide celebrations.

            Let us celebrate the through essence of Christmas, Pira said.

            For Baguio’s part, Tubera called on the city folks and visitors to help maintain a zero firecracker - related injury and reminded the people that there is an existing city administrative order banning the selling and use of firecrackers in Baguio. 

           With more parties and reunions this season, the health department also reminds the public of their healthy lifestyle advocacy. They should maintain a healthy diet, avoid stress, have enough sleep, rest, water, liquid intakes, proper food handling or preparation and proper hygiene.

            With the cold weather being experienced in Baguio City and the Cordilleras, the health department also advises the public to keep themselves warm. 

            For people with medical conditions, have a regular check – up and take maintenance medicines regularly.

Larry Esperanza of PAGASA Baguio, in an interview, outlined that the Northeast Monsoon along with the tail end of a cold front will continue to bring colder weather in the remaining days of December up to the early part of 2020.

           The lowest temperature in Baguio so far is 11.8 degrees Celsius recorded at 6am of December 9. Forecasted daily minimum temperature for the rest of the month will be between 9 to 13 degrees Celsius, Esperanza added.

           Other health advocacies promoted in the Kapihan forum were Ear, Nose and Throat Consciousness, Violence Against Women and Children, and World AIDS Day. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)