SAN FERNANDO CITY, Aug. 26 (PIA) – The Department of Health- Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD1) promotes pulmonary care in celebration of the National Lung Month and National Tuberculosis or TB Day, here.
In the Kapihan sa Ilocos program, DOH-CHD1 through Medical Officer IV and Infectious Disease Chief Dr. Rheuel C. Bobis reminds citizens to take care of their lungs and practice a healthy lifestyle.
“Ang ating pagdiriwang ay ginaganap upang hikayatin ang bawat Pilipino na panatilihin na maging malusog ang ating katawan, maging aktibo at umiwas sa mga karamdaman sa baga, lalo na ang sakit na TB,” said Bobis.
He said that the lungs provide oxygen to the different organs of the body, and without it, these parts will not function well.
Further, he said that there are many infectious diseases that can be associated with the lungs such as TB and pneumonia of which both are caused by bacteria.
In addition, other lung diseases that can be triggered by viruses are influenza and coronavirus disease 2019.
“Maaari din tayong magkaroon ng non-communicable lung diseases na dulot ng ating lifestyle, at pangunahin po dito ay ang tinatawag nating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at emphysema na dulot ng paninigarilyo,” Bobis added.
He also warned that cigarette-smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, which may lead to other organ complications or death.
Moreover, he said that to be able to protect ourselves from these diseases, a person needs to sustain a healthy lifestyle by not smoking or quitting smoking, catching enough sleep and rest, and eating the right kinds of food to nourish the body.
Aside from that, a person who is suspected or diagnosed with lung problem, specifically TB, should go to the nearest rural health unit to avail of the free medication under the TB-DOTS program.
“I encourage our citizens, who have lung illnesses to avail of the programs of our government, not only to keep themselves safe and healthy, but also their families as well,” he ended.
National Lung Month is observed every August by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1761, signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos on July 24, 1978.
Its observance is aimed at focusing public attention on the pulmonary system and illnesses of the lungs and urging everyone to contribute to a better and healthier environment so that the chemical exchange taking place in the lungs and detoxifying the body is sustained.
The 19th day of August of every year is declared as National Tuberculosis Day, in commemoration of the birth date of former President Manuel L. Quezon, who died because of the illness. (JCR/VHS/AHFF/PIA-1)
