SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here continues to advocate for a healthy lifestyle to avoid various diseases, especially of the kidneys as the country observes National Kidney Month this June.

In a radio program, Medical Specialist II doctor Cara J. Uy from the Antique PHO stressed that there is no other way to protect oneself from diseases but observing healthy lifestyle habits, such as diet modification and regular exercise.

For extreme cases of kidney diseases, patients are left with no other option but to undergo dialysis which requires a hefty sum of financial resources to sustain, although free dialysis services may also be availed from public hospitals such as the Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) and Culasi District Hospital (CHD).

As per 2022 Dialysis Patient Census, some 989 dialysis patients were recorded in ASMGH, while some 556 in CHD.

Dr. Uy added that kidney disease is a tagged-along condition with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that may be avoided, excluding the family history factor, through a healthy lifestyle, hence, their year-round effort to advocate for the prevention of such diseases through various information, education, and communication (EIC) campaigns in communities and even social media platforms.

Dr. Mary Rosalie Almira and personnel of different dialysis centers, in partnership with Antique Medical Society (AMS) and Antique PHO, will hold a Zumba event on June 25 at the Esplanade in San Jose de Buenavista town.

Acknowledging the ill effects on health, Dr. Uy urged as well the public to forgo vices such as drinking alcoholic beverages, cigarette smoking, and even using electronic cigars or vaping, noting that June is also observed as No Smoking Month. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique/Photo courtesy of Department of Health/Healthy Pilipinas)