Experts share tips on having healthy lifestyle

TWO health experts shared valuable information regarding heart health and using different nutrients to prevent certain diseases.

During The Manila Times’ virtual health forum held on Tuesday, Dr. Wilbert Allan Gumatay of the Manila Doctors Hospital said that everyone should “revise” negative behaviors experienced during the pandemic.

Gumatay said that during the pandemic and the isolation that was associated with it, people had become fearful of getting infected from the virus. They also felt more stressed, leading to an unhealthy lifestyle such as sedentary behavior.

“Because of the isolation and the fear of getting infected ... we do not work anymore, and then because of the quarantine, our social connections became disconnected. These added to our mental stress and we sometimes missed our appointments with our doctors,” Gumatay said.

Because of this, there have been cases of increased cholesterol intake and emergence of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which leads to heart problems.

To prevent heart issues, Gumatay advised people to follow the food pyramid. They should also use a nine-inch plate and portion food accordingly in the ratio of one-half plate of fruits and vegetables, and one-fourth plate of lean protein and starch, respectively.

He also said that the American Heart Association has recommended at least 30 minutes of moderateintensity aerobic activity at least five days a week, or equivalent to 150 minutes per week. The Philippine Heart Association has recommended one hour of exercise per day.

Gumatay also advised against taking too much stress, citing the need to switch off from work from time to time.