Learn from the Aetas— CDC doc

CLARK FREEPORT — We can learn from the Aetas to be healthy and physically fit, according to the head of the health division of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

Dr. Menchie Dobles, manager of CDC’s health division said that the Aetas are less prone to diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases because of two important factors.

“They are physically active and eat root crops, especially sweet potato or”camote”, she said during a forum with members of the Capampangan in Media (CAMI) last Friday at theb Bale-Balita here.

According to Dobles, the Aetas common illnesses are colds and cough.

Dobles attributes this to the indigineous people’s constant movement and the low glycemic value of “camote”.

“Camote or any other root crops, for that matter, have lower glycemic values than rice, “she sai d .

CDC is providing health services to Aetas in Clark that are estimated to be around 10,000 coming from five (5) different tribes.

“It’s part of our job,” she says.

Dobles said the state-owned firm is also helping ensure the health management for Clark workers of various locators inside the freeport zone by requiring the locators to comply with the requirements set by CDC.

“Wehaveaskedthemtoprovidehealthfacilities like medical clinics and lactation room for their employees,”she said.

Meanwhile, Dobles noted the rise in positive HIV cases among workers in industrial regions like Central Luzon and Calabarzon. She bared that Bulacan and Pampanga rank currently number one and two among the region’s industrialized provinces. In Pampanga, she said, Angeles is the leading local government.

Asked if the emerging health problem is caused by industrialization or correlated to it, she said it could be both.

There are more than 100,000 workers inside Clark today.

- NCS