DOH reminds Pinoys to protect selves from cold weather

As the weather is expected to get colder until February due to the northeast monsoon, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday urged the public to take precautionary measures against influenza.

It is important to protect one’s self by wearing proper clothing against cold and rain, according to DOH Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo.

“Influenza or cough and colds are common during this season so we must wear the right clothing such as jacket or sweather,” Bayugo said.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate, especially during the cold season.

Bayugo said that when feeling sick, one must stay at home to avoid spreading the disease.

“Take a rest and stay at home as much as possible. Don’t stress yourself out this holiday season,” he said.

The official said that while partying could not be avoided this Yuletide season, everyone should still try to get enough sleep, observe healthy diet and limit alcohol intake.

“We should not neglect our health. We should still observe healthy lifestyle and not get sick while celebrating Christmas and New Year,” he said.

Free checkup

Regular and thorough medical, physical and mental examinations will be made available for all Filipinos under the Philippine Health Agenda (PHA) program.

Based on guidelines issued by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, the PHA check-up service intends to ensure the best health outcomes for all.

The PHA will provide care in all life’s stages made accessible through functional service delivery network and sustainability, and financed through universal health insurance.

It is among the various health programs of the Duterte administration.

Based on the DOH’s Administrative Order dated Dec. 15, PHA check-up services would be delivered in all accredited health facilities such us barangay health stations, rural health units, out-patient clinics in hospitals, private facilities and temporary sites like the barangay or municipal halls, or through home visits.

The service will be conducted from July to December every year, with the poor and marginalized individuals as priorities in public health facilities.

Check-up services for public and private employees will be the responsibility of employers.

The order also mandates all service providers to ensure that social and cultural factors such as language, gender, ethnicity or religion are observed during checkup.

It states that PHA check-up in public health facilities will be funded or supported by the local government units, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and DOH technical and commodity assistance.

Charges for services done in private facilities will be reimbursed based on the existing guidelines of PhilHealth and private health insurance and health maintenance organizations.

“This AO aims to ensure that primary health care guarantees for Filipinos are realized in each community,” the order said.