DOH WV CHD launches Ligtas Christmas to promote health, safety during holidays

The Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) launched the Ligtas Christmas 2024 campaign to promote health and safety during the holidays.

Dr. Ma. Femie P. Japitana, Medical Coordinator for the Food and Waterborne Diseases Program, emphasized the importance of a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and discipline at a press conference on Thursday.

The campaign also highlights road safety and recommends safer alternatives to fireworks, such as organized displays and noisemakers like 'torotot', drums, and light sticks.

Iloilo City Health Office Nurse II Dariane Joy Papa presented data showing 294 firecracker-related injuries in Western Visayas last year, with 33 percent involving children aged 1 to 10 years.

Most injuries occurred from December 31 to January 1 and included blast or burn injuries without amputation and eye injuries. The leading causes were kwitis (rockets), luces (sparklers), and improvised firecrackers.

Japitana stressed the importance of safe food preparation, particularly for perishable dishes like spaghetti and pasta, which can cause food poisoning if not stored properly at below five degrees Celsius.