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Awareness drive needed on health: Villagomez
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Posted on Feb 11 1999
Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez yesterday urged the participation of community-based organizations, schools, media and the local government offices in popularizing health issues.
The increasing number of people who take time to walk on the Beach Road Pathway, at the American Memorial Park, Suicide Cliff pathway and various parts of the island is proof of the growing health movement on the island, he said during the Food and Nutrition Conference.
Serving “healthy” food in social gatherings shows that the indigenous people have slowly become health conscious.
Likewise, First Lady Sophie Tenorio encouraged the conference participants to maintain healthy living by eating all types of food in moderate amounts and exercising everyday.
She underscored the importance of continuously gathering information from medical professionals, friends and family members to abreast herself on the latest health issues. Tenorio, who has been actively involved in various community projects, said staying healthy is a responsibility which she takes seriously to be able to carry out her role in the family and the community.
Villagomez noted that maintaining good health involves various factors such as genetic makeup, environmental conditions, nutrition and exercise, access to health care and social support systems.
“By reaching out to new partners in the community, traditional partners in health can ensure that all relevant sectors are engaged in efforts to improve health,” he said.
As a psychologist who formerly headed the Division of Mental Health and Social Services, Villagomez said relatives must be equally educated as with the individual who has the disease and committed in addressing it. However, in many instances, those who are found diabetics are embarrassed for having to inject oneself with insulin or to take hypoglycemic drugs.
In addition, family members of those who are suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction have to be educated and convinced to become active participants in the treatment. Furthermore, probation officers, lawyers and judges have an important role to play in the system that addresses the problem, he said.
