Over the weekend, the Department of Health (DOH) released tips on how to have a stress-free Yuletide season.
According to the DOH, proper planning of activities is one of the keys to avoiding holiday stress.
They also advised the public to avoid crowded areas because diseases multiply and spread easily in these areas since they are not well ventilated.
Having enough sleep is also important for the body and mind to relax and recharge.
The DOH were prompted to release these tips because of a warning from the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) Foundation of the threat of diseases due to “holiday stress.”
According to Dr. Anthony Leachon, Philippine College of Physicians foundation president, “Traffic, crowds and shopping wear down holidaymakers. It’s certainly not a fun way to spend the holidays.”
Holiday stress can be fatal
“More people suffer heart attack and stroke in Christmas time,” he added. “Worse, sufferers are more likely to die than any other time of year.
He also cited an informal survey of Metro Manila hospitals from 2004 to 2008 which showed increase in emergency cases and patient admissions during the holidays.
According to the survey, there were 153 cases of heart attack and stroke reported in December 2004; 163 in 2005; 172 in 2006; 170 in 2007; and 170 in 2008.
Other dangers of holiday stress
The Manila Police District also urges the public to be vigilant when shopping in crowded places such as Divisoria, Quiapo, and Baclaran due to the heightened number of thieves and other criminal.
Shoppers were also warned to beware of defective products and fake money being used during transactions.
“Kapag ibinigay sayo yung defective na pinamili mo pag binalikan mo sya ay hindi mo na sya makikita at di mo na alam kung kanino sya bumili para isoli yung paninda na binili mo,” Barbosa Manila Police Community Precinct commander Senior Inspector Alden Panganiban said.
Panganiban reassures the public by saying that there are “enough” policment patrolling the streets as, sadly, crimes spike this time of year.
He also remind those who will unfortunately fall victim to crimes to seek help from the authorities as soon as possible.
Read: Fire Safety Tips for the Family this Christmas
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