#PanatangSanofi for a #HealthierPhilippines: Educating Filipino families through proper heart health

I remember in the early years of my internship, there was always an increase of hypertensive patients coming in around Halloween, peaking through Christmas and climbing a bit more on New Year’s Day.

This peak during the holidays might result from overindulgence during the season, or perhaps stress is a factor, too. Alarmingly, it seems to be worsening, especially in the past years.

I didn't get to spend 2001 Chinese New Year with my father, as hypertension and diabetes took him away from us. Although alcohol consumption was considered a potential culprit for patients with hypertension, he never even touched the thing. Numerous risk factors were mentioned for heart disease but I guess his diet was one of the leading reasons for his demise. His lab tests showed that he had suffered a series of strokes in several regions of his brain and the medications could no longer bring my father’s blood pressure down to normal.

 

A study revealed that Christmas was associated with the increased risk of having a heart attack, the highest being on Christmas Eve. This is particularly true for older individuals with diabetes and established heart disease. Having hypertension appears to increase the risk of type2 diabetes, and having type 2 diabetes increases the risk of hypertension. Also, having one or both conditions increases the risk of various complications including heart attack or stroke. Healthy diet and exercise is encouraged to help everyone safe and healthy—and ready to enjoy the holidays.

 

Thanks to this era of advanced medicine, healthcare institutions like Sanofi, with a solid background and track record related to hypertension and diabetes care, are in a good position to continue to be a loud voice in advocating programs to improve the health state in our country. 

 

It goes without saying that caring for diabetes and hypertension takes a village, it’s a family affair where no one should be left behind. And this is Sanofi's “Panata”. They pledge to take a genuine decision to care and love our family. 

 

#PanataNgPamilya, #PanatangSanofi. Health is a lifetime commitment. Part of Sanofi’s advocacy is disease awareness with focus on Diabetes, Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease, and is committed to support these patients through holistic healthcare support and education. Sanofi aims to educate how Filipino families can pursue proper wellness (proper nutrition and physical activity), to give everyone an opportunity to live a healthier and normal life - and collectively create a healthier Philippines.

 

Sanofi is here to promote good heart health for the Filipino family against hypertension and heart attack, acknowledges this Holiday session as a time to appreciate – and safeguard – the gift of health. 

 

To know more about the programs of Sanofi for Diabetes, Hypertensions and Chronic Kidney Diseases, visit https://www.sanofi.ph