LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Congress reminded the local health workers to take care of their physical and mental health last November 25 at the Benguet State Complex Gymnasium.
The organizers invited special guests to discuss topics on how health workers could look out for their health.
Bela Basalong, RND, MPH, MDM, discussed physical health with her talk entitled “Keep your heart healthy: Cardiovascular Diseases Diet and Prevention”.
Her talk revolved around three topics: defining what is cardiovascular disease, what are the causes of cardiovascular disease and the diet recommended for avoiding cardiovascular disease.
Lance Angelo Layugan, RPm, CHRA, discussed mental health with his talk entitled “BREATHE: Breaking the Hostile and Toxic Environment”.
Charles Bencio, more popularly known as Donya Pidang Sayote, also gave a brief discussion. He reminded the audience of their responsibility as local health workers to spread information to the members of the community. His discussion also highlighted the importance of breastfeeding and how the local health workers should encourage mothers to breastfeed their babies.
The discussion “Keep your heart healthy: Cardiovascular Diseases Diet and Prevention” emphasized how Cardiovascular Diseases is part of the top ten causes of death in CAR according to a 2023 data of Field Health Services Information System of Department of Health CAR (DOH CAR). And thus, one solution suggested is the implementation of the “Pinggang Pinoy”. It is a diet focused on portioning food intake based on the recommended serving sizes of each type of food. She also discussed other strategies to prevent Cardiovascular Diseases, including getting enough sleep, regular checkups, and more.
“BREATHE: Breaking the Hostile and Toxic Environment” highlighted a breathing exercise that the participants could engage in when stressed. He also emphasized on the importance of mental health and why health workers need to take care of their mental health.
The Congress also kicked off the starting of the 18 day campaign to end violence against women. They reminded the health workers what the kinds of violence are against women and what they could do to help.
The Congress also held an open forum where speakers reminded health workers of their obligations to their associations. Speakers also reminded health workers about their benefits, such as the benefits their family could get once they pass away. They explained the documents and process needed to claim the benefits.
Congressman Eric Yap also mentioned the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (Senate Bill no. 232) that was made to give Barangay health workers more benefits and compensation. By Janine Laureta
