THE Department of Health (DOH) in Mimaropa has successfully revitalized and improved the health habits of 92 individuals in Marinduque who have undergone the “Wellness Program” aimed to introduce change in the country’s current health program.
Mimaropa is composed of the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan.
“We are pleased to report the health of the individuals who have undergone the wellness program have considerably improved, and 50 percent are now independent from maintenance medicine. Those with chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes have also develop healthy body and strong resistance from other illness,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated during the graduation ceremony held at the Marinduque State College on November 7.
“The expected ultimate outcome of lesser medicines, medical consultations and hospitalization have been achieved,” he added.
The individuals were selected from various municipalities of Marinduque, including Barangay Nutrition Scholars, Barangay Health Workers and selected families from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s list of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps.
The wellness program was piloted in 10 barangays in Boac, Marinduque, and started in September 2015. Fifteen families were selected by the Provincial Rural Health Units, including two members with existing medical conditions, and were incorporated in the program.
The regional office, in partnership with the provincial government of Marinduque, piloted the program that aims to prvent diseases by focusing on lifestyle changes and nutrition.
Both modalities from Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Integrative Medicine were used in the implementation of the program.
The wellness program is a comprehensive health initiative designed to maintain or improve an individual’s well-being through proper diet, exercise, stress management, and illness prevention.
It also includes smoking cessation, weight-loss education, fitness challenges, therapy, and many other plans designed to increase the overall health of a person.