The heart is one of the most essential organs in a human’s body. It is part of the circulatory system that is responsible for the supply of oxygen in our blood, gives proper cell nutrients, and flushes out waste products in our system. In simpler terms, it keeps you going and alive. But how do you take care of your heart for it to beat and live?
I am the fourth offspring and eldest daughter, I reflect on the cherished memories of my childhood, a time when my presence brought abundant joy to our family. But little did we know that beyond the happiness was my father’s diagnosis of heart disease a year after my birth. Sedick Abdullah, my father, was merely 38 years old at the time.
The ecstatic feeling was then replaced with fears and worries knowing of my father’s condition. I can vividly remember during my grade school years when my mother had to excuse from work to accompany my sick for my father’s regular check-ups in Davao City at least thrice a month. Financial constraints compelled us to seek refuge at my aunt’s residence in Davao, foregoing the comforts of home to save time and money for his essential check-ups and medications. Sacrifices and patience became our mantra, in hopes of my father’s speedy recovery.
“I was a chain smoker in my younger years, I take a lot of carbohydrates and seafood. I don’t do regular exercise. I neglected my health,” my father said.
It breaks my heart to look back on those times when we had to rush him to the hospital due to chest pain. It was then that his physician’s counsel resonated, urging him to adhere strictly to his medication and embrace a heart-healthy diet. As a family, we rallied around him, abstaining from unhealthy foods and actively engaging in exercises to strengthen his journey towards wellness.
Dr. Ehsan Paudac, Chief of the Health Regulation Division of the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that based on the studies of the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death of Filipinos every year accounting for 18.5 percent of the total registered death on 2023.
In a recent launch of the Philippine National Heart Month of MOH in Cotabato City, they encourage the public to live a healthy lifestyle and prevent the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
According to MOH, the five (5) leading causes of death in the Philippines are ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Yet, experts reassure us that despite these, the onset of cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Regular physical activity, coupled with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, serves as protection against these diseases. Equally important is to avoid smoking habits and excessive alcohol use.
My father’s experience is a call to everyone to take care of their heart not just to simply avoid cardiovascular diseases but to begin embracing a lifestyle that enhances the quality and longevity of life.
At 64 years old, his resilience inspires us to adhere in our commitment to a healthy lifestyle. We are forever grateful for his continued presence in our lives, caring for our hearts and cherishing each moment as a family. (Sittie Fairoudz Abdullah/BIO)
