The Department of Health (DOH) Region XI reported that nearly 6,000 individuals in the Davao Region died from various lifestyle-related diseases in 2023.
According to the agency’s data, over 2,500 deaths were due to heart disease, more than 2,000 resulted from hypertensive diseases, and at least 1,300 were linked to diabetes.
Health officials expressed concern over the alarming number of hypertensive patients in the region, which reached 37,000 last year. Experts identified poor diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking as key contributing factors.
The data highlights the urgency of DOH’s intensified health campaign this February in observance of Philippine Heart Month. This year’s theme, “Tamang Pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina para sa Pusong Malusog at Masigla,” emphasizes proper nutrition, exercise, and self-discipline to promote heart health.
