THE local government of San Simon recently renewed its commitment to support advocacy groups promoting healthy living among Simonians, especially hypertensive and diabetic individuals.
Mayor Leonora Wong, a health advocate herself, led the twin celebration of the fourth year anniversary of the Simonian Hypertensive Club and fifth year anniversary of the Simonian Diabetic Club on Friday.
Wong said her advocacy stems from her personal experience. Her late mother suffered from diabetes, which triggered various complications that later caused her demise.
Wong also said she can relate to the sentiments of the participants over the cost of maintenance medicines.
“I knew the feeling of having a family member suffering (from) hypertension. Although classified as non-terminal disease, the maintenance medicines as well as the precautions that must be taken and observed are also strict,” she said.
During the celebration sponsored by the local government, around 650 participants who are part of the 2,400 Simonian Hypertensive and Diabetic Club received medicines, blood glucose monitoring machines and diabetes strips.
The giveaways should lessen the daily expenses of the patients, especially elderly that belong to financially unstable families, Wong said.
The Municipal Health Office, led by Dr. Marline Bagtas, also conducted lectures on maintaining the health security of the person.
Former mayor Rodrigo “Digos” Canlas, who is a diabetic himself, shared some tips on how to live a full life despite living with the disease.
“Exercise regularly and eat healthy foods. Of course, follow the advice of doctors especially on food and activities that are not allowed for us. I know it is hard and costly, but as much as possible let us also be strict with our diet and our medicines for our own good,” he said.
Canlas extended financial assistance to the patients for their daily medication and expenses for healthy food.