Press Release/21 January 2008

Information is power.

The Department of Health (DOH) today turned over dengue information resources to the education and local government departments and the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, to add more power to their capabilities in helping curtail the dengue problem in the country, as the DOH launched its 2008 National Anti-Dengue Campaign.

Things to remember in choosing toys for children:

Characteristics of a good toy:
1. Suitable to the child’s physical capabilities, mental and social development;
2. Appealing and interesting to the child; and
3. Well constructed, durable and safe for the child’s age.

Do’s and Dont’s in Toy Safety:

1. Check labels on the packaging and observe precautions appearing in the labels to ensure the safety of the child;
2. Ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his age under adult supervision;
3. Dispose plastic packaging accordingly. Keep it out of reach of children;
4. For children under age three (3), do not buy the following toys:

Press Release/7 November 2007

Make way for the power “baon”!

The Department of Health (DOH) today advised parents and guardians to encourage their school-age children to eat only healthy snacks during recess time by preparing for them foods that are fortified with micronutrients.

“We all want our children to grow up healthy, productive and strong. But in order to do this, they have to be taught to only eat the right foods, especially on snack breaks. They should be given nutritious snacks like healthy sandwiches and fresh fruits as power baons, and not salty chips and sugary artificial drinks,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said as the country observes National Food Fortification Day today.

The health chief said that adults should not allow their children to develop poor snacking habits, especially if they are away from home such as during school days.

Press Release/15 August 2007

The Department of Health (DOH) today warned the public against diseases that may come with the rainy season. Apart from dengue, other illnesses such as influenza, leptospirosis and water-borne diseases like diarrhea are also common during this season.

“The rainy months bring in a plethora of diseases that are, fortunately, preventable. The most common of this band of illnesses is dengue, which is already downing people since the early part of the year, making it a disease to watch out for not only during this wet season but also during summer and other dry months as well,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

To date, the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the DOH has already reported 12,734 dengue cases with 130 deaths nationwide since January up to July 28 this year. This figure, however, is 1.5% lower compared to the same last year, which listed 12,932 cases.

Jun. 08, 2006, Press Release, Media Relations Unit