Department of Health (DOH) – MIMAROPA (Oriental/Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) has successfully revitalized and improved the health habits of 92 individuals who have undergone the “Wellness Program” in Marinduque from September 2015 to September 2017.
“We are pleased to report that the health of the individuals who have undergone the wellness program have considerably improved and 50% are now independent from maintenance medicines and 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, 2017.
“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 which includes Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Barangay Health Workers (BHW) 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 ten (10) barangays in Boac, Marinduque and started on September of 2015. Fifteen (15) families were selected by the Provincial Rural Health Units including two (2) members with existing medical conditions were incorporated in the program.
According to Janairo, the program was developed to introduce change in the country’s current health program. The regional office in partnership with the provincial government of Marinduque piloted the program which is aimed at disease prevention by focusing on lifestyle changes and nutrition.
Both modalities from Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) 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.