By Leony Garcia |
Ahead of the Christmas season - - of fun gatherings and bingeing - - advocates for children's health recently launched a life-saving advocacy called Champions of Children’s Optimal (COCO) Heart Health.
Founded by PJ and Ramelyn Francisco whose 12-year old son, Coco, suddenly succumbed to heart disease, the initiative is aimed at promoting preventive cardiovascular care and improving heart health awareness among pediatric populations to help create an uninterrupted, brilliant future for them.
Ramelyn shared a touching message with the hope that, “Today, we start with a whisper which we believe will swell into a big, resounding voice that stands up for future generations”.
Dr. Alberto Atilano, the Director of the Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases, in his discussion during the event, tackled the value of primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease.
According to him, in many progressive countries, most government start their primary care with babies and children.
"Why wait for older or adult age when one is already sick or dying of heart disease and other related ailments before treating them or giving them proper care? he asked the attendees mostly high school children, their teachers, and guardians.
He proposed that a law be enacted to provide the necessary budget for primordial care noting a significant shift in government strategy in recent years. He said that while resources have traditionally focused on secondary prevention, a concerted effort towards primary prevention nowadays is being facilitated by partnerships between the Department of Health and local government units.
Aptly held at the House of Representatives, Rep. Angelica Natasha Co of the BHW Partylist, encourage attendees to be mindful of "the choices we make today, from providing nutritious meals to encouraging physical activity and regular health checks, which play a pivotal role in securing their future”.
Rep. Co is a Godmother of Coco and is currently the Chairperson of the Committee on the Welfare of Children.
Aside from Dr. Atilano, nutrition specialist Harvie de Baron also shared his expertise. He made very interesting points about how to eat brightly and live right, encouraging healthy diets and sustainable choices for children. All attendees were called to disseminate their newfound knowledge within their families and communities.
COCO underscores the significant role that all members of society, especially parents, guardians, educators, and healthcare professionals play in fostering the growth of children who are healthy, strong and resilient.
The advocacy launch was part of the commemoration of National Children’s Month, attended by students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School.
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