HEART ILLNESS NO. 1 KILLER AMONG...

HEART ILLNESS NO. 1 KILLER AMONG OFWs: CONSULATE

JEDDAH- The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah advised Filipinos in the Kingdom to take an extra care as cardiac arrest appeared to be the number one killer among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Western Region.

Consul General Ezzedin Tago said 154 Filipinos died in the Western Region last year, with 85 or 55 percent due to cardiac arrests and other cardiovascular illnesses while 25 died of other diseases and causes.

The figures were culled from the report of the consulate’s Assistance to the Nationals Section. The report said deaths owing to vehicular accidents dippled to 18 from 29 in 2007, eight were work-related, five by other accidents, four by murder or homecide, one committed suicide and 18 babies died stillborn.

Vice Consul Lorenzo Jungco, the section head, said he receives almost 13 reports of deaths every month. In March and October, 17 were reported to have died.

Jungco said that of the total number of those who died last year, 126 were male and 28 female. Jeddah was on the top list with 93 deaths, followed by Abha with 10, Madina, Tabuk and Yanbu with nine each.

“We must refrain from eating too much fatty food, try to exercise regularly and develop health awareness among ourselves,” Tago said.

“We must see our doctors regularly, monitor our health. We are not getting any younger so we have to take care of ourselves,” he added.

“It’s sad on our part to see our countrymen returning home in coffins. Everyone must listen to the doctor’s advice,” Jungco said. - SG

Ronaldo Concha - Saudi Gazette