Parents can support their children’s health by providing nutritious food, ensuring adequate rest, and building healthy habits, while also staying alert for persistent symptoms that may signal leukemia, a physician from Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) said.
Dr. Arden Mae Shiu, a medical specialist at the Department of Health run hospital, said a balanced diet can support children’s overall health and immune system.
She encouraged parents to include green leafy vegetables and other iron rich foods in their children’s meals, noting that these are readily available and affordable in the Cordillera.
“Kapag nagkakasakit or puyat, pwedeng it may lead to anemia but eating green leafy vegetables and iron-rich food makakatulong i-boost ang hemoglobin level,” Shiu said during a Kapihan forum.
Beyond diet and rest, Shiu urged parents to seek medical attention when children develop persistent symptoms that may warrant further evaluation.
These include fever, bone pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurrent infections, bleeding and unusual bruising.
Early detection is important because leukemia is treatable, Shiu said.
Treatment depends on the patient’s condition and may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.
Shiu also said chemotherapy and radiotherapy are covered under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s Z Benefits package, which can help reduce the financial burden of treatment for qualified patients.
Healthy habits
Shiu said leukemia can involve both genetic and environmental risk factors, but maintaining healthy habits remains important in supporting children’s overall health.
She said cancer continues to be a major health concern in the Philippines, with thousands of children diagnosed with cancer each year.
September is observed as Leukemia Awareness and Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of recognizing possible warning signs and seeking medical assessment when symptoms persist.
Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency
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