Improvement in lifestyle is needed to drastically improve peoples health.

Aside from avoiding smoking and alcohol, there is a need to correct the Filipinos diet and encourage them to engage in more physical activities. These changes can be tailored to meet the individuals specific needs. Learn tricks and tips to keep your health up and your body in good shape. What is a healthy lifestyle? As they say, health is wealth. Healthy lifestyle is all about making ones health and well-being a priority. It is a choice made by an individual, a commitment made for his own good and that of his loved ones. Both the private and public sectors are working on several programs to help Filipinos get a headstart on being healthy and enable them to stay healthy throughout their lives. Healthy Lifestyle Across the Philippines Be inspired by how Pinoys are taking action for their health! As the authority in ensuring the nutritional well-being of Filipinos, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) recommends everyone to follow the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinosfor good health and proper nutrition. 1. Eat a variety of foods everyday. 2. Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth to six months, and then, give appropriate foods while continuing breastfeeding. 3. Maintain childrens normal growth through proper diet and monitor their growth regularly. 4. Consume fish, lean meat, poultry, or dried beans. 5. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and root crops. 6. Eat foods cooked in edible/cooking oil daily. 7. Consume milk, milk products, or other calcium-rich foods such as small fish and dark green leafy vegetables daily. 8. Use iodized salt, but avoid excessive intake of salty foods. 9. Eat clean and safe foods. 10. For a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, exercise regularly, do not smoke, and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages Republic Act 9211bans smoking in public places. o Some localities are taking a step further to pass a provision to ban smoking in public places. Private establishments also adopted the rule in their buildings. Fines range from Php 1,000 for first-time offenders, Php 2,500 for secondtime offenders, and Php 5,000 for third-time offenders. Republic Act 9211, or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 is the first comprehensive national legislation on tobacco control. o RA 9211 covers: (a) Promotion of healthful environment; (b) Dissemination of information regarding health risks associated with tobacco use; (c) Regulation and subsequent ban of all tobacco advertisements and sponsorships; (d)

Regulation of the labelling of tobacco products; and (e) Protection of the youth from starting a life-long addiction to tobacco use by prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors. The Philippines is a signatory of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. In 2013, the Philippines began implementing the House Bill 5727, more popularly known as the Sin Tax Bill, which aims to restructure the existing taxes imposed on the alcohol and tobacco goods According to Philippine law, the legal age for drinking is 18, three years younger than the age limit in the United States. Sales of alcohol near schools in different cities have been banned. Since 2011, several establishments within the affected radius have been shut down due to violations. Mostprimary schools in the Philippines are transforming their yards into vegetable gardens. This is in response to increasing consumption of junk food by Filipino children. Harvested vegetables are given to students whose families are most in need or sold as part of livelihood projects. Several cities and municipalities around the country have developed their own healthy lifestyle programs highlighting the importance of physical activities in maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. Local governments provide free group exercise classes in public parks and open areas. LGUs also focus on good nutrition and proper diet and work with private sectors for activities such as healthy cooking demonstrations that teach mothers what to serve to children during meal time, among others There are several public parks and circles that offer tons of opportunities for physical activities. There are dance aerobics, Tai Chi, and Zumba classes every day and people can use several sports areas for free. Some parks even have pedal cars that are available for a fun way to exercise. - See more at: http://www.go4health.ph/pilipinas-go4health#b1