By Ricky J. Bautista
CHOLESTEROL is a term we often hear, but for many of us, it’s just a word that fades into the background of daily life. We often dive into our favorite Filipino dishes – lechon, humba, crispy pata, and the endless sweet foods at every fiesta, occasions and celebrations – without us knowing that the very food we love can be life threatening to us.
Recently, as most Pinoys observe Christmas and New Year holidays, the Department of Health (DOH) reminded us to be extra cautious during the festive season when we’re all tempted to indulge in an endless food taste that’s high in salt, fat, and sugar.
Of course, it is easy to ignore the consequences when we’re surrounded by friends and good company and even better food, but as Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo pointed out in a December 9, 2024 Philippine News Agency article, these indulgences can lead to health problems like high blood, diabetes, stroke and heart disease.
“The fatty foods we eat become plaques in our arteries, and that’s what leads to heart attacks,” the Health official warned.
The problem with cholesterol is that it doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t come with a loud alarm, a pain, or a sign that says, “Hey, this is your warning!” It’s sneaky – it builds up in our arteries like a thief without us even noticing, only to cause life-threatening damage when it’s too late.
What is really Cholesterol?
Health experts and the DOH, in its repetitive campaign, said it is a waxy substance that is found in every cell of our body. While our body needs cholesterol to function properly – helping to build cell membranes and produce certain hormones – too much cholesterol, especially those what we called LDL (low-density lipoprotein), may cause it to build up in our arteries, which may lead to blockages that increase our risk of heart disease and sometimes stroke. On the other hand, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing our risk of having a heart disease or similar malfunction.
Over time, the DOH revealed, high levels of LDL, or what we called “bad cholesterol” can form plaques in our arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can restrict blood flow, making it harder for our heart to pump blood and increasing the chances of a heart attack or stroke.
The good news, however, is that we can prevent this by managing our diet, exercising regularly, and getting routine medical check-ups.
As The Samar Chronicle conducted interviews with individuals from different walks of life, we uncover how the effects of poor dietary habits and lifestyle choices come to light in unexpected ways. While some struggle with the realization, other people, like Robert Goles, have learned to embrace the challenges as part of his journey.
Robert’s journey: A life transformed
Robert Goles, 73, from Las Pinas, Metro Manila admitted to The Samar Chronicle that he was once a carefree, adventure-loving man – a scuba diving enthusiast, a regular drinker, and a smoker.
“I started scuba diving back in 1970,” Robert told Samar Chronicle in a phone interview. “And I loved being around friends – drinking and grilling meat was almost a weekly ritual.”
Back then, Robert never thought much about his health. As he puts it, “When you’re young, you feel like Superman, so health concerns were practically nil.” He was smoking 8-10 sticks a day and didn’t give it a second thought. But that all changed when Robert had a stroke at the age of 58.
“I was just starting my third beer bottle when my right leg suddenly went numb all the way to my toes,” he recalls. At first, he thought it was just a temporary feeling, something that would pass. But when the numbness didn’t go away and he began feeling unusually tired, Robert decided to take a nap. What he didn’t realize was that he was experiencing symptoms of a stroke.
“It wasn’t until later that I found out it was a stroke of the Thalamus,” he says, his voice tinged with the gravity of that realization. For the next three days, Robert was hospitalized as doctors worked to stabilize his condition.
After his stroke, Robert said his life was turned upside down. “Physically, I felt so weak,” he said. “I was 58, but felt like I was (already) 95.”
This stark shift in his physical state was mentally and emotionally taxing. “I was angry with myself for letting this happen,” Robert admits. But as much as he struggled with the emotional burden, there was a part of him that knew recovery wasn’t just about regaining strength – it was about reevaluating his life choices.
“I had to stop smoking (and control my eating habits),” he said. “It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t just something I had to do, it was something I wanted to do.”
Robert gave up cigarettes cold turkey, pushing through the discomfort until the smell and taste of them became unbearable. He also cut back on drinking, limiting himself to an occasional beer only in social settings.
His recovery wasn’t quick, and it wasn’t easy either. But Robert was determined.
“I wanted to dive again,” he said, his eyes lighting up as he spoke of his passion for the ocean. That goal became his driving force, pushing him to stay on track with his diet and exercise routine.
“You can’t just wake up one day and expect everything to be fine,” Robert reflects. “Recovery is a lifelong process.” His diet became more focused on fish, vegetables, and avoiding processed foods. “It’s about making the right choices every day, even when it’s hard.”
But it wasn’t just his physical health that needed attention. Robert learned to embrace a new mindset, a new plan, one that centered on acceptance.
“I realized I have an addictive personality. Everything I did, I did to the extreme,” he shares. “But I found that diving, along with a spiritual program, helped me focus on being alive, not perfect.”
Even with the ongoing pain and numbness that lingers from his stroke, Robert finds solace in the present. “I live day by day, thankful for the grace given to me,” he said.
“My diving experiences have taught me to live in the present, just being conscious of every moment. It’s about learning from the past, planning for the future, but not letting it consume me.”
Lilibeth’s journey: From fiesta-lover to health-conscious teacher
In December 22, 2024, the Samar Chronicle asked its social media followers, especially those who were diagnosed with high blood or experienced stroke or had bad eating habits, for an interview.
Lilibeth (not her real name) came out in the open and agreed for an interview on condition of her being anonymous. She said she is a 41-year old elementary teacher from Basey Samar, and has always loved the rhythm of life – work, family, and of course, the fiestas.
“Pag mga fiesta, kahit saan man yan, I never say no to an invitation,” she said, her face lighting up as she recalls the joy of gathering with family and friends over a spread of lechon and desserts.
But one day, she said, after her hospitalization scare, her doctor delivered a stark reality check: her cholesterol levels were dangerously high.
“Nung oras ding yun, para akong binuhusan ng malamig na yelo sa ulo,” she said, recalling how she’d always thought that her love for food and fiestas was harmless.
“Ako yung tipo ng tao na ine-enjoy lang ang buhay – food, laughter at selebrasyon. I never thought (that) it would catch up to me.”
Before her diagnosis, Lilibeth had no real concerns about what she was eating. “Wala akong paki,” she laughs, “Lechon, chicharon, and sweet treats, I mean, these foods were staples at every fiesta, kaya kinakain ko lahat yan,” she narrates, without thinking twice how it could affects her health.
But one morning in April 2022 when she was hospitalized, her doctor spoke about the long-term consequences, Lilibeth knew she had to rethink her habits. “It wasn’t easy. I didn’t want to give up the foods I loved, but I had no choice if I wanted to be healthy,” she admits in her local dialect.
So from then on, she started cooking differently – grilled fish, vegetables, and more fruits. And during fiesta?, “I can still have the fiesta right now, but I’m now choosy with the food I get on my plate.”
She also began walking every morning, or even when going to school. “At first, it was a struggle. But now, I feel more energetic than before. I even enjoy the walk, and even consider going to the gym at night.”
Now, Lilibeth feels healthier, more in control. “It is all about balance. I can still enjoy life without sacrificing my health,” she smiles.
Her cholesterol levels have gone down, and she feels more lively than ever.
Ligaya’s story: The sari-sari store owner who took control of her health
Ligaya Lucaban, a 67-year old sari-sari store owner from Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City, did not think much about her health until one day she felt dizzy while tending to her store.
“Akala ko talaga it was just part of getting older,” she said with a shrug. But when she visited the Catbalogan Doctor’s Hospital (CDH), she was told that she had high blood pressure.
“I was not shocked, but I was not prepared either,” she admits. Growing up, Ligaya did not pay much attention to what she ate.
Her meals were simple: meat, vegetables, rice, and sometimes go to the fast food chains to eat ready to eat foods. No big deal, she thought.
But after her diagnosis, she realized that her diet could be contributing to her health problems. Her day-to-day house chores did not leave much time for exercise, aside from walking around the store. “Now, I try to walk more, even if it’s just around the house,” she said.
“Hindi madali, though. Pero minsan my budget does not allow me to buy healthier food, but I try to make it work.”
Ligaya’s story is one many can relate to – life can get busy, and healthy food can seem expensive. But she’s learned that even small changes – like cutting back on fatty meats – can make a big difference.
“Medyo mahirap lang sya, but I knew it’s important,” she said. “I take care of myself now, because nobody else will do it for me.”
Lyn’s experience: Managing health from afar
Lyn Velasco, 56, is also one of those who volunteered for an interview at Samar Chronicle. She now lives in the U.S., but her journey with high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome started years ago. Her blood pressure once spiked to 180/110, leaving her terrified.
“Thank God I did not have a stroke,” she said with a relieved laugh.
Lyn said her doctor prescribed medication and advised her to exercise more, but with her job keeping her on her feet, finding time to exercise was difficult. “I have tried once, but it’s hard to maintain it regularly,” she admits.
But more than anything, it’s her struggle with food that keeps her on her toes. “At night, after work, it is hard not to reach for something unhealthy, especially when I am tired.”
Lyn follows a diet of okra, celery, and fruits like bananas and blueberries, which she learned about from watching online health blogs.
“I cannot afford a nutritionist, so I do my best with what I have,” she said.
And during the holidays, when the tables are filled with fatty foods and sweets, Lyn knows she needs to stick to her medication and make correct choices.
“It’s tempting to go overboard, but I remind myself that my health is my responsibility.”
The importance of routine check-ups
In an earlier online meeting with health expert Janet Chavez, she provided an insightful perspective on the complex factors that affect cholesterol and blood pressure. She explained how these conditions are often influenced by a combination of lifestyle choices, diet, and even genetic predispositions.
“Cholesterol and blood pressure are not just about what we eat or how much we exercise. Genetics plays a significant role in how our bodies respond to these factors,” Chavez noted.
“Some people may be genetically predisposed to higher cholesterol levels, regardless of their diet or activity level. It’s important to understand that it’s not just about one thing; it’s a combination of factors that needs to be managed.”
Chavez further emphasized that the dangers of high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure often go unnoticed until it is too late. “Many of us only realize how serious it is when it is already too late,” she said, stressing how high cholesterol is a silent condition.
She added that regular check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention. “Maraming tao na hindi nararamdaman ang symptoms until it’s too late, kaya regular check-ups are important. Without regular monitoring, these issues can silently damage our bodies for years before we even notice.”
In addition to routine check-ups, Chavez discussed the importance of lifestyle changes in maintaining heart health. “Lifestyle changes can make a huge difference. Malaking bagay ang pagbabago sa diet, exercise, and sometimes even medication to manage these conditions,” she emphasized. She further explained that simple adjustments like reducing trans fats in the diet, increasing fiber intake, and incorporating more physical activity can help keep cholesterol levels in check.
“Even small changes can have a profound impact. Exercise can increase good cholesterol (HDL) while helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL),” she explained. “Sometimes, when lifestyle changes aren’t enough, doctors might prescribe medication to help manage cholesterol levels and prevent the long-term risks associated with heart disease.”
Chavez also stressed that understanding your cholesterol numbers is a key part of managing heart health. “Cholesterol is often categorized into different types—HDL, LDL, and triglycerides—each playing a different role in your health. Knowing what those numbers mean can help you understand what changes need to be made.”
With all this in mind, Chavez concluded by reiterating the importance of being proactive with our health. “The sooner we start taking care of our heart health, the better our chances of preventing serious complications down the line,” she said, emphasizing that taking small steps today can prevent much larger health challenges in the future.
A call for change
Robert, Lilibeth, Ligaya and Lyn, and many other Filipinos share a common realization: it’s never too late to change.
While the road to health may not be easy, it is worth the effort. With each small change – whether it’s cutting down on fatty foods, exercising regularly, or managing stress – they prove that it is possible to live healthier and avoid the potentially devastating effects of high cholesterol.
As the saying goes, “Health is Wealth.” The best time to start making those healthier choices is now! ACT NOW!
A – ASCVD is a top killer in the Philippines.
C – Cholesterol is a key risk but can be managed.
T – Take action to lower it fast.
NOW – The next heart attack or stroke could be worse—act now to stay protected.
Let’s take it one step at a time and prioritize our well-being, so we can enjoy many more years of celebrating life with our loved ones – without the hidden costs to our health.
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This article is part of the Unblock Your Heart Health Reporting initiative, supported by the Philippine Press Institute and Novartis, to improve health literacy on cardiovascular diseases. Know your numbers, understand your risks, and consult your doctor—so no Filipino heart is lost too soon. Take control of your heart health today. Visit unblockedmovement.ph for more information.
