(UPDATE) THERE were fewer fireworks-related injuries and road crashes just before and after Christmas Day this year, compared with the same period in 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) reported. The DOH said Saturday that between December 21 and 26, it logged 57 fireworks-related injury cases, 49 percent lower year-on-year. The National Capital Region recorded the highest number of cases at 25, mostly involving males aged 10 to 14 and commonly caused by 5-Star, kwitis, boga, and triangulo. Children and adolescents remained the most vulnerable group for fireworks injuries, despite repeated public warnings against the use of illegal and improvised firecrackers. Road crashes totaled 263 cases, down by 7 percent from 2024. Regions 2, 5, and 4-A had the highest number of incidents, largely affecting males aged 20 to 24, and with motorcycles accounting for 73 percent of all cases. The DOH said the high proportion of motorcycle-related crashes continued to reflect risky driving behavior among young riders during peak holiday travel. It added that 85 percent of those involved in road crashes were not using safety accessories, such as helmets or protective gear, while 12 percent were intoxicated at the time of the incident. Aside from injuries and crashes, the DOH also recorded 127 cases of noncommunicable diseases during the monitoring period. Data showed 81 cases of acute stroke, or brain attack, and 30 cases of acute coronary syndrome (heart attack), with both conditions more common among male patients. There were also 16 cases of bronchial asthma, which were more frequently recorded among female patients during the same period. Mental health concerns also remained significant, with 451 calls received by the National Center for Mental Health Hotline 1553 during the Christmas period. The department said the volume of calls peaked on December 23, with young adults aged 18 to 30 years accounting for most callers and females forming the majority. The most common reasons cited by callers were anxiety or depressive symptoms, followed by love or relationship problems and family-related concerns, the DoH said.