THE Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said there is an increase in cases of stroke, heart attack and asthma this holiday season. According to its latest report, since Dec. 21, a total of 288 cases have been reported — a 5-percent increase compared to the same period last year. On Dec. 31 alone, a total of 31 cases have been logged, with acute stroke being the leading cause of death among the other cases monitored by the agency. The DOH also advised the public to avoid the 4M’s when preparing their New Year’s Eve feast: matatamis (sweet), maalat (salty), matataba (fatty) and mamantika (oily). In an interview with The Manila Times, Dr. Paolo Demapelis, a gastroenterologist, urged Filipino families to prioritize their health as they celebrate New Year’s Eve, warning that overindulgence — particularly on salty foods — can have both immediate and long-term health consequences like stroke and heart attack. He said that short-term effects of consuming excessive sweet, salty, oily and fatty foods include digestive issues such as dyspepsia and hyperacidity, which are often triggered by eating too much or too quickly. “Some people experience hyperacidity after eating fatty or oily foods, while others may suffer from diarrhea or even food poisoning due to improper food handling during large gatherings,” he said. Demapelis also emphasized that the more serious dangers lie in the long-term effects of unhealthy holiday eating. “We see a rise in cases of diabetes from too many sweets and high cholesterol from oily and fatty foods. These can lead to more severe conditions like stroke and heart attack, especially as people age,” he said. Demapelis implored Filipinos to eat and drink in moderation, and to have regular health checkups to help prevent the disease. “It only takes one heart attack or stroke to change your life forever. Prioritize your health over the celebration, because the consequences can be life-altering,” he said.