CDA Marcos A.S. Punsalang addresses the Filipino Community in Chile and awards the Certificate of Appreciation to resource speaker Dr. Suraj Samtani Bassarmal

(Santiago, 04 November 2017) – As part of the Philippine Embassy in Santiago’s health and wellness program for Filipino nationals and noting that Chile now has among the highest rates of chronic kidney disease and cases of hypertension in the region, the Embassy organized a Seminar on the Prevention of Diabetes, Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease for Filipino Nationals on 04 November 2017 at the OTIC building in Providencia, Santiago. The event was attended by approximately 100 Filipino nationals from across Chile.   The resource speaker for the seminar was Dr. Suraj Samtani Bassarmal a specialist on the subject and a member of the Faculty of Medicine of Clinica Alemana.

Dr. Samtani Bassarmal spoke about the root causes of diabetes and kidney diseases and, more importantly, suggested lifestyle changes for OFWs in Chile to follow—one that is tailor-made to domestic lifestyle trends and takes into account prevailing food choices in the country.  He gave tips on how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, and outlined key figures on the suggested rate of daily exercise and allowable daily intake of salt and sugar needed to avoid the onset of diabetes and hypertension.  Dr. Samtani Bassarmal also provided free consultation to members of the Filipino community following the event.

CDA, a.i., Marcos A.S. Punsalang availed of the opportunity to remind the members of the Filipino community to take care of their health.  He underscored the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, which is a norm in Chile due to its large number of biking and running trails, but is, however, offset by the significant quantities of sugar and sodium-filled food choices and ingredients available in the country.

The Seminar was organized by the Philippine Embassy in Santiago as part of its Gender and Development (GAD) program for 2017. END