FAITH: Leap Into Public Health

The importance of mental health cannot be overstated. Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act, and influences their ability to cope with stress, make decisions, form relationships, and handle the challenges of life.

Mental health affects our ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. It influences how we communicate, empathize, and connect with others. When individuals have good mental health, they are more likely to have satisfying relationships, experience intimacy, and effectively navigate conflicts.

Mental health plays a significant role in personal and professional success. When individuals have good mental health, they can focus better, think creatively, solve problems, and make sound decisions. Mental well-being is linked to higher productivity, job satisfaction, and academic achievement.

Promoting mental health is a crucial step in preventing mental disorders. By fostering positive mental health, providing support systems, and addressing risk factors, individuals can reduce the likelihood of developing mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse.

It is important to recognize that mental health is a continuum, and everyone has mental health that needs attention and care. Prioritizing mental health involves seeking support, engaging in self-care practices, reducing stigma, and promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

Mental Health Hotline Philippines Information: https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline

Pollution is the introduction of harmful or toxic substances into the environment, resulting in adverse effects on living organisms and the ecosystem as a whole. It is a significant global concern that poses serious threats to the planet and human well-being. Pollution can occur in various forms, including air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, and light pollution.

Efforts to combat pollution involve a combination of individual actions, community initiatives, and government regulations. These may include transitioning to cleaner energy sources, promoting sustainable transportation, implementing waste management practices, enforcing environmental regulations, and raising awareness about the importance of reducing pollution and adopting eco-friendly practices.

Addressing pollution is crucial for the preservation of ecosystems, protection of human health, and the sustainable development of our planet. It requires global cooperation, responsible actions, and a commitment to finding innovative solutions that minimize the release of pollutants and promote a cleaner and healthier environment for current and future generations.

"Dive into the depths of pollution: Causes, Consequences, and the Way Forward! 🌍💔 "

BREAK THE STIGMA‼️

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected s*x (s*x without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life. However, effective treatment with HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) is available. If taken as prescribed, HIV medicine can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood (also called the viral load) to a very low level. This is called viral suppression. If a person’s viral load is so low that a standard lab can’t detect it, this is called having an undetectable viral load. People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through s*x.

This infographic shows essential information about HIV and the ways on how to prevent its acquisition.

More information is available at https://www.hiv.gov/

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. Most drug users develop their substance abuse in their teens. According to the Dangerous Drug Boards, in the Philippines, nearly half of drug abuse cases reportedly start from 15 to 19 years old. As a result, they may end up becoming addicted later on in life. It is important for parents, the school, and the community to recognize the warning signs and intervene early on to prevent drug abuse from turning into an addiction.

HOW TO PREVENT TEENAGE SUBSTANCE ABUSE?
▶️ Education and Awareness: Provide accurate information about the risks and consequences of drug use and teach teenagers how drugs can affect their health and well-being. Raise awareness about peer pressure and provide strategies to resist it.
▶️ Communication and Support: Maintain open and non-judgmental communication with teenagers, creating an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their concerns and asking questions. Offer emotional support and guidance to address any underlying issues that may contribute to drug use.
▶️ Positive Role Models: Encourage teenagers to engage with positive role models and involve them in activities that promote a sense of purpose, belonging, and achievement. Highlight success stories of individuals who have overcome challenges without resorting to drug use.
▶️ Establish Clear Rules and Boundaries: Set clear expectations regarding drug use within the family and consistently enforce consequences for breaking those rules. Involve teenagers in discussions about setting rules to foster responsibility and accountability.
▶️ Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Teach teenagers healthy ways to manage stress and other emotional challenges through activities like exercise, mindfulness, and creative outlets. Encourage their involvement in activities that promote well-being and provide alternatives to risky behaviors.