City Health Services Office invites public to join anti-smoking fun run

By Carlito C. Dar

Thursday 24th of May 2012

BAGUIO CITY, May 24 (PIA) -- City Health Officer Dr. Florence Reyes invites the public to an anti-smoking advocacy run scheduled on June 17, in line with the city government’s campaign for a 100-percent smoke-free Baguio.

Now on its third year, the Karadkad Fun Run, "Run and Resist Yosi," is set to start at 5:30 a.m. at the Burnham Park Lake Drive. It is being spearheaded by the City Health Services Office (HSO) together with the Render Farm Graphics.

"Karadkad" is an Ilocano term that means more than healthy.

Reyes said the activity aims to provide venue for advocating to the public smoke-free practices, aimed at attaining the lowest possible tobacco use and highest level of protection from second-hand smoke (SHS) and eliminating SHS in public places and public transport system.

“Through the run, people would become more aware of the benefits of physical activity and the need to keep a healthy and serving as advocates of a healthy lifestyle including no smoking," she stressed.

She further informed that through the said activity, people who are unaware of the Comprehensive Anti-smoking Ordinance of Baguio City shall be informed and hopefully to look seriously at the negative consequences of smoking and enabling smokers to make decision to quit not only for their health but also of others.

The fun run offers a 7 km and 12 km run category. Registration fee is P300 and registration is now open at Outdoor Kinetix (near Children’s Park along Burnham Park) or at Room 201 of the city HSO along T. Alonzo Street.

Meantime, City HSO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit Head Dr. Donnabel Tubera, in an interview, disclosed that smoking and air pollution-related illnesses, especially upper respiratory tract infection, remains among the top cause of morbidity in the city.

She also disclosed that the city government is pushing for an amendment in the city’s Comprehensive Anti-smoking Ordinance to strengthen and widen its coverage, to include the identification of the civil society’s role in the implementation of the ordinance and provisions against tobacco advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)