The Employees’ Compensation Commission encouraged its employees to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle through an inspirational and informative talk on lifestyle management on July 22 at the ECC Multi-Purpose Hall, ECC Building in Makati City.

In line with this year’s observance of nutrition month, ECC invited Dr. Johann Kim Mañez, a lifestyle medicine doctor, to share his insights and tips on combating stress and reversing chronic diseases such as heart problems and diabetes. He encouraged the attendees to eat nutritiously, move dynamically, take adequate rest and relaxation, drink plenty of water, and enjoy nature.

Dr. Mañez emphasized eating the right amount and kinds of food and shared a diagram of a “power plate” which consists of fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes as basis of each meal.

In addition to a low-fat, high-fiber, and whole-food diet, he advised drinking sufficient amount of water, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise, and having eight hours of sleep every day. The lifestyle medicine doctor also introduced a “relaxation response”, a five-minute “vacation” which induces sleep and calms the body and mind.

According to Dr. Mañez, stress is inevitable, but through lifestyle management, we can manage it and live relaxed and healthier lives.

Following the end of the seminar, ECC provided healthy snacks and lunch for its employees.

By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 491, July was declared as nutrition month in the Philippines to foster awareness on the importance of nutrition among Filipinos. In line with this year’s observance, ECC organized various activities for its employees to encourage them lead healthier lifestyle, in addition to its existing lifestyle management programs such as the hourly five-minute break and weekly Zumba sessions.