Jolina Magdangal believes that prioritizing health is the most valuable gift she can share with her family.
To foster this awareness, the Magandang Buhay host involves her children Pele and Vika, in health-related conversations at home.
"Pinapakita talaga namin sa mga anak namin na maingat po kami sa health," Jolina shared to the press including PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on November 5, 2024.
This was during her introduction as the latest ambassador of Omron Philippines held at EDSA Shangri-la Hotel in Mandaluyong City.
JOLINA MAGDANGAL: START THEM YOUNG
Jolina and her husband Mark Escueta have made a concerted effort to educate their children on health discussions and tasks while they are still young.
One way they involve their kids in health talks is by introducing them to using blood pressure monitoring systems.
Jolina said, "Nakikita talaga nila... minsan sila naglalagay po sa akin ng BP [blood pressure monitor].
"Pag sinabi na, pag halimbawa po masakit yung ulo ko, tapos sasabihin na ng asawa ko po na, 'Vika, help mama.'
"Pag sinabi niyang, 'Help mama,' kukunin na ni Vika yung pang-BP ko, tapos siya na magsusuot [sa akin]."
Jolina is proud that her children—especially her daughter Vika, at the young age of six—already know how to assist an elder with blood pressure monitors.
"Alam na niya kung saan dapat nakaturo yung parang, yung kable niya, parang ganun, alam na nila.
"Tapos sila na rin pipindot. Sila na rin titingin kung anong result. Para huwag na po ako lalong ma-high blood. Sila na pong mag-aama."
Knowing that their children are capable of helping their grandparents with these tasks when necessary also makes Jolina feel reassured.
She told the press, "So ganun po, ini-involve po namin sila how to use it, para pagka, halimbawa nandun sila sa lola nila, at kung kailangan ng tulong ng lola, alam nila.
"And, ganun din po kami sa everything na ginagawa.
"Dapat inaalam ng mga anak namin ano rin po yung kaya namin gawin, at yung tingin na po mas kaya nila. Para sa amin pa lang nakita na nila na kaya."
JOLINA MAGDANGAL: HEALTH IS WEALTH
Speaking from personal experience, Jolina shared that she first encountered a blood pressure monitor at a very young age, which is why she is committed to imparting this knowledge to her children early on.
She said, "Siguro yung sa kuwento ko po... kasi nga since bata pa po ako nakikita ko na... nakatulong sa parents ko [yung BP monitor]."
But the first time Jolina actually used a BP monitoring device for herself was when she began noticing changes in her body as she grew older.
Jolina shared, "Noong finally, hindi ko na talaga ma-deny na ako po may mga nararamdaman.
"And siguro dati kasi hindi ko pa, parang hindi ko pa po kaya yung mag-say no sa mga ibang dapat na hindi na lang i-worry or ano."
She then quipped, "Pero hindi pala sa height yun. Hindi pa po ako lumaki, pero tumatanda rin po pala ako, di ba?"
That realization led her to think about getting her own blood pressure monitor instead of borrowing that of her parents.
She continued, "So parang sabi ko, I think it's time na ako na ang, hindi na ako umasa kina mommy, na gagamitin na for me.
"Lalo na po na, yun nga, mag-aasawa na ako."
She recalled another experience that led her to try digital blood pressure monitoring devices.
Jolina recounted, "Meron po ako naging experience na kada po pa check-up ko, lagi na lang 120 over 80. Na parang hindi naman yan, lagi na lang ganoon.
"Umaakyat pa ako ng hagdanan tapos hinihingal pa ako. 'Normal po...' 'Ah, talaga ba?' So sabi ko, parang hindi na po ako makapaniwala kung ganun.
"And may nagsabi rin po ng doctor na yes, mas accurate ang digital.
"Kasi pag may ma-sense lang, sa experience namin, mas may ma-sense lang na kaunting malo-lowbatt, error na siya e.
"So it's either pwede mo na i-plug kasi meron na naman pong saksakan and bili na agad ng battery."
More than anything, Jolina feels fortunate to already know which devices to use for instances like these, especially since her husband and his family have been using Omron for many years.
She said, "Timing din po talaga na yung husband ko ay ito rin yung ginagamit nung family nila.
"Kaya sabi ko, I think hindi [wala] na akong dapat ikaba kapag dating sa health, kung paano namin malalaman.
"And yun, yun po yung pinaka-thankful ako."
Ultimately, Jolina reassured moms that it's completely fine to prioritize their well-being to stay healthy for their loved ones, and that it's okay to seek and accept help from others.
The TV host/actress said, "Sa mga momshies out there, remember that taking care of yourself is the first step in taking care of your family.
"You can trust products and devices from Omron to help you monitor health easily.
"Also, don’t hesitate to ask for help from others when you need it or share responsibilities with your partner or other family members.
"It’s okay to prioritize your well-being so you can be sure you are always healthy for your family!"
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