MANILA, Philippines ? Former Miss Universe Gloria Maria Aspillera Diaz works hard to remain healthy.

Recently, the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), in an effort to raise awareness about the increasing incidence of cardiovascular diseases among women, invited women?s heart health advocate Diaz to speak about her experiences and give advice on how to lead a healthy life. Columnist Deedee Siytangco and Sonia Roco were also invited as guest speakers.

Diaz recounted how her 60-year-old brother suffered a severe heart attack while on a family vacation. Although he survived the encounter, the experience left an indelible mark on Diaz and her entire family.

?Prevention is definitely better than treatment, most especially in the case of heart attacks. The best way to do this is to lead healthy lives?there?s simply no better or more proven method,? she said.

Dedication to fitness

?I wake up at 5 a.m., and I?m at the tennis courts by 5:30 a.m. I play until 8:30 to 9 a.m., and go to the gym afterward for about an hour. Then I proceed to work,? the actress said.

Unfortunately, 66.3 percent of Filipino women run contrary to Diaz?s example. Moreover, Dr. Milagros Yamamoto, chair of the PHA?s Council on Women?s Cardiovascular Health, noted that many believed that cardiovascular disease was more of a male problem.

National Health Statistics confirmed that the ratio was split almost evenly, with over 30,000 women dying from cardiovascular diseases in 2006 alone. Heart disease is the number one killer of women over 25 years old, with one in three women dying from cardiac illness and stroke. It is for this reason that Diaz advocates exercise and proper diet in taking care of one?s self.

Aside from female personalities, PHA also has the support of Abbott Nutrition International.

Diaz, who won the Miss Universe contest in 1969, endorses Abbott?s Ensure, together with actor Christopher de Leon.