MINERVA BC NEWMAN
CEBU CITY – More and more local government units (LGUs) in Central Visayas are now adapting nutrition programs that are geared towards the first 1000 days of the child’s life in line with this year’s 47th Nutrition Month (NM) campaign and theme "Malnutrisyon Patuloy na Labanan, First 1000 Days Tutukan".
According to National Nutrition Council (NNC-7) regional director Parolita Mission that the campaign was launched on July1 to jumpstart the various regional activities not only for the month of July but throughout the year.
The virtual 2021 NM launch hopes to discuss the importance of proper complementary feeding and showcase the commitment of support of select LCEs for the implementation of the first 1000 days program; lay the groundwork for the organization of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) network at the sub-national level.
It is also the official launch of the NM Special Projects of the regional federations in support of the First 1000 Days program and encourage netizens to help advocate for stunting prevention through their participation of the first 1000 days activities in their respective LGUs.
Cebu LGUs such as Liloan, Mandaue City, Lapulapu City, Bantayan Island, and other towns/cities in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and in Siquijor adapted a yearlong feeding program for the children, continuous monitoring of pregnant women and campaigns on exclusive breastfeeding as their commitment to combat malnutrition at the LGU level.
Frasco said she is keen on monitoring the effective implementation of municipal nutrition programs because to her, a healthy community is a happy community resulting in a higher quality of life for Liloanons.
In Mandaue City, its LGU kicked off the 2021 NM celebration with a cooking competition participated by the youth which highlights the use of vegetables was also conducted to encourage youngsters to recognize the importance of healthy living.
The local officials distributed vitamins to its children, and vegetable seedlings to its constituents for their backyard gardening activities while Lapulapu City distributed one-day-old chicks and other veggies and staples for the yearlong campaign.
According to Mission that the NM celebration in Central Visayas aims to increase knowledge by 50 percent of a target population on the importance of first 1000 days and improve breastfeeding practices from 55.2 to 60 percent.
Mission also said that focus on complementary feeding performance of select population in the region must be improved from 18.6 to 23 percent by end of 2021 and generate concrete commitment from local policy makers and members of the local nutrition committees to support the first 1000 days program.
In Bantayan Island, Cebu NNC-7 visited the LGU to also launch the 1st 1000 days campaign there with Mission and some members of the council for its massive information on health and nutrition vis-à-vis the pandemic.
Mission, in his message said that the nutritional status of an individual is affected by several factors such as age, sex, health status, lifestyle, and medications. Optimal nutrition and dietary intake impact the immune system, therefore the best and sustainable way to survive the pandemic is to strengthen the immune system.
“It is widely known that malnutrition, overweight, and even obesity can negatively affect the immune system, leading to viral infections and diseases,” Mission added.
She went on that while there are no foods or dietary supplements and no specific treatment for COVID-19 infection, it is important to ensure the optimal health of an individual by having good nutrition.
Good nutrition is not really a cure to COVID-19, but healthy eating reduces the risk of diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease. Good nutrition optimizes the function of the immune system and ensuring optimal health, Mission explained.
“Limiting sugary drinks, minimizing salt intake, avoid alcohol and caffeine; and most importantly you have to drink up and increase water intake to at least 8 glasses per day. Keeping active also contributes to reducing the risks of complications and disease during pregnancy and in time of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mission who is also a nurse gave these healthy reminders.
For babies in the first six months, Mission said that it is important that the infant is exclusive breastfeed. It has been known that breastfeeding exclusively gives the baby the optimum health and nutrition they need during their first six months.
Introduction of nutritious, age-appropriate, adequate, safe complementary foods to babies starting six months while continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond. A healthy diet must be a nutritious and balanced.
When possible, try to give the baby a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and animal source foods such as eggs, meat, poultry organ meats, fish, and dairy products. Do not give foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat, such as fried foods, sweets, juices, and salted snacks.
“These foods are not good for the baby. It is also important to practice safe complementary feeding by ensuring clean food preparation areas and feeding the baby with his/her own clean spoon and bowl,” Mission bared.
Good nutrition is very important during this time of the pandemic. Good nutrition is key to build immunity, protect against illness and infection, and support recovery. A proper diet can ensure that the body is in a proper state to defeat the virus.
Pregnant women must be cared for because they
bear children who are the future and it is during pregnancy that the person’s
full potential can be achieved.
“We need to support families so that they can ensure nutrition and care in the 1st 2 years of a child. Babies should be breastfeeding exclusively in the 1st 6 mos. then start appropriate complementary feeding at six months with continued breast feeding. By equipping them with knowledge on proper nutrition and supportive services, we empower families to help themselves,” Mission concluded. (Photos: NNC7)
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