BANGUED, Abra, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council-Cordillera Administrative Region (NNC-CAR) and the Provincial Nutrition Council (PNC) recognized the Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) of Abra during the launching of the Revised Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) last October 3, at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here.
Ms. Eileen Bringas-Blanco, OIC NNC-CAR Director, commended Ms. Rhezzy Balbin, BNS of Penarrubia, for her extraordinary efforts and commitment in performing her duties to fight the high prevalence of malnutrition in her area .She also urged others to emulate Balbin.
Balbin thanked Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, Antonio Japson, and the Municipal Nutrition Council of Penarrubia chaired by Municipal Mayor Geraldine M. Balbuena as she shared her experience. “It is not easy to conduct home visits in the different barangays because some parents are reluctant to disturb their children during unholy hours to measure their height and weight. But when you are really into it and when you are determined to attain your goal of reducing malnutrition in the province, all becomes a second thought’, she said.
Abra remains the top among the Cordillera provinces with the most number of malnourished children aged 0-6 years old. Five of its municipalities are also among the top 100 towns in the country that have the most number of malnourished children, Blanco said.
The NGF are general statements for the general population on the what foods to consume particularly by children and adults in order to sustain a healthy mind and body. The updated Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos have the following messages:
1. Eat a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body.
2. Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to six months, then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years and beyond for optimum growth and development.
3. Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and prevent obesity.
4. Consume fish, lean meat, poultry, egg, dried beans or nuts daily for growth and repair of body tissues.
5. Eat more vegetables and fruits everyday to get the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for regulation of body processes.
6. Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty and sugar-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
7. Consume milk, milk products, and other calcium-rich foods, such as small fish and shellfish, everyday for healthy bones and teeth.
8. Use iodized salt to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders.
9. Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food- and water-borne diseases.
10. Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Honorable Leonard Andanan assured the provincial government’s commitment to address the problem as he emphasized the need to maintain good physical health in order to have good mental health as a sound mind in a sound body leading to optimum success and joy in living. ( JDP/Ginalyn Brioso/MTBB/PIA CAR, Abra)
