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In an online meeting held on February 19, 2021, all the 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila assured that the monitoring of iodized salt will continue despite the pandemic. The focal coordinators of the Local Bantay Asin Task Forces (LBATFs) will continue monitoring retail stores to ensure that only iodized salt is sold and will be utilized by households in Metro Manila. Twelve (12) LGUs will do salt testing using the WYD iodine checker machine provided by UNICEF while the rest have their own iodine checker machine to use. The cities of Parañaque, Mandaluyong, Taguig, Muntinlupa, and Navotas procured their own iodine checker machine for salt testing and monitoring.
The LBATF is the counterpart of the Regional Salt Iodization Program-Technical Working Group or the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RSIP/RBATF) in NCR that work for the strict implementation of the Republic Act 8172 entitled “An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide and for Related Purposes” also known as the ASIN Law in the region. The ASIN Law aims to contribute to the elimination of micronutrient malnutrition in the country, particularly iodine deficiency disorders, through the cost-effective preventive measure of salt iodization. The law requires all food outlets, restaurants, and stores to make available to consumer only iodized salt in their establishment and that the iodized salt should conform to the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Read more: NCR LBATFs to continue iodized salt monitoring amid the pandemic
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Good nutrition of a woman during pregnancy leads to good nutrition of her child. During this time, the baby is solely dependent on the mother for nourishment that he/she needs for proper growth and development.
Pregnancy is part of the first 1000 days of the child. It is the period starting from conception until the child’s 2nd birthday. Dubbed as the "golden window of opportunity", the first 1000 days is the period where provision of nutrition and related interventions can lead to a positive impact on the child’s overall growth and development. Good nutrition during this period can greatly affect the health and well-being of a child up to his/her adulthood.
Read more: Good nutrition during pregnancy: The key to a child’s bright future
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Being one of the local government units (LGUs) with outstanding performance in nutrition program management resulting to improved nutrition outcomes, Mandaluyong City also known as the “Tiger City” has been qualified to become a Learning Hub for Enhanced and Revitalized Nutrition Program (LHEARN) in the country. During the orientation meeting held on February 5, 2021 via Zoom, the members of the City Nutrition Committee led by City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Pecos R.I. Camarines showed their enthusiasm and pledged their support to make Mandaluyong a LHEARN LGU.
“Napakasarap sa pakiramdam na ma-experience ang makapag share ng mga successful activities lalo na sa nutrition program. Nakakaproud na mapili ang aming city na makatulong sa mga nangangailangan na ibang LGU. If needed, we will also allocate funds for the implementation of this program, said CNC member Susan Gasilao.
Read more: Mandaluyong City, a Learning Hub on Nutrition in the making
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The Metro Manila Mayors heeded the call of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to continue supporting the implementation of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition or PPAN 2017-2022. The PPAN is the country’s framework that outlines the targets, directions, and priority actions for all stakeholders to achieve positive nutrition outcomes.
The NNC believes in the importance of political leadership in the implementation of the PPAN and investing in nutrition as part of good governance. In addition, local government units (LGU) are the key implementers of the PPAN. Hunger and malnutrition can be eradicated by planning, investing, and implementing quality nutrition programs.
Read more: Metro Manila Mayors heed the call to invest in nutrition
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The heart is one of the busiest organs in our body. Beating 100,000 times a day, it pumps blood which carries the oxygen and nutrients that our body needs. That is why we need to keep our heart healthy for it to work properly for a long time. Once the heart stops working, the body shuts down.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the collective term pertaining to the group of diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels. It is considered as the number 1 cause of death globally including the Philippines. In 2017, ischaemic heart disease was recorded as the leading cause of death in the country. Other leading causes of death among Filipinos are cerebrovascular disease (stroke), hypertension, and other heart diseases.
Read more: Live a healthy lifestyle to keep your heart in good shape
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The eyes maybe the window to one’s soul but they say that the mouth is the window to one’s over-all health. A healthy person will have healthy teeth and gums. On the other hand, an unhealthy lifestyle may contribute to various oral health diseases such as dental caries and periodontal or gum diseases. These are two (2) of the most common oral health diseases in the country.
Dental caries or tooth decay occur when bacteria in the mouth converts the sugar from our food into acid that destroys the teeth’s surface called enamel. People with periodontal disease may experience pain, have bad breath, and bleeding or swollen gums. Tooth decay and gum diseases may not be the direct cause of disability or death. However, it can lead to unproductiveness that may greatly affect the quality of life for both children and adults.
