National Capital Region

Details: Category: Region NCR; Published: 07 October 2020

Violet and Pink Stripes Birthday Instagram Post 1 Filipinos are known for their love and respect for the elderly. Taking good care of our grandparents is embedded to us from one generation to another. They are the source of love and comfort in every home. But in this pandemic, it is now more than ever that we must exert extra effort in protecting the health and well-being of our beloved elderly.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age. As the body ages, the immune system begins to decline. Older adults, aged 60 years old and above, are more likely to be hospitalized from COVID-19 infection compared to younger adults. People aged 85 and above have the greatest risk of all. Most of them also have pre-existing conditions that may contribute to serious complications. Hence, older adults are identified as one of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Certain factors such as going to crowded places, close physical contact with visitors, not wearing masks properly, and unhealthy food choices contribute to increased risk of acquiring infections. Families living with senior citizens must be wary of these factors in order to protect them from the deadly virus. So, how can we ensure the safety of our elders?

Details: Category: Region NCR; Published: 30 September 2020

Reduce risk of COVID-19 by maintaining healthy weight The World Health Organization has pointed out that obesity increases the risk of severe COVID-19 infection by 7-fold. Based on the article published by The New York Times, there are several reasons why obesity and the coronavirus are a dangerous combination. One is that an obese individual may suffer from difficulty of breathing making it more difficult to clear their pneumonia and other respiratory infections. The fat in their body is a source of pro-inflammatory chemicals that promotes chronic inflammation in the body even before they get the COVID-19. Obesity is also the cause of changes and abnormalities in their metabolism. A recent study in the United States found out that 77% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were overweight or obese.

Losing or maintaining weight are the most effective response of people with this disease. A BMI of 25.0-29.9 is classified as overweight and a BMI of more than 30 is classified as obese. If your weight falls into these categories, weight loss is necessary. A normal BMI of 18.5 – 24.9 represents a healthy target for overweight people to achieve and people with normal weight to maintain. Below are some recommended actions for maintaining healthy weight during this pandemic.

Details: Category: Region NCR; Published: 18 September 2020

Paranaque Nutrition Journey The search to find a vaccine for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a work in progress. Without vaccine and cure, the best way to fight off the virus is to strengthen our immune system by eating healthy and nutritious meals.

To ensure that COVID-19 patients in isolation facilities are provided with adequate nutrition, the Parańaque City through its Nutrition Office launched the “Project COVID-19: Nutrition Journey” last September 7, 2020. The project aims to provide breakfast meals to around 100 COVID-19 patients and staff stationed at the different isolation facilities in the city for 30 days.

Details: Category: Region NCR; Published: 29 September 2020

Guest and participants of the Webinar on Maintaining Mental Health amidst COVID-19 The COVID-19 pandemic poses a threat not just to people’s physical health, but also to their emotional, mental, and psycho-social well-being. These affect people of all ages and profession especially the frontline workers including the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS).

According to the World Health Organization, frontline and other essential workers face long hours, heavy workloads and potential stigma and discrimination due to COVID-19. Unchecked, this can lead to fatigue, mental distress, and burnout.

As frontline workers, some BNSs have been exposed to COVID-19 and have contracted the diseases as well. Some of them were quarantined in their homes or isolation facilities while some were even hospitalized due to the severity of symptoms and accompanying complications. BNSs especially those who were COVID-19 positive experience anxiety, distress, depression, anger, frustration, and desperation, among others. They, as well as their families, also experience discrimination from their neighbors once found to be positive for COVID-19.

Details: Category: Region NCR; Published: 07 September 2020

mALABON ARTICLE The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the lives of many Filipinos. The Local Government Units (LGUs) are doing their best to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on health and nutrition outcomes. An important COVID-19 response that LGUs are doing is the promotion, protection, and support of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF). Breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding can save lives of infants and young children especially during this time of pandemic.

The city government of Malabon has long been giving prime importance to the IYCF Program by enacting City Ordinance No. A11-2016 that prescribes the local policy and guidelines on IYCF, training and deployment of breastfeeding support groups (BFSGs) and Buntis-Chikiting Patrollers or BuchiPats, and providing funds to IYCF-related activities among others.

Details: Category: Region NCR; Published: 22 September 2020

“What we are facing now is not the new normal – it is a “better” normal because our best is with God. If God allowed this pandemic to happen, He has a purpose… and we need to thank Him.” - Bro. Eng Si

Protecting and supporting the emotional and mental well-being of employees during a pandemic are essential in making them work productively with a positive mindset. On September 17, the NNC-NCR Achieve Team led by NPC Mila V. Federizo attended a webinar with Bro. Renato “Eng” Si, a known motivational speaker and Feast Builder. Bro. Eng Si, who has been a motivational speaker in many conferences organized by NNC-NCR, made time for the team despite his busy schedule to motivate and help them prepare themselves for a better normal amid the pandemic.