Persons with disabilities (PWDs) include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment - blind, deaf, have mental health conditions, autism, and physically handicaps. They face many challenges that hinder their full capacity and effective participation in society on an equal basis to normal people.
Part of the challenges PWDs experience include the risk of malnutrition for they have limited ability in preparing their own food due to their special conditions. Moreover, they may not have enough budget to avail more nutritious foods and their medicines may possibly alter their appetite.
Why is proper nutrition important for PWDs?
PWDs, like all other individuals, are also susceptible to the double burden of malnutrition. It is through proper nutrition they will be able to prevent themselves from any form of malnutrition and gain a stronger immune system against infection and diseases.
Did you know that the nutritional requirements of PWDs are also similar to normal individuals? They only differ with the type of diet that should be associated with their special needs. Thus, preparing a balanced and individualized diet and learning simple recipes for easy preparation can be of help to meet their nutritional requirements. Other methods to ensure adequate food intake is through using modified cutlery. On the other hand, having an active physical lifestyle, together with a balanced diet, is also necessary to meet the optimum health of the PWDs.
How can caregivers ensure proper nutrition of PWDs?
PWDs should be supported to obtain optimum nutrition and health. Taking care of PWDs takes a lot of patience, understanding, and caregiving skills. Caregiving is never easy, but through employing the right methods, it will be a whole lot easier. Some of the basic care practices for PWDs include giving a bath, aiding on other personal hygiene practices, and feeding.
Caregivers should know feeding techniques according to their special conditions. They should also be familiar on giving proper assistance in performing simple exercises or movement to ensure an active lifestyle.
Guardians may also use the Pinggang Pinoy as food guide in preparing meal for PWDs to attain proper nutrition, according to their daily needs. This Pinggang Pinoy was created corresponding to the nutritional requirements of Filipinos.
Malnutrition and disabilities
On the other hand, malnutrition can also cause disabilities as well. Pregnant women not given enough nourishment are at risk for delivering children with health conditions or even deformities. Pregnant women are considered as a vulnerable group as their nutritional needs should also take into consideration the developing child in their wombs as well.
Lacking on nutrients during pregnancy can possibly cause deformities to the baby. Pregnant women who suffered from folate deficiency, puts their infants at risk for developing neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. On another note, iodine deficient can lead to cretinism or physical and mental retardation.
Disability prevention and the first 1000 days
Specific nutrient deficiencies can be prevented through proper nutrition and intake of supplements during pregnancy. NNC MIMAROPA promotes its advocacy on the first 1000 days of life. It is called the window of opportunity which starts from conception up to 2 years old. It aims to provide a holistic approach and meeting the nutrient needs for growth and development and protection from acquiring any possible diseases, disabilities and any form of malnutrition.
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