By virtue of Republic Act 6949, March of every year is celebrated as National Women’s Month to promote women empowerment and gender equality. The theme “We Make Change Work for Women” is the annual theme for the year 2017-2022. It emphasizes that women should be empowered to have equal rights to livelihood opportunities, no discrimination in employment careers, fair treatment before the law, and be the contributors of development. Moreover, the National Nutrition Council Regional Office IX joins this celebration through the promotion of good nutrition and healthy lifestyle for every woman.
Balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are the key foundations of a healthy human being. Women have special nutrient needs that during each stage of a woman’s life: from adolescence, child bearing age, pregnant, lactating and menopausal age- those needs also changes, but the basics of women's health remain the same. In order to maintain and live a healthy lifestyle, here are some guides for every woman:
Health Tip # 1: Eat a healthy and balanced diet – Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and consume variety of food sources everyday depending on your age and physiological needs. The Pinggang Pinoy, 10 Kumainments and Food Pyramid are some dietary guidelines you could follow to attain good health and optimal nutritional status. Consuming nutrient-rich foods also help women to provide energy for their busy lives and help to reduce the risk of diseases.
Health Tip # 2: Exercise – Physical activity is an important part of a woman’s health. Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, 3-5 times a week to prevent heart diseases and to maintain a normal body weight. Regular activity helps with muscle strength, balance, flexibility and stress management.
Health Tip # 3: Avoid Unhealthy habits – Avoid alcoholic beverages and stay away from cigarettes and people who smoke to prevent from getting lifestyle related non-communicable diseases.
Health Tip # 4: Consult your doctor – Have a regular consultation to your doctor for at least once a month to monitor your body’s state of health and to detect any sign of illness. This could help you prevent from acquiring or deterioration of diseases in your body.
Health Tip # 5: Manage stress – No matter what stage of a woman’s life, a woman often deals with a lot of pressure and stress. Have some few minutes to relax everyday and make it a habit to always look at the brighter side of life. Remember that mental health is also important to the overall well-being. Stress can also be managed through exercise, relaxation techniques or meditation.
To look and feel your best at every age, it’s important to make smart lifestyle and healthy choices. Remember that both men and women hold equal importance especially when it comes to providing their nutritional needs and keeping healthy. Sustaining a healthy lifestyle throughout the life stages of a woman should be highly prioritized as women were more crucial along with the different stages of their life. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is not that difficult, nor does it require a lot of work. Just apply the healthy tips listed above and do what is right for your body.
Change must start with oneself. As a woman, urge yourself to choose the healthy way and be the change you wanted to see, especially in having a healthy lifestyle!
From the National Nutrition Council IX, Happy Women's Month to all Filipino Women!
NO I Angelica O. Pajulas
