Region IX

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 27 February 2020

NNC IX Leprosy Leprosy also known as Hansen’s disease is an infectious disease that is caused by a slow-growing type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). The disease causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs, eyes and skin areas around the body. To strengthen the advocacy of spreading awareness of the disease, the last week of February every year has been observed as Leprosy Prevention and Control Week in accordance to Presidential Proclamation no. 467. This year’s theme: “Stigma ay tutulan, Ipaglaban ang Karapatan” aims to deepen public awareness on the disease, its prevention and treatment and protecting the human rights of people infected with Leprosy.

Leprosy or Ketong in filipino is a slow developing, progressive disease that damages the skin and nervous system. Common symptoms that can be seen in the skin are discolored patches of skin, painless ulcers at the sole of the feet, swelling in the face or earlobes and loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. While some symptoms are caused by the damage of the nerves such as numbness, muscle weakness or paralysis, enlarged nerves and eye problems that may lead to blindness. Leprosy is considered mildly contagious. Acquisition of the disease occurs after long term and repeated contact with nose and mouth droplets from someone with untreated leprosy. Children are more likely to get leprosy than adults as they have weaker immune system. According to the data from the Department of Health, the overall prevalence of leprosy is less than 0.4 cases per 10, 000. In 2017 alone, 1,660 new cases were identified with about 6.7 percent of those being children under the age of 15.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 24 February 2020

BNS training Isabela photo The Local Government Unit of Isabela City in collaboration with the National Nutrition Council Regional Office IX conducted a 3-day training on Basic Course for Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) on February 18-20, 2020 at Cityinn Hotel, Zamboanga City. The training aims to capacitate and educate 38 Barangay Nutrition Scholars especially those who are newly deployed to achieve their core competencies in order to perform their tasks effectively. The continued development of their skills, knowledge and values are important to effectively perform their duties and responsibilities. As Ms. Jesielyn Puno, City Nutrition Action Officer of Isabela City, said that the BNSs are among the key stakeholders for nutrition improvement at the local level.

At the start of the 3-day training, OIC-NPC Nimfa D. Ekong gave the overview of the BNS program and discussed the Presidential Decree 1569 entitled “Strengthening the Barangay Nutrition Program by providing a Barangay Nutrition Scholar in every barangay, providing funds thereof and for other purposes”. Also in her discussion she mentioned the qualities for the selection and recruitment of BNSs as well as their benefits. To serve as an inspiration, OIC-NPC Ekong also shared to the participants the qualifications and rewards of becoming the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar so that they will give their best in performing their duties and functions.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 18 February 2020

IX DOST FNRI
Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Roxas and Piñan, Zamboanga Del Norte participated in the two-day training workshop led by the Department of Science and Technology, Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) last February 04 and 05 in the Municipality of Piñan, Zamboanga Del Norte and February 06 and 07 in the Municipality of Roxas, Zamboanga Del Norte. The two-day training workshop was focused on the DOST-FNRI’s Malnutrition Reduction Program (MRP) which was first launched in 2011.

According to the 2018 Expanded National Nutrition Survey, 3 out of 20 Filipino infants and young children between 0-23 months old are underweight. While 5 out of 20 Filipino infants and young children between 0-23 months are stunted. With the adverse effects of malnutrition such as poor school performance, weak immunity, and slow growth development, DOST-FNRI developed the MRP which would hopefully reduce the prevalence of malnutrition among Filipino children using different interventions.

The program uses a mix of intervention on local technology, supplementary feeding, and nutrition education. One intervention includes the DOST PINOY (Package for the Improvement of Nutrition of Young Children) which is a package of nutrition intervention wherein there will be a 120-day feeding of children using DOST-FNRI developed complementary food blends and snack foods, and a conduct of nutrition education for the BNSs and BHWs focusing on important topics such as basic nutrition, healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding, meal planning, complementary feeding, safe food handling and preparation, and backyard vegetable gardening.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 20 February 2020

IX PH Heart Month February is marked as Philippine Heart Month with the theme: “Pusong Inalagaan, Sakit maiiwasan. Mag-healthy lifestyle! #Selflove!”. The theme reminds the public to take care of their heart to avoid heart diseases by engaging in a healthy lifestyle.

Here are some heart-friendly tips to keep your heart healthy.

Remember Kumainment numbers 8, 9 and 10

Kumainment number 8: Hinay-hinay sa maaalat, mamantika at matatamis- Limit your intake of salty, fried, fatty and sugar-rich foods, too much consumption of these may lead to cardiovascular diseases. Choose healthy foods instead of buying loads of chocolates and fatty foods this valentine’s day.

Kumainment number 9: Panatilihin ang tamang timbang- Attain a normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity. Obesity could also lead to cardiovascular diseases.

Kumainment number 10: Maging aktibo. Iwasan ang alak; huwag manigarilyo – Be physically active, make healthy food choices, avoid alcoholic beverage and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle related non-communicable diseases. It is encouraged to exercise at least thirty minutes a day, three to five times a week. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid smoking. Smoking could lead to heart attack or stroke.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 17 February 2020

IX SUFIA To give utmost recognition to the mothers who outshine in taking care of themselves during pregnancy and nurture their children from delivery until they reach two years of age, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Aurora successfully conducted the ceremonial launching of the Search for Ulirang F1K na Ina ng Aurora (SUFIA) last February 3, 2020 during the LGU’s Flag Raising Ceremony. The event was headed by the LGU’s Local Chief Executive Hon. Mayor Attorney Boen Dorotheo R. Cabahug and witnessed by the employees together with the national agencies. SUFIA aims to promote the optimum care given to the First 1000 Days of Life of the Child towards strengthening the foundation of the so-called “Golden Window of Opportunity”.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 19 February 2020

IX Oral Health Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation no. 559, Philippine Oral Health Month is observed annually every month of February. This year’s theme “Ngiting Matibay, Ngiting Tagumpay” is an advocacy to strengthen public awareness on the importance of good oral health.

Oral health is integral to the general health of the body. Our mouth helps us eat, speak and socialize with other people thus, when oral problem is present, the quality of life is also affected. Oral diseases and disorders create short term and prolonged physical discomfort, pain, infection and tooth loss which causes difficulties in chewing, swallowing, speaking and can disrupt sleep and productivity.

Based on the 2011 National Monitoring and Evaluation Dental Survey, tooth decay and gum diseases are the two most common oral health diseases in the Philippines, with 87.4% of the Filipinos are suffering from dental caries while 48.3% has gum diseases. Common risk factors for oral diseases are poor diet and hygiene, trauma, stress, smoking, drinking alcohol and use of illegal substances. To avoid having oral problems, follow these practices to keep your gums and teeth healthy: