Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 22 August 2022

Eyesight Many people think that declining vision is a natural part of becoming older or from straining their eyes. In fact, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can greatly reduce the likelihood of developing problems with your eyes.

Certain minerals, including zinc, copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene, may lower the risk of age-related decrease in eye health by 25%, according to the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), which was published in 2001.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 22 August 2022

Almond Almond is a tree nut that originated in the Mediterranean region. Almond trees were once seen growing wild there and were eventually cultivated as early as 3000 BC. Even the first book of the Bible, Genesis, mentions almonds as a cherished food given as presents. The edible portion of an almond is actually a seed from a drupe, a fruit whose hull and outer shell are normally not consumed. The shells and hulls of almonds are frequently used as bedding and animal feed after the seed has been removed.

Read more: Go nuts with Almond Nuts

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 19 August 2022

August 19, 2022 is the National Tuberculosis Awareness Day. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a species of bacteria that causes the infectious illness tuberculosis (TB). When TB affects another organ of the body except for the lungs, it is referred to as extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. TB most frequently affects the lungs, which is known as pulmonary tuberculosis.

To significantly reduce the TB problem, the Department of Health will work with various sectors to develop and implement a comprehensive national strategic plan. This plan will include plans for high-risk groups, increase the current TB control workforce, and offer technical and logistical support to LGUs and the private sector.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 21 August 2022

It's common to experience days of sadness or days of excitement. It is also generally accepted that mood swings are healthy as long as they don't significantly impair your life. According to Jayne Leonard, a mood swing is a sharp or rapid change in one's emotional state. During a mood swing, a person may abruptly go from being enthusiastic and pleased to being depressed, agitated, or angry. Lifestyle factors frequently contribute to the start of mood swings. People who are going through major life changes including moving or changing jobs, feeling worried or overwhelmed, lacking sleep, eating poorly, or using drugs that affect mood or sleep may experience rapid changes in mood.

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 19 August 2022

GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly over time, it can cause GERD. Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with lifestyle changes and medications. And though it's uncommon, some may need surgery to ease symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid, upper abdominal or chest pain, trouble swallowing (dysphagia), and sensation of a lump in your throat. If you have nighttime acid reflux, you might also experience an ongoing cough, inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis), and new or worsening asthma.

If you're experiencing heartburn or other symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), your doctor may advise you to make changes in your diet and lifestyle. You need to eat less or avoid completely those foods that can trigger the symptoms of GERD. If your esophagus is damaged from GERD, it’s also important to avoid foods that can irritate this more sensitive tissue and damage it further. You need to avoid smoking, eating high-fat meals and fried foods, spicy foods, fruits such as pineapple and citrus fruits, carbonated beverages, coffee and tea, citrus and tomato juices, chocolates, and other foods that may trigger your symptoms.

Changing the size and timing of your meals can also significantly reduce your chance of heartburn, regurgitation, and other symptoms of GERD. You may also be advised to lose weight since extra weight can increase your risk of GERD symptoms. Over time, chronic inflammation in your esophagus can cause inflammation of the tissue in the esophagus (esophagitis), narrowing of the esophagus (esophageal stricture), and precancerous changes to the esophagus (Barrett's esophagus). If you experience any symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

-DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND

References:

1. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

2. How to Choose the Right GERD Diet

https://www.everydayhealth.com/gerd/guide/diet/

3. What foods should you avoid with acid reflux (heartburn)?

https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/foods-to-avoid#other-things

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 20 August 2022

CARAVAN BF In order to manage the double burden of malnutrition, breastfeeding is crucial. Inequalities are decreased and food security is provided by breastfeeding. Inequalities that hinder sustainable development are addressed through defending, promoting, and assisting breastfeeding.

Every August, Breastfeeding Awareness Month is observed in accordance with Republic Act 10028, also known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009. The DOH and the National Nutrition Council, being the highest authority on nutrition policy and coordination, advise mothers to breastfeed exclusively for about the first six months, then to continue breastfeeding while introducing other foods until the child is at least 12 months old, and to do so for as long as the mother and child choose to do so.