With the onset of El Niño adversely affecting a great extent of Mindanao areas, region 10 included, the National Nutrition Council Region 10 (NNC- X) has recently shared the agency’s “TUBIG PA MORE” advisory to ease El Niño-caused health concerns. Generally the advisory encourages the observance of proper health practices under extreme hot weather condition. Below are important reminders to keep in mind:
1. Make sure water used for cooking and drinking is clean and safe to avoid waterborne diseases. Boil drinking water.
2. Drink a lot of water or other liquid such as fruit juice to prevent dehydration. Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content such as watermelon, orange, turnip, banana, cucumber, etc. Avoid softdrinks, liquor, coffee and tea as these may cause excessive water loss in the body.
3. Lactating moms should drink water more than she normally does.
4. Avoid exposure to scorching heat of the sun to avoid heat stroke.
5. Use clean water for bath to prevent skin diseases and infection.
6. Keep hands, body and surroundings clean. Wash hands with clean water and soap especially after using toilet, before and after meal or feeding babies. Throw garbage in proper disposal areas.
7. Know the symptoms of dehydration – dizziness, vomiting, dry and pale lips, weakness, extreme thirst, less water excretion (when urinating) and abnormal heartbeat. Bring dehydrated person to the nearest hospital for immediate medical intervention.
8. Give micronutrients supplements to children aged 5 and below to prevent micronutrients deficiency under extremely hot weather condition. Health centers give free vitamin A capsules, iron tablets with folic acid and other important supplements.
9. Feed babies with breastmilk for the first 6 months. Breastmilk is enough to keep your baby properly hydrated.
10. Monitor children regularly for any signs of malnutrition like thinness, lack of appetite and frequent bouts of infection. Always keep weight and height of children aged 5 and below in check, monthly if possible.
11. The effects of El Niño and malnutrition are preventable.
Visit your local government unit for additional information on El Niño and Malnutrition prevention. National Nutrition Council “Tubig Pa More” advisory is originally written in Filipino and translated to English by SUNSTAR CDO for print publication purposes. For other information or query visit NNC-X facebook page at www.facebook.com/NNCregion10 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (SUNSTAR CDO - MANGO DIEZ Member)
