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Image Regional BF Task Force Meeting25 June 2021 – NNC XI participated in a Virtual Consultative Meeting for members of Regional Breastfeeding Task Force or the Milk Code Task Force hosted by DOH XI. The meeting, aimed at discussing issues and concern regarding the implementation and enforcement of Executive Order 51 or the Milk Code and its Revised lmplementing Rules and Regulations (DOH-AO 2006-012), was attended by more than 20 participants representing relevant regional stakeholders.

DSCF5091Folic acid, also known as Folate or Vitamin B12, is a vitamin that is needed in fetal brain, heart and palate development and in the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs) during pregnancy. It plays an important role in the production of red blood cells and helps your baby's neural tube develop into their brain and spinal cord. Folic acid acts by helping the body produce and maintain new cells. In particular, red blood cell formation is dependent upon adequate levels of this vitamin. Folic acid deficiency is a known cause of anemia in both adults and children.

Nutrition Tips for Adolescents3

Do you know that 1 out of 3 pre-adolescent and older children aged 10 - 19 years old in Davao Region are stunted? Stunting is a consequence of chronic malnutrition which lead to inadequate growth and development during the peak growing years. Thus, it is important to provide the adequate amount and type of food during this period for optimal growth. However, due to the challenges brought by the pandemic and natural disasters, Filipino families face financial instability, decreased access to nutritious food and health services. Focusing on few nutrition tips can help us save money and help improve nutrition for teens through the following tips:

1. Choose affordable protein rich foods for bone and muscle development. Protein is an important building block of bones and muscles. Some cheap protein sources such as eggs also provide the fat needed for the synthesis of hormones for puberty. The following are examples of cheap protein sources:

Image wais tips for maternal supplementsAre you planning to get pregnant or currently pregnant? Are you also wondering how to optimize your nutrition during this important phase of your life? Keep reading because this article is for you!

Aside from a balanced and varied diet, women of childbearing age and pregnant women have higher nutritional needs that cannot be met by diet alone. Thus, the use of dietary supplements and their timing together with proper food choices can help address these nutritional needs.

melon

Are you craving for something healthy, sweet and refreshing dessert without the excessive calories? Look no further than the locally available Melon fruit! A serving of Milon Tagalog or Muskmelon contains only 44 calories yet already satisfies up to 70% of your daily Vitamin C needs. Melon season usually runs from April - July in the Philippines. In terms of nutrient content, it is a good source of Vitamin C, Folate and Potassium which is recommended for pregnant women and for the prevention of non-communicable diseases. It is also low in calories which is suitable for weight loss. Its high water content also makes it a good summer snack.

One serving of Milon Tagalog is equivalent to:
● 1 ¼ cup sliced melon
● 1 slice (16 x 6.5 x 2 cm)
● 278 g with skin and seeds or 200 g edible portion without skin or seeds

Here are some of the unique health benefits of Melons:

Prolonged Sitting Interrupted SittingAre you working from home? How many hours do you usually spend sitting down uninterrupted? Studies show that prolonged sitting of more than 1 hour straight can lead to increased cardiovascular disease risk, poor health and a weak body in the long term. A 2020 meta-analysis has shown that prolonged sitting leads to greater dysfunction of the arteries of the lower extremities or legs as compared to interrupted sitting where aerobic or simple resistance activities are incorporated in between hours of work.

According to a 2018 study, prolonged sitting weakens the leg mewwuscles which leads to exercise intolerance and easy fatigability. It also contributes to cardiovascular problems due to poor blood circulation from the lower extremities. This poor circulation may predispose others to develop blood clots especially when sitting for longer periods. Aside from poor circulation, there is also poor pulmonary function due to the sedentary aspect of prolonged sitting. A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the development of overweight and obesity among adults which increases the risk for Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, Stroke and Osteoporosis. Thus, by incorporating exercises and other activities, you may break the chain of prolonged sitting, improve your blood circulation and reduce your risk of having these health conditions.

Here are some tips on how you can stay active even while working at home: