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- Category: Region 11
This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.
Tobacco causes 8 million deaths every year. When evidence was released this year that smokers were more likely to develop severe disease with COVID-19 compared to non-smokers, it triggered millions of smokers to want to quit tobacco. Quitting can be challenging, especially with the added social and economic stress that have come as a result of the pandemic, but there are a lot of reasons to quit.
The benefits of quitting tobacco are almost immediate. After just 20 minutes of quitting smoking, your heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. Within 2-12 weeks, your circulation improves and lung function increases. Within 1-9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Within 5-15 years, your stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker. Within 10 years, your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker. Within 15 years, your risk of heart disease is that of a non-smoker.
This year’s theme is “Commit to quit”. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of tobacco users saying they want to quit. Commit to quit today and sign the pledge.
Source: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/world-no-tobacco-day-2021
https://dilg.gov.ph/events/World-No-Tobacco-Day
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- Category: Region 11
Iodine is a mineral found in food — and one of the most important nutrients that a fetus needs for brain development and physical growth. While our bodies require only the teeny-tiniest amount of it (just 5 grams over the course of a 70-year lifetime!), that little bit of iodine in our diet is really important. It maintains normal function of the thyroid, a gland in the base of your neck. The thyroid regulates the hormones controlling your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and other core body functions.
Getting enough iodine ensures that your baby develops a healthy and normal thyroid too. In rare cases where a fetus has an underdeveloped thyroid, it can lead to negative effects like low IQ, developmental delays, deafness, impaired physical and developmental growth, and other problems.
Iodine is also key in lactation, since you pass iodine on to your baby through your breast milk. That means the iodine you consume during pregnancy continues to support your baby's brain and thyroid development until she stops breastfeeding and fully transitions to solids.
A lack of the trace element Iodine is called Iodine Deficiency. Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) include:
• Goiter
• Mental retardation
• Hypothyroidism
• Cretinism
• Increased morbidity and mortality of infants
• Impaired cognitive development
Through the Republic Act No. 8172, “An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide” which was enacted in 1995, seeks to contribute to the elimination of micronutrient malnutrition in the country, particularly iodine deficiency disorders, through the cost-effective preventive measure of salt iodization, the country’s initiatives in combating Iodine Deficiency were salt iodization, use of iodized salt in processed foods, and Iodization of drinking water.
Credits and Source:
Iodine in Pregnancy — Why It’s Important, Foods to Eat (whattoexpect.com)
http://enutrition.fnri.dost.gov.ph/site/uploads/2018%20ENNS%20Dissemination_Salt.pdf
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- Category: Region 11
NNC XI joins the nation in the observance of the World Thyroid Day on May 25 and the International Thyroid Awareness Week on 24- 30 May 2021. The Department of Health (DOH), together with its partners, namely: Iodine Global Network (IGN), Philippine Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (PSEDM), Philippine Thyroid Association (PTA), Philippine Society of Nuclear Medicine (PSNM), Philippine Society of General Surgeons (PSGS), Philippine Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (PSO-HNS), Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM), Philippine Academy of Physicians in School Health, Inc. (PAPSHI), Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) and patient organizations, will be leading the celebration of the World Thyroid Day on March 25, 2021 and the International Thyroid Awareness Week on May 24 to 30, 2021. With the theme: “Mother-Baby-Iodine: The Importance of Iodine on the Woman and her Baby”, the Department of Health (DOH), together with various specialty societies, will conduct a week-long webinar lecture series to promote disease awareness specifically on iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders in women and children.
Read more: NNC XI Joins the Nation in the Observance of International Thyroid Awareness Week
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- Category: Region 11
Did you know that Bangus Belly is a good cheap source of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for cardiovascular health? Omega-3 is a type of unsaturated fat that is found mostly in fish and seafood such as Bangus, Tilapia and Mackerel (Hasa-Hasa). They can also be found in other foods such as:
● Fish and other seafood: Cold-water fatty fish, Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, Tilapia
● Nuts and seeds: Flaxseed, Chia seeds, Walnuts
● Plant oils: Flaxseed oil, Soybean oil, Canola Oil (Canola oil is good for cooking)
● Fortified foods: Egg, Yogurt, Juice, Milk, Soy Beverages
● Omega-3 Dietary Supplements: Fish Oil, Krill Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Algal Oil (Vegan)
Based on the National Institutes of Health (2021), regular consumption of fish and seafood can lower the risk of several chronic diseases. Omega-3 has also been associated with the following health benefits:
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Have you been recently diagnosed with Graves Disease or Hyperthyroidism?
Graves Disease presents as hyperthyroidism which is an autoimmune disorder where our own antibodies target the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone normally regulates our metabolism and excessive amounts may lead to goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), anxiety, tremors, palpitations, heat intolerance, increased perspiration and weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite. Some patients may also present with enlarged eyes or the “thyroid stare” as if the eyes are popping out.
Read more: Graves Disease or Hyperthyroidism: What to eat and what not to eat
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- Category: Region 11
Do you feel tired or like you are always low on energy? Do you often feel cold when you enter a slightly cold place or usually have cold hands or feet? Do you feel like it is so hard to lose weight despite a low calorie diet or with exercise? These are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. In Hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland produces very little thyroid hormone possibly due to Iodine deficiency or an underlying health condition. Thyroid hormone regulates the rate of our metabolism and inadequate amounts may lead to low energy, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss and sometimes thyroid enlargement or goiter. If you suspect that you may have Hypothyroidism, consult your physician.
The micronutrients that are important for thyroid hormone synthesis are Iodine, Selenium, Iron and Zinc which can be supplied by a varied and balanced diet or from dietary supplements. The following are the nutrition tips for individuals suspecting to have or been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism:
1. Eat Iodine-rich foods.
Iodine is a component of thyroid hormone. The following are Iodine rich food sources:
● Iodized salt or Processed Foods with Iodized salt
● Fish and seafood
● Seaweeds
● Egg
