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- Category: Region 12
Breast cancer it’s a scary thought and all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them.
In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world's most prevalent cancer.
The Department of Health (DOH) today emphasized the importance of regular self-breast exam and the critical role of screening in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer among women in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month with this year’s theme, “United We Fight.”
A breast self-examination (BSE) is a method to detect any noticeable changes in one's breast. Early detection of any changes in the breast and seeking immediate consultation will increase one's chances of successful treatment. In high income countries, organized screening programs with mammography have led to earlier diagnosis, and coupled with effective treatment, have led to reductions in breast cancer mortality. There are many challenges, however in implementing such effective organized screening programs in limited resource settings.
According to the 2015 Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates, breast cancer is the most common (20,267 cases) and the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths (7,384 cases) among the Filipinos, next to lung and liver cancer.
Eating a balanced diet is especially important when you have breast cancer. Proper nutrition may help your body heal from cancer treatment, which can have numerous side effects such as mouth sores, low appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The following foods are based on general recommendations to maintain overall health while living with breast cancer:
• Whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, protein sources like chicken and turkey, fatty fish like trout or salmon, and plant-based proteins sources like lentils and nuts
• Foods high in healthy fats and protein. If you need to maintain or gain weight, incorporate sources of healthy fat like nuts and seeds, avocados, and olive oil as well as protein sources like eggs, chicken, lentils, and fish. Protein-rich foods are especially important for maintaining muscle mass.
• Blended liquids such as milkshakes, smoothies, juices, or soups for those times when you don‘t feel like eating solid foods
• High fiber foods like whole grains, flax seeds, legumes, vegetables and fruits to treat constipation
Therefore, raising awareness and understanding about breast cancer risks, early signs and symptoms and overall breast health awareness is an important part of a public health approach for breast cancer.
Join the October Breast Cancer Awareness month campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer and support women to reduce their breast cancer risks, be screened and seek medical attention, if a suspicious lump is detected. And together let us fight breast cancer.
References:
https://doh.gov.ph
https://www.healthline.com/health/metastatic-breast-cancer/nutrition
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- Category: Region 12
The Philippines is one in celebrating the Elderly Filipino Week mandated by Proclamation No. 470 issued by former President Fidel V. Ramos on Sept. 26, 1994. This year’s theme “MahAlaga sina Lolo at Lola Ngayong Pandemya” aims to underscore the contributions of the senior citizens and centenarians in every Filipino community, as well as to raise awareness and address the issues concerning them, most especially during the onslaught of a global health crisis.
The theme also offers an important message – that together we have a duty and responsibility to support older persons in realizing their worth, dignity, and human rights amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Considered as one of the most vulnerable sectors of the society, each one of us must play a part in protecting our elders against the virus by observing and practicing minimum health standards and in advocating for the adoption and implementation of inclusive policies and rallying against negative societal perceptions on the sector.
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- Category: Region 12
The Nutrition International (NI) and Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) is one of the active nutrition partners of Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacurong City. They are working to enhance the health of rural Filipino communities by offering training programs for local government health officials, including as mayors and municipal health officers, in order to develop health leadership and improve governance. The city of Tacurong is one of the pilot areas of ZFF and NI in the country to help with the local nutrition program management particularly the First 1000 Days program.
Read more: ZFF and NI hand over Nutrition Equipment to LGU Tacurong City
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As the Presidential Proclamation No. 540, s. 2004: Declaring the first week of October of each year as National Newborn Screening Awareness Week the National Nutrition Council Region XII joins in raising awareness of newborn screening to draw broader public attention to the crucial role of early detection of inherited diseases in preventing permanent damage to the affected child.
Newborn screening (NBS) is an essential public health strategy that enables the early detection and management of several congenital disorders, which if left untreated, may lead to mental retardation and/or death. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment, along with appropriate long-term care help ensure normal growth and development of the affected individual. It has been an integral part of routine newborn care in most developed countries for five decades, either as a health directive or mandated by law. In the Philippines, it is a service available since 1996.
Screening is done within 48 hours or at least 24 hours from birth but not later than 3 days after complete delivery. A newborn placed in intensive care may be exempted from the 3-day requirement but must be tested by 7 days of age. A few drops of blood are drawn from pricking the baby’s heel which will determine possible conditions such as Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Phenylketonuria, Galactosemia, Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, Maple syrup urine disease. The said procedure may be done by a physician, nurse, midwife, or medical technologist. If a screening test suggests a problem, the baby’s doctor will follow up with further testing. If those tests confirm a problem, the doctor may refer the baby to a specialist for treatment. Following doctor’s treatment plan can save the baby from lifelong health-related and developmental problems.
The first touch of our newborn is one of the most precious moments of our life. So as their first screening test is. Take care of all the essentials from the first moment itself. Make sure to take all the important measures to ensure your baby gets a healthy start to life. Don't forget to ask your health care worker about newborn screening and get your baby screened shortly after birth.(KLM/AMF)
Reference:
https://doh.gov.ph/newborn-screening
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- Category: Region 12
Nutrition E-School is an initiative of the National Nutrition Council Region XII as a derivative of the Nutrition School-On-Air to teach and impart the 10 Kumainments to people from various walks of life, considering the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutrition E-School Enrollment opened last July 2021, the same time as the celebration of Nutrition Month 2021. The first session was held last August 11, 2021 while the 12th session was done last September 17, 2021.
In its second year of implementation, the Nutrition E-School successfully held a graduation ceremony for E-Schoolers who participated in and completed the 12 sessions of the project.
The graduation ceremony was held last September 29, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at the Green State Suites, Koronadal City, South Cotabato. From 11 graduates, 4 were able to attend the face-to-face ceremony while 4 were able to attend the simultaneous virtual graduation via Zoom Video Conference. Other graduates were unable to attend due to quarantine protocols.
Ms. Kristine Lorraine Madayag and Ms. Katty Parreno, PNFPs of NNC XII, served as the master of ceremonies for the program. Opening remarks were also given by Ms. Annalita Mae V. Flores, OIC-Nutrition Program Coordinator. For the Student Address, this was given by the 2021 Batch Valedictorian (Top 1), Ms. Genna Valente of Koronadal City.
Presentation of the graduates and awarding of honors were held thereafter. Top 2 Honor Student was awarded to Ms. Christine Camacho of Koronadal City and Top 3 Honor Student was given to Ms. Jackie Lou Edjan of Esperanza Sultan Kudarat. Special honors were also awarded to Valente, Edjan, and Ms. Nancy Adalin, CNAO of Koronadal City for having perfect attendance throughout the sessions. Most Participative Honor was given to Ms. Daryl A. Brajon of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, and Special Award for Exemplary Virtues Towards E-Schoolers was awarded to Adalin.
Read more: NNC XII conducts Nutrition E-School Graduation Ceremony
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- Category: Region 12
Is water really important for your body? Yes! Water is ranked second to oxygen as essential for life. With more than half of your body weight made of water, you couldn’t survive for more than a few days without it. On the other hand, you can survive without food for weeks.
Water is very important for your body especially in a high relative humid like Philippines. Water is used in every cell of your body. Water travels throughout your body carrying nutrients, oxygen, and wastes to and from your cells and organs. It keeps your body cool as part of your body’s temperature regulating system. Water acts as a lubricant for your joints, your mouth and digestive system in saliva, and in your nose, throat, eyes, and stomach as part of mucus. Water aids in digestion and absorption of food, as well as in the removal of wastes from your body. And since water has zero calories, It also helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Everyday your body loses 2-3 quarts (8-12 cups) of water through sweat, urination, and evaporation (through your skin and lungs). Your body loses more water when you exercise, live in hot or low humidity environments, consume high fiber diets, and drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol. It is important to drink at least 8-10 cups of water a day for a healthy body and to avoid heat stroke or exhaustion.
