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- Category: Region 6
During a health crisis, it is important to continue to prioritize nutrition because good nutrition is key to build immunity and fight the disease. Mothers should exclusively breastfeed their infants during the first 6 months and provide appropriate complementary feeding starting at 6 months and continue breastfeeding up to 2 years or more. Also, sanitation and hygiene should be observed to prevent infection, as well as provide psychosocial stimulation. COVID-19 infected mothers can still breastfeed their children. Expressed breast milk, wet nurses and milk banks are other options of child feeding should the mother’s condition becomes severe.
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- Category: Region 6
A pregnant woman should really take into great consideration the developing baby in her womb who is fully dependent on her especially for nutrition. During pregnancy, it is highly important to have a balanced diet of nutritious foods. These include protein sources, carbohydrate-rich food, and fruits and vegetables. It is also important to eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acid, iron, iodine, protein, and fiber as it is needed for brain development of the fetus. The lack of these nutrients and the duration of the deficiency during pregnancy have negative implications to the brain development of the fetus.
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- Category: Region 6
Catch-up growth means giving of enough nutrients, food, love, and care to children. Catch-up ways should be given as soon as a decline in weight or height is observed.
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- Category: Region 6
Malnutrition makes one susceptible to infection. Infection impairs the ability of the body to absorb nutrients which leads to malnutrition. Chronic malnutrition eventually leads to stunting. Hence, the root of this vicious cycle is a weak immune system borne of malnutrition.
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- Category: Region 6
Maternal Nutrition New normal refers to the changes in our usual day to day routine since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Different health measures must be followed such as physical distancing, wearing of personal protective equipment such as face masks and regular handwashing or sanitizing. Before entering any establishment, one must undergo thermal scanning and disinfection first. Dining in restaurants or eating outside the home are limited. Moreover, those belonging to the vulnerable groups such as minors and older persons are prohibited from going outside their homes.
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- Category: Region 6
Malnutrition rates may increase after the pandemic. Among adults, more are expected to become overweight or obese because of binge eating and reduced physical activity while under the community quarantine.
