Cebu City – Realizing the significance of proper nutrition during the first 1000 days of life, the National Nutrition Council through the Regional Nutrition Council Region 7 is celebrating the 42nd Nutrition Month (NM) in Central Visayas with the theme “First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan.”

The month-long observance will be kicked-off with the First 1000 Days Nutriathlon dubbed “Fusion of Fashion and Nutrition for Mother and Child #First 1000 Days” on 01 July 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Mountain View Wing Atrium, SM Seaside City, Cebu, SRP, Cebu City. This will showcase a fashion show of Designers’ Maternity Collections, Breastfeeding Photo Contest and Complementary Food Preparation Video Contest. Interfaced during the activity are information and service package on the importance of proper nutrition and early childhood care and development in the First 1000 days of life.

The NM celebration aims to increase awareness on the importance of proper nutrition and early childhood care and development during the First 1,000 days of life; promote collaboration among various stakeholders both at the national and local levels for programs serving families with pregnant mothers and children less than 2 years old; and advocate for increased investment in nutrition to enable the scaling up of nutrition and related interventions for the First 1000 Days of life.

According to Dr. Parolita A. Mission, the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the NNC 7, quality nutrition during the First 1000 Days brings a significant impact in a child’s life since it is the period of rapid growth wherein energy and nutrient deficiencies can have long term consequences.

“It is during the first 1000 days of life when growth faltering happens. But with proper nourishment during the first 1000 days of life, the child can have a healthier and normal life away from illnesses, stunting and developmental problem,” Dr. Mission added.

The month-long celebration will promote three phases of the First 1000 Days. These includes promotion and support of maternal nutrition before and during lactation, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six (6) months, and giving appropriate complementary food to children starting on the sixth month while continuing breastfeeding up to two years and beyond. Furthermore, good nutrition of both the mother and child in the first 1000 days is an important driver for a child to achieve his maximum growth and development potential that has lasting, profound effect in his life course.

The first 1000 days of life starts from the first day of conception until the second birthday of the child. The 1000 days comprises of 270 days of pregnancy, 365 days for the first year of life and another 365 days for the second year.

For more nutritional information, you may call (032) 254-3263 or 418-7182 or visit nnc.gov.ph and follow the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 7 on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nncrvii) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nnc_7).