Cebu City – In a world where one is able to meet up with friends through the internet, buy groceries with a simple click and where children’s playtime consist of a video game controller or a touchpad, the struggle to remain healthy has become more challenging than it was 20 years ago. And in front of this struggle, nutrition action officers who do not only have the burden to spread the gospel of healthy living, but to also walk the talk. After all, who would believe someone who doesn’t practice what they preach?
In its 11th Regional Nutrition Action Officers’ Congress, the Central Visayas Association of Nutrition Action Officers (CeVANAO) has picked the theme “Good Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle: A Continuing Challenge” to highlight not only this year’s Nutrition Month advocacy to address over nutrition but to enlighten nutrition action officers from the different parts of Central Visayas of the growing over nutrition concern.
Held on 04 August 2015 at the Grand Convention Center of Cebu, Archbishop Reyes Ave., Cebu City, the Congress this year is a breath of fresh air awakening many of nutrition workers, many of whom have admitted to have sedentary lifestyles, from the usual nutrition implementation focus of undernutrition and food insecurity.
The Congress was highlighted by a Key Note Message by DOH RO 7 Director Jaime S. Bernadas and the technical lectures by Dr. Jeanette Pauline A. Cortes of DOH Region VII who discussed the government’s policies and programs addressing overnutrition; Mr. Pio Gerardo R. Solon of Epic Performance and Fitness Solutions who presented the importance of exercise in productivity and Hon. Kit Marc B. Adanza, Zamboanguita Mayor and Chair of Nutrition Committee who gave tips in creating a nurturing environment for good nutrition according to his experience.
Safe to say, the close to three hundred attendees were sufficiently challenged to not only spread the word, but to practice a healthy lifestyle as well. //NGS
