Larena, Siquijor – During one of my monthly meetings of Barangay Nutrition Scholars in Larena, a certain Barangay Nutrition Scholar asked me, “Why women are prone to life threatening diseases such as cancer; heart disease; iodine deficiency disorder and even osteoporosis” and it also got me thinking--- WHY?

Women go through 4 major physical processes, namely menstruation period; pregnancy; childbirth, and lactation.  These processes sacrifice a woman’s body as she goes through these changes, and it uses the body’s nutrient reserves that can greatly affect the overall health and wellbeing of women across the world. Major and crucial determinants of a woman’s health starting from pre-conception up to lactation period are nutritional lifestyle and habits. It has been said, and as cliché as it may seem, “Prevention Is better than cure”, below are guides for women to protect them against life threatening illnesses:

• Health and Nutrition Education - Knowledge is power. Having the knowledge on good health and proper nutrition gives you the power to have a better and brighter future. It gives a wide-variety of choices in terms of what food to prepare; what to do for the betterment of yourself and the whole family.
  
  

• Pre-natal Counselling- To avoid complications during pregnancy, pregnant women must submit themselves to prenatal check-ups and counseling. It is where they are given free micronutrient supplementations such as iron-folic acid; calcium carbonate; other essential vitamins. During prenatal check-ups, health workers also give free counselling on proper nutrition specifically during pregnancy; lactation and exclusive breastfeeding. Through this, pregnant women may be able to protect their health and the baby from possible complications that may arise.
  
  

• Healthy Lifestyle and Habits - Making healthy lifestyle a habit is easier said than done. A practice of living day-to-day life with consciousness of one’s health is a discipline. It takes a long range of training; repetition and knowledge to develop it.
  
  

• Sustain Daily Physical Activity - Being physically active has a huge impact in maintaining health and preventing life threatening diseases especially for women. Some of the many benefits of being physically active includes maintaining a healthy weight; better cognitive function and reduces stress and anxiety.
  
  

• Maintain Healthy Weight - Having a healthy weight is one assurance that a person especially women can avoid life threatening illnesses. Some factors to consider in maintaining healthy weight are: healthy and proper diet; physical activities and ideal sleep. // ND II Mary Grace E. Adolfo, RND