Life
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 isahred@gmail.com
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OR many Filipino families, caring for their precious children is a top priority and responsibility. However, not all are able to meet their kids’ needs. Aside from safe play and quality education, children from poor families are often bereft of basic essentials, the most overlooked of which is proper nourishment in their wonder years. whose 29-month-old son John Brixel Amor was among the beneficiaries of the program, was brought to tears when she finally received the graduation certificate. Baby John was named the top weight gainer during the program’s recent graduation ceremony held at the Catmon Covered Court in December. The other two most improved awardees are Kent Picao (37 months old) and Rejan Gemina Abanag (15 months old). Nineteen recipients were also awarded for their full attendance in the 90-day feeding program. “Nagpapasalamat po talaga ako at nagkaroon ng ganitong programa sa aming barangay. Napakalaki ng naitulong nito sa kagaya naming kapos sa buhay. Ngayon po ay malusog, aktibo, at masayahin na ang aking anak. Excited na ako kasi mas handa na siya sa pagpasok nya sa school sa darating na pasukan,” she said. Another heartwarming scene was witnessed as the children, with their mothers, gave roses and thank you letters to Chef Melissa who was deeply moved by their gesture. The graduation ended on a happy note with song and dance numbers performed by the kids, mothers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS). In addition to preparing and serving nutritious yet affordable meals, a greater strength of the health promotion advocacy is raising “informed” parents. Volunteers from the BNS have actively reinforced the program goals by educating mothers of the Making a difference through child-beneficiaries on proper nutrition, sanitation, proper food prepabetter nutrition One of mothers, Dyanna Apolinario, ration and healthy budget-friendly Without enough food, these children grow up vulnerable to diseases, hunger and malnourishment, and thus suffer impaired learning abilities in their school-age years and throughout adult life, according to studies. Moved by this growing need to eradicate hunger and its adverse impacts, the City of Malabon led by City Mayor Antolin “Len” Oreta III and First Lady Chef Melissa Sison-Oreta, in cooperation with City Nutrition Office launched the “90-Day Feeding Program” implemented in October last year in four areas (Sityo 6, Int. Sanciangco, Pilapil and Gulayan) in Barangay Catmon. The pilot initiative involved 102 children aged 1 to 4 who have been identified and classified as underweight (77 kids) and severely underweight (25 kids) by the City Health Department. Throughout the 90-day period, the children were provided nutritious meals and were taught proper hygiene practices by the Barangay Nutrition Scholars, a volunteer group composed of the city’s health workers, barangay leaders and volunteer-mothers. The focus given to reduce early childhood hunger is understandable as a number of the city’s urban poor communities have kids who are underweight and stunted in height due to malnourishment. But with the combined efforts of the Malabon City government and its private partners, significant improvements were attained, with all beneficiaries successfully achieving their target weight gain outcomes.
The local government officials and employees, sponsors and beneficiaries pose for a photo op during the graduation ceremony that culminated the feeding program
H E A LT H
MALABON KIDS get healthy head start with
‘90-Day Feeding Program’
Through Malabon City’s 90-day feeding program, children were provided nutritious meals and were taught proper hygiene
recipes. To sustain the program, the nutritional status of the children is continuously monitored during and after the feeding program period. “We’ve seen success in both measurable and immeasurable ways. For the kids, they have gained the ageappropriate ideal weight after graduation. But for the mothers, this means making better, healthier choices for themselves and what they can serve at the table for their families. As for all the individuals involved in the feeding program, from the volunteers to our kind-hearted donors, we are very touched, elated and inspired by the successful turnout: seeing these kids’ bright, smiling faces,” said Mayor Oreta, thanking her wife who concep-
tualized the feeding initiative as well as designed the program’s recipe and cooking techniques component. At the heart of this inspiring advocacy is Malabon City’s pledge to enhance and deliver more child-friendly initiatives that will benefit the communities in need.
Rallying volunteerism
For Myrgie Mendoza, the opportunity to help gave her and her co-employees an almost magical moment. Mendoza is among the volunteers of Landbank of the Philippines-Malabon branch who gave out additional items to the beneficiaries during the culminating ceremony. “It’s time that we share our bless-
ings, to inspire and be actively involved in creating positive change in our society,” she said. Other donors that helped make the program successful are the Rotary Club of Malabon, Robinsons Town Mall, LDRA Trading, CDO Foodsphere, Dr. Grace Francisco of Fransix Corp. and Arellano University. While grateful as he commended the continued outpour of support from donors, Mayor Oreta said they will tap more partners as they need vast support from communities to continue the city’s planned feeding activities in Malabon. He revealed that they are targeting 300 kids and pregnant women in more vulnerable barangays like Tonsuya and Bayan-Bayanan starting this month.
TIPS
7 WAYS TO KEEP STRESS AT BAY STRESS is a normal part of life. Experiencing bouts of stress every now and then may not be all that bad, but too much of it can badly affect your body and cause serious health problems. “Increased levels of stress can lead to numerous health consequences like heart disease and depression, which is why it’s important to know how to manage it properly,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya, hence he shares simple ways to deal with stress:
Identify stress triggers
large portions will make you lethargic, Get a massage which may in turn make you feel less According to research, a massage motivated to deal with stress. This is can help release endorphins, lower where low-fat, high-fiber and low-gly- heart rate and blood pressures, as well cemic index food and plenty of fruits as relax tight and painful muscles. and vegetables come in handy, as they help reduce stress by increasing the Communicate with someone body hormones that naturally fight it. One of the best and simplest ways to handle stress is talking the situation Get enough sleep through with someone. Opening up Sleeping allows the body to recharge about your condition to a loved one— and recover from the day’s stressful events. even for a minute—can significantly Medical practitioners strongly recommend improve your mood. getting six to eight hours of shuteye daily.
By recognizing the problems, habits and bahavior that cause stress, it will Exercise Engaging in physical activities not be easier for you to handle them, thus only keeps stressors at bay but also imlowering your level of stress. proves your mood and increases your Eat a balanced diet endorphins, which may help relieve When people experience stress, pain and trigger a positive disposition. they often tend to eat sugary and fatty You may go to the gym or take a short food. However, consuming these in walk near your home or office.
Take deep breaths
Relaxing and taking deep breaths have been proven to effectively fight off stress. Dr. Montoya suggests taking 15 minutes every day to sit and meditate. Surya Fitness & Yoga, located at MediCard Lifestyle Center in Makati City, offers hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga and basic yoga classes.
HOW CAN A NUTRITIONIST KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY which nutrients your body needs to boost your wellbeing SICK? You probably need to consult a nutritionist. Instead of self-medicating or going straight to the doctor, and fight infections and diseases. we probably need to ask a nutritionist when a family memThey can help you lose weight ber gets sick or experiences recurring discomfort. With the help of a nutritionist, you can shed those extra They can determine which nutrients your pounds you’ve been wanting to lose safely and effectively. They can evaluate your lifestyle as well as eating habits to body needs Mostly, sicknesses and infections are caused by lack of give you a personalized health plan that suits you. nutrients since each body requires different vitamins and mminerals to function properly. To help you achieve op- They can help you prevent illnesses timal health, nutritionists conduct a variety of tests to see Another reason for consulting a nutritionist is to help you prevent certain health problems or conditions, especially if you are predisposed to having illnesses due to family history. They can recommend changes in your diet and lifestyle to prevent such things from happening.
They can identify your food allergies
They can offer advice on food that is safe to eat, ensuring that your body will still get adequate nutrients even if you stop consuming those identified as triggering your allergies.
They can be your health coach Consulting a nutritionist helps in more ways than one in keeping the family healthy
A nutritionist can serve as your coach who can teach you how to make healthy decisions and cook delicious, healthy meals.
Sanjay Gupta selfie with Dalai Lama
Science and spirituality with the Dalai Lama IN THIS month’s Vital Signs with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN explores the convergence between science and spirituality. At a monastery in a remote part of southern India, a unique partnership is taking shape between scientists and Tibetan Buddhist monks. It is a convergence between science and spirituality, forming insights into mindfulness, meditation, even happiness, and the impact all of that can have on our physical health. The champion of this cause is none other than the Dalai Lama himself. CNN’s Dr. Gupta sits down with His
Holiness for a special one-on-one interview exploring the science of our emotions. What can Buddhism learn from science? And perhaps more importantly, what can science learn from Buddhism? Plus, experience an event rarely seen on camera, as the Dalai Lama shares his private meditation practice with Dr. Gupta at the monastery. Vital Signs is a 30-minute monthly program on CNN bringing viewers health stories from around the world. It is hosted by CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta.