Awareness program to mark National Nutrition Week

Ludhiana, September 4, 2019: Every year first week of September is celebrated as National Nutrition Week. To mark the occasion, the Department of Dietetics, Christian Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana in association with the Indian Dietetic Association, Punjab Chapter, organized an awareness program with the Department of Pediatric, CMCH, Ludhiana,

The theme for this year is “Har Ghar Poshan Vyavahar” and “Panch Sutra for Maah” -First 1000 days; Anemia Control; Intensified Diarrhea Control Fortnight; Personal Hygiene; and Awareness on Poushtik Aahar. Ruma Singh, Chief Dietician, addressed the gathering. The message based on the theme was spread across by a skit presented by our interns and slide show. Dr.Gurmeet Kaur, Professor and Head of Pediatrics Department addressed the patients and their relatives and told them about the importance of nutrition in life.

Several researches have shown that in India about 44% of children under the age of 5 are underweight, 72% of infants and 52% of married women are suffering from anemia.

Malnutrition during pregnancy puts the child into greater risk of developing future diseases, physical retardation and reduced cognitive abilities. First 1000 days shape health for life. Nutrition plays a foundational role in a child’s development during the first 1000 days of their lives. This further leads to healthy country and better output in future.

Anemia is another very common amongst the children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Poor dietary intake, lack of knowledge and poor affordability are important causes of anemia. Anemia is caused by a lack of iron, protein, vitamin B12 and other vitamins and minerals. The special attention of nutrition of a girl child is important so that she can be prepared for safe motherhood. The prevention of anemia is utmost important especially during pregnancy. The problem anemia can be prevented by consuming balanced diet on a regular basis which must contain foods from all food groups like cereal grains, pulses, milk and milk products, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables in prescribed amounts by the qualified dieticians.

A balanced diet is important because body’s organs and tissues need adequate nutrition to work efficiently. So to prevent any further risk of developing problems, one must consume balanced diet. Poor nutrition can lead to lack of immunity which can make you more susceptible to catch infections. To be able to avoid frequent infections, it is advised that one should prefer to eat home cooked foods and avoid outside foods which can lead to diarrheal diseases. In addition it is also advised that one should drink boiled or filtered water and maintain personal hygiene and cleanliness around them which can lead to infections.

The take home message is that nutrition is important from the conception till a person is alive to lead a healthy life. Prevention is better than cure.