by Sally R. Villasis
The Aklan State University (ASU) joined the nation in the celebration of the 37th Nutrition Month with the theme "Isulong ang Breastfeeding: Tama, Sapat at Ekslusibo" on July 28-29, 2011 at the ASU Amphitheater, Banga, Aklan.
Dr. Alma I. Irader, Bachelor of Science in Home Technology (BSHT) Chair, appreciated in her opening remarks, everyone who shared their expertise and support which made the celebration possible.
Ms. Cresini S. Roxas, Nutritionist-Dietitian II of Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital and Provincial Nutrition Coor-dinator of Aklan enlightened some 200 faculty members and students on the Importance of Breastfeeding.
She said, "breastfeeding must at all times be promoted, protected and supported". She emphasized the advantages of breastfeeding. "A mother who exclusively breastfeeds her baby can save as much as P2,000.00 per month", she stressed.
Breastfeeding also keeps the baby from getting sick, and prevents the family from spending money to pay for check-ups or hospitalization and medicines, she added.
"Exclusive breast-feeding means a baby doesn’t need any other food except breast milk for the first six months. Breast milk is already complete with nutrients needed by the baby. A mother doesn’t even need to make her baby drink water, because her milk already contains water," Roxas said.
Besides saving money and keeping the baby from getting sick, exclusive breastfeeding also promotes child spacing, prevents the mother from suffering from post partum hemorrhages and reduces risks of breast cancer.
"Breastfeeding also promotes emotional attachment between the mother and baby and proper jaw development in the baby. Breastfeeding is also convenient, especially at night. A mother need not get up in the late hours of the night to prepare her baby’s feeding bottle. She just needs a comfortable position and area to breast-feed her baby," Roxas added.
For working mothers, they could still give their babies’ breast milk by expressing their milk for their babies’ consumption while they are at work, Roxas said.
The BSHT faculty members and students under the Home Technology Department of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences spearheaded the two-day celebration.
The activities included Food Exhibits on fruits and vegetables, organic cakes and other herb-flour-based products, pizza and other pie products, preserved and processed products; quiz bee; operation timbang; determination of nutritional status through Body Mass Index, waist-to-hip ratio and circumference, among others.
The Ten Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos and Nutritional Guidelines for People with Lifestyle Diseases were discussed by Prof. Nenette B. Santiago and Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian Josephine R. Pajo, respectively.
During the closing ceremonies, Dr. Anna Mae C. Relingo, Officer-In-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Research and Extension congratulated the Home Technology Department for celebrating Nutrition Month with the ASU community. As health and wellness are becoming a by-word these days, she believes that it is attached to proper nutrition. Dr. Relingo quoted. Bo Sanchez on how to be happy. She said "we should have something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to." /MP
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