(PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST as of Wednesday, 24 April 2024) Easterlies affecting the country. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur will experience Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms due to Easterlies/Localized Thunderstorms. Possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. 𝗙𝗒π—₯π—˜π—–π—”π—¦π—§ π—ͺπ—œπ—‘π—— 𝗔𝗑𝗗 π—–π—’π—”π—¦π—§π—”π—Ÿ π—ͺπ—”π—§π—˜π—₯ π—–π—’π—‘π——π—œπ—§π—œπ—’π—‘: Light to moderate winds coming from East to Southeast will prevail with slight to moderate seas (0.6 to 2.1 meters).


PIA News Service - Wednesday, March 17, 2010-A

Feature News: Less Pinoys anemic – nutrition survey

Good news! According to the recently concluded Seventh National Nutrition Survey (7th NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008, anemia prevalence has decreased in the past five years.  

Anemia is having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood resulting in the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. 

The decrease in the prevalence of anemia was evident among the at-risk critical groups of the population that include children, pregnant and lactating women. 

Children 6 months to one year old had prevalence of 5 in every 10 children in 2008 which is much lower than the 6 out 10 children in the previous survey in 2003. 

Children aged 1-5 years old who previously had a prevalence of 4 in every 10 children were anemic, dropped to only 2 in every 10 children last year. 

Prevalence in older children, 6-12 years old, decreased slightly from 3 out of 10 in 2003 to 2 out of 10 children in the 2008 survey. 

Pregnant and lactating women only had a slight decrease in their prevalence, from 43.9% in 2003 to 42.5% in 2008 for the pregnant women which is 4 in every 10 mothers and an increase from 3 in every 10 in 2003 to 4 in every 10 women in last year’s survey for the lactating women.

Though there is a downward trend, we must continuously fight anemia, because the problem of anemia continues to persist among various age groups. One good approach is proper nutrition. Eating a variety of food, balanced diet and eating the right amounts will go a long way in fighting and preventing anemia. 

We must also include foods which are good sources of iron. Animal sources are pork and beef liver, as well as fish and shellfish. 

Good plant sources are red mongo, kintsay tsina, kasubha, dried banana flowers, malunggay and saluyot. 

Having a proper diet is the first step in assuring the prevention of anemia in the country.
.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/Fax Nos.: 837-2071 local 2296 or 2287; 837-3164; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Victor J. Alfonso, Jr., FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service)


Feature News: ABC of proper nutrition for good health

It has always been emphasized that proper nutrition is important in promoting adequate intake of essential nutrients to achieve good health. Good nutrition is said to be the basis of our existence.

There are benefits of having good nutrition. First, it allows the body to metabolize the nutrients to function properly.

When one takes sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and carbohydrates have been ingested, the body will be able to utilize the nutrients to build, repair and maintain the body tissues and other components.

Secondly, proper nutrition provides increased energy and prevents fatigue. The feeling of fatigue is said to be due to the excess of sugar in the diet.

Thirdly, through a proper, well-balanced and nutritious diet, one can maintain proper weight.

Obesity, which is due to excessive intake of food, leads to what we call “lifestyle diseases” such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. These diseases are examples of preventable diseases yet are leading causes of death in the world.

The increasing trend of lifestyle diseases are alarming and have called the attention of health and nutrition experts. Advocacy has been geared towards the reduction and prevention of these illnesses through proper nutrition.

Maintaining good nutrition is as easy as an ABC, plus DVM.

A for adequacy, B for balance, C for calorie control, D for nutrient density, M for moderation, and V for variety.

These are the six basic principles in diet planning. These principles can help one maintain proper nutrition but should be coupled with an active lifestyle to achieve good health, free from diseases.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact, Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, FNRI-DOST, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City. Direct lines and fax: (02) 837-2934 and 837-3164, Trunklines: 837-2071 local 2296 and 2284, 837-8113 local 318 and 319; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com. FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Rhea C. Benavides-De Leon, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
.
.

Lathalain: Pagkaing niluto sa mantika kailangan din kumain araw-araw

Ang Gabay sa Wastong Nutrisyon o Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos na binalangkas sa pamumuno ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) ay binubuo ng sampung pangunahing rekomendasyon na naglalayong itaguyod ang mabuting kalusugan at wastong nutrisyon ng mga Pilipino.

Ang pang-anim na gabay ay nagsasaad na “Kumain araw-araw ng mga pagkaing niluto sa mantika o edible oil”.

Ang pagsama ng mga pagkain na niluto sa mantika ay makapagbibigay ng karagdagang enerhiya bilang solusyon sa kakulangan sa enerhiya na idinudulot ng pagkain ng karaniwang Pilipino. Ang mantika ay kailangan din para sa mas maayos na paggamit ng katawan ng mga bitamina A, D, E at K.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Marilou R. Galang, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
.
.

Lathalain: Kumain ng iba’t-ibang pagkain araw-araw

Ang Gabay sa Wastong Nutrisyon para sa Pilipino o Nutritional Guidelines for Filpinos na binalangkas sa pamumuno ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) ay binubuo ng sampung pangunahing rekomendasyon na naglalayong itaguyod ang mabuting nutrisyon ng mga Pilipino.

Ang unang gabay ay nagsasaad na “Kumain ng iba’t-ibang uri ng pagkain araw-araw”. Layunin ng mensaheng itong ipabatid na:

• walang iisang pagkain ang makapagbibigay ng lahat ng sustansiyang
kailangan ng katawan.

• ang pagpili ng iba’t-ibang uri ng pagkain mula sa tatlong grupo ng pagkain ang unang hakbang upang makamit ang balanseng pagkain. Ang mga grupong ito ay (1) mga pagkaing nagbibigay lakas sa katawan, (2) mga pagkaing tagapag-buo ng katawan, at (3) mga pagkaing tagapagsaayos ng katawan.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Marilou R. Galang, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
.
.

Lathalain: Malusog na pamumuhay para sa mahabang buhay
.
Ang kalusugan ay ating kayamanan. Kasabihan nga ng mga pamilyang Pilipino-kahit walang pera basta malusog ang katawan at walang maysakit ay masaya na.

Wastong pagkain, pag-ehersisyo nang palagian, di paninigarilyo at pag-iwas sa pag-inom ng alak ang mga pangunahing sangkap sa malusog na pamumuhay. 

Narito ang ilang tips upang maisagawa ang maayos na pamumuhay o ang tinatawag na healthy lifestyle:

• Iwasan ang mga pagkaing mataas sa kaloriya, taba, sodium o asin;
• Mag-ehersisyo nang palagain o madalas. Gawin ang pag-eehersisyo nang tatlo o apat na beses sa isang linggo nang 20 hanggang 30 minuto o lagpas pa; 
• Huwag manigarilyo. Ang pinakamagandang panuntunan ay huwag magsimulang manigarilyo sapagkat kapag ito ay nakasanayan, ang paninigarilyo ay mahirap nang itigil; at
• Iwasan ang pag-inom ng maraming alak. Kung iinom man, ito’y dapat nasa katamtaman o moderate lamang na dami. Ang ibig sabihin ng moderate alcohol consumption ay isang bote sa isang araw para sa kababaihan at di lalagpas sa dalawang bote sa isang araw para sa kalalakihan. Ang isang bote ng alcoholic beverage ay katumbas ng isang bote ng beer (12 ounces) o kalahating baso ng alak o wine o isang jigger (1 ounce) ng whiskey o 1 ½ ounce ng gin.

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
.
.

Lathalain: Kamote, mainam na pampababa ng cholesterol

Mahilig ba kayong kumain ng kamote? Nangangamba ba kayong kumain ng kamote dahil ito’y nakakautot?

Alam ba ninyo na bukod sa sustansyang taglay ng kamote ay mainam din ito na pampababa ng kolesterol?

Sa ginawang pag-aaral ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) sa anim na lamang-ugat tulad ng kamote, kamoteng-kahoy, gabi, ube at tugi, ang kamote at kamoteng kahoy ay may mahalagang epekto sa total blood cholesterol levels.

Ang kamote ay isa sa malimit itanim dito sa Pilipinas dahil ito ay tinuturing na isa rin sa mga pagkain o staple food gaya ng kanin at tinapay.

Ang kamote ay mayaman sa carbohydrates at carotene (katumbas ng bitamina A) depende sa kulay nito. 

Ang dilaw na kamote ay mayaman sa carotene kumpara sa puti at lila na uri. Samantala ang puting uri ng kamote ay mas mayaman sa kalsyum kaysa dilaw na uri. 

Mas mataas din ang taglay na iron at bitamina C ang puting kamote kaysa dilaw na uri. 

Ang lilang kamote ay may pinakamataas na taglay na bitamina kaysa sa dilaw at puti na uri.  
Nakasaad sa Gabay para sa Wastong Nutrisyon ng mga Pilipino na kumain na mas maraming gulay, prutas at lamang-ugat. 

Laging tandaan na ang kamote ay di lamang masustansya ngunit mura din ito At normal lamang ang umutot!

Ang impormasyong ito ay hatid sa inyo ng FNRI-DOST, ang pangunahing ahensiya ng gobyerno sa pananaliksik sa pagkain at nutrisyon. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon at kaalaman sa pagkain at nutrisyon, sumulat o tumawag kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, FNRI-DOST sa kanyang email address: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph o mar_v_c@yahoo.com o sa telepono bilang 837-2934/837-3164. Maaari ding bisitahin ang FNRI website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
.
.

Lathalain: Cholesterol, tumataas habang nagkakaedad - FNRI

Sa huling survey na ginawa ng Food and Nutrition Research Institute ng Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), lumabas na habang nagkakaedad o tumatanda ang isang tao ay tumataas din ang lebel ng cholesterol sa dugo. Ito ay karaniwang napansin sa mga may edad na 40 hanggang 49 na taon. 

Anu-anong mga pagkain ba ang nagtataglay ng cholesterol? 

Kasama ba and mga ito sa karaniwang kinakain natin sa araw-araw? 

Ano ang dapat gawin upang malimitahan ang pagkain ng mga pagkaing mayaman sa cholesterol?

Ang mataas na lebel ng cholesterol ay karaniwang makikita sa mga pagkain mula sa hayop kagaya ng lamang-loob tulad ng atay, bato at utak at pati na mga shellfishes tulad ng alimango, hipon, clams, lobsters at oysters. 

Ang mga pagkain mula sa halaman gaya ng prutas at gulay ay hindi nagtataglay ng cholesterol.  

Huwag mangamba na isama sa pang-araw-araw na pagkain ang mantika bagkus alamin kung anong uri ng mga ito ang nakasasama o nakabubuti sa inyong katawan. 

Narito ang mga uri upang magkaroon ng ideya kung alin ang dapat isama o hindi sa inyong pang-araw-araw na pagkain:
 
• Saturated fats – ito ay matatagpuan sa karne, manok, balat ng manok, butter, lard, cream o krema, gatas at ang mga produkto nito, niyog, langis ng niyog at palm kernel oil. Limitahan ang pagkunsumo ng mga nabanggit na pagkain sapagkat ang mga ito ay mataas ang cholesterol, maliban sa langis ng niyog at palm kernel oil. Ang saturated fats ay nakapagpapataas ng low density lipoprotein (LDL) o “bad” cholesterol, isa sa mga risk factors sa pagkakaroon ng sakit sa puso. 

Dahil kahit ang langis ng niyog ay kasama sa mga tinatawag na saturated fats, ito ay binubuo ng tinatawag na medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) o medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).
 
Ang MCT ay kakaiba kaysa sa long chain fatty acids (LCFA) sapagkat ang nauna ay walang masamang epekto sa cholesterol at tumutulong pa ito upang maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng sakit sa puso.  

• Polyunsaturated fats – kasama dito ang corn, soybean, sunflower at safflower oils. Ang mga langis na ito ay tumutulong upang mapababa ang total at low density lipoprotein (LDL) o “bad” cholesterol at pataasin ang high density lipoprotein (HDL) o “good” cholesterol levels. Ang polyunsaturated fats kapag idinaaan sa proseso ng hydrogenation ay nagiging trans fats katulad ng makikita sa margarina. Ang trans fats ay katulad din ng saturated fats na nakapagpapataas ng low density lipoprotein o “bad” cholesterol, nagpapababa din ng high density cholesterol o “good” cholesterol at iba pang harmful effects nito sa kalusugan. 

• Monosaturated fats –kasama dito ang rapeseed at olive oil. Ang langis na ito ay tumutulong upang mapababa ang total at LDL cholesterol. Pinapanatili nito ang HDL cholesterol levels.

Tandaan, para sa malusog na puso,
(1) Kumain ng katamtamang dami ng saturated fats and oils.
(2) Ang cholesterol ay matatagpuan lamang sa animal foods; ang
  vegetable oils ay hindi nagtataglay ng cholesterol. 

Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa pagkain at nutrisyon, makipag-ugnayan kay Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Direktor, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Deaprtment of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City, Tel. No. 837-29-34 or 837-20-71 loc. 2287, FNRI-DOST, email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph; o mar_v_c@yahoo.com, FNRI website:http//www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service)
.
.

Feature News: Breastfeeding still best for babies even during emergencies

Calamities are pressing people’s physical and economic resources. The recent calamities that struck the country have displaced thousands of families and the aftermath is much worse as illnesses began to spread.

Infants and young children are the most vulnerable. Having weak immunity, they are the ones who easily get sick when staying in crowded evacuation centers. 

Undoubtedly, breastfeeding is the best for babies. Breastmilk is the perfect food for newborns and infants because it provides all the nutrients that are needed for healthy development.

Today, as families are in emergency situation and where basic infrastructure has been compromised, breastmilk provides a safe food for babies. Breastmilk contains antibodies that help protect them from common childhood illnesses like diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition. 

Moreover, breastmilk is readily safe, available and affordable. This helps to ensure that infants get adequate sustenance at the time when they need it, even in emergency situations. 

Feeding infants and young children with milk formulas may pose dangers to their nutrition and health status. First, safe water needed for the preparation of milk formula and for cleaning and sterilizing materials such as bottles and nipples may not be available in the area. Water in evacuation centers maybe contaminated to cause diarrhea, cholera and other water-borne diseases. 

In the recent news, many people have already been reported to have these diseases and it is still rising in numbers.

Water should be put to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes if it is to be used to prepare milk formulas. Bottles and nipples should be boiled longer to make them sterile. 

This poses the problem of not only safe water but also fuel source, which may also be scarce in evacuation centers.

Storage equipment, like a refrigerator, is most of the time not available and the hot environment in evacuation areas make milk formulas easily spoil. 

In a situation where economic activities of a household are disrupted, income and savings, if there are any, are exhausted, and thus, milk formulas become inaccessible. 

Mothers who are under stress may have stopped lactating for a day or so, but this can be overcome with good support. 

It is a myth to think that because mothers are under stressful situations, they would not be able to breastfeed. They only need support for re-lactation. 

The other myth is that because mothers are undernourished or are sick, they cannot breastfeed or the milk is of poor quality. This is not true because even very malnourished mothers can produce good milk. 

Under these conditions, breastmilk may be in lower amount but it is still the best source of nourishment for the baby. Mothers, if undernourished as in such case, should be given the nutritional support that she needs.

Indeed, breastfeeding is a life saving intervention. It is best for babies in normal and emergency situations.

For more information on cassava and its products or on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Bicutan, Taguig City; Trunkline: 837-2071 local 2296 or 2287; Telephone/Fax No.: 837-3164; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com; Website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. (Charina A. Javier, FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service)