DOH Caraga responds to mass evacuation in SurSur
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 3 (PIA) - The Department of
Health (DOH) Caraga to date, is continuously extending all extraneous efforts
especially in the provision of sustained health services to the affected
families who evacuated from the September 1 armed conflict incident.
A total of 627 families or 3,312 individuals who
evacuated at Sports Complex, Tandag City, and Janipaan Elementary School, San
Agustin, Surigao del Sur were catered for their health care needs.
Due to the escalated number of individuals in the
evacuation sites, possible diseases may occur especially diseases that are
respiratory-related. A total of 964 patients have consulted with complaints of
signs and symptoms attributed to acute respiratory and Influenza-like
illnesses. Environmental sanitation is also a big challenge for the evacuees
since they are congested in an area limited of water and latrine supply and
incongruous garbage disposal.
With the help of neighboring municipalities and
the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, the DOH Caraga provided health
services to the evacuees. Water rationing through water tanks and faucets,
portalets for human wastes, de-clogging of toilets, IEC materials on
sanitation, family planning services, health class and counseling were
provided.
In addition to the newest strategy of the agency
which is the High Impact Five, empowering existing programs that concerns
mothers and children is also stretched out to them. Immunization services,
medical consultation, dispensing of medications, prenatal services and delivery
is being given.
Meanwhile, all identified evacuees who have
specific health concerns and complaints of illnesses are directly referred to
Adela Serra Ty Memorial Medical Center (DOH retained hospital) for thorough
evaluation and is confined in a dedicated ward exclusively for their use.
"We continue to provide the best of what we
can for people who need our services. DOH sees no factions among Caraganons. We
are one in this health journey," said DOH Caraga assistant regional
director Cesar C. Cassion. (DOH-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Feast on vegetables for body cleansing
By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso
Do you get tired of eating too much festive foods
like lechon, mechado, fried chicken, salads during celebrations?
You may want to shift from meat to veggies to get
rid of some body toxins.
Vegetables are important sources of vitamins,
minerals, and fibers. Fibers are mostly found in vegetables and fruits. Regular
intake of soluble fiber enables the body to absorb minerals like calcium and
magnesium. Fiber also helps manage one’s weight.
Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are found in
plants, particularly vegetables. Examples of these are lycopene in tomatoes,
anthocyanins in bell peppers and flavonoids in broccoli. Bright colored
vegetables generally contain most phytonutrients.
By eating vegetables, there are low chances of
weight gain, improved teeth and bone structure, increased body resistance
against infection, and reduced risk of having diseases such as diabetes
mellitus, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Experts say one needs three to four servings of
vegetables daily. Recommended servings for vegetables also vary depending on
age and lifestyle as shown below:
Age Group
Recommended Servings
of
Vegetables
- Older persons, adults, - At least 3
servings*
lactating
women
- Teenage boys and girls - At least 3 servings*
- Growing kids (1-12 years old) - At least 3 servings*
Source: FNRI’s Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for
Filipinos
*One serving of leafy vegetables=1 cup raw or ½
cup cooked
One serving
of other vegetables=1/2 cup raw or 1 cup cooked
Remember the 3rd message of the 2012 Nutritional
Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF): “Eat more vegetables and fruits everyday to get
the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for regulation of body processes.”
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos:
837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local
2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.
Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter
account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNIR-DOST/PIA-Caraga)
