36IB promotes 'Project Ka-PALAY-apaan'
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Mar. 29 (PIA) – The 36th
Infantry “Valor” Battalion, Philippine Army in collaboration with the local
government unit of Tago and other partner stakeholders has introduced an
organic farming dubbed as “Project: Ka-PALAY-apaan” to the four identified
far-flung barangays of the province.
During the press briefing conducted recently at the 36IB
Headquarters in Tago, Civil Military Operations Officer Capt. Al Anthony
Pueblas said the Project: Ka-PALAY-apaan is being piloted in the three
barangays of Tago town namely: Layog, Lindoy, and Kinabigtasan, and Barangay
Patong in San Miguel town.
Pueblas said the selection of the pilot areas is based on
the recommendation from their Bayanihan Team Activities (BTA).
Pueblas said, at present, some 104 farmer-beneficiaries
from four barangays are implementing the program covering a total of 120.35
hectares.
Meanwhile, 36IB commanding officer Lt. Colonel Randolph
Rojas said the project is primarily aimed to address the following issues
raised by the farmers: the “high cost low yield” that CPP-NDF-NPA (CNN)
exploits to agitate the masses; help assist the farmers on how to increase
their harvest; protect the environment, minimize soil degradation and erosion,
decrease pollution, optimize biological productivity and promote a sound stage
of health; and finally, to encourage the youth to engage and promote the
organic farming.
The said program is facilitated by the 36IB in collaboration
with the LGU-Tago, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority,
National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Employment and Labor
(DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPAg), Philippine National Police, PhilRice, Surigao del Sur
State University (SDSSU), Cantilan Bank Inc., and Good Harvest Bio-Organic
Farming. (PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Feature: Helping
your workforce stay fit and healthy
By Divorah V.
Aguila
Physical activity
and exercise have been proven to help prevent lifestyle-related diseases such
as diabetes, obesity, heart disease and hypertension.
Companies who have
incorporated wellness program in their workplaces can attest to the truth that
as they help their workers stay fit, they reap the cost savings, cut
absenteeism and boost productivity.
Workplace wellness
programs can be as varied as possible.
The key is to offer
opportunities and incentives for employees to lead healthy lifestyles: eat
healthy food, quit smoking and be physically active.
Exercise and
physical activity are integral in the prevention and treatment of
lifestyle-related diseases.
Most employees
would like to eat better, exercise regularly and achieve a normal weight, but
simply telling people to adopt a healthy lifestyle isn't helpful.
Here are some tips
to companies that have not yet tried incorporating health and wellness
activities in your company:
1. Get the support and involvement of
company leaders. If employees will see
that the management is supportive of the program, their likelihood to
participate in the program is huge.
2. Create a taskforce or ad-hoc committee
that will plan special events, promote employee participation and spread the
news about health and wellness program.
3. Routine physical check-ups among
employees will increase employees' awareness of their condition and inspire
them to do something about their lifestyle.
But be sure that they are aware of the results.
4. Monthly wellness lectures can educate
employees on eating healthy, increasing physical activities, managing time and
stress, and alcohol and smoking cessation.
5. Organize weight loss competitions,
focusing more on lifestyle changes than cash incentives. This gives employees the motivation to
participate and value the program.
6. Company wellness events like sports
fest, fun run, or mini-Olympics, can be done quarterly or bi-annual. Events like these will help create an
environment that encourages regular physical activity.
7. A health club will encourage more
employees to participate because it is accessible.
8. Make available information packages
such as brochures and posters on food and nutrition to employees. You may also want to publish a company
cookbook to which employees can contribute their favorite healthy recipes.
9. Provide incentives for achieving goals
such as healthy behaviors and weight. This can be by way of extra time for
walking, discounts on health care premiums or even days off from work.
10. If funding support is not a problem,
corporate health club memberships offered by fitness centers where discounted
rates may be given to a number of employees.
Remember, creating
this healthy environment does not have to involve significant or expensive
changes.
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. (DOST-FNRI S&T
Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
Feature: Good nutrition from the start
By Idelia G. Glorioso
As new parents, you want to give the best to your baby.
The best start is through good nutrition. Good nutrition from the start or on
the baby’s first year is very important because it is a time of rapid growth
and development. Providing babies with the right foods will promote good health
and develop good eating habits.
It is a fact that mother’s milk is the ideal nourishment
for the first six months of life. Generally, at six months of age, the baby is
ready for solids or complementary foods but if you are not sure, test the
baby’s readiness to accept new foods by placing a teaspoon between the lips. If
the lips tend to close or the teaspoon is pushed away continuously, then your
baby is not yet ready. Don’t force your baby to eat.
The following indicates readiness to accept solids:
- when he
accepts food from a spoon without the tongue pushing the food out of his mouth,
- when he
is interested in foods when others eat,
- when he
is able to swallow ,
- when
your baby has doubled his birth weight, and
- when he
can sit on his own.
Here are some important points to keep in mind when
introducing solids to your baby’s diet:
(1) One at a
time – Introduce one new food at a time. Never start two new foods at the same
time. Let your baby get used to a new food for about three days before trying
out a new one. This will give you time to see if there is any allergic reaction
to your baby. It is also advisable to introduce new food to your baby during
breakfast or lunch to reduce the risk of allergic symptoms developing during
the night. Be sure to only give foods that are appropriate to your baby’s age.
(2) Take it in
Steps – Start with a small amount of any food – a teaspoonful or less then
gradually increase the amount – a tablespoonful or more. Use thin liquid purees
when starting solid foods then gradually shift to more solid and chunkier
meals. Make sure that your baby is able to cope comfortably with the new
texture.
(3) Keep it
Wholesome – Offer bland foods to your baby. Salt should not be added to your
baby’s food until the age of one as the baby’s kidneys cannot cope with salt.
Even after the age of one, only a little amount of salt should be added to the
food. Add little or no sugar to your
baby’s food. Too much sugar and sweets lead to tooth decay and encourage the
child to have a sweet tooth.
(4) Don’t
force your baby to eat – Don’t over-react if your baby doesn’t want to eat.
Maybe he/she doesn’t feel hungry. Don’t worry, he/she will make up for it next
time.
(5) Don’t
Forget the Basics – Always test the temperature of the food before you give it
to your baby. Be sure to pay attention to good personal hygiene practices when
preparing baby’s food. Wash your hands with soap and clean water before
handling baby’s food. Sterilize bowls and spoons used for feeding. Avoid giving
left-over foods to your baby, give only freshly cooked and freshly peeled
fruits.
Remember …… with proper feeding, your baby will grow
healthy and strong, be a source of pride and happiness to your family.
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. (PIA-Caraga)
