September 2019 being celebrated as Poshan Maah: the month of Nutrition

September 2019 being celebrated as Poshan Maah: the month of Nutrition

The entire month of September 2019 is being celebrated as the Rashtriya Poshan Maah. This year the theme is Complementary Feeding. Prime Minister’s Overreaching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment – POSHAN Abhiyaan is a multi- ministerial convergence mission with the vision to address malnutrition with a targeted approach by 2022. Poshan Maah is an initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development and NITI Aayog to give a push to Poshan Abhiyan.

During Poshan Maah, activities like Prabhat Pheri, Poshan Melas, Nukkad Nataks, School Based Events will be held to take the message of importance of nutrition to every household. It focuses on 8 themes: (1) Antenatal Care, (2) Optimal Breastfeeding, (3) Complementary Feeding, (4) Anaemia, (5) Growth Monitoring, (6) Girls-education, diet, right age of Marriage, (7) Hygiene & Sanitation, (8) Food Fortification.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding are the most nutritionally demanding times. Consume balanced meals with a variety of fruits & vegetables, whole grains, protein & dairy products for wholesome nutrition. Breastfeeding offers numerous #health benefits to a mother & her baby. Reduced #diarrohea episodes in the breastfed child by half is one of those. Mothers should follow IYCF norms. The child & mother should both consume nutrient-dense diets for optimum growth & holistic development. The first 1000 days are a critical window of opportunity.

Proper nutrition at any age is essential, but it becomes even more important in childhood. Parents & guardians must ensure that their child eats a balance of nutrients.

Nutrition is an important determinant of growth spurts in adolescents. Through a balanced diet rich in essential micronutrients, growth retardation in adolescents can be avoided.

Adult diet should be well balanced & must include right amount of all types of food.

#EatRightIndia Nutrition Tips ~

– Don’t skip meals

– Take 3 main meals

– breakfast, lunch & dinner

– Exercise thrice/wk for a fit body

– Say NO to high fat, salt & sugar

Nutritional needs of the elderly are influenced & modified by long standing food habits among other factors. Adequate nutrition & a well balanced diet is vital to prevent & control the effects of ageing.