By Czarina Teresita S.
Martinez
FNRI-DOST S&T Media Services
Did
you know that contaminated food and water
are the usual sources of infection that cause diarrhea?
The Department of Health
(DOH) reported that a combination of diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumed
infectious origin is the third leading cause of death among children under five
years old.
The revised Nutritional
Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) recommends “consume safe foods and water to
prevent diarrhea and other food and water-borne diseases”.
The Nutritional Guidelines
for Filipinos was developed by nutrition experts led by the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).
The DOH further says diarrhea
can be prevented by drinking water from safe sources. Health Secretary Enrique
T. Ona says clear water is not necessarily safe to drink.
Boiling water kills almost
all potential germs.
Food should always be
properly prepared and cooked well. For instance, fruits and vegetables should
be washed thoroughly in clean water before eating or cooking.
Also, always cover food to
keep it safe from contaminants, insects and other pests. That is why the public
is encouraged to eat home-cooked foods.
Proper hygiene, such as
regular washing of hands before eating and after using the toilet, should also
be practiced.
Here are three things to
remember and practice: 1. washing of hands regularly; 2. drinking safe water;
and 3. eating clean foods to prevent diarrhea and other gastrointestinal
diseases.
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, E-Mail:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or mar_v_c@yahoo.com, Telefax: (02) 8372934,
(02) 8273164, or call (02) 8372071 local 2296 or visit our website:
http:www.fnri.dost.gov.ph
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