Eko Hot Blog reports that in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition for mothers and children aged six months and above, the Dietetic and Nutrition Department of the General Hospital Somolu organized a food demonstration at the hospital’s Immunization Ground as part of activities marking the 2024 World Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist Day.
The Medical Director/Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Dr. Babalola Dokun Ogungbemile, who declared the event open, applauded the department for its continuous emphasis and sustainability efforts on the need to eat well.
Ogungbemile, who restated the importance of farming to a farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, said, “Dieticians and nutritionists are committed to improving the health of their patients, clients, and communities around the globe.”
During the food demonstration, the Head of the Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Mrs. Olufunmilola Adewunmi, highlighted the issue of malnutrition in children due to mothers’ lack of knowledge on proper weaning practices.
“Many children become malnourished because most mothers do not know the right steps to take when the time comes for them to wean their children,” Adewunmi said while demonstrating the early introduction of semi-solid food for toddlers in the presence of mothers who brought their babies for immunization.
She advised that a combination of plant and animal protein cooked and blended with potatoes would be perfect for six-month-old babies.
Adewunmi discussed the theme of World Registered Dietitian-Nutritionists Day by enlightening the mothers on the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, imploring them to be conscious of the food they purchase for themselves and their babies in the market. She further encouraged them to go for whole and healthy fresh food items, avoiding withered vegetables, spoiled meat/fish, and mouldy/stale grains.
The Head of Department also spoke on unhygienic food preparation, enjoining mothers to maintain optimal hygiene when preparing complementary foods for their children. She maintained that an infant’s immune system is still developing, thus their foods must be free from contaminants to prevent infection and malnutrition.
“The way we start our lives nutritionally influences our long-term health. When babies are given a balanced diet, they will have the right nutrients to fight any infection,” Adewunmi said.
The event aimed to educate and empower mothers on the importance of proper nutrition, particularly during the crucial stages of their children’s growth and development.
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