AS part of its effort to curb the growing number of lifestyle diseases in the region, Department of Health (DOH) – CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) conducted a four training on “Nutrition Care Process (NCP)” for Registered Nutritionists-Dieticians (RNDs) of various government health facilities held at Ciudad Christhia Resort in San Mateo, Rizal from November 12-15, 2015.
“CALABARZON is among the regions with high incidence of lifestyle disease with diabetes listed as the highest, followed by cancer, renal diseases and hypertension which are related to unhealthy eating habits,” Regional Director Eduardo C. Janairo stated.
“The NCP is a systematic and effective way in providing high-quality nutrition care, it customizes an individual’s care, considers a patient’s needs and benefits using evidence-based decisions. The use of the NCP leads to more effective and efficient nutrition care, nutrition research and greater recognition of the role of nutritionists-dietitians in the primary health care,” he added.
“Given that RNDs are the gatekeepers of nutrition at the local level, it is important that they have the knowledge and skills to address the growing burden of lifestyle related diseases such as the evidence-based screening tools for diet assessment, how to consider nutrition and weight and most important is providing a dietetic referral and ensure that patients are receiving appropriate preventive care for optimum nutrition care.”
Republic Act No.10862 or the Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016 was enacted to regulate and standardize the practice of nutrition and dietetics in the Philippines, with a provision on Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) througl1the application of Nutrition Care Process (NCP) for purposes of disease prevention, treatment, and management.
The NCP includes nutrition assessment, nutrition diagnosis, nutrition intervention and nutrition monitoring and evaluation.
According to Dr. Marilou R. Espiritu, Regional Non-Communicable Disease Cluster Head, heathy diet is still the key in preventing lifestyle diseases. “It is best to start practicing healthy lifestyle at an early age. As parents, we can teach our children the importance of proper nutrition and healthy eating habits during their growing years so that they can practice it throughout their lives.
“The regional office will conduct two more batches to cover the target of 150 registered nutritionists-dieticians of the region to have a better understanding about the effectiveness of nutrition care and to identify ways to enhance success of future nutrition interventions,” she emphasized. |-BALIKAS News Network
