Hoshiarpur: National Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1st to 7th with the aim of raising awareness about balanced diets, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyles. Various awareness activities are being organized by the Health Department in this regard.
Following the guidelines of Civil Surgeon Dr. Mandeep Kamal, an awareness camp was organized today at Civil Hospital, Hoshiarpur, under the leadership of Senior Medical Officer Dr. Neha Pal, centered on the theme "Nutritious Diet for Everyone." District Immunization Officer Dr. Seema Garg and District Family Welfare Officer Dr. Ranjeet Singh were specially present on the occasion. Staff from the Health Department, including Pediatricians Dr. Harnoorjit Kaur, Dr. Supreet Kaur, and Dr. Ranveer Kaur; Gynecologists Dr. Manjari Arora and Dr. Parvaz; District Mass Media Officer Mrs. Ramandeep Kaur; and ANMs Harninder Kaur and Manisha, also attended the event.
District Immunization Officer Dr. Seema Garg stated that, alongside a nutritious diet, timely vaccination is crucial for the healthy development of children. Parents should ensure their children receive all vaccines according to the prescribed schedule. She added that breast milk is the best possible nutrition for a child after birth.
District Family Welfare Officer Dr. Ranjeet Singh emphasized that focusing on nutrition right from pregnancy is essential for the health of both mother and child. Pregnant women should consume a balanced diet and take iron, calcium, and folic acid supplements as advised by the Health Department. He urged families to shun nutritional myths and adopt scientifically backed information.
Pediatrician Dr. Harnoorjit Kaur stated that breast milk constitutes a complete diet for an infant from birth up to six months of age. Therefore, mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months and introduce age-appropriate complementary foods alongside breast milk after that period. She explained that the objective of the Poshan Abhiyan is to prevent malnutrition and anemia in children, improve the health of underweight children, and control anemia among women.
Gynecologist Dr. Manjari Arora advised pregnant women to consume a diet rich in iron, calcium, folic acid, and protein. She recommended including fresh fruits, green vegetables, milk, curd, pulses, and grains in their daily diet while avoiding oily, spicy, and junk foods.
District Mass Media Officer Mrs. Ramandeep Kaur stated that nutrition should not be limited to 'Nutrition Week' alone but should be made a part of daily life. She urged people to pay special attention to the diets of children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, and to adopt accurate, scientific nutritional information instead of relying on superstitions.