QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) capped off its celebration of Nutrition month in July to help promote healthful eating and physical activity habits among Filipinos.

Posted on its website, the DSWD said the nationwide annual event helped establish the value of having a good physical condition in each household by observing a healthy lifestyle.

This year, the DSWD Sanctuary Center (SC) joined in the annual celebration of wellness month with the theme: “New Normal sa Nutrisyon Sama-samang Gawan ng Solusyon."

While the country is still adjusting to the new normal, the staff and residents of SC came up with a unique celebration of nutrition month to promote fitness and health awareness in the facility.

The event commenced with a Nutri-Parade spearheaded by Ms. Loren May Oliva Nutritionist – Dietician of SC on July 4, 2022.

Joined by the dynamic residents and staff of the center, the participants paraded around the vicinity of the institution in their colorful costumes depicting fruits and vegetables while carrying freshly picked produce from in their backyard.

The center also organized a seminar that tackled the well-being of the residents, titled “Ways to be Healthy During Pandemic."

The activity educated residents that having an overall healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep, managing stress, and feeling good about themselves.

It also reminded them of their important role in preventing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus by maintaining proper hygiene, and regular hand washing along with observing physical distancing.

Further, on July 12, 2022, a poster-making activity was conducted and participated by several residents of the center. Participants who engaged in the event are encouraged to create a poster portraying ways to be healthy during the new normal.

A Zumba dance competition joined by four vigorous group dancers of the center was also conducted The dance activity focused on improving the self-esteem and creative skills of the participants which develops their discipline and social interaction.

The event ended with the awarding of the participants for the poster-making contest and Zumba dance competition. Ms. Oliva expressed her warm gratitude towards the success of the event, she also advised the residents and the staff to practice a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet and doing physical activities. All awardees as well as July Birthday Celebrants were given simple tokens by the Dietary Service.

The Department ensures that the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CFRCF) organize activities for the betterment of the residents by promoting healthy endeavors valuable for relieving anxiety and maintaining the good health of the beneficiaries. (DSWD/PIA-NCR)