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This September was ‘iron deficiency month’ for the Live Strong with Iron campaign, as campaign stakeholders used popular radio platforms in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi to educate Ghanaians about the prevalence of the deficiency. iron, simple solutions and real life stories. of people with the condition.
When the month-long discussion came to an end; the team recapitulated what was discussed in recent weeks. Pregnant women against their mother-in-law insist that she increase her iron level by eating foods rich in iron; the child Kojo, whose mother was concerned that he was not growing well; and adolescent Ama, who due to her desire to be a celebrity was reducing her food intake to suit the celebrity lifestyle.
This week’s show gave listeners an opportunity to speak on the phone with their amazing questions about iron deficiency for panelists to help address.
The climax of some of the questions was: What happens to the iron overload? How can you tell that your baby’s iron level is low? What are some of the effects of iron deficiency? Can the campaign message be spread in rural areas?
The resident panelists, as usual, did a fantastic job with their iron deficiency education.
For pregnant women, eating iron-rich foods and iron-fortified foods is essential, as it helps the body produce more blood. This is very important for expectant moms because they need extra blood throughout the pregnancy for themselves and their growing baby. Adequate iron also reduces the frequent tiredness during pregnancy.
Reiterating iron for babies, they summarized that breastfeeding is very important for their development. After the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding when mothers begin to wean, they should ensure that they include foods rich in iron and fortified foods to safeguard the proper growth and development of the child. They should also continue to breastfeed for up to two years and as long as possible after introducing complementary foods.
In adolescents, iron needs increase to fuel their growth and physical development. In particular, it is a critical nutritional period for adolescent girls because they need higher levels of iron to replace the blood lost during menstruation. Without this, they can develop iron deficiency anemia.
In answering the question about the effects of iron deficiency anemia, frequent headaches, tiredness, fatigue, cold, shortness of breath, brittle nails, restlessness, poor concentration, loss of appetite were cited.
The panellists highlighted that iron deficiency is a serious public health problem. It is a common nutritional condition; 4 out of 10 women of childbearing age and 6 out of 10 children under the age of 5 are iron deficient.
Strategies to prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia include promoting an adequate nutritional lifestyle; eat iron-rich foods and fortified foods that are readily available and affordable, such as green leafy vegetables, agushie, nuts, beans, red meat, chicken, and fish, among others. Also packaged foods fortified with iron such as cereals, powdered milk, drinks and spices, among others. In addition, taking fruits with vitamin C, such as oranges, right after meals, helps our body absorb more iron from food.
The panelists gladly signed on to the program, as they emphasized that for all those at risk of iron deficiency, diet is critical, therefore the foods they eat should provide enough iron that is sufficient for the body to meet its needs. needs during this special period of your life. lifetime.
Panelists included Naana Anane Adjei, Registered Dietitian, Madam Mavis Gyasi, Senior Dietitian at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Ms. Efua Owusu-Ansah, Senior Dietitian at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and Oheneyere Gifty Anti, a renowned TV presenter. and an influencer for the campaign.
They encouraged all Ghanaians to take action today by eating iron-rich foods to Live strong with iron.
Nestlé brings you the campaign.
