nutrition

On July 8, 2024, we proudly launched National Nutrition Month and Cleft Awareness Month with a dynamic and educational nutrition seminar at the Manila Cleft Care Center. This event attended by 17 patients and their families highlighted the crucial role of nutrition in the overall well-being of children with cleft conditions.

The seminar aimed to address the nutritional needs of patients with cleft conditions, offering valuable insights into how proper feeding practices, diet, and nutrition can significantly impact healing and quality of life.

Key Highlights of the Seminar:

1. Presentations: Topics covered included cleft identification, balanced diet planning, the importance of specific nutrients for recovery, and strategies for managing dietary challenges related to cleft conditions.

2. Workshops: Attendees participated in interactive workshops that provided practical tips on meal planning and food preparation. These sessions were designed to empower patients and their families with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed dietary choices.

3. Counselling: One-on-one consultations were offered, allowing participants to discuss the nutrition concerns of their child and receive tailored advice. This personalized approach ensured that each attendee will go home with appropriate techniques and knowledge on how to improve the nutritional status of their child.

4. Nutrition Kit Distribution. Attendees of the seminar were provided with valuable resources, including informative brochures, recipes, and nutrition kits containing items essential for food preparation. These resources were designed to support the guardians and caregivers as they implement the learned strategies at home.

Looking Forward

This seminar was a key event in our celebration of National Nutrition Month and Cleft Awareness Month, emphasizing our commitment to raising awareness and providing support for individuals with cleft conditions. By starting these important months with a focus on nutrition, we aimed to set the stage for continued education and advocacy throughout the year. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts to support patients and their families. We plan to host more educational events and provide ongoing resources to help individuals with cleft conditions thrive.

We extend our gratitude to the attendees and volunteers who made this seminar a success. Your participation and support play a vital role in enhancing the quality of care and promoting better health outcomes among children with cleft conditions.

Raising Awareness and Educating Families

The camp offered comprehensive information about cleft conditions, helping parents understand the importance of good nutrition in managing their child’s health and preparing for surgery.

Cooking Demonstration

A significant portion of the camp was dedicated to hands-on demonstrations of proper food preparation techniques. The parents and guardians were guided through the process of preparing balanced, nutritious meals tailored to the needs of children with cleft conditions. These practical sessions aimed to empower families with the skills needed to support their children’s health and recovery.

Provision of Nutrition Kits

In addition to educational sessions, each family received a nutrition kit packed with essential materials. These kits included resources such as nutritional guides, meal planning tips, and tools designed to help with food preparation. The goal was to ensure that families have the necessary support to create a conducive environment for their child’s pre-surgery preparation and recovery.

As the first event of its kind in the history of the organization in the Philippines, the nutrition camp sets a new standard for patient support programs. It addresses the immediate nutritional needs of children awaiting surgery and empowers their guardians to effectively manage their child’s dietary needs at home.

Operation Smile Philippines is committed to continue its efforts in supporting patients and their families as part of its comprehensive cleft care approach. The nutrition camp has laid a strong foundation for future programs aimed at enhancing the overall health and quality of life for children as they await their life-changing surgery.