Health Newsletter- October 2008

NUTRITION SIMPLIFIED

Reading and hearing about the health risks associated with the food we eat, one is tempted to think that the human race is indeed cursed.  This is so, because it is the food we like most, that is usually associated with the so-called lifestyle diseases, considered a serious threat to human life in these modern times.  As a result, we live in great fear of what we eat, because, more often than not, we cannot resist the temptation to eat what we like, in spite of the risks. 

That fear now belongs to the annals of history, after sharing invaluable information with a renowned nutritionist, Ms Grace Canada, who was the guest speaker at the Club’s Business Meeting of September.  It turns out that we can actually enjoy whatever food we like without exposing ourselves to the associated risks, by taking simple precautions.

Food clogging in our body systems is the beginning of the risks and should be minimized. It is important to feed your body with just as much food as is necessary to keep it functioning and healthy.  This can be done without necessarily ’counting the calories’, but by understanding the body requirements at different times.  Your breakfast should be laden with energy giving foods, preferably carbohydrates, since your body requires most of the energy during the day, when you are active.  Lunch, should be lighter and more balanced.  Body repairs usually take place at night when you are resting, hence your last meal should consist mainly of proteins, and should be light to minimize digestive activity that may make your sleep discomforting. But you may happen to be at a party and you end up feasting, and you are going to sleep after. Not to worry; now you have even a stronger reason to dance yourself lame, because all that carbohydrate load must be burned down before you retire to sleep, lest you have it stored, and may clog your body systems!  You can also have five light meals throughout the day and keep that waistline in shape.

We all (except vegetarians) crave for meat in different forms; and yes we can still have it all the time.  However, that meat is still tasty without the fat; so ensure it is trimmed off and the meat is lean. Drain the meat of all the blood as it may be carrying some diseases. And the chicken; no problem, but its taste is not about that skin and you wont have any worries if the skin is removed.  Sometimes the oil is necessary for a delicious meal, but use it sparingly and avoid oils that are solid at room temperature, such as coconut and palm oils.  Olive oil is the best.  And if you can’t miss the omelette, you can even have it everyday; but it is still an omelette even without the yolk, if you are to eat it without any worries.

You can get all your vitamins from fresh fruits and vegetables. Take supplements only on the doctor’s advice. Prepare your juice from fresh fruits rather than the packed juices that are laden with sugar and acidic preservatives.  Raw vegetables and fruits are good but must be avoided if you are HIV+ because they increase the risk of opportunistic infections.  This is also the case with meat that is not fully prepared.

By the way, exercises will do you good to avoid the clog and to remain healthy.  This can be as simple as walking around and stretching, and yes, hitting the dance floor! So cast your worries aside and enjoy your food with these simple precautions. Remember to have your food prepared from scratch if you can; you will realize processed foods aren’t necessary.

 

Health Alert!

Carbon Monoxide Strikes

In our health newsletter of August we highlighted the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. The New Vision newspaper of September 25 reported a clear victim of such poisoning. We bring you the story, pasted below, to demonstrate that this is a real danger so that we can help inform the public and those close to us to avoid exposure to the risk.

THE CLUB’S FIGHT AGAINST PREVENTABLE BLINDNESS

The Club held a medical camp at Kayunga Health Centre on 11th, 12th and 15th September and 104 people underwent cataract operations.

A total of 254 had been operated  in July and August; hence the total number to date is 358. This is an average of 120 operations per month, which is over the planned 100.

The next eye camp will be at a health centre in Bweyogerere on October 28th and 29th.

STOP PRESS! The medical camp in Kagadi will be held on November 8, 2008.  A second medical camp will be in Isingiro on February 28, 2009. The fundraising dinner for the health activities will be on October 10, 2008, 6:00PM at Grand Imperial Hotel.  Come, with friends, and support the club to achieve its goals for the year.

IPDG Ln. Shem Bageine receives his progressive MJF pin for his contribution towards CSFII