Fruits play major role in the life and health of every individual. They contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals that nourish the body and serve as antioxidants. These antioxidants help boost the immune system and prevent the body from cancer. Also some of these vitamins and minerals help to release energy from carbohydrates and also help in red blood cells formation.
Inspite of all these benefits, many people do not prioritize the intake of fruits. An observation made during nutritional status assessment of pregnant women and children under five demonstrated, 75% of them did not take any fruit for the past two weeks.
In view of this, the nutrition department with support from management and staff organized a fruit day on the 17th of October, 2023 to create awareness of the importance of fruits and to encourage every individual to take at least three servings of fruits daily. This occasion is meant to be celebrated at least once every year.
In attendance were the Hospital Administrator, Medical Director, the Nursing Administrator, the Human Resource Manager and some staff of the hospital. Also pregnant women and children under five and their care takers who visited the facility were present. The Nutrition Unit took the opportunity to demonstrate how to prepare fruit juice using locally available fruits and the sample of the juice was shared to all the participants.The Fruit-Day has become part of the hospital’s calendar and will be celebrated every year.
