INFANCY

              An infant is derived from the latin word infans meaning unable to speak or speechless. Infant is a very young offspring of a human. The term infant is a young child between the ages of 1 month to 2 years. A newborn or neonate from latin neonates refers to the new born infants in the first 28 days after birth, the term applies to premature infants, post mature infants and full term infants. Before birth, the term fetus is used.

Growth & Development during Infancy:

 The infant’s first year is the time of rapid growth, next to foetal period. Healthy child doubles his birth weight (3.2kg) by six months. The normal birth length of 50 to 55 cm increases by another 23 to 25 cm during the first year. At birth the child has 75 per cent water and 12 to 14 per cent fat.  By the end of one year the water content decreases to 60 per cent and fat increases to 24 per cent. Infants have rapid heart rate, 120 to 140 per minute. The haemoglobin level of a well nourish infant is 17 to 20 g. per 100 ml.  The increase in the number of brain cells is most rapid during foetal life and in the first 5 to 6 months after birth. 

Nutritional Requirement:    

·        Energy: Infants require 108 kcal/kg. body weight.
·        Protein:  protein intake is about 2g/kg body weight.
·        Essential Fatty Acids: Linoleic acid is the most important essential fatty acid for an infant.
·        Calcium and Phosphorus:  Rapid growth requires large amounts of calcium and phosphorus. Large percentage of calcium from breast milk is retained by the infant.
·        Iron: RDA of iron for an infant is 1mg./kg body weight starting from 3months.
·        Zinc: It is necessary for normal brain development.
·        Sodium: The smaller amount present in human milk is adequate.
·        Iodine: Goitre in mothers during pregnancy leads to children born as cretins.
·        Vitamins:  The infant should meet the necessary requirement of vitamins in the diet so as to maintain the growth and development of the child. Proper amount of vitamin A,B, C, D, E and K should be given so that the infant does not suffer from any deficiency diseases like scurvy, Beri-Beri, Rickets, Colour blindness etc. and so also not to suffer from any excess supplementations.

 As growth during infancy is rapid so also is the dietary requirement. Food provides the energy and nutrients that babies need to be healthy.

 Toddlers and Small Children:

Toddlers and small children will usually eat only small amounts at one time, but will eat frequently (4 - 6 times) throughout the day, so snacking is strongly encouraged.

Feeding tips:

• Feeding solids too early is not recommended and can result in overfeeding.
• Offer only one new food at a time. Offer the new foods for a few days. Watch for allergic reactions (hives, vomiting, diarrhea).
• Do not feed solids in a bottle.
• If your child dislikes the new food, try giving it again later.

SAFETY DURING MEALTIMES

• Feed the baby directly from the jar only if you use the entire jar contents, otherwise use a dish to prevent contamination with food-borne illness.
• Opened containers of baby's food should be covered and stored in a refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.
• Use a small spoon to feed the baby.
• A baby put to bed with a bottle (milk, fruit juice, or sweetened beverage) can develop bottle mouth, resulting in tooth decay. Use plain water if a bottle is necessary.
• Avoid foods that may cause the baby to choke -- popcorn, nuts, potato chips, whole kernel corn, berries, grapes, hot dogs, raw vegetables, raisins, dry flake cereals.

OTHER TIPS

• Water can be offered between feedings.
• Feeding sweets or sweetened beverages is not recommended, because they will spoil the appetite and contribute to tooth decay.
• Salt, sugar, and strong spices are not recommended.
• Caffeine products are not recommended (soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate).
• A fussy baby may need attention, rather than food.

                              

                                   

The word Nutrition is derived from ‘nutricus‘ which means to ‘suckle at the breast’.  Mother’s milk is a natural food for the infant which contains all the necessary requirements for the baby. The advantages can be considered under nutritional, immunological, psychological, economical and physiological and other factors.

Thus, “Breastfeeding is a natural “safety net” against the worst effects of poverty. If the child survives the first month of life (the most dangerous period of childhood) then for the next four months or so, exclusive breastfeeding goes a long way toward canceling out the health difference between being born into poverty and being born into affluence …. It is almost as if breastfeeding takes the infant out of poverty for those first few months in order to give the child a fairer start in life and compensate for the injustice of the world into which it was born.” ~James P. Grant, former Executive Director, UNICEF.

Infant and newborn

Food provides the energy and nutrients that babies need to be healthy. Breast Milk is the best for a baby because it has all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Infant formulas are available for babies whose mothers are not able or decide not to breastfeed.

Infants usually start eating solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age. If you introduce one new food at a time, you will be able to identify any foods that cause allergies in your baby. Some foods to stay away from include

• Eggs
• Honey
• Peanuts (including peanut butter)
• Other tree nuts

Breastfeeding offers many benefits to your baby. Breast milk contains the right balance of nutrients to help your infant grow into a strong and healthy toddler. Some of the nutrients in breast milk also help protect your infant against some common childhood illnesses and infections. It may also help your health. Certain types of cancer may occur less often in mothers who have breastfed their babies.

Women who don't have health problems should try to give their babies breast milk for at least the first six months of life. There are some cases when it's better not to breastfeed. If you have HIV or active tuberculosis, you should not breastfeed because you could give the infection to your baby. Certain medicines, illegal drugs, and alcohol can also pass through the breast milk and cause harm to your baby.

Providing a variety of foods will help to ensure enough vitamins and minerals. Toddlers do not grow as rapidly as babies do, so their nutritional needs relative to their size decrease during the second year of life. Although they continue to gain weight, they no longer double their weight as infants do.

Keep in mind, however, that toddlers are becoming more and more active as they learn to crawl and walk. Toddlers and small children will usually eat only small amounts at one time, but will eat frequently (4 - 6 times) throughout the day, so snacking is strongly encouraged.

Feeding tips:

• Feeding solids too early is not recommended and can result in overfeeding.
• Offer only one new food at a time. Offer the new foods for a few days. Watch for allergic reactions (hives, vomiting, diarrhea).
• Do not feed solids in a bottle.
• If your child dislikes the new food, try giving it again later.

SAFETY DURING MEALTIMES

• Feed the baby directly from the jar only if you use the entire jar contents, otherwise use a dish to prevent contamination with food-borne illness.
• Opened containers of baby's food should be covered and stored in a refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.
• Use a small spoon to feed the baby.
• A baby put to bed with a bottle (milk, fruit juice, or sweetened beverage) can develop bottle mouth, resulting in tooth decay. Use plain water if a bottle is necessary.
• Avoid foods that may cause the baby to choke -- popcorn, nuts, potato chips, whole kernel corn, berries, grapes, hot dogs, raw vegetables, raisins, dry flake cereals.

OTHER TIPS

• Water can be offered between feedings.
• Feeding sweets or sweetened beverages is not recommended, because they will spoil the appetite and contribute to tooth decay.
• Salt, sugar, and strong spices are not recommended.
• Caffeine products are not recommended (soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate).
• A fussy baby may need attention, rather than food.

ESSENTIAL & TRADITIONAL FERMENTED PRODUCTS OF MANIPUR

ESSENTIAL & TRADITIONAL FERMENTED PRODUCTS OF MANIPUR:

        Fermentation is a traditional preservation method. It refers to the breaking down of carbohydrate and carbohydrate like materials under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The organisms involved may be bacteria or molds.
               
        Fermented fish are highly popular in Northeast states of India and Bangladesh. 

        The Manipuri’s in the North East are very fond of fermented products like ngari, soibum, hawai-jar which is being used in every day to day life. It is a major food for the people of Manipur.

         

                Ngari is being used in various curry making purposes. People love the aroma and flavor in it. They are being so attached to this food that one can hardly make any food without it. This fermented fish is prepared by fermenting smaller freshwater fishes with mustard oil and salt. The dried fish are then tightly packed in a big clay urn which is made airtight. The urn is buried for 30-40 days. Ngari is roasted lightly prior to consumption, and then added in many Manipuri dishes, such as eromba, morok metpa, cham-thong or kang-soi , sing-ju etc.

SOME ADVANTAGES OF FERMENTATION ARE:

o   It improves the flavor and texture of the product.

o   Nutrients are increased like vitamins B and C.

o   Fermented products are easily digestible.

o It decreases the pH and inhibits the harmful micro-organisms.

o   Certain harmful substances like trypsin inhibitors and phytins are decreased during fermentation.

o      Variety in the diet.

o   It helps in prevention from plague, piles, constipation and certain other diseases.

o Rich in fibre which helps easy digestion and in constipation.
  

What kind of diet should older people consume?

What kind of diet should older people consume?

Adequate Nutrition and a well balanced diet are of vital importance in Old age so as to prevent and control the common hazards of Aging. Many factors like poor income, decreased mobility, social isolation and depression are known to affect the health and well being of the elderly. Under nutrition, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis have been identified as the most important and commonly prevalent nutrition related health problems in Old Age.

 As people grow older, they tend to become physiologically less active and therefore need fewer calories to maintain their weights. 

Pure ghee

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·       The daily intake of oil should not exceed 20 g.

  

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·       Use of ghee, butter, vanaspati and coconut oil should be avoided.

·       They need foods rich in protein such as pulses, toned milk, egg-white etc.

 The elderly population is prone to various nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, the elderly need nutrient-rich foods rich in calcium, micro-nutrients and fibre.

Apart from cereals and pulses, they need daily at least 200-300 ml of milk and milk products and 400 g of vegetables and fruits to provide fibre, micro-nutrients and antioxidants.

Inclusion of these items in the diet improves the quality of the diet and bowel function.

Flesh foods and eggs add to the quality of diet.

The diet needs to be well cooked, soft and less salty and spicy.

Small quantities of food should be consumed at more frequent intervals and adequate water should be consumed to avoid dehydration, hyponatraemia and constipation.

HOW TO REMAIN FIT AND ACTIVE?

Exercise is an integral part of maintaining healthy life.

It helps to regulate body weight. The risk of degenerative diseases is considerably decreased by regular exercise. Exercise schedule should be decided in consultation with a physician.

A must for a better and healthy living are:

o  EAT variety of nutrient-rich foods.

o  Match food intake with physical activity.

o  Eat food in many divided portions in a day.

o  Avoid fried, sweet, salty and spicy foods.

o  Consume adequate water to avoid dehydration.

o  Exercise regularly.

o  Avoid smoking, chewing of tobacco and tobacco products (Khaini, Zarda, Paan masala) and consumption of alcohol.

o  Check regularly for blood sugar, lipids and blood pressure after the age of 30years at least every 6 months.

o  Avoid self medication.

Adopt stress management techniques (Yoga and Meditation).

Thus, a healthy diet and proper health awareness should be ensured for the old and elderly people for a better and good life style. Also to be borne in mind is the fact that "Everyone of us has to reach this phenomenon of nature one day or the other, provided we are lucky enough."