National Nutrition week is celebrated every year from September 1 to 7. The theme of National Nutrition week 2014 is ” Poshak Aahar Desh ka Aadhar”. The main aim of this campaign is to create awareness on the importance of nutrition for health which has far reaching implications on development, productivity, economic growth and ultimately national development.
Malnutrition is defined as “a state of poor nutrition caused by insufficient or unbalanced diet”. It is one of the major health problems especially in developing countries. Malnutrition is estimated to contribute to more than one third of all child deaths .One out of three world’s malnourished children lives in India .Malnutrition has adverse effects on human health and development. It also results in loss of productivity and economic backwardness.
Nutrition is a focal point of health and well being. It allows you to be strong, provides you with the energy to do the things and makes you look and feel good. According to WHO, “Nutrition is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs”. Nutrition is an issue of survival, health and development for current and succeeding generations. Eating right is not merely meant for people who want to loose weight or want to get back in shape, it should be incorporated in everyone’s lifestyle to keep diseases at bay and stay fit.
As the saying goes, “you are what you eat”. Good nutrition combined with a regular physical activity is the cornerstone of good health. Healthy children learn better. People with adequate nutrition are more productive. On the other hand, poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased vulnerability to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity.
“Good nutrition prepares healthy individuals, it eventually leads to a healthy nation”.
