Cases of malnutrition in the country are increasing at an alarming rate. Undernutrition is not the only issue now, but pediatric overweight and obesity as well. Malnutrition may happen from pregnancy, infancy to toddlerhood.

Parents and soon-to-be-parents must know that good nutrition in the early stages of life will ultimately cause a positive effect in a child’s future. Therefore, preparing healthy meals and snacks is the key to a healthy body.

Pregnant mothers must only eat nutritious food as their babies rely on them for nourishment. To bear a healthy child, mothers must have a healthy diet, coupled with vitamins and the right amount of sleep. A baby’s development is entirely dependent on the mother before its birth.

When a baby is born, it is important to feed him with the mother’s milk. Breastfeeding is advised from infancy to toddlerhood. Breast milk and other healthy food are essential for the development of the child’s brain. Healthy eating, however, does not stop from there, so parents should prepare a healthy packed lunch for kids when they go to school.

In this light, the Nutrition Management Services and the Center for Developmental Pediatrics, both of The Medical City, aim to raise awareness by launching a poster making contest. Dubbed “TMC for kids: Healthy Eating Plate – A poster making contest on good nutrition,” the contest is open to middle school Grade 5 students). This contest is also in line with the Department of Health’s “Pinggang Pinoy” campaign.

Each school will submit five posters that show the students’ interpretation of a healthy plate based on DoH’s campaign or healthy plate campaign of the US. Participating schools include St. Paul College-Pasig, Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, La Salle Green Hills, and Immaculate Concepcion Academy.

Aside from the poster making contest, there will be a mini-lecture on topics such as proper nutrition, food options and picky eating. The lecture will be held during the school’s Parent-Teacher Assembly. Parents, school administrators and school canteen operators are encouraged to join the lecture.

The entries will be displayed at the lobby of The Medical City for at least two weeks, and will also be uploaded on the hospital’s Facebook page and website.

The top three winners will be announced on July 27 during the Lay Forum session on healthy eating during the celebration of Nutrition Week at The Medical City. All participants with parents or guardians and a school representative will be present during the event.

Winners will receive plaques, gift certificates and gift bags, while a special prize will be given to the entry with most likes on The Medical City’s Facebook page. The winning designs will be used by The Medical City for internal posters and educational materials.

The Medical City (TMC) is a world-class hospital healthcare organization with 48 years of experience in hospital operation and administration. With its main facility located along Ortigas Avenue, TMC boasts of experienced and esteemed medical experts of various fields with modern facilities that offer the highest standard of healthcare quality as accredited by the Joint Commission International, a prestigious accrediting body for international healthcare organizations.