OVERVIEW OF DRUG PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA
Within the last decade, the
involvement of our youths in drug abuse sub-cultivate has taken a wide and
frightening dimension studies conducted by the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA) from inception till date revealed that adolescents and youths of
both sex and between the ages of 13-35 years constitute the high-risk group for
drug abuse in our society. Also the Rapid Situation Assessment of Drug problem
in Nigeria
conducted by NDLEA in collaboration with the united Nations Office for Drugs
and Crimes (UNODC) revealed that the vulnerable groups for drug abuse include
students, the unemployed, artisans (craftsman), commercial sex workers, long
distance drivers, and street children.
An evidence has shown that the youths
of Ebonyi state are involved in drug abuse between 2008 and 2010, about 619kg
of cannabis were seized, while about sixty one (61) drug dependent persons were
counseled and rehabilitated. In the year 2011, about 293kg of cannabis, 16g of
Heroin and 6g of cocaine were seized, while about 21 drug dependent persons
were counseled.
It is a known fact that the future of
any society depends largely on the quality of her youths. It is therefore highly
regrettable that our youths are exposed to the dangers inherent in drug abuse
in their formative years. This calls for serious concern and intervention from
all and sundry.
In the early eighties, some unpatriotic
Nigerians entered the international scene of trafficking in narcotics drugs.
The spate of arrests of Nigerians abroad for illicit drug trafficking,
increased number of drug abusing youths and the growing public outcry resulted
in the enactment of Decree 48 of 1989, which established the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Basically, the agency is charged with the dual responsibility
of (1) controlling the supply of and (2) reducing the demand for narcotics drugs
and psychotropic substances in Nigeria.
These two main objectives are in consonance with the theory of Demand and
supply, which states that without demand, there would be no supply.
Meaning of Some Key Words:
Let us know the
meaning of some key words
DRUG: Drug is defined as any chemical substance
which when taken into the body affects one’s mood, behaviour and/or state of
mind. In other word, any substance that changes the way the body or mind
functions (the way someone feel, think, see, taste, smell, hear or behave) is a
drug. By this definition, drug is all encompassing, ranging from the socially acceptable
drugs (alcohol, caffeine and Nicotine) through prescription drugs (Amphetamine,
Lexotan, valium) to the illicit drugs (Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana).
DRUG ABUSE: Drug
is abused:
Ø
When it is not medically necessary.
Like some of us who take Panadol, vitamin C etc anyhow when it is not necessary
Ø
When it is excessively used as in the
case of socially acceptable drugs such as alcohol and cigarette. Therefore the
use of any drug in a manner that deviates from medically approved way of use
constitutes an abuse.
PSYCHOACTIVE DRUGS: These are drugs that
when used exert major action on the brain thereby producing such effects as
sedation, stimulation, and change in mood or behaviour. Such drugs possess
habit forming properties which can lead to dependency.
ILLICIT DRUG: These are drugs that are prohibited by
the law. Prohibition include the manufacture, cultivation, possession, sale and
use of such drugs. Examples of such are cannabis, cocaine and heroin.
LICIT DRUG: These are drugs that are not under any
form of legal prohibition for example alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs.
PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG YOUTH
IN NIGERIA
TOBACCO: Tobacco is the dried leaf of tobacco plant
and it is in different forms, for instance cigarette, pipes, snuff and cigar.
It has different street names such as feg, cigar, stick, and taba. The most
powerful ingredient in tobacco is Nicotine, which is an additive substance.
Tobacco is socially acceptable and easily available and it is the most common
drug of abuse by youths especially students.
ALCOHOL: Alcohol is widely and commonly abused by
youths and adults. Alcohol comes in different forms and it is the psychoactive
ingredient in beer, whisky, spirit, wine,lighor and locally brewed alcolohl
beverages such as palm wine, pito, barikutu kwaya and ogogoro. The effects of
alcohol are similar to all other substances of abuse as it affects the central
nervous system ( C N S). alcohol is readily available and tolerated. Youths
indulge in alcohol consumption so as to belong to a group and or to be seen as
sociable.
SEDATIVES AND DEPRESSANTS:
substances in this category depresses the central nervous system by slowing
down the activity of the brain. These substances are often medically prescribed
but are abased for their intoxicating effect. Examples are valium, and Librium.
STIMULANTS:
stimulants are used medically but have a high abuse potential. In this class
are substances such as cocaine, amphetamine and related substances like
Ritadin, and Methedrine. Amphetamine such as prophus has found favour with students particularly
during examination period in order to keep awake at night. Students refer to it
as pep pills or superman pills.
CANNABIS (INDIAN HEMP):
cannabis remain the only illicit drug cultivated in Nigeria. Studies show that youth
between the ages of 12-35 years were admitted into mental health hospitals
because of history of cannabis abuse. Cannabis has both stimulating and
depressing effects. The most active ingredient in cannabis is tetra- hydro
cannabin which makes the user high. It has several street names such as Igbo,
stone, weed, wee- wee, Garja, Grass, Marijuana, Pot, Kaya, and Morocco.
NARCOTICS:
Narcotics refer to a wide range of chemical substances used clinically to
decrease pain but have a very high abuse potential. They include heroin ,
morphine, pethidine and other morphine likes substances common of them all. It
is usually in powder form and may be white or dark brown. Heroin can be injected
, inhaled or smoked. Some of the street names include Big H, Heroin is made
from opium poppy plant cultivated in Asian countries of Burma, Lois
Afghanistan Thailand, India,
and Pakistan.
VOLATILE SOLVENT (INHALANTS):
these are diverse group of chemical substances which produce psychoactive
vapour that can be sniffed or inhaled. The vapour goes straight from the nose
or mouth to the brain, heart, and lung. They include household products such as
acrosols, gasoline, glue, gum, petrol dye, nail polish removers, insecticides,
hair spranys, deodorants, rubber solution and so on. Rubber solution is a
common substances of abuse among artisans including mechanics
ANABOLIC STEROIDS :these
are synthetic compounds used in enhancing muscle development and strength in
sporting activities particularly by football players, weight lifters track and
field athletes. They include Donabol Androl, winstrol, and oreton . youths take
steroids for the false notion that the substance enhances performance.
HALLUCIONGENS :these
are diverse group of substances that consistently produce changes in thought,
perception and mood. Under the inherence of Halluiciongens the senses of
direction distance and time are distorted. Hallucinogens include L S D (lysergic acid diethylamide) mescaline and
phencyclidine (PCP )
UNCONVENTIONAL DRUG:
there are number of local substance which are not under any local or
international control. They are abused for their effects that are similar to
the conventional drugs. Such substances include excreta of lizard, paw- paw
leaves, vapour from pit toilet etc
PREDISPOSING FACTORS
WHY DO PEOPLE ABUSE DRUGS?
Common
causes for drug abuse in Nigeria
are
a. peer group pressure: characterized by the
desire to be accepted among friends and or in social circles.
B social
pathologies. Such as unemployment and parental deprivation
C Emotional and psychological stresses,
such as anxitety, frustration, and economic depression people always take drug
or drink alcohol in order to forget their problem when they are provoked.
d. the desire to achiever success I a competitive word. Youth take
performance enhancing substances in order to out wit others in sporting
activities.
e. Warped (Materialistic) value system in
the society such as craves to get rich quick.
F. Availability of drugs: increased
availability of drugs has been associated with increased usage.
h. Personality defects which refers to low
salt esteem, low motivation arising from disturbed developmental and
environmental factors such as broken homes lack of adequate drug sub- culture:
A situation where the parents are drugs abusers. Because there is an Igbo adage
that says ‘ Nne Ewu n ata alihia, nwa ya n ele ya anya n onu”
j. Ignorance: ignorance has been found as a
predisposing factor to drug abuse among young people.
k. Need for excitement: just for the fun of
it
l. Advertisement: youth are sensitive to
advertisement and copy quickly. The glamour in advertising alcohol and
cigarette smoking make the youth want to be the way the advert depicts
SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE:
How do you know that some one is abusing drugs?
a. Drug paraphernalia:
-
Possession of drug- related paraphernalia such as pips, rolling papers, small
decongestant bottles.
-
Possession of drug, peculiar plant or butts, seeds, or leaves In ashtrays or
clothing pocket.
-Odour
of drugs, smell of in cense or other
“Cover up” Scents.
b. Identification with drug culture:
-
Drug –related magazines, slogans on clothing
-Hostility
in discussing drugs.
c. Signs of physical Deterioration:
-
Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in concentration
-
Poor physical, slurred or incoherent speech unhealthy appearance, indifference
to hygiene and grooming.
-Bloodshot
eyes, dilated pupils.
d. Changes in Behaviour.
-Distinct
downward performance I school or work place
-Increased
absenteeism, chronic dishonesty, lying, cheating, stealing.
-Changing
of friends, evasiveness in talking about new ones
-
Increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility irritability, secretiveness.
-
Reduced motivation, self- discipline, low self- esteem.
CONSEQUENCES AND IMPLICATION OF DRUG
ABUSE ON THE INDIVIDUAL FAMILY AND THE SOCIETY
The
implication of drug abuse on the individual, family and the society is quite
enormous and include the following.
PHYSICAL EFFECTS:
Drug abuse damages the central nervous system that is the major organs of the
body thereby resulting to brain damage, Liver damage, damage to respiratory organs,
excessive heartbeat, hypertension, chronic bleeding damage to unborn babies,
and premature death. Drugs also weaken and or destroy the immune system making
the users susceptible to opportunistic diseases.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS: Drug
abuse causes sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, psychoses, craving desire,
withdrawal symptoms, disorder of thinking, illusion, hallucination, impaired
judgenent , memory impairment and invariably premature death.
SOCIAL EFFECTS: The
family is the basic institution in any society and the abuse of drug by any
member of the family has the potential of shattering the unity of the family .
Where will be neglect and possible violence, such as wife battering, rape,
murder etc. Drug abuse brings about the risk of loosing the quality of
education in any society. Let us take a look at cultism in the Nigeria
Educational system. It has been reported that most cult members are involved in
drug abuse leading to violence and terror on the community Drug abuse creates
social problems ranging form truancy to delinquency among our youths to family
disintegration and destitution, Drug abuse youths are used to things and paid
assassins by politicians. Drug abuse brings about communal crisis, accidents on
our read, home and at work place. Young girls under the inherence of drugs
parade themselves at night as prostitutes thereby exposing the much dreaded HIV/AIDS.
In the same way, a drug abuse is
likely to disperse with the amoral values of the society, and consequently his
religious values.
ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES:
The labour force is threatened as youth who ought to have engaged in productive
activities are infested with drugs. Drug abuse brings about industrial losses,
loss of job and deterioration in workers productivity. This in turn affects the
development of the economy. Also drug abuse create environment not conducive
for investment and consequently retards economic growth and development of
nation.
EXTRA- BUDGETARY SPENDING:
The economic impact of drug abuse also manifest in the health budget of any
society. Drug control is a very costly venture. Nations all over the word are
spending Lange sum of money to fight drug trafficking and abuse with little
success. The national health budget especially on drug abuse related projects/
programmers is on the increase and difficult to maintain. This is because
increased funding is required for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug
dependent persons at the detriment of other sectors of the economy.
CRIME RATE:
It is a know fact that drugs aggravate the crime rate within any particular
society. Abuse of drug brings about armed robbery which in most cases results
in murder, assassination, assault and rape. Observation and interrogation of
arrested criminals revealed that they relied on hard drugs to execute their
devilish activities.
DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION:
WHILE THE Government has set the ball
rolling by establishing a body charged with the responsibility of controlling
the supply and demand for drugs in Nigeria, Drug abuse prevention in
our society is everybody’s business and not the responsibility of the
government alone. The entire community made up of the family, parents,
political office holders, religious and community leaders, teachers, students,
professionals etc should be involved in drug abuse prevention.
Before looking at the way forward, let
us have a look at some of the programmes put in place by the government.
The drug demand reduction Directorate
of the NDLEA is saddled with the statutory responsibility of initiating
policies and programmes aimed at reducing the demand for drugs. In order to
achieve this objective, the following programmes are in place.
> Data
Collection and Research: Data are collected
from patients on admission at the treatment centres for drug related problems
and suspected traffickers in NDLEA pre trial cells across the country. These
data were analyzed and produced as Annual Research Reports (1999-Date), while
the findings serve as baseline in the initiation of culturally relevant
intervention measure.
> Collaboration
with NGOS/Other Stakeholders:
The
NDLEA Collaborates with Governmental/Non Governmental Organizations involve in
the prevention of drug abuse an has evolved excellent working relationship.
Also a comprehensive Register of NGO in DDR has been compiled.
> Drug
Awareness Programmers: In order to sensitive and create awareness to the
general populace and especially the youths, Lectures, Drama competition, Anti
Drug talk on television and Radio, work place Drug Awareness Programme,
Seminars, workshops, conferences etc are organized.
> School
Based Programmes: Having
realized that youths are the vulnerable group in drug abuse and trafficking
subculture, series of youth programme aimed at giving factual information are
put in place for instance: Preventive Drug Education was infused into the
school curricular at the primary and secondary school levels of education. Drug
Free Clubs were launched in Primary and Secondary Schools across the country.
Anti drug abuse and trafficking lectures are delivered in schools across the
country.
> Treatment
referral and rehabilitation of drug dependent persons: In the light of the
above, drug dependent persons were counseled and re-integrated back to their
families and the larger societies while those with manifestations of physical
symptoms where refereed to treatment centres.
> Printing
& Distribution of Public Enlighment Materials:
Also
enlighten materials in form of posters, handbills, stickers, notebooks,
T-shirts, Face caps, with anti drug illustrations are distributed during
programmes, and to NGOS as a form of support.
THE WAY FORWARD
* Government commitment: The government must
show strong commitment and increased interest in the prevention of the drug
scourge. Drug abuse prevention activities should be sufficiently captured when
preparing budget and allocating fund. Fund should be allocated for sustainable
drug abuse prevention programmes in view of the fact that there is strong
relationship between drug abuse and all other societal vices.
> Initiation
of Policies and Programmes:
Greater emphasis must be placed at
policies and programmes aimed at reducing the use/abuse of drugs. For instance,
initiation of relevant intervention programmes such as enlighten and
sensitization programmes geared at different target groups especially the
youths.
> Counselling,
treatment and Rehabilitation of drug dependent person:
Drug abuse is a health problem and as
such drug dependent persons must be helped to stop the use and or abuse of
drugs by way of referral for treatment, provision of counseling and
rehabilitation centres for their reintegration to their families and the larger
society.
> Intensive
Drug Education: Preventive Drug education by way of giving factual
information on the dangers inherent in drug abuse should be carried out
targeting youths in schools, principals, teachers, counselors, school
administrators etc.
> Reporting
Drug Dealers to Appropriate Authorities: Availability of
drugs has been mentioned as predisposing factor to drug abuse, so any person
caught as a drug dealer should be reported to the appropriate authorities for
necessary action.
> Provision
of Employment opportunities by the government: Government should make a provision for employment
especially for our youths, since majority of them involve themselves in most of
the social vices mentioned before due to lack of job. Creating job
opportunities will go a long ay in preventing drug abuse because theme is an
adage that says “An idle mind is a Devil’s workshop”
* Community
Mobilization: This will imply “to mobilize human and material resources of
our communities in order to reduce the incidence of drug abuse and trafficking
and its devastating consequence thus communities and other social problems generated
by drug abuse.
* Parent
role Models: Parents
have a major role to play in the prevention of drug abuse among the youth in
our society. Parents must live by example. A parent that is involved in drug
abuse/ drug trafficking has no moral right or justification to ask a child not
to.
* Parents
must be knowledgeable about the drug issue: Parent should inculcate drug abuse resistance
behaviour to the youth by teaching them how to say No when offered drugs.
Information, educative, and communicative materials on drugs should be provided
to the youths.
* Parent should from the habit of spending
time with their children and wards. It has been realized that parents hardly
spend time with their children behaviour.
* Organization
of community based workshops and seminar, making youths the target audience.
CONCLUSION
There
is no doubt that a society confronted with drug abuse menace is likely to
experience very serious social, political, economic and physical consequence.
It is our collective responsibility to tight the problems. I therefore appeal
on everybody to join hands and also pray always for our youth that God will
continue to direct them on the right way to follow and also to adhere to
instructions on anti-drug abuse. For this will bring greater enlistment in our
societies and nations.
TOPIC:
CLASSES OF FOODS AND TYPES OF FOOD FOR VARIOUS AGES
INTRODUCTION: Our nutritional needs changes with different
life stages. To be fit and healthy therefore, it is important to take into
account the extra demands placed on our bodies by these changes or stages.
The foods we eat contain chemical substances
called nutrients, these nutrients gives us energy, support growth, and help
build and repair our body tissues.
Nutrients also play important roles in
numerous metabolic functions in the body.
To meet your body’s regular
nutritional needs therefore, you should consume
-
A wide variety of nutritious foods.
-
Take plenty of water on a daily basic.
-
Take enough carbohydrate foods for
energy.
-
Adequate protein for cell maintenance and
repairs.
-
Take fat-stubble and water-stubble
vitamins
-
Essential minerals such as iron,
calcium, zinc, and foods containing plants-demised photochemical which may
protects against Heart diseases, Diabetes, some cancers, arthritis and
osteoporosis. A variety of diet that concentrates on fruits, vegetables, whole
grain, Legumes, dairy foods and lean meats can meet these basic requirement.
Food: Food is any substance usually of
animals or plants origin, consumed to provide nutritional support for the body,
in an effort to produce energy, maintain life or/and stimulate growth.
Classes of Foods: Basically
there are of classes of food namely:
> Carbohydrate
> Protein
> Fat
> Vitamins
> Minerals
> Water, and
> Fibre
1. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are organic
compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are the body’s
preferred source of fuel (energy), for muscles, brain, and nerrous system.
Plants are the major sources of carbohydrate and they are eventually broken
down to glucose in the digestive tract, then convened to glycogen, and stored
in the muscles and liver. The body can store about 350g of glycogen and once
storage capacity his been reached, extra carbohydrates are converted to fat and
stored as/in adipose tissue.
Example of foods
rich in carbohydrates are; pride, bread, potatoes, flour, and sugar, etc.
Carbohydrate is
basically divided into 3 groups.
1. Monosaccharide
- Glucose
- Fructose
- Galactose
2. Disaccharides
- Maltose
(Glucose + Glucose)
- Sucrose
(Glucose + Fructose)
- Lactose
(Glucose + Galactose)
3. Polysaccharide
- Starch
- Cellulose
- Glycogen
2. PROTEINS: Proteins are organic compound containing carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.
Proteins are made
up of amino acids that are essential for growth, maintenance and repairs of
body tissue and other vital processes. Proteins are needed for the formation of
enzymes, hormones, hemoglobin and antibodies.
There are 20 amino acids eight of
which are said to be essential because they are gotten directly from foods.
Foods from animal sources like meat, eggs, fish and dairy etc contain all eight
essential amino acids and are said to be complete proteins. Plants contains
some amino acids, but rarely contain all eight essential amino acids.
Sources: Milk, eggs,
chicken, fish, and bean curd etc.
3. FATS
Fats also contain compound like
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
They are usually
found under the skin or around adipose tissue. Fats are made up of fatty acids
that help to regulate blood pressure, inflammation and blood clothing. Fats
provide energy and helps absorbed or transports fat-soluble vitamins, like
vitamins, A,D,E and K.
Fats are necessary for hormone production,
insulation and protection of vital organs. Fats are obtained form both animal
and plants-sources. Excess fats in the body are stored as adipose tissue.
4. Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that
come from plants, and are considered micronutrients because the body needs them
in small amounts. Humans get vitamins either directly form plants, or by eating
animals who have eaten plants. Vitamins are subcategorized as fat-soluble
vitamins are A,D,E and K and can be stored
in the body, but can be toxic if ingested in excessive amount.
Water-soluble
vitamins are B and C, they an flushed out of the system if not needed and must
be replenished. On a regular basis. Vitamins supports a number of metabolic
functions in the body.
|
Types
|
Sources
|
Functions
|
Deficiency diseases
|
|
A
|
Milk, butter, egg yolk carrot, tomato,
green vegetables.
|
- Night vision.
- Health skin.
|
- Night blindness.
- Skin defection.
|
|
B
|
Feast, Eggs,
Liver.
|
- Releases energy from
carbohydrates.
- Healthy nervous system.
- Formation of red blood cells.
|
- Beri-beri.
- Anemia.
|
|
C
|
Fresh fruits and
vegetables.
|
- Healing of wounds
- Resistance to disease
|
- Rickets (soft
bone
and dental decay).
|
|
D
|
Butter, Fish
oils, Eggs.
|
- Strong bones and teeth.
|
|
|
E
|
Cereals, Green
vegetables.
|
- May be needed for reproduction.
- Helps to fight against disease.
|
- Sterility
|
|
K
|
Milk, butter, Egg
yolk, carrof tomatoes, green vegetable.
|
- Clotting of blood
|
- Prolonged bleeding
|
MINERALS
Minerals are
organic compound needed in the body in small amount for healthy growth and
development.
|
S/NO
|
MINERALS
|
Sources
|
Functions
|
Deficiency diseases
|
|
1
|
Calcium
|
Cheese, milk egg, green vegetables.
|
- Strong bones and teeth,
- Blood clothing.
- Muscles and nerves
activities.
|
- Rickets,
osteoporosis.
- Prolonged bleeding,
- Muscles cramps.
|
|
2
|
Sodium
|
Table salt cheese, meat.
|
- Maintains body fluids.
- Proper functioning of nerves.
|
- Muscle cramps.
|
|
3
|
Iron
|
Meat, eggs, green vegetable.
|
- Needed to form hemoglobin
in red blood cells.
|
- Anemia.
|
|
4
|
Iodine
|
Seafood, iodized salt.
|
-
Needed to make hormones
of
the thyroid gland.
|
- Goiter.
|
|
5
|
Phosphorus
|
Egg, meat, milk, cheese, vegetable.
|
- Strong bones and teeth.
- Muscles contrition,
- Stores energy
|
- Rocket,
- Weakness of the
bloody.
|
|
6
|
Potassium
|
Meat, Nuts, Bananas
|
- Maintains body fluids,
- Proper functioning of nerves.
- Regulation of heart beat.
|
- Muscle weakness,
- Paralysis.
|
6. Water
Water is fundamental to human health,
it makes up over 70% of our body mass. Beside being part of the body tissue,
water transports Oxygen and nutrients to and waste products from body cells.
Water helps to regulates body temperature and facilitates digestion of food.
Because water is continually being
lost form the body through sweat; urine, faeces and breath, it must be
continually be replamished.
Water is gotten from foods, beverages,
and drinking water.
7. FIBRE
- Fibre is also known as roughage
- Fibre
is made up of cellulose form plant cell walls.
- Fibre
cannot be digested in the body but they holds a lot
of
water so that our faeces remains soft and can be pass easily form the body.
- Fibre
prevent Genstyation.
TYPES OF FOODS FOR VARIOUS AGES
BABIES (FROM BIRTH TO SIX MONTHS) & INFANTS.
Infants usually double their length
and triple their weight between birth and one year of age. Breast milk
generally supplies a baby with the required amounts of nutrients, fluids, and
energy up to about six months of age. It is therefore recommended that infants
be exclusively breastfed up to around six months of age.
Breast milk is preferred to infant
formular where possible, as it contains many protective and immunological
factors that benefit the babies development.
Fruit juice is not recommended for
infants under the age of six months.
Breast milk of correctly prepared
infant formular provides enough water for a healthy infant to replace any water
losses, However, all infants needs extra water once solid foods are introduced.
SIX 10 12 MONTHS OF AGE (WEANING PERIOD)
Semi-solid to solid
foods should begradually introduced around six months of age to melt the
infants increasing nutritional and developmental needs.
However, breastfeeding should continue
until twelve months of age and beyond, or for as long as the mother and child
desire.
As a baby is gradually weaned from the
breast or bottle and new solids are introduced, there may be reduced body store
of irons. To maintain nutrient’s body store, therefore give the baby foods that
are rich in iron and zinc such as iron-enriched infant cereals,, pureed meats and poultry distress, cooked plain
tofic and legumes/soy beans/ centrals. Salt, sugar and/honey should e avoided
in the baby’s food.
- Avoid cow milk as a drink in the first
12 months, but small amount can be used in cereals and custard, and should be
pasteurized milk.
- Whole fruits is preferable to fruit
juice.
CHILD 4-11 YEARS
This age is referred to as pre-school
age, children at this stage develop faster and needs a variety of diet
containing lots of nutrients to stay healthy and active.
Protein is needed for growth and iron
is necessary for alertness in school. Calcium and vitamins D are needed at this
stage to help build stronger bones and teeth. Children at this state should
avoid too many surgery food and snacks, instead they should eats plenty of free
fruits and vegetables through out the day which provides them with a range of
important vitamins and minerals.
They should not be given too much
fatty foods such as drips to avoid problem in later life.
ADOLESCENT: 12-19 YEARS
Children at the stage needs a balance
diet to help them concentrates in school and keep them fit for all the sporting
activities. Many teenagers particularly girls don’t get enough won in their diets,
so they should be encourage to eat plenty of meat, fish and leafy green
vegetable.
Teenagers should limit alcohol intake,
reduce the amount of fat and salt food rich in iron and calcium. They should be
encourage to establish a healthy eating habit that will be carried on to
adulthood.
Protein is important particularly
during teenagers growth sport, as do calcium and vitamins C and D Because they
needs lots of energy in their diets, foods like pasta and bread should be
encouraged since they are high in carbohydrate. Teenagers needs at least six to
eight glasses of water everyday
ADULTS: 20-64 YEARS
Adults
in the other hand sometimes are net very active during the day since they spend
most of their time in the classroom and in offices, therefore, they have to
lower energy requirement than their teenagers group. However, like teenagers
adult do need a well balanced diet to provide all the nutrients necessary for
the maintenance and repairs of body tissues. Both adult men and women should
take particular care not to eat too many high fat foods. It is also important
for them to engage in regular physical activities throughout their lives.
PREGNANT WOMEN
It
is important that pregnant women pay particular attention to their diet because
what they eats can affect the heath of their group or developing babies or
feature.
While
a balance diet ensures they obtain a wide range of important nutrients, they
also needs to avoid contain foods which could potentially harm them and their
unborn babies. Such food like raw eggs and soft cheese which could contain food
poisoning bacteria should be avoided. Certain food nutrients like folic acid, vitamin
A, iron and calcium should be taken in high quantity to ensure proper growth
and prevent any birth defects. Many foods like alcohol, tea, coffee and fish
with high mercury levels should be avoided as far as possible during pregnancy.
65 YEARS AND ABOVE (AGED)
Older
people are not active and so needs less energy diets. Cutting down on
energy-dense high fat foods is a good way of helping them to prevent putting on
too much weight. Calcium is important for aging banes, as is iron to prevent
anemia.
It
is important that older people eats foods which are easy to digest, and eat
plenty of fibre to avoid constipation.