Introduction to the Role of Public Health in Humanitarian Emergencies

Introduction to the Role of Public Health in Humanitarian Emergencies explains the role of public health professionals in humanitarian emergencies and outlines the disaster management cycle essential for effective response.

Public health focuses on protecting the health of populations through cost-effective, preventive interventions like immunizations.

The Sphere Handbook provides minimum standards for humanitarian responses, such as water and food requirements, which must be adapted to context.

Public health must be integrated with other sectors like food, shelter, and sanitation to address the complex needs of affected populations.

Key Public Health Actions in Emergencies ECCIS:

Establish surveillance systems to monitor mortality, morbidity, and epidemic risks.

Coordinate health services and community-based care, address food security and malnutrition, and ensure strong inter-sectoral coordination.

Conduct initial assessments and develop emergency response plans that evolve with new information.

Implement monitoring and evaluation to measure the effectiveness and impact of interventions.

Support recovery and development efforts to rebuild health systems and community resilience after crises.

The four phases of the Humanitarian Emergency Management Cycle are MPRT:

Mitigation – Actions to reduce risks and vulnerabilities before a disaster occurs, such as infrastructure improvements and conflict resolution.

Preparedness – Planning and readiness activities done before an emergency, including contingency planning and stockpiling resources.

Response – Immediate actions taken during and after an emergency to assess needs, provide health services, and coordinate interventions.

Transition, Recovery, and Development – Efforts to restore and rebuild health systems and communities, moving from emergency response to longer-term development.

This is well-received by all at home!

 Description

Morinda Citrifolia

USDA Organic

Dietary Supplement

Gluten Free

Vegetarian

Kosher

Halal

Where Health & Flavor Meet!

Certified Organic by Organic Certifiers, Inc.

Certified Organic Noni Juice Morinda citrifolia 

The fruit of the Noni (Morinda citrifolia) plant has been treasured for hundreds of years by inhabitants of the exotic islands of Tahiti, the South Pacific and other tropical regions. The warm climate and nutrient rich soil create ideal conditions for these plants to blossom. It has been traditionally used to help promote healthy living.

Noni contains trace amounts of naturally occurring minerals, enzymes, antioxidant vitamins, phytonutrients and bioflavonoids. It is a natural source of proxeronine and scopoletin.

Suggested use

Use only as directed. Take 2 tbsp (30 ml) daily or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Uniquely formulated. Enjoy sipping it pure, adding it to water or your favorite beverage.

Shake well before using.

Refrigerate after opening.

Other ingredients

Certified organic noni juice (filtered water sufficient to reconstitute organic noni fruit puree).

Contains no added sugar, artificial color or preservatives. Due to the pure, natural ingredients in this product, taste, color and consistency may vary.

Warnings

Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children. Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place. Stated levels valid only while product is unopened and properly stored.

https://iherb.co/2ZQWra5

The wonders of organic apple cider vinegar

Raw organic apple cider vinegar truly is nature’s perfect miracle food—and should never be confused with regular clear vinegar. Clear vinegar has none of the health properties of ACV and can actually be harmful.

ACV is traditionally used to ease digestion, aid in flu prevention, reduce inflammation, regulate pH balance, ease nausea and heartburn, as a staple in detox regimens, and for a number of skin conditions—including reducing acne and smoothing wrinkles!

Some of the most beneficial nutrients in raw, organic ACV include:

    Potassium: essential for normal heart, kidney and other organ and cellular function
    Iron: important for blood health
    Magnesium: vital to heart health
    Enzymes: boost chemical reactions in the body
    Malic acid: protects vinegar from viruses, bacteria and fungus
    Acetic acid: slows the digestion of starch and inhibits bacterial growth
    Calcium: builds strong bones and teeth
    Pectin: helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol
    Ash: maintains a healthy alkaline state in the body

Plus, ACV provides vitamins and antioxidants including vitamin A, B6, C, E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, beta-carotene and lycopene!

CNY festive goodies knowing they are high in sugar, fat and calories?

Are you still thinking of feasting on CNY festive goodies knowing they are high in sugar, fat and calories? Before you act on impulse, here’s a quick look at what is a healthy daily portion of popular CNY festive foods such as pineapple tarts, preserved meats, Bak Kwa and sweetened beverages:

1. Pineapple tarts: Eat No more than three tarts a day.


2. Preserved meats: Eat No more than one slice of Bak Kwa or waxed duck per day. Eat In moderation.


3. Bak Kwa: Eat No more than one slice of Bak Kwa or waxed duck per day.


4. Sweetened beverages: Better not to take at all. Instead, drink Healthier beverages such as plain water, mineral water, reduced sugar drinks or sugar-free soft drinks.

Click HERE for more.

Bak Kwa 肉干 or waxed duck lovers

Do you know...

two slices of Bak Kwa can exceed half of the recommended daily salt intake for adults and contain 600kcal of energy (the same as a plate of chicken rice). 

75% of this energy is provided by the fat in the minced meat and sugar or honey which are added for flavouring.

As for preserved meats, two pieces (40g) of waxed duck contain about 880 mg of sodium (2 g salt) which is about half the recommended daily salt limit.

For non-vegetarians, Eat No more than one slice of Bak Kwa or waxed duck per day.

As for us, like last year, we're not even buying vegetarian Bak Kwa.
To read more, click HERE.

9th week of Pregnancy #2

26jun-2jul

Wed
TK had 1.25 piece of bread with honey for breakfast.

Thur
Hubby heard from the news that doctor warns that due to haze, children's eyes are sensitive and may itch. It is best not to rub with fingers.

Fri
Hubby bought bread, but forgot to buy cough syrup. TK cried in the morning when arrived at Childcare as usual. Going to the movie theatre next week to watch Despicable Me 2 with TK, Grandmum and friends as Hubby have to work. Rained in the evening. Took TK to TCM. TK was so tired and fell asleep on the way back at 9p. TK took milk and bread and said 'Goodnight' 'wan onn' to Papa. Hubby returned home later at around 11p.

Mon
TK was well-behaved and even praised himself this morning, woke up at 8a, and left home for Childcare at 840a, finally reached Childcare at 930a. Went to buy household products/groceries for SGD124.50 at Paya Lebar MRT before transferring bus 21 to fetch TK.

Tue
Prepared ingredients for dinner for Hubby to cook before fetching TK. TK going for dinner with Grannies to celebrate Grandma's birthday next week at Miaoyi Vegetarian Restaurant at Coronation Plaza. Grandma is going to bring own fruit cake there.

8th week of Pregnancy #2

19jun-25jun

Wed
Went to NLB before going to TCM. Was at TCM from 348p to 505p. Will fetch TK at 6p, Hubby had durian ice-cream for dessert and miso soup for lunch, Grandma went to fetch TK instead. PSI worsen to 161. Then jumped to 290 in seconds as Hubby watched on TV. Prepared supper for Hubby.

Thur
Hubby forgot to bring medicine to work. Had bread with honey for breakfast. PSI 299. Had tumeric thick noodles soup for lunch at noon. TK stayed home and watched soccer match instead of napping. Has TK become a TV addict? Grannies still go outdoors without face masks. Sigh. PSI shot to 371. Was wise not to send TK to Childcare as the haze is expected to worsen.

Fri
PSI 400. Hubby suggested with open invitation but Grannies may not like the idea to stay with us with air-conditioner since it's best that windows and doors are kept shut. Couldn't imagine what it'd be like to be PSI 600 since it's so bad at PSI 400. You still have to travel to work/school and the whole bus smelt of the burning smell throughout the journey. Brought bread on the way home from Childcare. Part-timers are hired to give out the free face masks to the needy at SGD7/hr. Took TK to TCM. TV8 programme 'Xiao Mao Bing, Da Wen Ti' 《小毛病 大问题》 at 8p topic is about Cancer. Is the ratio of being diagnosed with Cancer 1:2 now? If you're not a cancer patient, then probably I am. Oh no!

Tue
Grandma came after dinner at 845p. Granduncle bought some face masks for us. Was it 5 years ago in 2008 that it rained ice aka 'bing bang' 冰棒 in Singapore?

7th week of Pregnancy #2

12jun-18jun

Wed
Mozzie attacked again, for the 3rd time this week in 9 days since 2 and 8 days ago, this time 7 bites on the 6th floor of a HDB flat in Central of Singapore. Helpless. Slow traffic on PIE when fetching TK. Hubby fetched TK, missed a bus and reached home 6plus for dinner. Hubby was pleased as TK was very well-behaved on the way home. Grin. Steamed vegetarian Bak Chang for dinner. Cooked a little porridge for TK as glutinous is not easily digested and so won't be giving TK too much.

Thur
Cooked steamed egg for dinner to bring for dinner before movie 'Man of Steel'. Fetched TK at around 5p..reached the movie theatre around 645p. Hubby and TK Grandma went Toastbox for drink after dinner and buying our dinner.

Fri
Hubby went NLB before going home in the afternoon. Went for PPF at Lavendar MRT after fetching TK from Childcare at around 520p. Vegetarian stall at French Road (Lavendar MRT Exit B) coffee shop opened till 1p, so we ordered Luo Han Zi Char Hor Fun for dinner instead. TK was tired and started crying to be carried. Hubby pacified TK. Frown.

Sat
TK going Grandpa's to stay over after gathering at Grandaunt's place in the evening.

有素食的坐月餐食譜嗎?

母親生產後在中國的傳統喝生化湯以助體內惡露的排出。滋補生產時消耗的體力可喝溫的有機葡萄汁 (紅和黑的最好) 或乾李子汁（prune juice），南方於產後馬上食用金桔餅，切絲後與薑和麻油炒，以通氣。西方用（caraway, anise seeds），印度用乾炒的茴香（fennel）和小茴香(cumin)飯後一茶匙。康復里根或葉煮水有助內傷的修補。(胎兒離開母體，留下一個傷口) 吃方面以補氣補血為主，來保暖身體收縮子宮。一般禁忌喝冰水和碰生水，如需清洗，用煮熟的水。可喝湯，也不建議洗頭，以免受寒。

中國南北 方坐月子的吃法不同，北方吃小米粥、麵條、雞蛋、紅棗，南方則以炖品為主，特別是雞，麻油雞，江南也吃甜酒雞蛋，兩廣一帶也吃豬腳煮青木瓜或黃豆。南北方 都不吃炒、煎和炸的食物，不吃生冷的，也都喝蜂蜜水，吃紅糖。迎接新生命應是慶生，而不應殺生。坐月子最好遠離血腥。北方人身材高大，坐月子的母親就以小 米紅棗粥為主，奶水也很夠。印度醫學先判斷人的體質，再建議用飲食香料等藥來調理平衡。受孕前就注意平衡體質，產後也如此。人的體質是受風、火、水的互動 不平衡時才產生。所謂體質是指某性質偏多。風性(vata)是動、快、輕、冷、粗、乾如冷乾的風，粗糙輕的食物如爆米花。火性（pitta）是熱、尖銳 輕、酸、偏油，如辣椒醬、夏日中午太陽、尖銳的聲音。水性（kapha）是重、油、慢、冷、穩重、寬、遲緩如大象的身體、午睡之後的昏沈。

母親餵奶需補充足夠的液體，液體的補充最好比每天正常的飲水再多1000cc，歐洲用大麥或燕麥（麥片）煮水50公克（4湯匙）加8杯水煮一個半小時。煮時 可加檸檬皮或一個檸檬。補奶水的有紅豆粳米粥（4份紅豆，1份米）或吃30公克炒熟的芝麻，也可做花生甜杏仁奶或芝麻奶，也可吃核桃糊、芝麻糊、杏仁糊、 松子糊。用炒過的糯米一起煮。 燒菜以蒸、煮、乾燒炖最好，乾燒是小火原汁燜，是最暖的燒法，選厚底的鐵鍋或玻璃鍋，Corning ware抹薄薄一層油，將根類切片放在最下面，莖類次之，最上層葉類或瓜類，可灑一點薑或其他香料。蓋緊用小火煮熟。如需要吃前灑一點麻油。胃口如不好， 可用榆白皮（silppery elm）煮水喝（一茶匙對一杯水）。避免吃剩飯剩菜和脹氣的菜如包心菜和芽菜。

以下是中國食補的一些建議：
補血：山藥2份、紅棗1份、適量粳米煮粥。
補心（神）：小麥1份、生甘草1份、大棗3份，加水煎服。補氣：黨參9克、白朮18克、黃蓍15克、粳米60克，先前三味煎湯，再入粳米煮粥吃。 

桂花Osmanthus fragrans or Sweet Olive

中医认为，桂花有很好的药用价值(medicinal value)。古人说桂为百药之长，所以用桂花酿制的酒能达到“饮之寿千岁”的功效。桂花性温、味辛，入肺、大肠经，煎汤、泡茶或浸酒内服，有温中散寒、暖胃止痛、化痰散淤的作用，对食欲不振、痰饮咳喘、痔疮、痢疾、经闭腹痛有一定疗效。

红茶性温，有暖脾胃、助消化的功能(improves appetite)，可以促进食欲;红糖具有益气养血，健脾暖胃，驱风散寒，活血化淤之效，特别适于产妇(women after delivery)、儿童及贫血者(children & people with anemia) 食用。因此，脾胃虚寒及脾胃功能较弱的人可以适当喝桂花茶温胃。但表现为胃脘灼热疼痛，口干(dryness of the mouth)，饥饿却不想吃东西(poor appetite)，小便色黄(yellowish stools)，大便粘腻等症状的脾胃湿热的人不适合饮用。

16th week of motherhood

20dec - 26dec

- napped for about 30min & was awaken by TK at 630p
- had 2 slices of wholemeal bread w olive spread & strawberry jam for breakfast
- had a slice of wholemeal bread w veg niang doufu - bittergourd
- had brinjal, veg niang doufu for lunch
- Dad & Mum went to poly to get blood test results while we stayed at home (TK napped for more than 2h)

- pooed after 2 days
- made carrot cake w bee tai mak for breakfast
- went groceries shopping with Dad & Mum w TK in stroller
-

- Darling came over for dinner - Dad & Mum did the marketing with the vouchers from my colleagues upon TK's arrival, I did the rest eg.planning what to buy and cook, help to prepare some of the food, most of the washing, mopping and cleaning the kitchen after cooking etc while Bro made 6-course dinner before his 630pm appt:

broccoli w cauliflower, mushroom, carrot, black fungus, red & green chilli pepper;
potatoes salad w mixed veg & lettuce, veg duck meat; w red & green chilli pepper;
braised dow ghee w mushroom, carrot, veg meat balls & chestnut spring rolls w lettuce;
di huang miao w fried egg, mushroom;
bazhen soup w hard-boiled eggs &
glutinous balls for dessert
- 2 guests are joininged us for dinner while TK slept after feeding

Eating for two during pregnancy– Myth or Fact

- when you are pregnant, you will need to eat a little more.
- more does not mean eating double the quantity of food, but you have to eat a little more during your meals or have a snack in between your meals to make up the extra calories.
- most women need an extra 200-300 calories, but this could vary depending on their activity level.
- you may speak to a dietitian, who will be able to guide you on the amount to eat.

- taking care of what you eat, will help you maintain a healthy weight gain during your pregnancy and prevent complications during pregnancy.
- most women gain between 10 and 12.5kg depending of their pre-pregnancy weight.


Quality vs Quantity
- source of the extra calories should come from nutritious food to help you meet the increased requirements for some vitamins and minerals.
- this does not mean that you need to change your diet.
- continue with your usual meals but if your diet is poor, it is important to speak with a dietitian, who can help you determine the areas you can improve on.

- the extra calories should be from nutrient-rich food, to provide you with the vitamins and minerals needed for the growth and development of the baby.
- it is alright to enjoy the occasional snack, so as long as it does not displace the other nutritious food in your diet.
- if possible, try to find alternatives to help you reduce your intake of high-calorie snacks.

pregnancy parenting article

Take care of yourself before you can take care of your children and family

- one mum shared her pregnancy experience that even though she gained 25 pd with the first child, she returned to her weight before pregnancy very quickly
- her 2nd pregnancy she gained 70 pd

- unlike her previous pregnancies, when she had her 3rd pregnancy, this time she ate well and exercised and gained 70 pd
- after delivering her 2nd child, she kept 45 pd which didn't come off until she stopped nursing (which was ~9mth)
- hormone adjustment is very individual, some lost weight right away while nursing, while others don't

Tips for a healthy diet

1. Relax. Getting the right nutrients during pregnancy to give your baby the best possible start in life is easy to achieve if you eat a well-balanced diet.

2. Diet. A healthy diet will keep you strong, positive and energized, making it easier for you to cope with the big life changes of pregnancy and afterward.

3. Lifestyle. Pregnancy is a great time to establish new lifestyle habits you can continue in future, as you care for your newborn and for yourself.

4. Benefits. Your baby will benefit from increased protection from some birth defects and go on to enjoy lifelong benefits if you eat a well-balanced diet.

Organic lifestyle

- free delivery of organic fruits and vegetables available online
- freshest fruits and vegetables sourced from the world's best organic and bio-dynamic farms
- SuperNature offers extensive selection of organic foods, groceries, homecare, health supplements and wellness products

Location: 21 Orchard Boulevard #01-21/27 Park House
Tel: 6304 1336

Supernature

Infections during pregnancy

- expectant mothers fear that it'll harm their unborn baby if they get ill during pregnancy

Some of the infections:
1. Thrush
- common infection among pregnant woman
- more often seen in women who are also diabetic, have a high sugar/carbohydrate intake or who are overweight during pregnancy
- at times occur due to poor hygiene when pregnant women have difficulty reaching and cleaning the groin

2. Group B Streptococcal (GBS or Strep B for short)
- some bugs can be transmitted to baby through the placenta or during birth when women gets an infection during pregnancy
- infection found in up to 25-30% of pregnant woman's vagina or rectum
- can cause profuse vaginal discharge in any trimester
- a small percent of mothers can pass GBS to her baby during pregnancy, resulting in severe infection of the lungs and brain resulting in the possible death of the baby within the first few days of birth

- test swab of the vagina can be done at betw 35 & 37 weeks during the routine antenatal visits
- other symptoms include rupture of membrane before 37 weeks, fever during labour (>38 deg C), GBS urinary tract infection during your pregnancy and a previous baby infected with GBS infection
- doc will administer intravenous antibiotics during your pregnancy to prevent baby from becoming infected

3. Chickenpox
- can be more severe if you're pregnant, and more likely to develop dangerous complications such as pneumonia
- have to bear with discomfort as there's no specific treatment for chickenpox except for anti-viral drugs at the early stages
- seek medical assistance should you have any breathing problems

4. Toxoplasmosis
- caught through eating raw, undercooked or cured meat as well as contact with animal faeces
- can cause infection in unborn baby resulting in eye problems and brain abnormalities if left untreated
- symptoms such as fever or flu-like symptoms
- antibiotics are necessary to destroy the parasite

5. Common Cold
- expectant women have lower immunity and more likely to catch colds and coughs
- check with your doctor as some medications contain substances decongestants that are not tested for safety during pregnancy
- caffeine & alcohol could affect baby's development and health
- unlikely that flu will harm baby
- should you have fever, seek medical help

Natural remedies to ease discomfort:
- add a few drops of eucalyptus oil into a bowl of hot water, lean over and inhale
- drink plenty of fluids to replenish lost fluids through the mucus or fever
- for sore throat, concoct a soothing drink of honey with a slice of lemon in a cup of warm water. Alternatively, gargle with salt water
- sleep and have more rest for your body to recover by itself

Boost immune system:
- eat a healthy diet including plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain foods
- substitute caffeinated drinks for water or fruit juice
- get plenty of rest and try to manage your stress levels by keeping it to a minimum
- consider taking a vitamin and mineral supplement specifically formulated for pregnant women

Alternatively,
- avoid crowded places, eat healthily and visit your gynaecologist regularly
- do not hesitate to schedule a visit your doc should you suspect you have an infection

16-24 weeks of pregnancy

Bodily changes

- Skin changes (flushed appearance, stretch marks over abdomen & breasts, with pigmentation)
Treatment: usually goes away after some time.

- Heartburn
Treatment: avoid spicy, fried and oily food. Take small frequent meals.

- Shortness of breath
Treatment: Slow down your pace

- Leg cramps
Treatment: Drink enough water and take calcium supplements

- Constipation
Treatment: Drink enough water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

- Vaginal discharge
Treatment: Discharge with itching or foul smell is sign of infection. Discharge which is watery could mean that your water bag has burst


Health concerns

- Anomaly scan between weeks 19-22 will detect any major anomaly in the foetus
- 70% of the abnormalities can be picked up on the anomaly scan
- Common health problems are gestational diabetes mellitus and pre-eclampsia