Public awareness is important in preventing diseases caused by iodine deficiency.
Health and Family Welfare Department Solan organized an awareness programme on the occasion of National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day at Vocational Training Centre, Centrex, Solan.
In the programme, people were made aware about the importance of iodine, its role in the physical and mental development of the body and various disorders caused by iodine deficiency.
On this occasion, Health Department’s Health Educator Padmini Negi and BCC Coordinator Radha Chauhan provided detailed information about the importance of iodine to the participants present.
He explained that iodine is an essential micronutrient, just as other nutrients are essential for proper development and a healthy life. It plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, body growth, brain development, and the smooth functioning of metabolism.
The program explained that adequate iodine intake during pregnancy is crucial for the normal development of the fetus’s brain and nervous system. Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and serious problems with the child’s physical and mental development. Iodine deficiency in childhood can also affect learning and intellectual development.
Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter (goiter). This condition causes the thyroid gland to enlarge, resulting in a swelling or lump in the front of the neck. Iodine deficiency can also affect thyroid hormone production. This deficiency can have long-term consequences, especially in children and pregnant women.
Health educators explained that the simplest and most effective way to prevent iodine deficiency is to consume adequate amounts of iodized salt regularly. Iodine is also found in marine fish, seafood, and seaweed. Consuming iodized salt is an important way to ensure the required amount of iodine in your daily diet.
He advised those present to use only iodized salt in food preparation and to store salt in a closed, dry container, away from moisture. Always check the salt package for iodized salt. It is essential to limit salt intake, as excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.
The program emphasized that public awareness plays a crucial role in preventing iodine deficiency disorders. If every family understands the importance of iodized salt and uses it appropriately, it can help prevent many health problems caused by iodine deficiency.
Health teachers urged the participants to use iodized salt themselves and also make their family, friends and others aware of its importance, so that the participation of every person can be ensured in building a healthy and well-nourished society.
AAwareness programme organised on the occasion of National Iodine Deficiency Disorder Prevention Day
