Imagine a world where official meetings and training sessions prioritize health, swapping out the usual tea, coffee, and sugary treats for refreshing, clean drinking water and a vibrant array of fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables. That’s precisely the vision Kozhikode’s District Medical Officer (DMO) is advocating. Their new guidelines emphasize a complete ban on sweets, biscuits, and fried snacks, as well as heavy dishes like biryani, fried rice, ghee rice, and parotta. Instead, whole or cut fruits are suggested as a healthier and more beneficial alternative to traditional desserts like ‘payasam’ or ice cream.
These innovative recommendations, designed to tackle the growing prevalence of lifestyle diseases primarily linked to poor dietary choices, were recently unveiled by the Kozhikode DMO. Targeted at primary and community health centers, along with other departmental institutions, these directives arrive shortly after the global observance of World Heart Day on September 29, underscoring a timely commitment to public wellness.
To ensure the smooth implementation of these healthier options, the DMO suggests collaborating with local self-help groups or Kudumbashree units to source fresh fruits and vegetables. For tea breaks, limited portions of unsalted groundnuts, cashews, ash gourd seeds, pistachios, dates, and almonds are recommended. Other wholesome choices include boiled eggs or various steamed delicacies. Crucially, if meat or fish is to be served alongside rice, the guidelines strictly advise against frying them in oil, promoting healthier cooking methods.
The DMO’s directives extend beyond daily meals, addressing special occasions too. Birthday celebrations, for instance, should forego cakes and other sweets. Specifically, in labor wards, new mothers should be offered fruits or dates instead of celebratory sweets, with clear signage to enforce this. There are minor exceptions: cake can be enjoyed during the festive New Year period (December 20 to January 10), and in pediatric wards, it can be served up to six times a year. Even traditional temple ‘prasadam’ is limited to a maximum of two spoonfuls, reflecting a comprehensive approach to dietary control.
The DMO further encourages local authorities and other government departments to adopt similar health-conscious practices. For institutions like hostels, staff are urged to consistently incorporate fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables into daily menus. Beyond dietary changes, the DMO’s recommendations include minimizing oil and sugar intake, actively discouraging smoking and alcohol consumption, and promoting at least 20 minutes of daily physical exercise for all staff members. This holistic approach aims to foster a healthier environment across the community.