Eat well for good health 87
beans, rich in
protein
milk products,
rich in protein
while not a food, clean
water is necessary for
good health
meat, eggs, and
fish, rich in protein
nuts, a good
source of protein
Main foods
fats
vegetables,rich
in vitamins and
minerals
fruits, rich in
vitamins and
minerals
sugars
Helper
foods
Prevent anemia (weak blood)
Without enough good food, any girl or woman can suffer from general poor health,
and she may also suffer from anemia. This happens when you do not eat enough
foods rich in iron. Anemia is very common among women, especially pregnant and
breastfeeding women. It causes extreme tiredness, and lowers a woman’s resistance
to infection and disease. Heavy bleeding during childbirth can also cause anemia, as
can malaria and hookworm. (Talk to a health worker about how to prevent or treat
malaria. Hookworm can be easily treated with mebendazole, see page 346).
Signs of anemia include:
• pale inner eyelids, nails and inside of lip
• weakness and feeling very tired
• dizziness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position
• fainting (loss of consciousness)
• shortness of breath
• fast heartbeat
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007