The Northern Mindanao Region held its annual Athletic Association Meet last December 10-14, 2012 at Mindanao Civic Center, Lanao del Norte. The event was hosted by the province of Lanao del Norte under the governance of Gov. Khalid Quibranza Dimaporo.  Fourteen delegations from Region 10 including the Division of Malaybalay City headed by SDS Edilberto L. Oplenaria participated in the said event.

For years, as the athletic meet happens, the School Health and Nutrition Section  take part by providing general health services. This year, six nurses from the School Health and Nutrition Section under the leadership of Sheryl Jane T. Melendez functioned as health team during the regional athletic meet. The Alternative Learning System room in Malingao Central School served as the station of nurses throughout the activity.

Since day one, the health team ensured physical wellness through the provision of health related services to athletes, coaches, school heads, and working personnel. All the delegates with health related concerns were given medical attention in the health station. Athletes and coaches with physical complaints were examined and treated during the nurses’ morning and night rounds. Cleanliness and orderliness in the quarters were also monitored by the nurses during their rounds.    In addition, vitamins and food supplements were distributed to guarantee physical fitness for the games. Gatorades were also provided to maintain hydration throughout the sports competition. Aside from that, nurses also facilitated the distribution of supplies such as toiletries and liniments to delegates.

During the playoffs, nurses were positioned to standby on the different game venues to render first aid services in case of injuries to athletes. Overall, majority of the cases encountered by the nurses were minor casualties such as sprains, strains, and muscle cramps. Unfortunately, a case of acute gastroenteritis with severe dehydration happened to a special event athlete. The athlete was not able to join the competition and was admitted at Lanao del Norte Provincial Hospital for three days. The nurses, through 12-hours shifting, served as the athlete’s watcher in the hospital.

The result of the Regional Athletic Meet was triumphant. From rank 6, the Malaybalay City Division thrived to rank 5.  The victory was made possible through preservation of the delegates’ wellbeing and physical fitness because a healthy mind and body adds power in reaching for the gold. Indeed, the involvement of nurses from the School Health and Nutrition Section a played a crucial role in the realization of the event’s success.