Childhood obesity is one of the major health issues of our time. Especially in developed nations.
Check out this infographic to get the facts.
obesity
Fighting Malnutrition – What is the solution?
Second International Conference on Nutrition copyright FAO
Forgive me if I sound cynical but I have just been reading one of the latest press releases from the World Health Organisation.
It kicks off “Ministers and senior officials responsible for health, food or agriculture and other aspects of nutrition adopted the Rome Declaration on Nutrition, and a Framework for Action, which set out recommendations for policies and programmes to address nutrition across multiple sectors”. Which is described as “a major step towards eradicating malnutrition worldwide”.
But is it?
I don’t think anyone in their right minds would consider either malnutrition or obesity as one of the great health threats of our day but do WHO’s proposals actually cut the mustard?
They say “The Rome Declaration on Nutrition enshrines the right of everyone to have access to safe, sufficient and nutritious food, and commits governments to preventing malnutrition in all its forms, including hunger, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity.
The Framework for Action recognizes that governments have the primary role and responsibility for addressing nutrition issues and challenges, in dialogue with a wide range of stakeholders-including civil society, the private sector and affected communities. Building on the Declaration’s commitments, goals and targets.”
Which is great in principle but how do they plan to deliver?
From what I can see the core actions are as follows:-
“In order to provide universal access to healthy diets, governments should encourage a reduction in trans fats, saturated fats, sugars and salt in foods and drinks, and improve the nutrient content of foods through regulatory and voluntary instruments. ”
“Governments are urged to educate and inform their citizens about healthier eating practices, and also to introduce social protection measures, such as school-feeding programmes, to provide nutritious diets to the most vulnerable. ”
“Promoting and supporting exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continued breastfeeding until age two or beyond.”
“To strengthen local food production and processing, especially by smallholder and family farmers, giving special attention to the empowerment of women.”
All of which sound great but I still don’t know how or even if they would work. What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Thanks in advance.
PS If there is anyone from WHO reading this please feel free to tell us in more detail who these will really be put into action.
Diabetes Week – Find out more about diabetes and some shocking news from the UK.
Diabetes Week 2014
However the morning news in the UK was all about some recent research from the British Medical Journal. The recently published paper tells us that over one third of the UK population was at risk of prediabetes. That is that they were close to contracting diabetes type 2 unless action was taken.
We thought therefore that it would be useful to mention a few of the warning signs of prediabetes. If you are concerned that you could be diabetic it is important that you see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
a) You have a relative who has or has had type two diabetes.
b) You are aged over 4–45. Even earlier if you are of South Asian descent. the news this morning suggested 24.
c) Suffer from obesity ie are carrying too much weight.
d) Have high cholesterol
e) Given birth to a large baby
Have you been diagnosed with diabetes? Why not share your story in the comments box below.
It would also be great if you could share the graphic we have produced to promote Diabetes Week 2014.
National Obesity Awareness Week. This week is National Obesity Awareness Week please like and share this image to help us raise awareness
This week is National Obesity Awareness Week .
We have produce the image you can see below to promote the week. Please feel free to share far and wide.
To find out more about the events of the week please go to http://www.noaw2014.org.uk/about/
Feel free to use the comments box below to share your tips for losing weight.
Thanks in advance.
National Obesity Awareness Week
Cancer prevention – some lifestyle tips to lower the risk of contracting cancer.
As you may know cancer rates seem to be dropping in the UK, at least. In 2009, according to the
Rosie the Riveter
NHS web site nearly 160,000 were diagnosed with some kind of cancer.
There are, of course, a huge variety of factors which contribute to the development of any given cancer. However quite a number of cancers (perhaps nearly 50%) can be impacted by environmental factors. The aim of this blog is to look a few key changes in lifestyle that may assist in preventing these cancers.
I bet you can guess the first one?
- Yes that is right – stop smoking tobacco. 90% of lung cancers are smoking related and account for up to 25% of the UK’s cancer deaths. Also stop people smoking in your house.
- Diet. A healthy diet is recommended anyhow but keep in mind the following:-
a) Eat at least five pieces of fruit and vegetables each day
b) Where possible buy wholefoods (such as brown rice) over “white” or processed alternatives. I have to say that whole-wheat pasta has improved a lot in the last ten years so check it out. The fibre in wholefoods can help with the prevention of bowel cancer
c) While protein is important you may wish to lower the amount of red or processed meat you eat. Under 100 grams per day has been advised
- Cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink. A couple of beers is about the most you should have each day. Cutting down on alcohol means that you limit the chances of developing a wide range of cancers including bowel and liver cancers.
- Keep out of the sun. Try and limit your exposure to direct sunlight to minimise the chances of developing skin cancer. You may also want to use sun creams. This is particularly an issue for those brought up in the tropics. My wife comes from Queensland and she developed basal cell carcinoma in her early forties due to sun exposure as a child.
- Finally a reasonable exercise regime. Obesity can increase the chances of you developing cancers such as breast cancer and cancer of the pancreas.
Of course a lot of these ideas apply to wellness generally not just the prevention of various cancers. There are a number of anti-cancer diets available, though I cannot comment as to how effective they are.
It has also been suggested that stress can effect cancer development so my suggestion is “Be Happy”
Finally have you anything to add to this list. It would be great if you could add your suggestions (and links) to the comments boxes below.
Many thanks in advance