Nutrition Week activities launched
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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Dr. Patrick Martin, Chief Medical Officer for St. Kitts & Nevis
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BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS-A series of nutrition-centered activities are planned this week in celebration of the Caribbean-wide Nutrition Week 2008, and the Federation’s Chief Medical Officer(CMO) Dr. Patrick Martin has stated that, “this is a heightened time of awareness in an ongoing campaign of public nutritional education”.
The week’s proceedings commenced on Sunday, June 1st which was observed as Caribbean Nutrition Day under the theme ‘Healthy Eating and Active Living: Be Aware of Trans Fats’. The CMO started the week off by explaining why this year’s theme was chosen.
“The theme is two-dimensional to remind the public about the ongoing epidemic of obesity at home and throughout the region, and the fact that fat consumption is a major contributor to obesity and ill-health,” he said.
Martin further stated that the growing problem of obesity, and its related issues (diabetes, heart disease, rising cost of health care, etc.) could be easily combated if people make changes to their lifestyle.
Nutrition Week’s activities have been designed to provide residents of the Federation with information on healthier lifestyle choices. Today (June 3rd) a series of educational booths will be set up near Shoreline Plaza and tomorrow (June 4th) has been declared ‘Eat a Fruit Day’, where the public is encouraged to make an effort to eat more fruit.
On Thursday June 5th, there will be a lecture held at the University Centre at 7:00 p.m. titled, “Living Well with Diabetes” with guest speakers Dr. Caroline Lawrence and Dr. Andrew Holness. ~~Adz:Right~~
The CMO supported the lecture, stating that “it is important for there to be a continued dialogue that not only draws from European and North American information, but one that focuses upon Caribbean concerns.”
Martin said that “the overweight trends in children and teenagers are troubling” and that Nutrition Week was also designed to start early healthy eating habits in children.
Today personnel from the Nutrition Unit and Ministry of Health visited Beach Allen and Dr. William Connor Primary Schools as well as the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Site Preschool and planted fruit trees.
Children will then fittingly close the week of activities when preschoolers parade through the streets of Basseterre in a ‘Fun Walk with Fruit and Vegetables’ to be held this Friday, June 6th at 9:30 a.m.
The CMO stated that Nutrition Week has come at an opportune time considering the current rising cost of food and recent focus on eating more local foods.
“A 2003 study showed local fat consumption rates at twice the recommended level. Of particular concern is a type of fat called Trans Fat that is widely used in the commercial food industry because it adds texture, flavor and shelf life to commercially prepared food.
“It is a health hazard because it increases the level of ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood, which causes blocked arteries and heart attacks,” Martin stated, “a leading cause of death in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Martin closed his remarks by saying that Nutrition Week is a prime opportunity for the Federation “to think and dialogue on the nation’s food security, as well as personal lifestyle choices and behavior change imperatives in relation to healthy eating and active living.”
