Couch Potato to Runner Bean

To coincide with the start of National Obesity Awareness Week, the Public Health Agency is today urging people to take up the challenge 'From Couch Potato to Runner Bean in 10 weeks'.The PHA, in partnership with five local councils in the western area, will roll out a number of community obesity challenges and programmes between now and March.The challenges and programmes focus on building up physical activity in a gradual and healthy way. At the end of the ten week programme, participants will be encouraged to take part in a five kilometre or 10 kilometre walk, jog or run.Colette Brolly, the PHA Lead on Physical Activity, said: "It is hoped the programmes will influence behaviour changes in those who don't currently take part in physical activity. The beginning of a new year is a great time for a new start and a new challenge, and the resolution to get fit and healthy is a fantastic way to start 2014."She added: "Being physically active helps maintain a healthy weight and can reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, and colon cancer. Being active is also good for your mental health and can lift mood, reduce anxiety and help to protect against depression. If you introduce changes in your life to increase physical activity, you will see big differences to your health and wellbeing."'Couch Potato to Runner Bean in Ten Weeks' supports the work of the PHA's Choose to Live Better campaign which aims to tackle obesity. PHA Health Improvement staff and council staff will also be encouraged to participate in the new obesity challenge.In addition to the new programmes being rolled out in the western area, the PHA currently supports a number of running initiatives that are available in other council areas in Northern Ireland.To find out more about getting involved in running see www.nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/get-running-with-couch-to-5k.aspx

Chicken & Potato Report

This survey provides a snap shot of the nutritional content of potato and chicken products sold in fast food and convenience outlets across the island of Ireland.

What's in your Chinese Takeaway?

The impact that food prepared outside of the home has on the nutrient intakes of adults, has beenstudied previously on the IOI. It was found that food prepared outside the home contains considerably more dietary fat than food prepared within the home and it is also lower in fibre and micronutrients. safefood has commissioned previous nutritional surveys in the takeaway sector.These surveys revealed that certain foods i.e. potato, chicken, pizzas and burgers prepared outside thehome are high in calories, fat and salt. These surveys also reported that there are majordifferences in portion sizes across takeaway outlets on the IOI. Traditional Asian diets are low in fat and high in fruit, vegetables and fibre. However, thesetraditional meals have been adapted to suit Western palates and, in doing so, different ingredients indifferent quantities are added, possibly increasing their fat and salt content. Recent research hasfound that Chinese is the single most popular style of meal across both takeaways and restaurants(excluding pub restaurants) on the IOI. Given the diversity of Chinese dishes available, this surveywas designed to provide an insight into the energy (calorie), total fat, saturated fat, protein and saltcontent of a range of Chinese meals from various Chinese takeaways, and Chinese restaurants with atakeaway service.

WTID Nutrition and Cooking Classes

In partnership with the VEC WTID has delivered Nutrition Level 5 FETAC to a group of 24 learners, 4 being members of the Travelling community.  This module was also delivered to 5 Childcare staff at WTIDs pre-school service. Staff of the Harmony Afterschool Service undertakes baking activities each week with the children. Group work has been facilitated with 16 men who were on a BTEI on salt, sugar, caffeine and fibre, as well as with a young girls group on food tasting of various fruits, cheeses and how to make healthy potato wedges and other healthy snacks. WTID as part of the local Traveller Interagency Group are writing a well-being manual to be used with community groups working with Travellers- Healthy Eating is a module of this manual. Plans are in place to run a First Instincts Men's Health programme which will run over an 8 week period with workshops, weigh ins and provision of a healthy breakfast on each morning. HSE West; FAS CE scheme; Involve: Senior Youth Worker; Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Childcare Service; Pobal Initiative Type Community Food Centres Nutrition Education and Training Programmes Location Galway Target Groups At risk youth Children ( 4-12 years) Children (0-4 years) Children (13-18 years) Families Lone parents Men Older people People with mental health difficulties Travellers Unemployed Women Funding HSE West; FAS CE scheme; Involve: Senior Youth Worker; Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Childcare Service; Pobal Partner Agencies Equal Ireland FÁS Galway County Council GCCCC GRD HSE Involve RAPID VEC Adult Education Service