12 February, 2016
Make mine water thanks!
Choosing water instead of soft drink, cordial or sports drinks can lead to an improved lifestyle, South
West Health and Hospital Service Community Nutritionist Rohan Ballon says.
Speaking in the lead-up to Australian Healthy Weight Week from 15–21 February, Mr Ballon said the
week would focus on inspiring individuals to make simple changes towards smart eating.
“Small changes including eating breakfast each day and swapping to healthy snacks such as fruit,
yoghurt and wholegrain crackers, could make a big difference to people maintaining a healthy weight
and improving their lifestyle behaviours,” he said.
Events at St George, Charleville and Roma are planned next week to encourage people to make small
changes towards smart eating.
“Healthy Weight Week is an excellent initiative to promote the importance of a healthy weight and better
lifestyle as this is closely linked with a reduced risk of developing chronic disease,” Mr Ballon said.
“I encourage people to look at making small changes to how they eat for long-term health.
“A good place to start is to cook at home more often as we know this is a key ingredient for a healthier
diet.
“People can increase their vegetable intake by more than half a serve a day, given that a recent study
found that more than nine in 10 Australians don’t eat enough vegetables.
“Research also shows that home cooking is linked with healthier habits, such as eating smaller portions,
consuming more fruit and vegetables, and making fewer visits to fast food restaurants.
“In turn this is more likely to result in a healthy weight.
“A healthy weight is determined using the body mass index which compares height and weight, although
it should only be used as a guide and not an indicator of health.
“Another measure which may be useful would be that of waist circumference which gives an indication of
the positioning of body fat.
“People who have most of their body fat around their waist also have an increased risk of chronic
disease.’’
Next week’s event program includes:
St George:
Monday, February 15: Nutrition education for diabetes telehealth group, St George Hospital
Wednesday, February 17: Healthy staff lunch/ nutrition education, Community and Allied Health
Building
Thursday, February 18: Sugar in Drinks Display & know your numbers at IGA
All week: Sugar in Drinks display at St George Hospital
Roma:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 am: Heart Foundation walking groups on the Adungadoo
pathway
Tuesday: Mr Ballon speaking at Cooking for 1 or 2 at Blue Care on healthy weight
Wednesday: Display at Roma Hospital foyer
Charleville
Friday: Morning tea/education session at Healthy Aging, Alfred St, Charleville.
Picture: Portion control is vital to a healthy weight - St George dietitian Priscilla Chan with a plate
showing portion sizes. Priscilla is organising nutrition education sessions and displays at St George for
Healthy Weight Week.
ENDS
For further information contact:
Bev Malseed
Acting Public Affairs Officer,
South West Hospital and Health Service
45051571
[email protected]