Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for good health. Eating a variety of nutritious foods every day - mainly fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains - can reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, some cancers, tooth decay, osteoporosis, anaemia and obesity.

At least 10 per cent of the total burden of disease in Australia is related to nutrition through obesity (4.3%), inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables (2.7%), and high blood cholesterol (2.6%).

While half the adult population in SSWAHS eat the recommended amount of fruit, only 7% eat the recommended amount of vegetables. Also, breastfeeding rates in SSWAHS are the second lowest in NSW, and almost 46% of the population is overweight or obese.

Our programs aim to improve peoples’ diets, while keeping in mind the varied social and cultural groups within the community. Some focus on food, nutrition and breastfeeding policy within the health service and community organisations, while others work with preschools and primary schools to promote healthy eating among children. We are also working with the community to improve the supply of healthy foods.

These programs include:

• SSWAHS Breastfeeding policy
• NSW Health Food and Drink policy
• Munch & Move in preschools
• Live Life Well @ School with primary schools
• Ngalawa Barawal Aboriginal nutrition and physical activity project

More information
Contact Danielle Weber on 9828 5913 or danielle.weber@sswahs.nsw.gov.au