You are what you eat, says hospital

Management of Port Shepstone Regional Hospital have urged the community to make healthy food choices, saying that the road to a long and healthy life begins with what people eat.

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This comes shortly after National Nutrition Week, which was commemorated from October 9 to 19. In an effort to raise awareness about good nutrition, the hospital held a number of activities which included:

* A food display was set up in the hospital foyer by a team of dieticians showing various types of food that are generally known to contribute to good and bad health.

* In-service training was conducted to coach the local clinic nutrition advisors.

* A robust presentation was also made at the hospital outpatient department and at one local primary school which incorporated showcasing good cooking techniques.

“Eating processed or fast foods which are rich in calories may increase a person’s chances of developing ‘diseases of lifestyle’ such as diabetes, hypertension and stroke. It is therefore important to monitor the type of food you consume, as this may prevent malnutrition, over nutrition and associated diseases which can ultimately lead to death.

Increasing the consumption of home-cooked healthy meals is one of the best ways to ensure that you live a long and healthy life,” said Pumza Morai, public relations officer.

It was also emphasised that over-nutrition is not necessarily about eating too much food but can mean eating the wrong kinds of foods and even skipping the most important meal of all, breakfast.

“Having breakfast is seen as one of the most important aspects as it forms part of a healthy lifestyle. People who eat breakfast regularly also tend to be more active,” said hospital dietician Lauren Papenfus.

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