Port Shepstone Regional Hospital recently took part in countrywide efforts to promote healthy eating by participating in National Nutrition Week.

The aim of this campaign, spearheaded by the Department of Health, is to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy diet in promoting good health, development and overall quality of life.

The hospital’s PRO, Phumza Morai, said that as part of the awareness campaign, dietitians and officials from the hospital displayed various nutrition-related posters in high patient traffic zones, such as the lifts, and also placed a banner at the foyer.

“The aim was to ensure that everyone is aware of the correct food choices and prioritise their nutritional well-being. This year’s theme was ‘Food for Health, Health for all’ emphasises the importance of healthy food choices in supporting individual health, children’s growth, and environmental sustainability.

According to hospital dietician Lauren Papenfus healthy and balanced diet include minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains (eg: oats, brown rice, whole-wheat bread and maize meal), legumes (beans, lentils and peas) and protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, lean meat and nuts.

She added that limiting ultra-processed foods such as polony, viennas, sausages, instant noodles, chips, sweets, biscuits, sugary breakfast cereals, packaged snacks and fizzy drinks, can also contribute to better health.

“The public is advised to make nutritious food choices on budget by purchasing seasonal produce, choosing natural or minimally processed foods, and by preparing meals at home and growing their own vegetables. Poor dietary habits were associated with several chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and heart disease. Diets such as ultra-processed foods may contain excessive amounts of added sugar, salt and unhealthy fats while lacking essential dietary fiber.”

Papenfus says these can negatively affect overall health and contribute to long-term health complications, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions.

The campaign reinforces the message that healthy eating is an important part of overall well-being and that making small, informed changes to daily food choices can contribute to better health.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram