Health Promotions

Data is constantly being collected in order to establish current dietary habits and how they influence our health. Diet is an important influence on weight and general health. Today many of the causes of death and premature death ain the UK are linked to diet. Life expectancy is a widely used indicator of the state of the nation’s health. Life expectancy takes no account of the quality of life and whether it is lived in good health or with disability or dependency.

Current dietary trends are that lots of diets are high in fat, salt and sugar and low in fresh fruit and vegetables can contribute to a person being overweight or obese. Obesity is linked to heart disease, diabetes and premature death. Many people are consuming more food than they need for the energy they are expending and then they may not be eating foods in the right proportion to maintain health. The government have highlighted the need for dietary changes. It has been recommended a reduction in fat intake, particularly saturated fat intake, and salt intake and an increase of fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates.

The Department of Health recommends that the diet should include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Supermarkets use fruit and vegetables in regular promotions, which they encourage increased consumption. A low intake can cause CHD. Physical exercise is also important.

The government has attempted to address some of the causes of ill health by introducing legislation, strategies and policies to change our behaviour. ‘Choosing Health’ outlines the fact that there has been a sharp rise in obesity, a slow decline of smoking rates, growing problems with alcohol, teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. It has also identified key health priorities which were to: reduce the number of people who smoke; reduce obesity and improve diet and health; increase exercise; encourage and support sensible drinking; and improve sexual and mental

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