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Little Steps
Developed by safefood and the Health Service Executive in collaboration with the Health Promotion Agency, Northern Ireland, “Little Steps Go a Long Way” is a major awareness campaign aimed at tackling the serious problem of obesity on the island of Ireland. Designed to help support and empower parents and guardians as role models for children, the campaign aims to show that by adopting small changes, little steps, to food habits and physical activity can have a big impact over time and lead to a healthier future.
Described as a “one of the most serious public health challenges” by the World Health Organization (WHO), the problem of obesity and looks set to continue growing at a rate of 1% every year on the island. Research carried out for the campaign has demonstrated that the majority of mothers of overweight or obese children think that their children’s weight is fine for their age and those who may realise there is a problem feel overwhelmed by it and think the challenge is too great to tackle.
Research has also revealed that 6 in 10 parents find it a struggle getting their children to eat healthy food with almost half of all parents preparing a separate meal for their children. However, reluctance to trying new foods can be overcome by exposing children to them more frequently. The campaign offers parents practical advice and support in trying to make little changes to their diet and physical activity, whether it’s useful tips for healthier shopping, different ways to get more active together or handy hints on how to deal with snacks and treats.
The “Little Steps” campaign is supported by television, radio, digital and in-store advertising, and a free, 22 page booklet packed with advice for parents is available from www.littlesteps.eu or by calling the safefood helpline.
Speak Out
safefood’s “Speak Out” campaign is designed to educate consumers about their rights to food hygiene standards when eating outside the home and empower them to “speak out” if they are not satisfied. Research carried out for the campaign revealed that 53% of people feel reluctant to speak out if they are unhappy with food hygiene standards and 62% will not return to the food establishment if they experience poor food hygiene standards, and will most certainly tell others of their bad experience. With the popularity of eating outside the home, whether it’s grabbing a lunchtime sandwich or salad, having a takeaway or visiting a restaurant, people are increasingly eating food that others have prepared.
Consumers can play their part in ensuring the highest standards of food hygiene are met by trusting their own instinct and making informed choices in this area. Signs that consumers should look out for include hot food being hot, cold food being cold, foods being cooked thoroughly, raw and ready to eat foods being kept separate, and a clean and hygienic environment. If consumers have a reason to speak out, they should begin with the person serving them. Failing that, they should speak with the manager of the establishment in question and outline their reasons for doing so.
The “Speak Out” campaign is also working with industry to ensure that consumer comments are handled in a manner which can benefit both supplier and customer in the long run through even higher standards of excellence.
The campaign is supported by radio and outdoor advertising and is endorsed by both the National Consumer Agency and Consumer Council for Northern Ireland.
Weigh2Live
Many of us aim to lose weight, whether for a special occasion like a wedding or holiday, or simply for better overall health. And while fad or extreme diets might seem like a good idea, they are not sustainable in the long term or for your daily routine - quite often, the weight lost is put back on. What’s needed is realistic, sensible weight loss advice grounded in real life for the way you live. “Weigh2Live” from safefood and the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute is a new online resource providing practical tips and sensible advice to lose weight. The website is built on the philosophy of appreciating the busy and varied lives we now live and allows people to continue enjoying eating out or special occasions with family and friends by making sensible changes to the way they enjoy their food. The ingredients of “Weigh2Live” includes a handy food diary, an interactive BMI calculator and waist circumference assessment as well as practical advice on healthy recipes, useful tips when eating out, better food shopping ideas, and understanding about food portions and healthier eating. With any weight loss programme, the foods you choose, how you cook them and your portion sizes are vitally important and “Weigh2Live” helps by explaining how these matter and offers realistic tips on helping you achieve your desired weight loss. And because people slip up from time to time, tips are provided for those who feel they’re slipping so that they can continue towards their weight loss goal. To find out more, visit www.weigh2live.eu and remember, always consult with your GP or practice doctor before embarking on any weight loss programme or if you have suddenly gained or lost weight.