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Health Health

WHO’s advice to the region in reducing the incidence of 270,000 population is overweight, a new sugar tax has been
NCDs has included making healthy food and drinks easier to implemented. The targeted products are sugary soft drinks,
access and cheaper; to support healthy eating in pregnancy ice creams, confectionery, chocolate, as well as sauces,
and ensure infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six cereals, biscuits, bakery and pastry items, all with different
months of life; to change expectations around what a good taxation rates.
meal looks like and express love through healthy food choices, In the Cook Islands, a ban on fizzy drinks in most primary
and to create safe and pleasant places to exercise. schools has been enforced. Schools in Rarotonga, Aitutaki,
Atiu, Mangaia, Ma’uke and Mitiaro have signed an agreement
The cost of junk food with the country’s Ministry of Health following poor oral health
A recent study by Australian health experts has shown results in children. Secretary of Health, Bob Williams said the
that the high consumption of junk foods is associated with main causes are sugary drinks and processed foods.
an increased risk of 32 adverse health outcomes, including In last year’s budget, the Fiji Government increased taxes
cancer, major heart and lung conditions, mental health on sugary drinks and other processed foods from 35 to 40 cents
disorders, and early death. per kilogram or per litre, and enforced an import tax of 15% on
Dr Daisy Coyle, a practising dietitian at The George Institute those items as well.
for Global Health, stated: “We need to consider both policies In the last two years, 12,000 Fijians have lost their lives to
that pull consumers away from ultra-processed foods, like noncommunicable diseases, according to Fiji’s Minister for
advertising restrictions, warning labels and bans in schools, Health and Medical Services, Dr Antonio Lalabalavu.
as well as policies that support consumers toward healthier Dr Lalabalavu notes 80% of Fiji’s annual mortality is
alternatives such as through subsidies for fresh, nutritious attributed to NCDs, including heart disease and diabetes.
foods.” “Well-informed high-level policies on the risk factors of
Over 50 countries worldwide, including a few from the NCDs will ensure that we are taking control of the crisis at
Pacific, have implemented taxes on sugar-sweetened hand rather than allowing the unfettered presence of NCD risk
beverages, according to the Obesity Evidence Hub. factors to determine our destiny,” he said.
In New Caledonia, where about two thirds of the territory’s

5 TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR CHILDREN
HEALTHY AND FREE FROM OBESITY

Lead by example mango, pumpkin or carrot) daily as these foods are
Children who grow up in a healthy family are much more good sources of vitamin A – an important nutrient whose
likely to pick up healthy habits. The entire family should deficiency is quite common among Pacific children.
therefore eat nutritious and balanced meals full of fruits
and vegetables, whole grains, crops and healthy protein, Drink mostly water
and reduce foods that are overly processed or high in salt, Fizzy drinks and many store-bought juices are high in
sugar and fat. As parents and guardians, you should keep sugar and empty calories, and their regular consumption
fit, exercise and try to keep a normal weight as much as can eventually lead to weight gain and obesity. Healthy
possible. families should drink mostly water. Another good option is
to make home-made smoothies using water and fresh fruit,
Have healthy snacks at hand without adding any sugar (tip: pineapple is a wonderful
The best way to make sure children eat healthy is to natural sweetener and replaces sugar beautifully!).
have lots of nutritious foods around the house instead of
unhealthy snacks like chips, store-bought cookies, cakes Exercise daily
or lollies. All types of fruit are suitable and delicious, Children (and their parents and guardians) should
and so are unsalted nuts or seeds (not fried). Carrot and exercise at least one hour per day. Let your children
cucumber sticks eaten together with healthy spreads like choose the activity they prefer, and consider adding
creamy avocado, natural peanut butter or eggplant dip are hiking, dancing or any other sports activities to your family
tasty and nutritious too. pastimes.

Eat plenty of fruits or vegetables with every meal The author, Vittoria Pasca is a trained nutritionist and
A healthy diet should include at least 5 serves of fruits award-winning cookbook author. She is also the co-founder
and vegetables daily, but unfortunately, many families of VegFest Pasifika, a festival promoting healthy plant-
don’t reach this minimum target. It is particularly based diets rich in Pacific fruits, vegetables and crops.
important to eat orange fruits or vegetables (like pawpaw,

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