'Facts' not 'fads' from dietitian

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 291, 20 June 1989, Page 14

'Facts' not 'fads' from dietitian

The Wanganui Area Health Board now has its own Community Dietitian.

Robyn Frogley has recently been appointed as the Community Dietitian in response to a

growing need in the community for 'facts' not 'fads' on food, nutrition, and its importance in good health. Robyn, a New Zealand Registered Dietitian, believes that good nutrition need not be expensive, boring, tasteless or difficult to prepare. The 'Art of Healthy Eating' is knowing how to plan and prepare well balanced nutritious meals, which are easily prepared, using a variety of foods and keeping within the family food budget. 'I am a 'resource person' for the Community - my key tasks are to develop and assist with

Community Programmes liaising with allied Health Professionals, eg Public Health Nurses, Dental Nurses, Plunket Nurses, General Practitioners, Community Health Watch Committees, the Community College, the media and other community groups to raise the profile of nutrition and good eating habits as part of a healthy lifestyle," says Robyn. Robyn's initial work in the region will focus on children's diets as she is particularly concerned about what children are eating. Fish and Chips, fizzy drinks,

potato crisps, lollies, chocolate and ice cream are being consumed in ever increasing quantities especially by children and teenagers. These foods high in fat, sugar and salt are contributing to an alarming incidence of tooth decay and childhood obesity. Obese children very often grow into obese adults which may lead to other health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Establishing good eating habits early in life - less of the pies, chips, lollies, fizzy drinks and more of the healthy

snacks, such as fresh fruit, crunchy vegies, cheese and crackers, yoghurt, sandwiches, milk, nuts and raisins plus regular exercise will give the children a

good healthy start to life. Robyn hopes to be a regular contributor to the local newspaper and is open to any suggestions or ideas on nutri-

tion topics which you would like to read about in your newspaper. Robyn can be contacted at the Wanganui Base Hospital, phone 53-909, ext 8136.