Salt Reduction Awareness Week 2015 ended in style in front of the government building on Friday night where hundreds enjoyed a free concert.
Hosted by the Ministry of Health, the concert featured performances from stars such as Star Search winner, Eme Eteru, Lole Usoali’i and many other up and coming performers.
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The event also featured performances from EFKS Vaitele-Uta, Sale’imoa and Fa’atoia as well as popular comedians, Pili and Ne’emia.
The evening was opened by the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, who spoke about the importance of being aware about the dangers of using too much salt in our food.
The theme for this year’s commemoration revolved around “Salt and Children.”
According to the Ministry of Health, a diet high in salt is identified as one of the main risk factors of Non Communicable Diseases.
“The concern with school children is the “hidden salt” which is found mainly in processed foods,” a statement from the Ministry said.
“The most common processed food items that are high in salt but popular amongst children and reportedly sold in schools are sausages (hot dogs) salty snacks (chips, pop corn, etc), noodles, Chinese lollies, spaghetti, pizza slices, sandwiches heavily smothered with mayonnaise and tomato sauce.”
“The salt reduction campaign’s strategy pinpoints activities for this age group to evolve around increasing awareness on the relationship between high salt consumption and NCDs and at the same time encouraging the 5+ a day of fruits and fresh vegetables health message.”
Globally, children are considered a vulnerable group in society in terms of good nutrition.
“Solid scientific and social evidence prove that dietary habits in childhood and adolescent years influence the choices that people make in later life.”
“In Samoa, NCDs are the most leading cause of death. The WHO Steps Survey 2013 found the prevalence of diseases namely obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke and cancer is high and increasing amongst the ages 18-64years. The question that arises though is, what do these statistics mean in relation to the younger age groups?”
The Salt Reduction Awareness Week targeted the promotion of good nutrition, monitoring of the Food Industry and the advertisements of healthier food choices.
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