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22/06/09: Latest journal articles and abstracts
May's update of latest journal articles and abstracts from NHS Health Scotland Library.
15/05/09: Parents' & Teenagers' conceptions of Diet, Weight and Health - Does Class Matter?
The final report from the ESRC-funded research project entitled: Parents’ and Teenagers’ Conceptions of Diet, Weight and Health: Does Class Matter? has been launched in April 2009.
15/05/09: Research Findings RUHBC - Dec 2008 edition
December's edition of Research Findings from the Research Unit in Health, Behaviour & Change (RUHBC) focuses on Food, health, exercise & weight: The experiences and concerns of young teenagers from higher socio-economic status families.
14/05/09: Latest journal articles and abstracts
Monthly update of latest journal articles and abstracts from NHS Health Scotland Library:
14/05/09: Food Safety Week 15-21 June 2009
Grubeye will be making a repeat appearance at this year's Food Standards Agency's Food Safety Week.
A range of events will be taking place across Scotland in schools, community groups and local councils, to highlight the importance of food safety and hygiene in the home.
As well as highlighting the importance of the 4 Cs (cooking, cleaning, chilling and avoiding cross-contamination), there will be a brand new theme to help tackle some specific food safety issues and protect vulnerable people in Scotland.
The FSA will be targeting the over 60s due to the rise in cases of listeria.
The key messages will be:
• Make sure you use food by its “use by” date
• Check the storage instructions on labels e.g. once opened use within 2 days
• Make sure fridges are kept at the right temperature (between 0 and 5 degrees)
If you are interested in organising your own event during Food Safety Week, the FSA can provide you with free materials or if you want to be kept updated with developments, please register your details by email to foodsafetyweek@ecgroup.co.uk
To find out more about Food Safety Week and GermWatch resources, visit the FSA website
20/02/09: Tips on how to cut saturated fat and reduce the risk of heart disease
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has produced a selection of tips, offering people simple and practical steps to help cut their intake of saturated fat.
The tips are featured in press advertising alongside the FSA's new awareness campaign about saturated fat, as well as on its consumer advice website, eatwell.gov.uk.
These straightforward tips include: cutting the fat off meat, switching to lower-fat dairy products, comparing labels and choosing the option that is lower in saturated fat.
The campaign includes a TV ad being broadcasted during February and March 2009, highlighting the dangers of eating too much saturated fat. To coincide with the launch of this campaign, the FSA has introduced a new recipe section on eatwell website.
A recent FSA survey shows that many British consumers are unaware of simple changes that can be made to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet:
- Only 20% of people choose to eat fish or poultry instead of red meat
- Only a 24% cut the white bits off meat and 20% choose meat with less white on it
- Not even a third of people take the skin off chicken/poultry before cooking (or buy it without the skin)
- Less than half (43%) of people regularly grill their meat, while 11% still fry their meat for extra flavour
- Almost two thirds (63%) of people think that healthier foods are more expensive than unhealthier foods, highlighting the need for practical, cost-effective tips
For more information on the FSA campaign .
25/02/09: Report from the Five Year Review of the National Physical Activity Strategy
In December 2008 the National Review Group, chaired by John Beattie (former head of the task force), conducted a review of Scotland's physical activity strategy 'Let's Make Scotland More Active' and reported recommendations for priority action in the next five years.
Findings of the Review were launched by the Minister for Sport and Public Health, Shona Robison, at the Physical Activity & Health Alliance(PAHA) 3rd Annual National Conference, on 24 February 2009.
Report from the Five Year Review of the National Physical Activity Strategy
For more information regarding the Review, visit the Health Scotland website.
20/02/09: Behind the headlines
Are you aware of the NHS resource Behind the headlines?
The NHS Choices website provides an unbiased and evidence-based analysis of health stories that make the news.
This resource is for both the public and health professionals and aims to:
- Explain the facts behind the headlines and give a better understanding of the science that makes the news
- Provide an authoritative resource for health professions which they can rely on when talking to patients, and
- Become a trusted resource for journalists and others involved in the dissemination of health news
10/02/09: Saturated Fat Campaign launches
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched its consumer awareness campaign on saturated fat. The aim is to raise awareness of the health implications of a high saturated fat intake and to encourage reduction amongst consumers by giving them simple and actionable solutions.
The campaign is targeted at women aged 25–60 in socio-demographic groups C1C2D, covering two life stages - 'mums' and 'empty nesters' and aims to:
- Engage people by presenting the facts in a compelling way
- Provide messages that enable consumers to choose lower saturated fat options when it comes to shopping, cooking or eating out
- Let consumers know about the relationship between saturated fat and heart health
- Give consumers simple and actionable solutions (tips)
The key messages will reflect that:
- Eating too much saturated fat over time can lead to a build up of fatty deposits in the arteries that supply the heart. This can put you at greater risk of heart disease and heart attacks
- There are lots of positive steps consumers can take to reduce their saturated fat intake and these will include tips on shopping, preparation and cooking
- Further information and simple tips for reducing your saturated fat intake, will be made available at eatwell.gov.uk
The FSA launched a wide-ranging TV and media campaign in February 2009. This forms part of the FSA's wider programme of campaigning activity around healthier eating, which is set to run for the next three years.
To support this campaign there is information regarding campaign material and guidance below as well as samples of consumer facing materials. The campaign guidance gives an overview of the campaign, together with suggestions of how to communicate these messgaes effectively to consumers. Details on how to order these consumer-facing materials can be found in the campaign materials letter.
- Campaign materials letter (Word, 257Kb)
- Campaign guidance (Word, 98Kb)
- FSA booklet (PDF, 411Kb)
Consumer-facing materials:
- FSA recipe card (PDF, 150Kb)
- FSA quiz leaflet (PDF, 94Kb)
- Eat Well tips postcards (PDF, 436Kb)
- Eat Well plate (PDF, 233Kb)
- Which card (PDF, 38Kb)
Useful links and information:
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