Pacific health officials have moved to revise the region's nutritional guidelines in an attempt to address medical issues that exist today.
Photo: Pacific Community
The Pacific Community along with nutritionists in the Pacific began the revision last year and met last month to adapt the guidelines for the first time since they were developed in 2000.
The ten guidelines are issued to all Ministry of Health sectors in the region.
The Pacific community's non-communicable disease advisor, Karen Fukofuka, said the changes made to the guidelines are not drastic, but will be helpful for nutritionists in their health promotion work.
"What we have done with this new nutrition model is that we have provided background information to each guideline, so it's more detailed than the initial guidelines," she said.
Street vendors at the Apia bus station can be seen winding in and out amongst the colorful Samoan buses selling food and drinks to passengers. Photo: RNZI/Koroi Hawkins
Chief nutrition officer from Solomon Islands' Ministry of Health, Salome Namohunu, attended the three-day conference and noticed the helpful difference.
"What we had in the past was the same ten guidelines and that was it.
"That meant us people working in health services had to try find information wherever we could.
"However, this current document has specific information for each of the dietary guidelines. It is more explanatory and easier to understand," she said.
The Pacific Community said updating the guidelines coincides with the United Nation's decade of action on nutrition.
The Honiara Central Market, the largest in the country. Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins
Pacific Guidelines to Healthy Living
- Eat a variety of foods from the three food groups in the appropriate amounts each day and choose fresh local products: Energy foods (yam, taro, sweet potato), protective foods (leafy greens, tomato, ripe banana) and body building foods (fish, lean meat and eggs).
- Eat protective foods at each meal.
- Choose and prepare foods with less salt, fat and sugar.
- Prepare and store foods safely. Wash hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling food.
- Do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on five or more days each week.
- Drink plenty of safe and clean water each day.
- Don't smoke, chew betel nut or do drugs.
- Reduce consumption of alcohol, kava and home brew. If you drink, avoid heavy drinking.
- Feed babies with breast milk and nothing else for the first six months of life.
- Relaxing and being part of a community are good for your health. Make sure to enjoy time with family and friends.
