Figures provided by WHO indicate that the impact of chronic non-communicable diseases on people is greater in developing countries compared to developed countries. This fact is reflected in the percentage of deaths caused by diseases of the circulatory system that reach 60% of the total deaths worldwide.
There is scientific evidence at international level, which shows a clear association between nutrition and healthy lifestyles with a lower prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, cancer, osteoporosis and nutritional anaemia. That is why it is necessary to act at the population level to help to prevent the diseases mentioned above and thus to improve life quality.
Current lifestyles promote the consumption of food near workplaces or where people study, implying that the food has been processed and handled through a series of stages before reaching the consumer.
This situation contributes to the fact that infectious diseases such as typhoid fever and hepatitis remain a public health problem in our country.
Actions are taken at national level to prevent diseases transmitted through food such as; education in hygiene and food handling for people working in this area. But the consumer is responsible for the selection and consumption of safe and healthy food; one way to ensure the consumers’ awareness in this regard is through education in hygiene and food safety.
For these actions to be really effective the participation of the different involved sectors is required: universities, government, industry and consumers.
General objetive
To contribute to the formation of healthy eating habits among consumers through the design and dissemination of information materials on nutrition and physical activity for different age groups.
Specific objectives
1.-
Create information materials aimed at consumers and the general public,
on food, nutrition, physical activity, food security and safety and prevention of chronic non-communicable diseases
2.-
Disseminate information material in food sale outlets.
3.-
information materials aimed at consumers in mass media (the press).
4.-
Motivate the participation of nutritionists and related professionals in consumer education
5.-
Measure the impact of nutritional education at the consumer level.
Methodology
To meet the proposed objective, nutrition information has been delivered to consumers where food is bought. This has been done through different forms:
1.-
Distribution with support from Nutrition and Dietetics’ students of the University of Chile.
2.-
Through displays placed at the entrance of supermarkets
3.-
Through health professionals during consultation
4.-
Distribution in stands placed in massive events related to diet and physical activity.
5.-
Distribution in conferences, scientific meetings, professional associations, public and private schools, among others.
Up to the year 2008, 3,338,130 copies of these materials have been distributed, which has allowed reaching at least 2,000,000 families, giving them information about healthy lifestyles and eating. Table 1 shows a summary of printed materials since the beginning of the program.
At present the following information materials regarding healthy eating and lifestyles con be found.
This program is carried out thanks to funding from companies from the private sector. We would like to stress the support of the Supermarkets Jumbo, Nestle, Watts and Loncoleche in the reproduction of the materials that have been distributed during 2008
This year Bayer Laboratory will finance the reproduction of 2000 note blocks, which will contain the Food guides of preschool children, schoolchildren, adolescents and seniors. These will be distributed in the practices of professionals working in the health area.
Figure1. Printed materials that inform consumers about healthy eating.
