Activity and Nutrition Aotearoa Focus: 4th May 2020
Kia Ora. There are many challenges ahead for those passionate about wellbeing especially food security. We have witnessed all levels of society demonstrating a strong ability to pivot quickly and support local communities. ANA intends to embrace this positivity moving forward and invites you to make contact with us to let us know how we can share the work you are doing to ensure the ANA Vision, 'Everyone in Aotearoa can and does eat well and leads an active life', is achieved.
Ngā mihi,
Alison Pask - Executive Director
Food security in the spotlight
Chris Farrelly of the Auckland City Mission recommends we use this time in COVID-19 as an opportunity to address food security.
Dr Geoff Kira says "there are a few ways in which we can improve the situation for whānau during the COVID-19 pandemic and they all just happen to celebrate our culture."
Read Dr Kira's opinion piece on food security - published on Massey University's website.
Chief Executive of Toi Tangata Megan Tunks sends a strong message, warning that Unhealthy Takeaways Have No Mauri.
ANA talks to Dr Geoff Kira
Geoff is a public health scientist with the School of Health Sciences at Massey University.
ANA's executive director Alison Pask says we are lucky to have Geoff working in public health in Aotearoa. He is a passionate researcher that works to improve communities living in poverty with a focus on improving access to healthy kai.
Read more about Dr Geoff Kira.
Fibre-rich diet has a lower death risk
This systematic review found high-fibre diets are a key aspect of diabetes management recommending up to 35 grams of fibre daily.
COVID-19 Kai Survey
This online survey is collecting data about how COVID-19 has changed shopping, cooking and eating habits.
Living Streets Aotearoa Walking Awards
The New Zealand Walking Awards celebrate and recognise New Zealand achievements for walkers by acknowledging innovative new facilities, highlighting national best practice and rewarding ongoing commitment to walking. The awards which close on 10th May, are open to all - private companies and public organisations, not-for-profit groups, and community organisations or individuals.
Find out more about the New Zealand Walking Awards.
Evidence questions long term weight loss diets
This systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised trials showed that most macronutrient diets result in modest weight loss and substantial improvements in cardiovascular risk factors - particularly blood pressure - over six months. However, at 12 months the effects on weight reduction and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors largely disappear.
Food taxes and subsidies to protect health: relevance to Aotearoa New Zealand
Well respected NZ researchers have reviewed the potential use of food taxes and subsidies to protect health in Aotearoa. They reviewed 14 systematic reviews on the tax and/or subsidy topic since 2015 in the scientific literature and report that such interventions have favourable impacts from a health perspective.
Read the viewpoint in the NZMJ on food taxes and subsidies.
Staying well during COVID-19
There have been many articles written about the importance of eating well and staying active during COVID-19.
Sport NZ has a useful guide for physical activity at Level 3 and 4.
An article from Newshub reinforces the importance of healthy eating to stay well and recommends avoiding turning to takeaways and processed foods.
Follow the latest advice on the COVID-19 website.
CPAG Post Budget Brunch
The Child Action Poverty Group are hosting an online post budget brunch: 'From lockdown to unlocking potential' on 15th May 2020.
CALD Cultural Competency Courses
These courses provide learners with insight and understanding of cultural dimensions, how different cultures respond to health-related situations, different health concepts, faith-based practices, and differences in expectations from health systems. The courses are aimed at practitioners who work with migrants and refugees from Asian, Middle Eastern and African backgrounds.
Take a look at the range of CALD courses available.
Just Cook recipe book
The Nutrition Foundation has developed online recipes suitable for one or two people.
We salute you Captain Tom Moore
This is an inspiring story of how one person can set a goal and make a difference. The inspirational second world war veteran Captain Tom Moore has been appointed an honorary colonel to mark his 100th birthday in recognition of his efforts that have raised nearly £30m for the National Health Service. Moore first captured our attention by fundraising to walk the length of his 25m garden 100 times before his birthday.
Watch and listen to You'll Never Walk Alone featuring Captain Tom Moore, Michael Ball and The NHS Voices of Care Choir.