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Never too late to change habits of a lifetime
A survey of 50
to 65 year-olds published today by the Food Standards Agency (FSA),
suggests that although awareness of healthy eating advice is high
amongst this age group, certain misconceptions may be preventing
people from putting this knowledge to good use.
In the survey, around a quarter (23%) of respondents agreed strongly
that, “life’s too short to worry about what I eat”.
39% agreed strongly with the statement, “I’ve always eaten this
way and it’s done me no harm”. 67% of respondents were
confident they knew which foods to eat to keep their heart healthy
and 57% agreed strongly that, ‘they take care to eat the right
foods, as they know how important this is as they get older’.
However, 25% agreed only slightly with these statements, or
disagreed with them, suggesting more education is needed.
The survey coincides with the publication of a new FSA leaflet, ‘The
Good Life’, which contains practical advice to help the over-50s
improve their diets and overcome any misgivings they may have had
about what is meant by healthy eating. The leaflet includes advice
which may help to prevent certain chronic diseases that are common
after middle age such as heart disease (1), cancer (2) and
osteoporosis (3).
Rosemary Hignett, Head of Nutrition at the Food Standards Agency,
says:- “In many respects the results of this survey are
encouraging as it seems our messages about healthy eating are
getting through. But the UK has some of the highest rates of
chronic diseases in Europe, most of which are preventable though
healthier lifestyles.
Some people may worry that it’s hard to change the habits of a
lifetime, or that healthy eating will impinge on their enjoyment of
food. But the straightforward, practical advice we offer doesn’t
demand huge changes in lifestyle, and contrary to what many people
may believe it’s easy to eat healthily and enjoy your food!” |
BBC
INNOVATION LABS 3 KICKS OFF IN THE NORTHWEST
FOR the 3rd
consecutive year the BBC’s Research & Innovation department in
partnership with Northwest Vision and Media will run its Innovation
Labs programme in the Northwest region. This successful
initiative brings together BBC Commissioners and independent
companies to develop and commission pioneering new products and
services for the corporation. It will kick off in November with 2
Open Days, one at Liverpool John Moores University on 12 November
and the other at the Lowry in Salford on 21 November.
The Open Days are designed to encourage participation in the
programme and BBC staff will be on-hand to outline the programme’s
concept, BBC technology strategy and potential areas of commission
in addition to holding Labs workshops to give attendees an idea of
what to expect. This year participants will have the chance to
have their work commissioned by executives from BBC News, Vision,
Audio/Music, ITV, Nations & Regions and Mobile.
Matthew Cashmore, Development Producer, BBC says:- “Since BBC
Innovation Labs started in 2006 we’ve seen some amazing projects
commissioned which have resulted in some really strong content that
has driven our organisation forward. This is a testimony not only to
the collaborative and creative experience of the programme but also
the abundance of ideas and talent held by the contributors across
the Northwest. We know that by sharing our strategies with this
sector we open the door for new innovations that will provide richer
content and experiences for our audience.”
Chris Moll, Director of Production, Trade and Investment at Vision
and Media is delighted to be bringing the programme to the region.
“After last year’s success stories from around the Northwest, we
cannot wait to see what comes out of the Innovation Labs this time
around,” he says. “We hope to see people coming along
to the launch events and taking part in this unique opportunity.”
Stardotstar took part in the Innovation Labs in 2006. Director
Gareth Langley comments:- “I would thoroughly recommend the
Innovation Lab to any organisation - it is a great chance to develop
your presentation skills and ideas, and of-course to meet other like
minded folk from around the region.”
During the final stage of the programme participants will get the
chance to pitch their prototype ideas to BBC commissioners, who will
offer further development commissions for the best ideas at each
Lab. To register for Innovation Labs launch tour visit:-
http://open.bbc.co.uk/labs.
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