The Trumpet Newspaper Issue 552 (August 25 - September 7 2021) - USA Edition

Page10 TheTrumpet AUGUST 25 - SEPTEMBER 7 2021
Health
91% of Black adults want to introduce
healthy habits into their lifestyle
Janet and Paul Soile
Arecent England-wide survey by
Public Health England (PHE)
reveals that 9 in 10 (91%) of
Black adults are motivated to introduce
healthy habits into their lifestyle this
summer.
The new insights show the extent that
lockdown has impacted the eating and
physical activity habits of different
communities with 45% of Black adults
reporting that they have put on weight
since lockdown. On average, those who
said they had gained weight during this
period reported they had gained over half
a stone (5.8kg) and 70% believed this
was due to eating unhealthily and too
much.
In response, PHE has launched its
latest ‘Better Health’ campaign to
encourage adults across the nation to lose
excess weight, eat more healthily and get
active this summer. The new campaign
offers free evidence-based support and
guidance to those working towards a
healthier weight.
There are a variety of NHS endorsed
apps, including the newly updated NHS
Weight Loss Plan app - which according
to new research due to be published by
PHE, suggests that those who used and
followed the plan over 12 weeks,
reported an average loss of almost a
stone.
The wide range of resources also
includes new recipes that offer healthier
versions of traditional dishes to help
people introduce small and simple
changes this summer, such as Ewa
Oloyin and plantain, Bajan Cou Cou with
spicy fish and Oat Fufu and kale riro.
These recipes, and more, will be available
on the NHS Easy Meals App.
As part of the campaign Janet and
Paul Soile from London have shared their
experience of weight gain during the
pandemic and how they are determined
to adopt healthier habits by adapting their
favorite recipes.
Janet does most of the cooking in her
house but husband Paul helps whenever
he’s around. Their favourite household
recipe includes honey beans and plantain,
which Janet would typically fry but she
has now switched to air frying or cooking
them in the oven. “It comes out very nice
- everyone is so surprised at how lovely
they taste!” she says. As well as changing
her cooking methods, Janet also opts for
healthier alternatives such as using
sunflower oil instead of palm oil, or low
salt stock cubes.
Janet says that the best part of
becoming healthier has been doing it
together as a family. “Paul and I live,
cook, and eat together - and it’s really
strengthened our relationship.” By
making small changes, Janet says she
now feels healthier, happier and more
energised.
Dr Alison Tedstone, Chief
Nutritionist, Public Health England
said: “The past sixteen months have
caused many to change their habits so it is
not a surprise to see so many people
reporting weight gain. We know how
hard it can be to lose weight and keep it
off – so, we are providing a range of
support options to help motivate people
and help them maintain a healthy weight.
It’s never too late to make changes to
help improve your health. Visit the Better
Health website for ideas and support that
is right for you and you can seek support
from your local weight management
service.”
Janet Soile, said: “As Africans, we
were used to eating oily foods, but then I
learnt about the health risks that come
with cooking in this manner and have
decided to make a change for my health,
and the health of my family.”
Better Health is also working in
partnership with a number of weight
management and physical activity
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There are new recipes that offer healthier versions of traditional dishes
Health England is also working with
local authorities to provide weight
management support to those who need
it.
The upcoming launch of the new
Office for Health Promotion in Autumn
will lead national efforts to level up the
health of the nation by continuing to
support people living with obesity,
supporting mental health and promoting
physical activity.
Search ‘Better Health’ or visit
nhs.uk/betterhealth for free tools and
support to start leading a healthier
lifestyle today.
About the Better Health campaign
The Better Health webpage
(nhs.uk/BetterHealth) provides tools to
help people improve their health and lose
weight:
Weight Loss:
• NHS Weight Loss Plan App
• BMI Calculator
• NHS Easy Meals App
• NHS Food Scanner App
Get more active:
• NHS Couch to 5k
• NHS Active 10 App
Reduce alcohol intake:
• NHS Drink Free Days App
All the above apps are free and can be
downloaded via the App Store or Google
Play.