Food and nutrition and its impact on health was high on the agenda at the Public Health Association conference in Auckland recently. Speakers also covered ways that urban design can make our cities healthier places to live.
The Association has put out media releases about some of the key papers:
Asian Adolescents An Obesity Time Bomb
Young Asian New Zealanders know less about healthy food choices and lifestyles than other NZ adolescents, Auckland University research finds.
Media release, PHA / Scoop 4 July 2007
Call for government to stay staunch in face of “hardball” junk food industry (PDF)
Public Health Association CEO, Gay Keating called on the government to not give in to food industry offers of voluntary codes. “They are ineffective, which is what the industries intend. And the government must act decisively to short circuit the pernicious message to young New Zealanders that junk food is okay to eat regularly.”
Media release, PHA website 4 July 2007 (PDF)
72 Percent Drive To Dairy, 10 Minutes Walk Away
A study of two west Auckland suburbs showed up to 72 percent of trips to the local dairy were by car. A second study identified neighbourhood features that encouraged walking.
Media release, PHA / Scoop 6 July 2007
Study warns “safety first” over School Travel
An Auckland school travel plan survey highlights the need for children to be safe when using non-vehicle modes of transport to and from school. It also finds that the benefits of school travel plans may be concentrated in higher socio-economic areas.
Media release, PHA / Scoop 6 July 2007
Urban design impacts physical activity levels
New Zealanders exercise more if their neighbourhood urban design encourages physical activity, according to an Auckland University of Technology (AUT) study.
Media release, PHA / Scoop 6 July 2007
