Public urged to avert ills with healthy diet

A SENIOR Ministry of Health official has once again reminded people to take care of their health, especially when it comes to the food they consume. People should follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise, she said, warning that each day she saw people who had fallen ill from eating unsafe food.

In a January 20 social media post, Or Vandine, health ministry secretary of state, explained that people should take responsibility for their own health, adding that prevention is often the best cure for illness.

She noted that people generally visit a doctor only after they have got sick, and require treatment.

“It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of illnesses could be prevented if we are mindful of our own personal choices. If we change our eating habits and other lifestyle choices, we can reduce our health risks by as much as 80 per cent,” she added.

She explained that people should avoid high-sugar, salty, fatty and oily foods. In addition, they should make sure they get regular exercise.

Yi Kim Than, deputy country director for programmes at children NGO Plan International Cambodia, explained that even though people might have sufficient food, this does not mean they are healthy.

He believed that a lack of nutritional understanding was responsible for many problems, noting that underweight and overweight children are both at risk, just in different ways.

“What concerns me is the way that modern diets affect the health of children and the general public. This is especially noticeable in pregnant women and young mothers, who are unaware of the need to eat food which is rich in vitamins and avoid sugary or salty foods. This can take a toll on their health,” he said.

He warned that at present, high-sugar and high-salt foods, as well as energy drinks, are advertised widely and commonly available on school campuses.

Excessive consumption of these items can lead to noncommunicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions related to obesity, he added.

“The relevant ministries should raise awareness about food safety and the need to check the salt and sugar levels in food. This would contribute to the promotion of public health and lead to a reduction in non-communicable diseases,” he said.