Health matters (From Warrington Guardian)

Health matters

AN apple a day keeps the doctor away.

That was the message for staff, patients and visitors to Warrington Hospital last week.

As part of national Cancer Prevention Week, members of the department of nutrition and dietetics set up stands to promote the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle in the fight against cancer.

The event was set up to encourage people to eat more fruit and vegetables by offering advice, support and information.

Emma Bashall, food and health advisor, said: "When many people contemplate cancer and the causes of cancer, they immediately think of cigarettes.

"While it is true that smoking is the number one cause of cancer, it is estimated that a third of all cancers nationally are directly down to an individual's diet.

"Studies have shown that we can reduce our risk of cancer by up to 40 per cent by making simple lifestyle choices, such as increasing our consumption of fruit and vegetables, watching our weight and taking regular exercise."

The highlight of the week, which is organised nationally by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), was Fruity Friday, where visitors were able to sample a range of different fruits with a chance to win a basket of grapes, bananas and a melon by guessing its weight.

Department of nutrition and dietetics staff, Warrington food and health team, trading standards and a Macmillan nurse were on hand to answer questions.