Many of us are consuming too much sugar, but the problem is that most of us don’t know about the damaging effects it can have on our health.
Here on the Island:
- nearly a quarter of Reception year children (aged 4-5 years) are overweight or obese
- a third of Year 6 children (aged 10-11 years) are overweight or obese
- two-thirds are overweight or obese when they reach adulthood
- a quarter of 5 year olds have signs of decayed, missing or filled teeth
- 6.6% of the population registered with GP practices aged 17 and over are recorded as having type 2 diabetes
- on average more than 6 people die every month from preventable cardiovascular disease
In response to an Island-wide survey identifying a need to increase awareness of hidden sugars and its impact on health, the Council has teamed up with Jamie Oliver and Sustain, Isle of Wight NHS and other partners on the Island to launch a new campaign – SUGAR SMART Isle of Wight.
We would like to invite you to become “Sugar Smart”, by joining us to make healthy choices easier for people on the Isle of Wight. We are encouraging businesses and organisations to:
– Raise awareness of hidden sugars and its impact on health through the provision of SUGAR SMART materials
– Promote healthier choices such as stocking healthier food and drink in tuck shops for staff
Join the SUGAR SMART Isle of Wight initiative to make small changes that could make a big difference -sign-up and make a pledge at https://www.sugarsmartuk.org/local/isle_of_wightfollow-us on twitter (#SugarSmartIW) and facebook or contact the Island’s Public Health Team at [email protected]. There is more information about actions that you can take online.
Together we can lead healthier happier lives and reduce sugar consumption. Join us!
Why get involved with SUGAR SMART?
The recommended maximum intake of sugar per day is approximately 7 cubes of sugar for 11 year olds and over, 6 cubes of sugar for 7-10 year olds and 5 cubes of sugar for 4-6 year olds. However on average adults are consuming twice this amount and children eating 2-3 times as much.
SUGAR SMART is about increasing choice and fairness through food availability and reducing promotion of unhealthy foods – it’s about being SUGAR SMART, not sugar free!
Additional documents
– Sugar Smart Call to Action – NHS Trust, the Isle of Wight Council and the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)
– Assets: When you sign-up to make a pledge you will be able to access local and national assets including posters, stickers templates, Sugar Smart booklet
We would love to hear about the ideas you are putting in place in your organisation to raise awareness of sugar – please contact us at [email protected] and don’t forget to tweet #SugarSmartIW
Contact Information
Victoria Hodges, Public Health Associate, T: 01983 821000 ex 6106 E:[email protected]
