Nutrition and Dietetics PDF Print E-mail

 

 

 

Sarah Sinaram Shamila
Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics
Flinders University - Australia

Ever since I was young I have been interested in food, nutrition and health. My interest or rather concern in this area was further fuelled with the demise of my beloved grandmother from cancer and my family history of diabetes, hypercholestrolaemia and hypertension. It seemed only natural for me to pursue my education in nutrition and become a dietitian. Since SIET has helped support my education, it is my desire to contribute back to the Indian community with the following programme proposal.

‘Our Health Is In Our Hands’ is a health programme targeted at the Indian community.

What is the Indian health profile like?

The National Health Survey 2004 shows that Indians (15.3%) have the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus, followed by Malays (11%) and Chinese (7.1%). In terms of obesity, we rank second (13.4%), following closely behind the Malays (19.1%), while Chinese have an obesity prevalence of 4.2%. Indians also have the highest utilization of GP/Polyclinic and hospital services amongst the three ethnic groups (Chen & Qinan 1996).  It is heartening to note however, that regular physical exercise was most prevalent among Indians (28.8%) compared with Malays (28.0%) and Chinese (24.0%). 

Guiding Principles of the programme:

  • ensuring Indian community support and involvement
  • ensuring cultural appropriateness of strategies implemented
  • strengthen community ties
  • recognition that self-determination and empowerment are central
  • maintain good health amongst those who are well
  • create awareness amongst those with chronic disease and
  • prevent progression to complications • optimal utilization of all available resources
  • inter-sectoral collaboration
Some of the activities that will be undertaken in the programme include health screening, support groups, health talks, workshops and camps. It is hoped that the health programme will run in conjunction with Indian Organization’s existing programmes that are run for families and youth. The health program will be evaluated throughout with intermediate and final outcomes being assessed.

Comprehensive approach
Successful health promotion demands coordinated action by all: by the government, non-governmental and voluntary organizations, local authorities, by industry and the media (Ottawa Charter 1986). I hope that as a community, all are able to see the relevance and potential impact this health programme will have and support the cause.

 
 

 

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