'Eat well to keep well' this Halloween

This week the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland will be running the television campaign, 'Eat well to keep well'. This campaign illustrates the importance of eating five portions of fruit and vegetables every day which can reduce our risk of developing cancer by as much as 20%.

Angela McComb, Nutrition Programme Manager with the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, said: "Many people are still not eating enough to ensure they are getting the vital five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.

"Research conducted by the Health Promotion Agency showed that over half of those surveyed knew that five portions of fruit and vegetables every day are recommended to help protect against cancer, but there is still confusion over what actually constitutes a portion.

"Cancer is the second major cause of death in Northern Ireland, yet research shows we can take steps to try to reduce the risk of getting it. This campaign illustrates that we can improve our health and reduce our risk of cancer by making very simple changes to what we eat."

It is hoped that this campaign will help the public understand just how easy it is to fit five portions of fruit and vegetables into a daily diet. To get your five portions why not try a glass of orange juice at breakfast, a piece of fruit as a mid-morning snack, salad with a sandwich at lunchtime and two different vegetables with the evening meal.

Halloween is the perfect time to enjoy mandarin oranges, apples, raisins and other fruits. Many delicious vegetables are in season right now including turnips, parsnips and carrots so it is the ideal time to make warming stews and soups which count towards making up the all important five. Kids love dressing up for Halloween and playing trick or treat which offers a great opportunity for giving them plenty of fruit instead of sweets and chocolate.

Leaflets, which have been produced to support the television advertising, will be distributed through supermarkets and health service facilities. These leaflets include good ideas on how to make sure we eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. The television advertising campaign commences this evening (Monday 25 October 1999) and will run for the next four weeks.

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