July 5, 1996
(Health)

Nutrition Survey Underway

Describing the dietary habits of some 2,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is not an easy task, but according to Dr. Barbara Roebothan, taking a look at our eating habits can help us take steps towards preventing heart disease and cancer. Dr. Roebothan is heading a province-wide nutrition survey designed to determine what residents of this province eat and how those eating habits impact on our health. "Knowing what the dietary habits are will allow health and community agencies to plan appropriate promotion and prevention programs," said Dr. Roebothan.

The survey involves the completion of dietary questionnaires through personal interviews conducted in the home. Individuals aged 18 to 74 will be randomly selected throughout the province to participate in the nutrition survey. The surveys are currently under way and will continue in the fall.

"The information gained from this study will enable us to identify various dietary habits throughout the province," says Dr. Roebothan. "If we can determine areas where eating patterns are a health risk, then we can begin to develop community nutrition programs that address problem areas among various segments of the population."

This project is a joint venture between Health Canada, the Department of Health, Memorial University and the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre.

Contact: Dr. Roebothan, Nutrition, Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University, (709) 737-8068.