Better foods … better health … better you

My comments in my column in the Southern Courier and this blog last week on obesity resulted in more than a few calls to my office – and just about all of them were supportive.  Again, it's just another in my community conversations and the feedback generates not only discussion but also some positive outcomes.  

We've had that with some parks and gardens issues, footpaths and some issues at our sporting venues.  After last week's item, the National Heart Foundation supplied me with some additional information on reducing trans fats and saturated fats for better heart health.  

We've already begun working with our local food processing and retail outlets in a campaign to reduce trans fats.  A diet high in these fats is linked with an increased risk of heart disease and if we can reduce these fats in our food then our health outlook is better.  You find trans and saturated fats in palm oil, lard, coconut oil, copha, coconut milk, baking margarine, shortening and similar products.  

The National Heart Foundation tells me we should first, identify when fats are present in food, then use healthier ingredients and cooking methods and, for food outlets, let their customers know. Knowledge is the key to this and, if you're interested, pop into my office at Eastgardens and get a copy of the information.  

Fixing Drains

As part of Council’s ongoing work to keep our City’s drainage system in top shape, we’ll soon be doing some work around Cleland and Francis streets in Mascot.  After heavy rain we’ve had a bit of a flooding problem in this area.  To fix the problem our engineers will upgrade the pipes and some drainage pits. Around Cleland and Francis streets the water problem is part of a large water system that drains from around King Street and Maloney Street down via the golf links to Mill Pond Road.  The work should fix this particular problem.

Road works

We’ve just finished some major road works as part of the Australian Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.  The program runs until 2014 and Council receives a grant of over $130,000 a year to upgrade roads in our City.  Work is now complete on new road pavements at Florence Avenue, between Evans Avenue and King Street, Mascot, on Barber Avenue between Evans Avenue and St Helena Parade, Mascot, on Pemberton Street between Clevedon and Warrana streets and on Baker Street at the intersection with Anderson Street in Pagewood.

The Australian Government assistance program is a great boost in keeping local streets and roads up to scratch.
 

Get the green thumbs ready!

An early call for all the aspiring and dedicated gardeners in our City (along with those who just enjoy being in the garden) that our annual Garden Competition is about to get underway. Entry forms will be letterboxed in the near future – so don’t confuse it with any election material.  Our judges are scheduled to get their task underway towards the end of September so everyone should plan to have their gardens looking the best around mid September.

We’ve got nine categories in this year’s competition – front domestic, rear domestic, planted nature strip, annual display, native garden, edible/sustainable garden, school or community garden, gardens in industrial or commercial properties and gardens in residential complex maintained by a professional gardener.  There’s something for everyone and I know we have a lot of regular entrants (including my favourite young gardeners HaHa and Logan).  I’d like to see entries from as many of our local gardeners as possible so that we give the judges a big challenge.  I’ll let everyone know when the entry forms are being circulated.

Hensley Field Today

Think  Believe  Create

Obesity and simplicity

At times I may appear to be simplistic but all through the debates on obesity I must say I wonder.  Sure we have a problem and if things continue as they are with overweight people then adverse health issues will also continue to increase.  Heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and a myriad of other problems are on the rise.  Indeed, endocrinologists express concerns when they see patients as young as 10 presenting with advanced Type 2 diabetes when, in the past, the age of such patients has been between 40 and 50.  

My contention, and again I may be accused of being simplistic, but if you cut down on eating a lot of sugar and fat infused foods then you can begin to solve the problem.  In shopping centres, at sport and all the places children congregate you can see all the wrong food that’s being consumed.  You see parents and carers give kids the wrong food in large amounts.  Public better health campaigns are good but we need to begin at home.  Less of the wrong food, more of the good food and less of a waist line.

Dedication of the Alf Kay Eastlakes Community Centre

The Late Alf Kay served as a councillor from 1977-1980 and from 1987-1995. Alf gave his community so much, selflessly and constantly. He was a tireless worker for our community, especially in community services.  Because of his work, Council felt it appropriate that Alf’s name become part of the Eastlakes Community Centre as it epitomised Alf’s area, both in representation and in commitment to the residents.

Picture below at the dedication ceremony on 1 August 2010 is Mayor Ron Hoenig, Mrs Lydia Kay, and the Hon. Peter Garrett.