media_artricles :: 2016

Nestle battles child obesity with Health Fair 5K run

Nestle T&T Limited in its goal to battle non-communicable diseases such as child obesity will host its fourth annual Health Fair and 5K Run/Walk on May 7, from 2 pm - 6 pm.

At the event's press conference held at the Nestle T&T Head Office on the Churchill Roosevelt Highway in Valsayn yesterday, Marc Clarke, consumer relationship at Nestle believes it is the company's responsibility to help T&T live healthier lives. Clarke said, "Over the last five years, statistics in T&T have shown an increase in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

"As the world's leading food, nutrition, health and wellness company, it is important that Nestle continues to partner with our consumers on the road to living a healthier life." This year's Health Fair and 5K is special, as Nestle Global is celebrating its 150th Anniversary.

Approximately 3,500 persons are expected to participate in the 5K Run/Walk, which begins at 4 pm. Registration for the 5k is $60 and all interested athletes can register at Kenny's Sports Centre (Port-of-Spain, West Mall, Trincity Mall and San Fernando) or online at https://raceroster.com/events/2016/8683/nestle-fitfest-2016-health-fair-5k.

The Health Fair will include free health tests, including BMI, blood pressure, sugar level, breast exams, eye examinations and much more. Product sampling, an aerobics burnout and many fun activities for the entire family including a special kids zone will also be part of the Health Fair.

Denise D'Abadie, corporate communications manager at Nestle, says it is a difficult task at times when encouraging persons in T&T to improve their lifestyle. She said, "Sometimes it feels like an uphill battle especially when we see that the general statistics are not improving. But, as with everything, change happens slowly and Nestle is committed to being a catalyst for this change for the long term."

D'Abadie said many nutritionists were losing hope, but then slowly persons started giving positive feedback. "Our nutritionists, as excited as they were, were slowly but surely becoming despondent. And then one by one we started getting calls."

D'Abadie said that their customers started losing weight and eating healthy which gave the nutritionists inspiration. "Nestle is here to stay and as a leader and expert in nutrition, we will continue to ensure that T&T returns to a healthy state."

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