Taking Health Tips Abroad

Newcastle Herald

Thursday January 8, 2009

By KYLIE WILLIAMS

THE director of Hunter New England Health's childhood obesity program Good For Kids, Good For Life will leave the position at the end of the week to take up a role with the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Dietitian Dr Colin Bell will leave for Manila on Sunday to help Pacific Island nations in their battle against obesity by improving the quality of imported goods and encouraging local food production.

Dr Bell said these countries had an increased obesity risk because nutritional food was not always available.

"I'll help Pacific Island nations set up regulations and standards to ensure the quality of imports is up to scratch," he said.

Dr Bell joined Good For Kids, Good For Life in 2006 and has seen it become one of the leading childhood obesity programs in Australia.

"I think what's been really exciting with the Good for Kids project is the way various groups worked with us and encouraged healthy eating and physical activity for kids," he said.

He said childhood obesity levels were still high but behavioural changes had happened which would lower future rates.

"Change doesn't necessarily happen quickly," he said.

Dr John Wiggers will be the acting director until a replacement for Dr Bell is found.

© 2009 Newcastle Herald

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