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Healthy Eating, Healthy Action (HEHA) Information

Introducing This Page

This page contains useful information as to what you can do to stay healthy. There are links to healthy food, healthy menus, staying healthy tips and advice, and much, much more

What is Healthy Eating – Healthy Action?

Healthy Eating – Healthy Action (HEHA) is the Ministry of Health’s strategic approach to improving nutrition, increasing physical activity and achieving healthy weight for all New Zealanders.

Approximately 11,000 deaths in New Zealand per annum are due to nutrition related risk factors, including high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, high cholesterol and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Overweight and obesity is a key issue in New Zealand society with 53% of adults and 31% of children classified as overweight or obese. HEHA provides a strategic framework for addressing these key health issues.

The West Coast HEHA Programme commenced in 2007 and has expanded considerably in 2008.

Introducing the West Coast HEHA Team

The HEHA Team is located at the Brick Building, 167 Mackay Street, Greymouth and includes:

  • Kim Sinclair, HEHA Programme Manager

  • Andrea Kendrick, HEHA Coordinator - Education

  • Marie Mahuika-Forsyth, HEHA Promoter - Maori Kaumatua

  • Rosie McGrath, HEHA Promoter – Older Persons

Priorities

The priorities for the West Coast HEHA Programme include breastfeeding, schools & early childhood centres, workforce capacity and capability, children, youth & whanau, lower socio economic groups. A primary focus for the coming year is implementing the Maori Obesity Action Project.

The Vision

An environment and society where individuals, families and whanau, and communities are supported to eat well, live physically active lives, and attain and maintain a healthy body weight.

Key Messages

  • eat a variety of nutritious foods
  • eat less fatty, salty, sugary foods
  • eat more vegetables and fruits
  • fully breastfeed infants for at least six months
  • be active every day for at least 30 minutes in as many ways as possible
  • add some vigorous exercise for extra benefit and fitness
  • aim to maintain a healthy weight throughout life
  • promote and foster the development of environments that support healthy lifestyles.

Community Funding

Select any of the following funding projects to learn more them.