The Heart Foundation of Jamaica and the Jamaica Library Service
(JLS) have partnered to host Salt Awareness Week 2021 under the theme ‘More Flavour, Less Salt’.

The weeklong activities, which will run March 8-12, aim to encourage the implantation of evidence-based interventions to reduce salt consumption in the population and to educate persons about hypertension and other dangers of consuming too much salt.

The virtual event, which persons are encouraged to view via YouTube, will see presentations by nutritionists Melinda Henry and Francine Mahfood among others who will highlight the issue of the “hidden” salt in many processed products and the difficulties that consumers face to find lower salt options.

Karlene Morrish-Cooke, communications officer at the Heart Foundation of Jamaica says she hopes the activities will encourage persons to go back to making home-cooked meals more than eating out.

“We want to encourage people to go back to making their own food. That way they know exactly what they’re consuming, mainly because you would be shocked to know just how much sodium is in the food you buy,” Morrish-Cooke said.

“It may not seem dangerous now, but hypertension is a serious issue, it is also a condition that can be avoided, and cutting back on salt is one of the most cost-effective ways to do so, this is what we’re hoping to communicate.”

SALT NOT ONLY WAY TO FLAVOUR FOOD

According to Morrish-Cooke, it may seem as though the only way to add flavour to home-cooked meals is with a big pinch of salt, but there are many other ways to ensure your food has flavour.

In th meantime, persons are being encouraged to view the exhibition which will be hosted at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Library. The exhibition will provide further information on location, and access to additional health resources.

Candiese Leveridge, JLS director of corporate communications and marketing, said the library service is pleased to collaborate on the initiative.

“We are quite pleased to be partnering with the Heart Foundation for Salt Awareness Week. We do recognise the dangers of consuming too much salt. Hypertension is a deadly disease that affects too many Jamaicans and we want to play our part in sensitising citizens and communities of the risks and to encourage healthy lifestyles,” she said.

LIBRARIES OPEN, STAFF AVAILABLE TO ASSIST

Leveridge added that the libraries are open and the staff is available to assist anyone needing more information.

“We have adapted to serving our community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our libraries are open and COVID-19 protocols are strictly enforced. Readers are welcome,” she added.

The events will be streamed live on the Jamaica Library Service YouTube channel (@Jamaica Library Service Brand) daily.