| Supermarket Tours |
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Research shows that teaching people skills to take care of their own health leads to more success in behavioural change. With the incidence of Diabetes, Dyslipidaemia and Obesity on the rise in Ireland, a need was identified to provide a similar service within the HSE West region to help address these issues. The Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service, HSE West, Galway, set up the first Supermarket Tours programme in the West in 2003. The tour involves a qualified Dietitian / Nutritionist accompanying participants through the aisles of the supermarket, giving them the opportunity to get free advice about their food shopping. Supermarket Tours are organized at a well-known city centre supermarket in Galway, covering topics including “Shopping with Diabetes”, “Shopping for a Healthier Heart” and “Shopping the Low Fat Way”.
The Supermarket Tour programme run by the Community Nutrition and Dietetic Service, HSE West, aims to: Dietitian-led tours are held monthly, are free of charge and are open to all members of the public. Applications forms for the tours are made available through GP clinics, local pharmacies, health centres and through our own clinical service and group meetings (e.g. Healthy Food Made Easy courses, information sessions, education sessions etc.). The programme was formally evaluated in 2004 and continues to receive positive feedback from participants. It is planned to roll out the programme further in 2007 from Galway City to Galway County. As part of this expansion of the programme, the range of topics will be broadened to include “Shopping for One”, “Healthy Foods for your Toddler” , as well as specific tour topics such as “Shopping for a Gluten-free Diet”. Morning, evening and weekend sessions will be made available to ensure the programme is client-focused and accessible.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SUPERMARKET TOURS PROGRAMME IS AVAILABLE FROM: |