Community dietitians in Forth Valley have compiled an information pack to warn about the dangers to health from eating too much salt. The packs will be sent to more than 100 companies in the area who are registered with the Healthy Working Lives project, a programme to develop health promotion and safety in the workplace.
The move coincides with National Salt Awareness Week (February 1st - 7th) which highlights the harmful effects of a high salt diet. Too much salt can contribute or exacerbate the symptoms of a range of diseases including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, kidney stones, diabetes, Meniere's disease and asthma.
NHS Forth Valley Community Dietitian Pamela Murray said: "Whilst as many as 9 out of 10 people in the UK know that salt can damage their health, very few have any idea how. For instance only 34% are aware it can lead to stroke. Even less people are aware salt is linked to stomach cancer (6%), obesity (13%) and osteoporosis (4%). I am sure that if people had more knowledge of the dangers of eating too much salt it would have a real impact on their behaviour."
Consumers are also being encouraged to check food labels for salt content, choose foods which are lower in salt and prepare more food at home.
For more information or to request a pack please contact Pamela Murray, Community Dietitian: Pamela.murray1@nhs.net