THE MUTUA Fraternidad-Muprespa PARTICIPATES IN THE I FORUM ON HEALTHY EATING

On May 22, the European Institute of Health and Social Welfare, a WHO Collaborating Center, organized with the collaboration of Aramark, Coca-Cola, ComeFruta.es and Fraternidad- Muprespa, he I Forum on Healthy Eating.

The Forum was structured into three tables that reflected the relationship between nutrition and human development:Healthy nutrition and eating behavior in schools and universities; Healthy eating in the company; y Healthy eating in geriatrics: key aspects for self-care.

The inauguration was carried out by the Vice-Minister of Health Planning and Infrastructure of the Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid,Mrs. Belen Prado, and the President of the European Institute of Health and Social Welfare,Mr. Manuel de la Peña.

Important aspects were developed such as that food must be balanced since it influences our health. People who do not eat well end up gaining weight, to the point that in Spain 44% of the population is overweight and 17% is obese as a result of an unbalanced diet.

8% of the population of Spain is diabetic, for this and other reasons excess sugar in meals should be monitored. Likewise, excess salt, particularly in salt-sensitive patients, results in 20% of the population suffering from hypertension.

The excessive consumption of saturated fats rich in cholesterol results in 17% of the Spanish population having high cholesterol levels above 200 ml, the limit of normal.

Precisely, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol are three cardiovascular risk factors that decisively influence the 70,000 heart attacks that occur each year in Spain.

For this reason, it is essential to promote healthy companies, those that want to promote healthy habits in their work population through awareness campaigns and those that have company canteens, promote the Mediterranean diet including fruit, vegetables, fish and lean meats.

In addition, basic instructions must be followed, such as eating five meals a day and combining an adequate diet with exercise or some physical activity, always according to each person.

Adult obesity problems begin with eating habits in childhood (excess protein), it is necessary to educate food consumption (according to the stages of growth) and extend these habits throughout life.

Be aware of the vital need to drink water as a basic element of every human being.

All these aspects were presented as indisputable and vital issues to be able to enjoy a healthy life. 

He Dr. Antonio de Cos, Director of Fraternidad-Muprespa's own Prevention Service, explained how eating habits have a direct impact on the common disease and, in many cases, its relationship with absenteeism. With the direct and indirect consequences that impact both the individual and their environment, meaning both the private and work environment. Consequently, Dr. de Cos recommends carrying out preventive work from Companies, which will generate in the short and long term an improvement in the healthy conditions of employees and with it their performance and job satisfaction, as well as their quality of life.

Performing medical examinations, informing and training on healthy nutrition, promoting campaigns on generic and specific healthy habits according to the type of professional activity, were some of the recommendations offered to improve employee quality while reducing absenteeism rates. Without a doubt, many of the attendees appreciated it.

The Forum was closed by the Mayor of Alcorcón Mr. David Pérez.