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Life is much sweeter, without the sugar
Fdi Session (On Demand)
Session Description
Life is much sweeter, without the sugar
Consuming "added or free sugar," which refers to sugars that were purposefully added to foods and beverages to enhance palatability, impart a sweet flavor, preserve, and/or confer specific functional attributes, has been linked in research to adverse health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dental caries. Thus, initiatives to decrease sugar consumption have been suggested by public health professionals, including taxes, altered marketing or labeling, a cap on sales over a particular amount, and decreased availability. To improve the general well-being of the community, policy makers' role is crucial. Creating policy briefs is a successful way to bring up the issues and solutions that will aid in enhancing general health and oral health in particular.
Learning Objectives
Consuming "added or free sugar," which refers to sugars that were purposefully added to foods and beverages to enhance palatability, impart a sweet flavor, preserve, and/or confer specific functional attributes, has been linked in research to adverse health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and dental caries. Thus, initiatives to decrease sugar consumption have been suggested by public health professionals, including taxes, altered marketing or labeling, a cap on sales over a particular amount, and decreased availability. To improve the general well-being of the community, policy makers' role is crucial. Creating policy briefs is a successful way to bring up the issues and solutions that will aid in enhancing general health and oral health in particular.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to effectively present a sugar reduction advocacy message to policymakers.
- Identify available resources for implementing sugar reduction initiatives in their communities
- Hear from the Jamaican Dental Association on sugar reduction in CARICOM
Dr Shiamaa Al Mashhadani
This scientific session aims to provide attendees with information about the available resources for implementing sugar reduction initiatives in their communities. The session will cover a range of resources including funding sources and community-based programs. Attendees will learn about a successful initiative that has been implemented in the United Arab Emirates and the resources used to achieve this success. A view on insights into how to identify and access resources for sugar reduction initiatives. This session is suitable for public health practitioners, community leaders, and other professionals interested in implementing sugar reduction initiatives in their communities.
Learning Objectives
- Identify available resources to advocate for sugar reduction in your community
- Understand how to advocate for and implement a “Healthy Schools Policy”
- Understand how to assess the efficacy of your project
Prof. Manu Mathur
This scientific session will focus on the development of effective advocacy messages aimed at policymakers to promote sugar reduction policies. Attendees will learn about the latest evidence on the negative health effects of excess sugar consumption and how to effectively communicate this information to policymakers. Speakers will provide insights into crafting persuasive messages and engaging with policymakers to achieve successful advocacy outcomes. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive exercises to develop and refine their advocacy skills. This session is suitable for researchers, public health practitioners, and other professionals interested in advancing sugar reduction policies through effective advocacy strategies.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what is “advocacy” and how it can be applied to common risk factors
- Learn strategies for presenting key topics to important stakeholders
- Understand the importance of advocating for “sugar reduction” in your country
Dr Irving Mckenzie
This scientific session will focus on sugar reduction initiatives in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and in particular Jamaica. Attendees will hear from Dr McKenzie about the various programmatic approaches as well as the impact of excess sugar consumption on oral health and the importance of implementing effective sugar reduction strategies in the region. Dr McKenzie will discuss successful initiatives implemented by the Jamaican Dental Association, Heart Foundation and Ministry of Health and Wellness, including community-based programs and public awareness campaigns. Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the presenters to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in implementing sugar reduction initiatives.
Learning Objectives
- To educate participants about the various oral health related activities that are implemented in as part of Jamaica's Sugar Reduction Strategy.
- To elaborate on the role and function of National Dental Associations in advocating for /framing the Public Health Agenda for integrating Oral Health with Non-communicable Disease Program
- To explain on the various barriers / challenges to implementing the program as well as the strategies to address the identified challenges.