Antigua and Barbuda will join the region in observance of Caribbean Nutrition Day which will focus on the slogan "Be Aware of Trans Fats!"

The day to be observed under the theme, "Healthy Eating, Active Living: Be Aware of Trans Fats," is designed to make the people of the region become more sensitive to protecting the quality of our foods order to preserve our health.

According to health officials in Antigua and Barbuda, there is enough evidence to show that consuming Trans fats can increase the risk for heart disease which is the leading cause of death in the region. Trans fats lower the good cholesterol and raise the bad cholesterol.

The Chief Nutritionist in the Ministry of Health, Miss Juanita James, has made an appeal for consumers to read the nutrition facts on food labels and to choose foods with less fat, less saturated fat and zero Trans fats, as part of a healthy balanced diet.

In observation of Caribbean Nutrition Day 2008 the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders have organized a week of activities commencing with the reading of notices during church services on Saturday May 31 and Sunday June 1. Members of the organizing committee will participate in the 6:30 a.m. service at the Ebenezer Methodist Church on Sunday June 1.

School children will be targeted on Monday June 2 with health promotion programmes in schools around the island. The National School Meals Programme will also demonstrate how healthy meals can be prepared with less fat.

According to Ministry of Health officials, the public will be invited to join a "Walk for Health" on Wednesday June 4 at 5 a.m. from the

Roundabout on Independence Avenue, up on Old Parham Road, across on St. Johnston's Village Boulevard, down Sir Sidney Walling Highway and back to the Roundabout.

According to health expert Mr. Rex James, the walk will take only 30 to 40 minutes allowing participants to get to work on time

During the week, there will also be various radio programmes on the theme as well as programmes in health centres and workplaces.

Activities will climax on Friday June 6 with the mounting of educational booths at the Epicurean and Bargain Centre Supermarkets where consumers can learn more about ways to reduce fats, especially Trans fats in their diets. They will also have the opportunity to sample selected low fat dishes and to interact with nutritionists and dietitians during the lunch hour.

Trans fats are produced when vegetable oils are processed to make them more solid in a process known as hydrogenation. Trans fats are less likely to spoil, keep foods fresh longer and are more versatile. They are widely used in the food industry. Products made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils contain Trans fats. These include vegetable shortenings, harder stick margarines, many baked goods, crackers, cakes, pastries, cookies, microwave popcorn, candies, chips and some fast foods.